bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diaphragm Involvement in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): An MRI Study
Authors: Pennati Francesca , Arrigoni Filippo , LoMauro Antonella , Gandossini Sandra , Russo Annamaria , D'Angelo Maria G. , Aliverti Andrea
Published: July 2019

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory muscles, with consequent cardiopulmonary failure as the main cause of death. Reliable outcome measures able to demonstrate specific trends over disease progression are essential.

Purpose

To investigate MRI as a noninvasive imaging modality to assess diaphragm impairment in DMD. In particular, we sought to correlate MRI measurement of diaphragm structure and function with pulmonary function tests and with the abdominal volumes (VAB) measured by optoelectronic plethysmography, being an index of the action of the diaphragm.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional study.

Population

Twenty‐six DMD patients (17.9 ± 6.2 years) and 12 age‐matched controls (17.8 ± 5.9 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐Point gradient echo Dixon sequence at 3T.

Assessment

Images were acquired in breath‐hold at full‐expiration (EXP) and full‐inspiration (INSP). INSP and EXP lung volumes were segmented and the diaphragm surface was reconstructed as the bottom surface of the left and the right lung. The inspiratory and the expiratory diaphragm surfaces were aligned by a nonrigid iterative closest point algorithm. On MRI we measured: 1) craniocaudal diaphragmatic excursion; 2) diaphragm fatty infiltration.

Statistical Tests

Three‐parameter sigmoid regression, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman's correlation.

Results

In patients, diaphragm excursion decreased with age (r2 = 0.68, P < 0.0001) and fat fraction increased (r2 = 0.51, P = 0.0002). In healthy subjects, diaphragm excursion and fat fraction had no relationship with age. Diaphragm excursion decreased with decreasing FEV1 %pred (r = 0.78, P < 0.0001) and FVC %pred (r = 0.76, P < 0.0001) and correlated with VAB (r = 0.60, P = 0.0002). Fatty infiltration increased with decreasing FEV1 %pred (r = –0.88, P < 0.0001) and FVC %pred (r = –0.88, P < 0.0001).

Data Conclusion

The progressive structural and functional diaphragm impairment is highly related to pulmonary function tests and to VAB. The results suggest that MRI might represent a new and noninvasive tool for the functional and structural assessment of the diaphragm.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:461–471.
Long noncoding RNA GAS5 does not regulate HBV replication
Authors: Feng Shu , Ji Gaili , Ma Jie , Wang Zhonghao , Zhao Yanhua , Tao Chuanmin
Published: July 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a severe health burden worldwide. Emerging long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are hijacked to enhance virus replication or employed by the host to stimulate immune responses to clear the virus. LncRNA growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (GAS5) can regulate RNA virus by suppressing the replication of both hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. In this study, we explored the changes of HBV replication by overexpressing or knocking down GAS5 in HepAD38 cell and HepG2 cell transfected with pHBV1.2. We found HBV can induce the expression of GAS5. However, GAS5 had no effect on extracellular HBsAg and HBeAg, nor intracellular HBV RNA and HBV DNA. In addition, GAS5 possessed similar expression levels between stable HBV‐producing cell lines and hepatoma cell lines. Furthermore, GAS5 showed no difference between healthy subjects and patients with chronic HBV in multiple GEO microarray data sets by GEO2R analysis. Taken together these results, GAS5 does not modulate the replication of HBV but it inhibits cell proliferation in HepAD38. This provides insights into the possible roles of GAS5 in HBV infection.
A prediction model for lymph node metastasis in early‐stage gastric cancer: Toward tailored lymphadenectomy
Authors: Kim Su Mi , Lee Hyuk , Min Byung‐Hoon , Kim Jae J. , An Ji Yeong , Choi Min‐Gew , Bae Jae Moon , Kim Sung , Sohn Tae Sung , Lee Jun Ho
Published: July 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a prediction model for the presence and location of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric cancer.

Method: We reviewed medical records of 4 929 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for early gastric cancer. Variables of age, sex, lymphatic invasion, depth of invasion, location, gross type, differentiation, and tumor size were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of LNM at each LN station.

Result: Overall incidence of LNM was 9.1% (448/4 929 patients). For the presence of LNM, risk factors of age, sex, lymphatic invasion, depth of invasion, anatomical part, gross ulceration, size, and tumor differentiation were significantly associated with LNM. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting LNM after validation was 0.834 for the test set. For the location of LNM, age, sex, lymphatic invasion, depth of invasion, anatomical part, circumferential portion, gross type, differentiation, and tumor size were significantly associated with LNM. The AUC of each LN station was favorable with the test set.

Conclusion: Predicting the location of metastatic LNs appeared to be possible in patients with early gastric cancer.
Race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors in cholangiocarcinoma: What is driving disparities in receipt of treatment?
Authors: Lee Rachel M. , Liu Yuan , Gamboa Adriana C. , Zaidi Mohammad Y. , Kooby David A. , Shah Mihir M. , Cardona Kenneth , Russell Maria C. , Maithel Shishir K.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic factors are associated with worse cancer outcomes. Our aim was to determine the association of these factors with receipt of surgery and multimodality therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Patients with cholangiocarcincoma in the National Cancer Database were identified. Racial/ethnic groups were defined as non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, Asian, and Hispanic. Socioeconomic factors were insurance status, income, and education.

Results

Of 12 095 patients with non‐metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, 42% received surgery. Black race was associated with decreased odds of receiving surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 0.66l; P < .001) compared to White patients. Socioeconomic factors accounted for 21% of this disparity. Accounting for socioeconomic and clinicopathologic variables, Black race (OR: 0.73; P < .001), uninsured status (OR: 0.43; P < .001), and Medicaid insurance (OR: 0.63; P < .001) were all associated with decreased receipt of surgery. Of 4808 patients who received surgery, 47% received multimodality therapy. There were no racial/ethnic or socioeconomic differences in receipt of multimodality therapy once patients accessed surgical care. Similar results were seen in patients with advanced disease who received chemotherapy as primary treatment.

Conclusion

Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities exist in treatment for cholangiocarcinoma, however only for primary treatment. In patients who received surgery or chemotherapy, there were no disparities in receipt of multimodality therapy. This emphasizes the need to improve initial access to health care for minority and socioeconomical disadvantaged patients.
Self‐acidity induced effervescence and manual shaking‐assisted microextraction of neonicotinoid insecticides in orange juice
Authors: Xue Jiaying , Zhu Xianbin , Wu Xiangwei , Shi Taozhong , Zhang Dong , Hua Rimao
Published: July 2019

A novel dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction that combines self‐induced acid‐base effervescent reaction and manual shaking, coupled with ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous determination of ten neonicotinoid insecticides and metabolites in orange juice. An innovative aspect of this method was the utilization of the acidity of the juice for a self‐reaction between acidic components contained in the juice sample and added sodium carbonate which generated carbon dioxide bubbles in situ, accelerating the analytes transfer to the extractant of 1‐undecanol. The total acid content of juice sample was measured to produce the maximum amount of bubbles with minimum usage of carbonate. Manual shaking was subsequently adopted and was proven to enhance the extraction efficiency. The factors affecting the performance, including the type and the amount of the carbon dioxide source and extractant, and ionic strength were optimized. Compared with conventional methods, this approach exhibited low limits of detection (0.001–0.1 µg/L), good recoveries (86.2–103.6%), high enrichment factors (25–50), and negligible matrix effects (−12.3–13.7%). The proposed method was demonstrated to provide a rapid, practical, and environmentally friendly procedure due to no acid reagent, toxic solvent, or external energy requirement, giving rise to potential application on other high acid‐content matrices.
Pattern and severity of transverse sinus stenosis in patients with pulsatile tinnitus associated with sigmoid sinus wall anomalies
Authors: Hewes Daniel , Morales Robert , Raghavan Prashant , Eisenman David J.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Describe the location and severity of transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) in a consecutive series of patients with intraoperatively confirmed sigmoid sinus wall abnormalities (SSWA).

Methods

A retrospective review of imaging studies from patients undergoing sinus wall reconstruction for pulsatile tinnitus associated with SSWA “was performed.” Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the TSS, including the side, type, location, extent, and severity, were performed and compared with normal controls and historical controls with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Results

Twenty‐six of 36 subjects had adequate imaging data. The majority of subjects had some degree of bilateral TSS, and the majority of stenoses involved the distal transverse sinus. Subjects with diverticulum were significantly more likely than those with dehiscence to have ipsilateral distal TSS (16 of 16 vs. 4 of 10, P = 0.009). The mean minimum transverse sinus diameter, stenosis severity grade, and overall posterior venous sinus outflow were significantly worse in the subjects as compared to normal controls (P = 0.002), although not as severe as the comparable values in historical controls with IIH (P < 0.003).

Conclusion

Subjects with SSWA have a high incidence of TSS, with patterns differing between those with dehiscence and diverticulum. Severity of TSS and overall posterior fossa venous outflow are worse as compared to normal controls but not as severe as in subjects with IIH. These findings have implications for the pathophysiology and management of SSWA.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1028–1033, 2020
Cornelia de lange manifestations in otolaryngology: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bergeron Mathieu , Chang Katherine , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder. Our goal was to systematically review the literature regarding otolaryngology manifestations of CdLS.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for original articles of otolaryngology manifestations for patients with CdLS. These articles were analyzed, and pooled prevalence was calculated.

Results

We analyzed 1,310 patients included in 35 case series and 34 case reports. Hearing loss was present for many patients (27 studies), with sensorineural hearing loss affecting 40.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.3–63.4) and conductive affecting 22.7% (95% CI: 5.7–39.7). Recurrent acute otitis media was the most frequent infectious manifestation, with 56.5% (95% CI: 34.1–78.4) in seven studies, followed by recurrent airway infections with 44.1% (95% CI: 11.0–87.1) in five studies. Forty‐nine (49.7%) percent of patients (95% CI: 25.9–73.6) in nine studies had dysphagia, and 76.6% (95% CI: 59.8–93.3) in four studies had some degree of dysphonia. Craniofacial anomalies were reported in 30 studies, with micrognathia (53.1%; 95% CI: 34.1–72.1) and high arched palate (70.6%; 95% CI: 56.5–84.8) commonly reported. Additional physical exam abnormalities reported included those involving: lips (76.8%; 95% CI: 65.3–88.4), dentition (65.1%; 95% CI: 27.2–100), mouth (85.5%; 95% CI: 76.2–93.8), and eyelashes (87.1%; 95% CI: 77.2–96.9). Sleep‐disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea affected 25.8% (95% CI: 11.4–40.2) of patients (7 studies). Airway anomalies were reported in 11 case reports.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive evaluation of otolaryngologic manifestations in the CdLS literature. Most reported hearing loss and craniofacial anomalies. Sleep disorders occurred in a minority of patients, whereas airway disorders were primarily reported in case reports. These conditions should be further examined given their potential life‐threatening implications.

Level of Evidence

3a Laryngoscope, 130:E122–E133, 2020
Design of diplexer‐integrated filtering power divider with high isolation
Authors: Zhu Chuanming , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2019

A compact size and high isolation diplexer‐integrated filtering power divider (D‐IFPD) is presented in this study. The proposed multifunctional circuit consists of one distributed coupling feeding line, two different stub‐loaded trimode resonators, and two open‐ended three‐line parallel coupled lines. With the utilization of the distributed coupling technique, no additional matching circuit is needed for D‐IFPD design. The measured results show that the proposed D‐IFPD is centered at 1.67/2.17 GHz with 3‐dB fractional bandwidths of 18.0%/12.9%, less than 0.73/1.24 dB insertion losses, better than 16.5/15 dB return losses, and higher than 35.9 dB isolation.
Brown Adipose Tissue: Multimodality Evaluation by PET, MRI, Infrared Thermography, and Whole‐Body Calorimetry (TACTICAL‐II)
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Verma Sanjay , Michael Navin , Chan Siew Pang , Yan Jianhua , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , Camps Stefan G. , Goh Hui Jen , Govindharajulu Priya , Totman John , Townsend David , Goh Julian Pak‐Nam , Sun Lei , Boehm Bernhard Otto , Lim Su Chi , Sze Siew Kwan , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar , Hu Houchun Harry , Velan S. Sendhil , Leow Melvin Khee‐Shing
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to compare the associations of positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance (MR), and infrared thermography (IRT) imaging modalities with energy expenditure (EE) after brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation using capsinoid ingestion and cold exposure.

Methods

Twenty participants underwent PET‐MR, IRT imaging, and whole‐body calorimetry after capsinoid ingestion and cold exposure. Standardized uptake values (SUV) and the fat fraction (FF) of the supraclavicular brown adipose tissue regions were estimated. The anterior supraclavicular temperature (Tscv) from IRT at baseline and postintervention was measured. Two‐hour post–capsinoid ingestion EE and post–cold exposure EE served as a reference to correlate fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, FF, and Tscv for BAT assessment. IRT images were geometrically transformed to overlay on PET‐MR for visualization of the hottest regions.

Results

The supraclavicular hot spot identified on IRT closely corresponded to the area of maximal fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on PET images. Controlling for body weight, post–cold exposure Tscv was a significant variable associated with EE (P = 0.025). The SUV was significantly inversely correlated with FF (P = 0.012) and significantly correlated with peak of Tscv during cold exposure in BAT‐positive participants (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Tscv correlated positively with EE and was also significantly correlated with SUV after cold exposure. Both IRT and MR FF are promising methods to study BAT activity noninvasively.
Melt‐mixed carbon nanotubes/polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Banerjee Joyita , Dutta Kingshuk
Published: July 2019

This article reviews the recent development in performance and fabrication of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐based polymer nanocomposites synthesized by melt‐mixed process. CNTs have attracted enormous attention, since its presence (even in low concentration) causes drastic improvements in the mechanical and electrical properties of several polymer composites. It is suggested that the dispersion state of CNTs within polymer matrices is dictated by the cohesive strength of the CNTs “agglomerates.” Based on this suggestion, this review involves an in‐depth investigation on the origin of this CNTs “agglomerates” when present within polymer matrices. Attempts have also been done to investigate and correlate the varying extent of CNTs “agglomerates” in different polymer matrices. It is considered that the extent of dispersion of CNTs “agglomerates” depends on the interfacial interaction between the two phases, difference in their melt viscosities, and types of CNTs, compatibilizer and modifier used. A comprehensive study has been done on the effect of processing parameters used during melt‐mixing process; functionalization of CNTs, and the effect of compatibilizers and modifier on the final properties and morphology. Herein, an attempt has been done to study the correlation between the synthetic procedure, developed structure, and observed properties of nanocomposites of polymers and CNTs.
The Generation of a Comprehensive Spectral Library for the Analysis of the Guinea Pig Proteome by SWATH‐MS
Authors: Palmowski Pawel , Watson Rachael , Europe‐Finner G. Nicholas , Karolczak‐Bayatti Magdalena , Porter Andrew , Treumann Achim , Taggart Michael J.
Published: July 2019

Advances in liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry have facilitated the incorporation of proteomic studies to many biology experimental workflows. Data‐independent acquisition platforms, such as sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH‐MS), offer several advantages for label‐free quantitative assessment of complex proteomes over data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) approaches. However, SWATH data interpretation requires spectral libraries as a detailed reference resource. The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is an excellent experimental model for translation to many aspects of human physiology and disease, yet there is limited experimental information regarding its proteome. To overcome this knowledge gap, a comprehensive spectral library of the guinea pig proteome is generated. Homogenates and tryptic digests are prepared from 16 tissues and subjected to >200 DDA runs. Analysis of >250 000 peptide‐spectrum matches resulted in a library of 73 594 peptides from 7666 proteins. Library validation is provided by i) analyzing externally derived SWATH files (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jprot.2018.03.023) and comparing peptide intensity quantifications; ii) merging of externally derived data to the base library. This furnishes the research community with a comprehensive proteomic resource that will facilitate future molecular‐phenotypic studies using (re‐engaging) the guinea pig as an experimental model of relevance to human biology. The spectral library and raw data are freely accessible in the MassIVE repository (MSV000083199).
Structural insights into the recognition of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors by HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase: First crystal structures with reverse transcriptase and the active triphosphate forms of lamivudine and emtricitabine
Authors: Bertoletti Nicole , Chan Albert H. , Schinazi Raymond F. , Yin Y. Whitney , Anderson Karen S.
Published: July 2019

The retrovirus HIV‐1 has been a major health issue since its discovery in the early 80s. In 2017, over 37 million people were infected with HIV‐1, of which 1.8 million were new infections that year. Currently, the most successful treatment regimen is the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which consists of a combination of three to four of the current 26 FDA‐approved HIV‐1 drugs. Half of these drugs target the reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme that is essential for viral replication. One class of RT inhibitors is nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), a crucial component of the HAART. Once incorporated into DNA, NRTIs function as a chain terminator to stop viral DNA replication. Unfortunately, treatment with NRTIs is sometimes linked to toxicity caused by off‐target side effects. NRTIs may also target the replicative human mitochondrial DNA polymerase (Pol γ), causing long‐term severe drug toxicity. The goal of this work is to understand the discrimination mechanism of different NRTI analogues by RT. Crystal structures and kinetic experiments are essential for the rational design of new molecules that are able to bind selectively to RT and not Pol γ. Structural comparison of NRTI‐binding modes with both RT and Pol γ enzymes highlights key amino acids that are responsible for the difference in affinity of these drugs to their targets. Therefore, the long‐term goal of this research is to develop safer, next generation therapeutics that can overcome off‐target toxicity.
Effects of Bi Irradiation on the Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth of GaSb on Ge (111) Vicinal Substrates
Authors: Kajikawa Yasutomo , Nishigaichi Makoto , Inoue Masahiro , Kayano Mitsunori
Published: July 2019

The growth of GaSb on Ge (111) vicinal substrates is performed by molecular beam epitaxy with Bi irradiation previous to and during the growth. The effects of the Bi irradiation on the surface morphology and on the crystallinity are investigated using atomic force microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. It is shown that Bi works as a surfactant, which suppresses the generation of rotational twins in the GaSb layer.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of B‐Doped Fe3N@C Magnetic Nanomaterial as Catalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Nan , Pan Xin , Ye Zhantong , Yang Xuwei , Chen Xiaodong , Shi Zhan , Yang Hua
Published: July 2019

Fe3N@C doped with B nanomaterials were prepared by the gas–solid method based on ethylenediamine nitridation. The materials show rod‐like morphology, and the Fe3N nanoparticles are coated by a graphite carbon layer with a thickness of 5 nm. Moreover, B‐doped Fe3N@C nanomaterials exhibit good soft magnetic properties. They are powerful catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in 1.0 m KOH. The overpotential of the 20% B‐doped Fe3N@C magnetic nanomaterial at 10 mA cm−2 is only 216 mV, and Tafel slope is 133 mV dec−1. They are promising as a non‐noble metal catalyst for practical hydrogen evolution reaction.
A Study of SnnAl Clusters by Density Functional Theory: Comparison with Their Anions and Cations
Authors: Shi Shunping , Deng Banglin , Liu Yiliang , He Jiuning , Li Xia , Jiang Gang , Li Yong
Published: July 2019

The atomic structures, stabilities, electronic structures, and magnetic moments of neutral and singly positively and negatively charged SnnAl (n = 1–10) clusters are calculated with B3LYP/SDD method in density functional theory. Detailed analyses are implemented to acquire the properties of SnnAl(0, ±1) clusters, such as relative stabilities, electronic properties, natural population analyses, and magnetic moments. The calculation results show that the ground‐state structures of Sn2Al, Sn7Al, and Sn8Al clusters are different from those of Sn3, Sn8, and Sn9 clusters, the variation trend of binding energies of Snn + 1 and SnnAl(0, ±1) coincides, and the small kinks are the same. It is found that the changing tendency of the vertical electron detachment energies (VDEs) of Snn + 1 and SnnAl(0, ±1) is almost consistent with that of the adiabatic electron affinities (AEAs), except Sn8Al. Furthermore, the adiabatic ionization potential energies (AIPs) of SnnAl and Snn + 1 clusters exhibit oscillatory behavior, but the variation trend of SnnAl is contrary to that of Snn + 1 from n = 1 to n = 7. The simulation results indicate that SnnAl− and SnnAl+ display a similarity in the magnetic moments, when n = 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. The charges are transferred from Al to Sn in Sn1–4Al.
Pyrrolidinium‐based ionic liquids as electrolytes for lithium batteries: A Computational Study
Authors: Asha Suseeladevi , Vijayalakshmi Kunduchi P. , George Benny K.
Published: July 2019

Electrochemical windows (ECWs) of the cyclic ammonium based ionic liquids formed by the combination of two common pyrrolidinium cations—N,N‐butylmethyl pyrrolidinum(Pyr14) and N,N‐hexylmethyl pyrrolidinium(Pyr16) and five anions—dicyanamide, trifluoroacetate, fluoromethane sulfonate, bis((trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide were investigated. The ECW of each ionic liquid was obtained from the oxidation and reduction potentials of these ionic liquids with respect to a Li+/Li reference electrode by using thermodynamic cycle method. The work reveals that the ECWs of these ionic liquids are solely decided by the HOMO energy of pairing anions. The ECWs were also computed using HOMO‐LUMO method employing Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory to the second order and M06L methods with a basis set of 6‐31 + G(d, p). The ECW computed using M06L functional with an extended basis set of 6‐311++G(d, p) showed better agreement with experimental values suggesting accurate computation of ECW is possible at lower computational cost.
Real earnings manipulation and future performance: A revisit using quarterly data of firms with debt covenants
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zheng Kenneth
Published: July 2019

We investigate the implications of real earnings manipulation (REM) and reversals of REM on firms’ future operating performance using quarterly data of firms with debt covenants. In the presence of debt covenants, firms are under persistent pressure to deliver financial results that exceed the thresholds of the debt covenant requirements. We find that REM is associated with lower future operating performance. More importantly, the reversals of REM in the following quarter have an incremental positive effect on future performance, which largely offsets the negative effect of REM. These results provide new evidence on REM reversals that differs from the existing literature. Instead of interpreting the reversals as an indication of true REM based on their negative association with future performance documented in Vorst (2016), our results suggest that REM reversals may be indicative of firms rewinding REM subsequently, which reduces the REM damage to firms’ future operations.
Should cell‐free DNA testing be used in pregnancy with increased fetal nuchal translucency?
Authors: Miranda J. , Paz y Miño F. , Borobio V. , Badenas C. , Rodriguez‐Revenga L. , Pauta M. , Borrell A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To assess the frequency of atypical chromosomal and submicroscopic anomalies, as well as fetal structural abnormalities, observed on first‐trimester ultrasound scan in fetuses with nuchal translucency (NT) thickness > 99th centile, in order to evaluate the suitability of using standard cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing as the sole screening test in these pregnancies.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 226 fetuses with NT > 99th centile at 11–14 weeks' gestation, between January 2013 and December 2017, in a clinical setting in which greater than 95% of pregnant women receive first‐trimester combined screening. All patients underwent genetic testing by means of quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction and chromosomal microarray analysis, mainly in chorionic villus samples. We assessed the theoretical yield of two cfDNA testing models, targeted cfDNA (chromosomes 21, 18 and 13) and extended cfDNA (chromosomes 21, 18, 13 and sex chromosomes), and compared it with that of cytogenetic testing and ultrasound assessment in the first and second or third trimesters.

Results

In the 226 fetuses analyzed, cytogenetic testing revealed 84 (37%) anomalies, including 68 typical aneuploidies (involving chromosomes 13, 18 or 21), six sex chromosome aneuploidies (four cases of monosomy X and two of trisomy X), three clinically relevant atypical chromosomal anomalies (one trisomy 22, one trisomy 21 mosaicism and one unbalanced translocation), five submicroscopic pathogenic variants and two cases with Noonan syndrome. Targeted and extended cfDNA testing would miss at least 12% (10/84) and 19% (16/84), respectively, of genetic anomalies, accounting for 4.4% and 7.1% of the fetuses with an increased NT, respectively. Finally, of the 142 fetuses with no identified genetic anomaly, a major fetal malformation was observed in 15 (10.6%) fetuses at the early anomaly scan, and in 19 (13.4%) in the second or third trimester.

Conclusions

cfDNA does not appear to be the appropriate genetic test in fetuses with NT > 99th centile, given that it would miss 12–19% of genetic anomalies in this group. Additionally, first‐trimester ultrasound will identify a major structural abnormality in 11% of the fetuses with NT > 99th centile and no genetic anomaly. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
New Fayet-Iliopoulos terms in $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supergravity
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Derendinger Jean-Pierre , Farakos Fotis , Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli Gabriele
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We present a new type of Fayet-Iliopoulos (FI) terms in$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supergravity that do not require the gauging of theR-symmetry. We elaborate on the impact of such terms on the vacuum structure of the$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2theory and compare their properties with the standard Fayet-Iliopoulos terms that arise from gaugings. In particular, we show that, with the use of the new FI terms, models with a single physical$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2vector multiplet can be constructed that give stable de Sitter vacua.
Threshold resummation for dark-matter production at the LHC
Authors: Krämer M. , Kulesza A. , Mück A. , Schürmann R.
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We derive precision predictions for the production of dark-matter particles recoiling against a jet with large transverse momentum at the LHC. The dark-matter fermions are described within a simplified model and couple to the Standard Model via a vector mediator. Our predictions for the mono-jet signature include the resummation of the leading and next-to-leading threshold logarithms. The corresponding matching coefficient is evaluated at NLO. The resummed result is matched to the fixed-order NLO cross section obtained from the MadGraph framework. We discuss numerical results for several benchmark scenarios at the LHC.
A Nonsmooth Optimization Approach for Hemivariational Inequalities with Applications to Contact Mechanics
Authors: Jureczka Michal , Ochal Anna
Published: July 2019

In this paper we introduce an abstract nonsmooth optimization problem and prove existence and uniqueness of its solution. We present a numerical scheme to approximate this solution. The theory is later applied to a sample static contact problem describing an elastic body in frictional contact with a foundation. This contact is governed by a nonmonotone friction law with dependence on normal and tangential components of displacement. Finally, computational simulations are performed to illustrate obtained results.
Adaptive basis functions for prototype-based classification of functional data
Authors: Melchert Friedrich , Bani Gabriele , Seiffert Udo , Biehl Michael
Published: July 2019

We present a framework for distance-based classification of functional data. We consider the analysis of labeled spectral data and time series by means of generalized matrix relevance learning vector quantization (GMLVQ) as an example. To take advantage of the functional nature, a functional expansion of the input data is considered. Instead of using a predefined set of basis functions for the expansion, a more flexible scheme of an adaptive functional basis is employed. GMLVQ is applied on the resulting functional parameters to solve the classification task. For comparison of the classification, a GMLVQ system is also applied to the raw input data, as well as on data expanded by a different predefined functional basis. Computer experiments show that the methods offer potential to improve classification performance significantly. Furthermore, the analysis of the adapted set of basis functions give further insights into the data structure and yields an option for a drastic reduction of dimensionality.
Predictors of Dropout in Disordered Gamblers in UK Residential Treatment
Authors: Roberts Amanda , Murphy Raegan , Turner John , Sharman Steve
Published: July 2019

Within the cohort of individuals who seek treatment for disordered gambling, over half fail to complete treatment. The current study sought to identify predictors of treatment dropout in a sample of gamblers attending a residential treatment facility for disordered gamblers in the UK and to report differences in voluntary and enforced dropout. Data on 658 gamblers seeking residential treatment with the Gordon Moody Association (GMA) was analysed, collected between 2000 and 2015. Measurements included demographic data, self-reported gambling behavior, (including the Problem Gambling Severity Index), mental and physical health status, and a risk assessment. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of treatment termination. Results confirm a high percentage of treatment dropout among disordered gamblers (51.3%). Significant predictors of treatment dropout included older age of the client, higher levels of education, higher levels of debt, online gambling, gambling on poker, shorter duration of treatment, higher depression, experience of previous treatment programmes and medication, and adverse childhood experiences. Within non-completers, significant predictors of enforced dropout included lifetime homelessness, less debt, sports gambling, depression and lifetime smoking. Those who were on a longer treatment programme and had previously received gambling treatment or support were less likely to be asked to leave. Clinicians working in inpatient support need to be aware of the increased psychopathogical and psychosocial problems in those who are at risk of termination and make attempts to retain them in treatment and increase patient compliance.
The glass formation and crystallization studies on iron phosphate–silicate glasses
Authors: Kuczek Justyna , Sułowska Justyna , Lach Radosław , Szumera Magdalena
Published: July 2019

The assessment of impact of incorporation of various amount of Fe2O3 at the expense of MgO and CaO on the glassy phase formation and thermal stability exhibited in P2O5–SiO2–K2O–MgO–CaO–Fe2O3 system was carried out. The characteristic temperatures for iron phosphate–silicate glasses and glass-crystalline materials were designated from associated DSC curves. Selected samples were subjected to the process of induced crystallization, and products combined with particular exothermic effects were identified. Combination of DSC, XRD and SEM–EDS methods enabled to collect invaluable data concerning the course of crystallization of not only iron phosphate–silicate glasses subjected to the process of induced crystallization, but also glass-crystalline materials obtained directly through melt-quenched technique. The amount of particular crystalline products associated with selected devitrificates was determined via Rietveld technique. Results of the conducted study indicated that Fe2O3 addition conduces to the decrease in crystallization temperatures and thermal stability which was reflected in calculated values of ΔT and KW parameters. Concomitantly, glass with 20 mol% iron (III) oxide addition exhibited significantly improved, distinctive thermal stability among the materials in the analyzed series. The connection of crystalline phases with gradual alterations in polymerization degree of glass matrix was also established. The performed study is a contribution to the knowledge of iron phosphate glasses family and associated glass-crystalline materials.
In vivo digestibility of six selected fodder species by goats in northern Ghana
Authors: Avornyo F. K. , Partey S. T. , Zougmore R. B. , Asare S. , Agbolosu A. A. , Akufo N. M. , Sowah N. A. , Konlan S. P.
Published: July 2019

An in vivo digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of six forages. These were selected indigenous browse species and groundnut haulms in Lawra and Jirapa Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Groundnut haulms served as a control due to its known good digestibility in small ruminants. Thirty West African Dwarf (WAD) young castrated billy goats with a mean age of 8 months were used. The average live body weight was 8.9 ± 0.1 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to the six treatments and replicated five times in a completely randomized design. They were confined in metabolism cages. The adaptation period was 3 weeks after which data was taken for 10 days. The treatments were the leaves and tiny twigs of T1 Annona senegalensis, T2 Ficus gnaphalocarpa, T3 Pericopsis laxiflora, T4 Pterocarpus erinaceus, T5 Afzelia africana, and T6 (control) Arachis hypogaea. Feed intake, faecal matter and urine output were measured. The results indicated that dry matter (DM) contents of the feedstuffs were less than 50% but crude protein (CP) contents were higher than the minimum required for sustaining ruminants. Neutral and acid detergent fibre contents were high, and F. gnaphalocarpa, in particular, contained a higher level of phosphorus (P). The amounts of feed intakes were typical of most fodder species with the exception of P. laxiflora and P. erinaceus, which were lower (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility values were also typical of most fodder species but the digestibility of A. africana fibre appeared to be lower. Nitrogen retention was positive for all test species with the exception of P. laxiflora, which was negative. Mortality was recorded in animals on P. laxiflora, and the rate was high. Pericopsis laxiflora leaves, even though morphologically similar to the leaves of P. erinaceus, were not a suitable fodder. Ficus gnaphalocarpa appeared to be the overall best fodder species in terms of nutrient uptake.
Minimum distance histograms with universal performance guarantees
Authors: Sainudiin Raazesh , Teng Gloria
Published: July 2019

We present a data-adaptive multivariate histogram estimator of an unknown density f based on n independent samples from it. Such histograms are based on binary trees called regular pavings (RPs). RPs represent a computationally convenient class of simple functions that remain closed under addition and scalar multiplication. Unlike other density estimation methods, including various regularization and Bayesian methods based on the likelihood, the minimum distance estimate (MDE) is guaranteed to be within an $$L_1$$

L
1

distance bound from f for a given n, no matter what the underlying f happens to be, and is thus said to have universal performance guarantees (Devroye and Lugosi, Combinatorial methods in density estimation. Springer, New York, 2001). Using a form of tree matrix arithmetic with RPs, we obtain the first generic constructions of an MDE, prove that it has universal performance guarantees and demonstrate its performance with simulated and real-world data. Our main contribution is a constructive implementation of an MDE histogram that can handle large multivariate data bursts using a tree-based partition that is computationally conducive to subsequent statistical operations.
How do restatements affect outside directors and boards? A review of the literature
Authors: Street Daniel A. , Hermanson Dana R.
Published: July 2019

This paper reviews academic literature related to the consequences that outside directors and boards may face in the wake of earnings restatements and suggests directions for future research. We examine loss of board seats; recruitment of new directors; proxy recommendations and shareholder support; pre-emptive director departures; director wealth effects; director reputation, litigation, and sanction risks; international evidence; and legal proposals for reform. The overall picture that emerges from the literature is that directors’ primary risk in the wake of earnings restatements is loss of board seats, in part through adverse proxy advisor recommendations and reduced shareholder support. Directors typically face little risk of legal liability or SEC sanctions, and some directors pre-emptively leave a problem company’s board and reduce their loss of interlocked board seats. Some legal scholars have called for director liability to be increased so as to promote more vigilant board oversight. Companies often focus on increasing the independence of the board in the wake of a restatement in an effort to repair organizational reputation. While researchers have revealed a host of important findings to date, much more can be learned about the effects of restatements on outside directors and boards.
Modeling thermal and mechanical cancellation of residual stress from hybrid additive manufacturing by laser peening
Authors: Madireddy Guru , Li Chao , Liu Jingfu , Sealy Michael P.
Published: July 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals often results in parts with unfavorable mechanical properties. Laser peening (LP) is a high strain rate mechanical surface treatment that hammers a workpiece and induces favorable mechanical properties. Peening strain hardens a surface and imparts compressive residual stresses improving the mechanical properties of a material. This work investigates the role of LP on layer-by-layer processing of 3D printed metals using finite element analysis. The objective is to understand temporal and spatial residual stress development after thermal and mechanical cancellation caused by cyclically coupling printing and peening. Results indicate layer peening frequency is a critical process parameter affecting residual stress redistribution and highly interdependent on the heat generated by the printing process. Optimum hybrid process conditions were found to exists that favorably enhance mechanical properties. With this study, hybrid-AM has ushered in the next evolutionary step in AM and has the potential to profoundly change the way high value metal goods are manufactured.
The Effects of Surface Heterogeneity Scale on the Flux Imbalance under Free Convection
Authors: Zhou Yanzhao , Li Dan , Li Xin
Published: July 2019

It is well known that the available energy (i.e., the net radiation minus the ground heat flux) is often 10–30% larger than the sum of turbulent fluxes measured by the eddy‐covariance method. Although field observations and previous large‐eddy simulation studies have shown that surface heterogeneity can induce flux imbalance, the relationship between the flux imbalance magnitude and the surface heterogeneity scale remains to be investigated in more detail. Here we examine the flux imbalance over landscapes characterized by different surface heterogeneity scales in a dry freely convective boundary layer. We reveal that the flux imbalance initially increases with increasing surface heterogeneity scale. However, when the surface heterogeneity scale becomes larger than the boundary layer height, the surface starts to behave locally homogeneous, which leads to a lower flux imbalance. Based on large‐eddy simulation results, we propose a conceptual model to explain how the domain average flux imbalance is influenced by surface heterogeneity. The flux imbalance is found to be controlled by the ratio of the boundary layer height to the Obukhov length (−zi/L), the integral length scale of vertical velocity (lw), the mean horizontal speed (U), and the time averaging interval (T). Among these four variables, lw determines the size of turbulent coherent structures (i.e., large eddies), whereas −zi/L affects the form of these large eddies. Meanwhile, the U and T determine how many these large eddies can be sampled by the eddy covariance. This finding indicates that it may be possible to diagnose the flux imbalance using these four variables under convective conditions.
Using Short‐Term CO/CO2 Ratios to Assess Air Mass Differences Over the Korean Peninsula During KORUS‐AQ
Authors: Halliday H. S. , DiGangi J. P. , Choi Y. , Diskin G. S. , Pusede S. E. , Rana M. , Nowak J. B. , Knote C. , Ren X. , He H. , Dickerson R. R. , Li Z.
Published: July 2019

One‐second in situ measurements of CO and CO2 mole fractions were made aboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration DC‐8 aircraft during the 2016 KORUS‐AQ joint air quality and atmospheric chemistry field campaign in South Korea. The ratio of CO to CO2 enhancement is used to characterize regional combustion source signatures. Calculations of the ∆CO/∆CO2 ratio were made with a short duration rolling window (60 s), filtered by the coefficient of determination (R2), and plotted as distributions to characterize air masses measured from the aircraft during the campaign. The KORUS‐AQ sampling domain was divided into analysis regions to facilitate the analysis. Over Seoul, the boundary layer shows a low‐ratio signature in the ∆CO/∆CO2 ratios, with more than 50% of the correlated slopes in the boundary layer falling below 1% ∆CO/∆CO2, and 80% of the slopes between 0% and 2% ∆CO/∆CO2. However, this behavior changes to a larger ratio distribution at higher altitudes. The West Sea receptor region was divided into three analysis sectors, by meteorological regime, and used in conjunction with measurements collected over China during the KORUS‐AQ campaign time period to characterize the Chinese ∆CO/∆CO2 ratio signature. Chinese‐type emissions have a slope distribution that is shifted to higher ratios and broadened compared to measurements over Seoul, with the bulk of the measurements between 2% and 4% ∆CO/∆CO2, with few negative slopes. The measured ratio trends over South Korea are consistent with inventoried CO and CO2 emissions.
Sensitivity Study of North Atlantic Summer Cyclone Activity in Dynamical Downscaled Simulations
Authors: Zhang Minghong , Perrie William , Long Zhenxia
Published: July 2019

We conduct a sensitivity study of the North Atlantic cyclone climate, with respect to the cumulus parameterization (CP) and planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes, applied in the dynamical downscaling of HadGEM2‐ES simulations using Polar Weather Research and Forecasting. A set of seven sensitivity experiments is conducted for 1979–2004 using these CP and PBL schemes. CP schemes are Kain‐Fritsch (KF), Zhang‐McFarlane (ZM), and the modified Tiedtke (TZ). PBL schemes are the local Mellor‐Yamada‐Janjić (MYJ), Mellor‐Yamada‐Nakanishi‐Niino Level 2.5 (MYNN2) schemes, and nonlocal Yonsei University (YSU) scheme. In terms of cyclone intensities, our results show that the fine‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting simulations capture higher intensities of summer cyclones than the HadGEM2‐ES results, in better agreement with the ERA‐Interim reanalysis, and exhibit a weak sensitivity to CP and PBL schemes. However, the frequency of summer cyclones is quite sensitive to CP and PBL schemes. Four KF experiments suggest comparable numbers of cyclone tracks as derived from ERA‐Interim reanalysis data, which is about 21% more than the ZM‐MYJ or TZ experiments and 11% more than HadGEM2‐ES results. Larger tropospheric potential vorticity and more cyclogenesis in the KF simulation than in TZ or ZM simulations are associated with different cyclone triggering functions and different vertical distributions of heating. We also find increased cyclone activities over the North Atlantic in the YSU or MYNN2 schemes compared to MYJ, but results also depend on the KF CP scheme. This can be attributed to stronger vertical mixing in YSU and MYNN schemes, resulting in smaller static stability and enhanced atmospheric moisture.