bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemometric Modelling of Heat Release Capacity, Total Heat Release and Char Formation of Polymers to Assess Their Flammability Characteristics
Authors: Khan Pathan Mohsin , Roy Kunal
Published: May 2020

The quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) approach has widely been used to predict several physicochemical properties of materials employing the information obtained from their chemical structures (numerical descriptors). In the present work, we have generated three individual QSPR models for three different endpoints for a large number of polymers in order to determine their fire retardant property such as heat release capacity, total heat release, and %Char, using the only two‐dimensional descriptors with definite physicochemical meaning. Relevant subsets of descriptors were selected employing a genetic algorithm approach; subsequently, the selected descriptors were utilised for the identification of the best combination of the variables for the model generation, while the final models were developed employing the partial least squares (PLS) regression algorithm. The generated models were rigorously validated using various internationally accepted internal and external validation metrics. All the models showed promising statistical quality in terms of determination coefficient
(0.802, 0.842 and 0.826), cross‐validated leave‐one‐out Q2 (0.759, 0.810 and 0.752) and predictive R2pred or Q2ext (0.810, 0.900 and 0.847) for HRC (nTraining=62, nTest=28), THR (nTraining=64, nTest=21) and %char (nTraining=49, nTest=21) datasets, respectively. All the certified models were used for prediction of flammability characteristics of 37 external set compounds, and further, the quality of prediction was determined by using the PRI software tool. The final models of HRC, THR and %Char formation of polymers may be useful to predict the flammability characteristics of polymers quickly before their synthesis and used as a better alternative approach to the experimental testing of flammability of polymers.
Compact operators on the Jordan totient sequence spaces
Authors: İlkhan Merve , Kara Evren Emrah , Usta Fuat
Published: May 2020

The necessary and sufficient conditions for compactness of a matrix operator between Banach spaces is obtained by utilizing the concept of the Hausdorff measure of noncompactness. This is one of the most interesting application in the theory of sequence spaces. In this paper, the compact operators are characterized on Jordan totient sequence spaces by using the concept of the Hausdorff measure of noncompactness.
Patients' experiences and satisfaction at one year following primary total knee arthroplasty: A focus‐group discussion
Authors: Bin Sheeha Bodor , Williams Anita , Johnson David Sands , Granat Malcolm , Jones Richard
Published: May 2020

Objective

To date, no study has explored patients' experiences, outcome expectations and satisfaction 1‐year post‐total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using focus‐group discussion (FGD). The exploration of patients' expectations, functional recovery and limitations may support future modifications and thus improve outcomes post‐TKA.

Methods

An FGD was conducted with patients at 1‐year post‐TKA. Moderators led the discussion using a semistructured discussion guide. The discussion was digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed to formulate themes.

Results

The study identified four main themes: recovery experience post‐TKA, experience before TKA, activity of daily living (ADL) changes post‐TKA and post‐TKA outcome expectations. The recovery experience theme explores the overall experience post‐TKA in terms of symptoms and progression issues; their experience with the orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapy; and the differences between first and second knee replacements. The experience before TKA theme discusses many issues raised by patients that they believed strongly affected TKA outcomes and their satisfaction, such as the referral process, ADL limitations before TKA and their beliefs about post‐TKA outcomes. The ADL changes post‐TKA theme discusses the diversity of functional improvements, limitations and new functional ability. The outcome expectation theme explores what the patients expected to gain from surgery and the factors that modified those expectations, and whether their expectations were met.

Conclusions

Patient attitude, sufficient preoperative education, outcome expectation modification, communication with the surgeon and patients taking an active role in rehabilitation can all affect post‐TKA outcomes and satisfaction. Hence, the recommendation is to address all of these issues before TKA to enhance outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Update on immune‐mediated therapies for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Habib Ali Aamer , Ahmadi Jazi Ghazaleh , Mozaffar Tahseen
Published: May 2020

With the exception of thymectomy, immune modulatory treatment strategies and clinical trials in myasthenia gravis over the past 50 y were mainly borrowed from experience in other nonneurologic autoimmune disorders. The current experimental therapy paradigm has significantly changed such that treatments directed against the pathological mechanisms specific to myasthenia gravis are being tested, in some cases as the initial disease indication. Key advances have been made in three areas: (i) the expanded role and long‐term benefits of thymectomy, (ii) complement inhibition to prevent antibody‐mediated postsynaptic membrane damage, and (iii) neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibition as in vivo apheresis, removing pathogenic antibodies. Herein, we discuss these advances and the potential for these newer therapies to significantly influence the current treatment paradigms. While these therapies provide exciting new options with rapid efficacy, there are anticipated challenges to their use, especially in terms of a dramatic increase in cost of care for some patients with myasthenia gravis.
Dynamic credit reservation for online charging of regular Internet of things traffic
Authors: Huang Huai‐Sheng , Hung Da‐Yu
Published: May 2020

According to the specifications of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), any online charging system must determine a granted unit (GU) and make reservations for each session before the serving network delivers the service. Allocating insufficient GUs to user equipment may incur excessive quantities of reservation messages; conversely, providing excessive GUs could result in an unbalanced distribution of resources. Therefore, a prudent investigation of a reservation scheme for multiple Internet of things (IoT) devices is urgently needed. In this paper, we focus on IoT devices with regular traffic, which usually generate numerous routine traffic events and few event‐driven traffic events. We combine a fixed‐order quantity model (sometimes called a Q model) and propose a novel solution to this issue. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research to propose a solution based on such a concept. Compared with typical schemes, the simulation results show that our proposed scheme can maintain the success rate with a smaller‐than‐usual number of messages.
Four‐node tetrahedral elements for gradient‐elasticity analysis
Authors: Sze K. Y. , Yuan W. C. , Zhou Y. X.
Published: May 2020

Computational analyses of gradient‐elasticity often require the trial solution to be C1 yet constructing simple C1 finite elements is not trivial. This article develops two 48‐dof 4‐node tetrahedral elements for 3D gradient‐elasticity analyses by generalizing the discrete Kirchhoff method and a relaxed hybrid‐stress method. Displacement and displacement‐gradient are the only nodal dofs. Both methods start with the derivation of a C0 quadratic‐complete displacement interpolation from which the strain is derived. In the first element, displacement‐gradient at the mid‐edge points are approximated and then interpolated together with those at the nodes whilst the strain‐gradient is derived from the displacement‐gradient interpolation. In the second element, the assumed constant double‐stress modes are employed to enforce the continuity of the normal derivative of the displacement. The whole formulation can be viewed as if the strain‐gradient matrix derived from the displacement interpolation matrix is refined by a constant matrix. Both elements are validated by the individual element patch test and other numerical benchmark tests. To the best knowledge of the authors, the proposed elements are probably the first nonmixed/penalty 3D elements which employ only displacement and displacement‐gradient as the nodal dofs for gradient‐elasticity analyses.
Interaction of Aluminum Metaphosphates in the Setting of Potassium Silicate Solutions in Terms of the Crystalline Phase Composition.
Authors: Masoudi Alavi Ali , Sax Almuth , Quirmbach Peter
Published: May 2020

Aluminum phosphates are known as inorganic hardening agents for the setting of alkali silicate solutions, but only few studies have been published on the setting mechanism of potassium water glass. The solution behavior of two aluminum metaphosphates in alkaline environments were investigated photometrically determining the dissolved aluminum content. The crystalline phase composition of the hardened potassium silicate systems was determined by X‐ray diffraction. New insights into the setting mechanism were obtained concerning the structure of the aluminum metaphosphate and the SiO2/K2O ratio of three different potassium silicate solutions. With increasing pH value aluminum tetrametaphosphate reacts rapidly and forms crystalline potassium tetrametaphosphate dihydrate by an ion‐exchange‐reaction. In parallel, a depolymerization of the cyclic metaphosphate structure occurs leading to potassium dihydrogen phosphate as final fragmentation product. With aluminum hexametaphosphate no ion‐exchange reaction product was observed. Only potassium dihydrogen phosphate could be found in higher quantities compared to the reaction with aluminum tetrametaphosphate.
Metabolomics, machine learning and immunohistochemistry to predict succinate dehydrogenase mutational status in phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas
Authors: Wallace Paal W , Conrad Catleen , Brückmann Sascha , Pang Ying , Caleiras Eduardo , Murakami Masanori , Korpershoek Esther , Zhuang Zhengping , Rapizzi Elena , Kroiss Matthias , Gudziol Volker , Timmers Henri JLM , Mannelli Massimo , Pietzsch Jens , Beuschlein Felix , Pacak Karel , Robledo Mercedes , Klink Barbara , Peitzsch Mirko , Gill Anthony J , Tischler Arthur S , de Krijger Ronald R , Papathomas Thomas , Aust Daniela , Eisenhofer Graeme , Richter Susan
Published: May 2020

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours with a hereditary background in over one‐third of patients. Mutations in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genes increase the risk for PPGLs and several other tumours. Mutations in subunit B (SDHB) in particular are a risk factor for metastatic disease, further highlighting the importance of identifying SDHx mutations for patient management. Genetic variants of unknown significance, where implications for the patient and family members are unclear, are a problem for interpretation. For such cases, reliable methods for evaluating protein functionality are required. Immunohistochemistry for SDHB (SDHB‐IHC) is the method of choice but does not assess functionality at the enzymatic level. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based measurements of metabolite precursors and products of enzymatic reactions provide an alternative method. Here, we compare SDHB‐IHC with metabolite profiling in 189 tumours from 187 PPGL patients. Besides evaluating succinate:fumarate ratios (SFRs), machine learning algorithms were developed to establish predictive models for interpreting metabolite data. Metabolite profiling showed higher diagnostic specificity compared to SDHB‐IHC (99.2% versus 92.5%, p = 0.021), whereas sensitivity was comparable. Application of machine learning algorithms to metabolite profiles improved predictive ability over that of the SFR, in particular for hard‐to‐interpret cases of head and neck paragangliomas (AUC 0.9821 versus 0.9613, p = 0.044). Importantly, the combination of metabolite profiling with SDHB‐IHC has complementary utility, as SDHB‐IHC correctly classified all but one of the false negatives from metabolite profiling strategies, while metabolite profiling correctly classified all but one of the false negatives/positives from SDHB‐IHC. From 186 tumours with confirmed status of SDHx variant pathogenicity, the combination of the two methods resulted in 185 correct predictions, highlighting the benefits of both strategies for patient management. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Fiber Coupling to Polarization‐Maintaining Fibers and Collimation
Authors: Knigge Anja , Rahmel Mats , Knothe Christian
Published: May 2020

A stable measurement setup is fundamental for any successful measurement. A major cause of frustration and error is the need to continuously readjust optomechanical equipment because of continuous instabilities. But first decisions have to be made about which components to use. Detailed measurements of fiber parameters like e.g. an effective numerical aperture allow a better understanding which other fiber optic components are suitable for the application at hand. In‐depth knowledge about the different parameters is key for this procedure. The online product configurators on the new Schäfter+Kirchhoff website provide this information quickly and easily and help narrow down the search to the most relevant choices.
Landscape matters: Predicting the biogeochemical effects of permafrost thaw on aquatic networks with a state factor approach
Authors: Tank Suzanne E. , Vonk Jorien E. , Walvoord Michelle A. , McClelland James W. , Laurion Isabelle , Abbott Benjamin W.
Published: May 2020

Permafrost thaw has been widely observed to alter the biogeochemistry of recipient aquatic ecosystems. However, research from various regions has shown considerable variation in effect. In this paper, we propose a state factor approach to predict the release and transport of materials from permafrost through aquatic networks. Inspired by Hans Jenny's seminal description of soil‐forming factors, and based on the growing body of research on the subject, we propose that a series of state factors—including relief, ice content, permafrost extent, and parent material—will constrain and direct the biogeochemical effect of thaw over time. We explore state‐factor‐driven variation in thaw response using a series of case studies from diverse regions of the permafrost‐affected north, and also describe unique scaling considerations related to the mobile and integrative nature of aquatic networks. While our cross‐system review found coherent responses to thaw for some biogeochemical constituents, such as nutrients, others, such as dissolved organics and particles, were much more variable in their response. We suggest that targeted, hypothesis‐driven investigation of the effects of state factor variation will bolster our ability to predict the biogeochemical effects of thaw across diverse and rapidly changing northern landscapes.
Deformation and the Complexity=Volume Conjecture
Authors: Geng Hao
Published: May 2020

Complexity in quantum physics measures how difficult a state can be reached from a reference state and more precisely it is the number of fundamental unitary gates we have to operate to transform the reference state to the state we are considering. In the holographic context, based on several explicit calculations and arguments, it is conjectured that certain bulk volume calculates the boundary field theory subregion complexity. In this paper, we will show that the deformation shows a strong signal of the correctness of this complexity equals volume conjecture. A bonus is a way to look at the deformation, by its reversibility, as operating a unitary quantum circuit which prepares states in quantum field theory.
The two faces of Coprinus comatus—Functional properties and potential hazards
Authors: Nowakowski Patryk , Naliwajko Sylwia K. , Markiewicz‐Żukowska Renata , Borawska Maria H. , Socha Katarzyna
Published: May 2020

Mushrooms have been used for centuries not only as food but also in traditional medicine as a source of components with pro‐health activity. One of them is Coprinus comatus (O.F.Müll.) Pers. also called shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig. In Asian countries, C. comatus (CC) is approved as edible mushroom and often cultivated for consumption, whereas in many other countries, although it is widespread, it is unrecognized and not used. In this review, for the first time, we discussed about the composition related to functional properties as well as the potential risks associated with consumption of CC by reviewing scientific literature. The information has been collected in order to get to know this species thoroughly. Various studies show many of the physiological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiandrogenic, hepatoprotective, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antibacterial, antifungal, antinematode, and antiviral. Besides positive physiological properties, CC has also negative features, for example, skin reactions in patients with dermatitis and atopic predisposition, risk of confusion with poisonous mushrooms, quick autolysis after collection, and contamination of toxic elements.
Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles to Label Metastatic Tumor Cells in Mineralized Bone Microenvironments
Authors: Chiou Aaron E. , Hinckley Joshua A. , Khaitan Rupal , Varsano Neta , Wang Jonathan , Malarkey Henry F. , Hernandez Christopher J. , Williams Rebecca M. , Estroff Lara A. , Weiner Steve , Addadi Lia , Wiesner Ulrich B. , Fischbach Claudia
Published: May 2020

During breast cancer bone metastasis, tumor cells interact with bone microenvironment components including inorganic minerals. Bone mineralization is a dynamic process and varies spatiotemporally as a function of cancer‐promoting conditions such as age and diet. The functional relationship between skeletal dissemination of tumor cells and bone mineralization, however, is unclear. Standard histological analysis of bone metastasis frequently relies on prior demineralization of bone, while methods that maintain mineral are often harsh and damage fluorophores commonly used to label tumor cells. Here, fluorescent silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are introduced as a robust and versatile labeling strategy to analyze tumor cells within mineralized bone. SNP uptake and labeling efficiency of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells is characterized with cryo‐scanning electron microscopy and different tissue processing methods. Using a 3D in vitro model of marrow‐containing, mineralized bone as well as an in vivo model of bone metastasis, SNPs are demonstrated to allow visualization of labeled tumor cells in mineralized bone using various imaging modalities including widefield, confocal, and light sheet microscopy. This work suggests that SNPs are valuable tools to analyze tumor cells within mineralized bone using a broad range of bone processing and imaging techniques with the potential to increase the understanding of bone metastasis.
Acetamidinium Cation to Confer Ion Immobilization and Structure Stabilization of Organometal Halide Perovskite Toward Long Life and High‐Efficiency p‐i‐n Planar Solar Cell via Air‐Processable Method
Authors: Hsiao Kai-Chi , Jao Meng-Huan , Tian Kuo-Yu , Lin Ting-Han , Tran Dinh-Phuc , Liao Hsueh-Chung , Hou Cheng-Hung , Shyue Jing-Jong , Wu Ming-Chung , Su Wei-Fang
Published: May 2020

Ion migration in organometal halide perovskite solar cell (OHPSC) and crystal structure evolution of organometal halide perovskites (OHPVSKs) in air are considered as one of the critical factors for unstable performance and of the urgent issues for the reliability of OHPSCs. Herein, a novel cation of acetamidinium (Aa+) with stronger coordinated bond with I− than methylammonium is induced into OHPVSK to stabilize its crystal structure. By incorporating Aa+ ions into OHPVSKs, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OHPSC without an encapsulation can maintain higher than 75% of its initial PCE after a 200 h humidity (60–80% relative humidity (RH) in air) or a 24 h thermal stress test (85 °C in dry N2). The Aa–MAPbI3 device exhibits an outstanding efficiency of 20.68%, and over 80% of initial PCE is maintained after a 1300 h damp heat as encapsulated. This novel cation can be easily incorporated into OHPVSK via a hot casting process in air with a high environmental tolerance as compared with that from the conventional coating process, which suffers from sophisticated crystallization steps and a strict processing atmosphere. It extends processing windows for OHPVSK fabrication and provides a promising path toward mass production and further commercialization.
Following in Operando the Structure Evolution‐Induced Degradation in Printed Organic Solar Cells with Nonfullerene Small Molecule Acceptor
Authors: Wienhold Kerstin S. , Chen Wei , Yin Shanshan , Guo Renjun , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Roth Stephan V. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: May 2020

Understanding the degradation mechanisms of printed bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells during operation is essential to achieve long‐term stability and realize real‐world applications of organic photovoltaics. Herein, the degradation of printed organic solar cells based on the conjugated benzodithiophene polymer PBDB‐T‐SF and the nonfullerene small molecule acceptor IT‐4F with 0.25 vol% 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) solvent additive is studied in operando for two different donor:acceptor ratios. The inner nano‐morphology is analyzed with grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS), and current–voltage (I–V) characteristics are probed simultaneously. Irrespective of the mixing ratio, degradation occurs by the same degradation mechanism. A decrease in the short‐circuit current density (JSC) is identified to be the determining factor for the decline of the power conversion efficiency. The decrease in JSC is induced by a reduction of the relative interface area between the conjugated polymer and the small molecule acceptor in the BHJ structure, resembling the morphological degradation of the active layer.
Effect of the Ash from H2‐Rich Carbonaceous Materials on the Physicochemical Properties of Raceway Slag and Coke Reactivity
Authors: Ahmed Hesham , Sideris Dimitrios , Lennartsson Andreas , Nishant Prasad Pande , Sundqvist-Ökvist Lena , From Lars-Erik , Orre Joel , Björkman Bo
Published: May 2020

The iron and steel industry is one of the most important sectors worldwide, and it has a great impact on the global economy; however, this sector is still highly dependent on fossil carbon. To decrease this dependency, approaches to partially replace the injected pulverized coal with secondary, highly reactive, renewable (biomass) and H2‐rich materials are studied. The injection of such materials is expected to significantly decrease the emitted CO2 from blast furnaces. However, due to the different ash composition of these alternative materials (especially alkali and alkaline earth metals) compared to that of ordinary injected coal, these materials are expected to alter the raceway slag properties and affect the coke reactivity. Herein, the effect of the ash from different hydrogen‐rich carbonaceous materials on the raceway slag physicochemical properties as well as coke reactivity is reported. The melting characteristics of the ash briquettes in contact with the coke and wettability of the melted ash on the coke surface are determined visually using an optical heating microscope. The effect of the ash on the coke reactivity is studied by means of thermogravimetry under a continuous flow of CO2.
Prenatal stomach position predicts gastrointestinal morbidity at 2 years in fetuses with left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Cordier A. G. , Laup L. , Letourneau A. , Le Sache N. , Fouquet V. , Senat M. V. , Perrotin F. , Rosenblatt J. , Sananes N. , Jouannic J. M. , Benoist G. , Jani J. C. , Benachi A.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The long‐term morbidity associated with isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been described previously. However, antenatal criteria impacting gastrointestinal morbidity (GIM) are not yet defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fetal stomach position on the risk of GIM at 2 years of age in children with left‐sided CDH.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational multicenter cohort study of data obtained from January 2010 to January 2014, that included patients whose fetus had isolated left‐sided CDH, with or without fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO). Prenatal maternal, fetal and pediatric data were collected. Fetal stomach position was evaluated a posteriori by two observers, using ultrasound images at the level of the four‐chamber view of the heart that had been obtained to calculate the observed‐to‐expected lung‐area‐to‐head‐circumference ratio (O/E‐LHR). Fetal stomach position was graded as follows: Grade 1, stomach not visualized; Grade 2, stomach visualized anteriorly, next to the apex of the heart, with no structure in between the stomach and the sternum; Grade 3, stomach visualized alongside the left ventricle of the heart, and abdominal structures anteriorly; or Grade 4, as Grade 3 but with stomach posterior to the level of the atrioventricular heart valves. The primary outcome was GIM at 2 years of age, assessed in a composite manner, including the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, need for gastrostomy, duration of parenteral and enteral nutrition and persistence of oral aversion. Regression analysis was performed in order to investigate the effect of O/E‐LHR, stomach position and FETO on various GIM outcome variables.

Results

Forty‐seven patients with fetal left‐sided CDH were included in the analysis. Thirteen (27.7%) infants did not meet the criterion of exclusive oral feeding at 2 years of age. Fetal stomach position grade was associated significantly and independently with the duration of parenteral nutrition (odds ratio (OR), 19.86; P = 0.031) and persistence of oral aversion at 2 years (OR, 3.40; P = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, O/E‐LHR was predictive of the need for prosthetic patch repair, but not for GIM. FETO did not seem to affect the risk of GIM at 2 years.

Conclusion

In isolated left‐sided CDH, fetal stomach position is the only factor that is predictive of GIM at 2 years of age. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Stability enhancement of induction generator–based series compensated wind power plants by alleviating subsynchronous torsional oscillations using BFOA‐optimal controller tuned STATCOM
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Singh Rajveer , Ashfaq Haroon
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a STATCOM (static synchronous compensator) is used to encounter the potential SSR (subsynchronous resonance) observed by IG (Induction Generator) based series compensated wind farms. The basic controller used for STATCOM control is identical to that of the literature. An idea of a unique meta‐heuristic swarm‐based optimization technique called BFOA (bacterial foraging optimization algorithm) based optimal‐controller is introduced for optimal parameter selection of the basic controller used in the control scheme of the STATCOM. The investigation is carried out with 500 MW IG‐based wind farm exposed to three‐phase LLL‐G fault close to the PCC (point of common coupling) and implemented with MATLAB in both steady and transient states for the three different cases, namely, without STATCOM, with the basic STATCOM controller, and in the presence of the proposed BFOA‐optimal controller‐based STATCOM. In both the states, the observed eigenvalues of the test system, together with the time domain results of the generator rotor dynamics for three distinct cases, reveals the effectiveness of the suggested BFOA‐optimal controller tuned STATCOM in mitigating the potential SSR.
Forced vibrations of functionally graded annular and circular plates by domain‐boundary element method
Authors: Eshraghi Iman , Dag Serkan
Published: May 2020

Axi‐symmetric dynamic response of functionally graded circular and annular Mindlin plates with through‐the‐thickness variations of physical properties is investigated by a new domain‐boundary element formulation. Three governing partial differential equations of motion of the inhomogeneous plate are converted to integral equations by utilizing the static fundamental solutions of the displacement components. These integral equations are then spatially discretized by dividing the entire domain into a number of cells and incorporating suitable shape functions to approximate the variation of unknown parameters across the cells. The resulting set of ordinary differential equations in time are then solved by the Houbolt method. To verify the accuracy of the developed procedure, dynamic responses generated for a homogeneous plate are compared to those calculated through an analytical solution. Different loading conditions such as step, harmonic, and impulsive loadings are considered for generation of numerical results of dynamic responses of functionally graded circular and annular plates. Convergence characteristics and effects of material inhomogeneity, and geometric parameters are extensively investigated. It has been shown that the presented method is a fast and accurate and technique in elastodynamic analysis of functionally graded plates.
One-loop matching in the SMEFT extended with a sterile neutrino
Authors: Chala Mikael , Titov Arsenii
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We study the phenomenology of the simplest renormalisable model that, at low energy, leads to the effective field theory of the Standard Model extended with right-handed neutrinos (νSMEFT). Our aim is twofold. First, to contextualise new collider signatures in models with sterile neutrinos so far studied only using the bottom-up approach. And second and more important, to provide a thorough example of one-loop matching in the diagrammatic approach, of which other matching techniques and automatic tools can benefit for cross-checks. As byproducts of this work, we provide for the first time: (i) a complete off-shell basis for the νSMEFT and explicit relations between operators linked by equations of motion; (ii) a complete basis for the low-energy effective field theory (νLEFT) and the tree-level matching onto the νSMEFT; (iii) partial one-loop anomalous dimensions in the νLEFT. This way, our work comprises a new step forward towards the systematisation of one-loop computations in effective field theories, especially if the SM neutrinos are Dirac.
Chaos and complementarity in de Sitter space
Authors: Aalsma Lars , Shiu Gary
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We consider small perturbations to a static three-dimensional de Sitter geometry. For early enough perturbations that satisfy the null energy condition, the result is a shockwave geometry that leads to a time advance in the trajectory of geodesics crossing it. This brings the opposite poles of de Sitter space into causal contact with each other, much like a traversable wormhole in Anti-de Sitter space. In this background, we compute out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs) to asses the chaotic nature of the de Sitter horizon and find that it is maximally chaotic: one of the OTOCs we study decays exponentially with a Lyapunov exponent that saturates the chaos bound. We discuss the consequences of our results for de Sitter complementarity and inflation.
Conformal Mappings Revisited in the Octonions and Clifford Algebras of Arbitrary Dimension
Authors: Kraußhar Rolf Sören
Published: May 2020

In this paper we revisit the concept of conformality in the sense of Gauss in the context of octonions and Clifford algebras. We extend a characterization of conformality in terms of a system of partial differential equations and differential forms using special orthonormal sets of continuous functions that have been used before in the particular quaternionic setting. The aim is to describe to which higher dimensional algebras this characterization can exactly be extended and under which circumstances. It turns out to be crucial that this characterization requires a domain of definition that lies in a subalgebra that has the norm composition property and that is either associative (Clifford algebra case) or at least alternative (octonionic case). The orthonormal frames are elements of the spin group Spin$$(n+1)$$(n+1). We round off by relating the nature of the orthonormal frames to the associated Möbius transformation which are related toSO(9, 1) in the octonionic case and to the Ahlfors–Vahlen group in the case of a Clifford algebra.
Gut microbiome associations with breast cancer risk factors and tumor characteristics: a pilot study
Authors: Wu Anna H. , Tseng Chiuchen , Vigen Cheryl , Yu Yang , Cozen Wendy , Garcia Agustin A. , Spicer Darcy
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate the association between gut microbiome with breast tumor characteristics (receptor status, stage and grade) and known breast cancer risk factors.

Methods

In a pilot cross-sectional study of 37 incident breast cancer patients, fecal samples collected prior to chemotherapy were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene-based sequencing protocol. Alpha diversity and specific taxa by tumor characteristics and breast cancer risk factors were tested by Wilcoxon rank sum test, and by differential abundance analysis, using a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model with adjustment for total counts, age and race/ethnicity.

Results

There were no significant alpha diversity or phyla differences by estrogen/progesterone receptor status, tumor grade, stage, parity and body mass index. However, women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) (n = 12) compared to HER2− (n = 25) breast cancer showed 12–23% lower alpha diversity [number of species (OTU)p = 0.033, Shannon indexp = 0.034], lower abundance ofFirmicutes(p = 0.005) and higher abundance ofBacteroidetes(p = 0.089).Early menarche (ages ≤ 11) (n = 11) compared with later menarche (ages ≥ 12) (n = 26) was associated with lower OTU (p = 0.036), Chao1 index (p = 0.020) and lower abundance ofFirmicutes(p = 0.048). High total body fat (TBF) (> 46%) (n = 12) compared to lower (≤ 46%) TBF was also associated with lower Chao 1 index (p = 0.011). There were other significant taxa abundance differences by HER2 status, menarche age, as well as other tumor and breast cancer risk factors.

Conclusions and relevance

Further studies are needed to identify characteristics of the human microbiome and the interrelationships between breast cancer hormone receptor status and established breast cancer risk factors.
Predictive risk factors of complications in different breast reconstruction methods
Authors: Palve J. S. , Luukkaala T. H. , Kääriäinen M. T.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Women with different BMI, age and comorbidities seek for breast reconstruction. It is critical to understand the risk associated with each technique to ensure the most appropriate method and timing is used. Outcome after reconstructions have been studied, but consensus is lacking regarding predictive risk factors of complications. The authors present their experience of different autologous and alloplastic reconstructions with an emphasis on predictors of complications.

Methods

Prospectively maintained reconstruction database from 2008 to 2019 was reviewed. Factors associated with complications were identified using logistic regression, multinomial logistic regression and risk factor score to determine predictors of complications.

Results

A total of 850 breast reconstructions were performed in 793 women, including 447 DIEP, 283 LD, 12 TMG and 51 implant reconstructions. Complications included minor (n = 231, 29%), re-surgery requiring (n = 142, 18%) and medical complications (n = 7, 1%). Multivariable analysis showed that complications were associated independently with BMI > 30 (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.05–2.39, p = 0.027), LD technique (OR 4.05; 95% CI 2.10–7.81, p < 0.001), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.50–5.12, p = 0.001) and immediate operation (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.44–1.07, p = 0.099). Each factor contributed 1 point in the creation of a risk-scoring system. The overall complication rate was increased as the risk score increased (35%, 61%, 76% and 100% for 1, 2, 3 and 4 risk scores, respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The rate of complication can be predicted by a risk-scoring system. In increasing trend of patients with medical problems undergoing breast reconstruction, tailoring of preventive measures to patients’ risk factors and careful consideration of the best timing of reconstruction is mandatory to prevent complications and costs.
The Legal Regulation of Non-stun Slaughter: Balancing Religious Freedom, Non-discrimination and Animal Welfare
Authors: Wills Joe
Published: May 2020

In February 2019, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) published a joint open letter to the British Government calling for a repeal of a legal exemption that permits the slaughter of animals without prior stunning. The RSPCA and BVA argue that repealing the exemption is required on grounds of animal welfare, claiming that non-stun slaughter causes unnecessary pain and suffering. By contrast, Islamic and Jewish groups assert that non-stun slaughter, when properly conducted, is both humane and a religious requirement for least some followers of their faiths. This article considers whether imposing a ban on non-stun slaughter is compatible with obligations to protect religious freedom and non-discrimination under the European Convention of Human Rights. It will conclude that it can be and, when done to protect animal welfare, falls within Contracting States’ margin of appreciation.
Identification and validation of reference genes for real-time RT-PCR in Aphelenchoides besseyi
Authors: Li Junyi , Zhang Zixu , Xu Chunling , Wang Dongwei , Lv Mei , Xie Hui
Published: May 2020

Fragments of four candidate reference genes of Aphelenchoides besseyi, including actin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ubiquitin conjugating-3 enzyme (UBC) and alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin) were cloned from the transcriptome database of A. besseyi. The expression level of these four candidate reference genes and a commonly used reference gene of A. besseyi (18S rRNA) in three experimental conditions, including the four life stages (female, male, juvenile and egg) of two populations and the mixed-stage nematodes of four populations with different origins and hosts were analyzed by RT-qPCR. The expression stability of the five candidate reference genes under the three experimental conditions was analyzed by ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder respectively. The analysis results of ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder all indicated that UBC was the gene with the highest average ranking of stability. In conclusion, the expression stability of UBC was optimal under the three experimental conditions, indicating that UBC could be used as a suitable reference gene instead of 18S rRNA in the RT-qPCR analysis for A. besseyi.
Clinicians’ perspective on the implemented KLIK PROM portal in clinical practice
Authors: Teela Lorynn , van Muilekom Maud M. , Kooij Lieke H. , Gathier Anouk W. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Haverman Lotte , van Oers Hedy A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Since 2011, the evidence-based KLIK Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) portal has been implemented in clinical practice in > 20 Dutch hospitals. Patients and/or parents complete PROMs on Health Related Quality of Life, symptoms and psychosocial functioning before their outpatient consultation. Answers are converted into an ePROfile and discussed by clinicians during consultation to monitor well-being over time and detect problems early. This study aims to get insight into the KLIK implementation from the clinician’s perspective.

Methods

As part of the KLIK implementation process, annual meetings were held with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate the use of KLIK. An online questionnaire was sent regarding (1) overall satisfaction, (2) feeling competent to discuss PROMs, (3) use of KLIK during the consultation, (4) influence of KLIK on the consultation, (5) usability of the KLIK PROM portal, (6) satisfaction with PROMs and feedback, and (7) support of the KLIK expert team. Open questions about (dis)advantages were included. Descriptive analyses were used.

Results

One hundred and forty-eight clinicians (response-rate 61%) from 14 hospitals in the Netherlands participated. Results show that: (1) clinicians report an overall satisfaction of median = 69/100 (visual analogue scale), (2) 85.8% feel competent discussing the ePROfile, (3) 70.3% (almost) always discuss the ePROfile, (4) 70.3% think that KLIK improves consultation, (5) 71.6% think KLIK is easy to use, (6) 80.4% are satisfied with the feedback of the overall KLIK ePROfile, (7) 71.6% experience sufficient support of the KLIK team.

Conclusion

Participating clinicians are generally satisfied with KLIK. Improvements to the KLIK PROM portal are now realized based on the mentioned disadvantages (e.g., shorten PROM completion by use of PROMIS and integrating KLIK with Electronic Health Records).
The rivalry between Bernini and Borromini from a scientometric perspective
Authors: Wieland Martin , Gorraiz Juan
Published: May 2020

From a historical point of view, Rome and especially the University of La Sapienza, are closely linked to two geniuses of Baroque art: Bernini and Borromini. In this study, we analyze the rivalry between them from a scientometric perspective. This study also serves as a basis for exploring which data sources may be appropriate for broad impact assessment of individuals and/or celebrities. We pay special attention to encyclopaedias, library catalogues and other databases or types of publications that are not normally used for this purpose. The results show that some sources such as Wikipedia are not exploited according to the possibilities they offer, especially those related to different languages and cultures. Moreover, analyses are often reduced to a minimum number of data sources, which can distort the relevance of the outcome. Our results show that other sources normally not considered for this purpose, like JSTOR, PQDT, Google Scholar, Catalogue Holdings, etc. can provide more relevant or abundant information than the typically used Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus. Finally, we also contrast opportunities and limitation of old and new (YouTube, Twitter) data sources (particularly the aspects quality and accuracy of the search methods). Much room for improvement has been identified in order to use data sources more efficiently and with higher accuracy.
Correction to: Enzymatic studies on aromatic prenyltransferases
Authors: Mori Takahiro
Published: May 2020

The article Enzymatic studies on aromatic prenyltransferases, written by Takahiro Mori.
Effect of Pulsed Light Treatment on Natural Microbiota, Enzyme Activity, and Phytochemical Composition of Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.) juice
Authors: Vollmer Kathrin , Chakraborty Snehasis , Bhalerao Prasanna Prakash , Carle Reinhold , Frank Jan , Steingass Christof Björn
Published: May 2020

The effect of pulsed light (PL) on numerous important quality characteristics of pineapple juice was studied and compared with untreated and thermally pasteurised samples. The laboratory scale PL batch system used was operated with each three different voltages (1.8, 2.1, and 2.4 kV) and numbers of pulses (47, 94, and 187). Treatments with 2.4 kV and either 94 or 187 pulses (757/1479 J·cm−2) resulted in a 5-log reduction in aerobic mesophiles and the yeast and mould counts. Peroxidase was more resistant to PL than polyphenol oxidase, whereas the bromelain activity was completely retained in all PL-treated juices. Colour and antioxidant capacity were minimally affected, while vitamin C, genuine pineapple furanones, and phenolic compounds declined. In contrast, thermal pasteurisation was more detrimental to colour, antioxidant capacity, and vitamin C content, but resulted in a superior inactivation of microorganisms and enzymes and retention of phenolic compounds. Principal component analysis (PCA) permitted the differentiation of fresh, thermally pasteurised, and all PL-treated juices. PCA on the basis of the individual juice constituents additionally arranged the latter juices according to the number of pulses and voltage levels applied, particularly promoted by the oxidation of ascorbic to dehydroascorbic acid. In conclusion, PL treatment represents a promising new alternative to conventional thermal preservation techniques, whereby the inactivation of deteriorative enzymes may be further optimised.
Serum Sulfatide Levels across Atheromatous Plaques are Significantly Affected by Plaque Injury Caused by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kudo Akihito , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Nakamura Hidehiko , Yamada Kota , Nakahara Shiro , Taguchi Isao , Inoue Teruo , Sako Ken-ichi , Kyogashima Mamoru
Published: May 2020

Sulfatides might accelerate atherothrombosis. Therefore, this study aimed to monitor serum sulfatide levels in coronary arteries across atheromatous plaques during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with either drug-eluting stents or drug-coated balloons. From every patient, we collected blood from points 1 and 2 before PCI, and points 3 and 4 15 min after PCI, where odd numbered points were proximal and even numbered points were distal to a stenotic lesion. Patients were separated into two groups on the basis of the requirement of a pre-balloon dilation technique (pre-BD) before collecting samples at point 2. This was because of difficulty in passing a microcatheter through narrowed lumens around atheromatous lesions. In patients without pre-BD (n = 23), mean serum sulfatide levels at points 2 (4.60 ± 4.04 nmol/mL), 3 (4.35 ± 3.76 nmol/mL), and 4 (4.53 ± 3.26 nmol/mL) were significantly higher than those at point 1 (2.49 ± 1.11 nmol/mL; all p < 0.05). Patients with pre-BD (n = 18) required additional time (15–20 min) for collecting samples at points 2 to 4 compared with those without pre-BD, but there was no significant difference between the groups. The reason for this lack of significance is not known but may be due (at least in part) to diffusion of sulfatides in the circulation caused by the extra time needed for collection. These results suggest that accumulated sulfatides in stenotic plaques evoke atherothrombosis because of the thrombogenic property of sulfatides under pathological conditions.
Geospatial simulations of airborne ice-penetrating radar surveying reveal elevation under-measurement bias for ice-sheet bed topography
Authors: Bartlett Oliver T. , Palmer Steven J. , Schroeder Dustin M. , MacKie Emma J. , Barrows Timothy T. , Graham Alastair G. C.
Published: May 2020

Airborne radio-echo sounding (RES) surveys are widely used to measure ice-sheet bed topography. Measuring bed topography as accurately and widely as possible is of critical importance to modelling ice dynamics and hence to constraining better future ice response to climate change. Measurement accuracy of RES surveys is influenced both by the geometry of bed topography and the survey design. Here we develop a novel approach for simulating RES surveys over glaciated terrain, to quantify the sensitivity of derived bed elevation to topographic geometry. Furthermore, we investigate how measurement errors influence the quantification of glacial valley geometry. We find a negative bias across RES measurements, where off-nadir return measurement error is typically −1.8 ± 11.6 m. Topographic highlands are under-measured an order of magnitude more than lowlands. Consequently, valley depth and cross-sectional area are largely under-estimated. While overall estimates of ice thickness are likely too high, we find large glacier valley cross-sectional area to be under-estimated by −2.8 ± 18.1%. Therefore, estimates of ice flux through large outlet glaciers are likely too low when this effect is not taken into account. Additionally, bed mismeasurements potentially impact our appreciation of outlet-glacier stability.