bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a multiple‐fraction concatenation strategy in an online two‐dimensional high‐/low‐pH reversed‐phase/reversed‐phase liquid chromatography platform for qualitative and quantitative shotgun proteomic analyses
Authors: Law Henry C.H. , Kong Ricky P.W. , Li Mengzhu , Szeto Samuel S.W. , Chu Ivan K.
Published: June 2020

Multidimensional liquid chromatography is the mainstay separation technique used for shotgun proteomic analyses. The application of a multiple‐fraction concatenation (MFC) strategy can result in a more disperse and consistent peptide elution profile across different fractions, when compared with a conventional strategy. Herein, we present the first automated online RP‐RP platform implementing an MFC strategy to facilitate robust, unattended, routine proteomic analyses. The improved duty cycle utilization of the MFC strategy led to an increase of 9% in the separation space occupancy and increases of approximately 10% in the identification of both proteins and peptides. The peptides uniquely identified by the MFC strategy were significantly biased toward those of acidic nature, with increased precursor signals leading to improved MS/MS spectral quality and enhanced acidic peptide identification. These improvements in qualitative analysis using the MFC strategy were also extended to quantitative analysis. When the acquired proteome was quantified with a normalized spectral abundance factor, the additionally acquired acidic peptides were a critical factor leading to enhanced reproducibility of quantitation using the MFC strategy. With merits of superior qualitative and quantitative characteristics over the conventional strategy, the MFC strategy appears to be a highly amenable technique for enhancing the separation capacity for routine proteomic analyses.
Using Latent Class Analysis to Support the ICD‐11 Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis in a Sample of Homeless Adults
Authors: Armstrong Renée , Phillips Lisa , Alkemade Nathan , Louise O'Donnell Meaghan
Published: June 2020

The 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11), ratified at the World Health Assembly in May 2019, introduced revised diagnostic guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as a separate diagnosis of complex PTSD (CPTSD). We aimed to test the new ICD‐11 symptom structure for PTSD and CPTSD in a sample of individuals who have experienced homelessness. Experiences of trauma exposure and the associated mental health outcomes have been underresearched in this population. A sample of adults experiencing homelessness (N = 206) completed structured and semi‐structured interviews that collected information about trauma exposure and symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD. We conducted a latent class analysis (LCA) using six symptom clusters (three PTSD symptom clusters that are components of CPTSD and three CPTSD symptom clusters). All participants reported trauma exposure, with 88.6% having experienced at least one event before 16 years of age. Four distinct classes of participants emerged in relation to the potential to meet the diagnosis: LCA CPTSD (n = 122, 59.8%), LCA no diagnosis (n = 27: 13.2%), LCA PTSD (n = 33; 16.2%), and LCA disturbance in self‐organization (DSO; n = 22; 10.8%). Of note, participants with an ICD‐11 CPTSD as well as those with an ICD‐11 PTSD diagnosis fell into the LCA CPTSD class. Our findings provide some support for the distinction between CPTSD and PTSD within this population specifically but potentially have broader implications. Clear diagnoses will allow targeted PTSD and CPTSD treatment development.
Polyion Complex Micelles for Protein Delivery Benefit from Flexible Hydrophobic Spacers in the Binding Group
Authors: Li Kecheng , Chen Fan , Wang Yiping , Stenzel Martina H. , Chapman Robert
Published: June 2020

Although a range of polymer–protein polyion complex (PIC) micelle systems have been developed in the literature, relatively little attention has been paid to the influence of polymer structure on the assembly, or to the mechanism of disassembly. In this work, Förster resonance energy transfer is used in combination with light sheet fluorescence microscopy and isothermal calorimetry to monitor the formation and stability of PIC micelles with various carboxylic‐acid‐based binding blocks in MCF‐7 cancer spheroid models. All micelles are stable in the presence of free protein, but are unstable in solutions with an ionic strength >200 mm and prone to disassembly at reduced pH. Introducing carbon spacers between the backbone and the binding carboxylic acid results in improved PIC micelle stability at physiological pH, but also increases the pKa of the binding moiety, resulting in improved protein release upon cell uptake. These results give important insights into how to tune PIC micelle stability for controlled protein release in biological environments.
Catalytic Halogen Exchange in Miniemulsion ARGET ATRP: A Pathway to Well‐Controlled Block Copolymers
Authors: Wang Yi , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: June 2020

Halogen exchange in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is an efficient way to chain‐extend from a less active macroinitiator (MI) to a more active monomer. This has been previously achieved by using CuCl/L in the equimolar amount to Pn−Br MI in the chain extension step. However, this approach cannot be effectively applied in systems based on regeneration of activators (ARGET ATRP), since they operate with ppm amounts of catalysts. Herein, a catalytic halogen exchange procedure is reported using a catalytic amount of Cu in miniemulsion ARGET ATRP to chain‐extend from a less active poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) MI to a more active methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer. Influence of different reagents on the initiation efficiency and dispersity is studied. Addition of 0.1 m NaCl or tetraethylammonium chloride to ATRP of MMA initiated by methyl 2‐bromopropionate leads to high initiation efficiency and polymers with low dispersity. The optimized conditions are then employed in chain extension of PBA MI with MMA to prepare diblock and triblock copolymers.
Micromorphology and nanomechanical characteristics of sputtered aluminum thin films
Authors: Mwema F.M. , Akinlabi E.T. , Oladijo O.P.
Published: June 2020

Micromorphology and nanoindentation properties of sputtered aluminum thin films are presented. The field emission scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation results are presented for films prepared at a substrate temperature ranging between 44.5 °C and 100 °C. A multifractal approach on the microstructure is presented to comprehend the micromorphology of the films. The roughness decreases, whereas fractal dimension increases as the temperature increases. The hardness and Young's modulus do not exhibit any predictable trend. Hardness and Young's modulus exhibit a linear relationship.
Lifetime treatment of DSM‐IV mental disorders in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey
Authors: Al‐Subaie Abdullah S. , Altwaijri Yasmin A. , Al‐Habeeb Abdulhameed , Bilal Lisa , Almeharish Amani , Sampson Nancy A. , Liu Howard , Kessler Ronald C.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To estimate lifetime treatment rates of mental disorders in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS).

Methods

The SNMHS is a face‐to‐face community epidemiological survey in a nationally representative household sample of citizens ages 15–65 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (n = 4,004). The World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to produce estimates of lifetime prevalence and treatment of common DSM‐IV mental disorders.

Results

Lifetime treatment ranged from 52.2% for generalized anxiety disorder to 20.3% for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, had a median (interquartile range) of 35.5% (30.6–39.5%) across disorders, and was 28.3% for people with any lifetime DSM‐IV/CIDI disorder. Half (49.0%) of patients received treatment in the mental health specialty sector, 35.9% in the general medical sector, 35.2% in the human services sector, and 15.7% in the complementary‐alternative medical sector. Median (interquartile range) delays in help‐seeking after disorder onset among respondents who already sought treatment were 8 (3–15) years. Odds of seeking treatment are positively related to age‐of‐onset and comorbidity.

Conclusions

Unmet need for treatment of lifetime mental disorders is a major problem in KSA. Interventions to ensure prompt help‐seeking are needed to reduce the burdens and hazards of untreated mental disorders.
Do self‐reports of procrastination predict actual behavior?
Authors: Zuber Sascha , Cauvin Stéphanie , Haas Maximilian , Daviet Anne‐Sophie , Da Silva Coelho Chloé , Kliegel Matthias
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Procrastination is typically assessed via self‐report questionnaires. So far, only very few studies have examined actual procrastination behavior, providing inconclusive results regarding the real‐life validity of self‐reports in this domain. The present study aimed to examine for the first time whether participants' self‐reported procrastination can predict their actual behavior on a real‐life task.

Methods

For that purpose, we assessed self‐reported levels of procrastination [via the Pure Procrastination Scale, PPS] and actual procrastination behavior on a naturalistic task [i.e., having to send in an attendance sheet before a deadline] in 93 participants.

Results

Results show that self‐reports significantly predicted procrastination behavior. Analyses of underlying dimensions suggest that real‐life procrastination can be the result of “voluntarily delaying planned actions,” but can also have more passive causes such as “running out of time.”

Conclusions

Comparing our results with the available literature suggests that PPS self‐reports reflect a particularly valid tool to assess real‐life procrastination behavior. Findings are discussed in the context of strategies and mechanisms that potential interventions may target in order to reduce procrastination.
Quantitative electromyography: Normative data in paraspinal muscles
Authors: Jeppesen Tina D. , Levison Lotte , Codeluppi Luca , Krarup Christian
Published: June 2020

Background

Quantitative electromyography of paraspinal muscle is a valuable diagnostic tool, but normative data are lacking.

Methods

Needle electromyography (EMG) was obtained in 65 healthy subjects (49% men, 51% women) aged 21 to 82 years at C7, Th10, and L5 segments bilaterally. The incidence of spontaneous activity; motor unit potential (MUP) amplitudes, durations, and the incidence of polyphasic potentials; and the recruitment pattern at maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were evaluated.

Results

The incidence of fibrillation potentials was similar to limb muscles. The mean MUP duration and amplitude, and the amplitude at MVC increased caudally, while the incidence of polyphasic potentials was similar at all levels. EMG parameters did not correlate with sex or age.

Conclusions

In contrast to limb muscles, EMG parameters did not change with age, while polyphasic potentials were more frequent in paraspinal muscle than in limb muscles. The EMG gradient suggests larger motor units at more caudal segments.
Cross‐sectional area reference values of the median nerve at the palm using ultrasound
Authors: Jain Nikita , Cortez‐Garcia Eduardo , Cartwright Michael S.
Published: June 2020

Background

The most common neuromuscular ultrasound abnormality in carpal tunnel syndrome is enlargement of the median nerve near the distal wrist crease, but sometimes the median nerve enlarges in the palm, just distal to the transverse carpal ligament. This study was conducted to devise a protocol for measuring the median nerve in the palm and to generate reference values for nerve cross‐sectional area at this site.

Methods

A systematic protocol was developed, 30 healthy individuals underwent ultrasound of the median nerve in the palm bilaterally, and cross‐sectional area was recorded.

Results

The mean cross‐sectional area of the median nerve at the palm was between 11.4 mm2 (95% confidence interval [CI] [10.4,12.4]) and 11.6 mm2 (95%CI [10.6,12.6]).

Conclusions

The median nerve can be measured just distal to the hook of the hamate in the palm, and the mean cross‐sectional area at this site is slightly larger than it is at the distal wrist crease.
Study on the dietary pattern and local isotopes of the Xiaoshuangqiao Shang Dynasty (1400 bc) site in China
Authors: Wang Ning , Tao Siyuan , Li Suting , Si Yi , Li Hongfei , Song Guo Ding
Published: June 2020

Here, we investigate human diet and origins using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios at the site of Xiaoshuangqiao in Henan Province, which dates to the middle Shang Dynasty (1435–1412 cal bc). A total of the 66 specimens (51 humans, six cattle, five pigs, three sheep and one dog) were isotopically analysed for δ13C and δ15N values. The population (δ13C = −9.1 ± 1.5‰, n = 51) was found to consume a predominately C4 diet (millet), and no difference was observed between the δ13C (p = 0.809) and δ15N (p = 0.876) results of the males and females. The isotopic results were then examined by burial location to determine the presence of the local Shang population or sacrificed Dongyi warriors. Differences in δ13C were found for individuals buried in the sacrificial pits H66 (−10.0 ± 1.2‰; n = 9) and H63 (−8.2 ± 0.8‰; n = 11) as well as layer ④ (−8.9 ± 1.5‰; n = 24), with the differences statistically significant for pits H66 and H63 (p = 0.001). The isotopic and archaeological evidence suggests that the individuals recovered in pit H63 and layer ④ were Shang but that the pit H66 skeletons were Dongyi prisoners of war that were sacrificed. As the site of Xiaoshuangqiao is thought to be the lost Shang capital of Ao ‘傲’, this research offers new information about the diet and inhabitants of this city.
Perceptive whole‐body planning for multilegged robots in confined spaces
Authors: Buchanan Russell , Wellhausen Lorenz , Bjelonic Marko , Bandyopadhyay Tirthankar , Kottege Navinda , Hutter Marco
Published: June 2020

Legged robots are exceedingly versatile and have the potential to navigate complex, confined spaces due to their many degrees of freedom. As a result of the computational complexity, there exist no online planners for perceptive whole‐body locomotion of robots in tight spaces. In this paper, we present a new method for perceptive planning for multilegged robots, which generates body poses, footholds, and swing trajectories for collision avoidance. Measurements from an onboard depth camera are used to create a three‐dimensional map of the terrain around the robot. We randomly sample body poses then smooth the resulting trajectory while satisfying several constraints, such as robot kinematics and collision avoidance. Footholds and swing trajectories are computed based on the terrain, and the robot body pose is optimized to ensure stable locomotion while not colliding with the environment. Our method is designed to run online on a real robot and generate trajectories several meters long. We first tested our algorithm in several simulations with varied confined spaces using the quadrupedal robot ANYmal. We also simulated experiments with the hexapod robot Weaver to demonstrate applicability to different legged robot configurations. Then, we demonstrated our whole‐body planner in several online experiments both indoors and in realistic scenarios at an emergency rescue training facility. ANYmal, which has a nominal standing height of 80 cm and a width of 59 cm, navigated through several representative disaster areas with openings as small as 60 cm. Three‐meter trajectories were replanned with 500 ms update times.
Effects of land‐cover transitions on emerging aquatic insects and environmental characteristics of headwater streams in an agricultural catchment
Authors: Goss Charles W. , Sullivan S. Mažeika P. , Goebel P. Charles
Published: June 2020

Streams and their adjacent riparian zones are increasingly viewed as interdependent systems linked by reciprocal exchanges of energy, organisms, and materials. We assessed potential associations between the emerging aquatic insect flux and transitions between agricultural land and forest fragments to better understand these stream‐riparian linkages in managed landscapes. We sampled stream environmental conditions and emerging insects at 28 sites distributed along three streams flowing through agriculture‐forest‐agriculture transitions in central Ohio, USA, in the summer of 2012. Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera (ET) taxa had higher flux densities in forests (mean and 95% CI: 0.3 insects m−2 d−1 [0.1, 0.8]) compared to agriculture (mean and 95% CI: 0 insect m−2 d−1 [0, 0.1]; p = .004), and ET taxa were found in 67% of forested sites compared to only 15% of agricultural sites. In contrast, Dolichopodidae were more strongly associated with agricultural land (mean and 95% CI: 0.6 insect m−2 d−1 [0.3 to 1.2]) than forests (mean and 95% CI: 0.1 insects m−2 d−1 [0.1, 0.2]; p = .002). Although Chironomidae were the most numerically abundant, ET taxa were among the larger bodied insects and comprised >30% of the total biomass flux, illustrating the importance of taxonomic traits in mediating flux dynamics. Mechanisms driving emerging insect flux were related to substrate grain‐size distribution, channel width, and nutrient concentrations. Overall, our results demonstrate that small forest fragments are strongly related to the aquatic‐to‐terrestrial insect flux and thus have important implications for terrestrial biodiversity and food webs in agricultural landscapes.
CD34+ cell therapy significantly reduces adverse cardiac events, health care expenditures, and mortality in patients with refractory angina
Authors: Johnson Grace L. , Henry Timothy D. , Povsic Thomas J. , Losordo Douglas W. , Garberich Ross F. , Stanberry Larissa I. , Strauss Craig E. , Traverse Jay H.
Published: June 2020

Patients with refractory angina who are suboptimal candidates for further revascularization have improved exercise time, decreased angina frequency, and reduced major adverse cardiac events with intramyocardial delivery of CD34+ cells. However, the effect of CD34+ cell therapy on health care expenditures before and after treatment is unknown. We determined the effect of CD34+ cell therapy on cardiac-related hospital visits and costs during the 12 months following stem cell injection compared with the 12 months prior to injection. Cardiac-related hospital admissions and procedures were retrospectively tabulated for patients enrolled at one site in one of three double-blinded, placebo-controlled CD34+ trials in the 12 months before and after intramyocardial injections of CD34+ cells vs placebo. Fifty-six patients were randomized to CD34+ cell therapy (n = 37) vs placebo (n = 19). Patients randomized to cell therapy experienced 1.57 ± 1.39 cardiac-related hospital visits 12 months before injection, compared with 0.78 ± 1.90 hospital visits 12 months after injection, which was associated with a 62% cost reduction translating to an average savings of $5500 per cell therapy patient. Patients in the placebo group also demonstrated a reduction in cardiac-related hospital events and costs, although to a lesser degree than the CD34+ group. Through 1 January 2019, 24% of CD34+ subjects died at an average of 6.5 ± 2.4 years after enrollment, whereas 47% of placebo patients died at an average of 3.7 ± 1.9 years after enrollment. In conclusion, CD34+ cell therapy for subjects with refractory angina is associated with improved mortality and a reduction in hospital visits and expenditures for cardiac procedures in the year following treatment.
Periodate Oxidation of Carboxymethyl Cellulose under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Zhang Linlin , Shao Shengjuan , Chang Xiliang , Li Min
Published: June 2020

In this study, we synthesized dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) based on the oxidation reaction of periodate (i. e., Malaprade reaction) in acidic conditions. The primary factors on the synthesis of DCMC were explored based on a 3×3 orthogonal optimization experiment using the reaction temperature, material ratio, and pH, as variables. we identified an optimum DCMC synthetic condition based on the analysis of the production yield and aldehyde content in the final product. The results showed that the impacts of the three factors on the synthesis of DCMC adhered to the order of pH > temperature > material ratio. Synthesis conditions involved pH value of 3.0, reaction temperature of 30 °C, a mass ratio of NaIO4 and CMC of 1 : 1, and a reaction time of 4 h. Which yielded a dialdehyde DCMC content of 79.04 %. By characterizing the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and DCMC samples with Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, we confirmed the production of DCMC from the reaction and the crystallinity and thermal stability of CMC reduced when it was oxidized to DCMC.
Copper‐Mediated Intramolecular Oxidative α‐Functionalization of Ugi Precursor: An Efficient Synthesis of Highly Functionalized 2H‐Benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4(3H)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Singh Deepti , Pandey Shashi , Chouhan Pradeep Singh , Kant Ruchir , Chauhan Prem M. S.
Published: June 2020

A novel and efficient procedure for the synthesis of highly substituted 2H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4(3H)‐one is reported. The strategy utilizes Ugi four‐component reaction (Ugi‐4CR) methodology to afford Ugi adduct having free hydroxyl (‐OH) functional group followed by Cu/base mediated regioselective intramolecular dehydrogenative (sp3) C−O bond coupling. The prepared scaffolds are found in a number of pharmaceutically relevant scaffolds such as DRF‐2519 and CX‐614 which is potential in discovery of treatment for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease respectively.
Pattern Stimulated CVD Growth of 2D MoS2
Authors: Xu Zhuhua , Lv Yanfei , Li Jingzhou , Wei Guodan , Zhao Shichao
Published: June 2020

Great efforts have been explored to prepare monolayer MoS2 through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. However, there still were many shortages in CVD method. Herein, with the mixture of MoS2 powders and sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) powders as two precursors, monolayer MoS2 has been successfully grown at a temperature as low as 500 °C through a convenient pattern stimulated CVD growth method in combination with a pattern transfer process. The triangular, hexagonal and larger‐scale monolayer MoS2 have been obtained distributing on both sides of the precursor. Our analysis indicates that the thickness and shape of the spatially separated domains are the function of the distance to the patterned precursor, resulting from different concentration of precursors and atomic ratio of Mo : S. The atomic ratio of Mo : S near to 1 : 2 was beneficial to the preparation of larger‐scale monolater MoS2. The intensity and peak shifting of PL demonstrated the defects and strain in monolayer MoS2. This facile patterned stimulated growth strategy has paved a pioneering way to obtain high quality 2D materials.
Cryo‐Transferred Ultrathin and Stretchable Epidermal Electrodes
Authors: Fang Yunsheng , Li Yue , Wang Xin , Zhou Zhengui , Zhang Kui , Zhou Jun , Hu Bin
Published: June 2020

A simple cryo‐transfer method to fabricate ultrathin, stretchable, and conformal epidermal electrodes based on a combination of silver nanowires (AgNWs) network and elastomeric polymers is developed. This method can temporarily enable the soft elastomers with much higher elastic modulus and dimensional contraction through exploiting their glass‐transition behaviors. During this process, a much higher Von Mises stress can be loaded on AgNWs than usual, and the generated strong grip force can facilitate the complete transfer of AgNWs. Afterward, the thawed AgNWs and elastomer composites quickly recover to their soft state at room temperature. The obtained ultrathin and soft electrode with a thickness of 8.4 µm and transmittance of 90.8% at a sheet resistance of 13.2 Ω sq−1can tolerate a stretching strain of 70% and 50 000 repeated bending cycles, which meets rigorous requirements of epidermal applications. The as‐prepared epidermal electrodes are effective and comfortable for electrophysiological signal monitoring, and while showing excellent performance exceeding the commercialized gel electrodes.
Upper Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) marine gastropods from the Cleveland Basin, England: systematics, palaeobiogeography and contribution to biotic recovery from the early Toarcian extinction event
Authors: Ferrari Mariel , Little Crispin T. S. , Atkinson Jed W.
Published: June 2020

Here we describe a new upper Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) marine gastropod fauna from rocks of the Cleveland Basin exposed on the North Yorkshire coast of England. The fossil assemblage consists of 16 species, of which three are new:Katosira?bicarinatasp. nov.,Turritelloidea stephenisp. nov. andStriactaenonina eleganssp. nov. Four species are described in open nomenclature asTricarilda? sp.,Jurildasp.,Cylindrobullinasp. andCossmanninasp. The other species have previously been described:Coelodiscus minutus(SchüblerinZieten),Procerithium quadrilineatum(Römer),Pseudokatosira undulata(Benzinvon Zieten),Palaeorissoinaaff.acuminata(Gründel),Pietteia unicarinata(Hudleston),Globulariacf.canina(Hudleston),Striactaeoninacf.richterorumSchulbert & Nützel,Striactaenoninaaff.tenuistriata(Hudleston) andSulcoactaeon sedgvici(Phillips). Most of these species are the earliest records of their respective genera and show palaeobiogeographical connections with contemporary gastropod associations from other regions of Europe and South America. The taxonomic composition of the upper Toarcian Cleveland Basin gastropod assemblage differs substantially from the faunas of the upper Pliensbachian and lower ToarcianTenuicostatumZone, showing the strong effect of the early Toarcian mass extinction event on the marine gastropod communities in the basin. Only a few gastropod species are shared between the late Toarcian faunas and the much more diverse Aalenian gastropod faunas in the Cleveland Basin, suggesting that there was a facies control on gastropod occurrences at that time. This is also a potential explanation for the taxonomic differences between the late Toarcian gastropod faunas in the Cleveland Basin and those in France, and northern and southern Germany.
The Kato Square Root Problem for Divergence Form Operators with Potential
Authors: Bailey Julian
Published: June 2020

The Kato square root problem for divergence form elliptic operators with potential $$V : {\mathbb {R}}^{n} \rightarrow {\mathbb {C}}$$V:Rn→C is the equivalence statement $$\left\| \left( L + V \right) ^{\frac{1}{2}} u \right\| _{2} \simeq \left\| \nabla u \right\| _{2} + \left\| V^{\frac{1}{2}} u \right\| _{2}$$L+V12u2≃∇u2+V12u2, where $$L + V := - \mathrm {div} (A \nabla ) + V$$L+V:=-div(A∇)+V and the perturbation A is an $$L^{\infty }$$L∞ complex matrix-valued function satisfying an accretivity condition. This relation is proved for any potential with range contained in some positive sector and satisfying $$\left\| \left| V \right| ^{\frac{\alpha }{2}} u \right\| _{2} + \left\| (-\Delta )^{\frac{\alpha }{2}}u \right\| _{2} \lesssim \left\| \left( \left| V \right| - \Delta \right) ^{\frac{\alpha }{2}}u \right\| _{2}$$Vα2u2+(-Δ)α2u2≲V-Δα2u2 for all $$u \in D(\left| V \right| - \Delta )$$u∈D(V-Δ) and some $$\alpha \in (1,2]$$α∈(1,2]. The class of potentials that will satisfy such a condition is known to contain the reverse Hölder class $$RH_{2}$$RH2 and $$L^{\frac{n}{2}}\left( {\mathbb {R}}^{n} \right) $$Ln2Rn in dimension $$n > 4$$n>4. To prove the Kato estimate with potential, a non-homogeneous version of the framework introduced by Axelsson, Keith and McIntosh for proving quadratic estimates is developed. In addition to applying this non-homogeneous framework to the scalar Kato problem with zero-order potential, it will also be applied to the Kato problem for systems of equations with zero-order potential.
Colouring simplicial complexes via the Lechuga–Murillo’s model
Authors: Méndez David
Published: June 2020

Lechuga and Murillo showed that a non-oriented, simple, connected, finite graph G is k-colourable if and only if a certain pure Sullivan algebra associated to G and k is not elliptic. In this paper, we extend this result to simplicial complexes by means of several notions of colourings of these objects.
Digital health for optimal supportive care in oncology: benefits, limits, and future perspectives
Authors: Aapro M. , Bossi P. , Dasari A. , Fallowfield L. , Gascón P. , Geller M. , Jordan K. , Kim J. , Martin K. , Porzig S.
Published: June 2020

Background

Digital health provides solutions that capture patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and allows symptom monitoring and patient management. Digital therapeutics is the provision to patients of evidence-based therapeutic interventions through software applications aimed at prevention, monitoring, management, and treatment of symptoms and diseases or for treatment optimization. The digital health solutions collecting PROs address many unmet needs, including access to care and reassurance, increase in adherence and treatment efficacy, and decrease in hospitalizations. With current developments in oncology including increased availability of oral drugs and reduced availability of healthcare professionals, these solutions offer an innovative approach to optimize healthcare resource utilization.

Design

This scoping review clarifies the role and impact of the digital health solutions in oncology supportive care, with a view of the current segmentation according to their technical features (connection to sensors, PRO collection, remote monitoring, self-management in real time…), and identifies evidence from clinical studies published about their benefits and limitations and drivers and barriers to adoption. A qualitative summary is presented.

Results

Sixty-six studies were identified and included in the qualitative synthesis. Studies supported the use of 38 digital health solutions collecting ePROs and allowing remote monitoring, with benefits to patients regarding symptom reporting and management, reduction in symptom distress, decrease in unplanned hospitalizations and related costs and improved quality of life and survival. Among those 38 solutions 21 provided patient self-management with impactful symptom support, improvement of QoL, usefulness and reassurance. Principal challenges are in developing and implementing digital solutions to suit most patients, while ensuring patient compliance and adaptability for use in different healthcare systems and living environments.

Conclusions

There is growing evidence that digital health collecting ePROs provide benefits to patients related to clinical and health economic endpoints. These digital solutions can be integrated into routine supportive care in oncology practice to provide improved patient-centered care.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Difficulties and Associated Distress Among Partnered, Sexually Active Older Women in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal
Authors: Graham Cynthia A. , Štulhofer Aleksandar , Lange Theis , Hald Gert Martin , Carvalheira Ana A. , Enzlin Paul , Træen Bente
Published: June 2020

There has been little comparative, cross-cultural research on sexual difficulties and associated distress, and factors associated with these, among older women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate prevalence rates of sexual difficulties, distress related to these difficulties, and associated sociodemographic, relational, and health factors, among sexually active older women (60–75 years) in committed relationships across four European countries (Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal). These data could inform us about what differentiates women who do and do not experience distressing sexual difficulties and facilitate the identification of older women who might benefit from clinical interventions as well as the development of new interventions. In total, 1057 women (357 Norwegian; 322 Danish; 237 Belgian; 141 Portuguese) completed a cross-sectional questionnaire assessing six sexual difficulties—vaginal dryness, orgasmic difficulties, lacking interest in sex, lacking enjoyment in sex, pain during sex, and no excitement/arousal during sex—and associated distress. We found a high prevalence of sexual difficulties lasting 3 months or longer in the past year (between 23.5 and 50.2%, depending on the specific difficulty). With the exception of vaginal dryness and pain during sex, however, the majority of women reporting sexual difficulties (50.0% to 86.1%, depending on the specific difficulty) reported no or mild distress. There were relatively few cross-country differences, either in the prevalence of sexual difficulties or related distress. Few sociodemographic or health variables were associated with distressing sexual difficulties, but higher sexual intimacy, higher emotional intimacy, and better mental health were associated with less distress about some sexual difficulties. The findings underline the importance of healthcare professionals asking older women about sexual function and especially associated distress, and suggest that careful attention to the psychological and relationship context of these sexual difficulties is needed, as these could be important targets in the treatment process.
Coronavirus as a Catalyst to Transform Consumer Policy and Enforcement
Authors: Riefa C.
Published: June 2020

A review of the unfair commercial practices (including price gouging) that have emerged in the context of the pandemic lead us to reflect on how effective consumer law enforcement is at this juncture. This article calls for the pandemic to act as a catalyst to review the way consumer law has so far approached markets and their regulation. It argues that now, more than ever, consumer law needs to protect the vulnerable and public enforcement mechanisms must be able to prevent harm as much as possible rather than repair it. Fairness should be by design and not something that is offered to consumers simply as a remedy. The article explores some viable solutions to effect this transformation of consumer policy and enforcement beyond the pandemic.
On the Extension of the Kiyotaki and Wright model to Transformable Goods
Authors: Bourgeois-Gironde Sacha , Czupryna Marcin
Published: June 2020

In this paper we extend the classical Kiyotaki and Wright (KW) model and consider a transformable good. Such an extension enables us to adapt the model to the specific conditions of the wine market. The most important change, with respect to the original model, is that one type of good (young wine, in our model) can improve its quality and thereby transform to another type of good (old wine). However, there is a certain probability that such transformation may not be successful and the good under consideration may simply spoil. We adapt the main KW theoretical features to the study of speculative strategies in a stylized wine market. This study can be generalized to other commodity markets in which goods are unstable and present intrinsic properties such as quality increase or decrease across time. These markets are also typically characterized by roles or types of agents, such as producers, merchants and consumers, whose interests lack double coincidence when they meet. We define a general model and then use simulation methods to systematically study under which conditions speculative strategies are possible in this setting and which is the most efficient distribution of types of agents under speculative equilibria. The theoretical results are also provided for the model, with equal numbers of agents of different types, similarly to the Kiyotaki and Wright original paper.
A High Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Children in an Immigrant, Multiethnic Population in Sweden: Challenges for Health Care
Authors: Linnsand Petra , Gillberg Christopher , Nilses Åsa , Hagberg Bibbi , Nygren Gudrun
Published: June 2020

This study examines the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschool children in an immigrant population. Possible risk factors for ASD and individual needs for the children and their families are described, as well as implications for health care. The estimated minimum prevalence for ASD in the area was 3.66% for children aged 2–5 years. Multiple risk factors and extensive individual needs for the children and their families were observed. The high prevalence of ASD and the plethora of needs in immigrant communities pose challenges for health care. A coordinated health care system is necessary to meet the many and individual needs.
Concurrent optimization of process parameters and product design variables for near net shape manufacturing processes
Authors: Marini Daniele , Corney Jonathan R.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a new systematic approach to the optimization of both design and manufacturing variables across a multi-step production process. The approach assumes a generic manufacturing process in which an initial near net shape (NNS) process is followed by a limited number of finishing operations. In this context the optimisation problem becomes a multi-variable problem in which the aim is to optimize by minimizing cost (or time) and improving technological performances (e.g. turning force). To enable such computation a methodology, named conditional design optimization (CoDeO) is proposed which allows the modelling and simultaneous optimization of process parameters and product design (geometric variables), using single or multi-criteria optimization strategies. After investigation of CoDeO’s requirements, evolutionary algorithms, in particular Genetic Algorithms, are identified as the most suitable for overall NNS manufacturing chain optimization The CoDeO methodology is tested using an industrial case study that details a process chain composed of casting and machining processes. For the specific case study presented the optimized process resulted in cost savings of 22% (corresponding to equivalent machining time savings) and a 10% component weight reduction.
NMR quality control of fragment libraries for screening
Authors: Sreeramulu Sridhar , Richter Christian , Kuehn Till , Azzaoui Kamal , Blommers Marcel Jules José , Del Conte Rebecca , Fragai Marco , Trieloff Nils , Schmieder Peter , Nazaré Marc , Specker Edgar , Ivanov Vladimir , Oschkinat Hartmut , Banci Lucia , Schwalbe Harald
Published: June 2020

Fragment-based screening has evolved as a remarkable approach within the drug discovery process both in the industry and academia. Fragment screening has become a more structure-based approach to inhibitor development, but also towards development of pathway-specific clinical probes. However, it is often witnessed that the availability, immediate and long-term, of a high quality fragment-screening library is still beyond the reach of most academic laboratories. Within iNEXT (Infrastructure for NMR, EM and X-rays for Translational research), a EU-funded Horizon 2020 program, a collection of 782 fragments were assembled utilizing the concept of “poised fragments” with the aim to facilitate downstream synthesis of ligands with high affinity by fragment ligation. Herein, we describe the analytical procedure to assess the quality of this purchased and assembled fragment library by NMR spectroscopy. This quality assessment requires buffer solubility screening, comparison with LC/MS quality control and is supported by state-of-the-art software for high throughput data acquisition and on-the-fly data analysis. Results from the analysis of the library are presented as a prototype of fragment progression through the quality control process.
Comparison of the third-generation Japanese ocean flux data set J-OFURO3 with numerical simulations of Typhoon Dujuan (2015) traveling south of Okinawa
Authors: Wada Akiyoshi , Tomita Hiroyuki , Kako Shin’ichiro
Published: June 2020

Insufficient in situ observations in high winds make it difficult to verify climatological data sets and the results of tropical cyclone (TC) simulations. Reliable data sets are necessary for developing numerical models that predict TCs more accurately. This study attempted to compare the third-generation Japanese Ocean Flux Data Sets with Use of Remote-Sensing Observations (J-OFURO3) data, with TC simulations conducted by a 2 km mesh coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean model. This is a case study of Typhoon Dujuan (2015) and the area of approximately 20̊N, 130̊E, south of Okinawa, was selected. The comparison reveals that J-OFURO3 data are reliable for verifying the atmospheric and oceanic components of TC simulations with two different initial sea surface temperature (SST) conditions, although the blank area remains within the inner core area for air temperature, specific humidity, and latent heat flux owing to issues with the construction method. Simulated maximum surface wind speeds (MSWs) are significantly correlated with J-OFURO3 MSWs. The asymmetrical distribution of simulated surface wind speeds within the inner core area can be reproduced well in the J-OFURO3 data set. In terms of the oceanic response to the TC, TC-induced sea surface cooling was reproduced well in the J-OFURO3 data set and is consistent with the simulation results. Unlike simulated SST, simulated surface wind speeds, surface air temperature, and surface specific humidity are still inconsistent with the J-OFURO3 data, even when the J-OFURO3 SST is used as the initial condition. New algorithms, more satellite data used, and model improvement are expected in the future.
Real-time multibody modeling and simulation of a scaled bogie test rig
Authors: Shrestha Sundar , Spiryagin Maksym , Wu Qing
Published: June 2020

In wheel–rail adhesion studies, most of the test rigs used are simplified designs such as a single wheel or wheelset, but the results may not be accurate. Alternatively, representing the complex system by using a full vehicle model provides accurate results but may incur complexity in design. To trade off accuracy over complexity, a bogie model can be the optimum selection. Furthermore, only a real-time model can replicate its physical counterpart in the time domain. Developing such a model requires broad expertise and appropriate software and hardware. A few published works are available which deal with real-time modeling. However, the influence of the control system has not been included in those works. To address these issues, a real-time scaled bogie test rig including the control system is essential. Therefore, a 1:4 scaled bogie roller rig is developed to study the adhesion between wheel and roller contact. To compare the performances obtained from the scaled bogie test rig and to expand the test applications, a numerical simulation model of that scaled bogie test rig is developed using Gensys multibody software. This model is the complete model of the test rig which delivers more precise results. To exactly represent the physical counterpart system in the time domain, a real-time scaled bogie test rig (RT-SBTR) is developed after four consecutive stages. Then, to simulate the RT-SBTR to solve the internal state equations and functions representing the physical counterpart system in equal or less than actual time, the real-time simulation environment is prepared in two stages. To such end, the computational time improved from 4 times slower than real time to 2 times faster than real time. Finally, the real-time scaled bogie model is also incorporated with the braking control system which slightly reduces the computational performances without affecting real-time capability.
An estimation of distribution algorithm with branch-and-bound based knowledge for robotic assembly line balancing
Authors: Sun Bin-qi , Wang Ling
Published: June 2020

Robotic assembly lines are widely used in manufacturing industries. The robotic assembly line balancing (RALB) problem aims to balance the workloads among different workstations and optimize the assembly line efficiency. This paper addresses a particular type of RALB problem, which minimizes the assembly line cycle time by determining the task and robot assignment in each workstation under precedence constraints. To solve the problem, we present an effective hybrid algorithm fusing the estimation of distribution algorithm and branch-and-bound (B&B) based knowledge. A problem-specific probability model is designed to describe the probabilities of each task being assigned to different workstations. Based on the probability model, an incremental learning method is developed and a sampling mechanism with B&B based knowledge is proposed to generate new feasible solutions. The fuse of B&B based knowledge is able to reduce the search space of EDA while focusing the search on the promising area. To enhance the exploitation ability, a problem-specific local search is developed based on the critical workstation to further improve the quality of elite solutions. The computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is analyzed, and the effectiveness of the B&B based knowledge and the problem-specific local search is demonstrated through numerical experiments. Moreover, the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with existing algorithms on a set of widely-used benchmark instances. Comparative results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Differential forms on hyperelliptic curves with semistable reduction
Authors: Kunzweiler Sabrina
Published: June 2020

LetCbe a hyperelliptic curve over a local fieldKwith odd residue characteristic, defined by some affine Weierstraß equation$$y^2=f(x)$$y2=f(x). We assume thatChas semistable reduction and denote by$${\mathcal {X}}\rightarrow \text {Spec}\, {\mathcal {O}}_K$$X→SpecOKits minimal regular model with relative dualising sheaf$$\omega _{{\mathcal {X}}/ {\mathcal {O}}_K}$$ωX/OK. We show how to directly read off a basis for$$H^0({\mathcal {X}},\omega _{{\mathcal {X}}/{\mathcal {O}}_K})$$H0(X,ωX/OK)from the cluster picture of the roots off. Furthermore we give a formula for the valuation of$$\lambda $$λsuch that$$\lambda \cdot \frac{dx}{2y} \wedge \ldots \wedge x^{g-1}\frac{dx}{2y}$$λ·dx2y∧…∧xg-1dx2yis a generator for$$\det H^0({\mathcal {X}},\omega _{{\mathcal {X}}/{\mathcal {O}}_K})$$detH0(X,ωX/OK).
The real impact of colonic transit time and anorectal manometry in the diagnosis of adult patients with chronic constipation
Authors: Quaresma Abel Botelho , Baptistella Antuani Rafael , Rossoni Carina
Published: June 2020

Introduction Anorectal physiology tests are indicated for patients who have refractory symptoms of constipation, but the best sequence of investigation remains controversial.

Objective To evaluate the influence of colonic transit time and anorectal manometry in the diagnosis of chronic constipation in adults.

Method This was a study of adult patients with constipation at a private clinic in a city in southern Brazil, from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. Those who showed warning signs were referred for colonoscopy and those with any anatomical alterations were excluded. The patients received 10 g of psyllium and those who remained symptomatic after three weeks were referred for functional assessment with colonic transit time (CTT). Those who presented outlet obstruction in the colonic transit time were referred to anorectal manometry.

Results Of the 889 adult patients surveyed, 227 were included. Of the 216 who completed the study, 167 responded to primary treatment. Forty-nine underwent CTT. In these, 16 had normal colonic transit time and 33 were altered. In those with altered colonic transit time, eight had a pattern of colonic inertia and 25 had an obstruction pattern. The 25 patients with an outlet obstruction pattern underwent anorectal manometry. Eighteen had signs of paradoxical contracture of the puborectal muscle (PPRC) and seven did not.

Conclusion This study concluded that anorectal physiology exams contribute to the diagnosis of constipation, often changing the behavior. These exams should be performed whenever the patient does not respond to hygienic changes and fiber replacement.