bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NanoSIMS measurements of sub‐micrometer particles using the local thresholding technique
Authors: Hao Jialong , Yang Wei , Huang Wenjuan , Xu Yuchen , Lin Yangting , Changela Hitesh
Published: December 2019

NanoSIMS has been the most widely used analytical technique for measuring the elemental and isotopic ratios of micrometer to sub‐micrometer particles, e.g., pre‐solar grains, soil particles, and fog‐helium aerosol particles. Automated sample stage movement combined with particle recognition algorithm is commonly used to improve analytical efficiency. However, due to the effect of sample topography or variation in ion yield rates, the global thresholding method used in previous studies has a low recognition rate. In order to improve the recognition rate, here we have developed a high‐efficiency sub‐micron particle recognition method. This method searches for the threshold that minimizes the intra‐class variance of the local domain (the radius of the local is set to 10 pixels). The central pixel of this circular ROI is then tested against the threshold found for this region. Presolar grains from the Qingzhen (EH3) meteorite and soil organic particles from Oxisol were analyzed. The analytical efficiency was improved by 120‐200% compared with the global thresholding algorithms. This method can be widely applied in automated studies of large numbers of micrometer to sub‐micrometer particles.
Effects of Hydrothermal Time on the Properties, Morphology and Photocatalytic Activity of Rose‐Like Microspheres ZnIn2S4
Authors: Fan Yingying , Tian Fei , Yang Ruijie , Zhong Jian , Tan Kai , Zhang Lingling , Fu Guohui , Zhu Rongshu
Published: December 2019

It is widely recognized that hydrothermal time has an important influence on the structure, optical properties and photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts. However, there are few reports concerning the effects of hydrothermal time on ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst. In this work, a series of ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts were prepared at different hydrothermal time (0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h). The effects of hydrothermal time on the crystallinity, absorbing property, specific surface area, total pore volume, grain size, morphology and photocatalytic activity of ZnIn2S4 were studied.
Enhanced Extraction of Bioactive Components of 3,29–Dibenzoylkarounidiol and Polysaccharides from Semen richonsanthis Using Subcritical Water Technology
Authors: Cheng Yan , Liu Wei , Gao Qianshan , Yu Shuai , Xue Fumin
Published: December 2019

The efficient and green extraction of oil– and water–soluble essences from natural products is a key step in producing bioactive compounds and value–added chemicals. Herein, two components with different polarities from Semen richonsanthis were extracted using static subcritical water extraction technology at different temperatures (80–160°C), extraction times (5.0–30.0 min), and water loadings (2.0–6.0 mL). The oil–soluble and water–soluble components were measured by HPLC and phenol–sulfuric acid method, respectively. The optimum conditions of 3,29–dibenzoylkarounidiol (0.102±0.004%) and polysaccharides (0.462 ±0.021%) were obtained at 130°C, 10 min and 4.0 mL water loading. Compared with ultrasonic and heating reflux extraction, the three extracts were assessed by antioxidant activity against 2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl and the cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells. Overall results showed that the activities of subcritical water extracts are more promising than the other extracts and can be safely applied to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Lastly, the morphological changes were evaluated by SEM which indicated subcritical water have a destructive effect on the cell wall.
Synthesis of Alkynyl Sulfones
Authors: Guerrero‐Robles Marco A. , Vilchis‐Reyes Miguel A. , Ramos‐Rivera Erika M. , Alvarado Cuauhtémoc
Published: December 2019

Alkynyl sulfones are organic structures of high synthetic interest, since they can react with nucleophiles by conjugated addition (Michael addition) or through anti‐Michael addition. Such interesting reactive properties make these compounds important intermediates in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules or naturally occurring products. Despite the use of alkynyl sulfones as starting materials (or intermediates), there was not a real interest in developing specific methodologies for their synthesis. Therefore, the synthesis of alkynyl sulfones remained unchanged for a long time. It was not until the 1970s that studies focused on the development of new synthetic routes began to emerge. This Mini Review presents the advances and the state of the art of the synthesis of alkynyl sulfones. Methodologies described in the manuscript are classified according to the starting materials and reagents used. Moreover, every class is arranged in chronological order.
Controlling Nanoscale Thermal Expansion of Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides by Alloy Engineering
Authors: Hu Xuan , Hemmat Zahra , Majidi Leily , Cavin John , Mishra Rohan , Salehi‐Khojin Amin , Ogut Serdar , Klie Robert F.
Published: December 2019

2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), graphene, and boron nitride, are seen as promising materials for future high power/high frequency electronics. However, the large difference in the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) between many of these 2D materials could impose a serious challenge for the design of monolayer‐material‐based nanodevices. To address this challenge, alloy engineering of TMDs is used to tailor their TECs. Here, in situ heating experiments in a scanning transmission electron microscope are combined with electron energy‐loss spectroscopy and first‐principles modeling of monolayer Mo1−xWxS2 with different alloying concentrations to determine the TEC. Significant changes in the TEC are seen as a function of chemical composition in Mo1−xWxS2, with the smallest TEC being reported for a configuration with the highest entropy. This study provides key insights into understanding the nanoscale phenomena that control TEC values of 2D materials.
Intrinsic Defect Limit to the Electrical Conductivity and a Two‐Step p‐Type Doping Strategy for Overcoming the Efficiency Bottleneck of Sb2S3‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Zenghua , Dai Chen-Min , Chen Shiyou
Published: December 2019

The photovoltaic efficiency increase in Sb2S3‐based solar cells has stagnated for 5 years since the highest efficiency of 7.5% was achieved in 2014. One important bottleneck is the high electrical resistivity of Sb2S3. The first‐principle calculations reveal that the high‐resistivity results from the compensation between the intrinsic donor VS and acceptors VSb, SbS, and SSb which have comparably high concentration (low formation energy). The compensation also limits the improvement of conductivity through direct extrinsic doping. Further calculations of O dopants show that OS has low formation energy, so the dominant intrinsic donor VS can be passivated by O and thus the p‐type doping limit imposed by VS can be overcome. Meanwhile, other p‐type limiting and recombination‐center donor defects can be suppressed under the S‐rich condition, which explains why the highest efficiency is achieved in O‐doped Sb2S3 after sulfurization. Given the unexpected beneficial effects of O doping and sulfurization, a two‐step doping strategy is proposed for overcoming the efficiency bottleneck: 1) use O to passivate the VS and S‐rich condition to suppress other detrimental defects, making p‐type doping feasible and minority carrier lifetime long; 2) introduce other p‐type dopants to increase hole carrier concentration.
Hippo‐Yap/Taz signaling: Complex network interactions and impact in epithelial cell behavior
Authors: van Soldt Benjamin J. , Cardoso Wellington V.
Published: December 2019

The Hippo pathway has emerged as a crucial integrator of signals in biological events from development to adulthood and in diseases. Although extensively studied in Drosophila and in cell cultures, major gaps of knowledge still remain on how this pathway functions in mammalian systems. The pathway consists of a growing number of components, including core kinases and adaptor proteins, which control the subcellular localization of the transcriptional co‐activators Yap and Taz through phosphorylation of serines at key sites. When localized to the nucleus, Yap/Taz interact with TEAD transcription factors to induce transcriptional programs of proliferation, stemness, and growth. In the cytoplasm, Yap/Taz interact with multiple pathways to regulate a variety of cellular functions or are targeted for degradation. The Hippo pathway receives cues from diverse intracellular and extracellular inputs, including growth factor and integrin signaling, polarity complexes, and cell–cell junctions. This review highlights the mechanisms of regulation of Yap/Taz nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and their implications for epithelial cell behavior using the lung as an intriguing example of this paradigm.

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms

Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Cytoplasmic Localization
Semi‐infinite moving crack in an orthotropic strip sandwiched between two identical half planes
Authors: Singh A. , Das S. , Altenbach H. , Craciun E.‐M.
Published: December 2019

The problem of semi‐infinite moving crack situated in a strip of a linear elastic orthotropic material sandwiched between two identical half planes has been considered. The assumed boundary value problem has been solved to convert it into the standard Wiener‐Hopf equation by using Fourier transform technique. Further the Wiener‐Hopf equation has been solved to obtain analytical expression for stress intensity factor and crack opening displacement at the tip of the crack for plane stress and plane strain cases. The effects of elastic material constants and propagation of the crack tip on stress intensity factor and crack opening displacement at the tip of crack have been displayed graphically for various particular cases for a combination of orthotropic materials.
Image Acquisition: Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Langer Steve G. , Carter Stephen J. , Haynor David R. , Maravella Kenneth R. , Mattes David , Strandness Eugene D. , Stewart Brent K.
Published: December 2019

As the transition toward total digital image acquisition continues, radiology is transcending the current standard of two‐dimensional (2‐D) cross‐sectional anatomic imaging to more complex models. Among these are three‐dimensional (3‐D) anatomic images, constructed either from a synthesis of traditional 2‐D data sets, or directly from volumetrically acquired data. However, current trends are moving beyond mere anatomic imaging to include physiological data once mainly obtained via nuclear medicine. Recent magnetic resonance pulse sequences, in addition to Doppler and harmonic ultrasound methods, are providing insight into blood flow, oxygenation,
and metabolite concentrations non‐invasively. Through image registration techniques, these data (even from differing modalities)
are being assembled into 2‐D and 3‐D "fusion" images that promise to revolutionize diagnosis. Furthermore, with improvements in miniaturization, reliability, speed, built‐in intelligence, and ease of use, these new developments are finding their way into use by nonspecialists. For instance, a new hand‐held ultrasound unit will likely become a common tool among emergency medical teams, military medical teams, and in NASA's manned space program. Portable computed tomography (CT) scanners are already being used in the operating room.
The increasing sophistication of imaging instruments will bring about a complementary increase in ease of use for both scanning and data interpretation, bringing diagnostic imaging and therapeutic capabilities closer to the patient, rather than the converse.
Computed Tomography, Angiography, and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Nonoperative Management of Hepatic and Splenic Trauma
Authors: Millán Miguel Angel Delgado , Deballon Pablo Ortega
Published: December 2019

There is a marked trend toward nonoperative management of abdominal trauma. This has been possible thanks to the advances in imaging and interventional techniques. In this work we review in which way computed tomography (CT) abdominal scans, angiography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP) can guide the nonoperative management of hepatic and splenic trauma. The CT abdominal scan with intravenous contrast is the
"departure imaging" of choice for the nonoperative management of hepatic and splenic trauma in the hemodynamically stable patient. It is the most accurate test for detecting, defining, and characterizing these injuries, the associated hemoperitoneum, and other abdominal abnormalities (the hollow viscus injuries missed on the CT scan were detected by clinical parameters and had no negative consequences in the outcome). It has an accuracy of more than 95% for these injuries, but CT grading alone cannot decide which patient can be treated conservatively and which patient requires surgery. Its usefulness for follow‐up seems challenging. Angiography can be therapeutic, thereby avoiding surgery (some report that angiography can be performed even in patients with active bleeding as damage control); if vessel injury,
active bleeding or hemobilia are suspected on the basis of a CT scan in a stable patient, angiography should be carried out. ERCP should be performed in patients with suspected injury to the biliary tree, even with normal iminodiacetic acid radionuclide scanning (HIDA) if symptoms persist. A biliary stent can be placed. Indications for angiography and ERCP remain unclear.
Barostat Examination of Proximal Site of the Anastomosis in Patients with Rectal Cancer after Low Anterior Resection
Authors: Mochiki Erito , Nakabayashi Toshihiro , Suzuki Hideki , Haga Norihiro , Fujita Kin‐ichi , Asao Takayuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: December 2019

Patients who have undergone low anterior resection (LAR) of the rectum for cancer show symptoms of urgency and frequency of defecation after meals. The cause of these symptoms is unclear. It was hypothesized that the functional disorder of the proximal site of the anastomosis after low anterior resection of the rectum often leads to the symptoms and that the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist reduces postprandial colonic contractions. The aim of this study was to assess colon contractions of the proximal site of the anastomosis and the effects of the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist on the contractions. We evaluated 37 patients who had undergone LARs, 17 with high stool frequency (more than four times per day) and 20 with normal stool frequency. In the first part of the study, basal tone, compliance of the proximal site of the anastomosis, and response to a meal (300
kcal) were recorded with a barostat in all patients. In the second part of the study the effects of the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist on contractions of the proximal site of the anastomosis after ingesting a meal was evaluated. Seven healthy controls were also studied for descending colonic tone with a barostat after a meal. Basal barostat balloon volumes showed only small variations in the two post‐LAR groups. Compliance of the proximal site of the anastomosis was similar in the two groups. Meal ingestion stimulated contractions of the proximal site of the anastomosis. In patients with high stool frequency the proximal site of the anastomosis contracted earlier than in those with normal stool frequency after a meal. The descending colonic tone of healthy controls did not change after a meal. The 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist inhibited postprandial contractions of the proximal site of the anastomosis after LAR. These observations lend support to the idea that gastrocolonic reflex increases in patients who have undergone LAR,
leading to high stool frequency. Furthermore, the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist may alleviate the symptoms of urgency and the frequency of defecation.
Comparison of Medial‐to‐lateral versus Traditional Lateral‐to‐medial Laparoscopic Dissection Sequences for Resection of Rectosigmoid Cancers: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Liang Jin‐Tung , Lai Hong‐Shiee , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Chang King‐Jen , Shieh Ming‐Jium , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Wang Shih‐Ming
Published: December 2019

Abstract

This study aimed to compare medial‐to‐lateral versus lateral‐to‐medial laparoscopic dissection sequences for resecting rectosigmoid cancers. We hypothesized that the medial‐to‐lateral approach was a more efficient procedure and with potentially better oncologic results. Between January 1997 and June 1999, a total of 67 patients of rectosigmoid cancer treated by one surgeon using the laparoscopic approach were recruited for this prospective, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial. Using the blocked randomization method, 36 patients were allocated to a medial‐to‐lateral (M) group and the other 31 to a lateral‐to‐medial (L) group; the groups were well matched in age, gender, symptoms, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class, tumor location, tumor distance above the anal verge, tumor gross morphology, TNM stage of the tumor, and accuracy of preoperative TNM staging (p > 0.05). All patients were followed up until June 2001. We found that the M group had a significantly shorter operating time and lower overall costs than the L group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between these two groups in terms of intraoperative complications, conversion rate, postoperative ileus, hospitalization, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, wound length, or disability (p > 0.05). The postoperative proinflammatory response, evaluated by the C‐reactive protein level and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, was significantly lower in the M group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between these two groups regarding postoperative immunosuppression, as evaluated by the alterations of total lymphocyte counts and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (p > 0.05). The extent of dissection of these two dissection approaches was similar, as the harvested lymph nodes were equivalent (p > 0.05). During the whole follow‐up period (median 32 months, range 24–54 months), the tumor recurrence rate was similar for these two groups of patients (5.6% in the M group vs. 6.5% in the L group; p > 0.05). These findings indicated that the medial‐to‐lateral approach was quicker, less expensive and possibly less invasive; moreover, it gave oncologic results similar to those achieved with the traditional lateral‐to‐medial dissection sequence. We thus concluded that the medial‐to‐lateral dissection sequence may currently be the most appropriate procedure for laparoscopic resection of rectosigmoid cancers.
Stapled and Open Hemorrhoidectomy: Randomized Controlled Trial of Early Results
Authors: Palimento Domenico , Picchio Marcello , Attanasio Ugo , Lombardi Assunta , Bambini Chiara , Renda Andrea
Published: December 2019

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the early results in 52 patients randomly allocated to undergo either stapled or open hemorrhoidectomy. Seventy‐four patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids were randomly allocated to undergo either stapled (37 patients) or open (37 patients) hemorrhoidectomy. Stapled hemorrhoidectomy was performed with the use of a circular stapling device. Open hemorrhoidectomy was accomplished according to the Milligan‐Morgan technique. Postoperative pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale (V.A.S.). Recovery evaluation included return to pain‐free defecation and normal activities. A 6‐month clinical follow‐up and a 17.5 (10 to 27)‐month median telephone follow‐up was obtained in all patients. Operation time for stapled hemorrhoidectomy was shorter (median 25 [range 15 to 49] minutes versus 30 [range 20 to 44] minutes, p = 0.041). Median (range) V.A.S. scores in the stapled group were significantly lower (V.A.S. score after 4 hours: 4 [2 to 6] versus 5 [2 to 8], p = 0.001; V.A.S. score after 24 hours: 3 [1 to 6] versus 5 [3 to 7], p = 0.000; V.A.S. score after first defecation: 5 [3 to 8] versus 7 [3 to 9], p = 0.000). Resumption of pain‐free defecation was significantly faster in the stapled group (10 [6 to 14] days vs 12 [9 to 19] days, p = 0.001). At follow‐up 4 weeks and 6 months postoperatively the median (range) symptom severity score was similar in both groups (1 [0 to 2] versus 0 [0 to 3], p = 0.150 and 0 [0 to 2] versus 0 [0 to 2], p = 0.731). At long‐term follow‐up occasional pain was present in 6/37 (16.2) patients in the stapled group and 7/37 (18.9%) in the Milligan‐Morgan group (p = 1.000); episodes of bleeding were reported by 8/37 (21.6%) patients in the stapled group and 5/37 (13.5%) patients in the Milligan‐Morgan group (p = 0.542). No problems related to continence and defecation were reported in either group. Patients were satisfied with the operation in 33/37 (89.2%) cases in the stapled group and 31/37 (83.8%) cases in the Milligan‐Morgan group (p = 0.735). Hemorrhoidectomy with a circular staple device is easy to perform and achieves better results than the Milligan‐Morgan technique in terms of postoperative pain and recovery. Comparable results are obtained at long‐term follow‐up.
Mind-wandering content differentially translates from lab to daily life and relates to subjective stress experience
Authors: Linz Roman , Pauly Reena , Smallwood Jonathan , Engert Veronika
Published: December 2019

Experience and thoughts that are unrelated to the external surroundings are pervasive features of human cognition. Research under the rubric of mind-wandering suggests that such internal experience is context-dependent, and that the content of ongoing thought differentially influences a range of associated outcomes. However, evidence on how the extent of mind-wandering and its content translate from the laboratory to daily life settings is scarce. Furthermore, the relationship between such patterns of thought with markers of stress in daily life remains underexplored. In the current study, we examined multiple aspects of mind-wandering of ninety-three healthy participants (47 women, 25.4 ± 3.9 years) in both the laboratory and daily life and explored two questions: (a) how are mind-wandering extent and content correlated across both settings, and (b) what are their relationships with subjective stress and salivary cortisol levels in daily life? Our results suggest that the extent of off-task thinking is not correlated across contexts, while features of content—i.e., social, future-directed and negative thought content—robustly translate. We also found that daily life subjective stress was linked to more on-task, negative, and future-directed thinking, suggesting stress was linked with the need to act on personally relevant goals. Based on these results we speculate that differences in the links between stress and ongoing thought in daily life may be one reason why patterns of thinking vary from lab to everyday life. More generally, these findings underline the need to consider both context and content in investigating mind-wandering and associated features of subjective experience, and call for caution in generalizing laboratory findings to participants’ daily lives.
Patronage, social proximity, and instrumentality in the mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo: the union elections explored
Authors: Geenen Kristien
Published: December 2019

This article examines which factors influenced the votes of the workers during union elections in the mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018. Although incumbent and challenging candidates recurred to lavish spending during the electoral campaign, this behavior had turned out hardly decisive on election day. Rather, workers voted for those candidates who had managed to become perceived as a patron. Patronage was acquired above all by improving the labor conditions and securing jobs. As such, workers voted following an evaluative rationale, although social proximity turned out an important factor as well. Regardless of these free elections and the secret ballot, however, the grip of the management upon the chosen union delegation remains very tight, both during and after the elections.
The determinants of university strategic positioning: a reappraisal of the organisation
Authors: Fumasoli Tatiana , Barbato Giovanni , Turri Matteo
Published: December 2019

This paper makes a contribution to the debate on university organisational actorhood by theorising the determinants of institutional strategic positioning. It argues that besides environmental forces and managerial rationality, the organisational dimension needs to be accounted for. Addressing the mixed empirical evidence in the relevant literature, we conceptualise the organisational dimension as a meso-level intervening variable mediating both external influences (outside-inside) and organisational action (inside-outside). We operationalise the organisational dimension along three components: organisational structure, identity and centrality, which are further elaborated in sub-components and indicators. A set of hypotheses to be tested in empirical research is provided. The paper offers new perspectives on the dynamics of change in higher education and on strategic agency of organisational actors.
The Impact of Iron Oxide Concentration on the Performance of Molten Oxide Electrolytes for the Production of Liquid Iron Metal
Authors: Wiencke Jan , Lavelaine Hervé , Panteix Pierre-Jean , Petitjean Carine , Rapin Christophe
Published: December 2019

The effect of iron oxide concentration on the conductive behavior of a molten oxide electrolyte has been investigated at 1823 K using stepped linear scan voltammetry. To maximize the current flow through the electrolyte the ohmic drop in the cell was minimized by shortening the electrode distance. The acquired current was then interpreted by means of an ohmic drop correction, taking into account the conductivity of the alumina-silicate electrolyte and the geometrical form factor of the cell. Via this methodology, a mass transfer limitation in dependence of the iron oxide concentration was identified. This mass transfer limitation vanishes above 7 wt pct of iron oxide where charge transfer starts to be limited solely by electrochemical reaction kinetics. In the analyzed range of concentration, an impact of iron oxide on electronic conduction was not measurable. In addition to these findings, the faradaic yield of the anode half-reaction was determined by the life-measure of O2-production. Hereby, a domain of an anodic yield close to 100 pct for various iron oxide concentrations was identified. Based on these findings, suitable conditions for the electrochemical production of liquid iron were determined.
Metabolic Impact of Body Fat Percentage Independent of Body Mass Index in Women with Obesity Remission After Gastric Bypass
Authors: Eriksson Hogling Daniel , Bäckdahl Jesper , Thorell Anders , Rydén Mikael , Andersson Daniel P.
Published: December 2019

Background/Objective

Body mass index (BMI) is central when evaluating treatment effect after gastric bypass. The metabolic impact of BMI-independent differences in body fat percentage (BF%) after gastric bypass is not fully understood. We compared metabolic and adipose tissue characteristics in women with high versus low BF% independent of BMI after obesity remission following gastric bypass.

Subjects/Methods

A cohort of 215 women was included at baseline. A total of 166 women were re-examined 2 years after gastric bypass, whereof 130 had obesity remission (BMI < 30 kg/m2). Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and lipids were measured. Total and regional body fat mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (Mvalue). Adipocyte size and number were determined.

Results

Of the 130 women with obesity remission, 64 had BF% ≥ 35 and 65 < 35. Independent of BMI, high BF% were associated with higher HOMA-IR (P = 0.021), lowerMvalue (P = 0.0046), higher triglycerides (P = 0.013), higher visceral/total and android/gynoid fat mass ratios (P = 0.0032 and 0.0003 respectively), and larger subcutaneous fat cell volume (P < 0.0001) 2 years after gastric bypass. No differences in anthropometric measures, glucose, blood pressure, or fat cell number were observed.

Conclusions

Independent of BMI, patients with higher BF% displayed lower insulin sensitivity, higher triglyceride levels, central fat distribution, and larger subcutaneous adipocytes 2 years after gastric bypass. Thus, determination of BF% provides additional information of metabolic characteristics at follow-up of non-obese patients after gastric bypass.
Data centres in future European energy systems—energy efficiency, integration and policy
Authors: Koronen Carolina , Åhman Max , Nilsson Lars J
Published: December 2019

End-use efficiency, demand response and coupling of different energy vectors are important aspects of future renewable energy systems. Growth in the number of data centres is leading to an increase in electricity demand and the emergence of a new electricity-intensive industry. Studies on data centres and energy use have so far focused mainly on energy efficiency. This paper contributes with an assessment of the potential for energy system integration of data centres via demand response and waste heat utilization, and with a review of EU policies relevant to this. Waste heat utilization is mainly an option for data centres that are close to district heating systems. Flexible electricity demand can be achieved through temporal and spatial scheduling of data centre operations. This could provide more than 10 GW of demand response in the European electricity system in 2030. Most data centres also have auxiliary power systems employing batteries and stand-by diesel generators, which could potentially be used in power system balancing. These potentials have received little attention so far and have not yet been considered in policies concerning energy or data centres. Policies are needed to capture the potential societal benefits of energy system integration of data centres. In the EU, such policies are in their nascent phase and mainly focused on energy efficiency through the voluntary Code of Conduct and criteria under the EU Ecodesign Directive. Some research and development in the field of energy efficiency and integration is also supported through the EU Horizon 2020 programme. Our analysis shows that there is considerable potential for demand response and energy system integration. This motivates greater efforts in developing future policies, policy coordination, and changes in regulation, taxation and electricity market design.
Giant salamander from the Miocene of the Mecsek mountains (Pécs-Danitzpuszta, southwestern Hungary)
Authors: Szentesi Zoltán , Sebe Krisztina , Szabó Márton
Published: December 2019

The Late Miocene fossil locality Pécs-Danitzpuszta (Mecsek Mts., Hungary) has yielded cranial and postcranial bones of giant salamanders. Based on taxonomical studies, these relatively well-preserved, isolated bones belong to the cryptobranchid speciesAndrias scheuchzeri. Whereas the species is well documented from Neogene of Central Europe, this is the first record of the genusAndriasfrom Hungary, representing the sole record of giant salamanders from the country. The fossils were found in Upper Miocene sands deposited in the brackish Lake Pannon, but their late Miocene age is uncertain, because they occur together with vertebrate remains reworked from older sediments. The mild and humid climate and the presence of freshwater wetlands on the mainland indicated by the fossil flora, the syn-depositional uplift of the mountains providing for a rugged topography, and the intense clastic sediment input into Lake Pannon indicative of a fluvial network on the Mecsek Island and of sufficient precipitation support that conditions were convenient for the giant salamanders in the early late Miocene. Together with three other late Miocene localities in Austria, the Pécs-Danitzpuszta site is the fourth Miocene occurrence ofAndriasin the Pannonian Basin System. It resembles the first three localities in lying at the foot of elevated terrain and in having freshwater input, conditions thought to be necessary for giant salamander habitats.
A novel polycaprolactone/carbon nanofiber composite as a conductive neural guidance channel: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Farzamfar Saeed , Salehi Majid , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Verdi Javad , Mansouri Korosh , Ai Arman , Malekshahi Ziba Veisi , Ai Jafar
Published: December 2019

The current study aimed to investigate the potential of carbon nanofibers to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The carbon nanofiber-imbedded scaffolds were produced from polycaprolactone and carbon nanofibers using thermally induced phase separation method. Electrospinning technique was utilized to fabricate polycaprolactone/collagen nanofibrous sheets. The incorporation of carbon nanofibers into polycaprolactone’s matrix significantly reduced its electrical resistance from 4.3 × 109 ± 0.34 × 109 Ω to 8.7 × 104 ± 1.2 × 104 Ω. Further in vitro studies showed that polycaprolactone/carbon nanofiber scaffolds had the porosity of 82.9 ± 3.7% and degradation rate of 1.84 ± 0.37% after 30 days and 3.58 ± 0.39% after 60 days. The fabricated scaffolds were favorable for PC-12 cells attachment and proliferation. Neural guidance channels were produced from the polycaprolactone/carbon nanofiber composites using water jet cutter machine then incorporated with PCL/collagen nanofibrous sheets. The composites were implanted into severed rat sciatic nerve. After 12 weeks, the results of histopathological examinations and functional analysis proved that conductive conduit out-performed the non-conductive type and induced no toxicity or immunogenic reactions, suggesting its potential applicability to treat peripheral nerve damage in the clinic.
Rational Design of Porous N-Ti3C2 MXene@CNT Microspheres for High Cycling Stability in Li–S Battery
Authors: Wang Jianli , Zhang Zhao , Yan Xufeng , Zhang Shunlong , Wu Zihao , Zhuang Zhihong , Han Wei-Qiang
Published: December 2019

Herein, N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres are successfully synthesized by the simple spray drying method. In the preparation process, HCl-treated melamine (HTM) is selected as the sources of carbon and nitrogen. It not only realizes in situ growth of CNTs on the surface of MXene nanosheets with the catalysis of Ni, but also introduces efficient N-doping in both MXene and CNTs. Within the microsphere, MXene nanosheets interconnect with CNTs to form porous and conductive network. In addition, N-doped MXene and CNTs can provide strong chemical immobilization for polysulfides and effectively entrap them within the porous microspheres. Above-mentioned merits enable N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres to be ideal sulfur host. When used in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery, the N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres/S cathode delivers initial specific capacity of 927 mAh g−1 at 1 C and retains high capacity of 775 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles with extremely low fading rate (FR) of 0.016% per cycle. Furthermore, the cathode still shows high cycling stability at high C-rate of 4 C (capacity of 647 mAh g−1 after 650 cycles, FR 0.027%) and high sulfur loading of 3 and 6 mg cm−2 for Li–S batteries.
Domain-Specific Inhibitory Control Training to Improve Children’s Learning of Counterintuitive Concepts in Mathematics and Science
Authors:   The UnLocke Team, Wilkinson Hannah R. , Smid Claire , Morris Su , Farran Emily K. , Dumontheil Iroise , Mayer Sveta , Tolmie Andrew , Bell Derek , Porayska-Pomsta Kaśka , Holmes Wayne , Mareschal Denis , Thomas Michael S. C.
Published: December 2019

Evidence from cognitive neuroscience suggests that learning counterintuitive concepts in mathematics and science requires inhibitory control (IC). This prevents interference from misleading perceptual cues and naïve theories children have built from their experiences of the world. Here, we (1) investigate associations between IC, counterintuitive reasoning, and academic achievement and (2) evaluate a classroom-based computerised intervention, called Stop & Think, designed to embed IC training within the learning domain (i.e. mathematics and science content from the school curricula). Cross-sectional analyses of data from 627 children in Years 3 and 5 (7- to 10-year-olds) demonstrated that IC, measured on a Stroop-like task, was associated with counterintuitive reasoning and mathematics and science achievement. A subsample (n = 456) participated either in Stop & Think as a whole-class activity (teacher-led, STT) or using individual computers (pupil-led, STP), or had teaching as usual (TAU). For Year 3 children (but not Year 5), Stop & Think led to better counterintuitive reasoning (i.e. near transfer) in STT (p < .001, ηp2 = .067) and STP (p < .01, ηp2 = .041) compared to TAU. Achievement data was not available for Year 3 STP or Year 5 STT. For Year 3, STT led to better science achievement (i.e. far transfer) compared to TAU (p < .05, ηp2 = .077). There was no transfer to the Stroop-like measure of IC. Overall, these findings support the idea that IC may contribute to counterintuitive reasoning and mathematics and science achievement. Further, we provide preliminary evidence of a domain-specific IC intervention with transferable benefits to academic achievement for Year 3 children.
Erratum zu: Wie verbindlich ist das Wissen vom Gene Editing? Ethische Reflexionen zu einem aktuellen Normierungsprozess
Authors:   The Publisher
Published: December 2019

Erratum zu:

ZEMO 2019

10.1007/s42048-019-00043-6

Der Artikel Wie verbindlich ist das Wissen vom Gene Editing? Ethische Reflexionen zu einem aktuellen Normierungsprozess von Stefanie Kiewitt-Straßburg wurde ursprünglich am 8. Oktober 2019 ohne „Open Access“ online auf der …
The Nurse's Tale: Other Worlds and Parallel Worlds in the Exposition of Euripides’Hypsipyle
Authors: Chong-Gossard James H. K. O.
Published: December 2019

This article analyses Euripides’ mythopoetics in what survives of the first quarter of his fragmentaryHypsipyle:prologue, parodos, and first episode. It examines Euripides’ innovation in joining two myths (the Seven Against Thebes and the story of Hypsipyle and the Argonauts) into one, and the representation of Hypsipyle herself. In her private moments, the thoughts that preoccupy her mind are focused on other-places and other-times, in vivid contrast to the naturalistically presented world of the present where, as a slave, she must interact with men. Euripides uses the language of serving (θɛραπɛύɛιν) and doing a ‘favour’ (χάρις), as well as the word ἐρῆμος (‘lonely,’ ‘deserted’) and homoeophonic language (e.g. Argo and Argos) to indicate that, in helping the Argives, Hypsipyle repeats typologically her hospitality to the Argonauts. There is a circularity in Hypsipyle's story that creates suspense, since by doing a favour for the Argive leader, she is reunited with the sons she bore to Argonauts’ leader, who themselves are sent to find her by their grandfather whom she saved; and by losing the infant in her care (Opheltes, later named Archemorus), she is reunited with her former infants. By the end of Hypsipyle's first conversation with Amphiaraus, Euripides has invented a theme of ‘parallel worlds’ that he will resolve at the play's end.
Generation of 100 nJ pulse, 1 W average power at from an intermode beating mode-locked all-fiber laser
Authors: Zhang Jiaji , Wu Duanduan , Zhao Ruwei , Wang Rongping , Dai Shixun
Published: December 2019

We report on the investigation of intermode beating mode-locked (IBML) pulse generation in a simple all-fiber Tm

$^{3+}$

-doped double clad fiber laser (TDFL). This IBML TDFL is implemented by matching longitudinal-mode frequency between 793 nm laser and TDFL without extra mode locker. The central wavelength of

${\sim}1983~\text{nm}$

, the fundamental pulse frequency of

${\sim}9.6~\text{MHz}$

and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of

${>}50~\text{dB}$

are achieved in this IBML TDFL. With laser cavity optimization, the IBML TDFL can finally generate an average output power of 1.03 W with corresponding pulse energy of

${\sim}107~\text{nJ}$

. These results can provide an easily accessible way to develop compact large-energy, high-power TDFLs.
Lörres, Möppes, and the Swiss. (Re)Discovering regional patterns in anonymous social media data
Authors: Purschke Christoph , Hovy Dirk
Published: December 2019

We study regional similarities and differences in language use on an anonymous mobile chat application in the German-speaking area. We use a neural network on 2.3 million online conversations to automatically learn representations of words and cities. These linguistic-use-based representations capture regional distinctions in a high-dimensional vector space that can be clustered and visualized to discover patterns in the data. We find that the resulting regional patterns are closely linked to the traditional division of German dialects, even though most of the conversations are written in standard German. The resulting maps correspond to traditional dialect divisions and language-external spatial structures, with a few notable exceptions that can be explained through external factors.

Our method also facilitates two qualitative analyses, allowing us to discover geographically-pertinent words for various regional levels, as well as creating regional group-specific style profiles based on various linguistic resources. The results of our study strongly suggest the existence of region-specific patterns of language use (“digital regiolects”) representing distinctive strategies of linguistic stylization in relation to linguistic resources and topics. As a methodological contribution, we show how linguistic theory can drive the application and direction of neural network-based representation learning, and how their judicious application provides the basis for qualitative analysis of large-scale data collections.
Can married or cohabiting women negotiate protective sex? Findings from Demographic and Health Surveys of two West African countries
Authors: Feyisetan Bamikale , Oyediran Kola A.
Published: December 2019

Can married or cohabitating women in patriarchal societies, who are often disproportionately affected by STI/HIV infections, negotiate protective sex when perceived necessary by refusing sex or asking for condom use during sex? Protective sex negotiation was examined through measures of power relations related to whether or not a woman has a say in sexual activities within marriage. The study hypothesis was that women who are more able to refuse sex or ask for condom use before sexual intercourse will be more able to discuss and reach agreement with their spouses on protective sex practices when needed. The study used data from DHS surveys conducted in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict women’s ability to negotiate protective sex in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria. The findings show that moderately high percentages of women in both countries reported the ability to negotiate protective sex, with a higher percentage reporting the ability to refuse sex compared with the ability to ask partners to use a condom. The logistic regression results showed that, in the two countries, women’s ability to refuse sex or ask their partners to use a condom, varied by gender- and power-mediating factors, women’s characteristics and behavioural factors. The study draws attention to the need to intensify efforts to promote more-egalitarian relationships between partners through culturally appropriate interventions.
A dual-systems perspective on temporal cognition: Implications for the role of emotion
Authors: Nuyens Filip M. , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: December 2019

This commentary explores how emotion fits in the dual-systems model of temporal cognition proposed by Hoerl & McCormack. The updating system would be affected by emotion via the attentional/arousal effect according to the attentional gate model. The reasoning system would be disrupted by emotion, especially for traumatic events. Time discrepancies described in the dual-systems model are also explained.
Thinking about thinking about time
Authors: Redshaw Jonathan , Bulley Adam , Suddendorf Thomas
Published: December 2019

Hoerl & McCormack (H&M) discuss the possible function of meta-representations in temporal cognition but ultimately take an agnostic stance. Here we outline the fundamental role that we believe meta-representations play. Because humans know that their representations of future events are just representations, they are in a position to compensate for the shortcomings of their own foresight and to prepare for multiple contingencies.
Dual systems for all: Higher-order, role-based relational reasoning as a uniquely derived feature of human cognition
Authors: Povinelli Daniel J. , Glorioso Gabrielle C. , Kuznar Shannon L. , Pavlic Mateja
Published: December 2019

Hoerl and McCormack demonstrate that although animals possess a sophisticated temporal updating system, there is no evidence that they also possess a temporal reasoning system. This important case study is directly related to the broader claim that although animals are manifestly capable of first-order (perceptually-based) relational reasoning, they lack the capacity for higher-order, role-based relational reasoning. We argue this distinction applies to all domains of cognition.
Temporal updating, behavioral learning, and the phenomenology of time-consciousness
Authors: Hayman Genevieve , Huebner Bryce
Published: December 2019

Hoerl & McCormack claim that the temporal updating system only represents the world as present. This generates puzzles regarding the phenomenology of temporal experience. We argue that recent models of reinforcement learning suggest that temporal updating must have a minimal temporal structure; and we suggest that this helps to clarify what it means to experience the world as temporally structured.
Locating the contradiction in our understanding of time
Authors: Prosser Simon
Published: December 2019

I offer some clarification concerning the kind of contradiction that Hoerl & McCormack's account could help explain and the scope of the metaphysical intuitions that could be explained by such a theory. I conclude that we need to know more about the sense in which the temporal reasoning system would represent time as a dimension.
Future-oriented objects
Authors: Goulding Brandon W. , Friedman Ori
Published: December 2019

Hoerl & McCormack suggest that saving tools does not require temporal reasoning. However, we identify a class of objects that are only possessed (i.e., saved) in anticipation of future needs. We propose that investigating these future-oriented objects may help identify temporal reasoning in populations where this ability is uncertain.
Modal dependent type theory and dependent right adjoints
Authors: Birkedal Lars , Clouston Ranald , Mannaa Bassel , Ejlers Møgelberg Rasmus , Pitts Andrew M. , Spitters Bas
Published: December 2019

In recent years, we have seen several new models of dependent type theory extended with some form of modal necessity operator, including nominal type theory, guarded and clocked type theory and spatial and cohesive type theory. In this paper, we study modal dependent type theory: dependent type theory with an operator satisfying (a dependent version of) the K axiom of modal logic. We investigate both semantics and syntax. For the semantics, we introduce categories with families with a dependent right adjoint (CwDRA) and show that the examples above can be presented as such. Indeed, we show that any category with finite limits and an adjunction of endofunctors give rise to a CwDRA via the local universe construction. For the syntax, we introduce a dependently typed extension of Fitch-style modal λ-calculus, show that it can be interpreted in any CwDRA, and build a term model. We extend the syntax and semantics with universes.