bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wider influence: The impact of formal humanitarian otology training on otology‐neurotology fellows
Authors: Maxwell Anne K. , Wilkinson Eric P.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Long‐term commitment to humanitarian surgical outreach requires the opportunity, resources, and time to participate, but perhaps more importantly, it requires a preceding successful outreach experience. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) expects physician trainees to achieve six Core Competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, practice‐based learning and improvement, and systems‐based practice. This study investigates the challenges and benefits of a supervised humanitarian experience with a focus on ACGME Core Competencies, future global outreach, and commitment to education.

Study design

Physician survey and program curriculum review.

Methods

Participants in a supervised humanitarian educational experience at a single Otology‐Neurotology Fellowship Program between the years of 2006 and 2019 were surveyed. Barriers to participation, challenges, benefits, prior and ongoing humanitarian efforts, and education endeavors were discussed.

Results

Challenges including time away from fellowship, logistical difficulties with Resident Review Committee recognition of operative case volume, and civil unrest were encountered. Benefits within all six ACGME Core Competencies were achieved. International collaboration with local providers, patients, and families with diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds allowed bidirectional education while striving for safe, innovative solutions in resource‐poor environments.

Conclusions

A supervised education experience with a sustainable humanitarian otology program offers Neurotology fellows an early positive experience near the end of their formal training. ACGME Professionalism goals were achieved through building collegial relationships with local otolaryngologists and staff, while fostering a sense of responsibility to assist those in developing nations. Participation correlated with an ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts and education post‐fellowship.

Level of Evidence

4
Mechanisms of localized corrosion of carbon steel associated with magnetite/mackinawite layers in a cement grout
Authors: Robineau Mathieu , Sabot René , Jeannin Marc , Deydier Valérie , Crusset Didier , Refait Philippe
Published: July 2020

Carbon steel electrodes covered with a specific low‐pH cement grout (pH ~10.7 at 20°C), designed for nuclear waste management applications, were immersed for 30 days in a 0.01‐M NaCl + 0.01‐M NaHCO3solution (pH 7 measured at 20°C), in aerated conditions, at 80°C. The corrosion processes were studied by voltammetry and linear polarization resistance measurements while the corrosion product layers were analyzed by µ‐Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Most of the electrodes (75%) suffered from localized corrosion, a phenomenon associated with the formation of a heterogeneous Fe3O4/FeS layer. It is proposed that the mechanisms of the particular corrosion process observed here are associated with galvanic effects, the large magnetite‐covered zone acting as cathode and the locally mackinawite‐covered zones being anodic regions.
Biofilm formation in Acinetobacter baumannii was inhibited by PAβN while it had no association with antibiotic resistance
Authors: Chen Lihua , Li Haixia , Wen Haichu , Zhao Binyu , Niu Yujia , Mo Qianqian , Wu Yong
Published: July 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the effects of PAβN, a potential efflux pump inhibitor, on A. baumannii biofilm formation and dispersion were tested, and the gene expression levels of efflux pumps were determined to study the mechanisms. A total of 92 A. baumannii isolates from infected patients were collected and identified by multiplex PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility of A. baumannii clinical isolates was tested by VITEK 2 COMPACT®. Genotypes were determined by ERIC‐2 PCR. Biofilm formation and dispersion were detected by crystal violet staining. The presence and mRNA expression of efflux pump genes were analyzed by conventional PCR and real‐time PCR, respectively. More than 50% of the A. baumannii strains formed biofilm and were divided into different groups according to their biofilm‐forming ability. Antibiotic resistance rates among most groups did not significantly differ. There were 7 clonal groups in 92 strains of A. baumannii and no dominant clones among the different biofilm‐forming groups. PAβN inhibited A. baumannii biofilm formation and enhanced its dispersion, whereas adeB, adeJ, and adeG and the mRNA expression of adeB, abeM, and amvA showed no differences in the different biofilm‐forming groups. In conclusion, there was no clear relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii. The effects of PAβN on A. baumannii biofilm formation and dispersion were independent of the efflux pumps.
A dual‐port dual‐frequency integration antenna design
Authors: Tang Zhiyi , Yang Duo , Ma Chao , Wei Lusong , Zhang Bin , Huangfu Jiangtao
Published: July 2020

In this article, a compact dual‐port dual‐frequency slot antenna compatible with printed circuit board (PCB) technology is proposed. The antenna has two feed structures for two frequencies with slots and the capacitive matching circuits. The antenna radiates at specific frequency with the matching network and the frequency of the antenna can be adjustable by changing the matching element parameters. Taking the advantage of resonance by the subwavelength feed slots, the efficient radiation can be achieved at the outer ground edge of the PCB board, thus contributing to the excellent performance of gain and the good isolation between two frequency band paths. In consideration given to the wireless communication application bands, the antenna is designed to work at 1.57 and 2.4 GHz. The experimental radiation patterns show a unidirectional antenna with maximum radiation of 0.86 dBi in 171° direction at 1.57 GHz and maximum radiation of 5.2 dBi in 278° direction at 2.4 GHz, respectively. The proposed compact cost‐effective antenna demonstrates the potential of application in small multifrequency Internet of Things devices to drive WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Feeding Disorders in Children With Tracheostomy Tubes
Authors: Henningfeld Jennifer , Lang Cecilia , Erato Gina , Silverman Alan H. , Goday Praveen S.
Published: July 2020

Background

We aimed to describe feeding dysfunction in a group of children with tracheostomy.

Methods

Single‐center, retrospective chart review of all children with a tracheostomy who were evaluated by our interdisciplinary feeding program. Demographic and diagnostic data, nutrition variables, acceptance of food consistencies, as well as 2 validated psychometric instruments for assessment of feeding dysfunction were analyzed.

Results

Thirteen tracheostomy‐dependent children (5/13; 38% ventilator dependent) were evaluated at a median age of 51 months (interquartile range [IQR], 26–69). The majority of children (8/13; 62%) underwent evaluation after decannulation. Four children (30%) had a history of a cuffed tracheostomy tube. Eleven children (85%) used a speaking valve prior to decannulation, only 2 of whom started before initial discharge with a tracheostomy. Children with a tracheostomy had low‐median weight‐ and height‐for‐age z‐scores (−1.27 and −1.73, respectively), with normal‐median body mass index (BMI)–for‐age z‐score (0.175). Children received 75% of feedings via tube feeding (IQR, 13%–97%). Compared with other children with feeding disorders, children with tracheostomy had delays in initial acceptance of most food textures and general diet, and the Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire showed significantly worse overall scores (P = .01), and the About Your Child's Eating survey showed significantly higher parental perception of resistance to eating (P = .0001).

Conclusion

Requirement of enteral nutrition, poor oral‐feeding skills, chronic malnutrition, and worse mealtime behaviors are associated with tracheostomy. A history of ventilator dependence, cuffed tracheostomy, and inpatient speaking valve–use were infrequently associated with interdisciplinary feeding‐program evaluation.
Impact of Malnutrition in Patients With Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Harris Ché Matthew , Albaeni Aiham , Norris Keith C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Effects of malnutrition on patients with infective endocarditis (IE) have not been fully studied. Because malnutrition is associated with poor health, we hypothesized that among patients with IE, those with malnutrition would have more negative in‐hospital outcomes.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify adults ≥18 years old with IE. We compared outcomes of in‐hospital mortality, morbidity, valvular interventions, and utilization of resources between individuals with and without malnutrition.

Results

11,939 adults ≥18 years were hospitalized with IE, 2035 had a secondary diagnosis for malnutrition. There were no significant differences in age (mean age ± SEM: 55.6 ± 1.0 vs 54.3 ± 0.4 years, P = .21) or sex (female: 36.7%; 743/2,035 vs 37.5%; 3,717/9,904, P = .69) in patients with and without malnutrition. Patients with malnutrition had more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity score ≥3: 36%; 732/2,035 vs 30.7%; 3,040/9,904, P = .04). Despite similar adjusted in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.4; 95% CI, 0.8–1.5; P = .23), malnourished patients were more likely to develop sepsis (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2–2.4; P < .01) and had higher odds of mitral‐valve (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2–2.4; P < .01) repairs/replacements. Patients with malnutrition also had increased lengths of stay (adjusted mean difference [aMD], 4.7 days; 95% CI, 2.9–6.5 days; P < .01) and hospital charges (aMD, $36,052; 95% CI, $14,935–$57,168; P < .01).

Conclusions

Patients with malnutrition and IE are at risk for high morbidity, valvular repairs/replacements, and use of hospital resources.
Experiencing improved assessment and control of pain in end‐of‐life care when using the Abbey Pain Scale systematically
Authors: Ludvigsson Carola , Isaksson Ulf , Hajdarevic Senada
Published: July 2020

Aim

To describe staff's reflections on aspects influencing pain assessment at end‐of‐life (EoL) care in nursing homes before and after the implementation of the Abbey Pain Scale (APS).

Background

People with cognitive impairment in the EoL care often suffer from underdiagnosed and undertreated pain due to the lack of knowledge and guidelines for systematic pain assessment.

Methods

Semi‐structured focus group interviews were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The staff described their experiences before the implementation of APS as striving to achieve control of pain by trusting in themselves and the team, while the experiences after the implementation of APS were described as improving symptom control with remaining weak confidence in the team.

Conclusions

Implementation of APS was experienced as improving systematic pain assessment. Efforts to establish clear routines and improve confidence in the care team would be prioritized to optimize pain assessment and pain relief in EoL care.
The role of Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialists in British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy registered centres: A UK survey of practice
Authors: Norton Wendy , Mitchell Helene , Holloway Debra , Law Caroline
Published: July 2020

Aim

To identify Endometriosis Nurse Specialists' roles and responsibilities in accredited Endocentres, how these align with the Royal College of Nursing Skills Framework and potential for development to improve patient care.

Design

Cross‐sectional national survey.

Methods

Data were collected from an online survey distributed to all 66 Endometriosis Nurse Specialists working across 58 UK‐based Endometriosis registered centres. The response rate was 58% (N = 38). Data from closed questions were analysed using descriptive statistics, and free text responses were collated and analysed thematically.

Results

Unlike Nurse Specialists in other fields of practice, most Endometriosis Nurse Specialists (N = 33, 87%) had another nursing role. The median hours worked per week as an endometriosis nurse was only 13.5 hr. Most respondents (N = 35, 92%) spent all or most of their allocated hours collecting and inputting endometriosis data, whilst over a third (N = 13, 34%) were not undertaking any autonomous, nurse‐led patient consultations.
Intermittent Fasting and Metabolic Health: From Religious Fast to Time‐Restricted Feeding
Authors: Hoddy Kristin K. , Marlatt Kara L. , Çetinkaya Hatice , Ravussin Eric
Published: July 2020

Over the past 10 to 15 years, intermittent fasting has emerged as an unconventional approach to reduce body weight and improve metabolic health beyond simple calorie restriction. In this review, we summarize findings related to Ramadan and Sunnah fasting. We then discuss the role of caloric restriction not only as an intervention for weight control, but importantly, as a strategy for healthy aging and longevity. Finally, we review the four most common intermittent fasting (IF) strategies used to date for weight management and to improve cardiometabolic health. Weight loss is common after IF but does not appear to be different than daily caloric restriction when compared directly. IF may also provide additional cardiometabolic benefit, such as insulin sensitization, that is independent from weight loss. While no specific fasting regimen stands out as superior at this time, there is indeed heterogeneity in responses to these different IF diets. This suggests that one dietary regimen may not be ideally suited for every individual. Future studies should consider strategies for tailoring dietary prescriptions, including IF, based on advanced phenotyping and genotyping prior to diet initiation.
A necessary and sufficient condition of optimality for a class of multidimensional control problems
Authors: Treanţă Savin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we introduce a necessary and sufficient condition of optimality for a new class of multidimensional optimal control problems governed by path‐independent curvilinear integral functionals and mixed constraints involving first‐order partial differential equations (PDEs) of m‐flow type. Furthermore, as a consequence, we establish the equivalence between the class of (strongly) b‐invex functionals and the class of (strongly) b‐pseudoinvex functionals. The mathematical development in the paper is supported by illustrative examples, as well.
Comparison between esomeprazole 20 mg Vs 40 mg as stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Al Sulaiman Khalid , Al Aamer Kholoud , Al Harthi Alaa , Jaser Saud , Al Anazi Abdulrahman , Al Subaie Sultan , Vishwakarma Ramesh
Published: July 2020

Critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk of developing upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to GI stress ulceration (SU). The major independent risk factors for the development of GI bleeding in the ICUs include mechanical ventilation (MV) and coagulopathy. There is no enough evidence regarding the most appropriate dosing of esomeprazole as stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients. This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City‐Riyadh between January and December 2018 to determine the efficacy and safety of two different regimens of esomeprazole (20 vs 40 mg) as SUP in critically ill patients with major risk factors of GI stress ulceration. A total of 1864 patients were reviewed, 387 patients meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled. The propensity score was used to adjust for clinically and statistically relevant variables. We considered a P value of <.05 as statistically significant. 49 patients (12.6%) had received Esomeprazole 20 mg during the study period. Compared with Esomeprazole 20 mg, Esomeprazole 40 mg was not superior in GI bleeding prevention (aOR 2.611, 95% CI 0.343‐20.247, P = .356). In addition, neither ICU C. difficle, ICU mortality within 30 days, ICU LOS, hospital LOS, ICU re‐admission within 6 months, RBCs transfusion, nor platelets transfusion requirements were significant. On the other hand, Esomeprazole 40 mg was statistically associated with Enterobacteriaceae, Pneumonia, and longer MV duration.
The prevalence of sarcopenia in middle‐aged and older patients in post‐acute inpatient rehabilitation: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Churilov Irina , Churilov Leonid , Brock Kim , Curtain Navina , Murphy David , Muthukrishnan Kavitha , MacIsaac Richard J. , Ekinci Elif I.
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite the recommendation of European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) consensus statement not to exclude patients younger than 65 years, the prevalence of sarcopenia has not been investigated in younger post‐acute inpatient rehabilitation population. The objectives of this study were to:

estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in post‐acute inpatient rehabilitation population;

compare the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients above and below 65 years.

Methods

This cross‐sectional observational study recruited adult patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit at a metropolitan tertiary referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Participants' sarcopenia status was determined using the EWGSOP2 algorithm based on grip strength and muscle mass.

Results

Between November 2016 and January 2019, 203 participants were enrolled. Participants' broad diagnostic streams included musculoskeletal, neurologic, spinal, cardiac, amputee, and deconditioning. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 18% [95% confidence interval (CI) 13% to 24%]. The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients younger than 65 was 14% (95% CI 8% to 22%), and the prevalence in patients 65 and older was 23% (95% CI 15% to 32%), risk difference of 9% (95% CI: −1.2% to 20%; P = 0.1). With incorporation of these results into the most recent meta‐analysis of sarcopenia in inpatient rehabilitation, the mean pooled prevalence of sarcopenia was 47% (95% CI 23% to 71%). Stratified by age, patients with sarcopenia had significantly longer preceding length of stay in the acute hospital (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

The overall estimated prevalence of sarcopenia in patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation was 18%, and the estimated prevalence of sarcopenia in patients younger than 65 was 14%.
De novo thymic carcinoma or malignant transformation: a myasthenic patient presented with multiple mediastinal tumours
Authors: Pai Chu‐Pin , Lin Chih‐Ming , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Huang Chien‐Sheng , Huang Biing‐Shiun
Published: July 2020

A 63‐year‐old man presented with bilateral ptosis, and detailed evaluation confirmed ocular myasthenia gravis with three anterior mediastinal masses on computed tomography (CT) of the chest. Extended thymectomy was performed, and pathology revealed two thymic carcinoma and one thymoma. After surgery, the patient is free from recurrence. Synchronous triple thymic carcinomas and thymoma have not been reported. The finding of this case report supports the hypothesis of malignant transformation of thymoma to thymic carcinoma. Thymic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multiple thymic tumours, and extended thymectomy should be the treatment of choice.
Model‐free adaptive formation control for unknown multiinput‐multioutput nonlinear heterogeneous discrete‐time multiagent systems with bounded disturbance
Authors: Xiong Shuangshuang , Hou Zhongsheng , Jin Shangtai
Published: July 2020

Based on the model‐free adaptive control, the distributed formation control problem is investigated for a class of unknown heterogeneous nonlinear discrete‐time multiagent systems with bounded disturbance. Two equivalent data models to the unknown multiagent systems are established through the dynamic linearization technique considering the circumstances with measurable and unmeasurable disturbances. Based on the obtained data models, two distributed controllers are designed with only using the input/output and disturbance data of the neighbor agents system. The tracking error of the closed‐loop system driven by the proposed controllers is shown to be bounded by the contraction mapping principle and inductive methods. An example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed two distributed controllers.
Strategic Atomic Layer Deposition and Electrospinning of Cobalt Sulfide/Nitride Composite as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Guo Daying , Wang Jiahui , Zhang Lei , Chen Xi'an , Wan Zhixin , Xi Bin
Published: July 2020

Reported herein is comprehensive study of a highly active and stable cobalt catalyst for overall water splitting. This composite SFCNF/Co1−xS@CoN, consisting of S‐doped flexible carbon nanofiber (SFCNF) matrix, Co1−xS nanoparticles, and CoN coatings, is prepared by integration of electrospinning and atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Representative results include the following: 1) ultrathin CoN layer is deposited by ALD on the surface of flexible substrate without any sacrifice of SFCNF and Co1−xS; 2) the composite exhibits strong electrocatalytic activity in both acidic and basic solutions. The overpotentials of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are 20 and 180 mV, respectively, at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in basic medium. A small Tafel slope of 54.4 mV dec−1 is observed in 0.5 m H2SO4 electrolyte; 3) tested as overall water splitting electrode, the composite records a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a relative low cell voltage of 1.58 V and long‐term stability for 20 h at a current density of up to 50 mA cm−2. The superior performance for overall water splitting is probably attributed to the synergistic effect of Co1−xS and ALD CoN. Specifically, implementation of ALD can be extended to innovate nanostructured materials for overall water splitting and even other renewable energy aspects.
Thick‐Film Low Driving‐Force Indoor Light Harvesters
Authors: Yin Hang , Ma Lik‐Kuen , Yan Jie , Zhang Zhuoqiong , Cheung Andy Man Hong , Zhang Jianquan , Yan He , So Shu Kong
Published: July 2020

Organic indoor light harvesters require large‐area active layers for power‐greedy internet of thing (IoT) things due to much weaker light emissions from indoor sources than the standard 1‐Sun case. This presents new challenges for the thick‐film indoor photovoltaic (IPV) device fabrication to meet the requirements of current leading roll‐to‐roll (R2R) techniques. Herein, a concept of low driving‐force bulk heterojunction (BHJ) into the IPV field is introduced, and a P3TEA:FTTB‐PDI4 solar cell is demonstrated with negligible energy offset between donor and acceptor materials for the electron transport that can achieve high efficiencies over 20% in the thick‐film region, which is comparable with their optimized thin‐film counterpart. In the low driving‐force P3TEA:FTTB‐PDI4 BHJ film, negative Poole–Frenkel (PF) effect of the electron transport can be observed. Such an effect originates from alternative electron pathways opened up by the donor polymer P3TEA. The negative PF effect results in improved electron extraction in the thick‐film BHJs, leading to comparable fill factors (FFs) and efficiencies of thick‐film and thin‐film devices. From the photothermal deflection spectroscopy measurement, similar but low Urbach energy values of the low driving‐force BHJ and the neat acceptor film are observed, indicating reduced defect states for the electron transport in such low driving‐force devices.
Joints with lockbolts in steel structures – Part 2: Design and execution
Authors: Glienke Ralf , Schwarz Mathias , Ebert Andreas , Blunk Christoph , Wanner Martin‐Christoph
Published: July 2020

Many mechanical joints in steel structures use conventional bolts. Nevertheless, this proven joining technology has some significant disadvantages. These basically include the high levels of scatter during application of the assembly preload using the torque‐controlled tightening process, the risk of loosening during cyclic loads due to transverse displacement of the components and the low fatigue resistance under axial loading. Lockbolt technology was invented as long ago as the 1930s and mainly used for the aviation and space industry because of its evident advantages. This joining technology has been constantly further developed in response to the most diverse demands from sectors such as aviation, commercial vehicles, rail vehicles, agricultural machinery, defence technology and steel structures. The application of lockbolt technology, which is primarily used in mechanical engineering, was in most cases based on individual studies, since no consistent rules and guidelines were available for the design and execution of lockbolt connections in steel structures. Within the scope of several public research projects funded by the AiF (German Federation of Industrial Research Associations) and conducted by the iGF (Industrial Collective Research) organization as well as through approval investigations, the Fraunhofer Institute for Large Structures in Production Engineering (IGP) has successively developed the necessary design rules according to the EN 1993 standard (Eurocode 3) for use in structural connections. These design rules will be presented within the context of this article in order to make the benefits of this joining technology available to other users. In addition, insights into the use of technical approvals will be presented together with some current applications.
Dark fermions and spontaneous CP violation in SU(2)-axion inflation
Authors: Maleknejad Azadeh
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Remarkably, if CP was spontaneously broken in the physics of inflation, fermions would notice and remember it. Based on that, we present a new (non-thermal) mechanism for generating self-interacting dark Dirac fermions prior to the Hot Big Bang. The non-Abelian gauge fields and axions are well-motivated matter contents for the particle physics of inflation. In this background, we analytical study Dirac fermion doublets charged under the SU(2) gauge field and use point-splitting technique to regularize the currents. We show that the non-trivial CP-violating vacuum structure of SU(2)-axion models naturally leads to an efficient mechanism for generating massive fermions during inflation. The size of the fermionic backreaction and the density fraction of dark fermions put upper bounds on the fermion’s mass. For a GUT scale inflation, the generated dark fermions, only gravitationally coupled to the visible sector, can be as heavy as m ≲ 10 TeV.
Momentum/Complexity duality and the black hole interior
Authors: Barbón José L.F. , Martín-García Javier , Sasieta Martin
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We establish a version of the Momentum/Complexity (PC) duality between the rate of operator complexity growth and an appropriately defined radial component of bulk momentum for a test system falling into a black hole. In systems of finite entropy, our map remains valid for arbitrarily late times after scrambling. The asymptotic regime of linear complexity growth is associated to a frozen momentum in the interior of the black hole, measured with respect to a time foliation by extremal codimension-one surfaces which saturate without reaching the singularity. The detailed analysis in this paper uses the Volume-Complexity (VC) prescription and an infalling system consisting of a thin shell of dust, but the final PC duality formula should have a much wider degree of generality.
Action complexity for semi-classical black holes
Authors: Schneiderbauer Lukas , Sybesma Watse , Thorlacius Lárus
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We adapt the complexity as action prescription (CA) to a semi-classical model of two-dimensional dilaton gravity and determine the rate of increase of holographic complexity for an evaporating black hole. The results are consistent with our previous numerical results for semi-classical black hole complexity using a volume prescription (CV) in the same model, but the CA calculation is fully analytic and provides a non-trivial positive test for the holographic representation of the black hole interior.
Computation of the Analytic Center of the Solution Set of the Linear Matrix Inequality Arising in Continuous- and Discrete-Time Passivity Analysis
Authors: Bankmann Daniel , Mehrmann Volker , Nesterov Yurii , Van Dooren Paul
Published: July 2020

In this paper formulas are derived for the analytic center of the solution set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) defining passive transfer functions. The algebraic Riccati equations that are usually associated with such systems are related to boundary points of the convex set defined by the solution set of the LMI. It is shown that the analytic center is described by closely related matrix equations, and their properties are analyzed for continuous- and discrete-time systems. Numerical methods are derived to solve these equations via steepest descent and Newton methods. It is also shown that the analytic center has nice robustness properties when it is used to represent passive systems. The results are illustrated by numerical examples.
Partitioning Transitive Tournaments into Isomorphic Digraphs
Authors: Sali Attila , Simonyi Gábor , Tardos Gábor
Published: July 2020

In an earlier paper (see Sali and Simonyi Eur. J. Combin.20, 93–99, 1999) the first two authors have shown that self-complementary graphs can always be oriented in such a way that the union of the oriented version and its isomorphically oriented complement gives a transitive tournament. We investigate the possibilities of generalizing this theorem to decompositions of the complete graph into three or more isomorphic graphs. We find that a complete characterization of when an orientation with similar properties is possible seems elusive. Nevertheless, we give sufficient conditions that generalize the earlier theorem and also imply that decompositions of odd vertex complete graphs to Hamiltonian cycles admit such an orientation. These conditions are further generalized and some necessary conditions are given as well.
Interkulturelles Coaching für geflüchtete Fachkräfte in Gesundheitsberufen: Entwicklung, Durchführung und Evaluation
Authors: Khan-Gökkaya Sidra , Mösko Mike
Published: July 2020

Geflüchtete Fachkräfte erleben verschiedene Barrieren auf dem Arbeitsmarkt, von denen einige in einem Interkulturellen Coaching adressiert werden können. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet die Entwicklung, Durchführung und Evaluation eines Interkulturellen Coachings für geflüchtete Personen in Gesundheitsberufen. Die Entwicklung und Erprobung des Coachings erfolgte stufenweise. Um das Coaching zu evaluieren, wurde ein multimethodales Studiendesigns gewählt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Coaching nicht nur für die Integration in den Beruf, sondern generell für den Aufenthalt in Deutschland als hilfreich angesehen wird.
Experimental Study of High Temperature Phase Equilibria in the Iron-Rich Part of the Fe-P and Fe-C-P Systems
Authors: Bernhard Michael , Presoly Peter , Fuchs Nora , Bernhard Christian , Kang Youn-Bae
Published: July 2020

During the solidification of steel, phosphorus strongly segregates in the interdendritic liquid phase. In the continuous casting process, even low levels of P may have a detrimental effect on the final product quality. However, phosphorus is partly added up to 0.10 wt pct to improve the mechanical properties of advanced steel grades nowadays, e.g., High-Strength Interstitial-Free (HSIF). To provide new experimental data for the development of thermodynamic databases and solidification models for P alloyed steel grades, phase equilibria in the Fe-P and Fe-C-P key systems were studied up to 1550 °C using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and high temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy (HT-LSCM). Special focus was placed on solid/liquid equilibrium temperatures in the Fe-rich part of the binary Fe-P system between 0.025 and 9 wt pct P. In the ternary system, three isoplethal sections with 0.10 mass pct. P, 0.20 mass pct. C and constant mass percent ratio P/C of 2 were investigated. In the latter section, HT-LSCM observations were linked with DSC signals to optically identify present phase stabilities. Particularly at [pct P] < 1, significant differences between performed measurements and calculated phase equilibrium temperatures using thermodynamic assessments from the literature were identified. In all ternary sections, the experiments indicate less influence of P on the hypo-peritectic range compared to the thermodynamic calculations.
Early deafness leads to re-shaping of functional connectivity beyond the auditory cortex
Authors: Bonna Kamil , Finc Karolina , Zimmermann Maria , Bola Lukasz , Mostowski Piotr , Szul Maciej , Rutkowski Pawel , Duch Wlodzislaw , Marchewka Artur , Jednoróg Katarzyna , Szwed Marcin
Published: July 2020

Early sensory deprivation, such as deafness, shapes brain development in multiple ways. Deprived auditory areas become engaged in the processing of stimuli from the remaining modalities and in high-level cognitive tasks. Yet, structural and functional changes were also observed in non-deprived brain areas, which may suggest the whole-brain network changes in deaf individuals. To explore this possibility, we compared the resting-state functional network organization of the brain in early deaf adults and hearing controls and examined global network segregation and integration. Relative to hearing controls, deaf adults exhibited decreased network segregation and an altered modular structure. In the deaf, regions of the salience network were coupled with the fronto-parietal network, while in the hearing controls, they were coupled with other large-scale networks. Deaf adults showed weaker connections between auditory and somatomotor regions, stronger coupling between the fronto-parietal network and several other large-scale networks (visual, memory, cingulo-opercular and somatomotor), and an enlargement of the default mode network. Our findings suggest that brain plasticity in deaf adults is not limited to changes in the auditory cortex but additionally alters the coupling between other large-scale networks and the development of functional brain modules. These widespread functional connectivity changes may provide a mechanism for the superior behavioral performance of the deaf in visual and attentional tasks.
Medical student experience with robot-assisted surgery after limited laparoscopy exposure
Authors: Vurgun Nasit , Vongsurbchart Tanawat , Myszka Aneta , Richter Piotr , Rogula Tomasz
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the objective and subjective experience of medical students completing robotic surgery tasks after limited laparoscopy exposure. Twenty-three medical students without previous laparoscopy and robotic surgery experience self-enrolled into 0 min (n = 11), 20 min (n = 6), and 40 min (n = 6) laparoscopy training groups. Subjects completed rope passing and ball placement tasks on a laparoscopy trainer before repeating similar tasks on the Senhance Surgical System, a robot-assisted digital laparoscopy device. Videos were recorded to evaluate objective measures including time, completion rate, clutch use, out of view instruments, ball drops, and manual adjustments. The NASA-TLX survey was administered to assess subjective experience using workload and task demand measures. There were no statistically significant differences in objective performance between the groups (p > 0.05). Subjects who completed laparoscopy training reported higher workloads, but these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). NASA-TLX workload was correlated with time performance on Pearson and Spearman tests (r = 0.623, rho = 0.681, p < 0.01). Initial experience of medical students with robot-assisted surgery did not differ significantly after limited laparoscopy exposure.
New Insights into Adult and Paediatric Chronic Non-bacterial Osteomyelitis CNO
Authors: Hedrich Christian M. , Morbach Henner , Reiser Christiane , Girschick Hermann J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

To describe in detail the clinical synopsis and pathophysiology of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis and SAPHO syndrome.

Recent Findings

Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) has been identified as a disease entity for almost 50 years. This inflammatory bone disorder is characterized by osteolytic as well as hyperostotic/osteosclerotic lesions. It is chronic in nature, but it can present with episodic flairs and phases of remission, which have led to the denomination “chronic recurrent osteomyelitis”, with its severe multifocal form “chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis” (CRMO). For almost three decades, an infectious aetiology had been considered, since especiallyPropionibacterium acneshad been isolated from bone lesions of individual patients. However, this concept has been challenged since long-term antibiotic therapy did not alter the course of disease and modern microbiological techniques (including PCR) failed to confirm bone infection as an underlying cause. Over recent years, a profound dysregulation of cytokine expression profiles has been demonstrated in innate immune cells of CNO patients. A hallmark of monocytes from CNO patients is the failure to produce immune regulatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-19, which have been linked with genetic and epigenetic alterations. Subsequently, a significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory, NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), has been demonstrated.

The current knowledge on CNO, the underlying molecular pathophysiology, and modern imaging strategies are summarized; differential diagnoses, treatment options, outcome measures, as well as quality of life studies are discussed.
Disgust Propensity and the Bitter Aftertaste Response
Authors: Schienle Anne , Osmani Florian , Schlintl Carina
Published: July 2020

Introduction

A high level of disgust propensity (the general tendency to respond with the emotion of disgust to any given situation) is associated with an increased sensitivity to bitter taste. The present study examined the relationship between disgust propensity and the sensitivity to bitter aftertaste.

Methods

A total of 200 women rinsed their mouth with concentrated wormwood tea (Artemisia absinthium). The resulting aftertaste was evaluated (intensity of bitterness and disgust) every 15 s for 10 min. A multiple linear regression analysis was calculated to capture the association between aftertaste ratings and affective variables (e.g., disgust propensity, depression symptoms).

Results

Higher disgust propensity was associated with higher initial disgust ratings and faster reduction of disgust over time. Higher depression scores were associated with a slower disgust reduction.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that affective variables predict the temporal course of the wormwood aftertaste response. Having a higher disgust propensity was associated with a shortened disgust recovery.

Implications

A shortened disgust recovery may be adaptive because it enables faster processing of new disgust stimuli.
The Ethics of Motivational Neuro-Doping in Sport: Praiseworthiness and Prizeworthiness
Authors: Bowman-Smart  , Hilary  , Savulescu  , Julian
Published: July 2020

Motivational enhancement in sport – a form of ‘neuro-doping’ – can help athletes attain greater achievements in sport. A key question is whether or not that athlete deserves that achievement. We distinguish three concepts – praiseworthiness (whether the athlete deserves praise), prizeworthiness (whether the athlete deserves the prize), and admiration (pure admiration at the performance) – which are closely related. However, in sport, they can come apart. The most praiseworthy athlete may not be the most prizeworthy, and so on. Using a model of praiseworthiness as costly commitment to a valuable end, and situating prizeworthiness within the boundaries of the sport, we argue that motivational enhancement in some cases can be compatible with desert.
Polyacrylamide-Grafted Actinidia deliciosa peels powder (PGADP) for the sequestration of crystal violet dye: isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Ahmad Rais , Ansari Khalid
Published: July 2020

Herein, a novel and eco-friendly low-cost adsorbent polyacrylamide-grafted Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwi fruit) peels powder (PGADP) was synthesized and utilized as a potential adsorbent for the sequestration of crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solution. The material was characterized by various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The adsorption process was carried out in a batch process with different concentrations, adsorbent doses, pH, contact time and temperatures. The maximum adsorption of CV dye from aqueous solution was observed at pH 7.3, contact time 180 min and initial dye concentration 20 mgL−1. The equilibrium data were tested by applying various isotherms models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R), and the results showed that Langmuir was found to be the best fitted model based on the highest correlation coefficient (R2). Kinetic data showed that pseudo-second order model was best obeyed over wide range of concentrations. In thermodynamic study, positive value of ∆Ho and negative value of ΔG° confirm endothermic and spontaneous nature of adsorption process with increased randomness at solid-solution interface. Desorption of CV dye was performed successfully using 1 M acetic acid with excellent regenerating capacity that lasts up to fourth cycle. Therefore, PGADP can be used effectively and economically for removal of CV dye from aqueous solution and industrial waste water.
Maximum allowable pressure during heavy slurry displacement
Authors: Leksir Abdeslem
Published: July 2020

Heavy slurry pumping is facing enormous problems concerning pressure generation and casing limitations. Pumping high-density cement throughout narrow column, throttled at their extremity by the float equipment will generate more pressure, and could push casing to their limits of utilization. There are numbers of phenomena that could lead to casing length change as: piston, ballooning, temperature, tension and buckling. This work is oriented to study buckling effect on total casing length change. Generally, in conventional wells cementing, down hole conditions are referred to geological formation fracture pressure limit, which is lower than buckling limit. Heavy slurry displacement could make an exception, where buckling could appears at pressure inferior to geological fracture limit. While pumping heavy cement down, pressure inside casing increases progressively, pushing casing to extend, consequently risk of closing the narrow space out between casing and open hole total depth may appears. At this moment, buckling begins; pressure rise intensely to reach geological fracture limits and causes down hole loses. After passing the critical high pressure situation, casing will come back to their initial form. In order to overcome this situation, maximum allowable pressure during displacement together with problem indicators is proposed, to prevent and early detect the problem. Experimental and simulation results confirm the usability of assumption proposed.
A Framework for Explaining Black-White Inequality in Homeownership Sustainability
Authors: Ren Chunhui
Published: July 2020

To explain racially differential housing outcomes, previous studies have tended to concentrate on discriminatory processes within the mortgage market while ignoring homeowning families’ broad socioeconomic challenges. This study proposes a conceptual framework for understanding Black-White inequality in homeownership sustainability, which emphasizes Black homeowners’ socioeconomic challenges that are external to mortgage market evaluations, with a particular focus on the mediating role of liquid assets. Based on the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, the framework is put to an empirical test on the differential exit rates between Black and White homeowners in the United States during the recent housing crisis. The findings indicate that the racial gap in homeownership exit is eliminated after liquid wealth is controlled in the model alongside other covariates and that the inclusion of liquid wealth renders all mortgage-oriented variables nonsignificant with regard to their explanatory power for Black-White inequality in exit rates. Policy implications of the findings are also discussed.
Monitoring and mathematical modeling of mitochondrial ATP in myotubes at single‐cell level reveals two distinct population with different kinetics
Authors: Matsuda Naoki , Hironaka Ken‐ichi , Fujii Masashi , Wada Takumi , Kunida Katsuyuki , Inoue Haruki , Eto Miki , Hoshino Daisuke , Furuichi Yasuro , Manabe Yasuko , Fujii Nobuharu L. , Noji Hiroyuki , Imamura Hiromi , Kuroda Shinya
Published: July 2020

Background

ATP is the major energy source for myotube contraction, and is quickly produced to compensate ATP consumption and to maintain sufficient ATP level. ATP is consumed mainly in cytoplasm and produced in mitochondria during myotube contraction. To understand the mechanism of ATP homeostasis during myotube contraction, it is essential to monitor mitochondrial ATP at single‐cell level, and examine how ATP is produced and consumed in mitochondria.

Methods

We established C2C12 cell line stably expressing fluorescent probe of mitochondrial ATP, and induced differentiation into myotubes. We gave electric pulse stimulation to the differentiated myotubes, and measured mitochondrial ATP. We constructed mathematical model of mitochondrial ATP at single‐cell level, and analyzed kinetic parameters of ATP production and consumption.

Results

We performed hierarchical clustering analysis of time course of mitochondrial ATP, which resulted in two clusters. Cluster 1 showed strong transient increase, whereas cluster 2 showed weak transient increase. Mathematical modeling at single‐cell level revealed that the ATP production rate of cluster 1 was larger than that of cluster 2, and that both regulatory pathways of ATP production and consumption of cluster 1 were faster than those of cluster 2. Cluster 1 showed larger mitochondrial mass than cluster 2, suggesting that cluster 1 shows the similar property of slow muscle fibers, and cluster 2 shows the similar property of fast muscle fibers.

Conclusion

Cluster 1 showed the stronger mitochondrial ATP increase by larger ATP production rate, but not smaller consumption. Cluster 1 might reflect the larger oxidative capacity of slow muscle fiber.
Wear law in mixed lubrication based on stress-promoted thermal activation
Authors: Pei Xin , Pu Wei , Yang Jialong , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2020

Although several empirical wear formulas have been proposed, theoretical approaches for predicting surface topography evolution during sliding wear are limited. In this study, we propose a novel wear-prediction method, wherein the energy-based Arrhenius equation is combined with a mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model to predict the point-contact wear process in mixed lubrication. The surface flash temperature and contact pressure are considered in the wear model. Simulation results are compared with the experimental results to verify the theory. The surface topography evolutions are observed during the wear process. The influences of load and speed on wear are investigated. The simulation results based on the Arrhenius equation relationship shows good agreement with the results of experiments as well as the Archard wear formula. However, the Arrhenius equation is more accurate than the Archard wear theory in some aspects, such as under high-temperature conditions. The results indicate that combining the wear formulas with the mixed EHL simulation models is an effective method to study the wear behavior over time.