bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation in meta‐analyses of mean difference and standardized mean difference
Authors: Bakbergenuly Ilyas , Hoaglin David C. , Kulinskaya Elena
Published: November 2019

Methods for random‐effects meta‐analysis require an estimate of the between‐study variance, τ2. The performance of estimators of τ2 (measured by bias and coverage) affects their usefulness in assessing heterogeneity of study‐level effects and also the performance of related estimators of the overall effect. However, as we show, the performance of the methods varies widely among effect measures. For the effect measures mean difference (MD) and standardized MD (SMD), we use improved effect‐measure‐specific approximations to the expected value of Q for both MD and SMD to introduce two new methods of point estimation of τ2 for MD (Welch‐type and corrected DerSimonian‐Laird) and one WT interval method. We also introduce one point estimator and one interval estimator for τ2 in SMD. Extensive simulations compare our methods with four point estimators of τ2 (the popular methods of DerSimonian‐Laird, restricted maximum likelihood, and Mandel and Paule, and the less‐familiar method of Jackson) and four interval estimators for τ2 (profile likelihood, Q‐profile, Biggerstaff and Jackson, and Jackson). We also study related point and interval estimators of the overall effect, including an estimator whose weights use only study‐level sample sizes. We provide measure‐specific recommendations from our comprehensive simulation study and discuss an example.
Formation of Hierarchical Architectures with Dimensional and Morphological Control in the Self‐Assembly of Conjugated Block Copolymers
Authors: Wang Meijing , Han Liang , Zhu Yulin , Qi Rui , Tian Leilei , He Feng
Published: November 2019

Precise control of dimensionality and morphology is a crucial requirement for realizing complex and hierarchical assembled structures, which has mainly been studied in highly crystalline systems. However, such results have rarely been reported in the self‐assembly of conjugated block copolymers with relatively weak π–π interactions. Herein, the realization of unique scarf‐like self‐assembled architectures based on the conjugated block copolymers through a facile one‐step approach is reported. Dimensional and morphological control of the micelles are realized by adjusting the block ratio and the solvent polarity. Then the transformation from 1D nanorods to the final hierarchical scarf micelles is observed. Furthermore, the underlying growth mechanism is mainly attributed to the driving force of intermolecular π–π interactions between conjugated core blocks. This work provides a highly effective strategy to prepare hierarchical architectures circumventing those multistep methods used in traditional crystallization system, which could expand the morphological diversity of self‐assembly and further facilitate the exploration of its functional applications.
Cobalt‐Encapsulated Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotube Arrays for Flexible Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Lina , Wang Yue , Yan Feng , Zhu Chunling , Geng Bo , Chen Yujin , Chou Shu‐lei
Published: November 2019

With the current rapid growth of commercial applications for flexible and wearable optoelectronic devices, flexible power sources are very much in demand. Herein, a facile strategy to grow cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube arrays on flexible carbon fiber cloth as self‐supported electrodes for high‐performance flexible zinc–air batteries is developed. Benefiting from high electrical conductivity and multiple active sites as well as free polymer binder, the self‐supported electrode exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity. The maximum power density of a zinc–air battery using the self‐supported electrode as air cathode is higher than that of the zinc–air battery with Pt/C+IrO2 as air electrode. Furthermore, the zinc–air battery can be stably operated under external stress without obvious loss of the electrochemical performance. This work opens up a new pathway for the rational design of flexible electrodes for high‐performance flexible power sources.
Application of Microfluidics in Wearable Devices
Authors: Chen Guo , Zheng Jiangen , Liu Liyu , Xu Lei
Published: November 2019

Wearable devices integrated with various electronic modules, biological sensors, and chemical sensors have drawn large public attention. Due to their inherent advantages of superior stretchability, elaborate microstructure, high integration of multiple functions, and low cost, microfluidics are an excellent candidate and have already been widely used in wearable devices. Well‐designed microfluidic devices can realize excellent multiple functions in wearable devices, including sample collecting, handling and storage, sample analysis, signal converting and amplification, mechanic sensing, and power supplying. Moreover, the microfluidic wearable devices with further integration of wireless modules have exhibited potential applications in healthcare monitoring, clinical assessment, and human and intelligent device interaction. This review focuses on the latest advances on multifunctional wearable devices based on microfluidics, primarily including general functions and designs of microfluidic wearable devices, and their specific applications in physiological signal monitoring, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics, and healthcare.
The visualisation of focal liver lesions on ultrasound: A review of 300 liver ultrasounds with CT or MRI correlation
Authors: Ng Jian , Necas Martin , du Toit Tanya
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Conventional ultrasound (US) is the most common imaging investigation of the liver. The ability of US to visualise focal liver lesions (FLLs) can be limited by technical factors, patient characteristics, and operator experience. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage and types of FLLs that were visualised on conventional US when compared with CT or MRI.

Methodology

Three hundred patients who received a US followed by CT or MRI within 10 days were retrospectively reviewed. The final outcome of all liver lesions was determined by the best available evidence.

Results

In noncirrhotic livers, 168 FLLs were visualised ranging from 2 to 62 mm in size. The most common lesions were cysts (n = 107, 64%), indeterminate FLLs (n = 20, 12%), haemangiomas (n = 11, 7%), other benign FLLs (n = 10, 6%), and metastases (n = 9, 5%). US visualised 39 (23%) FLLs and failed to visualise 129 (77%). The visualisation of FLL increased with increasing lesion size. FLLs less than 10 mm were seldom visualised, whereas FLLs greater than 15 mm were visualised two‐thirds of the time. In cirrhotic livers, US failed to visualise malignant lesions in two patients. Disseminated metastatic liver disease was visualised on US in 94% of cases.

Conclusion

Conventional US continues to play a major role in the screening for focal liver disease. US practitioners and clinicians should be aware that the ability of US to visualise FLLs is size dependent and may be limited in some patients.
The digital transformation of the public sphere
Authors: Santos Tiago , Louçã Jorge , Coelho Helder
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study the relationship between social media and traditional media and their impact on democratic systems. We revisit the concepts of the public sphere and agenda‐setting and translate them into the current media landscape. Using topic‐modelling techniques, we then explore the effects of first level agenda‐setting in the Twitter debate on the Brexit referendum. Our results reveal a complex dynamic in the transmission of the media agenda to the public agenda. The traditional media dominated the debate, but not entirely, as alternative media played an important role in the campaign. The “Leave” campaign had more success in the transmission of its interpretative agenda, while the user‐generated content polarized the media's message. We conclude a list of recommendations to address the societal challenges posed by the transformation of the media environments.
Some Consequences of Socially Irresponsible, un‐systemic Behavior in Ports: A Case
Authors: Dragan Dejan , Mulej Matjaž
Published: November 2019

Humankind requires social responsibility (SR) via its global bodies United Nations (in UN Global Compact) and International Standards Organization (in ISO 26000), for humankind to avoid global crises and extinction caused by Social irresponsibility (SI), resulting from un‐systemic behavior, i.e., over‐specialization and poor holism that interdisciplinary creative cooperation should replace, which pioneers of Systems Theory (Bertalanffy) and Cybernetics (Wiener) required and practiced several decades ago. Ports, providing logistic services, present potential SR or SI. The now‐a‐days technology causes more ports' SI than SR by waste, air, water, and land pollution. SI is nearly unavoidable, if process is not handled with systemic behavior (SB), including a (requisitely) holistic approach of any process participants. Authors present a stepwise regression statistical modeling research on a port, applying systems approach in a mathematical way, to study a chance of port's SB leading to SR rather than SI damaging local people. SR and SB are difficult to measure; they prevent problems and costs. SI causes measurable problems and costs to indirectly express (lacking) SR and SB.
Mechanical behavior of recycled coarse aggregates self‐compacting concrete‐filled steel tubular columns under eccentric compression
Authors: Yu Feng , Yin Longlong , Fang Yuan , Jiang Junjie
Published: November 2019

The mechanical behavior of recycled coarse aggregates self‐compacting concrete‐filled steel tubular columns (RCA ‐ SCCFST) under eccentric compression is investigated in this study. Nine specimens with different eccentricities (
e) and column length‐to‐diameter ratios (
L/D) are designed and tested, including six long columns (
L/D > 4) and three short columns (
L/D ≤ 4). Test results indicate that the long columns under eccentric compression exhibit overall flexural buckling failure, while the short columns under eccentric compression experience drum‐like bending failures. The ultimate bearing capacity of specimens decreases as eccentricity or column length‐to‐diameter ratio increases. The increase of column length‐to‐diameter ratio or eccentricity would accelerate the stiffness degradation. The ultimate longitudinal and circumference strains decrease as the eccentricity or column length‐to‐diameter ratio increases. The application of existing concrete filled steel tube (CFST) design specifications, such as American specification (AISC360‐16‐2016), Chinese code (GB50936‐2014) and Japanese code (AIJ‐1997) for the RCA ‐ SCCFST long columns are evaluated. AISC360‐16‐2016 and AIJ‐1997 are a little conservative. GB50936‐2014 is comparative accurate. Considering the influence of replacement ratio of RCA, a modified formula for predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of RCA ‐SCCFST long columns is presented in this study. The theoretical values estimated by the modified formula are in good agreement with test data.
Systems of systems: From mission definition to architecture description
Authors: Cherfa Imane , Belloir Nicolas , Sadou Salah , Fleurquin Régis , Bennouar Djamal
Published: November 2019

Systems of Systems (SoS) encompass a group of distributed and independent systems. This class of systems requires recurrent adaptation at runtime owing to the uncertainty and variability of the runtime environment. Thus, during their execution, SoS can deviate from the initial specification, which is often a consequence of successive evolutions. This problem occurs mainly due to (a) weak communication between the SoS analysis stage and architecture stage and (b) the lack of links between the operational planning in the SoS analysis stage and systems that must be involved in the SoS architecture stage. This paper proposes a model‐based process that strengthens the links between the SoS analysis stage and the architecture stage in the wave life cycle. We ensure that the mission and role concepts for the SoS definition are sufficiently abstract to allow adaptation to the variability of the environment. This definition is translated into an abstract architecture that guides the choices of the system architect during the design and evolution stages. The proposed language is an adaptation of the Systems Modeling Language (SysML). Furthermore, we define a crowd management SoS to illustrate the process.
Reliable interoperation of demand response entities considering reputation based on blockchain
Authors: Liu Lin , Li Bin , Qi Bing , Qin Qiuyue , Sun Yi , Chen Songsong , Zhu Chaoyang
Published: November 2019

Demand response (DR) in the smart grid will promote the stable operation of the power system and reduce economic costs effectively. However, uncertainty of users' behavior becomes a barrier of DR, in which the credibility between the DR users and aggregators will have a crucial impact on the DR. Blockchain is a new technology to solve the trust problem without third‐party endorsement, which has the advantages of decentralization and irreversibility. Considering the difference of computing capability between users and aggregators, this article proposes a blockchain‐based strategy to support the bidirectional selection between DR users and aggregators based on reputation values, which improves the success rate of the DR and mitigates the impact of user behavior on the DR. At the same time, this strategy can also increase the enthusiasm of users with a high reputation value to participate in DR. Using the network topology and DR incentive rules of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the rationality of blockchain‐based reliable interoperation for DR entities proposed in this paper is verified. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A novel VSG model suitable for the analyses of static/transient stability and rated power/energy capacity of energy storage system
Authors: Koiwa Kenta , Inoo Kouyou , Liu Kang‐Zhi , Zanma Tadanao
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes a novel model for the analysis and design of a virtual synchronous generator (VSGs). To enhance the stability in power systems with distributed generators, the concept of VSG has been proposed. The VSG is designed based on the swing equation of a synchronous generator ignoring the dynamics of current flowing through an interconnection reactor. However, responses obtained with actual system are different from those calculated from the model. It implies that the VSG cannot be correctly analyzed and designed by using the conventional model. This paper constructs an accurate VSG model considering the dynamics of current. Moreover, we address the stability analysis of the VSG and reveal a relation between the parameters of VSG controller and the rated power/energy capacity of energy storage systems equipped with the VSG based on the proposed model. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessment of DNA damage and oxidative stress in juvenile Channa punctatus (Bloch) after exposure to multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ali Daoud , Falodah Fawaz A. , Almutairi Bader , Alkahtani Saad , Alarifi Saud
Published: November 2019

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have many applications in industry and used as additives in polymers, catalysts, anodes in lithium‐battery and drug delivery. There is little information about MWCNTs' (210 nm) genotoxic potential on juvenile freshwater fish Channa punctatus. Therefore, in this study, we have determined the toxic effects of MWCNTs on freshwater fish C. punctatus by assessing toxicological endpoints such as oxidative stress, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity after acute MWCNTs exposure for 5 days. MWCNTs LC50‐96 hours value for C. punctatus was 21.8 mg/L and on this basis three different MWCNTs concentrations were selected, that is, sub‐lethal I, II, and III, for 5‐days exposure trials with C. punctatus. The level of lipid peroxidation increased in the gills and kidney of exposed fish at sub‐lethal concentrations II and III. Contrastingly, glutathione decreased more in the gills than in the kidney. The activity of catalase enzymes decreased more in the gills than in the kidney at sublethal concentrations I and II. Glutathione S‐transferase decreased in gill tissue but increased in kidney tissue following sub‐lethal III exposure. Moreover, the level of glutathione reductase decreased in both tissues. In addition, MWCNTs genotoxicity was confirmed by DNA damage in lymphocytes, gills, kidney cells, and production of micronuclei (MNi) in red blood cells of freshwater fish following sub‐lethal I, II, and III exposures. In conclusion, this study revealed that application of micronucleus and comet assays for in vivo laboratory studies using freshwater fish for screening the genotoxic potential of MWCNTs.
First‐trimester screening for trisomies in pregnancies with vanishing twin
Authors: Chaveeva P. , Wright A. , Syngelaki A. , Konstantinidou L. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To examine multiples of the median (MoM) values of serum free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) in a large series of pregnancies with a vanishing twin, determine the association of these values with the interval between embryonic death and blood sampling, and develop a model that would allow incorporation of these metabolites in first‐trimester combined screening for trisomy.

Methods

This was a retrospective study comparing maternal serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A levels at 11–13 weeks' gestation in 528 dichorionic pregnancies with a vanishing twin, including 194 (36.7%) with an empty gestational sac and 334 (63.3%) with a dead embryo, with those in 5280 normal singleton pregnancies matched for method of conception and date of examination. In vanishing‐twin pregnancies with a dead embryo, marker levels were examined in relation to the estimated time between embryonic death and maternal blood sampling.

Results

First, in pregnancies with a vanishing twin, median free β‐hCG MoM was not significantly different from that in normal singleton pregnancies (1.000; 95% CI, 0.985–1.016 vs 0.995; 95% CI, 0.948–1.044; P = 0.849). Second, PAPP‐A MoM was higher in vanishing‐twin pregnancies than in normal singleton pregnancies (1.000; 95% CI, 0.985–1.015), both in the group with an empty gestational sac (1.165; 95% CI, 1.080–1.256; P = 0.0001) and in that with a dead embryo (1.175; 95% CI, 1.105–1.249; P < 0.0001). Third, in vanishing‐twin pregnancies with a dead embryo, PAPP‐A MoM was related inversely to the interval between estimated gestational age at embryonic demise and blood sampling (P < 0.0001). Fourth, in first‐trimester screening for trisomy 21 in singleton pregnancies, the estimated detection rate, at a 5% false‐positive rate, was 82% in screening by a combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness, and this increased to 86% with the addition of serum free β‐hCG and to 91% with the addition of serum PAPP‐A. Fifth, similar performance of screening can be achieved in pregnancies with a vanishing twin, provided the appropriate adjustments are made to the level of PAPP‐A for the interval between estimated gestational age at embryonic demise and blood sampling.

Conclusions

First‐trimester screening for trisomy in pregnancies with a vanishing twin should rely on a combination of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency thickness and serum free β‐hCG, as in singleton pregnancy, without the use of serum PAPP‐A. Alternatively, PAPP‐A can be included but only after appropriate adjustment for the interval between estimated gestational age at fetal demise and blood sampling. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Deciphering the 𝓏g distribution in ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions
Authors: Caucal P. , Iancu E. , Soyez G.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Within perturbative QCD, we develop a new picture for the parton shower generated by a jet propagating through a dense quark-gluon plasma. This picture combines in a simple, factorised, way multiple medium-induced parton branchings and standard vacuum-like emissions, with the phase-space for the latter constrained by the presence of the medium. We implement this picture as a Monte Carlo generator that we use to study two phenomenologically important observables: the jet nuclear modification factor RAA and the 𝓏
g
distribution reflecting the jet substructure. In both cases, the outcome of our Monte Carlo simulations is in good agreement with the LHC measurements. We provide basic analytic calculations that help explaining the main features observed in the data. We find that the energy loss by the jet is increasing with the jet transverse momentum, due to a rise in the number of partonic sources via vacuum-like emissions. This is a key element in our description of both RAA and the 𝓏
g
distribution. For the latter, we identify two main nuclear effects: incoherent jet energy loss and hard medium-induced emissions. As the jet transverse momentum increases, we predict a qualitative change in the ratio between the 𝓏
g
distributions in PbPb and pp collisions: from increasing at small 𝓏
g
, this ratio becomes essentially flat, or even slightly decreasing.
Towards constraining dark matter at the LHC: higher order QCD predictions for t$$ \overline{t} $$ + Z (Z → νℓ$$ \overline{v} $$ℓ)
Authors: Bevilacqua G. , Hartanto H.B. , Kraus M. , Weber T. , Worek M.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Triggered by ongoing dark matter searches in the top quark sector at the Large Hadron Collider we report on the calculation of the next-to-leading order QCD corrections to the Standard Model process pp → t$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

+ Z (Z → νℓ$$ \overline{v} $$

v
¯

ℓ). This calculation is based on matrix elements for $$ {e}^{+}{\nu}_e{\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }b\overline{b}\kern0.33em {\nu}_{\tau }{\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

e
+

ν
e

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

b

b
¯

ν
τ

ν
¯

τ

production and includes all non-resonant diagrams, interferences, and off-shell effects of the top quarks. Non-resonant and off-shell effects due to the finite W -boson width are also consistently taken into account. As it is common for such studies, we present results for both integrated and differential cross sections for a few renormalisation and factorisation scale choices and three different parton distribution functions. Already with the fairly inclusive cut selection and independently of the scale choice and the parton distribution function non-flat differential $$ \mathcal{K} $$
K
-factors are obtained for $$ {p}_T^{miss} $$

p
T
miss

, ∆𝜙ℓℓ, ∆𝒴ℓℓ, cos θℓℓ, HT,$$ {H}_T^{\prime } $$

H
T
′

observables that are relevant for new physics searches. Good theoretical control over the Standard Model background is a fundamental prerequisite for a correct interpretation of possible signals of new physics that may arise in this channel. Thus, these observables need to be carefully reexamined in the presence of more exclusive cuts before any realistic strategies for the detection of new physics signal can be further developed. Since from the experimental point of view both t$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

and t$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

+ Z (Z → νℓ$$ \overline{v} $$

v
¯

ℓ) comprise the same final states, we additionally study the impact of the enlarged missing transverse momentum on various differential cross section distributions. To this end normalised differential distributions for pp →$$ {e}^{+}{\nu}_e{\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }b\overline{b}\kern0.33em {\nu}_{\tau }{\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

e
+

ν
e

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

b

b
¯

ν
τ

ν
¯

τ

and pp →$$ {e}^{+}{\nu}_e{\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }b\overline{b} $$

e
+

ν
e

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

b

b
¯

are compared.
Brane annihilation in non-supersymmetric strings
Authors: Antonelli Riccardo , Basile Ivano
Published: November 2019

Abstract

In this paper we study non-perturbative instabilities in Anti-de Sitter vacua arising from flux compactifications of string models with broken supersymmetry. In the semi-classical limit, these processes drive the vacua towards lower fluxes, which translate into higher curvatures and higher string couplings. In order to shed some light on this regime, we provide evidence for a description in terms of branes, which generate near- horizon AdS throats. To this end, we study the attractor properties of the geometries near the throat, and we also characterize their asymptotics away from it. We also describe the instability within a probe-brane picture, finding an agreement between low-energy (super)gravity and brane instanton estimates of the decay rates.
QCD in the heavy dense regime for general Nc: on the existence of quarkyonic matter
Authors: Philipsen Owe , Scheunert Jonas
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Lattice QCD with heavy quarks reduces to a three-dimensional effective theory of Polyakov loops, which is amenable to series expansion methods. We analyse the effective theory in the cold and dense regime for a general number of colours, Nc. In particular, we investigate the transition from a hadron gas to baryon condensation. For any finite lattice spacing, we find the transition to become stronger, i.e. ultimately first-order, as Nc is made large. Moreover, in the baryon condensed regime, we find the pressure to scale as p ∼ Nc through three orders in the hopping expansion. Such a phase differs from a hadron gas with p ∼$$ {N}_c^0 $$

N
c
0

, or a quark gluon plasma, p ∼$$ {N}_c^2 $$

N
c
2

, and was termed quarkyonic in the literature, since it shows both baryon-like and quark-like aspects. A lattice filling with baryon number shows a rapid and smooth transition from condensing baryons to a crystal of saturated quark matter, due to the Pauli principle, and is consistent with this picture. For continuum physics, the continuum limit needs to be taken before the large Nc limit, which is not yet possible in practice. However, in the controlled range of lattice spacings and Nc-values, our results are stable when the limits are approached in this order. We discuss possible implications for physical QCD.
Uniqueness of Galilean conformal electrodynamics and its dynamical structure
Authors: Banerjee Kinjal , Basu Rudranil , Mohan Akhila
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We investigate the existence of action for both the electric and magnetic sectors of Galilean Electrodynamics using Helmholtz conditions. We prove the existence of unique action in magnetic limit with the addition of a scalar field in the system. The check also implies the non existence of action in the electric sector of Galilean electrodynamics. Dirac constraint analysis of the theory reveals that there are no local degrees of freedom in the system. Further, the theory enjoys a reduced but an infinite dimensional subalgebra of Galilean conformal symmetry algebra as global symmetries. The full Galilean conformal algebra however is realized as canonical symmetries on the phase space. The corresponding algebra of Hamilton functions acquire a state dependent central charge.
Obesity is Associated with Worse Outcomes Among Abdominal Trauma Patients Undergoing Laparotomy: A Propensity‐Matched Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Fu Chih‐Yuan , Bajani Francesco , Bokhari Marissa , Tatebe Leah C. , Starr Frederick , Messer Thomas , Kaminsky Matthew , Dennis Andrew , Schlanser Victoria , Mis Justin , Toor Rubinder , Poulakidas Stathis , Bokhari Faran
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in abdominal trauma patients. The characteristics of abdominal trauma patients with poor outcomes related to obesity require evaluation. We hypothesize that obesity is related to increased mortality and length of stay (LOS) among abdominal trauma patients undergoing laparotomies.

Methods

Abdominal trauma patients were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank between 2013 and 2015. Patients who received laparotomies were analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM) to evaluate the mortality rate and LOS between obese and non‐obese patients. Patients without laparotomies were analyzed as a control group using PSM cohort analysis.

Results

A total of 33,798 abdominal trauma patients were evaluated, 10,987 of them received laparotomies. Of these patients, the proportion of obesity in deceased patients was significantly higher when compared to the survivors (33.1% vs. 26.2%, p < 0.001). Elevation of one kg/m2 of body mass index independently resulted in 2.5% increased odds of mortality. After a well‐balanced PSM, obese patients undergoing laparotomies had significantly higher mortality rates [3.7% vs. 2.4%, standardized difference (SD) = 0.241], longer hospital LOS (11.1 vs. 9.6 days, SD = 0.135), and longer intensive care unit LOS (3.5 vs. 2.3 days, SD = 0.171) than non‐obese patients undergoing laparotomies.

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with increased mortality in abdominal trauma patients who received laparotomies versus those who did not. Obesity requires a careful evaluation of alternatives to laparotomy in injured patients.
Early diagnosis of ataxia telangiectasia in the neonatal phase: a parents’ perspective
Authors: Schoenaker M. H. D. , Blom M. , de Vries M. C. , Weemaes C. M. R. , van der Burg M. , Willemsen M. A. A. P.
Published: November 2019

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder with variable immunodeficiency. Together with the Dutch A-T community, we investigated the opinion of A-T parents on an early A-T diagnosis in the asymptomatic phase of the disease. During an annual national meeting for A-T patients and families, the topic of an early A-T diagnosis was discussed in relation to the recent introduction of neonatal screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in the Netherlands. Based on the discussion, individual arguments were identified and processed into a questionnaire, which was sent out to 64 A-T parents (32 families). Arguments included were insecurity to diagnosis, possible medical advantages, appropriate genetic counseling and family planning, loss of “golden” year(s), and early cancer screening for parents. The response rate was 55% (n = 35 parents). Twenty-six (74%) parents felt that the advantages of an early diagnosis outweighed the disadvantages, five parents thought that the disadvantages would outweigh the advantages (14%), and four parents did not indicate a preference.

Conclusion: The majority of parents of a child with A-T would have preferred an early diagnosis during the asymptomatic phase of the disease, because the uncertainty during the diagnostic process had had a major impact on their lives. In addition, the knowledge of being carriers of an ATM gene mutation influenced decisions about family planning. Parents who opposed against an early diagnosis emphasized the joy of having a seemingly healthy child until diagnosis.What is Known:• Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a devastating DNA repair disorder with a huge impact on quality of life of patients and their parents.• Patients with A-T may incidentally be identified at birth as the consequence of neonatal screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).What is New:• The majority of Dutch parents of A-T patients (74%) would have preferred an early diagnosis of their child in the asymptomatic phase of the disease.• Major arguments for an early A-T diagnosis were (1) the experienced insecurity in diagnostic trajectories and its impact on families and (2) the knowledge of being ATM mutation carriers when deciding about family planning. An argument against an early diagnosis is losing the joy of having a seemingly healthy child until diagnosis.
Herding mechanisms to maintain the cohesion of a harem group: two interaction phases during herding
Authors: Ringhofer Monamie , Go Clark Kendrick , Inoue Sota , S. Mendonça Renata , Hirata Satoshi , Kubo Takatomi , Ikeda Kazushi , Yamamoto Shinya
Published: November 2019

In animal groups, individual interactions achieve coordinated movements to maintain cohesion. In horse harem groups, herding is a behavior in which males chase females from behind; it is considered to assist with group cohesiveness. However, the mechanisms by which the individuals move to maintain group cohesion are unknown. We applied novel non-invasive methods of drone filming and video tracking to observe horse movements in the field with high temporal and spatial resolution. We tracked all group members and drew trajectories. We analyzed the movements of females and found two phases of interactions based on their timing of movement initiation. The females that moved first were those nearest to the herding male, while the movement initiation of the later females was determined by the distance from the nearest moving female, not by the distance from the herding male. These interactions are unique among animal group movements and might represent a herding mechanism responsible for maintaining group cohesion. This might be due to long-term stable relationships within a harem group and strong social bonds between females. This study showed that the combination of drone filming and video tracking is a useful method for analyzing the movements of animals simultaneously in high resolution.
Epigenetic Modifications in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Gaździcka Jadwiga , Gołąbek Karolina , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Ostrowska Zofia
Published: November 2019

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common human malignancy in the world, with high mortality and poor prognosis for patients. Among the risk factors are tobacco and alcohol intake, human papilloma virus, and also genetic and epigenetic modifications. Many studies show that epigenetic events play an important role in HNSCC development and progression, including DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone posttranslational covalent modifications, and effects of non-coding RNA. Epigenetic modifications may influence silencing of tumor suppressor genes by promoter hypermethylation, regulate transcription by microRNAs and changes in chromatin structure, or induce genome instability through hypomethylation. Moreover, getting to better understand aberrant patterns of methylation may provide biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis, while knowledge about target genes of microRNAs may improve the therapy of HNSCC and extend overall survival. The aim of this review is to present recent studies which demonstrate the role of epigenetic regulation in the development of HNSCC.
A Model of Virtuous Leadership in Africa: Case Study of a Nigerian Firm
Authors: Adewale Adeyinka
Published: November 2019

The nature and extent of Africa’s leadership challenge has been explored from multi-theoretical perspectives finding that amongst other issues, it is ethical in nature. This study therefore aimed to investigate and present a model of virtuous leadership within an indigenous African firm’s context drawing from the African virtue ethics ofAfro-communitarianism. Using a qualitative case study design, it explored a model of virtuous leadership within a leading Nigerian pharmaceutical brand. Data was collected from multiple primary sources including semi-structured interviews and informal conversations as well as secondary sources. This study found a virtuous leadership model underpinned by four African primary virtues—Truthfulness, Courage, Humility and Humanity within a context of communitarianism. It also found that the nature and practice of these four virtues by the leaders within the context positively shaped employees’ moral characters through visible modelling but not without its flaws. It concluded that virtuous leadership models are essential within the African leadership context to rise above existing status quo to build communities of practices that are not business as usual but seeking the ultimate end of facilitating the flourishing of immediate and wider communities alike.
Efficient Strategies for CEGAR-Based Model Checking
Authors: Hajdu Ákos , Micskei Zoltán
Published: November 2019

Automated formal verification is often based on the Counterexample-Guided Abstraction Refinement (CEGAR) approach. Many variants of CEGAR have been developed over the years as different problem domains usually require different strategies for efficient verification. This has lead to generic and configurable CEGAR frameworks, which can incorporate various algorithms. In our paper we propose six novel improvements to different aspects of the CEGAR approach, including both abstraction and refinement. We implement our new contributions in the Theta framework allowing us to compare them with state-of-the-art algorithms. We conduct an experiment on a diverse set of models to address research questions related to the effectiveness and efficiency of our new strategies. Results show that our new contributions perform well in general. Moreover, we highlight certain cases where performance could not be increased or where a remarkable improvement is achieved.
Trace analysis of radioisotopes by laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
Authors: Strashnov Ilya , Fernando Ruchika , Izosimov Igor
Published: November 2019

Trace analysis (at fg-level) of radioisotopes requires a considerable push in analytical technology. Among most sensitive are a Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence (TRLIF) and Chemiluminescence (TRLIC) methods for detection of elemental compositions and valence states and a Resonance Ionisation Spectroscopy (RIS) in combination with mass spectrometry for isotope composition determination. The radioisotopes of interest in environmental radiochemistry and planetary science and their analysis using TRLIF/TRLIC/RIS are discussed. The aspects of the development of the new technology implementing these methods are also described.
Surface Plasmon-Driven Reversible Transformation of DNA-Bound Methylene Blue Detected In Situ by SERS
Authors: Shattique Muhammad R. , Stepanova Maria
Published: November 2019

We have reported the in situ surface–enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) monitoring of repetitive surface plasmon–mediated chemical transformation cycles in a conjugate nanobiological system. The nanobiological conjugate comprised a gold-coated plasmonic substrate biofunctionalized with thiolated single–stranded DNA carrying a reduction-oxidation indicator methylthioninium chloride, which is also known as methylene blue (MB), in buffer solution at a neutral pH. Exposure to a 523-nm laser excitation produced pronounced SERS bands of oxidized MB. Continued exposure to the laser resulted in disappearance of the SERS bands, which can be interpreted as a reduction of MB. This occurred in the absence of electrochemical stimulation, chemical agents, or catalysts, suggesting a surface plasmon–mediated mechanism of the transformation. The oxidized form of MB was recovered by an addition of fresh buffer solution on the surface of the sample. Continued laser exposure with periodical addition of the buffer resulted in repetitive cycles of changes in the SERS pattern, which were monitored in situ. The chemical transformations of MB were preceded by a buildup of an intermediate SERS pattern, which was attributed to a transient form of MB created by selective surface plasmon-driven excitation.
Testing Model Structure Through a Unification of Some Modern Parametric Models of Creep: An Application to 316H Stainless Steel
Authors: Evans M.
Published: November 2019

It is important to be able to predict the creep life of materials used in power plants and in aeroengines. This paper develops a new parametric creep model that extends those put forward by Wilshire and Yang et al. by having them as restricted or special cases of a new generalized model. When this generalized model was applied to failure time data on 316H stainless steel it was found that neither of these established parametric models explained the greatest variation in the experimentally obtained times to failure. Instead, a version of this generalized model was most compatible with the experimental data. It was further found that the activation energy for this material changed at a normalized stress of 0.41 due to a change from the domination of dislocation movement within grains to movement within grain boundaries. Finally, when the generalized model was used to predict failure times beyond 5000 hours (using only the shorter test times), the new generalized model had better predictive capability at most temperatures.
Learning from the Dark Web: leveraging conversational agents in the era of hyper-privacy to enhance marketing
Authors: Thomaz Felipe , Salge Carolina , Karahanna Elena , Hulland John
Published: November 2019

The Web is a constantly evolving, complex system, with important implications for both marketers and consumers. In this paper, we contend that over the next five to ten years society will see a shift in the nature of the Web, as consumers, firms and regulators become increasingly concerned about privacy. In particular, we predict that, as a result of this privacy-focus, various information sharing and protection practices currently found on the Dark Web will be increasingly adapted in the overall Web, and in the process, firms will lose much of their ability to fuel a modern marketing machinery that relies on abundant, rich, and timely consumer data. In this type of controlled information-sharing environment, we foresee the emersion of two distinct types of consumers: (1) those generally willing to share their information with marketers (Buffs), and (2) those who generally deny access to their personal information (Ghosts). We argue that one way marketers can navigate this new environment is by effectively designing and deploying conversational agents (CAs), often referred to as “chatbots.” In particular, we propose that CAs may be used to understand and engage both types of consumers, while providing personalization, and serving both as a form of differentiation and as an important strategic asset for the firm—one capable of eliciting self-disclosure of otherwise private consumer information.
Is ‘re-mobilisation’ nature restoration or nature destruction? A commentary
Authors: Delgado-Fernandez Irene , Davidson-Arnott Robin G. D. , Hesp Patrick A.
Published: November 2019

Coastal dunes are experiencing increases in vegetation cover and reduced mobility levels in many sites around the world. Ecology-led approaches to coastal dune management perceive this change as ‘undesirable’ because the increase in plant cover leads to a reduction in partially vegetated to bare sand habitats and the species depending on them. This has generated a shift in the management paradigm where the objective is to revert this trend by intervening in the landscape, with actions ranging from re-introducing grazing and mowing, to mechanical removal of dune form and vegetation (dune ‘rejuvenation’). In some cases, such as many coastal dunes in Britain, this has also led to low controls on visitor pressure and allowing/promoting human trampling as a ‘natural’ way to free up areas of bare sand. This commentary critically analyses the main principles (and terminology) underlying this relatively recent shift in management paradigm, and questions assumptions such as ‘bare sand is good’ and/or ‘mobility is natural’ in the context of dune evolutionary cycles and responses to abiotic and biotic drivers. We review the limitations and dangers of this approach and argue that it is not sustainable given the current climatic and environmental conditions, and that it can increase the risk of coastal erosion and force dune systems to deviate from adapting and changing to direct/indirect drivers. Finally, we present the benefits of a management approach that focuses on minimizing human impacts so that natural processes continue to occur.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) Drives Activation of Bone Remodelling and Skeletal Metastasis
Authors: Mulholland Bridie S. , Forwood Mark R. , Morrison Nigel A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to explore the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1 or CCL2) in the processes that underpin bone remodelling, particularly the action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and its role in the development and metastasis of cancers that target the bone.

Recent Findings

MCP-1 is a key mediator of osteoclastogenesis, being the highest induced gene during intermittent treatment with parathyroid hormone (iPTH), but also regulates catabolic effects of continuous PTH on bone including monocyte and macrophage recruitment, osteoclast formation and bone resorption. In concert with PTH-related protein (PTHrP), MCP-1 mediates the interaction between tumour-derived factors and host-derived chemokines to promote skeletal metastasis. In breast and prostate cancers, an osteolytic cascade is driven by tumour cell–derived PTHrP that upregulates MCP-1 in osteoblastic cells. This relationship between PTHrP and osteoblastic expression of MCP-1 may drive the colonisation of disseminated breast cancer cells in the bone.

There is mounting evidence to suggest a pivotal role of MCP-1 in many diseases and an important role in the establishment of comorbidities. Coupled with its role in bone remodelling and the regulation of bone turnover, there is the potential for pathological relationships between bone disorders and bone-related cancers driven by MCP-1. MCP-1’s role in bone remodelling and bone-related cancers highlights its potential as a novel anti-resorptive and anti-metastatic target.
Land Cover/Land Use Mapping of LISS IV Imagery Using Object-Based Convolutional Neural Network with Deep Features
Authors: Rajesh S. , Nisia T. Gladima , Arivazhagan S. , Abisekaraj R.
Published: November 2019

The paper proposes a new method for classifying the LISS IV satellite images using deep learning method. Deep learning method is to automatically extract many features without any human intervention. The classification accuracy through deep learning is still improved by including object-based segmentation. The object-based deep feature learning method using CNN is used to accurately classify the remotely sensed images. The method is designed with the technique of extracting the deep features and using it for object-based classification. The proposed system extracts deep features using pre-defined filter values, thus increasing the overall performance of the process compared to randomly initialized filter values. The object-based classification method can preserve edge information in complex satellite images. To improve the classification accuracy and to reduce complexity, object-based deep learning technique is used. The proposed object-based deep learning approach is used to drastically increase the classification accuracy. Here, the remotely sensed images were used to classify the urban areas of Ahmadabad and Madurai cities. Experimental results show a better performance with the object-based classification.