bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships Among Bone Morphological Parameters and Mechanical Properties of Cadaveric Human Vertebral Cancellous Bone
Authors: Al‐Barghouthi Abeer , Lee Seokgi , Solitro Giovanni Francesco , Latta Loren , Travascio Francesco
Published: February 2020

Mechanical properties and morphological features of the vertebral cancellous bone are related to resistance to fracture and capability of withstanding surgical treatments. In particular, vertebral strength is related to its elastic properties, whereas the ease of fluid motion, related to the success of incorporation orthopedic materials (eg, bone cement), is regulated by the hydraulic permeability (K). It has been shown that both elastic modulus and permeability of a material are affected by its morphology. The objective of this study was to establish relations between local values of K and the aggregate modulus (H), and parameters descriptive of the bone morphology. We hypothesized that multivariate statistical models, by including the contribution of several morphology parameters at once, would provide a strong correlation with K and H of the vertebral cancellous bone. Hence, μCT scans of human lumbar vertebra were used to determine a set of bone morphology descriptors. Subsequently, indentation tests on the bone samples were conducted to determine local values of K and H. Finally, a multivariate approach supported by principal component analysis was adopted to develop predictive statistical models of bone permeability and aggregate modulus as a function of bone morphology descriptors. It was found that linear combinations of bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular spacing, structure model index, connectivity density, and degree of anisotropy provide a strong correlation (R2 ~ 76%) with K and a weaker correlation (R2 ~ 47%) with H. The results of this study can be exploited in computational mechanics frameworks for investigating the potential mechanical behavior of human vertebra and to develop strategies to treat or prevent pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, age‐related bone loss, and vertebral compression fractures. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparison of pancreaticoduodenectomy and bile duct resection for middle bile duct cancer: A multi‐center collaborating study of Japan and Korea
Authors: Hayashi Hiroki , Jang Jin‐Young , Kim Kyung Sik , Choi Jin Sub , Takahara Takeshi , Choi Sung Hoon , Hirano Satoshi , Yu Hee Chul , Uemura Syuichiro , Unno Michiaki
Published: February 2020

Background

It is currently unknown whether bile duct segmental resection (BDSR) is an acceptable method for localized middle bile duct cancer (mid‐BDC) when R0 resection can be achieved. This study aimed to investigate the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of mid‐BDC patients treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) compared to those for BDSR.

Methods

This was a retrospective, Japanese and Korean multi‐center collaboration study based on patients' medical records.

Results

A total of 663 patients, including 245 BDSR and 418 PD cases, were enrolled. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (3.3% vs 44.1%, P < .0001), surgical site infection in the organ space (6.1% vs 17.7%, P < .0001) and clinically problematic morbidities (15.9% vs 32.8%, P < .0001) was significantly higher in the PD group. There was no difference in the mortality rate (0.8% vs 1.7%, P = .3566). Local (33.9% vs 14.4%, P < .0001) and lymph node (22.4% vs 11.0%, P < .0001) recurrence rates were significantly higher in the BDSR group. Relapse‐free survival (25.0 vs 34.0 months, P = .0184) and overall survival (41.2 vs 60.1 months, P = .0019) were significantly longer in the PD group. The PD group had significantly better prognosis in stage IA/IB cases (58.3 vs 111.5 months, P = .0067), which were the best indicators for BDSR, even when R0 resection was achieved. In multivariate analysis, BDSR was an independent poor prognostic factor.

Conclusion

Despite the inferior perioperative short‐term outcomes, our data advocate that PD should be the standard procedure for mid‐BDCs and that BDSR should be avoided even if R0 resection can be achieved. (UMIN000017914).
Lipid Use in Hospitalized Adults Requiring Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Mayer Konstantin , Klek Stanislaw , García‐de‐Lorenzo Abelardo , Rosenthal Martin D. , Li Ang , Evans David C. , Muscaritoli Maurizio , Martindale Robert G.
Published: February 2020

In hospitalized patients, lipid emulsions are an integral part of balanced parenteral nutrition. Traditionally, a single lipid source, soybean oil, has been given to patients and was usually regarded as just a source of energy and to prevent essential fatty‐acid deficiency. However, mixtures of different lipid emulsions have now become widely available, including mixtures of soybean oil, medium‐chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil. Fish oil is high in the ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). There is a growing body of evidence that these ω‐3 fatty acids can exert beneficial immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, and inflammation‐resolution effects across a wide range of patient groups including surgical, cancer, and critically ill patients. At least in part, these effects are realized via potent specialized pro‐resolution mediators (SPMs). Moreover, parenteral nutrition including ω‐3 fatty acids can result in additional clinical benefits over the use of standard lipid emulsions, such as reductions in infection rates and length of hospital and intensive care unit stay. Clinical and experimental evidence is reviewed regarding lipid emulsion use in a variety of hospitalized patient groups, including surgical, critically ill, sepsis, trauma, and acute pancreatitis patients. Practical aspects of lipid emulsion use in critically ill patients are also considered, such as how to determine and fulfill energy expenditure, how and when to consider parenteral nutrition, duration of infusion, and safety monitoring.
Osteoporosis and Hepatic Steatosis: 2 Closely Related Complications in Short‐Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Parreiras‐e‐Silva Luciana T. , de Araújo Iana M. , Elias Jorge , Nogueira‐Barbosa Marcello H. , Suen Vivian M. M. , Marchini Julio S. , Salmon Carlos E.G. , de Paula Francisco José Albuquerque
Published: February 2020

Background

Osteoporosis has scarcely been prospectively investigated in short‐bowel syndrome (SBS). This prospective study was designed to evaluate incretins, adipokines, bone mass, and lipid deposits from marrow adipose tissue (MAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and liver (IHLs).

Methods

The study comprised 2 groups matched by gender, height, and age: the control group (CG) (9 males, 9 females) and the SBS group (SBSG) (6 males, 5 females). The SBSG was evaluated twice in an interval of 1 year (SBSG0and SBSG1). The biochemical evaluation included incretins, leptin, and adiponectin. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance were, respectively, used to measure BMD and lipid deposits.

Results

Bone mineral density (BMD) was lower in the SBSG than in the CG, but there was no difference between SBSG0and SBSG1. There was no difference in MAT, SAT, and VAT, but IHL was lower in CG than in SBSG0and SBSG1. A negative correlation between MAT and third lumbar vertebrae BMD was found in the CG but not in SBSG0or SBSG1. There was a negative association between IHL and bone mass considering all participants (CG and SBSG0) (R2= 0.38;P< .05).

Conclusion

Appropriate nutrition assistance recovers body composition, reverts the relationship of bone mass and MAT, and mitigates bone loss in SBS. In spite of this, osteoporosis seems to be an early and persistent complication in SBS. Curiously, SBS seems to be a highly vulnerable condition for the development of hepatic steatosis and shows an association between bone mass and IHL.
What Is the Role of the Maternal Ophthalmic and Cervical Internal Carotid Arteries in Predicting Maternal Adverse Outcomes in Preeclampsia?
Authors: Ozdemir Mucize Eric , Demirci Oya , Ozturkmen Hatice Akay , Ulusoy Nuray Bakal , Ohanoglu Karolin , Cilingir Isil Uzun
Published: February 2020

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of maternal ophthalmic artery (OA) and cervical internal carotid artery (CICA) in predicting adverse maternal outcomes and gestational age at birth in preeclampsia (PE).

Methods

The study was performed at the Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital. Measurements were made in 2 groups consisting of 50 pregnant women with PE and 50 healthy pregnant women. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity, PI, RI, first diastolic peak velocity, systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, and peak ratio of the maternal OA were measured by a transorbital Doppler ultrasound (US) scan. The PSV, end‐diastolic velocity, PI, RI, and S/D ratio of the CICA were measured. The differences of Doppler indices between groups with P < .05 were considered statistically significant. Cutoff values were calculated, which could be used to predict adverse maternal outcomes and gestational age at birth.

Results

The RI and PI values of the OA were lower, and the first diastolic peak velocity, PSV, and peak ratio values were higher among the PE group. The RI and S/D values of the CICA were significantly lower in the PE group compared to the healthy group. The OA RI was determined to be the strongest US variable in predicting adverse maternal outcomes and gestational age at birth, with a cutoff value of 0.72, 76% sensitivity, and 76% specificity.

Conclusions

Maternal OA Doppler indices can be used as US markers to predict adverse maternal outcomes.
Uncertainty analysis of correlated parameters in automated reaction mechanism generation
Authors: Gao Connie W. , Liu Mengjie , Green William H.
Published: February 2020

Uncertainty analysis is a useful tool for inspecting and improving detailed kinetic mechanisms because it can identify the greatest sources of model output error. Owing to the very nonlinear relationship between kinetic and thermodynamic parameters and computed concentrations, model predictions can be extremely sensitive to uncertainties in some parameters while uncertainties in other parameters can be irrelevant. Error propagation becomes even more convoluted in automatically generated kinetic models, where input uncertainties are correlated through kinetic rate rules and thermodynamic group values.

Local and global uncertainty analyses were implemented and used to analyze error propagation in Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG), an open‐source software for generating kinetic models. A framework for automatically assigning parameter uncertainties to estimated thermodynamics and kinetics was created, enabling tracking of correlated uncertainties. Local first‐order uncertainty propagation was implemented using sensitivities computed natively within RMG. Global uncertainty analysis was implemented using adaptive Smolyak pseudospectral approximations as implemented in the MIT Uncertainty Quantification Library to efficiently compute and construct polynomial chaos expansions to approximate the dependence of outputs on a subset of uncertain inputs. Cantera was used as a backend for simulating the reactor system in the global analysis. Analyses were performed for a phenyldodecane pyrolysis model. Local and global methods demonstrated similar trends; however, many uncertainties were significantly overestimated by the local analysis. Both local and global analyses show that correlated uncertainties based on kinetic rate rules and thermochemical groups drastically reduce a model's degrees of freedom and have a large impact on the determination of the most influential input parameters. These results highlight the necessity of incorporating uncertainty analysis in the mechanism generation workflow.
Paired O2–CO2 measurements provide emergent insights into aquatic ecosystem function
Authors: Vachon Dominic , Sadro Steven , Bogard Matthew J. , Lapierre Jean‐François , Baulch Helen M. , Rusak James A. , Denfeld Blaize A. , Laas Alo , Klaus Marcus , Karlsson Jan , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , del Giorgio Paul A.
Published: February 2020

Scientific Significance Statement

Metabolic stoichiometry predicts that dissolved oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in aquatic ecosystems should covary inversely; however, field observations often diverge from theoretical expectations. Here, we propose a suite of metrics describing this O2 and CO2 decoupling and introduce a conceptual framework for interpreting these metrics within aquatic ecosystems. Within this framework, we interpret cross‐system patterns of high‐frequency O2 and CO2 measurements in 11 northern lakes and extract emergent insights into the metabolic behavior and the simultaneous roles of chemical and physical forcing in shaping ecosystem processes. This approach leverages the power of high‐frequency paired O2–CO2 measurements, and yields a novel, integrative aquatic system typology which can also be applicable more broadly to streams and rivers, wetlands and marine systems.
Potential biomarkers screening to predict side effects of dexamethasone in different cancers
Authors: Jiang Da , Jin Hui , Zuo Jing , Kong Yan , Zhang Xue , Dong Qian , Xu Zhihong , Li Ying
Published: February 2020

Background

Excessive or prolonged usage of dexamethasone can cause serious side effects, but few studies reveal the related mechanism. Dexamethasone work differently in blood tumors and solid tumors, and the cause is still obscure. The aims of this study was to identify potential biomarkers associated with the side effects of dexamethasone in different tumors.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) datasets of blood tumors and solid tumors were retrieval to selected microarray data. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed.

Results

One hundred and eighty dexamethasone‐specific DEGs (92 up and 88 downregulated) were obtained in lymphoma cell samples (named as DEGs‐lymph), including APOD, TP53INP1, CLIC3, SERPINA9, and C3orf52. One hundred and four specific DEGs (100 up and 4 downregulated) were identified in prostate cancer cell samples (named as DEGs‐prostate), including COL6A2, OSBPL5, OLAH, OGFRL1, and SLC39A14. The significantly enriched GO terms of DEGs‐lymph contained cellular amino acid metabolic process and cell cycle. The most significantly enriched pathway of DEGs‐lymph was cytosolic tRNA aminoacylation. The DEGs‐prostate was enriched in 39 GO terms and two pathways, and the pathways were PPARA activates gene expression Homo sapiens, and insulin resistance. The PPI network of DEGs‐lymph gathered into two major clusters, WARS1 and CDC25A were representatives for them, respectively. One cluster was mainly involved in cytosolic tRNA aminoacylation, aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis and the function of amino acid metabolism; another was associated with cell cycle and cell apoptosis. As for the PPI network of DEGs‐prostate, HELZ2 was the top nodes involved in the most protein–protein pairs, which was related to the pathway of “PPARA activates gene expression Homo sapiens.”

Conclusions

WARS1 and CDC25A might be potential biomarkers for side effects of dexamethasone in lymphoma, and HELZ2 in prostate cancer.
Similarity Solutions for Keller‐Segel model with fractional diffusion of cells
Authors: Saha Ray Santanu
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the similarity method has been used to solve fractional Keller‐Segel model where the diffusion is represented by a nonlocal fractional Laplace operator. In order to verify the results, fractional centred difference method and weighted shifted Grüwald‐Letnikov difference method have been employed for reduction equations. The comparison of results establishes the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed two numerical schemes.
FastFabric: Scaling hyperledger fabric to 20 000 transactions per second
Authors: Gorenflo Christian , Lee Stephen , Golab Lukasz , Keshav Srinivasan
Published: February 2020

Blockchain technologies are expected to make a significant impact on a variety of industries. However, one issue holding them back is their limited transaction throughput, especially compared to established solutions such as distributed database systems. In this paper, we rearchitect a modern permissioned blockchain system, Hyperledger Fabric, to increase transaction throughput from 3000 to 20 000 transactions per second. We focus on performance bottlenecks beyond the consensus mechanism, and we propose architectural changes that reduce computation and I/O overhead during transaction ordering and validation to greatly improve throughput. Notably, our optimizations are fully plug‐and‐play and do not require any interface changes to Hyperledger Fabric.
Perception of diabetes management and cardiovascular disease risk among men with type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study
Authors: Nabolsi Manar M.
Published: February 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the perception and understanding of men with type 2 diabetes about their illness control, risk for CVD and their adherence to healthcare management plans in Jordan.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used, recruiting a purposive sample of 13 men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data were collected between February and April 2019 through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Data analysis revealed four themes: (a) Perception of diabetes control; (b) Perception of cardiovascular disease risk; (c) Coping with disease‐imposed limitations; and (d) Information validation.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the perception of disease control does not necessarily coincide with actual disease control. Examining patients with diabetes perception and knowledge of their healthcare management and increased CVD risks is essential. An individualized culture and gender‐sensitive health education and counselling involving spouses are recommended. Social media to disseminate scientific valid health instructions can enhance adherence.
Effect of secondary polymer on self‐precipitation of pH‐sensitive polymethylmethacrylate derivatives Eudragit E100 and Eudragit L100
Authors: Ofridam Fabrice , Lebaz Noureddine , Gagnière Émilie , Mangin Denis , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: February 2020

Interpolyelectrolyte complexes or polyplexes can be seen as interesting alternatives in the purpose of active ingredients encapsulation. Working on polymethylmethacrylate derivatives with special focus on controlled oral drug delivery, the influence of charged polyelectrolytes (polyacrylic acid, polyethylenimine, and amino‐dextran) and noncharged ones (polyvinyl alcohol, dextran 40, and Pluronic F68) has been investigated on the precipitation of two pH‐sensitive Eudragit polymers, namely, L100 and E100. Moreover, the possibility of preparing polyplexes involving the two polymethylmethacrylate derivatives with different charged and noncharged secondary polyelectrolytes has been studied. The obtained dispersions have been characterized in terms of mean particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology. Direct precipitation of Eudragit L100 by medium acidification in a batch process and in the presence of polyethylenimine allowed the production of particles with a narrow size distribution. The mean size was around 200 nm. In this case, the zeta potential was found to be +45 mV at pH = 7 in 1mM aqueous NaCl solution, and the produced suspension was stable in time since no aggregation and sedimentation have been observed. A precipitation pH of 8.16 allows us to suggest the preparation of a polyplex based on Eudragit L100 and polyethylenimine. In contrary, polyvinyl alcohol has shown ability to induce an increase in particle mean size whereas other polyelectrolytes showed no significant effect. Moreover, it was observed that polyethylenimine and polyacrylic acid solutions were able to directly induce Eudragit E100 precipitation whereas amino‐dextran and noncharged polyelectrolytes showed no effect on its precipitation and on particle size distribution.
Profiles of reading performance after exiting Tier 2 intervention
Authors: Van Norman Ethan R. , Nelson Peter M. , Klingbeil David A.
Published: February 2020

A fundamental assumption of multi‐tiered systems of support is the bidirectional movement of students between tiers. In comparison to research on when to intensify instruction, less attention has been paid to the validity of decisions to exit students from supplemental supports. We used data from 554 third‐grade students who met the criteria to be exited from a Tier 2 reading fluency intervention to answer two research questions. First, we used latent profile analysis to evaluate whether distinct profiles of student responding would emerge based upon initial skill level and intervention duration. Second, we evaluated whether the proportion of students who passed the end‐of‐year benchmark differed between profiles. Results favored a three‐profile solution with a Below Average Start/Average Response; Average Start/Average Response; and an Above Average Start/Fast Response. The pooled mean proportion of students who did not achieve proficiency on the end‐of‐year benchmark assessment equaled 0.45, 0.33, and 0.13 across the three profiles, respectively. A series of χ2 tests indicated the between‐profile differences were statistically significant (p < .05). The results of this study suggest that there may be distinct profiles amongst students who show positive response and exit Tier 2 reading fluency interventions.
Tunable Massive Dirac Fermions in Ferromagnetic Fe3Sn2 Kagome Lattice
Authors: Lin Zheng-Zhe , Chen Xi
Published: February 2020

Kagome lattice is known to host Dirac electrons with exotic quantum magnetic states, which can lead to topological and Chern insulating phases. A recent experiment has found that Fe3Sn2 kagome lattice supports massive Dirac fermions in the presence of ferromagnetic order. Herein, the origin of the effective mass of Dirac electrons in Fe3Sn2 is theoretically interpreted. By investigating the formation mechanism of spin‐polarized Dirac states, the relation of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and effective mass are clarified. On this basis, a method to control the effective mass of Dirac electrons is proposed. The results reveal the origin of new phenomenon in spin‐polarized Dirac quantum systems with time‐reversal symmetry breaking. The study on the modulation of Dirac electrons provides insight into a modulation mechanism based on SOC and guidance to the miniaturization of high‐mobility electronic and spintronic devices.
New results on stability and L∞‐gain analysis for positive linear differential‐algebraic equations with unbounded time‐varying delays
Authors: Huu Sau Nguyen , Viet Thuan Mai
Published: February 2020

This article addresses the problems of stability and L∞‐gain analysis for positive linear differential‐algebraic equations with unbounded time‐varying delays for the first time. First, we consider the stability problem of a class of positive linear differential‐algebraic equations with unbounded time‐varying delays. A new method, which is based on the upper bounding of the state vector by a decreasing function, is presented to analyze the stability of the system. Then, by investigating the monotonicity of state trajectory, the L∞‐gain for differential‐algebraic systems with unbounded time‐varying delay is characterized. It is shown that the L∞‐gain for differential‐algebraic systems with unbounded time‐varying delay is also independent of the delays and fully determined by the system matrices. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the obtained results.
Field trials of an energy‐aware mission planner implemented on an autonomous surface vehicle
Authors: Thompson Fletcher , Galeazzi Roberto , Guihen Damien
Published: February 2020

Mission planning for autonomous marine vehicles is nontrivial due to the dynamic and uncertain nature of the marine environment. Communication can be low‐bandwidth and is not always guaranteed, so the operator must rely on the vehicles to adjust their plans according to the realized state of the environment. This paper presents the improvements made to an energy‐aware mission planner that allows it to generate and adjust plans for an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) operating in an uncertain environment. The energy‐aware mission planning problem was redefined as a stochastic programming problem, and a two‐stage solver was developed to provide an initial plan for the ASV and then adjust it during run‐time according to predefined recourse actions. The mission planner and ASV were trialed in Lake Waverley, Tasmania. Adjusting the recourse action criteria demonstrated that the ASV could exhibit conservative or opportunistic behaviors according to the operator's preference of safety margin. In the pursuit of extending the planner's second‐stage so that it can predict a suitable recourse action ahead of time, a hybrid long short‐term memory energy forecaster was trained from the Waverley mission data. Comparison of the error between the forecaster and the test data shows that the forecaster has a reliable forecast horizon of about 10 s.
Automated soil particle‐size analysis using time of flight distance ranging sensor
Authors: Murad Mohammad Omar Faruk , Jones Edward J. , Minasny Budiman
Published: February 2020

Particle‐size distribution (PSD) influences various physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. The hydrometer test is the most commonly used method for soil particle‐size analysis (PSA) because of its inexpensive instrumental set up and simple use. But manual observations are required to obtain high‐resolution PSDs. X‐ray, γ‐ray attenuation and laser diffraction techniques can measure PSD automatically and faster than the sedimentation methods. However, these techniques have a very high equipment costs. The objective of this study is to develop an automated method for measuring a wide range of soil PSD based on the hydrometer method. Adafruit VL6180X Time of Flight (ToF) distance Ranging Sensor was used to measure the distance between the sensor and the tip of the hydrometer over an 8‐h time interval as particles settled. An initial distance between the sensor and tip of the hydrometer was recorded and used to convert the distance with time to particle size and concentration. The temperature of the suspension was measured at the same time using a waterproof DS18B20 1‐Wire digital temperature sensor. The Arduino Uno R3 was used to program the ToF sensor to record both the distance and the temperature at 5‐s intervals. The recording of the distance with time and solution temperature was converted to particle diameter and concentration based on Stokes’ law. The whole PSD, from 40 μm to 2 μm, was obtained automatically within 8 h. A total of 10 soil samples with different soil texture were used to test the system. The measurement from the automated system was checked against the standard pipette method. Results show that measurement of the percentages finer than 2, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μm obtained by the two methods are highly correlated, with R2 values between 0.857 to 0.896. The hardware to automate the system costs less than $70 (USD) and provides an easy, efficient, and cost‐effective way of measuring soil PSD.
Protoporphyrin‐IX and Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Niosomes as Theranostic
Authors: Ozada Cagatay , Tekin Volkan , Barlas F. Baris , Timur Suna , Unak Perihan
Published: February 2020

Purpose of this study is to develop a multifunctional theranostic agent for both imaging (MR and fluorescence) and combined therapy (photodynamic and radiotherapy). Initially, manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO NPs) were synthesized and conjugated with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) which will be then called as MnO‐DTPA NPs, and at the final step, synthesized MnO NPs were encapsulated with niosomes in the presence of protoporphyrin‐IX (PP(IX)). In vitro cell culture and bioaffinity studies were performed on PC‐3 and BJ cells. The structures (Niosome‐MnO‐DTPA‐PP(IX)) have fluorescence properties and photodynamic therapy potential due to the presence of PP(IX) as well as MR imaging and photodynamic and radiotherapy efficiency. According to data, it was claimed that toxicity of MnO NPs were significantly decreased after encapsulation of niosomes especially for BJ cell line. Therapy potential of the ‘Niosome‐MnO‐DTPA‐PP(IX)’ was examined and promising findings were obtained for the potential use of combined therapy agent for prostate cancer cells.
An Efficient and Facile Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H‐pyrans &Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans Catalysed by WEMFSA at Room Temperature
Authors: Hiremath Prashant B , Kantharaju K
Published: February 2020

An eco‐friendly and facile three‐component reaction for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐pyran and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives is established using agro‐waste based Water Extract of Muskmelon Fruit Shell Ash (WEMFSA) as a catalyst. The present method offers several advantages such as efficient, mild reaction condition, simple product isolation and economic approach at room temperature in the absence of an external base or ligand/catalyst/additives. Thus, this approach is a very good alternative to existing protocols, because of non‐hazardous catalyst and mild condition use. Muskmelon fruit dried shells underwent thermal treatment followed by deionised water soak gave WEMFSA catalytic media. It is notable that, this method is found to be clean and high yielding target product isolation using simple filtration after reaction mixture dilution with water and analytical pure form was obtained after recrystallization with absolute ethanol. The synthesized products are characterized using various spectroscopic methods such as FT‐IR, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR and mass spectrometry techniques.
Ambient Growth of Hierarchical FeOOH/MXene as Enhanced Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Kaixin , Ma Xinzhi , Lin Shuangyan , Xu Zhikun , Li Lin
Published: February 2020

The integration of highly accessible electro‐active sites and the high conductivity can enhance the catalytic performance of catalysts. Herein, we report a facile ambient growth of FeOOH nanosheets (NSs) on the surface of Ti3C2 nanosheets to fabricate the hierarchical FeOOH NSs/Ti3C2. The hierarchical structure efficiently suppresses agglomeration of nanosheets to expose maximal electro‐active surface, and provides strong interfacial interaction between FeOOH and Ti3C2 that facilitates fast charge transfer, leading to enhanced electrocatalytic performance. Specifically, the FeOOH NSs/Ti3C2 achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 1.63 V vs RHE with a Tafel slope of 95 mV dec−1, and possesses excellent OER stability with negligible attenuation of current density after 30 h. This work represents that growth of poor conductive active materials on 2D MXene can boost the catalytic performance of electrocatalyst.
Synthesis of 2‐Cyanoquinazolin‐4‐ones from 3′,5′‐Dichloro‐1H‐spiro(quinazoline‐2,4′‐[1,2,6]thiadiazin)‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Kalogirou Andreas S. , Kourtellaris Andreas , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: February 2020

A two‐step synthesis of five 2‐cyanoquinazolin‐4‐ones starting from 3,4,4,5‐tetrachloro‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazine is presented. The latter reacts with 2‐aminobenzamides to give 3′,5′‐dichloro‐1H‐spiro(quinazoline‐2,4′‐[1,2,6]thiadiazin)‐4(3H)‐ones, which can be degraded with either excess polymer bound triphenylphosphine or catalytic amounts of benzyltriethylammonium iodide to give the 2‐cyanoquinazolin‐4‐ones in 46–97% yields. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 2‐cyanoquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one is also reported.
Metal‐Tuned Acetylene Linkages in Hydrogen Substituted Graphdiyne Boosting the Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Guo Ying , Liu Jianwen , Yang Qi , Ma Longtao , Zhao Yuwei , Huang Zhaodong , Li Xinliang , Dong Binbin , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Zhi Chunyi
Published: February 2020

Different from graphene with the highly stable sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms, which shows poor controllability for constructing strong interactions between graphene and guest metal, graphdiyne has a great potential to be engineered because its high‐reactive acetylene linkages can effectively chelate metal atoms. Herein, a hydrogen‐substituted graphdiyne (HsGDY) supported metal catalyst system through in situ growth of Cu3Pd nanoalloys on HsGDY surface is developed. Benefiting from the strong metal‐chelating ability of acetylenic linkages, Cu3Pd nanoalloys are intimately anchored on HsGDY surface that accordingly creates a strong interaction. The optimal HsGDY‐supported Cu3Pd catalyst (HsGDY/Cu3Pd‐750) exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with an admirable half‐wave potential (0.870 V), an impressive kinetic current density at 0.75 V (57.7 mA cm−2) and long‐term stability, far outperforming those of the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C catalyst (0.859 V and 15.8 mA cm−2). This excellent performance is further highlighted by the Zn–air battery using HsGDY/Cu3Pd‐750 as cathode. Density function theory calculations show that such electrocatalytic performance is attributed to the strong interaction between Cu3Pd and CC bonds of HsGDY, which causes the asymmetric electron distribution on two carbon atoms of CC bond and the strong charge transfer to weaken the shoulder‐to‐shoulder π conjugation, eventually facilitating the ORR process.
Real‐Time Monitoring of Colloidal Crystallization in Electrostatically‐Levitated Drops
Authors: Hwang Hyerim , Cho Yong Chan , Lee Sooheyong , Choi Tae Min , Kim Shin‐Hyun , Lee Geun Woo
Published: February 2020

Colloidal crystallization is analogous to the crystallization in bulk atomic systems in various aspects, which has been explored as a model system. However, a real‐time probing of the phenomenon still remains challenging. Here, a levitation system for a study of colloidal crystallization is demonstrated. Colloidal particles in a levitated droplet are gradually concentrated by isotropic evaporation of water from the surface of the droplet, resulting in crystallization. The structural change of the colloidal array during crystallization is investigated by simultaneously measuring the volume and reflectance spectra of the droplet. The crystal nucleates from the surface of the droplet at which the volume fraction exceeds the threshold and then the growth proceeds. The crystal growth behavior depends on the initial concentrations of colloidal particles and salts which determine the overall direction of crystal growth and interparticle spacing, respectively. The results show that a levitating bulk droplet has a great potential as a tool for in situ investigation of colloidal crystallization.
Ruling out solutions to Prior’s dilemma for Hume’s law
Authors: Wolf Aaron ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2020

This article takes a critical look at four instances of a similar idea: that the normativity of a sentence is a matter of what it rules out semantically. These views aim to give both stand-alone conceptions of normativity and solutions to a dilemma that A. N. Prior raised against Hume's no ought from is doctrine. First, I argue that acknowledged adequacy problems with the approach have not been sufficiently explained away. Second, I raise some new concerns, which create additional barriers to defending Hume using the approach. To conclude, I suggest an alternative way of understanding Hume's doctrine that avoids the need for a sentence-level account, and opens up avenues for preserving the insight behind the ruling-out approach.
Optimal strategies for wind turbine environmental curtailment
Authors: Rogers Jonathan
Published: February 2020

Wind turbine curtailment is oftentimes required as a means to mitigate environmental impacts of a wind energy installation. For example, curtailment may be required to satisfy constraints on the occurrence of shadow flicker on nearby homes or to reduce wildlife fatalities below a certain limit. This paper introduces an optimal curtailment strategy, which seeks to maximize wind plant revenue while meeting imposed environmental constraints by intelligently selecting curtailment times. To formulate the problem, a discrete set of curtailment decision times is defined, and long‐term forecast data are used to predict demand‐weighted power production at each time. Dynamic programming is used in conjunction with in situ meteorological sensors to compute the probabilistically optimal curtailment decision in real time. By leveraging both forecast data and real‐time measurements, the algorithm ensures that the constraint budget is expended strategically, curtailing when revenue is low and saving operating hours for times when revenue is likely to be higher. Through a series of simulation studies involving shadow flicker constraints, algorithm performance is characterized and compared with two simpler approaches: a greedy scheme and a threshold‐based scheme. These studies highlight the benefit of the optimal algorithm as well as the performance tradeoffs inherent in the three different solution approaches. Overall, the dynamic programming algorithm is shown to exhibit significant benefits in cases where sufficient meteorological and demand data are available.
Targeted editing of transcriptional activator MXR1 on the Pichia pastoris genome using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
Authors: Hou Chenglin , Yang Yankun , Xing Yan , Zhan Chunjun , Liu Guoqiang , Liu Xiuxia , Liu Chunli , Zhan Jinling , Xu Dinghua , Bai Zhonghu
Published: February 2020

A highly efficient and targeted clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing system was constructed for Pichia pastoris (syn Komagataella phaffii). Plasmids containing single guide RNA and the methanol expression regulator 1 (MXR1) homology arms were used to precisely edit the transcriptional activator Mxr1 on the P. pastoris genome. At the S215 amino acid position of Mxr1, one, two, and three nucleotides were precisely deleted or inserted, and S215 was also mutated to S215A via a single‐base substitution. Sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons in the region spanning MXR1 showed that CRISPR/Cas9 technology enabled efficient and precise gene editing of P. pastoris. The expression levels of several of the Mxr1‐targeted genes, AOX1, AOX2, DAS1, and DAS2, in strains containing the various mutated variants of MXR1, were then detected through reverse transcription PCR following induction in methanol‐containing culture medium. The frameshift mutations of Mxr1 led to almost zero transcription of AOX1, DAS1, and DAS2, while that of AOX2 was reduced to 60%. For the Mxr1 S215A mutant, the transcription of AOX1, AOX2, DAS1, and DAS2 was also reduced by nearly 60%. Based on these results, it is apparent that the transcription of AOX1, DAS1, and DAS2 is exclusively regulated by Mxr1 and serine phosphorylation at Mxr1 residue 215 is not critical for this function. In contrast, the transcription of AOX2 is mainly dependent on the phosphorylation of this residue. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was, therefore, successfully applied to the targeted editing of MXR1 on the P. pastoris genome, and it provided an effective method for the study of this transcription factor and its targets.
Generalization of QCD3 symmetry-breaking and flavored quiver dualities
Authors: Aitken Kyle , Baumgartner Andrew , Choi Changha , Karch Andreas
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We extend the recently proposed symmetry breaking scenario of QCD3 to the so-called “master” (2 + 1)d bosonization duality, which has bosonic and fermionic matter on both ends. Using anomaly arguments, a phase diagram emerges with several novel regions. We then construct 2+1 dimensional dualities for flavored quivers using node-by-node dualization. Such dualities are applicable to theories which live on domain walls in QCD4-like theories with dynamical quarks. We also derive dualities for quivers based on orthogonal and symplectic gauge groups. Lastly, we support the conjectured dualities using holographic constructions, even though several aspects of this holographic construction remain mostly qualitative.
Exact solutions of (0,2) Landau-Ginzburg models
Authors: Gadde Abhijit , Putrov Pavel
Published: February 2020

Abstract

In this paper we study the low energy physics of Landau-Ginzburg models with $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) supersymmetry. We exhibit a number of classes of relatively simple LG models where the conformal field theory at the low energy fixed point can be explicitly identified. One interesting class of fixed points can be thought of as “heterotic” minimal models. Other examples include $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) renormalization group flows that end up at $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 2) minimal models and models with non-abelian symmetry.
Numerical solution for tachyon vacuum in the Schnabl gauge
Authors: Aldo Arroyo E. , Kudrna Matěj
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Based on the level truncation scheme, we develop a new numerical method to evaluate the tachyon vacuum solution in the Schnabl gauge up to level L = 24. We confirm the prediction that the energy associated to this numerical solution has a local minimum at level L = 12. Extrapolating the energy data of L ≤ 24 to infinite level, we observe that the energy goes towards the analytical value −1, nevertheless the precision of the extrapolation is lower than in the Siegel gauge. Furthermore, we analyze the Ellwood invariant and show that its value converges monotonically towards the expected analytical result. We also study the tachyon vacuum expectation value (vev) and some other coefficients of the solution. Finally, some consistency checks of the solution are performed, and we briefly discuss the search for other Schnabl gauge numerical solutions.
Lifetime revision risk for medial unicompartmental knee replacement is lower than expected
Authors: Kennedy J. A. , Burn E. , Mohammad H. R. , Mellon S. J. , Judge A. , Murray D. W.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is widely considered to be a pre-total knee replacement (TKR) particularly in the young. The implication of this is that it is sensible to do a UKR, even though it will be revised at some stage, as it will delay the need for a TKR. The chance of a UKR being revised during a patient’s life time has not previously been calculated. The aim of this study was to estimate this lifetime revision risks for patients of different ages undergoing UKR.

Methods

Calculations were based on data from a designer series of 1000 medial Oxford UKR with mean 10-year follow up. These UKR were implanted for the recommended indications using the recommended surgical technique. Parametric survival models were developed for patients of different ages based on observed data, and were extrapolated using a Markov model to estimate lifetime revision risk.

Results

The estimated lifetime revision risk reduced with increasing age at surgery. Lifetime revision risk at age 55 was 15% (95% CI 12–19), at 65 it was 11% (8–13), at 75 it was 7% (5–9), and at 85 it was 4% (3–5).

Conclusion

Provided UKR is used appropriately, the lifetime revision risk is markedly lower than expected. UKR should be considered to be a definitive knee replacement rather than a Pre-TKR even in the young. These lifetime estimates, alongside established benefits for UKR in speed of recovery, morbidity, mortality and function, can be discussed with appropriate patients when considering whether to implant a UKR or TKR.

Level of evidence

III.
Modelling rankings in R: the PlackettLuce package
Authors: Turner Heather L. , van Etten Jacob , Firth David , Kosmidis Ioannis
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the R packagePlackettLuce, which implements a generalization of the Plackett–Luce model for rankings data. The generalization accommodates both ties (of arbitrary order) and partial rankings (complete rankings of subsets of items). By default, the implementation adds a set of pseudo-comparisons with a hypothetical item, ensuring that the underlying network of wins and losses between items is always strongly connected. In this way, the worth of each item always has a finite maximum likelihood estimate, with finite standard error. The use of pseudo-comparisons also has a regularization effect, shrinking the estimated parameters towards equal item worth. In addition to standard methods for model summary,PlackettLuceprovides a method to compute quasi standard errors for the item parameters. This provides the basis for comparison intervals that do not change with the choice of identifiability constraint placed on the item parameters. Finally, the package provides a method for model-based partitioning using covariates whose values vary between rankings, enabling the identification of subgroups of judges or settings with different item worths. The features of the package are demonstrated through application to classic and novel data sets.
On the rectangular knapsack problem: approximation of a specific quadratic knapsack problem
Authors: Schulze Britta , Stiglmayr Michael , Paquete Luís , Fonseca Carlos M. , Willems David , Ruzika Stefan
Published: February 2020

In this article, we introduce the rectangular knapsack problem as a special case of the quadratic knapsack problem consisting in the maximization of the product of two separate knapsack profits subject to a cardinality constraint. We propose a polynomial time algorithm for this problem that provides a constant approximation ratio of 4.5. Our experimental results on a large number of artificially generated problem instances show that the average ratio is far from theoretical guarantee. In addition, we suggest refined versions of this approximation algorithm with the same time complexity and approximation ratio that lead to even better experimental results.
Frailty is More Predictive than Age for Complications After Thyroidectomy for Multinodular Goiter
Authors: Finnerty Brendan M. , Gray Katherine D. , Ullmann Timothy M. , Zarnegar Rasa , Fahey Thomas J. , Beninato Toni
Published: February 2020

Background

Risks of thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter (MNG) in older and frail patients are unclear, particularly regarding hematoma and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy.

Methods

MNG patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were reviewed in the ACS‐NSQIP procedure‐targeted database (2016–2017). Outcomes were analyzed between adult (age <65), older‐adult (age ≥65 and <80), and oldest‐old (age ≥80) patients. Five‐factor modified frailty index (mFI‐5) was calculated based on functional status, diabetes, COPD, CHF, and hypertension, and used in comparative analyses.

Results

A total of 2189 adult, 635 older‐adult, and 59 oldest‐old patients were included. Compared to adult patients, older‐adult and oldest‐old patients had higher mFI‐5 ≥0.4 rates (14% vs. 22% vs. 31%, respectively, p < 0.001). The overall complication rate was 17.0% and similar between groups; however, oldest‐old patients had higher rates of surgical site infection (3.4% vs. 0.3% vs. 0.4%), pneumonia (5.1% vs. 0.3% vs. 0.2%), and readmission (10.2% vs. 2.4% vs. 2.6%) compared to older‐adult and adult patients, respectively (p < 0.05). On multivariable analyses of thyroidectomy‐specific complications, mFI‐5 ≥0.4 (OR 2.5, 95%‐CI 1.4–4.4) and bleeding disorder (OR 4.6, 95%‐CI 1.3–16.3) were predictive of hematoma, whereas vessel‐sealant device usage (OR 0.4, 95%‐CI 0.3–0.7) was protective. mFI‐5 ≥ 0.4 (OR 1.5, 95%‐CI 1.1–2.2), bleeding disorder (OR 2.8, 95%‐CI 1.04–7.8), parathyroid autotransplantation (OR 1.7, 95%‐CI 1.2–2.6), and prolonged operative time (OR 1.4, 95%‐CI 1.02–1.8) were predictive of RLN palsy. Age was not a significant predictor of hematoma or RLN palsy.

Conclusions

Patients ≥80 years old are at increased risk for systemic complications and readmission after thyroidectomy for MNG. Frailty index better risk‐stratifies patients than age for thyroidectomy‐specific complications.