bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phantom system for assessing the effects of membrane lipids on water proton relaxation
Authors: Shtangel Oshrat , Mezer Aviv A.
Published: January 2020

Quantitative MRI (qMRI) is a method for the non‐invasive study of brain‐structure‐associated changes expressed with measurable units. The qMRI‐derived parameters have been shown to reflect brain tissue composition such as myelin content. Nevertheless, it remains a major challenge to identify and quantify the contributions of specific molecular components to the MRI signal. Here, we describe a phantom system that can be used to evaluate the contribution of membrane lipids to qMRI‐derived parameters.

We used a hydration‐dehydration dry film technique to formulate liposomes that can be used as a model of the bilayer lipid membrane. The liposomes were comprised of the most abundant types of lipid found in the human brain. We then applied clinically available qMRI techniques with adjusted bias corrections in order to test the ability of the phantom system to estimate multiple qMRI parameters such as proton density (PD), T1, T2, T2* and magnetization transfer. In addition, we accurately measured the phantom sample water fraction (normalized PD). A similar protocol was also applied to the human brain in vivo.

The phantom system allows for a reliable estimation of qMRI parameters for phantoms composed of various lipid types using a clinical MRI scanner. We also found a comparable reproducibility between the phantom and in vivo human brain qMRI estimations.

To conclude, we have successfully created a biologically relevant liposome phantom system whose lipid composition can be fully controlled. Our lipid system and analysis can be used to measure the contributions to qMRI parameters of membrane lipids found in the human brain under scanning conditions that are relevant to in vivo human brain scans. Such a model system can be used to test the contributions of lipidomic changes in normal and pathological brain states.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Assess Visceral and Abdominal Adipose Tissue
Authors: Chaudry Oliver , Grimm Alexandra , Friedberger Andreas , Kemmler Wolfgang , Uder Michael , Jakob Franz , Quick Harald H. , von Stengel Simon , Engelke Klaus
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study aimed to compare a state‐of‐the‐art bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device with two‐point Dixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the quantification of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as a health‐related risk factor.

Methods

A total of 63 male participants were measured using a 3‐T MRI scanner and a segmental, multifrequency BIA device. MRI generated fat fraction (FF) maps, in which VAT volume, total abdominal adipose tissue volume, and FF of visceral and total abdominal compartments were quantified. BIA estimated body fat mass and VAT area.

Results

Coefficients of determination between abdominal (r2 = 0.75) and visceral compartments (r2 = 0.78) were similar for both groups, but slopes differed by a factor of two. The ratio of visceral to total abdominal FF was increased in older men compared with younger men. This difference was not detected with BIA. MRI and BIA measurements of the total abdominal volume correlated moderately (r2 = 0.31‐0.56), and visceral measurements correlated poorly (r2 = 0.13‐0.44).

Conclusions

Visceral BIA measurements agreed better with MRI measurements of the total abdomen than of the visceral compartment, indicating that BIA visceral fat area assessment cannot differentiate adipose tissue between visceral and abdominal compartments in young and older participants.
Thermomechanical properties of woven abaca fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites
Authors: Paglicawan Marissa A. , Rodriguez Marco P. , Celorico Josefina R.
Published: January 2020

In this study, natural fiber‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites were prepared from high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), abaca fiber, and nanoprecipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC) using the hot press technique. The study investigated the influence of untreated and alkali‐treated woven abaca fabric and NPCC hybrid reinforcement on the thermomechanical behavior of the natural fiber composites. The HDPE with different amounts of NPCC was melt‐blended in a twin‐screw extruder followed by hot press to produce sheets. A lamination of composites containing alternating layers of HDPE sheets with different amounts of NPCC and layers of untreated and alkali‐treated woven abaca fabric was produced using a hot press machine. The resulting material was composed of 20% weight ratio of woven abaca fibers. The tensile strength showed that the nanocomposite exhibited a high tensile value of 60.1 MPa with alkali‐treated abaca and 1% NPCC. However, a further increase in the NPCC concentration beyond 1% reduced the mechanical strength of the nanocomposite. The thermal stability of the abaca fiber‐reinforced nanocomposite improved with addition of NPCC. Scanning electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that alkali‐treated abaca and 1% NPCC improved the adhesion and compatibility between the fiber and polymer matrix. The potential applications of this natural fiber‐reinforced composite are for automotive and construction materials.
Optimisation for simultaneous determination of iridoid glycosides and oligosaccharides in Radix Rehmannia by microwave assisted extraction and HILIC‐UHPLC‐TQ‐MS/MS
Authors: Wang Xin , Wu Cuiting , Xu Ming , Cheng Cong , Liu Youping , Di Xin
Published: January 2020

Hydrophilic iridoid glycosides and oligosaccharides are the major active ingredients of Radix Rehmanniae. Analysis of oligosaccharides is a challenging task because they are highly hydrophilic, with similar chemical structures and absence of chromophore and fluorophore groups. The difficulty for simultaneous analysis of iridoid glycosides and oligosaccharides in Radix Rehmanniae is increased due to the polarity difference between the two types of ingredients.

Objective

To develop a method for simultaneous determination of iridoid glycosides (ajugol, catalpol) and oligosaccharides (sucrose, melibiose, raffinose, mannotriose and stachyose) in Radix Rehmanniae.

Methodology

Microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) was established to extract target analytes from Radix Rehmanniae samples using methanol–water (60:40, v/v) as the extraction solvent. Fast separation of seven analytes was achieved by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) using an Accucore‐150‐Amide‐HILIC column. Sensitive and selective detection of the analytes was performed by triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (TQ‐MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring in positive electrospray ionisation mode.

Results

Good linearities were achieved for all the analytes with the correlation coefficients above 0.9991. The precisions resulted in deviations of less than 5.0% and the recoveries ranged from 93.8% to 105.5%. The established method was successfully applied to the analysis of iridoid glycosides and oligosaccharides in 12 samples of crude and processed Radix Rehmanniae.

Conclusion

A simple, rapid and sensitive method based on MAE combined with HILIC‐UHPLC‐TQ‐MS/MS was developed for simultaneous determination of iridoid glycosides and oligosaccharides in Radix Rehmanniae for the first time. The method exhibited excellent performance with simple sample preparation, short analysis time, high selectivity and sensitivity.
Molecular imprinting on amphiphilic folded polymers for selective molecular recognition in water
Authors: Nagao Chitose , Sawamoto Mitsuo , Terashima Takaya
Published: January 2020

We report amphiphilic folded polymers with imprinted nanocavities for selective molecular recognition in water. For this, a molecular imprinting technique is applied to the polymer synthesis: amphiphilic polymer micelles interacting with template molecules are crosslinked in water to fix the folded architecture and memorize the template structure within the polymers; the removal of the templates provides imprint polymers bearing template‐specific nanospaces. Here, a hydrophilic dye bearing two anionic groups, Orange G (OG), is used as a model template. For the imprinting, we design amphiphilic random copolymers bearing hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains, hydrophobic olefin groups, and quaternary ammonium groups that can interact with the template. The copolymers were prepared by living radical polymerization and post functionalization. In the presence of OG and methyl blue (MB), the imprinted nanocavity polymers simultaneously capture both of the dyes in water. The total number of encapsulated dyes increased with increasing the number of polymer‐bound quaternary ammonium groups. The selectivity of OG against MB increased with the crosslinking density, while imprint polymers encapsulated OG more efficiently than nonimprint polymers. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 215–224
The utility of moment ratios and abbreviated endpoints of the multiple breath washout test in preschool children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Shaw Michelle , Oppelaar Martinus C. , Jensen Renee , Stanojevic Sanja , Davis Stephanie D. , Retsch‐Bogart George , Ratjen Felix A.
Published: January 2020

Background

The multiple breath washout (MBW) test may be most useful in tracking disease progression over time to inform treatment decisions. In the clinical setting, alternative outcomes, which can be obtained quickly and easily, may facilitate interpretation of clinically relevant changes in lung function.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of data from 78 cystic fibrosis (CF) and 72 healthy control (HC) subjects between the ages of 2.6 and 5.9 years, MBW was performed at enrollment, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, as well as during symptomatic visits using the Exhalyzer D (EcoMedics AG, Duernten, Switzerland). The lung clearance index, LCI2.5, was compared to moment ratios (M1/M0 and M2/M0) at the standard cutoff (1/40th of starting tracer gas concentration) as well as LCI5 and moment ratios at 1/20th of the starting concentration (M1/M0 at LCI5, and M2/M0 at LCI5).

Results

All outcomes were able to distinguish between health and disease. LCI5 reduced testing time by 40% and increased feasibility by more than 10%. The limits of biological reproducibility in healthy children were similar between LCI2.5 (15%), LCI5 (12%), M1/M0 at LCI2.5 (14%), and M1/M0 at LCI5 (12%), but markedly larger for M2/M0 at LCI2.5 (30%) and M2/M0 at LCI5 (25%). Each outcome deteriorated significantly with worsening pulmonary symptoms, the magnitude of deterioration was greatest for M2/M0.

Conclusions

In preschool children with CF, LCI5 was more feasible to obtain and track disease progression. The second moment ratio was most sensitive to pulmonary symptoms, but had the greatest variability both within and between subjects.
Pulmonary outcome measures in long‐term survivors of infantile Pompe disease on enzyme replacement therapy: A case series
Authors: ElMallah Mai K. , Desai Ankit K. , Nading Erica B. , DeArmey Stephanie , Kravitz Richard M. , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To report the respiratory function of school‐aged children with infantile Pompe disease (IPD) who started enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in infancy and early childhood.

Study Design

This is a retrospective chart review of pulmonary function tests of: (a) patients with IPD 5 to 18 years of age, (b) who were not ventilator dependent, and (c) were able to perform upright and supine spirometry. Subjects were divided into a younger (5‐9 years) and older cohort (10‐18 years) for the analysis. Upright and supine forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were analyzed.

Results

Fourteen patients, all cross‐reactive immunologic material (CRIM)‐positive, met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Mean upright and supine FVC were 70.3% and 64.9% predicted, respectively, in the 5‐ to 9‐year‐old cohort; and 61.5% and 52.5% predicted, respectively, in the 10‐ to 18‐year‐old group. Individual patient trends showed stability in FVC overtime in six of the 14 patients. MIPs and MEPs were consistent with inspiratory and expiratory muscle weakness in the younger and older age group but did not decline with age.

Conclusion

Data from this cohort of CRIM‐positive patients with IPD showed that ERT is able to maintain respiratory function in a subgroup of patients whereas others had a steady decline. There was a statistically significant decline in FVC from the upright to a supine position in both the younger and older age groups of CRIM‐positive ERT‐treated patients. Before ERT, patients with IPD were unable to maintain independent ventilation beyond the first few years of life.
An Initial Study of Ultraviolet C Optical Losses for Monolithically Integrated AlGaN Heterojunction Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Floyd Richard , Hussain Kamal , Mamun Abdullah , Gaevski Mikhail , Simin Grigory , Chandrashekhar MVS , Khan Asif
Published: January 2020

An initial study of losses in n‐AlxGa1−xN planar waveguides at λemission ≈ 280 nm using monolithically integrated AlxGa1−xN multiple quantum wells (MQWs)‐based light‐emitting diodes and detectors is presented. The epilayer structure for the integrated devices is grown on an AlN (3.5 μm thick) template over sapphire substrates. Emitter–detector optical coupling and the directional independence of radiation within the epistructure are experimentally established. A model for estimating the attenuation coefficient under these conditions is developed. The attenuation coefficient for a planar n‐Al0.65Ga0.35N waveguide is measured to be 5–6 cm−1, and it primarily arises from the free‐carrier absorption rather than surface roughness‐dependent Rayleigh scattering.
Output‐feedback stabilization for planar output‐constrained switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Lin Xiangze , Li Xueling , Park Ju H.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, globally asymptotical stabilization problem for a class of planar switched nonlinear systems with an output constraint via smooth output feedback is investigated. To prevent output constraint violation, a common tangent‐type barrier Lyapunov function (tan‐BLF) is developed. Adding a power integrator approach (APIA) is revamped to systematically design state‐feedback stabilizing control laws incorporating the common tan‐BLF. Then, based on the designed state‐feedback controllers and a constructed common nonlinear observer, smooth output‐feedback controllers, which can make the system output meet the predefined constraint during operation, are proposed to deal with the globally asymptotical stabilization problem of planar switched nonlinear systems under arbitrary switchings. A numerical example is employed to verify the proposed method.
Becoming Workers of Greater France: Vocational Education in Colonial Morocco, 1912–1939
Authors: Kozakowski Michael A.
Published: January 2020

Vocationally oriented education in early twentieth-century Morocco was the privileged policy by which French colonial administrators attempted the economic development [mise en valeur] of the protectorate while managing class, labor, and racial tensions. It entailed the implementation of three interrelated reforms: the establishment of vocational-technical schools, efforts to make regular schools more career-oriented, and a systematic program for providing vocational guidance. As in the metropole, these reforms supposedly reflected a “modern” curriculum and “modern” pedagogical techniques, but were implemented through an often conservative, highly differentiated, and frequently unequal, colonial educational system. Importantly, these reforms targeted all students, including indigenous Muslims, indigenous Jews, and especially European settlers. While vocational education encountered numerous challenges and often failed its indigenous students, it continued to appeal to the protectorate’s officials and its European students. Consequently, it remained a cornerstone of educational policy in both the French and Spanish sectors through the end of the protectorate.
The Production, Marketing, and Export of Rice in Takeo
Authors: Chhun Chhim , Vuthy Theng , Keosothea Nou
Published: January 2020

Takeo is one of the main rice-producing provinces in Cambodia and increasingly engages in cross-border trade with Vietnam. The aim of this study was to examine the production and marketing of rice in Takeo Province with a view to identifying ways to increase the benefits accruing to rice growers. Rice production in Takeo provides a subsistence base for farm households, an adequate return to household labour and, for those who have access to irrigation in the dry season, an important commercial activity. The returns to farmers could be improved by providing better information about and regulation of the key inputs—seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. The rice market in Takeo is well structured with a network of collectors, traders, and exporters. Farmers can readily sell their paddy at a competitive market price. The marketed surplus is traded and milled efficiently in the domestic market, but the milling sector does not have the physical capacity or capital to handle the dry-season paddy surplus, which is exported directly to Vietnam. Thus the export of paddy remains crucial for the commercial rice industry in Takeo. If Vietnam’s rice policy changed to protect its own farmers, the rice sector in Takeo would be vulnerable. Nevertheless, while Cambodia continues to develop its rice processing and export capacity, the cross-border trade in paddy provides a viable source of income for a sub-sector of rice farmers in Takeo.
The Supply of Fertiliser for Rice Farming in Takeo
Authors: Vuthy Theng
Published: January 2020

One reason for the low rice yields in Cambodia compared with Vietnam and Thailand has been the low use of fertilisers, even though there is a high yield response to fertiliser application. A study of the fertiliser value chain in Takeo Province was conducted. The hypothesis was that limited access to good-quality, affordable fertilisers is a major constraint to improving rice yields in the province. The study confirmed the hypothesis and concluded that farmers’ access to affordable, good-quality fertilisers could be improved by addressing the following concerns. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) could simplify and speed up the import licensing procedures and regulations for fertilisers, thus removing the scope for rent-seeking behaviour and the need for facilitators to expedite the issuing of licences. This would also reduce the incentive for illegal imports. Import licences should be approved by MAFF based on the suitability of a product’s use in Cambodia; then importers could be allowed to import any quantity of a registered fertiliser based on market demand and their own commercial risk assessment. This would also reduce the scope for illegal (and hence unregulated) imports. All imported fertiliser products should be labelled to identify the manufacturer. This would enable the sources of sub-standard fertilisers to be traced, particularly from Vietnam and China, where it is claimed that sub-standard blends and granular products are produced. MAFF should also certify third party traders who purchase and deliver fertilisers to villages for re-sale to farmers. Finally, fertiliser dealers, retailers, and other fertiliser traders should buy fertilisers only from certified importers or distributors and transport to villages for direct re-sale to farmers. Inspectors should monitor and spot-check fertiliser operators to help reduce fertiliser quality problems for smallholders.
Evolution of Rice Farming in Ubon Ratchathani Province
Authors: Kramol Prathanthip , Ekasingh Benchaphun
Published: January 2020

Rice farming in Northeast Thailand has changed significantly in the past few decades, becoming more commercialised and mechanised. This has involved increased use of high-yielding seed, inorganic fertilisers, and machinery, especially for land preparation and harvesting, and lower use of family labour as household workers find more profitable non-farm employment, often outside the district and province. Three contrasting villages in Ubon Ratchathani Province were selected for this study to investigate the use of rice farming technologies, especially fertiliser and machinery, to estimate the returns to the farm household from rice production, and to identify the problems and potential of different approaches to the development of rice farming in the region. Comparing the three villages shows that, even after several decades of commercialisation in the Northeast, rice farming is following different trajectories and making different contributions to household livelihoods, depending on the goals and circumstances of individual households and communities. Alternative agriculture based on organic production methods can be a viable pathway alongside conventional commercial agriculture. However, in all cases, non-rice and non-farm sources of income are needed to augment income from rice production.
Farmer Organizations in Ubon Ratchathani Province
Authors: Kramol Prathanthip , Suebpongsang Pornsiri , Ekasingh Benchaphun
Published: January 2020

Notwithstanding the rapid growth of commercial agriculture in Thailand over the past half century, farmer organizations and community enterprises have been a common and distinctive feature of the rural economy and have been strongly supported by government policies, especially with the promotion of the “sufficiency economy”. While informal cooperation has been a traditional part of village life, the government has consistently promoted more formal organizational arrangements for farmers, alongside policies for intensification and commercialization of rice and other crops. This juxtaposition of independent smallholder farming and collective, community-based economic activity is explored in this chapter through case studies of organizations in three villages in Northeast Thailand. It was found that farmer organizations can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and skills, improve access to production technologies, encourage saving and investment, and increase farmers’ market competitiveness. Community enterprises can create new employment opportunities, especially for women and disadvantaged groups, contributing to livelihood diversification while reducing the need for out-migration. The key factors contributing to the success of these groups were strong committed leadership, involved membership, connecting with wider networks, the role of government and non-government assistance providers, and supportive government policies.
Rice Marketing and Cross-Border Trade in Savannakhet
Authors: Manivong Phengkhouane , Sacklokham Silinthone
Published: January 2020

This study analysed the pattern of rice marketing and cross-border trade in Savannakhet Province. This province has the largest output of rice in Laos and is an important conduit for trade with Thailand and Vietnam. The survey interviewed actors along the rice value chain, including producers in Champhone District, traders, millers, exporters, and officials. Most rice farmers were market-oriented, regularly producing a surplus for the market. They used improved varieties and fertilizers and sold a substantial part of both their wet- and dry-season crops. Champhone District had already been opened to the regional market and reasonably efficient trading networks were in place. However, there were several constraints to the marketing and export of rice. Farmers often delivered rice of mixed grades and high moisture content. The rice mills in Savannakhet had poor processing equipment, making it difficult to meet international quality standards. The export ban in 2010–2011 caused a sudden drop in prices and created market uncertainty. These constraints could be alleviated through government policies to promote suitable varieties to ensure a homogeneous rice grade for export; enhance storage and drying to improve the rice moisture content; improve the processing infrastructure for sorting, milling, and polishing; and creating a more stable policy environment for the export sector.
Gauss’ Law and string-localized quantum field theory
Authors: Mund Jens , Rehren Karl-Henning , Schroer Bert
Published: January 2020

Abstract

The quantum Gauss Law as an interacting field equation is a prominent feature of QED with eminent impact on its algebraic and superselection structure. It forces charged particles to be accompanied by “photon clouds” that cannot be realized in the Fock space, and prevents them from having a sharp mass [7, 19]. Because it entails the possibility of “measurement of charges at a distance”, it is well-known to be in conflict with locality of charged fields in a Hilbert space [3, 17]. We show how a new approach to QED advocated in [25, 26, 30, 31] that avoids indefinite metric and ghosts, can secure causality and achieve Gauss’ Law along with all its nontrivial consequences. We explain why this is not at variance with recent results in [8].
Nonlocal gravity with worldline inversion symmetry
Authors: Abel Steven , Buoninfante Luca , Mazumdar Anupam
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We construct a quadratic curvature theory of gravity whose graviton propagator around the Minkowski background respects wordline inversion symmetry, the particle approximation to modular invariance in string theory. This symmetry automatically yields a corresponding gravitational theory that is nonlocal, with the action containing infinite order differential operators. As a consequence, despite being a higher order derivative theory, it is ghost-free and has no degrees of freedom besides the massless spin-2 graviton of Einstein’s general relativity. By working in the linearised regime we show that the point-like singularities that afflict the (local) Einstein’s theory are smeared out.
On higher-derivative effects on the gravitational potential and particle bending
Authors: Brandhuber Andreas , Travaglini Gabriele
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Using modern amplitude techniques we compute the leading classical and quantum corrections to the gravitational potential between two massive scalars induced by adding cubic terms to Einstein gravity. We then study the scattering of massless scalars, photons and gravitons off a heavy scalar in the presence of the same R

3
deformations, and determine the bending angle in the three cases from the non-analytic component of the scattering amplitude. Similarly to the Einstein-Hilbert case, we find that the classical contribution to the bending angle is universal, but unlike that case, universality is preserved also by the first quantum correction. Finally we extend our analysis to include a deformation of the form ΦR

2

, where Φ is the dilaton, which arises in the low-energy effective action of the bosonic string in addition to the R

3
term, and compute its effect on the graviton bending.
Generalization of Bantilan-Ishi-Romatschke flow to magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Shokri M.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We present a generalization of the Bantilan-Ishi-Romatschke (BIR) solution of relativistic hydrodynamics to relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (RMHD). Using the symmetries of the boundary of the Kerr-AdS5 black hole, and certain simplifying assumptions we solve the equations of RMHD on this boundary for a highly conductive fluid. We then transform the resulting solution to the flat spacetime. Furthermore, we show that the force-free condition causes the magnetic field to become singular at particular points and propose a regularization process for removing the singularities. The regularization process reveals the importance of non-vanishing electrical current in RMHD.
Quantum transport and the phase space structure of the Wightman functions
Authors: Jukkala Henri , Kainulainen Kimmo , Koskivaara Olli
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study the phase space structure of exact quantum Wightman functions in spatially homogeneous, temporally varying systems. In addition to the usual mass shells, the Wightman functions display additional coherence shells around zero frequency k
0 = 0, which carry the information of the local quantum coherence of particle-antiparticle pairs. We find also other structures, which encode non-local correlations in time, and discuss their role and decoherence. We give a simple derivation of the cQPA formalism, a set of quantum transport equations, that can be used to study interacting systems including the local quantum coherence. We compute quantum currents created by a temporal change in a particle’s mass, comparing the exact Wightman function approach, the cQPA and the semiclassical methods. We find that the semiclassical approximation, which is fully encompassed by the cQPA, works surprisingly well even for very sharp temporal features. This is encouraging for the application of semiclassical methods in electroweak baryogenesis with strong phase transitions.
Causality, unitarity thresholds, anomalous thresholds and infrared singularities from the loop-tree duality at higher orders
Authors: Aguilera-Verdugo J. Jesús , Driencourt-Mangin Félix , Plenter Judith , Ramírez-Uribe Selomit , Rodrigo Germán , Sborlini Germán F.R. , Torres Bobadilla William J. , Tracz Szymon
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We present the first comprehensive analysis of the unitarity thresholds and anomalous thresholds of scattering amplitudes at two loops and beyond based on the loop- tree duality, and show how non-causal unphysical thresholds are locally cancelled in an efficient way when the forest of all the dual on-shell cuts is considered as one. We also prove that soft and collinear singularities at two loops and beyond are restricted to a compact region of the loop three-momenta, which is a necessary condition for implementing a local cancellation of loop infrared singularities with the ones appearing in real emission; without relying on a subtraction formalism.
Reflection groups and 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$> 6 SCFTs
Authors: Tachikawa Yuji , Zafrir Gabi
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We point out that the moduli spaces of all known 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8 and

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 6 SCFTs, after suitable gaugings of finite symmetry groups, have the form ℂ
4r

/Γ where Γ is a real or complex reflection group depending on whether the theory is

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8 or

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 6, respectively. Real reflection groups are either dihedral groups, Weyl groups, or two sporadic cases H3,4 Since the BLG theories and the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories correspond to dihedral and Weyl groups, it is strongly suggested that there are two yet-to­

be-discovered 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8 theories for H3,4. We also show that all known

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 6 theories correspond to complex reflection groups collectively known as G(k, x, N). Along the way, we demonstrate that two ABJM theories (SU(N)
k
x SU(N)
-k
)/ℤ
N
and (U(N)
k
x U(N)
-k
) /ℤ
k
are actually equivalent.
On the Finite Horizon Optimal Switching Problem with Random Lag
Authors: Perninge Magnus
Published: January 2020

We consider an optimal switching problem with random lag and possibility of component failure. The random lag is modeled by letting the operation mode follow a regime switching Markov-model with transition intensities that depend on the switching mode. The possibility of failures is modeled by having absorbing components. We show existence of an optimal control for the problem by applying a probabilistic technique based on the concept of Snell envelopes.
Preclinical evaluation of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 as a selective marker for measuring αVβ6 integrin occupancy using positron emission tomography in rodent lung
Authors: Onega Mayca , Parker Christine A. , Coello Christopher , Rizzo Gaia , Keat Nicholas , Ramada-Magalhaes Joaquim , Moz Sara , Tang Sac-Pham , Plisson Christophe , Wells Lisa , Ashworth Sharon , Slack Robert J. , Vitulli Giovanni , Wilson Frederick J. , Gunn Roger , Lukey Pauline T. , Passchier Jan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Integrin αvβ6belongs to the RGD subset of the integrin family, and its expression levels are a prognostic and theranostic factor in some types of cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. This paper describes the GMP radiolabelling of the synthetic 20 amino acid peptide A20FMDV2 (NAVPNLRGDLQVLAQKVART), derived from the foot-and-mouth disease virus, and characterises the use of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 as a high affinity, specific and selective PET radioligand for the quantitation and visualisation of αvβ6in rodent lung to support human translational studies.

Methods

The synthesis of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 was performed using a fully automated and GMP-compliant process. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to perform homologous (unlabelled FB-A20FMDV2) and heterologous (anti-αvβ6antibody 8G6) blocking studies. In order to generate a dosimetry estimate, tissue residence times were generated, and associated tissue exposure and effective dose were calculated using the Organ Level Internal Dose Assessment/Exponential Modelling (OLINDA/EXM) software.

Results

[18F]FB-A20FMDV2 synthesis was accomplished in 180 min providing ~800 MBq of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 with a molar activity of up to 150 GBq/μmol and high radiochemical purity (> 97%). Following i.v. administration to rats, [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 was rapidly metabolised with intact radiotracer representing 5% of the total radioactivity present in rat plasma at 30 min. For the homologous and heterologous block in rats, lung-to-heart SUV ratios at 30–60 min post-administration of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 were reduced by 38.9 ± 6.9% and 56 ± 19.2% for homologous and heterologous block, respectively. Rodent biodistribution and dosimetry calculations using OLINDA/EXM provided a whole body effective dose in humans 33.5 μSv/MBq.

Conclusion

[18F]FB-A20FMDV2 represents a specific and selective PET ligand to measure drug-associated αvβ6 integrin occupancy in lung. The effective dose, extrapolated from rodent data, is in line with typical values for compounds labelled with fluorine-18 and combined with the novel fully automated and GMP-compliant synthesis and allows for clinical use in translational studies.
Current issues and perspectives in PD-1 blockade cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chamoto Kenji , Hatae Ryusuke , Honjo Tasuku
Published: January 2020

Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) signal receptor blockade has revolutionized the field of cancer therapy. Despite their considerable potential for treating certain cancers, drugs targeting PD-1 still present two main drawbacks: the substantial number of unresponsive patients and/or patients showing recurrences, and side effects associated with the autoimmune response. These drawbacks highlight the need for further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects, as well as the need to develop novel biomarkers to predict the lack of treatment response and to monitor potential adverse events. Combination therapy is a promising approach to improve the efficacy of PD-1 blockade therapy. Considering the increasing number of patients with cancer worldwide, solving the above issues is central to the field of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss these issues and clinical perspectives associated with PD-1 blockade cancer immunotherapy.
Lightweight, flexible, and multifunctional anisotropic nanocellulose-based aerogels for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Wei Jiayuan , Geng Shiyu , Hedlund Jonas , Oksman Kristiina
Published: January 2020

CO2 adsorption is a promising strategy to reduce costs and energy use for CO2 separation. In this study, we developed CO2 adsorbents based on lightweight and flexible cellulose nanofiber aerogels with monolithic structures prepared via freeze-casting, and cellulose acetate or acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (a-CNCs) were introduced into the aerogels as functional materials using an impregnation method to provide CO2 affinity. The microstructure of the adsorbent was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and compression tests were performed to analyze the mechanical properties of the adsorbents. The CO2 adsorption behavior was studied by recording the adsorption isotherms and performing column breakthrough experiments. The samples showed excellent mechanical performance and had a CO2 adsorption capacity of up to 1.14 mmol/g at 101 kPa and 273 K. Compared to the adsorbent which contains cellulose acetate, the one impregnated with a-CNCs had better CO2 adsorption capacity and axial mechanical properties owing to the building of a nanoscale scaffold on the surface of the adsorbent. Although the CO2 adsorption capacity could be improved further, this paper reports a potential CO2 adsorbent that uses all cellulose-based materials, which is beneficial for the environment from both resource and function perspectives. Moreover, the interesting impregnation process provides a new method to attach functional materials to aerogels, which have potential for use in many other applications.
Temporal Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Adipokines, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Subjects with Impaired Glucose Homeostasis at 4 Years of Follow-up
Authors: Min Thinzar , Prior Sarah L , Dunseath Gareth , Churm Rachel , Barry Jonathan D , Stephens Jeffrey W
Published: January 2020

Background

Previous studies have examined changes in plasma markers of inflammation and oxidative stress up to 24 months following bariatric surgery, but there is limited evidence on the long-term effects of bariatric surgery.

Objectives

To examine the effects of bariatric surgery on adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), inflammatory cytokines [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10(IL-10)] and global plasma measures of oxidative stress [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAOS) 1 and 6 months, and 4 years post-surgery in subjects with obesity and impaired glucose regulation.

Methods

A prospective study comprising of 19 participants (13 females, mean age 50.4 ± 6.2 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 54 ± 14 kg/m2, 17 type 2 diabetes) undergoing bariatric surgery (10 sleeve gastrectomy, 6 biliopancreatic diversion, 2 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 1 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding). Serial measurements of the above markers were made pre-operatively, 1 and 6 months and 4 years post-operatively.

Results

Compared to pre-operative levels, significant decreases were seen 4 years post-operatively in CRP (11.4 vs 2.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), IL-6 (8.0 vs 2.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and leptin (60.7 vs 32.1 pg/mL, p = 0.001). At 4 years, both fasting and 120 min TAOS significantly increased by 35% and 19% respectively. However, fasting and 120 min TBARS did not show any significant changes.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, no other studies have described changes in inflammation and oxidative stress at 4 years following bariatric surgery. This study contributes to the current literature supporting the longer-term beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Supplementation of diets with Brazil nut powder can meet dietary methionine requirement of organic broiler chickens
Authors: Foutz James C. , Milfort Marie C. , Fuller Alberta L. , Kim Woo K. , Rekaya Romdhane , Aggrey Samuel E.
Published: January 2020

Synthetic amino acids are not permitted in organic feeds by the National Organic Standard Board (NOSB) in the USA. However, low levels of methionine (Met) are permitted, and the NOSB recommends 0.1% synthetic Met for broilers. Inadequate level of dietary methionine poses concerns pertaining to health and welfare of broilers, as these limitations lead to possible Met deficiency. This research examined the effects of complete replacement of synthetic DL-methionine (DLM) by Brazil nut powder in a 100% organic diet. Eight hundred Ross 308 chicks were hatched and randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 50 chicks and raised for 56 days. Treatments included birds fed a conventional diet and raised organically (Conv_Org), NOSB diet raised organically (NOSB_Org), 100% organic diet and raised organically (Org_Org), and a conventional diet raised conventionally (Conv_Conv). Body weight at 56 days were 3960, 3995, 3981, and 3676 g for Conv_Org, NOSB_Org, Org_Org, and Conv_Conv, respectively. Body weights of the Conv_Conv group were lower (P < 0.05) than the other treatments. The FCR (0–8 weeks) of Org_Org treatment was lower (P < 0.05) than the NOSB diet. The birds on the NOSB diet had increased feed intake perhaps to compensate for the deficiency in Met. The NOSB diet may not sufficiently meet the requirement of broiler chickens even when raised with access to pasture. There were no differences in carcass yield and composition in any treatment. We conclude that Brazil nut powder is a viable substitute for DLM in organically raised broilers, as there were no differences in growth and carcass yield and improved FCR when compared to current NOSB recommended diet.
Comparative evaluation of conceptual and physical rainfall–runoff models
Authors: Jaiswal R. K. , Ali Sohrat , Bharti Birendra
Published: January 2020

The design of water resource structures needs long-term runoff data which is always a problem in developing countries due to the involvement of huge cost of operation and maintenance of gauge discharge sites. Hydrological modelling provides a solution to this problem by developing relationship between different hydrological processes. In the past, several models have been propagated to model runoff using simple empirical relationships between rainfall and runoff to complex physical model using spatially distributed information and time series data of climatic variables. In the present study, an attempt has been made to compare two conceptual models including TANK and Australian water balance model (AWBM) and a physically distributed but lumped on HRUs scale SWAT model for Tandula basin of Chhattisgarh (India). The daily data of reservoirs levels, evaporation, seepage and releases were used in a water balance model to compute runoff from the catchment for the period of 24 years from 1991 to 2014. The rainfall runoff library (RRL) tool was used to set up TANK model and AWBM using auto and genetic algorithm, respectively, and SWAT model with SWATCUP application using sequential uncertainty fitting as optimization techniques. Several tests for goodness of fit have been applied to compare the performance of conceptual and semi-distributed physical models. The analysis suggested that TANK model of RRL performed most appropriately among all the models applied in the analysis; however, SWAT model having spatial and climatic data can be used for impact assessment of change due to climate and land use in the basin.
A Survey on the Experience of Singaporean Trainees in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine of Sexual Problems and Views on Training in Sexual Medicine
Authors: Huang Zhongwei , Choong Derek Shangxian , Ganesan Adaikan P. , Logan Susan
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Asian patients may have more difficulty seeking help for their sexual problems because of a largely conservative culture. Residents from both obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) and family medicine (FM) departments are ideally placed to address sexual problems.

Aim

This survey explored the experience of residents from OBGYN and FM in managing sexual problems and their views on training in sexual medicine (SM).

Method

An anonymized questionnaire collecting data on trainee characteristics, exposure to male and female sexual problems, and training in SM was sent to all FM and OBGYN residents in Singapore. These residents had completed their medical registration with the Singapore Medical Council and were at various stages of specialty training in both FM and OBGYN residency programs in Singapore.

Main Outcome Measure

Trainees’ exposure to male and female sexual problems and their views on training in Sexual Medicine.

Results

The overall response from the survey was 63.5% (122/192)—54% (70/129) and 69% (52/75) of FM and OBGYN residents responded, respectively. 63% were female, with 22% being senior residents, and 55% attended Singaporean medical schools. About one quarter (30/122) of the respondents encountered patients with sexual problems at least monthly. Most would refer these patients directly to specialists, psychologists, and sex therapists. More than 80% of residents were not confident in managing sexual problems in either sex (89% for male problems; 83% for female problems). Among the recognized categories, only 30% felt confident to manage erectile dysfunction, 26% for vaginismus, while less than 10% felt confident to manage libido, arousal, or orgasm disorders. 95% of the residents agreed that SM should be part of both training curricula, with 70% and 25% suggesting at junior and senior residency, respectively. 93% of them were interested to obtain further knowledge and skills in SM through their core training curriculum and from seminars.

Conclusions

This survey reported a significant number of residents in OBGYN and FM departments are regularly exposed to patients with sexual problems but lack the skills to manage them. OBGYN residents were more familiar with managing female sexual problems while FM residents tend to have more experience in male sexual problems. Almost universally, the residents in FM and OBGYN were very keen to acquire skills in SM, and the results support the incorporation of appropriate knowledge and skills into both national residency program curricula.
Transmission of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) from patients less than 3 years of age in a pediatric oncology setting
Authors: Robilotti Elizabeth , Huang Weihua , Babady N. Esther , Chen Donald , Kamboj Mini
Published: January 2020

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is prevalent in pediatric oncology patients, but the transmission risk to peers is unknown. In 224 children with CDI, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) identified only 7 alleged transmission events (18%) originating from children <3 years old. None of these events were corroborated by WGS.
Representational formats in medial temporal lobe and neocortex also determine subjective memory features
Authors: Axmacher Nikolai
Published: January 2020

Episodic memories are shaped by the representational format of their contents. These formats are not only determined by medial temporal lobe areas, but essentially also by the neocortical regions which these areas control. The representational formats of medial temporal lobe and neocortex are sufficient to determine both, memory contents and subjective memory qualities, without the further need for an attribution system.
EXPLICIT SOLUTIONS FOR CONTINUOUS-TIME QBD PROCESSES BY USING RELATIONS BETWEEN MATRIX GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND THE PROBABILITY GENERATING FUNCTIONS METHOD
Authors: Hanukov Gabi , Yechiali Uri
Published: January 2020

Two main methods are used to solve continuous-time quasi birth-and-death processes: matrix geometric (MG) and probability generating functions (PGFs). MG requires a numerical solution (via successive substitutions) of a matrix quadratic equationA0+RA1+R2A2= 0. PGFs involve a row vector$\vec{G}(z)$of unknown generating functions satisfying$H(z)\vec{G}{(z)^\textrm{T}} = \vec{b}{(z)^\textrm{T}},$where the row vector$\vec{b}(z)$contains unknown “boundary” probabilities calculated as functions of roots of the matrixH(z). We show that: (a)H(z) and$\vec{b}(z)$can be explicitly expressed in terms of the tripleA0,A1, andA2; (b) when each matrix of the triple is lower (or upper) triangular, then (i)Rcan be explicitly expressed in terms of roots of$\det [H(z)]$; and (ii) the stability condition is readily extracted.