bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The color center of beryllium-treated yellow sapphires
Authors: Monarumit N , Lhuaamporn T , Sakkaravej S , Wathanakul P , Wongkokua W 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Yellow color in gem corundum is commonly caused by Fe3+ impurity replacing Al3+ in the Al2O3 structure. For two decades beryllium-assisted heat treatment has been introduced to produce yellow sapphires from colorless, green, or light blue sapphires. The roles of beryllium atoms in corundum structure have been proposed in different ways either triggering structural defects or being as catalysts. Thus, the research experiments were conducted to evaluate these contradictions by applying the UV–vis excitation spectra and Fe K-edge x-ray absorption near edge structure spectra (XANES) of the samples, in combinations with Tauc plots of the UV–vis absorption spectra. The trace element content of the samples was analyzed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). As a result, iron impurity in the samples has been confirmed as Fe3+ by XANES spectra, and hence, revealed as the cause of yellow color in natural yellow sapphire samples. Besides, the absorptions at 423 nm, 457 nm, 487 nm and 553 nm and emissions at 609 nm and 841 nm of Fe3+-Be2+ mixed donor states were detected by UV–vis excitation, which is the novel finding on the origin of yellow coloration in beryllium-treated sapphires. Therefore, an energy band model for mixed Fe3+-Be2+ donor states is proposed to be responsible for the yellow color center in beryllium-treated yellow sapphires, comparable to Fe3+ and Fe3+/Fe3+ states for the natural yellow sapphires commonly contain high iron.
High-dimensional neural network atomic potentials for examining energy materials: some recent simulations
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Li Wenwen , Jeong Wonseok , Lee Dongheon , Shimizu Koji , Mimanitani Emi , Ando Yasunobu , Han Seungwu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Owing to their simultaneous accuracy and computational efficiency, interatomic potentials machine-learned using first-principles calculation data are promising for investigating phenomena closely related to atomic motion in various energy materials. We have been working with one type of these potentials, high-dimensional (HD) neural network potentials (NNPs), and their applications, but we realized that our current understanding of HD NNPs, e.g. the meaning of the atomic energy mapping, remained insufficient, and that tuning their prediction performance for different target properties/phenomena often requires much trial and error. In this article, we illustrate the usefulness of NNPs through our studies on ion migration and thermal transport in energy and related materials. We also share our experiences with data sampling and training strategies and discuss the meaning of atomic energy mapping in HD NNPs.
Classifying global state preparation via deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Haug Tobias , Mok Wai-Keong , You Jia-Bin , Zhang Wenzu , Eng Png Ching , Kwek Leong-Chuan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Quantum information processing often requires the preparation of arbitrary quantum states, such as all the states on the Bloch sphere for two-level systems. While numerical optimization can prepare individual target states, they lack the ability to find general control protocols that can generate many different target states. Here, we demonstrate global quantum control by preparing a continuous set of states with deep reinforcement learning. The protocols are represented using neural networks, which automatically groups the protocols into similar types, which could be useful for finding classes of protocols and extracting physical insights. As application, we generate arbitrary superposition states for the electron spin in complex multi-level nitrogen-vacancy centers, revealing classes of protocols characterized by specific preparation timescales. Our method could help improve control of near-term quantum computers, quantum sensing devices and quantum simulations.
Enhanced photovoltaic conversion of ZnO/PANI/NiOx heterostructure devices with ZnO nanorod array
Authors: Mohammed Muatez , AbdulAmohsin Samir , Li Zhongrui , Zheng Liqiu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
An n-i-p type of organic-inorganic hybrid bifacial solar cells was constructed with a ZnO/polyaniline/NiO
x
heterostructure, in which vertically aligned ZnO nanorods (ZnONd) were synthesized by a facile electrochemical deposition process and act as an electron-transport layer. Semitransparent p-type semiconducting NiO
x
films were utilized as a hole-transport layer. Devices based on the ZnONd considerably outperform those employing ZnO thin films. The contact and electrical properties of NiO
x
can be carefully tuned through controlling the deposition parameters as well as surface treatments. Intimate contact between NiO
x
with PANI, created by in situ electrochemical polymerization, greatly improves the charge movement. Furthermore, an O2-plasma treatment of the NiO
x
film has a significant impact on the performance of polyaniline/ZnONd hybrid photovoltaic devices, reflected by the enhancement in the fill-factor and efficiency. The power conversion efficiency of the ZnONd/PANI/NiO
x
device under the optimized O2 plasma condition can reach up to 2.79% under AM1.5 illumination.
Portigon v Spain: new frontiers for financial institutions in investor–state arbitration?
Authors: Apostolova Kate 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Historically, financial institutions have preferred litigation over arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism. In recent years, however, financial institutions have turned to international arbitration more often. This is reflected in the 2018 Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey which concluded that financial institutions are ‘contemplating arbitration with much greater interest than ever before’. In addition to incorporating international arbitration clauses more often in their contracts, financial institutions have become increasingly aware of the protections established by international investment treaties and are more actively seeking to benefit from the rights they establish for qualifying investors. A recent decision has revealed how important those rights could be. In August 2020, for the first time in investor–state arbitration, in Portigon v Spain, a tribunal found that a financial institution may seek protection under an investment treaty for project finance because project finance, in the form of long-term loans and swaps, constitutes a protected ‘investment’ under the relevant investment treaty. While the decision remains confidential as of the publication of this article, it is an opportune moment to review the proposition that project financiers may seek protection under investment treaties against state actions that affect adversely the projects they are financing.
EpiGraphDB: a database and data mining platform for health data science
Authors: Liu Yi , Elsworth Benjamin , Erola Pau , Haberland Valeriia , Hemani Gibran , Lyon Matt , Zheng Jie , Lloyd Oliver , Vabistsevits Marina , Gaunt Tom R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Motivation
The wealth of data resources on human phenotypes, risk factors, molecular traits and therapeutic interventions presents new opportunities for population health sciences. These opportunities are paralleled by a growing need for data integration, curation and mining to increase research efficiency, reduce mis-inference and ensure reproducible research.

Results
We developed EpiGraphDB (https://epigraphdb.org/), a graph database containing an array of different biomedical and epidemiological relationships and an analytical platform to support their use in human population health data science. In addition, we present three case studies that illustrate the value of this platform. The first uses EpiGraphDB to evaluate potential pleiotropic relationships, addressing mis-inference in systematic causal analysis. In the second case study, we illustrate how protein–protein interaction data offer opportunities to identify new drug targets. The final case study integrates causal inference using Mendelian randomization with relationships mined from the biomedical literature to ‘triangulate’ evidence from different sources.

Availability and implementation
The EpiGraphDB platform is openly available at https://epigraphdb.org. Code for replicating case study results is available at https://github.com/MRCIEU/epigraphdb as Jupyter notebooks using the API, and https://mrcieu.github.io/epigraphdb-r using the R package.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Strengthening Social Welfare Administration Practice in India: A Context Centric Social Work Approach
Authors: Akhup Alex 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This article explores the possibility of strengthening social welfare administration practice in social work training and education to respond to complex and varied issues located within Indian social reality keeping in view the people in concrete situations of vulnerabilities. Based on the case analysis approach, it situates the history of social work education and practice closely linked to the social welfare administration practice in Mumbai School of Social Work. The experience in this school reaffirms the contribution of social work administration practice towards welfare and development of people, and suggests the need for strengthening the practice suited to the changing needs of the time. Learning from this experience, this article argues for a positive recognition of context centric approach in social work practice.
COVID: Not a Great Equalizer
Authors: Galasso Vincenzo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus has been portrayed as the ‘great equalizer’. None seems immune to the virus and to the economic consequences of the lockdown measures imposed to contain its diffusion. We exploit novel data from two real-time surveys to study the early impact on the labor market of the lockdown in Italy—one of the two countries, with China, hit hard and early. We find that low-educated workers, blue collars, and low-income service workers were more likely to have stopped working both 3-week and 6-week after the lockdown. Low-educated workers were less likely to work from home. Blue collars worked more from their regular workplace, but not from home. Low-income service workers were instead less likely to work from the regular workplace. For both blue collars and low-income service workers, the monthly labor income dropped already in March. Some positive adjustments took place between the 3rd and the 6th week from the lockdown: the share of idle workers dropped, as the proportion of individuals working at home and from their regular workplace increased. However, these adjustments benefited mostly highly educated workers and white collars. Overall, low-income individuals faced worse labor market outcomes and suffered higher psychological costs. (JEL codes: J21, I24, and H12)
Prevalence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Evaluation of a Rapid MEDsan IgG Test in Children Seeking Medical Care
Authors: Posfay-Barbe Klara M , Andrey Diego O , Virzi Julien , Cohen Patrick , Pigny Fiona , Goncalves Ana R , Pinosch Selina , Lacroix Laurence , Stringhini Silvia , Kaiser Laurent , Vuilleumier Nicolas , L’Huillier Arnaud G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In 208 children seeking medical care, the seropositivity rate of anti–SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 8.7%, suggesting an infection rate similar to that observed in adults but &gt;100-fold the incidence of RT-PCR–confirmed pediatric cases. Compared with the gold-standard combined ELISA + immunofluorescence, the MEDsan IgG rapid diagnostic test performed accurately.
Early Elevation of Fibrosis-4 Liver Fibrosis Score Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes Among Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Xiang Fangfei , Sun Jing , Chen Po-Hung , Han Peijin , Zheng Haipeng , Cai Shuijiang , Kirk Gregory D 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Limited prior data suggest that preexisting liver disease is associated with adverse outcomes among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) is a noninvasive index of readily available laboratory measurements that represents hepatic fibrosis. We evaluated the association between FIB-4 at the early stage of infection and COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods
FIB-4 was evaluated at admission in a cohort of 267 patients admitted with early-stage COVID-19 confirmed through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. Hazard of ventilator use and of high-flow oxygen was estimated using Cox regression models controlled for covariates. Risks of progression to severe disease and of death/prolonged hospitalization were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results
Forty-one (15%) patients progressed to severe disease, 36 (14%) required high-flow oxygen support, 10 (4%) required mechanical ventilator support, and 1 died. FIB-4 between 1.45 and 3.25 was associated with a greater than 5-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–28) increased hazard of high-flow oxygen use, a greater than 4-fold (95% CI, 1.5–14.6) increased odds of progression to severe disease, and an over 3-fold (95% CI, 1.4–7.7) increased odds of death or prolonged hospitalization. FIB-4 &gt;3.25 was associated with a greater than 12-fold (95% CI, 2.3–68. 7) increased hazard of high-flow oxygen use and an over 11-fold (95% CI, 3.1–45) increased risk of progression to severe disease. All associations were independent of sex, number of comorbidities, and inflammatory markers (D-dimer, C-reactive protein).

Conclusions
FIB-4 at the early-stage of COVID-19 had an independent and dose-dependent association with adverse outcomes during hospitalization. FIB-4 provided significant prognostic value for estimating adverse outcomes among COVID-19 patients.
A Randomized Trial of Two 2-Dose Influenza Vaccination Strategies for Patients Following Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Teh Benjamin W , Leung Vivian K Y , Mordant Francesca L , Sullivan Sheena G , Joyce Trish , Harrison Simon J , Khvorov Arseniy , Barr Ian G , Subbarao Kanta , Slavin Monica A , Worth Leon J 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Seroprotection and seroconversion rates are not well understood for 2-dose inactivated influenza vaccination (IIV) schedules in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHCT) patients.

Methods
A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial of IIV in autoHCT patients in their first year post-transplant was conducted. Patients were randomized 1:1 to high-dose (HD) IIV followed by standard dose (SD) vaccine (HD-SD arm) or 2 SD vaccines (SD-SD arm) 4 weeks apart. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for IIV strains was performed at baseline, 1, 2, and 6 months post–first dose. Evaluable primary outcomes were seroprotection (HI titer ≥40) and seroconversion (4-fold titer increase) rates and secondary outcomes were geometric mean titers (GMTs), GMT ratios (GMRs), adverse events, influenza-like illness (ILI), and laboratory-confirmed influenza (LCI) rates and factors associated with seroconversion.

Results
Sixty-eight patients were enrolled (34/arm) with median age of 61.5 years, majority male (68%) with myeloma (68%). Median time from autoHCT to vaccination was 2.3 months. For HD-SD and SD-SD arms, percentages of patients achieving seroprotection were 75.8% and 79.4% for H1N1, 84.9% and 88.2% for H3N2 (all P &gt; .05), and 78.8% and 97.1% for influenza-B/Yamagata (P = .03), respectively. Seroconversion rates, GMTs and GMRs, and number of ILI or LCIs were not significantly different between arms. Adverse event rates were similar. Receipt of concurrent cancer therapy was independently associated with higher odds of seroconversion (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.2–14.9; P = .02).

Conclusions
High seroprotection and seroconversion rates against all influenza strains can be achieved with vaccination as early as 2 months post-autoHCT with either 2-dose vaccine schedules.

Clinical Trials Registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619000617167.
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia complicated by dilated cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Christina Granitz , Peter Jirak , Bernhard Strohmer , Gerhard Pölzl 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a severe genetic arrhythmogenic disorder characterized by adrenergically induced ventricular tachycardia manifesting as stress-induced syncope and sudden cardiac death. While CPVT is not associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in most cases, the combination of both disease entities poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Case summary
We present the case of a young woman with CPVT. The clinical course since childhood was characterized by repetitive episodes of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias and a brady-tachy syndrome due to rapid paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and sinus bradycardia. Medical treatment included propranolol and flecainide until echocardiography showed a dilated left ventricle with severely depressed ejection fraction when the patient was 32 years old. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed non-specific late gadolinium enhancement. Myocardial inflammation, however, was excluded by subsequent endomyocardial biopsy. Genetic analysis confirmed a mutation in the cardiac ryanodine receptor but no pathogenetic variant associated with DCM. Guideline-directed medical therapy for HFrEF was limited due to symptomatic hypotension. Over the next months, the patient developed progressive heart failure symptoms that were finally managed by heart transplantation.

Discussion
Management in patients with CPVT and DCM is challenging, as Class I antiarrhythmic drugs are not recommended in structural heart disease and prophylactic internal cardioverter-defibrillator implantation without adjuvant antiarrhythmic therapy can be detrimental. Regular echocardiographic screening for DCM is recommendable in patients with CPVT. A multidisciplinary team of heart failure specialists, electrophysiologists, geneticists, and imaging specialists is needed to collaborate in the delivery of clinical care.
An unusual precipitant of acute heart failure—ANCA-associated vasculitis in a patient with ischaemic cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Prasad Krishna , Revaiah Pruthvi C , Santosh Vemuri Krishna , Barwad Parag 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated pulmonary renal vasculitis is an uncommon disease entity. Its presentation as acute heart failure for the first time in a patient with established coronary artery disease (CAD) is even rarer. We present here a case of such an association and an approach to managing this clinical situation.

Case summary
A 60-year-old male patient presented to the emergency room with recent-onset dyspnoea New York Heart Association Class IV. He was having hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CAD. He also underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention to left anterior descending in the past for acute coronary syndrome and had moderate left ventricular dysfunction. He was being managed as a case of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and was mechanically ventilated. Suddenly his ventilator requirement increased and endotracheal aspirate contained blood. The chest radiograph showed bilateral hilar infiltrates. Simultaneously he also had recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) requiring direct current (DC) cardioversion. Blood investigations showed deranged renal function and severe hyperkalaemia, but no evidence of coagulopathy. High-resolution computed tomography chest showed features of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. Further investigations revealed high titres of c-ANCA and raised inflammatory biomarkers. A diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting as acute on CKD with dyselectrolytaemia (hyperkalaemia) leading to VT was made. Apart from standard management for associated illness, he was treated with plasma exchange, steroids, and cyclophosphamide to which he responded and was later on discharged.

Discussion
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related pulmonary renal vasculitis can lead to rapidly progressing renal failure and may present as ADHF in a patient with existent CAD. The associated VT storm in our patient can be attributed to hyperkalaemia secondary to acute renal failure. A multidisciplinary approach is required for the successful management of such a complex clinical scenario.
Public health and clinical implications of multidrug-resistant shigellosis cases in a reception centre for refugees/migrants, Greece, October–December 2019
Authors: Mellou Kassiani , Mandilara Georgia , Chrysostomou Anthi , Tryfinopoulou Kyriaki , Sideroglou Theologia , Karadimas Kleon , Agiassoti Vasiliki Taxiarhoula , Lamprou Dimitra , Zampeta Eleni , Antoniou Garyfallia , Maltezou Helen C , Panayiotakopoulos George 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
From October to December 2019, 18 shigellosis cases (median age: 4.3 years, range: 0–21) were identified in the Reception Center for refugees/migrants on the Greek island of Samos. Fifteen cases (83.3%) were Afghani. Median time from arrival to symptoms onset was 53 days (40–101). Isolates from 14 cases, serotyped as Shigella flexneri 1b, and from three cases, serotyped as S. sonnei phase S (I), presented a multidrug-resistant phenotype. S. flexneri 1b isolates also produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Shigella flexneri 2a isolate from the remaining case was resistant to sulfomethoxazole, trimethoprim and pefloxacin. Improvement of hygiene and strengthening of laboratory investigation is needed.
Comparing ray-theoretical and finite-frequency teleseismic traveltimes: implications for constraining the ratio of S-wave to P-wave velocity variations in the lower mantle
Authors: Chaves Carlos A M , Ritsema Jeroen , Koelemeijer Paula 
Published: November 2020

SUMMARY
A number of seismological studies have indicated that the ratio R of S-wave and P-wave velocity perturbations increases to 3–4 in the lower mantle with the highest values in the large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs) beneath Africa and the central Pacific. Traveltime constraints on R are based primarily on ray-theoretical modelling of delay times of P waves (ΔTP) and S waves (ΔTS), even for measurements derived from long-period waveforms and core-diffracted waves for which ray theory (RT) is deemed inaccurate. Along with a published set of traveltime delays, we compare predicted values of ΔTP, ΔTS, and the ΔTS/ΔTP ratio for RT and finite-frequency (FF) theory to determine the resolvability of R in the lower mantle. We determine the FF predictions of ΔTP and ΔTS using cross-correlation methods applied to spectral-element method waveforms, analogous to the analysis of recorded waveforms, and by integration using FF sensitivity kernels. Our calculations indicate that RT and FF predict a similar variation of the ΔTS/ΔTP ratio when R increases linearly with depth in the mantle. However, variations of R in relatively thin layers (&lt; 400 km) are poorly resolved using long-period data (T &gt; 20 s). This is because FF predicts that ΔTP and ΔTS vary smoothly with epicentral distance even when vertical P-wave and S-wave gradients change abruptly. Our waveform simulations also show that the estimate of R for the Pacific LLVP is strongly affected by velocity structure shallower in the mantle. If R increases with depth in the mantle, which appears to be a robust inference, the acceleration of P waves in the lithosphere beneath eastern North America and the high-velocity Farallon anomaly negates the P-wave deceleration in the LLVP. This results in a ΔTP of about 0, whereas ΔTS is positive. Consequently, the recorded high ΔTS/ΔTP for events in the southwest Pacific and stations in North America may be misinterpreted as an anomalously high R for the Pacific LLVP.