bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A combined experimental and computational study of environmental stress cracking of amorphous polymers
Authors: Koch Simon , Meunier Marc , Hopmann Christian , Alperstein David
Published: October 2019

Environmental stress cracking (ESC) refers to a phenomenon causing the failure of polymeric materials such as thermoplastics. Although the precise mechanism is not fully understood, a few key incidents are known to be involved in the full failure process. Adsorbed fluid molecules on the polymer surface and their migration into the bulk material cause craze initiation and growth as well as eventually parts breakdown. The diffusion of the media inside the polymer, causing plasticization, is accepted to be one of the key incidents involved. Such materials degradation is a self‐sustained aging mechanism: local defects creating more free volume for fluid molecules to migrate into, causing more degradation until critical failure. Molecular modelling (MM) simulation techniques have been used in the present study for the first time in the ESC research to scrutinize the applicability of these techniques to the description of molecular events responsible for the various degradation steps. Molecular cross section, polymer‐fluid compatibility (as measured by the fluid solvation free energy), adsorption energies, etc, are possible descriptors to build up a quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) model to allow the prediction of the ESC risk presented by a fluid for a given polymer. Three amorphous polymers, namely, polystyrene (PS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polycarbonate (PC), and various fluids (such as water and ethanol) have been modelled, using the above‐mentioned MM techniques.
Egg perivitelline fluid proteome of a freshwater snail: Insight into the transition from aquatic to terrestrial egg deposition
Authors: Ip Jack C.H. , Mu Huawei , Zhang Yanjie , Heras Horacio , Qiu Jian‐Wen
Published: October 2019

Rationale

Proteins from the egg perivitelline fluid (PVF) are assumed to play critical roles in embryonic development, but for many groups of animals their identities remain unknown. Identifying egg PVF proteins is a critical step towards understanding their functions including their roles in evolutionary transition in habitats.

Methods

We applied proteomic and transcriptomic analysis to investigate the PVF proteome of the eggs of Pomacea diffusa, an aerial ovipositing freshwater snail in the family Ampullariidae. The PVF proteins were separated with the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) method, and proteomic analysis was conducted using an LTQ Velos ion trap mass spectrometer coupled with liquid chromatography. Comparison of PVF proteomes and evolution analyses was performed between P. diffusa and other ampullariids.

Results

In total, 32 egg PVF proteins were identified from P. diffusa. They were categorized as PV1‐like subunits, immune‐responsive proteins, protein degradation, signaling and binding, transcription and translation, metabolism, oxidation–reduction and proteins with unknown function. Interestingly, the proteome includes a calcium‐binding protein important in forming the hard eggshell that enabled the terrestrial transition. However, it does not include PV2, a neurotoxic protein that was assumed to be present in all Pomacea species.

Conclusions

The PVF proteome data from P. diffusa can help us better understand the roles that reproductive proteins played during the transition from underwater to terrestrial egg deposition. Moreover, they could be useful in comparative studies of the terrestrialization in several groups of animals that occurred independently during their evolution.
Rapid drug detection in whole blood droplets using a desorption electrospray ionization static profiling approach – a proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Fresnais Margaux , Haefeli Walter E. , Burhenne Jürgen , Longuespée Rémi
Published: October 2019

Rationale

The introduction of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) – and ambient desorption/ionization (ADI) ion sources in general – in the 2000s has opened new possibilities for mass spectrometric (MS) analyses of biological sample surfaces. DESI allows for a rapid screening of solid samples because no sample preparation is needed and the analysis is performed at atmospheric pressure. In the present study, we used DESI as an ion source for the rapid detection of a small molecule in blood droplets deposited on glass slides.

Methods

Blood was spiked with different concentrations of a model drug, mebendazole. One microliter blood droplets of each preparation were deposited on the surface of a glass slide and analyzed by DESI, either in imaging or profiling mode.

Results

The results suggested that DESI imaging mode was not appropriate for the detection of mebendazole in blood droplets as an initial solvation time was necessary before the obtention of signal. A profiling approach consisting of analyzing a single position of the blood droplet was used for further analysis and allowed mebendazole to be detected in the fg range and to monitor the volume of sample analyzed.

Conclusions

The study suggests that profiling mode at a single position is adequate for DESI analyses in whole blood droplets. This proof‐of‐concept study illustrates the potential of DESI profiling as a possible alternative to liquid chromatography/MS analyses of whole blood, when analyses are needed within a restricted time. Rapid detection methods in blood at atmospheric pressure may find interesting applications in the fields of toxicology and pharmacology.
Nucleobase derivatives induce in‐source decay of oligonucleotides as new matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization matrices
Authors: Kimura Satoshi , Fujisaka Aki , Obika Satoshi
Published: October 2019

Rationale

For quality control of oligonucleotide therapeutics, accurate and efficient structural characterization using mass spectrometry techniques, such as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), is essential. In MALDI MS analysis, matrix selection is critical and a new matrix could enable more efficient and rapid structural analysis.

Methods

We hypothesized that nucleobase derivatives could act as matrices more efficiently than the currently used matrices for oligonucleotides because of structural similarity, which leads to close contact with the analyte. To evaluate their suitability as matrices, 16 nucleobase derivatives were selected and tested as matrix candidates for oligonucleotide analysis.

Results

Six of the 16 nucleobase derivatives acted as matrices for oligonucleotides. Particularly, 6‐thioguanine (TG) performed well and induced clear in‐source decay fragmentation. When TG or 2‐amino‐6‐chloropurine was used as the matrix, oligonucleotides were ionized, and mainly the w and d fragment ions were observed.

Conclusions

Herein we demonstrate that a 10‐mer RNA or DNA sequence can be successfully characterized using TG as matrix and suggest the possibility of using nucleobase derivatives as novel matrices in oligonucleotide sequencing.
H∞ tracking control for linear discrete‐time systems via reinforcement learning
Authors: Liu Ying‐Ying , Wang Zhan‐Shan , Shi Zhan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the H∞ tracking control of linear discrete‐time systems is studied via reinforcement learning. By defining an improved value function, the tracking game algebraic Riccati equation with a discount factor is obtained, which is solved by iteration learning algorithms. In particular, Q‐learning based on value iteration is presented for H∞ tracking control, which does not require the system model information and the initial allowable control policy. In addition, to improve the practicability of algorithm, the convergence analysis of proposed algorithm with a discount factor is given. Finally, the feasibility of proposed algorithms is verified by simulation examples.
Stabilization of stochastic Markovian switching systems on networks with multilinks based on aperiodically intermittent control: A new differential inequality technique
Authors: Li Sen , Yao Xiangrui , Ding Xiaohua
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the stabilization problem of stochastic Markovian switching systems on networks with multilinks and time‐varying delays (SMNMT) is investigated via aperiodically intermittent control. At first, a new differential inequality is established for SMNMT, which relaxes the conditions of time‐varying delays compared with existing literature. Different from previous approaches of studying multilinks systems, new differential inequality technique combined with graph theory and Lyapunov method is adopted, based on which two types of sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the stability of SMNMT. The topological structure of multilinks systems on networks, stochastic perturbation, the transition rate of Markov chain, and intermittent control has a great impact on these developed conditions. The theoretical results are applied to stochastic Markovian switching oscillators networks with multilinks (SMONM), and a stabilization criterion of SMONM is derived as well. Finally, a numerical example is shown to illustrate the feasibility of our theoretical results.
Photoactive Earth‐Abundant Iron Pyrite Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chang Chia‐Che , Li Sin‐Ren , Chou Hung‐Lung , Lee Yi‐Cheng , Patil Shivaraj , Lin Ying‐Sheng , Chang Chun‐Chih , Chang Yuan Jay , Wang Di‐Yan
Published: October 2019

The generation of ammonia, hydrogen production, and nitrogen purification are considered as energy intensive processes accompanied with large amounts of CO2 emission. An electrochemical method assisted by photoenergy is widely utilized for the chemical energy conversion. In this work, earth‐abundant iron pyrite (FeS2) nanocrystals grown on carbon fiber paper (FeS2/CFP) are found to be an electrochemical and photoactive catalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient temperature and pressure. The electrochemical results reveal that FeS2/CFP achieves a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ≈14.14% and NH3 yield rate of ≈0.096 µg min−1 at −0.6 V versus RHE electrode in 0.25 m LiClO4. During the electrochemical catalytic reaction, the crystal structure of FeS2/CFP remains in the cubic pyrite phase, as analyzed by in situ X‐ray diffraction measurements. With near‐infrared laser irradiation (808 nm), the NH3 yield rate of the FeS2/CFP catalyst can be slightly improved to 0.1 µg min−1 with high FE of 14.57%. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the N2 molecule has strong chemical adsorption energy on the iron atom of FeS2. Overall, iron pyrite‐based materials have proven to be a potential electrocatalyst with photoactive behavior for ammonia production in practical applications.
A vision for advancing systems science as a foundation for the systems engineering and systems practice of the future
Authors: Rousseau David
Published: October 2019

In this paper, I argue that the fragmented state and uneven maturity of current systems science will render it increasingly inadequate for meeting the future needs of the engineering and practice disciplines depending on it. I explain that it is not the case that System Science is a holistic discipline in contrast with the reductionism of classical science, but that Systems Science has both reductionistic and holistic dimensions, dealt with respectively by two “movements” within systems science, which I will designate as “Complexity Science” and “Systems Research”.  I argue that in many situations the internal workings of a system can be satisfactorily addressed with the mainly reductionistic methods of Complexity Science, whereas when external factors play a significant role, the mainly holistic methods of Systems Research are brought to the fore. This suggest that Complexity Science and Systems Research are not really as disjunct as often portrayed, but represent special cases under a wider conception that would hold across a spectrum of ratios between ‘internal complexity’ and ‘external complexity’ of the system of interest, and that would entail a differential emphasis on reductionistic and holistic methods based on contextual factors. Such a wider conception could not only help to unify systems science, but would also support analysis and intervention in the ‘middle ground’ between these polar types. This is relevant for Systems Engineering and Practice because as the world's complexity grows engineers and practitioners will increasingly have to deal with situations that are complex both internally and externally. This suggests an increasingly urgent need for the development of the envisioned ‘wider conception’ of systems in which we can deal in an elegant and principled way with shifts in the balance between internal and external complexity.  In this paper I propose that a scientific general theory of systems could provide such a wider conception, and that it could serve as a basis for the unification of systems science, provide support for the scientific maturation of the discipline, and extend the capability and utility of systems science in important ways. I present approaches and frameworks that would support the development of such a theory, present wide‐ranging evidence suggesting that we are in a favourable position for developing one, and indicate important areas to focus on in future research.
Direct thermal desorption technique as a very fast, easy and low‐cost method for analysis of volatile components compounds by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Piryaei Marzieh
Published: October 2019

In medicinal plants, mass spectrometry with gas chromatography has an effective application to the determination as well as quantification of essential oil components. Nevertheless, since the excessively long period is required for sample preparation, the efficiency is restricted. The purpose of this study was to optimize a novel direct thermal desorption procedure coupled with mass spectrometry and gas chromatography for identification and semi‐quantification of volatile components in the medicinal plant samples. A direct thermal desorption mass spectrometry with gas chromatography technique has been employed to determine volatile components of a medicinal plant. The mentioned technique was used for desorption of volatile components of Stachys inflata Benth in the gas chromatography injection port. In this approach, only a dry sample of 2 mg is required for obtaining results. The results have indicated the identification and quantification more than 35 volatile compounds for Stachys inflata Benth. All obtained results indicate that the current approach is a successful instrument for high‐speed analysis of volatile components of plants. Furthermore, there are good correlations between the volatile components constituent determined by direct thermal desorption technique and conventional hydrodistillation method. The results indicated that the direct thermal desorption technique is a fast, simple, low‐cost, highly efficient and solvent‐free extraction approach.
Review of Thermal Plasma Simulation Technique
Authors: Tanaka Yasunori , Fujino Takayasu , Iwao Toru
Published: October 2019

The thermal plasma is widely used for power applications such as circuit breakers, welding, cutting, material processing, waste treatment, and recycling. Transient and three‐dimensional simulations have recently been conducted, assisting in the understanding of physical phenomena through new developments in computers and calculation methods. In this review, a thermal plasma simulation technique is described. Specifically, the modeling of a new type of inductively coupled thermal plasma, a radiation transfer analysis of thermal plasma in a gas circuit breaker, and plasma movement of arc welding, DC circuit breakers, electric trains, vacuum circuit breakers, and surface treatment affected by an electromagnetic force are described. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nonparametric curve estimation and bootstrap bandwidth selection
Authors: Barbeito Inés , Cao Ricardo
Published: October 2019

Over the last four decades, the bootstrap method has been considered so as to define data‐driven bandwidth selectors for nonparametric curve estimation. An extensive and updated review of bootstrap methods used to select the smoothing parameter for the nonparametric estimation of several curves has been carried out. Different data generating processes have been profoundly reviewed, such as the classical independent and identically distributed setup as well as dependent, censored, length‐biased, grouped, missing or directional data, among others. Several curves have also been considered, such as the density, regression, hazard rate, intensity, latency, incidence, or distribution functions, among many others. It is worth mentioning that there exist situations where Monte Carlo methods are not needed when using the bootstrap for bandwidth selections. This idea has also been exploited to find closed expressions for the bootstrap version of criterion functions for some proxy of the real curve estimator.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bootstrap and Resampling

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Density Estimation
Estimating Currents and Electric Fields at Low Latitudes from Satellite Magnetic Measurements
Authors: Alken Patrick
Published: October 2019

Low-latitude ionospheric electric currents produce prominent signatures in the magnetic field measurements made by low Earth-orbiting satellites. Analyzing these magnetic signatures not only provides insight into the currents themselves, but also many other important and interesting phenomena in the low-latitude ionosphere and thermosphere. The low-latitude currents are modulated by thermospheric winds, so attaining a global knowledge of the spatial structure of the currents can give insight into the neutral tidal harmonics present at ionospheric altitudes. Furthermore, the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) current is driven by an equatorial electric field which in turn is generated by a dynamo process. This electric field is additionally responsible for the vertical plasma fountain and equatorial ionization anomaly at low-latitudes. Magnetic measurements of the EEJ, therefore, allows the study of low-latitude plasma motion in the E and F regions of the ionosphere. This chapter will present techniques developed for processing magnetic measurements of the EEJ to extract information about the low-latitude currents and their driving electric fields. This chapter will present a line current approach to recover the EEJ current strengths, with an emphasis on cleaning the satellite data and minimizing magnetic fields from other internal and external sources. The electric fields will be determined using a combination of physical modeling and fitting the EEJ current strengths from the satellite measurements.
Kynurenic acid and cancer: facts and controversies
Authors: Walczak Katarzyna , Wnorowski Artur , Turski Waldemar A. , Plech Tomasz
Published: October 2019

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous tryptophan metabolite exerting neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties in the brain. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. KYNA is produced endogenously in various types of peripheral cells, tissues and by gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it was found in several products of daily human diet and its absorption in the digestive tract was evidenced. More recent studies were focused on the potential role of KYNA in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy; however, the results were ambiguous and the biological activity of KYNA in these processes has not been unequivocally established. This review aims to summarize the current views on the relationship between KYNA and cancer. The differences in KYNA concentration between physiological conditions and cancer, as well as KYNA production by both normal and cancer cells, will be discussed. The review also describes the effect of KYNA on cancer cell proliferation and the known potential molecular mechanisms of this activity.
Osteocalcin is an Independent Predictor for Hungry Bone Syndrome After Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Ko Wen‐Ching , Liu Chien‐Liang , Lee Jie‐Jen , Liu Tsang‐Pai , Wu Chih‐Jen , Cheng Shih‐Ping
Published: October 2019

Background

Hungry bone syndrome is characterized by prolonged and severe hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy. Previously, we reported that preoperative alkaline phosphatase is a major factor predicting prolonged hospital stay. Nonetheless, some patients with low alkaline phosphatase levels presented with hungry bone syndrome, suggesting that additional factors may play a role.

Methods

From September 2010 to December 2017, consecutive dialysis patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism were analyzed. Length of hospital stay was used as a surrogate marker for postoperative bone hunger.

Results

A total of 260 patients were included in the study. The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days, and 69 (27%) patients had a stay longer than 3 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that alkaline phosphatase (odds ratio [OR] = 1.005), osteocalcin (OR = 1.001), and subtotal parathyroidectomy (OR = 0.061) were associated with prolonged hospital stay. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that age (β = − 0.170), alkaline phosphatase (β = 0.430), and osteocalcin (β = 0.166) were correlated with the length of stay. After surgery, the median osteocalcin level increased from 264 to 478 ng/mL (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Alkaline phosphatase is the main predictor of hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy, and preoperative osteocalcin is an additional independent predictor. Patients with a high osteocalcin level may prone to have a higher demand for calcium supplementation.
Trends in age- and sex-adjusted body mass index and the prevalence of malnutrition in children with cancer over 42 months after diagnosis: a single-center cohort study
Authors: Aarnivala Henri , Pokka Tytti , Soininen Riina , Möttönen Merja , Harila-Saari Arja , Niinimäki Riitta
Published: October 2019

The adequate nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients is particularly important to enable them to cope with the demands of the disease and its treatment and to maintain normal growth. Malnutrition and obesity have both been associated with reduced survival and increased drug toxicity. We investigated trends in the age- and sex-adjusted body mass index (ISO-BMI) and the prevalence of malnutrition in a Finnish cohort of 139 consecutive children receiving chemotherapy for cancer, with a follow-up period of 42 months after diagnosis. In total, 28% (39/139) of the patients experienced malnutrition (ISO-BMI < 17 or > 10% weight loss), and 12% (16/139) had a nasogastric tube or underwent gastrostomy. Patients with acute or chronic myeloid leukemia (5/10), central nervous system (CNS) tumors (5/13), or solid tumors (13/31) most frequently suffered from malnutrition. There was a significant increase in the ISO-BMI of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (+ 2.1 kg/m2) and lymphomas (+ 2.4 kg/m2) during the first 6 months, and the ISO-BMI of patients with ALL remained higher at 42 months compared to baseline (+ 1.9 kg/m2).

Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of malnutrition in Finnish pediatric cancer patients is comparable to that reported in other populations. The nutritional status of patients with acute myeloid leukemia, CNS tumors, or solid tumors should be monitored with extra care to facilitate early intervention in the case of impending malnutrition.What is known:• Both malnutrition and obesity are associated with reduced survival and increased drug toxicity in pediatric cancer patients.What is new:• Overall, 28 % of Finnish children receiving chemotherapy for cancer suffer from malnutrition during the first 42 months following the initial cancer diagnosis. • ISO-BMI curves from initial diagnosis to 42 months after diagnosis are provided for patients with different types of cancer.
Accuracy of the neurosurgeons estimation of extent of resection in glioblastoma
Authors: Sezer Sümeyye , van Amerongen Martin J. , Delye Hans H. K. , ter Laan Mark
Published: October 2019

Background

The surgeons’ estimate of the extent of resection (EOR) shows little accuracy in previous literature. Considering the developments in surgical techniques of glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, we hypothesize an improvement in this estimation. This study aims to compare the EOR estimated by the neurosurgeon with the EOR determined using volumetric analysis on the post-operative MR scan.

Methods

Pre- and post-operative tumor volumes were calculated through semi-automatic volumetric assessment by three observers. Interobserver agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A univariate general linear model was used to study the factors influencing the accuracy of estimation of resection percentage.

Results

ICC was high for all three measurements: pre-operative tumor volume was 0.980 (0.969–0.987), post-operative tumor volume 0.974 (0.961–0.984), and EOR 0.947 (0.917–0.967). Estimation of EOR by the surgeon showed moderate accuracy and agreement. Multivariable analysis showed a statistically significant effect of operating neurosurgeon (p = 0.01), use of fluorescence (p < 0.001), and resection percentage (p < 0.001) on the accuracy of the EOR estimation.

Conclusion

All measurements through semi-automatic volumetric analysis show a high interobserver agreement, suggesting this to be a reliable assessment of EOR. We found a moderate reliability of the surgeons’ estimate of EOR. Therefore, (early) post-operative MRI scanning for evaluation of EOR remains paramount.
Graft patency at 3 months after off- and on-pump coronary bypass surgery: a randomized trial
Authors: Sajja Lokeswara Rao , Sarkar Kunal , Mannam Gopichand , Kodali Venkata Krishna Kumar , Padmanabhan Chandrasekar , Peter Sanjeeth , Mulay Anvay , Beri Prashanthi
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed either with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump) or without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump). There is a scarcity of angiographic data to support the non-inferiority of off-pump technique to on-pump technique. The objective of this study is to ascertain the non-inferiority of off-pump CABG when compared to on-pump CABG in terms of angiographically assessed graft patency at 3 months.

Methods

A total of 320 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were enrolled in a multicenter prospective randomized trial either to on-pump CABG (n = 162) or off-pump CABG (n = 158) between March 2016 through March 2017. Graft patency was evaluated by using either multidetector computerized tomographic angiography or conventional coronary angiography at 3 months. The major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE) were also analyzed at 3 months.

Results

The median number of grafts per patient in off-pump was 3.00 (Q1:3.00 and Q3:4.00) vs on-pump 4.00 (Q1:3.00 to Q3:4.00), and the mean number of grafts per patient was lower in the off-pump CABG at 3.45 ± 0.75 vs 3.64 ± 0.70 in the on-pump CABG (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in mortality at 3 months between the off-pump (0.63%) and on-pump groups (1.85%) with p value of 0.62. The cumulative combined MACCE showed significant difference between off-pump group (0.63%) and on-pump group (5.55%), p = 0.01. Follow-up angiograms were done in 239 (75%) patients with 120 off-pump and 119 in the on-pump group. The analysis was also done regarding graft patency in a graded manner—when analysis of A (excellent) grafts vs B (stenosed) grafts and O (occluded) grafts were made, there was no statistically significant difference in overall graft patency at 3 months between on-pump [376 /429 grafts (87.6%)] and off-pump [366 /420 grafts (87.1%)] groups (p = 0.82). The patency rates were similar among bypass conduits (left internal thoracic artery (ITA) in off-pump (91.4%) vs on-pump (92.9%) p = 0.66, right ITA in off-pump (82.1%) vs on-pump (81.8%) p = 0.97, radial artery in off-pump (84.4%) vs on-pump (82.6%) p = 0.81; saphenous vein in off-pump (85.8%) vs on-pump (86.3%), p = 0.86 and among 3 coronary territories.

Conclusions

Off-pump CABG is non-inferior to on-pump CABG in terms of overall graft patency at 3 months and was associated with a fewer combined cumulative MACCE compared to on-pump CABG.
Influence of the inlet gas velocity components on the survival of the vertex of gas in the plasma torch
Authors: Gharaeinia M. , Saviz S. , Sari A. H.
Published: October 2019

The vortex gas injection into plasma torch is considered as a method for reducing electrodes erosion. In order to investigate the effects of vortex gas injection on plasma structure, as well as the effect of gas viscosity on the rate of rotation, a three-dimensional nonequilibrium and time-dependent non-transferred DC plasma torch model has been simulated. Viewing the general characteristics of the plasma shows that the model works well. The results have shown that if the components of the inlet gas velocity are not properly selected, it is possible that the rotary effects of the gas are greatly depleted even before the gas reaches the cathode tip and plasma formation. In this case, only the change in the axial component of the gas causes changes in the structure of the plasma. Vortex reduction is also observed during the movement of cold gases. It is observed that the change in viscosity of gas has significant effects on the rate of the vortex.
Schichtarbeit, die Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Privatleben und psychosomatische Beschwerden – Eine Mediationsanalyse auf Basis der BIBB/BAuA-Erwerbstätigenbefragung 2018
Authors: Müller Grit , Lück Marcel
Published: October 2019

Die gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen von Schichtarbeit werden intensiv erforscht, jedoch gibt es Defizite in der Untersuchung sozialer Auswirkungen, die als eine Ursache für Gesundheitsfolgen von Schichtarbeit diskutiert werden. In der vorliegenden Studie wird der Zusammenhang zwischen der Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Privatleben und dem Gesundheitszustand von Schichtarbeitern im Vergleich zu Beschäftigten mit Normalarbeitszeiten in einer Mediationsanalyse untersucht. Dazu werden Daten der für Deutschland repräsentativen BIBB/BAuA-Erwerbstätigenbefragung 2018 genutzt. Beschäftigte in Schichtarbeit sind häufiger von erschwerter Vereinbarkeit und psychosomatischen Beschwerden betroffen als Beschäftigte in Normalarbeitszeit. Es wird gezeigt, dass die Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Privatleben als Mediator in der Beziehung zwischen Schichtarbeit und psychosomatischen Beschwerden agiert. Dies gilt für Frauen und für Männer. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen die Bedeutung sozialer Auswirkungen von Schichtarbeit als mögliche Ursache für gesundheitliche Beschwerden.

Praktische Relevanz: Beschäftigten in Schichtarbeit gelingt es seltener Anforderungen der Lebensbereiche Arbeit und Familie auszubalancieren. Dieser Konflikt geht mit einem gesundheitlichen Risiko einher. Das Wissen um dieses Risiko ist von praktischer Relevanz, da Betriebe die Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Privatleben explizit in Maßnahmen betrieblicher Gesundheitsförderung oder bei der regulären Arbeitszeitgestaltung berücksichtigen können. Führungskräfte und Beschäftigte in Schichtarbeit sollten darüber hinaus wissen, dass Probleme in der Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Privatleben einen bedeutenden Stressor darstellen.
Evidencias isotópicas y radiocarbónicas de paleodieta y movilidad en una inhumación del período Formativo temprano (ca. 2400 cal aP) en la Puna de Atacama (norte de Chile)
Authors: De Souza Patricio , Santana-Sagredo Francisca , Rodríguez Mónica
Published: October 2019

Un trabajo de rescate arqueológico en la cuenca alta del Río Loa (norte de Chile) resultó en el hallazgo de una inhumación prehispánica de un infante asociado a variados atavíos y ofrendas, junto a los restos óseos parciales de una adolescente. Ambos individuos fueron sometidos a análisis de isótopos estables para establecer paleodieta (δ13C y δ15N) y movilidad (δ18O y 87Sr/86Sr). Además, se efectuaron dataciones radiocarbónicas pareadas de los restos bioantropológicos y culturales con el fin establecer la cronología de la inhumación y, a la vez, evaluar la existencia de un posible efecto reservorio marino. Los resultados isotópicos sugieren consumo de dieta principalmente terrestre y un origen local para los individuos, aunque con una ingesta moderada de recursos marinos. Los fechados radiocarbónicos presentan una inesperada diferencia entre las edades de las ofrendas y los restos humanos, indicando la existencia de un importante efecto reservorio. Dichos resultados dan nuevas luces sobre el consumo de alimentos marinos durante el Formativo temprano en la región, a la vez que permiten ejemplificar los alcances de efectuar dataciones pareadas de restos humanos y culturales.
High-resolution seismic imaging reveals infill history of a submerged Quaternary fjord system in the subantarctic Auckland Islands, New Zealand
Authors: Perkins Edward J. , Gorman Andrew R. , Tidey Emily J. , Wilson Gary S. , Ohneiser Christian , Moy Christopher M. , Riesselman Christina R. , Gilmer Greer , Ross Ben S.
Published: October 2019

Quaternary processes and environmental changes are often difficult to assess in remote subantarctic islands due to high surface erosion rates and overprinting of sedimentary products in locations that can be a challenge to access. We present a set of high-resolution, multichannel seismic lines and complementary multibeam bathymetry collected off the eastern (leeward) side of the subantarctic Auckland Islands, about 465 km south of New Zealand's South Island. These data constrain the erosive and depositional history of the island group, and they reveal an extensive system of sediment-filled valleys that extend offshore to depths that exceed glacial low-stand sea level. Although shallow, marine, U-shaped valleys and moraines are imaged, the rugged offshore geomorphology of the paleovalley floors and the stratigraphy of infill sediments suggests that the valley floors were shaped by submarine fluvial erosion, and subsequently filled by lacustrine, fjord, and fluvial sedimentary processes.
Khandan-i-Ijtihad: Genealogy, history, and authority in a household of ‘ulama in modern South Asia
Authors: JONES JUSTIN
Published: October 2019

Revisiting the debate on how Islam's ‘learned men’ (‘ulama) have sustained their religious authority through changing historical circumstances, this article offers alongue duréeaccount of the so-called ‘Khandan-i-Ijtihad’: a family of renowned scholars and jurists who have held scholarly and popular precedence within South Asia's Shi‘i clerical networks for some 250 years. Instead of analysing the‘ulamaas a corporate group or a class of religious professionals, this article examines the‘ulamaas members of households (khandan,khanwadah) and emphasizes the important role of family lineage and inherited social influence as conduits of clerical leadership. Tracing both the genealogical succession and the vocational enterprises of this family over several generations, the article proposes a framework for understanding an individual scholar's relationship with the collective household, arguing that a cleric's own reputation (hasab-va-nasab) rests on a mingling of ancestral pedigree and personal achievement, with the stature of individual and household perpetually affirming and reinforcing each other in the making of Islamic clerical authority. Furthermore, the article establishes the importance of the‘ulama-biography (tazkirah) as itself a mechanism for actively sustaining the relevance of contemporary‘ulama, by perpetually memorializing their ancestors.
Exploring food choice and flexibility practices among staff and residents at care homes in Denmark
Authors: Nyberg Maria , Sylow Mine
Published: October 2019

With a growing number of people reaching older age, the need for care provided in long-term care institutions is increasing. Although the goal is to deliver person-centred care that includes choice and flexibility opportunities, pre-scheduled mealtimes and set menus are still used. The aim was to explore how food choice and flexibility practices were perceived and performed by residents and staff at three care homes in Denmark. Three food journey interviews with eight residents (aged 83–96) and three focus groups with 12 people from the care and kitchen staff were conducted. Food choice and flexibility practices were mainly performed informally and selectively by the staff, and through personal practices by the residents, implying that many residents were excluded from food choice and flexibility opportunities. However, food choice and flexibility practices were also inhibited by the staff's time pressure and unfamiliarity with choice possibilities, and by the politeness of the residents. Our findings suggest that food choice and flexibility practices must be understood and performed broadly, and include various ways of listening and responding to the residents’ needs and preferences. The study highlighted the importance of incorporating the essential embodied knowledge and emotional know-how, inherent in food choice and flexibility practices, into formal and inclusive strategies concerning how to think and act in relation to the food and meal situation.
The role of the parent during a whole-class beginner instrumental programme: an investigation into the attitudes of pupils and their parents towards parental support in relation to different models of practising
Authors: Huber Anna
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the parent as a supporter of practice during a whole-class beginner violin programme and whether it is considered most beneficial for practice to be undertaken at home, at school or in no formal manner. This mixed-methods research project involved a year-group of 31 pupils aged 6–7 years from a preparatory school in an affluent area of the south of England over a 10-week period. Two parent questionnaires were administered at the start and end of the programme and analysed together with pupil focus groups and teacher assessment. It was discovered that most pupils played at home only once a week, and this was only with parental help. Many challenges to practising at home were identified, and by the end of the programme parents considered that their children could have made as much progress without practising at home. Pupils considered the most desirable ways for their parents to support them were to watch and listen, and to play together. Parents were unsure what to do except for offering encouragement. Pupils were very clear that playing together at school was preferable to playing at home, and it was evident that finding a way to establish school practice sessions between lessons would be the most enjoyable arrangement and support the most progress.
Mapping of Health Technology Assessment in China: Situation Analysis and International Comparison
Authors: Chen Yingyao , Chi Xunyouzhi , He Yao , Wei Yan , Oortwijn Wija , Shi Lizheng
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To analyze the current development of HTA in China and to identify areas for improvement, we mapped the level of HTA development in China and compared it with the level of HTA development in ten other countries using a survey instrument.

Methods

We launched a nationwide survey targeting different stakeholders. For this purpose, we used a validated instrument that enables mapping HTA development in a country using eight domains. The views of the respondents regarding the overall level of HTA development and for each domain were compared with the results of a mapping study that included ten countries.

Results

In total, we received 222 responses, 33 from policy-makers, 158 from researchers, and 31 from industry, as well as health provider representatives including 8 from hospitals, centers for disease control and prevention. We calculated the mean score for the level of HTA development. The overall HTA development for China was scored at 76.4 (out of a maximum of 146). Although the total score for China was comparable to the mean score of 75.6 among the ten countries, China scored significantly lower than the mean score of 117.0 among the three developed countries. In addition, China scored significantly lower in the domain of institutionalization compared to the other ten countries.

Conclusions

China needs to tackle the issue of low HTA institutionalization to strengthen the foundation of HTA development. Future government initiatives that institutionalize HTA, for example, establishing a national HTA system or consortium, will improve the development of HTA in China.
ESTIMATING THE RATE OF DEFECTS UNDER IMPERFECT SAMPLING INSPECTION—A NEW APPROACH
Authors: Gadrich Tamar , Katriel Guy
Published: October 2019

We consider the problem of estimating the rate of defects (mean number of defects per item), given the counts of defects detected by two independent imperfect inspectors on one sample of items. In contrast with the setting for the well-known method of Capture–Recapture, we do not have information regarding the number of defects jointly detected by both inspectors. We solve this problem by constructing two types of estimators—a simple moment-type estimator, and a complicated maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator. The performance of these estimators is studied analytically and by means of simulations. It is shown that the ML estimator is superior to the moment-type estimator. A systematic comparison with the Capture–Recapture method is also made.
Developmental pathways to social anxiety and irritability: The role of the ERN
Authors: Filippi Courtney A. , Subar Anni R. , Sachs Jessica F. , Kircanski Katharina , Buzzell George , Pagliaccio David , Abend Rany , Fox Nathan A. , Leibenluft Ellen , Pine Daniel S.
Published: October 2019

Early behaviors that differentiate later biomarkers for psychopathology can guide preventive efforts while also facilitating pathophysiological research. We tested whether error-related negativity (ERN) moderates the link between early behavior and later psychopathology in two early childhood phenotypes: behavioral inhibition and irritability. From ages 2 to 7 years, children (n = 291) were assessed longitudinally for behavioral inhibition (BI) and irritability. Behavioral inhibition was assessed via maternal report and behavioral responses to novelty. Childhood irritability was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist. At age 12, an electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded while children performed a flanker task to measure ERN, a neural indicator of error monitoring. Clinical assessments of anxiety and irritability were conducted using questionnaires (i.e., Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders and Affective Reactivity Index) and clinical interviews. Error monitoring interacted with early BI and early irritability to predict later psychopathology. Among children with high BI, an enhanced ERN predicted greater social anxiety at age 12. In contrast, children with high childhood irritability and blunted ERN predicted greater irritability at age 12. This converges with previous work and provides novel insight into the specificity of pathways associated with psychopathology.
Die Betreuung von Menschen mit Demenz im Akutkrankenhaus aus Sicht des Behandlungs- und Betreuungsteams
Authors: Burgstaller Melanie , Saxer Susi , Mayer Hanna , Zeller Adelheid
Published: October 2019

Zusammenfassung. Einleitung: Um der Komplexität der Betreuungssituation von Menschen mit Demenz im Krankenhaus gerecht zu werden, ist es erforderlich, bedürfnisgerechte Interventionen zu entwickeln. Dabei sollte die Sichtweise aller für die Situation relevanten Personengruppen miteinbezogen werden, unter anderem auch die Sicht der Betreuungsteams. Ziel: Diese Studie untersuchte, wie sich die Betreuung von Menschen mit Demenz innerhalb der strukturellen Gegebenheiten in drei Schweizer Zentrumspitälern aus Sicht der Betreuungsteams gestaltet. Methode: Es fanden drei Fokusgruppeninterviews mit Teams (bestehend aus Ärztinnen / Ärzten, Pflegenden und Therapeutinnen / Therapeuten) statt. Die Datenanalyse erfolgte mithilfe der Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt nahmen 20 Fachpersonen teil. Drei Hauptkategorien ließen sich identifizieren: „Menschen mit Demenz konfrontieren das Krankenhaussystem“, „Das Krankenhaussystem wird Menschen mit Demenz nicht gerecht“ und „Notwendige Veränderungen erfolgen innerhalb des Krankenhaussystems“. Es wird deutlich, dass es innerhalb des Krankenhaussystems nicht vorgesehen ist, auf spezifische Bedürfnisse von Menschen mit Demenz einzugehen. Die Teams sehen sich gezwungen, ihre Zusammenarbeit zu verstärken. Dies geschieht unsystematisch und mit wenig Unterstützung durch das System. Schlussfolgerung: Es erscheint essenziell, die Initiative der Teams zur verstärkten Zusammenarbeit bei der Betreuung von Menschen mit Demenz systematisch zu unterstützen. Bei der Entwicklung von Interventionen sollte die Teamzusammenarbeit als ein Hauptaspekt berücksichtigt werden.
Exploration of Benefits and Potential Harmful Effects of an Online Forum for Visitors to the Suicide Prevention Platform in The Netherlands
Authors: Mokkenstorm† Jan K. , Mérelle Saskia Y. M. , Smit Jan H. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Kerkhof Ad J. F. M. , Huisman Annemiek , Gilissen Renske
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Background: Online forums that enable peer-to-peer interaction are widespread and readily available. Aim: This study aimed to identify the reach, benefits, and potential harmful effects for visitors to an online forum embedded in a suicide prevention platform in The Netherlands. Method: The study collected web-based questionnaires from online forum users and moderated posts. Descriptive quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. Results: The online forum had 330 members in 2017, of whom 130 were active users (posting at least one message). Respondents ( n = 106) experienced from a high severity of suicidal ideation (78%). A minority (12%) visited the forum to find suicide methods and 3% to find a suicide partner. Among respondents who had visited the forum more than once ( n = 49), 53% reported no changes in feelings directly after forum use, 35% felt better and 12% felt worse. Peer support and anonymity were the most mentioned benefits, whereas no personal contacts and few reactions to postings were perceived as limitations. Suicide threats and the search for methods were the main reasons for moderating posts. Limitations: Usage habits and user experiences were available from a relatively small group that visited the forum more than once. Conclusion: In its current form, the forum has a low reach with few benefits and a potential for harm for its users. With a questionable benefit-to-risk ratio, the added value of the online forum appears to be small.
Brazil’s Oil Spill Is a Mystery, so Scientists Try Oil Forensics
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: October 2019

Thousands of barrels of oil have been tarring Brazil’s beaches since September, and no one knows why. An oil spill scientist is running oil forensics to find out.