bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of thermal and transport properties of ionic liquids as suitable absorbent for absorption cooling applications
Authors: Ariyadi H M , Yamaguchi S , Saito K
Published: June 2019

Ionic liquids, salts which have liquid phase at temperature below 100°C, have been widely introduced in engineering applications, including absorption cooling systems. The application of ionic liquids in absorption cooling systems is intended to remove the disadvantages of conventional working fluids such as corrosion and crystallization. In terms of thermodynamic performances, theoretical investigation based on solubility behavior of ionic liquids in natural refrigerants show a competitive performance in comparison with conventional working fluid. Nevertheless, heat transfer performance, which is also an important key in absorption cooling systems, particularly in terms of system design and size, needs to be deeply explored and investigated. This study aims to assess the thermal and transport properties of ionic liquids as absorbent in relation to the heat and mass transfer characteristics of these working fluids. The thermal and transport properties of ionic liquids proposed as absorbent for absorption cooling systems are collected, and heat and mass transfer characteristic of these ionic liquids based on their thermal and transport properties are investigated and analyzed. Finally, the most suitable ionic liquids for absorption machines, both in terms of thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer performances can be proposed.
Investigation and analysis on the performance of hydraulic ram pump at various design its snifter valve
Authors: Sucipta M , Suarda M
Published: June 2019

Hydraulic ram pumps are equipped with air vessel to reduce the pulsation of the pumping water flow and the acceleration head loss. In their operation, the amount of air available in the air vessel will be decreased continuously flowing out with delivery water. In order to replace the air volume in the air vessel, the hydraulic ram pump is equipped with a snifter-valve. However, in its implementation, this valve is a hole or orifice with a diameter of 2 mm at a distance of about 2 cm below the delivery valve on the body of the hydraulic ram pump. On the other hand, this will reduce the water hammer pressure that occurs, furthermore, it reduces the performance of the hydraulic ram pump. Based on its working principle, a snifter-valve is an automatic anti-vacuum valve or a non-return valve or check valve. Therefore, the work has been carried out to investigate and analyze the performance of a hydraulic ram pump without a hole or any snifter-valve, with a hole of 1 mm diameter, and equipped with a check-valve of 1 mm orifice diameter. The results showed that the snifter-valve with check-valve of 1 mm orifice diameter gives the best hydraulic ram pump performance for the hydraulic ram pump model that has been investigated.
Investigation on flow pattern in a hydraulic ram pump at various design and setting of its waste valve
Authors: Suarda M , Sucipta M , Dwijana I G K
Published: June 2019

A hydraulic ram pumps are simple structures, consisting of two moving parts, the waste valve and the press valve. The waste valve mainly affects the magnitude of the impulse force generated. However, interaction of all elements of hydraulic ram pump system influence each other makes its operation becomes complex. Moreover, a detailed description of this hydraulic ram pump has not been well understood. In order to get the hydraulic ram pump designs, it needs to recognize comprehensively the water flow phenomenon that take place in the hydraulic ram pump working cycles. Therefore, visualization of the water flow characteristic in the hydraulic ram pump is done by constructing a hydraulic ram pump model using a transparent material that is acrylic. The characteristics of the waste valve are affected by parameters such as the orifice diameter of the valve, the diameter of the valve disk, the step length, and the valve weight and the discharge and water head of the hydraulic ram pump drive. Besides all these parameters affect each other. Therefore, in this experiment, experimental testing was conducted in the laboratory on hydraulic ram pump waste valve model to investigate the effect of waste valve orifice and disk diameter on hydraulic ram pump. The results showed that the diameter of orifice and disk of the waste valve have significantly influencing the flow pattern in the hydraulic ram pump body and its time movement each stage of the cycle. The greater the diameter of the orifice and the disk of the waste valve the velocity of water that has vortex more and more, so the speed of water flow in the body of the pump also decreases. Furthermore, the larger the diameter of the waste valve disk the shorter the interval of the hydraulic ram pump valve movements, so the frequency of the hydraulic ram pump valve movement increases.
The effect of using poly (methyl methacrylate) (pmma) in the preparation of free standing 3d graphene
Authors: Pransisco P
Published: June 2019

In order to get a free standing 3D graphene during the synthesis process, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is often used to dissolve Ni agent. However, the use of this polymer is giving defect on structural and chemical composition of 3D graphene. The aim of this article is to study the effect of using PMMA in removing Ni agent on 3D graphene synthesis process. The 3D graphene was successfully synthesized through low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) system. The structural defect and chemical composition study was examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Based on the findings, the use of PMMA and hot acetone was not really recommended method. The result was confirm that Ni element and oxide are still presence after the treatment process, and these structural and chemical defect might be effect to the properties of the free standing 3D graphene.
Mechanical properties and fluid absorption at the brake lining of hybrid composite
Authors: Suriadi I G A K , Atmika I K A
Published: June 2019

Brake lining is one of the active safety components in the vehicle that serves to reduce and stop the vehicle speed. Brake lining is arranged in brake system made of asbestos material and other materials such as metal oxide, sulphate, Mn or Co and silikan. In research to realize the environmentally friendly brake pads have developed hybrid composite materials with reinforced basalt, clamshell and alumina as the material of brake pad. The purpose of this study was to examine sea water absorbtion and impact in brake pad and can look for alternative brake pads that are environmentally friendly. In this test obtained the value of impact strength of asbestos 0,000374867 J/mm2. From the calculation of the composite test with variations in composition, the highest impact strength value is obtained on composite HC2 with a value of 0.000339547 J/mm2. This is due to the composite hybrid with a variation of 40% basalt, 10% clamshells, 10% aluminium and 40% resin, which has a stronger and more perfect bond between metric and basalt compared to other hybrid composite. Seawater absorption by composite materials asbestos brek lining materials. showing that the trend after the 24th day immersion starts to be constant for each specimen. From these conditions, the absorption capacity of specimen I was higher than specimen II of 0.51% and Specimen III was 1.01%, but lower than the asbestos material at 1.14%.
Pyrolysis study of coconut leaf’s biomass using thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Rajendra I M , Winaya I N S , Ghurri A , Wirawan I K G
Published: June 2019

Coconut leaf is one of the most potential biomass to be converted into bio-oil through pyrolysis process and the availability in Indonesia is abundance. The mechanism of decomposition of coconut leaf into bio-oil productions requires further research because of the complexity of pyrolysis and differences in biomass composition. Therefore, the design, optimization and modeling of pyrolysis processes is strongly influenced by biomass characteristics. The purpose of this study was to find the characteristic differences in pyrolysis behavior of the three main parts of coconut leaf based on its constituent parts; leaflets, midrib and whole leaf. Moisture is removed by drying the sample in an electric oven at 110°C for 24 hours. Characteristics were tested using Cellulose Analysis, Ultimate Analysis, and Heat Value, whereas pyrolysis behavior used Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The results show that leaflets, midrib and whole leaf exhibit different pyrolysis behavior. In terms of considering flow process of separation, the whole leaf becomes an option as a fuel for further pyrolysis processes. The maximum temperature that as a reference in the pyrolysis process of coconut leaves is 500°C with temperature rate of 20°C/min and the process lasts as long for 130 minutes.
The metal gasket sealing performance of bolted flanged with fem analysis
Authors: Karohika I M G , Antara I N G
Published: June 2019

There is a wide variation of flange style and configuration, but only four types of facing are widely used, which are raised face, flat face, ring joint facing and lap joint flange. Corrugated metal gaskets 400MPa-mode has better performance than gaskets 0Mpa-mode for flat face flange type. In this study we investigated the performance of corrugated metal gasket 400MPa-mode for three types of flange facing which are raised face, flat face and combination raised-flat face. The finite element method employed to analysis the effect of different types of flange on contact width and contact stress in relation with axial force of corrugated metal gasket. The result shows corrugated metal gasket 400MPa-mode give good performance for all type of flange face.
Influence of dies type for gasket forming shape
Authors: Karohika I M G , Antara I N G , Budiana I M D
Published: June 2019

Performance of metal gasket influenced by the final design of the forming result. Good shape of the gasket will give optimal leakage performance. It is difficult to produce good shape because of the spring back effect. In this study, we investigated the forming process of metal gasket 400MPa-mode for two types of dies which are open dies and closed dies. The finite element method employed to analyze the effect of different types of dies on the final design of the corrugated metal gasket. The simulation shows corrugated metal gasket 400MPa-mode with closed dies result in better final shape than open dies.
Energy analysis of solar farm planning in weh island, aceh, indonesia
Authors: Rahmawati S , Iqbal M , Sara I D
Published: June 2019

The paper discusses the simulation study and analysis of output energy produced by 5MW solar farm located in Weh Island, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Weh Island is a tourist area. Currently, a diesel power plant supplies all of its electricity requirement. Most of the user were household, hotels and public facilities. Weh Island consists of 8,858 family houses, 124 medium and small hotels. 48 educational facilities (formal schools and traditional Islamic schools) 48 healthcare facilities (consisting of 2 hospitals, 6 public healthcare centre, and 23 public healthcare service units). The daily peak load of electricity usage occurred at two points; 03.00 pm and 08.00 pm, with the peak load reaches 4,667 kW and 5,009 kW respectively. The solar farm was designed based on the peak electrical load (5MWp) using grid-connected system to ensure continuous availability in the area, as solar farms are only able to operate during the day. The system used 300 Wp Monocrystalline technology panels with 16.4% efficiency and inverter with 20Kw capacity and 98.8% efficiency. Each of the inverter was designed to serve 66 to 67 solar panels. Therefore, in order to produce 5MW of electricity, the solar farm was developed with 16,668 solar panels and 250 inverters on 32,309 m2 of land space area. The simulation model of the solar farm was developed using PVsyst simulation software. The simulation study was conducted based on monthly solar radiation, temperature and daily radiation time of the Weh Island during one year. The result of the study showed that the system produced sum annual energy of 7991 MWh/year and the solar panel obtained the average radiation of 5.2 kWh/m2/day. The highest energy output was 792.4 MWh which was produced in January, and the lowest energy output was 603.3 MWh which was produced in September. Furthermore, when the usage time distribution of the electricity was formulated into the model, the simulation result showed that the solar farm system were able to accommodate the electricity requirement in Weh Island.
The effect of diameter downcomer in air entrainment process from vertical plunging water jet with downcomer
Authors: Warjito  , Budiarso  , Jaya R L
Published: June 2019

The development of technology on flotation in water-waste treatment is very fast. This environmentally friendly technology using bubbles. The characteristic of the bubble causes the material to separate into the material hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Obviously with the addition of other chemicals. At the time of bubble formation, air entrainment events occur. This study aims to determine the parameters that affect the entrainment of air events that is the relationship of diameter downcomer and jet velocity to air entrainment. Set up tools used are pump, nozzle, downcomer, flow meter, reducer and glass water tank. All that is connected with the pipe, the data obtained in the form of video and photos using the camera. From there obtained quantitative and qualitative data, for quantitative data in the process using image processing program. Results from this research that jet velocity affects air entrainment, whereas the diameter of the downcomer affects the value of the air entrainment.
The characterization tensile and thermal properties of hibiscus tiliaceus cellulose fibers
Authors: Sari N H , Padang Y A
Published: June 2019

In our study, hibiscus tiliaceus (HT) fibers were treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) 8% for two hours at ambient temperature. The tensile strength and thermal properties of the treated fibers were examined by using tensile test and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface structure of the hibiscus tiliaceus fibers were analyzed using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). Experimental results revealed that under KOH treatment, the tensile strength increased up to 5144.9 MPa, resistance thermal and cellulose of the fibers become increased; due to hemicellulose content were reduced of the fibers. SEM images show that after alkali, the hibiscus tiliaceus fibers surface becomes clear, fibril and rougher.
Performance of vertical axis Savonius wind turbines related to the fin number on the blade
Authors: Ridwan  , Setyawan I , Setiyono
Published: June 2019

Model and the number of blades on the wind turbine greatly affect its performance. The purpose of this research is to know the effect of the fin on Savonius turbine U type 4 number blade. Simulation using Solidworks (Flow Simulation) software based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Method, will show pressure distribution and velocity distribution of blade rotor savonius wind turbines. The simulations to compare on the variation of the addition of 1 fin, 2 fins, and blade without fin (standard). The wind speed variations applied to each of the blades is 5 m/s, and 7 m/s respectively. The simulation results showed that the performance of pressure distribution and velocity distribution on each blade is higher and more widespread and evenly distributed, occurring on each blade with the addition of two fins compared to a single fin turbine and standard blade (without the addition of fin). The higher wind speed applied to the turbine blades will have a significant effect on the value of pressure distribution and velocity distribution on the blade. The effectiveness of pressure distributions and velocity distributions that occurs on the turbine blades will be significant to effect for the rotation on the turbine shaft, so as to have a significant impact on the performance the turbines.
Remaining strength assessment of dented pipe based on depth and strain based criteria
Authors: Akbar M , Huda F , Dewi D K
Published: June 2019

There are currently two methods which are used in feasibility operation of dented pipeline systems, namely depth based and strain based. In this research, both methods will be compared to determine conservatism degree of each method and as a guideline and considerations in the integrity assessment of pipeline system. The finite element method with including nonlinearities of material properties and dimension will be used as a tool in the analysis. Static indentation was held with using half ball indenter. Variations of applied load are 600 N, 1000 N, 1500 N, 2000 N, and 2500 N. The results of indentation are dent depth ratio (d/D) with value 1,93 %, 3,78 %, 5,53 %, 7,08 %, 10,63 %, and plastic strain with value 4,24 %, 5,87 %, 8,36 %, 11,43 %, and 12,93 %, respectively. Based on the Code, depth based criteria use d/D<6 % and strain (ɛ) < 6 % as an acceptance criteria. Based on this research, it can be concluded that strain based method is more conservative rather than depth based method. Then, five model of defected pipe will be simulated in the condition of operation pressure applied to the pipe. Operation pressure was varied with (P/Py) 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1. The results show that depth of dent will decrease with variation of strain value.
Kobayashi isometries in convex domains
Authors: Edigarian Armen
Published: June 2019

In [Invent. Math. 207 (2017), pp. 1289–1299] it is claimed that Kobayashi isometries in strictly convex domains are holomorphic or anti-holomorphic. Generally, following the idea of St. Antonakoudis of using the relation between Klein and Poincaré models, we give simplified and complete proof of this fact.
Iterative allogamy–autogamy transitions drive actual and incipient speciation during the ongoing evolutionary radiation within the orchid genus Epipactis (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Sramkó Gábor , Paun Ovidiu , Brandrud Marie K , Laczkó Levente , Molnár Attila , Bateman Richard M
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims

The terrestrial orchid genus Epipactis has become a model system for the study of speciation via transitions from allogamy to autogamy, but close phylogenetic relationships have proven difficult to resolve through Sanger sequencing.

Methods

We analysed with restriction site-associated sequencing (RAD-seq) 108 plants representing 29 named taxa that together span the genus, focusing on section Epipactis. Our filtered matrix of 12 543 single nucleotide polymorphisms was used to generate an unrooted network and a rooted, well-supported likelihood tree. We further inferred genetic structure through a co-ancestry heat map and admixture analysis, and estimated inbreeding coefficients per sample.

Key Results

The 27 named taxa of the ingroup were resolved as 11 genuine, geographically widespread species: four dominantly allogamous and seven dominantly autogamous. A single comparatively allogamous species, E. helleborine, is the direct ancestor of most of the remaining species, though one of the derived autogams has generated one further autogamous species. An assessment of shared ancestry suggested only sporadic hybridization between the re-circumscribed species. Taxa with the greatest inclination towards autogamy show less, if any, admixture, whereas the gene pools of more allogamous species contain a mixture alleles found in the autogams.

Conclusions

This clade is presently undergoing an evolutionary radiation driven by a wide spectrum of genotypic, phenotypic and environmental factors. Epipactis helleborine has also frequently generated many local variants showing inclinations toward autogamy (and occasionally cleistogamy), best viewed as incipient speciation from within the genetic background provided by E. helleborine, which thus becomes an example of a convincingly paraphyletic species. Autogams are often as widespread and ecologically successful as allogams.
Interactive exploration of heterogeneous biological networks with Biomine Explorer
Authors: Podpečan Vid , Ramšak Živa , Gruden Kristina , Toivonen Hannu , Lavrač Nada
Published: June 2019

Biomine Explorer is a web application that enables interactive exploration of large heterogeneous biological networks constructed from selected publicly available biological knowledge sources. It is built on top of Biomine, a system which integrates cross-references from several biological databases into a large heterogeneous probabilistic network. Biomine Explorer offers user-friendly interfaces for search, visualization, exploration and manipulation as well as public and private storage of discovered subnetworks with permanent links suitable for inclusion into scientific publications. A JSON-based web API for network search queries is also available for advanced users.

Availability and implementation

Biomine Explorer is implemented as a web application, which is publicly available at https://biomine.ijs.si. Registration is not required but registered users can benefit from additional features such as private network repositories.
MaNGA: a novel multi-niche multi-objective genetic algorithm for QSAR modelling
Authors: Serra Angela , Önlü Serli , Festa Paola , Fortino Vittorio , Greco Dario
Published: June 2019

Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modelling is currently used in multiple fields to relate structural properties of compounds to their biological activities. This technique is also used for drug design purposes with the aim of predicting parameters that determine drug behaviour. To this end, a sophisticated process, involving various analytical steps concatenated in series, is employed to identify and fine-tune the optimal set of predictors from a large dataset of molecular descriptors (MDs). The search of the optimal model requires to optimize multiple objectives at the same time, as the aim is to obtain the minimal set of features that maximizes the goodness of fit and the applicability domain (AD). Hence, a multi-objective optimization strategy, improving multiple parameters in parallel, can be applied. Here we propose a new multi-niche multi-objective genetic algorithm that simultaneously enables stable feature selection as well as obtaining robust and validated regression models with maximized AD. We benchmarked our method on two simulated datasets. Moreover, we analyzed an aquatic acute toxicity dataset and compared the performances of single- and multi-objective fitness functions on different regression models. Our results show that our multi-objective algorithm is a valid alternative to classical QSAR modelling strategy, for continuous response values, since it automatically finds the model with the best compromise between statistical robustness, predictive performance, widest AD, and the smallest number of MDs.

Availability and implementation

The python implementation of MaNGA is available at https://github.com/Greco-Lab/MaNGA.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Deletion of Fmr1 from Forebrain Excitatory Neurons Triggers Abnormal Cellular, EEG, and Behavioral Phenotypes in the Auditory Cortex of a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Lovelace Jonathan W , Rais Maham , Palacios Arnold R , Shuai Xinghao S , Bishay Steven , Popa Otilia , Pirbhoy Patricia S , Binder Devin K , Nelson David L , Ethell Iryna M , Razak Khaleel A
Published: June 2019

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a leading genetic cause of autism with symptoms that include sensory processing deficits. In both humans with FXS and a mouse model [Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse], electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings show enhanced resting state gamma power and reduced sound-evoked gamma synchrony. We previously showed that elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may contribute to these phenotypes by affecting perineuronal nets (PNNs) around parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice. However, how different cell types within local cortical circuits contribute to these deficits is not known. Here, we examined whether Fmr1 deletion in forebrain excitatory neurons affects neural oscillations, MMP-9 activity, and PV/PNN expression in the auditory cortex. We found that cortical MMP-9 gelatinase activity, mTOR/Akt phosphorylation, and resting EEG gamma power were enhanced in CreNex1/Fmr1Flox/y conditional KO (cKO) mice, whereas the density of PV/PNN cells was reduced. The CreNex1/Fmr1Flox/y cKO mice also show increased locomotor activity, but not the anxiety-like behaviors. These results indicate that fragile X mental retardation protein changes in excitatory neurons in the cortex are sufficient to elicit cellular, electrophysiological, and behavioral phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice. More broadly, these results indicate that local cortical circuit abnormalities contribute to sensory processing deficits in autism spectrum disorders.
Anisotropic Kirchhoff pre-stack depth migration at the COSC-1 borehole, central Sweden
Authors: Simon H , Buske S , Hedin P , Juhlin C , Krauß F , Giese R
Published: June 2019

A remarkably well preserved representation of a deeply eroded Palaeozoic orogen is found in the Scandinavian Caledonides, formed by the collision of the two palaeocontinents Baltica and Laurentia. Today, after 400 Ma of erosion along with uplift and extension during the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean, the geological structures in central western Sweden comprise far transported allochthonous units, the underlying Precambrian crystalline basement, and a shallow west-dipping décollement that separates the two and is associated with a thin layer of Cambrian black shales. These structures, in particular the Seve Nappes (upper part of the Middle Allochthons), the Lower Allochthons and the highly reflective basement are the target of the two approximately 2.5 km deep fully cored scientific boreholes in central Sweden that are part of the project COSC (Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides). Thus, a continuous 5 km tectonostratigraphic profile through the Caledonian nappes into Baltica’s basement will be recovered. The first borehole, COSC-1, was successfully drilled in 2014 and revealed a thick section of the seismically highly reflective Lower Seve Nappe. The Seve Nappe Complex, mainly consisting of felsic gneisses and mafic amphibolites, appears to be highly anisotropic. To allow for extrapolation of findings from core analysis and downhole logging to the structures around the borehole, several surface and borehole seismic experiments were conducted. Here, we use three long offset surface seismic profiles that are centred on the borehole COSC-1 to image the structures in the vicinity of the borehole and below it. We applied Kirchhoff pre-stack depth migration, taking into account the seismic anisotropy in the Seve Nappe Complex. We calculated Green’s functions using an anisotropic eikonal solver for a VTI (transversely isotropic with vertical axis of symmetry) velocity model, which was previously derived by the analysis of VSP (Vertical Seismic Profile) and surface seismic data. We show, that the anisotropic results are superior to the corresponding isotropic depth migration. The reflections appear significantly more continuous and better focused. The depth imaging of the long offset profiles provides a link between a high-resolution 3-D data set and the regional scale 2-D COSC Seismic Profile and complements these data sets, especially in the deeper parts below the borehole. However, many of the reflective structures can be observed in the different data sets. Most of the dominant reflections imaged originate below the bottom of the borehole and are situated within the Precambrian basement or at the transition zones between Middle and Lower Allochthons and the basement. The origin of the deeper reflections remains enigmatic, possibly representing dolerite intrusions or deformation zones of Caledonian or pre-Caledonian age.
SIC-POVMs and the Stark Conjectures
Authors: Kopp Gene S
Published: June 2019

The existence of $d^2$ pairwise equiangular complex lines [equivalently, a symmetric informationally complete positive operator-valued measure (SIC-POVM)] in $d$-dimensional Hilbert space is known only for finitely many dimensions $d$. We prove that, if there exists a set of real units in a certain ray class field (depending on $d$) satisfying certain algebraic properties, a SIC-POVM exists, when $d$ is an odd prime congruent to 2 modulo 3. We give an explicit analytic formula that we expect to yield such a set of units. Our construction uses values of derivatives of zeta functions at $s=0$ and is closely connected to the Stark conjectures over real quadratic fields. We verify numerically that our construction yields SIC-POVMs in dimensions 5, 11, 17, and 23, and we give the first exact SIC-POVM in dimension 23.
Determinants of place of death for end-stage cancer patients: evidence from China
Authors: Li Zhong , Jiang Shan , Xu Chengzhong , Lu Fangfang , He Ruibo , Pan Zijin , Zhang Pei , Zhang Liang
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine factors influence place of death (POD) for end-stage cancer patients and investigate how the healthcare utilization mediates on the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on POD.

Design

A population-based, retrospective study from July 2015 to June 2017.

Setting

Yichang, China.

Participants

894 end-stage cancer patients.

Main outcome measure

POD.

Results

Patients of hospital death experience more inpatient hospitalization services (IHS) and emergency department visits. Patients enrolled in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (OR = 7.60, P < 0.001) and Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (OR = 28.0, P < 0.001) have higher rates of hospital death than those in the Urban Resident-based Basic Medical Insurance. Living with spouse (OR = 1.72, P = 0.019) and receiving higher education (OR = 1.92, P = 0.004), increase the likelihood of hospital death by 72% and 92%, respectively. The probability of hospital death will increase by 14% and decrease by 4% per IHS and outpatient services occur, respectively. Outpatient services (Z = −2.28, P < 0.001), and IHS (Z = 2.17, P < 0.001) mediate 1.81% and 1.89%, respectively, of the effect of health insurance on POD. The overall effect of the mediators is non-statistically significant (Z = 0.09, P = 0.825).

Conclusion

POD is mainly driven by SES. The relationship between health insurance and POD is partly mediated by outpatient services and IHS, respectively. The results corroborated that hospital and home services should be coherently bridged. Furthermore, benefit packages for end-stage cancer patients could be redesigned.
DQueST: dynamic questionnaire for search of clinical trials
Authors: Liu Cong , Yuan Chi , Butler Alex M , Carvajal Richard D , Li Ziran Ryan , Ta Casey N , Weng Chunhua
Published: June 2019

Objective

Information overload remains a challenge for patients seeking clinical trials. We present a novel system (DQueST) that reduces information overload for trial seekers using dynamic questionnaires.

Materials and Methods

DQueST first performs information extraction and criteria library curation. DQueST transforms criteria narratives in the ClinicalTrials.gov repository into a structured format, normalizes clinical entities using standard concepts, clusters related criteria, and stores the resulting curated library. DQueST then implements a real-time dynamic question generation algorithm. During user interaction, the initial search is similar to a standard search engine, and then DQueST performs real-time dynamic question generation to select criteria from the library 1 at a time by maximizing its relevance score that reflects its ability to rule out ineligible trials. DQueST dynamically updates the remaining trial set by removing ineligible trials based on user responses to corresponding questions. The process iterates until users decide to stop and begin manually reviewing the remaining trials.

Results

In simulation experiments initiated by 10 diseases, DQueST reduced information overload by filtering out 60%–80% of initial trials after 50 questions. Reviewing the generated questions against previous answers, on average, 79.7% of the questions were relevant to the queried conditions. By examining the eligibility of random samples of trials ruled out by DQueST, we estimate the accuracy of the filtering procedure is 63.7%. In a study using 5 mock patient profiles, DQueST on average retrieved trials with a 1.465 times higher density of eligible trials than an existing search engine. In a patient-centered usability evaluation, patients found DQueST useful, easy to use, and returning relevant results.

Conclusion

DQueST contributes a novel framework for transforming free-text eligibility criteria to questions and filtering out clinical trials based on user answers to questions dynamically. It promises to augment keyword-based methods to improve clinical trial search.
Carbon-ion irradiation overcomes HPV-integration/E2 gene-disruption induced radioresistance of cervical keratinocytes
Authors: Arians Nathalie , Nicolay Nils Henrik , Brons Stephan , Koerber Stefan Alexander , Jaschke Christine , Vercruysse Marco , Daffinger Sigrid , Rühle Alexander , Debus Jürgen , Lindel Katja
Published: June 2019

To date, only few data exist on mechanisms underlying the human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated irradiation response. It has been suggested, that the viral E2 gene plays an important role in that context. The aim of the current study is to compare the effect of photon- and carbon-ion (12C)-radiation therapy (RT) on cells with different HPV and E2 gene status. We hypothesized that 12C-RT might overcome the radioresistance of E2 gene-disrupted cells.

We analyzed four different cell lines that differed in HPV status or E2 gene status. Cells were irradiated with either photons or 12C. Clonogenic survival, cell cycle and expression of Rb and p53 were analyzed.

Radiosensitivity seemed to be dependent on E2 gene status and type of RT. 12C-RT led to lower surviving fractions, indicating higher radiosensitivity even in cells with disrupted E2 gene. The observed relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 12C-RT for C33a/Caski and W12/S12 was 1.3/4 and 2.7/2.5, respectively. Cell cycle regulation after both photon- and 12C-RT was dependent on HPV status and on E2 gene status. Furthermore, the effect of RT on expression of p53 and Rb seemed to be dependent on E2 gene status and type of RT.

We showed that 12C-RT overcomes HPV-integration induced radioresistance. The effect of RT on cell cycle regulation as well as on expression of p53 and Rb seemed to be dependent on HPV status, E2 gene status and type of RT. Differences in Rb expression and cell cycle regulation may play a role for enhanced radiosensitivity to 12C-RT of cells with disrupted E2 gene.
Chinese Text Project: A dynamic digital library of premodern Chinese
Authors: Sturgeon Donald
Published: June 2019

This article presents technical approaches and innovations in digital library design developed during the design and implementation of the Chinese Text Project, a widely-used, large-scale full-text digital library of premodern Chinese writing. By leveraging a combination of domain-optimized Optical Character Recognition, a purpose-designed crowdsourcing system, and an Application Programming Interface (API), this project simultaneously provides a sustainable transcription system, search interface and reading environment, as well as an extensible platform for transcribing and working with premodern Chinese textual materials. By means of the API, intentionally loosely integrated text mining tools are used to extend the platform, while also being reusable independently with materials from other sources and in other languages.
Hyperfine excitation of NS+ due to para-H2(j = 0) impact
Authors: Bop Cheikh T
Published: June 2019

Sulphur bearing nitrogenous compounds have been observed in space over this last decade. Modelling their abundances has been done using rate coefficients of isoelectronic molecules. In order to satisfy the astrophysical precision required, we report the actual rate coefficients of NS+ induced by collision with the most abundant interstellar species (para-H2). Considering the 23 low-lying rotational levels of NS+, we were able to compute the (hyperfine) rate coefficients up to 100 K. These latter were carried out by averaging cross-sections over the Maxwell–Boltzmann velocity distribution. The state-to-state inelastic cross-sections were determined in the quantum mechanical close coupling approach for total energies ranging up to 1400 cm−1. These dynamic data result from a four dimensional potential energy surface (4D-PES) which was spherically averaged over the H2 orientations. The 4D-PES was calculated using the explicitly correlated coupled cluster method with simple, double, and non-iterative triple excitation (CCSD(T)–F12) connected to the augmented–correlation consistent–polarized valence triple zeta Gaussian basis set (aug–cc–pVTZ). The so-averaged PES presents a very deep well of 596.72 cm−1 at R = 5.94 a0 and θ1 = 123.20°. Discussions on the propensity rules for the (hyperfine) rate coefficients were made and they are in favour of (Δj = ΔF) Δj = 1 transitions. The results presented here may be crucially needed in order to accurately model the NS+ abundance in space. In addition, we expect that this paper will encourage investigations on the sulphur bearing nitrogenous compounds.
Black hole – Galaxy correlations in simba
Authors: Thomas Nicole , Davé Romeel , Anglés-Alcázar Daniel , Jarvis Matt
Published: June 2019

We examine the co-evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes in the simba cosmological hydrodynamic simulation. simba grows black holes via gravitational torque-limited accretion from cold gas and Bondi accretion from hot gas, while feedback from black holes is modelled in radiative and jet modes depending on the Eddington ratio (fEdd). simba shows generally good agreement with local studies of black hole properties, such as the black hole mass–stellar velocity dispersion (MBH–σ) relation, the black hole accretion rate versus star formation rate (BHAR–SFR), and the black hole mass function. MBH–σ evolves such that galaxies at a given MBH have higher σ at higher redshift, consistent with no evolution in MBH–M⋆. For $M_{\rm BH}\lesssim 10^8\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$, fEdd is anticorrelated with MBH since the BHAR is approximately independent of MBH, while at higher masses fEdd–MBH flattens and has a larger scatter. BHAR versus SFR is invariant with redshift, but fEdd drops steadily with time at a given MBH, such that all but the most massive black holes are accreting in a radiatively efficient mode at $z\gtrsim 2$. The black hole mass function amplitude decreases with redshift and is locally dominated by quiescent galaxies for MBH > 108 M⊙, but for $z\gtrsim 1$ star-forming galaxies dominate at all MBH. The z = 0 fEdd distribution is roughly lognormal with a peak at $f_{\rm Edd}\lesssim 0.01$ as observed, shifting to higher fEdd at higher redshifts. Finally, we study the dependence of black hole properties with H i content and find that the correlation between gas content and SFR is modulated by black hole properties, such that higher SFR galaxies at a given gas content have smaller black holes with higher fEdd.
The possible hierarchical scales of observed clumps in high-redshift disc galaxies
Authors: Behrendt M , Schartmann M , Burkert A
Published: June 2019

Giant clumps on ∼kpc scales and with masses of $10^8\rm {-}10^9 \, \mathrm{M_{\odot }}$ are ubiquitous in observed high-redshift disc galaxies. Recent simulations and observations with high spatial resolution indicate the existence of substructure within these clumps. We perform high-resolution simulations of a massive galaxy to study the substructure formation within the framework of gravitational disc instability. We focus on an isolated and pure gas disc with an isothermal equation of state with T = 104 K that allows capturing the effects of self-gravity and hydrodynamics robustly. The main mass of the galaxy resides in rotationally supported clumps which grow by merging to a maximum clump mass of $10^8 \, \mathrm{M_{\odot }}$ with diameter ∼120 pc for the dense gas. They group to clump clusters (CCs) within relatively short times ($\ll 50 \, \mathrm{Myr}$), which are present over the whole simulation time. We identify several mass and size scales on which the clusters appear as single objects at the corresponding observational resolution between ${\sim } 10^8 \,\rm{and}\, 10^9 \, \mathrm{M_{\odot }}$. Most of the clusters emerge as dense groups and for larger beams they are more likely to be open structures represented by a single object. In the high-resolution runs higher densities can be reached, and the initial structures can collapse further and fragment to many clumps smaller than the initial Toomre length. In our low-resolution runs, the clumps directly form on larger scales 0.3–1 kpc with $10^8\rm {-}10^9 \, \mathrm{M_{\odot }}$. Here, the artificial pressure floor which is typically used to prevent spurious fragmentation strongly influences the initial formation of clumps and their properties at very low densities.
Body Perception Disturbance and Pain Reduction in Longstanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Lewis Jennifer S , Kellett Sara , McCullough Ryan , Tapper Ashley , Tyler Chelsey , Viner Maria , Palmer Shea
Published: June 2019

Objective

Clinical guidelines for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome recommend multidisciplinary rehabilitation, yet limited evidence exists to support the effectiveness of this approach. Body perception disturbance, a common and debilitating feature of complex regional pain syndrome, is recommended by guidelines as important to treat. However, no study has yet explored whether disturbances change in response to multidisciplinary rehabilitation. We aimed to determine whether there is a change in body perception disturbance and pain following a two-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for complex regional pain syndrome.

Methods

Retrospective clinical data from complex regional pain syndrome patients who completed the program between September 2014 and December 2016 were extracted and anonymized. Data collected pre- and post rehabilitation comprising the Bath Body Perception Disturbance scale and a pain intensity numerical rating scale were analyzed.

Results

Thirty complete data sets were analyzed from a sample of 50 consecutive patient records. After the program, there was a significant reduction in body perception disturbance (P < 0.0001), strength of negative emotional feelings (P < 0.0001), and pain (P = 0.0038). There was a significant correlation between a change in disturbance and pain (r = 0.44, P = 0.024). No relationship was found between the duration of symptoms and changes in disturbance (r = 0.04, P = 0.82).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that both body perception disturbance and pain reduce after rehabilitation. Findings suggest that targeting these disturbances may be important in reducing pain and may be a potentially useful measure for recovery. Controlled trials are required to confirm the effectiveness of rehabilitation and determine what factors are responsible for these reductions.
Public health professionals’ perceptions of the capacity of China’s CDCs to address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
Authors: Tong Michael Xiaoliang , Hansen Alana , Hanson-Easey Scott , Xiang Jianjun , Cameron Scott , Liu Qiyong , Liu Xiaobo , Sun Yehuan , Weinstein Philip , Han Gil-Soo , Mahmood Afzal , Bi Peng
Published: June 2019

Background

China’s capacity to control and prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases is critical to the nation’s population health. This study aimed to explore the capacity of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) in China to deal with infectious diseases now and in the future.

Methods

A survey was conducted in 2015 among 973 public health professionals at CDCs in Beijing and four provinces, to assess their capacity to deal with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Results

Although most professionals were confident with the current capacity of CDCs to cope with outbreaks, nearly all indicated more funding was required to meet future challenges. Responses indicated that Yunnan Province faced more challenges than Anhui, Henan and Liaoning Provinces in being completely prepared and able to deal with outbreaks. Participants aged 20–39 years were more likely than those aged 40 and over to believe strategies such as interdisciplinary and international collaborations for disease surveillance and control, would assist capacity building.

Conclusion

The capacity of China’s CDCs to deal with infectious diseases was excellent. However, findings suggest it is imperative to increase the number of skilled CDC staff, financial support, and strengthen county level staff training and health education programs.
Family Firms and Labor Market Regulation
Authors: Bennedsen Morten , Huang Sterling , Wagner Hannes F , Zeume Stefan
Published: June 2019

In a panel across twenty-eight countries over 10 years, we show that family firms on average enjoy performance advantages over nonfamily firms only when labor markets are less regulated. We confirm this result in a matched firm sample using a survey-based instrument as a family control. Furthermore, family firms exhibit lower variation in employment levels in less-regulated labor markets, supporting the notion that labor relations drive family firms’ performance advantages. Our results are consistent with the notion that both family ownership and labor market reforms provide employment protection and thus partly substitute as governance mechanisms.

Received December 17, 2018; editorial decision April 3, 2019 by Editor Andrew Ellul.
Secret trusts and testamentary freedom
Authors: Cheung Tommy
Published: June 2019

Secret trusts are a mystery because no theory perfectly explains why the court enforces them when they do not comply with the statutory formalities of wills. This article argues that secret trusts are inter vivos express trusts. If secret trusts fulfil their formalities, the courts will enforce them because they reflect the testator’s intentions of disposing his/her properties at death, sharing the same policy considerations of the Wills Act 1837. This article illustrates how equity facilitates the validity of secret trusts, whilst also limiting its scope to give the courts guidance on when to enforce them to preserve testamentary freedom.