bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments: a retrospective analysis of risk factors for delayed union
Authors: Hamahashi Kosuke , Uchiyama Yoshiyasu , Kobayashi Yuka , Ebihara Goro , Ukai Taku , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: March 2019

Background

This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments and analyzed the risk factors for delayed union.

Methods

Retrospective analyses involving 51 patients who underwent intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments (AO classification type B, 35 cases; type C, 16 cases) were conducted. Delayed union was defined as either more than 10 months required for callus formation in more than three of the four cortical bone surfaces observed in the frontal and lateral radiographic views or the requirement for additional surgery such as nail conversion or bone transplantation. Seventeen patients developed delayed union (D group). Thirty-four patients achieved bony union within 9 months (U group). The following background variables were compared between groups: age at the time of the injury; AO classification; ratio of open fracture; waiting period before surgery; rate of the infraisthmal fracture; diameter of the intramedullary nail; ratio of the intramedullary nail to the femur; length and displacement of the third fragment; and use of open reduction, poller screws, or dynamization.

Results

Significant differences were found between the D and U groups for age (32.2±14.1 vs. 25.3±9.6 years), open fracture ratio (35.3% vs. 11.8%), and displacement of the third fragment (13.7±6.4 vs. 9±6.3 mm). Multiple logistic regression analysis only identified displacement of the third fragment as a risk factor for delayed union (p=0.03; OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.26).

Discussion

Delayed union was observed in 17 cases (33.3%) after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with third fragments. Displacement of the third fragment influenced delayed union.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Trauma and acute care surgeons report prescribing less opioids over time
Authors: Anderson Jamie E , Cocanour Christine S. , Galante Joseph M
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Confronted with the opioid epidemic, surgeons must play a larger role to reduce risk of opioid abuse while managing acute pain. Having a better understanding of the beliefs and practices of trauma and acute care surgeons regarding discharge pain management may offer potential targets for interventions beyond fixed legal mandates.

Methods

An Institutional Review Board-approved electronic survey was sent to trauma and acute care surgeons who are members of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and trauma and acute care surgeons and nurse practitioners at a Level 1 trauma center in February 2018. The survey included four case-based scenarios and questions about discharge prescription practices and beliefs.

Results

Of 66 respondents, most (88.1%) were at academic institutions. Mean number of opioid tablets prescribed was 20–30 (range 5–90), with the fewest tablets prescribed for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the most for rib fractures. Few prescribed both opioid and non-opioid medications (22.4% to 31.4 %). Most would not change the number/strength of medications (69.2%), dose (53.9%), or number of tablets of opioids (83.1%) prescribed if patients used opioids regularly prior to their operation. The most common factors that made providers more likely to prescribe opioids were high inpatient opioid use (32.4%), history of opioid use/abuse (24.5%), and if the patient lives far from the hospital (12.9%). Most providers in practice >5 years reported a decrease in opioids (71.9%) prescribed at discharge.

Conclusion

Trauma and acute care surgeons and nurse practitioners reported decreasing the number/amount of opioids prescribed over time. Patients with high opioid use in the hospital, history of opioid use/abuse, or who live far from the provider may be prescribed more opioids at discharge.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
American Association for the Surgery of Trauma emergency general surgery guideline summaries 2018: acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, acute diverticulitis, acute pancreatitis, and small bowel obstructionAcute cholecystitis management guidelines summaryAcute colonic diverticulitis management guidelines summaryIntestinal obstruction due to adhesions guideline summaryAcute pancreatitis management guidelines summary
Authors: Schuster Kevin M , Holena Daniel N , Salim Ali , Savage Stephanie , Crandall Marie
Published: March 2019

In April 2017, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) asked the AAST Patient Assessment Committee to undertake a gap analysis for published clinical practice guidelines in emergency general surgery (EGS). Committee members performed literature searches to catalogue published guidelines for common EGS diseases and also to identify gaps in the literature where guidelines could be created. For five of the most common EGS conditions, acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, acute diverticulitis, acute pancreatitis, and small bowel obstruction, we found multiple well-referenced guidelines published by leading professional organizations. We have summarized guideline recommendations for each of these disease states stratified by the AAST EGS anatomic severity score based on these published consensus guidelines. These summaries could be used to help inform evidence-based clinical decision-making, but are intended to be flexible and updatable in real time as further research emerges. Comprehensive guidelines were available for all of the diseases queried and identified gaps most commonly represented areas lacking a solid evidence base. These are therefore areas where further research is needed.
Aggregated Negative Feedback in a Generalized Lorenz Model
Authors: Shen Bo-Wen
Published: March 2019

In this study, we first present a generalized Lorenz model (LM) with [Formula: see text] modes, where [Formula: see text] is an odd number that is greater than three. The generalized LM (GLM) is derived based on a successive extension of the nonlinear feedback loop (NFL) with additional high wavenumber modes. By performing a linear stability analysis with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we illustrate that: (1) within the 3D, 5D, and 7D LMs, the appearance of unstable nontrivial critical points requires a larger Rayleigh parameter in a higher-dimensional LM and (2) within the 9DLM, nontrivial critical points are stable. By comparing the GLM with various numbers of modes, we discuss the aggregated negative feedback enabled by the extended NFL and its role in stabilizing solutions in high-dimensional LMs. Our analysis indicates that the 9DLM is the lowest order generalized LM with stable nontrivial critical points for all Rayleigh parameters greater than one. As shown by calculations of the ensemble Lyapunov exponent, the 9DLM still produces chaotic solutions. Within the 9DLM, a larger critical value for the Rayleigh parameter, [Formula: see text], is required for the onset of chaos as compared to a [Formula: see text] for the 3DLM, a [Formula: see text] for the 5DLM, and a [Formula: see text] for the 7DLM. In association with stable nontrivial critical points that may lead to steady-state solutions, the appearance of chaotic orbits indicates the important role of a saddle point at the origin in producing the sensitive dependence of solutions on initial conditions. The 9DLM displays the coexistence of chaotic and steady-state solutions at moderate Rayleigh parameters and the coexistence of limit cycle and steady-state solutions at large Rayleigh parameters. The first kind of coexistence appears within a smaller range of Rayleigh parameters in lower-dimensional LMs (i.e. [Formula: see text] within the 3DLM) but in a wider range of Rayleigh parameters within the 9DLM (i.e. [Formula: see text]). The second kind of coexistence has never been reported in high-dimensional Lorenz systems.
Limit Cycles in a Model of Olfactory Sensory Neurons
Authors: Xia Yonghui , Grašič Mateja , Huang Wentao , Romanovski Valery G.
Published: March 2019

We propose an approach to study small limit cycle bifurcations on a center manifold in analytic or smooth systems depending on parameters. We then apply it to the investigation of limit cycle bifurcations in a model of calcium oscillations in the cilia of olfactory sensory neurons and show that it can have two limit cycles: a stable cycle appearing after a Bautin (generalized Hopf) bifurcation and an unstable cycle appearing after a subcritical Hopf bifurcation.
Allee’s Effect Bifurcation in Generalized Logistic Maps
Authors: Leonel Rocha J. , Taha Abdel-Kaddous
Published: March 2019

This paper concerns the study of the Allee effect on the dynamical behavior of a new class of generalized logistic maps. The fundamentals of the dynamics of this 4-parameter family of one-dimensional maps are presented. A complete classification of the nature and stability of its fixed points is provided. The main results relate to the Allee effect bifurcation: a new type of bifurcation introduced for this class of unimodal maps. A necessary and sufficient condition so that the Allee fixed point is a snap-back repeller is established. In addition, in the parameters space is defined an Allee’s effect region, which determines the existence of an essential extinction for the generalized logistic maps. Local and global bifurcations of generalized logistic maps are investigated.
Exact Traveling Wave Solutions and Bifurcations of the Time-Fractional Differential Equations with Applications
Authors: Zhu Wenjing , Xia Yonghui , Zhang Bei , Bai Yuzhen
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a method to investigate exact traveling wave solutions and bifurcations of the nonlinear time-fractional partial differential equations with the conformable fractional derivative proposed by [Khalil et al., 2014]. The method is based on employing the bifurcation theory of planar dynamical systems proposed by [Li, 2013]. For the fractional PDEs, up till now, there is no related paper to obtain the exact solutions by applying bifurcation theory. We show how to use this method with applications to two fractional PDEs: the fractional Klein–Gordon equation and the fractional generalized Hirota–Satsuma coupled KdV system, respectively. We find the new exact solutions including periodic wave solution, kink wave solution, anti-kink wave solution and solitary wave solution (bright and dark), which are different from previous works in the literature. This approach can also be extended to other nonlinear time-fractional differential equations with the conformable fractional derivative.
A Vector Approach for Analytical Dynamics of a System of Rigid Bars
Authors: Goyal Raman , Majji Manoranjan , Skelton Robert E.
Published: March 2019

An analytical mechanics approach to derive equations of motion from vector kinematic description of rigid bar assemblies is developed. It is shown that various holonomic constraints governing multibody mechanical systems can be modeled using vector kinematics without using trigonometric/transcendental functions. The principle of virtual work is utilized to derive a map between the generalized coordinates associated with the vector approach and the angular velocity vector associated with the rigid bars. The utility of the vector approach is demonstrated by deriving the dynamics of tensegrity systems and a carpal wrist joint.
Semiconductor Nanostructure Design for Thermoelectric Property Control
Authors: Nakamura Y. , Ishibe T. , Taniguchi T. , Terada T. , Hosoda R. , Sakane Sh.
Published: March 2019

We present the methodologies for developing high-performance thermoelectric materials using nanostructured interfaces by reviewing our three studies and giving the new aspect of nanostructuring results. (1) Connected Si nanocrystals exhibited ultrasmall thermal conductivity. The drastic thermal conductivity reduction was brought by phonon confinement and phonon scattering. Here, we present discussion about the new aspect for phonon transport: not only nanocrystal size but also shape can contribute to thermal conductivity reduction. (2) Si films including Ge nanocrystals demonstrated that phonon and carrier conductions were independently controlled in the films, where carriers were easily transported through the interfaces between Si and Ge, while phonons could be effectively scattered at the interfaces. (3) Embedded-ZnO nanowire structure demonstrated the simultaneous realization of power factor increase and thermal conductivity reduction. The [Formula: see text] increase was caused by the interface-dominated carrier transport. The nanowire interfaces also worked as phonon scatterers, resulting in the thermal conductivity reduction.
Synthesis of Graphitic Carbon Nitride in Porous Silica Glass
Authors: Chubenko E. B. , Baglov A. V. , Lisimova E. S. , Borisenko V. E.
Published: March 2019

We developed and studied facile synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride in macroporous silica glass matrix. Melamine was used as a precursor. The synthesis was performed in a closed air ambience at 400–600∘C. It was found that the synthesized material was characterized with a broadband room-temperature photoluminescence in the range of 350–750[Formula: see text]nm with the peak shifting from to 445[Formula: see text]nm to 702[Formula: see text]nm when the temperature of the synthesis was increased from [Formula: see text]C to [Formula: see text]C while the intensity of the luminescence was decreased. The nature of the luminescent centers and possible applications of the synthesized material are discussed.
Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Doped with Transition Metals: Fabrication and Properties
Authors: Chubenko E. , Gerasimenko I. , Bondarenko V. , Zhigulin D.
Published: March 2019

ZnO nanostructured films doped with Co and Ni deposited by hydrothermal method on silicon substrates covered with undoped ZnO sublayer were studied. SEM images of the films demonstrated them to consist of densely packed vertical nanopillars. Doping ZnO films with Ni or Co at concentrations up to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] quenches their UV-excited photoluminescence. The doping also leads to the slight ferromagnetic behavior of ZnO.
Effect of Substituents on TICT Rate in Thioflavin T-Based Fluorescent Molecular Rotors
Authors: Stsiapura V. I. , Gogoleva S. D. , Maskevich A. A. , Buganov O. V. , Tikhomirov S. A. , Lugovski A. A. , Baruah K. , Sarma B. K.
Published: March 2019

New fluorescent molecular rotors (FMRs) were developed by modification of the Thioflavin T (ThT) structure via introduction of methyl and methoxy groups. Effects of the substituents on fluorescence properties and twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) rate in the excited state of the molecules were studied using steady-state fluorescence and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. Quantum chemical calculations of the molecules in the ground and excited states were carried out to aid interpretation of the experimental results. Only cationic forms of ThT derivatives have FMR properties and exhibit viscosity-dependent fluorescence. The TICT rate was found to be affected by the size of the molecular fragments, which experience mutual rotation, dihedral angle [Formula: see text] between the fragments in the ground state as well as their donor/acceptor properties.
Aggregation-induced emission nanoparticles for in vivo three-photon fluorescence microscopic rat brain angiography
Authors: Zhang Hequn , Xie Weisi , Chen Ming , Zhu Liang , Feng Zhe , Wang Yalun , Xi Wang , Tang Ben Zhong , Qian Jun
Published: March 2019

Rodents are popular biological models for physiological and behavioral research in neuroscience and rats are better models than mice due to their higher genome similarity to human and more accessible surgical procedures. However, rat brain is larger than mice brain and it needs powerful imaging tools to implement better penetration against the scattering of the thicker brain tissue. Three-photon fluorescence microscopy (3PFM) combined with near-infrared (NIR) excitation has great potentials for brain circuits imaging because of its abilities of anti-scattering, deep-tissue imaging, and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this work, a type of AIE luminogen with red fluorescence was synthesized and encapsulated with Pluronic F-127 to make up form nanoparticles (NPs). Bright DCDPP-2TPA NPs were employed for in vivo three-photon fluorescent laser scanning microscopy of blood vessels in rats brain under 1550[Formula: see text]nm femtosecond laser excitation. A fine three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction up to the deepness of 600[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m was achieved and the blood flow velocity of a selected vessel was measured in vivo as well. Our 3PFM deep brain imaging method simultaneously recorded the morphology and function of the brain blood vessels in vivo in the rat model. Using this angiography combined with the arsenal of rodent’s brain disease, models can accelerate the neuroscience research and clinical diagnosis of brain disease in the future.
Ultra-stable near-infrared Tm3+-doped upconversion nanoparticles for in vivo wide-field two-photon angiography with a low excitation intensity
Authors: Liu Wen , Chen Runze , He Sailing
Published: March 2019

Two-photon luminescence with near-infrared (NIR) excitation of upconversion nanoparticles (NPs) is of great importance in biological imaging due to deep penetration in high-scattering tissues, low auto-luminescence and good sectioning ability. Unfortunately, common two-photon luminescence is in visible band with an extremely high exciation power density, which limits its application. Here, we synthesized NaYF4:Yb[Formula: see text]Tm@NaYF4 upconversion NPs with strong two-photon NIR emission and a low excitation power density. Furthermore, NaYF4:Yb[Formula: see text]Tm@NaYF4@SiO2@OTMS@F127 NPs with high chemical stability were obtained by a modified multilayer coating method which was applied to upconversion NPs for the first time. In addition, it is shown that the as-prepared hydrophillic upconversion NPs have great biocompatibility and kept stable for 6 hours during in vivo whole-body imaging. The vessels with two-photon luminescence were clear even under an excitation power density as low as 25[Formula: see text]mW[Formula: see text]cm2. Vivid visualizations of capillaries and vessels in a mouse brain were also obtained with low background and high contrast. Because of cheaper instruments and safer power density, the NIR two-photon luminescence of NaYF4:Yb[Formula: see text]Tm@NaYF4 upconversion NPs could promote wider application of two-photon technology. The modified multilayer coating method could be widely used for upconversion NPs to increase the stable time of the in vivo circulation. Our work possesses a great potential for deep imaging and imaging-guided treatment in the future.
Constitutional Amendments and Party Power Centralisation in China
Authors: CHEN Gang
Published: March 2019

In March 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping kick-started his second term at the annual National People’s Congress, which amended the country’s constitution to allow Xi to remain in power beyond his scheduled departure in 2023. Xi’s power consolidation also came with the Party’s reinforced Leninist control of state apparatus at various levels, corporations, civil society, the media and the academia. Party-State reforms in 2018 were a reversal of Party-State separation (dangzheng fenkai) initiated by Deng Xiaoping.
A Watershed Year: Chinese Foreign Policy in 2018
Authors: GORE Lance L P
Published: March 2019

The year 2018 is a watershed year in China’s foreign relations, marked by rapid deterioration of the external environment. The trade war with the United States is fought simultaneously at business, geopolitical and ideological levels.

The two were in a struggle to redefine their bilateral relations, which also affected China’s dealings with other states, including the two Koreas, Taiwan and Japan. A more cautious foreign policy is expected from China in 2019.
Taiwan’s Politics 2018: The Dilemma of the Movement Government
Authors: QI Dongtao
Published: March 2019

Declining Taiwanese nationalism, rising independent voters and more realistic public perception of democracy had contributed to the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) electoral debacle in 2018. The structural dilemma of the DPP administration as a movement government significantly contributed to its rapidly declining public support. The DPP administration had to keep a delicate balance by compromising on its promises to various social movement and progressive forces after it took power, which consequently alienated many of its supporters.
South Korea’s Economy 2018: Setbacks of Moon Jae-In’s Reform
Authors: CHIANG Min-Hua
Published: March 2019

South Korea’s economy in 2018 grew by 2.7%, down from 3.1% in 2017. The slow progress of private consumption and plunge in domestic investment offset the positive effects of the government’s stimulus measures and the country’s moderate export expansion. The increase in minimum wage resulted in greater unemployment. The economic sluggishness pulled down President Moon Jaein’s approval rating from nearly 77% in Q3 2017 to below 50% at the end of 2018.
Lithological and chemostratigraphic discrimination of facies within the Bowland Shale Formation within the Craven and Edale basins, UK
Authors: Waters Colin N. , Vane Christopher H. , Kemp Simon J. , Haslam Richard B. , Hough Edward , Moss-Hayes Vicky L.
Published: March 2019

The Carboniferous Bowland Shale Formation of the UK is a proven hydrocarbon source rock and currently a target for shale gas exploration. Most existing analysis details lithofacies and geochemical assessment of a small number of boreholes. Given a paucity of relevant borehole cores, surface samples provide a valuable contribution to the assessment of this unconventional gas source. This study reviews existing literature on the formation's hydrocarbon geochemistry and provides new lithological descriptions of seven lithofacies, XRD mineralogy and hydrocarbon-specific geochemical data for 32 outcrop localities within the Craven and Edale basins, respectively in the northern and southern parts of the resource area. Low oxygen indices suggest that the majority of samples are relatively unaltered (in terms of hydrocarbon geochemistry), and therefore suitable for the characterization of the shale organic character. Total organic carbon (TOC) ranges from 0.7 to 6.5 wt%, with highest values associated with maximum flooding surfaces. Mean
T
max
values of 447 and 441°C for the Edale and Craven basins, respectively, suggest that nearly all the samples were too immature to have generated appreciable amounts of dry gas. The oil saturation index is consistently below the >100 mg g
−1
TOC benchmark, suggesting that they are not prospective for shale oil.

Supplementary material:
A table summarizing the location, geological description and age of all of the samples in this paper is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4444589
The 2017 Regent Landslide, Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone
Authors: Redshaw Peter , Boon David , Campbell Grace , Willis Matthew , Mattai Julius , Free Matthew , Jordan Colm , Kemp Simon J. , Morley Anna , Thomas Michael
Published: March 2019

At 06:50 on Monday 14 August 2017, a hillslope on the Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone, collapsed, sending 300 000 m
3
of debris into the flooded valley below. As this debris mixed with floodwater it became a sediment-laden flood which entered a drainage channel and travelled 6 km to the coastline. The event destroyed nearly 400 buildings, claimed the lives of an estimated 1100 people and affected
c.
5000 people. The mechanism was a two-stage rainfall-triggered landslide followed by a channelized debris-laden flood. The processes were similar to the nearby 1945 event in Charlotte, which killed at least 13 people. Geomorphological mapping has identified evidence of hundreds of other large landslides that occurred before modern records, providing an appreciation of the slope processes affecting the Freetown Peninsula.

Following the 2017 Regent Landslide, rehabilitation of the affected area involved a risk-reduction strategy that centred on reducing population exposure. These events are a reminder that the steep slopes and valleys across the Freetown Peninsula are highly susceptible to rainfall-triggered landslides which, given the topography, have a high propensity to generate high intensity landslides and debris-laden floods. Future urbanization must consider whole-catchment management, flooding and slope engineering issues to provide lasting landslide risk reduction.
Attentive Aspect Modeling for Review-Aware Recommendation
Authors: Guan Xinyu , Cheng Zhiyong , He Xiangnan , Zhang Yongfeng , Zhu Zhibo , Peng Qinke , Chua Tat-Seng
Published: March 2019

In recent years, many studies extract aspects from user reviews and integrate them with ratings for improving the recommendation performance. The common aspects mentioned in a user’s reviews and a product’s reviews indicate indirect connections between the user and product. However, these aspect-based methods suffer from two problems. First, the common aspects are usually very sparse, which is caused by the sparsity of user-product interactions and the diversity of individual users’ vocabularies. Second, a user’s interests on aspects could be different with respect to different products, which are usually assumed to be static in existing methods. In this article, we propose an Attentive Aspect-based Recommendation Model (AARM) to tackle these challenges. For the first problem, to enrich the aspect connections between user and product, besides common aspects, AARM also models the interactions between synonymous and similar aspects. For the second problem, a neural attention network which simultaneously considers user, product, and aspect information is constructed to capture a user’s attention toward aspects when examining different products. Extensive quantitative and qualitative experiments show that AARM can effectively alleviate the two aforementioned problems and significantly outperforms several state-of-the-art recommendation methods on the top-N recommendation task.
Synchronizing Data Words for Register Automata
Authors: Quaas Karin , Shirmohammadi Mahsa
Published: March 2019

Register automata (RAs) are finite automata extended with a finite set of registers to store and compare data from an infinite domain. We study the concept of synchronizing data words in RAs: does there exist a data word that sends all states of the RA to a single state?

For deterministic RAs with
k
registers (
k
-DRAs), we prove that inputting data words with 2
k
+1 distinct data from the infinite data domain is sufficient to synchronize. We show that the synchronization problem for DRAs is in general PSPACE-complete, and it is NLOGSPACE-complete for 1-DRAs. For nondeterministic RAs (NRAs), we show that Ackermann(
n
) distinct data (where
n
is the size of the RA) might be necessary to synchronize. The synchronization problem for NRAs is in general undecidable; however, we establish Ackermann-completeness of the problem for 1-NRAs. Another main result is the NEXPTIME-completeness of the length-bounded synchronization problem for NRAs, where a bound on the length of the synchronizing data word, written in binary, is given. A variant of this last construction allows to prove that the length-bounded universality problem for NRAs is co-NEXPTIME-complete.
Low-Cost Stochastic Hybrid Multiplier for Quantized Neural Networks
Authors: Li Bingzhe , Najafi M. Hassan , Lilja David J.
Published: March 2019

With increased interests of neural networks, hardware implementations of neural networks have been investigated. Researchers pursue low hardware cost by using different technologies such as stochastic computing (SC) and quantization. More specifically, the quantization is able to reduce total number of trained weights and results in low hardware cost. SC aims to lower hardware costs substantially by using simple gates instead of complex arithmetic operations. However, the advantages of both quantization and SC in neural networks are not well investigated. In this article, we propose a new stochastic multiplier with simple CMOS transistors called the
stochastic hybrid multiplier
for quantized neural networks. The new design uses the characteristic of quantized weights and tremendously reduces the hardware cost of neural networks. Experimental results indicate that our stochastic design achieves about 7.7x energy reduction compared to its counterpart binary implementation while maintaining slightly higher recognition error rates than the binary implementation. Compared to previous stochastic neural network implementations, our work derives at least 4x, 9x, and 10x reduction in terms of area, power, and energy, respectively.
Machine Learning for Smart Building Applications
Authors: Djenouri Djamel , Laidi Roufaida , Djenouri Youcef , Balasingham Ilangko
Published: March 2019

The use of machine learning (ML) in smart building applications is reviewed in this article. We split existing solutions into two main classes: occupant-centric versus energy/devices-centric. The first class groups solutions that use ML for aspects related to the occupants, including (1) occupancy estimation and identification, (2) activity recognition, and (3) estimating preferences and behavior. The second class groups solutions that use ML to estimate aspects related either to energy or devices. They are divided into three categories: (1) energy profiling and demand estimation, (2) appliances profiling and fault detection, and (3) inference on sensors. Solutions in each category are presented, discussed, and compared; open perspectives and research trends are discussed as well. Compared to related state-of-the-art survey papers, the contribution herein is to provide a comprehensive and holistic review from the ML perspectives rather than architectural and technical aspects of existing building management systems. This is by considering all types of ML tools, buildings, and several categories of applications, and by structuring the taxonomy accordingly. The article ends with a summary discussion of the presented works, with focus on lessons learned, challenges, open and future directions of research in this field.
Electroacupuncture via chronically implanted electrodes improves gastrointestinal motility by balancing sympathovagal activities in a rat model of constipation
Authors: Wang Xinjun , Yang Boli , Yin Jieyun , Wei Wei , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: March 2019

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported for treating constipation in clinical studies. However, little is known of the possible mechanisms involved in the prokinetic effect of EA. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying autonomic mechanisms of EA via chronically implanted electrodes for constipation in rat induced by Loperamide (Lop). Lop was given to regular rats to induce constipation. EA was performed via a pair of electrodes chronically implanted at bilateral acupoint ST-36. Feces characteristics, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, distal colon transit time (dCTT), and whole gut transit time (WGTT) were measured in various sessions with EA or sham EA in rats with constipation induced by Lop. Heart rate variability (HRV) derived from the electrocardiogram was analyzed to evaluate autonomic functions. The number of fecal pellets was reduced by 27% with Lop ( P < 0.01) and normalized by 7-day EA. Similar results were also observed in pellet weight. In normal rats compared with sham EA, EA shortened dCTT by 74% ( P < 0.05 vs. sham EA), increased small intestinal transit by 28% ( P < 0.01) and gastric emptying by 27% ( P < 0.05), and accelerated whole gut transit by 14% ( P < 0.05). In Lop-treated rats, the dCTT and WGTT were prolonged by Lop and normalized by EA. Lop significantly decreased vagal activity and increased sympathetic nerve activity; however, EA reversed these effects. EA at ST-36 via chronically implanted electrodes improves Lop-induced constipation by enhancing GI motility via the autonomic mechanisms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The findings of the present study suggest that the proposed electroacupuncture (EA) may have great therapeutic potential for treating patients with opioid-induced constipation. It was demonstrated that EA at ST-36 improved transit of every organ along the gut mediated via the autonomic mechanisms in normal rats and rats with Lop-induced constipation. It is advised to administrate EA daily instead of two or three times weekly as reported in most of the clinical studies.
Interaction between the respiratory system and cerebral blood flow regulation
Authors: Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: March 2019

This review summarizes the interaction between the regulatory system of respiration and cerebral vasculature. Some clinical reports provide evidence for the association between these two physiological regulatory systems. Physiologically, arterial carbon dioxide concentration is mainly regulated by two feedback control systems: respiration and cerebral blood flow. In other words, both of these systems are sensitive to the same mediator, i.e., carbon dioxide, at a set point. In addition, respiratory dysfunction alters various physiological factors that affect the cerebral vasculature. Therefore, it is physiologically plausible that these systems are closely linked. The regulation of arterial carbon dioxide concentration affected by respiration and cerebral blood flow may be a key factor for a rise in the risk of brain disease in the patients with respiratory dysfunction. For example, the management of respiratory disease (e.g., patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and the use of prophylactic therapy are essential to reduce the risk of stroke.
Phosphorylation of αB-crystallin and its cytoskeleton association differs in skeletal myofiber types depending on resistance exercise intensity and volume
Authors: Jacko Daniel , Bersiner Käthe , Hebchen Jonas , de Marées Markus , Bloch Wilhelm , Gehlert Sebastian
Published: March 2019

αB-crystallin (CRYAB) is an important actor in the immediate cell stabilizing response following mechanical stress in skeletal muscle. Yet, only little is known regarding myofiber type-specific stress responses of CRYAB. We investigated whether the phosphorylation of CRYAB at serine 59 (pCRYABSer59) and its cytoskeleton association are influenced by varying load-intensity and -volume in a fiber type-specific manner. Male subjects were assigned to 1, 5, and 10 sets of different acute resistance exercise protocols: hypertrophy (HYP), maximum strength (MAX), strength endurance (SE), low intensity (LI), and three sets of maximum eccentric resistance exercise (ECC). Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken at baseline and 30 min after exercise. Western blot revealed an increase inpCRYABSer59only following 5 and 10 sets in groups HYP, MAX, SE, and LI as well as following 3 sets in the ECC group. In type I fibers, immunohistochemistry determined increasedpCRYABSer59in all groups. In type II fibers,pCRYABSer59only increased in MAX and ECC groups, with the increase in type II fibers exceeding that of type I fibers in ECC. Association of CRYAB andpCRYABSer59with the cytoskeleton reflected the fiber type-specific phosphorylation pattern. Phosphorylation of CRYAB and its association with the cytoskeleton in type I and II myofibers is highly specific in terms of loading intensity and volume. Most likely, this is based on specific recruitment patterns of the different myofiber entities due to the different resistance exercise loadings. We conclude thatpCRYABSer59indicates contraction-induced mechanical stress exposure of single myofibers in consequence of resistance exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We determined that the phosphorylation of αB-crystallin at serine 59 (pCRYABSer59) after resistance exercise differs between myofiber types in a load- and intensity-dependent manner. The determination ofpCRYABSer59could serve as a marker indirectly indicating contractile involvement and applied mechanical stress on individual fibers. By that, it is possible to retrospectively assess the impact of resistance exercise loading on skeletal muscle fiber entities.
The Sleep-Immune Crosstalk in Health and Disease
Authors: Besedovsky Luciana , Lange Tanja , Haack Monika
Published: March 2019

Sleep and immunity are bidirectionally linked. Immune system activation alters sleep, and sleep in turn affects the innate and adaptive arm of our body’s defense system. Stimulation of the immune system by microbial challenges triggers an inflammatory response, which, depending on its magnitude and time course, can induce an increase in sleep duration and intensity, but also a disruption of sleep. Enhancement of sleep during an infection is assumed to feedback to the immune system to promote host defense. Indeed, sleep affects various immune parameters, is associated with a reduced infection risk, and can improve infection outcome and vaccination responses. The induction of a hormonal constellation that supports immune functions is one likely mechanism underlying the immune-supporting effects of sleep. In the absence of an infectious challenge, sleep appears to promote inflammatory homeostasis through effects on several inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines. This notion is supported by findings that prolonged sleep deficiency (e.g., short sleep duration, sleep disturbance) can lead to chronic, systemic low-grade inflammation and is associated with various diseases that have an inflammatory component, like diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration. Here, we review available data on this regulatory sleep-immune crosstalk, point out methodological challenges, and suggest questions open for future research.
Flat Crystal X-Ray Optics
Authors: Campbell William J. , Leon Melvin , Thatcher John
Published: March 2019

An investigation was undertaken by the Bureau of Mines at College Park, Md., to determine the effect of various combinations of collimators, analyzing crystals and detectors on line intensities, line-to-backgrouhd ratios, and spectral resolution. The research showed that line broadening due to mosaic crystal surfaces was greatly reduced and line splitting from faults was eliminatedby the use of two fine collimators (0.005 inch, spacing, 4 inch length). Line intensities were reduced, but lineto- background ratios arid line profiles were substantially improved with double collimators. Pulse height discrimination resulted in marked improvement in the line-to-background ratio in the long-wave length region, 2 to 10 A, but was much less effective for shorter wave lengths.
Results Obtained with the Modified Norelco Autrometer
Authors: Miller David C.
Published: March 2019

During the past year the NORELCO Autrometer has been modified with respect to several details. Operation with the helium path and flow counter is now possible for work with the soft elements. Rotation in and out of the loading position is automatic so that all that an operator is required to do is to load the specimen holder. The sample or standard in the reading position can be rotated in its own plane for elimination of diffraction effects and other sample preparation problems. Other modifications in the electronics have increased the reliability and ease of maintenance in the production models, A description will be given of this latest unit and data will be presented on the results obtained both with respect to precision and analytical determinations.
A Non-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Unit for the Analysis of Biological Tissue Sections
Authors: Hall Theodore
Published: March 2019

An X-ray fluorescence analysis unit has been designed and built especially for the measurement of certain mineral elements in individual biological tissue sections. Such a section may contain in the neighborhood of 10-10 grams of an element of interest, in a concentration in the range of 1-100 p.p.m.

The unit consists of a special high-power X-ray tube with a builtin interchangeable secondary radiator, which irradiates the speciman with the characteristic lines of the radiator element) and a proportional counter and pulse-height analyzer system, which provides analysis of the X-ray spectrum emitted by the specimen. Because the emitted spectrum is greatly simplified by the use of an appropriate radiator element, a diffracting crystal can be omitted, permitting a great increase in absolute sensitivity.

The system is feasible only because of two peculiarities of our biological specimens: they are so thin that matrix effects are negligible, and they consist essentially of a few mineral elements in a light matrix.

Design considerations, calibration procedures, procedures for the analysis of the observed proportional counter pulse-height spectra and results to date will be discussed.
Principles and Applications of Proportional Counters for X-ray Spectrographs
Authors: Bessen Irwin I.
Published: March 2019

The two general uses of proportional counters in X-ray analysis are discussed in the light of advantages and limitations inherent in the type of counter construction. Some effects on spectrographic results and industrial gaging are cited.
Recent Applications with the X-Ray Microscope
Authors: Summers Selby E.
Published: March 2019

The X-ray microscope is an electrostatic optical instrument employing X-rays for shadow projection to magnify and reveal detailed internal structure of specimens opaque to light or electrons. Its many advantages — high resolving power, greater penetration, large depth of field, and stereographic presentation — make the X-ray Microscope a versatile instrument for industrial research and development. Because the instrument was recently introduced, little information is available on specimen preparation techniques, or types of specimens suitable for study. A few of the many possible applications will be discussed, as well as a brief review of the technical details of the instrument.
The Crystallography of Compounds in the Calcium Oxide-Niobium Pentoxide System
Authors: Rowland John F. , Bright Norman F. H. , Jongejan Arnout
Published: March 2019

In the course of work, on the CaO-Nb205-Si02 System, a series of compositions on the Ca0-Nb2-05 binary join has been studied. There are indications of the existence of three calcium niobates. These compounds have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and optical data. Single crystal studies have given information concerning the crystallography of these materials.
Microstructure, Mass and Chemical Analysis with 8 to 44 Angstrom X-Radiation
Authors: Henke Burton L.
Published: March 2019

The requirement of ultrasoft x-radiation (10 to 100A) for high resolution microradiographic analysis is established. Optimum methods are described for obtaining structure, mass distribution and mass-chemical information for microscopic sample regions as small as a few square microns and for total mass as small as a few micro-micrograms. The details of the techniques and of the instrumentation which are used in high resolution microradiographic analysis are presented.

There has been a considerable amount of work reported on low magnification microradiography (up to 100 diameters) using conventional x-ray wavelengths.

Relatively little work has been done in high resolution microradiography and with ultra soft x-radiation. Nearly all which has been reported has been in application to biological research where the need for such an analysis method seems to be greatest at this time. Outstanding among this work has been that of Engstrom and his co-workers.

Much of the material which is presented in the present paper is intended as a supplement to that presented in the works of Engstrom and Lindstrom and with an emphasis upon the quantitative aspects of microradiographic analysis, using ultrasoft x-radiation.
Cladding Thickness of Fuel Elements by X-Rays
Authors: Lowe Beverley James , Sierer Payson D. , Ogilvie Robert B.
Published: March 2019

The paper is based on a feasibility study to determine the suitability of various techniques for the non-destructive measurement of cladding thickness on uranium fuel elements. The techniques studied were: 1—the attentuation of the characteristic X-ray fluorescence from the uranium base metal by the cladding material, and 2—Compton scattering of X-rays from the cladding surface. The cladding materials used in the investigation were aluminum, 304 stainless steel and zirconium, providing a wide range of both atomic number and density.
Determination of Calcium in Wolframite Concentrates by Fluorescent X-Ray Spectrography
Authors: Campbell William J. , Thatcher John W.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a rapid, accurate method of analysis for small amounts of calcium in wolframite concentrates. This analysis is necessary to determine if wolframite concentrates meet the U. S. National Stockpile Specification P-57R2, which limits the calcium content to 0.2 per cent.

Because of the small depth of sample analyzed in fluorescent x-ray spectrography the calcium Kα line intensity was found to be a function of the chemical composition of the calcium-bearing particle as well as the matrix composition. This particle-conn position effect was particularly important in this analysis because the calcium may be present as a carbonate, tungstate, phosphate, etc. Three methods of sample preparation were found to eliminate the variation of calcium Kα intensity with mineralogical occurrences: (1) Reduction in particle size by extensive grinding, (2) chemical fusion wtli sodium carbonate, and (3) solution of the calcium by an add.

Determinations by all three procedures are believed to be accurate to within ± 5 per cent for more than 0.30 per cent calcium and ± 10 per cent at the 0.1-per cent level. The lower limit of detectability is in the order of 0.005-0.01 per cent.

The operating characteristics of a gas-flow proportional counter used in conjunction with a pulse-height analyzer were studied in detail. This detector was found to have a high counting efficiency for calcium Ka radiation, to have a low counting efficiency for overlapping higher order radiation and to have counting stability equivalent to Geiger tubes.
Analysis of Aluminum-Nickel Diffusion Couples by X-Ray Absorption
Authors: Lublin Paul
Published: March 2019

The X-ray technique for analyzing diffusion couples employs a monochromatic X-ray beam which impinges on a very fine slit, a holder for aligning the diffusion zone with the slit, and a scintillation counter for the high counting rates which have to be measured. Sample preparation, experimental instrumentation, and the application of the technique to the aluminum-nickel system will be discussed.
Instrumentation for Electron Probe Micro Analysis
Authors: Wittry David B.
Published: March 2019

Since the development of the first practical electron probe microanalyzer by Castaing and Guinier in 1951, approximately 14 such instruments have been placed in operation throughout the world and at least 15 more are under construction. All of the existing instruments contain the following basic components: (1) An electron beam system, (2) a movable specimen stage, (3) a means for viewing the surface of the specimen, and (4) an X-ray analyzer. The integration of these components into a practical instrument requires certain compromises in the performance capability of the instrument. A critical evaluation of the various approaches to this problem is given and a new electron objective lens is described which results in fewer restrictions on the over-all performance. The basic design of an instrument employing this lens, which will be manufactured by the Applied Research Laboratories, is discussed.