bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-reactivity of sIgE to mite and shrimp induced allergies in different age groups and clinical profiles of shrimp sIgE in vegetarians
Authors: Shen Cheng-Ying , Tsai Jaw-Ji , Liao En-Chih
Published: August 2019

The sensitization to house dust mites (HDMs) and shrimps affects the development of hypersensitivity with an increase in age. Due to the cross-reactivity between shellfish and HDMs, HDMs were considered as the primary sensitizer for shellfish allergy. Thus, vegetarians might be sensitized to shrimp through the inadvertent inhalation of HDMs. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of shrimp or mite allergy among different age groups and vegetarians. The serum specific-IgE (sIgE) level of HDMs and shrimp in 60 children/adolescence (un-adults), 30 adults, 30 elderly, and four vegetarian adults patients were measured. The sera with sIgE levels greater than 3.5 kUA/L were cross-reactivity examined. We found that HDMs induced higher sIgE than shrimp in un-adults. In contrast, shrimp-induced sIgE was higher in the adults and elderly patients. Moreover, adults were more frequently sensitized to shrimp and mite at the same time compared with the un-adult or elderly groups. The mite-Der p 10 not only displayed high cross-reactivity to the shrimp-Pen a 1 in all age groups and vegetarians but functioned as the major allergen to sensitize un-adults. Overall, the level of mite or shrimp sIgE is influenced by alterations in age, and vegetarians are at risk of shrimp sensitization via cross-reactivity between shrimp and mite.
Thermal Perceptual Thresholds are typical in Autism Spectrum Disorder but Strongly Related to Intra-individual Response Variability
Authors: Williams Zachary J. , Failla Michelle D. , Davis Samona L. , Heflin Brynna H. , Okitondo Christian D. , Moore David J. , Cascio Carissa J.
Published: August 2019

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often reported to exhibit an apparent indifference to pain or temperature. Leading models suggest that this behavior is the result of elevated perceptual thresholds for thermal stimuli, but data to support these assertions are inconclusive. An alternative proposal suggests that the sensory features of ASD arise from increased intra-individual perceptual variability. In this study, we measured method-of-limits warm and cool detection thresholds in 142 individuals (83 with ASD, 59 with typical development [TD], aged 7–54 years), testing relationships with diagnostic group, demographics, and clinical measures. We also investigated the relationship between detection thresholds and a novel measure of intra-individual (trial-to-trial) threshold variability, a putative index of “perceptual noise.” This investigation found no differences in thermal detection thresholds between individuals with ASD and typical controls, despite large differences between groups in sensory reactivity questionnaires and modest group differences in intra-individual variability. Lower performance IQ, male sex, and higher intra-individual variability in threshold estimates were the most significant predictors of elevated detection thresholds. Although no psychophysical measure was significantly correlated with questionnaire measures of sensory hyporeactivity, large intra-individual variability may partially explain the elevated psychophysical thresholds seen in a subset of the ASD population.
Side effects of toxic bait formulations on Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Bernardi Daniel , Nondillo Aline , Baronio Cléber Antonio , Bortoli Lígia Caroline , Junior Ruben Machota , Treptow Rute Caroline Becker , Geisler Fernanda Carla Santos , Neitzke Camila Gauger , Nava Dori Edson , Botton Marcos
Published: August 2019

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is considered one of the main biological control agents of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). However, the application of toxic baits for the management of C. capitata might exert side effects on the parasitoid. The objective of this study was to evaluate the side effects of toxic bait formulations on D. longicaudata. The food attractants Anamed, 3% Biofruit, 1.5% CeraTrap, 1.25% Flyral, 3% Isca Samaritá, 3% Isca Samaritá Tradicional, and 7% sugarcane molasses mixed with an organophosphate insecticide [malathion, 2.0 grams of active ingredient (g a.i.) L−1] and the commercial formulation Gelsura (2.0 and 4.0 g a.i. L−1 alpha-cypermethrin) showed high toxicity to D. longicaudata adults (>90% mortality) after 96 h and were thus classified as harmful (Class 4). Similarly, 3% Isca Samaritá Tradicional and 7% sugarcane molasses in formulations with the insecticides spinosad and spinetoram (0.096 g a.i. L−1 or kg) were moderately harmful (Class 3). In contrast, the food attractants Anamed, 3% Biofruit, 1.5% CeraTrap, 1.25% Flyral, and 3% Isca Samaritá Tradicional in combination with spinosad and spinetoram and the formulation Success 0.02CB (0.096 g a.i. L−1 spinosad) were classified as harmless (<10% mortality up to 96 h, Class 1). Additionally, these formulations did not reduce the parasitism and emergence rate of the F1 generation of D. longicaudata in C. capitata larvae. Formulations of toxic baits based on spinosyn are suitable for the management of C. capitata together with the parasitoid D. longicaudata.
Cold adaptation in the environmental bacterium Shewanella oneidensis is controlled by a J-domain co-chaperone protein network
Authors: Maillot Nathanael Jean , Honoré Flora Ambre , Byrne Deborah , Méjean Vincent , Genest Olivier
Published: August 2019

DnaK (Hsp70) is a major ATP-dependent chaperone that functions with two co-chaperones, a J-domain protein (JDP) and a nucleotide exchange factor to maintain proteostasis in most organisms. Here, we show that the environmental bacterium Shewanella oneidensis possesses a previously uncharacterized short JDP, AtcJ, dedicated to cold adaptation and composed of a functional J-domain and a C-terminal extension of 21 amino acids. We showed that atcJ is the first gene of an operon encoding also AtcA, AtcB and AtcC, three proteins of unknown functions. Interestingly, we found that the absence of AtcJ, AtcB or AtcC leads to a dramatically reduced growth at low temperature. In addition, we demonstrated that AtcJ interacts via its C-terminal extension with AtcC, and that AtcC binds to AtcB. Therefore, we identified a previously uncharacterized protein network that involves the DnaK system with a dedicated JDP to allow bacteria to survive to cold environment.
Liquid–liquid phase separation morphologies in ultra-white beetle scales and a synthetic equivalent
Authors: Burg Stephanie L. , Washington Adam , Coles David M. , Bianco Antonino , McLoughlin Daragh , Mykhaylyk Oleksandr O. , Villanova Julie , Dennison Andrew J. C. , Hill Christopher J. , Vukusic Pete , Doak Scott , Martin Simon J. , Hutchings Mark , Parnell Steven R. , Vasilev Cvetelin , Clarke Nigel , Ryan Anthony J. , Furnass Will , Croucher Mike , Dalgliesh Robert M. , Prevost Sylvain , Dattani Rajeev , Parker Andrew , Jones Richard A. L. , Fairclough J. Patrick A. , Parnell Andrew J.
Published: August 2019

Cyphochilus beetle scales are amongst the brightest structural whites in nature, being highly opacifying whilst extremely thin. However, the formation mechanism for the voided intra-scale structure is unknown. Here we report 3D x-ray nanotomography data for the voided chitin networks of intact white scales of Cyphochilus and Lepidiota stigma. Chitin-filling fractions are found to be 31 ± 2% for Cyphochilus and 34 ± 1% for Lepidiota stigma, indicating previous measurements overestimated their density. Optical simulations using finite-difference time domain for the chitin morphologies and simulated Cahn-Hilliard spinodal structures show excellent agreement. Reflectance curves spanning filling fraction of 5-95% for simulated spinodal structures, pinpoint optimal whiteness for 25% chitin filling. We make a simulacrum from a polymer undergoing a strong solvent quench, resulting in highly reflective (~94%) white films. In-situ X-ray scattering confirms the nanostructure is formed through spinodal decomposition phase separation. We conclude that the ultra-white beetle scale nanostructure is made via liquid–liquid phase separation.
Publisher Correction: Dual wettability on diarylethene microcrystalline surface mimicking a termite wing
Authors: Nishimura Ryo , Hyodo Kengo , Mayama Hiroyuki , Yokojima Satoshi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Uchida Kingo
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Coinage metal dimers as the noncovalent interaction acceptors: study of the σ-lump interactions
Authors: Cui Jing , Zhang Xueying , Meng Lingpeng , Li Qingzhong , Zeng Yanli
Published: August 2019

The ability of group 11 coinage metal dimers to interact with electron acceptors was evaluated with the M06-L functional.
Insights into interphase thickness characterization for graphene/epoxy nanocomposites: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Alizadeh Sahraei Abolfazl , Mokarizadeh Abdol Hadi , George Daniel , Rodrigue Denis , Baniassadi Majid , Foroutan Masumeh
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a methodology to systematically quantify the interphase thickness in epoxy nanocomposites using local mass density profile.
Surpassing 10 000 identified and quantified proteins in a single run by optimizing current LC-MS instrumentation and data analysis strategy
Authors: Muntel Jan , Gandhi Tejas , Verbeke Lynn , Bernhardt Oliver M. , Treiber Tobias , Bruderer Roland , Reiter Lukas
Published: August 2019

Optimization of chromatography and data analysis resulted in more than 10 000 proteins in a single shot at a validated FDR of 1% (two-species test) and revealed deep insights into the testis cancer physiology.
Tailoring the crystal growth of quartz on silicon for patterning epitaxial piezoelectric films
Authors: Zhang Qianzhe , Sánchez-Fuentes David , Gómez Andrés , Desgarceaux Rudy , Charlot Benoit , Gàzquez Jaume , Carretero-Genevrier Adrián , Gich Martí
Published: August 2019

Epitaxial films of piezoelectric α-quartz could enable the fabrication of sensors with unprecedented sensitivity for prospective applications in electronics, biology and medicine.
Recent advances in the synthesis of carbazoles from indoles
Authors: Aggarwal Trapti , Sushmita Sushmita , Verma Akhilesh K.
Published: August 2019

Synthesis of carbazoles using indoles as precursors through CH activation/annulation.
Mechanistic insights for the transprotection of tertiary amines with Boc2O via charged carbamates: access to both enantiomers of 2-azanorbornane-3-exo-carboxylic acids
Authors: Sampaio-Dias Ivo E. , Silva-Reis Sara C. , Pinto da Silva Luís , García-Mera Xerardo , Maestro Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Borges José E.
Published: August 2019

Development of a synthetic methodology for the selective transprotection in hindered tertiary amines using Boc2O under N–C hydrogenolysis catalyzed by Pd/C: access to both enantiomers of 2-azanorbornane-3-exo-carboxylates.
Electro-dewatering pretreatment of sludge to improve the bio-drying process
Authors: Sha Li , Yu Xiaoyan , Liu Xingxin , Yan Xiaotong , Duan Jingxiao , Li Yingte , Zhang Shuting
Published: August 2019

The feasibility of electro-dewatering (EDW) as a pretreatment of the subsequent bio-drying process was investigated in this study.
In-depth study on the effect of oxygen-containing functional groups in pyrolysis oil by P-31 NMR
Authors: Wu Zhihong , Ben Haoxi , Yang Yunyi , Luo Ying , Nie Kai , Jiang Wei , Han Guangting
Published: August 2019

Both aliphatic and carboxylic OH undergo the same decomposition pathway to form water during in situ31P NMR monitoring.
Novel elastic response in twist-bend nematic models
Authors: Shi Jiale , Sidky Hythem , Whitmer Jonathan K.
Published: August 2019

We demonstrate that a simple lattice model of a twist-bend nematic exhibits nonmonotonic elastic behavior strikingly similar to recent experiments.
Low fouling and ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensors with dual assay methods based on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Li Wenshi , Fan Gao-Chao , Fan Xiaojian , Zhang Ruiqiao , Wang Lei , Wang Wei , Luo Xiliang
Published: August 2019

Low fouling electrochemical immunosensors for the highly sensitive detection of cancer antigen 15-3 with both “signal-off” and “signal-on” analytical methods were developed.
Two-dimensional copper(i) thiophenolates: a well-constructed conductive Cu–S network for excellent electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Wu Lipeng , Jiao Yingzhi , Zhang Kun , Wu Fan , Zhao Wei , Sun Mengxiao , Xie Aming , Dong Wei
Published: August 2019

High-performance electromagnetic absorption (EMA) based on conductive coordination polymers seems interesting but still remains unexplored to date.
Dual functional SiO2@TiO2photonic crystals for dazzling structural colors and enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Fen , Feng Li , Qin Yi , Zhao Ting , Luo Hongjie , Zhu Jianfeng
Published: August 2019

Structural color pigments with photocatalytic activity prepared by SiO2@TiO2photonic crystals.
Correction: Wide-angle lasing from photonic crystal nanostructures of a liquid-crystalline blue phase
Authors: Zhuo Guan-Yu , Huang Shu-Wei , Lin Chi-Huang , Lin Shih-Hung
Published: August 2019

Correction for ‘Wide-angle lasing from photonic crystal nanostructures of a liquid-crystalline blue phase’ by Guan-Yu Zhuo et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2019, 7, 6433–6439.
Speech Production From a Developmental Perspective
Authors: Redford Melissa A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Current approaches to speech production aim to explain adult behavior and so make assumptions that, when taken to their logical conclusion, fail to adequately account for development. This failure is problematic if adult behavior can be understood to emerge from the developmental process. This problem motivates the proposal of a developmentally sensitive theory of speech production. The working hypothesis, which structures the theory, is that feedforward representations and processes mature earlier than central feedback control processes in speech production.

Method

Theoretical assumptions that underpin the 2 major approaches to adult speech production are reviewed. Strengths and weaknesses are evaluated with respect to developmental patterns. A developmental approach is then pursued. The strengths of existing theories are borrowed, and the ideas are resynthesized under the working hypothesis. The speech production process is then reimagined in developmental stages, with each stage building on the previous one.

Conclusion

The resulting theory proposes that speech production relies on conceptually linked representations that are information-reduced holistic perceptual and motoric forms, constituting the phonological aspect of a system that is acquired with the lexicon. These forms are referred to as exemplars and schemas, respectively. When a particular exemplar and schema are activated with the selection of a particular lexical concept, their forms are used to define unique trajectories through an endogenous perceptual–motor space that guides implementation. This space is not linguistic, reflecting its origin in the prespeech period. Central feedback control over production emerges with failures in communication and the development of a self-concept.
Back From the Future: Nonlinear Anticipation in Adults' and Children's Speech
Authors: Noiray Aude , Wieling Martijn , Abakarova Dzhuma , Rubertus Elina , Tiede Mark
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study examines the temporal organization of vocalic anticipation in German children from 3 to 7 years of age and adults. The main objective was to test for nonlinear processes in vocalic anticipation, which may result from the interaction between lingual gestural goals for individual vowels and those for their neighbors over time.

Method

The technique of ultrasound imaging was employed to record tongue movement at 5 time points throughout short utterances of the form V1#CV2. Vocalic anticipation was examined with generalized additive modeling, an analytical approach allowing for the estimation of both linear and nonlinear influences on anticipatory processes.

Results

Both adults and children exhibit nonlinear patterns of vocalic anticipation over time with the degree and extent of vocalic anticipation varying as a function of the individual consonants and vowels assembled. However, noticeable developmental discrepancies were found with vocalic anticipation being present earlier in children's utterances at 3–5 years of age in comparison to adults and, to some extent, 7-year-old children.

Conclusions

A developmental transition towards more segmentally-specified coarticulatory organizations seems to occur from kindergarten to primary school to adulthood. In adults, nonlinear anticipatory patterns over time suggest a strong differentiation between the gestural goals for consecutive segments. In children, this differentiation is not yet mature: Vowels show greater prominence over time and seem activated more in phase with those of previous segments relative to adults.
Evolution of Speech: Anatomy and Control
Authors: de Boer Bart
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This article critically reviews work on the evolution of speech in the context of motor control. It presents a brief introduction to the field of language evolution, of which the study of the evolution of speech is an integral component, and argues why taking the evolutionary perspective is useful. It then proceeds to review different methods of studying evolutionary questions: comparative research, experimental and observational research, and computer and mathematical modeling.

Conclusions

On the basis of comparative analysis of related species (specifically, other great apes) and on the basis of theoretical results, this article argues that adaptations for speech must have evolved gradually and that it is likely that speech motor control is one of the key aspects that has undergone observable selection related to speech, because, in this area, all the necessary precursors are present in closely related species. This implies that it must be possible to find empirical evidence for how speech evolved in the area of speech motor control. However, such research is only in its infancy at the present moment.
Assessment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Review/Tutorial of Objective Measurement Techniques
Authors: Terband Hayo , Namasivayam Aravind , Maas Edwin , van Brenk Frits , Mailend Marja-Liisa , Diepeveen Sanne , van Lieshout Pascal , Maassen Ben
Published: August 2019

Background

With respect to the clinical criteria for diagnosingchildhood apraxia of speech(commonly defined as a disorder of speech motor planning and/or programming), research has made important progress in recent years. Three segmental and suprasegmental speech characteristics—error inconsistency, lengthened and disrupted coarticulation, and inappropriate prosody—have gained wide acceptance in the literature for purposes of participant selection. However, little research has sought to empirically test the diagnostic validity of these features. One major obstacle to such empirical study is the fact that none of these features is stated in operationalized terms.

Purpose

This tutorial provides a structured overview of perceptual, acoustic, and articulatory measurement procedures that have been used or could be used to operationalize and assess these 3 core characteristics. Methodological details are reviewed for each procedure, along with a short overview of research results reported in the literature.

Conclusion

The 3 types of measurement procedures should be seen as complementary. Some characteristics are better suited to be described at the perceptual level (especially phonemic errors and prosody), others at the acoustic level (especially phonetic distortions, coarticulation, and prosody), and still others at the kinematic level (especially coarticulation, stability, and gestural coordination). The type of data collected determines, to a large extent, the interpretation that can be given regarding the underlying deficit. Comprehensive studies are needed that include more than 1 diagnostic feature and more than 1 type of measurement procedure.
Coordinated planning of transmission expansion and coal‐fired power plants flexibility retrofits to accommodate the high penetration of wind power
Authors: Wang Yongcan , Lou Suhua , Wu Yaowu , Lv Mengxuan , Wang Shaorong
Published: August 2019

As one of the promising renewable energy technologies, wind power generation has developed rapidly over the last decade. However, the rapid growth of wind power resulted in significant wind curtailment due to transmission congestion and lack of flexible resources. Although energy storage is the most efficient way to increase the flexibility of the power system, large capacities of cost‐effective energy storage are not yet available today. Considering that coal‐fired power plants are still the dominant suppliers of electricity in many countries, it has a great potential to increase large amounts of flexibility by retrofitting the existing coal‐fired power plants. In this study, the coordinated planning model for transmission expansion and coal‐fired power plants flexibility retrofits is proposed to accommodate high penetration of wind power. Robust optimisation is employed to handle the uncertainties of peak load demand and wind power capacity, and the robust planning model is solved by nested column‐and‐constraint generation method. The validity of the proposed planning model is demonstrated using the modified IEEE 24‐bus test system and modified IEEE 118‐bus test system.
EV battery charger with non‐inverting output voltage‐based bridgeless PFC Cuk converter
Authors: Singh Bhim , Kushwaha Radha
Published: August 2019

This study proposes an improved electric vehicle (EV) battery charger with a non‐inverting output voltage‐based bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) Cuk converter and a flyback converter for controlling the battery current in constant‐current–constant‐voltage charging regions. The proposed EV charger eliminates the need for an extra inverse amplifier, which is used for the negative to positive output voltage conversion in a conventional Cuk PFC converter. Therefore, the control of the converter is easy to implement and the cost of the charger is also reduced. Moreover, the design of the charger is proposed for discontinuous conduction mode operation, which comes with the inherent advantages of reduced sensors, low reverse recovery in diodes, and zero current switching. The proposed EV charger, with improved efficiency, operates satisfactorily to comply with the IEC61000‐3‐2 standard for power quality at steady state and for sudden perturbations in mains voltage.
Radar data simulation using deep generative networks
Authors: Song Yiheng , Wang Yanhua , Li Yang
Published: August 2019

Due to the high cost of real experiments, radar data simulation plays an important role in radar applications. However, the accuracy and the calculation speed of existing simulation methods is limited by the model error and the heavy calculation of electromagnetic simulation. Here, a radar data simulation method based on deep generative network (DGN) is proposed. DGN is generative model involving deep network as the representation tool, in which the model is trained with labelled data. When the training phase is finished, the generative model can generate data samples which are similar to the real samples. The performance of the DGN is evaluated on the ground‐based radar dataset, and the results show that the distribution of the generated radar data is similar to the training radar data.
Prediction‐based PSO algorithm for MIMO radar antenna deployment in dynamic environment
Authors: Wang Ziqin , Zhang Tianxian , Kong Lingjiang , Cui Guolong
Published: August 2019

Under the circumstance of simultaneously scanning multiple regions in an environment which can change as time goes by, the authors study an optimal algorithm to solve antenna deployment problem for MIMO radar systems here. It is solved by multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation algorithm (MOPSO) combining an autoregressive (AR) prediction model (MOPSO‐AR). In a time period and dynamic environment, the MOPSO‐AR method uses the previous optimal information to calculate the current deployment schemes before PSO optimisation starts up. It greatly reduces computational load and the error of the solutions. First, by discretising the time period into several time intervals, the problem in each time interval can be seen as a static problem. However, there may be relationship between these time intervals. Second, use the previous information and an AR model to predict temporally optimal solutions. Then, to get the exact optimal solutions, the predicted solutions and PSO method was applied to compute. Simulations show that the prediction strategy improves algorithm performance.
GB‐InSAR interferogram processing method to generate DEM based on PS technology
Authors: Weiming Tian , Zheng Zhao , Jingyang Wang , Tao Zeng , Yunkai Deng
Published: August 2019

Ground‐based interferometry synthetic aperture radar (GB‐InSAR) technology is becoming an important terrain mapping technology as it has the characteristics of short observation intervals, flexible operation environment and high data precision. Compared with air/space borne InSAR system, it is much easier for GB‐InSAR to acquire repeat‐pass/short‐baseline data set, which can bring huge convenience on permanent scatterer (PS) technology. By using PS technology, on the one hand, the error caused by low coherence can be avoided, and on the other hand, the speed of the phase unwrapping part can be increased. In order to overcome the disadvantages of the non‐uniform PS points distribution and low coherence cavities, the Kriging interpolation method is used to get an uniform digital elevation model (DEM) eventually. This study proposed a GB‐InSAR interferogram processing method. First, it proposes a PS point selection method considering both accuracy and efficiency. Second, the study shows a network programming phase unwrapping method to unwrap the PS points. Then, Kriging interpolation method is analysed and used to fill the low coherence cavities. Finally, a field test is carried out in an open pit in Hebei, China. The DEM result of the observation area is shown to verify the correctness of this study's method.
Passage of fractal signals via circuit with a ferroelectric capacitor with a negative capacitance
Authors: Abdullaev Gadgymurad O. , Agalarov Agalar M.‐Z. , Potapov Alexander A. , Rassadin Alexander A. , Tronov Anton A.
Published: August 2019

In the report presented, the results of synthesis of two of the newest scientific areas, namely integrated ferroelectrics and fractal radio systems, have been shown on the simplest example. For this goal, the numerically analytical method for an approximate solution of the equation for the electric charge value on a ferroelectric capacitor with negative capacitance connected to a fractal voltage source through a series resistor has been developed. This method combines the regularisation of the input fractal signal (voltage), decomposition of obtained fractal voltage by means of Haar wavelets using the Mallat algorithm, and matching of analytical expressions for charge at the constant input voltage. The accuracy of the method proposed and change of the fractal dimension of voltage before and after schemes mentioned have been discussed.
Improvement of the magneto-electric effect of composites loaded with different magnetic particles for current sensor applications
Authors: El Mouden Mahmoud , Belhora Fouad , Tabbai Yassine , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , El Ballouti Abdessamad
Published: August 2019

This article proposes a methodology to improve the magneto-electric effect of a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFe) copolymer, doped with nanoparticles of nickel (Ni) and nickel iron (NiFe). The preparation of the composite films were achieved through the solvent casting approach. First, P(VDF-TrFe) powders and (Ni and NiFe) nanoparticles are dispersed in dimethyl formamide (DMF) as a solvent to form a homogeneous solution. Then, the solution obtained is deposited on a flexible substrate by a spin coating process. After that, the NiFe doped composites are corona polarized, to improve the magneto-electric response of these composites. The purpose of this work is to investigate the influence of the magnetic charges added in the P(VDF-TrFe) copolymer, and to reveal the effect of corona charging (polarization) on the magneto-electric behavior of the used composites. The obtained results in this article show that both the doping and the electric polarization (piezo coefficient) significantly affect the generated alternating current during the application of an alternating magnetic field. However, the magneto-electric response of composites increases by doping and charging via corona poling effect and also by increasing the excitation frequency and the magnetic field amplitude. In addition, the magneto-electric responses of all composites after corona polarization were also discussed. This indicates that the magneto-electric coefficient and the current can be increased with polarized composites. A good response is observed for P(VDF-TrFe) + 3% Ni with a piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 21.2 (pC/N)
Study of microstructural, morphological and optical properties of sprayed vanadium doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Ftouhi Hajar , El Jouad Zouhair , Jbilou Mohammed , Diani Mustafa , Addou Mohammed
Published: August 2019

In this paper, transparent conducting thin films based on both undoped and vanadium (V) doped zinc oxide Zn1−xVx O (x = 3, 5, 7 at.%), were studied. The thin films were prepared using a simple low cost deposition technique called spray pyrolysis (SP). The layers were deposited onto preheated glass substrates at 450 °C. The effect of vanadium on the microstructural, the morphological and the optical properties of ZnO material was carried out using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), micro Raman spectroscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDX) and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. We have demonstrated that doping with 3 at.% of V enhances the crystallinity of the films by estimating the grain size value, the dislocation density and the residual stress. Also, the SEM images have demonstrated that the vanadium concentrations do effect in the thin films morphology, from hexagonal-shaped grains to rounded crystals for higher doping concentrations. The optical analysis revealed that doping with 3 at.% of vanadium shows a remarkable enhancement in the average transmittance in the visible range 89% and in the band gap energy (3.3 eV). Moreover, the disorder inside the samples was estimated using Urbach equation. Therefore, the microstructural, the morphological and the optical results approve that doping with 3 at.% of V in ZnO lattices gives interesting results for the optical window material for solar cells application.
Phytoplankton functional groups response to environmental parameters in Muling River basin of northeast China
Authors: Sun Xu , Mwagona Patteson Chula , Shabani Isaac Ekyamba , Hou Wenjiu , Li Xiaoyu , Zhao Fei , Chen Qing , Zhao Yuxi , Liu Di , Li Xingchun , Ma Chengxue , Yu Hongxian
Published: August 2019

The present study was carried out in the biggest tributary of Ussuri River of boundary between China and Russia. The Muling River basin has undergone a long-term dredging works, and waterbody became seriously turbid. The succession of phytoplankton functional groups succession and environmental factors in the river were sampled in 2015. We totally identified 83 species, belonging to 17 functional groups which 5 were predominant, including group F, M, MP, P and Y. The seasonal succession of phytoplankton functional groups was M/P-F/MP/P-MP/P. Results of Spearman correlation analysis and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that phytoplankton functional groups were mainly influenced by nutrient concentrations and light availability including total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+–N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−–N), N:P ratio (N:P), water depth (D) and transparency (SD) in the basin.
Conservative discontinuous finite volume and mixed schemes for a new four-field formulation in poroelasticity
Authors: Kumar Sarvesh , Oyarzúa Ricardo , Ruiz-Baier Ricardo , Sandilya Ruchi
Published: August 2019

We introduce a numerical method for the approximation of linear poroelasticity equations, representing the interaction between the non-viscous filtration flow of a fluid and the linear mechanical response of a porous medium. In the proposed formulation, the primary variables in the system are the solid displacement, the fluid pressure, the fluid flux, and the total pressure. A discontinuous finite volume method is designed for the approximation of solid displacement using a dual mesh, whereas a mixed approach is employed to approximate fluid flux and the two pressures. We focus on the stationary case and the resulting discrete problem exhibits a double saddle-point structure. Its solvability and stability are established in terms of bounds (and of norms) that do not depend on the modulus of dilation of the solid. We derive optimal error estimates in suitable norms, for all field variables; and we exemplify the convergence and locking-free properties of this scheme through a series of numerical tests.
A variable neighborhood search algorithm with reinforcement learning for a real-life periodic vehicle routing problem with time windows and open routes
Authors: Chen Binhui , Qu Rong , Bai Ruibin , Laesanklang Wasakorn
Published: August 2019

This paper studies a real-life container transportation problem with a wide planning horizon divided into multiple shifts. The trucks in this problem do not return to depot after every single shift but at the end of every two shifts. The mathematical model of the problem is first established, but it is unrealistic to solve this large scale problem with exact search methods. Thus, a Variable Neighbourhood Search algorithm with Reinforcement Learning (VNS-RLS) is thus developed. An urgency level-based insertion heuristic is proposed to construct the initial solution. Reinforcement learning is then used to guide the search in the local search improvement phase. Our study shows that the Sampling scheme in single solution-based algorithms does not significantly improve the solution quality but can greatly reduce the rate of infeasible solutions explored during the search. Compared to the exact search and the state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed VNS-RLS produces promising results.
Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting using a newly designed plastic stent for acute cholecystitis
Authors: Nakahara Kazunari , Michikawa Yosuke , Morita Ryo , Suetani Keigo , Morita Nozomi , Sato Junya , Tsuji Kensuke , Ikeda Hiroki , Matsunaga Kotaro , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Matsumoto Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Otsubo Takehito , Itoh Fumio
Published: August 2019

Background and study aims Biliary plastic stents are generally substituted for gallbladder stents in endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (EGBS), there is no sufficient evidence about what type of plastic stent is suitable. We examined outcomes of EGBS using standard biliary stents and a novel stent for acute cholecystitis and evaluated the efficacy of the novel stent.

Patients and methods Seventy patients with acute cholecystitis in whom EGBS was performed were evaluated retrospectively. We performed EGBS in 23 patients using the novel stent (novel stent group) and 47 patients using standard biliary stents (pigtail: 35, straight: 12) (control group). In the two groups, we examined outcomes of EGBS.

Results There were no significant differences in patient backgrounds or rates of technical success, clinical success, or early adverse events (AE) between the novel stent group and the control groups. However, rates of late AEs were 4.3 % in the novel stent group (liver abscess: 1) and 40.4 % in the control group (stent migration: 15, recurrence of cholecystitis: 4), indicating a significantly higher rate in the control group (P = 0.004). The rate of stent migration was significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis identified a straight type stent as the risk factor for stent migration (odds ratio: 8.81, 95 % confidence interval: 1.66 – 46.83).

Conclusions The novel stent had significantly lower rates of late AEs and stent migration. Thus, for long-term stent placement, the novel stent was more effective than traditional biliary stents.
Efficacy of withdrawal time monitoring in adenoma detection with or without the aid of a full-spectrum scope
Authors: Manes Gianpiero , Andreozzi Paolo , Omazzi Barbara , Bezzio Cristina , Redaelli Davide , Devani Massimo , Morganti Daniela , Reati Raffaella , Saibeni Simone , Mandelli Enzo , Arena Ilaria , Hassan Cesare , de Nucci Germana
Published: August 2019

Background and study aims Withdrawal time (WT) monitoring and full-spectrum endoscopy (FUSE) have been suggested to increase adenoma detection rate (ADR) due to more accurate evaluation of the hidden areas of the colon. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of WT monitoring and FUSE on ADR.

Patients and methods This was a prospective observational study involving consecutive outpatients, aged 18 to 85 years, undergoing colonoscopy with unselected indications. In phase 1, endoscopists performed 660 colonoscopies either with standard forward-viewing endoscope (SFVE) (n = 330) or with FUSE (n = 330). In this phase, WTs were measured without endoscopist awareness of being monitored. In phase 2, endoscopists were informed of being monitored and performed additional 660 colonoscopies either with SFVE (n = 330) or with FUSE (n = 330).

Results WT was lower in phase 1 compared to phase 2 (SFVE: 269 ± 83 vs. 386 ± 60 sec, P < 0.001; FUSE: 289 ± 97 vs. 403 ± 65 sec, P < 0.001). Use of FUSE increased ADR both in phase 1 (33.0 % vs. 27.3 %, P = 0.127) and in phase 2 (41.8 % vs. 33.6 %, P = 0.037). When endoscopists were aware of being monitored, ADR was higher in SFVE (33.6 % vs. 27.3 %; P = 0.090) and FUSE arms (41.8 % vs. 33.0 %; P = 0.024). Improvement in detection of proximal adenomas was associated with WT monitoring [OR 1.577 (95 % C. I. 1.158 – 2.148); P = 0.004], whereas detection of distal adenomas was associated with use of FUSE [OR 1.320 (95 % C. I. 1.022 – 1.705); P = 0.037].

Conclusions Unmonitored endoscopists have suboptimal WT, which increases when they are monitored. WT monitoring and use of FUSE are two reliable and alternative strategies to increase ADR.
Evaluation of a novel low-cost disposable endoscope for visual assessment of the esophagus and stomach in an ex-vivo phantom model
Authors: Garbin Nicolò , Mamunes Alexander P. , Sohn Dennis , Hawkins Ryan W. , Valdastri Pietro , Obstein Keith L.
Published: August 2019

Background and study aims Our academic lab has developed a novel, low-cost, disposable endoscope for assessment of the esophagus and stomach without need for large equipment or complex electronics. Usability and intuitiveness of the platform are unknown.

Methods The novel endoscope (NE) consists of a high-definition camera, LED module, and three bellows. Compressed air actuates the bellows, producing camera/LED articulation. Insufflation and lens cleaning ports are present. Video can be displayed on any monitor. Total material costs less than $ 35 US. Five novices, five fellows, and five attendings performed five trials using a conventional endoscope and the NE on an upper tract phantom with six gastric landmarks marked. Outcomes included successful identification and time to landmarks; and intuitiveness (NASA task load index; user comments).

Results All landmarks were successfully identified with both endoscopes for all trials (n = 900). Attendings and fellows were quicker with the conventional endoscope when compared to the NE (24.48 v 37.13s; P < 0.01). There was no significant time difference between platforms for novices (P = 0.16). All users found the NE intuitive with low mental and physical demand. Novices reported lower temporal demand and effort when using the NE.

Conclusions The NE was easy to maneuver, intuitive, and successful at visualizing gastric landmarks. All users were pleased with the NE drive mechanism and were successful at visualizing the gastric landmarks in a clinically acceptable time. The novel platform has the potential to facilitate rapid, low-cost, diagnostic assessment of the esophagus and stomach in non-traditional settings – facilitating patient management decisions, minimizing encumbrance, and avoiding cross-contamination.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided placement of coils and cyanoacrylate embolization in refractory gastric variceal bleeding: a pediatric case report
Authors: Olmos Juan I. , Oleas Roberto , Alcívar Juan A. , Baquerizo-Burgos Jorge , Robles-Medranda Carlos
Published: August 2019

Background and study aims Gastric variceal bleeding management is challenging, especially in the pediatric population. Endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue injection is considered the standard for management of gastric varices but it is associated with a high rebleeding rate. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided placement of coils with cyanoacrylate is a newly available technique with a lower rebleeding rate but there are no reported cases using this technique in pediatric patients. We report on a 12-year-old child with liver cirrhosis and gastric variceal hemorrhage who was refractory to the endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and in whom hemostasis was achieved without rebleeding following EUS-guided coiling and cyanoacrylate injection. Neither rebleeding nor varix reappearance was noted on 12-month follow-up. EUS-guided coiling and cyanoacrylate injection is safe and feasible in pediatric patients and could be considered as rescue therapy for treatment of refractory gastric variceal bleeding.
Antacids may increase the appearance of white opaque substance in Helicobacter pylori-eradicated gastric epithelial neoplasia
Authors: Wada Kurato , Ueo Tetsuya , Yonemasu Hirotoshi , Togo Kazumi , Inoue Shotaro , Honda Hideho , Katsuta Makoto , Takahashi Haruhiko , Yao Kenshi , Murakami Kazunari
Published: August 2019

Background and study aims White opaque substance (WOS) in gastric epithelial neoplasia is helpful for qualitative diagnosis of neoplasia. We hypothesized that WOS of neoplasia is strongly influenced by acid recovery after Helicobacter pylori eradication, similar to that of gastric intestinal metaplasia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether antacids increase the appearance of the WOS in H. pylori-eradicated neoplasia.

Patients and methods A total of 38 gastric epithelial neoplasias (12 adenomas and 26 adenocarcinomas) detected after H. pylori eradication were retrospectively evaluated. Presence or absence of WOS was evaluated by magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging before and after antacid administration. The pH of collected gastric juice was also measured. Study endpoints were (1) prevalence of WOS in the neoplasia before and after antacid administration, and the histological difference (adenoma and adenocarcinoma); and (2) relationship between the prevalence of WOS and gastric juice pH.

Results WOS prevalence increased from 0 % (0/38) to 44.8% (17/38) after antacid administration. WOS prevalence in adenomas was more significantly increased compared to that in adenocarcinomas (83.3 % vs 26.9 %, P = 0.0077). Prevalence of WOS in gastric neoplasias was only observed at neutral levels of gastric juice pH, and WOS was not observed at strong acidic levels.

Conclusions Antacid administration may increase the appearance of WOS in gastric epithelial neoplasia (especially adenomas) detected after H. pylori eradication with acid recovery.
Volumetric laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography in Barrett’s esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rodriguez Maria Auxiliadora Chóez , de Moura Diogo Turiani Hourneaux , Ribeiro Igor Braga , Bernardo Wanderley Marques , Morita Flavio Hiroshi Ananias , Marques Sergio Barbosa , Sakai Paulo , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux
Published: August 2019

Background and study aims Endoscopic imaging of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) with advanced technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE), allows targeted biopsies and may reduce the number of random biopsies to detect esophageal neoplasia in the early stages during endoscopic BE surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of OCT and VLE in diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) in BE.

Patients and methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the primary outcome measure was diagnostic accuracy of OCT and VLE, in comparison with the gold standard. In the meta-analysis, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for both methods. We performed analyses by patient and by lesion.

Results We evaluated 14 studies involving a collective total of 721 patients and 1565 lesions. In the analysis by lesion, VLE showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR−, DOR, and SROC AUC of 85 %, 73 %, 3.2, 0.21, 15.0, and 0.87, respectively, for detection of HGD/IMC. In the analysis by lesion for detection of HGD/EAC, OCT showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR−, DOR, and summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 89 %, 91 %, 9.6, 0.12, 81.0, and 0.95, respectively. The accuracy of OCT in identifying intestinal metaplasia showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR−, and DOR of 92 %, 81 %, 5.06, 0.091, and 55.58, respectively.

Conclusion OCT- and VLE-guided targeted biopsies could improve detection of dysplasia and neoplasia. Further studies could determine whether the use of such biopsies might replace the current protocol.
Wechselseitige Einflüsse von Beziehungsqualität,
Lebenszufriedenheit und Partnerschaftsstabilität bei Müttern mit
minderjährigen Kindern – eine
Zehn-Jahres-Untersuchung
Authors: Hannighofer Jasmin , Hahlweg Kurt , Zimmermann Tanja
Published: August 2019

Hintergrund Obwohl eine beständige und zufriedenstellende
Partnerschaft ein wichtiges Lebensziel darstellt, wird derzeit jede dritte Ehe
geschieden. Lebenszufriedenheit sowie der Übergang in die Elternschaft
scheinen bedeutsame Faktoren darzustellen. Diese Langzeitstudie untersucht den
Zusammenhang zwischen Beziehungsqualität, -stabilität und
Lebenszufriedenheit von Müttern unter Einbezug weiterer Familienmerkmale
über einen Zeitraum von zehn Jahren.

Methode Längsschnittliche Daten von N=249 Müttern
wurden mittels Regressionsanalysen hinsichtlich Beziehungsqualität,
Lebenszufriedenheit und Partnerschaftsstabilität sowie weiterer
Variablen ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Die Lebenszufriedenheit der Mütter blieb über
den gesamten Erhebungszeitraum von 10 Jahren relativ stabil, wohingegen ein
signifikanter Abfall der Beziehungsqualität zu verzeichnen war. Vor
allem die interindividuelle Lebenszufriedenheit stellte einen signifikanten
Prädiktor für die langfristige Beziehungsqualität als
auch für die psychische Gesundheit von Mutter und Kind, die
Schichtzugehörigkeit und die Anzahl kritischer Lebensereignisse dar. Die
anfängliche Beziehungsqualität schien sich ebenfalls langfristig
auf die wahrgenommene Lebenszufriedenheit als auch die psychische Gesundheit der
Mutter auszuwirken. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Lebenszufriedenheit und
Partnerschaftsstabilität fiel hingegen nur marginal aus.

Schlussfolgerung Die Studie zeigt bidirektionale Zusammenhänge
zwischen Partnerschaftsqualität und Lebenszufriedenheit über den
Verlauf von 10 Jahren. Vor allem die Lebenszufriedenheit schien langfristigen
Einfluss auf diverse Familienfaktoren zu nehmen. Die Erkenntnisse sollten dazu
genutzt werden, neue oder bestehende partnerschaftliche Präventions- und
Interventionsprogramme weiterzuentwickeln, dabei sollte v. a. die
Förderung der Zufriedenheit und Lebensqualität des einzelnen
Partners im Vordergrund stehen.