bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Reactance inversion” at low frequencies in a child undergoing treatment of a cystic fibrosis exacerbation
Authors: Allen Julian Lewis , Ren Clement L. , McDonough Joseph , Clem Charles C.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) employs high frequency sinusoidal or impulse pressure and flow waveforms to interrogate the mechanical properties of the respiratory system. It has special applications to preschool and younger children who may have difficulty performing the repetitive forced expiratory maneuvers required for spirometry.

Case presentation

We present a case illustrating improvements of respiratory system mechanics measured by IOS in a 6‐year‐old child with cystic fibrosis (CF) who demonstrated clinical and radiological improvement after a course of therapy with hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics, and initiation of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein corrector/potentiator agent. We also report a new finding: observed lower than expected reactance at low compared to high frequencies (“reactance inversion”).

Conclusion

Reactance inversion may reflect parallel pathway inhomogeneities in resistance and elastance or intrabreath airway inertance changes in young children with CF. Further study is needed in children with airway obstruction due to asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic lung disease of infancy to demonstrate the prevalence of this finding and whether it is specific to a measurement device.
The 3D Design of Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticle Assemblies Embedded in Dielectrics
Authors: Bonafos Caroline , Bayle Maxime , Benzo Patrizio , Pugliara Alessandro , Makasheva Kremena , Carrada Marzia , Chery Nicolas , Balout Hilal , Benoit Magali , Tarrat Nathalie , Benassayag Gérard , Pécassou Béatrice , Navarro Enrique , Carles Robert
Published: December 2019

Many applications as optical spectroscopy, photothermal therapy, photovoltaics, or photocatalysis take advantage of the localized surface plasmon resonance of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs). Among them, AgNPs are multifunctional nano‐objects that can be used not only as efficient plasmonic antennae but also as electron reservoirs for charge transfer or ion reservoirs with strong biocide activity. Herein, the 10 years’ efforts on the safe‐by‐design synthesis of multifunctional nanocomposites consisting of 3D patterns of small AgNPs embedded in dielectrics are presented by coupling low‐energy ion implantation and stencil masking techniques. Their multifunctional coupling with different objects deposited on top of the dielectric surface is also presented through three examples. The twofold role of this single plane of AgNPs as the embedded plasmonic enhancer and charge carrier reservoir is first tested on few‐layer graphene deposited in specific areas at a controlled nanometer distance from the AgNPs. These buried AgNPs are also coupled to light emitters coimplanted in the dielectric matrix in specific regions, showing light emission enhancement. Finally, these AgNPs also provide an efficient biocide activity on green algae when submerged in water, with the amount of Ag+ release simply controlled by the thickness of the silica cover layer.
Fowler–Nordheim Law Correlated with Improved Field Emission in Self‐Assembled NiCr2O4 Nanosheets
Authors: Karmakar Subrata , Parey Vanshree , Mistari Chetan D. , Thapa Ranjit , More Mahendra A. , Behera Dhrubananda
Published: December 2019

Electric field emission (FE) properties are measured on self‐assembled NiCr2O4 nanosheets in a planner “diode” arrangement at a base pressure of ≈1.0 × 10−8 mbar. The turn‐on field at FE current density 1 μA cm−2 and the threshold field at FE current density 10 μA cm−2 are observed as 4.10 and 4.94 V μm−1, respectively. The local work function (Φ) is calculated as 4.358 eV, using density functional theory (DFT) in Quantum Espresso code and field enhancement factor (β) intensified up to 2074 from the sharp edges of the NiCr2O4 nanosheet arrays’ emitter surface. An exemplary FE current stability is observed from the current–time plot over a period of 4.5 h. The field enhancement factor (β), inferior turn‐on field, and superior stability compared with any other pristine nanosheet compound recommend its potential application in flat panel display and vacuum micro‐/nanoelectronics.
Cell‐free DNA content in follicular fluid: A marker for the developmental ability of porcine oocytes
Authors: Ichikawa Kana , Shibahara Hidenori , Shirasuna Komei , Kuwayama Takehito , Iwata Hisataka
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The present study examined the relationships among the amount of cell‐free‐DNA (cfDNA) in porcine follicular fluid (FF), the developmental ability of enclosed oocytes, and characteristics of granulosa cells and examined the effect of cfDNA content in maturation medium on the developmental ability of the oocytes.

Methods

Oocytes and FF were collected from individual gilts, and the gilts were rated based on the ability of their oocytes to develop to the blastocyst stage and the amount of cfDNA in the FF. The copy numbers of mitochondrial DNA (Mt‐DNA) and nuclear DNA (N‐DNA) were measured by real‐time PCR and the DNA sequence. FF or cfDNA was added to the maturation medium, and the developmental ability of the oocytes was examined.

Results

The amount of cfDNA was associated with apoptosis of the granulosa cells, and high‐cfDNA content in FF was associated with low developmental ability of oocytes. Supplementation of the maturation medium with FF containing high cf‐Mt‐DNA or with DNA extracted from the FF did not affect oocyte developmental competence.

Conclusions

Cell‐free DNA content in FF is a marker for oocyte competence, but cfDNA in the oocyte maturation environment did not affect oocyte developmental ability.
Hollow fiber vitrification allows cryopreservation of embryos with compromised cryotolerance
Authors: Uchikura Ayuko , Matsunari Hitomi , Maehara Miki , Yonamine Shiori , Wakayama Sayaka , Wakayama Teruhiko , Nagashima Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate vitrification methods that provide reliable cryopreservation for embryos with compromised cryotolerance.

Methods

Two‐cell stage mouse embryos and in vitro produced porcine embryos were vitrified using the hollow fiber vitrification (HFV) and Cryotop (CT) methods. The performance of these two methods was compared by the viability of the vitrified‐rewarmed embryos.

Results

Regardless of the method used, 100% of the mouse 2‐cell embryos developed successfully after vitrification‐rewarming into the blastocyst stage, whereas vitrification tests using porcine morulae with the HFV method produced significantly better results. The developmental rates of vitrified porcine morula into the blastocyst stage, as well as blastocyst cell number, were 90.3% and 112.3 ± 6.9 in the HFV group compared with 63.4% and 89.5 ± 8.1 in the CT group (P < .05). Vitrification tests using 4‐ to 8‐cell porcine embryos resulted in development into the blastocyst stage (45.5%) in the HFV group alone, demonstrating its better efficacy. The HFV method did not impair embryo viability, even after spontaneous rewarming at room temperature for vitrified embryos, which is generally considered a contraindication.

Conclusion

Vitrification test using embryos with compromised cryotolerance allows for more precise determining of effective cryopreservation methods and devices.
“She Lied”: Social construction, rape myth prevalence in social media, and sexual assault policy
Authors: Stabile Bonnie , Grant Aubrey , Purohit Hemant , Rama Mohammad
Published: December 2019

This analysis investigates the presence of rape myths in the policy context, as reflected in social media, and considers how those myths might manifest in policy related to sexual assault in accordance with the social construction theory of target populations. Contested interpretations of Title IX between the Obama and Trump administrations serve as an example of how underlying assumptions about target populations based on rape myths might influence policy design. The rape myth that women routinely lie about rape is investigated through an examination of its prevalence on Twitter using a dataset collected over a period of 4 months. From the dataset, a typology of tweets was created that identifies emergent themes reflecting the social construction of target populations, including accusers and the accused. These message categories—accusational, validational and sensational—have potential policy relevance, as between 44% and 48% of the tweets are found to be accusational, meaning that they express doubts about or undermine accusers, and/or perpetuate the idea that women lie about rape.
Succinonitrile as a high‐voltage additive in the electrolyte of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2/graphite full batteries
Authors: Han Songyi , Liu Yan , Zhang Hong , Fan Chaojun , Fan Weizhen , Yu Le , Du Xueyong
Published: December 2019

As a functional additive, succinonitrile (SN) can be used in LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2/graphite lithium ion batteries to broaden the oxidation electrochemical window of the electrolyte and significantly improve its rate performance and high‐voltage cycle performance. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) shows that EC/EMC‐based electrolytes with SN have higher oxidation potentials (approximately 6.1 V vs Li/Li+). The capacity retention of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2/graphite full cell with 0.5‐wt% SN added to the electrolyte and 120 cycles between 2.75 and 4.4 V was significantly increased from 67.96% to 84.0%. It is indicated that the LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) battery containing 0.5‐wt% SN‐based electrolyte has better cycleability and capacity retention at high cutoff voltage. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the full cell were used to characterize the effect of SN on the cell. It is proved that the SN participates in the interfacial reaction between the electrode and the electrolyte to form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, thereby effectively suppressing the increase of the charge transfer resistance and reducing the elution of the transition metal cations. These results indicate that SN can be used as a functional additive for high‐voltage lithium‐ion batteries.
Defect Engineering of Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Ran Lei , Hou Jungang , Cao Shuyan , Li Zhuwei , Zhang Yanting , Wu Yunzhen , Zhang Bo , Zhai Panlong , Sun Licheng
Published: December 2019

Solar energy conversion is one of the most versatile approaches for sustainable energy demands. The fundamental limitations for photocatalysis remain light absorption, charge separation, and photocatalytic (PC) performance of the catalysts. For the past few decades, defect engineering has been proven to be a promising solution for converting solar energy to chemical energy. In this regard, the recent progress of defect engineering toward solar energy conversion is summarized. Beginning with defects classification, the definition of various defects, synthesized strategies, and characterization techniques of controllable material defects are presented. The role of defect engineering on solar energy conversion is developed, extending light absorption, promoting charge separation, and facilitating stable PC reaction. The achievement of the defective photocatalysts is discussed toward versatile applications such as solar water splitting, CO2 reduction, nitrogen fixation, molecular activation, pollutants degradation, and solar cells. Finally, this Review, with regards to defect engineering, ends with the future opportunities and challenges for this exciting and emerging area for solar energy conversion.
Real‐Time Study on Structure Formation and the Intercalation Process of Polymer: Fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Thin Films
Authors: Kassar Thaer , Berlinghof Marvin , Güldal Nusret Sena , Schmutzler Tilo , Zontone Federico , Brandl Marco , Metwalli Ezzeldin , Will Johannes , Li Ning , Ameri Tayebeh , Brabec Christoph J. , Unruh Tobias
Published: December 2019

Fullerene intercalation between the side chains of conjugated polymers has a detrimental impact on both charge separation and charge transport processes in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs). In situ grazing incidence X‐ray scattering experiments allow to characterize the structure formation, drying kinetics, and intercalation in blends of phenyl‐c61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) and poly(2,5‐bis(3‐tetradecylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) named (pBTTT‐C14) from their 1,2‐orthodichlorobenzene (oDCB) solutions with different volume fractions of dodecanoic acid methyl ester (Me12) as a solvent additive. The structure formation process during evaporation of the solvent:additive mixture can be described by five periods, which are correlated to a multistep contraction of the lamellar stacking of the bimolecular crystals. The onset of crystallization is delayed by increasing the additive volume fraction in the coating solution leading to a promoted crystallinity. A conclusive picture of fullerene intercalation and additive‐tuned structural evolution during the drying of thin films of the polymer:fullerene BHJ blends will be presented.
Composite dynamics in the early Universe
Authors: De Curtis Stefania , Rose Luigi Delle , Panico Giuliano
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study the occurrence of a strong first-order electroweak phase transition in composite Higgs models. Minimal constructions realising this scenario are based on the coset SO(6)/SO(5) which delivers an extended Higgs sector with an additional scalar. In such models, a two-step phase transition can be obtained with the scalar singlet acquiring a vacuum expectation value at intermediate temperatures. A bonus of the Nambu-Goldstone boson nature of the scalar-sector dynamics is the presence of non-renormalisable Higgs in- teractions that can trigger additional sources of CP violation needed to realise baryogenesis at the electroweak scale. Another interesting aspect of this scenario is the generation of gravitational wave signatures that can be observed at future space-based interferometers.
Finite dimensional state representation of physiologically structured populations
Authors: Diekmann Odo , Gyllenberg Mats , Metz Johan A. J.
Published: December 2019

In a physiologically structured population model (PSPM) individuals are characterised by continuous variables, like age and size, collectively called their i-state. The world in which these individuals live is characterised by another set of variables, collectively called the environmental condition. The model consists of submodels for (i) the dynamics of the i-state, e.g. growth and maturation, (ii) survival, (iii) reproduction, with the relevant rates described as a function of (i-state, environmental condition), (iv) functions of (i-state, environmental condition), like biomass or feeding rate, that integrated over the i-state distribution together produce the output of the population model. When the environmental condition is treated as a given function of time (input), the population model becomes linear in the state. Density dependence and interaction with other populations is captured by feedback via a shared environment, i.e., by letting the environmental condition be influenced by the populations’ outputs. This yields a systematic methodology for formulating community models by coupling nonlinear input–output relations defined by state-linear population models. For some combinations of submodels an (infinite dimensional) PSPM can without loss of relevant information be replaced by a finite dimensional ODE. We then call the model ODE-reducible. The present paper provides (a) a test for checking whether a PSPM is ODE reducible, and (b) a catalogue of all possible ODE-reducible models given certain restrictions, to wit: (i) the i-state dynamics is deterministic, (ii) the i-state space is one-dimensional, (iii) the birth rate can be written as a finite sum of environment-dependent distributions over the birth states weighted by environment independent ‘population outputs’. So under these restrictions our conditions for ODE-reducibility are not only sufficient but in fact necessary. Restriction (iii) has the desirable effect that it guarantees that the population trajectories are after a while fully determined by the solution of the ODE so that the latter gives a complete picture of the dynamics of the population and not just of its outputs.
Internal microdosimetry of alpha-emitting radionuclides
Authors: Hofmann Werner , Li Wei Bo , Friedland Werner , Miller Brian W. , Madas Balázs , Bardiès Manuel , Balásházy Imre
Published: December 2019

At the tissue level, energy deposition in cells is determined by the microdistribution of alpha-emitting radionuclides in relation to sensitive target cells. Furthermore, the highly localized energy deposition of alpha particle tracks and the limited range of alpha particles in tissue produce a highly inhomogeneous energy deposition in traversed cell nuclei. Thus, energy deposition in cell nuclei in a given tissue is characterized by the probability of alpha particle hits and, in the case of a hit, by the energy deposited there. In classical microdosimetry, the randomness of energy deposition in cellular sites is described by a stochastic quantity, the specific energy, which approximates the macroscopic dose for a sufficiently large number of energy deposition events. Typical examples of the alpha-emitting radionuclides in internal microdosimetry are radon progeny and plutonium in the lungs, plutonium and americium in bones, and radium in targeted radionuclide therapy. Several microdosimetric approaches have been proposed to relate specific energy distributions to radiobiological effects, such as hit-related concepts, LET and track length-based models, effect-specific interpretations of specific energy distributions, such as the dual radiation action theory or the hit-size effectiveness function, and finally track structure models. Since microdosimetry characterizes only the initial step of energy deposition, microdosimetric concepts are most successful in exposure situations where biological effects are dominated by energy deposition, but not by subsequently operating biological mechanisms. Indeed, the simulation of the combined action of physical and biological factors may eventually require the application of track structure models at the nanometer scale.
Advances in high-throughput methods for the identification of virus receptors
Authors: Barrass Sarah V. , Butcher Sarah J.
Published: December 2019

Viruses have evolved many mechanisms to invade host cells and establish successful infections. The interaction between viral attachment proteins and host cell receptors is the first and decisive step in establishing such infections, initiating virus entry into the host cells. Therefore, the identification of host receptors is fundamental in understanding pathogenesis and tissue tropism. Furthermore, receptor identification can inform the development of antivirals, vaccines, and diagnostic technologies, which have a substantial impact on human health. Nevertheless, due to the complex nature of virus entry, the redundancy in receptor usage, and the limitations in current identification methods, many host receptors remain elusive. Recent advances in targeted gene perturbation, high-throughput screening, and mass spectrometry have facilitated the discovery of virus receptors in recent years. In this review, we compare the current methods used within the field to identify virus receptors, focussing on genomic- and interactome-based approaches.
International Consumer Law: What Is It All About?
Authors: Durovic M.
Published: December 2019

Increasing effort has been invested in the internationalization of consumer law. Some of the recent huge global consumer law–related scandals (e.g., Dieselgate, Facebook) demonstrate the rising relevance of and the need for international consumer law. This paper argues that the efforts towards the internationalization of consumer law should focus, first, on the establishment of globally accepted minimum standards of consumer protection (as it has been done through the United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection) and, second, on the development and facilitation of cooperation as a necessary prerequisite for the efficient protection of consumers (as it has been initiated by the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network), rather than on the harmonization of substantive consumer law. This is not only because coordination among diverse countries in the area of consumer protection is easier to achieve in practice through a policy approach rather than substantive harmonization, but also because coordination in practice is an instrument that, as it stands now, is capable of providing a higher level of protection to consumers than substantive harmonization.
Public Epistemologies and Intellectual Interventions in Contemporary Italy
Authors: Brandmayr Federico
Published: December 2019

Building on recent work in the sociology of intellectual interventions, the study of cultural boundaries of science, and the role of ideas in politics, the article develops a theory of public epistemologies as argumentative tools people use to support or oppose political positions. Two prominent public epistemologies that have recently crystallized in Italian politics are taken as illustrations, with special attention paid to the role of two academics (an economist and an immunologist) turned public intellectuals. The article argues that the rise of populism in Italy has contributed to unusual alignments between political and epistemological positions, which has made questions about science and expert knowledge much more relevant in contesting and supporting political decisions.
Comparison of the gamma-Pareto convolution with conventional methods of characterising metformin pharmacokinetics in dogs
Authors: Wesolowski Carl A. , Wanasundara Surajith N. , Babyn Paul S. , Alcorn Jane
Published: December 2019

A model was developed for long term metformin tissue retention based upon temporally inclusive models of serum/plasma concentration ($$ C $$C) having power function tails called the gamma-Pareto type I convolution (GPC) model and was contrasted with biexponential (E2) and noncompartmental (NC) metformin models. GPC models of$$ C $$Chave a peripheral venous first arrival of drug-times parameter, early$$ C $$Cpeaks and very slow washouts of$$ C $$C. The GPC, E2 and NC models were applied to a total of 148 serum samples drawn from 20 min to 72 h following bolus intravenous metformin in seven healthy mongrel dogs. The GPC model was used to calculate area under the curve (AUC), clearance ($$ CL $$CL), and functions of time,f(t), for drug mass remaining (M), apparent volume of distribution ($$V_{d}$$Vd), as well as$$t_{1/2}\ f(t)$$t1/2f(t)for$$ C $$C,$$ M $$Mand$$V_{d}$$Vd. The GPC models of$$ C $$Cyielded metformin$$ CL $$CL-values that were 84.8% of total renal plasma flow (RPF) as estimated from meta-analysis. The GPC$$ CL $$CL-values were significantly less than the corresponding NC and E2$$ CL $$CL-values of 104.7% and 123.7% of RPF, respectively. The GPC plasma/serum only model predicted 78.9% drug$$ M $$Maverage urinary recovery at 72 h; similar to prior human urine drug$$ M $$Mcollection results. The GPC model$$t_{1/2}$$t1/2of$$ M $$M,$$ C $$Cand$$V_d$$Vd, were asymptotically proportional to elapsed time, with a constant limiting$$t_{1/2}$$t1/2ratio ofM/Caveraging 7.0 times, a result in keeping with prior simultaneous$$ C $$Cand urine$$ M $$Mcollection studies and exhibiting a rate of apparent volume growth of$$V_d$$Vdthat achieved limiting constant values. A simulated constant average drug mass multidosing protocol exhibited increased$$V_d$$Vdand$$t_{1/2}$$t1/2with elapsing time, effects that have been observed experimentally during same-dose multidosing. The GPC heavy-tailed models explained multiple documented phenomena that were unexplained with lighter-tailed models.
Stroke Induces Prolonged Changes in Lipid Metabolism, the Liver and Body Composition in Mice
Authors: Haley Michael J. , White Claire S. , Roberts Daisy , O’Toole Kelly , Cunningham Catriona J. , Rivers-Auty Jack , O’Boyle Conor , Lane Conor , Heaney Oliver , Allan Stuart M. , Lawrence Catherine B.
Published: December 2019

During recovery, stroke patients are at risk of developing long-term complications that impact quality of life, including changes in body weight and composition, depression and anxiety, as well as an increased risk of subsequent vascular events. The aetiologies and time-course of these post-stroke complications have not been extensively studied and are poorly understood. Therefore, we assessed long-term changes in body composition, metabolic markers and behaviour after middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. These outcomes were also studied in the context of obesity, a common stroke co-morbidity proposed to protect against post-stroke weight loss in patients. We found that stroke induced long-term changes in body composition, characterised by a sustained loss of fat mass with a recovery of lean weight loss. These global changes in response to stroke were accompanied by an altered lipid profile (increased plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides) and increased adipokine release at 60 days. After stroke, the liver also showed histological changes indicative of liver damage and a decrease in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed. Stroke induced depression and anxiety-like behaviours in mice, illustrated by deficits in exploration, nest building and burrowing behaviours. When initial infarct volumes were matched between mice with and without comorbid obesity, these outcomes were not drastically altered. Overall, we found that stroke induced long-term changes in depressive/anxiety-like behaviours, and changes in plasma lipids, adipokines and the liver that may impact negatively on future vascular health.
Machine learning of electro-hydraulic motor dynamics
Authors: Baronti Luca , Zhang Biao , Castellani Marco , Pham Duc Truong
Published: December 2019

In this paper we propose an innovative machine learning approach to the hydraulic motor load balancing problem involving intelligent optimisation and neural networks. Two different nonlinear artificial neural network approaches are investigated, and their accuracy is compared to that of a linearised analytical model. The first neural network approach uses a multi-layer perceptron to reproduce the load simulator dynamics. The multi-layer perceptron is trained using the Rprop algorithm. The second approach uses a hybrid scheme featuring an analytical model to represent the main system behaviour, and a multi-layer perceptron to reproduce unmodelled nonlinear terms. Four techniques are tested for the optimisation of the parameters of the analytical model: random search, an evolutionary algorithm, particle swarm optimisation, and the Bees Algorithm. Experimental tests on 4500 real data samples from an electro-hydraulic load simulator rig reveal that the accuracy of the hybrid and the neural network models is comparable, and significantly superior to the accuracy of the analytical model. The results of the optimisation procedures suggest also that the inferior performance of the analytical model is likely due to the non-negligible magnitude of the unmodelled nonlinearities, rather than suboptimal setting of the parameters. Despite its limitations, the analytical linear model performs comparably to the state-of-the-art in the literature, whilst the neural and hybrid approaches compare favourably.
SELF-DETERMINATION, THE CHAGOS ADVISORY OPINION AND THE CHAGOSSIANS
Authors: Allen Stephen
Published: December 2019

In its Chagos Advisory Opinion, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK's detachment of the Chagos Archipelago from the colony of Mauritius on the eve of independence constituted a violation of customary international law (CIL). This article analyses the Court's approach to establishing the emergence and content of the right to self-determination in this frustrated case of decolonisation. It goes on to examine the argument that self-determination's peremptory character has decisive consequences in this specific context—a contention which found favour with several judges in their Separate Opinions. The article explores the extent to which the claims and counterclaims, made during the advisory proceedings, turned on countervailing readings of not only the key sources of custom but also of the principle of inter-temporal law. The final sections consider the significance of the Chagos Opinion for the Chagossians, both in relation to the Archipelago's resettlement and for their outstanding appeal in the UK courts (where the European Convention on Human Rights performs a pivotal role).
Comprehensive Detection of Very Low Frequency Earthquakes Off the Hokkaido and Tohoku Pacific Coasts, Northeastern Japan
Authors: Baba Satoru , Takeo Akiko , Obara Kazushige , Matsuzawa Takanori , Maeda Takuto
Published: December 2019

Very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), classified as one type of slow earthquake, occur near seismogenic zones and can be a proxy for interplate slow slip. We investigated VLFE activity off the Hokkaido and Tohoku Pacific coasts, where the Pacific plate subducts under the North American plate. Comprehensive detection of VLFEs is performed for the period from January 2003 to July 2018 by a matched‐filter technique utilizing synthetic waveforms calculated based on a three‐dimensional velocity structure model. The spatiotemporal consistency between the afterslip of the 2003 Tokachi‐Oki earthquake (Mw 8.0) and VLFE distribution off the Hokkaido coast suggests that VLFE activity can reflect interplate slow slip. Inside a large coseismic slip area of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake (Mw 9.0), the VLFE activity was low thereafter, whereas outside the area, VLFE activity increased after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. These characteristics are consistent with aseismic slip distributions estimated from repeating earthquakes. VLFEs were sometimes activated by afterslips of interplate earthquakes with Mw of 6–7, such as the 2008 Fukushima‐Oki earthquake and aftershocks of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Even in the coseismic slip areas of very large earthquakes, we found the occurrence of episodic bursts every 3 months to a year during an interseismic period between very large earthquakes. Such VLFE bursts may suggest small slips during the interseismic period.
Ionospheric Sounding and Tomography Using Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Other Signals of Opportunity
Authors: Cushley A. C. , Noël J.‐M.
Published: December 2019

Numerical modeling has demonstrated that Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals can be used not only to estimate vertical total electron content (TEC) to supplement current TEC maps and data assimilation models but also to reconstruct two‐dimensional (2‐D) electron density maps of the ionosphere using computerized tomography. A ray tracing model was used to determine the characteristics of individual linearly polarized waves transmitted by ships to satellites in circular orbits at 780‐ and 1,000‐km altitude, including the wave path and the state of polarization at the satellite receiver. The modeled Faraday rotation was computed and used to calculate the TEC along the ray paths. The resulting TEC was used as input for computerized ionospheric tomography using the algebraic reconstruction technique. This study concentrated on reconstructing mesoscale structures 25–100 km in horizontal extent. The primary scientific interest of this study was to show that AIS signals can be used as a new source of input data for computerized ionospheric tomography to image the ionosphere and to obtain a better understanding of magneto‐ionic wave propagation.
Object Identification in Radar Imaging via the Reciprocity Gap Method
Authors: Charnley Matthew , Wood Aihua
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we present an experimental method for locating and identifying objects in radar imaging, specifically problems that could arise in physical situations. The data for the forward problem are generated using a discretization of the Lippmann‐Schwinger equation, and the inverse problem of object location is solved using the reciprocity gap approach to the linear sampling method. The main new development in this paper is an exploration of determining the permittivity of the object from the back‐scattered data, utilizing another discretization of the Lippmann‐Schwinger equation.
Reciprocal Formulation of the Modal Expansion Approach for Around‐the‐Corner Propagation in Street Canyons
Authors: Di Simone A. , Iodice A.
Published: December 2019

In a recent paper, we have presented an efficient and simple approach to model electromagnetic propagation in urban street canyons, when both the transmitter and the receiver are below the rooftop level. The model is based on the modal expansion approach, and we have shown that it is computationally efficient and that it allows for deriving a straightforward expression of the average received signal strength. In that paper, the Line‐of‐Sight (LoS) propagation case was described and discussed in detail, and the complete derivation of results was provided. Conversely, for the Non‐Line‐of‐Sight (NLoS) around‐the‐corner case, only the final results were presented and briefly discussed. In the present paper, first of all we provide full details on the derivation of formulas for the NLoS case. In addition, we extend the discussion of results and properly analyze the obtained NLoS propagation loss expression. Last but not least, in contrast with our previous propagation model, we here propose a new formulation of the NLoS case that satisfies a key property in electromagnetics, that is, reciprocity, which was previously fulfilled only in the LoS case. The presented models are validated using empirical models, ray‐tracing algorithms, and experimental campaigns.
Flood Size Increases Nonlinearly Across the Western United States in Response to Lower Snow‐Precipitation Ratios
Authors: Davenport Frances V. , Herrera‐Estrada Julio E. , Burke Marshall , Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: December 2019

Many mountainous and high‐latitude regions have experienced more precipitation as rain rather than snow due to warmer winter temperatures. Further decreases in the annual snow fraction are projected under continued global warming, with potential impacts on flood risk. Here, we quantify the size of streamflow peaks in response to both seasonal and event‐specific rain‐fraction using stream gage observations from watersheds across the western United States. Across the study watersheds, the largest rainfall‐driven streamflow peaks are >2.5 times the size of the largest snowmelt‐driven peaks. Using a panel regression analysis of individual precipitation and snowmelt events, we show that the empirical streamflow response grows approximately exponentially as the liquid precipitation input increases, with rain‐dominated runoff leading to proportionately larger streamflow increases than snowmelt or mixed rain‐and‐snow runoff. We find that the response to changes in rain percentage is largest in the wettest watersheds, where wet antecedent conditions are important for increasing runoff efficiency. Similarly, the effect of rain percentage is larger across watersheds in the Northwest and West regions compared to watersheds in the Northern Rockies and Southwest regions. Overall, as a higher percentage of precipitation falls as rain, increases in the size of rainfall‐driven and “rain‐on‐snow”‐driven floods have the potential to more than offset decreases in the size of snowmelt‐driven floods.
DFT study on MgAl-layered double hydroxides with different interlayer anions: structure, anion exchange, host–guest interaction and basic sites
Authors: Liu Hui-Min , Zhao Xiao-Jie , Zhu Yu-Quan , Yan Hong
Published: December 2019

The guest anions play a key role in the construction of layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based host–guest functional materials.
Investigation of copper oxidation states in plasmonic nanomaterials by XAS and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Queffélec Clémence , Forato Florian , Bujoli Bruno , Knight D. Andrew , Fonda Emiliano , Humbert Bernard
Published: December 2019

A shell-isolated nanoparticle enhanced surface Raman technique and XANES for detection of copper(ii) or copper(i) plasmonic-nanocatalysts.
Metal-hygroscopic polymer conductors that can secrete solders for connections in stretchable devices
Authors: Tang Lixue , Mou Lei , Shang Jin , Dou Jiabin , Zhang Wei , Jiang Xingyu
Published: December 2019

This study presents highly stretchable conductors that can secrete solders in response to humidity for reliable connections with rigid electronics.
Laufband- und Krafttraining bei Kindern mit Zerebralparese – Wissenschaft nachgefragt
Authors: Frebel Tanja
Published: December 2019

Physiotherapeutin Tanja Frebel verglich in ihrer Bachelorarbeit, ob sich ein gewichtsunterstützendes Laufbandtraining besser auf den Gang bei Kindern mit Zerebralparese auswirkt als ein Krafttraining der unteren Extremität.
Übung des Monats – Die Clamshell
Authors: Hacker Volker , Bauer Natascha
Published: December 2019

Die Hüftgelenkabduktoren und -außenrotatoren sind wichtige Muskeln, um Becken und Beinachse zu kontrollieren. Isolierte Übungen für diese Muskelgruppen wie die hier vorgestellte Clamshell (engl.: Muschelschale) sind daher für Therapie und Training sehr relevant.
WHO-Leitlinie: Beratung von Müttern zur Verbesserung von Stillpraktiken
Authors: Nußbaumer-Streit Barbara , Gartlehner Gerald
Published: December 2019

Hintergrund Stillen ist eine wichtige Grundlage für die Gesundheit und Entwicklung eines Kindes, in manchen Teilen der Welt auch für das Überleben eines Kindes. Trotz umfangreicher Belege dafür, dass Nicht-Stillen global mit erhöhter Mortalität und langfristigen gesundheitsschädlichen Auswirkungen assoziiert ist, werden weniger als die Hälfte aller Kinder weltweit in den ersten 6 Monaten ausschließlich gestillt. Stillberatung ist eine maßgebliche Intervention, um die Stillraten zu erhöhen.

Zielsetzung Ziel dieser Leitlinie ist es, Empfehlungen zur Umsetzung von Stillberatung zu geben, um die Stillpraktiken von Müttern zu verbessern.

Methodik Die Leitlinie wurde von der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) gemäß der im WHO-Handbuch zur Leitlinienentwicklung empfohlenen Methode umgesetzt. Die vorliegende Publikation umfasst die wichtigsten Aspekte der Leitlinie und wurde vom WHO Collaborating Centre an der Donau-Universität Krems (Österreich) auf Deutsch übersetzt.

Ergebnisse/Schlussfolgerungen Diese Leitlinie berücksichtigt die aktuelle Evidenz und gibt Empfehlungen und Anmerkungen zur Umsetzung von Stillberatung, wie bspw. zur Häufigkeit, zum optimalen Zeitpunkt, oder zur Art und zu den Anbietern von Stillberatung, um Stillpraktiken zu verbessern. Der Umfang der Leitlinie ist auf diese Umsetzungs-Details beschränkt.
Análisis de las lesiones encefálicas en resonancia magnética en pacientes con señales transitorias de alta intensidad detectadas por Doppler transcraneal
Authors: Surur Alberto , Pessini Ferreira Lucas M. , Galíndez Jorge A. , Martín Juan J.
Published: December 2019

Objetivo Describir los hallazgos en resonancia magnética (RM) de encéfalo en pacientes menores de 65 años que fueron estudiados por Doppler transcraneal (DTC) con contraste de microburbujas, con antecedentes de accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) criptogénico y sospecha de foramen oval permeable (FOP).

Materiales y métodos Este estudio transversal retrospectivo incluyó pacientes de ambos sexos, menores de 65 años.

Resultados Nuestra muestra (n = 47, 47% masculino y 53% femenino, edad media de 42 años) presentó señales transitorias de alta intensidad (HITS, por su sigla en inglés) positivo en el 61,7% y HITS-negativo en el 38,3%. En pacientes HITS-positivo, predominaron las lesiones a nivel de las fibras en U subcorticales, únicas o múltiples con distribución bilateralmente simétrica. En pacientes con HITS moderados, predominaron las lesiones en el territorio vascular de la circulación posterior.

Conclusión En pacientes menores de 65 años con ACV criptogénico y lesiones en fibras en U subcorticales, únicas o múltiples con distribución bilateral y simétrica, debe tenerse en cuenta un FOP como posible causa de dichas lesiones.
Child Abuse and Deformational Plagiocephaly in a West Texas Hospital System
Authors: D’Souza Preston , Hanson Keith A. , Pillutla Pranati , Presto Peyton , Nagy Laszlo
Published: December 2019

Background The aim of this study was to assess deformational plagiocephaly’s (DP) predictive value in neglect and physical abuse (nonaccidental trauma [NAT]) within the pediatric population. In addition, we sought to characterize the prevalence of DP and NAT for our hospital’s mostly rural catchment area.

Methods Data on hospitalized patients diagnosed with NAT and/or neglect between 2012 and 2018 were collected via retrospective chart review. All enrolled children were younger than the age of 4 years at the time of diagnosis, and those without legible head computed tomographies or magnetic resonance images during their initial hospitalization were excluded. Utilizing neuroimaging, we calculated the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) and cranial index for each patient to assess for DP. Differences between the two groups were assessed using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. A p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. All analyses were conducted using SAS 9.4 (Cary, North Carolina, United States).

Results The prevalence of DP within the combined cohort of NAT and neglect patients is 21%, similar to that reported in the literature for the general population (20–50%). There was no significance between the prevalence of DP and a history of NAT (p > 0.1) or neglect (p > 0.1). Furthermore, there was no correlation between CVAI and characteristics of initial presentation or history of trauma for either NAT (p-values: 0.359 and 0.250, respectively) or neglect groups (p-values: 0.116 and 0.770, respectively).

Conclusion While there are many limitations to this study, our results suggest that abused children are no more likely to have history of DP than the general population, and the degree of DP is not associated with severity of trauma history or initial presentation. We hope the results of this study promote future investigations for unique and subtle predictive factors of child abuse/neglect.
Protocol proposal for the invasive approach of the popliteal muscle
Authors: R. Bosch Janer , B. Togores Morlà , J. Cortés Servera , MM Serrano Barceló
Published: December 2019

Introduction and Aims Considering the difficult access of the popliteal muscle (PM) for manual therapy and the proximity of the neurovascular package, we believe it is necessary to perform an exhaustive study in order to describe the dangers of current techniques for approaching this muscle and in order to develop an approach protocol that ensures safety for patients.

Material and Methods We performed a qualitative search in PubMed using the words: popliteus AND muscle, AND/OR treatment AND/OR dry needling, furthermore we consulted two of the most important scientific references on the technique of dry needling. Concurrently, an ultrasound study was performed with the General Electrics Logiq V2 device, with the patient in side lying on the side to be treated. A sample of 4 subjects was examined, obtaining the following measurements: (M1) Distance between the joint interline of the knee and a point at which sonographically the muscle belly of the PM disappears. (M2) Distance between the joint interline of the knee and a point at which the muscle belly of the PM is more accessible to the direct action of a needle. (M3) Ultrasound distance measured from the point at which the muscle belly of the PM is more accessible and which goes from the element of the neurovascular bundle which is closest until the point at which the needle enters the skin. (M4) Ultrasound distance measured from the point at which the PM is more accessible and which includes the space between the neurovascular bundle and the tibia.

Results We were unable to find results in the Pubmed database search related to invasive techniques for the PM. The technique described by the two leading authors on dry needling of the PM is the same; performed without sonographic guidance, guided by muscle palpation (which can lead to less inter-observer agreement) and with needles of up to 50 mm, which could involve a greater risk of needling the vasculonervous bundle according to the measures obtained (M3 = 3.8 cm). The following mean measurements were obtained: (M1) 8.5 cm (M2) 5.5 cm (M3) 3,8 cm (M4) 1.6 cm.

Conclusions The current approach on the PM has a real and unnecessary danger of invading vascular and nervous structures and harming the patient. The correct invasive technique for the PM should be performed by placing the patient in side lying on the side to be treated with the knee in semi flexion, sonographically assessing the point where access to the PM muscle belly is best by placing the probe parallel the muscle fibers, performing the entrance along the long axis of the probe, with a maximum needle length of 40 mm.
Inflammatory response of two invasive techniques in the mouse with collagenase induced tendinopathy
Authors: JA García Vidal , P. Pelegrín Vivancos , P. Escolar Reina , F. Medina i Mirapeix
Published: December 2019

Background  Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a physiotherapy technique which has demonstrated its effectiveness for the treatment of tendinopathies and muscle pathologies. All the authors consulted base its therapeutic effect on the capacity to produce an important inflammatory response during the initial phase of the regenerative process. However, presently, the histological effects of the technique on tendinopathies are unknown. The aim of this study was to histologically examine the inflammatory response provoked by the PNE versus dry needling (DN) in mice with collagenase-induced tendinopathy.

Material and Methods In order to achieve the proposed aim, a murine model was used with a total of 18 C57BL/6J mice. One week prior to the intervention, collagenase-induced tendinopathy was performed in the common calcaneal tendons of all mice. Once the pathology was established, they received DN in the left common calcaneus tendon, whereas, on the right, they received treatment with PNE. Groups of animals were sacrificed at 3, 7 and 14 days to evaluate the histological evolution of injuries. Samples of the common calcaneal tendon were taken and were later fixed in formalin, processed, and included in paraffin blocks. Sections of 3 microns thick were performed, which were dyed using hematoxylin-eosin for conventional histopathological examination.

Results In both groups, tissue damage was observed with collagen fragmentation and the presence of fibroblasts. Dry needling of the common calcaneal tendon induced the presence of an acute inflammatory infiltrate (characterized by the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages) at the level of the peritenon and adjacent fat tissue which was detectable after day 3, and notable after days 7 and 14. The application of PNE induced a similar effect, although on day 14, the inflammatory infiltrate of PNE was more evident, compared to DN.

Conclusion The proposed in vivo murine model has demonstrated to be useful for the study of the evolution of the first phases of the regenerative process induced by both techniques. The histopathological results reveal that PNE generates a pro-inflammatory stimulus which is superior to DN on day 14.