bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultispin: A versatile graphical user interface for the simulation of solid‐state continuous wave EPR spectra
Authors: Molton Florian
Published: March 2020

Solid‐state continuous wave (cw) electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is particularly suitable for metal complex analysis. Extracting magnetic parameters by simulation is often necessary to describe the electronic structure of the studied molecular compounds that can have various electronic spin states and characterized by different parameters like g‐values, hyperfine coupling or zero field splitting values. Easyspin toolbox on MATLAB is a powerful tool, but for the user, it requires spending time with coding and could discourage nonexperts. Facing this context, we have developed a graphical user interface called Simultispin, dedicated to solid‐state cw‐EPR spectra simulation. Some examples of experimental spectra of metal complexes (mixture of low spin and high spin FeIII complexes, dynamic disorder of a CuII complex, photogeneration of a MnIII complex), highlighting specific solid‐state functions, are described and analyzed based on simulations performed with Simultispin. We hope that its ergonomy and the ease to set up a complete set of parameters to get reliable simulations could help a large EPR community to improve the efficiency of their interpretations.
Examination of a partial dietary self‐monitoring approach for behavioral weight management
Authors: Tate Deborah F. , Quesnel Danika A. , Lutes Lesley , Hatley Karen E. , Nezami Brooke T. , Wojtanowski Alexis C. , Pinto Angela M. , Power Julianne , Diamond Molly , Polzien Kristen , Foster Gary
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Dietary self‐monitoring in behavioral weight loss programmes traditionally involves keeping track of all foods and beverages to achieve a calorie deficit. While effective, adherence declines over time. WW™ (formerly Weight Watchers), a widely available commercial weight management programme, sought to pilot an approach that permitted participants to consume over 200 foods without monitoring them.

Methods

The current study used a pre‐post evaluation design with anthropometric, psychosocial and physical health assessments at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results

Participants (N = 152) were, on average, 48.4 (±12.3) years old, with body mass index (BMI) of 32.8 (±4.8) m/kg2 and 94% female. Mean weight loss was 6.97 + 5.55 kg or 7.9 ± 6.1% of initial body weight (ps < .0001) at 6 months. One third (32.6%) of the sample lost 10% or more of initial body weight. Significant improvements in hunger, cravings, happiness, sleep, quality of life, aerobic stamina, flexibility and blood pressure were observed. Attendance at group meetings, as well as decreases in hunger, and fast food cravings from baseline to 3 months were associated with achieving 10% weight loss at 6 months (p < .01).

Conclusions

Using an approach that does not require self‐monitoring of all foods and beverages produced significant weight losses and other physical and psychosocial improvements.
An efficient numerical method to analyze low‐velocity impact response of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic laminates
Authors: Zhang Yiben , Sun Lingyu , Li Lijun , Xiao Haiyan , Wang Yantao
Published: March 2020

Low velocity impact behavior of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic laminates are analyzed in this article. Governing equations are derived based on the first‐order shear deformation theory and Hamilton's principle. The impact contact force history between the impactor and laminate is formulated by the Hertzian contact law. A Ritz‐based solution in space domain for various boundary conditions is developed. Solutions of the system equations in time domain are solved by the Newmark's time integration scheme. Impact parameters such as impact force history, indentation history, and contact time are considered. The accuracy of this method is validated by comparing the obtained results with those from the ABAQUS/Explicit software simulation. The effects of impact velocity, plate geometrical parameters, stacking sequence, and temperature on the dynamic response of laminates under clamped boundary condition and support boundary condition were discussed.
Pulmonary venous Doppler patterns and midterm outcomes in fetuses with left‐sided obstructive lesions and restrictive atrial septum
Authors: Schneider Kristin , Hahn Eunice , Statile Christopher , Hirsch Russel , Khoury Philip R. , Cnota James , Divanovic Allison
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare length of stay of the initial neonatal hospitalization and mortality across multiple stages of surgical palliation for infants with left‐sided obstructive lesions and severely restrictive or intact atrial septum (I/RAS).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients prenatally diagnosed with left‐sided obstructive lesions and I/RAS, defined by fetal pulmonary venous Dopplers.

Results

We identified 76 fetal patients with 59 live born intending to pursue intervention. Those with I/RAS had longer durations of mechanical ventilation (P = .031) but no difference in intensive care unit or total length of stay. Survival to discharge from neonatal hospitalization was 41.7% in the I/RAS group and 80.7% in the unrestrictive group (P = .001). There was a higher proportion of deaths between stage 1 and stage 2 in the I/RAS group ‐ 5/9 (55.6%) vs 9/50 (18%) in the unrestrictive group (P = .027). Beyond stage 2 palliation there was trend toward a difference in overall mortality (66.7% in I/RAS vs 35.7% in unrestrictive, P = .05) but no statistically significant difference in transplant‐free survival (33.3% in I/RAS vs 53.5% in unrestrictive, P = .11).

Conclusion

The survival disadvantage conferred by prenatally diagnosed severe atrial septal restriction is most pronounced in the neonatal and early infancy period, with no detectable difference in late midterm transplant‐free survival in our cohort.
Ambipolar polymers for transistor applications
Authors: Zhu Xin , Zhang Shi‐Rui , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: March 2020

In this mini‐review, we mainly discuss recent progress in polymeric semiconductors for ambipolar organic field‐effect transistors. The relationship between the device performance and the thin film microstructure, the molecular design as well as the processing conditions has been exemplified by several popular polymers such as diketopyrrolopyrrole, isoindigo and pyridal[2,1,3]thiadiazole, which will be reviewed and described. The thin film microstructure, the molecular design as well as the processing conditions have significantly influenced the performances of the devices. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The Relationship of Shoulder and Elbow Stresses and Upper Limb Contact Order During a Round‐Off Back Handspring
Authors: Linderman Shannon E. , Scarborough Donna Moxley , Oh Luke S.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Despite high injury incidence rates in gymnastics, there is a paucity of data characterizing upper extremity injury causation and biomechanical risk factors. This study investigated contact forces across multiple joints in both upper extremities during a round‐off back handspring (ROBHS), a fundamental gymnastics tumbling maneuver.

Objective

(1) To characterize the three‐dimensional (3‐D) biomechanics of the sequential, asynchronous contact of each upper extremity with the ground during a ROBHS using 3‐D motion capture, and (2) to evaluate potential correlations to upper extremity injury risk.

Design

Observational cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Controlled laboratory environment.

Participants

Fourteen competitive female gymnasts aged 10‐21 years (mean age: 16.6 ± 3.1 years) (1) participating on a competitive gymnastics team; (2) capable of successfully completing a ROBHS; and (3) free of reported injury at enrollment.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Variables evaluated include joint angle, torque, compression force, ground reaction force (GRF), time to peak GRF, and limb loading rates. Variables were analyzed at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder of both limbs at ground contact. The hypothesis that these dependent variables would differ by ROBHS upper extremity contact order was formulated retrospectively after data collection.

Results

The first contact limb experienced significantly greater extension torque at the elbow (first: 48.89 ± 18.01 Nm, second: 22.49 ± 9.19 Nm; P = .014; CI 95% [14.83, 37.97]) and faster time to peak GRF (P < .001, CI 95% [−1.79, −0.99]). The second limb of contact experienced significantly greater abduction torque at the shoulder (P = .007; CI 95% [−21.58,‐8.08]) and anterior‐posterior GRF at contact (P = .007; CI 95% [−1.06,‐0.26]).

Conclusions

The biomechanical differences between contact limbs during the ROBHS may lead to different injury risk. Recognition of the stresses at the elbow and shoulder for both limbs also provides new insight for rehabilitation clinicians to consider when guiding patients to return to gymnastics activity after injury.
Evaluation of the efficacy of benzothiazole against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)
Authors: Cui Kaidi , He Leiming , Zhang Zhengqun , Zhang Tao , Mu Wei , Liu Feng
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

In the context of the resistance development and health risks of currently used fumigants, it is urgent to seek more effective and ecofriendly compounds for stored‐product pest control. The microbial volatile compound benzothiazole is known to have fungicidal and insecticidal activity; however, its detailed efficacy on storage pests is largely unknown.

RESULTS

Benzothiazole was identified for its great ovicidal, larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum, and exhibited potent repellency against T. castaneum. The benzothiazole concentrations and developmental stage of T. castaneum were the key factors affecting the insecticidal effects. Adults of T. castaneum exposed to benzothiazole for as long as 168 h showed a decrease in progeny production. Based on 7 days of fumigation in the model food system, benzothiazole at 0.12 mg mL−1 provided an efficacy of 96% and completely inhibited the number of offspring. Safety profile assessment showed that benzothiazole did not affect the germination rate of wheat seeds but had a slight negative effect on seedling growth. However, sufficient ventilation and soil nutrients could relieve this adverse impact.

CONCLUSION

Benzothiazole is a strong fumigant and repellent against T. castaneum. This study provides a good perspective of novel ways to control T. castaneum. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical features of deaths in the novel coronavirus epidemic in China
Authors: Leung Char
Published: March 2020

In response to the recent novel coronavirus outbreak originating in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, observations concerning novel coronavirus mortality are of urgent public health importance. The present work presents the first review of the fatal novel coronavirus cases in China. Clinical data of fatal cases published by the Chinese Government were studied. As of 2 February 2020, the clinical data of 46 fatal cases were identified. The case fatality rate was significantly higher in Hubei province than the rest of China. While 67% of all deceased patients were male, gender was unlikely to be associated with mortality. Diabetes was likely to be associated with mortality. There is, however, not yet sufficient evidence to support the association between hypertension and mortality as similar prevalence of hypertension was also observed in the Hubei population.
Doubly robust inference procedure for relative survival ratio in population‐based cancer registry data
Authors: Komukai Sho , Hattori Satoshi
Published: March 2020

Cancer registry system has been playing important roles in research and policy making in cancer control. In general, information on cause of death is not available in cancer registry data. To make inference on survival of cancer patients in the absence of cause of death information, the relative survival ratio is widely used in the population‐based cancer research utilizing external life tables for the general population. Another difficulty arising in analyzing cancer registry data is informative censoring. In this article, we propose a doubly robust inference procedure for the relative survival ratio under a certain type of informative censoring, called the covariate‐dependent censoring. The proposed estimator is doubly robust in the sense that it is consistent if at least one of the regression models for the time‐to‐death and for the censoring time is correctly specified. Furthermore, we introduced a doubly robust test assessing underlying conditional independence assumption between the time‐to‐death and the censoring time. This test is model based, but is doubly robust in the sense that at least one of the models for the time to event and for the censoring time is correctly specified, it maintains its nominal significance level. This notable feature entails us to make inference on cancer registry data relying on assumptions, which are much weaker than the existing methods and are verifiable empirically. We examine the theoretical and empirical properties of our proposed methods by asymptotic theory and simulation studies. We illustrate the proposed method with cancer registry data in Osaka, Japan.
Vibration‐Based Monitoring of Gas‐Stirring Intensity in Vacuum Tank Degassing
Authors: Pylvänäinen Mika , Visuri Ville-Valtteri , Nissilä Juhani , Laurila Jouni , Karioja Konsta , Ollila Seppo , Fabritius Timo , Liedes Toni
Published: March 2020

Liquid steel is typically stirred in a vacuum tank using argon gas injection to achieve a homogeneous composition and high‐purity steel. The aim of this work is to study the effect of vessel vibration on the operational state monitoring of the gas stirring in a vacuum tank degasser. Following an extensive analysis of vibration features, the root mean square (RMS) of vertical velocity is found to be the best feature for the measurement of the stirring intensity caused by the volumetric gas injection rate into the ladle. Smoothing is conducted using a centered median filter with a window length of 21 s. In this work, the operational state monitoring of gas stirring is described using a ladle responsiveness value (LRV). This describes the ability of a ladle to generate the maximum amount of vibration with the minimum amount of argon gas. The LRV summarized for each ladle reveals significant differences between them. Correspondingly, a rolling ladle responsiveness value (rLRV) is used for online monitoring of possible gas leakages. The rLRV can also be used for the online monitoring of the stirring efficiency and as its comparison with the overall efficiency of a specific ladle or all ladles.
Biclustering of medical monitoring data using a nonparametric hierarchical Bayesian model
Authors: Ren Yan , Sivaganesan Siva , Altaye Mekibib , Amin Raouf S. , Szczesniak Rhonda D.
Published: March 2020

In longitudinal studies in which a medical device is used to monitor outcome repeatedly and frequently on the same patients over a prespecified duration of time, two clustering goals can arise. One goal is to assess the degree of heterogeneity among patient profiles. A second yet equally important goal unique to such studies is to determine frequency and duration of monitoring sufficient to identify longitudinal changes. Considering these goals jointly would identify clusters of patients who share similar patterns over time and characterize temporal stability within each cluster. We use a biclustering approach, allowing simultaneous clustering of observations at both patient and time levels and using a nonparametric hierarchical Bayesian model. Because clustering units at the time level (i.e., time points) are ordered and hence unexchangeable, we utilize a multivariate Dirichlet process mixture model by specifying a Dirichlet process prior at the patient level whose base measure employs change points at the time level to achieve the desired joint clustering. We consider structured covariance between consecutive time points and assess model performance through simulation studies. We apply the model to data on 24‐hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and examine the relationship between diastolic blood pressure and pediatric obstructive sleep apnoea.
Effectiveness of online education for recruitment to an Alzheimer's disease prevention clinical trial
Authors: Saif Nabeel , Berkowitz Cara , Tripathi Susmit , Scheyer Olivia , Caesar Emily , Hristov Hollie , Hackett Katherine , Rahman Aneela , Knowlton Newman , Sadek George , Lee Paige , McInnis Mark , Isaacson Richard S.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Low awareness of Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials is a recruitment barrier. To assess whether online education may affect screening rates for AD prevention clinical trials, we conducted an initial prospective cohort study (n = 10,450) and subsequent randomized study (n = 351) using an online digital tool: AlzU.org.

Methods

A total of 10,450 participants were enrolled in an initial cohort study and asked to complete a six‐lesson course on AlzU.org, as well as a baseline and 6‐month follow‐up questionnaire. Participants were stratified into three groups based on lesson completion at 6 months: group 1 (zero to one lesson completed), group 2 (two to four lessons), and group 3 (five or more lessons). For the subsequent randomized‐controlled trial (RCT), 351 new participants were enrolled in a six‐lesson course (n = 180) versus a time‐neutral control (n = 171). Screening and enrollment in the Anti‐Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic AD (A4) clinical trial were reported via the 6‐month questionnaire and are the primary outcomes.

Results

Cohort: 3.9% of group 1, 5% of group 2, and 8.4% of group 3 screened for the A4 trial. Significant differences were found among the groups (P < 0.001). Post hoc analyses showed differences in A4 screening rates between groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.001) and groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.0194). There were no differences in enrollment among the three groups.
RCT: 2.78% of the intervention group screened for A4 compared to 0% of controls (P = 0.0611).

Discussion

Online education via the AlzU.org digital tool may serve as an effective strategy to supplement clinical trial recruitment.
Familiarize yourself with budgeting best practices to boost your unit's success
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: March 2020

Among the long list of administrative duties that come with the job, the budgeting process often ranks as one responsibility registrars don't feel fully equipped to manage.
Synthesis, characterization, and performance analysis of carbon molecular sieve‐embedded polyethersulfone mixed‐matrix membranes for the removal of dissolved ions
Authors: Qadir Danial , Nasir Rizwan , Mukhtar Hilmi B. , Keong Lau K.
Published: March 2020

The asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES‐15 wt.%) mixed‐matrix membranes were prepared by incorporation of carbon molecular sieve (CMS) with varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 wt.%). Physicochemical characterization of synthesized membranes was carried out using field emission scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, zeta potential analyzer, porosity, and mean pore sizes. Performance analysis of synthesized mixed‐matrix membranes was carried out by varying the operating parameters such as pressure (2–10 bar), feed concentration (100–1,000 mg/L), and cations type (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Sn2+). Effect of operating parameters and CMS concentration was investigated on pure water flux (PWF), permeate flux, and rejection of membranes. It was found that mixed‐matrix membrane containing 15 wt.% PES with 1 wt.% CMS displayed the superior physicochemical characteristics in terms of hydrophilicity (37.9°), surface charge (−13.8 mV), mean pore diameter (6.04 nm), and thermal properties (Tg = 218.5°C), and overall performance. E5C1 membrane showed 1.5 times higher PWF (75.5 L m−2 hr−1) and incremented in rejection for all salts than the nascent membrane.

Practitioner points

Carbon molecular sieve‐embedded mixed‐matrix membranes were synthesized by phase inversion method.

The resultant membranes experienced improved hydrophilicity, roughness, surface charge, porosity, and mean pore diameter with 1 wt.% CMS loading.

The pure water flux was improved from 55.77 to 75.05 L m−2 hr−1 when 1 wt.% CMS was added in pure PES.

The observed rejection of a mixed‐matrix membrane with 1 wt.% CMS was the maximum for all salts.
Passive Seismic Imaging of Stress Evolution with Mining-Induced Seismicity at Hard-Rock Deep Mines
Authors: Ma Xu , Westman Erik , Counter Dave , Malek Farid , Slaker Brent
Published: March 2020

This work aims to examine the stress redistribution with evolving seismicity rates using a passive seismic tomographic tool. We compiled a total of 26,000 events from two underground mines and partitioned them into multiple clusters in a temporal sequence, each of which contains 1000 events. To image stress redistribution associated with seismicity rates, we then run the tomographic studies using each cluster to yield seismic tomograms and computed the corresponding seismicity rate. We found that high velocity anomalies grew with the increase of seismicity rates, and they switched to a shrinking tendency under low seismicity rates. Results of this study imply that seismicity rates increase with increasing stress concentration and decrease with decreasing stress concentration. This study highlights the value of utilizing passive seismic tomography for estimating stress evolution associated with the change of seismicity rates at underground mines. Our findings illuminate the applications of using mining-induced seismicity to assess stress redistribution associated with seismicity rates at hard-rock mines, providing insights into seismic hazards for deep mining.
Towards understanding leydigioma: do G protein-coupled estrogen receptor and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor regulate lipid metabolism and steroidogenesis in Leydig cell tumors?
Authors: Kotula-Balak M. , Gorowska-Wojtowicz E. , Milon A. , Pawlicki P. , Tworzydlo W. , Płachno B. J. , Krakowska I , Hejmej A. , Wolski J. K. , Bilinska B.
Published: March 2020

Leydig cell tumors (LCT) are the most common type of testicular stromal tumor. Herein, we investigate the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) implication in regulation of lipid homeostasis including the expression of steroidogenesis-controlling molecules in clinical specimens of LCTs and tumor Leydig cells (MA-10). We showed the general structure and morphology of LCTs by scanning electron and light microscopy. In LCTs, mRNA and protein analyses revealed increased expression of GPER and decreased expression of PPARα, β, and γ. Concomitantly, changes in expression pattern of the lutropin receptor (LHR), protein kinase A (PKA), perilipin (PLIN), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), translocator protein (TSPO), HMG-CoA synthase, and reductase (HMGCS, HMGCR) were observed. Using MA-10 cells treated with GPER and PPAR antagonists (alone and in combination), we demonstrated GPER-PPAR–mediated control of estradiol secretion via GPER-PPARα and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration via GPER-PPARγ. It is assumed that GPER and PPAR can crosstalk, and this can be altered in LCT, resulting in a perturbed lipid balance and steroidogenesis. In LCTs, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mTOR pathway was disturbed. Thus, PI3K-Akt-mTOR with cGMP can play a role in LCT outcome and biology including lipid metabolism.
Gender differences in health in Havana versus in Mexico City and in the US Hispanic population
Authors: Kühn Mine , Díaz-Venegas Carlos , Jasilionis Domantas , Oksuzyan Anna
Published: March 2020

Health progress in the 1960s and 1970s placed Cuba at the vanguard of longevity in Latin America and the Caribbean. This success has often been attributed to equity of access to the health care system and its cost-effectiveness in the country. Cuba also has a small gender gap in life expectancy. In this study, we examined how this pattern is reflected in the gender differences in health among the population aged 60+ in Havana. We compared gender differences in health in samples drawn from Havana, Mexico City, and the US Hispanic population: three geographic settings with very different political, health care, and social systems. The data come from the Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging in Latin America and the Caribbean and the 2000 Health and Retirement Study. Age-adjusted prevalence and logistic regressions were estimated for poor self-rated health, limitations on activities of daily living, depression, and mobility limitations. While an absolute female disadvantage in health was apparent in all three populations, the relative gender differences were inconsistent across all four health domains. Gender differences were most pronounced in Havana, even after adjusting for age, socio-economic status, family characteristics, and smoking behaviour. Despite having higher overall life expectancy and more equitable and universal access to primary care and preventive medicine, women in Havana appear to have a larger burden of ill health than women in less equitable societies. The study provides indirect evidence that Cuba faces challenges in combating the health threats posed by chronic diseases and other diseases and conditions common among the population aged 60+.
Drift-preserving numerical integrators for stochastic Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Chen Chuchu , Cohen David , D’Ambrosio Raffaele , Lang Annika
Published: March 2020

The paper deals with numerical discretizations of separable nonlinear Hamiltonian systems with additive noise. For such problems, the expected value of the total energy, along the exact solution, drifts linearly with time. We present and analyze a time integrator having the same property for all times. Furthermore, strong and weak convergence of the numerical scheme along with efficient multilevel Monte Carlo estimators are studied. Finally, extensive numerical experiments illustrate the performance of the proposed numerical scheme.
Cardiac Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases: Roles and Therapeutic Potential in Heart Failure
Authors: Preedy Michael E. J.
Published: March 2020

The cyclic nucleotides cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) maintain physiological cardiac contractility and integrity. Cyclic nucleotide–hydrolysing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are the prime regulators of cAMP and cGMP signalling in the heart. During heart failure (HF), the expression and activity of multiple PDEs are altered, which disrupt cyclic nucleotide levels and promote cardiac dysfunction. Given that the morbidity and mortality associated with HF are extremely high, novel therapies are urgently needed. Herein, the role of PDEs in HF pathophysiology and their therapeutic potential is reviewed. Attention is given to PDEs 1–5, and other PDEs are briefly considered. After assessing the role of each PDE in cardiac physiology, the evidence from pre-clinical models and patients that altered PDE signalling contributes to the HF phenotype is examined. The potential of pharmacologically harnessing PDEs for therapeutic gain is considered.
Highly selective two-step laser ionization schemes for the analysis of actinide mixtures
Authors: Kneip Nina , Düllmann Christoph E. , Gadelshin Vadim , Heinke Reinhard , Mokry Christoph , Raeder Sebastian , Runke Jörg , Studer Dominik , Trautmann Norbert , Weber Felix , Wendt Klaus
Published: March 2020

Resonance ionization mass spectroscopy has proven to be a very efficient and selective method for the spatially resolved ultratrace determination of actinide contaminations, and the analysis of specific element and isotopic distributions on surfaces and environment particles. We report on the identification of highly element-selective optical excitation schemes identified for this purpose, with a particular focus on the precise determination of the isobaric ratios of 235U to 239Pu as well as 243Am to 241Pu. The chosen two-step ionization schemes were characterized with respect to their element selectivity on synthetic multi-element actinide mixtures, with an element ratio Pu : Am : U of 1 : 10 : 104, a composition which is typical, e.g., for spent nuclear reactor fuels.
Impact of rising body weight and cereal grain food processing on human magnesium nutrition
Authors: Rosanoff Andrea , Kumssa Diriba B
Published: March 2020

Aim

The World Health Organisation (WHO) magnesium (Mg) estimated average requirement (EAR) is not adjusted for rise in human body weight (BW) and neglects body Mg stores depletion. Cereal grain food processing results in Mg loss and reduces dietary Mg intake which mainly originates from cereals. Here we reassess human dietary Mg deficiency risk considering actual human BWs and modern levels of cereal grain food processing.

Methods

Human Mg requirement was adjusted for rising BW plus low and high estimates to prevent body Mg store depletion. Magnesium supply was recalculated for cereal grain (maize, millet, rice, oats, sorghum, and wheat) food processing of none, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Resulting Mg deficiency risks in 1992 and 2011 were calculated at national, regional, continental and global scales using the EAR cut-point method.

Results

Globally, human Mg requirement increased by 4–118% under the three Mg requirement scenarios compared to the WHO EARs set in 1998. However, dietary Mg supply declined with increased cereal grain food processing. At 100% cereal grain processing, dietary Mg supply was reduced by 56% in 1992 and 51% in 2011. Global human Mg deficiency risk reached 62% in 2011 with 100% cereal grain processing and largest EAR set to prevent depletion of body Mg stores and corrected for BW rises.

Conclusion

Global dietary Mg Supply adequately meets human Mg requirement given the global obesity epidemic. But, Mg intakes preventing body Mg store depletion plus high Mg losses due to cereal grain food processing start to show noteworthy risks of potential Mg deficit in populations consuming diets with >50% cereal grain food processing. These findings have ramifications for the global spread of the major chronic, non-communicable diseases associated with nutritional Mg deficiencies such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
The Road to Higher Prices: Will Improved Road Standards Lead to Higher Housing Prices?
Authors: Theisen Theis , Emblem Anne Wenche
Published: March 2020

We study the impact of improved road standards on housing prices in a region of Southern Norway, where towns are located along the coast, like pearls on a string, with sparsely populated areas between the towns. In this region towns have since long been linked together by a road, but in 2009 a new highway, roughly parallel to the old road, was opened. The new highway runs Eastwards from the main town in the region and reduced one-way commutes to the main town by 10–15 min. We examine how this change in transportation infrastructure has affected housing prices, using difference-in-difference regressions to identify the impact of the new highway. Three smaller towns located East of the main town constitute the treatment region, while four towns and communities West of the main town form the control region. We find that the new highway on average increased housing prices in the treatment region by about 5%, but the effect on price differed substantially between the towns. The full impact on housing prices materialized when the new highway was opened. We estimate that the increase in total housing capital in the treatment region amounts to almost 84% of the construction costs of the new highway.
State-level Federal Stimulus Funds and Economic Growth: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Authors: Staal Klaas
Published: March 2020

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act encompassed a substantial federally-funded state-level fiscal stimulus. The objectives of the Act were to increase employment and stimulate economic growth. While the level of the fiscal stimulus was potentially endogenous, a direct analysis of its effects leads to biased results. To circumvent this, the effect of the stimulus on economic growth was studied using instrumental variable estimation, since the distribution of a large part of the funds was based on conditions exogenous to the economic downturn. A cross-state two-stage least squares estimation procedure was used to quantify the effect of the stimulus on economic growth and to show that the robust significant positive effect of the stimulus amounts to a fiscal multiplier of almost 1.6. The results further show that the positive effect of stimulus spending remained significant until the end of the first term of the Obama presidency.
Epidemiological characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bloodstream cultures at University Hospital in the Czech Republic
Authors: Neradova Katerina , Fridrichova Marta , Jakubu Vladislav , Pomorska Katarina , Zemlickova Helena
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to trace the dynamic changes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lineages in the local hospital in both the national and international context. We describe genotypic and phenotypic characterization of 62 non-duplicate MRSA isolates collected during 2010–2016 at University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. The isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec typing (SCCmec typing). Eight different genotypes were described; ST225-t003-II (32/62, 52%), ST5-t002-II (13/62, 22%), and ST225-t014-II (12/62, 21%) were constantly detected over the 7-year follow-up period. The genotypes ST225-t151-II, ST225-t1282-II, ST225-t1623-II, ST78-t2832-II, and ST225-t8799-II occurred only once in the period reported. The majority of the strains, represented by ST225, belonged to clonal complex 5 (CC5).
User-centred design and evaluation of a tele-operated echocardiography robot
Authors: Giuliani Manuel , Szczęśniak-Stańczyk Dorota , Mirnig Nicole , Stollnberger Gerald , Szyszko Malgorzata , Stańczyk Bartlomiej , Tscheligi Manfred
Published: March 2020

We present the collected findings of a user-centred approach for developing a tele-operated robot for remote echocardiography examinations. During the three-year development of the robot, we involved users in all development stages of the robot, to increase the usability of the system for the doctors. For requirement compilation, we conducted a literature review, observed two traditional examinations, arranged focus groups with doctors and patients, and conducted two online surveys. During the development of the robot, we regularly involved doctors in usability tests to receive feedback from them on the user interface for the robot and on the robot’s hardware. For evaluation of the robot, we conducted two eye tracking studies. In the first study, doctors executed a traditional echocardiography examination. In the second study, the doctors conducted a remote examination with our robot. The results of the studies show that all doctors were able to successfully complete a correct ultrasonography examination with the tele-operated robot. In comparison to a traditional examination, the doctors on average only need a short amount of additional time to successfully examine a patient when using our remote echocardiography robot. The results also show that the doctors fixate considerably more often, but with shorter fixation times, on the USG screen in the traditional examination compared to the remote examination. We found further that some of the user-centred design methods we applied had to be adjusted to the clinical context and the hectic schedule of the doctors. Overall, our experience and results suggest that the usage of user-centred design methodology is well suited for developing medical robots and leads to a usable product that meets the end users’ needs.
Statistical modeling of annual maximum precipitation in Oued El Gourzi Watershed, Algeria
Authors: Bella Nassim , Dridi Hadda , Kalla Mahdi
Published: March 2020

This study aims to model annual maximum precipitation based on extreme value theory for the Oued El Gourzi Watershed, Algeria. A generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution was used to determine the probability distribution of extreme values and their dependency on time for the five stations distributed across the watershed. The non-stationary models are used to represent the GEV parameters assumed an invariant shape parameter and linear functions as location and scale parameters. The best model was selected using Akaike’s information criterion and Bayesian information criterion. Stationary and non-stationary return levels for different return periods have been proposed for the study area.
Effect of contamination and adulteration of wax foundations on the brood development of honeybees
Authors: Alkassab Abdulrahim T. , Thorbahn David , Frommberger Malte , Bischoff Gabriela , Pistorius Jens
Published: March 2020

Various reports recently informed about the effects of contaminated or adulterated wax foundations as a main cause of poor brood and colony development. Beekeepers reported that affected colonies were showing a holey brood pattern and a decline in population size. Twenty-five samples of wax foundations were collected from different sources in Germany. Samples were analyzed using a multi-residue analysis for 147 insecticides, acaricides, and varroacides to investigate the actual load of contamination in beeswax. Furthermore, the effect of selected contaminated and/or adulterated wax foundations on colony and brood development of honeybees was evaluated under field conditions. Our results show that 38 active substances in total were found in the wax samples. Acaricides used in-hive were the most frequently detected contaminants at high concentrations. Trace concentrations of plant protection products and biocides were also found. In the field trials, a significant influence of stearin-adulterated wax on population size, the number of capped brood cells, and termination rate was found compared with the reference. No detectable effects of other treatments on the investigated parameters were observed.
Qualitative Inhaltsanalyse in naturwissenschaftsdidaktischer Forschung unter Berücksichtigung von Gütekriterien: Ein Review
Authors: Göhner Maximilian , Krell Moritz
Published: March 2020

Im Rahmen ihrer Entwicklung und Etablierung als empirisch arbeitende Disziplinen findet in den Naturwissenschaftsdidaktiken vermehrt eine Auseinandersetzung mit methodischen und methodologischen Fragen statt. Hierzu gehört unter anderem die Frage danach, wasgutefachdidaktische Forschung überhaupt ausmacht. Obwohl die qualitative Inhaltsanalyse in der naturwissenschaftsdidaktischen Forschung als ein etabliertes Verfahren gilt, unterscheiden sich Vorschläge hinsichtlich anzulegender Gütekriterien und umzusetzender Maßnahmen der Qualitätssicherung. Im Sinne einer exemplarischen Sammlung erprobter Forschungspraxis wird in diesem Beitrag ein Überblick über die in der deutschsprachigen naturwissenschaftsdidaktischen Forschung etablierten Gütekriterien und Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung bei der Umsetzung von Verfahren der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse gegeben. Hierzu werden 50 in derZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaftenpublizierte Artikel, die eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse umsetzen, mit einem deduktiv-induktiv erstellten Kategoriensystem untersucht. Es werden 11 Gütekriterien identifiziert, wobei vorwiegend die klassischen Gütekriterien Validität, Reliabilität und Objektivität in den untersuchten Artikeln beschrieben werden. Von 16 identifizierten Maßnahmen der Qualitätssicherung werden am häufigsten die Modi der Kategorienbildung und die Interrater-Übereinstimmung beschrieben. Es ergibt sich ein signifikant positiver Zusammenhang zwischen dem Publikationsjahr und der Zahl der durchschnittlich beschriebenen Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung. Allerdings werden die einzelnen Maßnahmen der Qualitätssicherung, über alle Artikel hinweg betrachtet, nicht konsistent jeweils einem Gütekriterium zugeordnet. Die Ergebnisse sollen die Diskussion in den Fachdidaktiken anregen und zur weiteren Etablierung und Systematisierung des Verfahrens der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse in der naturwissenschaftsdidaktischen Forschung beitragen.
Hypergeometric decomposition of symmetric K3 quartic pencils
Authors: Doran Charles F. , Kelly Tyler L. , Salerno Adriana , Sperber Steven , Voight John , Whitcher Ursula
Published: March 2020

We study the hypergeometric functions associated to five one-parameter deformations of Delsarte K3 quartic hypersurfaces in projective space. We compute all of their Picard–Fuchs differential equations; we count points using Gauss sums and rewrite this in terms of finite-field hypergeometric sums; then we match up each differential equation to a factor of the zeta function, and we write this in terms of global L-functions. This computation gives a complete, explicit description of the motives for these pencils in terms of hypergeometric motives.
Uncertainty and Resolution of Speckle Photography on Micro Samples
Authors: Alexe Gabriela , Tausendfreund Andreas , Stöbener Dirk , Langstädtler Lasse , Herrmann Marius , Schenck Christian , Fischer Andreas
Published: March 2020

The efficient development of new materials with defined properties requires fast methods of testing low volumes of material, such as a high-throughput investigation of spherical metallic micro samples with varying compositions and structuring treatments. A classical material testing method for macro samples, the tensile test cannot be employed for analyzing the mechanical properties of spherical samples with diameters below 1 mm since there are currently no methods for holding and stretching them. A combination between the incremental electrohydraulic extrusion as stress actuation unit and the speckle photography as strain measuring method is presented for obtaining the required mechanical characteristics. Positive longitudinal strain is generated at stepwise extrusion through < 1 mm wide forming channels using a liquid punch and the deformation is observed in situ after each forming step at the interface between the micro sample and a transparent window integrated into the forming die. The occurring local strain fields with a lateral extension down to 100 µm and high gradients require displacement measurements with high lateral resolution over a large range of local dislocations between 0.1 and > 10 µm. It is unknown, whether the speckle strain measuring method is able to provide the necessary low uncertainty for the required resolution in the whole measuring range. Therefore, theoretical and experimental investigations of the deformation measurability using the speckle correlation method are presented, showing that local displacements up to 10 µm can be measured with a spatial resolution between 3 and 10 µm depending on the displacement size. The dominant effect influencing the measurement uncertainty for displacements at this high spatial resolution is the speckle noise, resulting into measurement uncertainties of less than 100 nm. Hence, speckle photography is shown to be applicable for tensile test on micro samples.
Evaluation of Emergency Medical Team Coordination Following the 2015 Nepal Earthquake
Authors: Takada Yosuke , Otomo Yasuhiro , Karki Khem Bahadur
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

After the Nepal earthquake in 2015, for the first time, the Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell (EMTCC) was activated. This study aims to evaluate the emergency medical team (EMT) coordination in the aftermath of the Nepal earthquake in 2015.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study that (a) describes the coordination process in Nepal, and (b) reviews and analyzes the EMT database in Nepal to classify the EMTs based on the World Health Organization (WHO) EMT classification, an online survey for EMT coordination, and the Geographic Information System-analyzed EMT distribution.

Results:

We recorded 150 EMTs, which included 29 Type 1-Mobile, 71 Type 1-Fixed, 22 Type 2, 1 Type 3, and 27 specialist cell recorded EMTs including the military team. The EMTs were allocated based on the number of casualties in that area. The Type 1 EMTs were deployed around Type 2 EMTs.

Conclusions:

The EMT Classification is useful for the effective posting of EMTs. However, the method of onsite multi registration has room for improvement. The WHO should provide an opportunity for EMTCC training for better coordination of disasters.
The Rise of Neoliberalism and the Termination of Keynesian Policies: A Multilevel Governance Analysis of the Closure of the Amsterdam Shipyards, 1968–1986
Authors: KEULEN SJOERD , KROEZE RONALD
Published: March 2020

By looking at the policy termination of state aid to shipbuilders in Amsterdam, this article illustrates how a major policy paradigm shift within recent history, and the change from Keynesian to neoliberal policies, can be explained. The article is informed by a multilevel governance approach to policy change analysis and is based on different types of sources. It presents an in-depth case study of the closing of the Amsterdam shipyards and analyzes the role of policy change at different governance levels (i.e., city government, national Parliament, national government, and the European Commission). In doing so, we are able to illustrate how new actors—in this case the European Commission and the Commissioner for Competition—were able to terminate long-existing policies of state aid to shipbuilders under the auspices of improving competition and the free market at the start of the 1980s.
Biometric study of late Oligocene larger benthic Foraminifera (Lepidocyclinidae and Nummulitidae) from the Qom Formation, Central Iran (Tajar-Kuh section)
Authors: Akbar-Baskalayeh Narges , Less György , Ghasemi-Nejad Ebrahim , Yazdi-Moghadam Mohsen , Pignatti Johannes
Published: March 2020

The Oligocene strata of the Qom Formation from the Tajar-Kuh section, Central Iran, are rich in various Larger Benthic Foraminifera (LBF). Morphometric studies of the internal features of the LBF tests were carried out based on matrix-free specimens from seven samples. The LBF assemblage studied in 24 populations mainly contains representatives of two nummulitid (the reticulateNummulites bormidiensisTellini, 1888, only in the lower three samples, and the radiateNummulites kecskemetiiLess, 1991 in all samples) and of two lepidocyclinid lineages. Of the latter,Nephrolepidina praemarginata(R. Douvillé, 1908) occurs in all the samples, whereasEulepidina formosoidesH. Douvillé, 1925 is present in the lower six samples. In the upper sample, the slightly more advancedEulepidinaex. interc.formosoidesH. Douvillé, 1925 etdilatata(Michelotti, 1861) is recorded. Due to the very similar taxonomic composition of the Tajar-Kuh section with their coeval faunas of the Mediterranean, the age was evaluated in the frame of the Western Tethyan Oligo-Miocene shallow benthic zonation (SBZ). Although the presence ofE. formosoidessuggests late Rupelian (SBZ 22A Zone) age, the occurrence ofHeterostegina assilinoides,N. kecskemetii,N. bormidiensis, andPlanolinderinasp. preferably represents the SBZ 22B Zone of the early Chattian. Based on the obtained results, at least the lower six samples can indicate the very basal part of the Chattian. More advancedEulepidinafrom the uppermost sample suggests a slightly younger but still early Chattian age.