bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precipitation and Properties at Elevated Temperature in Austenitic Heat‐Resistant Steels—A Review
Authors: Wang Huatian , Du Huayun , Wei Yinghui , Hou Lifeng , Liu Xiaoda , Wei Huan , Liu Baosheng , Jia Jianwen
Published: December 2020

The austenitic heat‐resistant steels are significant materials used in boilers and nuclear reactors, owing to the excellent creep, fatigue, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. The precipitation and properties degenerate with the increasing temperature. It is necessary to clarify the main precipitation and properties under the service situation. Herein, the characteristic of main precipitation and the potential degraded mechanism of creep, fatigue, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperature are briefly reviewed. The main secondary phases under prolonged service environment include MX phase, M23C6 carbide, Z phase, Laves phase, and σ phase. Precipitation scattered uniformly is conductive to strength properties of steel and vice versa. Coarsening precipitation and the decrease of dislocation density are critical reason for the deteriorated mechanical properties at high temperature. The protective oxide films destroyed after exposure to boiler gas lead to failure of materials.
Clogging‐Induced Asymmetrical and Transient Flow Pattern in a Steel Continuous Casting Slab Strand Measured Using Nail Boards
Authors: Zhou Haichen , Zhang Lifeng , Zhou Qiuyue , Chen Wei , Jiang Renbo , Yin Kuan , Yang Wen
Published: December 2020

Herein, the fluid flow pattern in a continuous casting slab strand with varied degree of clogging of the submerged entry nozzle is measured using nail boards in industrial trials. The influence of clogging on meniscus velocity, top surface position, surface level fluctuation, and slag entrainment of the strand is investigated. The number density and area fraction of nonmetallic inclusions including Na2O and K2O‐bearing entrained slag ones within the subsurface of steel slabs are inspected using an automatic scanning electron microscope (SEM). The flow pattern in the strand periodically transforms from a double roll flow to a complex flow and/or a single roll flow. The fluid field in the continuous casting mold is unstable and asymmetric under the condition of varied degree of clogging with time. The variation of the meniscus velocity and the surface level fluctuation with time is stochastic. The percentage of >3 mm level fluctuation increases from 4.7% to 10.6% with a serious clogging of the submerged entry nozzle. The amount of entrained slag inclusions with serious clogging is approximately 1.6 times than that with slight clogging. In addition, slag entrainment mechanisms of the shear‐layer instability and the vortex formation are discussed.
Simplified design procedure for nonconventional multiple tuned mass damper and experimental validation
Authors: Li Bowei , Dai Kaoshan , Meng Jiayao , Liu Kai , Wang Jianze , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: December 2020

A simplified design procedure, for nonconventional multiple tuned mass damper (TMD) (NC‐MTMD) system, was proposed. This system entails targeted tuning of each TMD by considering several mechanical factors (e.g., seismic excitation, TMD mass, and location). Subsequently, all TMDs are tuned to their corresponding modes by a group of semi‐empirical design formulae based on previous theoretical studies on MTMD systems, in the tuning phase. The procedure was then calibrated by numerical optimization results of an actual existing thermal power plant structure and validated in both comparative numerical study and a shaking table test. The experimental model was designed based on the thermal power plant structure configuration. Springs and eddy current dampers were adopted to model the resistance and energy dissipation of TMDs. A numerical comparative study was carried out between a traditional design method and the proposed design scheme. Six representative NC‐MTMD mass cases were investigated in the shaking table test to study the robustness of the method. The seismic mitigation efficiency was evaluated by comparison study on frequency, peak, and root mean square responses. The NC‐MTMD design was proved to be effective to help reduce seismic responses of the structure.
An Improved Robust SCUC Approach Considering Multiple Uncertainty and Correlation
Authors: Yang Nan , Liu Songkai , Deng Yitian , Xing Chao
Published: December 2020

With the large‐scale integration of wind power and photovoltaic power, as well as the rapid development of power systems in recent years, it is of great significance to study meticulous day‐ahead scheduling methods further. A robust security‐constrained unit commitment (SCUC) approach with the considerations of uncertainty outputs and the corresponding probability correlations is proposed in this paper. First, an improved robust SCUC model is constructed according to the multiple uncertainties of outputs and their probability correlations. Then, Cholesky decomposition is used to convert the correlated random samples into independent ones so as to determine the worst scenario directly based on the sample characteristics. Finally, the model is solved by Benders decomposition method. The simulation results based on the IEEE 118‐bus system indicate that the proposed approach can effectively improve the economy while ensuring the robustness of the day‐ahead SCUC decisions under multiple uncertainties. Additionally, the worst scenario determination method based on Cholesky decomposition can effectively promote the compactness of the robust SCUC model and significantly improve the computational efficiency accordingly. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development and validation of language and visuospatial composite scores in ADNI
Authors: Choi Seo‐Eun , Mukherjee Shubhabrata , Gibbons Laura E. , Sanders R. Elizabeth , Jones Richard N. , Tommet Douglas , Mez Jesse , Trittschuh Emily H. , Saykin Andrew , Lamar Melissa , Rabin Laura , Foldi Nancy S. , Sikkes Sietske , Jutten Roos J. , Grandoit Evan , Mac Donald Christine , Risacher Shannon , Groot Colin , Ossenkoppele Rik ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Crane Paul K.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Composite scores may be useful to summarize overall language or visuospatial functioning in studies of older adults.

Methods

We used item response theory to derive composite measures for language (ADNI‐Lan) and visuospatial functioning (ADNI‐VS) from the cognitive battery administered in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). We evaluated the scores among groups of people with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in terms of responsiveness to change, association with imaging findings, and ability to differentiate between MCI participants who progressed to AD dementia and those who did not progress.

Results

ADNI‐Lan and ADNI‐VS were able to detect change over time and predict conversion from MCI to AD. They were associated with most of the pre‐specified magnetic resonance imaging measures. ADNI‐Lan had strong associations with a cerebrospinal fluid biomarker pattern.

Discussion

ADNI‐Lan and ADNI‐VS may be useful composites for language and visuospatial functioning in ADNI.
Musa paradisiacaL. leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts improved the lipid profile, glycemic index and oxidative stress in nicotinamide/streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ahmed Osama M. , Abd El‐Twab Sanaa M. , Al‐Muzafar Hessah M. , Adel Amin Kamal , Abdel Aziz Sarah M. , Abdel‐Gabbar Mohammed
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to assess antihyperlipidemic, cardiac and antioxidant effects as well as mode of actions ofMusa paradisiaca(M. paradisiaca) leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts in nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight), 15 min after intraperitoneal injection of NA (120 mg/kg body weight). NA/STZ‐induced diabetic rats were orally supplemented withM. paradisiacaleaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days. The treatment of NA/STZ‐induced diabetic rats withM. paradisiacaleaf and fruit peel extracts significantly decreased the elevated fasting and post‐prandial serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL‐cholesterol and vLDL‐cholesterol levels and significantly increased the lowered serum insulin level, liver glycogen content, serum HDL‐cholesterol level, homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IS) and HOMA‐β cell function. The elevated cardiovascular risk indices in diabetic rats were significantly improved due to treatment withM. paradisiacaextracts. Concomitant with the increase in liver glycogen content, the glucose‐6‐phosphatase activity significantly decreased reflecting the decrease in hepatic glucose output. The heart function was potentially ameliorated as manifested by decrease in the elevated serum creatine kinase‐MB, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase activities after treatments of diabetic rats withM. paradisiacaextracts. The elevated liver lipid peroxidation and the decline in liver glutathione content and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione‐S‐transferase activities were significantly reversed by treatments. Thus, it can be concluded thatM. paradisiacaleaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts may have antihyperlipidemic and cardioprotective potentials in NA/STZ‐induced diabetic rats. These effects may be mediatedviaimprovements in the glycemic state, β‐cell function, tissue insulin sensitivity, and antioxidant defense mechanism.
Paradoxes of financial schemes for resilient flood recovery of households
Authors: Slavíková Lenka , Hartmann Thomas , Thaler Thomas
Published: December 2020

Flood resilience (resilient flood risk management), which has been repeatedly demanded, can be achieved through the phases of the risk management cycle. There is a vast body of literature on adaptation, disaster risk reduction measures, and effectiveness of prevention, seen through the lens of postdisaster recovery, but oftentimes the existing literature seems to underestimate the impact of financial flood recovery schemes on resilient recovery of individual households in particular. This contribution focuses on how financial schemes for flood damage compensations—their sources, design, and timing—shape the resilience of recovery of individual households. It discusses the dilemma of recovery of whether recovery schemes should be used strategically to increase resilience, or rather serve early restoration needs, equality access issues, and so on. This contribution seeks to unify the current fragmented academic debate on household resilient recovery by focusing on the ambiguous role of financial recovery schemes.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Value of Water
Primary sludge fermentate as carbon source for mainstream partial denitrification–anammox (PdNA)
Authors: Ali Priyanka , Zalivina Nadezhda , Le Tri , Riffat Rumana , Ergas Sarina , Wett Bernhard , Murthy Sudhir , Al‐Omari Ahmed , deBarbadillo Christine , Bott Charles , De Clippeleir Haydée
Published: December 2020

Primary sludge fermentate, a concentrated hydrolyzed wastewater carbon, was evaluated for use as an alternative carbon source for mainstream partial denitrification–anammox (PdNA) in a suspended growth activated sludge process in terms of partial denitrification (PdN) efficiency, PdNA nitrogen removal contributions, and final effluent quality. Fermenter operation at a 2‐day sludge retention time (SRT) resulted in the maximum achievable yield of 0.14 ± 0.05 g sCOD/g VSS without release of excessive ammonia and phosphorus to the system. Based on the results of batch experiments, fermentate addition led to PdN efficiency of 93 ± 14%, which was similar to acetate at a nitrate residual of 2–3 mg N/L. In the pilot‐scale mainstream deammonification reactor, PdN efficiency using fermentate was 49 ± 24%, which was lower than acetate (66 ± 24% during acetate period I and 70 ± 21% during acetate period II), most probably due to lower nitrate and ammonium kinetics in the PdN zone. Methanol cost‐saving potential for the application of PdNA as the main short‐cut nitrogen pathway was estimated to be 30% to 55% depending on the PdN efficiency achieved.

Practitioner points

Primary sludge fermentate was evaluated as an alternative carbon source for mainstream partial denitrification–anammox (PdNA).

Fermenter operated at a 1 to 2 day SRT resulted in the maximum achievable yield without the release of excessive ammonia and phosphorus to the system.

Although 93% partial denitrification efficiency was achieved with fermentate in batch experiments, around 49% PdN efficiency was achieved in pilot studies.

Application of PdNA with fermentate can result in significant methanol cost savings.
Functionalized Tetrazole Energetics: A Route to Enhanced Performance
Authors: Wang Tao , Gao Haixiang , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: December 2020

Tetrazoles are a class of heterocyclic compounds. Many tetrazole derivatives have been studied extensively as potential high energy materials. Compared with other nitrogen‐rich heterocycles, most tetrazole‐based heterocycles demonstrate superior properties due to the higher density and heat of formation levels. A large variety of advanced energetic materials have been achieved based on the combination of tetrazole moieties with a collection of bridges. This review is an overview of the recent developments of energetic tetrazole structures, and where possible, information such as the synthetic methods, and physical and detonation properties are provided. Given the synthetic opportunities and outstanding properties, energetic materials based on tetrazole structures are undoubtedly promising candidates for the development of highly energetic materials for civilian or military applications.
TLR agonists enhance responsiveness of inflammatory innate immune cells in HLA-B*57-positive HIV patients
Authors: Dold L. , Zimmer L. , Schwarze-Zander C. , Boesecke C. , Mohr R. , Wasmuth J.-C. , Ommer K. , Gathof B. , Krämer B. , Nattermann J. , Strassburg C. P. , Rockstroh J. K. , Spengler U. , Langhans B.
Published: December 2020

HLA-B*57 affects the course of HIV infection. Under antiretroviral therapy, its effects cannot be explained by outstandingly efficient T cell responses alone but may also involve cells of innate immunity. Studying in vitro stimulation with Pam3CSK4, E. coli LPS-B5 and CpG-ODN-2216, we observed greater induction of IL-6/IL-1beta double-positive CD14+CD16++ monocytes as well as IFN-gamma-positive cytotoxic CD56highCD16neg NK cells in HLA-B*57- versus HLA-B*44-positive HIV patients, while TNF-alpha induction remained unchanged. Differences were not seen in the other monocyte and NK cell subsets or in HLA-matched healthy controls. Our findings show that, in virally suppressed HIV infection, HLA-B*57 is associated with enhanced responsiveness of inflammatory innate immune cells to TLR ligands, possibly contributing to increased vulnerability in sepsis.

Key messages

• HLA-B*57 is a host factor affecting clinical outcomes of HIV infection.

• HLA-B*57 modifies inflammatory subsets of NK cells and monocytes in HIV infection.

• In HLA-B*57-positive HIV patients TLR agonists induce enhanced IL-6/IL-1beta in monocytes.

• NK cells from HLA-B*57 HIV patients release more IFN-gamma upon TLR costimulation.

• HLA-B*57 is linked to enhanced inflammatory responsiveness to TLR ligands.
Early posterior negativity indicates time dilation by arousal
Authors: Özoğlu Ezgi , Thomaschke Roland
Published: December 2020

We investigated whether Early Posterior Negativity (EPN) indicated the subjective dilation of time when judging the duration of arousing stimuli. Participants performed a visual temporal bisection task along with high-level and low-level arousing auditory stimuli, while we simultaneously recorded EEG. In accordance with previous studies, arousing stimuli were temporally overestimated and led to higher EPN amplitude. Yet, we observed that time dilation and EPN amplitude were significantly correlated and this effect cannot be explained by confounds from stimulus valence. We interpret our findings in terms of the pacemaker–accumulator model of human timing, and suggest that EPN indicates an arousal-based increasing of the speed of our mental clock.
Adjustable polystyrene nanoparticle templates for the production of mesoporous foams and ZnO inverse opals
Authors: Abitaev Karina , Qawasmi Yaseen , Atanasova Petia , Dargel Carina , Bill Joachim , Hellweg Thomas , Sottmann Thomas
Published: December 2020

The manifold applications of porous materials, such as in storage, separation, and catalysis, have led to an enormous interest in their cost-efficient preparation. A promising strategy to obtain porous materials with adjustable pore size and morphology is to use templates exhibiting the appropriate nanostructure. In this study, close-packed polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles, synthesized by emulsion polymerization, were used to produce porous PS and ZnO inverse opals. The size and distribution of the polystyrene nanoparticles, characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were controlled via the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Systematic measurements of the water/styrene-interfacial tension show that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the ternary water–styrene–SDS system, which determines whether monodisperse or polydisperse PS particles are obtained, is considerably lower than that of the binary water–SDS system. The assemblies of close-packed PS nanoparticles obtained via drying were then studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and SEM. Both techniques prove that PS nanoparticles synthesized above the CMC result in a significantly unordered but denser packing of the particles. The polystyrene particles were subsequently used to produce porous polystyrene and ZnO inverse opals. While the former consists of micrometer-sized spherical pores surrounded by extended open-cellular regions of mesopores (Rpore ≈ 25 nm), the latter are made of ZnO-nanoparticles forming a structure of well-aligned interconnected pores.
Comparative application and optimization of different single-borehole dilution test techniques
Authors: Fahrmeier Nikolai , Goeppert Nadine , Goldscheider Nico
Published: December 2020

Single-borehole dilution tests (SBDTs) are a method for characterizing groundwater monitoring wells and boreholes, and are based on the injection of a tracer into the saturated zone and the observation of concentration over depth and time. SBDTs are applicable in all aquifer types, but especially interesting in heterogeneous karst or fractured aquifers. Uniform injections aim at a homogeneous tracer concentration throughout the entire saturated length and provide information about inflow and outflow horizons. Also, in the absence of vertical flow, horizontal filtration velocities can be calculated. The most common method for uniform injections uses a hosepipe to inject the tracer. This report introduces a simplified method that uses a permeable injection bag (PIB) to achieve a close-to-uniform tracer distribution within the saturated zone. To evaluate the new method and to identify advantages and disadvantages, several tests have been carried out, in the laboratory and in multiple groundwater monitoring wells in the field. Reproducibility of the PIB method was assessed through repeated tests, on the basis of the temporal development of salt amount and calculated apparent filtration velocities. Apparent filtration velocities were calculated using linear regression as well as by inverting the one-dimensional (1D) advection-dispersion equation using CXTFIT. The results show that uniform-injection SBDTs with the PIB method produce valuable and reproducible outcomes and contribute to the understanding of groundwater monitoring wells and the respective aquifer. Also, compared to the hosepipe method, the new injection method requires less equipment and less effort, and is especially useful for deep boreholes.
Performance-approach goals: the operationalization makes the difference
Authors: Wirthwein Linda , Steinmayr Ricarda
Published: December 2020

The operationalization of performance-approach goals (PAGs) was found to be an important moderator of the associations between different PAGs and several educational outcomes. To explore this aspect in more detail, we conducted two studies with school students (N1 = 425, mean age = 16.6 years, SD = 0.61; N2 = 310, mean age = 14.91, SD = 1.72). In study 1, we mainly focused on the associations between achievement goals and school grades. In study 2, we additionally assessed several motivational variables (academic self-concept, school values), as well as test anxiety and school well-being. All variables were assessed for school in general, mathematics, and German (mother tongue). The results of confirmatory factor analyses replicated and extended the finding on the different facets of PAGs. Besides a normative-based PAG component (the aim is to perform better than others) and an appearance-based PAG component (the aim is to demonstrate one’s ability), an additional proving PAG component (the aim is to demonstrate one’s ability toward significant others) was found. Contrary to earlier findings, both normative and appearance-based PAGs were positively correlated with school grades, whereas the proving component showed smaller associations. Moreover, differential associations with self-concept, school values, and school well-being emerged regarding the different facets of PAGs. The results are discussed with regard to the operationalization of PAGs.
Plant invasion as an emerging challenge for the conservation of heritage sites: the spread of ornamental trees on ancient monuments in Rome, Italy
Authors: Celesti-Grapow Laura , Ricotta Carlo
Published: December 2020

Cultural heritage sites such as historical or sacred areas provide suitable habitats for plants and play an important role in nature conservation, particularly in human-modified contexts such as urban environments. However, such sites also provide opportunities for the spread of invasive species, whose impact on monuments has been raising growing concerns. The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of distribution and spread of invasive plants in heritage areas, taking the city of Rome as an example. We focused on woody species as they pose the greatest threat to the conservation of monuments, owing to the detrimental effects of their root system. We analysed changes in the diversity and traits of native and non-native flora growing on the walls of 26 ancient sites that have been surveyed repeatedly since the 1940s. We found that the diversity of the native flora has steadily decreased, while there has been an increase in non-native, larger and more damaging species. The introduced species that have expanded most are ornamental wind- or bird-dispersed trees, which represent a major management problem as their propagules can reach the upper sections of the monuments, where they become more difficult to control. The most widespread and damaging of such species is Ailanthus altissima, which has recently been included among the invasive species of European Union concern (EU Regulation 2019/1262). Our findings show that plant invasion is an emerging challenge for the conservation of heritage sites and needs to be prioritized for management to prevent future expansion.
Pemafibrate prevents retinal neuronal cell death in NMDA-induced excitotoxicity via inhibition of p-c-Jun expression
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Sase Kana , Tsukahara Chihiro , Arizono Ibuki , Takagi Hitoshi , Kitaoka Yasushi
Published: December 2020

Excitotoxicity is involved in the retinal neuronal cell death in diabetic retinopathy. Although fenofibrate has been shown to ameliorate the progression of diabetic retinopathy, the effect of pemafibrate, which is highly selective for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α on retinal neuronal cell death has not been documented. Here, we investigated whether pemafibrate exerts a beneficial effect against retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in rats. Experiments were performed on adult male Wistar rats that received an intravitreal injection of 20 nmol NMDA. Fluoro-Gold labeled RGC morphometry showed that oral intake of pemafibrate once a day for 7 days resulted in significant protection on RGC death induced by NMDA. Phosphorylated c-Jun protein, which is involved in apoptosis, was upregulated after NMDA exposure, and this increase was significantly lessened by the systemic pemafibrate treatment. Phosphorylated c-Jun immunopositive cells were colocalized with Thy-1 immunopositive cells, and the increased these cells were ameliorated by the pemafibrate treatment. An increase in TUNEL-positive cells was significantly suppressed by the pemafibrate treatment. Phosphorylated c-Jun immunopositive cells were colocalized with TUNEL-positive cells, and they were decreased by pemafibrate treatment. These results suggest that the RGC protection achieved with pemafibrate appears to be associated with inhibition of phosphorylated c-Jun and its anti-apoptotic effect.
High-Temperature Oxidation in Dry and Humid Atmospheres of the Equiatomic CrMnFeCoNi and CrCoNi High- and Medium-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Stephan-Scherb Christiane , Schulz Wencke , Schneider Mike , Karafiludis Stephanos , Laplanche Guillaume
Published: December 2020

Surface degradation phenomena of two model equiatomic alloys from the CrMnFeCoNi alloy system were investigated in 2% O2 and 10% H2O (pO2 = 0.02 and 10−7 atm, respectively) at 800 °C for times up to 96 h. The crystallographic structures, morphologies, and chemical compositions of the corrosion layers developing on CrMnFeCoNi and CrCoNi were comparatively analyzed by mass gain analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The oxidation resistance of CrMnFeCoNi is relatively poor due to the fast growth of porous Mn-oxide(s). CrCoNi forms an external chromia layer that is dense and continuous in a dry 2% O2 atmosphere. This layer buckles and spalls off after exposure to 10% H2O atmosphere. Beneath the chromia layer, a Cr-depleted zone forms in the CrCoNi alloy in both environments. As the oxide scale spalls off in the H2O-containing atmosphere, a secondary chromia layer was observed and correspondingly enlarges the Cr-depleted zone. In contrast, as the chromia layer remains without significant spallation when CrCoNi is exposed to a dry oxidizing atmosphere, the region depleted in Cr is narrower.

Graphic Abstract
Space Invaders: Pedestrian Proxemic Utility Functions and Trust Zones for Autonomous Vehicle Interactions
Authors: Camara Fanta , Fox Charles
Published: December 2020

Understanding pedestrian proxemic utility and trust will help autonomous vehicles to plan and control interactions with pedestrians more safely and efficiently. When pedestrians cross the road in front of human-driven vehicles, the two agents use knowledge of each other’s preferences to negotiate and to determine who will yield to the other. Autonomous vehicles will require similar understandings, but previous work has shown a need for them to be provided in the form of continuous proxemic utility functions, which are not available from previous proxemics studies based on Hall’s discrete zones. To fill this gap, a new Bayesian method to infer continuous pedestrian proxemic utility functions is proposed, and related to a new definition of ‘physical trust requirement’ (PTR) for road-crossing scenarios. The method is validated on simulation data then its parameters are inferred empirically from two public datasets. Results show that pedestrian proxemic utility is best described by a hyperbolic function, and that trust by the pedestrian is required in a discrete ‘trust zone’ which emerges naturally from simple physics. The PTR concept is then shown to be capable of generating and explaining the empirically observed zone sizes of Hall’s discrete theory of proxemics.
Source of strontium in archaeological mobility studies—marine diet contribution to the isotopic composition
Authors: Lahtinen Maria , Arppe Laura , Nowell Geoff
Published: December 2020

The strontium isotope composition of human tissues is widely used in archaeological mobility studies. However, little attention is paid to the relative contributions of terrestrial versus marine sources of strontium in these studies. There is some debate over the role of a solid diet versus drinking water as the most important source of strontium for the human body, with related possibilities of misinterpretation of the archaeological record if only strontium isotope compositions of the biosphere are studied. However, there is a third component, marine strontium, which is commonly not assumed to contribute towards the strontium isotope composition of archaeological skeletal remains, especially in locations that are not directly coastal. To illustrate the potentially obfuscating effects of mixed Sr sources in a human population, we present a case study of twelve individuals from the medieval Finnish site Iin Hamina with a known dietary history. Our study shows that marine consumption is a significant factor explaining the strontium isotope composition of the Iin Hamina human remains, with implication of erroneous conclusions about immigration without prior knowledge of diet composition. Thus, future studies should always incorporate a rigorous analysis of dietary history, with special regard to potential consumption of aquatic resources, when strontium isotope analysis is used as a method in the study of palaeomobility.
Winter activity unrelated to introgression in British bumblebee Bombus terrestris audax
Authors: Hart Alex F. , Maebe Kevin , Brown Gordon , Smagghe Guy , Ings Thomas
Published: December 2020

Bombus terrestrisis a bumblebee with a wide geographic range, with subspecies showing a variety of local adaptations. Global export of commercially-rearedB. terrestrisstarted in the 1980s; the bees are a mixture of subspecies bred for ease of rearing, bivoltinism and large nests. This paper investigated whether the increase in bivoltinism in UK residentB. terrestris audaxpopulations was related to introgression with imported foreign subspecies. Workers were collected from wild populations in London and Bristol, as well as two commercial suppliers. Fourteen microsatellite loci were used to study population structure, hybridisation and introgression. No introgression with commercialB. t. dalmatinuswas detected in wild populations. Hence, the increase in winter activity appears unrelated to introgression.
The impact of dental caries and its treatment under general anaesthetic on children and their families
Authors: Knapp R. , Marshman Z. , Gilchrist F. , Rodd H.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of dental caries and treatment under general anaesthetic (GA) on the everyday lives of children and their families, using child-reported measures of quality of life (QoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Method

Participants, aged 5–16 years old having treatment for dental caries under GA, were recruited from new patient clinics at Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield. OHRQoL was measured before and 3-months after treatment using the Caries Impacts and Experiences Questionnaire for Children (CARIES-QC). Overall QoL was measured using the Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D). Parents/caregivers completed the Family Impact Scale (FIS).

Results

Eighty five parent–child dyads completed the study. There was statistically significant improvement in OHRQoL (mean interval score difference in CARIES-QC = 4.43,p < 0.001) and QoL (mean score difference in CHU9D = 2.48,p < 0.001) following treatment, with moderate to large effect sizes. There was statistically significant improvement in FIS scores (mean score difference = 5.48,p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Treatment under GA was associated with improvement in QoL and OHRQoL as reported by children, and reduced impacts on the family. This work highlights the importance of GA services in reducing the caries-related impacts experienced by children. Further work is needed investigate the impact of clinical, environmental and individual factors.
Body appreciation and appearance evaluation in individuals with obesity compared to individuals with normal-weight: findings from a representative German population sample
Authors: Weinberger Natascha-Alexandra , Luck-Sikorski Claudia
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Body image has been identified as an important factor in mental health in individuals with obesity. Previous studies have focused on negative body image and research of positive body image—particularly in obesity—is still in its infancy. The current study explored the positive body image facet body appreciation and the negative facet appearance evaluation in different BMI groups as well as men and women.

Methods

A total of 1003 participants of the general German public above the age of 18 years completed measures on body appreciation and appearance evaluation.

Results

Significantly lower body appreciation was observed in male participants with obesity compared to normal-weight participants. In women, the BMI groups did not differ significantly in body appreciation. BMI was negatively associated with appearance evaluation in both genders. While men and women did not differ in body appreciation, men reported lower appearance evaluation scores compared to women.

Conclusion

The present study is one of few that investigated positive body image in individuals with obesity compared to individuals with normal weight. The findings underscore the potential of body appreciation as a resource in treatment of body image concerns in individuals with obesity. Further implications for future research are discussed.

Level of evidence

III, case–control analytic study.
Development and Evaluation of Inexpensive Ultrasound Using A-Mode and M-Mode Signals to Identify Lung Depth and Avoid Risk of Pneumothorax in Acupuncture
Authors: Chen Ying-Ling , Hou Mark C. , Chang Shun-Chang , Chuang Kai-Wen , Lee Po-Yang , Huang Chih-Chung
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To increase patient safety, ultrasound detection acupuncture (UDA) has been developed, which can detect a safe depth for acupuncturists to avoid causing pneumothorax. This study aims to develop and evaluate a single-transducer ultrasound for acupuncture (UFA) to promote UDA.

Methods

Special A-mode and M-mode signals were analyzed to identify the depth of the lung. Six subjects were recruited to test the reliability and validity of UFA on GB21, LV14 and BL43 acupuncture points.

Results

The result showed UFA’s coefficient of variation was less than 0.2 and no difference in age, gender, and BMI of the subjects statistically, demonstrating excellent reliability. However, the content validity index of 0.51 did not meet expectations. UFA has good reliability, but it cannot reach the level of medical ultrasound. UFA uses A-mode and the seashore sign of M-mode to make a good identification of the lung, and it would be useful in the promotion of UDA.
Extracting Densely Covered Areas Within Floating Car Datasets Using Inductive Loop Detector Data
Authors: Röger Christian , Kalinic Maja , Krisp Jukka M.
Published: December 2020

We present an approach to use static traffic count data to find relatively representative areas within Floating Car Data (FCD) datasets. We perform a case study within the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany using enviroCar FCD and traffic count data obtained from Inductive Loop Detectors (ILD). Findings indicate that our approach combining FCD and traffic count data is capable of assessing suitable subsets within FCD datasets that contain a relatively high ratio of FCD records and ILD readings. We face challenges concerning the correct choice of traffic count data, counting individual FCD trajectories and defining a threshold by which an area can be considered as representative.
Revealing hidden drivers of macrofungal species richness by analyzing fungal guilds in temperate forests, West Hungary
Authors: Kutszegi Gergely , Siller Irén , Dima Bálint , Merényi Zsolt , Varga Torda , Takács Katalin , Turcsányi Gábor , Bidló András , Ódor Péter
Published: December 2020

We explored the most influential stand-scaled drivers of ectomycorrhizal, terricolous saprotrophic, and wood-inhabiting (main functional groups) macrofungal species richness in mixed forests by applying regression models. We tested 67 potential explanatory variables representing tree species composition, stand structure, soil and litter conditions, microclimate, landscape structure, and management history. Within the main functional groups, we formed and modeled guilds and used their drivers to more objectively interpret the drivers of the main functional groups. Terricolous saprotrophic fungi were supported by air humidity and litter mass. Ectomycorrhizal fungi were suppressed by high soil nitrogen content and high air temperature. Wood saprotrophs were enhanced by litter pH (deciduous habitats), deadwood cover, and beech proportion. Wood saprotrophic guilds were determined often by drivers with hidden effects on all wood saprotrophs: non-parasites: total deadwood cover; parasites: beech proportion; white rotters: litter pH; brown rotters: air temperature (negatively); endophytes: beech proportion; early ruderals: deciduous stands that were formerly meadows; combative invaders: deciduous tree taxa; heart rotters: coarse woody debris; late stage specialists: deciduous deadwood. Terricolous saprotrophic cord formers positively responded to litter mass. Studying the drivers of guilds simultaneously, beech was a keystone species to maintain fungal diversity in the region, and coniferous stands would be more diverse by introducing deciduous tree species. Guilds were determined by drivers different from each other underlining their different functional roles and segregated substrate preferences. Modeling guilds of fungal species with concordant response to the environment would be powerful to explore and understand the functioning of fungal communities.
Attitudes Toward Transgender People Among Medical Students in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sa Ra , Kim Min-A , Choi Mun Nyeong , Park Suyeon , Cho Jaehyun , Lee Chulmin , Lee Eun Sil
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Interventions aimed at changing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of resident physicians and medical students have been made to incite a significant positive increase in attitudes, comfort, and knowledge toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, as well as increased levels of competency among participants.

Aim

To use insights from the attitudes of medical students toward transgender people and demonstrate that adding lectures on transgenderism would make the medical school curricula more comprehensive and trans-inclusive by improving overall attitudes toward the LGBT community.

Methods

A total of 49 medical students completed the preintervention survey with the Genderism and Transphobia Scale and Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals Scale, and then took a class on transgenderism, whereas 39 individuals completed the 4-week postintervention survey following the same measures.

Main Outcome Measure

Three items of survey were demographic characteristics, the Genderism and Transphobia Scale, and the Attitude Toward Transgender Individuals Scale.

Results

Although there was no significant difference in mean score between the preintervention and postintervention surveys, those who had minority individuals as peers and those who had previous LGBT-related education showed significantly positive attitudes than those without after the lecture. As a result of analyzing all the data from the pre/postintervention surveys, being of the female gender and having minority individuals as peers positively affected attitude.

Conclusion

Although there was no significant attitude change after the lecture, those who had previous LGBT-related education showed significantly positive attitudes at pre/postintervention surveys than those without. These findings suggest that raising awareness and education should be continued for a positive attitude toward more vulnerable groups such as the LGBT. Given the lack of studies on transgenderism that involve students in the medical profession in South Korea, this study shows the necessity of curricula creation of transgenderism education. This study aims to serve as a basis for curricula creation and student guidance that will help creating more positive attitudes toward sexual and gender minorities.
Tolerability and Optimal Therapeutic Dosage of Clomipramine for Premature Ejaculation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Po-Chien , Hung Chun-Shan , Kang Yi-No , Wu Chien-Chih
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Clomipramine is effective in treating premature ejaculation, a common form of male sexual dysfunction that affects individual's mental health and quality of life, but its optimal dosage remains controversial.

Aim

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of clomipramine for treating premature ejaculation among men.

Methods

Eligible studies of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were identified from the date of inception to June 21, 2020. We conducted the study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data of the study characteristics, intravaginal latency ejaculatory time (IELT), adverse events, success rate, and satisfaction rate of clomipramine vs placebo were extracted and analyzed. The risk ratio and mean difference were used for quantitatively analyzing binary outcomes and continuous outcomes. The standardized mean difference was applied to the outcome of satisfaction rate. The Mantel–Haenszel method was used for meta-analysis under random-effects model. To assess dose effect of clomipramine, a meta-regression analysis was performed.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcomes were the IELT and adverse events, and the secondary outcomes were the success rate and satisfaction rate of clomipramine treatment relative to the placebo.

Results

A total 14 randomized controlled trials with 710 patients were included for quantitative analysis. Clomipramine significantly increased the IELT compared with the placebo (mean difference: 1.47, 95% CI: 0.73–2.21). However, clomipramine was associated with higher risks of overall adverse events and adverse events in the nervous and respiratory systems. Significant dosage effects on the IELT (estimate: 0.0637, 95% CI: 0.0074–0.12) and a slightly increasing slope on adverse events were revealed.

Conclusion

Clomipramine increased the IELT and yielded greater satisfaction than the placebo, and the higher dose results in a superior IELT without leading to higher risk of adverse events under a dosage of 50-mg clomipramine.
G9a/GLP-Sensitivity of H3K9me2 Demarcates Two Types of Genomic Compartments
Authors: Yan Zixiang , Ji Luzhang , Huo Xiangru , Wang Qianfeng , Zhang Yuwen , Wen Bo
Published: December 2020

In the nucleus, chromatin is folded into hierarchical architecture that is tightly linked to various nuclear functions. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that confer these architectures remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the functional roles of H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), one of the abundant histone modifications, in three-dimensional (3D) genome organization. Unlike in mouse embryonic stem cells, inhibition of methyltransferases G9a and GLP in differentiated cells eliminated H3K9me2 predominantly at A-type (active) genomic compartments, and the level of residual H3K9me2 modifications was strongly associated with B-type (inactive) genomic compartments. Furthermore, chemical inhibition of G9a/GLP in mouse hepatocytes led to decreased chromatin-nuclear lamina interactions mainly at G9a/GLP-sensitive regions, increased degree of genomic compartmentalization, and up-regulation of hundreds of genes that were associated with alterations of the 3D chromatin. Collectively, our data demonstrated essential roles of H3K9me2 in 3D genome organization.
Reconstruction Test of Turbulence Power Spectra in 3D Wavenumber Space with at Most 9 Virtual Spacecraft Measurements
Authors: Zhang Lei , He Jiansen , Narita Yasuhito , Feng Xueshang
Published: December 2020

The k‐filtering/wave telescope method has been successfully applied to the 4‐spacecraft measurements from Cluster II and MMS, revealing the four‐dimensional power spectral density (PSD, ω, k). As the number of spacecraft within a constellation increases, the geometry becomes more complicated, and it is harder to find the first‐Brillouin‐like zone, since we cannot use known formulas to calculate the geometry of the zone. To our knowledge, a quantitative study on the aliasing effects as well as the geometry of the first‐Brillouin‐like zone for the constellation with more than 4 spacecraft has not been proposed yet. Herewith we provide a method to estimate and compare the geometry of the first‐Brillouin‐like zone in multispacecraft constellations. The corresponding array of reciprocal lattice in the wavevector space forms the Brillouin zone. We set the preset PSDs conforming to the “slab‐only” and “slab + 2D” patterns as the benchmark, and compare them with the reconstructed PSDs using 4, 5, and 9 virtual spacecraft. Our results validate the estimation of the Brillouin‐like zones. The method may provide a constraint of aliasing effects. Our proposed method may be useful for the design and analysis of future exploration sessions with multispacecraft constellation.
Evidence for Deep Geotemperature Rise and Abyssal Ocean Warming Due to “Human‐Induced” Changes to the Earth's Insulation System
Authors: Mu Yao , Mu Xinzhi
Published: December 2020

Using an argument approach and a combination of historical, contemporary data sets, we show that the evidence for deep geotemperature rise and abyssal ocean warming due to “human‐induced” changes to the Earth's insulation system. This warming deepened the soil and sea change and triggered large mass losses from glaciers, resulting in an n times increase in delivery of glacial melt waters, sediment, organic carbon and legacy contaminants to oceans and near certainty of arctic summer ice‐free conditions in the near future. Concomitantly, the energy exchange in the ocean and mechanical structure of the Earth's crust shifted dramatically with declining ice cover and abyssal warming more and more. Everything becomes unpredictable. These changes are unprecedented in nearly a century.