bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing spatial interconnectivity during the “Great American Migration Slowdown”: A decomposition of intercounty migration rates, 1990–2010
Authors: DeWaard Jack , Fussell Elizabeth , Curtis Katherine J. , Ha Jasmine Trang
Published: October 2019

Prior research on the “Great American Migration Slowdown,” or the declining rate of U.S. internal migration in recent decades, is dominated by two research foci. The first is concerned with the determinants of the migration slowdown. The second is concerned with spatial heterogeneity in the migration slowdown in and across places. With respect to the aim of this paper, many studies of spatial heterogeneity in the migration slowdown have implicitly raised questions about whether and to what extent places are connected to one another by migration flows, or the spatial interconnectivity of migration. The spatial interconnectivity of migration is a concrete manifestation of underlying spatial interdependence among places and, as such, deserves to be explicitly unpacked to further our understanding of the migration slowdown. Using county‐to‐county migration flow data from the Internal Revenue Service and a novel application of Das Gupta's demographic standardisation and decomposition procedures, we document changes in the spatial interconnectivity of migration during the migration slowdown between 1990 and 2010. We show that counties became more connected to one another by migration over time and that the increasing spatial interconnectivity of migration helped to keep the migration slowdown from slowing further. We also document changes in the spatial interconnectivity of migration for four types of migration flows: metro‐to‐metro, nonmetro‐to‐metro, metro‐to‐nonmetro, and nonmetro‐to‐nonmetro. Our work further elucidates the characteristics of the migration slowdown by describing changes in the spatial interconnectivity of migration. It also raises new questions for future research about the determinants and consequences of these changes.
Nonlinear logistic regression mixture experiment modeling for binary data using dimensionally reduced components
Authors: Stanfill Bryan A. , Piepel Greg F. , Vienna John D. , Cooley Scott K.
Published: October 2019

This article motivates, presents, and illustrates an approach using nonlinear logistic regression (NLR) for modeling binary response data from a mixture experiment when the components can be partitioned into groups used to form dimensionally reduced components (DRCs). A DRC is formed from a linear combination of the components in a group having similar roles and/or effects of the same sign, where the linear combinations over all groups are normalized so that the DRC proportions sum to one. Linear combinations of a particular form provide for quantifying the effects of the remaining components in a group relative to a chosen component. This reason, plus dimensional reduction, are the primary motivations for the proposed DRC mixture experiment modeling approach. NLR is required because models expressed in terms of the DRCs are nonlinear in the parameters that specify the linear combinations. A method for obtaining nonparametric tolerance limits on the probability of a “success” for the binary response variable using a bootstrap approach is also presented. Finally, the article shows how DRCs provide for visualizing data and modeling results that otherwise would be impossible. A real database on the presence or absence of nepheline crystals in simulated nuclear waste glass is used to illustrate the NLR modeling and nonparametric tolerance limit approaches. The methodology is general and can be applied to other applications.
Postsynthesis of zwitterionic hydrophilic composites for enhanced enrichment of N‐linked glycopeptides from human serum
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Baichun , Yan Yinghua , Tang Keqi , Ding Chuan‐Fan
Published: October 2019

Rationale

Glycosylation of proteins plays an important role in life activities, but the concentration of naturally occurring glycopeptides is usually relatively low, and glycosylation has microfacies heterogeneity, so direct mass spectrometry is not feasible. Therefore, selective enrichment of glycopeptides before mass spectrometry has turned into an urgent problem to be resolved.

Methods

Herein, the zwitterionic L‐cysteine functionalized hydrophilic graphene oxide composite (GO@PDA@MIL‐125‐NH2@Au@L‐Cys) was prepared via a postsynthetic method. The obtained material was used for glycopeptide enrichment. The enriched peptides were then detected using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) to demonstrate the enrichment performance of the material.

Results

In the actual enrichment process, GO@PDA@MIL‐125‐NH2@Au@L‐Cys nanomaterials exhibited high selectivity (1:1000), outstanding sensitivity (0.5 fmol), and excellent repeatability for the enrichment of glycopeptides. In addition, the proposed material showed good performance in the enrichment of glycopeptides from complex biosamples; 56 glycopeptides were detected from 2 μL of human serum using MALDI‐TOFMS.

Conclusions

The experimental results showed that GO@PDA@MIL‐125‐NH2@Au@L‐Cys exhibited excellent performance on glycopeptide analysis. It has great potential in the enrichment of glycopeptides and provides new ideas for synthetic materials with better enrichment properties in the future.
Separation and detection of minimal length glycopeptide neoantigen epitopes centering the GSTA region of MUC1 by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Dapeng , Xiao Kaijie , Tian Zhixin
Published: October 2019

Rationale

We previously isolated antibodies binding to glycopeptide neoantigen epitopes centering the GSTA sequence of the highly glycosylated tandem repeat region of MUC1. Epitopes centering the GSTA sequence are also predicted by NetMHC programs to bind to MHC molecules. Detecting MUC1 glycopeptide epitopes remains a challenge since antigenic epitopes are often shorter than 10 amino acids.

Methods

In this study, we used pronase from Streptomyces griseus, which has no amino acid sequence preference for enzymatic cleavage sites, to digest synthetic glycopeptides RPAPGST (Tn)APPAHG and RPAPGS (Tn)TAPPAHG, and analyzed the digests by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) using electron transfer dissociation (ETD) and higher‐energy collisional dissociation (HCD) methods with an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribid mass spectrometer.

Results

We found that short glycopeptides containing 8 to 11 amino acids could be efficiently generated by pronase digestion. Such glycopeptides of minimal epitope lengths were clearly distinguished by characteristic MS/MS ion patterns and LC elution profiles. A glycopeptide library was generated which may serve as a standard for measuring neoantigen epitopes centering the GSTA sequence.

Conclusions

Our data established the LC/MS/MS identities of a clinically relevant MUC1 glycopeptide neoantigen epitope centering the GSTA motif. A library of short MUC1 glycopeptides centered on the GSTA motif was created, which is a critical step for analysis of such antigen epitopes in real biological samples.
Effects of organic removal techniques prior to carbonate stable isotope analysis of lacustrine marls: A case study from palaeo‐lake Fucino (central Italy)
Authors: Mannella Giorgio , Zanchetta Giovanni , Regattieri Eleonora , Perchiazzi Natale , Drysdale Russell N. , Giaccio Biagio , Leng Melanie J. , Wagner Bernd
Published: October 2019

Rationale

The suitability of organic matter (OM) removal pre‐treatments in isotopic studies of lacustrine carbonates is currently under debate. Naturally occurring OM seems to have a negligible effect on the bulk isotopic composition of carbonates compared with changes induced by pre‐treatments. This study provides further insights into the possible effects induced by commonly used pre‐treatments on natural lacustrine carbonates.

Methods

Sixteen samples from the Fucino F1–F3 lacustrine succession (Abruzzo, central Italy) were characterised for their mineralogical and geochemical composition and each was split into three identical aliquots. One aliquot was left untreated while the remaining two were treated with NaOCl and H2O2 dilutions. The same treatment was applied to an internal standard consisting of pure Carrara marble. The treated and untreated samples were analysed for their carbon (δ13C values) and oxygen (δ18O values) isotope compositions using an Analytical Precision AP2003 isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

Results

The samples had variable proportions of endogenic and detrital components, the detrital portion being more (less) abundant during colder (warmer) climate phases. We observed that neither the NaOCl nor the H2O2 treatment was able to completely remove OM and therefore there was selective removal of compounds within the OM pool. A possible effect of pre‐treatment is the loss of carbonates intimately interspersed within the OM, as suggested by the evolution of isotopic ratios towards the local detrital array.

Conclusions

Our study highlights sample‐specific changes in geochemistry associated with sample pre‐treatments; however, such changes do not seem to lead to either systematic and/or predictable isotopic shifts. We suggest that the suitability of NaOCl or H2O2 pre‐treatments for OM removal should be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis. In the specific case of lacustrine marls from palaeo‐lake Fucino containing relatively low amounts of OM and in which both detrital and endogenic carbonates occur, both pre‐treatments should be avoided.
A predictive spatial model for roasted coffee using oxygen isotopes of α‐cellulose
Authors: Driscoll Avery W. , Howa John D. , Bitter Nicholas Q. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: October 2019

Rationale

Fraudulent region‐of‐origin labeling is a concern for high‐value, globally traded commodities such as coffee. The oxygen isotope ratio of cellulose is a useful geographic tracer, as it integrates climate and source water signals. A predictive spatial model (“isoscape”) of the δ18O values of coffee bean cellulose is generated to evaluate coffee region‐of‐origin claims.

Methods

The oxygen isotope ratio of α‐cellulose extracted from roasted coffee beans was measured via high‐temperature conversion elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (TC‐EA/IRMS) and used to calculate the δ18O value of coffee bean water. The 18O enrichment of coffee bean water relative to the δ18O value of local precipitation was modeled as a function of local temperature and humidity. This function was incorporated into a mechanistic model of cellulose δ18O values to predict the δ18O values of coffee bean cellulose across coffee‐producing regions globally.

Results

The δ18O values of analyzed coffee bean cellulose ranged from approximately +22‰ to +42‰ (V‐SMOW). As expected, coffees grown in the same region tended to have similar isotope ratios, and the δ18O value of coffee bean cellulose was generally higher than the δ18O value of modeled stem cellulose for the region. Modeled δ18O values of coffee cellulose were within ±2.3‰ of the measured δ18O value of coffee cellulose.

Conclusions

The oxygen isotope ratio of coffee bean cellulose is a useful indicator of region‐of‐origin and varies predictably in response to climatic factors and precipitation isotope ratios. The isoscape of coffee bean cellulose δ18O values from this study provides a quantitative tool that can be applied to region‐of‐origin verification of roasted coffee at the point‐of‐sale.
Hybrid dynamical systems with hybrid inputs: Definition of solutions and applications to interconnections
Authors: Bernard Pauline , Sanfelice Ricardo G.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we define solutions for hybrid systems with prespecified hybrid inputs. Unlike previous work where solutions and inputs are assumed to be defined on the same domain a priori, we consider the case where intervals of flow and jump times of the input are not necessarily synchronized with those of the state trajectory. This happens in particular when the input is the output of another hybrid system, for instance, in the context of observer design or reference tracking. The proposed approach relies on reparametrizing the jumps of the input in order to write it on a common domain. The solutions then consist of a pair made of the state trajectory and the reparametrized input. Our definition generalizes the notions of solutions of continuous‐time and discrete‐time systems with inputs. We provide an algorithm that automatically performs the construction of solutions for a given hybrid input. In the context of hybrid interconnections, we show how the solutions of the individual systems can be linked to the solutions of a closed‐loop system. Example illustrate the notions and the proposed algorithm.
Global finite‐time stabilization for a class of high‐order switched nonlinear systems via sampled‐data control
Authors: Jiang Yan , Zhai Junyong
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the global finite‐time stabilization for a class of high‐order switched nonlinear systems via the sampled‐data output feedback control. Firstly, we design a continuous‐time output feedback controller for the nominal part via adding a power integrator technique. Based on the homogeneous theory, together with the Gronwall‐Bellman inequality, a sampled‐data output feedback controller is designed with suitable sampling periods to ensure that the closed‐loop system can be globally stabilized in finite time. In the meantime, the proposed control method can be extended to the switched nonlinear systems with an upper‐triangular growth condition. Finally, two examples are presented to illustrate the validity of the proposed control scheme.
Multidimensional Taylor network adaptive control for MIMO time‐varying uncertain nonlinear systems with noises
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yan Hong‐Sen
Published: October 2019

In this paper, an adaptive control approach based on the multidimensional Taylor network (MTN) is proposed here for the real‐time tracking control of multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) time‐varying uncertain nonlinear systems with noises. Two MTNs are used to formulate the optimum control and adaptive filtering approaches. The feed‐forward MTN controller (MTNC) is developed to realize the precise tracking control. The closed‐loop errors between the filtered outputs and expected values are directly chosen as the MTNC's inputs. A valid initial value selection scheme for the weights of the MTNC, which can ensure the initial stability of adaptive process, is introduced. The proposed MTNC can update its weights online according to errors caused by system's uncertain factors, based on stable learning rate. The resilient backpropagation algorithm and the adaptive variable step size algorithm via linear reinforcement are utilized to update the MTNC's weights. The MTN filter (MTNF) is developed to eliminate measurement noises and other stochastic factors. The proposed adaptive MTN filtering system possesses the distinctive properties of the Lyapunov theory–based adaptive filtering system and MTN. Lyapunov function of the filtering errors between the measured values and MTNF's outputs is defined. By properly choosing the weights update law in the Lyapunov sense, the MTNF's outputs can asymptotically converge to the desired signals. The design is independent of the stochastic properties of the input disturbances. Simulation of the MTN‐based control is conducted to test the effectiveness of the presented results.
Supramolecular Protein Nanodrugs with Coordination‐ and Heating‐Enhanced Photothermal Effects for Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Chang Rui , Zou Qianli , Xing Ruirui , Qi Wei , Yan Xuehai
Published: October 2019

Supramolecular protein nanodrugs provide opportunities for improving antitumor therapeutic efficiency and lowering toxicity. However, protein nanodrugs that have robust structural stability and enhanced therapeutic efficiency are still in infancy. In this study, photothermal protein nanodrugs are constructed through a supramolecular approach along with heating by using proteins, photosensitizers, and metal ions as the building blocks. The metal coordination and heating improve not only the structural stability but also photothermal performance of the resulting nanodrugs. By virtue of the first integration of coordination‐ and heating‐enhanced photothermal effects, the nanodrugs show superior photothermal conversion efficiency, enhanced tumor accumulation, and improved tumor inhibition. Metal coordination and heating are versatile to be applied for various protein nanodrugs. Hence, this study provides insights for the construction of highly efficient photothermal nanodrugs and thus will be beneficial to precision theranostics.
The incidence and distribution of musculoskeletal disorders in final‐year Australian sonography students on clinical placement
Authors: Bowles Danielle , Quinton Ann
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are defined as injury or pain resulting from work and are common in qualified sonographers, affecting the shoulder, neck, wrist, and hands. Risk factors include poor ergonomics, work flow, inadequate breaks, and psychological stress. WRMSD carries a significant financial and emotional cost to industry. The incidence of WRMSD in Australian trainee sonographers is unknown. The aim of this research is to identify the incidence and distribution of WRMSD in trainee sonographers.

Method

This is a prospective observational study. An anonymous online survey was distributed to final‐year medical sonography students, and participation was voluntary and based on self‐selection.

Results

There were 35/86 respondents, a 40.7% response rate. The incidence of WRMSD was 97%. Age, body mass index, height, gender, time spent scanning/day, and number of scans performed/day were not found to be associated with the development of WRMSD. The scanning shoulder, wrist, neck, and back were most commonly affected.

Conclusion

WRMSD incidence and distribution in Australian trainees are similar to that of qualified sonographers. It is therefore important to begin preventative measures early on in sonographer training to help minimise WRMSD developing.
Mechanical properties of jute fiber‐reinforced high‐strength concrete
Authors: Zhang Tiezhi , Yin Yong , Gong Yaqi , Wang Lijiu
Published: October 2019

High‐strength concrete often suffers from brittleness, so the addition of fibers is an effective way to improve its performance. In this study, jute plant fiber was added to high‐strength concrete, and the application method, content, and influence on the mechanical properties were explored. An orthogonal test was used alongside physical and mechanical analyses to test the compressive and tensile strength of 28‐day‐old jute fiber‐reinforced concrete specimens, and the optimum length and content ratio of jute fiber were determined. By comparing and analyzing the mechanical properties of C60 concrete with and without jute fiber, it was found that the jute fiber gave obvious improvements to the tensile–compression ratio. By using scanning electron microscopy, the distribution of jute fibers in concrete and the reinforcement mechanism were analyzed. The strengthening, toughening, and cracking resistance effects of jute fibers in high‐strength concrete were revealed from a microscopic point of view. This study provides a reference and basis for the study of high‐strength concrete using environmentally friendly plant fiber.
The Flame Emission of Indium from a Pyrotechnical View
Authors: Glück Johann , Klapötke Thomas M. , Küblböck Teresa
Published: October 2019

Until today, all blue‐colored light‐generating pyrotechnics are still based on copper and a halogen‐source providing the blue‐emitting species copper(I) chloride, copper(I) bromide or copper(I) iodide. The use of indium as a potential halogen‐free blue light emitter in modern pyrotechnics is described. Therefore, metallic indium was introduced as both fuel and colorant in various pyrotechnical formulations including guanidine nitrate or potassium nitrate as oxidizing agent as well as magnesium, hexamethylentetramine and 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole as fuel. The effect of incandescence was examined by applying different magnesium contents within the mixtures. Emission spectra and occurring emission lines of indium‐based pyrotechnical compositions were recorded and evaluated for the first time. Since the expected blue flame color could not be completely achieved, the emission of indium was discussed from an academic point of view.
Innovative Psychotherapieforschung: auf dem Weg zu einer evidenz- und prozessbasierten individualisierten und modularen Psychotherapie
Authors: Brakemeier E.‑L. , Herpertz S. C.
Published: October 2019

Psychotherapie ist nachweislich wirksam. Diese Aussage trifft jedoch insbesondere auf den „Durchschnittspatienten“ in randomisiert-kontrollierten Studien zu. Da trotz der stetigen Entwicklung neuer Therapiemethoden konstant ein beträchtlicher Anteil an Patienten nicht profitiert und die Wirkmechanismen noch zu wenig verstanden werden, gilt es, innovative Psychotherapieforschung zu initiieren, die beide Probleme adressiert. Dabei sollte der aus der somatischen Medizin stammende Gedanke der Personalisierung – oder aus unserer Sicht passender – der Individualisierung bzw. Personenzentrierung aufgegriffen werden. Nach einem Überblick über Weiterentwicklungen der Psychotherapie jenseits störungsspezifischer Methoden stellen wir als visionäres Ziel psychotherapeutischer Forschung eine evidenz- und prozessbasierte individualisierte und modulare Psychotherapie vor: Jenseits der Syndrome und Störungen sollten möglichst viele biopsychosoziale Charakteristika und die den psychischen Problemen zugrunde liegenden Prozesse bzw. Mechanismen analysiert und in einer individuellen umfassenden funktionellen Analyse gebündelt werden. Auf Basis dieser Funktionsanalyse sollten evidenzbasierte Techniken und Module ausgewählt werden. Das individuelle Ansprechen im Therapieverlauf ist kontinuierlich zu dokumentieren, sodass durch Feedback das weitere therapeutische Vorgehen mitbestimmt wird. Zur Verfolgung dieser Vision werden Studien benötigt, welche an dem individuellen Patienten orientiert sind, die zentralen Wirkmechanismen untersuchen, translational große Datensätze generieren, die auch durch idiographische Analysen ausgewertet werden, sowie die Kluft zwischen Forschung und Praxis mindern und damit zu dem derzeit zu Recht ins Zentrum der Forschung rückenden Paradigma der praxisbezogenen Forschung beitragen.
Segregation and individual employment: a longitudinal study of neighborhood effects
Authors: Wixe Sofia , Pettersson Lars
Published: October 2019

In this article, we study whether individuals who reside in segregated neighborhoods in Sweden have lower propensity to be employed. We employ full population micro-data, which allow us to follow the same group of individuals over 21 years and make it possible to apply an individual fixed effects strategy to reduce issues of self-selection and individual heterogeneity. The results show that individuals in segregated neighborhoods are less likely to be employed compared to individuals living in non-segregated neighborhoods. This observation is most significant in metropolitan regions. Furthermore, the relationship appears to be particularly attributed to males of foreign background. However, it is not the spatial separation between immigrants and natives that lies behind the negative relationship between segregation and employment, but rather the distress of neighborhoods.
Real-time machine simulation using cutting force calculation based on a voxel material removal model
Authors: Witt Marco , Schumann Marco , Klimant Philipp
Published: October 2019

Machining processes must be adjusted regarding tolerances in dimension and shape to fulfill product requirements. For this purpose, machine simulations are used to allow a preliminary characterization of the given process, thus minimizing the number of physical prototypes and scrap parts. However, these simulations are either extremely specialized for single problems, e.g., dynamic machine behavior, or they are simplified to a kinematic simulation of the machine without considering the machine behavior at all. This article presents a new approach for a real-time machine simulation by combining four types of simulations to close this gap. This proposed approach uses a voxel-based material removal inside a kinematic machine simulation as input parameters for a cutting force calculation. Afterwards, the forces are applied to a multi-body simulation of the static machine behavior. Starting point of the simulation is a hardware-in-the-loop coupling of a real CNC and a real-time visualization of a virtual machine tool. The simulation is experimental verified by comparing the simulated cutting forces and displacements with the measured forces during the process and the resulting shape of the manufactured work piece. The presented conclusions show the general applicability of the proposed method for the simulation of milling processes.
Genome analysis provides insights into microaerobic toluene-degradation pathway of Zoogloea oleivorans BucT
Authors: Táncsics András , Farkas Milán , Horváth Balázs , Maróti Gergely , Bradford Lauren M. , Lueders Tillmann , Kriszt Balázs
Published: October 2019

Zoogloea oleivorans, capable of using toluene as a sole source of carbon and energy, was earlier found to be an active degrader under microaerobic conditions in aquifer samples. To uncover the genetic background of the ability of microaerobic toluene degradation in Z. oleivorans, the whole-genome sequence of the type strain BucT was revealed. Metatranscriptomic sequence reads, originated from a previous SIP study on microaerobic toluene degradation, were mapped on the genome. The genome (5.68 Mb) had a mean G + C content of 62.5%, 5005 protein coding gene sequences and 80 RNA genes. Annotation predicted that 66 genes were involved in the metabolism of aromatic compounds. Genome analysis revealed the presence of a cluster with genes coding for a multicomponent phenol-hydroxylase system and a complete catechol meta-cleavage pathway. Another cluster flanked by mobile-element protein coding genes coded a partial catechol meta-cleavage pathway including a subfamily I.2.C-type extradiol dioxygenase. Analysis of metatranscriptomic data of a microaerobic toluene-degrading enrichment, containing Z .  oleivorans as an active-toluene degrader revealed that a toluene dioxygenase-like enzyme was responsible for the ring-hydroxylation, while enzymes of the partial catechol meta-cleavage pathway coding cluster were responsible for further degradation of the aromatic ring under microaerobic conditions. This further advances our understanding of aromatic hydrocarbon degradation between fully oxic and strictly anoxic conditions.
Cardiovascular Incidence in 6900 Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: a Swedish Nationwide Study
Authors: Zoltek Maximilian , Andersson Therese M.‐L. , Hedman Christel , Ihre‐Lundgren Catharina , Nordenvall Caroline
Published: October 2019

Introduction

To minimize recurrence risk in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), TSH is usually lifelong suppressed with levothyroxine. A common consequence of this treatment is subclinical hyperthyroidism which can induce cardiovascular disease (CV). This study's aim was to compare CV incidence in DTC patients with the general population in Sweden.

Materials and methods

All Swedish patients diagnosed with DTC in 1987–2013 were included in the cohort study. Lifelong TSH suppression treatment was assumed to be administered to patients in compliance with prevalent national guidelines. Patients were followed from 1 year after DTC diagnosis until December 31, 2014, death, or migration. The event of interest was hospitalization due to any of the following diseases: atrial fibrillation (AF), cerebrovascular disease, cerebral infarction, ischemic heart disease, ischemic heart attack, and heart failure. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to compare CV incidence between DTC patients and the general population.

Results

The cohort consisted of 6900 patients with DTC. Hospitalization was increased among DTC patients for AF (SIR 1.66, CI 95% 1.41–1.94), and women faced increased hospitalization for cerebrovascular disease (SIR 1.20 CI 95% 1.04–1.38). Regarding the remaining CV diseases, no consistent difference in SIR between the groups was observed.

Conclusion

Compared to the general population, DTC patients have a higher incidence in AF, and female face a slightly higher incidence in cerebrovascular disease. However, there was no difference in hospitalization for other studied CV diseases between DTC patients and the general population.
The effect of protein and essential amino acid supplementation on muscle strength and performance in patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review
Authors: Nichols Simon , McGregor Gordon , Al-Mohammad Abdallah , Ali Ali N. , Tew Garry , O’Doherty Alasdair F.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Critically low skeletal muscle mass and strength, observed in 20% of people with chronic heart failure (CHF), reduces functional capacity, quality of life (QoL) and survival. Protein and essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation could be a viable treatment strategy to prevent declines in muscle strength and performance, and subsequently improve QoL and survival. This systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42018103649) aimed to assess the effect of dietary protein and/or EAA supplementation on muscle strength and performance in people with CHF.

Methods

Searches of PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase identified studies that reported changes in strength or muscle performance following protein and/or EAA supplementation in patients with CHF. Following PRISMA guidelines and using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria relating to participants, intervention, control, outcome and study design, two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full manuscripts for eligibility. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RCTs) or Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (cohort studies). Data were extracted for analysis using predefined criteria.

Results

Five randomised controlled trials (RCT) and one cohort study met our inclusion criteria. All RCTs had a high risk of bias. The methodological quality of the cohort study was moderate. Heterogeneity of extracted data prevented meta-analyses, qualitative synthesis was therefore performed. Data from 167 patients with CHF suggest that protein and/or EAA supplementation does not improve strength, but may increase six-minute walk test distance, muscle mass and QoL.

Conclusions

The limited quality of the studies makes firm conclusions difficult, however protein and/or EAA supplementation may improve important outcome measures related to sarcopenia. High-quality randomised controlled studies are needed.
On the effects of pseudorandom and quantum-random number generators in soft computing
Authors: Bird Jordan J. , Ekárt Anikó , Faria Diego R.
Published: October 2019

In this work, we argue that the implications of pseudorandom and quantum-random number generators (PRNG and QRNG) inexplicably affect the performances and behaviours of various machine learning models that require a random input. These implications are yet to be explored in soft computing until this work. We use a CPU and a QPU to generate random numbers for multiple machine learning techniques. Random numbers are employed in the random initial weight distributions of dense and convolutional neural networks, in which results show a profound difference in learning patterns for the two. In 50 dense neural networks (25 PRNG/25 QRNG), QRNG increases over PRNG for accent classification at + 0.1%, and QRNG exceeded PRNG for mental state EEG classification by + 2.82%. In 50 convolutional neural networks (25 PRNG/25 QRNG), the MNIST and CIFAR-10 problems are benchmarked, and in MNIST the QRNG experiences a higher starting accuracy than the PRNG but ultimately only exceeds it by 0.02%. In CIFAR-10, the QRNG outperforms PRNG by + 0.92%. Then-random split of a Random Tree is enhanced towards and new Quantum Random Tree (QRT) model, which has differing classification abilities to its classical counterpart, 200 trees are trained and compared (100 PRNG/100 QRNG). Using the accent and EEG classification data sets, a QRT seemed inferior to a RT as it performed on average worse by − 0.12%. This pattern is also seen in the EEG classification problem, where a QRT performs worse than a RT by − 0.28%. Finally, the QRT is ensembled into a Quantum Random Forest (QRF), which also has a noticeable effect when compared to the standard Random Forest (RF). Ten to 100 ensembles of trees are benchmarked for the accent and EEG classification problems. In accent classification, the best RF (100 RT) outperforms the best QRF (100 QRF) by 0.14% accuracy. In EEG classification, the best RF (100 RT) outperforms the best QRF (100 QRT) by 0.08% but is extremely more complex, requiring twice the amount of trees in committee. All differences are observed to be situationally positive or negative and thus are likely data dependent in their observed functional behaviour.
Dental implants in patients with epidermolysis bullosa: a systematic review
Authors: Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos , Gomez Ricardo Santiago
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To integrate the available data published on patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) rehabilitated with dental implants, as well as to review the recommendations for EB patients receiving implants.

Methods

An electronic search was undertaken in February 2019 in five databases.

Results

Sixteen publications were included, reporting 28 patients with EB, rehabilitated with 161 dental implants. The mean ± SD patients’ age at implant surgery was 34.7 ± 12.1 years (range, 13–56). Only one implant was placed in the molar region, all other implants were placed in the incisor, canine, and premolar regions. Patients received a mean ± SD of 5.8 ± 2.8 implants (range, 2–11). Most of the patients received implant-supported fixed prostheses (fixed partial 14.3%, fixed full-arch 60.7%, overdenture 25%). Implant and prosthesis failure rates were 1.3% and 0%, respectively. The two implant failures were detected before or at the abutment connection. The mean ± SD follow-up time was of 39.2 ± 24.5 months (range, 6–111). The EB patient quality-of-life improved considerably as a result of treatment with dental implants. There is a series of dental care considerations that should be followed to smooth the implant treatment in EB patients.

Conclusions

The dental implant failure rate in EB patients seems to be very low, although the few cases reported in the literature were followed up for a short mean period, i.e., just a little bit longer than 3 years. More cases followed up for a long period are needed in order to be able to make a more reliable prognosis for the long-term oral rehabilitation of EB patients with dental implants.
Inhibitors of HSP90 in melanoma
Authors: Mielczarek-Lewandowska Aleksandra , Hartman Mariusz L. , Czyz Malgorzata
Published: October 2019

HSP90 (heat shock protein 90) is an ATP-dependent molecular chaperone involved in a proper folding and maturation of hundreds of proteins. HSP90 is abundantly expressed in cancer, including melanoma. HSP90 client proteins are the key oncoproteins of several signaling pathways controlling melanoma development, progression and response to therapy. A number of natural and synthetic compounds of different chemical structures and binding sites within HSP90 have been identified as selective HSP90 inhibitors. The majority of HSP90-targeting agents affect N-terminal ATPase activity of HSP90. In contrast to N-terminal inhibitors, agents interacting with the middle and C-terminal domains of HSP90 do not induce HSP70-dependent cytoprotective response. Several inhibitors of HSP90 were tested against melanoma in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, providing evidence that these agents can be considered either as single or complementary therapeutic strategy. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of HSP90 protein in cancer with focus on melanoma, and provides an overview of structurally different HSP90 inhibitors that are considered as potential therapeutics for melanoma treatment.
In situ formation of 1D nanostructures from ceria nanoparticle dispersions by liquid cell TEM irradiation
Authors: Asghar M. S. A. , Inkson B. J. , Möbus G.
Published: October 2019

Deliberate electron irradiation of cerium oxide nanoparticles in water is used to trigger chemical reactions in a liquid cell transmission electron microscope. Formation of nanorods and nanoneedles is observed starting from predominantly octahedral shape nanoparticles. Detailed morphologies found include free-standing needles, needles connected to specific octahedral ceria facets and star-shaped multi-needle patterns. It is found that rod-axis orientations and crystallographic directions are aligned. It is suggested that high ion and radical concentration of radiolysed water dissolves layers of the original CeO2particles which re-arrange as needles in the direction of energetically preferred facets.
Ground-motion networks in the Groningen field: usability and consistency of surface recordings
Authors: Ntinalexis Michail , Bommer Julian J. , Ruigrok Elmer , Edwards Benjamin , Pinho Rui , Dost Bernard , Correia António A. , Uilenreef Jeroen , Stafford Peter J. , van Elk Jan
Published: October 2019

Several strong-motion networks have been installed in the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands to record ground motions associated with induced earthquakes. There are now more than 450 permanent surface accelerographs plus a mobile array of 450 instruments, which, in addition to many instrumented boreholes, yield a wealth of data. The database of recordings has been of fundamental importance to the development of ground-motion models that form a key element of the seismic hazard and risk estimations for the field. In order to maximise the benefit that can be derived from these recordings, this study evaluates the usability of the recordings from the different networks, in general terms and specifically with regards to the frequency ranges with acceptable signal-to-noise ratios. The study also explores the consistency among the recordings from the different networks, highlighting in particular how a configuration error was identified and resolved. The largest accelerograph network consists of instruments housed in buildings around the field, frequently installed on the lower parts of walls rather than on the floor. A series of experiments were conducted, using additional instruments installed adjacent to these buildings and replicating the installation configuration in full-scale shake table tests, to identify the degree to which structural response contaminated the recordings. The general finding of these efforts was that for PGV and oscillator periods above 0.1 s, the response spectral ordinates from these recordings can be used with confidence.
Inhalation exposure to various nanoparticles in work environment—contextual information and results of measurements
Authors: Oberbek Przemyslaw , Kozikowski Paweł , Czarnecka Katarzyna , Sobiech Piotr , Jakubiak Szymon , Jankowski Tomasz
Published: October 2019

Outside the wide range of potential benefits, the use of nanomaterials can endanger human health, mostly through skin contact and the risk of inhalation. This article presents the results of harmonized measurements with contextual information on the emission of nanoparticles during the manufacturing and application of nanotechnology products. The purpose of the research was to investigate the actual levels of exposure to nano-objects in real working conditions in chosen Polish companies. Measurements were carried out in various workplaces: during silver nanoparticle synthesis, production of thin nanocarbon layers, 3D-printing with the use of a nanohydroxyapatite-polymer composite and the production of special seals from thin glass foils. Research was conducted on the basis of task-based measurements and offline microscopic analysis. Real-time particle DiSCmini counters were used to determine the nano-object concentration during different processes and events: samplers for collecting air dust, and a scanning electron microscope to confirm the presence of nanoparticles emitted from selected sources. Average particle sizes obtained with analysis of microscopic images were as follows: 46.7 ± 13.4 nm, 19.8 ± 4.8 nm, 22.4 ± 7.6 nm, 49.2 ± 26.3 nm respectively for workplaces. The concentration during significant events was referred to the background particle level. During one of the repeated processes, an unexpected and extremely high nanoparticle emission was recorded, which, in the long run, could cause a health hazard to workers. The studies have shown the importance of collective protective measures, revealed unexpected sources of accidentally generated nanoparticles and allowed to obtain knowledge about levels of exposure to nanoparticles during the various processes.
Quantile Regression Based Methods for Investigating Rainfall Trends Associated with Flooding and Drought Conditions
Authors: Abbas Salam A. , Xuan Yunqing , Song Xiaomeng
Published: October 2019

Conducting trend analysis of climatic variables is one of the key steps in many climate change impact studies where trend is often checked against aggregated variables. However, there is also a strong need to investigate the trend of the data in different regimes – examples include high flow versus low flow, and heavy precipitation versus prolonged dry period. For this matter, quantile regression (QR) based methods are preferred as they can reveal the temporal dependencies of the variable in question for not only the mean value, but also its quantiles. As such, the tendencies revealed by the QR methods are more informative and helpful in studies where different mitigation methods need to be considered at different severity levels.In this paper, we demonstrate the use of several quantile regressions methods to analyse the long-term trend of rainfall records in two climatically different regions: The Dee River catchment in the United Kingdom, for which daily rainfall data of 1970–2004 are available; and the Beijing Metropolitan Area in China for which monthly rainfall data from 1950 to 2012 are available. Two quantiles are used to represent heavy rainfall condition (0.98 quantile) and severe dry condition (0.02 quantile). The trends of these two quantiles are then estimated using linear quantile regression before being spatially interpolated to demonstrate their spatial distribution (for Dee river only). The method is also compared with traditional indices such as SPI. The results show that the quantile regression method can reveal patterns for both extremely wet and dry conditions of the areas. The clear difference between trends at the chosen quantiles manifests the utility of QR in this context.
Economic Diversification and Institutional Quality—Issues of Concentrated Interests
Authors: Olander Petrus
Published: October 2019

Recent research has provided broad accounts of what high institutional quality is; bureaucrats should be impartial and recruited on merit, public power should not be used for private gain, there should be rule of law, and property rights should be secure. Many scholars argue the reason why, in spite of this knowledge, recent institutional reforms have had limited success is that improvements are not in the interest of incumbent elites. Constraining elites is, therefore, crucial for institutional improvements. In this article, I argue that economic diversification functions as one such constraint on elite behavior, affecting their ability to form collusive coalitions. When the economy is concentrated to a few sectors, elite interests are more uniform making it easier for them to organize. However, as the economy becomes more diverse, collusion becomes harder and elites must settle for impartial institutions more often. I test the theory using cross-national time series data covering the last 25 years; the results corroborate the theory, as the economy of a country becomes more diverse, institutions become more impartial.
Evaluation of sweet cherry fruit quality after short-term storage in relation to the rootstock
Authors: Dziedzic Ewa , Błaszczyk Jan
Published: October 2019

Fruits of the sweet cherry cultivar ‘Regina’ collected from trees growing on seven rootstocks were stored in a cold room at 2 °C with a normal (NA) and controlled atmosphere (15% and 20% CO2and 5% O2—CA1 and CA2) for 2 weeks. The rootstocks on which the trees grew and the storage conditions significantly affected all fruit parameters tested during both years of the experiment. Fruit from Damil rootstock exhibited higher mean firmness than fruit from Colt rootstock. The effect of rootstocks on the value of soluble solids content (SSC) varied, wherein the fruits from Tabel Edabriz and Damil were characterized by high SSC mean content. The organic acids content (TA) was significantly lower after storage than during harvest time. Fruits from Tabel Edabriz trees were characterized by faster ripening, as was evident by the higher SSC to TA ratio. The amount of mass lost depended significantly and only on the storage conditions—sweet cherries from both CA combinations had the lowest mass losses. The percentage of fruits showing disease symptoms was largely dependent on the weather conditions in the orchard the year before the fruit harvest, as well as atmosphere composition and RH during fruit storage. Cold storage conditions with a high (20%) CO2content are recommended for the short-term storage of sweet cherry fruits because they preserve fruit quality parameters: a low decrease in firmness, maintenance of a high SSC/TA ratio, a low percent of fungal infections, and good preservation of green color in the peduncle.
A narrative Overview About Psychosocial Characteristics as Risk Factors of a Problematic Social Networks Use
Authors: Wegmann Elisa , Brand Matthias
Published: October 2019

Purpose of Review

Social networks use disorder describes the problematic use of social networking sites and online-communication applications. Social characteristic of social networks use emphasizes the special relevance of psychosocial factors and social cognitions in this context. The current review aims at summarizing findings on individual psychosocial characteristics to analyze the relevance of social processes as potential mechanisms of a social networks use disorder.

Recent Findings

The empirical overview illustrates that, aside from psychopathological factors, individual psychosocial characteristics and social cognitions as well as their interactions appear to be relevant risk factors for a problematic use of social networks. However, empirical findings are mixed.

We propose two hypotheses on the development of a potential social networks use disorder that might account for mixed results: the fear-driven/compensation-seeking hypothesis including compensatory use expectancies and the reward-driven hypothesis including positive use expectancies as key elements, both of which could lead to symptoms of social networks use disorder depending on interindividual differences in predisposing and reinforcing factors.