bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary analysis of case‐control association studies: Insights on weighting‐based inference motivate a new specification test
Authors: Li Fan , Allen Andrew S.
Published: June 2020

Case‐control sampling is frequently used in genetic association studies to examine the relationship between disease and genetic exposures. Such designs usually collect extensive information on phenotypes beyond the primary disease, whose associations with the genetic exposures are also of great interest. Because the cases are over‐sampled, appropriate analysis of secondary phenotypes should take into account this biased sampling design. We previously introduced a weighting‐based estimator for appropriate secondary analysis, but have not thoroughly explored its statistical properties. In this article, we revisit our previous estimator to offer new insights and methodological extensions. Specifically, we extend our previous estimator and construct its more general form based on generalized least squares (GLS). Such an extension allows us to connect the GLS estimator with the generalized method of moments and motivates a new specification test designed to assess the adequacy of the disease model or the weights. The specification test statistic measures the weighted discrepancy between the case and control subsample estimators, and asymptotically follows a central Chi‐squared distribution under correct disease model specification. We illustrate the GLS estimator and specification test using a case‐control sample of peripheral arterial disease, and use simulations to further shed light on the operating characteristics of the specification test.
Discovery of Dual Inhibitors of Acetyl and Butrylcholinesterase and Antiproliferative Activity of 1,2,4‐Triazole‐3‐thiol: Synthesis and In Silico Molecular Study
Authors: Siddiqui Sabahat Zahra , Arfan Muhammad , Abbasi Muhammad Athar , Aziz‐ur‐Rehman  , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Ashraf Muhammad , Hussain Safdar , Saleem Rahman Shah Zaib , Rafique Rafaila , Khan Khalid Mohammed
Published: June 2020

The aim of this current study is to discover effective acetyl and butrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitors. A concise library of S‐alkylated/arylated‐4‐ethyl‐5‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiols 5–18 was synthesized by using a multistep reaction sequence. The compounds were characterized by using a combination of several spectroscopic techniques including FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and EI‐MS. All derivatives 5–18 were tested for in vitro AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. It is worth mentioning that all synthetic compounds exhibited moderate inhibition judged by the potency of action, that is inhibition in the range of 45.87 ± 0.92 ‐ 435.15 ± 1.69 μM for AChE, and 3.27 ± 0.81 ‐ 346.25 ± 1.36 μM for BChE. Anti‐proliferative activity results suggested that the derivative with longest alkyl‐chains at S‐atom of the triazole moiety was most potent with 4.91% cell viability at 25 μM and 2.97% cell viability at 50 μM and showed selectivity of inhibition of BChE over AChE at the tested concentrations providing a hit for subsequent structure optimization. Lastly, the in silico studies were performed to ascertain the binding interactions of compound with the active site of enzymes.
An Eco‐Friendly and Efficient Approach for the Synthesis of Tetrazoles via Fe3O4/HT‐GLYMO‐TA as a New Recoverable Heterogeneous Nanostructured Catalyst
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Maryam Sadat , Akhlaghinia Batool
Published: June 2020

Tannic acid immobilized on functionalized magnetic hydrotalcite (Fe3O4/HT‐GLYMO‐TA) was synthesized as a durable, environmentally‐friendly and magnetic nanostructured catalyst for the synthesis of 5‐ and 1‐substituted‐1H‐tetrazoles. The nanocatalyst was characterized by several methods, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), EDS‐map, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and CHNS analysis. The results displayed that the superparamagnetic catalyst with a mean particle size of approximately 23–27 nm has a plate‐like shape. The catalytic activity of this new nanostructured catalyst resulted in the preparation of tetrazoles with high yields. Additionally, this novel procedure offers a plethora of benefits including short reaction times, the simplicity of operation, the ease of purification procedure and the reusability of nanocatalyst for at least eight cycles.
Graphene Oxide Catalyzed One‐pot Synthesis of Pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolinone‐2,4‐diones and their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Singha Rabindranath , Basak Puja , Bhattacharya Malay , Ghosh Pranab
Published: June 2020

A simple and highly efficient method for the synthesis of 5‐aryl‐pyrimido quinoline 2,4‐diones has been demonstrated. Graphene oxide (GO) has proved to be a new class of carbocatalyst for the synthesis of pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolinone‐2,4‐diones through one‐pot three component reaction using aromatic amines, aldehydes, and barbituric acid. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was examined for the first time. The effects e. g. reaction temperature, catalyst amount, reaction time, the molar ratio of reactants were investigated. The GO could easily be recovered and reused upto 5th run without loss of its catalytic activity.
Multifunction Sandwich Composite SERS Imprinted Sensor Based on ZnO/GO/Ag for Selective Detection of Cyfluthrin in River
Authors: Li Hongji , Ren Chuqi , Meng Jingjing , Gao Yan , Ren Tong , Li Yue , Qiao Yu , Liu Chunbo , Che Guangbo
Published: June 2020

As a sensitive analytical measurement, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique is gradually attracting the attention of scientists. However, traditional SERS substrate can be easily contaminated and uncomfortably applied into detection in the complex practical samples. In order to enlarge the SERS detection field, in this work, a novel multilayer nanocomposite synthesized by ZnO/GO/Ag is used as SERS substrate. This material can effectively degrade the pollutants absorbed on its surface. Furthermore, the surface of ZnO/GO/Ag is coated by molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) to synthesize the sandwich SERS imprinted sensor (ZnO/GO/Ag‐MIPs, ZGA‐MIPs), which effectively improves the property of practical sample detection. Through the modern instruments analyzing, the ZGA‐MIPs exhibit satisfying SERS detection properties and selectivity. Importantly, ZGA‐MIPs also possess self‐cleaning property and present favorable recycling capacity. This work provides a novel approach to the SERS detection in the practical samples.
Automated Synthesis of New Quinoxalinetacrines
Authors: Bautista‐Aguilera Óscar M. , Ismaili Lhassane , Chioua Mourad , Iriepa Isabel , Ángeles Martinez‐Grau Marìa , Beadle Christopher D. , Vetman Tatiana , López‐Muñoz Francisco , Marco‐Contelles José
Published: June 2020

Tacrine was the first acetylcholinesterase inhibitor approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease although its use has been limited and finally abandoned because of side effects including hepatic toxicity. Based on 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolino[2,3‐b]quinoxalin‐12‐amine (QT78), a recently reported cholinesterase inhibitor, less toxic and potent than tacrine as acetylycholinesterase inhibitor, but more selective against butyrylcholinesterase, herein we report the synthesis of novel quinoxalinetacrines QT1‐11, a series of hybrids designed by juxtaposition of tacrine and quinoxaline. The target compounds have been obtained in moderate yields from 3‐aminoquinoxaline‐2‐carbonitrile and suitable commercially available ketones, under microwave‐promoted Friedländer reactions catalyzed by aluminium trichloride or indium trichloride. These compounds were synthesized remotely in Eli Lilly's Automated Synthesis Laboratory as part of their Open Innovation Drug Discovery program.
Confinement Growth of Layered WS2 in Hollow Beaded Carbon Nanofibers with Synergistic Anchoring Effect to Reinforce Li+/Na+ Storage Performance
Authors: Wu Huayu , Chen Xing , Qian Chen , Yan Hui , Yan Chenyi , Xu Nuo , Piao Yuanzhe , Diao Guowang , Chen Ming
Published: June 2020

Novel nitrogen doped (N‐doped) hollow beaded structural composite carbon nanofibers are successfully applied for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets are confined, through synergistic anchoring, on the surface and inside of hollow beaded carbon nanofibers (HB CNFs) via a hydrothermal reaction method to construct the hierarchical structure HB WS2@CNFs. Benefiting from this unique advantage, HB WS2@CNFs exhibits remarkable lithium‐storage performance in terms of high rate capability (≈351 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) and stable long‐term cycle (≈446 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 100 cycles). Moreover, as an anode material for SIBs, HB WS2@CNFs obtains excellent long cycle life and rate performance. During the charging/discharging process, the evolution of morphology and composition of the composite are analyzed by a set of ex situ methods. This synergistic anchoring effect between WS2 nanosheets and HB CNFs is capable of effectively restraining volume expansion from the metal ions intercalation/deintercalation process and improving the cycling stability and rate performance in LIBs and SIBs.
(−)‐o‐[11C]methyl‐trans‐decalinvesamicol ((−)‐[11C]OMDV) as a PET ligand for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter
Authors: Miwa Daisuke , Kitamura Yoji , Kozaka Takashi , Shigeno Taiki , Ogawa Kazuma , Taki Junichi , Kinuya Seigo , Shiba Kazuhiro
Published: June 2020

To develop a PET imaging agent to visualize brain cholinergic neurons and synaptic changes caused by Alzheimer's disease, (−)‐ and (+)‐o‐[11C]methyl‐trans‐decalinvesamicol ([11C]OMDV) were isolated and investigated for differences in not only their binding affinity and selectivity to vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), but also their in vivo activities. [11C]OMDV has a high binding affinity for VAChT both in vitro and in vivo. Racemic OMDV and o‐trimethylstannyl‐trans‐decalinvesamicol (OTDV), which are precursors for synthesis of [11C]OMDV, were separated into (−)‐optical isomers ((−)‐OMDV and (−)‐OTDV) and (+)‐optical isomers ((+)‐OMDV and (+)‐OTDV) by HPLC. In the in vitro binding assay, (−)‐OMDV(7.2 nM) showed eight times higher binding affinity (Ki) to VAChT than that of (+)‐OMDV(57.5 nM). In the biodistribution study, the blood–brain barrier permeability of both enantiomers ((−)‐[11C]OMDV and (+)‐[11C]OMDV) was similarly high (about 1.0%ID/g) at 2 min post‐injection. However, (+)‐[11C]OMDV clearance from the brain was faster than (−)‐[11C]OMDV. In the in vivo blocking study, accumulation of (−)‐[11C]OMDV in the cortex was markedly decreased (approximately 30% of control) by coadministration of vesamicol, and brain uptake of (−)‐[11C]OMDV was not significantly altered by coadministration of (+)‐pentazocine or (+)‐3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)‐N‐propylpiperidine ((+)‐3‐PPP). PET‐CT imaging revealed inhibition of the rat brain uptake of (−)‐[11C]OMDV by coadministration of vesamicol. In conclusion, (−)‐[11C]OMDV, which is an enantiomer of OMDV, selectively binds to VAChT with high affinity in the rat brain in vivo. (−)‐[11C]OMDV may be utilized as a potential PET ligand for studying presynaptic cholinergic neurons in the brain.
Nonlinear behavior of a vibrating axially moving small‐size beam under an electrostatic force
Authors: Alshaqaq Mustafa , Hawwa Muhammad A.
Published: June 2020

Small size (micro/nano)‐scale beams constitute important building blocks of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)/nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Emerging roll‐based, high rate, manufacturing processes can make these small size‐beams vibrate, while they are axially moving. In this paper, an analytical‐numerical study on the nonlinear transverse vibration of the representative case of axially moving micro‐beam under an electrostatic force is conducted. The analytical model is realized by employing Hamilton's principle together with Galerkin discretization. The method of multiple time‐scales and Runge‐Kutta based numerical scheme are utilized to investigate the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the micro‐beam. Results are obtained for the influence of axial beam velocity and modified couple stress theory length scale parameter (i) on the values of pull‐in instability voltage of the small‐size beam, and (ii) on the small‐size beam nonlinear softening/hardening characteristics. The effect of axial load on the frequency response is investigated.
Global fluid fits to identified particle transverse momentum spectra from heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Devetak D. , Dubla A. , Floerchinger S. , Grossi E. , Masciocchi S. , Mazeliauskas A. , Selyuzhenkov I.
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Transverse momentum spectra of identified particles produced in heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider are described with relativistic fluid dynamics. We perform a systematic comparison of experimental data for pions, kaons and protons up to a transverse momentum of 3 GeV/c with calculations using the Fluid
uM code package to solve the evolution equations of fluid dynamics, the TrENTo model to describe the initial state and the FastReso code to take resonance decays into account. Using data in five centrality classes at the center-of-mass collision energy per nucleon pair

$$ \sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} $$

s
NN

= 2.76 TeV, we determine systematically the most likely parameters of our theoretical model including the shear and bulk viscosity to entropy ratios, the initialization time, initial density and freeze-out temperature through a global search and quantify their posterior probability. This is facilitated by the very efficient numerical implementation of Fluid
uM and FastReso. Based on the most likely model parameters we present predictions for the transverse momentum spectra of multi-strange hadrons as well as identified particle spectra from Pb-Pb collisions at

$$ \sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} $$

s
NN

= 5.02 TeV.
Impulsive decision-making predicts the course of substance-related and addictive disorders
Authors: Kräplin Anja , Höfler Michael , Pooseh Shakoor , Wolff Max , Krönke Klaus-Martin , Goschke Thomas , Bühringer Gerhard , Smolka Michael N.
Published: June 2020

Background

This study investigated whether patterns of impulsive decision-making (i) differ between individuals with DSM-5 substance use disorders (SUD) or non-substance-related addictive disorders (ND) and healthy controls, and (ii) predict the increase of SUD and ND severity after one year.

Methods

In a prospective-longitudinal community study, 338 individuals (19–27 years, 59% female) were included in one of three groups: SUD (n = 100), ND (n = 118), or healthy controls (n = 120). Group differences in four impulsive decision-making facets were analyzed with the Bayesian priors: delay discounting (mean = 0.37, variance = 0.02), probability discounting for gains and for losses (each − 0.16, 0.02), and loss aversion (− 0.44, 0.02). SUD and ND severity were assessed at baseline and after 1 year (n = 312, 92%). Predictive associations between decision-making and SUD/ND severity changes were analyzed with the Bayesian prior: mean = 0.25, variance = 0.016.

Results

Compared with controls, the SUD group displayed steeper delay discounting and lower probability discounting for losses; the ND group displayed lower probability discounting for losses (posterior probabilities > 98%). SUD symptom increase after 1 year was predicted by steeper delay discounting and lower loss aversion; ND symptom increase by lower probability discounting for losses and lower loss aversion (posterior probabilities > 98%). There was low evidence for predictive relations between decision-making and the quantity-frequency of addictive behaviours.

Discussion

Impulsive decision-making characterizes SUD and ND and predicts the course of SUD and ND symptoms but not the engagement in addictive behaviours. Strength of evidence differed between different facets of impulsive decision-making and was mostly weaker than a priori expected.
Mycotoxin Biodegradation Ability of the Cupriavidus Genus
Authors: AL-Nussairawi Mohammed , Risa Anita , Garai Edina , Varga Emese , Szabó István , Csenki-Bakos Zsolt , Kriszt Balázs , Cserháti Mátyás
Published: June 2020

The biodegradation and biodetoxification ability of five prominent mycotoxins, namely aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin-A (OTA), zearalenone (ZON), T-2 toxin (T-2) and deoxynivalenol (DON) of Cupriavidus genus were investigated. Biological methods are the most appropriate approach to detoxify mycotoxins. The Cupriavidus genus has resistance to heavy metals and can be found in several niches such as root nodules and aquatic environments. The genus has 17 type strains, 16 of which have been investigated in the present study. According to the results, seven type strains can degrade OTA, four strains can degrade AFB1, four strains can degrade ZON and three strains can degrade T-2. None of the strains can degrade DON. The biodetoxification was measured using different biotests. SOS-chromotest was used for detecting the genotoxicity of AFB1, the BLYES test was used to evaluate the oestrogenicity of ZON, and the zebrafish embryo microinjection test was conducted to observe the teratogenicity of OTA, T-2 and their by-products. Two type strains, namely C. laharis CCUG 53908T and C. oxalaticus JCM 11285T reduced the genotoxicity of AFB1, whilst C. basilensis DSM 11853T decreased the oestrogenic of ZON. There were strains which were able to biodegrade more than two mycotoxins. Two strains degraded two mycotoxins, namely C. metalliduriens CCUG 13724T (AFB1, T-2) and C. oxalaticus (AFB1, ZON) whilst two strains C. pinatubonensis DSM 19553T and C. basilensis degraded three toxins (ZON, OTA, T-2) and C. numazuensis DSM 15562T degraded four mycotoxins (AFB1, ZON, OTA, T-2), which is unique a phenomenon amongst bacteria.
Demonstration of variable angle super-heterodyne dynamic light scattering for measuring colloidal dynamics
Authors: Crowley Daniel , Dekker Riande I. , Botin Denis , Schartl Nicole , Groß Annalena , Agarwal Aakanksha , Heidt Sabrina , Wenzl Jennifer , Zaghi Negar , Vorobev Evgenii , Palberg Thomas
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate a prototype light scattering instrument combining a frequency domain approach to the intermediate scattering function from Super-Heterodyning Doppler Velocimetry with the versatility of a standard homodyne dynamic light scattering goniometer setup for investigations over a large range of scattering vectors. Comparing to reference experiments in correlation-time space, we show that the novel approach can determine diffusion constants and hence hydrodynamic radii with high precision and accuracy. Possible future applications are discussed shortly.
Analytical approximations for the inverse Langevin function via linearization, error approximation, and iteration
Authors: Howard Roy M.
Published: June 2020

This paper details an analytical framework, based on an intermediate function, which facilitates analytical approximations for the inverse Langevin function—a function without an explicit analytical form. The approximations have relative error bounds that are typically much lower than those reported in the literature and which can be made arbitrarily small. Results include convergent series expansions in terms of polynomials and sinusoids which have modest relative error bounds and convergence properties but are convergent over the domain of the inverse Langevin function. An important advance is to use error approximations, and then iterative relationships, which allow simple initial approximations for the inverse Langevin function, with modest relative errors, to generate approximations with arbitrarily low relative errors. One example is that of an initial approximating function, with a relative error bound of 0.00969, which yields relative error bounds of 2.77 × 10−6 and 2.66 × 10−16 after the use of first-order error approximation and then first-order iteration. Functions with much lower error bounds are possible and are detailed. First- and second-order Taylor series can be used to simplify the error- and iteration-based approximations.
Randomised-controlled feasibility trial on abdominal wall closure techniques in patients undergoing relaparotomy (ReLap study; DRKS00013001)
Authors: Probst Pascal , Tran Dinh Thien-An , Hüttner Felix J. , Harnoss Julian C. , Heger Patrick , Ritter Alina S. , Doerr-Harim Colette , Mihaljevic André L. , Knebel Phillip , Schneider Martin , Büchler Markus W. , Diener Markus K.
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients undergoing relaparotomy are generally underrepresented in clinical trials, despite how common the procedure is in clinical practice. Specifically, techniques for re-do abdominal wall closure have never been evaluated in a randomised-controlled trial. The aim of this trial was to identify the optimal abdominal wall closure technique in patients undergoing relaparotomy.

Methods

In this monocentric, randomised feasibility trial, patients scheduled for elective relaparotomy were randomised to abdominal wall closure with either the small stitches technique, using Monomax® 2-0, or the large stitches technique, using PDS II® 1 loop. Patients’ postoperative courses were followed for 1 year after the index operation. Effectiveness and safety outcomes were compared at a level of significance of 5% between the two techniques.

Results

A total of 100 out of 131 patients (76.3%) were evenly randomised to the small stitches and large stitches groups. The time for abdominal wall closure did not differ between the two techniques (small stitches 27.5 ± 9.5 min versus large stitches 25.3 ± 12.4 min; p = 0.334). The overall comprehensive complication index was 14.4 ± 15.5 in the small stitches group and 19.9 ± 23.4 in the large stitches group (p = 0.168). Specifically, rates of surgical site infection (small stitches 30.0% versus large stitches 36.0%; p = 0.524) and burst abdomen (small stitches 4.0% versus large stitches 0.0%; p = 0.495) did not differ. After 1 year, incisional hernia rate was 7.5% in the small stitches group and 10.0% in the large stitches group (p > 0.999).

Discussion

Both abdominal wall closure techniques investigated in this trial were feasible in relaparotomy patients. This exploratory trial revealed no noticeable difference in the effectiveness or safety of the small stitches technique with Monomax® 2-0 versus the large stitches technique with PDS II® 1 loop. Therefore, surgeons should stay with their preferred suture technique in relaparotomy patients.

Trial registration

Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (www.germanctr.de): DRKS00013001
Canadian taTME expert collaboration (CaTaCO) position statement
Authors: Caycedo-Marulanda Antonio , Brown Carl J. , Chadi Sami A. , Ashamalla Shady , Lee Lawrence , Stotland Peter , Hameed Usmaan , Melich George , Ma Grace , Letarte Francois , Karimuddin Ahmer , Quereshy Fayez , Phang Terry , Raval Manoj , Vikis Elena , Liberman A. Sender , Bouchard Alexandre , Bouchard Phillipe , Drolet Sebastien
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel approach to surgery for rectal cancer. The technique has gained significant popularity in the surgical community due to the promising ability to overcome technical difficulties related to the access of the distal pelvis. Recently, Norwegian surgeons issued a local moratorium related to potential issues with the safety of the procedure. Early adopters of taTME in Canada have recognized the need to create guidelines for its adoption and supervision. The objective of the statement is to provide expert opinion based on the best available evidence and authors’ experience.

Methods

The procedure has been performed in Canada since 2014 at different institutions. In 2016, the first Canadian taTME congress was held in the city of Toronto, organized by two of the authors. In early 2019, a multicentric collaborative was established [The Canadian taTME expert Collaboration] which aimed at ensuring safe performance and adoption of taTME in Canada. Recently surgeons from 8 major Canadian rectal cancer centers met in the city of Toronto on December 7 of 2019, to discuss and develop a position statement. There in person, meeting was followed by 4 rounds of Delphi methodology.

Results

The generated document focused on the need to ensure a unified approach among rectal cancer surgeons across the country considering its technical complexity and potential morbidity. The position statement addressed four domains: surgical setting, surgeons’ requirements, patient selection, and quality assurance.

Conclusions

Authors agree transanal total mesorectal excision is technically demanding and has a significant risk for morbidity. As of now, there is uncertainty for some of the outcomes. We consider it is possible to safely adopt this operation and obtain adequate results, however for this purpose it is necessary to meet specific requirements in different domains.
Unpacking the Role of Boundaries in Computer-Supported Collaborative Teaching
Authors: Willermark Sara , Pareto Lena
Published: June 2020

In this study, we explore the role of boundaries for collaborative learning and transformation of work practices to occur. We report from a three-year action research project including well over 1800 h of participation by the authors. The empirical data are based on project participation work including observations and field notes, project reports, interviews and a questionnaire, within a school development project in Nordic elementary school. In the project, teachers and researchers from three Nordic countries, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, collaborated to develop novel, on-line teaching models for a Nordic Virtual Classroom. The virtual classroom refers to an educational setting where teaching and learning activities are conducted collaboratively in cross-national teams “in the cloud” by means of information technology. During the project, teachers were challenged in their current teaching practices and the project resulted in collaborative learning and transformation of work practice. In this paper, we explore underlying reasons for such transformation to occur by unpacking how and why boundaries can play a role in computer-supported collaborative teaching and stimulate a transformation towards digitalized teaching practices. The paper contributes with an explanation of how the composition of boundaries of a technological, organizational, and cultural nature operates and constitutes a resource for learning and principles for how boundaries can be used for such purpose.
Homogenization of Perforated Elastic Structures
Authors: Griso Georges , Khilkova Larysa , Orlik Julia , Sivak Olena
Published: June 2020

The paper is dedicated to the asymptotic behavior of $\varepsilon$
ε
-periodically perforated elastic (3-dimensional, plate-like or beam-like) structures as $\varepsilon \to 0$
ε
→
0
. In case of plate-like or beam-like structures the asymptotic reduction of dimension from $3D$
3
D
to $2D$
2
D
or $1D$
1
D
respectively takes place. An example of the structure under consideration can be obtained by a periodic repetition of an elementary “flattened” ball or cylinder for plate-like or beam-like structures in such a way that the contact surface between two neighboring balls/cylinders has a non-zero measure. Since the domain occupied by the structure might have a non-Lipschitz boundary, the classical homogenization approach based on the extension cannot be used. Therefore, for obtaining Korn’s inequalities, which are used for the derivation of a priori estimates, we use the approach based on interpolation. In case of plate-like and beam-like structures the proof of Korn’s inequalities is based on the displacement decomposition for a plate or a beam, respectively. In order to pass to the limit as $\varepsilon \to 0$
ε
→
0
we use the periodic unfolding method.
Global assessment of environment, health and economic impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors: Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu , Owusu Phebe Asantewaa
Published: June 2020

The institution of social distancing and punitive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 through human-to-human transmission has environmental, health and economic impact. While the global pandemic has led to the enhancement of the health system and decline of emissions, economic development appears deteriorating. Here, we present the global environmental, health and economic dimension of the effect of COVID-19 using qualitative and empirical assessments. We report the health system policies, environmental sustainability issues, and fiscal, monetary and exchange rate measures introduced during lockdown across countries. While air pollution is reported to have declined, municipal and medical waste is increasing. The COVID-19 global pandemic uncertainty ranks the UK as the country with the highest uncertainty level among 143 countries. The USA has introduced 100% of pre-COVID-19 crisis level GDP, the highest policy cut-rate among 162 countries. Science, innovation, research and development underpin COVID-19 containment measures implemented across countries. Our study demonstrates the need for future research to focus on environment-health-economic nexus—a trilemma that has a potential trade-off.
Local error estimation and step size control in adaptive linear multistep methods
Authors: Arévalo Carmen , Söderlind Gustaf , Hadjimichael Yiannis , Fekete Imre
Published: June 2020

In a k-step adaptive linear multistep methods the coefficients depend on the k − 1 most recent step size ratios. In a similar way, both the actual and the estimated local error will depend on these step ratios. The classical error model has been the asymptotic model, chp+ 1y(p+ 1)(t), based on the constant step size analysis, where all past step sizes simultaneously go to zero. This does not reflect actual computations with multistep methods, where the step size control selects the next step, based on error information from previously accepted steps and the recent step size history. In variable step size implementations the error model must therefore be dynamic and include past step ratios, even in the asymptotic regime. In this paper we derive dynamic asymptotic models of the local error and its estimator, and show how to use dynamically compensated step size controllers that keep the asymptotic local error near a prescribed tolerance tol. The new error models enable the use of controllers with enhanced stability, producing more regular step size sequences. Numerical examples illustrate the impact of dynamically compensated control, and that the proper choice of error estimator affects efficiency.
Logical ignorance and logical learning
Authors: Pettigrew Richard
Published: June 2020

According to certain normative theories in epistemology, rationality requires us to be logically omniscient. Yet this prescription clashes with our ordinary judgments of rationality. How should we resolve this tension? In this paper, I focus particularly on the logical omniscience requirement in Bayesian epistemology. Building on a key insight by Hacking (Philos Sci 34(4):311–325, 1967), I develop a version of Bayesianism that permits logical ignorance. This includes: (i) an account of the synchronic norms that govern a logically ignorant individual at any given time; (ii) an account of how we reduce our logical ignorance by learning logical facts and how we should update our credences in response to such evidence; and (iii) an account of when logical ignorance is irrational and when it isn’t. At the end, I explain why the requirement of logical omniscience remains true of ideal agents with no computational, processing, or storage limitations.
Algebraic, Rational and Puiseux Series Solutions of Systems of Autonomous Algebraic ODEs of Dimension One
Authors: Cano José , Falkensteiner Sebastian , Sendra J. Rafael
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we study the algebraic, rational and formal Puiseux series solutions of certain type of systems of autonomous ordinary differential equations. More precisely, we deal with systems which associated algebraic set is of dimension one. We establish a relationship between the solutions of the system and the solutions of an associated first order autonomous ordinary differential equation, that we call the reduced differential equation. Using results on such equations, we prove the convergence of the formal Puiseux series solutions of the system, expanded around a finite point or at infinity, and we present an algorithm to describe them. In addition, we bound the degree of the possible algebraic and rational solutions, and we provide an algorithm to decide their existence and to compute such solutions if they exist. Moreover, if the reduced differential equation is non trivial, for every given point $$(x_0,y_0) \in \mathbb {C}^2$$

(

x
0

,

y
0

)

∈

C

2

, we prove the existence of a convergent Puiseux series solution y(x) of the original system such that $$y(x_0)=y_0$$

y

(

x
0

)

=

y
0

.
Translational Intracerebral Hemorrhage Research: Has Current Neuroprotection Research ARRIVEd at a Standard for Experimental Design and Reporting?
Authors: Liddle Lane J. , Ralhan Shivani , Ward Daniel L. , Colbourne Frederick
Published: June 2020

One major aim of preclinical intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) research is to develop and test potential neuroprotectants. Published guidelines for experimental design and reporting stress the importance of clearly and completely reporting results and methodological details to ensure reproducibility and maximize information availability. The current review has two objectives: first, to characterize current ICH neuroprotection research and, second, to analyze aspects of translational design in preclinical ICH studies. Translational design is the adoption and reporting of experimental design characteristics that are thought to be clinically relevant and critical to reproducibility in animal studies (e.g., conducting and reporting experiments according to the STAIR and ARRIVE guidelines, respectively). Given that ICH has no current neuroprotective treatments and an ongoing reproducibility crisis in preclinical research, translational design should be considered by investigators. We conducted a systematic review of ICH research from 2015 to 2019 using the PubMed database. Our search returned 281 published manuscripts studying putative neuroprotectants in animal models. Contemporary ICH research predominantly uses young, healthy male rodents. The collagenase model is the most commonly used. Reporting of group sizes, blinding, and randomization are almost unanimous, but group size calculations, mortality and exclusion criteria, and animal model characteristics are infrequently reported. Overall, current ICH neuroprotection research somewhat aligns with experimental design and reporting guidelines. However, there are areas for improvement. Because failure to consider translational design is associated with inflation of effect sizes (and possibly hindered reproducibility), we suggest that researchers, editors, and publishers collaboratively consider enhanced adherence to published guidelines.
Removal of Al, Ba and Mg from industrial wastewater using EAFDS and lime
Authors: Forsido Tedlaye T. , McCrindle Rob I. , Maree Jannie , Monyatsi Lizzy
Published: June 2020

Wastewater treatment and removal of hazardous metals is imperative for the well-being of living things and the environment. Different methods for the removal of hazardous metals have been proposed and practiced with varying success. In this study, dust slag generated by electric arc furnace is utilized for the removal of aluminium, barium and magnesium from industrial effluent. Slag which is a waste generated during the process of steel production is alkaline by nature. It was able to raise the pH of the acidic effluent to 8.7 removing most of the metals and reducing the amount of commercial alkali required to raise the pH to the target pH of 12.5. EAFDS in conjunction with lime removed 98% of Al, 95.8% of Ba and 99.7% of Mg. The method was simple, efficient and cost-effective since it utilizes a material considered hazardous waste for the treatment.
Case report. Bacteriofagentherapie bij een cystoprostatitis
Authors: van Ginkel Charlotte J. , Davits Rob J. A. M.
Published: June 2020

Samenvatting

Bacteriofagentherapie biedt mogelijk een oplossing voor de problemen van antibioticaresistentie. Ze werd toegepast in deze casus van een 71-jarige man met cystoprostatitis op basis van een multiresistente Klebsiella pneumoniae. De patiënt had sterk invaliderende klachten van nycturie en dysurie. Antibiotische behandeling hielp slechts tijdelijk. Behandeling met bacteriofagen, oraal en intravesicaal, resulteerde echter in afname van klachten, met tot nu toe blijvend succes. Het veilig gebruik met positieve resultaten van bacteriofagentherapie werd reeds beschreven in de (urologische) literatuur. De behandeling lijkt veelbelovend. Het opzetten van gerandomiseerde studies is nodig om te onderzoeken of deze therapie een oplossing kan zijn bij de problemen van de huidige toenemende antibioticaresistentie.
Artificial Triterpenoid Fatty Acid Ester Isolated From the Leaves of Phytolacca icosandra L
Authors: Galarraga Elier , Mavares Andersson , Urdaneta Neudo , Rodríguez-Lugo Rafael E. , Amaro-Luis Juan Manuel
Published: June 2020

The methanol extract form the leaves of Phytolacca icosandra L., afforded the unprecedented artificial triterpenoid fatty acid ester 1 derived from the new natural triterpenoid phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-myristate (1a), along with the three known triterpenoids serjanic, acinosolic and phytolaccagenic acid (2 – 4). Their structures were stablished by HR-EI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The possible mechanistic formation of 1 is proposed, and the in vitro toxicity of all compounds was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA).

Graphic Abstract
A mobile app to capture EPA assessment data: Utilizing the consolidated framework for implementation research to identify enablers and barriers to engagement
Authors: Young John Q. , Sugarman Rebekah , Schwartz Jessica , McClure Matthew , O’Sullivan Patricia S.
Published: June 2020

Introduction Mobile apps that utilize the framework of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) to capture and deliver feedback are being implemented. If EPA apps are to be successfully incorporated into programmatic assessment, a better understanding of how they are experienced by the end-users will be necessary. The authors conducted a qualitative study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify enablers and barriers to engagement with an EPA app.

Methods Structured interviews of faculty and residents were conducted with an interview guide based on the CFIR. Transcripts were independently coded by two study authors using directed content analysis. Differences were resolved via consensus. The study team then organized codes into themes relevant to the domains of the CFIR.

Results Eight faculty and 10 residents chose to participate in the study. Both faculty and residents found the app easy to use and effective in facilitating feedback immediately after the observed patient encounter. Faculty appreciated how the EPA app forced brief, distilled feedback. Both faculty and residents expressed positive attitudes and perceived the app as aligned with the department’s philosophy. Barriers to engagement included faculty not understanding the EPA framework and scale, competing clinical demands, residents preferring more detailed feedback and both faculty and residents noting that the app’s feedback should be complemented by a tool that generates more systematic, nuanced, and comprehensive feedback. Residents rarely if ever returned to the feedback after initial receipt.

Discussion This study identified key enablers and barriers to engagement with the EPA app.
Scholar in the SEPR spotlight: Ian Douglas
Authors: Douglas Ian
Published: June 2020

In this reflective essay of intellectual autobiography, I respond to a series of questions the journal editor Wei-Ning Xiang asked about my 55-year journey from applied geography to socio-ecological practice research. These are (1) what and/or who had inspired your career most in geography and socio-ecological practice research? (2) Throughout your 55-year academic journey, did you ever reorient your ambitions in scholarly pursuit, or even reinvent yourself in your academic life? What motivated you in each of these instances? (3) How do you measure success in your work? Among many accomplishments, what are the top three that you are most proud of? (4) From your personal experience, what would be the most important attributes for a well-lived, fully realised, and meaningful life? Do you have any tips for maintaining work-life balance? (5) Do you have any specific advice for younger scholars in geography and socio-ecological practice research? (6) What are the three most interesting images reflecting turning points in your career? I hope that my experiences and insights showcased in this essay are helpful to the younger generations of geographers and socio-ecological practice researchers.
Assessment of the analgesic effectiveness of bilateral rectus sheath block as postoperative analgesia for midline laparotomy: Prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Allene Mengesha Dessie
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Abdominal operations are very painful procedures which had moderate, severe, or extreme pain. Rectus sheath block has been indicated after midline laparotomy; however, the analgesic effect of landmark technique on postoperative pain was not well investigated.

Study objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the analgesic effectiveness of bilateral rectus sheath block after midline laparotomy using landmark technique using numeric rating scale.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted from August 03, 2019 to February 25, 2020. Collected data were entered into Epi Info™ version 7.0 and transported to the SPSS version 22. Homogeneity of categorical variables between the groups was analyzed using Chi Square. The Manny-Whitney test was used to compare median pain score and total analgesia consumption between the rectus sheath block group and control group. P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistical significance with a power of 80%.

Result:

There was a statistical significant difference between the groups depending on postoperative pain score measured by numeric rating scale in the first 8 h and total analgesia consumption within the 24 hr post-operatively. The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th postoperative hour numeric rating scale score difference was statistically significant between the two groups. The median 24 hr postoperative tramadol consumption was 175 (165–245) mg and 256(217–411) mg with p-value of 0.002 for the rectus sheath group and control group, respectively.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

For midline laparotomy, doing bilateral rectus sheath block (BRSB) at the end of the operation with 0.25% bupivacaine is a useful postoperative analgesia. Based on these, we recommend the use of bilateral rectus sheath block for patients that undergo midline abdominal incision.

Highlights:
Mothering – a mode of protecting rather than parenting in the aftermath of post separation family violence in Australia
Authors: Francia Leanne , Millear Prudence , Sharman Rachael
Published: June 2020

The focus of this qualitative study was on separated mother’s (N = 36) lived experiences of mothering in the context of post separation family violence and the Australian family law system. Thematic analysis of interviews was guided by a theoretical framework, this being the Three Planets Model. Analysis of the data resulted in two themes relating to mothering being identified. Firstly, that women demonstrated a mode of protecting rather than parenting indicating that mothering was often undertaken in isolation and fear, within an adversarial family law system, and in the presence of a perpetrator of family violence. The second theme related to the aftermath of separation and the long dark shadow cast by family violence. After having left a controlling and violent relationship, separated mothers reported that there was no opportunity to recover, nor to healthily extricate themselves from family violence, which resulted in cumulative harm not only for their wellbeing but also for their children.
Appropriate and inappropriate vitamin supplementation in children
Authors: Martini Lucia , Pecoraro Luca , Salvottini Chiara , Piacentini Giorgio , Atkinson Richard , Pietrobelli Angelo
Published: June 2020

The vitamin status of a child depends on many factors and most of the clinical studies do not take into account the different access to adequate nutrition of children coming from different countries and the consequent major differences in micronutrients or vitamin deficits between low-income and high-income countries. Vitamin supplements are included in the general field of dietary supplements. There is a large amount of not always factual material concerning vitamin supplements, and this may sometimes create confusion in clinicians and patients. Inadequate information may lead to the risk of attributing beneficial properties leading to their over-use or misuse in the paediatric field. Vitamin supplementation is indicated in all those conditions in which a vitamin deficiency is found, either because of a reduced intake due to reduced availability of certain foods, restrictive diets or inadequate absorption. The lack of guidelines in these fields may lead paediatricians to an improper use of vitamins, both in terms of excessive use or inadequate use. This is due to the fact that vitamin supplementation is often intended as a therapy of support rather than an essential therapeutic tool able to modify disease prognosis. In fact, various vitamins and their derivatives have therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, especially in emerging conditions of paediatric age such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present article is to analyse the state of the art and consider new perspectives on the role of vitamin supplements in children.
Nutritional Deprivation Index is negatively associated with socio-economic factors in Paraguayan households
Authors: Bubak Vit , Cellamare Matteo , Sanabria Marta
Published: June 2020

The present study aimed to examine the nutritional deprivation of Paraguayan households (measured as households' access to diverse diets) and investigate the association between nutritional deprivation and socio-economic characteristics in a large sample. An extension of Alkire–Foster methodology, a technique widely employed in multidimensional poverty measurement, was used to calculate both the incidence and intensity of nutritional deprivation. The resulting Nutritional Deprivation Index allows us to consider minimum food group requirements that vary by food groups as well as by individual characteristics such as age, sex and activity level. Applying the methodology to a nationally representative sample of households from the 2011–2012 Income and Expenditures Household Survey, the study found that about two in every three Paraguayan households (67 %) were inadequately nourished in at least four (of the total of six) food groups. Although no significant differences were found between rural and urban households, the incidence of multi-dimensionally deprived households generally decreased as income increased. Logistic regression results showed that nutritional deprivation decreased as household income and mother's education increased and increased with household size. Our study concludes that the majority of Paraguayan households is significantly nutritionally deprived across most food groups and suggests that strategies are needed to improve their access to diverse diets, especially among its lower- and middle-income segments.