bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bisphosphonate‐induced reactive oxygen species inhibit proliferation and migration of oral fibroblasts: A pathogenesis of bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Taniguchi Naomi , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Onuma Kunishige , Ishikawa Mizuho , Ryoke Kazuo , Kodani Isamu , Okada Futoshi
Published: December 2019

Background

The onset mechanism for bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) has been reported, with a focus on bone remodeling, biofilm formation, and epithelial cell proliferation and migration. However, the involvement of stromal cells, especially fibroblasts, in the oral cavity is unclear. Therefore, this study was focused on how bisphosphonates (BPs) affect orthotopic periodontal ligament fibroblasts from the viewpoint of oxidative stress compared with ectopically obtained fibroblasts.

Methods

Normal human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPdLFs) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were used to gain insight into the functional differences in sensitivity and reactions to BPs. Cell growth assay, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, and wound‐healing assay in vitro were performed. Maxillary first molars were extracted in C57BL/6 mice and either BP, N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC), and BP or saline were administered.

Results

BP‐induced IC50 values were significantly lower in HPdLFs (30.6 µM) than in NHDFs (109.7 µM). BP resulted in an increase in ROS, but not NO generation in HPdLFs. BPs also inhibited proliferation and migration of HPdLFs but not NHDFs, while the addition of a ROS inhibitor, NAC, reversed those inhibitions. A BRONJ mouse model in which BP was administered and then the tooth was extracted, impaired wound healing of the socket was observed. When NAC was administered before tooth extraction, wound healing was significantly improved.

Conclusion

These results suggest that BP causes fibroblasts obtained from the oral cavity but not from skin to generate ROS and that the subsequent ROS‐mediated inhibition of fibroblast growth and migration definitely delays wound healing, thereby contributing to BRONJ pathogenesis.
Selective excitation of one among the three peaks of tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy by a shaped ultrafast laser pulse
Authors: Xia Yingjie , Zhao Hua , Zhang Shian , Feng Donghai , Sun Zhenrong , Li Jinping , Jia Tianqing
Published: December 2019

There are generally several neighboring Raman peaks that are excited simultaneously in tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). A method to selectively excite a specific Raman peak and simultaneously depress the others is required for suppressing noise and improving detection sensitivity and accuracy. In this study, we demonstrate a scheme for selective excitation of one Raman peak among three excited states in TERS by properly shaping the pump and Stokes femtosecond laser pulses. The shaped pump and Stokes pulses are transformed into time domain, discretized and reconstructed; they are then used to irradiate the TERS structure obliquely. The impulse responses at five probe points of the TERS structure are calculated followed by a Fourier transform. In these cases, the probability of one selectively excited Raman transition increases by several hundreds to tens of thousands in amplitude, whereas the others are both depressed to zero. The probe points at different positions in the tip apex do not affect the enhanced and selective excitation of one Raman transition among the three excited states.
The Stanford Lightning Report Method: A comparison of rapid qualitative synthesis results across four implementation evaluations
Authors: Brown‐Johnson Cati , Safaeinili Nadia , Zionts Dani , Holdsworth Laura M. , Shaw Jonathan G. , Asch Steven M. , Mahoney Megan , Winget Marcy
Published: December 2019

Background

Current evaluation methods are mismatched with the speed of health care innovation and needs of health care delivery partners. We introduce a qualitative approach called the lightning report method and its specific product—the “Lightning Report.” We compare implementation evaluation results across four projects to explore report sensitivity and the potential depth and breadth of lightning report method findings.

Methods

The lightning report method was refined over 2.5 years across four projects: team‐based primary care, cancer center transformation, precision health in primary care, and a national life‐sustaining decisions initiative. The novelty of the lightning report method is the application of Plus/Delta/Insight debriefing to dynamic implementation evaluation. This analytic structure captures Plus (“what works”), Delta (“what needs to be changed”), and Insights (participant or evaluator insights, ideas, and recommendations). We used structured coding based on implementation science barriers and facilitators outlined in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) applied to 17 Lightning Reports from four projects.

Results

Health care partners reported that Lighting Reports were valuable, easy to understand, and they implied reports supported “corrective action” for implementations. Comparative analysis revealed cross‐project emphasis on the domains of Inner Setting and Intervention Characteristics, with themes of communication, resources/staffing, feedback/reflection, alignment with simultaneous interventions and traditional care, and team cohesion. In three of the four assessed projects, the largest proportion of coding was to the clinic‐level domain of Inner Setting—ranging from 39% for the cancer center project to a high of 56% for the life‐sustaining decisions project.

Conclusions

The lightning report method can fill a gap in rapid qualitative approaches and is generalizable with consistent but flexible core methods. Comparative analysis suggests it is a sensitive tool, capable of uncovering differences and insights in implementation across projects. The Lightning Report facilitates partnered evaluation and communication with stakeholders by providing real‐time, actionable insights in dynamic health care implementations.
Circular RNA circ‐CMPK1 contributes to cell proliferation of non‐small cell lung cancer by elevating cyclin D1 via sponging miR‐302e
Authors: Cui Dong , Qian Runlin , Li Yin
Published: December 2019

Background

It is well recognized that competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network is linked to the development and progression of cancer, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we aimed to explore the functional role of circ‐CMPK1/miR‐302e/cyclin D1 ceRNA signaling in NSCLC.

Methods

GEO database (GSE102287) was utilized to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in NSCLC. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting assays were used to determine gene expression. Cell proliferation analysis was performed with Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and cell cycle assays. Luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays were conducted to identify the interaction among circ‐CMPK1, miR‐302e, and cyclin D1. Xenograft tumor model was established to evaluate the role of circ‐CMPK1/miR‐302e/cyclin D1 axis in vivo.

Results

miR‐302e expression was significantly down‐regulated in NSCLC cell lines and tissues and its decrease was closely associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and unfavorable outcome. Overexpression and knockdown of miR‐302e obviously retarded and enhanced the growth of NSCLC, respectively. Furthermore, we found that miR‐302 was sponged by circular RNA CMPK1 (circ‐CMPK1, hsa_circ_0012384), which was remarkably up‐regulated in NSCLC and predicted poor prognosis. Circ‐CMPK1 was capable to promote NSCLC cells proliferation by increasing the expression of cyclin D1 via inhibiting miR‐302 activity. Moreover the miR‐302e‐mediated tumor inhibition could be effectively counteracted by ectopic expression of circ‐CMPK1 or cyclin D1 both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate for the first time that circ‐CMPK1/miR‐302e/cyclin D1 signaling plays an essential regulatory role in NSCLC and targeting this axis may be an efficacious avenue for treatment of NSCLC patients.
Analytical and numerical solutions of mathematical biology models: The Newell‐Whitehead‐Segel and Allen‐Cahn equations
Authors: Inan Bilge , Osman Mohamed S. , Ak Turgut , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we combine the unified and the explicit exponential finite difference methods to obtain both analytical and numerical solutions for the Newell‐Whitehead‐Segel–type equations which are very important in mathematical biology. The unified method is utilized to obtain various solitary wave solutions for these equations. Numerical solutions of the specific case studies are investigated by using the explicit exponential finite difference method ensures the accuracy and reliability of the proposed scheme. After obtaining the approximate solutions, convergence analysis and error estimation (the error norms and absolute errors) are presented by comparing these results with the analytical obtained solutions and other methods in the literature through tables and graphs. The obtained analytical and numerical results are in good agreement.
The KdV approximation for a system with unstable resonances
Authors: Schneider Guido
Published: December 2019

The KdV equation can be derived via multiple scaling analysis for the approximate description of long waves in dispersive systems with a conservation law. In this paper, we justify this approximation for a system with unstable resonances by proving estimates between the KdV approximation and true solutions of the original system. By working in spaces of analytic functions, the approach will allow us to handle more complicated systems without a detailed discussion of the resonances and without finding a suitableenergy.
Regularization of a multidimensional diffusion equation with conformable time derivative and discrete data
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Huy , Thach Tran Ngoc , Can Nguyen Huu , O'Regan Donal
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider a backward problem for a nonlinear diffusion equation with a conformable derivative in the case of multidimensional and discrete data. We show that this problem is ill‐posed and then we establish stable approximate solutions by two different regularization methods: the Fourier truncated method and the quasi‐boundary value (QBV) method. Furthermore, the error between the approximate solution and the sought solution is given.
The Relationship between Fish Intake and Urinary Trimethylamine‐N‐Oxide
Authors: Yin Xiaofei , Gibbons Helena , Rundle Milena , Frost Gary , McNulty Breige A. , Nugent Anne P. , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert , Brennan Lorraine
Published: December 2019

Scope

Fish intake is reported to be associated with certain health benefits; however, accurate assessment of fish intake is still problematic. The objective of this study is to identify fish intake biomarkers and examine relationships with health parameters in a free‐living population.

Methods and results

In the NutriTech study, ten participants randomized into the fish group consume increasing quantities of fish for 3 days per week for 3 weeks. Urine is analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), dimethylamine, and dimethyl sulfone are identified and display significant dose–response with intake (p < 0.05). Fish consumption yields a greater increase in urinary TMAO compared to red meat. Biomarker‐derived fish intake is calculated in the National Adult Nutrition Survey cross‐sectional study. However, the correlation between fish intake and TMAO (r = 0.148, p < 0.01) and that between fish intake and calculated fish intake (r = 0.142, p < 0.01) are poor. In addition, TMAO shows significantly positive correlation with serum insulin and insulin resistance in males and the relationship is more pronounced for males with high dietary fat intake.

Conclusion

Urinary TMAO displays a strong dose–response relationship with fish intake; however, use of TMAO alone is insufficient to determine fish intake in a free‐living population.
A mobile isocentric C‐arm for intraoperative cone‐beam CT: Technical assessment of dose and 3D imaging performance
Authors: Sheth N. M. , De Silva T. , Uneri A. , Ketcha M. , Han R. , Vijayan R. , Osgood G. M. , Siewerdsen J. H.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To characterize the radiation dose and three‐dimensional (3D) imaging performance of a recently developed mobile, isocentric C‐arm equipped with a flat‐panel detector (FPD) for intraoperative cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) (Cios Spin 3D, Siemens Healthineers) and to identify potential improvements in 3D imaging protocols for pertinent imaging tasks.

Methods

The C‐arm features a 30 × 30 cm2 FPD and isocentric gantry with computer‐controlled motorization of rotation (0–195°), angulation (±220°), and height (0–45 cm). Geometric calibration was assessed in terms of 9 degrees of freedom of the x‐ray source and detector in CBCT scans, and the reproducibility of geometric calibration was evaluated. Standard and custom scan protocols were evaluated, with variation in the number of projections (100–400) and mAs per view (0.05–1.65 mAs). Image reconstruction was based on 3D filtered backprojection using “smooth,” “normal,” and “sharp” reconstruction filters as well as a custom, two‐dimensional 2D isotropic filter. Imaging performance was evaluated in terms of uniformity, gray value correspondence with Hounsfield units (HU), contrast, noise (noise‐power spectrum, NPS), spatial resolution (modulation transfer function, MTF), and noise‐equivalent quanta (NEQ). Performance tradeoffs among protocols were visualized in anthropomorphic phantoms for various anatomical sites and imaging tasks.

Results

Geometric calibration showed a high degree of reproducibility despite ~19 mm gantry flex over a nominal semicircular orbit. The dose for a CBCT scan varied from ~0.8–4.7 mGy for head protocols to ~6–38 mGy for body protocols. The MTF was consistent with sub‐mm spatial resolution, with f10 (frequency at which MTF = 10%) equal to 0.64 mm−1, 1.0 mm−1, and 1.5 mm−1 for smooth, standard, and sharp filters respectively. Implementation of a custom 2D isotropic filter improved CNR ~ 50–60% for both head and body protocols and provided more isotropic resolution and noise characteristics. The NPS and NEQ quantified the 3D noise performance and provided a guide to protocol selection, confirmed in images of anthropomorphic phantoms. Alternative scan protocols were identified according to body site and task — for example, lower‐dose body protocols (<3 mGy) sufficient for visualization of bone structures.

Conclusion

The studies provided objective assessment of the dose and 3D imaging performance of a new C‐arm, offering an important basis for clinical deployment and a benchmark for quality assurance. Modifications to standard 3D imaging protocols were identified that may improve performance or reduce radiation dose for pertinent imaging tasks.
Performance of compressed sensing for fluorine‐19 magnetic resonance imaging at low signal‐to‐noise ratio conditions
Authors: Starke Ludger , Pohlmann Andreas , Prinz Christian , Niendorf Thoralf , Waiczies Sonia
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To examine the performance of compressed sensing (CS) in reconstructing low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) 19F MR signals that are close to the detection threshold and originate from small signal sources with no a priori known location.

Methods

Regularization strength was adjusted automatically based on noise level. As performance metrics, root‐mean‐square deviations, true positive rates (TPRs), and false discovery rates were computed. CS and conventional reconstructions were compared at equal measurement time and evaluated in relation to high‐SNR reference data. 19F MR data were generated from a purpose‐built phantom and benchmarked against simulations, as well as from the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model. We quantified the signal intensity bias and introduced an intensity calibration for in vivo data using high‐SNR ex vivo data.

Results

Low‐SNR 19F MR data could be reliably reconstructed. Detection sensitivity was consistently improved and data fidelity was preserved for undersampling and averaging factors of α = 2 or = 3. Higher α led to signal blurring in the mouse model. The improved TPRs at α = 3 were comparable to a 2.5‐fold increase in measurement time. Whereas CS resulted in a downward bias of the 19F MR signal, Fourier reconstructions resulted in an unexpected upward bias of similar magnitude. The calibration corrected signal‐intensity deviations for all reconstructions.

Conclusion

CS is advantageous whenever image features are close to the detection threshold. It is a powerful tool, even for low‐SNR data with sparsely distributed 19F signals, to improve spatial and temporal resolution in 19F MR applications.
The value of nasal nitric oxide measurement in the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Xinglan , Li Huimin , Wang Wei , Zhao Shunying
Published: December 2019

Importance

Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) testing is a method used in the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). It has not been evaluated in Chinese population.

Objective

To establish a reference nNO value to assist in the diagnosis of PCD in Chinese children.

Methods

nNO values were measured in children with PCD (n = 36), cystic fibrosis (CF) (n = 20), asthma (n = 45), post‐infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) (n = 41) and non‐PCD/non‐CF bronchiectasis (n = 32). The receiver operating characteristic nNO value for the diagnosis of PCD was plotted and the area under the curve was calculated.

Results

nNO values were significantly lower in children with PCD (median 25.66 nL/min) than in children with asthma (186.26 ± 58.95 nL/ min), BO (143.47 ± 49.71 nL/min) and non‐PCD/non‐CF bronchiectasis (173.13 ± 63.80 nL/min), but not in children with CF (90.90 ± 43.20 nL/min). Notably however, no CF patient had an nNO value < 45 nL/min. A cut‐off of 76 nL/min yielded the best sensitivity of 86.1%, and specificity of 91.4%, with an area under the curve of 0.920 (95% confidence interval 0.859–0.981) for the diagnosis of PCD. If CF was ruled out the specificity increased to nearly 100%.

Interpretation

nNO testing is able to discriminate between patients with PCD and those with CF, asthma, post‐infectious BO and non‐PCD/non‐CF bronchiectasis. A cut‐off of 76 nL/min could be further examined in patients suspected of PCD, to establish an nNO reference value for PCD screening in Chinese children.
Clinical characteristics and prognoses of pulmonary mucormycosis in four children
Authors: Guo Siyuan , Liu Hui , Tang Xiaolei , Yang Haiming
Published: December 2019

Importance

Pulmonary mucormycosis is life threatening and carries a poor prognosis. Identification of factors that improve prognosis is urgently necessary.

Objective

To analyze the clinical features and outcomes of pulmonary mucormycosis in children.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of clinical data of four cases with pulmonary mucormycosis was conducted in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2018.

Results

Underlying diseases were identified in all four cases (diabetes in three individuals and a hematological malignancy in one individual). The predominant clinical manifestations were fever, cough, chest pain and hemoptysis. Imaging features included consolidation or nodules with cavities. All four cases were treated with liposomal amphotericin B, one case underwent lobectomy, and three cases received a full course of posaconazole. All four cases were cured.

Interpretation

Patients with pulmonary mucormycosis often have underlying diseases. Imaging features are relatively characteristic. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B at an early stage and a sufficient course of posaconazole for maintenance significantly improves prognosis.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Geng Xuezhi , Wu Yunxiao , Ge Wentong , Feng Guoshuang , Zheng Li , Xu Zhifei , Ni Xin
Published: December 2019

Importance

The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children has increased year by year recently. Blood pressure research of OSAS children can help understand the occurrence of OSAS related complications. Early detection and intervention of blood pressure changes in children with OSAS can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in later adulthood.

Objective

To investigate the differences in blood pressure among different groups of snoring children and different sleep stages.

Methods

Habitually snoring children (snoring frequency of ≥ 3 nights per week) aged 3 to 11 years were recruited from Beijing Children's Hospital from 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2018. All children underwent polysomnography, and their blood pressure was monitored and calculated by the pulse transit time. The children were divided into those with primary snoring (PS), mild OSAS, and moderate to severe OSAS according to their obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (OAHI).

Results

In total, 140 children were included. Ninety‐seven had PS, 24 had mild OSAS, and 19 had moderate to severe OSAS. There were no differences in age, sex, or body mass index z‐score among the groups. Statistically significant differences were found in the OAHI, oxygen desaturation index 3%, respiratory arousal index, and lowest oxygen saturation among the three groups. Children with moderate to severe OSAS had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those with mild OSAS and PS (P < 0.001). In all children, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was higher in the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage than in the non‐REM sleep stage (P < 0.05).

Interpretation

Children with moderate to severe OSAS had higher blood pressure than those with PS and mild OSAS in all sleep stages. Blood pressure in the REM sleep stage was higher than that in other sleep stages in all groups of children.
Airway function throughout the lifespan: Pediatric origins of adult respiratory disease
Authors: Allen Julian Lewis
Published: December 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of disability and death of adults in the USA and worldwide. While environmental factors such as smoking and air pollution are major contributors to COPD, pediatric respiratory disease and more specifically early childhood wheezing are frequent predisposing factors. It is therefore possible that aggressive prevention and treatment of childhood respiratory illness may modify adult COPD risk. This article reviews some of the physiological factors that may explain the pediatric origins of childhood lung disease. One such factor is the “tracking” of normal lung function which occurs with growth. The maximal expiratory flow volume (MEFV) curve is an ideally suited tool to monitor tracking of airway function over the lifespan, as its relative effort independence makes it highly reliable. Study of the MEFV curve has demonstrated that individuals with similar lung volumes can have large differences in maximal flows, reflecting a disconnection between airway and lung growth (“dysanapsis”). Less than average airway size due to dysanaptic airway growth or airway remodeling may be independent risk factors for the development of COPD and the asthma/COPD overlap syndrome in adult life. There are intriguing early data suggesting that perhaps at least some of this risk is modifiable by improving asthma control with inhaled corticosteroids and minimizing asthma exacerbations.
Pulmonary hypertension and chronic hypoventilation in ROHHAD syndrome treated with average‐volume assured pressure support
Authors: Stowe Robert C. , Afolabi‐Brown Olufunke
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Rapid‐onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome is an exceptionally rare clinical entity with significant morbidity and high mortality with challenging‐to‐treat hypoventilation.

Case presentation

An 11‐year‐old morbidly obese Chinese female presented with a putative diagnosis of ROHHAD associated with a left psoas ganglioneuroma. Initial polysomnography showed severe obstructive sleep apnea and hypoventilation. She was not adherent to prescribed non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Echocardiography demonstrated evidence of pulmonary hypertension, likely secondary to chronic hypoventilation. With behavioral modification and trial of average volume‐assured pressure support (AVAPS), adherence improved with eventual improvement of her pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusion

AVAPS may improve ventilation and NIPPV adherence in central hypoventilation disorders such as ROHHAD, reducing risk of morbidity and mortality.
New and Worsening Long‐term Immune‐Related Adverse Events with PD‐1/PD‐L1 Pathway Agents in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Hall Kevin H. , Liu Yuan , Jiang Chen , Harvey R. Donald
Published: December 2019

Study Objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have produced durable responses across a variety of cancers. Although programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and its ligand (PD‐L1) inhibitors activate T cells against tumor cells, they may also cause autoimmune‐like toxicities termed immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). Although much is known regarding irAEs that occur early during treatment, data on the long‐term toxicity profile of these agents are more limited. Our primary objective was to evaluate the frequency of patients receiving anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy for at least 6 continuous months who experienced new or worsening irAEs requiring clinical interventions. Secondary objectives included assessment of other factors associated with clinically significant irAEs after at least 6 months of therapy.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Large university‐affiliated National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center.

Patients

A total of 159 adults diagnosed with any malignancy who received a PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor—nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab—as monotherapy or with concurrent cytotoxic agents, for at least 6 months, between January 1, 2014, and September 1, 2017.

Measurements and Main Results

We collected information on the incidence and timing of irAEs, along with patient demographics and other treatment outcomes. Thirty‐eight patients (24%) experienced clinically significant, new, or worsening irAEs after 6 months of treatment with anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy. Hypothyroidism was the most common irAE experienced (20 patients [12.6%]), followed by pneumonitis (5 patients [3%]); 2 patients died due to pneumonitis. Four patients (2.5%) had a deepened disease response beyond 6 months of treatment.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that a significant proportion of patients continue to experience irAEs with long‐term use of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors. These results further contribute to the risk‐benefit understanding of chronic PD‐1/PD‐L1 antagonism and support discontinuation of these agents following deepest response.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 55)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Dunlop Ewan D. , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Yoshita Masahiro , Kopidakis Nikos , Ho‐Baillie Anita W.Y.
Published: December 2019

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since July 2019 are reviewed.
The construction of personal geographies among Romanian older migrants in Switzerland
Authors: Ciobanu Ruxandra Oana , Bolzman Claudio
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses the construction of personal geographies of (im)mobility among Romanian older migrants in Switzerland and those who moved back to Romania after having lived in Switzerland. The analysis draws on 32 biographical narrative interviews with Romanian migrants aged 57 and older. This is a heterogeneous population consisting of former political refugees, family migrants, and return migrants. The paper reconstructs the strategies refugees used to maintain ties to their homeland during the communist regime, when it was difficult to physically return home, and during the first attempts to re‐establish concrete ties after the fall of the dictatorship. Since then older Romanians have developed a variety of personal geographies of (im)mobility: cutting ties to Romania, tourism, back‐and‐forth trips, attempted, and concrete return. The paper's contributions derive from applying a life course perspective to the study of migration, focusing on little studied groups and on concrete return behaviour and not just intentions.
A Study on the Interfacial Structure Design of Self‐Compliance Ni/HfOx/Ni Bipolar Selectors and Trap‐to‐Trap Tunneling Mechanism Caused by Redox Reaction
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Cao Lili , Miao Min , Zhang Hao , Luo Bingwei
Published: December 2019

Selectors are considered some of the most significant devices applied to the integration of resistive random access memory (RRAM). Self‐compliance selectors promote the stability of one selector and one resistor (1S1R) cell to reduce additional compliance current circuits without compromising RRAM switching performance. Herein, a Ni/HfOx/Ni bipolar selector with special cluster microstructures is fabricated via a facial magnetron sputtering technology, which has self‐compliance (±12 μA) performance and ultrahigh voltage endurance (±10 V). To investigate the mechanism, theoretical models for the self‐compliance selectors are proposed. The results demonstrate that traps and special interfaces are formed through redox reactions. Resistive switching properties are caused by the trap‐to‐trap tunneling structure of the HfOx–NiOy layers. At the interfaces of HfOx–NiOy oxide layers, the tunneling current reaches a saturation state, leading to the self‐compliance phenomenon, which provides a theoretical and research foundation for the development of RRAM technology.
Defect‐Induced Magnetism in Nonmagnetic Oxides: Basic Principles, Experimental Evidence, and Possible Devices with ZnO and TiO2
Authors: Esquinazi Pablo David , Hergert Wolfram , Stiller Markus , Botsch Lukas , Ohldag Hendrik , Spemann Daniel , Hoffmann Martin , Adeagbo Waheed A. , Chassé Angelika , Nayak Sanjeev K. , Ben Hamed Hichem
Published: December 2019

The magnetic moment and the magnetic order induced by localized defects, like vacancies, interstitials, and/or nonmagnetic (NM) ions, in a NM oxide atomic lattice are discussed. When the defect concentration is of the order of or larger than ≈3 at%, magnetic order at room temperature can appear. Herein, the theoretical basic principles needed to understand and compute this new magnetic phenomenon in solids are developed in detail. In particular, the main results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to estimate the magnetization and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) values. The main experimental evidences on this phenomenon are reviewed, especially magnetization, the element‐specific XMCD, and transport properties in two selected oxides, ZnO and TiO2. Emphasis is given on the simplicity and efficiency ion irradiation methods have to trigger magnetic order in these oxides as well as a very sensitive method to characterize magnetic impurities. Two possible applications of this phenomenon are discussed, namely spin filtering at magnetic/NM interfaces in ZnO and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy triggered in TiO2 anatase microstructures. The existing literature on defect‐induced magnetism in oxides is shortly reviewed, which provides further evidence on the robustness of this phenomenon in solids.
Standardization on performance objectives of satellite systems using adaptive coding and modulation
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Oh Daesub , Park Jongmin
Published: December 2019

The radiocommunication part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU‐R) establishes the standards for wireless communications. Recommendation ITU‐R S.1062 specifies the performance objectives for satellite communication systems providing constant bit rate service. However, this is not applicable to most modern satellite communication systems utilizing adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) schemes to compensate for channel impairments, especially for systems operating in high frequency bands. For this reason, ITU‐R recently developed Recommendation ITU‐R S.2131 that is suitable for satellite systems with ACM. The developed Recommendation provides a method to determine performance objectives for satellite systems using ACM. Two possible objective parameters are presented, including packet error rate and spectral efficiency. This paper presents the standardization process, and the background used to establish new performance objectives. In addition, interpretations of the objectives are given by using estimation results for two different propagation characteristics.
LGBT rights in Chile: On the verge of a gay‐rights revolution?
Authors: Schulenberg Shawn
Published: December 2019

This paper examines the history of the LGBT + movement in Chile, the opposition to LGBT + rights, and the general state of public opinion. This should set us up to see how strong of an actor these social movement organizations, what their desires are, and how well equipped they are to take on the opposition. Second, we will consider the legal status quo of same‐sex unions. Does the Constitution take a stand on it or must we look elsewhere in the law to see how marriage is defined? Moreover, this should also tell us if we can use all three branches of government to change the law. The next section of the paper will methodically examine the power and preferences of actors in all three branches of government. Who has the power to change the law for same‐sex partnership recognition? Finally, this paper explains why the presidency played a key role in passing civil union legislation, but there is still reason to be skeptical that marriage or adoption rights will be recognized anytime soon.
Semiparametric Bayesian variable selection for gene‐environment interactions
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhou Fei , Li Xiaoxi , Chen Qi , Zhang Hongmei , Ma Shuangge , Jiang Yu , Wu Cen
Published: December 2019

Many complex diseases are known to be affected by the interactions between genetic variants and environmental exposures beyond the main genetic and environmental effects. Study of gene‐environment (G×E) interactions is important for elucidating the disease etiology. Existing Bayesian methods for G×E interaction studies are challenged by the high‐dimensional nature of the study and the complexity of environmental influences. Many studies have shown the advantages of penalization methods in detecting G×E interactions in “large p, small n” settings. However, Bayesian variable selection, which can provide fresh insight into G×E study, has not been widely examined. We propose a novel and powerful semiparametric Bayesian variable selection model that can investigate linear and nonlinear G×E interactions simultaneously. Furthermore, the proposed method can conduct structural identification by distinguishing nonlinear interactions from main‐effects‐only case within the Bayesian framework. Spike‐and‐slab priors are incorporated on both individual and group levels to identify the sparse main and interaction effects. The proposed method conducts Bayesian variable selection more efficiently than existing methods. Simulation shows that the proposed model outperforms competing alternatives in terms of both identification and prediction. The proposed Bayesian method leads to the identification of main and interaction effects with important implications in a high‐throughput profiling study with high‐dimensional SNP data.
A Long‐Life Battery‐Type Electrochromic Window with Remarkable Energy Storage Ability
Authors: Wang Bian , Cui Mangwei , Gao Yanfeng , Jiang Fuyi , Du Wei , Gao Feng , Kang Litao , Zhi Chunyi , Luo Hongjie
Published: December 2019

Electrochromic (EC) windows with controllable transmittances according to ambient temperature and solar irradiation strength are highly desired for energy‐efficient buildings. However, traditional EC windows operate via consuming electrical energy to trigger the chromogenic reactions, with negligible energy storage ability. Herein, a facile battery‐type Prussian blue (PB, Fe4III[FeII(CN)6]3)/Zn EC window with excellent EC properties (transmittance modulation = 84.9% at 633 nm), remarkable energy storage ability (average output voltage = 1.24 V and areal capacity = 78.9 mAh m−2), fast switching time (tbleaching = 4.1 s and tcoloring = 4.6 s), as well as an ultralong cycling lifetime (7000 cycles with 60.7% capacity retention and 92.7% transmittance modulation retention) is reported, thanks to the rational electrode and electrolyte design. As an EC window, this device can effectively promote energy efficiency and occupational comfort of buildings by regulating visible light transmittance. As a battery, this device can work as backup power or a component of smart grids, making the buildings more sustainable and functional. The design concept of this bifunctional device is helpful to further the development of next‐generation EC windows.
Gaseous Ozonation at Low Concentration Modifies Functional, Pasting, and Thermal Properties of Arrowroot Starch (Maranta arundinaceae)
Authors: Handarini Kejora , Hamdani Jajang Sauman , Cahyana Yana , Setiasih Imas Siti
Published: December 2019

Gaseous ozone at 13 parts per million (ppm) is applied repeatedly (10–30 cycles) to oxidize dry arrowroot starch. The ozonation increases carboxyl content of the starch by 0.13–0.52%. The starch granule surface becomes rougher and it exhibits a presence of fissure particularly at 30 cycles. Crystallinity decreases with the increase of ozonation cycle but the A‐type pattern of the native starch remains unchanged. Swelling volume, solubility, water absorption capacity, and gel strength of the native starch increases following ozonation particularly at 30 cycles. Freeze–thaw stability is also augmented as indicated by a decrease in syneresis. The ozonation at 10, 20 and 30 cycles remarkably decreases the syneresis of native starch (5.24%) to 0.02%, 0.002% and 0.001% respectively. No effect of ozonation on pasting point is observed but an increase of values of the other pasting properties is noted. Regarding thermal properties, the ozonation increases T0 of the arrowroot starch. The decrease in ΔT, along with the increase in ΔH of the ozonated starch, suggests that the ozonation leads to the formation of more homogenous and stronger crystallites. Overall, the effectiveness of gaseous ozonation at low concentration on modifying starch properties is dependent on the number of ozonation cycles.
Extraction, correlation, and abstraction of event data for process mining
Authors: Diba Kiarash , Batoulis Kimon , Weidlich Matthias , Weske Mathias
Published: December 2019

Process mining provides a rich set of techniques to discover valuable knowledge of business processes based on data that was recorded in different types of information systems. It enables analysis of end‐to‐end processes to facilitate process re‐engineering and process improvement. Process mining techniques rely on the availability of data in the form of event logs. In order to enable process mining in diverse environments, the recorded data need to be located and transformed to event logs. The journey from raw data to event logs suitable for process mining can be addressed by a variety of methods and techniques, which are the focus of this article. In particular, techniques proposed in the literature to support the creation of event logs from raw data are reviewed and classified. This includes techniques for identification and extraction of the required event data from diverse sources as well as their correlation and abstraction.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Data Concepts

Technologies > Data Preprocessing
Probing effects of new physics in $$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {\varLambda}_c^{+}{\mu}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\mu } $$ decays
Authors: Ferrillo Martina , Mathad Abhijit , Owen Patrick , Serra Nicola
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We present, for the first time, the six-fold differential decay density expression for

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {\varLambda}_c^{+}\mu {\ell}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\ell } $$

Λ
b
0

→

Λ
c
+

μ

ℓ
−

v
¯

ℓ

, taking into account the polarisation of the

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0 $$

Λ
b
0

baryon and a complete basis of new physics operators. Using the expected yield in the current dataset collected at the LHCb experiment, we present sensitivity studies to determine the experimental precision on the Wilson coefficients of the new physics operators with

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {\varLambda}_c^{+}{\mu}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\mu } $$

Λ
b
0

→

Λ
c
+

μ
−

v
¯

μ

decays in two scenarios. In the first case, unpolarised

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {\varLambda}_c^{+}{\mu}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\mu } $$

Λ
b
0

→

Λ
c
+

μ
−

v
¯

μ

decays with

$$ {\varLambda}_c^{+} $$

Λ
c
+

→ pK + π− are considered, whereas polarised

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {\varLambda}_c^{+}{\mu}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\mu } $$

Λ
b
0

→

Λ
c
+

μ
−

v
¯

μ

decays with

$$ {\varLambda}_c^{+} $$

Λ
c
+

→

$$ p{K}_{\mathrm{S}}^0 $$

p

K
S
0

are studied in the second. For the latter scenario, the experimental precision that can be achieved on the de-termination of

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0 $$

Λ
b
0

polarisation and

$$ {\varLambda}_c^{+} $$

Λ
c
+

weak decay asymmetry parameter is also presented.
Powder interlayer bonding of geometrically complex Ti-6Al-4V parts
Authors: Watkins I. T. , Davies H. M. , Stanners O. G. , Marchisio S.
Published: December 2019

Powder interlayer bonding (PIB) is a novel joining technique, which has been developed to facilitate high-integrity repairs of aerospace components, manufactured from commonly used titanium alloys. The PIB technique utilises an interlayer between complex geometric components which are mated under pressure and a highly localised heating source. In this study, induction heating enabled bonding in an inert fusion zone by use of an oxygen-displacing shielding gas, with particular attention to the initial heating and pressure application. These early stages proved crucial to the elimination of pores and consolidation of the alloy powder, with porosity volume fraction reduced to just 0.5% after just 20 sec at the bonding force. The technique has produced high-integrity bonds in alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V, retaining approximately 90% of the alloy strength in previous studies, offering advantages over established joining methods such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) and plasma arc (PA) welding due to a more highly localised heating and fusion zone. It is believed that powder interlayer bonding can compete against these techniques, providing a more time and cost-effective repair route for net shape components manufactured from a range of alloys with minimal post-processing.
Ultra-low HIV-1 p24 detection limits with a bioelectronic sensor
Authors: Macchia Eleonora , Sarcina Lucia , Picca Rosaria Anna , Manoli Kyriaki , Di Franco Cinzia , Scamarcio Gaetano , Torsi Luisa
Published: December 2019

Early diagnosis of the infection caused by human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) is vital to achieve efficient therapeutic treatment and limit the disease spreading when the viremia is at its highest level. To this end, a point-of-care HIV-1 detection carried out with label-free, low-cost, and ultra-sensitive screening technologies would be of great relevance. Herein, a label-free single molecule detection of HIV-1 p24 capsid protein with a large (wide-field) single-molecule transistor (SiMoT) sensor is proposed. The system is based on an electrolyte-gated field-effect transistor whose gate is bio-functionalized with the antibody against the HIV-1 p24 capsid protein. The device exhibits a limit of detection of a single protein and a limit of quantification in the 10 molecule range. This study paves the way for a low-cost technology that can quantify, with single-molecule precision, the transition of a biological organism from being “healthy” to being “diseased” by tracking a target biomarker. This can open to the possibility of performing the earliest possible diagnosis.
Spectrochemical differentiation of meningioma tumours based on attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy
Authors: Lilo Taha , Morais Camilo L. M. , Ashton Katherine M. , Pardilho Ana , Davis Charles , Dawson Timothy P. , Gurusinghe Nihal , Martin Francis L.
Published: December 2019

Meningiomas are the commonest types of tumours in the central nervous system (CNS). It is a benign type of tumour divided into three WHO grades (I, II and III) associated with tumour growth rate and likelihood of recurrence, where surgical outcomes and patient treatments are dependent on the meningioma grade and histological subtype. The development of alternative approaches based on attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy could aid meningioma grade determination and its biospectrochemical profiling in an automated fashion. Herein, ATR-FTIR in combination with chemometric techniques is employed to distinguish grade I, grade II and grade I meningiomas that re-occurred. Ninety-nine patients were investigated in this study where their formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) brain tissue samples were analysed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Subsequent classification was performed via principal component analysis plus linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least squares plus discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). PLS-DA gave the best results where grade I and grade II meningiomas were discriminated with 79% accuracy, 80% sensitivity and 73% specificity, while grade I versus grade I recurrence and grade II versus grade I recurrence were discriminated with 94% accuracy (94% sensitivity and specificity) and 97% accuracy (97% sensitivity and 100% specificity), respectively. Several wavenumbers were identified as possible biomarkers towards tumour differentiation. The majority of these were associated with lipids, protein, DNA/RNA and carbohydrate alterations. These findings demonstrate the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy towards meningioma grade discrimination as a fast, low-cost, non-destructive and sensitive tool for clinical settings.
Log transformation of proficiency testing data on the content of genetically modified organisms in food and feed samples: is it justified?
Authors: Broothaerts Wim , Cordeiro Fernando , Corbisier Philippe , Robouch Piotr , Emons Hendrik
Published: December 2019

The outcome of proficiency tests (PTs) is influenced, among others, by the evaluation procedure chosen by the PT provider. In particular for PTs on GMO testing a log-data transformation is often applied to fit skewed data distributions into a normal distribution. The study presented here has challenged this commonly applied approach. The 56 data populations from proficiency testing rounds organised since 2010 by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EURL GMFF) were used to investigate the assumption of a normal distribution of reported results within a PT. Statistical evaluation of the data distributions, composed of 3178 reported results, revealed that 41 of the 56 datasets showed indeed a normal distribution. For 10 datasets, the deviation from normality was not statistically significant at the raw or log scale, indicating that the normality assumption cannot be rejected. The normality of the five remaining datasets was statistically significant after log-data transformation. These datasets, however, appeared to be multimodal as a result of technical/experimental issues with the applied methods. On the basis of the real datasets analysed herein, it is concluded that the log transformation of reported data in proficiency testing rounds is often not necessary and should be cautiously applied. It is further shown that the log-data transformation, when applied to PT results, favours the positive performance scoring for overestimated results and strongly penalises underestimated results. The evaluation of the participants’ performance without prior transformation of their results may highlight rather than hide relevant underlying analytical problems and is recommended as an outcome of this study.