bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of model accuracy in CASP13
Authors: Cheng Jianlin , Choe Myong‐Ho , Elofsson Arne , Han Kun‐Sop , Hou Jie , Maghrabi Ali H. A. , McGuffin Liam J. , Menéndez‐Hurtado David , Olechnovič Kliment , Schwede Torsten , Studer Gabriel , Uziela Karolis , Venclovas Česlovas , Wallner Björn
Published: July 2019

Methods to reliably estimate the accuracy of 3D models of proteins are both a fundamental part of most protein folding pipelines and important for reliable identification of the best models when multiple pipelines are used. Here, we describe the progress made from CASP12 to CASP13 in the field of estimation of model accuracy (EMA) as seen from the progress of the most successful methods in CASP13. We show small but clear progress, that is, several methods perform better than the best methods from CASP12 when tested on CASP13 EMA targets. Some progress is driven by applying deep learning and residue‐residue contacts to model accuracy prediction. We show that the best EMA methods select better models than the best servers in CASP13, but that there exists a great potential to improve this further. Also, according to the evaluation criteria based on local similarities, such as lDDT and CAD, it is now clear that single model accuracy methods perform relatively better than consensus‐based methods.
Template‐Free Macro‐Mesoporous TiO2/Carbon Nitride Interface for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Vidyasagar Devthade , Balapure Aniket , Ghugal Sachin G. , Shende Ashok G. , Umare Suresh S.
Published: July 2019

Porous titanium dioxide (TiO2) materials are pivotal in broad catalytic applications. However, design and development of macro‐mesoporous TiO2 involve a hard or soft templating method, which impedes the additional cost and complexity. Herein, a simple, scalable, and template‐free synthesis route to ordered uniform macro‐mesoporous TiO2 (mTiO2) layers is presented. The controlled aging of titanium tetraisopropoxide precipitates self‐assemble into an extended macroporous TiO2 network. As proved by X‐ray diffraction, the prepared materials are of anatase TiO2. Morphological analysis of mTiO2 displays a uniform macroporous network. To delight, the obtained mTiO2 possesses an extensive specific surface area of 257 m2 g−1, with an average pore size of ≈2 nm. This simplistic method provides a high yield of mTiO2 products. To find the practical utility of mTiO2, visible light active graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) is combined with mTiO2 and examined for photo fixation of dinitrogen (N2) and decomposition of organic pollutants. Remarkably, the mTiO2/g‐C3N4 interface shows drastically enhanced NH4+ production and dye degradation photocatalytic activity as compared with g‐C3N4 and commercial TiO2. This versatile and eco‐friendly preparation process of surface‐rich mTiO2 is scalable and may find widespread potential in large‐scale photocatalytic applications.
Radiation Defects Created in n‐Type 4H‐SiC by Electron Irradiation in the Energy Range of 1–10 MeV
Authors: Hazdra Pavel , Vobecký Jan
Published: July 2019

Radiation damage produced in 4H‐SiC n‐epilayers by electrons of different energies is presented. Junction barrier Schottky power SiC diodes are irradiated with 1.05, 2.1, 5, and 10 MeV electrons with doses up to 600 kGy. Radiation defects are characterized by capacitance deep‐level transient spectroscopy and capacitance‐to‐voltage (C–V) measurement. Results, which are compared with previous data obtained on 4.5 MeV electrons, show that the damage structure is very similar for all irradiation energies. Dominating is the generation of simple, thermally unstable defects evidenced by the presence of acceptor levels located at 0.25, 0.38, 0.60, and 0.72 eV below the 4H‐SiC conduction band edge. With increasing energy of electrons, the number of simple defects saturates, and the production of more complex, cluster‐related defects grow. Majority of introduced defects are acceptor centers, which compensate n‐type (nitrogen) doping of the epilayer. The carrier removal rate increases with electron energy and follows well the classical nonionization energy loss (NIEL) scaling for electrons in silicon. The stability of introduced defects and their effect on carrier lifetime reduction are discussed, as well.
First‐Principles Prediction of the Structural, Electronic, and Magnetic Properties of Nonmetal Atoms Doped Single‐Layer CrS2
Authors: Tian Xing‐Hua , Zhang Jian‐Min
Published: July 2019

The authors have carried out systematic first‐principles calculations to elucidate the effect of a nonmetal atom (B, C, N, P, As, O, or F) substitutional doping at S site on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of single‐layer CrS2 with H phase. The lower formation energy under Cr‐rich condition shows that these doped systems are easy to be realized in experiment. The single‐layer CrS2 is nonmagnetic semiconductor with a direct band gap of 0.93 eV. The numerical results suggest that the nonmetal atoms can effectively modulate the electronic and magnetic properties of single‐layer CrS2. C‐ or O‐doped system is still nonmagnetic semiconductor but the band gap is changed slightly. B‐, N‐, P‐, As‐, or F‐doped system is magnetic compound with total magnetic moments of 1 µB due to the introduced one extra hole or electron. It is worth mentioning that the P‐doped system is half‐metal and As‐doped system is a spin‐gapless semiconductor. Nonmetal atom doping at anion site is indeed an effective method to tune the electronic and magnetic properties of single‐layer CrS2, which have promising applications in spintronics and nanoelectronics.
Routes to long‐term atmospheric predictability in reduced‐order coupled ocean–atmosphere systems: Impact of the ocean basin boundary conditions
Authors: Vannitsem Stéphane , Solé‐Pomies Roman , De Cruz Lesley
Published: July 2019

The predictability of the atmosphere at short and long time‐scales associated with coupling to the ocean is explored in a new version of the Modular Arbitrary‐Order Ocean–Atmosphere Model (MAOOAM), based on a two‐layer quasigeostrophic atmosphere and a one‐layer reduced‐gravity quasigeostrophic ocean. This version features a new ocean basin geometry with periodic boundary conditions in the zonal direction. The analysis presented in this article considers a low‐order version of the model with 40 dynamical variables. First, the increase of surface friction (and the associated heat flux) due to the ocean can either induce chaos when the aspect ratio between the meridional and zonal directions of the domain of integration is small or suppress chaos when it is large. This reflects the potentially counterintuitive role that the ocean can play in the coupled dynamics. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the emergence of long‐term predictability within the atmosphere for specific values of the friction coefficient occurs through intermittent excursions in the vicinity of a (long‐period) unstable periodic solution. Once close to this solution, the system is predictable for long times, i.e. a few years. The intermittent transition close to this orbit is, however, erratic and probably hard to predict. This new route to long‐term predictability contrasts with the one found in the closed ocean‐basin low‐order version of MAOOAM, in which the chaotic solution is permanently wandering in the vicinity of an unstable periodic orbit for specific values of the friction coefficient. The model solution is thus influenced by the unstable periodic orbit at any time, and inherits from its long‐term predictability.
Trends in and closure of the atmospheric angular momentum budget in the 20th century in ERA‐20C
Authors: Veerman Menno A. , van Heerwaarden Chiel C.
Published: July 2019

It is well known that global warming in the 20th century has influenced the global circulation of the atmosphere. Atmospheric angular momentum (AAM), a measure of the rotation of the atmosphere around the Earth's axis, is a useful quantity to investigate changes in the global atmospheric circulation. In this study, 20th century trends in the AAM budget are determined using the ERA‐20C reanalysis data of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). In addition, the closure of the AAM budget is determined to assess the ability of ERA‐20C to conserve angular momentum. The total AAM has increased in the 20th century, associated mainly with an increasing relative (zonal wind) AAM in most of the stratosphere and the tropical upper troposphere, and a poleward redistribution in the midlatitudes. These trends can be related to the warming in the troposphere and cooling in the lower stratosphere found in this study, likely caused by increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The Ω‐AAM, representing the rotation of the atmosphere along with the Earth, shows no clear trend, but a spurious peak around 1920. This peak is caused by a global increase in surface pressure and is considered an artefact of changes in the amount of assimilated observations. It is also found that the AAM budget is not well closed in ERA‐20C, which is mainly the result of the assimilation of observations during production of the reanalysis. The trends in the AAM budget in ERA‐20C are likely affected by changes in the number of assimilated observations and should be validated with other reanalyses in further research.
Internal interannual variability of the winter polar vortex in a simple model of the seasonally evolving stratosphere
Authors: Hatfield Luke A. , Scott Richard K.
Published: July 2019

We investigate persistent low‐frequency variability of the stratospheric winter polar vortex in a rotating spherical shallow‐water model under the action of topographic wave forcing and radiative cooling to a simple time‐varying equilibrium state representative of the seasonal cycle in solar heating. A range of modes of variability is obtained, dependent on wave forcing amplitude and characterized by the distribution of quiescent and disturbed winters, defined as winters in which the vortex is either close to radiative equilibrium, with low planetary wave amplitude, or else strongly disturbed from equilibrium by the wave forcing. At low forcing amplitude, the vortex is typically quiescent every year, while at higher amplitude it is typically disturbed; in both cases there is little year‐to‐year variation of the vortex state. However, for a range of intermediate forcing amplitudes, the vortex transitions between quiescent and disturbed states from one winter to the next with a persistent and well‐defined pattern of variability. To investigate the extent to which the low‐frequency variability found here may be explained in terms of a low‐latitude flywheel mechanism, we conduct additional experiments varying a linear drag on the zonal mean flow in the Tropics and find that sufficiently strong drag can completely suppress the variability. The robustness of the variability is demonstrated by further experiments using a modified radiative equilibrium profile, associated with a tropical westerly flow: similar variability is obtained but the modified profile is less effective at constraining the tropical flow from a persistent easterly acceleration.
The structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of B2‐type TMZr (TM = Ru, Mo, Rh, Os, and Re) compounds from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Pan Yong , Pu Delin
Published: July 2019

The B2‐type cubic Zr‐based compounds are attractive advanced high‐temperature materials because of the strong and symmetrical bonds. However, the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of the B2‐type cubic Zr‐based compounds are not well understood. Here, we use the first‐principles calculations to investigate the structural, elastic modulus, ductility, and thermodynamic properties of TMZr (TM = Ru, Mo, Rh, Os, and Re) compounds. Two novel TMZr compounds, MoZr and ReZr, are first predicted by using the phonon dispersion and formation enthalpy, respectively. The results show that the B2‐type TMZr compounds not only exhibit high elastic modulus but also show better ductility due to the symmetrical TM‐Zr metallic bonds. In particular, the calculated elastic modulus of OsZr is larger than that of the other four TMZr compounds, indicating that the OsZr shows the strongest deformation resistance in five TMZr compounds. The calculated Θ
D of RuZr is 328 K, which is larger than that of the other four TMZr compounds. The calculated phonon density of state shows that the high‐temperature thermodynamic properties of TMZr derive from the vibration of Zr atom. Therefore, our work predicts that the B2‐type OsZr is an attractive high‐temperature structural material.
Clustering strategies for multicast precoding in multibeam satellite systems
Authors: Guidotti Alessandro , Vanelli‐Coralli Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Next generation multibeam SatCom architectures will heavily exploit full frequency reuse schemes along with interference management techniques, eg, precoding or multiuser detection, to drastically increase the system throughput. In this framework, we address the problem of the user selection for multicast precoding by formulating it as a clustering problem. By introducing a novel mathematical framework, we design fixed/variable size clustering algorithms that group users into simultaneously precoded and served clusters while maximising the system throughput. Numerical simulations are used to validate the proposed algorithms and to identify the main system‐level trade‐offs.
Aligned Proton‐Conducting Graphene Sheets via Block Copolymer Supramolecular Assembly and Their Application for Highly Transparent Moisture‐Sensing Conductive Coating
Authors: Daripa Soumili , Khawas Koomkoom , Das Santanu , Dey Ratan Kumar , Kuila Biplab Kumar
Published: July 2019

Here, we have demonstrated a well‐defined strategy to prepare highly sulphonated reduced graphene oxide (S‐rGO) sheets via non‐covalent modification of rGO with water soluble rod‐coil conjugated block copolymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(4‐styrenesulfonic acid) (P3HT‐b‐PSSA) carrying a long PSSA block. S‐rGO sheets are highly water soluble and its aqueous solution can be used to fabricate highly transparent conductive thin film coating on versatile smooth substrate surfaces like glass, indium tin oxide (ITO), quartz and flexible PET. The successful anchoring of sulfonic acid group on rGO surface via non‐covalent modification by P3HT‐b‐PSSA was confirmed and analyzed by FTIR and XRD study. The bulk morphology of S‐rGO reveals sheet like morphology where individual sheets are aligned with each other in a parallel arrangement through intercalation of PSSA chains driven by block copolymer self‐ assembly. AFM image of the thin film also supports nice parallel alignment of S‐rGO sheets of average thickness ∼100 nm on substrate surface. S‐rGO sample shows very high water uptake (∼91% in comparison to its initial weight) and proton conductivity 0.5 S/cm after water vapor exposure for 1 hour. Such high proton conductivity is due to the synergy of alignment of graphene sheets with a continuous network of proton conducting nanochannels created by block copolymer microphase separation on the rGO surface. Nyquist plot with two semicircles suggested the presence of grain boundaries in the sample. I−V measurement of transparent thin film device fabricated from S‐rGO sheets shows linear behavior with systematic increase of current on increasing water vapor exposure time. The block copolymer device shows well correlated, systematic and reversible resistance change with relative humidity (RH) confirming its efficient sensing capability towards moisture. We believe that high proton conductivity and interesting, reversible moisture sensitive electrical property of this material will be useful in fabricating transparent and flexible moisture sensors, flexible electronics, moisture induced energy storage, fuel cell, biological applications and others.
Isatin‐Triazole‐Functionalized Rhodamine: A Dual Sensor for Cu2+ and Fe3+ Ions and Its Application to Cell Imaging
Authors: Gahlyan Parveen , Bawa Rashim , Jain Harshita , Dalela Manu , Joshi Ankita , Ramachandran C. N. , Prasad Ashok K. , Kaur Arunjit , Kumar Rakesh
Published: July 2019

A new isatin‐triazole tethered rhodamine based fluorescent probe R1 (1‐(2’’‐(4’‐(((3’’’,6’’’‐bis(diethylamino)‐3’’‐oxospiro[isoindoline‐1’’,9’’’‐xanthen]‐2’’‐yl)amino)methyl)‐1H‐1’,2’,3’‐triazolyl)ethyl)indoline‐2,3‐dione) has been synthesized using click chemistry approach. Probe R1 exhibits a dual sensor property for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions through turn‐on fluorescence response. A prominent colour change from colourless to pink allows the naked eye identification of aforementioned metal ions. R1 forms a 1:2 complex with Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions with binding constants 8.0 × 108 and 2.93 × 107 M−2, respectively. The binding mode is scrutinised through various spectroscopic techniques which is further supported by theoretical calculations. The detection limit of R1 for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions is found to be 12.2 nM and 0.33 μM, respectively. Further, R1 has been evaluated for its potential to detect Cu2+ ions in biological systems using fluorescence cell imaging studies.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity and 3D‐QSAR Study of Hybrid Oxazine Clubbed Pyridine Scaffolds
Authors: Desai Nisheeth C. , Bhatt Nayan B. , Joshi Surbhi B. , Jadeja Krunalsinh A. , Khedkar Vijay M.
Published: July 2019

Compounds 1‐((1‐(4‐(2H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐3(4H)‐yl)phenyl)ethylidene)amino)‐6‐((arylidene)amino)‐4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitriles (4a‐j) were prepared, characterized and screened for antimicrobial activity. 3D‐quantitative structure activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) was explained by CoMFA and CoMSIA models to rationalize the antimicrobial activity of the titled compounds. Statistically significant 3D‐QSAR (CoMFA and CoMSIA) models were created which could provide valuable information about the structural modification desired to improvise the biological activity. Additionally, the predictions based on the molecular docking study, against microbial DNA gyrase, were carried out.
A Triode Device with a Gate Controllable Schottky Barrier: Germanium Nanowire Transistors and Their Applications
Authors: Lin Che‐Yi , Chen Chao‐Fu , Chang Yuan‐Ming , Yang Shih‐Hsien , Lee Ko‐Chun , Wu Wen‐Wei , Jian Wen‐Bin , Lin Yen‐Fu
Published: July 2019

Electrical contacts often dominate charge transport properties at the nanoscale because of considerable differences in nanoelectronic device interfaces arising from unique geometric and electrostatic features. Transistors with a tunable Schottky barrier between the metal and semiconductor interface might simplify circuit design. Here, germanium nanowire (Ge NW) transistors with Cu3Ge as source/drain contacts formed by both buffered oxide etching treatments and rapid thermal annealing are reported. The transistors based on this Cu3Ge/Ge/Cu3Ge heterostructure show ambipolar transistor behavior with a large on/off current ratio of more than 105 and 103 for the hole and electron regimes at room temperature, respectively. Investigations of temperature‐dependent transport properties and low‐frequency current fluctuations reveal that the tunable effective Schottky barriers of the Ge NW transistors accounted for the ambipolar behaviors. It is further shown that this ambipolarity can be used to realize binary‐signal and data‐storage functions, which greatly simplify circuit design compared with conventional technologies.
Carburization of Fe/Ni Catalyst for Efficient Growth of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lin Dewu , Zhang Shuchen , Liu Weiming , Yu Yue , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2019

Scale‐up production of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with high quality and purity is in pursuit, since the subsequent post purification treatment of residual metal or amorphous carbon is complicated and restricts further applications. Here, a compatible method to efficiently synthesize pure SWNTs on various supporters by using the precarburized Fe/Ni catalysts is reported. The preparation of catalysts is achieved by gas phase deposition together with CO gas at proper temperature, and the carburization of metal particles occurring simultaneously contributes to the size limitation of catalysts. By using micro‐quartz sand as a recyclable supporter, high‐quality SWNTs with a yield of 50 mg h−1 are prepared with 60% metal precursor utilization, 81% carbon source utilization, and only 0.12% (m/m) metal residues. Taking advantage of carburized Fe/Ni catalysts and appropriate supports makes it possible to balance the quantity, purity, and quality among SWNTs growth. Furthermore, this method provides a straightforward pathway to strongly combine SWNTs and diverse composite materials for further potential applications.
Vitrification Transformation of Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Activating Interface Passivation for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Qin Pingli , Wu Tong , Wang Zhengchun , Zheng Xiaolu , Yu Xueli , Fang Guojia , Li Gang
Published: July 2019

Interface engineering is critical for achieving high‐efficiency and high‐stability perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a new interface engineering approach—poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) modification of SnO2 quantum dot (QD) film—to improve electron transport is introduced. It is found that when the PEO film is annealed over its glass‐transition temperature, the ether‐oxygen unshared electron pair in the PEO film activates to form a crosslinking complex with metal ions at the SnO2 QD and perovskite interface, which triggers heterogeneous nucleation over the perovskite precursor film and is beneficial for achieving uniform and dense perovskite films. PEO is also shown to passivate the bulk defects of perovskite films and the interface defects between SnO2 QD and perovskite, which promotes electron‐transferring from the perovskite layer to cathode. PSCs based on SnO2 QD with PEO treatment exhibit an enhanced efficiency, leading to a champion PCE of 20.23%, with good reproducibility and stability.
Growth of Amorphous Passivation Layer Using Phenethylammonium Iodide for High‐Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Fan , Huang Qinxun , Song Jun , Zhang Yaohong , Ding Chao , Liu Feng , Liu Dong , Li Xiaobin , Yasuda Hironobu , Yoshida Koji , Qu Junle , Hayase Shuzi , Toyoda Taro , Minemoto Takashi , Shen Qing
Published: July 2019

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells have realized a rapid increase of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the past few years. However, their performance still suffers trap‐assisted decline due to defects at the surface and grain boundaries of the perovskite film. Herein, a phenethylammonium iodide‐lead iodide (PEAI‐PbI2) passivation layer is formed on the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite film. The characterization results indicate that the PEAI covering layer leads to the reduction of surface defects and suppression of nonradiative recombination. By manipulating this surface passivation method, a remarkably improved VOC of 1.16 V and an enhanced PCE of 20.8% are achieved.
Review on “Blockchain technology based medical healthcare system with privacy issues”
Authors: Saha Arijit , Amin Ruhul , Kunal Sourav , Vollala Satyanarayana , Dwivedi Sanjeev K.
Published: July 2019

Healthcare has been the industry with the highest boom in terms of both revenue and data. With so much of electronic health records, the security has been the need of the hour. To make this critical information more secure, there has been an urge to use the blockchain technology. Therefore, researches came up with a solution of blockchain technology in medical healthcare that will not only protect data from being tampered but will also ensure that the data leakage is stopped. This technology could preserve data and thus guarantee reliability. And if this technology is used along with cloud computing technology, problems related to storage can also be vanished, because cloud is trusted for storing and managing data. Also, the blockchain can address the security issues of the cloud. Indeed, medical data sharing and storing with Blockchain‐based cloud can address a lot of issues of medical data. The main aim of this paper is to present the current state‐of‐the‐art on blockchain‐based medical healthcare system. We have clearly discussed several existing works on the same domain and also presented a comparative study among the published works.
Transfer function‐based Bayesian damage detection under seismic excitation
Authors: Vahedi Maryam , Khoshnoudian Faramarz , Hsu Ting Yu , Partovi Mehr Nasim
Published: July 2019

Transfer function (TF) data are recognized as diagnostic features in damage detection procedure. The objective of this paper is to present a damage detection method in Bayesian paradigm based on TF data due to ground excitation. The measured seismic responses of the structure in the frequency domain are adopted to obtain displacement TFs and the structural natural frequencies are identified from observed TFs. The derived features are utilized for Bayesian structural damage detection. In addition, the challenging issue of underlying flexible soil in real cases has been addressed. The proposed technique is applied to a numerical shear frame to evaluate the capability of the method. An experimental study on a six‐story steel building has been validated to demonstrate the capability of the method for damage detection purpose. The results of studied cases indicated that the proposed method is capable of identifying the location and the severity of damage precisely.
Fluorinated Alcohols: Magic Reaction Medium and Promoters for Organic Synthesis
Authors: An Xiao‐De , Xiao Jian
Published: July 2019

Fluorinated alcohols have been widely used in the synthetic organic chemistry over the past decades. The unique properties such as the strong hydrogen‐bonding donor ability and low nucleophilicity allow them to promote organic reactions in the absence of any catalyst. These approaches have distinct advantages in terms of operational simplicity, practicability and environmental friendliness. Reactions promoted by fluorinated alcohols, including nucleophilic substitution reactions, annulation reactions, electrophilic reactions, dearomatization reactions, functionalization of multiple bond, epoxidation reactions and miscellaneous reactions have been summarized in this account.
Anti-self-dual spacetimes, gravitational instantons and knotted zeros of the Weyl tensor
Authors: Sabharwal Snigdh , Dalhuisen Jan Willem
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We derive a superpotential for null electromagnetic fields in which the field line structure is in the form of an arbitrary torus knot. These fields are shown to correspond to single copies of a class of anti-self-dual Kerr-Schild spacetimes containing the Sparling-Tod metric. This metric is the pure Weyl double copy of the electromagnetic Hopfion, and we show that the Eguchi-Hanson metric is a mixed Weyl double copy of this Hopfion and its conformally inverted state. We formulate two conditions for electromagnetic fields, generalizing torus knotted fields and linked optical vortices, that, via the zero rest mass equation for spin 1 and spin 2, defines solutions of linearized Einstein’s equation possessing a Hopf fibration as the curves along which no stretching, compression or precession will occur. We report on numerical findings relating the stability of the linked and knotted zeros of the Weyl tensor and their relation to linked optical vortices.
Responder Analyses from a Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Study of Bremelanotide
Authors: Althof Stanley , Derogatis Leonard R. , Greenberg Sally , Clayton Anita H. , Jordan Robert , Lucas Johna , Spana Carl
Published: July 2019

Background

Responder analyses are used to determine whether changes that occur during a clinical trial are clinically meaningful; for subjective endpoints such as those based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), responder analyses are particularly useful.

Aim

To identify the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for selected scores on questionnaires assessing female sexual functioning and to use these differences to analyze the response in a large, controlled, phase 2b, dose-finding study of bremelanotide in premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and mixed HSDD/female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD).

Methods

The responder analyses were performed for the change from baseline to end of study for a total of 7 endpoints. Each PRO endpoint was assessed using at least 1 of 4 types of responder analyses: a planned analysis anchored to MCIDs based on expert estimates (historical anchors); post hoc analyses based on self-reported global benefit; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves; and cumulative distribution function. The prespecified analysis groups were all female sexual dysfunction (FSD)-based diagnoses (all study participants), those with HSDD alone, and a combined group of those with FSAD alone plus those with mixed HSDD/FSAD. Post hoc analyses were also performed for subjects with mixed HSDD/FSAD with a primary diagnosis of HSDD.

Outcomes

MCIDs based on the ROC curves for changes in Female Sexual Function Index–desire domain, Female Sexual Distress Scale–Desire/Arousal/Orgasm (FSDS-DAO) total score, FSDS-DAO item 13 and 14 scores, and number of satisfying sexual events.

Results

Outcomes matched those based on input from clinical experts. For all 7 endpoints, responder rates at the 1.75 mg dose in the overall modified intention-to-treat population achieved statistical significance compared with placebo (P ≤ .03).

Clinical Implications

These responder definitions were subsequently used in the bremelanotide phase 3 registration studies (RECONNECT) that evaluated the safety and efficacy of the bremelanotide 1.75 mg subcutaneous dose in premenopausal women with HSDD.

Strengths & Limitations

MCIDs for this study were based on changes from a single-blind phase to account for changes due to the placebo effect. These analyses were restricted to a study population composed only of premenopausal women with a clinical diagnosis of HSDD and/or FSAD and were based on data from the same clinical trial.

Conclusion

Bremelanotide was safe and well tolerated and demonstrated significant improvement in efficacy vs placebo in the phase 2b trial. The multiple responder analyses offer a valuable approach for determining clinically important effects of bremelanotide for HSDD and FSAD.
Can Botulinum-A Toxin Be Used to Delay Ejaculation: Results of an Ejaculation Model in Male Rats
Authors: Ongün Şakir , Acar Selin , Koca Pelin , Uzut Mehmet , Esen Ahmet Adil , Durmus Nergiz , Demir Omer
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Although premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common sexual dysfunction in young men, its true pathophysiology has not yet been clearly elucidated.

Aim

To investigate the quantitative changes that occurred in an ejaculation model induced by para-chloroamphetamine (PCA) after botulinum-A toxin injection into the bulbospongiosus (BS) muscle in rats.

Methods

A total of 21 male rats weighing 300 to 350 grams were used in the study. The animals were divided into 3 groups: control, 1 unit of botulinum-A toxin injected, and 5 units of botulinum-A toxin injected. The botulinum-A toxin was percutaneously injected into the BS muscle, and the experiment was carried out 96 hours (5 days) after the injection.

Main Outcome Measure

The seminal vesicle (SV) was cannulated, and the BS muscle was dissected and connected to an amplifier (Biopac; Goleta, CA) to record the pressure and electromyography measurement. The ejaculation parameters were obtained after the PCA injection.

Results

The ejaculation latency time of the group receiving 5 units of botulinum-A toxin was statistically significantly longer (1092 ± 657 seconds) compared to the control group (298 ± 81 seconds) and the group receiving 1 unit of botulinum-A toxin (439 ± 100 seconds) (P = .003). Furthermore, the BS EMG area under the curve values for the group receiving 5 units of botulinum-A toxin were significantly lower (7.4 ± 1.2 V/s × 10–4) than those of the control group (13.6 ± 4.0 V/s × 10–4) and the group receiving 1 unit of botulinum-A toxin (13.6 ± 5.0 V/s × 10–4) (P = .009). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the basal SV pressure, number of SV phasic contractions, maximum amplitude of the SV phasic contraction, and intervals between the SV phasic contractions and the BS muscle contractions.

Clinical Implications

Botulinum-A toxin injection is a potential treatment option for PE and should be further investigated by future clinical studies.

Strengths and Limitations

Ease of administration and prolonged duration of botulinum-A toxin are advantages of the existing treatment options. The risk of anejaculation due to the dosage should be kept in mind.

Conclusions

Injection of botulinum-A toxin into the BS muscle in rats significantly delayed the ejaculation latency time and affected the expulsion phase.
Are stories just as transporting when not in your native tongue?
Authors: CHUNG-FAT-YIM ASHLEY , CILENTO ELENA , PIOTROWSKA EWELINA , MAR RAYMOND A.
Published: July 2019

abstract

We spend much of our time consuming stories across different types of media, often becoming deeply engaged or transported into these stories. However, there has been almost no research into whether processing a story in one’s non-native language influences our level of transportation. We analyzed three existing datasets in order to compare engagement with English-language stories for those who reported English as their first language and those who reported English as their second language. Stories were presented as text (Study 1), audio (Study 2), and short films (Study 3). Across all studies, equivalent levels of narrative transportation between language groups were found, even after accounting for age and years of English fluency. These results are in contrast to some previous proposals that emotional reactions are attenuated during non-native language processing, despite equivalent levels of comprehension. Our evidence indicates that individuals processing a narrative in their second language feel just as transported into the story as those processing the same narrative in their native language.
Child Savers and Unchildlike Youth: Class, Race, and Juvenile Justice in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Burton Chase S.
Published: July 2019

This essay analyzes inequality and the construction of childhood in the early US juvenile justice system. Although the juvenile justice movement’s best intentions focused on protecting children from neglect and the criminal justice system, historians have argued that protective juvenile justice was unequal and ephemeral. I critically summarize three histories of juvenile justice: Anthony Platt’sThe Child Savers: The Invention of Delinquency(1969),Geoff Ward’s The Black Child-Savers: Racial Democracy and Juvenile Justice(2012), and Tera Agyepong’sThe Criminalization of Black Children: Race, Gender, and Delinquency in Chicago’s Juvenile Justice System, 1899–1945(2018). I argue that the common thread in these studies is the construction of poor and black youth as unchildlike. Because the juvenile court arose in a context where not all youth were considered children, it never treated all youth as innocent or in need of protection.
Effects of n-3 PUFA on endothelial function in patients with peripheral arterial disease: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
Authors: Hammer Alexandra , Moertl Deddo , Schlager Oliver , Matschuck Manuela , Seidinger Daniela , Koppensteiner Renate , Steiner Sabine
Published: July 2019

As only limited evidence is available for potential benefits of n-3 PUFA supplementation in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), we studied the effects of 4 g n-3 PUFA on endothelial function and inflammatory markers. Seventy patients with stable PAD classified as Rutherford stage 2 or 3 and good control of cardiovascular factors were randomised to receive either 4 g n-3 PUFA or placebo daily for 3 months in a double-blind fashion. Primary endpoint was endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). In addition, ankle–brachial index, maximum and pain-free walking distances were determined. Lipid parameters including the omega-3 index reflecting n-3 PUFA intake as well as pro-inflammatory, endothelial and platelet activation markers were measured over the same time interval. After 3 months of treatment with 4 g n-3 PUFA daily, a significant improvement of FMD was observed compared with placebo (n-3 PUFA, median Δ 3·7 (interquartile range (IQR) –1·8, 7·1) % v. placebo, Δ –0·5 (IQR –6·5, 3·0) %, P = 0·01 between the groups). After a 3-month washout period, this benefit was not sustained (n-3 PUFA, median Δ 0·6 (IQR –2·2, 5·6) % v. placebo, Δ –0·9 (IQR –6·6, 6·7) %, P = 0·20). In response to n-3 PUFA, an improvement of lipid parameters with a pronounced increase in the omega-3 index was seen. No changes were found for other parameters. In conclusion, in patients with PAD, 4 g/d n-3 PUFA improved cardiovascular risk in PAD patients, which needs testing in large-scale trials.
The metabolic regulation of fenofibrate is dependent on dietary protein content in male juveniles of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Ning L. , Liu Y. , Wang W. , Li Y. , Chen L. , Du Z.-Y.
Published: July 2019

The fenofibrate functions in mammals could be affected by many factors such as dietary nutrient levels and physiological status. However, this phenomenon has not been well studied in fish. The goal of our study was to investigate the effect of dietary protein contents on metabolic regulation of fenofibrate in Nile tilapia. An 8-week experiment was conducted to feed fish with four diets at two protein levels (28 and 38 %) with or without the supplementation of fenofibrate (200 mg/kg body weight per d). After the trial, the body morphometric parameters, plasma biochemical parameters and quantitative PCR data were examined. These results showed that fenofibrate significantly reduced the feeding intake and weight gain rate, increased the oxidative stress (increased plasma methane dicarboxylic aldehyde) and liver : body ratio (increased hepatosomatic index) in the low protein (LP)-fed fish. In contrast, fenofibrate exhibited a lipid-lowering (reduced hepatic lipid) effect and up-regulated the expressions of the genes related to lipid catabolism, transport and anabolic metabolism in the high protein (HP)-fed fish. The present study suggested that lipid-lowering effect of fenofibrate would be strengthened in the fish fed with the HP diet containing high energy, but in the fish fed with the LP diet containing low energy, the fenofibrate treatment would cause adverse effects for metabolism. Taking together, our study showed that the metabolic regulation of fenofibrate in Nile tilapia was dependent not only on feed energy content but also on dietary nutrient composition, such as dietary protein and/or lipid levels.
Unusual seawater composition of the Late Cretaceous Tethys imprinted in glauconite of Narmada basin, central India
Authors: Bansal Udita , Banerjee Santanu , Pande Kanchan , Ruidas Dhiren K.
Published: July 2019

A detailed investigation of a glauconite bed within the Late Cretaceous Bryozoan Limestone Formation of the Bagh Group in central India, as well as the study of existing records, reveals the existence of a ‘glauconitic sea’ along the margins of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean during the Late Cretaceous Epoch. The authigenic green mineral formed abundantly on shallow seafloors unlike in its modern, deep-sea counterpart. We present an integrated petrographical, geochemical and mineralogical investigation of the glauconite within Late Cretaceous transgressive deposits to highlight its unique geochemistry with moderate Fe2O3and high Al2O3, SiO2, MgO as well as K2O contents. X-ray diffractional parameters identify the ‘evolved to high evolved’ nature of the glauconite while Mössbauer spectroscopic study reveals the dominance of Fe3+compared to Fe2+in the atomic structure. The rare earth elements (REE) pattern of glauconite reveals moderate light-REE/heavy-REE (LREE/HREE) fractionation and weak negative Eu anomaly. The Ce anomaly of the glauconite indicates a sub-oxic diagenetic condition. We propose that Late Cretaceous glauconites formed within a shallow marine depositional setting across the Tethyan belt because of enhanced supply of K, Si, Al, Fe, Mg cations through continental weathering under the extant greenhouse climate.
Rural old-age social exclusion: a conceptual framework on mediators of exclusion across the lifecourse
Authors: Walsh Kieran , O'Shea Eamon , Scharf Thomas
Published: July 2019

Social exclusion amongst rural-dwelling older adults and the role of the diversity of people and places in mediating the construction of that exclusion has not been adequately investigated or conceptualised in the international literature. Consequently, how ageing in a rural community can function to disadvantage or protect older people remains poorly understood. With the aim of advancing conceptual understanding on rural old-age social exclusion, this article explores how exclusion is manifest in the lifecourse experiences of rural-dwelling older adults and the role of mediating factors in the construction of exclusion in different kinds of rural places. The analysis draws on ten rural case-study sites across Ireland and Northern Ireland, encompassing five kinds of rural communities: dispersed rural; remote rural; island rural; village rural; and near-urban rural. Data come from 106 interviews with older people ranging in age from 59 to 93 years. Rural old-age social exclusion is confirmed as a multi-dimensional construct, involving: social relations; service infrastructure; transport and mobility; safety, security and crime; and financial and material resources. This analysis demonstrates that social exclusion for rural-dwelling older people is multi-layered, and its prevalence and form is shaped by four mediating factors: individual capacities; lifecourse trajectories; place; and macro-economic forces. The findings are used to present a conceptual framework that emphasises the role of mediating forces on rural old-age social exclusion.
Research on Attitude Interpolation and Tracking Control Based on Improved Orientation Vector SLERP Method
Authors: Dong Mingjie , Yao Guodong , Li Jianfeng , Zhang Leiyu
Published: July 2019

In order to make the end of the three-axis platform follow the control command and achieve stable control of the end attitude, an improved orientation vector spherical linear interpolation (SLERP) method is proposed for the requirements, which specifically handles the position of the gimbal lock, so that the platform can move smoothly around the gimbal lock position. A three-axis platform with a camera at the end is set up for the validity of the proposed algorithm. At first, an adaptive speed measurement method based on incremental encoder is introduced, which can automatically adapt to high and low speed, and estimate the ultra-low speed to realize the speed measurement of large dynamic range, and this is used for the motion control of the three-axis platform. Then, the SLERP method for the quaternion interpolation on the starting and ending attitudes represented in quaternion is introduced in detail, and it is continuously improved in response to its existing problems for the platform. Finally, an orientation vector SLERP method is proposed, which uses viscosity factor and rejection factor to adjust the algorithm near the platform’s gimbal lock position. A tracking experiment was designed using the red ball as the following target detected by the designed target tracking algorithm using the camera, which verified the effectiveness of the attitude tracking control based on the proposed improved orientation vector SLERP.
Types of embedded graphs and their Tutte polynomials
Authors: HUGGETT STEPHEN , MOFFATT IAIN
Published: July 2019

We take an elementary and systematic approach to the problem of extending the Tutte polynomial to the setting of embedded graphs. Four notions of embedded graphs arise naturally when considering deletion and contraction operations on graphs on surfaces. We give a description of each class in terms of coloured ribbon graphs. We then identify a universal deletion-contraction invariant (i.e., a ‘Tutte polynomial’) for each class. We relate these to graph polynomials in the literature, including the Bollobás–Riordan, Krushkal and Las Vergnas polynomials, and give state-sum formulations, duality relations, deleton-contraction relations, and quasi-tree expansions for each of them.
Grounding Probability in Narrow Waterways
Authors: Özlem Şirin , Altan Yiğit Can , Otay Emre N. , Or İlhan
Published: July 2019

The Strait of Istanbul is one of the world's busiest, narrowest and most winding waterways. As such, there is a high grounding probability for vessels. Although a number of grounding probability models exist, they have been deemed unsuitable by local maritime experts, due to their insufficient stopping distance criteria for narrow waterways. Thus, there is a need for a new model. This paper proposes a two-component grounding probability model that multiplies the geometric grounding probability (calculated with a kinematic-based model) with the causation probability (calculated with a specially designed Bayesian network). The geometric probability model is improved in terms of stopping distance parameters and the Bayesian network is crafted for narrow waterways. The model is then deployed with pre-determined parameters within the Strait of Istanbul to run risk analysis scenarios. The results, validated with actual grounding records, show that the causation probability is the key component for quantifying the probability of grounding in narrow waterways. If navigated without frequent evasive manoeuvres, grounding would be almost inevitable. Although this study focuses on the Strait of Istanbul, the proposed approach can be applied to research into grounding probability of vessels navigating through other waterways.
Development of healthy and sustainable food-based dietary guidelines for the Netherlands
Authors: Brink Elizabeth , van Rossum Caroline , Postma-Smeets Astrid , Stafleu Annette , Wolvers Danielle , van Dooren Corné , Toxopeus Ido , Buurma-Rethans Elly , Geurts Marjolein , Ocké Marga
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To derive healthy and sustainable food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) for different target groups in the Netherlands and describe the process.

Design:

Optimised dietary patterns for children, adolescents, adults and the elderly were calculated using an optimisation model. Foods high in saturated and trans-fatty acids, salt and sugar, and low in dietary fibre, were excluded. The dietary patterns resembled the current food consumption as closely as possible, while simultaneously meeting recommendations for food groups, nutrients, maximum limits for foods with a high environmental impact, and within 85 % of the energy requirement. Recommended daily amounts of food groups were based on the optimised dietary patterns and expert judgement.

Setting:

The Netherlands.

Participants:

FBDG were derived for Dutch people with different ages, genders, activity levels and food preferences.

Results:

For most target groups the optimisation model provided dietary patterns that complied with all requirements. For some food groups, the optimised amounts varied largely between target groups. For consistent messages to consumers, the optimised dietary patterns were adjusted to uniform recommendations per target group. Recommendations were visualised in the Wheel of Five. The advice is to eat the recommended amounts of foods according to the Wheel of Five and limit consumption of other foods.

Conclusions:

Based on an optimisation model, scientific evidence, information on dietary patterns and expert knowledge, we derived FBDG for different target groups. The Wheel of Five is a key food-counselling model that can help Dutch consumers to make their diets healthier and more environmentally sustainable.
ZERO-POINTED MANIFOLDS
Authors: Ayala David , Francis John
Published: July 2019

We formulate a theory of pointed manifolds, accommodating both embeddings and Pontryagin–Thom collapse maps, so as to present a common generalization of Poincaré duality in topology and Koszul duality in ${\mathcal{E}}_{n}$-algebra.