bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube micromoldings
Authors: Zhou Shengtai , Hrymak Andrew N. , Kamal Musa R.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, properties of microparts molded from polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PP/CNT) composites were studied in detail. Results indicated that the percolation threshold of PP/CNT microparts shifted to higher filler concentrations when compared with their compression molded counterparts. Morphology observations revealed that the distribution of CNT is not uniform along the flow direction, which can significantly affect the properties of microparts. The thermal properties of PP and PP/CNT composites as well as corresponding microparts were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Moreover, the mechanical properties of microparts were evaluated by nanoindentation analysis. Multicycling measurements indicated that the mechanical properties of microparts are both depth and location dependent. Both the hardness and elastic modulus increased with corresponding filler loading concentration of CNT below 3 and 7 wt%, respectively. Above those concentrations, both properties decreased with an increase of CNT concentration. This could be related to the state of filler distribution within the microparts.
Adaptive heading performance during self‐motion perception
Authors: Kuang Shenbing , Deng Hu , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2019

Previous studies have documented that the perception of self‐motion direction can be extracted from the patterns of image motion on the retina (also termed optic flow). Self‐motion perception remains stable even when the optic‐flow information is distorted by concurrent gaze shifts from body/eye rotations. This has been interpreted that extraretinal signals—efference copies of eye/body movements—are involved in compensating for retinal distortions. Here, we tested an alternative hypothesis to the extraretinal interpretation. We hypothesized that accurate self‐motion perception can be achieved from a purely optic‐flow‐based visual strategy acquired through experience, independent of extraretinal mechanism. To test this, we asked human subjects to perform a self‐motion direction discrimination task under normal optic flow (fixation condition) or distorted optic flow resulted from either realistic (pursuit condition) or simulated (simulated condition) eye movements. The task was performed either without (pre‐ and posttraining) or with (during training) the feedback about the correct answer. We first replicated the previous observation that before training, direction perception was greatly impaired in the simulated condition where the optic flow was distorted and extraretinal eye movement signals were absent. We further showed that after a few training sessions, the initial impairment in direction perception was gradually improved. These results reveal that behavioral training can enforce the exploitation of retinal cues to compensate for the distortion, without the contribution from the extraretinal signals. Our results suggest that self‐motion perception is a flexible and adaptive process which might depend on neural plasticity in relevant cortical areas.
Fabrication and properties of thermoplastic starch/montmorillonite composite using dialdehyde starch as a crosslinker
Authors: Peidayesh Hamed , Ahmadi Zahed , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Abdouss Majid , Chodák Ivan
Published: December 2019

The poor mechanical properties and high water solubility of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS) represent the main disadvantages of TPS in many applications. In this work, TPS film was prepared from a water solution of corn starch modified by 5 wt% dialdehyde starch (DAS) as crosslinking agent and 3 wt% montmorillonite (MMT) as reinforcing additive. Interactions occurring in the TPS films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, DSC, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and TGA. The results obtained fom FTIR spectroscopy and DSC suggest the formation of hydrogen bond interactions between the hydroxyl group of starch, DAS, the MMT layers and glycerol. DMTA indicated that the relaxation of films with DAS and MMT appears in a higher and broader temperature range due to the starch backbone stiffness; the extreme increase in the storage modulus confirmed the suggested interactions. The determination of the weight loss of the films in water indicated a significant increase of the water resistance of TPS due to incorporation of DAS and MMT. Changes in mechanical properties of the films containing DAS and clay were determined, showing a substantial increase in tensile strength from 2.7 to 6.7 MPa, while Young's modulus increased by 15 times for TPS modified with 5% DAS and 3% MMT. Therefore, the outcomes of this study confirmed that DAS is a suitable biomacromolecule crosslinker for starch and can significantly enhance TPS and TPS/MMT properties. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Vitamin D status in preterm neonates and the effects of its supplementation on respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Al‐Beltagi Mohammed , Rowiesha Mohamed , Elmashad Abdelrahman , Elrifaey Shymaa M. , Elhorany Hemat , Koura Hassan Gamal
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the status and effects of vitamin D supplement as adjuvant therapy in the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants.

Patient and Methods

Vitamin D was prospectively studied in 196 preterm neonates, 96 of them developed RDS, which further subdivided into three subgroups (subgroup received just conventional therapy, subgroup received conventional therapy plus vitamin D 400 IU/day, and subgroup received conventional therapy plus vitamin D 800 IU/day). The patient selection for each treatment subgroup was done by computed randomization, and all the patients had the same treatment protocols assigned for each subgroup.

Results

The preterm group who developed RDS had lower vitamin D concentrations than the preterm group without RDS (*P < .001). Also, the subgroups supplemented with vitamin D had lower Downes Respiratory Distress score and PaCO2 levels, less duration of hospitalization, and complications rates than the subgroup without vitamin D supplementation. The subgroup supplemented with 800 IU/day vitamin D showed also significantly improvement, less hospitalization duration, and less complications than those supplemented with 400 IU/day.

Conclusions

25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration was deficient in most preterm babies especially those who developed RDS. Administration of 800 IU/day vitamin D as an adjuvant therapy in cases of RDS was associated with significant decreased in severity, rate of complications, and duration of hospital stay in preterm neonates with RDS.
Global occurrence data improve potential distribution models for Aedes japonicus japonicus in non‐native regions
Authors: Cunze Sarah , Kochmann Judith , Klimpel Sven
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

There is great interest in modelling the distribution of invasive species, particularly from the point of view of management. However, distribution modelling for invasive species using ecological niche models (ENMs) involves multiple challenges. Owing to the short time span since the introduction or arrival of a non‐indigenous species and the associated dispersal limitations, applying regular ENMs at an early stage of the invasion process may result in an underestimation of the potential niche in the new ranges. This topic is dealt with here using the example of Aedes japonicus japonicus, a vector competent mosquito species for a number of diseases.

RESULTS

We found high niche unfilling for the species' non‐native range niches in Europe and North America compared with the native range niche, which can be explained by the early stage of the invasion process. Comparing four different ENMs based on: (i) the European and (ii) the North American non‐native range occurrence data, (iii) (derived) native range occurrence data, and (iv) all available occurrence data together, we found large differences in the projected climatic suitability, with the global data model projecting larger areas with climatic suitability.

CONCLUSION

ENM in biological invasions can be challenging, especially when distribution data are only poorly available. We suggest one possible way to project climatic suitability for Aedes j. japonicus despite poor data availability for the non‐native ranges and missing occurrences from the native range. We discuss aspects of the lack of information and the associated implications for modelling. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The 2030 Agenda and coherent national development policy: In dialogue with South African policymakers on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development
Authors: Mbanda Vandudzai , Fourie Willem
Published: December 2019

The Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) agenda is regarded as the principal instrument to ensure the coherent alignment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with domestic policies. Due to PCSD's genesis in the foreign aid donor–recipient relationship, there is a shortage of research on policymakers in developing countries' perspective on PCSD. In this article, interviews with South African policymakers are used to evaluate the applicability of PCSD beyond the donor–recipient relationship critically. Emphasis is placed on vertical coherence. Policymakers are found to emphasise (a) the need to prioritise the SDGs' targets in terms of national priorities, (b) the importance of attending to institutional issues such as a lack of accountability and efficiency, (c) addressing the skills mismatch of capacity development interventions, and (d) engaging party politics.
A New NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitor, Dioscin, Promotes Osteogenesis
Authors: Yin Wei , Liu Shuo , Dong Ming , Liu Qicheng , Shi Chun , Bai Hua , Wang Qian , Yang Xue , Niu Weidong , Wang Lina
Published: December 2019

Refractory periapical periodontitis, which is a persistent infection after root canal treatment, still has no effective treatment. Its most common pathogen is Enterococcus faecalis. Here, the precursor of phytosteroids, dioscin, is introduced to fight against the inflammation induced by Enterococcus faecalis. The findings suggest that dioscin inhibits the nuclear transport of NF‐κB and the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by lipoteichoic acid from the Enterococcus faecalis. The decrease in mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase‐1, and IL‐1β is observed in dioscin treated mouse macrophages. In the MC3T3‐E1 cells, dioscin also promotes the expression of osteogenic‐related factors, ALP, Runx2, and OCN. The increased formation of mineralized nodules after the application of dioscin further indicates that dioscin has the potential to promote osteogenesis. The above results suggest dioscin can be a potential root canal irrigation or root canal sealant for the treatment of refractory apical periodontitis.
Mechanically Robust Gel Polymer Electrolyte for an Ultrastable Sodium Metal Battery
Authors: Luo Chengzhao , Shen Tong , Ji Haoqing , Huang Dong , Liu Jie , Ke Bingyu , Wu Yihan , Chen Yu , Yan Chenglin
Published: December 2019

Sodium dendrite growth is responsible for short circuiting and fire hazard of metal batteries, which limits the potential application of sodium metal anode. Sodium dendrite can be effectively suppressed by applying mechanically robust electrolyte in battery systems. Herein, a composite gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is designed and fabricated, mainly consisting of graphene oxide (GO) and polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP). With the addition of an appropriate amount of GO content, the compressive Young's modulus of 2 wt% GO+PVDF‐HFP (2‐GPH) composite GPE is greatly enhanced by a factor of 10, reaching 2.5 GPa, which is crucial in the suppression of sodium dendrite growth. As a result, uniform sodium deposition and ultralong reversible sodium plating/stripping (over 400 h) at high current density (5 mA cm−2) are achieved. Furthermore, as evidenced by molecular dynamics simulation, the GO content facilitates the sodium ion transportation, giving a high ionic conductivity of 2.3 × 10−3 S cm−1. When coupled with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode in a full sodium metal battery, a high initial capacity of 107 mA h g−1 at 1 C (1 C = 117 mA g−1) is recorded, with an excellent capacity retention rate of 93.5% and high coulombic efficiency of 99.8% after 1100 cycles.
Health systems research and critical systems thinking: the case for partnership
Authors: Jackson Michael C. , Sambo Luis G.
Published: December 2019

There has been a considerable growth in interest in Health Systems Research over the last 25 years. It is only recently, however, that health systems researchers have started to examine the key conceptual tool in their armoury – the notion of ‘system'; – and only then in a sporadic fashion. This paper argues that the failure to undertake this challenge has held back the field both theoretically and in terms of practice. Critical systems thinkers have, by contrast, spent the last 30 years conducting a second‐order analysis of different systems and complexity approaches, the way they employ the concept of ‘system';, and the difference this makes to the theories espoused and the modes of intervention endorsed. They have also explored how different systems approaches can be used in combination to bring about improvement by addressing the multi‐dimensional complexity thrown up by wicked problems. What critical systems thinkers have failed to do is get their hands dirty and demonstrate, through practical application, that their approach is useful in the health systems domain. Given the significance of health systems for public well‐being, and their inherent complexity, this is something that needs rectifying. If Critical Systems Thinking can support Health Systems Research with appropriate theories and methodologies, and health systems researchers are willing to involve critical systems thinkers in tackling the major issues they face, then a fruitful partnership can be forged.
“The plastic cathedral”: Innovation to extend the service life of a heritage structure
Authors: Tanner Peter , Lara Carlos , Bellod Juan L. , Sanz David
Published: December 2019

Due to its severely damaged condition, former La Laguna cathedral was demolished and rebuilt between 1905 and 1913, saving only its neo‐classical façade. Reinforced concrete, at the time an innovative technology, was deployed to expedite construction and reduce costs. The trade‐off for these benefits was the risk associated with the use of a scantily understood material. Although a reliability‐based assessment of the corrosion‐damaged load‐bearing system showed that structural safety requirements were fulfilled for the future service life, less than 100 years after its reconstruction, the temple was so profoundly deteriorated that the roof had to be replaced entirely. Reconstruction began on the healthy part of the existing columns, underneath the capitals. The solution adopted retains the geometry of the 1913 structure, while improving its ventilation and lighting as well as its aesthetics by reconfiguring the proportions as nearly as possible to the golden ratio. The ribs in the vaults and main dome, characteristic of the neo‐gothic style of the building, were built with self‐compacting concrete, reinforced with glass‐fiber polymer rebars, and joined monolithically to the shells, as well as to the existing walls and columns. The 0.08 m thick shells are also made of a relatively unknown material, self‐compacting concrete reinforced with polypropylene fibers. In order to reduce to acceptable levels the uncertainties associated with innovative technologies, in addition to laboratory tests, a full‐scale prototype of a typical dome was constructed prior to the execution of the new roof. Nearly a century after the previous, negative experience, thanks to modern structural engineering and materials science, new challenges can be assumed.
Effectiveness evaluation of passive resistive element placement on a fault ride‐through enhancement in a DFIG‐based wind energy conversion system
Authors: Sahoo Subhendu Sekhar , Tripathi Prashant Mani , Chatterjee Kalyan
Published: December 2019

Over the last few decades, doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) have become one of the most successful and preferred types of wind energy generators (WEG). The DFIG has the advantages of a wide range of speed operations, a high efficiency, and partial rated converters. However, direct coupling of the stator with the grid makes the system more prone to grid disturbances. The consequences of grid disturbances, such as a rotor overcurrent, stator overcurrent, electromagnetic torque oscillations, and direct current (DC) link overvoltage, are the predominant considerations that affect the rotor circuit, stator circuit, mechanical components, and DC‐link capacitor of the DFIG, respectively. These uncertainties affect the operation of the generator and may lead to the generator to be shutdown. In this paper, a novel position for the placement of a passive resistive element (PRE) is illustrated. This position of the PRE placement is compared with all other possible locations for the PRE. The different locations for PRE placement are the stator side, rotor side, across the DC‐link capacitor, and between the rotor side converter (RSC) and grid side converter (GSC). This paper aims to determine a cost‐effective solution among all possible locations of the PRE placement. The novel position of the PRE, ie, between the RSC and GSC, is the best position among the other possible locations of the PRE, when the performance, cost, and loss are taken into consideration. The effectiveness of the PRE is further compared with the resistive‐type superconducting fault current limiter (R‐SFCL). The PRE performs better and has a lower cost than the R‐SFCL.
Sequential synergetic sorption analysis of Gracilaria Rhodophyta biochar toward aluminum and fluoride: A statistical optimization approach
Authors: Naga Babu Andraju , Srinivasa Reddy Devarapu , Suresh Kumar Govindarajan , Ravindhranath Kunta , Krishna Mohan Godavarthi Venkata
Published: December 2019

The present work proposes the synthesis of robust biochar from Gracilaria Rhodophyta red weeds for sequential removal of Al(III) and fluoride from wastewater. The sorption experiments have been modeled by preliminary optimization of operational parameters using 24 factorial statistical modeling. The model has estimated an optimum sequential synergetic removal of 44.5 mg/g of Al(III) and 2.1 mg/g of fluoride onto the biochar. FESEM, BET, XRD, EDX, and FTIR established the potentiality of biochar toward synergetic sorption of Al(III) and fluoride. The thermodynamic analysis projected that the adsorption is physisorption in nature. The adsorption of Al(III) and fluoride follows the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively, and the kinetic analysis established the pseudo‐second‐order deposition of Al(III) and fluoride ions. The synthesized adsorbent is regenerative enough and could achieve synergetic removal of Al(III) and fluoride ions from industrial‐ and groundwater‐contaminated water bodies.

Practitioner points

Biochar from seaweeds is explored in the sequential removal of Al(III) and F− ions.

Statistical model is developed for % adsorption and tested for reliability by ANOVA.

GRBC sorbed 44.5 and 2.1 mg/g of Al(III) and F− ions, respectively, at optimum levels.

FESEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR characterization confirm the potentiality of the GRBC.

GRBC sorbed ⁓90% of Al(III) and F− ions from wastewater and is regenerative.
Applications of stable isotope‐based metabolomics and fluxomics toward synthetic biology of cyanobacteria
Authors: Babele Piyoosh Kumar , Young Jamey D.
Published: December 2019

Unique features of cyanobacteria (e.g., photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation) make them potential candidates for production of biofuels and other value‐added biochemicals. As prokaryotes, they can be readily engineered using synthetic and systems biology tools. Metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria for the synthesis of desired compounds requires in‐depth knowledge of central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, pathway fluxes, and their regulation. Metabolomics and fluxomics offer the comprehensive analysis of metabolism by directly characterizing the biochemical activities of cells. This information is acquired by measuring the abundance of key metabolites and their rates of interconversion, which can be achieved by labeling cells with stable isotopes, quantifying metabolite pool sizes and isotope incorporation by gas chromatography/liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry GC/LC‐MS or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mathematical modeling to estimate in vivo metabolic fluxes. Herein, we review progress that has been made to adapt metabolomics and fluxomics tools to examine model cyanobacterial species. We summarize the application of metabolic flux analysis (MFA) strategies to identify metabolic bottlenecks that can be targeted to boost cell growth, improve stress tolerance, or enhance biochemical production in cyanobacteria. Despite the advances in metabolomics, fluxomics, and other synthetic and systems biology tools during the past years, further efforts are required to increase our understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism in order to create efficient photosynthetic hosts for the production of value‐added compounds.

This article is categorized under:

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Metabolomics

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods
An exploration of smokeless tobacco product nucleic acids: a combined metagenome and metatranscriptome analysis
Authors: Tyx R. E. , Rivera A. J. , Keong L. M. , Stanfill S. B.
Published: December 2019

Smokeless tobacco (ST) products are used worldwide and are a major public health concern. In addition to harmful chemicals found in these products, microbes found in ST products are believed to be responsible for generating harmful tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), the most abundant carcinogens in ST. These microbes also contribute endotoxins and other pro-inflammatory components. A greater understanding of the microbial constituents in these products is sought in order to potentially link select design aspects or manufacturing processes to avoidable increases in harmful constituents. Previous studies looked primarily at bacterial constituents and had not differentiated between viable vs nonviable organisms, so in this study, we sought to use a dual metatranscriptomic and metagenomic analysis to see if differences exist. Using high-throughput sequencing, we observed that there were differences in taxonomic abundances between the metagenome and metatranscriptome, and in the metatranscriptome, we also observed an abundance of plant virus RNA not previously reported in DNA-only studies. We also found in the product tested, that there were no viable bacteria capable of metabolizing nitrate to nitrite. Therefore, the product tested would not be likely to increase TSNAs during shelf storage. We tested only a single product to date using the strategy presented here, but succeeded in demonstrating the value of using of these methods in tobacco products. These results present novel findings from the first combined metagenome and metatranscriptome of a commercial tobacco product.
Distribution of Metastatic Cancer Cells in Colorectal Mesentery
Authors: Ma Chen‐Sen , Tong Yi‐Xin , Gong Jian‐Ping
Published: December 2019

Background

To investigate the distribution of metastatic cancer cells in the mesentery (referred to as metastasis V) and enrich the understanding of the metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Methods

A total of two hundred ninety‐nine patients who received colorectal operations at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between April 2018 and December 2018 were included. Samples were acquired from the dissected mesentery after the operation, and hematoxylin–eosin staining or immunohistochemistry was used to detect metastatic cancer cells. Pathological factors, including tumor position, tumor size, invasion depth, tumor differentiation, lymph node involvement, local vessel invasion, and perineural invasion, were recorded.

Results

Metastatic cancer cells in the colorectal mesentery (metastasis V) were detected in 62 of 299 patients. Metastasis V was closely correlated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation, and perineural and vessel invasion by cancer cells. Metastasis V occurred more frequently in patients with T3 stage (26.27%) and T4 stage (40.00%) than in patients with T1 and T2 stages (0% and 2%, respectively). Metastasis V was frequently detected in patients with N2a and N2b stage tumors (51.72% and 61.54%, respectively). Metastasis V was more frequently detected in patients with perineural metastasis and local vessel invasion. In addition, metastasis V incidences in colon and rectal cancer were similar.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of metastasis V is correlated with tumor staging factors and occurs more frequently in advanced‐stage patients.
Renal involvement in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mutalib Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and has a rising incidence in both children and adults. Symptoms are caused by inappropriate inflammatory response triggered by interaction between the environment, gut microbiome and host immune system in a genetically susceptible individual. Extranintestinal manifestations of IBD are common and can affect any body system outside the gut; they can precede or run parallel to GI inflammation. Renal involvement in IBD is uncommon and can be part of extraintestinal manifestation or metabolic complications of IBD. Many medications used to treat IBD can cause renal damage. Renal manifestation in children with IBD can range from asymptomatic biochemical abnormalities to variable stages of renal impairment with significant morbidity and even mortality burden.
Polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections in dermatology
Authors: Schremser Verena , Antoniewicz Lukasz , Tschachler Erwin , Geusau Alexandra
Published: December 2019

Background

Rapid identification of human herpesviruses from lesion swabs is necessary for timely initiation of antiviral treatment, especially with infections involving neonates and immunocompromised individuals. The aim of the study was to investigate the results of an in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for herpesviruses in patients with symptoms suggestive for a herpesvirus infection.

Patients and methods

In this single center retrospective study the results of 3677 lesion swab specimens tested for human herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and 2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) were analyzed in the context of data sheets giving details of the suspected diagnosis, medical history as well as the demographic data of the patients. The PCR procedures for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) were applied on special occasions.

Results

Of the samples 3369 (91.6%) were swabs and a minority were tissue or blood samples. Of the 3015 samples tested for HSV‑1, HSV‑2 and VZV concomitantly, 52.3% were positive for at least one of these viruses. Clinically distinct conditions, such as herpes zoster and varicella had a high rate of positive PCR results, ranging from 81% to 88%, respectively. Among HSV‑2 positive samples, 23.7% derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, in contrast to the 10.8% originating from immunocompetent patients, the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.002). The HSV‑2 was detected more often in women than in men.

Conclusion

Distinct clinical diagnoses have a high correlation rate with positive PCR results. A significantly higher number of HSV‑2 positive results were found in HIV positive patients and in women.
On cycling risk and discomfort: urban safety mapping and bike route recommendations
Authors: Castells-Graells David , Salahub Christopher , Pournaras Evangelos
Published: December 2019

Bike usage in Smart Cities is paramount for sustainable urban development: cycling promotes healthier lifestyles, lowers energy consumption, lowers carbon emissions, and reduces urban traffic. However, the expansion and increased use of bike infrastructure has been accompanied by a glut of bike accidents, a trend jeopardizing the urban bike movement. This paper leverages data from a diverse spectrum of sources to characterise geolocated bike accident severity and, ultimately, study cycling risk and discomfort. Kernel density estimation generates a continuous, empirical, spatial risk estimate which is mapped in a case study of Zürich city. The roles of weather, time, accident type, and severity are illustrated. A predominance of self-caused accidents motivates an open-source software artifact for personalized route recommendations. This software is used to collect open baseline route data that are compared with alternative routes minimizing risk and discomfort. These contributions have the potential to provide invaluable infrastructure improvement insights to urban planners, and may also improve the awareness of risk in the urban environment among experienced and novice cyclists alike.
Diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in assessing lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer compared with PET
Authors: Shuto Kiyohiko , Kono Tsuguaki , Shiratori Toru , Akutsu Yasunori , Uesato Masaya , Mori Mikito , Narushima Kazuo , Imanishi Shunsuke , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Yanagawa Noriyuki , Okazumi Shinichi , Koda Keiji , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: December 2019

Background

Although diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) for detecting lymph node (LN) metastasis is reported to be a successful modality for primary malignant tumors, there are few studies relating to esophageal cancer. This study aimed to clarify the diagnostic performance of DWI for assessing LN metastasis compared with positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (eSCC).

Methods

Seventy-six patients with histologically proven eSCC who underwent curative esophagectomy without neoadjuvant treatment were reviewed retrospectively. Harvested LNs were divided into 1229 node stations with 94 metastases. Diagnostic abilities and prognostic significance were compared.

Results

In a station-by-station evaluation, the sensitivity was higher in DWI than PET (67% vs. 32%, P < 0.001). DWI showed more than 80% sensitivity for middle- and large-sized cancer nests and large area of cancer nests. The DWI-N0 group had a better 5-year relapse-free survival rate than the DWI-N+ group (78.5% vs. 34.2%, P < 0.001), as did the PET-N0 group. DWI-N status was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR], 2.642; P = 0.048), as was PET-N status (HR 2.481; P = 0.033).

Conclusions

DWI, which depends on cancer cell volume followed by elevated intranodal density, is a non-invasive modality and showed higher sensitivity than PET. It has clinical impact in predicting postoperative survival for patients with eSCC alongside its diagnostic ability and has significant performance in clinical practice.
Symptomatic and Functional Remission in Young Adults with a Psychotic Disorder in a Rehabilitation Focused Team
Authors: Kwakernaak Sascha , Swildens Wilma E. , van Wel Tom F. , Janssen Richard T. J. M.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to assess symptomatic remission (SR) and functional remission (FR) in a rehabilitation focused program for young adults with a psychotic disorder in the Netherlands, and to investigate which individual and mental health care factors are associated with SR and/or FR, by using Routine Outcome Monitoring data and data on met needs and unmet needs for care. Data of 287 young adults were collected. Almost 40% achieved or maintained SR, 34% FR, and 26% achieved or maintained both. In addition to sociodemographic factors, living independently, paid employment, higher levels of compliance with treatment, and better fulfillment of unmet needs for care in relation to psychological distress, company and daytime activities were associated with better outcomes on SR and/or FR. Our findings underscore that to successfully improve and sustain remission in young adults with a psychotic disorder, it is needed to conduct specific research into the relationship between SR and FR.
Correction to: Factor analysis to investigate genotype and genotype × environment interaction effects on pro-vitamin A content and yield in maize synthetics
Authors: Mengesha Wende , Menkir Abebe , Meseka Silvestro , Bossey Bunmi , Afolabi Agbona , Burgueno Juan , Crossa Jose
Published: December 2019

The article [Factor analysis to investigate genotype and genotype × environment interaction effects on pro-vitamin A content and yield in maize synthetics], written by [Wende Mengesha, Abebe Menkir, Silvestro Meseka, Bunmi Bossey, Agbona Afolabi, Juan Burgueno and Jose Crossa], was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink).
Is Camouflaging Autistic Traits Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours? Expanding the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide in an Undergraduate Student Sample
Authors: Cassidy S. A. , Gould K. , Townsend E. , Pelton M. , Robertson A. E. , Rodgers J.
Published: December 2019

The current study explored whether people who camouflage autistic traits are more likely to experience thwarted belongingness and suicidality, as predicted by the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS). 160 undergraduate students (86.9% female, 18–23 years) completed a cross-sectional online survey from 8th February to 30th May 2019 including self-report measures of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, autistic traits, depression, anxiety, camouflaging autistic traits, and lifetime suicidality. Results suggest that camouflaging autistic traits is associated with increased risk of experiencing thwarted belongingness and lifetime suicidality. It is important for suicide theories such as the IPTS to include variables relevant to the broader autism phenotype, to increase applicability of models to both autistic and non-autistic people.
Thallus sectioning as an efficient monospore release method in Pyropia yezoensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Chen Nianci , Tang Lei , Guan Xiaowei , Chen Rui , Cao Min , Mao Yunxiang , Wang Dongmei
Published: December 2019

The red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis is a marine crop of important economic value and is widely cultivated in the coastal areas of northern China. The current seedling-raising system relies on the germination of conchospores, a process not fast enough to meet the increasing demand from farmers. In this study, we developed a monospore-dependent seedling method based on the asexual reproduction of the Pyropia thallus. The Pyropia thallus was physically sectioned into small pieces (microthalli) that were cultivated at 15 °C. The algal cells in the microthalli became morphologically condensed, underwent cell division, and then developed into monospores on the 5th day. The monospores were able to attach to the seeding rope in 24 h and germinated into healthy thalli. To optimize the efficiency of monospore release, we tested the effect of temperature and the size and original positions of the microthalli as well as the age of the mother thallus. Microthalli with a size of 30–50 cells from the middle and apex of 21-day-old thalli cultivated at 15 °C yielded the optimum production of monospores. Theoretically, in this thallus-to-thallus seeding strategy, 0.1 g of thallus could produce at least 107 monospores, with the same number of offspring thallus seedlings. Taking all of these advantages together, including the high efficiency, short time, low cost and easy operation, this physical sectioning method could serve as a promising seed source especially for new cultivars with superior traits in Pyropia farming and rapid replenishment of seedlings when thalli undergo disastrous diseases.
Employment in Personality Disorders and the Effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support: Outcomes from a Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Juurlink T. T. , Lamers F. , van Marle H. J. F. , Michon H. , van Busschbach J. T. , Beekman A. T. F. , Anema J. R.
Published: December 2019

Purpose Personality disorders (PDs) are associated with severe functional impairment and subsequent high societal costs, increasing the need to improve occupational functioning in PD. Individual placement and support (IPS) is an effective, evidence-based method of supported employment, which so far has been tested in various mixed patient populations with severe mental illness (SMI, including PDs). However, the effectiveness of IPS for PDs per se remains uninvestigated. Methods Data from the SCION trial were used, including 31 SMI patients with PDs and 115 SMI patients with other primary diagnoses (primarily psychotic disorders). First, the interaction effect of diagnosis (PD vs other SMI) and intervention (IPS vs traditional vocational rehabilitation) was studied. Second, in the IPS condition, difference between diagnostic groups in time to first job was studied. Results We did not find evidence of a moderating effect of PD diagnosis on the primary effect of IPS (proportion who started in regular employment) (OR = 0.592, 95% CI 0.80–4.350, p = 0.606) after 30 months. Also, PD diagnosis did not moderate the effect of time until first job in IPS. Conclusions From the present explorative analysis we did not find evidence for a moderating effect of PD diagnosis on the effectiveness of IPS among PD participants. This indicates that IPS could be as effective in gaining employment in participants with PD as it is in participants with other SMI. Future studies, implementing larger numbers, should confirm whether IPS is equally effective in PDs and study whether augmentations or alterations to the standard IPS model might be beneficiary for PD.
Structural problems for reductionism
Authors: Leuenberger Stephan
Published: December 2019

Universal reductionism—the sort of project pursued by Carnap in the Aufbau, Lewis in his campaign on behalf of Humean supervenience, Jackson in From Metaphysics to Ethics, and Chalmers in Constructing the World—aims to reduce everything to some specified base, more or less austere as it may be. In this paper, I identify two constraints that a promising strategy to argue for universal reductionism needs to satisfy: the exhaustion constraint and the chaining constraint. As a case study, I then consider Chalmers’ Constructing the World, in which a priori implication, or “scrutability”, plays the role of reduction. Chalmers first divides up the total vocabulary of our language into different families, and then argues, for each family separately, that truths involving expressions in that family are scrutable from the putative base. He does not systematically address the question whether “cross-family sentences”—sentences involving expressions from more than one family—are scrutable. I shall argue that this lacuna cannot be filled, since scrutability does not allow for the exhaustion constraint and the chaining constraint to be jointly satisfied. I further suggest that Carnap’s account, in which definability plays the role of reduction, has better prospects of meeting these constraints.
Determinants of health-related quality of life proxy rating disagreement between caregivers of children with cancer
Authors: Rensen Niki , Steur Lindsay M. H. , Schepers Sasja A. , Merks Johannes H. M. , Moll Annette C. , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. , Van Litsenburg Raphaële R. L. , Grootenhuis Martha A.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Proxy reports of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are commonly used in pediatric oncology. However, it is not known if caregivers’ reports differ. This study therefore aims to compare paternal and maternal proxy reports, and explore determinants of couple disagreement (sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and parental QoL and distress).

Methods

Both parents completed the PedsQL generic (child’s HRQoL), Short Form-12 (own QoL) and Distress Thermometer for Parents. To assess agreement in child HRQoL, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Differences between fathers/mothers were assessed with paired t tests. Systematic disagreement patterns were visualized with Bland–Altman plots. Characteristics of parental couples with a mean proxy difference in the highest quartile (highest proxy score minus lowest proxy score) were explored with multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Parents of 120 children with cancer (87% post-treatment, mean age 11.0 ± 5.7 years) participated. No significant differences were found between paternal and maternal proxy scores, and agreement was good on all scales (ICCs 0.65–0.83). Bland–Altman plots revealed no systematic disagreement patterns, but there was a wide range in magnitude of the differences, and differences went in both directions. Couples with a mean proxy difference (irrespective of which direction) in the highest quartile (± 20 points) were more likely to have a child in active treatment, with retinoblastoma or relapsed disease, and to diverge in their own QoL.

Conclusions

If proxy reports of only one parent are available, clinicians may reasonably assume that paternal and maternal reports are interchangeable. However, if in doubt, respondent’s sex is not of major importance, but clinicians should be aware of patient’s and family’s characteristics.
Decision Tree-Based Data Mining and Rule Induction for Identifying High Quality Groundwater Zones to Water Supply Management: a Novel Hybrid Use of Data Mining and GIS
Authors: Jeihouni Mehrdad , Toomanian Ara , Mansourian Ali
Published: December 2019

Groundwater is an important source to supply drinking water demands in both arid and semi-arid regions. Nevertheless, locating high quality drinking water is a major challenge in such areas. Against this background, this study proceeds to utilize and compare five decision tree-based data mining algorithms including Ordinary Decision Tree (ODT), Random Forest (RF), Random Tree (RT), Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID), and Iterative Dichotomiser 3 (ID3) for rule induction in order to identify high quality groundwater zones for drinking purposes. The proposed methodology works by initially extracting key relevant variables affecting water quality (electrical conductivity, pH, hardness and chloride) out of a total of eight existing parameters, and using them as inputs for the rule induction process. The algorithms were evaluated with reference to both continuous and discrete datasets. The findings were speculative of the superiority, performance-wise, of rule induction using the continuous dataset as opposed to the discrete dataset. Based on validation results, in continuous dataset, RF and ODT showed higher and RT showed acceptable performance. The groundwater quality maps were generated by combining the effective parameters distribution maps using inducted rules from RF, ODT, and RT, in GIS environment. A quick glance at the generated maps reveals a drop in the quality of groundwater from south to north as well as from east to west in the study area. The RF showed the highest performance (accuracy of 97.10%) among its counterparts; and so the generated map based on rules inducted from RF is more reliable. The RF and ODT methods are more suitable in the case of continuous dataset and can be applied for rule induction to determine water quality with higher accuracy compared to other tested algorithms.
Prenucleation at the Interface Between MgO and Liquid Magnesium: An Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Fang C. M. , Fan Z.
Published: December 2019

Magnesia (MgO) particles inevitably exist in liquid Mg and may be used as potential sites for heterogeneous nucleation to achieve effective grain refinement. Understanding of the atomic configurations on MgO surfaces and in the liquid Mg adjacent to the liquid Mg/MgO interfaces is therefore of both scientific and practical interests. We investigate the surface structures of MgO in liquid Mg and the atomic arrangements of liquid Mg adjacent to liquid/substrate interfaces, using an ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique. We find that an atomically rough terminating Mg layer forms on the {1 1 1} terminated MgO substrate (octahedral MgO) in liquid Mg. The simulations also reveal that on the structurally flat {0 0 1} terminated MgO substrate (cubic MgO) a rough Mg layer forms due to the unique chemical interactions between the ions on the substrate and the liquid metals. The surface roughness together with the large lattice misfits with solid Mg makes both octahedral and cubic MgO substrates impotent for heterogeneous nucleation of α-Mg. The present results may shed new light on grain refinement of Mg-alloys.
What the HLA-I!—Classical and Non-classical HLA Class I and Their Potential Roles in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wyatt Rebecca C. , Lanzoni Giacomo , Russell Mark A. , Gerling Ivan , Richardson Sarah J.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of Review

Hyperexpression of classical HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules in insulin-containing islets has become a widely accepted hallmark of type 1 diabetes pathology. In comparison, relatively little is known about the expression, function and role of non-classical subtypes of HLA-I. This review focuses on the current understanding of the non-classical HLA-I subtypes: HLA-E, HLA-F and HLA-G, within and outside the field of type 1 diabetes, and considers the possible impacts of these molecules on disease etiology.

Recent Findings

Evidence is growing to suggest that non-classical HLA-I proteins are upregulated, both at the RNA and protein levels in the pancreas of individuals with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. Moreover, associations between non-classical HLA-I genotypes and age at onset of type 1 diabetes have been reported in some studies. As with classical HLA-I, it is likely that hyperexpression of non-classical HLA-I is driven by the release of diffusible interferons by stressed β cells (potentially driven by viral infection) and exacerbated by release of cytokines from infiltrating immune cells.

Non-classical HLA-I proteins predominantly (but not exclusively) transduce negative signals to immune cells infiltrating at the site of injury/inflammation. We propose a model in which the islet endocrine cells, through expression of non-classical HLA-I are fighting back against the infiltrating immune cells. By inhibiting the activity and function on NK, B and select T cells, the non-classical HLA-I, proteins will reduce the non-specific bystander effects of inflammation, while at the same time still allowing the targeted destruction of β cells by specific islet-reactive CD8+ T cells.