bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variants identified in PTK7 associated with neural tube defects
Authors: Lei Yunping , Kim Sung‐Eun , Chen Zhongzhong , Cao Xuanye , Zhu Huiping , Yang Wei , Shaw Gary M. , Zheng Yufang , Zhang Ting , Wang Hong‐Yan , Finnell Richard H.
Published: January 2019

Background

Variants in planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway genes have been repeatedly implicated in the pathogenesis of NTDs in both mouse models and in human cohorts. Mouse models indicate that the homogenous disruption of the Ptk7 gene, a PCP regulator, results in craniorachischisis; while embryos that are doubly heterozygous for Ptk7XST87 and Vangl2Lp mutations present with spina bifida.

Methods

In this study, we initially sequenced exons of the human PTK7 gene in 192 spina bifida patients and 190 controls from a California population. A phase II validation study was performed in 343 Chinese NTD cohort. Functional assays including immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation were used to study identified variants effect on PTK7 function.

Results

We identified three rare (MAF <0.001) missense heterozygous PTK7 variants (NM_001270398.1:c.581C>T, p.Arg630Ser and p.Tyr725Phe) in the spina bifida patients. In our functional analyses, p.Arg630Ser affected PTK7 mutant protein stability and increased interaction with Dvl2, while the p.Thr186Met variant decreased PTK7 interactions with Dvl2. No novel predicted‐to‐be‐damaging variant or function‐disrupted PTK7 variant was identified among the control subjects. We subsequently re‐sequenced the PTK7 CDS region in 343 NTDs from China to validate the association between PTK7 and NTDs. The frequency of PTK7 rare missense variants in the Chinese NTD samples is significantly higher than in gnomAD controls.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that rare missense variants in PTK7 contribute to the genetic risk of NTDs.
Solvability of a nonlinear fifth‐order difference equation
Authors: Stević Stevo , Iričanin Bratislav , Kosmala Witold , Šmarda Zdeněk
Published: January 2019

Some formulas for well‐defined solutions to four very special cases of a nonlinear fifth‐order difference equation have been presented recently in this journal, where some of them were proved by the method of induction, some are only quoted, and no any theory behind the formulas was given. Here, we show in an elegant constructive way how the general solution to the difference equation can be obtained, from which the special cases very easily follow, which is also demonstrated here. We also give some comments on the local stability results on the special cases of the nonlinear fifth‐order difference equation previously publish in this journal.
Summation formulae for twisted cubic q‐series
Authors: Chu Wenchang
Published: January 2019

A new class of twisted cubic q‐series is investigated by means of the modified Abel lemma on summation by parts. Several remarkable summation and transformation formulae are established for both terminating and nonterminating series.
The Antisteatotic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Insect Meal in Obese Zucker Rats is Accompanied by Profound Changes in Hepatic Phospholipid and 1‐Carbon Metabolism
Authors: Meyer Sandra , Gessner Denise K. , Wen Gaiping , Most Erika , Liebisch Gerhard , Zorn Holger , Ringseis Robert , Eder Klaus
Published: January 2019

Scope

The hypothesis is tested that insect meal, which has a low methionine content, reduces the hepatic phosphatidylcholine (PC):phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) ratio, which is a critical determinant of hepatic lipid synthesis, by decreasing availability of the methionine metabolite S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM).

Methods and results

Obese rats (n = 24) are randomly divided into two groups (Obese Casein and Obese Insect) of 12 rats each. In addition, lean rats (n = 12) are used as control group (LC). Groups LC and OC receive a control diet with casein as protein source, whereas in the OI group, casein is replaced isonitrogenously by insect meal, which is found to be less digestible (–12% units). Plasma and liver concentrations of lipids and hepatic expression of lipid synthesizing genes are reduced in the OI group compared to the OC group. Plasma and liver concentration of PC and the PC:PE ratio are decreased in the OI group compared to the OC group, while hepatic concentration of SAM and the hepatic SAM:S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio is lower in the OI group than in the OC group.

Conclusion

The decrease of the hepatic PC:PE ratio is probably a key mechanism explaining the pronounced antisteatotic and hypolipidemic action of insect meal in obese rats.
Full physics simulation of terrain‐adaptive 77 GHz automotive radar for early pedestrian detection
Authors: Chipengo Ushemadzoro
Published: January 2019

Fully autonomous vehicles and the need to improve road safety have led to increased demands on the reliability of various advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Automotive radar is a key component of ADAS as it adds both safety and comfort features in vehicles. A key challenge in developing automotive radar is demonstrating reliability especially in corner cases. Building and testing radar systems for corner cases is time‐consuming, costly, and impractical. Simulation is the only practical way of investigating the countless possible automotive radar corner cases. An interesting corner case is the reduction of radar returns due to sharp road bends. Specifically, crucial targets with low radar cross sections (RCS) such as pedestrians can become invisible to radar when driving around sharp road bends. In this article, a high fidelity, full physics‐based simulation of a 77 GHz automotive radar scene will be used to investigate this corner case. The dependence of radar returns on the position of an ego vehicle negotiating a sharp bend will be presented. Results from these simulations show a pedestrian disappearing from view at an approaching angle of 60∘ with a degradation of over 40 dB in pedestrian radar returns. Using results from this study, a terrain‐adaptive technique for improving radar target detection capabilities is proposed. This technique is shown to improve pedestrian radar returns by over 26 dB. Improved radar returns can help in early detection of pedestrians and other relevant targets. Early target detection can help reduce accidents while potentially saving pedestrian lives.
A low‐complexity architecture using diversity techniques for Internet of Vehicles with enhanced radio‐frequency performance
Authors: Tsai I‐Lin , Chen Yen‐Sheng
Published: January 2019

In this article, we present a new architecture for the Internet of Vehicles (IoVs) that feature reduced system complexity and enhanced radio‐frequency (RF) performance. The proposed system requires no complex coding or selection algorithms, yet it significantly improves the received signal strength. We implement dual‐port antennas comprising a linearly polarized (LP) antenna and a circularly polarized (CP) antenna, which minimize the polarization loss between multipath signals and the receiving antenna. Using Wi‐Fi communications, we designed, fabricated, and examined a prototype system comprising seven circuit modules that employ spatial diversity and revised polarization diversity simultaneously. We test its performance using two antenna combinations with distinct peak gain characteristics. Our results show these antennas have highly desirable impedance matching and radiation properties and enhanced received signal strength compared to conventional techniques. As such, the proposed system can greatly improve signal quality and reliability in non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) IoV scenarios.
Simultaneous T1 and T2 measurements using inversion recovery TrueFISP with principle component‐based reconstruction, off‐resonance correction, and multicomponent analysis
Authors: Pfister Julian , Blaimer Martin , Kullmann Walter H. , Bartsch Andreas J. , Jakob Peter M. , Breuer Felix A.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To improve the reconstruction quality for quantitative T1 and T2 measurements using the inversion recovery (IR) TrueFISP sequence and to demonstrate the potential for multicomponent analysis.

Methods

The iterative reconstruction method takes advantage of the high redundancy in the smooth exponential signals using principle component analysis (PCA). Multicomponent information is preserved and allows voxel‐by‐voxel computation of relaxation time spectra with an inverse Laplace transform. Off‐resonance effects are analytically and numerically investigated and a correction approach is presented.

Results

Single‐shot IR TrueFISP in vivo measurements on healthy volunteers demonstrate the improved reconstruction performance compared to a view sharing (k‐space weighted image contrast [KWIC]) reconstruction. Especially, tissue components with short apparent relaxation times T1* are not filtered out and can be identified in the relaxation time spectra. These components include myelin in the human brain (T1* ≈ 130 ms) and extra cranial subcutaneous fat.

Conclusion

The PCA‐based reconstruction method improves the temporal accuracy and preserves multicomponent information. Spatially resolved relaxation time spectra can be obtained and allow the identification of tissue types with short, apparent relaxation times.
Bmi1 marks gastric stem cells located in the isthmus in mice
Authors: Yoshioka Takuto , Fukuda Akihisa , Araki Osamu , Ogawa Satoshi , Hanyu Yuta , Matsumoto Yoshihide , Yamaga Yuichi , Nakanishi Yuki , Kawada Kenji , Sakai Yoshiharu , Chiba Tsutomu , Seno Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

In the mammalian stomach, the isthmus has been considered as a stem cell zone. However, various locations and proliferative activities of gastric stem cells have been reported. We focused here on the stem cell marker Bmi1, a polycomb group protein, aiming to elucidate the characteristics of Bmi1‐expressing cells in the stomach and to examine their stem cell potential. We investigated the Bmi1‐expressing cell lineage in Bmi1‐CreERT; Rosa26‐YFP, LacZ or Rosa26‐Confetti mice. We examined the in vivo and ex vivo effects of Bmi1‐expressing cell ablation by using Bmi1‐CreERT; Rosa26‐iDTR mice. The Bmi1 lineage was also traced during regeneration after high‐dose tamoxifen‐, irradiation‐ and acetic acid‐induced mucosal injuries. In the lineage‐tracing experiments using low‐dose tamoxifen, Bmi1‐expressing cells in the isthmus of the gastric antrum and corpus provided progeny bidirectionally, towards both the luminal and basal sides over 6 months. In gastric organoids, Bmi1‐expressing cells also provided progeny. Ablation of Bmi1‐expressing cells resulted in impaired gastric epithelium in both mouse stomach and organoids. After high‐dose tamoxifen‐induced gastric mucosal injury, Bmi1‐expressing cell lineages expanded and fully occupied all gastric glands of the antrum and the corpus within 7 days after tamoxifen injection. After irradiation‐ and acetic acid‐induced gastric mucosal injuries, Bmi1‐expressing cells also contributed to regeneration. In conclusion, Bmi1 is a gastric stem cell marker expressed in the isthmus of the antrum and corpus. Bmi1‐expressing cells have stem cell potentials, both under physiological conditions and during regeneration after gastric mucosal injuries. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐Time Nanopositioning for Security Holograms
Authors: Király Mariann , Pulido Iván
Published: January 2019

An embedded vision system computes position data in real time and controls a nanopositioning system, ensuring that the optics in a microlithography system always stay in focus and enabling the creation of high‐tech master holograms for holographic security seals and labels.
Burst Machining of Copper and Stainless Steel with Picosecond Lasers
Authors: Bovatsek Jim
Published: January 2019

Given the very low ablation thresholds in metals when processing with picosecond pulse laser sources, it is important to carefully manage the applied laser fluence to maximize material removal efficiency while at the same time minimizing detrimental heat effects. Burst machining of copper and stainless steel can be a flexible and cost‐effective alternative to other techniques such as spatial beam shaping and ultra‐high speed beam scanning for optimizing these processes.
Improved Supply – Decreasing Costs
Authors: Bäuerle Holger
Published: January 2019

Oxide‐based anti‐reflection coatings significantly increase the transmission of optical fibers but were not able to gain a lot of traction previously. This may change now, thanks to the development of standardized coating procedures. The efficient coatings will be available much more readily and at lower cost in the future.
Effect of moisture and filler content on the structural, thermal and dielectric properties of polyamide‐6/boehmite alumina nanocomposites
Authors: Tomara Georgia N , Karahaliou Panagiota K , Anastassopoulos Dimitris L , Georga Stavroula N , Krontiras Christoforos A , Karger‐Kocsis Jozsef
Published: January 2019

Polyamide‐6 (PA‐6)/boehmite alumina (BA) nanocomposites were prepared via direct melt compounding. Structural, thermal and dielectric properties of ‘as‐received’ (including moisture) and ‘dried’ (thermally treated) specimens were examined. The BA nanofiller was homogeneously dispersed in the PA‐6 matrix. XRD and FTIR revealed that crystallization of PA‐6 in the γ phase was favoured over α phase with increasing BA content. The crystallinity index (CI) and the percentage of α and γ phases were also evaluated. Dried specimens exhibited a lower CI than as‐received specimens while the CI decreased with the addition of filler. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy revealed the presence of γ, β and α relaxations, the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars effect and the contribution of conductivity relaxation in the as‐received samples. The drying procedure unmasked a double feature of both β and α modes. The results of the complementary techniques were analysed and the effects of moisture and/or the incorporation of BA nanofiller on the microstructure of the PA‐6 matrix are disclosed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Polyaniline–13X zeolite composite‐supported platinum electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cell applications
Authors: Vinodh Rajangam , Rana Prem Jyoti Sing , Muralee Gopi Chandu VV , Yang Zongmin , Atchudan Raji , Venkatachalam Kandan , Kim Hee‐Je
Published: January 2019

We successfully synthesized 13X zeolite using a hydrothermal method. Then, composites of polyaniline (PANI) with 13X zeolite and PANI–13X with platinum were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization and chemical reduction, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller techniques were used to characterize the PANI–Pt and PANI–Pt–13X composites. Further, the electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation of the synthesized catalysts was explored using cyclic voltammetry in 1 mol L−1 CH3OH + 0.5 mol L−1 H2SO4 solution. From the obtained results, PANI–Pt–13X shows superior performance compared to PANI–Pt towards methanol oxidation and electrical conductivity. Hence, the 13X zeolite‐incorporated PANI–Pt composite could be an efficient catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Hsp74/14‐3‐3σ Complex Mediates Centrosome Amplification by High Glucose, Insulin, and Palmitic Acid
Authors: Lu Yu Cheng , Wang Pu , Wu Qi Gui , Zhang Rui Kai , Kong Alice , Li Yuan Fei , Lee Shao Chin
Published: January 2019

It has been reported recently that type 2 diabetes promotes centrosome amplification via 14‐3‐3σ/ROCK1 complex. In the present study, 14‐3‐3σ interacting proteins are characterized and their roles in the centrosome amplification by high glucose, insulin, and palmitic acid are investigated. Co‐immunoprecipitation in combination with MS analysis identified 134 proteins that interact with 14‐3‐3σ, which include heat shock 70 kDa protein 4 (Hsp74). Gene ontology analyses reveal that many of them are enriched in binding activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis shows that the top three enriched pathways are ribosome, carbon metabolism, and biosynthesis of amino acids. Molecular and functional investigations show that the high glucose, insulin, and palmitic acid increase the expression and binding of 14‐3‐3σ and Hsp74 as well as centrosome amplification, all of which are inhibited by knockdown of 14‐3‐3σ or Hsp74. Moreover, molecular docking analysis shows that the interaction between the 14‐3‐3σ and the Hsp74 is mainly through hydrophobic contacts and a lesser degree ionic interactions and hydrogen bond by different amino acids residues. In conclusion, the results suggest that the experimental treatment triggers centrosome amplification via upregulations of expression and binding of 14‐3‐3σ and Hsp74.
Use of an Elbow Brace During Repetitive Pitching Does Not Cause an Increased Mechanical Burden on the Throwing Arm
Authors: Hattori Hiroshi , Akasaka Kiyokazu , Otsudo Takahiro , Hall Toby , Amemiya Katsuya , Mori Yoshihisa
Published: January 2019

Background

Repetitive pitching induces an increase in medial elbow joint space gapping and may consequently lead to local tissue stress and injury. Use of an elbow brace may prevent this from occurring by preventing an increase of medial elbow joint space gapping. However, an elbow brace adds weight to the limb and may increase the burden on the throwing arm.

Objective

To investigate whether use of an elbow brace during repetitive pitching reduces shoulder and arm range of motion and grip strength.

Design

Prospective crossover study.

Setting

University campus.

Participants

Twenty‐five healthy high school baseball players.

Methods

Each participant pitched 100 times under two conditions: without an elbow brace (control) and wearing an elbow brace.

Main Outcome Measurements

Shoulder and elbow range of motion (ROM) before pitching and after every block of 20 pitches. Grip strength before pitching and after 100 pitches.

Results

There was no significant main effect and interaction for ROM between the two conditions and between pitching sets. In both conditions, grip strength after 100 pitches was significantly lower than that before pitching (P < .05). When the two conditions were compared, there was no significant difference before pitching or after 100 pitches.

Conclusions

Use of elbow brace does not alter shoulder and elbow ROM or decrease grip strength after repetitive pitching up to 100 times compared with a no brace condition. An elbow brace can be used during repetitive pitching without causing an increased mechanical burden on the throwing arm.

Level of Evidence

II
Intraneural Ganglion Cyst of the Sciatic Nerve Treated Using Arthroscopic Hip Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Jae Lim , Do Jong Geol , Yoon Young Cheol , Lim Seung‐Jae , Sung Duk Hyun
Published: January 2019

This is a rare case of sciatic neuropathy in a 46‐year‐old man secondary to an intraneural ganglion cyst from the hip joint extending upward to the lumbar plexus and the L5 nerve root. Magnetic resonance neurography showed that the joint fluid passed through a labral tear and extended rostrally along the articular branch and the peroneal portion of the sciatic nerve to near the L5 nerve root. The condition was treated by arthroscopic disruption of the joint connection to the nerve with resolution of the intraneural cyst and partial neurological recovery.
The Effect of Body Mass Index on the Functional Prognosis of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Authors: Burke David T. , Bell Regina B. , Al‐Adawi Samir , Burke Daniel P.
Published: January 2019

Background

Although many studies have demonstrated that obesity is correlated with an increased risk of chronic disease, some have reported a paradox by which those in the higher weight categories actually recover better during hospitalization. This study was designed to determine whether this obesity paradox is also reflected in the recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) undergoing care in a rehabilitation hospital.

Objective

To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the functional progress of patients with TBI, admitted to a rehabilitation hospital.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The study included all patients admitted to the brain injury unit of a rehabilitation hospital over a 6‐year period. The data used for this study included patient height and weight (measured on admission) and functional independence measurements (scored on admission and discharge).

Main Outcome Measures

Functional independence measure (FIM) change per day, BMI category.

Results

For the 444 patients admitted, the overall FIM efficiency did not differ significantly by BMI (P = .93). After adjusting for age and gender, overweight and obese patients had the lowest FIM efficiency (1.04 for both groups), followed by the underweight and normal weight groups (1.11 and 1.26, respectively).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that higher BMI was not significantly correlated with the rate of functional recovery among patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital for TBI.

Level of Evidence

III.
Oxygen saturation/FIO2 ratio at 36 weeks’ PMA in 1005 preterm infants: Effect of gestational age and early respiratory disease patterns
Authors: Nobile Stefano , Marchionni Paolo , Gidiucci Carlo , Correani Alessio , Palazzi Maria L. , Spagnoli Cristina , Rondina Clementina ,   Marche Neonatal Network, Carnielli Virgilio P.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To assess oxygen diffusion at 36 weeks’ post‐menstrual age in preterm infants by means of the non‐invasive oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (36w‐SFR) and to identify factors associated with 36w‐SFR − ie, gestational age (GA) and early respiratory disease patterns (ERP).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Patients: 1005 preterm infants born below 32 weeks’ GA. Interventions: 36w‐SFR was the mean of SFR values over 24 h on the day infants reached 36 weeks’ PMA. Main outcome measures: 36w‐SFR. Statistics: descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analysis to study associations of 36w‐SFR, including GA and ERP.

Results

36w‐SFR was significantly different between infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (371 vs 467, P < 0.001), and according to ERP (LowFIO2 466, pulmonary improvement‐PI 460, pulmonary deterioration‐PD 405, early persistent pulmonary deterioration‐EPPD 344, P < 0.001). Significant differences were found either in BPD and in non‐BPD patients according to ERP (P < 0.001). Patients without BPD had significant differences in 36w‐SFR according to GA (P < 0.001), while infants with BPD and increasing GA at birth had a non‐significant trend for increased 36w‐SFR (P = 0.621). Factors associated with 36w‐SFR were GA, being small for GA, sepsis, human milk feeding, and ERP.

Conclusions

Preterm infants without BPD had a spectrum of oxygen diffusion impairment that was inversely associated with GA at birth. Infants with different patterns of ERP had significant differences in 36w‐SFR.
Exhaled nitric oxide predicts loss of asthma control in children after inhaled corticosteroids withdrawal
Authors: Chang Daniel V. , Teper Alejandro , Balinotti Juan , Castro Simonelli Christian , Garcia‐Bournissen Facundo , Kofman Carlos
Published: January 2019

Background

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) has been proposed for monitoring airway inflammation, diagnosis, and prediction of steroid responsiveness in asthma. However, its utility after elective suspension of asthma medication is still unclear. We aimed to determine the association between eNO values and the subsequent loss of asthma control (LAC) in asymptomatic asthmatic children after inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) withdrawal.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study. Forty‐two children (23 boys), mean age 11 years, with clinically controlled asthma, according to GINA guidelines, and receiving low‐dose of ICS (budesonide 200 μg/day or equivalent) were included immediately after the withdrawal of ICS. eNO, Asthma Control Test (ACT) and spirometry were monthly assessed, during 54 weeks or until the presence of at least one of the following criteria of LAC: 1) asthma exacerbation, 2) obstructive spirometric pattern, 3) ACT ≤ 19.

Results

eNO baseline geometric mean (eNOb), measured 4 weeks after discontinuation of ICS, was 23.7 ppb (SD: 1.16). An eNOb cutoff point of 21.8 ppb was determined to better discriminate between high and low eNO groups. Twenty‐five subjects (71.4%) had LAC. High eNOb was associated to LAC (OR: 9.01; 95CI: 1.10‐74.26). In addition, LAC occurred earlier in high eNOb than in low eNOb patients (8 vs 28 weeks, respectively; P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that eNO predicts loss of asthma control and may contribute for clinical follow up decisions during childhood asthma after ICS withdrawal.
A 2.08 Å resolution structure of HLB5, a novel cellulase from the anaerobic gut bacterium Parabacteroides johnsonii DSM 18315
Authors: Chang Changsoo , Brooke Charles , Piao Hailan , Mack Jamey , Babnigg Gyorgy , Joachimiak Andrzej , Hess Matthias
Published: January 2019

Cellulases play a significant role in the degradation of complex carbohydrates. In the human gut, anaerobic bacteria are essential to the well‐being of the host by producing these essential enzymes that convert plant polymers into simple sugars that can then be further metabolized by the host. Here, we report the 2.08 Å resolution structure of HLB5, a chemically verified cellulase that was identified previously from an anaerobic gut bacterium and that has no structural cellulase homologues in PDB nor possesses any conserved region typical for glycosidases. We anticipate that the information presented here will facilitate the identification of additional cellulases for which no homologues have been identified to date and enhance our understanding how these novel cellulases bind and hydrolyze their substrates.
Improving the mechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber/low density polyethylene/rice husk biocomposites by using various additives of filler and gamma irradiation
Authors: Mohamed Rania M. , Mohamed Maysa A. , Shaltout Nawal A.
Published: January 2019

In this work, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) (100/60) blend was loaded with 20 phr (part per hundred parts of rubber) of rice husk to give biocomposites. To improve the compatibility of this biocomposites, 7 phr of maleic anhydride was also loaded. This biocomposite was then reinforced with 40 phr of high abrasion furnace (HAF)‐carbon black (N330) or 40 phr Hisil. Vulcanization of these biocomposites was carried out by gamma irradiation at doses from 50 to 250 kGy. The EPDM/LDPE blend and its biocomposites were characterized by studying the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. Also examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was studied. The results indicated that gamma irradiation and fillers improved the physical and mechanical properties and the thermal stability of the obtained biocomposites. The SEM micrographs confirmed the results obtained from mechanical properties. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:296–302, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nonlinear symmetries of perfectly invisible PT-regularized conformal and superconformal mechanics systems
Authors: Guilarte Juan Mateos , Plyushchay Mikhail S.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We investigate how the Lax-Novikov integral in the perfectly invisible PT-regularized zero-gap quantum conformal and superconformal mechanics systems affects on their (super)-conformal symmetries. We show that the expansion of the conformal symmetry with this integral results in a nonlinearly extended generalized Shrödinger algebra. The PT-regularized superconformal mechanics systems in the phase of the unbroken exotic nonlinear

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super-Poincaré symmetry are described by nonlinearly super-extended Schrödinger algebra with the osp(2|2) sub-superalgebra. In the partially broken phase, the scaling dimension of all odd integrals is indefinite, and the osp(2|2) is not contained as a sub-superalgebra.
All tree-level correlators in AdS5×S5 supergravity: hidden ten-dimensional conformal symmetry
Authors: Caron-Huot Simon , Trinh Anh-Khoi
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We study correlators of four protected (half-BPS) operators in strongly coupled supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. These are dual to tree-level supergravity amplitudes on AdS5×S5 for various spherical harmonics on the five-sphere. We use conformal field theory methods, in particular a recently obtained Lorentzian inversion formula, to analytically bootstrap these correlators. The extracted 1/N
2 double-trace anomalous dimensions confirm a simple pattern recently conjectured by Aprile, Drummond, Heslop and Paul. We explain this pattern by an unexpected ten-dimensional conformal symmetry which appears to be enjoyed by tree-level supergravity (or a suitable subsector of it). The symmetry combines all spherical harmonics into a single ten-dimensional object, and yields compact expressions for the leading logarithmic part of any half-BPS correlator at each loop order.
Delayed Colo‐anal Anastomosis for Rectal Cancer: Pelvic Morbidity, Functional Results and Oncological Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Portale Giuseppe , Popesc George Octavian , Parotto Matteo , Cavallin Francesco
Published: January 2019

Background

Delayed colo‐anal anastomosis (DCAA) has received renewed interest thanks to its reduction in anastomotic leakage rate without the use of stoma to protect a low rectal anastomosis. The aim of this review was to summarize the available literature on DCAA following rectal cancer resection and to report clinical, oncological and functional results.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted including MEDLINE/Pubmed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews through July 2018. The review was conducted according to MOOSE guidelines. Quality was appraised with the methodological index for non‐randomized studies (MINORS) tool.

Results

Eight observational studies (409 patients) were included. Average MINORS score was 9.6/14 in seven non‐comparative studies and 17/22 in one comparative study. Six studies reported no anastomotic leak. Pelvic sepsis/abscess ranged from 0 to 25%. Mortality rate was <3% in seven studies and 12.5% in one. Poor fecal continence was reported in <30% of patients. Need for permanent stoma was ≤2% in six studies. A five‐year survival rate ranged from 63.8 to 81% (four studies). Loco‐regional recurrence rate ranged from 4.8 to 14.3% at 3 years (four studies) and from 6 to 38.8% at 5 years (three studies).

Conclusion

DCAA offers an alternative to primary straight colo‐anal anastomosis for low rectal cancer. The benefits include reduced risk of anastomotic leakage and pelvic sepsis, and no need for protective ileostomy, with good functional and oncological outcomes. Results of ongoing randomized controlled trials comparing DCAA with straight colo‐anal anastomosis and protective stoma are awaited to draw definitive conclusions.
Development of interspecific hybrids between Solanum lycopersicum L. and S. sisymbriifolium Lam. via embryo calli
Authors: Piosik Łukasz , Ruta-Piosik Maria , Zenkteler Maciej , Zenkteler Elżbieta
Published: January 2019

Solanum sisymbriifolium,a wild relative of theS. lycopersicumspecies, has been found to be resistant to numerous pathogens which cause severe diseases in Solanaceae crops. It would be highly desirable for species strongly affected by diseases (e.g. tomato) to contain the resistant genes found in their wild relatives.Solanum sisymbriifoliumhas been considered of potential interest forS. melongenaL. breeding, as the former is resistant to several pathogens and resistant interspecific hybrids have been obtained. Additionally, several reports indicate thatS. sisymbriifoliumis useful for tomato gynogenic haploid production. It is still not quite clear whetherS. sisymbriifoliumcan be crossed withS. lycopersicumand the development of hybrid progeny is possible. In our preliminary in vivo crossing,S. lycopersicum × S. sisymbriifoliumdiploid embryos were formed inside fruits, but their development was inhibited at the globular stage. To obtain F1 hybrids the embryo-rescue method was implemented. Globular embryos isolated 14–35 dap were cultured on various media showing varied morphogenic potencies. Most of the embryos did not develop on the used media but calli formed from the embryogenic cells in > 17% of the embryos, allowing hybrid plants to be obtained. Ten regenerants, which were adapted in pots containing soil, had morphological traits similar to theS. sisymbriifoliumparent, including the plant habit, presence of prickles on shoots or white colour of flowers. The hybrid origin of the regenerants was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis of DNA content and KASP genotyping. The results indicated thatS. lycopersicumcan be hybridized withS. sisymbriifoliumthrough interspecific hybridization to introduce novel traits for use in tomato-breeding programmes.
Misreporting Month of Birth: Diagnosis and Implications for Research on Nutrition and Early Childhood in Developing Countries
Authors: Larsen Anna Folke , Headey Derek , Masters William A.
Published: January 2019

A large literature has used children’s birthdays to identify exposure to shocks and estimate their impacts on later outcomes. Using height-for-age z scores (HAZ) for more than 990,000 children in 62 countries from 163 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), we show how random errors in birth dates create artifacts in HAZ that can be used to diagnose the extent of age misreporting. The most important artifact is an upward gradient in HAZ by recorded month of birth (MOB) from start to end of calendar years, resulting in a large HAZ differential between December- and January-born children of –0.32 HAZ points. We observe a second artifact associated with round ages, with a downward gradient in HAZ by recorded age in months, and then an upward step after reaching ages 2, 3, and 4. These artifacts have previously been interpreted as actual health shocks. We show that they are not related to agroclimatic conditions but are instead linked to the type of calendar used and arise mainly when enumerators do not see the child’s birth registration cards. We explain the size of the December–January gap through simulation in which 11 % of children have their birth date replaced by a random month. We find a minor impact on the average stunting rate but a larger impact in specific error-prone surveys. We further show how misreporting MOB causes attenuation bias when MOB is used for identification of shock exposure as well as systematic bias in the impact on HAZ of events that occur early or late in each calendar year.
Leaving Productivism behind: Towards a Holistic and Processual Philosophy of Ecological Management
Authors: Heikkurinen Pasi , Ruuska Toni , Kuokkanen Anna , Russell Sally
Published: January 2019

This article examines parallels between the increasing mental burnout and environmental overshoot in the organisational context. The article argues that there is a particular philosophy of management that connects these two phenomena of overshoot and burnout, namely productivism. As there are boundaries in all ecological processes and systems, the productivist aim of having ever more output and growth is deemed absurd. It is proposed that productivity as a management philosophy not only leads to mental ill-health in organisations but also to overshoot in the environment. The article concludes that productivism, which denies the limits in utilisation of humans and other natural resources, fits poorly with circular economy and sustainability. Hence, ecological management should be complemented with a more holistic and processual view of organizations, as well as have an aim of peaceful coexistence between all earthbound objects. This signifies acknowledging and caring for human and non-human needs both now and in future by applying the idea of moderation to production of goods and services.
Digital depression screening in HIV primary care in South Africa: mood in retroviral + application monitoring [MIR + IAM]
Authors: Passchier R. V , Owens S. E , Wickremsinhe M. N , Bismilla N. , Ebuenyi I. D
Published: January 2019

Background.

Integrating mental health care into HIV services is critical to addressing the high unmet treatment needs for people living with HIV and comorbid major depressive disorder. Introducing routine mental health screening at the primary health care level is a much needed diagonal approach to enhancing HIV care. In low-resource settings with a shortage of mental health care providers, eMental Health may provide a novel opportunity to attenuate this treatment gap and strengthen the health system.

Objective.

To conduct formative health systems research on the implementation of routine depression screening using a digital tool – Mood in Retroviral Positive Individuals Application Monitoring (MIR  +  IAM) – in an HIV primary care setting in South Africa.

Methods.

A Theory of Change (ToC) approach was utilised through individual and group session interviews to design an intervention that is embedded in the local context. Ten experts and local stakeholders were selected from the UK and South Africa. Data were analysed thematically using Atlas.ti to identify interventions, assumptions, barriers and facilitators of implementation.

Findings.

The participants considered digital depression screening in HIV care services relevant for the improvement of mental health in this population. The six main themes identified from the ToC process were: (1) user experience including acceptability by patients, issues of patient privacy and digital literacy, and the need for a patient-centred tool; (2) benefits of the digital tool for data collection and health promotion; (3) availability of treatment after diagnosis; (4) human and physical resource capacity of primary health care; (5) training for lay health care workers; and (6) demonstration of the intervention's usefulness to generate interest from decision-makers.

Conclusion.

Digital depression screening coupled with routine mental health data collection and analysis in HIV care is an applicable service that could improve the mental and physical health outcomes of this population. Careful consideration of the local health system capacity, including both workers and patients, is required. Future research to refine this intervention should focus on service users, government stakeholders and funders.
Stabilisation and drag reduction of pipe flows by flattening the base profile
Authors: Marensi Elena , Willis Ashley P. , Kerswell Rich R.
Published: January 2019

Recent experimental observations (Kühnen et al., Nat. Phys., vol. 14, 2018b, pp. 386–390) have shown that flattening a turbulent streamwise velocity profile in pipe flow destabilises the turbulence so that the flow relaminarises. We show that a similar phenomenon exists for laminar pipe flow profiles in the sense that the nonlinear stability of the laminar state is enhanced as the profile becomes more flattened. The flattening of the laminar base profile is produced by an artificial localised body force designed to mimic an obstacle used in the experiments of Kühnen et al. (Flow Turbul. Combust., vol. 100, 2018a, pp. 919–943) and the nonlinear stability measured by the size of the energy of the initial perturbations needed to trigger transition. Significant drag reduction is also observed for the turbulent flow when triggered by sufficiently large disturbances. In order to make the nonlinear stability computations more efficient, we examine how indicative the minimal seed – the disturbance of smallest energy for transition – is in measuring transition thresholds. We first show that the minimal seed is relatively robust to base profile changes and spectral filtering. We then compare the (unforced) transition behaviour of the minimal seed with several forms of randomised initial conditions in the range of Reynolds numbers $Re=2400$–$10\,000$ and find that the energy of the minimal seed after the Orr and oblique phases of its evolution is close to that of a critical localised random disturbance. In this sense, the minimal seed at the end of the oblique phase can be regarded as a good proxy for typical disturbances (here taken to be the localised random ones) and is thus used as initial condition in the simulations with the body force. The enhanced nonlinear stability and drag reduction predicted in the present study are an encouraging first step in modelling the experiments of Kühnen et al. and should motivate future developments to fully exploit the benefits of this promising direction for flow control.
Ablation of sloping ice faces into polar seawater
Authors: Mondal Mainak , Gayen Bishakhdatta , Griffiths Ross W. , Kerr Ross C.
Published: January 2019

The effects of the slope of an ice–seawater interface on the mechanisms and rate of ablation of the ice by natural convection are examined using turbulence-resolving simulations. Solutions are obtained for ice slopes $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}=2^{\circ }{-}90^{\circ }$, at a fixed ambient salinity and temperature, chosen to represent common Antarctic ocean conditions. For laminar boundary layers the ablation rate decreases with height, whereas in the turbulent regime the ablation rate is found to be height independent. The simulated laminar ablation rates scale with $(\sin \unicode[STIX]{x1D703})^{1/4}$, whereas in the turbulent regime it follows a $(\sin \unicode[STIX]{x1D703})^{2/3}$ scaling, both consistent with the theoretical predictions developed here. The reduction in the ablation rate with shallower slopes arises as a result of the development of stable density stratification beneath the ice face, which reduces turbulent buoyancy fluxes to the ice. The turbulent kinetic energy budget of the flow shows that, for very steep slopes, both buoyancy and shear production are drivers of turbulence, whereas for shallower slopes shear production becomes the dominant mechanism for sustaining turbulence in the convective boundary layer.
Compressible mixing layer in shock-induced separation
Authors: Dupont P. , Piponniau S. , Dussauge J. P.
Published: January 2019

Unsteadiness in separated shock–boundary layer interactions have been previously analysed in order to propose a scenario of entrainment–discharge as the origin of unsteadiness. It was assumed that the fluid in the separated zone is entrained by the free shear layer formed at its edge, and that this layer follows the properties of the canonical mixing layer. This last point is addressed by reanalysing the velocity measurements in an oblique shock reflection at a nominal Mach number of 2.3 and for two cases of flow deviation ($8^{\circ }$ and $9.5^{\circ }$). The rate of spatial growth of this layer is evaluated from the spatial growth of the turbulent stress profiles. Moreover, the entrainment velocity at the edge of the layer is determined from the mean velocity profiles. It is shown that the values of turbulent shear stress, spreading rate and entrainment velocity are consistent, and that they follow the classical laws for turbulent transport in compressible shear layers. Moreover, the measurements suggest that the vertical normal stress is sensitive to compressibility, so that the anisotropy of turbulence is affected by high Mach numbers. Dimensional considerations proposed by Brown & Roshko (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 64, 1974, 775–781) are reformulated to explain this observed trend.
Georgia, the European Union, and the Visa-Free Travel Regime: Between European Identity and Strategic Pragmatism
Authors: Loda Chiara
Published: January 2019

In March 2017, Georgian citizens were able to travel visa-free to the Schengen Area. This development was highly significant to Georgia, whose narrative of “belonging to Europe” has long contrasted with the travel restrictions for Georgian citizens, who were previously required to undergo complicated consular procedures. However, this was far from being a routine bilateral negotiation. Visa disparities mirrored the contractual asymmetry between Tbilisi and Brussels. This article focuses on how Georgia calibrated its political discourse vis-à-vis the European Union. After outlining both the symbolic and political relevance of visa liberalization, this work assesses the Georgian political rhetoric at different times: in 2005, when Georgia unilaterally lifted visa requirements for Western visitors, and in 2015 and 2016, when visa liberalization was widely expected. The article’s theoretical framework and the final conclusions are relevant to the study of visa regimes and the external relations of small states.
Interplanetary Scintillation with the Murchison Widefield Array V: An all-sky survey of compact sources using a modern low-frequency radio telescope
Authors: Morgan J. S. , Macquart J.-P. , Chhetri R. , Ekers R. D. , Tingay S. J. , Sadler E. M.
Published: January 2019

We describe the parameters of a low-frequency all-sky survey of compact radio sources using Interplanetary Scintillation, undertaken with the Murchison Widefield Array. While this survey gives important complementary information to low-resolution survey, providing information on the sub-arsecond structure of every source, a survey of this kind has not been attempted in the era of low-frequency imaging arrays such as the Murchison Widefield Array and LOw Frequency Array. Here we set out the capabilities of such a survey, describing the limitations imposed by the heliocentric observing geometry and by the instrument itself. We demonstrate the potential for Interplanetary Scintillation measurements at any point on the celestial sphere and we show that at 160 MHz, reasonable results can be obtained within 30° of the ecliptic (2πstr: half the sky). We also suggest some observational strategies and describe the first such survey, the Murchison Widefield Array Phase I Interplanetary Scintillation survey. Finally we analyse the potential of the recently upgraded Murchison Widefield Array and discuss the potential of the Square Kilometre Array-low to use Interplanetary Scintillation to probe sub-mJy flux density levels at sub-arcsecond angular resolution.
Overview OF14C release from irradiated zircaloys in geological disposal conditions
Authors: Necib S , Bucur C , Caes S , Cochin F , Cvetković B Z , Fulger M , Gras J M , Herm M , Kasprzak L , Legand S , Metz V , Perrin S , Sakuragi T , Suzuki-Muresan T
Published: January 2019

Carbon-14 (radiocarbon,14C) is a long-lived radionuclide (5730 yr) of interest regarding the safety for the management of intermediate level wastes (ILW). The present study gives an overview of the release of14C from irradiated Zircaloy cladding in alkaline media.14C is found either in the alloy part of Zircaloy cladding due to the neutron activation of14N impurities by14N(n,p)14C reaction, or in the oxide layer (ZrO2) formed at the metal surface by the neutron activation of17O from UO2or (U-Pu)O2fuel and water from the primary circuit in the reactor by17O(n,α)14C reaction. Various irradiated and unirradiated Zircaloys have been studied. The total14C inventory has been determined both experimentally and by calculations. The results seem to be in good agreement. Leaching experiments were conducted in alkaline media for several time durations.14C was mainly released as carboxylic acids. Further, corrosion measurements were performed by using both hydrogen measurements and electrochemical measurements. The corrosion rate (CR) ranges from a few nm/yr to 100 nm/yr depending on the surface conditions and the method used for measurement. From a safety assessment point of view, the instant release fraction (IRF) was determined on irradiated Zircaloy-2. The results showed that the14C inventory in the oxide was significantly below the 20% commonly used in safety case assessments.