bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrowhead design ultrasonic tip as a supplementary tool for canal debridement
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Simões‐Carvalho M. , Belladonna F. G. , Cavalcante D. M. , Portugal L. S. , Prado C. G. , Souza E. M. , Lopes R. T. , Silva E. J. N. L.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To investigate the shaping and cleaning performance of the Clearsonic ultrasonic tip as a supplementary tool during the preparation of long oval‐shaped root canals through micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) imaging technology. The Reciproc M‐Wire R40 instrument was used as a reference instrumentation technique for comparison.

Methodology

Twenty mandibular incisors with single, straight and long oval‐shaped canals were selected and pair‐matched by micro‐CT scanning. The root canals were prepared with Reciproc R25 and R40 instruments, scanned again in a micro‐CT device and randomly allocated into one of the two experimental groups (n = 10), according to the supplementary debridement protocol used: Clearsonic or Reciproc R40 used in a brushing motion against buccal and lingual walls. Noninstrumented canal areas, accumulation of hard‐tissue debris (AHTD) and volume of removed dentine were assessed using micro‐CT imaging following the supplementary debridement protocols. Data were analysed statistically in two phases using a t‐test with a significance level of 5%.

Results

In phase‐1, there was a significant similarity between the samples regarding the evaluated micro‐CT baseline parameters (P > 0.05), validating the anatomical similarity between the tooth pairs. In phase‐2, there was a significant difference between the groups for canal volume, surface area, noninstrumented root canal walls and the amount of removed dentine for both absolute and percentage values (P < 0.05), but not for AHTD (P = 0.759).

Conclusions

The Clearsonic tip outperformed the Reciproc R40 instrument as a supplementary debridement protocol as it was associated with significantly greater reduction of noninstrumented root canals walls and consequently a larger amount of removed dentine. Both groups performed similarly regarding the AHTD.
Biological therapy for pustular psoriasis: a systematic review
Authors: Falto‐Aizpurua Leyre A. , Martin‐Garcia Rafael F. , Carrasquillo Osward Y. , Nevares‐Pomales Oscar W. , Sánchez‐Flores Xavier , Lorenzo‐Rios Deyson
Published: October 2019

Background

The anecdotic evidence of the benefits from biologic agents for psoriasis is extensive. However, data on the efficacy of biologic agents for pustular psoriasis are limited.

Methods

To update the data on the efficacy and safety of biologic agents for the management of pustular psoriasis. A systematic review of published data regarding biologic therapies on PubMED database, used in the management of pustular psoriasis from 2012 was undertaken.

Results

A total of 209 articles were identified, and 43 articles were selected for inclusion. TNF‐α inhibitors were used in 205 patients, and 86 patients received ustekinumab, secukinumab, brodalumab, ixekizumab and IL‐1 inhibitors. Overall response was favorable for most modalities. No serious adverse events were reported. Inconsistent measures of treatment response and study variability limited the overall evaluation of data.

Conclusions

Infliximab and ustekinumab have the most evidence of efficacy and safety for the treatment of pustular psoriasis. Recent evidence supports the use of IL‐17 antagonists. Prospective controlled and comparative trials are needed to further explore the efficacy and safety of biologic agents in order to establish objective recommendations for the management of this challenging condition.
Creating opportunities for personal empowerment: Symptom and technology management resources (COPE‐STAR) for caregivers of children who require medical technology
Authors: Spratling Regena , Spezia Faulkner Melissa , Feinberg Iris , Hayat Matthew J.
Published: October 2019

Aim

This research protocol addresses the development of web‐based modules for the ‘creating opportunities for personal empowerment: symptom and technology management resources’ intervention with caregivers of children who require medical technology. The commonly experienced symptoms of fever and increased respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing, increased secretions), and the care of technologies (tracheostomy tubes, respiratory equipment and feeding tubes) are addressed in this nurse‐led and nurse‐developed intervention.

Design

The purpose of this study was to develop web‐based intervention modules and obtain review by expert and caregiver reviewers using a systematic, structured process and form.

Methods

The intervention includes evidenced‐based, theory‐based, modules that address the child's most common emotions and behavioural responses with the management of their symptoms and technologies using a web‐based format. To establish fidelity of the intervention, expert and caregiver reviewers (e.g. caregivers of children with multiple complex chronic illnesses and technologies) will review the modules that will then be refined prior to feasibility testing. Funding for the study began in July 2018.

Discussion

The intervention development led by nurses entails an evidence‐based literature review; development of scripts with appropriate health literacy level; and content by experts, photography, and videography; production of video modules and creation of a website for modules.

Impact

This nursing intervention addresses the educational needs and skills considered essential and most applicable to caregivers of children who require medical technology to improve self‐management of their child's symptoms and technology in the home setting. The information obtained from this study will be valuable to nursing, other healthcare providers and healthcare systems in planning and implementing programs and services for these children and for nurse researchers designing intervention studies for children with multiple complex chronic illnesses.

Trial registration

This study is not designated as a clinical trial per NIH/NINR study and grant proposal guidelines.
The Prevention of Infections in Older Adults: Vaccination
Authors: Coll Patrick P. , Costello Victoria W. , Kuchel George A. , Bartley Jenna , McElhaney Janet E.
Published: October 2019

All living beings are at risk for experiencing infections; humans are no exception. The prestige and credibility of modern medicine is built in large part on achievements in preventing and treating infectious diseases. For most of human history, there was little that could be done to prevent and treat infections. Millions of humans, of all ages, have died from infections; and in some parts of the world, infection‐related deaths remain common. Advances in preventing and treating infectious diseases include improved sanitization, sterilization, pasteurization, immunization, and antibiotics. Vaccination has played a major role in the prevention of lethal diseases, such as smallpox, diphtheria, cholera, and influenza. Because of developing or waning immune function, the young and the old are at particularly high risk of experiencing infections. Influenza and pneumonia remain common causes of death in older adults. Influenza, in particular, has the potential to result in premature mortality for all age groups, including those who are older and particularly those who live in congregate settings. Vaccination is important in promoting healthy aging. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:207–214, 2019
The effect of acupressure on labor pain and the duration of labor when applied to the SP6 point: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Türkmen Hülya , Çeber Turfan Esin
Published: October 2019

Aim

This study aims to determine the effect of acupressure (SP6) on first stage of labor pain and duration.

Methods

A single blind, randomized controlled experimental trial was conducted with 60 pregnant women: 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. At the active and transition stages of labor, acupressure was applied to the SP6 point of the experimental group, and the SP6 point of the control group was touched each contraction. The data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form. The Partograph Form was used to determine the duration of active stage and transition stage. The labor pain severity was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS) immediately after each acupressure/touch SP6 in active and transition stages. A participant questionnaire on satisfaction was administered in the immediate postnatal period. The group difference was tested for statistical significance using the Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

As the primary outcome, labor pain was less and duration of labor was shorter for the experimental group. As the secondary outcome, satisfaction was increased that could be as a result of reduced pain in labor and/or shorter duration of labor. The perceived pain level in the active stage in the experimental group (n = 30) was less than the control group (n = 30) (labor pain: 7.17 + 0.89 vs. 7.66 + 0.71, p = .002). The mean duration of the first stage of labor in the experimental group was shorter than the control group (4.88 + 0.85 hr vs. 5.56 ± 0.66, p = .001). It was also found that pregnant women in the experimental group would recommend this method to other pregnant women (Chi‐square = 5.711, p = .017).

Conclusions

Application of acupressure on SP6 was found to have a positive effect on pregnant women's labor experience and reducing the labor pain and shortening the duration of first stage of labor compared to touch on SP6. The women receiving acupressure had higher levels of satisfaction in acupressure application than women receiving only touch on SP6, which could be as a result of reduced pain in labor and/or shorter duration of labor.
The interactions of dopamine and oxidative damage in the striatum of patients with neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Li Huifangjie , Yang Pengfei , Knight William , Guo Yingqiu , Perlmutter Joel S. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Morris John C. , Xu Jinbin
Published: October 2019

The striatum with a number of dopamine containing neurons, receiving projections from the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area; plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases of motor and memory function. Additionally, oxidative damage to nucleic acid may be vital in the development of age‐associated neurodegeneration. The metabolism of dopamine is recognized as one of the sources of reactive oxygen species through the Fenton mechanism. The proposed interactions of oxidative insults and dopamine in the striatum during the progression of diseases are the hypotheses of most interest to our study. This study investigated the possibility of significant interactions between these molecules that are involved in the late‐stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), Parkinson disease dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and controls using ELISA assays, autoradiography, and mRNA in situ hybridization assay. Interestingly, lower DNA/RNA oxidative adducts levels in the caudate and putamen of diseased brains were observed with the exception of an increased DNA oxidative product in the caudate of AD brains. Similar changes were found for dopamine concentration and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 densities. We also found that downstream pre‐synaptic dopamine D1 Receptor binding correlated with dopamine loss in Lewy body disease groups, and RNA damage and β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1 in the caudate of AD. This is the first demonstration of region‐specific alterations of DNA/RNA oxidative damage which cannot be viewed in isolation, but rather in connection with the interrelationship between different neuronal events; chiefly DNA oxidative adducts and density of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 densities in AD and PD patients.

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Collaborative Care to Improve Access and Quality in School‐Based Behavioral Health
Authors: Lyon Aaron R. , Whitaker Kelly , Richardson Laura P. , French William P. , McCauley Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Collaborative care (CC) is a well‐established approach for the delivery of accessible behavioral health services in integrated health care settings. Substantial evidence supports its effectiveness in improving the quality and outcomes of adult services, and growing research indicates utility with child and adolescent populations.

METHODS

To date, studies examining CC models for youth have focused exclusively on primary‐care settings. Nevertheless, as the most common integrated service delivery setting for youth, the education sector is an equally important context for improving access to behavioral health services for children and adolescents.

RESULTS

We provide a narrative review of the literature on CC, describes the relevance of CC to schools, and details its alignment with contemporary movements in education and school‐based behavioral health.

CONCLUSIONS

Potential adaptations of the CC model for use in schools are detailed to improve: (1) behavioral health service accessibility, (2) the capacity of schools to provide behavioral health services, and (3) school service effectiveness through use of evidence‐based practices. Although little research has explored the applicability of CC in the education sector, the model holds potential promise to improve the quality and efficiency of school‐based behavioral health services.
Psychological Barriers to Resolving Intergroup Conflict: An Extensive Review and Consolidation of the Literature
Authors: Friend William , Malhotra Deepak
Published: October 2019

This article reviews over sixty years of research on psychological barriers to intergroup conflict resolution and finds that scholars have identified eighty nominally different barriers that create or exacerbate intergroup conflict. In order to create a tractable list that would be more helpful to future scholars and practitioners, we consolidate this vast literature (e.g., by eliminating substantive and conceptual redundancies) to produce a list of twenty‐six “unique” psychological barriers. We further organize this inventory of barriers with a framework that distinguishes between “cognitive,” “affective,” and “motivated” psychological barriers. To better understand the literature ecosystem of research on psychological barriers, we employ a data visualization tool to illustrate the extent to which each of the twenty‐six unique barriers has been studied conjointly with every other barrier in the articles we reviewed. We then shift our attention to the work of scholars who have attempted, experimentally, to attenuate psychological barriers in negotiation and conflict settings, and identify five primary methods for doing so. Finally, we discuss the implications of our review for future work in this field.
Peppermint and caraway oils have muscle inhibitory and pro‐secretory activity in the human intestine in vitro
Authors: Krueger Dagmar , Schäuffele Stefanie , Zeller Florian , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Theisen Jörg , Michel Klaus , Schemann Michael
Published: October 2019

Background

Herbal medicinal products with a broad activity spectrum may be promising alternatives to treat functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD). Menthacarin® is a drug with a fixed combination of peppermint and caraway oils, which is clinically used to treat FGD‐associated symptoms.

Materials

We studied the effects of peppermint and caraway oils on contractile and secretory activity in 255 human small and large intestinal preparations derived from surgical resections (73 patients). Motility was recorded in circular smooth muscle strips and secretion with the Ussing chamber‐voltage clamp technique. Electrical field stimulation evoked nerve induced contractile responses.

Key Results

Peppermint and caraway oil concentrations dependently inhibited muscle contractility as indicated by sustained muscle relaxation and decrease in phasic contractility. These effects occurred in small and large intestinal preparations with IC50 values ranging between 17 and 90 µg/mL for peppermint oil and between 7 and 127 µg/mL for caraway oil. Neither peppermint nor caraway oil influenced the nerve evoked contractile response. The inhibition of contractile activity, but not the muscle relaxation, was prevented by the L‐type calcium channel activator Bay K8644 but not by the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin. Both peppermint oil and caraway oil increased epithelial secretion, which remained in tetrodotoxin.

Conclusion & Interference

The findings revealed a strong muscle inhibitory and pro‐secretory action of peppermint and caraway oils at clinically relevant concentrations. Both actions were nerve‐independent. The inhibition of contractility was mediated by inhibition of L‐type calcium channels. The effects on muscle and epithelial activity may contribute to the beneficial effects observed in patients with FGD.
Pilot testing the effectiveness of the Healthy Ageing Supported by Internet and Community programme for promoting healthy lifestyles for people over 65 years of age
Authors: García‐Camacha Aurora , García‐Camacha Irene , Martínez‐Andrés María , Notario‐Pacheco Blanca , Rodríguez‐Martín Beatriz
Published: October 2019

Active ageing is associated with physical, social and mental wellbeing, as well as the participation and integration of older people in society. Currently, demographic changes represent a major challenge while reinforcing the need to improve our current understanding of active ageing and promote appropriate interventions suitable for older people. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of the Healthy Ageing Supported by Internet and Community training programme for acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for adopting a healthy lifestyle in community‐dwelling adults over 65 years of age. This study was conducted between 2015 and 2016 and was based on a convenience sample of individuals who responded to questionnaires. The study participants comprised all those who were included in the training programme (n = 71, 47 mentors and 24 participants in peer groups). The statistical analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of the programme regarding feasibility and expected results (p < 0.05 for most items, individually, as well as for the total scores of each test dimension). The programme was based on peer group training and the use of information and communication technologies and proved to be effective for acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for adopting a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, increased health scores were obtained in the physical, mental and social domains. It could also be beneficial for other groups of older people in order to support their integration into society, enhance their social skills and decrease any feelings of loneliness and rejection.
Case matching and syncretism in ATB‐dependencies
Authors: Hein Johannes , Murphy Andrew
Published: October 2019

Syncretism has been reported to have the peculiar property of repairing violations of syntactic constraints, e.g. with agreement (Schütze 2003, Bhatt & Walkow 2013) and case matching (Citko 2005, van Craenenbroeck 2012). This paper puts forward the view that in one well‐reported instance of syncretism repair of case‐matching violations with ATB‐movement, this repair follows directly from the nature of ATB movement. We pursue a novel movement‐based analysis in which ATB movement involves the actual fusion of two syntactic objects, via intersection of feature sets. As well as deriving the one‐to‐many relation between fillers and gaps in ATB, we show how the ‘repair’ effect of syncretism with case matching violations follows naturally under this approach.
Lexical Features of Academic Writing
Authors: Imani Aliakbar , Habil Hadina
Published: October 2019

In measuring the quality of written text, especially academic writing, lexical features are as important as grammatical features and should not be ignored. The highly computable nature of lexicons can make them a good criterion for determining and measuring the quality of text. In this article three lexical features: lexical density, complexity, and formality are reviewed and justified as measurement tools of academic texts. Furthermore, a measurement method is offered to evaluate lexical complexity level of an academic text.
Accountant’s Writing Skills: A Needs Analysis
Authors: Azizan Noraziah , Harun Nora
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the present study is to examine the importance of key writing skills needed by accounting executives at the workplace. The results may benefit the syllabus designer to plan and to specify the syllabus content for English subject to enable accounting students to function well in their potential workplaces later. The study investigates from two different points of view; the opinions and expectations of HR managers and the opinions of employees/ staff (their experiences). Questionnaires were distributed to Human Resource Managers at 37 bank headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and 38 bank staff from selected banks. The findings show significant differences in the opinions of HR managers and employees regarding the writing needs of accountants at the workplace.
Encouraging Local Unity and Regional Solidarity: A Cross-audience Metaphor Analysis of Dr. Mahathir’s Business Speeches
Authors: Imani Aliakbar , Habil Hadina
Published: October 2019

Metaphors are one of the most common discourse tools used by orators as a communication strategy to persuade, communicate with, and convey their ideologies to their audience. This power of metaphor comes from its ability to create a clear and vivid picture of a concept or a topic in the audience’s mind making the audience perceive that concept or topic as the orator wants them to. Thus the usage of metaphors seems to be bound to the audience in the first place. Hence, drawing upon Charteris-Black’s (2004) Critical Metaphor Analysis Approach, this study analyzed 10 national and 15 international business speeches delivered by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in the year 2000 in order to understand how ‘economic development’ as the main topic in both speech types was represented by metaphors across national and international audience. The findings revealed a significant relationship between the used metaphors and the addressed audience: metaphors of War, Unfair Game, and Miracle were used in international speeches to portray the economic gap between the developed and developing countries and to call for unity and solidarity among Southeast Asian countries; while metaphors of Plant, Cake/Pie, and Music were used in national speeches to call for Malaysians’ patience, trust in the government’s policies, and national harmony promising economic prosperity in return.
Impromptu Speech on Facts: Roles of Reading and Group Discussions as Pre-Tasks
Authors: A. Rahman Aida , Mohd Nor Faizah
Published: October 2019

Many researchers agree that discussion on factual issues help to train the graduates to speak their ideas creatively and critically. Speaking on factual issues, nevertheless, is intricate especially when it is conducted in second language. Theories in Second Language Acquisition reveals that providing inputs from reading and group discussion may help the speakers improve their speaking skills. This study explains how reading and group discussion as pre-tasks facilitate the development of content and language for impromptu speech on facts. In this study, eighteen undergraduates were assigned to speak on facts in impromptu speeches. The eighteen students were divided into three groups; participated in three different pre-tasks: reading (R), group discussion (GD) and reading supplemented by group discussion (RSGD). The pretest and posttest speeches were assessed by two raters, recorded and transcribed. The speeches were analyzed qualitatively; focusing on the content (ideas and organizations) and language development (meaning potentials at word, clause, phrase and sentence levels). The analysis of the pre-test and post-test impromptu speeches’ transcriptions was congruent with the scores analysis. Overall findings indicated that respondents participated in group discussion (GD and RSGD) showed greater improvements; and all the pre-tasks contribute to the development of content more than the development on language. Though overall findings indicate that RSGD showed the greatest improvement, it was noteworthy that GD improved more in language aspect.
Anxietal Oral Performance: Clarifying the Anxiety-Achievement Relationship
Authors: Jahangiri Mohammad , Rajab Azizah
Published: October 2019

Numerous attempts have recently been made to disambiguate the relationship between Language Learning Anxiety (LLA) and Oral Performance (OP). Nevertheless, these attempts have largely been hampered by a number of factors associated with the anxietal phenomenon on the one hand, and the lack of comprehensive scales capturing the whole gamut of anxiety on the other. Utilizing two valid, reliable and practical instruments, i.e. the AQ (Anxiety Questionnaire) and FLOSEM, the present paper draws upon the data to arrive at the Oral Language Skills (OLS) equation of best fit for the associated data thus quantifying the long-needed elucidation of the relationship between LLA and OP. Further pedagogical implications of the study are also discussed.
Hearing Voices of Local Graduates in a Malaysian Workplace on Their English Language Competency
Authors: Mei Lin Teoh
Published: October 2019

The call from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia to academics in tertiary institutions to collaborate with industry is pertinent where curriculum design is concerned. Far too often what we teach in the university does not match with real world needs. Hence this small scale study is one which aims to bridge that gap. Using a quasi-ethnographic approach, the researcher who was based at a manufacturing firm in Klang Valley, observed the company activities and carried out semi structured interviews with employees who have graduated from local universities. The aim of the study is to find out whether they have a need to improve their English language skills, and if so, in what areas would they want to be trained. In hearing their “voices”, various perspectives were obtained regarding their competence at the workplace. The findings revealed that work competency does not rely on language skills alone, but other factors come into play and these need to be given attention as well.
Implementing Hybrid e-Learning on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Pre-service Teacher of an Islamic College
Authors: Muhammad Yauri Andi , Haji Salam Abdul Rahim , Kahar Rohayah
Published: October 2019

The implementation of hybrid e-learning in English as A Foreign Language course could perhaps be a promising approach for teaching and learning particularly within Islamic higher education. Hence, this paper attempts to explore the initiative effort of familiarizing hybrid e-learning among Islamic college students in a speaking course. This study took the duration of five months to complete. Instructions were delivered via both face-to-face and online learning: seven times for face-to-face classroom meetings and five times for online classes. Nicenet was used as a virtual classroom. Online rubric was made available for students’ self-assessment both in their mid-term test and final test. Eighty-five pre-service teachers took part in the study. They were asked to do online task instructions either independently or collaboratively with their course mates. Questionnaire and t-test were used to analyze the data. The study indicated that hybrid e-learning is applicable in the college. It promoted motivation and collaborative work for the students. In terms of test results, there was no significant difference in hybrid e-learning approach. The research suggests that the instructions and materials need to be adjusted in order to meet the learners’ need.
Proposing a Comprehensive Training Needs Approach for the Communication Skills Training of Security Guards
Authors: Attan Anie , Shamsudin Sarimah , Mohd Noh Noh Muhammad Adlan , Nik Mahmood Nik Hasnaa , Ahmad Zulfikar
Published: October 2019

Good communication skills are necessary for security guards as they are the front liners of an organisation. In ensuring that the training of these security guards fits within the overall human capital development of the organisation, a robust training needs analysis is proposed. The Training Needs Analysis (TNA), which focuses on three lines of analysis, namely, Organisation, Task and Person (OTP), is recommended in this case. To this end, both qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted for data collection. The qualitative data were collected through interviews and document study while the quantitative data were gathered through survey questionnaires distributed to the academic staff, non-academic staff, students of a public university, and visitors. The qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20 involving descriptive statistics. Results of the analyses were used to propose a framework for the training of the communication skills in English for the security guards. The study is significant since it considers an alternative approach to analysing the communication training needs of the security guards.
The Functions of Language in Shaping Tourism Information
Authors: Hassan Hanita
Published: October 2019

Providing tourists with sufficient information is one of the most crucial tasks to tourism operators. One way of achieving the goal is by means of language. This paper thus aims to discuss the functions of language in shaping various types of information to cater tourists’ diverse needs. In this study, a survey and interview were conducted to gauge the types of information which tourists perceive important and, in addition, text analysis was carried out on tourism brochures, websites and tourist information boards to grasp the functions of language in realising such messages. A total of 155 questionnaires with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.876 was used for the data analysis and the findings show that the most important information needed is on security and safety followed by attractive and appealing destinations, available facilities and public transportation. In addition, the important information on tourism commodities that tourists need is about Malaysian people in general which includes cultures and history. Similarly, the findings of text analysis highlight that the language use in tourism promotional materials is geared towards foregrounding those types of information. However, not all types of information needed by tourists are given equal attention.
Changing perspectives on how the permeation pathway through potassium channels is regulated
Authors: Black Katrina A. , Jin Ruitao , He Sitong , Gulbis Jacqueline M.
Published: October 2019

The primary means by which ion permeation through potassium channels is controlled, and the key to selective intervention in a range of pathophysiological conditions, is the process by which channels switch between non‐conducting and conducting states. Conventionally, this has been explained by a steric mechanism in which the pore alternates between two conformations: a ‘closed’ state in which the conduction pathway is occluded and an ‘open’ state in which the pathway is sufficiently wide to accommodate fully hydrated ions. Recently, however, ‘non‐canonical’ mechanisms have been proposed for some classes of K+ channels. The purpose of this review is to illuminate structural and dynamic relationships underpinning permeation control in K+ channels, indicating where additional data might resolve some of the remaining issues.

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A Vine Copula-Based Hierarchical Framework for Multiscale Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Xu Can , Liu Zhao , Tao Wei , Zhu Ping
Published: October 2019

Uncertainty analysis is an effective methodology to acquire the variability of composite material properties. However, it is hard to apply hierarchical multiscale uncertainty analysis to the complex composite materials due to both quantification and propagation difficulties. In this paper, a novel hierarchical framework combined R-vine copula with sparse polynomial chaos expansions is proposed to handle multiscale uncertainty analysis problems. According to the strength of correlations, two different strategies are proposed to complete the uncertainty quantification and propagation. If the variables are weakly correlated or mutually independent, Rosenblatt transformation is used directly to transform non-normal distributions into the standard normal distributions. If the variables are strongly correlated, the multidimensional joint distribution is obtained by constructing R-vine copula, and Rosenblatt transformation is adopted to generalize independent standard variables. Then, the sparse polynomial chaos expansion is used to acquire the uncertainties of outputs with relatively few samples. The statistical moments of those variables that act as the inputs of next upscaling model can be gained analytically and easily by the polynomials. The analysis process of the proposed hierarchical framework is verified by the application of a 3D woven composite material system. Results show that the multidimensional correlations are modeled accurately by the R-vine copula functions, and thus uncertainty propagations with the transformed variables can be done to obtain the computational results with consideration of uncertainties accurately and efficiently.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigations of Breaking Focused Wave-Induced Loads on a Monopile and the Effect of Breaker Location
Authors: Aggarwal Ankit , Tomaselli Pietro D. , Christensen Erik Damgaard , Bihs Hans
Published: October 2019

The design of new offshore structures requires the calculation of the wave-induced loads. In this regard, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology has shown to be a reliable tool, in the case of breaking waves especially. In this paper, two CFD models are tested in the reproduction of the experimental spilling waves impacting a circular cylinder for four different wave impact scenarios for focused waves. The numerical and experimental free surface elevations at different locations around the cylinder are also compared to verify the both numerical models. The numerical results from the models are shown together with the experimental measurements. Both CFD models are able to model the impact forces with a reasonable accuracy. When the cylinder is placed at a distance of 0.7 m from the wave breaking point, the value of the measured wave impact forces is highest due to the overturning wave crest and air entrainment. The wave-induced impact forces decrease, when the monopile is placed at distances further away from the breaking location.
A Novel Approach for Enhancing Thermal Performance of Battery Modules Based on Finite Element Modeling and Predictive Modeling Mechanism
Authors: Garg Akhil , Ruhatiya C. , Cui Xujian , Peng Xiongbin , Bhalerao Yogesh , Gao Liang
Published: October 2019

Electric vehicles (EVs) are estimated as the most sustainable solutions for future transportation requirements. However, there are various problems related to the battery pack module and one such problem is invariable high-temperature differences across the battery pack module due to the discharging and charging of batteries under operating conditions of EVs. High-temperature differences across the battery module contribute to the degradation of maximum charge storage and capacity of Li-ion batteries which ultimately affects the performance of EVs. To address this problem, a finite element modeling (FEM) based automated neural network search (ANS) approach is proposed. The research methodology constitutes of four stages: design of air-cooled battery pack module, setup of the FEM constraints and thermal equations, formulating the predictive model on generated data using ANS, and lastly performing multi-objective response optimization of the best fit predictive model to formulate optimum design constraints for the air-cooled battery module. For efficient thermal management of the battery module, an empirical model is formulated using the mentioned methodology for minimizing the maximum temperature differences, standard deviation of temperature across the battery pack module, and battery pack volume. The results obtained are as follows: (1) the battery pack module volume is reduced from 0.003279 m3 to 0.002321 m3 by 29.21%, (2) the maximum temperature differences across the eight cells of battery pack module declines from 6.81 K to 4.38 K by 35.66%, and (3) the standard deviation of temperature across battery pack decreases from 4.38 K to 0.93 K by 78.69%. Thus, the predictive empirical model enhances the thermal management and safety factor of battery module.
Prediction of Transient Statistical Energy Response for Two-Subsystem Models Considering Interval Uncertainty
Authors: Chen Qiang , Fei Qingguo , Wu Shaoqing , Li Yanbin
Published: October 2019

The transient response analysis is important for the design and evaluation of uncertain engineering systems under impact excitations. In this paper, statistical energy analysis (SEA) is developed to evaluate the high-frequency transient energy response of two-subsystem models considering interval uncertainties. Affine arithmetic (AA) and a subinterval technique are introduced into SEA to improve the computational accuracy. Numerical simulations on a coupled-plate and a plate-cavity system considering interval uncertainties are performed. The analysis precision of the proposed approach is validated by Monte Carlo (MC) method. The results show that the analysis precision of the proposed method decreases with the increasing uncertainty level of parameters. The computational accuracy of the proposed method can be significantly improved by employing AA and subinterval technique.
Bioprospecting solid binding polypeptides for lithium ion battery cathode materials
Authors: Barannikova Evgenia A. , Riley Scott J. , Allen Mark A.
Published: October 2019

Biotemplating presents a promising approach to improve the performance of inorganic materials via specific control over morphology, crystal structure, and the size of particles during synthesis and assembly. Among other biotemplates, solid binding polypeptides (SBPs) isolated for the material of interest provide high binding affinity and selectivity due to distinct combinations of functional groups found in amino acids. Nanomaterials assembled and synthesized with SBPs have found widespread applications from drug delivery to catalysis and energy storage due to their improved properties. In this study, the authors describe the identification of SBPs for binding to Li-ion battery cathode materials LiCoPO4, LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4, and LiMn2O4, which all have potential for improvement toward their theoretical values. The binding affinity of isolated peptides was assessed via phage binding assays and confirmed with electron microscopy in order to select for potential biotemplates. The authors demonstrate ten binding peptides for each material and analyze the sequences for enrichment in specific amino acids toward each structure (olivine and spinel oxide), as well as the test for specificity of selected sequences. In further studies, the authors believe that the isolated SBPs will serve as a template for synthesis and aid in assembly of cathode materials resulting in improved electrochemical properties for Li-ion batteries.
Growth of cobalt films at room temperature using sequential exposures of cobalt tricarbonyl nitrosyl and low energy electrons
Authors: Sobell Zachary C. , Cavanagh Andrew S. , George Steven M.
Published: October 2019

Cobalt thin films were grown at room temperature using sequential exposures of cobalt tricarbonyl nitrosyl (CTN, Co(CO)3NO) and low energy (75–175 eV) electrons. During this cyclic growth process, the CTN molecules were first adsorbed on the substrate. The electrons then induced the desorption of the carbonyl and nitrosyl ligands from the adsorbed CTN. The removal of CO and NO ligands produced new adsorption sites. Subsequent CTN exposures allowed CTN to react with these new adsorption sites on the substrate. In situ ellipsometry was utilized to monitor the film thickness during the electron enhanced growth. Co growth rates as high as 1.3 Å/cycle were observed by in situ ellipsometry depending on the reaction conditions. The in situ ellipsometry also observed the CTN adsorption and the removal of the carbonyl and nitrosyl ligands. Quadrupole mass spectrometer measurements confirmed the desorption of CO and NO during electron exposures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measured N XPS signals from the Co films deposited using electron exposures at 200 eV. The N/Co XPS signal ratio was consistent with the dissociation of 13% of the nitrosyl ligands on the CTN precursors that lead to Co deposition. In contrast, the negligible C XPS signals from the Co films indicated that the CO ligands were desorbed completely from CTN by the electron exposures at 200 eV. Under identical reaction conditions at lower incident electron currents, the maximum growth rate was obtained at an electron energy of 125 eV. Because the Co growth depends on the electron flux, the Co films were deposited only on the surface area irradiated by the electron beam. The spatial profile of the Co film deposited using long electron exposure times was mapped by ex situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. This spatial profile displayed a pronounced flat top that was consistent with the electron flux desorbing nearly all the CO and NO surface coverage in the central area of the electron beam during each reaction cycle. The spatial profile was used to calculate an electron induced desorption cross section of σ = 2 × 10−17 cm2 at 200 eV. This cross section was in approximate agreement with the cross sections for the electron impact dissociation of CTN in the gas phase.
Measurement Characteristics of Athlete Monitoring Tools in Professional Australian Football
Authors: Ryan Samuel , Pacecca Emidio , Tebble Jye , Hocking Joel , Kempton Thomas , Coutts Aaron J.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To examine the measurement reliability and sensitivity of common athlete monitoring tools in professional Australian Football players. Methods: Test–retest reliability (noise) and weekly variation (signal) data were collected from 42 professional Australian footballers from 1 club during a competition season. Perceptual wellness was measured via questionnaires completed before main training sessions (48, 72, and 96 h postmatch), with players providing a rating (1–5 Likert scale) regarding their muscle soreness, sleep quality, fatigue level, stress, and motivation. Eccentric hamstring force and countermovement jumps were assessed via proprietary systems once per week. Heart rate recovery was assessed via a standard submaximal run test on a grass-covered field with players wearing a heart rate monitor. The heart rate recovery was calculated by subtracting average heart rate during final 10 seconds of rest from average heart rate during final 30 seconds of exercise. Typical test error was reported as coefficient of variation percentage (CV%) and intraclass coefficients. Sensitivity was calculated by dividing weekly CV% by test CV% to produce a signal to noise ratio. Results: All measures displayed acceptable sensitivity. Signal to noise ratio ranged from 1.3 to 11.1. Intraclass coefficients ranged from .30 to .97 for all measures. Conclusions: The heart rate recovery test, countermovement jump test, eccentric hamstring force test, and perceptual wellness all possess acceptable measurement sensitivity. Signal to noise ratio analysis is a novel method of assessing measurement characteristics of monitoring tools. These data can be used by coaches and scientists to identify meaningful changes in common measures of fitness and fatigue in professional Australian football.
The Effects of Cluster-Set and Traditional-Set Postactivation Potentiation Protocols on Vertical Jump Performance
Authors: Dello Iacono Antonio , Beato Marco , Halperin Israel
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To compare the effects of 2 postactivation potentiation (PAP) protocols using traditional-set or cluster-set configurations on countermovement jump performance. Methods: Twenty-six male basketball players completed 3 testing sessions separated by 72 hours. On the first session, subjects performed barbell jump squats with progressively heavier loads to determine their individual optimum power load. On the second and third sessions, subjects completed 2 PAP protocols in a randomized order: 3 sets of 6 repetitions of jump squats using optimum power load performed with either a traditional-set (no interrepetition rest) or a cluster-set (20-s rest every 2 repetitions) configuration. After a warm-up, countermovement jump height was measured using a force platform before, 30 seconds, 4 minutes, and 8 minutes after completing the PAP protocols. The following kinetic variables were also analyzed and compared: relative impulse, ground reaction force, eccentric displacement, and vertical leg-spring stiffness. Results: Across both conditions, subjects jumped lower at post 30 seconds by 1.21 cm, and higher in post 4 minutes by 2.21 cm, and in post 8 minutes by 2.60 cm compared with baseline. However, subjects jumped higher in the cluster condition by 0.71 cm (95% confidence interval, 0.37 to 1.05 cm) in post 30 seconds, 1.33 cm (95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.65 cm) in post 4 minute, and 1.64 cm (95% confidence interval, 1.41 to 1.88 cm) in post 8 minutes. The superior countermovement jump performance was associated with enhanced kinetic data. Conclusions: Both protocols induced PAP responses in vertical jump performance using jump squats at optimum power load. However, the cluster-set configuration led to superior performance across all time points, likely due to reduced muscular fatigue.
Response to Comment on “Cultural flies: Conformist social learning in fruitflies predicts long-lasting mate-choice traditions”
Authors: Pocheville Arnaud , Nöbel Sabine , Isabel Guillaume , Danchin Etienne
Published: October 2019

Thornquist and Crickmore claim that systematic experimental error may explain the results of Danchin and colleagues. Their claim rests on mistakes in their analyses, for which we provide corrections. We reassert that conformity in fruitflies predicts long-lasting mate-preference traditions.
Synergistic sorbent separation for one-step ethylene purification from a four-component mixture
Authors: Chen Kai-Jie , Madden David G. , Mukherjee Soumya , Pham Tony , Forrest Katherine A. , Kumar Amrit , Space Brian , Kong Jie , Zhang Qiu-Yu , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: October 2019

Selecting for ethylene

Purification of ethylene from other gases produced during its synthesis, such as acetylene, ethane, and carbon dioxide, is an energy-intensive process. Chen
et al.
use a mixture of microporous metal-organic framework physisorbents that are selective for one of these four gases. A series of sorbents in a packed-bed geometry produced ethylene pure enough for making polymers.

Science
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Modulating anxiety and activity
Authors: Rudolph Uwe , Moss Stephen J.
Published: October 2019

A regulator of inhibitory neurotransmission is essential for benzodiazepine actions
Responsible genetic genealogy
Authors: Callaghan Thomas F.
Published: October 2019

The scientific development of forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), which couples genetic analysis with investigation of publicly available genealogy information, has successfully transformed law enforcement investigations by solving more than 50 cases over the last 18 months in the United States. However, use of FGG by law enforcement has preceded widespread development of best practices to protect the genetic privacy of private citizens who have voluntarily submitted samples to genealogy databases. Absent best practices, use of FGG could lead to compromised cases, diminished use, or the loss of this new investigative tool. Public support for FGG could be jeopardized and confidence in forensic DNA analysis could be undermined. As the custodian of a national law enforcement DNA database (CODIS), the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is looked to by many in the law enforcement and forensic DNA communities for guidance, and its efforts often influence the global community. The emergence of FGG suggests that further discussions on privacy, genomics, and the use of genealogy by law enforcement would be beneficial. Accordingly, the FBI seeks to engage the scientific and bioethics communities in such a dialogue.