bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the possible association between acantholysis and anti‐desmogleins 1 and 3 values in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Mobarakabadi Maryam , Rajai Nazanin , Kamyab Kambiz , Balighi Kamran , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Tavakolpour Soheil , Nili Ali , Nikoo Azita , Mohebi Farnam , Daneshpazhooh Maryam
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Acantholysis is the main pathologic finding in pemphigus, and its location has been historically used to distinguish the major subtypes of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF). While suprabasal clefts are present in PV, PF includes intragranular or subcorneal clefts. After the introduction of anti‐desmoglein ELISA, PF is characterized by anti‐Dsg 1 and PV by anti‐Dsg 3 autoantibodies. However, pathological and serological findings are not consistent in all patients. In this study, we tried to investigate the agreement between serological and pathological findings for the diagnosis of pemphigus.

Methods

We restudied the acantholysis location in skin biopsy samples of 168 pemphigus patients and compared the subtypes of pemphigus based on anti‐Dsg1/3 ELISA and acantholysis locations.

Results

In 33 (19.6%), 100 (59.5%), and 35 (20.8%) of patients, acantholysis was observed in the upper half, the lower half, and throughout the epidermis, respectively. The mean anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 values were 169.76 and 43.45 U/mL in upper clefts and 120.53 and 157.88 U/mL in lower clefts, respectively. By assuming anti‐Dsg1/3 as the gold standard of diagnosis of pemphigus, the sensitivity and specificity of cleft location‐based diagnosis were calculated as 90.2% and 80% for PV and 80% and 90.2% for PF, respectively. There was an overall agreement of 87.97% between histological and serological diagnosis.

Conclusions

The histological findings in PV and PF are not necessarily correlated with sera antibodies' profile. Clinical manifestations, histopathological findings, direct immunofluorescence, and serologic study are all required to accurate diagnosis of the pemphigus and differentiate its subtypes.
Warum altern Lithium‐Ionen‐Batterien?
Authors: Holze Rudolf , Wu Yuping
Published: December 2019

Beobachtbare Wirkungen der Alterung von Lithium‐Ionen‐Batterien werden vorgestellt. Die ihnen zugrunde liegenden chemischen Prozesse werden beschrieben, auf die wechselseitige Beeinflussung und die Abhängigkeit von Betriebsbedingungen, Anwendungsart und Nutzerverhalten wird eingegangen. Aus vorliegenden Befunden werden Anregung zu schonender Nutzung mit dem Ziel der verlangsamten Alterung abgeleitet.
High‐dimensional covariance matrix estimation using a low‐rank and diagonal decomposition
Authors: Wu Yilei , Qin Yingli , Zhu Mu
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study high‐dimensional covariance/precision matrix estimation under the assumption that the covariance/precision matrix can be decomposed into a low‐rank component and a diagonal component . The rank of can either be chosen to be small or controlled by a penalty function. Under moderate conditions on the population covariance/precision matrix itself and on the penalty function, we prove some consistency results for our estimators. A block‐wise coordinate descent algorithm, which iteratively updates and , is then proposed to obtain the estimator in practice. Finally, various numerical experiments are presented; using simulated data, we show that our estimator performs quite well in terms of the Kullback–Leibler loss; using stock return data, we show that our method can be applied to obtain enhanced solutions to the Markowitz portfolio selection problem. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 48: 308–337; 2020 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Trapping of Polysulfides with Sulfur‐Rich Poly Ionic Liquid Cathode Materials for Ultralong‐Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Xu , Lu Yu , Zeng Qinghui , Chen Pingping , Li Zhenfeng , Wen Xin , Wen Wen , Li Zengxi , Zhang Liaoyun
Published: December 2019

Sulfur‐rich polymers synthesized by inverse vulcanization are promising cathodes for Li–S batteries and can suppress the shuttle effect to improve the cycling properties of Li–S batteries. However, developing a sulfur‐rich copolymer with new chemical functionality to enhance performance of Li–S batteries remains a huge challenge. In this report, a sulfur‐rich polymer cathode containing ionic liquid segments named poly(sulfur‐co‐1‐vinyl‐3‐allylimidazolium bromide) [poly(S‐co‐DVIMBr)] was obtained by the inverse vulcanization of S8 with DVIMBr and used as cathode for the first time. This sulfur‐rich poly ionic liquid cathode showed effective suppression of the shuttle effect through joint effects of the stable chemical bonding of C−S and strong cation absorption for lithium polysulfides, which was confirmed by DFT calculations. In particular, the Li–S cell with poly(S‐co‐DVIMBr) cathode delivered high capacity retention of 90.22 % even over 900 cycles. Developing sulfur‐rich poly ionic liquids may provide a new strategy of introducing the functional groups with cations into the cathode materials for suppressing the shuttle effect and improving the performance of Li–S batteries.
Apply enrollment management practices to attract graduate students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2019

DALLAS — Texas Woman's University experienced a 40.64% increase in master's‐level new‐student enrollment and a 36.36% increase in doctoral‐level new‐student enrollment between spring 2017 and spring 2019. And to make that success even better, students were recruited to maximize revenue under the state's funding formula.
Collaborate across campus to make events accessible
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2019

BOSTON — Planning events for prospective and admitted students, participating in orientation, assisting with commencement — those are just a few of the activities Enrollment Management is likely to be involved in where accessibility for individuals with disabilities is key. Making events accessible requires collaboration across campus, said Jim Kessler, a staff member for the Association for Higher Education And Disability. Speaking at the organization's annual conference, he noted that the phrase “welcome everyone” starts with “we.”
Domain reduction strategy for the stability analysis of complex aerodynamic flows
Authors: Sanvido Silvia , Garicano‐Mena Jesús , de Vicente Javier , Valero Eusebio
Published: December 2019

Stability analysis in the framework of fluid dynamics is often expressed in terms of a complex eigenvalue problem (EVP). The solution of this EVP describes underlying flow features and their stability characteristics. The main shortcoming of this approach is the high computational cost necessary to solve the EVP, limiting the applicability of this analysis to simple two‐dimensional configurations. Many efforts have been focused on overcoming this limitation. Reducing the computational domain to encompass only those regions of physical interest may help alleviate the computational cost. However, the accuracy of the eigenmodes recovered from a reduced region needs to be carefully assessed. In this work, an in‐depth analysis of the domain reduction (DR) strategy is presented, and an error estimation tool is provided. The applicability and limitations of this methodology are studied on the open‐cavity problem. Next, the error estimation tool is exploited in the transonic buffet phenomenon on a NACA 0012 profile, giving valuable recommendations for the best use of this methodology. Finally, the DR strategy has been applied to investigate the asymmetries induced by jet cooling of turbine blades.
The heterogeneous functional architecture of the posteromedial cortex is associated with selective functional connectivity differences in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Khan Wasim , Amad Ali , Giampietro Vincent , Werden Emilio , De Simoni Sara , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Westman Eric , O'Daly Owen , Williams Steve C. R. , Brodtmann Amy ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2019

The posteromedial cortex (PMC) is a key region involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have demonstrated a heterogenous functional architecture of the region that is composed of discrete functional modules reflecting a complex pattern of functional connectivity. However, little is understood about the mechanisms underpinning this complex network architecture in neurodegenerative disease, and the differential vulnerability of connectivity‐based subdivisions in the PMC to AD pathogenesis. Using a data‐driven approach, we applied a constrained independent component analysis (ICA) on healthy adults from the Human Connectome Project to characterise the local functional connectivity patterns within the PMC, and its unique whole‐brain functional connectivity. These distinct connectivity profiles were subsequently quantified in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study, to examine functional connectivity differences in AD patients and cognitively normal (CN) participants, as well as the entire AD pathological spectrum. Our findings revealed decreased functional connectivity in the anterior precuneus, dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and the central precuneus in AD patients compared to CN participants. Functional abnormalities in the dorsal PCC and central precuneus were also related to amyloid burden and volumetric hippocampal loss. Across the entire AD spectrum, functional connectivity of the central precuneus was associated with disease severity and specific deficits in memory and executive function. These findings provide new evidence showing that the PMC is selectively impacted in AD, with prominent network failures of the dorsal PCC and central precuneus underpinning the neurodegenerative and cognitive dysfunctions associated with the disease.
Exhaled breath analysis in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer
Authors: Mäkitie Antti A. , Almangush Alhadi , Youssef Omar , Metsälä Markus , Silén Suvi , Nixon Iain J. , Haigentz Missak , Rodrigo Juan P. , Saba Nabil F. , Vander Poorten Vincent , Ferlito Alfio
Published: December 2019

Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a heterogeneous group of upper aerodigestive tract malignant neoplasms, the most frequent of which is squamous cell carcinoma. HNC forms the eighth most common cancer type and the incidence is increasing. However, survival has improved only moderately during the past decades. Currently, early diagnosis remains the mainstay for improving treatment outcomes in this patient population. Unfortunately, screening methods to allow early detection of HNC are not yet established. Therefore, many cases are still diagnosed at advanced stage, compromising outcomes. Exhaled breath analysis (EBA) is a diagnostic tool that has been recently introduced for many cancers. Breath analysis is non‐invasive, cost‐effective, time‐saving, and can potentially be applied for cancer screening. Here, we provide a summary of the accumulated evidence on the feasibility of EBA in the diagnosis of HNC.
Fabrication and photocatalytic activity of LaFeO3 ribbon‐like nanofibers
Authors: Li Shudan , Guo Meiling , Wang Xiuhua , Gao Kun
Published: December 2019

LaFeO3 ribbon‐like nanofibers were synthesized via a sol–gel‐assisted electrospinning method. The differences in morphology and photocatalytic property of LaFeO3 nanofibers prepared through different needles were investigated. At the same time, the morphology and photocatalytic activity of porous LaFeO3 nanobelts formed at different calcination temperatures were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the obtained ribbon‐like LaFeO3 nanofibers made using a coaxial needle contained a large number of pores. Moreover, with the increase of calcination temperature, the morphology of the fibers also changed. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed a series of fibers all in orthorhombic LaFeO3 phase but no other impurities. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of LaFeO3 nanofibers was studied for the degradation of methylene blue under visible light. The results demonstrated that ribbon‐like nanofibers exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity compared with the others and the LaFeO3 nanobelts calcined at 500°C had the best photocatalytic activity. Based on the experimental results, possible forming mechanisms involving in LaFeO3 nanofibers through different needles are also discussed.
Predictive value of integrin α7 for acute myeloid leukemia risk and its correlation with prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Zeng Mingyue , Ding Siruiyun , Zhang Hui , Huang Qianqian , Ren yi , Guo Pengxiang
Published: December 2019

Background

This study aimed to explore the predictive value of integrin α7 (ITGA7) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) risk and subsequently investigate its correlation with risk stratification and prognosis in AML patients.

Methods

Bone marrow samples were obtained from 196 de novo AML patients prior to initiation of treatment and from 50 subjects underwent bone marrow donation or bone marrow biopsy for non‐hematologic malignant disease (as controls). ITGA7 mRNA and protein expressions were detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays, respectively. In AML patients, the risk stratification was assessed, and complete remission (CR), event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results

Both ITGA7 mRNA and protein expressions were increased in AML patients compared with controls, and their expressions were correlated with poorer risk stratification. For prognosis, ITGA7 mRNA expression and protein expression were declined in CR patients compared to non‐CR patients. Meanwhile, both EFS and OS were shorter in ITGA7 mRNA high expression patients compared to ITGA7 mRNA low expression patients, as well as ITGA7 protein high expression patients compared to ITGA7 protein low expression patients.

Conclusion

Integrin α7 might serve as a potential biomarker for predicting increased AML risk and worse prognosis in AML patients.
Sulfated TiO2 nanosheets catalyzing conversion of biomass derivatives: influences of the sulfation on distribution of Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites
Authors: Shao Yuewen , Du Wenfei , Gao Zhiran , Sun Kai , Zhang Zhanming , Li Qingyin , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Shu , Liu Qing , Hu Xun
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The synthesis of solid acid catalysts of recoverable and environmentally friendly nature has gained increasing attention in recent years. The distribution of Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites on the surface of sulfated metal oxides determines the catalytic performance, which is affected by many key factors, such as the concentration of sulfuric acid impregnated and the morphology of the metal oxides used. In this study, TiO2 nanosheets were successfully synthesized and used as carrier for the preparation of solid acid catalysts.

RESULTS

The concentration of sulfuric acid for the impregnation resulted in various distributions of Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites on the surface of sulfated TiO2. With a medium concentration of sulfuric acid (1 mol L−1) for the impregnation, the highest ratio of Brønsted to Lewis acidic sites can be achieved, and the catalyst showed superior catalytic activity for the conversion of furfuryl alcohol (FA) to ethyl levulinate (EL) in ethanol and the conversion of fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

CONCLUSION

The sulfation of TiO2 nanosheets induced the formation of both Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites. The Brønsted acidic sites were more effective for catalyzing the conversion of FA or fructose. The poor recyclability of the 1.0‐SO42−/TiO2 catalyst in the conversion of FA to EL in ethanol, a protic solvent, was due to the leaching of sulfur species. The deactivation of the catalyst in DMSO was due to coking, which could be resolved via calcination of the coke species in air. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Distinct interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells control cell morphology and collective migration during sponge epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Costa Manoel L. , de Andrade Rosa Ivone , Andrade Leonardo , Mermelstein Claudia , C. Coutinho Cristiano
Published: December 2019

Epithelial and mesenchymal cell types are basic for animal multicellularity and they have complementary functions coordinated by cellular interactions. Sponges are especially important model organisms to address the evolutionary basis of morphogenetic programs for epithelial and mesenchymal organization in animals. Evolutionary studies in sponges can contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that control tissue maintenance and tumor progression in humans. In the present study, sponge mesenchymal and epithelial cells were isolated from the demosponge Hymeniacidon heliophila, and aggregate formation was observed by video microscopy. Epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction, epithelial transition, and cell migration led to sponge cell aggregation after drastic stress. Based on their different morphologies, adhesion specificities, and motilities, we suggest a role for different sponge cell types as well as complementary functions in cell aggregation. Micromanipulation under the microscope and cell tracking were also used to promote specific grafting‐host interaction, to further test the effects of cell type interaction. The loss of cell polarity and flattened shape during the epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition generated small immobile aggregates of round/amoeboid cells. The motility of these transited epithelial‐cell aggregates was observed by cell tracking using fluorescent dye, but only after interaction with streams of migratory mesenchymal cells. Cell motility occurred independently of morphological changes, indicating a progressive step in the transition toward a migratory mesenchymal state. Our data suggest a two‐step signaling process: (a) the lack of interaction between mesenchymal and epithelial cells triggers morphological changes; and (b) migratory mesenchymal cells instruct epithelial cells for directional cell motility. These results could have an impact on the understanding of evolutionary aspects of metastatic cancer cells.

Highlights

Morphogenetic movements observed in modern sponges could have a common evolutionary origin with collective cell migration of human metastatic cells.

A sponge regenerative model was used here to characterize epithelial and mesenchymal cells, and for the promotion of grafting/host interactions with subsequent cell tracking.

The transition from epithelial to mesenchymal cell type can be observed in sponges in two steps: (a) withdrawal of epithelial/mesenchymal cell interactions to trigger morphological changes; (b) migratory mesenchymal cells to induce epithelial cells to a collective migratory state.
A step‐by‐step protocol for isolation of murine nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Bratsman Andrew , Couasnay Greig , Elefteriou Florent
Published: December 2019

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is composed of three separate tissues with distinct origins and properties. Elucidating changes occurring in these tissues in response to injury or age is paramount to identify new therapies to better manage disc and spine degenerative conditions, including low back pain. Despite their small size and different mechanical load pattern compared to higher species, the use of mouse models represents a cost‐effective and powerful approach to better understand the formation, maintenance, and degeneration of the IVD. However, the isolation of the different compartments of the IVD is complicated by their diminutive size. Here, we describe a simple, step‐by‐step protocol for the isolation of the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues that can then be processed for further analyses. Analysis from mouse NP tissues shows sufficient quantities of RNAs, purity of the NP fraction, and overall RNA quality for gene expression studies, and reveals no increase in expression of disc degeneration markers, including TNFa, IL1b, and Mmp1 up to 15 months of age in C57BL6 wildtype mice.
Anti‐Adhesive, Platelet Gathering Effects of c‐RGD Modified Poly(p‐dioxanone‐co‐l‐Phe) Electrospun Membrane and Its Comprehensive Application in Intestinal Anastomosis
Authors: Wang Bing , Feng Chengmin , Dang Jiafeng , Niu Lijing , Shen Chengyi , Yang Xiaomei , Zhang Ting , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: December 2019

Intestinal resection and anastomosis are performed in over a million people with various bowel diseases annually. Excessive fibrosis and anastomotic site leakage are the main complications of anastomosis surgery, despite great improvements in operative technique and equipment in recent years. In this study, cRGD modified poly(p‐dioxanone‐co‐l‐Phe) (PDPA) membranes are designed and applied in intestinal anastomosis to simultaneously solve the two aforementioned complications. cRGD is modified onto PDPA membranes through both physical absorption and π–π accumulation betweend‐Phe of cRGD andl‐Phe of PDPA. Although cRGD modification enhanced the biocompatibility of PDPA membranes, cRGD modified PDPA membrane suppresses fibroblast proliferation both in vitro and in vivo as a result of degradation and subsequent release of fibroblast suppressivel‐Phe from PDPA. Meanwhile, platelets are entrapped by cRGD modified PDPA membranes through the specific binding of cRGD and platelet GPIIbIIIa. cRGD modified PDPA membranes are applied in rat intestinal anastomosis, and both adhesion and stenosis are successfully prevented at anastomotic sites. At the same time, bursting pressure, which represents healing intensity at anastomotic sites, is promoted. The gathering and activation of platelets on PDPA membranes induce secretion of autologous PDGF and VEGF to facilitate angiogenesis and subsequent healing of anastomotic sites.
Geometric distortion characterization and correction for the 1.0 T Australian MRI‐linac system using an inverse electromagnetic method
Authors: Shan Shanshan , Liney Gary P. , Tang Fangfang , Li Mingyan , Wang Yaohui , Ma Huan , Weber Ewald , Walker Amy , Holloway Lois , Wang Qiuliang , Wang Deming , Liu Feng , Crozier Stuart
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐Linac system combines a MRI scanner and a linear accelerator (Linac) to realize real‐time localization and adaptive radiotherapy for tumors. Given that the Australian MRI‐Linac system has a 30‐cm diameter of spherical volume (DSV) with a shimmed homogeneity of ±4.05 parts per million (ppm), a gradient nonlinearity (GNL) of <5% can only be assured within 15 cm from the system's isocenter. GNL increases from the isocenter and escalates close to and outside of the edge of the DSV. Gradient nonlinearity can cause large geometric distortions, which may provide inaccurate tumor localization and potentially degrade the radiotherapy treatment. In this study, we aimed to characterize and correct the geometric distortions both inside and outside of the DSV.

Methods

On the basis of phantom measurements, an inverse electromagnetic (EM) method was developed to reconstitute the virtual current density distribution that could generate gradient fields. The obtained virtual EM source was capable of characterizing the GNL field both inside and outside of the DSV. With the use of this GNL field information, our recently developed “GNL‐encoding” reconstruction method was applied to correct the distortions implemented in the k‐space domain.

Results

Both phantom and in vivo human images were used to validate the proposed method. The results showed that the maximal displacements within an imaging volume of 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm after using the fifth‐order spherical harmonic (SH) method and the proposed method were 6.1 ± 0.6 mm and 1.8 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. Compared with the fifth‐order SH‐based method, the new solution decreased the percentage of markers (within an imaging volume of 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm) with ≥1.5‐mm distortions from 6.3% to 1.3%, indicating substantially improved geometric accuracy.

Conclusions

The experimental results indicated that the proposed method could provide substantially improved geometric accuracy for the region outside of the DSV, when comparing with the fifth‐order SH‐based method.
Feasibility study of surface motion tracking with millimeter wave technology during radiotherapy
Authors: Olick‐Gibson Joshua , Cai Bin , Zhou Shuang , Mutic Sasa , Carter Paul , Hugo Geoff , Zhang Tiezhi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Continuous monitoring of patient movement is crucial to administering safe radiation therapy (RT). Conventional optical approaches often cannot be used when the patient’s surface is blocked by immobilization devices. Millimeter waves (mmWaves) are capable of penetrating nonconductive objects. In this study, we investigated using mmWave technology to monitor patient surface displacements, as well as breathing and cardiac phases, through clothing and body fixtures.

Methods

A mmWave device was mounted inside the bore of a ring‐based radiotherapy linear accelerator and pointed at a reflective surface on top of the couch. Measurements were obtained at displacements of 10, 7.5, 5.0, 2.5, and 1.0 mm at heights 100, 150, and 200 mm below isocenter. Submillimeter displacements were performed at a height of 200 mm. Additionally, millimeter and submillimeter displacements were measured with and without a gown and body mold placed between the surface and the sensor. The device was programmed to transmit chirp signals at 77–81 GHz. The subject’s surface was detected by fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the reflected chirp signal within a rough range bin. Fine displacements within that range bin were calculated through phase extraction and phase demodulation. The displacement data were sent through two separate bandpass filters with passbands of 0.1–0.6 and 0.8–2.0 Hz to obtain the subject’s breathing and cardiac waveforms, respectively. The breathing and cardiac measurements were compared to those of a Vernier Respiration Monitor Belt and an electrocardiogram (EKG), respectively, to assess validity.

Results

The device was able to detect millimeter and submillimeter displacements as small as 0.1 mm, as well as monitor displacement with an accuracy within 1 mm in the presence of an obstructive object. The device's breathing and cardiac waveforms exhibited a strong phase correlation between the respiration monitor belt (ρ = 0.9156) and EKG (ρ = 0.7895), respectively.

Conclusions

The mmWave device can monitor surface displacements with an accuracy better than 0.1 mm without obstructions and better than 1 mm with obstructions. It can also provide real‐time monitoring of breathing and cardiac waveforms simultaneously with high correlation with traditional respiratory and cardiac monitoring devices. Overall, mmWave technology demonstrates potential for motion monitoring in the field of radiation oncology.
A linear constitutive model for unsaturated poroelasticity by micromechanical analysis
Authors: Cheng Alexander H.D.
Published: December 2019

This paper extends the Biot theory of poroelasticity from the saturated to unsaturated case. The Biot phenomenological model uses parameters that are easily observable, such as the deformation of porous frame, total stress, pore pressure, and fluid specific discharge. Such model is preferred for engineering applications. At this macroscopic level, the extension of Biot theory from saturated to unsaturated is straightforward. The constitutive constants, however, are combined properties of solid, pore space, and fluids. In the unsaturated case, the constants are functions of the degree of saturation. Their measurements and tabulation over a range of saturation is generally not feasible for practical applications. In this work, a Biot‐Willis type analysis is performed for the unsaturated case to provide a theory that the bulk material constants can be evaluated using laboratory measurable micromechanical constants under saturated condition, plus a capillary pressure curve (saturation versus suction pressure) typically available for unsaturated porous medium, without the need of measurement at each state of saturation. In particular, it is demonstrated that the surface energy contained in the meniscus interface manifests as a “capillary modulus,” given by the negative inverse slope of the capillary pressure curve. A rigorous analysis based on the thermodynamic variational energy approach is also conducted to lend theoretical support to the phenomenological approach. The presented model can bring a closure to the practical engineering modeling of the deformation of partially saturated porous medium that lacks the information of material constants over the range of saturation.
Effect of foreign direct investment, remittances, and foreign aid on economic growth: Evidence from two emerging South Asian economies
Authors: Das Aurolipsa , Sethi Narayan
Published: December 2019

This paper analyzes the effect of foreign direct investment, remittances, and official development assistance on economic growth in India and Sri Lanka. The study uses annual time series data of both countries for the period 1980–2016. In order to find the short‐run and long‐run relationship among the variables, we use Granger causality test and vector error correction model. We also carry out a vector decomposition analysis to predict the forecast variance error of the future periods and impulse response function to analyze the effect of shocks in the independent variables on that of the dependent variable. Our results indicate that foreign direct investment and remittances have a significant impact on economic growth in India, whereas in Sri Lanka, foreign aid and remittances play an important role in enhancing economic growth.
Mapping from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9th to 10th Revision for Research in Biologics and Biosimilars Using Administrative Healthcare Data
Authors: He Mengdong , Santiago Ortiz Adrian J. , Marshall James , Mendelsohn Aaron B. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Barr Charles E. , Lockhart Catherine M. , Kim Seoyoung C.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated the transition from ICD‐9 to ICD‐10 codes on October 1, 2015. Postmarketing surveillance of newly marketed drugs, including novel biologics and biosimilars, requires a robust approach to convert ICD‐9 to ICD‐10 codes for study variables. We examined three mapping methods for health conditions (HCs) of interest to the Biologics and Biosimilars Collective Intelligence Consortium (BBCIC) and compared their prevalence.

Methods

Using CMS General Equivalence Mappings, we applied forward‐backward mapping (FBM) to 108 HCs and secondary mapping (SM) and tertiary mapping (TM) to seven preselected HCs. A physician reviewed the mapped ICD‐10 codes. The prevalence of the 108 HCs defined by ICD‐9 versus ICD‐10 codes was examined in BBCIC's distributed research network (September 1, 2012 to March 31, 2018). We visually assessed prevalence trends of these HCs and applied a threshold of 20% level change in ICD‐9 versus ICD‐10 prevalence.

Results

Nearly four times more ICD‐10 codes were mapped by SM and TM than FBM, but most were irrelevant or nonspecific. For conditions like myocardial infarction, SM or TM did not generate additional ICD‐10 codes. Through visual inspection, one‐fifth of the HCs had inconsistent ICD‐9 versus ICD‐10 prevalence trends. 13% of HCs had a level change greater than +/−20%.

Conclusion

FBM is generally the most efficient way to convert ICD‐9 to ICD‐10 codes, yet manual review of converted ICD‐10 codes is recommended even for FBM. The lack of existing guidance to compare the performance of ICD‐9 with ICD‐10 codes led to challenges in empirically determining the quality of conversions.
Influence of semi‐crystalline poly(ε‐caprolactone) and non‐crystalline polylactide blocks on the thermal properties of polydimethylsiloxane‐based block copolymers
Authors: Brogly Maurice , Bistac Sophie , Delaite Christelle , Alzina Camille
Published: December 2019

Poly(A)‐block‐poly(B), poly(A)‐block‐poly(B)‐block‐poly(A) and B(A)2 block copolymers were prepared through coordinated anionic ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) and lactic acid (LA) using hydroxy‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as initiator. A wide range of well‐defined combinations of PDMS‐block‐PCL and PDMS‐block‐PLA diblock copolymers, PCL‐block‐PDMS‐block‐PCL and PLA‐block‐PDMS‐block‐PLA triblock copolymers and star‐PDMS(PCL)2 copolymers were thus obtained. The number‐average molar masses and the structure of the synthesized block copolymers were identified using various analytical techniques. The thermal properties of these copolymers were established using differential scanning calorimetry. Considering PDMS‐block‐PCL copolymers, the results demonstrate the complex effect of polymer architecture and PCL block length on the ability of the PDMS block to crystallize or not. In the case of diblock copolymers, crystallization of PCL blocks originated from stacking of adjacent chains inducing the extension of the PDMS block that can easily crystallize. In the case of star copolymers, the same tendency as in triblock copolymers is observed, showing a limited crystallization of PDMS when the length of the PCL block increases. In the case of PDMS‐block‐PLA copolymers, melting and crystallization transitions of the PLA block are never observed. Considering the diblock copolymers, PDMS sequences have the ability to crystallize. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Nucleation and Growth of Magnetron‐Sputtered Ag Nanoparticles as Witnessed by Time‐Resolved Small Angle X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Shelemin Artem , Pleskunov Pavel , Kousal Jaroslav , Drewes Jonas , Hanuš Jan , Ali‐Ogly Suren , Nikitin Daniil , Solař Pavel , Kratochvíl Jiří , Vaidulych Mykhailo , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Kylián Ondřej , Polonskyi Oleksandr , Strunskus Thomas , Faupel Franz , Roth Stephan V. , Biederman Hynek , Choukourov Andrei
Published: December 2019

Kinetic aspects of the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) by magnetron sputtering are studied by in situ and time‐resolved small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Part of the NPs are found to become confined within a capture zone at 1–10 mm from the surface of the target and circumscribed by the plasma ring. Three regimes of the NP growth are identified: 1) early growth at which the average NP diameter rapidly increases to 90 nm; 2) cycling instabilities at which the SAXS signal periodically fluctuates either due to expelling of large NPs from the capture zone or due to the axial rotation of the NP cloud; and 3) steady‐state synthesis at which stable synthesis of the NPs is achieved. The NP confinement within the capture zone is driven by the balance of forces, the electrostatic force being dominant. On reaching the critical size, large NPs acquire an excessive charge and become expelled from the capture zone via the electrostatic interactions. As a result, significant NP deposits are formed on the inner walls of the aggregation chamber as well as in the central area of the target.
An Assessment of Printing Methods for Producing Two‐Dimensional Lead‐Free Functional Pyrotechnic Delay‐Lines for Mining Applications
Authors: Bell Tuuli M. , Williamson David M. , Walley Stephen M. , Morgan C. Gordon , Kelly Cheryl L. , Batchelor Lynette
Published: December 2019

Shock‐tube detonators, used in the mining industry to initiate charges of blasting explosives, often contain pyrotechnic delay‐lines for controlling the sequence of blasts. Traditionally, delay‐lines consist of pyrotechnic compounds of toxic metals such as lead which are pressed into the metallic tubing. Since lead is well‐known to be a hazard both to people and the environment, lead‐free alternatives were investigated to create a delay‐line composition. Further, to create delay‐lines cheaply and reproducibly, a composition was developed that could be printed onto a substrate. Screen printing was investigated for this purpose. The pyrotechnic ink that we developed consists of two inert inks (a fuel and an oxidiser) so that it can be stored and transported safely and conveniently without being classified as an energetic. After being transported to its destination, the two inks can be mixed to form an energetic (wet) ink, printed, and used as a delay‐line when dry. A silicon‐bismuth trioxide composition bonded together using nitrocellulose was found to be a suitable ink for screen printing. The burning rate was measured as 52±7 mm s−1 for a thickness of 100 μm. This thickness reduces the raw delay‐line material by over 90 % compared to traditional 3D delay‐lines. The target burning rate was 24 mm/s, but the measured rate is sufficiently close to this that changes in geometry could meet this requirement. The critical thickness for a self‐sustainable burn was measured as 40±5 μm. The thermal output and viscosity of the ink were determined as functions of the particle size. The viscosity of the ink was determined as 7.04±0.05 Pa s, which is suitable for screen printing. Milling was used to reduce the particle size below 1 μm. Ignition of the printed delay‐line using shock tubing was achieved through overprinting with a shock‐sensitive ink. The burning rate of a delay‐line is one of its most defining properties when used in mining applications. Thus the effect on the delay‐line's burning rate of the pyrotechnic composition printed thickness, and the ink solvent was investigated. We found that the burning rate could be modified by changing the silicon content in the pyrotechnic, and to some extent, by adding aluminum. Adding a third, slowly evaporating solvent, to the ink vehicle was found to reduce the critical thickness to less than 40 μm, decrease the burning rate to 46±7 mm s−1, and enhance the ink's flow properties. We found that the width of printed lines did not affect the burning rate for widths between 1–5 mm. This is an interesting result and could be used to determine the most cost‐effective shape to produce printed delay‐lines. Ignition of the printed delay‐line using shock tubing was achieved through overprinting with a shock‐sensitive ink.
Raman Spectroscopic Study of the Optical Phonons of Mg2Si1−xSnx Solid Solutions
Authors: Yasseri Mohammad , Schüpfer Dominique , Chen Limei , Kamila Hasbuna , Müller Eckhard , de Boor Johannes , Klar Peter J.
Published: December 2019

Mg2Si1−xSnx solid solutions are prepared in the composition range from x = 0 to 1 by mechanical alloying using high‐energy ball milling followed by direct‐current sintering at 600–800 °C. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms that the samples obtained are uniform solid solutions. Raman spectroscopy shows two first‐order phonon Raman bands and a distribution of Raman signals due to second‐order phonon Raman scattering. The first‐order Raman bands are assigned to the nondegenerate Raman‐forbidden F1u (LO) mode and the triply degenerate Raman‐allowed F2g mode. Both modes exhibit a linear shift of the phonon frequency with a composition showing a clear one‐mode behavior for this solid solution. The findings are discussed in the context of existing theories for the occurrence of the one‐mode or two‐mode behavior of phonons in solid solutions.
Application of a novel cyclic ion mobility‐mass spectrometer to the analysis of synthetic polymers: A preliminary evaluation
Authors: Riches Eleanor , Palmer Martin E.
Published: December 2019

Rationale

Mass spectrometry (MS) is often employed in the characterisation of synthetic polymers. As polymer architecture becomes more complex, ion mobility (IM) is increasingly being coupled with MS to provide an additional dimension of separation, along with structural information. In this study, we explore the use of a novel cyclic ion mobility (cIM) mass spectrometer for the analysis of a co‐polymer sample.

Methods

A solution of poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(propylene glycol) random co‐polymer (PEG‐ran‐PPG) was used as a representative polymer sample. The solution was infused into a cIM‐enabled quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. An m/z region of interest, selected using the quadrupole, was passed around the cIM device multiple times. Subsequently, regions of an arrival time distribution were ‘sliced’ and subjected to tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis.

Results

Typical, multiply charged series were observed for the polymer under electrospray ionisation. Multiple passes of the cIM device resulted in the separation of otherwise‐overlapping charge states within a narrow m/z window (~3 m/z units), allowing individual selection of ions. These isolated ions were then subjected to post‐mobility fragmentation resulting in clean, high‐resolution product ion spectra, with a significant reduction in interference.

Conclusions

Scalable IM separation (IMS), brought about by passing ions multiple times around the cIM device, was demonstrated to provide increased IM resolution for ions in the selected m/z window. After multiple passes, deconvoluted high‐resolution MS/MS product ion spectra were successfully acquired for ions that previously had interfering overlapping species present.
Sliding mode control of discrete‐time switched systems subject to mode delays
Authors: Zhao Haijuan , Niu Yugang
Published: December 2019

This work considers the sliding mode control problem of a class of discrete‐time uncertain switched systems subject to detecting‐delay on mode signals, which may result in the asynchronous phenomenon between the controller and the switched system. Since the mode information of the controlled system is not available for the controller in time, a mode‐independent sliding surface will be introduced, by which an asynchronous sliding mode controller is designed, whose control gain and robust parameter will be changing according to the controller mode. In the analysis on the stability of the closed‐loop control system and the reachability of the specified sliding surface, the asynchronous characteristics are detailedly investigated. It is shown that the Lyapunov function may be not always decreasing along the state trajectories during the unmatched interval of controller modes and system modes. Nevertheless, it is proven that the state trajectories can be driven into a sliding region around the specified sliding surface in finite time. Finally, some numerical simulation results are provided.
Feedback passification of switched stochastic time‐delay systems with multiple disturbances via DOBC
Authors: Ma Lianfang , Sun Haibin , Zong Guangdeng
Published: December 2019

This paper is concerned with the problem of feedback passification for switched stochastic time‐delay systems with multiple disturbances subject to mode‐dependent average dwell‐time switching. The multiple disturbances are composed of two parts: one is given through an exogenous system and the other is described in the form of norm‐bounded vector. A disturbance observer is constructed to estimate an exogenous disturbance. Then, a state feedback controller that includes the estimation value is designed to guarantee the passivity of the closed‐loop system. The observer and controller gains are developed via linear matrix inequalities. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through a numerical example and an application example to PWM‐driven boost converter.
Place brand as an emergent property: The case of Vascitour and Naples
Authors: Tani Mario , Basile Gianpaolo , Dominici Gandolfo
Published: December 2019

In this paper, by adopting a systemic framework, we argue that place's adaptive connotation be considered as a mere result of endogenous processes but as a viable system that will remain viable if it can continue to answer the needs of its numerous heterogeneous internal and external socio‐economic agents. Place can be seen as a complex adaptive system characterized by a more or less planned evolution, driven by both top‐down and bottom‐up processes, and composed of various interconnecting parts that, at the same time, can be seen as wholes at different levels as an holoarchy. The model of the holoarchy allows to consider the place as the result of both planned and spontaneous relationships between social and economic (sub)systems and components, implemented in order to achieve a common goal. We than apply this framework to the analysis of a case study in the tourism industry in Naples (Italy).
Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System Trained for Sizing Semi-elliptical Notches Scanned by Eddy Currents
Authors: Mohseni Ehsan , Viens Martin , Xie Wen-Fang
Published: December 2019

The present study explores the capability of COMSOL Multiphysics, as a finite element modelling (FEM) tool, to model the interaction between a split-D differential surface eddy current (ECT) probe and semi-elliptical surface electrical discharge machined (EDM) notches. The effect of the small probe’s lift-off and tilt on its signal is investigated through modelling and subsequently, the simulation outcomes are validated using the probe’s impedance measurements. In the next stage, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is designed to take the signal features as inputs and consequently, provide the length of the scanned notch as the system’s output. The system is trained by extracted features of thirty model-generated signals obtained from scanning of the same number of semi-elliptical notches by means of the split-D probe. The trained ANFIS is tested afterwards using the measured signals of 3 calibration EDM notches together with 5 model-based ones. A very low average estimation error is observed with regard to the length estimation of the test notches and the accuracy of the length estimation is found to be quite reasonable.
High-dimensional regression in practice: an empirical study of finite-sample prediction, variable selection and ranking
Authors: Wang Fan , Mukherjee Sach , Richardson Sylvia , Hill Steven M.
Published: December 2019

Penalized likelihood approaches are widely used for high-dimensional regression. Although many methods have been proposed and the associated theory is now well developed, the relative efficacy of different approaches in finite-sample settings, as encountered in practice, remains incompletely understood. There is therefore a need for empirical investigations in this area that can offer practical insight and guidance to users. In this paper, we present a large-scale comparison of penalized regression methods. We distinguish between three related goals: prediction, variable selection and variable ranking. Our results span more than 2300 data-generating scenarios, including both synthetic and semisynthetic data (real covariates and simulated responses), allowing us to systematically consider the influence of various factors (sample size, dimensionality, sparsity, signal strength and multicollinearity). We consider several widely used approaches (Lasso, Adaptive Lasso, Elastic Net, Ridge Regression, SCAD, the Dantzig Selector and Stability Selection). We find considerable variation in performance between methods. Our results support a “no panacea” view, with no unambiguous winner across all scenarios or goals, even in this restricted setting where all data align well with the assumptions underlying the methods. The study allows us to make some recommendations as to which approaches may be most (or least) suitable given the goal and some data characteristics. Our empirical results complement existing theory and provide a resource to compare methods across a range of scenarios and metrics.