bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’Europe peut-elle faire l’économie du modèle fédéral? Conclusion de la table ronde des experts, avec quelques observations sur la gouvernance et la quête du changement*
Authors: Mondélice Mulry
Published: February 2020

Cette contribution présente l’essentiel des réflexions interdisciplinaires présentées sur la question de savoir si l’Union peut faire l’économie du modèle fédéral lors de la table ronde des experts ayant réuni, le 28 avril 2017 à l’Université Laval, des panélistes de différents horizons lors du colloque international sur l’Union européenne - 60 ans du traité de Rome : “tous les chemins mènent-ils encore à Bruxelles?”. Un consensus s’est dégagé sur l’idée que l’Union ne peut pas faire l’économie du modèle fédéral. En témoignent des symptômes du fédéralisme : normes - même implicitement - , institutions, agences et politiques, faisant de l’UE une entité se rapprochant d’un État fédéral, avec une répartition des compétences entre l’Union et ses États membres. C’est le cas, par exemple, avec la place reconnue aux droits de la personne qu’illustrent, entre autres, l’existence de l’Agence des droits fondamentaux de l’Union européenne, mais également, l’action humanitaire avec l’Office d’aide humanitaire de l’Union, et la citoyenneté européenne et la mobilité des personnes, ce dernier domaine influençant dans une certaine mesure le Canada. Toutefois, ces symptômes du fédéralisme ne doivent pas faire oublier des pratiques, normes et politiques de l’Union, illustrant un certain fédéralisme en construction. En effet, les États membres ne se montrent pas tout à fait prêts à laisser trop de marge de manoeuvre à l’Union dans certaines de leurs compétences, notamment en matière d’affaires étrangères, ou dans des domaines sensibles comme l’immigration. Dès lors, cette situation plaçant l’Union dans un entre-deux n’est pas sans conséquences sur le poids de l’Union comme un acteur international. À une époque où le monde fait face à des crises complexes invitant à une gouvernance qui rassemble et mettant à l’épreuve les acteurs internationaux, il serait souhaitable que l’Union montre plus de leadership dans la quête du changement. Dans cette quête, le modèle de gouvernance de l’Union, entre les avancées et défis présents et à venir dans un monde complexe, demeure un enjeu majeur.
Hybrid Torts and Explanatory Tort Theory
Authors: Murphy John
Published: February 2020

This article examines the problem of fit caused by “hybrid torts” for several contemporary, explanatory theories of tort law: those belonging to Ernest Weinrib, Robert Stevens, and John Goldberg and Benjamin Zipursky. The term hybrid tort is intended to capture a cause of action that is treated routinely by practitioners, judges and doctrinal jurists alike as a tort proper even though its ingredients suggest that it is only part tort and part something else (like, for example, equity). The central argument of the article is as follows: at tort law’s borders with other legal categories, there exists a number of hybrid actions that are widely acknowledged to be torts but which comprise a range of juridical components, some of which are typical within tort law and some of which are more germane to some other legal category. This set of hybrid actions suggests that—whatever theoretical neatness might dictate—tort law’s boundaries are fuzzy and porous, not clearly defined and rigid. This fuzziness in the object of theorization naturally casts doubt on the apple-pie neatness of the theories in view. In addition, the obvious response—that these juridically mixed causes of action are not proper torts (and therefore do not require explanation)—is shown to be unavailable to the theorists whose work is examined given that each of them commits to explaining the law as it presents itself. Put differently: since the law as we encounter it clearly treats these hybrid actions as torts, they cannot be dismissed in this way. Nor, it is argued—for a combination of reasons that establish their practical significance—can these hybrid torts be dismissed as irrelevant.
Categorical representation from sound and sight in the ventral occipito-temporal cortex of sighted and blind
Authors: Mattioni Stefania , Rezk Mohamed , Battal Ceren , Bottini Roberto , Cuculiza Mendoza Karen E , Oosterhof Nikolaas N , Collignon Olivier
Published: February 2020

Is vision necessary for the development of the categorical organization of the Ventral Occipito-Temporal Cortex (VOTC)? We used fMRI to characterize VOTC responses to eight categories presented acoustically in sighted and early blind individuals, and visually in a separate sighted group. We observed that VOTC reliably encodes sound categories in sighted and blind people using a representational structure and connectivity partially similar to the one found in vision. Sound categories were, however, more reliably encoded in the blind than the sighted group, using a representational format closer to the one found in vision. Crucially, VOTC in blind represents the categorical membership of sounds rather than their acoustic features. Our results suggest that sounds trigger categorical responses in the VOTC of congenitally blind and sighted people that partially match the topography and functional profile of the visual response, despite qualitative nuances in the categorical organization of VOTC between modalities and groups.
Structures of the ATP-fueled ClpXP proteolytic machine bound to protein substrate
Authors: Fei Xue , Bell Tristan A , Jenni Simon , Stinson Benjamin M , Baker Tania A , Harrison Stephen C , Sauer Robert T
Published: February 2020

ClpXP is an ATP-dependent protease in which the ClpX AAA+ motor binds, unfolds, and translocates specific protein substrates into the degradation chamber of ClpP. We present cryo-EM studies of the E. coli enzyme that show how asymmetric hexameric rings of ClpX bind symmetric heptameric rings of ClpP and interact with protein substrates. Subunits in the ClpX hexamer assume a spiral conformation and interact with two-residue segments of substrate in the axial channel, as observed for other AAA+ proteases and protein-remodeling machines. Strictly sequential models of ATP hydrolysis and a power stroke that moves two residues of the substrate per translocation step have been inferred from these structural features for other AAA+ unfoldases, but biochemical and single-molecule biophysical studies indicate that ClpXP operates by a probabilistic mechanism in which five to eight residues are translocated for each ATP hydrolyzed. We propose structure-based models that could account for the functional results.
Relative contribution of ecological and biological attributes in the fine-grain structure of ant-plant networks
Authors: Díaz-Castelazo Cecilia , Martínez-Adriano Cristian A. , Dáttilo Wesley , Rico-Gray Victor
Published: February 2020

Background

Ecological communities of interacting species analyzed as complex networks have shown that species dependence on their counterparts is more complex than expected at random. As for other potentially mutualistic interactions, ant-plant networks mediated by extrafloral nectar show a nested (asymmetric) structure with a core of generalist species dominating the interaction pattern. Proposed factors structuring ecological networks include encounter probability (e.g., species abundances and habitat heterogeneity), behavior, phylogeny, and body size. While the importance of underlying factors that influence the structure of ant-plant networks have been separately explored, the simultaneous contribution of several biological and ecological attributes inherent to the species, guild or habitat level has not been addressed.

Methods

For a tropical seasonal site we recorded (in 48 censuses) the frequency of pairwise ant-plant interactions mediated by extrafloral nectaries (EFN) on different habitats and studied the resultant network structure. We addressed for the first time the role of mechanistic versus neutral determinants at the ‘fine-grain’ structure (pairwise interactions) of ant-plant networks. We explore the simultaneous contribution of several attributes of plant and ant species (i.e., EFN abundance and distribution, ant head length, behavioral dominance and invasive status), and habitat attributes (i.e., vegetation structure) in prevailing interactions as well as in overall network topology (community).

Results

Our studied network was highly-nested and non-modular, with core species having high species strengths (higher strength values for ants than plants) and low specialization. Plants had higher dependences on ants than vice versa. We found that habitat heterogeneity in vegetation structure (open vs. shaded habitats) was the main factor explaining network and fine-grain structure, with no evidence of neutral (abundance) effects.

Discussion

Core ant species are relevant to most plants species at the network showing adaptations to nectar consumption and deterrent behavior. Thus larger ants interact with more plant species which, together with higher dependence of plants on ants, suggests potential biotic defense at a community scale. In our study site, heterogeneity in the ant-plant interactions among habitats is so prevalent that it emerges at community-level structural properties. High frequency of morphologically diverse and temporarily-active EFNs in all habitats suggests the relevance and seasonality of plant biotic defense provided by ants. The robust survey of ecological interactions and their biological/ecological correlates that we addressed provides insight of the interplay between adaptive-value traits and neutral effects in ecological networks.
Factors Associated with Practice of Health Information Protection among Nursing Students
Authors: Cha Kyeongin , Song Youngshin
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Health information protection policy has received increased emphasis in the medical environment. Nursing students are required to access personal health information in practical training to achieve the necessary credits. This study was done to identify the effects of nursing students’ ethical index and their awareness of health information protection on their practice in terms of health information protection.Methods: Participants for this cross-sectional descriptive design study were 238 nursing students who had undergone clinical practice at four universities in J province. Information ethics index, awareness of health information protection, and its practice were measured using self-report questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression analysis.Results: Among the participants, 88.2% were female and 55.0% identified as religious. A positive correlation was found between awareness of health information protection and the information ethics index (r=.60, p<.01). In the multiple regression model, 37.4% of the variance in students’ health information protection behavior was predicted by religion (β=.13, p=.033), the respect domain of the information ethics index (β=.22, p=.033), and awareness of health information protection (β=.61, p<.001).Conclusion: To improve health information protection behavior in nursing students, religion, awareness of health information protection, and the respect component of the information ethical index should be considered when developing systematic education programs.
Direct and Residual Effect of Boron Application on Yield and Nutrients Content under Rice–wheat Cropping System
Authors: Chanchal Ankesh , Singh Satish Kumar , Patra Abhik , Jatav Surendra Singh
Published: February 2020

Aims: To investigate the direct and residual effect of boron application on yield and nutrient content under rice-wheat cropping system in middle Gangatic alluvial plan.

Study Design: Completely random design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Net-house of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India during 2017-18.

Methodology: The pot experiment was comprised with ten treatments among them eight for boron (ranges from 0.5 to 4.0 mg B kg-1) along with control and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety ARIZE 6444 was used as test crop and after harvesting of rice crop, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety HUW 468 was grown in the same pot without fresh application B. The yield data was recorded after harvesting of rice and wheat. The nutrient content in grain and straw and post-harvest soil properties were analyzed using standard protocol.

Results: The maximum grain yield in rice (44.07 g pot-1) was recorded in T5 (RDF + 1.5 kg B ha-1), whereas in wheat (19.70 g pot-1) was observed in T8 (RDF + 3 kg B ha-1). The maximum straw yield in rice (24.35 g pot-1) was recorded in T5 (RDF+ 1.5 kg B ka-1), whereas in wheat (48.65 g pot-1) was in T8 (RDF + 3 kg B ha-1). Application of RDF along with 1.5 kg B ha-1 was recorded the maximum (48.99%) harvest index in rice, whereas its (B) residual effect in wheat crop was maximum in RDF + 2 kg B ha-1. Application of B @ 1.5 kg B ha-1 significantly enhanced the Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn content in rice grain, whereas residual effect of 3 kg ha-1 B application has significantly improved the Fe, Cu and Mn content in wheat grain.

Conclusion: It was found that application of B did not increased grain yield of rice and wheat significantly over RDF. A significant residual effect of B application in rice was noticed even after the harvest of wheat crop particularly at highest doses of B application.
Management of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children under Five by Self-medication and Prescription of Antibiotics in Bukavu
Authors: Salama Beatrice , Bavurhe Benjamin Z. , Kadima Justin N.
Published: February 2020

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are one of the top 10 killer diseases in children. In developing countries, the treatment is often initiated by self-medication (SM) before going to the hospital in case of a complication. This study assessed the level of self-medication and the adequacy of hospital prescribing patterns of antibiotics for the management of acute respiratory infections in children under five. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018, including a face-to-face interview with 227 children’s mothers for self-medication and a review of 1162 medical files available at the pediatrics wards of Panzi General Hospital and University Clinic in Bukavu.  Of 227 mothers interviewed, 168(74%) self-medicated children with six antibiotics, mainly amoxicillin (67%), and Cotrimoxazole (60%), principally to avoid medical consultation fees and to mitigate the early signs of the disease. However, among them, 49.8% rushed to the hospital after a complication. Of the 1162 medical files reviewed, 248(21.34%) are ARI cases of which 53% males and 47% females. Under 2 years constitute 85%. Dominant ARIs were acute pharyngitis (19.1%), acute otitis media (15.3%), bronchial superinfection (23.3%), and pneumonia (16.3%). The mortality rate attributable to ARIs was 17.5% (14/80). The antibiotics used in hospital include gentamicin (67%) in combination with cefotaxime, ampicillin, and azithromycin. The unprofessional dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacies encouraged the high level of self-medication.
VERNACULAR ANSWERS TO SPATIAL NEEDS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES: INDONESIAN HOUSES
Authors: Wazir Zuber Angkasa , Indriani Irma
Published: February 2020

The process of building traditional houses requires sizes of activities to determine dimensions of  spaces. This study seeks to reveal how the activities of occupants relate to the dimensions of space in the vernacular society in Indonesia. It uses a literature study approach by reviewing various studies on vernacular housing in Indonesia. A total of 18 vernacular houses were reviewed and compared to find common relations between the activities and dimensions of the vernacular space. It was found that there were high variations in various placements, uses, and relations between activities and human living spaces, influenced by anthropometric factors, location, and socio-cultural factors. There are a very flexible space utilization and very rigid space utilization and between the two. This finding is expected to be a material for the development of simple, mass-built houses considering the habits of local residents in their activities.
Waka Oranga: Personal Reflections
Authors: Poutu Morice Margaret , Mikahere-Hall Alayne , Woodard Wiremu , Pye Cherry , Hinehou Fleming Anna , Armstrong Verity , Poutu Fay Anna , Poutu Fay Zoe
Published: February 2020

Being part of the journey of Waka Oranga has been deeply meaningful for all members and their whanau. Below are personal reflections from a range of members of the rōpū and their whānau, in which the writers explore the experience and meaning of their connection to and with this remarkable psychotherapy rōpū.
Aroha Mai — Aroha Atu Love Received — Love Returned A Tribute to Samantha 30 April 1969 – 30 August 2019
Authors: Mikahere-Hall Alayne
Published: February 2020

Aroha Mai — Aroha AtuLove Received — Love ReturnedA Tribute to Samantha30 April 1969 – 30 August 2019
Alayne Mikahere-Hall and Te Rūnanga o Waka Oranga
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Tamavidin‐Luciferase Reporter Fusion Protein for Universal Signaling Applications
Authors: Broyles David B. , Dikici Emre , Daunert Sylvia , Deo Sapna K.
Published: February 2020

Despite the avidin/biotin reaction being one of the most ubiquitous noncovalent immobilization and sensing strategies in scientific research, the ability to synthesize useful amounts of biotin‐binding fusion constructs is hampered by poor solubility in bacterial expression systems. As such, there are few reports of successful genetic reporter fusions incorporating a biotin‐binding partner. To address this, a sensitivity‐enhanced, synthetically facile reporter fusion is developed to merge the bioluminescence output of Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) with the recently characterized biotin‐binding ability of tamavidin 2 (TA2) for general and universal signaling applications in biological and analytical systems. This fusion construct enables direct bacterial expression of a reporter system incorporating two important functionalities in a 1:1 stoichiometric relationship that can provide detection of discrete events at low concentrations. Using a cold‐shock expression system, highly concentrated construct can be obtained from standard culture volumes while retaining essentially native protein activity. To demonstrate feasibility and provide an example application, this fusion construct is then included in a standard target‐bridged assay design for the sensitive detection of four miRNA targets.
Employing Interfaces with Metavalently Bonded Materials for Phonon Scattering and Control of the Thermal Conductivity in TAGS‐x Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Rodenkirchen Cynthia , Cagnoni Matteo , Jakobs Stefan , Cheng Yudong , Keutgen Jens , Yu Yuan , Wuttig Matthias , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana
Published: February 2020

The thermoelectric compound (GeTe)x(AgSbTe2)1−x, in short (TAGS‐x), is investigated with a focus on two stoichiometries, i.e., TAGS‐50 and TAGS‐85. TAGS‐85 is currently one of the most studied thermoelectric materials with great potential for thermoelectric applications. Yet, surprisingly, the lowest thermal conductivity is measured for TAGS‐50, instead of TAGS‐85. To explain this unexpected observation, atom probe tomography (APT) measurements are conducted on both samples, revealing clusters of various compositions and sizes. The most important role is attributed to Ag2Te nanoprecipitates (NPs) found in TAGS‐50. In contrast to the Ag2Te NPs, the matrix reveals an unconventional bond breaking mechanism. More specifically, a high probability of multiple events (PME) of ≈60% is observed for the matrix by APT. Surprisingly, the PME value decreases abruptly to ≈20–30% for the Ag2Te NPs. These differences can be attributed to differences in chemical bonding. The precipitates' PME value is indicative of normal bonding, i.e., covalent bonding with normal optical modes, while materials with this unconventional bond breaking found in the matrix are characterized by metavalent bonding. This implies that the interface between the metavalently bonded matrix and covalently bonded Ag2Te NP is partly responsible for the reduced thermal conductivity in TAGS‐50.
Dual‐Scale Nanostructures via Evaporative Assembly
Authors: Srivastava Sunita , Wahith Zaibudeen A. , Gang Oleg , Colosqui Carlos E. , Bhatia Surita R.
Published: February 2020

Dual‐scale hierarchical structures with regular microscale patterns and varying degree of nanoscale crystalline order are synthesized on physically and chemically homogeneous substrates by evaporative self‐assembly with a suspension of DNA‐functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) with a charged core shell. For a certain NP concentration range, periodic concentric rings in a stripe‐like micropattern are produced over macroscale surface areas by an NP monolayer with hexagonal lattice structure at the nanoscale. The stripe width, spacing, and nanoparticle ordering can be controlled by varying the NP concentration. The results indicate that the interplay between “stick‐slip” motion of the droplet contact line and coulombic and steric NP interactions control the formation of the observed structures. A simple analytical model is proposed to account for the experimental observations and guide the future design of different nanostructure morphologies. This work demonstrates a simple cost‐effective mask‐free method for fabricating large‐area nanostructured 2D materials and metasurfaces for applications ranging from energy conversion/storage to optoelectronics and nanophotonics.
Out‐of‐Plane Homojunction Enabled High Performance SnS2 Lateral Phototransistor
Authors: Gao Jing , Yang Hang , Mao Hongying , Liu Tao , Zheng Yue , Wang Yanan , Xiang Du , Han Cheng , Chen Wei
Published: February 2020

2D materials have been extensively applied in electronic and optoelectronic devices due to their unique and extraordinary electrical and optical properties. Among them, tin disulfide (SnS2) has attracted enormous research interests due to its low‐cost, earth‐abundant, environment friendly properties as well as superior performance in photodetectors. Here, an outstanding in‐plane SnS2 phototransistor with an out‐of‐plane built‐in electric field enabled by molybdenum oxide (MoO3) surface functionalization is demonstrated. The photocarriers are generated and effectively separated by the vertical electric field, leading to a high photoresponsivity of 2.3 × 103 A⋅W−1, photoconductive gain of >105, external quantum efficiency exceeding 8%. It also demonstrates a low noise power density, revealing an ultrasensitive photodetection with specific detectivity up to 3.2 × 1012 Jones. The formation of the out‐of‐plane built‐in electric field is validated by the output electrical transport measurement of SnS2 vertical transistor, and further corroborated by in situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations. The findings promise surface functionalization as an effective approach to induce an internal electric field in 2D multilayer SnS2 towards its application in high performance photodetection.
Bromination: An Alternative Strategy for Non‐Fullerene Small Molecule Acceptors
Authors: Wang Huan , Liu Tao , Zhou Jiadong , Mo Daize , Han Liang , Lai Hanjian , Chen Hui , Zheng Nan , Zhu Yulin , Xie Zengqi , He Feng
Published: February 2020

The concept of bromination for organic solar cells has received little attention. However, the electron withdrawing ability and noncovalent interactions of bromine are similar to those of fluorine and chlorine atoms. A tetra‐brominated non‐fullerene acceptor, designated as BTIC‐4Br, has been recently developed by introducing bromine atoms onto the end‐capping group of 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene) malononitrile and displayed a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12%. To further improve its photovoltaic performance, the acceptor is optimized either by introducing a longer alkyl chain to the core or by modulating the numbers of bromine substituents. After changing each end‐group to a single bromine, the BTIC‐2Br‐m‐based devices exhibit an outstanding PCE of 16.11% with an elevated open‐circuit voltage of Voc = 0.88 V, one of the highest PCEs reported among brominated non‐fullerene acceptors. This significant improvement can be attributed to the higher light harvesting efficiency, optimized morphology, and higher exciton quenching efficiencies of the di‐brominated acceptor. These results demonstrate that the substitution of bromine onto the terminal group of non‐fullerene acceptors results in high‐efficiency organic semiconductors, and promotes the use of the halogen‐substituted strategy for polymer solar cell applications.
Tunable Optoelectronic Properties of WS2 by Local Strain Engineering and Folding
Authors: Khan Ahmed Raza , Lu Teng , Ma Wendi , Lu Yuerui , Liu Yun
Published: February 2020

Local strain engineering is an exciting approach to tune optoelectronic properties of materials. Two‐dimensional (2D) materials such as 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are particularly well‐suited for this purpose due to their high flexibility and deformability. Local strain engineering in 2D TMDs is typically achieved via strained wrinkles. Wrinkles on thick TMD layers have been reported to show interesting photoluminescence enhancement due to bandgap modulation and funneling effect. However, the wrinkles in ultrathin TMDs are not investigated because they can easily fall down to form folds. Both wrinkles and folds are achieved simultaneously in 1–3L tungsten disulfide (WS2) using a new fabrication technique. A layer‐dependent reduction in surface potential is found for both folded layers and perfect packed layers due to the dominant interlayer screening effect. The strain produced from the wrinkles modulates the semiconductive junction properties significantly. Thermoionic modeling suggests that strained (1.6%) wrinkles can lower the Schottky barrier height (SBH) by 20%. Upon illumination, SBH reduces significantly due to photogenerated carriers. This is an important advance toward controlling the optoelectronic properties of 2D TMDs via strain engineering, with applications for electronics and optoelectronics devices.
Two time‐scale assignment with state extension for an autonomous helicopter
Authors: Yang Hao , Pei Hailong
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a feedback control law based on two time‐scale assignment and state extension is implemented for the nonlinear non‐minimum phase dynamics of three degree‐of‐freedom autonomous unmanned helicopters (AUH). Unlike previous techniques, the design procedure does not require time‐scale decomposition between attitude angle and translational states. This reduces the requirements for the AUH model and makes the controller more reliable. Time‐scale assignment is implemented with partial internal dynamics. Exponential stability of the closed‐loop system is proved with the retained non‐minimum phase character, and simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented approach.
Supernova remnants in nearby galaxies
Authors: Sasaki Manami
Published: February 2020

Supernova remnants (SNRs) are the aftermath of stellar explosions, which inject large amounts of energy into the interstellar medium (ISM), carving out new structures and transferring kinetic energy to the ISM. They also act as recycling centers, which return elements processed in stars to the ISM, and cosmic particle accelerators. The evolution of SNRs can be best studied in soft X‐ray line and continuum emission, since they mainly consist of very hot plasma (106–107 K). While it is difficult to observe these soft X‐ray sources in our own Galaxy due to absorption by matter in the Galactic plane, the Magellanic Clouds as well as the nearby spiral galaxies M 31 and M 33 are ideal targets to study both particular SNRs in detail and the SNR population in a galaxy as a whole. Various studies of SNRs in the Local Group galaxies have been carried out with XMM‐Newton or Chandra since the launch of the mission, and in the coming years the new X‐ray all‐sky survey performed with eROSITA will provide us with more complete data of SNRs in the nearby Universe to low flux limits.
Quality of reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of surgical randomized clinical trials
Authors: Yu J , Chen W , Wu P , Li Y
Published: February 2020

Background

Well designed and conducted systematic reviews are essential to clinical practice. Surgical intervention is more complex than medical intervention when considering special items related to procedures. There has been no cross-sectional study of the reporting quality of systematic reviews of surgical randomized trials focused on special items relating to surgical interventions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of systematic reviews of surgical randomized trials published in 2007 and 2017 was undertaken via a PubMed search. Quality of reporting was assessed by the PRISMA checklist, with intervention details containing 27 items. Univariable and multivariable linear regression was used to explore factors in the checklist as indicators of reporting quality.

Results

A total of 204 systematic reviews were identified. The median score for the PRISMA checklist was 22 (i.q.r. 20–24), and systematic reviews published in 2017 had a significantly higher median score than those from 2007 (22 (i.q.r. 21–24) versus 20 (17–22); P < 0·001). Among the 27 items, 15 were reported adequately and three were reported poorly (in less than 50 per cent of reports). The proportion of other items reported ranged from 54·4 to 77·9 per cent. In multivariable analysis, systematic reviews published in 2017 (coefficient 0·59, 95 per cent c.i. 0·50 to 0·69) and Cochrane reviews (coefficient 0·67, 0·55 to 0·81) were associated with better reporting.

Conclusion

The quality of reporting of systematic reviews of surgical randomized trials has improved in the past 10 years. Some information relating to specific surgical interventions is, however, still reported poorly.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram for pretreatment prediction of liver metastasis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen Shangxiang , Chen Shaojie , Lian Guoda , Li Yaqing , Ye Xijiu , Zou Jinmao , Li Ruomeng , Tan Ying , Li Xuanna , Zhang Mengfei , Huang Chunyu , Huang Chengzhi , Zhang Qiubo , Huang Kaihong , Chen Yinting
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The diagnostic value of nomogram in pancreatic cancer (PC) with liver metastasis (PCLM) is still largely unknown. We sought to develop and validate a novel nomogram for the prediction of liver metastasis in patients with PC.

Method

About 604 pathologically confirmed PC patients from the Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) between July, 2001 and December, 2013 were retrospectively studied. The SYSUCC cohort was randomly assigned to as the training set and internal validation set. Using these two sets, we derived and validated a prognostic model by using concordance index and calibration curves. Another two independent cohorts between August, 2002 and December, 2013 from the Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital (SYSMH, n = 335) and Guangdong General Hospital (GDGH, n = 503) was used for external validation.

Result

Computed tomography (CT) reported liver metastasis status, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and differentiation type were identified as risk factors for PCLM in the training set. The final diagnostic model demonstrated good calibration and discrimination with a concordance index of 0.97 and had a robust internal validation. The score ability to diagnose PCLM was further externally validated in SYSMH and GDGH with a concordance index of 0.93. The model showed better calibration and discrimination than CT, CEA and differentiation in each cohort.

Conclusion

Based on a large multi‐institution database and on the routinely observed CT‐reported status, CEA level and tumor differentiation in clinical practice, we developed and validated a novel nomogram to predict PLCM.
Retracted: Sparse data inspired depth of urbanization in Zhejiang based on geographic information system and visual system
Authors: Li Jie , Hu Bin
Published: February 2020

In the recent years, and also considering the rapid development of the urbanization, China has set up the higher requirements for modern urban planning concepts, methods, and means. Under the support of advanced technologies, it has become an inevitable trend to then make the full use of information technology to improve the design and management of city planning. Geographic information system (GIS) is a specific extremely essential spatial information system. It is a complex platform that collects, stores, manages, calculates, analyzes, displays, and describes geographical distribution data in all or part of the Earth's surface (including the atmosphere) space with the proper integration of the information processing and computer vision algorithms. In this paper, we apply the GIS and multimedia information systems to study the evaluation of local urbanization in Zhejiang. The multimedia system is designed to assist the GIS and the visualized model is presented to validate the proposed method. The results prove that the proposed is efficient.
Electrochemically and Photochemically Induced Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis with Cobalt Tetraazamacrocycles Occurs Through Different Pathways
Authors: Grau Sergi , Schilling Mauro , Moonshiram Dooshaye , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Luber Sandra , Llobet Antoni , Gimbert‐Suriñach Carolina
Published: February 2020

Cobalt complexes containing equatorial tetraazamacrocyclic ligands are active catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in pure aqueous conditions. We investigated the effect of different groups directly linked to the macrocyclic ligand (−NH−, −NCH3−, or −N(CH2OH)−). In electrochemically induced hydrogen evolution catalysis at pH 4, the rate determining step is the protonation of the reduced CoI species that gives a cobalt hydride (CoIII−H), a key intermediate towards the H−H bond formation. In sharp contrast, under photochemical conditions using [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine) as a photosensitizer and ascorbate as sacrificial electron donor, the formation of a Co0 species that quickly protonates to give a CoII−H is proposed. In this scenario, the rate determining step is the H−H bond formation that occurs in an intermolecular fashion from the CoII−H species and a water molecule. Both mechanisms are supported by DFT calculations, which allowed us to estimate the pKa values of the CoIII−H and CoII−H species and transition states based on intramolecular and intermolecular H−H bond formation from CoII−H.
Improving the reliability of Byzantine fault‐tolerant distributed software‐defined networks
Authors: Moazzeni Shadi , Khayyambashi Mohammad Reza , Movahhedinia Naser , Callegati Franco
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a method to improve the reliability and fault tolerance of distributed software‐defined networks. This method is called “BIRDSDN (Byzantine‐Resilient Improved Reliable Distributed Software‐Defined Networks).” In BIRDSDN, a group communication is implemented among the controllers of the whole clusters. This method can detect the crash failure and Byzantine failure of any controller and undertakes a fast detection and recovery scheme to select the controllers to take over the orphan switches. BIRDSDN takes into account the reliability of the nodes considering the failure probability of intracluster and intercluster links, topology, load, and latency. The numerical results show that this approach performs better than the other approaches regarding failure detection, recovery, latency, throughput, reliability, and packet loss.
Remote sensing: generation of long‐term kelp bed data sets for evaluation of impacts of climatic variation
Authors: Hamilton Sara L. , Bell Tom W. , Watson James R. , Grorud‐Colvert Kirsten A. , Menge Bruce A.
Published: February 2020

A critical tool in assessing ecosystem change is the analysis of long‐term data sets, yet such information is generally sparse and often unavailable for many habitats. Kelp forests are an example of rapidly changing ecosystems that are in most cases data poor. Because kelp forests are highly dynamic and have high intrinsic interannual variability, understanding how regional‐scale drivers are driving kelp populations—and particularly how kelp populations are responding to climate change—requires long‐term data sets. However, much of the work on kelp responses to climate change has focused on just a few, relatively long‐lived, perennial, canopy‐forming species. To understand how kelp populations with different life history traits are responding to climate‐related variability, we leverage 35 yr of Landsat satellite imagery to track the population size of an annual, ruderal kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, across Oregon. We found high levels of interannual variability in Nereocystis canopy area and varying population trajectories over the last 35 yr. Surprisingly, Oregon Nereocystis population sizes were unresponsive to a 2014 marine heat wave accompanied by increases in urchin densities that decimated northern California Nereocystis populations. Some Oregon Nereocystis populations have even increased in area relative to pre‐2014 levels. Analysis of environmental drivers found that Nereocystis population size was negatively correlated with estimated nitrate levels and positively correlated with winter wave height. This pattern is the inverse of the predicted relationship based on extensive prior work on the perennial kelp Macrocystis pyrifera and may be related to the annual life cycle of Nereocystis. This article demonstrates (1) the value of novel remote sensing tools to create long‐term data sets that may challenge our understanding of nearshore marine species and (2) the need to incorporate life history traits into our theory of how climate change will shape the ocean of the future.
Oxygen‐Carrier Development of Calcium Manganite–Based Materials with Perovskite Structure for Chemical‐Looping Combustion of Methane
Authors: Moldenhauer Patrick , Hallberg Peter , Biermann Max , Snijkers Frans , Albertsen Knuth , Mattisson Tobias , Lyngfelt Anders
Published: February 2020

The present work is related to the upscaling of calcium manganite–based oxygen‐carrier materials, which have a perovskite structure, both with respect to the use of inexpensive raw materials, i.e., instead of pure chemicals, and the upscaling of production to multitonne batches. Results are presented from the two different stages of material development, i.e., raw material selection and upscaling. The evaluation involves both operation in chemical‐looping combustor units of 300 W and 10 kW, and material characterization. In the latter unit, the gas velocities in the riser and in the grid‐jet zone of the gas distributor come close to gas velocities of industrial‐scale units and, therefore, this unit is also used to assess particle lifetime. Results from the various chemical‐looping combustion units and oxygen‐carrier materials produced from various raw materials of both high and low purity show that very high degrees of fuel conversion can be reached while achieving very high oxygen‐carrier lifetimes. The composition of the oxygen‐carrier materials seems robust and flexible with respect to the precursors used in its manufacturing.
Analysis of thermal behavior of moving longitudinal porous fin wetted with water‐based SWCNTs and MWCNTs
Authors: B. J. Gireesha , G. Sowmya , S. Sindhu
Published: February 2020

In this study, the consequences of natural convection and radiation on longitudinal porous fin are scrutinized numerically. Here, the fin is moving and is wetted with nanoliquid containing single‐walled carbon nanotubes and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Darcy's model is employed in modeling the present physical phenomenon. The derived steady‐state energy equation has been solved numerically via the Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg fourth‐fifth‐order method. The impact of significant parameters on the thermal performance of the wet fin has been illustrated through graphs for both types of carbon nanotubes. The comprehensive study of carbon nanotubes explores that better heat transfer from a wet fin can be achieved in the case of multiwalled carbon nanotubes.
Constructal design of multiscale elliptic tubes in crossflow
Authors: Waheed Mustafa Ahmed , Hussein Abdul Elqadir Hajir
Published: February 2020

The optimal configuration of two‐scale elliptic tubes in crossflow is found on the basis of the constructal design. The larger tubes are installed inside a domain of fixed length and height. In the same domain, smaller tubes are inserted between the larger tubes in the entrance region at the mid leading edge to leading edge distance of the larger tubes. The spacing between the larger tubes, the semiminor axis of the larger tubes, the major axis of the smaller tubes, and the semiminor axis of the smaller tubes are varied inside the domain freely to find the optimal configuration. There are two optimal configurations: one without the smaller tubes and the other with the presence of the smaller tubes. Both the larger and the smaller tubes are heated at a constant surface temperature. The flow is induced by a fixed pressure difference. The equations for steady, laminar, two‐dimensional, and incompressible flow are solved by finite volume method. In the absence of the smaller tubes, the range of Bejan number (dimensionless pressure drop) is , and in the presence of the smaller tubes, Bejan number is Be = 105. The range of the dimensionless larger tubes semiminor axis is 0.1 ≤ B ≤ 0.4. Air is used to cool the row of the tubes with Prandtl number equal to 0.7. The results show that for different semiminor axes of the larger tubes, the heat transfer rate is enhanced when the smaller tubes are placed between the larger tubes.
A well‐tolerated new amino acid–based formula for cow's milk allergy
Authors: Fierro Vincenzo , Valluzzi Rocco L. , Banzato Claudia , Plaza Ma A. , Bosque Montserrat , Íbero Marcel , Echeverría Luis A. Z. , Mennini Maurizio , Dahdah Lamia , de Castellar Roser , Tort Gloria , Jiménez Jesus
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) are in need of a substitute formula up to 2 years. The are three requisites for a substitute of milk in CMA: tolerability, nutritional adequacy, and cost‐effectiveness. We evaluate here the tolerability of a new amino acid–based infant formula for the management of CMA.

Methods

In a phase III/IV prospective, multicentre, open‐label, international study, infants and children with immunoglobulin E‐mediated CMA were exposed to a diagnostic double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled food challenge with a new amino acid formula by Blemil Plus Elemental using Neocate as the placebo. If tolerant to it, the study formula was integrated into the patients’ usual daily diet for 7 days. Efficacy on day 7 was assessed in terms of symptoms associated with CMA, amount of formula consumed, nutritional and energy intake, and anthropometric data.

Results

Thirty children (17 M and 13 F; median age, 1.58; range, 0.08‐12.83 years) completed the open challenge and were able to consume the study formula for at least 7 days. No signs or symptoms of allergic reactions were recorded among children assuming either the test or the control formula, with a lower 95% one‐sided confidence interval for the proportion of subjects who did not experience allergic reactions above 90%. Sixteen patient under the age of two continued with the optional extension phase.

Conclusions

The study formula meets the American Academy of Pediatric criteria for hypoallergenicity and is well tolerated in short‐term use. During optional phase, growth of the patients was not hindered by the study formula.
Biological responses of dental pulp cells to surfaces modified by collagen 1 and fibronectin
Authors: Omer Abedelfattah , Al‐sharabi Niyaz , Qiu Yingfei , Xue Ying , Li Yi , Fujio Masahito , Mustafa Kamal , Xing Zhe
Published: February 2020

Collagen 1 (COL1) and fibronectin (FN) are extracellular matrix proteins that contribute in cell activity and involve in regulating dental pulp cells (DPCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of COL1 and FN on the behavior of DPCs. Here, DPCs were grown under three different conditions: COL1 coating, FN coating, and control group without coating. The proliferation and differentiation of DPCs were investigated. DPCs in osteogenic media were able to differentiate into osteoblastic phenotype. The morphological analysis revealed no obvious difference on the shape of cells. Cells had spread well on both coated and noncoated culture plates with slightly more spreading in the coated plates after 24 hr. The MTT analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference at 1 and 3 hr among the groups, but interestingly, the analysis disclosed more cells on the coated plates after longer cultures, which indicated a higher proliferative capacity in response to COL1 and FN. RT‐PCR, Western Blotting and mineralization assays did not reveal significant differences between the coated and noncoated surfaces in relation to osteogenic differential potential. Our data suggested that the surface coating of COL1 and FN were able to promote cellular proliferation and the osteogenic differentiation tendency of DPCs was also observed in vitro.
A novel pathway to produce biodegradable and bioactive PLGA/TiO2nanocomposite scaffolds for tissue engineering: Air–liquid foaming
Authors: Pelaseyed Seyedeh S. , Madaah Hosseini Hamid R. , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali
Published: February 2020

Poly (lactate‐co‐glycolate) (PLGA) is a typical biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic polymer. The addition of TiO2nanoparticles has shown to improve compressive modulus of PLGA scaffolds and reduced fast degradation. A novel method has been applied to fabricate PLGA/TiO2scaffolds without using any inorganic solvent, with aim of improving the biocompatibility, macroscale morphology, and well inter‐connected pores efficacy: Air–Liquid Foaming. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) revealed an increase in interconnected porosity of up to 98%. As well the compressive testing showed enhancement in modulus. Bioactivity and in vitro degradation were studied with immersion of scaffolds in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) and incubation in Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS), respectively. Formation of apatite layer corroborated the bioactivity after soaking in SBF. Degradation rate of scaffolds was increased with excessive addition of TiO2contents withal. The in vitro cultured human‐like MG63 ostoblast cells showed attachment, proliferation, and nontoxcitiy in contact, using MTT assay [3‐(4, 5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide]. According to the results, the novel method utilized in this study generated porous viable tissue without using any inorganic solvent or porogen can be a promising candidate in further treatment of orthopedic patients effectively.