bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem Solving Skills in Social Studies Education and Problem Solving Skills of Social Studies Teachers
Authors: Güleç Selma
Published: January 2020

Problem solving skills are mentioned among the skills which need to be acquired in the Social Studies course. In this study, how the social studies teachers perceived problem solving skills was examined by emphasizing the importance of having individuals acquire problem solving skills through social studies teaching. The sample of the study was composed of social studies teachers. In order to evaluate the preservice teachers' perceptions in relation to problem solving skills, the "Problem Solving Inventory" developed by Heppner and Petersen (1982) and adapted by Şahin, Şahin and Heppner (1993) into Turkish was used. In the analysis of the data, firstly if the obtained data distributed normally was tested with Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Since the data obtained from the problem solving inventory showed normal distribution, the Independent Samples T test was used for paired comparisons and One-Way ANOVA was used for multiple comparisons. It was found that the teachers' problem solving skills did not differ significantly according to the variables of gender, age, marital status, length of service and educational status, satisfaction from school of service, frequency of experiencing problems at their schools and the teachers' problem solving skills were at sufficient level.
Path Planning and Control of Redundant Manipulators Using Bilevel Optimization
Authors: Nusbaum Uriel , Weiss Cohen Miri , Halevi Yoram
Published: January 2020

Redundancy is a useful feature in dynamic systems which can be exploited to enhance performance in various tasks. In this work, redundancy will be utilized to minimize the energy consumption of a linear manipulator, while in some cases an additional task of end-effector tracking will also be required and achieved. Optimal control theory has been extensively used for the optimization of dynamic systems; however, complex tasks and redundancy make these problems computationally expensive, numerically difficult to solve, and in many cases, ill-defined. In this paper, evolutionary bilevel optimization for the problem is presented. This is done by setting up an upper level optimization problem for a set of decision variables and a lower level one that actually calculates the optimal inputs and trajectories. The upper level problem is solved by a genetic algorithm (GA), whereas the lower level problem uses classical optimal control. As a result, the proposed algorithm allows the optimization of complex tasks that usually cannot be solved in practice using standard optimal control tools. In addition, despite the use of penalty functions to enforce saturation constraints, the algorithm leads to global energy minimization. Illustrative examples of a redundant x-y robotic manipulator with complex overall tasks will be presented, solved, and discussed.
Investigation of Elevated Temperature Mechanical Properties of Intermetallic Compounds in the Cu–Sn System Using Nanoindentation
Authors: Yin Zuozhu , Sun Fenglian , Guo Mengjiao
Published: January 2020

In electronic packaging, most researchers are mainly focused on the mechanical properties of Cu–Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at room temperature; few studies have looked into the relationship between hardness, elastic modulus, and plasticity of IMCs and elevated temperature. The hardness, elastic modulus, and plasticity of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn at 25–200 °C are investigated by the nanoindentation method. The results show that the hardnesses of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn obey linear attenuation law with elevated temperature. The hardness of Cu6Sn5 is more sensitive to temperature than that of Cu3Sn. This is due to the fact that the melting point of Cu6Sn5 (415 °C) is lower than that of Cu3Sn (670 °C), Cu6Sn5 has a lower normalization temperature than that of Cu3Sn. The elastic modulus of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn and temperature have a parabolic law at 25–200 °C. The elastic modulus of Cu6Sn5 is more sensitive to temperature. This is attributed to the fact that the lattice structure of Cu6Sn5 is changed from hexagonal lattice to monoclinic lattice, causing its volume to expand, thereby making it more sensitive to temperature. The plasticity factors of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn meet the polynomial relationship with elevated temperature. The plasticity factors of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn increase with increasing temperature, which will reduce the resistance to plastic deformation. This is attributed to the fact that the vacancy generated into the material is conducive to the dislocation movement, the dislocation movement will be more active so that the plasticity factors of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn gradually increase.
Maternal Physical Activity and Neonatal Cord Blood Lipid Levels: Findings From a Prospective Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Collings Paul J. , Farrar Diane , Gibson Joanna , West Jane , Barber Sally E. , Wright John
Published: January 2020

Background: Physical activity performed while pregnant is beneficially associated with maternal cardiovascular health. It is unknown if benefits extend to neonatal cardiovascular health. This study investigated associations of maternal physical activity with neonatal cord blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. Methods: Cord blood lipids were measured at birth in a pseudorandomly selected subgroup of Born in Bradford birth cohort participants (N = 1634). Pregnant women were grouped into 4 activity categories (inactive/somewhat active/moderately active/active) based on their self-reported physical activity at 26- to 28-weeks gestation. Regression was used to calculate adjusted mean differences in neonatal cord blood lipid concentrations among the 4 groups of physical activity. Results: Maternal physical activity was associated with higher neonatal cord blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Cord blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in neonates of women who were somewhat and moderately active compared with neonates of women who were inactive. There were no associations of pregnancy physical activity with triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or adiponectin levels. Conclusions: Maternal physical activity is favorably associated with neonatal cord blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This novel beneficial finding highlights the potential for physical activity in pregnancy to aid the early prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Predicting resistance to KRAS inhibitors
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: January 2020

Studies identify common targets for preventing resistance to KRAS inhibitors.
Metagenomic Shotgun Analyses Reveal Complex Patterns of Intra- and Interspecific Variation in the Intestinal Microbiomes of Codfishes
Authors: Riiser Even Sannes , Haverkamp Thomas H. A. , Varadharajan Srinidhi , Borgan Ørnulf , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Jentoft Sissel , Star Bastiaan
Published: January 2020

The composition of the intestinal microbial community associated with teleost fish is influenced by a diversity of factors, ranging from internal factors (such as host-specific selection) to external factors (such as niche occupation). These factors are often difficult to separate, as differences in niche occupation (e.g., diet, temperature, or salinity) may correlate with distinct evolutionary trajectories. Here, we investigate four gadoid species with contrasting levels of evolutionary separation and niche occupation. Using metagenomic shotgun sequencing, we observed distinct microbiomes among two Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) ecotypes (NEAC and NCC) with distinct behavior and habitats. In contrast, interspecific patterns of variation were more variable. For instance, we did not observe interspecific differentiation between the microbiomes of coastal cod (NCC) and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii), whose lineages underwent evolutionary separation over 20 million years ago. The observed pattern of microbiome variation in these gadoid species is therefore most parsimoniously explained by differences in niche occupation.
Glaciovolcanic emplacement of an intermediate hydroclastic breccia-lobe complex during the penultimate glacial period (190–130 ka), Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand
Authors: Cole R.P. , White J.D.L. , Townsend D.B. , Leonard G.S. , Conway C.E.
Published: January 2020

An intermediate-composition hydroclastic breccia deposit is exposed in the upper reaches of a deep glacial valley at Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand, indicating an ancient accumulation of water existed near the current summit area. Lobate intrusions within the deposit have variably fluidal and brecciated margins, and are inferred to have been intruded while the deposit was wet and unconsolidated. The tectonic setting, elevation of Ruapehu, and glacial evidence suggest that the deposit-forming eruption took place in meltwater produced from an ancient glacier. The breccia-lobe complex is inferred to have been emplaced at > 154 ± 12 ka, during the penultimate glacial period (190–130 ka) when Ruapehu’s glaciers were more extensive than today. This age is based on overlying radiometrically dated lava flows, and by correlation with a well-constrained geochemical stratigraphy for Ruapehu. Field relations indicate that the glacier was at least 150 m thick, and ubiquitous quench textures and jigsaw-fit fracturing suggest that the clastic deposit was formed from non-explosive fragmentation of lava in standing water. Such features are unusual for the high flanks of a volcanic edifice where steep topography typically hinders accumulation of water or thick ice, and hence the formation and retention of hydroclastic material. Although not well-constrained for this time, the vent configuration at Ruapehu is inferred to have contributed to an irregular edifice morphology, allowing thick ice to locally accumulate and meltwater to be trapped.
Emplacement of unusual rhyolitic to basaltic ignimbrites during collapse of a basalt-dominated caldera: The Halarauður eruption, Krafla (Iceland)
Authors: Rooyakkers Shane M. , Stix John , Berlo Kim , Barker Simon J.
Published: January 2020

Deposits of the ca. 110 ka Halarauður eruption of Krafla caldera (reconstructed volume = 7 ± 6 km3 dense rock equivalent) include the only spatter-rich ignimbrite known in Iceland, and an exceptionally rare lava-like basaltic ignimbrite. We present a revised stratigraphy and new whole-rock major-element data set for products of this unusual event, one of only three Quaternary ignimbrite eruptions identified in Iceland. Compositions of Halarauður products span a broad range (50.0–74.6 wt% SiO2), reflecting mixing of rhyolite with underplating basalt. Small-volume, valley-ponded, basal pumice- and spatter-bearing lithic breccias and ignimbrite (rhyolite to andesite) reflect rapid column collapse during early opening of ring-fault vents. A transition to voluminous, regionally dispersed spatter agglomerates (dacite to basaltic andesite) marks an abrupt eruptive intensification, as gas-poor magma was squeezed into a developing ring-fault system by the subsiding chamber roof. Spatial heterogeneities in ascent rates and outgassing through this variably dilated fault system caused coeval formation of collapsing plumes and spatter fountains at separate vents. Spatter was entrained into flows from the more explosive vents, which deposited proximal spatter agglomerates and more distal spatter-bearing ignimbrite. Overlying lava-like ignimbrite deposits (basaltic andesite to basalt) reflect a final opening of vents, as mafic magma from deep levels of the chamber was squeezed through a dilated ring-fault system by the subsiding roof block and erupted at uncharacteristically high mass flux. Development of a mature ring-fault conduit system during early tapping of silicic magma appears to be a prerequisite for the emplacement of welded basaltic ignimbrites, and it should be considered as a possible eruption scenario in basalt-dominated systems where silicic magma has been known to also accumulate. Poor preservation of the Halarauður deposits exemplifies the challenges of studying ignimbrite eruptions in frequently glaciated regions like Iceland, where they may be more common than the geological record suggests.
Paleoenvironmental conditions and drainage evolution of the central Anatolian lake system (Turkey) during late Miocene to Pliocene surface uplift
Authors: Meijers Maud J.M. , Brocard Gilles Y. , Whitney Donna L. , Mulch Andreas
Published: January 2020

Continued Africa-Eurasia convergence resulted in post–11 Ma surface uplift of the Central Anatolian Plateau (CAP) and the westward escape of the Anatolian microplate. Contemporaneously, a central Anatolian fluvio-lacustrine system developed that covered extensive parts of the rising CAP. Today, the semi-arid CAP interior—except for the Konya closed catchment—drains toward the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Persian Gulf. Lake connectivity and drainage patterns of the fluvio-lacustrine system in the evolving plateau region are, however, largely unknown.

Here, we present sedimentological and stable isotopic (δ13C and δ18O) data (N = 665) from 13 well-dated lake sections covering the former fluvio-lacustrine depocenters of the southern CAP. Persistently (>1 m.y.) stable paleoenvironmental and hydrological conditions suggest that a low-relief environment characterized the southern CAP during plateau uplift. Throughout the late Miocene, various open and closed lakes of the southern CAP drained into closed, terminal lakes within the plateau interior. Sedimentation east of the Tuz Gölü fault ceased during the early Pliocene (ca. 5.3–3.6 Ma), when the eastern CAP became connected to marine base level as a result of river incision shortly after the switch from regional compression to extension. A final phase of lacustrine carbonate sedimentation characterizes most sampled basins, yet occurred asynchronously over the extent of the CAP. Therefore, the final episode of lacustrine sedimentation is unlikely to have been the result of a climatic event, consistent with the absence of a clear aridification trend in the lacustrine δ18O data. Rather, capping carbonates reflect the interplay of surface uplift and transition from inward- to outward-drained plateau regions and concomitant lake reorganization during the formation of the CAP and its margins.
Lyme aortitis
Authors: Correia Rita Reis , Cruz Fábia , Martin Sandra , André Maria Eugenia
Published: January 2020

A 72-year-old man was admitted with complaints of sudden-onset oppressive precordial pain radiating to the back for 1 hour. He had hypotension, peripheral cyanosis and cold extremities. An initial assessment was done and acute coronary syndrome was excluded. After the patient was admitted, he developed fever and increased levels of inflammatory markers. Data obtained from CT angiography and transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed diffuse parietal thickening of the arch and the descending thoracic aorta, as well as dilatation of the aortic root and the proximal ascending aorta. In addition, the test forBorrelia burgdorferiwas positive, and the patient was diagnosed with Lyme vasculitis of the thoracic aorta. He was treated with doxycycline for 3 weeks. Two months later, the patient exhibited a Stanford type A aortic dissection (clinically stable), which was treated by prosthesis replacement. The patient has remained asymptomatic for 1 year after the episode, performing his routine daily activities.
Cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (CyBorD): a promising regimen for renal light chain deposit disease
Authors: Dutta Arunima , Kesari Kavitha , Singh Trevor
Published: January 2020

Renal light chain deposit disease is a rare disease with rapid progression to renal failure when left untreated. There is no standard treatment available. We present a unique case of renal IgA kappa deposit disease who developed severe decline in renal function within a few months of diagnosis. She was started on a single regimen of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (CyBorD) followed by maintenance treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone leading to rapid improvement of renal function. This is the first case to be reported on renal IgA kappa deposit disease who have responded dramatically to CyBorD without the need for any modification of the regimen or stem cell transplant.
How can patient-held lists of medication enhance patient safety? A mixed-methods study with a focus on user experience
Authors: Garfield Sara , Furniss Dominic , Husson Fran , Etkind Mike , Williams Marney , Norton John , Ogunleye Della , Jubraj Barry , Lakhdari Hanaa , Franklin Bryony Dean
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients often carry medication lists to mitigate information loss across healthcare settings. We aimed to identify mechanisms by which these lists could be used to support safety, key supporting features, and barriers and facilitators to their use.

Methods

We used a mixed-methods design comprising two focus groups with patients and carers, 16 semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals, 60 semistructured interviews with people carrying medication lists, a quantitative features analysis of tools available for patients to record their medicines and usability testing of four tools. Findings were triangulated using thematic analysis. Distributed cognition for teamwork models were used as sensitising concepts.

Results

We identified a wide range of mechanisms through which carrying medication lists can improve medication safety. These included improving the accuracy of medicines reconciliation, allowing identification of potential drug interactions, facilitating communication about medicines, acting as an aide-mémoire to patients during appointments, allowing patients to check their medicines for errors and reminding patients to take and reorder their medicines. Different tools for recording medicines met different needs. Of 103 tools examined, none met the core needs of all users. A key barrier to use was lack of awareness by patients and carers that healthcare information systems can be fragmented, a key facilitator was encouragement from healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that patients and healthcare professionals perceive patient-held medication lists to have a wide variety of benefits. Interventions are needed to raise awareness of the potential role of these lists in enhancing patient safety. Such interventions should empower patients and carers to identify a method that suits them best from a range of options and avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Protective effect of hydralazine on a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease: a possible role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α
Authors: Mehrabani Mehrnaz , Nematollahi Mohammad Hadi , Tarzi Mojde Esmaeili , Juybari Kobra Bahrampour , Abolhassani Moslem , Sharifi Ali Mohammad , Paseban Hamze , Saravani Mohsen , Mirzamohammadi Solmaz
Published: January 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease accompanied by a low expression level of cerebral hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α). Hence, activating the hypoxia-signaling pathway may be a favorable therapeutic approach for curing PD. This study explored the efficacy of hydralazine, a well-known antihypertensive agent, for restoring the impaired HIF-1 signaling in PD, with the aid of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-exposed SH-SY5Y cells. The cytotoxicity of hydralazine and 6-OHDA on the SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and apoptosis detection assays. The activities of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also measured. Expression levels of HIF-1α and its downstream genes at the protein level were assessed by Western blotting. Hydralazine showed no toxic effects on SH-SY5Y cells, at the concentration of ≤50 μmol/L. Hydralazine decreased the levels of apoptosis, malondialdehyde, and NO, and increased the activities of FRAP and SOD in cells exposed to 6-OHDA. Furthermore, hydralazine up-regulated the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine transporter in the cells also exposed to 6-OHDA, by comparison with the cells exposed to 6-OHDA alone. In summary, hydralazine priming could attenuate the deleterious effects of 6-OHDA on SH-SY5Y cells by increasing cellular antioxidant capacity, as well as the protein levels of HIF-1α and its downstream target genes.
Seismic reliability of axially loaded vertical piles
Authors: Esposito Gennaro , Fenton Gordon A. , Naghibi Farzaneh
Published: January 2020

The reliability of single vertical pile foundations subjected to seismic loads is assessed and compared with the minimum acceptable reliability level for static load conditions mandated by the Canadian codes. The analysis is executed for a site with a mean shear-wave velocity of the top 30 m of the ground equal to 250 m/s subjected to the ground motion hazard of five Canadian cities. Using both a full probabilistic analysis and simplified probabilistic model, the results seem to indicate that the current design practice is unable to achieve the reliability target of the codes. The shortfall is particularly significant when the limiting pile settlement is relatively small. The calculated reliability level of small limiting settlements is impacted by the geotechnical variability, whereas the seismic hazard variability affects large pile limiting settlements. Finally, the simplified probabilistic model produces the same results as the full probabilistic model for large pile settlement and is a convenient tool to execute code calibration.
Sensitivity of Casimir oscillators on geometry and optical properties
Authors: Sedighi M. , Tajik F. , Mahmoudi S. M. , Nazarpak M. H. , Lamouki G. R. R. , Palasantzas G.
Published: January 2020

The dependence of the Casimir force on the optical properties and geometry of interacting materials makes possible to tailor the actuation dynamics of micro/nano actuators. In this research, we study the dynamical sensitivity of micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems on geometry by comparing the plate-plate and sphere-plate configurations, and taking into account the optical properties of the interacting materials. In fact, for conservative systems bifurcation analysis and phase portraits show that the geometry and the optical properties strongly influence the stability of an actuating device in a way that geometries that lead to weaker Casimir forces (sphere-plate geometry) favor more stable behavior. In addition, for non-conservative periodically driven systems, the Melnikov and Poincare portrait analysis shows that stronger Casimir forces lead to increased chaotic behavior, which more pronounced for the plate-plate geometry, that prohibits the long term prediction of the actuating dynamics of the system.
Finite thermal particle creation of Casimir light
Authors: Good Michael R. R. , Linder Eric V. , Wilczek Frank
Published: January 2020

A new solution for an analytic spectrum of particle creation by an accelerating mirror (dynamical Casimir effect) is given. It is the first model to simultaneously radiate thermally and emit a finite number of particles.
Chern-Simons boundary layers in the Casimir effect
Authors: Marachevsky Valery N.
Published: January 2020

Casimir interaction of two SiO2 glass half spaces being substrates for Chern-Simons boundary layers is studied. The separation between two half spaces at which the Casimir energy minimum occurs is strongly increased for dielectric SiO2 glass substrates in comparison with previously considered metal Au and semiconductor Si substrates. Strong reduction in the Casimir force due to presence of Chern-Simons layers is found for SiO2 glass substrate. Influence of modification of the infrared absorption on the Casimir force is studied.
Casimir repulsion though a water-based ferrofluid
Authors: Velichko E. N. , Klimchitskaya G. L. , Nepomnyashchaya E. K.
Published: January 2020

We investigate the Casimir pressure between two dissimilar plates separated by a layer of magnetic fluid. Numerical computations of the Casimir pressure are performed for Au and SiO2 plates with an intervening layer of water and water-based ferrofluid obtained on addition to water a 5% volume fraction of magnetite nanoparticles with 10 nm diameter. It is shown that an addition of nanoparticles leads to a widening of separation region, where the Casimir interaction is repulsive. This result does not depend on whether the plasma or the Drude model is used for extrapolation of the optical data of Au to low frequencies. The effect of enhanced repulsion due to the presence of ferrofluid may be useful for preventing stiction of closely spaced elements in various microdevices.
The effects of sintering temperature on superconductivity of MgB2 prepared by hot pressing
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Lei , Zhao Yong , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2020

The [Formula: see text] superconductor bulks were prepared by hot-pressing under the pressure of 55 MPa at different temperatures of 650[Formula: see text]C, 700[Formula: see text]C, 800[Formula: see text]C, 900[Formula: see text]C, 1000[Formula: see text]C, respectively, and the hot-pressing effects on the superconducting properties of [Formula: see text] bulks were investigated. The density of bulk samples increased with the rise of sintering temperature and the density reached to the maximum value when the sintering temperature rose to 1000[Formula: see text]C. For the sample sintered at 1000[Formula: see text]C, the critical transition temperature ([Formula: see text] reached the highest value of 38.8 K despite the high content of [Formula: see text] (30.62 wt.%). However, the critical current density ([Formula: see text] did not increase with the increase in the density and [Formula: see text]. The sample sintered at 700[Formula: see text]C maintained the high superconducting volume and had a small grain size, thus providing the best magnetic flux pinning force and [Formula: see text]. An effective hot-pressing process to improve [Formula: see text] might be the way to prepare by further increasing the density of sintering samples at 700[Formula: see text]C.
INDIVIDUAL INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR: EFFECTS OF PERSONALITY, TEAM LEADERSHIP AND CLIMATE IN THE US CONTEXT
Authors: ZURAIK ABDELRAHMAN , KELLY LOUISE , DYCK LOREN R.
Published: January 2020

This paper is the first to empirically investigate the connections between the Big Five personality factors, ambidextrous team leadership, organisational climate of US workers that supports innovation, and individual innovative work behaviour. A self-report survey was used to obtain data from 215 team members in US-based corporations. We provide an empirically tested model of the positive influence of Openness to Experiences, Extraversion and Conscientiousness personality traits on individual innovative work behaviour. Results also confirm that supervisors’ leadership behaviours and a supportive organisational climate of innovation have a moderating influence on this set of relationships. Individuals can develop their individual innovative work behaviour. Supervisors can adopt higher levels of opening behaviours and executives can create a climate supportive of innovation to boost individual innovative work behaviour. This study further demonstrates that Big Five personality traits interact with supervisor behaviours and a supportive climate to foster individual innovative work behaviour.
Matrix Multiplication, a Little Faster
Authors: Karstadt Elaye , Schwartz Oded
Published: January 2020

Strassen’s algorithm (1969) was the first sub-cubic matrix multiplication algorithm. Winograd (1971) improved the leading coefficient of its complexity from 6 to 7. There have been many subsequent asymptotic improvements. Unfortunately, most of these have the disadvantage of very large, often gigantic, hidden constants. Consequently, Strassen-Winograd’s
O
(
n
log
2
7
) algorithm often outperforms other fast matrix multiplication algorithms for all feasible matrix dimensions. The leading coefficient of Strassen-Winograd’s algorithm has been generally believed to be optimal for matrix multiplication algorithms with a 2 × 2 base case, due to the lower bounds by Probert (1976) and Bshouty (1995).

Surprisingly, we obtain a faster matrix multiplication algorithm, with the same base case size and asymptotic complexity as Strassen-Winograd’s algorithm, but with the leading coefficient reduced from 6 to 5. To this end, we extend Bodrato’s (2010) method for matrix squaring, and transform matrices to an alternative basis. We also prove a generalization of Probert’s and Bshouty’s lower bounds that holds under change of basis, showing that for matrix multiplication algorithms with a 2 × 2 base case, the leading coefficient of our algorithm cannot be further reduced, and is therefore optimal. We apply our method to other fast matrix multiplication algorithms, improving their arithmetic and communication costs by significant constant factors.
Improved Performance of Li-metal∣LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cells with High-Loading Cathodes and Small Amounts of Electrolyte Solutions Containing Fluorinated Carbonates at 30 °C–55 °C
Authors: Markevich Elena , Salitra Gregory , Afri Michal , Talyosef Yosef , Aurbach Doron
Published: January 2020

Herein, we report on the performance of stable lithium metal ∣ LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM 811) cells with practical electrodes loading of 3.4 mAh cm−2 and small amounts of electrolyte solutions, at 30 °–55 °C. The latter contained 1 M LiPF6 in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)/difluoroethylene carbonates (DFEC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) 1:1:8, around 0.7–1.7 μl mg−1 of active cathode material (14–33 μl cm−2). Using DFEC as a co-solvent enables to overcome drastic capacity fading of Li metal∣NCM cells containing practical amounts (≤1.2 μl mg−1
NCM 811) of electrolyte solutions based on FEC/DMC. The lithium metal anodes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface films formed on Li anodes cycled in solutions containing FEC and DFEC are composed mainly of their reduction products. In solutions containing FEC and DFEC the role of the latter is to prevent a fast consumption of FEC, by the formation of surface films enriched with its reduction products. Then, minor FEC surface reactions maintain effective electrodes passivation during prolonged cycling. This work clarifies the important role of fluorinated alkyl carbonate co-solvents in stabilizing high energy density secondary batteries based on Li metal anodes.
Population spatial frequency tuning in human early visual cortex
Authors: Aghajari Sara , Vinke Louis N. , Ling Sam
Published: January 2020

Neurons within early visual cortex are selective for basic image statistics, including spatial frequency. However, these neurons are thought to act as band-pass filters, with the window of spatial frequency sensitivity varying across the visual field and across visual areas. Although a handful of previous functional (f)MRI studies have examined human spatial frequency sensitivity using conventional designs and analysis methods, these measurements are time consuming and fail to capture the precision of spatial frequency tuning (bandwidth). In this study, we introduce a model-driven approach to fMRI analyses that allows for fast and efficient estimation of population spatial frequency tuning (pSFT) for individual voxels. Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) responses within early visual cortex were acquired while subjects viewed a series of full-field stimuli that swept through a large range of spatial frequency content. Each stimulus was generated by band-pass filtering white noise with a central frequency that changed periodically between a minimum of 0.5 cycles/degree (cpd) and a maximum of 12 cpd. To estimate the underlying frequency tuning of each voxel, we assumed a log-Gaussian pSFT and optimized the parameters of this function by comparing our model output against the measured BOLD time series. Consistent with previous studies, our results show that an increase in eccentricity within each visual area is accompanied by a drop in the peak spatial frequency of the pSFT. Moreover, we found that pSFT bandwidth depends on eccentricity and is correlated with the pSFT peak; populations with lower peaks possess broader bandwidths in logarithmic scale, whereas in linear scale this relationship is reversed.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spatial frequency selectivity is a hallmark property of early visuocortical neurons, and mapping these sensitivities gives us crucial insight into the hierarchical organization of information within visual areas. Due to technical obstacles, we lack a comprehensive picture of the properties of this sensitivity in humans. Here, we introduce a new method, coined population spatial frequency tuning mapping, which circumvents the limitations of the conventional neuroimaging methods, yielding a fuller visuocortical map of spatial frequency sensitivity.
Ampakine pretreatment enables a single brief hypoxic episode to evoke phrenic motor facilitation
Authors: Wollman L. B. , Streeter K. A. , Fuller D. D.
Published: January 2020

Phrenic long-term facilitation (LTF) is a sustained increase in phrenic motor output occurring after exposure to multiple (but not single) hypoxic episodes. Ampakines are a class of drugs that enhance AMPA receptor function. Ampakines can enhance expression of neuroplasticity, and the phrenic motor system is fundamentally dependent on excitatory glutamatergic currents. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that combining ampakine pretreatment with a single brief hypoxic exposure would result in phrenic motor facilitation lasting well beyond the period of hypoxia. Phrenic nerve output was recorded in urethane-anesthetized, ventilated, and vagotomized adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Ampakine CX717 (15 mg/kg iv; n = 8) produced a small increase in phrenic inspiratory burst amplitude and frequency, but values quickly returned to predrug baseline. When CX717 was followed 2 min later by a 5-min exposure to hypoxia ( n = 8; [Formula: see text] ~45 mmHg), a persistent increase in phrenic inspiratory burst amplitude (i.e., phrenic motor facilitation) was observed up to 60 min posthypoxia (103 ± 53% increase from baseline). In contrast, when hypoxia was preceded by vehicle injection (10% 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin; n = 8), inspiratory phrenic bursting was similar to baseline values at 60 min. Additional experiments with another ampakine (CX1739, 15 mg/kg) produced comparable results. We conclude that pairing low-dose ampakine treatment with a single brief hypoxic exposure can evoke sustained phrenic motor facilitation. This targeted approach for enhancing respiratory neuroplasticity may have value in the context of hypoxia-based neurorehabilitation strategies.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A single brief episode of hypoxia (e.g., 3–5 min) does not evoke long-lasting increases in respiratory motor output after the hypoxia is concluded. Ampakines are a class of drugs that enhance AMPA receptor function. We show that pairing low-dose ampakine treatment with a single brief hypoxic exposure can evoke sustained phrenic motor facilitation after the acute hypoxic episode.
Secondary Syphilis with Eosinophilia Complicated by Severe Jarisch–Herxheimer Reaction
Authors: Elias Anthony , Wark Kirsty , Slape Dana , Cook David , Lee Kenneth , Mckew Genevieve
Published: January 2020

It has long been acknowledged that syphilis is a disease with a diverse range of presentations. We herein describe a case of a young man who presented with fever, rash, and eosinophilia following the commencement of allopurinol, only to be diagnosed with secondary syphilis on histopathology. His treatment was complicated by a severe exacerbation of his cutaneous eruption following the commencement of penicillin, likely secondary to a Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction, an entity often overlooked by clinicians managing syphilis.
A h-BCN for Electrochemical Sensor of Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Bi Yun-Shuai , Liu Bo , Liu Xu-Ying , Qin Ying , Zou Ben-Xue
Published: January 2020

A hexagonal boron carbon nitride hybrid (h-BCN) is developed by in situ high-temperature solid-state reaction and subsequent chemical reduction with hydrazine. The XRD and TEM results show that the h-BCN features interlayered structures with two characteristic d-spacing of 0.33 and 0.21 nm. The obtained h-BCN exhibits significant electrochemical sensor for dopamine and uric acid. The cyclic voltammetric and amperometric experiments revealed a good linear relationship between current densities and concentrations of dopamine (DA) of 10-300 μM and uric acid (UA) of 10-500 μM, with high sensitivities of 0.14 μA/μM and 0.32 μA/μM and detection limits of 5 μM and 2 μM, respectively.
Sistrunk Procedure on Malignant Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
Authors: Kartini Diani , Panigoro Sonar S. , Harahap Agnes S.
Published: January 2020

A thyroglossal duct cyst is a lesion that occurs as a result from failure of the thyroglossal duct to obliterate during fetal development. Malignant progression is a rare event that might occur in less than 1% of all cases. Because of its rarity, there are conflicting opinions regarding the management of the case. In the present study, a 46-year-old male presented with a painless neck mass that had increased in size over the last 6 months. There was no difficulty in swallowing and breathing, change in voice, significant weight loss, or any signs of hyperthyroidism. Laboratory workup showed that results were within normal limits. Thyroid gland ultrasonography and cervical contrast CT scan revealed a complex cystic mass that pointed towards a thyroglossal duct cyst. We performed Sistrunk procedure. Postoperative pathology examination revealed microscopic appearance of the thyroglossal duct cyst with a classic follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Our latest follow-up showed no signs of tumor recurrence or any complications following surgery on locoregional status. As a fine needle aspiration biopsy cannot ensure a precise result in all of cases, it is essential to perform a solid physical examination and thorough supporting examination in deciding the precise management for the patient.
Multisensor Fusion Method Based on the Belief Entropy and DS Evidence Theory
Authors: Fan Xiaojing , Guo Yinjing , Ju Yuanyuan , Bao Jiankang , Lyu Wenhong
Published: January 2020

The Dempster–Shafer evidence theory has been widely applied in multisensor information fusion. Nevertheless, illogical results may occur when fusing highly conflicting evidence. To solve this problem, a new method of the grouping of evidence is proposed in this paper. This method uses a combination of the belief entropy and the degree of conflict of the evidence as the judgment rule and divides the entire body of evidence into two separate groups. For the grouped evidence, both the credibility weighted factor based on the belief entropy function and the support weighted factor based on the Jousselme distance function are taken into consideration. The two determined weighted factors are integrated to adjust the evidence before applying the DS combination rule. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the theoretical feasibility and rationality of the proposed method. The fusion results indicate that the proposed method is more accurate than the compared algorithms in handling the paradoxes. A decision-making case analysis of the biological system is performed to validate the practical applicability of the proposed method. The results confirm that the proposed method has the highest belief degree of the target concentration (50.98%) and has superior accuracy compared to other related methods.
Reconstruction Methods and Complications of Esophagogastrostomy and Jejunal Interposition in Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Du Nan , Wu Pei , Wang Pengliang , Du Yuwei , Li Kai , Wang Zhenning , Xu Huimian , Zhu Zhi
Published: January 2020

Background. Proximal gastrectomy is used for the treatment of primary gastric cancer by open or laparoscopic surgery in the upper third of the stomach. Esophagogastrostomy (EG) or jejunal interposition (JI) is widely used in various reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy. We conducted a meta-analysis of EG and JI for treatment of gastric cancer. Materials and Methods. A search of PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, J-STAGE, and Cochrane Library identified retrospective series on EG and JI. Weight mean differences (WMDs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to analyze the operation-related data and postoperative complications. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 test, and potential publication bias was assessed with Egger regression tests and sensitivity analysis. Results. Eight studies were selected, and 496 patients were included. EG group benefits were 44.81 min shorter operating time (P<0.001), 56.58 mL less blood loss (P=0.03), and 7.4 days shorter hospital stay time (P<0.001) than the JI group. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in anastomotic leakage; otherwise, the EG group had a lower risk of anastomotic stenosis (OR=0.44, 95%CI=0.20 to 0.97, P=0.04), lower risk of intestinal obstruction (OR=0.07, 95%CI=0.01 to 0.43, P=0.004), and higher risk of reflux esophagitis (OR=2.47, 95%CI=1.07 to 5.72, P=0.03). Conclusion. The results of our study indicated that EG has significant advantages during the perioperative period and in short-term outcomes compared to JI.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for the Association of Gene Polymorphisms in RAN with Cancer Risk
Authors: Li Yanke , Zhang Fuqiang , Xing Chengzhong
Published: January 2020

As an important component of miRNA processing genes, RAN gene encodes the ras-related nuclear protein, which is a unique member of the Ras superfamily of GTPases. The mutations in RAN gene are very likely to play a critical role in pathology-related changes to miRNA transport and expression and thus participate in tumor genesis and development. Currently, accumulating studies have explored the association between RAN SNPs and cancer risk. However, the results are conflicting. In the present study, we performed a systematic review for the association of RAN SNPs with overall cancer risk. Meanwhile, a meta-analysis was conducted based on available data, aiming at clarifying the association between RAN SNPs and cancer susceptibility. After literature search and data extraction, 17 studies containing four RAN SNPs were involved in the systematic review. And 12 studies with two highly studied SNPs (RAN rs14035 C>T and rs3803012 A>G) were included in the final meta-analysis, consisting of 7662 cases and 9807 controls. The results showed that the rs14035 polymorphism was linked to a decreased cancer risk in overall subjects and hospital-based (HB) subgroup, while the rs3803012 polymorphism conferred to an increased cancer risk in overall subjects and population-based (PB) subgroup. Our findings suggested that the two SNPs had the potential to be predictive biomarkers for cancer risk. The study would provide novel clues for the identification of miRNA-related genetic biomarkers applied to predicting cancer susceptibility.
Inclusion of Endogenous Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Mammographic Density in Risk Prediction Models for Breast Cancer
Authors: Gabrielson Marike , Ubhayasekera Kumari A. , Acharya Santosh R. , Franko Mikael Andersson , Eriksson Mikael , Bergquist Jonas , Czene Kamila , Hall Per
Published: January 2020

Background:

Endogenous hormones and mammographic density are risk factors for breast cancer. Joint analyses of the two may improve the ability to identify high-risk women.

Methods:

This study within the KARMA cohort included prediagnostic measures of plasma hormone levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate (DHEAS), and mammographic density in 629 cases and 1,223 controls, not using menopausal hormones. We evaluated the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) for risk of breast cancer by adding DHEA, DHEAS, and mammographic density to the Gail or Tyrer–Cuzick 5-year risk scores or the CAD2Y 2-year risk score.

Results:

DHEAS and percentage density were independently and positively associated with breast cancer risk (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively) for postmenopausal, but not premenopausal, women. No significant association was seen for DHEA. In postmenopausal women, those in the highest tertiles of both DHEAS and density were at greatest risk of breast cancer (OR, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–6.3) compared with the lowest tertiles. Adding DHEAS significantly improved the AUC for the Gail (+2.1 units, P = 0.008) and Tyrer–Cuzick (+1.3 units, P = 0.007) risk models. Adding DHEAS to the Gail and Tyrer–Cuzick models already including mammographic density further increased the AUC by 1.2 units (P = 0.006) and 0.4 units (P = 0.007), respectively, compared with only including density.

Conclusions:

DHEAS and mammographic density are independent risk factors for breast cancer and improve risk discrimination for postmenopausal breast cancer.

Impact:

Combining DHEAS and mammographic density could help identify women at high risk who may benefit from individualized breast cancer screening and/or preventive measures among postmenopausal women.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Dosing in the Intensive Care Unit: The Additive Effect of Renal Replacement Therapy in a Patient with Normal Kidney Function
Authors: Lonsdale Dagan Osborne , Lipman Jeffrey , Livermore Amelia , McWhinney Brett , Ungerer Jacobus P.J. , Roberts  Jason A.
Published: January 2020

Dosing of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in critical illness is difficult as β-lactam pharmacokinetics are altered by physiological changes and therapies initiated in the intensive care unit such as renal replacement therapy (RRT). Successful treatment relies on sustaining a free antibiotic concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration of the target pathogen (fT>MIC). We present a case of a patient treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (1.2 g for 8 h) for an aspiration pneumonia. Dosing in this case was complicated by the necessity for RRT to treat a drug overdose with carbamazepine, despite normal native renal function. Antibiotic concentrations taken at steady state revealed a clearance of 14.6 L/h and a low fT>MIC (<40%). Analysis of the urine drug concentration suggested that 48% of clearance was via the native kidneys. This case illustrates that careful consideration of antibiotic dose and frequency is required in critically ill patients receiving RRT and highlights the need for further research in this patient group. In future similar cases, we would consider a dose of 2.2 g 6- or 8-hourly with early therapeutic drug monitoring.