bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halide Perovskite, a Potential Scintillator for X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Zhou Faguang , Li Zhizai , Lan Wei , Wang Qian , Ding Liming , Jin Zhiwen
Published: September 2020

Scintillator is a unique class of luminescent materials, which is extensively used in many fields such as nondestructive testing, medical imaging, space probes, etc. Compared with the disadvantages of traditional scintillator materials which have high cost, are fragile, have long response time and low spatial resolution disadvantages, metal halide perovskites are considered to be the most potential scintillator materials in X‐ray detection and medical imaging due to their preeminent performance of radiative absorption, carrier transportation, high photoluminescence, high atomic number (Z), high‐quality elements, and low‐temperature solution process. However, this material has blemishes such as poor stability and low luminous efficiency in the application of X‐ray detection. In recent years, many start‐of‐art and momentous works have been carried out to solve these problems. Herein, it is intended to summarize the progress of perovskite scintillators to date and propose a scheme for the development of their bottlenecks. First, the physical phenomena and main parameters of scintillators are summarized. Second, the classification of scintillator materials and their application of perovskite scintillators are outlined. Finally, the issues that remain in the application of perovskite scintillators and provide a simple outlook for possible directions in future applications are discussed.
Char Formation by Coal Injection and Its Behavior in the Blast Furnace
Authors: Born Stefan , Babich Alexander , van der Stel Jan , Ho Hai Thong , Sert Dominique , Ansseau Olivier , Plancq Cyril , Pierret Jean-Christophe , Geyer Richard , Senk Dieter , Pridhivi Varsha
Published: September 2020

There is a consensus that complete conversion of the injected pulverized coal (PC) within the raceway zone is hardly possible, particularly at high injection rates. Therefore, formation, transportation, and consumption of coal residues or char outside the raceway as well as its interaction with solid, liquid, and gaseous media present in the furnace are vital for an efficient blast furnace (BF) operation. Herein, done in the scope of a European Research Fund for Coal and Steel project, two injection coals are selected and used to produce char. Chemical, physical, petrographic, and microstructural properties of produced chars are characterized. Char behavior and its effect on coke and iron burden are examined using numerous analytical, laboratory, and pilot‐scale facilities. Next, industrial trials are performed to evaluate the extent of char transfer within the BF shaft at high PC injection rates. The results of gas and temperature measurements as well as sampling of dust give new insights regarding the impact of high coal injection rates on the BF inner state. Data generated from the experimental results are used for mathematical modelling. The effects of char on the cohesive zone thickness, position, and gas permeability are investigated.
High‐Temperature Tensile Properties and Deformation Behavior of Three As‐Cast High‐Manganese Steels
Authors: Shen Yaozu , Liu Jianhua , Xu Hao , Liu Hongbo
Published: September 2020

Herein, the high‐temperature tensile properties and deformation behavior of three as‐cast high‐manganese steels with various carbon contents (0.028, 0.28, and 0.64 wt%) are investigated using a combination of hot tensile tests and isothermal hot compression on a Gleeble‐3500 thermomechanical simulator with different temperatures and strain rates. The results indicate that the carbon content increase makes a greater number of Mn–C dipoles available for a short‐range ordering and increases in the peak stress and the maximum flow stress at a constant test temperature and strain rate. In contrast, the stress decreases with increasing test temperatures. The change in carbon content affects the phase transformation at high temperatures, leading to differences in hot ductility. Steels with a carbon content of 0.028 and 0.28 wt% have similar hot brittle temperature ranges, whereas the ductility of the steel improves with increasing temperatures when the carbon content increases to 0.64 wt%. For the hot compression test, the influence of strain rates in increasing the maximum stress grows with increasing carbon content. The hot deformation activation energies of different steels are confirmed, with which the peak stresses could be predicted by the Z parameter in the hyperbolic sine equation. A good correlation is obtained between model predictions and experimental observations in the peak stress.
Fetal–placental blood flow and neurodevelopment in childhood: population‐based neuroimaging study
Authors: Sammallahti S. , Tiemeier H. , Louwen S. , Steegers E. , Hillegers M. , Jaddoe V. W. V. , White T.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Antenatal Doppler measurements of the fetal umbilical and cerebral circulations can predict perinatal complications; however, it is unclear if subtle variations in antenatal Doppler measurements are associated with long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome. In this study, we examined whether antenatal Doppler measurements of the fetal–placental circulation are associated with cognitive and motor abilities and brain morphology in childhood.

Methods

To evaluate differences in long‐term sequelae across the continuum of the umbilical and cerebral artery circulations in the general population, we utilized a population‐based longitudinal cohort study approach. In women from the Generation R study, we measured second‐ and third‐trimester umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA‐PI). Children underwent non‐verbal intelligence testing at 4–8 years of age, and at 8–12 years they underwent finger‐tapping tests to measure fine motor skills, balance beam tests to measure gross motor skills and brain magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed the relationships between prenatal UA‐PI and neurodevelopmental outcome using linear regression. We adjusted for child age and sex, maternal age, education, parity and smoking status.

Results

The study sample included 2803 pregnancies. Higher third‐trimester UA‐PI was associated with poorer fine motor performance (0.41 (95% CI, 0.11–0.70) fewer taps on the finger‐tapping test per 1 SD higher UA‐PI) and gross motor performance (0.64 (95% CI, 0.20–1.08) fewer steps on the balance beam test per 1 SD higher UA‐PI). One SD higher third‐trimester UA‐PI was also associated with 0.65 (95% CI, 0.04–1.25) points lower intelligence quotient; however, unlike the associations with motor abilities, this finding did not persist after correction for multiple testing. Higher second‐trimester UA‐PI was associated with smaller brain volume (6.1 (95% CI, 1.0–11.3) cm3 reduction per 1 SD higher UA‐PI), but the association did not persist after correction for multiple testing.

Conclusion

Higher placental vascular resistance may have mild adverse effects on neurodevelopmental outcome at school age. While these effects are subtle at population level, we encourage future research into the role of early circulation in brain development. This information could be used to develop targeted interventions. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of a model of first‐trimester prediction and prevention of preterm pre‐eclampsia compared with usual care
Authors: Park F. , Deeming S. , Bennett N. , Hyett J.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) causes substantial maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. In addition to the personal impact on women, children and their families, PE has a significant economic impact on our society. Recent research suggests that a first‐trimester multivariate model is highly predictive of preterm (< 37 weeks' gestation) PE and can be combined successfully with targeted prophylaxis (low‐dose aspirin), resulting in an 80% reduction in prevalence of disease. The aim of this study was to examine the potential health outcomes and cost implications following introduction of first‐trimester prediction and prevention of preterm PE within a public healthcare setting, compared with usual care, and to conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis to inform health‐service decisions regarding implementation of such a program.

Methods

A decision‐analytic model was used to compare usual care with the proposed first‐trimester screening intervention within the obstetric population (n = 6822) attending two public hospitals within a metropolitan district health service in New South Wales, Australia, between January 2015 and December 2016. The model, applied from early pregnancy, included exposure to a variety of healthcare professionals and addressed type of risk assessment (usual care or first‐trimester screening) and use of (compliance with) low‐dose aspirin prescribed prophylactically for prevention of PE. All pathways culminated in six possible health outcomes, ranging from no PE to maternal death. Results were presented as the number of cases of PE gained/avoided and the incremental increase/decrease in economic costs arising from the intervention compared with usual care. Significant assumptions were tested in sensitivity/uncertainty analyses.

Results

The intervention produced, across all gestational ages, 31 fewer cases of PE and reduced aggregate economic health‐service costs by 1 431 186 Australian dollars over the 2‐year period. None of the tested iterations of uncertainty analyses reported additional cases of PE or higher economic costs. The new intervention based on first‐trimester screening dominated usual care.

Conclusion

This cost‐effectiveness analysis demonstrated a reduction in prevalence of preterm PE and substantial cost savings associated with a population‐based program of first‐trimester prediction and prevention of PE, and supports implementation of such a policy. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Highlights on the Canine Prostatic Specific Esterase (CPSE): A diagnostic and screening tool in veterinary andrology
Authors: Melandri Monica , Alonge Salvatore
Published: September 2020

In the last years, the need to look for an accurate and precise diagnosis of prostatic diseases in dogs has grown. Among other diagnostic tools, the seric CPSE has been studied and identified as a valid and specific biomarker for prostatic disorders, since it can result significantly more elevated in dogs affected by several prostatic abnormalities, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, bacterial prostatitis and prostatic carcinoma. Therefore, dosing CPSE in serum represents a new diagnostic and screening tool. Dosing CPSE in everyday clinical practice has three objectives: (a) the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia; (b) the preventive screening of prostatic disorders in healthy dogs; (c) the medical follow‐up in subjects with prostatic disorders during and after medical therapy. Neither circadian rhythms nor transrectal palpation performed during the andrological examination do affect CPSE. A sexual rest of at least 24 hr before dosing CPSE is recommended as it is affected by ejaculation.
AI in digital forensics: Ontology engineering for cybercrime investigations
Authors: Sikos Leslie F.
Published: September 2020

In parallel with the exponentially growing number of computing devices and IoT networks, the data storage and processing requirements of digital forensics are also increasing. Therefore, automation is highly desired in this field, yet not readily available, and many challenges remain, ranging from unstructured forensic data derived from diverse sources to a lack of semantics defined for digital forensic investigation concepts. By formally describing digital forensic concepts and properties, purpose‐designed ontologies enable integrity checking via automated reasoning and facilitate anomaly detection for the chain of custody in digital forensic investigations. This article provides a review of these ontologies, and investigates their applicability in the automation of processing traces of digital evidence.

This article is categorized under:

Digital and Multimedia Science > Artificial Intelligence

Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation

Digital and Multimedia Science > Cyber Threat Intelligence
Critical review of bio‐inspired optimization techniques
Authors: Johnvictor Anita Christaline , Durgamahanthi Vaishali , Pariti Venkata Ramya Meghana , Jethi Nishtha
Published: September 2020

In today's world of engineering evolution, the need for optimized design has led to development of a plethora of optimization algorithms. Right from hardware engineering design problems that need optimization of design parameters to software applications that require reduction of data sets, optimization algorithms play a vital role. These algorithms are either based on statistical measures or on heuristics. Traditional optimization algorithms use statistical methods in which the optimal solution may not be the global minimal point. These standard optimization techniques are more application specific and demand different parameter sets for different applications. Rather, the bio‐inspired meta‐heuristic algorithms act like black boxes enabling multiple applications with definite global optimal solutions. This review work gives an insight of various bio‐inspired optimization algorithms including dragonfly algorithm, the whale optimization algorithm, gray wolf optimizer, moth‐flame optimization algorithm, cuckoo optimization algorithm, artificial bee colony algorithm, ant colony optimization, grasshopper optimization algorithm, binary bat algorithm, salp algorithm, and the ant lion optimizer. The biological behaviors of the living things that lead to modeling of these algorithms have been discussed in detail. The parametric setting of each algorithm has been studied and their evaluation with benchmark test functions has been reviewed. Also their application to real‐world engineering design problems has been discussed. Based on these characteristics, the possibility to extend these algorithms to data set optimization, feature set reduction, or optimization has been discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Algorithms

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Computational Complexity

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Genetic Algorithms and Evolutionary Computing
Addressing Major Health Disparities Related to Coronavirus for People With Behavioral Health Conditions Requires Strength‐Based Capacity Building and Intentional Community Partnership
Authors: Progovac Ana M. , Cortés Dharma E. , Chambers Valeria , Adams Leslie B. , Jean‐Claude Soso , Willison Charley E. , Flores Michael , Creedon Timothy B. , Cook Benjamin L.
Published: September 2020

Far from being an equalizer, as some have claimed, the COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed just how vulnerable many of our social, health, and political systems are in the face of major public health shocks. Rapid responses by health systems to meet increased demand for hospital beds while continuing to provide health services, largely via a shift to telehealth services, are critical adaptations. However, these actions are not sufficient to mitigate the impact of coronavirus for people from marginalized communities, particularly those with behavioral health conditions, who are experiencing disproportional health, economic, and social impacts from the evolving pandemic. Helping these communities weather this storm requires partnering with existing community‐based organizations and local governments to rapidly and flexibly meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
COVID‐19 Shelter‐at‐Home Orders: Impacts and Policy Responses in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Walters Julie
Published: September 2020

On January 5, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) published its first global announcement about a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. Throughout that month, globally, health experts attempted to gather more data to better understand the nature of the mysterious illness. On February 11, 2020, the WHO assigned the name COVID‐19 to the disease and by mid‐March, declared it a pandemic, having documented 114 countries reporting cases (Ghebreyesus, 2020). Until mid‐March, much of the daily lives of people around the world, including the lives of those experiencing intimate partner violence, remained status quo. COVID‐19 was unknown prior to this pandemic and globally medical researchers are collecting data that can help frame government policy responses for mitigating its spread until both a vaccine and an effective treatment are found. While COVID‐19 negatively impacts public health, economic, and social structures, individual stakeholder groups experience differential impacts. This article provides a preliminary assessment of how related public health policy interventions are affecting the incidence of intimate partner violence and presents several recommendations for mitigating their impact at the national and subnational levels of government.
The Clockwork Standard Model
Authors: Kang Yoo-Jin , Kim Soonbin , Lee Hyun Min
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We consider various bulk fields with general dilaton couplings in the linear dilaton background in five dimensions as the continuum limit of clockwork models. We show that the localization of the zero modes of bulk fields and the mass gap in the KK spectrum depend not only on the bulk dilaton coupling, but also on the bulk mass parameter in the case of a bulk fermion. The consistency from universality and perturbativity of gauge couplings constrain the dilaton couplings to the brane-localized matter fields as well as the bulk gauge bosons. Constructing the Clockwork Standard Model (SM) in the linear dilaton background, we provide the necessary conditions for the bulk mass parameters for explaining the mass hierarchy and mixing for the SM fermions. We can introduce a sizable expansion parameter ε = $$ {e}^{-\frac{2}{3}{kz}_c} $$

e

−

2
3

kz
c

for the realistic flavor structure in the quark sector without a fine-tuning in the bulk mass parameters, but at the expense of a large 5D Planck scale. On the other hand, we can use a smaller expansion parameter for lepton masses, in favor of the solution to the hierarchy problem of the Higgs mass parameter. We found that massive Kaluza-Klein (KK) gauge bosons and massive KK gravitons couple more strongly to light and heavy fermions, respectively, so there is a complementarity in the resonance researches for those KK modes at the LHC.
Qualität der Cochleaimplantat-Rehabilitation unter COVID-19-Bedingungen
Authors: Aschendorff A. , Arndt S. , Kröger S. , Wesarg T. , Ketterer M. C. , Kirchem P. , Pixner S. , Hassepaß F. , Beck R.
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Die Rehabilitation nach CI(Cochleaimplantat)-Operation erfolgt leitliniengerecht durch eine multimodale Therapie, technische Anpassungen des Sprachprozessors und medizinische Nachsorge. Zu Zeiten der Corona-Pandemie wurde für die Patienten der Zugang zur auditorischen Rehabilitation verzögert oder erschwert. Die neuen Hygienemaßnahmen durch die SARS-Cov-2-Pandemie verändern auch die medizinische Nachsorge und Rehabilitation nach CI. Ziel der Untersuchung war es, die Qualität der Rehabilitation unter Corona-Bedingungen zu evaluieren.

Material und Methoden

Wir führten eine anonyme Befragung erwachsener Rehabilitanden mittels nichtstandardisiertem Fragebogen durch. Beurteilt wurden im Vergleich zu den Voraufenthalten die Qualität der ärztlichen Betreuung, der Sprach- und Musiktherapie, der technischen Anpassung und der psychologischen Betreuung sowie der Einsatz der Hygienemaßnahmen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 109 Rehabilitanden beantworteten den Fragebogen. Die Qualität der Rehabilitation und der Therapien wurde als qualitativ unverändert oder besser eingeschätzt. Die Gefährlichkeit der Pandemie, aber auch die Angst in der derzeitigen Situation gaben die Rehabilitanden zu einem unerwartet hohen Prozentsatz mit 68 bzw. 50 % an. Gleichzeitig konnten die getroffenen Hygienemaßnahmen die Patienten subjektiv während des Aufenthalts entlasten. Der Mund-Nasen-Schutz war für die Mehrheit sehr störend, Visiere, Spuckschutz bzw. Abstandsgebot wurden eher toleriert.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Umsetzung der Hygienemaßnahmen im therapeutischen Setting der CI-Rehabilitation wird von den Rehabilitanden akzeptiert und erlaubt den Zugang zur auditorischen Rehabilitation. Ziel einer erfolgreichen CI-Rehabilitation sollte eine möglichst angstfreie Behandlung unter Wahrung der Hygieneregeln sein.
Response rate and safety in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization using 40-µm doxorubicin-eluting microspheres
Authors: Albrecht Katharina Carolin , Aschenbach René , Diamantis Ioannis , Eckardt Niklas , Teichgräber Ulf
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the response rate and safety of superselective drug-eluting beats transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with doxorubicin-loaded 40-µm microspheres in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

One hundred and forty-one treatments with doxorubicin-loaded 40-µm microspheres in 83 patients between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Images of the treated lesions were analyzed before and after each treatment according to mRECIST (modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors). Therapy response (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) and disease control (CR + PR + stable disease [SD]) rates were determined, and the correlation between the longitudinal axis (longest diameter of the tumor) and volume was investigated using a newly developed software for systematic tumor response assessment. Additional endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP).

Results

In the target tumors, a therapy response rate of 63.1% and a disease control rate of 95.7% were achieved. There was a good correlation between the measurement of the longitudinal axis and volume of the measured lesion (r value, 0.954). The median PFS was 2.23 months, and the median TTP was 5.91 months. The serious adverse event rate (SAE) was 10.64%.

Conclusion

Superselective DEB-TACE with 40-µm sized Embozene Tandem™ can be considered an effective and safe treatment, given the number of procedure-related complications.
Non-intrusive reduced order modelling for the dynamics of geometrically nonlinear flat structures using three-dimensional finite elements
Authors: Vizzaccaro Alessandra , Givois Arthur , Longobardi Pierluigi , Shen Yichang , Deü Jean-François , Salles Loïc , Touzé Cyril , Thomas Olivier
Published: September 2020

Non-intrusive methods have been used since two decades to derive reduced-order models for geometrically nonlinear structures, with a particular emphasis on the so-called STiffness Evaluation Procedure (STEP), relying on the static application of prescribed displacements in a finite-element context. We show that a particularly slow convergence of the modal expansion is observed when applying the method with 3D elements, because of nonlinear couplings occurring with very high frequency modes involving 3D thickness deformations. Focusing on the case of flat structures, we first show by computing all the modes of the structure that a converged solution can be exhibited by using either static condensation or normal form theory. We then show that static modal derivatives provide the same solution with fewer calculations. Finally, we propose a modified STEP, where the prescribed displacements are imposed solely on specific degrees of freedom of the structure, and show that this adjustment also provides efficiently a converged solution.
Understanding the public attitudinal acceptance of digital farming technologies: a nationwide survey in Germany
Authors: Pfeiffer Johanna , Gabriel Andreas , Gandorfer Markus
Published: September 2020

The magnitude of public concerns about agricultural innovations has often been underestimated, as past examples, such as pesticides, nanotechnology, and cloning, demonstrate. Indeed, studies have proven that the agricultural sector presents an area of tension and often attracts skepticism concerning new technologies. Digital technologies have become increasingly popular in agriculture. Yet there are almost no investigations on the public acceptance of digitalization in agriculture so far. Our online survey provides initial insights to reduce this knowledge gap. The sample (n = 2012) represents the German population in terms of gender, age (minimum 18 years), education and size of place of residence. Results showed that if the potential of digital farming technologies (DFT) regarding animal welfare and environmental protection was described, respondents reacted positively. Thus, the general attitudes of respondents toward the benefits of DFT were mostly positive. The approval to increasing adoption rates of particular DFT by providing subsidies was also high. Linear regression models showed that the dominant positive influences on respondents’ attitudes toward the benefits of DFT were a generally positive attitude toward farming and a strong trust in farmers in Germany. Confronting respondents with pictures showing DFT resulted in many spontaneous negative associations and general criticism of agricultural production. The latter holds true for DFT in animal husbandry in particular. However, as agriculture as a whole is criticized by many groups in Germany, it is unlikely that benefits from digitalization will significantly increase the public acceptance of agriculture as a whole.
The role of environmental filtering, geographic distance and dispersal barriers in shaping the turnover of plant and animal species in Amazonia
Authors: Dambros Cristian , Zuquim Gabriela , Moulatlet Gabriel M. , Costa Flávia R. C. , Tuomisto Hanna , Ribas Camila C. , Azevedo Renato , Baccaro Fabricio , Bobrowiec Paulo E. D. , Dias Murilo S. , Emilio Thaise , Espirito-Santo Helder M. V. , Figueiredo Fernando O. G. , Franklin Elizabeth , Freitas Cintia , Graça Márlon B. , d’Horta Fernando , Leitão Rafael P. , Maximiano Marina , Mendonça Fernando P. , Menger Juliana , Morais José W. , de Souza Affonso H. N. , Souza Jorge L. P. , da C. Tavares Valéria , do Vale Julio D. , Venticinque Eduardo M. , Zuanon Jansen , Magnusson William E.
Published: September 2020

To determine the effect of rivers, environmental conditions, and isolation by distance on the distribution of species in Amazonia. Location: Brazilian Amazonia. Time period: Current. Major taxa studied: Birds, fishes, bats, ants, termites, butterflies, ferns + lycophytes, gingers and palms. We compiled a unique dataset of biotic and abiotic information from 822 plots spread over the Brazilian Amazon. We evaluated the effects of environment, geographic distance and dispersal barriers (rivers) on assemblage composition of animal and plant taxa using multivariate techniques and distance- and raw-data-based regression approaches. Environmental variables (soil/water), geographic distance, and rivers were associated with the distribution of most taxa. The wide and relatively old Amazon River tended to determine differences in community composition for most biological groups. Despite this association, environment and geographic distance were generally more important than rivers in explaining the changes in species composition. The results from multi-taxa comparisons suggest that variation in community composition in Amazonia reflects both dispersal limitation (isolation by distance or by large rivers) and the adaptation of species to local environmental conditions. Larger and older river barriers influenced the distribution of species. However, in general this effect is weaker than the effects of environmental gradients or geographical distance at broad scales in Amazonia, but the relative importance of each of these processes varies among biological groups.
Affective field during collaborative problem posing and problem solving: a case study
Authors: Schindler Maike , Bakker Arthur
Published: September 2020

Educators in mathematics have long been concerned about students’ motivation, anxiety, and other affective characteristics. Typically, research into affect focuses on one theoretical construct (e.g., emotion, motivation, beliefs, or interest). However, we introduce the term affective field to account for a person’s various affective factors (emotions, attitudes, etc.) in their intraplay. In a case study, we use data from an extracurricular, inquiry-oriented collaborative problem posing and problem solving (PP&PS) program, which took place as a 1-year project with four upper secondary school students in Sweden (aged 16–18). We investigated the affective field of one student, Anna, in its social and dynamic nature. The question addressed in this context is: In what ways does an affective field of a student engaging in PP&PS evolve, and what may be explanations for this evolvement? Anna’s affective field was dynamic over the course of the program. Her initial anxiety during the PP&PS program was rooted in her prior affective field about mathematics activities, but group collaboration, the feeling of safety and appreciation, together with an increased interest in within-solution PP and openness for trying new things went hand in hand with positive dynamics in her affective field.
Forward and Pullback Dynamics of Nonautonomous Integrodifference Equations: Basic Constructions
Authors: Huynh Huy , Kloeden Peter E. , Pötzsche Christian
Published: September 2020

In theoretical ecology, models describing the spatial dispersal and the temporal evolution of species having non-overlapping generations are often based on integrodifference equations. For various such applications the environment has an aperiodic influence on the models leading to nonautonomous integrodifference equations. In order to capture their long-term behaviour comprehensively, both pullback and forward attractors, as well as forward limit sets are constructed for general infinite-dimensional nonautonomous dynamical systems in discrete time. While the theory of pullback attractors, but not their application to integrodifference equations, is meanwhile well-established, the present novel approach is needed in order to understand their future behaviour.
Papierstauraum: Bücher und Objekte in Katalogen
Authors: Münkner Jörn
Published: September 2020

Libraries hold, preserve and keep available not only books, but also items of various kinds. Catalogues, primarily intended to register and make volumes traceable, are also used to account for objects as part of collections. Using three historical catalogues with books and appendices of things and objects as samples, the article discusses the relation between the representational form of the registered entries and their materiality as concrete items (books and objects). Catalogues appear as literary storage spaces with a materiality of their own that bestow a virtual materiality to the items they list and display.
Students’ Personal Belief in a Just World, Well-Being, and Academic Cheating: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Münscher Susan , Donat Matthias , Kiral Ucar Gözde
Published: September 2020

A cross-national study with university students from Germany (n = 1135) and Turkey (n = 634) tested whether personal belief in a just world (PBJW) predicts students’ life satisfaction and academic cheating. Based on the just-world theory and empirical findings in the school context, we expected university students with a stronger personal BJW to be more satisfied with their lives and cheat less than those with a weaker BJW. Further, we investigated the mediating role of justice experiences with lecturers and fellow students in these relations. Differences in PBJW directly and indirectly predicted undergraduates’ life satisfaction. Students’ justice experiences with peers mediated the relationship between PBJW and life satisfaction. Differences in PBJW indirectly predicted undergraduates’ academic cheating. Students’ justice experiences with lecturers mediated the relationship between PBJW and academic cheating. The results did not differ between German and Turkish students and persisted when we controlled for gender, start of studies, socially desirable responding, general BJW, and self-efficacy. We discussed the importance of personal BJW’s adaptive functions and their relevance for international university research and practice.
Interstitial lung disease in patients with antisynthetase syndrome: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Baratella Elisa , Marrocchio Cristina , Cifaldi Rossella , Santagiuliana Mario , Bozzato Alessandro Marco , Crivelli Paola , Ruaro Barbara , Salton Francesco , Confalonieri Marco , Cova Maria Assunta
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is a rare systemic autoimmune condition associated to the presence of anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most prevalent manifestation of ASS and is a major determinant of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics of patients with ASS-associated-ILD in our institution.

Materials and methods

Medical records from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and patients with a diagnosis of ASS and evidence of ILD on HRCT were included. HRCT images were reviewed by two thoracic radiologists in consensus. Five HRCT patterns were defined: cellular non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), organizing pneumonia (OP), mixed NSIP/OP pattern, acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) pattern and fibrotic pattern. Descriptive statistics was calculated for all variables.

Results

Twenty-two patients with ASS who met inclusion criteria were included. The disease presented with the typical triad of ASS in 45% of patients, 55% had ILD only at the onset. Cellular NSIP was present in 27% of patients, OP in 23%, mixed NSIP/OP in 9%, AIP in 18% and a fibrotic pattern in 23%.

Conclusion

HRCT findings in ASS-associated ILD are often non-specific; nevertheless, it is important to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients presenting with acute onset of symptoms.
Common Factors Underlying the Five Facets of Mindfulness and Proposed Mechanisms: a Psychometric Study Among Meditators and Non-meditators
Authors: Bednar Kathrin , Voracek Martin , Tran Ulrich S.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study investigated whether common factors underlie the established mindfulness facets, as assessed by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and some of the mechanisms, which have been previously proposed to explain the beneficial effects of mindfulness on mental health.

Methods

Multigroup exploratory structural equation models (ESEM) were fitted to samples of non-meditators and meditators (total N = 3265) to (1) identify the number of factors that underlie the facets and mechanisms of mindfulness, (2) establish measurement invariance, and (3) conduct path analyses to determine the associations of extracted factors with psychological symptoms.

Results

Five measurement-invariant common factors were found to underlie the mechanisms and facets of mindfulness. The FFMQ facets loaded distinctly, but none of them highest, on these common factors. The common factors represented different ways of focusing, dealing with distress, and relating towards one’s own thoughts, feelings, emotions, and body sensations. Three of the common factors appeared to specifically reflect meditation experience. The FFMQ facets accounted for less variance of depression, anxiety, somatization, and stress scores than marker scales of the five common factors, all of which derived from the proposed mechanisms.

Conclusions

The common factors appear to be elements of the supporting mechanisms and psychological faculties of mindfulness. Their existence may explain the mutual interrelations between mechanisms and self-reported mindfulness but also suggests that self-reported mindfulness may not be factorially distinct from its assumed mechanisms. Longitudinal studies as well as behavioral data are needed to probe the generalizability and causality of these psychometric results.
Evidence for possible association of vitamin D status with cytokine storm and unregulated inflammation in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Daneshkhah Ali , Agrawal Vasundhara , Eshein Adam , Subramanian Hariharan , Roy Hemant Kumar , Backman Vadim
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We present evidence for a possible role of Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency in unregulated cytokine production and inflammation leading to complications in COVID-19 patients.

Design

The time-adjusted case mortality ratio (T-CMR) was estimated as the ratio of deceased patients on day N to the confirmed cases on day N-8. The adaptive average of T-CMR (A-CMR) was calculated as a metric of COVID-19 associated mortality. A model based on positivity change (PC) and an estimated prevalence of COVID-19 was used to determine countries with similar screening strategies. A possible association of A-CMR with the mean concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in elderly individuals in countries with similar screening strategy was investigated. We considered high C-reactive protein (CRP) in severe COVID-19 patients (CRP ≥ 1 mg/dL) as a surrogate of a cytokine storm. We considered high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) in healthy subjects as hs-CRP ≥ 0.2 mg/dL.

Results

A link between 25(OH)D and A-CMR in countries with similar screening strategy is evidence for VitD’s possible role in reducing unregulated cytokine production and inflammation among patients with severe COVID-19. We observed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.8 with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (1.2 to 2.6) and an OR of 1.9 with 95% CI (1.4 to 2.7) for hs-CRP in VitD deficient elderly from low-income families and high-income families, respectively. COVID-19 patient-level data show an OR of 3.4 with 95% CI (2.15 to 5.4) for high CRP in severe COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that future studies on VitD’s role in reducing cytokine storm and COVID-19 mortality are warranted.
Tribological properties of MoS2 coating for ultra-long wear-life and low coefficient of friction combined with additive g-C3N4 in air
Authors: Zhang Yupeng , Li Panpan , Ji Li , Liu Xiaohong , Wan Hongqi , Chen Lei , Li Hongxuan , Jin Zhiliang
Published: September 2020

The solid lubricant MoS2 demonstrates excellent lubricating properties, but it spontaneously oxidizes and absorbs moisture in air, and thus results in poor wear resistance and short wear-life. In this study, the additive g-C3N4 (CN) was successfully combined with MoS2 via hydrothermal synthesis as a solid lubricant for the first time. Meanwhile, a low friction coefficient (COF, μ = 0.031) and ultra-long wear-life of CN/MoS2 compared to pure MoS2 in air were demonstrated. The functional groups and good crystallinity of the lubricant material were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The formed valence states in CN/MoS2 were analyzed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterized results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) show the morphology and interior crystal phase structure of CN/MoS2. From the cross-section analysis, the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles lubricating film is synergistic with CN/MoS2 film during the friction process, resulting in its ultra-long wear-life. In particular, the friction mechanism of interlayer sliding friction combined with energy storage friction was analyzed and proposed.
Sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease: what have we learned so far?
Authors: Sabatino Alice , Cuppari Lilian , Stenvinkel Peter , Lindholm Bengt , Avesani Carla Maria
Published: September 2020

The term sarcopenia was first introduced in 1988 by Irwin Rosenberg to define a condition of muscle loss that occurs in the elderly. Since then, a broader definition comprising not only loss of muscle mass, but also loss of muscle strength and low physical performance due to ageing or other conditions, was developed and published in consensus papers from geriatric societies. Sarcopenia was proposed to be diagnosed based on operational criteria using two components of muscle abnormalities, low muscle mass and low muscle function. This brought awareness of an important nutritional derangement with adverse outcomes for the overall health. In parallel, many studies in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have shown that sarcopenia is a prevalent condition, mainly among patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on hemodialysis (HD). In CKD, sarcopenia is not necessarily age-related as it occurs as a result of the accelerated protein catabolism from the disease and from the dialysis procedure per se combined with low energy and protein intakes. Observational studies showed that sarcopenia and especially low muscle strength is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including worse quality of life (QoL) and higher hospitalization and mortality rates. This review aims to discuss the differences in conceptual definition of sarcopenia in the elderly and in CKD, as well as to describe etiology of sarcopenia, prevalence, outcome, and interventions that attempted to reverse the loss of muscle mass, strength and mobility in CKD and ESKD patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Chinese Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and the Subgroup Analyses: Results from Study RA-BALANCE
Authors: Yang Yue , Li Xing-Fu , Zhang Xiao , Bao Chun-De , Hu Jian-Kang , Xu Jian-Hua , Li Xiang-Pei , Xu Jian , He Dong-Yi , Li Zhi-Jun , Wang Guo-Chun , Wu Han-Jun , Ji Fei , Zhan Lu-Jing , Zerbini Cristiano A. F. , Li Zhan-Guo
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Baricitinib is an oral selective inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK 2, which has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This analysis aims to describe the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in Chinese RA patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX-IR), and to analyze the effects of baseline characteristics on the efficacy of baricitinib treatment.

Methods

In this 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 231 Chinese patients with moderately to severely active RA who had MTX-IR were randomly assigned to placebo (n = 115) or baricitinib 4 mg once daily (n = 116). The primary endpoint was American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response at week 12. Other efficacy measures included ACR50, ACR70, Physician’s Global Assessment of Disease Activity, Patient’s Global Assessment of Disease Activity, patient’s assessment of pain, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, remission and low disease activity rates according to Simplified Disease Activity Index or Clinical Disease Activity Index, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, and mean duration and severity of morning joint stiffness, worst tiredness and worst joint pain were analyzed. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed across baseline characteristics.

Results

Statistically significant improvement in ACR20 response was achieved with baricitinib at week 12 (53.4 vs. 22.6%,p = 0.001) in Chinese patients, compared to placebo. Most of the secondary objectives were met with statistically significant improvements. Efficacy of baricitinib was irrespective of patient demographics and baseline characteristics. Safety events were similar between the baricitinib and placebo groups.

Conclusions

The efficacy of baricitinib 4 mg in Chinese patients with moderately to severely active RA and prior MTX-IR was clinically significant compared to placebo regardless of baseline characteristics. Baricitinib was well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile during the full study period.

Trial Registration

NCT02265705
Two-Dimensional Black Phosphorus Nanomaterials: Emerging Advances in Electrochemical Energy Storage Science
Authors: Cheng Junye , Gao Lingfeng , Li Tian , Mei Shan , Wang Cong , Wen Bo , Huang Weichun , Li Chao , Zheng Guangping , Wang Hao , Zhang Han
Published: September 2020

Two-dimensional black phosphorus (2D BP), well known as phosphorene, has triggered tremendous attention since the first discovery in 2014. The unique puckered monolayer structure endows 2D BP intriguing properties, which facilitate its potential applications in various fields, such as catalyst, energy storage, sensor, etc. Owing to the large surface area, good electric conductivity, and high theoretical specific capacity, 2D BP has been widely studied as electrode materials and significantly enhanced the performance of energy storage devices. With the rapid development of energy storage devices based on 2D BP, a timely review on this topic is in demand to further extend the application of 2D BP in energy storage. In this review, recent advances in experimental and theoretical development of 2D BP are presented along with its structures, properties, and synthetic methods. Particularly, their emerging applications in electrochemical energy storage, including Li−/K−/Mg−/Na-ion, Li–S batteries, and supercapacitors, are systematically summarized with milestones as well as the challenges. Benefited from the fast-growing dynamic investigation of 2D BP, some possible improvements and constructive perspectives are provided to guide the design of 2D BP-based energy storage devices with high performance.
Boosting Chemodynamic Therapy by the Synergistic Effect of Co-Catalyze and Photothermal Effect Triggered by the Second Near-Infrared Light
Authors: Zhang Songtao , Jin Longhai , Liu Jianhua , Liu Yang , Zhang Tianqi , Zhao Ying , Yin Na , Niu Rui , Li Xiaoqing , Xue Dongzhi , Song Shuyan , Wang Yinghui , Zhang Hongjie
Published: September 2020

In spite of the tumor microenvironments responsive cancer therapy based on Fenton reaction (i.e., chemodynamic therapy, CDT) has been attracted more attentions in recent years, the limited Fenton reaction efficiency is the important obstacle to further application in clinic. Herein, we synthesized novel FeO/MoS2 nanocomposites modified by bovine serum albumin (FeO/MoS2-BSA) with boosted Fenton reaction efficiency by the synergistic effect of co-catalyze and photothermal effect of MoS2 nanosheets triggered by the second near-infrared (NIR II) light. In the tumor microenvironments, the MoS2 nanosheets not only can accelerate the conversion of Fe3+ ions to Fe2+ ions by Mo4+ ions on their surface to improve Fenton reaction efficiency, but also endow FeO/MoS2-BSA with good photothermal performances for photothermal-enhanced CDT and photothermal therapy (PTT). Consequently, benefiting from the synergetic-enhanced CDT/PTT, the tumors are eradicated completely in vivo. This work provides innovative synergistic strategy for constructing nanocomposites for highly efficient CDT.
Formation of Chinese venture capital syndication network
Authors: Nirei Makoto , Shoji Toshiaki , Yu Fei
Published: September 2020

Using a dataset that recorded a large number of investment transactions in China from 1991 to 2018, we examine the statistical properties of the Chinese venture capital (VC) syndication network. Our main findings are as follows. First, the number of investment transactions sharply increased after 2014. Second, more than half of the VC firms are located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Third, the degree distribution becomes roughly straight on a log–log plot. Fourth, the hypothesis that the degree distribution follows a power-law distribution is not rejected for 2015 and 2016. Fifth, better connected VC firms increase their connectivity faster, which suggests the existence of preferential attachment.