bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody‐Negative Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis, Parkinsonism, Hypothermia, and Narcolepsy Associated with Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Brennan Declan , Murphy Olwen C. , Fearon Conor , Brett Francesca , Murray Brian , Lynch Tim
Published: December 2019

Background

We describe the clinical and neuropathological features of a patient with T‐cell‐mediated paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, parkinsonism, hypothermia, and narcolepsy‐like presentation associated with endometrial carcinoma.

Objectives

This patient with prominent parkinsonism and narcolepsy broadens the phenotype of known paraneoplastic syndromes and demonstrates the importance of investigation for occult malignancy even in the absence of paraneoplastic antibodies.

Methods

This is a case report with diagnosis confirmed at postmortem.

Results

Paraneoplastic antibodies were not detected. The initial improvement with immunosuppression was short lived, and postmortem neuropathological examination demonstrated encephalitis with predominant T‐cell infiltration affecting the hypothalamus and extending to the brainstem, suggestive of a paraneoplastic syndrome.

Conclusions

Although the possibility of a novel antibody cannot be ruled out, consideration must also be given to recent demonstration of purely T‐cell‐mediated neuronal destruction in the context of paraneoplastic syndromes.
Pathogenic copy number variants are detected in a subset of patients with gastrointestinal malformations
Authors: Winberg Johanna , Gustavsson Peter , Sahlin Ellika , Larsson Magnus , Ehrén Henrik , Fossum Magdalena , Wester Tomas , Nordgren Ann , Nordenskjöld Agneta
Published: December 2019

Background

Gastrointestinal atresias and urological defects are main causes of pediatric surgery in infants. As copy number variants (CNVs) have been shown to be involved in the development of congenital malformations, the aim of our study was to investigate the presence of CNVs in patients with gastrointestinal and urological malformations as well as the possibility of tissue‐specific mosaicism for CNVs in the cohort.

Methods

We have collected tissue and/or blood samples from 25 patients with anorectal malformations, esophageal atresia, or hydronephrosis, and screened for pathogenic CNVs using array comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH).

Results

We detected pathogenic aberrations in 2/25 patients (8%) and report a novel possible susceptibility region for esophageal atresia on 15q26.3. CNV analysis in different tissues from the same patients did not reveal evidence of tissue‐specific mosaicism.

Conclusion

Our study shows that it is important to perform clinical genetic investigations, including CNV analysis, in patients with congenital gastrointestinal malformations since this leads to improved information to families as well as an increased understanding of the pathogenesis.
Biotransformation of Piceatannol, a Dietary Resveratrol Derivative: Promises to Human Health
Authors: Dai Yu , Lim Jin Xuan , Yeo Samuel Chao Ming , Xiang Xiaoqiang , Tan Kai Soo , Fu Jia Hui , Huang Lizhen , Lin Hai‐Shu
Published: December 2019

Scope

To evaluate the health‐promoting potentials of piceatannol (PIC), a dietary resveratrol derivative, its biotransformation is examined.

Methods and results

The biotransformation is tested in human/rat hepatic microsomes and cytosols; its pharmacokinetic profiles are assessed in rats. Although limited phase I metabolism exists in microsomes, PIC is rapidly converted to two pharmacologically active metabolites, namely rhapontigenin (RHA) and isorhapontigenin (ISO) in cytosols. Such biotransformation is completely blocked by entacapone, a well‐known catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, demonstrating that the O‐methylation is mediated by COMT. Moreover, PIC is identified as a substrate inhibitor of COMT, suggesting its potential benefits in Alzheimer's disease. Due to extensive phase II metabolism including glucuronidation, sulfation, and O‐methylation, PIC displays rapid clearance and at least 4.02% ± 0.61% and 17.70% ± 0.91% of PIC is converted to RHA and ISO, respectively, in rats after intravenous administration. Similarly, PIC serves as an effective precursor of ISO upon oral administration.

Conclusion

Since PIC and its metabolites possess pleiotropic health‐promoting activities, it has emerged as a promising nutraceutical candidate for further development. This study also reinforces the importance of in vivo testing in nutritional researches as the active metabolite(s) may be absent from the in vitro system.
Estimation of abnormal wave propagation by a novel duct map based on the average normalized path loss
Authors: Wang Sungsik , Lim Tae H. , Chong Young J. , Ko Jinwon , Park Yong B. , Choo Hosung
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the path losses between the Jeungdo and Heuksando transceivers located in the coastal areas of Korea are studied using the Advanced Refractive Prediction System simulation software based on the actual coastal weather database. Based on the simulated data, we propose a novel duct map that can effectively estimate the abnormal wave propagation characteristics by using the atmospheric refractive index dependent on altitude as well as the location parameters of Rx and Tx. To verify the proposed duct map, two representative atmospheric index samples are obtained from the 2017 weather database of the Heuksando weather forecast station, causing the abnormal path loss characteristics. The simulated path losses for abnormal conditions at the Rx point are 132.3 and 140.1 dB, respectively, and these results demonstrate that the abnormal radio wave propagation can effectively be predicted through the proposed duct map.
Breast tumor classification through learning from noisy labeled ultrasound images
Authors: Cao Zhantao , Yang Guowu , Chen Qin , Chen Xiaolong , Lv Fengmao
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To train deep learning models to differentiate benign and malignant breast tumors in ultrasound images, we need to collect many training samples with clear labels. In general, biopsy results can be used as benign/malignant labels. However, most clinical samples generally do not have biopsy results. Previous works have proposed generating benign/malignant labels according to Breast Imaging, Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) ratings. However, this approach will cause noisy labels, which means that the benign/malignant labels produced from BI‐RADS diagnoses may be inconsistent with the ground truths. Consequently, deep models will overfit the noisy labels and hence obtain poor generalization performance. In this work, we mainly focus on how to reduce the negative effect of noisy labels when they are used to train breast tumor classification models.

Methods

We propose an effective approach called noise filter network (NF‐Net) to address the problem of noisy labels when training breast tumor classification models. Specifically, to prevent deep models from overfitting the noisy labels, we propose incorporating two softmax layers for classification. Additionally, to strengthen the effect of clean labels, we design a teacher–student module for distilling the knowledge of clean labels.

Results

We conduct extensive comparisons with the existing works on addressing noisy labels. Our method achieves a classification accuracy of 73%, with a precision of 69%, recall of 80%, and F1‐score of 0.74. This result is significantly better than those of the existing state‐of‐the‐art works on addressing noisy labels.

Conclusions

This work provides a means to overcome the label shortage problem in training breast tumor classification models. Specifically, we can generate benign/malignant labels according to the BI‐RADS ratings. Although this approach will cause noisy labels, the design of NF‐Net can effectively reduce the negative effect of such labels.
Identification of a homozygous VRK1 mutation in two patients with adult‐onset distal hereditary motor neuropathy
Authors: Greenbaum Lior , Barel Ortal , Nikitin Vera , Hersalis‐Eldar Adi , Kol Nitzan , Reznik‐Wolf Haike , Dominissini Dan , Pras Elon , Dori Amir
Published: December 2019

Background

Adult‐onset hereditary motor neuropathies are caused by mutations in multiple genes. Mutations within the vaccinia‐related kinase 1 (VRK1) gene were associated with a wide spectrum of recessively inherited motor neuropathies, characterized by childhood to early adulthood age of onset and an occasionally non‐lower motor neuron involvement.

Methods

We describe two patients with adult‐onset (aged 48 and 40 years) length‐dependent motor neuropathy from unrelated consanguineous families of Moroccan Jewish descent. One also demonstrated mild nocturnal respiratory difficulty and sensory symptoms. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed.

Results

A homozygous mutation in VRK1 (c.1160G>A (p.Arg387His)), shared by both patients, was identified. This rare mutation segregated with the disease in the two families, and was absent in 120 controls of Jewish Moroccan origin.

Conclusions

Our findings support VRK1 as a causative gene for adult‐onset distal hereditary motor neuropathy, and indicate its relevance for evaluation of individuals with similar motor impairment.
Single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Civardi Carlo , Collini Alessandra , Mazzini Letizia , Monaco Francesco , Geda Claudio
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one of the best methods to identify changes in the corticospinal tract. We used single‐pulse TMS at the beginning of the disease and in the follow‐up in a group of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

We evaluated the corticospinal tract in the bulbar, upper, and lower regions in 55 patients with ALS, and we monitored them for a period of 24 months. Data were correlated with clinical scales.

Results

An increase of central motor conduction time (CMCT) was the most sensitive marker of upper motor neuron involvement. The resting motor threshold, CMCT, and the central silent period increased linearly with disease duration and upper/lower motor neuron involvement.

Discussion

Transcranial magnetic stimulation could be an essential neurophysiological technique in the early phase of ALS because it has been shown to be useful in detecting subclinical upper motor neuron involvement. Multiple evaluations of several regions increase TMS sensitivity.
Nutritional neuropathies
Authors: Gwathmey Kelly G. , Grogan James
Published: December 2019

Neuropathies associated with nutritional deficiencies are routinely encountered by the practicing neurologist. Although these neuropathies assume different patterns, most are length‐dependent, sensory axonopathies. Cobalamin deficiency neuropathy is the exception, often presenting with a non–length‐dependent sensory neuropathy. Patients with cobalamin and copper deficiency neuropathy characteristically have concomitant myelopathy, whereas vitamin E deficiency is uniquely associated with a spinocerebellar syndrome. In contrast to those nutrients for which deficiencies produce neuropathies, pyridoxine toxicity results in a non–length‐dependent sensory neuronopathy. Deficiencies occur in the context of malnutrition, malabsorption, increased nutrient loss (such as with dialysis), autoimmune conditions such as pernicious anemia, and with certain drugs that inhibit nutrient absorption. When promptly identified, therapeutic nutrient supplementation may result in stabilization or improvement of these neuropathies.
Extension of the enhanced assumed strain method based on the structure of polyconvex strain‐energy functions
Authors: Pfefferkorn Robin , Betsch Peter
Published: December 2019

In this work, two well‐known approaches for mixed finite elements are combined to render three novel classes of elements. First, the widely used enhanced assumed strain (EAS) method is considered. Its key idea is to enhance a compatible kinematic field with an incompatible part. The second concept is a framework for mixed elements inspired by polyconvex strain‐energy functions, in which the deformation gradient, its cofactor and determinant are three principal kinematic fields. The key idea for the novel elements is to treat enhancement of those three fields separately. This approach leads to a plethora of novel enhancement strategies and promising mixed finite elements. Some key properties of the newly proposed mixed approaches are that they are based on a Hu‐Washizu type variational functional, fulfill the patch test, are frame‐invariant, can be constructed completely locking free and show no spurious hourglassing in elasticity. Furthermore, they give additional insight into the mechanisms of standard EAS elements. Extensive numerical investigations are performed to assess the elements' behavior in elastic and elasto‐plastic simulations.
A resolved CFDEM method for the interaction between the fluid and the discontinuous solids with large movement
Authors: Mao Jia , Zhao Lanhao , Liu Xunnan , Avital Eldad
Published: December 2019

A novel resolved combination of the computational fluid dynamics and the discrete element method (CFDEM) is proposed for the simulation of the strong coupling between the fluid and the discontinuous solids with large movement. The fluid flow governed by the full Navier‐Stokes equations is simulated using fixed grids based on the Eulerian framework, whereas the motion of the discontinuous solids is modeled by the discrete element method using the Lagrangian description. The key challenge, namely, the representation of the moving interfaces between the fluid and the solids in different frameworks, is handled by the immersed boundary method. Meanwhile, the governing equations of the coupled system are solved by the partitioned method in an iterative way to achieve a strong coupling effect. The breakthrough of the proposed resolved CFDEM method lies in the calculation of the fluid flow in fixed grids with high resolution, along with an accurate simulation of the interaction between the fluid and the discontinuous solids with arbitrary shapes and large movement. The reliability and the accuracy of the new method are validated by calculating several well‐known benchmark examples. Good agreements are achieved between the present and the known results.
A multiscale virtual element method for the analysis of heterogeneous media
Authors: Sreekumar Abhilash , Triantafyllou Savvas P. , Bécot François‐Xavier , Chevillotte Fabien
Published: December 2019

We introduce a novel heterogeneous multiscale method for the elastic analysis of two‐dimensional domains with a complex microstructure. To this end, the multiscale finite element method is revisited and originally upgraded by introducing virtual element discretizations at the microscale, hence allowing for generalized polygonal and nonconvex elements. The microscale is upscaled through the numerical evaluation of a set of multiscale basis functions. The solution of the equilibrium equations is performed at the coarse scale at a reduced computational cost. We discuss the computation of the multiscale basis functions and corresponding virtual projection operators. The performance of the method in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency is evaluated through a set of numerical examples.
A new formulation of continuous transverse shear stress field for static and dynamic analysis of sandwich beams with soft core
Authors: Ren Shanhong , Zhao Guozhong
Published: December 2019

This article presents a novel formulation for sandwich beams with soft core based on a layerwise description of continuous transverse shear stress field. The transverse shear stress field is assumed to follow a quadratic distribution in thick face layers and a uniform distribution in soft core. Based on stress‐strain relations, transverse shear strain is obtained, and in‐plane displacement field is determined by taking the integral of the transverse shear stain. By enforcing interlaminar displacement continuity, an explicit displacement field expression containing only displacement variables is formulated. In this formulation, interlaminar continuity conditions of displacement and transverse shear stress are satisfied simultaneously, and transverse shear and crosssectional warping effects in thick face layers are accurately taken account. To show characteristics and advantages of the present model, some classical theoretical models are further developed under different kinematic assumptions. The governing equations are derived using Hamilton principle, and finite element solutions for static and dynamic analysis of sandwich beams are presented. Comparisons with exact solution and other well‐known solutions, well demonstrate high accuracy of the present model for sandwich beams with different features. Besides, numerical discussions further reflect accuracy advantages of the present model in static and dynamic analysis of sandwich beams.
Novel formulation for the effects of sloshing with capillarity on elastic structures in linear dynamics
Authors: Ohayon Roger , Soize Christian , Akkaoui Quentin , Capiez‐Lernout Evangéline
Published: December 2019

This article is devoted to the linear dynamics of liquid‐structure interactions for an elastic structure filled with compressible liquid (acoustic liquid), with sloshing and with capillarity effects on the free surface in presence of a gravity field. The objective is to detail the formulation and to quantify the role played by the elasticity in the neighborhood of the triple contact line between the free surface of the compressible liquid and the elastic structure in presence of sloshing and capillarity effects. Most of the works consider that the structure is totally not deformable (rigid tank). Nevertheless, for taking into account the elasticity of the tank, some works have introduced an approximation, which consists in considering a locally undeformable structure in the neighborhood of the triple contact line. The theory presented requires the use of quadratic finite elements for discretizing a new introduced boundary condition. An application has specifically been constructed and presented for quantifying the role played by the elasticity of the structure in the neighborhood of the triple contact line.
A generalized phase field multiscale finite element method for brittle fracture
Authors: Triantafyllou Savvas P. , Kakouris Emmanouil G.
Published: December 2019

A generalized multiscale finite element method is introduced to address the computationally taxing problem of elastic fracture across scales. Crack propagation is accounted for at the microscale utilizing phase field theory. Both the displacement‐based equilibrium equations and phase field state equations at the microscale are mapped on a coarser scale. The latter is defined by a set of multinode coarse elements, where solution of the governing equations is performed. Mapping is achieved by employing a set of numerically derived multiscale shape functions. A set of representative benchmark tests is used to verify the proposed procedure and assess its performance in terms of accuracy and efficiency compared with the standard phase field finite element implementation.
Women’s coping strategies during the first three months of adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Ahlstedt Karlsson Susanne , Wallengren Catarina , Olofsson Bagge Roger , Henoch Ingela
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim was to explore stressful events, experienced problems and used coping strategies during the first three months of undergoing ET.

Design

This study used a mixed method design.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 39 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer were included at the start of their adjuvant endocrine therapy. A daily coping assessment was used to create daily reports about stressful events or experienced problems and coping strategies.

Results

The most frequently reported physical problems were sleeping difficulties. Anxiety was the most reported emotional problem. Patients used both emotion‐and problem‐focused coping, and sleeping difficulties were coped by relaxing, and anxiety was coped by thinking about something else.

Conclusions

Patients experienced a variety of stressful events or problems during the first three months of endocrine therapy. They also used several coping strategies to endure the treatment.
Second‐order, loosely coupled methods for fluid‐poroelastic material interaction
Authors: Oyekole Oyekola , Bukač Martina
Published: December 2019

This work focuses on modeling the interaction between an incompressible, viscous fluid and a poroviscoelastic material. The fluid flow is described using the time‐dependent Stokes equations, and the poroelastic material using the Biot model. The viscoelasticity is incorporated in the equations using a linear Kelvin–Voigt model. We introduce two novel, noniterative, partitioned numerical schemes for the coupled problem. The first method uses the second‐order backward differentiation formula (BDF2) for implicit integration, while treating the interface terms explicitly using a second‐order extrapolation formula. The second method is the Crank–Nicolson and Leap‐Frog (CNLF) method, where the Crank–Nicolson method is used to implicitly advance the solution in time, while the coupling terms are explicitly approximated by the Leap‐Frog integration. We show that the BDF2 method is unconditionally stable and uniformly stable in time, while the CNLF method is stable under a CFL condition. Both schemes are validated using numerical simulations. Second‐order convergence in time is observed for both methods. Simulations over a longer period of time show that the errors in the solution remain bounded. Cases when the structure is poroviscoelastic and poroelastic are included in numerical examples.
Electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, free volume, and γ‐ray transmission of ethylene propylene diene monomer/butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Mohamed Hamdy F. M. , Taha Howayda G. , Alaa Hossam B.
Published: December 2019

Mechanism of electrical conductivity (σ), mechanical properties, and γ‐ray transmission properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/butadiene rubber (BR) composites have been investigated from the viewpoint of free volume (ie, open hole size). The EPDM/BR composites (100/0, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70, and 0/100) loaded with 50 phr carbon black as a reinforcing filler and irradiated with different doses (10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 kGy). The ortho‐positronium lifetime (o‐Ps) for all the composites is measured using the positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy. Linear attenuation coefficients are measured for unirradiated composite at 59.5 keV using 241Am γ‐source. Scan electron microscope, electrical conductivity, stress‐strain, and hardness tests are investigated for all the composites before irradiation at room temperature (25°C). The results show a good linear correlation between the open hole size evaluated by PAL spectroscopy and all of the measured properties. These correlations confirmed the important role played by the free volume (ie, is governed by the open hole size) in all of the electrical conductivity, mechanical, and transmission properties in the composite. The results status that, the composite sample EPDM/BR (0/100) may be used as a radiation resistant material or as a radiation protector for tools in high‐level radiation areas.
Effect of glass fiber reinforcement on the thermal, mechanical, and flame retardancy behavior of poly(lactic acid)/polycarbonate blend
Authors: Hazer Seda , Aytac Ayse
Published: December 2019

This study aims to investigate the thermal, mechanical, and flammability properties of glass fiber (GF) reinforced PLA/PC composites. PLA/PC (50:50) blend was compounded and used as the control sample. Loading levels of GF were altered as 5, 10, 15, and 30 wt%. All composites were produced in a microcompounder and subsequently molded by injection molding. The properties of the composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope, and cone calorimetry test. The maximum tensile strength value was observed for 30 wt% GF reinforced composite as 110.18 MPa. Similar initial degradation temperatures were obtained for the composites compared to the PLA. The maximum LOI value was determined as 23.1 for 30 wt% GF reinforced PLA/PC among the produced composites. Besides, it is observed that the addition of GF significantly decreased the total heat release rate.
Real‐Time Optical Response of Polysiloxane/Quantum Dot Nanocomposites under 2 MeV Proton Irradiation: Luminescence Enhancement of Polysiloxane Emission through Quantum Dot Sensitization
Authors: Zanazzi Enrico , Favaro Matteo , Ficorella Andrea , Pancheri Lucio , Dalla Betta Gian Franco , Quaranta Alberto
Published: December 2019

The growing interest toward the development of high‐Z–sensitized organic scintillators is related with the potential possibility to merge the advantages of organic materials with those of inorganics. In fact, organic plastic scintillators offer large‐area applications and fast response at a low cost, yet their performances for high‐energy photons and charged particles are limited by the poor stopping power related with low‐Z materials. The real‐time optical investigation in terms of steady‐state luminescence spectra of polysiloxane/quantum dot (QD) nanocomposite samples under 2 MeV proton irradiation is presented. Results show an increase in the light yield of the polysiloxane samples embedding QDs up to 8% in comparison with the undoped polymer, paving the way for high‐Z sensitization through QDs in polysiloxane‐based active radiation detection systems.
Multiphonon Raman Scattering in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Double Layers
Authors: Wang Zi-Wu , Deng Jia-Pei , Xiao Yao , Li Zhi-Qing
Published: December 2019

Herein, multiphonon Raman scattering assisted by the interlayer excitons in double transition metal chalcogenide (TMD) layers based on the Huang–Rhys's model is studied. The processes of multiple longitudinal optical (LO) phonons Raman scattering are presented due to the strong exciton–LO phonon coupling. It is found that the Raman scattering intensity and orders of LO phonon overtones depend on the obtained value of Huang–Rhys factor, which can be tuned obviously by the strength of exciton–LO phonon coupling and interlayer distance between two TMD layers. Meanwhile, temperature dependence of scattering intensities for different orders of LO phonon overtones in the multiphonon processes is discussed. The theoretical results provide significant insight not only for the analysis of multiphonon Raman spectroscopy in experiments, but also for the modulation of optical properties in a series of TMD double layers and Van der Waals heterostructures.
Metallomics‐based platforms for comparing the human blood serum profiles between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients
Authors: de Souza Pessôa Gustavo , de Jesus Jemmyson Romário , Balbuena Tiago Santana , Arruda Marco Aurélio Zezzi
Published: December 2019

Rationale

An evaluation of bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) was carried out, from a metallomics point of view, using native conditions, attempting to preserve the interaction between metals and biomolecules.

Method

For this task, blood serum samples from healthy individuals and patients were compared. In addition, the profiles of metal ions and metalloids involved in the pathologies were quantified, and a comparison was carried out of the protein profile in serum samples of healthy individuals and diseased patients.

Results

After optimization and accuracy evaluation of the method, different concentrations of Li, Mg, Mn and Zn were observed in the samples of BD patients and high levels of copper for SCZ patients, indicating an imbalance in the homeostasis of important micronutrients. The treatment, especially with lithium, may be related to competition between metallic ions. BD‐related metallobiomolecules were detected, preserving the binding between metal ions and biomolecules, with four fractions detected in the ultraviolet range (280 nm). Four fractions were collected by high‐performance liquid chromatography/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC/ICP‐MS) and the proteins were identified by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The Ig lambda chain V‐IV region Hil, immunoglobulin heavy constant gama 1 (IGHG1) and beta‐2‐glycoprotein 1 (or ApoH) was identified in SCZ samples, suggesting its relationship with mood disorders. Surprisingly, Protein IGKV2D‐28 was identified only in BD samples, opening up new possibilities for studies regarding the role of this protein in BD.

Conclusions

This approach brings new perspectives to the comprehension of mood disorders, highlighting the importance of metallomics science in disease development. This strategy showed an innovative potential for evaluating mood disorders at the proteomic level, making it possible to identify proteins related to mood disorders and BD.
Adaptive consensus control for stochastic nonlinear multiagent systems with full state constraints
Authors: Xiao Wenbin , Cao Liang , Dong Guowei , Bai Weiwei , Zhou Qi
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the consensus tracking problem is investigated for stochastic nonlinear multiagent systems with full state constraints and time delays. The barrier Lyapunov functions proposed for single‐agent constrained systems are constructively extended to solve the consensus problem for multiagent systems with the full state constraints. Some Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals are introduced to compensate for state time delays, which are inherent in the complicated nonlinear systems. Based on the variable separation technique, the difficulty arising from the nonstrict‐feedback structure is overcome. Under a directed communication topology, the distributed neuroadaptive control protocols are proposed to guarantee that all the follower agents follow the trajectory of the leader agent and the full state constraints are not violated. The effectiveness of the proposed distributed adaptive control approach is verified via simulation examples.
Challenges in assessing privacy impact: Tales from the front lines
Authors: Ferra Fenia , Wagner Isabel , Boiten Eerke , Hadlington Lee , Psychoula Ismini , Snape Richard
Published: December 2019

Data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) aim to identify, rank, and mitigate privacy risks. Even though DPIAs are legally mandated in some cases and privacy professionals perform DPIAs on a daily basis, facilitating the systematic measurement of privacy risks is an open problem. Research on privacy risk measurement often does not take into account the practical needs and requirements for DPIAs in real organizations. In this article, we fill this gap by reporting on focus groups we held with a diverse group of privacy professionals. Through thematic analysis, we identify three themes that emerged from the focus groups: (a) how privacy in the contemporary society affects privacy risk assessment; (b) current practices and procedures in privacy risk assessment; and (c) common issues and challenges. Based on these themes, we identify future research directions for privacy risk measurement. Our article can help to ground research on privacy risk measurement in practical challenges faced by privacy professionals.
Mechanical properties and postcracking behavior of self‐compacting fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Çelik Zinnur , Bingöl Ahmet F.
Published: December 2019

Fiber reinforced concrete is widely used due to its high ductility, energy absorbing capacity, and tensile strength. In this study, the effects of fibers on fresh concrete properties and mechanical properties of self‐compacting fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) were investigated. Basalt fiber (BF), glass fiber (GF), and polypropylene fiber (PPF) were added to the concrete mixtures at the ratios of 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30% by volume. The impacts of the content and type of fiber on the fresh SFRC properties (slump–flow diameter, V‐funnel flow time, and blocking rate) and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and toughness index were analyzed. In addition, the microstructure among cement paste and fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscope images. The results show that the adding of fiber to the mixtures significantly improved the flexural and tensile strength, whereas no significant change in compressive strength was observed. In addition, toughness, which is an important parameter for SFRC, was also determined according to ASTM C 1609. None of the BF and GF specimens reached the intended deflection of L/150 (L is the span). A rapid decrease in load was observed after peak load in both fiber types and the samples showed a brittle fracture. On the contrary, the PPF series showed markedly different postcracking behavior than the BF and GF. Compared with the plain concrete, TL/150 of SFRC with BF, GF, and PPF increase by 29–54%, 17–36%, 133–172%, respectively.
Fluorescent hybrid silica nanoparticles and their biomedical applications
Authors: Yang Shaobo , Li Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

Benefitting from the subtle combination of robust inorganic silica with organic dyes, fluorescent hybrid silica nanoparticles are getting more and more attention by virtue of their excellent aqueous solubility, superior photo‐ and chemical stability, negligible cytotoxicity, and multifunctional capability. On overcoming the disadvantages of traditional organic dyes, fluorescent hybrid silica nanoparticles have exhibited promising biomedical application potentials both in vitro and in vivo, such as bioimaging, anti‐tumor theranostics and biosensing, etc. In this review, various fluorescent hybrid materials based on colloidal silica nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles and silica‐block copolymer hybrid micelles are discussed from the design, synthesis to their biomedical applications. Especially, the fluorescent hybrid silica/organosilica cross‐linking block copolymer micelles are introduced in detail. Finally, the prospects and challenges of these fluorescent hybrid silica nanoparticles in terms of their design, synthesis, and biomedical application are presented.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
On covariant actions for chiral p-forms
Authors: Mkrtchyan Karapet
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We construct a Lorentz and generally covariant, polynomial action for free chiral p-forms, classically equivalent to the Pasti-Sorokin-Tonin (PST) formulation. The minimal set up requires introducing an auxiliary p-form on top of the physical gauge p-form and the PST scalar. The action enjoys multiple duality symmetries, including those that exchange the roles of physical and auxiliary p-form fields. Same type of actions are available for duality-symmetric formulations, which is demonstrated on the example of electromagnetic field in four dimensions. There, the degrees of freedom of a single Maxwell field are described employing four distinct vector gauge fields and a scalar field.
Entanglement dynamics after a quench in Ising field theory: a branch point twist field approach
Authors: Castro-Alvaredo Olalla A. , Lencsés Máté , Szécsényi István M. , Viti Jacopo
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We extend the branch point twist field approach for the calculation of entanglement entropies to time-dependent problems in 1+1-dimensional massive quantum field theories. We focus on the simplest example: a mass quench in the Ising field theory from initial mass m
0 to final mass m. The main analytical results are obtained from a perturbative expansion of the twist field one-point function in the post-quench quasi-particle basis. The expected linear growth of the Rényi entropies at large times mt ≫ 1 emerges from a perturbative calculation at second order. We also show that the Rényi and von Neumann entropies, in infinite volume, contain subleading oscillatory contributions of frequency 2m and amplitude proportional to (mt)
−3/2. The oscillatory terms are correctly predicted by an alternative perturbation series, in the pre-quench quasi-particle basis, which we also discuss. A comparison to lattice numerical calculations carried out on an Ising chain in the scaling limit shows very good agreement with the quantum field theory predictions. We also find evidence of clustering of twist field correlators which implies that the entanglement entropies are proportional to the number of subsystem boundary points.
Monodromy relations from twisted homology
Authors: Casali Eduardo , Mizera Sebastian , Tourkine Piotr
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We reformulate the monodromy relations of open-string scattering amplitudes as boundary terms of twisted homologies on the configuration spaces of Riemann surfaces of arbitrary genus. This allows us to write explicit linear relations involving loop integrands of open-string theories for any number of external particles and, for the first time, to arbitrary genus. In the non-planar sector, these relations contain seemingly unphysical contributions, which we argue clarify mismatches in previous literature. The text is mostly self-contained and presents a concise introduction to twisted homologies. As a result of this powerful formulation, we can propose estimates on the number of independent loop integrands based on Euler characteristics of the relevant configuration spaces, leading to a higher-genus generalization of the famous (n −3)! result at genus zero.
Vacuum stability of Froggatt-Nielsen models
Authors: Giese F. , Konstandin T.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We discuss vacuum stability in Froggatt-Nielsen (FN) models. One concern in FN models is that for large flavon VEVs the running of the quartic Higgs coupling is enhanced what might lead to a more severe instability compared to the Standard Model (SM). We study this issue using the renormalization-group improved scalar potential. Another issue is that the mixing between the Higgs and the flavon can potentially destabilize the potential. However, taking current bounds on the flavon phenomenology into account, we find that both effects do not lead to an instability that is more severe than in the SM.
GLSMs, joins, and nonperturbatively-realized geometries
Authors: Knapp Johanna , Sharpe Eric
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In this work we give a gauged linear sigma model (GLSM) realization of pairs of homologically projective dual Calabi-Yaus that have recently been constructed in the mathematics literature. Many of the geometries can be realized mathematically in terms of joins. We discuss how joins can be described in terms of GLSMs and how the associated Calabi-Yaus arise as phases in the GLSMs. Due to strong-coupling phenomena in the GLSM, the geometries are realized via a mix of perturbative and non-perturbative effects. We apply two-dimensional gauge dualities to construct dual GLSMs. Geometries that are realized perturbatively in one GLSM, are realized non-perturbatively in the dual, and vice versa.
Hanany-Witten transition in quantum curves
Authors: Kubo Naotaka , Moriyama Sanefumi
Published: December 2019

Abstract

It was known that the U(N )4 super Chern-Simons matrix model describing the worldvolume theory of D3-branes with two NS5-branes and two (1, k)5-branes in IIB brane configuration (dual to M2-branes after taking the T-duality and the M-theory lift) corresponds to the D
5 quantum curve. For deformations of these two objects, on one hand the super Chern-Simons matrix model has three degrees of freedom (of relative rank defor- mations interpreted as fractional branes in brane configurations), while on the other hand the D
5 curve has five degrees of freedom (characterized by point configurations of asymp- totic values). To identify the three-dimensional parameter space of brane configurations in the five-dimensional space of point configurations, we propose the necessity to cut the compact T-duality circle (or the circular quiver diagram) open, which is similar to the idea of “fixing a reference frame” or “fixing a local chart”. Since the parameter space of curves enjoys the D
5 Weyl group beautifully, we are naturally led to conjecture that M2-branes are not only deformed by fractional branes but more obscure geometrical backgrounds.
Topological amplitude computations using the pure spinor formalism
Authors: Berkovits Nathan , Ypanaqué Luis Alberto
Published: December 2019

Abstract

After constructing a simplified four-dimensional version of the b ghost, topological multiloop amplitudes in type II superstring theory compactified on a six-dimensional orbifold are computed using the non-minimal pure spinor formalism. These pure spinor amplitude computations preserve manifest N = 2 D = 4 supersymmetry and, unlike the analogous topological multiloop amplitude computations using the hybrid formalism, can be extended to non-topological amplitudes.
Superstring at the boundary of open supermembrane interacting with D=4 supergravity and matter supermultiplets
Authors: Bandos Igor
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We present the complete supersymmetric and κ-symmetric action for the 4- dimensional interacting system of open supermembrane, dynamical supergravity and 3-form matter multiplets. The cases of a single 3-form matter multiplet and a quite generic model with a number of nonlinear interacting double 3-form multiplets are considered. In all cases the fermionic parameter of the κ-symmetry is subject to two apparently different projection conditions which suggests that the ground state of the system, in particular a domain junction, might preserve at most 1/4 of the spacetime supersymmetry. The boundary term of the open supermembrane action, needed to preserve the κ­symmetry, has the meaning of the action of a superstring. The Wess-Zumino term of this superstring action is expressed in terms of real linear superfield playing the role of Stückelberg field for the 3-form gauge symmetry. This indicates that this symmetry is broken spontaneously by the superstring at the boundary of supermembrane.
Heavy spinning particles from signs of primordial non-gaussianities: beyond the positivity bounds
Authors: Kim Suro , Noumi Toshifumi , Takeuchi Keito , Zhou Siyi
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Within the so-called cosmological collider program, imprints of new particles on primordial non-Gaussianities have been studied intensively. In particular, their non- analytic features in the soft limit provide a smoking gun for new particles at the inflation scale. While this approach is very powerful to probe particles of the mass near the Hubble scale, the signal is exponentially suppressed for heavy particles. In this paper, to enlarge the scope of the cosmological collider, we explore a new approach to probing spins of heavy particles from signs of Wilson coefficients of the inflaton effective action and the corresponding primordial non-Gaussianities. As a first step, we focus on the regime where the de Sitter conformal symmetry is weakly broken. It is well known that the leading order effective operator (∂

μ
𝜙∂

μ
𝜙)2 is universally positive as a consequence of unitarity. In contrast, we find that the sign of the six derivative operator (∇

μ

∂

ν
𝜙)2(∂

ρ
𝜙)2 is positive for intermediate heavy scalars, whereas it is negative for intermediate heavy spinning states. Therefore, under the assumption of tree-level UV completion, the sign can be used to probe spins of heavy particles generating the effective interaction. We also study phenomenology of primordial non-Gaussianities thereof.
Barriers to cervical cancer screening in Guatemala: a quantitative analysis using data from the Guatemala Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Gottschlich Anna , Ochoa Pamela , Rivera-Andrade Alvaro , Alvarez Christian S. , Mendoza Montano Carlos , Camel Claudia , Meza Rafael
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Examine the association between commonly reported barriers to health care, including discordant spoken languages between patients and providers, and reported previous cervical cancer screening.

Methods

Data from the nationally representative Guatemala National Maternal and Child Health Survey from the Demographic and Health Surveys Program were used to explore associations between barriers and screening rates nationwide and in high-risk populations, such as rural and indigenous communities. Negative binomial regressions were run accounting for survey sample weights to calculate prevalence ratios.

Results

64.0%, 57.5% and 47.5% of women reported ever screening, in the overall, indigenous, and rural populations, respectively. Overall, never screened for cervical cancer was associated with the following health barriers: needing permission, cost, distance, not wanting to go alone, and primary language not spoken by health providers, even after adjustment for age, ethnicity, and literacy.

Conclusions

Offering screening programs alone is not enough to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Guatemala. Measures need to be taken to reduce barriers to health care, particularly in rural areas, where screening rates are lowest.
Assessment of the naphthalene sublimation technique for determination of convective heat transfer in fundamental and industrial applications
Authors: Niebles Atencio B. , Jamshidi H. , Liljemark M. , Nilsson H. , Chernoray V.
Published: December 2019

The naphthalene sublimation technique is an experimental method for indirectly determining convective heat transfer. The technique is here assessed for two different configurations: the local heat transfer distribution for a circular air jet impinging normal to a flat surface, and the heat transfer occurring in the stator core of an electric generator model. The turbulent impinging jet is fully developed. Two Reynolds numbers based on the nozzle exit condition, 15000 and 23000, and two nozzle diameter distances from the jet exit to the surface, 6 and 8, are considered. For the generator turbulent internal flow with Reynolds number of 4100 is considered, based on the hydraulic diameter of stator ventilation ducts. Modern surface scanning methods and imprints of the naphthalene specimens were used for measuring the naphthalene sublimation rate. The impinging jet results are compared with experimental data found in the literature. Results from the generator model and numerical simulations are compared. For the impinging jet, the results show agreement with the already published experimental data sets. For the generator model, heat transfer results from experiments differ by around 13% compared to numerical results if a scanning of the surface is used for measuring the naphthalene sublimation and around 5% if weights are used for measuring the sublimation rate. Therefore, the results depend on the way the sublimation rate is quantified. From this study, it is possible to affirm that with advanced scanning procedures, the heat transfer can be resolved with very small naphthalene sublimation in cases of both fundamental and complex industrial applications such as electric generators.