bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alginate hydrogels incorporating neomycin or propolis as potential dressings for diabetic ulcers: Structure, swelling, and antimicrobial barrier properties
Authors: Candido Juliana Dumard Carracena , Conceição Natália Alves , Moreira Ana Paula Duarte , Calçada Luís Américo , Araújo Leonardo Sales , dos Santos Robson Araújo , Middea Antonieta , Luchese Rosa , Prudencio Edlene Ribeiro , Castro Rosane Nora , McGuinness Garrett Brian , Oliveira Renata Nunes
Published: June 2019

Alginate hydrogels have many attractive characteristics for potential use as wound dressing materials. However, they are not considered to possess any intrinsic activity against microbial infection, often present in neuropathic wounds. To overcome this, the effect of incorporating neomycin or propolis in alginate hydrogels was investigated, both by direct blending alone and also by further addition of loaded alginate microparticles prepared by the extrusion dripping method. The morphological, microstructural, thermal, mechanical, and swelling properties of each film were evaluated, as well as particle size distribution and antimicrobial penetration analysis. Microparticle size was considered suitable for drug delivery applications and incorporation in hydrogel films. The presence of neomycin and propolis, in both blended and microparticle form, interfered with film properties leading to hydrogels with different characteristics. All samples showed swelling degrees up to 100% and mechanical and thermal properties suitable for application as wound dressings. In addition, all samples acted as barriers to microbial penetration.
Thermally exfoliated graphene oxide reinforced stress responsive conductive nanocomposite hydrogel
Authors: Gupta Tanmay , Pradhan Ambikeya , Bandyopadhyay‐Ghosh Sanchita , Ghosh Subrata Bandhu
Published: June 2019

Lightweight and flexible biosensors that can sustain mechanical deformation and can be adhered to human skin is an interesting field of study. In the current article, a systematic study on development of thermally exfoliated graphene oxide (TEGO)–reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–based conductive hydrogel nanocomposites has been reported. The free‐standing hydrogels were synthesized using controlled and repetitive freeze‐thaw cycles. The samples were then studied for their mechanical as well as electrical properties. The hydrogels were characterized for their microstructural, chemical, and rheological properties to understand the observed macroscopic properties. Additionally, a study on the behavior of hydrogels immersed in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) was carried out to investigate their hydrolytic stability within simulated biological environment. Overall, the nanocomposite hydrogels demonstrated excellent static and dynamic mechanical performance, stability in PBS, considerable electrical conductivity, and significant electrical response to applied external stress, establishing their potential for use as flexible biosensors.
Detection and identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Annona cherimola Mill. by effect‐directed analysis using thin‐layer chromatography‐bioassay‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Galarce‐Bustos Oscar , Pavón Jessy , Henríquez‐Aedo Karem , Aranda Mario
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are considered an important strategy in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. A simple and fast planar chromatography‐bioassay methodology has been established to detect bioactive molecules in cherimoya fruit.

Objective

Detect and identify AChE inhibitors in cherimoya by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC)‐bioassay‐mass spectrometry (MS) and related techniques.

Methodology

Effect‐directed analysis by planar chromatography‐bioassay‐mass spectrometry was applied to detect and identify AChE inhibitors in pulp, peel and cherimoya seed. Bioassay was optimised establishing the following conditions: enzymatic solution (1.0 U mL−1), 1‐naphtyl acetate substrate (1.5 mg mL−1) and Fast Blue B salt (1.0 mg mL−1). TLC‐MS interface was used to directly elute the active zones into a mass spectrometer or to a micro‐vial for further off‐line studies.

Results

Two AChE inhibitory bands were detected in peel extracts. An analysis via HPTLC‐MS and high‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detector tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS) allowed to characterise three potential AChE inhibitors: anonaine (m/z 266 [M + H]+; UV λmax = 269.6 nm), glaucine (m/z 256 [M + H]+; UV λmax = 282.9 and 300.6 nm) and xylopine (m/z 296 [M + H]+; UV λmax = 278.5 nm).

Conclusions

The application of this optimised high throughput method allowed to establish the presence of three potential AChE inhibitors in cherimoya peel. For the first time AChE inhibitory capacity of these alkaloids is reported.
Personality, cognition, and morbidity in the understanding of paranormal belief
Authors: Pérez Navarro José M. , Martínez Guerra Xana
Published: June 2019

A large number of theories about the development and maintenance of paranormal beliefs have been raised in the literature. There is, however, a lack of studies designed to integrate the different perspectives. We reviewed the literature and explored a series of factors in a sample of 180 individuals. Seven variables showed significant correlation indices at α = .01. A regression analysis revealed subjective paranormal experience as the variable that contributed the most to the explanation of paranormal belief, z = .43, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.24, .56]. Need for achievement (z = .31, 95% CI [.11, to .46]), conditional reasoning (z = .10, 95% CI [.09, .28]), and schizotypy (z = .29, 95% CI [.09, .45]) also contributed significantly in the equation. The associations found between the subscales of the Needs Questionnaire and belief in the paranormal support the hipothesis that paranormal belief may serve basic psychological needs. Similarly, the association found in the case of schizotypy suggests that paranormal belief might be held within the context of psychopathology. There was no evidence, however, supporting the hypothesis of a reasoning deficit in believers. It was concluded that, once paranormal beliefs develop, there is an interaction between belief and experience that strongly contributes towards its maintenance.
Mass‐Spectrometric Observation of Counter Anion Production in SU‐8 Exposed to UV Light and its Use for Dill C Parameter Determination
Authors: Lima Carlos Raimundo Andrade , da Silva Martins Jefferson , Pinheiro Caroline , de Avila Luis Fernando , Pinho Roberto Rosas , Rocco Maria Luiza Miranda , de Souza Melo Wilson , Zappa Fabio
Published: June 2019

Photopolymerization is a phenomenon that is the basis of much of today's microfabrication technology and intense research is conducted to improve its control and the characteristics of end products for a variety of applications. The design of microscopic structures often relies on the accurate knowledge and modeling of photopolymer's behavior upon exposure, i.e. the Dill parameters, for each radiation species of interest and therefore the development of flexible characterization techniques is of great importance. SU‐8 is a popular compound that is representative of a whole class that relies on cationic polymerization, where an acid is obtained via photolysis of an onium salt during exposure. Here we report on the observation of SbF6− via laser desorption mass spectrometry on SU‐8 exposed to UV light at the wavelength of 365 nm and demonstrate that the yield of this counter‐anion as a function of exposure is consistent with the Dill C parameter value available in the literature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 967–972
Are humans really blind to plants?
Authors: Knapp Sandra
Published: June 2019

Societal Impact Statement

People tend to see plants as the background to life on Earth, but they are essential to our very existence in many ways. In 1999 two botanist‐educators from the United States coined the term “plant blindness” to describe this condition, and to draw attention to the decreasing focus on plants in education. Here I argue that disregard for any organism that is not a vertebrate (like us) is the more pervasive problem, but that combatting plant blindness is a good place to start to improve education, awareness, and care for the other organisms with which we share planet Earth.

The concept of “plant blindness” was coined in 1999 to highlight the phenomenon seen in American (United States) education in which animals are perceived as more important than plants. Symptoms were lack of recognition of plants as important components of ecosystems, lack of understanding of how plants affect our everyday lives, anthropocentric ratings of animals as more worthy of care than plants, and inability to “see” that plants are more than background. I argue here that the deeper problem is not with animals versus plants, but with “animals with eyes like ours and backbones” versus everything else. Cockroaches, worms, and spiders are animals too, and without them the planet would be as barren as if there were no plants. So combatting the more pervasive issue needs to be at the background of our thinking as we move forward in combatting plant blindness. I here review the symptoms of plant blindness and relate this to ways in which we might begin to think about using recognition of plant blindness as a way to increase awareness and care for all of life on Earth.
Influence of Cation Order and Valence States on Magnetic Ordering in La2Ni1−xMn1+xO6
Authors: Nasir Mohd. , Khan Mahmud , Bhatt Subhash , Bera Anup Kumar , Furquan Mohammad , Kumar Sunil , Yusuf Sk. Mohammad , Patra Nirmalendu , Bhattacharya Dibyendu , Jha Shambhu Nath , Liu Shun‐Wei , Biring Sajal , Sen Somaditya
Published: June 2019

Among multifunctional double perovskite oxides, La2NiMnO6 has recently drawn significant attention due to its importance both in terms of understanding of fundamental physics and potential for device applications. The relative alteration in Ni:Mn ratio strongly influences the structural and magnetic properties of La2NiMnO6. The cation ratio and degree of cation order significantly affect the magnetic coupling of the two B‐site cations in these compounds. In the present study, La2Ni1−xMn1+xO6 (x = −0.25, 0, 0.25) samples with different Ni:Mn ratio have been prepared using sol–gel method and modifications of the above physical properties from that of a stoichiometric sample of La2NiMnO6 are discussed. The crystalline structures of the samples varied with different ionic ratios. While all samples exhibited ferromagnetic behavior, long‐range Ni/Mn magnetic ordering was detected in selected samples only. The experimental values of saturation magnetization were smaller than the theoretical spin‐only moments, which suggests a less ordered state for all samples. Due to an increased antiferromagnetic interaction caused by antisite disorders, the saturation magnetization decreases while the coercive field increases with decreasing Mn content.
Effectiveness of Eriomin® in managing hyperglycemia and reversal of prediabetes condition: A double‐blind, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Ribeiro Carolina B. , Ramos Fernanda M. , Manthey John A. , Cesar Thais B.
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the potential effectiveness of different doses of Eriomin® on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance associated with other metabolic biomarkers in prediabetic individuals. Prediabetes patients (n = 103, 49 ± 10 years) were randomly divided into four parallel groups: (a) Placebo; (b) Eriomin 200 mg; (c) Eriomin 400 mg; and (d) Eriomin 800 mg. Assessment of biochemical, metabolic, inflammatory, hepatic, renal, anthropometric markers, blood pressure, and dietary parameters were performed during 12 weeks of intervention. Treatment with all doses of Eriomin (200, 400, and 800 mg) had similar effects and altered significantly the following variables: blood glucose (−5%), insulin resistance (−7%), glucose intolerance (−7%), glycated hemoglobin (−2%), glucagon (−6.5%), C‐peptide (−5%), hsCRP (−12%), interleukin‐6 (−13%), TNFα (−11%), lipid peroxidation (−17%), systolic blood pressure (−8%), GLP‐1 (+15%), adiponectin (+19%), and antioxidant capacity (+6%). Eriomin or placebo did not influence the anthropometric and dietary variables. Short‐term intervention with Eriomin, at doses of 200, 400, or 800 mg/day, benefited glycemic control, reduced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and reversed the prediabetic condition in 24% of the evaluated patients.
Predicting absorption spectra of silver‐ligand complexes
Authors: Buglak Andrey A. , Pomogaev Vladimir A. , Kononov Alexei I.
Published: June 2019

The detailed structures of most of ligand‐stabilized metal nanoclusters (NCs) remain unknown due to the absence of crystal structure data for them. In such a situation, quantum‐chemical modeling is of particular interest. We compared the performance of different theoretical methods of geometry optimization and absorption spectra calculation for silver‐thiolate complexes. We showed that the absorption spectra calculated with the ADC(2) method were consistent with the spectra obtained with CC2 method. Three DFT functionals (B3LYP, CAM‐B3LYP, and M06‐2X) failed to reproduce the CC2 absorption spectra of the silver‐thiolate complexes.
Adaptive architectures for control of uncertain dynamical systems with actuator and unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Dogan K. Merve , Gruenwald Benjamin C. , Yucelen Tansel , Muse Jonathan A.
Published: June 2019

In adaptive control of uncertain dynamical systems, it is well known that the presence of actuator and/or unmodeled dynamics in feedback loops can yield to unstable closed‐loop system trajectories. Motivated by this standpoint, this paper focuses on the analysis and synthesis of multiple adaptive architectures for control of uncertain dynamical systems with both actuator and unmodeled dynamics. Specifically, we first analyze model reference adaptive control architectures with standard, hedging‐based, and expanded reference models for this class of uncertain dynamical systems and develop sufficient stability conditions. We then synthesize a robustifying term for the latter architecture and analytically show that this term can allow for a relaxed sufficient stability condition. The proposed theoretical treatments involve Lyapunov stability theory, linear matrix inequalities, and matrix mathematics. Finally, we compare the resulting sufficient stability conditions of the considered adaptive control architectures on a benchmark mechanical system subject to actuator and unmodeled dynamics.
A novel adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller design and its application to active front steering system
Authors: Ding Shihong , Liu Lu , Park Ju H.
Published: June 2019

Note that the amplitude of chattering existing in the sliding mode control method is proportional to the magnitude of the control gain. Therefore, the key issue to diminish the chattering is to decrease the value of sliding mode controller's gain to an acceptable minimal level defined by the so‐called reaching condition for the sliding mode's existence. For this reason, the nonsingular terminal sliding mode (NTSM) control method and the adaptive technique have been considered in this paper to develop a novel adaptive NTSM control method, which can be used to search the minimal value of the control gain automatically in the presence of the external disturbances. Meanwhile, the average value of a high‐frequency switching signal in the adaptive law can be provided by Arie Levant's differentiator rather than a low‐pass filter. The rigorous mathematical proof verifies that the system states can converge to the origin within a finite time under the proposed adaptive NTSM controller. Both the academic example and the practical application to an active front steering system are illustrated to show that the presented adaptive NTSM controller has better control performance than the conventional sliding mode controller.
Managing uncertainty in scientific argumentation
Authors: Chen Ying‐Chih , Benus Matthew J. , Hernandez Jaclyn
Published: June 2019

Argumentation is a core practice of science that inherently contains uncertainty. Relatively few studies have examined the role of uncertainty within argumentation and how teachers manage uncertainty leading to conceptual development. This design‐based, multiple‐case study employed the constant comparative method to analyze 24 videos focused on whole‐class discussion, examining how two middle‐school teachers created productive moments of uncertainty in an argumentative environment. Results showed that uncertainty in argumentation created productive moments for students to collaborate in dialogue and navigate their understanding of natural phenomena toward more coherent scientific explanations. Productively managing uncertainty was influenced by how the students’ epistemic understanding of argument was used as a resource to create a space to engage in social negotiation. Creating productive moments of uncertainty involved the teachers (a) raising uncertainty about an authentic, meaningful, and ambiguous phenomenon; (b) maintaining uncertainty through seeking the flaws, incoherences, and inconsistencies of an argument; and (c) reducing uncertainty by synthesizing and bridging what students had learned with what they were learning. As a resource, the epistemic understanding of argument is intertwined with the practice of social negotiation and depends both on the students’ degree of existing knowledge of dealing with uncertainty and the degree of their understanding of what counts as data, evidence, and reasoning.
Theoretical study toward rationalizing inelastic background analysis of buried layers in XPS and HAXPES
Authors: Zborowski Charlotte , Tougaard Sven
Published: June 2019

The approach of inelastic background analysis was previously demonstrated to be a useful tool for retrieving the depth distribution of buried layers with an accuracy, which is better than 5% even for some complex samples. This paper presents a study that attempt at rationalizing the approach by exploring how to make the best choice of the inelastic mean free path and the inelastic scattering cross section, which are the two main input parameters needed in the analysis. To this end, spectra from buried layers were created with Quases‐Generate software. The layers consisted of Si 1s recorded at 6099 eV and Au 4d recorded at 1150 eV kinetic energy buried under overlayers of Si, Au, Al, polymer, or Ta. Spectra from samples with a wide range of buried layer thickness and overlayer thickness were created. Subsequently, these spectra were analyzed with Quases‐Analyze software and for each case the analysis was done with different combinations of the input parameters. Among these, the best choice for all cases was to use an effective IMFP and effective inelastic scattering cross section with relative weights being half the thickness of the buried layer and the full thickness of the overlayer. This general formula together with a new version of the software makes the inelastic background analysis of buried layers faster and easier to apply even for nonspecialists.
Excited State Decay Dynamics in 3‐Formyl‐4‐hydroxy Benzoic Acid: Understanding the Global Picture of an ESIPT‐Driven Multiple‐Emissive Species
Authors: Rohman Mostofa Ataur , Sutradhar Dipankar , Bangal Prakriti Ranjan , Chandra Asit K. , Mitra Sivaprasad
Published: June 2019

Relaxation dynamics of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) probe 3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxy benzoic acid (FHBA) was studied by steady state, nanosecond time‐resolved fluorescence (TRF) and femtosecond transient absorption (TA) experiments in combination with adequate level of quantum chemical calculations. Global analysis of the transient data with target model reveals that enol conformers of both the neutral FHBA (I) and proton dissociated mono‐anionic species (III) undergo ESIPT in picosecond time scale (τESIPT ≈1.2 ps) towards the formation of corresponding vibrationally hot keto structure. Rapid intramolecular vibrational cooling (τ≈20 ps) follows singlet deactivation of the corresponding conformers with fluorescence lifetime (τfluo) of ∼5.1 and 2.0 ns, respectively as confirmed from stimulated emission (SE) and/or time resolved fluorescence experiments. Selective excitation of the di‐anionic structure (II) at 400 nm follows relatively simple excited state non‐ESIPT decay dynamics having fluorescence emission at 500 nm with τfluo ≈ 1.2 ns. Complete optimization of individual structures and construction of ESIPT profile was done by HF(CIS) as well as (TD)DFT calculation using 6–311++G(d,p) basis set and found to be consistent with the experimental observations.
Steerable Microinvasive Probes for Localized Drug Delivery to Deep Tissue
Authors: Cotler Max J. , Rousseau Erin B. , Ramadi Khalil B. , Fang Joshua , Graybiel Ann M. , Langer Robert , Cima Michael J.
Published: June 2019

Enhanced understanding of neuropathologies has created a need for more advanced tools. Current neural implants result in extensive glial scarring and are not able to highly localize drug delivery due to their size. Smaller implants reduce surgical trauma and improve spatial resolution, but such a reduction requires improvements in device design to enable accurate and chronic implantation in subcortical structures. Flexible needle steering techniques offer improved control over implant placement, but often require complex closed‐loop control for accurate implantation. This study reports the development of steerable microinvasive neural implants (S‐MINIs) constructed from borosilicate capillaries (OD = 60 µm, ID = 20 µm) that do not require closed‐loop guidance or guide tubes. S‐MINIs reduce glial scarring 3.5‐fold compared to prior implants. Bevel steered needles are utilized for open‐loop targeting of deep‐brain structures. This study demonstrates a sinusoidal relationship between implant bevel angle and the trajectory radius of curvature both in vitro and ex vivo. This relationship allows for bevel‐tipped capillaries to be steered to a target with an average error of 0.23 mm ± 0.19 without closed‐loop control. Polished microcapillaries present a new microinvasive tool for chronic, predictable targeting of pathophysiological structures without the need for closed‐loop feedback and complex imaging.
Electrochemical Monitoring of Paclitaxel‐Induced ROS Release from Mitochondria inside Single Cells
Authors: Jiang Hong , Zhang Xin‐Wei , Liao Quan‐Lan , Wu Wen‐Tao , Liu Yan‐Ling , Huang Wei‐Hua
Published: June 2019

Mitochondria are believed to be the major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, in situ, real‐time and quantitative monitoring of ROS release from mitochondria that are present in their cytosolic environment remains a great challenge. In this work, a platinized SiC@C nanowire electrode is placed into a single cell for in situ detection of ROS signals from intracellular mitochondria, and antineoplastic agent (paclitaxel) induced ROS production is successfully recorded. Further investigations indicate that complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase, COX) is the principal site for ROS generation, and significantly more ROS are generated from mitochondria in cancer cells than that from normal cells. This work provides an effective approach to directly monitor intracellular mitochondria by nanowire electrodes, and consequently obtains important physiological evidence on antineoplastic agent‐induced ROS generation, which will be of great benefit for better understanding of chemotherapy at subcellular levels.
Hierarchical Structured Multifunctional Self‐Cleaning Material with Durable Superhydrophobicity and Photocatalytic Functionalities
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Liu Shanqiu , Salim Alma , Seeger Stefan
Published: June 2019

Self‐cleaning materials, which are inspired and derived from natural phenomena, have gained significant scientific and commercial interest in the past decades as they are energy‐ and labor‐saving and environmentally friendly. Several technologies are developed to obtain self‐cleaning materials. The combination of superhydrophobic and photocatalytic properties enables the efficient removal of solid particles and organic contaminations, which could reduce or damage the superhydrophobicity. However, the fragility of the nanoscale roughness of the superhydrophobic surface limits its practical application. Here, a hierarchical structure approach combining micro‐ and nanoscale architectures is created to protect the nanoscale surface roughness from mechanical damage. Glass beads of 75 µm are partially embedded into a low‐density polyethylene film. This composite surface is coated with silicone nanofilaments (SNFs) via the droplet‐assisted growth and shaping approach, providing the nanoscale surface roughness as well as the support for the photocatalyst with enlarged surface area. TiO2 nanoparticles, which serve as the photocatalyst, are synthesized in situ on SNFs through a hydrothermal reaction. The self‐cleaning effect is proved using wettability measurements for various liquids, degradation of organic contamination under UV light, and antibacterial tests. The enhanced mechanical durability of the hierarchical structure of the composite material is verified with an abrasion test.
Mitochondria‐Targeted Polydopamine Nanocomposite with AIE Photosensitizer for Image‐Guided Photodynamic and Photothermal Tumor Ablation
Authors: Chen Yuzhi , Ai Wenting , Guo Xuan , Li Yawen , Ma Yufan , Chen Lifang , Zhang Hui , Wang Tongxin , Zhang Xin , Wang Zhuo
Published: June 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are two kinds of treatment for tumors. Herein, a new aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)gen (MeO‐TPE‐indo, MTi) is synthesized with a D–π–A conjugated structure. MTi, which has an electron donor and an acceptor on a tetraphenylethene (TPE) conjugated skeleton, can induce the effective generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for PDT. With the guide of the indolium group, MTi can target and image mitochondrion selectively. In order to get good dispersion in water and long‐time retention in tumors, MTi is modified on the surface of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) to form the nanocomposite (PDA‐MeO‐TPE‐indo, PMTi) by π–π and hydrogen interactions. PMTi is a nanoscale composite for imaging‐guided PDT and PTT in tumor treatment, which is constructed with AIEgens and PDA for the first time. The organic functional molecules are combined with nanomaterials for building a multifunctional diagnosis and treatment platform by utilizing the advantages of both sides.
EPMA‐Analyse dünner PVD‐ und CVD‐Schichten
Authors: Schiffmann Kirsten Ingolf , Steinberg Cornelia
Published: June 2019

EPMA analysis of thin PVD and CVD layers

Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA) is an X‐ray spectroscopic method for determining the chemical composition of solid substances in the near‐surface region. It has a high detection sensitivity, a high spatial resolution, an adjustable depth of analysis and is easy and accurate to quantify.

Less well known is the fact that the EPMA is also able to analyze the chemical composition and layer thicknesses of thin multi‐layer systems non‐destructively and with only one single measurement. In particular, it is possible to determine, for example, the composition and thickness of a layer buried under one or more other layers. Conversely, with a known film thickness, the density of thin layers can be determined, a quantity that is generally difficult to access with thin layers. The following article describes the physical basics of EPMA analysis and compares them with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X‐ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), which are also widely used. The principle of so‐called thin film analysis for multilayer systems is explained, and the possibilities and limitations of this method are illustrated by a number of industrial application examples.
Littlest mu-tau seesaw
Authors: King Stephen F. , Zhou Ye-Ling
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We propose a μ − τ reflection symmetric Littlest Seesaw (μτ -LSS) model. In this model the two mass parameters of the LSS model are fixed to be in a special ratio by symmetry, so that the resulting neutrino mass matrix in the flavour basis (after the seesaw mechanism has been applied) satisfies μ − τ reflection symmetry and has only one free adjustable parameter, namely an overall free mass scale. However the physical low energy predictions of the neutrino masses and lepton mixing angles and CP phases are subject to renormalisation group (RG) corrections, which introduces further parameters. Although the high energy model is rather complicated, involving (S
4 × U(1))2 and supersymmetry, with many flavons and driving fields, the low energy neutrino mass matrix has ultimate simplicity.
Duality web on a 3D Euclidean lattice and manifestation of hidden symmetries
Authors: Son Jun Ho , Chen Jing-Yuan , Raghu S.
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We generalize our previous lattice construction of the abelian bosonization duality in 2 + 1 dimensions to the entire web of dualities as well as the N

f
= 2 self-duality, via the lattice implementation of a set of modular transformations in the theory space. The microscopic construction provides explicit operator mappings, and allows the manifestation of some hidden symmetries. It also exposes certain caveats and implicit assumptions beneath the usual application of the modular transformations to generate the web of dualities. Finally, we make brief comments on the non-relativistic limit of the dualities.
Exact greybody factors for the brane scalar field of five-dimensional rotating black holes
Authors: Hyun Young-Hwan , Kim Yoonbai , Park Seong Chan
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We study scalar perturbations of the five-dimensional rotating black holes and find an exact solution giving exact description of the Hawking radiation. Mathematically, the full solution for this spin-zero field is expressed in terms of the prolate spheroidal wave function with complex parameters. By using the spheroidal joining factor, we write the corresponding boundary condition and greybody factors. We also check that the exact result reproduces the low frequency limit of the greybody factor and shows good agreement with the known numerical results.
Machine learning classifiers can predict Gleason pattern 4 prostate cancer with greater accuracy than experienced radiologists
Authors: Antonelli Michela , Johnston Edward W. , Dikaios Nikolaos , Cheung King K. , Sidhu Harbir S. , Appayya Mrishta B. , Giganti Francesco , Simmons Lucy A. M. , Freeman Alex , Allen Clare , Ahmed Hashim U. , Atkinson David , Ourselin Sebastien , Punwani Shonit
Published: June 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was: To test whether machine learning classifiers for transition zone (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ) can correctly classify prostate tumors into those with/without a Gleason 4 component, and to compare the performance of the best performing classifiers against the opinion of three board-certified radiologists.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively acquired data was performed at a single center between 2012 and 2015. Inclusion criteria were (i) 3-T mp-MRI compliant with international guidelines, (ii) Likert ≥ 3/5 lesion, (iii) transperineal template ± targeted index lesion biopsy confirming cancer ≥ Gleason 3 + 3. Index lesions from 164 men were analyzed (119 PZ, 45 TZ). Quantitative MRI and clinical features were used and zone-specific machine learning classifiers were constructed. Models were validated using a fivefold cross-validation and a temporally separated patient cohort. Classifier performance was compared against the opinion of three board-certified radiologists.

Results

The best PZ classifier trained with prostate-specific antigen density, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and maximum enhancement (ME) on DCE-MRI obtained a ROC area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 following fivefold cross-validation. Diagnostic sensitivity at 50% threshold of specificity was higher for the best PZ model (0.93) when compared with the mean sensitivity of the three radiologists (0.72). The best TZ model used ADC and ME to obtain an AUC of 0.75 following fivefold cross-validation. This achieved higher diagnostic sensitivity at 50% threshold of specificity (0.88) than the mean sensitivity of the three radiologists (0.82).

Conclusions

Machine learning classifiers predict Gleason pattern 4 in prostate tumors better than radiologists.

Key Points

• Predictive models developed from quantitative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging regarding the characterization of prostate cancer grade should be zone-specific.

• Classifiers trained differently for peripheral and transition zone can predict a Gleason 4 component with a higher performance than the subjective opinion of experienced radiologists.

• Classifiers would be particularly useful in the context of active surveillance, whereby decisions regarding whether to biopsy are necessitated.
Abnormal intrinsic functional hubs and connectivity in stable patients with COPD: a resting-state MRI study
Authors: Li Haijun , Xin Huizhen , Yu Jingjing , Yu Honghui , Zhang Juan , Wang Wenjing , Peng Dechang
Published: June 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects a large population and is closely associated with cognitive impairment. However, the mechanisms of cognitive impairment in COPD patients have not been unraveled. This study investigated the change in patterns of intrinsic functional hubs using a degree centrality (DC) analysis. The connectivity between these abnormal hubs with the remaining brain was also investigated using functional connectivity (FC). Nineteen stable patients with COPD and 20 normal controls(NC) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and clinical and neuropsychologic assessments. We measured the voxel-wise DC across the whole brain gray matter and the seed-based FC between these abnormal hubs in the remaining brain matter; the group difference was calculated. A partial correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the abnormal DC and clinical variables in COPD patients. Compared to NC, the patients with COPD exhibited significantly decreased DC in the right lingual gyrus (LG), bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA), and right paracentral lobule (PCL). A further seed-based FC analysis found that COPD patients demonstrated significantly decreased FC between these abnormal hubs in several brain areas, including the left cerebellum anterior lobe, left lingual gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, right insula, right inferior frontal gyrus, limbic lobe, cingulate gyrus, left putamen, lentiform nucleus, right precuneus, and right paracentral lobule. A partial correlation analysis showed that the decreased DC in the right PCL was positively correlated with the FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, and the decreased DC in the SMA was positively correlated with naming and pH in COPD patients. This study demonstrates that there are intrinsic functional hubs and connectivity alterations that may reflect the aberrant information communication in the brain of COPD patients. These findings may help provide new insight for understanding the mechanisms of COPD-related cognitive impairment from whole brain functional connections.
A cognitively-gated place? The role of need for closure in a biased perception of the place’s past
Authors: Wnuk Anna , Oleksy Tomasz , Toruńczyk-Ruiz Sabina
Published: June 2019

Biased memory of the past is often a starting point for intergroup conflicts. In three correlational studies, we examined the relationship between need for closure (NFC) and historical ethnocentric bias, a tendency to overestimate the role of one’s ethnic group in the multicultural history of the city of residence. In addition, we checked whether this relationship would be mediated by an individual preference for essentialist places. We found that higher NFC was related to increased historical ethnocentric bias. Moreover, this relation was mediated by preference for an essentialist type of a place. Our results may contribute to understanding the role of individual differences and preferred type of place in shaping a biased representation of the past. Furthermore, our research findings point to the importance of raising awareness of the multicultural past among high NFC individuals.
A Tale of Two Deficits: Causality and Care in Medical AI
Authors: Chen Melvin
Published: June 2019

In this paper, two central questions will be addressed: ought we to implement medical AI technology in the medical domain? If yes, how ought we to implement this technology? I will critically engage with three options that exist with respect to these central questions: the Neo-Luddite option, the Assistive option, and the Substitutive option. I will first address key objections on behalf of the Neo-Luddite option: the Objection from Bias, the Objection from Artificial Autonomy, the Objection from Status Quo, and the Objection from Inscrutability. I will thereafter present the Demographic Trends Argument and the Human Enhancement Argument in support of alternatives to the Neo-Luddite option. In the second half of the paper, I will argue against the Substitutive option and in favour of the Assistive option, given the existence of two chief formal deficits in medical AI technology: the causality deficit and the care deficit.
Do Children Carry the Weight of Divorce?
Authors: Goisis Alice , Özcan Berkay , Van Kerm Philippe
Published: June 2019

Relatively few studies have examined the physical health of children who experience parental separation. The few studies on this topic have largely focused on the United States and have used cross-sectional designs. Our study investigates the relationship between parental separation and children’s body mass index (BMI) and overweight/obesity risk using the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Treating parental separation as a process, we analyze variations in children’s physical health before and after the date of their parents’ separation in order to capture potential anticipation, adaptation, delayed, or cumulative effects. We estimate fixed-effects models to account for the potential correlation between children’s physical health and unobserved factors associated with parental separation, such as socioeconomic background and other time-invariant parental characteristics. We find no evidence of statistically significant anticipation effects in the build-up to parental separation or of statistically significant changes in children’s physical health immediately after separation. However, our results show that in the longer term, the BMI of children whose parents separate significantly deviates from the BMI of children from intact families. Furthermore, this association is especially strong for separations that occur when children are under age 6.
Bibliometric analysis of micro-nano manufacturing technologies
Authors: Bodnariuk Maryna , Melentiev Ruslan
Published: June 2019

Manufacturing is the primary industry promoting economic and social development. For the past 30 years, the global trends of preciseness and device miniaturisation have promoted manufacturing to the micro (μ) and nano (η) scale. Identification of the most promising micro-nano manufacturing technologies (MNMT) is of interest to industry, academia and private and national science investing foundations. Considering the exponential broadening of the research area and an enormous volume of literature, providing an overview of the state of the art is far beyond the scope of a technical review paper. This study performs bibliometric analysis of a stream of academic literature devoted to μ- and η-machining. The main goals of the analysis are to assess the current core and trends in the field of MNMT. Literature and citation statistics from 1988 were collected from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Engineering Village, ScienceDirect and SpringerLink databases and were then analysed and illustrated with Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer software. The top keywords, articles, journals, authors, universities and countries were identified according to different parameters. The index of normalised influence was offered to evaluate the top element in each category. We observed that the most powerful keywords were present in well-known articles published in prominent journals by authoritative scientists at leading universities in the countries that are most actively engaged in MNMT. The implications of the research outcomes for investors and academicians are summarised in the conclusion.
Persisting intrahospital transmission of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and challenges for infection control
Authors: Vock Isabelle , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah
Published: June 2019

In the past several decades, the incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring resistance mechanisms against multiple antibiotic agents has increased on a global scale. We discuss reasons for ongoing transmission of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae in healthcare settings, which has resulted in the successful spread and establishment of this pathogen. It is now one of the most important causes of healthcare-associated infections worldwide.
Antimicrobial utilization data: Does point prevalence data correlate with defined daily doses?
Authors: Lee Stephen B. , Thirion Daniel J.G. , Irfan Neal , Sung Melani , Brooks Annie , Al-Mutawa Fatimah , Frenette Charles , Mertz Dominik
Published: June 2019

We correlated antibiotic consumption measured by point prevalence survey with defined daily doses (DDD) across multiple hospitals. Point prevalence survey had a higher correlation (1) with monthly DDDs than annual DDDs, (2) in nonsurgical versus surgical wards, and (3) on high- versus low-utilization wards. Findings may be hospital specific due to hospital differences.
Limiting psychotropic medication prescription on discharge from psychiatric inpatient care: a possible suicide intervention?
Authors: Cleary Eimear , Kelleher Cecily C. , Lane Abbie , Malone Kevin M.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Restricting access to lethal means is an effective suicide prevention strategy. However, there is little discussion in the literature about the potential contribution of prescribing practices on discharge from inpatient psychiatric care (which has been established as a high-risk period for suicide) to suicide deaths by overdose of prescribed medication. This study aimed to assess the quantity, toxicity and potential lethality of psychotropic medication being prescribed on discharge from psychiatric care to those with and without indices of suicidality.

Methods

Patient demographic, clinical and prescription data were collected from 50 randomly selected charts following discharge from inpatient psychiatric care. Psychotropic medications (dose × duration) on discharge were converted to their equivalent doses of neuroleptics, antidepressants and anxiolytics to rate toxicity and potential lethality, using the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines. Mood stabilizing medications were also documented.

Results

39% of prescriptions analysed contained toxic and potentially fatal doses of either neuroleptic or antidepressant equivalent medication.

Conclusions

Patient discharge from inpatient psychiatric care presents a golden opportunity to moderate access to potentially fatal psychotropic medication. Iatrogenic provision of lethal means for suicide during a period of increased risk and in a group at increased suicide risk may impact suicide prevention efforts and requires further in-depth research. Current prescribing practices may be a missed opportunity to intervene in this regard.
Influence of vitamin D serum concentration, prenatal care and social determinants on birth weight: a northeastern Brazilian cohort study
Authors: Pereira-Santos Marcos , Carvalho Gisele Queiroz , dos Santos Djanilson Barbosa , Oliveira Ana Marlucia
Published: June 2019

The relationship among social determinants, vitamin D serum concentration and the health and nutrition conditions is an important issue in the healthcare of pregnant women and newborns. Thus, the present study analyses how vitamin D, prenatal monitoring and social determinants are associated with birth weight. The cohort comprised 329 pregnant women, up to 34 weeks gestational age at the time of admission, who were receiving care through the prenatal services of Family Health Units. Structural equation modelling was used in the statistical analysis. The mean birth weight was 3340 (sd 0·545) g. Each nmol increase in maternal vitamin D serum concentration was associated with an increase in birth weight of 3·06 g. Prenatal healthcare with fewer appointments (β −41·49 g, 95 % CI −79·27, −3·71) and late onset of care in the second trimester or third trimester (β −39·24 g, 95 % CI −73·31, −5·16) favoured decreased birth weight. In addition, low socio-economic class and the practice of Afro-Brazilian religions showed a direct association with high vitamin D serum concentrations and an indirect association with high birth weight, respectively. High gestational BMI (β 23·84, 95 % CI 4·37, 43·31), maternal education level (β 24·52 g, 95 % CI 1·82, 47·23) and length of gestation (β 79·71, 95 % CI 52·81; 106·6) resulted in high birth weight. In conclusion, maternal vitamin D serum concentration, social determinants and prenatal care, evaluated in the context of primary healthcare, directly determined birth weight.
Assessing nutritional quality as a ‘vital sign’ of cardiometabolic health
Authors: Buteau-Poulin Dorothée , Poirier Paul , Després Jean-Pierre , Alméras Natalie
Published: June 2019

High overall nutritional quality (NQ) is an important component of ideal cardiovascular health, a concept introduced in 2010 by the American Heart Association. However, data on the independent contribution of overall NQ to the variation in the cardiometabolic risk (CMR) profile are limited. This observational study aimed to investigate the association between overall NQ and the CMR profile in 4785 participants (65⋅4 % of men, age 43⋅3 (sd 10⋅8) years) who underwent a cardiometabolic health evaluation, including lifestyle habits, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile and HbA1c concentrations. In addition, a submaximal exercise test was conducted to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Using a standardised NQ questionnaire (twenty-five items food-based questionnaire), participants were classified into three subgroups: (1) low, (2) moderate or (3) high NQ and variance and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results showed that less than 15 % of participants presented a high NQ. A high NQ was associated with a healthier lifestyle habits and a more favourable CMR profile (lower values of waist circumference and cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, lower concentrations of non-HDL-cholesterol, TAG and HbA1c). Some of these associations were independent of age, physical activity level (PAL) and CRF. A better NQ was also associated with a lower proportion of participants presenting the hypertriacylglycerolaemic waist phenotype independently of both PAL and CRF. The present study suggests that overall NQ can be assessed with a short food-based questionnaire and should be considered in clinical practice as a new ‘vital sign’ associated with other health behaviours and cardiometabolic health.