bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Insights into the Interaction between Li2S/Li2S2 and Heteroatom‐Doped Graphene Materials
Authors: Yi Zonglin , Su Fangyuan , Cui Guangyu , Han Peide , Dong Nan , Chen Chengmeng
Published: November 2019

Electrochemical nucleation and deposition of Li2S/Li2S2 is among the major problems hindering the application of lithium‐sulfur batteries. Adsorption behavior of Li2Sx (x=1, 2, 4, 8) with nitrogen‐doped, boron‐doped graphene and reduced graphene oxides (r‐GOs) are investigated in this study by DFT method. It is discovered that graphene with pyridinic N doping (PD−N) and pyrrolic N doping (PL−N) are able to benefit the nucleation for short‐chain lithium‐polysulfides (Li2S/Li2S2) through Li−N interaction. r‐GOs can also enhance the nucleation to some extent through Li−O interaction, which is not as good as Li−N interaction. At the same time, pristine graphene, graphene with graphitic N (GRN) and B‐doped graphene can only provide Li−C interaction, which is weaker than Li−O and Li−N. This makes the sequence of adsorption strength to be PD−N≈PL−D>r‐GO>B>GRN≈pristine graphene. The unique mechanism of B‐doped graphene adsorbed with Li2S/Li2S2 is also discovered.
Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Rare Earth Ion (Ce3+, Nd3+, Pr3+ or Sm3+) Doped Bi2WO6 Microspheres for Rhodamine B Degradation
Authors: Zhang Xianghui , Wang Manqi , Jia Xiao , Cao Kaixuan , Zhang Mingming
Published: November 2019

Pure and rare earth ion (Ce3+, Nd3+, Pr3+or Sm3+) doped Bi2WO6 microspheres were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal process. Their physical and chemical properties were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherm analysis. Results showed that rare earth ion doping into Bi2WO6 leaded to decreased crystallite size, narrowed band gap and increased surface area. The organic dye rhodamine B was chosen to explore the photocatalytic activity of all the samples. It had been found that Nd3+ doped Bi2WO6 showed extremely higher photocatalytic activity compared to the pure Bi2WO6. The improved photocatalytic activity had been attributed to the reduced size of crystallite, enhanced visible light absorption and enlarged surface area which resulted in the effective separation of the photogenerated electron hole pairs. The sample also had a good stability after six times of cycling experiments. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism had been inferred by the radical‐trapping experiments. It had verified that the photogenerated holes play a major role in the photocatalysis process.
Synthesis of Benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b’]dithiophene and Benzocondensed Thiaheterocycles
Authors: Baldoli Clara , Cauteruccio Silvia , Licandro Emanuela
Published: November 2019

A two‐step synthesis of benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b’]dithiophene (BDT) was carried out starting from 3‐thiophene carbaldehyde as the sole thiophene precursor. This method involves the selective lithiation of the 2‐position of 3‐thiophenecarbaldehyde ethylene acetal, followed by the condensation with 3‐thiophenecarbaldehyde and subsequent dehydrative cycloaromatization of the dithienylmethanol intermediate to give BDT. This synthetic pathway was extended to other thiophene benzocondensed heterocycles.
Aligned High Density Semi‐Conductive Ultra‐Small Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wang Yun , Ben Teng , Qiu Shilun , Valtchev Valentin
Published: November 2019

Zeolite type material (AlPO‐5, AFI‐type) with rod‐like morphology and mono‐dimensional channel system running along the long crystal axis was vertically grown on a stainless‐steel plate. The organic template used in the synthesis was carbonized to generate single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Thus, SWCNTs with a diameter of 0.4 nm, perfectly aligned and vertically oriented to the support surface with a density of 2.6 × 105 SWCNTs μm−2, were obtained. The free end of AlPO‐5 crystal was chemically etched in order to create contact surface and measure the conductivity of SWCNT@AlPO‐5 film which was found to be 4.16 × 10−1 Ω−1 cm−1. This approach of aligned SWCNTs can be applied to different types of substrates, thus opening the road to practical uses of SWCNTs.
Weiss‐Cook Condensations for the Synthesis of Bridged Bithiophene Monomers and Polymers
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Bianchi Gabriele , Po Riccardo , Porta Alessio , Galbiati Alessandro , Pasini Dario
Published: November 2019

We report on the design, synthesis and properties of innovative π‐conjugated compounds in which a 2,2’‐bithiophene ring system embeds a functionality‐rich C(sp3)‐C(sp3) carbon bridge. The synthesis is achieved in high yields making use of a one‐pot sequence of Weiss‐Cook condensation as the key step, followed by decarboxylation. The monomers can be polymerized with appropriate comonomers via Pd‐catalyzed crosscoupling, thus rapidly approaching rigid, functionality‐rich bithiophene containing conjugated polymers.
Watching Space Charge Build Up in an Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Wilken Sebastian , Sandberg Oskar J. , Scheunemann Dorothea , Österbacka Ronald
Published: November 2019

Space charge effects can significantly degrade charge collection in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), especially in thick‐film devices. The two main causes of space charge are doping and imbalanced transport. Although these are completely different phenomena, they lead to the same voltage dependence of the photocurrent, making them difficult to distinguish. Herein, a method is introduced on how the build‐up of space charge due to imbalanced transport can be monitored in a real operating organic solar cell. The method is based on the reconstruction of quantum efficiency spectra and requires only optical input parameters that are straightforward to measure. This makes it suitable for the screening of new OPV materials. Furthermore, numerical and analytical means are derived to predict the impact of imbalanced transport on charge collection. It is shown that when charge recombination is sufficiently reduced, balanced transport is not a necessary condition for efficient thick‐film OPVs.
The toxic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on plasma glucose metabolism are more severe in developing mice than in adult mice
Authors: Hu Hailong , Zhang Boya , Li Li , Guo Qian , Yang Daqian , Wei Xiangjuan , Fan Xingpei , Liu Jing , Wu Qiong , Oh Yuri , Feng Yujie , Chen Kun , Wang Changlin , Hou Liping , Gu Ning
Published: November 2019

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are authorized food additives, and children have the highest exposure. Therefore, children are likely more susceptible to the adverse effects of TiO2 NPs than adults. Previous study showed that oral administration of 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) TiO2 NPs increase plasma glucose in mice. However, few studies have directly compared the adverse effects of exposure to TiO2 NPs on plasma glucose metabolism of different age groups. In this study, the developing (age 3 weeks) and adult mice (age 10 weeks) were orally administered with 50 mg/kg bw TiO2 NPs per day. The TiO2 NPs induced hyperglycemia earlier in the developing mice than in the adult mice. Then mechanisms were analyzed after mice were oral administration of TiO2 NPs for 8 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively. Results showed that the treatment with TiO2 NPs activated xenobiotic biodegradation in livers of both developing and adult mice at the early stage. However, only in the developing mice, TiO2 NPs induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in livers and increased reactive oxygen species in livers and sera in the early stage. The ER stress and ROS activated an inflammation response and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways, thereby inducing insulin resistance in the livers of developing mice at the early stage. The response of the adult mice was delayed, and these changes were observed in the late stage of the study. The results of this study all suggest that children are more susceptible than adults to the toxicity of orally administered TiO2 NPs.
Laparoscopic Trans‐Abdominal Retromuscular (TARM) Repair for Ventral Hernia: A Novel, Low‐Cost Technique for Sublay and Posterior Component Separation
Authors: Masurkar Ashwin A.
Published: November 2019

Background

The complications of intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair for ventral hernia has favored sublay mesh placement like open Rives–Stoppa repair (ORS). There was a need for low‐cost laparoscopic trans‐abdominal repair using a polypropylene mesh (PPM) with sublay, midline closure and addition of posterior component separation (PCS) by transversus abdominis release (TAR).

Methods

The techniques used three or six operating ports with triangulation. After adhesiolysis, a transverse incision was made on the peritoneum (P) and posterior rectus sheath (PRS). The retromuscular space was developed by raising a P‐PRS flap. Midline closure was performed with No. 1 polydioxanone, and a PPM was placed in sublay, followed by closure of defect and P‐PRS incision. For large hernias with divarication; myo‐fascial medialization using PCS‐TAR aided low‐tension midline closure.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients were operated from 2010 to 2019, 26 primary ventral; 63 incisional; and 22 recurrent hernias. Of the primary, 21 were umbilical, one Spigelian and four epigastric hernias. The incisional group had 57 patients with lower midline scars (C‐section 25, open tubal ligation 15, abdominal hysterectomy 17), five lateral (appendicectomy), one post‐laparotomy. The mean age, male/female sex ratio and BMI were 41.23 years, 1:10.1 and 29.2 kg/m2, respectively. Mean defect and mesh area were 110 cm2 and 392 cm2. Mean operating time was 192 min. Conversion to open, mesh infection and recurrence rates were 3.4%, 1.1% and 5.62%.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic TARM with PPM in sublay avoids mesh–bowel contact. It provides midline closure and PCS‐TAR within the same port geometry with results comparable with ORS.
Robotic CT-guided out-of-plane needle insertion: comparison of angle accuracy with manual insertion in phantom and measurement of distance accuracy in animals
Authors: Komaki Toshiyuki , Hiraki Takao , Kamegawa Tetsushi , Matsuno Takayuki , Sakurai Jun , Matsuura Ryutaro , Yamaguchi Takuya , Sasaki Takanori , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Okamoto Soichiro , Uka Mayu , Matsui Yusuke , Iguchi Toshihiro , Gobara Hideo , Kanazawa Susumu
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of robotic CT-guided out-of-plane needle insertion in phantom and animal experiments.

Methods

A robotic system (Zerobot), developed at our institution, was used for needle insertion. In the phantom experiment, 12 robotic needle insertions into a phantom at various angles in the XY and YZ planes were performed, and the same insertions were manually performed freehand, as well as guided by a smartphone application (SmartPuncture). Angle errors were compared between the robotic and smartphone-guided manual insertions using Student’s t test. In the animal experiment, 6 robotic out-of-plane needle insertions toward targets of 1.0 mm in diameter placed in the kidneys and hip muscles of swine were performed, each with and without adjustment of needle orientation based on reconstructed CT images during insertion. Distance accuracy was calculated as the distance between the needle tip and the target center.

Results

In the phantom experiment, the mean angle errors of the robotic, freehand manual, and smartphone-guided manual insertions were 0.4°, 7.0°, and 3.7° in the XY plane and 0.6°, 6.3°, and 0.6° in the YZ plane, respectively. Robotic insertions in the XY plane were significantly (p < 0.001) more accurate than smartphone-guided insertions. In the animal experiment, the overall mean distance accuracy of robotic insertions with and without adjustment of needle orientation was 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

Robotic CT-guided out-of-plane needle insertions were more accurate than smartphone-guided manual insertions in the phantom and were also accurate in the in vivo procedure, particularly with adjustment during insertion.

Key Points

• Out-of-plane needle insertions performed using our robot were more accurate than smartphone-guided manual insertions in the phantom experiment and were also accurate in the in vivo procedure.

• In the phantom experiment, the mean angle errors of the robotic and smartphone-guided manual out-of-plane needle insertions were 0.4° and 3.7° in the XY plane (p < 0.001) and 0.6° and 0.6° in the YZ plane (p = 0.65), respectively.

• In the animal experiment, the overall mean distance accuracies of the robotic out-of-plane needle insertions with and without adjustments of needle orientation during insertion were 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm, respectively.
Reactive hyperemia and baseline pulse amplitude among smelter workers exposed to fine and ultrafine particles
Authors: Bugge Merete Drevvatne , Ulvestad B. , Berlinger B. , Stockfelt L. , Olsen R. , Ellingsen D. G.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Ambient exposure to fine particles is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Associations between occupational particulate matter (PM) exposure and cardiovascular disease have been studied less. The objective of this study was to examine associations between PM exposure and endothelial function among workers in Norwegian smelters.

Methods

We examined endothelial function with Endo-PAT equipment after a working day (WD) and on a day off (DO) in 59 furnace workers recruited from three metal smelters in Norway. The difference in baseline pulse amplitude (BPA) and reactive hyperemia index (RHI) between the 2 days was analysed in relation to individual exposure to PM < 250 nm (PM250) or the respirable aerosol fraction of particles, and adjusted for relevant covariates.

Results

The exposure to PM250 ranged from 0.004 to 5.7 mg/m3. The mean BPA was significantly higher on WD relative to DO (772 vs. 535, p = 0.001). This difference was associated with PM concentrations among participants ≥ 34 years, but not among the younger workers. Reactive hyperemia was significantly lower on workdays relative to days off (1.70 vs. 1.84, p = 0.05). This difference was observed only among participants above the age 34. No associations with PM exposure were observed.

Conclusions

PM exposure was associated with higher BPA among participants older than 34 years. BPA reflects microvessel pulsatility. Our results may indicate an age-dependent cardiovascular susceptibility to PM exposure. Endothelial function measured by RHI was reduced on WD among participants 34 years and older, but we found no associations between PM exposure and RHI.
Entwicklung innovativer Recyclingverfahren für Mineralwolleabfälle – Projekt RecyMin
Authors: Sattler Theresa , Galler Robert , Vollprecht Daniel
Published: November 2019

Mineralwolleabfall, Glas- sowie Steinwolleabfall fällt durch den Rückbau von Gebäuden im Bauwesen an. Dieser Abfallstrom weist eine schlechte Verdichtbarkeit, elastisches Verhalten und eine geringe Rohdichte auf, was sich bei der Deponierung als problematisch erweist. Mineralwolleabfall, bestehend aus Mineralwolle, die vor dem Jahr 1998 produziert wurde, wird als gefährlicher Abfall eingestuft. Diesem Abfall wird die gefahrenrelevante Eigenschaft HP 7 (karzinogen) zugeordnet. Mineralwolleabfälle bestehend aus Mineralwolleprodukten, die das RAL oder EUCEB Gütesiegel tragen, sind als ungefährlicher Abfall einzustufen und werden der Schlüsselnummer 31416 „Mineralfasern“ zugeordnet. Das Projekt RecyMin beschäftigt sich mit der Entwicklung unterschiedlicher Recyclingoptionen von Mineralwolleabfällen, da es in Österreich derzeit noch kein Recycling für diesen Abfallstrom gibt. Im Gegensatz zu Recyclingkonzepten anderer Länder werden bei RecyMin sämtliche Mineralwolleabfälle, auch durch Störstoffe verunreinigte Mineralwolleabfälle unbekannter Herkunft, berücksichtigt. Die im Projekt vorgesehenen Recyclingoptionen werden anhand ökonomischer und ökologischer Kriterien beleuchtet.
Evidence of climate shift for temperature and precipitation extremes across Gansu Province in China
Authors: An Dong , Du Yiheng , Berndtsson Ronny , Niu Zuirong , Zhang Linus , Yuan Feifei
Published: November 2019

Temperature and precipitation extremes are the dominant causes of natural disasters. In this study, seven indices of extreme temperature and precipitation events in Gansu Province, China, were analysed for the period 1961–2017. An abrupt climate shift was recorded during 1980–1981. Thus, the study period was divided into a preshift (before the climate shift) period 1961–1980 and an aftshift (after the climate shift) period 1981–2017. Comparison of mean extreme indices for preshift and aftshift periods was performed for the purpose of exploring possible increasing/decreasing patterns. Generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution was applied spatially to fit the extreme indices with return periods up to 100 years for preshift/aftshift periods. Singular value decomposition (SVD) was adopted to investigate possible correlation between the extreme climate events and indices of large-scale atmospheric circulation. The results indicate that changes in mean and return levels between the preshift and aftshift periods vary significantly in time and space for different extreme indices. Increase in extreme temperature regarding magnitude and frequency for the aftshift period as compared with the preshift period suggests a change to a warmer and more extreme climate during recent years. Changes in precipitation extremes were different in southern and northern parts of Gansu. The precipitation extremes in the north have increased that can result in more serious floods and droughts in the future. SVD analyses revealed a complex pattern of correlation between climate extremes and indices of large-scale atmospheric circulation. Strengthening of westerlies and weakening of the south summer monsoon contribute to the complex changing patterns of precipitation extremes. Results in this study will contribute to disaster risk prevention and better water management in this area.
Problem-driven scenario generation: an analytical approach for stochastic programs with tail risk measure
Authors: Fairbrother Jamie , Turner Amanda , Wallace Stein W.
Published: November 2019

Scenario generation is the construction of a discrete random vector to represent parameters of uncertain values in a stochastic program. Most approaches to scenario generation are distribution-driven, that is, they attempt to construct a random vector which captures well in a probabilistic sense the uncertainty. On the other hand, a problem-driven approach may be able to exploit the structure of a problem to provide a more concise representation of the uncertainty. In this paper we propose an analytic approach to problem-driven scenario generation. This approach applies to stochastic programs where a tail risk measure, such as conditional value-at-risk, is applied to a loss function. Since tail risk measures only depend on the upper tail of a distribution, standard methods of scenario generation, which typically spread their scenarios evenly across the support of the random vector, struggle to adequately represent tail risk. Our scenario generation approach works by targeting the construction of scenarios in areas of the distribution corresponding to the tails of the loss distributions. We provide conditions under which our approach is consistent with sampling, and as proof-of-concept demonstrate how our approach could be applied to two classes of problem, namely network design and portfolio selection. Numerical tests on the portfolio selection problem demonstrate that our approach yields better and more stable solutions compared to standard Monte Carlo sampling.
Exploring methodological approaches to assess climate change vulnerability and adaptation: reflections from using life history approaches
Authors: Singh Chandni , Tebboth Mark , Spear Dian , Ansah Prince , Mensah Adelina
Published: November 2019

People in developing countries face multiple risks, and their response decisions sit at the complex and often opaque interface of climatic stressors, constrained resource access, and changing livelihoods, social structures, and personal aspirations. Many risk management studies use a well-established toolkit of methodologies—household surveys, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews. We argue that such methodological conservatism tends to neglect the dynamic and differentiated nature of livelihood decisions. Since different methodologies privilege different portrayals of risk and response, we highlight how plural methodological approaches can capture a broader range of perspectives and problematisations. In this paper, we draw on life history (LH) interviews across four countries (Kenya, Namibia, Ghana, and India) to offer one way of expanding current methodological approaches on vulnerability and adaptation. We argue that LHs offer four key ‘value additions’. First, LHs give insights into the multiple and interacting nature of drivers of response behaviour. Second, they highlight intra-household dynamics to demonstrate how people with differential power shape risk management decisions. Third, LHs support explorations of past decisions, present situations, and future aspirations, thus producing temporally nuanced enquiries. Fourth, they provide a powerful analytical lens to capture the interplay of motivations, aspirations, and values on livelihood choices and adaptation outcomes. By adding value in these four ways, LHs challenge assumptions about how and why people respond to multiple risks and offer a nuanced understanding of adaptation processes.
Long-term outcome of sphincteroplasty with separate suturing of the internal and the external anal sphincter
Authors: Berg M. R. , Gregussen H. , Sahlin Y.
Published: November 2019

Background

Sphincteroplasty is one of the treatment options for anal incontinence following obstetric injury. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term effect of sphincteroplasty with separate suturing of the internal and the external anal sphincter on anal continence.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on women who had sphincteroplasty for treatment of anal incontinence following obstetric injury. Women operated between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014 at Sykehuset Innlandet Hospital Trust Hamar, were invited to answer a questionnaire and participate in a clinical examination, including endoanal sonography.

Results

111 (86.7%) women participated. Median postoperative follow-up was 44.5 months, and 63.8% of the participants experienced an improvement of at least three points in the St. Mark’s incontinence score. Fecal urgency and daily fecal leakage persisted in 39.4% and 6.4% of the participants, respectively. The internal anal sphincter improvement persisted in 61.8% of the participants, and there was a median reduction of their St. Mark’s score of 6.0 points between the preoperative value and the value at long-term follow-up. There was no significant change in the St. Mark’s score of patients with persistent dehiscence of the internal anal sphincter.

Conclusions

Sphincteroplasty, with separate suturing of the internal sphincter resulted in continence for stool maintained for at least 3 years in the majority of the patients, while there was an improvement in continence in nearly two-thirds.
Impacts of conventional and unconventional US monetary policies on global financial markets
Authors: Ono Shigeki
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the impacts of conventional and unconventional US monetary policies on global financial markets, using the global vector autoregressive (GVAR) model from 2004 through 2017. The impulse response results suggest unconventional easing had little effect on stock prices as in conventional easing while the responses of interest rates indicate liquidity was provided throughout the world. An unconventional US monetary tightening policy shock could effectively affect the stock prices of the world as is the case with a conventional US monetary tightening shock. Furthermore, the transmission of a US monetary policy shock to stock prices via exchange rates tends to attenuate the decrease in stock prices both in the conventional and unconventional tightening (the exit from a zero rate) phases. On the other hand, the transmission tends to push down stock prices in the conventional, unconventional monetary easing and the unconventional tightening (the shadow rate is negative) phases.
From Black Pain to Rhodes Must Fall: A Rejectionist Perspective
Authors: Chowdhury Rashedur
Published: November 2019

Based on my study of the Rhodes Must Fall movement, I develop a rejectionist perspective by identifying the understanding and mobilization of epistemic disobedience as the core premise of such a perspective. Embedded in this contextual perspective, epistemic disobedience refers to the decolonization of the self and a fight against colonial legacies. I argue that, rather than viewing a rejectionist perspective as a threat, it should be integrated into the moral learning of contemporary institutions and businesses. This approach is important in ensuring colonial legacies and biases do not create further racism or unequal situations for marginalized groups. The implication for critical management studies is that scholars from this camp should be more sensitive to issues of black consciousness and implement an authentic pragmatic ideal to promote black culture and historiographies in universities and curricula. It also highlights a need for the field of business ethics to apply more sensitive theory of marginalized stakeholders in order to prevent any escalation of violence by multinational corporations in the name of shareholder value creation and profit-maximization.
High-Valent Iron-Oxo Complexes as Dominant Species to Eliminate Pharmaceuticals and Chloride-Containing Intermediates by the Activation of Peroxymonosulfate Under Visible Irradiation
Authors: Zhu Zhexin , Lu Wangyang , Xu Tiefeng , Li Nan , Wang Gangqiang , Chen Wenxing
Published: November 2019

Generally, the sulfate (SO4·−) and hydroxyl (HO·) radicals are the dominant active species in most catalytic oxidation processes with peroxymonosulfate (PMS). However, the existence of various natural organic and inorganic matters in aquatic environments might influence the oxidation efficiency of these radicals, and/or form more toxic and refractory intermediates than the parent, especially in chlorine-ion-containing conditions. Here, we constructed a novel visible-light catalytic system with PMS based on iron hexadecachlorophthalocyanine-poly (4-vinylpyridine)/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers through pyridine ligands to generate high-valent iron-oxo (Fe(IV)=O) species as the main active species. The coordination structure was characterized by UV–Vis diffuse reflection, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. The high-valent iron-oxo generation from peroxysulfate O–O bond heterolytic cleavage was proved by high-definition electrospray ionization mass spectrometer. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-definition mass spectrometry showed that the photocatalytic system was efficient for the degradation of carbamazepine and the chlorinated intermediates by iron-oxo active species in chlorine-ion-containing conditions.

Graphic Abstract
Psychosis, vulnerability, and the moral significance of biomedical innovation in psychiatry. Why ethicists should join efforts
Authors: Corsico Paolo
Published: November 2019

The study of the neuroscience and genomics of mental illness are increasingly intertwined. This is mostly due to the translation of medical technologies into psychiatry and to technological convergence. This article focuses on psychosis. I argue that the convergence of neuroscience and genomics in the context of psychosis is morally problematic, and that ethics scholarship should go beyond the identification of a number of ethical, legal, and social issues. My argument is composed of two strands. First, I argue that we should respond to technological convergence by developing an integrated, patient-centred approach focused on the assessment of individual vulnerabilities. Responding to technological convergence requires that we (i) integrate insights from several areas of ethics, (ii) translate bioethical principles into the mental health context, and (iii) proactively try to anticipate future ethical concerns. Second, I argue that a nuanced understanding of the concept of vulnerability might help us to accomplish this task. I borrow Florencia Luna’s notion of ‘layers of vulnerability’ to show how potential harms or wrongs to individuals who experience psychosis can be conceptualised as stemming from different sources, or layers, of vulnerability. I argue that a layered notion of vulnerability might serve as a common ground to achieve the ethical integration needed to ensure that biomedical innovation can truly benefit, and not harm, individuals who suffer from psychosis.
Dysfunction of Self-Control in Facebook Addiction: Impulsivity Is the Key
Authors: Cudo Andrzej , Torój Małgorzata , Demczuk Marcin , Francuz Piotr
Published: November 2019

Facebook is one of the most popular social network sites and communication platforms. However, besides many positive elements related to the use of this network site, in some cases it may lead to addiction. Therefore, the main aim of our study was to identify Facebook addiction predictors, in particular, to verify whether impulsivity, as a dimension of self-control, is an important predictor of this type of addiction. We also examined whether Facebook addiction predictors such as time spent using Facebook, use of Facebook smartphone apps, state orientation and female gender would be significant in our model of Facebook addiction. The 234 participants in the study were assessed using the Facebook Intrusion Questionnaire, the Brief Self-Control Scale and the Action Control Scale. Impulsivity as a dimension of self-control, action control, amount of time spent on Facebook, Facebook app use and gender were found to be related to Facebook addiction. Specifically, a high level of impulsivity, more time spent using Facebook, female gender and Facebook smartphone app use are predictors of Facebook addiction. However, the relation between state orientation, restraint as a dimension of self-control and Facebook addiction was insignificant. Our results may indicate the role of impulsivity as a dimension of self-control in Facebook addiction. In addition, they may suggest that self-control should be taken into account not only as a one-dimensional but also as a multidimensional construct in Facebook addiction research. Our findings may also contribute to the better preparation of prevention and therapeutic programmes for people at risk of Facebook addiction.
Role of Interest and Self-Concept in Predicting Science Aspirations: Gender Study
Authors: Kang Jingoo , Keinonen Tuula , Salonen Anssi
Published: November 2019

According to previous theories and studies, interest and self-concept at an early age have played a pivotal role in occupational choices, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, a causal relationship between interest, self-concept, and aspirations in science is still under debate. In addition, few studies have focused on gender differences in these relationships. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationships between interest and self-concept in predicting science aspirations between ages 13 and 16 at lower-secondary school, considering gender differences. For the analyses, we conducted cross-lagged modeling and multi-group structural equation modeling in order to examine interrelationships between interest, self-concept, and science aspirations. According to the results, students’ self-concept was high and stable, while interest was low but increased significantly during the lower-secondary school phases. However, there were no reciprocal relationships between interest and self-concept in predicting students’ science aspirations. Interestingly, while girls’ interest was indicated as a sound predictor of aspirations in science, girls’ self-concept had no predictive influence on aspirations. Possible interpretations and implications of the study for lower-secondary science education are discussed.
A model for determining cardiac mitochondrial substrate utilisation using stable 13C-labelled metabolites
Authors: Lindsay Ross T. , Demetriou Demetris , Manetta-Jones Dominic , West James A. , Murray Andrew J. , Griffin Julian L.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Relative oxidation of different metabolic substrates in the heart varies both physiologically and pathologically, in order to meet metabolic demands under different circumstances.13C labelled substrates have become a key tool for studying substrate use—yet an accurate model is required to analyse the complex data produced as these substrates become incorporated into the Krebs cycle.

Objectives

We aimed to generate a network model for the quantitative analysis of Krebs cycle intermediate isotopologue distributions measured by mass spectrometry, to determine the13C labelled proportion of acetyl-CoA entering the Krebs cycle.

Methods

A model was generated, and validated ex vivo using isotopic distributions measured from isolated hearts perfused with buffer containing 11 mM glucose in total, with varying fractions of universally labelled with13C. The model was then employed to determine the relative oxidation of glucose and triacylglycerol by hearts perfused with 11 mM glucose and 0.4 mM equivalent Intralipid (a triacylglycerol mixture).

Results

The contribution of glucose to Krebs cycle oxidation was measured to be 79.1 ± 0.9%, independent of the fraction of buffer glucose which was U-13C labelled, or of which Krebs cycle intermediate was assessed. In the presence of Intralipid, glucose and triglyceride were determined to contribute 58 ± 3.6% and 35.6 ± 0.8% of acetyl-CoA entering the Krebs cycle, respectively.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the accuracy of a functional model of Krebs cycle metabolism, which can allow quantitative determination of the effects of therapeutics and pathology on cardiac substrate metabolism.
Neuroimaging in Vascular Parkinsonism
Authors: Ma Karen K. Y. , Lin Shi , Mok Vincent C. T.
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

Being a disease with heterogeneous presentations and unclear consensus on its diagnostic criteria, it is difficult to differentiate vascular parkinsonism (VaP) from other neurodegenerative parkinsonism variants. Ongoing research on structural and functional neuroimaging targeting dopaminergic pathway provides us more insight into the pathophysiology of VaP to improve diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this article is to review how the emerging imaging modalities help the diagnostic process and treatment decision in VaP.

Recent Findings

Dopamine transporter imaging is a promising tool in differentiating presynaptic parkinsonism and VaP. It also predicts the levodopa responders in VaP. Advanced MRI techniques including volumetry, diffusion tensor imaging and sequences visualising substantia nigra are under development, and they are complementary to each other in detecting structural and functional changes in VaP, which is crucial to ensure the quality of future therapeutic trials for VaP.

Dopamine transporter imaging is recommended to patients with suspected VaP. Multimodal MRI in VaP would be an important area to be investigated in the near future.
Das Potenzial von vertikalen Windenergieanlagen im Kontext wachsender Flächennutzungskonflikte und Akzeptanzprobleme der Windenergie
Authors: Kern Lukas , Seebaß Johann Valentin , Schlüter Jan
Published: November 2019

Der Ausbau der Windenergie geht mit zunehmenden Akzeptanzproblemen und unterschiedlichen Flächennutzungskonflikten einher. Diese ergeben sich maßgeblich aufgrund der großen visuellen und akustischen Signatur von horizontalen Windenergieanlagen und dem großen Flächenbedarf von Windparks. Gegenwärtig werden Untersuchungen zu einem Anlagentyp durchgeführt, der die Möglichkeit bietet, diese negativen Effekte deutlich zu reduzieren. Dabei handelt es sich um einen speziellen Anlagentyp mit vertikaler Achsenausrichtung. Diese Anlagenform stand bisher wenig im Fokus der Öffentlichkeit und Wissenschaft stand. Die Vorteile dieser Anlagenform sind ihre niedrige Bauhöhe und ihr geringer akustischer Fußabdruck. Neue Forschungen zeigen zudem, dass die Energiedichte dieser Anlagen diejenige von konventionellen Windenergieanlagen um ein Vielfaches übersteigen kann, wenn man sie in einer Windparkkonfiguration implementiert. Der vorliegende Artikel soll diesen Typ von Windkraftanlage in Bezug auf akzeptanzmindernde Faktoren beleuchten. Vertiefend wird die Schallausbreitung dieser Anlagen anhand einer Schallimissionsprognose untersucht, da es bisher kaum Studien zu dieser Thematik aus raumplanerischer Sicht gibt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass dieser Anlagentyp gegenüber den konventionellen Anlagen neue Flächennutzungsmöglichkeiten bietet und eine Alternative zu den bestehenden Anlagentypen im Rahmen der Energiewende darstellen könnte.
Heart Rate Monitoring Sensor Based on Singlemode-Multimode-Singlemode Fiber
Authors: Irawati Ninik , Hatta Agus Muhamad , Yhuwana Yoseph Gita Yhun , Sekartedjo
Published: November 2019

The singlemode-multimode-singlemode (SMS) fiber structure for a heart rate monitoring is proposed and developed. An artificial electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is used to simulate the heart pulse at different rates ranging from 50 beats per minute (bpm) to 200 bpm. The SMS fiber structure is placed at the center of a loudspeaker and it senses the vibration of the pulse. The vibration of the pulse signal applied to the SMS fiber structure changes the intensity of the optical output power. The proposed sensor shows a linear frequency of the heart rate sensing range that matches well with the relevant heart rate from the artificial ECG. This work shows the capability of the SMS fiber structure monitoring the heart rate frequencies for a long term, high stability realization, and reproducibility, and being suitable for the observation in hospitals as well as in other environments.
Ripple transport and neoclassical diffusion in IR-T1 tokamak
Authors: Hosseininejad M. , Ghoranneviss M. , Salem M. K.
Published: November 2019

In tokamaks, small variations in the magnetic field create ripple. The discontinuous nature of the magnetic field coils in an axisymmetric torus conduces to additional particle trapping, and it is responsible for an additional neoclassical diffusion. Ripples also reduce the particle removal efficiency and disturb plasma confinement and cause constraints in the design of magnet of fusion reactor. Therefore, it is quite important to include the ripple for the design of plasma edge components. Herein, several considerations are taken into account to calculate and evaluate the diffusion coefficient and ion heat conductivity in ripple transport and also to compare it with neoclassical mode.
Maternal and Infant Death and the rVSV-ZEBOV Vaccine Through Three Recent Ebola Virus Epidemics-West Africa, DRC Équateur and DRC Kivu: 4 Years of Excluding Pregnant and Lactating Women and Their Infants from Immunization
Authors: Schwartz David A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

Ebola virus infection has one of the highest overall case fatality rates of any viral disease. It has historically had an especially high case mortality rate among pregnant women and infants—greater than 90% for pregnant women in some outbreaks and close to 100 % in fetuses and newborns. The Merck recombinant vaccine against Ebola virus, termed rVSV-ZEBOV, underwent clinical trials during the 2013–2015 West Africa Ebola epidemic where it was found to be 100% efficacious. It was subsequently used during the 2018 DRC Équateur outbreak and in the 2018 DRC Kivu Ebola which is still ongoing, where its efficacy is 97.5 %. Pregnant and lactating women and their infants have previously been excluded from the design, clinical trials, and administration of many vaccines and drugs. This article critically examines the development of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine and its accessibility to pregnant and lactating women and infants as a life-saving form of prevention through three recent African Ebola epidemics—West Africa, DRC Équateur, and DRC Kivu.

Recent Findings

Pregnant and lactating women and their infants were excluded from participation in the clinical trials of rVSV-ZEBOV conducted during the West Africa epidemic. This policy of exclusion was continued with the occurrence of the DRC Équateur outbreak in 2018, in spite of calls from the public health and global maternal health communities to vaccinate this population. Following the onset of the DRC Kivu epidemic, the exclusion persisted. Eventually, the policy was reversed to include vaccination of pregnant and lactating women. However, it was not implemented until June 2019, 10 months after the start of the epidemic, placing hundreds of women and infants at risk for this highly fatal infection.

The historical policy of excluding pregnant and lactating women and infants from vaccine design, clinical trials, and implementation places them at risk, especially in situations of infectious disease outbreaks. In the future, all pregnant women, regardless of trimester, breastfeeding mothers, and infants, should have access to the Ebola vaccine.
A general deep learning framework for network reconstruction and dynamics learning
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Zhao Yi , Liu Jing , Wang Shuo , Tao Ruyi , Xin Ruyue , Zhang Jiang
Published: November 2019

Many complex processes can be viewed as dynamical systems on networks. However, in real cases, only the performances of the system are known, the network structure and the dynamical rules are not observed. Therefore, recovering latent network structure and dynamics from observed time series data are important tasks because it may help us to open the black box, and even to build up the model of a complex system automatically. Although this problem hosts a wealth of potential applications in biology, earth science, and epidemics etc., conventional methods have limitations. In this work, we introduce a new framework, Gumbel Graph Network (GGN), which is a model-free, data-driven deep learning framework to accomplish the reconstruction of both network connections and the dynamics on it. Our model consists of two jointly trained parts: a network generator that generating a discrete network with the Gumbel Softmax technique; and a dynamics learner that utilizing the generated network and one-step trajectory value to predict the states in future steps. We exhibit the universality of our framework on different kinds of time-series data: with the same structure, our model can be trained to accurately recover the network structure and predict future states on continuous, discrete, and binary dynamics, and outperforms competing network reconstruction methods.
Clinical and volumetric changes with increasing functional impairment in familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Olney Nicholas T. , Ong Elise , Goh Sheng‐Yang M. , Bajorek Lynn , Dever Reilly , Staffaroni Adam M. , Cobigo Yann , Bock Meredith , Chiang Kevin , Ljubenkov Peter , Kornak John , Heuer Hilary W. , Wang Ping , Rascovsky Katya , Wolf Amelia , Appleby Brian , Bove Jessica , Bordelon Yvette , Brannelly Patrick , Brushaber Danielle , Caso Christine , Coppola Giovanni , Dickerson Bradford C. , Dickinson Susan , Domoto‐Reilly Kimiko , Faber Kelly , Ferrall Jessica , Fields Julie , Fishman Ann , Fong Jamie , Foroud Tatiana , Forsberg Leah K. , Gearhart Debra J. , Ghazanfari Behnaz , Ghoshal Nupur , Goldman Jill , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Grant Ian , Grossman Murray , Haley Dana , Hsiung Gingyuek , Huey Edward D. , Irwin David J. , Jones David T. , Kantarci Kejal , Karydas Anna M. , Kaufer Daniel , Kerwin Diana , Knopman David S. , Kramer Joel H. , Kraft Ruth , Kremers Walter , Kukull Walter , Lapid Maria I. , Litvan Irene , Mackenzie Ian R. , Maldonado Miranda , Manoochehri Masood , McGinnis Scott M. , McKinley Emily C. , Mendez Mario F. , Miller Bruce L. , Onyike Chiadi , Pantelyat Alex , Pearlman Rodney , Petrucelli Len , Potter Madeleine , Rademakers Rosa , Ramos Eliana M. , Rankin Katherine P. , Roberson Erik D. , Rogalski Emily , Sengdy Pheth , Shaw Leslie M. , Syrjanen Jeremy , Tartaglia M. Carmela , Tatton Nadine , Taylor Joanne , Toga Arthur , Trojanowski John Q. , Weintraub Sandra , Wong Bonnie , Wszolek Zbigniew , Boxer Adam L. , Boeve Brad F. , Rosen Howard J. ,   on behalf of the ARTFL and LEFFTDS consortia
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The Advancing Research and Treatment in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and Longitudinal Evaluation of Familial Frontotemporal Dementia Subjects longitudinal studies were designed to describe the natural history of familial‐frontotemporal lobar degeneration due to autosomal dominant mutations.

Methods

We examined cognitive performance, behavioral ratings, and brain volumes from the first time point in 320 MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72 family members, including 102 non–mutation carriers, 103 asymptomatic carriers, 43 mildly/questionably symptomatic carriers, and 72 carriers with dementia.

Results

Asymptomatic carriers showed similar scores on all clinical measures compared with noncarriers but reduced frontal and temporal volumes. Those with mild/questionable impairment showed decreased verbal recall, fluency, and Trail Making Test performance and impaired mood and self‐monitoring. Dementia was associated with impairment in all measures. All MAPT carriers with dementia showed temporal atrophy, but otherwise, there was no single cognitive test or brain region that was abnormal in all subjects.

Discussion

Imaging changes appear to precede clinical changes in familial‐frontotemporal lobar degeneration, but specific early clinical and imaging changes vary across individuals.
Tau‐positron emission tomography correlates with neuropathology findings
Authors: Lowe Val J. , Lundt Emily S. , Albertson Sabrina M. , Min Hoon‐Ki , Fang Ping , Przybelski Scott A. , Senjem Matthew L. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Kantarci Kejal , Boeve Bradley , Jones David T. , Reichard R. Ross , Tranovich Jessica F. , Hanna Al‐Shaikh Fadi S. , Knopman David S. , Jack Clifford R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Petersen Ronald C. , Murray Melissa E.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Comparison of tau (flortaucipir) positron emission tomography (FTP‐PET) to autopsy is important to demonstrate the relationship of FTP‐PET to neuropathologic findings.

Methods

Autopsies were performed on 26 participants who had antemortem FTP‐PET. FTP‐PET standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were compared to autopsy diagnoses and Braak tangle stage. Quantitative tau burden was compared to regional FTP‐PET signal.

Results

Participants with Braak stages of IV or greater had elevated FTP‐PET signal. FTP‐PET was elevated in participants with Alzheimer's disease. An FTP‐PET SUVR cut point of 1.29 was determined to be optimal. Quantitative measurements of hippocampal and temporal lobe tau burden were highly correlated to FTP‐PET signal (rho's from 0.61 to 0.70, P ≤ .02).

Discussion

Elevated FTP‐PET reflects Braak IV or greater neuropathology. Participants with primary age‐related tauopathy and hippocampal sclerosis did not show elevated FTP‐PET signal. Secondary neuropathologic diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change can lead to borderline elevated FTP‐PET signal.