bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Microflow Imaging Technology for Diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Choi Yoon‐Hee , Oh Sohee , Kim Hyo Jin , Chai Jee Won
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Canon Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan) at the subcoracoid triangle for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, to compare the diagnostic value of SMI with that of conventional ultrasound (US) and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) findings, and to investigate the correlation between vascular flow on SMI with clinical features.

Methods

Our study included 39 patients with a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis and 35 healthy patients as a control group. The echogenicity in the rotator interval and coracohumeral ligament thickness were assessed with conventional US. Vascular flow in the subcoracoid fat triangle was evaluated with SMI and PDUS (SMI and PDUS areas). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. The correlation between US findings and the range of motion, pain intensity, and duration of symptoms was also evaluated.

Results

The SMI area was higher in the adhesive capsulitis group than in the control group (2.95 versus 0 mm2; P < .01). The visualization of vascular flow at the subcoracoid fat triangle was superior with SMI compared with PDUS (P < .01). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the SMI area showed higher diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve of 0.90 compared with other US findings. The area of SMI vascular flow was also negatively correlated with external rotation and forward flexion (P < .05) in the adhesive capsulitis group.

Conclusions

Measurement of vascular flow at the subcoracoid fat triangle using SMI facilitated the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. Superb Microvascular Imaging was superior to PDUS in diagnostic performance. Vascular flow was negatively correlated with the range of motion of external rotation and forward flexion.
A Randomized Trial of Comparing a Combination of Montelukast and Budesonide With Budesonide in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Luo , Lou Hongfei , Wang Yang , Cao Feifei , Wang Chengshuo
Published: November 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

It is not unequivocally proven whether a combination of an intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) and a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist has greater efficacy than INSs in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Study Design

Single‐center, randomized, open‐label study.

Methods

Study subjects included 46 participants with SAR. Participants were randomized to receive budesonide (BD; 256 μg) plus montelukast (MNT; 10 mg) (BD + MNT) or BD alone (256 μg) for 2 weeks. Visual analog scale scores for five major symptoms of SAR, nasal cavity volume (NCV), nasal airway resistance (NAR), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were assessed before and at the end of treatments.

Results

Both treatments significantly improved the five main SAR symptoms from baseline; however, BD + MNT produced significantly greater improvements in nasal blockage and nasal itching compared to BD alone. At baseline, the nasal blockage score was significantly correlated with NCV and NAR (r = −0.473, P = .002 and r = −0.383, P = .013, respectively). After 2 weeks of treatment, BD + MNT significantly improved NCV, but not NAR, to a greater level than BD. The number of patients with FeNO concentration ≥ 30 ppb at baseline was significantly decreased after BD + MNT treatment, but not after BD treatment. Similarly, BD + MNT treatment led to a significantly greater decrease in FeNO concentration than BD treatment.

Conclusions

BD + MNT treatment may have an overall superior efficacy than BD monotherapy for patients with SAR, especially in improvement of nasal blockage, itching, and subclinical lower airway inflammation. Also, NCV and NAR could be used to assess nasal blockage more accurately.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 131:E1054–E1061, 2021
Surface Modification Strategies to Improve the Osseointegration of Poly(etheretherketone) and Its Composites
Authors: Buck Emily , Li Hao , Cerruti Marta
Published: November 2019

In the last 5 years, a wide variety of surface modification strategies are explored to improve the integration of poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) implants with bone. Since PEEK does not support bone on‐growth, its surface properties need to be tailored to promote osteogenesis at the bone‐implant interface. Surface modifications applied to achieve this response range from simple surface morphology changes to the deposition of osteoconductive coatings. Of the many methods, titanium and/or hydroxyapatite coatings, extrusion to create surface pores, and an accelerated neutral atom beam treatment have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to improve the integration of PEEK spinal cages. The success of these surface modifications brings hope for the clinical translation of other techniques in the future, but there are several limitations that may be preventing other treatments from reaching the clinic. This review describes numerous strategies that have been applied to PEEK‐based implants for improving their osseointegration and enhancing their antibacterial properties. The review concludes with a discussion about future directions for the field and provides suggestions for advancing clinical translation of surface‐modified PEEK implants to improve the lives of patients in need of these implants.
A Tunable Polymer–Metal Based Anti‐Reflective Metasurface
Authors: Brasse Yannic , Ng Charlene , Magnozzi Michele , Zhang Heyou , Mulvaney Paul , Fery Andreas , Gómez Daniel E.
Published: November 2019

Anti‐reflective surfaces are of great interest for optical devices, sensing, photovoltaics, and photocatalysis. However, most of the anti‐reflective surfaces lack in situ tunability of the extinction with respect to wavelength. This communication demonstrates a tunable anti‐reflective surface based on colloidal particles comprising a metal core with an electrochromic polymer shell. Random deposition of these particles on a reflective surface results in a decrease in the reflectance of up to 99.8% at the localized surface plasmon resonance frequency. This narrow band feature can be tuned by varying the pH or by application of an electric potential, resulting in wavelength shifts of up to 30 nm. Electrophoretic particle deposition is shown to be an efficient method for controlling the interparticle distance and thereby further optimizing the overall efficiency of the anti‐reflective metasurface.
LncRNA DLX6‐AS1 increases the expression of HIF‐1α and promotes the malignant phenotypes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via targeting MiR‐199a‐5p
Authors: Yang Bin , Jia Lin , Ren Hui , Jin Caibao , Ren Qingrong , Zhang Haiyuan , Hu Desheng , Zhang Hao , Hu Liu , Xie Tao
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate the expression of long‐chain noncoding growth stasis specific protein 6 antisense RNA1 (lncRNA DLX6‐AS1) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissues and cells, and its regulatory effect on malignant phenotypes of NPC cells.

Methods

The expressions of DLX6‐AS1, miR‐199a‐5p, and HIF‐1α mRNA in NPC issues and cells were detected by qRT‐PCR. The proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of cells were monitored via MTT and transwell assay. The interactions between DLX6‐AS1 and miR‐199a‐5p, miR‐199a‐5p and HIF‐1α were verified by luciferase activity assay. Western blot was performed to determine the regulatory effect of DLX6‐AS1 and miR‐199a‐5p on HIF‐1α protein.

Results

The expression of lncRNA DLX6‐AS1 was up‐regulated in NPC tissues and cells. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC were enhanced by overexpressed DLX6‐AS1 but inhibited by DLX6‐AS1 knockdown. In addition, DLX6‐AS1 can be used as a kind of ceRNA to regulate miR‐199a‐5p and, thereby modulating the expression of HIF‐1α.

Conclusion

We found that DLX6‐AS1 was a cancer‐promoting lncRNA to facilitate the progression of NPC, and its underlying mechanism was suppressing miR‐199a‐5p expression. This study can provide novel clues for the treatment of NPC.
A novel numerical method and its convergence for nonlinear delay Volterra integro‐differential equations
Authors: Mahmoudi Mostafa , Ghovatmand Mehdi , Noori Skandari Mohammad Hadi
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we suggest a convergent numerical method for solving nonlinear delay Volterra integro‐differential equations. First, we convert the problem into a continuous‐time optimization problem and then use a shifted pseudospectral method to discrete the problem. Having solved the last problem, we can achieve the pointwise and continuous approximate solutions for the main delay Volterra integro‐differential equations. Here, we analyze the convergence of the method and solve some numerical examples to show the efficiency of the method.
Energetic Status of Alaskan Chinook Salmon: Interpopulation Comparisons and Predictive Modeling Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Authors: Courtney Kristin R. , Falke Jeffrey A. , Cox M. Keith , Nichols Jeff
Published: November 2019

Adult Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. undertake energetically demanding migrations where they must have adequate energy reserves to survive to reach spawning locations and reproduce. Lethal proximate analysis provides insight into available energy stores (e.g., lipids), but the ability to monitor energetic status nonlethally may be useful for managers. Nonlethal monitoring may be more cost effective, reduce harm to sensitive populations, allow for more fish to be sampled, and assessments can be done relatively quickly. Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (N = 129) were sampled for proximate analysis from four populations in Alaska to examine variation in energetic status before and after spawning migration and to create predictive bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) models for this species. In addition to proximate analysis we tested the variability between two BIA devices (Q2 and CQR), whether BIA models were generalizable to a congener, Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus keta, and the feasibility of integrating BIA into field studies. The populations that were sampled at prespawning migration had higher %lipid (N = 77; mean = 43%) than those that were collected at postspawning migration (N = 52; mean = 20%). Total %lipid and %water was more accurately predicted based on BIA measurements that were made by using the Q2 device (RMSE = 5.33 and RMSE = 2.43, respectively) than on those that were made by using the CQR device measurements (RMSE = 6.27; RMSE = 2.66). The between-species (Chinook Salmon to Chum Salmon RMSE = 19.47; Chum to Chinook RMSE = 7.69) models were less accurate than species-specific models that were created for Chinook Salmon and Chum Salmon, suggesting that single-species models should be used. We field-tested the BIA model to predict %lipid and %water for Chinook Salmon on a remote Southeast Alaska river. The range of predicted values of %lipid and %water was similar to the results that are obtained via proximate composition from the other populations. Our results indicate that BIA could be a valuable tool for assessing the spatial and temporal patterns of energetic status for Chinook Salmon populations.
A review of mobility management entity in LTE networks: Power consumption and signaling overhead
Authors: Alsaeedy Alaa A. R. , Chong Edwin K. P.
Published: November 2019

Mobility management (MM) in Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) networks is a vital process to keep an individual User Equipment (UE) connected while moving within the network coverage area. MM Entity (MME) is the LTE component responsible for tracking and paging procedures and controlling the corresponding signaling between the UE and its serving cell, which is necessary for data‐packet exchange. Because of the massive increase in the density of mobile UEs, MME is burdened by the high volume signaling load, especially because most of that load comes from Tracking Area Update (TAU) and Paging messages, which are essential to exchange UE‐specific information with the network. To achieve cost‐efficient resource provisioning, many solutions have been proposed for TAU and Paging management to optimize not only UE experience (ie, battery power consumption) but also network resources (ie, bandwidth). In this paper, we discuss various solution schemes for TAU and Paging in terms of complexity, latency, and computation costs. Also, this review discusses the adverse effects of these solutions on the LTE Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Furthermore, we present a new trend of MM solutions in LTE networks, called software‐defined network (SDN) and software‐defined virtualization (SDNV). To this end, we examine the existing schemes and challenges in the literature toward next‐generation wireless networks (eg, 5G, Internet‐of‐Things [IoT], and machine to machine [M2M] communications), and we describe user mobility models that are used to analyze the network performance.
Krüppel‐like factor 9 promotes neuroblastoma differentiation via targeting the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Sheng , Gu Song , Xu Min , Mei Dongyu , Xiao Yongtao , Chen Kai , Yan Zhilong
Published: November 2019

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a deadly solid tumor of children. Krüppel‐like factor 9 (KLF9) has prodifferentiation and tumor suppression functions in several types of cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of KLF9 on NB differentiation and growth and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Procedure

Sixty‐five NB paraffin samples were assessed for expression levels of KLF9 and sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway proteins by immunohistochemistry. The associations between expression of KLF9 and the SHH pathway components and patients’ clinicopathologic characteristics were estimated. The impacts of KLF9 on cell differentiation, proliferation, and invasion were investigated in two NB cell lines (SH‐SY5Y and IMR32). Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to elucidate the mechanism by which KLF9 regulates SHH signaling.

Results

Differentiating NB specimens showed significantly higher KLF9 expression levels than undifferentiated/poorly differentiated ones. Moreover, increased KLF9 expression was associated with favorable prognoses in patients with NB. A negative correlation was found between KLF9 and SHH signaling expression levels in NB specimens. In vitro assays revealed that KLF9 promoted the differentiation of NB cells and inhibited their proliferation and invasion via suppression of the SHH pathway. Furthermore, KLF9 binding sites in the SHH promoter were identified by ChIP and luciferase reporter assays.

Conclusions

KLF9 exerts prodifferentiation and growth‐inhibition effects on NB via suppression of the SHH pathway, suggesting a potential role of KLF9 in NB therapy.
Naloxone Administration by Untrained Community Members
Authors: Eggleston William , Calleo Vincent , Kim Martin , Wojcik Susan
Published: November 2019

Study Objective

Access to naloxone is a priority for reducing opioid deaths. Although community members who complete naloxone training are able to administer nasal naloxone successfully and rapidly, little is known about the ability of community members to administer naloxone without training. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of untrained individuals to administer naloxone successfully in a simulated opioid overdose setting.

Design

Prospective single‐site open‐label randomized usability assessment.

Setting

Scenario station at a large state fair during August and September 2017.

Participants

A total of 207 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to administer naloxone using a nasal spray (NS) device (69 participants), an intramuscular (IM) kit (68 participants), or an improvised nasal atomizer (AT) kit (70 participants).

Intervention

Participants were instructed to administer the device to a high‐fidelity mannequin in a public environment with distractions to mimic those that might be present in an actual overdose. No device instructions or administration materials were provided.

Measurements and Main Results

Participants were assessed by trained study team members who directly observed all naloxone administrations using the predetermined end‐point criteria. Individual participant perceptions were evaluated immediately following the naloxone administration using a standardized questionnaire form. The primary outcome was successful administration, defined as administration within 7 minutes and without critical errors. Secondary outcomes were time to successful naloxone administration and ease of use of the device. The NS (66.7%, p<0.001) and IM (51.5%, p<0.001) devices had higher rates of successful administration than the improvised nasal AT device (2.9%). The NS device was administered more rapidly (median 16 sec) than the IM device (median 58 sec, p<0.001) or improvised nasal AT device (median 113 sec, p=0.012) devices, and it was the easiest to use.

Conclusion

In this study of naloxone administration, participants administered the NS and IM devices more successfully than the AT device. The NS device was administered most rapidly and was easiest to use.
Identification of intermediate compounds and photodegradation mechanisms of omeprazole under the system UV/O2
Authors: Leyva Elisa , Moctezuma Edgar , Baines Kim M. , Noriega Saúl , Pérez Flores Francisco , Lara‐Pérez Carmen
Published: November 2019

The photodegradation of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole (OME) in aqueous media with the system UV/O2 is presented. The photodegradation rate was assessed by HPLC and UV‐vis spectroscopy, while the mineralization rate was obtained by TOC measurements. Degradation products were investigated by IR spectroscopy and GC‐MS analysis. UV‐vis absorbance and HPLC results indicated that OME is completely degraded within 3 minutes of irradiation. TOC analysis indicated that intermediates compounds are relatively easy to mineralize since 80% mineralization is achieved within 2 hours. IR studies demonstrated a rapid oxidation of OME leading to the formation of amines and both sulfonic and carboxylic acids. GC‐MS data indicated that the initial photoproducts are derivatives of both benzimidazole and pyridine produced after the photochemical cleavage of the C–S bond. Plausible mechanisms for the direct and indirect degradation of OME are given. In the photochemical degradation of OME, many intermediate compounds are actually generated. Several of them were generated from hydroxyl radical reactions, but some of them resulted from rearrangements, reductive reactions, and through the formation of highly reactive intermediates such as pseudo carbene, thiooxirane, and sulfenamide.
Metallo‐supramolecular Crosslinked Polyurethanes
Authors: Lambeth Robert H. , Morgan Brian F. , Savage Alice M. , Beyer Frederick L.
Published: November 2019

The effects of incorporating metal‐binding ligands as chain extenders in polyurethane elastomers were investigated. Segmented polyurethanes based on 2 kDa poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) and 4,4‐methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) were polymerized using a two‐step process in which 2,6‐bis(1‐ethyl‐5‐(methoxymethyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine was added as a chain extender. The resulting polyurethanes were then metallated using stoichiometric amounts of Zn(II) metal salts with different counterions. The resulting metallopolymers have substantially improved Young's moduli, increased failure stress, and improved thermomechanical behavior. The materials were microphase‐separated into anisotropic hard domains within a PTMO matrix. Simultaneous small‐angle X‐ray scattering and tensile testing revealed the minority hard segment domains remain relatively intact during elongation, likely due to the strength of the metal–ligand complex. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1744–1757
In vitro comparison of unit dose vs infusion pump administration of albuterol via high‐flow nasal cannula in toddlers
Authors: Li Jie , Wei Wu , Fink James B.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Transnasal pulmonary aerosol delivery using high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) devices has become a popular route of aerosol administration in toddlers. Clinically, albuterol is administered using an infusion pump or unit doses. However, little evidence is available to compare the two administration strategies.

Methods

A toddler manikin (15 kg) with appropriate anatomic airway was connected with collecting filter to a simulator of distressed breathing. HFNC device with mesh nebulizer placed at the inlet of a humidifier at 37°C, with the gas flow set at 25 and 3.75 L/min. Five milligrams of albuterol was delivered in all experiments. With infusion pump administration, albuterol concentrations of 5 and 1 mg/mL were delivered at 4 and 20 mL/hr for 15 minutes. With unit dose administration, 1 mL (5 mg/mL) and 2 mL (2.5 mg/mL) of albuterol were nebulized. Additional tests with mouth open and nebulizers via mask were using 5 mg/1 mL for mesh nebulizer and 5 mg/3 mL for jet nebulizer (n = 3). The drug was eluted from the filter and assayed with UV spectrophotometry (276 nm).

Results

The inhaled dose was higher with unit dose than infusion pump administration with gas flows of 25 L/min (2.66 ± 0.38 vs 1.16 ± 0.28%; P = .004) and 3.75 L/min (10.51 ± 1.29 vs 8.58 ± 0.68%; P = .025). During unit dose administration, compared with closed‐mouth breathing, open‐mouth breathing generated a higher inhaled dose at 3.75 L/min and lower inhaled dose at 25 L/min. Compared to the nebulizers via mask with both open and closed‐mouth breathing, nebulization via HFNC at 3.75 L/min generated greater inhaled dose, while HFNC at 25 L/min generated lower inhaled dose.

Conclusions

During transnasal aerosol delivery, the inhaled dose was higher with medication administrated using unit dose than using an infusion pump.
Cobalt Chalcogenides/Cobalt Phosphides/Cobaltates with Hierarchical Nanostructures for Anode Materials of Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Improving the Lithiation Environment
Authors: Liang Liping , Li Jiancheng , Zhu Mingyuan , Li Ying , Chou Shulei , Li Wenxian
Published: November 2019

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electric vehicles and portable electronic devices due to their high energy density, long cycle life, environmental friendliness, and negligible memory effect, though they also suffer from low power density, safety issues, and an aging effect. Cobalt chalcogenides/phosphides as promising anode materials have attracted intensive interests due to their high theoretical capacity based on the conversion mechanism. Cobaltates (XCo2O4, X = the other metal) have attracted attention because the X element can partially replace the high cost and toxic cobalt element. The serious volume variation during the cycling process has an impact, however, on the lithiation environment of above materials. Hierarchical construction can provide more active sites and shorten the diffusion pathways of Li ions as well as accommodating the volume expansion during lithiation processes. Herein, the research progress on the synthesis methods, structural characteristics, and electrochemical performances of cobalt chalcogenides/cobalt phosphides/cobaltates with hierarchical nanostructures for LIBs is presented. The concluding remarks highlight the research challenges and possible development directions of cobalt chalcogenides/cobalt phosphides/cobaltates with tailored hierarchical nanostructures for LIBs.
Recent Advances in Photocatalysis over Metal–Organic Frameworks‐Based Materials
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Mao Fangxin , Wang Lijie , Yuan Haiyang , Liu Peng Fei , Yang Hua Gui
Published: November 2019

To meet the requirements for sustainable development, photocatalytic applications including water splitting, CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation, and organic conversion reactions have become hot topics for research, due to the predictable advantages of energy storage and transportation. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) featured with porosity, crystallinity, and tunable constitution offer enormous potential in photocatalytic applications. Herein, a critical overview of MOFs‐based photocatalysts is presented. Following a concise introduction of the structural characteristics of MOFs, the synthesis methods of MOFs‐based photocatalysts are summarized. Moreover, subtle modification strategies for MOFs inspired by the development of other inorganic photocatalysts are also discussed on the basis of the photocatalytic mechanisms of light absorption, electron transfer, and surface catalytic reactions. Furthermore, the applications of certain MOFs‐based photocatalysts are introduced in detail. In addition, other organic frameworks‐based photocatalytic materials, such as covalent organic frameworks and covalent triazine frameworks, are also described to provide a guided insight into the rational design and fabrication of efficient frameworks‐based photocatalysts. Finally, a brief conclusion and perspective on the opportunities and challenges for the future development of MOFs‐based photocatalysts are proposed.
Realizing High Efficiency over 20% of Low‐Bandgap Pb–Sn‐Alloyed Perovskite Solar Cells by In Situ Reduction of Sn4+
Authors: Jiang Tingming , Chen Zeng , Chen Xu , Liu Tianyu , Chen Xinya , Sha Wei E. I. , Zhu Haiming , Yang Yang (Michael)
Published: November 2019

Although the theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE) of low‐bandgap Pb–Sn‐alloyed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is higher than that of its conventional pure Pb counterpart, its device performance currently has been severely restricted by the large open‐circuit voltage (Voc) loss. Herein, it is discovered that the Sn4+‐induced trap states of the perovskite film can be effectively suppressed by introducing excess Sn powder into the precursor solution (FASnI3) to reduce the Sn4+ content. As a result, the average charge carrier lifetime of the perovskite film increases remarkably from 115 to 701 ns due to the suppressed nonradiative recombination, and the energy levels have up‐shifted by about 0.27 eV, rendering a more favorable energy‐level alignment at the interface. Ultimately, the champion PSCs using a low‐bandgap (FASnI3)0.6(MAPbI3)0.4 perovskite film with Sn4+ reduction show a high Voc of 0.843 V corresponding to a Voc loss as low as 0.397 eV and a high fill factor of 80.34%, leading to an impressive PCE of 20.7%, which is one of the few instances of a PCE over 20% for low‐bandgap mixed Pb–Sn PSCs to date.
A hybrid optimized learning‐based compressive performance of concrete prediction using GBMO‐ANFIS classifier and genetic algorithm reduction
Authors: Rahchamani Ghodrat , Movahedifar Seyed Mojtaba , Honarbakhsh Amin
Published: November 2019

High performance concrete (HPC) is a type of concrete that cannot be produced using conventional methods. The exact percentage of materials used in the production of this concrete is one of the challenges facing civil engineers so that if ingredients are not in proportion, the strength of concrete is undermined. In the present study, attempts have been made to find an intelligent model to predict the quality of HPC. As a result of regression analysis, the automatic recognition would be affected by inferential estimation. Hence, to increase classification accuracy, first extracted feature is rearranged based on expectation–maximization clustering algorithm and then feature vector size is reduced using genetic algorithm. The proposed classification is adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system, which is optimized by Gases Brownian Motion Optimization and able to predict outputs at an acceptable level in limited reiterations. The split ratio of data during learning and testing steps was 0.9 and 0.1, as measured by K‐fold cross‐validation method. Computation of criteria such as mean square error and mean absolute percentage error in the algorithm indicated the desirable performance of the proposed method.
Horn and lens antenna array with chevron‐shaped prism for 77‐GHz automotive radar with dual‐range sensing and a dual field of view
Authors: Kuriyama Akira , Nagaishi Hideyuki , Kuroda Hiroshi , Kitayama Akira
Published: November 2019

A transmitter antenna array composed of two horn and lens antennas sharing a novel chevron‐shaped prism and one horn and lens antenna without such a prism has been investigated for 77‐GHz‐band automotive radar with dual‐range sensing and a dual field‐of‐view (FOV). The horn and lens antenna without the prism is directed at boresight to produce a radiation pattern with a narrow FOV for long‐range detection. The portions of the prism output surface corresponding to the two antennas that share the prism are angled in opposite directions to tilt their radiation patterns to the left and right and thereby provide a wide FOV in azimuth for middle‐range detection. The prism created a smooth radiation pattern in the major lobe when the tilt angle was large enough to achieve an azimuth FOV of more than ±35°. A fabricated transmitter antenna array achieved a gain of 21.5 dBi and a half‐power beam width of 22° at boresight for long‐range detection and one of more than 15.5 dBi within azimuth angles of ±35° for middle‐range detection at 76.5 GHz. This antenna array for long‐ and middle‐range detection had reflection coefficients (S11) of less than −14 and −17 dB, respectively, from 76 to 77 GHz. The antenna array thus produces the beams required for dual‐range dual‐FOV radar. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of the sequences and expression levels of genes related to follicular development and atresia between prolific and nonprolific goat breeds
Authors: Zi Xiang‐Dong , Hu Liang , Lu Jian‐Yuan , Liu Shuang , Zheng Yu‐Cai
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the variations of the nucleotide sequences and ovarian expression levels of genes related to follicular development and atresia in prolific Jintang black goats and nonprolific Tibetan goats. Eight genes, FSHB, LHB, FSHR, LHCGR, ESR2, B4GANT2, BCL2 and BAX, were examined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and quantitative real‐time PCR. The results showed that the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the LHB and BAX genes were not different, but there was one base change in the FSHR genes between the two breeds. There was one base change in the FSHB gene, which resulted in one amino acid substitution; there were nine base changes in the LHCGR gene, which resulted in five amino acid substitutions; and there were six base changes in the B4GANT2 gene, which resulted in four amino acid substitutions. The expression levels of the FSHR, LHCGR, ESR2, B4GANT2, BCL2 and BAX genes in the ovaries were not different between the two breeds. The plasma concentrations of FSH were not different, but the plasma concentrations of LH, P4 and E2 were lower in prolific Jintang black goats than in nonprolific Tibetan goats (P ˂ 0.05) at 40 hr after removal of the Controlled Internal Drug Release Devices. These results provide some foundations elucidating the endocrine and molecular mechanisms controlling ovulation rate in goats, but these need to be further verified.
Plastic debris in rivers
Authors: van Emmerik Tim , Schwarz Anna
Published: November 2019

Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems is an emerging environmental risk, as it may negatively impacts ecology, endangers aquatic species, and causes economic damage. Rivers are known to play a crucial role in transporting land‐based plastic waste to the world's oceans, but riverine ecosystems are also directly affected by plastic pollution. To better quantify global plastic pollution transport and to effectively reduce sources and risks, a thorough understanding of origin, transport, fate, and effects of riverine plastic debris is crucial. In this overview paper, we discuss the current scientific state on plastic debris in rivers and evaluate existing knowledge gaps. We present a brief background of plastics, polymer types typically found in rivers, and the risk posed to aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, we elaborate on the origin and fate of riverine plastics, including processes and factors influencing plastic debris transport and its spatiotemporal variation. We present an overview of monitoring and modeling efforts to characterize riverine plastic transport, and give examples of typical values from around the world. Finally, we present an outlook to riverine plastic research. With this paper, we aim to present an inclusive and comprehensive overview of riverine plastic debris research to date and suggest multiple ways forward for future research.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water Quality

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Development of an e‐learning course to disseminate guidelines for effective promotion of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in Cambodia
Authors: Alfvegren Fabian , McIntosh Brian S. , Chan Virak
Published: November 2019

An estimated 8 million people in the Kingdom of Cambodia live without access to improved water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH; WHO/UNICEF, Joint monitoring program for water supply and sanitation, 2015). To increase access to WASH in rural areas, Cambodia's Ministry for Rural Development has sought to decentralize the administration of national WASH programs and implement program management at the subnational level. Working at the Center for Sustainable Water in Phnom Penh, the aim of the research was to assess whether an e‐learning platform might be utilized to facilitate the transfer of knowledge of WASH from governmental staff based in the capital to those working in the provinces. A desktop literature review revealed that the success of an e‐learning module is largely predicated on the extent to which the needs and limitations of the target audience are understood. In order to ascertain those needs and limitations in the Cambodian context, technical resource assessments and interviews were carried out at government offices in the provinces of Kampong Cham, Kratié, and Ratanakiri. Those provinces were selected on the basis that each broadly represented a distinct “zone” in terms of current capacity to carry out Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (RWSSH) initiatives, population size, relative poverty indices, and concentration of RWSSH partner organizations at the district level. An analysis of the qualitative data gathered from interviews in the field demonstrated that attitudes to an e‐learning program were overwhelmingly positive, on the proviso that any such program was tailored to the educational and professional background of its intended participants. Moreover, even offices in the most remote and resource‐limited province of Ratanakiri had the necessary infrastructure to support the use of e‐learning, provided that local hardware and software limitations were kept in mind. Results from the literature review, field interviews, and technical resource assessment informed the adaptation of an existing paper‐based National WASH guideline into an e‐learning format. Through a process of consultation with the Ministry of Rural Development, WaterAid Cambodia and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, and collaboration with project staff at the Center for Sustainable Water, the contents of the ‘National Guidelines on WASH for Persons with Disabilities and Older People’ were synthesized into both an English‐language and Khmer‐language e‐learning course. Center for Sustainable Water has since obtained funding from WaterAid Cambodia to deliver the pilot e‐learning module in the provinces, a process which will undoubtedly pave the way for further improvements.
A Ga‐MIL‐53‐type Framework based on 1,4‐Phenylenediacetate Showing Subtle Flexibility
Authors: Rabe Timo , Reinsch Helge
Published: November 2019

The new MOF Ga‐MIL‐53‐PDA [Ga(OH)(O2C‐C8H8‐CO2)]·H2O (1) was synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction of gallium nitrate, 1,4‐phenylenediacetic acid (H2PDA) and sodium hydroxide at 100 °C for 24 h. The product is a structural analogue of the archetypical MIL‐53 framework. Its crystal structure was determined by Rietveld refinement of powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) data. Furthermore 1,4‐phenylenedipropionic acid (H2PDP) was employed for further synthesis, which resulted in the dense layered coordination polymers [Ga2(OH)4(O2C‐C10H12‐CO2)] (2) and [Ga(OH)(O2C‐C10H12‐CO2)] (3), for which accurate structural models could be established. All compounds were fully characterized and tested regarding potential breathing behavior. Most remarkably, Ga‐MIL‐53‐PDA showed a subtle flexibility upon de/‐rehydration also confirming its porosity, but no drastic structural changes were observed.
Attempting to Exit the Human Perspective: A Priori Experimentation in Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason
Authors: Zuckert Rachel
Published: November 2019

I consider a problem for Kant’s transcendental idealism if one construes it as a claim that human beings know from a particular, specifically human perspective. Namely, ordinarily when we speak of someone seeing from a perspective, we understand other people to have other perspectives, and think that people can change their perspectives by moving away from them, to a different one. So one may recognize that one’s own perspective is a perspective by comparing to others, by seeing a former perspective from a new vantage point. But Kant denies such plurality and variability for the perspective he identifies; it is the human perspective as such. Thus, one may worry that Kant’s view is incoherent: Kant claims that we can know only from one perspective, yet, in order to recognize that perspective, he himself must stand “outside” of it. I consider a potential Kantian response to this charge, in the form of an interpretation of the Dialectic section of the first Critique. When one attempts to know things that lie beyond the human perspective — to exit it — one falls into contradictions and empty thinking. These failed attempts to exit the human perspective constitute its horizon, a limit recognizable without one needing truly (but impossibly) to occupy a different perspective. Such failed attempts, I argue, are some of the confirming results of the a priori experimentation Kant proposes in the Preface to the Critique: his hypothesis of transcendental idealism is shown to identify the dividing line between successful and failed, productive and contradictory attempts at human knowledge.
Virtue Perspectivism, Externalism, and Epistemic Circularity
Authors: Carter J. Adam
Published: November 2019

Virtue perspectivism is a bi-level epistemology according to which there are two grades of knowledge: animal and reflective. The exercise of reliable competences suffices to give us animal knowledge; but we can then use these same competences to gain a second-order assuring perspective, one through which we may appreciate those faculties as reliable and in doing so place our first-order (animal) knowledge in a competent second-order perspective. Virtue perspectivism has considerable theoretical power, especially when it comes to vindicating our external world knowledge against threats of scepticism and regress. Prominent critics, however, doubt whether the view ultimately hangs together without succumbing to vicious circularity. In this paper, I am going to focus on circularity-based criticisms of virtue perspectivism raised in various places by Barry Stroud, Baron Reed and Richard Fumerton, and I will argue that virtue perspectivism can ultimately withstand each of them.
The Development of iManageCancer: The Experience of a Personalised eHealth Platform for Cancer Patients’ Empowerment
Authors: Crico Chiara , Renzi Chiara
Published: November 2019

Advances in cancer research led to more cancer patients being cured and many more being enabled to live with their cancer. There is an increasing need for cancer patients to take an active, leading role in their healthcare, thus resulting in a better quality of life. Identification of self-management processes for cancer can help to guide future research and clinical practice to improve patient’s outcome. In the present chapter, we discuss the development of iManageCancer, a cancer-specific self-management and patient empowerment platform designed according to the needs of patient groups while focusing, in parallel, on the wellbeing of the cancer patients and their families. A Personal Health Record platform (iPHR) is developed, featuring self-management tools including serious games. Emphasis was put on psychoemotional evaluation and self-motivated goals. The use-case requirements and the corresponding system architecture are presented, and the main technological components of the designed platform are described.
Predictive Precision Medicine: Towards the Computational Challenge
Authors: Tuena Cosimo , Semonella Michelle , Fernández-Álvarez Javier , Colombo Desirée , Cipresso Pietro
Published: November 2019

The emerging fields of predictive and precision medicine are changing the traditional medical approach to disease and patient. Current discoveries in medicine enable to deepen the comprehension of diseases, whereas the adoption of high-quality methods such as novel imaging techniques (e.g. MRI, PET) and computational approaches (i.e. machine learning) to analyse data allows researchers to have meaningful clinical and statistical information. Indeed, applications of radiology techniques and machine learning algorithms rose in the last years to study neurology, cardiology and oncology conditions. In this chapter, we will provide an overview on predictive precision medicine that uses artificial intelligence to analyse medical images to enhance diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases. In particular, the chapter will focus on neurodegenerative disorders that are one of the main fields of application. Despite some critical issues of this new approach, adopting a patient-centred approach could bring remarkable improvement on individual, social and business level.
Testing thermal photon and dilepton rates
Authors: Jackson G. , Laine M.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We confront the thermal NLO vector spectral function (both the transverse and longitudinal channel with respect to spatial momentum, both above and below the light cone) with continuum-extrapolated lattice data (both quenched and with Nf = 2, at T ∼ 1.2Tc). The perturbative side incorporates new results, whose main features are summarized. The resolution of the lattice data is good enough to constrain the scale choice of αs on the perturbative side. The comparison supports the previous indication that the true spectral function falls below the resummed NLO one in a substantial frequency domain. Our results may help to scrutinize direct spectral reconstruction attempts from lattice QCD.
Who needs a stapling device for haemorrhoidectomy, if one has the radiofrequency device?
Authors: Sunny A. , Sellars H. , Ramsay G. , Polson R. , Watson A. J. M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Multiple operations exist to treat haemorrhoids. Although comparisons of conventional excision and other techniques have been performed, there are less comparative outcome data available for stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) and radiofrequency haemorrhoidectomy (RFH). Use of a radiofrequency energy device for haemorrhoidectomy is an alternative to standard diathermy, scissors or scalpel. It provides vessel sealing between the jaws of the instrument and aims to minimise wider tissue damage.

Objective

To systematically review the literature comparing SH and RFH, assessing complications, outcomes, patient experience and costs.

Methods

A tailored search of medical databases identified literature containing relevant primary and secondary data comparing SH and RFH. Papers were screened for relevance and completeness of published data. Those missing methodological information, outcome data or statistical analysis were subsequently excluded. A narrative review was then performed.

Results

The primary data in this review originate from six randomised control trials (RCTs) and five meta-analyses. Evidence was conflicting, with a trend towards more early postoperative pain in the RFH vs. the SH group (three RCTs reported increased early pain scores in the RFH group). Significantly higher rates of residual and recurrent haemorrhoids and prolapse in the SH group were observed in two RCTs and four meta-analyses. Bleeding, urinary retention, incontinence and anal stenosis did not significantly differ. No detailed contemporary cost analysis was found.

Conclusion

The trials are small, with significant heterogeneity in the techniques used and outcome data recorded. However, despite the limited available evidence, RFH appears superior to SH due to significantly lower rates of residual and recurrent haemorrhoids and prolapse.
Development and Evaluation of a New Platform for Accelerating Cross-Domain Data Exchange and Cooperation
Authors: Iwasa Daiji , Hayashi Teruaki , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: November 2019

The technologies for collecting and analyzing data are developing significantly, enabling us to gain new knowledge from various types of data. Recently, the considerably increasing expectation for cross-domain data exchange and cooperation has attracted attention from data markets. However, as we lack data-utilization knowledge, an accurate evaluation of data is difficult; a non-price indicator for deciding the exchange of data is needed. Thus, in this study, we propose a new online platform for stakeholders to communicate regarding data utilization. Our online platform, called Web Innovators Marketplace on Data Jackets (Web IMDJ), is built with reference to the process of IMDJ workshops. Web IMDJ is superior to the conventional paper-based IMDJ (hereafter, Table IMDJ) in terms of reducing the burden on conducting workshops. Notably, Table IMDJ and Web IMDJ have different communication media, and this may affect the data-utilization knowledge proposed in the workshop. Therefore, we conducted workshops on both platforms under a controlled experimental environment to compare the proposed data-utilization knowledge. Consequently, the knowledge proposed in Web IMDJ gained equal or higher ratings by third-party evaluators (those who did not join in the experimental workshop). By contrast, subjects themselves evaluated the knowledge proposed in Table IMDJ as superior to Web IMDJ. These results revealed that both workshops have advantages as data-utilization platforms. Furthermore, we derived the best practices to utilize data effectively from a detailed analysis of the data obtained from the experimental workshops.
Progress or pinkwashing: who benefits from digital women-focused capital funds?
Authors: Orser Barbara , Coleman Susan , Li Yanhong
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the positioning of gender within women-focused capital funds (WFCFs) to consider the extent to which these digitally enabled sources of finance reflect the tenets of entrepreneurial feminism. Content analysis of 27 funds situated in Canada and the USA informs about fund mandates, rationales, types of capital, and anticipated outcomes. Our findings reveal that a minority of WFCFs examined sought to enhance equity and counter structural barriers associated with women entrepreneurs’ access to financial capital. Alternatively, the majority of WFCFs were positioned as vehicles to facilitate individual wealth creation. Eligibility ranged from multiple gender identities of the business owner to “women-led” businesses—defined as at least one woman executive, board or steering committee member. The latter of these criteria has the effect of diverting attention away from firms that are launched by women entrepreneurs. Pinkwashing was more likely to occur when WFCFs were created as add-ons to mainstream programs and services, rather than as a central element of the organization’s mission of supporting women and non-binary femmes. The findings support arguments that technology can both challenge or reinforce structural constraints that impede women entrepreneurs in the digital era.