bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KCrS2 Cathode with Considerable Cyclability and High Rate Performance: The First K+ Stoichiometric Layered Compound for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Naveen Nirmalesh , Park Woon Bae , Singh Satendra Pal , Han Su Cheol , Ahn Docheon , Sohn Kee‐Sun , Pyo Myoungho 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKCrS2 is presented as a stable and high‐rate layered material that can be used as a cathode in potassium‐ion batteries. As far as it is known, KCrS2 is the only layered material with stoichiometric amounts of K+, which enables coupling with a graphite anode for full‐cell construction. Cr(III)/Cr(IV) redox in KCrS2 is also unique, because LiCrS2 and NaCrS2 are known to experience S2−/S2
2− redox. O3‐KCrS2 is first charged to P3‐K0.39CrS2 and subsequently discharged to O′3‐K0.8CrS2, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 71 mAh g−1. The following charge/discharge (C/D) shows excellent reversibility between O′3‐K0.8CrS2 and P3‐K0.39CrS2, retaining ≈90% of the initial capacity during 1000 continuous cycles. The rate performance is also noteworthy. A C/D rate increase of 100‐fold (0.05 to 5 C) reduces the reversible capacity only by 39% (71 to 43 mAh g−1). The excellent cyclic stability and high rate performance are ascribed to the soft sulfide framework, which can effectively buffer the stress caused by K+ deinsertion/insertion. During the transformation between P3‐K0.39CrS2 and O′3‐K0.8CrS2, the material resides mostly in the P3 phase, which minimizes the abrupt dimension change and allows facile K+ diffusion through spacious prismatic sites. Structural analysis and density functional theory calculations firmly support this reasoning.
Levator ani muscle coactivation at term is associated with longer second stage of labor in nulliparous women
Authors: Youssef A. , Montaguti E. , Dodaro M. G. , Kamel R. , Rizzo N. , Pilu G. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the effect of levator ani muscle (LAM) coactivation at term on outcome of labor in nulliparous women.MethodsThis was a prospective study of 284 low‐risk nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy at term recruited before the onset of labor. The anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus was measured in each woman on transperineal ultrasound at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva maneuver before and after visual feedback. LAM coactivation was defined as a reduction in the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus on maximum Valsalva maneuver in comparison with that at rest. The association of pelvic hiatal diameter values and LAM coactivation with mode of delivery and duration of labor was assessed.ResultsNo significant difference was found between women who underwent Cesarean delivery and those who had a vaginal delivery with regard to the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus at rest, on pelvic floor muscle contraction and on Valsalva maneuver. Longer second stage of labor was associated with shorter anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus on all assessments, but in particular at rest and on Valsalva both before and after visual feedback. LAM coactivation was found in 89 (31.3%) and 75 (26.4%) women before and after visual feedback, respectively. Post visual feedback, women with LAM coactivation had a significantly longer second stage of labor than did those without LAM coactivation (83 ± 63 vs 63 ± 42 min; P = 0.006). On Cox regression analysis, LAM coactivation post visual feedback was an independent predictor of longer second stage of labor (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.499 (95% CI, 1.076–2.087); P = 0.017).ConclusionLAM coactivation in nulliparous women at term is associated with a longer second stage of labor. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Simulated microgravity triggers characteristic morphology and stress response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nemoto Shota , Ohnuki Shinsuke , Abe Fumiyoshi , Ohya Yoshikazu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractReduction of gravity results in changes in gene expression and morphology in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We studied the genes responsible for the morphological changes induced by simulated microgravity (SMG) using the yeast morphology data. We comprehensively captured the features of the morphological changes in yeast cells cultured in SMG with CalMorph, a high‐throughput image‐processing system. Statistical analysis revealed that 95 of 501 morphological traits were significantly affected, which included changes in bud direction, the ratio of daughter to mother cell size, the random daughter cell shape, the large mother cell size, bright nuclei in the M phase, and the decrease in angle between two nuclei. We identified downregulated genes that impacted the morphological changes in conditions of SMG by focusing on each of the morphological features individually. Gene Ontology (GO)‐enrichment analysis indicated that morphological changes under conditions of SMG were caused by cooperative downregulation of 103 genes annotated to six GO terms, which included cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granule, RNA elongation, mitotic cell cycle phase transition, nucleocytoplasmic transport, protein–DNA complex subunit organization, and RNA localization. P‐body formation was also promoted under conditions of SMG. These results suggest that cooperative downregulation of multiple genes occurs in conditions of SMG.
A&nbsp;critical perspective on the modified personal interview
Authors: Pieris Dilshan 
Published: October 2018

Medical school interviews are critical for screening candidates for admission. Traditionally, the panel format is used for this process, although its drastically low reliabilities sparked the creation of the highly reliable multiple mini-interview (MMI). However, the multiple mini-interview’s feasibility issues made it unappealing to some institutions, like the University of Toronto, who created the modified personal interview (MPI) as a more feasible alternative. The lack of literature about the MPI, however, prevents the medical community from determining whether this interview format achieves this goal. Therefore, evidence was compiled and critically appraised for the MPI using Kane’s validity framework, which enables analysis of four levels of inference (Scoring, Generalization, Extrapolation, Implication). Upon examining each level, it was concluded that assumptions made at the ‘Scoring’ and ‘Generalization’ levels had the least support. Based on these findings, it was recommended that in-person rater training become mandatory and the number of stations increase twofold from four to eight. Moreover, the following research initiatives were suggested to improve understanding of and evidence for the modified personal interview: (1) formally blueprint each station; (2) conduct predictive validity studies for the modified personal interview, and (3) relate admission to medical school on the basis of the MPI with medical error rates. By making these changes and studying these initiatives, the MPI can become a more feasible and equally effective alternative to the MMI with more evidence to justify its implementation at other medical schools.
Clinical audit on the practice of documentation at preanesthetic evaluation in a specialized university hospital
Authors: Woldegerima Yophtahe , Kemal Semira 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Performing preanesthetic evaluation, documenting and keeping readily accessible record are responsibilities of anesthetists. Documentation can improve overall patient outcome. It also has an irreplaceable role in medico-legal aspects. Documentation is one of the challenges in providing quality care. The objective of the study was to evaluate documentation practice during preanesthetic visits.

Method:
A descriptive study was conducted in a university hospital. Predefined twenty-two indicators were prepared according to modified global quality index (GQI). SPSS version-20 was used for analysis.

Results:
A total of 122 pre-anesthetic evaluation tools (PAETs) were reviewed. None of PAETs found fully completed according to the indicators. Trends differ between elective and emergency conditions. Indicators with high completion rate (>90%) were signed a consent, past medical history (PMH), history of medication, allergy, anesthesia and surgery, cardiopulmonary examination, airway examination, preoperative diagnosis and planned procedure. Anesthetic plan, vital signs, a name, per-oral status, premedication, and age were found with below average (<50%) completion rate.

Conclusion and recommendations:
Documentation practice during the pre-anesthetic visit was below the standard. Unclear instructions should be replaced with standardized contents. Providing regular trainings on clinical documentation for students and staffs, and introducing modern electronic-based documentation system may improve the practice.

Highlights:
Randomized clinical trial comparing a small intestinal submucosa anal fistula plug to advancement flap for the repair of complex anal fistulas
Authors: Schwandner Thilo , Thieme Anique , Scherer Roland , Hodde Jason P. , Sötje Ulrike , Roblick Michael , Padberg Winfried , Fürst Alois 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Current treatments for complex anal fistulas are associated with substantial variability in healing, recurrence, and incontinence rates. This study compared the effectiveness and safety of the Biodesign anal fistula plug to the anorectal advancement flap in patients with transsphincteric anal fistulas.

Methods:
A total of 82 patients attending coloproctology clinics in Germany were enrolled in this prospective, non-blinded, multicenter trial and randomized to the advancement flap or the plug. Study endpoints included healing rates, health-related quality of life, continence-related quality of life, pain, and safety at the time of surgery and 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months following surgery.

Results:
Follow-up at 12 months (n = 82) revealed healing rates of 67% for the plug and 76% for the flap (p = 0.56), with the noninferiority analysis confirming equivalence (p = 0.47). Fecal continence rates and the overall safety profile were similar between the two interventions. There were trends for lower pain scores at the time of surgery and 2 weeks postoperatively, and higher overall quality of life in the plug group. The surgical time required for the plug procedure was, on average, 34% shorter than the time required for the advancement flap. Regardless of treatment group, higher healing rates were observed in patients with a higher body mass index (p = 0.03), shorter fistula length (p = 0.01), and fewer previous colorectal surgeries (p < 0.001), while prior colorectal surgeries were associated with lower healing rates (p = 0.026).

Conclusions:
The plug and advancement flap were equally effective treatments for complex anorectal fistula, with the plug associated with significantly less surgical time and a favorable safety profile.

Clinical trial registration:

NCT00545441.

Highlights:
Suppression of amplitude modulation induced by polarization mode dispersion using a multi-degree-of-freedom fiber filter
Authors: Li Rao , Jiang Youen , Qiao Zhi , Huang Canhong , Fan Wei , Li Xuechun , Lin Zunqi 
Published: October 2018

Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in fibers for high-power lasers can induce significant frequency modulation to amplitude modulation (FM-to-AM) conversion. However, existing techniques are not sufficiently flexible to achieve efficient compensation for such FM-to-AM conversion. By analyzing the nonuniform transmission spectrum caused by PMD, we found that the large-scale envelope of the transmission spectrum has more serious impacts on the amount of AM. In order to suppress the PMD-induced FM-to-AM conversion, we propose a novel tunable spectral filter with multiple degrees of freedom based on a half-wave plate, a nematic liquid crystal, and an axis-rotated polarization-maintaining fiber. Peak wavelength, free spectral range (FSR), and modulation depth of the filter are decoupled and can be controlled independently, which is verified through both simulations and experiments. The filter is utilized to compensate for the PMD-induced FM-to-AM conversion in the front end of a high-power laser facility. The results indicate that, for a pulse with phase-modulation frequency of 22.82 GHz, the FM-to-AM conversion could be reduced from 18% to 3.2% within a short time and maintained below 6.5% for 3 h. The proposed filter is also promising for other applications that require flexible spectral control such as high-speed channel selection in optical communication networks.
TOWERS IN FILTERS, CARDINAL INVARIANTS, AND LUZIN TYPE FAMILIES
Authors: BRENDLE JÖRG , FARKAS BARNABÁS , VERNER JONATHAN 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe investigate which filters onωcan contain towers, that is, a modulo finite descending sequence without any pseudointersection (in${[\omega ]^\omega }$). We prove the following results:(1)Many classical examples of nice tall filters contain no towers (in ZFC).(2)It is consistent that tall analytic P-filters contain towers of arbitrary regular height (simultaneously for many regular cardinals as well).(3)It is consistent that all towers generate nonmeager filters (this answers a question of P. Borodulin-Nadzieja and D. Chodounský), in particular (consistently) Borel filters do not contain towers.(4)The statement “Every ultrafilter contains towers.” is independent of ZFC (this improves an older result of K. Kunen, J. van Mill, and C. F. Mills).Furthermore, we study many possible logical (non)implications between the existence of towers in filters, inequalities between cardinal invariants of filters (${\rm{ad}}{{\rm{d}}^{\rm{*}}}\left( {\cal F} \right)$,${\rm{co}}{{\rm{f}}^{\rm{*}}}\left( {\cal F} \right)$,${\rm{no}}{{\rm{n}}^{\rm{*}}}\left( {\cal F} \right)$, and${\rm{co}}{{\rm{v}}^{\rm{*}}}\left( {\cal F} \right)$), and the existence of Luzin type families (of size$\ge {\omega _2}$), that is, if${\cal F}$is a filter then${\cal X} \subseteq {[\omega ]^\omega }$is an${\cal F}$-Luzin family if$\left\{ {X \in {\cal X}:|X \setminus F| = \omega } \right\}$is countable for every$F \in {\cal F}$.
SIMPLE GROUPS OF MORLEY RANK 5 ARE BAD
Authors: DELORO ADRIEN , WISCONS JOSHUA 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe show that any simple group of Morley rank 5 is a bad group all of whose proper definable connected subgroups are nilpotent of rank at most 2. The main result is then used to catalog the nonsoluble connected groups of Morley rank 5.
PROVABILITY LOGICS RELATIVE TO A FIXED EXTENSION OF PEANO ARITHMETIC
Authors: KURAHASHI TAISHI 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLet T and U be any consistent theories of arithmetic. If T is computably enumerable, then the provability predicate $P{r_\tau }\left( x \right)$ of T is naturally obtained from each ${{\rm{\Sigma }}_1}$ definition $\tau \left( v \right)$ of T. The provability logic $P{L_\tau }\left( U \right)$ of τ relative to U is the set of all modal formulas which are provable in U under all arithmetical interpretations where □ is interpreted by $P{r_\tau }\left( x \right)$. It was proved by Beklemishev based on the previous studies by Artemov, Visser, and Japaridze that every $P{L_\tau }\left( U \right)$ coincides with one of the logics $G{L_\alpha }$, ${D_\beta }$, ${S_\beta }$, and $GL_\beta ^ -$, where α and β are subsets of ω and β is cofinite.We prove that if U is a computably enumerable consistent extension of Peano Arithmetic and L is one of $G{L_\alpha }$, ${D_\beta }$, ${S_\beta }$, and $GL_\beta ^ -$, where α is computably enumerable and β is cofinite, then there exists a ${{\rm{\Sigma }}_1}$ definition $\tau \left( v \right)$ of some extension of $I{{\rm{\Sigma }}_1}$ such that $P{L_\tau }\left( U \right)$ is exactly L.
AN ALGEBRAIC APPROACH TO MSO-DEFINABILITY ON COUNTABLE LINEAR ORDERINGS
Authors: CARTON OLIVIER , COLCOMBET THOMAS , PUPPIS GABRIELE 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe develop an algebraic notion of recognizability for languages of words indexed by countable linear orderings. We prove that this notion is effectively equivalent to definability in monadic second-order (MSO) logic. We also provide three logical applications. First, we establish the first known collapse result for the quantifier alternation of MSO logic over countable linear orderings. Second, we solve an open problem posed by Gurevich and Rabinovich, concerning the MSO-definability of sets of rational numbers using the reals in the background. Third, we establish the MSO-definability of the set of yields induced by an MSO-definable set of trees, confirming a conjecture posed by Bruyère, Carton, and Sénizergues.
Carbon-14 release and speciation from carbon steel in highly alkaline conditions
Authors: Druyts Frank , Caes Sébastien , Thomas Peter 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe release and the speciation of carbon species from irradiated JRQ carbon steel samples, representative of the reactor pressure vessel of Belgian nuclear power plants, were studied in a saturated portlandite aqueous solution, relevant for the Belgian Supercontainer design, as perceived for the geological disposal of high-level nuclear waste. To achieve this, we performed simple immersion and potentiostatic corrosion tests. In addition, the corrosion rate (which determines the 14C release) was estimated by measuring the release of 60Co. Gas chromatography showed that during the static corrosion test, the carbonaceous species methane, carbon dioxide, ethene, and ethane were produced. Under the hypothesis that all the carbon released from the JRQ steel was transformed into carbon-base gaseous compounds, this corresponds to a corrosion rate of approximately 100 nm/yr, which is in good agreement with literature data.
Stigma as a barrier to family planning use among married youth in Ethiopia
Authors: Jain Aparna , Ismail Hussein , Tobey Elizabeth , Erulkar Annabel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNearly 33 million female youths have an unmet need for voluntary family planning (FP), meaning they are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant. In Ethiopia, age at marriage remains low: 40% and 14% of young women aged 20–24 were married by the ages of 18 and 15, respectively. Despite increases in FP use by married 15- to 24-year-olds from 5% in 2000 to 37% in 2016, unmet need remains high at 19%. Supply-and-demand factors have been shown to limit FP use, yet little is known about how stigma influences FP use among youth. This study validates an anticipated stigma (expectation of discrimination from others) index and explores its effect on unmet need. A cross-sectional survey was implemented with 15- to 24-year-old female youth in Ethiopia in 2016. The analytic sample included married respondents with a demand (met and unmet need) for FP (n=371). A five-item anticipated stigma index (Cronbach’sα=0.66) was developed using principal component factor analysis. These items related to fear, worry and embarrassment when accessing FP. The findings showed that 30% agreed with at least one anticipated stigma question; 44% had an unmet need; 58% were married before age 18; and 100% could name an FP method and knew where to obtain FP. In multivariate regression models, youth who experienced anticipated stigma were significantly more likely to have an unmet need, and those who lived close to a youth-friendly service (YFS) site were significantly less likely to have an unmet need. Interventions should address anticipated stigma while focusing on social norms that restrict married youth from accessing FP; unmet need may be mitigated in the presence of a YFS; and the anticipated stigma index appears valid and reliable but should be tested in other countries and among different adolescent groups.
MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS AS A DECISION-SUPPORT TOOL FOR DRUG EVALUATION: A PILOT STUDY IN A PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS COMMITTEE SETTING
Authors: Roldán Úrsula Baños , Badia Xavier , Marcos-Rodríguez Jose Antonio , de la Cruz-Merino Luis , Gómez-González Jaime , Melcón-de Dios Ana , Caraballo-Camacho María de la O , Cordero-Ramos Jaime , Alvarado-Fernández María Dolores , Galiana-Auchel José Manuel , Calleja-Hernández Miguel Ángel 
Published: October 2018

Objectives:The aim of this study was to develop and to assess a specific Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to evaluate new drugs in an hospital pharmacy and therapeutics committee (P&TC) setting.Methods:A pilot criteria framework was developed based on the EVIDEM (Evidence and Value: Impact on DEcisionMaking) framework, together with other relevant criteria, and assessed by a group of P&TC's members. The weighting of included criteria was done using a 5-point weighting technique. Two drugs were chosen by evaluation: an orphan-drug for Gaucher disease, and a nonorphan drug for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Evidence matrices were developed, and value contribution of each drug was evaluated by P&TC's members. An agreed final framework was obtained through a discussion between the P&TC's members.Results:After criteria assessment, the pilot framework included eight quantitative criteria: “disease severity,” “unmet needs,” “comparative efficacy/effectiveness,” “comparative safety/tolerability,” “comparative patient-reported outcomes,” “comparative cost consequences-cost of treatment,” “comparative cost consequences-other medical costs,” and “quality of evidence”; and one contextual criterion: “opportunity costs and affordability.” The most valued criteria were: “comparative safety/tolerability,” “disease severity,” and “comparative efficacy/effectiveness.” When assessing the drugs most valued characteristics of the MCDA were the possibility that all team may contribute to drug assessment by means of scoring the matrices and the discussion to reach a consensus in drug positioning and value decision making.Conclusions:The reflective MCDA would integrate quantitative and qualitative criteria relevant for a P&TC setting, allowing reflective discussions based on the criteria weighting score.
A group version of stable regularity
Authors: CONANT G. , PILLAY A. , TERRY C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe prove that, given ε > 0 and k ≥ 1, there is an integer n such that the following holds. Suppose G is a finite group and A ⊆ G is k-stable. Then there is a normal subgroup H ≤ G of index at most n, and a set Y ⊆ G, which is a union of cosets of H, such that |A △ Y| ≤ε|H|. It follows that, for any coset C of H, either |C ∩ A|≤ ε|H| or |C \ A| ≤ ε |H|. This qualitatively generalises recent work of Terry and Wolf on vector spaces over $\mathbb{F}_p$.
Comparative study in the control of bovine viral diarrhea
Authors: Larghi Mauro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important infectious agent affecting herd productivity and reproduction, and leading to massive economic losses. As such, BVD is the subject of a number of control and eradication schemes globally. The key elements of such schemes are: diagnosis and removal of persistently infected animals from herds; implementation of biosecurity practices aimed at preventing the introduction or re-introduction of BVDV in free herds; and ongoing surveillance to monitor the progress of the program and to detect new infections. The objective of this review is to examine the impact of BVD and the management of the disease in three countries: Scotland, Spain, and Argentina, where BVD control programs are in distinct phases: established, developing, and yet to be initiated. This work also sets out to highlight potential difficulties and formulate recommendations for successful BVD control. It concludes that a systematic, countrywide approach is needed to achieve a sustainable decrease in BVD prevalence. The role of vaccines in control programs is concluded to be a valuable additional biosecurity measure. This study also concludes that there are potential wider benefits to a systematic BVD control program, such as a reduction in antimicrobial use and increases in the competitiveness of the cattle industry.