bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stack transition artifact removal (STAR) for cardiac CT
Authors: Lebedev Sergej , Fournie Eric , Stierstorfer Karl , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In cardiac computed tomography (CT), irregular motion may lead to unique artifacts for scanners with a longitudinal collimation that does not cover the entire heart. Given partial coverage, subvolumes, or stacks, may be reconstructed and used to assemble a final CT volume. Irregular motion, for example, due to cardiac arrhythmia or breathing, may cause mismatch between neighboring stacks and therefore discontinuities within the final CT volume. The aim of this work is the removal of the discontinuities that are hereafter referred to as stack transition artifacts.

Method and Materials

A stack transition artifact removal (STAR) is achieved using a symmetric deformable image registration. A symmetric Demons algorithm was implemented and applied to stacks to remove mismatch and therefore the stack transition artifacts. The registration can be controlled with one parameter that affects the smoothness of the deformation vector field (DVF). The latter is crucial for realistically transforming the stacks. Different smoothness settings as well as an entirely automatic parameter selection that considers the required deformation magnitude for each registration were tested with patient data. Thirteen datasets were evaluated. Simulations were performed on two additional datasets.

Results and Conclusion

STAR considerably improved image quality while computing realistic DVFs. Discontinuities, for example, appearing as breaks or cuts in coronary arteries or cardiac valves, were removed or considerably reduced. A constant smoothing parameter that ensured satisfactory results for all datasets was found. The automatic parameter selection was able to find a proper setting for each individual dataset. Consequently, no over regularization of the DVF occurred that would unnecessarily limit the registration accuracy for cases with small deformations. The automatic parameter selection yielded the best overall results and provided a registration method for cardiac data that does not require user input.
Current pediatric administered activity guidelines for 99mTc‐DMSA SPECT based on patient weight do not provide the same task‐based image quality
Authors: Li Ye , O'Reilly Shannon , Plyku Donika , Treves S. Ted , Fahey Frederic , Du Yong , Cao Xinhua , Sexton‐Stallone Briana , Brown Justin , Sgouros George , Bolch Wesley E. , Frey Eric C.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In the current clinical practice, administered activity (AA) for pediatric molecular imaging is often based on the North American expert consensus guidelines or the European Association of Nuclear Medicine dosage card, both of which were developed based on the best clinical practice. These guidelines were not formulated using a rigorous evaluation of diagnostic image quality (IQ) relative to AA. In the guidelines, AA is determined by a weight‐based scaling of the adult AA, along with minimum and maximum AA constraints. In this study, we use task‐based IQ assessment methods to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of weight‐based scaling in equalizing IQ using a population of pediatric patients of different ages and body weights.

Methods

A previously developed projection image database was used. We measured task‐based IQ, with respect to the detection of a renal functional defect at six different AA levels (AA relative to the AA obtained from the guidelines). IQ was assessed using an anthropomorphic model observer. Receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was applied; the area under the ROC curve (AUC) served as a figure‐of‐merit for task performance. In addition, we investigated patient girth (circumference) as a potential improved predictor of the IQ.

Results

The data demonstrate a monotonic and modestly saturating increase in AUC with increasing AA, indicating that defect detectability was limited by quantum noise and the effects of object variability were modest over the range of AA levels studied. The AA for a given value of the AUC increased with increasing age. The AUC vs AA plots for all the patient ages indicate that, for the current guidelines, the newborn and 10‐ and 15‐yr phantoms had similar IQ for the same AA suggested by the North American expert consensus guidelines, but the 5‐ and 1‐yr phantoms had lower IQ. The results also showed that girth has a stronger correlation with the needed AA to provide a constant AUC for 99mTc‐DMSA renal SPECT.

Conclusions

The results suggest that (a) weight‐based scaling is not sufficient to equalize task‐based IQ for patients of different weights in pediatric 99mTc‐DMSA renal SPECT; and (b) patient girth should be considered instead of weight in developing new administration guidelines for pediatric patients.
Detection and isolation of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Cackowski Frank C. , Wang Yugang , Decker Joseph T. , Sifuentes Christopher , Weindorf Steven , Jung Younghun , Wang Yu , Decker Ann M. , Yumoto Kenji , Szerlip Nicholas , Buttitta Laura , Pienta Kenneth J. , Morgan Todd M. , Taichman Russell S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) have been reported in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa). However, the existence of these cells continues to be questioned, and few methods exist for viable DTC isolation. Therefore, we sought to develop novel approaches to identify and, if detected, analyze localized PCa patient DTCs.

Methods

We used fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate a putative DTC population, which was negative for CD45, CD235a, alkaline phosphatase, and CD34, and strongly expressed EPCAM. We examined tumor cell content by bulk cell RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) and whole‐exome sequencing after whole genome amplification. We also enriched for BM DTCs with α‐EPCAM immunomagnetic beads and performed quantitative reverse trancriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) for PCa markers.

Results

At a threshold of 4 cells per million BM cells, the putative DTC population was present in 10 of 58 patients (17%) with localized PCa, 4 of 8 patients with metastatic PCa of varying disease control, and 1 of 8 patients with no known cancer, and was positively correlated with patients’ plasma PSA values. RNA‐Seq analysis of the putative DTC population collected from samples above (3 patients) and below (5 patients) the threshold of 4 putative DTCs per million showed increased expression of PCa marker genes in 4 of 8 patients with localized PCa, but not the one normal donor who had the putative DTC population present. Whole‐exome sequencing also showed the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms and structural variants in the gene characteristics of PCa in 2 of 3 localized PCa patients. To examine the likely contaminating cell types, we used a myeloid colony formation assay, differential counts of cell smears, and analysis of the RNA‐Seq data using the CIBERSORT algorithm, which most strongly suggested the presence of B‐cell lineages as a contaminant. Finally, we used EPCAM enrichment and qRT‐PCR for PCa markers to estimate DTC prevalence and found evidence of DTCs in 21 of 44 samples (47%).

Conclusion

These data support the presence of DTCs in the BM of a subset of patients with localized PCa and describe a novel FACS method for isolation and analysis of viable DTCs.
Design of Porous Microparticles Based on Chitosan and Methacrylic Monomers
Authors: Vasiliu Silvia , Lungan Maria‐Andreea , Gugoasa Ionela , Drobota Mioara , Popa Marcel , Mihai Marcela , Racovita Stefania
Published: August 2019

Starting from glycidyl methacrylate, three dimethacrylic monomers (mono, di and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate) and chitosan, various types of porous microparticles were obtained by suspension polymerization technique. Also, using the same technique the un‐grafted porous microparticles were obtained by reaction between glycidyl methacrylate and dimethacrylic monomers. The successful grafting reaction of chitosan onto synthetic polymer networks was highlighted by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The dimensional analysis of all type of microparticles was performed by laser diffraction while the specific surface areas were determined by means of dynamic vapor sorption. Grafting of polysaccharide onto crosslinked networks has led to the preparation of polymeric materials with high specific surface area (50‐160 m2/g) and better swelling capacities (101‐106%) compared to microparticles based on glycidyl methacrylate and dimethacrylic monomers [(31‐69 m2/g) and (39‐57%), respectively]. Furthermore, the sorption properties of grafted and un‐grafted microparticles were tested using Cu(II) solution. The highest retention capacity value of Cu(II) (41.7 mg/g) was obtained when the C1 microparticles were used in the adsorption studies.
Punching resistance of slab‐column connections with openings
Authors: Augustin Tomas , Fillo Ludovit , Halvonik Jaroslav
Published: August 2019

The paper deals with the punching resistance of flat slabs with openings adjacent to a column. The results of an experimental campaign carried out at a laboratory of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) are presented in the paper. A total of eight slabs with a thickness of 250 mm and without transverse reinforcement were tested under axis‐symmetric conditions. The six slabs had two symmetrically placed openings with different distances measured from the column's periphery and two reference slabs did that not have any openings. The results obtained were compared with punching resistances assessed using the design equations introduced in Eurocode 2, Model Code 2010, ACI 318‐14, and the CSCT model expressed in a closed form. Significant differences in the values of the Vtest/VR,c ratio were observed for the different positions of the openings for each design model. In order to increase the accuracy of the models, some changes in estimating the reduced lengths of the control perimeter were proposed.
Extracellular dopamine kinetic parameters consistent with amphetamine effects
Authors: Felmer Anna C. , Janson Marnie T. , Summers Katherine E. , Wallace Lane J.
Published: August 2019

Published behavioral experiments document that amphetamine‐induced increases in locomotor activity are preserved or enhanced in animals with major depletions of stored dopamine but intact dopamine synthesis. Conversely, amphetamine effects are substantially attenuated after inhibition of dopamine synthesis when most of the dopamine stores are preserved. Such data suggest that amphetamine mobilizes newly synthesized dopamine into extracellular signaling space. The first goal of this project is to determine kinetic parameters of dopamine secretion into and removal from extracellular space compatible with the majority of amphetamine‐elicited increases in extracellular dopamine deriving from newly synthesized dopamine. The strategy uses a computational model of extracellular space surrounding a single dopamine varicosity. Model output was compared to published micro‐dialysis data for effects of amphetamine on levels of extracellular dopamine. A family of solutions was found, characterized by a biphasic dose–response relationship for rate of dopamine release. Maximum rates of dopamine release occurred at doses of 0.5–1.0 mg/kg amphetamine. The second goal is to develop a hypothesis by which newly synthesized dopamine gains access to extracellular space. The model chosen involves amphetamine‐induced shunting of DOPAC secretion to dopamine secretion into extracellular space. The quality of the hypothesis was evaluated by goodness of match of model output to published data for amphetamine alone and after inhibition of dopamine synthesis or storage. In summary, the results provide conditions required for and a potential mechanism for newly synthesized dopamine to be a major fraction of amphetamine‐elicited increases in extracellular dopamine.
Additive sustainability footprint: Rationale and pilot evaluation of a tool for assessing the sustainable use of PVC additives
Authors: Everard Mark , Blume Richard
Published: August 2019

PVC compounds contain additives necessary for processing and stability, and to modify the plastic's properties. The Europe‐wide VinylPlus® voluntary commitment includes a challenge to make progress toward sustainable use of additives. Additive Sustainability Footprint (ASF) was developed to assess sustainable use of additives across the whole societal life cycles of finished PVC articles, taking a risk‐based approach rather than simplistic hazard assessment. ASF addresses impacts across six life cycle assessment (LCA) stages established by ISO Standard 14040, using the four System Conditions (sustainability principles) developed by The Natural Step (TNS) covering social as well as environmental factors. For each LCA stage/System Condition combination, seven generically similar questions cover negative impacts (many covered by existing tools and regulations) but also the additive's positive contributions to the sustainability of finished articles. Positive contributions include ethical sourcing, longevity of service life, low maintenance inputs, and recyclability. Answers to questions determine a score, which can be combined across the life cycle and with other additives. Testing on a generic EU PVC window profile supported ASF development and demonstrated applicability and potential benefits including use for sensitivity analysis of alternative additives from different geopolitical regions or from recycled as opposed to virgin sources. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:196–208, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Profil und Auftrieb eines Segels
Authors: Voelz Kurt
Published: August 2019

In einer idealen Strömung sei zwischen zwei parallelen Masten, deren Verbindungslinie mit der Anströmungsrichtung einen kleinen Winkel bildet, ein Stück Tuch gespannt. Die Form, die dieses Tuch unter dem Einfluß der inneren Spannung und der von der Strömung aufgeprägten äußeren örtlich verschiedenen Drucke annimmt, wird berechnet. Für den Fall, daß das Verhältnis zwischen Tuchlänge und Mastenabstand konstant bleibt, wird die gesamte von der Strömung auf das Segel ausgeübte Kraft in Abhängigkeit vom Anstellwinkel angegeben.
Ein Pohlhausenverfahren zur Berechnung laminarer kompressibler Grenzschichten an einer geheizten Wand
Authors: Ginzel J.
Published: August 2019

Das für inkompressible, Strömung bekannte Pohlhausenverfahren wird durch Hinzunahme einer weiteren gewöhnlichen Differentialgleichung (Energie‐Integralsatz) auf den kompressiblen Fall erweitert und ein Lösungsverfahren für das gekoppelte System zweier linearer Differentialgleichungen angegeben. Für zwei fest gewählte Wandtemperaturen werden Rechengrundlagen für die nunmehr sehr bequeme numerische Beispielrechnung bereitgestellt. Zum Schluß werden Wandschubspannung und Wärmeübergangszahl in einem Beispiel diskutiert.
Beiträge zur numerischen Lösung linearer Eigenwertprobleme. I
Authors: Lekmann N. Joachim
Published: August 2019

Das Ziel der Untersuchungen ist die Eingrenzung eines beliebig vorgeschriebenen Eigenwertes linearer selbstadjungierter Probleme; dabei soll der Rechenaufwand für jede verlangte Genauigkeit möglichst gering bleiben. Die Lösung der Aufgabe gelingt mit einer neuen Eigenwertdarstellung, jeder interessierende Eigenwert erscheint dabei einmal als Minimal‐ und einmal als Maximalwert einer Integralform. Passende Vergleichsfunktionen ergeben daraus in einfachster Weise die ersten Eigenwertschranken.
Zur Konvergenz bei genäherter konformer Abbildung
Authors: Opitz G.
Published: August 2019

Das Verfahren von Theodorsen2) ist in seiner ursprünglichen Form auf die konforme Abbildung eines kreisnahen Gebietes auf den Einheitskreis zugeschnitten und nur auf gemischtem graphisch‐analytischen Weg durchführbar, wenn die Rechenarbeit in erträglichen Grenzen bleiben soll. Dagegen läßt sich für die umgekehrte Abbildungsaufgabe (Einheitskreis → kreisnahes Gebiet) der Prozeß auf rein rechnerischem Wege durchführen und so bei Bedarf eine beliebige Genauigkeitssteigerung erzielen. Für diesen Fall werden von einem neuen Gesichtspunkt aus die zugehörigen Formeln abgeleitet und Überlegungen über die Konvergenz des Verfahrens angestellt.
Zur Berechnung der Torsionseigenschwingungen von Maschinenwellen
Authors: Vogel Alfred
Published: August 2019

Es wird die dynamische Matrix aufgestellt, deren charakteristische Zahlen (Eigenwerte) mit den Quadraten der Eigenfrequenzen des vorgelegten Schwingungssystems übereinstimmen. Für homogene Maschinen werden alle Eigenfrequenzen explizit, für teilhomogene Maschinen implizit mit Hilfe der Frequenzfunktionen angegeben, für inhomogene Maschinen werden die Eigenfrequenzen nach konvergenten Matrizenverfahren numerisch ermittelt.
Timing of Perioperative Chemotherapy Does Not Influence Long‐Term Outcome of Patients Undergoing Combined Laparoscopic Colorectal and Liver Resection in Selected Upfront Resectable Synchronous Liver Metastases
Authors: Ratti Francesca , Fuks David , Cipriani Federica , Gayet Brice , Aldrighetti Luca
Published: August 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to compare patients undergoing combined colorectal and hepatic surgery with and without neoadjuvant chemotherapy to clarify the prognostic advantage of preoperative oncological treatment in a case‐matched analysis using propensity scores and to identify factors predictive of good prognosis in a selected population of Synchronous ColoRectal Liver Metastases (SCRLM).

Methods

A total of 73 patients who underwent upfront elective combined surgery without preoperative CT for SCRLM in two European tertiary referral centers were selected and constituted the study group (NoNACT group). The NoNACT group was matched (ratio 1:1) with patients who were operated after chemotherapy with neoadjuvant intent (NACT group, the control group). The matching was achieved based on six covariates representative of patients and disease characteristics.

Results

While the characteristics of both colorectal and hepatic procedures were similar, the NoNACT group, as compared to the NACT group, had lower blood loss (200 mL vs. 550 mL). Postoperative stay (9 vs. 12 days) and morbidity rate (24.7% vs. 32.9%) were reduced in the NoNACT compared with the NACT group. Mid‐ and long‐term outcomes were comparable. At multivariable analysis, predictors of long‐term outcome were: right colonic neoplasms, RAS mutational status, CRS score ≥3 and the absence of perioperative chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous resectable liver metastases does not influence the risk of recurrence in patients with favorable tumor biology, while it was associated with increased intraoperative blood loss and morbidity. There is no strong evidence to recommend upfront chemotherapy in the absence of negative prognostic factors.
Implementing interventions to reduce work-related stress among health-care workers: an investment appraisal from the employer’s perspective
Authors: Wijnen Ben F. M. , Lokkerbol Joran , Boot Cecile , Havermans Bo M. , van der Beek Allard J. , Smit Filip
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The Stress-Prevention@Work implementation strategy has been demonstrated to be successful in reducing stress in employees. Now, we assess the economic return-on-investment to see if it would make for a favourable business case for employers.

Methods

Data were collected from 303 health-care workers assigned to either a waitlisted control condition (142 employees in 15 teams) or to Stress-Prevention@Work (161 employees in 15 teams). Main outcome was productivity losses measured using the Trimbos and iMTA Cost questionnaire in Psychiatry. Measurements were taken at baseline, 6, and 12 months post-baseline.

Results

The per-employee costs of the strategy were €50. Net monetary benefits were the benefits (i.e., improved productivity) minus the costs (i.e., intervention costs) and were the main outcome of this investment appraisal. Per-employee net benefits amounted to €2981 on average, which was an almost 60-fold payout of the initial investment of €50. There was a 96.7% likelihood for the modest investment of €50 to be offset by cost savings within 1 year. Moreover, a net benefit of at least €1000 still has a likelihood of 88.2%.

Conclusions

In general, there was a high likelihood that Stress-Prevention@Work offers an appealing business case from the perspective of employers, but the employer should factor in the additional per-employee costs of the stress-reducing interventions. Still, if these additional costs were as high as €2981, then costs and benefits would break even.

This study was registered in the Netherlands National Trial Register, trial code: NTR5527.
On a Relation Between Packing and Covering Densities of Convex Bodies
Authors: Prosanov Roman
Published: August 2019

We show that a convex body admits a translative dense packing in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

if and only if it admits a translative economical covering.
Systematic analysis of long non-coding RNA and mRNA expression changes in ApoE-deficient mice during atherosclerosis
Authors: Lou Xiaoqian , Ma Xiaoyan , Wang Dawei , Li Xiangjun , Sun Bo , Zhang Tong , Qin Meng , Ren Liqun
Published: August 2019

Atherosclerosis plays an important role in the pathology of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and systemic vascular disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in most biological processes and are deregulated in many human diseases. However, the expression alteration and precise role of lncRNAs during atherosclerosis are unknown. We report here the systematic profiling of lncRNAs and mRNAs in an ApoE-deficient (ApoE−/−) mouse model of atherosclerosis. Clariom D solutions for the mouse Affymetrix Gene Chip were employed to analyze the RNAs from control and ApoE−/− mice. The functions of the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs and the relationships of their expression with atherosclerosis were analyzed by gene ontology, co-expression network, pathway enrichment, and lncRNA target pathway network analyses. Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of mRNAs and lncRNAs. A total of 2212 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in ApoE−/− mice, including 1186 up-regulated and 1026 down-regulated lncRNAs (|FC| ≥ 1.1, p < 0.05). A total of 1190 differentially expressed mRNAs were found in the ApoE−/− mice with 384 up-regulated and 806 down-regulated (|FC| ≥ 1.1, p < 0.05). Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated extensive co-expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs and concomitant deregulation of multiple signaling pathways associated with the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The identified differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs as well as the related signaling pathways may provide systematic information for understanding the pathogenesis and identifying biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of atherosclerosis.
Skin and Proximity Effects in Electrodes and Furnace Shells
Authors: Herland Egil Vålandsmyr , Sparta Manuel , Halvorsen Svenn Anton
Published: August 2019

A review of two-dimensional (2D) analytical models of skin and proximity effects in large industrial furnaces with three electrodes arranged in an equilateral triangle is given. The models cover three different cases: one electrode only, three electrodes where two are approximated by line currents, and induced shell currents where all electrodes are approximated by line currents. The first two models show how the skin and proximity effects depend on electrode material properties and size, and the distance between the electrodes. The third model shows how the strength of the induced shell currents will depend on electrode position and furnace size. These models are compared to numerical studies including distributed electrodes and shell currents. The analytical models are accurate when induced shell currents can be disregarded. However, strong shell currents may have a significant impact on the current distribution within the electrodes. This electrode-shell proximity effect competes with the electrode-electrode proximity effect. Finally, the 2D models have been compared with three-dimensional (3D) case studies of large industrial furnaces. In 3D, the shell currents are significantly smaller than what are predicted by the 2D models, but they are sufficiently strong to cause a significant correction of the electrode current density.
Data-driven approach for evaluation of formation damage during the injection process
Authors: Shabani Ali , Jahangiri Hamid Reza , Shahrabadi Abbas
Published: August 2019

Waterflooding is among the most common oil recovery methods which is implemented in the most of oil-producing countries. The goal of a waterflooding operation is pushing the low-pressure remained oil of reservoir toward the producer wells to enhance the oil recovery factor. One of the important objects of a waterflooding operation management is understanding the quality of connection between the injectors and the producers of the reservoir. Capacitance resistance model (CRM) is a data-driven method which can estimate the production rate of each producer and the connectivity factor between each pair of wells, by history matching of the injection and production data. The estimated connectivity factor can be used for understanding the quality of connection between the wells. In the waterflooding operation, the injected water always has the potential of causing formation damage by invasion of foreign particles deep bed filtration (DBF), mobilization of indigenous particles (fines migration), scale formation, etc. The formation damage can weaken the quality of connection (connectivity factor), between the injectors and producers of the field, increasing the skin of injection well. In this paper, DBF is used for creation of formation damage in synthetic reservoir models. Then, it has been tried to find the existence and amount of formation damage by evaluating the connectivity factor of CRM. Finally, the results of that have been used for prediction of skin variation in a real case by using the connectivity factor of CRM.
The role of cognitive load in university students' comprehension of multiple documents
Authors: Hahnel Carolin , Schoor Cornelia , Kroehne Ulf , Goldhammer Frank , Mahlow Nina , Artelt Cordula
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The study investigates the cognitive load of students working on tasks that require the comprehension of multiple documents (Multiple Document Comprehension, MDC). In a sample of 310 students, perceived task difficulty (PD) and mental effort (ME) were examined in terms of task characteristics, individual characteristics, and students' processing behavior. Moreover, it was investigated if PD and ME can still contribute to MDC while controlling for these variables. The perceived difficulty of the task was shown to be related to the number of documents, text length, study level, and sourcing. Mental effort was predicted by text length, study level, and processing time. When including these variables as covariates, cognitive load was incrementally predictive of MDC. The results are discussed in terms of how working memory resources can shape the process of comprehending multiple documents.
German Language Adaptation of the Kalamazoo Communication Skills Assessment Form (KCSAF): A Multi-Method Study of Two Cohorts of Medical Students
Authors: Schick Kristina , Berberat Pascal O. , Kadmon Martina , Harendza Sigrid , Gartmeier Martin
Published: August 2019

Abstract. This work investigates the German version of the Kalamazoo Communication Skills Assessment Form (KCSAFd) for three assessment methods: students' self-assessment (KCSAFd-self), assessment by standardised patients (KCSAFd-sPat) and video-assessment by trained raters (KCSAFd-video). Videotaped simulated patient consultations of N = 163 medical students from the first ( n = 97) and the final clinical years ( n = 66) were rated using the KCSAFd. Investigating the psychometric properties of the instrument, we found a two factor-construct with interpersonal and conversational competence. All methods showed good internal consistency and acceptable model fit values. Additionally, we found plausible relationships between the three methods and meaningful differences between the two groups of students.
Unraveling the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Tectonothermal Evolution of the Eastern Basque‐Cantabrian Zone–Western Pyrenees by Low‐Temperature Thermochronology
Authors: DeFelipe I. , Pedreira D. , Pulgar J. A. , van der Beek P. A. , Bernet M. , Pik R.
Published: August 2019

Low‐temperature thermochronology studies have increased our knowledge of the orogenic processes along the Pyrenean‐Cantabrian mountain belt by placing time constraints on the exhumation history of its rocks. However, a significant gap in the data existed between the western Pyrenees and the central Cantabrian Mountains, hampering a comprehensive view of the tectonothermal evolution along the belt. We present a new apatite fission track and zircon (U‐Th)/He (ZHe) data set for the eastern Basque‐Cantabrian zone–western Pyrenees. Apatite fission track central ages cluster in the Eocene‐Oligocene. ZHe samples can be separated into two groups: Group 1 depicts clustered ZHe ages‐eU concentration (Cinco Villas massif) and Group 2 depicts dispersed ZHe ages‐eU concentration (Alduides massif and a Paleozoic rock pinned along the Leiza thrust). A sample from the Oroz‐Betelu massif shows intermediate behavior. Inverse modeling suggests that samples from Group 1 reached 240–280 °C in the Late Cretaceous, implying deep sedimentary burial of the Cinco Villas massif before its major exhumation phase, most probably in the early to middle Eocene, postdating the phase of rapid exhumation of the western part of the Leiza thrust. The sample from the Oroz‐Betelu massif, far from the Mesozoic exhumed mantle domain, experienced maximum temperatures close to 200 °C by burial beneath the Jaca‐Pamplona basin. It was later exhumed in the hanging wall of the Gavarnie thrust in the Bartonian‐Priabonian. This work provides new insights into the tectonothermal evolution of the Basque massifs and the inversion of a hyperextended margin.
An epigenome-wide analysis of cord blood DNA methylation reveals sex-specific effect of exposure to bisphenol A
Authors: Miura Ryu , Araki Atsuko , Minatoya Machiko , Miyake Kunio , Chen Mei-Lien , Kobayashi Sumitaka , Miyashita Chihiro , Yamamoto Jun , Matsumura Toru , Ishizuka Mayumi , Kubota Takeo , Kishi Reiko
Published: August 2019

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in utero is associated with adverse health outcome of the offspring. Differential DNA methylation at specific CpG sites may link BPA exposure to health impacts. We examined the association of prenatal BPA exposure with genome-wide DNA methylation changes in cord blood in 277 mother-child pairs in the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children’s Health, using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 BeadChip. We observed that a large portion of BPA-associated differentially methylated CpGs with p-value < 0.0001 was hypomethylated among all newborns (91%) and female infants (98%), as opposed to being hypermethylated (88%) among males. We found 27 and 16 CpGs with a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 in the analyses for males and females, respectively. Genes annotated to FDR-corrected CpGs clustered into an interconnected genetic network among males, while they rarely exhibited any interactions in females. In contrast, none of the enrichment for gene ontology (GO) terms with FDR < 0.05 was observed for genes annotated to the male-specific CpGs with p < 0.0001, whereas the female-specific genes were significantly enriched for GO terms related to cell adhesion. Our epigenome-wide analysis of cord blood DNA methylation implies potential sex-specific epigenome responses to BPA exposure.
Facile direct synthesis of graphene-wrapped ZnO nanospheres from cyanobacterial cells
Authors: He Jiao , Jiang Liang , Chen Yongjuan , Luo Zhifang , Yan Zhiying , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: August 2019

Cyanobacterial cells were employed as a template for ZnO growth and as a biomass source of graphene, resulting in the synthesis of graphene-wrapped ZnO nanospheres.
Transforming PPh3into bidentate phosphine ligands at Ru–Zn heterobimetallic complexes
Authors: O'Leary Niall , Miloserdov Fedor M. , Mahon Mary F. , Whittlesey Michael K.
Published: August 2019

P–C/C–H bond activation and P–C/C–C bond formation is observed upon adding ZnMe2to [Ru(PPh3)3Cl2].
Preliminary investigations on hydrometallurgical treatment of spent Li-ion batteries
Authors: Rudnik Ewa , Knapczyk-Korczak Joanna
Published: August 2019

The paper reports investigations of the direct recovery of copper and cobalt from sulphate solution after leaching of spent Li-ion cells. Metals of high purity (above 99%) can be selectively obtained if the electrolysis process is carried out at proper pH: 1 for Cu and 4 for Co. During cobalt electrowinning, the oxidation of Co(II) ions and formation of Co(III) compounds on the anode were observed. Lithium ions accumulated mainly in the electrolyte. Application of ammoniacal solution for selective lithium carbonate precipitation in the presence of cobalt ions was not effective due to high temperature of the process and no possible formation of the stable and soluble cobalt-ammonia complexes.
Esquis’Sons! Sketching architecture by listening
Authors: Marchai Théo , Rémy Nicolas
Published: August 2019

The Esquis’Sons! application can be used to envision sound atmospheres and prior to designing spaces. The Esquis’Sons application is a compiled module written in the MAX/MSP musical and visual programming language which generates stereophonic sound tracks in relation to geometric parameters extracted from the CAD software Rhinoceros 3D and its plugin Grasshopper. Rhinoceros and Esquis’Sons communicate and sound is played in real time depending on the listening point chosen by the designer and on the architectural scene created. This paper compiles several training periods during which Esquis’Sons has been used in workshop exercises. It also offers material for an architectural study in the rehabilitation of a district. The paper shows that the Esquis’Sons app is a pedagogical tool for designers of space and brings to light several dimensions that are hidden most of the time in the architectural design process: the distance of creation is discussed through the sound immersion offered by Esquis’Sons app. Scales of the architectural project are jostled by the fuzzy limits of sound phenomena and time brings layers of complexity and sensibility in global design.
"Characters in Search of an Author". Human figures and storytelling in architectural design communication
Authors: Colonnese Fabio
Published: August 2019

In a presentation drawing, human figures have a natural attitude to work as an optical reference to measure the design space and to provide a sort of instructions to use it, but over the centuries, their agency has been multifaceted. The practice of photo-collages, which was fed by photography and cinema development, has recently spread thank to the digital techniques and human figures in architecture renderings seem to have become as fundamental as a top-modes for a fashion magazine cover. Besides providing a recognizable mark to the design entry, selecting peculiar figures can visually connect a design to a specific place and time, working as a cultural, situationist and sensorial agent. This seems to be true particularly for the cultural typologies. In renderings of museums, theatres or libraries, often ordinary people are integrated by figures of artworks and celebrities, like in Alberto Campo Baeza and Raphael Gabrion’s design for a Louvre new building in Lievin, France, whose figures are placed in the renderings not only to explain the functions but also to remind the ambiguous threshold between representation and reality.
Geometry, Pattern, Kinetics: Beginning Studio Pedagogy from 2D to 3D
Authors: Uddin M. Saleh
Published: August 2019

Architecture has the strongest educational ties to geometric organization because of the necessity for order and efficiency in construction, three-dimensional space composition, and the desire to create aesthetically pleasing structures. Kimberly Elam, the author of “Geometry of Design” mentions, “Too often as a design professional and educator I have seen excellent conceptual ideas suffer during the process of realization, in large part because of the designer did not understand the visual principles of geometric composition. These principles include an understanding of classic proportioning systems such as the golden section and root rectangles, as well as ratios and proportion, interrelationships of form, and regulating lines.” With the primary objective of linking art and architecture through observation, analysis, and composition, this paper demonstrates beginning studio projects where geometry, pattern and kinetics are exercised to enhance understanding of two-dimensional pattern and three-dimensional construction. The objective is to enhance three-dimensional design thinking that has become a challenge in recent trends of questionable dependency on computer modeling applications for design decisions.
Ambiance of slowness. Brussels commercial gallery of the latter half of the 20thcentury
Authors: Pelgrims Claire
Published: August 2019

In this paper, I study the sensory-motor effects of Brussels commercial galleries’ ambiance in the latter half of the 20thcentury. The analysis of two case studies (“Deux Portes” networked galleries and Agora Gallery) reveals the different logics of slow mobility acceleration and immobilisation at stake in the emerging modernist grammar of slow mobility. This grammar-in arrangement with the grammar of fast automobility − structures and stabilises the design of spaces for slowness next to the roadscape in spatial segregation of transport modes. There are accelerating and decelerating sensorydispositifsthat define galleries both as punctual destination spaces that capture passers-by and as alternative paths for pedestrians: logics of multifunctionality, fast mobility accessibility and setting of an ambiance on the one hand, and logics of securement, spatial and qualitative continuities, on the other hand. Accelerating and deceleratingdispositifsand logics facilitate movement to better keep the consumer captive. Then, I discuss the possible contribution of iconographic archives in research about past ambiances. They effectively acknowledge sensory- motor effects of ambiance but do not constitute an autonomous corpus to grasp sensitivity and reshape past ambiances.
Diagnóstico precoce da infecção articular periprotética do quadril – situação atual, avanços e perspectivas
Authors: Gomes Luiz Sérgio Marcelino
Published: August 2019

A infecção articular periprotética (IAP) tem consequências devastadoras sobre a função articular e sobre a taxa de morbimortalidade dos pacientes vitimados por esta grave complicação. Ainda que o diagnóstico precoce seja um dos consensos com importância bem estabelecida, as rotinas de investigação são ainda conduzidas de forma empírica, inconsistente e pouco objetiva em muitos centros de todo o mundo. O presente artigo busca contextualizar a situação atual dos conhecimentos sobre o diagnóstico precoce das infecções articulares periprotéticas, assim como discutir os avanços e perspectivas, dentro de um cenário de sua aplicabilidade rotineira pela equipe médica responsável pelo manejo desta temida complicação.
Intrauterine Device Insertion during Cesarean Section in Women without Prenatal Contraception Counseling: Lessons from a Country with High Cesarean Rates
Authors: Zaconeta Alberto Moreno , Oliveira Ana Carolina , Estrela Flavielly Souza , Vasconcelos Thalia Maia , França Paulo Sergio , Wanderley Miriam da Silva , Amato Angelica Amorim
Published: August 2019

Objective The moment of admission for delivery may be inappropriate for offering an intrauterine device (IUD) to women without prenatal contraception counseling. However, in countries with high cesarean rates and deficient prenatal contraception counseling, this strategy may reduce unexpected pregnancies and repeated cesarean sections.

Methods This was a prospective cohort study involving 100 women without prenatal contraception counseling. Postplacental IUD was offered after admission for delivery and placed during cesarean. The rates of IUD continuation, uterine perforation, and endometritis were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months, and the proportion of women continuing with IUD at 6 months was assessed with respect to the number of previous cesareans.

Results Ninety-seven women completed the follow-up. The rate of IUD continuation was 91% at 6 weeks and 83.5% at 6 months. The expulsion/removal rate in the first 6 weeks was not different from that between 6 weeks and 6 months (9 vs 9.1%, respectively). There were 2 cases of endometritis (2.1%), and no case of uterine perforation. Among 81 women continuing with intrauterine device after 6-months, 31% had undergone only the cesarean section in which the IUD was inserted, 44% had undergone 2 and 25% had undergone 3 or more cesarean sections.

Conclusion Two thirds of the women who continued with IUD at 6 months had undergone 2 or more cesarean sections. Since offering trial of labor is unusual after 2 or more previous cesareans, we believe that offering IUD after admission for delivery may reduce the risk of repeated cesarean sections and its inherent risks.
Three new flavonol glycosides from Fissistigma pallens
Authors: Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Thinh Ngo Sy , Thu Nguyen Thi Bich , Anh Luu The , Minh Ngoc Tran , Tai Bui Huu , Yen Pham Hai , Kiem Phan Van , Van Minh Chau , Park Seonju , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: August 2019

Three new flavonol glycosides, fissflavosides A-C (1–3), together with six known flavonol glycosides, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranoside (4), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), rhamnetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), rutin (8), and isorhamnetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranoside (9) were isolated from the methanol extract of the Fissistigma pallens leaves. Their chemical structures were determined by 1D-, 2D-NMR, and MS data as well as in comparison with reported data in the literature. Compounds 1–9 showed weak cytotoxic activity on three human cancer cell lines, HT-29, A-2058, A-549 with IC50 ranging from 134.6 to 162.6 µM. In addition, the antioxidant capacities of compounds were also tested by ORAC assay. All compounds showed significant antioxidant with trolox equivalents ranging from 4.4 to 8.6 µM at the concentration of 1.0 µM. The results indicated 7 and 8 having meaningful reducing capacity of copper (I) ions of 2.7 to 6.9 µM at the concentrations of 1 and 2 µM.
Surgery performed at night by continuously working surgeons contributes to a higher incidence of intraoperative complications in video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection: a large monocentric retrospective study
Authors: Chen Chunji , Zhang Xiaofeng , Gu Chang , Wang Yiyang , Liu Kun , Pan Xufeng , Fu Shijie , Fan Limin , Wang Rui
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to assess the influence of working hours and working at night on intraoperative complications on surgeons conducting video-assisted pulmonary resections.

METHODS

We identified all patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in Shanghai Chest Hospital from January 2015 to April 2017. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were used to analyse independent risk factors for intraoperative complications. A 1:4 propensity score matching analysis was conducted to verify those results.

RESULTS

A total of 15 767 patients who underwent VATS pulmonary resection were included in this study. Among them, 15 280 patients (96.1%) were operated on during daytime working hours and 487 (3.1%) at night. A total of 203 (1.3%) intraoperative complications occurred. Vascular injury was the main cause of intraoperative complications, accounting for 92.1% (187/203). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–1.98; P < 0.001], gender (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.26–2.32; P = 0.001), surgical experience (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.56–2.75; P < 0.001), type of surgery (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.20–0.49; P < 0.001) and operative periods (OR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.61–4.86; P < 0.001) were independent predictors for intraoperative complications. The incidence of intraoperative complications during night-time surgery was significantly higher than that during daytime working hours. A 1:4 propensity score matching-based results verification showed that night-time surgery was still an independent risk factor after propensity score matching (OR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.47–5.15; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of intraoperative complications from VATS pulmonary resection performed during night hours was significantly higher than that performed during working hours. In the present labour environment, thoracic surgeons should avoid night-time surgery whenever possible.
When Bribery is Considered an Economic Necessity: Facilitation Payments, Norm Translation, and the Role of Cognitive Beliefs
Authors: Girard Tyler
Published: August 2019

Since the 1990s, when a global anti-corruption norm emerged which in part targeted the use of bribery in international business activities, international support has been growing for a related norm against the use of facilitation (or “grease”) payments. Despite ambiguous language in the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and despite the lack of material enforcement mechanisms, many OECD convention signatories have explicitly banned facilitation payments. Among the few remaining holdouts, Canada and New Zealand recently addressed this omission in their anti-corruption legislation; only Canada opted to eliminate its legal exception for facilitation payments. Building on recent models on norm translation, this article foregrounds the differential roles of normative and cognitive beliefs to explain the different outcomes in these similar cases. Drawing on elite interviews and primary documents, this article argues that select Canadian business representatives helped shape the cognitive beliefs of policymakers through institutionalized consultations in the legislative process, thus facilitating the adoption of the new norm.
A Scoping Review on the Long-Term Outcomes in Persons with Adult-Acquired Burn Injuries
Authors: Cimino Stephanie R , Rios Jorge N , Godleski Matthew , Hitzig Sander L
Published: August 2019

Adult-acquired burn injuries are a life-altering event that can lead to debilitating functional or psychological impairments. With advancements in health care resulting in decreased mortality rates, survivors of burn injuries can expect to live longer. This warrants a shift in focus to better understand what happens to adults once they are discharged from the hospital into the community. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to map the literature regarding the long-term outcomes of community-dwelling adult-acquired burn survivors. A computer-assisted literature search was conducted on literature from January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2018 utilizing four large databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, and PsycINFO). Articles were included if they had a minimum of five individuals with a burn injury as a result of an accidental injury who were at least 18 years of age at the time of injury. Fifty-four articles were found suitable for inclusion in this review. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States and were longitudinal in design. Four themes were apparent from the articles: postburn complications, psychosocial outcomes, quality of life, and community participation. Data are lacking with respect to outcomes more than 5 years postburn as well as qualitative research. Furthermore, more literature is needed to understand the impact of postburn complications, coping strategies, and posttraumatic growth as well as barriers to community participation. Overall, there is an emerging body of literature that describes the long-term outcomes of adult-acquired burn survivors up to 5 years postburn.