bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Evaluation of Wheelchair Robot for Active Postural Support (WRAPS)
Authors: Ophaswongse Chawin , Murray Rosemarie C. , Santamaria Victor , Wang Qining , Agrawal Sunil K. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryPeople with severe neuromuscular trunk impairment cannot maintain or control upright posture of the upper body in sitting while reaching. Passive orthoses are clinically available to provide support and promote the use of upper extremities in this population. However, these orthoses only position the torso passively without any degree of trunk movement.We introduce for the first time a novel active-assistive torso brace called Wheelchair Robot for Active Postural Support (WRAPS). It consists of two rings over the hips and chest connected by a 2RPS-2UPS parallel robotic device. WRAPS can modulate the displacement of the upper ring and/or the forces applied on the torso through the ring in four degrees-of-freedom (DOF), including rotations and translation in the sagittal and frontal planes.In the present study, we evaluate the design of WRAPS and its functions. Moreover, we discuss the potential effectiveness of WRAPS as a therapeutic robotic tool in people with severe trunk control deficits. The performance of WRAPS was evaluated in seated healthy subjects. Kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG) were collected when the participants performed selective trunk movements. First, the torso range of motion (tROM) was calculated with WRAPS in transparent mode—zero-force control mode—which was compared with free-guided tROM (no WRAPS) with motion capture system. Second, a position control mode was configured to mobilize the torso along the trajectories obtained with the transparent mode.Our results show that the design of WRAPS suited well the subject’s anthropometrics while supporting the weight of the torso. Importantly, WRAPS can be programmed to replicate the subject’s tROM, without the full activation of torso muscles. This can be critical in individuals with no trunk control. Altogether, these preliminary results indicate the potential applicability of WRAPS to promote active-assistive trunk mobility in people who cannot sit independently because of trunk dysfunction.
New P-type RMPC Scheme for Redundant Robot Manipulators in Noisy Environment
Authors: Li Zexin , Xu Feng , Guo Dongsheng , Wang Pingjiang , Yuan Bo 
Published: June 2019

SUMMARYRepetitive motion planning and control (RMPC) is a significant issue in the research of redundant robot manipulators. Moreover, noise from rounding error, truncation error, and robot uncertainty is an important factor that greatly affects RMPC schemes. In this study, the RMPC of redundant robot manipulators in a noisy environment is investigated. By incorporating the proportional and integral information of the desired path, a new RMPC scheme with pseudoinverse-type (P-type) formulation is proposed. Such a P-type RMPC scheme possesses the suppression of constant and bounded time-varying noises. Comparative simulation results based on a five-link robot manipulator and a PUMA560 robot manipulator are presented to further validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed P-type RMPC scheme over the previous one.
Treatment by untrained providers among sick infants in rural Odisha, India
Authors: Samal Mousumi , Khara Nabin , Pati Sanghamitra , Sahoo Krushna Chandra 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Aim:
This study assessed the diagnosis, treatment and referral service provided by untrained providers for sick infants.

Background:
In rural India, lack of trained providers causes inopportune treatment of sick infants and results in increase in child morbidity and mortality. The untrained providers deliver a significant proportion of health care for rural infants; however, there is a paucity of information on their treatment practice.

Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in three rural blocks of Odisha. A total of 337 prescriptions recommended for sick infants were collected from the 15 untrained providers using pre-designed prescription form – designed as per the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) guideline. The forms were collected through the periodic visit and regular follow-up to the providers.

Findings:
A total of 68% of infants were diagnosed with the possible serious bacterial infection, 56% fever, 10% feeding problems, 9% dysentery and 9% local bacterial infection. A total of 61% of sick infants prescribed antibiotics – cephalosporin was commonly prescribed (56%). Among severe persistent diarrhea-diagnosed infants, 76% prescribed oral rehydration salt (ORS), 48% zinc and 62% of them received various antibiotics. The untrained providers referred 23% of sick infants to trained providers/facilities. In rural settings, most of the sick infants sought care from untrained providers; however, none of them followed any standard treatment protocol. This study suggests there is a need for training on common disease algorithm and treatment using a standard guideline for untrained providers to reduce inopportuneness in the treatment of sick infants, promoting early diagnosis and referral services to public health systems.
Isoxaflutole and metribuzin interactions in isoxaflutole-resistant soybean
Authors: Smith Andrea , Soltani Nader , Kaastra Allan C. , Hooker David C. , Robinson Darren E. , Sikkema Peter H. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHerbicide-resistant weeds are a growing concern globally; in response, new herbicide resistance traits are being inserted into crops. Isoxaflutole-resistant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] will provide a new mode of action for use in this crop. Ten experiments were conducted over a 2-yr period (2017, 2018) to determine herbicide interactions between isoxaflutole and metribuzin on soybean injury, weed control efficacy, and soybean yield on a range of soil types. Soybean leaf-bleaching injury caused by isoxaflutole was most severe at sites with higher levels of rainfall after application. Control of weed species with isoxaflutole (52.5, 79, and 105 g ai ha−1) and metribuzin (210, 315, and 420 g ai ha−1) differed by site based on amount of rainfall after application. At sites where there was sufficient rainfall for herbicide activation, isoxaflutole at all rates controlled common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), Amaranthus spp., common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) &gt;90%; metribuzin at all rates controlled Amaranthus spp. and witchgrass (Panicum capillare L.) &gt;80%. Control of every weed species evaluated was reduced when there was limited rainfall after herbicide application. The co-application of isoxaflutole + metribuzin resulted in additive or synergistic interactions for the control of C. album, Amaranthus spp., A. artemisiifolia, A. theophrasti, Setaria spp., barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv], and P. capillare. Isoxaflutole and metribuzin can be an effective management strategy for common annual broadleaf and grass weeds in Ontario if timely rainfall events occur after herbicide application.
Evaluation of Abel Inversion Method Assisted By an Improved IRI Model
Authors: Wu M. J. , Guo P. , Fu N. F. , Hu X. G. , Hong Z. J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe most significant error of the radio occultation ionospheric retrieval is brought by the spherical symmetric assumption of electron density in Abel inversion. We developed an improved inversion method that attaches additional horizontal constraints based on a background model in Guo et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2014.12.008) and found the effect of the method depends greatly on the accuracy of the background model. In this study, an improved ionospheric model, which applies radio occultation ‐based F2‐layer parameters and an adaptive topside model into the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), is employed as a new choice of background model. The improved inversion is evaluated in several aspects in the middle‐ and low‐latitudinal regions during equinox season (from 19 March to 18 April in 2008 and 2012) and throughout the year. Results show that the artificial plasma caves underneath the equatorial ionization anomaly crests caused by Abel inversion is to some extent eliminated during the daytime, and the negative electron densities in the E layer are also reduced by the improved method. The comparison between Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate events and colocated incoherent scatter radar (ISR)/ionosonde observations indicates comparable accuracy of both methods. Moreover, the Global Ionosphere Maps is introduced as true reference of the vertical total electron density content. The mean vertical total electron density content errors derived through the improved inversion method are less than that of Abel inversion in the global scope.
Nitrogen heterocycles form peptide nucleic acid precursors in complex prebiotic mixtures
Authors: Rodriguez Laura E. , House Christopher H. , Smith Karen E. , Roberts Melissa R. , Callahan Michael P. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe ability to store information is believed to have been crucial for the origin and evolution of life; however, little is known about the genetic polymers relevant to abiogenesis. Nitrogen heterocycles (N-heterocycles) are plausible components of such polymers as they may have been readily available on early Earth and are the means by which the extant genetic macromolecules RNA and DNA store information. Here, we report the reactivity of numerous N-heterocycles in highly complex mixtures, which were generated using a Miller-Urey spark discharge apparatus with either a reducing or neutral atmosphere, to investigate how N-heterocycles are modified under plausible prebiotic conditions. High throughput mass spectrometry was used to identify N-heterocycle adducts. Additionally, tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to elucidate reaction pathways for select reactions. Remarkably, we found that the majority of N-heterocycles, including the canonical nucleobases, gain short carbonyl side chains in our complex mixtures via a Strecker-like synthesis or Michael addition. These types of N-heterocycle adducts are subunits of the proposed RNA precursor, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). The ease with which these carbonylated heterocycles form under both reducing and neutral atmospheres is suggestive that PNAs could be prebiotically feasible on early Earth.
Direct Detection of Heterotrophic Diazotrophs Associated with Planktonic Aggregates
Authors: Geisler Eyal , Bogler Anne , Rahav Eyal , Bar-Zeev Edo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractN2 fixation by planktonic heterotrophic diazotrophs is more wide spread than previously thought, including environments considered “unfavorable” for diazotrophy. These environments include a substantial fraction of the aquatic biosphere such as eutrophic estuaries with high ambient nitrogen concentrations and oxidized aphotic water. Different studies suggested that heterotrophic diazotrophs associated with aggregates may promote N2 fixation in such environments. However, this association was never validated directly and relies mainly on indirect relationships and different statistical approaches. Here, we identified, for the first time, a direct link between active heterotrophic diazotrophs and aggregates that comprise polysaccharides. Our new staining method combines fluorescent tagging of active diazotrophs by nitrogenase-immunolabeling, polysaccharides staining by Alcian blue or concanavalin-A, and total bacteria via nucleic-acid staining. Concomitant to N2 fixation rates and bacterial activity, this new method provided specific localization of heterotrophic diazotrophs on artificial and natural aggregates. We postulate that the insights gained by this new visualization approach will have a broad significance for future research on the aquatic nitrogen cycle, including environments in which diazotrophy has traditionally been overlooked.
The Statistical Analysis of Top Hubs in Growing Geographical Networks with Optimal Policy
Authors: Zhang Li-Sheng , Li Chun-Lei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMany practical networks, such as city networks, road networks and neural networks, usually grow up on basis of topological structures and geographical measures. Big hubs, importance of which have been well known in complex networks, still play crucial roles in growing networks with geographical measures. Therefore, it is very necessary to investigate the underlying mechanisms of statistical features of different top hubs in such networks. Here, we propose a growing network model based on optimal policy in geographical ground. Through the statistics of a great number of geographical networks, we find that the degree and position distributions of top four hubs are diverse between them and closely interrelated with each other, and further gain the relationships between the upper limits of top hubs and the size of networks. Then, the underlying mechanisms are explored. Meanwhile, we are diligent to obtain the corresponding relationships of different spatial distribution areas for different top hubs, and compute their abnormal average degrees at different spatial positions, which show significant differences and imply the advantage of spatial positions and intense competition between top hubs. We hope our results could offer useful inspirations for related practical network studies.
Structural basis for cooperativity of human monoclonal antibodies to meningococcal factor H-binding protein
Authors: Peschiera Ilaria , Giuliani Maria , Giusti Fabiola , Melero Roberto , Paccagnini Eugenio , Donnarumma Danilo , Pansegrau Werner , Carazo José M. , Sorzano Carlos O. S. , Scarselli Maria , Masignani Vega , Liljeroos Lassi J. , Ferlenghi Ilaria 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMonoclonal antibody (mAb) cooperativity is a phenomenon triggered when mAbs couples promote increased bactericidal killing compared to individual partners. Cooperativity has been deeply investigated among mAbs elicited by factor H-binding protein (fHbp), a Neisseria meningitidis surface-exposed lipoprotein and one of the key antigens included in both serogroup B meningococcus vaccine Bexsero and Trumenba. Here we report the structural and functional characterization of two cooperative mAbs pairs isolated from Bexsero vaccines. The 3D electron microscopy structures of the human mAb–fHbp–mAb cooperative complexes indicate that the angle formed between the antigen binding fragments (fAbs) assume regular angle and that fHbp is able to bind simultaneously and stably the cooperative mAbs pairs and human factor H (fH) in vitro. These findings shed light on molecular basis of the antibody-based mechanism of protection driven by simultaneous recognition of the different epitopes of the fHbp and underline that cooperativity is crucial in vaccine efficacy.
Systematic effects induced by half-wave plate precession into measurements of the cosmic microwave background polarization
Authors: D’Alessandro G. , Mele L. , Columbro F. , Pagano L. , Piacentini F. , de Bernardis P. , Masi S. 
Published: June 2019

Context. The primordial B-mode signal in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) represents the smoking gun of cosmic inflation, and measuring it is the main goal of current experimental effort. The most accessible method for measuring polarization features of the CMB radiation is a Stokes polarimeter based on the rotation of a half-wave plate (HWP).
Aims. Current observational cosmology is starting to be limited by systematic effects. A Stokes polarimeter with a rotating HWP has the advantage of mitigating a long list of potential systematics by modulating the linearly polarized component of the radiation, but the rotating HWP itself may introduce new systematic effects that must be under control. This represents one of the most critical parts in the design of a B-mode experiment. It is therefore mandatory to take all the systematic effects into account that the instrumentation can induce. We here present, simulate, and analyze the spurious signal arising from the precession of a rotating HWP.
Methods. We first derived an analytical formula to describe the systematic effect that is induced by the HWP precession on the propagating radiation, using the 3D generalization of the Müller formalism. We then performed several numerical simulations that show the effect induced on the Stokes parameters by this systematic. We also derived and discuss the effect on B-modes as measured by a satellite experiment.
Results. We derive the analytical formula for the Stokes parameters from a Stokes polarimeter where the HWP follows a precessional motion with an angle θ0. We show the result depending on the HWP inertia tensor, spinning speed, and on θ0. The result of numerical simulations is reported as a simple time-line of the electric fields. Finally, assuming that the entire sky is observed with a satellite mission, we analyze the effect on B-mode measurements.
Conclusions. The effect is not negligible at the sensitivity of current B-mode experiments, therefore this systematic needs to be carefully considered for future experiments.
A population of high-velocity absorption-line systems residing in the Local Group
Authors: Bouma S. J. D. , Richter P. , Fechner C. 
Published: June 2019

Aims. We investigated the ionisation conditions and distances of Galactic high-velocity clouds (HVCs) in the Galactic halo and beyond in the direction of the Local Group (LG) barycentre and anti-barycentre, by studying spectral data of 29 extragalactic background sources obtained with the Cosmic Origins Spectropgraph (COS) installed on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
Methods. We model column-densities of low, intermediate, and high ions such as Si II, C II, Si III, Si VI, and C IV, and use these data to construct a set of Cloudy ionisation models.
Results. In total, we found 69 high-velocity absorption components along the 29 lines of sight. The components in the direction of the LG barycentre span the entire range of studied velocities, 100 ≲ |vLSR| ≲ 400 km s−1, while those in the anti-barycentre sample have velocities up to about 300 km s−1. For 49 components, we infer the gas densities. In the direction of the LG barycentre, the gas densities exhibit a wide range from log nH = −3.96 to −2.55, while in the anti-barycentre direction the densities are systematically higher, log nH >  −3.25. The barycentre absorbers can be split into two groups based on their density: a high-density group with log nH >  −3.54, which can be affected by the Milky Way radiation field, and a low-density group (log nH ≤ −3.54). The latter has very low thermal pressures of P/k <  7.3 K cm−3.
Conclusions. Our study shows that part of the absorbers in the LG barycentre direction trace gas at very low gas densities and thermal pressures. These properties indicate that the absorbers are located beyond the virial radius of the Milky Way. Our study also confirms results from earlier, single-sightline studies, suggesting the presence of a metal-enriched intragroup medium filling the LG near its barycentre.
Recurrent gestures
Authors: McNeill David 
Published: June 2019

AbstractUsing recurrent gestures as the model, this essay considers how an inside-looking-out view of speech-gesture production reflects the interactive-social exterior. The inside view may appear to ignore the social context of speaking and gesture, but this is far from the truth. What an exterior view sees as important appears in the interior but in a different way. The difference leads to misunderstandings of the interior view and what it does. It is not a substitute for the exterior. It is the interior reflecting the social exterior and shaping it to fit its own demands. Topics are: recurrent gestures; gesture-speech co-expressivity; expunged real-world goals; “in-betweenness”; phenomenological “inhabitance” and material carriers; metaphoricity and imagery; social deixis and social relations; realizations of the self; world-views; and lastly the want of mutual outside and inside intellectual perceptions and what can be done about it.
Hergé dans la théorie des sphères
Authors: Álvares Cristina 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis paper aims at reading Hergé’s major work in the light of Sloterdijk’s theory of spheres and Agamben’s reflexions on adventure in order to examine the place and function of the island in the adventures of Tintin, a hero without insulation. Much attention is given to the boundery topology of adventure in our discussion of the ontological transitions (human, animal) taking place on the threshold between in and out and of their anthropogenetic significance. We defend that every adventure story is a variation on the anthropogenetic one, and that Hergé and Sloterdijk diverge on the matter of island and insulation.
Building representative multi-genre corpora for legal and institutional translation research
Authors: Prieto Ramos Fernando , Cerutti Giorgina , Guzmán Diego 
Published: June 2019

AbstractExploring questions of representativeness, balance and comparability is essential to tailoring corpus design and compilation to research goals, and to ensuring the validity of research results. This is especially true when the target population of texts under examination is very large and transcends a restricted area of specialization and/or covers multiple genres, as in the case of texts translated in institutional settings. This paper describes the multilayered sequential approach to corpus building applied in a comparative study on legal translation in three of these settings. The approach is based on a full mapping and categorization of institutional texts from a legal perspective; it applies an innovative combination of stratified sampling techniques integrating quantitative and qualitative criteria adapted to the research aims. The resulting corpora, categorization matrix and selection records, together with the methodological detail provided, can be useful for building other multi-genre corpora in translation studies and further afield.
On light sharing TOF-PET modules with depth of interaction and 157 ps FWHM coincidence time resolution
Authors: Pizzichemi M , Polesel A , Stringhini G , Gundacker S , Lecoq P , Tavernier S , Paganoni M , Auffray E 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The performance of a light sharing and recirculation mechanism that allows the extraction of depth of interaction (DOI) are investigated in this paper, with a particular focus on timing. In parallel, a method to optimize the coincidence time resolution (CTR) of PET detectors by use of the DOI information is proposed and tested. For these purposes, a dedicated 64-channels readout setup has been developed with intrinsic timing resolution of 16 ps FWHM. Several PET modules have been produced, based on LYSO:Ce scintillators and commercial silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays, with

mm2 individual SiPM size. The results show the possibility to achieve a timing resolution of 157 ps FWHM, combined with the already demonstrated spatial resolution of 1.5 mm FWHM, DOI resolution of 3 mm FWHM, and energy resolution of 9% FWHM at 511 keV, with 15 mm long crystals of section

mm2 and

mm2. At the same time, the extraction of the DOI coordinate has been demonstrated not to deteriorate the timing performance of the PET module.