bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress of Catalyst Design for Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane to Syngas
Authors: Liu Huimin , Li Yajin , He Dehua
Published: September 2019

As an important approach for the utilization of abundant natural gas (the main component being methane, CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) reforming of CH4 has attracted extensive attention due to its strong energy‐storage capacity and the accompanying benefits of turning the least expensive and abundant carbon resource, CO2, into valuable compounds. CO2 and CH4 are stable molecules, which pose great challenges in effectively activating the two molecules. Catalysts play an important role in the reaction of CO2 reforming of CH4, and designing suitable catalysts is the key to the activation of CH4 and CO2. Recently, substantial catalysts have been developed for CO2 reforming of CH4, with several computational studies being carried out to uncover the underlying reaction mechanisms. Herein, the recent achievements of catalyst designed for CO2 reforming of CH4 are summarized, with the aim to provide a clear picture and deepen the understanding of this promising reaction.
Modification of Li4Ti5O12 Anodes Using Epoxy‐Functionalized Silane to Improve Electrochemical Performance in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Li Xuan , Qiao Yingjun , Chen Tao , Shang Huimin , Li Wanpeng , Qu Meizhen , Fan Weifeng , Xie Zhengwei
Published: September 2019

The spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) material, especially because of the small particle sizes of LTO, has a high tendency toward adhesion and aggregation of particles due to the large cohesive forces, thereby deteriorating its electrochemical performance. To overcome this drawback, LTO is modified with epoxy‐functionalized silane KH560 by a simple hydrolysis method. This process successfully achieves the KH560 modifying layer. Specifically, the effects of KH560 on the dispersion and electrochemical performance of LTO are investigated. The results show that KH560–LTO (0.5 wt%) can be stabilized and evenly dispersed, thus narrowing the particle size distribution, distributing the particles homogeneously in the electrode sheet, and reducing the viscosity change of the slurry. From the electrochemical measurements, KH560–LTO (0.5 wt%) exhibits higher initial discharge capacity (168.3 mAh g−1 at 2 C) and better rate capability (133.2 mAh g−1 at 10 C). In addition to this, the specific capacity of the KH560–LTO (0.5 wt%) sample remains at 149.2 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 5 C. This excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the fact that the KH560 modifying layer can effectively promote the dispersion of particles.
Characterization of Thermal and Electronic Conductivities of Catalyst Layers of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Ahadi M. , Jankovic J. , Tam M. , Zahiri B. , Saha M. S. , Stumper J. , Bahrami M.
Published: September 2019

This work proposes new and accurate systematic methodologies for ex situ measurements of through‐plane thermal and in‐plane electronic conductivities of catalyst layers (CLs) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The developed methods are based on measurements of different thicknesses/lengths of a CL on different substrates. Suitability of the proposed methods is confirmed through a set of microstructural properties measurements on a typical CL design to ensure the measured CLs would be representative of CLs in a real fuel cell product. Conductivity measurements of two CL designs with different compositions and microstructures confirm capability of the developed procedures to track structural changes in CLs. The present characterization platform is not limited to CLs and may be used for other composite porous materials with similar structures.
Meteorological observations for Eversleigh Station, near Armidale, New South Wales, Australia: 1877–1922
Authors: Bridgman Howard , Ashcroft Linden , Thornton Ken , Di Gravio Gionni , Oates William
Published: September 2019

Historical weather observations on the daily scale are vital for the improvement of reanalysis products and the analysis of long‐term variability of extreme events. While daily datasets extend for several centuries in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, the majority of historical data for the Southern Hemisphere are monthly averages or totals. In this paper, we describe a newly recovered dataset of ten daily meteorological variables for 1877 to 1922 from Eversleigh, a property in the New England region of New South Wales in Australia. Here, we present the full process of data rescue, from digitization to quality control and an assessment of homogeneity. We show that the majority of variables were recorded to a high standard and that the data are of general use for climate analysis. Forty years of daily temperature, cloud cover, wind, and pressure observations are now available for the New England Plateau, offering data that are more complete than any other records for the region in the Australian Bureau of Meteorology dataset. The Eversleigh dataset now provides an opportunity to gain more insight into the 19th century weather and climate of eastern Australia during a time of large interannual climate variability before the dominant impact of an anthropogenic warming signal.
Forearc tectonic evolution in the middle of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean: New geochemical evidence of the Lanong ophiolites from the Zangbei lakes region
Authors: Yang Peng , Huang Qiangtai , Xia Bin , Ren Zhanli , Cai Zhourong , Zheng Hao , Lu Xingxin
Published: September 2019

The middle of the Bangong–Nujiang Suture (BNS) in the central Tibetan Plateau hosts a series of dismembered ophiolitic fragments that document the evolution of part of the Tethys Ocean. However, the origin of these ophiolitic fragments in the Zangbei lakes region remains debated. Using new and existing field observations and petrographic, geochronologic, isotopic, and whole‐rock chemical data from ophiolitic rocks in the Zangbei lakes region, we evaluate their origins and constrain the tectonic evolution of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean (BNTO). The Lanong peridotites have low rare‐earth element (REE) concentrations and typically exhibit U‐shaped REE patterns that are similar to those of forearc peridotites from South Sandwich and Xigaze. Lanong basalts and others mafic rocks from the Zangbei lakes region show enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements and depletion in high‐field‐strength elements, and they have clear forearc and boninitic affinities in various tectonic discrimination diagrams. In addition, the Lanong basalts have initial 143Nd/144Nd ratios of 0.512307 to 0.512773, and εNd(t) values of −2.7 to +6.3. Considering the regional geology, previous geochronologic data from the ophiolitic fragments (147.6 ± 2.3 Ma to 189.8 ± 3.3 Ma) and the Darutso high‐Mg andesites (161.5 ± 0.9 Ma to 164.2 ± 1.4 Ma), and the lack of Jurassic arc‐related rocks in the northern Lhasa terrane, we conclude that the Jurassic ophiolitic fragments of the Zangbei lakes region were derived from a depleted mantle source and formed in a forearc basin in response to north‐directed subduction of the BNTO.
Fluid and ore sources of the tungsten mineralisation in the Yangbishan iron–tungsten deposit, Heilongjiang Province, North‐eastern China: Constraints from fluid inclusions, sulphide S–Pb isotopes and scheelite C–H–O–Sm–Nd isotopes
Authors: Hao Yujie , Ren Yunsheng , Yang Qun , Sun Zhenming , Ma Yupeng , Lai Ke
Published: September 2019

The Yangbishan iron–tungsten deposit, located in the central part of the Jiamusi Massif, Heilongjiang Province, NE China, is the oldest tungsten deposit in NE China to date. Both ore‐forming conditions and mineralisation characteristics indicate that tungsten mineralisation belongs to the skarn type. Petrography, microthermometric measurements and laser Raman spectroscopy of fluid inclusions in quartz grains associated with scheelite indicate that the ore‐forming fluid of the tungsten mineralisation in Yangbishan deposit belonged to the moderate‐temperature NaCl–H2O–CH4±N2 system. Fluid inclusion analyses indicate that ore‐forming fluid experienced decreasing temperatures and fluid degassing, inducing scheelite precipitation. Analysis of C, H and O isotopes of fluid inclusions within scheelite grains show δ13C values varying from −20.7 to −24.9‰, δD from −109.9 to −119.9‰, δ18O from 6.8 to 10.0‰ and δ18OH2O from 8.7 to 11.9‰. These data, together with C, H and O isotope compositions of the quartz associated with scheelite in tungsten ores, imply that ore‐forming fluid was derived dominantly from magma but influenced by organic material (reducing carbon) derived from wall rocks. Sm/Nd ratios of scheelite vary from 0.15 to 0.21, εNd (t = 520 Ma) values from −5.64 to −17.95 (average of −10.21) and TDM2 values from 702 and 2693 Ma (average of 2070 Ma), indicating the ores were sourced from ancient crustal rocks. The compositions of C–H–O–S–Pb and Nd isotopes support the fact that interaction between crust‐derived magma and strata rich in organics played an important role in the tungsten mineralisation of the Yangbishan deposit.
Seal of Biliteracy Graduates Get Critical: Incorporating Critical Biliteracies in Dual‐Language Programs and Beyond
Authors: Colomer Soria E. , Chang‐Bacon Chris K.
Published: September 2019

Research has suggested that U.S. K–12 dual‐language and Seal of Biliteracy programs do not benefit all students equally in their recognition of students’ multilingual competencies. The authors explored the perspectives of high school Seal of Biliteracy graduates: how they conceptualized the seal and the benefits that they had or had not derived from attaining it. Through a framework of critical biliteracies, the authors drew on interview data with Seal of Biliteracy graduates to highlight the dynamics of culture, race, and power inherent to both biliteracy and bilingualism. Attention was given to how biliteracy was defined, curricular framing, and who benefited from having received the seal. Findings revealed that Seal of Biliteracy benefits were often unevenly distributed across Latinx and white participants, yet also demonstrated community building among dual‐language graduates and beyond. The authors provide recommendations for engaging a critical biliteracies approach across district, program, and classroom levels.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Galcanezumab, an Anti‐CGRP Antibody, Following Subcutaneous Dosing to Healthy Individuals and Patients With Migraine
Authors: Kielbasa William , Quinlan Tonya
Published: September 2019

Galcanezumab is a humanized immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonal antibody (mAb) indicated for the prevention of migraine that binds to calcitonin gene‐related peptide. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed to characterize galcanezumab PK using data pooled from 7 clinical studies. Clinical studies included healthy individuals and patients with episodic or chronic migraine who were administered between 5 and 300 mg galcanezumab. The PK data were analyzed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. Galcanezumab concentration‐time data were described with a 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption following subcutaneous administration and linear elimination. At the median body weight of 74 kg, the estimated population apparent clearance (CL/F) was 0.00785 L/h (34% IIV), the apparent volume of distribution was 7.33 L (34% IIV), and half‐life was 27 days. Patient body weight was found to have a modest effect of CL/F, with median galcanezumab concentrations being lower in the heaviest patients compared to the lightest patients, but this outcome was determined not to be clinically relevant in the context of model‐estimated random variability. Dosing adjusted for body weight is not warranted in adults. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, immunogenicity, renal/hepatic markers, and injection‐site location did not affect galcanezumab PK. In conclusion, galcanezumab exhibits PK parameters typical for an IgG mAb administered subcutaneously. The population PK model developed in this study demonstrates that galcanezumab exhibits linear PK that was not influenced in a clinically relevant manner by the patient factors evaluated.
TMPO‐AS1 promotes cervical cancer progression by upregulating RAB14 via sponging miR‐577
Authors: Yang Jian , Liang Baoquan , Hou Shunyu
Published: September 2019

Background

Accumulating evidence has shown that long non‐coding RNAs play a key role in cancer initiation and development. However, the effect of TMPO antisense RNA 1 (TMPO‐AS1) on the progression of cervical cancer (CC) remains to be determined.

Methods

The mRNA expression of TMPO‐AS1, miR‐577 and RAB14 was measured by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The protein level of RAB14 was detected by western blotting. The function of TMPO‐AS1 in CC was measured via Cell Counting Kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine and transwell assays, as well as by flow cytometry analysis. Nuclear‐cytoplasmic fractionation and RNA‐fluorescence in situ hybridization validated the subcellular position of TMPO‐AS1. An interaction between miR‐577 and TMPO‐AS1 or RAB14 was confirmed by luciferase reporter, RNA pull‐down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

TMPO‐AS1 was highly expressed in CC. In addition, TMPO‐AS1 knockdown inhibited proliferation and migration, and also induced apoptosis. TMPO‐AS1 located in the cytoplasm and promoted RAB14 expression by absorbing miR‐577. RAB14 overexpression or miR‐577 knockdown restored the suppressing effect of TMPO‐AS1 knockdown on the biological behavior of CC cells.

Conclusions

The present study has revealed a novel TMPO‐AS1/miR‐577/RAB14 regulatory axis in the pathogenesis of CC, highlighting TMPO‐AS1 as a promising therapeutic target for CC patients.
Evidence of low‐temperature phase transition in BaTiO3‐modified NaNbO3: Raman spectroscopy study
Authors: Jauhari Mrinal , Mishra Sanjay Kumar , Poswal Himanashu Kumar , Mittal Ranjan , Chaplot Samrath Lal
Published: September 2019

The solid solution of NaNbO3 modified by 5% BaTiO3 (NNBT05) is investigated by Raman spectroscopic technique as a function of temperature from 83 to 298 K. Detailed mode analysis revealed that the Raman bands at ~112.8 and 277.1 cm−1 (at 298 K) disappear due to change in the symmetry of the structure at low temperature of 83 K. Further, rapid changes in the position of the Raman bands at 58.7 and 606.4 cm−1 (at 298 K) as a function of temperature provide evidence for the structural phase transition. These changes in the Raman spectra occur at different temperatures in the cooling and heating cycles as in a hysteresis loop, which provide evidence of the first‐order nature of the phase transition at low temperature.
QUANTIS: Data quality assessment tool by clustering analysis
Authors: Symoens Steffen H. , Aravindakshan Syam Ukkandath , Vermeire Florence H. , De Ras Kevin , Djokic Marko R. , Marin Guy B. , Reyniers Marie‐Françoise , Van Geem Kevin M.
Published: September 2019

Automatically generated kinetic networks are ideally validated against a large set of accurate, reproducible, and easy‐to‐model experimental data. However, although this might seem simple, it proves to be quite challenging. QUANTIS, a publicly available Python package, is specifically developed to evaluate both the precision and accuracy of experimental data and to ensure a uniform, quick processing, and storage strategy that enables automated comparison of developed kinetic models. The precision is investigated with two clustering techniques, PCA and t‐SNE, whereas the accuracy is probed with checks for the conservation laws. First, the developed tool processes, evaluates, and stores experimental yield data automatically. All data belonging to a given experiment, both unprocessed and processed, are stored in the form of an HDF5 container. The demonstration of QUANTIS on three different pyrolysis cases showed that it can help in identifying and overcoming instabilities in experimental datasets, reduce mass and molar balance closure discrepancies, and, by evaluating the visualized correlation matrices, increase understanding in the underlying reaction pathways. Inclusion of all experimental data in the HDF5 file makes it possible to automate simulating the experiment with CHEMKIN. Because of the employed InChI string identifiers for molecules, it is possible to automate the comparison experiment/simulation. QUANTIS and the concepts demonstrated therein is a potentially useful tool for data quality assessment, kinetic model validation, and refinement.
Rhein lysinate improves motor function in rats with spinal cord injury via inhibiting p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Hao Jian , Wang Ping , Pei Dai‐Ping , Jia Bin , Hu Qun‐Sheng
Published: September 2019

The current study aims to investigate the effect of rhein lysinate (RHL) on neuromotor function in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to explore the underlying mechanism. A total of 63 adult male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, SCI group and RHL group (SCI‐RHL group), with 21 rats in each group. Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scoring and the inclined plate test were used to evaluate the changes in motor function after SCI. Then, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were quantified. Caspase‐3‐positive cells in spinal cord tissue were detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and protein expression was detected by Western blots. Here, our data showed that compared with the SCI group, the BBB score and inclined plate test score of the SCI‐RHL group were significantly higher than those of the SCI group 7 days after the RHL intervention. After 7 days of RHL treatment, the activities of SOD and GSH‐Px in the spinal cord increased significantly. At the same time, RHL reduced the MDA content in spinal cord tissue of SCI rats. Moreover, cleaved‐caspase‐3‐positive cells and apoptotic cells were significantly lower in the SCI‐RHL group than in the SCI group. More importantly, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was significantly decreased in the SCI‐RHL group compared with the SCI group. In summary, RHL can inhibit the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway after SCI, thereby reducing the apoptosis of spinal cord neurons and improving the neuromotor function of SCI rats.
Evaluation of restoration approaches on the Inner Mongolian Steppe based on criteria of the Society for Ecological Restoration
Authors: Zhang Feng , Nilsson Christer , Xu Zhenzhu , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: September 2019

Ecological restoration is becoming an increasingly common management tool worldwide. However, a challenge still exists on how to effectively monitor restoration outcomes and evaluate restoration success for ecological restoration managers. In this review, the goal is to evaluate whether the research in a degraded area has been sufficient for fostering efficient restoration measures and follow‐up of restoration success based on the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) criteria. We selected the Inner Mongolian Steppe (IMS) in China as a model system. This area has been the subject of substantial research over the most recent years to understand degradation processes and restoration outcomes. We put together the variables used to assess degradation and restoration needs in the IMS and analyzed restoration results based on SER's nine criteria for evaluating restoration success. We found that the accomplished research in the IMS only partially supplied the data needed for evaluation of restoration success. The available results were sufficient for a proper evaluation of species composition and tentatively supported assessments of another seven criteria but not self‐sustainability. Grazing exclusion led to the fastest and most successful recovery of degraded steppe, but landscape‐scale processes during restoration in the IMS are still incompletely known. Our review supports large‐scale restoration of the IMS and emphasizes the need for long‐time monitoring for a more complete evaluation of the outcome of the IMS restoration following all SER's criteria.
Desertification vulnerability and risk assessment for Turkey via an analytical hierarchy process model
Authors: Türkeş Murat , Öztaş Taşkın , Tercan Erhan , Erpul Günay , Karagöz Alptekin , Dengiz Orhan , Doğan Orhan , Şahin Kenan , Avcıoğlu Burak
Published: September 2019

Producing a scientific desertification risk map has become one of the national primary tasks in order to effectively combat desertification in Turkey. In this respect, General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion in cooperation with TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, generated the Desertification Model of Turkey (DMT), an original geographical and mathematical country‐specific model under the umbrella project called the “Watershed Monitoring and Evaluation System” (HIDS). The DMT is a tool used for estimating land degradation, assessing desertification vulnerability and risk, preparing watershed scale risk maps, and monitoring desertification hot spots of the country. The DMT has been designed to consist of 48 indicators and 37 subindicators under seven main criteria defined by an expertise group and using the analytical hierarchy process. Percentage distribution of desertification risk among watersheds was calculated in nine classes based on the Desertification Risk Map of Turkey and revised in accordance with field surveys carried out in 2016–2017 within the scope of the DMT Verification and Calibration Project. Results for major watersheds of Turkey revealed that at least 15% of lands of all river basins are under moderate–high desertification risk, with the exception of Aras, Western Black Sea, Konya Closed, Marmara, and Meriç–Ergene watersheds. In addition, it was identified that the DMT and the Desertification Risk Map of Turkey present results at an accuracy rate of 84% and with 90% level of confidence at microwatershed scale.
Seashore dune rehabilitation using an inland legume species
Authors: Yang Hongxiao , Chu Jianmin
Published: September 2019

Dunes along seashores are vulnerable ecosystems that contain special resources and provide important services. Most of them today suffer from trampling due to human recreational use, and rehabilitating them is urgent for the sake of coast safety and human welfare. We examine whether sowing an inland legume species is a feasible, effective method for fast rehabilitating degraded backshore dunes. The rehabilitation experiment was conducted from 2012 in the Shandong Peninsula, China, where Astragalus adsurgens, an inland legume species, was intensively sown within degraded dune systems. We surveyed the recovering plant communities in 2016 by 100 quadrats of 1 m2. We measured coverage‐weighted height of each species in these quadrats, and evaluated potential role of A. adsurgens in restoring such backshore dune systems. We found that A. adsurgens established and grew successfully, thus contributing much to dune rehabilitation, and that it exerted no significant negative effects on native plants. This species did not overgrow to achieve a too large niche width, presumably limited by its innate intolerance to seawater inundation. Sowing this inland legume species is believed to be feasible and effective for backshore dune rehabilitation, and the sowing in the long run cannot overturn distinctiveness of the original backshore vegetation.
Soil denudation rates in an old‐growth mountain temperate forest driven by tree uprooting dynamics, Central Europe
Authors: Šamonil Pavel , Egli Markus , Steinert Teresa , Norton Kevin , Abiven Samuel , Daněk Pavel , Hort Libor , Brandová Dagmar , Christl Marcus , Tikhomirov Dmitry
Published: September 2019

Tree uprooting may distinctly affect landscape dynamics and slope denudation. Little is known, however, about the corresponding soil redistribution rates (erosion and accumulation) on either a long‐term (millennia;10Be) or a short‐term (decades;239+240Pu) scale. We determined these rates in a well‐investigated forest reserve (Zofinsky primeval forest, Czech Republic) using complementary techniques: nuclides in soils and tors to derive short‐ to long‐term rates and monitoring data (43 years) of repeated tree censuses using tree uprooting data. Temporal trends of soil erosion rates were obtained by dating the timing of exhumation (10Be) of tors. The average long‐term denudation rates were about 30–40 t km−2yr−1. It seems that these rates varied over time with probably a maximum during the Pleistocene/Holocene transition (58–91 t km−2yr−1).239+240Pu activities in the soils identified soil redistribution rates of 50 to >100 t km−2yr−1for the last decades and agree with results from the tree uprooting monitoring (<92 t km−2yr−1). In‐situ10Be in soils gave similar denudation rates (58–76 t km−2yr−1). Meteoric10Be provided a mean residence time of a soil particle of 33–100 ka supporting the measured average long‐term erosion rates. Soil aggregates indicated stable physical conditions meaning that soil mass redistribution occurs only sporadically. It seems that the main driving factors of denudation changed over time. An erosion peak at the Pleistocene/Holocene transition (climate change) seems likely but needs further proof. Over the last few millennia, tree uprooting seems the main driver of soil erosion.
Planet‐Like Nanostructures Formed by an ABC Triblock Terpolymer
Authors: Gil Haenelt Taida , Meyer Andreas , Abetz Clarissa , Abetz Volker
Published: September 2019

A novel planet‐like nanostructure formed by an asymmetric polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (SIM) triblock terpolymer is presented, where polystyrene (PS) forms spherical microdomains, covered by polyisoprene (PI) rings/helices/polar caps and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) forms the matrix. The new nanostructure is the result of a thermally induced morphological transition of a kinetically trapped helical nanostructure by thermal annealing above its glass transition temperature. This new nanostructure is observed when the triblock terpolymer solution is cast from chloroform (CHCl3). When cast from tetrahydrofuran (THF) or toluene, mainly cylindrical and to a lesser extent spherical microdomains are observed. This is caused by a selectivity of the CHCl3 for the PS and PMMA microdomains. The SIM triblock terpolymer is synthesized by anionic polymerization, and the morphology is characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and small angle X‐ray scattering.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)–Carbon Nanodots Fluorescent Hydrogel with Superior Mechanical Properties and Sensitive to Detection of Iron(III) Ions
Authors: Shao Jia , Yu Qijian , Wang Sui , Hu Yufang , Guo Zhiyong , Kang Kai , Ji Xueping
Published: September 2019

A high‐strength fluorescent hydrogel is prepared by physical cross‐linking of carbon nanodots (CNDs) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The stretching and compression of the PVA hydrogel are improved with CNDs by 176% and 64%, respectively. It still has excellent self‐healing behaviors without adding other healing agents. In addition, the search for rapid detection of heavy metals is still a huge challenge. The resulting hydrogel exhibits fluorescence quenching in the presence of Fe3+ by the fluorescence characteristics of CNDs, which has high selectivity and sensitivity. The PVA‐CNDs fluorescent hydrogel can be used as a solid detection platform for Fe3+, where the detection limit is found to be 10 µm for Fe3+ by fluorescence studies.
Conditions for boundedness into Hardy spaces
Authors: Grafakos Loukas , Nakamura Shohei , Van Nguyen Hanh , Sawano Yoshihiro
Published: September 2019

We obtain the boundedness from a product of Lebesgue or Hardy spaces into Hardy spaces under suitable cancellation conditions for a large class of multilinear operators that includes the Coifman–Meyer class, sums of products of linear Calderón–Zygmund operators and combinations of these two types.
What drives the banks' diversification decision? A dynamic nonlinear panel data approach
Authors: Ammar Nesrine , Boughrara Adel
Published: September 2019

This paper empirically determines the drivers of functional diversification decision for 365 banks set in selected Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries over 1988–2015. For this purpose, we use a dynamic nonlinear panel data model. Our findings reveal that both market share and financial intermediation stratify the diversification decision for the whole MENA sample. Splitting the sample shows that the risk‐adjusted profitability and the loan loss provision ratio exert a major influence over the diversification indicator for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) banks, whereas the net interest margin ratio, the bank market share, and financial intermediation are the major drivers of the strategic decision for the remaining non‐GCC banks.
Interleaved deep brain stimulation for dyskinesia management in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Aquino Camila C. , Duffley Gordon , Hedges David M. , Vorwerk Johannes , House Paul A. , Ferraz Henrique B. , Rolston John D. , Butson Christopher R. , Schrock Lauren E.
Published: September 2019

Background

In patients with Parkinson's disease, stimulation above the subthalamic nucleus (STN) may engage the pallidofugal fibers and directly suppress dyskinesia.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of interleaving stimulation through a dorsal deep brain stimulation contact above the STN in a cohort of PD patients and to define the volume of tissue activated with antidyskinesia effects.

Methods

We analyzed the Core Assessment Program for Surgical Interventional Therapies dyskinesia scale, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale parts III and IV, and other endpoints in 20 patients with interleaving stimulation for management of dyskinesia. Individual models of volume of tissue activated and heat maps were used to identify stimulation sites with antidyskinesia effects.

Results

The Core Assessment Program for Surgical Interventional Therapies dyskinesia score in the on medication phase improved 70.9 ± 20.6% from baseline with noninterleaved settings (P < 0.003). With interleaved settings, dyskinesia improved 82.0 ± 27.3% from baseline (P < 0.001) and 61.6 ± 39.3% from the noninterleaved phase (P = 0.006). The heat map showed a concentration of volume of tissue activated dorsally to the STN during the interleaved setting with an antidyskinesia effect.

Conclusion

Interleaved deep brain stimulation using the dorsal contacts can directly suppress dyskinesia, probably because of the involvement of the pallidofugal tract, allowing more conservative medication reduction. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Modified auxiliary boundary conditions method for an ill‐posed problem for the homogeneous biharmonic equation
Authors: Benrabah Abderafik , Boussetila Nadjib , Rebbani Faouzia
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we are interested in the inverse problem for the biharmonic equation posed on a rectangle, which is of great importance in many areas of industry and engineering. We show that the problem under consideration is ill‐posed; therefore, to solve it, we opted for a regularization method via modified auxiliary boundary conditions. The numerical implementation is based on the application of the semidiscrete finite difference method for a sequence of well‐posed direct problems depending on a small parameter of regularization. Numerical results are performed for a rectangle domain showing the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Omics Insights into Metabolic Stress and Resilience of Rats in Response to Short‐term Fructose Overfeeding
Authors: Li Kun‐Ping , Yuan Min , He Zhuo‐Ru , Wu Qi , Zhang Chu‐Mei , Lei Zhi‐Li , Rong Xiang‐Lu , Huang Zebo , Turnbull Jeremy E. , Guo Jiao
Published: September 2019

Scope

Considerable evidence supports the view that high‐fructose intake is associated with increased and early incidence of obesity and dyslipidemia. However, knowledge on physiopathological alterations introduced by fructose overconsumption is lacking. Therefore, an integrated omics analysis is carried out to investigate the consequences of short‐term fructose overfeeding (SFO) and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods and results

SFO of rats demonstrates obvious histopathological hepatic lipid accumulation and significant elevation in adiposity, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose levels. Integrated omics analysis demonstrates that SFO disturbed metabolic homeostasis and initiated metabolic stress. Hepatic lipogenesis pathways are also negatively impacted by SFO. Analysis of molecular networks generated by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) implicates involvement of the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in SFO and its consequences. Moreover, it is identified that an inherent negative feedback regulation of hepatic sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) plays an active role in regulating hepatic de novo lipogenesis.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that SFO disturbs metabolic homeostasis and that endogenous small molecules positively mediate SFO‐induced metabolic adaption. The results also underline that an inherent regulatory mechanism of resilience occurs in response to fructose overconsumption, suggesting that efforts to maintain resilience can be a promising target to prevent and treat metabolic disorder‐like conditions.
Radiation performance measurement of an antenna operating in lossy media
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Jae , Kim Nam , Son Seong‐Ho
Published: September 2019

This study presents the radiation performance measurements of an antenna operating in a lossy medium with a complex dielectric constant. The proposed measurement setup provides antenna peak gains and radiation patterns under a tissue equivalent liquid environment for a biomedical application. The antenna gain is calculated by the modified Friis transmission formula for the lossy medium consideration. A liquid thermostat is implemented to maintain a constant temperature of the liquid to achieve precise measurements. Overall, this article deals with the designs, experimental results, and validation of the proposed measurement setup.
Technical Note: Using linear and polynomial approximations to correct IEC CTDI measurements for a wide‐beam CT scanner
Authors: Weir Victor J. , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To investigate a feasible correction to align the international electrotechnical commission (IEC) computed tomography dose index (CTDI) measurement with other approaches for an accurate measure of radiation output.

Methods

Radiation dose measurements were performed in a GE 256‐slice CT scanner using three methods. The first method used a 0.6 cc Farmer chamber to measure peak dose and then to calculate dose length integral (DLI). The second method integrated dose profiles with a pencil chamber over 600 mm for both body and head phantoms. Both methods achieved scatter equilibrium using a 600 mm long body and head phantom. The third method followed IEC recommendations by adjusting traditional CTDI with beam width. We performed measurements using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) 32 cm diameter body and 16 cm diameter head phantoms, combining with various available bowtie filters and at different kV settings. Correction factors using linear or polynomial functions were developed based on these measurements.

Results

CTDI measurements using the DLI method and direct integration (DLP) method align with each other with an error of <6.7% for the body phantom, and 6.9% for head phantom respectively. The IEC method underestimates radiation dose for body and head phantoms relative to the DLI, with an error range from 8.9% to 19.4%, depending on the phantom and bowtie filter. A correction factor of 0.15 (15%) could be used for body and head phantom measurements with large body, head and pediatric head bowtie filters. While for body phantom with medium filter and head phantom with small body filter which are not routinely used for CTDI measurements, a correction factor of 0.30 (30%) could be used. The proposed correction factors are validated using various kV and filter combinations. Compared to a linear approximation, a polynomial correction is better at adjusting the IEC measurements, with an error of 5.2%. We found that thea1coefficient of the polynomial correction is approximately equal to Aeqobtained from DLI measurements for all cases studied, with an average percent difference of 6.7%.

Conclusion

Both linear and polynomial approximations can be used to correct the IEC measurements, aligning them with the direct integration of dose profiles or the point detector method of CT dosimetry on a 256 slice GE Revolution scanner. Using a polynomial correction may potentially bypass the need for an elongated phantom in the DLI method since thea1coefficients are approximately equal to Aeqobtained from the DLI method.
Transceive phase mapping using the PLANET method and its application for conductivity mapping in the brain
Authors: Gavazzi Soraya , Shcherbakova Yulia , Bartels Lambertus W. , Stalpers Lukas J. A. , Lagendijk Jan J. W. , Crezee Hans , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , van Lier Astrid L. H. M. W.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To demonstrate feasibility of transceive phase mapping with the PLANET method and its application for conductivity reconstruction in the brain.

Methods

Accuracy and precision of transceive phase (ϕ±) estimation with PLANET, an ellipse fitting approach to phase‐cycled balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) data, were assessed with simulations and measurements and compared to standard bSSFP. Measurements were conducted on a homogeneous phantom and in the brain of healthy volunteers at 3 tesla. Conductivity maps were reconstructed with Helmholtz‐based electrical properties tomography. In measurements, PLANET was also compared to a reference technique for transceive phase mapping, i.e., spin echo.

Results

Accuracy and precision of ϕ± estimated with PLANET depended on the chosen flip angle and TR. PLANET‐based ϕ± was less sensitive to perturbations induced by off‐resonance effects and partial volume (e.g., white matter + myelin) than bSSFP‐based ϕ±. For flip angle = 25° and TR = 4.6 ms, PLANET showed an accuracy comparable to that of reference spin echo but a higher precision than bSSFP and spin echo (factor of 2 and 3, respectively). The acquisition time for PLANET was ~5 min; 2 min faster than spin echo and 8 times slower than bSSFP. However, PLANET simultaneously reconstructed T1, T2, B0 maps besides mapping ϕ±. In the phantom, PLANET‐based conductivity matched the true value and had the smallest spread of the three methods. In vivo, PLANET‐based conductivity was similar to spin echo‐based conductivity.

Conclusion

Provided that appropriate sequence parameters are used, PLANET delivers accurate and precise ϕ± maps, which can be used to reconstruct brain tissue conductivity while simultaneously recovering T1, T2, and B0 maps.
A method for smoothing multiple yield functions
Authors: Wilkins Andy , Spencer Benjamin W. , Jain Amit , Gencturk Bora
Published: September 2019

Many models of plasticity are built using multiple, simple yield surfaces. Examples include geomechanical models and crystal plasticity. This leads to numerical difficulties, most particularly during the stress update procedure, because the combined yield surface is nondifferentiable, and when employing implicit time stepping to solve numerical models, because the Jacobian is often poorly conditioned.

A method is presented that produces a single C2 differentiable and convex yield function from a plastic model that contains multiple yield surfaces that are individually C2 differentiable and convex. C2 differentiability ensures quadratic convergence of implicit stress‐update procedures; convexity ensures a unique solution to the stress update problem, whereas smoothness means the Jacobian is much better conditioned. The method contains just one free parameter, and the error incurred through the smoothing procedure is quantified in terms of this parameter.

The method is illustrated through three different constitutive models. The method's performance is quantified in terms of the number of iterations required during stress update as a function of the smoothing parameter. Two simple finite‐element models are also solved to compare this method with existing approaches.

The method has been added to the open‐source “MOOSE” framework, for perfect, nonperfect, associated, and nonassociated plasticity.
High accuracy error estimates of a Galerkin finite element method for nonlinear time fractional diffusion equation
Authors: Ren Jincheng , Shi Dongyang , Vong Seakweng
Published: September 2019

In this work, an effective and fast finite element numerical method with high‐order accuracy is discussed for solving a nonlinear time fractional diffusion equation. A two‐level linearized finite element scheme is constructed and a temporal–spatial error splitting argument is established to split the error into two parts, that is, the temporal error and the spatial error. Based on the regularity of the time discrete system, the temporal error estimate is derived. Using the property of the Ritz projection operator, the spatial error is deduced. Unconditional superclose result in H1‐norm is obtained, with no additional regularity assumption about the exact solution of the problem considered. Then the global superconvergence error estimate is obtained through the interpolated postprocessing technique. In order to reduce storage and computation time, a fast finite element method evaluation scheme for solving the nonlinear time fractional diffusion equation is developed. To confirm the theoretical error analysis, some numerical results are provided.
Feasibility and acceptability of a rural, pragmatic, telemedicine‐delivered healthy lifestyle programme
Authors: Batsis John A. , McClure Auden C. , Weintraub Aaron B. , Kotz David F. , Rotenberg Sivan , Cook Summer B. , Gilbert‐Diamond Diane , Curtis Kevin , Stevens Courtney J. , Sette Diane , Rothstein Richard I.
Published: September 2019

Background

The public health crisis of obesity leads to increasing morbidity that are even more profound in certain populations such as rural adults. Live, two‐way video‐conferencing is a modality that can potentially surmount geographic barriers and staffing shortages.

Methods

Patients from the Dartmouth‐Hitchcock Weight and Wellness Center were recruited into a pragmatic, single‐arm, nonrandomized study of a remotely delivered 16‐week evidence‐based healthy lifestyle programme. Patients were provided hardware and appropriate software allowing for remote participation in all sessions, outside of the clinic setting. Our primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the telemedicine intervention, as well as potential effectiveness on anthropometric and functional measures.

Results

Of 62 participants approached, we enrolled 37, of which 27 completed at least 75% of the 16‐week programme sessions (27% attrition). Mean age was 46.9 ± 11.6 years (88.9% female), with a mean body mass index of 41.3 ± 7.1 kg/m2 and mean waist circumference of 120.7 ± 16.8 cm. Mean patient participant satisfaction regarding the telemedicine approach was favourable (4.48 ± 0.58 on 1‐5 Likert scale—low to high) and 67.6/75 on standardized questionnaire. Mean weight loss at 16 weeks was 2.22 ± 3.18 kg representing a 2.1% change (P < .001), with a loss in waist circumference of 3.4% (P = .001). Fat mass and visceral fat were significantly lower at 16 weeks (2.9% and 12.5%; both P < .05), with marginal improvement in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (1.7%). In the 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test, a mean improvement of 2.46 stands (P = .005) was observed.

Conclusion

A telemedicine‐delivered, intensive weight loss intervention is feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective in rural adults seeking weight loss.
Scaled boundary finite element modelling of thermally induced crack propagation
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Danish , Birk Carolin , Gravenkamp Hauke
Published: September 2019

Numerical modelling of thermal shock processes is a very challenging task due to the rapid development of complex crack networks. In the context of linear elastic fracture mechanics, the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) has gained popularity due to its semi‐analytical nature. Here, modelling of stress singularities can be achieved efficiently and accurately. It also facilitates the derivation of generalized polygon elements and thus provides great flexibility in meshing of complex geometries. In crack propagation modelling, such polygon meshes require minimal re‐meshing in the vicinity of the crack.
Peridynamic investigation of dynamic brittle fracture
Authors: Butt Sahir , Meschke Günther
Published: September 2019

In this study, we investigate the dynamic fracture process in amorphous brittle materials using 3D peridynamic analyses of dynamic crack propagation in PMMA plates subjected to quasi‐static loads. This loading condition allows one to assume, that the crack will accelerate to a steady‐state velocity and will continue propagating straight forward at a constant velocity. Dynamic crack instability and its effect on the fracture surface creation as well as the dissipated energy is analyzed numerically for cracks propagating at different velocities. Simulations reproduce many salient features of experimental observations, such as instabilities occurring at the crack tip for cracks propagating above a certain critical velocity. It is shown from the simulations, that increasing crack velocity results in excessively repeated micro‐branching. An increased energy dissipation is also observed at higher crack velocities in the simulations, which correspond to the well known velocity toughening effect. Simulations also reproduce a limiting crack speed, which is below the theoretical limit, i.e. the Rayleigh wave speed.
Numerical Solution of Viscoelastic Fluid‐Structure‐Diffusion Systems with Applications in Ophthalmology
Authors: Drobny Alexander , Friedmann Elfriede
Published: September 2019

The research of fluid‐structure interaction problems is a continuously growing field, especially regarding applications in medicine and biology. We present the coupling of a potentially viscoelastic fluid with multiple hyperelastic structures incorporating chemical processes in the arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian framework. This monolithic formulation allows a robust numerical solution with Newton's method. The discretization is based on the backward Euler scheme for temporal discretization and the Galerkin finite element method for spatial discretization. This fluid‐structure interaction problem is applied to ophthalmology in order to improve the medical treatment of retinal diseases. The physiological processes include the elastic response of various structures like the sclera, lens and iris coupled to the fluid‐like vitreous which is modeled by a viscoelastic Burgers type model for the healthy case and by the Newtonian Navier‐Stokes equations for the pathological case. Since most medical treatments are based on the injection of medicine we furthermore study the drug distribution, which is modeled by convection‐diffusion‐reaction equations, in the whole eye for healthy and non‐healthy pathologies.
On the pressure Poisson equation for the Stokes system
Authors: Pacheco Douglas R. Q. , Steinbach Olaf
Published: September 2019

For the numerical solution of the pressure Poisson equation, we consider an ultra–weak variational formulation and a related finite element method of Galerkin–Petrov type. While this allows a piecewise constant approximation of the pressure, the test functions have to be sufficiently smooth – in particular, we use modified B–splines of second order to guarantee conformity and stability, and optimal convergence. This novel formulation allows the computation of the pressure from either a given, measured, or precomputed velocity field as it appears in many applications in fluid mechanics.