bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐surgical flap placement following osseous surgery: A short‐term clinical evaluation
Authors: Penner Jeffrey K. , Deas David E. , Mills Michael P. , Hanlon John , Gelfond Jonathan , Hernandez Brian , Mealey Brian L.
Published: August 2019

Background

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between immediate post‐surgical flap position and subsequent probing depth measurements following osseous surgery.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients treatment planned for osseous surgery after completion of initial therapy and re‐evaluation were enrolled. Pressure molded stents were fabricated to serve as a reference for probing depth and relative attachment level measurements prior to surgery. After osseous recontouring was completed, flaps were sutured and compressed, and bone sounding measurements were made as designated by the stent. Patients returned at 3‐ and 6 months for repeat measurements of probing depth and attachment level.

Results

Twenty‐four patients completed surgical treatment and follow‐up measurements with a total of 402 treated sites. A statistically significant moderate correlation between immediate post‐surgical bone sounding measurements and subsequent probing depth was found at 6 months (R = 0.56, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between this correlation at 3 and 6 months. The probability of having 6 month probing depth ≤3 mm was 93.5% when the surgical flap was placed within 3 mm of the alveolar crest (286/306 sites) as opposed to 50% when the surgical flap was >3 mm away from the alveolar crest (48/96 sites). Interproximal sites were significantly more likely (P < 0.01) to have probing depths > 3 mm at 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions

Results suggest a statistically significant relationship between immediate post‐surgical flap placement and subsequent probing depths. Positioning the surgical flap more closely to the alveolar crest when performing osseous surgery resulted in shallower probing depths at 3 and 6 months.
Molecularly imprinted polymer coating on metal‐organic frameworks for solid‐phase extraction of fluoroquinolones from water
Authors: Zhao Shanwen , Sun Zhian , Liu Huachun , Zhou Yanqiang , Li Jianmin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Gong Bolin
Published: August 2019

In this work, a novel surface molecularly imprinted polymer with high adsorption capacity, high adsorption rate, and high selectivity for fluoroquinolones was prepared on the surface of UiO‐66‐NH2, which is a kind of metal‐organic framework. The surface morphology and adsorption properties of this molecularly imprinted polymer were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity was 99.19 mg/g, and adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 65 s. Combined with reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, the molecularly imprinted polymer was used to selectively enrich, separate and analyze fluoroquinolones present in lake water. The results showed that the recoveries of the four fluoroquinolones were 92.6–100.5%, and the relative standard deviations were 2.9–6.4% (n = 3). The novel molecularly imprinted polymer is an excellent adsorbent and has broad application prospects in the enrichment and separation of trace analytes in complex samples.
In the wake of a major hurricane: Differential effects on early vs. late successional seagrass species
Authors: Congdon Victoria M. , Bonsell Christina , Cuddy Meaghan R. , Dunton Kenneth H.
Published: August 2019

At least 18 major storms have struck the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean in the past 50 yr including Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm that passed over extensive seagrass beds in the western Gulf of Mexico and became the second‐most expensive U.S. hurricane. We sought to identify the effects of an extreme hurricane on sediment physicochemical characteristics and seagrass species with contrasting life histories and morphologies. Surprisingly, Harvey's intense wind speeds resulted in decreases in blade length, vegetative cover, and greater overall loss of Thalassia, a persistent climax species relative to Halodule, a prolific pioneer species. Sediment ammonium and grain size changed, but not organic carbon. Our results indicate that effects of wind intensity are not only restricted to the differential impacts on seagrasses, but on the physicochemical characteristics of the sediments. These changes, coupled with the slow colonization abilities of Thalassia, may prolong recovery of disturbed seagrass meadows.
Self‐Healing Properties of PDMS Elastomers via Guanine and Cytosine Base Pairs
Authors: Chen Ling , Peng Hao , Wei Yingying , Wang Xiaoyu , Jin Yajing , Liu Houtao , Jiang Yong
Published: August 2019

On account of the combination of base pairs interaction, DNA can realize, unlock, and repair. By introducing commercially available guanine and cytosine into poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS), the self‐healing supramolecular polymer can be achieved, which will be of great interest. Herein, a kind of base pairs functionalized PDMS‐based elastomer is successfully developed and demonstrates great elasticity, tensile strength, and self‐healing abilities, such as GC‐PDMS‐10k, which can be stretched more than triple the original length and achieve 75% self‐healing efficiency. Changing the molecular weights of PDMS or the base pairs offers the desired mechanical properties. Importantly, the synthesis approach is simple enough with no external solvent.
Comparison of specific endophytic bacterial communities in different developmental stages of Passiflora incarnata using culture‐dependent and culture‐independent analysis
Authors: Goulart Marcela C. , Cueva‐Yesquén Luis G. , Hidalgo Martinez Kelly J. , Attili‐Angelis Derlene , Fantinatti‐Garboggini Fabiana
Published: August 2019

Plants and endophytic microorganisms have coevolved unique relationships over many generations. Plants show a specific physiological status in each developmental stage, which may determine the occurrence and dominance of specific endophytic populations with a predetermined ecological role. This study aimed to compare and determine the structure and composition of cultivable and uncultivable bacterial endophytic communities in vegetative and reproductive stages (RS) of Passiflora incarnata. To that end, the endophytic communities were assessed by plating and Illumina‐based 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Two hundred and four cultivable bacterial strains were successfully isolated. From the plant’s RS, the isolated strains were identified mainly as belonging to the genera Sphingomonas, Curtobacterium, and Methylobacterium, whereas Bacillus was the dominant genus isolated from the vegetative stage (VS). From a total of 133,399 sequences obtained from Illumina‐based sequencing, a subset of 25,092 was classified in operational taxonomy units (OTUs). Four hundred and sixteen OTUs were obtained from the VS and 66 from the RS. In the VS, the most abundant families were Pseudoalteromonadaceae and Alicyclobacillaceae, while in the RS, Enterobacteriaceae and Bacillaceae were the most abundant families. The exclusive abundance of specific bacterial populations for each developmental stage suggests that plants may modulate bacterial endophytic community structure in response to different physiological statuses occurring at the different plant developmental stages.
Postnatal clinical phenotype of five patients with Pallister–Killian Syndrome (tetrasomy 12p): Interest of array CGH for diagnosis and review of the literature
Authors: Alqahtani Amerh Salem , Putoux Audrey , Bonnet Dupeyron Marie Noelle , Carneiro Maryline , Lion‐Francois Laurence , Rossi Massimiliano , Tevissen Hélène , Schluth Bolard Caroline , Labalme Audrey , Lesca Gaetan , Till Marianne , Edery Patrick , Sanlaville Damien
Published: August 2019

Background

Pallister–Killian syndrome (PKS) is a rare sporadic disorder caused by tetrasomy of the short arm of chromosome 12. The main clinical manifestations are global developmental delay, intellectual disability, epilepsy, dysmorphic features, hypopigmented and/or hyperpigmented lesions, and multiple congenital anomalies. PKS is associated with tissue mosaicism, which is difficult to diagnose through peripheral blood sample by conventional cytogenetic methods and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Methods

Here, we report five patients with PKS. We delineate their clinical phenotypes and we compare them with previously published cases. We used array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) with DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples. The five patients have also been tested by conventional cytogenetics techniques.

Results

Four out of five patients showed tetrasomy 12p by aCGH. Three of the four patients have typical i(12p) and one of the four demonstrated atypical tetrasomy 12p. The percentage of mosaicism was as low as 20%. Our cohort exhibited the typical PKS phenotypes.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the efficacy of aCGH for the diagnosis of PKS from DNA extracted from lymphocytes. Thus, for patients suspected of PKS, we recommend performing aCGH on lymphocytes at an early age before  proceeding to skin biopsy. aCGH on peripheral blood samples is sensitive in detecting low level of mosaicism and it is less invasive method than skin biopsy. We reviewed also the literature concerning the previously published PKS patients diagnosed by aCGH.
A start codon mutation of the TSPAN12 gene in Chinese families causes clinical heterogeneous familial exudative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Ziwei , Sun Yan , Wang Zhuoshi , Bai Jinyue , Xing Bo , Sun Xiao , Wang Lusheng , Li Jiankang , He Wei
Published: August 2019

Background

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a severe clinically and genetically heterogeneous retinal disorder characterized with failure of vascular development of the peripheral retina. The symptoms of FEVR vary widely among patients in the same family, and even between the two eyes of a given patient. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the start codon mutation of the TSPAN12 causes difference in clinical manifestations between individuals in the same family.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based target capture sequencing was performed in proband with a diagnosis of FEVR and their normal visual acuity family members. Cosegregation analysis of the candidate causative variant was performed in additional family members by using Sanger sequencing. Complete fundus examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and family history collection were performed in all family members. Potential candidate causative variants were verified with reference to guidelines and standards from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Results

We identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation (c.1A>G, p.M1V) localized in the start codon of the TSPAN12 and was detected as a potentially disease‐causing variant for the proband. Retrospective analysis of clinical data, fundus examination, and FFA showed that the mutant carrier presented peripheral retinal vascular anomalies in early stages, and visual acuity did not show significant effects. However, the proband who carried this mutation and his cousin showed typical high‐stage FEVR fundus changes coupled with a sharp decline in vision.

Conclusions

We report a novel start codon mutation (c.1A>G, p.M1V) in the TSPAN12 that causes clinically heterogeneous manifestations. Our results expand the mutation spectrums of TSPAN12, and will be valuable for disease diagnosis, prognosis, genetic counseling, and enriching our understanding of the role of the tetraspanin‐12 protein in the pathogenesis of FEVR.
Improved FBMC/OQAM uplink performance using an antenna array in a highly frequency selective fading channel
Authors: Kim Yekaterina , Ahn Heungseop , Kim Daejin , Choi Seungwon
Published: August 2019

Filter bank multicarrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (FBMC/OQAM) is an attractive alternative to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, as it yields a higher spectral efficiency and robustness to frequency dispersion; however, FBMC/OQAM suffers from multipath interference owing to the absence of the cyclic prefix, especially in the signal environments of widely spread multipaths. Although conventional techniques such as multiple‐input multiple‐output along with equalization can combat multipath fading, these techniques do not effectively resolve the multipath interference unless each subcarrier channel can be assumed to be of a flat fading. This article presents a systematic procedure of applying a receive antenna array to FBMC/OQAM systems that removes the multipath interferences using a nicely‐shaped beam pattern for each of the multipaths associated with a severe frequency selectivity. The performance of the proposed array system has been demonstrated in terms of its bit error rate in the adverse multipath‐spread environment of the Extended Typical Urban model of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, in which each subcarrier channel suffers from a severe frequency‐selective fading. Using various computer simulations, we found that the proposed array system can completely resolve multipath interferences with an array of N = 10, 16, and 22 when Δθ = 15°, 10°, and 5°, respectively, where N and Δθ denote the number of antennas in each subarray and the interpath direction of arrival difference, respectively. In addition, the proposed array system also provides a signal‐to‐noise ratio gain that is proportional to N, once the multipath interferences are successfully resolved.
Natively fat‐suppressed 5D whole‐heart MRI with a radial free‐running fast‐interrupted steady‐state (FISS) sequence at 1.5T and 3T
Authors: Bastiaansen Jessica A.M. , Piccini Davide , Di Sopra Lorenzo , Roy Christopher W. , Heerfordt John , Edelman Robert R. , Koktzoglou Ioannis , Yerly Jérôme , Stuber Matthias
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To implement, optimize, and test fast interrupted steady‐state (FISS) for natively fat‐suppressed free‐running 5D whole‐heart MRI at 1.5 tesla (T) and 3T.

Methods

FISS was implemented for fully self‐gated free‐running cardiac‐ and respiratory‐motion‐resolved radial imaging of the heart at 1.5T and 3T. Numerical simulations and phantom scans were performed to compare fat suppression characteristics and to determine parameter ranges (number of readouts [NR] per FISS module and TR) for effective fat suppression. Subsequently, free‐running FISS data were collected in 10 healthy volunteers and images were reconstructed with compressed sensing. All acquisitions were compared with a continuous balanced steady‐state free precession version of the same sequence, and both fat suppression and scan times were analyzed.

Results

Simulations demonstrate a variable width and location of suppression bands in FISS that were dependent on TR and NR. For a fat suppression bandwidth of 100 Hz and NR ≤ 8, simulations demonstrated that a TR between 2.2 ms and 3.0 ms is required at 1.5T, whereas a range of 3.0 ms to 3.5 ms applies at 3T. Fat signal increases with NR. These findings were corroborated in phantom experiments. In volunteers, fat SNR was significantly decreased using FISS compared with balanced steady‐state free precession (P < 0.05) at both field strengths. After protocol optimization, high‐resolution (1.1 mm3) 5D whole‐heart free‐running FISS can be performed with effective fat suppression in under 8 min at 1.5T and 3T at a modest scan time increase compared to balanced steady‐state free precession.

Conclusion

An optimal FISS parameter range was determined enabling natively fat‐suppressed 5D whole‐heart free‐running MRI with a single continuous scan at 1.5T and 3T, demonstrating potential for cardiac imaging and noncontrast angiography.
Prognostic value of needle electromyography in traumatic brachial plexus injury
Authors: Impastato David M. , Impastato Katherine A. , Dabestani Parinaz , Ko Jason H. , Bunnell Aaron E.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In this study we aimed to determine whether needle electromyographic assessment of voluntary motor unit recruitment in traumatic brachial plexus injuries could predict spontaneous motor recovery.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on patients with brachial plexus injury affecting deltoid, supraspinatus/infraspinatus, and biceps brachii. The outcome measure was strength on manual muscle testing at least 1 year after injury. Good outcome was considered strength >3/5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.

Results

No muscles with no recruitment (n = 27) at 1‐9 months improved to MRC 4/5 strength at a mean of 2.0 years postinjury. Twenty‐five percent of muscles with discrete or severely reduced recruitment (n = 8) regained strength to >3/5 at a mean of 1.4 years postinjury (P = .047).

Discussion

Absent voluntary motor unit potential recruitment at 1‐9 months predicted poor prognosis for spontaneous recovery. A high percentage of patients with discrete recruitment did not improve to >3/5 strength. These patients should be considered for early nerve transfer surgery.
Formal modeling and verification of software‐defined networks: A survey
Authors: Shukla Nitin , Pandey Mayank , Srivastava Shashank
Published: August 2019

Unlike traditional networking devices, control and management plane are decoupled from data plane in software‐defined networks (SDN). The logically centralized control and management plane facilitate dynamic orchestration of network resources, services, and policies by writing software programs. This provides much needed flexibility and programmability where networking rules and policies can be modified dynamically depending upon the application context. As the operation of network services entirely depends on a program, a small fault may induce several issues which can adversely affect the expected behavior of the network. Formal modeling and verification help in catching inconsistencies and existence of errors prior to the deployment of the programs that control the behavior of a network. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of tools and techniques available in the literature for formal modeling and verification of SDN. These tools and techniques are classified based on their types, the components of SDN where they can be applied, and the design and development phase when they are utilized. In particular, their respective benefits and limitations are discussed in terms of ease of use, interfaces, and the ability to capture and verify intended network properties.
Modeling of viscoelastic structures with random material properties using time‐separated stochastic mechanics
Authors: Junker Philipp , Nagel Jan
Published: August 2019

Modeling and simulation of materials with stochastic properties is an emerging field in both mathematics and mechanics. The most important goal is to compute the stochastic characteristics of the random stress, such as the expectation value and the standard deviation. An accurate approach are Monte Carlo simulations; however, they consume drastic computational power due to the large number of stochastic realizations that have to be simulated before convergence is achieved.

In this paper, we show that a recently published approach for accurate modeling of viscoelastic materials with stochastic material properties at the material point level in the work of Junker and Nagel is also valid for macroscopic bodies. The method is based on a separation of random but time‐invariant variables and time‐dependent but deterministic variables for the strain response at the material point (time‐separated stochastic mechanics [TSM]). We recall the governing equations, derive a simplified form, and discuss the numerical implementation into a finite element routine. To validate our approach, we compare the TSM simulations with Monte Carlo simulations, which provide the “true” answer but at unaffordable computational costs. In contrast, the numerical effort of our approach is in the same range as for deterministic viscoelastic simulations.
Impact of dynamical representational errors on an Indian Ocean ensemble data assimilation system
Authors: Sanikommu Sivareddy , Banerjee Deep Sankar , Baduru Balaji , Paul Biswamoy , Paul Arya , Chakraborty Kunal , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the impact of dynamical representational error (RE) on the analysis of an ocean ensemble Kalman filter‐based data assimilation system, LETKF‐ROMS (Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter – Regional Ocean Modelling System) configured for the Indian Ocean and assimilating in situ temperature and salinity observations from Argo. Three different approaches to account for the RE are studied and inter‐compared: (a) static RE (varies in horizontal and vertical direction), (b) dynamic RE (varies in space and time) estimated from concurrent observations, and (c) dynamic RE estimated using concurrent high‐resolution model outputs. RE estimated from the model outputs exhibits rich spatial and temporal variability with an estimated temporal mean RE for temperature below 0.5 and 0.2 °C in the surface and deep layers, respectively, and reaching up to 1 °C in the thermocline layers. The region encompassing the Great Whirl displays a large seasonal variability reaching up to 0.8 °C, and the South Equatorial Current (SEC) a large interannual variability reaching up to 0.4 °C. Neglecting such spatio‐temporal variations of RE and assimilating with a static RE limited the benefits of assimilation by entertaining over‐fitting issues that caused degradations in the Bay of Bengal, the western parts of the Arabian Sea, and the equatorial Indian Ocean. Assimilating with the observations‐based dynamic RE improved the results in these regions, but the best performances were obtained with the configuration using the model‐based dynamic RE, which yielded further improvements, e.g. reduction of sea surface height root‐mean‐square errors reaches 30% with respect to the observations‐based dynamic RE. The latter also better handled the rich spatial variability regions and areas not well sampled by the observations. Improved estimates of the spatial and temporal variations of RE helped to better exploit the assimilated observations and provided enhanced analyses less prone to assimilation shocks.
Endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound: it only takes an echobronchoscope to tango
Authors: Soo Chun Ian , Kho Sze Shyang , Ng Boon Hau , Tie Siew Teck
Published: August 2019

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is indispensable when it comes to evaluation of mediastinal lesion and staging of lung cancer. The incorporation of endoscopic ultrasound using an echobronchoscope (EUS‐B) further extends this capability to the paraoesophageal and subdiaphragmatic structures. When combined, EBUS with EUS‐B increases the diagnostic yield. Both procedures can be done in a single session and by a single operator; this translates into an overall reduction in the healthcare cost.
Fundamental study on the effects of the keystone height and structure on sediment deposition in a high‐gradient channel
Authors: Itsukushima Rei , Masago Yuki
Published: August 2019

Step–pool structures are among the most important structures in riverbed morphology that can contribute to the stabilization of riverbeds and riverbanks, energy dissipation during floods, and head reduction function. Two concepts have been suggested regarding step–pool formation: the development of antidunes (antidune concept) and keystone concept. The latter suggests that a large boulder (keystone) incidentally left in a river channel can trap pebbles and build a step–pool structure. The ultimate goal of this study is to reveal the step–pool formation process and establish a design method based on the keystone concept. This paper describes the experimental results of the effects of the keystone arrangement on sediment deposition. Step–pool formation based on the keystone concept has previously been focused on the process of sediment deposition a short distance from a keystone. However, this study reveals that the obstruction of sediment supply due to the decreased flow velocity in the main river course is an important factor. When the arrangement interval of keystones is small, the amount of sediment supply downstream decreases because the flow velocity at the main flow channel between the keystones does not increase. In contrast, the flow velocity at the main river course increases between the keystones, and supplied sediment is transported to the most downstream section if the keystone arrangement interval is large enough to join the flow from the bank side of the keystones.
Pyrrolothiazolones as Potential Inhibitors for the nsP2B‐nsP3 Protease of Dengue Virus and Their Mechanism of Synthesis
Authors: Vishvakarma Vijay Kumar , Singh Prashant , Kumar Vinod , Kumari Kamlesh , Patel Rajan , Chandra Ramesh
Published: August 2019

Dengue fever is a severe disease in the present time. Based on literature, there is no effective approved medicine available in the market for the treatment of dengue fever. This fever is spreading rapidly and there is an urgency to find the potential and cost‐effective antiviral compounds for the development of medicine to cure the patients from dengue fever. Different computational and experimental approaches have been tried to find the potential inhibitors for the nsP2B‐nsP3 protease of dengue virus. In the present work, a four component one‐pot reaction was designed to get pyrrolothiazolones & its mechanism of synthesis was studied by density functional theory. A library based on pyrrolothiazolones was created using computational tools. Further, the designed compounds were docked to get the potent inhibitor aginst the nsP2B‐nsP3 protease of dengue virus. Further, different parameters like absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity were applied. DFT analysis of the hit compounds were performed using Gaussian 09. The molecular dynamics simulations study was performed to check the formation of complex between the screened compound and nsP2B‐nsP3 protease of dengue virus. Finally, the molecular mechanics‐Poisson Boltzmann surface area analysis was performed to determine the effective binding for the formation of complex of potent compound with the nsP2B‐nsP3 protease of dengue virus.
Synthesis and Characterization of X–MOF/AC (X=tin or copper) Catalysts for the Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Wu Yibo , Li Fuxiang , Lv Zhiping , Xue Jianwei
Published: August 2019

In this study, metal organic framework/activated carbon catalysts (X–MOF/AC, where X=Sn or Cu) were synthesized using a facile method and used for the acetylene hydrochlorination reaction. The prepared catalysts were characterized using Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction analysis(XRD), nitrogen adsorption‐desorption analysis, thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), acetylene temperature‐programmed desorption experiments (C2H2‐TPD), hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction experiments (H2‐TPR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). Compared with Cu–MOF/AC, Sn‐MOF/AC behaved the highest acetylene conversion of 93.5% under the conditions of 200 °C and an acetylene gas space velocity of 30 h−1. Furthermore, XRD, TGA and SEM‐EDS results showed that Sn‐MOF and Cu–MOF possesse different morphology and thermalstability, respectively. Additionally, C2H2‐TPD and TGA results indicated that Sn‐MOF/AC displays the higher acetylene adsorption and the better anti‐coking ability as compare to Cu–MOF/AC.
Evaluating steel fiber‐reinforced self‐consolidating concrete performance
Authors: da Silva Gisele C. S. , Christ Roberto , Pacheco Fernanda , de Souza Camila F. N. , Gil Augusto M. , Tutikian Bernardo F.
Published: August 2019

The fiber‐reinforced self‐compacting concrete (FR‐SCC) is considered a high‐performance material, clustering characteristics of SCC combined with steel fibers. This paper assessed fresh and hardened state properties of a reference SCC and a FR‐SCC with fibers of three types and three quantities of reinforcement, totalizing 10 mixtures. Fresh state properties of the mixture were evaluated through the tests of slump‐flow, flow rate, filling ability, plastic viscosity by V‐funnel, passing ability by J‐ring and by L‐box; and hardened properties comprised compressive strength, flexural strength, and flexural toughness. Overall, it was observed that increasing the amount and length of fibers hindered the mixture workability. Also, the flexural strength and flexural toughness increased as the length and the amount of fibers increased. Regarding mechanical properties, it was not possible to identify an equivalence between the types of fibers evaluated and the compressive strength of mixtures. The flexural was proportional to the amount of fibers, with increases of up to 30% for concretes with fibers.
Analytical model and evaluation of maximum crack width for unbonded PSRC frame beam under short‐term service load
Authors: Yao Gangfeng , Xiong Xueyu
Published: August 2019

Prestressed steel reinforced concrete (PSRC) beam members have the advantages of both ordinary prestressed concrete and SRC members and are usually applied to the structures with large span or heavy load. They are often designed to crack under service load. In this paper, the service‐load behavior is studied based on the experimental results of four unbonded PSRC frame beam specimens. The cracking behavior, deflection, and strains in tensile reinforcement during service‐load stage are described in detail. A computer program for a simple macroelement analysis approach, based on conventional matrix‐displacement method, is written to predict the response of unbonded PSRC frame beam members under service load. The calculation results by this method agree well with the observed experimental results. Moreover, an approach based on two enacted Chinese codes, one for ordinary concrete members (GB50010‐2010) and another for steel‐concrete composite members (JGJ138‐2001), is provided to calculate the short‐term maximum crack width of PSRC beam members. By comparing with the test results, it implies that this approach can be applied to the evaluation of short‐term maximum crack width.
Pharmacogenetics and the postmortem molecular autopsy
Authors: Wendt Frank R. , Budowle Bruce
Published: August 2019

There are three possible outcomes from drug therapy: the drug performs as intended; the drug has no effect; or the drug causes an adverse reaction. Variation in drug and endogenous toxin metabolism among individuals in part can be due to genetic makeup. The goal of pharmacogenetics is to elucidate the genetic variation contributing to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and response (ADME‐R) so that adverse drug reactions can be avoided, and to characterize differential enzyme activity informing appropriate drug dosage on the individual and population levels. The postmortem molecular autopsy may use pharmacogenetic information from a decedent to make conclusions about cause (CoD) and/or manner of death (MoD) when traditional medico‐legal autopsies are negative. The cytochrome p450 family is a group of pharmacogenetically relevant targets with demonstrable utility in the postmortem setting and several key historical applications. ATP‐binding cassettes and opioid receptors are additional critical drug response proteins with essential rolls in additive and suicidal behaviors and drug overdose. Historically, the discipline relied on genetic variation with large effects on a broad spectrum of endogenous and foreign compounds. However, recent advances in pharmacogenomics highlight rare variants and noncoding variation as strong contributing factors to the accuracy of drug response prediction. Furthermore, there is a push to develop more comprehensive predictive models incorporating both rare and common variants contributing to drug response. These advanced genetic capabilities will enable more accurate predictions of drug‐related CoD and/or MoD determinations and contribute to the growing overlap between medical and forensic genetics.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies

Toxicology > Opioids

Forensic Medicine > Methods for Certification of Cause and Manner of Death
Multivariate calibration for the improvement of the quantification of cadmium in the presence of potassium as interferent by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Medina González Guillermo , Castillo Rosario del P. , Neira José Y.
Published: August 2019

A multivariate calibration method was applied to improve the accuracy of the determination of cadmium in the presence of potassium by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF). Due to TXRF's relatively low resolution, a particular interference caused by potassium at line Kα 3.31 keV as interference can compromise the cadmium determination at line Lα 3.13 keV, respectively. The method is based on the hypothesis that the application of a multivariate calibration method, for example, partial least squares, could reduce variations due to interference and, consequently, improve the selectivity and accuracy in Cd determination. In this work, this strategy was evaluated on the X‐ray fluorescence emission signals between 2.50 and 3.90 keV for a set of 26 different synthetic calibration mixtures and eight different mixtures for external calibration. Based on a certified reference material (Clay 2—CRM051) with high potassium levels, a significant improvement of accuracy for cadmium determination was observed, overcoming the problems associated with spectral interferences by potassium.
Component d = 6 Born-Infeld theory with N = (2, 0) → N = (1, 0) supersymmetry breaking
Authors: Kozyrev Nikolay
Published: August 2019

Abstract

The formalism of nonlinear realizations is used to construct a theory with 1/2 partial breaking of global supersymmetry with the N = (1, 0), d = 6 abelian vector multiplet as a Goldstone superfield. Much like the case of the N = 2, d = 4 Born-Infeld theory, proper irreducibility conditions of the multiplet are selected by the invariance with respect to the external automorphisms of the Poincaré superalgebra. They are found in the lowest nontrivial order in the auxiliary field. The fermionic contributions to the Bianchi identity are restored by assuming its covariance with respect to broken supersymmetry. The invariance of the action with respect to unbroken supersymmetry is checked in the lowest order in the fermionic fields. The supersymmetry preserving reduction of the d = 6 action to four dimensions is performed, resulting in the N = 4, d = 4 Born-Infeld theory. As expected, the reduced action enjoys U(1) self-duality.
Chiral algebras from Ω-deformation
Authors: Oh Jihwan , Yagi Junya
Published: August 2019

Abstract

In the presence of an Ω-deformation, local operators generate a chiral algebra in the topological-holomorphic twist of a four-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 supersymmetric field theory. We show that for a unitary

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 superconformal field theory, the chiral algebra thus defined is isomorphic to the one introduced by Beem et al. Our definition of the chiral algebra covers nonconformal theories with insertions of suitable surface defects.
One-loop angularity distributions with recoil using Soft-Collinear Effective Theory
Authors: Budhraja Ankita , Jain Ambar , Procura Massimiliano
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Angularities are event shapes whose sensitivity to the splitting angle of a collinear emission is controlled by a continuous parameter b, with −1 < b < ∞. When measured with respect to the thrust axis, this class of QCD observables includes thrust (b = 1) and jet broadening (b = 0), the former being insensitive to the recoil of soft against collinear radiation, while the latter being maximally sensitive to it. Presently available analytic results for angularity distributions with b ≠ 0 can be applied only close to the thrust limit since recoil effects have so far been neglected. As a first step to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework based on Soft-Collinear Effective Theory valid for all recoil-sensitive angularities, we compute for the first time angularity distributions at one-loop order in α

s
for all values of b taking into account recoil effects. In the differential cross section, these amount to novel sub-leading singular contributions and/or power corrections, where the former are characterized by fractional powers of the angularity and contribute appreciably close to the peak region, also for b ≳ 0.5. Our calculations are checked against various limits known in the literature and agree with the numerical output of the Event2 generator.
Hall viscosity in a strongly coupled magnetized plasma
Authors: Hoyos Carlos , Peña-Benitez Francisco , Witkowski Piotr
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We show how a Hall viscosity induced by a magnetic field can be generated in strongly coupled theories with a holographic dual. This is achieved by considering parity-breaking higher derivative terms in the gravity dual. These terms couple the Riemann curvature tensor to the field strength of a gauge field dual to the charge current, and have an analog in the field theory side as a coupling between the “Euler current” and the electromagnetic field. As a concrete example, we study the effect of the new terms in the thermodynamic and transport properties of a strongly coupled magnetized plasma dual to a dyonic black hole inAdS4. As a new property of the holographic model, we find that for a state that is initially neutral at zero magnetic field, a charge density and non-dissipative Hall transport are present when the magnetic field is turned on. Remarkably, we also observe that the results from the holographic model are consistent with hydrodynamics even at magnetic fields much larger than temperature.
We’ve discovered that projection across conjunction is asymmetric (and it is!)
Authors: Mandelkern Matthew , Zehr Jérémy , Romoli Jacopo , Schwarz Florian
Published: August 2019

Is the mechanism behind presupposition projection and filtering fundamentally asymmetric or symmetric? This is a foundational question for the theory of presupposition which has been at the centre of attention in recent literature (Schlenker in Theor Linguist 38(3):287–316, 2008b.https://doi.org/10.1515/THLI.2008.021, Semant Pragmat 2(3):1–78, 2009.https://doi.org/10.3765/sp.2.3; Rothschild in Semant Pragmat 4(3):1–43, 2011/2015.https://doi.org/10.3765/sp.4.3a.o.). It also bears on broader issues concerning the source of asymmetries observed in natural language: are these simply rooted in superficial asymmetries of language use (language use happens in time, which we experience as fundamentally asymmetric); or are they, at least in part, directly encoded in linguistic knowledge and representations? In this paper we aim to make progress on these questions by exploring presupposition projection across conjunction, which has traditionally been taken as a central piece of evidence that presupposition filtering is asymmetric in general. As a number of authors have recently pointed out, however, the evidence which has typically been used to support this conclusion is muddied by independent issues concerning redundancy; additional concerns have to do with the possibility of local accommodation. We report on a series of experiments, building on previous work by Chemla and Schlenker (Nat Lang Semant 20(2):177–226, 2012.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11050-012-9080-7) and Schwarz (in: Schwarz (ed) Experimental perspectives on presuppositions, Springer, Cham, 2015), using inference and acceptability tasks, which aim to control for both of these potential confounds. In our results, we find strong evidence for left-to-right filtering across conjunctions, but no evidence for right-to-left filtering—even when right-to-left filtering would, if available, rescue an otherwise unacceptable sentence. These results suggest that presupposition filtering across conjunction is asymmetric,contrasuggestions in the recent literature (Schlenker in Theor Linguist 34(3):157–212, 2008a.https://doi.org/10.1515/THLI.2008.013, 2009 a.o.), and pave the way for the investigation of further questions about the nature of this asymmetry and presupposition projection more generally. Our results also have broader implications for the study of presupposition: we find important differences in the verdicts of acceptability versus inference tasks in testing for projected content, which has both methodological ramifications for the question of how to distinguish presupposed content, and theoretical repercussions for understanding the nature of projection and presuppositions more generally.
Qualitative, Patient-Centered Assessment of Muscle Cramp Impact and Severity
Authors: Katzberg Hans D. , Bril Vera , Riaz Sarah , Barnett Carolina
Published: August 2019

Background:

There is an urgent need for new therapeutic options to treat muscle cramps; however, no patient-reported measures exist that capture the entire cramp experience. We conducted a qualitative study to assess the experience of patients suffering muscle cramps, aiming to understand what factors determine the impact cramps have in patients’ lives to guide the development of a patient-centered outcome measure of cramp severity and impact.

Methods:

We enrolled patients with cramps due to several etiologies, including motor neuron disease, pregnancy-induced cramps, cirrhosis and hemodialysis, and idiopathic and exercise-induced cramps. Patients participated in semistructured interviews about their experiences with muscle cramps and their responses were recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed with content analysis using data saturation to determine the sample size. We subsequently developed a conceptual framework of cramp severity and overall cramp impact.

Results:

Ten patients were interviewed when data saturation was reached. The cramp experience was similar across disease and physiological states known to cause muscle cramps. The main themes that compose the overall cramp impact are cramp characteristics, sleep interference, daytime activities interference, and the effect on mental health.

Conclusions:

This framework will be used to develop a patient-reported outcome of cramp severity and impact.
Reflective Access, Closure, and Epistemological Disjunctivism
Authors: Fratantonio Giada
Published: August 2019

In this paper, I consider the so-called Access Problem for Duncan Pritchard's Epistemological Disjunctivism (2012). After reconstructing Pritchard's own response to the Access Problem, I argue that in order to assess whether Pritchard's response is a satisfying one, we first need an account of the notion of ‘Reflective Access’ that underpins Pritchard's Epistemological Disjunctivism. I provide three interpretations of the notion of Reflective Access: a metaphysical interpretation, a folk interpretation, and an epistemic interpretation. I argue that none of these three interpretations comes without problems. I conclude that, until we have a clear and unproblematic account of Reflective Access, the Access Problem remains a challenge for Pritchard's Epistemological Disjunctivism.
This Thing Called Goodwill: The Reynolds Metals Company and Political Networking in Wartime America
Authors: PERCHARD ANDREW
Published: August 2019

This article examines the Reynolds Metals Company’s political networking activities in Washington, D.C., and the state capitals of the U.S. South in the 1940s and 1950s. It argues that Reynolds’ astute recruitment of senior staff from federal and state governments, its adept building of elite networks in the legislative and executive branches, its judicious espousing of key political rhetoric (antitrust, regional development, national security), as well as its nurturing of Democratic circles in the South were crucial to their attainment of competitive advantage. This saw the company rise from being a new entrant in the U.S. primary aluminum production during World War II to the second-largest national producer by 1946 and a major global player by the mid-1950s. This same political networking was critical in maintaining that advantage after World War II in the face of competition from the Aluminum Company of America and the Canadian multinational Aluminium Company of Canada. Both “wartime” (covering the period from World War II and into the Cold War) and the legacy of government intervention (from the early twentieth century until the 1960s, including the New Deal) provided a fertile context for RMC’s business strategy. The company’s success owed much to founder Richard S. Reynolds Sr.’s acumen in hiring the right people, creating or joining the right networks, having the right social capital, as well as his experiences and connections accrued from working with his uncle, the noted tobacco magnate R. J. Reynolds. The article offers insights into the nature of U.S. business–government relations.
A Tits alternative for topological full groups
Authors: SZŐKE NÓRA GABRIELLA
Published: August 2019

We prove a Tits alternative for topological full groups of minimal actions of finitely generated groups. On the one hand, we show that topological full groups of minimal actions of virtually cyclic groups are amenable. By doing so, we generalize the result of Juschenko and Monod for$\mathbf{Z}$-actions. On the other hand, when a finitely generated group$G$is not virtually cyclic, then we construct a minimal free action of$G$on a Cantor space such that the topological full group contains a non-abelian free group.
Robust low-dimensional modelling of falling liquid films subject to variable wall heating
Authors: Thompson Alice B. , Gomes Susana N. , Denner Fabian , Dallaston Michael C. , Kalliadasis Serafim
Published: August 2019

Accurate low-dimensional models for the dynamics of falling liquid films subject to localized or time-varying heating are essential for applications that involve patterning or control. However, existing modelling methodologies either fail to respect fundamental thermodynamic properties or else do not accurately capture the effects of advection and diffusion on the temperature profile. We argue that the best-performing long-wave models are those that give the surface temperature implicitly as the solution of an evolution equation in which the wall temperature alone (and none of its derivatives) appears as a source term. We show that, for both flat and non-uniform films, such a model can be rationally derived by expanding the temperature field about its free-surface values. We test this model in linear and nonlinear regimes, and show that its predictions are in remarkable quantitative agreement with full Navier–Stokes calculations regarding the surface temperature, the internal temperature field and the surface displacement that would result from temperature-induced Marangoni stresses.