bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of care methods for daily life disabilities in Alzheimer's type dementia that respect autonomy and independence
Authors: Suwa Sayuri , Yumoto Akiyo , Ueno Mari , Yamabe Tomoko , Hoshishiba Yumiko , Sato Mihoko 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo clarify the characteristics of appropriate care methods for people with daily life disabilities due to Alzheimer's type dementia.DesignA cross‐sectional survey study.MethodsA survey was implemented targeting 2,156 advanced care practitioners for dementia. The postal, self‐administered anonymous questionnaire was rated on a 4‐point Likert scale to assess the benefits of care for daily life disabilities depending on severity. We conducted factor analysis to determine characteristics of the appropriate care.ResultsThere were 568 valid responses, a valid response rate of 26.3%. The characteristics found were “Simplicity of necessities” and “Communication using verbal language on what should be done next” for mild cases; “Opportunities for completion of a task are provided with verbal communication,” “Marks” and “Arrange the environment with verbal communication” for moderate cases; and “Explain the process in the order of each individual action,” “Prevent non‐starts and interruptions” and “Confirm intention” for severe cases.
Factors associated with early non‐response within an Internet‐based behavioural weight loss program
Authors: Unick J. L. , Ross K. M. , Wing R. R. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryObjectiveWhile behavioural weight loss interventions are effective overall, many individuals fail to achieve a clinically significant weight loss. Given that 4‐week weight loss has been shown to predict longer term outcomes, one potential strategy for improving rates of success is to provide additional support to early non‐responders. To inform these early rescue efforts, it is important to first identify how they may differ from their more successful peers.MethodsAt week 4 of a 12‐week Internet‐delivered weight loss program, 130 adults (age: 49.8 ± 9.8 years, body mass index: 31.2 ± 4.6 kg m−2) were asked to complete an 11‐item survey assessing mood and weight‐related cognitions and behaviours. Participants were then categorized as early non‐responders (4‐week weight loss <2%) or initial responders (4‐week weight loss ≥2%), and groups were compared on intervention adherence during weeks 1–4 and week 4 survey question responses.ResultsEarly non‐responders and initial responders did not differ on any intervention adherence variables (ps > 0.05). Compared to initial responders, early non‐responders reported less positive mood (p = 0.011), greater boredom with weight loss efforts (p = 0.036), greater temptation to eat foods not consistent with their goals (p = 0.023), and that their eating choices were less consistent with their goals (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings identify important differences between early non‐responders and initial responders, offering potential intervention targets for rescuing early non‐responders (i.e. making it easier for individuals to choose healthier foods, reducing boredom in Internet‐delivered weight loss programs and providing strategies to limit exposure to dietary temptations).
Whole‐brain microstructural white matter alterations in borderline personality disorder patients
Authors: Quattrini Giulia , Marizzoni Moira , Magni Laura R. , Magnaldi Silvia , Lanfredi Mariangela , Rossi Giuseppe , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Pievani Michela , Rossi Roberta 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition associated with the impairment of the frontolimbic network. However, a growing body of studies suggests that brain dysfunction underling BPD could involve other brain areas. We explored the whole‐brain white matter (WM) organization in BPD patients to clarify the structural pattern underlying the disease and its relationship with clinical features.MethodsFourteen BPD patients and 14 healthy controls underwent a multidimensional clinical assessment and diffusion tensor imaging acquisition. Measures of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean, axial and radial (RD) diffusivity were collected, and alterations in the WM were assessed using the voxelwise approach, including substance and alcohol abuse as covariates. Voxelwise regression analysis was performed to identify associations between microstructural changes and clinical feature in BPD.ResultsGroup comparisons showed alterations only for FA and RD: FA decreased in the right posterior hemisphere, while RD increased bilaterally and widespread in anterior and posterior areas (p < 0.05, threshold‐free cluster enhancement corrected). Moreover, WM alterations of the corpus callosum were related to anxiety in BPD group.DiscussionOur data support the idea that structural alterations underling BPD also involve cortico‐cortical pathways, corticothalamic and corticostriatal tracts, suggesting that the frontolimbic model should be reinterpreted. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boron isotope variability related to boron speciation (change during uptake and transport) in bell pepper plants and SI traceable n(11B)/n(10B) ratios for plant reference materials
Authors: Geilert Sonja , Vogl Jochen , Rosner Martin , Eichert Thomas 
Published: April 2019

RationaleBoron (B) is an essential micronutrient in plants and its isotope variations are used to gain insights into plant metabolism, which is important for crop plant cultivation. B isotope variations were used to trace intra‐plant fractionation mechanisms in response to the B concentration in the irrigation water spanning the range from B depletion to toxic levels.MethodsA fully validated analytical procedure based on multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS), sample decomposition and B matrix separation was applied to study B isotope fractionation. The validation was accomplished by establishing a complete uncertainty budget and by applying reference materials, yielding expanded measurement uncertainties of 0.8‰ for pure boric acid solutions and ≤1.5‰ for processed samples. With this validated procedure SI traceable B isotope amount ratios were determined in plant reference materials for the first time.ResultsThe B isotope compositions of irrigation water and bell pepper samples suggest passive diffusion of the heavy 11B isotope into the roots during low to high B concentrations while uptake of the light 10B isotope was promoted during B depletion, probably by active processes. A systematic enrichment of the heavy 11B isotope in higher located plant parts was observed (average Δ11Bleaf‐roots = 20.3 ± 2.8‰ (1 SD)), possibly by a facilitated transport of the heavy 11B isotope to growing meristems by B transporters.ConclusionsThe B isotopes can be used to identify plant metabolism in response to the B concentration in the irrigation water and during intra‐plant B transfer. The large B isotope fractionation within the plants demonstrates the importance of biological B cycling for the global B cycle.
Fast and precise boron isotopic analysis of carbonates and seawater using Nu Plasma II multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and a simple sample introduction system
Authors: Chen Xin‐Yang , Teng Fang‐Zhen , Catling David C. 
Published: April 2019

RationaleThe boron (B) isotopic composition in marine carbonates provides important insights into paleoclimate reconstruction and biomineralization. However, precise and accurate measurements of B isotopes using plasma‐based mass spectrometry is difficult due to the volatile nature of B, which typically requires complex and more specialized sample introduction systems. Existing analytical protocols have mostly been based on Thermo Scientific Neptune Plus multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICPMS) instruments, whereas methods based on Nu Plasma mass spectrometers are scarce.MethodsWe have developed a simplified analytical protocol using Nu Plasma II MC‐ICPMS with standard glass sample introduction systems. Boron extraction and purification were conducted using a two‐stage column chemistry with cation‐exchange and Amberlite IRA 743 B‐specific resin. A sample drying step was avoided, which allows for direct isotopic analysis after column chemistry. A wet plasma mode with a standard glass cyclonic spray chamber and a glass nebulizer was used instead of a more specialized perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) sample introduction system. Low residual B signals were achieved with a relatively short period of wash‐out with 0.5 N HNO3.ResultsThe external precision is better than 0.30‰ (2SD) calculated from the long‐term bracketing standard, NIST SRM 951a. The overall robustness of the method was demonstrated by measurements of the international carbonate standard JCp‐1 (δ11B = +24.49 ± 0.36‰, 2SD) and seawater (δ11B = +39.98 ± 0.35‰), which are consistent with reported values.ConclusionsOur method provides an alternative approach for B isotope analysis using a routine wet plasma MC‐ICPMS setup that can facilitate geochemical and environmental application of B isotopes.
A new practical robust control of cable‐driven manipulators using time‐delay estimation
Authors: Wang Yaoyao , Yan Fei , Zhu Kangwu , Chen Bai , Wu Hongtao 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn this paper, a new practical robust control scheme is proposed and investigated for the cable‐driven manipulators under lumped uncertainties. There are three parts in the proposed method, ie, a time‐delay estimation (TDE) part, a modified super‐twisting algorithm (STA) part, and a fractional‐order nonsingular terminal sliding mode (FONTSM) error dynamics part. The TDE uses intentionally time‐delayed system signals to estimate the lumped dynamics of the system and ensures an attractive model‐free control structure. The STA is applied to guarantee high performance and chattering suppression simultaneously in the reaching phase. The FONTSM error dynamics is utilized to obtain fast convergence and strong robustness in the sliding mode phase. Thanks to the above three parts, the proposed control scheme is model free and can ensure high control performance under lumped uncertainties. The stability considering the FONTSM error dynamics and modified STA scheme is analyzed. Comparative simulation and experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiorities of the newly proposed control scheme. Corresponding experimental results show that our newly proposed control scheme can provide more than 20% improvement of the steady control accuracy under three different reference trajectories.
Performance enhancement of overall LEO/MEO intersatellite optical wireless communication systems
Authors: Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Tabbour Mohammed Salah F. , Natarajan Karuppusamy 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThis paper has deeply investigated the performance signature of modulation techniques based low earth orbit (LEO)/medium earth orbit (MEO) intersatellite optical wireless communication systems for possible communication coverage distance of 20 000 km with possible transmission bit rate of 0.5 Tb/s. These modulation techniques that are namely multilevel quadrature amplitude modulation (M‐QAM), multilevel phase shift keying (N‐PSK), multilevel pulse amplitude modulation (H‐PAM), and finally multilevel differential phase shift keying (L‐DPSK) based on different electrical pulse generators for upgrading LEO/MEO intersatellite link operation efficiency. These pulse generators that are namely Gaussian pulse generator (GPG), hyperbolic secant pulse generator (HSPG), and raised cosine pulse generator (RCPG). The variations of maximum Q‐factor, minimum bit error rate (BER), and optical signal‐to‐noise ratio in relation to number of bits/symbol for different modulation techniques can be deeply studied in the presence of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). This study is done with using Optiwave system simulation version 7 for different modulation techniques, and all figures are sketched with using wizard Excel sheet set up. It is observed that maximum Q‐factor and minimum BER are optimized with using GPG and 8‐PAM, as well as 4‐DPSK with both HSPG and RCPG.
Self‐Healing, Adhesive, and Highly Stretchable Ionogel as a Strain Sensor for Extremely Large Deformation
Authors: Zhang Li Mei , He Yuan , Cheng Sibo , Sheng Hao , Dai Keren , Zheng Wen Jiang , Wang Mei Xiang , Chen Zhen Shan , Chen Yong Mei , Suo Zhigang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFabricating a strain sensor that can detect large deformation over a curved object with a high sensitivity is crucial in wearable electronics, human/machine interfaces, and soft robotics. Herein, an ionogel nanocomposite is presented for this purpose. Tuning the composition of the ionogel nanocomposites allows the attainment of the best features, such as excellent self‐healing (>95% healing efficiency), strong adhesion (347.3 N m−1), high stretchability (2000%), and more than ten times change in resistance under stretching. Furthermore, the ionogel nanocomposite–based sensor exhibits good reliability and excellent durability after 500 cycles, as well as a large gauge factor of 20 when it is stretched under a strain of 800–1400%. Moreover, the nanocomposite can self‐heal under arduous conditions, such as a temperature as low as −20 °C and a temperature as high as 60 °C. All these merits are achieved mainly due to the integration of dynamic metal coordination bonds inside a loosely cross‐linked network of ionogel nanocomposite doped with Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
Recent Progress in Molecular Design of Fused Ring Electron Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Dey Somnath 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe quest for sustainable energy sources has led to accelerated growth in research of organic solar cells (OSCs). A solution‐processed bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) OSC generally contains a donor and expensive fullerene acceptors (FAs). The last 20 years have been devoted by the OSC community to developing donor materials, specifically low bandgap polymers, to complement FAs in BHJs. The current improvement from ≈2.5% in 2013 to 17.3% in 2018 in OSC performance is primarily credited to novel nonfullerene acceptors (NFA), especially fused ring electron acceptors (FREAs). FREAs offer unique advantages over FAs, like broad absorption of solar radiation, and they can be extensively chemically manipulated to tune optoelectronic and morphological properties. Herein, the current status in FREA‐based OSCs is summarized, such as design strategies for both wide and narrow bandgap FREAs for BHJ, all‐small‐molecule OSCs, semi‐transparent OSC, ternary, and tandem solar cells. The photovoltaics parameters for FREAs are summarized and discussed. The focus is on the various FREA structures and their role in optical and morphological tuning. Besides, the advantages and drawbacks of both FAs and NFAs are discussed. Finally, an outlook in the field of FREA‐OSCs for future material design and challenges ahead is provided.
Single Atoms on Graphene for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Wang Yijing , Niu Zhiqiang , Chen Jun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSingle atoms are attracting much attention in the field of energy conversion and storage due to their maximal atomic utilization, high efficiency, and good selectivity. Moreover, their unique electronic structure could improve the intrinsic activity of the active sites. However, the high surface free energy of single atoms inevitably results in their serious aggregation, leading to degraded catalytic activity and poor cycling life. To solve these issues, supports with high surface areas have to be developed to reduce loading density of single atoms and further decrease the surface free energy. Furthermore, engineering the active sites of these substrates can also regulate chemical coordination of single atoms, enhancing their catalytic performance. Owing to high surface area, excellent conductivity and adjustable surface properties, graphene is widely utilized to load atomic metal catalysts. In this review, the fabrication strategies and characterization methods of single atoms on graphene (SAG) are summarized first. Subsequently, the electrochemical applications of SAG on the oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, carbon dioxide reduction, and methane oxidation are discussed in detail. Finally, the future developments and prospects in fabrication and application of SAG are also discussed.
The open theory and its enemy: Implicit moralisation as epistemological obstacle for general systems theory
Authors: Roth Steffen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLudwig von Bertalanffy decisively shaped open systems theory as challenge and alternative to the then‐dominant theories of closed systems. This strategic positioning and its success have abetted frequent and frequently implicit moralisations of openness and closeness. In this article, we draw on the concept of autopoietically closed systems to show that the prevailing affirmative bias to openness constitutes an epistemological obstacle to the advancement of general systems theory. We demonstrate how this obstacle can be removed by tetralemmatic decision programmes that facilitate the management of dilemmatic co‐occurrences of and trade‐offs between openness and closeness.
European design code for composite structures in steel and concrete
Authors: Schäfer Markus 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Eurocodes (EC) represent European norms (EN) for the design and construction of building and bridge structures. The development of these European design codes is carried out on behalf of the European Union (EU) by the ”European Committee for Standardization – CEN“. The Eurocodes have been in use for some years now. The motivation behind the development of the Eurocodes is the harmonization of the planning and design process for the structural components and construction elements of buildings and bridges all over Europe. Based on the experience gained through the use of the Eurocode conditions in recent years and many comments from industry, a revision of all parts of the Eurocode is currently in progress. The aim is to adapt the current design standards to the state of the art and research, to simplify the application and to harmonize the Eurocodes with each other. Finally, these modifications will be transferred to the second generation of European standards. An overview of the development phases and project teams is presented in this paper, accompanied by an insight into current standardization work and the technical discussions, mainly focusing on EN 1994‐1‐1.
Prolonged Transitions: Early Tracking and Its Implications for Transitions
Authors: Keskiner Elif 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe bulk of transition studies define the initial transition point as when young people make a transition from compulsory education into the labour market, further study or inactivity. However, in stratified education systems in which pupils are streamed into different academic and vocational trajectories at an early age, the transition process begins much earlier, as educational tracking clearly shapes the future conditions of the transition process. Thus, in order to underline the retrospective nature of transitions, I will focus on the experiences of early educational stratification among native-born descendants of immigrants from Turkey in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Studying this early transition provides an opportunity to unravel the working of social class, gender, ethnicity and the application and development of cultural capital in facilitating the transition decision.
Blurring of the Transition Point: Combining Work and Study
Authors: Keskiner Elif 
Published: April 2019

AbstractReminiscent of today’s complex transitions is the growing practice of working while studying. This chapter scrutinizes different forms of work and study combinations in order to understand the influence of such practices on the transition process. First the structural contexts of student employment in Amsterdam and Strasbourg are delineated with a particular emphasis on the labour market context and student financing mechanisms in the years 2005–2009 when the respondents were interviewed. Next the descriptive analysis from the TIES survey provides an overview of student employment practices among children of Turkish immigrants in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Qualitative interviews are used to understand the motivations behind student employment practices and the implications of working while studying for the transition process. The chapter uncovers the role of work and study combinations in the trajectories of young people and whether (if so how) the work activity has different consequences in terms of the development of forms of capital, especially work-related social capital and information capital comparatively across two cities.
Laparoscopic Transcystic Versus Transductal Common Bile Duct Exploration: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahin , Hajibandeh Shahab , Sarma Diwakar Ryali , Balakrishnan Sankar , Eltair Mokhtar , Mankotia Rajnish , Budhoo Misra , Kumar Yogesh 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate comparative outcomes of laparoscopic transcystic (TC) and transductal (TD) common bile duct (CBD) exploration.MethodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists. CBD clearance rate, perioperative complications, and biliary complications were defined as the primary outcome parameters. Procedure time, length of hospital stay, conversion to open procedure were the secondary outcomes. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using random‐effects models.ResultsWe identified 30 studies reporting a total of 4073 patients comparing outcomes of laparoscopic TC (n = 2176) and TD (N = 1897) CBD exploration. The TC approach was associated with significantly lower overall complications (RD: −0.07, P = 0.001), biliary complications (RD: −0.05, P = 0.0003), and blood loss (MD: −16.20, P = 0.02) compared to TD approach. Moreover, the TC approach significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (MD: −2.62, P < 0.00001) and procedure time (MD: −12.73, P = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference in rate of CBD clearance (RD: 0.00, P = 0.77) and conversion to open procedure (RD: 0.00, P = 0.86) between two groups.ConclusionsLaparoscopic TC CBD exploration is safe and reduces overall morbidity and biliary complications compared to the TD approach. Moreover, it is associated with significantly shorter length of hospital stay and procedure time. High‐quality randomised trials may provide stronger evidence with respect to impact of the cystic duct/CBD diameter, number or size of CBD stones, or cystic duct anatomy on the comparative outcomes of TC and TD approaches.