bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A truly mesh‐distortion‐enabled implementation of cell‐based smoothed finite element method for incompressible fluid flows with fixed and moving boundaries
Authors: He Tao
Published: March 2020

Mesh‐free properties are part of the superiority of cell‐based smoothed finite element method (CS‐FEM), but have yet to be fully exploited for computational fluid dynamics. A novel implementation of CS‐FEM for incompressible viscous fluid flows in stationary and deforming domains discretized by severely distorted bilinear four‐node quadrilateral (Q4) elements is presented in this article. The negative determinant of the Jacobian transformation from the Cartesian coordinates to the natural coordinates is intentionally stipulated for the corresponding mesh over which FEM inevitably fails in practice. It is found that, without ad hoc modifications, CS‐FEM incurs unsatisfactory results and even a failure on fixed meshes. To cater for general computations on either a uniform or nonuniform mesh represented by these badly degenerated elements, four smoothing cells (SCs) are deployed in convex Q4 element whereas one SC in concave Q4 element. A simple hourglass control is introduced into those under‐integrated quadrilaterals for stabilizing the one‐SC quadrature in smoothed Galerkin weak form. Thanks to the adoption of characteristic‐based split (CBS) scheme for the fluid solution, a byproduct is the unfolded equivalence of the CBS stabilization and balancing tensor diffusivity under the incompressibility constraint. Several benchmark problems involving incompressible fluid flow and fluid‐structure interaction are solved. Numerical results show the good accuracy and robustness of the proposed approach that raises a seductive idea for resolving moving‐mesh problems.
Development and Validation of an Electronic Medical Record Algorithm to Identify Phenotypes of Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Gao Chan , Fan Run , Ayers Gregory D. , Giri Ayush , Harris Kindred , Atreya Ravi , Teixeira Pedro L. , Jain Nitin B.
Published: March 2020

Background

A lack of studies with large sample sizes of patients with rotator cuff tears is a barrier to performing clinical and genomic research.

Objective

To develop and validate an electronic medical record (EMR)–based algorithm to identify individuals with and without rotator cuff tear.

Design

We used a deidentified version of the EMR of more than 2 million subjects. A screening algorithm was applied to classify subjects into likely rotator cuff tear and likely normal rotator cuff groups. From these subjects, 500 likely rotator cuff tear and 500 likely normal rotator cuff were randomly chosen for algorithm development. Chart review of all 1000 subjects confirmed the true phenotype of rotator cuff tear or normal rotator cuff based on magnetic resonance imaging and operative report. An algorithm was then developed based on logistic regression and validation of the algorithm was performed.

Results

The variables significantly predicting rotator cuff tear included the number of times a Current Procedural Terminology code related to rotator cuff procedures was used (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6‐6.8 for ≥3 vs 0), the number of times a term related to rotator cuff lesions occurred in radiology reports (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2‐4.1 for ≥1 vs 0), and the number of times a term related to rotator cuff lesions occurred in physician notes (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.2‐9.1 for 1 or 2 times vs 0). This phenotyping algorithm had a specificity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.79‐0.95) for rotator cuff tear, area under the curve (AUC) of 0.842, and diagnostic likelihood ratios (DLRs), DLR+ and DLR− of 5.94 (95% CI: 3.07‐11.48) and 0.363 (95% CI: 0.291‐0.453).

Conclusion

Our informatics algorithm enables identification of cohorts of individuals with and without rotator cuff tear from an EMR‐based data set with moderate accuracy.
Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer in women at average risk: Systematic review of patient reported outcomes
Authors: Srethbhakdi Amilee , Brennan Meagan E. , Hamid Geaty , Flitcroft Kathy
Published: March 2020

Objective

The rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in women with early, unilateral cancer is relatively high and is increasing around the world a previous study. Women choose this option for many reasons other than reducing their risk of future cancer, including symmetry, reasons related to breast reconstruction and attempting to manage fear of recurrence. This systematic review evaluated patient‐reported quality of life outcomes following CPM.

Methods

A literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed and PsycINFO was performed to February 2019. Abstracts and full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility according to pre‐determined criteria. Data were extracted into evidence tables for analysis.

Results

A total of 19 articles met eligibility criteria and were included in analysis. These included patient‐reported data from 6088 women undergoing CPM. They reported high levels of satisfaction with the decision for surgery, low levels of decisional regret and high satisfaction with cosmesis and reconstruction. Breast‐specific and general quality of life was high overall but was even better in women choosing breast reconstruction after surgery. Fear of cancer recurrence was high after CPM. Depression, distress and a negative impact on body image were evident; however, levels were high in both CPM and non‐CPM groups.

Conclusions

This study provides information that can be used by surgeons and psychologists when counselling women about the potential benefits and harms of CPM. This process must include discussion about the trade‐offs such as body image issues and ongoing fear of recurrence in addition to the positive aspect of cancer risk reduction. Women are unlikely to regret their decision for CPM.
Comparison of a handheld turbine spirometer to conventional spirometry in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Avdimiretz Nicholas , Wilson David , Grasemann Hartmut
Published: March 2020

Background

In pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) ambulatory care, handheld spirometry in individual clinic rooms would improve patient flow and potentially reduce patient‐to‐patient contact. A validation study was conducted to examine the accuracy of an entirely handheld turbine spirometer vs a standard laboratory device in pediatric CF patients.

Methods

Spirometric data were obtained from 76 CF patients aged less than 18 years in the ambulatory setting using the Micro Loop Spirometer (CareFusion) and compared to same‐day data from conventional laboratory spirometry.

Results

Linear relationships were obtained between devices, demonstrating good correlation: r = .99, .99, .97, and .82 for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEF25%‐75%, and peak expiratory flow, respectively (P < .001 for all). Biases (mean differences between devices) were −65 mL for FEV1 (P < .001) and −115 mL for FVC (P < .001) on the handheld. Bland‐Altman plots demonstrated scatter in bias across all volumes. Limits of agreement (defined as mean ± 2 standard deviations [SD]) were large: +189 to −319 mL for FEV1, equating to large limits of agreement for FEV1 percent predicted of +9.0% to −13.9%. For repeated measurements on the same device on different days, a larger percent SD was obtained with the handheld compared to the conventional spirometer (6.7% vs 5.1%, respectively). Importantly, a relatively large number (15%) demonstrated a decrease in FEV1 percent predicted of ≥10% on the handheld compared to conventional.

Conclusions

This suggests that while both devices have passed the recommendations for spirometry testing per American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society, handheld turbine vs conventional spirometers may not be used interchangeably in the pediatric CF population.
Convenient synthesis of thioamidated peptides and proteins
Authors: Khatri Bhavesh , Bhat Prabhat , Chatterjee Jayanta
Published: March 2020

The unique physicochemical properties of a thioamide bond, which is an ideal isostere of an amide bond, have not been fully exploited because of the tedious synthesis of thionated amino acid building blocks. Here, we report a purification‐free and highly efficient synthesis of thiobenzotriazolides of Fmoc‐protected and orthogonally protected 20 naturally occurring amino acids including asparagine, glutamine, and histidine. The near‐quantitative conversion to the respective thioamidated peptides on solid support demonstrates the robustness of the synthetic route. Furthermore, the unaltered incorporation efficiency of thiobenzotriazolides from their stock solution till 48 h suggests their compatibility toward automated peptide synthesis. Finally, utilizing an optimized cocktail of 2% DBU + 5% piperazine for fast Fmoc‐deprotection, we report the synthesis of a thioamidated Pin1 WW domain and thioamidated GB1 directly on solid support.
The evolution of spatial networks of migration in Brazil between 1980 and 2010
Authors: Carvalho Rodrigo Coelho de , Charles‐Edwards Elin
Published: March 2020

While there is a large volume of research discussing the role of internal migration in the transformation of the Brazilian national settlement system, past studies have shown conflicting tendencies towards population concentration and dispersion. This paper analyses the evolution of the spatial networks formed by migration flows and the changes in the direction of these flows since the 1980s. Network analysis methods proved to be a valuable tool to determine the degree of concentration in the Brazilian migration system, examine the overall changes in the topology or shape of the migration network and study its spatial manifestations over time. Results indicate a highly concentrated migration system (notably polarised by the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo) but also evidence of a multiplication of both places of migration origin and destination, increasing connectivity and reciprocity of flows, although the pace of these changes seems to be slowing down.
Modeling Favipiravir Antiviral Efficacy Against Emerging Viruses: From Animal Studies to Clinical Trials
Authors: Madelain Vincent , Mentré France , Baize Sylvain , Anglaret Xavier , Laouénan Cédric , Oestereich Lisa , Nguyen Thi Huyen Tram , Malvy Denis , Piorkowski Géraldine , Graw Frederik , Günther Stephan , Raoul Hervé , de Lamballerie Xavier , Guedj Jérémie
Published: March 2020

In 2014, our research network was involved in the evaluation of favipiravir, an anti‐influenza polymerase inhibitor, against Ebola virus. In this review, we discuss how mathematical modeling was used, first to propose a relevant dosing regimen in humans, and then to optimize its antiviral efficacy in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model. The data collected in NHPs were finally used to develop a model of Ebola pathogenesis integrating the interactions among the virus, the innate and adaptive immune response, and the action of favipiravir. We conclude the review of this work by discussing how these results are of relevance for future human studies in the context of Ebola virus, but also for other emerging viral diseases for which no therapeutics are available.
Enhanced Electrical Performance of Structurally Engineered Memristor Devices with Multi‐Stacked Indium Zinc Oxide Films
Authors: Shan Fei , Guo Hong-Bo , Kim Han-Sang , Lee Jae-Yun , Sun Hao-Zhou , Gon Choi Seong , Koh Jung-Hyuk , Kim Sung-Jin
Published: March 2020

A structurally engineered memristor architecture based on metal‐oxide materials has lasting significance for the nonvolatile and high storing velocity of next‐generation nonvolatile memories. A memristor device based on multi‐stacked indium zinc oxide (IZO) structure is fabricated using a solution process. An Al/three‐multi‐stacked IZO/TiO2/Al memristor device is fabricated with an In/Zn solution molar ratio of 7:3 with a repetitious spin‐coating and annealing process. The amorphous TiO2 layer is prepared by atomic layer deposition with a low deposition temperature of 200 °C. The layers of IZO thin films in the memristor are raised from a single layer to three layers for intentional control of the concentration of oxygen vacancies, which play an important role in improving the electrical performance of memristor devices. The memristor exhibits uniform and reproducible resistance switching behavior with low‐resistance state (LRS) and high‐resistance state (HRS) voltage sweeps and shows excellent retention performance. The resistive switching phenomenon for an Al/multi‐stacked IZO/TiO2/Al memristor device is explained from an analysis of the current–voltage characteristics and the impact of various IZO layers. This study also suggests that some other appropriate metal oxide thin films with good resistive‐switching performance can be used to prepare structurally enhanced memristor devices.
Investigation of the effect of thermal insulation materials on packaging performance
Authors: Wang Kaibao , Yang Liu , Kucharek Mariusz
Published: March 2020

This investigation evaluates thermal insulation performance of a typical shipping container with different insulation materials. A mathematical model developed from our previous work was used to analyse the effect of packaging characteristics on insulative performance. A number of materials were employed as a liner to insulate a typical cardboard box, and the effect of these materials on package insulative performance was evaluated through experimental tests and the transistent thermal model. The results showed that application of aluminium foil to the internal liner surface of polyethylene gave 46% increase in the package insulative performance compared with the original polyethylene‐insulated packages. An improvement of 79% and 106% in insulative performance per unit liner thickness was obtained from packages insulated with a polyisocyanurate board and aerogel blanket compared with the polystyrene‐insulated package. The results also indicated that temperature surrounding the package played a significant role in the maximum insulation time. Furthermore, an excellent agreement was obtained between the mathematical model and the experimental results across all packaging aspects studied in this work.
What is the evidence on the best way to get evidence into use in education?
Authors: Gorard Stephen , See Beng Huat , Siddiqui Nadia
Published: March 2020

For decades there have been calls by concerned stakeholders to improve the quality of education research, and some progress has been made towards creating a more secure evidence base in some areas. More programmes and approaches that have a reasonable evidence base are now also being used in schools (but not in policy, and not necessarily because they have a reasonable evidence base). However, there has been no equivalent improvement in secure knowledge about how best to get that evidence into use, or even what difference it makes when such evidence is used. This paper looks at what little is already known about the different ways to get research evidence into use in education by summarising the results of a large‐scale review of the literature. A total of 323 of the most relevant studies were looked at across all areas of public policy, and judged for quality and contribution. Very few (33) were of the appropriate design and quality needed to make robust causal claims about evidence‐into‐use, and even fewer of these concerned education. This means that despite over 20 years of modest improvement in research on what works in education policy and practice, the evidence on how best to deploy these findings is still very weak. We consider studies in terms of several issues, including whether they look at changes in user knowledge and behaviour, or student outcomes, and how evidence is best modified before use. Providing access to raw research evidence or even slightly simplified evidence is not generally an effective way of getting it used, even if that evidence is presented to users by knowledge‐brokers, in short courses or similar. What is more likely to work for both policy and practice is the engineering of high quality evidence into a more usable format and presenting it actively or iteratively via a respected and trusted conduit, or through population measures such as legislation. Having the users actually do the research is another promising approach. Expecting each individual study they fund to have an impact is not the way forward, as this may encourage widespread use of ineffective or even harmful interventions. Publicly‐funded users, including policy‐makers, should be required to use evidence‐led programmes from those libraries providing them and which are appropriate and relevant to their aims. Research funders should support these approaches, and help to build up libraries of successfully tested programmes. Researchers need to be scrupulous, looking at their new evidence in the context of what is already known and not looking to obtain ‘impact’ from single studies. More and better research is needed on the best routes for evidence‐into‐use. However, the improvements required of all parties are as much ethical in nature as they are technical or scientific.
Adaptive event‐triggered neural control for nonlinear uncertain system with input constraint
Authors: Chen Wenli , Wang Jianhui , Ma Kemao , Wang Tao
Published: March 2020

In this article, the issue of developing an adaptive event‐triggered neural control for nonlinear uncertain system with input delay is investigated. The radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are adopted to approximate the uncertain terms, where the time‐varying approximation errors are considered into the approximation system. However, the RBFNNs' weight vector is extended, which may cause the computing burdens. To save network resource, the computing burden caused by the weight vector is handled with the developed adaptive control strategy. Furthermore, in order to compensate the effect of input delay, an auxiliary system is introduced into codesign. With the help of adaptive backstepping technique, an adaptive event‐triggered control approach is established. Under the proposed control approach, the effect of input delay can be compensated effectively while the considered system suffered network resource constraint, and all signals in the close‐loop system can be guarantee bounded. Finally, two simulation examples are given to verify the proposed control method's effectiveness.
XPS study of Cr segregation in a martensitic stainless steel
Authors: Bolli Eleonora , Fava Alessandra , Kaciulis Saulius , Mezzi Alessio , Montanari Roberto , Varone Alessandra
Published: March 2020

Cr martensitic steels are promising materials for structural applications in future nuclear fusion reactors. Because the embrittlement after tempering treatments can be a serious problem, the fracture mode of a steel with 10.5 wt% of Cr treated at 700°C for 18 h has been investigated through Charpy tests in the temperature range from −100°C to +150°C. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses carried out on the fracture surfaces evidenced the segregation of Cr in both ductile and brittle (quasicleavage) fields. The unexpected result indicates that Cr segregation weakens the atomic bonds; thus, the fracture path in both the cases corresponds to the zones with higher Cr content.
Institutional entry barriers and spatial technology diffusion: Evidence from the broadband industry
Authors: Skiti Tedi
Published: March 2020

Research Summary

In this article, we examine the effects of institutional entry barriers on incumbent firms' technological diffusion. In particular, we combine new institutional economics and nonmarket perspectives to build a theoretical framework about the impact of local entry barriers on community‐based firms and how they affect incumbent firms' technology diffusion. We theorize that the local institutional environment reduces technology diffusion because of reduced entry threat, but incumbents' capabilities and the intensity of competition from private firms may moderate this effect. We exploit the exogenous geographical variation of alternative entry regimes in the U.S. broadband industry to causally capture incumbents' technology adoption strategies. This article suggests that local institutional contexts that advantage private firms over nonprivate firms may generate divergent spatial technology diffusion processes within and across firms.

Managerial Summary

In this article, we examine how firms adjust their technology adoption to their local institutional environment. We argue and empirically show that local institutions that restrict new entry by nonprivate firms reduce private incumbents' technology diffusion but the effect depends on firm and market characteristics. In particular, national incumbents are more resilient because of their capabilities while local competition by private firms moderates the negative effect of reduced entry threat. We use the context of the U.S. broadband industry to examine the effect of local institutions that provide advantages to some firms over others. Our results suggest that managers need to adjust their technology adoption strategies to the local regulatory environment taking into account firm's capabilities and market competition.
Mutualism and the dynamics of new platform creation: A study of Cisco and fog computing
Authors: Khanagha Saeed , Ansari Shahzad (Shaz) , Paroutis Sotirios , Oviedo Luciano
Published: March 2020

Research summary

How firms respond to the emergence of dominant platforms that undermine their competitiveness remains a strategic puzzle. Our longitudinal study shows how one incumbent, Cisco, responded to such a challenge by creating a new platform, Fog, without undermining the dominant platform, Cloud, where it played a complementor role. By developing a process model we reveal how a firm in a peripheral role in a platform ecosystem can reposition itself through a dynamic mix of material, symbolic and institutional actions to develop and legitimize an alternative platform. This can be done first through symbiosis with the dominant platform, then partial competition with it. We theorize the value of a mutualistic “rising tide lifts all boats” strategy in contrast to hostile “winner takes all” approaches.

Managerial summary

The increasing pervasiveness of digital platforms are driving established firms to reboot their strategy to embrace emergent forms of competition, collaboration, and mutual coexistence. Fearing disruption in their traditional business models, firms may decide to jump into the platform game. However, this is not straightforward since they do not want to go head‐to‐head with existing platforms and alienate their partners and customers by being perceived as encroaching on their turf. We describe one way that established technology firms are overcoming this dilemma through a “rising‐tide‐lifts‐all‐boats” strategy to cultivate new platforms. We show the value of seemingly inconsistent and dynamic approaches toward strategic communication and investments firm can use to lead new platforms without facing backlash from others.
SDHA‐mediated Warburg effect in malignantly transformed human bronchial epithelial cells following long‐term exposure to radon
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhou Zongpeng , Wang Zikun , Li Xiangming , Lu Guangyu , Tong Jian
Published: March 2020

Radon and its progeny have been classified as human class I carcinogens by the IARC. However, the mechanisms by which radon induces lung and other cancers, especially the radon‐induced Warburg effect, have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SDHA)‐mediated Warburg effect in (human bronchial epithelial) BEAS‐2B cells with malignant transformations induced by long‐term radon exposure. Soft agar colony formation and MMP‐9 were increased following radon‐induced malignant transformation. Additionally, we observed the Warburg effect in BEAS‐2B cells following long‐term radon exposure, evidenced by increases in the levels of glucose uptake, lactate, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Following radon exposure, the expression of SDHA was decreased, while the levels of HIF‐1α and hexokinase‐2 (HK2) were increased. Our findings suggested that the SDHA‐associated pathway may be involved in mediating the Warburg effect in radon‐induced malignant transformation of BEAS‐2B.
Biologically influenced gas fluxes revealed by high‐resolution monitoring of unsaturated soil columns
Authors: Alibert Clement , Pili Eric , Barre Pierre , Massol Florent , Chollet Simon
Published: March 2020

Modulations of advective gas fluxes at the soil–atmosphere interface were investigated using an enhanced experimental setup developed to perform tracer gas percolation experiments through unsaturated soil columns under well‐controlled conditions associated with long‐term and high‐resolution monitoring. The setup design includes the effect of watering and evaporation cycles, barometric pressure fluctuations, variations in the injection pressure, and plant metabolism. Although injected at a constant flux at the base of the columns, SF6 surface fluxes varied on a timescale of hours to days. These modulations are controlled by (a) barometric pressure, (b) water content and distribution, and (c) plant metabolism. All three mainly act on the pressure gradient. Surface gas fluxes decrease under drying conditions, which increases gas porosity and the relative gas permeability and lowers the pressure gradient. Respiration of plant roots is shown to be responsible for daytime–nighttime oscillations of the tracer flux. During nighttime, O2 consumption and CO2 production locally lowers the pressure gradient up to the root zone due to the higher solubility of CO2 in pore water, resulting in an increased SF6 flux at the surface. During daytime, enhanced water loss by evapotranspiration associated with photosynthesis dominated the respiration effect and resulted in decreasing surface gas fluxes, as generally shown for drying conditions. Surface gas fluxes are therefore controlled by combined physical, chemical, and biological processes. This has important consequences, notably when discrete flux measurements are integrated in space and/or in time to quantify emissions or when used for detecting, identifying, or monitoring underground gas sources.
A simple model for Hawking radiation
Authors: Mondal Swapnamay
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We consider n free Majorana fermions probing a SYK system comprising of N Majorana fermions. We solve the full system in deep infrared and in large N (as well as large n) limit. The essential physics of the SYK system is not affected by the probe Majoranas, except addition of another tower of primaries. The SYK system is seen to induce maximal chaos as well as the whole spectrum of primaries, on to the probe system. The renormalization of soft mode action is computed. We comment on features in common with Hawking radiation.
Intraoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer treatment efficiently targets the tumor bed preventing breast adipose stromal cell outgrowth
Authors: Uhlig Stefanie , Wuhrer Anne , Berlit Sebastian , Tuschy Benjamin , Sütterlin Marc , Bieback Karen
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in bone marrow have been shown to be radioresistant, which is related to pronounced DNA repair mechanisms. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) during breast-conserving surgery for early breast cancer is an innovative technique applying low energy x‑ray to the tumor bed immediately after removal of the tumor. IORT is considered to reduce the risk of local tumor recurrence by directly targeting cells of the tumor bed and altering the local microenvironment. Aim of this study was to investigate whether IORT affects the outgrowth potential of breast adipose tissue-derived MSC (bASC) as part of the tumor bed.

Materials and methods

After surgical tumor resection, biopsies of the tumor bed were taken before (pre IORT) and after IORT (post IORT) and processed applying well-established protocols for ASC isolation and characterization.

Results

In all, 95% of pre IORT tumor bed samples yielded persistently outgrowing bASC with typical ASC characteristics: fibroblastoid morphology, proliferation, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation and ASC surface marker expression. However, none of the post IORT samples yielded persistent outgrowth of bASC.

Conclusions

After breast-conserving surgery, approximately 90% of local recurrences emerge in close proximity to the initial tumor bed, potentially reflecting a significant contribution of the tumor bed to relapse. Our data show that IORT, besides the proven effect on breast cancer cells, efficiently modifies the tumor environment by having an impact on tumor bed bASC. This effect on tumor bed stromal cells might contribute to reduce the risk of tumor relapse and metastases.
Correction to: Quantitative measurement of density fluctuations with a full‑field laser interferometric vibrometer
Authors: Greiffenhagen Felix , Woisetschläger Jakob , Gürtler Johannes , Czarske Jürgen
Published: March 2020

The original published article contains error in equation and reference.
Independent evolution of pain insensitivity in African mole-rats: origins and mechanisms
Authors: Smith Ewan St. John , Park Thomas J. , Lewin Gary R.
Published: March 2020

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is famous for its longevity and unusual physiology. This eusocial species that lives in highly ordered and hierarchical colonies with a single breeding queen, also discovered secrets enabling somewhat pain-free living around 20 million years ago. Unlike most mammals, naked mole-rats do not feel the burn of chili pepper’s active ingredient, capsaicin, nor the sting of acid. Indeed, by accumulating mutations in genes encoding proteins that are only now being exploited as targets for new pain therapies (the nerve growth factor receptor TrkA and voltage-gated sodium channel, NaV1.7), this species mastered the art of analgesia before humans evolved. Recently, we have identified pain insensitivity as a trait shared by several closely related African mole-rat species. One of these African mole-rats, the Highveld mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae), is uniquely completely impervious and pain free when confronted with electrophilic compounds that activate the TRPA1 ion channel. The Highveld mole-rat has evolved a biophysical mechanism to shut down the activation of sensory neurons that drive pain. In this review, we will show how mole-rats have evolved pain insensitivity as well as discussing what the proximate factors may have been that led to the evolution of pain-free traits.
Rationalization of detection of the multiple disorders
Authors: Szajowski Krzysztof J.
Published: March 2020

We will analyze the importance of elements of a complex structure on the availability of the system. The basis for the element assessment are the importance measures for multi-state systems introduced by Birnbaum (in: Krishaiah, Econometrics, principal components, reliability, and applications, Academic Press, New York, 1969) and Barlow and Proshan (Stoch Process Appl 3:153–173, 1975). The availability depends not only on the reliability, but also on the difficulty of maintenance, the ability to diagnose the need for service and its efficient implementation. If we assume that the need for maintenance is the result of deregulation, then determining the key elements to detect the moment of disorder of the system will be the basis for assessing the importance of the element for the system maintenance process.
Understanding the self of people with dementia
Authors: Hutmacher Fabian
Published: March 2020

Background

The ability to create and maintain an ongoing life narrative is a key characteristic of what makes us human; however, people with dementia lose this ability in the course of the disease. If the notion of having a self is intimately linked with being able to create and maintain a life narrative and if people with dementia tend to lose this ability, what kind of self do people with dementia still possess?

Objective and methods

Recent theories developed in psychology and philosophy suggest that at least two notions of the self have to be distinguished: the experiencing self and the remembering self. This distinction is applied to people with dementia.

Results

While the remembering self is impaired in people with dementia, their experiencing self remains relatively intact. Critically, the experiencing self is a self with inner depth, mirroring the life history of the individual. Thus, the self of people with dementia is not unextended in time. Although people with dementia may have lost the ability to tell a story about their life, they are still able to express this story in their behavior.

Conclusion

Understanding the structure of the self of people with dementia can help guide interactions as well as the designing of appropriate interventions and environments. Moreover, realizing the inner depth of the self of people with dementia may help acknowledge their dignity and personhood.
Ethnogeographic and inter-individual variability of human ABC transporters
Authors: Xiao Qingyang , Zhou Yitian , Lauschke Volker M.
Published: March 2020

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters constitute a superfamily of 48 structurally similar membrane transporters that mediate the ATP-dependent cellular export of a plethora of endogenous and xenobiotic substances. Importantly, genetic variants in ABC genes that affect gene function have clinically important effects on drug disposition and can be predictors of the risk of adverse drug reactions and efficacy of chemotherapeutics, calcium channel blockers, and protease inhibitors. Furthermore, loss-of-function of ABC transporters is associated with a variety of congenital disorders. Despite their clinical importance, information about the frequencies and global distribution of functionally relevant ABC variants is limited and little is known about the overall genetic complexity of this important gene family. Here, we systematically mapped the genetic landscape of the entire human ABC superfamily using Next-Generation Sequencing data from 138,632 individuals across seven major populations. Overall, we identified 62,793 exonic variants, 98.5% of which were rare. By integrating five computational prediction algorithms with structural mapping approaches using experimentally determined crystal structures, we found that the functional ABC variability is extensive and highly population-specific. Every individual harbored between 9.3 and 13.9 deleterious ABC variants, 76% of which were found only in a single population. Carrier rates of pathogenic variants in ABC transporter genes associated with autosomal recessive congenital diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or pseudoxanthoma elasticum, closely mirrored the corresponding population-specific disease prevalence, thus providing a novel resource for rare disease epidemiology. Combined, we provide the most comprehensive, systematic, and consolidated overview of ethnogeographic ABC transporter variability with important implications for personalized medicine, clinical genetics, and precision public health.
Correction to: Recommendations for the nomenclature of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses
Authors: Simmonds P. , Gorbalenya A. E. , Harvala H. , Hovi T. , Knowles N. J. , Lindberg A. M. , Oberste M. S. , Palmenberg A. C. , Reuter G. , Skern T. , Tapparel C. , Wolthers K. C. , Woo P. C. Y. , Zell R.
Published: March 2020

Unfortunately, one of the affiliations of author “A. E. Gorbalenya” was missed in original version. The affiliation is updated here.
Signal de-noising in gear pitting fault identification by an improved singular value decomposition method
Authors: Zhou Xintao , Cui Yahui , Li Longlong , Wang Lihua , Liu Xiayi , Zhang Baofeng
Published: March 2020

In this research a new method of improved singular value decomposition (ISVD) is proposed for the vibration signal de-noising of gear pitting fault identification. In this method, the delay time τ and embedding dimension m of the Hankel matrix for SVD are optimized by autocorrelation function and Cao’s algorithm respectively. Simulation and experiments are conducted to demonstrate the method. In the simulation, the ISVD method is employed to de-noise the artificial vibration signal in a mathematical model of gear pitting fault, the result demonstrates the signal-noise ratio (SNR) value is SNR = 31.3 dB, and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) value is RMSE = 0.34. In the experiment, the ISVD method is adopted to de-noising the vibration signal of gear pitting fault identification, the results demonstrate SNR is SNR >45 dB, and the RMSE value is RMSE <0.4 of the fault characteristic signals at each measuring point position. The results of simulation and experiment show, the ISVD method is efficient to de-noise the vibration signal of gear pitting fault.
Simple particle shapes for DEM simulations of railway ballast: influence of shape descriptors on packing behaviour
Authors: Suhr Bettina , Six Klaus
Published: March 2020

In any DEM simulation, the chosen particle shape will greatly influence the simulated material behaviour. For a specific material, e.g. railway ballast, it remains an open question how to model the particle shape, such that DEM simulations are computationally efficient and simulation results are in good accordance with measurements. While DEM shape modelling for railway ballast is well addressed in the literature, approaches mainly aim at approximating the stones’ actual shape, resulting in rather complex and thus inefficient particle shapes. In contrast, very simple DEM shapes will be constructed, clumps of three spheres, which aim to approximate shape descriptors of the considered ballast material. In DEM simulations of the packing behaviour, a set of clump shapes is identified, which can pack at porosities observed at track sites, as well as in lab tests. The relation between particle shape (descriptors) and obtained packing (characteristic) is investigated in a correlation analysis. The simulated packing’s porosity is strongly correlated to four shape descriptors, which are also strongly correlated among each other. Thus, to derive simple shape models of a given particle shape, matching one of these shape descriptors, might be a good first step to bring simulated porosities closer to measured ones. The conducted correlation analysis also shows that packing’s coordination number and isotropic fabric are correlated to more shape descriptors, making it more difficult to estimate the effect of particle shape on these quantities.

Graphic abstract
Altered ratio of circulating follicular regulatory T cells and follicular helper T cells during primary EBV infection
Authors: Qian Jiang , Yu Qinhua , Chen Guoqing , Wang Mingxia , Zhao Zhao , Zhang Yueyue , Qiu Liannv
Published: March 2020

Follicular help T cells (Tfh) play an important role in the activation and differentiation of B cells, while follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) control Tfh and resulting humoral immune responses. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the dysregulation of Tfr contributed to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. However, the role of Tfr in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection remains lacking. Fifty-five EBV-infected infectious mononucleosis (IM) patients and 21 healthy individuals (HIs) were recruited in the study. We investigated the number of Tfr (FoxP3+CXCR5+PD-1+CD4+) and Tfh (FoxP3−CXCR5+PD-1+CD4+) of peripheral blood in IM patients at diagnosis (D0) and day 15 after diagnosis (D15) via multicolor flow cytometry. Results revealed that circulating Tfh (cTfh) and Tfr (cTfr) of IM at D0 were both increased compared to HIs, and cTfr began to decline and return to normal at D15, while cTfh was still higher than those of HIs. More interestingly, the cTfr/cTfh ratio of IM at D0 and D15 was lower than that of HIs, suggesting that the balance between cTfh and cTfr was disturbed during primary EBV infection. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between cTfr with CD19+IgD+CD27−naive B cells, CD19+IgD−CD27hiplasmablasts or CD19+CD24hiCD27hiB cells. Moreover, both cTfr and the cTfr/cTfh ratio of IM at D0 were negatively correlated with EBV DNA virus load. These results indicate that an imbalance of cTfr and cTfh cells may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of EBV-infected IM patients and may provide novel strategies for controlling EBV-related disease.
Zwanzig Jahre Makroökonomischer Dialog der EU
Authors: Koll Willi
Published: March 2020

Der Makroökonomische Dialog der EU besteht nunmehr seit zwanzig Jahren. Verlief im ersten Jahrzehnt seines Bestehens die gesamtwirtschaftliche Entwicklung über den gesamten Euroraum gesehen durchaus befriedigend, so zeigten die zwischenzeitlich aufgelaufenen massiven gesamtwirtschaftlichen Divergenzen zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten und die dadurch verursachte Krise, dass es einer vertieften Institutionalisierung der makroökonomischen Koordinierung bedarf. Sie muss insbesondere einer stärkeren Abstimmung zwischen Euroraum und Mitgliedstaaten Rechnung tragen. Hierzu wird die Einrichtung eines Makroökonomischen Dialogs sowohl für den Euroraum als auch auf nationaler Ebene und deren Umsetzung unter deutscher Präsidentschaft im zweiten Halbjahr 2020 im Rahmen der umfassenden Economic Governance Review der EU-Kommission vorgeschlagen.
Vorfälligkeitsentschädigung: Pragmatischer Interessenausgleich ist möglich
Authors: Best Stefan
Published: March 2020

Streitfragen bezüglich der Vorfälligkeitsentschädigung beschäftigen seit vielen Jahren deutsche Gerichte, weil die Bundesregierung die Berechnung bislang nicht rechtsverbindlich geregelt hat. Eine von zwei Bundesministerien eingesetzte Arbeitsgruppe legte Ende 2018 ihren Abschlussbericht vor. Ein Konsens zur Schadensberechnung und Verbesserung der Transparenz konnte jedoch nicht erzielt werden. Ob und wie der Gesetzgeber nun reagieren wird, ist unklar. Daher werden hier Beispielrechnungen dargestellt, die wichtigsten Streitpunkte untersucht und einige pragmatische Vorschläge diskutiert.
Neurofeedback and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) in Children: Rating the Evidence and Proposed Guidelines
Authors: Arns Martijn , Clark C. Richard , Trullinger Mark , deBeus Roger , Mack Martha , Aniftos Michelle
Published: March 2020

Stimulant medication and behaviour therapy are the most often applied and accepted treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD). Here we explore where the non-pharmacological clinical intervention known as neurofeedback (NFB), fits on the continuum of empirically supported treatments, using standard protocols. In this quantitative review we utilized an updated and stricter version of the APA guidelines for rating ‘well-established’ treatments and focused on efficacy and effectiveness using effect-sizes (ES) and remission, with a focus on long-term effects. Efficacy and effectiveness are compared to medication and behaviour therapy using benchmark studies. Only recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses as well as multi-centre randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) will be included. Two meta-analyses confirmed significant efficacy of standard neurofeedback protocols for parent and teacher rated symptoms with a medium effect size, and sustained effects after 6–12 months. Four multicenter RCT’s demonstrated significant superiority to semi-active control groups, with medium-large effect sizes end of treatment or follow-up and remission rates of 32–47%. Effectiveness in open-label studies was confirmed, no signs of publication bias were found and no significant neurofeedback-specific side effects have been reported. Standard neurofeedback protocols in the treatment of ADHD can be concluded to be a well-established treatment with medium to large effect sizes and 32–47% remission rates and sustained effects as assessed after 6–12 months.
Richard E. Wagner (Ed.): James M. Buchanan—A theorist of political economy and social philosophy
Authors: Horn Karen
Published: March 2020

Richard E. Wagner has published a multidisciplinary collection of fifty essays written by different scholars in the areas of James M. Buchanan’s wide-ranging work. This volume is so broad in scope, so rich in fascinating reflections, so instructive that anybody should benefit from it who has a genuine, if critical, interest in Buchanan’s work.
An account of EFL learners’ self-efficacy and gender in the Flipped Classroom Model
Authors: Namaziandost Ehsan , Çakmak Fidel
Published: March 2020

Emerging technologies and mobile devices have enabled improved quality of learning outcomes in the field of language learning. With the opportunities provided by innovative, emerging tools, traditional ways of learning have been enhanced. The flipped classroom is one of the innovative learning models that have appeared in language learning in the last decade. The current study was carried out to investigate the difference that the flipped classroom made on students’ self-efficacy and gender. 58 participants with an intermediate proficiency level in English were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: experimental (flipped classroom) and control (traditional) group. The participants employed the Self-Efficacy Survey before and after the intervention of flipped classroom. The results demonstrated a significant increase in self-efficacy scores of the experimental group. When gender was analyzed separately, the females in the experimental group were found to have greater improvements in self-efficacy than their male colleagues in the experimental group when utilizing the flipped classroom practice. In the light of the results, students, especially female students can increase their individual confidence in producing specific or requested performance in language learning while engaged in the flipped classroom.
Simulating Movement Devices Used in Hospital Evacuation
Authors: Hunt Aoife L. E. , Galea Edwin R. , Lawrence Peter J. , Frost Ian R. , Gwynne Steven M. V.
Published: March 2020

In hospitals, the evacuation of those with severe movement impairments can be highly problematic for the patients, for the staff and for other evacuees. It is critical to understand the performance of horizontal and vertical evacuation procedures, including the means by which people with reduced mobility can be assisted during stair descent. Microsimulation modelling provides a useful tool to assess evacuation strategies, given the challenges of preparing and transporting patients in need of on-going care and the unfeasibility of real evacuation drills. However, current simulation models typically focus on the movement of individual agents, not the staff-patient interactions and sizable equipment required to carry out assisted evacuation. To address this, the buildingEXODUS evacuation model has been enhanced to represent moving objects in addition to moving individual agents. This paper describes the modelling theory behind this development, where dedicated data has been applied to enable the explicit specification of evacuation devices, operated by agents (for instance, representing the vertical travel speeds achieved—with averages ranging between 0.6 m/s and 0.84 m/s—when employing different movement devices). Algorithms are presented that calculate the movement of devices along corridors, through doorways and in stairway descent, including a method of geometric decomposition of the available hospital evacuation routes. This new functionality addresses the key evacuation components of repeated patient collection and has numerous applications, both in simulating hospital evacuation and in representing evacuation of other premises that include people with reduced mobility. Examination of the performance of this functionality found it predicated performance within 6% of expectation. Once further testing is completed, the resultant tool can be used to significantly enhance planning and diagnostic capabilities related to the evacuation of hospital and other healthcare facilities.