bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients from a US payer perspective
Authors: Alsumali Adnan , Chemaly Roy F. , Graham Jonathan , Jiang Yiling , Merchant Sanjay , Miles LaStella , Schelfhout Jonathan , Yang Joe , Tang Yuexin
Published: August 2020

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of letermovir versus no prophylaxis for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in adult cytomegalovirus‐seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) recipients. A decision model for 100 patients was developed to estimate the probabilities of cytomegalovirus infection, cytomegalovirus disease, various other complications, and death in patients receiving letermovir versus no prophylaxis. The probabilities of clinical outcomes were based on the pivotal phase 3 trial of letermovir use for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis versus placebo in adult cytomegalovirus‐seropositive recipients of an allo‐HCT. Costs of prophylaxis with letermovir and of each clinical outcome were derived from published sources or the trial clinical study reports. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in terms of cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained were used in the model. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore uncertainty around the base‐case analysis. In this model, the use of letermovir prophylaxis would lead to an increase of QALYs (619) and direct medical cost ($1  733  794) compared with no prophylaxis (578 QALYs; $710  300) in cytomegalovirus‐seropositive recipients of an allo‐HCT. Letermovir use for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis was a cost‐effective option versus no prophylaxis with base‐case analysis ICER $25 046/QALY gained. One‐way sensitivity analysis showed the most influential parameter was mortality rate. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed a 92% probability of letermovir producing an ICER below the commonly accepted willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100 000/QALY gained. Based on this model, letermovir use for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis was a cost‐effective option in adult cytomegalovirus‐seropositive recipients of an allo‐HCT.
Analytical method for the evaluation of singular integrals arising from boundary element method in electromagnetism
Authors: Oueslati Soumaya , Balloumi Imen , Daveau Christian , Khelifi Abdessatar
Published: August 2020

We present a new method for the explicit evaluation of single and double layers involved in a boundary element method to solve Maxwell's equations in the harmonic regime. This is an analytical method.
Microbiome changes in young periodontitis patients treated with adjunctive metronidazole and amoxicillin
Authors: Feres Magda , Retamal‐Valdes Belén , Fermiano Daiane , Faveri Marcelo , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Mayer Marcia P.A. , Lee Jung‐Jin , Bittinger Kyle , Teles Flavia
Published: August 2020

Background

To our knowledge, to date, no studies have comprehensively assessed the changes occurring in the subgingival microbiome of young patients with periodontitis treated by means of mechanical and antibiotic therapy. Thus, this study aimed to use next‐generation sequencing to evaluate the subgingival microbial composition of young patients with severe periodontitis treated with scaling and root planing and systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin.

Methods

Subgingival samples from healthy individuals and shallow and deep sites from periodontitis patients were individually collected at baseline and 90 days post‐treatment. The samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA‐gene sequencing (MiSeq‐Illumina) and QIIME pipeline. Differences between groups for the microbiological data were determined using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), linear mixed models, and the PERMANOVA test.

Results

One hundred samples were collected from 10 periodontitis patients and seven healthy individuals. PCoA analysis revealed significant partitioning between pre‐and post‐treatment samples. No major differences in the composition of the subgingival microbiota were observed between shallow and deep sites, at baseline or at 90‐days post‐treatment, and the microbiome of both site categories after treatment moved closer in similarity to that observed in periodontal health. Treatment significantly improved all clinical parameters and reduced the relative abundance of classical periodontal pathogens and of Fretibacterium fastidiosum, Eubacterium saphenum, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Treponema medium, Synergistetes, TM7, and Treponema spp, and increased that of Actinomyces, Rothia, Haemophilus, Corynebacterium, and Streptococci spp.

Conclusion

Mechanical treatment associated with metronidazole and amoxicillin promoted a beneficial change in the microbiome of young individuals with severe periodontitis.
Revisiting an old profile: an updated geoarchaeological study at Nasera Rockshelter (Tanzania)
Authors: MartÍn‐Perea David Manuel , MaÍllo‐FernÁndez JosÉ‐Manuel , Medialdea Alicia , MarÍn Juan , Solano‐MegÍas Irene , Gidna Agness , Mabulla Audax
Published: August 2020

Nasera Rockshelter hosts a highly continuous sedimentary record, containing a wide array of archaeological remains from Middle Stone Age, Later Stone Age and Pastoralist occupations. Excavated by L. Leakey and M. Mehlman, geological studies carried out by R. Hay included granulometric and general mineralogical analyses but lacked individualized, detailed description and interpretation of each of the 25 levels exposed. This study presents updated detailed geological descriptions and interpretations of 17 levels exposed during excavations in 2018.
Pelvic ring reconstruction with segmental spinal instrumentation after complete type I pelvic resection
Authors: Tepper Sarah C. , Blank Alan T. , Gitelis Steven , Colman Matthew W.
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

Internal hemipelvectomy is a complex procedure used to treat malignancy that involves the pelvis. Reconstruction of the pelvis after type I or type I/IV resection remains controversial due to high complication rates and debatable functional benefit. Modern reconstruction options may provide a rapid, intuitive, and reliable way to reconstitute the pelvic ring.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of four patients who underwent a novel reconstruction method involving computer navigation and segmental spinal instrumentation applied to the pelvis after type I or type I/IV pelvic resection for malignancy between 2015 and 2020.

Results

Time to ambulation postoperatively ranged from 1 to 7 days, and median length of hospital stay was 8.5 (7.5, 10.5) days. Complications included wound necrosis in two patients that did not require reoperation and wound infection in one patient that required irrigation and debridement. There was no radiographic evidence of hardware loosening or failure on follow‐up. Three patients remain alive and two remain disease‐free. At most recent follow‐up, all patients were able to ambulate and perform activities of daily living.

Conclusions

The technique for pelvic reconstruction described allows for rapid fixation intraoperatively with few complications and satisfactory functional results in this limited series.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival in patients with left‐sided pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ocuin Lee M. , Hardacre Jeffrey M. , Ammori John B. , Rothermel Luke D. , Mohamed Amr , Selfridge Jennifer E. , Bajor David , Winter Jordan M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used infrequently in the management of distal pancreatic cancers. We investigated outcomes associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or up‐front surgery in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy.

Methods

The National Cancer Database (2004‐2016) was queried for patients with pancreas cancer who underwent distal pancreatectomy. Demographics, clinical characteristics, postoperative outcomes, pathologic outcomes, and overall survival were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Six thousand five‐hundred and twenty‐three patients were included, including 5,643 who underwent up‐front distal pancreatectomy and 880 who received neoadjuvant therapy. Factors associated with receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy included care at academic/research programs, higher education level, higher clinical T stage, higher clinical N stage, and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 level. Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy had fewer positive lymph nodes, higher margin‐negative resection rate, lower 30‐day readmission rate, and lower 90‐day mortality rate. Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy had longer median overall survival (28.8 vs 22.0 months; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, neoadjuvant therapy remained independently associated with improved survival (hazards ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence inteval, 0.63‐0.82; P < .001).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant therapy in patients with left‐sided pancreatic cancers is associated with improved pathologic outcomes as well as longer overall survival. Neoadjuvant therapy should be considered in all patients with PDAC regardless of tumor location.
So happy for your loss: Consumer schadenfreude increases choice satisfaction
Authors: Moisieiev Dmytro , Dimitriu Radu , Jain Shailendra P.
Published: August 2020

Consumers often feel schadenfreude, an emotion reflecting an experience of pleasure over misfortunes of another. Schadenfreude has found wide use in advertising, but its actual consequences for consumers have not been thoroughly documented. The present research investigates the effect of schadenfreude on consumers' satisfaction with choices they have made. Building on the feelings‐as‐information theory, the authors posit that consumers take their positive feelings of schadenfreude over another's unrelated bad purchase as positive information about their own choices, and through such misattribution become more satisfied with their own choices. Three experiments show that feeling schadenfreude over another consumer's bad purchase makes consumers more satisfied with their own choices (Study 1), regardless of whether the other's bad purchase is in the same or in a different product category as one's own choice (Study 2), but only so long as consumers are not aware that they are engaging in misattribution (Study 3). The present research contributes to the literature on schadenfreude and feelings‐as‐information theory. Its findings may be used by marketers aiming to exert an unconscious influence on consumer satisfaction.
Intake of Fermented Dairy Products Induces a Less Pro‐Inflammatory Postprandial Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Gene Expression Response than Non‐Fermented Dairy Products: A Randomized Controlled Cross‐Over Trial
Authors: Rundblad Amanda , Holven Kirsten B. , Øyri Linn K. L. , Hansson Patrik , Ivan Ingvild H. , Gjevestad Gyrd O. , Thoresen Magne , Ulven Stine M.
Published: August 2020

Scope

It is aimed to investigate how intake of high‐fat meals composed of different dairy products with a similar fat content affects postprandial peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) expression of inflammation‐related genes, as well as circulating inflammatory markers and metabolites.

Methods and results

Healthy subjects (n = 47) consume four different high‐fat meals composed of either butter, cheese, whipped cream, or sour cream in a randomized controlled cross‐over study. Fasting and postprandial PBMC gene expression, plasma metabolites, and circulating inflammatory markers are measured. Using a linear mixed model, it is found that expression of genes related to lymphocyte activation, cytokine signaling, chemokine signaling, and cell adhesion is differentially altered between the four meals. In general, intake of the fermented products cheese and sour cream reduces, while intake of the non‐fermented products butter and whipped cream increases, expression of these genes. Plasma amino acid concentrations increase after intake of cheese compared to the other meals, and the amino acid changes correlate with several of the differentially altered genes.

Conclusion

Intake of fermented dairy products, especially cheese, induces a less inflammatory postprandial PBMC gene expression response than non‐fermented dairy products. These findings may partly explain inconsistent findings in studies on health effects of dairy products.
Performance assessment of the augmented finite element method for the modeling of weak discontinuities
Authors: Essongue Simon , Couégnat Guillaume , Martin Eric
Published: August 2020

This article investigates the convergence properties of the augmented finite element method (AFEM). The AFEM is here used to model weak discontinuities independently of the underlying mesh. One noticeable advantage of the AFEM over other partition of unity methods is that it does not introduce additional global unknowns. Numerical 2D experiments illustrate the performance of the method and draw comparisons with the finite element method (FEM) and the nonconforming FEM. It is shown that the AFEM converges with an error of in the energy norm. The nonconforming FEM shares the same property while the FEM converges at . Yet, the AFEM is on par with the FEM for certain homogenization problems.
Interorganizational network portfolios of nonprofit organizations: Implications for collaboration management
Authors: Fu Jiawei Sophia , Cooper Katherine R.
Published: August 2020

Increasingly, nonprofit organizations engage in interorganizational collaboration to address large‐scale social problems. Scholarship typically focuses on the characteristics of both within‐sector and cross‐sector partnerships of two collaborating organizations or all partnering organizations involved in a collaboration, but we know little about the patterns of interorganizational relationships that single nonprofit organizations maintain. This research draws upon surveys from 452 nonprofits and introducesnonprofit network portfolios, which we define as thenumber,integration,intensity, anddurationof relationships that nonprofits purposefully develop with other organizations. Using 12 network measures, Ward cluster analysis revealed three distinct network portfolios:restricted within‐sector(n= 319, 70.58%), which included limited collaboration and prioritized within‐sector partnerships;robust within‐sector(n= 80, 17.70%), which included more nonprofit partnerships than restricted within‐sector portfolios; andcross‐sector(n= 53, 11.72%), which had a rich assemblage of integrative partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Further, nonprofits that maintained each type of portfolio differed in their revenue and social mission, suggesting these factors are related to the types of collaboration that nonprofits maintain. This study makes contributions to existing research on interorganizational networks and cross‐sector collaboration and suggests practical and policy implications for nonprofit network management.
Prioritising the preference of factors affecting the mobile network selection: A combination of factor analysis and best worst method
Authors: Garg Aashish , Gupta Sanjay , Mathew Manoj , Singh Simarjeet
Published: August 2020

The last two decades have witnessed enormous growth in wireless communication all over the world. The customers are the key concern of the marketers in this sector and marketers are trying their best to reach afar the expectations of the customers which makes them ready to serve customers 24*7. Customers in today's modern world have now become more informed with multiple options available due to which it has become a cumbrous job for marketers to retain or gain customers in the telecom sector. By gaining insights into preferences and expectations of customers regarding mobile network services can aid marketers to survive in this competitive sector. The study was conducted in two phases. In the First Phase, data were collected from 308 employees working in retail outlets operating in Punjab and Chandigarh who are directly dealing with customers. Factor analysis was conducted to explore the factors which according to them are significant for customers. In the second phase, the best‐worst multi‐criteria decision‐making technique was applied on a sample of 262 customers to prioritized or rank the factors based on significance for preference toward telecom service provider selection according to customers. Results of the study depicted Network/Signal coverage and price as the highest‐ranked and prioritized factor for consumers while preferring telecom service operators. While Brand image emerged as the least important factor. Data were collected in the area of Punjab and Chandigarh only. The study was conducted at a one‐time point due to which changes in the perception of the customers have not been considered. So, these are the limitations of the study. The research study is highly useful for telecom companies to target the highly prioritized factors of preference which will assist them in surviving and gaining an advantage over competitors. Previous researches have explored the factors preferences toward mobile telecom service provider and modeled their relationships. But the present study has employed the multi‐criteria decision‐making technique to add value to the existing knowledge base.
Miniemulsion switchable electrolysis under constant current conditions
Authors: Zaborniak Izabela , Chmielarz Paweł
Published: August 2020

Troxerutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside, has a variety of beneficial activities characteristic for flavonols, such as strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Besides the beneficial effects of troxerutin, limitations such as bioavailability have disrupted its application and prompt scientists to look for effective modification methods. This work presents the synthesis of troxerutin‐based macromolecules with lipophilic poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PnBA) star arms via “core‐first” procedure in a two‐step synthetic route. Troxerutin as a polyphenol structure with ubiquitous reactive hydroxyl groups was for the first time modified with α‐bromoisobutyryl bromide to receive an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator with 10 brominated initiation sites. The further step involved the synthesis of novel star‐like macromolecules with troxerutin core and PnBA star arms by simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP (seATRP) in an environmentally friendly reaction medium—miniemulsion. Electrolysis under constant current conditions with temporal control was implemented, resulting in well‐defined star‐like polymers with complete preservation of chain‐end functionality after restarting the synthesis. Hydrophobic properties of received troxerutin‐based macromolecules were investigated by contact angles (Θ) measurements, followed by the free surface energy (FSE) calculations.
Multi‐scale analysis of short glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene under monotonic and fatigue loading
Authors: Imaddahen Mohamed A. , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Ayari Houssem , Foucard Mathieu , Tcharkhtchi Abbas , Fitoussi Joseph
Published: August 2020

Short fiber‐reinforced polypropylene is largely used in the automotive industry. Fatigue failure is one of the most failure modes observed in this class of materials. In order to better understand the damage mechanisms and plasticity evolution, this article provides an overall experimental investigation of the mechanical properties of a PPGF40 composite (polypropylene matrix reinforced by a 40% weight content of short glass fibers) including monotonic and cyclic loading. The effect of various parameters such as the loading direction, the strain rate, the temperature, and the fatigue are analyzed. The evolutions of the loss of stiffness and plastic strain during monotonic and fatigue tests are analyzed. Self‐heating during cyclic loading is also studied. Moreover, the coupling effect of damage and plasticity is analyzed by plotting the evolution of the relative loss of stiffness vs the plastic strain increment for monotonic and cyclic loadings. For quasi‐static loading, the results emphasize an intrinsic curve independent of the loading direction. Moreover, a sharp increase in the damage and plasticity levels due to the local effect occurring during cyclic loading is observed and correlated to SEM fracture surface analysis.
Surface modification of ZIF‐90 with triptycene for enhanced interfacial interaction in mixed‐matrix membranes for gas separation
Authors: Zhang Qinnan , Luo Shuangjiang , Weidman Jennifer , Guo Ruilan
Published: August 2020

Zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF‐90) nanoparticles were chemically modified by grafting triptycene moieties. The modified nanoparticles were introduced into a triptycene‐based polyimide as fillers to generate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation. The incorporation of “hook‐like” triptycene moieties in both dispersed and continuous phases led to intimate contact between the two phases and thus defect‐free interfacial morphology, due to the supramolecular interlocking and π–π stacking interaction between triptycene units presented in both phases. The filler/polymer solution showed shear thickening behavior due to such strong interfacial interaction. The separation performance of the prepared composite membranes was investigated as a function of filler loading and particle surface grafting density. Pure‐gas permeation results showed that the gas permeabilities increased expectedly as the filler loading increased, with stable or improved selectivities. The reduced permeability relative to pristine polyimide film is likely due to the pore blockage of ZIF‐90 upon grafting triptycene moieties on the particle surface. Reducing the grafting density of triptycene moieties led to improved permeability and selectivity suggesting good tunability of this series of new composite membranes. Overall, modification of nanofiller with hierarchical triptycene moieties offers a fundamentally new avenue for creation of composite membranes with unique properties in gas separations.
Feasibility and performance of a novel probe panel to detect somatic DNA copy number alterations in clinical specimens for predicting prostate cancer progression
Authors: Liu Wennuan , Hou Jun , Petkewicz Jacqueline , Na Rong , Wang Chi‐Hsiung , Sun Jishan , Gallagher Johnie , Bogachkov Yedida Y. , Swenson Laura , Regner MaryAnn , Resurreccion W. Kyle , Isaacs William B. , Brendler Charles B. , Crawford Susan , Zheng S. Lilly , Helfand Brian T. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: August 2020

Background

To assess the feasibility of a novel DNA‐based probe panel to detect copy number alterations (CNAs) in prostate tumor DNA and its performance for predicting clinical progression.

Methods

A probe panel was developed and optimized to measure CNAs in trace amounts of tumor DNA (2 ng) isolated from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues. Ten genes previously associated with aggressive disease were targeted. The panel's feasibility and performance were assessed in 175 prostate cancer (PCa) patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with a median 10‐year follow‐up, including 42 men who developed disease progression (either metastasis and/or PCa‐specific death). Association with disease progression was tested using univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

The probe panel detected CNAs in all 10 genes in tumor DNA isolated from either diagnostic biopsies or surgical specimens. A four‐gene model (PTEN/MYC/BRCA2/CDKN1B) had the strongest association with disease progression; 64.3% of progressors and 22.5% of non‐progressors had at least one CNA in these four genes, odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) = 6.21 (2.77‐13.87),P = 8.48E−06. The association with disease progression remained significant after adjusting for known clinicopathological variables. Among the seven progressors of the 65 patients with clinically low‐risk disease, three (42.9%) had at least one CNA in these four genes.

Conclusions

The probe panel can detect CNAs in trace amounts of tumor DNA from biopsies or surgical tissues at the time of diagnosis or surgery. CNAs independently predict metastatic/lethal cancer, particularly among men with clinically low‐risk disease at diagnosis. If validated, this may improve current abilities to assess tumor aggressiveness.
Theoretical investigation on reverse intersystem crossing from upper triplet to lowest singlet: A “hot exciton” path for blue fluorescentOLEDs
Authors: Liu Yidan , Yuan Yizhong , Tian Xiaohui , Sun Jinyu
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, blue fluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (FOLEDs) have attracted considerable attention from both academia and industry. According to spin statistics, electrical excitation results in the formation of ∼25% singlet excitons and ∼75% triplet excitons (signifying ~75% energy loss), which triggered wide‐ranging efforts to harvest as many triplet excitons as possible. The materials that can convert triplet excitons into singlet excitons from the high‐lying excited triplet states (referred as “hot exciton” channel) to realize high efficiency were reported, which can also efficaciously avoid the accumulation of triplet excitons in T1state. In this study, by means of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT, we have theoretically investigated the electronic and photophysical properties of 16 newly designed molecules with donor‐bridge‐acceptor framework to search for the blue FOLED materials exploiting the “hot exciton” path. Important properties, such as singlet‐triplet energy gaps, absorption and emission parameters, and reverse intersystem crossing rates (kRISC), of five target molecules were studied. The calculated results demonstrate that thiophene‐diphenylamine (kRISCup to 1.03 × 108 seconds−1) may have promising potential as blue FOLED materials by virtue of the “hot exciton” effect.
Microfluidic devices for detection of RNA viruses
Authors: Basiri Arefeh , Heidari Arash , Nadi Melina Farshbaf , Fallahy Mohammad Taha Pahlevan , Nezamabadi Sasan Salehi , Sedighi Mohammadreza , Saghazadeh Amene , Rezaei Nima
Published: August 2020

There is a long way to go before the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) outbreak comes under control. qRT‐PCR is currently used for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of Covid‐19, but it is expensive, time‐consuming, and not as sensitive as it should be. Finding a rapid, easy‐to‐use, and cheap diagnostic method is necessary to help control the current outbreak. Microfluidic systems provide a platform for many diagnostic tests, including RT‐PCR, RT‐LAMP, nested‐PCR, nucleic acid hybridization, ELISA, fluorescence‐Based Assays, rolling circle amplification, aptamers, sample preparation multiplexer (SPM), Porous Silicon Nanowire Forest, silica sol‐gel coating/bonding, and CRISPR. They promise faster, cheaper, and easy‐to‐use methods with higher sensitivity, so microfluidic devices have a high potential to be an alternative method for the detection of viral RNA. These devices have previously been used to detect RNA viruses such as H1N1, Zika, HAV, HIV, and norovirus, with acceptable results. This paper provides an overview of microfluidic systems as diagnostic methods for RNA viruses with a focus on SARS‐CoV‐2.
Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin: A possible host protective factor against Covid‐19
Authors: de Loyola Mariana Braccialli , dos Reis Thaís Tereza Aguiar , de Oliveira Guilherme Xavier Lyra Malcher , da Fonseca Palmeira Julys , Argañaraz Gustavo A. , Argañaraz Enrique R.
Published: August 2020

Understanding Covid‐19 pathophysiology is crucial for a better understanding of the disease and development of more effective treatments. Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (A1AT) is a constitutive tissue protector with antiviral and anti‐inflammatory properties. A1AT inhibits SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and two of the most important proteases in the pathophysiology of Covid‐19: the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and the disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17). It also inhibits the activity of inflammatory molecules, such as IL‐8, TNF‐α, and neutrophil elastase (NE). TMPRSS2 is essential for SARS‐CoV‐2‐S protein priming and viral infection. ADAM17 mediates ACE2, IL‐6R, and TNF‐α shedding. ACE2 is the SARS‐CoV‐2 entry receptor and a key component for the balance of the renin‐angiotensin system, inflammation, vascular permeability, and pulmonary homeostasis. In addition, clinical findings indicate that A1AT levels might be important in defining Covid‐19 outcomes, potentially partially explaining associations with air pollution and with diabetes. In this review, we focused on the interplay between A1AT with TMPRSS2, ADAM17 and immune molecules, and the role of A1AT in the pathophysiology of Covid‐19, opening new avenues for investigating effective treatments.
Determining nonuniformities of core‐shell nanoparticle coatings by analysis of the inelastic background of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy survey spectra
Authors: Müller Anja , Sparnacci Katia , Unger Wolfgang E.S. , Tougaard Sven
Published: August 2020

Most real core‐shell nanoparticle (CSNP) samples deviate from an ideal core‐shell structure potentially having significant impact on the particle properties. An ideal structure displays a spherical core fully encapsulated by a shell of homogeneous thickness, and all particles in the sample exhibit the same shell thickness. Therefore, analytical techniques are required that can identify and characterize such deviations. This study demonstrates that by analysis of the inelastic background in X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) survey spectra, the following types of deviations can be identified and quantified: the nonuniformity of the shell thickness within a nanoparticle sample and the incomplete encapsulation of the cores by the shell material. Furthermore, CSNP shell thicknesses and relative coverages can be obtained. These results allow for a quick and straightforward comparison between several batches of a specific CSNP, different coating approaches, and so forth. The presented XPS methodology requires a submonolayer distribution of CSNPs on a substrate. Poly(tetrafluoroethylene)‐poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(tetrafluoroethylene)‐polystyrene polymer CSNPs serve as model systems to demonstrate the applicability of the approach.
Succinylated Starches for Dye Removal
Authors: Soto Diana , León Orietta , Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra , Fernandez‐García Marta
Published: August 2020

Succinylated bitter cassava starches are evaluated for the removal of cationic, methylene blue (MB) and anionic, methyl orange (MO) dyes present in water. The native starch (NS) extracted from bitter cassava by the dry method, is modified using succinic anhydride (SA) as esterifying agent and sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride as non‐toxic and environmentally friendly catalysts. The effect of the type and concentration of catalyst on the modification is evaluated. Starch replacement with SA is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The degree of substitution in the resulting succinylated starches is determined by volumetric analysis, presenting high values (0.5–0.9). These materials act as superabsorbent gels, sensitive to changes in pH and ionic strength, and mostly with anti‐polyelectrolytic behavior. MB dye has a higher affinity for succinylated starches than the MO dye. The removal capacity of MB is also influenced by the pH and the ionic strength of the solution. The kinetics and adsorption isotherms are satisfactorily adjusted to the pseudo‐second order and Freundlich models, respectively. The esters functionalities of the starch prove to be reusable adsorbents, completing successfully five cycles of adsorption‐desorption.
Groundwater Upwelling Regulates Thermal Hydrodynamics and Salmonid Movements during High‐Temperature Events at a Montane Tributary Confluence
Authors: Ritter Thomas David , Zale Alexander V. , Grisak Grant , Lance Michael J.
Published: August 2020

The Smith River is a popular recreational sport fishery in western Montana, but salmonid abundances there are thought to be artificially limited by riparian land‐use alterations, irrigation water withdrawals, and high summer water temperatures. We used integrated networks of temperature loggers, PIT tag antenna stations, and in situ temperature mapping to investigate the thermal hydrodynamics and associated movements of PIT‐tagged salmonids at the confluence of Tenderfoot Creek, a major, unaltered coldwater tributary of the Smith River. Contrary to expectations, Tenderfoot Creek itself was not used as a thermal refuge by salmonids during periods of high water temperatures in Smith River; rather, its cool outflow plume into the main stem was used instead. Mean daily outflow water temperatures averaged 2.9°C lower than those of the Smith River during summer and ranged from 0.5°C to 6.1°C lower. Moreover, measured and estimated temperatures in the outflow were cooler (by up to 2.8°C) than in Tenderfoot Creek itself at times as a result of groundwater upwelling at the confluence. Detections of PIT‐tagged fish in the thermal plume increased, especially at night, when daily mean water temperatures exceeded 20°C in the main‐stem Smith River; more than four times as many PIT‐tagged fish were detected in the plume (N = 52) than along the opposite bank (N = 12), which ostensibly afforded better cover. Coldwater tributary confluences may provide superior thermal refuges for salmonids—cooler than the tributaries themselves—when water temperatures in river main stems are stressful.
The challenge of predicting distal active site mutations in computational enzyme design
Authors: Osuna Sílvia
Published: August 2020

Many computational enzyme design approaches have been developed in recent years that focus on a reduced set of key enzymatic features. Initial protocols mostly focused on the chemical steps(s) through transition state stabilization, whereas most recent approaches exploit the enzyme conformational dynamics often crucial for substrate binding, product release, and allosteric regulation. The detailed evaluation of the conformational landscape of many laboratory‐evolved enzymes has revealed dramatic changes on the relative stabilities of the conformational states after mutation, favoring those conformational states key for the novel functionality. Of note is that these mutations are often located all around the enzyme structure, which contrasts with most of the computational design strategies that reduce the problem into active site alterations. Recent computational strategies have been developed that consider enzyme design as a population shift problem, that is, redistribution of the relative stabilities of the conformational states induced by mutations. These strategies focus on reconstructing the conformational landscape of the enzyme, applying correlation‐based tools to elucidate the underlying allosteric network of interactions and identify potential mutation hotspots located at the active site, but most importantly at distal positions for the first time.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods

Software > Molecular Modeling
A review of h‐likelihood and hierarchical generalized linear model
Authors: Jin Shaobo , Lee Youngjo
Published: August 2020

Fisher's classical likelihood has become the standard procedure to make inference for fixed unknown parameters. Recently, inferences of unobservable random variables, such as random effects, factors, missing values, etc., have become important in statistical analysis. Because Fisher's likelihood cannot have such unobservable random variables, the full Bayesian method is only available for inference. An alternative likelihood approach is proposed by Lee and Nelder. In the context of Fisher likelihood, the likelihood principle means that the likelihood function carries all relevant information regarding the fixed unknown parameters. Bjørnstad extended the likelihood principle to extended likelihood principle; all information in the observed data for fixed unknown parameters and unobservables are in the extended likelihood, such as the h‐likelihood. However, it turns out that the use of extended likelihood for inferences is not as straightforward as the Fisher likelihood. In this paper, we describe how to extract information of the data from the h‐likelihood. This provides a new way of statistical inferences in entire fields of statistical science.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Generalized Linear Models

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Maximum Likelihood Methods
Gravitational phase transition mediated by thermalon in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet-Maxwell-Kalb-Ramond gravity
Authors: Samart Daris , Channuie Phongpichit
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In this work, we study the possible existence of gravitational phase transition from AdS to dS asymptotic geometries in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity by adding the Maxwell one-form field (Aμ) and the Kalb-Ramond two-form field (Bμν) as impurity substitutions. The phase transitions proceed via the bubble nucleation of spherical thin-shells described by different branches of the solutions which host a dS black hole in the interior and asymptotic thermal AdS state in the exterior. We analyze the phase diagrams of the free energy and temperature to demonstrate the existence of the phase transitions in the grand canonical ensemble (fixed electrical potential). The phase transitions of having the one-form and two-form charges are possible in which the critical temperature is lower than that of the neutral case. Comparing results with existing literature, more importantly, our analyses show that the critical temperature and the Gauss-Bonnet coupling λ of the phase transitions get decreased by adding more types of the charges.
Consequences of vector-like quarks of Nelson-Barr type
Authors: Cherchiglia A.L. , Nishi C.C.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The Nelson-Barr mechanism to solve the strong CP problem requires vector- like quarks (VLQs) to transmit the spontaneous CP breaking to the SM. We study the scenario where only these VLQs are within reach at the TeV scale while the spontaneous CP breaking sector is inaccessible. We investigate how these VLQs of Nelson-Barr type differ from generic VLQs and find from parameter counting that one less parameter is needed. In particular, for one VLQ of Nelson-Barr type, there is only one CP odd quantity that is responsible for all CP violation. In this case, we solve the technical problem of parametrizing only the new physics parameters while keeping the SM parameters as independent inputs. For one down-type VLQ, the model is largely flavor safe because the VLQ couplings to the SM up quarks and theWare hierarchically smaller for lighter quarks.
Causality and stability conditions of a conformal charged fluid
Authors: Taghinavaz Farid
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In this paper, I study the conditions imposed on a normal charged fluid so that the causality and stability criteria hold for this fluid. I adopt the newly developed General Frame (GF) notion in the relativistic hydrodynamics framework which states that hydrodynamic frames have to be fixed after applying the stability and causality conditions. To do this, I take a charged conformal matter in the flat and 3 + 1 dimension to analyze better these conditions. The causality condition is applied by looking to the asymptotic velocity of sound hydro modes at the large wave number limit and stability conditions are imposed by looking to the imaginary parts of hydro modes as well as the Routh-Hurwitz criteria. By fixing some of the transports, the suitable spaces for other ones are derived. I observe that in a dense medium having a finite U(1) charge with chemical potential μ0, negative values for transports appear and the second law of thermodynamics has not ruled out the existence of such values. Sign of scalar transports are not limited by any constraints and just a combination of vector transports is limited by the second law of thermodynamic. Also numerically it is proved that the most favorable region for transports $$ {\tilde{\upgamma}}_{1,2}, $$

γ
˜

1
,
2

,
coefficients of the dissipative terms of the current, is of negative values.
Notes on the 11D pure spinor wordline vertex operators
Authors: Guillen Max
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The construction of the ghost number zero and one vertex operators for the 11D pure spinor superparticle will be revisited. In this sense, an alternative way of defining the ghost number one vertex operator will be given after introducing a ghost number -2 operator made out of physical operators defined on the 11D non-minimal pure spinor superspace. This procedure will make explicit and transparent the relation between the ghost number three and one vertex operators. In addition, using a non-Lorentz covariant b-ghost, ghost number zero and two vertex operators satisfying standard descent equations will be presented in full form.
The SO(10)-inspired leptogenesis timely opportunity
Authors: Di Bari Pasquale , Samanta Rome
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We study the connection between absolute neutrino mass and neutrino mixing parameters within SO(10)-inspired leptogenesis. We show that current favoured values of the unknown neutrino mixing parameters point toward values of the absolute neutrino mass scale that will be fully tested by cosmological observations and neutrinoless double beta decay experiments during next years. In particular, for mD2/mcharm≤ 5, where mD2 is the intermediate Dirac neutrino mass, and for current best fit values of the Dirac phase δ and the atmospheric mixing angle θ23, we derive a lower bound on the neutrinoless double beta decay effective neutrino mass mee ≳ 31 meV and on the sum of the neutrino masses Σimi ≳ 125 meV. These lower bounds hold for normally ordered neutrino masses, as currently favoured by global analyses, and approximately for δ ∈ [155°, 240°] and θ23 in the second octant. If values in this region will be confirmed by future planned long baseline experiments, then a signal at next generation neutrinoless double beta decay experiments is expected, despite neutrino masses being normally ordered. Outside the region, the lower bounds strongly relax but a great fraction of the allowed range of values still allows a measurement of the lightest neutrino mass. Therefore, in the next years low energy neutrino experiments will provide a stringent test of SO(10)-inspired leptogenesis, that might result either in severe constraints or in a strong evidence.
Multi-boundary correlators in JT gravity
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi , Sakai Kazuhiro
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We continue the systematic study of the thermal partition function of Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity started in [arXiv:1911.01659]. We generalize our analysis to the case of multi-boundary correlators with the help of the boundary creation operator. We clarify how the Korteweg-de Vries constraints arise in the presence of multiple boundaries, deriving differential equations obeyed by the correlators. The differential equations allow us to compute the genus expansion of the correlators up to any order without ambiguity. We also formulate a systematic method of calculating the WKB expansion of the Baker-Akhiezer function and the ’t Hooft expansion of the multi-boundary correlators. This new formalism is much more efficient than our previous method based on the topological recursion. We further investigate the low temperature expansion of the two-boundary correlator. We formulate a method of computing it up to any order and also find a universal form of the two-boundary correlator in terms of the error function. Using this result we are able to write down the analytic form of the spectral form factor in JT gravity and show how the ramp and plateau behavior comes about. We also study the Hartle-Hawking state in the free boson/fermion representation of the tau-function and discuss how it should be related to the multi-boundary correlators.
Weyl anomaly induced Fermi condensation and holography
Authors: Chu Chong-Sun , Miao Rong-Xin
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Recently it is found that, due to Weyl anomaly, a background scalar field induces a non-trivial Fermi condensation for theories with Yukawa couplings. For simplicity, the paper consider only scalar type Yukawa coupling and, in the BCFT case, only for a specific boundary condition. In these cases, the Weyl anomaly takes on a simple special form. In this paper, we generalize the results to more general situations. First, we obtain general expressions of Weyl anomaly due to a background scalar and pseudo scalar field in general 4d BCFTs. Then, we derive the general form of Fermi condensation from the Weyl anomaly. It is remarkable that, in general, Fermi condensation is non-zero even if there was not a non-vanishing scalar field background. Finally, we verify our results with free BCFT with Yukawa coupling to scalar and pseudo-scalar background potential with general chiral bag boundary condition and with holographic BCFT. In particular, we obtain the shape and curvature dependence of the Fermi condensate from the holographic one point function.
Resonating AdS soliton
Authors: Garbiso Markus , Ishii Takaaki , Murata Keiju
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The AdS soliton is a nonsingular spacetime that has a flat conformal boundary with a compact S1 direction. We find a horizonless cohomogeneity-1 metric that describes nonlinear gravitational oscillations of the AdS soliton in five dimensions. We call this spacetime the resonating AdS soliton. This solution is obtained as the nonlinear extension of normal modes of the AdS soliton dual to spin-2 glueball excitations. The boundary energy momentum tensor of the resonating AdS soliton has time periodic components, and it is interpreted as a coherently excited state in the dual field theory. Physical quantities of the resonating AdS soliton are multivalued at a fixed energy, suggesting a transition between different frequency solutions. The energy of the resonating AdS soliton is higher than that of the undeformed AdS soliton, in accordance with the positive energy conjecture proposed by Horowitz and Myers.
Forbidden knowledge in machine learning reflections on the limits of research and publication
Authors: Hagendorff Thilo
Published: August 2020

Certain research strands can yield “forbidden knowledge”. This term refers to knowledge that is considered too sensitive, dangerous or taboo to be produced or shared. Discourses about such publication restrictions are already entrenched in scientific fields like IT security, synthetic biology or nuclear physics research. This paper makes the case for transferring this discourse to machine learning research. Some machine learning applications can very easily be misused and unfold harmful consequences, for instance, with regard to generative video or text synthesis, personality analysis, behavior manipulation, software vulnerability detection and the like. Up till now, the machine learning research community embraces the idea of open access. However, this is opposed to precautionary efforts to prevent the malicious use of machine learning applications. Information about or from such applications may, if improperly disclosed, cause harm to people, organizations or whole societies. Hence, the goal of this work is to outline deliberations on how to deal with questions concerning the dissemination of such information. It proposes a tentative ethical framework for the machine learning community on how to deal with forbidden knowledge and dual-use applications.