bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: PYRO‐NN: Python reconstruction operators in neural networks
Authors: Syben Christopher , Michen Markus , Stimpel Bernhard , Seitz Stephan , Ploner Stefan , Maier Andreas K.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Recently, several attempts were conducted to transfer deep learning to medical image reconstruction. An increasingly number of publications follow the concept of embedding the computed tomography (CT) reconstruction as a known operator into a neural network. However, most of the approaches presented lack an efficient CT reconstruction framework fully integrated into deep learning environments. As a result, many approaches use workarounds for mathematically unambiguously solvable problems.

Methods

PYRO‐NN is a generalized framework to embed known operators into the prevalent deep learning framework Tensorflow. The current status includes state‐of‐the‐art parallel‐, fan‐, and cone‐beam projectors, and back‐projectors accelerated with CUDA provided as Tensorflow layers. On top, the framework provides a high‐level Python API to conduct FBP and iterative reconstruction experiments with data from real CT systems.

Results

The framework provides all necessary algorithms and tools to design end‐to‐end neural network pipelines with integrated CT reconstruction algorithms. The high‐level Python API allows a simple use of the layers as known from Tensorflow. All algorithms and tools are referenced to a scientific publication and are compared to existing non‐deep learning reconstruction frameworks. To demonstrate the capabilities of the layers, the framework comes with baseline experiments, which are described in the supplementary material. The framework is available as open‐source software under the Apache 2.0 licence at https://github.com/csyben/PYRO-NN.

Conclusions

PYRO‐NN comes with the prevalent deep learning framework Tensorflow and allows to setup end‐to‐end trainable neural networks in the medical image reconstruction context. We believe that the framework will be a step toward reproducible research and give the medical physics community a toolkit to elevate medical image reconstruction with new deep learning techniques.
Discarded portions of bone marrow aspirates are a new resource for patient‐derived mesenchymal stem and stromal cells
Authors: Viola Shelton A. , Aftab Chantel
Published: August 2019

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem and stromal cells (BM‐MSCs) protect malignant cells from chemotherapy and are important potential therapeutic targets. Isolating primary BM‐MSCs for research traditionally requires the sacrifice of valuable cell populations from within the same sample. To avoid this, we report here a resource for isolating patient‐derived BM‐MSCs from the red blood cell layer of ficoll gradients of bone marrow aspirates, a resource that has until now been universally discarded. This resource yields BM‐MSCs nearly identical to those obtained conventionally and includes cells with a more stem‐cell like nature. Obtaining primary BM‐MSCs in this way will likely expand opportunities to study this important cell population.
Streptococcus pneumoniae G5 domains bind different ligands
Authors: Paukovich Natasia , Redzic Jasmina S. , Chi Ying‐Chih , Rahkola Jeremy T. , Issaian Aaron , Blue Ashley , Hansen Kirk C. , Janoff Edward N. , Eisenmesser Elan Z.
Published: August 2019

Many bacterial pathogens express small G5 domains that exist in the context of various membrane‐anchored proteins and these G5 domains have been associated with colonization, cellular adhesion, and biofilm formation. However, despite over a decade since the computational prediction of these G5 domains, many remain uncharacterized, particularly those from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Of five previously predicted G5 domains we found that four of these, all derived from S. pneumoniae, are independently folded modules. As one of these exhibits extreme line broadening due to self‐association, we were able to use NMR solution studies to probe the potential ligand interactions of the remaining three G5 domains. None of these G5 domains engage N‐acetylglucosamine (NAG) as previously predicted but do interact with other small molecules that may modulate adherence to both bacteria and host cells. Specifically, while all G5 domains tested engage Zn, only one of these G5 domains engage heparin. NMR solution structural studies of the IgA1 Protease G5 (IgA1P‐G5) and endo‐beta‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase‐D G5 (ENDD‐G5) also facilitated identification of the ligand binding sites and confirm the typical G5 fold that comprises two connected β‐sheets with no canonical core. NMR relaxation experiments indicate flexibility on both ends and within the connecting regions between the β‐sheets. Our studies thus establish a basis for future biological experiments to test whether the ligands presented here are involved in bacterial adherence, either to bacteria or to host cells.
Increased infiltration of CCR4‐positive regulatory T cells in prostate cancer tissue is associated with a poor prognosis
Authors: Watanabe Masahito , Kanao Kent , Suzuki Susumu , Muramatsu Hiroyuki , Morinaga Singo , Kajikawa Keishi , Kobayashi Ikuo , Nishikawa Genya , Kato Yoshiharu , Zennami Kenji , Nakamura Kogenta , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Ueda Ryuzo , Sumitomo Makoto
Published: August 2019

Background

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play important roles in the suppression of immune responses, including antitumor immune responses. C‐C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is highly expressed on effector Tregs, and anti‐CCR4 antibody is attracting attention as a novel immunotherapeutic agent for solid tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CCR4‐positive Tregs (CCR4+Tregs) in prostate cancer and estimate the clinical potential of CCR4‐targeting therapy for prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 15 radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens and 60 biopsy specimens from individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer were analyzed to evaluate the infiltration of CCR4+Tregs in prostate cancer. The relationships between the number of CCR4+Tregs and clinical parameters were investigated in RP and biopsy specimens. Moreover, the total number of Tregs, CCR4+Tregs, and T cells and the ratio of CCR4+Tregs to Tregs and T cells in biopsy specimens were compared between patients with poor prognosis who progressed to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) within 12 months (n = 13) and those with good prognosis who were stable with hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer over 12 months (n = 47). Furthermore, biopsy specimens were divided into two groups: low and high CCR4+Treg expression groups and the prognosis was compared between them.

Results

There was a higher expression of CCR4+Tregs in RP specimens with a higher (≥8) Gleason score than in those with a lower (<8) Gleason score (P = .041). In biopsy specimens, 65.9% Tregs were positive for CCR4. The number of CCR4+Tregs positively correlated with clinical stage (P < .001) and Gleason score (P = .006). The total number of Tregs and CCR4+Tregs significantly increased in the poor prognosis group compared with that in the good prognosis group (P = .024 and .01, respectively). Furthermore, patients with lower CCR4+Treg expression levels showed a significantly longer time to progression to CRPC (not reached vs 27.3 months; P < .001) and median survival time (not reached vs 69.0 months; P = .014) than those with higher expression levels.

Conclusions

CCR4+Tregs are highly infiltrated in the prostate tissue of patients with poor prognosis with potential to progress to CRPC. Furthermore, the degree of infiltration of CCR4+Tregs is related to the prognosis of prostate cancer.
Atomic‐Layered Tungsten Diselenide‐Based Porous 3D Architecturing for Highly Sensitive Chemical Sensors
Authors: Kang Min Ji , Kim Jin-Young , Seo Juyeon , Lee Suryeon , Park Changkyoo , Song Sung-Moo , Kim Sang Sub , Hahm Myung Gwan
Published: August 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) tungsten diselenide (WSe2)‐based porous three‐dimensional (3D) architecture is fabricated utilizing highly porous 3D alumina structures. The architecture is produced by combining a sol–gel process for fabricating porous 3D alumina and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for the formation of WSe2. The gas‐sensing performance of the porous 3D structure overcomes the limitations displayed by the gas response of a 2D WSe2‐based gas sensor. This 2D nanomaterials‐based porous 3D architecture is a promising approach for improving the gas response of sensing devices.
A survey on multivariate adaptive control charts: Recent developments and extensions
Authors: Perdikis Theodoros , Psarakis Stelios
Published: August 2019

In the world of business, quality improvement is of high importance for the manufacturing industries. Statistical process control via control charts provides an online monitoring of the product's characteristic. The adaptive feature is being widely used in the design parameters of a control chart, which allows at least one of them to change during the process monitoring. Specifically, a control chart is considered adaptive if at least one of the chart's parameters (sample size, sampling interval, or control limit coefficient) is allowed to change in real time on the basis of the actual values of the sample statistics. In this paper, recent developments in the design of multivariate adaptive control schemes are presented and discussed.
Characterizing the iron loading pattern of ferritin using high‐mass matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Lan Jiayi , Zenobi Renato
Published: August 2019

Rationale

Ferritin is an iron storage protein assembly, usually formed by a 24‐subunit protein shell and an iron core. The ferritin shell has been well studied using various structural biology tools such as X‐ray diffraction and cryo‐electron microscopy, whereas the iron status of ferritin is less studied and no well‐established method exists for characterizing the distribution of the iron loading of ferritin. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS) have expanded the observable m/z range, making the measurement of ferritin possible with MS. In this study, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)‐MS was employed to quantify the iron content of ferritin.

Methods

The iron content of ferritin was quantified using a MALDI‐MS system coupled with a commercially available ion conversions dynode high‐mass detector. IgG1 antibody and its aggregates were used as external mass calibrants. The stability of HoloFt and ApoFt was also assessed in this study under different conditions, including various buffer pH, crosslinking agents and MALDI laser intensities.

Results

The differences in peak width of HoloFt, ApoFt and IgG1 indicate the existence of mineral adducts in both HoloFt and ApoFt, and the mineral loading is heterogeneous among the HoloFt and ApoFt population. An average of 2773 ± 1584 iron atoms were determined for a commercial HoloFt sample. The iron core inside the ferritin complex is shown to stabilize and maintain the intact globular complex structure of ferritin.

Conclusions

This work introduces a MALDI‐MS‐based workflow for characterizing the ferritin iron loading pattern, which is meaningful for clinical analysis of iron deficiency/overload. In addition, the stability of ferritin is examined under various conditions, providing a guideline for further method development related to ferritin complex.
First successful case of chemical pleurodesis with oxytetracycline through Rocket® Pleural Vent™: ambulatory pneumothorax device for pneumothorax
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Cheng Ka Chun , Lam David Chi Leung , Tam Terence Chi Chun
Published: August 2019

A 79‐year‐old woman with asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was admitted for a first episode right apical secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Due to a lack of pleural separation inside the safety triangle, Rocket® Pleural Vent™ was inserted in the second intercostal space, mid‐clavicular line, as guided by thoracic ultrasound. Although the lung fully re‐expanded the next day, there was persistent air leak and so chemical pleurodesis with oxytetracycline was performed with success. There was no recurrence of pneumothorax and the patient was discharged two days afterwards, and a follow‐up X‐ray taken eight months later did not reveal any recurrence of the right‐sided pneumothorax. This is the first reported case of successful chemical pleurodesis through Rocket® Pleural Vent™ for pneumothorax, which may serve to provide additional alternatives to the management of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax that is indicated for pleurodesis after lung re‐expansion.
Large‐Pore Mesoporous CeO2–ZrO2 Solid Solutions with In‐Pore Confined Pt Nanoparticles for Enhanced CO Oxidation
Authors: Yang Xuanyu , Cheng Xiaowei , Ma Junhao , Zou Yidong , Luo Wei , Deng Yonghui
Published: August 2019

Active and stable catalysts are highly desired for converting harmful substances (e.g., CO, NOx) in exhaust gases of vehicles into safe gases at low exhaust temperatures. Here, a solvent evaporation–induced co‐assembly process is employed to design ordered mesoporous CexZr1−xO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solutions by using high‐molecular‐weight poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polystyrene as the template. The obtained mesoporous CexZr1−xO2 possesses high surface area (60–100 m2 g−1) and large pore size (12–15 nm), enabling its great capacity in stably immobilizing Pt nanoparticles (4.0 nm) without blocking pore channels. The obtained mesoporous Pt/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 catalyst exhibits superior CO oxidation activity with a very low T100 value of 130 °C (temperature of 100% CO conversion) and excellent stability due to the rich lattice oxygen vacancies in the Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 framework. The simulated catalytic evaluations of CO oxidation combined with various characterizations reveal that the intrinsic high surface oxygen mobility and well‐interconnected pore structure of the mesoporous Pt/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 catalyst are responsible for the remarkable catalytic efficiency. Additionally, compared with mesoporous Pt/CexZr1−xO2‐s with small pore size (3.8 nm), ordered mesoporous Pt/CexZr1−xO2 not only facilitates the mass diffusion of reactants and products, but also provides abundant anchoring sites for Pt nanoparticles and numerous exposed catalytically active interfaces for efficient heterogeneous catalysis.
Ti3C2 MXene Paper for the Effective Adsorption and Controllable Release of Aroma Molecules
Authors: Ciou Jing‐Hao , Li Shaohui , Lee Pooi See
Published: August 2019

Olfactory sensing and perception play an important role in people's daily lives and greatly affects senses, emotions, and behavior. In particular, the development of the controlled release of aroma enhances human's well‐being and strengthens interactions with surroundings through olfactory display, especial when combined with visual and audial cues. Here, Ti3C2 MXene plays a dual‐function role as the adsorption site of aroma molecules and the heating source for the controlled release of aroma molecules. Due to abundant termination groups on the surface and the metallic nature, Ti3C2 MXene provides abundant active sites for the interaction with aroma molecules; simultaneously, MXene can be electrically heated to thermally desorb the aroma molecules from the interaction sites. This approach eliminates the interface incompatibility issues between the heating source and the molecular encapsulation layer in conventional olfactory display system. This work presents the controlled release of the aroma molecule phenethyl alcohol (PA) using Ti3C2 MXene paper. Ti3C2 MXene paper serves as the adsorption material and a heating source that achieves 100 °C within 1 s. The relative amount of PA released reaches nearly 100% after 1 min of heating.
Set‐based differential covariance testing for genomics
Authors: Zhou Yi‐Hui
Published: August 2019

The problem of detecting the changes in covariance for a single pair of genomic features has been studied in some detail but may be limited in importance or general applicability. For testing equality of covariance matrices of a set of features, many methods have been limited to the two‐sample problem and involve varying assumptions on the number of features p versus the sample size n. More general covariance regression approaches are appealing but have been insufficiently structured to provide interpretable testing. To address these deficiencies, we propose a simple uniform framework to test association of covariance matrices with an experimental variable, whether discrete or continuous. We describe four different summary statistics, to ensure power and flexibility under various alternatives, including a new “connectivity” statistic that is sensitive to the changes in overall covariance magnitude. For continuous experimental variables, a natural individual “risk score” is associated with several of the statistics. We establish asymptotic results applicable to both continuous and discrete responses, with relatively mild conditions and allowing for situations where p>n. We also show that the proposed statistics are permutationally equivalent to some existing methods in the two‐sample special case. We demonstrate the power and utility of our approaches via simulation and analysis of real data. The R package CorDiff is published on R CRAN.
Effective multifunctional additives for concrete based on the wastes of the oil industry
Authors: Ristavletov Raimberdi , Baybolov Kanat , Kopzhasarov Bakhadyr , Kambarov Medet , Imanaliev Kuanysh , Ibraimbayeva Gulnaz , Abshenov Khassen , Kudabayev Ruslan
Published: August 2019

We consider the issues of obtaining multifunctional additives for concretes and mortars based on waste of the fat‐and‐oil industry. The results of research on the composition and properties of tar oil distillation of fatty acids of the fat‐and‐oil industry (gossypol resin) demonstrate the possibility of their use as raw materials to obtain chemical admixtures for concrete. The necessity of the modification of waste production of vegetable oil was identified with the aim of reducing the negative impact of nonwater‐soluble fractions on structurization, which is expressed in the blocking of products of cement hydration and by reducing the potential strength of the concrete. The results of physical and chemical research on additives were obtained according to the influence of the volume of injected additives on the properties of concrete, which showed a polyfunctional effect. We have justified the technical, economic, and environmental effects of chemical additives on the basis of waste of the fat‐and‐oil industry.
Influence of compressive fatigue on the sulfate resistance of slag contained concrete under steam curing
Authors: Yan Xiancui , Yang Guohui , Jiang Linhua , Song Zijian , Guo Mingzhi , Chen Yunjie
Published: August 2019

This paper investigated the influence of compressive fatigue on the sulfate resistance of slag (0, 20, 50, and 70%) contained concrete under steam curing. After 10,000 cycles loading of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 stress level, the concrete was exposed to 5% Na2SO4 for 540 days. The compressive strength, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME) and SO42− contents were tested after sulfate immersion. Results showed that the standard‐cured fatigued concrete had less strength reduction than the steam‐cured fatigued concrete during sulfate attack. The steam‐cured fatigued concrete containing 20% slag suffered the largest strength reduction, followed by the concrete containing 50, 70, and 0% slag. Compressive fatigue at high stress level (0.7) accelerated the sulfate deterioration of PC standard‐cured concrete, while the effect of low stress level (0.5) was minor. The RDME was not a sensitive indicator to access the sulfate resistance of concrete at the beginning of immersion. Compressive fatigue distinctly promoted the sulfate diffusion; the effective SO42− diffusion coefficient was increased when damage occurred in slag concrete. Besides, based on the fatigue damage, an experimental model of the sulfate deterioration of fatigued concrete was proposed.
Long‐term outcome of postmenopausal women with non‐atypical endometrial hyperplasia on endometrial sampling
Authors: Rotenberg O. , Fridman D. , Doulaveris G. , Renz M. , Kaplan J. , Gebb J. , Xie X. , Goldberg G. L. , Dar P.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To assess the long‐term outcome of postmenopausal women diagnosed with non‐atypical endometrial hyperplasia (NEH).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women aged 55 or older who underwent endometrial sampling in our academic medical center between 1997 and 2008. Women who had a current or recent (< 2 years) histological diagnosis of NEH were included in the study group and were compared with those diagnosed with atrophic endometrium (AE). Outcome data were obtained until February 2018. The main outcomes were risk of progression to endometrial carcinoma and risk of persistence, recurrence or new development of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) (‘persistent EH’). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify covariates that were independent risk factors for progression to endometrial cancer or persistent
EH.

Results

During the study period, 1808 women aged 55 or older underwent endometrial sampling. The median surveillance time was 10.0 years. Seventy‐two women were found to have a current or recent diagnosis of NEH and were compared with 722 women with AE. When compared to women with AE, women with NEH had significantly higher body mass index (33.9 kg/m2 vs 30.6 kg/m2; P = 0.01), greater endometrial thickness (10.00 mm vs 6.00 mm; P = 0.01) and higher rates of progression to type‐1 endometrial cancer (8.3% vs 0.8%; P = 0.0003) and persistent NEH (22.2% vs 0.7%; P < 0.0001). They also had a higher rate of progression to any type of uterine cancer or persistent EH (33.3% vs 3.5%; P < 0.0001). Women with NEH had a significantly higher rate of future surgical intervention (51.4% vs 15.8%; P < 0.0001), including future hysterectomy (34.7% vs 9.8%; P < 0.0001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, only NEH remained a significant risk factor for progression to endometrial cancer or persistence of
EH.

Conclusions

Postmenopausal women with NEH are at significant risk for persistent EH and progression to endometrial cancer, at rates higher than those reported previously. Guidelines for the appropriate management of postmenopausal women with NEH are needed in order to decrease the rate of persistent disease or progression to cancer. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Environmental activism and vertical‐axis wind turbine preferences in California
Authors: Hui Iris , Cain Bruce E. , Dabiri John O.
Published: August 2019

Wind energy is widely recognized as a key element of the worldwide effort to limit greenhouse gas emissions. As compared with the general population, environmental activists have a much higher level of knowledge, interest, and capacity to affect the final outcome of a proposed wind turbine facility. To explore how their opinions on wind energy, particularly on vertical‐axis wind turbines, differ from the general public, we administered the same online experimental survey to a general population sample of adult Californians and to a self‐selected sample of online energy and environmental activists. We find that support for wind energy increases with the degree of environmental activism and engagement. The general public prefers vertical‐axis wind turbines in open spaces, away from one's residence. Location and price sensitivity, however, are weaker among activists. Among activists, attitudes about specific vertical‐axis wind turbine technologies are more crystalized and less susceptible to the information effects except on the topic of minimizing bird deaths.
Differential equations, recurrence relations, and quadratic constraints for L-loop two-point massive tadpoles and propagators.
Authors: Lee Roman N. , Pomeransky Andrei A.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We consider L-loop two-point tadpole (watermelon) integral with arbitrary masses, regularized both dimensionally and analytically. We derive differential equation system and recurrence relations (shifts of dimension and denominator powers). Since the L-loop sunrise integral corresponds to the (L + 1)-loop watermelon integral with one cut line, our results are equally applicable to the former. The obtained differential system has a Pfaffian form and is linear in dimension and analytic regularization parameters. In general case, the solutions of this system can be expressed in terms of the Lauricella functions F

C

(L)
with generic parameters. Therefore, as a by-product, we obtain, to our knowledge for the first time, the Pfaffian system for F

C

(L)
for arbitrary L. The obtained system has no apparent singularities. Near odd dimension and integer denominator powers the system can be easily transformed into canonical form. Using the symmetry properties of the matrix in the right-hand side of the differential system, we obtain quadratic constraints for the expansion of solutions near integer dimension and denominator powers. In particular, we obtain quadratic constraints for Bessel moments similar to those discovered by Broadhurst and Roberts.
Genomic and physiological analyses reveal that extremely thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor changbaiensis deploys uncommon cellulose attachment mechanisms
Authors: Khan Asma M A M , Mendoza Carl , Hauk Valerie J , Blumer-Schuette Sara E
Published: August 2019

The genus Caldicellulosiruptor is comprised of extremely thermophilic, heterotrophic anaerobes that degrade plant biomass using modular, multifunctional enzymes. Prior pangenome analyses determined that this genus is genetically diverse, with the current pangenome remaining open, meaning that new genes are expected with each additional genome sequence added. Given the high biodiversity observed among the genus Caldicellulosiruptor, we have sequenced and added a 14th species, Caldicellulosiruptor changbaiensis, to the pangenome. The pangenome now includes 3791 ortholog clusters, 120 of which are unique to C. changbaiensis and may be involved in plant biomass degradation. Comparisons between C. changbaiensis and Caldicellulosiruptor bescii on the basis of growth kinetics, cellulose solubilization and cell attachment to polysaccharides highlighted physiological differences between the two species which are supported by their respective gene inventories. Most significantly, these comparisons indicated that C. changbaiensis possesses uncommon cellulose attachment mechanisms not observed among the other strongly cellulolytic members of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor.
The effect of teacher’s confidence on technology and engineering curriculum provision
Authors: Jones Lewis C. R. , McDermott Hilary J. , Tyrer John R. , Zanker Nigel P.
Published: August 2019

Secondary school, age range 11–14, technology and engineering education in England has been delivered mainly within Design and Technology (D&T). This inadvertently makes D&T teachers responsible for pupils’ engineering education and motivation. This paper analyses D&T teachers’ (N = 33) technology subject knowledge through self-assessment competency questionnaires, before and after developing a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-focused project of their choice for their classroom. Participants were least confident in teaching the areas of technology that required mathematics and scientific knowledge. The results analyse a suggested misalignment between teachers’ Creative Arts background subject knowledge compared to the technology subject knowledge required for engineering education. Suggested causes of this issue are Initial Teacher Training standards and curriculum flexibility, not teacher capability. The paper concludes that teachers have been unaware of some elements of STEM education and that continuing professional development interventions are required to assist teachers and improve their engineering knowledge in order to better equip their pupils for engineering.
Hunger, nutrition, and precipitation: evidence from Ghana and Bangladesh
Authors: Cooper Matthew , Brown Molly E. , Azzarri Carlo , Meinzen-Dick Ruth
Published: August 2019

Changing precipitation patterns caused by climate change are expected to have major impacts on food security and nutrition in agrarian areas in developing countries. However, the linkages between the duration and severity of precipitation shocks and their effects on child nutrition and household food security metrics remain underexplored. In this study, we used Feed the Future datasets from Ghana and Bangladesh to examine the impact of precipitation extremes on nutrition, measured by children’s height-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores, and food security, measured by the Household Hunger Scale. We used a spatial error regression to control for the effects of spatial autocorrelation, and we found an association between precipitation shocks and household hunger in both Ghana and Bangladesh, as well as an association between higher rainfall and worse child nutrition in Ghana.
Clinical Assessments of Hand Function in First Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis Do Not Appear to Correlate with Radiographic Findings
Authors: Weinstock-Zlotnick Gwen , Lin Bin , Nwawka O. Kenechi
Published: August 2019

Background

Thumb carpometacarpal (first CMC) osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative process affecting hand use, is typically assessed by clinical examination and radiographs. This assessment determines treatment, but it may not reflect functional limitations.

Questions/Purposes

We aimed to explore the relationship between measures of hand function and radiographs in individuals with and without first CMC OA.

Methods

We designed a cross-sectional, observational pilot study, enrolling five patients with first CMC OA (nine thumbs with modified Eaton-Littler grades ranging from 1 to 4, using retrospective radiographic data) and nine healthy controls. They underwent evaluation of hand function using four patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)—the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS); the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE); the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); and the Modified Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (M-SACRAH)—and one performance measure, the Arthritis Hand Function Test (AHFT). Spearman's ρ with 95% subject clustered bootstrapped confidence intervals was calculated to assess for correlations between radiographic findings and measures of hand function.

Results

Only the DASH work score showed strong positive correlation with radiographic OA grade, with PSFS, PRWHE, M-SACRAH, and AHFT scores demonstrating low to moderate correlations. Notable differences were found between patients and control subjects in median scores of the DASH, PSFS, PRWHE, and M-SACRAH, as well as in the grip, pinch, and button scores of the AHFT.

Conclusion

While only the DASH work score strongly correlated with radiographic grade of first CMC OA, several measures detected considerable differences in functional hand use between patients and control subjects. The findings of this pilot study suggest that hand function scores be considered in addition to radiographs when determining severity of first CMC OA. The findings can also inform the design of a larger, powered study.
Carbonatites of India
Authors: Krishnamurthy P.
Published: August 2019

Based on the field relations, associated rock types and age, the carbonatite-alkaline rock complexes of India, that are spatially related to deep main faults, rifts and shear zones, have been classified in to two major groups, namely: 1. Middle – late Cretaceous, subvolcanic – volcanic complexes (Amba Dongar, Siriwasan, Swangkre, Mer-Mundwara, Sarnu-Dandali-Kamthai) and 2. Paleo-Neoproterozoic plutonic complexes (Newania, Sevathur, Samalpatti, Hogenakal, Kollegal, Pakkanadu, Udaiyapatti, Munnar, and Khambamettu). The middle Cretaceous Sung Valley and Samchampi complexes also belong to this plutonic group. Three minor associations, belonging to these two age groups include, the Neoproterzoic, late stage veins of carbonatites in peralkaline syenite complexes (e.g., Kunavaram, Elchuru), the diamond-bearing carbonatite and kimberlite at Khaderpet and the lamprophyre-lamproite association (e.g., Pachcham Is. Upper Cretaceous, Deccan Volcanic Province, and the Proterozoic Chitrangi Group). Petrological associations include carbonatite-nephelinite-phonolite (e.g. Amba Dongar, Sarnu-Dandali-Kamthai), dunite-peridotite-pyroxenite-ijolite-melilitite (e.g. Sung Valley), miaskitic syenite-pyroxenite ± dunite (e.g. Sevathur, Samalpatti, Pakkanadu), carbonatite alone with fenites (e.g. Newania), besides those minor associations mentioned above. Sovites (calico-carbonatites) occur as the most dominant type in some ten (10) complexes. Beforsite (magnesio-carbonatite) is the dominant type at Newania and ankeritic-sideritic types are mainly found at Amba Dongar, Siriwasan and Newania. The rare benstonite-bearing carbonatites are found at Jokkipatti and Udaiyapatti in Tamil Nadu. Mineralogically and chemically the carbonatites show considerable diversity. Fenitised zones and types of fenites (Na, K and mixed) vary widely since the carbonatites are emplaced in a variety of hostrocks ranging from granitic, mafic, ultramafic, charnockitic types besides basalts and sandstones. Stable (δ13C and δ18O) and radiogenic (Sr, Nd and Pb) isotopes clearly indicate their mantle origin and also the diverse types of sources (both depleted HIMU and enriched EM 1 and 2). Petrogenetic considerations reveal three types of carbonatites, namely direct partial melts from metasomatised mantle (e.g. Newania), liquid immiscibility from carbonatite-nephelinite association (e.g. Amba Dongar) and through fractionation of ultra-alkaline ultramafic and mafic association (e.g. Sung Valley). Carbonatites of India that host significant resources include Amba Dongar (Fluorite, REE, Nb, P, Ba, Sr), Kamthai (REE), Sevathur (Nb, P, vermiculite), Beldih (P, Fe), Sung Valley (P, Nb, REE, Fe) and Samchampi (P, Nb, Fe, REE).
Giant Plagioclase Basalt from the Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh, India: First Report and Implications
Authors: Alexander Pramod O. , Purohit M.K.
Published: August 2019

One giant plagioclase basalt GPB) flow from the northeast corner of the DVP, about 70 km south of Sagar, is reported for the first time. This GPB flow, over 40 m in thickness, is exposed approximately for 15 sq. km area and overlies a fine-grained, non-porphyritic basalt at 40 m depth in a borehole. Plagioclase phenocrysts, 4-5 cm in length, and occasionally larger, range in composition from bytownite-labradorite (An 80-60). Clinopyroxene phenocrysts though present, are rare. Major and trace element chemistry of the GPB and the non-porphyritic basalt below is presented and discussed in comparison to the well-known GPBs from Western Ghats as also those reported later from Jhabua and Jabalpur districts in Madhya Pradesh. Among other differences, MgO content of the Sagar GPB (6.13 %) seems to be the highest of all the GPBs reported from DVP so far.
Evidence of K/PB Transition Linked Crystallographic Defects in the Smectites Associated with the Jhilmili Intertrappean Bed, Central India
Authors: Pal Sucharita , Meenakshi  , Shrivastava J.P. , Kumar Amit , Dev A. Bhagya
Published: August 2019

Discovery of ~13 m thick, Jhilmili intertrappean bed attained significance as it contains brackish water ostrocods and planktonic foraminifers. Previous studies revealed montmorillonite>montmorillonite/chlorite mixed layer>palygorskite abundance. However, rare information is available on layer-wise K/PB transition linked cell parametric and interatomic changes in the montmorillonite (C2/m space group). To understand these changes, layer-wise clay separates were analyzed by X-ray diffraction method and subjected to Rietveld refinement. Obtained cell parameters and interatomic distances show notable changes in a- and b- axes. In JM-3 layer, expansion of Mg-O, Fe-Al, Fe-O and Al-O bonds led to substantial loss of Mg2+, Fe2+ and Al3+ in the cell structure. Significant bond length variation associated with the JM-3 layer suggested incidence of high temperature (150 - 250°C) conditions. Owing to reinforcement of Al, Fe, Mg ions, Al-O, Fe-Ca, Mg-O, Al-Ca bonds held-up tightly, thus, resulted in the lattice shortening. Moreover, volcanism related acid rains were also accountable for lattice distortion and causative factor for the expansion and the contraction of b- and c-axes, respectively. Almost similar cell parametric and inter-atomic changes were also observed in the successive JM-4 layer representing terminal phase of the event. Thus, abrupt degeneration in the montmorillonite cell parameters noticed in greenish grey, clayey JM-3 layer which continued over a protracted period in the succeeding ostrocods and planktonic foraminifers bearing yellowish brown JM-4 layer is linked to K/PB transition event, most likely Deccan volcanism induced environmental changes, including global warming, acid rains and pCO2 rise in the atmosphere.
Palaeoecological Analysis of Benthic Molluscs from the Eocene of Kutch, Gujarat Reveals an Event of Storm Induced Concentration of Shells in a Quiet Marginal Marine Environment
Authors: Banerjee Sayoni , Das Shrestha , Halder Kalyan , Chakrabarti Niloy
Published: August 2019

The Eocene deposits of the Kutch basin are characterized by predominance of plane-laminated shales and low diversity mollusc faunas. These features reflect a low energy, restricted environment. A thin molluscan shell bed stands out in this backdrop because it produced a very diverse assemblage of bivalves and gastropods. Palaeosynecological analysis of the benthic mollusc assemblages from different stratigraphic levels of the Eocene of Kutch, including the shell bed, was carried out by testing for standard ecological models of rank-abundance. The specific abundance data from the shell bed c onform to the log-normal model indicating stable, resource-rich environment. On the other hand, low diversity and often high abundance of opportunist species from other levels reflect harsh ecological conditions for molluscs. Analyses of habitat preferences and habits of the genera from the shell bed indicate shallow to very shallow shelf environment. It is inferred that this exotic assemblage of shells was brought in this quiet, restricted environment by storm surges from open part of the sea. High degree of shell fragmentation and high content of micrite matrix corroborate this interpretation.
An Integrated Stratigraphic and Paleoenvironmental Studies from Narmada-Tapti Block, South Cambay Basin, Western India
Authors: Govindan Abiraman , Mallikarjuna U.B.
Published: August 2019

An inclusive illustrated report on microfauna and palynoflora from sub-surface Tertiary sediments in Narmada-Tapti block in the south Cambay basin is presented. Facies dependency exhibited by microfauna (foraminifera, ostracoda) necessitated a linking study to utilise potential of palynoflora in the studied well section not favourable for microfauna for paleoenvironmental analysis. The microfaunal distribution has enabled to distinguish a broad chronostratigraphic sub-division that can be tied to seismic and other markers focussed in this part of the basin. A brief account a probable exploration targets in this part of the basin is presented.
First Fossil Fruit of Mallotus Lour. (Euphorbiaceae) from the Early Eocene Lignite Mine of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Shukla Anumeha , Mehrotra R.C.
Published: August 2019

The present study deals with the reporting and description of the first fossil record of Mallotus Lour. fruit from all over the world. The edible parts of plants are too soft to be preserved and therefore, are rare in fossil records. Fossil fruit of Mallotus mollissimus (Geiseler) Airy Shaw (Euphorbiaceae), a rainforest tree, is described from the early Eocene Palana Formation (Gurha lignite mine) of northwest India. The occurrence of M. mollissimus, along with earlier described fossils from the area demonstrates the existence of dense tropical forests in the area during the depositional time in contrast to the desertic conditions in the area today. This discovery from the early Eocene succession substantiates the Gondwanan origin for the genus.
Adaptive integrated guidance and control for impact angle constrained interception with actuator saturation
Authors: Ai X. L. , Shen Y. C. , Wang L. L.
Published: August 2019

This paper considers the integrated guidance and control (IGC) problem for impact angle constrained interception against manoeuvring targets with actuator saturation constraint. Based on the backstepping technique, an adaptive IGC law is presented to address this problem, where a fixed-time differentiator is proposed to estimate the derivatives of virtual control inputs to avoid the inherent problem of “explosion of complexity” suffered by the typical backstepping. Furthermore, an auxiliary first-order filter is introduced into the IGC law to cope with the actuator saturation constraint. The stability of the closed-loop system is strictly proved. Finally, the superiority of the proposed IGC law is verified by comparison simulations.
On the total claim amount for marked Poisson cluster models
Authors: Basrak Bojan , Wintenberger Olivier , Žugec Petra
Published: August 2019

We study the asymptotic distribution of the total claim amount for marked Poisson cluster models. The marks determine the size and other characteristics of the individual claims and potentially influence the arrival rate of future claims. We find sufficient conditions under which the total claim amount satisfies the central limit theorem or, alternatively, tends in distribution to an infinite-variance stable random variable. We discuss several Poisson cluster models in detail, paying special attention to the marked Hawkes process as our key example.
A probabilistic verification theorem for the finite horizon two-player zero-sum optimal switching game in continuous time
Authors: Hamadène S. , Martyr R. , Moriarty J.
Published: August 2019

In this paper we study continuous-time two-player zero-sum optimal switching games on a finite horizon. Using the theory of doubly reflected backward stochastic differential equations with interconnected barriers, we show that this game has a value and an equilibrium in the players’ switching controls.
On graph products of multipliers and the Haagerup property for -dynamical systems
Authors: ATKINSON SCOTT
Published: August 2019

We consider the notion of the graph product of actions of discrete groups$\{G_{v}\}$on a$C^{\ast }$-algebra${\mathcal{A}}$and show that under suitable commutativity conditions the graph product action$\star _{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{v}:\star _{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}}G_{v}\curvearrowright {\mathcal{A}}$has the Haagerup property if each action$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{v}:G_{v}\curvearrowright {\mathcal{A}}$possesses the Haagerup property. This generalizes the known results on graph products of groups with the Haagerup property. To accomplish this, we introduce the graph product of multipliers associated to the actions and show that the graph product of positive-definite multipliers is positive definite. These results have impacts on left-transformation groupoids and give an alternative proof of a known result for coarse embeddability. We also record a cohomological characterization of the Haagerup property for group actions.
Effect of different phytases derived from E. coli AppA gene on the performance, bone mineralisation and nutrient digestibility of broiler chicken
Authors: Kozlowski K. , Nollet L. , Lanckriet A. , Vanderbeke E. , Mielnik P. , Outchkourov N. , Petkov S.
Published: August 2019

This study evaluated the effects of three different thermostable phytase variants, based on the AppA gene fromE. coli(AppAT1, AppAT2 and AppAT3) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and bone mineralisation in broiler chickens at inclusion levels of 250 and 500 FTU/kg. The eight treatment groups included a positive control (PC) which was sufficient in Ca and P, a negative control (NC, the same basal formulation as the PC, but reduced in Ca and P), and NC supplemented with AppAT1 at 250 and 500 FTU/kg (AppAT1-250 and AppAT1-500), AppAT2 at 250 and 500 FTU/kg (AppAT2-250 and AppAT2-500) and with AppAT3 at 250 and 500 FTU/kg (AppAT3-250 and AppAT3-500). Over the entire feeding period, body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were significantly higher in the PC group, with all phytase supplemented groups being statistically the same, compared to the NC group. Feed conversion (FCR) for the PC-fed birds (1.479) was significantly (P<0.05) better compared to the NC birds (1.582) and those fed the AppAT3-250 diet (1.523). Reduced levels of Ca and P in the NC group led to significantly (P<0.05) lower tibia ash (40.9%) compared to the PC group (47.4%). Birds fed the phytase diets had significantly higher tibia ash compared to the NC birds, with those from the AppAT2-500 and AppAT3-500 groups being statistically the same as the PC group. Diets AppAT1-500, AppAT2-250, AppAT2-500 and AppAT3-500 significantly increased Ca digestibility compared to the NC. Apparent total track digestibility (ATTD) of P was improved for AppAT1-500 and AppAT2-250. The ATTD of Ca and P for all of the phytase supplemented groups reached the same level of the PC and AppAT1-500 group. It was concluded that adding any of the phytases tested, especially when included at 500 FTU/kg to a feed reduced in Ca and P, led to improved performance and bone mineralisation back to the same levels as seen for the Ca and P sufficient diet.
A fourteen-faced hexangulaconulariid from the early Cambrian (Stage 2) Yanjiahe Formation, South China
Authors: Guo Junfeng , Han Jian , Iten Heyo Van , Wang Xing , Qiang Yaqin , Song Zuchen , Wang Wenzhe , Zhang Zhifei , Li Guoxiang
Published: August 2019

Extant medusozoans (phylum Cnidaria) are dominated by forms showing tetraradial symmetry, but stem-group medusozoans of early Cambrian age collectively exhibit tetra-, bi-, penta-, and hexaradial symmetry. Moreover, the developmental and evolutionary relationships between four-fold and other types of radial symmetry in medusozoans remain poorly understood. Here we describe a new hexangulaconulariid,Septuconularia yanjiaheensisnew genus new species, from Bed 5 of the Yanjiahe Formation (Cambrian Stage 2) in the Three Gorges area of Hupei Province, China. The laterally compressed, biradially symmetrical periderm of this species possesses 14 gently tapered faces, the most of any hexangulaconulariid described thus far. The faces are bordered by longitudinal ridges and crossed by short, irregularly spaced transverse ribs. Longitudinally, the periderm consists of three regions that probably correspond, respectively, to an embryonic stage, a transient juvenile stage, and a long adult stage.Septuconularia yanjiaheensismay have been derived from six-facedHexaconularia(Fortunian Stage), which is morphologically intermediate betweenSeptuconularia yanjiaheensisandArthrochites. Furthermore, conulariids sensu stricto, carinachitids, and hexangulaconulariids may constitute a monophyletic group united by possession of an organic or organophosphatic periderm exhibiting longitudinal (corner) sulci, a facial midline, and offset of transverse ribs along the facial midline.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/01a972aa-aef3-4eef-a9a5-c2d8c3dda615
CONJUGATING AUTOMORPHISMS OF GRAPH PRODUCTS: KAZHDAN’S PROPERTY (T) AND SQ-UNIVERSALITY
Authors: GENEVOIS ANTHONY , VARGHESE OLGA
Published: August 2019

An automorphism of a graph product of groups isconjugatingif it sends each factor to a conjugate of a factor (possibly different). In this article, we determine precisely when the group of conjugating automorphisms of a graph product satisfies Kazhdan’s property (T) and when it satisfies some vastness properties including SQ-universality.