bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of trauma exposure to heart rate variability during wake and sleep in midlife women
Authors: Thurston Rebecca C. , Carson Mary Y. , Koenen Karestan C. , Chang Yuefang , Matthews Karen A. , von Känel Roland , Jennings J. Richard
Published: December 2019

Traumatic experiences are common and linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet the mechanisms underlying these relationships is less well understood. Few studies have examined trauma exposure and its relation to autonomic influence over cardiac function, a potential pathway linking trauma exposure to CVD risk. Investigating autonomic influence over cardiac function during both wake and sleep is critical, given particular links of sleep autonomic function to cardiovascular health. Among midlife women, we tested whether trauma exposure would be related to lower high frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV), an index of vagal influence over cardiac function, during wake and sleep. Three hundred and one nonsmoking midlife women completed physical measures, a 24‐hr electrocardiogram, actigraphy sleep measurement, and questionnaires about trauma (Brief Trauma Questionnaire), childhood abuse (Child Trauma Questionnaire [CTQ]), mood, demographics, and medical/psychiatric history. Relations between trauma and HF‐HRV were assessed in linear mixed effects models adjusting for covariates (age, race, education, body mass index, blood pressure, psychiatric history, medication use, sleep, mood, childhood abuse history). Results indicated that most women had experienced trauma. Any trauma exposure as well as a greater number of traumatic experiences were associated with lower HF‐HRV during wake and particularly during sleep. Relations were not accounted for by covariates. Among midlife women, trauma exposure was related to lower HF‐HRV during wake and sleep. Trauma may have an important impact on vagal influence over the heart, particularly during sleep. Decreased vagal influence over cardiac function may be a key mechanism by which trauma is associated with CVD risk.
Prevalence and severity of groin problems in Spanish football: A prospective study beyond the time‐loss approach
Authors: Esteve Ernest , Clausen Mikkel Bek , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Vicens‐Bordas Jordi , Casals Martí , Palahí‐Alcàcer Albert , Hölmich Per , Thorborg Kristian
Published: December 2019

The time‐loss definition of injury is commonly adopted in epidemiological groin‐injury studies in football, with a significant risk of underestimating the impact of these injuries. This study investigated the extent of groin problems, beyond the time‐loss approach, over a full Spanish football season. Players from 17 amateur male teams were followed over 39 consecutive weeks. Groin‐injury time loss and self‐reported groin pain, irrespective of time loss, were combined to calculate the average weekly prevalence of all groin problems with or without time loss. A subscale measuring hip‐ and groin‐related sporting function from the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score questionnaire (HAGOS, Sport/Rec) was registered every 4 weeks. In total, 407 players participated in the study. The average (range) weekly prevalence of all groin problems was 11.7% (7.2%‐20.8%); 1.3% with time loss (0.0%‐3.2%) and 10.4% without time loss (6.3%‐17.6%). Players with groin problems reported lower scores (mean difference) on the HAGOS, Sport/Rec subscale compared with players without (−19.5 [95% CI: −20.7 to −18.4]), while there was no difference between players reporting groin problems with and without time loss (4.0 [95% CI: −1.1 to 9.1]). The traditional time‐loss measure only captured 10% of all groin problems. Hip‐ and groin‐related sporting function was not different between players reporting groin problems with or without time loss, suggesting the reason for continuing to play is not only related to the severity of symptoms. These findings question the judicious use of the time‐loss approach in overuse conditions, such as groin pain in footballers.
Ros‐NET: A deep convolutional neural network for automatic identification of rosacea lesions
Authors: Binol Hamidullah , Plotner Alisha , Sopkovich Jennifer , Kaffenberger Benjamin , Niazi Muhammad Khalid Khan , Gurcan Metin N.
Published: December 2019

Background

Rosacea is one of the most common cutaneous disorder characterized primarily by facial flushing, erythema, papules, pustules, telangiectases, and nasal swelling. Diagnosis of rosacea is principally done by a physical examination and a consistent patient history. However, qualitative human assessment is often subjective and suffers from a relatively high intra‐ and inter‐observer variability in evaluating patient outcomes.

Materials and Methods

To overcome these problems, we propose a quantitative and reproducible computer‐aided diagnosis system, Ros‐NET, which integrates information from different image scales and resolutions in order to identify rosacea lesions. This involves adaption of Inception‐ResNet‐v2 and ResNet‐101 to extract rosacea features from facial images. Additionally, we propose to refine the detection results by means of facial‐landmarks–based zones (ie, anthropometric landmarks) as regions of interest (ROI), which focus on typical areas of rosacea occurrence on a face.

Results

Using a leave‐one‐patient‐out cross‐validation scheme, the weighted average Dice coefficients, in percentages, across all patients (N = 41) with 256 × 256 image patches are 89.8 ± 2.6% and 87.8 ± 2.4% with Inception‐ResNet‐v2 and ResNet‐101, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings from this study support that pre‐trained networks trained via transfer learning can be beneficial in identifying rosacea lesions. Our future work will involve expanding the work to a larger database of cases with varying degrees of disease characteristics.
Optimal Control of the Cascaded Kainji-Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station Based on Conjugate Gradient
Authors: Ogunbiyi Olalekan , Thomas Cornelius T. , Omeiza Isaac O. A. , Akanni Jimoh , Olufeagba Benjamin J.
Published: December 2019

Electricity supply in Nigeria has been far below the estimated demand and the installed capacity of the plants. Hence, there has been continuous research on improving the performance of the existing plants, but the government mainly focuses on increasing the installed capacity. This paper presents the determination of the optimal release of water to maximize the energy generation potential of the cascaded Kainji-Jebba hydroelectric power station in Nigeria. The problem was formulated as an optimal control problem with an objective of minimizing the deviation of the head of the Jebba reservoir within a set limit. A conjugate gradient algorithm was then used as a direct solution to the optimal control problem. The computed control law and the resulting state trajectories of 2% error affirm the solution to be genuine and reliable. The algorithm is recommended for use in the design of a real-time optimal controller for the system and a decision guide for the operators.
Wireless Network On-Chips History-Based Traffic Prediction for Token Flow Control and Allocation
Authors: Fasiku Ayodeji Ireti , Nadzir Bin Marsono Muhammad , Numan Paulson Eberechukwu , Lit Asrani , Rusli Shahrizal
Published: December 2019

Wireless network-on-chip (WiNoC) uses a wireless backbone on top of the traditional wired-based NoC which demonstrated high scalability. WiNoC introduces long-range single-hop link connecting distanced core and high bandwidth radio frequency interconnects that reduces multi-hop communication in conventional wired-based NoC. However, to ensure full benefits of WiNoC technology, there is a need for fair and efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) mechanism to enhance communication in the wireless Network-on-Chip. To adapt to the varying traffic demands from the applications running on a multicore environment, MAC mechanisms should dynamically adjust the transmission slots of the wireless interfaces (WIs), to ensure efficient utilization of the wireless medium in a WiNoC. This work presents a prediction model that improves MAC mechanism to predict the traffic demand of the WIs and respond accordingly by adjusting transmission slots of the WIs. This research aims to reduce token waiting time and inefficient decision making for radio hub-to-hub communication and congestion-aware routing in WiNoC to enhance end to end latency. Through system level simulation, we will show that the dynamic MAC using an History-based prediction mechanism can significantly improve the performance of a WiNoC in terms of latency and network throughput compared to the state-of-the-art dynamic MAC mechanisms.
Protection Coordination of Distribution Network with Optimally Placed Distribution Generation
Authors: Okorie Patrick , Kunya Abdullahi , Jibril Yusuf , Abubakar Adam
Published: December 2019

In this study, optimal distribution network protection coordination scheme with directional over current relays is developed. In addition, impact of optimally placed Distribution Generation (DG) on the protection coordination scheme is subsequently evaluated using relay Coordination Time Interval (CTI). As such, the study is carried out in two stages. In the first stage, optimal relays settings (time dial settings and pickup current) are determined. While in the second stage, the maximum DG penetration level with changes in the protection coordination is evaluated. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, due to its faster convergence speed, is applied in both stages. The technique is implemented on the distribution section of the IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 30-bus systems and simulated in MATLAB. The simulation results obtained are compared with that obtained using hybrid Genetic Algorithm (GS) – Nonlinear Programming (NP) approach using relays pickup current and operating times as performance metrics. For the IEEE 14 bus system, the developed PSO-based relay coordination has reduced the relays pickup current and operating times by roughly 28% and 32% respectively compared with the hybrid GA-NLP technique. The optimal locations of the DGs are found to be bus 5, 8 and 12 which result in CTI of 0.233sec. While in the IEEE 30 bus system, the developed relay coordination has reduced the relays pickup current and operating times by roughly 31% and 34% respectively compared with the hybrid GA-NLP technique. Similarly, the optimal locations and sizes of the DGs are found to be bus 19, 26 and 30, which result in CTI of 0.462sec.
Parametric Resonances of a Three-Blade-Rotor System With Reference to Wind Turbines
Authors: Acar Gizem D. , Acar Mustafa A. , Feeny Brian F.
Published: December 2019

Coupled blade-hub dynamics of a coupled three-blade-rotor system with parametric stiffness, which is similar to a horizontal-axis wind turbine, is studied. Blade equations have parametric and direct excitation terms due to gravity and are coupled through the hub equation. For a single degree-of-freedom blade model with only in-plane transverse vibrations, the reduced-order model shows parametric resonances. A small parameter is established for large blades, which enables us to treat the effect of blade motion as a perturbation on the rotor motion. The rotor speed is not constant, and the cyclic variations cannot be expressed as explicit functions of time. Therefore, it is more convenient to use the rotor angle as the independent variable. By expressing the system dynamics in the rotor angle domain and assuming small variations in rotor speed, the blade equations are decoupled from the rotor equation. The interdependent blade equations constitute a three-degree-of-freedom system with periodic parametric and direct excitation. The response is analyzed by using a first-order method of multiple scales (MMS). The system has a superharmonic and a subharmonic resonances due to direct and parametric effects introduced by gravity. Amplitude-frequency relations and stabilities of these resonances are studied. The MMS solutions are compared with numerical simulations for verification.
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Local Resonance Phenomena in 3D-Printed Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Roca D. , Pàmies T. , Cante J. , Lloberas-Valls O. , Oliver J.
Published: December 2019

The so-called locally resonant acoustic metamaterials (LRAMs) are a new kind of artificially engineered materials capable of attenuating acoustic waves. As the name suggests, this phenomenon occurs in the vicinity of internal frequencies of the material structure and can give rise to acoustic bandgaps. One possible way to achieve this is by considering periodic arrangements of a certain topology (unit cell), smaller in size than the characteristic wavelength. In this context, a computational model based on a homogenization framework has been developed from which one can obtain the aforementioned resonance frequencies for a given LRAM unit cell design in the sub-wavelength regime, which is suitable for low-frequency applications. Aiming at validating both the proposed numerical model and the local resonance phenomena responsible for the attenuation capabilities of such materials, a 3D-printed prototype consisting of a plate with a well selected LRAM unit cell design has been built and its acoustic response to normal incident waves in the range between 500 and 2000 Hz has been tested in an impedance tube. The results demonstrate the attenuating capabilities of the proposed design in the targeted frequency range for normal incident sound pressure waves and also establish the proposed formulation as the fundamental base for the computational design of 3D-printed LRAM-based structures.
A Spatial and Temporal Harmonic Balance Method for Obtaining Periodic Solutions of a Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation With a Linear Complex Boundary Condition
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Zhu Weidong
Published: December 2019

A spatial and temporal harmonic balance (STHB) method is demonstrated in this work by solving periodic solutions of a nonlinear string equation with a linear complex boundary condition, and stability analysis of the solutions is conducted by using the Hill’s method. In the STHB method, sine functions are used as basis functions in the space coordinate of the solutions, so that the spatial harmonic balance procedure can be implemented by the fast discrete sine transform. A trial function of a solution is formed by truncated sine functions and an additional function to satisfy the boundary conditions. In order to use sine functions as test functions, the method derives a relationship between the additional coordinate associated with the additional function and generalized coordinates associated with the sine functions. An analytical method to derive the Jacobian matrix of the harmonic balanced residual is also developed, and the matrix can be used in the Newton method to solve periodic solutions. The STHB procedures and analytical derivation of the Jacobian matrix make solutions of the nonlinear string equation with the linear spring boundary condition efficient and easy to be implemented by computer programs. The relationship between the Jacobian matrix and the system matrix of linearized ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that are associated with the governing partial differential equation is also developed, so that one can directly use the Hill’s method to analyze the stability of the periodic solutions without deriving the linearized ODEs. The frequency-response curve of the periodic solutions is obtained and their stability is examined.
Subsection NG—Core Support Structures
Authors: Keck David
Published: December 2019

This chapter provides commentary and some practical examples on the materials, design, fabrication, installation, and examination requirements for core support structures (CSS) in pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors in Section III, Division 1, Subsection NG of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. It begins with background information on the development of Subsection NG and the definition of CSS, internal structures (IS), and threaded structural fasteners (TSF). The chapter then outlines the jurisdictional boundaries between CSS and reactor pressure vessels and the unique service loadings for reactor internals. The chapter details the material requirements in NG-2000; describes the examples of typical materials used in CSS, IS, and TSF; and discusses the salient subarticles of NG-3000 with regards to the design intent. Guidance is provided on specifying load combinations for the various service loadings and on development of the Owner’s Design Specification and Code Design Report. The chapter lists the requirements for fabrication and installation, including forming, fitting, and aligning; examining and repairing welds; and heat treatment and mechanical joining. The differences between NG-5000 and NB-5000 in the context of examination and repair during manufacture are also summarized. In addition, the chapter outlines requirements for hot functional testing for reactor terminals and the environmental effects that can lead to premature failures in CSS and IS. It also summarizes some notable Code Cases applicable to Subsection NG as well as some notable interpretations that apply to Subsection NG, most of which are related to materials, inspection procedures, and documentation. Finally, the chapter discusses the current and future issues and recommendations associated with Subsection NG in the design and manufacture of CSS and IS.

History

John T. Land was the author of this chapter for the original, second, and third ediYons. This chapter was revised and updated in the 4th and 5th editions by Richard O. Vollmer, and then revised by David Keck in the current online edition.
Containments for Transportation and Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Material and Waste
Authors: Morton D. Keith , Lewis D. Wayne , Solovey Garrick J.
Published: December 2019

This chapter reflects the 2015 Edition of Section III, Division 3 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code. Division 3 covers all “construction” aspects of the containment of nuclear transportation packagings, including administrative requirements, material selection, material qualification, design, fabrication, examination, inspection, testing, quality assurance, and documentation. The current scope for Division 3 includes the containments for both transportation and storage and the internal support structures for both containments. The chapter first traces the history of the ASME Subgroup NUPACK, and outlines the scope and requirements of Division 3. It then discusses the system of loading classification and the design rules based on these loadings. Division 3 loadings include Design Loadings (Design Pressure, Design Temperature, and Design Mechanical Loadings), Operating Loadings (normal, off-normal, and accident), and Test Loadings (from pressure and leak tests). The chapter also provides a brief review of the ASME stress evaluations and the associated stress acceptance criteria. Code text organization of Division 3 is then considered. The ASME BPV Code Section III, Division 3 is currently divided into three subsections: WA, General Requirements; WB, Class TC Containments; and WC, Class SC Storage Containments. Discussions also include the incorporation of strain-based acceptance criteria, and the current activities in Division 3 such as the development of new subsection WD addressing internal support structures. The chapter concludes with a summary of suggested enhancements for the future in the scope for Division 3.

History

John D. Stevenson authored the original chapter and updated the second edition. The third edition was entirely rewritten with a new title and updated by D. Keith Morton and D. Wayne Lewis who also updated the the fourth and fifth editions. The current online edition has been updated by Garrick J. Solovey and D. Wayne Lewis.
ASME Section IV: Rules for the Construction of Heating Boilers
Authors: Smith Clayton T.
Published: December 2019

This chapter presents the rules of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, Section IV, constituting the minimum requirements for the safe design, construction, installation, and inspection of low-pressure steam boilers and hot-water Boilers (which are directly fired with oil, gas, electricity, or other solid or liquid fuels). It is divided into five parts and two sub-parts including several appendices. Part HG addresses the material requirements, design, pressure-relieving devices, tests, inspection, stamping, instruments, fittings and controls, and the installation of low-pressure steam-heating boilers, hot-water-heating boilers, hot-water-supply boilers, and the boilers’ appurtenances. Part HF, dealing with requirements for heating boilers constructed of wrought materials, has two sub-parts: HW and HB. The requirements of HW are applicable to heating boilers and their parts fabricated by welding. HB addresses the requirements for steam-heating boilers, hot-water-heating boilers, hot-water-supply boilers, and the boilers’ fabrication by brazing. The requirements of Part HC apply to steam-heating boilers, hot water-heating boilers, and hot-water-supply boilers and their parts, which are fabricated primarily of cast iron. The requirements of Part HA apply to hot water boilers constructed primarily of cast aluminum. Part HLW addresses the requirements for water heaters in commercial or industrial settings for supplying potable water at pressures not exceeding 160 psig (1100 kPa) and temperatures not exceeding 210°F (99°C). For each part, general requirements, material specifications, design parameters and calculations, fabrication requirements, and information on testing, inspection, and stamping are given. Appendices contained in this chapter include methods of checking safety valve and safety relief valve capacity; examples of methods of calculating a welded ring reinforced furnace; examples of methods of computation of openings in boiler shells; glossary; and two examples of manufacturer’s data report forms.
Nondestructive Examination (NDE)
Authors: Batey Jon E. , Hembree G. Wayne
Published: December 2019

This chapter provides users of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section V, Nondestructive Examination (NDE), an insight into the significant Section V requirements, the NDE methods addressed therein, and the applicability of the ASME Code NDE methodology to Section V and other sections of the ASME book. It explains when and how to use the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standards. The chapter traces the history of Section V and outlines its organization. It highlights the need for users to understand the relationship of Section V to other ASME Code sections to ensure that all contract requirements are satisfied. Section V is divided into two basic subsections. Subsection A contains Articles 1 through 19, including Mandatory and Nonmandatory appendices that address general requirements, test methods, and specific Code requirements. Subsection B contains the ASTM Standards (Articles 22 through 31 with Mandatory Appendix II – Standard Units Used in Equations and Nonmandatory Appendix A, Guidance for the Use of U.S. Customary and SI Units in the ASME). The chapter covers each of the 19 articles, including the various NDE techniques such as radiographic examination, ultrasonic examination for welds and materials, liquid penetrant examination, magnetic particle examination, eddy current examination, visual examination, and leak testing. Additional NDE techniques discussed in the chapter are acoustic emission examination for fiber-reinforced plastic vessels and metallic vessels, acoustic emission monitoring of pressure boundary components, alternating current field measurement, magnetic flux leakage examination, remote field testing examination, acoustic pulse reflectometry examination, and guide wave examination for pipe testing. Eddy current array examination methodology is being considered for incorporation into Section V.
Section XI: Rules for Inservice Inspection and Tests of Nuclear Power Plant Components
Authors: Swayne Richard W.
Published: December 2019

This chapter discusses the general requirements of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code that are applicable to all Code Classes of components, including steel vessels, piping, pumps, and valves, as well as concrete structures. It identifies applicability limits of Section XI, addresses interfaces with any applicable regulatory requirements, and explains the use of Code Editions and Addenda and Code Cases. The chapter describes periodic nondestructive examination (NDE) and pressure testing used to ensure the integrity of components (other than containment vessels) within the scope of the Code’s jurisdiction. The requirements of NDE are specified, ranging from personnel qualification to the overall conduct of the examinations, as are the types of NDE required, including sample expansion, and the frequency of examinations required, such as from the detection of defects. Periodic pressure testing and pressure tests following repair/replacement activities are addressed. The chapter also addresses the responsibilities and Quality Assurance Program requirements of the different entities involved in the examination and testing of a nuclear power plant. It analyzes controversial issues and topics of current concern, including the applicability of recent United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Generic Letters and Information Notices and describes the ways in which the reader can use recent Section XI revisions to his or her advantage. The chapter references some published ASME interpretations to explain how the Code requirements can be applied to commonly encountered problems. It contains information on risk-informed inservice inspection and reliability integrity management programs for non-light-water reactors. The chapter presents a note on a new Section XI, Division 2, concerning high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, which is anticipated to be published in 2019.
Description of Rules of Section XII Transport Tank Code
Authors: Rana Mahendra D. , Staniszewski Stanley , Xu Kang
Published: December 2019

This chapter presents a broad overview of Section XII Transport Tank Code, which provides rules for construction and continued service of pressure vessels used in the transportation of dangerous goods via highway, rail, or water. It begins with an overview of the scope and general requirements of the Code including rules on pressure relief devices, stamping, marking certification, reports, and records. The scope of the Code applies to pressure vessels 450 L and above, including additional components and criteria addressed in Modal Appendices that are to be used along with applicable regulations and laws. The Modal Appendix covers Categories 406, 407, 412, 331, and 338 cargo tanks permanently mounted on trucks or wheels used for transporting hazardous materials over public roads. The sections on materials and design rules cover design conditions and allowable stresses, design temperatures, design and allowable working pressures, the design of formed heads, and external pressure design. The coverage also includes information on flat heads and covers, openings and reinforcements, the design of welded joints, and articles covering portable cryogenic tanks including materials and design. The rules for fatigue design are also given in the article covering portable cryogenic tanks. The sections on fabrication, inspection, and testing provide information on general requirements for tanks fabricated by welding; the responsibilities and duties for inspection of transport tanks while being manufactured and for continued service; requirements for nondestructive examination; and rules for transport tanks after they leave the manufacturing facility and are in use by the carriers of hazardous materials.

History

Stephen V. Voorhees was the co-author of this chapter for the first edition.

The second-fourth editions were updated by Mahendra D. Rana and Stanley Staniszewski. Mahendra D. Rana, Stanley Staniszewski and Kang Xu updated the fifth edition and the current online edition.
Subsection NCA—General Requirements for Division 1 and Division 2
Authors: Lambin Jason , Swayne Richard W.
Published: December 2019

Subsection NCA provides the general requirements for both Divisions 1 and 2 of Section III. It is applicable to all Classes of construction, covering steel vessels, storage tanks, piping, pumps, valves, core support structures, and concrete containment vessels. This chapter identifies how to classify components and how the jurisdictional boundaries of Section III define what is within and outside the scope of the Code. It discusses the use of Code Editions, Addenda, and Code Cases, and the requirements for Design Basis, Design and Construction Specifications, and Design Reports. The chapter addresses the responsibilities and Quality Assurance Program requirements of the different entities involved in constructing a nuclear power plant, from the manufacturer of materials to the Owner. Requirements for ASME accreditation, application of the ASME Code Symbol Stamp, and use of Code Data Reports are also described. The chapter then outlines the basis for exemptions, load combinations, responsibilities of the different entities involved in nuclear power plant construction, Certificate of Authorization Holders, and Quality System Certificate Holders. Finally, it provides cross-referencing to other Code Sections and Subsections, such as Sections III and XI, as well as to pertinent Regulatory Guides, such as the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.

History

The current online edition has been updated by Jason Lambin and reviewed by Kyle Blan.
Colombian Former Refugees as Volunteers: Reframing Patron-Client Relations and Exchange Practices
Authors: Merino Ortiz Andrea
Published: December 2019

This article explores issues of social exchange amongst Colombian former refugees who do voluntary work for each other in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The complex dynamics enacted by those Colombians who consider themselves to be volunteers show how refugees reframe their cultural practices of exchange during settlement. They do so by negotiating the meaning and idioms of giving; in utilising the cultural narratives of resettlement – in this case, the language of voluntariado (volunteering) – former refugees deploy traditional structures of exchange, whilst simultaneously modifying their significance to fit their social milieu. This article uses two frameworks related to exchange practices: the Maussian notion of the gift and patron-client structures. It argues that Colombians’ voluntariado is embedded in intricate systems of generosity and reciprocity that follow particular types of power imbalances and significantly resemble patron-client relations. Overall, Colombians’ clientelistic notions of morality, loyalty, and friendship are fundamental to how they build sociality during settlement and are deeply important to how they understand themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world.
Nanoscale etching of perovskite oxides for field effect transistor applications
Authors: Cheng Junao , Yang Hao , Wang Caiyu , Combs Nick , Freeze Chris , Shoron Omor , Wu Wangzhou , Kalarickal Nidhin Kurian , Chandrasekar Hareesh , Stemmer Susanne , Rajan Siddharth , Lu Wu
Published: December 2019

The etching of epitaxially grown perovskite oxide BaSnO3 (BSO) and BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films is studied using Cl-based (BCl3/Ar) and F-based (CF4/Ar) plasma chemistries in an inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) system for the development of field effect transistors (FETs). It is found that the BCl3/Ar process has a time-independent and a higher etch rate and creates a smooth etched surface, while the etch rate of BSO and BTO in CF4/Ar plasma decreases with the etching time duration. For the BCl3/Ar etching process, the etch rate increases with both ion density and ion energy, suggesting the combination of chemical plasma etching and physical ion sputtering mechanisms. Using the Cl-based etching process, BaSnO3 and BaTiO3 heterojunction FETs are developed. The devices with a gate length of 1.5 μm have a saturation current density of 287.6 mA/mm, a maximum transconductance of gm = 91.3 mS/mm, an FET mobility of 45.3 cm2/V s, and a threshold voltage of −1.75 V. The etching processes developed in this work will enable further development of perovskite oxide heterostructure electronic devices.
Temperature dependent dielectric function and direct bandgap of Ge
Authors: Emminger Carola , Abadizaman Farzin , Samarasingha Nuwanjula S. , Tiwald Thomas E. , Zollner Stefan
Published: December 2019

The dielectric function of bulk Ge is determined between 0.5 and 6.3 eV in a temperature range of 10–738 K using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The authors provide the data in a tabulated format that can be interpolated as a function of photon energy and temperature using commercial software. Another focus of this paper lies on the analysis of critical points, in particular, on the investigation of the temperature dependence of the direct bandgap E0 and the critical point E0+Δ0, where Δ0 is the spin–orbit splitting. To explore the temperature dependence of critical points, the parameters that characterize their line shapes are calculated using three different techniques. First, the common method of numerically calculating and analyzing the second derivatives of the dielectric function works well for critical points at higher energies. Second, an analysis in reciprocal space by performing a discrete Fourier transform and analyzing the resulting Fourier coefficients yields values for the energies of E0 and E0+Δ0. Third, the energy determined from a parametric semiconductor model is shown as a function of temperature. The authors observe a temperature dependent redshift of the E0 and E0+Δ0 critical point energies as well as an increase in the broadening of E0 with temperature.
Ultrasensitive broadband infrared 4 × 4 Mueller-matrix ellipsometry for studies of depolarizing and anisotropic thin films
Authors: Furchner Andreas , Kratz Christoph , Ogieglo Wojciech , Pinnau Ingo , Rappich Jörg , Hinrichs Karsten
Published: December 2019

The authors present a second-generation broadband 4×4 Mueller-matrix (MM) ellipsometer for ultrasensitive infrared-spectroscopic (8000−800cm−1) studies of complex nanometer-thin films. In a modular design, the instrument employs retractable achromatic retarders and various sets of tandem polarizers. Using high-transmittance free-standing wire-grid polarizers, the device reaches an unparalleled precision of up to 5⋅10−5 in the important fingerprint region, even for block-offdiagonal MM elements. Broadband and signal-to-noise optimized access to the full 4×4 MM provides in-depth information on the sample’s polarimetric properties and opens the door for detailed explorations of depolarizing and anisotropic materials. The authors discuss examples of highly depolarizing nonuniform polyimide membranes, uniaxial-to-biaxial anisotropy changes in ultrathin polymer films, and azimuthal off-axis effects in 2D-structured silica arrays. Diverse optical modeling approaches based upon anisotropic layer stacks and rigorous coupled-wave analysis are used to quantify the optical, structural, and chemical properties of the sample.
Effective structural chirality of beetle cuticle determined from transmission Mueller matrices using the Tellegen constitutive relations
Authors: Arwin Hans , Magnusson Roger , Järrendahl Kenneth , Schoeche Stefan
Published: December 2019

Several beetle species in the Scarabaeoidea superfamily reflect left-handed polarized light due to a circular Bragg structure in their cuticle. The right-handed polarized light is transmitted. The objective here is to evaluate cuticle chiral properties in an effective medium approach using transmission Mueller matrices assuming the cuticle to be a bianisotropic continuum. Both differential decomposition and nonlinear regression were used in the spectral range of 500–1690 nm. The former method provides the sample cumulated birefringence and dichroic optical properties and is model-free but requires a homogeneous sample. The materials chirality is deduced from the circular birefringence and circular dichroic spectra obtained. The regression method requires dispersion models for the optical functions but can also be used in more complex structures including multilayered and graded media. It delivers the material properties in terms of model functions of materials’ permittivity and chirality. The two methods show excellent agreement for the complex-valued chirality spectrum of the cuticle.
XAI—Explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Gunning David , Stefik Mark , Choi Jaesik , Miller Timothy , Stumpf Simone , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: December 2019

Explainability is essential for users to effectively understand, trust, and manage powerful artificial intelligence applications.
Distinguishing friend from foe
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2019

Toxin-stimulated immune signaling helps neonatal mice distinguish between harmless skin colonizers and potential pathogens.
A Subcutaneous Implant of Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Causes Local Inflammation and Tissue Necrosis in Rabbits and Macaques
Authors: Su Jonathan T. , Simpson Solange M. , Sung Samuel , Tfaily Ewa Bryndza , Veazey Ronald , Marzinke Mark , Qiu Jiang , Watrous David , Widanapathirana Lakmini , Pearson Elizabeth , Peet M. Melissa , Karunakaran Dipu , Grasperge Brooke , Dobek Georgina , Cain Charlette M. , Hope Thomas , Kiser Patrick F.
Published: December 2019

We describe the
in vitro
and
in vivo
evaluation of a subcutaneous reservoir implant delivering tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate (TAF) for the prevention of HIV infection. These long-acting reservoir implants were able to deliver antiretroviral drug for over 90 days
in vitro
and
in vivo
. We evaluated the implants for implantation site histopathology and pharmacokinetics in plasma and tissues for up to 12 weeks in New Zealand White rabbit and rhesus macaque models.
Expression of Murine CD80 by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 in Place of Latency-Associated Transcript (LAT) Can Compensate for Latency Reactivation and Anti-apoptotic Functions of LAT
Authors: Jaggi Ujjaldeep , Matundan Harry H. , Tormanen Kati , Wang Shaohui , Yu Jack , Mott Kevin R. , Ghiasi Homayon
Published: December 2019

Recurring ocular infections caused by HSV-1 can cause corneal scarring and blindness. A major function of the HSV-1 latency-associated transcript (LAT) is to establish high levels of latency and reactivation, thus contributing to the development of eye disease. Here, we show that the host CD80 T cell costimulatory molecule functions similarly to LAT and can restore the ability of LAT to establish latency, reactivation, and immune exhaustion as well as induce the expression of caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, and Bcl2. Our results suggest that, in contrast to several other previously tested genes, CD80-expressing virus can completely compensate for all known and tested LAT functions.
Criteria for undernutrition screening in hospitalised infants under 6 months: a diagnostic accuracy study in a resource-poor setting
Authors: Ezeofor Ifeyinwa Obiageli , Garcia Ada Lizbeth , Wright Charlotte Margaret
Published: December 2019

Purpose

We aimed to describe the prevalence of undernutrition in hospitalised infants aged under 6 months and test the utility of simple index measures to detect undernutrition.

Design

Diagnostic accuracy study: weight, length, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured in infants aged 2 weeks to 6 months admitted to a Teaching Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. Index criteria: low (<−2SD) weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ), weight-for-length Z-scores (WLZ); MUAC <11 cm. Reference definition: weight faltering (conditional weight gain below fifth percentile for healthy Nigerian infants) or sum of skinfolds (SSF) <10 mm.

Results

Of 125 hospitalised infants, only 5% (6) were admitted specifically for undernutrition, but low SSF were found in 33% (41) and, 24% (25) with known birth weight had weight faltering, giving an undernutrition prevalence of 36%. Low WAZ was the most discriminating predictor of undernutrition (sensitivity 69%, positive predictive value 86%, likelihood ratio 5.5; area under receiver operator curves 0.90) followed by MUAC (73%, 73%, 4.9; 0.86), while WLZ performed least well (49%, 67%, 2.9; 0.84). Where both MUAC and WAZ were low, there was sensitivity 90%, positive predictive value 82% and likelihood ratio 8.7.

Conclusions

Infants aged under 6 months admitted to hospital in Nigeria had a high prevalence of undernutrition. In young, high-risk population, a low WAZ alone was a valuable screening criterion, while combining weight with MUAC gave even higher discrimination. Measurement of length to calculate WLZ was a less useful predictor in this population.
Late ventricular standstill following an elective TAVI
Authors: Wheen Peter , Armstrong Richard , Maree Andrew , O'Connor Stephen
Published: December 2019

Transcatheter aortic valve implantations (TAVIs) may be complicated by a need for permanent pacemaker implantation post procedure, usually due to local trauma or compression on the conduction system. There are some features that might help predict that a patient is high risk for developing conduction disease following TAVI, for example, underlying right bundle branch block or use of certain types of TAVI. It might also become apparent during the procedure, or before temporary wire removal post procedure. Higher risk patients may undergo rhythm monitoring for longer periods post TAVI. We present a case where a patient required an unexpected emergency pacemaker following a TAVI, despite low risk clinical features, a low risk baseline ECG, and the use of a low risk TAVI valve. In addition, this very significant conduction disease only became apparent over 72 hours following implantation, despite normal resting ECGs and telemetry up to that point.
Informed Health Choices media intervention for improving people’s ability to critically appraise the trustworthiness of claims about treatment effects: a mixed-methods process evaluation of a randomised trial in Uganda
Authors: Semakula Daniel , Nsangi Allen , Oxman Andrew , Glenton Claire , Lewin Simon , Rosenbaum Sarah , Oxman Matt , Kaseje Margaret , Austvoll-Dahlgren Astrid , Rose Christopher James , Fretheim Atle , Sewankambo Nelson
Published: December 2019

We developed the Informed Health Choices podcast to improve people’s ability to assess claims about the effects of treatments. We evaluated the effects of the podcast in a randomised trial.

Objectives

We conducted this process evaluation to assess the fidelity of the intervention, identify factors that affected the implementation and impact of the intervention and could affect scaling up, and identify potential adverse and beneficial effects.

Setting

The study was conducted in central Uganda in rural, periurban and urban settings.

Participants

We collected data on parents who were in the intervention arm of the Informed Health Choices study that evaluated an intervention to improve parents’ ability to assess treatment effects.

Procedures

We conducted 84 semistructured interviews during the intervention, 19 in-depth interviews shortly after, two focus group discussions with parents, one focus group discussion with research assistants and two in-depth interviews with the principal investigators. We used framework analysis to manage qualitative data, assessed the certainty of the findings using the GRADE-CERQual (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research) approach, and organised findings in a logic model.

Outcomes

Proportion of participants listening to all episodes; factors influencing the implementation of the podcast; ways to scale up and any adverse and beneficial effects.

Results

All participants who completed the study listened to the podcast as intended, perhaps because of the explanatory design and recruitment of parents with a positive attitude. This was also likely facilitated by the podcast being delivered by research assistants, and providing the participants with MP3 players. The podcast was reportedly clear, understandable, credible and entertaining, which motivated them to listen and eased implementation. No additional adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

Participants experienced the podcast positively and were motivated to engage with it. These findings help to explain the short-term effectiveness of the intervention, but not the decrease in effectiveness over the following year.
Community health workers involvement in preventative care in primary healthcare: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Sharma Nila , Harris Elizabeth , Lloyd Jane , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Harris Mark
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To review effective models of community health worker (CHW) involvement in preventive care for disadvantaged culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients in primary healthcare (PHC) that may be applicable to the Australian context.

Design

Systematic scoping review.

Data sources

The studies were gathered through searching Medline, EMBASE, EMCARE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and online portals of relevant organisations.

Eligibility criteria

All selected studies were original research studies which essentially evaluated preventive intervention undertake by CHWs in PHC. The intervened population were adults with or without diagnosed chronic health disease, culturally and linguistically diverse, or vulnerable due to geographic, economic and/or cultural characteristics that impede or compromise their access to healthcare.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data extraction was undertaken systematically in an excel spreadsheet while the findings were synthesised in a narrative manner. The quality appraisal of the selected studies was performed using effective public health practice project quality assessment tool.

Results

A total of 1066 articles were identified during the initial search of six bibliographic databases. After screening the title, abstract and full text, 37 articles met the selection and methodological criteria and underwent data extraction. A high-quality evidence-base supporting the positive impact of CHWs supporting patients’ access to healthcare and influencing positive behaviour change was found. Positive impacts of CHW interventions included improvements in clinical disease indicators, screening rates and behavioural change. Education-focused interventions were more effective in improving patient behaviour, whereas navigation interventions were most effective in improving access to services. Implementation was enhanced by cultural and linguistic congruence and specific training of CHWs in the intervention but reduced by short duration interventions, dropouts and poor adherence of patients.

Conclusion

The evidence generated from this systematic scoping review demonstrates the contribution of CHWs to improving access to preventive care for patients from CALD and disadvantaged backgrounds by providing both education and navigational interventions. More research is needed on CHW training and the incorporation of CHWs into primary health care (PHC) teams.