bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective, Split‐Face, Randomized Study Comparing a 755‐nm Picosecond Laser With and Without Diffractive Lens Array in the Treatment of Melasma in Asians
Authors: Manuskiatti Woraphong , Yan Chadakan , Tantrapornpong Ploypailin , Cembrano Kathryn Anne G. , Techapichetvanich Thanya , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

Treatment of melasma with lasers remains a challenge due to its limited clinical efficacy in addition to high rates of recurrence and side effects. Recently, picosecond lasers have shown favorable results in treatment of benign pigmented lesions. To compare the efficacy and safety of using a 755‐nm picosecond laser for the treatment of melasma in a split‐face manner, having one side treated with a fractionated beam (diffractive lens array [DLA] coupling) and with a full‐beam (flat optics) on the other side.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Eighteen subjects presenting with mixed‐type melasma were enrolled. Each patient was randomly treated with a 755‐nm picosecond laser coupled with DLA on one side of the face and without DLA (flat optics) on the other side. The laser was delivered through an 8‐mm spot size with an average fluence of 0.4 J/cm2 at 2.5 Hz for a total of two passes without pulse overlapping. All subjects received five monthly treatments. Subjective (clinical evaluation) and objective (color readings) assessments on the degree of pigment clearance and adverse effects were obtained at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month after the final treatment.

Results

At 6 months after the last treatment, physician‐rating scores were 1.50 ± 0.76 and 1.50 ± 0.65 of the DLA and flat‐optics sides, respectively. Pigment clearance significantly improved from 1 to 6 months after the treatment on each side (P = 0.019 on DLA and P = 0.023 on flat‐optics sides). No statistically significant differences in physician‐rating scores between the two treatment techniques were observed at all follow‐up visits. Objective assessments of melasma clearance corresponded to the clinical evaluation. However, the full‐beam (flat optics) provided lower incidence of pos‐tinflammatory hyperpigmentation than the fractioned one.

Conclusions

A 755‐nm picosecond laser is safe and effective for the treatment of melasma in dark‐skinned individuals. The use of DLA does not provide additional benefit over the flat optics in clearing pigmentation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser is Effective in Amelioration of Pruritus in Primary Cutaneous Amyloidosis: A Clinical and Biochemical Study
Authors: Fawzi Marwa M.T. , Gawdat Heba I. , Mahmoud Sara B. , El‐Hawary Marwa S. , Rashed Laila A. , Esmat Samia M.
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

Primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA) is a pruritic disease characterized by amyloid deposition in the skin. Interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) is a pruritus‐mediating cytokine. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has shown efficacy in the treatment of PCA regarding the clinical appearance, histological pattern, and pruritus. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of fractional CO2 laser on pruritus associated with PCA, and analyze whether this effect is related to IL‐31 and IL‐31 receptor (R) expression.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The study included 24 patients with PCA and 24 healthy controls. Each patient received four fractional CO2 laser sessions, 4 weeks apart, using the superficial ablative mode. Skin biopsies were taken from patients before and after treatment, as well as controls, for assessment of IL‐31 and IL‐31R by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Treatment resulted in significant improvement of all clinical parameters, including pruritus (P < 0.001). Patients before treatment had significantly higher IL‐31 and IL‐31R than controls (P = 0.000 for both). In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in IL‐31 and IL‐31R after treatment than their values before treatment (P = 0.000 for both).

Conclusion

This study confirms the therapeutic efficacy of fractional CO2 laser in treatment of PCA. Reduction of IL‐31 and its receptor seems to be one of the involved mechanisms; however, its relation to improvement of pruritus is still not clear. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
New CCBHC status to bolster Kentucky, Michigan service efforts
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2020

Michigan and Kentucky leaders and providers are hopeful and excited about opportunities for improved mental health, substance use and physical health care service access across their respective states following a federal announcement Aug. 5 that they are the newest participants in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program.
Psychologists object to proposed payment reductions for 2021
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2020

Following a proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would see a marked reduction in payments in 2021 to psychologists providing services to Medicare patients, the American Psychological Association (APA) is planning to ask the CMS to preserve and increase payment for psychological services.
A potential‐free field inverse time‐fractional Schrödinger problem: Optimal error bound analysis and regularization method
Authors: Yang Fan , Fu Jun‐Liang , Li Xiao‐Xiao
Published: August 2020

In this paper, an inverse time‐fractional Schrödinger problem of potential‐free field is studied. This problem is ill‐posed; that is, the solution (if it exists) does not depend continuously on the data. Based on an a priori bound condition, the optimal error bound analysis is given. Moreover, a modified kernel method is introduced. The convergence error estimate obtained by this method under the a priori regularization parameter selection rule is optimal, and the convergence error estimate obtained under the a posteriori regularization parameter selection rule is order‐optimal. Finally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and stability of this method.
An Integrated PRE Methodology for Capturing the Reaction Performance of Single‐ and Multi‐site Type Catalysts Using Bench‐Scale Polymerization Experiments
Authors: Touloupidis Vasileios , Rittenschober Gerold , Paulik Christian
Published: August 2020

The scope of polymer reaction engineering (PRE) is to develop a modeling pathway from polymerization process conditions to polymer microstructure and end‐use properties. The catalyst is the heart of the low‐pressure polymerization and its kinetic parameters constitute the cornerstone of this pathway, without which none of the modeling steps can be established. In this work, an integrated PRE methodology for capturing the reaction performance of single‐ and multi‐site type catalysts is presented. According to the methodology proposed, the catalyst kinetic parameters are estimated based on a series of targeted bench‐scale polymerization experiments and characterization combined with polymer reaction engineering modeling.
Single‐room maternity care: Systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Ali Elena , Norris Jill M. , Hall Marc , White Deborah E.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To describe the single‐room maternity care model and evaluate its influence on patient, provider and system outcomes.

Design

Mixed‐method systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Methods

We conducted searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the grey literature from January 1985–August 2018, yielding 151 records. Pairs of reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria using a standardized screening tool to both titles/abstracts and full texts. Overall, 13 studies were retained.

Results

Most studies of single‐room care were from the United States and Canada, and assessed costs, patient satisfaction and/or provider satisfaction. Studies used cross‐sectional and/or pre–post comparative, retrospective descriptive and qualitative designs. Methodological quality of quantitative studies was generally weak, and few studies conducted inferential statistics. Maternal satisfaction with the single‐room maternity model was positive across the studies; however, healthcare provider satisfaction was mixed.
The Spanish version of the Mothers' Postnatal Sense of Security Scale: Psychometric properties and predictive utility
Authors: Escribano Silvia , Oliver‐Roig Antonio , Cano‐Climent Antoni , Richart‐Martínez Miguel , Persson Eva K. , Juliá‐Sanchis Rocío
Published: August 2020

Postnatal sense of security is a relevant construct related to several variables of motherhood. However, it has not yet been studied in the Spanish context. The aims were: (a) To analyze the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Mothers' Postnatal Sense of Security Scale (PPSS‐S); (b) analyze the factors related to mothers' sense of security during the first 2 weeks following childbirth (sociodemographic variables and factors related to maternity); and (c) examine the predictive utility that mothers' sense of security has on symptoms of postpartum depression 6–11 months after childbirth. This was a prospective longitudinal study performed in the first 6–11 months post‐partum in four regions of Spain. A total of 928 mothers whose mean age was 33.67 years (standard deviation = 4.54) participated. The confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate adjustment to the original structure (χ2 = 17,272.79, df = 153, p < .001; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.98; comparative fit index = 0.98; root mean square error of approximation = 0.058 [0.053‐0.063])and the overall internal consistency was 0.89. Direct relationships were shown between women' sense of security and already having had a child, the absence of postpartum health complications (either in the mother or the newborn) and receiving consistent information from healthcare professionals. Our results showed adequate evidence for the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the PPSS‐S. Understanding mothers' sense of security during the early months of motherhood, as well as related factors in the postpartum period, will allow health professionals to implement preventive measures to promote mental health and could help reduce symptoms of postpartum depression.
Potential impacts of free trade areas and common currency on sustainable agricultural export in Africa
Authors: Edeme Richardson K. , Nkalu Chigozie Nelson , Iloka Chinenye E.
Published: August 2020

This study probes the potential impacts of free trade areas and common currency in fostering agricultural export based on data from 45 countries in Africa from 1996 to 2018. The main concern is to determine whether exogenous events like becoming a member of Arab Mighreb (AMU), Community of Sahel‐Saharan States (CS‐SS), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Southern African Development Community (SADC) or becoming a member of African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) can potentially accentuate agricultural export. From the main finding, there is evidence that membership becoming membership to AMU, CS‐SS, AMU, CEN‐SAD, COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS, IGAD or part of SADC has a positive marginal impact on agricultural export, its influence is not immediate. Also, the positive marginal impact on agricultural export for becoming a member of AFCFTA continues to decline after 1 or 2 years than the current year. Common currency and economic growth have a positive marginal impact on agricultural export for the period covered by the study.
Defibrotide treatment but not prophylaxis is useful in hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in children undergoing autologous stem cell transplant following high‐dose chemotherapy: A single‐center experience from the Royal Marsden Hospital, UK
Authors: Roy Moulik Nirmalya , Johnson Indranee , Van Bruggen Lucia , Petterson Toni , Mycroft Julie , Vaidya Sucheta J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a serious complication of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in children with historically high mortality rates. Defibrotide has shown proven benefit in its treatment and may have a modest role in prevention. We report our experience with SOS in children undergoing autologous transplant.

Methods

Case records of 82 consecutive patients undergoing ASCT following high‐dose chemotherapy between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed. Defibrotide was used for treatment of all with SOS and prophylactically in patients receiving busulfan‐based conditioning until 2014.

Results

Fourteen of the 82 children (17%) were diagnosed with SOS. The incidence was higher in those receiving busulfan‐based conditioning (13/42 vs 1/40, P = 0.008). Mean (±SD) time to diagnosis of SOS was 19 (±5.6) days following stem cell rescue. Bilirubin levels and ultrasound were normal in 7/14 and 3/14 patients. Coagulopathy was noted in 10/14; one child developed multiorgan involvement. Nine children had mild SOS, whereas two and three had moderate and severe SOS, respectively. Intensive care was required for four of five non‐mild cases. Patients with SOS had significantly delayed platelet recovery, higher transfusion requirement, and longer hospital stay. Unavailability of defibrotide prophylaxis for 17/42 receiving busulfan did not change the incidence of SOS (7/25 with defibrotide vs 6 /17 without defibrotide, P = 0.74). There was no significant difference in the severity of SOS between these groups.

Conclusion

Hepatic SOS was more commonly seen in children receiving busulfan‐based conditioning. Stopping the use of prophylactic defibrotide did not increase incidence or severity of SOS. Overall outcome was excellent with supportive care and timely treatment with defibrotide.
Outcome misclassification: Impact, usual practice in pharmacoepidemiology database studies and an online aid to correct biased estimates of risk ratio or cumulative incidence
Authors: Hall Gillian C. , Lanes Stephan , Bollaerts Kaatje , Zhou Xiaofeng , Ferreira Germano , Gini Rosa
Published: August 2020

Purpose

It is well documented that outcome misclassification can bias a point estimate. We aimed to understand current practice in addressing this bias in pharmacoepidemiology database studies and to develop an open source application (app) from existing methodology to demonstrate the impact and mechanism of this bias on results.

Methods

Studies of an exposure and a clinical outcome were selected from all Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety publications during 2017 and any reference to outcome misclassification described. An app to correct risk ratio (RR) and cumulative incidence for outcome misclassification was developed from a published methodology and used to demonstrate the impact of correction on point estimates.

Results

Eight (19%) of 43 papers selected reported estimates of outcome ascertainment accuracy with positive predictive value (PPV) the most commonly reported measure (7 of 8 studies). Three studies (7%) corrected for the bias, 1 by exposure strata, and 5 (12%) restricted analyses to confirmed cases. The app (app http://apps.p-95.com/ISPE/) uses values of PPV and sensitivity (or a range of possible values) in each exposure strata and returns corrected point estimates and confidence intervals. The app demonstrates that small differences between comparison groups in PPV or sensitivity can introduce bias even when accuracy estimates are high.

Conclusions

Outcome misclassification is not usually corrected in pharmacoepidemiology database studies although correction methods using routinely measured indices are available. Error indices are needed for each comparison group to correct RR estimates for these errors. The app should encourage understanding of this bias and increase adjustment.
Recent progress in functional materials from lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals
Authors: Bosire Reuben , Ndaya Dennis , Kasi Rajeswari M
Published: August 2020

Research on lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals has grown tremendously from fundamental studies to designing functional materials for applications in biological fields and other technological areas. The majority of the research has centered on utilizing chromonic small molecules predominantly dissolved in aqueous solvents. But these often present processing difficulties and a host of other unattractive features including poor mechanical and chemical stabilities. Mesophase properties of chromonic liquid crystals as characterized using X‐ray diffraction and scattering techniques, spectroscopy and light microscopy are explored. We review potential applications and future perspectives of this subfield where methods of transforming chromonic molecules into functional materials are highlighted. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Tail‐Robust Quantile Normalization
Authors: Brombacher Eva , Schad Ariane , Kreutz Clemens
Published: August 2020

High‐throughput biological data—such as mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomics data—suffer from systematic non‐biological variance due to systematic errors. This hinders the estimation of “real” biological signals and, in turn, decreases the power of statistical tests and biases the identification of differentially expressed proteins. To remove such unintended variation, while retaining the biological signal of interest, analysis workflows for quantitative MS data typically comprise normalization prior to their statistical analysis. Several normalization methods, such as quantile normalization (QN), have originally been developed for microarray data. In contrast to microarray data proteomics data may contain features, in the form of protein intensities that are consistently high across experimental conditions and, hence, are encountered in the tails of the protein intensity distribution. If QN is applied in the presence of such proteins statistical inferences of the features’ intensity profiles are impeded due to the biased estimation of their variance. A freely available, novel approach is introduced which serves as an improvement of the classical QN by preserving the biological signals of features in the tails of the intensity distribution and by accounting for sample‐dependent missing values (MVs): The “tail‐robust quantile normalization” (TRQN).
Meeting report from the Prostate Cancer Foundation PSMA theranostics state of the science meeting
Authors: Miyahira Andrea K. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Babich John W. , Bander Neil H. , Calais Jeremie , Choyke Peter , Hofman Michael S. , Larson Steven M. , Lin Frank I. , Morris Michael J. , Pomper Martin G. , Sandhu Shahneen , Scher Howard I. , Tagawa Scott T. , Williams Scott , Soule Howard R.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) convened a PCF prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) Theranostics State of the Science Meeting on 18 November 2019, at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY.

Methods

The meeting was attended by 22 basic, translational, and clinical researchers from around the globe, with expertise in PSMA biology, development and use of PSMA theranostics agents, and clinical trials. The goal of this meeting was to discuss the current state of knowledge, the most important biological and clinical questions, and critical next steps for the clinical development of PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents and PSMA‐targeted radionuclide agents for patients with prostate cancer.

Results

Several major topic areas were discussed including the biology of PSMA, the role of PSMA‐targeted PET imaging in prostate cancer, the physics and performance of different PSMA‐targeted PET imaging agents, the current state of clinical development of PSMA‐targeted radionuclide therapy (RNT) agents, the role of dosimetry in PSMA RNT treatment planning, barriers and challenges in PSMA RNT clinical development, optimization of patient selection for PSMA RNT trials, and promising combination treatment approaches with PSMA RNT.

Discussion

This article summarizes the presentations from the meeting for the purpose of globally disseminating this knowledge to advance the use of PSMA‐targeted theranostic agents for imaging and treatment of patients with prostate cancer.
Modulation of granulocyte colony stimulating factor conformation and receptor binding by methionine oxidation
Authors: Singh Sumit Kumar , Mishra Avinash , Goel Gaurav , Chirmule Narendra , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: August 2020

Biosimilars offer an avenue for potential cost savings and enhanced patient access to various emerging therapies in a budget neutral way. Biosimilars of the granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) are an excellent example in this regard with as many as 18 versions of the drug being currently approved across globe for treatment of neutropenia. Here, we identified oxidation of the various methionine residues in GCSF as a key heterogeneity that adversely impact its efficacy. In agreement with earlier studies, it was found that oxidation of Met 122 and Met 127 significantly contributes toward reduction of GCSF efficacy, measured using binding affinity to the GCSF receptor. The combination of molecular dynamics simulation along with structural characterization studies established that oxidation of Met 127 and Met 122 brings about a small local conformational change around the B‐C loop in GCSF structure due to slight displacement of Asp113 and Thr117 residues. The simulation studies were validated using fluorescence quenching experiments using acrylamide as quencher and site‐directed mutagenesis by replacing Met 122 and Met 127 residues with alanine. The results of this study lead to an enhanced mechanistic understanding of the oxidation in GCSF and should be useful in protein engineering efforts to design stable, safe, and efficacious GCSF product. In addition, the structure‐function information can provide targets for protein engineering during early drug development and setting specifications of allowable limits of product variants in biosimilar products.
A stochastically curtailed two‐arm randomised phaseIItrial design for binary outcomes
Authors: Law Martin , Grayling Michael J. , Mander Adrian P.
Published: August 2020

Randomised controlled trials are considered the gold standard in trial design. However, phase II oncology trials with a binary outcome are often single‐arm. Although a number of reasons exist for choosing a single‐arm trial, the primary reason is that single‐arm designs require fewer participants than their randomised equivalents. Therefore, the development of novel methodology that makes randomised designs more efficient is of value to the trials community. This article introduces a randomised two‐arm binary outcome trial design that includes stochastic curtailment (SC), allowing for the possibility of stopping a trial before the final conclusions are known with certainty. In addition to SC, the proposed design involves the use of a randomised block design, which allows investigators to control the number of interim analyses. This approach is compared with existing designs that also use early stopping, through the use of a loss function comprised of a weighted sum of design characteristics. Comparisons are also made using an example from a real trial. The comparisons show that for many possible loss functions, the proposed design is superior to existing designs. Further, the proposed design may be more practical, by allowing a flexible number of interim analyses. One existing design produces superior design realisations when the anticipated response rate is low. However, when using this design, the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis is sensitive to misspecification of the null response rate. Therefore, when considering randomised designs in phase II, we recommend the proposed approach be preferred over other sequential designs.
Accurate prediction of standard enthalpy of formation based on semiempirical quantum chemistry methods with artificial neural network and molecular descriptors
Authors: Wan Zhongyu , Wang Quan‐De , Liang Jinhu
Published: August 2020

This work investigates possible improvements in the accuracy of semiempirical quantum chemistry (SQC) methods for the prediction of standard enthalpy of formation (ΔfHo) through the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) with molecular descriptors. A total of 142 organic compounds with enough structural diversity has been considered in the training set. Standard enthalpy of formation for the selected compounds at the semiempirical PM3 and PM6 quantum chemistry methods is collected from literature and is calculated by using the semiempirical PM7 method in this work. The multiple stepwise regression is first used to screen effective molecular descriptors, which are highly correlated with the error terms of the standard enthalpy of formation compared with experimental values. The obtained seven effective molecular descriptors are then used as input set to establish three 7‐11‐1 neural network‐based correction models to improve the accuracy of SQC methods. By using the developed correction models, the mean absolute errors for ΔfHo of PM3, PM6, and PM7 methods are reduced from 22.36, 18.60, and 17.27 to 9.86, 9.83, and 8.95, respectively, in kJ/mol. Meanwhile, the results of the test set show that the neural network does not have the problem of overfitting. Detailed analysis of the seven effective molecular descriptors indicates that the major source of the correction models is the electron‐withdrawing effect. The developed ANN models for the three selected SQC methods provide an efficient method for the quick and accurate prediction of thermodynamic properties.
Structural, vibrational, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of LiBH4 for hydrogen storage and optoelectronic devices: First‐principles study
Authors: Khalil R. M. Arif , Hussain Muhammad Iqbal , Hussain Fayyaz , Rana Anwar Manzoor , Murtaza G. , Shakeel Muhammad , Asif Javed Hafiz M.
Published: August 2020

In order to cope with the energy crisis and global warming issues, researchers are rendering their efforts and paying attention to analyzing and fabricating hydrogen storage devices. That is why comprehensive investigations are made to unfold the structural, vibrational, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of lithium borohydride (LiBH4), a hydrogen storage material. For this purpose, calculations of the structural properties were performed using local, nonlocal, and hybrid functionals within the framework of density functional theory. For the determination of lattice constants in the orthorhombic phase, local density approximation (LDA), Perdew‐Burke‐Ernzerhof (PBE), and Heyd‐Scuseria‐Ernzerhof (HSE06) density functionals were chosen, and their results were compared with available experimental and theoretical studies. In order to determine infrared (IR) and Raman active modes of vibrations, vibrational spectroscopy was utilized through density functional perturbation theory. Li, B, and H atoms are noted to contribute in different modes of vibrations among various ranges of frequencies, that is, 0 to 400 cm−1, 1100 to 1300 cm−1, and 2250 to 2400 cm−1. Values of the energy band gap are found to be 6.35, 6.81, and 7.58 eV for LDA, PBE, and HSE06 functionals, respectively, indicating the insulating nature of LiBH4. Such fascinating properties make these compounds promising candidates for future applications in optoelectronic devices. Mechanical analysis revealed that LiBH4 is a brittle and stiffer material. Other optical properties, such as dielectric constant, refractive index, reflectivity, absorptivity, conductivity, and loss function, were also calculated with the assistance of the well‐recognized Kramer‐Kronig relation. The energy loss function depicted a plasma frequency of 13.7 eV, noted from the highest loss peak. It can be concluded that this material is not only suitable for hydrogen storage but also for optoelectronic devices.
Thunderstorm‐related asthma can occur in New Zealand
Authors: Sabih Ayan , Russell Claire , Chang Catherina L.
Published: August 2020

Thunderstorm asthma is induced by specific weather conditions causing breakdown and widespread distribution of allergens. Thunderstorm asthma had previously been considered unlikely to occur in New Zealand (NZ), given its local weather patterns. Storm events on 2 December 2017 led to increased asthma presentations at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton. Analyses of patient presentations led us to conclude that these presentations were similar to international descriptions of thunderstorm asthma. This is the first time such presentations have been reported in NZ. Documenting these events accurately is important as this is the first step to making a plan that would enable paramedics and emergency facilities across NZ to respond to any larger scale thunderstorm asthma events in the future.
Machine Learning Lattice Constants for Cubic Perovskite Compounds
Authors: Zhang Yun , Xu Xiaojie
Published: August 2020

Cubic perovskites have attracted great attention in the past decade due to unique and tunable optical, mechanical, and electrical properties, which are promising candidates for various applications such as solar cells, light emitting diodes, actuators, and laser cooling devices. The lattice constant, a, as the only variable parameter among the six parameters in the crystal structure, has a significant impact on the structural stability, bandgap structure, and thus materials performance. In this study, we develop the Gaussian process regression (GPR) model to shed light on the statistical relationship between ionic radii and lattice constants for cubic perovskite
compounds. A total of 135 samples with lattice constants ranging from 3.680 Å to 6.330 Å are explored. The model has a high degree of accuracy and stability that contributes to fast and robust lattice constant estimations.
Disposable 3D GNAs/AuNPs DNA‐Circuit Strip for miRNAs Dynamic Quantification
Authors: Bao Jing , Qiu Xiaopei , Yang Huisi , Lu Wenqiang , Yang Mei , Gu Wei , Wu Lixiang , Huo Danqun , Luo Yang , Hou Changjun
Published: August 2020

Real‐time quantitative monitoring of miRNAs plays an essential role in diagnosis and therapeutics. Herein, a DSN‐coupled graphene nanoarray/gold nanoparticles (GNAs/AuNPs) carbon paper (CP) electrode for the dynamic, sensitive, and real‐time analysis of miRNAs is reported. GNAs are vertically grown on the conductive CP by radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and AuNPs are electrodeposited on CP/GNAs to build a 3D ultrasensitive sensing interface with large specific surface area, good conductivity and biocompatibility. The dynamic quantitative monitoring of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) is realized by cyclic voltammetry with a series of different concentrations within 16 min, and this 3D GNAs/AuNPs DNA‐circuit strip shows good performance for the simultaneous detection of miR‐21 and miR‐155, and the detection limits are as low as 21.4 and 30.3 am, respectively. Moreover, comparable detection results are achieved for clinical samples between the proposed sensor and qRT‐PCR, suggesting the reliability of the constructed sensor. This ultrasensitive sensing and disposable DNA‐circuit strip with 3D structure can efficiently shorten the diffusion distance between reactive biomolecules and the sensing interface, enhance the hybridization of probes and improve the sensitivity of the biosensor, holding great promise for the rapid, quantitative and dynamic monitoring of multiple low concentrations of biomolecules in point‐of‐care clinical analysis.
A revised subtribal classification of Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae)
Authors: Smissen Rob D. , Bayer Randall J. , Bergh Nicola G. , Breitwieser Ilse , Freire Susana E. , Galbany‐Casals Mercè , Schmidt‐Lebuhn Alexander N. , Ward Josephine M.
Published: August 2020

Gnaphalieae are one of the larger tribes of the daisy family Asteraceae (Compositae) with c. 2100 species in 178 genera, occurring globally across a wide range of temperate habitats. Recent years have seen considerable advances in our understanding of their phylogenetics and evolution, but there is no widely accepted, stable subtribal classification. The present paper summarises the taxonomic history and presents the various major clades that have been named informally in phylogenetic studies. We also provide the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data to date, including over 1000 species. Based on published studies and our new phylogenetic analyses, we suggest a subdivision of the tribe into two subtribes. These are a largely African‐endemic Relhaniinae (124 species in 11 genera) and a much enlarged Gnaphaliinae, the latter accounting for more than 90% of the species diversity (c. 2000 species in 167 genera). Although a finer division of Gnaphaliinae sensu amplo may be desirable, there are at present several obstacles to such a classification, in particular contradictory or ambiguous inferences of relationships.
Socio‐biodiversity supply chain: Sustainable practices of a Brazilian cosmetic company
Authors: Cassol Maurício , Sellitto Miguel Afonso
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this article is to analyze and describe sustainable practices based on biodiversity assets adopted by one of the largest global cosmetics company, located in Brazil. The company occupies the 19th position of the Global Ranking 100 Sustainability. The research method is bibliographic research that employed open, non‐classified documents publicized by the company. The main findings of the study underscore the relevance of the rural communities in developing a supply chain based on biodiversity as well as the importance of the relationships among the tiers to implement a sustainable business model. The company relies on high‐quality products associated with environmental development. Currently, biodiversity suppliers account for 80% circa of natural raw materials, the so‐called biodiversity asset, which represents the core of the sustainable business model of the company. The findings can be generalized by helping other supply chains to develop and implement sustainable business models supported by biodiversity. Such type of a model can help companies achieve expressive business performance and, at the same time, social relevance to peripheral or vulnerable rural communities.
Effects of supplementing hen diet withLavandula angustifoliaand/orMentha spicataessential oils on production performance, egg quality and blood variables of laying hens
Authors: Torki Mehran , Mohebbifar Ahmad , Mohammadi Hamed
Published: August 2020

Background

Organic products of animals are getting more accepted by consumers. Using herbal additives may lead to more health animal products. In this research it is hypothesized thatLavandula angustifoliaand/orMentha spicataessential oils would be helpful to enhance production performance in laying hens.

Objectives

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects ofLavandula angustifoliaandMentha spicataessential oils on performance, egg traits and blood variables in laying hens.

Methods

144 Lohmann LSL‐Lite laying hens from 42 until 56 weeks of age were used in a completely randomized design in four treatments and six replicates (six birds per replicate). The treatments consisted of: (a) control group (basal diet), (b) basal diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg diet lavender essential oil (LEO), (c) basal diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg diet mint essential oil (MEO), and (d) basal diet supplemented with both LEO and MEO.

Results

Using LEO and/or MEO did not affect body weight changes, feed intake, egg weight, egg index, yolk index, Haugh unit, egg shell weight and egg shell thickness. Feeding LEO, individually or in combination with MEO, did not affect FCR compared with the control group (p < .05), however, feeding MEO individually increased feed conversation ratio (FCR) compared to LEO and the control group during 42–56 weeks (p < .05), as well as decreasing egg mass compared to LEO (p < .05). Feeding LEO increased egg production compared to MEO and combination of MEO and LEO (p < .05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, dietary supplemental MEO (250 mg/kg) may increase FCR, and LEO (250 mg/kg) is more effective than MEO (250 mg/kg) for egg production and egg mass purposes; besides MEO (250 mg/kg) negatively affected FCR compared with the control group. In addition, no specific beneficial effect of dietary supplemental MEO and/or LEO on the other measured variables was detected.
Gravitational production of vector dark matter
Authors: Ahmed Aqeel , Grzadkowski Bohdan , Socha Anna
Published: August 2020

Abstract

A model of vector dark matter that communicates with the Standard Model only through gravitational interactions has been investigated. It has been shown in detail how does the canonical quantization of the vector field in varying FLRW geometry implies a tachyonic enhancement of some of its momentum modes. Approximate solutions of the mode equation have been found and verified against exact numerical ones. De Sitter geometry has been assumed during inflation while after inflation a non-standard cosmological era of reheating with a generic equation of state has been adopted which is followed by the radiation-dominated universe. It has been shown that the spectrum of dark vectors produced gravitationally is centered around a characteristic comoving momentumk⋆that is determined in terms of the mass of the vectormX, the Hubble parameter during in- flationHI, the equation of state parameterwand the efficiency of reheatingγ. Regions in the parameter space consistent with the observed dark matter relic abundance have been determined, justifying the gravitational production as a viable mechanism for vector dark matter. The results obtained in this paper are applicable within various possible models of inflation/reheating with non-standard cosmology parametrized effectively by the corresponding equation of state and efficiency of reheating.
Holographic scattering requires a connected entanglement wedge
Authors: May Alex , Penington Geoff , Sorce Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In AdS/CFT, there can exist local 2-to-2 bulk scattering processes even when local scattering is not possible on the boundary; these have previously been studied in con- nection with boundary correlation functions. We show that boundary regions associated with these scattering configurations must have O(1/GN) mutual information, and hence a connected entanglement wedge. One of us previously argued for this statement from the boundary theory using operational tools in quantum information theory. We improve that argument to make it robust to small errors and provide a proof in the bulk using focusing arguments in general relativity. We also provide a direct link to entanglement wedge reconstruction by showing that the bulk scattering region must lie inside the con- nected entanglement wedge. Our construction implies the existence of nonlocal quantum computation protocols that are exponentially more efficient than the optimal protocols currently known.
Nonperturbative effects on radiative energy loss of heavy quarks
Authors: Liu Shuai Y.F. , Rapp Ralf
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The radiative energy loss of fast partons traveling through the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) is commonly studied within perturbative QCD (pQCD). Nonperturbative (NP) effects, which are expected to become important near the critical temperature, have been much less investigated. Here, we utilize a recently developed T -matrix approach to incorporate NP effects for gluon emission off heavy quarks propagating through the QGP. We set up four cases that contain, starting from a Born diagram calculation with color- Coulomb interaction, an increasing level of NP components, by subsequently including (remnants of ) confining interactions, resummation in the heavy-light scattering amplitude, and off-shell spectral functions for both heavy and light partons. For each case we compute the power spectra of the emitted gluons, heavy-quark transport coefficients (drag and transverse-momentum broadening, $$ \hat{q} $$

q
̂

), and the path-length dependent energy loss within a “QGP brick” at fixed temperature. Investigating the differences in these quantities between the four cases illustrates how NP mechanisms affect gluon radiation processes. While the baseline perturbative processes experience a strong suppression of soft radiation due to thermal masses of the emitted gluons, confining interactions, ladder resummations and broad spectral functions (re-)generate a large enhancement toward low momenta and low temperatures. For example, for a 10 GeV charm quark at 200 MeV temperature, they enhance the transport coefficients by up to a factor of 10, while the results smoothly converge to perturbative results at sufficiently hard scales.
Flavor-changing decay h → τ μ at super hadron colliders
Authors: Arroyo-Ureña M.A. , Valencia-Pérez T.A. , Gaitán R. , de Oca Y J.H. Montes , Fernández-Téllez A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We study the flavor-changing decay h → τ μ with τ = τ− +τ+ and μ = μ− +μ+ of a Higgs boson at future hadron colliders, namely: a) High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider, b) High Energy Large Hadron Collider and c) Future hadron-hadron Circular Collider. The theoretical framework adopted is the Two-Higgs-Doublet Model type III. The free model parameters involved in the calculation are constrained through Higgs boson data, Lepton Flavor Violating processes and the muon anomalous magnetic dipole moment; later they are used to analyze the branching ratio of the decay h → τ μ and to evaluate the gg → h production cross section. We find that at the Large Hadron Collider is not possible to claim for evidence of the decay h → τ μ achieving a signal significance about of 1.46σ by considering its final integrated luminosity, 300 fb−1. More promising results arise at the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider in which a prediction of 4.6σ when an integrated luminosity of 3 ab−1 and tan β = 8 are achieved. Meanwhile, at the High Energy Large Hadron Collider (Future hadron-hadron Circular Collider) a potential discovery could be claimed with a signal significance around 5.04σ (5.43σ) for an integrated luminosity of 3 ab−1 and tan β = 8 (5 ab−1 and tan β = 4).
Cardinal Functions of Purely Atomic Measures
Authors: Gła̧b Szymon , Marchwicki Jacek
Published: August 2020

Let$$\mu $$μbe a purely atomic finite measure. Without loss of generality we may assume that$$\mu $$μis defined on$${\mathbb {N}}$$N, and the atoms with smaller indexes have larger masses, that is$$\mu (\{k\})\ge \mu (\{k+1\})$$μ({k})≥μ({k+1})for$$k\in {\mathbb {N}}$$k∈N. By$$f_\mu :[0,\infty )\rightarrow \{0,1,2,\dots ,\omega ,{\mathfrak {c}}\}$$fμ:[0,∞)→{0,1,2,⋯,ω,c}we denote its cardinal function$$f_{\mu }(t)=\vert \{A\subset {\mathbb {N}}:\mu (A)=t\}\vert $$fμ(t)=|{A⊂N:μ(A)=t}|. We study the problem for which sets$$R\subset \{0,1,2,\dots ,\omega ,{\mathfrak {c}}\}$$R⊂{0,1,2,⋯,ω,c}there is a measure$$\mu $$μsuch that$$R=\text {rng}(f_\mu )$$R=rng(fμ). We are also interested in the set-theoretic and topological properties of the set of$$\mu $$μ-values which are obtained uniquely.
Understanding the hermeneutics of digital materiality in contemporary architectural modelling: a material engagement perspective
Authors: Poulsgaard Kåre Stokholm , Malafouris Lambros
Published: August 2020

This article develops a framework for analysing how digital software and models become mediums for creative imagination in architectural design. To understand the hermeneutics of these relationships, we develop key concepts from Material Engagement Theory (MET) and Postphenomenology (PP). To push these frameworks into the realm of digital design, we develop the concept of Digital Materiality. Digital Materiality describes the way successive layers of mathematics, code, and software come to mediate enactive perception, and the possibilities of creative material engagement actualised in work with software. Just as molecular materials come to transform action with material objects, so digital materiality comes to enable and transform creative practices with computers. Digital architectural design form a new space for ongoing enactive discovery and creativity through manipulation of digital models and their underlying software environments. By shifting relationships within their digital models, architects can direct their attention, intention, and imagination towards widely different aspects of the model. Here, creative imagination becomes a fundamentally situated activity where mind emerges through dynamic interaction between a variety of embodied, material, and cultural domains.
Correction to: Custom total knee arthroplasty facilitates restoration of constitutional coronal alignment
Authors: Bonnin Michel P. , Beckers Lucas , Leon Augustin , Chauveau Jules , Müller Jacobus H. , Tibesku Carsten O. , Aït-Si-Selmi Tarik
Published: August 2020

The original article can be found online.
An analytical cost estimation model for the design of axisymmetric components with open-die forging technology
Authors: Campi Federico , Mandolini Marco , Favi Claudio , Checcacci Emanuele , Germani Michele
Published: August 2020

Open-die forging is a manufacturing process commonly used for realising simple shaped components with high mechanical performances and limited capability in terms of production volume. To date, an analytical model for estimating the costs of components manufactured with this technology is still an open issue. The paper aims to define an analytical model for cost estimation of axisymmetric components manufactured by open-die forging technology. The model is grounded on the analysis of geometrical features available at the design stage providing a detailed cost breakdown in relation to all the process phases and the raw material. The model allows predicting product cost, linking geometrical features and cost items, to carry out design-to-cost actions oriented to the reduction of manufacturing cost. The model is mainly conceived for design engineers, cost engineers and buyers, respectively, for improving the product design, the manufacturing process and the supply chain. Cost model and related schemas for collecting equations and data are presented, including the approach for sizing the raw material and a set of rules for modelling the related cost. Finally, analytic equations for modelling the cost of the whole forging process (i.e. billet cutting, heating, pre-smoothing, smoothing, upsetting, max-shoulder cogging, necking and shoulders cogging) are reported. The cost model has been tested on eight cylindrical parts such as discs and shafts with different shapes, dimensions and materials. Two forge masters have been involved in the testing phase. The absolute average deviation between the actual and estimated costs is approximately 4% for raw material and 21% for the process. The absolute average deviation on the total cost (raw material and manufacturing process) is approximately 5%.