bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tubeufia sahyadriensis (Tubeufiaceae), a new dictyosporous anamorph from the Western Ghats, India

Authors: RAJESHKUMAR KUNHIRAMAN C. , HYDE KEVIN D. , WIJAYAWARDENE NALIN N. , MADRID HUGO , LAD SNEHA S. , BOONMEE SARANYAPHAT , FATIMA SHAHNOOR
Published: November 2019

An unusual anamorphic dictyosporous species, Tubeufia sahyadriensis, was collected on decaying Bambusa bambos litter in the Tamhini Ghats in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. This new species can be easily differentiated from allied Tubeufia species by its dark brownish to umber, maize corncob-like dictyoseptate conidia with reduced, simple cylindrical conidiogenous cells. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS, LSU and TEF1α sequence data delineated the new species within the genus Tubeufia under family Tubeufiaceae.
Black Corals (Anthozoa: Antipatharia) from the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: LIMA MANUELA M. , CORDEIRO RALF T. S. , PEREZ CARLOS D.
Published: November 2019

Black corals (Cnidaria: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia) occur in all oceans of the globe, especially at depths greater than 50 m. However, their richness is underestimated due to the scarcity of studies on this group, especially in deep waters. The south Atlantic is one of the most depauperate regions in terms of our knowledge of antipatharians. Herein, we report 34 antipatharian species for the Southwestern Atlantic. Additionally, based on the examination of museum specimens, three species are new records in the Atlantic (Parantipathes laricides; Stichopathes paucispina and S. spiessi); and 17 had their distribution expanded, representing six families (Antipathidae, Cladopathidae, Leiopathidae, Myriopathidae, Schizopathidae and Stylopathidae). Additionally, the richness, distribution and associations of antipatharians are briefly discussed. An artificial key to South Atlantic antipatharians is included.
External morphology of the immature stages of Runibia perspicua (Fabricius, 1798) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: BRANDÃO MARCELA NASCIMENTO , BRUGNERA RICARDO , GRAZIA JOCELIA
Published: November 2019

The study of immature stages in Pentatomidae contributes to the knowledge in several areas, mainly systematics, ecology and agriculture. In faunistic inventories, nymphs comprise a significant part of the specimens collected, which often cannot be identified due to lack of knowledge about the immature. Here, we describe the external morphology of eggs and nymphal stages of Runibia perspicua (Fabricius, 1798). The egg is barrel-shaped with the surface of chorium covered by spines, forming polygonal markings interconnected by sheets, similar as observed in some species of Carpocorini. In all the nymphal instars the abdomen is characterized by having rounded reddish spots and an orange/yellow longitudinal macula in the middle of each abdominal tergite, from abdominal segment II to VII. The first instar is the most distinctive, standing out mainly by the head and thorax totally brown. From the second instar the head and thorax acquire pale color with irregular brown spots. The labium presents significant variations in size along the ontogenetic development showing a non-isometric pattern, when compared to the total length of the body. Illustrations and photographs of all the immature stages and the detailed morphology of some structures in SEM are provided.
An integrative taxonomy of Vescelia pieli pieli species complex based on morphology, genes and songs from China (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae: Phaloriinae)
Authors: TIAN DI , SHEN CHU-ZE , CHEN LIN , CHEN GUANG-YU , ZHANG TAO , LI KAI , HE ZHU-QING
Published: November 2019

There are nine species or subspecies belonging to genus Vescelia Stål, 1877 in the world, with two species distributed in China, V. pieli pieli and V. liangi. During 2018–2019, Vescelia spp. from Hainan, Guangdong and Fujian were systematically investigated. Here, we described two new species, Vescelia dulcis He sp. nov. and V. pieli monotonia He subsp. nov. The new species are similar to V. pieli pieli in morphology except for minute differences in the genitalia. But phylogenetic reconstruction and differences in songs support the validity of the new species. The type specimens are deposited in Museum of Biology, East China Normal University (ECNU).
How should we treat autopolyploid and parthenogenetic animals taxonomically?
Authors: VOGT GÜNTER
Published: November 2019

Asexually reproducing and polyploid animals are unresolved problems of taxonomy and nomenclature. The present paper discusses this issue from a theoretical perspective and outlines how the problem was treated in the past. The autotriploid, obligately parthenogenetic marbled crayfish is used as an example to elaborate the conditions under which autopolyploids and parthenogens should be described as separate uniparental species.
Superconducting Properties of YBaCuO Bulk Superconductors
Authors: Lee Sang Heon
Published: November 2019

The use of a high-temperature superconductor to manufacture products for commercialization requires a superconductor with a flexible function designed to meet the characteristics of each product. Appropriate mechanical properties need to be maintained to overcome the Lorenz force generated
under high magnetic fields. Several studies focused on the improvement of superconductivity and the development of processing technology. However, high temperature superconductivity wires are not intended for large-scale applications at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K). Recently, ceramic
superconductors have been fabricated into bulk and thin films or wire rods for electric power applications; however, ceramics are hard to deform due to increased hardness, which is one of the biggest limitations of a superconductor, and a major obstacle to industrial applications. To overcome
these limitations, a synthetic method for superconductivity to reduce the hardness of ceramic superconductor and prevent its degradation was proposed for applications such as superconductivity power cables and wires in energy and electric machines using superconductors.
Sol–Gel Synthesis and Yellow Luminescent Properties of Zn2SiO4 :V Nanophosphor Materials
Authors: El Ghoul Jaber , All Naglaa Abdel
Published: November 2019

Pure Zn2SiO4 and Vanadium doped Zn2SiO4 green nanophosphor materials were synthesized using sol–gel method and thermally annealed at 1500 °C. The structural, morphology and optical properties were characterized using various techniques;
X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HTEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). XRD results shown β-Zn2SiO4 phase with triclinic structure
that obtained after the heat treatment of samples at 1500 °C. The PL spectrum of V-Zn2SiO4 shows an intensive emission band in the visible region centered at 526 nm. This band is related to presence of vanadium in the interfaces between Zn2SiO4
nanoparticles and the host matrix, SiO2. The interesting of these nanophosphors were attributed for its capability of showing color-tunable emissions in visible region under a single-wavelength excitation.
Temperature Controlled Synthesis of Ce–MnO2 Nanostructure: Promising Electrode Material for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Rajagopal Rajesh , Ryu Kwang-Sun
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to prepare Ce–MnO2 nanostructure composite as an electrode material for supercapacitor application. Ce–MnO2 nanostructure composite was synthesized by facile hydrothermal method at different temperatures. Structural details
of pure and Ce–MnO2 nanostructure composite were studied using powder X-ray diffraction technique. The formation of flower like structure and strong interaction with Ce and MnO2 were confirmed by field emission electron microscope technique. Their electrochemical
performances were elucidated by using cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Nearly rectangular shaped cyclic voltagram was observed for synthesized Ce–MnO2 nanostructure composite electrode, indicating the existence
of electric double layer capacitance nature. Ce–MnO2 (130) nanostructure composite exhibited high specific capacitance value of 147.25 F/g at applied current density of 1 A/g in 1 M Li2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, resistive and capacitive behaviors
of these electrodes were studied from Nyquist and bode diagrams within frequency range of 10 mHz to 100 kHz.
Intrinsic Tunneling Characteristics of Aryl Alkane Monolayers Sandwiched Between Single-Layer Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Lim Jungmoon , Ahn Gahyun , Jeong Inho , Song Hyunwook
Published: November 2019

In this study, we report on charge transport through aryl alkane monolayers sandwiched between single-layer graphene (SLG) electrodes. Raman spectroscopy identified the chemically grafting of aryl diazonium compounds onto bottom SLG electrodes. Current densities of three different aryl
alkane monolayers were exponentially deceased with a correct decay coefficient (β) as the length of a tunneling barrier increased. Transition voltage measurements for variable lengths of alkyl chains showed that the SLG/monolayer/SLG arrangement provides the formation of a valid
tunneling junction to observe intrinsic charge transport properties of the incorporated molecules. This study demonstrated the possible application of the SLG electrodes to the test beds of molecular junctions.
Crystallization Behavior and Optical Properties of Glass-Ceramics Containing Nano-Diopside Crystals
Authors: Kang Byeongguk , Kang Seunggu
Published: November 2019

Diopside is a ceramic material with excellent properties including a low dielectric constant, high thermal conductivity, low sintering temperature below 1000 °C, and high mechanical strength. It has been applied to wireless and optical communications, substrates for touch panels,
lenses for UV-LED, building materials, and so on. In this study, glass-ceramics containing nano-sized diopside crystals were fabricated, and their transmittance at visible light and photoluminescence were evaluated. In particular, TiO2 was added as a nucleating agent to suppress
the surface crystallization phenomenon and Mn was used as a dopant to emit red light. The glass-ceramics were prepared by heat treatment at a temperature lower than the maximum crystal growth temperature (TP) calculated from the non-isothermal analysis method using differential
thermal analysis (DTA) for the formation of nano-sized crystals. For glass containing 20 wt% of TiO2, the Avrami constant was calculated to be 2.23 and the activation energy required for crystal growth to be 549 kJ/mol, reflecting typical bulk crystallization behavior. Glass-ceramics
with high light transmittance up to 70% were obtained by inducing the bulk crystallization behavior, and the diopside crystal size was less than 10 nm, which was equal to or higher than that of commercialized transparent glass-ceramic products. Glass-ceramic specimens doped with Mn showed
luminescence of 736∼766 nm wavelength at excitation light of 365 nm wavelength. The emission peak intensity increased with the amount of dopant added, but gradually decreased with increasing crystallinity of the diopside phase.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of AA6061-T4 Composites Containing SiC and B4C Particles Fabricated by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Park Hyun-Joon , Ahn Byung-Wook , Kim Jae-Ha , Lee Jong-Gun , Jung Seung-Boo
Published: November 2019

AA6061-T4 composites containing SiC and B4C particles were fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP) with an SKD11 tool. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated with various test methods. With the inclusion of ceramic particles,
refined grains in the stir zone (SZ) were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and tunneling electron microscope (TEM). Because the ceramic particles facilitated grain refinement in the SZ via the pinning effect, the SZ with the particles had a much smaller grain size than the
SZ without the particles. Vickers hardness test, tensile test and Charpy impact test were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of the SZ with the ceramic particles were improved relative to those of the SZ without the particles. Vickers hardness (from 50 to
90 HV), tensile strength (from 117 to 253 MPa) and Charpy impact absorbed energy (from 4.2 to 5.6 J) of the SZ increased with the addition of ceramic particles.
A Synthetic Peptide AWRK6 Combined with Epigallocatechin Gallate Alleviates Type 2 Diabetes in Mice
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Qiuyu , Chen Zhenni , Duan Beibei , Jin Lili , Zhang Dianbao
Published: November 2019

The treatment of diabetes is facing severe challenges globally. Recent advances of peptide AWRK6 and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) indicated novel potential strategies against type 2 diabetes. Here, the combined administration of AWRK6 and EGCG was investigated in mice with type 2
diabetes. Compared with control group, the blood glucose was significant reduced and the body weight was inhibited. The dyslipidemia and damage of antioxidant capacity were found to be restored using biochemical analysis methods. For mechanisms, western blotting was applied and it was found
that PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was involved in the therapeutic effects of AWRK6 and EGCG. In summary, AWRK6 combined with EGCG could alleviate type 2 diabetes in mice. It presented a novel potential strategy against type 2 diabetes.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonically Assisted Brazing of Dissimilar Cu–Al Alloys
Authors: Dai Jun , Yu Banglong , Yang Li , Zhang Yaocheng , Liu Zili , Liu Po
Published: November 2019

An ultrasonic assisted brazing method, without flux and conducted in air, was developed to braze dissimilar copper-aluminum (Cu/Al) alloys. The microstructure and properties of Cu/Al joints of Sn–9Zn eutectic solder with different parameters were studied. The results show that
the Intermetallic Compound (IMC) of the Sn–9Zn/Cu interface is mainly composed of Cu5Zn8 and Cu6Sn5. According to first-principles calculations, the covalent bond formed by Cu and Zn atoms in Cu5Zn8 is weak, whereas the
covalent bond formed by Cu atoms and Sn atoms in Cu6Sn5 is strong. In the absence of ultrasonically assisted brazing, the shear performance of the joint at 220 °C is 21.8 MPa. At the same temperature, the performance of the joint with the ultrasonically bonded 10
s is 36.8 MPa, which represents an average increase of 68% compared to the non-ultrasonic welding joints.
Book review: Arie L. Molendijk, Friedrich Max Müller and the Sacred Books of the East
Authors: Thapar Romila
Published: November 2019

Arie L. Molendijk, Friedrich Max Müller and the Sacred Books of the East, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2016, 230 pp.
Not so right after all? Making sense of the progressive rhetoric of Europe’s far-right parties
Authors: Duina Francesco , Carson Dylan
Published: November 2019

Several newly successful far-right European populist parties have deviated from traditional conservative stances by embracing progressive values such as gender equality, gay rights, religious freedoms, and the provision of generous social services. With what logic have they articulated such a counterintuitive ideological mix? Scholarship on this question is still in its early phases and does not extend across countries and multiple parties. This article argues that the parties, when stating their resolute commitment to their nations or Western civilization more generally, have pitted the tolerance and inclusiveness of their societies against the threats of backward immigrants – especially Muslim ones. In this context, all citizens, regardless of specific personal characteristics, are described as worthy of support and protection. Underlying such logic are two deeper ideas: nationalism (with its principles of equality, secularism, and sovereignty for members of the community) and European superiority vis-a-vis other cultures. The rhetoric can vary subtly. Evidence comes from the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, the National Rally in France, and the Sweden Democrats in Sweden. In the conclusion, we reflect on the broader implications of the findings for the ideological and political landscapes of Europe.
Effects of a 3D-printed orthosis compared to a low-temperature thermoplastic plate orthosis on wrist flexor spasticity in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Yanan , Liu Gongliang , Yu Long , Wang Yanmin , Fang Yuan , Shen Yikang , Huang Xiuling , Qiao Lei , Yang Jianzhong , Zhang Ying , Hua Zikai
Published: November 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two kinds of wrist-hand orthosis on wrist flexor spasticity in chronic stroke patients.

Design:

This is a randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

The study was conducted in a rehabilitation center.

Participants:

A total of 40 chronic hemiparetic stroke patients with wrist flexor spasticity were involved in the study.

Interventions:

Patients were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (conventional rehabilitation therapy + 3D-printed orthosis, 20 patients) or a control group (conventional rehabilitation therapy + low-temperature thermoplastic plate orthosis, 20 patients). The time of wearing orthosis was about 4–8 hours per day for six weeks.

Main measures:

Primary outcome measure: Modified Ashworth Scale was assessed three times (at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks). Secondary outcome measures: passive range of motion, Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, visual analogue scale score, and the swelling score were assessed twice (at baseline and six weeks). The subjective feeling score was assessed at six weeks.

Results:

No significant difference was found between the two groups in the change of Modified Ashworth Scale scores at three weeks (15% versus 25%, P = 0.496). At six weeks, the Modified Ashworth Scale scores (65% versus 30%, P = 0.02), passive range of wrist extension ( P < 0.001), ulnar deviation ( P = 0.028), Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores ( P < 0.001), and swelling scores ( P < 0.001) showed significant changes between the experimental group and the control group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the change of visual analogue scale scores ( P = 0.637) and the subjective feeling scores ( P = 0.243).

Conclusion:

3D-printed orthosis showed greater changes than low-temperature thermoplastic plate orthosis in reducing spasticity and swelling, improving motor function of the wrist and passive range of wrist extension for stroke patients.
Similarity and diversity of spontaneous brain activity in functional dyspepsia subtypes
Authors: Qi Rongfeng , Shi Zhao , Weng Yifei , Yang Yulin , Zhou Yifei , Surento Wesley , Lu Guang Ming , Wang Fangyu , Zhang Long Jiang , Liu Chang
Published: November 2019

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) subtypes may differ in terms of pathophysiology, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Purpose

To explore spontaneous brain activity in two main FD subtypes, namely epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF).

Material and Methods

Thirty-one FD patients (18 EPS and 13 PDS) and 22 matched healthy controls (HC) underwent resting-state functional MRI scanning. Spontaneous brain activity was evaluated by measuring the ALFF and then compared among the EPS, PDS, and HC groups with ANOVA test. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the ALFF values and clinical indices.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, both EPS and PDS patients had increased ALFF in the bilateral precentral/postcentral gyri, insula, and thalami. Furthermore, only the EPS patients displayed increased ALFF in the right middle and inferior frontal gyri, and only the PDS patients showed increased ALFF in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The ALFF values in the left thalamus were positively correlated with the sleep disturbance in EPS patients, and the ALFF values in the right precentral/postcentral gyri showed a positive correlation with the symptom score in PDS patients.

Conclusion

EPS and PDS had similarities of higher spontaneous brain activity in the primary motor/sensory areas and homeostatic-afferent network regions, and differences in the prefrontal region and PCC, providing evidence to suggest the similarity and diversity of pathophysiology in FD subtypes.
Using vibration absorber to eliminate vibration for any mass in a harmonically excited chain of oscillators
Authors: Cha Philip D
Published: November 2019

Vibration absorber, which consists of a spring–mass combination, is an important engineering tool for suppressing excess vibration. It is very effective in reducing undesirable vibration of machinery, buildings, and other mechanical systems with relatively low cost. In most engineering texts, the concept of vibration absorber is introduced via an example whereby it is attached directly to a harmonically excited single-degree-of-freedom primary system. The parameters of the vibration absorber are tuned such that the vibration of the primary mass is eliminated. In this paper, the vibration absorber is attached to a primary structure consisting of a chain of N oscillators, where harmonic forces are applied to any number of masses in the given oscillator chain. A simple method is proposed to tune the parameters of the absorber such that vibration of any mass in the oscillator chain is completely suppressed. Two possible attachment configurations for the vibration absorber are studied, and the effects of varying the absorber parameters are also analyzed. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the tuning procedure and to validate the proposed method.
Activity Level Maintenance at Midterm Follow-up Among Active Patients Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Okoroafor Ugochi C. , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia , Schwabe Maria T. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Schoenecker Perry L. , Clohisy John C.
Published: November 2019

Background:

For active patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), returning to and maintaining a high level of activity postoperatively is a priority.

Purpose:

To evaluate the maintenance of activity levels at midterm follow-up in active patients treated with PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients who underwent PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia between June 2006 and August 2013 were identified by a retrospective review of our prospective longitudinal institutional Hip Preservation Database. All patients with a preoperative University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score of ≥7 and a potential minimum 5 years of follow-up were included in the study. Functional outcome measures were the UCLA score, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The maintenance of high activity levels was defined as a UCLA score of ≥7 at final follow-up. Radiographic parameters were measured. Statistical significance was defined as a P value <.05.

Results:

A total of 66 hips (58 patients) were included. The mean age was 25.3 years (range, 14-47 years), the mean body mass index was 23.9 kg/m2 (range, 19-32 kg/m2), and 72% were female. The mean follow-up was 6.8 years (range, 5-11 years). There were 67% of patients who maintained a UCLA score of ≥7. Patient-reported outcomes improved postoperatively from preoperatively for the mHHS (88 ± 14 vs 67 ± 17, respectively; P < .001) and WOMAC (89 ± 15 vs 73 ± 20, respectively; P < .001). The lateral center-edge angle, anterior center-edge angle, and acetabular inclination were significantly improved at final follow-up ( P < .001). Only 4 patients (7%) cited postoperative activity limitations as being caused by hip pain. There were no conversions to total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

The majority (67%) of active patients returned to preoperative or higher activity levels after PAO at midterm follow-up.
Influence of system parameters on buckling and frequency analysis of a spinning cantilever cylindrical 3D shell coupled with piezoelectric actuator
Authors: Shokrgozar Ali , Safarpour Hamed , Habibi Mostafa
Published: November 2019

In this research, buckling and vibrational characteristics of a spinning cylindrical moderately thick shell covered with piezoelectric actuator carrying spring-mass systems are performed. This structure rotates about axial direction and the formulations include the Coriolis and centrifugal effects. In addition, various cases of thermal (uniform, linear, and nonlinear) distributions are studied. The modeled cylindrical moderately thick shell covered with piezoelectric actuator, its equations of motion, and boundary conditions are derived by the Hamilton's principle and based on a moderately cylindrical thick shell theory. For the first time in the present study, attached mass-spring systems has been considered in the rotating cylindrical moderately thick shells covered with piezoelectric actuator. The accuracy of the presented model is verified with previous studies. The novelty of the current study is consideration of the applied voltage, rotation, various temperature distributions, and mass-spring systems implemented on proposed model using moderately cylindrical thick shell theory. Generalized differential quadrature method is examined to discretize the model and to approximate the governing equations. In this study, the simply supported conditions have been applied to edges [Formula: see text] and cantilever (clamped–free) boundary conditions has been studied in x = 0, L, respectively. Finally, the effects of the applied voltage, angular velocity, temperature changes, and spring-mass systems on the critical voltage, critical angular speed, critical temperature, and natural frequency of the structure are investigated.
Scale of time-averaging in archaeological shell middens from the Canary Islands
Authors: Parker Wesley G , Yanes Yurena , Mesa Hernández Eduardo , Hernández Marrero Juan Carlos , Pais Jorge , Surge Donna
Published: November 2019

Characterizing the degree of disturbance in archaeological deposits is critically important for archaeologists assessing foraging strategies, environmental conditions, or behavior patterns of ancient human groups. Qualitative techniques (e.g. micromorphology analysis) have previously been applied to assess the degree of disturbance (age-mixing) in archaeological sites; however, quantitative dating of material in the sites provides a more robust assessment of potential age-mixing. Unfortunately, because of budget constraints, archaeologists are frequently forced to rely on few quantitative age dates for an assemblage, thus obfuscating the signal of age-mixing of the deposit. The development of an affordable and rapid carbonate-target accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon (14C) dating method provides a cost-effective way to retrieve more quantitative dates from carbonate material in archaeological assemblages to assess the degree of age-mixing in the deposit. This study tests this new technique and dates numerous harvested marine limpet shells from archaeological sites in the Canary Islands to determine whether there is multidecadal to multicentennial age-mixing. A total of 58 shells retrieved from six sites and three islands yielded uncalibrated radiocarbon ages ranging from 2265 ± 40 to 765 ± 35 BP, coinciding with the time of prehistoric human occupation in these islands. While most shells from the same stratum showed statistically equivalent ages, in some cases we detected age ranges that exceeded the imprecisions from analytical errors. This investigation is one of the first to quantitatively illustrate that shells retrieved from depth intervals without evident stratigraphic disturbance do not always contain contemporaneous remains and, therefore, dating each specimen is valuable for developing further paleoclimatic and paleoanthropological inferences. This study presents the first report of carbonate-target 14C ages from archaeological shell middens, and suggests that this novel radiocarbon methodology can be applied to these sites, thus allowing the generation of a more comprehensive chronology.
Effect of aspirin response signature gene expression on preterm birth and preeclampsia among women with lupus: a pilot study
Authors: Eudy A M , Voora D , Myers R A , Clowse M E B
Published: November 2019

Background

Women with lupus have an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth, and aspirin 81 mg/day is recommended as a preventative measure for preeclampsia. This pilot study quantified the association between a 60-gene aspirin response signature (ARS) gene expression with preterm birth and preeclampsia risk among women with lupus taking aspirin.

Methods

The analysis included 48 RNA samples from 23 pregnancies in the Duke Autoimmunity Pregnancy Registry. RNA was isolated from peripheral blood, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for ARS genes. The primary outcome was poor pregnancy outcome (preeclampsia or preterm birth). Gene expression was modeled as a response to presence or absence of a poor pregnancy outcome using linear regression models, stratified by trimester.

Results

Of the 23 pregnancies, nine delivered preterm and four had preeclampsia. Expression of PBX1 and MMD was higher in the second trimester among patients who experienced a poor pregnancy outcome compared to those who did not. However, in a global test of all ARS genes, we identified no association between expression of ARS genes and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

Our pilot study identified two candidate genes that are reflective of the platelet function response to aspirin. Further work is needed to determine the role of these genes in identifying women with lupus at high risk for preeclampsia and preterm delivery despite aspirin therapy.
Pretreatment of Diabetic Adipose-derived Stem Cells with mitoTEMPO Reverses their Defective Proangiogenic Function in Diabetic Mice with Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Lian Kun , Wang Qin , Zhao Shuai , Yang Maosen , Chen Genrui , Chen Youhu , Li Congye , Gao Haokao , Li Chengxiang
Published: November 2019

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have the ability to migrate to injury sites and facilitate tissue repair by promoting angiogenesis. However, the therapeutic effect of ADSCs from patients with diabetes is impaired due to oxidative stress. Given that diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders and mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is possible that mitochondrial ROS plays an important role in the induction of diabetic ADSC (dADSC) dysfunction. ADSCs isolated from diabetic mice were treated with mitoTEMPO, a mitochondrial ROS scavenger, or TEMPO, a universal ROS scavenger, for three passages. The results showed that pretreatment with mitoTEMPO increased the proliferation, multidifferentiation potential, and the migration and proangiogenic capacities of dADSCs to levels similar to those of ADSCs from control mice, whereas pretreatment with TEMPO showed only minor effects. Mechanistically, mitoTEMPO pretreatment enhanced the mitochondrial antioxidant capacity of dADSCs, and knockdown of superoxide dismutase reduced the restored mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and attenuated the proangiogenic effects induced by mitoTEMPO pretreatment. In addition, mitoTEMPO pretreatment improved the survival of dADSCs in diabetic mice with critical limb ischemia, showing protective effects similar to those of control ADSCs. Pretreatment of dADSCs with mitoTEMPO decreased limb injury and improved angiogenesis in diabetic mice with critical limb ischemia. These findings suggested that short-term pretreatment of dADSCs with a mitochondrial ROS scavenger restored their normal functions, which may be an effective strategy for improving the therapeutic effects of ADSC-based therapies in patients with diabetes.
Effect of particle sizes on the mechanical behaviour of limestone-reinforced hybrid plastics
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy R
Published: November 2019

The present research has been made to investigate the characteristics of a new composite material made up of limestone as particle reinforcement. New composites are made by taking limestone particles in five different sizes and jute as woven reinforcement in polypropylene matrix. Mechanical characteristics of the composites that include strengths against tension, compression, flexural, impact and hardness are evaluated and a comparative investigation is made among the composites. The effect of particle size on the properties is analysed and found that the composite with medium particle size bears the highest strength in all aspects. In addition, microscopic image analysis is carried out to investigate the distribution of particles, bonding capacity and other morphologies. The results showed that limestone will be apt particle reinforcement and its presence enhances all the characteristics of the composite.
Career Adaptability and Social Support of Vocational Students Leaving Upper Secondary School
Authors: Hlad′o Petr , Kvasková Lucia , Ježek Stanislav , Hirschi Andreas , Macek Petr
Published: November 2019

This study used a sample of 3,028 vocational upper secondary Czech students to validate the measurement model of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale—Czech Form, assessing concern, control, curiosity, and confidence as the psychosocial resources for managing occupational transitions, developmental tasks, and work traumas. We moreover examined the associations of parental psychosocial support, parental instrumental support (action), teacher support, and peer support with the four components of career adaptability. As expected, social support provided by significant others was positively associated with career adaptability. Diverse sources of social support related differently to various career adaptability components. Career concern and confidence were associated simultaneously with parental psychosocial support, teacher support, and peer support while control was associated only with the parental and friend support and curiosity was associated with the social support from teachers and friends. Moreover, parental instrumental support did not show any significant link to career adaptability components.
An integrated method based on refined composite multivariate hierarchical permutation entropy and random forest and its application in rotating machinery
Authors: Wang Xianzhi , Si Shubin , Li Yongbo , Du Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2019

Fault feature extraction of rotating machinery is crucial and challenging due to its nonlinear and nonstationary characteristics. In order to resolve this difficulty, a quality nonlinear fault feature extraction method is required. Hierarchical permutation entropy has been proven to be a promising nonlinear feature extraction method for fault diagnosis of rotating machinery. Compared with multiscale permutation entropy, hierarchical permutation entropy considers the fault information hidden in both high frequency and low frequency components. However, hierarchical permutation entropy still has some shortcomings, such as poor statistical stability for short time series and inability of analyzing multichannel signals. To address such disadvantages, this paper proposes a new entropy method, called refined composite multivariate hierarchical permutation entropy. Refined composite multivariate hierarchical permutation entropy can extract rich fault information hidden in multichannel signals synchronously. Based on refined composite multivariate hierarchical permutation entropy and random forest, a novel fault diagnosis framework is proposed in this paper. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated using experimental and simulated signals. The results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms multivariate multiscale fuzzy entropy, refined composite multivariate multiscale fuzzy entropy, multivariate multiscale sample entropy, multivariate multiscale permutation entropy, multivariate hierarchical permutation entropy, and composite multivariate hierarchical permutation entropy in recognizing the different faults of rotating machinery.
Does Land Use Matter? Understanding Homicide Counts Beyond the Effects of Social Disorganization
Authors: Inlow Alana R.
Published: November 2019

This study assesses the relationship between land use, measured as percent zoning designation per square kilometer in a census tract, and homicide counts in Portland, Oregon, while controlling for other neighborhood characteristics. Negative binomial models are implemented to account for the overdispersed homicide count indicator. Results suggest that some land use variables—specifically, mixed-use residential (positive association) and single-family residential (negative association)—have significant predictive value for homicide counts beyond neighborhood characteristics and socioeconomic variables deemed important by criminological theory and research.
Evaluation of the choroidal features in pachychoroid spectrum diseases by optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Değirmenci Mehmet Fatih Kağan , Batıoğlu Figen , Özmert Emin
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate choroidal area, stroma/lumen ratio, choriocapillaris vessel density, and choriocapillaris flow area in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study analyzed enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography scans of 142 eyes of 92 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy. The choroidal area and stroma/lumen ratio were measured by binarization of enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography images. Choriocapillaris vessel density and choriocapillaris flow area were measured at the choriocapillaris level by manual segmentation of optical coherence tomography angiography scans.

Results:

The mean stroma/lumen ratio results were 0.361, 0.345, and 0.354 in central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy groups, respectively ( p > 0.05). The mean whole image choriocapillaris vessel density in uncomplicated pachychoroid group was higher compared with central serous chorioretinopathy and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy groups ( p < 0.0001). The mean foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal choriocapillaris vessel densities were lower in central serous chorioretinopathy group than in uncomplicated pachychoroid group ( p < 0.0001). The mean choriocapillaris flow area was lower in central serous chorioretinopathy group than in uncomplicated pachychoroid and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy groups ( p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that both choroidal vessels and stroma are equally involved in central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy. The choriocapillaris segment seems to be more affected in central serous chorioretinopathy compared to uncomplicated pachychoroid and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy. However, the reduced optical coherence tomography angiography signal in central serous chorioretinopathy group could be due to shadowing artifact or choriocapillaris hypoperfusion and further studies with higher quality imaging tools are needed.
Can inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation improve health-related quality of life in MS patients on the long term – The Danish MS Hospitals Rehabilitation Study
Authors: Boesen Finn , Nørgaard Michael , Skjerbæk Anders Guldhammer , Rasmussen Peter Vestergaard , Petersen Thor , Løvendahl Brita , Trénel Philipp
Published: November 2019

Background:

Inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR) can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, the evidence of a long-term benefit is limited.

Objectives:

To investigate the long-term effectiveness of inpatient MDR on HRQoL in MS patients.

Methods:

We conducted a randomized controlled partial crossover trial with 427 MS patients.

Results:

Statistical significant long-term improvements in HRQoL were found in three of the six outcome measures at 12-month follow-up. Three in four suggested minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were unmet.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that the administration of inpatient MDR may lead to long-lasting improvements in HRQoL in MS patients.
Action observation training promotes motor improvement and modulates functional network dynamic connectivity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cordani Claudio , Valsasina Paola , Preziosa Paolo , Meani Alessandro , Filippi Massimo , Rocca Maria A
Published: November 2019

We investigated modifications of resting state dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) following a 2-week action observation training (AOT) in 46 right-handed healthy controls (HC) and 41 patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and dominant-hand motor impairment, who were randomized to AOT or control (C) training. PwMS had decreased baseline dFNC versus HC. After training, MS groups improved in right upper limb functions, mainly in AOT, and showed dFNC increase (larger in MS-AOT vs MS-C) in sensorimotor and cognitive networks ( p range, ⩽0.001–0.01). Both HC groups showed decreased dFNC over time ( p range, ⩽0.001–0.01). Clinical improvements following interventions correlated with sensorimotor and cognitive dFNC changes, suggesting their possible role in motor recovery.
Value, Bodily Capital, and Gender Inequality after Death
Authors: Penfold-Mounce Ruth
Published: November 2019

This article examines dead celebrities’ posthumous careers and considers how gendered inequalities around possession, value, and bodily capital are produced and consumed even after death. The concept of capital plays a significant role in studies of culture, usually in relation to individual possession and personal, social, and material advantage. ‘Bodily capital’ sheds particular light upon the different ways bodies can possess value and how the generation of value is unequally distributed for men and women. Through an analysis of the Forbes Magazine Top Dead Earning Celebrities List (2001–2018), the inequality of value between men and women generated from bodily capital is examined. This article extends the intellectual agenda of sociological research on gendered inequality in bodily capital through dead celebrity posthumous careers. It reveals how, why, and when value is generated unequally with celebrity women’s bodily capital becoming a symbolic resource for others to generate profit. Furthermore, it speculates upon the prospect of a revolution in the ownership and value of gendered bodily capital among dead celebrities and predicts a future shift for women’s bodily capital and value after death.
Takotsubo syndrome: voices to be heard
Authors: Curragh Caron , Rein Melanie , Green Gill
Published: November 2019

This paper is written from the perspective of patients who have been diagnosed with takotsubo syndrome. It seeks to understand why these patients may feel dissatisfied with the care they receive. We consider four factors: (a) takotsubo syndrome is a relatively new condition and the knowledge base about treatment is limited and not widely disseminated among clinicians; (b) the age and gender profile of the patient group; (c) the implications of the categorisation of takotsubo syndrome as ‘broken heart syndrome’ and the over-emphasis of it as a ‘psychosomatic’ condition; (d) concern that patients with takotsubo syndrome might be labelled as over-emotional, especially if they do not recover quickly. We argue that these factors contribute to patients with takotsubo syndrome feeling poorly served.
Development of a device for 3D surface reconstruction of thermal shrinkage of flame-resistant fabrics
Authors: Deng Meng , Wang Yunyi
Published: November 2019

Thermal shrinkage of flame-retardant fabrics under high temperature exposure would result in the change of air layer under clothing, which can affect the thermal protective performance of clothing. This paper introduces a new image-based device to characterize the thermal shrinkage of the fabrics. The device was aimed to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) surface morphology of fabrics based on grayscale images. The imaging collecting system was designed to obtain the grayscale images of thermal-shrinkage fabrics. Then, MATLAB programming of the 3D reconstruction algorithm based on photometric stereo was developed. A comparison of the results of the 3D reconstruction method with the 3D scanning method showed that the 3D reconstruction method was practical and repeatable. The research provides a simple and effective method to characterize the 3D morphology of thermal-shrinkage fabrics, which will help in the quantification of thermal shrinkage of fabrics and the prediction of the thermal protective performance of clothing.
Preparation and characterization of flame-retarded polyamide 6 fibers with hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene
Authors: Gao Libin , Wu Xing , Di Youbo , Zhao Zhou , Wang Wei , Yin Xuan
Published: November 2019

The aim of this work was to develop flame-retarded polyamide 6 fibers using the hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPCP) as a flame retardant by melt spinning. The influence of HPCP on the spinning process was investigated. HPCP caused a lower melting point and a higher crystallinity of polyamide 6 chips. The melt spinning temperature of the polyamide 6/HPCP composite fibers was less than the pure polyamide 6 fibers and the achievable draw ratio was determined. Structural and morphological characterization of the melt-spun fibers demonstrated good dispersion of HPCP additive. The introduction of HPCP did not change the crystal configuration of fibers in which the γ-crystal phase was predominant. The loss of mechanical properties of polyamide 6 fibers was mitigated by HPCP. The thermal behavior and flame retardancy of the polyamide 6/HPCP composite fibers was also enhanced effectively.
Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation Improves Motor Function in Rats With Chemically Induced Parkinsonism
Authors: Zhong Hui , Zhu Chunni , Minegishi Yoshihiko , Richter Franziska , Zdunowski Sharon , Roy Roland R. , Vissel Bryce , Gad Parag , Gerasimenko Yury , Chesselet Marie-Francoise , Edgerton V. Reggie
Published: November 2019

Background. Epidural stimulation of the spinal cord can reorganize and change the excitability of the neural circuitry to facilitate stepping in rats with a complete spinal cord injury. Parkinson’s disease results in abnormal supraspinal signals from the brain to the spinal cord that affect the functional capacity of the spinal networks. Objective. The objective was to determine whether epidural stimulation (electrical enabling motor control, eEmc) of the lumbosacral spinal cord can reorganize the spinal networks to facilitate hindlimb stepping of rats with parkinsonism. Methods. A unilateral 6-OHDA (6-hydroxydopamine) lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway was used to induce parkinsonism. Sham rats (N = 4) were injected in the same region with 0.1% of ascorbic acid. Stimulation electrodes were implanted epidurally at the L2 and S1 (N = 5) or L2 (N = 5) spinal levels. Results. The 6-OHDA rats showed severe parkinsonism in cylinder and adjusting step tests and were unable to initiate stepping when placed in a running wheel and dragged their toes on the affected side during treadmill stepping. During eEmc, the 6-OHDA rats initiated stepping in the running wheel and demonstrated improved stepping quality. Conclusion. Stepping was facilitated in rats with parkinsonism with spinal cord stimulation. The underlying assumption is that the normal functional capacity of spinal networks is affected by supraspinal pathology associated with Parkinson’s disease, which either generates insufficient or abnormal descending input to spinal networks and that eEmc can appropriately modulate spinal and supraspinal networks to improve the motor deficits.