bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity Areas or Conflict Episode? Interpreting the Spatial Patterning of Lice and Fleas at the Precontact Yup’ik Site of Nunalleq (Sixteenth to Seventeenth Centuries AD, Alaska)
Authors: Forbes Véronique , Huchet Jean-Bernard , McManus-Fry Ellen , Gómez Coutouly Yan Axel , Masson-MacLean Julie , Masson-MacLean Édouard , Ledger Paul M. , Britton Kate , Hillerdal Charlotta , Knecht Rick
Published: November 2020

Archaeoentomological research at the precontact site of Nunalleq (sixteenth and seventeenth centuries AD), Southwest Alaska, has identified hundreds of lice and fleas that infested both the human inhabitants of the site and their canine companions. As lice are host specific, staying attached to the host’s hair or fur during the totality of their lifecycle, they are generally considered excellent indicators of activity areas. Fleas, however, are relatively less common in archaeological contexts and, since they are mobile and able to infest several different host species, their potential use in the spatial reconstruction of activities is more limited. At Nunalleq, the study of insects from the most recent archaeological contexts produced very different spatial distribution patterns for human lice, fleas, and dog lice. This article compares these archaeoentomological data with other datasets available for the site (carrion-feeding flies, human hair, fur, coprolites, projectile points, and pieces of clothing) with the aim of establishing the phenomena that produced the distinct spatial distributions observed.
Community-Focused Language Documentation in Support of Language Education and Revitalization for St. Lawrence Island Yupik
Authors: Schwartz Lane , Schreiner Sylvia L.R. , Chen Emily
Published: November 2020

St. Lawrence Island Yupik, an endangered language of the Bering Strait region spoken by fewer than one thousand people in western Alaska and far eastern Russia, is currently in a state of generational transition. We survey the existing body of Yupik literature and pedagogical resources developed during the twentieth century, examine the context and use of Yupik in the current educational setting, and describe current challenges for teaching the language in the schools. We then outline our integrated approach to language documentation currently being applied to Yupik, and address how existing resources can be integrated into research and development processes in a way that both supports research efforts and results in tangible modern educational tools for the Yupik community on St. Lawrence Island, and eventually in Russia. This approach is intentionally designed to closely integrate research processes from language documentation and computational linguistics such that the results of each research endeavour positively support the other, and such that both disciplines concretely support community-based efforts to revitalize and teach the language.
L’exploitation du bois de caribou chez les peuples yupiit pendant la période précontact (Nunalleq, GDN-248)
Authors: Houmard Claire , Masson-MacLean Edouard , Sidéra Isabelle , Knecht Rick
Published: November 2020

L’exploitation du bois de caribou chez les peuples yupiit pendant la période précontact restait assez méconnue avant la mise au jour du site de Nunalleq (sud-ouest alaskien). Exceptionnel par la richesse et la préservation de ces niveaux d’occupation, ce gisement a livré plus de 3400 vestiges d’industrie osseuse dont l’étude est en cours. Les modalités d’approvisionnement en bois de caribou, ainsi que les modes de fabrication et d’utilisation des artefacts réalisés à partir de cette matière première dominante sont analysés. L’étude typologique et technologique menée a montré de fortes régularités dans les procédés techniques utilisés. Ils sont appliqués de la même manière quels que soient le module du bois et son type d’acquisition (bois de mue ou de massacre). Les quelques variations par rapport à la norme répondraient essentiellement, pour certains bois, à des contraintes morphologiques et/ou à des besoins fonctionnels immédiats. Malgré le durcissement des conditions environnementales et l’intensification des conflits connus dans la région au cours du Petit Âge Glaciaire, les occupants yupiit de Nunalleq ont fait preuve d’une forte résilience, les changements entre les différentes phases d’occupation sont relativement mineurs.
Short-term Traffic Flow Prediction Based on Genetic Artificial Neural Network and Exponential Smoothing
Authors: Ma Changxi , Tan Limin , Xu Xuecai
Published: November 2020

In order to improve the accuracy of short-term traffic flow prediction, a combined model composed of artificial neural network optimized by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Exponential Smoothing (ES) has been proposed. By using the metaheuristic optimal search ability of GA, the connection weight and threshold of the feedforward neural network trained by a backpropagation algorithm are optimized to avoid the feedforward neural network falling into local optimum, and the prediction model of Genetic Artificial Neural Network (GANN) is established. An ES prediction model is presented then. In order to take the advantages of the two models, the combined model is composed of a weighted average, while the weight of the combined model is determined according to the prediction mean square error of the single model. The road traffic flow data of Xuancheng, Anhui Province with an observation interval of 5 min are used for experimental verification. Additionally, the feedforward neural network model, GANN model, ES model and combined model are compared and analysed, respectively. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the optimized feedforward neural network is much higher than that before the optimization. The prediction accuracy of the combined model is higher than that of the two single models, which verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the combined model.
Estimating a New Fare for Sightseeing Trains Based on Willingness to Pay
Authors: Lim Kwang-Kyun
Published: November 2020

Since high-speed train operation in 2004 in Korea, the revenue of conventional trains has been rapidly declining. To overcome the circumstance even a little, sightseeing trains have been introduced along ten competitive routes since 2013, which helped to reduce the loss rate from 3.0 to 2.5 compared to the existing conventional trains. Such accomplishment was based on the existing fare system fitted to conventional trains, not reflecting the value of the unique service that only the sightseeing train provides. The understanding of the Willingness To Pay (WTP) has largely remained unexplored in the railway transportation literature, and further no contributions in the sightseeing train industry. The paper aims to estimate the economic value of various types of service for sightseeing trains in the contexture of the WTP postulates using open-ended question survey data and a Tobit censored regression with four different statistical structures. The normal distribution model replicates the WTPs best fitted over entire service types, and the WTPs vary by different type of train services such as recreational activities, slow-moving operation, seating type, tourist commentary and locally connected tour service. The highest value 13.3~24.2% in room typed seats compared to observable seats has been observed. Applying the demand elasticities to price, the revenue maximizing is observed at a 6% hike for a standard seat and a 22% hike for a designated seat, and the revenue rises by 0.33% to 3.54%. This study expects that the result can be used as an appropriate guideline in determining a new fare fitted to sightseeing trains.
Scheme of Overloaded Truck Control on a Rural Highway
Authors: Jiang Jinyu , Zhao Xu , Guo Weiyou , Yang Zhongzhen
Published: November 2020

A new working mode of overloaded traffic control for rural highways is presented, and a location-routing model is built to optimize the check base distribution and the control vehicles’ routing schemes. Then, for the location-routing model with a large set of location alternatives and an unknown settable number of check bases, a multiple ant colony optimization algorithm is designed to solve the model. Furthermore, actual data from Guiyang rural highways are used to perform a numerical analysis. The results indicate that the model can be used to obtain the optimal base location-vehicle routing scheme to verify the feasibility of the model and the algorithm. The model and algorithm can help managers to make decisions on locating the check bases and routing the control vehicles.
A Novel Approach in Evaluating the Impact of Vehicle Age on Road Safety
Authors: Török Árpád
Published: November 2020

This study examines the correlation between road accident casualties and the age of the vehicle, assuming that the age of vehicles and the improvements in their safety designs are related. The study evaluates the impact of the interrelationship between road segment characteristics and road accident type on vehicle age at the time of the accident (AVC). To analyse the nested relationship between these variables, a multinomial logistic regression (MML) model has been developed. The result of the analysis also duly finds that vehicle age has an emphatic role in the occurrence of accidents.
Stability and Environmental Analysis of Mixed Traffic Flow – Using the Markov Probabilistic Theory
Authors: Li Linheng , Gan Jing , Qu Xu , Zhang Jian , Ran Bin
Published: November 2020

The rapid growth of CAV (Connected and Automated Vehicle) market penetration highlights the need to gain insight into the overall stability of mixed traffic flows in order to better deploy CAVs. Several studies have examined the modelling process and stability analysis of traffic flow in a mixed traffic environment without considering its inner spatial distribution. In this paper, an innovative Markov chain-based model is established for integrating the spatial distribution of mixed traffic flow in the model process of car-following behaviour. Then the linear stability analysis of the mixed traffic flow is conducted for different CAV market penetration rates, different CAV platoon strength and different cooperation efficiency between two continuous vehicles. Moreover, several simulations under open boundary conditions in multiple scenarios are performed to explicate how CAV market penetration rate, platoon strength and cooperation efficiency jointly influence the stability performance of the mixed traffic flow. The results reveal that the performance of this mixed traffic flow stability could be strengthened in these three factors. In addition to stability, an investigation of the fuel consumption and emission reduction under different market penetration rates and the platoon strength of CAVs are explored, suggesting that substantial potential fuel consumption and emission could be reduced under certain scenarios.
A NEW METHOD OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF DIFFRACTION BY A NARROW SLIT
Authors: LIN WEI-GUAN  ,   成都电讯工程学院
Published: November 2020

The problem of diffraction by a narrow slit in an infinitely thin and perfectly conducting plane is solved by a method developed in the accompanied paper, from the known solution of the corresponding magnetostatic problem.
Internal friction of Ni-Al intermetallic compound formation in sintering process
Authors: Li Yu-Chuan , Hao Gang-Ling , Wang Jin , Wang Wei-Guo , Wang Xin-Fu , Wang Dan ,   College of Physics and Electronic Information, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
Published: November 2020

The Ni-Al intermetallic compounds, as important high-temperature structural materials, have clear target requirements in a number of fields. Powder metallurgy is an important candidate for preparing the Ni-Al intermetallic compounds. Clarifying the formation and transformation process of Ni-Al intermetallic compounds in sintering process and determining the solid diffusion reaction temperature and types of intermetallic compounds are greatly important for tailoring sintering process and optimizing product quality. In this paper, the internal friction behaviors of Ni-Al powder mixture compacts in the sintering process are systematically investigated by the internal friction technique. A typical internal friction peak is observed in the internal friction-temperature spectrum. The peak height decreases with the measuring frequency increasing, but the peak temperature is independent of frequency. Moreover, the internal friction peak shifts toward higher temperature and the peak height increases as the heating rate increases. It is reasonable that the internal friction peak belongs to the typical phase transformation internal friction peak which is associated with the formation of intermetallic compounds NiAl3 and Ni2Al3 in the heating process. Furthermore, the microstructure of the Ni-Al powder mixture can be tailored by mechanical ball-milling. The internal friction peak shifts toward lower temperature and the peak height decreases with the ball-milling time increasing, which indicates that the solid diffusion reaction can be activated at lower temperature with a slower reaction rate. This decrease is related to the refinement of powder particles, the lamellar formation of powder mixture, the enhancement of solid solution degree and surface energy, and the shortened atomic diffusion distance due to the mechanical ball-milling. It is also indicated that the mechanical ball-milling can effectively reduce the initial temperature of solid diffusion reaction, thus lowering sintering temperature.
Farmers’ Problems Associated with Cultivation of Sunflower: A Case Study of Barguna District, Bangladesh
Authors: Badhan Aparajita , Mousumi Moriom Akter
Published: November 2020

Sunflower cultivation is a profitable enterprise to the farmers, but in the coastal part of Bangladesh sunflower is a new crop for the Rabi season. The present study was conducted to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the sunflower growers and to identify the problems facing from production to marketing in Barguna district. The study was conducted in coastal belt of Barguna district from where 100 samples were randomly collected. Descriptive statistical method was used for the analysis. The results revealed that seed, labor, irrigation and marketing of sunflower oil were top of the problems faced by the sunflower growers. Ranking of the specific problems showed that high charge of labor ranked first, salinity problem ranked second, stem rot ranked third, low market price than production cost ranked forth, training ranked fifth, high price of seed ranked sixth. Irrigation machinery, proper marketing facilities, reducing price of seed, appropriate training programs, setting up oil processing mill are the necessary solutions to overcome sunflower cultivation problems.
Effect of Different Steeping and Malting Regimen on the Amylolytic Activities of Some Improved Nigerian Sorghum Grain Varieties
Authors: Nnamchi Chukwudi I. , Anyim Udochukwu P. , Eziechinam Tochukwu S. , Amadi Onyetugo C.
Published: November 2020

Three Nigerian improved sorghum varieties were evaluated to ascertain how different steeping and malting regimen affect their amylolytic enzyme development. Steeping incorporated air rest and continuous steep regime for 72 h. Samples were withdrawn every 12 h. Germination was then carried out for four days before kilning at 50°C for 24 h. Grain and malt parameters were examined. Results obtained showed variations in the response of sorghum root length to steep regimen and time. CSR-02 gave maximum root length (3.32 cm) after 72 h of air rested steeping. CSR-02, Samsorg 44 and Samsorg 14 had germinative energies of 92.00 ± 4.24, 94.00 ± 1.41 and 96.00 ± 1.41%; germinative capacities of 91.00 ± 1.41, 75.50 ± 2.12 and 88.00 ± 2.83; water sensitivities of 6.50 ± 2.12, 13.50 ± 1.44 and 1.00 ± 0.41 respectively. TKW results were 29.73 ± 0.32, 33.85 ± 1.54 and 33.51 ± 0.41 kg for CSR-02, Samsorg 44 and Samsorg 14 respectively. Variations in the response of the sorghum varieties to various conditions of steep regime and steep period were also observed. Steeping for 48 h seems to be the optimum time for the development of amylolytic activity in all the sorghum varieties at both steeping regimens. Samsorg 14 gave the highest total amylase activity (355.44 µg glucose equivalents), followed by Samsorg 44 (278.08 µg glucose equivalents). Samsorg 14 also showed the highest α-amylase development (276.93 µg glucose equivalents). Air rest was found to be show greater effect on β-amylase development in all the sorghum varieties.
Glycine and Selenium (Separately and in Combination) Reduced Bromate-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in U937 Cells
Authors: Okoko Tebekeme
Published: November 2020

The toxicity of bromate is ascribed to DNA damage and alteration in carbohydrate mechanism that could result to lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The effects of glycine and selenium on bromate-induced alterations on U937 cells and U937-derived macrophages were investigated. In the first experiment, U937 cells were incubated with or without glycine or selenium or both before subjecting cells to bromate exposure. Cell viability and production of ROS were assessed via MTT and DCHF-DA assays. In the other experiment, U937 cells were transformed to the macrophage form using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate before incubating with or without glycine and selenium before exposure to bromate. Secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 and interleukin 6) were later measured. The production of superoxide dismutase and catalase was also evaluated. The results revealed that bromate caused significant cytotoxicity and ROS production that was reduced when cells were pre-incubated by glycine and selenium (both separately and in combination). Bromate also increased macrophage secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines which was reduced by glycine and selenium. Bromate also suppressed the production of superoxide dismutase and catalase which was reversed by glycine and selenium (both separately and in combination) close to control values. The effects of glycine and selenium are ascribed to their antioxidant nature. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Design of Microstrip Patch Antenna Array for 5G Resonate at 3.6GHz
Authors: Zoukalne Kalsouabe , Chaibo Abdoulaye , Khayal Mahamoud Youssouf
Published: November 2020

The paper presents design of microstrip patch antenna array with two elements radiating for 5G C-band access point application resonating at 3.6GHz. Proposed antenna is designed on Rogers RO4350(tm) substrate with 3.54mm thickness and dielectric constant =3.66. The designed antenna has three slots, two placed on each radiating elements and one on the power line. Simulated by using HFSS17.02, the gain of the designed antenna is 9dBi and his bandwidth is 200MHz.Microstrip patch antenna
Chaos Suppression in a Pendulum Equation through Parametric Excitation with Phase Shift for Ultra-Subharmonic Resonance
Authors: Chen Xianwei , Fu Xiangling , Tan Jintao
Published: November 2020

Under ultra-subharmonic resonance, we investigate the chaos suppression of pendulum equation by using Melnikov methods, and get the conditions of suppressing chaos for homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits, respectively. At the same time, we give some numerical simulations including the bifurcation diagrams of system and corresponding phase diagrams, and observe that the chaos behaviors of system may be suppressed to period-n(n ∈ Z+) orbits by adjusting the value of Ψ. Although our results are only necessary, not sufficient. Numerical simulations show that our method is effect in suppressing chaos for this case.
Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability and Marginal Adaptation of Furcation Repair Materials: An in vitro Study
Authors: Bhutia Sonam Yangchen , Goel Munish , Kumar Vijay , Verma Shweta
Published: November 2020

The present study was undertaken for evaluating the sealing ability of furcation repair materials GC Fuji VII, MTA Plus and Biodentine. Diagnosis of iatrogenic perforation requires a combination of symptomatic findings in clinical observations. Perforations can be defined as mechanical or pathological communications between the root canal system and the external tooth surface. Study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India. Fifty five sound mandibular molars with non fused and well developed roots were used for the study. The specimens were examined using SEM which is maintained approximately 15Kv and 10-6 Torr under high vacuum condition. Specimen imaging were done by secondary electrons using a secondary electron detector. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) pictures, MTA plus shows the minimum marginal gap of 2.17 micrometers, followed by Biodentine 5.55 micrometers and GC FUJI VII 8.00 micrometers. The most important factors determining the success of a perforation repair procedure are the location of the perforation; time elapsed between the occurrence of the perforation and repair, the ability of the material to seal the perforation and the biocompatibility of the repair material. In our study, MTA Plus showed minimum leakage compared to GC FUJI VII and Biodentine. The minimum microleakage as observed in MTA Plus group might be attributed to its superior marginal sealing ability resulting from its hydrophilic properties and formations of an inter facial layer. Biodentine also provides a good seal almost similar to that of MTA Plus when used as a furcation repair material. GC Fuji VII showed significantly more leakage and gap formation than Biodentine and MTA Plus.
Psychosocial and Demographic Variables as Correlates of Patterns of Substance Abuse among in-Patients in Two Selected Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals in South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Akinlawon Quamariyat Adekemi , Emeghara Christiana Obiageli , Asonye Christian C. C. , Oladapo Olawale Rasheed , Emeghara Okechukwu
Published: November 2020

Aims: The study main objective is to access psychosocial and demographic variables as correlates of patterns of psychoactive substance abuse among patients admitted to drug treatment centers in two federal mental health institutions in Nigeria.

Study Design: Descriptive correlational research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Neuropsychiatric Hospital (Aro & Lantoro Annex) Abeokuta and Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos in February 2018.

Methodology: The sample size for this study comprises 224 patients admitted for treatment due to psychoactive substance abuse at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital (Aro & Lantoro Annex) Abeokuta and Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. A self-developed, pre-tested semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on psychosocial and demographic variables that may explain the patterns of substance abuse among. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance.

Results: The study found that social, psychological and demographic factors have significant influence on psychoactive substance use (F (6, 213) =23.214, P=0.07), Adj R2 = .158 (F (3, 216) =33.193, P=0.000), Adj R2 = .104, (F (6, 213) =10.101, P=0.031), Adj R2 = .062 respectively. Social factors of accessibility, family usage, affordability and peer usage exerted positive impact on psychoactive substance use β = .81, P = 000, β =.127, P = .037, β = .118, P = 0.011 and β = .139, P = .009 respectively. The psychological factors of perception, impulsivity and self- gratification exerted positive and significant influence on psychoactive substance use β = .148, P = 047, β =.197, P = .000 and β = .107, P = 0.03 respectively. Demographic factors age (x2 = 21.347, P = .000); gender (x2 = 5.432, P = .013); marital status (x2 = 2.707, P = .034) and religion is (x2 = 4.119, P = .009) exerted significant effect on pattern of substance abuse.

Conclusion: The study concluded that social, psychological and demographic variables are the main correlates of psychoactive substance abuse among patients admitted and treated in sampled Neuropsychiatric Hospitals.
Facile Fabrication of Trimodal Switchable Mirror Device with Zero Transmittance in the Black State
Authors: Son Minhee , Shin Dongwon , Lee Caroline Sunyong
Published: November 2020

The electrochromic mirror device (ECD) demonstrating transparent, mirror, and black states with zero transmittance in the black state is fabricated using facile dry deposition method. The device is capable of achieving both a highly reflective mirror and a complete black state. ECD is fabricated using a WO3 film deposited by nanoparticle deposition system (NPDS) and optical characteristics of its transparent, mirror, and black states are evaluated. Notably, the device demonstrates the mirror state with high reflectance over 80% and a black state that completely blocks the entire visible light, resulting in nearly zero transmittance. Device durability is evaluated over 100 cycles; the transmittance of the black and transparent states is measured to be 9.61%, 79.6% at its wavelength of 680 nm, respectively. Moreover, the reflectance of the mirror state at the same wavelength is measured to be 73.1% and 72.7% for the first and 100th cycles, respectively. Microstructural observations suggest that the visible light‐blocking effect is a consequence of the rough surface obtained using NPDS, which leads to uneven electrodeposition of Ag ions to produce localized surface plasmon resonance. Dry deposition method of the electrochromic layer is an excellent method for fabricating high‐contrast three‐mode electrochromic mirrors.
3D Printing of Flexible Strain Sensor Array Based on UV‐Curable Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Elastomer Composite
Authors: Xiao Ting , Qian Cheng , Yin Ruixue , Wang Kemin , Gao Yang , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: November 2020

Internet of things (IoT) is expected to significantly improve every aspect of society, especially in soft robotics, structural health monitoring, and human motion detection. Flexible strain sensors with high‐performance characteristics as well as highly efficient and cost‐effective maskless fabrication methods are the key components of IoT for these applications. Herein, a 3D printing technology using digital light processing is developed to fabricate high‐performance flexible strain sensors based on UV‐curable multiwalled carbon nanotubes/elastomer (MWCNT/EA) composite. The MWCNT/EA‐based device with 2 wt% MWCNTs delivers a sensitivity of 8.939 with a linearity up to 45% strain. Additionally, the sensor has a detectable strain range from 0.01% to 60%, a high mechanical durability (10 000 cycles), and linear responses to humidity and temperature. Numerical simulation and impedance study indicate that the sensor works on the deformation‐induced reduction of MWCNT conductive pathway. The developed device can be used to detect various external deformation, when combined with a near‐field communication circuit. Moreover, a 4 × 4 strain sensor array is developed for sensing external stimuli distribution, further demonstrating the high performance of the 3D printed device.
Fluoro(Phosphates,Sulfates) or (Phosphate,Sulfate) Fluorides: Why Does It Matter?
Authors: Pinna Nicola , Goubard‐Bretesché Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Phosphate (sulfate) fluorides have attracted much attention recently as potential positive electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. However, they are broadly referred to fluorophosphates and fluorosulfates by the community. This nomenclature inaccuracy is probably lowering the visibility of papers dealing with “true” fluorophosphates/fluorosulfates and may lead to some confusion about the structural peculiarities of both families of compounds.
Carboxyl‐Dominant Oxygen Rich Carbon for Improved Sodium Ion Storage: Synergistic Enhancement of Adsorption and Intercalation Mechanisms
Authors: Sun Fei , Wang Hua , Qu Zhibin , Wang Kunfang , Wang Lijie , Gao Jihui , Gao Jianmin , Liu Shaoqin , Lu Yunfeng
Published: November 2020

Oxygen‐containing groups in carbon materials have been shown to affect the carbon anode performance of sodium ion batteries; however, precise identification of the correlation between specific oxygen specie and Na+ storage behavior still remains challenging as various oxygen groups coexist in the carbon framework. Herein, a postengineering method via a mechanochemistry process is developed to achieve accurate doping of (20.12 at%) carboxyl groups in a carbon framework. The constructed carbon anode delivers all‐round improvements in Na+ storage properties in terms of a large reversible capacity (382 mAg−1 at 30 mA g−1), an excellent rate capability (153 mAg−1 at 2 A g−1) as well as good cycling stability (141 mAg−1 after 2000 cycles at 1.5 A g−1). Control experiments, kinetic analysis, density functional theory calculations, and operando measurements collectively demonstrate that carboxyl groups not only act as active sites for Na+ capacitive adsorption through suitable electrostatic interactions, but also gradually expand d‐spacing by inducing a repulsive force between carbon layers with Na+ preadsorbed, and hence facilitate diffusion‐controlled Na+ insertion process. This work provides a new insight in the rational tunning of oxygen‐containing groups in carbon for boosting reversible Na+ storage through a synergy of adsorption and intercalation processes.
Untersuchungen zur Prävention von progressivem Kollaps von Holzhochhäusern
Authors: Tannert Thomas , Bita Hercend Mpidi , Huber Johannes A. J.
Published: November 2020

Ohne weiterführende Entwurfsüberlegungen zur strukturellen Robustheit von Gebäuden aus Holz kann das Versagen eines einzigen Bauteils zu einem progressiven und/oder unverhältnismäßigen Gebäudekollaps führen. Die bestehenden Anforderungen in den internationalen Richtlinien zur Prävention von progressivem Kollaps sind unwirtschaftlich für mehrstöckige Gebäude aus Brettsperrholzplatten (BSP) im Plattformbau. Dieser Beitrag fasst aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse zusammen, um die strukturelle Robustheit solcher Gebäude zu gewährleisten. Eine verbesserte Methode wird vorgestellt, um die Mindestanforderungen an Zugankerverbinder zu quantifizieren und um alternative Lastwege unter Verwendung vereinfachter linearelastischer Ansätze sicherzustellen. Es wird gezeigt, wie in einer nichtlinearen, sog. Pushdown‐Analyse eines Plattformhochhaussegments zur Charakterisierung der Widerstandsmechanismen vier verschiedene alternative Lastpfade ermittelt wurden. Danach wird anhand linearer dynamischer Analysen das Tragwerksverhalten bei Bauteilversagen eines zwölfstöckigen Hochhauses mit BSP‐Geschossplatten und Wandsystem und eines neunstöckigen Hochhauses mit BSP‐Geschossplatten und Brettschichtholzstützen untersucht. Die vorgestellten Ergebnisse tragen dazu bei, den Entwurf mehrstöckiger BSP‐Gebäude im Plattformbau zu verbessern.
Spontaneous fragmentation of JJ stent can occur as early as 3 weeks post‐insertion: Case report
Authors: Hammad Fayez T.
Published: November 2020

Spontaneous JJ stent fragmentation can occur as early as 3 weeks post‐insertion. This could be due to a hostile urine environment and might be avoided by strict dietary modification, adequate hydration, and close follow‐up.
Appropriateness of gastrointestinal prophylaxis use during hospitalization in patients with acute myocardial infarction: Analysis from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Shi Wence , Ni Lin , Yang Jingang , Fan Xiaoxue , Yu Mei , Yang Hongmei , Yu Mengyue , Yang Yuejin ,   China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) Registry study group
Published: November 2020

Background

The current status of gastrointestinal prophylaxis (GIP) usage and its effects on hospitalized acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is not clear. We investigate the appropriateness of GIP usage and its relationship with clinical events in China.

Hypothesis

Appropriate use of GIP is not associated with increased adverse outcomes.

Methods

From January 2013 to September 2014, a total of 24 001 consecutive patients from 108 hospitals with AMI in China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) registry were analyzed. The appropriateness of GIP was evaluated using the current American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association (ACCF/AHA) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. The primary endpoint was in‐hospital gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), while the secondary endpoints were in‐hospital and 2‐year follow‐up net adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (NACCE). Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the effect of appropriate GIP.

Results

There were 16 413 (68.38%) AMI patients co‐medicated with GIP. Among 108 involved hospitals, only 35 (32.4%) hospitals prescribed more than 50% appropriate GIP. Totally, 59.7% (14 340) AMI patients received inappropriate GIP. Inappropriate GIP use was independently associated with use of GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Moreover, appropriate GIP use was associated with decreased GIB risk (OR: 0.692, 95% CI: 0.507‐0.944, P = .0202) during hospitalization, while not with increased in‐hospital and 2‐year follow‐up NACCE.

Conclusion

The use of GIP is prevalent in patients with AMI in China but only 40% of hospitalized patients received appropriate GIP. Appropriate prophylactic therapy was associated with decreased GIB risk during hospitalization.
Unveiling Modifications of Biomass Polysaccharides during Thermal Treatment in Cholinium Chloride : Lactic Acid Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Morais Eduarda S. , Da Costa Lopes André M. , Freire Mara G. , Freire Carmen S. R. , Silvestre Armando J. D.
Published: November 2020

A deep analysis upon the chemical modifications of the cellulose and hemicelluloses fractions that take place during biomass delignification with deep eutectic solvents (DES) is lacking in literature, being this a critical issue given the continued research on DES for this purpose. This work intends to fill this gap by disclosing a comprehensive study on the chemical modifications of cellulose (microcrystalline cellulose and bleached kraft pulp) and hemicelluloses (xylans) during thermal treatment (130 °C) with cholinium chloride/lactic acid ([Ch]Cl/LA) at molar ratio 1 : 10, one of the best reported DES for biomass delignification. The obtained data revealed that [Ch]Cl/LA (1 : 10) has a negative impact on the polysaccharides fractions at prolonged treatments (>4 h), resulting on substantial modifications including the esterification of cellulose with lactic acid, shortening of fibers length, fibers agglomeration and side reactions of the hemicelluloses fraction (e. g., humin formation, lactic acid grafting). Wood delignification trials with [Ch]Cl/LA (1 : 10) at the same conditions also corroborate these findings. Moreover, the DES suffers degradation, including the formation of lactic acid derivatives and its polymerization. Therefore, short time delignification treatments are strongly recommended when using the [Ch]Cl/LA DES, so that a sustainable fractionation of biomass into high quality cellulose fibers, isolated lignin, and xylose/furfural co‐production along with solvent recyclability could be achieved.
Dielectrophoretic ultra‐high‐frequency characterization and in silico sorting on uptake of rare earth elements by Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Giduthuri Anthony T. , Adekanmbi Ezekiel O. , Srivastava Soumya K. , Moberly James G.
Published: November 2020

Rare earth elements (REEs) are widely used across different industries due to their exceptional magnetic and electrical properties. In this work, Cupriavidus necator is characterized using dielectrophoretic ultra‐high‐frequency measurements, typically in MHz range to quantify the properties of cytoplasm in C. necator for its metal uptake/bioaccumulation capacity. Cupriavidus necator, a Gram‐negative bacteria strain is exposed to REEs like europium, samarium, and neodymium in this study. Dielectrophoretic crossover frequency experiments were performed on the native C. necator species pre‐ and post‐exposure to the REEs at MHz frequency range. The net conductivity of native C. necator, Cupriavidus europium, Cupriavidus samarium, and Cupriavidus neodymium are 15.95 ± 0.029 μS/cm, 16.15 ± 0.028 μS/cm, 16.05 ± 0.029 μS/cm, 15.61 ± 0.005 μS/cm respectively. The estimated properties of the membrane published by our group are used to develop a microfluidic sorter by modeling and simulation to separate REE absorbed C. necator from the unabsorbed native C. necator species using COMSOL Multiphysics commercial software package v5.5.
Modern microextraction techniques for natural products
Authors: Peng Li‐Qing , Cao Jun
Published: November 2020

Natural product analysis has gained wide attention in recent years, especially for herbal medicines, which contain complex ingredients and play a significant clinical role in the therapy of numerous diseases. The constituents of natural products are usually found at low concentrations, and the matrices are complex. Thus, the extraction of target compounds from natural products before analysis by analytical instruments is very significant for human health and its wide application. The commonly used traditional extraction methods are time‐consuming, using large amounts of sample and organic solvents, as well as expensive and inefficient. Recently, microextraction techniques have been used for natural product extraction to overcome the disadvantages of conventional extraction methods. In this paper, the successful applications of and recent developments in microextraction techniques including solvent‐based and sorbent‐based microextraction methods, in natural product analysis in recent years, especially in the last 5 years, are reviewed for the first time. Their features, advantages, disadvantages, and future development trends are also discussed.
The priorities dilemma in the EU preventive restructuring directive: Absolute or relative priority rule?
Authors: Ballerini Giulia
Published: November 2020

The EU Directive on Preventive Restructuring Frameworks gives the EU Member States (“MSs”) the choice between implementing two fairness rules in cross‐class cram‐down: the US‐style absolute priority rule (“APR”) or the newly conceived relative priority rule (“RPR”). This article argues that there is no good reason for the MSs to implement the RPR in domestic law. While the APR effectively protects the rights of the dissenting classes to get what they are entitled to, the RPR increases moral hazard and opportunism. Also, it might make debt investments in the EU unattractive. On top of that, this article shows that the RPR lacks a clear theoretical justification. One of the main reasons why the RPR was introduced in the Directive alongside the APR is that the RPR was thought to provide a solution to some of the APR's problems. This article considers three of those problems (i.e., the “valuation problem”, the “hold‐out problem” and the “problem of the relevant shareholders”) and explains the reasons why the RPR is not an appropriate solution for these. Among these three problems, the most troublesome one, from the perspective of the EU, is that the APR makes it difficult to award value to the equity of SMEs (the “problem of the relevant shareholders”). This article argues that using the RPR to deal with this problem would incentivize the shareholders to behave opportunistically and to orchestrate the restructuring. Instead of the RPR, this article suggests two alternative techniques which MSs can enact to better address the issue: the new value exception “in kind” and the disposable income method.
Influence of inhibitors on the corrosion behavior of the X5CrNi18 10 stainless steel‐welded joint
Authors: Radojković Bojana , Kovačina Jovanka , Jegdić Bore , Bobić Biljana , Alić Behar , Marunkić Dunja , Simović Anđela
Published: November 2020

This study considers the corrosion behavior of the X5CrNi18 10 stainless steel‐welded joint in NaCl solution, with and without the presence of several corrosion inhibitors (NaNO3, Ce(NO3)3, and CeCl3). The degree of sensitization of the welded joint to intergranular corrosion is determined using the electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation method with a double‐loop method. Pitting corrosion tests are performed by the potentiodynamic method. Resistance to general corrosion and the stability of the passive film is assessed based on the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, as well as on the values of the corrosion and passivation current. The main goal of this study is to determine the relation of the welded joint microstructure to general and pitting corrosion in the presence of the corrosion inhibitors. The value of pitting potential for the base metal and weld metal in the presence of the NaNO3 or Ce(NO3)3 inhibitor is shifted to potentials in the transpassive area. The pitting potential for the heat‐affected zone also possesses a noticeable higher value. However, nitrate ions do not increase the general corrosion resistance of any part of the welded joint. CeCl3 does not increase resistance to general or pitting corrosion.
Fibrinogen‐related protein, FGL2, of hamster cauda epididymal fluid: Purification, kinetic analysis of its prothrombinase activity, and its role in segregation of nonviable spermatozoa
Authors: Nagdas Subir K. , Wallace Shamar , Eaford Don , Baker Rashad , Carr Ky'ara , Raychoudhuri Samir S.
Published: November 2020

Although the epididymal environment promotes the maturation and survival of spermatozoa, not all spermatozoa remain viable during passage through the epididymis. Does the epididymis has a protective mechanism(s) to segregate the viable sperm from defective spermatozoa? Previously, we identified 260/280 kDa oligomers (termed eFGL—Epididymal Fibrinogen‐Like oligomer) are composed of two disulfide‐linked subunits: a 64 kDa polypeptide identified as fibrinogen‐like protein‐2 (FGL2) and a 33 kDa polypeptide identified as fibrinogen‐like protein‐1 (FGL1). Our morphological studies demonstrated that the eFGL, secreted from the principal cells of the cauda epididymis, is polymerized into a death cocoon‐like complex (DCF), masking defective luminal spermatozoa but, not the viable sperm population. In the present study, we purified FGL2 from hamster cauda epididymal fluid toward homogeneity and its prothrombinase catalytic activity was examined. Time‐course conversion studies revealed that all prothrombin was converted to thrombin by purified hamster FGL2. Our biochemical studies demonstrate that FGL2 is a lipid‐activated serine protease and functions as a lectin by binding specific carbohydrate residues. Co‐immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that FGL2 of cauda epididymal fluid is ubiquitinated but not the FGL1. We propose that FGL2/FGL1 oligomers represent a novel and unique mechanism to shield the viable sperm population from degenerating spermatozoa contained within the tubule lumen.
Walrasian equilibria from an optimization perspective: A guide to the literature
Authors: Bichler Martin , Fichtl Maximilian , Schwarz Gregor
Published: November 2020

An ideal market mechanism allocates resources efficiently such that welfare is maximized and sets prices in a way so that the outcome is in a competitive equilibrium and no participant wants to deviate. An important part of the literature discusses Walrasian equilibria and conditions for their existence. We use duality theory to investigate existence of Walrasian equilibria and optimization algorithms to describe auction designs for different market environments in a consistent mathematical framework that allows us to classify the key contributions in the literature and open problems. We focus on auctions with indivisible goods and prove that the relaxed dual winner determination problem is equivalent to the minimization of the Lyapunov function. This allows us to describe central auction designs from the literature in the framework of primal‐dual algorithms. We cover important properties for existence of Walrasian equilibria derived from discrete convex analysis, and provide open research questions.
Apple polyphenols extract alleviated dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 male mice by restoring bile acid metabolism disorder and gut microbiota dysbiosis
Authors: Liu Fang , Wang Xinjing , Li Deming , Cui Yuan , Li Xinli
Published: November 2020

To investigate and compare the preventive effects of apple polyphenols extract (APE) with phloretin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis (UC), 60 male mice were treated with 125 or 500 mg/(kg bw d) APE or 100 mg/(kg bw d) phloretin, the single‐ingredient of APE, for continuous 3 weeks by intragastric administration, meanwhile, mice were provided with 3% DSS dissolved in drinking water to induce UC during the third week. Both APE and phloretin significantly ameliorated DSS‐induced UC by inhibiting body weight loss, preventing colon shortening and mucosa damage. Except the same mechanisms of the inhibited activation of NF‐κB signaling, decreased hyodeoxycholic acid level and increased abundance of Verrucomicrobia at phylum and Bacteroides and Akkermansia at genus, APE increased β‐muricholic acid level and decreased Bacterodetes abundance, while phloretin decreased Firmicutes abundance. Furthermore, APE treatment showed much lower disease activity index score, less body weight loss and lighter spleen than phloretin. Thus, our study supported the potentiality of APE as a promising dietary intervention for the prevention of experimental UC.
Guide sheath breakage during endobronchial ultrasonography
Authors: Yanagihara Takahiro , Yamaoka Masatoshi , Kawakami Naoki , Onuki Takuya , Inagaki Masaharu
Published: November 2020

This report describes a case of guide sheath breakage during endobronchial ultrasonography. While steering the guide sheath in the direction of a peripheral lung nodule using a guiding device/curette, the radiopaque band (RB) attached to the head of the guide sheath dislodged and remained in the peripheral bronchus near the tumour. The band could not be removed endoscopically. As the tumour was diagnosed as a colon cancer metastasis, we performed a partial lung resection to remove the RB and nodule together four months after bronchoscopy.
Influence of Different Commercial Modified Cassava Starches on the Physicochemical Properties of Thermoplastic Edible Films Obtained by Flat‐Die Extrusion
Authors: Guz Lucas , González‐Seligra Paula , Ochoa‐Yepes Oswaldo , Estevez‐Areco Santiago , Famá Lucía , Goyanes Silvia
Published: November 2020

Starch constitutes a promising resource for biodegradable packaging, but it presents several processing drawbacks when using conventional industrial equipment, such as flat‐die extrusion. This work demonstrates that the replacement of native cassava starch (NS) with commercial hydrolyzed (HS) or carboxymethyl (CMS) starches diminishes the amount of energy required to process starch granules into thermoplastic films by extrusion. Homogeneous films with starch‐glycerol interaction improvements are obtained when using HS or CMS instead of NS. HS films exhibit the lowest crystallinity and the highest susceptibility to water among the studied systems. Likewise, CMS films maximize Vh crystalline structure fraction and present higher Young's modulus and stress at break, and lower water vapor permeability values. In order to combine the positive properties and to overcome the limitations of each modified starch, blend films from HS:CMS (50:50 wt%) are also developed and investigated. Phase separation is observed in this system, and there are no improvements in the overall properties. The results of this investigation show that employing commercial CMS, even in very low carboxymethylation degree represents a successful strategy to improve mechanical and barrier properties of flat‐die extruded films, while HS can be used to obtain water‐soluble films for specific applications.
Remarks on infinite towers of gravitational memories
Authors: Mao Pujian
Published: November 2020

Abstract

An infinite tower of gravitational memories was proposed in [1] by considering the matter-induced vacuum transition in the impulsive limit. We give an alternative realization of the infinite towers of gravitational memories in Newman-Penrose formalism. We also demonstrate that the memories at each order can be associated to the same supertranslation instead of infinite towers of supertranslations or superrotations.