bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rasagiline effects on glucose metabolism, cognition, and tau in Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Matthews Dawn C. , Ritter Aaron , Thomas Ronald G. , Andrews Randolph D. , Lukic Ana S. , Revta Carolyn , Kinney Jefferson W. , Tousi Babak , Leverenz James B. , Fillit Howard , Zhong Kate , Feldman Howard H. , Cummings Jeffrey
Published: February 2021

Background

A Phase II proof of concept (POC) randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of rasagiline, a monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) inhibitor approved for Parkinson disease, in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). The primary objective was to determine if 1 mg of rasagiline daily for 24 weeks is associated with improved regional brain metabolism (fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography [FDG‐PET]) compared to placebo. Secondary objectives included measurement of effects on tau PET and evaluation of directional consistency of clinical end points.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, parallel group, placebo‐controlled, community‐based, three‐site trial of 50 participants randomized 1:1 to receive oral rasagiline or placebo (NCT02359552). FDG‐PET was analyzed for the presence of an AD‐like pattern as an inclusion criterion and as a longitudinal outcome using prespecified regions of interest and voxel‐based analyses. Tau PET was evaluated at baseline and longitudinally. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) model.

Results

Fifty patients were randomized and 43 completed treatment. The study met its primary end point, demonstrating favorable change in FDG‐PET differences in rasagiline versus placebo in middle frontal (P < 0.025), anterior cingulate (P < 0.041), and striatal (P < 0.023) regions. Clinical measures showed benefit in quality of life (P < 0.04). Digit Span, verbal fluency, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) showed non‐significant directional favoring of rasagiline; no effects were observed in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale (ADAS‐cog) or activities of daily living. Rasagiline was generally well tolerated with low rates of adverse events and notably fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms in the active treatment group.

Discussion

These outcomes illustrate the potential benefits of rasagiline on clinical and neuroimaging measures in patients with mild to moderate AD. Rasagiline appears to affect neuronal activity in frontostriatal pathways, with associated clinical benefit potential warranting a more fully powered trial. This study illustrated the potential benefit of therapeutic repurposing and an experimental medicine proof‐of‐concept design with biomarkers to characterize patient and detect treatment response.
Stability, well-posedness and regularity of the homogeneous Landau equation for hard potentials
Authors: Heydecker Daniel , Fournier Nicolas
Published: February 2021

We establish the well-posedness and some quantitative stability of the spatially homogeneous Landau equation for hard potentials, using some specific Monge-Kantorovich cost, assuming only that the initial condition is a probability measure with a finite moment of order
p
for some

p > 2

. As a consequence, we extend previous regularity results and show that all non-degenerate measure-valued solutions to the Landau equation, with a finite initial energy, immediately admit analytic densities with finite entropy. Along the way, we prove that the Landau equation instantaneously creates Gaussian moments. We also show existence of weak solutions under the only assumption of finite initial energy.
Full cross-diffusion limit in the stationary Shigesada-Kawasaki-Teramoto model
Authors: Kuto Kousuke
Published: February 2021

This paper studies the asymptotic behavior of coexistence steady-states of the Shigesada-Kawasaki-Teramoto model as both cross-diffusion coefficients tend to infinity at the same rate. In the case when either one of two cross-diffusion coefficients tends to infinity, Lou and Ni [18] derived a couple of limiting systems, which characterize the asymptotic behavior of coexistence steady-states. Recently, a formal observation by Kan-on [10] implied the existence of a limiting system including the nonstationary problem as both cross-diffusion coefficients tend to infinity at the same rate. This paper gives a rigorous proof of his observation as far as the stationary problem. As a key ingredient of the proof, we establish a uniform

L^{\infty }

estimate for all steady-states. Thanks to this a priori estimate, we show that the asymptotic profile of coexistence steady-states can be characterized by a solution of the limiting system.
Outcomes of Carotid Revascularization in Patients with Contralateral Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Dakour-Aridi Hanaa , Elsayed Nadin , Malas Mahmoud
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about the best revascularization procedure for patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion (CCO). We aim to compare the outcomes of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS) in patients with CCO.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative dataset who underwent CEA, TFCAS, or TCAR, and had CCO between September 2016 and April 2020, were included. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to evaluate in-hospital outcomes.

RESULTS:

The final cohort included 1,144 TCARs, 1,182 TFCAS, and 2,527 CEA procedures performed in patients with CCO. Compared with TFCAS, TCAR was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of in-hospital stroke or death (odds ratio [OR] 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12–0.59; p < 0.01). However, no significant difference in stroke was noted (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.34–1.51; p = 0.38). These results persisted after stratifying with respect to symptomatic status (p values of interaction = 0.92 and 0.74, respectively). There was no significant difference between TCAR and CEA in odds of in-hospital stroke or death on multivariable adjustment (OR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.29–1.10, p = 0.10). The interaction between procedure type and symptomatic status in predicting in-hospital stroke was statistically significant (p = 0.04). In asymptomatic patients, TCAR was associated with a 50% to 60% reduction in the odds of stroke (p = 0.04). Yet, no significant differences were observed in symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

TCAR has lower odds of in-hospital stroke or death compared to TFCAS, independent of symptomatic status. Compared to CEA, TCAR seems to be a better option in asymptomatic patients, with lower odds of in-hospital stroke. Yet, no significant difference is observed in symptomatic patients.
Appraising the Quality of Reporting of American College of Surgeons NSQIP Emergency General Surgery Studies
Authors: El Moheb Mohamad , Sabbagh Hadi , Badin Daniel , Mahmoud Tala , Karam Basil , El Hechi Majed W. , Kaafarani Haytham MA.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

The quality of emergency general surgery (EGS) studies that use the American College of Surgeons-National Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database is variable. We aimed to critically appraise the methodologic reporting of EGS ACS-NSQIP studies.

STUDY DESIGN:

We searched the PubMed ACS-NSQIP bibliography for EGS studies published from 2004 to 2019. The quality of reporting of each study was assessed according to the number of criteria fulfilled with respect to the 13-item RECORD statement and the 10-item JAMA Surgery checklist. Three criteria in each checklist were not applicable and were therefore excluded. An analysis was conducted comparing studies published in high and low impact factor (IF) journals.

RESULTS:

We identified a total of 99 eligible studies. Twenty-six percent of studies were published in high IF journals, and 73% of the journals had a policy requiring adherence to reporting statements. The median number of criteria fulfilled for the RECORD statement (out of 10 items) and the JAMA Surgery checklist (out of 7 items) were both equal to 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 3, 5). Sixty-three percent of studies did not explain the methodology for data cleaning, 81% of studies did not describe the population selection process, and 55% did not discuss the implications of missing variables. There were no differences in overall scores between studies published in high and low IF journals.

CONCLUSIONS:

The methodologic reporting of EGS studies using ACS-NSQIP remains suboptimal. Future efforts should focus on improving adherence to the policies to mitigate potential sources of bias and improve the credibility of large database studies.
Fashion, Gender and Agency in Latin American and Spanish Literature
Authors: Saunders Stephanie N.
Published: February 2021

In the last two decades, the glorification of sewing - whether involving needlework, tailoring, or fashion design - has thrived in Latin American and Iberian cultural works, particularly literature.
From Symbolic Exile to Physical Exile
Authors: Çaglar İsmail
Published: February 2021

Turkey's Imam Hatip schools, which offer a combination of Islamic and secular subjects, operate in a country ostensibly committed to secular education. This thoughtful study examines the routes of these schools' graduates to various European universities. Against the backdrop of the largely secular Turkish academic establishment, the Imam Hatip students frequently choose Europe for their university education because they are excluded and banned from native universities. This important volume contributes to the discussion of the role these schools play in the social mobility of religious conservatives in Turkey, as well as offering new research in the study of Turkish transnational religious movements.
Capitalist Workingman's Paradises Revisited
Authors: de Gier Erik
Published: February 2021

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the international phenomenon of enlightened paternalist capitalism and social engineering in the golden age of capitalism in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Erik de Gier shows how utopian socialist, religious, and craft-based ideas influenced the welfare work and educations programmes offered by paternalistic businesses in different ways from nation to nation, looking closely at sites like the Pullman community in Chicago and Port Sunlight in the UK. De Gier brings the book fully up to date with a brief comparison to contemporary welfare capitalism in our highly flexible working world.
Art and Politics
Authors: Segal Joes
Published: February 2021

In Art and Politics, Segal explores the collision of politics and art in seven enticing essays. The book explores the position of art and artists under a number of different political regimes of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, traveling around the world to consider how art and politics have interacted and influenced each other in different conditions. Joes Segal takes you on a journey to the Third Reich, where Emil Nolde supported the regime while being called degenerate; shows us Diego Rivera creating Marxist murals in Mexico and the United States for anti-Marxist governments and clients; ties Jackson Pollock's drip paintings in their Cold War context to both the FBI and the CIA; and considers the countless images of Mao Zedong in China as unlikely witnesses of radical political change.
The Celestine Monks of France, c. 1350–1450
Authors: Shaw Robert L. J.
Published: February 2021

The Celestine monks of France represent one of the least studied monastic reform movements of the late Middle Ages, and yet also one of the most culturally impactful. Their order - an austere Italian Benedictine reform of the late thirteenth century, which came to be known after the papal name (Celestine V) of its founder (Pietro da Morrone / St Peter Celestine) - arrived in France in 1300. After a period of limited growth, they flourished in the region from c.1350: they added thirteen new houses over the next hundred years, taking their total to seventeen by 1450. Not only did the French Celestines expand in this century, they gained a distinctive character that separated them from their Italian brothers. More urban, better connected with both aristocratic and bourgeois society, and yet still rigorous and reformist, they characterised themselves as the 'Observant' wing of their order, having gained self-government for their provincial congregation in 1380 following the arrival of the Great Western Schism (1378-1417). But, as Robert L.J. Shaw argues, their importance runs beyond monastic reform: the late medieval French Celestines are a mirror of the political, intellectual, and Christian reform culture of their place and time. Within a France torn by war and a Church divided by schism, the French Celestines represented hope for renewal, influencing royal presentation, lay religion, and some of the leading French intellectuals of the period, including Jean Gerson.
Fragments of the Holocaust
Authors: Duindam David
Published: February 2021

Why do we attach so much value to sites of Holocaust memory, if all we ever encounter are fragments of a past that can never be fully comprehended? David Duindam examines how the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a former theater in Amsterdam used for the registration and deportation of nearly 50,000 Jews, fell into disrepair after World War II before it became the first Holocaust memorial museum of the Netherlands. Fragments of the Holocaust: The Amsterdam Hollandsche Schouwburg as a Site of Memory combines a detailed historical study of the postwar period of this site with a critical analysis of its contemporary presentation by placing it within international debates concerning memory, emotionally fraught heritage and museum studies. A case is made for the continued importance of the Hollandsche Schouwburg and other comparable sites, arguing that these will remain important in the future as indexical fragments where new generations can engage with the memory of the Holocaust on a personal and affective level.
The Unfinished History of European Integration
Authors: Reijnen Carlos , van Leeuwen Karin , Hoetink Carla , van de Grift Liesbeth , de Bruin Robin , van Meurs Wim
Published: February 2021

When the Treaty of Lisbon went into effect in December 2009, the event seemed to mark the beginning of a longer phase of institutional consolidation for the EU. Since 2010, however, the EU has faced multiple crises, which have rocked its foundations and deeply challenged the narrative of 'the end of the history of integration'. The military crisis in eastern Ukraine and the refugee crisis call for a joint approach, but in practice reveal the difficulty of maintaining even the appearance of European solidarity and political unanimity. The financial and socio-economic crisis in southern Europe and Brexit present the EU with the latest set of challenges. If seventy years of European integration have taught us anything, it is that fundamental crises as well as moments of rapid institutional change form integral parts of its history. The Unfinished History of European Integration presents the reader with historical and theoretical knowledge on which well-founded judgements can be based. This textbook on European integration history has been written as a student textbook for a bachelor's or master's programme in European integration history, as a manual for the analysis of EU sources and, finally, as an information resource for a bachelor's or master's thesis.
The Imperial City of Cologne
Authors: Huffman Joseph
Published: February 2021

The Imperial City of Cologne: From Roman Colony to Medieval Metropolis (19 B.C.–1125 A.D.) is an urban history of Cologne from its imperial Roman origins as a northeastern frontier military outpost to a medieval metropolis on the German Empire's northwestern border. This first history of Cologne, available in English, challenges received notions of late Roman ethnic identities, a Dark Age collapse of urban life, devastating Viking and Magyar incursions, and the origins of medieval urban government.
Implementation of Drive-Through Testing for COVID-19 With Community Paramedics
Authors: Constantine S. Tyler , Callaway David , Driscoll Jeremy N. , Murphy Stephanie
Published: February 2021

Objective:

In this manuscript, we discuss the implementation and deployment of mobile integrated health and community paramedicine (MIH/CP) testing sites to provide screening, testing, and community outreach during the first months of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the metropolitan region of Charlotte, North Carolina. This program addresses the need for an agile testing strategy during the current pandemic. We disclose the number of patients evaluated as “persons under investigation” and the proportion with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) results from these sites. We describe how the programs were applied to patient care and include considerations on how additional staffing, scalability, and flexibility of these services may be applied to future patient and health care crises.

Methods:

This is a descriptive report of the implementation of MIH/CP test sites in our health care system’s early response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Retrospective data on the number of patients and their associated demographics are reported here as raw data. No statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

Between March 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, our 6 MIH/CP test sites evaluated 4342 patients. Of these, 401 patients (9.2%) had positive test results, 62.8% of whom were women. The estimated duration of each patient encounter under investigation was 3 to 5 minutes. The paramedics were able to perform a brief history, specific physical examination, and screening for signs of hypoxemic respiratory failure. There were no cases of accidental exposure or failure of personal protective equipment for the MIH/CP paramedics.

Conclusions:

In our health care system, we pivoted the traditional MIH/CP model to rapidly initiate remote drive-through testing for COVID-19 in pre-screened individuals. This model allowed us to test patients with suspected COVID-19 patients away from traditional health care sites and mitigate exposure to health care workers and other patients.
Exploration of Association Between Respiratory Vaccinations With Infection and Mortality Rates of COVID-19
Authors: Abdulah Deldar Morad , Hassan Alan Bapeer
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Respiratory disease vaccines may affect coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - associated infection and mortality rates due to vaccine nonspecific effects against viral infections. We compared the infection and mortality rates in relation to COVID-19 between countries with and without universal respiratory disease vaccine policies.

Methods:

In this ecological study, 186 countries with COVID-19 statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) were included.

Results:

The study found that countries with universal BCG (bacillus Calmette Guérin) vaccine had significantly lower total infection and mortality rates, 0.2979 and 0.0077 versus 3.7445, and 0.0957/1000 people and confirmed cases (P < 0.001). The countries with universal pneumococcal vaccine (PCV), including PCV1, PCV2, and PCV3 vaccines, had significantly higher total mortality, 0.0111 versus 0.0080, respectively (P = 0.032). Higher income was associated with increasing total infection and mortality rates. Whereas, BCG vaccination was associated with a lower total mortality rate only (P = 0.030). The high-income countries were more likely to not receive universal BCG and receive second dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV2) and third dose of PCV3 vaccination coverage. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates increased with increasing years of the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (P = 0.026) and pneumococcal conjugate third dose (PCV3).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that BCG vaccination could reduce the infection caused by COVID-19, and MCV2 vaccine years increases the total infection rate. This study identified high economic characteristics and not having universal BCG coverage as the independent risk factors of mortality by multivariate analysis.
Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Body Weight, Eating Habits, and Physical Activity of Jordanian Children and Adolescents
Authors: Al Hourani Huda , Alkhatib Buthaina , Abdullah Mai
Published: February 2021

Objective:

The lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic affects lifestyle patterns globally and impacts children and adolescents. This study aims to assess the effect of the lockdown on body weight, eating habits, and physical activity of Jordanian youth (children and adolescents).

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 477 Jordanian children and adolescents aged 6-17 y. The study tool was a structured validated questionnaire. It comprised 4 parts, including a general description of the study purpose, sociodemographic and anthropometric data, physical activity data, and food intake pattern. Questions were reported before and during lockdown. Changes in outcomes over the 2 study time points were evaluated.

Results:

After the lockdown period, the mean body weight and body mass index for age Z-scores (BAZ) showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) compared with before the lockdown period. More than 50% of the subjects reported that they spent more than 3 h in front of the screen during the lockdown. The percent of subjects who watched TV for more than 3h was increased. Moreover, physical inactivity was increased significantly during the lockdown. All food groups consumption was significantly increased during the lockdown compared to before the lockdown.

Conclusions:

COVID-19 lockdown period was characterized by an increase in the use of screen-based devices, lower physical activity, uncontrolled food intake, and weight gain.
Lessons Learned From an Analysis of the Emergency Medical Services’ COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Facilities in Israel
Authors: Zmora Itay , Alpert Evan Avraham , Shacham Uri , Mishraki Nisim , Jaffe Eli
Published: February 2021

One strategy for the containment of a pandemic is mass testing. Magen David Adom (MDA), the Israeli National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Organization undertook this mission by operating a nationwide series of drive-through testing complexes. The objective of this study is to learn lessons from an analysis of these centers. Data from 198 stationary and mobile drive-through complexes from March 20, 2020, through October 17, 2020, were analyzed for temporal and geographic factors, and cost. Also, an operational improvement program was implemented and analyzed. A total of 931,074 patients were sampled in the MDA drive-through system: 46.9% in stationary complexes, and 53.1% in mobile complexes. The optimized cost per patient of home testing was estimated at 74.5 USD compared with 6.55 USD in the drive-through centers. An operational improvement program lowered the total sampling time from 128 s/patient to 98 s and decreased the total cost per patient from 6.55 USD to 6.27 USD. The EMS led drive-through complexes were cost-effective and efficient in performing large numbers of viral tests, especially when compared with home testing. Established concepts in clinical operations should be implemented to increase the number of persons that can be tested and decrease cost.
NS SATURATED AND -DEFINABLE
Authors: HOFFELNER STEFAN
Published: February 2021

We show that under the assumption of the existence of the canonical inner model with one Woodin cardinal$M_1$, there is a model of$\mathsf {ZFC}$in which$\mbox {NS}_{\omega _{1}}$is$\aleph _2$-saturated and${\Delta }_{1}$-definable with$\omega _1$as a parameter which answers a question of S. D. Friedman and L. Wu. We also show that starting from an arbitrary universe with a Woodin cardinal, there is a model with$\mbox {NS}_{\omega _{1}}$saturated and${\Delta }_{1}$-definable with a ladder system$\vec {C}$and a full Suslin treeTas parameters. Both results rely on a new coding technique whose presentation is the main goal of this article .
The potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing adult weight loss: a scoping review
Authors: Chew Han Shi Jocelyn , Ang Wei How Darryl , Lau Ying
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To present an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to regulate eating and dietary behaviours, exercise behaviours and weight loss.

Design:

A scoping review of global literature published from inception to 15 December 2020 was conducted according to Arksey and O’Malley’s five-step framework. Eight databases (CINAHL, Cochrane–Central, Embase, IEEE Xplore, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched. Included studies were independently screened for eligibility by two reviewers with good interrater reliability (k= 0·96).

Results:

Sixty-six out of 5573 potential studies were included, representing more than 2031 participants. Three tenets of self-regulation were identified –self-monitoring(n66, 100 %),optimisation of goal setting(n10, 15·2 %) andself-control(n10, 15·2 %). Articles were also categorised into three AI applications, namelymachine perception(n50),predictive analytics only(n6) andreal-time analytics with personalised micro-interventions(n10). Machine perception focused on recognising food items, eating behaviours, physical activities and estimating energy balance. Predictive analytics focused on predicting weight loss, intervention adherence, dietary lapses and emotional eating. Studies on the last theme focused on evaluating AI-assisted weight management interventions that instantaneously collected behavioural data, optimised prediction models for behavioural lapse events and enhance behavioural self-control through adaptive and personalised nudges/prompts. Only six studies reported average weight losses (2·4–4·7 %) of which two were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The use of AI for weight loss is still undeveloped. Based on the current study findings, we proposed a framework on the applicability of AI for weight loss but cautioned its contingency upon engagement and contextualisation.
Interpersonal Closeness Impairs Decision Memory
Authors: Uğurlar Pınar , Posten Ann-Christin , Zürn Michael
Published: February 2021

Abstract. We hypothesized that self-other confusion as a result of interpersonal closeness impairs people’s memory of their own decisions. Four studies (min  N = 352) tested whether closeness affects memory in cooperative decisions. Participants played trust games in which they entrusted resources to another person and then had to recall their own decisions. Study 1 showed that people with an independent self-construal recalled their decisions more accurately, suggesting that less self-other overlap results in higher accuracy. Studies 2–4 showed that people made more recall errors when they played the trust game with a close in comparison with a distant partner. The findings suggest that interpersonal closeness impairs people’s memory of cooperative decisions.
Potential Ecological Risk Assessment of Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in Roadside Soils
Authors: Negahban Saeed , Mokarram Marzieh
Published: February 2021

The present study seeks to both estimate and analyze the rate of heavy metal changes in soils of road margins affected by the traffic on Fasa‐Darab Road, Iran. Muller index, contamination factor (CF), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and pollution load index (PLI) were calculated to determine the contamination rate. Principal component analysis was also employed to determine the most relevant parameters affecting the PERI. The maximum amount of heavy metal contamination (2.5 mg/kg) occurred at the nearest road distance, that is, 2 m. The results of theIgeoshow that these elements are naturally present in the soil, albeit anthropogenic activity caused an increase in the concentration of these metals in soil. Results of the CF index showed that Ni, Cu, and Zn values were less than 1, indicative of low contamination, whereas Pb contamination, with values ranging from 3 to 6 was indicative of high pollution. The PLI results for the most polluted stations showed that stations 14 and 23 were classified as very high contamination and other stations as uncontaminated. The results of clustering data showed that the data were in two pollution classes. As maintained by the findings, the first component contributed to 44.98% of the changes and included the Cd, CFCd, RI, andIgeo(Cd)parameters, while the second component represented 27.83% of the changes, containing parameters Pb,Igeo(Pb), and CFPb. Therefore, Pb and Cd are the most relevant parameters in the analysis of PERI within the study area.
Discrete metal nanoparticles with plasmonic chirality
Authors: Zheng Guangchao , He Jijun , Kumar Vished , Wang Shenli , Pastoriza-Santos Isabel , Pérez-Juste Jorge , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Wong Kwok-Yin
Published: February 2021

Synthetic methods allow the growth of metal nanoparticles with intrinsic chiral morphology and plasmonic optical activity in the visible and near-IR.
Theoretical studies unveil the unusual bonding in oxygenation reactions involving cobalt(ii)-iodylarene complexes
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Sun Dongru , Gao Lanping , Zhao Yufen , de Visser Sam P. , Wang Yong
Published: February 2021

DFT calculations reveal that halogen bonds and 3c-4e bonds make a difference in the metal-iodylarene chemistry.
Computational insights into the formation driving force of CL-20 based solvates and their desolvation process
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhu Weihua
Published: February 2021

The O⋯H interactions between CL-20 and solvents are the formation driving force of CL-20 solvates.
Molecular-dynamics simulations on the mesophase transition induced by oscillatory shear in imidazolium-based ionic liquid crystals
Authors: Liu Min , Shiba Hayato , Liu Huashan , Peng Hailong
Published: February 2021

The out-of-equilibrium phase diagrams obtained by the oscillatory shear in a 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C12mim][PF6]) ionic liquid crystal on molecular-dynamics simulations.
Ab initio rate coefficients for reactions of 2,5-dimethylhexyl isomers with O2: temperature- and pressure-dependent branching ratios
Authors: Ali Mohamad Akbar
Published: February 2021

Pressures-dependence rate coefficients for the formation 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-tetrahydrofuran.
P-type doping in 2M-WS2 for a complete phase diagram
Authors: Zhao Chendong , Che Xiangli , Zhang Zhuang , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2021

In this work, we realized p-type doping and drew a complete carrier density versus temperature phase diagram of the newly discovered 2M-WS2.
Mechanistic insight into oxygen atom transfer reactions by mononuclear manganese(iv)–oxo adducts
Authors: Singh Priya , Stewart-Jones Eleanor , Denler Melissa C. , Jackson Timothy A.
Published: February 2021

Rate enhancements in sulfoxidation reactions are often associated with a change in mechanism. Kinetic studies of sulfoxidation reactions by a series of MnIV–oxo complexes reveal large rate changes while retaining an oxygen-atom transfer mechanism.
Economically advantageous pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial hydrogen under common, current economic conditions
Authors: Finke Cody E. , Leandri Hugo F. , Karumb Evody Tshijik , Zheng David , Hoffmann Michael R. , Fromer Neil A.
Published: February 2021

Almost all clean hydrogen that is used in industry is made by cogenerating low-cost hydrogen and other commodities. We propose a framework to make the world's hydrogen from low-cost cogeneration processes.
Identification of C2–C5 products from CO2 hydrogenation over PdZn/TiO2–ZSM-5 hybrid catalysts
Authors: Ruiz Esquius Jonathan , Bahruji Hasliza , Bowker Michael , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: February 2021

PdZn/TiO2 combined with ZSM-5 zeolites allowed for consecutive CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH, CH3OH dehydration to DME, and MTH/DMTH in a one-pass single bed reactor. PdZn alloys, although stable at high temperature, hydrogenate olefins, limiting MTH/DMTH chain growth.
Preparation of a PES/PFSA-g-MWCNT ultrafiltration membrane with improved permeation and antifouling properties
Authors: Wang Chengcong , Zhang Lijuan , Yuan Haikuan , Fu Yujia , Zeng Zheng , Lu Jie
Published: February 2021

In this study, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) was firstly grafted on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to obtain PFSA-g-MWCNT nanocomposites.
Catalytic mechanism of the colistin resistance protein MCR-1
Authors: Suardíaz Reynier , Lythell Emily , Hinchliffe Philip , van der Kamp Marc , Spencer James , Fey Natalie , Mulholland Adrian J.
Published: February 2021

Elucidation of the catalytic reaction mechanism of MCR-1 enzyme, responsible for the antimicrobial resistance to colistin, using DFT calculations on cluster models.
Uncovering new transition metal Zintl phases by cation substitution: the crystal chemistry of Ca3CuGe3 and Ca2+nMnxAg2−x+zGe2+n−z (n = 3, 4)
Authors: Ponou Siméon , Miller Gordon J. , Mudring Anja-V.
Published: February 2021

Crystal engineering in transition metal Zintl phases.
Gd3+-activated narrowband ultraviolet-B persistent luminescence through persistent energy transfer
Authors: Wang Xianli , Chen Yafei , Kner Peter A. , Pan Zhengwei
Published: February 2021

Gd3+-activated narrow-band ultraviolet-B persistent phosphors can be developed from Pr3+-, Pb2+- or Bi3+-activated ultraviolet-C or ultraviolet-B persistent phosphors through persistent energy transfer.
Children With Cortical Visual Impairment and Complex Communication Needs: Identifying Gaps Between Needs and Current Practice
Authors: Blackstone Sarah W. , Luo Fei , Canchola Jesse , Wilkinson Krista M. , Roman-Lantzy Christine
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This scoping study sought to establish a baseline for how well the needs of children with cortical visual impairment (CVI) who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are currently aligned with the services available to them. CVI is the most common cause of visual impairment in children today, and AAC methods rely heavily on vision. Yet, the prevalence of CVI in children who use AAC methods is not yet known, and there is virtually no research concerning use of AAC with children with CVI. Our overarching goals were to identify barriers and suggest priorities for improving outcomes for these children.

Method

Surveys were distributed anonymously online to professionals from multiple disciplines in different school-based settings and to parents of children with CVI who use AAC.

Results

School-based professionals identified many barriers, including a lack of knowledge and skills about CVI and about AAC, limited access to training and experts, and concerns about services being delivered in isolated silos with limited time allotted for interprofessional collaboration and planning. Parent reported that their children (Mage= 11 years) continued to rely predominantly on body-based forms of communication and lacked access to symbolic language, which, in AAC, is primarily visually based.

Conclusions

The barriers to services identified by school-based professionals indicate a need to develop and disseminate reliable information about CVI and AAC, both at a preservice and in-service level and, while doing so, to respect the diversity of stakeholders who need this information, including parents. Future research on what types of AAC approaches support the development of language and communication skills for children with CVI is essential.
Multi‐objective comprehensive teaching algorithm for multi‐objective optimisation design of permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Sun Changle , Wen Feng , Xiong Wei , Wang Haitao , Shang Hongxu
Published: February 2021

The design of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is a constrained multi‐objective problem, and there are often conflicts between the goals. Aiming at the complexity of PMSM optimisation and a large number of variables, multi‐objective optimisation design of PMSM using a multi‐objective comprehensive teaching algorithm (MCTA) is proposed. This algorithm is improved based on the teaching–learning‐based optimisation algorithm and can better adapt to large‐scale sample space and multivariate optimisation. Also, based on a magnetic equivalent circuit, a static electromagnetic model of the radial magnetic field PMSM is derived, and the design requirements and goals of the PMSM are analysed. In the two PMSM multi‐objective optimisation calculation processes, the optimal solution was calculated based on the composite fitness function and Pareto front, respectively. The results of the MCTA were compared with other natural optimisation algorithms. Finally, according to the optimisation results of two sets of experiments, the correctness of the optimal solution of the algorithm was verified by finite element analysis and actual measurement of the prototype. The analysis of results shows the effectiveness, simplicity, and inspiration of MCTA in the PMSM multi‐objective structure optimisation design.
Exact magnetic field analytical model for eccentric magnetic harmonic gears using hyperbolic cotangent transformation
Authors: Liu Ronghui , Zhao Zengkai , Sun Gaiping , Mi Yang , Lin Shunfu , Tang Jing
Published: February 2021

The eccentric magnetic harmonic gear (EMHG) utilises the change of the magnetic permeability caused by eccentric structure to achieve large torque transmission with high gear ratios. This study presents an exact EMHG analytical model based on the hyperbolic cotangent transformation method. The exact method has no truncation errors and thus it is appropriate for the analysis of magnetic fields in the EMHG with large eccentricity. Firstly, the eccentric air‐gap magnetic field distributions are obtained by modulating the concentric magnetic field distributions with the relative permeance function. Then, the air‐gap flux density of the EMHG is obtained according to the superposition of the flux density by the eccentric rotor and stator permanent magnets acting alone. Furthermore, the analytical results of the air‐gap flux density and electromagnetic torque are compared with those of the finite‐element method, which verifies the correctness and validity of the analytical model. Finally, the experimental measurements on the dual‐stage EMHG confirm the validity of the analytical prediction.
Retinal image blood vessel extraction and quantification with Euclidean distance transform approach
Authors: Kipli Kuryati , Enamul Hoque Mohammed , Thai Lim Lik , Afendi Zulcaffle Tengku Mohd , Kudnie Sahari Siti , Hamdi Mahmood Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Image processing applications remarkably contributes to modern ophthalmology. This technology is designed to analyse the characteristics of the human eye microvasculature images. The retinal microvasculature is an excellent non‐invasive screening window for the assessment of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Retinal microvasculature character such as widening vessel diameter is recognised as an analysable feature for stroke or transient ischemic attack for predicting the progression of this pathology. Thus, in this study, a computer‐assisted method has been developed for this task applying the Euclidean distance transform (EDT) technique. This newly developed algorithm computes the Euclidean distance of the remaining white pixels on the area of interest. Central Light Reflex Image Set (CLRIS) and Vascular Disease Image Set (VDIS) of Retinal Vessel Image set for Estimation of Width database were used for the performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm that showed 98.1 and 97.7% accurate result for both CLRIS and VDIS, respectively. The significantly high accuracy in this newly developed vessel diameter quantification algorithm indicates excellent potential for further development, evaluation, validation, and integration into ophthalmic diagnostic instruments.
Inferring possible magnetic field strength of accreting inflows in EXor-type objects from scaled laboratory experiments
Authors: Burdonov K. , Bonito R. , Giannini T. , Aidakina N. , Argiroffi C. , Béard J. , Chen S. N. , Ciardi A. , Ginzburg V. , Gubskiy K. , Gundorin V. , Gushchin M. , Kochetkov A. , Korobkov S. , Kuzmin A. , Kuznetsov A. , Pikuz S. , Revet G. , Ryazantsev S. , Shaykin A. , Shaykin I. , Soloviev A. , Starodubtsev M. , Strikovskiy A. , Yao W. , Yakovlev I. , Zemskov R. , Zudin I. , Khazanov E. , Orlando S. , Fuchs J.
Published: February 2021

Aims. EXor-type objects are protostars that display powerful UV-optical outbursts caused by intermittent and powerful events of magnetospheric accretion. These objects are not yet well investigated and are quite difficult to characterize. Several parameters, such as plasma stream velocities, characteristic densities, and temperatures, can be retrieved from present observations. As of yet, however, there is no information about the magnetic field values and the exact underlying accretion scenario is also under discussion.

Methods. We use laboratory plasmas, created by a high power laser impacting a solid target or by a plasma gun injector, and make these plasmas propagate perpendicularly to a strong external magnetic field. The propagating plasmas are found to be well scaled to the presently inferred parameters of EXor-type accretion event, thus allowing us to study the behaviour of such episodic accretion processes in scaled conditions.

Results. We propose a scenario of additional matter accretion in the equatorial plane, which claims to explain the increased accretion rates of the EXor objects, supported by the experimental demonstration of effective plasma propagation across the magnetic field. In particular, our laboratory investigation allows us to determine that the field strength in the accretion stream of EXor objects, in a position intermediate between the truncation radius and the stellar surface, should be of the order of 100 G. This, in turn, suggests a field strength of a few kilogausses on the stellar surface, which is similar to values inferred from observations of classical T Tauri stars.
Fréquence et intensité des îlots de chaleur à rennes : bilan de 16 années d’observations (2004-2019)
Authors: Dubreuil V. , Foissard X. , Nabucet J. , Thomas A. , Quénol H.
Published: February 2021

Cet article s’intéresse à l’observation de l’îlot de chaleur urbain (ICU) à Rennes de 2004 à 2019. L’existence d’un réseau d’observation urbain relativement ancien et dense permet de quantifier la fréquence et l’intensité de l’ICU en fonction de l’heure et de la saison : l’ICU moyen atteint ainsi 1,3°C mais il approche 3°C en moyenne la nuit en fin d’été et peut parfois dépasser 7°C. Les nuits de fort ICU, supérieur à 4°C, représentent plus de 17% des observations en moyenne mais jusqu’à près de 30% en septembre. En 2019 comme en 2011, un nombre record d’ICU de forte intensité a été relevé, résultant essentiellement d’une forte fréquence de situations radiatives (forte insolation, vent faible). La spatialisation de l’ICU montre que le gradient classique centre-ville / périphérie n’est pas symétrique entre le sud et le nord de l’agglomération : la présence de parcs et de vallées au nord génère, en effet, des îlots de fraîcheur dont l’intensité varie en fonction de leur taille.
Mesure et spatialisation de l’îlot de chaleur urbain dans l’aire urbaine de Metz Métropole : premiers résultats de la campagne de mesure 2019
Authors: Hassani Nassima , Drogue Gilles
Published: February 2021

Cet article s’intéresse à la mesure et à la cartographie de l’îlot de chaleur urbain (ICU) dans la couche de canopée urbaine au sein de l’aire urbaine de Metz Métropole entre juin et septembre 2019. L’ICU a été suivi à partir d’un réseau de 23 stations météorologiques fixes permettant d’observer en continu la température de l’air à 3 m du sol. Les sites d’observation ont été soigneusement sélectionnés de façon à être représentatifs de différents types d’environnement (urbain, suburbain et périurbain) et typologies de revêtement (surfaces imperméables bitumées, surfaces végétalisées, étendues d’eau, etc.). L’objectif est d’évaluer les propriétés spatiales et temporelles de l’ICU au cours de cette période remarquablement chaude, et de déterminer son intensité à partir des données relevées en continu par le réseau de mesure. La période d’observation est particulièrement intéressante dans la mesure où elle se caractérise par la survenue des deux séquences caniculaires (25-30 juin et 21-26 juillet), offrant la possibilité de mieux comprendre le comportement thermique du tissu urbain et la dynamique de l’ICU local lors d’extrêmes chauds. Les résultats obtenus ont permis de mettre en évidence un ICU de l’ordre de 3°C en moyenne au sein des zones densément urbanisées, pouvant atteindre 7,1°C en situation caniculaire ce qui est conforme au modèle prédictif de Oke (1973) fondé sur la relation population-ICU en Europe. Une importante présence de végétation est toutefois susceptible de réduire son intensité et ses effets contrairement aux étendues d’eau qui, la nuit, ne semblent pas jouer le rôle de puits de fraîcheur.
Analyse de la variabilité spatio-temporelle de l’îlot de chaleur urbain à Strasbourg (France)
Authors: Philipps Nathalia , Kastendeuch Pierre P. , Najjar Georges
Published: February 2021

Une analyse de la dynamique temporelle et de la distribution spatiale de l’îlot de chaleur urbain (ICU) strasbourgeois a été menée à l’aide d’un réseau de stations météorologiques réparties sur l’ensemble du territoire de l’agglomération strasbourgeoise. L’importante variabilité temporelle de l’ICU est illustrée non seulement à travers son comportement thermique journalier, mais également par le biais des fortes différences d’intensité selon les saisons et les types de temps. Favorisé lors de vents faibles et d’ensoleillement important, l’ICU se montre particulièrement intense durant les belles journées estivales, les moyennes pouvant localement atteindre un gain de cinq degrés lors du paroxysme nocturne. Concernant l’aspect spatial, les disparités entre stations soulignent une hétérogénéité de l’ICU essentiellement liée à la variabilité intrinsèque du milieu urbain. L’analyse statistique a ainsi mis en évidence le rôle de plusieurs paramètres morphologiques et d’occupation du sol, et par conséquent justifie pleinement la mise en place d’une classification en Local Climate Zones (LCZ) de l’Eurométropole de Strasbourg. La végétation apparaît comme étant un facteur de mitigation prééminent, notamment lorsqu’elle est présente de manière notable dans des zones densément bâties et fortement minéralisées. Concernant les paramètres relevant de la géométrie urbaine, les intensités moyennes d’ICU les plus élevées sont systématiquement mesurées dans les zones les plus densément bâties. Une nouvelle méthodologie de cartographie de l’ICU se basant sur les paramètres sous-jacents des LCZ est proposée. Cette carte permet l’obtention de valeurs pertinentes d’intensité de l’ICU en tout point du territoire.