bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating high‐impact precipitation forecasts from the Met Office Global Hazard Map (GHM) using a global impact database
Authors: Robbins J. C. , Titley H. A.
Published: September 2018

The Met Office Global Hazard Map (GHM) summarizes the risk of high‐impact weather across the globe over the coming week using global ensemble forecast data. In addition to gridded daily probability forecasts, a symbol and polygon‐based summary layer gives an at‐a‐glance view of likely high‐impact weather for the week ahead. To evaluate the performance of the GHM, two complementary approaches were used. The first is an objective precipitation verification approach comparing the daily gridded precipitation forecasts with global precipitation observations. The second, and the main focus of this paper is a new, semi‐automated evaluation approach that assesses the ability of the multi‐model ensemble precipitation summary layer to highlight events that cause community impacts, as recorded in an impact database. The verification against observed precipitation confirms there is good skill in the precipitation forecasts and that the multi‐model ensemble provides the best guidance to take forward into the summary layer. The verification against impacts indicates there is a good spatial relationship between the GHM precipitation forecasts and heavy rainfall impacts across the globe. Hit rates for all impact severities range from 40 to 60% for days 1–3 and taper off to lower hit rates at the longer lead times (10–20% for days 6–7). High‐impact events are captured marginally less well than the low‐, medium‐ and disastrous‐impact event categories and this paper illustrates a number of approaches that could positively alter the profile of the hit‐rate curve.
Comparable functional motor outcomes after repair of peripheral nerve injury with an elastase‐processed allograft in a rat sciatic nerve model
Authors: Hundepool Caroline A. , Bulstra Liselotte F. , Kotsougiani Dimitra , Friedrich Patricia F. , Hovius Steven E.R. , Bishop Allen T. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: September 2018

Background

A bridging nerve autograft is the gold standard for the repair of segmental nerve injury that cannot be repaired directly. However, limited availability and donor site morbidity remain major disadvantages of autografts. Here, a nerve allograft decellularized with elastase was compared with an autograft regarding functional motor outcome in a rat sciatic segmental nerve defect model. Furthermore, the effect of storage on this allograft was studied.

Methods

Sixty‐six Lewis rats (250–300 g) underwent a 10‐mm sciatic nerve reconstruction using either a cold‐ (n = 22) or frozen‐stored (n = 22) decellularized nerve allograft or an autograft (n = 22). Sprague–Dawley rats (300–350 g) served as full major histocompatibility complex‐mismatched donors. Functional motor outcome was evaluated after 12 and 16 weeks. Ankle angle, compound muscle action potential (CMAP), isometric tetanic force, wet muscle weight, and histomorphometry were tested bilaterally.

Results

For CMAP and isometric tetanic force, no significant differences were observed between groups. In contrast, for ankle angle, histomorphometry and muscle weight, the cold‐stored allograft performed comparable to the autograft, while the frozen‐stored allograft performed significantly inferior to the autograft. At week 16, ankle angle was 88.0 ± 3.1% in the cold‐stored group, 77.4 ± 3.6% in the frozen‐stored group, and 74.1 ± 3.1% in the autograft group (P < .001); At week 16, the muscle weight showed a recovery up to 71.1 ± 4.8% in the autograft group, 67.0 ± 6.6% in the cold‐stored group, and 64.7 ± 3.7% in the frozen‐stored group (P < .05).

Conclusions

A nerve allograft decellularized with elastase, if stored under the right conditions, results in comparable functional motor outcomes as the gold standard, the autograft.
Performance/outcomes data and physician process challenges for practical big data efforts in radiation oncology
Authors: Matuszak Martha M. , Fuller Clifton D. , Yock Torunn I. , Hess Clayton B. , McNutt Todd , Jolly Shruti , Gabriel Peter , Mayo Charles S. , Thor Maria , Caissie Amanda , Rao Arvind , Owen Dawn , Smith Wade , Palta Jatinder , Kapoor Rishabh , Hayman James , Waddle Mark , Rosenstein Barry , Miller Robert , Choi Seungtaek , Moreno Amy , Herman Joseph , Feng Mary
Published: September 2018

It is an exciting time for big data efforts in radiation oncology. The use of big data to help aid both outcomes and decision‐making research is becoming a reality. However, there are true challenges that exist in the space of gathering and utilizing performance and outcomes data. Here, we summarize the current state of big data in radiation oncology with respect to outcomes and discuss some of the efforts and challenges in radiation oncology big data.
Hand‐wrist, knee, and foot‐ankle dosimetry and image quality measurements of a novel extremity imaging unit providing CBCT and 2D imaging options
Authors: Ludlow John B.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Radiation dose is a general concern in diagnostic imaging and a special concern for children who are at greater risk from radiation effects. This study evaluates effective doses (E) produced during 2D and volume imaging with a novel cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) based extremity imaging device. The device's compact size and protocol options offer image choices that enhance the potential for reduced dose and improved diagnostics when evaluating sports injuries.

Methods

Hand‐wrist, foot‐ankle, and knee phantoms were developed for use with optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSL). Dosimetry of transmission radiographs (2D) and CBCT volumes (3D) was assessed for Standard and lowered dose (Lite) exposure protocols. Effective dose was calculated for child and adult age groups. Image quality was assessed with contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and modulation transfer function (MTF). A figure of merit was calculated as the square of CNR divided by E.

Results

Standard 2D doses ranged from 0.001–0.06 μSv for adults, 0.001–0.05 μSv for 15‐yr olds, 0.003–0.13 μSv for 10‐yr olds, and 0.005–0.20 for 5‐yr olds. Dose reductions with Lite protocols ranged from 26 to 51%. Standard CBCT doses ranged from 0.3–4.6 μSv for adults, 0.3–4.4 μSv for 15‐yr olds, 0.6–9.8 μSv for 10‐yr olds, and 1–22.6 μSv for 5‐yr olds. For both 2D and 3D a trend of increasing imaging dose with reduced age was present and was statistically significant for children below the age of 10 (P = 0.0009). Lite dose reductions averaged 47%. CNR was statistically reduced in Lite dose scans (P = 0.0384) but was not statistically different using FOM analysis (P = 0.3089). MTF was not significantly affected by the two dose protocols (P = 0.8104).

Conclusion

CBCT effective doses calculated from anthropomorphic phantom exposures following manufacturer suggested protocols appear to be substantially less than previously reported doses for similar MDCT extremity examinations. In this study, effective dose from 2D radiographic imaging was approximately two orders of magnitude less than CBCT imaging. Doses were on the order of a few minutes to hours of ubiquitous per‐capita background dose for 2D imaging and a few hours to days for 3D imaging. Dose significantly increased for children younger than age 10. Lite protocols resulted in substantial dose reductions and can be recommended for children and those examinations where reduced CNR will not affect diagnosis. Flexibility of 2D and 3D imaging options with low‐dose protocols make this technology a promising option for radiographic evaluation of the extremities. Efficacy studies are needed to determine when MDCT, CBCT or Digital Radiography are best used for particular diagnostic tasks.
Optimal repetition time reduction for single subject event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: McDowell Amy R. , Carmichael David W
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Short TRs are increasingly used for fMRI as fast sequences such as simultaneous multislice excitation become available. These have been associated with apparent sensitivity improvements, although greater temporal autocorrelation at shorter TRs can inflate sensitivity measurements leading to uncertainty regarding the optimal approach.

Methods

In volunteers (n = 10), the optimal TR was assessed at the single subject level for event‐related designs (visual stimulation) with 4 frequencies of presentation at 4 TR values (412‐2550 ms). T‐values in the visual cortex localized in each individual were obtained and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed by counting voxels within and outside expected task active regions at different thresholds. This analysis was repeated using 4 different autoregressive (AR) models; SPM AR(1) and SPM AR(fast) which globally estimate autocorrelation, and fMRIstat AR(1) and AR(5) that use a local estimate.

Results

The use of modest multiband factors of 2 or 3 with a reduction in TR to 1000 ± 200 ms had greater sensitivity and specificity as shown by higher T‐values in visual cortex and ROC analysis. At these TRs, the ROC analysis demonstrated that a local AR model fit improved performance while high order AR models were unnecessary.

Conclusions

Modest TR reductions (to 1000 ± 200 ms) optimally improved event‐related fMRI performance independent of design frequency. Autoregressive models with a local as opposed to global fit performed better, while low order autoregressive models were sufficient at the optimal TR.
The remarkable phenotypic variability of the p.Arg269HiS variant in the TRPV4 gene
Authors: Jędrzejowska Maria , Dębek Emilia , Kowalczyk Bartłomiej , Halat Paulina , Kostera‐Pruszczyk Anna , Ciara Elżbieta , Jezela‐Stanek Aleksandra , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Gasperowicz Piotr , Gos Monika
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Mutations in the TRPV4 gene are associated with neuromuscular disorders and skeletal dysplasias, which present a phenotypic overlap. Methods: Next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to analyze the TRPV4 gene. Results: We present 2 Polish families with TRPV4‐related disorder harboring the same p.Arg269His mutation. The disease phenotypic expression was extremely variable (from mild scapular winging to severe hypotonia, global weakness, inability to walk unaided, congenital contractures, scoliosis, and respiratory insufficiency), but did not suggest anticipation. The 2 most severely affected patients showed congenital distal contractures of the upper limbs and involvement of cranial nerves (manifesting as facial asymmetry and strabismus). The disease course seemed to be stable, although in later stages it caused respiratory insufficiency and progression of physical disability. Discussion: The phenotypic variability observed in p.Arg269His carriers suggests that an additional modifier or a more complex pathogenic mechanism exists. Muscle Nerve 59:129–133, 2019
Conservative Taylor least squares reconstruction with application to material point methods
Authors: Wobbes Elizaveta , Möller Matthias , Galavi Vahid , Vuik Cornelis
Published: September 2018

Within the standard material point method (MPM), the spatial errors are partially caused by the direct mapping of material‐point data to the background grid. In order to reduce these errors, we introduced a novel technique that combines the least squares method with the Taylor basis functions, called the Taylor least squares (TLS), to reconstruct functions from scattered data while preserving their integrals. The TLS technique locally approximates quantities of interest such as stress and density, and when used with a suitable quadrature rule, it conserves the total mass and linear momentum after transferring the material‐point information to the grid. The integration of the technique into MPM, dual domain MPM, and B‐spline MPM significantly improves the results of these methods. For the considered examples, the TLS function reconstruction technique resembles the approximation properties of highly accurate spline reconstruction while preserving the physical properties of the standard algorithm.
Exploration of High‐Energy‐Density Materials: Computational Insight into Energetic Derivatives Based on 1,2,4,5‐Tetrahydro‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine
Authors: Jin Xinghui , Zhou Jianhua , Hu Bingcheng
Published: September 2018

Density functional theory was employed to investigate ten 1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine‐based energetic materials. The heats of formation and detonation properties were calculated by isodesmic reactions and Kamlet–Jacobs equations. The thermal stabilities and impact sensitivities were also estimated to give a better understanding of their decomposition mechanism. The results indicate that all of the designed compounds have high positive heats of formation ranging from 525.1 to 1639.1 kJ mol−1, moderate detonation properties (heats of detonation of 536.6 to 2187.6 cal g−1, theoretical densities of 1.48 to 2.32 g cm−3, detonation velocities of 7.02 to 12.18 km s−1, and detonation pressures of 19.8 to 75.1 GPa), and acceptable stabilities (bond dissociation energies of 0.8 to 104.9 kJ mol−1). Taking both the detonation properties and the stabilities into consideration, compounds A4 and B4 were finally selected as promising candidates of high‐energy‐density materials, as their detonation properties and impact sensitivities were superior to those of HMX. Additionally, the frontier molecular orbitals, electronic densities, electrostatic potentials, and thermal dynamic parameters of compounds A4 and B4 were also investigated.
Intrinsic flame‐retardant urea formaldehyde/graphene nanocomposite foam: Structure and reinforcing mechanism
Authors: Wu Buyong , Liu Yalong , Shu Ying , Ye Lin , Zhao Xiaowen
Published: September 2018

Based on the industrialized graphene (GN) product, a series of intrinsic flame‐retardant urea‐formaldehyde/graphene‐silane coupling agent (UF/GN‐SA) nanocomposite foams were fabricated via in situ polymerization and water‐based foaming process. It was found that at low GN content, GN sheets dispersed homogeneously in the foams. Compared with neat UF foam, the composite foam exhibited circular cells with smaller cell size, narrower cell size distribution, thicker cell walls, lower porosity, and less water absorption. Introduction of 0.5 wt% GN resulted in about 29.5% decrease in pulverization ratio, 71.8% increase in compressive strength, and 132.6% increase in compressive modulus. The reinforcing mechanism of the UF/GN‐SA nanocomposite foam was explored. Due to the dense cell structure, formation of GN centered network structure, and reinforcing effect of GN, greater compressive stress was required to destruct the foam. UL‐94 V‐0 rating was achieved for the composite foams with remarkably suppressed flame expansion. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E811–E820, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prenatal aqueduct stenosis: Association with rhombencephalosynapsis and neonatal outcome
Authors: Kline‐Fath Beth M. , Arroyo Monica S. , Calvo‐Garcia Maria A. , Horn Paul S. , Thomas Cameron
Published: September 2018

Background and purpose

To examine prenatal MRI and postnatal imaging in fetuses with congenital aqueductal stenosis (CAS) to determine the frequency of association of rhombencephalosynapsis (RES) and how it may affect neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) course.

Materials and methods

A single center IRB‐approved retrospective study of children with CAS was performed. Prenatal MRI, postnatal images, and clinical data were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS statistical software package version 9.3.

Results

Aqueduct obstruction was confirmed for all 30 participants. Hydrocephalus required shunting in all but one (97%). Fifteen neonates had CAS with rhomboencephalosynapsis (RES) (50%). Although neonatal course between the two groups was comparable, 53% of CAS with RES neonates required feeding assistance versus 20% in CAS only (P = 0.128). Shunting in the CAS with RES group occurred at average of 6 days of life versus CAS group at 55 days (P = 0.196). Biometry measurements showed a statistically significant decrease in pons antero‐posterior diameter in both groups (CAS only P = 0.0049 and CAS with RES P = 0.0003) when compared with norms for gestational age.

Conclusion

CAS has a high association with RES. Feeding assistance in the NICU and earlier neurosurgical intervention may be required in patients with CAS who also have RES.
Accuracy of Point‐of‐Care Blood Glucose Level Measurements in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis Receiving High‐Dose Intravenous Vitamin C
Authors: Smith Kathryn E. , Brown Caitlin S. , Manning Bridget M. , May Teresa , Riker Richard R. , Lerwick Patricia A. , Hayes Timothy L. , Fraser Gilles L.
Published: September 2018

Study Objective

High‐dose intravenous vitamin C is a potential treatment option for patients with sepsis and may interfere with point‐of‐care (POC) blood glucose (BG) testing. This study aimed to determine if vitamin C dosing used for sepsis affected POC BG level results.

Design

Prospective observational pilot study.

Setting

Intensive care unit in a large academic tertiary care medical center.

Patients

Five consecutive critically ill adults hospitalized between April 1 and June 1, 2017, who received two or more doses of intravenous vitamin C 1500 mg for the treatment of sepsis and had at least two paired POC BG levels and laboratory venous BG levels measured within 1 hour of each other during vitamin C therapy.

Measurements and Main Results

The performance of POC BG level measurement was compared with the reference method of laboratory BG level measurement. The concordance to minimum accuracy criteria for BG meters set forth by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013, the measurement of agreement between POC BG level and laboratory BG level using the Bland‐Altman method, and the clinical accuracy through Parkes error grid analysis were assessed. A total of 16 paired POC and laboratory BG level measurements from the five patients were included. The accuracy of POC BG with laboratory BG level measurements during vitamin C administration according to ISO 15197:2013 criteria was 81.3%, which did not meet the minimum accuracy criteria of 95%. The Bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean difference between POC and laboratory BG levels of 8.9 mg/dl, and the Parkes error grid analysis showed that the differences between POC and laboratory BG level measurements would not have resulted in a change in clinical action.

Conclusion

The accuracy and agreement of POC and laboratory BG level measurements in critically ill patients receiving vitamin C were consistent with previously published reports in critically ill patients not receiving vitamin C and did not demonstrate clinically significant interference due to vitamin C dosing for sepsis.
Influence of α′‐/α‐crystal polymorphism on properties of poly(l‐lactic acid)
Authors: Di Lorenzo Maria Laura , Androsch René
Published: September 2018

Poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic polyester produced from renewable sources, widely used for biomedical devices, in food packaging and in agriculture. It is a semicrystalline polymer, and as such its properties are strongly affected by the developed semicrystalline morphology. As a function of the crystallization temperature, PLLA can form different crystal modifications, namely α′‐crystals below about 120 °C and α‐crystals at higher temperatures. The α′ modification is therefore of special importance as it may be the preferred polymorph developing at processing‐relevant conditions. It is a metastable modification which typically transforms into the more stable α‐crystals on annealing at elevated temperature. The structure, kinetics of formation and thermodynamics of α′‐ and α‐crystals of PLLA are reviewed in this contribution, together with the effect of α′‐/α‐crystal polymorphism on the properties of PLLA. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The Level of Personality Functioning Scale‐Brief Form 2.0: Update of a brief instrument for assessing level of personality functioning
Authors: Weekers Laura C. , Hutsebaut Joost , Kamphuis Jan H.
Published: September 2018

Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) introduced the alternative model of personality disorders that includes assessing levels of personality functioning. Here, we describe the development, preliminary psychometric evaluation and sensitivity to change of a revised brief self‐report questionnaire, the Level of Personality Functioning Scale‐Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS‐BF 2.0). Patients (N = 201) referred to a specialized centre for the assessment and treatment of personality disorders completed the LPFS‐BF 2.0, the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Severity Indices of Personality Problems Short Form and were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I and Axis II Disorders. Internal structure and aspects of construct validity were examined. A subsample of 39 patients also completed the questionnaires after 3 months of inpatient treatment. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated better fit for a two‐factor solution (interpretable as self‐functioning and interpersonal functioning) than for a unidimensional model, though acceptable model fit was evident only after two post hoc modifications. The LPFS‐BF 2.0 demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and promising construct validity. Sensitivity to change after 3 months of treatment was high. The LPFS‐BF 2.0 constitutes a short, user‐friendly instrument that provides a quick impression of the severity of personality pathology. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of polymeric organic semiconductors using semifluorinated polymer precursors
Authors: Paisley Nathan R. , Tonge Christopher M. , Sauvé Ethan R. , Halldorson Sarah V. , Hudson Zachary M.
Published: September 2018

The transesterification of 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate (HFIPA) homopolymers and block copolymers with methyl acrylate (MA) or n‐butyl acrylate (n‐BuA) were investigated for the efficient synthesis of p‐type and n‐type organic semiconductor acrylates. HFIPA, MA, and n‐BuA are readily prepared in a one‐pot synthesis by Cu(0) reversible deactivation radical polymerization in high yield with low dispersity to give poly(HFIPA)100, PMA100‐b‐poly(HFIPA)x, and PnBuA100‐b‐poly(HFIPA)x (x = 100, 50,25). The transesterification of poly(HFIPA)100 was also studied using 19F NMR spectroscopy. Based on this method, a series of eight homopolymers and three copolymers based on semiconductor motifs commonly found in organic light‐emitting diodes, organic thin‐film transistors, and organic photovoltaics were synthesized with narrow dispersity and conversions up to 99%. These experiments demonstrate that poly(HFIPA) can provide a useful building block in the synthesis of organic electronic materials, providing a simpler route to complex materials which may be challenging to access directly via controlled radical polymerization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2183–2191
Imine polymers containing chiral nanohoops in the backbone obtained through [2 + 2] cyclocondensation
Authors: Vacareanu Loredana , Negru Oana Iuliana , Grigoras Mircea
Published: September 2018

A simple method for synthesis of polymers containing shape persistent imine macrocycles as nanohoops in the main chain is studied. It is based on the cyclocondensation reaction carried out in solution and room temperature of triphenylamine‐based tetraaldehyde compounds with (R,R)‐trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane. The pristine polymer P1 bearing long alkyl groups is soluble during the synthesis but becomes insoluble after precipitation due to the strong and multiple CH/π and π‐π stacking intermolecular interactions from arene–arene species and entanglement and interpenetrating of flexible alkyl groups inside of rigid macrocycle hollow. Polymer without any solubilizing groups (P2) separates during the polymerization as an insoluble material. Both polymers are amorphous and have good thermal and environmental stability. They have a low surface area because discrete nanovoids introduced by macrocycles are disconnected in the amorphous polymers and non‐accessible for gas adsorption. Polymers have inherent luminescent properties due to triphenylamine groups and chirality derived from (R,R)‐conformation of the cyclohexane skeleton. In presence of picric acid (PA), the polymer fluorescence in solid state or suspension is strongly quenched, thus the polymers can work as efficient fluorescent probes toward nitrophenolic compounds. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2565–2573
COMbined Physical and somatoSEnsory training after stroke: Development and description of a novel intervention to improve upper limb function
Authors: Gopaul Urvashy , van Vliet Paulette , Callister Robin , Nilsson Michael , Carey Leeanne
Published: September 2018

Background and purpose

After stroke, reach‐to‐grasp goal‐directed movements are disrupted as a result of both residual motor and somatosensory impairments. This report describes the rationale and development of a new upper limb stroke rehabilitation intervention known as COMPoSE: “COMbined Physical and somatoSEnsory training,” designed to improve somatosensory and motor deficits in the upper limb after stroke. A standardized training matrix has been developed to facilitate intervention delivery.

Methods

The COMPoSE intervention was developed through the following stages: (a) Definition and operationalization of somatosensory and motor variables used in training sensation and movement after stroke; (b) development of methods to give feedback to enhance skill acquisition; and (c) Combination of somatosensory and motor variables, and feedback, into a standardized training matrix. The reporting of the COMPoSE intervention adheres to the recommendations of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist to facilitate replication of the intervention in the future.

Results

The essential features of COMPoSE include combined somatosensory–motor training variables (grasp pressure, distance, object size, crushability, surface texture, and friction), feedback, and calibration using a haptic device providing measures of grasp pressure, use of anticipation trials, and high‐dose repetitive task practice. Ten treatment sessions are delivered over 3 weeks, using a standardized matrix for treatment delivery.

Conclusion

COMPoSE is a new intervention that combines somatosensory and movement training, delivered synchronously, within the same intervention, and within the same task.
Physical therapy practice in intensive care units in Jordanian hospitals: A national survey
Authors: Al‐Nassan Saad , Alshammari Faris , Al‐Bostanji Shaden , Modhi Mansour Zaid , Hawamdeh Mohannad
Published: September 2018

Objective

A national survey was conducted to determine the current status of physical therapy practice in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Jordanian hospitals.

Methods

An online survey was sent via email to physical therapists working at Jordanian hospitals. Questions of the survey addressed the physical therapy demographics, staffing, education, training, and barriers of practice. The responses were compared among four different hospital sectors in the country.

Results

The response rate was 31% (50/161). Thirty‐six percent of participants had more than 10 years of experience in physical therapy, and 26% had less than 1 year of experience in the intensive care practice. Staffing of physical therapists working in ICUs relative to the total ICU beds was the highest in public hospitals compared with other hospital sectors. Among all participants, only 4% had received specialized postgraduate ICU training. The barriers to ICU physical therapy practice in Jordan included insufficient staffing, inadequate training, and lack of understanding of physical therapy role for ICU patients.

Conclusion

The study showed the main barriers to ICU physical therapy practice in Jordan. There is a need for well‐structured strategies to overcome these barriers to help improve the delivery of physical therapy services in Jordan.
Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulation of Au Monolayer Evolution on Cu(110)
Authors: Dardouri Moloudi , Hassani Abdessamad , Hasnaoui Abdellatif , Boughaleb Yahia , Arbaoui Abdezzahid , Sbiaai Khalid
Published: September 2018

In this work, results obtained from the kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations are presented. The KMC is based on embedded‐atom method (EAM) energetics findings. The evolution of the surface morphology in Au/Cu(110) is investigated. All activation barriers are calculated by the EAM method and used in the anisotropic bond‐breaking model (ABBM). In this study, the effects of substrate temperature and deposition rate are taken into account, with the coverage rate equal to 5%. The results show the transition from 1D to 2D in the morphology of the monolayer when the temperature increases. However, when the flux decreases the density of islands increases. During monolayer evolution, many phenomena are observed such as nucleation, coalescence, evolution of island density, and geometry transition.
Seasonal forecast skill for extratropical cyclones and windstorms
Authors: Befort Daniel J. , Wild Simon , Knight Jeff R. , Lockwood Julia F. , Thornton Hazel E. , Hermanson Leon , Bett Philip E. , Weisheimer Antje , Leckebusch Gregor C.
Published: September 2018

Extratropical cyclones and their associated extreme wind speeds are a major cause of vast damage and large insured losses in several European countries. Reliable seasonal predictions of severe extratropical winter cyclones and associated windstorms would thus have great social and economic benefits, especially in the insurance sector. We analyse the climatological representation and assess the seasonal prediction skill of wintertime extratropical cyclones and windstorms in three multi‐member seasonal prediction systems: ECMWF‐System3, ECMWF‐System4 and Met Office‐GloSea5, based on hindcasts over a 20‐year period (1992–2011).

Small to moderate positive skill in forecasting the winter frequency of extratropical cyclones and windstorms is found over most of the Northern Hemisphere. The skill is highest for extratropical cyclones at the downstream end of the Pacific storm track and for windstorms at the downstream end of the Atlantic storm track. We also assess the forecast skill of windstorm frequency by using the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) as the predictor. Prediction skill improves when using this technique over parts of the British Isles and North Sea in GloSea5 and ECMWF‐System4, but reduces over central western Europe. This suggests that using the NAO is a simple and effective method for predicting windstorm frequency, but that increased forecast skill can be achieved in some regions by identifying windstorms directly using an objective tracking algorithm. Consequently, in addition to the large‐scale influence of the NAO, other factors may contribute to the predictability of windstorm frequency seen in existing forecast suites, across impact‐relevant regions of Europe.

Overall, this study reveals for the first time significant skill in forecasting the winter frequency of high‐impact windstorms ahead of the season in regions that are vulnerable to such events.
Application of power law model in reliability evaluation of machine tools by considering working condition difference
Authors: Li Guofa , Zhu Hongxiang , He Jialong , Wu Kai , Jia Yuhui
Published: September 2018

The influence of working condition difference has not been considered in the traditional reliability modeling of numerical control (NC) machine tools. To solve the problem, a reliability evaluation method based on mixture variable parameter power law model (MVPPLM) is proposed in this study. First, the scale parameter of the PLM is obtained by multi‐dimensional exponential distribution. Second, a proportional relation of failure rate function between each working condition and reference working condition is established. The proportion coefficient is solved using the partial likelihood function. Working condition factors with a significant influence on reliability levels are selected through the chi‐squared test. Third, reliability evaluation models under different working condition levels are established through mixture distributions. The mixture weight coefficient is calculated by the standard deviation of working condition covariates. The maximum likelihood estimation method is used to estimate parameters. Finally, results of a case analysis based on the data of NC machine tools in the user field tracing test show that the MVPPLM has higher precision than the traditional method. Therefore, reliability evaluation that considers working condition difference is valuable for engineering application.
Reliability assessment models for dependent competing failure processes considering correlations between random shocks and degradations
Authors: Tang Jiayin , Chen Chongshuang , Huang Lei
Published: September 2018

This article develops reliability models for systems subject to two dependent competing failure processes, considering the correlation between additional damage size on degradation in soft failure process and stress magnitude of shock load in hard failure process, both of which are caused by the same kth random shock. The generalized correlative reliability assessment model based on copulas is proposed, which is then extended to three different shock patterns: (1) δ‐shock, (2) m‐shock, and (3) m‐run shocks. There are some statistical works to be introduced in reliability modeling, including data separation of total degradation amount, inferring the distribution of amount of aging continuous degradation at time t, and fitting copula to the specific correlation. The developed reliability models are demonstrated for an application example of a micro‐electro‐mechanical system.
Density functional theory studies on the external OH−‐induced barrierless proton dissociation mechanism for the forced hydrolysis reaction of Al3+(aq)
Authors: Dong Shaonan , Shi Wenjing , Zhang Jing , Bi Shuping
Published: September 2018

The forced hydrolysis reaction of aqueous aluminum ion (Al3+) is of critical importance in Al chemistry, but its microscopic mechanism has long been neglected. Herein, density functional calculations reveal an external OH−‐induced barrierless proton dissociation mechanism for the forced hydrolysis of Al3+(aq). Dynamic reaction pathway modeling results show that the barrierless deprotonations induced by the second‐ or third‐shell external OH− proceed via the concerted proton transfer through H‐bond wires connected to the coordinated waters, and the inducing ability of the external OH− decreases with increasing hydration layers between Al(H2O)63+ and the external OH−. The OH−‐induced forced hydrolysis mechanism of Al3+(aq) is quite different from its self‐hydrolysis mechanism without OH−. The inducing ability is a unique characteristic of OH−, rather than other anions such as F− or Cl−.
Mitochondrial replacement therapy and assisted reproductive technology: A paradigm shift toward treatment of genetic diseases in gametes or in early embryos
Authors: Tachibana Masahito , Kuno Takashi , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: September 2018

Background

Recent technological development allows nearly complete replacement of the cytoplasm of egg/embryo, eliminating the transmission of undesired defective mitochondria (mutated mitochondrial DNA: mtDNA) for patients with inherited mitochondrial diseases, which is called mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT).

Methods

We review and summarize the mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial diseases, the research milestones and future research agenda of MRT and also discuss MRT‐derived potential application in common assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment for subfertile patients.

Main findings

Emerging techniques, involving maternal spindle transfer (MST) and pronuclear transfer (PNT), have demonstrated in preventing carryover of the unbidden (mutated) mtDNA in egg or in early embryos. The House of Parliament in the United Kingdom passed regulations permitting the use of MST and PNT in 2015. Furthermore, the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to granted licenses world first use of those techniques in March 2017. However, recent evidence demonstrated gradual loss of donor mtDNA and reversal to the nuclear DNA‐matched haplotype in MRT derivatives.

Conclusion

While further studies are needed to clarify mitochondrial biogenesis responsible for reversion, ruling in United Kingdom may shift the current worldwide consensus that prohibits gene modification in human gametes or embryos, toward allowing the correction of altered genes in germline.
Innovating at Unilever Like a Lean Startup
Authors: Cetinelli Selin
Published: September 2018

“The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again.”
Architecting a Floatable, Durable, and Scalable Steam Generator: Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Bifunctional Structure for Solar Evaporation Enhancement
Authors: Gao Tingting , Li Yiju , Chen Chaoji , Yang Zhi , Kuang Yudi , Jia Chao , Song Jianwei , Hitz Emily M. , Liu Boyang , Huang Hao , Yu Jianyong , Yang Bao , Hu Liangbing
Published: September 2018

Solar steam generation has been extensively investigated recently as a sustainable and environmentally friendly technology for water purification. Although various materials such as graphene and cellulose have been utilized for the construction of solar steam generators, high cost and inferior durability greatly hinder their practical application. In this work, a low‐cost, floatable, durable, and scalable evaporator is designed with an open nanofiber‐based bifunctional structure for high‐efficiency solar steam generation. The integrated bilayer evaporator is successively composed of electrospun hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers and hydrophilic carbon black/polyacrylonitrile (CB/PAN) composite nanofiber layers from the bottom up. The porous hydrophobic PVDF nanofiber layer, due to their intrinsic low thermal conductivity, serves as the floating support and thermal barrier to suppress the irreversible heat dissipation. The hydrophilic CB/PAN composite nanofiber layer on the top has a high broadband solar adsorption of 98.6% from the wavelength of 250–2500 nm, which can effectively convert solar irradiation into available heat energy. The assembled CB/PAN//PVDF (CP/P) evaporator possesses an impressive solar energy conversion efficiency of 82.0% under one‐sun illumination and superior long‐term stability. The cost‐efficient polymer‐nanofiber‐based evaporator with excellent flexibility, durability, and scalability holds great promise in the practical application of water desalination and sterilization.
Recent Progress of Rechargeable Batteries Using Mild Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Huang Jianhang , Guo Zhaowei , Ma Yuanyuan , Bin Duan , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: September 2018

Given the low cost, ease of fabrication, high safety, and environmental‐friendly characteristics, aqueous rechargeable batteries using mild aqueous solutions as electrolytes (pH is close to 7) and a monovalent/multivalent metal ion as charge carrier, are attracting extensive attention for energy storage. However, accompanied by advantages of mild aqueous electrolyte mentioned above, there are some challenges that stand in the way of the development of these aqueous rechargeable batteries, such as the narrow stable electrochemical window of water, instability of electrode materials, undesired side reactions, etc. In recent years, a massive effort is devoted to overcoming the drawbacks, and some encouraging works have arisen. In this review, the latest advances of electrolyte and electrode materials in aqueous batteries based on monovalent ion (Li+, Na+, K+) and multivalent ion (Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+) are briefly reviewed.
Syntheses and Structures of Zinc(tmeda)bis(aryltellurolato) and its Facile Chalcogenospecific Ligand Exchange Reactivity
Authors: Behr Sandra , Bestvater Thorsten , Feldmann Arnold , Kirschbaum Kristin , Conrad Olaf , Giolando Dean M.
Published: September 2018

Anaerobic treatment of Zn(tmeda)Br2, where tmeda denotes N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine, with a solution of Na(TeAr), sodium aryltellurolate, in ethanol in a 1:2 stoichiometry led to the formation of highly air sensitive Zn(tmeda)(TeAr)2 (1–3), while a 1:1 stoichiometry afforded Zn(tmeda)Br(TeAr) (4). Crystallography revealed all complexes to be monomeric with four coordinate central zinc atoms bound to tmeda and two TeAr, or a TeAr and a Br ligand. Upon mixing two symmetrically substituted Zn(tmeda)(TeAr)2 complexes in solution, 125Te NMR revealed a facile ligand exchange providing Zn(tmeda)(TeAr)(TeAr′). In addition, Zn(tmeda)(TeAr)(TeAr′) complexes form on mixing symmetric Zn(tmeda)(TeAr)2 complexes and (TeAr′)2. The lability of the zinc complexes was put to advantage in ligand‐substitution reactions wherein treatment of SnCl4 with Zn(tmeda)(TeAr)2 affords Sn(TeAr)4 in excellent yields without the concurrent formation of the redox product (TeAr)2. The apparent lability of the Zn–Te bond prevented the volatilization of 1–3 for their use as chemical vapor deposition precursors for the fabrication of ZnTe thin films. On heating, to volatize the complexes, the complexes decompose to cubic ZnTe and TeAr2 sublimes from the samples. Thermal gravimetric analysis indicates the loss of tmeda followed by the loss of TeAr2.
An F-theory realization of the chiral MSSM with ℤ2-parity
Authors: Cvetič Mirjam , Lin Ling , Liu Muyang , Oehlmann Paul-Konstantin
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Using F-theory we construct 4D

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

SUGRA theories with the Standard Model gauge group, three chiral generations, and matter parity in order to forbid all dimension four baryon and lepton number violating operators. The underlying geometries are derived by constructing smooth genus-one fibered Calabi-Yau fourfolds using toric tops that have a Jacobian fibration with rank one Mordell-Weil group and SU(3) × SU(2) singularities. The necessary gauge backgrounds on the smooth fourfolds are shown to be fully compatible with the quantization condition, including positive integer D3-tadpoles. This construction realizes for the first time a consistent UV completion of an MSSM-like model with matter parity in F-theory. Moreover our construction is general enough to also exhibit other relevant ℤ2 charge extensions of the MSSM such as lepton and baryon parity. Such models however are rendered inconsistent by non-integer fluxes, which are necessary for producing the exact MSSM chiral spectrum. These inconsistencies turn out to be intimately related to field theory considerations regarding a UV-embedding of the ℤ2 into a U(1) and the resulting discrete anomalies.
Cosmological phase transitions in warped space: gravitational waves and collider signatures
Authors: Megías Eugenio , Nardini Germano , Quirós Mariano
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We study the electroweak phase transition within a 5D warped model including a scalar potential with an exponential behavior, and strong back-reaction over the metric, in the infrared. By means of a novel treatment of the superpotential formalism, we explore parameter regions that were previously inaccessible. We find that for large enough values of the t’Hooft parameter (e.g. N ≃ 25) the holographic phase transition occurs, and it can force the Higgs to undergo a first order electroweak phase transition, suitable for electroweak baryogenesis. The model exhibits gravitational waves and colliders signatures. It typically predicts a stochastic gravitational wave background observable both at the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and at the Einstein Telescope. Moreover the radion tends to be heavy enough such that it evades current constraints, but may show up in future LHC runs.
Gravitational free energy in topological AdS/CFT
Authors: Genolini Pietro Benetti , Richmond Paul , Sparks James
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We define and study a holographic dual to the topological twist of

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

gauge theories on Riemannian three-manifolds. The gravity duals are solutions to four-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

gauged supergravity, where the three-manifold arises as a conformal boundary. Following our previous work, we show that the renormalized gravitational free energy of such solutions is independent of the boundary three-metric, as required for a topological theory. We then go further, analyzing the geometry of supersymmetric bulk solutions. Remarkably, we are able to show that the gravitational free energy of any smooth four-manifold filling of any three-manifold is always zero. Aided by this analysis, we prove a similar result for topological AdS5/CFT4. We comment on the implications of these results for the large N limits of topologically twisted gauge theories in three and four dimensions, including the ABJM theory and

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

SU(N) super-Yang-Mills, respectively.
Holographic complexity of Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton gravity
Authors: Swingle Brian , Wang Yixu
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We study the holographic complexity of Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton gravity using the recently proposed “complexity = volume” and “complexity = action” dualities. The model we consider has a ground state that is represented in the bulk via a so-called hyperscaling violating geometry. We calculate the action growth of the Wheeler-DeWitt patch of the corresponding black hole solution at non-zero temperature and find that, depending on the parameters of the theory, there is a parametric enhancement of the action growth rate relative to the conformal field theory result. We match this behavior to simple tensor network models which can capture aspects of hyperscaling violation. We also exhibit the switchback effect in complexity growth using shockwave geometries and comment on a subtlety of our action calculations when the metric is discontinuous at a null surface.
Rotating black holes and black bars at large D
Authors: Andrade Tomás , Emparan Roberto , Licht David
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a new and efficient approach to investigate black hole dynamics in the limit of large number of dimensions D. The basic idea is that an asymptotically flat black brane evolving under the Gregory-Laflamme instability forms lumps that closely resemble a localized black hole. In this manner, the large-D effective equations for extended black branes can be used to study localized black holes. We show that these equations have exact solutions for black-hole-like lumps on the brane, which correctly capture the main properties of Schwarzschild and Myers-Perry black holes at large D, including their slow quasinormal modes and the ultraspinning instabilities (axisymmetric or not) at large angular momenta. Furthermore, we obtain a novel class of rotating ‘black bar’ solutions, which are stationary when D → ∞, and are long-lived when D is finite but large, since their gravitational wave emission is strongly suppressed. The leading large D approximation reproduces to per-cent level accuracy previous numerical calculations of the bar-mode growth rate in D = 6, 7.
Compactifications of ADE conformal matter on a torus
Authors: Kim Hee-Cheol , Razamat Shlomo S. , Vafa Cumrun , Zafrir Gabi
Published: September 2018

Abstract

In this paper we study compactifications of ADE type conformal matter, N M5 branes probing ADE singularity, on torus with flux for global symmetry. We systematically construct the four dimensional theories by first going to five dimensions and studying interfaces. We claim that certain interfaces can be associated with turning on flux in six dimensions. The interface models when compactified on a circle comprise building blocks for constructing four dimensional models associated to flux compactifications of six dimensional theories on a torus. The theories in four dimensions turn out to be quiver gauge theories and the construction implies many interesting cases of IR symmetry enhancements and dualities of such theories.