bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the dispersity of micro‐nano particles for PP/PVC composites using gas‐assisted dispersion in a controlled foaming process
Authors: Zhou Ying‐Guo , Zhao Xu‐Dong , Dong Bin‐Bin , Liu Chun‐Tai
Published: December 2019

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanosilicon dioxide (nano‐SiO2) were blended with neat polypropylene (PP) to improve its flame retardancy and cellular foam structure, and the dispersal effects of PVC and nano‐SiO2 and the foaming effect of the PP/PVC composites were investigated. PP/PVC samples with different compositions and foaming degrees were first fabricated by conventional injection molding with and without a blowing agent. Tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, limiting oxygen index testing, and vertical burn testing were used to study the mechanical properties, thermal features, microstructures, and flame‐retardant properties of the molded samples, and the samples with different degrees of foaming were compared. The results suggest that the foaming process facilitates the dispersion of PVC and nano‐SiO2, while the presence of PVC and nano‐SiO2 improves the foamability of PP. A method for a gas‐assisted dispersion technology to control the foaming process was hence proposed. Considering that the mechanical properties of PP/PVC could be retained with satisfactory flame retardancy and weight loss, convenient processing, and low‐cost materials; the technology presented can be directly applied for lightweight engineering and the manufacture of fire‐resistant material and can act as a reference for other micro‐nano processing involving the dispersion of particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:524–534, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of Polymer‐Based Nanocomposites Composed of Sustainable Organo‐Modified Needlelike Nanoparticles and Their Particle Dispersion States in the Matrix
Authors: Hirayama Shuhei , Hayasaki Takuto , Okano Rei , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: December 2019

Polymer‐based nanohybrid materials were created using sustainable sepiolite clay composed from ubiquitous elements. Although sepiolite is generally recognized as a fibrous natural clay mineral, it turned out to be an acicular microcrystal because of the organo‐modification of the outermost surface. Surface modification was performed using phosphonic acid derivatives containing hydrocarbon chains or fluorocarbon chains. Formation of a bidentate bond enhanced the desorption temperature and made nanocomposite preparation possible by melt compounding with polymers having a high melting point. As a result of organo‐modification, amphiphilic sepiolite was obtained, and nanodispersion in an organic solvent was achieved. This technology was useful for detailed evaluation of sepiolite morphology. The nanocomposite of crystalline polymers/organo‐modified sepiolites achieved uniform dispersion of these nanofillers in the matrix polymer. The introduction of 1 wt% nanofillers did not impair the transparency of the matrix polymer. As a result, a lamellae structure of the polymer developed, the crystallinity increased, and the mechanical properties improved. In addition, the crystallization temperature was improved, indicating that organo‐modified sepiolites may act as a nucleating agent. It was found that sepiolite nanofiller with a highly aggregated tendency can achieve a well‐nanodispersed state, even in phase‐separable fluoropolymers, by applying fluorocarbon modification. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:541–552, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Changing paradigm of radiation therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Neilsen Beth K , Lin Chi
Published: December 2019

The evidence supporting the use of radiation therapy (RT) for pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment is highly variable, with studies both showing and failing to show that RT provides a survival benefit. Trials exploring the use of RT for PC treatment dates back to the 1960s with various dosing and fractionation schemes, as well as various chemotherapeutic combinations. Collectively, large retrospective studies using cancer databases have shown an overall survival benefit with the addition of RT. The combination of RT with efficacious chemotherapy regimens synergistically improves the benefits of RT. More recent studies have evaluated the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy in either single‐ or multi‐fraction regimens. Modern studies using multifractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy have demonstrated maintenance of local control and safe toxicity profiles with shorter therapeutic regimens allowing for improved integration with other therapeutic modalities. Although the use of RT has been evaluated for ≥50 years for PC treatment, the heterogeneous nature of the studies carried out and the advancement of complementary chemotherapeutic regimens makes it difficult to clearly identify the direct effect of RT. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence for the use of RT in PC treatment, including a comparison of conventionally fractionated RT versus stereotactic body radiation therapy.
Cover Image, Volume 76, Issue 1
Authors: Kunte Nitish , McGraw Erin , Bell Sydney , Held David , Avila Luz‐Adriana
Published: December 2019

The back cover image is based on the Review Article Prospects, challenges and current status of RNAi through insect feeding by Luz‐Adriana Avila et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5588.

image
Inhibitor of apoptosis‐1 gene as a potential target for pest control and its involvement in immune regulation during fungal infection
Authors: Zhang Wei , Keyhani Nemat O , Zhang Hao , Cai Kaiyong , Xia Yuxian
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Environmentally friendly insect management technologies, including RNA interference (RNAi) and entomopathogenic fungi, have attracted increasing attention as options for pest control. Here, we sought to extend RNAi‐directed targeting of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (IAP1) gene to the locust, and to examine its relationship to immune responses and susceptibility to Metarhizium acridum, a locust‐specific fungal pathogen.

RESULTS

Expression of the locust LmIAP gene was induced in the hemolymph and fat body after M. acridum infection. RNAi‐directed silencing of locust LmIAP1 resulted in increased caspase 3 activity, degeneration of the gut and dose‐dependent mortality. Synergistic mortality was seen in RNAi‐LmIAP/fungal co‐infection experiments with median survival time (MST) values decreasing from ∼ 5 days for RNAi and M. acridum treatments alone, to 2.6 days for co‐treatments. Reduced hemocyte numbers and antimicrobial peptide levels were seen in co‐treated locusts, with changes in gut opportunistic pathogenic bacteria seen between treatments. Enhanced fungal sporulation on co‐treated insect cadavers was also compared with fungal infection alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Silencing of the locust LmIAP1 gene results in direct mortality and increases insect susceptibility to insect fungal pathogens, in part by decreasing immunity and altering the gut microbiome. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
What can we learn about orographic drag parametrisation from high‐resolution models? A case study over the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Vosper Simon B. , van Niekerk Annelize , Elvidge Andrew , Sandu Irina , Beljaars Anton
Published: December 2019

Comprehensive high‐resolution numerical weather prediction models provide a virtual laboratory for modelling the atmospheric flow over complex mountain ranges. In this study, global and regional simulations with horizontal grid spacing ranging from 2 to 32 km, focused over the northern Rocky Mountains, are used to assess the orographic blocking and gravity wave drag parametrisations employed in the Met Office Unified Model (UM) and the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). The total, resolved and parametrised drag components in coarse‐resolution simulations are compared with those in high‐resolution simulations, in which the orographic drag processes are better resolved. The total surface stresses and gravity wave momentum fluxes in the free atmosphere of the global 16 km UM and IFS simulations are shown to compare well with 2 km regional simulations in terms of variability and mean. While the total gravity wave momentum flux is somewhat underestimated by both global models, its vertical distribution is well captured. The “seamlessness” of the parametrisation scheme is then assessed by comparing the total orographic stress – and its components – across several horizontal resolutions of the UM. The surface stress remains relatively constant across resolutions, such that the reduction in resolved orographic stress at coarser resolutions is compensated for by an almost equivalent increase in parametrised orographic stress. However, the parametrised orographic gravity wave momentum flux in the free atmosphere remains almost constant with resolution, failing to compensate for the lack of resolved flux at coarse resolutions. This leads to an underestimation of the total gravity wave drag at coarser resolutions. Further analysis suggests that this underestimation is due to the monochromatic wave assumption made by the gravity wave drag parametrisation scheme.
Which isotopes should we choose? Entropy‐based feature ranking enables evaluation of the information content of stable isotopes in archaeofaunal material
Authors: Göhring Andrea , Mauder Markus , Kröger Peer , Grupe Gisela
Published: December 2019

Rationale

Methods for multi‐isotope analyses are gaining in importance in anthropological, archaeological, and ecological studies. However, when material is limited (i.e., archaeological remains), it is obligatory to decide a priori which isotopic system(s) could be omitted without losing information.

Methods

We introduce a method that enables feature ranking of isotopic systems on the basis of distance‐based entropy. The feature ranking method is evaluated using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) clustering as well as a cluster validation index (“trace index”).

Results

Combinations of features resulting in high entropy values are less important than those resulting in low entropy values structuring the dataset into more distinct clusters. Therefore, this method allows us to rank isotopic systems. The isotope ranking depends on the analyzed dataset, for example, consisting of terrestrial mammals or fish. The feature ranking results were verified by cluster analysis.

Conclusions

Entropy‐based feature ranking can be used to a priori select the isotopic systems that should be analyzed. Consequently, we strongly suggest that this method should be applied if only limited material is available.
Effect of Fe3O4‐Decorated N‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanohybrid on the Anticorrosion Performance of Epoxy Composite Coating
Authors: Chhetri Suman , Ghosh Souvik , Samanta Pranab , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kuila Tapas
Published: December 2019

The present study explores the synergistic effect of Fe3O4 and heteroatom doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrid on anti‐corrosion performance of epoxy composite coating. In this connection, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were decorated over nitrogen doped rGO (Fe3O4‐NRG) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This approach to modulating the surface properties of graphene and hence the interaction with polymer matrix were quite distinct from traditional surface functionlization or decoration in a sense that the doped nitrogen atom facilitate the growth of Fe3O4 particles and at the same time augmented the interaction of rGO with polymer matrix. The prepared nanohybrid was dispersed in epoxy matrix through mechanical mixing and coated over mild steel surface via spin coating technique. The potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study revealed superior anti‐corrosion performance of Fe3O4‐NRG/epoxy coating in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The corrosion inhibition was found to improve by ∼ 98.5% with 0.5 wt% loading of Fe3O4‐NRG. We believe that this simple solvent free approach to prepare composite coating can be exploit for practical application and thus deserves special attention..
An Overview of Recent Advances in the Applications of Click Chemistry in the Synthesis of Bioconjugates with Anticancer Activities
Authors: Mashayekh Koroush , Shiri Pezhman
Published: December 2019

The click chemistry is one of the most powerful C−N bond forming‐reactions towards five‐membered heterocycles. The copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) has widely used in the discovery of anti‐cancer drugs and many articles have been published in this field. This review article aims to review general mechanism aspects and the recent advances (2016–2019) of click chemistry for cancer therapy.
New Approach to the Synthesis of 2‐Sulfonylaminosubstituted Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines via the Cascade Reaction of N‐(1‐aryl‐2,2,2‐trichloroethyl)sulfonamides with 2‐Aminopyridines
Authors: Serykh Valery Yu. , Ushakov Igor A. , Borodina Tatyana N. , Smirnov Vladimir I. , Rozentsveig Igor B.
Published: December 2019

2‐Aminopyridines react with N‐(1‐aryl‐2,2,2‐trichloroethyl)arenesulfonamides in the presence of K2CO3 and DABCO to afford previously unknown 2‐sulfonylaminosubstituted imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. The annulated heterocyclic derivatives are likely formed via dichloroaziridine and α‐chloro imidoylchloride intermediates.
Effect of Content of Cerium Ion on Brönsted‐Acid‐Catalyzed Reaction of Thiophene over CeY Zeolite Studied by In Situ FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Mo Zhousheng , Qin Yucai , Zu Yun , Wang Huan , Zhang Xiaotong , Song Lijuan
Published: December 2019

With NaY zeolite as the raw material, CeY zeolites with different content of Ce ions were prepared by liquid phase ion exchange (LPIE) method. Their chemical compositions were measured by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3‐TPD) and FTIR spectra of pyridine (Py‐FTIR) techniques were used to characterize acidity of CeY zeolites. With thiophene (TP, C4H4S) as probe molecule, adsorption and reaction of TP over CeY zeolites were researched by using in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Finally, it can be found that activity of Brönsted(B)‐acid‐catalyzed reaction of TP firstly increases and then has little change with the increase of concentration of Ce(NO3)3 solution (c), while increases with the increase of the exchange times by a combination of adsorption and reaction of TP over CeY zeolite with acidity of CeY zeolite and with location of Ce ion in CeY zeolite. Especially, the sulfur‐metal (S−M) interaction between TP and Ce ion located in the supercage exhibits more influence than B‐acid‐catalyzed reaction of TP on adsorption desulfurization of CeY zeolite.
A Non‐Noble Monometallic Catalyst Derived from Cu–MOFs for Highly Selective Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Dimethylfuran
Authors: Zhang Qingtu , Zuo Jianliang , Peng Feng , Chen Shengzhou , Wang Qiying , Liu Zili
Published: December 2019

Selective hydrogenation of biomass 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2, 5‐dimethylfuran (DMF) which is a suitable candidate for liquid fuel has been widely concerned. Developing efficient and economic catalysts for the hydrogenation of HMF to DMF under mild conditions is a crucial issue. Here series monometallic Cu‐based catalysts were synthesized from controlled thermolysis of Cu‐BTC metal‐organic frameworks and characterized by TG, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and H2‐TPR techniques. The CuOx@C catalyst with Cu2O/Cu composites enwrapped in porous carbon matrix derived from Cu‐BTC by two steps thermolysis treatment shows high hydrogenation activity with 100% conversion of HMF and 92% selectivity of DMF at 180 °C under 3 MPa H2 pressure. The oxidation treatment following up the thermolysis of Cu‐BTC under inert atmosphere increases the content of Cu+ in the catalyst and improves the activity of the catalyst, which is mainly owe to the synergetic effect between Cu+ and Cu0.
The Electrochemical Resolution of Ciprofloxacin, Riboflavin and Estriol Using Anionic Surfactant and Polymer‐Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Pushpanjali Pemmatte A. , Manjunatha Jamballi G. , Shreenivas Mellekatte T.
Published: December 2019

In the current study, a novel electrode was prepared by utilizing electropolymerization as well as immobilization technique for the resolution of antibacterial drug Ciprofloxacin (CFX). Cyclic voltammetric (CV) technique was adopted to explore the properties of poly(Evans blue) sodium dodecyl sulphate doubly modified carbon paste electrode (PEBSDSMCPE). A significant enhancement in the electrochemical activity was observed at modified electrode compared to bare carbon paste electrode (BCPE). The effect of variation in sweep rate was also performed to evaluate the total number of electrons transferred during the oxidation of CFX. The mass transfer process taking place at the electrode surface was also examined and it was found to be controlled by diffusion phenomena. Under optimized circumstances the limit of detection (LOD) and quantification limit (LOQ) were achieved to be 1.83×10−7 M and 6.11×10−7 M respectively. PEBSDSMCPE was successfully utilized for the selective determination of CFX, Riboflavin (RFL) and Estriol (EST). The current proposed method was well adopted for the analysis of real sample.
An Efficient Regioselective Access to (11Z)‐11‐(3‐Aryl‐5,6‐dihydropyrazin‐2(1H)‐ylidene)‐11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxaline Derivatives via One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Roosta Atefeh
Published: December 2019

Here we reported an efficient one‐pot reaction between 11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalin‐11‐one, 1‐phenyl‐2‐(1,1,1‐triphenyl‐λ5‐phosphanylidene)ethan‐1‐one and diamine derivatives to access (11E)‐11‐(3‐aryl‐5,6‐dihydropyrazin‐2(1H)‐ylidene)‐11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalines. The reaction allows the formation of the desired products under mild and catalyst‐free conditions with excellent regioselectivity and high yields (85‐95%). All products were characterized by IR, EI‐MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis.
Effect of Tier Surface Structure on Non‐wetting Materials and Robust Superamphiphobic Surface
Authors: Fan Beibei , Wang Tao , Jia Xueying , Ji Lvlv , Lv Chang , Wang Sheng
Published: December 2019

Surface structure is a key factor for the non‐wettability, that's because different surface tier structure can catch different numbers of air‐pockets. The weak hierarchical surface structure limits the application of non‐wetting materials. In this work, the different tier structure Te@C, Te@C‐SiO2, SNTs are prepared to characterize the influence of tier structure on the non‐wettability and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms are used to characterize the air‐pockets. The aluminum dihydrogen phosphate is used to strength the robustness of SiO2NTs superamphiphobic surface. The results indicate that the more tiers of surface structure have a higher SBET, higher SBET ensure enough air‐pockets, which can make more contributions to the non‐wettability. The prepared robust superamphiphobic surface shown extreme robustness, and after 50 cycles of sandpaper abrasion, it is still super‐repellent to hexadecane.
Dark matter and naturalness
Authors: Hertzberg Mark P. , Sandora McCullen
Published: December 2019

Abstract

The Standard Model of particle physics is governed by Poincaré symmetry, while all other symmetries, exact or approximate, are essentially dictated by theoretical consistency with the particle spectrum. On the other hand, many models of dark matter exist that rely upon the addition of new added global symmetries in order to stabilize the dark matter particle and/or achieve the correct abundance. In this work we begin a systematic exploration into truly natural models of dark matter, organized by only relativity and quantum mechanics, without the appeal to any additional global symmetries, no fine-tuning, and no small parameters. We begin by reviewing how singlet dark sectors based on spin 0 or spin$$ \frac{1}{2} $$12should readily decay, while pure strongly coupled spin 1 models have an overabun-dance problem. This inevitably leads us to construct chiral models with spin$$ \frac{1}{2} $$12particles charged under confining spin 1 particles. This leads to stable dark matter candidates that are analogs of baryons, with a confinement scale that can be naturally 𝒪(100)TeV. This leads to the right freeze-out abundance by annihilating into massless unconfined dark fermions. The minimal model involves a dark copy of SU(3)×SU(2) with 1 generation of chiral dark quarks and leptons. The presence of massless dark leptons can potentially give rise to a somewhat large value of ∆Neffduring BBN. In order to not upset BBN one may either appeal to a large number of heavy degrees of freedom beyond the Standard Model, or to assume the dark sector has a lower reheat temperature than the visible sector, which is also natural in this framework. This reasoning provides a robust set of dark matter models that are entirely natural. Some are concrete realizations of the nightmare scenario in which dark matter may be very difficult to detect, which may impact future search techniques.
Wolfenstein potentials for neutrinos induced by ultra-light mediators
Authors: Smirnov Alexei Yu. , Xu Xun-Jie
Published: December 2019

Abstract

New physics can emerge at low energy scales, involving very light and very weakly interacting new particles. These particles can mediate interactions between neutrinos and usual matter and contribute to the Wolfenstein potential relevant for neutrino oscillations. We compute the Wolfenstein potential in the presence of ultra-light scalar and vector mediators and study the dependence of the potential on the mediator mass m

A
, taking the finite size of matter distribution (Earth, Sun, supernovae) into consideration. For ultra-light mediators with

$$ {m}_A^{-1} $$

m
A

−
1

comparable to the size of the medium (R), the usual

$$ {m}_A^{-2} $$

m
A

−
2

dependence of the potential is modified. In particular, when

$$ {m}_A^{-1} $$

m
A

−
1

≫ R, the potential does not depend on m

A
. Taking into account existing bounds on light mediators, we find that for the scalar case significant effects on neutrino propagation are not possible, while for the vector case large matter effects are allowed for m

A
∈ [2 × 10
−17, 4 × 10
−14] eV and the gauge coupling g ∼ 10
−25.
Symmetry enhancement in 4d Spin(n) gauge theories and compactification from 6d
Authors: Sela Orr , Zafrir Gabi
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We consider a known sequence of dualities involving 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 theories with Spin(n) gauge groups and use it to construct a new sequence of models exhibiting IR symmetry enhancement. Then, motivated by the observed pattern of IR symmetries we conjecture six-dimensional theories the compactification of which on a Riemann surface yields the 4dsequence of models along with their symmetry enhancements, and put them to several consistency checks.
The rise of SMEFT on-shell amplitudes
Authors: Aoude Rafael , Machado Camila S.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We present a map between the tree-level Standard Model Effective Theory (SMEFT) in the Warsaw basis and massive on-shell amplitudes. As a first step, we focus on the electroweak sector without fermions. We describe the Feynman rules for a particular choice of input scheme and compare them with the 3-point massive amplitudes in the broken phase. Thereby we fix an on-shell basis which allows us to study scattering amplitudes with recursion relations. We hope to open up new avenues of exploration to a complete formulation of massive EFTs in the on-shell language.
Bryophytes and the symbiotic microorganisms, the pioneers of vegetation restoration in karst rocky desertification areas in southwestern China
Authors: Cao Wei , Xiong Yuanxin , Zhao Degang , Tan Hongying , Qu Jiaojiao
Published: December 2019

In karst rocky desertification areas, bryophytes coexist with algae, bacteria, and fungi on exposed calcareous rocks to form a bryophyte crust, which plays an irreplaceable role in the restoration of karst degraded ecosystems. We investigated the biodiversity of crust bryophytes in karst rocky desertification areas from Guizhou Province, China. A total of 145 species in 22 families and 56 genera were identified. According to frequency and coverage, seven candidate dominant mosses were screened out, and five drought-resistant indexes of them were measured. Hypnum leptothallum, Racopilum cuspidigerum, and Hyophila involuta have high drought adaptability. We explored the interactions between two dominant mosses (H. leptothallum, H. involuta) and the structure of microbial communities in three karst rocky desertification types. Microbial diversity and function analysis showed that both moss species and karst rocky desertification types affect microbial communities. Moss species much more strongly affected the diversity and changed the community composition of these microbial groups. Bacteria were more sensitive in the microbiome as their communities changed strongly between mosses and drought resistance factors. Moreover, several species of fungi and bacteria could be significantly associated with three drought-resistant indexes: Pro (free proline content), SOD (superoxide dismutase activity), and POD (peroxidase activity), which were closely related to the drought adaptability of mosses. Our results enforced the potential role of moss-associated microbes that are important components involved in the related biological processes when bryophytes adapted to arid habitats, or as one kind of promoters in the distribution pattern of early mosses succession in karst rocky desertification areas.
It’s a thin line: development and validation of Dixon MRI-based semi-quantitative assessment of stress-related bone marrow edema in the wrists of young gymnasts and non-gymnasts
Authors: Kox L. S. , Kraan R. B. J. , Mazzoli V. , Mens M. A. , Kerkhoffs G. M. J. J. , Nederveen A. J. , Maas M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To assess reliability and clinical utility of evaluating stress-related metaphyseal water distribution using a semi-quantitative Dixon MRI-based method for early diagnosis of physeal stress injuries in adolescent gymnasts.

Methods

Twenty-four gymnasts with clinically suspected overuse injury of the distal radial physis, 18 asymptomatic gymnasts, and 24 non-gymnast controls aged 12 ± 1.5 years prospectively underwent hand radiographs and 3T MRI of the wrist including coronal T1-weighted and T2-weighted Dixon sequences. Two raters measured metaphyseal water signal fraction in 13 radial and ulnar regions of interest (ROI). Inter- and intrarater reliability, interslice (between 3 middle radial slices), and inter-ROI (between 3 ROIs on same level) reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Water signal fractions and their within-person ratios in distal versus most proximal ROIs were compared between groups using one-way analysis of variance.

Results

Inter- and intrarater ICCs were 0.79–0.99 and 0.94–1.0 for T1-weighted, and 0.88–1.0 and 0.88–1.0 for T2-weighted Dixon. Interslice and inter-ROI ICCs were 0.55–0.94 and 0.95–0.97 for T1-weighted, and 0.70–0.96 and 0.96–0.97 for T2-weighted Dixon. Metaphyseal water signal fraction in symptomatic gymnasts was higher in six distal ROIs compared with asymptomatic gymnasts and in nine ROIs compared with non-gymnasts (p < 0.05). Metaphyseal water score (ratio of distal versus most proximal ROIs) was 1.61 in symptomatic gymnasts and 1.35 in asymptomatic gymnasts on T2-weighted Dixon (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Semi-quantitative Dixon MRI-based water signal fraction assessment has good to excellent reproducibility and shows increased metaphyseal water scores in symptomatic gymnasts compared with asymptomatic gymnastic peers.

Key Points

• The proposed Dixon MRI-based semi-quantitative method for assessment of metaphyseal bone marrow water content is reliable, with off-the-shelf availability and short scan times.

• The metaphyseal water score allows comparisons between gymnasts using a within-person reference area for unaffected metaphyseal bone.

• As metaphyseal water score was increased in symptomatic gymnasts compared with asymptomatic gymnasts, this semi-quantitative method can potentially be used as an indicator of bone marrow edema in the early diagnosis of gymnastic physeal stress injury.
Qualitative and quantitative comparison of image quality between single-shot echo-planar and interleaved multi-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging in female pelvis
Authors: An He , Ma Xiaodong , Pan Ziyi , Guo Hua , Lee Elaine Yuen Phin
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To qualitatively and quantitatively compare the image quality between single-shot echo-planar (SS-EPI) and multi-shot echo-planar (IMS-EPI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in female pelvis

Methods

This was a prospective study involving 80 females who underwent 3.0T pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SS-EPI and IMS-EPI DWI were acquired with 3 b values (0, 400, 800 s/mm2). Two independent reviewers assessed the overall image quality, artifacts, sharpness, and lesion conspicuity based on a 5-point Likert scale. Regions of interest (ROI) were placed on the endometrium and the gluteus muscles to quantify the signal intensities and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and geometric distortion were quantified on both sequences. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using κ statistics and Kendall test. Qualitative scores were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and quantitative parameters were compared with paired t test and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

IMS-EPI demonstrated better image quality than SS-EPI for all aspects evaluated (SS-EPI vs. IMS-EPI: overall quality 3.04 vs. 4.17, artifacts 3.09 vs. 3.99, sharpness 2.40 vs. 4.32, lesion conspicuity 3.20 vs. 4.25; p < 0.001). Good agreement and correlation were observed between two reviewers (SS-EPI κ 0.699, r 0.742; IMS-EPI κ 0.702, r 0.789). IMS-EPI showed lower geometric distortion, SNR, and CNR than SS-EPI (p < 0.050). There was no significant difference in the mean ADC between the two sequences.

Conclusion

IMS-EPI showed better image quality with lower geometric distortion without affecting the quantification of ADC, though the SNR and CNR decreased due to post-processing limitations.

Key Points

• IMS-EPI showed better image quality than SS-EPI.

• IMS-EPI showed lower geometric distortion without affecting ADC compared with SS-EPI.

• The SNR and CNR of IMS-EPI decreased due to post-processing limitations.
CAS FGOALS-f3-L Model Datasets for CMIP6 GMMIP Tier-1 and Tier-3 Experiments
Authors: He Bian , Liu Yimin , Wu Guoxiong , Bao Qing , Zhou Tianjun , Wu Xiaofei , Wang Lei , Li Jiandong , Wang Xiaocong , Li Jinxiao , Hu Wenting , Zhang Xiaoqi , Sheng Chen , Tang Yiqiong
Published: December 2019

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Flexible Global Ocean–Atmosphere–Land System (FGOALS-f3-L) model datasets prepared for the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) Global Monsoons Model Intercomparison Project (GMMIP) Tier-1 and Tier-3 experiments are introduced in this paper, and the model descriptions, experimental design and model outputs are demonstrated. There are three simulations in Tier-1, with different initial states, and five simulations in Tier-3, with different topographies or surface thermal status. Specifically, Tier-3 contains four orographic perturbation experiments that remove the Tibetan–Iranian Plateau, East African and Arabian Peninsula highlands, Sierra Madre, and Andes, and one thermal perturbation experiment that removes the surface sensible heating over the Tibetan–Iranian Plateau and surrounding regions at altitudes above 500 m. These datasets will contribute to CMIP6’s value as a benchmark to evaluate the importance of long-term and short-term trends of the sea surface temperature in monsoon circulations and precipitation, and to a better understanding of the orographic impact on the global monsoon system over highlands.
Early detection of extremism? The local security professional on assessment of potential threats posed by youth
Authors: van de Weert Annemarie , Eijkman Quirine A.M.
Published: December 2019

Frontline professionals such as social workers and civil servants play a crucial role in countering violent extremism. Because of their direct contact with society, firstliners are tasked with detecting individuals that may threaten national security and the democratic rule of law. Preliminary screening takes place during the pre-crime phase. However, without clear evidence or concrete indicators of unlawful action or physical violence, it is challenging to determine when someone poses a threat. There are no set patterns that can be used to identify cognitive radicalization processes that will result in violent extremism. Furthermore, prevention targets ideas and ideologies with no clear framework for assessing terrorism-risk. This article examines how civil servants responsible for public order, security and safety deal with their mandate to engage in early detection, and discusses the side effects that accompany this practice. Based on open-interviews with fifteen local security professionals in the Netherlands, we focus here on the risk assessments made by these professionals. To understand their performance, we used the following two research questions: First, what criteria do local security professionals use to determine whether or not someone forms a potential risk? Second, how do local security professionals substantiate their assessments of the radicalization processes that will develop into violent extremism? We conclude that such initial risk weightings rely strongly on ‘gut feelings’ or intuition. We conclude that this subjectivity may lead to prejudice and/or administrative arbitrariness in relation to preliminary risk assessment of particular youth.
Exploring the Reliability of DFT Calculations of the Infrared and Terahertz Spectra of Sodium Peroxodisulfate
Authors: Kendrick John , Burnett Andrew D.
Published: December 2019

A number of DFT programs with various combinations of pseudo-potentials and van der Waals’ dispersive corrections have been used to optimize the structure of sodium peroxodisulfate, Na2(SO4)2, and to calculate the infrared, attenuated total reflectance and terahertz absorption spectra of the powdered crystal. Comparison of the results from the different methods highlights the problems of calculating the absorption spectrum reliably. In particular the low frequency phonon modes are especially sensitive to the choice of grids to represent the wavefunction or the charge distribution, k-point integration grid and the energy cutoff. A comparison is made between the Maxwell-Garnett (MG) and Bruggeman effective medium methods used to account for the effect of crystal shape on the predicted spectrum. Possible scattering of light by air inclusions in the sample and by larger particles of Na2(SO4)2 is also considered using the Mie method. The results of the calculations are compared with experimental measurements of the transmission and attenuated total reflection spectra.
Occupational Gender Segregation in Turkey: The Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions
Authors: Gedikli Cigdem
Published: December 2019

This paper investigated occupational gender segregation and its vertical and horizontal dimensions in Turkey. In order to explore the extent of inequality entailed in occupational gender segregation (measured by the vertical dimension), average pay levels across occupations were used. In addition to the economic inequalities captured by pay, aiming to explore the social inequalities inherent in occupational segregation, Cambridge Social Interaction and Stratification Scale scores across occupations were used. The results showed that the extent of inequality associated with occupational gender segregation was substantial, operating to the detriment of women. Women were more likely to be employed in lower-paid jobs and in occupations that ranked lower across the overall stratification structure, while men remained at an advantaged position in terms of both the pay levels and the positions of the occupations they held in the social hierarchy.
Ultrasound guidance for femoral venous access in electrophysiology procedures—systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kupó Péter , Pap Róbert , Sághy László , Tényi Dalma , Bálint Alexandra , Debreceni Dorottya , Basu-Ray Indranill , Komócsi András
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The most common complications of electrophysiology (EP) procedures are related to vascular access. Our study aims to conduct a meta-analysis comparing ultrasound (US)-guided vs. palpation-based technique for femoral venous access in EP procedures.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched and systematically reviewed for studies comparing femoral vein puncture with/without US in EP procedures. The primary outcome was the rate of major vascular complications; secondary outcomes were minor vascular complications, inadvertent artery puncture, postprocedural groin pain, and puncture time. Predefined subgroup analysis was conducted separately for patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation procedure (PVI). A random-effects model was used to derive risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Nine studies involving 8232 patients met our inclusion criteria. Compared with the standard technique, the use of US reduced major vascular complications (from 2.01 to 0.71%, p < 0.0001). The rate of minor vascular complications (RR = 0.30, 95% CI, 0.14–0.62, p = 0.001) and inadvertent artery puncture were lower with US-guided puncture (RR = 0.31, 95% CI, 0.17–0.58, p = 0.0003). Puncture time was shorter (mean difference = − 92.1 s, 95% CI, − 142.12 – − 42.07 s, p = 0.0003) and postprocedural groin pain was less frequent (RR = 0.57, 95% CI, 0.41–0.79, p = 0.0008) in the US group. Subgroup analysis of patients undergoing PVI also showed significant reduction of major vascular complications (RR = 0.27, 95% CI, 0.12–0.64, p = 0.003) and inadvertent artery puncture (RR = 0.35, 95% CI, 0.21–0.59, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Real-time US-guidance of femoral vein puncture in EP procedures is beneficial: it reduces major and minor vascular complications, inadvertent artery puncture, postprocedural groin pain, and puncture time.
Lithium-Containing Crystals for Light Dark Matter Search Experiments
Authors:   The CRESST Collaboration, Bertoldo E. , Abdelhameed A. H. , Angloher G. , Bauer P. , Bento A. , Breier R. , Bucci C. , Canonica L. , D’Addabbo A. , Di Lorenzo S. , Erb A. , Feilitzsch F. V. , Ferreiro Iachellini N. , Fichtinger S. , Fuchs D. , Fuss A. , Gorla P. , Hauff D. , Ješkovský M. , Jochum J. , Kaizer J. , Kinast A. , Kluck H. , Kraus H. , Langenkämper A. , Mancuso M. , Mokina V. , Mondragon E. , Olmi M. , Ortmann T. , Pagliarone C. , Palušová V. , Pattavina L. , Petricca F. , Potzel W. , Povinec P. , Pröbst F. , Reindl F. , Rothe J. , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schipperges V. , Schmiedmayer D. , Schönert S. , Schwertner C. , Stahlberg M. , Stodolsky L. , Strandhagen C. , Strauss R. , Usherov I. , Willers M. , Zema V. , Zeman J. , Brützam M. , Ganschow S.
Published: December 2019

In the current direct dark matter search landscape, the leading experiments in the sub-GeV mass region mostly rely on cryogenic techniques which employ crystalline targets. One attractive type of crystals for these experiments is those containing lithium, due to the fact that $$^7\hbox {Li}$$7Li is an ideal candidate to study spin-dependent dark matter interactions in the low mass region. Furthermore, $$^6\hbox {Li}$$6Li can absorb neutrons, a challenging background for dark matter experiments, through a distinctive signature which allows the monitoring of the neutron flux directly on site. In this work, we show the results obtained with three different detectors based on $$\hbox {LiAlO}_2$$LiAlO2, a target crystal never used before in cryogenic experiments.
Le Rabelais ressuscité (1611) de Nicolas de Horry et la tradition des mandements joyeux
Authors: Versendaal Rozanne
Published: December 2019

This article discusses the role ofmandements joyeuxor joyful writs in the novelRabelais ressuscité(1611) by the little-known French author Nicolas de Horry. The article first provides insight into the tradition and parodic nature of joyful writs. In a next step, the joyful writs in Horry’s text are identified, and the functions of these parodic passages in the narrative structure of the novel are analysed. Finally, the article demonstrates how an institutional approach to this Early Modern novel, concentrating on the identification of possible readers of the text, can contribute to a better understanding of the critical content of the joyful writs.
Striving for Consensus: How Panels Evaluate Artistic Productions
Authors: Lewandowska Kamila , Smolarska Zofia
Published: December 2019

Researchers have studied how artistic judgments are made in group interactions, but much remains to be known about artistic evaluations in decision-making settings where agreements need to be reached. This paper analyzes panel evaluations of artistic productions, drawing on interviews with panelists from a Polish theater competition. The article focuses on two aspects of panel decision-making: (1) concepts of artistic value that members of expert panels apply when evaluating art productions; and (2) interpersonal rules of deliberation, that is, norms and patterns of behavior that allow panelists to attach legitimacy to the decision-making process and its outcomes. The authors find that panel evaluations are based on a combination of two different logics (content and context logic) and develop a matrix of values the conceptualizes artistic standards and their applications. Furthermore, the authors find that panelists follow three types of interpersonal rules for decision-making:substantive,procedural, andcontextual.
Gas Diffusion in Coal Powders is a Multi-rate Process
Authors: Mathias Simon A. , Dentz Marco , Liu Qingquan
Published: December 2019

Gas migration in coal is strongly controlled by surface diffusion of adsorbed gas within the coal matrix. Surface diffusion coefficients are obtained by inverse modelling of transient gas desorption data from powdered coals. The diffusion coefficient is frequently considered to be dependent on time and initial pressure. In this article, it is shown that the pressure dependence can be eliminated by performing a joint inversion of both the diffusion coefficient and adsorption isotherm. A study of the log–log slope of desorbed gas production rate against time reveals that diffusion within the individual coal particles is a multi-rate process. The application of a power-law probability density function of diffusion rates enables the determination of a single gas diffusion coefficient that is constant in both time and initial pressure.
Statistical reporting of metabolomics data: experience from a high-throughput NMR platform and epidemiological applications
Authors: Mutter Stefan , Worden Carrie , Paxton Kara , Mäkinen Ville-Petteri
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Meta-analysis is the cornerstone of robust biomedical evidence.

Objectives

We investigated whether statistical reporting practices facilitate metabolomics meta-analyses.

Methods

A literature review of 44 studies that used a comparable platform.

Results

Non-numeric formats were used in 31 studies. In half of the studies, less than a third of all measures were reported. Unadjusted P-values were missing from 12 studies and exact P-values from 9 studies.

Conclusion

 Reporting practices can be improved. We recommend (i) publishing all results as numbers, (ii) reporting effect sizes of all measured metabolites and (iii) always reporting unadjusted exact P-values.
Pure Altruistic Gift and the Ethics of Transplant Medicine
Authors: Łuków Paweł
Published: December 2019

The article argues that altruistic giving based on anonymity, which is expected to promote social solidarity and block trade in human body parts, is conceptually defective and practically unproductive. It needs to be replaced by a more adequate notion which responds to the human practices of giving and receiving. The argument starts with identification of the main characteristics of the anonymous altruistic donation: social separation of the organ donor (or donor family) from the recipient, their mutual replaceability, non-obligatoriness of donation, and non-obligatoriness of reciprocation on the recipient’s part. Since these characteristics are also central to typical market relations, anonymous altruistic donation not only cannot promote solidarity but may encourage proposals for (regulated) markets of transplantable organs. Thus, transplant ethics needs to be reframed. It needs to be rooted in, rather than promote, the practices of giving and receiving known to human societies. As the basis for such reframing, the idea of sharing in another’s misfortune is proposed. It relies on the human practices of giving and receiving and, with appropriate regulatory safeguards, can provide a better conceptual basis for blocking commercial exchanges of human body parts.
The epidemiology of norovirus gastroenteritis in China: disease burden and distribution of genotypes
Authors: Zhou Honglu , Wang Songmei , von Seidlein Lorenz , Wang Xuanyi
Published: December 2019

With the improvements of sanitation and nationwide safe water supply the occurrence of bacterial diarrhea declined remarkably, while viruses became the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Of these viruses, noroviruses (NoVs) are responsible for a considerable burden of gastroenteritis, especially in children < 2 years and elderly ⩾ 65 years. NoVs circulating in the Chinese population are antigenically highly diverse with the genotype GII.4 being the dominant strain followed by GII.3. Given the widespread contamination in environmental sources, and highly infectious nature of NoVs, vaccination would be the desirable strategy for the control of NoV infections. However, a better understanding of acquired immunity after infection, and a reliable immunological surrogate marker are urgently needed, since two vaccine candidates based on virus-like particles (VLPs) are currently moving into clinical evaluations in China.
Precocious maturation in male tiger pufferfish Takifugu rubripes: genetics and endocrinology
Authors: Yoshikawa Sota , Chuda Hisashi , Hamasaki Masaomi , Kadomura Kazushi , Yamada Toshiyuki , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Hosoya Sho
Published: December 2019

Testes of the tiger pufferfish Takifugu rubripes are a delicacy in Japan, and selective breeding for a male precocious phenotype, i.e., with early initiation of testes development, is desirable. However, it is unknown if precocious gonad development in this species is under genetic control. Here, we investigated genetic involvement in precociousness by using progeny tests with sires from two cultured populations, including a family line anecdotally known for its precociousness, and a wild population. Progeny derived from the “precocious” line consistently had greater testes weight than that from the other lines, even after accounting for effects of body weight, which indicates that precociousness is truly heritable. We also compared chronological changes in plasma steroid hormones between progenies sired by males from the precocious line and a wild population, and found that the precocious family line had higher levels of plasma estradiol-17β (E2) prior to the initiation of testicular development. Our findings suggest that selective breeding for testes precociousness in the tiger pufferfish is feasible, and that plasma E2 may be an indicator of this phenotype, which would allow for phenotype evaluation without the need to sacrifice specimens.