bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Student Learning in Undergraduate Courses with Collaborative Projects from the Ecological Research as Education Network (EREN)
Authors:   Ohio Wesleyan University, Anderson Laurel J. , Dosch Jerald J. ,   Macalester College, Lindquist Erin S. , McCay Timothy S. ,   Colgate University, Machado Jose-Louis ,   Swarthmore College, Kuers Karen ,   Sewanee: The University of the South, Gartner Tracy B. , Shea Kathleen L. ,   St. Olaf College, Mankiewicz Carol ,   Beloit College, Rodgers Vikki L. ,   Babson College, Saunders Patricia A. ,   Ashland University, Urban Rebecca A. ,   Lebanon Valley College, Kilgore Jason S. ,   Washington and Jefferson College, Powell Amanda S. ,   Meredith College, Ramage Benjamin S. ,   Randolph-Macon College, Steinweg J. Megan ,   Roanoke College, Straub Jacob N. ,   The College at Brockport-SUNY, Bunnell Sarah L. ,   Amherst College, Witkovsky-Eldred Marissa ,   Ohio Wesleyan University
Published: November 2020

Multisite, course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) in the Ecological Research as Education Network (EREN) were assessed for impacts on student learning of collaborative science skills using a survey that could serve as a starting point for a validated assessment instrument for multisite CUREs. Pretests/posttests were administered across multiple courses and institutions, capturing effects of diverse EREN projects and pedagogies on collaborative knowledge.
Teaching Computational Social Science Skills to Psychology Students: An Undergraduate Research Lab Case Study
Authors:   Davidson College, Eiler Brian A. , Doyle Patrick C. , Al-Kire Rosemary L. , Wayment Heidi A. ,   Northern Arizona University
Published: November 2020

This article provides a case study of a student-focused research experience that introduced basic data science skills and their utility for psychological research, providing practical learning experiences for students interested in learning computational social science skills. Skills included programming; acquiring, visualizing, and managing data; performing specialized analyses; and building knowledge about open-science practices.
Diseño de un Interferómetro Heterodino de Microondas para la Medición de la Densidad Electrónica del Plasma en el SCR-1
Authors: Sanchez Castro Jorge , Vargas Ivan
Published: November 2020

El Stellarator de Costa Rica 1 (SCR-1) es un dispositivo pequeño de confinamiento magnéticode tipo stellarator modular que se emplea para la investigación de plasmas de alta temperaturay baja densidad, el primero de América Latina. [1]. El propósito de este trabajo es diseñar undispositivo capaz de medir experimentalmente, de forma precisa, la densidad electrónica delplasma. Es por esto que se pretende diseñar un interferómetro heterodino de microondas, unode los primeros diagnostico experimentales que se utilizan para medir este parámetro, debidoa su alta fiabilidad. [2] En este documento, se calcula la frecuencia optima de operación, juntocon su respectivo desfase máximo. Además, se presenta un diagrama de bloques del sistema,que da hincapié a la especificación de cada uno de los componentes del diseño y a su vezsera soporte para realizar un balance de potencia y un análisis del comportamiento teóricode la señal a lo largo del sistema. Se concluyo que el sistema cumple con los requerimientosnecesarios para su implementación.
Teletrabajo y su impacto en la productividad empresarial y la satisfacción laboral de los colaboradores: tendencias recientes
Authors: Ulate Araya Randal
Published: November 2020

Durante los últimos años no se puede perder de vista el interés por el estudio del teletrabajodesde diferentes campos de la economía y la dirección de empresas. Esta investigación,mediante una exhaustiva revisión de literatura sobre el tema, se ha dirigido hacia dos líneasprimordiales: la primera es la afectación del teletrabajo en la calidad de vida laboral de loscolaboradores que realizan sus deberes mediante esta modalidad de trabajo, y la segundaes la afectación del teletrabajo en la productividad de las empresas que implementan dichametodología de trabajo.Se indagaron determinantes del éxito y rendimiento de los modelos de aplicación de teletrabajo.Para cada una de ellas se identifica el enfoque teórico dominante, se sistematizan e integran lasprincipales aportaciones realizadas, y se analizan sus posibilidades de desarrollo futuro.
Desarrollo de correlaciones para determinar el potencial a licuefacción mediante la aplicación del ensayo de penetración estática de piezocono (CPTu) en una cámara de calibración (CC).
Authors: Rodríguez Rodríguez Sebastián
Published: November 2020

El objetivo principal de este proyecto fue desarrollar correlaciones para determinar el potenciala licuefacción de depósitos de arenas sueltas empleando el ensayo de penetración estáticade piezocono CPTu; para ello fue necesario determinar el comportamiento de ensayos (CPTu)en la cámara de calibración (CC) del Laboratorio de Mecánica de Suelos y Rocas (IBF) en elInstituto Tecnológico de Karlruhe, además determinar la resistencia a licuefacción por mediode ensayos triaxiales cíclicos no drenados para muestras de arena, plantear una correlaciónentre la densidad relativa de almacenamiento (ID) de la muestra, la resistencia de punta(qc) del CPTu y la resistencia al flujo (CRR) de los ensayos triaxiales y por último compararla correlación experimental obtenida con correlaciones existentes de la literatura. Con esteproyecto se concluyó que en la región de bajas densidades de almacenamiento y bajasresistencias en punta una buena similitud, esto al comparar las correlaciones para los materialesexperimentales estudiados por el IBF con correlaciones provenientes de la literatura. Ahora bien,para densidades altas y, por lo tanto, mayores resistencias en punta, las curvas de correlaciónpara los materiales experimentales fueron más planas que en referencias bibliográficas; enotras palabras, la resistencia a licuefacción de los materiales experimentales en esta área esmenor de lo que habrían predicho las curvas de la literatura. Así pues, no es posible aplicardirectamente los resultados de este proyecto a otros sitios de estudio; ya que los materialesde las correlaciones realizadas (Kali4) y otros suelos difieren en aspectos como la mineralogía(criterios geológicos), la granulometría y la forma de partícula (criterios de composición); loscuales influyen sobre la susceptibilidad a la licuación.
UTICAJ SRPSKIH PREVODNIH EKVIVALENATA NA UOČAVANJE I KRATKOROČNU RETENCIJU ENGLESKIH KOLOKACIJA
Authors: Bikicki Nataša B.
Published: November 2020

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se ispita da li usmeravanje pažnje na kolokacije u novom tekstu pomoću srpskog prevodnog ekvivalenta engleske kolokacije doprinosi njihovom lakšem uočavanju u tekstu u odnosu na tehniku povezivanja ponuđenih engleskih kolokata pre obrade teksta ili čitanja i samostalnog uočavanja svih kolokacija u tekstu. Drugi cilj bio je da se ispita da li način usmeravanja pažnje na kolokacije u novom tekstu pomoću srpskog prevodnog ekvivalenta doprinosi boljoj kratkoročnoj retenciji novih kolokacija. Rezultati kvantitativnog istraživanja u kom je učestvovalo 32 ispitanika i u kom je analizirano 7 kolokacija tipa glagol imenica su pokazali da prevodni ekvivalent nema veći uticaj na uočavanje, kao ni na kratkoročnu retenciju kolokacija u odnosu na druga dva ispitivana načina.
Kilka uwag o genezie i roli Sądu Sesji w Królestwie Szkocji (1532–1707)
Authors: Szymura Mateusz
Published: November 2020

Some remarks on the origins and role of the Court of Session in the Kingdom of Scotland (1532–1707)The purpose of this article is to illustrate the origins and evolution of the central court of the Kingdom of Scotland from its inception in 1532 until the end of the Kingdom as an independent entity of international law following its establishment in 1707 of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The analysis of the structure of the court is based on the laws of the old Scottish Parliament, and the main thesis of the study is the evolutionary nature of the provisions constituting the Court of Sessions which, on the one hand, were a continuation of the King’s previous jurisdictional powers and, on the other hand, were part of a wider trend towards separation of central courts from the royal councils in European monarchies.

Einige Bemerkungen zur Genese und Bedeutung von "Court of Session" im Königreich Schottland (1532–1707)Gegenstand dieses Beitrages ist die Darstellung der Genese und der Evolution des zentralen Gerichtes im Königreich Schottland in der Zeit von seiner Entstehung im Jahre 1532 bis zum Ende des Königreiches als ein unabhängiges Subjekt des internationalen Rechtes, infolge der Entstehung im Jahre 1707 des Vereinigten Königreiches von Großbritannien. Grundlage der Analyse der Struktur des Gerichtes stellen die Gesetze des ehemaligen schottischen Parlamentes und die wichtigste These der Bearbeitung stellt der evolutionäre Charakter der Lösungen dar, die zur Gründung von Court of Session geführt haben. Diese stellten einerseits die Fortführung der früheren Befugnisse des Königs im Bereich Jurisdiktion, andererseits aber waren sie in den europäischen Monarchien ein Teil der umfassenderen Bewegung der Aussonderung der Zentralgerichte aus der Institution der königlichen Räte.
Prezydia wojewódzkich rad narodowych jako instancje odwoławcze od orzeczeń karno-administracyjnych w latach 1951–1958 na przykładzie Prezydium Wojewódzkiej Rady Narodowej w Zielonej Górze
Authors: Halczak Bohdan
Published: November 2020

Bureau of provincial national councils as appeal instances against penal college in the years 1951–1957 on the example of the Presidium of the Provincial National Council in Zielona Góra

In 1951, the communist authorities introduced the institution of a penal college in Poland. This institution was modeled on the legislation in force in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Colleges were not courts but performed judicial functions. The fi nal instance of appeal against the rulings of the colleges was the Presidium of the Provincial National Council. The article showed that a large part of the rulings issued by colleges in the Zielona Góra region in the years 1951–1957 were annulled by the Presidium. College rulings were often in confl ict with applicable law.  

 

Die Präsidien der Nationalräte der Woiwodschaften als Berufungsinstanzen gegen die verwaltungsstrafrechtliche Rechtsprechung in den Jahren 1951–1958 am Beispiel des Präsidiums des Nationalrates der Woiwodschaft Grünberg [Zielona Góra]

Im Jahre 1951 haben die kommunistischen Behörden in Polen die Institution eines Kollegiums für Ordnungswidrigkeiten eingeführt. Diese Institution wurde nach der in der Sowjetunion geltenden Gesetzgebung organisiert. Die Kollegien waren keine Gerichte, sie übten jedoch richterliche Funktionen aus. Die letzte Berufungsinstanz gegen die Beschlüsse der Kollegien war das Präsidium des Nationalrates der Woiwodschaft [Prezydium Wojewódzkiej Rady Narodowej]. In dem Beitrag wurde gezeigt, dass das Präsidium eine große Zahl der Entscheidungen der Kollegien, die in den Jahren 1951–1958 in der Woiwodschaft Grünberg ergangen, aufgehoben hatte. Die Entscheidungen der Kollegien standen oft im Widerspruch mit dem geltenden Recht.
Niezbędność organów państwowego nadzoru policyjnego w gospodarce
Authors: Kocowski Tadeusz , Małecki Witold
Published: November 2020

Funkcjonowanie organów państwowego nadzoru policyjnego w gospodarce należy uznać za niezbędne, natomiast prywatyzacja wykonywania zadań z zakresu nadzoru policyjnego byłaby zjawiskiem niepożądanym. Jest to uzasadnione licznymi przesłankami. Organy władzy publicznej uwzględniają w swojej działalności przede wszystkim realizację interesu publicznego, wyrażającą się w ochronie stanów i dóbr policyjnych, podczas gdy przedsiębiorcy prywatni działają w celu osiągnięcia zysku, wobec czego realizacja interesu publicznego (w tym ochrona dóbr policyjnych) stałaby się dla nich wartością drugorzędną. Ponadto wykonywanie nadzoru policyjnego przez organy władzy publicznej jest związane z możliwością stosowania przymusu, co stanowi istotny czynnik wpływający na efektywną realizację nadzoru policyjnego.
Państwo administracji
Authors: Kokocińska Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Administracja publiczna jest trwałym elementem państwa, stanowiącym o jego istocie. Celem opracowania jest wykazanie, że pytanie o niepomijalność administracji publicznej jest pytaniem nie o zasadność jej istnienia, lecz o zakres jej aktywności i przeobrażenia w sposobie administrowania. Kierunki zmian w obrębie administracji publicznej są bowiem przede wszystkim związane ze zdolnością wykonywania zadań publicznych w zmieniających się warunkach społeczno-gospodarczych. Przyjęto, że sprawowanie władzy publicznej wymaga zmian w obrębie struktur administracji publicznej, odpowiedniego doboru prawnych metod i form działania służących wykonywaniu coraz to nowych zadań publicznych. Diagnozując takie zjawiska (i ich uwarunkowania) jak kryzys administracji i inflacja jej działania, dysfunkcjonalność prawa, wskazano, że państwo nie musi być państwem administracji totalnej, lecz administracji otwartej. Potrzebne jest jednak do tego prawo stabilne, trwałe, oparte na uniwersalnych wartościach, będące uzasadnieniem (także aksjologicznym) aktywności administracji publicznej.
O prywatyzacji form organizacji i działania jako źródłach różnorodności administracji publicznej
Authors: Strzyczkowski Kazimierz
Published: November 2020

Wśród tendencji rozwojowych współczesnej administracji ważnych dla struktury administracji publicznej szczególne znaczenie należy przypisać decentralizacji i pluralizacji tej administracji jako następstwa powierzania realizacji zadań administracji publicznej podmiotom spoza hierarchicznej struktury administracji publicznej. Państwo i jego administracja wycofują się z wykonywania zadań administracyjnych poprzez prywatyzację jednostek organizacyjnych, realizujących zadania administracji publicznej (prywatyzacja organizacyjna) bądź przez prywatyzację zadań (prywatyzacja materialna). Za element różnicujący administrację publiczną uznaje się wykorzystanie prywatnoprawnych form działania administracji. W konsekwencji administracja publiczna jest organizacyjnie i funkcjonalnie zróżnicowana, co — z jednej strony — tworzy warunki wyboru najbardziej efektywnych rozwiązań z punktu widzenia realizacji celów administracji publicznej, z drugiej zaś — warunki powstania konfliktu między obowiązkiem administracji publicznej działania dla dobra wspólnego a odrębnymi interesami prywatnych podmiotów, którym powierzono realizację zadań publicznych, co w przeważającej mierze jest tematyką niniejszego opracowania.
 Genome Sequencing Guide: An Introductory Toolbox to Whole-Genome Analysis Methods
Authors: Burian Alexis , Zhao Wufan , Lo Te-Wen , Thurtle-Schmidt Deborah
Published: November 2020

To fully appreciate genetics, one must understand the link between genotype (DNA sequence) and phenotype (observable characteristics). Advances in high-throughput genomic sequencing technologies and applications, so-called “-omics”, have made genetic sequencing readily available across fields in biology from applications in non-traditional study organisms to precision medicine. Thus, understanding these tools is critical for any biologist, especially those early in their career. This comprehensive review discusses the chronological development of different sequencing methods, the bioinformatics steps to analyzing this data, and social and ethical issues raised by these techniques that must be discussed and evaluated.
Desposesión de vivienda y turistificación en Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canarias-España): los desahucios a inquilinos en el barrio de El Toscal
Authors: García-Hernández Juan Samuel , Armas-Díaz Alejandro , Díaz-Rodríguez Mª del Carmen
Published: November 2020

Se analiza la incidencia de los procesos de acumulación por desposesión en Santa Cruz de Tenerife a partir de una de sus principales manifestaciones: los desahucios a inquilinos. Con tal finalidad se evalúa su distribución a escala intraurbana y su repercusión en un barrio histórico, El Toscal. La hipótesis que se explora es que los desalojos por impago de alquiler agudizan los conflictos de clase al constituir una estrategia central para la difusión de nuevas oleadas de gentrificación. Con una metodología mixta, que combina la información sobre desalojos de la base de datos Atlante del Consejo General del Poder Judicial (CGPJ) y la obtenida a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas, se indaga la entidad que alcanzan los desahucios en el centro urbano y su vinculación con el desplazamiento de las clases populares en los sectores donde el uso turístico y vacacional de la vivienda se ha extendido. La desposesión vía turistificación interviene en El Toscal, aunque todavía no es percibida como un factor que motive el desplazamiento de los residentes, ni genera resistencia. En el barrio hay indicios de una previsible oleada de gentrificación turística, sobre todo en sus manzanas centrales donde hay mayor desinversión y número de viviendas vacías.
Bringing the Heat: Aramco Field Tests High-Temperature Chemistry To Slash Tight-Gas Completion Costs
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: November 2020

By turning up the temperatures downhole, you need less of every-thing up on the surface.

This is what is hoped to be proven soon with an experimental chemical technology that is seeing some of its first field tests in Saudi Arabia’s emerging tight-gas formations this year.

The innovation centers around reactive chemicals known as thermochemicals that researchers at Saudi Aramco and King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran spent most of the past decade developing.

When it comes to unconventional applications, the world’s largest upstream company has two big ambitions. First, it is introducing a new hydraulic fracturing fluid that shaves millions of dollars off the cost of horizontal wells by more than halving the amount of equipment and water typically needed to stimulate the wells. Second, it aims to reduce the number of unproductive fracture stages and the required number of stages by improving stage productivity.

“It’s like a hybridization of pulse fracturing and hydraulic fracturing,” explained Ayman Al-Nakhli, a chemist and petroleum scientist at Saudi Aramco’s EXPEC Advanced Research Center. “The thermochemical will create a pressure pulse downhole to break down the rock - then we can propagate the fracture with hydraulic fluids.”

Al-Nakhli recently shared new details about the technology at the virtual 2020 Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) while presenting a technical paper (URTeC 2439) that he authored with colleagues and university collaborators. The paper outlines laboratory tests in which samples of shale rock from the US and elsewhere were fractured using traditional slickwater fluids alongside the thermochemical approach - or what Al-Nakhli calls the “ExoFrac.”

While validation awaits, the years-long research and development project is a reminder that as Saudi Aramco seeks to develop the Kingdom’s tight-gas resources it is not relying solely on the North American experience or its suite of established technologies.

The tests highlighted during the conference showed that when pumped into core and other rock samples at the initiation of small-scale hydraulic fracturing treatments, the chemical agents undergo an exothermic reaction that creates a pressure pulse strong enough to induce a fracture in the rock. Meanwhile, as the chemicals reach temperatures that may exceed 270°F, nitrogen gas is rapidly generated inside the fracture which increases its in-situ pressure.

As it is drawn up for a real-world application, pumping the thermochemicals downhole would take roughly 5 minutes. Once the reaction is activated, the pressure pulse lasts only milliseconds. The high-temperature reaction continues for no more than 10 minutes before all the heat is absorbed into the surrounding formation.
Increasing system-wide implementation of opioid prescribing guidelines in primary care: findings from a non-randomized stepped-wedge quality improvement project.
Authors: Zgierska Aleksandra E , Robinson James M , Lennon Robert P , Smith Paul D , Nisbet Kate , Ales Mary W , Boss Deanne , Tuan Wen-Jan , Vidaver Regina M , Hahn David L
Published: November 2020

Background: Clinician utilization of practice guidelines can reduce inappropriate opioid prescribing and harm in chronic non-cancer pain; yet, implementation of “opioid guidelines” is subpar. We hypothesized that a multi-component quality improvement (QI) augmentation of “routine” system-level implementation efforts would increase clinician adherence to the opioid guideline-driven policy recommendations.Methods: Opioid policy was implemented system-wide in 26 primary care clinics. A convenience sample of 9 clinics received the QI augmentation (one-hour academic detailing; 2 online educational modules; 4-6 monthly one-hour practice facilitation sessions) in this non-randomized stepped-wedge QI project. The QI participants were volunteer clinic staff. The target patient population was adults with chronic non-cancer pain treated with long-term opioids. The outcomes included the clinic-level percentage of target patients with a current treatment agreement (primary outcome), rates of opioid-benzodiazepine co-prescribing, urine drug testing, depression and opioid misuse screening, and prescription drug monitoring database check; additional measures included daily morphine-equivalent dose (MED), and the percentages of all target patients and patients prescribed ≥90mg/day MED. T-test, mixed-regression and stepped-wedge-based analyses evaluated the QI impact, with significance and effect size assessed with two-tailed p<0.05, 95% confidence intervals and/or Cohen’s d.Results: Two-hundred-fifteen QI participants, a subset of clinical staff, received at least one QI component; 1,255 patients in the QI and 1,632 patients in the 17 comparison clinics were prescribed long-term opioids. At baseline, more QI than comparison clinic patients were screened for depression (8.1% vs 1.1%, p=0.019) and prescribed ≥90mg/day MED (23.0% vs 15.5%, p=0.038). The stepped-wedge analysis did not show statistically significant changes in outcomes in the QI clinics, when accounting for the comparison clinics’ trends. The Cohen’s d values favored the QI clinics in all outcomes except opioid-benzodiazepine co-prescribing. Subgroup analysis showed that patients prescribed ≥90mg/day MED in the QI compared to comparison clinics improved urine drug screening rates (38.8% vs 19.1%, p=0.02), but not other outcomes (p³0.05).Conclusions: Augmenting routine policy implementation with targeted QI intervention, delivered to volunteer clinic staff, did not additionally improve clinic-level, opioid guideline-concordant care metrics. However, the observed effect sizes suggested this approach may be effective, especially in higher-risk patients, if broadly implemented.Trial Registration – Not applicable
An effective frequency-domain feature of atrial fibrillation based on time-frequency analysis
Authors: Hu Yusong , Zhao Yantao , Liu Jihong , Pang Jin , Zhang Chen , Li Peizhe
Published: November 2020

Background: Atrial fibrillation is a type of persistent arrhythmia that can lead to serious complications. Therefore, accurate and quick detection of atrial fibrillation by surface electrocardiogram has great importance on further treatment. The practical electrocardiogram signals contain various interferences in different frequencies, such as myoelectricity interference, power interference and so on. Detection speed and accuracy largely depend on the atrial fibrillation signal features extracted by the algorithm. But some of the discovered atrial fibrillation features are not well distinguishable, resulting in poor classification effect. Methods: This paper proposed a high distinguishable frequency feature - the frequency corresponding to the maximum amplitude in the frequency spectrum. We used the R-R interval detection method optimized with the mathematical morphology method and combined with the wavelet transform method for analysis. According to the two features - the maximum amplitude in the frequency spectrum and R-R interval irregular, we could recognize atrial fibrillation signals in electrocardiogram signals by decision tree classification algorithm. Results: The data used in the experiment come from the MIT-BIH database, which is publicly accessible via the web and with ethical approval and consent. Based on the input of time-domain and frequency-domain features, we classified sinus rhythm signals and AF signals using the decision tree generated by classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm. From the confusion matrix, we got the accuracy was 98.9%, sensitivity was 97.93% and specificity was 99.63%. Conclusions: The experimental results can prove the validity of the maximum amplitude in the frequency spectrum and the practicability and accuracy of the detection method, which applied this frequency-domain feature. Through the detection method, we obtained good accuracy of classifying sinus rhythm signals and atrial fibrillation signals. And the sensitivity and specificity of our method were pretty good by comparison with other studies.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for high-normal blood pressure: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Wang Yu , Shi Guang-Xia , Tian Zhong-Xue , Liu Jun-Hong , Qi You-Sheng , Tu Jian-Feng , Yang Jing-Wen , Wang Li-Qiong , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: November 2020

Background: High-normal blood pressure (BP) is associated with increased all-cause, cardiovascular mortality and frequently progresses to hypertension. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) might be a non-pharmaceutical therapy option to control BP. This trial aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of TEAS combined with lifestyle modification for high-normal BP. Methods/design: This prospective, randomized and parallel clinical trial will be conducted in a community service center in China. Sixty participants with high-normal BP will be randomly allocated to receive TEAS plus lifestyle modification (intervention group) or lifestyle modification alone (control group) in a 1:1 ratio. In addition to lifestyle modification, the intervention group will receive TEAS at four acupoints for 30 minutes, 4 times weekly for 12 weeks for a total of 48 sessions at home. The control group will receive same lifestyle modification but no TEAS. The primary outcome will be the change in mean systolic blood pressure at 12-week from the baseline measurement. Secondary outcomes include the change of mean diastolic blood pressure, proportion of subjects with progression to hypertension, quality of life, physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference. Adverse events during the trial will be monitored.Discussion: This trial will explore the feasibility and provide potential evidence for the effectiveness and safety of TEAS plus lifestyle modification for high-normal BP. Furthermore, this pilot trial is being undertaken to determine the feasibility of a full scale definitive randomized controlled trial. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR 1900024982. Registered on August 6, 2019.
An Artificial Neutral Network Chip Based on Two-Dimensional Semiconductor
Authors: Ma Shunli , Wu Tianxiang , Chen Xinyu , Wang Yin , Tang Hongwei , Yao Yuting , Wang Yan , Deng Jianan , Wan Jing , Sun Zhengzong , Xu Zihan , Riaud Antoine , Wu Chenjian , Chai Yang , Zhou Peng , Ren Junyan , Bao Wenzhong , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2020

Two-dimensional semiconductors can be used to build integrated circuits for running artificial neural networks (ANN) with higher energy efficiency. The implementation of an ANN with 2D semiconductors has been held back by the large-scale and high-quality transistors required for running machine learning algorithms. Here we demonstrate the first functional MoS2 analog ANN integrated circuit, including memory, multiply-and-accumulate (MAC), activation function, and weight update circuits. The ANN integrated circuit is realized through 818 field effect transistors (FETs) with wafer-scale and high-homogeneity MoS2 film. The large current on/off ratio and output linearity of these MoS2 FETs allow the realization of convolutional and activation function circuits with a few number of transistors. This ANN can be used for recognizing tactile digit, showing the recognition rate exceeding 97%. Our work demonstrates wafer-scale processing of a 2D semiconductor for building integrated circuits with the functions of AI computation.
Non-invasive super-resolution imaging through dynamic scattering media
Authors: Wang Dong , Sahoo Sujit , Zhu Xiangwen , Adamo Giorgio , Dang Cuong
Published: November 2020

Super-resolution imaging has been revolutionizing technical analysis in various fields from biological to physical sciences. However, many objects are hidden by strongly scattering media such as biological tissues that scramble light paths, create speckle patterns and hinder object’s visualization, let alone super-resolution imaging. Here, we demonstrate non-invasive super-resolution imaging through scattering media based on a stochastic optical scattering localization imaging (SOSLI) technique. After capturing multiple speckle patterns of photo-switchable emitters, our stochastic approach utilizes the speckle correlation property of scattering media to retrieve an image with 100-nm resolution, eight-fold enhancement compared to the diffraction limit. More importantly, we demonstrate our SOSLI to do non-invasive super-resolution imaging through not only static scattering media, but also dynamic scattering media with strong decorrelation such as biological tissues. Our approach paves the way to non-invasively visualize various samples behind scattering media at unprecedented levels of detail.
Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in the Frail Older Adults When Postural Stability is Manipulated
Authors: Callegari Bianca , Kubicki Alexandre , Saunier Ghislain , Duarte Manuela Brito , Almeida Gizele Cristina da Silva , Alves Bruno Mazziotti Oliveira , Amorim César Ferreira , Garcez Daniela Rosa , Souza Givago da Silva , Mourey France
Published: November 2020

Background: Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs) are importantly affected by age and may represent restrictions for functional independence. Previous studies have already highlighted some delayed APAs during self-generated rapid arm movements in aged adults, as well as in cases of non-optimal aging, such as in frail older adults. In young (Y) adults, it was also previously demonstrated that changing the postural stability (i.e. seated vs. upright posture) affects the motor planning and APAs. Considering the clinical relevance of these balance tasks in the functional independence in frail older adults (FOA), and the lack of literature about this task, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of these different conditions of postural stability on APAs in FOA. Methods: In this paper, participants executed an arm-pointing task to reach a diode immediately after it turned on, under different conditions of stability (seated with and without feet support and in upright posture). Results: The main finding of this study is that the adopted posture and body stabilization in FOA did not reflect differences in APAs or kinematic features. In addition, they did not present an optimal APA, since postural muscles are recruited simultaneously with the deltoid. Conclusion: Thus, FOA seem to use a single non-optimal motor plan to assist the task performance and counterbalance perturbation forces, in which they present similar APAs and do not modify their kinematics features according to the body stabilization (i.e. less challenging task present greater finger velocity).
Nocturnal Blood Pressure Rise as A Predictor of Cognitive Impairment Among the Elderly：A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xing Yunli , Sun Ying , Wang Shan , Feng Feng , Zhang Deqiang , Li Hongwei
Published: November 2020

Background: This study investigated the relationship between ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), cognitive function and cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) among elderly patients to assess effective hypertension management for preventing the progression of cognitive impairment. Methods: Participants comprised 305 elderly patients aged ≥ 65 years, who were divided into the cognitive impairment group (CI, n=130), and the non-cognitive impairment group (NCI, n=175), according to MMSE score. All participants underwent ABPM for the evaluation of possible hypertensive disorder and cerebral MRI for the evaluation of cerebral small vessel disease. Follow-up was performed by telephone or medical records. Results: Of the 305 participants, 130 (42.6%) were identified with cognitive impairment (CI), with the average systolic blood pressure (BP) of 127 mmHg and diastolic BP of 66 mmHg. According to ABPM, only 13.1% had dipper pattern, 45.6% had nocturnal BP rise, while 41.3% had non-dipper pattern. Compared with NCI patients, the CI group had significantly higher night-time systolic BP (130.0±18.2 vs. 123.9±15.1, p=0.011), and more participants had nocturnal BP rise (52.3% vs. 40.6%, p=0.042). Nocturnal BP rise was associated with greater white matter hyperintensities (WMH) (p=0.013). After 2.03 years of follow-up, there were 35 all-cause deaths, and 33 cases of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). CI was independently associated with all-cause mortality during long-term observation (p<0.01). Nocturnal BP rise had no significant predictive ability for all-cause mortality in the elderly patients (p =0.178).Conclusions: Nocturnal BP rise contributed to greater WMH volumes and cognitive impairment in the elderly patients. To prevent the progression of cognitive dysfunction, it is critical to control BP based on ABPM.
Engagement in Different Sport Disciplines During University Years and Risk of Locomotive Syndrome in Older Age: J-Fit+ Study
Authors: Shen Shaoshuai , Suzuki Koya , Kohmura Yoshimitsu , Fuku Noriyuki , Someya Yuki , Naito Hisashi
Published: November 2020

Background: Among former Olympic-level athletes, engagement in different sport disciplines is associated with reduced mortality risk in subsequent years. However, limited evidence is available on whether engagement in different sport disciplines at a young age is associated with locomotive syndrome (LS) risk later in life. This study examined the relationship between engagement in different sport disciplines during university years and LS risk in older age among former university athletes.Methods: Participants were 274 middle-aged and 294 older men alumni who graduated from a school of physical education in Japan. Data on university sports participation and club membership as well as LS risk were collected using questionnaires. University clubs were classified into three groups of cardiovascular intensity (low, moderate, high), following the classification system of sport disciplines by the American College of Cardiology. This classification considers the static and dynamic component of an activity, which correspond to the estimated percent of maximal voluntary contraction reached and to that of maximal oxygen uptake achieved, respectively. University clubs were grouped based on the risk of bodily collision (no, yes) and extent of physical contact (low, moderate, high). Relationships between engagement in different sport disciplines and LS risk were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for relative risks.Results: Adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with the low, moderate, and high cardiovascular intensity sports were 1.00 (reference), 0.48 (0.22-1.06, P = 0.07), and 0.44 (0.20-0.97, P = 0.04) in older men, respectively; however, there was no significant association between these parameters among middle-aged men. Engagement in sports associated with physical contact and collision did not affect LS risk in either group.Conclusions: Engagement in sports associated with high cardiovascular intensity during university years may reduce the risk of LS in later life. Encouraging young people to participate in such activities might help reduce LS prevalence among older populations.
Current State of Three-Dimensional Printing for Simulation Training of Interventional Radiology Trainees
Authors: Tenewitz Chase , Le Rebecca , Hernandez Mauricio , Baig Saif , Meyer Travis
Published: November 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this review was to assess the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing in interventional radiology (IR) simulation experiences.Materials and Methods: A literature query was conducted in April 2020 for articles discussing 3D printing for simulations in numerous library databases using various search terms.Results: While trainee feedback is generally supportive of 3D printing within the field of IR, current applications utilizing 3D printed models are heterogeneous, reflecting a lack of best practices standards in the realm of medical education.Conclusions: Presently available literature endorses the use of 3D printing within IR. 3D printing has the potential to expand within the field, as it offers a straightforward, sustainable, and reproducible means for hands-on training that ought to be standardized.
The Preconditioning of Lithium promotes Mesenchymal Stem Cell Based Therapy for the Degenerated Intervertebral Disc via Upregulating Cellular ROS
Authors: Zhu Zemin , Xing Hongyuan , Tang Ruofu , Qian Shengjun , He Shaoqi , Hu Qiang , Zhang Ning
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAdipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) is one of the most widely used candidate cell for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, the poor survival and low differentiation efficacy in stressed host microenvironment limit the therapeutic effects of cell therapy. The preconditioning has been found effective to boost the proliferation and the functioning of stem cells in varying pathological condition. Lithium is a common anti-depression drug and has been proved effective to enhance stem cell functioning. In this study, the effects of preconditioning using LiCl on the cellular behavior of ADSC was investigated, and specially in a degenerative IVD-like condition.MethodThe cellular toxicity on ADSC was assessed by detecting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production after treatment with a varying concentration of lithium chloride (LiCl). The proliferative capacity of ADSC was determined by detecting Ki67 expression and the relative cell number of ADSC. Then, the preconditioned ADSC was challenged by a degenerative IVD-like condition. Meanwhile the cell viability and the nucleus pulpous (NP) cell differentiation efficacy of preconditioned ADSC were evaluated by detecting the major markers expression and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposit.ResultsA concentration range of 1-10 mmol/L of LiCl was applied in the following study, since a higher concentration of LiCl causes a major cell death (about 40%). The relative cell number was similar between preconditioned groups and the control group after preconditioning. The Ki67 expression was elevated after preconditioning. Consistently, the preconditioned ADSC showed stronger proliferation capacity. Besides, the preconditioned groups exhibit higher expression of NP markers than the control group after NP cell induction. Moreover, the preconditioning of LiCl reduced the cell death and promoted ECM deposits, when challenged with a degenerative IVD-like culture. Mechanically, the preconditioning of LiCl induced an increased cellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) level, which was found closely related to the enhanced cell survival and ECM deposits after preconditioning.ConclusionThese results suggest that the preconditioning with a medium level of LiCl boosts the cell proliferation and differentiation efficacy under a normal or hostile culture condition via upregulating cellular ROS level. It is a promising pre-treatment of ADSC to promote the cell functioning and the following regenerative capacity.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment increases intestinal stem cell proliferation through mTORc1 signaling in Mus musculus
Authors: casanova ignacio , Peña-Villalobos Isaac , Arancibia-Altamirano David , Lois Pablo , Palma Verónica
Published: November 2020

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has been used for more than a decade to treat diverse diseases like diabetic foot ulcers and ischemic injuries. More recently, HBOT has been reported to modulate proliferation of neural and intestinal stem cell populations, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are not completely understood. Objective: In this study we aimed to determine HBOT stem cell modulation by evaluating in particular the role of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORc1), a key regulator of cell metabolism that modifies its activity depending on oxygen levels, as a potential mediator of HBOT in murine intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Methods: Mouse were exposed to 10 or 20 HBOT sessions and the proliferation of the ISCs were analyzed by immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry using the specific ISCs marker, Olfm4. The regulation of HBOT and mTORc1 pathway was analyzed through S6K1 phosphorylation by western-blot and through the inhibition by rapamycin. Results: We discovered that acute HBOT can increase proliferation of ISCs in a synchronous fashion without affecting the animal’s oxidative metabolism. Noteworthy, the mTORc1 inhibitor rapamycin also increases the proliferation of ISCs. This effect has been attributed to its capacity to mimic a caloric restriction (CR). Interestingly, the combination of HBOT and rapamycin does not have a synergic effect. Nevertheless, HBOT can recover rapamycin induced mTORc1 inhibition, possibly acting through a competitive modulation on mTORC1. Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest that HBOT proliferative effect on ISCs is modulated by mTORc1 signaling representing a promising new approach to treat intestinal conditions.
Different Dosage Regimens of Eptinezumab for the Treatment of Migraine: A Meta-Analysis from Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yan Zeya , Xue Tao , Chen Shujun , Wu Xin , Yang Xingyu , Liu Guangjie , Gao Shan , Chen Zhouqing , Wang Zhong
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMigraine is one of the most common neurological diseases around the world and calcitonin gene-related peptide（CGRP）plays an important role in its pathophysiology. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies blocking the CGRP ligand or receptor in episodic and chronic migraine. ObjectiveThe objective of our study is implementing a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of eptinezumab for the treatment of migraine compared with placebo.MethodWe searched the Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which were performed to evaluate eptinezumab versus placebo for migraine up to September 2020. The data was assessed by Review Manager 5.3 software. The risk ratio (RR) and standard mean difference (SMD) were analyzed using dichotomous outcomes and continuous outcomes respectively with a random effect model.ResultWe collected 2,739 patients from 4 RCTs: the primary endpoint of efficacy was the change from baseline to week 12 in mean monthly migraine days (MMDs). We found that eptinezumab (30mg，100mg，300mg) led to a significant reduction in MMDs (P=0.0001,P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001) during 12 weeks compared with placebo, especially with 300mg. For the safety, we compared and concluded the treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of the 4 RCTs. This indicated no evident statistical difference between eptinezumab and placebo.ConclusionsIn the present study, we found that eptinezumab is safe and has significant efficacy in the treatment of migraine, especially the dose of 300 mg.
Batch Extraction of Tree Stem From Natural Forest Based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Zhang Jianpeng , Wang Jinliang , Ma Weifeng , Liu Yicheng , Liu Qianwei , Zhang Zhiyan
Published: November 2020

Background: Aiming at the problems of low accuracy of tree stem extraction from point cloud data of natural forest and poor universality, a method for batch extraction of tree stem from natural forest point cloud data based on terrestrial laser scanning is proposed.Methods: First, the principal component analysis method is used to calculate the point cloud eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and the information entropy is minimized as a constraint to achieve the best neighborhood scale selection; Then combined with the spatial distribution features of the three-dimensional forest, using the Z-axis component of normal vector as the feature variable, the threshold method is used to filter out a large number of non-stem point clouds, and the 3D features are used for rough extraction of tree stem point cloud; Finally, density clustering is used to realize the precise extraction of tree stem point cloud. Results: Select the two typical representative natural forest sample plots of Pinus densata Mast. and Picea asperata Mast. in Shangri-La as the experimental data to extract stem. All the stem of the two natural forest sample plots were detected and extracted. Using the extracted individual tree stem point cloud and the true tree stem point cloud for correlation analysis, the R2 of the Pinus densata Mast. sample plot was 0.990, and the R2 of the Picea asperata Mast. sample plot with a more complex growth environment was 0.982. Conclusions: The results show that this method can well achieve batch extraction of tree stem point cloud from natural forest, and has the characteristics of high extraction accuracy and strong adaptability.
COPD is not associated with a poor prognosis in COVID-19
Authors: An Tai Joon , Kim Youlim , Park Yong Bum , Kim Kyungjoo , Cho Do Yeon , Yoo Kwang-Ha , Rhee Chin Kook
Published: November 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic. The effect of underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on COVID-19 is controversial. We set this study to examine the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 according to the underlying COPD.Methods: COVID-19 patients were assessed using nationwide health insurance data. COPD patients were operationally defined. Comorbidities were evaluated by using the modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI) which excluded the factors of COPD from conventional CCI scores. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of COVID-19, such as mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, were assessed. Subgroup analysis about the effect of inhaled corticosteroid of COPD patients on COVID-19 was performed.Results: COPD group were older (71.3±11.6 vs. 47.7±19.1, p < 0.001) and have higher CCI scores (2.6±1.9 vs. 0.8±1.3, p < 0.001) than non-COPD group. Mortality was higher in COPD groups than in non-COPD group (22.9% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001). The ICU admission rate and hospital LOS were not significantly different between the two groups. In univariate analysis, ages, male sex, mCCI, socioeconomic status, and underlying COPD were associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, underlying COPD was not associated with mortality after adjusted. On the other hand, other variables are still associated with mortality. Older ages (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.14; p < 0.001), male sex (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.67–3.12; p < 0.001), higher mCCI (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.20–1.41; p < 0.001), and medical aid insurance (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.03–2.32; p = 0.035) were associated with mortality of COVID-19. Underlying COPD was also not associated with hospital LOS and ICU admission rates in the adjusted analyses. In the subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference between the ICS user and nonuser including mortality and hospital LOS. In the adjusted analyses, the use of ICS in COPD patients was not associated with mortality and hospital LOS in COVID-19.Conclusions: Mortality, hospital LOS, and ICU admission rate were not associated with underlying COPD in COVID-19.