bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue evaluation of a hand‐held device for the automated colonoscope
Authors: Sheerer Corey , Choi JungHun
Published: November 2019

As knowledge about the colorectal disease becomes more widespread, an increasing demand for screening and high standards arises. This study focuses on the fatigue measurement of a prototype colonoscope that incorporates a holding structure to support the colonoscope and a hand‐held device that actuates distal tip steering. Experimentation was performed to compare the fatigue and learning curve of the prototype scope to a conventional scope. Fatigue was measured as a reduction in force corresponding to the maximum voluntary contraction of the left thumb and forearm. Results show that subjects using the conventional scope did not experience significant reduction in force in either the thumb or the forearm, while the prototype scope resulted in a force reduction of 17% and 16% in the forearm and thumb, respectively. Caecal intubation time and learning rate showed no significant decrease while using the prototype scope compared with a conventional scope to ensure the functionality of the prototype scope.
Genetic variability in Iranian limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B patients: An evidence of a founder effect
Authors: Mojbafan Marzieh , Tina Shirzadeh , Zafarghandi Motlagh Fatemeh , Surguchov Andrei , Nilipour Yalda , Zeinali Sirous
Published: November 2019

Background

Dysferlinopathies are a group of autosomal recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) caused by mutations in DYSF (#603,009). This gene encodes a transmembrane protein called dysferlin. Since there are few reports on Iranian dysferlinopathy patients, we tried to identify the DYSF mutations in affected individuals of Iran.

Methods

Eight unrelated Iranian families have been selected for this study. Sanger sequencing followed by haplotype analysis was performed to identify individual variations in DYSF sequence. Identified variants were analyzed, and their pathogenicity was interpreted according to the recommendations of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Results

We identified two new mutations in DYSF, the first one is a nonsense mutation c.2419C > T (p.Gln807*), which eliminates downstream part of the protein. Another novel mutation is c. (1,053 + 1_1,054‐1)_(1,397 + 1_1,398‐1)del, which causes deletion of the DNA segment from exon 12 to exon 15.

Conclusion

Two of the other six families are from the same ethnicity and share the same mutation and haplotype patterns, suggesting a founder mutation. Genetic analysis of dysferlinopathy can prevent a wrong diagnosis of myositis for these patients.
Ultrasound vector projectile imaging for detection of altered carotid bifurcation hemodynamics during reductions in cardiac output
Authors: Au Jason S. , Yiu Billy Y. S. , So Hélène , Chee Adrian J. Y. , Greaves Danielle K. , Hughson Richard L. , Yu Alfred C. H.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Complex blood flow is commonly observed in the carotid bifurcation, although the factors that regulate these patterns beyond arterial geometry are unknown. The emergence of high‐frame‐rate ultrasound vector flow imaging allows for noninvasive, time‐resolved analysis of complex hemodynamic behavior in humans, and it can potentially help researchers understand which physiological stressors can alter carotid bifurcation hemodynamics in vivo. Here, we seek to pursue the first use of vector projectile imaging (VPI), a dynamic form of vector flow imaging, to analyze the regulation of carotid bifurcation hemodynamics during experimental reductions in cardiac output induced via a physiological stressor called lower body negative pressure (LBNP).

Methods

Seven healthy adults (age: 27 ± 4 yr, 4 men) underwent LBNP at −45 mmHg to simulate a postural hemodynamic response in a controlled environment. Using a research‐grade, high‐frame‐rate ultrasound platform, vector flow estimation in each subject’s right carotid bifurcation was performed through a multi‐angle plane wave imaging (two transmission angles of 10° and −10°) formulation, and VPI cineloops were generated at a frame rate of 750 fps. Vector concentration was quantified by the resultant blood velocity vector angles within a region of interest; lower concentration indicated greater flow dispersion. Discrete concentration values during peak and late systole were compared across different segments of the carotid artery bifurcation before, and during, LBNP.

Results

Vector projectile imaging revealed that external and internal carotid arteries exhibited regional hemodynamic changes during LBNP, which acted to reduce both the subject’s cardiac output (Δ − 1.2 ± 0.5 L/min, −19%; P < 0.01) and peak carotid blood velocity (Δ − 6.30 ± 8.27 cm/s, −7%; P = 0.05). In these carotid artery branches, the vector concentration time trace before and during LBNP were observed to be different. The impact of LBNP on flow complexity in the two carotid artery branches showed variations between subjects.

Conclusions

Using VPI, intuitive visualization of complex hemodynamic changes can be obtained in healthy humans subjected to LBNP. This imaging tool has potential for further applications in vascular physiology to identify and quantify complex hemodynamic features in humans during different physiological stressor tests that regulate hemodynamics.
Pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression in older home‐dwelling people with cancer
Authors: Solvik Elena , Ytrehus Siri , Utne Inger , Grov Ellen Karine
Published: November 2019

Aim

Globally, cancer incidence counts for more than 14 million cases and the number increases with age. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression in association with demographic and clinical factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used.

Methods

We performed descriptive statistics to analyse the questionnaires completed from 174 older home‐dwelling people with cancer.

Results

The people with cancer reported low occurrence of pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression. We found strong correlation between anxiety and depression. Women reported significantly higher scores of anxiety and depression than men. A higher pain score was associated with higher scores of fatigue and anxiety.

Conclusions

Home care personnel meeting older home‐dwelling people with cancer should emphasize these people’ mental health problems and be aware that pain, fatigue and anxiety may occur at the same time.
Infrared Thermography for Estimating Supraclavicular Skin Temperature and BAT Activity in Humans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jimenez‐Pavon David , Corral‐Perez Juan , Sánchez‐Infantes David , Villarroya Francesc , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Martinez‐Tellez Borja
Published: November 2019

Objective

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic tissue with potential as a therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The most used technique for quantifying human BAT activity is the measurement of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake via a positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan following exposure to cold. However, several studies have indicated the measurement of the supraclavicular skin temperature (SST) by infrared thermography (IRT) to be a less invasive alternative. This work reviews the state of the art of this latter method as a means of determining BAT activity in humans.

Methods

The data sources for this review were PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (SPORTdiscus), and eligible studies were those conducted in humans.

Results

In most studies in which participants were first cooled, an increase in IRT‐measured SST was noted. However, only 5 of 24 such studies also involved a nuclear technique that confirmed increased activity in BAT, and only 2 took into account the thickness of the fat layer when measuring SST by IRT.

Conclusions

More work is needed to understand the involvement of tissues other than BAT in determining IRT‐measured SST; at present, IRT cannot determine whether any increase in SST is due to increased BAT activity.
Use Water Science to Bolster Customer Appreciation
Authors: Junker Matthew
Published: November 2019

Water utilities depend on customer support for a wide range of initiatives, from new budgets to special projects that require additional charges. Customers who are favorably impressed with a water utility are most likely to support increased service charges when they're required. Also, where there are good public relations, customers will be more tolerant of problems such as temporary tastes and odors, voluntary conservation measures, or repairs that require service disruptions.
Contributing factors to the development of temporomandibular joint symptoms in a Japanese community‐dwelling population
Authors: Ishizaki Hiroshi , Satake Anna , Fukuda Haruka , Akiyama Natsumi , Noguchi Takao , Osanai Toshiyuki , Oyama Toshiaki , Tamura Yoshihiro , Ito Ryohei , Kobayashi Wataru
Published: November 2019

Background

Multicausal theories of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are supported, but no apparent influencing factors except for bruxism have been identified.

Objective

This study aimed to cross‐sectionally and longitudinally examine the oral environment and mental and psychological status in a general adult Japanese population and elucidate the relationships between these and the development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms.

Materials and methods

A total of 1117 individuals who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotional Project in 2016 and 827 individuals who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotional Project in both 2016 and 2017 without prior TMD treatment were included. For the cross‐sectional study, the relationships between the presence of TMJ symptoms and the oral environment and mental and psychological factors were analyzed for the participants in 2016; and for the longitudinal study, factors contributing to the development of TMJ symptoms were analyzed in those who participated in the project both in 2016 and 2017.

Results

Age, the existence of bruxism, and health‐related quality of life—vitality scores (the vitality scale of the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire)—were significantly associated with the development of TMJ symptoms in the cross‐sectional study, while only bruxism was significantly correlated with the development of TMD in the longitudinal study (odds ratio: 2.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.044‐3.868; P = .037).

Conclusions

The existence of bruxism was again identified as the only contributing factor in the development of TMD. No involvement of mental and psychological factors was found.
Chemical modification of carbon fiber with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid/halloysite nanotube as a multifunctional interfacial reinforcement for silicone resin composites
Authors: Zheng Yawen , Wang Xiaoyun , Wu Guangshun
Published: November 2019

In the present research, a multifunctional hierarchical reinforcement was prepared by chemical modification of carbon fibers (CFs) with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by the bridging diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) for improving interfacial microstructures and properties of composites. Surface structures and groups of modified HNTs and CFs were characterized systematically. The uniform distributions of the introduced DTPA and HNTs helped to increase fiber polarity, surface energy, and wettability. As a consequence, significant enhancements of interfacial properties and hydrothermal aging resistance of composites were achieved, and interfacial reinforcing mechanisms have also been studied. Moreover, the storage modulus showed a 17.95% improvement, and the glass transition temperature was enhanced by 17°C by dynamic mechanical analysis testing.
Comparative effectiveness of metformin versus insulin for gestational diabetes in New Zealand
Authors: Landi Suzanne N. , Radke Sarah , Boggess Kim , Engel Stephanie M. , Stürmer Til , Howe Anna S. , Jonsson Funk Michele
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To measure the comparative effectiveness of metformin versus insulin for initial pharmacological management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study using administrative claims, maternity care, and laboratory result data from New Zealand. We followed pregnant women aged 15 to 45 from GDM diagnosis through delivery and assessed outcomes using maternity care and hospitalization data. We adjusted for covariates using inverse probability of treatment weights and multiple imputation for missing covariate information. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (RRs), risk differences (RDs) per 100, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Linear regression was used to estimate the association of treatment with birthweight. We stratified analyses by ethnicity and infant sex in prespecified sensitivity analyses.

Results

We compared 3818 metformin‐treated pregnancies with 3450 insulin‐treated pregnancies. We observed differences in treatment initiation by ethnicity, socioeconomic status, region, and calendar year. Treatment groups were similar in age, body mass index (BMI), and timing of diagnosis/treatment initiation. After adjustment, metformin was associated with reduced absolute risk of planned elective c‐section (RD = −2.3, 95% CI, −4.3 to −0.3), large for gestational age (RD = −3.7, 95% CI, −5.5 to −1.8), and neonatal hypoglycemia (RD = −5.0, 95% CI, −6.9 to −3.2) compared with insulin. There were no clinically meaningful differences in average birthweight between metformin‐ and insulin‐treated pregnancies. We observed variation in estimates by ethnicity and infant sex for some neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion

Metformin appears to be an effective treatment for women with GDM and may reduce risk of some adverse neonatal outcomes when compared with insulin.
Identification of plant hormones and candidate hub genes regulating flag leaf senescence in wheat response to water deficit stress at the grain‐filling stage
Authors: Luo Yongli , Pang Dangwei , Jin Min , Chen Jin , Kong Xiang , Li Wenqian , Chang Yonglan , Li Yong , Wang Zhenlin
Published: November 2019

In order to clarify the transcriptional regulatory network and physiological mechanisms governing leaf senescence response to drought stress in wheat, experiments were performed using two wheat varieties with contrasting drought tolerance: Fu287 (F287, a drought‐sensitive genotype) and Shannong20 (SN20, a drought‐resistant genotype). The latter has higher SPAD values, salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), zeatin (Z), zeatin riboside (ZR), and gibberellin (GA3) content as well as higher expression levels of Cu/Zn‐SOD, Mn‐SOD, Fe‐SOD, POD, CAT, and APX under various water deficit conditions. Conjoint analysis of physiological and biochemical indicators and transcriptome data by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) in the present study provides a useful genomic and molecular resource for studying drought adaptation in wheat. The flag leaf senescence process was changed by altering the concentration of phytohormones. SA, JA, abscisic acid (ABA), Z, ZR, and GA3 coordinate with each other to control leaf senescence and plant adaptation under drought stress. Further, the leaf senescence process was divided into two phases: the persistence phase and the rapid loss phase. Shorter Chltotal (duration of the flag leaf being photosynthetically active), shorter Chlper (persistence phase), reduced M (inflection point cumulative temperature when senescence rate is the maximum), decreased rmax (the maximum senescence rate), larger r0 (the initial senescence rate), and increased raver (the average senescence rate) were slightly associated with low grain mass. We speculated that extending the period of the persistence phase by cultivation or chemical control measures could further increase the drought survivability and productivity of wheat.
Concentration‐dependent conformation transition of regenerated silk fibroin induced by graphene oxide nanosheets incorporation
Authors: Sha Jin , Chen Xin , Ma Liang
Published: November 2019

Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite has been substantially investigated due to its significant multifunctional potential. Here, in combination of micromorphology, crystalline conformation, dynamic mechanical property characterization, and Fourier self‐deconvolution (FSD) quantitative analysis, we investigated the RSF molecular chains conformation transition induced by GO nanosheet incorporation, and its influence on the structural and mechanical properties of solution casted RSF/GO composite films. The GO nanosheet promoted the silk fibroin molecular chains conformation transition from random coil to β‐sheet structure, and a correlation between β‐sheet structure fraction and GO concentration was revealed. The β‐sheet structure fraction increases further improved the dynamic mechanical property of composite films. Moreover, based on nucleation‐dependent aggregation of silk fibroin molecular chains, a mechanism considering the competition effect between GO concentration and its total surface area was proposed to explain the observed concentration‐dependent conformation transition phenomenon. The study improves our understanding on silk fibroin conformation transition process in RSF/GO composite and would provide a valuable reference for the rational design of bioinspired multifunctional materials with enhanced mechanical properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1506–1515
Mussel‐Inspired Polymer Grafting on CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots Enhancing the Environmental Stability
Authors: Park Jongyeop , Murali G. , Kwon Binhee , Jeong Woojun , Jeong Geumbi , Ch Seshendra Reddy , Park Sung Young , In Insik
Published: November 2019

Mussel‐inspired chemistry, motivated by the adhesive proteins secreted by mussels for attachment to wet surfaces, is an emerging technique for manipulating the surface properties of a variety of materials. Here, a facile mussel‐inspired poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) polymer encapsulation with trivial influence on inherent optical properties of perovskite quantum dots (QDs) is demonstrated to efficiently combat the low intrinsic thermal, chemical, and photostability of CsPbBr3 QDs. The suitability of photopolymer‐processed PVP‐CsPbBr3 QDs flexible films as color components in white light–emitting devices is substantiated.
Unique active site formation in a novel galactose 1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum
Authors: Ohshida Tatsuya , Hayashi Junji , Yoneda Kazunari , Ohshima Toshihisa , Sakuraba Haruhiko
Published: November 2019

A gene encoding galactose 1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GalT) was identified in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum. The gene was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, after which its product was purified and characterized. The expressed enzyme was highly thermostable and retained about 90% of its activity after incubation for 10 minutes at temperatures up to 90°C. Two different crystal structures of P. aerophilum GalT were determined: the substrate‐free enzyme at 2.33 Å and the UDP‐bound H140F mutant enzyme at 1.78 Å. The main‐chain coordinates of the P. aerophilum GalT monomer were similar to those in the structures of the E. coli and human GalTs, as was the dimeric arrangement. However, there was a striking topological difference between P. aerophilum GalT and the other two enzymes. In the E. coli and human enzymes, the N‐terminal chain extends from one subunit into the other and forms part of the substrate‐binding pocket in the neighboring subunit. By contrast, the N‐terminal chain in P. aerophilum GalT extends to the substrate‐binding site in the same subunit. Amino acid sequence alignment showed that a shorter surface loop in the N‐terminal region contributes to the unique topology of P. aerophilum GalT. Structural comparison of the substrate‐free enzyme with UDP‐bound H140F suggests that binding of the glucose moiety of the substrate, but not the UDP moiety, gives rise to a large structural change around the active site. This may in turn provide an appropriate environment for the enzyme reaction.
The Study of Latex Sphere Lithography for High Aspect Ratio Dry Silicon Etching
Authors: Morozov Ivan , Gudovskikh Alexander , Uvarov Alexander , Baranov Artem , Sivakov Vladimir , Kudryashov Dmitri
Published: November 2019

A method to obtain vertically aligned silicon structures with a high aspect ratio, which are interesting for photovoltaics, using nanosphere lithography and cryogenic plasma etching is explored. For the conventional nanosphere lithography, the etching of the latex spheres during the cryogenic plasma process limits the maximum ratio of Si wire length to the diameter at the level of 5:1. The maximum length of 2–3 μm can be obtained for Si wires with 0.45 μm diameter. An intermediate step of SiO2 hard mask formation before nanosphere lithography is proposed to increase the maximum length. The nanosphere lithography with the predeposited SiO2 layer allows to increase the maximum length/diameter ratio to at least 15:1. An array of Si wires with a diameter of 0.45 μm and a length of 6 μm is obtained on the entire surface of 4 in. Si wafers.
Coercivity and Interactions in Sr–M Thin Films with Nonperpendicular Orientation
Authors: Faloh Gandarilla Jael Cristina , Díaz-Castañón Sergio
Published: November 2019

Magnetic viscosity and interactions have been studied recently in bulk M‐type hexaferrites. Herein, this kind of study is extended to Sr–M (SrFe12O19) thin films deposited on SiO2/Si substrates using the pulsed laser ablation technique at relatively low substrate temperatures at 2.7 mbar oxygen atmosphere. Samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating‐sample magnetometry. The high values of the coercive field (4.8 kOe) obtained for the films are in correspondence with large values reported in thin films, powders, and sintered samples for the Sr–M compound. Demagnetization‐like interactions are found and magnetic viscosity results point to the coercivity mechanism different from coherent rotation despite the small particle size.
Modeling of Temperature‐Dependent Sign Reversal of Magnetoresistance in 99.95% La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 − 0.05% Paraffin Wax Nanocomposite: The Role of Pinning Center at Intergrain Defect Site
Authors: Deb Debajit , Dey Puja
Published: November 2019

A reasonable modification of an established phenomenological model is developed to investigate the recent report on sign reversal of magnetoresistance (MR) in 99.95% La0.7Sr0.3MnO3(LSMO)−0.05% paraffin wax hybrid nanocomposite system. At zero external magnetic field (H), all the grain boundary (GB) domain walls (DWs) are assumed to remain pinned at the pinning well. Due to depinning of spin‐polarized DWs with H, a negative MR response is observed between 15 K and 300 K. The GB DWs, which are expected to be pinned with strong pinning strength at and below 10 K, have undergone spin‐flip tunneling, thereby increasing the resistance of the composite with H, i.e., positive MR. The strong pinning phenomenon associated with positive MR is analytically modeled using a skewed Gaussian distribution of pinning strength at and below 10 K.
A Study on the First‐Derivative Output Properties of GaN Static Induction Transistor with Submicrometer Fin Width
Authors: Chun Jaeyi , Li Siwei , Malakoutian Mohamadali , Ji Dong , Chowdhury Srabanti
Published: November 2019

The first derivative of output curves of a Schottky‐junction vertical channel GaN static induction transistor (SIT) with a submicrometer‐sized fin is studied to understand its fundamental electrical properties. It is found that the derivative of output curves increases with the increase in drain voltage (Vds) in ohmic region because of the raised potential minima in the channel, which is not seen in SITs with a relatively long fin width. The influence of the gate voltages (Vgs) and Vds on electric potential in the channel is demonstrated by evaluating the contribution of Vgs and Vds, expressed through two coefficients α and β. The ratio of α to β increases up to 31.1 from 16.3 with decrease in the fin width from 0.9 to 0.5 μm, showing a higher dependency of the potential minima on Vgs and the fin width. The voltage gain expressed by α/β is 14.9 dB for the GaN SIT with a fin width of 0.5 μm.
The spatially conscious machine learning model
Authors: Kiely Timothy J. , Bastian Nathaniel D.
Published: November 2019

Successfully predicting gentrification could have many social and commercial applications; however, real estate sales are difficult to predict because they belong to a chaotic system comprised of intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics, perceived value, and market speculation. Using New York City real estate as our subject, we combine modern techniques of data science and machine learning with traditional spatial analysis to create robust real estate prediction models for both classification and regression tasks. We compare several cutting edge machine learning algorithms across spatial, semispatial, and nonspatial feature engineering techniques, and we empirically show that spatially conscious machine learning models outperform nonspatial models when married with advanced prediction techniques such as Random Forests, generalized linear models, gradient boosting machines, and artificial neural networks.
Changes in Chinese nurses' mental health during 1998–2016: A cross‐temporal meta‐analysis
Authors: Xin Sufei , Jiang Wenyuan , Xin Ziqiang
Published: November 2019

In China, nursing is a profession with considerable stress, which may cause both physiological and psychological problems. The present study conducted a cross‐temporal meta‐analysis of 244 papers using the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL‐90) to investigate the changes in the mental health level of Chinese nurses (N = 71,286) from 1998 to 2016. Results showed that (a) relationships between scores of all nine types of mental problems in the SCL‐90 and year were significantly positive, indicating that the mental health level of nurses decreased steadily in the past 19 years; (b) relationships between three social indicators (patient‐to‐nurse ratio, unemployment rate, and divorce rate) and scores of all nine types of mental problems in the SCL‐90 were significantly positive, suggesting that the increase in these social indicators may be responsible for the decrease in Chinese nurses' mental health level.
In Situ Fabrication of Robust Cocatalyst‐Free CdS/g‐C3N4 2D–2D Step‐Scheme Heterojunctions for Highly Active H2 Evolution
Authors: Ren Doudou , Zhang Weinan , Ding Yingna , Shen Rongchen , Jiang Zhimin , Lu Xinyong , Li Xin
Published: November 2019

Efficient H2O splitting for H2 evolution over the semiconductor photocatalyst is a crucial strategy in the field of energy and environment. Herein, cocatalyst‐free 2D–2D CdS/g‐C3N4 step‐scheme (S‐scheme) heterojunction photocatalysts are fabricated through in situ hydrothermal growth of 2D CdS nanosheets (NSs) on 2D g‐C3N4 NSs. The results clearly confirm that the binary CdS/0.7g‐C3N4 S‐scheme heterojunction shows the best H2 production rate (15.3 mmol g−1 h−1) without using any cocatalyst, which is 3.83 times and 3060 times higher than those of pure CdS and g‐C3N4, respectively. The apparent efficiency of CdS/0.7g‐C3N4 at 420 nm is 6.86%. Importantly, the as‐prepared CdS/0.7g‐C3N4 S‐scheme heterojunction has good stability when continuously irradiated for 21 h. The improved stability and activity are attributed to the formation of the S‐scheme heterojunction, which can markedly accelerate the interfacial charge separation for surface reaction. It is expected that the design of robust cocatalyst‐free CdS/g‐C3N4 2D–2D S‐scheme heterojunction can become a promising approach to develop the highly active H2 evolution systems based on various kinds of conventional semiconductor NSs.
The role of superior image composition in children's analogical reasoning
Authors: Yu Xiao , Han Congcong , Guo Junqi , Chen Yinghe
Published: November 2019

Analogical reasoning, as a higher cognitive ability, can help children make inferences about a novel situation. It is vital to help children's analogical reasoning development. However, the traditional intervention methods are simple and the effects cannot maintain. Aiming at this problem, the present study was the first to use computer technology especially image composition technique to promote children's analogical reasoning from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Specifically, one minimum region entropy based composition model was proposed. On the one hand, sparse coding model and spatial pyramid matching model were used for searching semantically matching images. On the other hand, minimum region entropy model could contribute to composite the candidate region into an ideal position. Furthermore, we set up a database using massive images and adequate experiments based on it to verify the model's effectiveness and robustness.

What's more important, we applied the improved image composition to analogical reasoning task. The results showed that the performance of intervention group was obviously better than control group during intervention stages and posttest stage. In general, the present study not only demonstrated the advantages of the improved image composition but also revealed composition's remarkable contribution for getting analogical relationship by children.
Energy balance method for modeling ultimate strain of fiber‐reinforced polymer‐repaired concrete
Authors: Tijani Ibrahim A. , Wu Yu‐Fei , Lim C. W.
Published: November 2019

The energy balance method has been widely used in the extant literature to derive the ultimate axial strain of conventional confined concrete columns. However, researchers noted that this method yields unrealistic results compared to experimental data when it is applied to fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) confined concrete columns. Therefore, it is deemed that the existing ultimate strain model based on the energy method cannot be directly applied to FRP‐repaired concrete. With this model shortcoming in mind and through a theoretical analysis with proper calibration, the current study extended the energy balance approach to develop a generalized model to determine the ultimate strain of FRP repaired concrete columns. This proposed new model can be used to predict the ultimate strain of repaired columns under both concentric and eccentric loadings. Because this model is established in a unified form without any restrictions to the cross‐sectional geometry, it is applicable to different shapes of repaired columns. On the other hand, although the energy balance method is unconservative for heavily damaged concrete, it exhibits a better performance with respect to the existing models when compared with the test result.
Damage assessment of reinforced concrete columns retrofitted by steel jacket under blast loading
Authors: Thai Duc‐Kien , Pham Thai‐Hoan , Nguyen Duy‐Liem
Published: November 2019

In this study, the damage to a reinforced concrete column retrofitted by steel jacket subjected to blast loading was investigated. Actually, this research is an extensive study of the previous works of the authors. Therefore, some of finite element modeling and validation procedure were adopted. Extensively, the effect of the steel jacket used for retrofitting the reinforced concrete column was evaluated. The effects of scaled distance, axial compressive force, and steel cover plate thickness on the structural performance of the column were investigated and discussed. Moreover, the residual strengths of the column with respect to the different scaled distances were also evaluated. Some useful discussions and recommendations, which may interest structural engineers and researchers, were presented as an important outcome of this research.
Light mediators in anomaly free U (1)X models. Part II. Constraints on dark gauge bosons
Authors: Correia F. C. , Fajfer Svjetlana
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We consider experimental constraints in the MeV region in order to determine the parameter space for the U(1)
X
extension of the Standard Model, presented in the first part of our work. In particular, we focus on the model UV-completed by cold WIMPs. We conclude that the electron anomalous magnetic moment and the neutrino trident production provide the most stringent bounds to

$$ {g}_X^2 $$

g
X
2

∼ 10
−6 in the mass interval below the di-muon threshold. By allowing the axial-vector coupling of the dark gauge boson Z′, the interference effect with the SM gauge bosons may reduce the bounds coming from the neutrino trident production. At the same time, such coupling allows a region of the parameter space already favored both by the relic abundance and by the discrepancy between experimental result and theoretical prediction for the muon anomalous magnetic moment. We emphasize that light-Z′ interactions, non-universal for the two first lepton families, necessarily create a difference in the proton charge radius measured in the Lamb shift of the e-hydrogen and μ-hydrogen. Finally, we determine the effects of the new gauge boson on the forward-backward asymmetry in e
+
e

−

→

$$ \overline{f}f $$

f
¯

f

= μ, τ, and on the leptonic decays M → jν

j

l
+
l

−
, where M = π, K, D, D

s

, B and j, l = e, μ.
Anomalous gravitation and its positivity from entanglement
Authors: Jiang Hongliang
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We explore the emergence of gravitation from entanglement in holographic CFTs with gravitational anomalies. More specifically, the holographic correspondence between topologically massive gravity (TMG) with gravitational Chern-Simons term in the 3D bulk and its dual CFT with unbalanced left and right moving central charges on the 2D boundary, is studied from the quantum entanglement perspective. Using the first law of entanglement, we derive the holographic dictionary of the energy-momentum tensor in TMG, including the chiral case with logarithmic mode. Furthermore, we show that the linearized equation of motion of TMG can also be obtained from entanglement using the Wald-Tachikawa covariant phase space formalism. Finally, we identify a quasi-local gravitational energy in the entanglement wedge as the holographic dual of relative entropy in gravitationally anomalous CFTs. The positivity and monotonicity of relative entropy imply that such a gravitational energy should be positive definite and become larger when increasing the size of the entanglement wedge. These constraints from quantum information may be potentially used to discuss the UV inconsistent issues of TMG.
Outcomes after thumb carpometacarpal joint stabilization with an abductor pollicis longus tendon strip for the treatment of chronic instability
Authors: Stauffer Alexandra , Schwarz Yvonne , Uranyi Marion , Schachinger Florian , Girsch Werner , Ganger Rudolf , Farr Sebastian
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Instabilities of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, caused by idiopathic ligamentous hyperlaxity, trauma or other conditions may lead to pain, functional impairment and eventually osteoarthritis. Several techniques have been described to enhance stability of the CMC 1. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes after CMC 1 joint stabilization using a soft-tissue procedure in patients with chronic instability.

Materials and methods

This study was designed as a retrospective study with a single follow-up visit after a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. All patients who underwent stabilization of the CMC 1 with an abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon strip for chronic, habitual instability were re-assessed using clinical examination, dedicated outcome scores [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; Nelson score; Kapandji opposition score], grip and pinch strength measurements, and radiographic examination.

Results

12 patients (15 operated thumbs) with a mean age at surgery of 23.2 (± 9.3) years were included after a mean follow-up period of 3.5 (± 1.3) years. The postoperative outcomes indicated excellent results, with a mean DASH score of 13.3 (± 11.3), VAS 1.1 at rest (and 2.8 during stress) and Nelson score of 87.7 (± 11.3). Postoperative grip, pinch strength and passive stability were not significantly different between operated and non-operated sides (p = 0.852; p = 0.923 and p = 0.428, respectively). We observed one case of recurrent instability besides no other complications. However, patients with trapezium hypoplasia (5 of 12) were more prone to signs of radiographic instability during stress testing.

Conclusions

Thumb carpometacarpal stabilization with an APL tendon strip yielded excellent clinical outcomes and low morbidity in the mid-term. However, long-term follow-up is needed to assess specifically whether patients with trapezium hypoplasia may be more prone to clinical symptom recurrence than those with normal anatomy.

Level of evidence

Level IV
Vergleich abfallwirtschaftlicher Systeme für Siedlungsabfälle mit Schwerpunkt Beschäftigungseffekte
Authors: Altendorfer Michael , Pomberger Roland , Gelbmann Ulrike
Published: November 2019

Nach dem Wirtschaftsaufschwung der sechziger Jahre folgte die Entwicklung hin zu einer „Wegwerfgesellschaft“. Dadurch steigen die Müllmengen nach wie vor rasant und somit auch die damit verbundenen Entsorgungsproblematiken. Zu den wesentlichen Herausforderungen zählen die begrenzten Deponievolumen, die Ressourcenknappheit sowie die negativen Umweltauswirkungen.

Obwohl die Abfallwirtschaft einen sehr wichtigen und durchaus beträchtlichen Wirtschaftszweig darstellt, wurden die Beschäftigungseffekte in Statistiken oder volkswirtschaftlichen Berechnungen bislang vernachlässigt.

Diese Arbeit untersucht anhand unterschiedlicher Modelle das Potenzial der direkten Beschäftigungseffekte in der Behandlung von Restmüll. Die idealisierten Modelle stützen sich auf grundlegende abfallwirtschaftliche Systeme, beginnend von der ungeordneten Deponierung hin zur verbesserten getrennten Sammlung. Neben dem Personalaufwand für die behandelnden Anlagen fließen auch die Beschäftigungszahlen für die Sammlung sowie die Transporte in die Betrachtung mit ein.

Bei der verbesserten getrennten Sammlung gelangt ein Teil des Restmüllstroms in die Altstoffsammlung. Basis für die Berechnung der Restmüllzusammensetzung bilden die Restmüllanalysen der einzelnen Bundesländer, woraus sich die Mengen für die Altstoffsammlung ableiten lassen.

Zusammenfassend wird deutlich, dass durch das Modell der verbesserten getrennten Sammlung – im Vergleich mit den anderen Modellen – ein Anstieg der Arbeitsplätze um ein Vielfaches möglich ist.
Nutzen und Kosten eines verstärkten Recyclings von Kunststoffverpackungen
Authors: Van Eygen Emile , Fellner Johann
Published: November 2019

Die neuen EU-weiten Recyclingziele für Verpackungen bedeuten, dass bis 2025 50 % der Kunststoffverpackungsabfälle stofflich verwertet werden müssen. In dieser Studie wurden für Österreich verschiedene Maßnahmen entwickelt, um dieses Ziel zu erreichen und versucht abzuschätzen, welche Umweltnutzen und welche Kosten damit verbunden sind. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit zeigen, dass die zusätzliche Rezyklatproduktion von 46.000 t/Jahr (+49 % gegenüber dem Status quo) einerseits zu einer Einsparung von 80.000 t CO2-eq an Treibhausgasemissionen führt; andererseits werden durch die verstärkte Umlenkung von Kunststoffverpackung von der thermischen Verwertung hin zum Recycling kaum fossile Ressourcen eingespart. Absolut gesehen beträgt die durch vermehrtes Kunststoffverpackungsrecycling erzielbare Reduktion 0,1 % der gesamten österreichischen Treibhausgasemissionen. Die zusätzlichen Kosten dafür liegen allerdings bei rund € 60 Mio., was zu spezifischen Treibhausgasvermeidungskosten von € 770 pro Tonne CO2-eq führt. Das Potenzial, über eine Verbesserung der Recyclingquote von Kunststoffverpackungen wesentliche Reduktionen an Treibhausgasemissionen und fossilem Ressourcenverbrauch zu schaffen, scheint also begrenzt. Die positiven Effekte eines verstärkten Recyclings von Kunststoffverpackungen liegen dementsprechend hauptsächlich in der gesteigerten Verfügbarkeit von Sekundärkunststoffen sowie einer möglichen Reduktion des Kunststoffkonsums aufgrund der höheren Kosten für die Abfallbehandlung von Kunststoffverpackungen.
A case study of seismograph self-noise test from Trillium 120QA seismometer and Reftek 130 data logger
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Yuan Songyong
Published: November 2019

Seismograph self-noise has become a de facto standard for instrument comparisons and their performance assessment and is considered as one of the most vital parameters for instrument comparison. For self-noise testing of modern force-balance feedback broadband seismometers, several factors have been thoroughly discussed and thought to be attributable to the self-noise estimate, including the data selection criteria, sensor alignment correction, timing error, correlation analysis method, and computational parameter selection during the computational process. This study focuses on some other factors, such as local site conditions, temperature insulating methods, and data logger self-noise interferences, with an aim to differentiate the self-noise contribution of these sources and their dependencies on time and frequency. A series of experiments were conducted at the Beijing National Earth Observatory using a Trillium 120QA seismometer and Reftek-130 data acquisition system at three different locations ranging from the ordinary equipment warehouse to global seismographic network level cave with a hard-rock base. Results show that noise-free site is necessary for the self-noise test in a frequency band greater than approximately 0.1 Hz. However, for a frequency band less than 0.1 Hz, the insulation method and installation procedures are far more important, although the influence of the site location cannot be neglected fully. A suitable preamp should be selected in the data logger configurations to ensure that the low-noise amplitude of the sensor signal is above the digitizer noise level.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanocomposite of titania-deposited copper ferrite/ferrite oxide for photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue dye
Authors: Nasrollahi Zahra , Ebrahimian Pirbazari Azadeh , Hasan-Zadeh Atefeh , Salehi Ali
Published: November 2019

The pure titania (TiO2) and the heterogeneous ternary magnetic nanocomposite of copper ferrite/ferrite oxide (CuFe2O4/Fe2O3) deposited by titanium dioxide (TiO2) were fabricated using a facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis for the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB) dye, under visible light. The nanocomposite was encoded as TCF in this work, where T stands for TiO2, C for CuFe2O4 and F for Fe2O3. Various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption, and vibrational sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to characterize the prepared samples. The PXRD data showed that the samples had pure anatase structure and the average crystal size of anatase TiO2 in the pure titania and ternary nanocomposite were calculated 147 Å and 135 Å, respectively. The nitrogen physisorption analysis data showed that the pore diameter was increased from 10.6 nm in pure titania to 16.0 nm in TCF. The pore volume was also increased from 0.316 in titania to 0.383 cm3/g in TCF sample. It also increased the typical magnitude of the mesopores’ diameter and volume per weight but it reduced the specific surface area of the samples. The VSM analysis of the ternary nanocomposite showed a considerable magnetic property of the sample (1.99 emu/g), qualifying it as a paramagnetic material. The photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of MB reached 77% and 68% in the presence of pure titania and TCF ternary nanocomposite, after 240-min exposure by the visible light. Active species trapping experiments showed that the major active species responsible for the photodecomposition of MB in the presence of TCF are $${\text{O}}_{2}^{ \cdot - }$$O2·- radicals and holes (h+).
Teaching Anatomy to Neuroscientific Health-Care Professionals: Are They Receiving the Best Anatomical Education?
Authors: Latini Francesco , Ryttlefors Mats
Published: November 2019

University neuroanatomical courses seldom teach the anatomical-functional connectivity of the brain. White matter dissection improves understanding of brain connectivity, but until now has been restricted to neurosurgeons and in some cases to medical students, never to health-care non-medical professionals. Our aim was to teach white matter anatomy to medical and non-medical students to evaluate this technique in groups with different education. A standardized lab demonstration of white matter anatomy was performed with high appreciation rate in both groups, suggesting a suboptimal neuroanatomical education provided by basic course. We encourage to include this technique of teaching brain anatomy into basic neuroanatomical courses to improve the level of comprehension and competence in all health-care staff within the field of neuroscience.
Martin Krygier’s Passion for the Rule of Law (and His Virtues)
Authors: Cheesman Nick , Janse Ronald
Published: November 2019

Why did Martin Krygier become a rule of law guy? This Introduction to a Special Issue of the Hague Journal on the Rule of Law, which consists of 33 short essays celebrating Krygier as a colleague, mentor and friend, discusses some of the factors which prompted him to develop a distinct and influential body of work on the rule of law over the past three decades: the rule of law revival, especially in Central and Eastern Europe; his involvement with Philip Selznick; and his dialogue with other prominent theorists, including Gianluigi Palombella and Jeremy Waldron. The Introduction gives a sense of the importance of Krygier’s personal background and history, and it also discusses some of the key features of his theory, and how these have developed over the past decades.
Effect of preparation method on the properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/mesoporous silica composites
Authors: Sibeko M. A. , Saladino M. L. , Armetta F. , Spinella A. , Luyt A. S.
Published: November 2019

The preparation method of a polymer composite and the filler loading are amongst the factors that influence the properties of the final composites. This article studies the effect of these factors on the thermal stability and thermal degradation kinetics of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/mesoporous silica (MCM-41) composites filled with small amounts of MCM-41. The PMMA/MCM-41 composites were prepared through in situ polymerisation and melt mixing methods, with MCM-41 loadings of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.%. The presence of MCM-41 increased the thermal stability of PMMA/MCM-41 composites prepared by melt mixing, but in the case of the in situ polymerised samples, the MCM-41 accelerated the degradation of the polymer. As a result, the activation energy was low and less energy was required to initiate and propagate the degradation process of these composites. The small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements showed that the preparation method of the composites had no influence on the pore size of MCM-41, but the PMMAs used in the two methods both had shorter chains than the MCM-41 pore size. This allowed the polymer chains to be trapped inside the pores of the filler and be immobilised, as was observed from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The immobilisation of the polymer chains was more significant in the in situ polymerised samples.