bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of positron emission tomography‐contrast enhanced computed tomography in locally advanced gallbladder cancer
Authors: Patkar Shraddha , Chaturvedi Aditi , Goel Mahesh , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Sharma Ashutosh , Engineer Reena
Published: January 2020

Introduction

This study aims to define the role of flurodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography‐contrast enhanced computed tomography (PETCECT) scan in upstaging disease in patients with locally advanced gallbladder cancer (LAGBC).

Methods

An analysis of a prospectively maintained database of gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients was performed. Patients found to have locally advanced (T3 and/or T4 or N+) but non‐metastatic disease on initial imaging, either a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, underwent an additional PETCECT for staging and the results impacting treatment decision were recorded.

Results

One hundred and three patients of LAGBC underwent CECT/MRI and PETCECT. 48/103 (46.6%) were found to be upstaged to stage IV after PETCECT. The most common metastatic site was non‐regional retroperitoneal lymph nodes (12 patients, 11.7%) followed by satellite lesions in liver (11, 10.7%). Fourteen (13.6%) patients had equivocal findings on PET scan that required confirmation by tissue sampling out of which 10 (71.4%) were subsequently found to have metastatic disease. The only statistically significant factor predicting distant spread on PETCECT was the presence of loco‐regional nodes on CT scan (odds ratio 6.15, P = .006).

Conclusion

PETCECT is a valuable tool to rule out metastatic disease in patients presenting with LAGBC.
Practical Approaches to Bone Marrow Fat Fraction Quantification Across Magnetic Resonance Imaging Platforms
Authors: Bainbridge Alan , Bray Timothy J.P. , Sengupta Raj , Hall‐Craggs Margaret A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Quantification of fat by proton density fat fraction (PDFF) measurements may be valuable for the quantification and follow‐up of pathology in multicenter clinical trials and routine practice. However, many centers do not have access to specialist methods (such as chemical shift imaging) for PDFF measurement. This is a barrier to more widespread trial implementation.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To determine the agreement between fat fraction (FF) measurements derived from 1) basic vendor‐supplied sequences, 2) basic sequences with offline correction, and 3) specialist vendor‐supplied methods.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Two substudies with ten and five healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

Site A: mDixon Quant (Philips 3T Ingenia); Site B: IDEAL and FLEX (GE 1.5T Optima MR450W); Site C: DIXON, with additional 5‐echo gradient echo acquisition for offline correction (Siemens 3T Skyra); Site D: DIXON, with additional VIBE acquisitions for offline correction (Siemens 1.5T Avanto). The specialist method at site A was used as a standard to compare to the basic methods at sites B, C, and D.

Assessment

Regions of interest were placed on areas of subchondral bone on FF maps from the various methods in each volunteer.

Statistical Tests

Relationships between FF measurements from the various sites and Dixon methods were assessed using Bland–Altman analysis and linear regression.

Results

Basic methods consisting of IDEAL, LAVA FLEX, and DIXON produced FF values that were linearly related to reference FF values (P < 0.0001), but produced mean biases of up to 10%. Offline correction produced a significant reduction in bias in both substudies (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

FF measurements derived using basic vendor‐supplied methods are strongly linearly related with those derived using specialist methods but produce a bias of up to 10%. A simple offline correction that is accessible even when the scanner has only basic sequence options can significantly reduce bias.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:298–306.
Horizontal semicircular canal jam: Two new cases and possible mechanisms
Authors: Schubert Michael C. , Helminski Janet , Zee David S. , Cristiano Elisabetta , Giannone Antonio , Tortoriello Giuseppe , Marcelli Vincenzo
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the horizontal semicircular canal (hSCC) can present with otoconia blocking its lumen (canalith jam), with signs and symptoms that make it difficult to distinguish from central nervous system pathology.

Objective

Here we report two cases of canalith jam affecting the hSCC and offer a theoretical mechanism based on known vestibular neurophysiology.

Methods

We use video‐oculography to document the canalith jam and show the moment the otoconia loosen.

Results

Canalith jam is a rare form of BPPV remedied with repositioning maneuvers.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider canalith jam as a mechanism for BPPV when the nystagmus is (a) Direction fixed with fixation removed and during positional testing; (b) Velocity dependent on supine head position; (c) Converts to geotropic directional changing nystagmus.
High‐temperature corrosion behaviors of typical nickel alloy coatings in a simulated boiler coal ash/gas environment in the Zhundong region
Authors: Wu Jun , Wu Xiaojiang , Cheng Peize , Dai Nianwei , Li Jin , Jiang Yiming
Published: January 2020

The high‐temperature corrosion behaviors of five nickel alloy coatings used in coal‐fired boilers in the Zhundong region (Xinjiang province) were investigated in simulated coal ash and coal‐combusted flue gas environment at 650°C for 250 and 500 hr. The samples were analyzed by weight gain experiment, X‐ray diffraction test, and scanning electron microscopy technique with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicated that the corrosion level is in the order of NiCrMo13 ≈ Hastelloy C‐276 (276) > NiCrBSi > Inconel 718 (718) > 45CT. The compositions of the corrosion scale in five nickel alloy coatings mainly consist of NiO, Ni3S2, and Cr2O3. The enrichment of Cr in the corrosion scale in 45CT, 718, and NiCrBSi coatings inhibits the formation of oxide and sulfide on the coating surface. The presence of W and Mo in nickel alloy coatings accelerates the formation of corrosion products, thus weakening the corrosion resistance of NiCrMo13 and 276 in simulated coal ash and coal‐combusted flue gas environment.
Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis and 3D Similarity Perspective Applied to Analyze Comprehensively the Selectivity of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Inhibitors
Authors: Crisan Luminita , Avram Sorin , Kurunczi Ludovic , Pacureanu Liliana
Published: January 2020

The current work was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of two conceptually distinct in silico ligand‐based tools: Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS‐DA) and 3D similarity, including shape, physico‐chemical and electrostatics to classify target‐specific pharmacophores with enrichment power for selective GSK‐3 inhibitors against the phylogenetically related CDK‐2, CDK‐4, CDK‐5 and PKC. All virtual screens were performed on four data sets of targets matched pairwise, including selective and nonselective inhibitors for GSK‐3. The classification method PLS‐DA results revealed that all obtained models are statistically robust according to the cross‐validation and response permutation tests. Regarding selective GSK‐3 inhibitors differentiation in terms of selectivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and accuracy (ACC), the PLS‐DA models for CDK‐4/GSK‐3, and PKC/GSK‐3 datasets are highly efficient discriminative. 3D similarity searches for CDK‐4/GSK‐3, PKC/GSK‐3, and CDK‐2/GSK‐3 datasets using the most selective reference molecules lead to highest enrichments of selective GSK‐3 inhibitors. EON yields excellent early and overall enrichments for ET_ST and ET_combo for most selective query for CDK‐4/GSK‐3. CDK‐5/GSK‐3 dataset didn't show consistent statistically significant enrichments for 3D similarity virtual screening. The current methodology is reliable and could be used as a powerful tool for the detection of potentially selective molecules targeting GSK‐3.
Compartment syndrome: Neuromuscular complications and electrodiagnosis
Authors: Broadhurst Peter Kaas , Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: January 2020

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a treatable condition characterized by elevated intracompartmental pressure and may be acute or chronic in nature. Sustained elevated compartment pressure can lead to ischemia and necrosis of muscle as well as injury to peripheral nerves, creating a deficit that may be neuropathic, myopathic, or mixed. While electrodiagnostic assessments are of limited utility in the diagnosis of acute/traumatic CS, they can assist with prognosticating return of function after surgical fasciotomy or in clarifying the injury pattern in cases in which a traumatic injury results in subsequent neuromuscular deficits. They can also be used to rule out conditions that mimic chronic exertional CS. During electrodiagnostic assessment, clinicians should be aware of patterns associated with muscle fibrosis vs denervation and use this information to assist with prognostication and appropriate counseling for patients regarding any interventional or adaptive treatments that may help restore function.
Use of Underwater Videography to Quantify Conditions Utilized by Endangered Moapa Dace While Spawning
Authors: Ruggirello Jack E. , Bonar Scott A. , Feuerbacher Olin G. , Simons Lee H.
Published: January 2020

Advances in underwater camera technology provide an affordable means to quantify the environmental conditions under which fish spawn. This information is important for investigating spawning ecology, managing habitat, or providing information for captive breeding programs. We deployed 12 modified security cameras underwater to identify environmental conditions related to the spawning behavior of the critically endangered Moapa Dace Moapa coriacea, a Mojave Desert stream-dwelling cyprinid that had never been observed spawning and that had fallen to a low of 459 individual fish 4 years prior to this study. Camera sites were selected systematically along the stream to represent the variety of conditions available. We divided the field of view in front of each camera into a grid, and we estimated both the available environment and the habitat over which Moapa Dace showed spawning behavior. From over 4,000 10-min video clips that were randomly selected for analysis, 13 spawning events were identified. Using nonparametric contingency table analyses, we found that Moapa Dace selected depths between 30 and 34 cm, water velocities between 0.11 and 0.17 m/s, cobble substrate, and overhead instream cover. Although the recorded sample size of spawning events was small (13), our sample represents a large proportion of events given that the world's entire population of Moapa Dace at the time was approximately 650 fish distributed over multiple kilometers of stream length. Environmental conditions identified by this study were replicated in laboratory facilities to successfully propagate Moapa Dace for the first time in captivity. These propagation methods are now used in a management setting by the Nevada Department of Wildlife to maintain a captive population of this rare fish. Camera methods can be effective in helping to identify spawning conditions where water clarity is sufficient.
Revisiting the trade and unemployment nexus: Empirical evidence from the Nigerian economy
Authors: Onifade Stephen Taiwo , Ay Ahmet , Asongu Simplice , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: January 2020

The recent exacerbation of unemployment crisis in Nigeria stands to be a serious threat to both socio‐economic stability and progress of the country just as the report from the Bureau of Statistics shows that at least over 8.5 million people had no gainful employment at all as at the last quarter of the year 2017. It is on the above premise, that the present study explores the link between trade and unemployment for the case of Nigeria with the intention of exploring how the unemployment crisis has been impacted within the dynamics of the country's trade performance. The empirical evidence shows that the nation's terms of trade were insignificant to unemployment rate, while trade openness and domestic investment, on the other hand, have significant opposing impacts on unemployment in Nigeria over the period of the study. Further breakdowns from the empirical analysis also revealed that the Philips curves proposition is valid within the Nigerian economic context, while the evidences for the validity of Okun's law only exist in the short‐run scenario. Based on the empirical results, we recommend that concerted effort should be geared toward stimulating domestic investment by providing adequate financial and infrastructural facilities that will promote ease of doing business while utmost precautions are taken to ensure that unemployment crisis is not exacerbated when combating inflation in the economy in the wake of dynamic trade relations.
Clinical impact of post‐induction resolution of pulmonary lesions in metastatic Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Halalsheh Hadeel , Kaste Sue C. , Krasin Matthew J. , Sykes April , Sahr Natasha , Spunt Sheri L. , Federico Sara M. , Bishop Michael W.
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma experience poor outcomes despite intensive systemic and local therapy. Early chemotherapy response of pulmonary metastases has been associated with prognosis in other pediatric malignancies. We reviewed the outcomes of patients with Ewing sarcoma and pulmonary metastases treated at our institution based on therapy received and early pulmonary response.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with newly diagnosed Ewing sarcoma and pulmonary metastases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1979 and 2015. Data obtained included demographic and treatment characteristics including chemotherapy, local control measures, whole lung irradiation (WLI) administration, autologous stem cell transplantation, and outcomes. Patients were evaluated for radiographic post‐induction pulmonary complete response (CR). We estimated event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) and used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the effects of clinical and treatment factors on outcomes.

Results

Fifty‐four patients (median age, 12.9 years) were evaluated. Post‐induction pulmonary CR was observed in 33 (61%) patients. WLI was delivered to 16 patients (4/33 with pulmonary CR and 12/21 with non‐CR). At median 3.6 years follow‐up, five‐year EFS and OS were 30.8% ± 6.4% and 49.6% ± 7.1%, respectively. Post‐induction pulmonary CR was associated with prolonged EFS (P < 0.001) but not improved OS (P = 0.065). Post‐induction pulmonary CR was associated with a lower incidence of lung failure (P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Post‐induction pulmonary CR is associated with improved EFS in patients with Ewing sarcoma who present with pulmonary metastases.
Multifunctional Characteristics of Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Epoxy Polymer Composites with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper Interlayer
Authors: Ribeiro Bruno , Corredor Jefersson Alexander Rojas , Costa Michelle Leali , Botelho Edson Cocchieri , Rezende Mirabel Cerqueira
Published: January 2020

In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotube buckypaper (MWCNT‐BP) was inserted at the middle‐plane of glass fiber/epoxy resin prepregs to obtain three‐phase nanostructured composite. Preliminary tests conducted by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) revealed that the proposed curing cycle to prepare the laminates in a hot compression‐molding machine was appropriated. The mechanical properties of the BP‐based composite studied by short beam shear and compression shear tests presented no improvements compared to the base laminate. On the other hand, the thermal properties of the nanostructured composite improved as demonstrated by dynamical mechanical analyses and TGA. Besides, the reflectivity results revealed an average value of −12.2 dB in the X‐band with a maximum attenuation of 99.4% of the incident wave at 9.5 GHz. The improvements in both thermal and electromagnetic properties demonstrate the potential for both structural and multifunctional applications of the obtained BP‐composite. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:740–751, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Divergent phenotypic response of rice accessions to transient heat stress during early seed development
Authors: Paul Puneet , Dhatt Balpreet K. , Sandhu Jaspreet , Hussain Waseem , Irvin Larissa , Morota Gota , Staswick Paul , Walia Harkamal
Published: January 2020

Increasing global surface temperatures is posing a major food security challenge. Part of the solution to address this problem is to improve crop heat resilience, especially during grain development, along with agronomic decisions such as shift in planting time and increasing crop diversification. Rice is a major food crop consumed by more than 3 billion people. For rice, thermal sensitivity of reproductive development and grain filling is well‐documented, while knowledge concerning the impact of heat stress (HS) on early seed development is limited. Here, we aim to study the phenotypic variation in a set of diverse rice accessions for elucidating the HS response during early seed development. To explore the variation in HS sensitivity, we investigated aus (1), indica (2), temperate japonica (2), and tropical japonica (4) accessions for their HS (39/35°C) response during early seed development that accounts for transition of endosperm from syncytial to cellularization, which broadly corresponds to 24 and 96 hr after fertilization (HAF), respectively, in rice. The two indica and one of the tropical japonica accessions exhibited severe heat sensitivity with increased seed abortion; three tropical japonicas and an aus accession showed moderate heat tolerance, while temperate japonicas exhibited strong heat tolerance. The accessions exhibiting extreme heat sensitivity maintain seed size at the expense of number of fully developed mature seeds, while the accessions showing relative resilience to the transient HS maintained number of fully developed seeds but compromised on seed size, especially seed length. Further, histochemical analysis revealed that all the tested accessions have delayed endosperm cellularization upon exposure to the transient HS by 96 HAF; however, the rate of cellularization was different among the accessions. These findings were further corroborated by upregulation of cellularization‐associated marker genes in the developing seeds from the heat‐stressed samples.
Effect of Aluminum Particle Size on the Performance of Aluminized Explosives
Authors: Li Xinghan , Pei Hongbo , Zhang Xu , Zheng Xianxu
Published: January 2020

To characterize the effect of the particle size on the combustion time of aluminum (Al) in aluminized explosives, a series of cylinder tests was performed with RDX and Al compositions (median size of 2, 10, and 47 μm). Similar compositions were also prepared with RDX and lithium fluoride (LiF). The expanding velocities of the cylinders were measured using photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV). The results show that the Al reaction delay is less than 3 μs, and the majority of the Al reaction is less than 25 μs. Among the RDX/Al formulas with 0 %, 15 %, and 30 % weight percent of Al, the formula with 15 % Al has the best metal acceleration ability. The effects of the particle size on the cylinder test are surprisingly negligible over the range of 2–47 μm, which implies that the Al particle combustion in the detonation product does not obey the classical d1 law. Finally, a novel Al combustion model in the detonation product was proposed based on the experimental result and theoretical analysis. The model suggests that the Al particle breakup plays an important role in the post‐detonation combustion of Al.
Coupled Mechanical−Thermal Model for Numerical Simulations of Polymer−Bonded Explosives under Low−Velocity Impacts
Authors: Xiao Youcai , Fan Chenyang , Wang Zhijun , Sun Yi
Published: January 2020

Due to the significant thermal−mechanical effects during hot spot formation in polymer‐bonded explosives (PBXs), a coupled mechanical−thermal constitutive relationship was developed to predict the mechanical behaviors and the thermal reactions of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBXs), which includes viscoelastic responses, the Visco‐SCRAM model, equations of state, and the Arrhenius first‐order chemical kinetics model. The proposed model was implemented in the finite element code ABAQUS using the user subroutine VUMAT. Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and confined Steven test simulations for PBX 9501 were performed to verify the model and understand the stress and temperature fields under different low impact velocities. The results predicted by the proposed model agreed well with the experimental results. This suggested that the model could be used to better simulate the thermal−mechanical responses of explosives. Moreover, compared with the previous analysis models and methods, the method in this paper has wider applicability because it does not require an empirical ignition criterion and hotspot model. It can provide a reference for the study of the thermal−mechanical responses of explosives and the localized ignition problem under low amplitude impact scenarios.
Effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on survival and wing dimorphism of two species of rice planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) under interaction
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Fei Minghui , Meng Ling , Harvey Jeffrey A , Li Baoping
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Anthropogenic climate change (ACC) may have significant impacts on insect herbivore communities including pests. Two of the most important climate‐change related factors are increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), and increasing mean global temperature. Although increasing attention is being paid to the biological and ecological effects of ACC, important processes such as interspecific interaction between insect herbivores have been little explored. Here, in a field experiment using the FACE (free‐air CO2 enrichment) system, we investigated the effect of elevated CO2 and temperature on survival and wing dimorphism of two species of rice planthoppers, Laodelphax striatellus and Nilaparvata lugens under interaction.

RESULTS

The two species were grouped into five treatments of relative density (0/50, 13/37, 25/25, and 37/13, 50/0), each of which was allocated to one of a factorial combination of two CO2 concentrations and two temperature treatments (elevated and ambient levels). Our results revealed that climatic treatment has no effects on survivorship of interspecific competing planthoppers. However, climatic treatment affected wing‐form of planthoppers under interspecific interaction. For females of N. lugens, in the 37/13 ratio, proportion macropterours form was lower under elevated CO2 + temperature than under the ambient environment or than under elevated temperature. For females of L. striatellus, proportion macropterous form did not differ among climatic treatments at each ratio treatment.

CONCLUSION

These findings illustrate that climate change‐related factors, by affecting the macropetry of interspecific competing planthoppers, may influence planthopper fitness. We provide new information that could assist with forecasting outbreaks of these migratory pests. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Antimicrobial activity of copper‐humate‐cellulose sheets
Authors: Tóth Annamária , Balázs Bence , Halász Katalin
Published: January 2020

During our research, cellulose‐based test sheets containing copper and potassium humate were prepared and tested against several bacterial and fungal strains. The energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that humate contributed to increase the copper content of the test sheets. The antimicrobial impact of test sheets on various fungi (Penicillium expansum, Wallemia sebi, and Aspergillus brasiliensis) and bacteria (genera Micrococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Listeria genera) was tested using a modified agar diffusion‐based assay. On the basis of the disc diffusion results, the sheets effectively inhibited all the tested fungi and Gram‐positive bacteria. The highest antimicrobial effect was exhibited by the copper‐containing test sheet with 1:0.1 and 1:0.25 cellulose:humate weight ratio. Deterioration test with blackberries demonstrated the shelf life extending effect of the sheets.
K‐FLEX: A flexible robotic platform for scar‐free endoscopic surgery
Authors: Hwang Minho , Kwon Dong‐Soo
Published: January 2020

Background

Despite its high lesion accessibility and versatility, endoscopic platforms have suffered from designing flexible manipulators with high payload capability sufficient to perform advanced endoscopic procedures.

Methods

A flexible robotic platform, K‐FLEX, has been developed with a design of 17 mm in overall diameter. To overcome the shape distortion and deflection in payload handling, a strong continuum manipulator has been designed to have maximum resistance to the distortion. The kinematic analysis and mapping strategy have been established for the master‐slave teleoperation.

Results

The proposed manipulator has shown 7.5 mm in trajectory variation to lift the weight of 300 g. Finally, the feasibility of the integrated K‐FLEX system has been verified through three kinds of simulated surgical tasks.

Conclusions

The initial prototype of the proposed robot showed the possibility of advanced endoscopic surgery with improved payload capability.
Zum Riss‐ und Verformungsverhalten von Stahlverbundträgern mit Ganzfertigteilen
Authors: Mager Matthias , Geißler Karsten
Published: January 2020

Verbundträger mit Ganzfertigteilen weisen aufgrund der Bildung von Sammelrissen einige Besonderheiten im Vergleich zu Verbundträgern mit Ortbetonplatte und auch solchen mit Teilfertigteilen auf, die mit den herkömmlichen Berechnungsverfahren nicht ausreichend beschrieben werden können. Dieser Beitrag stellt Berechnungsansätze vor, mit denen die Sammelrisse und das spezifische Tragverhalten erfasst und Rissbildung, Rissbreiten sowie Verformungen wirklichkeitsnah beschrieben werden können.
Hypothetico‐deductive reasoning skill and concept acquisition: Testing a constructivist hypothesis
Authors: Lawson Anton E. , McElrath Christine B. , Burton Margaret S. , James Bart D. , Doyle Roy P. , Woodward Stephen L. , Kellerman Lawrence , Snyder Jan D.
Published: January 2020

This study tested the constructivist hypothesis that the acquisition of domain‐specific conceptual knowledge (declarative knowledge) requires use of general procedural knowledge. More specifically, it was hypothesized that use of a general pattern of hypothetico‐deductive reasoning is necessary for the acquisition of novel domain‐specific concepts. To test this hypothesis 314 high school biology and chemistry students were first tested to determine whether or not they were skilled in the use of hypothetico‐deductive reasoning. Based on this test, students were classified as reflective, transitional, or intuitive thinkers. All students were then presented with a series of four concept‐acquisition tasks. It was predicted that reflective (hypothetico‐deductive) thinkers would acquire the concepts while intuitive (empirico‐inductive) thinkers would not. Transitional thinkers were expected to be partially successful. These predictions were confirmed as skill in hypothetico‐deductive reasoning (developmental level), but not age, was highly correlated with performance on the concept acquisition tasks (X2 = 71.14, p < 0.00001). This result was interpreted to be supportive of the constructivist hypothesis.
Expected‐value bias: is it time to remove features from ultrasound machines?
Authors: Sahota D.
Published: January 2020

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 55:375‐382
Organopalygorskite and Molybdenum Sulfide Combinations to Produce Mechanical and Processing Enhanced Flame‐Retardant PE/EVA Blend Composites with Low Magnesium Hydroxide Loading
Authors: Sánchez‐Valdes Saúl , Ramírez‐Vargas Eduardo , Rodriguez‐Gonzalez José Alberto , Uribe‐Calderón Jorge Alonso , Ramos de‐Valle Luis Francisco , Zuluaga‐Parra José David , Martínez‐Colunga Juan Guillermo , Solís‐Rosales Silvia Guadalupe , Sánchez‐Martínez Anhely Carolina , Flores‐Flores Rodolfo , Saldívar‐Guerrero Rubén
Published: January 2020

The effect of organopalygorskite (OPGS), molybdenum sulfide (MoS2), and magnesium hydroxide (MH) combinations on fire retardant and flammability characteristics of low‐density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA) blends was investigated using the limited oxygen index (LOI), horizontal burning test (UL‐94), and cone calorimeter measurements. The combination of OPGS with exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets is employed to reduce the conventional hydroxide content and enhance the PE/EVA blend flame‐retardant properties with a notable improvement in mechanical and processing characteristics. The flame‐retardant properties of the composites were compared with a reference PE/EVA sample with 55 wt% of MH, which is commonly used for wire coating. The effect of each additive and the use of a maleated polyethylene (PEgMA) as a compatibilizing agent on PE/EVA flame‐retardant properties were analyzed. The results of the LOI and UL‐94 tests confirmed that the addition of OPGS combined with MoS2 substantially increases the LOI value (26%) and reduces the burning rate (66%) and the pHRR (83%) compared with neat polymer blend and passes V‐0 rating during UL‐94 vertical test, which were very similar to the values obtained for the reference sample with higher MH content. In addition, the results indicate that the addition of these additives simultaneously increases the tensile modulus with mechanical properties even higher than the reference sample. Most important, the results indicated that these additive combination allows to reduce the total MH filler content to achieve the flame‐retardant requirements and with enhanced mechanical properties and with higher melt flow rates and lower viscosities facilitating the processing of the polymer composites at lower pressure in the processing extruder. Therefore, this additives combination provides a favorable way to obtain efficient flame‐retardant materials with halogen‐free, low smoke, and easy processing characteristics. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:434–442, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Unusual Energetic Periodate, Sulfate and Amino‐bistetrazolate Salts of the Trinitropropylammonium Cation
Authors: Unger Cornelia C. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard
Published: January 2020

Starting from a nucleophilic Michael addition of nitroform to acrylamide, three synthetic strategies towards 1,1,1‐trinitropropyl‐1‐ammonium salts are described. Due to the high oxygen content and density of one periodate salt, its suitability as high‐energy dense oxidizer in energetic formulations was predicted according to its specific impulse and detonation velocity. Furthermore, those properties were compared to the nitrogen‐rich amino‐bis(5‐tetrazolate) salt. The parameters were calculated with the EXPLO5 (V6.03) computer code and compared to the common solid rocket propellant ammonium perchlorate (AP). Calculations towards the energies of formation were performed using Gaussian 09. Characterization including multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, vibrational analysis (IR, Raman) as well as elemental analysis and a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study was performed. The thermal stability was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and the sensitivities against impact and friction were determined.
Approximate symmetries and gravity
Authors: Fichet Sylvain , Saraswat Prashant
Published: January 2020

Abstract

There are strong reasons to believe that global symmetries of quantum theories cannot be exact in the presence of gravity. While this has been argued at the qualitative level, establishing a quantitative statement is more challenging. In this work we take new steps towards quantifying symmetry violation in EFTs with gravity. First, we evaluate global charge violation by microscopic black holes present in a thermal system, which represents an irreducible, universal effect at finite temperature. Second, based on general QFT considerations, we propose that local symmetry-violating processes should be faster than black hole-induced processes at any sub-Planckian temperature. Such a proposal can be seen as part of the “swampland” program to constrain EFTs emerging from quantum gravity. Considering an EFT perspective, we formulate a con- jecture which requires the existence of operators violating global symmetry and places quantitative bounds on them. We study the interplay of our conjecture with emergent symmetries in QFT. In models where gauged U(1)’s enforce accidental symmetries, we find that constraints from the Weak Gravity Conjecture can ensure that our conjecture is satisfied. We also study the consistency of the conjecture with QFT models of emergent symmetries such as extradimensional localization, the Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism, and the clockwork mechanism.
Publisher Correction to: Efficacy of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in patients with diabetes and heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Authors:   Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published: January 2020

The article was initially published with incorrect copyright information or changed later to incorrect copyright information.
Size distribution and concentration of fungal aerosol in animal premises of a zoological garden
Authors: Grzyb Jacek , Lenart-Boroń Anna
Published: January 2020

The exposure to airborne dusts and microorganisms is associated with respiratory diseases and other health effects. Currently, research concerning fungal aerosol and particulate matter levels in animal enclosures of zoological gardens is very scarce. Such premises are characterized by numerous sources of air contamination, and they are both working environment and popular tourist attractions. This study aimed to assess the levels of fungal aerosol in animal premises (tapirs, giraffes, pygmy hippos, monkeys, meerkats, pheasants, ostriches, exotarium) of the Kraków Zoo. The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen impactor to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne fungi. Particulate matter (PM10, PM4, PM2.5 and PM1) concentration was assessed using DustTrak Aerosol Monitor. PM concentrations were relatively low (0.048–0.204 mg/m3) and did not exceed the limit values for occupational exposure. Also, the levels of fungal aerosol in almost all cases did not exceed the limit values. The smallest concentration of the total fungal aerosol was observed in the rooms for hippos (approx. 970 CFU/m3) while the highest—in exotarium (16,800 CFU/m3). The share of respirable fraction of bioaerosol was quite high—from 62.6% in monkey houses to 89.2% in exotarium. Having in mind that bioaerosol-forming fungi may contain allergenic species, attention should be paid to thorough cleaning of animals and their premises, and maintaining appropriate levels of microclimatic parameters in the rooms.
MRPS23 amplification and gene expression in breast cancer; association with proliferation and the non-basal subtypes
Authors: Klæstad Elise , Opdahl Signe , Engstrøm Monica Jernberg , Ytterhus Borgny , Wik Elisabeth , Bofin Anna Mary , Valla Marit
Published: January 2020

Purpose

MRPS23 is recognized as a driver of proliferation in luminal breast cancer. The aims of the present study were to describe MRPS23 copy number change in breast cancer, and to assess associations between MRPS23 copy number change and molecular subtype, proliferation and prognosis, and between MRPS23 gene expression and molecular subtype and prognosis.

Methods

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we examined MRPS23 and centromere 17 copy number in 590 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumours and 144 corresponding lymph node metastases from a cohort of Norwegian breast cancer patients. Furthermore, we analysed MRPS23 gene expression data in 1971 primary breast cancer tumours from the METABRIC dataset. We used Pearson’s χ2 test to assess associations between MRPS23 copy number and molecular subtype and proliferation, and between MRPS23 expression and molecular subtype. We studied prognosis by estimating hazard ratios and cumulative incidence of death from breast cancer according to MRPS23 copy number and MRPS23 expression status.

Results

We found MRPS23 amplification (mean MRPS23 copy number ≥ 6 and/or MRPS23/chromosome 17 ratio ≥ 2) in 8% of primary tumours. Copy number increase associated with non-basal subtypes and higher tumour cell proliferation (Ki67). Higher MRPS23 expression associated with the Luminal B subtype. We found no significant association between MRPS23 amplification or MRSP23 gene expression, and prognosis.

Conclusion

Amplification of MRPS23 is associated with higher proliferation and non-basal subtypes in breast cancer. High MRPS23 expression is associated with the Luminal B subtype.
Proof of the Absence of Long-Range Temporal Orders in Gibbs States
Authors: Watanabe Haruki , Oshikawa Masaki , Koma Tohru
Published: January 2020

We address the question whether time translation symmetry can be spontaneously broken in a quantum many-body system. One way of detecting such a symmetry breaking is to examine the time-dependence of a correlation function. If the large-distance behavior of the correlation function exhibits a nontrivial time-dependence in the thermodynamic limit, the system would develop a temporal long-range order, realizing a time crystal. In an earlier publication, we sketched a proof for the absence of such time dependence in the thermal equilibrium described by the Gibbs state (Watanabe and Oshikawa in Phys Rev Lett 114:251603, 2015). Here we present a complete proof and extend the argument to a more general class of stationary states than the Gibbs states.
Optimizing wheel profiles and suspensions for railway vehicles operating on specific lines to reduce wheel wear: a case study
Authors: Ye Yunguang , Sun Yu , Dongfang Shiping , Shi Dachuan , Hecht Markus
Published: January 2020

The selection of a wheel profile is a topic of great interest as it can affect running performances and wheel wear, which needs to be determined based on the actual operational line. Most existing studies, however, aim to improve running performances or reduce contact forces/wear/rolling contact fatigue (RCF) on curves with ideal radii, with little attention to the track layout parameters, including curves, superelevation, gauge, and cant, etc. In contrast, with the expansion of urbanization, as well as some unique geographic or economic reasons, more and more railway vehicles shuttle on fixed lines. For these vehicles, the traditional wheel profile designing method may not be the optimal choice. In this sense, this paper presents a novel wheel profile designing method, which combines FaSrtip, wheel material loss function developed by University of Sheffield (USFD function), and Kriging surrogate model (KSM), to reduce wheel wear for these vehicles that primarily operate on fixed lines, for which an Sgnss wagon running on the German Blankenburg–Rübeland railway line is introduced as a case. Besides, regarding the influence of vehicle suspension characteristics on wheel wear, most of the studies have studied the lateral stiffness, longitudinal stiffness, and yaw damper characteristics of suspension systems, since these parameters have an obvious influence on wheel wear. However, there is currently little research on the relationship between the vertical suspension characteristics and wheel wear. Therefore, it is also investigated in this paper, and a suggestion for the arrangement of the vertical primary spring stiffness of the Y25 bogie is given.
Digital Image Correlation Based Internal Friction Characterization in Granular Materials
Authors: Venkatesh R. , Voloshin A. , Emri I. , Brojan M. , Govekar E.
Published: January 2020

Based on the realization that Newtonian fluids have the unique property to redirect the forces applied to them in a perpendicular direction, a new apparatus, called the Granular Friction Analyzer (GFA), and the related GFA index, were proposed for characterizing the internal friction and related flow behavior of granular materials under uniaxial compression loading. The calculation of the GFA index is based on the integration of the internal pressure distribution along the cylinder wall, within which the granular material is being uniaxially compressed by a piston. In this paper an optical granular friction analyzer (O-GFA) is presented, where a digital image correlation (DIC) method is utilized to assess the cylinder strains used to calculate the internal pressure distribution. The main advantage of using the DIC method is that the starting point (piston–powder contact point) and the length of the integration considering the edge effects can be defined. By using the DIC full-field, instead of a few points strain measurements, a 2% improvement of the GFA index’s accuracy has been achieved and its robustness with respect to the number of points has been demonstrated. Using the parametric error analysis it has been shown that most of the observed total error (7.5%) arises from the DIC-method-based measurements of the strains, which can be improved by higher-resolution cameras and DIC algorithms for the strain evaluation. Additionally, it was shown that the GFA index can be used for determining the well-known Janssen model parameters. The latter was demonstrated experimentally, by testing three SS 316 L granular material samples with different mean particle sizes. The results confirm that the mean particle size regulates the internal friction of granular materials.
Hereditäre hypophosphatämische Rachitis
Authors: Oheim Ralf , Hiort Olaf
Published: January 2020

Die hereditären hypophosphatämischen Rachitiden (HR) sind eine genetisch und klinisch heterogene Gruppe von Erkrankungen, bedingt durch einen renal-tubulären Phosphatverlust und gekennzeichnet durch die Folgen des Verlustes an mineralisierter Knochensubstanz. Die klinischen Ausprägungen sind variabel. In der Kindheit dominieren Kleinwuchs und Beinfehlstellung durch die Verformungen der unteren Extremitäten infolge von Rachitis und Osteomalazie. Im Erwachsenenalter kommen oftmals Insuffizienzfrakturen, Bewegungseinschränkungen, Arthrosen und extraskelettale Verkalkungen hinzu. Die häufigste Form ist die X‑chromosomal vererbte hypophosphatämische Rachitis, die durch Mutationen im PHEX-Gen verursacht wird. PHEX kodiert für das „phosphatregulierende Gen mit Homologie zu Endopeptidasen“, das in die Regulation des Fibroblastenwachstumsfaktors FGF23 involviert ist. Eine durch PHEX oder andere Genmutationen bedingte Erhöhung von FGF23 führt zu einer forcierten Phosphatausscheidung über die Niere und einem konsekutiven Phosphatverlust. Die selteneren Formen der HR, die autosomal-dominant, autosomal-rezessiv oder X‑chromosomal-rezessiv vererbt werden können, werden heutzutage danach unterschieden, ob sie eine FGF23-Erhöhung hervorrufen oder FGF23-unabhängig einen Phosphatverlust induzieren. Dies ist von diagnostischer und therapeutischer Bedeutung. Während die Therapie der HR bislang durch mehrfach tägliche Phosphatgaben und aktive Vitamin-D-Metabolite erfolgte, so steht seit Kurzem mit Burosumab ein anti-FGF23 Antikörper zur Verfügung. Dieser ist allerdings zurzeit in Europa nur für die XLHR im Kindes- und Jugendalter zugelassen. Mit dieser Therapie lässt sich laborchemisch eine Normalisierung des renalen Phosphatverlusts und damit eine deutliche Verbesserung der Rachitis und Osteomalazie erreichen. Kurz- und mittelfristig ist dadurch eine deutliche klinische Verbesserung zu beobachten. Langzeitergebnisse und umfassende Daten zur Anwendung bei erwachsenen XLH-Patient*innen stehen hingegen noch aus.
Digital content marketing as a catalyst for e-WOM in food tourism
Authors: Bu Yi , Parkinson Joy , Thaichon Park
Published: January 2020

Using the Use and Gratifications Theory (UGT), this paper explores how the social impact of Digital Content Marketing (DCM) in food tourism leads to electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) communication. Specifically, this paper investigates how DCM can generate social impact, and in turn, it explores how this social impact can lead to e-WOM. A sample of 707 Chinese tourists completed an online survey. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling. Positive associations were found between content entertainment (CE) and Informational Social Impact (ISI) and between self-expression (SE) and Normative Social Impact (NSI). Content information (CI) and social interaction (SI) had a positive relationship with both NSI and ISI. NSI and ISI positively influenced e-WOM. Social impact played a mediating role between DCM and e-WOM. This study provides a theoretical basis for further investigation of DCM in food tourism, adds to the literature on Social Impact Theory, and will likely drive further research into e-WOM in food tourism.
Ready for take-off: how biometrics and blockchain can beat aviation's quality issues
Authors: Khi Irra Ariella
Published: January 2020

Biometric technologies have been embraced and adopted in aviation and international border control more than in any other industry. This is due to the emphasis on airline and border security and increasing pressure from governments to control and monitor immigration and the movement of people. However, biometrics are still not at the stage of universal adoption and face several significant barriers that need to be overcome.
A second chance: Experiences and outcomes of people with dementia and their families participating in a dementia reablement program
Authors: Rahja Miia , Culph Jennifer , Clemson Lindy , Day Sally , Laver Kate
Published: January 2020

Rationale:

Evidence-based reablement programs for people with dementia and their caregivers are not routinely implemented in practice. These programs have been shown to be effective in delaying functional decline and improving caregiver wellbeing. Yet, little is known about the experiences of those participating in such programs.

Aim:

To describe experiences and outcomes of participating in a dementia reablement program, the Care of Persons with dementia in their Environments (COPE), in Australia.

Methods:

Purposeful sampling was used and semi-structured interviews were completed with people with dementia and their caregivers who received the COPE program in two different states in Australia. The interviews explored the participants’ experiences with the program as well as how they are managing after program completion. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews. A Likert scale was used to rate the value of the program.

Results:

Ten dyads (person with dementia and/or their caregiver) were interviewed. Participation in the program was rated (mostly) very valuable. The ongoing collaboration between the therapist and caregiver was considered empowering. The program promoted participation in everyday activities for the person with dementia and appeared to give a ‘second chance’ to remain in their own homes and communities.

Conclusion:

Participation in reablement programs (such as the COPE program) has the potential to re-engage people with dementia in meaningful roles and activities in their chosen environments. A therapeutic relationship and individualized intervention approaches tailored to the participants’ needs and readiness foster positive experiences and confidence.