bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled One‐Pot Synthesis of Multiple Heterocyclic Scaffolds Based on an Amphiphilic Claisen‐Schmidt Reaction Intermediate
Authors: Song Rong , Yu Hui , Huang Haowen , Chen Yun
Published: December 2019

An efficient one‐pot synthesis method for multiple heterocyclic scaffolds was carried out based on the cyano‐containing amphiphilic Claisen‐Schmidt reaction intermediate. Several valuable heterocyclic compounds including isoindolinone, flavonoid and isobenzofuranone were conveniently synthesized from o‐cyanobenzaldehyde and o‐hydroxyacetophenone by controlling the reaction temperature, catalyst and solvent. In addition, a density functional theory (DFT) based calculation was carried out on the key amphiphilic intermediate for understanding the reaction selectivity in water and non‐aqueous solution.
In‐silico and In‐vitro Studies on the DNA/BSA‐Binding Features of a Mixed Ligand Copper (II) Complex Containing 2‐Methyl Imidazole and a Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Mohamadi Maryam , Rezaei Azadeh , Ebrahimipour S. Yousef , Falahati‐pour Soudeh Khanamani , Mohamadizadeh Fatemeh , Bemani Mahdeih , Hajizadeh Mohammad Reza , Mirzaei Mohammad Reza , Khoshdel Alireza , Mahmoodi Mehdi
Published: December 2019

The study aimed at investigating the binding features of the mixed ligand Copper (II) complex to BSA and DNA. Both in‐silico and in‐vitro analyses were made to fully assess the binding mechanism and mode of the Copper (II) complex to BSA and DNA. Spectroscopic tests demonstrated the Copper (II) complex reacted with DNA through binding to its minor grooves with the association constant 3.36×103 M−1. This type of interaction was confirmed by molecular docking simulations. Tryptophan quenching analyses at 298, 303 and 308 K showed that the Copper (II) complex reacted with the BSA's ground‐state fluorophore and created a non‐fluorescent adduct. In other words, a static quenching approach was offered with the quenching rate constants within the span of 3.4×1012‐1.28×1013 M−1s−1. Besides, the values of binding constants at various temperatures were achieved, implying the moderate similarity of the Copper (II) complex to the serum's albumin. Research on thermodynamic factors suggested the complex‐BSA bond was an enthalpy‐induced reaction where Van der Waals forces and the hydrogen bond performed the leading role. The simulations of molecular docking verified the test results and demonstrated the amino acids engaged in the bond between BSA and the Copper (II) complex.
One‐Pot Functionalization of 8‐Aminoquinolines through the Acylation and Regioselective C5‐H Halogenation under Transition‐Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Li Dandan , Jia Zhenzhen , Jiang Yongshuai , Jia Jingpeng , Zhao Xiaowei , Li Zehui , Xu Zhihong
Published: December 2019

A mild and efficient functionalization of 8‐aminoquinolines has been demonstrated through the acylation and regioselective C5‐H halogenation in one pot under transition metal free conditions. This method enables the acyl halides acting as the donors of both acyl and halide atoms. Moremover, different type of acyl halides could be employed in this reaction and proceeded smoothly to afford the corresponding halogenated products in moderate to good yields. The protocol is operationally simple, facile, and might have potential application in synthesis of 5‐halogenated quinoline scaffolds.
Effect of Vibration Frequency on Laser Filler Wire Welded Joints
Authors: Ren Xinhuai , Lu Qinghua , Zhang Peilei , Bai Yongzhen , Jin Jiewen , Ou Yangling
Published: December 2019

The effects of different vibration frequencies on the microstructure, residual stress, and fatigue life of welded joints are investigated using laser filler wire welding combined with mechanical vibration. The results show that the vibration frequency of 1055 Hz has a significant effect on the melting width of the laser welding with filler wire joint. The welds have three morphological features of columnar crystals, dendrites, and equiaxed crystals. In addition, the welds with 1055 Hz vibration frequency have the most equiaxed crystals and the highest hardness. The vibration frequency of 524 Hz increases the residual stress of the welded joint by 16%, whereas the vibration frequency of 1055 Hz reduces its residual stress by 8%. It can be shown by tensile experiments that the laser filler wire–welded joints have a higher tensile strength and greater elongation with increase in the vibration frequency. The fracture observation shows that the cleavage step appears in the crack propagation zone. Compared with the vibration frequency of 524 Hz, fatigue fracture at the 1055 Hz vibration has narrower fatigue striation spacing, lower crack growth rate, and higher fatigue life.
Mechanical Properties of High‐Speed Steel AISI M50 Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Kunz Johannes , Saewe Jasmin , Herzog Simone , Kaletsch Anke , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Broeckmann Christoph
Published: December 2019

The microstructure and mechanical properties of high‐speed steel AISI M50 (80MoCrV42‐16, Mat. Nr. 1.3551), produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), are analyzed. The mechanical properties in hardened and tempered condition are characterized by hardness, fatigue strength, and toughness and compared with the properties of conventionally produced samples. Moreover, the effects of an additional posttreatment by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the microstructure and mechanical properties are investigated. Dilatometric testing is used to investigate the influence of the different initial microstructures on hardening. All heat‐treated samples expose a fine martensitic microstructure with high hardness. The conventionally produced samples show a band‐like orientation of carbides due to the production by vacuum induction melting and vacuum arc remelting followed by a hot working process. This carbide structure is bypassed by the rapid cooling in the LPBF process. The LPBF samples show a comparable hardness after hardening and tempering to the conventionally produced material. In heat‐treated state, the LPBF samples show a low fatigue strength. Posttreatment by HIP included in the heat‐treatment chain significantly increases the fatigue strength. Nevertheless, the fatigue strength is still lower compared with the reference material. Both LPBF grades show a low toughness compared with the reference material.
Influence of Green Tea and Basil Extracts on Cassava Starch Based Films as Assessed by Thermal Degradation, Crystalline Structure, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Medina‐Jaramillo Carolina , Bernal Celina , Famá Lucía
Published: December 2019

Natural extracts are investigated as plasticizers of starch–glycerol biobased films for food coating applications. For this purpose, films with cassava starch, glycerol, and distilled water with and without green tea or basil extracts are obtained by solvent casting. The plasticizing effect of the extracts is confirmed from the films crystalline structure, thermal degradation behavior, glass transition temperature, and tensile properties. Increased mobility of starch chains is the result of a strong interaction between extract components and starch molecules. The Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts (KWW) theoretical modeling, used for the first time to determine the effect of antioxidant components in starch films, also confirms the plasticizing effect of either green tea or basil extracts. In addition, the original luminosity of the starch film is not compromised by the incorporation of the extracts. Moreover, a delay in the starch retrogradation is achieved, making the film more durable and hence, very promising to be used as food coating.
Analytic bootstrap for logarithmic CFT
Authors: Banerjee Pinaki , Dey Parijat
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study logarithmic conformal field theory (LogCFT) in four dimensions using conformal bootstrap techniques in the large spin limit. We focus on the constraints imposed by conformal symmetry on the four point function of certain logarithmic scalar operators and compute the leading correction to the anomalous dimension of double trace operators in the large spin limit. There exist certain holographic duals to such LogCFTs, which involve higher derivative equations of motion. The anomalous dimension is related to the binding energy of a state where two scalars rotate around each other with a large angular momentum. We compute this energy shift and compare it to the anomalous dimension of the large spin double trace operators due to stress tensor exchange in the LogCFT. Our result shows that the cluster decomposition principle is satisfied for LogCFTs as long as the dimensions of the operators are positive.
Tensorial generalization of characters
Authors: Itoyama H. , Mironov A. , Morozov A.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In rainbow tensor models, which generalize rectangular complex matrix model (RCM) and possess a huge gauge symmetry U(N1) × … × U(Nr), we introduce a new sub-basis in the linear space of gauge invariant operators, which is a redundant basis in the space of operators with non-zero Gaussian averages. Its elements are labeled by r-tuples of Young diagrams of a given size equal to the power of tensor field. Their tensor model averages are just products of dimensions:$$ \left\langle \chi {R}_1,\dots, {R}_r\right\rangle \sim {C}_{R_1},\dots {,}_{R_r}\left({N}_1\right)\dots {D}_{R_r}\left({N}_r\right) $$χR1…Rr∼CR1,…,RrN1…DRrNrof representationsRiof the linear group SL(Ni), with$$ {C}_{R_1},\dots {,}_{R_r} $$CR1,…,Rr,made of the Clebsch­Gordan coefficients of representationsRiof the symmetric group. Moreover, not only the averages, but the operators$$ {\chi}_{\overrightarrow{R}} $$χR→themselves exist only when these$$ {C}_{\overrightarrow{R}} $$CR→are non-vanishing. This sub-basis is much similar to the basis of characters (Schur functions) in matrix models, which is distinguished by the property \character) ~character,which opens a way to lift the notion and the theory of characters (Schur functions) from matrices to tensors. In particular, operators$$ {\chi}_{\overrightarrow{R}} $$χR→are eigenfunctions of operators which generalize the usual cut-and­join operators$$ \hat{W} $$Ŵ;they satisfy orthogonality conditions similar to the standard characters, but they do not form afulllinear basis for all gauge-invariant operators, only for those which have non-vanishing Gaussian averages.
F-theory on quotients of elliptic Calabi-Yau threefolds
Authors: Anderson Lara B. , Gray James , Oehlmann Paul-Konstantin
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In this work we consider quotients of elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau threefolds by freely acting discrete groups and the associated physics of F-theory compactifications on such backgrounds. The process of quotienting a Calabi-Yau geometry produces not only new genus one fibered manifolds, but also new effective 6-dimensional physics. These theories can be uniquely characterized by the much simpler covering space geometry and the symmetry action on it. We use this method to construct examples of F-theory models with an array of discrete gauge groups and non-trivial monodromies, including an example with ℤ6 discrete symmetry.
Modelling time efficiency of cobot-supported kit preparation
Authors: Fager Patrik , Calzavara Martina , Sgarbossa Fabio
Published: December 2019

Kitting – meaning to supply assembly with components in presorted kits – is widely seen as beneficial for assembly quality and efficiency when there is a multitude of component variants. However, the process by which kits are prepared – the kit preparation – is labour-intensive, and kit errors are problematic at assembly processes. The use of robotics to support kit preparation has received some attention by researchers, but literature is lacking with respect to how collaborative robots – cobots – can support kit preparation activities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential of a cobot to support time-efficient batch preparation of kits. To address the purpose, the paper presents a mathematical model for estimation of the cycle time associated with cobot-supported kit preparation. The model is applied in a numerical example with experimental data from laboratory experiments, and cobot-supported kit preparation is compared with manual kit preparation. The findings suggest that cobot-supported kit preparation is beneficial with diverse kits and smaller components quantities per SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) and provides less variability of the outcome, when compared to manual kit preparation. The paper reveals several insights about cobot-supported kit preparation that can be valuable for both academics and practitioners. The model developed can be used by practitioners to assess the potential of cobots to support kit-batch preparation in association with assembly, spare parts, repair and maintenance, or business to business industry.
High shocking and pacing impedances due to defibrillation lead calcification
Authors: Hauser Robert G. , Sengupta Jay , Casey Susan , Tang Chuen , Stanberry Larissa I. , Abdelhadi Raed
Published: December 2019

Purpose

We have reported the calcification of Endotak defibrillation leads that required replacement. The aim of this study was to assess calcified Endotak Reliance leads in the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database and compare them to calcified Sprint Fidelis, Sprint Quattro Secure, Riata, and Durata leads in MAUDE.

Methods

We searched the MAUDE database from 2008 to 2019 for defibrillation lead calcification using the terms “calcium,” “calcification,” and “calcified”. Included were explanted leads whose manufacturers found calcium on the shocking and/or pacing electrode.

Results

The MAUDE search identified 113 calcified defibrillation leads that qualified for the study, including 109 Endotak Reliance leads, 1 Sprint Quattro Secure lead, 2 Durata leads, 1 Riata ST lead, and no Sprint Fidelis lead. The sign of calcification was a gradual increase in shocking or pacing impedance. Average implant time was 7.4 ± 3.1 (range: 1.3–16.5) years. Only Endotak Reliance leads had shocking coil calcification (n = 72; 66.0%) and five (6.9%) of these failed defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing. Distal pacing electrode calcification affected 55 (50.4%) Endotak Reliance leads. The four other leads had pacing ring electrode calcification only.

Conclusion

Endotak Reliance defibrillation leads appear prone to shocking coil and/or distal pacing electrode calcification. High impedances may compromise defibrillation and pacing therapy. Patients who have these leads should be monitored; those exhibiting high shocking impedances should be considered for DFT testing. Lead replacement should be considered for pacemaker-dependent patients whose leads exhibit progressively high impedances.
Lyapunov Exponents of Two Stochastic Lorenz 63 Systems
Authors: Geurts Bernard J. , Holm Darryl D. , Luesink Erwin
Published: December 2019

Two different types of perturbations of the Lorenz 63 dynamical system for Rayleigh–Bénard convection by multiplicative noise—called stochastic advection by Lie transport (SALT) noise and fluctuation–dissipation (FD) noise—are found to produce qualitatively different effects, possibly because the total phase-space volume contraction rates are different. In the process of making this comparison between effects of SALT and FD noise on the Lorenz 63 system, a stochastic version of a robust deterministic numerical algorithm for obtaining the individual numerical Lyapunov exponents was developed. With this stochastic version of the algorithm, the value of the sum of the Lyapunov exponents for the FD noise was found to differ significantly from the value of the deterministic Lorenz 63 system, whereas the SALT noise preserves the Lorenz 63 value with high accuracy. The Lagrangian averaged version of the SALT equations (LA SALT) is found to yield a closed deterministic subsystem for the expected solutions which is isomorphic to the original Lorenz 63 dynamical system. The solutions of the closed chaotic subsystem, in turn, drive a linear stochastic system for the fluctuations of the LA SALT solutions around their expected values.
Surface Pressure Reconstruction from Phase Averaged Deflectometry Measurements Using the Virtual Fields Method
Authors: Kaufmann R. , Ganapathisubramani B. , Pierron F.
Published: December 2019

In this study, pressure distributions were reconstructed from phase-locked surface deformation measurements on a thin plate. Slope changes on the plate surface were induced by an external flow interacting with the specimen and measured with a highly sensitive deflectometry setup. The Virtual Fields Method (VFM) was used to obtain pressure reconstructions from the processed surface slopes and the plate material constitutive mechanical parameters. The applicability of the approach in combination with phase-locked measurements is demonstrated using a synthetic jet setup generating a periodic flow in air. Phase-averaging slope data allows mitigating random noise effects and resolving low-range differential pressure amplitudes despite the turbulent flow. The size of the spatial structures of the investigated low amplitude flow events identified in full-field with the present method are $\mathcal {O}(1)~\text {mm}$O(1)mm, which is beyond the capabilities of other available surface pressure measurement techniques. Challenges and limitations in achieving the metrological performance for resolving the observed surface slopes of $\mathcal {O}(0.1)~\text {mm km}^{-1}$O(0.1)mm km−1 are described and improvements for future applications are discussed.
Comparison between manta trawl and in situ pump filtration methods, and guidance for visual identification of microplastics in surface waters
Authors: Karlsson Therese M. , Kärrman Anna , Rotander Anna , Hassellöv Martin
Published: December 2019

Owing to the development and adoption of a variety of methods for sampling and identifying microplastics, there is now data showing the presence of microplastics in surface waters from all over the world. The difference between the methods, however, hampers comparisons, and to date, most studies are qualitative rather than quantitative. In order to allow for a quantitative comparison of microplastics abundance, it is crucial to understand the differences between sampling methods. Therefore, a manta trawl and an in situ filtering pump were compared during realistic, but controlled, field tests. Identical microplastic analyses of all replicates allowed the differences between the methods with respect to (1) precision, (2) concentrations, and (3) composition to be assessed. The results show that the pump gave higher accuracy with respect to volume than the trawl. The trawl, however, sampled higher concentrations, which appeared to be due to a more efficient sampling of particles on the sea surface microlayer, such as expanded polystyrene and air-filled microspheres. The trawl also sampled a higher volume, which decreased statistical counting uncertainties. A key finding in this study was that, regardless of sampling method, it is critical that a sufficiently high volume is sampled to provide enough particles for statistical evaluation. Due to the patchiness of this type of contaminant, our data indicate that a minimum of 26 particles per sample should be recorded to allow for concentration comparisons and to avoid false null values. The necessary amount of replicates to detect temporal or spatial differences is also discussed. For compositional differences and size distributions, even higher particle counts would be necessary. Quantitative measurements and comparisons would also require an unbiased approach towards both visual and spectroscopic identification. To facilitate the development of such methods, a visual protocol that can be further developed to fit different needs is introduced and discussed. Some of the challenges encountered while using FTIR microspectroscopic particle identification are also critically discussed in relation to specific compositions found.
Contractual networks: an organizational model to reduce the competitive disadvantage of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe’s less developed regions. A survey in southern Italy
Authors: Pastore Patrizia , Ricciardi Antonio , Tommaso Silvia
Published: December 2019

Limitations faced by southern Italy’s small enterprises due to their dimensions may be overcome by cooperation strategies and network contracts. The international literature has highlighted that effectively governed business networks appear to more successfully allow partner firms to improve their economic performance and survive over time. This paper combines qualitative and quantitative analyses to test the above hypothesis. It also analyses the performance of southern Italian firms that have joined business network contracts equipped with legal personality — the so called “reti soggetto” or “heavy contractual networks” (HCNs) — compared to firms participating in business networks based only on contractual agreements, devoid of legal personality—the so called “reti contratto” or “light contractual networks” (LCNs). Our findings demonstrate that only 13% of all registered business networks are in fact operative. Among the networks with legal personality, approximately 28% are active networks. A similar trend was observed for network contracts devoid legal personality: only 11% are truly active. Performance measures (including profitability, financial situation indicators, and debt sustainability) also differ for firms belonging to HCN, compared to those belonging to LCN, in the years following the subscription of the network contract. Empirical analysis suggests that HCNs have significant positive effects on the performance of participant firms. We thus propose to verify the conditions that strengthen business networks in the south of Italy. We also recommend promoting the establishment of networks with juridical subjectivity. Such networks can be effective tools to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs despite external diseconomies, which can markedly improve their creditworthiness.
Long-term hydraulic behaviour and soil ripening processes in a dike constructed from dredged material
Authors: Gebert Julia , Groengroeft Alexander
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Climate change necessitates heightening and strengthening of dikes, requiring large volumes of suitable soil. This study investigated soil ripening and long-term development of hydraulic behaviour of a dike constructed from slightly contaminated, partially dewatered dredged material from the Port of Hamburg under realistic conditions of construction and operation.

Materials and methods

Two test fields of 126 m2 each were constructed in 2004 for long-term analysis of hydraulic behaviour in combination with the possible mobilisation of contaminants. In test field 1 (MS), the 1-m-thick cover above the sand core consisted of traditionally used alluvial marsh sediment (reference), while in test field 2, the lower 0.7 m of the cover was substituted with dredged material (DM + MS). An HDPE tray below each field served the collection of bottom fluxes and hence the quantification of discharges and analysis of their chemical composition. In 2012, an excavation was carried out to inspect the development of the soil structure.

Results and discussion

The discharge pattern revealed three distinct phases related to the post-construction structure development and therefore physical ripening of the soils. Within a single year, bottom fluxes typically started in mid-winter and ended in late spring. The dike cover containing DM had a high water retention capacity; however, the vertically continuous primary shrinkage cracks led to higher total bottom fluxes compared to the dike constructed from MS only. System hydraulic conductivities increased by up to six orders of magnitude compared to the as-built condition before soil ripening and structuring. The dredged material maintained a reduced geochemical status for about two years after construction. After first shrinkage and intrusion of oxygen, the material changed to an oxidised state, earmarking the onset of the chemical ripening process. Oxidising conditions were sustained in the long term, seen from the absence of previously elevated ammonium concentrations in the dike seepage.

Conclusions

System hydraulics of the test field with dredged material were mainly determined by the covering layer of marsh sediment. After construction, the dredged material underwent physical, chemical and biological soil ripening processes, coupled to a respective change in discharge patterns, which, however, did not impair dike stability. It is recommended that soil ripening processes are induced and completed as part of the material’s pre-treatment, precluding the formation of irreversible shrinkage cracks and changeover of redox conditions after construction. The findings contribute to assessing the feasibility of the beneficial use of dredged material.
Towards an Ethical Game Design Solution to Loot Boxes: a Commentary on King and Delfabbro
Authors: Xiao Leon Y. , Henderson Laura L.
Published: December 2019

King and Delfabbro (2019b) proposed the adoption of social responsibility measures to combat predatory monetisation in video games, such as loot boxes. This paper rectifies a game example mistakenly used by King and Delfabbro and provides further game examples to illustrate, critique and extend the proposed measures. This paper argues that the proposed measures are unlikely to be widely adopted by the video game industry, given the industry’s economic interests in the continued unhindered implementation of predatory monetisation, their preference for continued ‘self-regulation’ and their past resistance against potential regulation. With reference to South Korean law, this paper explores the possibility of codifying and enforcing the proposed measures as law and argues that overly paternalistic regulations are insensible and impractical. This paper recommends the use of regulatory nudging to encourage video game companies through incentives, such as discretionary grants and tax relief schemes, to adopt the proposed social responsibility measures and develop towards an ethical game design framework.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Planar Deformation Features from Single Electron Micrographs
Authors: León-Cázares F. D. , Kienl C. , Rae C. M. F.
Published: December 2019

Dislocations are crystal defects responsible for plastic deformation, and understanding their behavior is key to the design of materials with better properties. Electron microscopy has been widely used to characterize dislocations, but the resulting images are only two-dimensional projections of the real defects. The current work introduces a framework to determine the sample and crystal orientations from micrographs with planar deformation features (twins, stacking faults, and slip bands) in three or four non-coplanar slip systems of an fcc material. This is then extended into a methodology for the three-dimensional reconstruction of dislocations lying on planes with a known orientation that can be easily coupled with a standard Burgers vector analysis, as proved here in a nickel-based superalloy. This technique can only be used in materials that show specific deformation conditions, but it is faster than other alternatives as it relies on the manual tracing of dislocations in a single micrograph.
Bile Reflux is a Common Finding in the Gastric Pouch After One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
Authors: Saarinen Tuure , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Loimaala Antti , Ihalainen Toni , Sammalkorpi Henna , Penttilä Anne , Juuti Anne
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Data on postoperative bile reflux after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is lacking. Bile reflux scintigraphy (BRS) has been shown to be a reliable non-invasive tool to assess bile reflux after OAGB. We set out to study bile reflux after OAGB with BRS and endoscopy in a prospective series (RYSATrial).

Methods

Forty patients (29 women) underwent OAGB between November 2016 and December 2018. Symptoms were reported and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) was done preoperatively. Six months after OAGB, bile reflux was assessed in UGE findings and as tracer activity found in gastric tube and esophagus in BRS (follow-up rate 95%).

Results

Twenty-six patients (68.4%) had no bile reflux in BRS. Twelve patients (31.6%) had bile reflux in the gastric pouch in BRS and one of them (2.6%) had bile reflux also in the esophagus 6 months postoperatively. Mean bile reflux activity in the gastric pouch was 5.2% (1–21%) of total activity. De novo findings suggestive of bile reflux (esophagitis, stomal ulcer, foveolar inflammation of gastric pouch) were found for 15 patients (39.5%) in postoperative UGE. BRS and UGE findings were significantly associated (P = 0.022). Eight patients experienced de novo reflux symptoms at 6 months, that were significantly associated with BRS and de novo UGE findings postoperatively (P = 0.033 and 0.0005, respectively).

Conclusion

Postoperative bile reflux in the gastric pouch after OAGB is a common finding in scintigraphy and endoscopy. The long-term effects of bile exposure will be analyzed in future reports after a longer follow-up.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Identifier NCT02882685
European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS-2017): Design and Methods
Authors: Weatherburn Peter , Hickson Ford , Reid David S. , Marcus Ulrich , Schmidt Axel J.
Published: December 2019

Men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) carry a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections across Europe. Health planners require sexual health needs assessment data to respond appropriately. In addition, surveillance of risk and precaution behaviours in this population enables evaluative judgements of policy responses. The European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2017) aimed to repeat the pan-European online survey on male homosexual behaviour conducted in 2010, both to update information required to plan and monitor health promotion interventions and consolidate harmonisation of existing behavioural surveillance approaches. Our study team collaborated with more than 200 partners from academia, public health and civil society across 50 countries. Starting from our previous EMIS-2010 questionnaire, partners engaged in three rounds of iterative survey development and piloting until the final content was agreed. Transfer to an online survey application was followed by further pre-testing before translation into 32 additional languages, final testing and sign-off. The survey was available to complete online in 33 languages simultaneously from 18 October 2017 to 31 January 2018. Ten international MSM dating mobile apps were paid to send short promotional messages, and national partners promoted the survey via at least another 272 websites and social media accounts. Real-time monitoring of responses facilitated targeted advertising by country and recruitment source. Ultimately 144,305 cases were submitted of which 137,358 (95.2%) were eligible for inclusion. EMIS-2017 demonstrated the feasibility of multi-country online MSM surveying with public funding. Meaningful involvement of a large number of collaborators in the survey design and its execution ensured successful recruitment. Careful design, piloting and presentation ensured the survey was acceptable and had authority and perceived community benefit. Partners in 38 countries have already been supplied with a national database of 100 or more respondents for national analysis, while the study team has focussed on international comparisons among 137,358 respondents in 50 countries.
New scenarios in secondary hyperparathyroidism: etelcalcetide. Position paper of working group on CKD-MBD of the Italian Society of Nephrology
Authors: Bellasi Antonio , Cozzolino Mario , Malberti Fabio , Cancarini Giovanni , Esposito Ciro , Guastoni Carlo Maria , Ondei Patrizia , Pontoriero Giuseppe , Teatini Ugo , Vezzoli Giuseppe , Pasquali Marzia , Messa Piergiorgio , Locatelli Francesco
Published: December 2019

Bone mineral abnormalities (defined as Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral Bone Disorder; CKD-MBD) are prevalent and associated with a substantial risk burden and poor prognosis in CKD population. Several lines of evidence support the notion that a large proportion of patients receiving maintenance dialysis experience a suboptimal biochemical control of CKD-MBD. Although no study has ever demonstrated conclusively that CKD-MBD control is associated with improved survival, an expanding therapeutic armamentarium is available to correct bone mineral abnormalities. In this position paper of Lombardy Nephrologists, a summary of the state of art of CKD-MBD as well as a summary of the unmet clinical needs will be provided. Furthermore, this position paper will focus on the potential and drawbacks of a new injectable calcimimetic, etelcalcetide, a drug available in Italy since few months ago.
Topological study of the convergence in the voter model
Authors: Caridi Inés , Manterola Sergio , Semeshenko Viktoriya , Balenzuela Pablo
Published: December 2019

The voter model has been widely studied due to its simple formulation and attainable theoretical treatment. The study of the “active links”, edges that connect nodes in different states, has been a key element in the analysis of the convergence of the model. Typically, the density of active links, ρ, is used to characterize the system when approaching to absorbing state. However, more information can be extracted from how the active links are distributed across the underlying network.In this paper we study the dynamics of active links in the voter model, from a perspective of complex networks. This approach allows us to understand how the dynamics of the model is mapped in topological features of a dynamical network of active links. We found that certain topological properties of the Active Link Network show salient features related to the dynamics of the model. The Active Link Network goes from a state similar to the underlying random network in the initial state to extremely disassortative graph when the dynamics approaches to absorbing state. In this state, the active link network is dominated by “star-like” motifs, where different opinions take different topological roles on the network. Thus, the Active Link Network shows some properties which are distant from the hypothesis made by the current theoretical models, which assume there are no correlations among active links.
A metabolite‐based machine learning approach to diagnose Alzheimer‐type dementia in blood: Results from the European Medical Information Framework for Alzheimer disease biomarker discovery cohort
Authors: Stamate Daniel , Kim Min , Proitsi Petroula , Westwood Sarah , Baird Alison , Nevado‐Holgado Alejo , Hye Abdul , Bos Isabelle , Vos Stephanie J.B. , Vandenberghe Rik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Kate Mara Ten , Scheltens Philip , Gabel Silvy , Meersmans Karen , Blin Olivier , Richardson Jill , De Roeck Ellen , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Sleegers Kristel , Bordet Régis , Ramit Lorena , Kettunen Petronella , Tsolaki Magda , Verhey Frans , Alcolea Daniel , Lléo Alberto , Peyratout Gwendoline , Tainta Mikel , Johannsen Peter , Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Frölich Lutz , Dobricic Valerija , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Molinuevo José L. , Wallin Anders , Popp Julius , Martinez‐Lage Pablo , Bertram Lars , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Streffer Johannes , Visser Pieter J. , Lovestone Simon , Legido‐Quigley Cristina
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Machine learning (ML) may harbor the potential to capture the metabolic complexity in Alzheimer Disease (AD). Here we set out to test the performance of metabolites in blood to categorize AD when compared to CSF biomarkers.

Methods

This study analyzed samples from 242 cognitively normal (CN) people and 115 with AD‐type dementia utilizing plasma metabolites (n = 883). Deep Learning (DL), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Random Forest (RF) were used to differentiate AD from CN. These models were internally validated using Nested Cross Validation (NCV).

Results

On the test data, DL produced the AUC of 0.85 (0.80–0.89), XGBoost produced 0.88 (0.86–0.89) and RF produced 0.85 (0.83–0.87). By comparison, CSF measures of amyloid, p‐tau and t‐tau (together with age and gender) produced with XGBoost the AUC values of 0.78, 0.83 and 0.87, respectively.

Discussion

This study showed that plasma metabolites have the potential to match the AUC of well‐established AD CSF biomarkers in a relatively small cohort. Further studies in independent cohorts are needed to validate whether this specific panel of blood metabolites can separate AD from controls, and how specific it is for AD as compared with other neurodegenerative disorders.
Nietzsche's Ethics
Authors: Stern Thomas
Published: December 2019

This Element explains Nietzsche's ethics in his late works, from 1886 onwards. The first three sections explain the basics of his ethical theory – its context and presuppositions, its scope and its central tension. The next three sections explore Nietzsche's goals in writing a history of Christian morality (On the Genealogy of Morality), the content of that history, and whether he achieves his goals. The last two sections take a broader look, respectively, at Nietzsche's wider philosophy in light of his ethics and at the prospects for a Nietzschean ethics after Nietzsche.
Teaching Interdisciplinary Archaeology: Our Students as Our Future Agents of Change
Authors: Blouet Helen
Published: December 2019

I discuss my experiences using archaeology and anthropology to teach college-level students how to be interdisciplinary thinkers and doers. Although the number of students who complete archaeology and anthropology degrees is relatively small in the United States and worldwide, programs and courses in such fields offer any student important opportunities in active, interdisciplinary learning that contribute to effective problem-solving using multiple lines of information. Courses and learning activities can question stereotypes depicting archaeology as a “useless” discipline (Arendt 2013:79), and they can prepare students to engage in and adapt to countless personal and professional situations while also learning about archaeology, its benefits, and its potential for relationships with similar and different fields. Therefore, the active learning of multimethod, interdisciplinary archaeology can prepare college-level students to address change and uncertainty in their homes, communities, and professions.
Decolonizing “Allyship” for Indian Country: Lessons from #NODAPL
Authors: Sullivan-Clarke Andrea
Published: December 2019

In 2016, when #NODAPL first appeared in the mainstream media, many nonnative people approached me about how to support the water protectors. This question can be answered in a couple of ways: first, I might address the specific issue (actions that directly support those at Standing Rock), or second, I might respond more generally about how to be an ally to native people. The two responses highlight a current issue in Indian Country: should nonnatives serve as active bystanders—or should they be allies to native peoples? Being an ally has come under scrutiny, especially given its propensity for epistemic injustice. Some philosophers—such as Rachel McKinnon—argue for dismissing the concept altogether, requiring that individuals serve as active bystanders. Although this may be necessary to support individuals in the transgender community, it lacks the resources to fully address the needs of colonized peoples. In this article, I argue for the operationalization of “ally” in Indian Country insofar as it is subject to decolonizing treatment. Although there is a need for both bystanders and allies in Indian Country, the Indigenous people must define the concepts that are intended to serve them.
Why Arms Control Is So Rare
Authors: COE ANDREW J. , VAYNMAN JANE
Published: December 2019

Arming is puzzling for the same reason war is: it produces outcomes that could instead be realized through negotiation, without the costly diversion of resources arming entails. Despite this, arms control is exceedingly rare historically, so that arming is ubiquitous and its costs to humanity are large. We develop and test a theory that explains why arming is so common and its control so rare. The main impediment to arms control is the need for monitoring that renders a state’s arming transparent enough to assure its compliance but not so much as to threaten its security. We present evidence that this trade-off has undermined arms control in three diverse contexts: Iraq’s weapons programs after the Gulf War, great power competition in arms in the interwar period, and superpower military rivalry during the Cold War. These arms races account for almost 40% of all global arming in the past two centuries.
Epidemiological and Accounting Analysis of Ground Ambulance Whole Blood Transfusion
Authors: Mapp Julian G. , Bank Eric A. , Osborn Lesley A. , Stringfellow Michael L. , Reininger David W. , Winckler Christopher J. ,   Prehospital Research and Innovation in Military and Expeditionary Environments (PRIME) Group
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

In October 2017, the American Association of Blood Bankers (AABB; Bethesda, Maryland USA) approved a petition to allow low-titer group O whole blood as a standard product without the need for a waiver. Around that time, a few Texas, USA-based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems incorporated whole blood into their ground ambulances. The purpose of this project was to describe the epidemiology of ground ambulance patients that received a prehospital whole blood transfusion. The secondary aim of this project was to report an accounting analysis of these ground ambulance prehospital whole blood programs.

Methods:

The dataset came from the Harris County Emergency Service District 48 Fire Department (HCESD 48; Harris County, Texas USA) and San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD; San Antonio, Texas USA) whole blood Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI) databases from September 2017 through December 2018. The primary outcome of this study was the prehospital transfusion indication. The secondary outcome was the projected cost per life saved during the first 10 years of the prehospital whole blood initiative.

Results:

Of 58 consecutive prehospital whole blood administrations, the team included all 58 cases. Hemorrhagic shock from a non-traumatic etiology accounted for 46.5% (95% CI, 34.3%-59.2%) of prehospital whole blood recipients. In the non-traumatic hemorrhagic shock cohort, gastrointestinal hemorrhage was the underlying etiology of hemorrhagic shock in 66.7% (95% CI, 47.8%-81.4%) of prehospital whole blood transfusion recipients. The projected average cost to save a life in Year 10 was US$5,136.51 for the combined cohort, US$4,512.69 for HCESD 48, and US$5,243.72 for SAFD EMS.

Conclusion:

This retrospective analysis of ground ambulance patients that receive prehospital whole blood transfusion found that non-traumatic etiology accounted for 46.5% (95% CI, 34.3%-59.2%) of prehospital whole blood recipients. Additionally, the accounting analysis suggests that by Year 10 of a ground ambulance whole blood transfusion program, the average cost to save a life will be approximately US$5,136.51.
Tailored interventions to support the implementation of the German national guideline on screening, diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-related disorders: a project protocol
Authors: Schulte Bernd , Lindemann Christina , Buchholz Angela , Rosahl Anke , Härter Martin , Kraus Ludwig , Kiefer Falk , Frischknecht Ulrich , Hoffmann Sabine , Wensing Michel , O`Donnell Amy , Manthey Jakob , Rehm Jürgen , Schäfer Ingo , Verthein Uwe , Reimer Jens
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Background: The German Guideline on Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders aims to increase the uptake of evidence-based interventions for the early identification, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of alcohol-related disorders in relevant healthcare settings. To date, dissemination has not been accompanied by a guideline implementation strategy. The aim of this study is to develop tailored guideline implementation strategies and to field-test these in relevant medical and psycho-social settings in the city of Bremen, Germany. Methods: The study will conduct an impact and needs assessment of healthcare provision for alcohol use orders in Bremen, drawing on a range of secondary and primary data to: evaluate existing healthcare services; model the potential impact of improved care on public health outcomes; and identify potential barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based guidelines. Community advisory boards will be established for the selection of single-component or multi-faceted guideline implementation strategies. The tailoring approach considers guideline, provider and organizational factors shaping implementation. In field tests quality outcome indicators of the delivery of evidence-based interventions will be evaluated accompanied by a process evaluation to examine patient, provider and organizational factors. Outlook: This project will support the translation of guideline recommendations for the identification, prevention and treatment of AUD in routine practice and therefore contributes to the reduction of alcohol-related burden in Germany. The project is running since October 2017 and will provide its main outcomes by end of 2020. Project results will be published in scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Multimodel Evaluation of Nitrous Oxide Emissions From an Intensively Managed Grassland
Authors: Fuchs Kathrin , Merbold Lutz , Buchmann Nina , Bretscher Daniel , Brilli Lorenzo , Fitton Nuala , Topp Cairistiona F. E. , Klumpp Katja , Lieffering Mark , Martin Raphaël , Newton Paul C. D. , Rees Robert M. , Rolinski Susanne , Smith Pete , Snow Val
Published: December 2019

Process‐based models are useful for assessing the impact of changing management practices and climate on yields and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural systems such as grasslands. They can be used to construct national GHG inventories using a Tier 3 approach. However, accurate simulations of nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes remain challenging. Models are limited by our understanding of soil‐plant‐microbe interactions and the impact of uncertainty in measured input parameters on simulated outputs. To improve model performance, thorough evaluations against in situ measurements are needed. Experimental data of N2O emissions under two management practices (control with typical fertilization versus increased clover and no fertilization) were acquired in a Swiss field experiment. We conducted a multimodel evaluation with three commonly used biogeochemical models (DayCent in two variants, PaSim, APSIM in two variants) comparing four years of data. DayCent was the most accurate model for simulating N2O fluxes on annual timescales, while APSIM was most accurate for daily N2O fluxes. The multimodel ensemble average reduced the error in estimated annual fluxes by 41% compared to an estimate using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)‐derived method for the Swiss agricultural GHG inventory (IPCC‐Swiss), but individual models were not systematically more accurate than IPCC‐Swiss. The model ensemble overestimated the N2O mitigation effect of the clover‐based treatment (measured: 39–45%; ensemble: 52–57%) but was more accurate than IPCC‐Swiss (IPCC‐Swiss: 72–81%). These results suggest that multimodel ensembles are valuable for estimating the impact of climate and management on N2O emissions.