bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steps to Identify Main Parameters for AHE Generation in Sub-micrometric Materials: Measurements by Isoperibolic and Air-flow Calorimetry
Authors: Celani Francesco , Ortenzi B. , Spallone A. , Lorenzetti C. , Purchi E. , Fiorilla S. , Cupellini S. , Nakamura M. , Boccanera P. , Notargiacomo L. , Vassallo G. , Burri R.
Published: December 2024

In 2011, we introduced the use of constantan alloy in LENR, in the form of long and thin wires as a hydrogen dissociation promoter. We disclosed for the first time the reason for the choice of such material at IWAHLM-12 Workshop (2017), hypothesizing it was the initiator of the reaction in Andrea Rossi’s experiment. We developed a specific treatment to increase the dimensionality of wire surface through the application of high peak power pulses. The wire is inserted in fiberglass sheaths, made up of micrometric fibers, impregnated with a solution of an electron-emitter element (Sr). Later, we added Fe and K to the wire surface and the sheaths and adopted the procedure of making equally spaced knots along the wire to produce thermal and magnetic gradients. We also pointed out that the addition of noble gases with low thermal conductivity, and in particular xenon, to the H2/D2 atmosphere, produces a considerable rise of temperature in the reactor, maybe because those gases acting as catalyzers in the generation of excess power. Measurements were always performed with isoperibolic calorimetry, which has the advantage of producing non-equilibrium conditions that favor the generation of anomalous heat excess (AHE). With this procedure, we reached a gain of almost a factor 2 at the highest temperature, although with limited stability over time. In this paper, we present SEM observations and EDX analyses of the wire before and after applying the treatment. We have also conducted a series of experiments using air-flow calorimetry. The calorimeter consists of an insulating Styrofoam box whose internal walls are covered with a thick foil of aluminum; the external wall of the reactor was covered with a double layer of black and thick aluminum foil to homogenize temperature. The calorimeter contains the reactor and a halogen tungsten lamp inside a dummy reactor used for calibrations. Even with the air-flow calorimetry approach, which does not produce the most appropriate conditions for AHE, we have obtained excess power, although in quite lower amounts. The best results are: (a) with 100-μm diameter wire, D2 at 1 bar, input power 90 W, the AHE was over 12 ±2 W, but after 1 day the wire broke and (b) with 200-μm diameter wire, Xe–D2 mixture each at 0.1 bar and input power of 120 W, AHE was 6–7 W stably for weeks.
Space Application of the GeNIE HybridTM Fusion–Fission Generator
Authors: Forsley Lawrence P. , Mosier-Boss Pamela A.
Published: December 2024

JWK Corporation and Global Energy Corporation (GEC) have spent the past two decades understanding and applying nuclear reactions in condensed matter with the US Navy and NASA. The Navy cooperation resulted in US Patent, 8,419,919, System and Method for Generating Particles. The use of this patent to fission uranium is described in a companion paper, Uranium Fission Using Pd/D Co-deposition. GEC is applying this technology as a non-fissile reactor core suitable for deep-space power under its second NASA Space Act Agreement. This paper discusses the need for space-based nuclear power, the alternatives, the hybrid fusion-fast-reactor and the spaceflight readiness testing facilities.
Resonant Surface Capture Model
Authors: Li Xingzhong , Dong Zhanmin , Liang Changlin , Huang Guisong
Published: December 2024

A resonant surface capture model is proposed to explain the various phenomena: the temperature dependence of excess heat, nuclear fusion cross-section data from beam–target experiments and from condensed matter nuclear reactions. This model is based on Oppenheimer’s stripping nuclear reaction, and Bethe’s solar energy calculation using the resonance effect to put the incoming projectile at the edge of target nucleus without forming compound nucleus. This is a new kind of resonance at low energy: the width of which is proportional to E3/2 instead of exp 􏰀− √C 􏰁, when the resonance energy E0 → 0.
Mass and Heat Flow Calorimetry in Brillouin’s Reactor
Authors: Tanzella Francis , Godes Robert , Liu Jin , George Robert
Published: December 2024

Brillouin Energy (BEC) has continued performing calorimetry measurements on the metal (e.g. Ni)/ceramic/Cu coated ceramic tube (catalyst) in a H2 atmosphere with nanosecond pulses applied across the coatings. The Energy Research Center (ERC) has been examining and verifying BEC’s calorimetry for over 18 months since 2 of the calorimeters have been moved from SRI International to BEC’s laboratory. We have continued our testing of new materials, material fabrication techniques, and electrical stimulation methods to produce excess power and energy output. By applying fast pulses of several hundred volts and tens of nanoseconds long, the current follows the “skin-effect” principle and is concentrated at the outer metal–ceramic interface but returns through the bulk of the Cu. Two stimulation methods were used – steady-state and dynamic. In the steady-state method, the pulse power is measured directly using fast oscilloscopes that record the voltage across the catalyst and a shunt resistor in series with the catalyst. The resistance of the shunt resistor is measured accurately under DC and pulse conditions. The input pulse power is determined by multiplying the calculated root-mean-square voltage and current and recorded every 10 s. Using a version of the system identification (SI) heat-flow model designed specifically for the BEC calorimeter, the power reaching the five temperature sensors is determined during simultaneous continuous ramps of both heater and pulse powers. The power emanating from the catalyst is determined during sequences of less frequent, longer duration, low voltage pulses (LVP) and compared to that found using more frequent, shorter duration, high voltage pulses (HVP). The power determined during the less frequent LVP is set as the input power during that sequence. The power of the stimulation pulses during the more frequent HVP sequences is maintained equal to that during the less frequent LVP. Then the calculated power output from the tube is divided by that calculated during the reference sequences, giving a so-called coefficient of performance (COP). We have also used mass flow calorimetry to determine COP. Low voltage, long pulses are chosen to match the input power from high voltage, short pulses. The low voltage pulses are not thought to stimulate LENR, while the high voltage pulses are. This provides a method to compare matching input power under conditions that stimulate LENR with conditions that do not. Any excess heat detected from the high voltage pulse condition is considered to be generated by LENR rather than resistive heating.
Latest Progress in Research on AHE and Circumstantial Nuclear Evidence by Interaction of Nano-Metal and H(D)-Gas
Authors: Takahashi Akito , Ido Hiroyuki , Hattori Atsushi , Seto Reiko , Kamei Atsushi , Hachisuka Joji , Yokose Toyoshi , Mori Yutaka , Taniike Akira , Furuyama Yuichi
Published: December 2024

Recent results on anomalous heat effect (AHE) by interaction of binary nano-composite metal powders and H (or D) gas, after the NEDO-MHE project (2015–2017) are the subject of this paper. The Pd–Ni10/zirconia (PNZ10) and Cu–Ni7/zirconia (CNZ7) powders by melt-spun and calcination method were for AHE active material samples, and were re-used by additional calcination. An amount of 80–400 W/kg level excess thermal power Wex of sustainable continuity for several weeks has been reproducibly observed at elevated temperature around 300◦C, by using re-calcined PNZ-type samples with D-gas, significantly in net D-gas desorption mode. Specific reaction energy (η-value) per D-transferred was very large as from 100 eV/D to 500 eV/D. Very weak (0.1–0.2 n/J level) neutron emission looked correlating with the rise-up heat burst of thermal power after joule heating started. These results can be of the circumstantial evidence of the AHE by the nano-metal D-gas interaction. Data of 50-140 W/kg level excess thermal power was repeatedly obtained by CNZ-type samples with H-gas at elevated temperatures after the saturation of H-gas absorption (endothermic) by sample. Excess thermal power of ca. 50–70 W continued for more than two weeks by 505 g CNZ7r (re-calcined) sample, with very strange evolution of the cooled-flat and oscillating TC4 RC upper flange temperatures. The effect has been investigated, and we concluded as a kind of turbulence gas-flow of up- and down-stream by strong local AHE. Big or small heat bursts were observed many times in the increasing data after the start of external heating from room temperature. The η-values were obtained to be very large as higher than 10,000 eV/H-transfer for CNZ7r sample runs, implying some nuclear effect. Observation of AHE can be repeated by the interaction of H (or D) gas and Ni-based nano-composites metal powders. Reproducibility is established. Condition to realize the apparent equilibrium pressure with maximum dynamic H (or D) gas flux in both directions of desorption and sorption on the surface of nano-composite metal particle, which is considered to be the key factor. Higher temperature more than 300◦C for RC with homogeneous gas feed for eliminating the gas turbulence is to be tested.
Application of Correlated wave Packets for Stimulation of LENR in Remote Targets
Authors: Vysotskii V.I. , Vysotskyy M.V.
Published: December 2024

The paper discusses the features of the formation, evolution and propagation of coherent wave packets and their energy character- istics. Such packages can be created with a certain effect on a slow moving particles. A feature of such packets is a self-controlled remote collapse, in the zone of which there is a very strong self-compression of the packet and a giant increase in the fluctuation of its kinetic energy. Such correlated states can be used to carry out LENR reactions in remote targets.
Interpreting CR-39 Detectors used in Pd/D Co-deposition: Nuclear Generated Tracks or Artifacts?
Authors: Mosier-Boss P.A. , Forsley L.P.
Published: December 2024

In this communication we summarize relevant results obtained for CR−39 detectors used in Pd/D co-deposition experiments. These results include evidence of neutrons, notably 14.1 MeV neutrons, and control experiments to rule out chemical/mechanical damage as the source of the pitting. The SRI replication is discussed. The CR-39 detectors used in this replication underwent exhaustive analysis by noted CR-39 experts from NASA and Russian Academy of Sciences. We also address alternative explanations offered by other researchers as to the source of the pitting in CR-39 detectors used in Pd/D co-deposition. These include deuteroxide/O2 attack, shockwaves resulting from D2/O2 recombination, and corona discharge. We also explored why the pits are primarily circular in shape and why the emission of Pd K shell X-rays is not observed.
Nonrelativistic Reduction of the Phonon–nuclear Interaction for the One-pion Exchange Potential with Pseudovector Interaction
Authors: Hagelstein Peter L.
Published: December 2024

The lowest-order relativistic phonon-nuclear interaction derived from the many-particle Dirac model is expressed in terms of the Dirac α and β matrices, which requires a relativistic formalism to evaluate. To obtain estimates for the strength of the phonon- nuclear matrix elements for applications it would be useful to have a nonrelativistic version of the interaction. For the special case of the one-pion exchange potential based on the spatial part of the pseudovector pion-nucleon interaction an appropriate nonrelativistic reduction is derived.
A Search for Correlated Quantum States in Nuclear Reactions: First Exciting Results From an Experimental Test
Authors: Bartalucci Sergio , Vysotskii V.I. , Vysotskyy M.V.
Published: December 2024

The first experimental test of the Correlated-Coherent quantum States (CCS) model is described in this paper, showing its potentialities in the explanation of anomalous effects in nuclear physics and astrophysics. Some very interesting events, which cannot be ascribed to background, have been observed. The occurrence of nuclear reactions at very low energy is a clear indication of a strong enhancement of Coulomb barrier transmissivity. Some technical issues, which are related to this difficult experiment are discussed, and possible suggestions for the next activity on this topic are also presented.
Aplicación del programa de seguimiento de graduados en las unidades académicas de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Authors: Portillo Fajardo Ingrid María , Cifuentes Gil Dannys Francisco , Coyoy Cristina Jeannet
Published: December 2024

OBJETIVO: Identificar las unidades académicas que cuentan con un sistema o programa de seguimiento de graduados de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, el cual es uno de los componentes de la Política de Calidad Educativa de USAC, a la vez identificar las características y la información que genera el sistema o programa de seguimiento a graduados. MÉTODO: Estudio exploratorio con enfoque mixto, recolectando datos de 45 unidades académicas por medio de una encuesta. RESULTADOS: El 20% que comprende 9 unidades académicas cuentan con un sistema o programa de seguimiento a graduados, mientras que el 76% representado en 34 unidades académicas no cuentan con un sistema o programa, es importante mencionar que 2 unidades académicas que representan el 4% no manifestaron interés en el tema y en responder la encuesta. El 95% de las unidades académicas consideran importante y necesaria la creación de un observatorio de seguimiento a graduados. CONCLUSIÓN: Se reflejan avances en la implementación del sistema de seguimiento de graduados de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, sin embargo, es necesario desarrollar estrategias para promover la creación de estos sistemas o programas, apoyar su implementación y evaluación de los resultados para verificar el cumplimiento de la Política de calidad educativa. Es importante la creación del observatorio, el cual deberá incluir un modelo de seguimiento a graduados de acuerdo al contexto de la unidad académica, implementando áreas de mejora y la socialización de buenas prácticas.
פתח דבר
Authors: סתר שאול
Published: December 2024

זהו גיליון מיוחד של כתב העת תיאוריה וביקורת, גיליון ביקורת המלחמה. לפני כמאה שנה בחן ולטר בנימין את צורות קיומו של הכוח השלטוני ואת אופני ההצדקה של האלימות שהוא מפעיל בחיבורו ״לביקורת האלימות״; הוא טען שהאלימות איננה רק אמצעי להשגת מטרה, שהיא קושרת בין כינון המבנה הפוליטי לשימורו, ושיש לה גם מודוס מיוחד, קטלני אך לא מדמם, שביכולתו לפרום את המבנה הפוליטי עצמו. מאה שנה לאחר מכן אנחנו מבקשים לבחון ולבקר את אופני פעולתה של המלחמה ללא קץ, ועושים זאת תוך כדי היקרותה של המלחמה, מתוך אי־הוודאות שהיא משרה, בלי לדעת את אחריתה. הכותבים והכותבות בגיליון דורשים במלחמה כבאסון וכבאנטי־אירוע, שואלים כיצד מתעוררים מסיוט, תוהים מיהו העצמי של ההגנה העצמית, בוחנים את תפקודם של תצלומי זוועה במלחמה, מנתחים את המשוקעויות השונות בפנטזיות של הכחדה, ומשרטטים את הפנטום של המדינה בסכסוך הניאו־אימפריאלי. הגיליון כתוב מעמדה אנטי־לאומנית שאינה מקבלת את גזרת המלחמה והעמידה על החרב ומתנגדת לחורבן בעזה. אל מול התקשורת הממוסדת בישראל, שבה הכיסוי התקשורתי מכסה הלכה למעשה על המציאות, ואל מול רצפי המידע במדיה החברתית שאינם נצברים לידע, זהו ניסיון לעורר מחשבה דחופה אך מעמיקה על ההווה שלנו.
״הנני, כמו תמיד, קרוע״: הקדמה ל״הבלתי נסלח״ מאת ולדימיר ז׳נקלביץ׳
Authors: יעקבי גיא
Published: December 2024

״הבלתי נסלח״ הוא הפרק החותם את הסליחה (1967) מאת הפילוסוף והמוזיקולוג הצרפתי ולדימיר ז׳נקלביץ׳. בהקדמה לתרגום ממקם גיא יעקבי את הסליחה ברגע ההיסטורי שבו הוא נכתב ומפתח את הפרדוקסים שעולים מהספר עצמו ומהעיון בו לצד טקסטים נוספים שהקדיש ז׳נקלביץ׳ לנושא. יעקבי דן גם בקושי ובצורך לקרוא בטקסטים אלה במציאות העכשווית בישראל/פלסטין, מול פשעים המעמידים ״סצנת סליחה״ שונה בתכלית מזו שבה פעל ז׳נקלביץ׳.
על השגבת הסליחה אצל ז'נקלביץ', אמרי ודֻנְקֹל
Authors: ותד לואי
Published: December 2024

לואי ותד כתב אחרית דבר למסה של ז'נקלביץ', ובה הוא מצליב בין הסליחה אצל ז׳נקלביץ׳ לזו אצל ז׳אן אמרי והמשורר המצרי אמל דֻנקְֹל. ותד שואל מה בין סליחה לפיוס, מי בכלל יכול לסלוח על פשעים קולקטיביים, והאם אין הסליחה הבלתי אפשרית מעשה של הפשטה והשגבה המואצל לצד אחד בלבד.
אלימות הדימוי, דימויי אלימות: שבעה באוקטובר והשלכותיו
Authors: מימון ורד
Published: December 2024

איך כותבים על דימויי סטילס ווידיאו שאי אפשר להתבונן בהם – דימויים שלא רק מתארים מעשי תקיפה אכזריים כלפי בריות אנושיות ולא אנושיות, אלא תוקפים בעצמם את חוש הראייה ואת עצם היכולת להתבונן ולהיות צופה? דימויים שלא נועדו רק לתעד אלימות, אלא גם ליטול חלק פעיל בהפעלתה ובהעצמתה? בשבעה באוקטובר 2023 שודרו ופורסמו בטלגרם ובטוויטר סרטונים חיים של רצח, הצתה, חטיפה והטלת מום באזרחים ישראלים בבתיהם שצולמו ע"י מחבלי חמאס שלבשו על גופם מצלמות גו פרו.

המאמר מראה כי השימוש בתקשורת דיגיטלית וברשתות החברתיות לא היה נספח או תוספת לאירוע, אלא חלק בלתי נפרד מן ההיגיון הצבאי והדתי של נקמה וגאולה. מי שמפרסם תמונות אלימות ומשתף אותן עם אחרים מייצר, משדר ומכוונן אָפקט, ומאפשר את כינונן של קהילות אָפקטיביות שנוצרות מתוך צפייה בתמונות ההשפלה ומהפצתן. דרך השידור החי והשימוש ברשתות החברתיות נוצרת תחושה של חיבור חברתי וזו מקבלת מעמד פוליטי אנטגוניסטי שמיוחס לא רק להיבט הייצוגי או הרפרנציאלי של הדימויים אלא בראש ובראשונה לצורת הפנייה האָפקטיבית שלהם. בנסיבות אלו נוצר פרדוקס בנוגע לדימויי האלימות והתקבלותם השונה בתכלית בקהילות שונות: ככל שהדימויים נראים "אמיתיים" יותר, גולמיים ובלתי מצונזרים, כך הם מעוררים ביתר שאת את הממד הפנטזמטי והרפאי, הספקטרלי, של האלימות.
Systemic functional linguistics as a methodological tool in mathematics education research
Authors: Ebbelind Andreas , Segerby Cecilia
Published: December 2024

The aim of this article is to illustrate how Systemic functional linguistics (SFL) can be used as methodological tool for analysing the meaning of texts from two different studies. An analysis using SFL provides insights into how different concepts of mathematical literacy operate in the text. SFL considers language to be a resource used for expressing meaning in specific contexts that accomplishes specific communication purposes. Therefore, SFL contains opportunities for highlighting different aspects of mathematics education which are of interest to researchers. In Sweden, the SFL approach has been used in other research areas but references to it in mathematics education research have been limited.
Hånden og hovedet
Authors: Brinkmann Svend
Published: December 2024

Artiklen er en revideret udgave af forfatterens Løgstrup Lecture 2022, afholdt den 25. november 2022, arrangeret af K.E. LøgstrupForskningscenteret. Jeg vil gerne takke David Bugge og Bjørn Rabjerg for at invitere og organisere.
An H3-K9-me-independent binding of Swi6/HP1 to siRNA-DNA hybrids initiates heterochromatin assembly at cognate dg-dh repeats in Fission Yeast
Authors: Kumar Jyotsna , Haldar Swati , Gupta Neelima , Kumar Viney , Thakur Manisha , Chandradoss Keerthivasan Raanin , Ghose Debarghya , Dutta Dipak , Sandhu Kuljeet Singh , Singh Jagmohan
Published: December 2024

Canonically, heterochromatin formation in fission yeast and metazoans is initiated by di/trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 position by the histone methyltransferase Suv39H1/Clr4, followed by binding of Swi6/HP1 to H3-K9-me2/me3 via its chromodomain. Subsequent self-association of Swi6/HP1 on adjacent nucleosomes or a cooperative interaction between Clr4 and Swi6/HP1 leads to folded heterochromatin structure. HP1 binding to RNA is shown to facilitate its localization at and assembly of heterochromatin in metazoans. Likewise, recruitment of Swi6/HP1 to centromere depends on the RNAi pathway in fission yeast; paradoxically, Swi6/HP1 is also thought to play a role in RNA turnover. Here we provide evidence in support of RNAi-independent recruitment of Swi6. We show that, apart from the low affinity binding to RNAs through its hinge domain, as already reported, Swi6/HP1 displays a hierarchy of increasing binding affinity through its chromodomain to the siRNAs corresponding to specific dg-dh repeats and even stronger binding to the cognate siRNA-DNA hybrids than to the siRNA precursors or general RNAs. Our results support a mechanism of recruitment of Swi6, which is dependent on its specific and high affinity binding to siRNA-DNA hybrid at the dg-dh repeats. This binding, which is independent of, albeit augmented by binding to H3-K9-Me2, leads to heterochromatin formation and silencing. We suggest that the net role of Swi6 in RNA physiology may be regulated by a balance between abundance and affinity of Swi6 towards heterochromatic and euchromatic RNAs and siRNAs.
Pan-tissue Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sex-dimorphic Human Aging
Authors: Wang Siqi , Dong Danyue , Li Xin , Wang Zefeng
Published: December 2024

Complex diseases often exhibit sex-dimorphism in morbidity and prognosis, many of which are age-related. However, the underlying mechanisms of the sex-dimorphic aging remain foggy, with limited studies across multiple tissues. We systematically analyzed ∼17,000 transcriptomes from 35 human tissues to quantitatively evaluate the individual and combined contributions of sex and age to transcriptomic variations. We discovered extensive sex-dimorphisms during aging with distinct patterns of change in gene expression and alternative splicing (AS). Intriguingly, the male-biased age-associated AS events have a stronger association with Alzheimer’s disease, and the females-biased events are often regulated by several sex-biased splicing factors that may be controlled by estrogen receptors. Breakpoint analysis showed sex-dimorphic aging rates that are significantly associated with decline of sex hormones, with males having a larger and earlier transcriptome change. Collectively, this study uncovered an essential role of sex during aging at the molecular and multi-tissue levels, providing insight into sex-dimorphic regulatory patterns.
Twist is the key to the gating of mechanosensitive ion channel NOMPC
Authors: Duan Jingze , Song Chen
Published: December 2024

NOMPC, a tethered mechanosensitive ion channel from the transient receptor potential (TRP) family, can convert mechanical stimuli to ionic electric signals to excite neuron cells. Previous investigations revealed that a pushing force exerted on the linker helix domain or the compression of NOMPC’s ankyrin repeat (AR) domain triggers channel opening. In this study, we explored the direct mechanical cause for NOMPC channel opening as well as the torsional properties of the AR domain using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Our results demonstrate that a torque pointing toward the extracellular side, exerted on the amphipathic TRP domain, serves as the direct cause of driving the channel open. The coupling between the compression and twisting of the AR domain ensures that both types of deformations can open the channel. Therefore, we propose a twist-to-open model, facilitated by the compression-twist coupling property of the AR domain, to further elucidate the gating mechanism of the NOMPC channel.
Baboons, bacteria, and biological clocks address an age-old question
Authors: Melin Amanda D
Published: December 2024

Studying the fecal microbiota of wild baboons helps provide new insight into the factors that influence biological aging.
Utility of the PITT Bacteremia Score for Predicting Mortality in CRE Colonized and Infected Patients
Authors: Rao Areeb Shahid , Khan Fatima , Nadeem Abu , Arsalan
Published: December 2024

Background: The Pitt Bacteremia Score (PBS) is used to predict 14-day inpatient mortality in bloodstream infections. This study evaluates whether PBS can also predict mortality in ICU patients colonized or infected with Carbapenem -resistant Enterobacterales (CRE).
Methods: ICU patients with CRE were selected, and each PBS component was individually assessed. Outcomes were noted after 14 days, and a PBS cutoff score for mortality prediction was analyzed.
Results: Of 30 patients, 26 (86%) expired and 4 (14%) survived. A PBS cutoff of ≥4 was associated with a significant increase in mortality.
Conclusions: PBS ≥4 may be a valuable predictor of mortality in CRE-infected and colonized ICU patients."
Employability of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Graduates of Negros Oriental State University-Guihulngan City Campus, Philippines
Authors: Malahay Roger S , Saing Petmar M
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this research is to identify the employability status of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) Graduates of Negros Oriental State University-Guihulngan City Campus, Philippines from 2019 to 2021 with the entire population as respondents. It also sought to determine the respondents’ sex, nature of employment, and relatedness of their academic degree and job roles. The descriptive method was utilized. There were 111 respondents in this study. Findings show that the majority of the respondents are female, and a large majority of the respondents (78.38%) are employed. The results further disclose that most of the employed respondents work in private agencies as office staff and a small percentage (20%) in Business Process Outsourcing. However, most of the respondents’ job roles are not related to their college degrees. Hence, the findings suggest the high employability of BSCS graduates. However, there is still room for more enhancement by evaluating the current curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science aimed to fulfill the current and future needs of societies undergoing social and economic change.
Evaluation of gantry angle during respiratory‐gated VMAT using triggered kilovoltage x‐ray image
Authors: Miyasaka Ryohei , Saitoh Hidetoshi , Kawachi Toru , Katayose Tetsurou , Cho SangYong , Yamauchi Ryohei , Hara Ryusuke
Published: July 2019

Respiratory‐gated volumetric modulated arc therapy (gated VMAT) involves further complexities to the dose delivery process because the gantry rotation must repeatedly stop and restart according to the gating signals. In previous studies, the gantry rotation performances were evaluated by the difference between the plan and the machine log. However, several reports pointed out that log analysis does not sufficiently replicate the machine performance. In this report, a measurement‐based quality assurance of the relation between the gantry angle and gate‐on or gate‐off using triggered kilovoltage imaging and a cylinder phantom with 16 ball bearings is proposed. For the analysis, an in‐house program that estimates and corrects the phantom offset was developed. The gantry angle in static and gated arc delivery was compared between the machine log and the proposed method. The gantry was set every 5 deg through its full motion range in static delivery, and rotated at three speeds (2, 4 and 6 deg s‐1) with different gating intervals (1.5 or 3.0 s) in gated arc delivery. The mean and standard deviation of the angular differences between the log and the proposed method was −0.05 deg ± 0.12 deg in static delivery. The mean of the angular difference was within ±0.10 deg and the largest difference was 0.41 deg in gated arc delivery. The log records the output of the encoder so that miscalibration and mechanical sagging will be disregarded. However, the proposed method will help the users to detect the mechanical issues due to the repeated gantry stops and restarts in gated VMAT.
Calculation of delivered composite dose from Calypso tracking data for prostate cancer: And subsequent evaluation of reasonable treatment interruption tolerance limits
Authors: Zhao Hui , Sarkar Vikren , Wang Brian , Rassiah‐Szegedi Prema , Szegedi Martin , Jessica Huang Y. , Huang Long , Tward Jonathan , Salter Bill
Published: July 2019

Purpose

In this study we calculate composite dose delivered to the prostate by using the Calypso tracking ‐data‐ stream acquired during patient treatment in our clinic. We evaluate the composite distributions under multiple simulated Calypso tolerance level schemes and then recommend a tolerance level.

Materials and methods

Seven Calypso‐localized prostate cancer patients treated in our clinic were selected for retrospective analysis. Two different IMRT treatment plans, with prostate PTV margins of 5 and 3 mm respectively, were computed for each patient. A delivered composite dose distribution was computed from Calypso tracking data for each plan. Additionally, we explored the dosimetric implications for “worst case” scenarios by assuming that the prostate position was located at one of the eight extreme corners of a 3 or 5 mm “box.” To characterize plan quality under each of the studied scenarios, we recorded the maximum, mean, and minimum doses and volumetric coverage for prostate, PTV, bladder, and rectum.

Results and discussions

Calculated composite dose distributions were very similar to the original plan for all patients. The difference in maximum, mean, and minimum doses as well as volumetric coverage for the prostate, PTV, bladder, and rectum were all < 4.0% of prescription dose. Even for worst scenario cases, the results show acceptable isodose distribution, with the exception for the combination of a 3 mm PTV margin with a 5 mm position tolerance scheme.

Conclusions

Calculated composite dose distributions show that the vast majority of dosimetric metrics agreed well with the planned dose (within 2%). With significant/detrimental deviations from the planned dose only occurring with the combination of a 3 mm PTV margin and 5 mm position tolerance, the 3 mm position tolerance strategy appears reasonable, confirming that further reducing prostate PTV margins to 3 mm is possible when using Calypso with a position tolerance of 3 mm.
The Impact of Frailty on Changes in Physical Function and Disease Activity Among Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Andrews James S. , Trupin Laura , Wysham Katherine D. , Hough Catherine L. , Yelin Edward H. , Katz Patricia P.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Reduced physical function and frailty are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, relationships between frailty and changes in physical function and disease activity over time in RA are unknown. We tested whether frailty is a risk factor for worsening patient‐reported physical function and disease activity in RA.

Methods

Adults from a longitudinal RA cohort (N = 124) participated. By using an established frailty definition, individuals with three or more of the following deficits were considered frail: 1) body mass index less than or equal to 18.5, 2) low grip strength, 3) severe fatigue, 4) slow 4‐m walking speed, and 5) low physical activity. Individuals with one to two or zero deficits were considered “pre‐frail” or “robust,” respectively. Physical function and RA disease activity were assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI), respectively, at baseline and follow‐up 2 years later. Regression analyses modeled associations of frailty status with change in HAQ and RADAI scores between baseline and follow‐up with and without controlling for covariates. Associations of individual frailty components with change in HAQ and RADAI scores were also examined.

Results

Among adults with RA, baseline frailty status predicted significant increases, or worsening, in HAQ (β: 0.4; 95% confidence interval: 0.1‐0.8; P < 0.01) but not RADAI scores (β: 0.5; 95% confidence interval: −0.4 to 1.5; P > 0.05) between baseline and follow‐up in fully adjusted models. Fatigue was an important contributor to this effect.

Conclusion

Frailty may be an important risk factor for reduced physical function over time in RA. Future studies should address whether interventions to reduce frailty improve physical function in RA.
Silicon Oxycarbide—Tin Nanocomposite as a High‐Power‐Density Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dubey Romain J.‐C. , Sasikumar Pradeep Vallachira Warriam , Krumeich Frank , Blugan Gurdial , Kuebler Jakob , Kravchyk Kostiantyn V. , Graule Thomas , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: July 2019

Tin‐based materials are an emerging class of Li‐ion anodes with considerable potential for use in high‐energy‐density Li‐ion batteries. However, the long‐lasting electrochemical performance of Sn remains a formidable challenge due to the large volume changes occurring upon its lithiation. The prevailing approaches toward stabilization of such electrodes involve embedding Sn in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) in an active/inactive matrix. The matrix helps to buffer the volume changes of Sn, impart better electronic connectivity and prevent particle aggregation upon lithiation/delithiation. Herein, facile synthesis of Sn NPs embedded in a SiOC matrix via the pyrolysis of a preceramic polymer as a single‐source precursor is reported. This polymer contains Sn 2‐ethyl‐hexanoate (Sn(Oct)2) and poly(methylhydrosiloxane) as sources of Sn and Si, respectively. Upon functionalization with apolar divinyl benzene sidechains, the polymer is rendered compatible with Sn(Oct)2. This approach yields a homogeneous dispersion of Sn NPs in a SiOC matrix with sizes on the order of 5–30 nm. Anodes of the SiOC/Sn nanocomposite demonstrate high capacities of 644 and 553 mAh g−1 at current densities of 74.4 and 2232 mA g−1 (C/5 and 6C rates for graphite), respectively, and show superior rate capability with only 14% capacity decay at high currents.
Beyond the Belmont Principles: A Community‐Based Approach to Developing an Indigenous Ethics Model and Curriculum for Training Health Researchers Working with American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
Authors: Parker Myra , Pearson Cynthia , Donald Caitlin , Fisher Celia B.
Published: July 2019

Highlights

Community‐based consultation led to identification of culturally‐grounded ethical principles.

Culturally grounded principles support research with American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Including culturally based principles in an ethics training curriculum supports research with AI/AN.
Trauma‐Informed Programs Based in Schools: Linking Concepts to Practices and Assessing the Evidence
Authors: Herrenkohl Todd I. , Hong Sunghyun , Verbrugge Bethany
Published: July 2019

Highlights

Schools should play an important role in promoting resilience in children who experience trauma.

Schools remain poorly equipped to address the needs of children with trauma histories.

More research on classroom‐based and school‐wide trauma‐informed interventions is required.

Evaluation of school‐based programs requires designs suited to complex environments.

Questions remain as to how to position programs to improve access to services and sustainability.
Extramedullary leukemia behaving as solid cancer: clinical, histologic, and genetic clues to chemoresistance in organ sites
Authors: Cunningham Isabel , Hamele‐Bena Diane , Guo Yan , Shiomi Takayuki , Papp Audrey C. , Chakravarti Bandana , Yang Jianqi , Shyr Yu , Fisher Rory A.
Published: July 2019

Recent studies of leukemic tumors in individual extramedullary sites showed they adopt the clinical and metastatic behavior of solid cancers originating in those sites. To elucidate features of leukemic tumors that render them resistant to agents effective against marrow leukemia, we analyzed a series of AML breast tumors by histology, immunohistochemistry, and RNA sequencing. Striking histologic similarities to solid cancers were found: a single‐filing architectural pattern virtually identical to that of invasive lobular breast carcinoma and dense desmoplastic keloid‐like fibrosis similar to colon, gallbladder, and pancreas carcinomas. Sequencing found 2157 genes significantly downregulated in AML breast tumors compared to normal breast. Comparison to triple‐negative breast cancer found 859 genes similarly downregulated. At least 30 of these genes have been associated with poor prognosis in breast cancers. Five were reported in AML marrow studies to correlate with poor prognosis. The findings of this pilot study suggest the seed‐and‐soil interaction recognized in solid cancer growth may help explain how leukemic cells, in some patients, adopt solid tumor behavior in non‐marrow sites. Transformed cells that metastasize from tumor to marrow can impart chemoresistance and be an unrecognized cause of treatment failure and death. Further studies comparing leukemic tumor to simultaneous marrow could potentially identify biomarkers that predict extramedullary resistance and lead to new therapeutic targets. Recognizing the potential for leukemia to adopt solid tumor phenotype, and implementation of body scanning and ablative tumor treatment, could decrease the persistently high rates of marrow resistance and treatment failure.
Stabilizing Liquids Using Interfacial Supramolecular Polymerization
Authors: Gu Pei‐Yang , Chai Yu , Hou Honghao , Xie Ganhua , Jiang Yufeng , Xu Qing‐Feng , Liu Feng , Ashby Paul D. , Lu Jian‐Mei , Russell Thomas P.
Published: July 2019

The strong electrostatic interactions at the oil–water interface between a small molecule, 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin, H6TPPS, dissolved in water, and an amine terminated hydrophobic polymer dissolved in oil are shown to produce a supramolecular polymer surfactant (SPS) of H6TPPS at the interface with a binding energy that is sufficiently strong to allow an intermolecular aggregation of the supramolecular polymers. SPSs at the oil–water interface are confirmed by in situ real‐space atomic force microcopy imaging. The assemblies of these aggregates can jam at the interface, opening a novel route to kinetically trap the liquids in non‐equilibrium shapes. The elastic film, comprised of SPSs, wrinkles upon compression, providing a strategy to stabilize liquids in non‐equilibrium shapes.
Tetrahydroxy‐Perylene Bisimide Embedded in a Zinc Oxide Thin Film as an Electron‐Transporting Layer for High‐Performance Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wen Xinbo , Nowak‐Król Agnieszka , Nagler Oliver , Kraus Felix , Zhu Na , Zheng Nan , Müller Matthias , Schmidt David , Xie Zengqi , Würthner Frank
Published: July 2019

By introduction of four hydroxy (HO) groups into the two perylene bisimide (PBI) bay areas, new HO‐PBI ligands were obtained which upon deprotonation can complex ZnII ions and photosensitize semiconductive zinc oxide thin films. Such coordination is beneficial for dispersing PBI photosensitizer molecules evenly into metal oxide films to fabricate organic–inorganic hybrid interlayers for organic solar cells. Supported by the photoconductive effect of the ZnO:HO‐PBI hybrid interlayers, improved electron collection and transportation is achieved in fullerene and non‐fullerene polymer solar cell devices, leading to remarkable power conversion efficiencies of up to 15.95 % for a non‐fullerene based organic solar cell.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,4‐Keto‐Alkenylboronate Esters and 1,4‐Dicarbonyls
Authors: Liang Michael Z. , Meek Simon J.
Published: July 2019

A catalytic enantioselective method for the synthesis of 1,4‐keto‐alkenylboronate esters by a rhodium‐catalyzed conjugate addition pathway is disclosed. A variety of novel, bench‐stable alkenyl gem‐diboronate esters are synthesized. These easily accessible reagents react smoothly with a collection of cyclic α,β‐unsaturated ketones, generating a new C−C bond and stereocenter. Products are isolated in up to 99 % yield with greater than 20:1 E/Z and greater than 99:1 e.r. Mechanistic studies show the site‐selectivity of transmetalation and reactivity is ligand dependent. The utility of the approach is highlighted by gram‐scale synthesis of enantioenriched cyclic 1,4‐diketones, and stereoselective transformations of the products by hydrogenation, allylation, and isomerization.
Bioinspired Unidirectional Silk Fibroin–Silver Compound Nanowire Composite Scaffold via Interface‐Mediated In Situ Synthesis
Authors: Xue Jingzhe , Gao Huai‐Ling , Wang Xiang‐Ying , Qian Kun‐Yu , Yang Yuan , He Tao , He Chuanxin , Lu Yang , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: July 2019

Bioinspired unidirectional porous materials have emerged as a unique class of scaffolds for the fabrication of macroscopic nanomaterial assemblies. However, these scaffolds usually serve simply as mechanical carriers to support various building blocks. Here, we report that the unidirectional silk fibroin scaffold can not only act as a carrier, but also serve as a controllable multiscale reactor to achieve the in situ synthesis of a Ag3PO4 nanowire network anchored to ordered channels. Both the silk fibroin matrix and the interface play important roles in the nucleation and growth of the Ag3PO4 nanowires. This unidirectional composite scaffold can be used for efficient water disinfection. Furthermore, the facile chemical transformation of Ag3PO4 in the composite scaffold into Ag2S provided an analogous unidirectional composite silk scaffold that displays both efficient solar water evaporation effect and antibacterial activity. It is expected that this method can be extended to fabricate a series of silk‐based unidirectional composite scaffolds with varying functionalities.
Conversion to Chlorhexidine Gluconate for Perioperative Vaginal Preparation: An Evidence‐Based Process Improvement Project
Authors: Lee Amy S. D.
Published: July 2019

Surgical site infections (SSIs) occur during the postoperative period and involve the operative site. To lower the occurrence of SSIs in their patient population, the gynecology SSI prevention committee at a large academic medical institution initiated a process improvement project examining vaginal antiseptic skin prep solutions. Some studies indicate that chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is superior to povidone‐iodine in the reduction of microbial skin counts and SSIs. After reviewing the available literature, the committee members determined there was an opportunity to make an evidence‐based practice change and realize significant cost savings by converting povidone‐iodine prepping kits to CHG prepping kits for vaginal procedures. The committee members worked with perioperative and facility leaders to revise the vaginal preparation policy, provide staff member education, and convert to CHG prepping kits. Facility leaders supported this cost‐saving conversion for all perioperative units, and the project led to a successful, large‐scale, evidence‐based process improvement.
Estimation of the solubility with cosolvent composition by combinated of the Williams–Amidon model with quasi virial coefficient
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Zhang Xinwei
Published: July 2019

A new model that combined the Williams–Amidon model with quasi virial coefficient (WA‐QVC) was proposed. Compared with the log‐linear model, the modified Wilson model, and the Williams–Amidon model, the WA‐QVC model has the highest accuracy to correlate the solubility for cosolvent composition, R2>0.999. For lutelin, it can be seen that the order of R2 was WA‐QVC>WA>MW>L‐L, while the order of root‐mean‐square deviation was WA‐QVC<WA<MW<L‐L. Subsequently, the physical meaning of several model parameters of B1, X1, B2, B3, and α were discussed and described by the Apelblat model, the exponential model, and the quadratic equation. In addition, the WA‐QVC model was tested and verified by solubility data of different solutes in different mixture with higher accuracy, indicating that the WA‐QVC model has great application prospect.
Membrane functionalization using bisamide‐based organic frameworks for molecular weight cutoff reduction
Authors: Wagh Priyesh , Spencer John , Steele Brandon , Escobar Isabel C.
Published: July 2019

Functional polymers or copolymers have been added to separations membranes by incorporating them in the membrane dope prior to casting, by in situ polymerization, and by postsynthesis surface modification of existing membranes. Here, a postsynthesis membrane functionalization that targeted decreasing the molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) and increasing the hydrophilicity without significantly decreasing the operating flux was studied. Hybrid bisamide molecules with added amine and carboxylic acid functionalities as end groups were synthesized to form a selective layer on membrane surface via covalent attachment to the membrane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the functional groups corresponding to bisamide molecules were present on modified membranes. Furthermore, modified membranes displayed MWCO of 400 Da as compared to 1000 Da MWCO of unmodified membranes, along with an increase in the hydrophilicity of modified membranes. Modified membranes showed an improvement in divalent salt rejection and percent flux recovered after reverse‐flow filtration as compared to unmodified membranes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48327.
Multispectral remote sensing for post‐dictive analysis of archaeological remains. A case study from Bronte (Sicily)
Authors: Gennaro Andrea , Candiano Alessio , Fargione Gabriele , Mangiameli Michele , Mussumeci Giuseppe
Published: July 2019

In recent years, the use of remote sensing in archeology has rapidly grown, having being proven particularly useful for landscape archaeology investigations. The quality of results obtained through remote sensing mainly depends on the number of bands that can be exploited, the spatial and spectral resolution of imagery and the methodology used. In this work, adopting a post‐dictive approach, multispectral remote sensing data from World‐View 2 (WV‐2) were used in order to detect archaeological features in the volcanic area of Bronte (Sicily, Italy), a town 40 km from Catania. The selected area lies in the western slope of Etna, inside the boundary of Etna Park. Here, the archaeological research is affected by specific problems. The geology and the spontaneous vegetation of this fascinating environment represents one of the biggest issues. The entire research was conducted using free and open source software (FOSS) within a low‐cost logic that allows study of landscapes using limited budget. The strategy developed in our study is directed towards a post‐dictive approach to archeological data and remote sensing techniques. We analyzed an area where archeological buildings are now visible, but WV‐2 multispectral images have been deliberately selected prior to the archaeological excavations carried out in 2015. In this way, we can evaluate and test instruments and techniques at our disposal, emphasizing weaknesses and strengths. The final results illustrate the benefits and challenges of performing multispectral imagines for archaeological investigations. The use of some of the most promising vegetation indices, especially Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Simple Ratio Index (SRI), is analysed and discussed, while the post‐dictive approach suggests that the more useful bands are undoubtedly NIR_1 and RED_EDGE.
Cultural Heritage Information Practices and iSchools Education for Achieving Sustainable Development
Authors: Koya Kushwanth , Chowdhury Gobinda
Published: July 2019

Since 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) began the process of inculcating culture as part of the United Nations' (UN) post‐2015 Sustainable (former Millennium) Development Goals, which member countries agreed to achieve by 2030. By conducting a thematic analysis of the 25 UN commissioned reports and policy documents, this research identifies 14 broad cultural heritage information themes that need to be practiced in order to achieve cultural sustainability, of which information platforms, information sharing, information broadcast, information quality, information usage training, information access, information collection, and contribution appear to be the significant themes. An investigation of education on cultural heritage informatics and digital humanities at iSchools (www.ischools.org) using a gap analysis framework demonstrates the core information science skills required for cultural heritage education. The research demonstrates that: (i) a thematic analysis of cultural heritage policy documents can be used to explore the key themes for cultural informatics education and research that can lead to sustainable development; and (ii) cultural heritage information education should cover a series of skills that can be categorized in five key areas, viz., information, technology, leadership, application, and people and user skills.