bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Upper Limb Motor Recovery on Submovement Characteristics among the Patients with Stroke: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Naghibi Seyedeh Somayeh , Ghassemi Farnaz , Maleki Ali , Fallah Ali
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate the evidence related to the effect of upper limb motor recovery on submovement characteristics, including duration, amplitude, overlap, interpeak distance, and the number of submovements in stroke patients using a meta‐analysis.

Type of Study

Meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

The literature search was restricted to articles written in English published from inception to October 2018 in Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, IEEE Explore, MEDLINE, CDSR, Scopus, Compendex, Wiley Online Library, Springer Link, and REHABDATA.

Methodology

Studies were included if they encompassed adult participants with a clinical diagnosis of stroke who underwent upper limb rehabilitation and if they assessed and reported submovement characteristics as the outcome measures in pre‐ and posttreatment stages. Changes in submovement characteristics between pre‐ and postinterventions were compared using the standardized mean difference (SMD). Finally, a test for heterogeneity and publication bias was implemented for all meta‐analyses.

Synthesis

Among the 188 retrieved articles, seven of them (one randomized controlled trial, six pre‐post) involving 259 patients were selected for meta‐analysis. Based on the results, the overall observed changes in all meta‐analyses were statistically significant. In total, submovement amplitude (SMD 0.624, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.356, 0.893]), duration (SMD 0.61, 95% CI [0.332, 0.888]), and overlap (SMD 0.928, 95% CI [0.768, 1.088]) increased whereas interpeak distance (SMD −0.278, 95% CI [−0.42, −0.137]), and the total number of submovements (SMD −0.804, 95% CI [−1.069, −0.538]) decreased.

Conclusions

The submovements appeared to become longer, fewer, and more overlapped with motor recovery. Based on the results, the ability of the neural system to blend submovements increased in both acute/subacute and chronic patients during recovery. Therefore, assessing the submovements during recovery can be a new quantitative measure of motor improvement, providing another means of comparing rehabilitation interventions and individualizing therapy for stroke patients.
Conformational transition of polyelectrolytes in mixed solvent by dielectric spectroscopy: Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions
Authors: Zhou Xinlu , Zhao Kongshuang
Published: November 2019

We studied conformational transition of poly(acrylic acid)‐graft‐dodecyl (PAA‐g‐dodecyl), and PAA‐graft‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐graft‐dodecyl (PAA‐g‐PEO‐g‐dodecyl) molecules in DMF/H2O solvent by dielectric analysis method utilizing a double‐layer polarization theory. In addition to the hydrophobic interaction which has been demonstrated to be vital for their conformational transition with water content, it is confirmed that the electrostatic interaction is crucial. For PAA‐g‐dodecyl molecules, at a critical value of water content, a peak value of correlation length is reached originating from the delicate balance between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. For PAA‐g‐PEO‐g‐dodecyl molecules, chains conformation is mainly determined by electrostatic interaction over the entire range of water content due to the low content of dodecyl groups. Meanwhile, H‐bond associative interaction prevents the dissociation of free carboxyl groups over the range of lower water content, thus their stretched transition moves to higher water content. Our results provide the underlying insights needed to understand solvent effect on the conformational transition for polyelectrolytes with hydrophobic groups. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1716–1724
Pulmonary manifestations in young Gaucher disease patients: Phenotype‐genotype correlation and radiological findings
Authors: Gawad Tantawy Azza Abdel , Moneam Adly Amira Abdel , Madkour Sherihane S. , Salah El‐Din Nouran Yousef
Published: November 2019

Background

Although pulmonary involvement is important orbidity in Gaucher disease (GD), it is previously reported to be rare. Moreover, no epidemiological studies described its prevalence specifically in children. The clinical spectrum and risk determinants for this complication and its long‐term response to therapy are unknown.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of clinical and radiological pulmonary involvement in pediatric GD patients and its relation to Gaucher severity and genotype.

Methods

Forty‐eight GD patients were studied focusing on pulmonary and neurological manifestations with assessment of severity scoring index (SSI; a Gaucher specific scale). Detailed enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) history was taken regarding dose, duration, and effect on pulmonary manifestations. Genotype was performed to 30 patients. Radiological investigations included plain chest‐radiography (CXR), high‐resolution CT (HRCT), and hepatic and splenic volumes.

Results

Fifteen patients had type 1 (31.2%) and 33 patients had type 3 GD (68.8%). The most common mutation was L483P detected in 25 patients (83.3%). Sixteen patients had recurrent chest wheeze (33%). CXR showed pulmonary findings in 17 patients (35.4%) while HRCT‐chest showed affection in 31 patients (64.6%). The ground‐glass pattern was present in 14 patients (29.1%), reticulonodular infiltration in 9 patients (18.8%), air trapping in 6 patients (12.5%), and bronchiectatic changes in two patients (4.2%). Univariate logistic regression analysis for predictors of abnormal HRCT‐chest was negatively correlated with platelets (P = .01) and hemoglobin (P = .018) and positively correlated with recurrent chest wheezing (P = .019), abnormal CXR (P = .007), and SSI (P = .009).

Conclusion

Pulmonary involvement is a prevalent morbidity of GD with variable presentations. CXR for early detection of pulmonary involvement in GD is safe and highly predictive.
Distributed entropy filtering subject to DoS attacks in non‐Gauss environments
Authors: Song Haifang , Ding Derui , Dong Hongli , Wei Guoliang , Han Qing‐Long
Published: November 2019

This paper is concerned with distributed entropy filtering for a class of time‐varying systems subject to non‐Gaussian noises and denial‐of‐service attacks. A distributed Kalman‐type filter is constructed by fusing the information from neighboring sensors in the one‐step prediction estimation. The maximum correlation entropy criterion with weighted Gaussian kernels instead of the traditional least squares and minimum variance indices is then employed to evaluate the filtering performance under the more general case of non‐Gaussian noises. For the considered scenario, a new algorithm of distributed maximum correntropy criterion Kalman filters is developed by utilizing traditional fixed‐point iterative rules, and the desired filter gains are dependent on both the one‐step prediction cross‐variance and the weighted Gaussian kernel function. In light of a similar analysis process and an introduced auxiliary cost, its suboptimal version is proposed to avoid the calculation of cross‐variance and thereby satisfying the requirement of real time. Furthermore, a degenerated result is also derived under the traditional correntropy criterion (ie, with unit weighted matrices). Finally, the simulation results show the merit of proposed distributed maximum correntropy criterion Kalman filters in the presence of denial‐of‐service attacks and non‐Gaussian noises.
Adaptive trial designs in diagnostic accuracy research
Authors: Zapf Antonia , Stark Maria , Gerke Oke , Ehret Christoph , Benda Norbert , Bossuyt Patrick , Deeks Jon , Reitsma Johannes , Alonzo Todd , Friede Tim
Published: November 2019

The aim of diagnostic accuracy studies is to evaluate how accurately a diagnostic test can distinguish diseased from nondiseased individuals. Depending on the research question, different study designs and accuracy measures are appropriate. As the prior knowledge in the planning phase is often very limited, modifications of design aspects such as the sample size during the ongoing trial could increase the efficiency of diagnostic trials. In intervention studies, group sequential and adaptive designs are well established. Such designs are characterized by preplanned interim analyses, giving the opportunity to stop early for efficacy or futility or to modify elements of the study design. In contrast, in diagnostic accuracy studies, such flexible designs are less common, even if they are as important as for intervention studies. However, diagnostic accuracy studies have specific features, which may require adaptations of the statistical methods or may lead to specific advantages or limitations of sequential and adaptive designs. In this article, we summarize the current status of methodological research and applications of flexible designs in diagnostic accuracy research. Furthermore, we indicate and advocate future development of adaptive design methodology and their use in diagnostic accuracy trials from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. The term “interdisciplinary viewpoint” describes the collaboration of experts of the academic and nonacademic research.
Pyridine‐Based Macrocyclic and Open Receptors for Urea
Authors: Adhikari Suman , Kar Debasis , Fröhlich Roland , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: November 2019

Pyridine‐based macrocyclic and open receptors 1–4 have been designed, synthesized and characterized. The macrocycle 1 was characterized by single crystal X‐ray spectroscopy. Compound 2 selectively binds and recognizes urea in CHCl3. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows that compound 2 selectively displays quenching of monomer emission followed by formation of an intramolecular excimer upon hydrogen bond mediated complexation of urea. This distinguishes urea from thiourea. The fluorometric detection of urea has also been performed with the open receptors 3 and 4 in CHCl3. The detailed study reveals the effectivity of 2 in fluorescence sensing of urea over the structures 3 and 4. The urea recognition properties of receptors were evaluated by 1H NMR, fluorescence and UV‐vis studies.
Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Radioligand, 99mTc‐DO3A‐Et‐RPAR for Imaging NRP‐1 Specific Tumor
Authors: Adhikari Anupriya , Tiwari Anjani K. , Shukla Abha , Mishra Anil K. , Datta Anupama
Published: November 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factor co‐receptor neuropilin‐1, NRP‐1, is one of the prime tumor targets owing to its overexpression in numerous carcinomas. A peptidic conjugate, DO3A−Et‐RPAR was synthesized in 97% purity. It was labeled with 99mTc in 98% efficiency and specific activity of 3.62 MBq/nmol. The agent displayed minimal toxicity of 15% in healthy HEK293 cells at 0.5 mM concentration post 72 h incubation. 99mTc‐DO3A−Et‐RPAR was 98.6% stable in human serum up to 24 h post labeling. Cellular uptake assays exhibited maximum NRP‐1‐specific uptake (20±0.26% activity at 2 h) with low nanomolar affinity (KD = 9.21±0.36 nM) in U‐87 MG cells. In vivo blood kinetics study of radioconjugate establishes stability and rapid clearance from the bloodstream with biological half‐life of t1/2 (fast), 52±0.2 min; and t1/2 (slow), 13 h 10±0.4 min. Biodistribution studies carried out in U‐87 MG xenograft mice showed tumor to muscle ratio of 8.3 at 2 h p.i.
Ni‐Pd Nanoparticles Embedded in N‐Doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon Derived from Luffa Sponge: Preparation, Characterization and Its Catalytic Activity
Authors: Beigbaghlou Somayyeh Sarvi , Javad Kalbasi Roozbeh , Habibi Azizollah
Published: November 2019

This work reports an efficient approach for the fabrication of novel nitrogen‐doped hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) and its application as support for Ni−Pd NPs immobilization and then its catalytic performance toward Heck reaction and sequential one‐pot cross coupling‐nitro reduction. Herein, NHPC has been synthesized via the in situ polymerization of pyrrole onto the Luffa sponge surface as a cost‐effective, green and biological template and a carbonization process. The high nitrogen content (7.24 wt%) and hierarchical porous structure of NHPC resulted in well dispersion of Ni−Pd NPs onto the surface and remarkable stability of them during the reactions. Also, the combination of Ni and Pd NPs with the Ni: Pd ratio of 70:30 exhibited high catalytic activity in the Heck coupling and one‐pot sequential coupling‐nitro reduction. Furthermore, the prepared support and catalyst were studied by FT‐IR, composition and elemental analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Field emission scanning electron microscopy and elemental (FESEM), mapping, High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), ICP‐AES, N2 adsorption‐desorption, Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS/UV), zeta potential and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques.
Two Different Selective Ways in the Deprotonation of β‐Bromopropionanilides: β‐Lactams or Acrylanilides Formation.
Authors: Pandolfi Fabiana , Chiarotto Isabella , Mattiello Leonardo , Petrucci Rita , Feroci Marta
Published: November 2019

The reactivity of 3‐bromo‐N‐(p‐bromophenyl)propanamide with different bases in an ionic liquid (BMImBF4) and in acetonitrile (ACN) was studied. Two possible deprotonation sites are present in this molecule, leading to different products. When the NH group is deprotonated, a β‐lactam is obtained after internal halide displacement; when the CH2 in alpha to the carbonyl is deprotonated, the corresponding acrylanilide is formed. This study allowed determining the experimental conditions to obtain selectively and in high yields both products starting from the same molecule. In particular, to obtain the acrylanilide Et3N in ACN is to be used, while to obtain selectively the β‐lactam ring the base must be generated by cathodic reduction of a DMF or ACN‐Et4NBF4 solution. These reactions were extended to other β‐bromopropionanilides, allowing to easily synthesize both β‐lactams and acrylanilides, molecules having noteworthy biological activities.
Synthesis of Aldose 11‐Mercaptoundecanoyl Hydrazones as Promising Glycoligands of Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Ershov Andrei Y. , Martynenkov Alexander A. , Lagoda Igor V. , Kopanitsa Maria A. , Yakimansky Alexander V.
Published: November 2019

Thesynthetic method for previously unknown 11‐mercaptoundecanoyl hydrazones of the aldose series (L‐arabinose, D‐ribose, D‐xylose, L‐rhamnose, L‐fucose, D‐mannose, D‐galactose, D‐glucose, N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine, N‐acetyl‐D‐mannosamine, D‐lactose, D‐maltose) was developed, and structures of the productes were determined. These compounds are perspective glycoligands for noble metal nanoparticles. The 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy data show that most of these aldose 11‐mercaptoundecanoyl hydrazones in DMSO‐d6 solution exist as a tautomeric mixture of open hydrazone and cyclic pyranose forms. The linear hydrazone form is represented by a set of Z′,E′‐conformational isomers, differing in the arrangement of substituents relative to the amide bond C–N, in comparable amounts. In the case of 11‐mercaptoundecanoyl hydrazones derived from D‐glucose, D‐lactoseand D‐maltose, the cyclic pyranose structure represented by α,β‐configurational isomers is retained.
Fifth Generation Polyurethane Dendrimers Decorated with Protected Amine, Free Amine and Blocked Isocyanate End Groups: Synthesis and Electrolytic Performance to Increase the Efficiency of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Ali Badusha Mohamad , Kumar Kaliamurthy Ashok , Sultan Nasar AbdulSalam
Published: November 2019

Fifth generation polyurethane dendrimers decorated with trifluoroacetamide, free amine and blocked isocyanate end‐groups were prepared and their structures were confirmed using FT‐IR, 1H and 19F‐NMR, MALDI‐TOF MS and size exclusion chromatography (SEC‐MALS) techniques. The hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of dendrimers were measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique; the later parameter indicated that the dendrimer containing trifluoroacetamide end‐group (1) stabilized more in the medium. The effect of different end‐groups on photophysical, electrochemical and thermal properties of dendrimers were also evaluated; dendrimer with blocked isocyanate end‐groups (3) absorbed low light, showed two redox potential and exhibited glass transition temperature (Tg). All the dendrimers were used as electrolytes in combination with LiI for N719 dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and found that the DSSC fabricated with blocked isocyanate‐terminated dendrimer (3) yielded nearly 2.5 times high power conversion efficiency (ɳ=8.04% upon illumination with 0.5 sun intensity) compared to the cell fabricated with only LiI electrolyte.
Novel Platinum(II) Complexes Selectively Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Marković Nenad , Zarić Milan , Živković Marija D. , Rajković Snežana , Jovanović Ivan , Arsenijević Nebojša , Čanović Petar , Ninković Srđan
Published: November 2019

Two new dinuclear Pt(II) complexes with different aromatic nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds as the bridging ligands, [{Pt(en)Cl}2(μ‐1,7‐phen)](ClO4)2⋅H2O (C1) and [{Pt(en)Cl}2(μ‐4,7‐phen)](ClO4)2⋅H2O (C2), (1,7‐phen and 4,7‐phen are 1,7‐phenanthroline and 4,7‐phenanthroline while en is a bidentate coordinated ethylenediamine), were synthesized and structurally characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), IR and UV‐vis spectroscopy. In vitro cytotoxic activity of these complexes was evaluated against two tumor cell lines, human breast carcinoma (MDA‐MB‐231) and mouse breast carcinoma cells (4T1), and against one type of healthy human fibroblasts cells (MRC‐5). Platinum complex C1 showed stronger selectivity toward MDA‐MB‐231 and 4T1 breast carcinoma cells in comparison to cisplatin and oxaliplatin. Complex C2 displayed lower cytotoxicity than cisplatin and oxaliplatin in case of all stated cell lines, showing selectivity comparable to oxaliplatin.
Pd Nanoparticles Decorated on Jute Sticks: Dip‐Catalyst of Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck C–C Bond Formation Reactions in Water
Authors: Kalanthoden Abdul Nasar , Shaikh M. Nasiruzzaman , Aziz Md. Abdul , Rani S. Kutti
Published: November 2019

Achieving C−C bond formation using Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling reactions with reusable, cost‐efficient, highly regioselective, and naturally available supported catalysts is rare and challenging. In the current study, naturally available jute plant sticks (green support ‐ GS) decorated with Pd nanoparticles, denoted as Pd@GS, were prepared by reducing K2PdCl4 using NaBH4 in water. This ‘dip‐catalyst’ construct was used to catalyze the Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck cross coupling‐reactions in water. SEM, TEM, and elemental mapping images reveal the homogeneous distribution of Pd nanoparticles with average dimensions within a narrow range of 7–10 nm on solid support. For the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction, the highest conversion achieved is 97% with a TOF of 4692 h−1 for the reaction of 4‐acylphenylboronic acid and iodobenzene in the presence of KOH in an aqueous medium. For the Mizoroki‐Heck reaction, a 98% yield (TOF=237 h−1) of the coupling product was obtained with an exclusive selectivity towards the targeted olefinic product using 4‐methylstyrene and iodobenzene as the reactants in water‐DMF as a mixed solvent at 90 °C. The same catalyst sample can be used for 7 consecutive cycles, i. e., without addition of any fresh catalyst, while retaining its original crystallinity without any leaching of Pd.
Efficient and Chemoselective Amidation of β‐Carboline Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Lin Miaoman , Liang Weida , Ma Jiale , Wu Ye , Xiao Xiao , Ying Jianxi , Yan Yinghua , Zhao Lingling , Jin Haixiao , Liang Hongze , Cui Wei , Yan Xiaojun
Published: November 2019

A series of β‐carboline amides has been synthesized in one‐pot reaction via coupling between an acid and an amine in the presence of HBTU/Et3N. This mild amidation reaction undergoes efficiently and chemoselectively. Bioactivity studies indicate that the β‐carboline amide derivatives exhibit neuroprotective activity and might be developed to be lead compounds for anti‐stroke agents.
One‐Pot Synthesis of N‐Substituted Enaminones from Ketones, Aromatic Nitriles and Halides
Authors: Duan Xiyan , Yang Shijie , Yao Changyang , Jia Fenglin , Wang Lin , Li Weinan , Meng Zhen , Zhou Yingying , Li Xiaoqing
Published: November 2019

A simple and convenient one‐pot copper‐catalyzed synthesis of N‐substituted enaminones has been demonstrated from ketones, aromatic nitriles and halides. This transformation involves the aldol‐type reaction and Ullmann‐type cross coupling, which features high efficient and inexpensive Cu‐catalyst with broader diversification scope.
Synthesis of (±)‐cis‐1‐Aryl‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[f]chromene‐2‐carbonitriles and (±)‐trans‐4‐Aryl‐2‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[h]chromene‐3‐carbonitriles
Authors: Mkaouar Kamar , Iriepa Isabel , Diez‐Iriepa Daniel , Marco‐Contelles José , Ismaili Lhassane , Chabchoub Fakher
Published: November 2019

The unexpected stereospecific synthesis of (±)‐cis‐1‐aryl‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[f]chromene‐2‐carbonitriles (2) and (±)‐trans‐4‐aryl‐2‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[h]chromene‐3‐carbonitriles (4) from (±)‐3‐amino‐1‐aryl‐1H‐benzo[f]chromene‐2‐carbonitriles (1) and (±)‐2‐amino‐4‐aryl‐4H‐benzo[h]chromene‐3‐carbonitriles (3), respectively, by reacting them in formic acid (88%), at reflux, is reported. A DFT analysis has been applied with success to justify these highly stereospecific reactions.
SPION‐Decorated Exosome Delivered BAY55‐9837 Targeting the Pancreas through Magnetism to Improve the Blood GLC Response
Authors: Zhuang Manjiao , Du Dan , Pu Lingling , Song Haixing , Deng Mian , Long Qian , Yin Xiaofei , Wang Yayu , Rao Lei
Published: November 2019

BAY55‐9837, a potential therapeutic peptide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is capable of inducing glucose (GLC)‐dependent insulin secretion. However, the therapeutic benefit of BAY55‐9837 is limited by its short half‐life, lack of targeting ability, and poor blood GLC response. How to improve the blood GLC response of BAY55‐9837 is an existing problem that needs to be solved. In this study, a method for preparing BAY55‐9837‐loaded exosomes coupled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIONs) with pancreas islet targeting activity and an enhanced blood GLC response with the help of an external magnetic force (MF) is demonstrated. The plasma half‐life of BAY55‐9837 loaded in exosome‐SPION is 27‐fold longer than that of BAY55‐9837. The active targeting property of SIPONs enables BAY‐exosomes to gain a favorable targeting property, which improves the BAY55‐9837 blood GLC response capacity with the help of an external MF. In vivo studies show that BAY‐loaded exosome‐based vehicle delivery enhances pancreas islet targeting under an external MF and markedly increases insulin secretion, thereby leading to the alleviation of hyperglycemia. The chronic administration of BAY‐exosome‐SPION/MF significantly improves glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profiles. BAY‐exosome‐SPION/MF maybe a promising candidate for a peptide drug carrier for T2DM with a better blood GLC response.
How to place your apps in the fog: State of the art and open challenges
Authors: Brogi Antonio , Forti Stefano , Guerrero Carlos , Lera Isaac
Published: November 2019

Fog computing aims at extending the cloud towards the Internet of things so to achieve improved quality of service and to empower latency‐sensitive and bandwidth‐hungry applications. The fog calls for novel models and algorithms to distribute multiservice applications in such a way that data processing occurs wherever it is best placed, based on both functional and nonfunctional requirements.

This survey reviews the existing methodologies to solve the application placement problem in the fog, while pursuing three main objectives. First, it offers a comprehensive overview on the currently employed algorithms, on the availability of open‐source prototypes and on the size of test use cases. Second, it classifies the literature based on the application and fog infrastructure characteristics that are captured by available models, with a focus on the considered constraints and the optimized metrics. Finally, it identifies some open challenges in application placement in the fog.
A Computational Approach to the Microstructural Design of High‐Speed Steels
Authors: Egels Gero , Wulbieter Nils , Weber Sebastian , Theisen Werner
Published: November 2019

Increasing requirements concerning the operational conditions and durability of tools create a demand for the optimization of tool steels. High‐speed steels (HSSs), for example, contain high amounts of carbides embedded in a secondary hardenable martensitic matrix. The wear behavior and the mechanical properties of HSS can be optimized for a certain application by adjusting the type and amount of carbides, as well as their compositions and the composition of the matrix. Computational thermodynamics based on the calculation of phase diagrams method allow the estimation of arising phases as well as phase compositions during the solidification or the heat treatment of a steel. However, in complex alloy systems, for example, HSS, the relationships between the content of alloying elements and the stability and the composition of phases can be complicated and nonlinear. Therefore, it can be difficult to find alloy compositions that are suitable to achieve a desired microstructure with iterative calculations. To handle this difficulty, a computational tool is developed, which determines compositions to obtain predefined HSS microstructures. The computational tool is based on a neural network that was previously trained with a thermodynamically calculated database. The efficiency of this approach is experimentally verified by producing and investigating laboratory melts of different HSS.
Equivalent analytical modeling of adequate reinforcement noncontact lap splices under monotonic loads
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Yao , Feng Jian
Published: November 2019

Lap splices constructional details are widely used for connecting prefabricated parts. They are usually located in regions where larger inelastic deformation capacity can be expected, such as the base of RC walls and beam‐column joints. An equivalent analytical model of adequate reinforcement noncontact lap splices is first proposed in this study. The noncontact lap spliced reinforcement is simplified as continuous reinforcement with variable diameter combined with the equivalent stress–strain law. The method allows for monotonic yield and degradation of tension and compression noncontact lap splices. Parametric analysis is further performed to investigate the influence of lap splices details on the bearing capacity and deformation capacity. Finally, five shear wall finite element models are established to verify the equivalent modeling method. The proposed method can more accurately reflect the deformation capacity and bearing capacity of the noncontact lap splices region.
Dupuytren's disease: is surgery still the best option?
Authors: Ralph Oliver , Shroff Nikita
Published: November 2019

Dupuytren's disease can have a significant impact on the daily lives of patients. Traditionally, treatment focused on surgical correction, but advances in rheumatic pharmacology and surgical techniques have opened up a wider scope of management options. Here the authors give a background of the disease and its treatment, while providing evidence for a link with Peyronie's disease.
The case for shared medical appointments
Authors: Belgore Mariam Keji , Allchorne Paula , Green James SA
Published: November 2019

Shared medical appointments have been shown to have potential benefits for patients, healthcare professionals and the healthcare system, but they have been slow to be adopted in the UK. Here the authors examine the use of shared medical appointments and consider why they are not adopted more widely.
Investigations on amplitude adaptive sequential friction‐spring dampers
Authors: Aramendiz Jimmy , Fidlin Alexander , Lei Kan
Published: November 2019

This paper presents two sequential friction‐spring damper configurations and develops numerical and analytical models, which describe the systems' behavior. The dampers rely on the non‐smooth characteristics of dry friction to quench unwanted oscillations and only dissipate energy once a preset breakaway force of the friction element is exceeded. Since no additional control is required and the dissipation is only present within a given frequency range, this passive amplitude adaptive dissipation contributes to a higher energy efficiency. The dampers' equations of motion are derived and implemented in a numerical model to gain the first insights into the dampers' behavior. These equations of motion are analyzed via averaging methods in combination with a modal decoupling for nonlinear systems, which lead to the dampers' analytical models. The results from both models are compared and show reasonable agreement within the validity range of asymptotic methods. This work proposes two friction based amplitude adaptive dampers and offers a starting point for future experimental validation.
Beyond toy models: distilling tensor networks in full AdS/CFT
Authors: Bao Ning , Penington Geoffrey , Sorce Jonathan , Wall Aron C.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We present a general procedure for constructing tensor networks that accurately reproduce holographic states in conformal field theories (CFTs). Given a state in a large-N CFT with a static, semiclassical gravitational dual, we build a tensor network by an iterative series of approximations that eliminate redundant degrees of freedom and minimize the bond dimensions of the resulting network. We argue that the bond dimensions of the tensor network will match the areas of the corresponding bulk surfaces. For “tree” tensor networks (i.e., those that are constructed by discretizing spacetime with non­ intersecting Ryu-Takayanagi surfaces), our arguments can be made rigorous using a version of one-shot entanglement distillation in the CFT. Using the known quantum error correcting properties of AdS/CFT, we show that bulk legs can be added to the tensor networks to create holographic quantum error correcting codes. These codes behave similarly to previous holographic tensor network toy models, but describe actual bulk excitations in continuum AdS/CFT. By assuming some natural generalizations of the “holographic entanglement of purification” conjecture, we are able to construct tensor networks for more general bulk discretizations, leading to finer-grained networks that partition the information content of a Ryu-Takayanagi surface into tensor-factorized subregions. While the granularity of such a tensor network must be set larger than the string/Planck scales, we expect that it can be chosen to lie well below the AdS scale. However, we also prove a no-go theorem which shows that the bulk-to-boundary maps cannot all be isometries in a tensor network with intersecting Ryu-Takayanagi surfaces.
Testing electroweak SUSY for muon g − 2 and dark matter at the LHC and beyond
Authors: Abdughani Murat , Hikasa Ken-ichi , Wu Lei , Yang Jin Min , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Given that the LHC experiment has produced strong constraints on the colored supersymmetric particles (sparticles), testing the electroweak supersymmetry (EWSUSY) will be the next crucial task at the LHC. On the other hand, the light electroweakinos and sleptons in the EWSUSY can also contribute to the dark matter (DM) and low energy lepton observables. The precision measurements of them will provide the indirect evidence of SUSY. In this work, we confront the EWSUSY with the muon g − 2 anomaly, the DM relic density, the direct detection limits and the latest LHC Run-2 data. We find that the sneutrino DM or the neutralino DM with sizable higgsino component has been excluded by the direct detections. Then two viable scenarios are pinned down: one has the light compressed bino and sleptons but heavy higgsinos, and the other has the light compressed bino, winos and sleptons. In the former case, the LSP and slepton masses have to be smaller than about 350 GeV. While in the latter case, the LSP and slepton masses have to be smaller than about 700 GeV and 800 GeV, respectively. From investigating the observability of these sparticles in both scenarios at future colliders, it turns out that the HE-LHC with a luminosity of 15 ab−1 can exclude the whole BHL and most part of BWL scenarios at 2σ level. The precision measurement of the Higgs couplings at the lepton colliders could play a complementary role of probing the BWL scenario.
The complex life of hydrodynamic modes
Authors: Grozdanov Sašo , Kovtun Pavel K. , Starinets Andrei O. , Tadić Petar
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We study analytic properties of the dispersion relations in classical hydrody- namics by treating them as Puiseux series in complex momentum. The radii of convergence of the series are determined by the critical points of the associated complex spectral curves. For theories that admit a dual gravitational description through holography, the critical points correspond to level-crossings in the quasinormal spectrum of the dual black hole. We illustrate these methods in N = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory in 3+1 dimensions, in a holographic model with broken translation symmetry in 2+1 dimensions, and in con- formal field theory in 1+1 dimensions. We comment on the pole-skipping phenomenon in thermal correlation functions, and show that it is not specific to energy density correlations.
Crossing invariant correlation functions at c = 1 from isomonodromic τ functions
Authors: Gavrylenko Pavlo , Santachiara Raoul
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We present an approach that gives rigorous construction of a class of crossing invariant functions in c = 1 CFTs from the weakly invariant distributions on the moduli space $$ {\mathcal{M}}_{0,4}^{\mathrm{SL}\left(s,\mathbb{C}\right)} $$

M

0
,
4

SL

s
ℂ

of SL(2, ℂ) flat connections on the sphere with four punctures. By using this approach we show how to obtain correlation functions in the Ashkin-Teller and the Runkel- Watts theory. Among the possible crossing-invariant theories, we obtain also the analytic Liouville theory, whose consistence was assumed only on the basis of numerical tests.
Aspects of AdS2 classification in M-theory: solutions with mesonic and baryonic charges
Authors: Hong Junho , Macpherson Niall T. , Pando Zayas Leopoldo A.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We construct necessary and sufficient geometric conditions for a class of AdS2 solutions of M-theory with, at least, minimal supersymmetry to exist. We generalize previous results in the literature for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 0) supersymmetry in AdS2 to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0). When the solution can be locally described as AdS2× Σg× SE7 with Σg a Riemann surface of genus g and SE7 a seven-dimensional Sasaki-Einstein manifold, we clarify and unify various solutions present in the literature. In the case of SE7 = Q1,1,1 we find a new solution with baryonic and mesonic charges turned on simultaneously.
Unfolding measurement distributions via quantum annealing
Authors: Cormier Kyle , Sipio Riccardo Di , Wittek Peter
Published: November 2019

Abstract

High-energy physics is replete with hard computational problems and it is one of the areas where quantum computing could be used to speed up calculations. We present an implementation of likelihood-based regularized unfolding on a quantum computer. The inverse problem is recast in terms of quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO), which has the same form of the Ising hamiltonian and hence it is solvable on a programmable quantum annealer. We tested the method using a model that captures the essence of the problem, and compared the results with a baseline method commonly used in precision measurements at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The unfolded distribution is in very good agreement with the original one. We also show how the method can be extended to include the effect of nuisance parameters representing sources of systematic uncertainties affecting the measurement.
Does boundary distinguish complexities?
Authors: Sato Yoshiki , Watanabe Kento
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Recently, Chapman et al. argued that holographic complexities for defects distinguish action from volume. Motivated by their work, we study complexity of quantum states in conformal field theory with boundary. In generic two-dimensional BCFT, we work on the path-integral optimization which gives one of field-theoretic definitions for the complexity. We also perform holographic computations of the complexity in Takayanagi’s AdS/BCFT model following by the “complexity = volume” conjecture and “complexity = action” conjecture. We find that increments of the complexity due to the boundary show the same divergent structures in these models except for the CA complexity in the AdS3/BCFT2 model as the argument by Chapman et al. . Thus, we conclude that boundary does not distinguish the complexities in general.
Developing vaccines against epidemic-prone emerging infectious diseases
Authors: Bernasconi Valentina , Kristiansen Paul A. , Whelan Mike , Román Raúl Gómez , Bettis Alison , Yimer Solomon Abebe , Gurry Céline , Andersen Svein R. , Yeskey Debra , Mandi Henshaw , Kumar Arun , Holst Johan , Clark Carolyn , Cramer Jakob P. , Røttingen John-Arne , Hatchett Richard , Saville Melanie , Norheim Gunnstein
Published: November 2019

Today’s world is characterized by increasing population density, human mobility, urbanization, and climate and ecological change. This global dynamic has various effects, including the increased appearance of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), which pose a growing threat to global health security.

Outbreaks of EIDs, like the 2013–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa or the current Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have not only put populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) at risk in terms of morbidity and mortality, but they also have had a significant impact on economic growth in affected regions and beyond.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) is an innovative global partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil society organizations that was launched as the result of a consensus that a coordinated, international, and intergovernmental plan was needed to develop and deploy new vaccines to prevent future epidemics.

CEPI is focusing on supporting candidate vaccines against the World Health Organization (WHO) Blueprint priority pathogens MERS-CoV, Nipah virus, Lassa fever virus, and Rift Valley fever virus, as well as Chikungunya virus, which is on the WHO watch list. The current vaccine portfolio contains a wide variety of technologies, ranging across recombinant viral vectors, nucleic acids, and recombinant proteins. To support and accelerate vaccine development, CEPI will also support science projects related to the development of biological standards and assays, animal models, epidemiological studies, and diagnostics, as well as build capacities for future clinical trials in risk-prone contexts.
Preventing foot ulceration in diabetes: systematic review and meta-analyses of RCT data
Authors: Crawford Fay , Nicolson Donald J. , Amanna Aparna E. , Martin Angela , Gupta Saket , Leese Graham P. , Heggie Robert , Chappell Francesca M. , McIntosh Heather H.
Published: November 2019

Aims/hypothesis

Foot ulceration is a serious complication for people with diabetes that results in high levels of morbidity for individuals and significant costs for health and social care systems. Nineteen systematic reviews of preventative interventions have been published, but none provides a reliable numerical summary of treatment effects. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence from RCTs and, where possible, conduct meta-analyses to make the best possible use of the currently available data.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of preventative interventions for foot ulceration. OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to February 2019 and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to October 2018. RCTs of interventions to prevent foot ulcers in people with diabetes who were free from foot ulceration at trial entry were included. Two independent reviewers read the full-text articles and extracted data. The quality of trial reporting was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The primary outcome of foot ulceration was summarised using pooled relative risks in meta-analyses.

Results

Twenty-two RCTs of eight interventions were eligible for analysis. One trial of digital silicone devices (RR 0.07 [95% CI 0.01, 0.55]) and meta-analyses of dermal infrared thermometry (RR 0.41 [95% CI 0.19, 0.86]), complex interventions (RR 0.59 [95% CI 0.38, 0.90], and custom-made footwear and offloading insoles (RR 0.53 [95% CI 0.33, 0.85]) showed beneficial effects for these interventions.

Conclusions/interpretation

Four interventions were identified as being effective in preventing foot ulcers in people with diabetes, but uncertainty remains about what works and who is most likely to benefit.
Functional cytochrome P450 1A enzymes are induced in mouse and human islets following pollutant exposure
Authors: Ibrahim Muna , MacFarlane Erin M. , Matteo Geronimo , Hoyeck Myriam P. , Rick Kayleigh R. C. , Farokhi Salar , Copley Catherine M. , O’Dwyer Shannon , Bruin Jennifer E.
Published: November 2019

Aims/hypothesis

Exposure to environmental pollution has been consistently linked to diabetes incidence in humans, but the potential causative mechanisms remain unclear. Given the critical role of regulated insulin secretion in maintaining glucose homeostasis, environmental chemicals that reach the endocrine pancreas and cause beta cell injury are of particular concern. We propose that cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which are involved in metabolising xenobiotics, could serve as a useful biomarker for direct exposure of islets to pollutants. Moreover, functional CYP enzymes in islets could also impact beta cell physiology. The aim of this study was to determine whether CYP1A enzymes are activated in islets following direct or systemic exposure to environmental pollutants.

Methods

Immortalised liver (HepG2) and rodent pancreatic endocrine cell lines (MIN6, βTC-6, INS1, α-TC1, α-TC3), as well as human islets, were treated in vitro with known CYP1A inducers 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC).In addition, mice were injected with either a single high dose of TCDD or multiple low doses of TCDD in vivo,and islets were isolated 1, 7 or 14 days later.

Results

CYP1A enzymes were not activated in any of the immortalised beta or alpha cell lines tested. However, both 3-MC and TCDD potently inducedCYP1A1gene expression and modestly increased CYP1A1 enzyme activity in human islets after 48 h. The induction ofCYP1A1in human islets by TCDD was prevented by cotreatment with a cytokine mixture. After a systemic single high-dose TCDD injection, CYP1A1 enzyme activity was induced in mouse islets ~2-fold, ~40-fold and ~80-fold compared with controls after 1, 7 and 14 days, respectively, in vivo. Multiple low-dose TCDD exposure in vivo also caused significant upregulation ofCyp1a1in mouse islets. Direct TCDD exposure to human and mouse islets in vitro resulted in suppressed glucose-induced insulin secretion. A single high-dose TCDD injection resulted in lower plasma insulin levels, as well as a pronounced increase in beta cell death.

Conclusions/interpretation

Transient exposure to TCDD results in long-term upregulation of CYP1A1 enzyme activity in islets. This provides evidence for direct exposure of islets to lipophilic pollutants in vivo and may have implications for islet physiology.
Historic development of heavy metal contamination into the Firth of Thames, New Zealand
Authors: Boehnert S. , Ruiz Soto S. , Fox B. R. S. , Yokoyama Y. , Hebbeln D.
Published: November 2019

Near-coastal marine sediments often provide high-resolution records of various anthropogenic influences such as the release of heavy metals, which pose a potentially negative influence on aquatic ecosystems because of their toxicity and persistence. In places, the gradual onset of man-made heavy metal emission dates back to ~ 4500 years BP and is difficult to distinguish from potential natural sources. New Zealand offers a perfect setting for studies on anthropogenic impact due to its well-defined three-step development: pre-human era (until ~ 1300 CE), Polynesian era (~ 1300–1800 CE) and European era (since ~ 1840 CE). However, hardly any information exists about the degree of heavy metal input to New Zealand’s coastal areas and the ‘pristine’ natural background values. This study determines the natural background contents of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in marine sediments of the Firth of Thames, a shallow marine embayment on New Zealand’s North Island, and investigates anthropogenic inputs in historic times. Eight sediment cores were analysed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for their element composition and temporally resolved by a pollen and radiocarbon-based stratigraphic framework. Sharp increases in Pb and Zn contents occurred simultaneously with the onset of goldmining activities (1867 CE) in the nearby catchment area. The contents of Zn (Pb) increase from very stable values around 60 (13) ppm in the older sediments, interpreted to reflect the natural background values, to an average maximum of 160 (60) ppm near the core top, interpreted to reflect a significant anthropogenic input. These findings unravel the history of contamination in the Firth of Thames and provide an urgently needed database for the assessment of its current ecological state.
Exercise tolerance during flat over-ground intermittent running: modelling the expenditure and reconstitution kinetics of work done above critical power
Authors: Vassallo Christian , Gray Adrian , Cummins Cloe , Murphy Aron , Waldron Mark
Published: November 2019

Purpose

We compared a new locomotor-specific model to track the expenditure and reconstitution of work done above critical power (W´) and balance of W´ (W´BAL) by modelling flat over-ground power during exhaustive intermittent running.

Method

Nine male participants completed a ramp test, 3-min all-out test and the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15 IFT), and performed a severe-intensity constant work-rate trial (SCWR) at the maximum oxygen uptake velocity (vV̇O2max). Four intermittent trials followed: 60-s at vV̇O2max + 50% Δ1 (Δ1 = vV̇O2max − critical velocity [VCrit]) interspersed by 30-s in light (SL; 40% vV̇O2max), moderate (SM; 90% gas-exchange threshold velocity [VGET]), heavy (SH; VGET + 50% Δ2 [Δ2 = VCrit − VGET]), or severe (SS; vV̇O2max − 50% Δ1) domains. Data from Global Positioning Systems were derived to model over-ground power. The difference between critical and recovery power (DCP), time constant for reconstitution of W´ ($$\tau_{{W^{\prime}}}$$τW′), time to limit of tolerance (TLIM), and W´BAL from the integral (W´BALint), differential (W´BALdiff), and locomotor-specific (OG-W´BAL) methods were compared.

Results

The relationship between $$\tau_{{W^{\prime}}}$$τW′ and DCP was exponential (r2 = 0.52). The $$\tau_{{W^{{\prime}}}}$$τW′ for SL, SM, and SH trials were 119 ± 32-s, 190 ± 45-s, and 336 ± 77-s, respectively. Actual TLIM in the 30–15 IFT (968 ± 117-s) compared closely to TLIM predicted by OG-W´BAL (929 ± 94-s, P > 0.100) and W´BALdiff (938 ± 84-s, P > 0.100) but not to W´BALint (848 ± 91-s, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The OG-W´BAL accurately tracked W´ kinetics during intermittent running to exhaustion on flat surfaces.