bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The accuracy of artificial and natural light measurements by actigraphs
Authors: Joyce Daniel S. , Zele Andrew J. , Feigl Beatrix , Adhikari Prakash
Published: December 2019

Actigraphs are the reference standard for measuring light exposure in human non‐laboratory experiments due to their portability and long battery lives. However, actigraphs typically have a limited illuminance operating range not representative of real‐world conditions, and for many actigraphs, the accuracy of their light measurement has not been verified independently. We assessed the illuminances recorded by Activinsights GENEActiv Original and Philips Actiwatch 2 actigraphs in comparison to a calibrated, laboratory‐standard photometer, under both artificial light‐emitting diode (LED) and natural sunlight illuminations that might be encountered by a person under real‐world conditions. We show that in response to ~20,000 lux white LED light, the GENEActiv and Actiwatch 2 underestimate illuminance by recording 50% and 25% of the true value, respectively. Under ~30,000 lux sunlight, the GENEActiv readily saturates whereas the Actiwatch 2 reports ~46% of the true illuminance. These underestimations are highly linear and we provide correction factors to estimate the illuminance levels of the ambient environment measured by the actigraphs. We also evaluate the application of neutral density filters for extending the operating range of both devices in natural sunlight illuminations (as high as 30,000 lux during our measurements) and demonstrate that this may be a viable approach for increasing the operating range of the Actiwatch 2 but not the GENEActiv. We conclude that both actigraphs provide good performance in monitoring the temporal patterning of light, whereas the absolute illuminance values require correction to accurately evaluate the effects of light intensity on human health and behaviours.
A unique case with positive anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody presenting multiple brain lesions
Authors: Matsumoto Namiko , Sato Kota , Hishikawa Nozomi , Kawahara Yuko , Takemoto Mami , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Fujii Kentaro , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Date Isao , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Abe Koji
Published: December 2019

The accurate diagnosis of anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐associated diseases is sometimes challenging due to its various central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Here, we report a 22‐year‐old man with positive anti‐MOG antibody presenting multiple brain lesions including a brainstem tumefactive demyelinating lesion (TDL), cortical edematous lesions, and a periventricular white matter lesion. These variety of lesions made the diagnosis challenging, especially because TDL is quite rare among MOG antibody‐associated disease patients. The present case suggests the importance to check anti‐MOG antibody for patients presenting atypical multiple CNS lesions.
Auxin‐induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangements require AUX1
Authors: Arieti Ruthie S. , Staiger Christopher J.
Published: December 2019

The actin cytoskeleton is required for cell expansion and implicated in cellular responses to the phytohormone auxin. However, the mechanisms that coordinate auxin signaling, cytoskeletal remodeling and cell expansion are poorly understood. Previous studies examined long‐term actin cytoskeleton responses to auxin, but plants respond to auxin within minutes. Before this work, an extracellular auxin receptor – rather than the auxin transporter AUXIN RESISTANT 1 (AUX1) – was considered to precede auxin‐induced cytoskeleton reorganization.

In order to correlate actin array organization and dynamics with degree of cell expansion, quantitative imaging tools established baseline actin organization and illuminated individual filament behaviors in root epidermal cells under control conditions and after indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) application. We evaluated aux1 mutant actin organization responses to IAA and the membrane‐permeable auxin 1‐naphthylacetic acid (NAA).

Cell length predicted actin organization and dynamics in control roots; short‐term IAA treatments stimulated denser and more parallel, longitudinal arrays by inducing filament unbundling within minutes. Although AUX1 is necessary for full actin rearrangements in response to auxin, cytoplasmic auxin (i.e. NAA) stimulated a lesser response.

Actin filaments became more ‘organized’ after IAA stopped elongation, refuting the hypothesis that ‘more organized’ actin arrays universally correlate with rapid growth. Short‐term actin cytoskeleton response to auxin requires AUX1 and/or cytoplasmic auxin.
Mind‐wandering: A philosophical guide
Authors: Irving Zachary C. , Glasser Aaron
Published: December 2019

Philosophers have long been fascinated by the stream of consciousness – thoughts, images, and bits of inner speech that dance across the inner stage. Yet for centuries, such ‘mind‐wandering' was deemed private and thus resistant to empirical investigation. Recent developments in psychology and neuroscience have reinvigorated scientific interest in the stream of thought. Despite this flurry of progress, scientists have stressed that mind‐wandering research requires firmer philosophical foundations. The time is therefore ripe for the philosophy of mind‐wandering. Our review begins with a foundational question: What is mind‐wandering? We then investigate the significance of mind‐wandering for general philosophical topics, namely, mental action, introspection, and the norms of thinking and attention.
Whole‐genome sequence analysis reveals candidate genomic footprints and genes associated with reproductive traits in Thoroughbred horse
Authors: Asadollahpour Nanaei Hojjat , Ayatollahi Mehrgardi Ahmad , Esmailizadeh Ali
Published: December 2019

The primary objective of most horse breeding operations was to maximize reproductive efficiency and minimize the cost of producing live foals. Here, we compared individual horses from the Thoroughbred population (n = 17), known as a horse breed with poor reproductive performance, with other six horse populations (n = 28), to detect genomic signatures of positive selection underlying of reproductive traits. A number of protein‐coding genes with significant (p‐value <.01) higher FST values (616 genes) and a lower value for nucleotide diversity (π) (310 genes) were identified. The results of our study revealed some candidate genes such as IGFBP2, IGFBP5, GDF9, BRINP3 and GRID1 are possibly associated with functions influencing reproductive traits. These genes may have been under selection due to their essential roles in reproduction performance in horses. The candidate selected genes identified in this work should be of great interest for future research into genetic architecture of traits relevant to horse breeding programmes.
Asthma–COPD overlap: No formal definition and simple diagnostic tool so far?
Authors: Ko Fanny W.S. , Hui David S.C.
Published: December 2019

See related Article
Dental‐related function in individuals with stroke: A confirmatory factor analysis of the dental activities test
Authors: Liu Wen , Chen Xi , Yuan Dong , Guo Cui , Wang Yue , Zhang Qianqian , Song Dandan
Published: December 2019

Aims

The dental activities test (DAT), designed to assess individuals’ ability to perform oral health‐related activities, was initially tested among 90 assisted living residents with normal to severely impaired cognition. This study aimed to examine the reliability (internal consistency), convergent validity, and structural validity of DAT among individuals with stroke.

Methods and Results

This study was a secondary analysis of data collected for a cross‐sectional study that aimed to understand oral disease patterns among 207 individuals with stroke from three hospitals in China. Convergent validity was examined using Spearman's Correlation coefficient (rs) for correlation between DAT scores and the assessments of physical function and cognition. Structural validity was examined using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The DAT demonstrated good estimates for internal consistency (Kuder Richardson‐20 = 0.85, 95% confidence of interval [CI] = 0.82, 0.88), convergent validity (rs range: 0.43‐0.61, all P < .001), and good structural validity with a one‐factor structure.

Conclusion

Findings supported the reliability and validity of DAT as a unidimensional construct in measuring the ability to perform oral health‐related activities in persons with stroke. Further testing among different patient populations and care settings is needed to accumulate evidence and expand the use of the test.
“Do as I do, not as I say”: Using social learning theory to unpack the impact of role models on students' outcomes in education
Authors: Ahn Janet N. , Hu Danfei , Vega Melissa
Published: December 2019

Role modeling has received much attention in education research, uncovering the mechanisms by which imitation occurs (e.g., the aspects of role models that make them more or less effective) and identifying the outcomes associated upon imitating the model. Nonetheless, certain social‐cognitive processes involved in role modeling tend to be overlooked. This oversight is puzzling given that these processes, such as retention and reproduction of modeled behavior, are of great importance to role modeling processes—the consideration and inclusion of such processes can provide crucial insight. This paper provides an overview of the role model research in education to date, detailing researchers' focus and emphasis on identifying aspects of role model effectiveness. We then analyze how including the component processes of social learning or observational theory can add value and application to advance role modeling research. Finally, we provide recommendations to close the gap between current research trends and what has been previously theorized on modeling to help inform ongoing future investigations.
The Importance of Consociationalism for Twenty‐First Century Politics and Political Science
Authors: Bogaards Matthijs , Helms Ludger , Lijphart Arend
Published: December 2019

Five decades after the term consociationalism made its debut in the comparative politics of divided societies, the huge body of international literature it has sparked continues to grow. In an era of populism and polarization, interest in the many facets of consociationalism is at an all‐time high. This introduction to the special issue of Half a Century of Consociationalism: Cases and Comparisons gives an impression of the contemporary state of the consociational research agenda. In addition, the introduction suggests some potentially rewarding new avenues, such as leadership studies, and cautions against the conflation of consociationalism and power sharing. It also voices some skepticism about the suggested promise of large N‐quantitative studies in a field still dominated by case‐based research. Overall, the introduction and the contributions to this special issue demonstrate the importance of consociationalism for twenty‐first century politics and political science – empirically, normatively, and prescriptively.
The HLA‐B*44:454 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Choi Eun‐Jeong , Baek In‐Cheol , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: December 2019

HLA‐B*44:454 differs from HLA‐B*44:03:02:01 in codon 81 in exon 2.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*40 allele, HLA‐B*40:451
Authors: Huo Ming‐Rui , Yu Yan , Xi Bin , Li Dan
Published: December 2019

HLA‐B*40:451 differs from B*40:06:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 257 of exon 2.
Cohomology of generalized configuration spaces
Authors: Petersen Dan
Published: December 2019

Let $X$ be a topological space. We consider certain generalized configuration spaces of points on $X$, obtained from the cartesian product $X^{n}$ by removing some intersections of diagonals. We give a systematic framework for studying the cohomology of such spaces using what we call ‘twisted commutative dg algebra models’ for the cochains on $X$. Suppose that $X$ is a ‘nice’ topological space, $R$ is any commutative ring, $H_{c}^{\bullet }(X,R)\rightarrow H^{\bullet }(X,R)$ is the zero map, and that $H_{c}^{\bullet }(X,R)$ is a projective $R$-module. We prove that the compact support cohomology of any generalized configuration space of points on $X$ depends only on the graded $R$-module $H_{c}^{\bullet }(X,R)$. This generalizes a theorem of Arabia.
A Glass Platelet Coating on Battery Electrodes and Its Use as a Separator for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Schadeck Ulrich , Gerdes Thorsten , Krenkel Walter , Moos Ralf
Published: December 2019

A new type of separator for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been developed using ultrathin micrometer-sized sodium borosilicate glass platelets coated directly on a battery electrode with a water-based binder. The coating process is described in detail, demonstrating coating thicknesses of the glass separator of less than 50 µm. The high-temperature stability has been investigated and it has been shown that the separator is dimensionally stable to at least 600 °C. With regard to the electrochemical performance, full-cell tests on graphite || lithium iron phosphate cells showed a very good behavior, according to which comparable properties of the electrode/separator compound to a commercial polymer-based separator were achieved. This glass separator/electrode composite shows an interesting property profile and is a temperature-stable alternative to conventional polymer-based separators.
Synthesis of Bi2S3/MoS2 Nanorods and Their Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Aluminum Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Shimeng , Li Jialin , Chen Haixia , Zhang Jianxin
Published: December 2019

Rechargeable aluminum ion batteries (AIBs) have attracted much attention because of their high charge density, low cost, and low flammability. Transition metal sulfides are a class of cathode materials that have been extensively studied. In this report, Bi2S3 nanorods and Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods were synthesized by the hydrothermal method as new type of cathode materials for rechargeable AIBs. The diameter of Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods is 20–100 nm. The Bi2S3 nanorods display high initial charge and discharge capacities of 343.3 and 251 mA h/g with a current density of 1 A/g. The static cycling for the Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods electrode at 1 A/g denotes high stability with a specific capacity of 132.9 mA h/g after 100 cycles. The charging voltage platform of Bi2S3 nanorods and Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods is at 1.1–1.4 V, and the discharge voltage platform is at around 0.8 V. The well-defined heterojunction maintains the stability of the Bi2S3 structure during long-term cycling, which is desirable for aluminum ion batteries. This strategy reveals new insights for designing cathode materials of high-performance AIBs.
Uncertainties of Ship Speed Loss Evaluation Under Real Weather Conditions
Authors: Prpić-Oršić Jasna , Sasa Kenji , Valčić Marko , Faltinsen Odd Magnus
Published: December 2019

A correct assessment of the ship speed loss in conditions of operation is becoming increasingly important for ship owners as well as ship designers. We are witnessing increasing concern for the environment and awareness of the necessity to preserve it as much as we could. The ship speed drop in the real environmental conditions can cause increased fuel consumption as well as increased emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) from ships. Decrease in the ship speed in real conditions is a consequence of the added resistance due to the impact of weather conditions and due to aggravated propeller working conditions. Moreover, the solution estimation of this problem is very much affected by human factors. Ship master, concerning for safety, can make a judgment that under certain adverse weather loads, it is necessary to slowdown or change ship's course to moderate or bypass the worst condition. In addition, the loading condition of the ship is constantly changing, which governs the basic parameters of the ship: the mass and mass moment of inertia, draft and trim and, consequently, the ship behavior at sea. All these parameters affect the assessment of ship speed, and it is necessary to be conscious of the intensity of their impact on the final value. At the same time, they cannot be predicted with absolute certainty, so the purpose of this analysis is to estimate the impact of weather and operational uncertainties on the actual speed of the ship in real operating conditions.
Can Wear Completely Suppress Thermoelastic Instabilities?
Authors: Papangelo Antonio , Ciavarella Michele
Published: December 2019

Thermoelastic instabilities (TEI) occur in sliding bodies at sufficiently high speed because a small thermoelastic disturbance tends to localize the contact, leading to “hot spots.” The role that wear plays in TEI has been studied briefly and only on highly idealized cases. We extend and complete in detail a model of Dow and Burton who studied the specific configuration of a blade sliding on a rigid half-space normal to its line of contact. We find there is a limit value of wear coefficient that can be estimated by simple equations, above which TEI is completely eliminated. In the limiting case of non-conducting half-space, it depends linearly on thermal expansion, diffusivity, and friction coefficient and inversely on the conductance of the material of the sliding body. This may not always be in the practical range, but when considering conductance of the half-space, the limit wear can be lowered arbitrarily so as to be viable. In some applications, it may be possible to increase wear to reduce or suppress TEI. Hence, the common assumption of neglecting wear in simulations of sliding contacts with TEI and hotspots should be taken with care, and the present results give some important benchmarks.
Influence of specific forming algorithms on the device-to-device variability of memristive Al-doped HfO2 arrays
Authors: Mahadevaiah Mamathamba K. , Perez Eduardo , Wenger Christian
Published: December 2019

In this work, the influence of specific switching algorithms on device-to-device (D2D) variability of the forming process, in an integrated Al-doped HfO2 1T-1R 4 kbit resistive random access memory array, is investigated. The resistive devices are programed by using two different algorithms: the incremental step pulse and verify algorithm (ISPVA) at different temperatures and the constant amplitude pulse and verify algorithm (CAPVA) at different voltage amplitudes. The stabilized forming currents of both algorithms are compared in terms of their distributions, yields, and dispersions. The D2D distributions of the forming voltages of ISPVA and the forming times of CAPVA are fitted by Weibull distributions. The obtained Weibull parameters provide a link with the statistics governing the process. Finally, the authors discuss the importance of the ISPVA, CAPVA, temperature, and voltage amplitudes to improve the reliability of the forming process.
(Un)imaginable (Para-)athletes: A Discourse Analysis of Athletics Websites in Canada
Authors: Peers Danielle , Konoval Timothy , Marsh Naturkach Rebecca
Published: December 2019

This Foucauldian discourse analysis engages DePauw’s theory of disability and visibility to examine the construction of para-athletes within the websites of Canada’s “fully integrated” athletics sport system. The authors found that para-athletes remain largely unimaginable within most athletics websites. When present, para-athletes are often only imagined as marginal participants, or marginalized through medical and charitable discourses. The authors offer examples of para-athletes being reimagined primarily as athletes, and some examples where (para-)athletics was reimagined by identifying and removing barriers to full participation. The authors close with some learning points that may enable sport practitioners to change how they discursively construct para-athletes and thus contribute to a less marginalizing and exclusionary sport system.
Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Rural-Living Older Adults
Authors: de Koning Jolanthe , Richards Suzanne , Stathi Afroditi
Published: December 2019

This cross-sectional, observational study examined whether objectively measured physical activity (PA) and specific activities are associated with loneliness and social isolation (SI) in rural-living older adults. A total of 112 participants (Mage = 72.8 [SD = 6.6], 51.8% female) from 23 villages in Wiltshire, United Kingdom, completed questionnaires, 7-day accelerometry, and activity diaries. Regression analysis was used to test associations between objectively measured light PA, moderate to vigorous PA, and total PA; loneliness; and SI from family, neighbors, or friends and to explore these associations using specific activities. Daily mean light, moderate to vigorous, and total PA were not associated with loneliness or SI. Volunteering, accompanying others, and sports/exercise were associated with lower SI from neighbors (odds ratio = 0.23, 95% CI [0.06, 0.91]), family (odds ratio = 0.39, 95% CI [0.22, 0.68]), and friends (odds ratio = 0.56, 95% CI [0.33, 0.97]), respectively. There were no associations between loneliness, SI, and objectively measured PA. The contribution of PA to loneliness and SI needs to be further investigated with larger and diverse samples of rural-living older adults.
Transition Detection for Automatic Segmentation of Wrist-Worn Acceleration Data: A Comparison of New and Existing Methods
Authors: Twaites Joshua , Everson Richard , Langford Joss , Hillsdon Melvyn
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Data from wrist-worn accelerometers often has an inherent natural segmentation that reflects transitioning from one activity to another. The aim of this study was to develop an activity transition detection method to realize this natural segmentation. Methods: Data was gathered from 16 participants who wore triaxial wrist accelerometers in a lab-based protocol and 47 participants in a free-living protocol. Change point detection was used to create a method for detecting activity transitions. The agreement between observed and predicted transitions was assessed by the Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and two additional metrics created for this task; the Ratio of Minimum Mean Distance (RMMD) and the Ratio of Sensitivity (RoS). The effects of varying combinations of acceleration axes were also investigated to determine the most effective set of axes. A novel post-processing technique was developed to mitigate a major limitation identified in current transition detection methods. Results: The developed transition detection method achieved a MCC of 0.763, a RMSE of 3.17, a RoS of 2.40, and a RMMD of 3.21, outperforming existing techniques. The post-processing technique developed improved the performance of all methods when identifying transitions. It was found that using solely the y-axis (vertical acceleration) allowed for optimal performance. Conclusion: Change point detection is a valid method for identifying transitions in activity using wrist-worn accelerometer data. The new post processing technique developed improves the performance of transition detection methods.
Muscle Activity Ratios of Scapular Stabilizers During Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Healthy Shoulders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karabay Damla , Emük Yusuf , Özer Kaya Derya
Published: December 2019

Context:Selective strengthening of scapular stabilizers is one of the emphases of the recent literature. Closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises are used extensively in shoulder rehabilitation. However, a limited number of studies have reported scapular muscle ratios during CKC exercises.Objectives:To determine the CKC exercises producing the optimal ratios of the scapular stabilizer muscles in healthy shoulders.Evidence Acquisition:A systematic search within PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and SPORTDiscus with Full Text and ULAKBIM National Medical Database was performed up to January 2018. Studies were selected according to the predetermined criteria. If the pooled mean ratios (upper trapezius [UT]/middle trapezius [MT], UT/lower trapezius [LT], and UT/serratus anterior [SA]), which were calculated from the percentage of maximum voluntary contractions of muscles, were <0.60, these exercises were considered as ideal for higher activation of the MT, LT, and SA than the UT.Evidence Synthesis:The search identified 1284 studies, and 29 observational studies were included for review. Seventy-nine CKC exercises were determined. Four exercises for the MT, 9 for the LT, and 59 for the SA were identified from the articles as being optimal exercises to activate the specified muscle more than the UT.Conclusions:This review identified optimal CKC exercises that provide good ratios between the MT, LT, and SA with the UT. Most exercises have optimal UT/SA ratios, but some exercises performed on unstable surfaces may lead to excessive activation of the UT relative to the SA. For the UT/MT, the isometric low row, inferior glide, and half supine pull-up with slings are the ideal exercises. Isometric one-hand knee push-up variations seem to be the best choice for the UT/LT. The results suggest that many CKC exercises may be utilized to enhance scapular muscle balance when rehabilitating shoulder pathology.
Sport Psychology Consultants’ Reflections on the Role of Humor: “It’s Like Having Another Skill in Your Arsenal”
Authors: Pack Stephen , Arvinen-Barrow Monna , Winter Stacy , Hemmings Brian
Published: December 2019

Previous research demonstrates that sport psychology consultants use humor to facilitate working alliances, reinforce client knowledge, and create healthy learning environments. The current study sought to gain further insights into consultants’ reflections on the role of humor, humor styles, purposes for humor, and experiences of humor use. Forty-eight sport psychology consultants completed an online survey comprising open-ended questions. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: “It’s the way I tell ’em,” “It’s the way I don’t tell ’em,” “This is why I tell ’em,” and learning to use humor in consultancy. Participants used 2 styles of humor (deadpan and self-deprecating), each with the goal of facilitating the working alliance. Although not all participants used humor during consultancy, its incorporation might render the working alliance and real relationship as resources in ways (e.g., a “barometer” that predicts consultancy outcomes) previously not considered in applied sport psychology.
Identification of a new source for the Triassic Langjiexue Group: Evidence from a gabbro-diorite complex in the Gangdese magmatic belt and zircon microstructures from sandstones in the Tethyan Himalaya, southern Tibet
Authors: Ma Xuxuan , Xu Zhiqin , Zhao Zhongbao , Yi Zhiyu
Published: December 2019

Considerable debate persists as to the Triassic paleogeographic framework of the Neotethys and the origin of the Late Triassic Langjiexue Group in the Tethyan Himalaya. Triassic magmatic rocks in the Gangdese belt and Late Triassic Langjiexue sediments play a pivotal role in addressing these issues. Geochronological, petrological, and geochemical analyses have been performed on the Middle Triassic gabbro-diorite complex (with crystallization ages of ca. 244–238 Ma) from the Gangdese belt. These plutonic rocks are characterized by relatively low MgO and high Al2O3 contents, calc-alkaline trends, and depletion of Nb, Ta, and Ti, resembling low-MgO high-alumina basalts or basaltic andesites. These plutonic rocks exhibit depleted whole-rock εNd(t) values of ∼+5 and zircon εHf(t) values peaking at ∼+14. These features resemble those of rocks in a subduction-related arc setting.

We also completed detrital zircon U-Pb dating and microstructure analysis for the sandstones of the Langjiexue Group in the Tethyan Himalaya. Zircon grains with ages >300 Ma are dominated by preweathered and weathered surfaces as well as fairly rounded to completely rounded scales, indicating a high degree of polycyclicity. In contrast, 300–200 Ma ones are characterized by fresh surfaces and completely unrounded to poorly rounded scales, indicating nearby sources. Collectively, our data, combined with published results, support that the subduction initiation of the Neotethys began no later than the Middle Triassic. Arc-affinity magmatic rocks supplied some materials to the Langjiexue Group. This scenario sheds new light on the provenance of the Langjiexue Group and the Triassic paleogeography of the Neotethyan realm.
A double masked randomised 4-week, placebo-controlled study in the USA, Thailand and Taiwan to compare the efficacy of oral valganciclovir and topical 2% ganciclovir in the treatment of cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis: study protocol
Authors: Takhar Jaskirat S , Joye Ashlin S , Somkijrungroj Thanapong , Laovirojjanakul Wipada , Lin Chang-Ping , Lietman Thomas M , Porco Travis C , Keenan Jeremy D , Gebreegziabher Elisabeth A , Seitzman Gerami D , Rose-Nussbaumer Jennifer , Doan Thuy A , Acharya Nisha R , Gonzales John A
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior uveitis is a recognised cause of anterior uveitis in immunocompetent patients and is preventable cause of vision loss. Ocular sequelae include corneal endothelial damage which can cause corneal oedema and failure, as well as glaucoma. Recurrences of inflammation are common and therefore patients are often exposed to long-term therapy. Oral therapy is available in the form of valganciclovir, although with the caveat of systemic side effects such as bone marrow suppression and renal failure necessitating regular interval laboratory monitoring. Recent reports have demonstrated that topical 2% ganciclovir solution may offer promising treatment outcomes in patients with CMV anterior uveitis with superior safety, cost-effectiveness and convenience profiles. An investigation into the relative equipoise of these therapies is warranted for these reasons.

Methods and analysis

The Systemic and Topical Control of Cytomegalovirus Anterior uveitis: Treatment Outcomes (STACCATO) trial is designed as a multicentre, block randomised by site, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of oral valganciclovir, 2% topical ganciclovir and placebo in treating PCR-proven CMV anterior uveitis. Participant clinical evaluation will occur at three study time points by a masked study ophthalmologist over a 28-day period to assess resolution of ocular inflammation (secondary outcome). A control group will provide additional information about the possible impact that the infected host’s immune response may play in controlling local viral replication. The primary analysis is an analysis of covariance (three arms) correcting for baseline to compare quantitative CMV viral load in the anterior chamber (AC) aqueous fluid before and 7 days after treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of California San Francisco Committee on Human Research and the Khon Kaen University Institutional Review Board have given ethical approval. The results of this trial will be presented at local and international meetings and submitted for peer-reviewed journals for publication.

Trial registration number

NCT03576898.
Initial evaluation of a virtual reality bomb-defusing simulator for development of undergraduate healthcare student communication and teamwork skills
Authors: Tidbury Laurence , Jarvis Kathryn , Bridge Pete
Published: December 2019

Communication and teamworking skills are essential healthcare professional skills, yet undergraduates exhibit reluctance to engage with group work, especially in interprofessional groups. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a virtual reality bomb-defusing simulator would enable students to gain these skills through an enjoyable and challenging scenario without profession-specific knowledge. Students took it in turns to play the role of the ‘Defuser’ immersed in a headset, while the rest of the group were ‘Experts’ with a printed manual, but no sight of the bomb. The task challenged students to relay obscure symbols and instructions to each other rapidly and effectively. A subsequent focus group explored the impact of the simulation on students’ perceived learning, engagement and communication skills. The focus group of five multiprofessional healthcare students reported high levels of engagement and satisfaction while highlighting value in developing communication and teamwork. The simulator nurtured initial group dynamics and team bonding. Evaluation data indicated that the intervention facilitated cooperation, team bonding and the development of good communication skills. This method of encouraging communication would fit well into an interprofessional learning session as a useful tool ahead of more technical and clinically based group work.

The focus group of five multiprofessional healthcare students reported high levels of engagement and satisfaction while highlighting value in developing communication and teamwork. The simulator nurtured initial group dynamics and team bonding.
Advanced closed-loop communication training: the blindfolded resuscitation
Authors: Hughes Kate E , Hughes Patrick G , Cahir Thomas , Plitt Jennifer , Ng Vivienne , Bedrick Edward , Ahmed Rami A
Published: December 2019

Closed-loop communication (CLC) improves task efficiency and decreases medical errors; however, limited literature on strategies to improve real-time use exist. The primary objective was whether blindfolding a resuscitation leader was effective to improve crisis resource management (CRM) skills, as measured by increased frequency of CLC. Secondary objectives included whether blindfolding affected overall CRM performance or perceived task load. Participants included emergency medicine (EM) or EM/paediatric dual resident physicians. Participants completed presurveys, were block randomised into intervention (blindfolded) or control groups, lead both adult and paediatric resuscitations and completed postsurveys before debriefing. Video recordings of the simulations were reviewed by simulation fellowship-trained EM physicians and rated using the Ottawa CRM Global Rating Scale (GRS). Frequency of CLC was assessed by one rater via video review. Summary statistics were performed. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated. Data were analysed using R program for analysis of variance and regression analysis. There were no significant differences between intervention and control groups in any Ottawa CRM GRS category. Postgraduate year (PGY) significantly impacts all Ottawa GRS categories. Frequency of CLC use significantly increased in the blindfolded group (31.7, 95% CI 29.34 to 34.1) vs the non-blindfolded group (24.6, 95% CI 21.5 to 27.7). Participant’s self-rated perceived NASA Task Load Index scores demonstrated no difference between intervention and control groups via a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Blindfolding the resuscitation leader significantly increases frequency of CLC. The blindfold code training exercise is an advanced technique that may increase the use of CLC.
Converging ice streams: an unreasonable hypothesis for deposition of the Oak Ridges Moraine, southern Ontario
Authors: Sharpe David R. , Russell Hazen A.J.
Published: December 2019

The hypothesis that Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) formed between converging ice streams requires critical testing. Available data (e.g., digital elevation models, maps, seismic profiles, continuous cores, and pit exposures) are inconsistent with the converging ice stream hypothesis. Combined analysis of landform and subsurface data permits testing the ORM area stratigraphic sequence and sedimentary origin. Stratigraphic data indicate that drumlinized Newmarket Till, incised by north–south-oriented (tunnel) valleys, extends beneath ORM. Thus, streamlining on Newmarket Till is older than ORM and has no direct bearing on its formation. The north–south-trending valleys truncate streamlined Newmarket Till, extend to bedrock, have inset eskers, and occur beneath ORM. Hence, these valleys are older than ORM and have a subglacial rather than a proglacial origin. Overlying the mega-scale lineations and incised channels are topographically elevated (>300 m a.s.l.), ORM glaciofluvial–glaciolacustrine sequences. Its east to west paleoflow trend indicates an east–west-oriented hydraulic gradient, orthogonal to expected gradients of proposed north-south converging ice streams. The exclusive presence of ORM meltwater sediments, with rare deformation, is incompatible with a converging ice stream, deforming-bed hypothesis. Halton sediment grades upward from stratified sand (ORM) to interbedded diamicton and glaciolacustrine sediment, rather than deformation till. Halton sediment overlies ORM and consequently the proposed Halton ice streaming is younger than the moraine. Halton Till is present in few of the predicted ice stream areas, and where Halton Till is present, it has no mega-scale lineations. In sum, the weight of evidence unequivocally argues against a converging ice-stream process model for the ORM.
Detecting somatic growth trends for summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) using a state-space approach
Authors: O’Leary Cecilia A. , Stawitz Christine C. , Nye Janet A.
Published: December 2019

In the past four decades, summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) abundance in the Northwest Atlantic shifted with no definitive explanation for this shift. Here, we extract patterns in population-level size variability from summer flounder mean length-at-age data from 1992 to 2015 using an autoregressive state-space modeling approach and annual fishing and oceanographic covariates. We found that summer flounder length-at-age varies annually, suggesting that productivity can vary annually due to variable sizes. We found that location and depth of the observed fish, exploitation, and the Gulf Stream appeared to influence the magnitude of length-at-age variation, whereby lengths-at-age were above the mean length at greater depth, northern latitudes, and during periods characterized by a northerly Gulf Stream position or higher fishing exploitation. These factors should be considered as indicators to track size and more accurately understand productivity as the summer flounder population changes and the fishery adapts in response. This study brings us closer to annual proxies for summer flounder length-at-age variation, an important tool for fisheries managers and stock-assessment scientists to more accurately predict fish stock abundances and productivity.
Simulated storage causes carbohydrate loss and rooting differences in two poinsettia cultivars
Authors: Jahnke Nathan J. , Dole John M. , Ashrafi Hamid
Published: December 2019

Unrooted cuttings of ‘Prestige Red’ and ‘White Star’ poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) were stored in a box at 10 °C for 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 d to simulate shipping and holding. Visual root ratings decreased following ≥4 d of storage but did not differ from the non-stored cuttings. Root rating of ‘White Star’ was 0.5 higher and cuttings maintained higher fructose and glucose concentrations compared to ‘Prestige Red’. Glucose (r2 = 0.4824) followed by fructose plus glucose (r2 = 0.4222) were the best predictors of rooting. Carbohydrate maintenance may be an indicator of storage tolerant and better-rooting cultivars.
Preparation of ultrafine silicon oxycarbide fiber mats via electrospinning/sol–gel method: Investigation of the solution spinnability
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Zhang Ting , Yue Xiaoyu , Wu Junyao , Gao Wei
Published: December 2019

Ultrafine silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) fiber mats were prepared through a sol–gel method combined electrospinning technique. The influence of sol–gel solution viscosity on its spinnability has been studied. By partially removing solvents after the sol–gel preparation, the solution could be stably spun and resulted in fiber mats with an average fiber diameter of 560 nm. The formation, morphology and composition of the SiOC fiber mats have been studied by TGA, FT-IR, SEM, XPS and XRD. Due to flexibility and free-standing property, the SiOC fiber mats will have a wide range of applications.
Stress corrosion property of 304 stainless steel and Q345 steel laser-MAG hybrid welded joints
Authors: Lv Hang , Gou Guoqing , Fu Zhenghong , Gao Wei
Published: December 2019

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) property of laser-MAG hybrid welded 304 stainless steel and Q345 steel was evaluated through cycle-immersion testing in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The average SCC crack propagation rate of different zones under different initial stress intensity factors was calculated, and the SCC fracture and crack propagation path were observed. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld joint have also been examined. The result indicates that the fusion zone (FZ) is extremely prone to SCC. The average SCC crack propagation rate in FZ is [Formula: see text] mm/h, while no obvious SCC was found in the base metal (BM) and heat-affected zone (HAZ). The steel BM and HAZ may also suffer SCC, but not as fast as in FZ. Grooves caused by SCC were found on the fracture surface with a large amount of corrosion products accumulated close to the interface between the pre-crack section and SCC section. Crystallized-sugar-shaped pattern was found on the SCC zone of FZ. Crack jumping, deflection and crack closure occurred in the crack propagation path. Martensite on the FZ was considered to be the major reason that the FZ has a higher SCC propagation rate.
N-soliton solution for a higher-order Chen–Lee–Liu equation with nonzero boundary conditions
Authors: Zhao Yi , Fan Engui
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the Riemann–Hilbert approach is applied to investigate a higher-order Chen–Lee–Liu equation with third-order dispersion and quintic nonlinearity terms. Based on the analytical, symmetric and asymptotic properties of eigenfunctions, a generalized Riemann–Hilbert problem associated with Chen–Lee–Liu equation with nonzero boundary conditions is constructed. Further, the [Formula: see text]-soliton solution is found by solving the generalized Riemann–Hilbert problem. As an illustrative example, two kinds of one-soliton solutions with different forms of parameters are obtained.
Bright–dark soliton dynamics and interaction for the variable coefficient three-coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Zhang Ling-Ling , Wang Xiao-Min
Published: December 2019

Under investigation in this paper is the variable coefficient three-coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (CNLS) equations, which govern the dynamics of solitonic excitations along three-spine [Formula: see text]-helical protein with inhomogeneous effect. Via the Hirota method and symbolic computation, the exact two-bright-one-dark (TBD) and one-bright-two-dark (BTD) soliton solutions are constructed analytically. The propagation properties are discussed for TBD and BTD solitons when the variable coefficient is a hyperbolic secant function. Figures are plotted to reveal the following interactions of TBD and BTD two solitons: (1) Evolution without interactions of double-parabola-shaped solitons, of double-[Formula: see text]-shaped solitons and of parabola-[Formula: see text]-shaped solitons; (2) Evolution with periodic interaction of double-parabola-shaped solitons and of parabola-[Formula: see text]-shaped solitons; (3) Collision of double-[Formula: see text]-shaped solitons and of parabola-[Formula: see text]-shaped solitons.
Simulation analysis of functional MoSe2layer for ultra-thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2solar cells architecture
Authors: Alzoubi Tariq , Moustafa Mohamed
Published: December 2019

The influence of Molybdenum diselenide transition metal dichalcogenide material (p-type MoSe2TMDC) as an interfacial layer between the ultra-thin Cu (In, Ga)Se2(CIGS) absorber layer, with thickness less than 500[Formula: see text]nm, and molybdenum back contact was studied using SCAPS-1D simulation package. The possible effects of the p-MoSe2layer on the electrical properties and the photovoltaic parameters of the CIGS thin-film solar cells have been investigated. Band gap energy, carrier concentration, and the layer thickness of the p-MoSe2were varied in this study. The optimum band gap is found to be of 1.3 eV. Interfacial layers of thicknesses less than 200 nm have been found to cause deterioration for the overall cell performance. This might be attributed to the increase in the back-contact recombination current and the reduction of the built-in potential at p-MoSe2/CIGS junction. Furthermore, the MoSe2layer would form the so-called back surface field (BSF), due to the associated wider band gap with respect to that of CIGS absorber layer. Additionally, the simulation of the I–V characteristic showed a higher slope which implies that MoSe2layer at the CIGS/Mo interface acts in a beneficial way on the CIGS/Mo hetero-contact adapting it from Schottky type contact to quasi-ohmic contact. The conversion efficiency has increased significantly from 14.61% to 22.08%, without and with the MoSe2layer, respectively. These findings are very promising for future high performance and cost-effective solar cell devices.
Growth, optical and thermal characterization of Semiorganic crystal: Diglycine Perchlorate for second-order nonlinear optical applications
Authors: Kumar M. Suresh , Rajesh K. , Vijayaraghavan G. V. , Krishnan S.
Published: December 2019

Optically good quality Diglycine Perchlorate (DGPCL) single crystals were grown by the solution growth slow evaporation method. Single crystal X-ray diffraction of DGPCL was analyzed in this paper. From the FTIR study, the functional groups of crystal were identified and confirmed. UV–Vis absorption spectrum was examined, which shows that large transmittance in the entire visible and NIR region and the value of optical band gap were determined. The Second Harmonic Generation efficiency of the crystal was determined by the Kurtz–Perry powder method, which authenticates nonlinear optical property of the title material. Thermal study with kinetic parameter calculations was analyzed. Laser Induced Damage threshold of the sample crystal was determined. The dielectric study was carried out by determining dielectric constant, dielectric loss and ac conductivity using LCR meter and the variations of these parameters with frequency and temperature were analyzed.
Nonlinear optical properties of Ag-enriched ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Ramya Emusani , Rao M. Veeramohan , Rao D. Narayana
Published: December 2019

Ag-enriched ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by using silver nitrate, zinc acetate, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as source elements, a novel method under particular conditions without any additives added as stabilizing or reducing agent. The transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies reveal that the ZnO layer is well formed onto the Ag core. The photoluminescence shows the energy transfer and electron-hole recombination between the conductor and semiconductor layers. Nonlinear optical properties are studied by using picosecond laser. Nonlinear absorption values are increased by increasing the Ag concentration in Ag-enriched ZnO NPs. Nonlinear optical effects in Ag-enriched ZnO NPs are due to two-photon induced free carrier and inter-band transitions. Optical limiting characteristics are measured in the picosecond time domain. Ag-enriched ZnO NPs are used as optical limiters in the visible region.