bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosimetry evaluation of the GammaPod stereotactic radiosurgery device based on established AAPM and IAEA protocols
Authors: Becker Stewart J. , Culberson Wesley S. , Poirier Yannick , Mutaf Yildirim , Niu Ying , Nichols Elizabeth M. , Yi Byongyong
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The GammaPod is a novel dedicated prone breast stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) device recently developed at the University of Maryland Medical Center. This device utilizes multiple rotating Co‐60 sources to create highly conformal dose distributions for breast treatments, including boosts, partial breast irradiation, or presurgery SRS. However, due to its small field sizes and nonstandard geometry, existing calibration protocols cannot be directly applied. In this study, we adapt and implement the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 21 (TG‐21) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Report Series 483 (TRS 483) protocols for reference dose measurements for the GammaPod. This represents the first published dosimetric investigation GammaPod and is meant to serve as a reference to future users commissioning and calibrating these devices.

Methods

Reference dose measurements were performed following the TG‐21/IAEA TRS 483 protocols using an ADCL‐calibrated Exradin A1SL thimble chamber in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) breast‐mimicking phantom. Monte Carlo calculations and measurements were also performed in water to determine chamber‐specific

quality conversion factor converting reference field size (fref) to machine‐specific field sizes (fmsr) (25‐mm) as well as

, the conversion factor from the (fmsr) to the clinical field size (fclin) (15mm). Verification was performed using the thermoluminescent dosimeter remote monitoring service from the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) in Houston, TX.

Results

The (fref) to (fmsr) chamber‐specific factor

was 0.992 while the (fmsr) to (fclin) chamber‐specific

factor was 1.014. The radiation absorbed dose to water measured in the PMMA phantom based on the TG‐21/IAEA TRS 483 formalism agreed with IROC values to within 1% and 2% for the 25‐ and 15‐mm collimators, respectively.

Conclusion

We successfully implemented the TG‐21 and TRS 483 reference dosimetry protocols for the GammaPod. These results show agreement between measurements performed with different reference dosimetry protocols and independent thermoluminescent measurements.
Spinal muscular atrophy care in the COVID‐19 pandemic era
Authors: Veerapandiyan Aravindhan , Connolly Anne M. , Finkel Richard S. , Arya Kapil , Mathews Katherine D. , Smith Edward C. , Castro Diana , Butterfield Russell J. , Parsons Julie A. , Servais Laurent , Kuntz Nancy , Rao Vamshi K. , Brandsema John F. , Mercuri Eugenio , Ciafaloni Emma
Published: April 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in reorganization of healthcare settings affecting the delivery of clinical care to patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). There is a concern that patients with SMA may be at increased risk of manifesting severe symptoms of COVID‐19. Currently approved therapies for SMA improve survival and motor function; however, their delivery requires an increased exposure to the health system and a dedicated healthcare team. In this study, we discuss consensus recommendations pertaining to care of SMA patients during the pandemic. We highlight that SMA treatments should not be perceived as elective. Decisions regarding the delay of treatments should be made with consideration of the potential risks of COVID‐19 exposure and the risk of that delay. We emphasize the importance of collaborative treatment decisions between the patient, family, and healthcare provider, considering any geographic‐ or institution‐specific policies and precautions for COVID‐19.
IoT‐enabled services in online food retailing
Authors: Khan Suhail A. , Ahmad Shamim , Jamshed Mohammed
Published: April 2020

The present study aims at understanding the application of Internet of Things (IoT) in online food retailing, influencing purchase frequency of ready‐to‐eat food products. The research is empirical in nature in which an internet based consumer survey was conducted to collect 329 valid responses on PAN India basis. This research comprehensively investigated, shortlisted, and finally selected the factors of consumer involvement and decision making using IoT in online food retailing. The binary logistic regression model revealed that the factors relative advantage, best deals, availability and information, consumer satisfaction, and channel efficiency significantly influences the consumer purchase frequency for ready‐to‐eat food products at various stages in online food retailing. The understanding, extrapolation, and proper management of these factors will help online food retail players in implementing IoT enable services effectively in their retail formats to gain consumer confidence.
A multiparameter regression model for interval‐censored survival data
Authors: Peng Defen , MacKenzie Gilbert , Burke Kevin
Published: April 2020

We develop flexible multiparameter regression (MPR) survival models for interval‐censored survival data arising in longitudinal prospective studies and longitudinal randomised controlled clinical trials. A multiparameter Weibull regression survival model, which is wholly parametric, and has nonproportional hazards, is the main focus of the article. We describe the basic model, develop the interval‐censored likelihood, and extend the model to include gamma frailty and a dispersion model. We evaluate the models by means of a simulation study and a detailed reanalysis of data from the Signal Tandmobiel study. The results demonstrate that the MPR model with frailty is computationally efficient and provides an excellent fit to the data.
Experimental investigation on flexural cracking behavior of ultrahigh performance concrete beams
Authors: Qiu Minghong , Shao Xudong , Zhu Yanping , Zhan Jian , Yan Banfu , Wang Yan
Published: April 2020

The flexural cracking behavior of ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) beams was experimentally studied in this paper. Eight UHPC beams were tested and analyzed regarding their crack pattern, crack spacing and load‐crack width curves. The test variables included reinforcement ratio, reinforcement diameter and UHPC cover thickness. The results indicated that crack width of UHPC increased linearly with the increase of applied load until the yielding of steel rebars. When the applied load was beyond the yielding load, one or two flexural cracks developed into localized cracks, followed by a rapid increase in crack width. Besides, increasing the ratio of steel rebars and appropriately decreasing the thickness of UHPC cover were beneficial to decrease mean crack spacing and maximum crack width, whereas reinforcement diameter had little influence on these characteristics. Predictions of crack width by existing FRC/UHPC codes were evaluated and compared with the experimental results. The comparisons indicated that predicted values by NF‐P18‐710, MC 2010, CNR‐DT 204, and RILEM TC‐162‐TDF models showed a good accuracy with experimental ones. The highest deviation for mean crack spacing and maximum crack width were less than 18 and 8%, respectively. However, CECS 38 model gave the largest deviation about 60 and 25% for prediction of mean crack spacing and maximum crack width, respectively. Among them, NF‐P18‐710 model exhibited the best accuracy with average ratio and SD of 1.01 and 0.17, respectively.
An implementation of project‐based learning in an EFL context: Japanese students’ and teachers’ perceptions regarding team learning
Authors: Yamada Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Project‐based learning (PjBL) has demonstrated its ability to improve a range of skills in students. However, some studies have reported that English teachers have difficulty activating interaction among all the participants, teachers and students, in a PjBL practice. No studies have empirically investigated how teachers can collaborate in PjBL and how students can engage in interactive learning activities. Therefore, this research demonstrates a PjBL practice led by the notion of value‐centered team learning. A total of 19 teachers collaboratively implemented a year‐long PjBL project with 73 high school students in Japan. The researcher used quantitative and qualitative questionnaires to collect data from students and teachers. Students’ responses on their skill development and involvement in the project were statistically analyzed, and supplemented by qualitative analysis of their comments. Teachers’ comments were inductively categorized into six categories from the perspective of what they learned in the project. The results show that value‐centered team learning could contribute to success in creating a learning environment in which all the participants could learn much from each other through dynamic interaction. Therefore, this study suggests that English teachers should actively participate in PjBL by applying value‐centered team learning.
Chemical constituents of leaves of Passiflora Incarnata Linn. (Passifloraceae)
Authors: Dat Vo Hoang , Lien Do Thi My , Dat Huynh Ngoc , Duong Ngo Thi Thuy , Phung Nguyen Kim Phi , Thu Nguyen Thi Hoai , Tuyet Nguyen Thi Anh
Published: April 2020

In the investigation of the chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate extract of Passiflora incarnata Linn., collected at Dong Hoa district, Phu Yen province, six compounds were isolated. They were one megastigmane, dehydrovomifoliol (1), three megastigmane monoglycosides, roseoside (2), byzantionoside B (3) and foliasalacioside L (4), one flavone C‐monoglycoside vitexin (5) and one nucleotide glycoside uridine (6). Their chemical structures were elucidated by means of HR‐MS, 1D and 2D‐NMR data analysis and the comparison their NMR data with those reported in the literature. Although, these compounds had already reported in the other species, they were known in Passiflora incarnata Linn. for the first time to the best of our knowledge.
Synthesis of Fe3O4/Alginate composite for dye removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Minh Vu Xuan , Hanh Le Thi My , Lan Pham Thi , Van Bien Tran , Dung Nguyen Tuan
Published: April 2020

Currently, in Vietnam, the textile industry is developing strongly, accompanied by the problem of wastewater pollution is becoming more serious. The most difficult to treat in textile waste water is residue dye. Research on the production of adsorbents of natural origin, environmentally friendly and recyclable is one of the high potential socio‐economic solutions. In this study, water treatment composite beads were synthesized from the natural alginate product of Nha Trang Institute of Technology Research and Application and nano magnetite particles. Batch adsorption experiments of anionic dye (methyl orange) and cationic dye (methylene blue) showed that the composite beads adsorbed very well MB at high pH (pH > 2.5), and almost without MO adsorption. The equilibrium adsorption time is found to be 240 minutes. The experimental adsorption data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the results showed that Langmuir isotherm fits well the MB adsorption on Fe3O4/Alg composite bead, with the adsorption capacity, qmax, of 555 mg/g. The desorption with various solutions showed that 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M CaCl2 solutions were used for the desorption with an efficiency of 90 %.
Insight prediction of receptor binding activity of a set of benzamide derivatives using hybrid QSAR models: GA‐MLR and GA‐SVR
Authors: Van Tat Pham , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai
Published: April 2020

In this study, we developed the hybrid QSAR models (HQSAR) for a set of benzamide derivatives by combining genetic algorithms with multivariate regression and support vector machine learning techniques. The genetic algorithm has assisted the selecting process of 2D and 3D molecular descriptors to get a globally optimal HQSARGA‐MLR model with k = 7. The hybrid support vector regression model (HQSARGA‐SVR) received from the selected descriptors of the multivariable regression model (HQSARGA‐MLR) has been operated to predict the pIC50 activity of validation and prediction groups with MARE% of 0.8492 % and 2.8411 %. The hybrid support vector technique has improved the efficiency of the predictability of the multivariate regression model. The predicted activities pIC50 of benzamide derivatives resulting from the HQSARGA‐SVR model are reliable enough and in good agreement with experimental data.
Effect of edible coating and antifungal emulsion system on Colletotrichum acutatum and shelf life of strawberries
Authors: Dong Lieu My , Quyen Nguyen Thi Truc , Thuy Dang Thi Kim
Published: April 2020

The edible coating based on sodium alginate, chitosan, carrageenan combined with antifungal emulsion system has improved the quality and shelf life of strawberries in 16 days of storage at 4 oC. The result of determining the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of emulsions made from cassia oil in surfactants (Tween 20 with or without ethanol) against Colletotrichum acutatum was 121 and 243.8 ppm of cassia oil respectively. Strawberry samples treated by edible coating maintained the quality parameters (pH, weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity) of strawberries compared to the control sample. The total aerobic microorganisms count and total yeast‐mold in edible films containing cassia oil were significantly low compared to control samples at the end of storage. Edible films made by chitosan 0.25 % (w/v) combining cassia oil showed the best result compared to the control sample and there were no significant differences between MFC and 0.5 MFC value of cassia oil. In sensory evaluation, there is no significant difference between edible film samples with or without cassia oil at 0.5 MFC value.
The melting rheology, mechanical properties, thermal stability and morphology of polylactic acid/ethylene bis stearamide modified gypsum composite
Authors: Huynh Mai Duc , Trung Tran Huu , Dat Nguyen Huu , Giang Nguyen Vu
Published: April 2020

In this research, gypsum (calcium sulfate) was surface modified by ethylene bis stearamide (EBS) before dispersing into PLA in melting state at various contents to obtain PLA/gypsum composites. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of EBS on gypsum. The mechanical properties of the composite, such as tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength…, showed that composite using EBS treated gypsum owns mechanical properties higher than composite using untreated gypsum. In thermal analysis, the maximum decomposition temperature of composite using EBS treated gypsum was higher than that of neat PLA and composite using untreated gypsum. SEM images on fracture surface of the composites also showed the difference between these samples.
Molecular structure of N‐Trifluoroacetylpiperidine 1 and 4‐Methylpyridine‐N‐Oxide studied by Gas Electron Diffraction and Quantum Chemical Calculations
Authors: Long Le Kim , Phien Tran Dinh , Trang Nguyen Hoang , Vytalevna Belova Natalya
Published: April 2020

Molecular structures of N‐Trifluoroacetylpiperidine 1 and 4‐Methylpyridine‐N‐oxide 2 are studied by gas‐phase electron diffraction/mass spectrometry (GED / MS) and quantum chemical (QC) calculations. The strong conjugation of the electron lone pair on the nitrogen atom and the double bond of the carbonyl cause molecule 1 to exist solely in the form of structure whereby the trifluoroacetyl group is in an intermediate position. As regards compound 2, the results of quantum chemical calculations and GED showed that molecule 2 has molecular symmetry in the form of CS with the flat pyridine ring. There were no hydrogen atoms on the flat surface of the pyridine ring. Structure parameters obtained from the experiments are appropriate for the parameters from quantum chemical calculation DFT for irreplaceable N‐oxide molecule. The presence of the CH3 substituent in 2 results in an increase of electron density and a decrease of the ipso angle, and an increase of r (N‐O) in comparison with irreplaceable pyridine‐N‐oxide.
An efficient method for production of kynurenic acid by Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Wróbel‐Kwiatkowska Magdalena , Turski Waldemar , Kocki Tomasz , Rakicka‐Pustułka Magdalena , Rymowicz Waldemar
Published: April 2020

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a compound derived from the tryptophan catabolic pathway. Antioxidant and neuroprotective properties have been confirmed for KYNA, which makes it an interesting and important metabolite of biomedical significance. In the present study, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica was tested for KYNA biosynthesis. The results showed that Y. lipolytica strain S12 is able to produce KYNA in high concentrations (up to 21.38 μg/ml in culture broth and 494.16 μg/g cell dry weight in biomass) in optimized conditions in a medium supplemented with tryptophan. Different conditions of culture growth, including the source of carbon, its concentration and pH value of the medium, as well as the influence of an inhibitor or precursor of KYNA synthesis, were analysed. The obtained data confirmed the presence of KYNA metabolic pathway in the investigated yeast. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that reports KYNA production in the yeast Y. lipolytica in submerged fermentation.
The Maya Idea of Culturally Sustainable Development
Authors: MacNeill Timothy
Published: April 2020

After having discussed, via ethnography, the origins of the idea of culturally sustainable development in Guatemala, this chapter describes the idea itself as a development theory. Not only is Maya cosmovision given a central role in the chapter, but distinct programmes and community interventions are described as well. The deep political implications of indigenous sustainable development programmes are made clear when we consider conflicts between communities seeking to operationalize indigenous forms of sustainable development and international mining companies in Guatemala.
Garifuna Sustainable Development
Authors: MacNeill Timothy
Published: April 2020

The methods and understandings introduced in previous chapters are used to discuss indigenous sustainable development as it is emerging amongst Afro-indigenous Garifuna in Honduras. Although Garifuna activists, thinkers, leaders, and practitioners share a close geographical relation to Maya groups, their challenges, cultures, and histories are substantially different. As a result, Garifuna sustainable development has its own distinct form, focused increasingly around territorial autonomy and food sovereignty.
On the ϕ3 theory above six dimensions
Authors: Rong Junchen , Zhu Jierong
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We study the scalar φ
3 theory above six dimensions. The beta function

$$ \beta (g)=-\in g-\frac{3}{4}{g}^3 $$

β

g

=
−
∈
g
−

3
4

g
3

in d = 6 − 2ϵ dimensions has a UV fixed point when ϵ < 0. Like the O(N) vector models above four dimensions, such a fixed point observed perturbatively in fact corresponds to a pair of complex CFTs separated by a branch cut. Using both the numerical bootstrap method and Gliozzi’s fusion rule truncation method, we argue that the fixed points of the ϕ
3 theory above six dimensions exist.
Fucosidases from the human gut symbiont Ruminococcus gnavus
Authors: Wu Haiyang , Rebello Osmond , Crost Emmanuelle H. , Owen C. David , Walpole Samuel , Bennati-Granier Chloe , Ndeh Didier , Monaco Serena , Hicks Thomas , Colvile Anna , Urbanowicz Paulina A. , Walsh Martin A. , Angulo Jesus , Spencer Daniel I. R. , Juge Nathalie
Published: April 2020

The availability and repartition of fucosylated glycans within the gastrointestinal tract contributes to the adaptation of gut bacteria species to ecological niches. To access this source of nutrients, gut bacteria encode α-l-fucosidases (fucosidases) which catalyze the hydrolysis of terminal α-l-fucosidic linkages. We determined the substrate and linkage specificities of fucosidases from the human gut symbiont Ruminococcus gnavus. Sequence similarity network identified strain-specific fucosidases in R. gnavus ATCC 29149 and E1 strains that were further validated enzymatically against a range of defined oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Using a combination of glycan microarrays, mass spectrometry, isothermal titration calorimetry, crystallographic and saturation transfer difference NMR approaches, we identified a fucosidase with the capacity to recognize sialic acid-terminated fucosylated glycans (sialyl Lewis X/A epitopes) and hydrolyze α1–3/4 fucosyl linkages in these substrates without the need to remove sialic acid. Molecular dynamics simulation and docking showed that 3′-Sialyl Lewis X (sLeX) could be accommodated within the binding site of the enzyme. This specificity may contribute to the adaptation of R. gnavus strains to the infant and adult gut and has potential applications in diagnostic glycomic assays for diabetes and certain cancers.
Der unaufklärbare Fall MM – späte Lehren aus einem Grenzfall der Rechtsmedizin des Jahres 1984
Authors: Rittner C. , Madea B.
Published: April 2020

Der Fall der kleinen MM aus dem Jahre 1984 wird wohl nie aufgeklärt werden. Das 3‑jährige Mädchen verschwand aus dem Nachbarhaus und wurde einen Monat später tot in einem Bach schwimmend aufgefunden. Fortgeschrittene Fäulnis erschwerte die Feststellung der Todesursache, ein Bruchsystem am Schädel führte nach Asservierung nicht zur Identifizierung eines Tatwerkzeugs, jedoch zu einer schweren Belastung der Eltern und einer nie abgeschlossenen Trauerarbeit. Erst die Einstellung der Ermittlungsverfahren nach 35 Jahren erlaubt eine rückblickende Betrachtung der Grenzen der rechtsmedizinischen Expertise jener Zeit sowie des Ermittlungsverfahrens bei einem mit hoher krimineller Energie durchgeführten Verbrechen, das mangels eines Geständnisses nie aufgeklärt wurde.
Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affect Perioperative Complications? A Retrospective Study Using a Modified NSQIP Database
Authors: Abdulhai Mohamad , Sedeeq AlHasan , Neponmayshy Dmitry
Published: April 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to increased perioperative complications. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP), which is the leading outcomes‐based patient database, does not report OSA as a comorbidity. Therefore, we started recording the patient's OSA status as part of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center's (LHMC) NSQIP database in an effort to study the effect of OSA on perioperative complications.

Methods

Starting July 2013 we have been including patients’ OSA status in our hospital's NSQIP database. We conducted chart review of all patients who underwent any surgical intervention at LHMC between 2013 and 2016 and identified those who had OSA as part of their medical history. We then compared their perioperative mortality and complications to a matched sample.

Results

A total of 7872 patients were examined. In total, 739 patients had OSA bringing our prevalence to 9.4%. In total, 631 were matched to patients without OSA after adjusting for age, gender, BMI and multiple other comorbidities. We found no statistically significant difference in 30‐day mortality (0.1 vs 0%), unplanned intubation (2.6 vs 1.1%), pulmonary embolism (0.5 vs 0.2%), respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (2.3 vs 1.4%), cardiac arrest (0.5 vs 0.3%), myocardial infarction (0.4 vs 0.5%), surgical site infections (4.6 vs 4.3%), sepsis (2.4 vs 1.9%) and average length of stay (3.8 vs 4.2).

Conclusion

Patients with OSA did not have any statistically significant difference in post‐op complications or mortality when compared to patients without OSA. This is the first study that tracked OSA status as part of the NSQIP database and studied its effect on perioperative complications. Randomized controlled studies are needed to conclude whether OSA status affects perioperative outcomes.
Ruxolitinib-based combinations in the treatment of myelofibrosis: worth looking forward to
Authors: Li Yujin , Zhu Shirong , Liu Weiyi , Ming Jing , Wang Xueying , Hu Xiaomei
Published: April 2020

Ruxolitinib is a targeted drug to treat myelofibrosis (MF). Ruxolitinib has significant advantages in spleen reduction and increasing 5-year overall survival (OS), and ruxolitinib-based combinations might provide more benefits than ruxolitinib monotherapy. In this review, we focus on the data of ruxolitinib-based combinations therapies and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) and safety. We analyzed and summarized the data of ruxolitinib-based combinations. Ruxolitinib combined with prednisone + thalidomide + danazol (TPD), panobinostat, pracinostat, azacytidine, or hydroxyurea has well reduced spleen. Ruxolitinib combined with danazol or TPD had well therapies in improvement of hemoglobin (Hgb) and platelets (PLT). Most ruxolitinib-based combinations therapies showed a superior benefit on reduced treatment-related AEs than ruxolitinib monotherapy. Treatment-related AEs and dose modification affect the safety and tolerability of ruxolitinib-based combinations. Genetic testing before treatment is recommended. To provide better clinical guidance, comparisons of these randomized controlled trials with the trials of ruxolitinib alone are necessary. This review suggests that the clinical application of ruxolitinib-based combinations is worth waiting for.
Thirty years of coral heat-stress experiments: a review of methods
Authors: McLachlan Rowan H. , Price James T. , Solomon Sarah L. , Grottoli Andréa G.
Published: April 2020

For over three decades, scientists have conducted heat-stress experiments to predict how coral will respond to ocean warming due to global climate change. However, there are often conflicting results in the literature that are difficult to resolve, which we hypothesize are a result of unintended biases, variation in experimental design, and underreporting of critical methodological information. Here, we reviewed 255 coral heat-stress experiments to (1) document where and when they were conducted and on which species, (2) assess variability in experimental design, and (3) quantify the diversity of response variables measured. First, we found that two-thirds of studies were conducted in only three countries, three coral species were more heavily studied than others, and only 4% of studies focused on earlier life stages. Second, slightly more than half of all heat-stress exposures were less than 8 d in duration, only 17% of experiments fed corals, and experimental conditions varied widely, including the level and rate of temperature increase, light intensity, number of genets used, and the length of acclimation period. In addition, 95%, 55%, and > 35% of studies did not report tank flow conditions, light–dark cycle used, or the date of the experiment, respectively. Finally, we found that 21% of experiments did not measure any bleaching phenotype traits, 77% did not identify the Symbiodiniaceae endosymbiont, and the contribution of the coral host in the physiological response to heat-stress was often not investigated. This review highlights geographic, taxonomic, and heat-stress duration biases in our understanding of coral bleaching, and large variability in the reporting and design of heat-stress experiments that could account for some of the discrepancies in the literature. Development of some best practice recommendations for coral bleaching experiments could improve cross-studies comparisons and increase the efficiency of coral bleaching research at a time when it is needed most.
The Calderón problem for the fractional Schrödinger equation with drift
Authors: Cekić Mihajlo , Lin Yi-Hsuan , Rüland Angkana
Published: April 2020

We investigate the Calderón problem for the fractional Schrödinger equation with drift, proving that the unknown drift and potential in a bounded domain can be determined simultaneously and uniquely by an infinite number of exterior measurements. In particular, in contrast to its local analogue, this nonlocal problem does not enjoy a gauge invariance. The uniqueness result is complemented by an associated logarithmic stability estimate under suitable apriori assumptions. Also uniqueness under finitely many generic measurements is discussed. Here the genericity is obtained through singularity theory which might also be interesting in the context of hybrid inverse problems. Combined with the results from Ghosh et al. (Uniqueness and reconstruction for the fractional Calderón problem with a single easurement, 2018. arXiv:1801.04449), this yields a finite measurements constructive reconstruction algorithm for the fractional Calderón problem with drift. The inverse problem is formulated as a partial data type nonlocal problem and it is considered in any dimension $$n\ge 1$$n≥1.
Non-uniqueness of weak solutions to hyperviscous Navier–Stokes equations: on sharpness of J.-L. Lions exponent
Authors: Luo Tianwen , Titi Edriss S.
Published: April 2020

Using the convex integration technique for the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations introduced by Buckmaster and Vicol, it is shown the existence of non-unique weak solutions for the 3D Navier–Stokes equations with fractional hyperviscosity$$(-\Delta )^{\theta }$$(-Δ)θ, whenever the exponent$$\theta $$θis less than Lions’ exponent 5/4, i.e., when$$\theta < 5/4$$θ<5/4.
Using NMR spectroscopy to investigate the role played by copper in prion diseases
Authors: Alsiary Rawiah A. , Alghrably Mawadda , Saoudi Abdelhamid , Al-Ghamdi Suliman , Jaremko Lukasz , Jaremko Mariusz , Emwas Abdul-Hamid
Published: April 2020

Prion diseases are a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders that develop as a result of the conformational conversion of normal prion protein (PrPC) to the disease-associated isoform (PrPSc). The mechanism that actually causes disease remains unclear. However, the mechanism underlying the conformational transformation of prion protein is partially understood—in particular, there is strong evidence that copper ions play a significant functional role in prion proteins and in their conformational conversion. Various models of the interaction of copper ions with prion proteins have been proposedfor theCu (II)-binding, cell-surfaceglycoprotein known as prion protein(PrP).Changes in the concentration of copper ions in the brain have been associated with prion diseases and there is strong evidence that copper plays a significant functional role in the conformational conversion of PrP. Nevertheless, because copper ions have been shown to have both a positive and negative effect on prion disease onset, the role played by Cu (II) ions in these diseases remains a topic of debate. Because of the unique properties of paramagnetic Cu (II) ions in the magnetic field, their interactions with PrP can be tracked even at single atom resolution using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Various NMR approaches have been utilized to study the kinetic, thermodynamic, and structural properties of Cu (II)-PrP interactions. Here, we highlight the different models of copper interactions with PrP with particular focus on studies that use NMR spectroscopy to investigate the role played by copper ions in prion diseases.
Recommendations for prioritization, treatment, and triage of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. the COVID-19 pandemic breast cancer consortium
Authors: Dietz Jill R. , Moran Meena S. , Isakoff Steven J. , Kurtzman Scott H. , Willey Shawna C. , Burstein Harold J. , Bleicher Richard J. , Lyons Janice A. , Sarantou Terry , Baron Paul L. , Stevens Randy E. , Boolbol Susan K. , Anderson Benjamin O. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Gradishar William J. , Monticciolo Debra L. , Plecha Donna M. , Nelson Heidi , Yao Katharine A.
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic presents clinicians a unique set of challenges in managing breast cancer (BC) patients. As hospital resources and staff become more limited during the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes critically important to define which BC patients require more urgent care and which patients can wait for treatment until the pandemic is over. In this Special Communication, we use expert opinion of representatives from multiple cancer care organizations to categorize BC patients into priority levels (A, B, C) for urgency of care across all specialties. Additionally, we provide treatment recommendations for each of these patient scenarios. Priority A patients have conditions that are immediately life threatening or symptomatic requiring urgent treatment. Priority B patients have conditions that do not require immediate treatment but should start treatment before the pandemic is over. Priority C patients have conditions that can be safely deferred until the pandemic is over. The implementation of these recommendations for patient triage, which are based on the highest level available evidence, must be adapted to current availability of hospital resources and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in each region of the country. Additionally, the risk of disease progression and worse outcomes for patients need to be weighed against the risk of patient and staff exposure to SARS CoV-2 (virus associated with the COVID-19 pandemic). Physicians should use these recommendations to prioritize care for their BC patients and adapt treatment recommendations to the local context at their hospital.
Challenges and Successes of Pregnancy Assistance Fund Programs Supporting Young Fathers
Authors: Niland Katherine , Selekman Rebekah
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Since 2010, the Office of Population Affairs (formerly the Office of Adolescent Health) has offered funding to support expectant and parenting youth through the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF). PAF grantees typically focus on serving young mothers, so programs serving young fathers are more limited.

Methods

Based on a purposive sample of nine past and current PAF grantees that serve young fathers, this study describes the overall program designs, provides a detailed view of the challenges to serving young fathers, and identifies key strategies for successful father engagement.

Results

Across grantees, program components were largely the same for both young fathers and mothers. Recruitment and engagement were the most commonly cited challenges to young fathers’ participation in the PAF-funded programs.

Discussion

Successful strategies for serving young fathers included recruiting from places that fathers naturally frequent, creating program space welcoming to fathers, and hiring staff who understand the experiences of young fathers.
The effect of CO2-enriched water salinity on enhancing oil recovery and its potential formation damage: an experimental study on shaly sandstone reservoirs
Authors: Yazdani Sadati Ehsan , Sahraei Eghbal , Rahnema Milad , Rashidi Aghdam Sohail , Reyhani Mahsheed
Published: April 2020

Many experimental investigations on carbonated water injection (CWI) have shown an increase in oil recovery which CWI is defined as the process of injecting CO2-saturated water in oil reservoirs as a displacing fluid. In every enhanced oil recovery method, the potential formation damage of the injected fluid is considered. This is due to the fact that the injection of incompatible fluids often causes clay swelling and fines migration and thus impairs the formation permeability. Permeability reduction by clay particles mostly depends on its distribution which can be pore lining, pore bridging, dispersed or combination of these causing pore blocking or pore-throat diameter reduction. Besides, fine migration is considered as an important mechanism of recovery improvement during injection of low-salinity water in sandstone oil reservoirs. The present paper investigates the impact of injection of carbonated water and brines with the different salt concentrations on oil recovery and formation damage focusing on permeability variation. The investigation has been done on 12 relatively homogeneous clay-containing sandstone cores, while the compositions of the injection water were varied from 40,000 to 1000 ppm, at 176° F and 2000 psi. The amount of recovery improvement and permeability drop recorded in all tests and the fine effluent of two experiments were analysed using XRD, one for CWI and one for WF (water flooding). In all salinities, CWI has shown more oil recovery improvement than conventional water. CWI of 40,000 ppm showed the minimum permeability reduction of 6 percent, while the highest permeability was obtained by injection of water with 1000 ppm. Maximum ultimate oil recoveries of 61.2% and 42% were achieved by 1000 ppm both for CWI and WF, respectively. In comparison with brine injection, CWI resulted in more permeability drop in salinity above critical salt concentration (CSC), while below CSC, WF has caused more formation damage than CWI. Experimental results also showed that fine migration was the main reason behind formation damage. It was also revealed that permeability was significantly reduced due to fine production in the effluent.
Barite–Micromax mixture, an enhanced weighting agent for the elimination of barite sag in invert emulsion drilling fluids
Authors: Basfar Salem , Mohamed Abdelmjeed , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: April 2020

Weighting agents are mixed with the drilling mud to provide the high density required to control high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) wells throughout the drilling operation. Solids sag occurs when the weighting agent separates from the liquid phase and settles down, causing variations in the drilling fluid density. This study evaluates barite–manganese tetroxide (Micromax) mixture to eliminate solids sag issue encountered with weighted invert emulsion drilling fluids at HPHT conditions. Micromax additive was added to barite-weighted fluids in different concentrations, 0, 15, and 30 wt% of the total weighting agent. Static and dynamic sag tests were used to evaluate the sag tendency of the new formulation under static and dynamic conditions. The performance of the new formulation was evaluated by measuring the electrical stability, density, rheological, viscoelastic, and filtration properties of the drilling fluid. The obtained results showed that Micromax additive improves drilling fluid stability by reducing the sag tendency. Adding only 30 wt% of Micromax additive eliminated barite sag issue in both dynamic and static conditions at 350 °F. 30 wt% Micromax increased the base fluid density by 5.4% and the yield point by 115% and maintained the gel strength value at 12 lb/100 ft2, while it reduced the plastic viscosity by 30%. The addition of Micromax additive improved the viscoelastic properties of the drilling fluid by maintaining a higher storage modulus to the loss modulus ratio when compared with the barite sample (in the range 4–4.5). Furthermore, 30 wt% Micromax improved the filtration performance by reducing the filtrate volume, filter cake weight, and filter cake thickness by 50%.
An Investigation to Assess the Cause of Accident due to Flyrock in an Opencast Coal Mine: A Case Study
Authors: Sawmliana C. , Hembram Panchanan , Singh R. K. , Banerjee S. , Singh P. K. , Roy P. Pal
Published: April 2020

The paper deals with the investigation carried out to find out the possible reason of the flyrock incident causing fatality of one person at Bhurkunda ‘Á’ Colliery of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). The flying fragment travelled up to 280 m from the blasting source causing the accidental death. The blasts were conducted in overburden rock strata consisting of medium grained sandstone and shale. The blasthole diameter used in the blast was 160 mm, and the average hole depth was 6.0 m. Site mixed emulsion (SME) explosive was used in the blast, and explosive charge per hole was 50.00 kg. Non-electric initiation systems were used for in-hole explosive and surface hole-to-hole initiations. The design parameters used in the blast were thoroughly analyzed using blast simulation software to check any anomaly in the blast design viz. sequence of hole firing, success rate of burden movement, maximum charge per delay fired within 8 ms windows, etc. The different flyrock fragments prediction models were used to assess the maximum possible travel distance of the flying in the blast. A synonymous blast was also conducted in the mines to replicate the blast where flyrock accident occurred. All the blasting events were recorded and monitored using a digital video camera. The simulation results of the blast showed the success rate of burden relief more than 80% with sufficient delay intervals for the rock movement during the blast. The maximum possible travel distance of flying fragments based on different flyrock prediction models was 227 m. In the synonymous blast, only vertical throws of the flying fragments up to 70 m (approximate) height were observed. It was difficult to find out the exact cause of flyrock incident. However, based on the detailed investigation, it was concluded that the possible cause of flying fragments travelling up to a distance of 280 m could be due to the presence of a weak zone in the rock strata.
Monitor or Advise? How Family Involvement Affects Supervisory Board Roles in Family Firms
Authors: van Aaken Dominik , Göbel Maximilian , Meindl Daniel
Published: April 2020

This paper examines how the involvement of family members in family firms affects the roles of supervisory boards in two-tier board systems. Taking an agency and resource-based perspective, we argue that the occurrence of monitoring and advisory tasks of the board depends on the entanglement of family management and family ownership. This entanglement creates special governance requirements for family firms in two-tier board systems. We use a unique dataset of 186 German family firm observations to show that family involvement in management as well as a high family ownership reduces the occurrence of the monitoring tasks that the supervisory board performs. Moreover, we show that a growing number of owning family branches increases the monitoring tasks. We also provide evidence that family involvement increases the occurrence of the advisory tasks in relation to the monitoring ones.
Integrating human-centred design approach into Sustainable-Oriented 3D Printing Systems
Authors: Rossi Emilio , Di Nicolantonio Massimo
Published: April 2020

Modern 3D printing systems have become pervasive and widely used both in professional and in informal contexts, including sustainable-oriented ones. However, the risk to create very effective but non-sustainable solutions is very high since 3D printing systems could potentially increase the environmental emergencies and the unsustainable growth. In the transition process toward sustainable ways of production and consumption, the so-called human factor still plays an important role in the achievement of sustainable-oriented actions; it drives the adoption of proper lifestyles that directly and indirectly influence the ways through which such technologies are used. Therefore, future Sustainable 3D Printing Systems should integrate the humans in the systems’ development. This study presents two important results: (a) it presents a set of interdisciplinary ‘Sustainable 3D Printing Systems’, which compose a promising sustainable-oriented scenario useful to support the transition processes toward sustainable designs and productions, and (b) it proposes a new strategy for the integration of human-centred aspects into Sustainable 3D Printing Systems, by combining insights from human-centred design approach.
Surface and subsurface radar equations for radar sounders
Authors: Haynes Mark S.
Published: April 2020

This work is a collection of radar equations for low-frequency radar sounding and radar in general that emphasize the form of the radar equation for different target and source geometries. This is meant as a handbook for scientists and engineers that work with or analyze radar sounder systems and interpret radar sounding echoes. Lookup tables summarize the results and derivations are provided for each equation.
Disparities in Deep Brain Stimulation Use for Parkinson’s Disease in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Crispo James A.G. , Lam Melody , Le Britney , Richard Lucie , Shariff Salimah Z. , Ansell Dominique R. , Squarzolo Melanie , Marras Connie , Willis Allison W. , Seitz Dallas
Published: April 2020

Objective:

To examine whether sociodemographic characteristics and health care utilization are associated with receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Ontario, Canada.

Methods:

Using health administrative data, we identified a cohort of individuals aged 40 years or older diagnosed with incident PD between 1995 and 2009. A case-control study was used to examine whether select factors were associated with DBS for PD. Patients were classified as cases if they underwent DBS surgery at any point 1-year after cohort entry until December 31, 2016. Conditional logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the adjusted odds of DBS surgery for sociodemographic and health care utilization indicators.

Results:

A total of 46,237 individuals with PD were identified, with 543 (1.2%) receiving DBS surgery. Individuals residing in northern Ontario were more likely than southern patients to receive DBS surgery [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–4.34]; however, regional variations were not observed after accounting for medication use among older adults (AOR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.26–4.21). Patients living in neighborhoods with the highest concentration of visible minorities were less likely to receive DBS surgery compared to patients living in predominantly white neighborhoods (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.16–0.46). Regular neurologist care and use of multiple PD medications were positively associated with DBS surgery.

Conclusions:

Variations in use of DBS may reflect differences in access to care, specialist referral pathways, health-seeking behavior, or need for DBS. Future studies are needed to understand drivers of potential disparities in DBS use.
Short-Term Effects of Mitigation Measures for the Containment of the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Experience From Northern Italy
Authors: Moirano Giovenale , Schmid Maurizio , Barone-Adesi Francesco
Published: April 2020

We evaluated the short-term effects of mitigation measures imposed by the Italian government on the first 10 municipalities affected by Sars-Cov-2 spread. Our results suggest that the effects of containment measures can be appreciated in about approximately 2 wk.
Pilot cohort study of obstructive sleep apnoea in community-dwelling people with schizophrenia
Authors: Myles H. , Myles N. , Vincent A. D. , Wittert G. , Adams R. , Chandratilleke M. , Liu D. , Mercer J. , Vakulin A. , Chai-Coetzer C. L. , Galletly C.
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the incidence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in people with schizophrenia, to explore clinical associates with OSA and how well OSA screening tools perform in this population.

Methods:

All patients registered in a community outpatient Clozapine clinic, between January 2014 and March 2016, were consecutively approached to participate. Participants were screened for OSA using at home multichannel polysomnography (PSG) and were diagnosed with OSA if the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) was >10 events/hr. Univariate comparison of participants to determine whether AHI > 10 events/hr was associated with demographic factors, anthropometric measures and psychiatric symptoms and cognition was performed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the commonly used sleep symptoms scales and OSA screening tools were also determined.

Results:

Thirty participants were recruited, 24 men and 6 women. Mean age was 38.8 (range: 25–60), and mean body mass index (BMI) was 35.7 (range 19.9–62.1). The proportion of participants with OSA (AHI > 10 events/hr) was 40%, 18 (60%) had no OSA, 4 (13%) had mild OSA (AHI 10.1–20), zero participants had moderate OSA (AHI 20.1–30) and 8 (27%) had severe OSA (AHI > 30). Diagnosis of OSA was significantly associated with increased weight, BMI, neck circumference and systolic blood pressure. Diagnosis of OSA was not significantly associated with Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale, Montgomery Asperger’s Depression Rating Scale, Personal and Social Performance scale or Brief Assessment of Cognition for Schizophrenia scores. All OSA screening tools demonstrated poor sensitivity and specificity for a diagnosis of OSA.

Conclusion:

OSA was highly prevalent in this cohort of people with schizophrenia and was associated with traditional anthropometric OSA risk factors.