bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine‐Learning Approach to Identify a Prognostic Cytokine Signature That Is Associated With Nivolumab Clearance in Patients With Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Wang Rui , Shao Xiao , Zheng Junying , Saci Abdel , Qian Xiaozhong , Pak Irene , Roy Amit , Bello Akintunde , Rizzo Jasmine I. , Hosein Fareeda , Moss Rebecca A. , Wind‐Rotolo Megan , Feng Yan
Published: November 2019

Lower clearance of immune checkpoint inhibitors is a predictor of improved overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced cancer. We investigated a novel approach using machine learning to identify a baseline composite cytokine signature via clearance, which, in turn, could be associated with OS in advanced melanoma. Peripheral nivolumab clearance and cytokine data from patients treated with nivolumab in two phase III studies (n = 468 (pooled)) and another phase III study (n = 158) were used for machine‐learning model development and validation, respectively. Random forest (Boruta) algorithm was used for feature selection and classification of nivolumab clearance. The 16 top‐ranking baseline inflammatory cytokines reflecting immune‐cell modulation were selected as a composite signature to predict nivolumab clearance (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.75; accuracy = 0.7). Predicted clearance (high vs. low) via the cytokine signature was significantly associated with OS across all three studies (P < 0.01), regardless of treatment (nivolumab vs. chemotherapy).
Selective TiO2 Nanolayer Coating by Polydopamine Modification for Highly Stable Ni‐Rich Layered Oxides
Authors: Kim Hyeongwoo , Jang Jihye , Byun Dongjin , Kim Hyung‐Seok , Choi Wonchang
Published: November 2019

Ni‐rich layered oxides are promising cathode materials for developing high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries. To overcome the major challenge of surface degradation, a TiO2 surface coating based on polydopamine (PDA) modification was investigated in this study. The PDA precoating layer had abundant OH catechol groups, which attracted Ti(OEt)4 molecules in ethanol solvent and contributed towards obtaining a uniform TiO2 nanolayer after calcination. Owing to the uniform coating of the TiO2 nanolayer, TiO2‐coated PDA‐LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (TiO2‐PNCM) displayed an excellent electrochemical stability during cycling under high voltage (3.0–4.5 V vs. Li+/Li), during which the cathode material undergoes a highly oxidative charge process. In addition, TiO2‐PNCM exhibited excellent cyclability at elevated temperature (60 °C) compared with the bare NCM. The surface degradation of the Ni‐rich cathode material, which is accelerated under harsh cycling conditions, was effectively suppressed after the formation of an ultra‐thin TiO2 coating layer.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial of phentermine‐topiramate ER in patients with binge‐eating disorder and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Safer Debra L. , Adler Sarah , Sethi Shebani , Bentley Jason P. , Toyama Hannah , Pajarito Sarah , Najarian Thomas
Published: November 2019

Objective

Open trials suggest phentermine/topiramate ER (PHEN/TPM‐ER), food and drug administration (FDA) approved for obesity, has utility for binge eating. With no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) yet performed, this trial aimed to evaluate PHEN/TPM‐ERs efficacy and safety in a crossover RCT for patients with binge‐eating disorder (BED) or bulimia nervosa (BN).

Method

Participants were randomized to 12‐weeks PHEN/TPM‐ER (3.75 mg/23 mg–15 mg/92 mg) or placebo followed by 2‐weeks drug washout, then 12‐week crossover. Demographics, vitals, eating disorder behaviors, mood, and side effects were measured. Primary outcome was objective binge‐eating (OBE) days/4‐weeks; secondary outcomes included binge abstinence. Mixed‐effect models estimated treatment effects, with fixed effects adjusting for treatment, study period, and diagnosis.

Results

The 22 adults (BED = 18, BN = 4) were female (96%), Caucasian (55%), aged 42.9 (SD = 10.1) years with body mass index = 31.1 (SD = 6.2) kg/m2. Baseline OBE days/4‐weeks decreased from 16.2 (SD = 7.8) to 4.2 (SD = 8.4) after PHEN/TPM‐ER versus 13.2 (SD = 9.1) after placebo (p < .0001), with abstinence rates = 63.6% on PHEN/TPM‐ER versus 9.1% on placebo (p < .0001). Weight changes = −5.8 kg on PHEN/ TPM‐ER versus +0.4 kg on placebo. Drop‐out = 2 (9%) on PHEN/TPM‐ER and 2 (9%) on placebo, with few side effects. Vital sign changes with PHEN/TPM‐ER were minimal and similar to placebo. Responses were not significantly different for BED versus BN.

Discussion

This first RCT to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PHEN/TPM‐ER for BED/BN found this drug combination significantly more effective at reducing binge eating than placebo and well tolerated. However, with only four participants with BN, findings regarding the safety of PHEN/TPM‐ER in patients with BN must be taken with caution.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02553824 registered on 9/17/2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02553824
Study on thermal stability of typical carbon fiber epoxy composites after airworthiness fire protection test
Authors: Zhang Xu , Li Sen , Wang Zhi , Wang Donglin
Published: November 2019

The thermal stability of the T700 carbon fiber epoxy composites, which had been tested under different conditions (nonvibration plus nonscrubbing airflow, vibration, scrubbing airflow, and vibration plus scrubbing airflow), were investigated according to the obtained weight loss behavior, integral program decomposition temperature (IPDF), and activation energies (E) by using thermogravietry‐differential thermal analyzer. The results indicate that the weight loss ratio, IPDF, and E of T700 carbon fiber epoxy and its residues in the third and fourth layers are similar under the nonvibration plus nonscrubbing airflow and vibration, and the thermal stability under the vibration condition is slightly stronger. In addition, the weight loss ratio, IPDF, and E of the epoxy and its residues in materials are also similar under scrubbing airflow and vibration plus scrubbing airflow, and the thermal stability under vibration plus scrubbing airflow is better. However, it is significantly less than the thermal stability of materials under nonvibration plus nonscrubbing airflow and vibration. Therefore, it can be found that the vibration exacerbates the flame severity and the scrubbing airflow has a significant cooling effect on the material during the airworthiness fire protection test, which have guiding significance on the airworthiness fire prevention items formulation of carbon fiber composite.
Adverse health effects of abuse‐deterrent opioids: Evidence from the reformulation of OxyContin
Authors: Beheshti David
Published: November 2019

The United States is currently in the midst of the worst drug epidemic in its history, with nearly 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016. In response, pharmaceutical companies have begun introducing abuse‐deterrent painkillers, pills with properties that make the drug more difficult to misuse. The first such painkiller, a reformulated version of OxyContin, was released in 2010. Previous research has found no net effect on opioid mortality, with users substituting from OxyContin toward heroin. This paper explores health effects of the reformulation beyond mortality. In particular, I show that heroin is substantially more likely to be injected than OxyContin, increasing exposure to blood‐borne diseases. Exploiting variation across states in OxyContin misuse prior to the reformulation, I find relative increases in the spread of hepatitis B and C in states most likely to be affected by the reformulation. In aggregate, the estimates suggest that absent the reformulation, we would have observed approximately 76% fewer cases of hepatitis C and 53% fewer cases of hepatitis B from 2011 to 2015. I find some suggestive evidence that the reformulation also lead to increases in HIV and hepatitis A, although these findings are less robust. These findings have important implications for future policies addressing the opioid crisis.
A numerical investigation on the high‐frequency geometry of spherical random eigenfunctions
Authors: Fantaye Yabebal , Cammarota Valentina , Marinucci Domenico , Todino Anna Paola
Published: November 2019

A lot of attention has been drawn over the last few years by the investigation of the geometry of spherical random eigenfunctions (random spherical harmonics) in the high‐frequency regime, that is, for diverging eigenvalues. In this paper, we present a review of these results and we collect for the first time a comprehensive numerical investigation, focussing on particular on the behavior of Lipschitz‐Killing curvatures/Minkowski functionals (i.e., the area, the boundary length, and the Euler‐Poincaré characteristic of excursion sets) and on critical points. We show in particular that very accurate analytic predictions exist for their expected values and variances, for the correlation among these functionals, and for the cancellation that occurs for some specific thresholds (the variances becoming an order of magnitude smaller—the so‐called Berry's cancellation phenomenon). Most of these functionals can be used for important statistical applications, for instance, in connection to the analysis of cosmic microwave background data.
Deriving hydrological signatures from soil moisture data
Authors: Branger Flora , McMillan Hillary K.
Published: November 2019

Soil moisture is an important variable in hydrological studies, but has been little used for model evaluation due to its high sensitivity to local conditions. We explore the possibility to derive hydrological signatures from soil moisture data that could overcome this limitation and be helpful for model evaluation. A set of eight hydrological signatures was built, encompassing long‐term to short‐term time scales. These signatures were tested according to robustness, representativeness and discriminatory power, using in situ data sets from New Zealand, including national network and experimental watershed data. Field capacity, type of soil moisture distribution, and starting dates of seasonal transitions typically meet the criteria, subject to uniform sensor depths and homogeneous land uses. Durations of seasonal transitions and event‐based signatures showed higher variability and lower discriminatory power. In general, long‐term signatures are more robust, more representative of large areas, and have a high discriminatory power, thus showing a good potential for use in diagnostic evaluation of regional models.
Diversity in Systems Engineering Special Feature Introduction
Authors: Hoverman Lisa , Long David , Squires Alice F.
Published: November 2019

This inaugural special edition on ‘Diversity in Systems Engineering’ explores the role of the systems engineering community in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as key enablers in the systems approach. As master integrators, systems engineers are accountable for delivering optimal affordable system solutions to complex problems. To do so requires more than an understanding of technology. It requires an understanding of people and social systems ‐ culture and the impact of cultural barriers, the cost of gender inequity, the need for cognitive and idea diversity, and a path to achieve inclusivity by design to name just a few areas. These represent a sample of the topics addressed in this special edition, where authors share their past experiences and forward thinking on the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in developing systems and global systems engineering leadership.
Harnessing the Diversity of Ideas for Competitive Advantage
Authors: Morgan Johnny D.
Published: November 2019

The engineering community has made significant advances in traditional diversity measures in the last 50 years, but because the world has become more complex, the engineering community needs to embrace new ideas that are outside the realm of traditional engineering disciplines. This paper identifies that individuals are the sources of new ideas, but it is organizations that transform these ideas into value‐delivered innovations. It examines the relationship of maximizing information diversity to promote idea discovery while minimizing work force diversity to promote the sharing and acceptance of these ideas. It then discusses the concept of inclusion as a necessary team skill for organizations to deliver these ideas as innovations. This paper concludes by identifying systems engineering behaviors that create a diverse environment for idea discovery and an inclusive team environment that overcomes challenges and transitions ideas into delivered innovations, thus providing a competitive advantage.
Temperature‐dependent mucosal permeation kinetics of stigmasterol microspheres: In vivo mice model antioral candidiasis study
Authors: Niyogi Partha , Pattnaik Snigdha , Maharana Laxmidhar , Mohapatra Rajaram , Haldar Saikat
Published: November 2019

Evaluation of mucosal permeation of stigmasterol from the glutaraldehyde cross linked chitosan microspheres at increasing experimental temperatures was performed. The activation energy of permeation, partition, and diffusion were estimated to understand the permeation kinetic with respect to the temperature. The formulation depicting least activation energy possessed the increased permeation thresholds of drug at the site of application. The encapsulation efficacy and mucoadhesive strength were found to be directly proportional to the polymer‐emulsifier ratio. Decreased intensity in crystallography directed the molecular dispersion of microencapsulated drug. The depleted enthalpic phase transition in thermogram affirmed the stigmasterol encapsulation. The sphericity and the size of microspheres were determined by scanning electron photo micrograph. The in vivo quantification of oralCandidainfection with different statistical approach and histopathological observation of infected tongue of mice on treatment with the stigmasterol encapsulated microspheres showed significant anti oral candidiasis activity by reduction of fungal colony count and recovery of papillae, reorganization of basal cell layer and newly formed papillae during 21–28 days of treatment.
Authoritarian–benevolent Leadership and its Effect on Graduate Student Creativity: The Mediating Role of Intrinsic Motivation
Authors: Xia Zhichen , Yang Fan , Xu Qingyu
Published: November 2019

Despite numerous studies demonstrating that authoritarian leadership and benevolent leadership exert incompatible influence on an individual’s creativity, the combined effects of authoritarian leadership and benevolent leadership on an individual’s creativity and the related mechanisms have yet to be explained. This study tests a model that considers the combined effects of authoritarian and benevolent leadership on graduate student creativity in the universities in China, while also examining the mediating role of the intrinsic motivation of graduate students. Multisource data were collected from 297 graduate students in 60 university scientific research teams in China. The results show that when authoritarian leadership and benevolent leadership are in congruence, the intrinsic motivation of graduate students and their creativity increase as supervisor authoritarianism and benevolence increases. When authoritarian leadership and benevolent leadership are in discrepancy, the intrinsic motivation of graduate students is higher when low supervisor authoritarianism is combined with high benevolence; however, the findings also show that low authoritarian leadership combined with high benevolent leadership would not increase graduate student creativity. The relationship between authoritarian–benevolent leadership and graduate student creativity is partially mediated by intrinsic motivation. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Impact of metabolic syndrome on functional outcomes and complications of surgical treatment of prostate cancer
Authors: Morlacco Alessandro , Dal Moro Fabrizio , Rangel Laureano J. , Carlson Rachel E. , Soligo Matteo , Karnes Robert Jeffrey
Published: November 2019

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has a negative impact on functional recovery and complications after many surgical procedures.

Aim

To assess the role of Mets on functional outcomes and complications after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

Complete data were collected from 5758 patients, undergoing RP at a single referral centers in a 10‐year period and the presence of MetS before surgery was ascertained in 17.7% of them using a modified version of the IDF‐AHA/NHLBI criteria. Outcomes included 1‐year continence and potency rates, early (≤90 days) and late (>90 days) complications.

Results

Postoperative continence (no pads) was significantly less likely in MetS patients (75.4% vs 82.6%, P < .01), despite no difference in preoperative continence. Erections with or without therapy were reached in 55.8% of non‐MetS and 41.8% of MetS patients (P < .01), in this case a significant difference in preoperative function was seen. No differences in early and late complications, except for wound infections (5.8% vs 3.9%, P < .01) were observed.

Conclusions

In the present study RP was safe from the complications standpoint in MetS patients, but the presence of the syndrome was a significant risk factor for post‐RP incontinence and impotence.
Mechanotechnical faults and particular issues of anastomotic complications following robot‐assisted anterior resection in 968 rectal cancer patients
Authors: Kim Jin C. , Lee Jong L. , Kim Chan W. , Lim Seok‐Byung , Alsaleem Hassan A. , Park Seong H.
Published: November 2019

Background

As most risk factors for anastomotic complications (AC) in rectal cancer patients appear to be noncorrectable, it is needed to find the correctable causes. Additionally, the outcomes of indocyanine‐green fluorescence imaging (IFI) and robot‐stapled anastomosis have yet been undetermined.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 968 consecutive patients with rectal cancer, who underwent curative robot‐assisted anterior resections between 2010 and 2018. IFI parameters and stapling features in the surgical records were reviewed, and reconfirmed.

Results

AC occurred in 54 patients (5.6%), 34 (3.5%) with anastomotic leakage (AL) and 24 (2.5%) with anastomotic stenosis (AS). Mechanotechnical faults including defective stapling configurations, including angles lesser than or equal to 150° and outer deviation (more than half from the center of the circle) of linear staples, between the two linear staples were independently associated with AL (P < .001 each). IFI significantly reduced AL rate (2.5% vs 5.3%, P = .029) and AS rate (2% vs 18.8%, P = .006), respectively. Robot linear stapling enabled to maintain the obtuse angle during consecutive staplings and reduced console time. AL and AS were independent risk factors for disease‐free survival (P = .02) and local recurrence (P = .03), respectively.

Conclusions

AC were associated with some correctable causes, namely, mechanotechnical errors and lack of use of IFI.
A question of confidence. Is tourism as vulnerable to civil unrest as we think? A comparative analysis of the impact of Arab Spring on total reserves and tourism receipts
Authors: Morakabati Yeganeh
Published: November 2019

This paper uses monthly data to compare how international tourism receipts and the overall economy responded to the Arab Spring total reserves were used as an indicator of the overall economy because they reflect confidence in the economy through such factors as foreign direct investment and the effects of capital flight. To examine the response, interrupted time series was employed, using the outbreak of Arab Spring as the key interruption. To separate the impact of Arab Spring from other events, two treated and two untreated cases were selected. The results show that tourist spending recovered faster than the overall economy.
Outcomes and prognostic factors in parotid gland malignancies: A 10‐year single center experience
Authors: Parikh Anuraag S. , Khawaja Ayaz , Puram Sidharth V. , Srikanth Priya , Tjoa Tjoson , Lee Hang , Sethi Rosh K. V. , Bulbul Mustafa , Varvares Mark A. , Rocco James W. , Emerick Kevin S. , Deschler Daniel G. , Lin Derrick T.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To describe a 10‐year single center experience with parotid gland malignancies and to determine factors affecting outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

The institutional cancer registry was used to identify patients treated surgically for malignancies of the parotid gland between January 2005 and December 2014. Clinical and pathologic data were collected retrospectively from patient charts and analyzed for their association with overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Two hundred patients were identified. Mean age at surgery was 57.8 years, and mean follow‐up time was 52 months. One hundred two patients underwent total parotidectomy, while 77 underwent superficial parotidectomy, and 21 underwent deep lobe resection. Seventy patients (35%) required facial nerve (FN) sacrifice. Acinic cell carcinoma was the most common histologic type (22%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (21.5%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (12.5%). Twenty‐nine patients (14.5%) experienced recurrences, with mean time to recurrence of 23.6 months (range: 1‐82 months). Five‐ and 10‐year OS were 81% and 73%, respectively. Five‐ and 10‐year DFS were 80% and 73%, respectively. In univariate analyses, age > 60, histologic type, positive margins, high grade, T‐stage, node positivity, perineural invasion, and FN involvement were predictors of OS and DFS. In the multivariate analysis, histology, positive margins, node positivity, and FN involvement were independent predictors of OS and DFS.

Conclusions

Our single‐center experience of 200 patients suggests that histology, positive margins, node positivity, and FN involvement are independently associated with outcomes in parotid malignancies.

Level of Evidence

4
Intracochlear fibrosis and the foreign body response to cochlear implant biomaterials
Authors: Foggia Megan J. , Quevedo Rene Vielman , Hansen Marlan R.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To report current knowledge on the topic of intracochlear fibrosis and the foreign body response following cochlear implantation (CI).

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed to identify peer‐reviewed articles. Search components included “cochlear implant,” “Foreign body response (FBR),” and “fibrosis.” Original studies and review articles relevant to the topic were included.

Results

Ninety peer‐reviewed articles describing the foreign body response or intracochlear fibrosis following CI were included.

Conclusions

Intracochlear fibrosis following CI represents a significant limiting factor for the success of CI users. Several strategies have been employed to mitigate the foreign body response within the cochlea including drug delivery systems and modifications in surgical technique and electrode design. A better understanding of the FBR has the potential to improve CI outcomes and the next generation of cochlear prostheses.
Matching Magnetic Heating and Thermal Actuation for Sequential Coupling in Hybrid Composites by Design
Authors: Razzaq Muhammad Yasar , Behl Marc , Heuchel Matthias , Lendlein Andreas
Published: November 2019

Sequentially coupling two material functions requires matching the output from the first with the input of the second function. Here, magnetic heating controls thermal actuation of a hybrid composite in a challenging system environment causing an elevated level of heat loss. The concept is a hierarchical design consisting of an inner actuator of nanocomposite material, which can be remotely heated by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) and outer layers of a porous composite system with a closed pore morphology. These porous layers act as heat insulators and as barriers to the surrounding water. By exposure to the AMF, a local bulk temperature of 71 °C enables the magnetic actuation of the device, while the temperature of the surrounding water is kept below 50 °C. Interestingly, the heat loss during magnetic heating leads to an increase of the water phase (small volume) temperature. The temperature increase is able to sequentially trigger an adjacent thermal actuator attached to the actuator composite. In this way it could be demonstrated how the AMF is able to initiate two kinds of independent actuations, which might be interesting for robotics operating in aqueous environments.
Synthesis of Brush‐Like Glycopolymers with Monodisperse, Sequence‐Defined Side Chains and Their Interactions with Plant and Animal Lectins
Authors: Shamout Fadi , Monaco Alessandra , Yilmaz Gokhan , Becer Caglar Remzi , Hartmann Laura
Published: November 2019

The synthesis of brush glycopolymers mimicking the architecture of proteoglycans is achieved by grafting sequence‐defined glycooligomers derived from solid‐phase polymer synthesis onto a poly(active ester) scaffold. This approach gives access to a first library of brush glycopolymers with controlled variations in the degree of branching and number of carbohydrate ligands per branch. When studying lectin binding of linear and brush glycopolymers to lectins Concanavalin A (ConA), dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing non‐integrin (DC‐SIGN), and mannose‐binding lectin (MBL), different preferences are observed with MBL showing higher binding to linear glycopolymer and ConA and DC‐SIGN favoring brush glycopolymers. This finding suggests that the architecture of polymeric glycan mimetics affects binding to lectins not only in terms of creating higher avidity but potentially also selectivity ligands.
A possibility distribution‐based multicriteria decision algorithm for resilient supplier selection problems
Authors: Jiang Dizuo , Hasan Md. Mahmudul , Faiz Tasnim Ibn , Noor‐E‐Alam Md.
Published: November 2019

Thus far, limited research has been performed on resilient supplier selection—a problem that requires simultaneous consideration of a set of numerical and linguistic evaluation criteria, which are substantially different from traditional supplier selection problem. Essentially, resilient supplier selection entails key sourcing decision for an organization to gain competitive advantage. In the presence of multiple conflicting evaluation criteria, contradicting decision makers, and imprecise decision‐relevant information (DRI), this problem becomes even more difficult to solve with the classical optimization approaches. Possibility distribution‐based multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a viable alternative approach for handling inherent uncertainty of imprecise DRI associated with the evaluation offered by a group of contradicting decision makers. However, prior research focusing on MCDA‐based supplier selection problem has been lacking in the ability to provide a seamless integration of numerical and linguistic evaluation criteria along with the consideration of multiple decision makers. To address these challenges, we present a comprehensive decision‐making framework for ranking a set of suppliers from resiliency perspective. The proposed algorithm is capable of leveraging imprecise and aggregated DRI obtained from crisp numerical assessments and reliability adjusted linguistic appraisals from a group of decision makers. We adapt two popular tools—single‐valued neutrosophic sets (SVNS) and interval‐valued fuzzy sets (IVFS)—and for the first time, extend them to incorporate both crisp and linguistic evaluations in a group decision‐making platform to obtain aggregated SVNS and IVFS decision matrixes. This information is then used to rank the resilient suppliers by using technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution method. We present a case study to illustrate the mechanism of the proposed algorithm. A sensitivity analysis demonstrates the strength of the proposed algorithm to generate alternative ranking scheme with respect to the shifting priorities of evaluation criteria and shows the reliability of the decision‐making framework.
Two‐step scheme for solution of the seismic response of liquid‐filled composite cylindrical container
Authors: Kotrasova Kamila , Kormanikova Eva
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the seismic response analysis of a cylindrical container made of laminated composite. The analytical homogenization is used for calculation of the material properties of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composite layer. Constitutive relations for laminate within the classical laminate theory are considered. Effective modulus of elasticity is obtained and put into a calculation of internal forces of the laminated composite cylindrical tank. The seismic analysis of liquid storage facilities has to have different approaches as the analysis of typical structures. Because of an earthquake, the hydrodynamic impulsive and convective pressures are generated in addition to hydrostatic pressure. The solved liquid‐filled container made of the laminated composite was situated for the region of Slovak Republic and was analyzed in respect of Eurocode 8 recommendations.
Wideband high‐gain SIW‐fed antenna array for mm‐Wave applications
Authors: Li Xiangxiang , Li Yeqiang , Li Zhe , Kong Qinglong , Wang Hailin , Lv Guoqiang
Published: November 2019

A wideband high‐gain mm‐Wave antenna array operating in Ka‐band is reported. The antenna element consists of an antipodal Vivaldi antenna (AVA) with plated through vias on the edges of the radiating arms, which is utilized to eliminate the harmful gap resonance due to the electrically discontinuity. A modified wideband 8‐way substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) power divider is proposed to feed the linear array. In addition, in order to enhance antenna gain, a stacked dielectric superstrate is employed, which achieves 2.3 dBi average gain improvement over 25‐40 GHz. The proposed structure provides superior bandwidth of 25.4‐40 GHz with S11 < −9.5 dB (corresponding to VSWR < 2). The modified SIW power divider, 1 × 8 AVA array and the dielectric superstrate are designed and fabricated, resulting in a wideband and high‐gain structure as compared to other SIW‐fed antennas. A prototype is experimentally verified. The measured results show that the impedance bandwidth ranges from 25.37 to 39.48 GHz (S11 < −9.6 dB, relative bandwidth of 43%). The measured gain varies from 15.5 to 18.5 dBi in the frequency range with an average gain of 16.6 dBi.
CArtesian sampling with Variable density and Adjustable temporal resolution (CAVA)
Authors: Rich Adam , Gregg Michael , Jin Ning , Liu Yingmin , Potter Lee , Simonetti Orlando , Ahmad Rizwan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop a variable density Cartesian sampling method that allows retrospective adjustment of temporal resolution for dynamic MRI applications and to validate it in real‐time phase contrast MRI (PC‐MRI).

Theory and Methods

The proposed method, called CArtesian sampling with Variable density and Adjustable temporal resolution (CAVA), begins by producing a sequence of phase encoding indices based on the golden ratio increment. Then, variable density is introduced by nonlinear stretching of the indices. Finally, the elements of the resulting sequence are rounded up to the nearest integer. The performance of CAVA is evaluated using PC‐MRI data from a pulsatile flow phantom and real‐time, free‐breathing data from ten healthy volunteers.

Results

CAVA enabled image recovery at various temporal resolutions that were selected retrospectively. For the pulsatile flow phantom, image quality and flow quantification accuracy from CAVA were comparable to that from another pseudo‐random sampling pattern with fixed temporal resolution. In addition, flow quantification results based on CAVA were in good agreement with a breath‐held segmented acquisition.

Conclusions

By allowing retrospective binning of the MRI data, CAVA provides an avenue to retrospectively adjust the temporal resolution of PC‐MRI.
Partial Fourier reconstruction for improved resolution in 3D hyperpolarized 13C EPI
Authors: Geraghty Benjamin J. , Lee Casey Y. , Chen Albert P. , Perks William J. , Soliman Hany , Cunningham Charles H.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Asymmetric in‐plane k‐space sampling of EPI can reduce the minimum achievable TE in hyperpolarized with spectral‐spatial radio frequency pulses, thereby reducing weighting and signal‐losses. Partial Fourier image reconstruction exploits the approximate Hermitian symmetry of k‐space data and can be applied to asymmetric data sets to synthesize unmeasured data. Here we tested whether the application of partial Fourier image reconstruction would improve spatial resolution from hyperpolarized [1‐]pyruvate scans in the human brain.

Methods

Fifteen healthy control subjects were imaged using a volumetric dual‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence with spectral‐spatial radio frequency excitation. Images were reconstructed by zero‐filling as well as with the partial Fourier reconstruction algorithm projection‐on‐convex‐sets. Resulting images were quantitatively evaluated with a no‐reference image quality assessment.

Results

The no‐reference image sharpness metric agreed with perceived improvements in image resolution and contrast. The [1‐]lactate images benefitted most, followed by the [1‐]pyruvate images. The ‐bicarbonate images were improved by the smallest degree, likely owing to relatively lower SNR.

Conclusions

Partial Fourier imaging and reconstruction were shown to improve the sharpness and contrast of human HP brain data and is a viable method for enhancing resolution.
Factors Impacting on Eating in Pediatric Intestinal‐Transplant Recipients: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Mancell Sara , Meyer Rosan , Hind Jonathan , Halter Mary
Published: November 2019

Background

No empirical data are found examining why eating may be difficult for some children and not others following intestinal transplant. This study aimed to describe the eating behaviors and nutrition intake of intestinal‐transplant–recipient children and examine factors that may impact on their eating.

Methods

Caregivers of all (n = 34) intestinal‐transplant recipients <18 years of age in the United Kingdom were invited to participate in this mixed‐methods study comprising questionnaires, a 3‐day food diary and interviews. Questionnaires included the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and demographic/nutrition‐related items. Analysis was by descriptive statistics using SPSS. Semistructured telephone interviews explored caregiver perceptions of their child's eating. Analysis was thematic.

Results

Nine caregivers were recruited and completed the questionnaire and food diary. Eight of these were interviewed. Home tube feeding was required by 77% (n = 7) of children post transplant, 56% (n = 5) were “food avoidant”, and median energy intake was 93% (range, 61%–137%) of requirements. The findings revealed complex, interrelated positive and negative medical, caregiver, and child‐related influences on eating. Learning to eat at the recommended age and having positive and significant pretransplant eating experiences appeared protective, whereas receiving nothing by mouth and having aversive experiences were barriers.

Conclusion

This study provides the first empirical evidence of factors that may influence eating after intestinal transplant in children. The findings suggest promoting eating pretransplant, when the negative physical consequences can be managed, may be protective, and there may be eating‐difficulty predictors that could be used to facilitate targeted interventions.
Role of multiheme cytochromes involved in extracellular anaerobic respiration in bacteria
Authors: Edwards Marcus J. , Richardson David J. , Paquete Catarina M. , Clarke Thomas A.
Published: November 2019

Heme containing proteins are involved in a broad range of cellular functions, from oxygen sensing and transport to catalyzing oxidoreductive reactions. The two major types of cytochrome (b‐type and c‐type) only differ in their mechanism of heme attachment, but this has major implications for their cellular roles in both localization and mechanism. The b‐type cytochromes are commonly cytoplasmic, or are within the cytoplasmic membrane, while c‐type cytochromes are always found outside of the cytoplasm. The mechanism of heme attachment allows for complex c‐type multiheme complexes, having the capacity to hold multiple electrons, to be assembled. These are increasingly being identified as secreted into the extracellular environment. For organisms that respire using extracellular substrates, these large multiheme cytochromes allow for electron transfer networks from the cytoplasmic membrane to the cell exterior for the reduction of extracellular electron acceptors. In this review the structures and functions of these networks and the mechanisms by which electrons are transferred to extracellular substrates is described.
Structural and positional studies of the antimicrobial peptide brevinin‐1BYa in membrane‐mimetic environments
Authors: Timmons Patrick Brendan , O'Flynn Donal , Conlon J. Michael , Hewage Chandralal M.
Published: November 2019

Brevinin‐1BYa (FLPILASLAAKFGPKLFCLVTKKC), first isolated from skin secretions of the foothill yellow‐legged frog Rana boylii, shows broad‐spectrum activity, being particularly effective against opportunistic yeast pathogens. The structure of brevinin‐1BYa was investigated in various solution and membrane‐mimicking environments by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy and molecular modelling. The peptide does not possess a secondary structure in aqueous solution. In a 33% 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE‐d3)‐H2O solvent mixture, as well as in membrane‐mimicking sodium dodecyl sulfate and dodecylphosphocholine micelles, the peptide's structure is characterised by a flexible helix‐hinge‐helix motif, with the hinge located at the Gly13/Pro14 residues, and the two α‐helices extending from Pro3 to Phe12 and from Pro14 to Thr21. Positional studies involving the peptide in sodium dodecyl sulfate and dodecylphosphocholine micelles using 5‐doxyl‐labelled stearic acid and manganese chloride paramagnetic probes show that the peptide's helical segments lie parallel to the micellar surface, with the residues on the hydrophobic face of the amphipathic helices facing towards the micelle core and the hydrophilic residues pointing outwards, suggesting that the peptide exerts its biological activity by a non–pore‐forming mechanism.
Stereotactic Photodynamic Therapy Using a Two‐Photon AIE Photosensitizer
Authors: He Xiaojing , Situ Bo , Gao Meng , Guan Shujuan , He Bairong , Ge Xiaoxue , Li Shiwu , Tao Maliang , Zou Hang , Tang Ben Zhong , Zheng Lei
Published: November 2019

Two‐photon photodynamic therapy (TP‐PDT) is emerging as a powerful strategy for stereotactic targeting of diseased areas, but ideal photosensitizers (PSs) are currently lacking. This work reports a smart PS with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) feature, namely DPASP, for TP‐PDT with excellent performances. DPASP exhibits high affinity to mitochondria, superior photostability, large two‐photon absorption cross section as well as efficient reactive oxygen species generation, enabling it to achieve photosensitization both in vitro and in vivo under two‐photon excitation. Moreover, its capability of stereotactic ablation of targeted cells with high‐precision is also successfully demonstrated. All these merits make DPASP a promising TP‐PDT candidate for accurate ablation of abnormal tissues with minimal damages to surrounding areas in the treatment of various diseases.
Study of the Ni–Cr–Fe‐Based Alloy Casting Process using a Mold Simulator Technique
Authors: Zhou Lejun , Pan Zihang , Wang Wanlin , Chen Junyu
Published: November 2019

To meet the balance between supply and demand, a Ni–Cr–Fe‐based alloy is tried to be casted using a lab‐scale continuous casting mold simulator. The results show that the temperature of mold wall increases from 73 °C (346 K) maximum to 117 °C (390 K) maximum, whereas the amplitudes of fluctuation of both temperature and heat flux generally reduces, from MF (original Mold Flux) to NF1 (New Mold Flux 1), and then to NF2 (New Mold Flux 2) mold fluxes during the casting process. Ti and Al transfer from molten alloy to mold flux cause the precipitation of high‐melting point CaTiO3 and NaCaAl3(SiO4)3 in mold fluxes, which reduce the infiltration of slags in the gap. In addition, herein, all ten oscillation marks on the alloy shells maintain a strong one‐to‐one correlation with the heat flux cycles. The irregular oscillation marks together with the depression and entrapped slag on the shell mainly result from the uneven heat transfer and slag infiltration.
Ultrasonic‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on a simple and green deep eutectic solvent for preconcentration of macrolides from swine urine samples
Authors: Liao Qie Gen , Da Wen Zhang , Lin Guang Luo , Ci Dan Zha Xi
Published: November 2019

In this study, a simple and green deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction methodology had been proposed for the assessment of four macrolides in swine urine samples. Some important parameters including type and volume of extraction solvent and demulsifier solvent, sample pH, salt concentration affecting extraction efficiency were investigated. The quantitative recoveries were achieved at pH 9 and 20% (w/v) NaCl by using 0.3 mL of deep eutectic solvent consisting of choline chloride‐phenol (1:2, molar ratio) and 0.3 mL of tetrahydrofuran. Under optimal conditions, the linear ranges of four macrolides were 0.5–20.0 µg/L with correlation coefficient higher than 0.999. Limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.02–0.1 and 0.1–0.5 µg/L, respectively. The relative recoveries for macrolides in spiked swine urine samples ranged from 80 to 93% with relative standard deviations less than 6%.
The generalized slenderness‐based resistance method for the design of SHS and RHS
Authors: Toffolon Andrea , Meng Xin , Taras Andreas , Gardner Leroy
Published: November 2019

Selected, extended paper from the SDSS 2019 special session ECCS/TC8 – Structural Stability

The cross‐sectional strength of square (SHS) and rectangular (RHS) hollow sections loaded in compression and various degrees of uniaxial or biaxial bending are governed by local instabilities in the elastic or plastic range. Common design checks for cross‐sectional strength, e.g. those found in the Eurocodes, regularly penalize these sections through a conservative omission of various mechanical effects and a categorization of cross‐sections into distinct classes with corresponding, markedly different, design rules. This leads to discontinuities and inaccuracies in the strength representation. Such conservatism is particularly detrimental to the introduction of high‐strength steel hollow sections, which often fall into the semi‐compact and slender cross‐section classes for which local buckling is more relevant. This paper discusses the results of extensive research work carried out during the RFCS research project HOLLOSSTAB. In this project, new design rules were developed for the cross‐sectional and member design checks of hollow sections with various shapes and slenderness ratios, termed the “Generalized Slenderness‐based Resistance Method – GSRM”. This paper summarizes the experimental and numerical campaign carried out within HOLLOSSTAB and describes the new GSRM design rules and their background for the case of the cross‐sectional strength of SHS and RHS.
The generalised slenderness‐based resistance method for the design of CHS and EHS
Authors: Meng Xin , Toffolon Andrea , Gardner Leroy , Taras Andreas
Published: November 2019

Selected, extended paper from the SDSS 2019 special session ECCS/TC8 – Structural Stability

This paper presents the development and assessment of an innovative cross‐section design method for structural steel circular and elliptical hollow sections (CHS and EHS) – the generalised slenderness‐based resistance method (GSRM). A numerical simulation programme was first conducted to expand the data pool for CHS and EHS. Finite element (FE) models were established, validated against existing test data and then utilised for parametric studies, where a total of over 3 700 cross‐section resistance data were numerically generated. The development of the GSRM for CHS and EHS is then presented. Key design parameters, including the reference resistances and the generalised local slenderness, are initially defined. The general design procedure is subsequently introduced. Two design alternatives for CHS and EHS – a strength‐based approach, and a deformation‐based approach based on the continuous strength method (CSM), are developed and presented. Finally, the proposed GSRM is assessed using the previously collected test results and freshly generated FE data, where excellent accuracy and consistency in the resistance predictions are clearly revealed for all loading scenarios. Subsequent reliability analyses demonstrate that the current partial safety factor used in EN 1993‐1‐1 can be applied to the GSRM, achieving an appropriate level of reliability.
Genetically Encoded Membranes for Bottom‐Up Biology
Authors: Vogele Kilian , Pirzer Tobias , Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: November 2019

The front cover artwork is provided by Marisa A. Goetzfried, Technical University of Munich. The image illustrates dynamic peptide vesicles investigated in our group. The background displays a fluorescence‐bright‐field overlay micrograph of giant peptide vesicles. Read the full text of the Concept article at 10.1002/syst.201900016.
Resummation of boson-jet correlation at hadron colliders
Authors: Chien Yang-Ting , Shao Ding Yu , Wu Bin
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We perform a precise calculation of the transverse momentum ($$ {\overrightarrow{q}}_T $$

q
→

T

) distribution of the boson+jet system in boson production events. The boson can be either a photon, W, Z or Higgs boson with mass mV, and $$ {\overrightarrow{q}}_T $$

q
→

T

is the sum of the transverse momenta of the boson and the leading jet with magnitude qT = |$$ {\overrightarrow{q}}_T $$

q
→

T

|. Using renormalization group techniques and soft-collinear effective theory, we resum logarithms log (Q/qT) and log R at next-to- leading logarithmic accuracy including the non-global logarithms, where Q and R are respectively the hard scattering energy and the radius of the jet. Specifically, we investigate two scenarios of $$ {p}_T^J $$

p
T
J

≲ mV or $$ {p}_T^J $$

p
T
J

≳ mV in Z +jet events, and we examine the qT distributions with different jet radii and study the effect of non-global logarithms. In the end we compare our theoretical calculations with Monte Carlo simulations and data from the LHC.
(g − 2)μ versus flavor changing neutral current induced by the light (B − L)μτ boson
Authors: Kang Zhaofeng , Shigekami Yoshihiro
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We propose the local (B − L)μτ model, which minimally retains the local B − L extension for the sake of neutrino phenomenologies, and at the same time presents an invisible gauge boson Z′ with mass ∼ 𝒪 (10) MeV to account for the discrepancy of the muon anomalous magnetic moment. However such a scenario is challenged by flavor physics. To accommodate the correct pattern of Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix, we have to introduce either a SU(2)L doublet flavon or vector-like quarks plus a singlet flavon. In either case Z′ induces flavor changing neutral current (FCNC) in the quark sector at tree-level. We find that the former scheme cannot naturally suppress the FCNC from the down-type quark sector and thus requires a large fine-tuning to avoid the stringent K → πν$$ \overline{v} $$

v
¯

bound. Whereas the latter scheme, in which FCNC merely arises in the up-type quark sector, is still free of strong constraint. In particular, it opens a new window to test our scenario by searching for flavor-changing top quark decay mode t → u/c+(invisible), and the typical branching ratio ∼ 𝒪 (10−4).