bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bluebills and bayou bivalves: Hurricane‐driven trophic cascades affect wintering abundance of Lesser Scaup in Louisiana
Authors: Stroud Clay M. , Caputo Claire E. , Poirrier Michael A. , Reynolds Larry A. , Ringelman Kevin M.
Published: August 2019

The estuaries of coastal Louisiana overwinter a continentally significant proportion of Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis; colloquially, “bluebills”), a migratory bird species of conservation concern since population declines began in the 1980s. Thirty‐eight years of aerial waterfowl surveys of Lake Pontchartrain—an oligohaline estuarine lagoon in southeast Louisiana—show that scaup abundance fluctuates between 0 and 1,194,907 birds, though the mechanisms driving this variation are unknown. Previous studies have shown that scaup feed primarily on mollusks, and so changes in the benthic prey community have the potential to strongly influence scaup dynamics on the Lake. Benthic communities are in turn shaped by both natural and anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., hurricanes and spillway openings), potentially creating a lagged bottom‐up trophic cascade that ultimately affects scaup abundance. Using 22 yr of paired benthic invertebrate and aerial waterfowl survey data, we found scaup populations increased with the abundance of medium‐sized Rangia clams (Rangia cuneata) and Dwarf Surf Clams (Mulinia lateralis). Those prey species declined in years when the Lake was hit by a hurricane, but medium‐sized Rangia rebounded strongly the year after, likely because storm‐surge salinity induces spawning. Using long‐term aerial survey data for scaup, we indeed found strong declines on the Lake in years when a hurricane made landfall, but scaup abundance increased the following year, presumably responding to large numbers of medium‐sized Rangia. Our three‐part analysis makes a strong case for a hurricane‐driven bottom‐up trophic cascade that affects scaup populations on Lake Pontchartrain. This study adds to a growing literature demonstrating not only that estuaries are tidally and seasonally dynamic, but that punctuated disturbance events can be important for maintaining ecosystem function.
Promotional Effect of Cr in Sulfated Zirconia‐Based Mo Catalyst for Methane Dehydroaromatization
Authors: Abedin Md Ashraful , Kanitkar Swarom , Bhattar Srikar , Spivey James J.
Published: August 2019

The need for valuable hydrocarbons is now at its peak. Methane is an abundant source of natural gas, and is well‐studied as a feedstock for producing heavier hydrocarbons of higher value. A number of processes are well‐studied, including methane dehydroaromatization (MDHA). This is a direct methane conversion process, eliminating the need for a syngas step while producing both benzene and hydrogen.
Chemical Looping Partial Oxidation of Methane for Co‐Production of Syngas and Electricity: Process Modeling and Systems Analysis
Authors: Mantripragada Hari Chandan , Veser Götz
Published: August 2019

Chemical looping partial oxidation of methane (CLPOM) to synthesis gas is studied as an alternative to conventional auto‐thermal reforming (ATR). For comparative analysis, performance models are developed based on mass and energy balances of the processes as functions of process design, operating parameters, and oxygen carrier (OC) properties. Sensitivity analyses are performed at the process and systems levels for CLPOM incorporated into a gas‐to‐liquids (GTL) plant and a preliminary cost analysis is conducted. Process‐level and systems‐level results show that while CLPOM with currently available OCs is less fuel‐efficient than ATR (requiring ≈48% more fuel for a 50 000 barrels per day GTL reference plant), it is economically competitive because of its potential to co‐produce electricity (≈240 MW). The comparative economic advantage of CLPOM can be significantly increased through improvements in OC performance.
Tailoring the Microstructure and Electrochemical Performance of 3D Microbattery Electrodes Based on Carbon Foams
Authors: Asfaw Habtom Desta , Kotronia Antonia , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Nyholm Leif , Edström Kristina
Published: August 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) carbon electrodes with suitable microstructural features and stable electrochemical performance are required for practical applications in 3D lithium (Li)‐ion batteries. Herein, the optimization of the microstructures and electrochemical performances of carbon electrodes derived from emulsion‐templated polymer foams are dealt with. Exploiting the rheological properties of the emulsion precursors, carbon foams with variable void sizes and specific surface areas are obtained. Carbon foams with an average void size of around 3.8 μm are produced, and improvements are observed both in the coulombic efficiency and the cyclability of the carbon foam electrodes synthesized at 2200 °C. A stable areal capacity of up to 1.22 mAh cm−2 (108 mAh g−1) is achieved at a current density of 50 μA cm−2. In addition, the areal capacity remains almost unaltered, i.e., 1.03 mAh cm−2 (91 mAh g−1), although the cycling current density increases to 500 μA cm−2 indicating that the materials are promising for power demanding applications.
Manager migration, learning‐by‐hiring, and cultural distance in international soccer
Authors: Peeters Thomas L. P. R. , Mills Brian M. , Pennings Enrico , Sung Hojun
Published: August 2019

Research Summary

We investigate the international transfer of managerial know‐how by analyzing manager migration patterns in the setting of international soccer. We characterize a country's managerial know‐how by estimating a stochastic frontier model, which relates the country's soccer performance to socioeconomic and climatic conditions. We find evidence of learning‐by‐hiring in that hiring a migrant manager hailing from a high know‐how country is beneficial to the destination country's performance. Larger cultural distance between the migrant manager and destination country reduces the effectiveness of learning‐by‐hiring, but this effect is moderated by the migrant manager's prior international experience. The transfer of managerial know‐how contributes to the overall convergence of low‐performing versus high‐performing soccer countries.

Managerial Summary

In this study, we ask whether firms in developing countries, which often suffer from having low‐quality management practices, can improve their performance by hiring managers from developed countries, who may implement better management practices. We investigate this in the context of national soccer team competition, because this allows us to track the performance of migrant managers very precisely over time. We find that hiring a migrant manager from a developed soccer country improves the performance of the developing host country. This performance improvement is smaller when the migrant's country of origin is culturally very different from the host, but migrant managers with extensive international experience are able to overcome this negative effect of cultural distance.
Clinical pathway for the community‐level management of patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Du Zhaohui , Sun Xiaoming
Published: August 2019

Aim

To assess the results of a type 2 diabetes electronic clinical pathway using an empirical study.

Methods

A literature review and expert meetings were used to formulate a community‐based clinical pathway document for type 2 diabetes, and an electronic clinical pathway platform was developed. An intervention study method was adopted in which the electronic clinical pathway management intervention was applied in type 2 diabetes patients from the Weifang Community Health Service Center. The patients were randomly divided into the clinical pathway group (electronic clinical pathway management) or the control group (routine blood glucose control treatment), and the study lasted 1 year. The results of the electronic clinical pathway management for type 2 diabetes was assessed through a comparative analysis of three factors, namely, metabolic markers, standardised management rate, and blood glucose control rate.

Results

The overall cohort comprised 264 patients. The postintervention blood glucose and blood lipid levels were significantly different between the clinical pathway (n = 132) and control groups (n = 132) (P < .0001). In addition, the fasting blood glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin levels, and blood lipid levels of the clinical pathway group were significantly lower than those in the control group.

Conclusion

The type 2 diabetes electronic clinical pathway can effectively improve the diabetes management levels and improve the degree of standardisation and levels of diagnosis and treatment during administration by family doctors. The application of the electronic clinical pathway can be further improved and expanded in community health service centres.
Cadmium Background Levels in Groundwater in an Area Dominated by Agriculture
Authors: Kubier Andreas , Hamer Kay , Pichler Thomas
Published: August 2019

Cadmium is a highly toxic trace metal, which can be of geogenic or anthropogenic origin, for example, minerals, phosphate fertilizers, and combustion emissions. Due to its low sorption affinity compared to other heavy metals, Cd is easily mobilized, potentially resulting in elevated Cd concentrations in groundwater. This study assessed background levels of Cd in groundwater related to hydrogeology and hydrogeochemical processes through evaluation of a large hydrogeochemical data set composed of groundwater analyses from 6300 wells in Northwestern Germany. Calculated Cd background levels in groundwater were between 0.01 µg/L in hydrogeological units with mainly reducing conditions and 0.98 µg/L in less reducing groundwater recharge areas. The results showed that groundwater Cd concentrations above 0.5 µg/L (the German threshold value) are not necessarily elevated but could be the regional or ambient background level, depending on the hydrogeological unit. What would be considered as ambient background levels, however, indicated the influence by continuous intensive land use as well as the local geology, which is dominated by glacial deposits. Cadmium concentrations in groundwater were mainly controlled by hydrogeochemical and hydrogeological parameters and not by the amount of anthropogenic Cd input, in particular through the use of phosphate fertilizers. Instead, analyses of the solid phase revealed that Cd release from the aquifer matrix due to changes in hydrogeochemical parameters was more likely. Aquifer sediments in Northwestern Germany can be enriched in Cd originating from multiple sources, which in turn can cause elevated Cd concentrations in groundwater. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–11. © 2019 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
PRIORITIZING LAND AND WATER INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIMATE‐SMART VILLAGES
Authors: Alam Mohammad Faiz , Sikka Alok K.
Published: August 2019

Climate‐smart villages mean implementing a portfolio of best locally suited climate‐smart agricultural practices in an integrated manner to build resilience of the local community. Land and water interventions form a crucial part of a climate‐smart agricultural practices portfolio, with water availability being the key limiting factor of crop growth. To aid in this decision‐making process of prioritizing land and water interventions, a simple and robust spreadsheet tool based on a water balance is developed. The tool integrates and simulates impacts of land and water interventions on the water balance to determine their impact across climate‐smart agricultural objectives of agricultural productivity, climate change adaptation and mitigation. The tool was implemented in two villages in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The tool performs well in simulating village water balance and its impact on the yield of rainfed and irrigated crop areas. Results show that considerable differences exist within the portfolio of land and water interventions, with only a combination of supply, demand and moisture conservation practices being able to help achieve climate‐smart agricultural objectives. In the best case scenario, yield can be increased by up to 10% and greenhouse gas emission intensity reduced up to 17%. Comparison with stakeholder perception analysis highlights the utility of this tool in providing additional quantitative information in the decision‐making process. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Burosumab Improved Histomorphometric Measures of Osteomalacia in Adults with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia: A Phase 3, Single-Arm, International Trial
Authors: Insogna Karl L , Rauch Frank , Kamenický Peter , Ito Nobuaki , Kubota Takuo , Nakamura Akie , Zhang Lin , Mealiffe Matt , San Martin Javier , Portale Anthony A
Published: August 2019

In adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), excess FGF23 impairs renal phosphate reabsorption and suppresses production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, resulting in chronic hypophosphatemia and persistent osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is associated with poor bone quality causing atraumatic fractures, pseudofractures, delayed fracture healing, and bone pain. Burosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against FGF23. UX023-CL304 is an ongoing, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 study investigating the efficacy of subcutaneous burosumab, 1.0 mg/kg administered every 4 weeks, in improving osteomalacia in adults with XLH who have not been treated for at least 2 years before enrollment. The primary endpoint was improvement in osteoid volume/bone volume assessed by transiliac bone biopsies obtained at baseline and week 48. Additional assessments included serum phosphorus, markers of bone turnover, fracture/pseudofracture healing, and safety. Fourteen subjects enrolled, 13 completed 48 weeks, and 11 completed paired biopsies. All osteomalacia-related histomorphometric measures improved significantly at week 48 (mean percent change: osteoid volume/bone volume, –54%, osteoid thickness, –32%, osteoid surface/bone surface, –26%, [median] mineralization lag time, –83%). Mean serum phosphorus concentration averaged across the mid-point of the dose cycle between weeks 0 and 24 was 3.3 mg/dL, a 50% increase from 2.2 mg/dL at baseline. Markers of bone formation and resorption increased at week 48 (least squares [LS] mean increase: P1NP, +77%; CTx, +36%; both p < 0.0001). All subjects had one or more treatment-emergent adverse event (AE). Most AEs were mild to moderate in severity. Two subjects experienced serious AEs (migraine; paresthesia) that were unrelated to treatment and resolved. Eleven subjects had 18 biopsy procedure-related AEs: 14 for pain, two for itch, and one each for headache and bandage irritation. No deaths or incidents of hyperphosphatemia occurred. In conclusion, by normalizing phosphate homeostasis, burosumab significantly improved osteomalacia in adults with XLH, which likely explains the improved fracture healing and amelioration of skeletal complications. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Symbolic Sequence Effects on Consumers’ Judgments of Truth for Brand Claims
Authors: King Dan , Auschaitrakul Sumitra
Published: August 2019

We introduce symbolic sequence effects—the consequences of whether the sequence of the initial letters of a pair of words (e.g., a word representing a putative cause and another word representing a putative effect) conforms to the structure of symbolic sequences that are stored in the mind as overlearned natural language traces (“natural sequence”). We synthesize insights from psychophysics as well as numerical and natural language symbolic representations to demonstrate that consumers are able to unconsciously perceive the mere sequence of symbols contained in a brand claim, and that this sequence information influences judgments of truth. Across three experiments, we showed that when a brand claim is structured in a way that is consistent with the natural sequence of symbols (“A causes B” rather than “B causes A”), people experience feelings of sequential fluency, which in turn influences judgments of truth. This occurs despite the inability of participants to attribute the true source of the feelings. Our results suggest that carefully designed brand claims are likely to benefit from this natural sequencing. These findings provide important contributions to the literatures on processing fluency, branding, and advertising. These findings also have sobering societal implications and warn that fake news might be more persuasive if the perpetrators understand symbolic sequencing techniques.
Direct and indirect seasonal rainfall forecasts for East Africa using global dynamical models
Authors: Colman Andrew W. , Graham Richard J. , Davey Michael K.
Published: August 2019

Regional‐scale seasonal climate outlooks are typically produced using forecast information either local to the region or from another area with teleconnections to the region. Dynamical global long‐range forecast (LRF) systems can provide both types of information, and these two approaches are compared in the context of seasonal rainfall forecasts for two adjoining areas in the Greater Horn of Africa region in tropical East Africa. The direct method utilizes the unprocessed LRF outputs for the region. For the “indirect” method, canonical correlation analysis is used and works by identifying patterns in historical LRF predictions over large tropical domains that relate to observed variability in the East Africa regions. For a given year, projections of the LRF forecasts onto those patterns can then be employed to construct the regional forecasts. This approach takes advantage of the tendency for LRF systems to have greater skill for large‐scale variability than for smaller regional‐scale features. Using case studies, it is found the two approaches contain complementary information: the indirect approach can provide notable skill benefits in years with strong large‐scale forcing while in some years, particularly when large‐scale signals are weak, the “direct” forecast are superior. Skill comparisons over many years found that, although results are region/season dependent, in general the indirect approach has higher skill overall—with improvements equal to or greater than those afforded by a 1‐month reduction in lead time with the direct approach. Results for both methods used separately and in combination are provided for the March–April–May and September‐to‐December seasons in the two regions, using data from currently operational dynamical LRF systems. Skill was best for the September‐to‐December season in the southern region, using “indirect” forecasts. The “direct” approach was better than “indirect” for the March‐to‐May season in the northern region. In general, combination did not produce a substantial benefit.
Risk indicators for marginal bone resorption around implants in function for at least 4 years: A retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Mameno Tomoaki , Wada Masahiro , Otsuki Motohiro , Okuno Ikuhisa , Ozeki Kenji , Tahara Akihiko , Ikebe Kazunori
Published: August 2019

Background

Marginal bone stability is considered one of the most important issues in implant dentistry. It is essential to understand how various factors influence bone resorption around implants. The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal study was to identify potential risk indicators associated with marginal bone resorption around implants in function for at least 4 years.

Methods

Several systemic‐related, intraoral‐related, implant‐related factors were collected. Marginal bone level change (MBLC) was determined by comparing intraoral radiographs taken at baseline (1 year after prosthesis delivery), and at follow‐up (over 3 years from baseline). A hierarchical regression analysis using liner mixed‐effects models was performed to examine correlations between MBLC and various factors.

Results

Overall, 514 patients with 1535 implants were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 62.9 years. Mean annual MBLC was 0.048 mm, and mean functional time was 5.96 years. The result showed that the following explanatory variables had significant effects on MBLC: functional time, plaque control record > 20%, Eichner index C1‐3, maxilla, cement‐retained superstructure, and keratinized mucosa width < 2 mm. We did not find statistically significant associations between bone resorption and some variables known as risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, and history of periodontitis.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, longer functional time, poor oral hygiene, loss of occlusal support, location in the maxilla, cement‐retained superstructure, and less keratinized mucosa should be considered as risk indicators for bone resorption around implants.
High‐pressure‐induced phase transition in 1,3‐diphenylurea: The approaching of N–H⋯O hydrogen‐bonded chains
Authors: Dai Yuxiang , Qi Yang
Published: August 2019

The crystal structure and hydrogen‐bonded chains of 1,3‐diphenylurea were found to have abrupt changes when the pressure increased to 1.8 GPa. Based on Raman spectra, the intermolecular interactions, the vibrations of chemical groups, and the molecular conformation were clearly distinguished from the initial state. The anisotropic compression of the original crystal structure and the occurrence of structural phase transition were confirmed by the results of in situ high‐pressure synchrotron X‐ray diffraction experiments. The new phase was stable up to about 10.0 GPa. The inevitable creasing of the N–H⋯O hydrogen‐bonded chains was derived from the remarkable shrink of distance between hydrogen‐bonded chains, which can be treated as the main reason leading to this phase transition. The first‐principle calculations and Hirshfeld surfaces further confirmed the analysis of the experimental results. This study demonstrates that excessively reducing the space between of hydrogen‐bonded chains will rearrange the self‐assembly of supramolecular materials.
Vocal cord function during recurrent laryngeal nerve injury assessed by accelerometry and EMG
Authors: Dahle Geir Olav , Setså Erling Johan , Svendsen Øyvind Sverre , Stangeland Lodve , Heimdal John‐Helge , Henriksen Bård , Husby Paul , Brauckhoff Katrin
Published: August 2019

Objective

Gradual impairment of nerve conduction is expected to be tightly associated with simultaneous gradual loss of vocal cord contractility, related to the fact that injured axons are connected to a defined number of muscle cells. In clinical studies, there is a time gap between observed adverse electromyographic (EMG) changes and examination of vocal cord function. This study evaluates the impact of intraoperative EMG changes on synchronous vocal cord contractility by simultaneous use of continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (C‐IONM) and accelerometry for registration of actual vocal cord function at a given change of EMG amplitude.

Methods

EMG was obtained following vagus nerve stimulation by use of C‐IONM. A vocal cord accelerometer probe that could be attached to the vocal cords was developed based on a LIS3DH ultra low‐power high performance three axis linear accelerometer (STMicroelectronics, Geneva, Switzerland). Accelerometer data were registered continuously together with EMG data during traction injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) until an amplitude depression ≤100 μV.

Results

Six RLN from four immature domestic pigs were studied. Vocal cord contractility assessed by vocal cord accelerometry decreased in parallel with EMG amplitude, with significant correlations ranging from 0.707 to 0.968.

Conclusion

Decrease of EMG amplitude during traction injury to the RLN injury is closely associated with a parallel drop in vocal cord contractility.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:1090–1096, 2020
Finite time stability and relative controllability of Riemann‐Liouville fractional delay differential equations
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Wang JinRong
Published: August 2019

This paper firstly deals with finite time stability (FTS) of Riemann‐Liouville fractional delay differential equations via giving a series of properties of delayed matrix function of Mittag‐Leffler. We secondly study relative controllability of such type‐controlled system. With the help of the representation of solution, both Gram‐like type matrix and rank criterion are derived, which extend the corresponding results for linear systems.
Monopole‐like and semi‐directional reconfigurable pattern antenna for wireless body area network applications
Authors: Mohamadzade Bahare , Simorangkir Roy B. V. B. , Hashmi Raheel M. , Gharaei Reza , Lalbakhsh Ali
Published: August 2019

A simple, low profile and pattern reconfigurable antenna with a full‐ground plane is presented for use in wireless body area networks at 5.8 GHz ISM band. The antenna consists of a probe‐fed circular patch, and a parasitic ring surrounding it. The ring is loaded with a rectangular slot on each side of the patch, and two PIN diodes are added in the center of each slot. With all the diodes in on‐state, the antenna presents monopole‐like radiation patterns with the gain of 4.2 dBi for maximum coverage on the body, whereas the pattern of the antenna can be directed to ±15° with an increased gain of 2.9 dBi, by turning off each diode for the semi‐directional patterns states. Measured results of the fabricated prototype antenna show good agreement with numerical results obtained using Ansys HFSS.
On the use of Bayesian statistics in the application of adaptive setup protocols in radiotherapy
Authors: Sevillano David , Capuz Ana B. , Gómez Alberto , Colmenares Rafael , Morís Rafael , García Juan D. , Alonso Maddalen , Cámara Miguel , Martínez Ana M. , Béjar María J. , Prieto Daniel , Sancho Sonsoles , Chevalier Margarita , García‐Vicente Feliciano
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To propose adaptive setup protocols using Bayesian statistics that facilitate, based on a prediction of coverage probability, making a decision on which patients should follow daily imaging prior to treatment delivery.

Materials and Methods

The suitability of the treatment margins was assessed combining interfraction variability measurements of the first days of treatment with previous data gathered from our patient population. From this information, we decided if a patient needs an online imaging protocol to perform daily isocenter correction before each treatment fraction. We applied our method to five different datasets. Protocol parameters were selected from each dataset based on coverage probability, the expected imaging workload of the treatment unit, and the accuracy of patient classification. Time trends were assessed and included in the proposed protocols. To validate the accuracy of the protocols, they were applied to a validation dataset of prostate cancer patients.

Results

Adaptive setup protocols lead expected population coverage >97% in all datasets analyzed when time trends were considered. The reduction in imaging workload ranged from 40% in lung treatments to 28.5% in prostate treatments. Results of the protocol on the validation dataset were very similar to those previously predicted.

Conclusions

The adaptive setup protocols based on Bayesian statistics presented in this study enable the optimization of imaging workload in the treatment unit ensuring that appropriate dose coverage remains unchanged.
Army Warrior Care Project (AWCP): Rationale and methods for a longitudinal study of behavioral health care in Army Warrior Transition Units using Military Health System data, FY2008–2015
Authors: Wooten Nikki R. , Brittingham Jordan A. , Hossain Akhtar , Hopkins Laura A. , Sumi Nahid S. , Jeffery Diana D. , Tavakoli Abbas S. , Chakraborty Hrishikesh , Levkoff Sue E. , Larson Mary Jo
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) are specialized military units co‐located with major military treatment facilities providing a Triad of Care involving primary care physicians, case managers, and military leadership to soldiers needing comprehensive medical care. We describe the rationale and methods for studying behavioral health care in WTUs and characterize soldiers assigned to WTUs.

Methods

The Army Warrior Care Project (AWCP) analyzes U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System data to examine behavioral health problems and service utilization among Army soldiers who were assigned to WTUs after returning from Afghanistan and Iraq deployments, FY2008–2015.

Results

WTU members (N = 31,094) comprised 3.5% of the AWCP cohort (N = 883,091). Almost all (96.5%) had one WTU assignment for a median of 327 days; 77.3% were assigned before deployment ended, ≤30 or >365 days post‐deployment; 59.4% had deployment‐related behavioral health diagnoses.

Conclusions

An overwhelming majority of soldiers had one WTU assignment for almost a year. A substantial proportion of WTU soldiers had psychological impairment, which limited performance of their military duties. The AWCP is the first longitudinal study of redeployed soldiers assigned to WTUs and provides a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of behavioral health among soldiers needing comprehensive medical care after combat deployments.
Optimizing Automotive Welding Applications with CleanWeld
Authors: Gäbler Frank
Published: August 2019

CleanWeld is a unique combination of fiber laser innovation, beam delivery, and process knowledge, which improves part quality, increases throughput, and lowers process costs. It optimizes welding processes to weld zero‐gap galvanized steel, (high‐strengthened) stainless steel, copper, and aluminum with up to 80 % less spatter, lower porosity, and no cracking. In certain welding processes it allows best performance with up to 40 % less laser power.
Preparation and characterization of chitosan based hydrogels containing cyclodextrin inclusion compounds or nanoemulsions of thyme oil
Authors: Moradi Sara , Barati Abolfazl , Salehi Ehsan , Tonelli Alan E , Hamedi Hamid
Published: August 2019

Hydrogels derived from natural polysaccharides are ideal scaffolds for use in biomedical applications. pH‐sensitive polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan hydrogels containing inclusion compounds of thyme oil (TM) with host methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HβCD) and TM nanoemulsion (TM‐nano) were prepared via controlled, biocompatible and low cost freeze–thaw method. The structure of the hydrogels was characterized by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and optical and scanning electron microscopy. The physicochemical properties of the hydrogels such as gel fraction, swelling ratio and tensile properties were measured. The water vapor transmission rate of the hydrogels indicated that they can maintain a moist environment over the wound bed. Encapsulation and release of antibacterial TM from the hydrogels were determined by UV spectroscopy. In all cases, hydrogels with lower amounts of TM evidenced slower and more controlled release. Different kinetic models were applied for evaluating the drug release mechanism. The antibacterial activity of the samples was studied by counting the number of both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria surviving in a broth medium and the results proved the antibacterial activity of all prepared hydrogels. The results of an MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay indicated more cell viability of TM‐nano hydrogels in comparison with those of TM‐βCD inclusion compounds. Cell attachment observations also showed great biocompatibility of TM‐nano hydrogels. The prepared hydrogels, especially those containing TM‐nano, might be used as potential wound dressings to improve the wound healing process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Tailoring MoS2Ultrathin Sheets Anchored on Graphene Flexible Supports for Superstable Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Wang Tian , Xu Zhanwei , Yang Jun , Liu Xinyue , Cheng Yayi , Li Jia , Shen Xuetao , Huang Jianfeng
Published: August 2019

2D MoS2has a significant capacity decay due to the stack of layers during the charge/discharge process, which has seriously restricted its practical application in lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, a simple preform‐in situ process to fabricate vertically grown MoS2nanosheets with 8–12 layers anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flexible supports is presented. As an anode in MoS2/rGO//Li half‐cell, the MoS2/rGO electrode shows a high initial coulomb efficiency (84.1%) and excellent capacity retention (84.7% after 100 cycles) at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Moreover, the MoS2/rGO electrode keeps capacity as high as 786 mAh g−1after 1000 cycles with minimum degradation of 54 µAh g−1cycle−1after being further tested at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1. When evaluated in a MoS2/rGO//LiCoO2full‐cell, it delivers an initial charge capacity of 153 mAh g−1at a current density of 100 mA g−1and achieves an energy density of 208 Wh kg−1under the power density of 220 W kg−1.
Real‐Time Operation of Photovoltaic Optoelectronic Tweezers: New Strategies for Massive Nano‐object Manipulation and Reconfigurable Patterning
Authors: Sebastián‐Vicente Carlos , Muñoz‐Cortés Esmeralda , García‐Cabañes Angel , Agulló‐López Fernando , Carrascosa Mercedes
Published: August 2019

Optical and optoelectronic techniques for micro‐ and nano‐object manipulation are becoming essential tools in nano‐ and biotechnology. Among optoelectronic manipulation platforms, photovoltaic optoelectronic tweezers (PVOTs) are an emergent technique that are particularly successful at producing permanent nanoparticle microstructures. New strategies to enhance the capabilities of PVOT, based on real‐time operation, are investigated. This optoelectronic platform uses z‐cut LiNbO3:Fe substrates under excitation by a Gaussian light beam. Unexpected results show that during illumination, metallic particles previously deposited on the substrate are ejected from the light spot region. This behavior differs from the trapping phenomenon observed in previous work on PVOT operation, using a sequential method in which illumination is prior to particle manipulation. To discuss the results, a novel mechanism of charge exchange between particles and the ferroelectric substrate is proposed. Applications of this repulsion behavior are investigated. On the one hand, either particle repulsion or trapping in the illuminated region can be obtained by simply light switching on/off. On the other hand, by moving the light spot, different kinds of arbitrarily shaped tracks along the light path, either empty or filled with particles, are obtained. The results demonstrate new key capabilities of PVOT, such as pattern drawing, erasure, and reconfiguration.
Effect of different size of joint enlargement on seismic behavior of gravity load designed RC beam‐column connections
Authors: Shafaei Jalil , Nezami Seyyed Ahmad
Published: August 2019

Effect of different size of planer joint enlargement as a noninvasive and practical strategy for seismic retrofit of gravity load designed external reinforced concrete beam‐column connections was experimentally investigated. The joint region was enlarged using steel angles that are mounted using prestressed cross‐ties. Reverse cyclic load tests on five half‐scale control and retrofitted external RC beam‐column connections were conducted. Three different size of planer joint enlargement being 180, 140, and 90 mm were considered for retrofitted specimens. The performance of the retrofitted specimens is compared with that of the control gravity load designed beam‐column connections, in terms of load–displacement hysteresis curve, energy dissipation and ductility capacities, and global strength and stiffness degradation behavior. The experimental results showed that increasing the size of planer joint enlargement significantly enhances the seismic capacity of the retrofitted connections, in terms of strength, stiffness, energy dissipation, and ductility capacity and also planer joint enlargement can relocate beam plastic hinges to outside the joint panel.
An analytical calculation for lowest forward voltage of PiN diodes
Authors: Terashima Tomohide
Published: August 2019

This article reports the lowest forward voltage and its condition for PiN diodes by analytical calculation for the first time. We take account of current balance between conductivity modulation in i‐layer and out flowing diffusion current at the both ends of i‐layer for this estimation, whose accuracy is verified by comparisons with the device simulation results. We employ R (total resistance of PiN diode) × Q (stored carrier in i‐layer) to evaluate the carrier distribution for forward voltage (V), and we confirm that V is minimized at flat carrier distribution. Moreover, we found that V of the flat carrier profile is more minimized to the lowest limit at certain physical properties of the p+ layer and n+ layer at the both ends of the i‐layer. We propose silicon bipolar limit that is trade‐off between blocking voltage and resistance with conductivity modulation as contrasted with the silicon limit for single‐carrier devices. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
EUV spectra of europium—Chasing for spectral lines of P‐ to Ar‐like ions
Authors: Träbert Elmar , Beiersdorfer Peter , Brown Gregory V. , Hell Natalie , Clementson Joel H.T.
Published: August 2019

The understanding of atomic structure implies a combination of accurate measurements and a reliable theoretical framework. Atomic structure computations are employed to bridge the many gaps in the experimental data, but their results need to be tested by measurements. We have selected extreme ultraviolet spectra of europium (Eu, Z = 63) for such tests. We study the emission spectra of Eu ions produced and excited in an electron beam ion trap by observation with highly resolving spectrographs. General purpose atomic structure computations help us at disentangling the spectra and identifying the emission of specific charge state ions. At the same time, the wavelength data provide a tool to judge the quality of the computations. The present study concentrates on ions of the charge states q = 45+ to q = 49+ or P‐ to Ar‐like ions of Eu.
Noema and Noesis. Part I: Functions of Noetic Synthesis
Authors: Krysztofiak Wojciech
Published: August 2019

In the paper, the formal model of the noetic synthesis functions is presented. Together with the functions of noematic synthesis, they are understood as components of functions of intentional reference, which are meant to be, in turn, formalizations of intentional acts of reference performed in the stream of consciousness. This research perspective allows us to extend the category of speech acts to the category of all intentional acts of reference. The functions of noetic synthesis are understood as composed of the function of noetic intention acting on qualia, noetic moods and noetic modes. The model allows us to explain the phenomenon of autism as having its source in disorders of the noetic synthesis functions. The constructed model is not intended as the faithful reconstruction of the Husserlian conception of noesis. Intuitions of the creator of phenomenology are treated as the only source of inspiration.
The Associations of Diuretics and Laxatives Use with Cardiovascular Mortality. An Individual Patient-Data Meta-analysis of Two Large Cohort Studies
Authors: Hoppe Liesa Katharina , Muhlack Dana Clarissa , Koenig Wolfgang , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To investigate the associations of diuretics overall, non-potassium-sparing diuretics in specific, and laxative use with cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in subjects with antihypertensive treatment.

Methods

Analyses included 4253 participants, aged 50 to 75 years, from the German ESTHER cohort and 105,359 participants, aged 50 to 69 years, from the UK Biobank. Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied in both studies, and then results were pooled using random-effects model meta-analyses.

Results

During 14 and 7 years of follow-up, 476 and 1616 CVM cases were observed in the ESTHER study and the UK Biobank, respectively. Compared to non-users, a 1.6-fold (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.57 [1.29; 1.90]), a 1.4-fold (1.39 [1.26; 1.53]), and no statistically significantly increased (1.13 [0.94; 1.36]) CVM were observed in users of diuretics overall, non-potassium-sparing diuretics in specific, and laxatives, respectively. Concurrent use of non-potassium-sparing diuretics and laxatives was associated with a 2-fold increased CVM (2.05 [1.55; 2.71]) when compared to users of neither diuretics nor laxatives. However, a test for interaction slightly missed statistical significance (p = 0.075).

Conclusions

These consistent results from two large cohort studies imply that more research is needed on the safety of diuretics in routine care. Although not statistically significant in this study, a drug-drug interaction of non-potassium-sparing diuretics and laxatives appears plausible. Physicians and pharmacists are advised to clarify additional laxative use in users of non-potassium-sparing diuretics and inform about the risk of concurrent use. Moreover, closer potassium monitoring intervals (e.g., every 3 months) might be indicated in concurrent users to prevent fatal cardiovascular events.
Spinoffs and tie formation in cluster knowledge networks
Authors: Juhász Sándor
Published: August 2019

It is generally acknowledged that in order to have access to locally accumulated industrial knowledge, firms have to collaborate and take part in cluster knowledge networks. This study argues that the inherited capabilities of spinoff enable them to cooperate and exchange knowledge more easily and to gain more from positive knowledge externalities in clusters. The basis of the analysis is a relational dataset on a printing and paper product cluster in Hungary, and I use exponential random graph models to explain the formation of knowledge ties. I demonstrate that besides geographical proximity, ownership similarity and network structural effects, being a spinoff company enhances tie formation in the local network. Results suggest that spinoffs are indeed more likely to collaborate and take advantage of knowledge concentration.
Intracavernosal Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated S100A1 Gene Transfer Enhances Erectile Function in Diabetic Rats by Promoting Cavernous Angiogenesis via VEGF-A/VEGFR2 Signaling
Authors: Yu Zhe , Zhang Yan , Tang Zhe , Song Jingyu , Gao Xintao , Sun Taotao , Liu Yang , Yang Jun , Wang Tao , Liu Jihong
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Novel therapeutic targets for diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction (DED) are urgently needed. Previous studies have proved that S100A1, a small Ca2+-binding protein, is a pluripotent regulator of cardiovascular pathophysiology. Its absence is associated with endothelial dysfunction, the central event linking cardiovascular changes in diabetes. However, the role of S100A1 in DED remains unknown.

Aim

To explore the effect and underlying mechanisms of S100A1 in restoring erectile function in type I diabetic rat model.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and then screened by apomorphine (APO) to confirm erectile dysfunction. Rats that met the criteria of penile erection were marked as APO-positive; otherwise, the result was APO-negative. In experiment 1, S100A1 gene expression alterations in the corpus cavernosum in moderate and established stages of DED were analyzed. In experiment 2, S100A1 and control GFP gene were delivered into the corpus cavernosum in APO-negative rats by adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 9. Erectile function was assessed at 4 weeks after gene therapy.

Main Outcome Measures

Erectile response, histologic and molecular alterations.

Results

S100A1 protein was localized to the area surrounding the cavernosal sinusoids in the penis, and it was gradually downregulated synchronized with the progression of DED. Compared with an injection of AAV-GFP, a single injection of AAV-S100A1 significantly restored erectile function in diabetic rats. S100A1 overexpression significantly upregulated the expression of endogenous VEGF-A, promoted VEGFR2 internalization, and subsequently triggered the protein kinase B–endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in diabetic erectile tissues. Marked increases in nitric oxide and endothelial content were noted in AAV-S100A1-treated diabetic rats.

Clinical Implications

Local S100A1 overexpression may be an alternative therapy for DED and should be further investigated by future clinical studies.

Strength & Limitations

This is the first study demonstrating the angiogenic role of S100A1 in DED, but does not preclude the contribution of the effects of S100A1 in other tissues such as the neuronal tissue on the functional effects observed in erectile responses.

Conclusion

The decreased expression of S100A1 during hyperglycemia might be important in the development of erectile dysfunction. S100A1 may play a potential role in restoring erectile function in rats with DED through modulating cavernous angiogenesis.
Feedback control of Marangoni convection in a thin film heated from below
Authors: Samoilova Anna E. , Nepomnyashchy Alexander
Published: August 2019

We use linear proportional control for the suppression of the Marangoni instability in a thin film heated from below. Our keen interest is focused on the recently revealed oscillatory mode caused by a coupling of two long-wave monotonic instabilities, the Pearson and deformational ones. Shklyaev et al. (Phys. Rev. E, vol. 85, 2012, 016328) showed that the oscillatory mode is critical in the case of a substrate of very low conductivity. To stabilize the no-motion state of the film, we apply two linear feedback control strategies based on the heat flux variation at the substrate. Strategy (I) uses the interfacial deflection from the mean position as the criterion of instability onset. Within strategy (II) the variable that describes the instability is the deviation of the measured temperatures from the desired, conductive values. We perform two types of calculations. The first one is the linear stability analysis of the nonlinear amplitude equations that are derived within the lubrication approximation. The second one is the linear stability analysis that is carried out within the Bénard–Marangoni problem for arbitrary wavelengths. Comparison of different control strategies reveals feedback control by the deviation of the free surface temperature as the most effective way to suppress the Marangoni instability.