bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagule Powder of Japanese Yam (Dioscorea Japonica) Reduces High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Metabolic Stress in Mice through the Regulation of Hepatic Gene Expression
Authors: Shinozaki Fumika , Kamei Asuka , Watanabe Yuki , Yasuoka Akihito , Shimada Kousuke , Kondo Kaori , Arai Soichi , Kondo Takashi , Abe Keiko
Published: July 2020

Scope

Japanese yam propagules are supposed to have high potential as a functional food. However, there are almost no studies examining their physiological function. This study aims to elucidate the physiological function of Japanese yam propagules that are heated, freeze‐dried, and powdered.

Methods and results

A high‐fat diet with Japanese yam propagules is administered to mice for 4 weeks. High‐fat loading induces a decline in respiratory quotient, and a high‐fat diet with propagules reduces it more. This result suggests that propagules increase fat oxidation, indicating fat utilization. The hepatic transcriptome is analyzed using a DNA microarray. Some of the genes affected by high‐fat loading are reversed by simultaneous ingestion of propagules. Such genes are mainly involved in the immune system and fat metabolism. High‐fat loading induces hepatic inflammation, which is repressed by simultaneous ingestion of propagules. For lipid metabolism, propagules repress an increase in cholesterol biosynthesis and catabolism by high‐fat loading. Regarding carbohydrate metabolism, propagules decrease glycolysis and glycogen synthesis and increase gluconeogenesis. Moreover, amino acids are converted into pyruvate and then used for gluconeogenesis.

Conclusion

Propagules act to delay the occurrence of hepatic disease by suppressing carbohydrate and fat metabolism disorders in high‐fat loaded mice.
Composite right/left‐handed ultra‐wideband metamaterial antenna with improved gain
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumari Runa
Published: July 2020

A coplanar waveguide‐fed ultra‐wideband (UWB) composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) antenna is presented. It is designed by embedding CRLH unit‐cell on the top side and split‐ring resonator (SRR) on the bottom side of FR4 epoxy substrate. The UWB response is obtained by merging the resonances of CRLH unit‐cell and SRR with two additional resonances due to patch feed‐line and ground plane, respectively. Subsequently, the gain of UWB CRLH antenna is enhanced by loading two partial reactive impedance surfaces (PRISs) on the double layer FR4 substrate. First PRIS is embedded directly on the rear side of CRLH antenna (upper layer substrate) whereas the second PRIS is designed on the backside of the lower layer substrate. A considerable improvement in gain is observed over the frequency range from 6.2 to 10.6 GHz with peak enhancement of 1.75 dB. The proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. The measured results indicate −10 dB fractional bandwidth of 126.15% (3‐13.25 GHz) with realized gains of 2.2, 5.25, 5.5, and 7.3 dBi at 3.57, 7.46, 8.92, and 10.59 GHz, respectively. The simulated radiation efficiency is above 61% with a peak value of 86.21%. All measured and simulated results match reasonably well.
Reactivity Ratios Estimation of the Free‐Radical Polymerization of Itaconic Acid and N‐Vinyl‐2‐Pyrrolidone by the Error‐in‐Variables Methodology
Authors: Krieger Bruno Vasconcellos , de Araujo Pedro Henrique Hermes , Sayer Claudia
Published: July 2020

Designed copolymers require an understanding of the relative reactivity ratios of the monomer pair and a proper regression technique that can extract this data from the experiments. An implementation of the error‐in‐variables method previously describes in the literature is written and made available for use, along with an high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methodology for acquiring the kinetic data for the regression analysis of the itaconic acid and N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (IA/NVP) free‐radical copolymerization system. From the data, it is observed that higher initial mole fractions of IA in the reaction medium change the reaction kinetics, limiting the validity of the Mayo–Lewis model to a narrow range of initial mole fractions of IA. This effect is not observed at molar fractions below 10%, enabling the parameters to be estimated. The performance of the developed algorithm is satisfactory, and within less than 5% error when applied to data found in the literature. The parameters estimated by the algorithm for the IA/NVP system are r1 = 0.3046 and r2 = 0.0170, with IA as compound 1. A rather large deviation is observed for r1 and this is attributed to measurement errors associated with the low IA concentrations and high initial reaction rates.
On the banded texture and nematic elasticity in a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. In situ optical microscopy and light scattering
Authors: Romo‐Uribe Angel
Published: July 2020

Optical banded texture after cessation of shear was investigated in a semi‐flexible thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) by in situ polarized optical microscopy (POM) and small‐angle light scattering (SALS). The LCP is a random copolymer consisting of mesogenic units separated by alkyl spacers. The quiescent state of the nematic phase exhibited a polydomain texture, with microdomains randomly oriented. Upon application of shear the texture aligned along the shear axis. In situ X‐ray scattering demonstrated that the texture alignment corresponded to macromolecular alignment along the shear axis. Above certain shear rate the aligned texture relaxed and produced a banded texture upon cessation of shear. Shearing at higher shear rate further aligned the texture to produce a monodomain. Stopping the shear spatially uncorrelated structures orthogonal to the shear direction were developed with incubation time in the 100 seconds of second. Hence, there is a threshold of texture alignment to produce banded texture. Shear rheometry showed that the liquid crystalline phase is viscoelastic with features akin to entangled linear polymer melts, for example, a minimum in mechanical damping tan δ [=G”/G']. Furthermore, the nematic phase exhibited considerable recoverable strain after creep. The elastic recoil after cessation of flow would be responsible to produce banded texture. Increasing the creep time reduced the recoverable strain, correlating with longer time to produced banded texture. In contrast, wholly aromatic LCPs exhibit much shorter recovery times after creep and shorter incubation time for banded texture formation.
Are common delirium assessment tools appropriate for evaluating delirium at the end of life in cancer patients?
Authors: Uchida Megumi , Morita Tatsuya , Akechi Tatsuo , Yokomichi Naosuke , Sakashita Akihiro , Hisanaga Takayuki , Matsui Takashi , Ogawa Asao , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Iwase Satoru ,   the Phase‐R Delirium Study Group
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to investigate how many advanced cancer patients became unconscious or non‐communicative after pharmacological treatment for delirium, and to explore whether existing delirium assessment tools can successfully evaluate its severity at the end of life.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a registry study that examined the efficacy and safety of antipsychotics for advanced cancer patients with delirium. A total of 818 patients were recruited from 39 specialized palliative care services in Japan. The severity of delirium was measured using the Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale‐Palliative care version, the Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98 (DRS‐R‐98), and the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu‐DESC) on Day 3. Data from 302 patients with motor anxiety with an Agitation Distress Scale score ≥2 on Day 0 were analyzed for this study. The patients were categorized into four treatment response groups: complete response (CR: no agitation and fully communicative), partial response (PR: no/mild agitation and partially communicative), unconscious/non‐communicative (UC), and no change (NC).

Results

On Day 3, 29 (10%; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 7‐13) and 2 (1%; 95% CI, 0‐2) patients became unconscious and non‐communicative, respectively. Forty‐four patients were categorized as CR, 97 as PR, 31 as UC, and 96 as NC. The scores of the DRS‐R‐98 and Nu‐DESC in the UC group were rated higher than patients in the NC group were.

Conclusions: A considerable number of cancer patients with delirium became unconscious or non‐communicative. Existing delirium assessment tools may be inappropriate for measuring the severity of delirium in end‐of‐life.
Coassembled Nanoparticles Composed of Functionalized Mesoporous Silica and Pillar[5]arene‐Appended Gold Nanoparticles as Mitochondrial‐Selective Dual‐Drug Carriers
Authors: Ahn Junho , Jin Hanyong , Park Jaehyeon , Lee Boeun , Ok Mirae , Lee Ji Ha , Bae Jeehyeon , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: July 2020

Coassembled nanoparticles composed of functionalized mesoporous silica and pillar[5]arene‐appended Au nanoparticles obtained through the formation of a host–guest complex are designed and synthesized as a mitochondrial‐selective dual‐drug delivery system. A pyridinium‐based ligand and fluorescein isothiocyanate are immobilized onto mesoporous silica to act as the mitochondria‐targeting ligand and fluorescence tracker, respectively, of a material dubbed NP‐3. Carboxylated pillar[5]arene‐capped Au nanoparticles (CP‐AuNPs) are fabricated by the templated reduction of Au3+. Interestingly, coassembled nanoparticles (NP‐1) composed of doxorubicin (DOX) loaded NP‐3 and CP‐AuNPs are then prepared via the formation of a host–guest complex between the pyridinium‐based ligand of NP‐3 and the pillar[5]arene of CP‐AuNPs. To demonstrate the effectiveness of NP‐2 and NP‐1 as mitochondrial targeting drug delivery systems, DOX and F16 are employed as model drugs. These drugs loaded onto NP‐2 and CP‐AuNPs, respectively, are selectively delivered to mitochondria, indicating the usefulness of NP‐2 and CP‐AuNPs as mitochondrial‐specific drug‐delivery carriers in cancer cells. More interestingly, the use of NP‐1 is also associated with the selective accumulation of DOX and F16 in mitochondria. The selective mitochondrial‐targeting of NP‐1 is possible by NP‐2 and F16 exposed to the cytoplasm, allowing the codelivery of the two drugs to the mitochondria.
Cost‐utility analysis of an integrated care program for children with asthma in a medium‐income country
Authors: Duenas‐Meza Elida , Giraldo‐Cadavid Luis F. , Karpf Elizabeth , Afanador Felipe , Angarita Olga L. , Barón Oscar , Medina Maria S. , Pachón Angelica , Gonzalez Angelica , Jurado Jenny , Torres‐Duque Carlos A.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐utility of an integrated care program (ASMAIRE Infantil Program [PAI]) for children with asthma compared with standard of care.

Methods

A decision‐analytic model was used to compare an integrated care program compared to the standard of care in children with asthma in Bogota, Colombia. Baseline characteristics of the patients were established according to the distribution of patients in the PAI database. Other inputs were obtained from published meta‐analysis, local registries, medical bills, general mortality data, and expert opinion. Costs were presented in 2017 Colombian pesos.

Outcomes included quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). Costs and outcomes were discounted by 5% per year. Incremental cost‐utility ratios were presented for PAI compared with standard of care. Univariate and multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess model robustness to parameter uncertainty.

Results

The model predicted that patients that are part of the PAI would accrue more QALYs than patients on standard of care. The incremental results suggest that the PAI is a cost‐effective treatment (incremental cost‐utility ratio of Colombian pesos $33 753 817/QALY) compared with standard of care. Sensitivity analyses suggest that results are most sensitive to cost of care (with and without PAI) and costs of severe exacerbation. However, the PAI is cost‐effective irrespective of variation in any of the input parameters.

Conclusion

Our model predicted that an integrated intervention for the management of asthma in pediatric patients improves QALYs, reduces number of disease related exacerbations compared to standard therapy and is cost‐effective for the long‐term control of the disease in Colombia.
The Bio3D packages for structural bioinformatics
Authors: Grant Barry J. , Skjærven Lars , Yao Xin‐Qiu
Published: July 2020

Bio3D is a family of R packages for the analysis of biomolecular sequence, structure, and dynamics. Major functionality includes biomolecular database searching and retrieval, sequence and structure conservation analysis, ensemble normal mode analysis, protein structure and correlation network analysis, principal component, and related multivariate analysis methods. Here, we review recent package developments, including a new underlying segregation into separate packages for distinct analysis, and introduce a new method for structure analysis named ensemble difference distance matrix analysis (eDDM). The eDDM approach calculates and compares atomic distance matrices across large sets of homologous atomic structures to help identify the residue wise determinants underlying specific functional processes. An eDDM workflow is detailed along with an example application to a large protein family. As a new member of the Bio3D family, the Bio3D‐eddm package supports both experimental and theoretical simulation‐generated structures, is integrated with other methods for dissecting sequence‐structure–function relationships, and can be used in a highly automated and reproducible manner. Bio3D is distributed as an integrated set of platform independent open source R packages available from: http://thegrantlab.org/bio3d/.
AKR1C3 mediates pan‐AR antagonist resistance in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hertzog Jennifer R. , Zhang Zhuming , Bignan Gilles , Connolly Peter J. , Heindl Jason E. , Janetopoulos Christopher J. , Rupnow Brent A. , McDevitt Theresa M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Antiandrogens are effective therapies that block androgen receptor (AR) transactivation and signaling in over 50% of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. However, an estimated 30% of responders will develop resistance to these therapies within 2 years. JNJ‐pan‐AR is a broad‐spectrum AR antagonist that inhibits wild‐type AR as well as several mutated versions of AR that have emerged in patients on chronic antiandrogen treatment. In this work, we aimed to identify the potential underlying mechanisms of resistance that may result from chronic JNJ‐pan‐AR treatment.

Methods

The LNCaP JNJR prostate cancer subline was developed by chronically exposing LNCaP parental cells to JNJ‐pan‐AR. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling was performed to identify potential drivers and/or biomarkers of the resistant phenotype.

Results

Several enzymes critical to intratumoral androgen biosynthesis, Aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), UGT2B15, and UGT2B17 were identified as potential upstream regulators of the JNJ‐pan‐AR resistant cells. While we confirmed the overexpression of all three enzymes in the resistant cells only AKR1C3 expression played a functional role in driving JNJ‐pan‐AR resistance. We also discovered that AKR1C3 regulates UGT2B15 and UGT2B17 expression in JNJ‐pan‐AR resistant cells.

Conclusions

This study supports the rationale to further investigate the benefits of AKR1C3 inhibition in combination with antiandrogens to prevent CRPC disease progression.
Improving the ocean and atmosphere in a coupled ocean–atmosphere model by assimilating satellite sea‐surface temperature and subsurface profile data
Authors: Tang Qi , Mu Longjiang , Sidorenko Dmitry , Goessling Helge , Semmler Tido , Nerger Lars
Published: July 2020

An ensemble‐based data assimilation framework for a coupled ocean–atmosphere model is applied to investigate the influence of assimilating different types of ocean observations on the ocean and atmosphere simulation. The data assimilation is performed with the parallel data assimilation framework (PDAF) for the climate model AWI‐CM. Observations of the ocean, namely satellite sea‐surface temperature (SST) and temperature and salinity profiles, are assimilated into the ocean component. The atmospheric state is only influenced by the model dynamics. Different assimilation scenarios were carried out with different combinations of observations to investigate to what extent the assimilation into the coupled model leads to a better estimation of the state of the ocean as well as the atmosphere. The influence of the data assimilation is assessed by comparing the ocean prediction with dependent and independent ocean observations. For the atmosphere, the assimilation result is compared with the ERA‐Interim atmospheric reanalysis data. The ocean temperature and salinity are improved by all the assimilation scenarios in the coupled system. The assimilation leads to a response of the atmosphere throughout the troposphere and impacts the global atmospheric circulation. Globally the temperature and wind speed are improved in the atmosphere on average.
P‐doped g‐C3N4 as an efficient photocatalyst for CO2 conversion into value‐added materials: a joint experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Ranjbakhsh Elnaz , Izadyar Mohammad , Nakhaeipour Ali , Habibi‐Yangjeh Aziz
Published: July 2020

The photocatalytic yield of g‐C3N4 for CO2 reduction was modified by phosphorus doping. Possible reaction pathways for CO2 reduction on the P‐doped g‐C3N4 (PCN) surface were investigated by density function theory calculations for the first time. The experimental results showed that P doping increases the carriers' lifetime, which improves the production of CH4 through the increase in the driving force of the electrons. The partial density of states of the PCN showed that the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum are composed of px, py, and, s orbitals of the N atoms and pz states of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, respectively. Mechanism studies confirm that formic acid, formaldehyde, methanol, and methane are the most probable products. Methane, having positive adsorption energy, can be easily desorbed from the PCN surface, and the Gibbs activation energy of the final step is 1.98 eV. The formation of H2COOH is the rate‐determining step.
Metal Nanoparticles Confronted with Foreign Ligands: Mere Ligand Exchange or Further Structural Transformation?
Authors: Yan Nan , Xia Nan , Wu Zhikun
Published: July 2020

Ligand exchange reactions have attracted extensive interest due to their utility in tailoring the properties and applications of metal nanoparticles, but these techniques are not well understood due to the unclearness of metal nanoparticles at an atomic level. The emerging ultrasmall metal nanoparticles (metal nanoclusters) provide excellent opportunities for investigating this challenging issue. Herein, it is revealed that structurally similar Au25(SC2H4Ph)18, Au24Cd(SC2H4Ph)18, and Au24Hg(SC2H4Ph)18 transform to Au24(SCH2Ph‐tBu)20, Au24Cd(SCH2Ph‐tBu)18 and ≈5 nm gold nanoparticles after reacting with HSCH2Ph‐tBu, respectively. Based on this and some other facts, it is suggested that the intrinsic stability is one key factor that determines the ligand exchange direction, whether by mere ligand exchange or further structure transformation (including aggregation). Single crystal X‐ray crystallography further reveals that the partial surface ligand configuration reverses after ligand exchange, providing structure evidence for the unimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN1)‐like mechanism.
Tonka, baru and cumaru: Nomenclatural overview, typification and updated checklist of Dipteryx (Leguminosae)
Authors: Silva de Carvalho Catarina , Nicoletti de Fraga Claudio , B.O.S. Cardoso Domingos , C. Lima Haroldo
Published: July 2020

The papilionoid legume trees generally known as tonka, baru and cumaru comprise the taxonomically complex genus Dipteryx. In addition to being ecologically important across the neotropical biomes of rain forests and savannas, Dipteryx species are valuable sources of timber as well as an array of coumarin products. This genus currently comprises 14 accepted species with a convoluted nomenclatural history. Dipteryx is morphologically recognized by the flattened leaf rachis, asymmetrical leaflets, truly papilionate flowers, and drupaceous fruits. The generic name Dipteryx is conserved against Coumarouna and Taralea since Taralea is a heterotypic synonym and is accepted here as a distinct entity. We analyzed 65 names and designations that have been associated with Dipteryx and provide all orthographic variants, type localities, one new combination, 10 new lectotypes, one neotype, and one new synonym. Finally, we present an updated checklist of accepted and excluded names in Dipteryx. By highlighting the nomenclatural problems in Dipteryx, we hope the genus can serve as a model of how the typification process of older names linked primarily to Amazonian species should be treated.
A phylogenetic survey of Myrtaceae in the Greater Antilles with nomenclatural changes for some endemic species
Authors: Flickinger Jonathan A. , Jestrow Brett , Oviedo Prieto Ramona , Santiago‐Valentín Eugenio , Sustache‐Sustache José , Jiménez‐Rodríguez Francisco , Campbell Keron C. St. E. , Francisco‐Ortega Javier
Published: July 2020

Myrtaceae are a large family of trees and shrubs, including ca. 2500 species within the predominantly Neotropical and taxonomically problematic tribe Myrteae. Nearly 500 species of Myrteae are endemic to the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot, but few have been represented in phylogenetic systematic studies to date. The major goals of this survey are to identify the main lineages of Myrteae present in the Greater Antilles and potential clades for further investigation. Specific objectives are to evaluate the monophyly and placement of the following: (1) the three genera of Myrtaceae considered endemic to the Caribbean Islands (Calyptrogenia,Hottea,Mitranthes); (2)CalycolpusandPseudanamomissensu Bisse; and (3) Greater Antillean species ofPlinia. To accomplish these aims, species of Myrtaceae representing all genera native to the Greater Antilles were sampled from across the region for placement within previously established phylogenetic frameworks for Myrteae and the large genusEugenia. In total, 160 terminal taxa of Myrtaceae (89 Caribbean Islands endemics) were analyzed for this study. Phylogenetic inference was conducted by maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods on alignments of DNA sequence data from one nuclear (ITS) and three chloroplast (psbA‐trnH,ndhF‐rpl32,trnL‐trnF) regions. Results of both types of analysis were congruent with each other and with the major clades recovered in previous studies, but some conflict was observed between nuclear and chloroplast regions involving congeneric species.Calycorectes(=Hottea)ekmaniifrom eastern Cuba was found to be closely related toCalycolpuswithin subtribe Myrtinae. Subtribes Myrciinae, Pliniinae, Pimentinae (Pimenta and Psidium groups) and Eugeniinae contained other Greater Antillean species. Sampled species ofPliniafrom Cuba emerged withinMyrciaria, andMitrantheswas found to be non‐monophyletic. All sampled species ofEugeniaendemic to the Caribbean fell withinE.sect.Excelsae(includingCalycolpussensu Bisse),E.sect.RacemosaeandE.sect.Umbellataeexcept forE. cycloidea, which was associated with the Old World species ofE.sect.Jossinia. WithinEugeniasect.Umbellatae, Caribbean species formed two major clades, designated C1 and C2, containing species ofCalyptrogeniaandHotteafrom southern Hispaniola,a polyphyleticPseudanamomissensu Bisse and the Lathberry Clade, a novel group ofEugeniaspecies centered in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.CalyptrogeniaandHotteaspecies from southern Hispaniola are transferred toEugeniaalong withPseudanamomis nipensis, whileMitranthesspecies are transferred toMyrcia. Two additional combinations are made withinEugeniaandPimentain accordance with the results, and lectotypes are designated as appropriate.
Phylogenetic and morphologic survey of orbicules in angiosperms
Authors: Ruggiero Franco , Bedini Gianni
Published: July 2020

Orbicules are granules of sporopollenin or polymorphic sporopollenin‐elements produced by the tapetum, associated with pollen grains and tapetum cells. In angiosperms, they are common in the ANA grade and monocots, but are absent in late‐branching clades such as the majority of Asteraceae and the majority of Lamiaceae, revealing an evolutionary trend from presence to absence along the phylogenetic tree. However, for several orders of angiosperms, no data on orbicules is available. We investigated orbicules in 34 species from 29 different genera and 14 orders, for which limited or no data was available (Acorales, Arecales, Buxales, Celastrales, Crossosomatales, Dilleniales, Escalloniales, Fagales, Garryales, Gunnerales, Paracryphiales, Santalales, Trochodendrales, Zygophyllales). We photographed pollen sacs and pollen grains with a SEM, then described selected orbicule traits and measured their size. We then calculated: (1) the phylogenetic signals for (a) orbicule size in a selected group of species and (b) presence/absence of orbicules in all angiosperm groups until now recorded in the literature; (2) the ancestral state of orbicule size; (3) origin, loss and transition rate for presence/absence of orbicules in angiosperms. Orbicule traits are supported both by a strong phylogenetic signal and by a significant evolutionary trait value. The evolutionary rate for the presence of orbicules confirms that it is a plesiomorphic trait showing adaptive radiation with a significant increase in origins and diversification, while the phylogenetic signal for size of the orbicules indicates evolutionary convergence. Furthermore, we detected an evolutionary trend towards a reduction in the size of orbicules, that might have led to their absence in most late‐branching clades.
An Efficient and Accurate Method for Detection and Classification of Power Quality Disturbances
Authors: Gong Renxi , Liao Guanting
Published: July 2020

Aiming to the problem of large computation amount and high redundancy of traditional S‐transform methods available in the detection and classification of transient power quality disturbances, an efficient and accurate method for the detection and classification is proposed. First, the maximum power spectrum dynamics method is used to extract the main frequency points. Then, a called modified incomplete S‐transform proposed in the paper is performed on the main frequency points so as to obtain a modulus time‐frequency matrix involving the characteristic information of disturbances. The modified incomplete S‐transform is implemented by introducing a bi‐Gaussian window function with two parameters to replace the Gaussian window function of the traditional S‐transform. And then, the characteristic quantities for detecting power quality disturbance and identifying the classification of the disturbances are extracted based on the matrix. Finally, the disturbance parameters such as the amplitude, start time, and stop time of the disturbances are calculated based on the relevant theories and rules, and also the classification of the disturbances is identified by extracting some important characteristic quantities. A great number of simulation experiments are conducted. The results obtained show that by the method, the start time, stop time, and amplitude changes of power quality disturbance signals can be fast and accurately detected, and the classification of the disturbances can be fast and accurately identified, and that the method has the characteristics of less operation time and strong anti‐interference ability. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Optimization Study for Lateral Offset Tolerance of Electric Vehicles Dynamic Wireless Charging
Authors: Dong Yifan , Lu Wenzhou , Chen Haiying
Published: July 2020

Misalignment is a problem faced when electric vehicles work under the dynamic wireless charging mode using segmented transmitting coils. One kind of coil misalignment is coil lateral offset. In order to improve lateral offset tolerance, transfer efficiency and output power need to be stabilized. In this paper, first, the circuit model of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system is analyzed, from which mutual inductance is the major factor of the transfer efficiency decline caused by coils' lateral offset. The mutual inductance of two parallel square coils with lateral offset is analyzed. With the length and width of the transmitting coil being optimally designed according to the mutual inductance analysis, the mutual inductance of coils with lateral offset is optimized, and thus, transfer efficiency can be stabilized, and the system lateral offset tolerance is preliminarily improved. Moreover, in order to further enhance the lateral offset tolerance, the secondary‐only resonant series–series (S–S) topology is adopted to stabilize the system output power. Finally, the optimal design with stabilized transfer efficiency is verified by the finite element simulation and the experiment with coils being scaled down. Due to the limitation of experimental conditions, the stability of output power is verified by simulation. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Outcome of radiofrequency ablation for selective fetal reduction before vs at or after 16 gestational weeks in complicated monochorionic pregnancy
Authors: Ting Y. H. , Poon L. C. Y. , Tse W. T. , Chung M. Y. , Wah Y. M. , Hui A. S. Y. , Law K. M. , Chaemsaithong P. , Leung T. Y.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate whether gestational age at intervention (< or ≥ 16 weeks) and other factors affect the risk of loss of the cotwin after selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in monochorionic (MC) pregnancy.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective analysis of 63 consecutive RFA procedures performed at our institution from January 2011 to October 2019 for selective fetal reduction in complicated MC pregnancies. Indications for RFA were twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (13 cases), twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (12 cases), twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (two cases), selective fetal growth restriction (10 cases), discordant anomalies (17 cases) and multifetal pregnancy reduction in triplets or quadruplets with a MC pair (nine cases). Twenty‐six (41.3%) of these procedures were performed before and 37 (58.7%) after 16 weeks. Potential factors that could affect the risk of loss of the cotwin, including gestational age at RFA, order of multiple pregnancy, amnionicity, indication for RFA and number of ablation cycles, were assessed first by univariate analysis and then by multivariate analysis.

Results

There were 17 (27.0%) cotwin losses. Ablation cycles numbering four or more was the only factor among those investigated to be associated with loss of the cotwin after RFA (P = 0.035; odds ratio, 5.21), while the indication for RFA, order of multiple pregnancy, amnionicity and gestational age at RFA had no effect. Comparing RFA performed at < 16 vs ≥ 16 weeks, there was no difference in the rate of cotwin loss (23.1% vs 29.7%; P = 0.558) or preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes before 34 weeks (7.7% vs 5.4%; P = 0.853), or in the median gestational age at delivery (36.2 vs 37.3 weeks; P = 0.706).

Conclusions

RFA is a promising tool for early selective fetal reduction in MC pregnancy before 16 weeks. Four or more ablation cycles is a major risk factor for cotwin loss. Careful assessment pre‐ and post‐RFA, together with proficient operative skills to minimize the number of ablation cycles, are the mainstay to ensure that this procedure is effective and safe. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Normal human brainstem development in vivo: a quantitative fetal MRI study
Authors: Dovjak G. O. , Schmidbauer V. , Brugger P. C. , Gruber G. M. , Diogo M. , Glatter S. , Weber M. , Ulm B. , Prayer D. , Kasprian G. J.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To characterize spatiotemporal growth differences of prenatal brainstem substructures and cerebellum, using linear biometry and planimetry on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included fetuses with normal brain and a precise midsagittal T2‐weighted brain MRI sequence obtained between May 2003 and April 2019. The cross‐sectional area, rostrocaudal diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the midbrain, pons (basis pontis and pontine tegmentum), medulla oblongata and cerebellar vermis, as well as the transverse cerebellar diameter, were quantified by a single observer. The diameters were also assessed by a second observer to test inter‐rater variability.

Results

We included 161 fetuses with normal brain and a precise midsagittal MRI sequence, examined at a mean ± SD gestational age of 25.7 ± 5.4 (range, 14 + 0 to 39 + 2) weeks. All substructures of the fetal brainstem and the cerebellum could be measured consistently (mean ± SD interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.933 ± 0.065). We provide reference data for diameters and areas of the brainstem and cerebellum in the second and third trimesters. There was a significant quadratic relationship between vermian area and gestational age, and all other measured parameters showed a significant linear growth pattern within the observed period (P < 0.001). A significant change in the relative proportions of the brainstem substructures occurred between the beginning of the second trimester and the end of the third trimester, with an increase in the area of the pons (P < 0.001) and a decrease in that of the midbrain (P < 0.001), relative to the total brainstem area.

Conclusions

The substructures of the fetal brainstem follow a distinct spatiotemporal growth pattern, characterized by a relative increase in the pons and decrease in the midbrain, between 15 and 40 weeks of gestation. Caution is needed when interpreting fetal brainstem appearance during the early second trimester, as the brainstem proportions differ significantly from the adult morphology. The reference data provided herein should help to increase diagnostic accuracy in detecting disorders of defective hindbrain segmentation. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Clinical dental finding in Iranian horses
Authors: Samad Lotfollahzadeh , Tavanaeimanesh Hamid , Mehr Azin Hossein , Moadab Seyyed Hosein , Vajhi Ali Reza
Published: July 2020

Background

A horse's well‐being is directly related to the management of its dental health. A good knowledge of the epidemiology and aetiology of dental disorders could help the owners and clinicians to prevent not only dental problems but also severe gastrointestinal diseases.

Objectives

In this study we report the prevalence of dental disorders in horses in Iran.

Methods

We examined 317 horses randomly in eight provinces in Iran and 21 diseases were characterized in the examined horses. The observed diseases were compared among different breeds, genders and ages of the examined horses.

Results

The factor of age among the other three factors was more important in the incidence of diseases because most of the diseases found were significantly different among age groups. Between different breeds examined, only cheek teeth cemental caries in Kurdish and Arabian horses was significantly different (p = .022). Enamel point with an occurrence of 34.4% was the most common disease. Broken cheek teeth were more prevalent in male horses in comparison with female horses (p = .035).

Conclusion

Our study showed a moderate prevalence of dental disorders in Iranian horse clubs, which could be reduced with better management.
Zoo soundscape: Daily variation of low‐to‐high‐frequency sounds
Authors: Pelletier Catherine , Weladji Robert B , Lazure Louis , Paré Patrick
Published: July 2020

Most studies assessing the impact of noises on zoo animal welfare did not measure sound frequencies outside of the human‐hearing range (infrasounds and ultrasounds). Many nonhuman mammals can hear these frequencies, and because loud and variable soundscapes are potentially detrimental for animal welfare, this overlooked aspect of their acoustic environment could have important consequences. This study evaluated the soundscape of an urban zoo in a large frequency range (17.5–90,510 Hz) by measuring its average sound levels (Leq) and variability (the difference between highest and lowest peaks). Sound data were collected for 24 hr in 25 locations (e.g., indoor, outdoor, near the amusement park). The soundscape was not considered problematic for animal welfare when looking at the average sound levels in most locations (<77‐dB sound pressure level [SPL]), except for a few indoor areas and near the water park. Ultrasounds were rare, had low average sound levels, and were less variable in time. Infrasounds were always present and were the loudest and most variable sound frequencies. The soundscape was louder and more variable during the day and when visitors were present, suggesting that human‐related activities were the sources of these augmentations. Indoor environments were generally louder than outdoor environments and touristic features; however, the water park was near 85‐dB SPL during the day. On the basis of results, we suggest a series of mitigation actions to minimize noise‐related stress in captive animals.
Einführung
Authors: Daum Mario , Wedel Marco , Zinke-Wehlmann Christian , Ulbrich Hannah
Published: July 2020

Die Arbeitswelt wird durch die digitale Transformation grundlegend verändert, wodurch sich die Gestaltung und Regulierung von Arbeit an neue Bedürfnisse und Herausforderungen ausrichten muss. Der vorliegende Sammelband umfasst fünfzehn Beiträge aus sechs Verbundvorhaben, die im Rahmen des Förderschwerpunkts „Arbeit in der digitalisierten Welt“ des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung den Transformationsprozess analysiert und auf deren Basis konkrete Lösungsansätze entwickelt und erprobt haben. In diesem Kapitel führen die Herausgeber in den Sammelband ein und erläutern den Kontext.
Erste Systematisierungsansätze für die Beschreibung eines modellhaften Crowdsourcing-Systems im Zusammenhang mit der Steuerung von Crowdsourcing
Authors: Wedel Marco , Ulbrich Hannah
Published: July 2020

In der aktuellen Forschungsdiskussion sind grundlegende Fragestellungen zur Steuerung von Crowdsourcing, hier auch internes Crowdsourcing (IC), in Verbindung mit einer systematischen IC-Beschreibung weitgehend unbeantwortet. Dies wurde im Verlauf des Forschungsvorhabens „ICU – Internes Crowdsourcing in Unternehmen“ deutlich. Die Forschungslücke zur IC-Systematik wird an der begrifflichen Unschärfe der vorhandenen Beschreibungen von Steuerungsaktivitäten in Zusammenhang mit Crowdsourcing gegenständlich. So werden etwa Begriffe wie Governance und Prozessmanagement als Steuerungskategorien angeführt, zuweilen aber gleichbedeutend verwendet. Das Fehlen definitorischer Klarheit ist angesichts des relativ jungen IC-Phänomens nicht verwunderlich. Aufgrund der wachsenden (wissenschaftlichen) Popularität ist es jedoch notwendig, systemtheoretisierende Grundlegungen für IC zu erarbeiten. Am Beispiel der Beschreibung von Steuerungsaktivitäten wird in diesem Beitrag ein erster Aufschlag zur Erarbeitung systemtheoretisierender Grundlagen vorgenommen.
Interne Crowd Work als Baustein einer Empowerment-orientierten Arbeitsorganisation
Authors: Simmert Benedikt , Eilers Karen , Peters Christoph , Leimeister Jan Marco
Published: July 2020

Interne Crowd Work gewinnt im Hinblick auf eine agilitätsfördernde Arbeitsorganisation immer mehr an Bedeutung. Das Empowerment der Mitarbeitenden kann dabei als ein zentraler Erfolgsfaktor angesehen werden. Um das Empowerment in interner Crowd Work zielgerichtet zu untersuchen und die Wahrnehmung aus Sicht der Mitarbeitenden sowie die Effekte auf Ebene der Gesamtorganisation zu verstehen und beschreiben zu können, analysieren wir die interne Crowd Work mit Hilfe einer literaturbasierten erweiterten Wirtschaftlichkeitsbetrachtung sowie empirisch anhand von sechs Fallstudien. Auf organisationaler Ebene stehen im Ergebnis dabei insbesondere die Themen Organisationskultur, abteilungsübergreifende Zusammenarbeit und die Gestaltung von Aufgaben und Projekten im Fokus. Auf individueller Ebene können vornehmlich die selbstbestimmte Wahl von Arbeitsaufgaben inkl. selbstorganisierter Arbeitsprozesse sowie neue Führungsansätze als wesentliche Stellschrauben identifiziert werden.
Gemeinsames Arbeiten in der dezentralen digitalen Welt
Authors: Görmar Lars , Bouncken Ricarda B.
Published: July 2020

Im Projekt Hierda werden Treiber und Barrieren der Arbeit von und in Coworking-Spaces analysiert. In diesem Rahmen konnten vier verschiedene Coworking-Space Arten identifiziert werden, die sich primär im Bereich Betreibende, Geschäftsmodell und somit anvisierte Nutzende unterscheiden. Um diese verschiedenen Arten von Coworking-Space erfolgreich zu betreiben sind unterschiedliche Ausgestaltungen und unterstützende Personen notwendig. In diesem Beitrag wird u. a. aufgezeigt, wie Permeabilität und Gemeinschaft den unterschiedlichen Nutzendengruppen zu besserer Arbeit und zu besseren Arbeitsergebnissen verhelfen. Insgesamt können so durch verbesserte Kommunikation und verstärkten Wissensaustausch Innovationen auf Produkt-, Geschäfts- und Geschäftsmodellebene gezielt erreicht werden.
Erreichbarkeitsmanagement in der betrieblichen Praxis
Authors: Grießhaber Daniel , Maucher Johannes , Laufs Uwe , Staab Katharina , Saternus Zofia , Weinhardt Stephanie
Published: July 2020

Smartphones und Laptops führen dazu, dass Arbeitnehmer über Handy oder E-Mail immer und überall arbeiten können und stets erreichbar sind. Da so die Grenzen von Privat- und Berufsleben immer mehr verschwimmen, befürchten Arbeitnehmervertreter und Politiker negative Folgen für Arbeitgeber und Beschäftigte. Deshalb suchen auch immer mehr Unternehmen nach Lösungen für ein effektives Erreichbarkeitsmanagement. Zur Umsetzung eines solchen Erreichbarkeitsmanagements können sowohl organisatorische als auch technische Ansätze verfolgt werden. Dieser Beitrag gibt Einblick in Ergebnisse des Forschungsprojekts SANDRA. Das Projekt entwickelt neben organisatorischen Lösungen auch einen Erreichbarkeits-Assistenten für Smartphones, der in Pilot-Unternehmen erprobt wird. Zudem zeigt der Beitrag die Erprobung und Evaluierung der Projektergebnisse in der betrieblichen Praxis auf.
Non-compact duality, super-Weyl invariance and effective actions
Authors: Kuzenko Sergei M.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

In both $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry, it is known that Sp(2n, ℝ) is the maximal duality group of n vector multiplets coupled to chiral scalar multiplets τ(x, θ) that parametrise the Hermitian symmetric space Sp(2n, ℝ)/U(n). If the coupling to τ is introduced for n superconformal gauge multiplets in a supergravity background, the action is also invariant under super-Weyl transformations. Computing the path integral over the gauge prepotentials in curved superspace leads to an effective action Γ[τ,$$ \overline{\tau} $$

τ
¯

] with the following properties: (i) its logarithmically divergent part is invariant under super-Weyl and rigid Sp(2n, ℝ) transformations; (ii) the super-Weyl transformations are anomalous upon renormalisation. In this paper we describe the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 locally supersymmetric “induced actions” which determine the logarithmically divergent parts of the corresponding effective actions. In the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 case, superfield heat kernel techniques are used to compute the induced action of a single vector multiplet (n = 1) coupled to a chiral dilaton-axion multiplet. We also describe the general structure of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 super-Weyl anomalies that contain weight-zero chiral scalar multiplets ΦI taking values in a Kähler manifold. Explicit anomaly calculations are carried out in the n = 1 case.
Boost generator in AdS3 integrable superstrings for general braiding
Authors: Nieto García Juan Miguel , Torrielli Alessandro , Wyss Leander
Published: July 2020

Abstract

In this paper we find a host of boost operators for a very general choice of coproducts in AdS3-inspired scattering theories, focusing on the massless sector, with and without an added trigonometric deformation. We find that the boost coproducts are exact symmetries of the R-matrices we construct, besides fulfilling the relations of modified Poincaŕe-type superalgebras. In the process, we discover an ambiguity in determining the boost coproduct which allows us to derive differential constraints on our R-matrices. In one particular case of the trigonometric deformation, we find a non-coassociative structure which satisfies the axioms of a quasi-Hopf algebra.
Post-neoadjuvant treatment with capecitabine and trastuzumab emtansine in breast cancer patients—sequentially, or better simultaneously?
Authors: Piroth Marc D. , Krug David , Sedlmayer Felix , Duma Marciana-Nona , Baumann René , Budach Wilfried , Dunst Jürgen , Feyer Petra , Fietkau Rainer , Haase Wulf , Harms Wolfgang , Hehr Thomas , Souchon Rainer , Strnad Vratislav , Sauer Rolf ,   Breast Cancer Expert Panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO)
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, postoperative systemic therapy, also called post-neoadjuvant treatment, has been established in defined risk settings. We reviewed the evidence for sequencing of postoperative radiation and chemotherapy, with a focus on a capecitabine and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1)-based regimen.

Methods

A systematic literature search using the PubMed/MEDLINE/Web of Science database was performed. We included prospective and retrospective reports published since 2015 and provided clinical data on toxicity and effectiveness.

Results

Six studies were included, five of which investigated capecitabine-containing regimens. Of these, four were prospective investigations and one a retrospective matched comparative analysis. One randomized prospective trial was found for T‑DM1 and radiotherapy. In the majority of these reports, radiation-associated toxicities were not specifically addressed.

Conclusion

Regarding oncologic outcome, the influence of sequencing radiation therapy with maintenance capecitabine chemotherapy in the post-neoadjuvant setting is unclear. Synchronous administration of capecitabine is feasible, but reports on possible excess toxicities are partially conflicting. Dose reduction of capecitabine should be considered, especially if normofractionated radiotherapy is used. In terms of tolerance, hypofractionated schedules seem to be superior in terms of toxicity in concurrent settings. T‑DM1 can safely be administered concurrently with radiotherapy.