bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From nonequilibrium initial conditions to steady dryland vegetation patterns: How trajectories matter
Authors: Caviedes‐Voullième Daniel , Hinz Christoph
Published: February 2020

The multiscale nature of ecohydrological processes and feedbacks implies that vegetation patterns arising in water‐limited systems are directly linked to water redistribution processes occurring at much shorter timescales than vegetation growth. This in turn suggests that the initially available water in the system can play a role in determining the trajectory of the system, together with the well‐known role of the rainfall gradient. This work explores the role of initial hydrological conditions on vegetation dynamics and vegetation patterns. To do so, the HilleRisLambers–Rietkerk model was solved with different rainfall amounts and a large range of initial hydrological conditions spanning from near‐equilibrium to far‐from‐equilibrium conditions. The resulting vegetation patterns and ecohydrological signatures were quantitatively studied. The results show that not only do initial hydrological conditions play a role in the ecohydrological dynamics but also they can play a dominating one even resulting in divergent vegetation patterns that exhibit convergent mean‐field properties, including a new set of hybrid patterns. Our results highlight the relevance of assessing both global ecological and hydrological signatures and quantitatively assessing patterns to describe and understand system dynamics and in particular to determine if the systems are transient or steady. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the trajectories the system follows during its transient stages cannot be neglected to understand complex dependencies of the long‐term steady state to environmental factors and drivers.
Graphene‐Modified Mesoporous Iron Phosphate as Superior Binary Sulfur Host for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Jin Fan , Wang Bo , Ning Yu , Zhang Zekun , Yang Jing , Zhang Han , Wang Dianlong , Zhou Yu
Published: February 2020

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSB) are considered to have great research value and application prospects in the future due to their high theoretical energy density, inexpensive characteristics, and environmental friendliness. However, the poor electronic conductivity, large volume change, and shuttle effect of the sulfur cathode seriously hinder the commercial application of LSBs. Herein, a graphene‐modified mesoporous amorphous FePO4 (G/FP) binary host is synthesized using a mild one‐step hydrothermal method. The FePO4 (FP) component with strong polarity plays a crucial role in chemical adsorption and conversion of polysulfides, thus inhibiting the shuttle effect during the cycle process. The graphene (G) framework ensures the electronic conductivity and physically adsorbs polysulfides to improve the utilization of active sulfur. The reasonable porous structure of the G/FP matrix guarantees fast Li+ transport and more electrochemical reactive sites, thereby enabling the excellent electrochemical performance of the G/FP/S cathode. The prepared G/FP/S cathode with a high initial discharge specific capacity of 1469.5 mAh g−1 delivers a stable capacity of 840.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 300 cycles and 656.7 mAh g−1 at 1.0 C after 800 cycles as well as an excellent rate performance (651.8 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C) at a relatively large sulfur loading of 3.1 mg cm−2.
Investigating the vibration properties of integrated ceiling systems considering interactions with surrounding equipment
Authors: Qi Liangjie , Kunitomo Keiichiro , Kurata Masahiro , Ikeda Yoshiki
Published: February 2020

Studies on recent earthquakes highlighted that buildings with minimal structural damage still suffer from extensive damage and failure of nonstructural components. The dropping and damage of suspended ceiling systems, which typically consist of acceleration‐sensitive nonstructural elements, resulted in lengthy functional disruptions and extended recovery time. This article experimentally and analytically examined the vibration properties of an integrated ceiling system considering the interactions with surrounding electrical equipment. The theoretical stiffness and corresponding frequency of electrical equipment were initially derived and then verified by subsequent vibration tests and numerical analyses. The seismic performance of the air conditioner (AC) was evaluated with different installment configurations based on design spectra and floor response spectra. Vibration tests of the suspended integrated ceiling system considering the interactions with surrounding equipment showed that the inclusion of peripheral constraints increased the first horizontal vibration frequency of the ceiling system by a factor of approximately 6. The natural frequencies of all components in the integrated ceiling system were almost identical, which was attributed to the coupled behavior between the ceiling panels and surrounding equipment, emphasizing the effect of interactions between adjacent components during dynamic analysis. Based on the above experimental investigation, an associated numerical model of the integrated ceiling system was created. Finally, corresponding parametric studies that included the interactions with surrounding equipment, reinforcing braces of ACs and strengthening members at the rise‐up location between two elevations were performed.
BTDS: Bayesian‐based trust decision scheme for intelligent connected vehicles in VANETs
Authors: Fang Weidong , Zhang Wuxiong , Liu Yang , Yang Weiming , Gao Zhiwei
Published: February 2020

Intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) are becoming the mainstream of the global automotive industry in the future, and its information security issues gradually emerge. The heterogeneity of Vehicle Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs) and the mobility of terminal nodes make the defense against the security attacks very complex, especially the internal attacks. In this article, toward defense against the internal attacks for ICVs in VANETs, we first propose a Gaussian‐distribution‐based and third‐party‐recommendation trust management model, which is called GTTMM, to solve the issue that the trust value increases too fast under continuous cooperation. And Bayesian‐based trust decision scheme extending from GTTMM is named as BDTS, which incorporates the Bayesian Network, for defending against a variant of On‐Off attack, called high trust value On‐Off attack (HTV‐On‐Off attack). With the simulation study, it is demonstrated that, compared with reputation‐based framework for high integrity sensor networks (RFSN), a traditional trust management model under the Beta distribution, GTTMM can better satisfy the principle of trust value, that is, “hard to get, easy to lose”, while BDTS can defend against the HTV‐On‐Off attack effectively.
Callable bull/bear contracts, call auction sessions, and price manipulations: Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Lei Adrian C. H. , Ma Xiaorong , Yick Martin H. Y.
Published: February 2020

Call auction sessions are widely adopted to improve the price discovery process. The suspension of the closing call auction session (CAS) of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx) in 2009 and the reintroduction of an enhanced CAS in 2016 provide us a unique experimental environment to assess the effectiveness of the two different CAS models in reducing market manipulation. In examining the probability of mandatory call events (MCEs) of callable bull/bear contracts (CBBCs), we find the enhanced CAS model being more effective in price manipulation reduction. We also find the enhanced CAS reducing price manipulation in the preopening auction session.
Reconsidering interactive resilience processes in mental health: Implications for child and youth services
Authors: Liebenberg Linda
Published: February 2020

Research consistently demonstrates resilience as an interactive process, drawing on personal assets together with relational and contextual resources, to support improved outcomes in contexts of nonnormative adversity. What remains unclear are the dynamics of this process and what drives it. This article draws on a prior scoping review of the literature to conceptually explore the positioning of the individual within this dynamic interplay of risks, resilience, and sociocultural context as it pertains to child and youth mental health. The paper begins by summarizing findings from this scoping review, highlighting core resilience elements and processes. These are then considered in relational to the global meaning theory, situating meaning‐making as a key mechanism that mediates the interaction between individuals and their ecologies. Drawing on the literature, this article considers how this interaction shapes the particular ways in which resilience then manifests itself in the lives of individuals and becomes available as a resource to assist in the promotion of mental health.
2D and 3D immunogold localization on (epoxy) ultrathin sections with and without osmium tetroxide
Authors: Flechsler Jennifer , Heimerl Thomas , Pickl Carolin , Rachel Reinhard , Stierhof York‐Dieter , Klingl Andreas
Published: February 2020

For nearly 50 years immunogold labeling on ultrathin sections has been successfully used for protein localization in laboratories worldwide. In theory and in practice, this method has undergone continual improvement over time. In this study, we carefully analyzed circulating protocols for postembedding labeling to find out if they are still valid under modern laboratory conditions, and in addition, we tested unconventional protocols. For this, we investigated immunolabeling of Epon‐embedded cells, immunolabeling of cells treated with osmium, and the binding behavior of differently sized gold particles. Here we show that (in contrast to widespread belief) immunolabeling of Epon‐embedded cells and of cells treated with osmium tetroxide is actually working. Furthermore, we established a “speed protocol” for immunolabeling by reducing antibody incubation times. Finally, we present our results on three‐dimensional immunogold labeling.
Eliciting intelligence from sources informed about counter‐interrogation strategies: An experimental study on the Scharff technique
Authors: Rantamäki Sara , Antfolk Jan , Granhag Pär Anders , Santtila Pekka , Oleszkiewicz Simon
Published: February 2020

The Scharff technique aims to elicit information by affecting the source's perception of the interviewer's existing knowledge. Although the technique has been found to be effective for gathering new information, countermeasures to the technique have not been examined. In a 2 × 2 between‐subjects experiment, we informed half of the 120 sources about the counter‐interrogation strategy of carefully considering the interviewer's prior knowledge and the tactic of providing information perceived as already known to the interviewer. After this, sources were interviewed with the Scharff technique or the Direct approach, widely used in human intelligence‐gathering situations and consisting of open‐ended and direct questions. We found that “informed sources” did not succeed in revealing information already known to the interviewer, where informed sources and uninformed sources revealed known information to a similar degree (1.62 pieces vs. 1.65 pieces). Sources interviewed with the Direct approach (vs. Scharff technique) revealed a larger amount of information previously known to the interviewer (2.18 pieces vs. 1.08 pieces). When interviewed with the Scharff technique, sources informed about the counter‐interrogation strategy attempted to adopt more counter‐interrogation strategies. The present study replicates earlier research on the Scharff technique as a technique effective in affecting the source's perception of the interviewer's prior knowledge. The results of the current study indicate that both the Scharff technique and the Direct approach might be similarly robust against counter‐interrogation strategies, in terms of gathering new information. Future studies should focus on implementing more comprehensive training in counter‐interrogation strategies for the sources.
The confluence of knowledge management and management control systems: A conceptual framework
Authors: Asiaei Kaveh , Bontis Nick , Zakaria Zarina
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study seeks to synthesize theories from the knowledge‐based view (KBV) of the firm and management control systems (MCS) to explore how organizations leverage MCS in order to support their knowledge management (KM) agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The core premise of the “fit‐as‐mediation” view holds that knowledge factors may trigger positive changes in the design and usage of certain organizational mechanisms. This, in turn, can expedite information processing and thereby deliver more value to organizations.

Findings

Drawing upon the KBV of the firm and Simons' levers of control framework, the conceptual model of the study shows that the usage of particular organizational control systems, that is, the balanced use of MSC, can play a role in translating KM into improved performance. More precisely, the model indicates how KM is indirectly related to organizational performance through the mediating influence of the balanced use of MCS.

Practical implications

The paper may provoke practical courses of action by highlighting the importance of using a balanced and comprehensive MCS in order to support KM strategies and initiatives.

Originality/value

Based on a unique synthesis of the KBV and the fit‐as‐mediation notion of contingency view, this study provides new insights into the association between KM and organizational performance. This is the first study that introduces a mediating effect of the balanced use of MCS between KM and organizational performance.
Outcomes and Predictive Value of Post‐adjuvant Therapy PET/CT for Locally Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Qian David C. , Magliocca Kelly R. , Aiken Ashley H. , Baugnon Kristen L. , Brandon David C. , Stokes William A. , McDonald Mark W. , Patel Mihir R. , Baddour Harry M. , Kaka Azeem S. , Steuer Conor E. , Saba Nabil F. , Shin Dong M. , Beitler Jonathan J.
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

For locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treated by surgery and adjuvant therapy, consensus has yet to be reached on whether the optimal time to initiate surveillance positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan is before or after adjuvant therapy. In this study, we characterize the utility of PET/CT scans obtained 3 months after adjuvant therapy.

Study Design

PET/CT scans were obtained for 220 patients with stage III, IVA, or IVB OSCC who underwent resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

Using the Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System, PET/CT scans were dichotomized as suspicious (primary or neck category ≥3, or distant lesion present) versus nonsuspicious. We then computed differences in locoregional progression, distant progression, and overall survival; positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity; and success rate of salvage.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients (30%) had suspicious PET/CT scans, which were significantly associated with local failure (hazard ratio [HR] 14.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.3–26.6), distant failure (HR 18.4, 95% CI 9.6–35.3), and poorer overall survival (HR 9.5, 95% CI 5.0–17.9). Overall PPV, locoregional PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity were 85%, 79%, 73%, 58%, and 92%, respectively. Among those with biopsy‐confirmed progression, 37 patients (65%) underwent salvage therapy; four (11%) were without evidence of disease at last follow‐up.

Conclusions

For locally advanced OSCC, PET/CT scan 3 months after adjuvant therapy is strongly predictive of disease recurrence and survival, demonstrating improved performance over postoperative imaging in previous studies. Following a suspicious post‐adjuvant therapy PET/CT scan, cure of locoregional recurrence is possible but unlikely.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2020
Stoichiometric constraints on phytoplankton resource use efficiency in monocultures and mixtures
Authors: Frank Franziska , Danger Michael , Hillebrand Helmut , Striebel Maren
Published: February 2020

A central concept for understanding the mechanisms linking diversity and primary production or more general, ecosystem functioning, is resource use efficiency (RUE). It quantifies the amount of biomass production over time relative to unit resource supplied, that is, represents a quota of matter use efficiency. Given anthropogenic alterations of biogeochemical cycles, the consequent changes in supply rate and especially supply ratio of nutrients will change. Using four species of freshwater phytoplankton, and their mixture, we asked how the RUE for nitrogen and phosphorus depends on the stoichiometry of resource supply and how this differs between single species and their mixture. We conducted a factorial laboratory experiment spanning 25 different nutrient supply treatments with differing absolute and relative nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations. N and P supply increased biomass production and decreased C : nutrient ratios and RUE for the respective nutrient, but always significantly affected by the supply of the respective other nutrient. Biomass peaked at molar N : P supply ratios above the Redfield ratio (18–22). Species tended to respond similarly to the resource gradients. Consequently, mixtures outperformed the component species only during early growth responses, but not regarding maximum biomass and RUE. Bioassays performed at the end of the main experiment revealed predominance of N‐limitation, but again strongly depending on the interaction between both nutrient gradients. Our study suggests that stoichiometric constraints of resource incorporation and RUE need to be accounted for when studying the response of phytoplankton to natural and anthropogenic variation in resource availability.
Shallow coral reef free ocean carbon enrichment: Novel in situ flumes to manipulate pCO2 on shallow tropical coral reef communities
Authors: Srednick Griffin , Bergman Jessica L. , Doo Steve S. , Hawthorn Myron , Ferree Jeffrey , Rojas Roberto , Arias Rogelio , Edmunds Peter J. , Carpenter Robert C.
Published: February 2020

Given the severe implications of climate change and ocean acidification (OA) for marine ecosystems, there is an urgent need to quantify ecosystem function in present‐day conditions to determine the impacts of future changes in environmental conditions. For tropical coral reefs that are acutely threatened by these effects, the metabolism of benthic communities provides several metrics suitable for this purpose, but the application of infrastructure to manipulate conditions and measure community responses is not fully realized. To date, most studies of the effects of OA on coral reefs have been conducted ex situ, and while greater ecological relevance can be achieved through free ocean carbon enrichment (FOCE) experiments on undisturbed areas of reef, such approaches have been deterred by technical challenges (e.g., spatial scale and duration, stable maintenance of conditions). In this study, we describe novel experimental infrastructure called shallow coral reef (SCoRe) FOCE to overcome these challenges and present data from a proof of concept application in Mo'orea, French Polynesia. Our objectives were to (1) implement an autonomous system that could be deployed kilometers from shore, (2) regulate the chemical (pCO2) and physical properties of seawater over undisturbed, shallow (∼2–5‐m depth) coral reef over multiple weeks, and (3) measure the metabolic response of the coral community to the treatment conditions. We describe the design, function, and application of the SCoRe FOCE, and present data demonstrating its efficacy. This infrastructure has great potential for advancing ecologically relevant studies of the effects of changing environmental conditions on coral reefs.
A Novel XK Gene Mutation Causative of McLeod Syndrome
Authors: Srikanth Priya , Al‐Louzi Omar A. , Bowley Michael P. , Videnovic Aleksandar
Published: February 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
Diffusion model comparison identifies distinct tumor sub‐regions and tracks treatment response
Authors: McHugh Damien J. , Lipowska‐Bhalla Grazyna , Babur Muhammad , Watson Yvonne , Peset Isabel , Mistry Hitesh B. , Hubbard Cristinacce Penny L. , Naish Josephine H. , Honeychurch Jamie , Williams Kaye J. , O'Connor James P. B. , Parker Geoffrey J. M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

MRI biomarkers of tumor response to treatment are typically obtained from parameters derived from a model applied to pre‐treatment and post‐treatment data. However, as tumors are spatially and temporally heterogeneous, different models may be necessary in different tumor regions, and model suitability may change over time. This work evaluates how the suitability of two diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI models varies spatially within tumors at the voxel level and in response to radiotherapy, potentially allowing inference of qualitatively different tumor microenvironments.

Methods

DW‐MRI data were acquired in CT26 subcutaneous allografts before and after radiotherapy. Restricted and time‐independent diffusion models were compared, with regions well‐described by the former hypothesized to reflect cellular tissue, and those well‐described by the latter expected to reflect necrosis or oedema. Technical and biological validation of the percentage of tissue described by the restricted diffusion microstructural model (termed %MM) was performed through simulations and histological comparison.

Results

Spatial and radiotherapy‐related variation in model suitability was observed. %MM decreased from a mean of 64% at baseline to 44% 6 days post‐radiotherapy in the treated group. %MM correlated negatively with the percentage of necrosis from histology, but overestimated it due to noise. Within MM regions, microstructural parameters were sensitive to radiotherapy‐induced changes.

Conclusions

There is spatial and radiotherapy‐related variation in different models’ suitability for describing diffusion in tumor tissue, suggesting the presence of different and changing tumor sub‐regions. The biological and technical validation of the proposed %MM cancer imaging biomarker suggests it correlates with, but overestimates, the percentage of necrosis.
Terms of engagement: Facebook and Twitter use among nonprofit human service organizations
Authors: Campbell David A. , Lambright Kristina T.
Published: February 2020

This study uses Lovejoy and Saxton's (2012) hierarchy of engagement to analyze how nonprofit human service organizations use Facebook and Twitter to engage stakeholders. Their framework has not been applied to this nonprofit subgroup, and most previous scholarship on this topic focuses on just one platform. We also contribute by drawing on organizational theory to better understand variation in the modes of engagement organizations emphasize. Based on our analysis, we add new subcategories to the hierarchy of engagement. In addition, we find that compared to other nonprofit subgroups examined in previous research, the organizations in our sample placed a greater emphasis on using social media messages to ask stakeholders to take action. We report only modest variations in how organizations were using Facebook and Twitter. Finally, according to our results, resource dependence and stewardship theories help explain the modes of engagement organizations prioritize.
Perspectives of older patients on the qualities which define a “good family nurse”: A qualitative study
Authors: Marcinowicz Ludmila , Taranta Ewa
Published: February 2020

Aim

To explore what the term “good family nurse” means to older patients.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study design was used, and a purposive sampling method was adopted.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients aged 65 years and older who were receiving primary care in Bialystok (Poland). The interviews were recorded and then transcribed in verbatim. The data were analysed using content analysis. Data were collected between February 2017 and December 2018.

Results

We identified six main categories of qualities that define a “good family nurse”. These are as follows: (a) personal traits and attributes (sex and individual characteristics and behaviours not directly related to nursing); (b) providing care (caring attitude and patient support); (c) communicating with the patient (the ability to listen and inform the patient); (d) professional competence (knowledge, professional experience and good technical skills); (e) ethical attitude (respect, patience and vocation); and (f) availability (the frequency and duration of home visits, organization of the doctor's appointments).
Shedding Light Onto the Nature of Iron Decorated Graphene and Graphite Oxide Nanohybrids for CO2 Conversion at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Owen Rhodri E. , Cortezon‐Tamarit Fernando , Calatayud David G. , Evans Enid A. , Mitchell Samuel I. J. , Mao Boyang , Palomares Francisco J. , Mitchels John , Plucinski Pawel , Mattia Davide , Jones Matthew D. , Pascu Sofia I.
Published: February 2020

We report on the design and testing of new graphite and graphene oxide‐based extended π‐conjugated synthetic scaffolds for applications in sustainable chemistry transformations. Nanoparticle‐functionalised carbonaceous catalysts for new Fischer Tropsch and Reverse GasWater Shift (RGWS) transformations were prepared: functional graphene oxides emerged from graphite powders via an adapted Hummer's method and subsequently impregnated with uniform‐sized nanoparticles. Then the resulting nanomaterials were imaged by TEM, SEM, EDX, AFM and characterised by IR, XPS and Raman spectroscopies prior to incorporation of Pd(II) promoters and further microscopic and spectroscopic analysis. Newly synthesised 2D and 3D layered nanostructures incorporating carbon‐supported iron oxide nanoparticulate pre‐catalysts were tested, upon hydrogen reduction in situ, for the conversion of CO2 to CO as well as for the selective formation of CH4 and longer chain hydrocarbons. The reduction reaction was also carried out and the catalytic species isolated and fully characterised. The catalytic activity of a graphene oxide‐supported iron oxide pre‐catalyst converted CO2 into hydrocarbons at different temperatures (305, 335, 370 and 405 °C), and its activity compared well with that of the analogues supported on graphite oxide, the 3‐dimensional material precursor to the graphene oxide. Investigation into the use of graphene oxide as a framework for catalysis showed that it has promising activity with respect to reverse gas water shift (RWGS) reaction of CO2 to CO, even at the low levels of catalyst used and under the rather mild conditions employed at atmospheric pressure. Whilst the γ‐Fe2O3 decorated graphene oxide‐based pre‐catalyst displays fairly constant activity up to 405 °C, it was found by GC‐MS analysis to be unstable with respect to decomposition at higher temperatures. The addition of palladium as a promoter increased the activity of the iron functionalised graphite oxide in the RWGS. The activity of graphene oxide supported catalysts was found to be enhanced with respect to that of iron‐functionalised graphite oxide with, or without palladium as a promoter, and comparable to that of Fe@carbon nanotube‐based systems tested under analogous conditions. These results display a significant step forward for the catalytic activity estimations for the iron functionalised and rapidly processable and scalable graphene oxide. The hereby investigated phenomena are of particular relevance for the understanding of the intimate surface morphologies and the potential role of non‐covalent interactions in the iron oxide‐graphene oxide networks, which could inform the design of nano‐materials with performance in future sustainable catalysis applications.
High‐Pressure High‐Temperature Single‐Crystal Diamond Type IIa Characterization for Particle Detectors
Authors: Chernykh Sergey V. , Chernykh Alexey V. , Tarelkin Sergey A. , Kondakov Mikhail N. , Shcherbachev Kirill D. , Trifonova Ekaterina V. , Drozdova Taisia E. , Troschiev Sergey Yu. , Prikhodko Dmitry D. , Glybin Yury N. , Chubenko Alexander P. , Britvich Gennady I. , Kiselev Dmitry A. , Polushin Nikolay I. , Rabinovich Oleg I. , Didenko Sergey I.
Published: February 2020

Various samples of multisectoral high‐pressure high‐temperature (HPHT) single‐crystal diamond plate (IIa type) (4 × 4 × 0.53 mm) are tested for particle detection applications. The samples are investigated by X‐ray diffractometry, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, and visible/ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy. High crystalline perfection and low impurity concentration (in the {100} growth sector) are observed. To investigate detector parameters, circular 1.0 and 1.5 mm diameter Pt Schottky barrier contacts are created on {111} and {100} growth sectors. On the backside, a Pt contact (3.5 × 3.5 mm) is produced. The {100} growth sector is proved to be a high‐quality detector: the full width at half maximum energy resolution is 0.94% for the 5.489 MeV 226Ra α‐line at an operational bias of +500 V. Therefore, it is concluded that the HPHT material {100} growth sector is used for radiation detector production, whose quality is not worse than the chemical vapor deposition method or specially selected natural diamond detectors.
Robust global controller design for discrete‐time descriptor systems with multiple time‐varying delays
Authors: Mobayen Saleh , Bayat Farhad , Omidvar Hossein , Fekih Afef
Published: February 2020

Descriptor systems are ubiquitous in many complex practical systems including spacecraft, electrical networks, economic systems, robotic, vibrational, and structural systems. Time delays are ubiquitous in those complex systems. If not addressed properly at the control design stage, they will result in singularities such as oscillation, instability, degraded performance. This article proposes a novel linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐based global sliding mode control (GSMC) approach for uncertain discrete‐time descriptor systems with multiple time‐varying delays. Strict LMI conditions are established based on free‐weighting matrices and the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional to guarantee admissible closed‐loop dynamics, that is, regular, causal, and stable. The sufficient condition for the asymptotic stability of the sliding mode dynamics is obtained based on the Lyapunov stability theorem and LMI constraint. The GSMC approach is then formulated based on a global sliding surface to ensure robust performance of the closed‐loop system against parametric uncertainties and time delays, while eliminating the reaching phase. The global sliding surface ensures robust performance without the need for a reaching phase, thus establishing sliding around the surface right from the beginning and reducing the control effort. The effectiveness and validity of the proposed approach is assessed using a numerical example.
Developmental Trajectories of Phonological Information Processing in Upper Elementary Students With Reading or Spelling Disabilities
Authors: Schmidt Claudia , Brandenburg Janin , Busch Jenny , Büttner Gerhard , Grube Dietmar , Mähler Claudia , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: February 2020

Deficits in phonological information processing in upper elementary students with specific learning disabilities in reading or spelling may increase, decrease, or remain stable over time. The authors examined the development of phonological processing longitudinally in 209 students (109 with learning disabilities and 100 typically achieving; n = 127 boys) in Germany, from grade 3 to grade 5 (ages 8–11; mean age at recruitment = 8 years 6.78 months, SD = 5.39 months). Latent change score models revealed that the development of rapid automatized naming was best described as a decreasing deficit, whereas a persistent deficit in phonological awareness was observed. Differences between students with and without learning disabilities regarding the phonological loop increased over time. Further, there were no developmental differences as a function of reading versus spelling deficits. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Estimating treatment effects under untestable assumptions with nonignorable missing data
Authors: Gomes Manuel , Kenward Michael G. , Grieve Richard , Carpenter James
Published: February 2020

Nonignorable missing data poses key challenges for estimating treatment effects because the substantive model may not be identifiable without imposing further assumptions. For example, the Heckman selection model has been widely used for handling nonignorable missing data but requires the study to make correct assumptions, both about the joint distribution of the missingness and outcome and that there is a valid exclusion restriction. Recent studies have revisited how alternative selection model approaches, for example estimated by multiple imputation (MI) and maximum likelihood, relate to Heckman‐type approaches in addressing the first hurdle. However, the extent to which these different selection models rely on the exclusion restriction assumption with nonignorable missing data is unclear. Motivated by an interventional study (REFLUX) with nonignorable missing outcome data in half of the sample, this article critically examines the role of the exclusion restriction in Heckman, MI, and full‐likelihood selection models when addressing nonignorability. We explore the implications of the different methodological choices concerning the exclusion restriction for relative bias and root‐mean‐squared error in estimating treatment effects. We find that the relative performance of the methods differs in practically important ways according to the relevance and strength of the exclusion restriction. The full‐likelihood approach is less sensitive to alternative assumptions about the exclusion restriction than Heckman‐type models and appears an appropriate method for handling nonignorable missing data. We illustrate the implications of method choice for inference in the REFLUX study, which evaluates the effect of laparoscopic surgery on long‐term quality of life for patients with gastro‐oseophageal reflux disease.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors roflumilast and vardenafil prevent sleep deprivation‐induced deficits in spatial pattern separation
Authors: Heckman Pim R. A. , Roig Kuhn Femke , Raven Frank , Bolsius Youri G. , Prickaerts Jos , Meerlo Peter , Havekes Robbert
Published: February 2020

Sleep deprivation (SD) is known to impair hippocampus‐dependent memory processes, in part by stimulating the phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. In the present study, we assessed in mice whether SD also affects spatial pattern separation, a cognitive process that specifically requires the dentate gyrus (DG) subregion of the hippocampus. Adult male mice were trained in an object pattern separation (OPS) task in the middle of the light phase and then tested 24 hr thereafter. In total, we conducted three studies using the OPS task. In the first study, we validated the occurrence of pattern separation and tested the effects of SD. We found that 6 hr of SD during the first half of the light phase directly preceding the test trial impaired the spatial pattern separation performance. As a next step, we assessed in two consecutive studies whether the observed SD‐induced performance deficits could be prevented by the systemic application of two different PDE inhibitors that are approved for human use. Both the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast and PDE5 inhibitor vardenafil successfully prevented SD‐induced deficits in spatial pattern separation. As a result, these PDE inhibitors have clinical potential for the prevention of memory deficits associated with loss of sleep.
Generation Y in der Chirurgie – der Konkurrenzkampf um Talente in Zeiten des Nachwuchsmangels
Authors: Schneider Kristian Nikolaus , Masthoff Max , Gosheger Georg , Schopow Nikolas , Theil Jan Christoph , Marschall Bernhard , Zehrfeld Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Chirurgische Fachdisziplinen kämpfen mit einem kritischen und sich zuspitzenden Nachwuchsproblem. Potenzielle Berufsanfänger zählen zur Generation Y, die Chefärzte und Personalabteilungen regelmäßig vor große Herausforderungen stellt. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Analyse verschiedener Maßnahmen der Personalakquise unter Berücksichtigung erhobener Motivationsfaktoren junger Medizinstudenten.

Material und Methoden

Umfrage unter Medizinstudenten des 1. und 9. Fachsemesters (FS) einer medizinischen Fakultät zu individuellen Motivationsfaktoren, der angestrebten Facharztweiterbildung und der gesammelten Berufserfahrung in der Chirurgie.

Ergebnisse

Ergebnisse von 179 der 269 befragten Medizinstudenten (66,5 %) konnten ausgewertet werden. Das Interesse an einer chirurgischen Facharztweiterbildung ist im 1. FS hoch (21 %) – fällt jedoch bis zum 9. FS deutlich ab (13 %;p = 0,23). Medizinstudenten, die im 9. FS „Aufstieg und Anerkennung“ gegenüber „flexible Arbeitszeiten“ präferieren, zeigen ein signifikant höheres Interesse an einer chirurgischen Weiterbildung (p = 0,022). Erworbene chirurgische Berufserfahrung wird mit einer durchschnittlichen Schulnote von 2+ bewertet.

Schlussfolgerung

Das hohe Grundinteresse an einer chirurgischen Facharztweiterbildung zu Studienbeginn ist ein Wettbewerbsvorteil der Chirurgie. Die vielfältigen Rekrutierungsanstrengungen setzen jedoch oft erst gegen Ende des Studiums an. Zur langfristigen Nachwuchsbindung haben sich insbesondere frühzeitige Programme mit „Hands-on“-Charakter im chirurgischen Kernarbeitsbereich – dem Operationssaal – als erfolgreich erwiesen.
A comprehensive and comparative phenotypic analysis of the collaborative founder strains identifies new and known phenotypes
Authors:   Mouse Phenome Database Team, Kollmus Heike , Fuchs Helmut , Lengger Christoph , Haselimashhadi Hamed , Bogue Molly A. , Östereicher Manuela A. , Horsch Marion , Adler Thure , Aguilar-Pimentel Juan Antonio , Amarie Oana Veronica , Becker Lore , Beckers Johannes , Calzada-Wack Julia , Garrett Lillian , Hans Wolfgang , Hölter Sabine M. , Klein-Rodewald Tanja , Maier Holger , Mayer-Kuckuk Philipp , Miller Gregor , Moreth Kristin , Neff Frauke , Rathkolb Birgit , Rácz Ildikó , Rozman Jan , Spielmann Nadine , Treise Irina , Busch Dirk , Graw Jochen , Klopstock Thomas , Wolf Eckhard , Wurst Wolfgang , Yildirim Ali Önder , Mason Jeremy , Torres Arturo , Balling Rudi , Mehaan Terry , Gailus-Durner Valerie , Schughart Klaus , Hrabě de Angelis Martin
Published: February 2020

The collaborative cross (CC) is a large panel of mouse-inbred lines derived from eight founder strains (NOD/ShiLtJ, NZO/HILtJ, A/J, C57BL/6J, 129S1/SvImJ, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ). Here, we performed a comprehensive and comparative phenotyping screening to identify phenotypic differences and similarities between the eight founder strains. In total, more than 300 parameters including allergy, behavior, cardiovascular, clinical blood chemistry, dysmorphology, bone and cartilage, energy metabolism, eye and vision, immunology, lung function, neurology, nociception, and pathology were analyzed; in most traits from sixteen females and sixteen males. We identified over 270 parameters that were significantly different between strains. This study highlights the value of the founder and CC strains for phenotype-genotype associations of many genetic traits that are highly relevant to human diseases. All data described here are publicly available from the mouse phenome database for analyses and downloads.
Exploring the potential of polyethylene terephthalate in the design of antibacterial surfaces
Authors: Çaykara Tugçe , Sande Maria G. , Azoia Nuno , Rodrigues Ligia R. , Silva Carla Joana
Published: February 2020

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most used polymeric materials in the health care sector mainly due to its advantages that include biocompatibility, high uniformity, mechanical strength and resistance against chemicals and/or abrasion. However, avoiding bacterial contamination on PET is still an unsolved challenge and two main strategies are being explored to overcome this drawback: the anti-adhesive and biocidal modification of PET surface. While bacterial adhesion depends on several surface properties namely surface charge and energy, hydrophilicity and surface roughness, a biocidal effect can be obtained by antimicrobial compounds attached to the surface to inhibit the growth of bacteria (bacteriostatic) or kill bacteria (bactericidal). Therefore, it is well known that granting antibacterial properties to PET surface would be beneficial in the prevention of infectious diseases. Different modification methods have been reported for such purpose. This review addresses some of the strategies that have been attempted to prevent or reduce the bacterial contamination on PET surfaces, including functionalisation, grafting, topographical surface modification and coating. Those strategies, particularly the grafting method seems to be very promising for healthcare applications to prevent infectious diseases and the emergence of bacteria resistance.
Top-down mass spectrometry reveals multiple interactions of an acetylsalicylic acid bearing Zeise’s salt derivative with peptides
Authors: Cziferszky Monika , Gust Ronald
Published: February 2020

Synergistic effects and promising anticancer activities encourage the combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with metallodrugs. Here, we discuss the interactions of an organometallic complex consisting of an acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) moiety attached to a PtII center via an alkenol linker in a Zeise’s salt-type coordination (ASA–buten–PtCl3) with model peptides angiotensin 1 (AT), substance P (Sub P), and ubiquitin (UQ). Top-down mass spectrometry experiments show that the amino acid involved in the initial binding to the metal complex controls the coordination sphere of PtII in the adducts. The strong trans labilizing effect of the coordinating sulfur atom in Met causes fast release of the organic moiety and leads to the formation of dimers and oligomers in the case of Sub P. In contrast, interactions with nitrogen donors in AT result in stable adducts containing the intact ASA–buten–PtII complex. UQ forms two sets of PtII adducts, only one of them retains the ASA moiety, which is presumably the result of an unexpected binding geometry. Importantly, UQ is additionally acetylated at various Ser and Lys residues by the ASA–buten–PtCl3 complex. Control experiments with ASA are negative. This is the first example of concomitant platination and acetylation of a peptide with an ASA metal complex.
Dogs wait longer for better rewards than wolves in a delay of gratification task: but why?
Authors: Range Friederike , Brucks Désirée , Virányi Zsófia
Published: February 2020

Self-control has been shown to be linked with being cooperative and successful in humans and with the g-factor in chimpanzees. As such, it is likely to play an important role in all forms of problem-solving. Self-control, however, does not just vary across individuals but seems also to be dependent on the ecological niche of the respective species. With dogs having been selected to live in the human environment, several domestication hypotheses have predicted that dogs are better at self-control and thus more tolerant of longer delays than wolves. Here we set out to test this prediction by comparing dogs’ and wolves’ self-control abilities using a delay of gratification task where the animals had to wait for a predefined delay duration to exchange a low-quality reward for a high-quality reward. We found that in our task, dogs outperformed the wolves waiting an average of 66 s vs. 24 s in the wolves. Food quality did not influence how long the animals waited for the better reward. However, dogs performed overall better in motivation trials than the wolves, although the dogs’ performance in those trials was dependent on the duration of the delays in the test trials, whereas this was not the case for the wolves. Overall, the data suggest that selection by humans for traits influencing self-control rather than ecological factors might drive self-control abilities in wolves and dogs. However, several other factors might contribute or explain the observed differences including the presence of the humans, which might have inhibited the dogs more than the wolves, lower motivation of the wolves compared to the dogs to participate in the task and/or wolves having a better understanding of the task contingencies. These possible explanations need further exploration.
Aktuelle FFH-Judikatur zu erheblichen Beeinträchtigungen und FFH-VP
Authors: Frenz Walter
Published: February 2020

Der eigentlichen FFH-Verträglichkeitsprüfung vorgelagert ist die Frage, ob erhebliche Beeinträchtigungen
eines Habitatschutzgebietes vorliegen können. Diese Vorprüfung wurde konzeptionell verfeinert
und im Hinblick auf die Methode der Critical Loads konkretisiert. Im Bereich der Verträglichkeitsprüfung
geht es vor allem um die Bewältigung von Unsicherheiten.
A single-end directional relaying scheme for double-circuit transmission line using fuzzy expert system
Authors: Kumar A. Naresh , Sanjay Ch. , Chakravarthy M.
Published: February 2020

The faults occurring in different sections are difficult to identify using the traditional techniques. This paper investigates a fuzzy expert system for directional relaying, classification, and location of faults in double-circuit transmission lines. The current magnitudes measured at only one terminal of the double-circuit transmission line are used to compute discreet Fourier coefficients. Thus, this scheme does not involve any communication channel. The presented fuzzy expert system is achieved from the structure of MAMDANI system in LabVIEW software. Test case studies show the effectiveness of the presented scheme. The simulation results attest that the directional relaying, classification, and location estimation is very accurate. This scheme is adaptive to the change of fault location, fault resistance, fault inception angle, and fault type.
A Hybrid Biofuel and Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Bioenergy Harvesting
Authors: Li Hu , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Luming , Jiang Dongjie , Xu Lingling , Liu Zhuo , Wu Yuxiang , Hu Kuan , Zhang Ming-Rong , Wang Jiangxue , Fan Yubo , Li Zhou
Published: February 2020

Various types of energy exist everywhere around us, and these energies can be harvested from multiple sources to power micro-/nanoelectronic system and even personal electronic products. In this work, we proposed a hybrid energy-harvesting system (HEHS) for potential in vivo applications. The HEHS consisted of a triboelectric nanogenerator and a glucose fuel cell for simultaneously harvesting biomechanical energy and biochemical energy in simulated body fluid. These two energy-harvesting units can work individually as a single power source or work simultaneously as an integrated system. This design strengthened the flexibility of harvesting multiple energies and enhanced corresponding electric output. Compared with any individual device, the integrated HEHS outputs a superimposed current and has a faster charging rate. Using the harvested energy, HEHS can power a calculator or a green light-emitting diode pattern. Considering the widely existed biomechanical energy and glucose molecules in the body, the developed HEHS can be a promising candidate for building in vivo self-powered healthcare monitoring system.