bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticodon‐binding domain swapping in a nondiscriminating aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase reveals contributions to tRNA specificity and catalytic activity
Authors: Chuawong Pitak , Likittrakulwong Wirot , Suebka Suwimon , Wiriyatanakorn Nuttapon , Saparpakorn Patchreenart , Taweesablamlert Amata , Sudprasert Wanwisa , Hendrickson Tamara , Svasti Jisnuson
Published: February 2020

The nondiscriminating aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase (ND‐AspRS), found in many archaea and bacteria, covalently attaches aspartic acid to tRNAAsp and tRNAAsn generating a correctly charged Asp‐tRNAAsp and an erroneous Asp‐tRNAAsn. This relaxed tRNA specificity is governed by interactions between the tRNA and the enzyme. In an effort to assess the contributions of the anticodon‐binding domain to tRNA specificity, we constructed two chimeric enzymes, Chimera‐D and Chimera‐N, by replacing the native anticodon‐binding domain in the Helicobacter pylori ND‐AspRS with that of a discriminating AspRS (Chimera‐D) and an asparaginyl‐tRNA synthetase (AsnRS, Chimera‐N), both from Escherichia coli. Both chimeric enzymes showed similar secondary structure compared to wild‐type (WT) ND‐AspRS and maintained the ability to form dimeric complexes in solution. Although less catalytically active than WT, Chimera‐D was more discriminating as it aspartylated tRNAAsp over tRNAAsn with a specificity ratio of 7.0 compared to 2.9 for the WT enzyme. In contrast, Chimera‐N exhibited low catalytic activity toward tRNAAsp and was unable to aspartylate tRNAAsn. The observed catalytic activities for the two chimeras correlate with their heterologous toxicity when expressed in E. coli. Molecular dynamics simulations show a reduced hydrogen bond network at the interface between the anticodon‐binding domain and the catalytic domain in Chimera‐N compared to Chimera‐D or WT, explaining its lower stability and catalytic activity.
Protective effects of naringin against drugs and chemical toxins induced hepatotoxicity: A review
Authors: Shirani Kobra , Yousefsani Bahare Sadat , Shirani Maryam , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: February 2020

The liver is a vital metabolic organ for drug and xenobiotic metabolism which is influenced by chemical and natural toxins. Liver injury is associated with systemic oxidative stress, which leads to cellular necrosis, fibrosis, tissue lipid peroxidation, and depletion in glutathione levels. Considering the lack of reliable hepato‐protective drugs in modern medicine, plant‐derived phytoconstituents seem to be a noteworthy option. Naringin is an abundant flavonoid found in citrus fruits with various pharmacological benefits such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic, activities. In this review, we summarize available data from recent studies about the hepatoprotective effects of naringin against chemical toxicants and discuss the possible mechanisms of actions.
New perspectives for a huge traumatic pneumatocele treatment in a young adult
Authors: Shai Sen‐Ei , Lai Yi‐Ling , Tang Hsiao‐Wen , Hung Shih‐Chieh
Published: February 2020

Traumatic pneumatocele (TP) is a very rare condition that occurs mostly in children and young adults. Conservative treatment is full‐fledged for uncomplicated cases. We presented here an 18‐year‐old young adult with chest trauma caused by a fall. Chest computed tomography disclosed a cavitary lesion 10.5 × 8.5 × 6.4 cm3 over right upper lobe (RUL) with bilateral lower lung contusion and a mild haemopneumothorax but without rib fractures. Under conservative treatment, the condition lasted for ~8 months before complete resolution. Detailed temporal changes in chest X‐ray were recorded for the analysis of natural healing processes.
Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis from gallbladder cancer mimicking diffuse alveolar haemorrhage
Authors: Higo Hisao , Suzaki Noriyuki , Nagata Takuya , Togami Taro , Ohara Nobuya , Marukawa Masaomi
Published: February 2020

Diagnosis in cases with pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a primary manifestation is difficult due to unawareness of the cancer. An 81‐year‐old man was admitted due to a one‐week history of dyspnoea and haemoptysis. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse bilateral ground‐grass opacity and partial consolidation. We suspected diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. High‐dose methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide did not improve his condition and he died from respiratory failure. Autopsy revealed pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis of whole lungs and primary gallbladder cancer. We should consider pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis in the differential diagnosis of patients with haemoptysis and diffuse lung opacity of unknown origin.
Robust control under worst‐case uncertainty for unknown nonlinear systems using modified reinforcement learning
Authors: Perrusquía Adolfo , Yu Wen
Published: February 2020

Reinforcement learning (RL) is an effective method for the design of robust controllers of unknown nonlinear systems. Normal RLs for robust control, such as actor‐critic (AC) algorithms, depend on the estimation accuracy. Uncertainty in the worst case requires a large state‐action space, this causes overestimation and computational problems. In this article, the RL method is modified with the k‐nearest neighbor and the double Q‐learning algorithm. The modified RL does not need the neural estimator as AC and can stabilize the unknown nonlinear system under the worst‐case uncertainty. The convergence property of the proposed RL method is analyzed. The simulations and the experimental results show that our modified RLs are much more robust compared with the classic controllers, such as the proportional‐integral‐derivative, the sliding mode, and the optimal linear quadratic regulator controllers.
Cover Image
Authors: Lu Zhenyu , Huang Panfeng , Liu Zhengxiong
Published: February 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article High‐gain nonlinear observer‐based impedance control for deformable object cooperative teleoperation with nonlinear contact model by Zhenyu Lu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/rnc.4880.

image
Advancements in the stability design of steel frames considering general non‐prismatic members
Authors: White Donald W. , Slein Ryan , Toğay Oğuzhan
Published: February 2020

This paper discusses an innovative approach to the design of planar steel frames composed of prismatic and/or non‐prismatic members. The method evaluates the member stability limit states using an inelastic eigenvalue buckling analysis configured with column, beam and beam‐column inelastic stiffness reduction factors derived from the ANSI/AISC 360‐16 Specification. The resulting procedure provides a relatively rigorous evaluation of all member strength limits accounting for moment and axial force variations along the member lengths, non‐prismatic geometry effects, general out‐of‐plane bracing conditions and beneficial end restraint from less‐critical adjacent, unbraced segments and/or from end conditions. The approach uses a geometric non‐linear pre‐buckling analysis based on the AISC direct analysis method to estimate the in‐plane internal forces. Given these forces, an eigenvalue buckling solution is conducted to evaluate the overall member stability. Other limit states are addressed through cross‐section strength checks using the internal forces determined from the geometric non‐linear load‐displacement analysis. Calculations using this approach are compared with results from recent experimental tests.
A verified and optimized Stream X‐Machine testing method, with application to cloud service certification
Authors: Simons Anthony J. H. , Lefticaru Raluca
Published: February 2020

The Stream X‐Machine (SXM) testing method provides strong and repeatable guarantees of functional correctness, up to a specification. These qualities make the method attractive for software certification, especially in the domain of brokered cloud services, where arbitrage seeks to substitute functionally equivalent services from alternative providers. However, practical obstacles include the difficulty in providing a correct specification, the translation of abstract paths into feasible concrete tests and the large size of generated test suites. We describe a novel SXM verification and testing method, which automatically checks specifications for completeness and determinism, prior to generating complete test suites with full grounding information. Three optimization steps achieve up to a 10‐fold reduction in the size of the test suite, removing infeasible and redundant tests. The method is backed by a set of tools to validate and verify the SXM specification, generate technology‐agnostic test suites and ground these in SOAP, REST or rich‐client service implementations. The method was initially validated using seven specifications, three cloud platforms and five grounding strategies.
Survival outcome in severe left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia with and without fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion in a country with suboptimal neonatal management
Authors: Cruz‐Martínez R. , Martínez‐Rodríguez M. , Gámez‐Varela A. , Nieto‐Castro B. , Luna‐García J. , Juárez‐Martínez I. , López‐Briones H. , Guadarrama‐Mora R. , Torres‐Torres J. , Coronel‐Cruz F. , Ibarra‐Rios D. , Ordorica‐Flores R. , Nieto‐Zermeño J.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the impact of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) on improving survival of fetuses with severe left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), as compared with contemporaneous cases managed expectantly during pregnancy, in a country with suboptimal neonatal management.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, consecutive fetuses with isolated left‐sided CDH, normal karyotype and severe pulmonary hypoplasia (defined as liver herniation and observed/expected lung‐to‐head circumference ratio below 26%) were selected for FETO at less than 32 weeks of gestation in a single tertiary referral center in Queretaro, Mexico. Postnatal outcome (survival up to 28 days after birth) was compared between fetuses treated with FETO and contemporaneous cases with similar lung size managed expectantly during pregnancy.

Results

Twenty‐five fetuses with isolated severe left‐sided CDH treated with FETO were matched individually with 25 cases managed expectantly during pregnancy. Endotracheal placement of the balloon was performed successfully on the first attempt in all cases. The median gestational age (GA) at balloon placement was 29.1 (range, 25.6–31.8) weeks and 34.1 (range, 30.0–36.1) weeks at balloon removal. There were no technical problems with the introduction or removal of the balloon in any cases. The median GA at delivery was significantly lower in the group treated with FETO than in those managed expectantly (35.3 vs 37.7 weeks; P = 0.04). The survival rate was significantly higher in the group treated with FETO than in those without fetal intervention (32% vs 0%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In settings with suboptimal neonatal management, FETO was associated with improved neonatal survival in fetuses with isolated left‐sided CDH and severe pulmonary hypoplasia. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A new dynamic inflow model for vertical‐axis wind turbines
Authors: De Tavernier Delphine , Ferreira Carlos S.
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a new dynamic inflow model for vertical‐axis wind turbines (VAWTs). The model uses the principle of Duhamel's integral. The indicial function of the inflow‐ and crossflow‐induction required to apply Duhamel's integral is represented by an exponential function depending on the thrust coefficient and the azimuthal position. The parameters of this approximation are calibrated using a free wake vortex model. The model is compared with the results of a vortex model and higher fidelity computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations for the response of an actuator cylinder to a step input of the thrust and to a cyclic thrust. It is found that the discrepancies of the dynamic inflow model increase with increasing reduced frequency and baseline thrust. However, the deviations remain small. Analysing the application of a finite‐bladed floating VAWT with non‐uniform loading and validating it against actuator line CFD results that intrinsically include dynamic inflow shows that the new dynamic inflow model significantly outperforms the Larsen and Madsen model (which is the current standard in fully coupled VAWT models) and enhances the modelling of VAWTs.
A review of mammographic region of interest classification
Authors: Yengec Tasdemir Sena B. , Tasdemir Kasim , Aydin Zafer
Published: February 2020

Early detection of breast cancer is important and highly valuable in clinical practice. X‐ray mammography is broadly used for prescreening the breast and is also attractive due to its noninvasive nature. However, experts can misdiagnose a significant proportion of the cases, which may either cause redundant examinations or cancer. In order to reduce false positive and negative rates of mammography screening, computer‐aided breast cancer detection has been studied for more than 30 years and many methods have been proposed by the researchers. In this review, region of interest (ROI) classification methods, which operate on a predefined or segmented ROIs with a focus on mass classification are surveyed. A total of 72 high quality journal and conference papers are selected from the Web of Science (WOS) database that meet several inclusion criteria. A comparative analysis is provided based on ROI extraction methods, data sets and machine learning techniques employed, the prediction accuracies, and usage frequency statistics. Based on the performances obtained on publicly available data sets, the ROI classification problem from mammogram images can be considered as approaching to be solved. Nonetheless, it can still be used as complementary information in breast cancer detection from the whole mammograms, which has room for improvement.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Classification
Bootstrapping inflationary correlators in Mellin space
Authors: Sleight Charlotte , Taronna Massimo
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We develop a Mellin space approach to boundary correlation functions in anti-de Sitter (AdS) and de Sitter (dS) spaces. Using the Mellin-Barnes representation of correlators in Fourier space, we show that the analytic continuation between AdSd+1 and dSd+1 is encoded in a collection of simple relative phases. This allows us to determine the late-time tree-level three-point correlators of spinning fields in dSd+1 from known results for Witten diagrams in AdSd+1 by multiplication with a simple trigonometric factor. At four point level, we show that Conformal symmetry fixes exchange four-point functions both in AdSd+1 and dSd+1 in terms of the dual Conformal Partial Wave (which in Fourier space is a product of boundary three-point correlators) up to a factor which is determined by the boundary conditions. In this work we focus on late-time four-point correlators with external scalars and an exchanged field of integer spin-ℓ. The Mellin-Barnes representation makes manifest the analytic structure of boundary correlation functions, providing an analytic expression for the exchange four-point function which is valid for general d and generic scaling dimensions, in particular massive, light and (partially-)massless fields. It moreover naturally identifies boundary correlation functions for generic fields with multi-variable Meijer-G functions. When d = 3 we reproduce existing explicit results available in the literature for external conformally coupled and massless scalars. From these results, assuming the weak breaking of the de Sitter isometries, we extract the corresponding correction to the inflationary three-point function of general external scalars induced by a general spin- ℓ field at leading order in slow roll. These results provide a step towards a more systematic understanding of de Sitter observables at tree level and beyond using Mellin space methods.
Generation of vortices and stabilization of vortex lattices in holographic superfluids
Authors: Li Xin , Tian Yu , Zhang Hongbao
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Within the simplest holographic superfluid model and without any ingredient put by hand, it is shown that vortices can be generated when the angular velocity of rotating superfluids exceeds certain critical values, which can be precisely determined by linear perturbation analyses (quasi-normal modes of the bulk AdS black brane). These vortices appear at the edge of the superfluid system first, and then automatically move into the bulk of the system, where they are eventually stabilized into certain vortex lattices. For the case of 18 vortices generated, we find (at least) five different patterns of the final lattices formed due to different initial perturbations, which can be compared to the known result for such lattices in weakly coupled Bose-Einstein condensates from free energy analyses.
Comprehensive chemical characterization of the aerosol generated by a heated tobacco product by untargeted screening
Authors: Bentley Mark C. , Almstetter Martin , Arndt Daniel , Knorr Arno , Martin Elyette , Pospisil Pavel , Maeder Serge
Published: February 2020

A suite of untargeted methods has been applied for the characterization of aerosol from the Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS2.2), a heated tobacco product developed by Philip Morris Products S.A. and commercialized under the brand name IQOS®. A total of 529 chemical constituents, excluding water, glycerin, and nicotine, were present in the mainstream aerosol of THS2.2, generated by following the Health Canada intense smoking regimen, at concentrations ≥ 100 ng/item. The majority were present in the particulate phase (n = 402), representing more than 80% of the total mass determined by untargeted screening; a proportion were present in both particulate and gas-vapor phases (39 compounds). The identities for 80% of all chemical constituents (representing > 96% of the total determined mass) were confirmed by the use of authentic analytical reference materials. Despite the uncertainties that are recognized to be associated with aerosol-based untargeted approaches, the reported data remain indicative that the uncharacterized fraction of TPM generated by THS2.2 has been evaluated to the fullest practicable extent. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the most comprehensive chemical characterization of a heated tobacco aerosol to date.
Buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for radiation-induced urethral strictures: an evaluation using the extended Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS PROM)
Authors:   for the Trauma and Reconstructive Urology Working Party of the European Association of Urology Young Academic Urologists, Vetterlein Malte W. , Kluth Luis A. , Zumstein Valentin , Meyer Christian P. , Ludwig Tim A. , Soave Armin , Riechardt Silke , Engel Oliver , Dahlem Roland , Fisch Margit , Rosenbaum Clemens M.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To evaluate objective treatment success and subjective patient-reported outcomes in patients with radiation-induced urethral strictures undergoing single-stage urethroplasty.

Patients and methods

Monocentric study of patients who underwent single-stage ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for a radiation-induced stricture between January 2009 and December 2016. Patients were characterized by descriptive analyses. Kaplan–Meier estimates were employed to plot recurrence-free survival. Recurrence was defined as any subsequent urethral instrumentation (dilation, urethrotomy, urethroplasty). Patient-reported functional outcomes were evaluated using the validated German extension of the Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS PROM).

Results

Overall, 47 patients were available for final analyses. Median age was 70 (IQR 65–74). Except for two, all patients had undergone pelvic radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Predominant modality was external beam radiation therapy in 70% of patients. Stricture recurrence rate was 33% at a median follow-up of 44 months (IQR 28–68). In 37 patients with available USS PROM data, mean six-item LUTS score was 7.2 (SD 4.3). Mean ICIQ sum score was 9.8 (SD 5.4). Overall, 53% of patients reported daily leaking and of all, 26% patients underwent subsequent artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Mean IIEF-EF score was 4.4 (SD 7.1), indicating severe erectile dysfunction. In 38 patients with data regarding the generic health status and treatment satisfaction, mean EQ-5D index score and EQ VAS score was 0.91 (SD 0.15) and 65 (SD 21), respectively. Overall, 71% of patients were satisfied with the outcome.

Conclusion

The success rate and functional outcome after BMGU for radiation-induced strictures were reasonable. However, compared to existing long-term data on non-irradiated patients, the outcome is impaired and patients should be counseled accordingly.
Correction to: Psi-PIV: a novel framework to study unsteady microfluidic flows
Authors: Kislaya Ankur , Deka Antaran , Veenstra Peter , Tam Daniel S. W. , Westerweel Jerry
Published: February 2020

The original version of this article contained a mistake.
Preoperative prediction of postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome. Validation of existing MRI models and proposal of the new Rotterdam pCMS prediction model
Authors: BAE Dhaenens , MLC Van Veelen , Catsman-Berrevoets CE
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome (pCMS) is a complication that may occur after pediatric fossa posterior tumor surgery. Liu et al. developed an MRI-based prediction model to estimate pCMS risk preoperatively. The goal of this study was to validate the model of Liu et al. and if validation was not as sensitive in our group as previously described to develop an easy to use, reliable, and sensitive preoperative risk prediction model for pCMS.

Methods

In this study, 121children with a fossa posterior tumor who underwent surgery at ErasmusMC/Sophia Children’s Hospital, the Netherlands between 2004 and 2018 could be included. Twenty-six percent of them developed pCMS. Preoperative MRI were scored using the Liu et al. model.

Results

The Liu et al. model reached an accuracy of 78%, a sensitivity of 58%, and a specificity of 84% in our cohort. In a new risk model some of the variables of Liu et al. were included as well as some of the recently described preoperative MRI characteristics in pCMS patients by Zhang et al. The new model reached an accuracy of 87%, a sensitivity of 97%, and a specificity of 84% in our patient group.

Conclusion

Because the Liu et al. model did not provide an as accurate risk prediction in our cohort as was expected, we created a new risk prediction model that reached high model accuracy in our cohort that could assist neurosurgeons in determining their surgical tactics and help prepare high risk patients and their parents for this severe complication.
The possibility of endoscopic treatment of cN0 submucosal esophageal cancer: results from a surgical cohort
Authors: Ye Bo , Zhang Xiaobin , Su Yuchen , Hao Shuguang , Teng Haohua , Guo Xufeng , Yang Yu , Sun Yifeng , Mao Teng , Li Zhigang
Published: February 2020

Background

We analyzed the pathological characteristics and recurrence pattern of cN0 submucosal esophageal cancer after esophagectomy and conducted risk stratification to determine the feasibility of performing endoscopic resection for cN0pT1b esophageal squamous cell malignancies.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 167 patients who underwent right-sided transthoracic esophagectomy and extended thoracic/abdominal two-field lymphadenectomy. Patients with pathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis or tumor recurrence constituted the high-risk group for endoscopic submucosal resection, and the remainder were defined as low risk. Factors affecting lymphatic metastasis and long-term recurrence were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Postoperative pathology showed that five patients (5/167; 3%) had lymph node metastases. Follow-up ranged from 12–60 months, with a median of 29 months. A total of 17 patients (10.2%) had recurrences during follow-up, including three patients with pathologic nodal metastasis (pN +) found at surgery. Invasion depth, differentiation, and tumor size differed significantly in high-risk patients. Overall 3-year survival rates were 94.2% (low-risk) and 40.9% (high-risk) (p < 0.01). Twenty-one patients with sm1 cancer, high tumor differentiation, and tumor length < 2 cm had no lymph node metastasis or lymphovascular invasion, and none of these patients experienced recurrence.

Conclusions

Endoscopic submucosal resection alone may be feasible for patients with small (≤ 2 cm) clinically N0 submucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with low invasion depth (sm1) and higher differentiation, but prospective studies are required for confirmation. Other patients require surgical resection with extended two-field thoracic/abdominal lymphadenectomy.
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations
Authors: Li Min , Tao Ying , Shen Sheng , Song Lujun , Suo Tao , Liu Han , Wang Yueqi , Zhang Dexiang , Ni Xiaoling , Liu Houbao
Published: February 2020

Background

A history of abdominal biliary tract surgery has been identified as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), and there are very few reports about laparoscopic procedures in patients with a history of abdominal biliary tract surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 227 consecutive patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations at our institution between December 2013 and June 2019. A total of 110 consecutive patients underwent LCBDE, and 117 consecutive patients underwent open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE). Patient demographics and perioperative variables were compared between the two groups.

Results

The LCBDE group performed significantly better than the OCBDE group with respect to estimated blood loss [30 (5–700) vs. 50 (10–1800) ml; p = 0.041], remnant common bile duct (CBD) stones (17 vs. 28%; p = 0.050), postoperative hospital stay [7 (3–78) vs. 8.5 (4.5–74) days; p = 0.041], and time to oral intake [2.5 (1–7) vs. 3 (2–24) days; p = 0.015]. There were no significant differences in the operation time [170 (60–480) vs. 180 (41–330) minutes; p = 0.067]. A total of 19 patients (17%) in the LCBDE group were converted to open surgery. According to Clavien’s classification of complications, the LCBDE group had significantly fewer postoperative complications than the OCBDE group (40 vs. 57; p = 0.045). There was no mortality in either group. Multiple previous operations (≥ 2 times), a history of open surgery, and previous biliary tract surgery (including bile duct or gallbladder + bile duct other than cholecystectomy alone) were risk factors for postoperative adhesion (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.000, respectively).

Conclusion

LCBDE is ultimately the least invasive, safest, and the most effective treatment option for patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations and is especially suitable for those with a history of cholecystectomy, few previous operations (< 2 times), or a history of laparoscopic surgery.
Heart failure disease management programs in Austria 2019
Authors:   Heart Failure Working Group and the Working Group for Cardiological Assistance and Care Personnel of the Austrian Society for Cardiology, Poelzl Gerhard , Fetz Bettina , Altenberger Johann , Fritsch Margret , Auer Johann , Stachl Elfriede , Boehmer Armin , Frauendorfer Heinrich , Ebner Christian , Geyrhofer Friedrich , Pötz Stefan , Prim Annette , Alber Hannes , de Grandis Renate , Drack Christiane , Hülsmann Martin
Published: February 2020

Heart failure (HF) is common and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and high health expenditure. A multidisciplinary disease management plan (DMP) can reduce morbidity and mortality, save costs and improve the quality of life. In Austria, three HF-specific DMPs are currently in a project phase and four established DMPs are active. Although programs are widely heterogeneous with respect to their intervention type, they pursue the same interventional goal by supporting seamless care between inpatient and community care settings with a multidisciplinary team. This survey presents a systematic survey of the HF-specific DMPs in Austria. Disparities between programs are highlighted and discussed. The nationwide establishment of HF-specific DMPs that integrate primary care and cardiology services including a regulation of the remuneration of stakeholders and program infrastructure is needed to decrease the burden of HF for both the individual and society.
Crystallinity reduction and enhancement in the chemical reactivity of cellulose by non-dissolving pre-treatment with tetrabutylphosphonium acetate
Authors: del Cerro Daniel Rico , Koso Tetyana V. , Kakko Tia , King Alistair W. T. , Kilpeläinen Ilkka
Published: February 2020

Herein, we demonstrate the activation of commercial chemical cellulose pulps towards chemical modification by a pre-treatment step with tetrabutylphosphonium acetate ([P4444][OAc]). A heterogeneous (non-dissolving) pre-treatment was applied allowing for a significant reduction in crystallinity, without concomitant formation of the thermodynamically stable cellulose II. An increase in chemical reactivity was demonstrated using two model reactions; (1) acetylation (organic swelling conditions), where high degrees of substitution (DS) were obtained without the need for a catalyst, and (2) 4-acetamido-TEMPO oxidation (aqueous swelling conditions), where significant degrees of oxidation (DO) were obtained, beyond those for the untreated pulps. In both tests a notable improvement in cellulose reactivity was observed. Regioselectivity of acetylation was assessed using 2D NMR for one low and one high DS sample. The low DS showed a small degree of acetylation of the 6-OH, whereas, the high DS from the pre-treated sample showed mainly mixtures of triacetate and diacetates. Important mechanistic information is attained for future development of aqueous and organic-based reactions involving this ionic liquid pre-treatment.
Lost without you: the Value of Falling out of Love
Authors: Lopez-Cantero Pilar , Archer Alfred
Published: February 2020

In this paper we develop a view about the disorientation attached to the process of falling out of love and explain its prudential and moral value. We start with a brief background on theories of love and situate our argument within the views concerned with the lovers’ identities. Namely, love changes who we are. In the context of our paper, we explain this common tenet in the philosophy of love as a change in the lovers’ self-concepts through a process of mutual shaping. This, however, is potentially dangerous for people involved in what we call ‘subsuming relationships’, who give up too much autonomy in the process of mutual shaping. We then move on to show how, through the relation between love and the self-concept, we can explain why the process of falling out of love with someone is so disorientating: when one is falling out of love, one loses an important point of reference for self-understanding. While this disorientating process is typically taken to be harmful to the person experiencing it, we will explain how it can also have moral and prudential value. By re-evaluating who we were in the relationship and who we are now, we can escape from oppressive practices in subsuming relationships. We finish by arguing that this gives us reason to be wary of seeking to re-orient ourselves -or others- too quickly after falling out of love.
An economic valuation of access to cultural institutions: museums, theatres, and cinemas
Authors: Wiśniewska Aleksandra , Budziński Wiktor , Czajkowski Mikołaj
Published: February 2020

Cultural institutions are the main beneficiaries of public funds for culture. However, cultural policies suffer from ‘adhocism’ in the administration of institutions, which are often publicly owned and receive little recognition of the benefits that society gains from their use. The aim of this study is to provide the measurement of the use value of access to cultural institutions. Based on the observed individual attendances and their costs, a two-stage budgeting model is employed to estimate the change in consumer surplus related to the loss of access to cinemas, museums, and theatres in Warsaw, Poland. It is the first non-market valuation of cinemas in the existing literature. The inclusion of institutions’ entire markets helps to overcome the bias caused by the embedding effect and the availability of substitutes, which affects many single-site valuations. The estimated use values are compared with the subsidies received by the three groups of cultural institutions. Results reveal substantial benefits provided by cinemas, although cinemas are nearly excluded from the circulation of public support. The estimated use value is enough to justify subsidies for both highly subsidised sectors of museums and theatres. The estimation of use values serves as a starting point for the evaluation of the use of public resources.
Geodesic Analysis in Kendall’s Shape Space with Epidemiological Applications
Authors: Nava-Yazdani Esfandiar , Hege Hans-Christian , Sullivan T. J. , von Tycowicz Christoph
Published: February 2020

We analytically determine Jacobi fields and parallel transports and compute geodesic regression in Kendall’s shape space. Using the derived expressions, we can fully leverage the geometry via Riemannian optimization and thereby reduce the computational expense by several orders of magnitude over common, nonlinear constrained approaches. The methodology is demonstrated by performing a longitudinal statistical analysis of epidemiological shape data. As an example application, we have chosen 3D shapes of knee bones, reconstructed from image data of the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Comparing subject groups with incident and developing osteoarthritis versus normal controls, we find clear differences in the temporal development of femur shapes. This paves the way for early prediction of incident knee osteoarthritis, using geometry data alone.
An analysis of urban renewal decision-making in China from the perspective of transaction costs theory: the case of Chongqing
Authors: Zhuang Taozhi , Qian Queena K. , Visscher Henk J. , Elsinga Marja G.
Published: February 2020

In China, there is a growing number of urban renewal projects due to the rapid growth of the economy and urbanization. To meet the needs of urban development, urban renewal requires a sound decision-making approach involving various stakeholder groups. However, current urban renewal decision-making is criticized for poor efficiency, equity, and resulting in many unintended adverse outcomes. It is claimed that high-level transaction costs (e.g., a great deal of time spent on negotiation and coordination) are the factors hidden behind the problems. However, few studies have analyzed urban renewal decision-making in a transaction costs perspective. Using the case of Chongqing, this paper aims at adopting transaction costs theory to understand the administrative process of urban renewal decision-making in China. This research focuses on four key stakeholder groups: municipal government, district government, local administrative organizations, and the consulting parties. A transaction costs analytical framework is established. First, the decision-making stages of urban renewal and involved key stakeholder groups are clarified. Second, the transactions done by different stakeholder groups in each stage is identified, thus to analyze what types of transaction costs are generated. Third, the relative levels of transaction costs among different stakeholder groups were measured based on the interview. The empirical analysis reveals how transaction costs occur and affect urban renewal decision-making. Finally, policy implications were proposed to reduce transaction costs in order to enhance urban renewal.
Adipose derived stem cells and platelet rich plasma improve the tissue integration and angiogenesis of biodegradable scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration
Authors: Naderi N. , Griffin M. F. , Mosahebi A. , Butler P. E. , Seifalian A. M.
Published: February 2020

Current surgical reconstruction for soft tissue replacement involves lipotransfer to restore soft tissue replacements but is limited by survival and longevity of the fat tissue. Alternative approaches to overcome these limitations include using biodegradable scaffolds with stem cells with growth factors to generate soft tissue. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) offer great potential to differentiate into adipose, and can be delivered using biodegradable scaffolds. However, the optimal scaffold to maximise this approach is unknown. This study investigates the biocompatibility of nanocomposite scaffolds (POSS-PCL) to deliver ADSCs with and without the addition of growth factors using platelet rich plasma (PRP) in vivo. Rat ADSCs were isolated and then seeded on biodegradable scaffolds (POSS-PCL). In addition, donor rats were used to isolate PRP to modify the scaffolds. The implants were then subcutaneously implanted for 3-months to assess the effect of PRP and ADSC on POSS-PCL scaffolds biocompatibility. Histology after explanation was examined to assess tissue integration (H&E) and collagen production (Massons Trichome). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess angiogenesis (CD3, α-SMA), immune response (CD45, CD68) and adipose formation (PPAR-γ). At 3-months PRP-ADSC-POSS-PCL scaffolds demonstrated significantly increased tissue integration and angiogenesis compared to PRP, ADSC and unmodified scaffolds (p < 0.05). In addition, PRP-ADSC-POSS-PCL scaffolds showed similar levels of CD45 and CD68 staining compared to unmodified scaffolds. Furthermore, there was increased PPAR-γ staining demonstrated at 3-months with PRP-ADSC-POSS-PCL scaffolds (p < 0.05). POSS-PCL nanocomposite scaffolds provide an effective delivery system for ADSCs. PRP and ADSC work synergistically to enhance the biocompatibility of POSS-PCL scaffolds and provide a platform technology for soft tissue regeneration.
Delivering Opportunistic Behavior Change Interventions: a Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Keyworth Chris , Epton Tracy , Goldthorpe Joanna , Calam Rachel , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: February 2020

Opportunities for healthcare professionals to deliver health behavior change interventions are often missed, but understanding the barriers and enablers to this activity is limited by a focus on defined specialisms/health conditions. This systematic review of systematic reviews collates all the evidence across professional groups to provide guidance to policy makers for implementing healthcare professional delivery of behavior change interventions. Eight electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews reporting patient-facing healthcare professionals’ (e.g., general practitioners, nurses) barriers and enablers to delivering behavior change interventions (diet, physical activity, alcohol reduction, smoking cessation, and weight management). A narrative synthesis was conducted. Thirty-six systematic reviews were included. Four themes emerged as both barriers and enablers: (1) perceptions of the knowledge or skills needed to support behavior change with patients, (2) perceptions of the healthcare professional role, (3) beliefs about resources and support needed, and (4) healthcare professionals’ own health behavior. There were four cross-disciplinary barriers: (1) perceived lack of time, (2) perceived lack of prioritization of health behavior change, (3) negative attitudes towards patients and perceptions of patient risk, and (4) perceptions of patient motivation. The three enablers were as follows: (1) training, (2) context, and (3) attitudes towards delivering interventions. To enhance healthcare professionals’ delivery of behavior change interventions, policy makers should (a) address perceptions about patient need for interventions, (b) support diverse professional groups to identify opportunities to deliver interventions, and (c) encourage professionals to focus on prevention and management of health conditions.
Opportunities and Challenges in HIV Treatment as Prevention Research: Results from the ANRS 12249 Cluster-Randomized Trial and Associated Population Cohort
Authors: Tanser Frank , Kim Hae-Young , Vandormael Alain , Iwuji Collins , Bärnighausen Till
Published: February 2020

Purpose of Review

The ANRS 12249 treatment as prevention (TasP) trial investigated the impact of a universal test and treat (UTT) approach on reducing HIV incidence in one of the regions of the world most severely affected by the HIV epidemic—KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We summarize key findings from this trial as well as recent findings from controlled studies conducted in the linked population cohort quantifying the long-term effects of expanding ART on directly measured HIV incidence (2004–2017).

Recent Findings

The ANRS TasP trial did not—and could not—demonstrate a reduction in HIV incidence, because the offer of UTT in the intervention communities did not increase ART coverage and population viral suppression compared to the standard of care in the control communities. Ten controlled studies from the linked population cohort—including several quasi-experimental study designs—exploit heterogeneity in ART exposure to show a consistent and substantial impact of expanding provision of ART and population viral suppression on reduction in HIV incidence at the couple, household, community, and population levels.

In this setting, all of the evidence from large, population-based studies (inclusive of the ANRS TasP trial) is remarkably coherent and consistent—i.e., higher ART coverage and population viral suppression were repeatedly associated with clear, measurable decreases in HIV incidence. Thus, the expanded provision of ART has plausibly contributed in a major way toward the dramatic 43% decline in population-level HIV incidence in this typical rural African population. The outcome of the ANRS TasP trial constitutes a powerful null finding with important insights for overcoming implementation challenges in the population delivery of ART. This finding does not imply lack of ART effectiveness in blocking onward transmission of HIV nor its inability to reduce HIV incidence. Rather, it demonstrates that large increases in ART coverage over current levels will require health systems innovations to attract people living with HIV in early stages of the disease to participate in HIV treatment. Such innovations and new approaches are required for the true potential of UTT to be realized.
Facile Synthesis of FePS3 Nanosheets@MXene Composite as a High-Performance Anode Material for Sodium Storage
Authors: Ding Yonghao , Chen Yu , Xu Na , Lian Xintong , Li Linlin , Hu Yuxiang , Peng Shengjie
Published: February 2020

Searching for advanced anode materials with excellent electrochemical properties in sodium-ion battery is essential and imperative for next-generation energy storage system to solve the energy shortage problem. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin FePS3 nanosheets, a typical ternary metal phosphosulfide, are first prepared by ultrasonic exfoliation. The novel 2D/2D heterojunction of FePS3 nanosheets@MXene composite is then successfully synthesized by in situ mixing ultrathin MXene nanosheets with FePS3 nanosheets. The resultant FePS3 nanosheets@MXene hybrids can increase the electronic conductivity and specific surface area, assuring excellent surface and interfacial charge transfer abilities. Furthermore, the unique heterojunction endows FePS3 nanosheets@MXene composite to promote the diffusion of Na+ and alleviate the drastic change in volume in the cyclic process, enhancing the sodium storage capability. Consequently, the few-layered FePS3 nanosheets uniformly coated by ultrathin MXene provide an exceptional reversible capacity of 676.1 mAh g−1 at the current of 100 mA g−1 after 90 cycles, which is equivalent to around 90.6% of the second-cycle capacity (746.4 mAh g−1). This work provides an original protocol for constructing 2D/2D material and demonstrates the FePS3@MXene composite as a potential anode material with excellent property for sodium-ion batteries.
Layered Birnessite Cathode with a Displacement/Intercalation Mechanism for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhai Xian-Zhi , Qu Jin , Hao Shu-Meng , Jing Ya-Qiong , Chang Wei , Wang Juan , Li Wei , Abdelkrim Yasmine , Yuan Hongfu , Yu Zhong-Zhen
Published: February 2020

Mn-based rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are highly promising because of their high operating voltages, attractive energy densities, and eco-friendliness. However, the electrochemical performances of Mn-based cathodes usually suffer from their serious structure transformation upon charge/discharge cycling. Herein, we report a layered sodium-ion/crystal water co-intercalated Birnessite cathode with the formula of Na0.55Mn2O4·0.57H2O (NMOH) for high-performance aqueous ZIBs. A displacement/intercalation electrochemical mechanism was confirmed in the Mn-based cathode for the first time. Na+ and crystal water enlarge the interlayer distance to enhance the insertion of Zn2+, and some sodium ions are replaced with Zn2+ in the first cycle to further stabilize the layered structure for subsequent reversible Zn2+/H+ insertion/extraction, resulting in exceptional specific capacities and satisfactory structural stabilities. Additionally, a pseudo-capacitance derived from the surface-adsorbed Na+ also contributes to the electrochemical performances. The NMOH cathode not only delivers high reversible capacities of 389.8 and 87.1 mA h g−1 at current densities of 200 and 1500 mA g−1, respectively, but also maintains a good long-cycling performance of 201.6 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 500 mA g−1 after 400 cycles, which makes the NMOH cathode competitive for practical applications.
Sandwich-Like Fe&TiO2@C Nanocomposites Derived from MXene/Fe-MOFs Hybrids for Electromagnetic Absorption
Authors: Deng Baiwen , Xiang Zhen , Xiong Juan , Liu Zhicheng , Yu Lunzhou , Lu Wei
Published: February 2020

Electromagnetic pollution has been causing a series of problems in people’s life, and electromagnetic absorbers with lightweight and broad absorbing bandwidth properties are widely desired. In this work, novel sandwich-like 2D laminated Fe&TiO2 nanoparticles@C nanocomposites were rationally designed and successfully developed from the MXene–MOFs hybrids. The formation of Fe and rutile-TiO2 nanoparticles sandwiched by the two-dimensional carbon nanosheets provided strong electromagnetic energy attenuation and good impedance matching for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption. As expected, the nanocomposites achieved a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 6.5 GHz at a thickness of only 1.6 mm and the minimum reflection loss (RL) value of − 51.8 dB at 6.6 GHz with a thickness of 3 mm. This work not only provides a good design and fabricating concept for the laminated metal and functional nanoparticles@C nanocomposites with good EMW absorption, but also offers an important guideline to fabricate various two-dimensional nanocomposites derived from the MXene precursors.
Extreme Wave Statistics in Combined and Partitioned Windsea and Swell
Authors: Støle-Hentschel Susanne , Trulsen Karsten , Nieto Borge José Carlos , Olluri Shkurte
Published: February 2020

We investigate how the extreme wave statistics of a combined windsea and swell appears to be different from the extreme wave statistics of the corresponding windsea and swell partitions. We consider the situation of following long-crested windsea and swell in laboratory experiments and in simulations using a high-order spectral method (HOSM). We also consider the situation of short-crested windsea and swell crossing at nearly right angle, corresponding to the sea state when the Prestige accident happened, in hindcast simulations combined with HOSM. For cases when the two wave systems do not interact much, the combined wave system appears to be more Gaussian than the corresponding partitioned wave systems, consistent with the central limit theorem. This result is found for kurtosis and exceedance probability of envelope and crest height.