bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reliability Evaluation Method for System's Dependent Competition Failure and Multi-Parameter Degradation Failure
Authors: Hu Qiguo , Gao Zhan
Published: February 2020

In order to enhance the reliability of a system that has dependent competition failure, a reliability evaluation method is proposed to evaluate the dependent competition failure and multi-parameter degradation failure. The multi-parameter degradation failure process is described with the Wiener stochastic process and the inverse Gaussian stochastic process. The Copula function is used to model the system's multi-degradation failure process. The two-stage maximum likelihood method is used to estimate the degradation failure parameters. The conditional probability of dependent competition failure in terms of degradation degree is established. The Bayes-Bootstrap method is utilized to correct the dependent competition failure parameters obtained with the maximum likelihood method and to further establish the system's dependent competition failure model. The degradation data of an aero-engine is used as an example to analyze the reliability under competition between dependent competition failure and multi-parameter degradation failure. The analysis results can effectively demonstrate the reliability of an aero-engine's performance and verify the validity of the model, thus having good engineering application values.
Fully Connected Clustering Based Software Defined Control System and Node Failure Analysis
Authors: Ji Xiaoxiang , Li Jianghong , Ren Jiao , Wu Yafeng , Wang Ke
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a Software Defined Control System (SDCS), which is a fully distributed controller scheme based on a fully connected cluster. The characteristic of SDCS is that the control task is virtualized into multiple Virtual Control Tasks (VCTs) and distributed on nodes with capabilities of computing and memory in the wireless network, there is no core node in the control system. The topologies of the wireless networks are inherently unstable, through constructing a Set of Migratable Nodes (SMN), a dynamic mapping relationship between VCTs and nodes to cope with the impact of potential network node failures on the function and performance of the control system is established. By equating the mapping relationship adjustment process to an external square wave pulse disturbance, the stability of the system under changing the mapping relationship is analyzed. In the scheme, the wireless network itself acts as a dynamic distributed controller, instead of using a particular core node to execute the control task, the distributed design of the controller and the dynamic mapping relationship above enhance the flexibility and the reliability of the control system. The digital simulation analysis is carried out in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, the results demonstrate the availability and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Study on Walking Strategy of Biped Robot Based on Dynamics of Divergent Component of Motion
Authors: Dong Sheng , Yuan Zhaohui , Zhang Jianrui , Ma Shangjun
Published: February 2020

In this paper, based on the linear inverted pendulum (LIP) model, the multi-walking of biped robot is analogous to the multi-swing of a three-dimensional inverted pendulum. In terms of the concept of 'divergent component of motion (DCM)', the dynamic equations expressed by using Center of Mass (COM) and DCM are studied. Two DCM closed-loop controllers are designed:one-step DCM terminal invariant disturbance rejection controller and real-time DCM trajectory tracking closed-loop controller. Both controllers can effectively suppress the disturbance, so that the DCM of the actual robot does not diverge, and which is used to plan the COM trajectory of the biped walking process. Based on the COM trajectory and biped end trajectory, the numerical method for solving inverse kinematics of biped robot is studied. The whole set of solving problems from input footprint to output joint angle in biped walking process is completed, and systematize the method of biped gait planning. Finally, combining with a ubiquitous robot model, all the algorithms in this paper are simulated via MATLAB platform. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the method.
PowerSpiral-Enteroskopie
Authors: Schneider Markus , Beyna Torsten , Neuhaus Horst
Published: February 2020

Untersuchungen des Dünndarms stellen die Untersucher stets vor eine Herausforderung, da diese komplex und zeitintensiv sind. Die neue Technologie der PowerSpiral-Enteroskopie (PSE) bietet alle Vorteile der klassischen Spiralenteroskopie und verspricht gegenüber den herkömmlichen Enteroskopieverfahren eine kürzere Behandlungsdauer bei größerer Eindringtiefe.
Herstellervergleich Reinigungs-/Desinfektionsgeräte (RDG-E) 2018/2019
Authors: Dreck Markus , Hofer Christine , Labonte Petra , Heil Franz-Josef , Beyer Albert ,   Fachgruppe Hygiene im bng e. V.
Published: February 2020

Der Bund Niedergelassener Gastroenterologen (bng) erhält regelmäßig Anfragen von Mitgliedern, die die Anschaffung eines Reinigungs-/Desinfektionsgerätes für flexible Endoskope (RDG-E) betreffen.

Nicht nur die Normkonformität der entsprechenden Hersteller ist immer wieder relevant, auch Themen der unterschiedlichen Installationsvoraussetzungen, des Platzbedarfs oder der zu verwendenden Chemie oder der Validierung sind sehr häufig Gegenstand dieser Anfragen.

Aus diesem Grund hat sich der bng entschlossen, die einzelnen Fakten zu den verschiedenen Modellen der unterschiedlichen RDG-E-Hersteller zusammenzutragen. Hierzu wurden die einzelnen Hersteller angeschrieben und gebeten, die vom bng abgefragten Informationen entsprechend bereitzustellen.

Auf diese Weise entstand einerseits eine äußerst umfangreiche Vergleichstabelle, die im internen Bereich der bng-Website von den bng-Mitgliedern eingesehen werden kann. Andererseits hat der bng aus dieser sehr umfangreichen Tabelle eine Zusammenfassung erstellt, die in diesem Artikel wiedergegeben wird.

Der Artikel liefert sowohl Informationen zum Platzbedarf der RDG-E als auch zu den Installationsvoraussetzungen, zur Einzelkanalkontrolle als auch zum Zubehör für die Geräte, z. B. Körbe.

Für welches RDG-E sich ein Praxisinhaber entscheidet, hängt von vielen Umständen ab, die nur der jeweilige Käufer kennt. Diese sollten mit den Repräsentanten der unterschiedlichen Hersteller erläutert werden, um dann die individuell richtige Entscheidung treffen zu können.

Sowohl die Tabelle auf der bng-Website als auch diese Zusammenfassung dient lediglich zur besseren Orientierung.
Shuntflussmessungen bei Hämodialysepatienten
Authors: Haag Stefanie
Published: February 2020

Die arteriovenöse Fistel (Shunt) gilt derzeit als Goldstandard für einen Hämodialysezugang. Diesen Zugang gilt es zu pflegen. Messungen des Shuntflusses dienen zur Erkennung von Shuntthrombosen, zur Vermeidung von Shuntverschlüssen und Senkung der Hospitalisierungsrate. Des Weiteren kann durch ein hohes Shuntvolumen eine kardiale Belastung entstehen, die im Verlauf zu einer Herzinsuffizienz führt. Dieser Artikel fasst die derzeit gebräuchlichen Methoden zur Messung des Shuntflusses zusammen, zeigt die Vor- und Nachteile der einzelnen Verfahren auf und gibt einen Überblick über die derzeitigen Empfehlungen zur Überwachung eines Hämodialyseshunts.
Treatment-failure to direct antiviral HCV regimens in real world: frequency, patient characteristics and rescue therapy – data from the German hepatitis C registry (DHC-R)
Authors: Schmitt Annika , Günther Rainer , Mauss Stefan , Boeker Klaus H. W. , Buggisch Peter , Hillenbrand Heribert , John Christine , Klinker Hartwig , Pathil Anita , Simon Karl-Georg , Serfert Yvonne , Niederau Claus , Vermehren Johannes , Wedemeyer Heiner , Sarrazin Christoph
Published: February 2020

Background Virologic failure to approved combinations of direct antiviral agents (DAA) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is rare. Mostly it involves difficult to treat patients with advanced liver disease and prior interferon-experience. Before approval of VOX/VEL/SOF, a restricted number of patients received rescue treatment, and the choice of DAA combinations for re-treatment were selected on an individual basis. In the present analysis, patient characteristics and rescue-regimens after virologic failure mainly based on first generation DAAs are described.

Patients and methods Data were obtained from the German Hepatitis C-Registry (DHC-R), which is a national multicenter real-world cohort currently including about 16 500 patients recruited by more than 250 centers. The present analysis is based on 6683 patients who initiated a DAA therapy and for whom follow-up data (per-protocol analysis) were available.

Results Among the patients, 188 (2.8 %) experienced a virologic relapse. Compared to SVR-patients, relapse patients were significantly more often male (77.7 % versus 56.9 %, respectively, p < 0.001), showed cirrhosis significantly more (48.4 % versus 28.1 %, respectively, p < 0.001) and a prior interferon-containing therapy (46.3 % versus 39.0 %, respectively, p = 0.049). The majority of patients who relapsed were infected with genotype 1 (47.4 %) followed by genotype 3 (29.8 %), and 95 relapse patients started DAA re-treatment. Characteristics of patients with rescue-treatment are similar to these of patients with relapse after initial DAA treatment. Thirty-one of 39 patients with complete follow-up data achieved SVR (79.5 %), and 8 patients had a relapse again (20.5 %). Patients who received rescue treatment including a new DAA class according to guidelines, except patients who received VOX/VEL/SOF, showed higher SVR rates than the entire group (21/25, 84 %). All patients who received VOX/VEL/SOF achieved SVR (n = 4, 100 %).

Conclusions Patients with failure with DAA combination therapies are a difficult but urgent to treat population with the frequent presence of cirrhosis and prior treatment failure with interferon-based therapies. Rescue therapy with inclusion of a new DAA class leads to high SVR rates, but multiple targeted therapy with VOX/VEL/SOF seems to be most effective.
Gesundheit beginnt im Darm
Authors: Tast Christa
Published: February 2020

Das gastrointestinale System ist Sinnesorgan, Hormonquelle, Blutspeicher, Immunpolizist und Ernährungsorgan. Es hat einen wesentlichen Anteil an der Funktion anderer Körpersysteme wie z. B. Herz, Kreislauf, Abwehrsystem, Wasserhaushalt und Nervensystem. Auch Übergewicht, Depressionen und Allergien können u. a. mit einem gestörten Gleichgewicht der Darmflora zusammenhängen. Der Darm von Dialysepatienten ist im Besonderen belastet und gefährdet durch die hohe Medikamentenlast, den starken Wasserentzug und Elektrolytverschiebungen während einer Dialyse. Hypokaliämien führen z. B. zu einer reduzierten neuromuskulären Erregbarkeit und daraus kann auch eine Obstipation durch die Lähmung der glatten Muskulatur resultieren. Kaum ein Dialysepatient hat keine Beschwerden mit der Verdauung. Blähungen durch Fäulnis und Gärung, Verstopfung oder Durchfall, Bauchschmerzen, Übelkeit und Appetitlosigkeit, Geschmacksstörungen, Gewichtsverlust oder Übergewicht sind sehr häufig. Mit diesem Beitrag soll dieses hochkomplexe Organ, der Darm, in den Fokus der pflegerischen Aufmerksamkeit gelangen. Pflegekräfte sind häufig durch ihren intensiven Patientenkontakt die ersten Ansprechpartner für die Patienten mit diesen unangenehmen Begleitsymptomen. Viele Darmprobleme können vermieden werden durch gute Beratung, richtige Ernährung und das Wissen über die komplexen Zusammenhänge.
Potential Beneficial Effects of Digitaria ciliaris Flower Absolute on the Wound Healing-Linked Activities of Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes
Authors: Park Soo Min , Won Kyung Jong , Hwang Dae Il , Kim Do Yoon , Kim Ha Bin , Li Yali , Lee Hwan Myung
Published: February 2020

Digitaria ciliaris is widely reported to be a problematic weed in agricultural areas and is mainly used as an indicator plant for the development of herbicides. However, its bioactivities on skin regeneration and wound healing have not been investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of D. ciliaris flower absolute on skin wound healing and skin regeneration-related events, that is, proliferation, migration, and collagen biosynthesis, in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. For this study, we extracted absolute from the D. ciliaris flower by solvent extraction and identified the composition of D. ciliaris flower absolute using GC/MS analysis. We also tested the effect of D. ciliaris flower absolute in CCD986sk fibroblasts and/or HaCaT keratinocytes using the WST assay and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, Boyden chamber assay, ELISA, sprouting assay, and immunoblotting. GC/MS analysis of D. ciliaris flower absolute revealed that it contained 15 compounds. The absolute increased the proliferations of keratinocytes and fibroblasts and the migration of fibroblasts but did not affect cell viabilities. In addition, it enhanced the syntheses of type I and IV collagen in fibroblasts, but not in keratinocytes. The sprouting assay showed increased sprout outgrowth of fibroblasts. In addition, D. ciliaris flower absolute induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in fibroblasts. These results indicate that D. ciliaris flower absolute may promote skin wound healing/regeneration by inducing the proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts, as well as the proliferation of keratinocytes. Therefore, D. ciliaris flower absolute may be a potential natural source for cosmetic or pharmaceutical agents that promote skin wound healing/regeneration.
Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury in the Elderly and Treatment-Related Mortality – Anterior or Posterior Approach
Authors: Kiskämper Anna , Meyer Carolin , Müller Lars , Eysel Peer , Christ Hildegard , Stein Gregor
Published: February 2020

Background Subaxial cervical spine injury especially in the elderly can be associated to severe complications and disability. Until today there is no consensus concerning the best operative treatment. A potential superiority of anterior or posterior fixation is the subject of controversial discussions.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of anterior and posterior fixation after subaxial cervical spine trauma in the elderly focussing on the postoperative mortality.

Material and Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was performed to analyse the data of 43 patients. Especially mortality data were collected.

Results A total of 43 patients was identified. Anterior fixation was performed in 21 patients, posterior fixation was performed in 22 patients. There were no significant differences between these groups. Although statistical significance was not reached, a slightly higher mortality was found among patients undergoing anterior fixation (52,4 vs. 31,8%). Furthermore the male sex, a higher age, translation injuries, long duration of operation and hospitalisation as well as postoperative complications were slightly associated to a higher mortality.

Conclusions Subaxial cervical spine trauma is associated to a high mortality in the elderly. Although neither anterior nor posterior fixation could show a significant superiority, every surgical decision making should be performed individually for each patient balancing the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Antenatal Screening for Group B Streptococcus in the Setting of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes: Empiric versus Culture-based Prophylaxis
Authors: Mithal Leena B. , Shah Nirali , Romanova Anna , Miller Emily S.
Published: February 2020

Objective Imperfect culture sensitivity and increase of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) risk in preterm neonates raise concern that culture-based intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) may be insufficient after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Our objective was to compare rates of EONS after empiric versus culture-based IAP in PPROM.

Study Design This retrospective cohort study included women with a singleton gestation and PPROM between 23 and 33 weeks. Outcomes after culture-based IAP were compared with empiric IAP. The primary outcome was EONS. Secondary outcomes included group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteremia, bacteremia, and neonatal GBS infection. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed.

Results Of the 270 women who met inclusion criteria, 136 (50%) had culture-based IAP of whom 36 (26.5%) were GBS positive. There was no significant difference in bacteremia (2.2 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.30), GBS infection (0.8 vs. 0.7%, p = 1.00), or EONS (11.8 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.82) in infants of women with culture-based IAP compared with empiric IAP. Multivariable analysis confirmed a lack of advantage to empiric versus culture-based IAP in EONS risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–1.93).

Conclusion In pregnancies complicated by PPROM, infants of women who received culture-based IAP had no significant difference in EONS or GBS infection compared with infants of women with empiric IAP.
Axenfeld-Rieger Anomaly and Neuropsychiatric Problems—More than Meets the Eye
Authors: Saffari Afshin , Ziegler Andreas , Merkenschlager Andreas , Krüger Stefan , Kölker Stefan , Hoffmann Georg Friedrich , Syrbe Steffen
Published: February 2020

Objective The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate the co-occurrence of Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly and neuropsychiatric problems as clinical signs of genetically determined cerebral small vessel disease in two patients.

Case Study We report on two adolescent individuals with ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly) presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Both patients underwent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showing white matter T2-hyperintensities involving different brain regions, suspective of cerebral small vessel disease. Genetic analysis revealed pathogenic mutations in the FOXC1 gene (patient 1) and the COL4A1 gene (patient 2), respectively.

Conclusion We report on the co-occurrence of ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly) and neuropsychiatric symptoms as clinical signs of genetically determined cerebral small vessel disease in two patients. In both patients, the cerebral lesions involved the frontotemporal regions, brain regions that control social behavior as well as executive and cognitive function, highlighting the fact that neuropsychiatric symptoms may be early clinical presentations of cerebral small vessel disease. We further provide a review of monogenic causes of pediatric cerebral small vessel disease, emphasizing the links to childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disease.
Novel Method of Cervicoplasty Using Autologous Peritoneum for Cervicovaginal Atresia
Authors: Fujino Kazunari , Ikemoto Yuko , Kitade Mari , Takeda Satoru
Published: February 2020

Cervicovaginal atresia with a functional uterus is rare. There are no established surgical methods to treat this condition, and only a few reports have been published on surgical techniques. Furthermore, postoperative complications, such as restenosis, often require reoperation. A 19-year-old woman was pointed out cervical hypoplasia and referred to our hospital for further examination and treatment. A pelvic examination revealed that the vagina had a slight recession with a blind end. Transrectal ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed congenital vaginal agenesis and cervical hypoplasia. Elective surgery was performed after reshaping the vagina. A radical surgery was performed 10 months later after sufficient self-dilation by using Frank's technique in an outpatient setting. At first, we approached by laparoscopically to correct autologous peritoneum and to bladder detach, then the cervical canal was identified. Next, a skin biopsy punch was used several times to hollow out the cervical tissue to shape and expand the cervical canal. A catheter was then placed in the uterus and autologous peritoneum was wrapped around it and fixed to the cervical canal. The catheter was removed 6 weeks postoperatively, and the patient continued dilating her vagina until she was able to have sexual intercourse, and then stopped the self-dilation. Eight months postoperatively, the patient did not report any menstrual irregularities. It is important to make corrections to prevent restenosis of the vagina and cervical canal and prevent the symptoms from recurring. Make use of autologous peritoneum as graft onto the cervical canal is effective method for the treatment of cervicovaginal atresia.
Dependence of the noise of an orthogonal fluxgate on the composition of its amorphous wire-core
Authors: Butta M. , Vazquez M. , Perez del Real R. , Calle E.
Published: February 2020

In this paper we study the effect of magnetostriction of Co-rich amorphous microwire to the noise of the orthogonal fluxgates based on such wires. The magnetostriction was modified by changing the relative amount of iron x with the respect of the total amount of cobalt and iron in the alloy. Specifically we changed x in the composition (Co1−xFex)75Si15B10 casting wires with the following values of x: 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.062, 0.065, 0.07 and 0.08. We found out that the noise indeed depends on the composition of the wire: while it is minimum (2.5 pT/Hz) for x between 0.06 and 0.062 where the magnetostriction is vanishing (λs ≈ 10−7) it significantly increases to tens of pT/Hz for both positive and negative magnetostriction when λs becomes one order of magnitude bigger. We verified that once the composition returns a magnetostriction low enough (around x = 0.06) then the noise does not depend on mechanical stress anymore. In fact the noise of a sensor with x = 0.06 is the identical in its natural curved state and when bended straight; for vanishing magnetostriction the bending does not affect at all the noise, as on the contrary it happens with larger magnetostriction. This suggests that once the wire has composition with x = 0.06 the remaining noise is not caused by mechanical stress. Finally we show how to overcome the problem of offset arising after annealing if continuous annealing current is used. We explain how this could be due by the fact that magnetostriction changes with temperature and even a wire with vanishing magnetostriction at room temperature can became significantly magnetostrictive at annealing temperature. For this reason we propose a method of annealing consisting rising the temperature of the wire while the wire is kept in its natural curved state. In this way no mechanical stress is applied to the wire during the annealing process, when the temperature is high enough to make it magnetostrictive even if it is non-magnetostrictive at room temperature. We show how this method suppresses the offset and significantly reduces the noise.
Recent progress in aerodynamic modeling methods for flapping flight
Authors: Xuan Haibin , Hu Jun , Yu Yong , Zhang Jiaolong
Published: February 2020

The special aerodynamic characteristics of insects have attracted the interest of biologists and engineers. In this paper, aerodynamic modeling methods for flapping flight are systematically reviewed in detail, especially those methods developed in the past ten years. The differences among kinds of methods, the development of each type of methods, and their applications for different flight conditions are discussed in detail. First, steady-state and several representative models are presented. The applicability of this simple model decreases when it is applied to predict the loads on small insects. Next, this paper provides a detailed description of quasi-steady (QS) models and divides these models into three groups: Osborne, Walker, and Dickinson models. Osborne models are suitable for cases with a low flight speed and flapping amplitude. Walker and Dickinson models rely on experimental and numerical data to improve the QS models for predicting nonlinear aerodynamic forces. The total forces in Walker models are divided into circulatory and non-circulatory parts. Dickinson models are established according to different high-lift mechanisms. A representative Dickinson model consists of translational, rotational, added-mass, and wake-capture components. These models provide reasonable predictions, except that their accuracy depends on empirical constants. Finally, unsteady models based on the traditional theory are examined, and several representative models are addressed. The assumption of Kutta–Joukowski conditions may not be suitable for high stroke amplitudes and flapping frequencies. Further challenges to improve aerodynamic modeling methods are mainly due to the present limited understanding of the flow complexities of various insects at low Reynold numbers.
Recurrent neural networks made of magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Zheng Qi , Zhu Xiaorui , Mi Yuanyuan , Yuan Zhe , Xia Ke
Published: February 2020

Artificial intelligence based on artificial neural networks, which are originally inspired by the biological architectures of the human brain, has mostly been realized using software but executed on conventional von Neumann computers, where the so-called von Neumann bottleneck essentially limits the executive efficiency due to the separate computing and storage units. Therefore, a suitable hardware platform that can exploit all the advantages of brain-inspired computing is highly desirable. Based upon micromagnetic simulation of the magnetization dynamics, we demonstrate theoretically and numerically that recurrent neural networks consisting of as few as 40 magnetic tunnel junctions can generate and recognize periodic time series after they are trained with an efficient algorithm.
Strengthening care for children: pilot of an integrated general practitioner–paediatrician model of primary care in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Hiscock Harriet , O’Loughlin Rachel , Pelly Rachel , Laird Catherine , Holman Jessica , Dalziel Kim , Lei Shaoke , Boyle Douglas , Freed Gary
Published: February 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability of a novel, integrated general practitioner (GP)–paediatrician model of care, aiming to reduce referrals to hospitals and improve primary care quality. Methods A pre-post study was conducted with five general practice clinics in north-west Melbourne. Over 12 months, 49 GPs and 896 families participated in the intervention that included weekly to fortnightly paediatrician–GP co-consultation sessions at the general practice, monthly case discussions and telephone or email clinical support for GPs. GPs and families completed surveys or interviews at three time points (before the intervention, after running the model for 4 months and at the end of the implementation). Non-identifiable consultation data were extracted from general practice medical records. Results All GPs found the model acceptable. Although not significant, there was a trend towards a lower proportion of referrals to private paediatricians after the intervention (from 34% to 20%) and emergency departments (from 19% to 12%). Outpatient clinic referrals remained steady, and then increased as the paediatrician left the clinics (31% vs 47% before and after the intervention respectively). Unnecessary prescribing of acid suppression medications decreased by 20% (from 29% to 9%). GPs reported improved confidence in paediatric care (88% vs 100% before and after the intervention respectively). Families reported increased confidence in GP care (78% vs 94% before and after the intervention respectively). Model cost estimates were A$172 above usual care per child seen in the co-consultations. Conclusions This novel model of care is acceptable to GPs and families and may improve access and quality of paediatric care. What is known about the topic? A GP–paediatrician integrated model of care appears effective in reducing hospital burden in England, but has not been implemented in Australia. What does this paper add? This pilot, an Australian first, found that a GP–paediatrician integrated model of care is feasible and acceptable in Australia’s primary healthcare system, improves GP confidence and quality of paediatric care, may reduce paediatric referrals to outpatient clinics and emergency departments and improves family confidence in, and preference for, GP care. What are the implications for practitioners? This model may reduce hospital burden and improve quality in GP paediatric care while potentially producing cost savings for families and the healthcare system.
Effects of hydrophobicity-based fractions of Pony Lake fulvic acid on the colloidal stability and dissolution of oppositely charged surface-coated silver nanoparticles
Authors: Jung YounJung , Schaumann Gabriele E. , Baik Seungyun , Metreveli George
Published: February 2020

Environmental contextThe fate of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in aqueous systems could be influenced by the hydrophobicity of natural organic matter. We observed that the aggregation and dissolution of oppositely charged AgNPs were controlled by the selectivity and dynamics of sorption processes involving the nanoparticle surface and hydrophobic groups on natural organic matter. These findings will be helpful to understand the fate and effects of coated AgNPs in natural systems.
AbstractThe fate of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) released into aquatic environments is significantly affected by natural organic matter (NOM). However, current studies are still insufficient to understand interactions between NOM and AgNPs because they do not explicitly consider the heterogeneity of NOM. We investigated how NOM components with different properties (hydrophobicity, molecular weight, aromaticity, and polarity of functional groups) interact with AgNPs coated with citrate (Cit) and branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) and influence their colloidal stability and dissolution. Pony Lake fulvic acid (PLFA) selected as a model NOM was fractionated into hydrophobic (HPO) and transphilic (TPI) fractions. Sorption of PLFA molecules with a high content of polar functional groups bound to the aromatic rings onto nanoparticles was more favourable in the case of the TPI fraction, which most likely resulted in higher aggregation for both AgNPs and stronger protection of BPEI-AgNPs against dissolution compared with the HPO fraction. Additionally, in contrast to the Cit-AgNPs, resorption of Ag+ ions released from BPEI-AgNPs and/or sorption of Ag+-PLFA complexes to the nanoparticles was most likely a dynamic process, as suggested by the time-dependent changes in the molecular weight of the PLFA fractions sorbed to the BPEI-AgNP surface. These observations suggest that the accessibility of the AgNP surface for the hydrophobicity-based fractions of NOM as well as their colloidal stability and dissolution are controlled by the type and charge of coating materials and by the molecular weight, aromaticity, and content of polar functional groups of NOM.
Effects of contrasting shade treatments on the carbon production and antioxidant activities of soybean plants
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ali , Feng Ling Yang , Iqbal Nasir , Khan Imran , Meraj Tehseen Ahmad , Xi Zeng Jin , Naeem Muhammd , Ahmed Saeed , Sattar Muhammad Tayyab , Chen Yuan Kai , Huan Chen Hui , Ahmed Mukhtar , Yang Feng , Yang Wenyu
Published: February 2020

In China, maize-soybean relay-intercropping system follow the two main planting-patterns: (i) traditional relay-intercropping; maize-soybean equal row planting, where soybean experience severe maize shading on both sides of plants, and (ii) modern relay-intercropping; narrow-wide row planting, in this new planting pattern only one side of soybean leaves suffer from maize shading. Therefore, in this study, changes in morphological traits, cytochrome content, photosynthetic characteristics, carbon status, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were investigated at 30 days after treatment (DAT) in shade-tolerant soybean variety Nandou-12 subjected to three different types of shading conditions; normal light (NL, all trifoliate-leaves of soybean plants were under normal light); unilateral shade (US, all right-side trifoliate-leaves of soybean plants from top to bottom were under shade while all the left-side of trifoliate-leaves from top to bottom were in normal light); bilateral shade (BS, all trifoliate-leaves of soybean plants were under complete shade). Compared with BS, US conditions decreased plant height and increased stem diameter, leaf area, and biomass at 30 DAT. Biomass distribution rates to stem, petiole and leaves, and photosynthetic characteristics were markedly improved by the US at all sampling stages, which proved to be a better growing condition than BS with respect to shade tolerance. The enhanced net photosynthesis and transpiration rates in the left-side leaves (LS) of soybean plants in US, when compared with the LS in BS, allowed them to produce higher total soluble sugar (by 70%) and total soluble protein (by 17%) at 30 DAT which reduce the adverse effects of shading at right-side leaves (RS) of the soybean plants. Similarly, soybean leaves under US accumulated higher proline content in US than the leaves of BS plants. Soybean leaves grown in shading conditions (LS and RS of BS and RS of US) developed antioxidative defence-mechanisms, including the accelerated activities of SOD, POD, APX, and CAT. Comparatively, soybean leaves in US displayed lower activity levels of the antioxidative enzymes than the leaves of BS plants, showing that soybean plants experienced less shade stress in US as compared with BS treatment. Overall, these results indicate that the association of improved photosynthetic characteristics, sugar and protein accumulation and optimum antioxidative defences could be an effective approach for growing soybean in intercropping environments.
Urban warming advances spring phenology but reduces the response of phenology to temperature in the conterminous United States
Authors: Meng Lin , Mao Jiafu , Zhou Yuyu , Richardson Andrew D. , Lee Xuhui , Thornton Peter E. , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Li Xuecao , Dai Yongjiu , Shi Xiaoying , Jia Gensuo
Published: February 2020

Significance

Cities and their associated urban heat islands are ideal natural laboratories for evaluating the response of plant phenology to warming conditions. In this study, we demonstrate that the satellite-derived start of season for plants occurred earlier but showed less covariation with temperature in most of the large 85 cities across the conterminous United States for the period 2001–2014. The results show a reduction in the response of urban phenology to temperature and imply that, in nonurban environments, the onset of spring phenology will likely advance but will slow down as the general trend toward warming continues.
On the polysemy of motion verbs in Ancient Greek and Coptic
Authors: Georgakopoulos Thanasis , Lincke Eliese-Sophia , Nikiforidou Kiki , Piata Anna
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we propose a constructional analysis of the meanings of two generic motion verbs in Ancient Greek and Coptic (Sahidic dialect), the verbsbaínōandbôk, respectively, both of which are glossed as ‘go’ and are characterized by extensive polysemy. We argue that an adequate analysis of these meanings can only be achieved in a framework that recognizes lexical constructions at the level of the verb sense, showing that each meaning correlates with encoding features (ranging from morpho-syntactic to semantic, discursive, and lexical ones) that are not predictable, or at best are only partially motivated. Through extensive corpus analysis, we identify such significant, frequency-based patterns of correlation, each of which represents a lexical construction. Our data thus argue strongly for an approach to polysemy in which individual meanings are represented as enriched lexical constructions, which include morphological and discursive specifications (in addition to standard valence information).
The results of CCM.G-K2.2017 key comparison
Authors: WU Shuqing , FENG Jinyang , LI Chunjian , SU Duowu , WANG Qiyu , HU Ruo , HU Lishuang , XU Jinyi , JI Wangxi , Ullrich Christian , Pálinkáš Vojtech , Kostelecký Jakub , Bilker-Koivula Mirjam , Näränen Jyri , Merlet Sébastien , Moigne Nicolas Le , Mizushima Shigeki , Francis Olivier , Choi In-Mook , Kim Min-Seok , Alotaibi Homood M , Aljuwayr Ahmed , Baumann Henri , Priruenrom Tasanee , Woradet Nattanan , KIRBAŞ Cafer , Coşkun İlkcan , Newel David
Published: February 2020

The CCM.G-K2.2017 comparison was organised for the purpose of determination of the degree of equivalence of the national standards for free-fall acceleration measurement. The comparison was held in the Changping Campus of National Institute of Metrology China (NIM), from October to November in 2017. This is the first time that such a comparison is organized outside of the Europe continent and establishes a new global comparison sites in China. This comparison is also the largest ever organized with the participation of 13 instruments.

We give the list of the participants who actually performed measurements during the comparison, the data (raw absolute gravity measurements and their uncertainties) submitted by the participants as well as the results of the vertical gravity gradient at the comparison sites. The measurement strategy is briefly discussed and the data elaboration is presented. Finally, the results of the data adjustment are presented including the degrees of equivalence (DoE) of the absolute gravimeters and the key comparison reference values (KCRVs). Overall, the measurements of KC instruments are all consistent given the declared uncertainties.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
The driven-dissipative Bose–Hubbard dimer: phase diagram and chaos
Authors: Giraldo Andrus , Krauskopf Bernd , Broderick Neil G R , Levenson Juan A , Yacomotti Alejandro M
Published: February 2020

We present the phase diagram of the mean-field driven-dissipative Bose–Hubbard dimer model. For a dimer with repulsive on-site interactions (U > 0) and coherent driving, we prove that

Z

2

-symmetry breaking, via pitchfork bifurcations with sizable extensions of the asymmetric solutions, require a negative tunneling parameter (J < 0). In addition, we show that the model exhibits deterministic dissipative chaos. The chaotic attractor emerges from a Shilnikov mechanism of a periodic orbit born in a Hopf bifurcation and, depending on its symmetry properties, it is either localized or not.
Vortex of beam shift induced by mono-chiral interface states
Authors: Yang Mou , Hou Quan-Teng , Wang Rui-Qiang
Published: February 2020

If an electron beam hits onto the interface of a Weyl-node-mismatch junction, a shift of the beam center on the interface happens when the beam is reflected or transmitted, where the junction consists of two materials of the same Weyl semimetal and one of them is rotated with respect to the other by an angle. We calculate the longitudinal and transverse shift components (the Goos–Hänchen and Imbert–Fedorov shifts). The reflection shift for total reflection cases is much more remarkable than the shift for transmitted cases. There exists a semi-vortex structure of the reflection shift on the in-plane k-space. The vortex is induced by the touch between bulk bands and interface bands. The formation of such interface bands is explained by the pulley-group model, in which the Weyl cones serve as wheels and the surface and interface bands act as ropes. A surface rope connects wheels of opposite chiralities, and an interface rope links the wheels for the two side materials of the same chirality.
Low threshold for nitrogen concentration saturation in headwaters increases regional and coastal delivery
Authors: Schmadel Noah M , Harvey Judson W , Alexander Richard B , Boyer Elizabeth W , Schwarz Gregory E , Gomez-Velez Jesus D , Scott Durelle , Konrad Christopher P
Published: February 2020

River corridors store, convey, and process nutrients from terrestrial and upstream sources, regulating delivery from headwaters to estuaries. A consequence of chronic excess nitrogen loading, as supported by theory and field studies in specific watersheds, is saturation of the biogeochemically-mediated nitrogen removal processes that weakens the capacity of the river corridor to remove nitrogen. Regional nitrogen models typically assume that removal capacity exhibits first-order behavior, scaling positively and linearly with increasing concentration, which may bias the estimation of where and at what rate nitrogen is removed by river corridors. Here we estimate the nitrogen concentration saturation threshold and its effects on annual nitrogen export from the Northeastern United States, revealing an average 42% concentration-induced reduction in headwater removal capacity. The weakened capacity caused an average 10% increase in the predicted delivery of riverine nitrogen from urban and agricultural watersheds compared to estimates using first-order process assumptions. Our results suggest that nitrogen removal may fall below a first-order rate process as riverine concentration increases above a threshold of 0.5 mg N l−1. Threshold behavior indicates that even modest mitigation of nitrogen concentration in river corridors above the threshold can cause a self-reinforcing boost to nitrogen removal.
A review of environmental impact indicators of cultural heritage buildings: a circular economy perspective
Authors: Foster Gillian , Kreinin Halliki
Published: February 2020

This paper is the first in-depth review of the state of the art of environmental impact indicators for adaptive reuse of cultural heritage (ARCH) buildings from a circular economy perspective. Buildings are a necessary component of sustainability planning because they are significant consumers of natural resources, producers of construction and demolition waste, and contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, buildings, particularly ARCH buildings, are long lasting; therefore, measuring and managing their environmental impacts is crucial to achieving the universal vision of a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The research answers the questions, ‘What are the environmental impact indicators used by individual ARCH building project analyses?’ and ‘Are the most commonly used indicators reflecting Circular Economy concepts?’ It synthesizes and defines current practice in the field whilst highlighting the gaps between practice and policy. Although the term ‘Circular Economy’ is not explicitly and routinely used in the literature, related concepts such as life cycle analysis, energy consumption reduction, energy efficiency, and embodied carbon/energy are evident at the project level. Concrete and measured environmental indicators are not mainstream. However, narratives of environmental protection feature prominently in the literature, indicating an environmental motivation for repurposing cultural heritage buildings. Further, there is a gap between common indicators of circularity and the ARCH building project level indicators shown in the dataset.
Increased population exposure to precipitation extremes under future warmer climates
Authors: Chen Huopo , Sun Jianqi , Li Huixin
Published: February 2020

Precipitation extremes are among the most dangerous climate-related hazards, and these hazards often cause large socioeconomic losses and exert severe human health impacts each year. It is thus crucial to assess future exposure changes to precipitation extremes under different warming scenarios to improve the mitigation of climate change. Here, we project future exposure using a set of Coupled Earth System Model low-warming simulations and RCP8.5 large ensemble simulations. We find that the precipitation extremes are projected to significantly increase over the coming century under different future warming scenarios at both the global and regional levels. Compared to a 1.5 °C warmer climate, the 0.5 °C of additional warming under a 2.0 °C warmer future would increase the number of days of global aggregate precipitation extremes by approximately 3.6% by the end of this century. As a result, the global aggregate exposure is reported to increase by approximately 2.3% if the surface air temperature increases to 2.0 °C rather than 1.5 °C. An increase in exposure is also obvious for most regions across the world, and the largest increase in the future occurs over North Asia in response to the 0.5 °C of additional warming. Furthermore, exposure would increase more rapidly if the temperature increased following the RCP8.5 pathway. The exposure increase varies at the regional level, but in most cases, climate change shows more influential than that of the population; in addition, this influence does not depend on the population outcomes used here.
The Impact Of Social Capital On Welfare : The Evidence From Urban Informal Sector In East Flood Canal (Bkt), Jakarta
Authors: Nurbaiti Beti , Chotib
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to look at the relationship/correlation between social capital and welfare of migrant workers/traders who are the informal sector in the flood area of the eastern canal (BKT) of Jakarta. Migrant workers/traders who act as objects of research/respondents in urban areas in the informal sector are able to survive to improve their welfare through the support of their social capital where group and network, trust and solidarity are sub dimensions of social capital variables that influence research. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between social capital and the welfare of migrant workers/traders.
Importance of Apartment Environment for Children Development Case Study: Apartment in Margonda
Authors: Luthfi Muhammad , Hayatullah Imam Khomaeni , Dhita Ayomi P , Auliawan Althaf Gauhar , Chasif Muhammad
Published: February 2020

Indonesia has a Child-Friendly City or Kota Layak Anak program starting from the smallest community institutions. The zero points of this program are homes and families, including an apartment that currently is one of the residential choices. Children develop with different conditions from those who live in a landed house. An individualistic environment, lack of social interaction, and absence of open space affect the attitude and growth of children. This research found that the government does not yet have specific regulations related to the conditions for a child-friendly apartment construction. On the other hand, apartment developers have not yet provided the means to support sustainable social life and open space for children’s leisure activities. The synergy of government and apartment must be done to improve the child-friendly eligibility in apartments. This requirement can be used as a good marketing for family living in the apartments, especially at Margonda, Depok.