bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chloride transporters and channels in β-cell physiology: revisiting a 40-year-old model
Authors: Di Fulvio Mauricio , Aguilar-Bryan Lydia
Published: November 2019

It is accepted that insulin-secreting β-cells release insulin in response to glucose even in the absence of functional ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP)-channels, which play a central role in a ‘consensus model’ of secretion broadly accepted and widely reproduced in textbooks. A major shortcoming of this consensus model is that it ignores any and all anionic mechanisms, known for more than 40 years, to modulate β-cell electrical activity and therefore insulin secretion. It is now clear that, in addition to metabolically regulated KATP-channels, β-cells are equipped with volume-regulated anion (Cl–) channels (VRAC) responsive to glucose concentrations in the range known to promote electrical activity and insulin secretion. In this context, the electrogenic efflux of Cl– through VRAC and other Cl– channels known to be expressed in β-cells results in depolarization because of an outwardly directed Cl– gradient established, maintained and regulated by the balance between Cl– transporters and channels. This review will provide a succinct historical perspective on the development of a complex hypothesis: Cl– transporters and channels modulate insulin secretion in response to nutrients.
Effects of Language History on Sentence Recognition in Noise or Two-Talker Speech: Monolingual, Early Bilingual, and Late Bilingual Speakers of English
Authors: Regalado Diana , Kong Jessica , Buss Emily , Calandruccio Lauren
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Language history is an important factor in masked speech recognition. Listeners who acquire the target language later in life perform more poorly than native speakers. However, there are inconsistencies in the literature regarding performance of bilingual speakers who begin learning the target language early in life. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate speech-in-noise and speech-in-speech recognition for highly proficient early bilingual listeners compared to monolingual and late bilingual listeners.

Method

Three groups of young adults participated: native monolingual English speakers, bilingual Mandarin–English speakers who learned English from birth (early bilinguals), and native Mandarin speakers who learned English later in life (late bilinguals). All participants had normal hearing and were full-time college students. Recognition was assessed for English sentences in speech-shaped noise and two-talker English speech. Participants provided linguistic and demographic information, and late bilinguals completed the Versant test of spoken English abilities.

Results

All listeners performed better in speech-shaped noise than two-talker speech. Performance was similar for monolingual and early bilinguals. Late bilinguals performed more poorly overall. There was evidence for a stronger association between masked speech recognition and English dominance for late bilinguals compared to early bilinguals.

Conclusion

These results support the conclusion that bilingualism itself does not necessarily result in a disadvantage when recognizing masked speech in noise and speech in speech. For populations similar to those studied here (highly proficient early bilinguals), it would be appropriate to evaluate masked speech recognition using the same simple stimuli and normative data used for monolingual speakers of English.
Cognitive Rehabilitation for Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: Developing and Piloting an External Aids Treatment Program
Authors: Spencer Kristie A. , Paul Jennifer , Brown Katherine A. , Ellerbrock Taylor , Sohlberg McKay Moore
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Cognitive deficits are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and can have a detrimental effect on daily activities. To date, most cognitive treatments have had an impairment-based focus with primary outcome measures of formal neuropsychological test scores. Few, if any, studies have focused on functional improvement or patient-centered goals.

Method

Three individuals with idiopathic PD participated in an 8-week pilot treatment program to train for the use of compensatory external aids to achieve personalized goals. Goal attainment scaling was the primary outcome measure, which was independently judged by multiple raters at baseline, postintervention, and 1 month posttreatment and analyzed via
T
-score analysis. Descriptive measures, including self-report and spouse-report rating scales of cognitive functioning, were employed.

Results

All 3 participants improved in the majority of their laboratory and home goals posttreatment, as measured by goal attainment scaling, and maintained gains for the majority of goals 1 month posttreatment.

Conclusions

This is the 1st known study to implement an external aids treatment program with patient-centered goals for individuals with cognitive deficits from PD. Positive outcomes were likely influenced by 3 factors: (a) a theoretically motivated focus on external aids; (b) a well-documented, systematic approach to instruction; and (c) the personalization of goals.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.10093493
Event‐triggered distributed H∞ control of physically interconnected mobile Euler–Lagrange systems with slipping, skidding and dead zone
Authors: Tan Luy Nguyen
Published: November 2019

This study addresses an event‐triggered distributed control method by extending traditional zero‐sum differential games for physically interconnected non‐holonomic mobile mechanical multi‐agent systems with external disturbance and slipping, skidding and dead‐zone disturbances. Initially, a problem of physically interconnected kinematic and dynamic control is transformed into an equivalent problem of event‐triggered distributed control. Subsequently, the traditional two‐player zero‐sum differential game is extended to a three‐player zero‐sum differential game, where a new player is included to approximate the worst dead‐zone disturbance. To find player policies, an event‐triggering condition and an event‐triggered control law are proposed via neural networks (NNs). Although an NN weight‐tuning law is designed on the basis of adaptive dynamic programming techniques, it can relax identification procedures for unknown drift dynamics and persistent excitation conditions. It also guarantees that the closed system is stable and the cost function converges to the bounded ‐gain optimal value, while the Zeno behaviour is excluded. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by an application to a dead‐zone torque multi‐mobile robot system through numerical simulations.
A comparative review on cold gas dynamic spraying processes and technologies
Authors: Oyinbo Sunday Temitope , Jen Tien-Chien
Published: November 2019

Cold gas dynamic spraying (CGDS) is a relatively new technology of cold spraying techniques that uses converging-diverging (De Laval) nozzle at a supersonic velocity to accelerate different solid powders towards a substrate where it plastically deforms on the substrate. This deformation results in adhesion to the surface. Several materials with viable deposition capability have been processed through cold spraying, including metals, ceramics, composite materials, and polymers, thereby creating a wide range of opportunities towards harnessing various properties. CGDS is one of the innovative cold spraying processes with fast-growing scientific interests and industrial applications in the field of aerospace, automotive and biotechnology, over the past years. Cold gas spraying with a wide range of materials offers corrosion protection and results in increases in mechanical durability and wear resistance. It creates components with different thermal and electrical conductivities than that substrates would yield, or produces coatings on the substrate components as thermal insulators and high fatigue-strength coatings, and for clearance control, restoration and repairing, or prostheses with improved wear, and produces components with attractive appearances. This review extensively exploits the latest developments in the experimental analysis of CGDS processes. Cold gas dynamic spraying system, coating formation and deposit development, description of process parameter and principles, are summarized. Industrial applications and prospectives of CGDS in future research are also commented.
Does host socio-spatial behavior lead to a fine-scale spatial genetic structure in its associated parasites?
Authors: Portanier Elodie , Garel Mathieu , Devillard Sébastien , Duhayer Jeanne , Poirel Marie-Thérèse , Henri Hélène , Régis Corinne , Maillard Daniel , Redman Elizabeth , Itty Christian , Michel Patricia , Bourgoin Gilles
Published: November 2019

Gastro-intestinal nematodes, especially Haemonchus contortus, are widespread pathogenic parasites of small ruminants. Studying their spatial genetic structure is as important as studying host genetic structure to fully understand host-parasite interactions and transmission patterns. For parasites having a simple life cycle (e.g., monoxenous parasites), gene flow and spatial genetic structure are expected to strongly rely on the socio-spatial behavior of their hosts. Based on five microsatellite loci, we tested this hypothesis for H. contortus sampled in a wild Mediterranean mouflon population (Ovis gmelini musimon × Ovis sp.) in which species- and environment-related characteristics have been found to generate socio-spatial units. We nevertheless found that their parasites had no spatial genetic structure, suggesting that mouflon behavior was not enough to limit parasite dispersal in this study area and/or that other ecological and biological factors were involved in this process, for example other hosts, the parasite life cycle, or the study area history.
Perforator-based Reverse Radial Teno-Adipo-Fascial Flap: Surgical Technique and Case-report for the Functional Reconstruction of the Dorsum of the Hand
Authors: Raspanti Andrea , Poggetti Andrea , Ghezzi Serena , Delcroix Luca , Baldrighi Carla , Innocenti Marco
Published: November 2019

Background Dorsal complex cutaneotendinous lesions of the hand represent a reconstructive challenge. The use of composite microvascular flaps and vascularized tendon grafts represent the gold-standard. The radial anti-brachial region can still represent an excellent donor site, to the detriment of the possible sacrifice of the radial artery. The reverse radial anti-brachial flap can be either perforator-based, thus saving the radial artery or raised as an adipo-fascial flap, to spare the skin.

Patients and Methods A case of post-traumatic highly contaminated dorsal cutaneotendinous defect of the second ray of the hand was reported. An original surgical reconstructive technique with a Revers Radial Teno-Adipo-Fascial Flap (RRTAFF) plus vascularized Palmaris Longus was described, preserving the radial artery. A simple partial thickness skin graft was performed a second time to complete dorsal cutaneous coverage. A subsequent infection was managed by trusting the complete vascularization of the tissues used for the reconstruction.

Results The hand healed well with containment of the infection. The dorsal healed skin appeared elastic and pliable enough. Passive and active motion of interphalangeal and metacarpofalangeal joints were very satisfying. The donor site was well healed, with almost no morbidity.

Conclusions This reconstructive strategy provides a quick and straightforward single-stage option for the reconstruction of complex cutaneotendinous defects of the dorsum of the hand. Such a reconstruction, with a completely vascularized procedure, is particularly indicated in cases of high contamination or infection of the recipient site.
Undergraduate microsurgical training: a preliminary experience
Authors: Zyluk Andrzej , Szlosser Zbigniew , Puchalski Piotr
Published: November 2019

Microsurgical training is organised almost exclusively in a post-graduate setting, usually for residents of various surgical specialities. The aim of this study was to present an undergraduate microsurgical training model directed toward medicine students of clinical years. Curriculum design and results. Two six-participant groups of students interested in training were recruited. The programme consisted of 15 three-hour classes (2 hours’ work under the microscope) and divided into basic and advanced training parts. The simulation model used in this course was a chicken thigh. The basic training programme consisted of placing sutures on a latex glove followed by preparation of a chicken thigh neurovascular bundle and performing femoral nerve and artery anastomoses. The advanced part of the training consisted of practising the acquired skills and the introduction of new techniques such as end-to-side arterial anastomosis, artery and nerve repair with vein conduit. A “6-stitches test” was used as an outcome measure of the acquired microsurgical skills. After 15 weeks and 30 hours of training and performing 31 anastomoses the undergraduate microsurgical course was completed.

Conclusion The results of this study show that the undergraduate, facultative microsurgical training is effective in acquiring microsurgical skills, competence and confidence for participating students
Molecular Docking Studies and Synthesis of Amino-oxy-diarylquinoline Derivatives as Potent Non-nucleoside HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Makarasen Arthit , Kuno Mayuso , Patnin Suwicha , Reukngam Nanthawan , Khlaychan Panita , Deeyohe Sirinya , Intachote Pakamas , Saimanee Busakorn , Sengsai Suchada , Boonsri Pornthip , Chaivisuthangkura Apinya , Sirithana Wandee , Techasakul Supanna
Published: November 2019

In this study, amino-oxy-diarylquinolines were designed using structure-guided molecular hybridization strategy and fusing of the pharmacophore templates of nevirapine (NVP), efavirenz (EFV), etravirine (ETV, TMC125) and rilpivirine (RPV, TMC278). The anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activity was evaluated using standard ELISA method, and the cytotoxic activity was performed using MTT and XTT assays. The primary bioassay results indicated that 2-amino-4-oxy-diarylquinolines possess moderate inhibitory properties against HIV-1 RT. Molecular docking results showed that 2-amino-4-oxy-diarylquinolines 8(a-d) interacted with the Lys101 and His235 residue though hydrogen bonding and interacted with Tyr318 residue though π-π stacking in HIV-1 RT. Furthermore, 8a and 8d were the most potent anti-HIV agents among the designed and synthesized compounds, and their inhibition rates were 34.0% and 39.7% at 1 µM concentration. Interestingly, 8a was highly cytotoxicity against MOLT-3 (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), with an IC50 of 4.63±0.62 µg/mL, which was similar with that in EFV and TMC278 (IC50 7.76±0.37 and 1.57±0.20 µg/ml, respectively). Therefore, these analogs of the synthesized compounds can serve as excellent bases for the development of new anti-HIV-1 agents in the near future.
Functional donor-site morbidity after soleus muscle-flap procedure in the treatment of lower limb severe injuries
Authors: Riccio Michele , Zingaretti Nicola , Verdini Federica , Marchesini Andrea , De Francesco Francesco , Parodi Pier Camillo
Published: November 2019

Background The gastrocnemius and soleus muscle flaps are the most commonly used transfer flaps to treat lower limb severe lesions. The use of the muscle as coverage tissuemay incur in functionality loss and motor control deficits. The aim of this study is to assess whether functional deficits are present during gait, posture and heel rise test (HRT).

Method From 2008–2013 we treated 9 patients suffering from complex injury of the lower third of the leg (Gustilo III B). A population of 9 patients (group A) was examined after reconstruction with a soleus muscle flap. The results were compared with a control population (group B: 9 patients). Each patient performed at least 3 gait tests at a fast pace, 2 posture tests and 2 HRT on an inclined plane.

Results Gait parameters for group A: Spatio-temporal parameters such as step length, cadence were reduced compared to the homolateral leg (p < 0.05). The initial double support phase was shorter in relation to the final phase and the first peak in the vertical ground reaction component was reduced compared to the contralateral leg.

Posture for the group A: the mediolateral excursion (during open- and closed-eyes test) and the related mean velocity (in the open-eyes test) were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

HRT for group A: the number of rises and relative height and angular excursion were reduced in the operated leg in relation to the control group (p < 0.05) and to the contralateral leg.

Conclusion The patients treated with the soleus muscle used as tissue defect coverage completely recovered the ability to walk but showed some deficits in kinetic parameters during the body weight-loading phase. During gait prolonged muscle activity compared to controls was observed. The absence of soleus (group A) revealed no significant alterations in postural control. However, the HRT remained the most relevant test to measure patients’ performance when treated with soleus flap in relation to the control group.
Vaskulitis: Rehabilitation und sozialmedizinische Leistungsbeurteilung
Authors: Gehlen Martin , Mahn Karin , Maier Anna , Schwarz-Eywill Michael
Published: November 2019

Vaskulitiden sind seltene Erkrankungen mit potentiell lebensbedrohlichem Verlauf. Im Gegensatz zu anderen rheumatischen Erkrankungen konnte in den letzten 10 Jahren bei den Vaskulitiden zwar die Mortalität gesenkt werden, nicht jedoch die Zahl der Erwerbsminderungssrenten und der Arbeitsunfähigkeitstage.

Dieser Artikel gibt dem klinisch tätigen Rheumatologen einen Überblick über die Rehabilitation und sozialmedizinische Begutachtung von Patienten mit Vaskulitis. Die Begründung der sozialmedizinischen Einschätzung erfolgt anhand der Internationalen Klassifikation der Funktionsstörungen (ICF). Während einer Rehabilitation auf Kosten der Deutschen Rentenversicherung erfolgt immer eine umfassende sozialmedizinische Begutachtung.
The Association of International Normalized Ratio with Postoperative Complications in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Churchill Jessica L. , Samuel Linsen T. , Karnuta J. M. , Acuña Alexander J. , Kamath Atul F.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between elevated preoperative international normalized ratio (INR) and (1) mortality, (2) postoperative bleeding, and (3) other postoperative complications in a national cohort of patients who underwent revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for rTKA procedures conducted between 2006 and 2017. Cohorts were based on INR ranges: <1, 1 < INR ≤ 1.25, 1.25 < INR ≤ 1.5, and >1.5. Univariate/multivariate statistics were calculated to analyze associations between INR value and designated covariates. These statistics were additionally applied to optimal cutoff values of INR calculated using a receiver operating characteristics curve. The final cohort consisted of 1,676 patients. Progressively higher INR values were associated with an increased risk of mortality within 30 days (p < 0.006), bleeding requiring transfusion (p < 0.001), sepsis (p < 0.001), return to the operating room (Odds Ratio [OR], p = 0.011), reintubation (p < 0.001), pneumonia (p < 0.001), failure to wean from mechanical ventilation ≤48 hours (p < 0.001), acute renal failure (p = 0.001), and hospital length of stay (LOS). Statistically significant associations were similarly seen when calculated optimal INR values were used. Optimal INR turn point was found to be associated with a significant increased risk of long LOS (optimal INR = 1.03, OR: 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–2.18; p < 0.001) and a significant decreased risk of bleeding requiring transfusion (INR = 1.005, OR: 0.732, 95% CI: 0.681–0.786; p < 0.001). High preoperative INR values were independently and significantly associated with an increased risk of multiple postoperative complications. Current guidelines for INR <1.5 should be reassessed for patients undergoing rTKA.
Resonant instabilities of kinetic Alfvén waves in the Earth's magnetosphere with superthermal electrons
Authors: Barik K. C. , Singh S. V. , Lakhina G. S.
Published: November 2019

A theoretical plasma model for the generation of kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs), having background Maxwellian ions, κ-electrons, and drifting Maxwellian beam ions, is discussed. The ion beam streams along the ambient magnetic field, whereas velocity shear is perpendicular to it. The role played by nonthermal electrons in the excitation of resonant KAWs with the velocity shear in the ion beam as the free energy source is examined. In the presence of κ-electrons, the effect of plasma parameters such as propagation angle, ion beam temperature, number density, and ion plasma βi on the growth of the KAWs is analyzed. It is found that nonthermal electrons restrict the excitation of KAWs by reducing the growth rate of the waves. It is inferred that a high velocity shear and ion beam density are required to excite KAWs in the presence of nonthermal electrons. The model is capable of producing waves with frequencies up to ≈18 mHz in the auroral region of Earth's magnetosphere.
Performance and design optimization of single-axis multi-position sun-tracking PV panels
Authors: Li Guihua , Chen Yingbo , Yu Yamei , Tang Runsheng , Mawire Ashmore
Published: November 2019

In this article, the photovoltaic (PV) and sun-tracking performance of single-axis multiposition sun-tracking PV panels (MP-PV) is investigated based on solar geometry and dependence of PV conversion efficiency on the incident angle of solar rays on PV panels. For such PV systems, the azimuth angle of the PV panels is adjusted daily M times from an eastward direction in the morning to a westward direction in the afternoon by rotating the PV panels about the inclined north–south axis (INSA) to ensure that the projected incident angle (PIA) of solar rays on the plane perpendicular to the INSA is always less than the angle θa, the specified maximum PIA. Results show that the annual average sun-tracking efficiency (ηst) and the annual electricity generation (AEG) of the MP-PV system increase as M increases, but this increase is less than 1% when M > 5. The optimal θa of the MP-PV system for maximizing AEG and the ratio (Cp,MP-0) of AEG of the optimized MP-PV system to that of a similar fixed PV system are highly dependent on the annual average atmospheric clearness index (Kt) but only slightly dependent on the site latitude (λ). For an MP-PV with a tilt angle (β) of the INSA that is fixed yearly, the AEG of 3P-, 5P-, and 7P-PV systems is about 92%, 94%, and 95%, respectively, of that obtained from a similar dual-axis tracking PV panel (2A-PV). However, for an MP-PV whose β is adjusted four times a year at three tilts, the AEG of 3P-, 5P-, and 7P-PV systems is about 96%, 98%, and 99%, respectively, of that of a similar 2A-PV system. Empirical correlations for quick estimation of the optimal θa and Cp,MP-0 of the MP-PV optimized for maximizing AEG are suggested and examined based on monthly global radiation on the horizon at 30 sites around China.
Magnetically tunable topological interface states for Lamb waves in one-dimensional magnetoelastic phononic crystal slabs
Authors: Feng Luyang , Huang Kan , Chen Jiujiu , Luo JiCheng , Huang Hongbo , Huo Shaoyong
Published: November 2019

Topological interface states have attracted extensive research interest due to their unprecedented field confinement and enhancement at the interface between two one-dimensional phononic crystals with distinct topological characteristics. However, the realization of the contactless, nondestructive, and intelligent tunability of topological interface states, as the foundation for designing novel devices with unconventional functionalities, still remains a great challenge. Here, we introduce intelligent magnetoelastic materials to the topological system and realize magnetically tunable topological interface states for Lamb waves in one-dimensional phononic crystal slabs composed of alternating nonmagnetic and magnetoelastic layers. The properties of magnetoelastic layers can be tuned with noncontact, nondestruction, and intelligence by an external magnetic field. By changing the value of the external magnetic field applied on intercell and intracell magnetoelastic layers, the spatial variation of the properties of magnetoelastic layers is induced, resulting in an in situ topological phase transition. We demonstrate that topological interface states appear at the interface between two topologically different magnetoelastic phononic crystal slabs. Furthermore, based on the tunability of the external magnetic field, the existence of topological interface states can be switched and the frequency of topological interface states can be continuously tuned. In particular, the arbitrary positions of topological interface states can be dynamically achieved by varying the external magnetic field without altering the structure. Our tunable topological system can enable intelligent Lamb-wave devices with remarkable functionalities, which can lead to significant advances in intelligently controlled Lamb-wave switches, magnetically tunable frequency selectors, and magnetic control Lamb-wave communications.
Magnetic properties of bismuth substituted yttrium iron garnet film with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Liu Xiuting , Yang Qinghui , Zhang Ding , Wu Yujuan , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the Y2Bi1Fe5O12 films were grown on substituted gadolinium gallium garnet substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering and their magnetic properties were investigated. We found that the 20 nm-thick film had the best perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) under the combined effect of stress-induced anisotropy and surface roughness of the film; the applied magnetic field required for its out-of-plane magnetization saturation was 90 Oe, the remanence ratio was 0.8, the coercive force was 30 Oe, and the damping constant was 3.37 × 10−3. The PMA of the films was reduced due to the relaxation of the stress as the thickness of the film increased, and the easy magnetization axis became in-plane as the thickness reached 40 nm.
Contribution of electron-phonon coupling to the luminescence spectra of single colloidal quantum dots
Authors: Podshivaylov Eduard A. , Kniazeva Maria A. , Gorshelev Aleksei A. , Eremchev Ivan Yu. , Naumov Andrei V. , Frantsuzov Pavel A.
Published: November 2019

Luminescence spectroscopy experiments were realized for single colloidal quantum dots CdSe/ZnS in a broad temperature range above room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. Broadening and shifts of spectra due to the temperature change as well as due to spectral diffusion processes were detected and analyzed. A linear correlation between the positions of maxima and the squared linewidths of the spectra was found. This dependence was explained by a model that takes into account the slow variation of the electron-phonon coupling strength.
Dielectric properties of vapor-deposited propylbenzenes
Authors: Riechers Birte , Guiseppi-Elie A. , Ediger M. D. , Richert Ranko
Published: November 2019

Dielectric susceptibility data of vapor-deposited films of iso-propylbenzene (IPB) and n-propylbenzene (NPB) have been recorded across a wide range of deposition temperatures, Tdep, mostly below the glass transition temperature, Tg. The results for the real and imaginary components of dielectric susceptibility are compared with recently published results for 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF). Common to all three systems are the following: (i) increased kinetic stability seen as higher onset temperature for the transformation to the liquid state for Tdep ≈ 0.85Tg; (ii) the reduction of the dielectric loss (χ″) for as-deposited glasses, a signature of increased packing density that is maximal for Tdep ≈ 0.85Tg; and (iii) a reduced level of the storage component (χ′) for as-deposited glasses, an effect that is almost deposition temperature invariant for Tdep < Tg. Material specific behavior is observed when heating the as-deposited films to 1.2Tg: IPB and NPB transform directly into the ordinary liquid state if judged on the basis of dielectric susceptibility, whereas MTHF has been reported to enter an unusual liquid state prior to a liquid-liquid transition at higher temperatures. These results are discussed in the context of the curious scattering results reported by Ishii et al. for some benzene derivatives, which hint at a liquid-liquid transformation.
Restoring the iso-orbital limit of the kinetic energy density in relativistic density functional theory
Authors: Maier Toni M. , Ikabata Yasuhiro , Nakai Hiromi
Published: November 2019

In contrast to nonrelativistic density functional theory, the ratio between the von Weizsäcker and the Kohn–Sham kinetic energy density, commonly used as iso-orbital indicator t within exchange-correlation functionals beyond the generalized-gradient level, violates the exact iso-orbital limit and the appropriate parameter range, 0 ≤ t ≤ 1, in relativistic density functional theory. Based on the exact decoupling procedure within the infinite-order two-component method and the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality, we present corrections to the relativistic and the picture-change-transformed nonrelativistic kinetic energy density that restores these exact constraints. We discuss the origin of the new correction terms and illustrate the effectiveness of the current approach for several representative cases. The proposed generalized iso-orbital indicator tλ is expected to be a useful ingredient for the development of relativistic exchange-correlation functionals.
Phenomenological model of piezoelectric energy harvesting from galloping oscillations
Authors: Al Nuaimi Saeed K. , Meesala Vamsi C. , Hajj Muhammad R.
Published: November 2019

We present an experimentally validated phenomenological model that directly predicts levels of energy harvested from large oscillations of an object subjected to wake galloping. This model is superior to currently used quasisteady models, which are applicable only at low-reduced frequencies and small amplitudes. In the model, the damping controlled instability and manifestation of limit cycle oscillations due to nonlinearities are represented by linear and nonlinear damping terms. The model coefficients are then identified from measurements using analytical expressions obtained by implementing the method of multiple scales. The validation is performed by comparing time series and spectra obtained from the model and experiments.
Countering low visibility in video survey of an estuarine fish assemblage
Authors: Donaldson James A. , Drews Jr Paulo , Bradley Michael , Morgan David L. , Baker Ronald , Ebner Brendan C.
Published: November 2019

Sampling fish communities in tropical estuaries is inherently challenging due to poor visibility and the potential presence of dangerous fauna. We present two strategies for improving the identification of fishes in a turbid tropical estuary using video. The first was to attract species close to the camera by using two different bait types compared with no bait, and the second involved manipulating footage in the postfilming phase. No significant difference was found in the species richness recorded among camera bait treatments (thawed Australian sardines, canned sardines and unbaited), although baited cameras did detect 13 taxa not observed on the unbaited cameras. Three different image restoration algorithms (histogram equalisation, white balance and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalisation) were compared in processing 22 instances where fish could not be confidently identified to species or genus level. Of these processed clips, five were able to be identified to species level by a panel of four coauthors. Further, two of the three algorithms yielded higher average confidence values for identification at the order, family, genus and species level than when the unprocessed footage was viewed. Image restoration algorithms can partly compensate for a reduction in image quality resulting from turbidity, addressing a key challenge for video-based sampling in estuaries.
Possessive interpretation at the semantics-pragmatics interface
Authors: Kolkmann Julia
Published: November 2019

This paper discusses semantic and pragmatic aspects of possessive interpretation (PI), the process whereby semantically underspecified possessive noun phrases (NPs) such asJohn Smith’s houseandthe house of John Smithreceive concrete referential interpretations (e.g. ‘the house owned by John Smith’) in context. By observing what is common to the interpretation of both constructions, I lay out the ingredients for a uniform pragmatic account of PI whilst rehashing the contextualist notion ofsaturation. As defined by Recanati (2004,2010) and many others, saturation is a linguistically mandated and obligatory pragmatic process, operating to enrich the incomplete logical forms of referring expressions, including possessive NPs. I argue that present proposals which assume that saturating the possessive relation is crucial to determining the possessive referent fail to do justice to the many ways in which possessive NPs may be understood in concrete communicative situations. Supporting similar claims byKorta and Perry (2017), this suggests that saturation is more adequately defined as a communicatively optional pragmatic process. The discussion simultaneously contributes to the growing literature on pragmatic aspects of constructions as form-meaning pairings, by outlining some of the theoretical issues that arise from the division of labour between semantic and pragmatic meaning in PI.
Microstructure evolution of ferrite during intercritical deformation in low carbon microalloyed steels
Authors: Shen Xin-jun , Li De-zhi , Chen Jun , Tang Shuai , Wang Guo-dong
Published: November 2019

Effects of strain, deformation temperature and strain rate on microstructure evolution of ferrite during intercritical deformation in a low carbon microalloyed steel have been studied via electron back-scattered diffraction analysis. The result shows that continuous dynamic crystallisation (CDRX) can be induced by a small strain of 0.25 when deformation temperature is 750°C and strain rate is 0.1 s−1. Increasing deformation temperature or reducing strain rate prompt the CDRX. However, CDRX is remarkably enhanced when deformation temperature is larger than 780°C even under large strain rate condition. Both the equiaxed grain sizes and sub-grain sizes of intercritically deformed microstructures are smaller than 3 μm at various process parameters. Intercritical deformation is an effect way to ultra-refine microstructure for steels.
Article Commentary: Women and Substance Use Disorders in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Call for Advancing Research Equity in Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Slabbert Ilze , Greene M. Claire , Womersley Jacqueline S. , Olateju Oladiran I. , Soboka Matiwos , Lemieux Andrine M.
Published: November 2019

Although the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) is higher among men, women with SUDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face unique challenges. Poverty and adversity, inequality of women, and disparities in access to treatment and prevention services exacerbate biological, psychological and social correlates of substance use disorders for women living in low-resource settings. Increasing the inclusion of women in research has long been a goal, though even high income countries struggle to achieve parity. In LMICs, women with SUDs are often neglected from global research due to underreporting and the disproportionate focus of global substance use research on men. We will discuss risk factors for SUDs that are particularly relevant for women residing in LMICs in order to gain insight into neglected areas of research and opportunities for prevention and treatment.
Characteristics of Women with Alcohol use Disorders who Benefit from Intensive Motivational Interviewing
Authors: Polcin Douglas , Witbrodt Jane , Nayak Madhabika B. , Korcha Rachael , Pugh Sheila , Salinardi Michelle
Published: November 2019

Background

Women with alcohol disorders have more severe problems related to their drinking than men. They have higher mortality from alcohol-related accidents and enter treatment with more serious medical, psychiatric, and social consequences.

Objective

This study assessed the effects of Intensive Motivational Interviewing (IMI), a new, 9-session counseling intervention for women with drinking problems.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 215 women. Most were white (83%), college educated (61%), and older (mean age 51). Half received IMI and half a standard single session of MI (SMI) along with an attention control (nutritional education).

Results

Generalized estimating equations models showed women who were heavy drinkers at baseline in the IMI condition reduced heavy drinking more than those in the SMI condition at 2-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Analyses of disaggregated subgroups showed IMI was most effective for women with low psychiatric severity, more severe physical and impulse control consequences associated with drinking, and higher motivation. However, formal 3-way interaction models (condition by moderator by time) showed significant effects primarily at 2 months.

Conclusions

Improvements associated with IMI were limited to heavy drinking and varied among subgroups of women. Studies of women with more diverse characteristics are needed.
Spice, Vulnerability, and Victimization: Synthetic Cannabinoids and Interpersonal Crime Victimization among Homeless Adults
Authors: Ellsworth Joshua T.
Published: November 2019

Background

Although the physiologic and psychological harms associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids, such as spice, are well-described, researchers have yet to examine how spice abuse affects exposure to crime. This paper describes the dangerous social environment where spice is used and delineates how synthetic cannabinoid abuse increases the risk of victimization.

Methods

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to examine crime- and victimization-related experiences of 22 homeless adults. Transcripts were analyzed for emergent themes using a two-tiered qualitative coding process.

Results

Those experiencing homelessness describe synthetic cannabinoids as powerful intoxicants. Substances such as spice are sought for their ability to detach those under the drug's influence from reality. Participants illustrated their understanding of how synthetic cannabinoids affect the health and safety of unsheltered persons. Spice use frequently results in rapid intoxication; individuals under the influence of spice are thereby physically vulnerable to crime, particularly theft and robbery.

Conclusion

Findings add to previous research on the harms of synthetic cannabinoid abuse. This study suggests a victimization process common among homeless persons who use spice: Incapacitation often rapidly follows use, which in turn precipitates victimization.
Illegal street vending and national security in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Hove Mediel , Ndawana Enock , Ndemera Wonder S.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this article is to examine the link between political and socio-economic dynamics of illegal street vending and national security in Zimbabwe using the case of Harare. Scholarship has increasingly focused on the interface between the urban informal economy and politics in Zimbabwe. However, the nexus between illegal street vending and national security emerges as a major gulf which this article attempts to fill. Using the human security concept as its framework for analysis and relying on data collected through focus group discussions, observations and interviews with street vendors and different officials as well as content analysis, the article argues that the illegal street vending’s negative effects on human security threaten national security. On the whole, the negative effects of illegal street vending that have the potential to prompt national insecurity include lawlessness, environmental pollution and public health hazards as well as, though arguable, providing a ready recruiting ground for violent mass protests which attract the attendant police violence thus generating social unrest. The article concludes that the deterioration of human security conditions due to illegal street vending endangers national security.
Extracellular vesicles and chronic inflammation during HIV infection
Authors: Pérez Paula Soledad , Romaniuk María Albertina , Duette Gabriel A. , Zhao Zezhou , Huang Yiyao , Martin‐Jaular Lorena , Witwer Kenneth W , Théry Clotilde , Ostrowski Matías
Published: November 2019

Inflammation is a hallmark of HIV infection. Among the multiple stimuli that can induce inflammation in untreated infection, ongoing viral replication is a primary driver. After initiation of effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV replication is drastically reduced or halted. However, even virologically controlled patients may continue to have abnormal levels of inflammation. A number of factors have been proposed to cause inflammation in HIV infection: among others, residual (low‐level) HIV replication, production of HIV protein or RNA in the absence of replication, microbial translocation from the gut to the circulation, co‐infections, and loss of immunoregulatory responses. Importantly, chronic inflammation in HIV‐infected individuals increases the risk for a number of non‐infectious co‐morbidities, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Thus, achieving a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of HIV‐associated inflammation in the presence of cART is of utmost importance. Extracellular vesicles have emerged as novel actors in intercellular communication, involved in a myriad of physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the role of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of HIV infection, with particular emphasis on their role as inducers of chronic inflammation.
Emerging neuromorphic devices
Authors: Ielmini Daniele , Ambrogio Stefano
Published: November 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability of revolutionizing our lives and society in a radical way, by enabling machine learning in the industry, business, health, transportation, and many other fields. The ability to recognize objects, faces, and speech, requires, however, exceptional computational power and time, which is conflicting with the current difficulties in transistor scaling due to physical and architectural limitations. As a result, to accelerate the progress of AI, it is necessary to develop materials, devices, and systems that closely mimic the human brain. In this work, we review the current status and challenges on the emerging neuromorphic devices for brain-inspired computing. First, we provide an overview of the memory device technologies which have been proposed for synapse and neuron circuits in neuromorphic systems. Then, we describe the implementation of synaptic learning in the two main types of neural networks, namely the deep neural network and the spiking neural network (SNN). Bio-inspired learning, such as the spike-timing dependent plasticity scheme, is shown to enable unsupervised learning processes which are typical of the human brain. Hardware implementations of SNNs for the recognition of spatial and spatio-temporal patterns are also shown to support the cognitive computation in silico. Finally, we explore the recent advances in reproducing bio-neural processes via device physics, such as insulating-metal transitions, nanoionics drift/diffusion, and magnetization flipping in spintronic devices. By harnessing the device physics in emerging materials, neuromorphic engineering with advanced functionality, higher density and better energy efficiency can be developed.
Shelf-life estimation of cauliflower based on total soluble solids by using the Arrhenius and Q10 approach
Authors: Khathir R , Agustina R , Nurba Di , Syafriandi  , Putra D
Published: November 2019

The shelf-life information of cauliflower is very important for the good postharvest handling thus it can reduce loss facing by farmers or sellers. The study aimed to estimate the shelf-life of cauliflower based on its total soluble solid (TSS) by using Arrhenius and Q10 approach. The selected cauliflowers obtained from the local market were stored at extreme temperatures i.e. 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70°C. During storage, the TSS values were determined until the cauliflowers quality was broken. The TSS data were plot into a graph as linear model. The k values were the slope of the curve. The linear curve between ln k value and 1/T at unit of K performed the Arrhenius model. The storage at room temperature was also conducted to observe the actual shelf-life of cauliflower. Finally, by using the Q10 value, the shelf-life of cauliflower was estimated. Results showed that there were fluctuated changes of TSS during storage. At temperature of 50°C the incident increase of TSS was about 0.001%brix hourly, at temperature of 55°C the increase of TSS was about 0.005%brix hourly, whereas at temperature of 65 and 70°C, the incident decrease of TSS was about 0.001%brix hourly. The R-square values were very low from 3 to 43%. The Arrhenius model of the TSS changes in cauliflower was k = 4,3 × 10−8 × e3483/T(R2 =12.7%). The Q10 value was 0.73, and the real shelf-life of cauliflower at 29°C was 5 days. The shelf-life estimations of cauliflower at 2, 10, 15, 20, and 25°C were 2.1 days, 2.7 days, 3.2 days, 3.8 days, and 4.4 days, respectively. These estimated results of shelf-life were not matched with its actual shelf-life. It could be caused by the low content of carbohydrate in cauliflower. Therefore, it is necessary to study the shelf-life estimation of cauliflower by using other parameters such as moisture and ascorbic acid.
Special based isolation system for low-rise RC building
Authors: Hamid N H , Azmi I F , Tiong P L Y , Awang H
Published: November 2019

In the past decade, there were a lot of seismic activities around the world that cause low rise reinforced concrete suffered severe damage and total collapse. A special based isolation system can be equipped to the low rise building to prevent it from damaged and collapse by improving the period, stiffness and damping of the structures. The based isolation system can increase the natural period of a rigid structure under first mode shape by applying low stiffness rubber isolators. These method can provide a better structural behaviour of low rise RC building as compared to moderate or high stiffness rubber isolators. Furthermore, the special based isolation system with maximum damping of 15% for 4 storey and 6 storey RC building. However, the value of optimum damping depends upon the characteristics of ground motions and frequencies of the earthquakes.