bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytogenomics of murine melanoma cell lines C57/B1 and B16-F0
Authors: Manferrari Mattia , Rincic Martina , Liehr Thomas , Azawi Shaymaa
Published: December 2020

In melanoma, one of the most aggressive human tumors, early diagnosis is still the best strategy to increase survival rates. C57/B1 and B16-F0 are murine cell lines frequently
applied in basic and applied melanoma research. Thus, it is striking, that cytogenomic
features of these two cell lines are not known yet. In the present study,
molecular cytogenetics and array-comparative genomic hybridization were done in
C57/B1 and B16-F0 cells and the resulting imbalances and breakpoints were
translated into the human genome. Both cell lines derived from each other and
had an isochromosome 12 and a balanced translocation of chromosomes 3 and 13 in
common. Interestingly, both cell lines presented aberrations which were also
observed in human skin but not in human eye or uveal melanoma.
Addressing the Fortification Quality Gap: A Proposed Way Forward
Authors: Rowe Laura A.
Published: December 2020

Large-scale food fortification is an effective, sustainable, and scalable intervention to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however, pressing gaps exist globally around ensuring the quality of fortified foods. This paper summarizes the global challenges and gaps faced in monitoring the quality of fortified foods, the guidance produced in response to these challenges, where we are today in terms of effective implementation, and what approaches and opportunities may be usefully applied to enhance the quality of fortified foods moving forward.
A Preliminary Study of the Influence of Graphene Nanoplatelet Specific Surface Area on the Interlaminar Fracture Properties of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Zafeiropoulou Konstantina , Kostagiannakopoulou Christina , Sotiriadis George , Kostopoulos Vassilis
Published: December 2020

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are of particular interest to the field of nano-reinforced composites since they possess superior mechanical, fracture, thermal, and barrier properties. Due to their geometrical characteristics, high aspect ratio (AR)/specific surface area (SSA) and their planar structure, GNPs are considered as high-potential nanosized fillers for improving performance of composites. The present study investigates the effect of SSA of GNPs on fracture properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). For this reason, two nano-doped CFRPs were produced by using two types of GNPs (C300 and C500) with different SSAs, 300 and 500 m2/g, respectively. Both types of GNPs, at the same content of 0.5 wt%, were added into the epoxy matrix of composites by applying a three-roll milling technique. The nanomodified matrix was used for the manufacturing of prepregs, while the final composite laminates were fabricated through the vacuum-bag method. Mode I and II interlaminar fracture tests were carried out to determine the interlaminar fracture toughness GIC and GIIC of the composites, respectively. According to the results, the toughening effect of C500 GNPs was the strongest, resulting in increases of 25% in GIC and 33% in GIIC compared with the corresponding unmodified composites. The activation of the absorption mechanisms of C500 contributed to this outcome, which was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses conducted in the fracture surfaces of specimens. On the other hand, C300 GNPs, due to disability to be dispersed uniformly into the epoxy matrix, did not influence the fracture properties of CFRPs, indicating that probably there is a threshold in SSA which is necessary to achieve for improving the fracture properties of CFRPs.
HIV Vaccine Development: 35 Years of Experimenting in the Funding of Biomedical Research
Authors: Shapiro Stuart Z.
Published: December 2020

Funding vaccine development research is more complicated than simply putting out an announcement of funds available. The funders must decide whether product development can be accomplished by purely applied research, or whether more fundamental knowledge is needed before product development can be started. If additional basic knowledge is needed, identifying the specific area of the knowledge gap can be a challenge. Additionally, when there appears to be a clear path of applied research sometimes obstacles are encountered that require a return to more basic work. After deciding on the work to be done, funders must attract the scientists with the broad range of needed skills to cover all the stages of development. Collaborations must be promoted and alliances with other funders and industry must be developed. Funders use multiple tools and strategies to accomplish these tasks with varying success.
Experience exchange programme concerning the doctoral studies from two german universities
Authors: Aniței Mihai , Mitrofan Nicolae
Published: December 2020

We had the wonderful occasion of directly coming into contact with the Doctoral Studies organization and the development of the PhD students' training from admission until the final exam at two German Universities, Leipzig University and Jena University. In order for us to form a image as detailed as we can, we have taken into consideration several methods of data selection such as: discussions with the universities' management, with the professors directly involved in the doctoral activity, meetings with PhD students, access to official documents, visiting the rooms and the research laboratories, etc. In the current article we aimed at briefly showing a part of our experience, starting from the belief that it is useful to all the people involved in the training activity for doctoral studies from the Romanian universities.
Repere în abordarea designului metodologic al cercetării
Authors: Manasia Loredana
Published: December 2020

This article focuses on developing research design in educational sciences research field. Firstly, it will be important to dissociate between three major aims of the research: exploration, description and explanation. Setting the goal of the research will conduct to the next step, meaning research conceptualization. Based on the research framework, the research strategy is formulated, unfolding other decisions to make regarding research methods. At the end, the article offers the answer of targeting research population and applying adequate sampling methods.
Methodological guidelines for the development of the professional standards related to the phases of development in teaching career
Authors: Nicula Flaminiu Ionuț
Published: December 2020

Performance standardization is nowadays largely used in economic and social life while education itself, despite the rationalisation difficulties corresponding to a highly complex activity. An in-depth analysis of the most important theoretical papers highlights the interes of researchers in creating a common language to evaluate teachers based on professional standards and helps us to identify the evolution of the standardization process.
The present paper aims at presenting some methodological guiding points for development the performance standards according to the professional stages of the teachers career.
The continous training of the rural school teachers - opinions and behaviours of the interested factors
Authors: Maftei Muza
Published: December 2020

The objective evaluation of the quality and potential of the human resources involved in education, the rural school education in particular, according to the continuous training and improvement, represents one of the major premises necessary to the projection of some realistic strategies, sustainable of changing and efficiency in the rural school education for continuous development.
The identification of the involved factors' value, teachers', students', parents' and all the other rural community people's, will bring relevant benefits to the assurance of the equality of opportunities and the increase of participation to education.
FENOMENUL OBEZITĂȚII: PERSPECTIVA MEDICALĂ ȘI PSIHOLOGICĂ
Authors: Spînu Roxana-Mihaela
Published: December 2020

At least 300 million adults in the world are obese and about 2 million are overweight. Unfortunately, these numbers continue to grow faster than any other problem the medical system has faced so far. Being obese or overweight affects both one’s mental and physical health. Therefore, given the severity of the situation, the present article aims to provide an overview of the risks factors related to obesity, its costs and the causes and factors that lead to obesity and overweight. In addition, the article also approaches the problem of regaining weight after a weight loss program.
RELAȚIILE DINTRE TRĂSĂTURILE DE PERSONALITATE ȘI AȘTEPTĂRILE TINERILOR DE LA LOCUL DE MUNCĂ
Authors: Popa Florin
Published: December 2020

The main focus of this study was to identify the links between personality and job expectations for young adults. The first objective of this study was to identify the differences in young adults' job expectations in relation to their age and the congruence between their studies and the field in which they would like to work in. The second objective was to identify the relationship between young adults' personality, their job expectations and the way they perceive the possible congruence between their studies and the field in which they would like to work in. For this, a sample of young adults was used, all of them having finished college or were currently in college at the time the study was being carried out. The results were conclusive and have shown that there is a strong relationship between personality traits and job expectations and the expected studies-job congruence. Also, young adults under 21 have higher expectations about their studies and future job congruence, than those who are older than 21 years of age. And last but not least, young adults who have high expectations about their studies and future job being congruent also have higher job expectations.
Expanding the JD-R Model: is Vocational Fit a resource to consider?
Authors: Corbeanu Andreea
Published: December 2020

This study has two main goals. The first would be the extension of the Job Demands-Resources Model with another factor, namely with vocational fit. The other is to examine the relationship between vocational fit, work engagement and burnout, within the same framework. For this purpose, a total of 106 non-randomly selected participants have been invited to fill in a set of four questionnaires, written in Romanian. One out of the two hypotheses have been supported by the evidence. More specifically, the statement that vocational fit has incremental validity, over and above job demands and job resources, in predicting burnout and engagement has been confirmed. However, the assumption that vocational fit mediates the relationship between burnout and work engagement, has not.
The contribution of work engagement over proactive personality and proactive work behavior
Authors: Marica Diana-Felicia
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incremental validity of work engagement over the proactive personality in predicting proactive behavior at work. Thus, it was tested the extent to which work engagement with its dimensions - dedication, absorption, vigor - can predict the proactive behavior at the workplace over the proactive personality. The data was collected through an online questionnaire and the application was made on a sample of 120 participants who were currently working in an organization, student association, or non-governamental organization. The results of the research have shown that work engagement is a predictor of the criterion in the incremental validity model, although, only absorption of all three dimensions has proved to be a statistically significant unic predictor. Theoretical and practical implication will be discussed.
The effects of classical music interventions in gynecological medical units
Authors: Pîrcălabu Gabriel
Published: December 2020

The present research presents the results of a quasi-experimental study on the effects of classical music interventions in gynecological medical units. The study involved 60 women between 18 and 67 years old. Of these, 30 were included in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. The experimental group was exposed to listening to recorded classical music, in the waiting area, before the consultation or medical intervention, for about 15-20 minutes. The instrument used for the measurement of anxiety were The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, HARS (α = .92), and The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS (α = .89). Intervention through music had positive effects on reducing the anxiety of patients waiting in the waiting room of the medical office. The level of anxiety was higher in 18-23 years patients than in patients over 24 years old, even they were exposed to the same conditions of listening to classical music in the waiting room. The level of HADS anxiety differs significantly according to the level of education of the patients. Further research is needed on music and its effects on patients, given the low cost of implementation and the potential of music to reduce patient stress.
Personality and resilience in medical students
Authors: Motorga Raluca
Published: December 2020

This study has three main objectives: to establish the relationships between personality traits and resilience in medical students, the relationships between vulnerability factors and the level of resilience in medical students, and the relationships between personality traits, resilience and symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress among medical students. In this study participated 134 students enrolled at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Craiova, both in the specialization of general medicine and general medicine nurses, aged between 18 and 25 years, M = 19.78, SD = 1.31. Of these, 34 are men and 100 are women. The instrument used were Inventory of vulnerability / protection factors (α = .79), Resilience Scale, short form, RS-14 (α = .87), five sets of 10 items each in five sub-domains of NEO PI-R: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experiences, aggreableness, and conscientiousness (α > .70), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, DASS 21-R (α > .70). Resilience was negatively corelated with neuroticism, positively correlated with extraversion, and also positively correlated with conscientiousness. The protective factors were positively associated with resilience. Neuroticism has an increasing effect on depression, while extraversion has a decreasing effect on depression, neuroticism has an increasing effect on anxiety and stress, and aggreableness has a decreasing effect on stress. The results also showed that a high level of resilience leads to a low level of depression, anxiety, and stress.
The academic climate and student-teacher relationship as determinants of academic motivation
Authors: Toma Ruxandra
Published: December 2020

In this study we focus on the university students and the factors that influence their academic motivation. The participants were 202 students from different universities and specializations, 167 females and 35 males, aged 18-31 years, M = 21.33, SD = 2.15. We used Perceived Academic Climate Scale (Felner, 1993), Teacher-Student Relationship Scale (Brinkworth et al., 2018), and Academic Motivation Scale (Vallerand et al., 1992). Our objective was to identify the relationship between academic climate, teacher-student relationship (TSR), and academic motivation in the university environment, and to investigate the influence of the career anxiety on the academic motivation of students. The results show that anxiety regarding future career can moderate the relationship between school climate and academic amotivation and also between TSR and academic motivation.
Single molecular kinetics during the interactions between melittin and a bi-component lipid membrane
Authors: Xu Cheng , Lin Zhao , Yang Kai , Yuan Bing ,   Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China,   School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
Published: December 2020

Due to the unique bacterial killing ability through membrane permeabilization and content leakage, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been regarded as promising candidates against the severe threats of drug-resistant bacteria and even superbugs to public health. However, investigations of the mechanism underlying their membrane permeabilization like poration are still on the way. Here, from the perspective of molecular motion kinetics, we studied the interactions between melittin, as one of the most representative AMPs, and a bi-component lipid membrane based on the combination of single-molecule tracking and molecular dynamics simulations. Our results reveal that, the mobility of some lipids in membrane, in comparison of the other most molecules, is significantly decreased by the surface adsorption and transmembrane insertion of melittin. Moreover, melittin tends to work at the boundary region between phase domains, disturb and blur the phase separation behavior and consequently lower the confinement of phase boundary on lipid motions. This work demonstrates the correlation between membrane activity of melittin and the motion kinetics of lipids as well as phase behavior of the membrane. These results would be helpful not only for understanding the molecular mechanism of AMPs from a new perspective but also for the development of new antibacterial agents with improved performance.
Mechanisms of alpha particle induced soft errors in nanoscale static random access memories
Authors: Zhang Zhan-Gang , Ye Bing , Ji Qing-Gang , Guo Jin-Long , Xi Kai , Lei Zhi-Feng , Huang Yun , Peng Chao , He Yu-Juan , Liu Jie , Du Guang-Hua ,   Science and Technology on Reliability Physics and Application of Electronic Component Laboratory, China Electronic Product Reliability and Environmental Testing Research Institute, Guangzhou 510610, China,   Material Research Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China,   Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the Am-241 is used as an alpha particle radioactive source to investigate the soft error mechanism in 65-nm and 90-nm static random accessmemory (SRAM). Combining reverse analysis, TRIM and CREME-MC Monte Carlo simulation, the energy transport process, deposited energy spectrum and cross-section characteristics of alpha particles in the device are revealed. The results show that the soft error sensitivity of the 65-nm device is much higher than that of the 90-nm device, and no flipping polarity is found. According to the real-time measured soft error rate at an altitude of 4300 m in Tibetan Yangbajing area, the thermal neutron sensitivity and alpha particle soft error rate, the overall soft error rate of 65-nm SRAM used at sea level of Beijing city is 429 FIT/Mb, and the contribution from alpha particles is 70.63%. Based on the results of reverse analysis, a three-dimensional simulation model of the device is constructed to study the influence of the incident angle of alpha particles on the single event upset characteristics. It is found that the corresponding deposition energy value at the peak of the number of particles in the sensitive region decreases by 40% with the incident angle increasing from 0° to 60°. While the single event upset cross sectionincreases by 79% due to the apparent single event upset edge effect in a sensitive region of the 65-nm device.
Proxenia
Authors: Cojocaru Victor
Published: December 2020

The titleproxenosderives from the wordxenos. It designates a person who represented the interests of a foreign state in his own community. The earliest attestation ofproxeniadates to the early sixth centurybce, but the institution become widely established only since the last third of the fifth century. With the expansion of Roman authority in the eastern Mediterranean,proxeniawas complemented in time by a network of Rome's foreignamici. The institution survived – partly as an expression of a certain grade of external autonomy – until the second centuryce, if only at Chersonesos Taurike.
Aristobulus II (Aristoboulos II)
Authors: Atkinson Kenneth
Published: December 2020

Aristobulus II was the youngest son of the Judaean monarch Alexander Jannaeus and his spouse, queen Alexandra Salome.
Low‐Dimensional Metal Halide Perovskite Photodetectors
Authors: Wang Hsin‐Ping , Li Siyuan , Liu Xinya , Shi Zhifeng , Fang Xiaosheng , He Jr‐Hau
Published: December 2020

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have been a hot research topic due to their facile synthesis, excellent optical and optoelectronic properties, and record‐breaking efficiency of corresponding optoelectronic devices. Nowadays, the development of miniaturized high‐performance photodetectors (PDs) has been fueling the demand for novel photoactive materials, among which low‐dimensional MHPs have attracted burgeoning research interest. In this report, the synthesis, properties, photodetection performance, and stability of low‐dimensional MHPs, including 0D, 1D, 2D layered and nonlayered nanostructures, as well as their heterostructures are reviewed. Recent advances in the synthesis approaches of low‐dimensional MHPs are summarized and the key concepts for understanding the optical and optoelectronic properties related to the PD applications of low‐dimensional MHPs are introduced. More importantly, recent progress in novel PDs based on low‐dimensional MHPs is presented, and strategies for improving the performance and stability of perovskite PDs are highlighted. By discussing recent advances, strategies, and existing challenges, this progress report provides perspectives on low‐dimensional MHP‐based PDs in the future.
Quantum Rescaling, Domain Metastability, and Hybrid Domain‐Walls in 2D CrI3 Magnets
Authors: Wahab Dina Abdul , Augustin Mathias , Valero Samuel Manas , Kuang Wenjun , Jenkins Sarah , Coronado Eugenio , Grigorieva Irina V. , Vera‐Marun Ivan J. , Navarro‐Moratalla Efrén , Evans Richard F. L. , Novoselov Kostya S. , Santos Elton J. G.
Published: December 2020

Higher‐order exchange interactions and quantum effects are widely known to play an important role in describing the properties of low‐dimensional magnetic compounds. Here, the recently discovered 2D van der Waals (vdW) CrI3 is identified as a quantum non‐Heisenberg material with properties far beyond an Ising magnet as initially assumed. It is found that biquadratic exchange interactions are essential to quantitatively describe the magnetism of CrI3 but quantum rescaling corrections are required to reproduce its thermal properties. The quantum nature of the heat bath represented by discrete electron–spin and phonon–spin scattering processes induces the formation of spin fluctuations in the low‐temperature regime. These fluctuations induce the formation of metastable magnetic domains evolving into a single macroscopic magnetization or even a monodomain over surface areas of a few micrometers. Such domains display hybrid characteristics of Néel and Bloch types with a narrow domain wall width in the range of 3–5 nm. Similar behavior is expected for the majority of 2D vdW magnets where higher‐order exchange interactions are appreciable.
Enhanced Antitumoral Activity and Photoacoustic Imaging Properties of AuNP‐Enriched Endothelial Colony Forming Cells on Melanoma
Authors: Armanetti Paolo , Chillà Anastasia , Margheri Francesca , Biagioni Alessio , Menichetti Luca , Margheri Giancarlo , Ratto Fulvio , Centi Sonia , Bianchini Francesca , Severi Mirko , Traversi Rita , Bani Daniele , Lulli Matteo , Del Rosso Tommaso , Mocali Alessandra , Rovida Elisabetta , Del Rosso Mario , Fibbi Gabriella , Laurenzana Anna
Published: December 2020

Near infrared (NIR)‐resonant gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold great promise in cancer diagnostics and treatment. However, translating the theranostic potential of AuNPs into clinical applications still remains a challenge due to the difficulty to improve the efficiency and specificity of tumor delivery in vivo as well as the clearance from liver and spleen to avoid off target toxicity. In this study, endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) are exploited as vehicles to deliver AuNPs to tumors. It is first demonstrated that ECFCs display a great capability to intake AuNPs without losing viability, and exert antitumor activity per se. Using a human melanoma xenograft mouse model, it is next demonstrated that AuNP‐loaded ECFCs retain their capacity to migrate to tumor sites in vivo 1 day after injection and stay in the tumor mass for more than 1 week. In addition, it is demonstrated that ECFC‐loaded AuNPs are efficiently cleared by the liver over time and do not elicit any sign of damage to healthy tissue.
Temperatures in Pigs During 3 T MRI Temperatures, Heart Rates, and Breathing Rates of Pigs During RF Power Deposition in a 3 T (128 MHz) Body Coil
Authors: Cho Chie‐Hee , Grosse‐Siestrup Christian , Nadobny Jacek , Lojewski Christian , Niehues Stefan Markus , Taupitz Matthias , Hamm Bernd , Schlattmann Peter
Published: December 2020

Exposure to radiofrequency (RF) power deposition during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) induces elevated body‐tissue temperatures and may cause changes in heart and breathing rates, disturbing thermoregulation. Eleven temperature sensors were placed in muscle tissue and one sensor in the rectum (measured in 10 cm depth) of 20 free‐breathing anesthetized pigs to verify temperature curves during RF exposure. Tissue temperatures and heart and breathing rates were measured before, during, and after RF exposure. Pigs were placed into a 60‐cm diameter whole‐body resonator of a 3 T MRI system. Nineteen anesthetized pigs were divided into four RF exposure groups: sham (0 W/kg), low‐exposure (2.7 W/kg, mean exposure time 56 min), moderate‐exposure (4.8 W/kg, mean exposure time 31 min), and high‐exposure (4.4 W/kg, mean exposure time 61 min). One pig was exposed to a whole‐body specific absorption rate (wbSAR) of 11.4 W/kg (extreme‐exposure). Hotspot temperatures, measured by sensor 2, increased by mean 5.0 ± 0.9°C, min 3.9; max 6.3 (low), 7.0 ± 2.3°C, min 4.6; max 9.9 (moderate), and 9.2 ± 4.4°C, min 6.1, max 17.9 (high) compared with 0.3 ± 0.3°C in the sham‐exposure group (min 0.1, max 0.6). Four time‐temperature curves were identified: sinusoidal, parabolic, plateau, and linear. These curve shapes did not correlate with RF intensity, rectal temperature, breathing rate, or heart rate. In all pigs, rectal temperatures increased (2.1 ± 0.9°C) during and even after RF exposure, while hotspot temperatures decreased after exposure. When rectal temperature increased by 1°C, hotspot temperature increased up to 42.8°C within 37 min (low‐exposure) or up to 43.8°C within 24 min (high‐exposure). Global wbSAR did not correlate with maximum hotspot. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:37–50. © 2020 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Bioelectromagnetics Society
Electrospray ionization stability and concentration sensitivity in capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry using a flow‐through microvial interface
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Li Yueyang , Chen Dazhou , Chen David Da Yong
Published: December 2020

Concentration sensitivity is a key performance indicator for analytical techniques including for capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry (CE–MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI). In this study, a flow‐through microvial interface was used to couple CE with MS and improve the ESI stability and detection sensitivity. By infusing a peptide mixture through the interface into an MS detector at a typical flow rate for CE‐MS analysis, the spatial region near the interface was mapped for MS signal intensity. When the sprayer tip was within a 6 × 6.5 × 5 mm region in front of the MS inlet, the ESI was stable with no significant loss of signal intensity for ions with m/z 239. Finite element simulations showed that the average electric field strength at the emitter tip did not change significantly with minor changes in emitter tip location. Experiments were conducted with four different mass spectrometer platforms coupled to CE via the flow‐through microvial interface. Key performance indicators, that is, limit of detection (LOD) and linearity of calibration curves were measured for nine amino acids and five peptides. Inter‐ and intraday reproducibility were also tested. The results were shown to be suitable for quantification when internal standards were used.
Numerical modeling of the mechanical behavior of textile structures on the meso‐scale for forming process simulations of composite3Dpreforms
Authors: Pham Minh Quang , Wendt Ellen , Häntzsche Eric , Gereke Thomas , Cherif Chokri
Published: December 2020

The models for textile structures based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) are diverse. In general, they can be divided into three groups based on their length scale: macro‐, meso‐, and micro‐scale models. The macro‐scale models are the simplest approach and require the least computational cost. On the contrary, the micro‐scale models are the most realistic and complex, thus involving extremely high computational costs. The meso‐scale models stand in the middle with sufficient representation degree at a reasonable computational cost. Every group of models has its own advantageous application field. For the forming process of 3D preforms, macro‐scale models have been widely used. As computational costs drop over time, meso‐scale models become more and more favorable. Hence, research efforts increasingly focus on meso‐scale models. In this paper, the modeling methods of FEM meso‐scale models for plain woven fabric made of glass roving and biaxial reinforced weft‐knitted fabric made of carbon fiber/polyamide 6.6 hybrid yarns are introduced. The experimental tests are used to characterize the mechanical properties of the yarns and fabrics. Different modeling methods for the geometries of each type of fabric are described. The mechanical behavior of the models is calibrated and validated with the help of a series of test simulations. Examples for the usage of the introduced models are presented.
Treatable, motor‐sensory, axonal neuropathies with C5b‐9 complement on endoneurial microvessels
Authors: Trikamji Bhavesh , Pestronk Alan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Identification and treatment of immune‐mediated polyneuropathies may lead to improved strength and function. We studied the clinical and laboratory features, and treatment response, in patients with motor‐sensory axonal polyneuropathies who were found to have C5b‐9 complement staining on endoneurial microvessels.

Methods

Retrospective review of 16 consecutive adults with motor‐sensory axonal polyneuropathies who were then found to have C5b‐9 staining of endoneurial microvessels on nerve biopsy, and subsequently treated with intravenous corticosteroids (1 g methylprednisolone for 5 consecutive days, and then weekly). Strength measurements were done using quantitative handheld dynamometry. Nerve biopsy analysis included frozen and fixed tissue.

Results

Patients (mean onset age, 59 ± 4 years; range, 34‐83 years; 12 of 16 were males; 9 of 16 had diabetes) had progressive (median duration, 2 years), asymmetric, distal weakness, in the lower extremities (16 of 16) and/or upper extremities (7 of 16), and panmodal sensory loss. Electrodiagnostic studies showed axon loss. Nerve pathology showed abnormal C5b‐9 staining on endoneurial microvessels. Axon loss was present in all nerves, often varied among fascicles. Inflammation was uncommon. Distal strength usually improved (mean improvement of 34 ± 6% of normal strength; P = .0003) with corticosteroid treatment.

Discussion

Motor‐sensory axonal polyneuropathies having noninflammatory, humoral immune pathology with C5b‐9 staining of endoneurial microvessels (HIEM) frequently manifest progressive asymmetric, distal, lower extremity with or without upper extremity weakness that improves rapidly during corticosteroid treatment. HIEM may represent a new class of noninflammatory‐vasculopathic, treatable axonal motor‐sensory neuropathies.
Research for a three‐level T‐type grid‐connected converter based on the simplified three‐level SVPWM modulation scheme and neutral‐point potential balancing
Authors: Wang Hanwei , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2020

T‐type pulse width modulation controlled three‐level circuit is the mainstream topology in current medium power distributed PV inverters, charging station and active power filter system with the advantages of high equivalent switching frequency, high efficiency, small filter inductance and small grid current harmonic. Aiming at the inherent problems of midpoint voltage fluctuation and complex of the traditional three‐level space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) scheme of a three‐level T‐type rectifier, a new equivalent method of SVPWM strategy used in three‐level converter based on acting time equivalence was proposed, which needs no trigonometric function, irrational operation, and complex coordinate transformation. By the means of rotating the target vector in other sectors to the first sector, the dwell time of vectors can be calculated by the unified formula, and the formula for calculating the dwell time is deduced based on two levels SVM. Then, the control problems of the neutral‐point voltage balance in T‐type three‐level converter topology are analyzed and studied. Through the PI control of electric charge of one capacitor, the neutral‐point voltage can be kept to be half of the DC supply voltage stably. To verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, a complete simulation model and experimental prototype platform under the digital control is established. The results show that the implementation of this method is very simple and it could decrease calculation error and keep the neutral point potential balance, which makes the results more accurate. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Item response theory and its applications in educational measurement Part II: Theory and practices of test equating in item response theory
Authors: Hori Kazuki , Fukuhara Hirotaka , Yamada Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2020

Item response theory (IRT) is a class of latent variable models, which are used to develop educational and psychological tests (e.g., standardized tests, personality tests, tests for licensure and certification). We offer readers with comprehensive overviews of the theory and applications of IRT through two articles. While Part 1 of the review discusses topics such as foundations of educational measurement, IRT models, item parameter estimation, and applications of IRT with R, this Part 2 reviews areas of test scores based on IRT. The primary focus is on presenting various topics with respect to test equating such as equating designs, IRT‐based equating methods, anchor stability check methods, and impact data analysis that psychometricians would deal with for a large‐scale standardized assessment in practice. These analyses are illustrated in Example section using data from Kolen and Brennan (2014). We also cover the foundation of IRT, IRT‐based person ability parameter estimation methods, and scaling and scale score.

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Psychometrics

Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software
A new nomogram to predict the need for tracheostomy in burned patients
Authors: Janik Stefan , Grasl Stefan , Yildiz Erdem , Besser Gerold , Kliman Jonathan , Hacker Philipp , Frommlet Florian , Fochtmann-Frana Alexandra , Erovic Boban M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of tracheostomy on complications, dysphagia and outcome in second and third degree burned patients.

Methods

Inpatient mortality, dysphagia, severity of burn injury (ABSI, TBSA) and complications in tracheotomized burn patients were compared to (I) non-tracheotomized burn patients and (II) matched tracheotomized non-burn patients.

Results

134 (30.9%) out of 433 patients who underwent tracheostomy, had a significantly higher percentage of inhalation injury (26.1% vs. 7.0%; p < 0.001), higher ABSI (8.9 ± 2.1 vs. 6.0 ± 2.7; p < 0.001) and TBSA score (41.4 ± 19.7% vs. 18.6 ± 18.8%; p < 0.001) compared to 299 non-tracheotomized burn patients. However, complications occurred equally in tracheotomized burn patients and matched controls and tracheostomy was neither linked to dysphagia nor to inpatient mortality at multivariate analysis. In particular, dysphagia occurred in 6.2% of cases and was significantly linked to length of ICU stay (OR 6.2; p = 0.021), preexisting neurocognitive impairments (OR 5.2; p = 0.001) and patients’ age (OR 3.4; p = 0.046). A nomogram was calculated based on age, TBSA and inhalation injury predicting the need for a tracheostomy in severely burned patients.

Conclusion

Using the new nomogram we were able to predict with significantly higher accuracy the need for tracheostomy in severely burned patients. Moreover, tracheostomy is safe and is not associated with higher incidenc of complications, dysphagia or worse outcome.
Okzipitallappenepilepsie und Parietallappenepilepsie – eine Maskerade
Authors: Gröppel Gudrun , von Oertzen Tim J.
Published: December 2020

Wir berichten über ein 7‑jähriges Mädchen mit therapierefraktärer Okzipitallappenepilepsie, welche zu Beginn als Migräne fehlinterpretiert wurde. In weiterer Folge diskutieren wir die klinische Semiologie, die Elektrophysiologie und die Bildgebung v. a. im Hinblick auf die Differenzialdiagnose zur Parietallappenepilepsie.
Systemic cell therapy for muscular dystrophies
Authors: Ausems C. Rosanne M. , van Engelen Baziel G.M. , van Bokhoven Hans , Wansink Derick G.
Published: December 2020

The intrinsic regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle makes it an excellent target for cell therapy. However, the potential of muscle tissue to renew is typically exhausted and insufficient in muscular dystrophies (MDs), a large group of heterogeneous genetic disorders showing progressive loss of skeletal muscle fibers. Cell therapy for MDs has to rely on suppletion with donor cells with high myogenic regenerative capacity. Here, we provide an overview on stem cell lineages employed for strategies in MDs, with a focus on adult stem cells and progenitor cells resident in skeletal muscle. In the early days, the potential of myoblasts and satellite cells was explored, but after disappointing clinical results the field moved to other muscle progenitor cells, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Most recently, mesoangioblasts and pericytes have been pursued for muscle cell therapy, leading to a handful of preclinical studies and a clinical trial. The current status of (pre)clinical work for the most common forms of MD illustrates the existing challenges and bottlenecks. Besides the intrinsic properties of transplantable cells, we discuss issues relating to cell expansion and cell viability after transplantation, optimal dosage, and route and timing of administration. Since MDs are genetic conditions, autologous cell therapy and gene therapy will need to go hand-in-hand, bringing in additional complications. Finally, we discuss determinants for optimization of future clinical trials for muscle cell therapy. Joined research efforts bring hope that effective therapies for MDs are on the horizon to fulfil the unmet clinical need in patients.

Graphical abstract
Der Einsatz autonomer Waffensysteme aus psychologischer Perspektive
Authors: Schaub Harald
Published: December 2020

Neue Einsatzbedingungen gekoppelt mit der Einführung neuer, smarter und autonomer Technologien bedürfen ein neues Denken für den Einsatz militärischen Personals und der Berücksichtigung der psychologischen Aspekte autonomer Führungs- und Wirksysteme. Die technologiedominierten Denkmuster der Einsatzplanung und -führung müssen durch einen Ansatz ersetzt werden, der den handelnden militärischen Führer als ein systemisches Element einer intelligenten und smarten Einsatzführung begreift.
Slag Chemistry and Behavior of Nickel and Tin in Black Copper Smelting with Alumina and Magnesia-Containing Slags
Authors: Dańczak Anna , Klemettinen Lassi , O’Brien Hugh , Taskinen Pekka , Lindberg Daniel , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: December 2020

The global amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is growing fast. Non-ferrous metals represent a large portion of this waste, and they can be potentially recovered via black copper smelting. Alumina and magnesia, originating from the e-waste or fluxes, can be present in the feed of a secondary copper smelter in varying concentrations. Our study focuses on the impact of MgO on the slag chemistry of high-alumina iron silicate slags. The distributions of tin and nickel as minor elements were also investigated and compared with literature data. The equilibrium study was performed at 1300 °C in reducing conditions. Three different slag mixtures with 0, 3, and 6 wt% MgO were used in the study. The MgO addition significantly reduced the solubility of alumina in the slag and changed the primary spinel phase composition. The combined effects of increasing MgO and decreasing Al2O3 concentration in the slag regarding the distribution of tin were noticeable, i.e., its deportment to metal phase increased, but for nickel the effect was negligible. Theoretical calculations were performed for estimating the isolated effect of MgO on the distributions and they confirmed the beneficial effect on the behavior of tin but showed no impact for nickel.

Graphical Abstract
Let Me Entertain You? The Importance of Authenticity in Online Customer Engagement
Authors: Eigenraam Anniek W. , Eelen Jiska , Verlegh Peeter W.J.
Published: December 2020

Should all brands initiate online customer engagement activities to entertain consumers beyond informing them? This work presents the idea that (in)consistency between the nature of an engagement initiative (i.e., entertaining or informative) and the perception of the brand (i.e., warm versus competent) influences the extent to which consumers perceive the initiative to be authentic. This in turn influences consumers’ evaluation of the initiative and the brand. The results show that entertaining initiatives are suited for warm brands, but backfire for competent brands, while informative initiatives are equally suited for both types of brands. These effects are driven by the perceived authenticity of the initiatives. The findings yield specific guidelines for managers about how to preserve the brand's essence in the online initiatives they launch to foster ongoing customer engagement. The effects were found in four experiments and one field study, generalizing across different online media platforms (i.e., Instagram, Facebook, brand website), products and services (i.e., shoes, groceries, and recipe deliveries), and samples (i.e., Mturk, Prolific, students).
A new percussion hammer mechanism for a borehole deployable subglacial sediment corer
Authors: Makinson Keith , Ashurst Daniel , Anker Paul G. D. , Smith James A. , Hodgson Dominic A. , Davis Peter E. D. , Smith Andrew M.
Published: December 2020

Subglacial sediments have the potential to reveal information about the controls on glacier flow, changes in ice-sheet history and characterise life in those environments. Retrieving sediments from beneath the ice, through hot water drilled access holes at remote field locations, present many challenges. Motivated by the need to minimise weight, corer diameter and simplify assembly and operation, British Antarctic Survey, in collaboration with UWITEC, developed a simple mechanical percussion corer. At depths over 1000 m however, manual operation of the percussion hammer is compromised by the lack of clear operator feedback at the surface. To address this, we present a new auto-release-recovery percussion hammer mechanism that makes coring operations depth independent and improves hammer efficiency. Using a single rope tether for both the corer and hammer operation, this modified percussion corer is relatively simple to operate, easy to maintain, and has successfully operated at a depth of >2130 m.
Lessons learned from the reimbursement policy for immune checkpoint inhibitors and real-world data collection in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Li Ying , Gau Churn-Shiouh
Published: December 2020

This paper describes the reimbursement policy for immune checkpoint inhibitors in Taiwan and provides a perspective to improve the quality, consistency, and transparency of decision making. Global trends for cancer treatment have shifted from chemotherapies to targeted therapies and immuno-oncology (IO) medicine, leading to significant increases in treatment costs. To enhance the accessibility of advanced therapy, the Taiwan National Health Insurance Administration announced two pathways for high-cost medicine: the managed entry agreement and a set of general rules of reimbursement submission for high-cost drugs. To further manage the financial burden on Taiwan's national health insurance system, the policy makers introduced novel inhibitory drugs for cancer immune checkpoints, subject to a maximum annual budget of NT$800 million (≈US$26.7 million). In April 2019, a national registry was established for patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy. Clinical characteristics, treatment duration, toxicity, and the outcome of the postcheckpoint inhibitor treatments were recorded. By analyzing real-world data, we assess the therapeutic effect of IO treatment in Taiwanese patients, thereby enabling payers to adjust payment regulations and rules for reimbursement. The Health Technology Assessment Team plays an important role in drawing upon the evidence to support policy making. Under an implemented cost-management mechanism, Taiwan's high-cost drug policy has enabled patients to access new medicines and maximized patient benefits.
BOUNDARY THINGS IN THE EASTERN MAYA LOWLANDS: NEGOTIATING ALLIED RELATIONS FROM TERMINAL CLASSIC TO POSTCLASSIC TIMES
Authors: Harrison-Buck Eleanor , Pugh Timothy W.
Published: December 2020

In this study, we offer a relational approach to theorizing boundaries for the Maya, adapting Mills’ (2018) concept of “boundary objects” as a means of understanding how people and things bridge or cross boundaries and were critical for developing and maintaining allied relations. We trace a network of sites on both sides of the Guatemala–Belize border dating to the Terminal Classic and Postclassic, which are generally characterized as times of increased conflict, movement and migration of people, and disruption in dynastic succession with an emphasis on shared governance. We examine the introduction of northern-style traits in the eastern Maya lowlands during the Terminal Classic and Postclassic periods, including circular and colonnaded buildings and distinctive portable goods such as molded-carved ceramics, phallic and turtle effigies, and other material forms. We suggest that during fractious periods in Maya history, northern traits were implicated in boundary crossing negotiations and entangled relations, which included marriage alliances with “foreigners” as a means of elite legitimation.