bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New solutions to the 2D adaptive visual servoing problem with relaxed excitation requirements
Authors: Ortega Romeo , Nuño Emmanuel
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we present three new globally convergent vision‐based position controllers for a planar manipulator in a fixed‐camera configuration, where the camera orientation and scale factor are considered unknown. This is a basic adaptive visual servoing problem whose solution was hampered by the nonlinear dependence of the system dynamics on the unknown parameters. Proposing a suitable reparameterization of the systems mathematical model, and exploiting some structural properties of it, we propose three different solutions to the problem. The first one is the certainty equivalent version of the known parameter controller and requires some excitation conditions to ensure global asymptotic convergence. A second version of the controller, which is now slightly more complicated and, possibly, needs to inject some high gain but requires significantly weaker excitation conditions, is given. Finally, we propose a slight modification to the second scheme to achieve the trajectory tracking in finite time. The efficacy of the three adaptive controllers is shown through realistic simulations.
The A2aR C‐terminus provides improved total and active expression yields for adenosine receptor chimeras
Authors: Jain Abhinav R. , Stradley Steven H. , Robinson Anne S.
Published: September 2018

Heterologous expression of many G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a major bottleneck in drug discovery efforts for therapeutic development of the receptor. The goal of this study was to utilize domains from a well‐trafficked GPCR to aid in improving the trafficking of a related receptor. The adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR) shows exceptional expression and trafficking to the plasma membrane in yeast; however, this is not the case for other adenosine receptors. A2aR has a longer C‐terminus than the other adenosine receptors, which may contribute to its exceptional trafficking to the plasma membrane. To test the possibility to improve trafficking of the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R), chimeric receptors containing the seven transmembrane domains of A1R and the full‐length or truncated A2aR C‐terminus were constructed. The chimeric receptor showed improved localization to the plasma membrane and was capable of binding radioligand with native A1R affinity. Functionally active A1R receptor variants were produced at a theoretical yield of 95 pmol/mg total membrane protein, estimated using radioligand binding data, which are greater than three‐fold higher than previously reported yields from other heterologous expression systems, and should facilitate biophysical characterization and drug discovery efforts. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 4297–4307, 2018
Mechanism and Effect of Polar Styrenes on Scandium‐Catalyzed Copolymerization with Ethylene
Authors: Liu Bo , Qiao Kening , Fang Jian , Wang Tiantian , Wang Zichuan , Liu Dongtao , Xie Zhigang , Maron Laurent , Cui Dongmei
Published: September 2018

Copolymerization of ethylene (E) and polar vinyl monomers remains a problem because E propagation is hindered. Herein, for the first time, we report the copolymerization of E and polar styrenes (SR) by using an oxophilic scandium catalyst that exhibits higher turnover frequencies than both E and SR homopolymerizations when R is an electron‐withdrawing group. This positive comonomer effect was elucidated through computing reaction profiles of E/SF copolymerization at the DFT (B3PW91) level of theory. It reveals that the secondary interaction between Sc3+ and phenyl of the last and penultimate inserted SF units leads to a decrease of the E insertion barrier, because the electron‐withdrawing substituent enhances the electrophilicity of Sc3+ by an inductive effect mediated by the secondary interaction. After three consecutive insertions of the E units, the secondary interaction is lost and the SF insertion is kinetically preferred over the E insertion. This process is in line with the NMR spectrum analyses which show that the resultant copolymers mainly contain SR(E)xSR sequences where x≤3.
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Propargylation of 5H‐Thiazol‐4‐ones and 5H‐Oxazol‐4‐ones as Enabled by Cu/Zn and Cu/Ti Catalysis
Authors: Fu Zhengyan , Deng Ning , Su Sheng‐Nan , Li Hongyang , Li Ren‐Zhe , Zhang Xia , Liu Jie , Niu Dawen
Published: September 2018

Reported is the asymmetric propargylic substitution (APS) reaction of 5H‐thiazol‐4‐ones using a Cu/Zn dual metal catalytic system and the APS reaction of 5H‐oxazol‐4‐ones using a Cu/Ti catalytic system. These reactions furnish functional‐group‐rich, terminal‐alkyne‐containing products with two vicinal stereocenters in high yields and with good to excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities. This study demonstrates the use of dual metal catalytic systems as a viable approach to improve the selectivity profiles of the copper‐catalyzed APS reactions.
HMGB3 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of glioblastoma and is negatively regulated by miR‐200b‐3p and miR‐200c‐3p
Authors: Liu Jianxun , Wang Liling , Li Xuesong
Published: September 2018

High mobility group box 3 (HMGB3) is strongly involved in oncogenesis in a variety of cancers. In the present study, we have explored the role of HMGB3 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumorigenesis and have identified the microRNAs (miRNAs) miR‐200b‐3p and miR‐200c‐3p as negative regulators of HMGB3 expression. We began by determining that endogenous HMGB3 expression levels were significantly elevated in GBM tissues and in 3 GBM cell lines. To study the function of HMGB3 in GBM, we transfected a small‐interfering RNA (siRNA) against HMGB3 into GBM cell lines U251 and LN229. MTT and tumour sphere assays demonstrated that HMGB3 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays determined that HMGB3 knockdown substantially suppressed GBM cell migration and invasion. We evaluated the effects of HMGB3 knockdown on MAPK phosphorylation and target gene expression, finding that HMGB3 knockdown significantly reduced MAPK phosphorylation (p‐ERK (1/2), p‐p38, and p‐JNK). We then used the biologic prediction algorithm TargetScan to identify the 3′ untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of HMGB3 as a target of miR‐200b‐3p and miR‐200c‐3p. Luciferase, qRT‐PCR, and western blot assays confirmed that miR‐200b‐3p and miR‐200c‐3p bind and inhibit HMGB3 expression. Finally, Pearson correlation analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between relative HMGB3 mRNA and miR‐200b/c‐3p expression levels in GBM tissue samples. Overall, the present study strongly suggests that HMGB3 promotes GBM oncogenesis through the MAPK signalling pathway while miR‐200b‐3p and miR‐200c‐3p inhibit its expression.
An Intriguing Pea‐Like Nanostructure of Cobalt Phosphide on Molybdenum Carbide Incorporated Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanosheets for Efficient Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Dutta Soumen , Indra Arindam , Han HyukSu , Song Taeseup
Published: September 2018

The development of noble‐metal‐free, efficient, electrochemical, water‐splitting catalyst systems has attracted considerable attention in recent times. In this study, a metal–organic framework based synthetic route to couple two non‐noble‐metal‐based catalysts, CoP and Mo2C, supported on nitrogen‐doped carbon has been developed. The strategy enables the formation of a nanohybrid with an attractive pea‐like morphology, in which spherical CoP particles (≈10 nm) are embedded on two‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped carbon enriched with ultrafine Mo2C nanoparticles. This composition boosts the electrochemical alkaline water‐splitting reaction by showing overpotentials (η10) of only 94 and 265 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Additionally, in an acidic medium, the η10 values are 107 and 330 mV for HER and OER, respectively; this suggests good bifunctionality at both lower and higher pH levels. Overall water splitting has been demonstrated by the developed catalyst at a cell voltage of 1.64 V for a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline medium, and a constant current is produced for more than 40 h under chronoamperometric conditions. This study describes the combination of two nanocomponents, with interconnected surface structures, which result in highly active and stable electrocatalytic performance.
CE‐MS for metabolomics: Developments and applications in the period 2016–2018
Authors: Ramautar Rawi , Somsen Govert W. , de Jong Gerhardus J.
Published: September 2018

In the field of metabolomics, CE‐MS is now recognized as a strong analytical technique for the analysis of (highly) polar and charged metabolites in a wide range of biological samples. Over the past few years, significant attention has been paid to the design and improvement of CE‐MS approaches for (large‐scale) metabolic profiling studies and for establishing protocols in order to further expand the role of CE‐MS in metabolomics. In this paper, which is a follow‐up of a previous review paper covering the years 2014–2016 (Electrophoresis 2017, 38, 190–202), main advances in CE‐MS approaches for metabolomics studies are outlined covering the literature from July 2016 to June 2018. Aspects like developments in interfacing designs and data analysis tools for improving the performance of CE‐MS for metabolomics are discussed. Representative examples highlight the utility of CE‐MS in the fields of biomedical, clinical, microbial, and plant metabolomics. A complete overview of recent CE‐MS‐based metabolomics studies is given in a table, which provides information on sample type and pretreatment, capillary coatings and MS detection mode. Finally, some general conclusions and perspectives are given.
Microfluidic thread‐based electrode system to detect glucose and acetylthiocholine
Authors: Gaines Michelle , Gonzalez‐Guerrero Maria Jose , Uchida Kathryn , Gomez Frank A.
Published: September 2018

A reusable and simple to fabricate electrochemical sensor for the detection of glucose and acetylthiocholine using thread‐based electrodes and nylon thread is described. The fabrication of the device consisted of two steps. First, three nylon‐based electrodes (reference, working, and counter) were painted with one layer of conductive inks (silver and carbon ink, or silver/silver chloride ink). The electrodes were taped onto parafilm, and a piece of white nylon thread was wrapped around each electrode connecting the three electrodes. For the glucose system, a PBS solution containing glucose oxidase (GOx) (10 mg/mL), and potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN)6]) (10 mg/mL) as mediator, was dried onto the thread, and increasing concentrations of glucose (0–15 mM) was added to the thread and measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The current output from the glucose oxidation was proportional to the concentration of glucose. For the second system, a solution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (0.08 U/mL) in PBS was added to the nylon thread, and increasing concentrations of acetylthiocholine (ATC) (0–9.84 mg/mL) was added and measured by CV. The current output from the oxidation of thiocholine (produced by AChE reacting with ATC) was proportional to the concentrations of ATC added to the thread. From both systems, a graph of current output versus substrate concentration was produced and fitted with a linear regression line that gave R2 values of 0.985 (GOX/glucose) and 0.995 (AChE/ATC).
Predictability assessment of northeast monsoon rainfall in India using sea surface temperature anomaly through statistical and machine learning techniques
Authors: Dash Yajnaseni , Mishra Saroj K. , Panigrahi Bijaya K.
Published: September 2018

The socio‐economic growth of India is adversely affected by the abnormal meteorological phenomena of floods and droughts. Thus, rainfall prediction is highly desirable for livelihood and sustainability. In this study, northeast monsoon rainfall (NEMR) is predicted over the Indian peninsular region for the months of October, November, and December using a global sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly as a predictor by linear regression (LR), artificial neural network (ANN), and extreme learning machine (ELM) techniques. The predictions are made by LR, ANN, and ELM models for the period 1990–2016 using the training input (1871–1989) of different time series samples of global SST anomaly data collected from Hadley Centre SST data set (HadSST3). Principal component analysis was used for dimensionality reduction of the data sets, and its application substantially improved the predictive ability of the machine learning techniques. The performance of the PC‐ELM technique with the ensemble method (ESM 8–9) training window is found to be more accurate than the LR and ANN techniques and provides minimal error scores as per the statistical analysis. This study concludes that the global SST anomaly has the potential to be used as a predictor for northeast monsoon rainfall and useful for long‐range climatic projections.
Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Methods with energy minimizing oversampling
Authors: Chung Eric , Efendiev Yalchin , Leung Wing Tat
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we propose a general concept for constructing multiscale basis functions within Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method, which uses oversampling and stable decomposition. The oversampling refers to using larger regions in constructing multiscale basis functions and stable decomposition allows estimating the local errors. The analysis of multiscale methods involves decomposing the error by coarse regions, where each error contribution is estimated. In this estimate, we often use oversampling techniques to achieve a fast convergence. We demonstrate our concepts in the mixed, the Interior Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin, and Hybridized Discontinuous Galerkin discretizations. One of the important features of the proposed basis functions is that they can be used in online Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method, where one constructs multiscale basis functions using residuals. In these problems, it is important to achieve a fast convergence, which can be guaranteed if we have a stable decomposition. In our numerical results, we present examples for both offline and online multiscale basis functions. Our numerical results show that one can achieve a fast convergence when using online basis functions. Moreover, we observe that coupling using Hybridized Discontinuous Galerkin provides a better accuracy compared with Interior Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin, which is due to using multiscale glueing functions.
Application of biclustering algorithm in adverse drug reaction monitoring system of China
Authors: Zhu Tiantian , Zhang Yuan , Ye Xiaofei , Hou Yongfang , Liu Jia , Shi Wentao , Xu Jinfang , Guo Xiaojing , He Jia
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Signal evaluation is considered to be a tedious process owing to the large number of disproportional signals detected. This study aimed to apply a biclustering algorithm in the spontaneous reporting system of China and to obtain the optimal parameters. The biclustering algorithm is expected to improve the efficiency of signal evaluation by identifying similar signal groups.

Methods

Information component (IC) was the method used for disproportionality analysis. By using IC thresholds of various strengths (0.05–4.00), the original quantitative data matrix was transformed into 80 different binary data matrices, where each cell contained either a 1 or 0. The biclustering results were obtained using a total of 720 Bimax algorithm parameters (minimal number of columns and rows was 3, 4, or 5). Next, the optimal parameters were determined through the comprehensive evaluation of the rank sum ration. Finally, we examined the biclustering results under the optimal parameters and evaluated the effect of biclustering analysis on adverse drug reaction (ADR) data in China.

Results

The optimal strength of the IC threshold was 0.80, and the minimum number of rows and columns was 3. After taxonomic evaluation, we also found that 1836 biclusters (42.8%) contained similar drugs or similar ADRs, which accounted for 72.3% of signals unevaluated.

Conclusions

Applying biclustering analysis in spontaneous reporting system could provide support in confirming unrecognized ADRs, identifying rare ADRs, and screening drug‐ADR pairs, which need more attention. Biclustering algorithm could improve the efficiency of signal detection and evaluation in China.
Comparative safety of NSAIDs for gastrointestinal events in Asia‐Pacific populations: A multi‐database, international cohort study
Authors: Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng , Shin Ju‐Young , Kubota Kiyoshi , Man Kenneth K.C. , Park Byung Joo , Pratt Nicole , Roughead Elizabeth E. , Wong Ian C.K. , Kao Yang Yea‐Huei , Setoguchi Soko
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The safety of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used in Asia‐Pacific countries has had limited study. We assessed the risk of hospitalization for gastrointestinal events with loxoprofen and mefenamic acid compared with other NSAIDs in Asia‐Pacific populations.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using a distributed network with a common data model in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. We included patients who initiated diclofenac, loxoprofen, mefenamic acid, or celecoxib and followed them until their first gastrointestinal hospitalization, switch or discontinuation of medication, disenrollment, or end of database coverage. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess hospitalization risk.

Results

We identified 9879 patients in Japan, 70 492 in Taiwan, 263 741 in Korea, and 246 in Hong Kong who initiated an NSAID, and 44 013 patients in Australia, a predominantly Caucasian population. The incidence of gastrointestinal hospitalization was 25.6 per 1000 person‐years in Japan, 32.8 in Taiwan, 11.5 in Korea, 484.5 in Hong Kong, and 35.6 in Australia. Compared with diclofenac, the risk of gastrointestinal events with loxoprofen was significantly lower in Korea (hazards ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25‐0.54) but not in Japan (1.65; 95% CI, 0.47‐5.78). The risk of gastrointestinal events with mefenamic acid was significantly lower in Taiwan (0.45; 95% CI, 0.26‐0.78) and Korea (0.11; 95% CI, 0.05‐0.27) but not Hong Kong (2.16; 95% CI, 0.28‐16.87), compared with diclofenac.

Conclusions

Compared with diclofenac, loxoprofen was associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal hospitalizations in Korea and mefenamic acid with a lower risk in Taiwan and Korea.
An integrated solution to ACMM problem of spacecraft with inertia uncertainty
Authors: Liu Ping , Xue Wenchao , Chen Sen , Huang Yi , Sun Zhendong
Published: September 2018

In this work, an integrated solution to the attitude control and momentum management problem is studied for the velocity‐free large spacecraft subject to both inertia uncertainty and strong disturbances. A multiple‐input–multiple‐output‐type linear extended state observer is constructed to estimate the uncertain information, and a novel disturbance compensator and a linear quadratic regulator controller are proposed. The stability of the proposed scheme is rigorously proved, and the quantitative relationship between the closed‐loop tracking error and the uncertainty size is thoroughly analyzed. Comparison studies are carried out to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach.
Estimating heterogeneous treatment effects for latent subgroups in observational studies
Authors: Kim Hang J. , Lu Bo , Nehus Edward J. , Kim Mi‐Ok
Published: September 2018

Individuals may vary in their responses to treatment, and identification of subgroups differentially affected by a treatment is an important issue in medical research. The risk of misleading subgroup analyses has become well known, and some exploratory analyses can be helpful in clarifying how covariates potentially interact with the treatment. Motivated by a real data study of pediatric kidney transplant, we consider a semiparametric Bayesian latent model and examine its utility for an exploratory subgroup effect analysis using secondary data. The proposed method is concerned with a clinical setting where the number of subgroups is much smaller than that of potential predictors and subgroups are only latently associated with observed covariates. The semiparametric model is flexible in capturing the latent structure driven by data rather than dictated by parametric modeling assumptions. Since it is difficult to correctly specify the conditional relationship between the response and a large number of confounders in modeling, we use propensity score matching to improve the model robustness by balancing the covariates distribution. Simulation studies show that the proposed analysis can find the latent subgrouping structure and, with propensity score matching adjustment, yield robust estimates even when the outcome model is misspecified. In the real data analysis, the proposed analysis reports significant subgroup effects on steroid avoidance in kidney transplant patients, whereas standard proportional hazards regression analysis does not.
Rank‐based inference for covariate and group effects in clustered data in presence of informative intra‐cluster group size
Authors: Dutta Sandipan , Datta Somnath
Published: September 2018

There have been numerous attempts to extend the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to clustered data. Recently, one such rank‐sum test (Dutta & Datta, 2016, Biometrics 72, 432‐440) was developed to compare the group‐specific marginal distributions of outcomes in clustered data where the conditional distributions of outcomes depend on the number of observations from that group in a given cluster, a phenomenon referred to as informative intra‐cluster group (ICG) size. However, comparison of group‐specific marginal distributions may not be sufficient in presence of some potentially useful covariables that are observed in the study. In addition, not accounting for the effect of these covariates can lead to biased and misleading inference for the group comparisons. Thus, the purpose of this article is twofold. First, we develop a method to estimate the covariate effects using rank‐based weighted estimating equations that are appropriate when the ICG size is informative. Second, we construct an aligned rank‐sum test based on the covariate adjusted outcomes. Asymptotic distributions of the R‐estimators and the test statistic are provided. Through simulation studies, we show the importance of selecting proper weights in constructing the estimating equations when informativeness is present through the cluster or ICG sizes. We also demonstrate the superiority and the robustness of our method in comparison to regular parametric linear mixed models in clustered data. We apply our method to analyze different real‐life data sets including a data on birthweights of rat pups in different litters and a dental data on tooth attachment loss.
Gravity waves from soft theorem in general dimensions
Authors: Laddha Alok , Sen Ashoke
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Classical limit of multiple soft graviton theorem can be used to compute the angular power spectrum of long wavelength gravitational radiation in classical scattering provided the total energy carried away by the radiation is small compared to the energies of the scatterers. We could ensure this either by taking the limit in which the impact parameter is large compared to the Schwarzschild radii of the scatterers, or by taking the probe limit where one object (the probe) has mass much smaller than the other object (the scatterer). We compute the results to subsubleading order in soft momentum and test them using explicit examples involving classical scattering. Our analysis also generalizes to the case where there are multiple objects involved in the scattering and the objects exchange mass, fragment or fuse into each other during the scattering. A similar analysis can be carried out for soft photons to subleading order, reproducing standard textbook results. We also discuss the modification of soft expansion in four dimensions beyond the leading order due to infrared divergences.
RG flows and cascades of Lif(2)4 × S1 × S5 vacua
Authors: Singh Harvendra
Published: September 2018

Abstract

The (F1,D2,D8) brane configuration produces Lif
4
(2)
 × S
1 × S
5 Lifshitz vacua supported by ‘massive’ B-field. We present exact deformations of this system under which new massless B-modes of strings also get excited. Due to these massless modes the deformed solutions flow to conformally Lif
4
(3)
 × S
1 × S
5 vacua in the IR. The latter types are supersymmetric solutions of ordinary type IIA theory. The massive and massless B

μν
modes segregate out in the IR. We confirm that the massive B mode and cosmological constant indeed decouple from the theory rendering the IR field dynamics controlled by massless fields only. A similar effect is observed on the UV side of the flow where a relativistic regime reappears. We also present ‘cascading’ Lifshitz vacua in which dynamical exponent has integral jumps along the flow; Lif
4
(3)
 → Lif
4
(2)
 → Lif
4
(1)
. The critical Lif
4
(2)
theory separates ‘deconfining’ Lif
4
(3)
IR theory from the confining Yang-Mills phase in UV.
Streptomyces albulus yields ε-poly-l-lysine and other products from salt-contaminated glycerol waste
Authors: Dodd Amanda , Swanevelder Dirk , Zhou Nerve , Brady Dean , Hallsworth John E , Rumbold Karl
Published: September 2018

Actinomycetes are the most important microorganisms for the industrial production of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial and anticancer properties. However, they have not been implicated in biorefineries. Here, we study the ability of the ε-poly-l-lysine producing Streptomyces albulus BCRC 11814 to utilize biodiesel-derived crude glycerol. S. albulus was cultured in a mineral medium supplemented with up to 10% w/v sodium chloride or potassium chloride, and with crude glycerol as the sole carbohydrate source. Under these conditions, the strain produced 0.1 g ε-poly-l-lysine per 1 g of biomass. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of the ectoine biosynthetic pathway of S. albulus, which provides proof of halotolerance. S. albulus has several silent secondary metabolite biosynthetic clusters predicted within the genome. Based on the results, we conclude that S. albulus BCRC 11814 is a halotolerant microorganism capable of utilizing biodiesel-derived crude glycerol better than other actinomycetes included in the present study. S. albulus has the potential to be established as microbial platform production host for a range of high-value biological products.
Clinical and histopathological spectrum of toxic erythema of chemotherapy in patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Hunjan Manrup K. , Nowsheen Somaira , Ramos-Rodriguez Alvaro J. , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Bridges Alina G. , Lehman Julia S. , El-Azhary Rokea
Published: September 2018

Objective/Background:

Toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) is a well-recognized adverse cutaneous reaction to chemotherapy. Similar to many skin diseases, the clinical presentations may vary. Our objective is to expand on the typical and atypical clinical and histopathological presentations of TEC.

Methods:

Forty patients with a diagnosis of TEC were included from 500 patients who had undergone an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Relevant information and demonstrative photos and pathology were selected.

Results:

Classic clinical presentations included hand and foot erythema and dysesthesias; atypical presentations included facial involvement, hyperpigmentation, dermatomyositislike, and erythroderma associated with capillary leak syndrome.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of TEC should be considered after a correlation of clinical and histological findings in conjunction with a timeline of chemotherapy administration. Suggested criteria for the diagnosis of TEC may be helpful to dermatologists and clinicians when caring for these patients.
Genetic overlap between vascular pathologies and Alzheimer's dementia and potential causal mechanisms
Authors: Lin Yen‐Feng , Smith Albert Vernon , Aspelund Thor , Betensky Rebecca A. , Smoller Jordan W. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Launer Lenore J. , Blacker Deborah
Published: September 2018

Introduction

We sought to examine the genetic overlap between vascular pathologies and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, and the potential mediating role of vascular pathologies between AD‐related genetic variants and late‐life cognition.

Methods

For 2907 stroke‐free older individuals, we examined the association of polygenic risk scores for AD dementia (ADPRSs) with vascular pathologies and with cognition. Mediation analyses addressed whether association between ADPRSs and cognition was mediated by a vascular pathology.

Results

ADPRSs were associated with lobar cerebral microbleeds, white matter lesion load, and coronary artery calcification, mostly explained by single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 19q13 region. The effect of ADPRSs on cognition was partially but significantly mediated by cerebral microbleeds, white matter lesions, and coronary artery calcification.

Discussion

Our findings provide evidence for genetic overlap, mostly due to apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, between vascular pathologies and AD dementia. The association between AD polygenic risk and late‐life cognition is mediated in part via effects on vascular pathologies.
Delayed vascular complications after orthopaedic surgery: A report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Preuss Fletcher R. , Hadeed Michael M. , Weiss David B.
Published: September 2018

Vascular complications from orthopaedic surgery can be devastating. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and pseudoaneurysm formation are possible from orthopaedic injuries as well as orthopaedic surgery. Limbthreatening complications of vascular malformation include ischaemia, ulceration, haemorrhage, and gangrene potentially requiring amputation. Although rare, these vascular malformations should remain on the differential diagnosis for any patient not following the typical postoperative course. When presented with these case, and repair is recommended, it should be coordinated between orthopaedic and vascular surgeons. Review of the literature indicates that the risk of AVF and pseudoaneurysm formation remains underappreciated, particularly in the subacute and chronic setting. Theoretically, minimally invasive procedures with drilling near vessels increases the chances of vascular injury that goes unnoticed during the index procedure. This report of two cases discusses diagnosis and repair of pseudoaneurysm and AVF. It is a cautionary warning to consider these vascular injuries as late-presenting, limbthreatening complications of orthopaedic surgery.
Concomitant orbital subperiosteal abscess, sinusitis, and septic arthritis of the hip in a normal healthy adolescent patient
Authors: Yan Caryssa L. , Chau Wai-Wang , Ng Bobby Kin-Wah
Published: September 2018

Septic arthritis is a surgical emergency that can result in substantial morbidity and mortality, especially when diagnosis is delayed. We report a case of an otherwise healthy 12-year old boy, who developed an orbital subperiosteal abscess and paranasal sinusitis with concomitant septic arthritis of the left hip and osteomyelitis. We highlight the importance of repeat assessment of affected sites of infection, despite an overt, local infection of a primary site in an immunocompetent host. This is the first report of concurrent orbital subperiosteal abscess and left hip septic arthritis in literature.
Coital Incontinence in Women With Urinary Incontinence: An International Study
Authors: Illiano Ester , Mahfouz Wally , Giannitsas Konstantinos , Kocjancic Ervin , Vittorio Bini , Athanasopoulos Anastasios , Balsamo Raffaele , Natale Franca , Carbone Antonio , Villari Donata , Filocamo Maria Teresa , Finazzi Agrò Enrico , Costantini Elisabetta
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Coital urinary incontinence (CUI) is not much explored during clinical history, and this could lead to an underestimation of the problem.

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence and clinical risk factors of CUI in women with urinary incontinence (UI), and to measure the impact of CUI on women’s sexuality and quality of life.

Methods

This was a multicenter international study, conducted in Italy, Greece, the United States, and Egypt. Inclusion criteria were: sexually active women with UI and in a stable relationship for at least 6 months. Exclusion criteria were: age <18 years and unstable relationship. The UI was classified as stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI), and mixed UI (MUI). Women completed a questionnaire on demographics and medical history, in particular on UI and possible CUI and the timing of its occurrence, and the impact of CUI on quality and frequency of their sexual life.

Main Outcome Measures

To evaluate the CUI and its impact on sexual life we used the open questions on CUI as well as the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition questionnaire.

Results

In this study 1,041 women (age 52.4 ± 10.7 years) were included. In all, 53.8% of women had CUI: 8% at penetration, 35% during intercourse, 9% at orgasm, and 48% during a combination of these. Women with CUI at penetration had a higher prevalence of SUI, women with CUI during intercourse had higher prevalence of MUI with predominant SUI, and women with CUI at orgasm had higher prevalence of UUI and MUI with predominant UUI component. Previous hysterectomy was a risk factor for CUI during any phase, while cesarean delivery was a protective factor. Previous failed anti-UI surgery was a risk factor for CUI during penetration and intercourse, and body mass index >25 kg/m2 was a risk factor for CUI at intercourse. According to International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire scores, increased severity of UI positively correlated with CUI, and had a negative impact on the quality and frequency of sexual activity.

Clinical Implications

This study should encourage physicians to evaluate the CUI; in fact, it is an underestimated clinical problem, but with a negative impact on quality of life.

Strengths & Limitations

The strength of this study is the large number of women enrolled, while the limitation is its observational design.

Conclusion

CUI is a symptom that can affect sexual life and should be investigated during counseling in all patients who are referred to urogynecological centers.
FIDO2 puts biometrics at heart of web security
Authors: Dunkelberger Phil
Published: September 2018

In prioritising the toughest and most enduring technology security challenges, most people would put user authentication at the very top of the list. In particular, usernames and passwords have been the Achilles heel of IT security for decades. They are hard for users to remember and easy for hackers to guess and steal.
Theoretical Mantle Dynamics
Authors: Ribe Neil M.
Published: September 2018

Geodynamics is the study of the deformation and flow of the solid Earth and other planetary interiors. Focusing on the Earth's mantle, this book provides a comprehensive, mathematically advanced treatment of the continuum mechanics of mantle processes and the craft of formulating geodynamical models to approximate them. Topics covered include slow viscous flow, elasticity and viscoelasticity, boundary-layer theory, long-wave theories including lubrication theory and shell theory, two-phase flow, and hydrodynamic stability and thermal convection. A unifying theme is the utility of powerful general methods (dimensional analysis, scaling analysis, and asymptotic analysis) that can be applied in many specific contexts. Featuring abundant exercises with worked solutions for graduate students and researchers, this book will make a useful resource for Earth scientists and applied mathematicians with an interest in mantle dynamics and geodynamics more broadly.
The preventable proportion of healthcare-associated infections 2005–2016: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schreiber Peter W. , Sax Hugo , Wolfensberger Aline , Clack Lauren , Kuster Stefan P. ,   Swissnoso
Published: September 2018

Objective

The preventable proportion of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) may decrease over time as standards of care improve. We aimed to assess the proportion of HAIs prevented by multifaceted infection control interventions in different economic settings.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched OVID Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library for studies published between 2005 and 2016 assessing multifaceted interventions to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), surgical site infections (SSIs), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and hospital-acquired pneumonia not associated with mechanical ventilation (HAP) in acute-care or long-term care settings. For studies reporting raw rates, we extracted data and calculated the natural log of the risk ratio and variance to obtain pooled risk ratio estimates.

Results

Of the 5,226 articles identified by our search, 144 studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled incidence rate ratios associated with multifaceted interventions were 0.543 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.445–0.662) for CAUTI, 0.459 (95% CI, 0.381–0.554) for CLABSI, and 0.553 (95% CI, 0.465–0.657) for VAP. The pooled rate ratio was 0.461 (95% CI, 0.389–0.546) for interventions aiming at SSI reduction, and for VAP reduction initiatives, the pooled rate ratios were 0.611 (95% CI, 0.414–0.900) for before-and-after studies and 0.509 (95% CI, 0.277–0.937) for randomized controlled trials. Reductions in infection rates were independent of the economic status of the study country. The risk of bias was high in 143 of 144 studies (99.3%).

Conclusions

Published evidence suggests a sustained potential for the significant reduction of HAI rates in the range of 35%–55% associated with multifaceted interventions irrespective of a country’s income level.
Effect of copper-impregnated linens on multidrug-resistant organism acquisition and Clostridium difficile infection at a long-term acute-care hospital
Authors: Madden Gregory R. , Heon Brenda E. , Sifri Costi D.
Published: September 2018

Copper-impregnated surfaces and linens have been shown to reduce infections and multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) acquisition in healthcare settings. However, retrospective analyses of copper linen deployment at a 40-bed long-term acute-care hospital demonstrated no significant reduction in incidences of healthcare facility-onset Clostridium difficile infection or MDRO acquisition.
Long Live Social Exchange Theory
Authors: Porter Caitlin M.
Published: September 2018

Chernyak-Hai and Rabenu (2018) argue that social exchange theory (SET) should be revised to accommodate work relationships in the “new era” of work, characterized by a more diverse workforce with changing expectations for relationships between themselves and their organizational representatives. To account for the modern workplace, Chernyak-Hai and Rabenu introduce “new” or “modern exchange variables” that capture modern workplace conditions and employee characteristics or preferences, which they expect to indirectly influencewhetherandhowemployees develop high-quality work relationships with organizational representatives.
Workplace Relationships and Social Networks
Authors: Barratt Clare L. , Smith Claire E.
Published: September 2018

As described in Chernyak-Hai and Rabenu's (2018) focal article, the workplace has changed tremendously over the past few decades. These changes, undoubtedly, have affected how individuals interact and build relationships in the workplace. We live in a “networked society,” where the advances in technology and subsequent spread of communication and information have reorganized the way individuals are connected to one another (Castells, 2004; Wellman, 1999). In other words, we exist in complex networks, where underlying interconnections and interdependencies are the keys to scientific understanding. In their focal article, Chernyak-Hai and Rabenu highlight the need to adapt social exchange theories and research to incorporate the change in workplace relationships resulting from advances in technology and changes in the global market and workforce (e.g., freelancers, contract workers).
I-O Psychology Has an Important Role to Play in Gender Differences in Negotiation
Authors: Hightower Chelsea D. , McCord John-Luke , Hay Michael , Doyle Brian G. , Harman Jason L.
Published: September 2018

A major goal of Gardner, Ryan, and Snoeyink (2018) was to determine what steps are needed moving forward in examining gender representation in industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology. Specifically, on the topic of pay differences, we highlight that gender differences in pay are in part due to differences in negotiation behaviors and/or experiences. Prior research demonstrates that female negotiators receive greater backlash than male negotiators—a possible explanation to why men tend to negotiate more often and more successfully than women (Bowles, Babcock, & Lai, 2007). Based on this evidence, one next step in moving forward should involve providing resources and knowledge to improve negotiation skills and practices specifically aimed at eliminating differences between women and men in both propensity to negotiate and the evaluation/consequences of negotiating.
How Industrial-Organizational Psychology Can Benefit From Scientometrics (and Vice Versa)
Authors: König Cornelius J. , Bajwa Nida ul Habib , Schui Gabriel , Fell Clemens B.
Published: September 2018

Scientific fields benefit when their researchers engage in self-reflection. Accordingly, we welcome the evidence gathered by Gardner, Ryan, and Snoeyink (2018) on gender differences in our field, the field of industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology. In this commentary, we argue that such self-reflection processes can be further enhanced by taking advantage of the wealth and breadth of scientometrics, the quantitative study of science.
What We Do Not Know: Answers From the SIOP Income and for Peer Review Employment Survey
Authors: Parker Brandy , Wiggins Anna , Richard Erin , Wright Natalie , Davison Kristl , DuVernet Amy
Published: September 2018

Gardner, Ryan, and Snoeyink (2018) emphasize the need to assess human capital and market factors that may contribute to gender differences in income and suggest that such data are not readily available. As members of the Institutional Research Committee, we thought it important to provide some evidence addressing the focal article's main points using what data are available. Specifically, we conducted ad hoc analyses using data from the 2016 SIOP Income and Employment Survey, with the intent of providing additional context related to employment and compensation for industrial and organizational (I-O) psychologists. Our sample included only respondents who indicated that they worked full time and who provided their gender (n = 1,069). These analyses answer Gardner et al.’s call to examine factors that explain the income gap between men and women within the field.
From a steady plume to periodic puffs during confined carbon dioxide dissolution
Authors: Meunier P. , Nadal F.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the stability of a laminar plume due to solutal convection is addressed from experimental, numerical and theoretical points of view. A topless vertical tube containing water is put in a pressure cell filled with carbon dioxide (

$\text{CO}_{2}$

). The diffusion of

$\text{CO}_{2}$

at the free surface creates a thin layer of heavy fluid underneath the surface. This unstable density gradient generates a steady laminar plume which goes downward through the entire tube. A quasi-steady flow settles in the tube, filling gradually the bottom of the tube with heavy fluid. During this laminar regime, the velocity of the plume slowly decreases due to the build-up of the background density gradient. Surprisingly, despite the decrease of the Reynolds number, the laminar plume suddenly destabilises via a varicose mode into periodic pulsed puffs after an onset time which depends on the height of the tube and on the solutal Rayleigh number

$Ra$

. This periodic regime is followed by an aperiodic regime, which lasts until the complete saturation of the solution. The observed destabilisation is explained as a result of the interplay between the feedback of the global recirculating flow and the progressive density stratification of the background fluid. The wavelength, frequency, onset time and phase velocity of the instability are explored using particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements over two decades of Rayleigh number. The characteristics of the instability appear to be almost independent of the Bond number but strongly dependent on the solutal Rayleigh number and the aspect ratio. The phase velocity is very close to the fluid velocity of the plume before the instability, which has been predicted in various works to scale as

$Ra^{2/3}(\ln \,Ra)^{1/3}$

. The wavelength is close to 4.5 times the radius of the cylinder (independent of aspect ratio, Bond number and Rayleigh number) such that the frequency scales as the phase velocity. The onset time, which is proportional to the height of the cylinder, scales as

$Ra^{-0.55}$

and depends on the Bond number. A simplified model inspired from Lorenz’ waterwheel is proposed to explain the destabilisation process after partial fill-up of the cylinder. Although very qualitative, the model captures the key features of the experimental observations.
Direct simulation on nonlinear thermokinetic phenomena due to induced-charge electroosmosis
Authors: Sugioka Hideyuki
Published: September 2018

Previously, we proposed a novel mechanism to produce a nonlinear thermokinetic phenomenon (NTKP) around a metal cylinder in an electrolyte on the basis of analytical discussion. In this study, by using a non-steady direct multi-physics simulation technique based on the Stokes equation coupled with the electroosmotic equation that considers normal diffusion, electrophoresis and thermal diffusion, we directly verify the NTKP and show that the original driving force is the excess ions pressed on the particle by the thermokinetic force and that the NTKP vortex flow around the particle is generated by the interaction between the excess ion and the electric field that is made by the excess ions and/or the Seebeck electric field due to the blocking boundary condition on the wall. Namely, two types of NTKP exist and they are explained in a self-consistent manner by our new theory. In addition, through the discussion of a dielectric particle, we show that the NTKP is a general phenomenon that can be found in both metal and dielectric particles. We believe that our findings provide a new unified viewpoint to understand complex thermokinetic phenomena near metal and dielectric particles.
Upstream-travelling acoustic jet modes as a closure mechanism for screech
Authors: Edgington-Mitchell Daniel , Jaunet Vincent , Jordan Peter , Towne Aaron , Soria Julio , Honnery Damon
Published: September 2018

Experimental evidence is provided to demonstrate that the upstream-travelling waves in two jets screeching in the A1 and A2 modes are not free-stream acoustic waves, but rather waves with support within the jet. Proper orthogonal decomposition is used to educe the coherent fluctuations associated with jet screech from a set of randomly sampled velocity fields. A streamwise Fourier transform is then used to isolate components with positive and negative phase speeds. The component with negative phase speed is shown, by comparison with a vortex-sheet model, to resemble the upstream-travelling jet wave first studied by Tam & Hu (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 201, 1989, pp. 447–483). It is further demonstrated that screech tones are only observed over the frequency range where this upstream-travelling wave is propagative.