bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter indirect mitral annuloplasty induces annular and left atrial remodelling in secondary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Ruf Tobias Friedrich , Kreidel Felix , Tamm Alexander Robert , Geyer Martin , Hahad Omar , Zirbs Julia Claudia , Schwidtal Ben Luca , Beiras‐Fernandez Andres , Witte Klaus K. , Münzel Thomas , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan
Published: June 2020

Aims

Mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon Mitral Contour System (CMCS) reduces secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) and leads to reverse left ventricular remodelling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the CMCS on the mitral valve annulus (MA) and left atrial volume (LAV).

Methods and results

We retrospectively evaluated the data of all patients treated with the CMCS at our centre. Using transthoracic echocardiography, MA diameters were assessed by measuring the anterolateral to posteromedial extend (ALPM) and the anterior to posterior (AP) dimensions, respectively. Also, LAV and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) were assessed. Patients were examined at three time points: baseline, at 20–60 days (30dFUP), and at 9–15 months (1yFUP), using paired analysis. From July 2014 until March 2019, 75 cases of severe SMR were treated using CMCS. Cases in which other devices were used in combination (COMBO therapy, n = 35) or in which the device could not be implanted (implant failure, n = 3) were excluded, leaving 37 patients in the present analysis. Analysis at 30dFUP showed a significant reduction of 16% in the mean ALPM diameter (7.27 ± 5.40 mm) and 15% in the AP diameter (6.57 ± 5.33 mm). Analysis of LAV also showed a significant reduction of 21% (36.61 ± 82.67 mL), with no significant change in LVEDV. At 1yFUP, the reduction of both the mean ALPM diameter of 14% (6.24 ± 5.70 mm) and the mean AP diameter of 12% (5.46 ± 4.99 mm) remained significant and stable. The reduction in LAV was also maintained at 23% (37.03 ± 56.91 mL). LAV index was significantly reduced by 17% at 30dFUP (15.44 ± 40.98 mL/m2) and by 13% at 1yFUP (11.56 ± 31.87 mL/m2), respectively. LVEDV index showed no significant change at 30dFUP and a non‐significant 10% reduction at 1yFUP (17.75 ± 58.79 mL/m2).

Conclusions

The CMCS successfully treats symptomatic SMR with a stable reduction of not only the AP diameter of the MA, but the current study also demonstrates an additional reduction of the ALPM dimension at both 30dFUP and 1yFUP. We have also shown for the first time that LAV and LAV index are significantly reduced at both 30dFUP and 1yFUP and a non‐significant positive remodelling of the LVEDV. This positive left atrial remodelling has not been looked for and demonstrated in earlier randomized studies of CMCS.
Synthesis of Ni(dvtms) and Ni(CO)3 Complexes Ligated by an Isolable Two‐Coordinate Cyclic Alkylsilylene
Authors: Abe Shunya , Kosai Tomoyuki , Iimura Tomohiro , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: June 2020

Ni(CO)3 complexes ligated by an isolable cyclic (alkyl)(amino)silylene (CAASi) or an isolable cyclic dialkylsilylene (CDASi) were synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding Ni(dvtms) complex (dvtms = 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl‐1,3‐divinyldisiloxane) with CO to estimate the donor strengths of CAASi and CDASi. The CO stretching frequencies (Tolman electronic parameters, TEP) of the Ni(CO)3 complexes indicate that the net donating ability of CDASi and CAASi to Ni(CO)3 are almost the same and in between PPh3 and P(tBu)3. The DFT calculations suggested that the TEP values are mainly correlated with the energy level of the lone pair orbital of the ligand but not strongly associated with those of the vacant π‐accepting orbitals.
Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Functional Group Interconversion in the [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐X2]2– (X = CN, [OCRNMe2]+, OCOR, and [OH2]+) Derivatives
Authors: Jacob Litwin , Rzeszotarska Edyta , Pietrzak Anna , Young Victor G. , Kaszyński Piotr
Published: June 2020

Derivatives [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐(CN)2]2– and [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐(OCHNMe2)2], efficiently obtained from [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐(IPh)2] by nucleophilic substitution with CN– and DMF, were envisioned as precursors to diacid [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐(COOH)2]2– and to dihydroxy derivative [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐(OH)2]2–, respectively. Attempts at hydrolysis or reduction of the dinitrile gave no reaction or complex mixtures of products. In contrast, the DMF adduct was cleanly hydrolyzed to diformate [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐(OCHO)2]2– and subsequently to protonated dihydroxy [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐(OH2)2]. The latter was O‐acylated with PhCOCl. Crystal and molecular structures of five derivatives were established by single crystal XRD methods and compared to those for other [closo‐B10H8‐1,10‐X2]2– derivatives. Trends in molecular geometry in the series and also reactivity of the dinitrile and intermediates were corroborated and correlated with DFT results (B3LYP/TZVP) by analysis of bonding, charge distribution and vibrational frequencies.
Freshwater shrimp farm monitoring system for Bangladesh based on internet of things
Authors: Salah Uddin Mohammad , Fatin Istiaq Md. , Rasadin Mohd. , Ruhel Talukder Md.
Published: June 2020

The freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) fisheries sector is of vital significance to the economy of Bangladesh. This sector plays an important role in supplying nutrition, employment creation, poverty alleviation, and overseas currency acquisition. Rapid population growth, environmental pollution, and global warming are reducing the production level of the fisheries (freshwater shrimp) sector. There are various environmental metrics, such as acidity and salinity level of water, turbidity, dissolved oxygen level, and so on, which play a vital role in the effective production of shrimps. It is hence paramount environmental and production parameters be constantly monitored to ensure quality in the production chain. Nevertheless, old‐fashioned (ie, manual) monitoring systems are cumbersome, time‐consuming, and never performed in real time. Therefore, a constant and computerized monitoring system is the only way to handle those metrics efficiently and in real time. In order to address these problems, a real‐time freshwater shrimp farm monitoring system is presented in this article. This monitoring system integrates technologies such as microcontroller‐based physical devices, internet of things, and web applications, that allow users to remotely monitor a shrimp farm, as well as to receive alerts when an out‐of‐range water parameter (ie, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity level, and turbidity of water) is detected. The physical implementation of this system consists of a set of sensors that allow for collecting data about the water metrics of shrimp farm. This system was evaluated to test its effectiveness in terms of the size, weight, and the percentage of survival of the shrimp achieved when the shrimp culture pond is monitored by this system.
Evaluating the maximum rate of penetration for drilling borehole in soft coal seam
Authors: Yang Shuo , Wen Guangcai , Yan Fazhi , Zhang Mingjie , Zhao Xusheng
Published: June 2020

Most coal seams in China are characterized by high‐gas pressure and high‐gas content, which seriously threaten the safety of coal mines. Gas extraction is an effective measure for preventing gas disasters. However, the drilling process in soft coal seams is inefficient; it is difficult for the boreholes to reach the design length. The rate of penetration (ROP) plays an important role in determining drilling efficiency and borehole length in soft coal seams. In this study, we establish a simplified ROP model for soft coal seams and evaluate the maximum ROP of Hebi No. 6 coal mine. First, the drill cutting transport capacity of the drilling system and drill cutting quantity generated during the drilling process are analyzed. By simplifying drill cutting transport and coal seam properties, the ROP model is established. Second, the Rock Failure Process Analysis software is used to analyze the deformation region of boreholes, which has a great influence on the drill cutting transport space. Finally, a field test is implemented in Hebi No. 6 coal mine in Henan Province, China, to verify the model, and we propose a measure to control the ROP below the maximum value to increase the length of the borehole. The test results indicate that the model has high accuracy, with errors less than 15%, and the lengths of boreholes in air‐return and transportation roadways are increased to 60 and 80 m, respectively, and the increase rate is greater than 50%.
On‐site detection of bypass circuit opening failure in photovoltaic array under power generation operation
Authors: Baba Masaaki , Itami Daichi , Yamada Noboru
Published: June 2020

To ensure the long‐term reliability of photovoltaic systems (PVSs), periodical inspections are necessary. Despite the risk of severe temperature rise, bypass circuit open‐circuit (BPC‐OC) failure has attracted low research interest compared with other types of failure. This paper presents the pulsed light irradiation (PLI) method for robust BPC‐OC failure detection that eliminates the need to switch off the power generation operation of the PVS. The proposed method detects the BPC‐OC failure of the solar cell string by measuring the modulated current induced by local PLI. Electrical circuit simulations as well as indoor and outdoor experiments are performed to verify the performance of the proposed method. Results of the outdoor experiment show that the PLI method performs well in a real PVS under power generation operation. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method are summarized.
Evaluation of elastoplastic properties of brittle sandstone at microscale using micro‐indentation test and simulation
Authors: Song Rui , Wang Yao , Sun Shuyu , Cui Mengmeng , Liu Jianjun
Published: June 2020

The micro‐indentation test has been regarded as an efficient tool to obtain the elasticity modulus and hardness of the minerals in rock, which is essential for studying the deformation‐crack mechanism of the pore structure. However, researches on microscopic plastic parameters have been rarely conducted. This paper develops a novel method to determine the microscopic initial strength and residual strength of brittle sandstone. A dimensionless analysis on the micro‐indentation curve of rock is conducted to acquire its key influencing factors of the elastoplastic properties, which include the initial cohesive force and the residual cohesive force. Then, small cylindrical rock samples are prepared for micro‐CT scanning and micro‐indentation test by a conical indenter to acquire the microstructure, indentation curve, and the microscale elasticity. The pore scale indentation simulation is conducted using the reconstructed rock models with different strength. The function between the indentation curve and strength is deduced by the parametric finite element method (FEM) study. Based on this function, the microscale initial strength and residual strength of the brittle sandstone are determined. The proposed method is validated by comparing the microscale numerical simulation results of uniaxial compression on the representative volume element (RVE) model of rock with the experimental results. A reasonable deviation is observed compared with the experimental benchmark data for the stress‐strain curves, as well as Young's modulus and uniaxial compression strength, proving the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Basin-Specific Pollutant Bioaccumulation Patterns Define Lake Huron Forage Fish
Authors: Paterson Gordon , Di Pierdomenico Lauren L. , Haffner G. Douglas
Published: June 2020

The Lake Huron ecosystem is unique among the Laurentian Great Lakes (USA/Canada) in that its surface area encompasses 3 distinct basins. This ecosystem recently experienced significant ecological restructuring characterized by changes in primary production, species dominance and abundances, and top predator energy dynamics. However, much of the evidence for this restructuring has been largely derived from biomonitoring data obtained from long-term sampling of the lake's Main Basin. We examined polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations and the stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), bloater (Coregonus hoyi), and round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) to determine spatial variability in these environmental markers as indicators of the ubiquity of trophic restructuring throughout Lake Huron. Stable isotopes indicated that North Channel fish occupied trophic positions between 0.5 and 1.0 lower relative to Main Basin and Georgian Bay conspecifics, respectively. Sum PCB concentrations for 41 congeners were highest for fish from the Main Basin (27.5 ± 3.0 ng g−1 wet wt) and Georgian Bay (26.3 ± 3.4 ng g−1 wet wt) relative to North Channel (13.6 ± 1.2 ng g−1 wet wt) fish. Discriminant functions analysis demonstrated basin-specific PCB congener profiles with individual species also having distinct profiles dependent on their basin of collection. These bioaccumulation patterns among Lake Huron forage fish mirror those reported for lake trout in this lake and indicate that the degree of food-web ecological restructuring in Lake Huron is not equivalent across the basins. Specifically, basin-specific PCB congener profiles demonstrated that differences among Lake Huron secondary and top predator consumer species are likely dictated by cross-basin differences in zooplankton community ecology and trophodynamics that can regulate the efficiencies of prey energy transfer and PCB congener bioaccumulation patterns in aquatic food webs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1712–1723. © 2020 SETAC
Validating the Use of a Toxicity Database for Prediction of Plant Cover and Biodiversity in Multi-Metal Mining-Impacted Soils
Authors: Guzmán-Rangel Georgina , Torres Díaz Alin N. , Pavón Meza E. Lucía , Oorts Koen , Smolders Erik
Published: June 2020

The validity of soil toxicity databases for predicting ecological impacts in the field is rarely explored. The present study was set up to test whether laboratory toxicity data and the combined concepts of metal availability and mixture toxicity can predict ecological impact in mining-affected soils. Metal and As contamination gradients were sampled approximately 5 different mines in Mexico where plant cover and abundances exhibited clear dose-related responses. Soils were analyzed for total and isotopically exchangeable (labile) concentrations of Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, and As and for soil properties affecting the availability of these elements. Six different indices of toxic doses were compared to evaluate their accuracy in describing the field response expressed as relative abundance and cover. Each index was based on a different method to calculate the sum of toxic units (ΣTUs) in soil, with 1 toxic unit equal to the concentration of the element in soil yielding 50% adverse effect on plants with median sensitivity as recorded in a recent database of salt-spiked soils. Toxic concentrations in the mine-impacted soils were dominated by Zn and As. In the field, 50% reduced cover or abundance was found at 10 to 13 ΣTUs if these were based on total soil concentrations and thresholds derived from freshly spiked soils, indicating a largely overestimated toxic effect. If thresholds were corrected for differences in availability among freshly spiked soils and spiked and laboratory-aged soils, the overestimation of field toxicity was 5- to 6-fold, irrespective of the consideration of soil properties. Finally, the ΣTU calculated only with labile metals and As overestimated the field toxicity by factors 1.1 to 1.6 (95% confidence interval 1–7; i.e., rather accurate and indicating some Zn–As antagonism as confirmed in experimental studies). That latter index of dose yielded a bell-shaped response on species richness peaking at approximately 1.6 ΣTU. Overall, the present study shows that the current toxicity databases of metals can predict the impact of metal contamination on plant communities within factor 2, expressing the dose as soil-labile concentrations and using the concentration addition concept in these mixed polluted environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1826–1838. © 2020 SETAC
Retracted: An ANP‐fuzzy evaluation model of food quality safety supervision based on China's data
Authors: Zhang Xiuhua , Zhang Jun , Chen Tingqiang
Published: June 2020

A government acts as the main supervisor of food quality and safety. How to quantify and improve the performance and efficiency of government supervision, respectively, is an urgent problem. This study constructs a food safety supervision performance index and utilizes an analytic network process‐fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model to precisely quantify the performance of government supervision. The evaluation results show that, (a) although the overall situation of food quality and safety in China is controllable, the government does not do well in food safety risk supervision, food recall supervision, and accident summary supervision. (b) Internal supervision is the weakest link in food quality and safety supervision. (c) Grassroots supervision is weak especially in prefecture and county levels. (d) There is no positive correlation between the economy level and supervision level in one region. This paper contributes to accurately reflecting the status quo of China's food safety supervision and realizing the transparency of government regulatory information, which ultimately boosts the government's efficiency in food safety supervision and improves the regulatory situation.
Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death in an oil‐polluted region of the Niger Delta, Nigeria: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oghenetega Onome B. , Ana Godson R. E. E. , Okunlola Michael A. , Ojengbede Oladosu A.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine the association between oil pollution and miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of pregnant women (aged 18–45 years) who attended selected health facilities in regions with high and low exposure to oil pollution from May 14, 2018, to September 27, 2018. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select a representative of women with high and low exposure to oil pollution. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to adjust for confounding factors of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death.

Results

In total, 1564 pregnant women were included in the study. Women with high exposure to oil pollution were more likely to experience stillbirth (odds ratio [OR] 1.806; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.177–2.770) and infant death (OR 2.162; 95% CI 1.409–3.317). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, only infant death was associated with high exposure (adjusted OR 1.843; 95% CI 1.146–2.962). No association was found between miscarriage and high exposure to oil pollution.

Conclusion

Women with high exposure to oil pollution are at higher risk of infant death.
A translational evaluation of renewal of inappropriate mealtime behavior
Authors: Ibañez Vivian F. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Peterson Kathryn M.
Published: June 2020

The term renewal describes the recurrence of previously extinguished behavior that occurs when the intervention context changes. Renewal has important clinical relevance as a paradigm for studying treatment relapse because context changes are necessary for generalization and maintenance of most intervention outcomes. The effects of context changes are particularly important during intervention for pediatric feeding disorders because children eat in a variety of contexts, and extinction is an empirically supported and often necessary intervention. Therefore, we used an ABA arrangement to test for renewal during intervention with 3 children diagnosed with a feeding disorder. The A phase was functional reinforcement of inappropriate mealtime behavior in a simulated home setting with the child's caregiver as feeder, B was function‐based extinction in a standard clinic setting with a therapist as feeder, and the return to the A phase was function‐based extinction in a simulated home setting with caregiver as feeder. Returning to Context A resulted in renewal of inappropriate mealtime behavior across children, despite the caregivers' continued implementation of function‐based extinction with high levels of integrity.
Further investigation of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction for escape‐maintained destructive behavior
Authors: Briggs Adam M. , Dozier Claudia L. , Lessor Amber N. , Kamana Bertilde U. , Jess Rachel L.
Published: June 2020

Previous research indicates that manipulating dimensions of reinforcement during differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) for situations in which extinction cannot be implemented is a potential approach for treating destructive behavior. Therefore, we replicated and extended previous research by determining (a) the conditions under which DRA without extinction decreased and maintained low levels of destructive behavior and (b) whether intervention effects maintained during reinforcement schedule thinning for the alternative response (i.e., compliance). Results showed that effective treatments were developed in the absence of extinction by manipulating the quality of reinforcement for compliance for 2 participants and by combining manipulations of the magnitude and quality of reinforcement for compliance for the other 2 participants. However, maintaining treatment effects during reinforcement schedule thinning required combining the magnitude and quality of reinforcement for 3 of the 4 participants. We discuss the clinical utility of this approach, review limitations of the study, and suggest directions for future research.
Rational skepticism: A scientific review of Witts' (2018) criticisms of the PEAK relational training system
Authors: Belisle Jordan , Dixon Mark R.
Published: June 2020

Witts' (2018) review of the peer‐reviewed research on the PEAK‐Direct Training Module (Dixon, 2014) yielded a divergent conclusion from that of previous reviews (Reed & Luiselli, 2016; Dixon, Belisle, McKeel et al., 2017). Witts advocates for skepticism of this research due to methodological shortcomings, hyperclaiming of results, and inappropriate statistical testing procedures. We identified 30 criticisms in Witts' review, respond to each, and argue that all but 2 (7%) contain untrue assumptions (7, 23%), are not novel (5, 17%), are logically invalid (7, 23%), or are more appropriately framed as criticisms of applied behavior analytic research more generally (9, 30%). The two criticisms that support Witts' purpose in writing his review are minor and not fatal. We discuss all of Witts' criticisms both specifically and broadly to illustrate that most of his suggestions about applied behavior analytic research may actually serve to hinder progress in a discipline moving toward larger‐scale research.
Teaching children with autism spectrum disorder to ask “where” questions using a speech‐generating device
Authors: Carnett Amarie , Ingvarsson Einar T. , Bravo Alicia , Sigafoos Jeff
Published: June 2020

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have limited speech are often taught to communicate using a speech‐generating device (SGD). We evaluated procedures for teaching a mand for information (i.e., Where is [item]?) using an interrupted behavior chain procedure. In Experiment 1, all participants (3 children with ASD who communicated using an SGD) acquired the target mand but transfer to a novel stimulus did not occur. In the second experiment, 2 participants were taught to approach alternative communication partners when the first partner did not provide the information. The second experiment also included procedures to test whether the responses were under the control of appropriate motivating operations (MOs). Generalization across communication partners occurred with both participants, but transfer across behavior chains with only 1 participant. The results of both experiments suggest that teaching multiple behavior chains and evaluating MO control may be necessary to establish generalized manding for information.
Functional analysis and intervention of perseverative speech in students with high‐functioning autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities
Authors: Kuntz Emily M. , Santos Abby V. , Kennedy Craig H.
Published: June 2020

Although perseverative speech is a common characteristic of individuals with high‐functioning neurodevelopmental disabilities, little is known about the operant functions of these verbalizations. We conducted analogue functional analyses of perseverative speech for 2 students using reinforcement contingencies that included alone, attention, control, escape, and tangible conditions. Results showed the following patterns: attention only (Charlotte) or multiply determined including an attention function (Paul). We then tested an intervention for perseverative speech maintained by social positive reinforcement that included differential reinforcement of alternative behavior and extinction of perseverative speech for 1 participant. The intervention reduced perseverative speech, but did not increase appropriate speech until we added a prompting component. We then replicated this three‐component intervention with Paul. The results showed moderate to high decreases in levels of perseverative speech and increased appropriate verbalizations in both cases. The results systematically replicated the interventions of previous studies by adding a prompting component to the intervention.
Emergent completion of multistep instructions via joint control
Authors: Vosters Megan E. , Luczynski Kevin C.
Published: June 2020

Teaching procedures that facilitate the emergence of novel responses allow for increased efficiency, which is critical when providing early‐intervention services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three 5‐ and 6‐year‐old children diagnosed with ASD participated. In Experiment 1, we demonstrated functional control over the effects of teaching echoic rehearsals on the emergence of completing novel two‐step instructions via joint control and obtained generalization and maintenance of the effects in an applied, nontraining context. In Experiment 2, we conducted an experimental analysis of joint control by disrupting rehearsal of the instruction and tacts of the objects in the instruction, which served as the sources of joint control. Our results support the efficacy of the procedures for establishing first‐trial performance with novel instructions and indicate that joint control is responsible for the emergent performance produced by our teaching procedures.
The Performance Diagnostic Checklist‐Human Services: A brief review
Authors: Wilder David A. , Cymbal Daniel , Villacorta Jamie
Published: June 2020

The Performance Diagnostic Checklist‐Human Services (PDC‐HS) is an informant‐based tool designed to identify the variables contributing to poor employee performance in human service settings, such as clinics, schools, and residential facilities. Upon completion of the tool, an intervention indicated by PDC‐HS results is used to improve employee performance. To date, the PDC‐HS has been used in a number of studies. This review describes the existing research on the PDC‐HS and provides suggestions for future research.
A comparison of picture and GIF‐based preference assessments for social interaction
Authors: Morris Samuel L. , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: June 2020

Researchers have recently begun to evaluate video‐based preference assessments; however, only two studies have evaluated the efficacy of this preference assessment modality in assessing preference for social interactions. Four individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who could not match pictures or graphic‐interchange‐format images (GIFs) of social interactions to in vivo interaction participated. We compared picture and GIF‐based paired‐stimulus preference assessments for social interaction and evaluated the preference assessment hierarchies by conducting a concurrent‐operant reinforcer assessment including all social interactions. The GIF‐based preference assessment produced similar hierarchies to the reinforcer assessment for all participants, whereas the picture‐based preference assessments produced similar hierarchies to the reinforcer assessment for 2 of 4 subjects. Additionally, we conducted a modality preference assessment in which we evaluated participants' preference for viewing GIFs or pictures of social interactions, and found that 3 out of 4 subjects displayed a preference for GIFs.
Comparing the effects of varied and constant preferred items on improving tummy time for typically developing infants
Authors: Morea Antoinette , Jessel Joshua
Published: June 2020

Tummy time involves placing an infant in a prone position to help build muscle strength. Pediatricians recommend tummy time because it helps with infant development related to milestones such as crawling, rolling over, and sitting up. However, parents sometimes avoid tummy time due to whining or crying when the infant is placed in the prone position. The current study compared two interventions incorporating preferred leisure items (i.e., varied or constant) for five typically developing infants to increase head elevation and decrease negative vocalizations during tummy time. Improvements occurred in infant performance regardless of the preferred items used. In addition, the mothers who implemented the tummy time procedures found the treatment to be socially valid and were more likely to select the use of the constant item when given the opportunity to choose.
Validity of the multiple‐stimulus without replacement preference assessment for edible items
Authors: Fritz Jennifer N. , Roath Christopher T. , Shoemaker Patricia T. , Edwards A. Blair , Hussein Louisa A. , Villante Natalie K. , Langlinais Channing A. , Rettig Lisa A.
Published: June 2020

Studies have shown that the multiple‐stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment is an effective assessment format for identifying preferred items. However, it is possible that factors other than reinforcer quality might influence selections by some individuals when the MSWO array consists of edible items. The validity of the MSWO results was evaluated by comparing items identified as most and least preferred by the MSWO assessment in a concurrent‐schedule (CS) format. Varying edible items were used in each study. The MSWO format accurately identified the higher quality edible item for most participants across studies (76%); however, the MSWO format did not predict the highest quality edible item in the CS assessment for 20% to 30% of participants in each study.
Further analysis of modifications to the three‐step guided compliance procedure to enhance compliance among children with autism
Authors: Wilder David A. , Ertel Hallie , Thomas Rachel
Published: June 2020

Three‐step guided compliance (vocal prompt, vocal plus model prompt, vocal prompt plus physical guidance) is a commonly used procedure to increase compliance among children with intellectual disabilities. Previous research has suggested that under some conditions, slight modifications to the three‐step procedure may enhance its effectiveness. These modifications include omitting the model prompt and decreasing the interprompt interval. In the current study, we evaluated another modification to the procedure: the delivery of a high‐preference item contingent upon compliance with the first vocal prompt (i.e., differential reinforcement). For 2 participants with autism, compliance remained low when we implemented differential reinforcement and the guided compliance procedure in isolation. However, compliance improved when we combined differential reinforcement and the three‐step guided procedure, suggesting that for at least some children, the combination of contingent access to a high‐preference item and the guided compliance procedure is more effective than either intervention alone.
The microbial threat: Can rare earths help?
Authors: Lezhnina Marina M. , Rochowiak Weronika , Göhde Wolfgang , Kuczius Rauni , Kynast Ulrich
Published: June 2020

Despite an ever increasing demand for reliable and cheap methods in the detection and quantification of microbes, surprisingly few investigations have explored or utilized the luminescence of rare earths in the microbial context, neither in conventional, that is, plating and microscopic imaging techniques, nor in advanced methods like fluorescence flow cytometry. We have thus investigated the potential of some rare earth complexes and hybrid materials for microbiological analysis. We found fairly simple procedures for internal staining (dyes inside the bacterial cell) and external staining (dyes on the cell surface). The present paper is predominantly relying on microscopic imaging and luminescence spectroscopies (excitation, emission, decay times), but also evaluates model rare earth microspheres to estimate an eventual rare earth based stain for a fast and sensitive bacteria enumeration with luminescence flow cytometry.
Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Glenzocimab (ACT017) a Glycoprotein VI Inhibitor of Collagen‐Induced Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Renaud Lionel , Lebozec Kristell , Voors‐Pette Christine , Dogterom Peter , Billiald Philippe , Jandrot Perrus Martine , Pletan Yannick , Machacek Matthias
Published: June 2020

Glenzocimab (ACT017) is a humanized monoclonal antigen‐binding fragment (Fab) directed against the human platelet glycoprotein VI, a key receptor for collagen and fibrin that plays a major role in thrombus growth and stability. Glenzocimab is being developed as an antiplatelet agent to treat the acute phase of ischemic stroke. During a phase I study in healthy volunteers, the population pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of glenzocimab were modeled using Monolix software. The PK/PD model thus described glenzocimab plasma concentrations and its effects on ex vivo collagen‐induced platelet aggregation. Glenzocimab was found to have dose‐proportional, 2‐compartmental PK with a central distribution volume of 4.1 L, and first and second half‐lives of 0.84 and 9.6 hours. Interindividual variability in clearance in healthy volunteers was mainly explained by its dependence on body weight. The glenzocimab effect was described using an immediate effect model with a dose‐dependent half maximal inhibitory concentration: Larger doses resulted in a stronger effect at the same glenzocimab plasma concentration. The mechanism of the overproportional concentration effect at higher doses remained unexplained. PK/PD simulations predicted that 1000‐mg glenzocimab given as a 6‐hour infusion reduced platelet aggregation to 20% in 100% of subjects at 6 hours and in 60% of subjects at 12 hours after dosing. Simulations revealed a limited impact of creatinine clearance on exposure, suggesting that no dose adjustments were required with respect to renal function. Future studies in patients with ischemic stroke are now needed to establish the relationship between ex vivo platelet aggregation and the clinical effect.
Influence of sex on the association between body mass index and frequency of upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Ogisu Kyohei , Masuda Atsuhiro , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Yamazaki Yukinao , Kobayashi Masao , Terao Shuichi , Sanuki Tsuyoshi , Okada Akihiko , Adachi Masayasu , Arisaka Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Haruka , Yoshinaka Hayato , Kutsumi Hiromu , Umegaki Eiji , Kodama Yuzo
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms (UGSs), including reflux and dyspeptic symptoms (postprandial distress syndrome [PDS] and epigastric pain syndrome [EPS]), affect health‐related quality of life. However, the influence of sex on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and UGSs remains controversial. This study investigates the influence of sex on this association in healthy subjects.

Methods and Results

We utilized the database of a prospective, multicenter, cohort study of 7112 subjects who underwent upper endoscopy for health screening. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between BMI and UGSs stratified by sex, adjusting for clinical features. The influence of sex on the association between the overlapping of UGSs and BMI in symptomatic subjects was also investigated. Reflux symptoms were significantly associated with high BMI (multivariable odds ratio [OR] 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.67, P = 0.004). PDS symptoms were significantly associated with low BMI (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.70–3.25; P < 0.0001), but EPS symptoms were not associated with BMI. The association between reflux symptoms and higher BMI was limited to men (men: OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.10–1.77; P = 0.005, women: P = 0.40). sex did not influence the association between the presence of PDS symptoms and lower BMI. The percentage of overlapping of all three symptoms (reflux, PDS, and EPS) was higher in women than in men (19.9% [58/292] vs 10.5% [49/468], P = 0.0002).

Conclusions

The influence of BMI on the presence of UGSs was significantly different according to sex in this large‐scale cohort.
Zonda wind classification using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Otero Federico , Araneo Diego
Published: June 2020

Zonda wind is a typical downslope windstorm over the eastern slopes of Central Andes, in Argentina, which produces extremely warm and dry conditions creating substantial socioeconomic impacts. To achieve the Zonda wind classification, objective methods based on supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms are used. ML training and supervision is based on the subjective Zonda wind classification assessing the total hourly data that correspond to Zonda wind observations for three surface stations longtime series. ML algorithms includes; the linear discriminant analysis (LD), linear support vector machine (SVM), k nearest neighbours (k‐NN), logistic regression (LR) and classification trees. Metrics obtained from the confusion matrix are used to compare the models' skills in class separation. Considering event‐based statistics, the obtained probability of detection values locate all models above 85% with a probability of false detection lower than 0.523% and a missing ratio below 15%. From an alarm‐based perspective, algorithms show values below 11.42% in false alarm rate, lower than 0.7% in missing alarm ratio and higher than 88.85% in correct alarm ratio. The false negative rate occurs mostly from August to December, where the onset time of the events presents greater difficulty in the classification than the offset, while the false alarm increases in June and October months. Models skills reveal that k‐NN, SVM and LR are better discriminators than LD and classification tree. The high efficiency of these models indicates that ML classification models could be used for the phenomenon diagnosis.
Tailored Polarization Conversion and Light‐Energy Recycling for Highly Linearly Polarized White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhou Yun , Fan Bao‐Lu , Nan Feng , Zhou Guang‐Hong , Fan Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Wen‐Jun , Ou Qing‐Dong
Published: June 2020

Directly linearly polarized light emission from organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), as an important functional expansion, is an intriguing and attractive research topic due to its increasing importance in various applications. Until now, however, the limited efficiency and inadequate polarization ratio constitute two major hurdles for real application. In this work, high‐efficiency linearly polarized white OLEDs with an ultrahigh polarization ratio are achieved by using integrated dielectric/metal nanograting and nanorelief speckle image holography metasurfaces. In the devices, the integrated grating behave as a polarizer to select the transverse magnetic wave (TM) component and simultaneously reflect the transverse electric wave (TE) counterpart over the whole emission spectrum, while the metasurfaces gather the otherwise waste TE‐polarized light reflected by the grating and transform it into reusable TM‐polarized light. This synergistic energy‐light recycling system leads to dramatically boosted device efficiency and polarization ratio, i.e., a power efficiency 21.4 lm W−1 (@ 1000 cd m−2), and an extinction ratio of 17.8 dB (@ V = 5 V) for the polarized white OLEDs. The presented paradigm for simultaneous polarization controlling and efficiency boosting in white OLEDs is expected to advance the OLED techniques in device reconfigurability for future multifunctional applications.
Research on the influence of the lubrication status at the inlet on the lubrication characteristics of engine piston ring
Authors: Sun Jun , Zhu Jianxiong , Wang Hu , Zhao Xiaoyong , Teng Qin , Ren Yanping , Zhu Guixiang , Zhang Xiao , Gao Yaming
Published: June 2020

In current researches on the lubrication of engine piston ring, some were based on a hypothesis that the piston ring is on a flooded lubrication status. Although some others belong to the starved lubrication analysis, the one‐dimensional model, a certain form of starved lubrication status or simplified manner were used. In this paper, on the basis of the equations about the lubricating oil flow‐rate and control volume, a flow model of lubricating oil in the piston ring‐cylinder liner conjunction is established, and the influence of the situation of supplied lubricating oil film at the piston ring inlet on the two‐dimensional starved lubrication characteristics of piston ring for a four‐stroke engine is studied. The results indicate that the lubrication condition at the piston ring inlet has significant impact on the lubrication characteristics of piston ring. When the supplied lubricating oil at the piston ring inlet increases, the minimum film thickness of piston ring will increase, meanwhile the maximum film pressure, asperity contact force, friction force and power loss will decrease. If the film thickness at the piston ring inlet is smaller, the increase of the supplied film thickness can improve obviously the lubrication characteristics of piston ring.
Ionically Conductive Hydrogel with Fast Self‐Recovery and Low Residual Strain as Strain and Pressure Sensors
Authors: Sun Xia , Yao Fanglian , Wang Chenying , Qin Zhihui , Zhang Haitao , Yu Qingyu , Zhang Hong , Dong Xiaoru , Wei Yuping , Li Junjie
Published: June 2020

Hydrogel‐based sensors have attracted enormous interest due to their broad applications in wearable devices. However, existing hydrogel‐based sensors cannot integrate satisfying mechanical performances with excellent conductivity to meet the requirements for practical application. Herein, an ionically conductive hydrogel with high strength, fast self‐recovery, and low residual strain is constructed through a facile soaking strategy. The proposed ionically conductive double network hydrogel is achieved by combining chemically crosslinked polyacrylamide and physically crosslinked gelatin network followed by sodium citrate solution immersing. The obtained hydrogel has a tensile strength of 1.66 MPa and an elongation of 849%. The ionically conductive hydrogels can be utilized as both strain and pressure sensors with high sensitivity. Moreover, they can be used as ionic skin to monitor various human movements precisely, demonstrating their promising potential in wearable devices and flexible electronics.
A Pooled Analysis From Phase 2b and 3 Studies in Japan of Istradefylline in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hattori Nobutaka , Kitabayashi Hiroki , Kanda Tomoyuki , Nomura Takanobu , Toyama Keizo , Mori Akihisa
Published: June 2020

Background

Characterization of patient factors associated with istradefylline efficacy may facilitate personally optimized treatment.

Objectives

We aimed to examine which patient factors are associated with favorable istradefylline treatment outcomes in PD patients with motor complications.

Methods

We performed a pooled analysis of data from two identical phase 2b and 3 Japanese studies of istradefylline. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of 12 patient characteristics with favorable outcomes.

Results

Off time reduction and increased good on time with istradefylline provided a significantly favorable response in patients aged ≥65 years. Off time reduction was more favorable in patients with ≥8‐hour daily off time at baseline. Improvement in UPDRS Part III was favorable in patients with UPDRS Part III baseline score ≥ 20.

Conclusions

Several patient factors influenced the effect of istradefylline on motor fluctuations, motor function, activities of daily living, and clinical impression. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Propagation of wave in a cylindrical waveguide filled with hyperbolic negative index medium
Authors: Bhardwaj Abhinav , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav , Ramakrishna S. Anantha
Published: June 2020

A co‐axial waveguide is filled with an anisotropic hyperbolic medium that has a radial negative component of the tensorial permittivity and permeability. This waveguide has no cutoff frequency for propagating transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes. These modes of propagation are described by Bessel functions of first and second kinds (Neumann function) with an imaginary order. This feature of below cutoff propagation is useful for miniaturizing the size of the waveguide. Further, the double negative character of the radial components of the permittivity and permeability also occasion a better impedance match of the waveguide to free space. Such waveguide can be projected to be useful as miniaturized efficient coupler and imaging probes.
Scalable Formation of Concentrated Monodisperse Lignin Nanoparticles by Recirculation‐Enhanced Flash Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Conner Cathryn G. , Veleva Anka N. , Paunov Vesselin N. , Stoyanov Simeon D. , Velev Orlin D.
Published: June 2020

A highly controllable and scalable process for fabrication of large amounts of concentrated lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) is reported. These lignin core nanoparticles are formed through flash nanoprecipitation, however, scaling up of the fabrication process requires fundamental understanding of their operational formation mechanism and surface properties. It is shown how a semicontinuous synthesis system with a recirculation loop makes it possible to produce flash precipitated lignin nanoparticles in large amounts for practical applications. The roles of the process parameters, including flow rates and lignin concentration, are investigated and analyzed. The results indicate that the LNPs are formed by a process of continuous burst nucleation at the point of mixing without diffusive growth, which yields nanoparticles of highly uniform size following a modified LaMer nucleation and growth mechanism. This mechanism makes possible facile process control and scale‐up. Effective control of the resulting nanoparticle size is achieved through the initial concentration of lignin in the injected solution. The impressive capability to produce suspensions of any predesigned multimodal distribution is demonstrated. The resulting nanofabrication technique can produce large volumes of concentrated LNP suspensions of high stability and tightly controlled size distributions for biological or agricultural applications.
The myth of episodic deflagration in large, unconfined vapor clouds
Authors: Abdel‐jawad Madhat , Gavelli Filippo
Published: June 2020

Reports and reviews issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have a wide‐ranging influence that extends well beyond the United Kingdom. One such recent document, RR1113 Review of Vapor Cloud Explosion Incidents, discusses explosions arising from the ignition of large vapor clouds. The report proposes a mechanism called “Episodic Deflagration” which has been proposed as an alternative to Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT). Here, we examine the concept and the assumptions behind this mechanism in detail. We examine fundamentals purported to characterize this mechanism such as the so‐called cumulative build‐up of pressure over time, an assumed stationary flame state and the radiant heating mechanism proposed as the basis for this postulated phenomenon. We show that the concept is fundamentally flawed and built on unrealistic assumptions, leading to the conclusion that this phenomenon should be ignored.