bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Properties of WS2/WSe2 Heterostructure Containing Te Impurity: The Role of Substituting Position
Authors: Krivosheeva A. V. , Shaposhnikov V. L. , Borisenko V. E. , Lazzari J.-L.
Published: March 2019

An impact of positions of Te atoms substituting W atoms in two-dimensional WS2/WSe2 heterostructures on their electronic properties is investigated by theoretical simulation. The substitution of W by Te tends to reduce the energy band gap and can lead to metallic properties depending on the impurity position and concentration.
Thermodynamic Investigation of Polyhydroxylated Derivatives of Light Fullerenes
Authors: Podolsky N. , Lelet M.
Published: March 2019

Isobaric heat capacities of C[Formula: see text](OH)[Formula: see text] and C[Formula: see text](OH)[Formula: see text] fullerenols were measured using adiabatic calorimetry in the temperature range of 0–320[Formula: see text]K along with standard thermodynamic functions: [Formula: see text], [[Formula: see text]] and [[Formula: see text]]. Furthermore, the molar entropy of formation and the molar third law entropy of C[Formula: see text](OH)[Formula: see text] and C[Formula: see text](OH)[Formula: see text] in crystalline state at 298.15[Formula: see text]K were calculated.
Neutral Silicon-Vacancy Color Center in Diamond: Cluster Simulation of Spatial and Hyperfine Characteristics
Authors: Pushkarchuk A. L. , Kuten S. A. , Pushkarchuk V. A. , Nizovtsev A. P. , Kilin S. Ya.
Published: March 2019

One of the most promising platforms to implement quantum technologies are coupled electron-nuclear spins in solids in which electrons can play a role of “fast” qubits, while nuclear spins can store quantum information for a very long time due to their exceptionally high isolation from the environment. The well-known representative of such systems is the “nitrogen-vacancy” (NV) center in diamond coupled by a hyperfine interaction to its intrinsic [Formula: see text]N/[Formula: see text]N nuclear spin or to [Formula: see text]C nuclear spins presenting in the diamond lattice. More recently, other paramagnetic color centers in diamond have been identified exhibiting even better characteristics in comparison to the NV center. Essential prerequisite for a high-fidelity spin manipulation in these systems with tailored control pulse sequences is a complete knowledge of hyperfine interactions. Development of this understanding for one of the new color centers in diamond, viz., neutral “silicon-vacancy” (SiV0) color center, is a primary goal of this paper, in which we are presenting preliminary results of computer simulation of spatial and hyperfine characteristics of SiV0 center in H-terminated clusters C[Formula: see text][SiV0]H[Formula: see text] and C[Formula: see text][SiV0]H[Formula: see text].
Structure Simulation of Cisplatin Complexes with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Fullerenol
Authors: Pushkarchuk A. L. , Bezyazychnaya T. V. , Potkin V. I. , Dikusar E. A. , Soldatov A. G. , Khrutchinsky A. A. , Babichev L. F.
Published: March 2019

Structure and energy calculations of modified complexes of single-walled carbon nanotubes and fullerenol C[Formula: see text](OH)[Formula: see text] with cisplatin have been performed using the quantum chemical method at the DFT/B3LYP/SV/Lanl2DZ level. The nanotubes were modified with COOH groups at the end and sidewall of the nanotube and cisplatin molecules. The dependence of their structure on the presence of a solvent was established.
Spatial Order and Absorption of light by Monolayer of Silicon Nano- and Submicrometer-Sized Particles
Authors: Loiko V. A. , Miskevich A. A. , Loiko N. A.
Published: March 2019

The effect of the spatial order of a monolayer of monodisperse spherical crystalline silicon nano- and submicrometer-sized particles upon its absorption coefficient is theoretically investigated. The calculation method is based on the quasicrystalline approximation of the theory of multiple scattering of waves and multipole expansion of electromagnetic fields and tensor Green function in terms of vector spherical wave functions. The results can be used for an enhancement of light harvesting in a solar cells design.
Micro-machined silicon accelerometer with piezoresistive SCR implementation for glucolysis
Authors: Preethi A. Angelin Peace , Karthigaikumar P.
Published: March 2019

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) noted as micro generation have grown to advance greater than in previous decades. This venture reports approximately the silicon-based piezoresistive (PZR) microcantilever for glucose sensing. Elevated sensitivity, highest operation collection, extensive frequency reaction, excessive resolution, proper linearity are the majority preferred residences of the sensor. The displacement strain at specific limits, sensitivity and deformation is analyzed by means of finite element method for two exclusive structures. 3D structural modeling of three layers in micromechanical sensors may be achieved at ANSYS 14.5. In bio-medical request, adsorption of glucose on a functionalized exterior of the micro-fabricated cantilever will gather an exterior strain and therefore meander the cantilever beam. The cantilever meandering enhances the sensitivity of the microcantilevers sensor. Instead of capacitive accelerometer which produces changes in the seismic mass, the best method is PZR accelerometer that takes advantage of change in resistance and produces electrical output signal. The argument of the resolution problem in the study of a system for PZR detection technique with requirement of devices like Low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) etc. is easily done by introducing stress concentrated region (SCR) which is considered as slot in the structure so that it enhances sensitivity of the device further higher. This technique is used for a sample, to detect and monitor glucose level and it produces simulation wrapping up in the microcantilever beam such as twist, pressure, injure and displacement.
How to mine gold without digging
Authors: Guo Kevin , Leung Tim , Ward Brian
Published: March 2019

This paper examines the main drivers of the returns of gold miner stocks and ETFs during 2006–2017. We solve a combined optimal control and stopping problem to demonstrate that gold miner equities behave like real options on gold. Inspired by our proposed model, we construct a method to dynamically replicate gold miner stocks using two factors: the spot gold ETF and market equity portfolio. Furthermore, through each firm’s factor loadings on the replicating portfolio, we dynamically infer the firm’s implied leverage parameters of our model using the Kalman Filter. We find that our approach can explain a significant portion of the drivers of firm implied gold leverage. We posit that gold miner companies hold additional real options which help mitigate firm downside volatility, but these real options contribute to lower returns relative to the replicating portfolio when gold returns are positive.
Reversing the negative skewness of value portfolios with power-log optimization and options, produces smaller drawdowns and higher risk-adjusted returns
Authors: Kale Jivendra K. , Lim Tee
Published: March 2019

Investors prefer positively skewed portfolio returns, while value portfolios have substantial negative skewness in their returns. We use a Power-Log utility optimization algorithm and a put, or call option overlay to reverse the negative skewness of the Russell 1,000 Value index return, and produce portfolios with far better risk and return characteristics than the index itself, using historical monthly returns for the index with VIX-based standard deviation for forecasting. All the optimal portfolios containing the call have positively skewed returns, smaller maximum drawdowns except for the very riskiest portfolios, and higher Sortino ratios than the index, and also have better characteristics than those containing the put.
Polarizable Force Fields for Biomolecular Simulations: Recent Advances and Applications
Authors: Jing Zhifeng , Liu Chengwen , Cheng Sara Y. , Qi Rui , Walker Brandon D. , Piquemal Jean-Philip , Ren Pengyu
Published: March 2019

Realistic modeling of biomolecular systems requires an accurate treatment of electrostatics, including electronic polarization. Due to recent advances in physical models, simulation algorithms, and computing hardware, biomolecular simulations with advanced force fields at biologically relevant timescales are becoming increasingly promising. These advancements have not only led to new biophysical insights but also afforded opportunities to advance our understanding of fundamental intermolecular forces. This article describes the recent advances and applications, as well as future directions, of polarizable force fields in biomolecular simulations.
The Phase Field Method: Mesoscale Simulation Aiding Material Discovery
Authors: Tonks Michael R. , Aagesen Larry K.
Published: March 2019

Mesoscale modeling and simulation approaches provide a bridge from atomic-scale methods to the macroscale. The phase field (PF) method has emerged as a powerful and popular tool for mesoscale simulation of microstructure evolution, and its use is growing at an ever-increasing rate. While initial research using the PF method focused on model development, as it has matured it has been used more and more for material discovery. In this review we focus on applying the PF method for material discovery. We start with a brief summary of the method, including numerical approaches for solving the PF equations. We then give seven examples of the application of the PF method for material discovery. We also discuss four barriers to its use for material discovery and provide approaches for how these barriers can be overcome. Finally, we detail four lessons that can be learned from the examples on how best to apply the PF method for material discovery.
Iron Aluminides
Authors: Palm Martin , Stein Frank , Dehm Gerhard
Published: March 2019

The iron aluminides discussed here are Fe–Al-based alloys, in which the matrix consists of the disordered bcc (Fe,Al) solid solution (A2) or the ordered intermetallic phases FeAl (B2) and Fe3Al (D03). These alloys possess outstanding corrosion resistance and high wear resistance and are lightweight materials relative to steels and nickel-based superalloys. These materials are evoking new interest for industrial applications because they are an economic alternative to other materials, and substantial progress in strengthening these alloys at high temperatures has recently been achieved by applying new alloy concepts. Research on iron aluminides started more than a century ago and has led to many fundamental findings. This article summarizes the current knowledge of this field in continuation of previous reviews.
Mild hypothermia affects the morphology and impairs glutamine-induced anabolic response in human primary myotubes
Authors: Rantala Robert , Chaillou Thomas
Published: March 2019

The specific impact of reduced temperature on skeletal muscle adaptation has been poorly investigated. Cold water immersion, one situation leading to decreased skeletal muscle temperature, is commonly proposed to reduce the perception of fatigue and muscle soreness after strenuous exercise. In contrast, it may impair long-term benefits of resistance exercise training on muscle strength and hypertrophy. To date, the physiological factors responsible for this blunted muscle adaptation remain unclear. Here, we used a cell culture model of human primary myotubes to specifically investigate the intrinsic behavior of muscle cells during mild hypothermia (MH). Newly formed myotubes were exposed to either 37°C or 32°C to evaluate the effect of MH on myotube size and morphology, protein synthesis, and anabolic signaling. We also compared the glutamine (GLUT)-induced hypertrophic response between myotubes incubated at 32°C or 37°C. We showed that 48 h exposure to MH altered the cellular morphology (greater myotube area, shorter myosegments, myotubes with irregular shape) and impaired GLUT-induced myotube hypertrophy. Moreover, MH specifically reduced protein synthesis at 8 h. This result may be explained by an altered regulation of ribosome biogenesis, as evidenced by a lower expression of 45S pre-ribosomal RNA and MYC protein, and a lower total RNA concentration. Furthermore, MH blunted GLUT-induced increase in protein synthesis at 8 h, a finding consistent with an impaired activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MH impairs the morphology of human myotubes and alters the hypertrophic response to GLUT.
Saliva and Blood Asprosin Hormone Concentration Associated with Obesity
Authors: Ugur Kader , Aydin Suleyman
Published: March 2019

Background. The aim was to investigate the amounts of saliva and serum asprosin in order to determine whether it is related to obesity and whether salivary glands synthesize asprosin or not.Methods. A total of 116 underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese (class I, class II, and class III) volunteers participated in the study. Saliva and blood samples were collected simultaneously from the participants. The amounts of asprosin in saliva, salivary gland tissue supernatants, and bloods were determined by ELISA, whereas asprosin synthesis sites of salivary gland tissues were determined immunohistochemically.Results. The amount of asprosin from the lowest to the highest was in the order as follows: underweight, normal weight (control), overweight, and obese classes I and III. The lowest level of asprosin was detected in underweight individuals. It was also found that the interlobular striated ducts and the interlobular ducts of the submandibular and parotid salivary glands produce asprosin. According to these data, the asprosin level is related with obesity as the amount increases in accordance with increasing body mass index (BMI). On the other hand, there is also a relationship between the underweight and asprosin because the amount decreases with BMI decrease.Conclusions. Asprosin, a new adipokine, may be a novel indicator of adipose tissue mass. Therefore, we anticipate that antiasprosin preparations may be an alternative in the treatment of obesity in the future.
Causes and Follow-Up of Central Diabetes Insipidus in Children
Authors: Liu Wendong , Hou Jing , Liu Xiuqin , Wang Limin , Li Guimei
Published: March 2019

Objective. To identify the causes of central diabetes insipidus (CDI) by evaluating the values of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of pediatric CDI, providing evidence for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CDI. Methods. Seventy-nine patients with CDI (CDI group) hospitalized from July 2012 to March 2017 and 43 healthy children (control group) were enrolled in this study. All cases underwent MRI examination including T1-weighted three-dimensional magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (T1WI-3D-MP RAGE) imaging sequences. The pituitary volume, the signal intensity of posterior pituitary, and the morphology of pituitary stalk were measured between two groups. The medical history, urine testing, imaging of hypothalamic-pituitary region, and hormone levels were also recorded. Results. Age and gender were matched between the CDI and control groups. The height and BMI in the CDI group were less and the urine volume in 24 h was higher than those in the control group. The signal intensity of the posterior pituitary was higher in the control group, whereas the pituitary volume was smaller in the CDI group. In the CDI group, 44 cases presented with morphological changes of the pituitary stalk. Clinical symptoms mainly included polydipsia, polyuria, short stature, and vomiting. All patients were confirmed by water deprivation vasopressin test. Forty-four CDI children were associated with hypopituitarism, including 33 cases of PSIS with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD) and 11 cases of growth hormone deficiency (IGHD). The pituitary volume in the cases of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) with MPHD was smaller than that in the IGHD patients. Conclusions. The signal intensity ratio of the posterior lobe, pituitary volume, and the morphology of pituitary stalk on T1WI-3D-MP RAGE image contribute to the diagnosis of CDI.
Epidemiologic Trends of Viral Skin Infections in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Saleh Ramadan , Nada Essam , Hamed Ahmed F. , Hussien Wesam M.
Published: March 2019

Viral skin infections (VSIs) were ranked among the top 50 prevalent diseases in 2010. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiologic features of VSIs in patients attending a dermatology clinic in Egypt from June 2010 to May 2011. Patient’s residence, occupation, housing data, and family history of similar conditions were recorded. Categorical data were recorded as frequencies and percentages and were compared by Chi square test. P value < 0.05 was significant. Diagnosis of VSIs was made in 1000/20322 (4.9%) patients. Out of the 1000 patients with VSIs, 580 (58.0%) were residents of rural areas and 420 (42.0%) were residents of urban areas (p = 0.02). Out of the 1000 patients, 489 (48.9%) were females and 511 (51.1%) were males (p = 0.25). The breakdown of 1000 patients with VSIs indicated diagnosis of viral warts in 673 (67.3%), chickenpox (CP) in 200 (20.0%), herpes simplex (HS) facialis in 50 (5.0%), herpes zoster (HZ) in 42 (4.2%), molluscum contagiosum (MC) in 27 (2.7%.0), and anogenital warts in 8 (0.8%) cases. Overcrowding (sharing a bedroom by more than 3 persons) was recorded in 652/1000 (65.2%) of the patients with VSIs [165/200 (82.5.3%) in CP, 36/50 (72%) in HS facials, 427/673 (63.4%) in viral warts, 14/27 (51.9%) in MC, and 10/42 (23.8%) in HZ]. Family history of a similar condition was positive in 329/1000 (32.9%) of the patients with VSIs [142/200 (71.0%) in CP, 177/673 (26.3%) in viral warts, 5/27 (18.5%) in MC, and 4/50 (8%) in HS facialis]. In conclusion, viral warts and CP were the commonest VSIs diagnosed in patients who attended a dermatology clinic in Egypt. Viral skin infections were more prevalent among patients who lived in rural areas and under crowded conditions. These data may have important public health implications particularly in developing countries.
Nonlinear Effects of Environmental Regulation on Environmental Pollution
Authors: Liu Yuncai , Luo Nengsheng , Wu Shusheng
Published: March 2019

This paper classifies environmental regulation into two types and constructs a theoretical framework to explore the influences of fee-based environmental regulation and invest-based environmental regulation on environmental pollution. It then establishes some dynamic spatial autoregressive nonlinear econometric models to test the theoretical hypothesis based on 30-area panel data from 2004 to 2016. The results illustrate that inverted “U” shape curve relationship exists between fee-based environmental regulation and environmental pollution, while a “U” shape curve relationship between invest-based environmental regulation and environmental pollution exists. In addition, the findings suggest that improving the proportion of secondary industry can directly promote the environmental quality while effectively control of foreign direct investment and fiscal decentralization is also indispensable. Thus, the government should make targeted research about the optimal intensity of fee-based environmental regulation and invest-based environmental regulation and make targeted enterprise policy for the environmental pollution reduce, which contains promoting the energy revolution and strengthening the depth and strength of opening-up step by step.
Waveform Flexibility for Network Slicing
Authors: Kułacz Łukasz , Kryszkiewicz Paweł , Kliks Adrian
Published: March 2019

We discuss the idea of waveform flexibility and resource allocation in future wireless networks as a promising tool for network slicing implementation down to the lowest layers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) models. In particular, we consider the possibility of cognitively adjusting the shape of the waveform to the requirements associated with various network slices. Moreover, such an adjustment of waveform shape is realised jointly with the selection and allocation of the appropriate frequency bands to each slice. In our approach, the definition of the waveform, as well as the assignment of resources, is done based on the information about the surrounding environment and each slice requirement stored in a dedicated context-information database. In this paper, we present the key concept of waveform flexibility for network slicing, the proposed algorithm for waveform selection and resource allocation among slices, and the achieved simulation results.
Nanocrystalline Cellulose/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Fibrous Composites Prepared by Electrospinning and Thermal Crosslinking
Authors: Hatch Katrina M. , Hlavatá Jana , Paulett Katherine , Liavitskaya Tatsiana , Vyazovkin Sergey , Stanishevsky Andrei V.
Published: March 2019

Nanocellulose/polyvinylpyrrolidone (nCel/PVP) fibrous composite materials containing rod-like nanocrystalline cellulose particles with the lengths varying in the range from 100 to 2000 nm were prepared by using DC electrospinning. The particle size had a strong effect on the precursor viscosity, process efficiency, and resulting fiber diameter. The thermal crosslinking of nCel/PVP composite nanofibers with up to 1.0 :  8.0 nCel/PVP weight ratio resulted in fibrous membranes with textural, air transport, and mass swelling properties varying significantly with the size of cellulose particles. The presence of nCel particles increased the oxidation resistance of PVP during the crosslinking and affected the morphological changes of nCel/PVP fibrous membranes in aqueous solutions. Particles with the smallest size improved the strength of the membrane but decreased its mass swelling capacity, whereas the larger particles led to a more porous and flexible, but mechanically weaker, membrane structure with a higher swelling ability. Thus, by using the nCel particles of different size and shape, the properties of nCel/PVP composite fibrous membranes can be tailored to a specific application.
Potential Benefits of Nitrate Supplementation on Antioxidant Defense System and Blood Pressure Responses after Exercise Performance
Authors: Menezes Eduardo F. , Peixoto Leonardo G. , Teixeira Renata R. , Justino Allisson B. , Puga Guilherme M. , Espindola Foued S.
Published: March 2019

Nitrate (NO3−) supplementation is associated with exercise performance, oxygen uptake, blood flow, and blood pressure improvement, and it can act as an antioxidant agent. This study evaluated the effects of sodium nitrate supplementation on oxidative stress markers and blood pressure responses after aerobic exercise performance in physically active males. Fourteen subjects aged 22±3 years and with a BMI of 23±1 kg/m2 were submitted to four exercise tests in intervals of 5 days. Nitrate supplementation (NO session) and placebo supplementation (PL session) were acute (AC) and over a period of 5 days (FD) in random order with a crossover design. Saliva was collected at basal (0′); 60 min after supplementation (60′); immediately after exercise (90′); and 15, 30, and 60 min after the test (105′, 120′, and 150′). The NO session had higher concentrations (P<0.05) of salivary nitrite in both AC and FD treatments when compared with the PL session. There was a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) only after FD in the NO session. Furthermore, uric acid and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) salivary concentrations increased, while SOD activity and TBARS levels decreased after FD but not after AC in the NO session. The results suggest that nitrate supplemented over a period of 5 days reduced SBP and indirectly acted as an antioxidant in healthy nonsedentary young men.
Elevation of IL-6 and IL-33 Levels in Serum Associated with Lung Fibrosis and Skeletal Muscle Wasting in a Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury Mouse Model
Authors: Shieh Jiunn-Min , Tseng Hui-Yun , Jung Fang , Yang Shih-Hsing , Lin Jau-Chen
Published: March 2019

Weight loss due to skeletal muscle atrophy in patients with chronic pulmonary disease is negatively correlated with clinical outcome. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by the dysregulated deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with the destruction of normal tissue, resulting in end-stage organ failure. BLM-induced fibrosis is one of several different experimental models of pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by inflammation and excessive ECM deposition. We directly induced mouse lung injury by the intratracheal administration of bleomycin and monitored the physiological and biochemical changes in lung and skeletal muscle tissues by using lung function testing, ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Here, we found that BLM-induced lung fibrosis with thickened interstitial lung tissue, including fibronectin and collagen, was correlated with the increased serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-33 and accompanied by reduced lung function, including FRC (functional residual capacity), C chord (lung compliance), IC (inspiratory capacity), VC (vital capacity), TLC (total lung capacity), and FVC (forced vital capacity) (p<0.05). The activity of AKT in lung tissue was suppressed, but conversely, the activity of STAT3 was enhanced during lung fibrosis in mice. In addition, we found that the amount of sST2, the soluble form of the IL-33 receptor, was dramatically decreased in lung fibrosis tissues. The skeletal muscle tissue isolated from lung injury mice increased the activation of STAT3 and AMPK, accompanied by an increased amount of Atrogin-1 protein in BLM-induced lung fibrosis mice. The mouse myoblast cell-based model showed that IL-6 and IL-33 specifically activated STAT3 and AMPK signaling, respectively, to induce the expression of the muscle-specific proteolysis markers MuRF1 and Atrogin-1. These data suggested that increased levels of IL-6 and IL-33 in the serum of mice with BLM-induced lung injury may cause lung fibrosis with thickened interstitial lung tissue accompanied by reduced lung function and muscle mass through the activation of STAT3 and AMPK signals.
A Water‐Rock Coupled Model for Fault Water Inrush: A Case Study in Xiaochang Coal Mine, China
Authors: Wu Luyuan , Bai Haibo , Yuan Chao , Wu Guangming , Xu Changyu , Du Yue
Published: March 2019

Water inrush disasters in mining frequently occur under the influence of confined water‐bearing fault zones. Therefore, investigating the fault water inrush mechanism is necessary to reduce the number of occurrences of this type of disaster. In fault zones, the rock is highly fractured, and the mechanism of water conduction is complex. In this research, the seepage mechanism of fractured sandstone in fault zones is studied through experiments, and the results indicate that the permeability coefficient of fractured sandstone depends on the axial stress and particle size. The relationship between the permeability coefficient and axial stress was an exponential relationship. Then, a water‐rock coupled model is proposed based on the experimental results, which considers the different water flow patterns during water inrush disasters. Finally, a numerical simulation combined with the water‐rock coupled model is conducted to investigate the fault water inrush mechanism of a case study, and the results reveal that when water inrush disasters occur during mining, two types of conditions are required. One is that the connection among the fractured zone of the coal seam roof, fault fracture zone, and aquifer fails, and the other is that the connection among the fractured zone of the water inrush prevention pillar, fault fracture zone, and aquifer fails. This study contributes to an increased understanding of the mechanism of water inrush disasters and the design of water inrush prevention pillars.
Sub-THz Antenna for High-Speed Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Vettikalladi Hamsakutty , Sethi Waleed Tariq , Abas Ahmad Fauzi Bin , Ko Wonsuk , Alkanhal Majeed A. , Himdi Mohamed
Published: March 2019

Terahertz (THz) links will play a major role in high data rate communication over a distance of few meters. In order to achieve this task, antenna designs with high gain and wideband characteristics will spearhead these links. In this contribution, we present different antenna designs that offer characteristics better suited to THz communication over short distances. Firstly, a single-element antenna having a dipole and reflector is designed to operate at 300 GHz, which is considered as a sub-terahertz band. That antenna achieves a wide impedance bandwidth of 38.6% from 294 GHz to 410 GHz with a gain of 5.14 dBi. Secondly, two designs based on the same dipole structure but with added directors are introduced to increase the gain while maintaining almost the same bandwidth. The gains achieved are 8.01 dBi and 9.6 dBi, respectively. Finally, an array of 1×4 elements is used to achieve the highest possible gain of 13.6 dBi with good efficiency about 89% and with limited director elements for a planar compact structure to state-of-the-art literature. All the results achieved make the proposed designs viable candidates for high-speed and short-distance wireless communication systems.
Ärgerbezogene kognitive Verhaltenstherapie eines Jugendlichen in der Heimunterbringung: Eine Fallgeschichte
Authors: Reiser Manon , Steffgen Georges
Published: March 2019

Jugendliche aus stationären Einrichtungen (z.B. Heime) sind häufig von der Chronifizierung einer psychischen Störung bedroht. Unter anderem aufgrund von Traumatisierungen sind externalisierende Verhaltensprobleme, z.B. wiederhol­ter unangemessener Ärgerausdruck, festzustellen, die einen Behandlungserfolg in Frage stellen. Erforderlich ist es daher, problematische Ärgerreaktionen von Jugendlichen zu thematisieren und den Umgang mit Ärger zu verändern. In dieser Falldarstellung wird die Umsetzung eines 10-wöchigen kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Ärgerbewältigungs­trainings bei einem fremdplatzierten verhaltensauffälligen Jugendlichen aufgezeigt. Die eingesetzten testdiagnosti­schen Verfahren belegen, dass die Bereitschaft zu aggressiven Verhaltensweisen sowie des nach außen gerichteten Ärgerausdrucks reduziert und die Ärgerkontrolle erhöht wurde. Insgesamt konnte die Wirksamkeit der programm­gestützten Intervention am Einzelfall nachgewiesen werden. Jugendliche in der Heimunterbringung können somit durch die Teilnahme an einer Ärgerintervention Nutzen ziehen, indem sie lernen, ihre Emotionsregulation zu optimieren, um dadurch ihre soziale Kompetenz zu erhöhen. Ihre gesellschaftliche Eingliederung ließe sich dadurch erleichtern.
Correlation between Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Su Hailong , Zhang Guo
Published: March 2019

Background: The correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. Objectives: We performed this study to better assess the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the likelihood of HCC. Methods: A systematic research of PubMed, Medline, and Embase was performed to retrieve relevant articles. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: A total of 15 studies with 8,378 participants were analyzed. In overall analyses, a significant association with the likelihood of HCC was detected for the rs1801131 polymorphism with fixed-effect models (FEMs) in recessive comparison (p = 0.002, OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.82). However, no positive results were detected for the rs1801133 polymorphism in any comparison. Further subgroup analyses revealed that the rs1801131 polymorphism was significantly associated with the likelihood of HCC in Asians with both FEMs (recessive model: p < 0.0001, OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29–0.62; allele model: p = 0.004, OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06–1.35) and random-effect models (recessive model: p = 0.002, OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29–0.75). Nevertheless, we failed to detect any significant correlation between the rs1801133 polymorphism and HCC. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the rs1801131 polymorphism may serve as a genetic biomarker of HCC in Asians.
Protective Diversion Stoma in Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Garg Pankaj Kumar , Goel Aakanksha , Sharma Sneha , Chishi Nilokali , Gaur Manish Kumar
Published: March 2019

Background: With the establishment of the oncological safety and due to the potential of low anterior resection (LAR) with sphincter salvage in improving the quality of life of patients with low and mid rectal cancers, it has become a popular treatment modality. A potential complication of the procedure is anastomotic dehiscence which results in a significant increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods: A literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the role of protective diversion stoma with no stoma in LAR of the rectum was performed in PubMed. The effect size for dichotomous and continuous data was displayed as relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD), respectively, with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. A fixed effect or random effects model was used to pool the data according to the result of a statistical heterogeneity test. Results: Five RCTs were identified and included in the analysis. These yielded 390 patients who had undergone a protective diversion ileostomy at the time of the surgery (LAR) and 378 who had not, resulting in a total of 768 patients, all of whom were included in the meta-analysis. The fashioning of an ileostomy significantly decreased the anastomotic leak (AL) rates (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21–0.51, p < 0.000) and the reoperation rates (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.15–0.45, p < 0.000). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that a protective diversion ileostomy in LAR for rectal cancer decreases the AL rates by one third and the reoperation rates by one fourth. Thus, we conclude that fashioning such a stoma is beneficial.
Association of Enamel Caries Lesions with Oral Hygiene and DMFT among Adults
Authors: Laajala Anne , Pesonen Paula , Anttonen Vuokko , Laitala Marja-Liisa
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of enamel caries lesions and their association with tooth brushing frequency, tooth brushing quality, and past caries experience among Finnish adults. The study population comprised 46-year-old members of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 1,961). Caries lesions were examined and recorded at surface level using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The cut-off point for enamel caries was set to ICDAS score 3. The cut-off point for brushing frequency was twice daily. Visible plaque on buccal tooth surfaces represented brushing quality. Using enamel caries lesions (ICDAS1–3) as a dependent variable, an adjusted logistic regression model was conducted to investigate the association with gender, brushing frequency, visible plaque, dentin caries lesions (ICDAS4–6), teeth with restorations, extractions and fractures. Almost all participants (99%) had enamel and 40% had dentin caries lesions; the mean number of teeth with enamel caries lesions was 13.8 (SD 4.6). According to the adjusted logistic regression model, the high prevalence of ICDAS1–3 lesions was associated with having visible plaque on more than 20% of teeth and having more than 13 restored teeth. In conclusion, the prevalence of enamel caries lesions is high among the Finnish adult population. The results of this study suggest that in addition to tooth brushing frequency, the presence of visible plaque seems to be critical when evaluating the association between tooth brushing and enamel caries.
Diagnostic Yield of Colon Capsule Endoscopy in Detection of Superficial Colorectal Lesions
Authors: Otani Ichiro , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Iio Sumio , Tsuboi Akiyoshi , Kunihara Sayoko , Hiyama Yuichi , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: March 2019

Background: The efficacy of second-generation PillCam ­COLON2 capsule endoscopy (CCE2) in detecting colorectal superficial lesions remains unclear. Objective: We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of CCE2 in the detection of colorectal superficial lesions. Methods: We performed CCE2 in 60 consecutive patients between April 2011 and ­December 2017. Lesions ≥6 mm in size were detected in 34 patients (25 males, average age: 60.5 years). We performed endoscopic resection and histopathological analysis of all resected lesions within 3 months after CCE2. We considered the optical colonoscopy (OC) findings as the gold standard and evaluated CCE2 sensitivity. Results: Sixty-seven lesions (≥6 mm) were detected via OC, with 27 colorectal superficial lesions and 40 protruded lesions. CCE2 sensitivity for ≥6-mm-sized, superficial, and protruded lesions was 84, 78, and 88%, respectively. No significant intergroup differences were observed. CCE2 false-negative colorectal superficial lesions accounted for 31% of right-sided colon lesions and 50% of sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps). The CCE2 false-negative protruded lesions accounted for 17% of right-sided colon lesions. Conclusion: CCE2 sensitivities for colorectal superficial and protruded lesions were not significantly different. However, flat-type SSA/Ps in the right colon, especially when the transit time is fast, have a risk of demonstrating CCE2 false-negative results.
Decreased Amino Acid Concentrations are Involved in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Lai Guangrui , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Bijun , Wang Leitong , He Rong , Zhao Yanyan
Published: March 2019

Objective: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common malformation in China. In this study, we determined whether amino acids (AAs) in the amniotic fluid (AF) of patients with CHD changed and clarified whether AAs would affect the insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF1R). Method: Fifty-seven AF samples from pregnant women carrying CHD-aﬀected (n = 17) or normal (n = 40) fetuses were collected. The AA concentrations were measured in AF by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The IGF axis-related and epigenetic marker proteins in AF after serial treatments were quantified using a multiple reaction monitoring approach. IGF1R and P300 were also confirmed by Western blot in AF without any treatment. Results: Most AAs decreased in the AF of patients with CHD. P300 and IGF1R decreased significantly in the CHD group. When H9C2 cells were cultured in one-half AA concentrations, the expression of P300 and IGF1R was reduced. Histone acetylation of the IGF1R promoter also decreased. Conclusion: Our data suggest that AAs decreased in the AF of patients with CHD. AAs may partly regulate the IGF1R through P300, which may be involved in heart development.
Comparison of 24-hour and Office Pulse Wave Velocity for Prediction of Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Matschkal Julia , Mayer Christopher C. , Sarafidis Pantelis A. , Lorenz Georg , Braunisch Matthias C. , Guenthner Roman , Angermann Susanne , Steubl Dominik , Kemmner Stephan , Bachmann Quirin , Hauser Christine , Nerl Louisa , Baumann Marcus , Mann Johannes F. , Moog Philipp , Kuechle Claudius , Renders Lutz , Heemann Uwe , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Schmaderer Christoph
Published: March 2019

Background: Mortality in hemodialysis patients still remains unacceptably high. Enhanced arterial stiffness is a known cardiovascular risk factor, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) has proven to be a valid parameter to quantify risk. Recent studies showed controversial results regarding the prognostic significance of PWV for mortality in hemodialysis patients, which may be due to methodological issues, such as assessment of PWV in the office setting (Office-PWV). Method: This study cohort contains patients from the “Risk stratification in end-stage renal disease – the ISAR study,” a multicenter prospective longitudinal observatory cohort study. We examined and compared the predictive value of ambulatory 24-hour PWV (24 h-PWV) and Office-PWV on mortality in a total of 344 hemodialysis patients. The endpoints of the study were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Survival analysis included Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression analysis. Results: During a follow-up of 36 months, a total of 89 patients died, 35 patients due to cardiovascular cause. Kaplan-Meier estimates for tertiles of 24 h-PWV and Office-PWV were similarly associated with mortality. In univariate Cox regression analysis, 24 h-PWV and Office-PWV were equivalent predictors for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. After adjustment for common risk factors, only 24 h-PWV remained solely predictive for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.51 [95% CI 1.31–4.81]; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Comparing both measurements, 24 h-PWV is an independent predictor for all-cause-mortality in hemodialysis patients beyond Office-PWV.
Life‐Saving Medications: The Urgent Need for Guideline Adherence and Patient Acceptance
Authors: Braun Lynne T.
Published: March 2019

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Sustainability in Data and Food
Authors: Allemang Dean
Published: March 2019

As the world population continues to increase, world food production is not keeping up. This means that to continue to feed the world, we will need to optimize the production and utilization of food around the globe. Optimization of a process on a global scale requires massive data. Agriculture is no exception, but also brings its own unique issues, based on how wide spread agricultural data are, and the wide variety of data that is relevant to optimization of food production and supply. This suggests that we need a global data ecosystem for agriculture and nutrition. Such an ecosystem already exists to some extent, made up of data sets, metadata sets and even search engines that help to locate and utilize data sets. A key concept behind this is sustainability—how do we sustain our data sets, so that we can sustain our production and distribution of food? In order to make this vision a reality, we need to navigate the challenges for sustainable data management on a global scale. Starting from the current state of practice, how do we move forward to a practice in which we make use of global data to have an impact on world hunger? In particular, how do we find, collect and manage the data? How can this be effectively deployed to improve practice in the field? And how can we make sure that these practices are leading to the global goals of improving production, distribution and sustainability of the global food supply? These questions cannot be answered yet, but they are the focus of ongoing and future research to be published in this journal and elsewhere.
Aristotle on Musical Catharsis and the Pleasure of a Good Story
Authors: Ferrari G. R. F.
Published: March 2019

The pleasure attending dramatic catharsis, according to Aristotle, is a pleasure the audience feels when the tension that has been developing throughout the action of the play is released. Catharsis does not edify or improve us, whether morally or intellectually: it is an aesthetic satisfaction. Crucial to the argument is a new interpretation of Politics 8.7, where musical catharsis is taken to belong, not to the realm of ‘entertainment’, παιδιά, but to that of ‘leisurely activity’, διαγωγή. By this classification, the pleasure attending musical catharsis, too, is shown to be an aesthetic satisfaction, corresponding in this respect to dramatic catharsis.
A natural orchestra: how are anuran choruses formed in artificial ponds in southeast Brazil?
Authors: Duarte Marina H.L. , Caliari Ernesto P. , Viana Yasmin P. , Nascimento Luciana B.
Published: March 2019

Choruses are commonly observed phenomena in both terrestrial and aquatic environments and are the product of species vocalizing contemporaneously usually at dawn and dusk. This study analyzes the composition and temporal distribution of anuran choruses at a recently built artificial pond in Southeast Brazil. Data were collected using Passive Acoustic Monitoring devices set to record 24-hours per day, seven days a month, throughout an entire year (October 2016 to September 2017). A total of eight species participated in the studied choruses: Boana albopunctata, Boana faber, Boana lundii, Phyllomedusa burmeisteri, Physalaemus cuvieri, Rhinella ornata, Rhinella diptycha and Scinax aff. perereca. The number of species, call emission rate, temperature, and humidity were all higher before midnight and during the rainy season. The species differed significantly in mean call rate by hour at which they sang. Boana faber and B. albopunctata were the species with the greatest vocal activity in both seasons, and were predominantly responsible for initiating choruses in the rainy season, while R. diptycha and B. lundii initiated choruses in the dry season. Anuran choruses started around 18:30 h during the rainy season and varied according to the time of sunset, while they started later in the dry season and were not correlated with sunset time. There was a positive correlation between the number of species calling and the call emission rate per month in both seasons. The results show that the choruses were correlated with climatic factors and that the species distributed their vocalizations over time, thus reducing acoustic overlap.
Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in China: Promising Developments, Prospective Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Authors: Huang Jie (Jeanne)
Published: March 2019

Consistent developments since 2016 demonstrate that China is determined to depart from its traditional practice – rejecting reciprocity-based judgment recognition and enforcement. This is strongly endorsed by China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ (obor) Initiative. To develop the Chinese system of reciprocity-based judgement recognition and enforcement (jre), China will make two efforts. First, it is likely to propose unbinding memos, like the China-Singapore Memo, to the supreme courts in countries alongside the obor. Second, Chinese Supreme People’s Court will issue a judicial interpretation to clarify the scope, requirements of, and defences against reciprocity-based jre.
Wolfgang Vondey’s Structure for Systematic Pentecostal Theology
Authors: Stephenson Christopher A.
Published: March 2019

Wolfgang Vondey’s Pentecostal Theology: Living the Full Gospel is a tour de force in Pentecostal systematic theology. It is also the most articulate statement of the fivefold gospel’s power to explain the impulses of past Pentecostal spirituality and its constructive potential for future Pentecostal discourse. Combining both traditional and innovative systematic loci, Vondey’s project shows great promise for the enterprise of christologically oriented narrative theology. One looming question is whether the christocentrism of the full gospel can bear adequate witness to some of the details of Spirit christology. That is, can the full gospel, with its emphasis on Jesus actively bestowing the Holy Spirit on creatures, give proper place to Jesus passively receiving the Holy Spirit from the Father, without the full gospel’s structure undergoing fundamental transformation? While some ambiguities remain in Vondey’s attempts to employ both the full gospel and elements of Spirit christology in the same theological paradigm, he takes long strides towards integrating these two themes that have often competed with each other for space in Pentecostal theology.
Pentecostal Theology
Authors: Vondey Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

The book Pentecostal Theology identifies the so-called ‘full gospel’ as a comprehensive theological narrative of the Pentecostal movement. The full gospel is essentially a liturgical narrative aiming at participation in Pentecost through an experiential, hermeneutical, and theological move to and from the altar that yields a biblically and theologically organized and embodied theology. The reviewers of the book have raised a number of observations concerning the systematic and constructive argument of Pentecostal Theology. This essay responds to the concerns by discussing the nature of theological inquiry among Pentecostals, the method of the full gospel, and the continuity and discontinuity in Pentecostal theology.