bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight History in Clinical Practice: The State of the Science and Future Directions
Authors: Kushner Robert F. , Batsis John A. , Butsch W. Scott , Davis Nicola , Golden Angela , Halperin Florencia , Kidambi Srividya , Machineni Sriram , Novick Marsha , Port Ava , Rubino Domenica M. , Saunders Katherine H. , Shapiro Manning Linda , Soleymani Taraneh , Kahan Scott
Published: December 2019

Eliciting a weight history can provide clinically important information to aid in treatment decision‐making. This view is consistent with the life course perspective of obesity and the aim of patient‐centered care, one of six domains of health care quality. However, thus far, the value and practicality of including a weight history in the clinical assessment and treatment of patients with obesity have not been systematically explored. For these reasons, the Clinical Committee of The Obesity Society established a task force to review and assess the available evidence to address five key questions. It is concluded that weight history is an essential component of the medical history for patients presenting with overweight or obesity, and there are strong and emerging data that demonstrate the importance of life stage, duration of exposure to obesity, maximum BMI, and group‐based trajectory modeling in predicting risk for increased morbidity and mortality. Consideration of these and other patient‐specific factors may improve risk stratification and clinical decision‐making for screening, counseling, and management. Recommendations are provided for the key elements that should be included in a weight history, and several needs for future clinical research are outlined.
Weight Gain Over 6 Years in Young Adults: The Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention Randomized Trial
Authors: Wing Rena R. , Espeland Mark A. , Tate Deborah F. , Perdue Letitia H. , Bahnson Judy , Polzien Kristen , Robichaud Erica F. , LaRose Jessica G. , Gorin Amy A. , Lewis Cora E. , Jelalian Elissa ,   for the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) Research Group
Published: December 2019

Objective

The study objective was to determine whether two self‐regulation interventions that reduced 3‐year weight gain in young adults remain effective at 6 years.

Methods

A randomized trial was conducted in two academic settings in 599 young adults, aged 18 to 35 years, with normal weight or overweight; 504 (84%) reconsented for a 6‐year extension (Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention‐Extended [SNAP‐E]) with ongoing intervention and assessments. Weight gain over 6 years was compared for all assigned to Control, Large Changes (LC; lose 5‐10 pounds initially), and Small Changes (SC; make small daily changes in intake and activity).

Results

Weight change from baseline to 6 years did not differ significantly among the three groups (Control = 3.9 kg, SC = 4.1 kg, and LC = 2.8 kg). However, there was a significant age‐by‐treatment interaction (P = 0.002). Among those < 25 years old, weight gain from baseline to 6 years averaged 7.3 kg in the Control group and was reduced by almost 50% in LC and SC. LC also significantly reduced mean weight gain (area under the curve) over 6 years compared with Control or SC.

Conclusions

Although the interventions did not reduce weight gain at 6 years for the full cohort, they were effective in those < 25 years old. Future efforts should focus on young adults aged 18 to 24.9 and test more intensive interventions with more diverse participants.
Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma contains multiple clonal T‐cell populations derived from a common TET2 mutant progenitor cell
Authors: Yao Wen‐Qing , Wu Fangtian , Zhang Wenyan , Chuang Shih‐Sung , Thompson Joe S , Chen Zi , Zhang Shao‐Wei , Clipson Alexandra , Wang Ming , Liu Hongxiang , Bibawi Hani , Huang Yuanxue , Campos Luis , Grant John W , Wright Penny , EI‐Daly Hesham , Rásó‐Barnett Lívia , Farkas Lorant , Follows George A , Gao Zifen , Attygalle Ayoma D , Ashton‐Key Margaret , Liu Weiping , Du Ming‐Qing
Published: December 2019

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is a neoplastic proliferation of T follicular helper cells with clinical and histological presentations suggesting a role of antigenic drive in its development. Genetically, it is characterized by a stepwise acquisition of somatic mutations, with early mutations involving epigenetic regulators (TET2, DNMT3A) and occurring in haematopoietic stem cells, with subsequent changes involving signaling molecules (RHOA, VAV1, PLCG1, CD28) critical for T‐cell biology. To search for evidence of potential oncogenic cooperation between genetic changes and intrinsic T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, we investigated somatic mutations and T‐cell receptor β (TRB) rearrangement in 119 AITL, 11 peripheral T‐cell lymphomas with T follicular helper phenotype (PTCL‐TFH), and 25 PTCL‐NOS using Fluidigm polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. We confirmed frequent TET2, DNMT3A, and RHOA mutations in AITL (72%, 34%, 61%) and PTCL‐TFH (73%, 36%, 45%) and showed multiple TET2 mutations (2 or 3) in 57% of the involved AITL and PTCL‐TFH. Clonal TRB rearrangement was seen in 76 cases with multiple functional rearrangements (2–4) in 18 cases (24%). In selected cases, we confirmed bi‐clonal T‐cell populations and further demonstrated that these independent T‐cell populations harboured identical TET2 mutations by using BaseScope in situ hybridization, suggesting their derivation from a common TET2 mutant progenitor cell population. Furthermore, both T‐cell populations expressed CD4. Finally, in comparison with tonsillar TFH cells, both AITL and PTCL‐TFH showed a significant overrepresentation of several TRB variable family members, particularly TRBV19*01. Our findings suggest the presence of parallel neoplastic evolutions from a common TET2 mutant haematopoietic progenitor pool in AITL and PTCL‐TFH, albeit to be confirmed in a large series of cases. The biased TRBV usage in these lymphomas suggests that antigenic stimulation may play an important role in predilection of T cells to clonal expansion and malignant transformation. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Inhibition of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase; a novel therapy against arterial media calcification?
Authors: Opdebeeck Britt , D'Haese Patrick C , Verhulst Anja
Published: December 2019

Arterial media calcification refers to ectopic mineralization in the arterial wall and favors arterial stiffness and cardiovascular events. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, or osteoporosis are highly vulnerable to the development of arterial media calcifications. Tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is upregulated in calcified arteries and plays a key role in the degradation of the calcification inhibitor pyrophosphate into inorganic phosphate ions. A recent study published in The Journal of Pathology showed that an oral dosage of 10 or 30 mg/kg/day SBI‐425, a selective TNAP inhibitor, inhibited the development of arterial media calcification in mice with CKD, without affecting bone mineralization. Their results indicated that SBI‐425 is an effective and safe treatment for arterial media calcification. However, additional studies regarding the effect of TNAP‐inhibitor SBI‐425 on the progression and even the reversion of pre‐existing pathological arterial media calcifications without affecting physiological bone mineralization are deserved. Furthermore, investigating the extent to which SBI‐425 inhibits arterial calcification in a non‐CKD context would be of particular interest to treat this comorbidity in diabetes and osteoporosis patients. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of brodifacoum and diphacinone exposure on four species of reptiles: tissue residue levels and survivorship
Authors: Mauldin Richard E , Witmer Gary W , Shriner Susan A , Moulton Rachael S , Horak Katherine E
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulant rodenticides are used worldwide to control pest rodent species. However, the risks posed to non‐target reptiles have not been well characterized. In this study, 46 giant ameivas (Ameiva ameiva), 39 boa constrictors (Boa constrictor), 33 wood turtles (Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima), and 47 green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were orally dosed with one of two levels of either diphacinone or brodifacoum anticoagulant in propylene glycol solutions. Dosages were derived using daily food intake (DFI) equations, converting DFI to an equivalent anticoagulant bait amount and gavaging the solution volume needed to deliver the quantity of anticoagulant in that amount of bait. Animals were dosed on days 0 and 7 and monitored for a further 7 days for signs of anticoagulant intoxication and differences in behaviors and postures. At necropsy on day 14, animals were examined for thoracic and abdominal bleeding, and both tissue and organ samples were taken for histology. Liver and whole‐body anticoagulant residues were assessed.

RESULTS

No turtles or boas died due to anticoagulant exposure. However, anticoagulant intoxication was suspected in one iguana dosed with brodifacoum. A few treated ameivas died but exhibited no hemorrhaging. Liver residue levels were higher than whole‐body remainder residue levels for all species. Unlike the other species, turtles had higher diphacinone residue levels than brodifacoum.

CONCLUSION

Turtles and boas exhibited a relative insensitivity to diphacinone and brodifacoum, while the lizards appeared to be somewhat more sensitive to these compounds. This study provides data for future assessments of the risks to these species associated with anticoagulant use. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition of Superblack Randomly Oriented Carbon Nanotube Coatings
Authors: Jagalur Basheer Hameeda , Baba Kamal , Bahlawane Naoufal
Published: December 2019

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are deposited via thermal chemical vapor deposition using cobalt catalyst and MgO promoter. A systematic investigation of the major processing parameters such as temperature (390–620 °C), pressure (3–10 mbar), injection (4–10 ms), and deposition times is performed. The impact of these parameters on the film density and optical properties of CNT coatings is discussed. Irrespective of the growth parameters, a homogeneous deposition of CNTs and a negligible impact on the CNTs’ quality are observed. Total hemispherical reflectance (THR) reveals a threshold thickness of 3 μm, above which the CNT films behave as an efficient black absorber in the UV–vis–near‐infrared (NIR) and mid‐infrared (MIR) spectral regions. Spatial and spectral integrations of THR show a reflection below 1% in the 250 nm–2.5 μm spectral range. The low reflection observed in the NIR is retained in the MIR up to λ = 10 μm.
Antiviral activity of plants and their isolated bioactive compounds: An update
Authors: Denaro Marcella , Smeriglio Antonella , Barreca Davide , De Francesco Clara , Occhiuto Cristina , Milano Giada , Trombetta Domenico
Published: December 2019

Viral infections represent one of the main causes of disease worldwide, especially today due to the increase of migration, global travel, and urbanization. The several side effects of the conventional drugs and the growing phenomenon of resistance have led researchers to turn to the plant kingdom as a source of potential new antiviral drugs. The aim of this work is to summarize the updated evidence for antiviral activity of different plants and their isolated bioactive compounds, evaluating also the potential interactions, which can occur in cotreatment with conventional antiviral drugs. The plant complexes have proved to be usually more active than their most abundant isolated compounds by hypothesizing synergistic mechanisms. In addition to cellular and molecular investigations, molecular docking studies have proved essential in highlighting the interaction mechanisms of bioactive compounds with target molecules. However, the use of nonstandardized extracts, or too high concentrations in vitro, which do not reproduce their bioavailability in vivo, are often limiting factors. Moreover, the lack of studies concerning the safety profile of plant extracts and their isolated compounds, alone or in combination with conventional antiviral drugs, is the most worrying aspect. In light of this, further studies are needed to validate their possible therapeutic use.
Quantum Computers as Universal Quantum Simulators: State‐of‐the‐Art and Perspectives
Authors: Tacchino Francesco , Chiesa Alessandro , Carretta Stefano , Gerace Dario
Published: December 2019

The past few years have witnessed the concrete and fast spreading of quantum technologies for practical computation and simulation. In particular, quantum computing platforms based on either trapped ions or superconducting qubits have become available for simulations and benchmarking, with up to few tens of qubits that can be reliably initialized, controlled, and measured. The present Review aims at giving a comprehensive outlook on the state‐of‐the‐art capabilities offered from these near‐term noisy devices as universal quantum simulators, that is, programmable quantum computers potentially able to calculate the time evolution of many physical models. First, a pedagogic overview on the basic theoretical background pertaining digital quantum simulations is given, with a focus on hardware‐dependent mapping of spin‐type Hamiltonians into the corresponding quantum circuit as a key initial step toward simulating more complex models. Then, the main experimental achievements obtained in the last decade are reviewed, focusing on the digital quantum simulation of such spin models by employing two leading quantum architectures. Their performances are compared, and future challenges are outlined, also in view of prospective hybrid technologies, towards the ultimate goal of reaching the long‐sought quantum advantage for the simulation of complex many‐body models in the physical sciences.
Tutorial: Computing Topological Invariants in 2D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Blanco de Paz María , Devescovi Chiara , Giedke Geza , Saenz Juan José , Vergniory Maia G. , Bradlyn Barry , Bercioux Dario , García‐Etxarri Aitzol
Published: December 2019

The field of topological photonics emerged as one of the most promising areas for applications in transformative technologies: possible applications are in topological lasers or quantum optics interfaces. Nevertheless, efficient and simple methods for diagnosing the topology of optical systems remain elusive for an important part of the community. Herein, a summary of numerical methods to calculate topological invariants emerging from the propagation of light in photonic crystals is provided. The fundamental properties of wave propagation in lattices with a space‐dependent periodic electric permittivity is first described. Next, an introduction to topological invariants is provided, proposing an optimal strategy to calculate them through the numerical evaluation of Maxwell's equation in a discretized reciprocal space. Finally, the tutorial is complemented with a few practical examples of photonic crystal systems showing different topological properties, such as photonic valley‐Chern insulators, photonic crystals presenting an “obstructed atomic limit”, photonic systems supporting fragile topology, and finally photonic Chern insulators, where the magnetic permeability is also periodically modulated.
Finite‐time H∞ bumpless transfer control for switched systems: A state‐dependent switching approach
Authors: Yang Dong , Huang Chunxiao , Zong Guangdeng
Published: December 2019

This paper addresses the finite‐time H∞ bumpless transfer control problem for switched systems. The main idea lies in designing a state‐feedback controller with amplitude limitation and a state‐dependent switching law to reduce control bumps caused by switching. First, a local bumpless transfer condition is proposed to limit the amplitude of switching controllers at switching points. Second, by introducing a state‐dependent switching law, a prescribed finite‐time H∞ bumpless transfer control performance is attained even if it does not hold for each subsystem or system state remaining on a switching surface. Third, a sufficient condition verifying the solvability of finite‐time H∞ bumpless transfer control problem is established by resorting to multiple Lyapunov function method. Finally, the effectiveness of developed method is illustrated by a numerical example.
Decreasing sexual assault on campus requires communitywide collaboration
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2019

Christi Hurt experienced a baptism by fire when she joined the campus safety team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the first full‐time Title IX Coordinator for the campus. Hurt, now the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Margolis Healy and Associates and Cozen O'Connor's Institutional Response Group, said one of her first assignments as the Title IX Coordinator was to chair the campuswide Sexual Assault Task Force to come up with new university policies prohibiting sexual misconduct. “It was the greatest experience of my professional career,” Hurt said.
A Novel Double Fluorescence‐Suppressed Probe for the Detection of Hydrazine
Authors: Li Xue , Yin Jiwei , Liu Weiyan , Yang Yutao , Xu Wenzhi , Li Wei
Published: December 2019

Hydrazine is an important raw material in medicine and chemical industry. However, N2H4 is very harmful to the environment and human body. Therefore, the detection of hydrazine is particularly important. In this report, a new type of fluorescence probe based on synergistic effect was developed for the detection of N2H4. The fluorescence of the probe was doubly inhibited by the PET (photo‐induced electron transfer) process and the bridled ESIPT (excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer) process. Upon addition of hydrazine, the interrupted PET process and restored ESIPT worked together leading to the fluorescence enhancement. The probe has good specificity for hydrazine. The LOD (limit of detection) was calculated to be 1.45 ppb (0.045 μM) and the linear range was 0.2‐40.0 μM. The contrast experiment showed that the synergistic effect could improve the sensitivity of the probe to hydrazine. In addition, the probe could be used for the quantitative determination of hydrazine in tap water.
Chemosensor Based on Hydrazinyl Pyridine for Selective Detection of F̄ Ion in Organic Media and CO32− Ions in Aqueous Media: Design, Synthesis, Characterization and Practical Application
Authors: Singh Archana , Mohan Makesh , R.Trivedi Darshak
Published: December 2019

Two new organic receptors, receptors R1 and R2 based on hydrazinyl pyridine have been synthesized for colorimetric detection of fluoride, acetate, and carbonate anions. Receptor R1 selectively recognizes fluoride ions over the other interference anions in the dimethyl sulfoxide based on hydrogen bonding interaction, followed by deprotonation and reflects 1:2 complex formation between the receptor and the fluoride ion. Noticeable, R2 is able to discriminate between fluoride and acetate ions via optical changes despite similar basicity with bathochromic shift of 215 nm and 194 nm. In addition, R1 and R2 exhibit splendid selectivity toward carbonate ions in the aqueous media via visible colour change from pale yellow to aqua with detection limit of 0.51 ppm and 0.47 ppm. The binding mode of fluoride and carbonate to receptor R1 and R2 is supported by Density functional theory calculation. Moreover, receptor R1 and R2 show practical visible colorimetric test strip for the detection of fluoride, acetate, and carbonate ions.
Influence of the pH in Reactions of Boric Acid/Borax with Simple Hydroxyl Compounds: Investigation by Raman Spectroscopy and DFT Calculations
Authors: Bai Chun , Wu Zhijian , Ye Xiushen , Liu Haining , Liu Zhong , Zhang Huifang , Li Quan , Li Jun , Wang Xuming
Published: December 2019

The complexation of Boric acid/Borax with hydroxyl compounds is an effective means for the removal and separation of boron in solutions. In this paper, the pH values of the solutions having different molar ratios of boron to hydroxyl compounds including Ethanol, isopropanol, Propanol, 1,2 propanediol, 2,3 butanediol, Glycerol, Xylitol, D‐fructose, D‐sorbitol, and D‐mannitol were determined and analyzed to study the reaction of Boric acid/Borax with different hydroxyl compounds. Solution Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculation were performed to confirm the observations. It was found that the complexation of borate with hydroxyl alcohols follow the order of monohydric alcohols < dihydric and trihydric alcohols < polyols. For polyols, the OH configuration plays very important role in the complexation, and xylitol has the strongest complexation among the polyols at the same molar ratios of boron to polyols.
Procedure Optimization of Limonia acidissima Leaf Extraction and Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis for Prominent Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Aminul Haque M. , Shamim Hossain M. , Akanda Md. Rajibul , Haque Md. Aminul , Naher Shamsun
Published: December 2019

The authors herein report the optimum conditions for the eco‐friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Limonia acidissima leaf extract as a reductant. The synthesis of AgNPs using the diluted (0.25 g/mL) leaf extract under direct sunlight produced more homogenous nanoparticles within the shortest possible time. The effects of leaf extraction conditions as well as the reaction time, presence/absence of light, and concentration of the leaf extract as a green reductant for AgNP synthesis are extensively investigated. The synthesized AgNPs have a better homogeneity of size and shape (spherical particles with a size of approximately 24–30 nm and an average size of 27 nm), as confirmed by UV‐visible spectroscopy, EDS, and SEM, and the AgNP synthesis was complete within a short time (10 min), as confirmed by colorimetric/optical analysis. The as‐obtained nanoparticles show a prominent antimicrobial activity against most of the resistant human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus.
The Promotion Effect of Transition Metals on Water‐Tolerant Performance of Cu/SiO2 Catalysts in Hydrogenation Reaction
Authors: Chen Zheng , Zhu Guisheng , Wu Yi , Sun Jiaqiang , Abbas Mohamed , Wang Pengfei , Chen Jiangang
Published: December 2019

The effect of transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) on water‐tolerant performance of Cu/SiO2 catalysts in hydrogenation reaction at industrially relevant conditions (containing water) was investigated. Notably, an improvement in the water‐tolerant hydrogenation performance, indexed by the decrease in the reaction temperature (from 280 to 240 °C) was achieved. The HRTEM showed the existence of crystal defects which formed at the border of copper species and doping metal species. Furthermore, XRD of catalysts after reaction showed the peak shift was existed, indicating crystal defects were existed in the reaction. From the result of Cu LMM and TPR, the doping of metal element could also increase the value of Cu+/(Cu0+Cu+) by adjusting the interaction between copper ion and silica. The in‐situ DRIFT visually showed the promotion effect of doping meal on hydrogenation reaction. Combined with hydrogenation performance, it could be found crystal defects and high Cu+/(Cu0+Cu+) were main factors to improve hydrogenation performance of Cu/SiO2 catalyst, which provided more active sites at relative low temperature and then improve the water‐tolerant performance. Furthermore, it was found the size of Cu+/(Cu0+Cu+) took major responsibility for the improvement of hydrogenation performance, and crystal defects played an auxiliary role. The Cu−Zn/SiO2 catalyst showed the best water‐tolerant hydrogenation performance with a high conversion and stability at low temperature reaction conditions.
Rambutan‐Inspired Yolk‐Shell Silica@Carbon Frameworks from Biomass for Long‐Life Anode Materials
Authors: Ding Huarui , Wang Guang , Qi Ying , Bao Jian , Lian Jiabiao , Qiu Jingxia , Li Sheng , Yuan Shouqi , Li Huaming
Published: December 2019

SiO2 is regarded as one of the most promising anode materials for Li‐ion batteries due to its high capacity, low cost and other merits. However, the poor conductivity and the volume change are still hindering its practical applications. In this work, a rambutan‐inspired structure is designed to fabricate amorphous SiO2@N, P co‐doped porous carbon frameworks from biomass. The carbon shell could connect with each other, providing good conductivity. After partially etching of the SiO2, the yolk‐shell structure could buffer the volume changes of SiO2 during the charge/discharge processes without destroying the conducting shell. Besides, N, P doping and graphite nano crystallites in the frameworks could also offer more active sites for Li+ storage. As a result, the composite can not only exhibit excellent rate performance nearly 300 mAh g−1 at a current density of 2000 mA g−1, but also deliver a surprisingly stable reversible capacity of 373 mAh g−1 over 1000 cycles at the current density of 500 mA g−1 with the Coulombic efficiency beyond 99%. Considering the facile preparation and satisfactory lithium storage abilities, this composite design could be able to extend for practical battery application.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Functionalized Nitroindazolylacetonitrile Derivatives
Authors: Eddahmi Mohammed , Moura Nuno M. M. , Bouissane Latifa , Faustino Maria A. F. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Paz Filipe A. A. , Mendes Ricardo F. , Figueiredo Joana , Carvalho Josué , Cruz Carla , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Rakib El Mostapha
Published: December 2019

The versatility of N‐methyl‐nitroindazolylacetonitriles as templates for further modifications was evidenced by their successfully alkylation with a series of alkyl halides using DBU as base affording the monoalkylated derivatives in high yields. Another synthetic strategy used to modify the nitroindazolylacetonitrile derivatives was the Knoevenagel condensation with a series of aldehydes in the presence of piperidine; such condensation allowed the preparation of the desired products in good to excellent yields. The reaction of a series of nitroindazolylacetonitriles with salicylaldehyde showed to be an efficient and fast methodology to prepare chromenone‐imine‐indazoles (83‐92%), which by acid hydrolysis were converted into the corresponding chromenone‐indazole derivatives (88‐94%). The structures of derivatives 8 h, 8 l and 10 were unequivocally confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The drug‐likeness properties of the compounds were evaluated in silico and none of the tested nitroindazolylacetonitriles violated the Lipinski's “rule of five”. The antiproliferative activity against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and normal human dermal fibroblasts was evaluated by MTT assay and revealed that compounds 7 b, 8 d and 14 a are those who presented higher antiproliferative effect against HeLa cancer cells.
Electronic And Steric Effect Favored Selective Synthesis Of Asymmetric (‐) N‐Aryl Mandelamides
Authors: Mishra Ashish A. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: December 2019

This work reports selective synthesis of asymmetric (‐) α–Hydroxyl Amides like N‐aryl mandelamides via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of α–keto Amides like N‐aryl benzoyl formamides using Ru‐Tethered TsDPEN catalyst. The electronic and steric effect at ortho position leading to high enantioselectivity for ATH of carbonyl, sandwiched between two sp2 carbon is studied. A wide range of mono and di ortho substituted α–hydroxyl amide is synthesized using this protocol with good enantioselectivity.
Leveraging metamorphic testing to automatically detect inconsistencies in code generator families
Authors: Boussaa Mohamed , Barais Olivier , Sunyé Gerson , Baudry Benoit
Published: December 2019

Generative software development has paved the way for the creation of multiple code generators that serve as a basis for automatically generating code to different software and hardware platforms. In this context, the software quality becomes highly correlated to the quality of code generators used during software development. Eventual failures may result in a loss of confidence for the developers, who will unlikely continue to use these generators. It is then crucial to verify the correct behaviour of code generators in order to preserve software quality and reliability.

In this paper, we leverage the metamorphic testing approach to automatically detect inconsistencies in code generators via so‐called “metamorphic relations”. We define the metamorphic relation (i.e., test oracle) as a comparison between the variations of performance and resource usage of test suites running on different versions of generated code. We rely on statistical methods to find the threshold value from which an unexpected variation is detected. We evaluate our approach by testing a family of code generators with respect to resource usage and performance metrics for five different target software platforms. The experimental results show that our approach is able to detect, among 95 executed test suites, 11 performance and 15 memory usage inconsistencies.
Recognition method of voltage sag causes based on Bi‐LSTM
Authors: Zheng Zhicong , Qi Linhai , Wang Hong , Zhu Manting , Chen Qian
Published: December 2019

In recent years, the power quality problem has become more complicated in power grids because of the extensive usage of power electronics and multisource multitransformation features. The method, based on physical characteristics such as time domain, frequency domain and transform domain, is facing challenges in terms of adaptability, algorithm efficiency and accuracy for the recognition of complex disturbance recognition. The bidirectional long short‐term memory network is an algorithm in deep learning. It is based on data for characterization learning, which can effectively overcome the problem of information loss and generalization ability of physical methods. Moreover, it has the characteristics of memory, which can simultaneously consider historical information and future information and can better learn data features with time series characteristics. Aiming at the transient voltage sag time series data, this paper proposes a recognition method of the voltage sag causes based on the bidirectional long short‐term memory network's extraction eigenvalue, the full‐connection layer's high‐dimensional feature extraction and the Softmax network layer's classification. The experiment uses simulation data and measured data to prove that the model has good recognition ability and good antinoise performance in the recognition of voltage sag causes and can be reliably applied in practical engineering. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of robust PID Control systems using stability feeler and partial model matching
Authors: Matsuda Tadasuke , Nakamura Yukinori
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a new method for the synthesis of robust proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control systems. The proposed method is based on the idea of partial model matching. The stability feeler, a tool for robust stability analysis, is used to stabilize closed‐loop systems with uncertainties. An advantage of the proposed method is that it guarantees robust stability of control systems. To clarify the effectiveness of the proposed method, two types of simulations are given. One is the case where the nominal plant is not stable. The other is the case where the plant is not robustly stable although the nominal plant is stable. The simulation results when the nominal plant is not stable show that the controller derived by the proposed method robustly stabilizes the closed‐loop system, whereas that derived by conventional partial model matching method cannot stabilize it. Moreover, when the plant is not robustly stable, it can be seen that the controller by the proposed method can robustly stabilize the system. Therefore, it is shown that the proposed method enables one to derive PID controllers robustly stabilizing closed‐loop systems. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Likelihood ratios for lawyers…I didn't go to law school for this!
Authors: Valerio Raymond
Published: December 2019

With the proliferation of probabilistic genotyping software in forensic DNA analysis, prosecutors are faced with the challenge of understanding complex statistical conclusions and their corresponding meanings. Unlike many scientists, lawyers rarely learn statistics in college or law school; statistics are neither a subject on state bar examinations nor a topic in any core continuing legal education course. Therefore, when faced with complicated DNA comparison statistics, prosecutors may unknowingly present misleading—or even incorrect—arguments to the fact finder. In this primer, I explain how to fairly argue probabilistic genotyping statistics in forensic DNA analysis.

This article is categorized under:

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Communication Across Science and Law

Forensic Biology > Ethical and Social Implications

Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Chiral strings, the sectorized description and their integrated vertex operators
Authors: Jusinskas Renann Lipinski
Published: December 2019

Abstract

A chiral string can be seen as an ordinary string in a singular gauge for the worldsheet metric and has the ambitwistor string as its tensionless limit. As proposed by Siegel, there is a one-parameter (β) gauge family interpolating between the chiral limit and the usual conformal gauge in string theory. This idea was used to compute scattering amplitudes of tensile chiral strings, which are given by standard string amplitudes with modified (β-dependent) antiholomorphic propagators. Due to the absence of a sensible definition of the integrated vertex operator, there is still no ordinary prescription for higher than 3-point amplitude computations directly from the chiral model. The exception is the tensionless limit. In this work this gap will be filled. Starting with a chiral string action, the integrated vertex operator is defined, relying on the so-called sectorized interpretation. As it turns out, this construction effectively emulates a left/right factorization of the scattering ampli- tude and introduces a relative sign flip in the propagator for thesector-splittarget space coordinates.N-point tree-level amplitudes can be easily shown to coincide with the results of Siegel et al.
Integrable sigma models and 2-loop RG flow
Authors: Hoare Ben , Levine Nat , Tseytlin Arkady A.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Following arXiv:1907.04737, we continue our investigation of the relation between the renormalizability (with finitely many couplings) and integrability in 2d σ- models. We focus on the “λ-model,” an integrable model associated to a group or symmetric space and containing as special limits a (gauged) WZW model and an “interpolating model” for non-abelian duality. The parameters are the WZ level k and the coupling λ, and the fields are g, valued in a group G, and a 2d vector A± in the corresponding algebra. We formulate the λ-model as a σ-model on an extended G × G × G configuration space (g, h,

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

), defining h and

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

by A
+ = h∂+h

−1
, A_ =

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

∂−

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

−1. Our central observation is that the model on this extended configuration space is renormalizable without any deformation, with only λ running. This is in contrast to the standard σ-model found by integrating out A

±
, whose 2-loop renormalizability is only obtained after the addition of specific finite local counterterms, resulting in a quantum deformation of the target space geometry. We compute the 2-loop β-function of the λ-model for general group and symmetric spaces, and illustrate our results on the examples of SU(2)/U(1) and SU(2). Similar conclusions apply in the non-abelian dual limit implying that non-abelian duality commutes with the RG flow. We also find the 2-loop β-function of a “squashed” principal chiral model.
Endovenöse (minimalinvasive) Verfahren zur Therapie der Varikose
Authors: Hartmann Karsten
Published: December 2019

Die thermische Ablation der Stammvarikose hat sich zu einem Standardverfahren in der Behandlung des Krampfaderleidens entwickelt. Der klinische Erfolg der endovenös-thermischen Verfahren ist vergleichbar mit der Stripping-Operation, ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen diesen Gruppen konnte in Langzeitanalysen nicht nachgewiesen werden. Lediglich in der Genese der mit Duplexultraschall-detektierten Krossenrezidive gibt es einen Unterschied: Eine Neoangiogenese tritt nach Stripping-Operation auf, ein Rezidiv über eine belassene V. saphena accessoria anterior vorwiegend nach endovenöser Ablation der Stammvene. Kosteneinsparungen durch vermehrt ambulant durchgeführte endovenöse Verfahren im Vergleich zur Stripping-Operation, die immer noch (im Vergleich zu anderen Ländern) in Deutschland oft stationär durchgeführt wird, sind inzwischen nachgewiesen. Eine endovenöse Krossektomie sollte angestrebt werden. Nichtthermische endoluminale Katheterverfahren sind vorwiegend der Behandlung der V. saphena parva vorbehalten.
Suspected breast implant rupture: our experience, recommendations on its management and a proposal for a model of informed consent
Authors: Zingaretti Nicola , Fasano Daniele , Baruffaldi Preis Franz W. , Moreschi Carlo , Ricci Silvia , Massarut Samuele , De Francesco Francesco , Parodi Pier Camillo
Published: December 2019

Background

Implant rupture may be detected by physical examination, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); the majority of silicone implant ruptures are clinically undetectable. The absence of guidelines for behaviour in the face of a suspected implant rupture often entails sending these patients for prosthetic revision surgery rather than carrying out in-depth radiodiagnostics to confirm implant rupture. The aim of this paper is to report our multicentric experience, to indicate the correct diagnostic-therapeutic procedure and to propose a model of informed consent.

Methods

We conducted a multicentric retrospective analysis of 183 women submitted to prosthetic revision surgery due to radiological diagnosis of suspected implant rupture after breast augmentation or post-mastectomy reconstruction, admitted to three different Plastic Surgery Departments between 2002 and 2018. We correlated surgical findings with purpose of examination, symptoms, physical examination, imaging and device specifications.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-one explanted implants were preoperatively suspected as ruptured. One-third were intact and unjustifiably explanted. US associated with MRI evaluation was the most accurate method. Patient’s age, comorbidities, smoking, medications, symptoms presented, implant duration and volume did not correlate with implant rupture.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that the association of US and MRI represents the mode of diagnosis with fewest false positives. Given the high number of errors associated with suspected intracapsular implant rupture, it seems necessary to submit an appropriate and specific informed consent that takes into account the emotional component and clearly and completely explains the possible alternatives and complications associated with possible prosthetic revision surgery.

Level of evidence: Level III, risk/prognostic study
Survival with Follicular and Hurthle Cell Microcarcinoma Compared to Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Population Study of 84,532 Patients
Authors: Khokar Amna M. , Holoubek Simon A. , Kuchta Kristine M. , Winchester David J. , Prinz Richard A. , Moo‐Young Tricia A.
Published: December 2019

Background

This study compares survival in patients with the rare subtypes of follicular (FTmC) and Hurthle cell (HCmC) microcarcinoma compared to that of papillary thyroid (PTmC) microcarcinoma.

Methods

Patients with FTmC and HCmC were selected from the National Cancer Database 2004–2015 and compared with PTmC. Patient clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analysis evaluated binary outcomes and predictors of survival. A propensity score matched analysis using age, gender, race, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), nodal status, distant metastasis, radiation, and operation was performed to evaluate the difference in OS with FTmC, HCmC, and PTmC.

Results

We identified 858 FTmC, 476 HCmC, and 82,056 PTmC. FTmC was less likely to have macroscopic ETE compared to PTmC (2.6% vs. 3.1% p = 0.03), but more likely to have distant metastasis (2.3% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.01). FTmC and HCmC were less likely to have nodal metastasis (2.7%, 2.5% vs. 10.9%, p < 0.01). Ten‐year OS was decreased in patients with FTmC (91.4%, p = 0.04) and HCmC (89.8%, p < 0.01) compared to PTmC (93.5%). On multivariable analysis, histology was not associated with OS. With HCmC, older age (OR 1.13, p < 0.01) and male gender (OR 2.72, p = 0.03) were associated with decreased OS. In propensity matched analysis, there was no difference in 10‐year OS with FTmC and PTmC (91.4% vs. 93.7%, p = 0.54), but HCmC had decreased OS compared to PTmC (89.8% vs. 94.3%, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Patients with FTmC have comparable OS to those with PTmC, but HCmC has decreased OS especially in older and male patients.
Heart non-specific effector CD4+ T cells protect from postinflammatory fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in experimental autoimmune myocarditis
Authors: Zarak-Crnkovic Martina , Kania Gabriela , Jaźwa-Kusior Agnieszka , Czepiel Marcin , Wijnen Winandus J. , Czyż Jarosław , Müller-Edenborn Björn , Vdovenko Daria , Lindner Diana , Gil-Cruz Cristina , Bachmann Marta , Westermann Dirk , Ludewig Burkhard , Distler Oliver , Lüscher Thomas F. , Klingel Karin , Eriksson Urs , Błyszczuk Przemysław
Published: December 2019

Heart-specific CD4+T cells have been implicated in development and progression of myocarditis in mice and in humans. Here, using mouse models of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) we investigated the role of heart non-specific CD4+T cells in the progression of the disease. Heart non-specific CD4+T cells were obtained from DO11.10 mice expressing transgenic T cell receptor recognizing chicken ovalbumin. We found that heart infiltrating CD4+T cells expressed exclusively effector (Teff) phenotype in the EAM model and in hearts of patients with lymphocytic myocarditis. Adoptive transfer experiments showed that while heart-specificTeffinfiltrated the heart shortly after injection, heart non-specificTeffeffectively accumulated during myocarditis and became the major heart-infiltrating CD4+T cell subset at later stage. Restimulation of co-cultured heart-specific and heart non-specific CD4+T cells with alpha-myosin heavy chain antigen showed mainly Th1/Th17 response for heart-specificTeffand up-regulation of a distinct set of extracellular signalling molecules in heart non-specificTeff. Adoptive transfer of heart non-specificTeffin mice with myocarditis did not affect inflammation severity at the peak of disease, but protected the heart from adverse post-inflammatory fibrotic remodelling and cardiac dysfunction at later stages of disease. Furthermore, mouse and humanTeffstimulated in vitro with common gamma cytokines suppressed expression of profibrotic genes, reduced amount of α-smooth muscle actin filaments and decreased contraction of cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, we provided a proof-of-concept that heart non-specificTeffcells could effectively contribute to myocarditis and protect the heart from the dilated cardiomyopathy outcome.
Metabolite profiling paradoxically reveals favorable levels of lipids, markers of oxidative stress and unsaturated fatty acids in a diabetes susceptible group of Middle Eastern immigrants
Authors: Al-Majdoub Mahmoud , Spégel Peter , Bennet Louise
Published: December 2019

Aims

The population of immigrants from the Middle East in Sweden show a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to native Swedes. The exact reason for this is unknown. Here, we have performed metabolite profiling to investigate these differences.

Methods

Metabolite profiling was conducted in Iraqi immigrants (n = 93) and native Swedes (n = 77) using two complementary mass spectrometry-based platforms. Differences in metabolite levels were compared after adjustment for confounding anthropometric, diet and clinical variables.

Results

The Iraqi immigrant population were more obese (44.1 vs 24.7%, p < 0.05), but had a lower prevalence of hypertension (32.3 vs 54.8%, p < 0.01) than the native Swedish population. We detected 140 metabolites, 26 of which showed different levels between populations (q < 0.05,) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, T2D and use of metformin. Twenty-two metabolites remained significant after further adjustment for HOMA-IR, HOMA-beta or insulin sensitivity index. Levels of polyunsaturated acylcarnitines (14:2 and 18:2) and fatty acid (18:2) were higher, whereas those of saturated and monounsaturated acylcarnitines (14:0, 18:1, and 8:1), fatty acids (12:0, 14:0, 16:0, and 18:1), uremic solutes (urate and quinate) and ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate) were lower in Iraqi immigrants. Further, levels of phospholipids were generally lower in the Iraqi immigrant population.

Conclusions

Our result suggests an overall beneficial lipid profile in Iraqi immigrants, despite a higher risk to develop T2D. Higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids may suggest differences in dietary pattern, which in turn may reduce the risk of hypertension.
Correction to: Unique numerical competence of Asian elephants on the relative numerosity judgment task
Authors: Irie Naoko , Hiraiwa-Hasegawa Mariko , Kutsukake Nobuyuki
Published: December 2019

The article Unique numerical competence of Asian elephants on the relative numerosity judgment task, written by Naoko Irie, Mariko Hiraiwa‑Hasegawa and Nobuyuki Kutsukake, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
Correction to: Kin selection and reproductive value in social mammals
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru , Kutsukake Nobuyuki
Published: December 2019

The article Kin selection and reproductive value in social mammals
Correction to: Nurture is above nature: nursery experience determines habitat preference of red sea bream Pagrus major juveniles
Authors: Takahashi Kohji , Masuda Reiji
Published: December 2019

The article Nurture is above nature: nursery experience determines habitat preference of red sea bream Pagrus major juveniles, written by Kohji Takahashi and Reiji Masuda, was originally published Online First without Open Access. After publication in volume 37, issue 3, page 317–323 the author decided to opt for Open Choice and to make the article an Open Access publication. Therefore, the copyright of the article has been changed to © The Author(s) 2019 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.