bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distraction‐focused interventions on examination stress in nursing students: Effects on psychological stress and biomarker levels. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gebhart Verena , Buchberger Waltraud , Klotz Isabella , Neururer Sabrina , Rungg Christine , Tucek Gerhard , Zenzmaier Christoph , Perkhofer Susanne
Published: November 2019

Background

Nursing students all over the world experience high levels of stress with negative impacts on their health, emotional state and performance.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effects of distraction‐focused interventions on examination stress and anxiety in nursing students.

Methods

A randomized controlled, parallel trial design was conducted from January to June 2016. After baseline measurement, 72 participants were randomized to one of the following groups (n = 18 each): (i) animal‐assisted therapy; (ii) music therapy; (iii) mandala painting; (iv) control group. Outcomes of all groups in terms of stress‐reduction were compared by measuring self‐reported perceived stress (STAI‐State and visual analogue stress scale) and salivary biomarker levels (Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A).

Results

Fifty‐seven complete data sets (n = 12‐16 for each group) were analysed. All distraction‐focused interventions showed stress and anxiety reduction in everyday school situations. By contrast, on days with examinations, stress reductions did not reach statistical significance in regard to self‐reported psychological stress. At the same time, interventions resulted in significantly decreased levels of stress biomarkers (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest positive but situation‐dependent effects of distraction‐focused interventions in academic settings. Further research should investigate the complex relationship between physiological and psychological stress parameters.
Quote dynamics of cross‐listed stocks
Authors: Frijns Bart , Indriawan Ivan , Tourani‐Rad Alireza
Published: November 2019

We develop a model to assess the quote dynamics of stocks listed in multiple markets. This model allows us to explain the price formation mechanism and the degree of information spillover. We show that this model can be transformed to assess the dynamics of the spreads, the efficient price, and the market's relative premium for cross‐listed stocks. Applying our model to a sample of 64 Canadian companies listed in the United States and Canada, we document strong intermarket competition among liquidity providers; prices mainly adjust to trades in their respective market, suggesting some degree of informational frictions; and U.S. trades have a greater price impact than Canadian trades. We further find that the U.S. market is informationally dominant due to its more competitive quote‐setting behavior and larger incorporation of informational shocks.
Electrophysiological features and radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways associated with atrioventricular discordance
Authors: Takeuchi Daiji , Toyohara Keiko , Shoda Morio , Hagiwara Nobuhisa
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Although a high prevalence of the presence of an accessory pathway (AP) associated with atrioventricular (AV) discordance has been reported, a case series of its characteristics and the results of catheter ablation (CA) have not been sufficiently documented.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively examined 11 consecutive patients with atrioventricular discordance who underwent CA for atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) via an AP and planned cardiac surgery after CA. Orthodromic AVRTs were induced in 10 patients via AP, but no antidromic/duodromic AVRT was induced in any of the cases. A total of 13 APs were identified, and all of them were located around the anatomical tricuspid valve (TV) annulus, including two Ebsteinoid valves. The APs were predominantly located posteriorly, posterolaterally, and posteroseptally on the TV in nine patients (82%). Two patients (18%) had multiple APs or a single broad AP. Four (36%) and three (27%) patients showed twin AVNs and other supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) except AVRT via the AP. Ten patients (91%) had acute successful CA in the first session, except for one patient with multiple APs who required the third session to eliminate all APs before the planned Fontan surgery. There were no major complications associated with CA. Seven of eight patients who underwent cardiac surgery after CA did not experience peri‐/postoperative SVT.

Conclusion

APs in patients with AV discordance are usually associated with the anatomical TV annulus. CA of an AP in AV discordance is highly effective and recommended to reduce the risk of SVT. The coexistence of twin AVNs and other SVTs should be considered during CA of an AP in AV discordance.
Impact of routine right parasternal electrocardiographic screening in assessing eligibility for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator
Authors: Arias Miguel A. , Pachón Marta , Sánchez‐Iglesias Iván , Loughlin Gerard , Martín‐Sierra Cristina , Puchol Alberto , Sabatel Fernando , Rodríguez‐Padial Luis
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Between 7% and 15% of patients with an indication for an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) are not eligible for implantation of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) on the basis of the result of the conventional left parasternal electrocardiographic screening (LPES). Our objective was to determine the impact of systematically performing right parasternal electrocardiographic screening (RPES) in addition to conventional LPES, in terms of increasing both the total percentage of potentially eligible patients for S‐ICD implantation and the number of suitable vectors per patient.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients from the outpatient device clinic who already had an implanted ICD, and no requirement for pacing were enrolled. Conventional left parasternal electrode position and right parasternal electrode positions were used. The automatic screening tool was used to analyze the recordings. Screenings were performed in the supine and standing positions.

Overall, 209 patients were included. The mean age was 63.4 ± 13 years, 59.8% had ischemic heart disease, mean QRS duration was 100 ± 31 ms, and 69.9% had a primary prevention ICD indication. Based on conventional isolated LPES, 12.9% of patients were not eligible for S‐ICD compared with 11.5% based on RPES alone (P = .664). Considering LPES and RPES together, only 7.2% of patients were not eligible for S‐ICD (P < .001). Moreover, the number of patients with more than one suitable vector increased from 66.5% with isolated LPES to 82.3% (23.7% absolute increase [P < .001]).

Conclusion

Adding an automated RPES to the conventional automated LPES increased patient eligibility for the S‐ICD significantly. Moreover, combined screening increased the number of suitable vectors per eligible patient.
Baby steps towards linking calcaneal trabecular bone ontogeny and the development of bipedal human gait
Authors: Saers Jaap P. P. , Ryan Timothy M. , Stock Jay T.
Published: November 2019

Trabecular bone structure in adulthood is a product of a process of modelling during ontogeny and remodelling throughout life. Insight into ontogeny is essential to understand the functional significance of trabecular bone structural variation observed in adults. The complex shape and loading of the human calcaneus provides a natural experiment to test the relationship between trabecular morphology and locomotor development. We investigated the relationship between calcaneal trabecular bone structure and predicted changes in loading related to development of gait and body size in growing children. We sampled three main trabecular regions of the calcanei using micro‐computed tomography scans of 35 individuals aged between neonate to adult from the Norris Farms #36 site (1300 AD, USA) and from Cambridge (1200–1500 AD, UK). Trabecular properties were calculated in volumes of interest placed beneath the calcaneocuboid joint, plantar ligaments, and posterior talar facet. At birth, thin trabecular struts are arranged in a dense and relatively isotropic structure. Bone volume fraction strongly decreases in the first year of life, whereas anisotropy and mean trabecular thickness increase. Dorsal compressive trabecular bands appear around the onset of bipedal walking, although plantar tensile bands develop prior to predicted propulsive toe‐off. Bone volume fraction and anisotropy increase until the age of 8, when gait has largely matured. Connectivity density gradually reduces, whereas trabeculae gradually thicken from birth until adulthood. This study demonstrates that three different regions of the calcaneus develop into distinct adult morphologies through varying developmental trajectories. These results are similar to previous reports of ontogeny in human long bones and are suggestive of a relationship between the mechanical environment and trabecular bone architecture in the human calcaneus during growth. However, controlled experiments combined with more detailed biomechanical models of gait maturation are necessary to establish skeletal markers linking growth to loading. This has the potential to be a novel source of information for understanding loading levels, activity patterns, and perhaps life history in the fossil record.
The epidemic of drug‐induced sarcoidosis‐like reactions: a side effect that we can live with
Authors: Judson M.A.
Published: November 2019

Click here to view the Rapid communication by Cohen Aubart et al.
Giving at the close: Experimental evidence on cooperation in contributing to a public good
Authors: Arbel Yuval , Bar‐El Ronen , Schwarz Mordechai E. , Tobol Yossef
Published: November 2019

We present a simple dynamic model of contributions to a public good. We test the model by conducting a public good game experiment and fundraising experiment among religious Jewish students for the procurement of sustainable supplies for their campus synagogue. The results of the experiments show a high level of cooperation; particularly, the results of the public good experiment show that contributions are above the predicted optimum. Nevertheless, in accordance with the economic theory, we find that the contribution path is upward sloping and contributions increase with the benefit of the public good. Our findings also suggest that the level of contributions and their path are affected by peer and gender effects.
The influence of diffusion cell type and experimental temperature on machine learning models of skin permeability
Authors: Ashrafi Parivash , Sun Yi , Davey Neil , Wilkinson Simon C , Moss Gary P
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to use Gaussian process regression (GPR) methods to quantify the effect of experimental temperature (Texp) and choice of diffusion cell on model quality and performance.

Methods

Data were collated from the literature. Static and flow-through diffusion cell data were separated, and a series of GPR experiments was conducted. The effect of Texp was assessed by comparing a range of datasets where Texp either remained constant or was varied from 22 to 45 °C.

Key findings

Using data from flow-through diffusion cells results in poor model performance. Data from static diffusion cells resulted in significantly greater performance. Inclusion of data from flow-through cell experiments reduces overall model quality. Consideration of Texp improves model quality when the dataset used exhibits a wide range of experimental temperatures.

Conclusions

This study highlights the problem of collating literature data into datasets from which models are constructed without consideration of the nature of those data. In order to optimise model quality data from only static, Franz-type, experiments should be used to construct the model and Texp should either be incorporated as a descriptor in the model if data are collated from a range of studies conducted at different temperatures.
Effects of astragalus and ginseng polysaccharides on growth performance, immune function and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Wang Kangli , Zhang Haoran , Han Qianjie , Lan Junhong , Chen Guangyong , Cao Guangtian , Yang Caimei
Published: November 2019

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides (Aps) and ginseng polysaccharide (Gps) on growth performance, liver function, immune function, TLR4 signalling pathways and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In an experiment spanning 28 days, 180 weaned piglets were randomly divided into three treatment groups: basal diet (Con), basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg Gps (Gps) and basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg Aps (Aps). At the end of the experiment, 12 piglets of each group were selected; half (n = 6) were intraperitoneally injected with LPS and half with normal saline. Dietary supplementation with Aps and Gps significantly increased (p < .05) the average daily gain and feed conversion rate. Lipopolysaccharide challenge increased (p < .05) expression of serum urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour inflammatory factor‐α (TNF‐α), but decreased (p < .05) serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) expression. Lipopolysaccharide‐challenged piglets fed with Aps or Gps had lower (p < .05) BUN, ALT, AST, IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels and greater (p < .05) SOD, T‐AOC and IgA levels. Lipopolysaccharide challenge increased (p < .05) the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF‐κB, and LPS‐challenged piglets fed diets supplemented with Aps or Gps increased TLR4 and MyD88 and decreased NF‐κB expression. Lipopolysaccharide challenge reduced (p < .05) the jejunal villus height, and piglets fed with Aps or Gps had increased (p < .05) jejunal villus height. Supplementation with Aps or Gps enhanced the expression of occludin and claudin in challenged or unchallenged piglets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Aps or Gps enhanced piglet growth performance, alleviated liver dysfunction and reduced immunological stress caused by LPS, as well as increased the intestinal barrier function.
“Like Walking in a Fog”—Parents' perceptions of sleep and consequences of sleep loss when staying overnight with their child in hospital
Authors: Angelhoff Charlotte , Sjølie Hege , Mörelius Evalotte , Løyland Borghild
Published: November 2019

Disruption of parental sleep in hospital, with frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality, limits the parents' resources to meet the child's needs and maintain parental wellbeing. The aim of the study was to explore and describe how parents perceive their sleep when staying overnight with their sick child in hospital. A further aim was to explore and describe parents’ perception of what circumstances influence their sleep in the hospital. Twenty‐two parents who were accommodated with their sick child (0–17 years) in paediatric wards in Norway and Sweden participated. Interviews were conducted during the hospital stay to elicit their perspectives. Phenomenography was used to analyse data. Two descriptive categories were found: (a) “Perceptions of sleep”, with two sub‐categories: “Sleep in the paediatric ward” and “Consequences of sleep loss”; and (b) “Circumstances influencing sleep in the paediatric ward” with three sub‐categories: “The importance of the family”, “Information and routines at the paediatric ward”, and “Accommodation facilities”. Parents’ sleep and needs must be acknowledged in paediatric wards. An individual plan of care for the upcoming night could be a valuable tool for both the parents and nurses. The child's medical needs must be met with respect to the parents’ willingness to take part in the child's care during the night, and the need for rest and sleep for both parent and child.
Serotonergic system may be involved in alterations of sleep homeostasis in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Cui Su‐Ying , Huang Yuan‐Li , Cui Xiang‐Yu , Zhao Hui‐Ling , Hu Xiao , Liu Yu‐Tong , Zhang Yong‐He
Published: November 2019

Hypertension is associated with sleep disorders. Spontaneously hypertensive rats are derived from Wistar‐Kyoto rats and widely used in research on hypertension. The present study investigated the propensity to sleep and electroencephalographic spectrum changes over 24 hr in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and proposed the involvement of the serotonergic system in these alterations. Time‐course analysis showed that spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibit hyperarousal during the light phase but hypersomnia during the dark phase. Spontaneously hypertensive rats also exhibited less slight fluctuation in electroencephalographic delta power density over 24 hr as compared with Wistar‐Kyoto rats, suggesting that the accumulation or elimination of sleep pressure was disrupted. Sleep deprivation disrupted the regulation of sleep homeostasis in spontaneously hypertensive rats, reflected by less sleep time and poor sleep quality during the recovery period. The density and activity of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus were higher in spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Interestingly, we observed the absence of fluctuations in 5‐hydroxytryptamine and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid across the sleep, wake, sleep deprivation and sleep recovery stages in spontaneously hypertensive rats, which were dramatically different from Wistar‐Kyoto rats. These results indicate that the disruption of sleep−wake pattern and sleep homeostasis in spontaneously hypertensive rats might be related to abnormalities of the serotonergic system.
Relationship between serum iohexol clearance, serum SDMA concentration, and serum creatinine concentration in non‐azotemic dogs
Authors: McKenna Myles , Pelligand Ludovic , Elliott Jonathan , Cotter Daniel , Jepson Rosanne
Published: November 2019

Background

Serum creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are used as surrogate markers of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in clinical practice. Data pertaining to the correlations between GFR, SDMA, and serum creatinine in client‐owned dogs are limited.

Objectives

To describe the relationship between GFR, SDMA, and serum creatinine in a population of client‐owned dogs, and to compare clinical utility of SDMA to GFR estimation for detecting pre‐azotemic chronic kidney disease.

Animals

Medical records of 119 dogs that had GFR estimation performed via serum iohexol clearance between 2012 and 2017.

Methods

Prospective study using archived samples. GFR, SDMA, and serum creatinine results were reviewed and submitting practices contacted for outcome data. All dogs included in the study population were non‐azotemic. Correlations between GFR, SDMA, and serum creatinine were determined by regression analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of different cutoffs for SDMA and serum creatinine for detecting decreased GFR were calculated, using a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Serum creatinine and SDMA were moderately correlated with GFR (R2= 0.52 and 0.27, respectively,P< .0001) and with each other (R2= 0.33,P< .0001). SDMA >14 μg/dL was sensitive (90%) but nonspecific (50%) for detecting a ≥40% decrease in GFR. Optimal SDMA concentration cutoff for detecting a ≥40% GFR decrease was >18 μg/dL (sensitivity 90%, specificity 83%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In non‐azotemic dogs being screened for decreased renal function, using a cutoff of >18 μg/dL rather than >14 μg/dL increases the specificity of SDMA, without compromising sensitivity.
Early Language Environments Predict Aspects of Explicit Language Awareness Development
Authors: Atagi Natsuki , Sandhofer Catherine M.
Published: November 2019

Although language awareness is typically defined as the explicit understanding of language's functions and conventions, much evidence on the influence of diverse language environments on language awareness has shown implicit understandings of language. In contrast, this study examined whether exposure to linguistic diversity predicted monolingual children's explicit language awareness. We examined four aspects of children's explicit language awareness: ability to label languages, understanding of the communicative consequences of speaking different languages, understanding of labeling conventions, and awareness of their language environment. Participants were monolingual 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds (N = 81) who were from (a) a relatively linguistically homogenous community, (b) a relatively linguistically diverse community, or (c) a bilingual household in a relatively linguistically diverse community. Results suggest that community linguistic diversity and home bilingual exposure predict children's explicit language labeling and understanding of labeling conventions but not other aspects of language awareness. These findings provide insight into the role of early language environments in explicit language awareness development.
A new type of isotopic anomaly in shergottite sulfides
Authors: Franz Heather B. , Wu Nanping , Farquhar James , Irving Anthony J.
Published: November 2019

The isotopic composition and abundance of sulfur in extraterrestrial materials are of interest for constraining models of both planetary and solar system evolution. A previous study that included phase‐specific extraction of sulfur from 27 shergottites found the sulfur isotopic composition of the Martian mantle to be similar to that of terrestrial mid‐ocean ridge basalts, the Moon, and nonmagmatic iron meteorites. However, the presence of positive Δ33S anomalies in igneous sulfides from several shergottites, indicating incorporation of atmospherically processed sulfur into the subsurface, complicated this interpretation. The current study expands upon the previous work through analyses of 20 additional shergottites, enabling tighter constraints on the isotopic composition of juvenile Martian sulfur. The updated composition (δ34S = −0.24 ± 0.05‰, Δ33S = 0.0015 ± 0.0016‰, and Δ36S = 0.039 ± 0.054‰, 2 s.e.m.), representing the weighted mean for all shergottites within the combined population of 47 without significant Δ33S anomalies, strengthens our earlier result. The presence of sulfur isotopic anomalies in igneous sulfides of some meteorites suggests that their parent magmas may have assimilated crustal material. We observed small negative Δ33S anomalies in sulfides from two meteorites, NWA 7635 and NWA 11300. Although negative Δ33S anomalies have been observed in nakhlites and ALH 84001, previous anomalies in shergottites have all shown positive values of Δ33S. Because NWA 7635 has formation age of 2.4 Ga and is much more ancient than shergottites analyzed previously, this finding expands our perspective on the continuity of Martian atmospheric sulfur photochemistry over geologic time.
Effects of Self‐Concept on Restoring a Positive Motivational State After an Exam‐Like Situation
Authors: Wimmer Sigrid , Paechter Manuela , Lackner Helmut K. , Papousek Ilona
Published: November 2019

Exams often trigger avoidance motivation and a tendency to withdraw; instead, an approach‐oriented motivational state would be more desirable, since this encourages an invigorated and persistent approach to tasks. This study investigated the role of academic self‐concept on the activation of relative approach versus avoidance motivation during the course of an exam‐like situation. In 62 university students (50 women), academic self‐concept was assessed using self‐ratings, and activation of approach versus avoidance motivation was assessed by using the electroencephalogram alpha asymmetry response. Academic self‐concept proved to be an important moderator of motivational responses during the challenging situation. A more negative self‐concept was related to sustained decrease in approach motivation, to rumination, and to worsened mood. In contrast, a positive self‐concept was related to more positive mood and activation of approach motivation even beyond task completion. The findings have educational implications, for instance, for the design of exams and performance feedback.
The nervous and circulatory systems of a Cretaceous crinoid: preservation, palaeobiology and evolutionary significance
Authors: Saulsbury James , Zamora Samuel
Published: November 2019

Featherstars, comatulid crinoids that shed their stalk during their ontogeny, are the most species‐rich lineage of modern crinoids and the only ones present in shallow water today. Although they are of considerable palaeontological interest as a ‘success story’ of the Mesozoic Marine Revolution, their fossil record is relatively species‐poor and fragmentary. New Spanish fossils of the Cretaceous featherstar Decameros ricordeanus preserve the shape and configuration of nervous and circulatory anatomy in the form of infilled cavities, which we reconstruct from CT scans. The circulatory system of D. ricordeanus was relatively extensive and complex, implying a pattern of coelomic fluid flow that is unique among crinoids, and the peripheral parts of the nervous system include linkages both to the circulatory system and to the surface of the body. A phylogenetic analysis (the first to include both living and fossil featherstars and which includes characters from internal anatomy) recovers D. ricordeanus among the lineage of featherstars that includes Himerometroidea, Tropiometra and ‘Antedonoidea’, among others. D. ricordeanus is larger than almost any modern featherstar, and its elaborate coelomic morphology appears to be a consequence of positive allometry. All featherstars with coelomic diverticula are shown to belong to a single comatulid subclade, and this feature may constitute a synapomorphy of that group. Some preservation of cavities corresponding to soft tissue is probably not exceptional in fossil crinoids, providing an opportunity to study the diversity and evolution of extinct anatomical systems typically only preserved in Lagerstätten.
Tomato roots have a functional silicon influx transporter but not a functional silicon efflux transporter
Authors: Sun Hao , Duan Yaoke , Mitani‐Ueno Namiki , Che Jing , Jia Jianhua , Liu Jiaqi , Guo Jia , Ma Jian Feng , Gong Haijun
Published: November 2019

Silicon (Si) accumulation in shoots differs greatly with plant species, but the molecular mechanisms for this interspecific difference are unknown. Here, we isolated homologous genes of rice Si influx (SlLsi1) and efflux (SlLsi2) transporter genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.) and functionally characterized these genes. SlLsi1 showed transport activity for Si when expressed in both ricelsi1mutant andXenopus laevisoocytes.SlLsi1was constitutively expressed in the roots. Immunostaining showed that SlLsi1 was localized at the plasma membrane of both root tip and basal region without polarity. Furthermore, overexpression ofSlLsi1in tomato increased Si concentration in the roots and root cell sap but did not alter the Si concentration in the shoots. By contrast, two Lsi2‐like proteins did not show efflux transport activity for Si inXenopusoocytes. However, when functionalCsLsi2from cucumber was expressed in tomato, the Si uptake was significantly increased, resulting in higher Si accumulation in the leaves and enhanced tolerance of the leaves to water deficit and high temperature. Our results suggest that the low Si accumulation in tomato is attributed to the lack of functional Si efflux transporter Lsi2 required for active Si uptake although SlLsi1 is functional.
Smoking behavior and social contexts associated with smoking among dual‐smoker couples
Authors: Choi Seung Hee , Ling Jiying , Noonan Devon , Kim Woojong
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To examine smoking behavior and social contexts related to smoking among dual‐smoker couples.

Design

Cross‐sectional online survey study.

Sample

A convenience sample of 183 dual‐smoker couples.

Measurements

Investigator‐developed survey on smoking and related social contexts.

Results

Participants smoked 16.0 cigarettes daily for 14.2 years; 48.4% shared more than half of their smoking time with their spouse. More than half made quit attempts in the past year individually (M = 5.3) and jointly (M = 2.5). Couples sharing more smoking time were more likely to be motivated to quit (p = .002), make quit attempts (p < .0001), and be interested in cessation interventions (p = .002); but less likely to implement home smoking bans (p < .001). Among those who reported quit attempts, 41% quit by themselves and 15.3% sought professional assistance. Most common reasons for relapse were chronic stress and crisis, 63.6%, however, were interested in smoking cessation services, preferably technology‐based interventions.

Conclusions

We found smoking interdependence within dual‐smoker couples. Despite high levels of motivation to quit, most did not utilize professional help, leading to low successful quit rates. Technology‐based smoking cessation interventions incorporating spousal support and addressing stress/crisis may best assist dual‐smoker couples.
A biased firm in a market with complementary products. A note on the welfare effects
Authors: Buchen Clemens , Palermo Alberto
Published: November 2019

We analyse a duopoly setting with complementary products, in which a firm has a bias about its absolute advantage. We show that the bias can internalize parts of the negative externality that the complementarity of goods creates implying a higher producer's surplus. Moreover, we analyse additional conditions, which lead to an increase in the consumer's surplus. Counterintuitively, we show that the presence of a bias can lead to a positive welfare effect.
Multigenerational performance development of male and female top‐elite swimmers–A global study of the 100 m freestyle event
Authors: Post Aylin K. , Koning Ruud H. , Visscher Chris , Elferink‐Gemser Marije T.
Published: November 2019

Background

The present study investigated longitudinally the performance development of a multigenerational sample of competitive swimmers. The aim of the study was to provide unique insight into the junior toward senior performance development of those few who reached top‐elite level. Season Best Times (SBT) of 100 m freestyle performance of international swimmers, (1.305 males, aged 12‐26 and 1.841 females, aged 12‐24) competing in at least five seasons between 1993 and 2018, were corrected for the prevailing world record (WR). Swim performance was defined as a relative measure: relative Season Best Time=(SBT/WR) × 100. Based on rSBT, four performance groups were defined: top‐elite, elite, sub‐elite, and high‐competitive.

Results

Univariate analyses of variance showed that male top‐elite swimmers outperformed high‐competitive swimmers from the age of 12, sub‐elite swimmers from the age of 14 and elite swimmers from the age of 18 while female top‐elite swimmers outperformed high‐competitive and sub‐elite swimmers from the age of 12 and elite swimmers from the age of 14 (P < .05). Frequency analysis showed that male top‐elite swimmers for the first time achieved top‐elite level between the 17 and 24 years old (mean age of 21) while female top‐elite swimmers started to perform at top‐elite level between the 14 and 24 years old (mean age of 18).

Conclusion

Male and female top‐elite swimmers are characterized by a high‐performance level from 12 years on and progressively outperform swimmers from similar age. However, this goes together with a large variety in the individual pathways toward top‐elite level within and between sexes.
Evaluating the quality of red blood cell concentrates irradiated before or after cryopreservation
Authors: Turner Tracey R. , Lautner Larissa , Hill Angela , Howell Anita , Skeate Robert , Acker Jason P.
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Cryopreserved red blood cell concentrates (RCCs) are often required for patients with rare blood groups. Although transfusions from blood relatives are irradiated before transfusion, research has yet to make clear if this is necessary in cryopreserved RCCs. Given insufficient evidence to the contrary, irradiation of cryopreserved RCCs has been recommended, but the effect of irradiation timing is unknown. Therefore, this study was performed to assess the effect of RCC irradiation pre‐ and postcryopreservation on RCC quality.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Nine whole blood units from healthy donors were processed into RCCs using the buffy coat method. ABO‐ and Rh‐matched units were pooled and split into three groups: precryopreservation irradiation (pre‐CIG), postcryopreservation irradiation (post‐CIG), and nonirradiated controls. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, extracellular potassium, mean cell volume, red blood cell (RBC) morphology, and RBC deformability were measured.

RESULTS

Extracellular potassium was greater in the irradiated conditions when compared to the nonirradiated controls and was greater in the post‐CIG group when compared to the pre‐CIG group (p < 0.05). WBC counts decreased after cryopreservation in all groups to values lower than the sensitivity of the assay. RBC deformability was greater in the post‐CIG group when compared to the pre‐CIG group and control group. No other significant differences were observed between groups.

CONCLUSION

Irradiation of RCCs can be performed pre‐ or postcryopreservation with little effect on the RCC product, as both irradiated groups resulted in RCCs that were comparable to the nonirradiated cryopreserved RCCs.
RELIGION, SCIENCE, AND DISENCHANTMENT IN LATE MODERNITY
Authors: Watts Galen
Published: November 2019

Late modernity has witnessed a growing semantic shift from “religion” to “spirituality.” In this article, I argue what underlies this shift is a cultural structure I call the religion of the heart. I begin with an explication of what I mean by the “religion of the heart,” and draw on the work of Ernst Troeltsch and Colin Campbell to identify what I take to be its historical antecedents. Second, I analyze the ambiguous relationships fostered between the religion of the heart and the discourses of science and religion, respectively, in late modernity. I illuminate how the social conditions of late modernity undermine or challenge what we conventionally think of as scientific and religious authorities, while at the same time creating existential needs that the religion of the heart is well adapted to meet. I conclude with a brief discussion of the implications of this process, especially as it relates to the sustainability of science and religion, as independent enterprises, in the twenty‐first century.
MUTUAL ENHANCEMENT BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE EPIPHANY PHILOSOPHERS
Authors: Watts Fraser
Published: November 2019

This article describes some key features of the distinctive approach to issues in science and religion of the Epiphany Philosophers (EPs), and introduces a set of articles from a recent meeting. The objective of the EPs is not merely to establish harmonious coexistence between science and religion. Rather, they are dissatisfied with both, and have a reformist agenda. They see science as unduly constrained by arbitrary metaphysical assumptions, predominantly of an atheist kind, and wish to see it liberated from such constraints. They are also interested in the potential contribution of contemplative enquiry to scientific research. They see no reason why science should not engage with the transcendent, but they do not support any simplistic argument from scientific research to religious belief. They wish to see an approach to religion that is rooted more firmly in the contemplative path.
“SCIENCE,” “RELIGION,” AND “SCIENCE‐AND‐RELIGION” IN THE LATE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
Authors: Yalçinkaya M. Alper
Published: November 2019

Many intellectuals wrote texts on the relations between Islam and science in the nineteenth‐century Ottoman Empire. These texts not only addressed the massive social and cultural changes the Empire was going through, but responded to European authors’ claims about the extent to which Islam was compatible with the modern world. Focusing on several texts written in the second half of the nineteenth century by the influential Muslim Ottoman authors Namik Kemal, Ahmed Midhat, and Şemseddin Sami, this article shows the influence of these exigencies on arguments on Islam and science. In order to represent Islam as a respectable religion in harmony with science, these intellectuals defined a “pure Islam” that was a set of basic principles that could be found in the Qur'an. Rather than an embedded way of life, Islam in these texts was an objectified, delimitable entity that could be imagined as having relations with other entities, such as science.
CLIMATE ENGINEERING FROM HINDU‐JAIN PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Jain Pankaj
Published: November 2019

Although Indic perspectives toward nature are now well documented, climate engineering discussions seem to still lack the views from Indic or other non‐Western sources. In this article, I will apply some of the Hindu and Jain concepts such as karma, nonviolence (Ahiṃsā), humility (Vinaya), and renunciation (Saṃnyāsa) to analyze the two primary climate geoengineering strategies of solar radiation management (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR). I suggest that Indic philosophical and religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism offer ethical concepts to call for humility in all acts of climate engineering leading to a favoring of CDR over SRM and a favoring of lifestyle changes (particularly vegetarianism) over both. I demonstrate these concepts by introducing the five great elements from the Hindu philosophy, two Hindu legends from Hindu mythology, the Indic ethical ideas of karma, renunciation, and humility, and the moral authority of Gandhi.
Sensemaking in Critical Situations and in Relation to Resilience—A Review
Authors: Kilskar Stine S. , Danielsen Brit-Eli , Johnsen Stig O.
Published: November 2019

Accidents and incidents, such as the capsizing of the anchor handling vessel Bourbon Dolphin in 2007 and the unintended list of the drilling rig Scarabeo 8 in 2012, underline the need for addressing sensemaking in safety-critical situations in the maritime domain to reduce risks. Sensemaking and risks must be understood as a part of the organizational context of the incidents. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive qualitative literature review conducted to establish more knowledge on sensemaking in the context of safety-critical situations and on the relation between the concepts of sensemaking and resilience. In the obtained literature sensemaking is used as a frame of reference for understanding accidents; it is used in relation to critical situations or complex operations in general; it is described by some as a process creating situational awareness; and it is explained by others mainly in terms of how it relates to resilience. Sensemaking creates the context for being resilient; at the same time sources of resilience help to make sense of the situation. Few authors provide explicit characteristics of sensemaking in safety-critical situations, where discrepancies can be supported by redundant systems or by training to ensure the needed questioning attitude. There is a lack of literature regarding sensemaking in safety-critical situations and in relation to resilience that also addresses important aspects of training and system design.
Computational Modeling of Blunt Impact to Head and Correlation of Biomechanical Measures With Medical Images
Authors: Tan X. Gary , D'Souza Maria M. , Khushu Subhash , Gupta Raj K. , DeGiorgi Virginia G. , Singh Ajay K. , Bagchi Amit
Published: November 2019

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common injury to service members in recent conflicts. We attempt to correlate simulation results with clinical data from advanced imaging techniques to identify TBI-related subtle alterations in brain morphology, function, and metabolism. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) data were obtained for a young adult male, after a concussive head injury caused by a road traffic accident. A similar fall of a pedestrian using an articulated human body biodynamics model was integrated with the finite element (FE) analysis using a high-resolution human head model to investigate TBI from an accident. The hyper-viscoelastic model was used to represent the strain rate dependence in brain tissues. The bone structure was simulated using an elastoplastic model to capture the focal permanent deformation. Enhanced tetrahedral elements were used in modeling nearly incompressible tissues. The localized large deformation in the head was simulated and compared with those from the MRI images. Biomechanical measures, such as stresses and strains, were correlated with postaccident medical images with respect to injury location and severity in the brain. The correspondence between model results and MRI findings shows a new way to relate computational simulation response of human head to blunt impacts with clinical data from such incidents and thus enhances our understanding of the mechanism, extent, and effects of TBI.
Utilization of Fast Response Pressure Measurements to Non-Intrusively Monitor Blade Vibration in Axial Compressors
Authors: Leng Yujun , Key Nicole L.
Published: November 2019

A novel non-intrusive method has been developed to monitor rotor blade vibration using unsteady casing pressure. The present blade vibration monitoring technique utilizes casing unsteady pressure sensors that can detect the pressure waves associated with blade vibration. Spinning mode theory was used to identify the specific frequencies and nodal diameters (NDs) of the spinning pressure waves associated with the blade vibration. A dual temporal-spatial analysis method has been developed to extract the specific frequency components using Fourier transforms, and the specific ND component was extracted using a circumferential mode-fitting algorithm. An experimental study was done in the Purdue 3-stage axial research compressor to verify the new rotor blade vibration monitoring method against the blade tip timing (BTT) method. During the experiment, the compressor was swept through the resonant crossing speed corresponding to the first torsion (1T) vibratory mode of the embedded rotor, while the unsteady casing pressure data and BTT data were simultaneously acquired. Utilizing as few as two sensors, the pressure wave due to blade forced vibration was extracted. A constant scaling factor between the resultant pressure wave strength and blade deflection amplitude was calculated for two different loading conditions. The close match between blade vibration-generated pressure wave strength and blade deflection amplitude through the resonant range provides the validation for the new rotor blade vibration monitoring method. This is the first time in the open literature that blade vibration-related pressure waves have been extracted from casing pressure sensor arrays and used to quantify blade vibration.
Detection of DNA homopolymer with graphene nanopore
Authors: Zhou Lei , Li Kun , Li Zhongwu , He Pinyao , Lin Kabin , Mo Jingwen , Ma Jian
Published: November 2019

Graphene nanopores hold great potential for applications such as molecular detection and DNA sequencing. Here, the authors present a fast and controllable way to fabricate sub-5-nm nanopores on a graphene membrane, with a process including two steps: (i) sputtering a large nanopore using a conventional, focused ion beam; and (ii) shrinking the large nanopore to under 5 nm using a scanning electron microscope. Conductance measurements confirm that the electron-beam-induced deposition of hydrocarbons not only shrinks the diameter of the nanopore but also increases its length. Furthermore, the authors report that using a salt gradient across the nanopore allows the detection of 3 nucleotide “C” and 3 nucleotide “G” homopolymer DNA strands based on differences in their physical dimensions.
Ellipsometric analysis of concentration gradients induced in semiconductor crystals by pulsed laser induced epitaxy
Authors: Schlipf Jon , Martín Elena , Stchakovsky Michel , Benedetti Alessandro , Fischer Inga A. , Schulze Jörg , Chiussi Stefano
Published: November 2019

The authors report a novel approach to analyze the behavior of pulsed-laser-induced epitaxy on group-IV semiconductors by spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements and finite-element modeling of the thermo- and hydrodynamic behavior. Gradient-composition epitaxial crystals are obtained from previously atomically sharp heteroepitaxial samples through optically monitored processing with UV excimer laser pulses. Spectroscopic ellipsometry is employed to determine the composition gradient of the semiconductor alloy, and the results are correlated with energy-dispersive x-ray measurements. A finite-element modeling approach is developed based on the experimentally monitored melting dynamics and composition gradient results for understanding and prediction of the dynamics.
InAs(111)A homoepitaxy with molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Vallejo Kevin D. , Garrett Trent A. , Sautter Kathryn E. , Saythavy Kevin , Liang Baolai , Simmonds Paul J.
Published: November 2019

The authors have established a robust set of growth conditions for homoepitaxy of high-quality InAs with a (111)A crystallographic orientation by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). By tuning the substrate temperature, the authors obtain a transition from a 2D island growth mode to step-flow growth. Optimized MBE parameters (substratetemperature=500°C, growthrate=0.12ML/s, and V/IIIratio≥40) lead to the growth of extremely smooth InAs(111)A films, free from hillocks and other 3D surface imperfections. The authors see a correlation between InAs surface smoothness and optical quality, as measured by photoluminescence spectroscopy. This work establishes InAs(111)A as a platform for future research into other materials from the 6.1 Å family of semiconductors grown with a (111) orientation.
The acoustics and culture of the Balinese gamelan
Authors: Gee Kent L. , Grimshaw Jeremy
Published: November 2019

The ornateness of Balinese culture is manifest in their percussion ensembles known as gamelan, both in the instruments’ design and in their sound. Ombak (meaning “wave”) well describes the music’s shimmering quality that results from acoustic beating. This presentation first summarizes the gamelan, its music, and its role in Balinese culture and then describes collaborative research conducted on a gamelan semara dana that led to an improved understanding of the acoustics of its large gongs and metallophones.
Broadband acoustic metamaterial design using gradient-based optimization
Authors: Fahey Lauren , Amirkulova Feruza , Norris Andrew
Published: November 2019

We present a semi-direct method for broadband metamaterial design using gradient-based optimization by means of multiple scattering theory. As application of the method we design acoustic metamaterial based on a gradient-based minimization of total scattering cross section (TSCS) from a set of cylinders by incrementally repositioning them so that they eventually act as an effective cloaking device. We obtained an analytical formula for the gradients of the TSCS with respect to positions of a set of cylinders in closed form rather than relying on finite differences. We defined the broadband gradient vectors with respect to positions which can be found in terms of the individual single frequency gradients. The root mean square of a set of TSCS from a set of cylindrical obstacles is minimized over a range of frequencies. As another application we model broadband wide-angle acoustic lens by maximizing the absolute pressure at a focal point and analytically evaluating its derivative with respect to the cylinder positions. We optimize the cost function for a given set of wavenumbers and incident angles, while supplying the gradients. We illustrate how the analytical form of gradients of the objective function enhances the modeling and accuracy of the optimized solution.