bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 2 Diabetes Metabolic Improvement After Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass May Include a Compensatory Mechanism That Balances Fatty Acid β and ω Oxidation
Authors: Mendonça Machado Natasha , Torrinhas Raquel Susana , Sala Priscila , Ishida Robson Kiyoshi , Guarda Ismael Francisco Mota Siqueira , Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux de , Sakai Paulo , Santo Marco Aurélio , Linetzky Waitzberg Dan
Published: July 2020

Background

More than half of patients who undergo Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can experience type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission, but the systemic and gastrointestinal (GI) metabolic mechanisms of this improvement are still elusive.

Methods

Paired samples collected before and 3 months after RYGB from 28 women with obesity and T2D were analyzed by metabolomics with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Samples include plasma (n = 56) and biopsies of gastric pouch (n = 18), gastric remnant (n = 10), duodenum (n = 16), jejunum (n = 18), and ileum (n = 18), collected by double‐balloon enteroscopy.

Results

After RYGB, improvements in body composition and weight‐related and glucose homeostasis parameters were observed. Plasma‐enriched metabolic pathways included arginine and proline metabolism, urea and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles, gluconeogenesis, malate‐aspartate shuttle, and carnitine synthesis. In GI tissue, we observed alterations of ammonia recycling and carnitine synthesis in gastric pouch, phenylacetate metabolism and trehalose degradation in duodenum and jejunum, ketone bodies in jejunum, and lactose degradation in ileum. Intermediates molecules of the TCA cycle were enriched, particularly in plasma, jejunum, and ileum. Fluctuations of dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) were relevant in several metabolomic tests, and metabolite alterations included aminomalonate and fumaric, malic, oxalic, and succinic acids. The product/substrate relationship between these molecules and its pathways may reflect a compensatory mechanism to balance metabolism.

Conclusions

RYGB was associated with systemic and GI metabolic reprogramming. DCA alterations link ω and β fatty acid oxidation to homeostatic mechanisms, including TCA cycle improvement.
Bone sarcoma surgery in times of COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown‐early experience from a tertiary centre in India
Authors: Kumar Venkatesan Sampath , Banjara Roshan , Thapa Sushma , Majeed Abdul , Kapoor Love , Janardhanan Ritvik , Bakhshi Sameer , Kumar Vijay , Malhotra Rajesh , Khan Shah Alam
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) lockdown has presented a unique challenge for sarcoma care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early results and feasibility of surgeries for bone sarcomas during the COVID‐19 lockdown.

Methods

Our prospectively collected orthopaedic oncological database was reviewed to include two groups of patients‐ those who underwent surgery in the immediate 4 weeks before lockdown (non‐lockdown group) and those operated in the first 4 weeks of lockdown (lockdown group). All patients were followed‐up clinically and telephonically to collect the outcome data.

Results

Out of the 91 patients who qualified for inclusion, fifty were classified into the non‐lockdown group while 41 patients formed the lockdown group. Both the groups were comparable with respect to baseline demographic parameters. However, during the lockdown period 37 patients (90%) had undergone a major surgical intervention as against 24 patients (48%) in the non‐lockdown group (P < .001). There was no significant difference in type of anaesthesia, median estimated blood loss and procedure duration. None of the patients/health care workers had evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 infection at 15 days follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that appendicular bone tumours can be safely operated with adequate precautions during the lockdown period.
Influence of local food attributes and perceived benefits on post‐tasting responses through tourists' local food consumption
Authors: Seongseop (Sam) Kim , Munhyang (Moon) Oh , Young Choe J. , Youngjoon Choi
Published: July 2020

This study aims to identify experience of international food tourists in Hong Kong. More specifically, it was to analyze the functions of local food attributes and benefits from local food consumption on satisfaction, behavioral intention, and destination familiarity. The adopted methods used to achieve the objectives were impact‐range performance analysis (IRPA) and impact asymmetry analysis (IAA). After undertaking a survey using a sample of international tourists in Hong Kong, a total of 1,184 questionnaires were employed for data analyzes. Results of exploratory factor analyzes generated three domains of local food attributes and two domains of benefits sought from tasting local foods. Unlike multiple regression analyzes, IRPA and IAA produced various results for marketing implications. For example, epistemic benefit was classified as a “satisfier,” whereas food novelty attribute, emotional benefit, and food quality attribute were labeled as “dissatisfiers.” In addition, restaurant quality attribute was considered a “frustrator.” Thus, the three dependent variables have different roles in explaining local food attributes and consumption benefits.
Cochlear Implantation Under Local Anesthesia With Conscious Sedation in the Elderly: First 100 Cases
Authors: Connors Joseph R. , Deep Nicholas L. , Huncke T. Kate , Roland J. Thomas
Published: July 2020

Objective

To report the outcomes on a large series of elderly patients who underwent cochlear implantation (CI) surgery under local anesthesia with conscious sedation (LA‐CS).

Methods

Retrospective chart review on 100 consecutive elderly patients (> 65 years) who underwent CI with LA‐CS at a tertiary care center between August 2013 and January 2020. An age‐matched control group of 50 patients who underwent CI with general anesthesia (GA) are used for comparison. Outcomes measured included time in the operating room, time in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and rate of adverse events.

Results

Cochlear implant surgery under LA‐CS was successfully performed in 99 (99%) patients. One patient requiring conversion to GA intraoperatively. No patients in the LA‐CS group experienced cardiopulmonary adverse events; however, three patients (6%) in the GA group experienced minor events including atrial fibrillation and/or demand ischemia. Overnight observation in the hospital due to postoperative medical concerns or prolonged wake‐up from anesthesia was required in one patient (1%) from the LA‐CS cohort and 12 patients (24%) from the GA cohort. Perioperative adverse events exclusive to the LA‐CS group included severe intraoperative vertigo (8%), temporary facial nerve paresis (3%), and wound infection (1%). The average amount of time spent in the operating room was 37 minutes less for procedures performed under LA‐CS compared to GA (P < .05). The average amount of time in recovery was similar for both groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

Cochlear implant surgery under LA‐CS offers many benefits and is a safe, feasible, and cost‐effective alternative to GA when performed by experienced CI surgeons.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E946–E951, 2021
Certificates of confidentiality and unexpected complications for pragmatic clinical trials
Authors: Sugarman Jeremy , Carrithers Judith
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The need to protect the confidentiality of research data has long been recognized. One means to help protect research data from use in civil or criminal matters in the United States is a Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC). Until recently, investigators applied for a CoC when conducting research that was sensitive, stigmatizing or where the disclosure of private information could possibly result in civil or criminal liability. However, effective October 1, 2017, CoCs are automatically issued for much research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While automatic issuance reduces administrative burden, it also poses some surprising unanticipated challenges for research in general and pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) in particular, which are key elements of learning health systems.

Methods

We reviewed the new policy on CoCs to identify and analyze issues related to it that are potentially problematic for PCTs.

Results

We identified three relevant issues: (1) whether the EHR may be populated with research data that may be sensitive or stigmatizing without explicit consent from subjects; (2) incomplete protections for sensitive data in the EHR; and (3) requirements for notifying subjects about the CoC provisions.

Conclusion

Formal guidance from the NIH is needed to address the application of CoCs to the setting of PCTs. In the meantime, it is essential for researchers designing and conducting PCTs, as well as health care systems in which this research is conducted, to be aware of the nuances inherent in CoCs so they can best adhere to their legal obligations regarding them. In the absence of guidance, special attention should be paid to pragmatic research that populates the electronic health record with research data as well as research conducted without explicit consent. Given the large amount of pragmatic research precipitated by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, which has been accompanied by major efforts to share data, the need for such guidance is especially urgent.
Effects of Rose Bengal‐ and Methylene Blue‐Mediated Potassium Iodide‐Potentiated Photodynamic Therapy on Enterococcus faecalis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Li Ruijie , Yuan Lintian , Jia Weiqian , Qin Man , Wang Yuguang
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

This study was performed to compare the use of methylene blue (MB) and rose bengal (RB) in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) targeting Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) bacteria in planktonic and biofilm forms with potassium iodide (KI) potentiation.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

E. faecalis bacteria in planktonic form were exposed to antimicrobial PDT protocols activating MB and RB, with or without KI potentiation, following laser irradiation with different exposure times, 60 mW/cm2 laser power, and different photosensitizer agent (PS)/potentiator concentrations to observe relationships among the variables. Two continuous‐wave diode lasers were used for irradiation (red light: λ = 660 nm and green light: λ = 565 nm). The pre‐irradiation time was 10 minutes. The vitality of E. faecalis biofilm was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy. The effects on the proliferation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) were analyzed by cell counting kit‐8 assay. The staining effect of antimicrobial PDT on dentin slices was investigated. Statistical analysis using a one‐way analysis of variance was done.

Results

KI‐potentiated RB and MB antimicrobial PDT both effectively eradicated E. faecalis bacteria in planktonic and biofilm forms. The minimum bactericidal concentrations of PSs (±100 mM KI) were obtained through PDT on planktonic E. faecalis, and the optimal light parameters were 60 mW/cm2, 6 J/cm2 for 100 seconds. KI‐potentiated PDT effectively strengthened the ability to inhibit E. faecalis biofilm with 86.50 ± 5.78% for MB (P = 0.0015 < 0.01) and 91.50 ± 1.75% for RB (P = 0.0418 < 0.05) of bactericidal rate, with less toxicity for SCAPs (P < 0.001) and less staining. KI could reduce the staining induced by antimicrobial PDT on dentin slices.

Conclusion

A combination of KI and antimicrobial PDT may be a useful alternative to conventional disinfection methods in endodontic treatment. MB and RB antimicrobial PDT at much lower concentrations with KI could hopefully achieve disinfection effects comparable with those of 1.5% NaClO while causing few adverse effects on SCAPs. KI helps to avoid staining problems associated with high concentrations of photosensitizer agents. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, LLC
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polyisoprene by Isoprene/Dimethyl‐di‐2,4‐Pentadieneyl‐(E,E)‐Silane Copolymerization Catalyzed with Half‐Sandwich Scandium Complex
Authors: Yu Jialin , Niu Hui , Yang Ke , Yu Hui , Wang Jing , Li Tingting , Li Yang
Published: July 2020

A series of hyperbranched polyisoprenes (HBPIps) are synthesized by copolymerization of isoprene and a novel dipentadiene‐containing branching agent dimethyl‐di‐2,4‐pentadieneyl‐(E,E)‐silane (DMDPS) catalyzed by the half‐sandwich scandium complex (C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(CH2C6H4NMe2‐o)2/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4]. Due to the high activity of DMDPS in copolymerization, and the very similar reactivity of the two pentadieneyl groups in DMDPS, the gelation reaction is successfully avoided in the highly branched products. The structural parameter branching factor (g′) of the HBPIps is determined to evaluate the branching degree. It is proved that in the polymerization both the concentration of DMDPS and isoprene exhibits significant influence on branching degree of HBPIps. By using the DMDPS as branching agent and simply controlling the polymerization conditions, high branching degree of g′ = 0.35 is achieved.
Weak solution of the merged mathematical equations of the polluted atmosphere
Authors: Donatelli Donatella , Juhász Nóra
Published: July 2020

Considered as a geophysical fluid, the polluted atmosphere shares the shallow domain characteristics with other natural large‐scale fluids such as seas and oceans. This means that its domain is excessively greater horizontally than in the vertical dimension, leading to the classic hydrostatic approximation of the Navier–Stokes equations. In the past there has been proved a convergence theorem for this model with respect to the ocean, without considering pollution effects. The novelty of this present work is to provide a generalization of their result translated to the atmosphere, extending the fluid velocity equations with an additional convection–diffusion equation representing pollutants in the atmosphere.
A note on the finite fractal dimension of the global attractors for dissipative nonlinear Schrödinger‐type equations
Authors: Alouini Brahim
Published: July 2020

In this article, we present, throughout two basic models of damped nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS)–type equations, a new idea to bound from above the fractal dimension of the global attractors for NLS‐type equations. This could answer the following open issue: consider, for instance, the classical one‐dimensional cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation

“How can we bound the fractal dimension of the associate global attractor without the need to assume that the external forcing term f has some decay at infinity (that is belonging to some weighted Lebesgue space)?”
Training a neural network for Gibbs and noise removal in diffusion MRI
Authors: Muckley Matthew J. , Ades‐Aron Benjamin , Papaioannou Antonios , Lemberskiy Gregory , Solomon Eddy , Lui Yvonne W. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Fieremans Els , Novikov Dmitry S. , Knoll Florian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a neural network–based method for Gibbs artifact and noise removal.

Methods

A convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed for artifact removal in diffusion‐weighted imaging data. Two implementations were considered: one for magnitude images and one for complex images. Both models were based on the same encoder‐decoder structure and were trained by simulating MRI acquisitions on synthetic non‐MRI images.

Results

Both machine learning methods were able to mitigate artifacts in diffusion‐weighted images and diffusion parameter maps. The CNN for complex images was also able to reduce artifacts in partial Fourier acquisitions.

Conclusions

The proposed CNNs extend the ability of artifact correction in diffusion MRI. The machine learning method described here can be applied on each imaging slice independently, allowing it to be used flexibly in clinical applications.
mNIS+7 and lower limb function in inotersen treatment of hereditary transthyretin‐mediated amyloidosis
Authors: Dyck P. James B. , Kincaid John C. , Wiesman Janice F. , Polydefkis Michael , Litchy William J. , Mauermann Michelle L. , Ackermann Elizabeth J. , Guthrie Spencer , Pollock Michael , Jung Shiangtung W. , Baker Brenda F. , Dyck Peter J.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Inotersen, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of transthyretin (TTR) protein production, demonstrated significant benefit versus placebo in the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS) +7 neurophysiologic tests (mNIS+7) in patients with hereditary TTR‐mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) with polyneuropathy. This analysis assessed the mNIS+7 components by anatomic location and the lower limb function (LLF) test.

Methods

Adults with hATTR in the NEURO‐TTR trial (NCT01737398) were randomly assigned to receive weekly doses of subcutaneous inotersen 300 mg or placebo for 65 weeks. The mNIS+7 and LLF were assessed at 35 and 66 weeks.

Results

All major mNIS+7 components (muscle weakness, muscle stretch reflexes, sensation) and the LLF showed significant efficacy in patients receiving inotersen versus placebo; however, NIS‐reflexes (upper limb), touch pressure (upper and lower limbs), and heart rate during deep breathing did not show significant effects.

Discussion

The results of this analysis reinforce the beneficial effect of inotersen on slowing neuropathy progression in patients with hATTR polyneuropathy.
Are there relevant animal models to set research priorities in LUTD? ICI‐RS 2019
Authors: Andersson Karl‐Erik , Birder Lori , Chermansky Christopher , Chess‐Williams Russell , Fry Christopher
Published: July 2020

Aim

To discuss animal models of lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) and their translational impact.

Methods

Report of discussions based on presented literature‐search based reviews relevant for the purpose.

Results

Animal models can be used to investigate fundamental biological mechanisms, but also as tools to elucidate aspects of the pathogenesis of disease and to provide early evidence of any safety risk. Several different models may be required to obtain information that can have a translational impact. The term “translational research” covers not only the process of directly transferring knowledge from basic sciences to human trials to produce new drugs, devices, and treatment options for patients (T1 type translation) but also the implementation of early clinical research findings (phases I‐III) into practice to improve care for patients (T2 type). Direct transfer of animal data to T2 is rarely possible, and the process often does not continue after the first trials in humans (phase I). It should be emphasized that many preclinical observations do not have (and do not need to have) immediate translational impact.

Conclusions

No single animal model can mimic the complexity of the human disease. Still, animal models can be useful for gaining information on LUT function in humans, for elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms, and for the definition of targets for future drugs to treat LUT disorders.
Should we be revisiting LUT basic science and clinical measurement of LUT sensation to improve patient care? ICI‐RS 2019
Authors: McCloskey Karen D. , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques , Speich John E. , Birder Lori , Nelson Pierre P.
Published: July 2020

Aims

This article reviews current knowledge of the underpinning mechanisms of how the bladder senses fullness locally and also revisits clinical measurements of lower urinary tract sensation. The former represents cellular sensing during bladder filling whereas the latter describes the sensations leading to conscious perception of bladder fullness.

Methods

The topic was discussed in a “think tank” session at the 2019 International Consultation on Incontinence—Research Symposium in Bristol, UK; summarized in the present review.

Results

Recent advances in the basic science of bladder sensing relating to (a) the bladder wall—urothelial cells, sensory nerves, interstitial cells, and smooth muscle cells and (b) putative chemo/mechanosensors in the urethra—paraneurons or “brush cells” are discussed. Validated clinical measurement of lower urinary tract sensation is reviewed in the context of how this could be better harnessed for patient benefit. We discuss the potential of app/tablet/mobile technology based on triggers and distractors to override aberrant local sensing/higher sensation and how these technologies could be utilized in treatment.

Conclusions

We conclude that a better understanding of bladder sensation is essential to inform clinical management of lower urinary tract symptoms.
Towards distributed emergency flow prioritization in software‐defined networks
Authors: Moeyersons Jerico , Farkiani Behrooz , Wauters Tim , Volckaert Bruno , De Turck Filip
Published: July 2020

Emergency services must be able to transfer data with high priority over different networks. With 5G, slicing concepts at mobile network connections are introduced, allowing operators to divide portions of their network for specific use cases. In addition, Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) principles allow to assign different Quality‐of‐Service (QoS) levels to different network slices.

This paper proposes a microservices‐based framework, able to run both centralized and distributed, that guarantees the required bandwidth for the emergency flows and maximizes the best‐effort flows over the remaining bandwidth based on their priority. The proposed framework consists of an offline linear model, allowing to optimize the problem for a batch of flow requests. For dynamic situations, an online approach is also required in the framework to handle new incoming flows by calculating the path with a shortest path algorithm and utilizing a greedy approach in assigning bandwidth to the intermediate flows.

In this article, the linear model is evaluated through simulation, the distributed architecture is evaluated through emulation while the online approach is validated through physical experiments with SDN switches. The results show that the linear model is able to guarantee the resource allocation for the emergency flows while optimizing the best‐effort flows with a sub‐second execution time. The distributed architecture is able to split up the managed network into different parts, allowing division of work between controllers. As a proof‐of‐concept, a prototype with Zodiac switches validates the feasibility of the centralized framework.
Reproducing kernel method to solve parabolic partial differential equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Allahviranloo Tofigh , Sahihi Hussein
Published: July 2020

In this study, the parabolic partial differential equations with nonlocal conditions are solved. To this end, we use the reproducing kernel method (RKM) that is obtained from the combining fundamental concepts of the Galerkin method, and the complete system of reproducing kernel Hilbert space that was first introduced by Wang et al. who implemented RKM without Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization process. In this method, first the reproducing kernel spaces and their kernels such that satisfy the nonlocal conditions are constructed, and then the RKM without Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization process on the considered problem is implemented. Moreover, convergence theorem, error analysis theorems, and stability theorem are provided in detail. To show the high accuracy of the present method several numerical examples are solved.
Functional initiators for the ring‐opening polymerization of polyesters and polycarbonates: An overview
Authors: Phan Hien , Kortsen Kristoffer , Englezou Georgia , Couturaud Benoit , Nedoma Alisyn J. , Pearce Amanda K. , Taresco Vincenzo
Published: July 2020

Functional ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) initiators can instill a wide array of chemical, physical, and biological effects into a polymeric chain. Highlighting the versatility of this “active” initiator approach, a broad range of characteristics can be achieved through the use of initiators with chemistries spanning from drugs and dyes (key in the case of drug delivery or nanoparticle applications) through to radically active monomers, polymerization transfer agents, and catalysts. The selection of a suitable “active” initiator (monomers for tandem reactions, dyes, drugs, stereo‐catalysts, etc.) can not only provide the final polymers with interesting application potential but also facilitate the implementation of ROP reactions in tandem with other polymerization techniques. Overall, this review will highlight that functionalities and properties can be effectively tuned by exploiting simple chemistry approaches, allowing readers to identify how these approaches could be of benefit to their own work in a range of applications including drug/gene delivery, amphiphilic bio/degradable carriers, drug/scent controlled release, and stereo‐controlled polymers.
Phenotypic features of ciliary dyskinesia among patients with congenital cardiovascular malformations
Authors: Sherman Forrest , Wodrich Mitchel , Zampi Jeffrey D. , Lee Julie , McCaffery Harlan , Saba Thomas G.
Published: July 2020

Background

Cilia are cell membrane‐bound organelles responsible for airway mucus clearance, establishment of left‐right organ asymmetry, cardiogenesis, and many other functions in utero. Phenotypic features suggestive of respiratory ciliary dyskinesia among patients with heterotaxy syndrome, defined as complex cardiovascular malformations (CVM) and situs ambiguus (SA), has not been adequately explored.

Objectives

We hypothesized that there is a greater incidence of phenotypic features consistent with ciliary dyskinesia among patients with heterotaxy syndrome compared to patients with other CVM and laterality defects without heterotaxy syndrome.

Methods

Thirty six subjects were identified by medical record search and divided into four groups based on situs status and type of CVM as follows: SA and complex CVM (group 1); SA and simple CVM (group 2); situs solitus and complex CVM (group 3); and situs solitus and simple CVM (group 4). Phenotype was assessed with a clinical questionnaire, nasal nitric oxide (NO) level, and pulmonary function testing. Those with complex CVM underwent additional testing for variants in genes involved in ciliary structure and function.

Results

The mean nasal NO level was significantly lower among all subjects with complex CVM regardless of situs anomalies (groups 1 and 3). There was no significant difference in respiratory symptoms or lung function among the four groups. No bi‐allelic genetic mutations were detected among patients with complex CVM.

Conclusions

This study identified a relatively lower mean nasal NO level, suggestive of relative ciliary dyskinesia, among subjects with complex CVM. Pulmonary function and clinical symptoms did not reflect significant pulmonary disease among those with complex CVM.
Influence of electrostatic forces on the association kinetics and conformational ensemble of an intrinsically disordered protein
Authors: Cook Erik C. , Creamer Trevor P.
Published: July 2020

Recent work has revealed that the association of a disordered region of a protein with a folded binding partner can occur as rapidly as association between two folded proteins. This is the case for the phosphatase calcineurin (CaN) and its association with its activator calmodulin. Calmodulin binds to the intrinsically disordered regulatory domain of CaN. Previous studies have shown that electrostatic steering can accelerate the binding of folded proteins with disordered ligands. Given that electrostatic forces are strong determinants of disordered protein ensembles, the relationship between electrostatics, conformational ensembles, and quaternary interactions is unclear. Here, we employ experimental approaches to explore the impact of electrostatic interactions on the association of calmodulin with the disordered regulatory region of CaN. We find that estimated association rate constants of calmodulin with our chosen calmodulin‐substrates are within the diffusion‐limited regime. The association rates are dependent on the ionic strength, indicating that favorable electrostatic forces increase the rate of association. Further, we show that charged amino acids outside the calmodulin‐binding site modulate the binding rate. Conformational ensembles obtained from computer simulations suggest that electrostatic interactions within the regulatory domain might bias the conformational ensemble such that the calmodulin binding region is readily accessible. Given the prevalence of charged residues in disordered protein chains, our findings are likely relevant to many protein‐protein interactions.
Poor health, low mortality? Paradox found among immigrants in England and Wales
Authors: Wallace Matthew , Darlington‐Pollock Fran
Published: July 2020

The 'healthy immigrant effect' and 'migrant mortality advantage' describe the better health and lower mortality of international immigrants as compared with the native‐born populations of high‐income countries. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that it is much more common to observe low mortality among immigrants than it is good health, pointing to the existence of a potential paradox that mirrors the well‐known gender paradox in health and mortality. To investigate this, we used the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study, a large‐scale representative 1% sample of the England and Wales resident population comprising linked individual‐level health, mortality, and socio‐demographic data. We compared health and mortality within and across major immigrant groups over 20 years using logistic regression for health and discrete‐time survival analysis for mortality, both before and after adjusting for socio‐demographic factors. Of the eight origin subgroups studied, we found persistent evidence of a health‐mortality paradox within three: men and women from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and the Caribbean. We discuss potential explanations and implications of this paradox and suggest that decision makers need to react to help these subgroups preserve their health in order to delay the onset of limiting illnesses and emergence of this paradox.
Theory for High‐Angular‐Resolution Photoelectron Holograms Considering the Inelastic Mean Free Path and the Formation Mechanism of Quasi‐Kikuchi Band
Authors: Matsushita Tomohiro , Muro Takayuki , Yokoya Takayoshi , Terashima Kensei , Kato Yukako , Matsui Hirosuke , Maejima Naoyuki , Hashimoto Yusuke , Matsui Fumihiko
Published: July 2020

In recent years, highly accurate measurements of photoelectron holograms have become possible through the development of electron energy analyzers with an energy range of 300–1000 eV. Effects of the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) and thermal vibration became apparent in the hologram pattern. For example, the quasi‐Kikuchi band is clearly observed, which cannot be explained by conventional multiple scattering theories. Herein, the theory of photoelectron holograms is summarized, considering the inelastic scattering (IES) and thermal vibration effects. Furthermore, the simulated hologram is compared with a diamond hologram measured at a kinetic energy of 563.4 eV. It is also shown that the formation mechanism of the quasi‐Kikuchi band differs from that of the normal Kikuchi band.
Landscape of Charge Puddles in Graphene Nanoribbons on Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Mayamei Yashar , Shin Jae Cheol , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Bae Myung-Ho
Published: July 2020

Recently, graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) on hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) substrates have been studied to develop high‐mobility devices or devices based on a 1D Moiré superlattice. For this purpose, a device‐level understanding of the charge‐puddle landscape of a GNR/h‐BN structure is needed when the charge puddles function as scattering sources for mobile charge carriers. Here, a puddle landscape is constructed on the basis of an analysis of the temperature dependencies of the conductance of GNR/h‐BN devices at various gate‐voltage values. For low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐temperature regions near the charge‐neutral point (CNP), the puddle size (50–200 nm), distance between neighboring puddles (40–170 nm), and potential depth of the puddles (in a range of 10 meV) in ∼100 nm wide GNR/h‐BN devices are obtained on the basis of Coulomb blockade, 1D variable‐range hopping, and thermally activated hopping, respectively. Based on the constructed puddle landscape, it is also concluded that the confinement‐gap energy for an ∼100 nm wide GNR is similar to that of the thermal activation energy near the CNP in the GNRs. The constructed puddle landscape for GNR/h‐BN devices is consistent with that obtained from scanning tunneling microscopy observations of graphene on an h‐BN structure.
Systematic packaging design tools integrating functional and environmental consequences on product life cycle: Case studies on laundry detergent and milk
Authors: Yokokawa Naoki , Masuda Yutaro , Amasawa Eri , Sugiyama Hirokazu , Hirao Masahiko
Published: July 2020

This study presents systematic packaging design tools integrating functional and environmental consequences on product life cycle. To design packaging for sustainability, the trade‐offs between functional and environmental aspects of packaging throughout the product life cycle should be considered. However, it is difficult for packaging designers to understand the overall trade‐offs because the extent of the design consequences on the entire life cycle of packaging and its contents is unclear. We developed two tools for packaging design: the Life Cycle Association Matrix (LCAM) and the Function Network Diagram (FND). The following three steps, based on literature reviews and interviews with industrial experts, were applied. Firstly, we listed the product functions and design variables related to the functions as the attributes allocated to the product life cycle. Secondly, the attributes were connected appropriately based on causal relationships. Lastly, we identified the factors to support decision making in the packaging design procedure. As a result, the LCAM depicts the design consequences on the life cycle, and the FND determines the stakeholders affected by the design consequences. Two case studies were demonstrated to analyze the trade‐offs by using our tools. In the case studies, a liquid laundry detergent bottle and a milk carton were redesigned. The tools identified the design consequences and stakeholders affected by the redesign of the usability and protective function for the detergent and milk cases, respectively. The results showed the significance of understanding the design consequences on the product life cycle by integrating the functional and environmental aspects.
Coloring triangle‐free graphs with local list sizes
Authors: Davies Ewan , de Joannis de Verclos Rémi , Kang Ross J. , Pirot François
Published: July 2020

We prove two distinct and natural refinements of a recent breakthrough result of Molloy (and a follow‐up work of Bernshteyn) on the (list) chromatic number of triangle‐free graphs. In both our results, we permit the amount of color made available to vertices of lower degree to be accordingly lower. One result concerns list coloring and correspondence coloring, while the other concerns fractional coloring. Our proof of the second illustrates the use of the hard‐core model to prove a Johansson‐type result, which may be of independent interest.
Should competencies be broadly shared in new ventures' founding teams?
Authors: Reese Daniel , Rieger Verena , Engelen Andreas
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

Building on human capital theory, this study establishes the concept of the “sharedness” of competencies in founding teams. Based on prominent entrepreneurship research, we differentiate among entrepreneurial, managerial, and technical competencies. We test our model with 1,863 founding teams of US‐based new ventures by means of a multisource dataset that uses the LinkedIn skills and endorsements sections to measure competencies in a novel way. The results suggest that strong sharedness of entrepreneurial competencies is positively related to new ventures' performance, while sharedness of managerial skills is negatively related to performance. These results have theoretical implications for human capital and entrepreneurship research and practical implications for investors and founders.

Managerial Summary

It is common wisdom in entrepreneurial practice that different types of competencies are required in founding teams. Our research adds to this notion that it does not only matter that different competencies are represented, but also how these competencies are represented. First, all members should have some entrepreneurial competencies, as mastering the challenges related to opportunity recognition is the major task a new venture has to address, and synergies are central to success in this regard. Second, deep expertise in managerial competencies in one or a few individuals with specialized knowledge, such as project management and managing customer relationships, is beneficial to new ventures' funding success. These findings provide important implications for founding team composition.
Study of secondary porosity by SAXS and N2 adsorption in composite materials obtained from a Cuban natural clinoptilolite
Authors: Andrade‐Ferreira André , Costa‐Marrero Yailen , Autié‐Castro Giselle , Farías Tania , Duque‐Rodríguez Julio , Fonseca‐Costa Maria José , Ellena Javier , Primerano‐Mascarenhas Yvonne
Published: July 2020

In this work, a study of the secondary porosity of two zeolite‐based composites is carried out by small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and N2 adsorption at 77 K. The composites were obtained by the inclusion of ZnO nanoparticles in a Cuban natural clinoptilolite by mechanosynthesis and ‘in situ’ methods. It was observed a decrease in the specific surface area as a result of ZnO nanoparticles inclusion from 149 m2 g−1 in the started material to 60 m2 g−1 in the composite prepared by in situ method, whereas the mesopore diameter remained almost constant. The results confirmed the presence of mesopores with diameter between 3 and 36 nm, with good match by both methodologies. These materials were developed in view of their future application as catalysts and adsorbents, where the presence of secondary porosity is key to favor the diffusion processes.
First-order electroweak phase transition in a complex singlet model with ℤ3 symmetry
Authors: Chiang Cheng-Wei , Lu Bo-Qiang
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We consider an extension of the Standard Model with a complex singlet scalar, where a global U(1) symmetry is explicitly broken to ℤ3 symmetry. We study the two-step electroweak phase transition in the model and find that it can be of first-order if the heavy scalar mass falls in the range of 1–2 TeV and the mixing angle |θ| ≳ 0.2 (11.5°). The Higgs signal strength measurements at the LHC, on the other hand, restrict the mixing angle |θ| ≲ 0.4 (23°). Future colliders including high-luminosity LHC can probe the remaining parameter space of first-order phase transition in this scenario. After the U(1) symmetry breaking, the pseudo-Goldstone boson becomes a dark matter candidate due to a hidden ℤ2 symmetry of the model. We find that the pseudo-Goldstone boson can make up a small fraction of the observed dark matter and escape from the constraints of current direct detection. We also show that the stochastic gravitational wave signals from the phase transition are potentially discoverable with future space-based interferometers.
A high-precision laser method for directly and quickly measuring 21 geometric motion errors of three linear axes of computer numerical control machine tools
Authors: Zheng Fajia , Feng Qibo , Zhang Bin , Li Jiakun , Zhao Yuqiong
Published: July 2020

Error compensation has become an important means of improving the manufacturing and processing accuracy of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. Quick and precise measurement of the various geometric motion errors (GMEs) of CNC machine tools is crucial. We propose a novel laser method for the efficient and direct high-precision measurement of the 21 GMEs of a three-axis CNC machine tool, or three linear axes of a five-axis tool. A corresponding system was developed, comprising a fiber-coupled laser unit, sensor head, target unit, and beam-steering unit. The beam-steering unit was designed to perform high-accuracy 90° rotation of the measuring beam, and the target unit was designed to be sensitive to 18 GMEs of the three linear axes. Stability, repeatability, and comparison experiments were conducted to verify the performance of the proposed system. The results showed that the stability of the position error measurement is ± 6.3 nm. For straightness error measurement, the stability, repeatability error, and residual are within ± 60.3 nm, ± 0.5 μm, and ± 0.7 μm, respectively. These are within ± 0.12 arcsec, ± 0.5 arcsec, and ± 0.5 arcsec for the pitch and yaw measurements, and within ± 0.37 arcsec, ± 1.5 arcsec, and ± 1.0 arcsec for the roll measurements, respectively. For squareness error measurement, the repeatability error and residual are within ± 0.6 arcsec and ± 1.6 arcsec, respectively. Compared with a laser interferometer, the proposed system can measure the 21 GMEs of a three-axis machine tool with one-step installation. Without accuracy loss, the measurement efficiency is approximately 45 times higher than that of a laser interferometer, thus providing a new quick and accurate measurement method of GMEs and error compensation of CNC machine tools.
Mechanism of action of a T cell-dependent bispecific antibody as a breakthrough immunotherapy against refractory colorectal cancer with an oncogenic mutation
Authors: Kamakura Daisuke , Asano Ryutaro , Kawai Hiroki , Yasunaga Masahiro
Published: July 2020

T cell-dependent bispecific antibody (TDB)-induced T cell activation, which can eliminate tumor cells independent of MHC engagement, is expected to be a novel breakthrough immunotherapy against refractory cancer. However, the mechanism of action of TDBs has not been fully elucidated thus far. We focused on TDB-induced T cell–tumor cell contact as an important initial step in direct T cell-mediated tumor cell killing via transport of cytotoxic cell proteases (e.g., granzymes) with or without immunological synapse formation. Using an anti-EGFR/CD3 TDB, hEx3, we visualized and quantified T cell–tumor cell contact and demonstrated a correlation between the degree of cell contact and TDB efficacy. We also found that cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) secreted by activated T cells, damaged tumor cells in a cell contact-independent manner. Moreover, therapeutic experiences clearly indicated that hEx3, unlike conventional anti-EGFR antibodies, was effective against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells with mutant KRAS, BRAF, or PIK3CA. In a pharmacokinetic analysis, T cells spread gradually in accordance with the hEx3 distribution within tumor tissue. Accordingly, we propose that TDBs should have four action steps: 1st, passive targeting via size-dependent tumor accumulation; 2nd, active targeting via specific binding to tumor cells; 3rd, T cell redirection toward tumor cells; and 4th, TDB-induced cell contact-dependent (direct) or -independent (indirect) tumor cell killing. Finally, our TDB hEx3 may be a promising reagent against refractory CRC with an oncogenic mutation associated with a poor prognosis.
Bestimmung einer Beckenasymmetrie – Sinn oder Unsinn
Authors: Reichert Bernhard
Published: July 2020

Pathologien des tiefen Rückens, der Becken- sowie Knie- und Hüftgelenke werden immer wieder mit einer Messung der Beinlänge und Feststellung einer Beckenasymmetrie in Verbindung gebracht. Aufgrund dieser Messungen werden therapeutische Wege eingeschlagen. Zu diesem Thema wurden auf der Basis einer systematischen Literatursuche in zwei maßgeblichen Datenbanken 28 Artikel ermittelt. Die inhaltliche Analyse beschäftigt sich v. a. mit der Variationsanatomie des Beckens sowie der Reliabilität palpatorischer und apparativer Bestimmungen von knöchernen Referenzpunkten am Becken. Hieraus ergeben sich maßgebliche Erkenntnisse: Eine Variationsanatomie des Beckens ist häufig und kommt auch bei nichtsymptomatischen Personen vor. Die palpatorische und apparative Bestimmungen der knöchernen Referenzpunkte sind gering bis moderat reliabel. Der Rückschluss von einer festgestellten Beckenasymmetrie auf den Einfluss bestehender oder noch zu erwartender Rücken‑, Hüft- oder Beckengelenkbeschwerden ist nach derzeitiger Studienlage zumindest umstritten und daher nicht empfehlenswert.
VOLT: a novel open-source pipeline for automatic segmentation of endolymphatic space in inner ear MRI
Authors: Gerb J. , Ahmadi S. A. , Kierig E. , Ertl-Wagner B. , Dieterich M. , Kirsch V.
Published: July 2020

Background

Objective and volumetric quantification is a necessary step in the assessment and comparison of endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) results. Here, we introduce a novel tool for automatic volumetric segmentation of the endolymphatic space (ELS) for ELH detection in delayed intravenous gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of inner ear (iMRI) data.

Methods

The core component is a novel algorithm based on Volumetric Local Thresholding (VOLT). The study included three different data sets: a real-world data set (D1) to develop the novel ELH detection algorithm and two validating data sets, one artificial (D2) and one entirely unseen prospective real-world data set (D3). D1 included 210 inner ears of 105 patients (50 male; mean age 50.4 ± 17.1 years), and D3 included 20 inner ears of 10 patients (5 male; mean age 46.8 ± 14.4 years) with episodic vertigo attacks of different etiology. D1 and D3 did not differ significantly concerning age, gender, the grade of ELH, or data quality. As an artificial data set, D2 provided a known ground truth and consisted of an 8-bit cuboid volume using the same voxel-size and grid as real-world data with different sized cylindrical and cuboid-shaped cutouts (signal) whose grayscale values matched the real-world data set D1 (mean 68.7 ± 7.8; range 48.9–92.8). The evaluation included segmentation accuracy using the Sørensen-Dice overlap coefficient and segmentation precision by comparing the volume of the ELS.

Results

VOLT resulted in a high level of performance and accuracy in comparison with the respective gold standard. In the case of the artificial data set, VOLT outperformed the gold standard in higher noise levels. Data processing steps are fully automated and run without further user input in less than 60 s. ELS volume measured by automatic segmentation correlated significantly with the clinical grading of the ELS (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

VOLT enables an open-source reproducible, reliable, and automatic volumetric quantification of the inner ears’ fluid space using MR volumetric assessment of endolymphatic hydrops. This tool constitutes an important step towards comparable and systematic big data analyses of the ELS in patients with the frequent syndrome of episodic vertigo attacks. A generic version of our three-dimensional thresholding algorithm has been made available to the scientific community via GitHub as an ImageJ-plugin.