bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE FORMATION OF CONSUMER INFLATION EXPECTATIONS: NEW EVIDENCE FROM JAPAN'S DEFLATION EXPERIENCE
Authors: Diamond Jess , Watanabe Kota , Watanabe Tsutomu
Published: October 2019

Using a new data set, we investigate the relationship between the inflation experience and expectations of households in Japan, focusing on the post‐1995 deflationary era. Our first finding is that inflation expectations increase with age. Second, we find that measured inflation rates also increase with age, although age and inflation expectations continue to exhibit a positive correlation even after controlling for the household‐level inflation rate. Analysis suggests that the correlation between age and inflation expectations is driven largely by the correlation between cohort and inflation expectations, which we interpret to represent the effect of historical inflation experience on inflation expectations.
Incorporation of spherical shaped CuO@SiO2 light microtraps into CuCoMnOx spinels to enhance solar absorbance
Authors: Kordas George
Published: October 2019

CuCoMnOx spinels were fabricated onto aluminum substrates via sol‐gel processing. The aluminum substrates were anodized to produce rough substrate surface, so to achieve diffuse reflection of incoming light. First, hollow copper nanospheres CuO particles have been produced with a size of 715 ± 15 nm. The copper oxide nanospheres were coated with SiO2 yielding to a total diameter of 980 ± 30 nm comparable to the wavelength of FIR light. The resulting materials were characterized structurally and morphologically. The coatings were assessed with respect to absorptance αsol and emittance εT behavior, determining the α/ε ratio. In case of CuO@SiO2 microspheres incorporation into CuCoMnOx spinel coatings, the α/ε ratio reached the value α/ε of 30. The light trapping/scattering effect of CuO@SiO2 microspheres incorporation was demonstrated by the variation of the concentration up to 1 wt% and determination of α/ε ratio. Based on these measurements, the α/ε ratio increases linearly with increasing CuO@SiO2 microspheres concentration.
Broadband light emission induced by laser absorption and optimized by thermal injection in Nd3+:Y2SiO5 ceramic powder
Authors: Rakov Nikifor , Maciel Glauco S.
Published: October 2019

Laser‐induced broadband (white) light emission has been studied in different particle systems for use in light‐emitting devices. The photoinduced phenomenon occurs above a certain excitation power threshold and it is generally studied under vacuum conditions. In this work, the phenomenon is studied in neodymium‐doped yttrium silicate ceramic powder synthesized by combustion method. White light is observed when the sample is excited in ambient air with a continuous‐wave near‐infrared (λ = 808 nm) laser powered above 1.3 W. When the temperature of the sample is externally raised above 200°C, white light is observed above 1.0 W and a large enhancement of the broadband emission intensity is observed.
Coptisine fromCoptis chinensisexerts diverse beneficial properties: A concise review
Authors: Wu Jiasi , Luo Yu , Deng Donghang , Su Siyu , Li Sheng , Xiang Li , Hu Yingfan , Wang Ping , Meng Xianli
Published: October 2019

Coptisine is a natural small‐molecular compound extracted fromCoptis chinensis(CC) with a history of using for thousands of years. This work aimed at summarizing coptisine's activity and providing advice for its clinical use. We analysed the online papers in the database ofSciFinder,Web of Science,PubMed,Google scholarandCNKIby setting keywords as ‘coptisine’ in combination of ‘each pivotal pathway target’. Based on the existing literatures, we find (a) coptisine exerted potential to be an anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, CAD ameliorating or anti‐bacterial drug through regulating the signalling transduction of pathways such as NF‐κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, NLRP3 inflammasome, RANKL/RANK and Beclin 1/Sirt1. However, we also (b) observe that the plasma concentration of coptisine demonstrates obvious non‐liner relationship with dosage, and even the highest dosage used in animal study actually cannot reach the minimum concentration level used in cell experiments owing to the poor absorption and low availability of coptisine. We conclude (a) further investigations can focus on coptisine's effect on caspase‐1‐involved inflammasome assembling and pyroptosis activation, as well as autophagy. (b) Under circumstance of promoting coptisine availability by pursuing nano‐ or microrods strategies or applying salt‐forming process to coptisine, can it be introduced to clinical trial.
Stringent response regulators (p)ppGpp and DksA positively regulate virulence and host adaptation of Xanthomonas citri
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Teper Doron , Xu Jin , Wang Nian
Published: October 2019

The bacterial stringent response is a response to nutrition deprivation and other stress conditions. In Gram‐negative bacteria, this process is mediated by the small signal molecules guanosine pentaphosphate pppGpp and guanosine tetraphosphate ppGpp (collectively referred to as (p)ppGpp), and the RNA polymerase‐binding transcription factor DksA. The (p)ppGpp synthetase RelA and the bifunctional (p)ppGpp synthase/hydrolase SpoT are responsible for cellular (p)ppGpp levels. Here, we investigated the roles of DksA and (p)ppGpp in the virulence traits of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), the causal agent of citrus canker. ΔdksA and (p)ppGpp‐deficient ΔspoTΔrelA strains caused reduced virulence and compromised growth in host plants, indicating that DksA and (p)ppGpp are required for full virulence of Xcc. To characterize the effect of stringent response regulators on gene expression, RNA‐seq was conducted using ΔdksA and ΔspoTΔrelA mutant strains grown in hrp‐inducing XVM2 medium. Transcriptome analyses showed that DksA and (p)ppGpp repressed the expression of genes encoding tRNAs, ribosome proteins, iron acquisition and flagellum assembly, and enhanced the expression of genes for histidine metabolism, type 3 secretion system (T3SS), type 2 secretion system (T2SS) and TonB‐dependent transporters. Phenotypically, the ΔdksA and ΔspoTΔrelA strains displayed altered motility, enhanced siderophore production and were unable to cause the hypersensitive response on non‐host plants. In conclusion, stringent response regulators DksA and (p)ppGpp play an important role in virulence, nutrition uptake and host adaptation of Xcc.
Approaching Other Animals with Caution: Exploring Insights from Aquinas's Psychology
Authors: De Haan Daniel D.
Published: October 2019

In this essay I explore the resources Thomas Aquinas provides for enquiries concerning the psychological abilities of nonhuman animals. I first look to Aquinas's account of divine, angelic, human, and nonhuman animal naming, to help us articulate the contours of a ‘critical anthropocentrism’ that aims to steer clear of the mistakes of a naïve anthropocentrism and misconceived avowals to entirely eschew anthropocentrism. I then address the need for our critical anthropocentrism both to reject the mental-physical dichotomy endorsed by ‘folk psychology’ and to articulate a more adequate ‘commonsense psychology’ that acknowledges most embodied animal behavior is observable psychological behavior. Next, I argue that we can develop Aquinas's doctrine of estimation and conation to formulate an account of nonhuman animal action that more adequately characterizes the purposeful behaviors of nonhuman animals. To do so, we first need to recognize a wider range of nonhuman animal behaviors that are captured by Aquinas's ‘estimative sense’, and that all of these behaviors are specified by a finite variety of particular goods confined to the animals’ environmental niches. But we also need to supplement Aquinas's account of human and nonhuman animal agency by exploring the ontogeny and ecology of how humans and other animals become attuned to affordances within these different environmental niches. I argue that we should look to Aquinas's account of nonhuman animal capacities in ST I-II 6-17 for subtle insights that can expand our understanding of how nonhuman animals engage in purposeful behavior by exercising analogous nonrational and imperfectly voluntary forms of intention, deliberation, choice, execution, and enjoyment. I conclude with an outline for how future enquiry can seek to explain the nonrational purposeful problem-solving competencies of chimps, canines, corvids, cetaceans, cephalopods, and other nonhuman animal species.
Induction of developmental hematopoiesis mediated by transcription factors and the hematopoietic microenvironment
Authors: Daniel Michael G. , Rapp Katrina , Schaniel Christoph , Moore Kateri A.
Published: October 2019

The induction of hematopoiesis in various cell types via transcription factor (TF) reprogramming has been demonstrated by several strategies. The eventual goal of these approaches is to generate a product for unmet needs in hematopoietic cell transplantation therapies. The most successful strategies hew closely to clues provided from developmental hematopoiesis in terms of factor expression and environmental cues. In this review, we aim to summarize the TFs that play important roles in developmental hematopoiesis primarily and to also touch on adult hematopoiesis. Several aspects of cellular and molecular biology coalesce in this process, with TFs and surrounding cellular signals playing a major role in the overall development of the hematopoietic lineage. We attempt to put these elements into the context of reprogramming and highlight their roles.
Macrophage‐mediated complications after stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ito Masafumi , Fujino Masahiko
Published: October 2019

Complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) especially graft versus host disease (GVHD) are serious events and the keys to success of HSCT. Pathological diagnosis of complications is critical but sometimes not definite in GVHD diagnosis. In this review, we focus on the role of macrophages in HSCT complications. In the early period after HSCT, residual recipient macrophages have important roles for engraftment and rejection. Hemophagocytosis is the main feature of activated recipient macrophages. Skin lesions after HSCT are usually skin GVHD but mimicking histology of interface dermatitis is hardly differentiated. Macrophages and lymphocytes of these lesions were studied and increased numbers of macrophages were significantly associated with overall survival of HSCT. It could be suggested macrophages were good predictive markers for skin GVHD‐like lesions. Intestinal type transplantation‐associated microangiopathy (i‐TAM) is an independent pathogenesis from GVHD with serious prognosis. Activated macrophages in these lesions are important and key to the pathogenesis of i‐TAM. These activated macrophages are predominantly residual recipient tissue‐resident macrophages. Cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis is a lung complication around day 100 after HSCT caused by activated alveolar macrophages. They are donor‐derived tissue‐resident macrophages. Residual recipient and donor‐derived macrophages work in different ways in HSCT complications.
A Cognitive Reformation
Authors: Goel Ashok
Published: October 2019

Although cognitive science started in the 1970s as a multidisciplinary field with the goal of becoming an interdisciplinary one over time, it is now dominated by cognitive psychology. The question becomes whether this matters, and if it does, what should cognitive scientists do about it? I propose that the multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity of cognitive science does matter because it leads to potential generation of new ideas, models, and methods. I offer a few recommendations for reforming cognitive science based, in part, on the recent 41st annual meeting of the Cognitive Science Society that sought to reopen cognitive science to minority disciplines comprising cognitive science.
Research on Media Literacy Cultivation Strategies of Chinese College Students in the "Post-Truth Age"
Authors: Lin Zelong , Xie Shishun , Li Yongtong
Published: October 2019

In the context of the "post-truth" age, fake news and news reversal will appear from time to time on the Internet, highlighting the uncertainty of the spread of truth as well as the spread of rumors, which have a negative impact on online public opinion. Therefore, the ability to explore the truth, exactly the core of media literacy, turns to be important now. In this paper it is found that the formation mechanism of the "post-truth" age in China lies in the interaction between the "post-modern" social characteristics and the characteristics of cyberspace. In order to deal with various existing problems that Chinese college students present in the cyberspace, it is suggested to build the media literacy training system of Chinese college students from three levels: the media literacy training system of Chinese college students should be constructed from the knowledge dimension; the six major media literacy abilities of college students should be cultivated from the skill dimension; and the media culture communication platform in campus should be built from the comprehensive dimension to build the media literacy training system of Chinese college students.
La vivienda social desarrollada por el Ministerio de Obras Públicas en La Habana (1960-1964)
Authors: Muñoz -Hernández Ruslan
Published: October 2019

La década de los años sesenta marcó un periodo trascendental en la producción de la vivienda social en Cuba, cuyo prolífico quehacer estuvo definido por la experimentación, la creatividad y la calidad de las obras. En el presente texto se exponen los resultados de una investigación de carácter histórico, basada en la consulta de fuentes primarias de información y complementada con un trabajo de campo llevado en paralelo. Se expone una caracterización de las realizaciones de la Dirección de Viviendas Urbanas y del programa de Erradicación de Barrios Insalubres en La Habana, del Ministerio de Obras Públicas en los años sesenta, a partir de aspectos urbanos y arquitectónicos. La investigación es un intento de llenar profundos vacíos historiográficos, en particular de la vivienda, de ese periodo en momentos de continuidades y rupturas de la arquitectura cubana.
Hydraulic Model for Accelerated Flows Through Porous Medium in the Form Drag-Dominated Regime
Authors: Ganesan Krishnamoorthi , Narasimhan Arunn
Published: October 2019

The pressure drop for steady uniform flows (UF) through low permeability porous media—packed bed of particles (balls and rods) and sand (K<10−7m2)—is predicted using the existing global Hazen-Dupuit-Darcy (HDD) hydraulic model, composed of the viscous and form drag terms. In this work, experiments are performed to generate pressure drop data for accelerated steady flows through porous media for a wide range of low permeability (10−9<K<10−7m2), low porosity (ϕ < 0.4) in the form drag-dominant (λ ≫ 1) flow regime. Using the data, the global spatial acceleration effect that arises due to channel cross section variation is shown to be unaccounted for in the existing global HDD model resulting in inaccurate prediction of pressure drop, with more than 80% error in such situations. A modified hydraulic model is developed, introducing geometric parameters in the drag terms in the existing hydraulic model, to account for the acceleration effects. By comparing the results with experimental data, the proposed modified hydraulic model is shown to predict the pressure drop for accelerated flows in porous media in the form drag-dominant regime, with less than 10% error.
Enhanced Part Accuracy Through Strain Measurement in Milling Machines
Authors: Burkart Roman , Dugenske Andrew , Kurfess Thomas
Published: October 2019

This research explores the measurement of strain in a machining process on a milling machine. The goal is to develop a simple and easy method to determine the strain in a machine. Compared with other already existing approaches, the presented method separates the measurement locally from coolant and chips, which decreases the risk of a failure in the case of a continuously monitored machine. Furthermore, the measurement method does not influence the machining process itself. The separation of the machining process and the measurement enables the method to gather data without manipulating the process itself. By excluding any influence of the measurement process, the research presented in this article proves the general suitability of the method to increase the accuracy of the machining operation by modifying the toolpath of the machine.
A Critically Appraised Topic on the Tuck Jump Assessment: Does the Tuck Jump Assessment Demonstrate Interrater and Intrarater Reliability in Healthy Individuals?
Authors: Mason Marissa L. , Clemons Marissa N. , LaBarre Kaylyn B. , Szymczak Nicole R. , Chimera Nicole J.
Published: October 2019

Clinical Scenario: Lower-extremity injuries in the United States costs millions of dollars each year. Athletes should be screened for neuromuscular deficits and trained to correct them. The tuck jump assessment (TJA) is a plyometric tool that can be used with athletes. Clinical Question: Does the TJA demonstrate both interrater and intrarater reliability in healthy individuals? Summary of Key Findings: Four of the 5 articles included in this critically appraised topic showed good to excellent reliability; however, caution should be taken in interpreting these results. Although composite scores of the TJA were found to be reliable, individual flaws do not demonstrate reliability on their own, with the exception of knee valgus at landing. Aspects of the TJA itself, including rater training, scoring system, playback speed, volume, and number of views allotted, need to be standardized before the reliability of this clinical assessment can be further researched. Clinical Bottom Line: The TJA has shown varying levels of reliability, from poor to excellent, for both interrater and intrarater reliability, given current research. Strength of Recommendation: According to the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine levels of evidence, there is level 2b evidence for research into the reliability of the TJA. This evidence has been demonstrated in elite, adolescent, and college-level athletics in the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States. The recommendation of level 2b was chosen because these studies utilized cohort design for interrater and intrarater reliability across populations. An overall grade of B was recommended because there were consistent level 2 studies.
Drought test begins in Biosphere 2 rainforest
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: October 2019

Tracing carbon in closed ecosystem could reveal tree and soil response to water stress.
Texas cancer agency seeks new vote of approval
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: October 2019

Ballot initiative for CPRIT would raise another $3 billion to fuel state's cancer research.
An oxyl/oxo mechanism for oxygen-oxygen coupling in PSII revealed by an x-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Suga Michihiro , Akita Fusamichi , Yamashita Keitaro , Nakajima Yoshiki , Ueno Go , Li Hongjie , Yamane Takahiro , Hirata Kunio , Umena Yasufumi , Yonekura Shinichiro , Yu Long-Jiang , Murakami Hironori , Nomura Takashi , Kimura Tetsunari , Kubo Minoru , Baba Seiki , Kumasaka Takashi , Tono Kensuke , Yabashi Makina , Isobe Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Kizashi , Yamamoto Masaki , Ago Hideo , Shen Jian-Ren
Published: October 2019

Inspecting S states in photosynthesis

Oxygenic photosynthesis uses a Mn
4
CaO
5
cluster in the oxygen-evolving complex to extract electrons from water and produce dioxygen. Visualizing each of the chemical states in this process, S
0
to S
4
, and assigning chemical identities and mechanisms on the basis of structures has been a challenge addressed recently by work at x-ray free-electron lasers. Suga
et al.
used serial crystallography at cryogenic temperatures to trap and determine the structures of several stable states during photosystem II water oxidation (see the Perspective by Britt and Marchiori). Changes around the water cluster already happen in the S
2
state and set the stage for water insertion that occurs during transition to the S
3
state. A short 1.9-angstrom distance between the two oxygen atoms in the S
3
state is consistent with theoretical studies supporting an oxyl/oxo mechanism for oxygen-oxygen coupling.

Science
, this issue p.
334
; see also p.
305
Photocatalytic deracemization fixes the mix
Authors: Wendlandt Alison E.
Published: October 2019

Photocatalysis converts racemic mixtures of
N
-aryl cyclic ureas into single enantiomers
Comment on “The global tree restoration potential”
Authors: Veldman Joseph W. , Aleman Julie C. , Alvarado Swanni T. , Anderson T. Michael , Archibald Sally , Bond William J. , Boutton Thomas W. , Buchmann Nina , Buisson Elise , Canadell Josep G. , Dechoum Michele de Sá , Diaz-Toribio Milton H. , Durigan Giselda , Ewel John J. , Fernandes G. Wilson , Fidelis Alessandra , Fleischman Forrest , Good Stephen P. , Griffith Daniel M. , Hermann Julia-Maria , Hoffmann William A. , Le Stradic Soizig , Lehmann Caroline E. R. , Mahy Gregory , Nerlekar Ashish N. , Nippert Jesse B. , Noss Reed F. , Osborne Colin P. , Overbeck Gerhard E. , Parr Catherine L. , Pausas Juli G. , Pennington R. Toby , Perring Michael P. , Putz Francis E. , Ratnam Jayashree , Sankaran Mahesh , Schmidt Isabel B. , Schmitt Christine B. , Silveira Fernando A. O. , Staver A. Carla , Stevens Nicola , Still Christopher J. , Strömberg Caroline A. E. , Temperton Vicky M. , Varner J. Morgan , Zaloumis Nicholas P.
Published: October 2019

Bastin
et al
.’s estimate (Reports, 5 July 2019, p. 76) that tree planting for climate change mitigation could sequester 205 gigatonnes of carbon is approximately five times too large. Their analysis inflated soil organic carbon gains, failed to safeguard against warming from trees at high latitudes and elevations, and considered afforestation of savannas, grasslands, and shrublands to be restoration.
Comment on “The global tree restoration potential”
Authors: Lewis Simon L. , Mitchard Edward T. A. , Prentice Colin , Maslin Mark , Poulter Ben
Published: October 2019

Bastin
et al
. (Reports, 5 July 2019, p. 76) state that the restoration potential of new forests globally is 205 gigatonnes of carbon, conclude that “global tree restoration is our most effective climate change solution to date,” and state that climate change will drive the loss of 450 million hectares of existing tropical forest by 2050. Here we show that these three statements are incorrect.
Scientists and politics?
Authors: Boyd Ian L.
Published: October 2019

The lower legislative chamber of the United Kingdom's Parliament has 650 members, but only one (0.15%) has a science Ph.D. This seems like a surprisingly small number in a mature democracy. About 0.8% of people in the United Kingdom have a science Ph.D., so it appears that science is seriously underrepresented. I suspect it is the same the world over. Why is this, is it right, and what are the consequences?
A First-in-Human Trial of GLS4, a Novel Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly, following Single- and Multiple-Ascending-Oral-Dose Studies with or without Ritonavir in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Zhao Nan , Jia Bo , Zhao Hong , Xu Junyu , Sheng Xiaoyan , Luo Lin , Huang Zhangma , Wang Xingan , Ren Qingyun , Zhang Yingjun , Zhao Xia , Cui Yimin
Published: October 2019

GLS4 is a novel inhibitor of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly with inhibitory activities against nucleot(s)ide-resistant HBV strains. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of GLS4 and the effects of food and ritonavir in healthy adults. GLS4 was administered in a single-ascending-dose study over 1 to 240 mg and multiple-ascending-dose study that ranged from 30 mg once daily to 180 mg three times daily.
Utility of DNA Next-Generation Sequencing and Expanded Quantitative Urine Culture in Diagnosis and Management of Chronic or Persistent Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Gasiorek Monika , Hsieh Michael H. , Forster Catherine S.
Published: October 2019

Many patients suffer from chronic, irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The evaluation and management of these patients have proven difficult with the use of standard diagnostic tools, including urinalysis and urine culture. The growing body of literature on the urinary microbiome has looked at the possible implications of the bladder microbiome and dysbiosis, or perturbations in the microbiome, in conditions associated with chronic LUTS.
Adjunctive aripiprazole for antipsychotic-related hyperprolactinaemia in patients with first-episode schizophrenia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Wei , Cai Dong-Bin , Yang Xin-Hu , Zheng Wei , Ungvari Gabor S , Ng Chee H , Shi Zhan-Ming , Hu Mei-Ling , Ning Yu-Ping , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: October 2019

Background

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common antipsychotic (AP)-induced adverse effect, particularly in female patients.

Aims

This meta-analysis examined the efficacy and safety of adjunctive aripiprazole in preventing AP-related hyperprolactinaemia in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods

PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, WanFang and China Journal Net databases were searched to identify eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcomes were the reductions of serum prolactin level and prolactin-related symptoms. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and analysed using RevMan (V.5.3). Weighted/standardised mean differences (WMDs/SMDs)±95% CIs were reported.

Results

In the five RCTs (n=400), the adjunctive aripiprazole (n=197) and the control groups (n=203) with a mean of 11.2 weeks of treatment duration were compared. The aripiprazole group had a significantly lower endpoint serum prolactin level in all patients (five RCTs, n=385; WMD: −50.43 ng/mL (95% CI: −75.05 to −25.81), p<0.00001; I2=99%), female patients (two RCTs, n=186; WMD: −22.58 ng/mL (95% CI: −25.67 to −19.49), p<0.00001; I2=0%) and male patients (two RCTs, n=127; WMD: −68.80 ng/mL (95% CI: −100.11 to −37.49), p<0.0001). In the sensitivity analysis for the endpoint serum prolactin level in all patients, the findings remained significant (p<0.00001; I2=96%). The aripiprazole group was superior to the control group in improving negative symptoms as assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (three RCTs, n=213; SMD: −0.51 (95% CI: −0.79 to −0.24), p=0.0002; I2=0%). Adverse effects and discontinuation rates were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Adjunctive aripiprazole appears to be associated with reduced AP-induced hyperprolactinaemia and improved prolactin-related symptoms in first-episode schizophrenia. Further studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.
Average annual committed effective dose and threshold consumption rate of bovine samples collected from a government owned abattoir, Ikpoba slope, Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Giwa K.W. , Osahon O.D.
Published: October 2019

The activity concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 238U in five different organs of bovine meat commonly eaten by the Nigerian populace were measured using gamma ray spectrometry. The meat samples were collected from a Government owned abattoir at Ikpoba slope, Benin City. The essence of the study was to estimate the internal radiation dose incurred by a population due to the ingestion of radionuclides from meat consumption. The mean absorbed dose rate was 12.60 ± 1.51 nGy h−1, which is far lower than the recommended value of 55 nGy h−1. The AACED obtained in this study differs for each organ, thereby making the threshold consumption rate different, but the mean dose, 0.171 ± 0.07 mSv yr−1, is below the 0.3 mSv yr−1 reported to be the recommended average value. The mean threshold consumption rate for meat intake for the samples under study was calculated to be 107.5 ± 6.22 kg yr–1. Thus, this study has contributed to the body of knowledge and data that can lead to the formulation of regulations related to radiological healthcare in the study area.
Pushing the boundaries of science demonstrations using modern technology
Authors: Milner-Bolotin Marina , Aminov Oded , Wasserman Walter , Milner Valery
Published: October 2019

This paper describes the benefits and the challenges of using modern technology for designing and implementing in-class science demonstrations. We suggest that state-of-the-art instrumentation, such as a fast-speed video camera, can turn traditional lecture demonstrations from mere entertainment to the effective means for physics learning. We describe an experimental set-up — a slow-motion chamber, which we have used as a demonstration tool in large lectures. Finally, we provide examples of experiments used in introductory physics courses, which may greatly benefit from the analysis of a slow-motion playback, and suggest how instructors can help students experience physics in action during lectures.
Exact solution of a nonlinear fin problem of temperature-dependent thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient
Authors: Sun Sheng-Wei , Li Xian-Fang
Published: October 2019

This paper studies a class of nonlinear problems of convective longitudinal fins with temperature-dependent thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient. For thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient dominated by power-law nonlinearity, the exact temperature distribution is obtained analytically in an implicit form. In particular, the explicit expressions of the fin temperature distribution are derived explicitly for some special cases. An analytical expression for fin efficiency is given as a function of a thermogeometric parameter. The influences of the nonlinearity and the thermogeometric parameter on the temperature and thermal performance are analyzed. The temperature distribution and the fin efficiency exhibit completely different behaviors when the power-law exponent of the heat transfer coefficient is more or less than negative unity.
Internal methyl rotation and molecular structure of trifluorotoluenes: microwave rotational spectra of 2,3,4- and 2,4,5-trifluorotoluene
Authors: Nair K.P. Rajappan , Herbers Sven , Obenchain Daniel A. , Grabow Jens-Uwe
Published: October 2019

The microwave rotational spectra of 2,3,4- and 2,4,5-trifluorotoluenes, along with all 13C isotopic species in natural abundance, have been recorded in the frequency range 8–27 GHz employing pulsed-jet Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. The analysis of the spectra in the lowest torsional state has yielded the rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants, three-fold barrier to methyl rotation, and the direction of the internal rotation axis in the moment of inertia principal axes systems of these trifluorotoluenes. For both molecules, the molecular constants of their eight isotopologues have been used to obtain the substitution rs structures of the ring and the methyl-carbon. The potential barriers hindering the internal rotation of the methyl top in 2,3,4- and 2,4,5-trifluorotluene are 2.5878(80) and 2.2809(23) kJ/mol, respectively.
Optimal energy-management of two cylinders under flow-induced motion using dynamic programming
Authors: Wang Fan , Li Jia-Jun
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we performed a work combining numerical and theoretical studies to investigate the optimal energy-management of two cylinders under flow-induced motion using dynamic programming. First, we considered the energy generation of two freely oscillated cylinders with different configurations at Reynolds number of 200. Then, we constructed a theoretical model to maximize the energy-harvesting capacity of two cylinders using dynamic programming. This work can provide helpful suggestions for designing the energy-harvesting apparatus.
TAGUCHI METHOD-BASED OPTIMIZATION OF THE MINIMUM DETECTABLE DIFFERENCE OF A CARDIAC X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM USING A PRECISE LINE PAIR GAUGE
Authors: PAN LUNG-FA , WU KENG-YI , CHEN KE-LIN , KITTIPAYAK SAMRIT , PAN LUNG-KWANG
Published: October 2019

Objective: To optimize the minimum detectable difference (MDD) of a cardiac X-ray imaging system using the Taguchi L8(27) analysis and a precise line pair (LP) gauge. Methods: The optimal combination of the four critical factors of the cardiac X-ray imaging system, namely X-ray focus, kilovoltage (kVp), milliamper-seconds (mAs) and source image distance (SID), providing the MDD was calculated via the Taguchi analysis and experimentally verified. Two (low and high) levels were assigned for each factor, and eight combinations of four factors were used to acquire instant X-ray images using an NDT commercial LP gauge (with a gauge length of 64[Formula: see text]mm and a width of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm). The latter had five lines and was split gradually from top to bottom for the inspection of X-ray images, whose quality was ranked by three well-trained radiologists according to the double-blind criterion. The ranking grade was given by sharp contrast, low noise and precision to distinguish the LP. Accordingly, the MDD was derived to represent the spatial resolution of instant X-ray images by the revised Student’s [Formula: see text]-test analysis. The optimal combination of factors was experimentally identified and clinically verified in the follow-up inspections. Results: For the conventional setting, Group No. 7 (which obtained the highest grade among eight groups) and the optimal setting, the obtained MDD values were [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm, respectively, while the LP (line pair/mm) interpolated from the gauge scale amounted to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]LP/mm, respectively. Conclusion: The Taguchi L8 analysis was proved to be instrumental in optimizing the cardiac X-ray imaging system MDD and is recommended to be used jointly with the revised Student’s [Formula: see text]-test analysis for improving the spatial resolution of instant X-ray images.
EFFECT OF MATERIAL MODEL SELECTION ON LATERAL IMPACT SIMULATIONS OF PELVIC COMPLEX
Authors: QU AILI , WANG DONGMEI , WANG FANG , WANG QIU’GEN
Published: October 2019

Material mechanical behavior plays an important role in pelvic complex simulation under lateral impact. Aiming to investigate effects of material model selection on the responses of lateral impact simulations, a seating pelvic complex model was constructed. The model was subjected to a series of impacts at velocity of 3–10[Formula: see text]m/s, and two material models were, respectively, assigned to the pelvic bone to evaluate the accuracy of the simulation. The results showed that the pelvic response and fracture pattern with plastic–elastic material model agreed well with the literature, while linear elastic material model was dissatisfied factory, especially the pelvic response at low velocity deviated from most cadaveric test data. In addition, drastic change of arterial pressure was responsible for hemorrhages associated with pelvic fracture. Ligament loading sequence verified that the posterior pelvic ring bore the greatest amount of load during the impact. Based on the above findings, we concluded that a plastic–elastic with strain rate effect material model can improve the simulation accuracy of pelvic complex under lateral impact, and pelvic fracture pattern may help to estimate the parameters’ selection in impact simulation.
GENDER DIFFERENCE OF KNEE JOINT TORQUE DURING MAXIMAL VOLUNTARY CONTRACTION IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: KO JUNGHYUK , KWON YU-RI , CHOI YOON-HYEOK , EOM GWANG-MOON , KIM JI-WON
Published: October 2019

Reduced muscle strength is an important fall risk factor. The fall occurs more in elderly women than in elderly men. The aim of this study is to investigate muscle strength and the ability to generate rapid torque for knee joint in elderly men and women. Twenty healthy elderly participants (10 men and 10 women) performed maximal voluntary knee extension and flexion during concentric, isometric and eccentric conditions. The peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) was normalized by each subject’s body mass. Independent [Formula: see text]-tests were employed in the comparison of elderly women with elderly men. Elderly women exhibited weaker isometric flexion and eccentric extension strength compared to elderly men ([Formula: see text]). Although there was no significant gender difference in isometric extension peak torque, RTD of elderly women was slower than it of elderly men ([Formula: see text]). In contrast, no significant gender differences were observed in concentric contraction condition ([Formula: see text]). These results indicate that the deteriorated RTD as well as muscle strength per body mass may be associated with a higher frequency of falls in elderly women than in elderly men. This study suggests that training of specific-contraction type should be considered for fall prevention in elderly women.
EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION STUDY ON TRAJECTORY TRACKING OF A NOVEL REHABILITATION EXOSKELETON SHOULDER JOINT
Authors: CHEN YANYAN , LIANG LE , WU MAOCHUAN , WANG YUE , LIU CAIYUN
Published: October 2019

The trajectory linearization control (TLC) was applied to design an autonomous nonlinear trajectory tracking controller for a novel rehabilitation exoskeleton shoulder joint in this paper. TLC is a relatively new control method which was applied in aircraft and mobile robot, which had good performance on real-time trajectory tracking, anti-jamming and universality. As a new application in the exoskeleton shoulder joint controller design, the controller in this research contained two loops that separately based on the inverse kinematics and pseudo-inverse dynamics models of the exoskeleton shoulder. Two PI controllers as the error regulator can reduce the tracking error. The position and angular velocity error feedback were employed to constitute the closed-loops. Since the controller was based on model and linearization, it can adapt to both linear and nonlinear control processes. The simulation of three different trajectories for single degree of freedom movement of shoulder joint (shoulder flexion and extension, abduction and extension), and the movement of both the two degrees were given. The simulation results showed that the TLC controller can follow the exoskeleton shoulder trajectory steadily and accurately.
CUSTOMIZED POST-AND-CORE DESIGN AND STRESS ANALYSIS FOR POSTERIOR TOOTH PROSTHESIS
Authors: YU QIUDONG , ZHENG SHUXIAN , WANG WEIZHEN
Published: October 2019

A post-and-core crown is widely used in prosthetic dentistry; however, in clinical treatment, it easily causes root fracture and tooth penetration. To address these problems, this study aimed to present a customized post-and-core design for the posterior tooth implant. First, a residual tooth and its root canal were reconstructed. Then, the root canal surface was extracted, the surface curvature and length parameters were defined, and the customized post-and-core design was developed. Finally, the tooth, root canal, and post-and-core with different implant lengths in five masticatory directions were analyzed using finite element analysis to evaluate the stress distribution. The results showed that, with the similar shape of the post-and-core structure and the root canal, the tooth stress trend was uniform. When the length of the post-and-core structure [Formula: see text] was 0[Formula: see text]mm, that is, it was two thirds of the root canal length, the root canal stress was minimum. Therefore, the customized design of the post-and-core structure could well adapt to any kind of root canal, and the length of the post-and-core structure [Formula: see text] provided guidance for the post-and-core crown prosthesis in clinic.
Chronostratigraphy and terrestrial palaeoclimatology of Berriasian–Hauterivian strata of the Cedar Mountain Formation, Utah, USA
Authors: Joeckel R. M. , Ludvigson G. A. , Möller A. , Hotton C. L. , Suarez M. B. , Suarez C. A. , Sames B. , Kirkland J. I. , Hendrix B.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents breakthroughs in the chronostratigraphy of the heretofore poorly constrained Yellow Cat Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation, which is an important record of terrestrial environments, ecosystems and global change in the ancient North American Cordilleran foreland. Zircon populations from 10 stratigraphic horizons in the Yellow Cat Member yield youngest single-grain ages ranging from 142.5 ± 2.7 to 133.7 ± 2.7 Ma (Berriasian–late Valanginian); those from one mudstone palaeosol yield a robust Concordia Age of 136.3 ± 1.3 (Valanginian). Additionally, a new palynoflora – one of a few to be published from the Cedar Mountain Formation – is assigned to the middle Berriasian to early Hauterivian stages, based on the presence of
Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis
and
Trilobosporites
sp. cf.
T. canadensis
, and the absence of
F
.
asymmetricus
,
Appendicisporites
spp. and angiosperms. Furthermore, these chronostratigraphic data allow us to interpret part of the so-called ‘Weissert Event’ C-isotope excursion (Valanginian) in a new C-isotope profile through a palaeosol-bearing alluvial succession in the Yellow Cat Member. This research extends a firm understanding of the formation further back into the Early Cretaceous than was the case previously (except for ostracod biostratigraphy) and sets the stage for future advancements.
Considerations in using recurrent neural networks to probe neural dynamics
Authors: Kao Jonathan C.
Published: October 2019

Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are increasingly being used to model complex cognitive and motor tasks performed by behaving animals. RNNs are trained to reproduce animal behavior while also capturing key statistics of empirically recorded neural activity. In this manner, the RNN can be viewed as an in silico circuit whose computational elements share similar motifs with the cortical area it is modeling. Furthermore, because the RNN’s governing equations and parameters are fully known, they can be analyzed to propose hypotheses for how neural populations compute. In this context, we present important considerations when using RNNs to model motor behavior in a delayed reach task. First, by varying the network’s nonlinear activation and rate regularization, we show that RNNs reproducing single-neuron firing rate motifs may not adequately capture important population motifs. Second, we find that even when RNNs reproduce key neurophysiological features on both the single neuron and population levels, they can do so through distinctly different dynamical mechanisms. To distinguish between these mechanisms, we show that an RNN consistent with a previously proposed dynamical mechanism is more robust to input noise. Finally, we show that these dynamics are sufficient for the RNN to generalize to tasks it was not trained on. Together, these results emphasize important considerations when using RNN models to probe neural dynamics.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Artificial neurons in a recurrent neural network (RNN) may resemble empirical single-unit activity but not adequately capture important features on the neural population level. Dynamics of RNNs can be visualized in low-dimensional projections to provide insight into the RNN’s dynamical mechanism. RNNs trained in different ways may reproduce neurophysiological motifs but do so with distinctly different mechanisms. RNNs trained to only perform a delayed reach task can generalize to perform tasks where the target is switched or the target location is changed.
Fibrous Extracellular Spheroids in an Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Fine Needle Aspiration Correlating to a Gyriform Pancreatic Endocrine Tumor with a Unique Cobblestone Pavement Growth Pattern
Authors: Marotta Alessandro , Reynolds Jordan P. , Plesec Thomas P. , Rene Rodriguez E. , Jang Sunguk N. , Policarpio-Nicolas Maria Luisa C. , Springer Bridgette , Sturgis Charles D.
Published: October 2019

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are uncommon tumors. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples from PanNENs are typically of high cellularity and lack necrosis. In cytology slides from these tumors, dyscohesive cells are usually reported with variably round to oval to plasmacytoid forms exhibiting coarsely granular chromatin and showing immunoreactivity for synaptophysin. We present an unusual, and to our knowledge not previously described, example of an FNA of a PanNEN with large extracellular fibrous spheroids containing intrinsic fibroblasts and rimmed by small to intermediate sized neoplastic epithelial cells with high nuclear cytoplasmic ratios. The cytomorphology of the PanNEN in this case was in some ways reminiscent of that expected in adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary glands that most often contain large extracellular globules of basement membrane material and a somewhat biphasic population of lesional cells. The cytomorphology in this case was found to correlate well with the resection specimen histomorphology of an exaggerated gyriform pattern of growth resulting in a unique cobblestone-pavement like microscopic appearance. Knowledge of this potential cytomorphology will aid the cytology community through recognition and reporting of this previously undescribed pattern in an uncommon disease.
Compressive Dorsal Myelopathy Secondary to Extramedullary Hematopoiesis in a Thalassemic Patient
Authors: Ismail Ismail Ibrahim , Massoud Fathi , Alexander K. J. , Al-Hashel Jasem Youssef
Published: October 2019

Background. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is one of the rare causes of spinal cord compression (SCC). It results from noncancerous proliferation of hematopoietic tissue outside the bone marrow as a compensatory mechanism for ineffective erythropoiesis. It occurs in the paraspinal area in 11–15% of thalassemic patients in intermediate and severe cases causing a paraspinal compressive mass. We present a rare case of spinal EMH with thoracic cord compression in a 22-year-old female with beta thalassemia who presented with paraparesis and we provide a review of literature. Case Report. A 22-year-old female patient with a known history of beta thalassemia presented with subacute onset of weakness and numbness of both lower limbs with a sensory level at T6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the dorsal spine showed cord compression secondary to paraspinal EMH from T2 to T9 with most prominent compression over T5. She was managed with blood transfusion and low-dose radiotherapy. Conclusion. Although rare, EMH should be suspected in thalassemic patients presenting with paraplegia. Treatment with blood transfusions is usually effective. Other options include radiotherapy, surgery, hydroxyurea or a combination of these modalities.
Geographic Variations in Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures in China
Authors: Yang Qian-Hao , Chen Yi-Xuan , Zhu Dao-Yu , Ai Zi-Sheng , Gao You-Shui
Published: October 2019

Background. Hip fracture is one of the major risk factors of global mortality and disability. The aim of this study was to map the pattern of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in China, providing a pilot national dataset and basis for medical policy proposals. Methods. A multistage probability sampling strategy was applied in the national baseline survey. Thirty provinces in mainland China were included in this survey. A standardized questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information about basic characteristics such as age, working seniority, hospital level, and residence, with two other parts including perioperative and postoperative treatment parameters. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were used to determine essential statistical differences. The proportion of the options in each region was compared using the chi-square (χ2) test. The histogram and choropleth map of the monthly number of admissions were created using Excel 2016 to show the distribution characteristics. Results. In total, 1065 valid responses were included, representing a 96.7% survey capture rate. Perioperative treatment and postoperative care distinctly varied across regions and hospital levels. The monthly number of admissions was relatively lower in the Northern region, with higher proportion of hospitalizations to secondary hospitals compared with the Eastern region. The patients in the Eastern region or tertiary hospitals had shorter preoperative waiting time and hospitalization period. Conclusions. We found apparent geographic variations in intertrochanteric femoral fractures in this study, and the data can be used for drafting national healthcare plans and medical policies.