bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Aspects of Fuel Cells: Overview and Insights into Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Choolaei Mohammadmehdi , Horri Bahman Amini
Published: September 2020

This chapter provides an overview of fuel cell science and engineering with an emphasis on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Being known for their high efficiency, low emissions and excellent fuel flexibility, SOFCs are considered to be the most widely used fuel cells. According to the principles of SOFCs, they can operate with any combustible fuel that could react with the immigrated oxide ions through the electrolyte layer. However, in practice, the operation of SOFCs with alternative hydrocarbon fuels can lead to a high level of carbon deposition and cell degradation. Ni-based anode cermets are still the most promising anode material used in SOFCs; however, significant modification needs to be done on their microstructure and composition to enhance their coking resistance. So far, several developments and strategies have been suggested in the literature for improving the long-term durability of Ni-based anodes. In this chapter, the merits and drawbacks of the traditional Ni-yttria-stabilized zirconia anode for SOFCs are discussed, and developments for reaching possible solutions to the problems associated with the direct conversion of hydrocarbon fuels in SOFCs are addressed. In addition, this chapter briefly summarizes the working principles and developments regarding anode materials for hydrocarbon-fuelled SOFCs with the aim of delivering helpful guidance for their future design and development.
Silk fibroin nanofibrous mats for visible sensing of oxidative stress in cutaneous wounds
Authors: Singh Sushant , Cortes Gabriela , Kumar Udit , Sakthivel Tamil S. , Niemiec Stephen M. , Louiselle Amanda E. , Azeltine-Bannerman Mark , Zgheib Carlos , Liechty Kenneth W. , Seal Sudipta
Published: September 2020

Amplex red infused silk mats in visible detection of oxidative stress in the cutaneous wound over time.
Linear solvation energy relationship development for adsorption of synthetic organic compounds by carbon nanomaterials: an overview of the last decade
Authors: Apul Onur G. , Perreault Francois , Ersan Gamze , Karanfil Tanju
Published: September 2020

The LSER models for adsorption of SOCs by CNMs profoundly depend on compound properties, adsorbent characteristics and the background solution.
Rational design, synthesis and testing of novel tricyclic topoisomerase inhibitors for the treatment of bacterial infections part 1
Authors: Kirk R. , Ratcliffe A. , Noonan G. , Uosis-Martin M. , Lyth D. , Bardell-Cox O. , Massam J. , Schofield P. , Hindley S. , Jones D. R. , Maclean J. , Smith A. , Savage V. , Mohmed S. , Charrier C. , Salisbury A-M. , Moyo E. , Metzger R. , Chalam-Judge N. , Cheung J. , Stokes N. R. , Best S. , Craighead M. , Armer R. , Huxley A.
Published: September 2020

The discovery of novel tricyclic topoisomerase inhibitors (NTTI's) that address fluoroquinolone resistance.
Stereocontrolled transformations of cyclohexadienone derivatives to access stereochemically rich and natural product-inspired architectures
Authors: Al-Tel Taleb H. , Srinivasulu Vunnam , Ramanathan Mani , Soares Nelson C. , Sebastian Anusha , Bolognesi Maria L. , Abu-Yousef Imad A. , Majdalawieh Amin
Published: September 2020

Multi-divergent transformations of cyclohexadienone derivatives for the synthesis of stereoenriched and complex architectures.
Sendai virus acts as a nano-booster to excite dendritic cells for enhancing the efficacy of CD47-directed immune checkpoint inhibitors against breast carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yanan , Zheng Bin , Huang Mengqian , Li Xianhuang , Wang Zhiyun , Chang Jin , Wang Tao
Published: September 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are vital hubs for exciting systemic adaptive immune responses.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed carboxylate-directed ortho-selective thiolation of benzoic acids
Authors: Wang Dongjie , Zhou Kehan , Zhang Jingyu , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: September 2020

A rhodium-catalyzed carboxylate-directed thiolation reaction has been developed for constructing C–S bonds on benzoic acids, and the key precursor of roflumilast can be furnished via this reaction.
Molecular docking analysis and anti-hyperglycaemic activity of Synacinn™ in streptozotocin-induced rats
Authors: Ab Rahman Nur Syukriah , Abdul Majid Fadzilah Adibah , Abd Wahid Mohd Effendy , Ismail Hassan Fahmi , Tap Fatahiya Mohamed , Zainudin Ain Nabihah , Zainol Siti Nurazwa , Mohammad Muzaida Aminah
Published: September 2020

Synacinn™, a standardized polyherbal supplement, was shown to improve hyperglycemic conditions and related complications in STZ-induced rats.
Sulphur-doped activated carbon as a metal-free catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Qi Xueyan , Chen Weifeng , Zhang Jinli
Published: September 2020

A series of sulfur-doped spherical activated carbon (SAC) catalysts were prepared with phenyl disulfide (C12H10S2) as a sulfur source for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Screening of metal–organic frameworks for water adsorption heat transformation using structure–property relationships
Authors: Xu Min , Liu Zhangli , Huai Xiulan , Lou Lanting , Guo Jiangfeng
Published: September 2020

Quantitative structure–property relationship models that correlate the water adsorption performance of MOFs to their physicochemical features have been established.
Polysulfone metal-activated carbon magnetic nanocomposites with enhanced CO2capture
Authors: Nisar Muhammad , Thue Pascal S. , Maghous Myriam B. , Geshev Julian , Lima Eder C. , Einloft Sandra
Published: September 2020

In the present study, polysulfone (PSF)-activated carbon nanocomposites were synthesized by a melt mixing technique.
Bismuth-rich bismuth oxyhalides: a new opportunity to trigger high-efficiency photocatalysis
Authors: Xiong Jun , Song Pin , Di Jun , Li Huaming
Published: September 2020

The state-of-the-art progress in bismuth-rich bismuth oxyhalides is reviewed to clarify the key structure–activity relationship for enhanced photocatalytic performance.
Bionic intelligent soft actuators: high-strength gradient intelligent hydrogels with diverse controllable deformations and movements
Authors: Zhao Qian , Chang Yanjiao , Yu Zhenglei , Liang Yunhong , Ren Lei , Ren Luquan
Published: September 2020

A series of novel nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) reinforced gradient intelligent hydrogels with high response rate, multiple response patterns and diversified self-driven functions were successfully prepared.
Centrosymmetric TiS as a novel topological electronic material with coexisting type-I, type-II and hybrid nodal line states
Authors: Xu Long , Zhang Xiaoming , Meng Weizhen , He Tingli , Liu Ying , Dai Xuefang , Zhang Ying , Liu Guodong
Published: September 2020

TiS is a novel topological material with coexisting type-I, type-II and hybrid nodal lines in the native state.
Recent progress in physically transient resistive switching memory
Authors: Hu Wei , Yang Ben , Zhang Yanming , She Yin
Published: September 2020

Advances in physically transient resistive switching memory with a focus on materials, fabrication, performance, mechanism, and application are presented.
Sentence-Based Experience Logging in New Hearing Aid Users
Authors: Lund Katja , Ordoñez Rodrigo , Nielsen Jens Bo , Hammershøi Dorte
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a tool to gain insight into the daily experiences of new hearing aid users and to shed light on aspects of aided performance that may not be unveiled through standard questionnaires.

Method

The tool is developed based on clinical observations, patient experiences, expert involvement, and existing validated hearing rehabilitation questionnaires.

Results

An online tool for collecting data related to hearing aid use was developed. The tool is based on 453 prefabricated sentences representing experiences within 13 categories related to hearing aid use.

Conclusions

The tool has the potential to reflect a wide range of individual experiences with hearing aid use, including auditory and nonauditory aspects. These experiences may hold important knowledge for both the patient and the professional in the hearing rehabilitation process.
Potential for Cognitive Communication Impairment in COVID-19 Survivors: A Call to Action for Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Ramage Amy E.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the virus resulting in COVID-19 infections in nearly 4.3 million Americans with COVID-19 in the United States as of July 29, 2020, with nearly 150,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands of survivors (
https://www.coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
). This tutorial reviews (a) what has been reported about neurological insults in cases of COVID-19 infection, (b) what is known from similar conditions in other disorders, and (c) how that combined information can inform clinical decision making.

Method

PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for COVID-19 or other coronavirus infections, cognitive impairment observed following critical care, and disorders for which intermittent or chronic hypoxia is characteristic. These were combined with searches relating to cognition, brain, and communication. All searches were conducted between April 8 and May 23, 2020. Meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials addressing other critical illnesses were also included to extend findings to potential cognitive communication outcomes following COVID-19.

Results

COVID-19 infection results in a combination of (a) respiratory infection with mechanical ventilation secondary to inadequate oxygenation, (b) inflammatory system reactivity, and (c) increased blood clotting factors. These affect central nervous system function incurring long-term cognitive communication impairment in a proportion of survivors. Diagnostic and intervention approaches for such impairments are discussed.

Conclusions

The existing literature on cognitive sequela of COVID-19 infection is small to date, but much can be learned from similar viral infections and disorders. Although COVID-19 is novel, the speech-language pathology approaches to evaluation and intervention of other populations of critical care patients are applicable. However, speech-language pathologists have not routinely been involved in these patients' acute care. As such, this is a call to action to speech-language pathologists to address the unprecedented numbers of patients who will need their services early in the disease process and throughout recovery.
Perceptual Dimensions Underlying Tinnitus-Like Sounds
Authors: Lentz Jennifer J. , He Yuan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The goal of this study was to establish the perceptual underpinnings of the terms that are commonly used by patients when describing the quality of their tinnitus.

Method

Using a free-classification method, 15 subjects with normal hearing placed 60 different tinnitus-like sounds into similarity clusters on a grid. Multidimensional scaling, hierarchical clustering, and acoustic analyses were used to determine the acoustic underpinnings of the perceptual dimensions and perceptual similarity.

Results

Multidimensional scaling revealed three different perceptual dimensions (pitch, modulation depth + spectral elements, and envelope rate). Hierarchical clustering revealed five explicit similarity clusters: tonal, steady noise, pulsatile, low-frequency fluctuating noise, and high-frequency fluctuating.

Conclusions

Results are consistent with tinnitus perceptions falling into a small set of categories that can be characterized by their acoustics. As a result, there is the potential to develop different tools to assess tinnitus using a variety of different sounds.
An integrated production policy with defective items and stock-out based substitution under triangular dense fuzzy lock set environment
Authors: Karmakar Snigdha , De Sujit Kumar , Datta Tapan Kumar , Goswami Adrijit
Published: September 2020

Brand substitution is common observed phenomenon in daily life. It is the decision makers’ economic understanding and potential scheme for business-industries. Also, it provides the flexibility in management and increases the ability to control the production. This works proposes an integrated supplier–retailer inventory model for substitutable products. Two suppliers work not works with two different brand products with their corresponding demand are involved and one retailer sells each of the products. To nullify the complexities of the joint optimization problem, we first develop a deterministic model for three cases: no substitution, partial substitution and full substitution, then we go for its fuzzification. Keeping the financial constraint of each producer, we have studied over the elasticity of the cost parameters by means of triangular dense fuzzy lock set approach with its locking and unlocking property for final decision making. Finally, sensitivity analysis and graphical illustrations are made to justify the model.
Are CMV-predictive scores in inflammatory bowel disease useful in clinical practice?
Authors: Störkmann Hedwig , Rödel Jürgen , Stallmach Andreas , Reuken Philipp A.
Published: September 2020

Background Concurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related colitis is an important scenario associated with high rates of colectomy and other morbidity. Due to the low incidence of CMV, testing of all patients is associated with an unacceptably high consumption of resources and delay in treatment. Therefore, several predictive scores have been developed to identify patients at risk for a CMV infection.

Methods We performed a retrospective single center study in a German University hospital including all IBD patients with available data on CMV-PCR analysis in whole blood between 2010 and 2018 and evaluated 2 prognostic scores for CMV infection for their diagnostic accuracy.

Results In the study, 907 patients with IBD and CMV-PCR were identified. Of them, 21 patients (2.3 %) had a positive CMV-PCR (≥ 1000 copies/mL), 14 of them in ulcerative colitis and 7 in Crohn’s disease. The Berlin Score identified 667 patients (73.1 %) as potentially CMV-positive, resulting in a positive predictive value of 2.5 % and a negative predictive value of 98.3 %. In contrast, the Münster Score identified 60 patients as potentially CMV-positive, resulting in a PPV of 20 % and an NPV of 99.4 %.

Conclusions Scoring systems can help to identify patients at risk for a CMV infection and minimize resource consumption and delay in treatment. Due to low incidence, a 2-step-algorithm, consisting of the Münster Score followed by a CMV-PCR if the score indicates a CMV infection, is preferable.
Knee Kinetics in Baseball Hitting and Return to Play after ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Giordano Kevin , Chaput Meredith , Anz Adam , Braziel Jeremy , Andrews James , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the knee kinetics of baseball hitting,
develop a tool to predict knee kinetics from easily obtainable measures, and to
compare knee kinetics to other exercises along the rehabilitation continuum to
determine a timeline for when hitting may resume after ACL reconstruction.
Nineteen high school baseball athletes (16.3±0.8 yrs,
180.6±5.7 cm, 78.4±10.8 kg) participated.
Participants took ten swings off a tee. Kinetic data were recorded using an
electromagnetic tracking system. Data from swings with the top three exit
velocities were averaged for analysis. Linear regressions were used to determine
if predictors of height, mass, age and exit velocity could predict the following
torques: bilateral knee net, extension, internal and external rotation, valgus
and varus torque; and anterior force. Backwards regression models revealed
independent variables could significantly predict front knee net, internal and
external rotation, extension, and varus torque, and anterior force; and back
knee net and valgus torque. Based on the kinetics of baseball hitting compared
to those of rehabilitation exercises, if the involved knee is the front, we
suggest tee hitting may be initiated at 13 weeks after ACL reconstruction. If
the involved knee is the back, we suggest tee hitting may initiated at 17 weeks
after ACL reconstruction.
Myasthenia Gravis Related to Thymic Carcinoma: A Case Study
Authors: Lopes Daniel Thomas Pereira , Gomes Samila Marissa Pinheiro , Siqueira Sheila Aparecida Coelho , Frassetto Fernando Pereira , Sampaio Pedro Henrique Martins Arruda , Moreno Cristiane Araujo Martins , Rocha Maria Sheila Guimarães , Estephan Eduardo Paula
Published: September 2020

Myasthenia gravis and thymoma are often presented in association with ∼10% of myasthenic cases having concomitant thymoma. Thymic carcinoma is one of the rarest/aggressive human epithelial tumors and has no correlation with myasthenia gravis hitherto. Here is provided a clinical case and review of literature on a very rare association of thymic carcinoma (with no sign of thymoma) and myasthenia gravis (antiacetylcholine receptor antibody positive). Two years after thymectomy, clinical evolution was satisfactory. This clinical case elicits hypothesis that thymic carcinoma may be related with myasthenia gravis, what may have good prognostic from oncologic and neurologic perspectives.
Nurses’ Perception about Stakeholders’ Image of a Nurse
Authors: De Braganca Ana Vaz , Nirmala R.
Published: September 2020

Introduction The diversity in the public image about nurses, the nursing profession, and the comprehension about the true functions and domains of nurses’ job engagement is one of the powerful contrivances that impact nurses’ self-esteem and authority, and recruitment and retention in the health industry.

Objective This study aims at identifying the difference between nurses’ perception about the different stakeholders’ image of a nurse.

Methods Self-reports on nurses’ perception about doctors’ image of a nurse, patients’ image of a nurse, other hospital staffs’ image of a nurse, and self-perception about a nurse were collected from a sample of 749 registered nurses selected using stratified random sampling from different settings across the state. Data were collected using an adapted version of the Porter Nursing Image Scale.

Results Data were tested for the mean and standard deviation (SD); and within-subjects difference using the general linear model and repeated measures analysis of variance indicated a difference in the nurses’ perception about image of a nurse with respect to doctors (mean = 53.22; SD = 6.5), patients (mean = 51.91; SD = 6.9), other hospital staff (mean = 53.05; SD = 6.8), and self (mean = 58.36; SD = 6.9), with F(2.625, 1963.5) = 352.656, p < 0.000, and R 2 = 0.32.

Conclusion The findings indicate a difference in the nurses’ perception about the stakeholders’ image of a nurse. This research suggests the need for strategies toward promoting positive nurse image among stakeholders.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for chemical and biological sensing using nanoplasmonics: The relevance of interparticle spacing and surface morphology
Authors: Shvalya Vasyl , Filipič Gregor , Zavašnik Janez , Abdulhalim Ibrahim , Cvelbar Uroš
Published: September 2020

In this review, the weightiest decadal developments of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and nanoplasmonic materials in sensing applications are discussed. Today, there are several well-established research directions where plasmonic detection is employed extensively, namely, food and water quality monitoring, viruses, pathogenic bacteria and hazardous toxin investigations for theranostic applications, and explosive substance detection for military and civil protection purposes. A combination of vibrational spectroscopy and surface nanoengineering has gained a reputation as a powerful weapon for rapid and accurate determination of submolecular quantities of nanoanalytes. Signal enhancement achieved by employing various metallic nanoparticles and nanostructures can be amplified significantly due to the electromagnetic field confinement effect. Localized surface plasmon waves, which are responsible for the phenomenon, promote light absorption at nanovolume, generating ‘hot spots’ with an incredibly intense and confined electromagnetic field close to the nanosculptured metallic surface. However, the formation of the hot spot network is heavily dependent on morphology, size, and spatial arrangement of plasmonic nanomaterials. Under optimal excitation conditions, the interaction between the optically induced electromagnetic field in the hot spot region and a probing analyte attached to the nanosculptured metallic substrate enlarges photon scattering cross section, increasing signal intensity by 106–1010. As a result, fast single-molecule vibrational fingerprint recording is possible. This focused review collects recent state-of-the-art developments in nanoplasmonic SERS sensing, highlighting the most efficient surface morphology designs that hold the most promise for future developments.
Non-centric cavity-based acoustic metasurface: Enabling full phase modulation
Authors: Khodaei Mohammad Javad , Mehrvarz Amin , Ghaffarivardavagh Reza , Jalili Nader
Published: September 2020

In this paper, an acoustic metasurface design is presented in which the transmitted phase may be tuned while preserving a high amplitude of transmission. To achieve full transmission with an arbitrary phase, the cavity is coupled with the coiling metamaterial to provide the desired level of impedance match. Furthermore, the effects of its geometrical parameters are investigated. The proposed structure exhibits an appropriate phase modulation in the desired phase frame (i.e., [0, 2π]) with high amounts of amplitudes. It is shown that this can be obtained by precisely designing the geometrical parameters even when the key parameters (i.e., the number of unit cells and their width and thickness values) are constant. Ultimately, three metasurfaces have been designed to redirect, split, and focus the transmitted wave while the resulted wavefront amplitude is preserved, enabling an efficient modulation platform.
Vibration-enhanced condensation heat transfer on superhydrophobic surfaces: An experimental study
Authors: Moradi Mostafa , Chini Seyed Farshid , Rahimian Mohammad Hassan
Published: September 2020

Experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of mechanical vibration on water condenser performance on uncoated, superhydrophilic, and superhydrophobic aluminum. It was shown that the superhydrophobic surface increases the condensation rate by 30%. However, vibration under a constant frequency (in the range of 60 Hz–160 Hz), regardless of surface wettability, does not significantly improve the condensation rate as only few drops get resonated and removed at that specific frequency (the drop’s natural frequency depends on the drop size and increases for smaller drops). By applying a cyclic variable frequency with a peak of 132 Hz, shedding events on the superhydrophobic surface increased by 120%, which leads to a 15% increase in condensation. The findings of this study demonstrate that applying vibration with a variable frequency is a simple and cost-effective method for heat transfer enhancement on superhydrophobic surfaces.
Term-formation methods in the Gamo language
Authors: Gelagay Almaz Wasse
Published: September 2020

This research describes the techniques used to form terms in
the Gamo language, an Omotic language of Afro-asiatic family spoken in South-Western
Ethiopia. The introduction of Gamo as a medium of instruction in primary education
and as a language subject for all grade levels requires the creation of new terms
for concepts that do not already exist in the language. A number of new terms were
formed to facilitate the teaching and learning of language, science and mathematics
education. This research followed linguistic and communicative approaches, as
illustrated in Antia (2000: 39, 44), to
describe techniques of term-formation and to analyse features of the terms in line
with the linguistic properties of Gamo. To this end, lexical data were collected
from language and mathematics textbooks prepared in the Gamo language. Data were
also gathered from native speakers who participated in textbook preparation and
terminology works. According to the data, borrowing, compounding, blending,
initialism, paraphrasing and semantic extension were applied to form terms pertinent
to education in the Gamo language. The most frequent mechanisms were borrowing,
followed by compounding, but few terms were formed by blending and paraphrasing.
Sociolinguistic functions of the secret language of Gurage females
Authors: Hailu Tessema Etaferahu
Published: September 2020

This paper is concerned with the sociolinguistic functions of
the secret language spoken by a minority group within the Gurage,1 namely the Fedwet. This is the name of the speakers and the
linguistic variety, mainly used by women who were followers of a former local
religious tradition in Gurage found in southern Ethiopia. The qualitative approach
of data gathering and analysis was used. Primary data were gathered by elicitation
of words, recording of free texts and interviews. A total of 20 consultants
participated in the interview, 12 of them also participating in the elicitation of
words and the performance of texts. The interview responses were quantified for a
descriptive statistical analysis. It was found that the sociolinguistic functions of
Fedwet include the establishment of a secret communication among young girls to form
a specific identity, and for various religious purposes. The motive for using it is
related to the social position of women and the traditional belief system of
Gurage.
Serial verb constructions in Sezo
Authors: Desta Girma Mengistu
Published: September 2020

Serial verb constructions in Sezo are formed by simple
juxtaposition of two or three verbs without any marker of coordination or
subordination. The components of a serial verb construction are always contiguous
and do not allow syntactic constituents to intervene between them. They form one
intonational group and do not allow multiple marking of grammatical features, such
as subject, tense, polarity and other syntactic dependency markers. All serial verb
constructions attested in Sezo are asymmetrical because they always consist of one
major verb and one or two minor verbs. The major verb which comes from a
semantically and grammatically unrestricted class of verbs is always the main verb.
The minor verb is either a motion or a posture verb and encodes directional
(deictic), valency changing or aspectual information. The minor verbs cannot be
treated as auxiliaries, because they are able to occur as lexical verbs outside
serial verb constructions.
Case-marking in Semitic in the light of the evidence in the Ethiopian language
area
Authors: Edzard Lutz
Published: September 2020

Languages in the Ethiopian language area typically exhibit a
two-case system from a morphological point of view. This paper discusses the
question as to how this observation can be aligned with the circumstance that, for
Semitic in general, a three-case system is usually reconstructed. It will be argued
that case endings can also emerge in a secondary process, as is widely recognised in
typological linguistics, and that the cyclicity observed in this context can well be
framed in terms of processes of linguistic convergence and divergence. Thereby, both
the morphological aspects of case as well as the thematic roles of case will be
discussed.
An acoustic analysis of Amharic fricatives
Authors: Ado Derib
Published: September 2020

This study presents an acoustic analysis of Amharic
fricatives, an Ethio-Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. The study aimed to
identify acoustic correlates for place of articulation and airstream mechanism, and
investigate the effects of position within a word and window location on acoustic
measurements. Duration of the fricative noise, spectral moments, zero-crossing rate,
intensity and voice measurements were taken in cv and vcv contexts
in real Amharic words. The results showed that frequency of peak intensity, maximum
intensity, mean intensity, normalised intensity and spectral cog were found
to be robust acoustic correlates of place of articulation. The effect of airstream
was seen clearly with the ejective fricative /s’/ having higher intensity values,
spectral peak location, spectral mean and zero-crossing values than the alveolar
fricative /s/ for both male and female speakers. Voice measurements (H1-H2, H1-A1,
H1-A2, and H1-A3) were affected significantly by airstream, with the values
indicating a creaky phonation of the vowel following the ejective fricative.
Position also contributed in differences in durational and spectral measures with
fricatives in the cv position having higher values than fricatives in the
vcv position. The results showed that duration was not an important
acoustic correlate for place of articulation.
Functional expansions of temporal adverbs and discursive connectives
Authors: Fedriani Chiara , Molinelli Piera
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the synchronic competition and diachronic substitution of three Latin temporal expressions:tum, tunc(‘at that time’, ‘then’), and laterdumque(originally, ‘while-and’), and its Old Italian outcomedunque(‘then’). Besides providing a new path of development and a new etymology for Italiandunque, we describe in detail the steps by which these forms gradually replaced one another and examine the factors at play in their renewal, showing that such forms all display a similar inference-driven functional expansion from propositional to discourse-organizational meanings. However, their subsequent development led to a functional similarity that is only partial, as is often the case in semantic–pragmatic cycles. While discussing the nature of this cycle, we focus on the speaker’s role in this type of change, which in our view can be summarized in the speaker’s cyclical application of recurrent functional principles: phonetic efficiency, analogy, and regularity in semantic change.
Study on microstructure and oxidation behavior of Fe–xMn–14Al–8Ni–C alloy prepared by vacuum arc melting
Authors: Bai Yaping , Li Jianping , Cheng Chao , Yang Zhong
Published: September 2020

In this study, Fe–xMn–14Al–8Ni–C alloy (x = 10, 15, 20, 25 wt.%) was prepared by vacuum arc melting method. The microstructure of this series of alloys and the oxidation behavior at 600 °C were studied. The conclusions are as follows: Fe–xMn–14Al–8Ni–C alloy mainly contains austenite phase, NiAl intermetallic compound phase and k-carbide phase. As the content of Mn increases, the amount of austenite increases while the amount of NiAl compound decreases. At the same time, the content of k-carbide phase precipitated at the interface between austenite and NiAl compound and inside austenite increases. The oxidation resistance results show that as the Mn content increases, the oxidation resistance of the alloy is improved. After oxidation, due to the difference in thermal stress and thermal expansion coefficient, the oxide film is mainly divided into two layers (when the Mn content is 10% and 15%, respectively), the outer oxides are Fe2O3 and a small amount of Mn2O3, the inner oxides are mainly the mixture of Al2O3, Mn2O3 and NiO. When the Mn content increases to 20%, the oxide film is a three-layer, and a uniform dense oxide film mainly composed of Al2O3 appears at the junction with the substrate, which better prevents the further diffusion of oxygen in the air to the inside and protects the substrate. The surface oxide film is dense and stable, so it can prevent further oxidation. Therefore, the alloy with 25% Mn content exhibits the most excellent oxidation resistance.
A discontinuity in the electromagnetic field of a uniformly accelerated charge
Authors: Singal Ashok K
Published: September 2020

The electric field of a uniformly accelerated charge shows a plane of discontinuity, where the field extending only on one side of the plane, terminates abruptly on the plane with a finite value. This indicates a non-zero divergence of the electric field in a source-free region, implying a violation of Gauss law. In order to make the field compliant with Maxwell’s equations everywhere, an additional field component, proportional to a δ-function at the plane of discontinuity, is required. Such a ‘δ-field’ might be the electromagnetic field of the charge, moving with a uniform velocity approaching c, the speed of light, prior to the imposition of acceleration at infinity. However, a range of attempts to derive this δ-field for such a case, have not been entirely successful. Some of the claims of the derivation involve elaborate calculations with some not-so-obvious mathematical approximations. Since the result to be derived is already known from the constraint of its compliance with Maxwell’s equations, and the derivation involves the familiar text-book expressions for the field of a uniformly moving charge, one would expect an easy, simple approach, to lead to the correct result. Here, starting from the electromagnetic field of a uniformly accelerated charge in the instantaneous rest frame, in terms of the position and motion of the charge at the retarded time, we derive this δ-field, consistent with Maxwell’s equations, in a fairly simple manner. This is followed by a calculation of the energy in the δ-field, in an analytical manner without making any approximation, where we show that this energy is exactly the one that would be lost by the charge because of the radiation reaction on the charge, proportional to its rate of change of acceleration, that was imposed on it at a distant past.
Multisite Quality Improvement Study of a Patient-Pathologist Consultation Program
Authors: Jug Rachel , Booth Adam L , Buckley Anne F , Newell Jordan , Kesterson Joshua , Gardner Jerad M , Ozcan Lerna , Liu Beiyu , Green Cynthia L , Joseph Lija , Cummings Thomas J
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The aim of this multisite quality improvement study was to evaluate patients’ experiences with the patient-centered pathology (PCP) consultation program and to determine whether PCP enhanced their care experience.

Methods

Patients were invited to attend PCP consultations to review their pathology report and slides and have their questions answered by the pathologist privately, with the option to attend the appointment with family members or friends for support. A patient experience questionnaire (PEQ) was administered to patients, who participated voluntarily in the PCP, and survey data were collected and stored in REDCap. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute).

Results

Sixty-seven patients (95.5% female) aged 18 to 84 years across 4 institutions completed the PEQ. Overall, 58% and 15.8% of patients had breast and brain tumors, respectively, and 59.7% of tumors were newly diagnosed. Most patients thought it was important for them to learn as much as they could about their health condition. However, the majority of patients reported some degree of difficulty learning about their health condition based on written information, despite 97% having completed high school and/or further education. The majority of patients rated their pathologist as “excellent” across communication metrics. Ultimately, 100% of respondents were satisfied, found their visits to be useful, and would recommend the PCP to other patients.

Conclusions

Patients found that personalized clinical encounters with pathologists improved their understanding of their health condition and their satisfaction with their care experience. Patients thought pathologists communicated respectfully, effectively, and empathetically.
Ethanol-Induced Neuronal and Cognitive/Emotional Impairments are Accompanied by Down-Regulated NT3-TrkC-ERK in Hippocampus
Authors: Qiao Xiaomeng , Sun Mizhu , Chen Yuanyuan , Jin Wenyang , Zhao Huan , Zhang Weiqi , Lai Jianghua , Yan Hongtao
Published: September 2020

Aims

Ethanol ingestion affects cognition and emotion, which have been attributed to the dysfunction of specific brain structures. Studies of alcoholic patients and animal models consistently identify reduced hippocampal mass as a key ethanol-induced brain adaptation. This study evaluated how neuroadaptation in the hippocampus (Hip) produced by ethanol contributed to related behavioral deficits in male and female rats.

Methods

Effects of acute, short-term and long-term ethanol exposure on the anxiety-like behavior and recognition memory on adult male and female Sprague–Dawley rats were assessed using elevated plus maze test and novel object recognition test, respectively. In addition, in order to investigate the direct effect of ethanol on hippocampal neurons, primary culture of hippocampal neurons was exposed to ethanol (10, 30 and 90 mM; 1, 24 and 48 h), and viability (CCK-8) and morphology (immunocytochemistry) were analyzed at structural levels. Western blot assays were used to assess protein levels of NT3-TrkC-ERK.

Results

Acute and short-term ethanol exposure exerted anxiolytic effects, whereas long-term ethanol exposure induced anxiogenic responses in both sexes. Short-term ethanol exposure impaired spatial memory only in female rats, whereas long-term ethanol exposure impaired spatial and recognition memory in both sexes. These behavioral impairments and ethanol-induced loss of hippocampal neurons and decreased cell viability were accompanied by downregulated NT3-TrkC-ERK pathway.

Conclusion

These results indicate that NT3-TrkC-ERK signaling in the Hip may play an important role in ethanol-induced structural and behavioral impairments.
Multilingualism, Chronotopes, and Resolutions: Toward an Analysis of the Total Sociolinguistic Fact
Authors: Karimzad Farzad
Published: September 2020

In this article, I argue for a chronotopic-scalar system of images and resolutions in the analysis of language use in general and multilingual practices in particular. Drawing on data from Iranian Azerbaijanis, I argue that availability and accessibility of linguistic/semiotic resources, and their categorizations as languages or language varieties, are constrained by participants’ chronotopization histories. That is, the scaled images participants develop through socialization about different time–space frames and the peoples, relations, discourses, and resources therein guide their language use both from and about particular contexts. I discuss the utility of spatiotemporal understandings of repertoires of resources and normalcies in capturing the variability, dynamicity, and complexity of semiotic practices and also in addressing the controversies among scholars regarding the ‘realness’ of languages and hybridity of multilingual practices. Through decentralizing language(s) and foregrounding context(s) and contextualization, I argue, the chronotope enables us to analyze not only social actors’ hybrid utilization of semiotic resources in meaning-making processes, but also their language ideologies and language-ideological practices, which rely heavily on the perceptions of languages as discrete systems.
Stress Modulates the Balance between Hippocampal and Motor Networks during Motor Memory Processing
Authors: Dolfen N , King B R , Schwabe L , Gann M A , Veldman M P , von Leupoldt A , Swinnen S P , Albouy G
Published: September 2020

The functional interaction between hippocampo- and striato-cortical regions during motor sequence learning is essential to trigger optimal memory consolidation. Based on previous evidence from other memory domains that stress alters the balance between these systems, we investigated whether exposure to stress prior to motor learning modulates motor memory processes. Seventy-two healthy young individuals were exposed to a stressful or nonstressful control intervention prior to training on a motor sequence learning task in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Consolidation was assessed with an MRI retest after a sleep episode. Behavioral results indicate that stress prior to learning did not influence motor performance. At the neural level, stress induced both a larger recruitment of sensorimotor regions and a greater disengagement of hippocampo-cortical networks during training. Brain-behavior regression analyses showed that while this stress-induced shift from (hippocampo-)fronto-parietal to motor networks was beneficial for initial performance, it was detrimental for consolidation. Our results provide the first experimental evidence that stress modulates the neural networks recruited during motor memory processing and therefore effectively unify concepts and mechanisms from diverse memory fields. Critically, our findings suggest that intersubject variability in brain responses to stress determines the impact of stress on motor learning and subsequent consolidation.
Specific ZNF274 binding interference atSNORD116activates the maternal transcripts in Prader-Willi syndrome neurons
Authors: Langouët Maéva , Gorka Dea , Orniacki Clarisse , Dupont-Thibert Clémence M , Chung Michael S , Glatt-Deeley Heather R , Germain Noelle , Crandall Leann J , Cotney Justin L , Stoddard Christopher E , Lalande Marc , Chamberlain Stormy J
Published: September 2020

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by neonatal hypotonia, developmental delay and hyperphagia/obesity. This disorder is caused by the absence of paternally expressed gene products from chromosome 15q11–q13. We previously demonstrated that knocking out ZNF274, a Kruppel-associated box-A-domain zinc finger protein capable of recruiting epigenetic machinery to deposit the H3K9me3 repressive histone modification, can activate expression from the normally silent maternal allele of SNORD116 in neurons derived from PWS induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, ZNF274 has many other targets in the genome in addition to SNORD116. Depleting ZNF274 will surely affect the expression of other important genes and disrupt other pathways. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to delete ZNF274 binding sites at the SNORD116 locus to determine whether activation of the maternal copy of SNORD116 could be achieved without altering ZNF274 protein levels. We obtained similar activation of gene expression from the normally silenced maternal allele in neurons derived from PWS iPSCs, compared with ZNF274 knockout, demonstrating that ZNF274 is directly involved in the repression of SNORD116. These results suggest that interfering with ZNF274 binding at the maternal SNORD116 locus is a potential therapeutic strategy for PWS.
Burden and Outcomes of Fragmentation of Care in Hospitalized Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Nationally Representative Cohort
Authors: Nguyen Nghia H , Luo Jiyu , Ohno-Machado Lucila , Sandborn William J , Singh Siddharth
Published: September 2020

Background

Fragmentation of care (FoC) may adversely impact health care quality in patients with chronic diseases. We conducted a US nationally representative cohort study to evaluate the burden and outcomes of FoC in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Using Nationwide Readmissions Database 2013, we created 2 cohorts of superutilizer patients with IBD with 2 hospitalizations (cohort 1: FoC, defined as readmission to nonindex hospital vs no FoC) or 3 hospitalizations (cohort 2: multiple episodes of fragmentation vs single episode of fragmentation vs no FoC) between January and June 2013, which were followed through December 2013. We evaluated burden, pattern, and outcomes of fragmentation (6-month risk of readmission, risk of surgery, and inpatient mortality).

Results

In cohort 1, of 6073 patients with IBD with 2 admissions within 6 months, 1394 (23%) experienced FoC. Fragmentation of care was associated with modestly higher risk of readmission within 6 months (31% vs 28%, P < 0.01; adjusted relative risk, 1.11 [1.01–1.21]), without differences in risk of surgery (2.8% vs 4.3%, P = 0.19) or in-hospital mortality (0.2% vs 0.5%, P = 0.22). In cohort 2, of 1717 patients with 3 hospitalizations within 6 months, the number of patients with multiple episodes of fragmentation was associated with higher risk of readmission compared with patients with single episode of fragmentation or no FoC (52% vs 49% vs 43%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

In a US cohort study, FoC is associated with a modestly higher risk of readmission, without higher risk of surgery or mortality in superutilizer patients with IBD. Future studies focusing on impact of outpatient care and postdischarge coordination are warranted in superutilizer patients.
Sidney Holt on principles for the conservation of wild living resources, whaling in the Antarctic, and the Beverton–Holt stock–recruitment relationship
Authors: Mangel Marc
Published: September 2020

I review my interactions with Sidney Holt concerning principles for the conservation of wild living resources, the whaling case between Australia and Japan in the International Court of Justice, and the Beverton–Holt stock–recruitment relationship (BH-SRR). Holt and Lee Talbot published a monograph on principles for conservation in 1977; I lead the publication of an update ∼20 years later. I compare the two versions and discuss Holt’s contributions. Holt was active in the world-wide campaign to cease whaling and in efforts to have the Japanese special permit whaling programme in the Antarctic recognized as violating the moratorium on commercial whaling. I describe my involvement in the case and my interactions with him during oral arguments in the case and when the International Court of Justice rendered its decision that the Japanese programme of special permit whaling contravened the international treaty for the regulation of whaling because it was not for purposes of scientific research. In response to a paper of mine concerning steepness, Holt wrote to me that the BH-SSR is a one-, not two-, parameter function. I explain my current understanding of his reasoning, which involves how we use the SRR in fishery management.
Valve-sparing root reimplantation in a case of progressive aortic root aneurysm after heart transplant
Authors: Kim Yun Seok , Kim Joon Bum
Published: September 2020

A mild-to-moderate aortic root aneurysm might be overlooked during the assessment of the donor heart. The use of the Z-score in such cases may be helpful in guiding clinical decision-making. To make a diagnosis of genetic aortopathy, a genetic panel study and matching with clinical criteria such as Ghent nosology are essential. Valve-sparing root reimplantation may be a viable option in cases with aortic root aneurysm developing after heart transplant.
The Borderlands between Punitive and Non-punitive Transitional Justice: Distinct Elites and Diverging Patterns of Import/export
Authors: Christensen Mikkel Jarle
Published: September 2020

Transitional justice consists of different ideals and practices that both coexist and conflict. This article investigates the socio-professional borderlands between punitive and non-punitive transitional justice initiatives by analyzing elites working in either international criminal courts, or truth and reconciliation commissions. While they were marginally linked, the professional practices of these elites were structured by their distinct positions in the larger market of transitional justice. Professionals of international criminal law were tied to international institutions from where they were often on the exporting side of particular internationalized, punitive norms and practices. In contrast, professionals involved with truth and reconciliation were closely connected to states that structured their import/export of internationalized, non-punitive initiatives. Punitive and non-punitive transitional justice was characterized not only by competing ideals and practices, but was embedded in distinct elites whose proximity to or distance from the state structured the circulation of transitional justice ideas and practices.