bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Biological Screening of Some Pyrimidinone‐Based Heterocycles from Enamines
Authors: El‐Mekabaty Ahmed , Etman Hassan A. , Mosbah Ahmed , Fadda Ahmed A.
Published: July 2020

The present work demonstrates the utility of enamines as building blocks for the synthesis of pyrazoles and pyrimidines through efficient procedures. Thus, the reactivity of pyrimidinone‐based enamines 1 a,b towards carbon nucleophiles such as acetylacetone, malononitrile and ethyl cyanoacetate to produce various 1,3‐difunctionalized products has been investigated. Accordingly, a series of new pyrazoles and pyrimidines based on pyrimidinone were prepared and characterized by a variety of synthetic routes through the reactions of 1,3‐difunctionalized products with hydrazine hydrate, urea and guanidine hydrochloride. In vitro biological studies such as cytotoxicity, antioxidant and bleomycin‐dependent DNA damage were screened. Compounds 3 b, 4 b, 7 a‐9 b and 13 a,b displayed wonderful and distinctive activities against the cancer cell line (HepG2), accompanied by mild effects on non‐tumorigenic cells (WI‐38). The antioxidant behaviour of compounds 7 a, 8 a, 9 a, 11 a and 13 a,b has shown a free radical scavenging activity close or superior to vitamin C (reference drug), using the ABTS method. Moreover, the most potent cytotoxic and antioxidant compounds have been demonstrated the pre‐eminent protective impact to DNA against the damage caused by bleomycin.
Mission impossible or mission accomplished: Do zoo organizational missions influence conservation practices?
Authors: Maynard Lily , Jacobson Susan K. , Monroe Martha C. , Savage Anne
Published: July 2020

Conservation is an important organizational focus for zoos and aquariums. Organizational identity theory predicts a relationship between what is central to organizations, such as their mission statements, and their strategic activities. Based on this theory, we tested how organizational missions relate to their conservation strategies and practices. Tax forms and websites provided data from 173 zoos and 38 aquariums in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in North America. We analyzed conservation mission strength, organizational characteristics, and project features with dependent variables representing the depth of organizational conservation commitments: amount of grants zoos funded, number of partner organizations, and number of projects per zoo. On tax forms, the average amount of total conservation grants donated to partner organizations per zoo was over $650,000, while the average number of partners reported on the tax forms was two. The content analysis of websites revealed an average of 14 conservation partners and 10 projects per zoo. Negative binomial regression models were significant. The financial analysis revealed that only the number of zoo personnel, as a surrogate for organization size, significantly predicted the amount of zoos’ conservation grants. Website analyses found increasing budgets, organizational involvement, and geographic reach of the projects predicted increasing numbers of conservation projects and partnerships. However, our findings did not support the hypothesized relationship—strength of organizational mission did not predict strategy and activities. Zoos could do more to strategically activate their organizational identities and conservation missions to achieve their conservation goals.
Macroglial diversity: white and grey areas and relevance to remyelination
Authors: Werkman Inge L. , Lentferink Dennis H. , Baron Wia
Published: July 2020

Macroglia, comprising astrocytes and oligodendroglial lineage cells, have long been regarded as uniform cell types of the central nervous system (CNS). Although regional morphological differences between these cell types were initially described after their identification a century ago, these differences were largely ignored. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that macroglial cells form distinct populations throughout the CNS, based on both functional and morphological features. Moreover, with the use of refined techniques including single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, additional evidence is emerging for regional macroglial heterogeneity at the transcriptional level. In parallel, several studies revealed the existence of regional differences in remyelination capacity between CNS grey and white matter areas, both in experimental models for successful remyelination as well as in the chronic demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). In this review, we provide an overview of the diversity in oligodendroglial lineage cells and astrocytes from the grey and white matter, as well as their interplay in health and upon demyelination and successful remyelination. In addition, we discuss the implications of regional macroglial diversity for remyelination in light of its failure in MS. Since the etiology of MS remains unknown and only disease-modifying treatments altering the immune response are available for MS, the elucidation of macroglial diversity in grey and white matter and its putative contribution to the observed difference in remyelination efficiency between these regions may open therapeutic avenues aimed at enhancing endogenous remyelination in either area.
The unirationality of the moduli space of K3 surfaces of genus 22
Authors: Farkas Gavril , Verra Alessandro
Published: July 2020

Using the connection discovered by Hassett between the Noether-Lefschetz moduli space$$\mathcal {C}_{42}$$C42of special cubic fourfolds of discriminant 42 and the moduli space$$\mathcal {F}_{22}$$F22of polarizedK3 surfaces of genus 22, we show that the universalK3 surface over$$\mathcal {F}_{22}$$F22is unirational.
Biochemical characterization of diverse deep-sea anthozoan bioluminescence systems
Authors: Bessho-Uehara Manabu , Francis Warren R. , Haddock Steven H. D.
Published: July 2020

Bioluminescence, light produced by living organisms, is a common trait in the ocean. In benthic ecosystems in the deep-sea, octocorals are some of the most abundant luminous animals. Among luminous sessile organisms, the shallow-water sea pansy Renilla has been well studied for its chemistry and molecular biology. Aside from Renilla, however, little is known about the bioluminescent mechanisms of other anthozoans, especially deep-sea corals. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of bioluminescence in deep-sea anthozoans. The bioluminescent capabilities of Heteropolypus, Kophobelemnon, Paragorgia, and a hormathiid anemone are newly described. Coelenterazine, a substrate for bioluminescent reactions, was detected in extracts from octocorals. Coelenterazine-dependent luciferase activity was found in all the anthozoans. Moreover, immunoreactivity against Renilla luciferase was detected in protein extracts from the families Isididae, Alcyoniidae, Umbellulidae, Funiculinidae, Kophobelemnidae and Protoptilidae, suggesting that all luminous octocorals may share a common biochemical mechanism, which utilizes coelenterazine and Renilla-type luciferase. Our results support the hypothesis that the last common ancestor of all the octocorals was bioluminescent, and that bioluminescence evolved a minimum of six times in Cnidaria. Future studies with robust phylogenies, wide taxon sampling, and comparative transcriptome analyses could reveal the patterns of evolution of bioluminescence in octocorals and anthozoans. Our study provides fundamental observations of deep-sea corals and experimental evidence of their coelenterazine-dependent luciferase systems.
Unilaterales Sicca-Syndrom
Authors: Jakob-Girbig J. , Meller D.
Published: July 2020

Es wird über den Fall eines streng einseitigen Sicca-Syndroms bei einem männlichen Patienten berichtet. Im Rahmen einer Stufendiagnostik konnte das Spektrum möglicher Ursachen immer weiter eingegrenzt werden, wobei v. a. die MRT-morphologische Darstellung der Tränendrüsenloge auf der betroffenen Seite wichtige diagnostische Informationen lieferte. Schlussendlich konnte in Zusammenschau der Befunde und in Verbindung mit der Anamnese des Patienten eine traumatisch bedingte Atrophie der Tränendrüse als auslösender Faktor eruiert werden.
Correction to: Low-phytate wholegrain bread instead of high-phytate wholegrain bread in a total diet context did not improve iron status of healthy Swedish females: a 12 week, randomized, parallel-design intervention study
Authors: Hoppe Michael , Ross Alastair B. , Svelander Cecilia , Sandberg Ann‑Sofie , Hulthén Lena
Published: July 2020

ue to author error the paper was published wit
How to intervene in the caries process in adults: proximal and secondary caries? An EFCD-ORCA-DGZ expert Delphi consensus statement
Authors: Schwendicke Falk , Splieth Christian H , Bottenberg Peter , Breschi Lorenzo , Campus Guglielmo , Doméjean Sophie , Ekstrand Kim , Giacaman Rodrigo A , Haak Rainer , Hannig Matthias , Hickel Reinhard , Juric Hrvoje , Lussi Adrian , Machiulskiene Vita , Manton David , Jablonski-Momeni Anahita , Opdam Niek , Paris Sebastian , Santamaria Ruth , Tassery Hervé , Zandona Andrea , Zero Domenick , Zimmer Stefan , Banerjee Avijit
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To provide consensus recommendations on how to intervene in the caries process in adults, specifically proximal and secondary carious lesions.

Methods

Based on two systematic reviews, a consensus conference and followed by an e-Delphi consensus process were held with EFCD/ORCA/DGZ delegates.

Results

Managing an individual’s caries risk using non-invasive means (oral hygiene measures including flossing/interdental brushes, fluoride application) is recommended, as both proximal and secondary carious lesions may be prevented or their activity reduced. For proximal lesions, only cavitated lesions (confirmed by visual-tactile, or radiographically extending into the middle/inner dentine third) should be treated invasively/restoratively. Non-cavitated lesions may be successfully arrested using non-invasive measures in low-risk individuals or if radiographically confined to the enamel. In high-risk individuals or if radiographically extended into dentine, for these lesions, additional micro-invasive (lesion sealing and infiltration) treatment should be considered. For restoring proximal lesions, adhesive direct restorations allow minimally invasive, tooth-preserving preparations. Amalgams come with a lower risk of secondary lesions and may be preferable in more clinically complex scenarios, dependent on specific national guidelines. In structurally compromised (especially endodontically treated) teeth, indirect cuspal coverage restorations may be indicated. Detection methods for secondary lesions should be tailored according to the individual’s caries risk. Avoiding false positive detection and over-treatment is a priority. Bitewing radiographs should be combined with visual-tactile assessment to confirm secondary caries detections. Review/refurbishing/resealing/repairing instead of replacing partially defective restorations should be considered for managing secondary caries, if possible.

Conclusions

An individualized and lesion-specific approach is recommended for intervening in the caries process in adults.

Clinical significance

Dental clinicians have an increasing number of interventions available for the management of dental caries. Many of them are grounded in the growing understanding of the disease. The best evidence, patients’ expectations, clinicians’ expertise, and the individual clinical scenario all need to be considered during the decision-making process.
Einfluss von statischen und dynamischen Lageabweichungen auf die Leckage eines Dichtsystems mit Rechteckdichtringen
Authors: Meffert D. , Thielen S. , Sauer B.
Published: July 2020

Dort, wo in Prozessen und Anwendungen Flüssigkeiten unter hohem Druck in rotierende Systeme eingespeist werden, kommen Radialwellendichtringe an die Grenzen ihrer Leistungsfähigkeit. Treten in den Dichtkontakten zusätzlich noch hohe Relativgeschwindigkeiten auf, eignen sich auch Gleitringdichtungen nicht mehr als dynamische Dichtung. Aufgrund ihrer sehr hohen thermischen Beständigkeit etablierten sich Rechteckdichtringe aus Hochleistungskunststoffen wie Polyimiden für diese Anwendungen. In ihrem Aufbau ähneln sie Kolbenringen, wie sie in Verbrennungskraftmaschinen und Kolbenmaschinen zum Einsatz kommen, weshalb im englischen Sprachgebrauch die Bezeichnung „piston ring“ verbreitet ist.

Als zentrale Größe für die Belastung des Rechteckdichtrings wird das Lastäquivalent aus dem Produkt von anliegendem Fluiddruck und der Relativgeschwindigkeit im Kontakt herangezogen (auch p · v-Wert). Der p · v-Wert wird als Systemkenngröße herangezogen, um die Eignung des Werkstoffs hinsichtlich ertragbarer Reibleistungen im Kontakt für die jeweilige Anwendung zu prüfen. Vorangegangene Arbeiten befassten sich vorwiegend mit der Leckagebildung, Reibungsreduzierung sowie der Bestimmung geeigneter Materialpaarungen für das Dichtsystem. Dabei wurden Einflüsse von Lageabweichungen auf die Funktionalität der Dichtringe nicht betrachtet. Mit Hilfe eines adaptierten Prüfstands am Lehrstuhl für Maschinenelemente und Getriebetechnik der Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, der zur Untersuchung von Radialwellendichtringen unter statischen und dynamischen Auslenkungen dient, soll das Verständnis über Rechteckdichtringe unter statischen und dynamischen Auslenkung erweitert werden.

Das Verhalten von Rechteckdichtringen unter statischen und dynamischen Lageabweichungen wird von sich überlagernden Einflüssen bestimmt. Hierbei hängt die auftretende Leckage des Dichtsystems vorrangig von den Betriebsgrößen wie Fluiddruck und den statischen Lageabweichungen ab. Dynamische Verlagerungen innerhalb des Dichtsystem beeinflussen das Leckageverhalten negativ, wobei kein Zusammenhang zwischen Leckage und Betrag oder Frequenz der Auslenkung herrscht. Die Querschnittsfläche des Dichtrings sowie die Geometrie der Nut führen so divergierenden Betriebsverhalten, wobei die druckabhängige Leckagebildung von anderen Verhaltensmustern überlagert werden kann.
Is Guillain-Barrè syndrome triggered by SARS-CoV-2? Case report and literature review
Authors: Agosti Edoardo , Giorgianni Andrea , D’Amore Francesco , Vinacci Gabriele , Balbi Sergio , Locatelli Davide
Published: July 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the infectious agent responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 are well described, less defined is the clinical neurological spectrum of COVID-19. We reported a case of COVID-19 patient with acute monophasic Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and a literature review on the SARS-CoV-2 and GBS etiological correlation.

Case Description

A 68 years-old man presented to the emergency department with symptoms of acute progressive symmetric ascending flaccid tetraparesis. Oropharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 tested positive. Neurological examination showed bifacial nerve palsy and distal muscular weakness of lower limbs. The cerebrospinal fluid assessment showed an albuminocytologic dissociation. Electrophysiological studies showed delayed distal latencies and absent F waves in early course. A diagnosis of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) subtype of GBS was then made.

Conclusions

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are still under study. The case we described of GBS in COVID-19 patient adds to those already reported in the literature, in support of SARS-CoV-2 triggers GBS. COVID-19 associated neurological clinic should probably be seen not as a corollary of classic respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, but as SARS-CoV-2-related standalone clinical entities. To date, it is essential for all Specialists, clinicians and surgeons, to direct attention towards the study of this virus, to better clarify the spectrum of its neurological manifestations.
Structure–Function Relationships of Healthy and Osteoarthritic Human Tibial Cartilage: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Ebrahimi Mohammadhossein , Turunen Mikael J. , Finnilä Mikko A. , Joukainen Antti , Kröger Heikki , Saarakkala Simo , Korhonen Rami K. , Tanska Petri
Published: July 2020

Relationships between composition, structure and constituent-specific functional properties of human articular cartilage at different stages of osteoarthritis (OA) are poorly known. We established these relationships by comparison of elastic, viscoelastic and fibril-reinforced poroelastic mechanical properties with microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of structure and composition of healthy and osteoarthritic human tibial cartilage (n = 27). At a low frequency (0.005 Hz), proteoglycan content correlated negatively and collagen content correlated positively with the phase difference (i.e. tissue viscosity). At a high-frequency regime (> 0.05 Hz), proteoglycan content correlated negatively and collagen orientation angle correlated positively with the phase difference. Proteoglycans were lost in the early and advanced OA groups compared to the healthy group, while the superficial collagen orientation angle was greater only in the advanced OA group compared to the healthy group. Simultaneously, the initial fibril network modulus (fibril pretension) was smaller in the early and advanced OA groups compared to the healthy group. These findings suggest different mechanisms contribute to cartilage viscosity in low and high frequencies, and that the loss of superficial collagen pretension during early OA is due to lower tissue swelling (PG loss), while in advanced OA, both collagen disorganization and lower swelling modulate the collagen fibril pretension.
MEArec: A Fast and Customizable Testbench Simulator for Ground-truth Extracellular Spiking Activity
Authors: Buccino Alessio Paolo , Einevoll Gaute Tomas
Published: July 2020

When recording neural activity from extracellular electrodes, both in vivo and in vitro, spike sorting is a required and very important processing step that allows for identification of single neurons’ activity. Spike sorting is a complex algorithmic procedure, and in recent years many groups have attempted to tackle this problem, resulting in numerous methods and software packages. However, validation of spike sorting techniques is complicated. It is an inherently unsupervised problem and it is hard to find universal metrics to evaluate performance. Simultaneous recordings that combine extracellular and patch-clamp or juxtacellular techniques can provide ground-truth data to evaluate spike sorting methods. However, their utility is limited by the fact that only a few cells can be measured at the same time. Simulated ground-truth recordings can provide a powerful alternative mean to rank the performance of spike sorters. We present here , a Python-based software which permits flexible and fast simulation of extracellular recordings. allows users to generate extracellular signals on various customizable electrode designs and can replicate various problematic aspects for spike sorting, such as bursting, spatio-temporal overlapping events, and drifts. We expect will provide a common testbench for spike sorting development and evaluation, in which spike sorting developers can rapidly generate and evaluate the performance of their algorithms.
Fluorescence and UV-VIS Spectroscopy to Determine the Quality Changes of Rapeseed Oil Fortified with New Antioxidant After Storage Under Various Conditions
Authors: Rabiej Dobrochna , Szydłowska-Czerniak Aleksandra
Published: July 2020

This work focused on the application of synchronous fluorescence (SF) spectroscopy, excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy and modified UV-VIS methods for characterization of oxidative status and antioxidant activity (AA) of refined rapeseed oils fortified with the novel antioxidant octyl sinapate (OSA) at two concentrations and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) stored in different types of packages under various storage conditions. Quality parameters such as amounts of the primary and secondary oxidation products in rapeseed oils increased after storage under various conditions, whereas the AA of oils decreased. However, OSA strongly inhibited the generation of primary oxidation products in oils exposed to light. The AA of rapeseed oil with 0.5% of OSA packed in transparent glass after exposure to light was 6 times higher than the AA of non-supplemented oil. Moreover, the intensities of bands attributed to tocopherols and phenolic compounds decreased during storage depending on the storage conditions, but characteristic peaks for generation of oxidation products appeared. Interestingly, the fluorescence spectra of oil fortified with 0.5% of OSA contained the information of a new fluorescent product. Moreover, the potential usefulness of EEM to study the effect of antioxidants on degradation of stored rapeseed oils was demonstrated. Fluorescence spectroscopy can be used to investigate the oxidation state of rapeseed oils packed in various containers during storage at different conditions. The addition of the lipophilic antioxidant to rapeseed oil effectively delayed the oxidation process and significantly increased its AA.
Surface characterization of ash-layered olivine from fluidized bed biomass gasification
Authors: Kuba Matthias , Fürsatz Katharina , Janisch Daniel , Aziaba Kouessan , Chlebda Damian , Łojewska Joanna , Forsberg Fredrik , Umeki Kentaro , Hofbauer Hermann
Published: July 2020

The present study aims to present a comprehensive characterization of the surface of ash-layered olivine bed particles from dual fluidized bed gasification. It is well known from operation experience at industrial gasification plants that the bed material is activated during operation concerning its positive influence on gasification reactions. This is due to the built up of ash layers on the bed material particles; however, the chemical mechanisms are not well understood yet. Olivine samples from long-term operation in an industrial-scale gasification plant were investigated in comparison to fresh unused olivine. Changes of the surface morphology due to Ca-enrichment showed a significant increase of their surface area. Furthermore, the Ca-enrichment on the ash layer surface was distinctively associated to CaO being present. The presence of CaO on the surface was proven by adsorption tests of carbon monoxide as model compound. The detailed characterization contributes to a deeper understanding of the surface properties of ash layers and forms the basis for further investigations into their influence on gasification reactions.
Data synthesis for crop variety evaluation. A review
Authors: Brown David , Van den Bergh Inge , de Bruin Sytze , Machida Lewis , van Etten Jacob
Published: July 2020

Crop varieties should fulfill multiple requirements, including agronomic performance and product quality. Variety evaluations depend on data generated from field trials and sensory analyses, performed with different levels of participation from farmers and consumers. Such multi-faceted variety evaluation is expensive and time-consuming; hence, any use of these data should be optimized. Data synthesis can help to take advantage of existing and new data, combining data from different sources and combining it with expert knowledge to produce new information and understanding that supports decision-making. Data synthesis for crop variety evaluation can partly build on extant experiences and methods, but it also requires methodological innovation. We review the elements required to achieve data synthesis for crop variety evaluation, including (1) data types required for crop variety evaluation, (2) main challenges in data management and integration, (3) main global initiatives aiming to solve those challenges, (4) current statistical approaches to combine data for crop variety evaluation and (5) existing data synthesis methods used in evaluation of varieties to combine different datasets from multiple data sources. We conclude that currently available methods have the potential to overcome existing barriers to data synthesis and could set in motion a virtuous cycle that will encourage researchers to share data and collaborate on data-driven research.
Investigating the effect of geometrical asymmetry on conductance and TMR ratio in the ZnO rock salt-based MTJ: a DFT study
Authors: Ansarino Masoud
Published: July 2020

Effects of geometrical asymmetry on spintronic properties of Fe/ZnO/Fe magnetic tunnel junction based on zinc oxide barrier tunnel with rock-salt crystalline structure is studied. Simulations are performed using density functional theory, and substituted layers of C, Mg, Al, Mo, and Ta are used to make geometrically asymmetric structures. The results indicate that this asymmetry has a substantial influence on the properties of the spin-dependent electronic transport, conductance, and the tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) ratio of the pristine symmetric structure. Additionally, it is shown that geometrical asymmetry results in a sharp decrease in the TMR ratio in one of these junctions and causes a negative TMR ratio in the other four asymmetric structures. Due to the large conductance of the three pristine, C and Al substituted structures in the PA configuration, these structures can be used to generate the current with pure spin for experimental purposes.
Diabetes und Knochen
Authors: Malle Oliver , Sourij Harald
Published: July 2020

Knochengesundheit und Diabetes mellitus sind eng miteinander verknüpft, da sie nicht nur beide häufige chronische Erkrankungen darstellen und ihre Häufigkeit mit zunehmendem Alter ansteigt, sondern auch weil Diabetes das Risiko für Fragilitätsfraktur steigert. Bei Typ-2-Diabetes-mellitus hat sich gezeigt, dass das tatsächliche Frakturrisiko sowohl mit der Knochendichtemessung als auch mit dem Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) unterschätzt wird, wenn das Risiko nicht entsprechend adjustiert wird.

Während etablierte Osteoporosetherapie auch bei Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus wirken und auch eingesetzt werden werden sollen, gilt es, die Besonderheiten der antihyperglykämischen Substanzen hinsichtlich des Frakturrisikos in der individualisierten Therapie zu berücksichtigen und jene Substanzen mit erhöhtem Frakturrisiko zu meiden.
Work expectations of adults with developmental disabilities
Authors: Whitney David J. , Warren Christopher R. , Smith Jenni , Arenales Milady , Meyers Stephanie , Devaney Melissa , Christian LeeAnn
Published: July 2020

Employment is central to an individual’s well-being. Work-related expectations of individuals with developmental disabilities were compared with those of service coordinators. Variables included the type of work expected, expected number of work hours, employment-related concerns, desired workplace supports, and influence that both the severity of a disability and service coordinator’s work experience have on work expectations. Data were collected from 46 individuals with developmental disabilities through interviews and from 46 coordinators through an online survey. Results indicated positive work expectations overall. The most common work expected was service and trade work. Competitive employment was expected more frequently than sheltered workshops. While work expectations of service coordinators and those individuals with mild developmental disabilities were closely aligned, a greater distinction in work expectations existed between coordinators and individuals with moderate or severe developmental disabilities. These results have important implications for assisting job placement for adults with developmental disabilities.
Neuroadaptive output-feedback trajectory tracking control for a stratospheric airship with prescribed performance
Authors: Wu Y. , Wang Q. , Duan D. , Xie W. , Wei Y.
Published: July 2020

In this article, we investigate the horizontal trajectory tracking problem for an underactuated stratospheric airship subject to nonvanishing external disturbances and model uncertainties. By transforming the tracking errors into new virtual error variables, we can specify the transient and steady-state tracking performance of the resulting nonlinear system quantitatively, which means that under the proposed control scheme, the tracking errors will converge to prescribed residual sets around the origin before a preselected finite time with decay rates no less than a preassignable value. To address unknown items, minimal learning parameter (MLP) techniques for neural networks (NNs) approximation are employed, which efficaciously relax the computational burden, enhance the robustness against dynamics uncertainties and provide an improved property for disturbances rejection. A finite-time convergent observer (FTCO) is incorporated into the control framework to realise output-feedback control, ensuring that estimation errors are bounded during operation and approach zero within a finite time. Stability analysis proves that all the closed-loop signals are uniformly bounded. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control strategy are verified by simulation results.
Using Human Rights Law to Progress Alcohol Control
Authors: SLATTERY Clare
Published: July 2020

Alcohol control has long been recognised as a public health concern. Recent years have also seen increased recognition of the relationship between alcohol control and the human rights agenda. However, fragmentation exists in key global governance instruments over the role alcohol control plays as a human rights priority. The relative success of tobacco control illustrates how utilisation of agendas beyond public health can mobilise action.
When Are Stocks Less Volatile in the Long Run?
Authors: Jondeau Eric , Zhang Qunzi , Zhu Xiaoneng
Published: July 2020

Pástor and Stambaugh (2012) find that from a forward-looking perspective, stocks are more volatile in the long run than they are in the short run. We demonstrate that when the nonnegative equity premium (NEP) condition is imposed on predictive regressions, stocks are in fact less volatile in the long run, even after taking estimation risk and uncertainties into account. The reason is that the NEP provides an additional parameter identification condition and prior information for future returns. Combined with the mean reversion of stock returns, this condition substantially reduces uncertainty on future returns and leads to lower long-run predictive variance.
Assessing young learners’ foreign language abilities
Authors: Nikolov Marianne , Timpe-Laughlin Veronika
Published: July 2020

Given the exponential growth in the popularity of early foreign language programs, coupled with an emphasis of evidence-based instruction, assessing young learners’ (YLs) foreign language abilities has moved to center stage. This article canvasses how the field of assessing young learners of foreign languages has evolved over the past two decades. The review offers insights into how and why the field has developed, how constructs have been defined and operationalized, what language proficiency frameworks have been used, why children were assessed, what aspects of their foreign language proficiency have been assessed, who was involved in the assessment, and how the results have been used. By surveying trends in foreign language (FL) and content-based language learning programs involving children between the ages of 3 and 14, the article highlights research into assessmentofandforlearning, and critically discusses areas such as large-scale assessments and proficiency examinations, comparative and experimental studies, the impact of assessment, teachers’ beliefs and assessment practices, young learners’ test-taking strategies, age-appropriate tasks, alternative and technology-mediated assessment, as well as game-based assessments. The final section of the article highlights where more research is needed, thus outlining potential future directions for the field.
Efficacy and safety of topiramate in binge eating disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nourredine Mikail , Jurek Lucie , Auffret Marine , Iceta Sylvain , Grenet Guillaume , Kassai Behrouz , Cucherat Michel , Rolland Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Background

To assess the efficacy and safety of topiramate in treating binge eating disorder (BED), using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

The RCTs assessing topiramate vs placebo with or without adjunctive psychotherapy in BED were reviewed using a systematic search in the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and ClinicalTrials.gov search Websites, from inception to November 2019. Main outcomes were the changes in binge frequency, quality of life, and weight, respectively. Effect estimates were pooled using random-effect models and presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers.

Results

Three studies were eligible for inclusion, involving 528 BED patients. Topiramate was found to be significantly more efficacious than placebo in reducing: (a) the number of binge episodes per week (MD = −1.31; 95% CI = −2.58 to −0.03; I2 = 94%); (b) the number of binge days per week (MD = −0.98; 95% CI = −1.80 to −0.16; I2 = 94%); and (c) weight (MD = −4.91 kg; 95% CI = −6.42 to −3.41; I2 = 10%). However, participants in the topiramate groups withdrew significantly more frequently for safety reasons, relative to placebo participants (RR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.13-3.18, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Preliminary findings support a possible efficacy of topiramate for the treatment of BED, even if safety concerns could limit the practical use of this treatment in BED subjects.
The association between nutrient patterns and metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults: cross-sectional analysis of Shahedieh cohort study
Authors: Sadeghi Omid , Sadeghi Alireza , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Shokri Azad
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To assess the association between patterns of nutrient intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a large sample of Iranian adults.

Design:

Baseline data from the Shahedieh cohort study were used in the current cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were assessed through the use of a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Nutrient patterns (NP) were derived using factor analysis. The MetS was defined according to criteria introduced from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, modified for Iranian adults.

Setting:

Yazd, Iran.

Participants:

A total of 7325 Iranian adults aged between 30 and 75 years.

Results:

Three NP were identified. A significant positive association was found between adherence to semi-plant NP (characterised by the high intakes of P; vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B5; Se; Mg; Fe; protein; Cr; Cu; fibre; biotin; Mn; Zn and Na) and odds of MetS (OR 1·68, 95 % CI 1·43, 1·98). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this association became non-significant. In addition, after taking potential confounders into account, individuals in the highest quintile of the semi-animal NP, rich in Ca; K; vitamins B2, B12, A, D, K and C; SFA; dietary cholesterol and trans-fatty acid, were 26 % more likely to have MetS compared with those in the lowest quintile (OR 1·26, 95 % CI 1·05, 1·51). No significant association was seen between adherence to the high-carbohydrate/low-fat NP and odds of MetS.

Conclusions:

We found that adherence to a semi-animal NP was associated with increased odds of MetS.
A pragmatic controlled trial to improve the appropriate prescription of drugs in adult outpatients: design and rationale of the EDU.RE.DRUG study
Authors: Casula Manuela , Menditto Enrica , Galimberti Federica , Russo Veronica , Olmastroni Elena , Scotti Lorenza , Orlando Valentina , Corrao Giovanni , Catapano Alberico L. , Tragni Elena
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Pharmacological intervention is an important component of patient care. However, drugs are often inappropriately used. It is necessary for countries to implement strategies to improve the rational use of drugs, including independent information for healthcare professionals and the public, which must be supported by well-trained staff. The primary objectives of the EDU.RE.DRUG (Effectiveness of informative and/or educational interventions aimed at improving the appropriate use of drugs designed for general practitioners and their patients) study are the retrospective evaluation of rates of appropriate prescribing indicators (APIs) and the assessment of the effectiveness of informative and/or educational interventions addressed to general practitioners (GPs) and their patients, aimed at improving prescribing quality and promoting proper drug use.

Methods and analysis:

This is a prospective, multicentre, open-label, parallel-arm, controlled, pragmatic trial directed to GPs and their patients in two Italian regions (Campania and Lombardy). The study data are retrieved from administrative databases (Demographic, Pharmacy-refill, and Hospitalization databases) containing healthcare information of all beneficiaries of the National Health Service in the Local Health Units (LHUs) involved. According to LHU, the GPs/patients will be assigned to one of the following four intervention arms: (1) intervention on GPs and patients; (2) intervention on GPs; (3) intervention on patients; and (4) no intervention (control). The intervention designed for GPs consists of reports regarding the status of their patients according to the APIs determined at baseline and in two on-line Continuous Medical Education (CME) courses. The intervention designed for patients consists in flyers and posters distributed in GPs ambulatories and community pharmacies, focusing on correct drug use.

A set of indicators (such as potential drug–drug interactions, unnecessary duplicate prescriptions, and inappropriate prescriptions in the elderly), adapted to the Italian setting, has been defined to determine inappropriate prescription at baseline and after the intervention phase. The primary outcome was a composite API.

Ethics and dissemination:

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Milan on 7th June 2017 (code 15/17). The investigators will communicate trial results to stakeholders, collaborators, and participants via appropriate presentations and publications.

Registration details: NCT04030468. EudraCT number 2017-002622-21
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