bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological modification of seawater chemistry by an ecosystem engineer, the California mussel,Mytilus californianus
Authors: Ninokawa Aaron , Takeshita Yuichiro , Jellison Brittany M. , Jurgens Laura J. , Gaylord Brian
Published: July 2019

Marine habitat‐forming species often play critical roles on rocky shores by ameliorating stressful conditions for associated organisms. Such ecosystem engineers provide structure and shelter, for example, by creating refuges from thermal and desiccation stresses at low tide. Less explored is the potential for habitat formers to alter interstitial seawater chemistry during their submergence. Here, we quantify the capacity for dense assemblages of the California mussel,Mytilus californianus, to change seawater chemistry (dissolved O2, pH, and total alkalinity) within the interiors of mussel beds at high tide via respiration and calcification. We established a living mussel bed within a laboratory flow tank and measured vertical pH and oxygen gradients within and above the mussel bed over a range of water velocities. We documented decreases of up to 0.1 pH and 25μmol O2kg−1internal to the bed, along with declines of 100μmol kg−1in alkalinity, when external flows were < 0.05 m s−1. Although California mussels often live in habitats subjected to much faster velocities, sizeable populations also inhabit bays and estuaries where such moderate flow speeds can occur > 95% of the time. Reductions in pH and O2inside mussel beds may negatively impact resident organisms and exacerbate parallel human‐induced perturbations to ocean chemistry while potentially selecting for improved tolerance to altered chemistry conditions.
Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2018: Impact on Categorization and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Staging
Authors: Chernyak Victoria , Flusberg Milana , Berman Jesse , Fruitman Kate C. , Kobi Mariya , Fowler Kathryn J. , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to assess the concordance in categorization and radiologic T staging using Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS, LR) version 2017 (v2017), version 2018 (v2018), and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) criteria. All magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography reports using a standardized LI‐RADS macro between April 2015 and March 2018 were identified retrospectively. The major features (size, arterial phase hyperenhancement, washout, enhancing capsule, or threshold growth) were extracted from the report for each LR‐3, LR‐4, and LR‐5 observation. Each observation was assigned a new category based on LI‐RADS v2017, v2018, and OPTN criteria. Radiologic T stage was calculated based on the size and number of LR‐5 or OPTN class 5 observations. Categories and T stages assigned by each system were compared descriptively. There were 398 patients (66.6% male; mean age, 63.4 years) with 641 observations (median size, 14 mm) who were included. A total of 73/182 (40.1%) observations categorized LR‐4 by LI‐RADS v2017 were up‐categorized to LR‐5 by LI‐RADS v2018 due to changes in the LR‐5 criteria, and 4/196 (2.0%) observations categorized as LR‐5 by LI‐RADS v2017 were down‐categorized to LR‐4 by LI‐RADS v2018 due to changes in the threshold growth definition. The T stage was higher by LI‐RADS v2018 than LI‐RADS v2017 in 49/398 (12.3%) patients. Compared with the OPTN stage, 12/398 (3.0%) patients were upstaged by LI‐RADS v2017 and 60/398 (15.1%) by LI‐RADS v2018. Of 101 patients, 5 (5.0%) patients with T2 stage based on LI‐RADS v2017 and 10/102 (9.8%) patients with T2 stage based on LI‐RADS v2018 did not meet the T2 criteria based on the OPTN criteria. Of the 98 patients with a T2 stage based on OPTN criteria, 2 (2.0%) had a T stage ≥3 based on LI‐RADS v2017 and 6 (6.1%) had a T stage ≥3 based on LI‐RADS v2018.
Effect of the wall thickness on the forming behavior and welding result during magnetic pulse welding
Authors: Bellmann J. , Lueg‐Althoff J. , Schulze S. , Hahn M. , Gies S. , Beyer E. , Tekkaya A.E.
Published: July 2019

Magnetic pulse welding is a promising technology for the joining of dissimilar metals. Since the input of thermal energy is significantly reduced compared to conventional fusion welding technologies, critical intermetallic phases can largely be avoided. Therefore, proper collision conditions are necessary. Those require a careful adjustment of the energetic and geometric parameters at the impact welding setup. The thickness of the accelerated joining partner (flyer) determines the necessary energy input for a successful weld. However, at the same time, it has an effect on the weld formation. This study utilizes a novel optical measurement system to explain these findings and to gain insights into the forming behavior of the flyer parts. It is shown that the collision angle depends on the flyer tube thickness and, thus, directly has an effect on the welding result.
Changes in rainfall seasonality pattern over India
Authors: Rai P. , Dimri A. P.
Published: July 2019

Rainfall seasonality over India is studied using an individual seasonality index. The spatial distribution of the individual seasonality index and the mean individual seasonality index over two periods, that is, early (1901–1970) and recent (1971–2015), is analysed. Trend analysis using linear regression during these two periods shows a declining trend in seasonality index (i.e. decreasing values of the index), which impends shorter dry periods resulting in more consistent rainfall throughout the year in some parts of India during the recent period (1971–2015).
Impact of CHRNA5 polymorphisms on the risk of schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhan Dafei , Yao Qiankun , Fu Shaojian , Liu Xianglai , Zhou Jun , Chen Daqiang , Yu Chuanlong
Published: July 2019

Background

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disease whose cause is still unknown. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in various neurological disorders, including schizophrenia. The previous reports have shown that CHRNA polymorphisms were involved in schizophrenia. This study is to explore the potential association between CHRNA5 (OMIM#118505) polymorphisms and schizophrenia susceptibility in a Chinese population.

Methods and Results

A case–control study was conducted with 384 schizophrenia patients and 687 controls. We genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed in CHRNA5. Regulome DB, HaploReg, and GTEx databases were used to calculate possible functional effects of the polymorphisms. The χ2 test, genetic model analysis, and haplotype analysis were involved in assessing genetic association between variants and schizophrenia risk. The results exhibited that rs17486278 (NC_000015.10:g.78575140A>C) was associated with a decreased risk of schizophrenia on the basis of the recessive model (adjusted OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.15–0.93) in females. Moreover, we found that the four variants rs588765, rs6495306, rs680244, rs692780 were extremely significant after being stratified by ≥45 years.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings supported that the potential association existed between CHRNA5 polymorphisms and schizophrenia susceptibility in a Chinese population. But, large sample validation is needed to enhance the accuracy of our results.
On the theory of periodic solution for some nondensely nonautonomous delayed partial differential equations
Authors: Jendoubi Chiraz
Published: July 2019

We first study the Massera problem for the existence of a τ−periodic solution for some nondensely defined partial differential equation, where the autonomous linear part satisfies the Hille‐Yosida condition and the delayed nonlinear part satisfies a locally Lipschitz condition. Second, inspired by an existing study, we prove in the dichotomic case, for τ=1, the existence‐uniqueness and conditional stability of the periodic solution. Moreover, we show the existence of a local stable manifold around such solution. Our theoretical results are finally illustrated by an application.
Asymptotic behaviour of a closed‐loop thermosyphon with linear friction and viscoelastic binary fluid
Authors: Jiménez‐Casas Ángela
Published: July 2019

Viscoelastic fluids represent a major challenge both from an engineering and from a mathematical point of view. Recently, we have shown that viscoelasticity induces chaos in closed‐loop thermosyphons even when we consider binary fluids, this is, when we consider a solute in the fluid, as water and antifreezes, for example. In this work, we consider a linear friction law, and we show that in this case with the addition of a solute to the fluid we can prove, under some conditions, chaotic asymptotic behavior for suitable geometry of the circuit and heat flux or ambient temperature functions.
4‐Methylcatechol, a Flavonoid Metabolite with Potent Antiplatelet Effects
Authors: Applová Lenka , Karlíčková Jana , Warncke Paul , Macáková Kateřina , Hrubša Marcel , Macháček Miloslav , Tvrdý Václav , Fischer Dagmar , Mladěnka Přemysl
Published: July 2019

Scope

Intake of flavonoids from the diet can be substantial, and epidemiological studies suggest that these compounds can decrease the incidence of cardiovascular diseases by involvement with increased platelet aggregation. Although parent flavonoids possess antiplatelet effects, the clinical importance is disputable due to their very low bioavailability. Most of them are metabolized by human colon bacteria to smaller phenolic compounds, which reach higher plasma concentrations than the parent flavonoids. In this study, a series of 29 known flavonoid metabolites is tested for antiplatelet potential.

Methods and results

Four compounds appear to have a biologically relevant antiplatelet effect using whole human blood. 4‐Methylcatechol (4‐MC) is clearly the most efficient being about 10× times more active than clinically used acetylsalicylic acid. This ex vivo effect is also confirmed using a potentially novel in‐vivo‐like ex ovo hen's egg model of thrombosis, where 4‐MC significantly increases the survival of the eggs. The mechanism of action is studied and it seems that it is mainly based on the influence on intracellular calcium signaling.

Conclusion

This study shows that some flavonoid metabolites formed by human microflora have a strong antiplatelet effect. This information can help to explain the antiplatelet potential of orally given flavonoids.
Internal fork‐shaped wideband monopole antenna with a parasitic sleeve for ultra‐high‐definition television applications
Authors: Van Trinh Thai , Park Taejoon , Jung Chang Won
Published: July 2019

A simple and compact internal fork‐shaped monopole antenna with a parasitic sleeve is proposed for operation in the ultra‐high frequency (UHF: 470‐771 MHz) band for ultra‐high‐definition television (UHD‐TV) applications. The internal antenna is directly implemented into a 49‐in TV model on which its bezel frame (made of PC‐ABS with εr = 3.5 and tanδ = 0.005) is used as a substrate for antenna design. The structure and operation bandwidth of the internal antenna are restricted by the limited space and longitudinal bezel frame. Therefore, the fork‐shaped monopole structure with meandering and folding strips is applied, forming a capacitive coupling effect to reduce the antenna size and to enhance the impedance matching. A parasitic sleeve is added and encircled around the monopole to generate additional resonances, hence further broadening the operating bandwidth to cover the entire UHF band. The antenna is then bent to form a three‐dimensional structure with a compact dimension of 275 × 17 × 5 mm3, allowing it to be tightly fitted on the bezel frame of the TV model. The final tested antenna achieves a peak gain of 4.7 dBi and an efficiency of more than 60% over a broad −6 dB reflection bandwidth of 60.3% (440‐820 MHz).
Decision Analysis for the Reintroduction of Bull Trout into the Lower Pend Oreille River, Washington
Authors: Benjamin Joseph R. , Brignon William R. , Dunham Jason B.
Published: July 2019

The decision to reintroduce a species can be difficult owing to conflicting opinions and objectives as well as uncertainty over the outcome. Structured decision making addresses these considerations by identifying realistic fundamental objectives and building achievable management alternatives within a quantitative modeling framework. The process is driven by participation of stakeholders that represent diverse objectives, policy mandates, and opinions regarding decision alternatives. We applied structured decision making to evaluate the reintroduction of Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus into the lower Pend Oreille River in northeastern Washington State. We engaged stakeholders from tribal, municipal, county, state, and federal agencies to specify fundamental objectives, formulate feasible reintroduction decisions, and conceptualize a modeling framework that included biological information and stakeholder assumptions. Stakeholders requested iterative decision sets to determine the optimal recipient streams and release strategies. The optimal decision—based on the fundamental objective of maximizing adult abundance at year 10—was artificial propagation of 4,500 juvenile Bull Trout coupled with translocation of 25 adult migrants to be reintroduced into a tributary and lake system (Sullivan Lake/Harvey Creek) that produced at least 18% more adult fish relative to alternatives. Sensitivity analyses were robust to the identity of the recipient stream (i.e., Sullivan Lake/Harvey Creek was always the optimal recipient stream) but suggested that maximizing the number of artificially produced juveniles released could generate a similar number of adult Bull Trout as the coupled-release strategy. Results also suggested that ensuring fish passage at Albeni Falls Dam on the main-stem Pend Oreille River could increase the abundance of adult fish. The process followed for this case study can be adapted to similar decisions regarding reintroduction or other translocations of fish in other systems.
A Tribute to Tributaries: Endangered Fish Distributions within Critical Habitat of the San Juan River, USA
Authors: Cathcart Charles N. , McKinstry Mark C. , MacKinnon Peter D. , Ruffing Claire M.
Published: July 2019

The extent of fish movements in contemporary river networks can depend on spatial position relative to attractive features that may provide food and refuge, such as tributary mouths, or restrictive features, such as barriers. From the San Juan River basin in New Mexico and Utah, we integrated remote summertime PIT tag detections at two tributary mouths (McElmo Creek and Chaco Wash) with main-stem recapture data from 2012 to 2015 to determine if two endangered species, Colorado Pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius and Razorback Sucker Xyrauchen texanus, differed in tributary use, demography, and seasonal ranges. Razorback Suckers were more abundantly detected (n = 266 individuals) and recaptured (n = 145) than were Colorado Pikeminnows (n = 96 detected; n = 55 recaptured). Despite the San Juan River flowing uninterrupted between the tributary mouths, individuals of each species separated into tributary-specific groups. Razorback Suckers had very similar sizes and ages at each tributary, reflecting a homogeneous augmented population. Colorado Pikeminnows separated into tributary-specific groups of either adult (Chaco Wash) or subadult (McElmo Creek) fish based on total length and age. Analyses suggested that fish size was a significant factor explaining the extent of seasonal ranges for both species. Although the ranges of both species exhibited a tributary effect, this effect was more significant in explaining Razorback Sucker ranges than Colorado Pikeminnow ranges, which were explained best by season. Understanding how mobile species interact with attractive and inhibitive river features can help managers identify potential sampling biases along with possible consequences of spatially structured populations. Managers should consider extending sampling upstream of barriers, installing additional permanent antenna arrays, and maintaining perennial flows in these tributaries.
Coupled three‐dimensional discrete element‐lattice Boltzmann methods for fluid‐solid interaction with polyhedral particles
Authors: Gardner Michael , Sitar Nicholas
Published: July 2019

Interaction between solid particles and fluid is of fundamental interest to scientists and engineers in many different applications—cardiopulmonary flows, aircraft and automobile aerodynamics, and wind loading on buildings to name a few. In geomechanics, particle shape significantly affects both particle‐particle and particle‐fluid interaction. Herein, we present a generalized method for modeling the interaction of arbitrarily shaped polyhedral particles and particle assemblages with fluid using a coupled discrete element method (DEM) and lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) formulation. The coupling between DEM and LBM is achieved through a new algorithm based on a volume‐fraction approach to consider three‐dimensional convex polyhedral particles moving through fluid. The algorithm establishes the interaction using linear programming and simplex integration and is validated against experimental data. This approach to modeling the interaction between complex polyhedral particles and fluid is shown to be accurate for directly simulating hydrodynamic forces on the particles.
Analysis of creep settlement of pile groups in linear viscoelastic soil
Authors: Mishra Anumita , Patra Nihar Ranjan
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the analysis of creep settlement of pile groups for line pile groups, square pile groups, and rectangular pile groups undergoing creep settlements over a period of time. The soil is treated as a viscoelastic material and is modeled using a three‐parameter viscoelastic model. The damping component (dashpot) takes care of the permanent time‐dependent deformations in three‐parameter viscoelastic model. An approach suggested by Mindlin has been employed to calculate the stress distribution along the pile length in a group. The viscoelastic problem is converted into an elastic problem by the application of Laplace transform. Results in the form of variation of interaction factors for parameters such as pile length to diameter ratio, pile spacing, Poisson's ratio, and modulus ratio have been presented. Comparison has been made between interaction factors for piles groups undergoing immediate settlements and creep settlements. Finally, a typical predictive example has been presented for a 3 × 3 pile group showing creep settlement. The load rearrangement due to creep settlements causes about 5% to 35% increase in base resistance over time. Interaction factors for pile groups (2 × 1, 3 × 1, 2 × 2, and 3 × 2) undergoing creep settlement is about 15% to 55% higher than the interaction factors considering only the immediate settlements for pile group spacing less than or equal to 5d.
CEST MRI with distribution‐based analysis for assessment of early stage disease activity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis: An initial study
Authors: Liu Tao , Chen Yanrong , Thomas Aline M. , Song Xiaolei
Published: July 2019

Imaging biomarkers that can detect pathological changes at an early stage of multiple sclerosis (MS) may allow earlier therapeutic intervention with an improved outcome. Using a mouse model of MS, termed as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we performed chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI at a very early stage before symptom onset (6 days post‐induction) for assessment of changes in tissues that appear “normal” with conventional MRI. The collected CEST Z‐spectra signals (Ssat/S0) were analyzed using a histogram‐guided method to determine the contributions from various offset frequencies. Histogram analysis showed that EAE mice exhibit a more heterogeneous distribution with lower peak heights in the hindbrain compared with naïve mice at saturation offsets of 1 and 2 ppm. At these two offsets, both the mean Ssat/S0 and the mean MTRasym values in the cerebellum and brain stem are significantly different between EAE and naïve mice (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescent staining validated the presence of neuroinflammation, with IBA1‐positive cells detected throughout the hindbrain including the cerebellum and brain stem. Follow‐up MRI at the symptom onset (score = 1.5–2.5, 13 days post‐induction) confirmed gadolinium‐enhanced periventricular lesions. CEST Z‐spectra signals also changed by this time. The proposed three‐level histogram‐oriented analysis is simple to execute and robust for detecting subtle changes in Z‐spectra signals, which does not require a priori knowledge of damage locations or contributing offset components. CEST MRI signals at 1 and 2 ppm were sensitive to the subtle pathological changes at an early stage in EAE mice, and have potential as novel imaging biomarkers complementary to functional and physiological MRI measures.
Results of a prospective clinical trial JN‐L‐10 using image‐defined risk factors to inform surgical decisions for children with low‐risk neuroblastoma disease: A report from the Japan Children's Cancer Group Neuroblastoma Committee
Authors: Iehara Tomoko , Yoneda Akihiro , Yokota Isao , Takahashi Hideto , Teramukai Satoshi , Kamijyo Takehiko , Nakazawa Atsuko , Takimoto Tetsuya , Kikuta Atsushi , Yagyu Shigeki , Ikeda Hitoshi , Nakagawara Akira , Tajiri Tatsuro ,   Japan Childhood Cancer Group Neuroblastoma Committee (JNBSG)
Published: July 2019

Background

The present study sought to reduce the incidence of treatment complications of low‐risk neuroblastoma by using image‐defined risk factors (IDRFs) to inform the timing of surgical resection.

Procedures

Eligible patients included children (<18 years of age) with stage 1 or 2 disease, children (<365 days of age) with stage 3 disease, and infants with stage 4S disease. In IDRF‐negative cases, treatment was completed with surgical resection alone. In IDRF‐positive cases, the timing of surgery was determined based on the IDRFs after low‐dose chemotherapy with 2‐3 of the following four drugs: vincristine, cyclophosphamide, pirarubicin, and carboplatin. The outcome measures were overall survival, progression‐free survival, and adverse events. This study was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (number 000004355).

Results

Of the 60 patients screened between 2010 and 2013, 58 eligible patients were enrolled; 32 were identified as IDRF negative at diagnosis while 26 were identified as IDRF positive and underwent induction chemotherapy. The 3‐year overall and progression‐free survival rates of the 58 patients were 100% and 82.8% (95% confidence interval: 70.3‐90.3), respectively. Neutropenia was the most frequently reported grade 3 or 4 chemotherapy‐related form of toxicity (41.7%). With regard to surgical complications, 2.5% of all patients developed pleural effusion and ascites as early complications, while only 2.5% developed renal atrophy as a long‐term complication. No fatal toxicities were observed.

Conclusion

Using IDRFs to inform surgical decision making for the treatment of low‐risk neuroblastoma improved prognosis and reduced the incidence of long‐term complications.
How I approach hereditary cancer predisposition in a child with cancer
Authors: Kuhlen Michaela , Wieczorek Dagmar , Siebert Reiner , Frühwald Michael C.
Published: July 2019

Approximately 10% of all children with cancer are affected by a monogenic cancer predisposition syndrome. This has important implications for both the child and her/his family. The assessment of hereditary cancer predisposition is a challenging task for clinicians and genetic counselors in daily routine. It includes consideration of tumor genetics, specific features of the patient, and the medical/family history. To keep up with the pace of this rapidly evolving and increasingly complex field of genetic susceptibility, we suggest a systematic approach for the evaluation of the child with cancer and her/his family by an interdisciplinary team specialized in hereditary cancer predisposition.
Enthalpic effect of polyacrylonitrile on the concentrated solutions in dimethyl sulfoxide: Strong thixotropic behavior and formation of bound solvents
Authors: Eom Youngho , Ju Hyejin , Kim Byoung C. , Chae Han G.
Published: July 2019

The effect of dipole–dipole interaction by nitrile groups of PAN on the bound state of solvent molecules and the concentrated solution properties in DMSO was investigated. Variation of a solution viscosity exhibited three overlap concentrations, C1*, C2*, and C3*, at 2.7, 8.6, and 16.3 wt%, respectively, representing the transition of concentration regions in the order of dilute, unentangled‐semi dilute, entangled‐semi dilute, and concentrated regions. The two‐dimensional mapping of FT‐IR analysis and dielectric measurement confirmed that the intermolecular interaction of PAN was suddenly enhanced at the C*s, inducing polarization to DMSO. In the ice‐melting process of PAN solutions, two different melting peaks (Tm2 and Tm3) of DMSO newly appeared at each C2* and C3*, suggesting the different types of bound solvents. In the concentrated solutions, the saturated dielectric constant and the strongly delayed evaporation of the solvent even at the boiling point of DMSO along with strong thixotropic behavior were indicative of the stronger confinement state of bound DMSO than in the semidilute solutions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1080–1089
“I've found it's very meaningful work”: Perspectives of physiotherapists providing palliative care in Ontario
Authors: McLeod Katherine E. , Norman Kathleen E.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to describe insights from interviews about the experience of physiotherapists providing palliative care in Ontario and their perceptions of the role and value of physiotherapists' involvement in palliative care.

Methods

We conducted interviews with physiotherapists in Ontario, Canada (n = 14), and received emailed submissions from two others (one physiotherapist and one physiotherapy student) with current or recent practice experience in palliative care. We conducted inductive thematic analysis of the interview data and emailed submissions.

Results

Participants' reflections were categorized into three major themes: perceived value of the contribution of physiotherapists in palliative care; the experience of providing physiotherapy in palliative care; and reflections on the palliative care system. Participants described their role in palliative care as diverse, driven by patient goals and focused on the experience of patients and families. Participants perceived a high value in collaborative networks for supporting them to fulfill their role in palliative care settings. Participants also recommended efforts to increase awareness of the potential for physiotherapists to contribute to palliative care.

Conclusions

The findings confirm those of research in other jurisdictions and extend our understanding of the value and meaningfulness of physiotherapy in palliative care, to patients, families, and physiotherapists themselves.
Geometry of the vacant set left by random walk on random graphs, Wright's constants, and critical random graphs with prescribed degrees
Authors: Bhamidi Shankar , Sen Sanchayan
Published: July 2019

We provide an explicit algorithm for sampling a uniform simple connected random graph with a given degree sequence. By products of this central result include: (1) continuum scaling limits of uniform simple connected graphs with given degree sequence and asymptotics for the number of simple connected graphs with given degree sequence under some regularity conditions, and (2) scaling limits for the metric space structure of the maximal components in the critical regime of both the configuration model and the uniform simple random graph model with prescribed degree sequence under finite third moment assumption on the degree sequence. As a substantive application we answer a question raised by Černý and Teixeira study by obtaining the metric space scaling limit of maximal components in the vacant set left by random walks on random regular graphs.
Novel β‐amino Amide Organocatalysts for the Synthesis of Pharmaceutically Relevant Oxindoles
Authors: Gavendova Mariana , Lennon Claire M. , Coffey Lee , Manesiotis Panagiotis , Kinsella Michael
Published: July 2019

In this work, a series of novel organocatalysts derived from unique unnatural β‐amino acid scaffold were synthesized and further developed to enhance the desired catalytic properties. Their evaluation was carried out in the asymmetric crossed‐aldol condensation of isatin and enolizable ketone donors. Following a systematic study of the reaction parameters including variations of additive, solvent, temperature, catalyst loading and substrate scope, (1R,2R)‐2‐amino‐N‐((R)‐1‐phenylethyl)cyclohexane carboxamide 9 proved particularly successful, affording the corresponding 3‐hydroxy‐3‐alkyl‐2‐oxindole in excellent yield (>99%) and distereoselectivity (>99% dr) with good enantioselective control (up to 52% ee) in the presence of p‐nitrophenol and EtOH in <24 h. An added benefit of this catalyst was its catalytic activity and selectivity at room temperature eliminating the requirement of reduced reaction temperatures. This scaffold, comprising of β‐amino amide, has not yet been applied in organocatalysis, thus, this is the first reported in this growing area. In mechanistic studies, direct infusion ESI‐MS proved a valuable tool forproposal of the catalytic cycle, confirming the formation of 2 key reaction intermediates.
Analysis of flexural natural vibrations of thin‐walled box beams using higher order beam theory
Authors: Jiang Lizhong , Yu Jian , Zhou Wangbao , Feng Yulin , Chai Xilin
Published: July 2019

In order to study the influence of high‐order shear deformations and shear lag on the dynamic characteristics of thin‐walled box beams (TWBBs), this paper takes the Hamilton principle as a basis to consider multiple factors such as high‐order shear deformations, shear lag, and cross section rotary inertia of the TWBBs. The vibration differential equations and natural boundary conditions of TWBBs are deduced. On the basis of eight examples of TWBBs with different boundary conditions and span–width ratios, analytical results of this paper are compared with those of the ANSYS finite element method. Both results are in good agreement with each other, and the validity of the calculation method is verified. The effects of higher order shear deformations and shear lag on natural vibration characteristics of TWBBs are analyzed. And some meaningful conclusions are drawn: This theory shows the capability to accurately describe both higher order deformations and shear lag; when the span–width ratio is small, neglecting higher order web deformations will produce a large calculation error; under the action of shear lag, the natural vibration frequency of TWBBs decreases greatly, which cannot be neglected; and both the high‐order shear deformations and shear lag effect increase with increasing mode order and increase with decreasing span–width ratio.
Individual pitch control strategy for reducing aerodynamic loads and torque ripples
Authors: Tian Wei , Pan Wenxia , Shao Yixiang , Xu Bofeng , Liu Haoming , Hou Yunhe
Published: July 2019

In this article, a new pitch control scheme is proposed for three‐bladed wind turbines to reduce two types of ripples caused by wind shear and tower shadow, including 1P aerodynamic loads and multiples of 3P torque ripples. These ripples are mathematically proven to be associated with wind power by using an equivalent wind speed model. An individual pitch control strategy is then proposed to reduce the impacts of the two types of ripples on wind turbines. In the proposed pitch control strategy, two band‐pass filters are implemented to obtain the ripple components, and a supplementary pitch angle reference signal is generated for each wind blade based on the ripple components and rotor azimuth. By adding the supplementary pitch angle adjustment signal to the existing pitch angle reference, a new pitch angle reference signal is produced to reduce 1P aerodynamic loads and multiples of 3P torque ripples. Several tests show that the proposed pitch control strategy has a good performance to alleviate the 1P aerodynamic load ripples and multiples of 3P torque ripples. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the theoretical and numerical stability of the thermoviscoelastic Bresse system
Authors: EL Arwadi Toufic , Copetti Maria Inês M. , Youssef Wael
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we shall study the stability of the Bresse system where the equations are damped by the dissipation from the viscoelasticity and the thermoelasticity. The thermoviscoelastic Bresse beam is a generalization of the thermoviscoelastic Timoshenko beam. Theoretically, we prove the exponential decay of the energy. Later, we introduce and study an implicit Euler type scheme based on finite differences in time and finite elements in space. We show that the discrete energy decreases in time and obtain error estimates. At the end, numerical simulations are presented.
Typicality and thermality in 2d CFT
Authors: Datta Shouvik , Kraus Per , Michel Ben
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We identify typical high energy eigenstates in two-dimensional conformal field theories at finite c and establish that correlation functions of the stress tensor in such states are accurately thermal as defined by the standard canonical ensemble. Typical states of dimension h are shown to be typical level h/c descendants. In the AdS3/CFT2 correspondence, it is such states that should be compared to black holes in the bulk. We also discuss the discrepancy between thermal correlators and those computed in high energy primary states: the latter are reproduced instead by a generalized Gibbs ensemble with extreme values chosen for the chemical potentials conjugate to the KdV charges.
Treatment of Recurrent Dislocation after Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Advanced Imaging and Three-Dimensional Modeling Techniques: A Case Series
Authors: Sutphen Sean A. , Lipman Joseph D. , Jerabek Seth A. , Mayman David J. , Esposito Christina I.
Published: July 2019

Background

Surgical treatment options for addressing recurrent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) vary. Identifying impingement mechanisms in an unstable THA may be beneficial in determining appropriate treatment.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to assess the effectiveness of developing pre-operative plans for treating hip instability after THA. We used advanced imaging and three-dimensional modeling techniques to perform impingement analyses in patients with unstable THA.

Methods

We evaluated a series of eight patients who would require revision THA to treat recurrent dislocation. Using a pre-operative algorithmic approach, we built patient-specific models and evaluated hip range of motion with computed tomographic scanning and biplanar radiography. This information was used to determine a surgical treatment plan that was then executed intra-operatively. Patients were followed for 2 years to determine whether they experienced another hip dislocation following treatment.

Results

Pre-operative kinematic modeling showed four of the eight patients had limited hip range of motion during flexion and internal rotation; a prominent anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) was found to limit hip range of motion in some of these cases. In the other four patients, range of motion was acceptable, suggesting soft-tissue causes of dislocation. No patients in this series experienced dislocation after undergoing revision THA.

Conclusion

Advanced modeling techniques may be useful for identifying the impingement mechanisms responsible for instability after THA. Once variables contributing to limited hip range of motion are identified, surgeons can develop treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. Resecting a hypertrophic AIIS may improve hip range of motion and may be an important consideration for hip surgeons when revising unstable THAs.
Role modelling in the training of hospital-based medical specialists: a validation study of the Role Model Apperception Tool (RoMAT)
Authors: Said Miran , Jochemsen-van der Leeuw Ria H. G. A. , Spek Bea , Brand Paul L. P. , Van Dijk Nynke
Published: July 2019

Introduction Role modelling is a key component in the training of doctors that influences professional behaviour, identity and career choices. Clinical teachers and residents are often unaware of this, thereby risking transmission of negative behaviour. On the other hand, awareness positively affects role model behaviour. To assess role model behaviour, the Role Model Apperception Tool (RoMAT) was developed and validated in general practice training. The aim of the current study was to validate the RoMAT in the hospital-based training setting.

Methods The authors asked first to last year residents, regardless of their specialty, to participate after written approval from their clinical teachers. The tool was completed online in 2017. The authors performed a principal component analysis and investigated internal consistency, construct validity, inter-rater reliability, known-groups comparisons and floor and ceiling effects.

Results Of the 473 residents contacted, 187 (40%) completed the questionnaire. As in the primary validation study, the authors extracted two components: ‘Caring Attitude’ and ‘Effectiveness’, explaining 67% of the variation with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.94 and 0.93 respectively. Evidence for construct validity was found and there were no floor or ceiling effects, but inter-rater reliability was low.

Discussion The RoMAT was internally consistent and valid to assess role model behaviour of the clinical teacher towards the resident in the hospital-based training of medical specialists. The poor inter-rater reliability, most likely due to homogeneous RoMAT responses, should be borne in mind when evaluating RoMAT scores on individual clinical teachers.
Dynamics and Uncertainty in Land Use Conversion for Perennial Energy Crop Production: Exploring Effects of Payments for Ecosystem Services Policies
Authors: Li Xiaogu , Zipp Katherine Y.
Published: July 2019

Perennial energy crops like switchgrass that are used for biofuel production have the potential to generate various water quality benefits such as reduced nitrogen runoff. Yet the current expected returns to switchgrass are not profitable enough for these crops to be widely adopted by U.S. farmers due to relatively unstable yields, volatile revenues, and high costs of crop establishment. This study uses a dynamic economic model to investigate the uncertainties in the yields and costs of switchgrass production, in comparison with those of corn-soybeans in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in Pennsylvania. Results indicate that farmers would be willing to convert corn-soybeans to switchgrass land use with the provision of payments for ecosystem services (PES). A targeted PES policy based on the environmental effectiveness of the crop land is found to be slightly more effective in providing nitrogen reductions than a uniform PES policy with cost savings of 8–19%. Moreover, switchgrass has the potential of providing energy supply while reducing greenhouse gases emissions.
When Benefit-Cost Analysis Becomes Optional: Regulatory Analysis at the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the CPSIA Era
Authors: Aiken Deborah V.
Published: July 2019

In this study, I examine how the regulatory analysis practices of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent regulatory agency, changed when the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 relaxed its statutory obligations to conduct benefit-cost analysis (BCA). When given discretion, the agency dropped the practice despite significant institutional experience in conducting regulatory BCA and a history of using BCA as a key input to regulatory decisions. While the decision reflects an agency belief that omitting BCA would speed rulemaking under the CPSIA, the results have been mixed. Moreover, choosing to forego BCA-based decision-making fundamentally changed the agency’s regulatory portfolio. In contrast to the typical rule CPSC historically supported with BCA findings, many of the CPSIA rules impose significant economic burdens yet appear to yield negligible benefits. The CPSC would have been unlikely to have pursued the CPSIA rulemakings on its own because it could not have made the necessary BCA findings.
Exposure to Pesticides and Welding Hastens the Age-at-Onset of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gamache Pierre-Luc , Haj Salem Ikhlass , Roux-Dubois Noémie , Le Bouthillier Jacques , Gan-Or Ziv , Dupré Nicolas
Published: July 2019

Background:

The age-at-onset (AAO) of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is thought to be influenced by environmental factors and polygenic predispositions. Professional exposures to pesticides and toxic metals were shown to be associated with an earlier onset in small sample studies.

Aim of Study:

The aim of this study was to confirm the association between professional exposures to pesticides and toxic metals and the AAO of PD, on a larger cohort of patients, defined with a clinic-based ascertainment scheme.

Methods:

We used an incident cohort of 290 patients recruited through three designated movement disorder clinics in the province of Quebec, Canada. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire regarding professional exposures to pesticides and toxic metals. We compared the AAO in patients without prior professional exposure (N = 170) and those with exposure to pesticides (N = 53) or toxic metals through welding (N = 30). We further subdivided patients exposed to pesticides according to the frequency and proximity of their contacts.

Results:

Patients with prior exposure to pesticides (AAO = 54.74 years) or toxic metals (54.27 years) had a significantly earlier AAO compared to the control group (59.26 years) (p = 0.003). In those exposed to pesticides, closer (p = 0.03) and more frequent (p = 0.02) contacts were negatively correlated with AAO.

Conclusion:

Exposure to pesticides and toxic metals were both associated with an earlier onset of PD, an effect that was greater with higher levels of exposure, both in terms of frequency and proximity.
Radiocarbon Map of a Bomb-Peak Labeled Human Eye
Authors: Rinyu Laszlo , Janovics Robert , Molnar Mihaly , Kisvarday Zoltan , Kemeny-Beke Adam
Published: July 2019

The 14C/12C ratio of living organisms is largely determined by the 14C/12C ratio of consumed diet as well as by the atmospheric 14C concentration together with the body’s metabolic processes. The measured 14C content of living matter compared to the atmospheric radiocarbon level can provide invaluable information about developmental processes. Our aim was to determine the 14C content of ten different tissues of the human eye using the 14C bomb-pulse dating signature. The 14C content of the atmosphere, so called 14C “bomb-pulse” has labeled humanity offering an opportunity to determine these special formation, turnover and substitution courses in biology. The results allowed us to construct a 14C map of the bomb-peak labeled human eye. According to the anatomical location of the tissues, an unexpected picture emerged as in moving from the outer parts towards the inner parts of the eye, the 14C content of each tissue decreased. The data presented here are compatible with the view that the oldest parts of the eye are the sclera, the limbus and the cornea, in this order, and moving further inside, the youngest tissue of the eye is the retina.
Programme National Nutrition Santé – guidelines score 2 (PNNS-GS2): development and validation of a diet quality score reflecting the 2017 French dietary guidelines
Authors: Chaltiel Dan , Adjibade Moufidath , Deschamps Valérie , Touvier Mathilde , Hercberg Serge , Julia Chantal , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle
Published: July 2019

Following the revision of the French dietary guidelines in 2017, the Programme National Nutrition Santé – guidelines score (PNNS-GS), built upon previous recommendations released in 2001, needed to be updated. This cross-sectional study thus aimed to develop and validate the PNNS-GS2, a predefined food-based dietary index based on the 2017-revised French nutritional guidelines. A total of 80 965 participants recruited among French adults (≥18 years old) in the NutriNet-Santé web-based prospective cohort were included. Collected data included repeated 24 h-dietary records over a 2-year period, sociodemographic and, for 16 938 subjects, clinical and biological data. Weighting and cut-offs of the PNNS-GS2 components were collegially arbitrated by nutrition experts who participated in the 2017 revision of the guidelines. Sociodemographic, nutritional and clinical and biological factors were investigated according to quintiles (Q) of PNNS-GS2 (theoretical ranging −17 to +13·5). Mean PNNS-GS2 was 2·1 (sd3·1) in women and −0·3 (sd3·6) in men. Higher PNNS-GS2 (higher adherence to 2017 dietary guidelines) was positively associated with (mean difference between Q5 and Q1 in women/men) age (+8·4/+4·7 years), education (+3·9/+7·4 % of university level), physical activity (+13·3/+3·5 % of ≥60 min/d) and non-smoking (+9·7/+13·7 %), and was negatively associated with mean blood pressure (−3·0/−2·8 mmHg), plasma LDL-cholesterol (−0·07/−0·06 g/l) and TAG (−0·10/−0·16 g/l) concentrations. Higher PNNS-GS2 was also associated with higher intake of favourable nutrients, e.g.n-3 PUFA (+0·2/+0·2 % of energy intake), fibres (+8·7/+10·7 g) and vitamin C (+36·6/+43·8 mg). Associations between PNNS-GS2 and sociodemographic and nutritional factors arguing for its validation are coherent. Further studies are needed to evaluate its association with mortality and morbidity.
Associations of types of dairy consumption with adiposity: cross-sectional findings from over 12 000 adults in the Fenland Study, UK
Authors: Trichia Eirini , Imamura Fumiaki , Brage Søren , De Lucia Rolfe Emanuella , Griffin Simon J. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Forouhi Nita G.
Published: July 2019

Evidence from randomised controlled trials supports beneficial effects of total dairy products on body weight, fat and lean mass, but evidence on associations of dairy types with distributions of body fat and lean mass is limited. We aimed to investigate associations of total and different types of dairy products with markers of adiposity, and body fat and lean mass distribution. We evaluated cross-sectional data from 12 065 adults aged 30–65 years recruited to the Fenland Study between 2005 and 2015 in Cambridgeshire, UK. Diet was assessed with an FFQ. We estimated regression coefficients (or percentage differences) and their 95 % CI using multiple linear regression models. The medians of milk, yogurt and cheese consumption were 293 (interquartile range (IQR) 146–439), 35·3 (IQR 8·8–71·8) and 14·6 (IQR 4·8–26·9) g/d, respectively. Low-fat dairy consumption was inversely associated with visceral:subcutaneous fat ratio estimated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (–2·58 % (95 % CI –3·91, –1·23 %) per serving/d). Habitual consumption per serving/d (200 g) of milk was associated with 0·33 (95 % CI 0·19, 0·46) kg higher lean mass. Other associations were not significant after false discovery correction. Our findings suggest that the influence of milk consumption on lean mass and of low-fat dairy consumption on fat mass distribution may be potential pathways for the link between dairy consumption and metabolic risk. Our cross-sectional findings warrant further research in prospective and experimental studies in diverse populations.