bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hyperbranched poly(citric polyethylene glycol) with various polyethylene glycol chain lengths on starch plasticization and retrogradation
Authors: Zhang Kang , Wang Rong‐rong , Zhang Kai‐rui , Cheng Fei , Tian Yu , Lin Yi , Zhou Mi , Zhu Pu‐xin
Published: November 2019

A series of hyperbranched poly(citric polyethylene glycol) (PCPEG) materials with varied polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain lengths as plasticizers were mixed with maize starch (MS) via cooking and film‐forming. The structure, pasting property, plasticization, aging property, moisture absorption and compatibility of plasticized starches were studied by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, rapid viscosity analysis, tension testing, moisture absorption measurements and scanning electron microscopy. Compared with PEG and citric acid, PCPEG was more effective in promoting starch chain movement and inhibiting the retrogradation of starch film. Also, PCPEG/MS had smaller moisture content. The longer the plasticizer chain, the better were the aging resistance and moisture resistance of starch. But with an increase of PEG chain length, mechanical properties of PCPEG/MS deteriorated and the compatibility between PCPEG and MS decreased. The hyperbranched derivative of PEG with longer chain exhibited improved plasticization and compatibility with starch. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Rezafungin treatment in mouse models of invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis: Insights on the PK/PD pharmacometrics of rezafungin efficacy
Authors: Miesel Lynn , Lin Kun‐Yuan , Ong Voon
Published: November 2019

Rezafungin acetate is a novel echinocandin in clinical development for prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections. Rezafungin is differentiated by a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile that includes a long half‐life allowing once‐weekly administration, front‐loaded plasma drug exposures associated with antifungal efficacy, and penetration into deep‐seated infections, such as intra‐abdominal abscesses. In this series of in vivo studies, rezafungin demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of neutropenic mouse models of disseminated candidiasis, including infection caused by azole‐resistant Candida albicans, and aspergillosis. These results contribute to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the antifungal efficacy and potential utility of rezafungin in the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Modification of the Near‐Infrared Spontaneous Emission in Er3+‐Activated Inverse Silica Opals
Authors: Chiappini Andrea , Armellini Cristina , Bazzanella Nicola , Nodehi Somayeh , Lukowiak Anna , Pietralunga Silvia Maria , Piccolo Valentina , Zonta Daniele , Nunzi Conti Gualtiero , Righini Giancarlo C. , Ferrari Maurizio
Published: November 2019

Ordered SiO2:Er3+ inverse opal films are fabricated by sol–gel technique in combination with a self‐assembly method to examine their potential as a suitable platform to tailor the spontaneous emission lifetime of Er3+ ions and its concentration quenching (CQ). Good ordering on long‐range scale is evidenced by means of scanning electron microscopy, whereas reflectance measurements display a green bright color, as it results from optical Bragg diffraction from the (111) crystal planes. Moreover, it is observed that the spontaneous decay rates (SDRs) of the inverse opals are suppressed, in contrast to the corresponding reference samples, due to the modulation of the effective refractive index (neff), in agreement with the virtual cavity model. At the same time, the reduced CQ of Er3+ is attributed to the periodic empty cavity of the inverse opals. These results demonstrate that inverse opals can provide a tool for the enhancement of near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence.
Suppression of Green Luminescence of Mg‐Ion‐Implanted GaN by Subsequent Implantation of Fluorine Ions at High Temperature
Authors: Takahashi Masahiro , Tanaka Atsushi , Ando Yuto , Watanabe Hirotaka , Deki Manato , Kushimoto Maki , Nitta Shugo , Honda Yoshio , Shima Kohei , Kojima Kazunobu , Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Chen Kevin J. , Amano Hiroshi
Published: November 2019

Herein, gallium nitride (GaN) samples implanted with magnesium (Mg) and fluorine (F) ions are investigated by photoluminescence (PL) measurements. In low‐temperature PL measurements, the characteristic green luminescence (GL) band attributable to nitrogen vacancies (VN) is observed in Mg‐ion‐implanted GaN. As VN are likely to act as donors, suppressing their formation is essential to realizing p‐type conductivity. The energy required for a F impurity to replace VN in GaN and eventually form F on a N site decreases when the Fermi level approaches the valence band maximum, and therefore F is employed as a subsequent implantation element to compensate for VN. The GL band peak disappears upon implanting Mg and F ions at a high temperature and adjusting the F concentration to an appropriate value. This result suggests that VN generated by Mg ion implantation can be suppressed using an element with a lower formation energy than that of VN.
Interpretation of the spectrum of eastward‐moving tropical convective anomalies
Authors: Roundy Paul E.
Published: November 2019

Wave‐number‐frequency power spectrum analysis has been used as a primary tool to detect the ranges of wave numbers and frequencies about which observed convectively coupled equatorial waves are active. Previous works have suggested that activity in these waves clusters between roughly 12 and 60 m equivalent depths because spectral peaks normalized by dividing by a smoothed spectral background follow those ranges. Through a combination of wave‐number‐frequency power spectrum analysis, filtering and linear regression, this work shows that the traditional approach generates confusion because it conflates different, sometimes conflicting, signals from around the world that contribute to the same parts of the spectrum. Results also suggest that the traditional method leads us to ignore substantial power associated with variability structurally consistent with observed Kelvin waves but that occurs at lower frequencies. Wave signals at these frequencies are stronger than but similar to Kelvin wave signals coincident with the Kelvin peak in the normalized spectrum. Results suggest that the wave signal itself has red properties, possibly because more strongly convectively coupled waves propagate more slowly. The slower, more intense wave signals outside of the standard band would impact tangible weather signals and should not be ignored in operations. Instead, results support the view that disturbances labelled as Kelvin waves form a continuum with the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and suggest that the whole region of the spectrum from the broadly recognized Kelvin band to the MJO should be considered together.
Self‐catalyzed keto‐enol tautomerization of malonic acid
Authors: Sutton Catherine C. R. , Lim Chia‐Yang , da Silva Gabriel
Published: November 2019

We demonstrate through quantum chemical calculations that the keto‐enol tautomerization of malonic acid can be catalyzed by the two tautomers of malonic acid itself. This self‐catalyzed process proceeds with a relatively low barrier (Gibbs energy ca. 13 kcal/mol in gas phase, 20 kcal/mol in aqueous phase), and involves the concerted transfer of two protons between the substrate and the carboxylic acid functionality of the malonic acid catalyst. This mechanism is expected to compete with the proton relay mechanism currently favored to explain the tautomerization of malonic acid in aqueous media. Malonic acid is an important constituent of secondary organic aerosol where the present chemistry may play a role in determining chemical composition.
GitHub's milestone tool: A mixed‐methods analysis on its use
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Huaimin , Wu Yiwen , Hu Dongyang , Wang Tao
Published: November 2019

Social coding site GitHub provides developers with many management tools to facilitate project maintenance and developer collaboration.Milestonetool, in particular, plays an important role in organizing and tracking progress on groups of issues or pull requests in a project. However, few research has analyzed the milestone tool, even though it has been used in practice for a long time. In this paper, we want to address this literature gap and present an ongoing work aimed at investigating the use of the milestone tool in GitHub open‐source projects. We conduct a mixed‐methods analysis in a large‐scale dataset of GitHub projects, to help developers gain some insights into the milestone tool, including its usage, benefits, and limitations. We quantitatively investigate the basic adoption of milestone tool and its correlation with project properties. We also survey developers to understand the reasons for using milestone tool or not and their perceptions of the milestone tool. We find that certain types of projects use milestone tool more than others. Adopting the milestone tool is associated with more commits, more releases, and more project popularity, but the current milestone tool also has some limitations. These observations can then be forwarded to the GitHub community for follow‐up and can result in them potentially making a better milestone tool.
Densely Populated Single Atom Catalysts
Authors: Wu Jiabin , Xiong Liukang , Zhao Bote , Liu Meilin , Huang Liang
Published: November 2019

Developing highly efficient electrocatalysts with low cost is critical for the wide‐spread application of sustainable and renewable energy conversion technologies. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their high catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. However, the high surface energy of the single atoms often results in an extremely low loading of metal atom catalysts with limited mass activity. In this context, densely populated SACs are more promising for practical applications due to their high active surface area and mass activity. Herein, the recent research progress of high loading (≥5 wt%) SACs for different electrocatalytic applications is summarized. An overview of various synthesis and characterization strategies of SACs is presented in this review. The influence of appropriate substrates on the preparation of high metal loading SACs is also discussed. In addition, this review provides valuable insights into the current challenges and future opportunities in the field of single‐atom catalysts.
Hydrogenation Mechanisms of Poly‐Si/SiOx Passivating Contacts by Different Capping Layers
Authors: Truong Thien N. , Yan Di , Chen Wenhao , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Young Matthew , Al-Jassim Mowafak , Cuevas Andres , Macdonald Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: November 2019

Herein, posttreatment techniques of phosphorus‐doped poly‐Si/SiOx passivating contacts, including forming gas annealing (FGA), atomic layer deposition (ALD) of hydrogenated aluminum oxide (AlOx:H), and plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of hydrogenated silicon nitride (SiNx:H), are investigated and compared in terms of their application to silicon solar cells. A simple FGA posttreatment produces a significant increase in the implied open circuit voltage (iVoc) and the effective minority‐carrier lifetime (τeff) of high‐resistivity crystalline Si (c‐Si) samples, whereas low‐resistivity samples show a minimal change. Treatment by means of AlOx:H and/or SiNx:H followed by postdeposition FGA results in a universal increase in τeff and iVoc for all substrate resistivities (as high as 12.5 ms and 728 mV for 100 Ω cm and 5.4 ms and 727 mV for 2 Ω cm n‐type c‐Si substrates). In addition, both the FGA and AlOx:H + FGA techniques can inject sufficient hydrogen into the samples to passivate defects at the SiOx/c‐Si and poly‐Si/SiOx interfaces. However, this hydrogen concentration is insufficient to neutralize both the nonradiative defects inside the poly‐Si films and dangling bonds associated with the amorphous Si phase present in them. The hydrogen injected by the SiNx:H + FGA technique can passivate both the interfaces and the defects and dangling bonds within the poly‐Si film. These results are confirmed by low‐temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic secondary‐ion mass spectrometry measurements.
The QCD topological charge and its thermal dependence: the role of the η′
Authors: Nicola A. Gómez , de Elvira J. Ruiz , Vioque-Rodríguez A.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We analyze the contribution of the η′ (958) meson in the first two non-trivial moments of the QCD topological charge distribution, namely, the topological susceptibility and the fourth-order cumulant of the vacuum energy density. We perform our study within U(3) Chiral Perturbation Theory up to next-to-next-to-leading order in the combined chiral and large-Nc expansion. We also describe the temperature dependence of these two quantities and compare them with previous analyses in the literature. In particular, we discuss the validity of the thermal scaling of the topological susceptibility with the quark condensate, which is intimately connected with a Ward Identity relating both quantities. We also consider isospin breaking corrections from the vacuum misalignment at leading order in the U(3) framework.
Interaction induced quasi-particle spectrum in holography
Authors: Song Geunho , Seo Yunseok , Kim Keun-Young , Sin Sang-Jin
Published: November 2019

Abstract

It is often said that interactions destroy the particle nature of excitations. We report that, in holographic theory adding interaction term can create a new quasi particle spectrum, on the contrary. We show this by calculating the optical conductivity in a model with exact background solution and finding a new quasi-particle spectrum. Such new poles are consequence of some non-minimal interaction like Chern-Simon term. We also point out that the origin of the new peak in our example is the vortex formation by the anomalous magnetic moment induced by the interaction term.
The FASILA Score: A Novel Bio‐Clinical Score to Predict Massive Blood Transfusion in Patients with Abdominal Trauma
Authors: El‐Menyar Ayman , Abdelrahman Husham , Al‐Thani Hassan , Mekkodathil Ahammed , Singh Rajvir , Rizoli Sandro
Published: November 2019

Background

Early identification of patients who may need massive blood transfusion remains a major challenge in trauma care. This study proposed a novel and easy‐to‐calculate prediction score using clinical and point of care laboratory findings in patients with abdominal trauma (AT).

Methods

Patients with AT admitted to a trauma center in Qatar between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The FASILA score was proposed and calculated using focused assessment with sonography in trauma (0 = negative, 1 = positive), Shock Index (SI) (0 = 0.50–0.69, 1 = 0.70–0.79, 2 = 0.80–0.89, and 3 ≥ 0.90), and initial serum lactate (0 ≤ 2.0, 1 = 2.0–4.0, and 2 ≥ 4.0 mmol/l). Outcome variables included mortality, laparotomy, and massive blood transfusion (MT). FASILA was compared to other prediction scores using receiver operating characteristics and areas under the curves. Bootstrap procedure was employed for internal validation.

Results

In 1199 patients with a mean age of 31 ± 13.5 years, MT, MT protocol (MTP) activation, exploratory laparotomy (ExLap), and hospital mortality were related linearly with the FASILA score, Injury Severity Score, and total length of hospital stay. Initial hemoglobin, Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were inversely proportional. FASILA scores correlated significantly with the Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC) (r = 0.65), Revised Assessment of Bleeding and Transfusion (RABT) (r = 0.63), SI (r = 0.72), RTS (r = − 0.34), and Glasgow Coma Scale (r = − 0.32) and outperformed other predictive systems (RABT, ABC, and SI) in predicting MT, MTP, ExLap, and mortality.

Conclusions

The novel FASILA score performs well in patients with abdominal trauma and offers advantages over other scores.
Guideline-concordant chemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive and node-positive, early breast cancer leads to better overall and metastases-free survival with limited benefit in elderly patients
Authors: Taubenhansl Clara , Ortmann Olaf , Gerken Michael , Inwald Elisabeth C. , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The German guideline for breast cancer recommends using chemotherapy (CHT) in patients with hormone receptor-positive and node-positive, invasive breast cancer. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of CHT in this patient group on overall survival (OS) and distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), especially considering the 70-year threshold.

Methods

1772 patients from the clinical cancer registry Regensburg (Germany) with hormone receptor-positive and node-positive, invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 2003 and 2013 were analysed in a retrospective cohort study. OS and DMFS were evaluated by means of Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox-regression method. Results were further examined according to age at diagnosis.

Results

The comparison of 1544 patients with CHT to 228 patients without CHT showed a significant benefit for CHT regarding 5-year OS (91.3% vs. 76.8%) and 5-year DMFS (86.7% vs. 74.4%, both p < 0.001). Likewise, better OS and DMFS were seen in patients aged < 70 years using CHT compared to patients without CHT of the same age. Patients aged ≥ 70 years with CHT had a minimal benefit regarding 5-year OS compared to patients without CHT, but no advantage considering DMFS. All results were confirmed in multivariable analyses except for patients being ≥ 70 years of age.

Conclusion

Patients with hormone receptor-positive and node-positive, invasive breast cancer benefit from chemotherapy with regard to a significantly better overall and distant metastases-free survival, although chemotherapy use in patients aged ≥ 70 years results in a smaller benefit considering OS and no benefit considering DMFS.
Outcomes in diabetic macular edema switched directly or after a dexamethasone implant to a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant following anti-VEGF treatment
Authors: Rehak Matus , Busch Catharina , Unterlauft Jan-Darius , Jochmann Claudia , Wiedemann Peter
Published: November 2019

Aims

Fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) is an intravitreal corticosteroid implant approved for the second-line treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). This study compared outcomes of patients with DME switched directly to an FAc implant, versus indirectly via dexamethasone, after anti-VEGF therapy failure.

Methods

This is a retrospective, single-center chart review. Patients were assigned to Group A (switched to FAc after anti-VEGF) or Group B (switched to dexamethasone and then to FAc after > 4 months). Charts were reviewed for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract development.

Results

Forty-nine eyes were included. BCVA increased and CMT decreased with anti-VEGF (both groups), and dexamethasone (Group B only), but regressed after stopping treatment. With FAc, BCVA increased rapidly and significantly: increases were maintained up to 36 months (P < 0.001), except at 18 and 9 months in Groups A and B, respectively. Significant CMT reductions (P < 0.001) were evident after 3 months and maintained up to 36 months in both groups. IOP increase > 21 mmHg occurred in 14 patients (nine in Group A, five in Group B): all were sufficiently treated with IOP-lowering drops. Nineteen phakic eyes (73.1%) developed cataract: seven underwent phaco-emulsification (two in Group A, five in Group B).

Conclusions

Similar functional and anatomical improvements occurred in FAc-treated eyes, regardless of whether they first received dexamethasone or switched directly to FAc after anti-VEGF. Safety signals were consistent with corticosteroid class effects. Early switch to FAc could benefit patients who respond insufficiently to anti-VEGF.
Efficient materially nonlinear $$\mu$$FE solver for simulations of trabecular bone failure
Authors: Stipsitz Monika , Zysset Philippe K. , Pahr Dieter H.
Published: November 2019

An efficient solver for large-scale linear $$\mu \hbox {FE}$$μFE simulations was extended for nonlinear material behavior. The material model included damage-based tissue degradation and fracture. The new framework was applied to 20 trabecular biopsies with a mesh resolution of $${36}\,{{\upmu }\hbox {m}}$$36μm. Suitable material parameters were identified based on two biopsies by comparison with axial tension and compression experiments. The good parallel performance and low memory footprint of the solver were preserved. Excellent correlation of the maximum apparent stress was found between simulations and experiments ($$R^2 > 0.97$$R2>0.97). The development of local damage regions was observable due to the nonlinear nature of the simulations. A novel elasticity limit was proposed based on the local damage information. The elasticity limit was found to be lower than the 0.2% yield point. Systematic differences in the yield behavior of biopsies under apparent compression and tension loading were observed. This indicates that damage distributions could lead to more insight into the failure mechanisms of trabecular bone.
A step beyond landslide susceptibility maps: a simple method to investigate and explain the different outcomes obtained by different approaches
Authors: Xiao Ting , Segoni Samuele , Chen Lixia , Yin Kunlong , Casagli Nicola
Published: November 2019

Landslide susceptibility assessment is vital for landslide risk management and urban planning, and the scientific community is continuously proposing new approaches to map landslide susceptibility, especially by hybridizing state-of-the-art models and by proposing new ones. A common practice in landslide susceptibility studies is to compare (two or more) different models in terms of AUC (area under ROC curve) to assess which one has the best predictive performance. The objective of this paper is to show that the classical scheme of comparison between susceptibility models can be expanded and enriched with substantial geomorphological insights by focusing the comparison on the mapped susceptibility values and investigating the geomorphological reasons of the differences encountered. To this aim, we used four susceptibility maps of the Wanzhou County (China) obtained with four different classification methods (namely, random forest, index of entropy, frequency ratio, and certainty factor). A quantitative comparison of the susceptibility values was carried out on a pixel-by-pixel basis, to reveal systematic spatial patterns in the differences among susceptibility maps; then, those patterns were put in relation with all the explanatory variables used in the susceptibility assessments. The lithological and morphological features of the study area that are typically associated to underestimations and overestimations of susceptibility were identified. The results shed a new light on the susceptibility models, identifying systematic errors that could be probably associated either to shortcomings of the models or to distinctive morphological features of the test site, such as nearly flat low altitude areas near the main rivers, and some lithological units.
Low-frequency and broadband vibration energy harvester driven by mechanical impact based on layer-separated piezoelectric beam
Authors: Cao Dongxing , Xia Wei , Hu Wenhua
Published: November 2019

Vibration energy harvesting is to transform the ambient mechanical energy to electricity. How to reduce the resonance frequency and improve the conversion efficiency is very important. In this paper, a layer-separated piezoelectric cantilever beam is proposed for the vibration energy harvester (VEH) for low-frequency and wide-bandwidth operation, which can transform the mechanical impact energy to electric energy. First, the electromechanical coupling equation is obtained by the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Based on the average method, the approximate analytical solution is derived and the voltage response is obtained. Furthermore, the physical prototype is fabricated, and the vibration experiment is conducted to validate the theoretical principle. The experimental results show that the maximum power of 0.445 □W of the layer-separated VEH is about 3.11 times higher than that of the non-impact harvester when the excitation acceleration is 0.2 g. The operating frequency bandwidth can be widened by increasing the stiffness of the fundamental layer and decreasing the gap distance of the system. But the increasing of operating frequency bandwidth comes at the cost of reducing peak voltage. The theoretical simulation and the experimental results demonstrate good agreement which indicates that the proposed impact-driving VEH device has advantages for low-frequency and wide-bandwidth. The high performance provides great prospect to scavenge the vibration energy in environment.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Heat-Shock Protein 16.3 Induces Macrophage M2 Polarization Through CCRL2/CX3CR1
Authors: Zhang Yanhao , Li Shanshan , Liu Qianyi , Long Ruiying , Feng Jihong , Qin Huan , Li Mao , Liu Liping , Luo Junmin
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen of tuberculosis (TB), can survive in host macrophages and induce macrophages to M2 phenotype might result in latent MTB infection. During the latent phase, the expression of MTB heat-shock protein 16.3 (Hsp16.3) is markedly increased among most of bacterial proteins, but the role of Hsp16.3 in macrophage M2 polarization is not clear. In this work, we found that macrophages incubated with 100 ng/ml MTB Hsp16.3 increased the production of Arg-1, IL-10, TGF-beta, and CD206. These results showed that MTB Hsp16.3 may induce macrophage M2 phenotype. And the interaction of Hsp16.3 with macrophages was found to depend on chemokine receptors CCRL2 and CX3CR1. Additionally, we used overexpression and silencing techniques to further verify the effect of CCRL2 and CX3CR1 on MTB Hsp16.3-induced M2 polarization macrophages. Furthermore, we explored the downstream signaling molecules of CCRL2 and CX3CR1 and we found MTB Hsp16.3 altered the signal transduction of the AKT/ERK/p38-MAPK. Taken together, this study provides evidence that MTB Hsp16.3 promotes macrophages to M2 phenotype and explores its underlying mechanism.
Scheduling divisible loads with time and cost constraints
Authors: Drozdowski M. , Shakhlevich N. V.
Published: November 2019

In distributed computing, divisible load theory provides an important system model for allocation of data-intensive computations to processing units working in parallel. The main task is to define how a computation job should be split into parts, to which processors those parts should be allocated and in which sequence. The model is characterized by multiple parameters describing processor availability in time, transfer times of job parts to processors, their computation times and processor usage costs. The main criteria are usually the schedule length and cost minimization. In this paper, we provide the generalized formulation of the problem, combining key features of divisible load models studied in the literature, and prove its NP-hardness even for unrestricted processor availability windows. We formulate a linear program for the version of the problem with a fixed number of processors. For the case with an arbitrary number of processors, we close the gaps in the study of special cases, developing efficient algorithms for single criterion and bicriteria versions of the problem, when transfer times are negligible.
Quenched Normal Approximation for Random Sequences of Transformations
Authors: Hella Olli , Stenlund Mikko
Published: November 2019

We study random compositions of transformations having certain uniform fiberwise properties and prove bounds which in combination with other results yield a quenched central limit theorem equipped with a convergence rate, also in the multivariate case, assuming fiberwise centering. For the most part we work with non-stationary randomness and non-invariant, non-product measures. Independently, we believe our work sheds light on the mechanisms that make quenched central limit theorems work, by dissecting the problem into three separate parts.
Distribution of arsenic, silver, cadmium, lead and other trace elements in water, sediment and macrophytes in the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria: spatial, temporal and bioindicative aspects
Authors: Outa James Omondi , Kowenje Chrispin O. , Plessl Christof , Jirsa Franz
Published: November 2019

This is the first detailed report on the distribution of Ni, As, Sr and Ag in water, sediments and macrophytes from Lake Victoria, complemented with recent data on the heavy metals Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. The study was conducted over an 11-month period at five sites in the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria: four sites in the Winam Gulf influenced by various anthropogenic pressures including a site near Kisumu City, and one in the main lake, perceived to have lesser direct anthropogenic influence. Compared with the main lake site, the water in Winam Gulf had significantly higher values for electrical conductivity and concentrations of dissolved components: organic carbon and bound nitrogen, as well as major and most trace elements. This contamination is also evident in surface sediments, which contained significantly higher levels of Cr, Zn, As, Ag, Cd and Pb compared with the main lake site. The mean levels of Cr, Cu, Zn, Ag and Pb exceeded probable effect levels at least at one of the gulf sites. The sediments at the Kisumu City site were classified as severely polluted with Cu (up to 259 mg/kg dw) and Pb (up to 1188 mg/kg dw). The sediment cores showed significantly higher levels of Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd and Pb in the surface (0–3 cm) versus subsurface (22–25 cm) layer at the Kisumu City site, indicating increasing pollution by these elements within the last 15 years. This is also the first report on trace elements in the emergent water plant Vossia cuspidata and submerged plant Ceratophyllum demersum from this lake. Even though the accumulation of most elements is comparable between C. demersum (whole plant) and V. cuspidata roots, the latter shows a better bioindicative potential. Contamination of the gulf with Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd and Pb is well mirrored in V. cuspidata roots. V. cuspidata strongly restricts the acropetal transport of trace elements, and hence using the shoots as fodder does not pose a risk to livestock.
Preceding operational capabilities as antecedents for productivity and innovation performance
Authors: Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani , Rantala Tero , Nasiri Mina , Rantanen Hannu
Published: November 2019

This study focuses on the connections among operational capabilities, productivity, and innovation performance. Specifically, the study investigates whether preceding operational capabilities, particularly human, time management, and financing capabilities, affect total productivity, labor productivity, and innovation performance. Using data from 203 Finnish small- and medium-sized enterprises, this study shows that human and time management capabilities affect total productivity, whereas only human capabilities affect labor productivity. Both human and time management capabilities affect innovation performance. Hence, this study makes two main contributions to existing research on operational capabilities. As a first contribution, the study introduces three preceding operational capabilities—human, time management, and financing capabilities—as crucial elements to realize operational resources and practices, on one hand, and to establish operational capabilities, on the other hand. As a second contribution, this research adds to the literature a comprehensive investigation of the links of preceding operational capabilities with productivity (i.e., total productivity and labor productivity) and innovation performance.
Struggling for Recognition? Strategic Disrespect in China’s Pursuit of Soft Power
Authors: Aukia Jukka
Published: November 2019

This paper addresses the Chinese policy community’s interpretations of identities, which potentially shape the soft power policies of China. It couples soft power to identity through a discourse analysis of the language used by the Chinese state in relation to soft power. It builds on a number of earlier theorizations that associate soft power with identity as a discursive phenomenon. The results highlight the use of strategic disrespect in China’s soft power discourse. In the context of global cultural competition, and in particular the South-South cooperation framework, it is argued that the practitioners of the Chinese discourse present China’s ‘Self’ as a soft power and the Western ‘Other’ as a hard power.
Gathering Expert Opinions for Social Robots’ Ethical, Legal, and Societal Concerns: Findings from Four International Workshops
Authors: Fosch-Villaronga Eduard , Lutz Christoph , Tamò-Larrieux Aurelia
Published: November 2019

Social robots, those that exhibit personality and communicate with us using high-level dialogue and natural cues, will soon be part of our daily lives. In this paper, we gather expert opinions from different international workshops exploring ethical, legal, and social (ELS) concerns associated with social robots. In contrast to literature that looks at specific challenges, often from a certain disciplinary angle, our contribution to the literature provides an overview of the ELS discussions in a holistic fashion, shaped by active deliberation with a multitude of experts across four workshops held between 2015 and 2017 held in major international workshops (ERF, NewFriends, JSAI-isAI). It also explores pathways to address the identified challenges. Our contribution is in line with the latest European robot regulatory initiatives but covers an area of research that the latest AI and robot governance strategies have scarcely covered. Specifically, we highlight challenges to the use of social robots from a user perspective, including issues such as privacy, autonomy, and the dehumanization of interactions; or from a worker perspective, including issues such as the possible replacement of jobs through robots. The paper also compiles the recommendations to these ELS issues the experts deem appropriate to mitigate compounding risks. By then contrasting these challenges and solutions with recent AI and robot regulatory strategies, we hope to inform the policy debate and set the scene for further research.
Marine nature conservation and conflicts with fisheries
Authors: Grip Kjell , Blomqvist Sven
Published: November 2019

Globally, conflicts between marine nature conservation and fishery interests are common and increasing, and there is often a glaring lack of dialogue between stakeholders representing these two interests. There is a need for a stronger and enforced coordination between fishing and conservation authorities when establishing marine protected areas for conservation purposes. We propose that an appropriate instrument for such coordination is a broad ecosystem-based marine spatial planning procedure, representing neither nature conservation nor fishery. Strategic environmental assessment for plans and programmes and environmental impact assessment for projects are commonly used tools for assessing the environmental impacts of different human activities, but are seldom used for evaluating the environmental effects of capture fisheries. The diversity of fisheries and the drastic effects of some fisheries on the environment are strong arguments for introducing these procedures as valuable supplements to existing fisheries assessment and management tools and able to provide relevant environmental information for an overall marine spatial planning process. Marine protected areas for nature conservation and for protection of fisheries have different objectives. Therefore, the legal procedure when establishing marine protected areas should depend on whether they are established for nature conservation purposes or as a fisheries resource management tool. Fishing in a marine protected area for conservation purpose should be regulated according to conservation law. Also, we argue that marine protected areas for conservation purposes, in the highest protection category, should primarily be established as fully protected marine national parks and marine reserves.
Exact analysis of summary statistics for continuous-time discrete-state Markov processes on networks using graph-automorphism lumping
Authors: Ward Jonathan A. , López-García Martín
Published: November 2019

We propose a unified framework to represent a wide range of continuous-time discrete-state Markov processes on networks, and show how many network dynamics models in the literature can be represented in this unified framework. We show how a particular sub-set of these models, referred to here as single-vertex-transition (SVT) processes, lead to the analysis of quasi-birth-and-death (QBD) processes in the theory of continuous-time Markov chains. We illustrate how to analyse a number of summary statistics for these processes, such as absorption probabilities and first-passage times. We extend the graph-automorphism lumping approach [Kiss, Miller, Simon, Mathematics of Epidemics on Networks, 2017; Simon, Taylor, Kiss, J. Math. Bio. 62(4), 2011], by providing a matrix-oriented representation of this technique, and show how it can be applied to a very wide range of dynamical processes on networks. This approach can be used not only to solve the master equation of the system, but also to analyse the summary statistics of interest. We also show the interplay between the graph-automorphism lumping approach and the QBD structures when dealing with SVT processes. Finally, we illustrate our theoretical results with examples from the areas of opinion dynamics and mathematical epidemiology.
Clinical meaningfulness of subtle cognitive decline on longitudinal testing in preclinical AD
Authors: Papp Kathryn V. , Buckley Rachel , Mormino Elizabeth , Maruff Paul , Villemagne Victor L. , Masters Colin L. , Johnson Keith A. , Rentz Dorene M. , Sperling Reisa A. , Amariglio Rebecca E. ,   on behalf of Collaborators from the Harvard Aging Brain Study, the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Study of Aging
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Demonstrating the “clinical meaningfulness” of slowing early cognitive decline in clinically normal (CN) older adults with elevated amyloid‐β (Aβ+) is critical for Alzheimer's disease secondary prevention trials and for understanding early cognitive progression.

Methods

Cox regression analyses were used to determine whether 3‐year slopes on the preclinical Alzheimer's cognitive composite predicted MCI diagnosis and global Clinical Dementia Rating>0 in 267 Aβ+ CN individuals participating in the Harvard Aging Brain Study, Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Study, and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Results

Steeper preclinical Alzheimer's cognitive composite decline over 3 years was associated with increased risk for MCI diagnosis and global Clinical Dementia Rating>0 in the following years across all cohorts. Hazard ratios using meta‐analytic estimates were 5.47 (95% CI: 3.25–9.18) for MCI diagnosis and 4.49 (95% CI: 2.84–7.09) for Clinical Dementia Rating>0 in those with subtle decline (>−.14 to −.26 preclinical Alzheimer's cognitive composite standard deviations/year) on longitudinal cognitive testing.

Discussion

Early “subtle cognitive decline” among Aβ+ CN on a sensitive cognitive composite demonstrably increases risk for imminent clinical disease progression and functional impairment.
SiC nanowire-based SU-8 with enhanced mechanical properties for MEMS structural layer design
Authors: Yang Yu , Lai Liyan , Ding Guifu , Chen Ting
Published: November 2019

In addition to being used for pattern transfer, the negative photoresist SU-8 is widely used as a structural material in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Due to its good photopatternability, SU-8 has lower manufacturing costs than many other materials, but its mechanical properties are relatively weak to some extent, which limits its performance. The mechanical properties of epoxy-like SU-8 can be enhanced by adding micro- or nano-fillers such as carbon nanotube, clay, and SiC nanowire, which have superior elastic modulus. In this study, SiC nanowires were used to improve the mechanical properties of SU-8 while the SU-8 retains its photopatternability. The SiC nanowires were uniformly dispersed in SU-8 by stirring and ultrasonication. SU-8 materials with different SiC nanowire contents were fabricated into dog bone samples by lithography. The elastic modulus, storage modulus, and damping factor of the samples were measured by the Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) Q800. The experiment result shows that the rigidity and toughness increased, and the damping reduced. The 2 wt% SiC nanowires-reinforced SU-8 had a 73.88% increase in elastic modulus and a 103.4% increase in elongation at break. Furthermore, a spring component made by SiC-doped SU-8 could withstand greater acceleration. The SiC nanowires-reinforced SU-8 has the potential to meet higher requirements in the design and manufacture of MEMS and greatly reduce the manufacturing costs of MEMS devices.
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia: Research consortia that focus on etiology and treatable targets to lessen the burden of dementia worldwide
Authors: Gladman Jordan T. , Corriveau Roderick A. , Debette Stephanie , Dichgans Martin , Greenberg Steven M. , Sachdev Perminder S. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Biessels Geert Jan
Published: November 2019

The research into vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) aims to understand the importance of cerebrovascular biology in cognitive decline. Prevention and treatment of VCID is poised to have major impact on dementia‐related disease burden and is thus a critical emerging objective in dementia research. This article presents VCID consortia focused on multidisciplinary approaches to identify key pathologic targets and develop diagnostic tools with the goal of bridging the divide between basic research and clinical trials. Members of these multi‐institute, multidisciplinary consortia provide a prospective on the history and emerging science of VCID and how VCID consortia can address some of the more complex questions in VCID and drive the field forward. These consortia, and others like them, are uniquely suited to tackle some of the most difficult obstacles in translating research to the clinic.
Saving the Soul of Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici: Function and Design in the Old Sacristy of San Lorenzo
Authors: Davies Paul
Published: November 2019

Using Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici's mausoleum in San Lorenzo in Florence as a case study, this article asks why high-ranking members of Florentine society increasingly opted for burial in a sacristy in the years afterc. 1350. Countering the argument that the attraction for patrons was primarily one of size, it argues that sacristies were seen as ideal burial places in which to convey the souls of the departed through purgatory, since they were both repositories for collections of saints’ relics that might intercede on the deceased's behalf and the busiest spaces in a church, where priests would have had innumerable opportunities to offer prayers for them. In discussing this choice, the article considers Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici's anxiety for the health of his soul and why he took the highly unconventional step of establishing two chapels in San Lorenzo to care for it; and it goes on to consider how the design of the so-called Old Sacristy was conceived to assist. In doing so, it offers a range of new documentary evidence regarding the early usage of the space, and it concludes with observations about the strategies employed by patrons in the siting of their tombs so as to maximise the care for their souls.
New candidate radio supernova remnants detected in the GLEAM survey over 345° <l< 60°, 180° <l< 240°
Authors: Hurley-Walker N. , Filipović M. D. , Gaensler B. M. , Leahy D. A. , Hancock P. J. , Franzen T. M. O. , Offringa A. R. , Callingham J. R. , Hindson L. , Wu C. , Bell M. E. , For B.-Q. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Kapińska A. D. , Morgan J. , Murphy T. , McKinley B. , Procopio P. , Staveley-Smith L. , Wayth R. B. , Zheng Q.
Published: November 2019

We have detected 27 new supernova remnants (SNRs) using a new data release of the GLEAM survey from the Murchison Widefield Array telescope, including the lowest surface brightness SNR ever detected, G 0.1 – 9.7. Our method uses spectral fitting to the radio continuum to derive spectral indices for 26/27 candidates, and our low-frequency observations probe a steeper spectrum population than previously discovered. None of the candidates have coincidentWISEmid-IR emission, further showing that the emission is non-thermal. Using pulsar associations we derive physical properties for six candidate SNRs, finding G 0.1 – 9.7 may be younger than 10 kyr. Sixty per cent of the candidates subtend areas larger than 0.2 deg2on the sky, compared to < 25% of previously detected SNRs. We also make the first detection of two SNRs in the Galactic longitude range 220°–240°.
Evaluation of automatic milking system variables in dairy cows with different levels of lactation stage and reproduction status
Authors: Juozaitiene Vida , Juozaitis Arunas , Zymantiene Judita , Spancerniene Ugne , Antanaitis Ramunas , Zilaitis Vytuolis , Tusas Saulius , Yilmaz Ayhan
Published: November 2019

In this study, we hypothesized that differences of automatic milking systems (AMS) variables in dairy cows during estrus and through diverse stages of lactation can be suggested as alternative indicators to support the pregnancy in dairy farms using automatic milking systems. The key objectives were: (1) to determine the variation of automatic milking system indicators during lactation and to estimate the relationship with reproduction status in dairy cows; (2) to test the hypothesis that milking traits of cows can be influenced by estrus and conceiving, and can be used as a predictor of the likelihood of reproductive success in dairy herds. Estrus synchronization was performed in 368 healthy Lithuanian Black and White cows. All cows (n = 368) were synchronized and inseminated for the first time on the 91st day in milk (DIM). Cows not pregnant (17.39%) were synchronized and inseminated again at 132 DIM. After the first insemination pregnant (n = 304) cows were identified as group 1, after the second insemination pregnant (n = 58) cows – as group 2. Overall, 12 01 713 records of udder quarters in cows from 5 to 305 DIM were evaluated. The results revealed the reduction in milk yield during estrus 11.05% on 91 DIM and 13.89% on 132 DIM (P < 0.001) and an increment in milk flow traits in cows after 91 DIM (P < 0.05), also a slight decline in milk flow traits on 132 DIM. Furthermore, milking frequency (MF) of cows decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after conceiving. The interval between milkings (MI) increased (40.30%) during estrus of cows in group 1 (P < 0.001), and thereafter gradually increased, however in group 2 there was a temporary increment (6.06%) on the 91 DIM and steady rise (42.13%) on 132 DIM was noticed. The results highlight that changes in AMS indicators of cows may be considered as an additional tool for improvement of reproductive management in dairy herds, but further research-based studies are necessary before practical application.