bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Assessment of Impaired Cognition (BASIC)—Validation of a new dementia case‐finding instrument integrating cognitive assessment with patient and informant report
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper , Nielsen T. Rune , Nielsen Ann , Waldorff Frans Boch , Høgh Peter , Jakobsen Søren , Gottrup Hanne , Vestergaard Karsten , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new brief and accurate case‐finding instrument for dementia and cognitive impairment. Previous research indicates that combining cognitive tests with informant and/or patient report may improve accuracy in dementia case‐finding. The Brief Assessment of Impaired Cognition (BASIC) integrates these three sources of information.

Methods

BASIC was prospectively validated in five memory clinics. Patients consecutively referred from general practice were tested at their initial visit prior to diagnosis. Control participants were primarily recruited among participating patients' relatives. Expert clinical diagnosis was subsequently used as gold standard for estimation of the classification accuracy of BASIC.

Results

A very high discriminative validity (specificity 0.98, sensitivity 0.95) for dementia (n = 122) versus socio‐demographically matched control participants (n = 109) was found. In comparison, the MMSE had 0.90 specificity and 0.82 sensitivity. Extending the discriminative validity analysis to cognitive impairment (both dementia and MCI, n = 162) only slightly reduced the discriminative validity of BASIC whereas the discriminative validity of the MMSE was substantially attenuated. Administration time for BASIC was approximately 5 minutes compared with 10 to 15 minutes for the MMSE.

Conclusions

BASIC was found to be an efficient and valid case‐finding instrument for dementia and cognitive impairment in a memory clinic setting.
The neural correlates of “mind blanking”: When the mind goes away
Authors: Kawagoe Toshikazu , Onoda Keiichi , Yamaguchi Shuhei
Published: August 2019

Mind blanking (MB) is the state where our minds are seemingly “nowhere,” and attention calls no perceptual input into conscious awareness. It is little investigated, perhaps partly because it is difficult to detect the mysterious periods of blanking. In this study, we found that our participants could intentionally produce a state of MB whose neural correlates were deactivation of Broca's area and parts of the default mode network (namely, the hippocampus) which would be active during mind wandering (MW), in addition to activity in another region in the default mode network (namely, anterior cingulate cortex). Because the behavioral finding replicates a previous report of ours, we suggest that the simple instructions that we used to induce MB should be effective. From the neuroimaging data, we conclude that we cannot define the content of our thoughts during MB because our inner speech system does not work at that time. Another possibility is that we actually think of nothing in the MB state. Although more sophisticated studies would be needed to uncover the mechanism of such a phenomenon, the present study provides a methodology and clues for understanding MB and related concepts such as MW, awareness, and metacognitive ability.
LBM simulation of forced convective channel flow containing multiple obstacles: Effects of obstacles height and position
Authors: Bala Shujit Kumar , Saha Litan Kumar
Published: August 2019

We examine the effects of the obstacles, height, and position on the forced convective flow in a channel having three obstacles on the lower wall of the channel. All the walls of the channel and obstacles are retained at a constant temperature while the fluid with temperature more than the walls are entered into the channel. The flow governing equations, vorticity equation, and energy equation are solved numerically by using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) together with the finite difference successive over relaxation method (SOR). The effects of obstacles height, h, and distance, d, between the obstacles on the streamlines and isotherms are presented. To investigate the heat transfer rate for changing the height and position of the obstacles, local Nusselt number distribution and the mean Nusselt number distribution are also presented. It is observed that vortices, produced backward to each obstacle, increase axially with increasing the height of each obstacle. Also vortices, produced between obstacles, change its shape with decreasing the distance between obstacles. It is asserted that heat transfer rate can be increased by extending only the height of first obstacle.
Automated rainfall simulator for variable rainfall on urban green areas
Authors: Nielsen Kristoffer T. , Moldrup Per , Thorndahl Søren , Nielsen Jesper E. , Duus Lene B. , Rasmussen Søren H. , Uggerby Mads , Rasmussen Michael R.
Published: August 2019

Rainfall simulators can enhance our understanding of the hydrologic processes affecting the total runoff to urban drainage systems. This knowledge can be used to improve urban drainage designs. In this study, a rainfall simulator is developed to simulate rainfall on urban green surfaces. The rainfall simulator is controlled by a microcomputer programmed to replicate the temporal variations in rainfall intensity of both historical and synthetic rainfall events with constant rainfall intensity on an area of 1 m2. The performance of the rainfall simulator is tested under laboratory conditions with regard to spatial uniformity of the rainfall, the kinetic energy of the raindrops, and the ability to replicate historical and synthetic rainfall events with temporally varying intensity. The rainfall simulator is applied in the field to evaluate its functionality under field conditions and the influence of wind on simulated rainfall. Finally, a field study is carried out on the relationship between runoff, soil volumetric water content, and surface slope. Performance and field tests show that the simulated rainfall has a uniform spatial distribution, whereas the kinetic energy of the raindrops is slightly higher than that of other comparable rainfall simulators. The rainfall simulator performs best in low wind speed conditions. The simulator performs well in replicating historical and synthetic rainfall events by matching both intensity variations and accumulated rainfall depth. The field study shows good correlation between rainfall, runoff, infiltration, soil water content, and surface slope.
Predictive factors for successful peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and collection in children
Authors: Truong Tony H. , Prokopishyn Nicole L. , Luu Henry , Guilcher Gregory M. T. , Lewis Victor A.
Published: August 2019

Factors affecting the success of peripheral blood stem cell collection (SCC) in children are not well characterized. We reviewed 218 stem cell collections among 199 pediatric donors, of which 35 were from healthy sibling donors and 164 were for autologous collections. Successful SCC, defined as a CD34+ cell count of ≥2 × 106/kg of recipient weight per intended transplant, occurred in 188 of 199 donors (94%). Ideal SCC defined ≥5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg of recipient per intended transplant, occurred in 147 (74%) patients. Failure of collection occurred in 11 (6%) patients and was significantly associated with an autologous collection for a brain tumor diagnosis (P = .003) and a pre‐apheresis peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ count <20 × 106 cells/L (P = .002). Ideal SCC was significantly associated with age < 10 years (P = .01) and pre‐apheresis PB‐CD34+ count ≥20 × 106 cells/L (P < .0001). Factors associated with failure of SCC may be identified in advance of the collection procedure allowing appropriate counselling of patients as well as anticipatory guidance for multiple collections or justify the preemptive use of stem cell mobilizing agents.
Substrate specificity of IgGs with peroxidase and oxidoreductase activities from sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tolmacheva Anna S. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: August 2019

The analysis of IgGs to protect humans from oxidative stress through oxidation of harmful compounds was carried out. We have compared here for the first time peroxidase (in the presence of H2O2) and oxidoreductase (in the absence of H2O2) activities of IgGs from sera of healthy humans and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, substrate specificity of SLE and MS IgG preparations in the oxidation of different compounds was analyzed: 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine (DAB), homovanillic acid (HVA), o‐phenylenediamine (OPD), α‐naphthol, 3‐amino‐9‐ethylcarbazole (AEC), p‐hydroquinone (pHQ), and adrenaline. IgGs of healthy humans and SLE and MS patients oxidized DAB, ABTS, and OPD due to their peroxidase and oxidoreductase activities, while other compounds were substrates of IgGs only in the presence of H2O2: adrenaline was not oxidized by both activities of IgGs. The average SLE IgGs peroxidase activity increased statistically significant in comparison with abzymes from healthy humans in the order (‐fold): OPD (1.2) <  DAB (1.7) < α‐naphtol (2.2) ≤ AEC (2.4) < ABTS (4.5) < 5‐ASA (10.6), while with oxidoreductase activity: OPD (1.8) ≤ DAB (2.1‐fold) < ABTS (5.0). Only HVA was oxidized by IgGs with peroxidase activity of healthy donors faster than by SLE (1.3‐fold) and MS abzymes (2.4‐fold). In the oxidation of several substrates, only three IgGs of MS patients were used. The data speak of a tendency to increase the peroxidase and oxidoreductase activities of MS IgGs in comparison with healthy donors, but to a lesser extent: OPD (1.1 to 1.2‐fold) ≤ ABTS (1.2 to 1.8‐fold). It was shown that development of SLE and MS leads to increase in peroxidase and oxidoreductase activities of IgGs toward most of classical substrates. Thus, abzymes can serve as an additional factor of reactive oxygen species detoxification protecting of patients with SLE and MS from some harmful compounds somewhat better than healthy peoples.
Inactivation of Zika virus in plasma and derivatives by four different methods
Authors: Wang Yancui , Ren Kai , Liao Xinzhong , Luo Guanwen , Kumthip Kattareeya , Leetrakool Nipapan , Li Shilin , Chen Limin , Yang Chunhui , Chen Yongjun
Published: August 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus with increasing prevalence in recent years. To reduce the risk of ZIKV transmission by transfusion, some mitigation strategies were recommended based on pathogen reduction technologies for blood products. In this study, we aimed to study the efficacy of several common pathogen reduction methods in the inactivation of ZIKV. The fresh frozen plasma and derivatives were spiked with a high titer of ZIKV or Sindbis virus (SINV). Viral titers and ZIKV RNA were measured before and after the inactivation treatment by methylene blue (MB), solvent/detergent (S/D), pasteurization, and low pH. The mean ZIKV infectivity titers in plasma and derivatives were 7.08 ± 0.14, 5.17 ± 0.14, 7.08 ± 0.14, and 5.80 ± 0.14 log10TCID50/mL, respectively before MB, S/D, pasteurization, and low pH inactivation. We found no detectable ZIKV RNA after five successive passages of inoculation on host cells, indicating there is no infectivity after inactivation. Similar inactivation results were observed for SINV. In conclusion, we achieved robust ZIKV inactivation through the four inactivation procedures in several blood products. These findings suggest that the pathogen reduction technologies commonly applied in plasma and derivatives have the capacity to mitigate the risk of ZIKV transmission by transfusion.
Antiviral activity of HIV‐1 integrase strand‐transfer inhibitors against mutants with integrase resistance‐associated mutations and their frequency in treatment‐naïve individuals
Authors: Margot Nicolas A. , Ram Renee R. , White Kirsten L. , Abram Michael E. , Callebaut Christian
Published: August 2019

The development of resistance to human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) integrase strand‐transfer inhibitors (INSTI) has been documented; however, knowledge of the impact of pre‐existing integrase (IN) mutations on INSTI resistance (INSTI‐R) is still evolving. The frequency of HIV‐1 IN mutations in 2177 treatment‐naïve subjects was investigated, along with the INSTI susceptibility of site‐directed mutant viruses containing major and minor INSTI‐R mutations. Total 6 of 39 minor INSTI‐R mutations (M50I, S119P/G/T/R, and E157Q) were found in >1% of IN‐treatment‐naïve subjects with no impact on INSTI susceptibility. When each combined with major INSTI‐R mutation, M50I, S119P, and E157Q led to decreased susceptibility to elvitegravir but remained sensitive to dolutegravir and bictegravir.
Clinical delineation of 18q11‐q12 microdeletion: Intellectual disability, speech and behavioral disorders, and conotruncal heart defects
Authors: Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Charalsawadi Chariyawan , Thammachote Weerin , Pradabmuksiri Ariya , Tim‐Aroon Thipwimol , Novelli Antonio , Loddo Sara , Briuglia Silvana , Concetta Cutrupi M. , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee , Jinawath Natini
Published: August 2019

Background

Since the establishment of chromosomal microarrays in clinical practice, many new microdeletion/microduplication syndromes have been identified, including 18q11.2 microdeletion. Chromosome 18q deletion syndrome is commonly classified into distal deletion and a much rarer proximal interstitial deletion spanning the 18q11.2‐q21.1 region.

Methods

We report two new patients and review 27 additional cases in DECIPHER/ClinGen databases and four cases from the literature, with more proximal 18q deletions involving 18q11‐q12 (band 1 only; 17.2–43.5 Mb position) deletion.

Results

Common presentations of 18q11‐q12 deletions include developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID) (82%); speech delay/autism/attention deficit and hyperactivity/other behavioral problems (30%); conotruncal heart defects (15%); and subtle/non‐specific facial dysmorphism. The deletion in four out of five cases with cardiac defect was distal to GATA6, suggesting an alternative mechanism other than haploinsufficiency of GATA6 as an underlying cause of cardiac malformations. Precocious puberty with advanced skeletal age was first observed in one patient, suggesting a unique and expanded phenotype of proximal 18q deletion. When comparing genotype–phenotype correlations from the present study with previous reports, the critical regions for selected phenotypes of 18q11‐q12 deletion syndrome could be narrowed down as follows: 38.8–43.5 Mb for moderate to severe DD/ID, 19.6–24.4 Mb and 26.9–28.6 Mb for conotruncal heart defect.

Conclusion

The detailed clinical delineation of the proximal 18q deletions identified in this study should contribute to better understanding of the genotype–phenotype correlations and better long‐term care of patients with this rare syndrome.
Protective Effects of Anthocyanins in Obesity‐Associated Inflammation and Changes in Gut Microbiome
Authors: Jayarathne Shasika , Stull April J. , Park Oak‐Hee , Kim Jung Han , Thompson Leslie , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima
Published: August 2019

Obesity is a complex disease and a major public health epidemic. Chronic, low‐grade inflammation is a common underlying feature of obesity and associated metabolic diseases; adipose tissue is a major contributor to this systemic inflammation. Evidence shows that obesity‐associated inflammation may originate from gut dysfunction, including changes in intestinal bacteria or microbiome profiles. Increasingly, food and plant bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties are proposed to ameliorate obesity‐associated inflammation. Among these, the health‐promoting effects of anthocyanin‐rich foods are of interest here. Specifically, this review summarizes the reported benefits of anthocyanins in obesity‐associated inflammation and underlying molecular mechanisms, including the role of gut microbiome and cell signaling pathways regulated by anthocyanins both in vivo and in vitro.
NSAID use among residents in 68 residential aged care facilities 2014 to 2017: An analysis of duration, concomitant medication use, and high‐risk conditions
Authors: Lind Kimberly E. , Raban Magdalena Z. , Georgiou Andrew , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

People in residential aged care are at increased risk of adverse events from nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to their age and health status, but little is known about use of NSAIDs in this setting. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of NSAID use by route, differences by high‐risk conditions, prevalence of concurrent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, and prevalence of the “triple whammy” combination (oral NSAID, diuretic, and angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist).

Methods

We conducted a dynamic cohort study using medication administration data from 68 residential aged care facilities (RACFs) during 2014 to 2017. Descriptive statistics and regression were used to estimate the proportion of residents who used NSAIDs, NSAIDs long term, NSAIDs with PPIs, and the triple whammy combination.

Results

Ten thousand three hundred sixty‐seven residents were included. Two thousand four hundred fourteen (23.3%) used at least one NSAID: 756 (7.3%) used only oral, 1326 (12.8%) used only topical, and 332 (3.2%) used both topical and oral NSAIDs. One thousand five hundred forty two (14.8%) used an NSAID long term, a majority of which only used topical NSAIDs 933/1542 (60.5%). Age, sex, and health status were associated with greater variation in long‐term topical use relative to oral NSAID use. A majority of oral NSAID users concomitantly used a PPI, which varied according to age, sex, and health status. Among residents with any oral NSAID use, 182/1088 (16.7%) had triple whammy medication use.

Conclusions

Targeted interventions to reduce NSAID use among RACF residents, to reduce triple whammy medication use, and increase PPI use for long‐term oral NSAID users are warranted.
Transparent low‐flammability epoxy resins with improved mechanical properties using tryptamine‐based DOPO derivative
Authors: Chen Rui , Dai Shensong , Guo Tong , Tang Hao , Fan Yuqi , Zhou Hong
Published: August 2019

A novel flame‐retardant hsaltryptamine phosphaphenanthrene (HTD) was successfully synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. HTD was used to improve flame retardancy of epoxy resin (EP). When the addition content of HTD reached 4 wt%, the EP/HTD thermoset passed a UL‐94 V‐1 rating and had limited oxygen index value of 29.2%. Compared to neat EP, the release of heat and smoke decreased significantly due to the gaseous‐phase and condensed‐phase flame‐retardant mechanism of HTD. The char residue after cone calorimeter test was analyzed and the results showed that the char residue of EP/8%HTD thermoset exhibited homogeneously crosslinked char layer, which acted as a good barrier for the release of heat and oxygen. The transmittance and mechanical properties of EP/HTD thermosets had been tested. EP/HTD thermoset possessed high transparency and good mechanical properties. In comparison to neat EP, tensile strength, flexural strength, and Izod unnotched impact strength of EP with 8% loading of HTD was improved by 21.9%, 20.5%, and 17.4%, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2008–2015, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Impact of non‐solvent on regeneration of cellulose dissolved in 1‐(carboxymethyl)pyridinium chloride ionic liquid
Authors: Taheri Nazanin , Abdolmaleki Amir , Fashandi Hossein
Published: August 2019

Cellulose dissolved in ionic liquid (1‐(carboxymethyl)pyridinium chloride)/water (60/40 w/w) mixture is regenerated in various non‐solvents, namely water, ethanol, methanol and acetone, to gain more insight into the contribution of non‐solvent medium to the morphology of regenerated cellulose. To this end, the initial and regenerated celluloses were characterized with respect to crystallinity, thermal stability, chemical structure and surface morphology using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. According to the results, regardless of non‐solvent type, all regenerated samples have the same chemical structure and lower crystallinity in comparison to the initial cellulose, making them a promising candidate for efficient biofuel production based on enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. The reduction in crystallinity of regenerated samples is explained based on the potential of the non‐solvent to break the hydrogen bonds between cellulose chains and ionic liquid molecules as well as the affinity of water and non‐solvent which can be evaluated based on Hansen solubility parameter. The latter also determines the phase‐separation mechanism during the regeneration process, which in turn affects surface morphology of the regenerated cellulose. The pivotal effect of regenerated cellulose crystallinity on its thermal stability is also demonstrated. Regenerated cellulose with lower crystallinity is more susceptible to molecular rearrangement during heating and hence exhibits enhanced thermal stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Tspan15 Is a New Stemness‐Related Marker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sidahmed‐Adrar Nazha , Ottavi Jean‐François , Benzoubir Nassima , Ait Saadi Taous , Bou Saleh Mohamed , Mauduit Philippe , Guettier Catherine , Desterke Christophe , Le Naour François
Published: August 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. A clearer understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor growth and invasiveness remains crucial for developing new therapies. Here, the expression of tetraspanins, a family of plasma membrane organizers involved in tumor progression, has been addressed. Integrative approaches combining transcriptomics and bioinformatics allow demonstrating the induced and heterogeneous expression of Tspan15 in HCC. Tspan15 positive tumors exhibit signatures related to hepatic progenitor cells as well as recurrence of cancer. Immunohistochemistry experiments confirm Tspan15 expression in the subset of HCC expressing stemness‐related markers such as EpCAM and Cytokeratin‐19. Functional networks reveal that most of these genes expressed in correlation to Tspan15 support cell proliferation. Furthermore, Tspan15 overexpression in the hepatoma cell line HepG2 significantly increases cell proliferation. A quantitative proteomic analysis of the secretome reveals a higher abundance of the protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a pleiotropic matricellular signaling protein. Proteomic profiling of Tspan15 complexes allows identifying numerous membrane proteins including several growth factor receptors. Finally, Tspan15 increases ERK1/2 phosphorylation that directly controls CTGF expression and secretion. In conclusion, Tspan15 is a new stemness‐related marker in HCC which exhibits high potential of tumor growth and recurrence.
Genetic homogenisation of two major orchid viruses through global trade‐based dispersal of their hosts
Authors: Fogell Deborah J. , Kundu Samit , Roberts David L.
Published: August 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Orchid viruses are capable of causing flower deformities and death, which can severely impact the horticultural industry and wild orchid conservation. Here we show how two of these quickly evolving viruses display few genetic differences since their first emergence, across countries and host plants. This is concerning as, despite biosecurity regulations to control the movement of orchids and their related pathogens, these patterns are suggestive of rapid and regular international movement of horticultural material. Poor biosecurity practices could threaten the orchid horticultural industry and result in the accidental translocation or reintroduction of infected plant material intended to recover wild populations.
Genomic and clinical characterization of pulmonary‐only metastatic prostate cancer: A unique molecular subtype
Authors: Shenderov Eugene , Isaacsson Velho Pedro , Awan Anas H. , Wang Hao , Mirkheshti Nooshin , Lotan Tamara L. , Carducci Michael A. , Pardoll Drew M. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Isolated pulmonary involvement is uncommon in metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). To characterize outcomes and molecular alterations of this unique patient subset, we conducted a retrospective review of patients with hormone‐naïve prostate cancer presenting with lung‐only metastases.

Methods

This was a retrospective single‐institution study. Medical records of 25 patients presenting with pulmonary‐only metastases before receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were analyzed. Germline and/or somatic genomic results, where available (n = 16), were documented. Tumor tissue was analyzed using clinical‐grade next‐generation DNA sequencing assays. Clinical endpoints included complete prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response to ADT (<0.1 ng/mL), median overall survival (OS) from time of ADT initiation, median PSA progression‐free survival (PSA‐PFS), and failure‐free survival (FFS) at 4 years.

Results

Baseline characteristics were notable for 48% of men (12 of 25) having first or second‐degree relatives with prostate cancer, compared with 20% expected. Complete PSA responses to ADT were noted in 52% of men, with a median PSA‐PFS of 66 months, a 4‐year FFS rate of 72%, and a median OS that was not reached after 190 months. In evaluable patients, molecular drivers were enriched for mismatch repair mutations (4 of 16, 25%) and homologous‐recombination deficiency mutations (4 of 16, 25%). These results are limited by the small sample size and retrospective nature of this analysis.

Conclusions

This exploratory study represents one of the largest cohorts of lung‐only mHSPC patients to‐date. The prevalence of actionable DNA‐repair gene alterations was higher than anticipated (any DNA‐repair mutation: 8 of 16, 50%). Compared to historical data, these patients appear to have exceptional and durable responses to first‐line ADT. This study suggests that pulmonary‐tropic mHSPC biology may be fundamentally different from nonpulmonary mHSPC.
Comparative dynamics of tropomyosin in vertebrates and invertebrates
Authors: James Jose K. , Nanda Vikas
Published: August 2019

Tropomyosin (Tpm) is an extended α‐helical coiled‐coil homodimer that regulates actinomyosin interactions in muscle. Molecular simulations of four Tpms, two from the vertebrate class Mammalia (rat and pig), and two from the invertebrate class Malacostraca (shrimp and lobster), showed that despite extensive sequence and structural homology across metazoans, dynamic behavior—particularly long‐range structural fluctuations—were clearly distinct. Vertebrate Tpms were more flexible and sampled complex, multi‐state conformational landscapes. Invertebrate Tpms were more rigid, sampling a highly constrained harmonic landscape. Filtering of trajectories by principle component analysis into essential subspaces showed significant overlap within but not between phyla. In vertebrate Tpms, hinge‐regions decoupled long‐range interhelical motions and suggested distinct domains. In contrast, crustacean Tpms did not exhibit long‐range dynamic correlations—behaving more like a single rigid rod on the nanosecond time scale. These observations suggest there may be divergent mechanisms for Tpm binding to actin filaments, where conformational flexibility in mammalian Tpm allows a preorganized shape complementary to the filament surface, and where rigidity in the crustacean Tpm requires concerted bending and binding.
Optoelectronic Properties of Hydrogenated Amorphous Substoichiometric Silicon Carbide with Low Carbon Content Deposited on Semi‐Transparent Boron‐Doped Diamond
Authors: Remes Zdenek , Stuchlik Jiri , Stuchlikova Ha The , Dragounova Katerina , Ashcheulov Petr , Taylor Andrew , Mortet Vincent , Poruba Ales
Published: August 2019

Hydrogenated amorphous substoichiometric silicon carbide (a‐Si1−xCx:H, x < 0,1) thin films and diodes with low carbon content are prepared from a mixture of H2, SiH4, and CH4 by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition at a relatively high temperature of 400 °C on semi‐transparent boron‐doped nanocrystalline diamond (B‐NCD) electrodes with an underlying Ti grid. Vibration spectra indicate that CH4 prevents Si crystallization at elevated deposition temperatures and confirm an increasing carbon content up to x = 0.1 for samples grown with SiH4/CH4 flows up to 1:3. Dark current–voltage characteristics of B‐NCD/a‐Si1−xCx:H diodes show a rectifying ratio of about four orders at ±1 V. However, under white light illumination, an energy conversion efficiency of 4% is limited by a high serial resistivity of the B‐NCD electrode and S‐shaped photocurrent near the open‐circuit voltage.
Unravelling the March 1972 northwest Greenland windstorm with high‐resolution numerical simulations
Authors: Tollinger Mathias , Gohm Alexander , Jonassen Marius O.
Published: August 2019

Thule Air Base in northwest Greenland experienced an extreme windstorm during the night of 8/9 March 1972. The event is not among official WMO records because the anemometer broke after recording the highest gust of 93 m s−1. A recent study re‐examined the event based on coarse‐resolution reanalyses and observations which, however, did not fully resolve the proposed storm processes. This is the first study that uses high‐resolution numerical simulations to investigate the processes associated with this windstorm. A cold‐frontal inversion and strong flow across the mountain ridge upstream of Thule Air Base (associated with a passing low pressure system) are shown to be key factors for the severe downslope windstorm in the lee of the ridge. It is shown that trapped lee waves occurred during the initial phase of the storm, but did not contribute to the highest wind speeds as proposed in the previous study. It is confirmed that rotor circulations occurred which possibly contributed to the large wind variability and, hence, large differences between individual observation sites. However, no rotors were present at the time of the highest simulated wind speed. Instead, wave breaking above the lee slope is found to indirectly contribute to the wind maxima by facilitating Kelvin–Helmholtz instability at the top of the shooting flow that caused intense wind speed pulsations near the surface. In agreement with the previous study, a corner jet was simulated, however it was not responsible for the strong winds in the vicinity of the air base. Sensitivity experiments showed that the flow field was considerably influenced by the high topography downstream of the air base and that simulations with very thin or no sea ice cover over Baffin Bay resulted in a weaker frontal inversion and up to about 30% lower maximum wind speeds.
Site‐Specific Construction of Long‐Term Drug Depot for Suppression of Tumor Recurrence
Authors: Cheng Dong‐Bing , Zhang Xue‐Hao , Gao Yu‐Juan , Wang Dong , Wang Lei , Chen Hao , Qiao Zeng‐Ying , Wang Hao
Published: August 2019

Local tumor recurrence after surgical resection is a critical concern in cancer therapy, and the current treatments, such as postsurgical chemotherapy, still show undesired side effects. Here a nonimplant strategy (transformation induced localization, TIL) is presented to in situ construct long‐term retentive drug depots, wherein the sustained drug release from fibrous drug depots results in highly efficient suppression of postsurgical local tumor relapse. The peptide‐based prodrug nanoparticles show favorable tumor targeting and instantly reorganize into fibrous nanostructures under overexpressed enzyme, realizing the construction of long‐term drug depot in the tumor site. After the resection surgery, the remnant cancer cells are still inhibited by the sustained drug release from the fibrous prodrug depot, effectively preventing postsurgical local recurrences. This TIL strategy shows great potential in cancer recurrence therapy and offers a novel perspective for constructing functional biomaterials in vivo.
Value of pre‐construction proof loading information for structural design
Authors: Brüske Henning , Thöns Sebastian
Published: August 2019

We introduce a new concept that enables a decision analyst to explore and quantify the benefits of decision alternatives that exceed the scope of a pre‐posterior decision or value of information analysis. This new concept, namely, the expected value of sample information and action analysis, facilitates to examine decision alternatives that become only possible with additional knowledge. The concept is introduced by taking basis in proof load testing as a source of (pre‐)posterior knowledge. Pre‐posterior decision analysis is necessary in order to optimize the structural design through proof loading information. The application of the common value of information analysis and the new value of information and action analysis are demonstrated in a case study.
A systems approach to integration of military operations and law enforcement investigations: Toward a unified forensic intelligence model
Authors: Wilson Lauren E. , Kessler Michael P. , Ellis‐Smith James , Robertson James
Published: August 2019

The changing nature of war in relation to global terrorism, foreign terrorist fighters and length of conflict has resulted in a transformation of the strategic environment from previous conventional warfare. Coalition forces faced a threat environment in Iraq and Syria of nonconventional warfare that could include improvised, hybrid (a combination of improvised and conventional) and asymmetrical threats. The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2396 (2017) and 2322 (2016) obligates the Member States to investigate foreign terrorist fighters and requires a closer alignment between military operations and law enforcement investigations. This has called for forensic science to be employed beyond its traditional support to law enforcement investigations and for the criminal justice system to support military operations. However, there is no unified approach to forensic science support to meet national security objectives. In this review, we discuss the systems approach to the integration of military operations and law enforcement investigations as a unified forensic intelligence model.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Medicine > Historical Perspectives

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Exact scattering amplitudes in conformal fishnet theory
Authors: Korchemsky G. P.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We compute the leading-color contribution to four-particle scattering amplitude in four-dimensional conformal fishnet theory that arises as a special limit of γ-deformed

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

SYM. We show that the single-trace partial amplitude is protected from quantum corrections whereas the double-trace partial amplitude is a nontrivial infrared finite function of the ratio of Mandelstam invariants. Applying the Lehmann-Symanzik-Zimmerman reduction procedure to the known expression of a four-point correlation function in the fishnet theory, we derive a new representation for this function that is valid for arbitrary coupling. We use this representation to find the asymptotic behavior of the double-trace amplitude in the high-energy limit and to compute the corresponding exact Regge trajectories. We verify that at weak coupling the expressions obtained are in agreement with an explicit five-loop calculation.
Probes of the Standard Model effective field theory extended with a right-handed neutrino
Authors: Alcaide Julien , Banerjee Shankha , Chala Mikael , Titov Arsenii
Published: August 2019

Abstract

If neutrinos are Dirac particles and, as suggested by the so far null LHC results, any new physics lies at energies well above the electroweak scale, the Standard Model effective field theory has to be extended with operators involving the right-handed neutrinos. In this paper, we study this effective field theory and set constraints on the different dimension-six interactions. To that aim, we use LHC searches for associated production of light (and tau) leptons with missing energy, monojet searches, as well as pion and tau decays. Our bounds are generally above the TeV for order one couplings. One particular exception is given by operators involving top quarks. These provide new signals in top decays not yet studied at colliders. Thus, we also design an LHC analysis to explore these signatures in the

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

production. Our results are also valid if the right-handed neutrinos are Majorana and long-lived.
Entanglement on multiple S2 boundaries in Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Dwivedi Siddharth , Singh Vivek Kumar , Ramadevi P. , Zhou Yang , Dhara Saswati
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Topological entanglement structure amongst disjoint torus boundaries of three manifolds have already been studied within the context of Chern-Simons theory. In this work, we study the topological entanglement due to interaction between the quasiparticles inside three-manifolds with one or more disjoint S
2 boundaries in SU(N) Chern-Simons theory. We focus on the world-lines of quasiparticles (Wilson lines), carrying SU(N) representations, creating four punctures on every S
2. We compute the entanglement entropy by partial tracing some of the boundaries. In fact, the entanglement entropy depends on the SU(N) representations on these four-punctured S
2 boundaries. Further, we observe interesting features on the GHZ-like and W-like entanglement structures. Such a distinction crucially depends on the multiplicity of the irreducible representations in the tensor product of SU(N) representations.
Development of tourism in Polish poviats in the years 2010–2017
Authors: Korzeniewski Jerzy , Kozłowski Maciej
Published: August 2019

Poland is divided into 380 poviats. However the statistical data on the development of these small regions is available from official statistics, there is no study known to the authors which has analysed the mutual dependencies between the tourist development of poviats (understood either as the historic rate of development or the current state of development) and their natural potential for development. Moreover, the research and data available are not coherent methodologically because they are based on single indicators or variables. Authors’ study seeks to be more general because it combines popular tourist development indicators. The basic goals are twofold: (1) use multivariate tourist data to assess the development of all poviats; (2) compare this assessment with the tourist attractiveness of poviats. To this end, widely applied and well-known indicators of tourism and development are used, such as Charvat’s index and Schneider’s index. Statistical tools used are graphs and correlation analysis.
Androgenic regulation of sexually dimorphic expression of RNA binding motif protein 48 in the developing mouse cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Franklin Michael , Armoskus Chris , Taniguchi Saori , Moder Courtney , Trang Kathy , Santacruz Marilisa , Milla Allyson , Tsai Houng‐Wei
Published: August 2019

To further reveal the molecular mechanism underlying sexual differentiation of the mouse cerebral cortex and hippocampus, we reanalyzed our previous microarray study with Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment and found that the GO term “RNA binding” was over‐represented among the 89 sexually dimorphic candidate genes. Thus, we selected 16 autosomal genes annotated to the term RNA binding and profiled their mRNA expression in the developing male and female mouse cortex/hippocampus. During the first three weeks after birth, sex differences in mRNA levels of Khdrbs2, Nanos2, Rbm48, and Tdrd3 were observed in the mouse cortex/hippocampus. Of these genes, only the female‐biased expression of Rbm48 in neonates was abolished by prenatal exposure to testosterone propionate (TP), while postnatal treatment of TP three weeks after birth increased Rbm48 and Tdrd3 mRNA levels in both sexes. Regardless of sex, the postnatal cortex/hippocampus also showed a marked increase in the content of androgen receptor (Ar) and estrogen receptor β (Esr2), but a decrease in estrogen receptor α (Esr1) and aromatase (Cyp19a1), which might confer the different responses of Rbm48 to prenatal and postnatal TP. Our results suggest that androgen‐regulated, sexually dimorphic Rbm48 expression might present a novel molecular mechanism by which perinatal androgens control development of sexual dimorphism in cortical and hippocampal structure and function.
From Open Enrollment to Controlled Choice: How Choice-Based Assignment Replaced the Neighborhood School in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Authors: Moss Hilary J.
Published: August 2019

In 1981, Cambridge, Massachusetts, became the first school district in America to replace its neighborhood schools with a “controlled choice” assignment plan, which considered parental preference and racial balance. This article considers the history preceding this decision to explore how and why some Americans became enamored with choice-based assignment at the expense of the neighborhood school in the late twentieth century. It argues that Cambridge's problematic experience with open enrollment in the 1960s and 1970s created a vocal, consumer-oriented, and politically active class of parents who became accustomed to choice and, by the early 1980s, dependent on its benefits. Moreover, controlled choice proved especially attractive in this university community because Cambridge had a constituency of well-educated, middle-income parents who possessed the social capital to identify the best educational opportunities for their children, but lacked the economic capital to use real estate to gain access to their preferred schools.
New Radiocarbon Dates Show Early Neolithic Date of Flint-Mining and Stone Quarrying in Britain
Authors: Edinborough Kevan , Shennan Stephen , Teather Anne , Baczkowski Jon , Bevan Andrew , Bradley Richard , Cook Gordon , Kerig Tim , Parker Pearson Mike , Pope Alexander , Schauer Peter
Published: August 2019

New radiocarbon (14C) dates suggest a simultaneous appearance of two technologically and geographically distinct axe production practices in Neolithic Britain; igneous open-air quarries in Great Langdale, Cumbria, and from flint mines in southern England at ~4000–3700 cal BC. In light of the recent evidence that farming was introduced at this time by large-scale immigration from northwest Europe, and that expansion within Britain was extremely rapid, we argue that this synchronicity supports this speed of colonization and reflects a knowledge of complex extraction processes and associated exchange networks already possessed by the immigrant groups; long-range connections developed as colonization rapidly expanded. Although we can model the start of these new extraction activities, it remains difficult to estimate how long significant production activity lasted at these key sites given the nature of the record from which samples could be obtained.
Negotiating Respectability: Comparing the experiences of poor and middle-class young urban women in India
Authors: TWAMLEY KATHERINE , SIDHARTH JUHI
Published: August 2019

This article draws together two studies: one that explores the intimate relationships of young slum-dwelling Dalit women in Mumbai and the other of young middle-class women in Baroda, Gujarat. Using an intersectional lens, we trace the ways that gendered ideals of respectability shape women's freedom of movement and relationships. The comparison produces new insights into the ways that class, caste, and location cut across gender to shape young women's lives in India. We argue that the distinctive positionings of the women structure the ways in which they react to gender norms and the means with which they strategize around them. Middle-class young women strike a ‘passive bargain’, upholding ideals of respectability by shoring up symbolic capital for a ‘good’ marriage and class privilege. The Dalit women show more active resistance to an ideal that they struggle to achieve, despite heavy control and surveillance over their movement and relationships. However, contrary to previous research, we show that both groups are beholden and lay claim to similar gendered and intimate ideals.
The evolution of LGBT labelling words
Authors: Shi Yaqian , Lei Lei
Published: August 2019

Semantic shifts have been explored via a range of methods (Allan & Robinson 2012). Typically, semantic shifts were usually noted or described with methods such as a literature review or dictionary checking (e.g. Blank & Koch, 1999; Stockwell & Minkova, 2001; Williams, 1976), which are very labour-intensive and time-consuming methods. Other more recently developed methods involve sociolinguistic interviews (Robinson, 2012; Sandow & Robinson, 2018). However, with the development of large-sized corpora and computational semantics, diachronic semantic shifts have started to be captured in a data-driven way (Kutuzov et al., 2018). Recently, the word embeddings technique (Mikolov et al., 2013) has been proven to be a promising tool for the tracking of semantic shifts (e.g. Hamilton, Leskovec & Jurafsky, 2016a, 2016b; Kulkarni et al., 2015; Kutuzov et al., 2017). For example, Hamilton et al. (2016b) exemplified how to use the technique to capture the subjectification process of the word ‘actually’ during the 20th century.
Use of Medication at the Roskilde (Denmark) Music Festival 2015 – A Prospective Observational Study of 15,133 Treated Attendees
Authors: Stagelund Søren , Andersen Kenneth Geving , Søe Jesper , Roslind Michelle , Wildgaard Kim
Published: August 2019

Background:

Outdoor music festivals (OMFs) attract large numbers of guests and benefit from the help of large numbers of volunteers. Studies have previously described the injury patterns at OMFs, but no studies have described the use of medication and sales from on-site pharmacies at a large OMF.

Method:

The usage of medication and prescriptions in the Medical Health Care Organization (MHCO), including sales from the on-site pharmacy, at the Roskilde (Denmark) Festival 2015 were prospectively recorded.

Results:

In excess of 130,000 attendees (guests and volunteers) participated in the Roskilde Festival 2015. The number of attendees contacting the MHCO was 15,133, of which 3,723 (25%) had a consultation with a doctor. Of all attendees evaluated by a doctor, 669 attendees received some form of medication in relation to the consultation. The MHCO administered and/or handed out a total of 6,494 units of prescription and over-the-counter medication, of which analgesics represented nearly 51%. Asthma was the condition with the highest proportion of attendees requiring pharmaceutical treatment, as 28 out of 48 (58%) received medication during the consultation. Sixty-five attendees received both medicine and a prescription. The MHCO handed out 562 prescriptions. In total, 609 prescriptions were redeemed at the on-site pharmacy. Antibiotics represented more than 78% of all redeemed prescriptions at the on-site pharmacy.

Conclusion:

The most utilized medications were analgesics and antibiotics. The data indicate a need for on-site prophylaxis using tetanus toxoid in combination with diphtheria toxoid vaccine and an on-site pharmacy. The content of the formulary at a mass-gathering event should be based on: evacuation time by ambulance/helicopter to hospitals with the level of competence needed; types of conditions to be treated on-site; level of competencies of festival medical staff; expected incidence and type of illness and injuries; and treatment of acute, life-threatening illnesses and or injuries.