bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis: from disease mechanisms to precision medicine
Authors: Brandsma Corry‐Anke , Van den Berge Maarten , Hackett Tillie‐Louise , Brusselle Guy , Timens Wim
Published: November 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating lung disease with a high personal and societal burden. Exposure to toxic particles and gases, including cigarette smoke, is the main risk factor for COPD. Together with smoking cessation, current treatment strategies of COPD aim to improve symptoms and prevent exacerbations, but there is no disease‐modifying treatment. The biggest drawback of today's COPD treatment regimen is the ‘one size fits all’ pharmacological intervention, mainly based on disease severity and symptoms and not the individual's disease pathology. To halt the worrying increase in the burden of COPD, disease management needs to be advanced with a focus on personalized treatment. The main pathological feature of COPD includes a chronic and abnormal inflammatory response within the lungs, which results in airway and alveolar changes in the lung as reflected by (small) airways disease and emphysema. Here we discuss recent developments related to the abnormal inflammatory response, ECM and age‐related changes, structural changes in the small airways and the role of sex‐related differences, which are all relevant to explain the individual differences in the disease pathology of COPD and improve disease endotyping. Furthermore, we will discuss the most recent developments of new treatment strategies using biologicals to target specific pathological features or disease endotypes of COPD. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Effort–cost computation in a transdiagnostic psychiatric sample: Differences among patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder
Authors: Zou Ying‐Min , Ni Ke , Wang Yan‐Yu , Yu En‐Qing , Lui Simon S. Y. , Zhou Fu‐Chun , Yang Han‐Xue , Cohen Alex S. , Strauss Gregory P. , Cheung Eric F. C. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: November 2019

Amotivational symptoms are observed in schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Effort–cost computation may be a potential contributor to amotivation transdiagnostically. This study examined effort–cost computation in these three diagnostic groups. This study recruited 141 outpatients (49 SCZ, 52 non‐psychotic BD, and 40 non‐psychotic MDD) and 57 healthy controls (HCs). We administered the Effort‐Expenditure for Reward Task (EEfRT), which manipulated different levels of reward magnitude and probability relating to a high and low physical effort task. There were significant interactions between group and reward magnitude, group and reward probability, and group and expected value on the percentage of high‐effort choices. SCZ, BD, and MDD patients made comparably fewer high‐effort choices than HCs in the high‐reward magnitude, high‐reward probability, and high‐expected‐value conditions. Self‐reported amotivation did not correlate with decision‐making on the EEfRT. Our findings suggest that reduced effort expenditure for reward is a transdiagnostic phenotype in SCZ, BD, and MDD.
Association between timing of diagnosis of trisomy 21, 18, and 13 and maternal socio‐economic status in Victoria, Australia: A population‐based cohort study from 2015 to 2016
Authors: Kluckow Eliza , Halliday Jane , Poulton Alice , Lindquist Anthea , Hutchinson Briohny , Bethune Michael , Bonacquisto Leonard , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Gugasyan Lucy , Harraway James , Howden Amanda , Kulkarni Abhijit , Martin Nicole , McCoy Richard , Menezes Melody , Nisbet Debbie , Palma‐Dias Ricardo , Pertile Mark D. , Poulakis Zeffie , Hui Lisa
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To explore the association between timing of diagnosis of common autosomal trisomies, maternal age, and socio‐economic status (SES).

Design

Retrospective study of cytogenetic diagnoses of trisomy 21 (T21), trisomy 18 (T18), and trisomy 13 (T13) in Victoria, Australia, in 2015 to 2016, stratified by timing (prenatal less than 17 weeks gestation, prenatal including or greater than or 17 weeks gestation, and postnatal before 12 months of age), maternal age, and SES region. Utilisation of prenatal testing following a live‐born T21 infant was ascertained via record linkage.

Results

Among 160 230 total births were 571 diagnoses of T21 and 246 of T18/T13. The overall and live birth prevalences of T21 were 3.56 and 0.47 per 1000 births, respectively. Compared with women from disadvantaged SES regions, women from high SES regions were more likely to have a prenatal diagnosis of a trisomy before 17 weeks than after (P < .01) and less likely to have a live‐born T21 infant than a prenatal diagnosis (P < .01). There was a significant trend to higher live birth rates of T21 with lower SES (P = .004). The majority (68.5%) of women who gave birth to a live infant with T21 did not utilise prenatal testing.

Conclusion

There is a significant relationship between lower SES, later prenatal diagnosis of trisomy, and higher live birth rate of T21 in Victoria.
Evaluation of Polymethylmethacrylate Cohesion Behavior with a Gas‐Assisted Thermal Bonding Method
Authors: Sun Pei‐Kang , Besser Ronald S.
Published: November 2019

By applying heat and pressure to thermoplastic materials, the overlap of the two pieces can be bonded to form hermetic systems. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a thermoplastic used in commercial microfluidic devices; its advantages include low cost, ready fabrication, and high transparency. In order to gain an understanding of PMMA's relevant characteristics (thermal behavior, material strength, and hermetic sealing strength), we study its bulk properties and mechanical behavior. Experimental results of the cohesion behavior of PMMA sheets were collected and are presented here. Samples were bonded by subjecting a sample to elevated pressure and temperature in the glass transition range (85°C–165°C), which was determined beforehand by differential scanning calorimetry and literature. Five different bonding temperatures (140°C, 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, and 180°C) and three bonding pressures (1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 MPa) were applied for making samples; mechanical strength tests were then carried out to understand separately the bulk mechanical strength and the interfacial properties (shear strength and bonding strength) of a cohesive laminate at the temperatures near the glass transition range. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:161–167, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dielectric Modulus and Conductivity Scaling Approach to the Analysis of Ion Transport in Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Tripathi Namrata , Shukla Archana , Thakur Awalendra K. , Marx David T.
Published: November 2019

Solid polymer electrolyte films (SPEs) based on poly(methyl methacrylate) are prepared using a solution cast technique. The temperature‐dependent behavior of dielectric, modulus spectra and ac conductivity has been investigated. The long tail of the real part of modulus (M′) in the low frequency indicates the capacitive nature of the samples. The frequency dependence of imaginary part of modulus (M″) shows a non‐Debye relaxation that has been explained using the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts stretched exponential function. The activation energy for the relaxation is almost same as the activation energy for the conduction. The relaxation time obtained from the tangent loss graph (τδ) is about two orders of magnitude larger than that obtained from the imaginary part of modulus graph (τm). The ac conductivity has been found to obey Jonscher's universal power law. Transport parameters show that addition of filler creates additional hopping sites for the charge carriers and also increases the charge carrier density. It is also observed that the higher ionic conductivity at higher temperature is due to increased thermally activated hopping rates accompanied by a significant increase in carrier concentration. The contribution of carrier concentration to the total conductivity is also confirmed from Summerfield scaling. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 297–305, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Planar‐type concentrating photovoltaics with cylindrical lenses directly integrated with thin flexible GaAs solar cells
Authors: Lee Taeyeon , Kim Juho , Cho Sungbum , Pyo Sangjin , Song Kwangsun , Lee Jongho
Published: November 2019

Concentrated photovoltaics allow a reduction of expensive semiconductor materials by collecting incident light through optical elements such as lenses and/or mirrors, which usually require bulky or heavy dual‐axis solar trackers, requiring dedicated installation sites. In this paper, we report a planar‐type concentrating photovoltaics with cylindrical lenses on which flexible GaAs solar cells are directly integrated on the curvilinear surfaces. The planar‐type concentrating system maintains both a focused beam width and angle invariably onto its integrated solar cells throughout the day. Computational and experimental studies at various incident angles prove the benefits of the design. Demonstrations of a custom‐built cylindrical lens solar tracker installed on a rooftop or sidewall of a building prove the feasibility of the proposed concept.
eHealth and mHealth interventions in pediatric cancer: A systematic review of interventions across the cancer continuum
Authors: Ramsey William A. , Heidelberg Rebecca Elyse , Gilbert Alexandra M. , Heneghan Mallorie B. , Badawy Sherif M. , Alberts Nicole M.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The primary objectives were to (a) identify current published research in electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) interventions for youth undergoing cancer treatment and child, adolescent, and young adult survivors of childhood cancer and (b) critically appraise the current scientific evidence on their effectiveness and efficacy. As an exploratory aim, we identified pediatric cancer patients' and survivors' perceptions, attitudes, and concerns related to eHealth and mHealth interventions.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the literature was performed to identify peer‐reviewed journal articles that included the use of mHealth and eHealth interventions among youth receiving active cancer treatment and survivors of childhood cancer through the age range of childhood to young adulthood (mean age 21 years or younger at the time of diagnosis; mean age 39 years or younger at the time of intervention). The search was conducted via six electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, IEEEXplore and the Cochrane Library.

Results

Of the 1879 potential records examined, 21 met criteria for inclusion for a total of 1506 participants. Of the investigations included, 13 were randomized controlled trials, and eight were nonrandomized studies. Findings demonstrated feasibility as well as acceptability with these approaches. Evidence of efficacy for interventions targeting emotional distress, health behaviors, health outcomes, and neurocognitive functioning was mixed.

Conclusions

Given the growing evidence of efficacy, coupled with increasing access to digital technologies, eHealth and mHealth may serve an important role in improving mental and physical health outcomes of youth undergoing cancer treatment and child, adolescent, and young adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Brief culturally informed smartphone interventions decrease breast cancer symptom burden among Latina breast cancer survivors
Authors: Yanez Betina , Oswald Laura B. , Baik Sharon H. , Buitrago Diana , Iacobelli Francisco , Perez‐Tamayo Alejandra , Guitelman Judy , Penedo Frank J. , Buscemi Joanna
Published: November 2019

Objective

Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) report more symptom burden and poorer health‐related quality of life than non‐Latina BCS. However, there are few evidence‐based and culturally informed resources that are easily accessible to this population. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the My Guide and My Health smartphone applications among Latina BCS. Both applications are culturally informed and contain evidence‐based information for reducing symptom burden and improving health‐related quality of life (My Guide) or healthy lifestyle promotion (My Health).

Methods

Participants (N = 80) were randomized to use the My Guide or My Health smartphone applications for 6 weeks. Assessments occurred at baseline (T1) after the 6‐week intervention (T2) and 2‐week post‐T2 (T3). Outcomes were participant recruitment and retention rates, patient‐reported satisfaction, and validated measures of symptom burden and health‐related quality of life.

Results

Recruitment was acceptable (79%), retention was excellent (>90%), and over 90% of participants were satisfied with their application. On average, participants in both conditions used the applications for more than 1 hour per week. Symptom burden declined from T1 to T2 across both conditions, but this decline was not maintained at T3. Breast cancer well‐being improved from T1 to T2 across both conditions and was maintained at T3.

Conclusions

Latina BCS who used the My Guide and My Health applications reported temporary decreases in symptom burden and improved breast cancer well‐being over time, though there were no differential effects between conditions. Findings suggest that technology may facilitate Latina BCS engagement in care after breast cancer treatment.
Hybrid Electron Microscopy Normal Mode Analysis with Scipion
Authors: Harastani Mohamad , Sorzano Carlos Oscar S. , Jonić Slavica
Published: November 2019

Hybrid Electron Microscopy Normal Mode Analysis (HEMNMA) method was introduced in 2014. HEMNMA computes normal modes of a reference model (an atomic structure or an electron microscopy map) of a molecular complex and uses this model and its normal modes to analyze single‐particle images of the complex to obtain information on its continuous conformational changes, by determining the full distribution of conformational variability from the images. An advantage of HEMNMA is a simultaneous determination of all parameters of each image (particle conformation, orientation, and shift) through their iterative optimization, which allows applications of HEMNMA even when the effects of conformational changes dominate those of orientational changes. HEMNMA was first implemented in Xmipp and was using MATLAB for statistical analysis of obtained conformational distributions and for fitting of underlying trajectories of conformational changes. A HEMNMA implementation independent of MATLAB is now available as part of a plugin of Scipion V2.0 (http://scipion.i2pc.es). This plugin, named ContinuousFlex, can be installed by following the instructions at https://pypi.org/project/scipion-em-continuousflex. In this article, we present this new HEMNMA software, which is user‐friendly, totally free, and open‐source.

Statement for a Broader Audience

This article presents Hybrid Electron Microscopy Normal Mode Analysis (HEMNMA) software that allows analyzing single‐particle images of a complex to obtain information on continuous conformational changes of the complex, by determining the full distribution of conformational variability from the images. The HEMNMA software is user‐friendly, totally free, open‐source, and available as part of ContinuousFlex plugin (https://pypi.org/project/scipion-em-continuousflex) of Scipion V2.0 (http://scipion.i2pc.es).
Criteria for reporting noncompartmental estimates of half‐life and area under the curve extrapolated to infinity
Authors: Noe Dennis A.
Published: November 2019

Various criteria have been proposed for determining the reliability of noncompartmental pharmacokinetic estimates of the terminal disposition phase half‐life (t1/2) and the extrapolated area under the curve (AUCextrap). This simulation study assessed the performance of two frequently used reportability rules: the terminal disposition phase regression adjusted‐r2 classification rule and the regression data point time span classification rule. Using simulated data, these rules were assessed in relation to the magnitude of the variability in the terminal disposition phase slope, the length of the terminal disposition phase captured in the concentration‐time profile (data span), the number of data points present in the terminal disposition phase, and the type and level of variability in concentration measurement. The accuracy of estimating t1/2 was satisfactory for data spans of 1.5 and longer, given low measurement variability; and for spans of 2.5 and longer, given high measurement variability. Satisfactory accuracy in estimating AUCextrap was only achieved with low measurement variability and spans of 2.5 and longer. Neither of the classification rules improved the identification of accurate t1/2 and AUCextrap estimates. Based on the findings of this study, a strategy is proposed for determining the reportability of estimates of t1/2 and area under the curve extrapolated to infinity.
Hydrolytic deamination reactions of amidine and nucleobase derivatives
Authors: Uddin Kabir M. , Alrawashdeh Ahmad I. , Henry David J. , Warburton Peter L. , Poirier Raymond A.
Published: November 2019

Amidines share the same NC─N building framework with many essential biochemical substances. In this work, we present a comparative mechanistic study on the deamination reactions of 19 amidine and nucleobase derivatives by the use of density functional theory. All the computations are performed at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level in the gas phase and with the polarizable continuum model (PCM). Mechanisms of 2‐ and 3‐step pathways including six‐ or eight‐membered ring transition states were explored. Our results show that the overall activation energies for the deamination of amidine derivatives are close to those of nucleobase derivatives of the saturated C5─C6 bond, and lower than those of nucleobase derivatives of the unsaturated C5─C6 bond, while purine derivatives have the highest activation energies among all the derivatives studied. The 3‐step mechanism gives results that are more consistent with the available experimental data than the 2‐step mechanism. Based on the results of our current and previous work, we believe that the 3‐step mechanism is the most likely mechanism for the hydrolytic deamination reactions of amidine and nucleobase derivatives.
The extremal structures of k‐uniform unicyclic hypergraphs on Wiener index
Authors: Zou Xin , Zhu Zhongxun , Lu Hongyan
Published: November 2019

The Wiener index of a connected k‐uniform hypergraph is defined as the summation of distances between all pairs of vertices. We determine the unique k‐uniform unicyclic hypergraphs with maximum and second maximum, minimum and second minimum Wiener indices, respectively.
External electric field effect on electronic properties and charge transfer in CoI2/NiI2 spinterface
Authors: Melchakova Iuliia , Kovaleva Evgenia A. , Mikhaleva Natalia S. , Tomilin Felix N. , Ovchinnikov Sergey G. , Kuzubov Alexander A. , Avramov Paul
Published: November 2019

Electronic structure and spin‐related properties of CoI2/NiI2 heterostructure were studied by means of density functional theory. It was shown that the electronic structure at the Fermi level can be characterized by a band gap. The effect of the external electric field on charge transfer and electronic properties of the CoI2/NiI2 interface was investigated, and it was found that band gap width depends on the strength of the applied electric field, switching its nature from semiconducting to a half‐metallic one. An easy control of the electronic properties and promising spin‐polarized nature of the CoI2/NiI2 spinterface allows the heterostructure to be used in spin‐related applications.
Near‐Field Energy Transfer between a Luminescent 2D Material and Color Centers in Diamond
Authors: Nelz Richard , Radtke Mariusz , Slablab Abdallah , Xu Zai‐Quan , Kianinia Mehran , Li Chi , Bradac Carlo , Aharonovich Igor , Neu Elke
Published: November 2019

Energy transfer between fluorescent probes lies at the heart of many applications ranging from bio‐sensing and bio‐imaging to enhanced photodetection and light harvesting. In this work, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between shallow defects in diamond—nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers—and atomically thin, 2D materials—tungsten diselenide (WSe2)—is studied. By means of fluorescence lifetime imaging, the occurrence of FRET in the WSe2/NV system is demonstrated. Further, it is shown that in the coupled system, NV centers provide an additional excitation pathway for WSe2 photoluminescence. The results constitute the first step toward the realization of hybrid quantum systems involving single‐crystal diamond and 2D materials that may lead to new strategies for studying and controlling spin transfer phenomena and spin valley physics.
A moving switching sequence approach for nonlinear model predictive control of switched systems with state‐dependent switches and state jumps
Authors: Katayama Sotaro , Doi Masahiro , Ohtsuka Toshiyuki
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we propose an approach for real‐time implementation of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) for switched systems with state‐dependent switches called the moving switching sequence approach. In this approach, the switching sequence on the horizon moves to the present time at each time as well as the optimal state trajectory and the optimal control input on the horizon. We assume that the switching sequence is basically invariant until the first predicted switching time reaches the current time or a new switch enters the horizon. This assumption is reasonable in NMPC for systems with state‐dependent switches and reduces computational cost significantly compared with the direct optimization of the switching sequence all over the horizon. We update the switching sequence by checking whether an additional switch occurs or not at the last interval of the present switching sequence and whether the actual switch occurs or not between the current time and the next sampling time. We propose an algorithm consisting of two parts: (1) the local optimization of the control input and switching instants by solving the two‐point boundary‐value problem for the whole horizon under a given switching sequence and (2) the detection of an additional switch and the reconstruction of the solution taking into account the additional switch. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method through numerical simulations of a compass‐like biped walking robot, which contains state‐dependent switches and state jumps.
The chromatic number of random Borsuk graphs
Authors: Kahle Matthew , Martinez‐Figueroa Francisco
Published: November 2019

We study a model of random graph where vertices are n i.i.d. uniform random points on the unit sphere Sd in , and a pair of vertices is connected if the Euclidean distance between them is at least 2−ϵ. We are interested in the chromatic number of this graph as n tends to infinity. It is not too hard to see that if ϵ>0 is small and fixed, then the chromatic number is d+2 with high probability. We show that this holds even if ϵ→0 slowly enough. We quantify the rate at which ϵ can tend to zero and still have the same chromatic number. The proof depends on combining topological methods (namely the Lyusternik–Schnirelman–Borsuk theorem) with geometric probability arguments. The rate we obtain is best possible, up to a constant factor—if ϵ→0 faster than this, we show that the graph is (d+1)‐colorable with high probability.25
Promoting sustainable livelihoods: An approach to postdisaster reconstruction
Authors: Gyawali Surya , Tiwari Sudarshan Raj , Bajracharya Sushil Bahadur , Skotte Hans Narve
Published: November 2019

Disasters are widely accepted as “windows of opportunity” to withstand strongly for other shocks and stresses. There are no “one‐size‐fit‐to‐all” postdisaster reconstruction approaches; it depends upon the context. Recently, livelihood strategies are considered as a layer of resilience and applied as a postdisaster reconstruction approach for promoting sustainable livelihoods. The purpose of the paper is to explore how earthquake‐affected rural communities have promoted their livelihoods through postdisaster reconstruction. The paper examines how the strategy of livelihoods can be linked to postdisaster reconstruction approaches for promoting sustainable livelihoods and help to achieve rural development objectives. The study adopted semistructured interview methods in three postdisaster reconstructed settlements of Nepal. The face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and investigated the livelihood interventions considered for postdisaster reconstruction approaches. The study established that postdisaster activities such as the relief, recovery, and reconstruction should be linked with livelihood provisioning, livelihood protection, and livelihood promotion. Measuring the change in terms of sustainable livelihoods the disaster is complex and has to be considered as a long‐term goal of postdisaster recovery. Nepal is on the process of postdisaster reconstruction. The postdisaster reconstruction experiences over 4 years that have identified good practices such as reconstruction settlement should be linked to formerly existing livelihoods and promote gender equity through improving their economic situation, sustainable use of natural resources, and community participation in the reconstruction and livelihood interventions process, which are highly relevant for the further postdisaster recovery process.
Psychological stress reduces the immunological benefits of breast milk
Authors: Moirasgenti Maria , Doulougeri Karolina , Panagopoulou Efharis , Theodoridis Theodoros
Published: November 2019

Our study aimed to assess the impact of maternal psychological stress on the immunological components of breast milk. Eighty‐nine women participated in the study. We assessed general stress, postpartum‐specific stress, negative affectivity, salivary cortisol of mother, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels of breast milk 4–6 weeks after delivery. Controlling for the effects of women's age, weight, number, and duration of feedings, postpartum‐specific stress was related to reduced sIgA concentration (R2 = .206, beta = −.275, p = .020). This study suggests that the established link between psychological stress and immunity may also extend to the immunity of the newborn by reducing the immunological benefits of breast milk. It also suggests that breastfeeding might be a potential mechanism of the relationship between maternal stress and the health of the offspring. Findings highlight the need for interventions addressing women during the postpartum period, in order to ensure the mother's well‐being and the infant's optimal development.
Thermal and physical properties of concrete containing glass after cooling in different paths
Authors: Dong Zhihao , Sun Qiang , Zhang Weiqiang
Published: November 2019

This paper studies the thermal and physical properties of concrete containing glass at different cooling paths. The coarse aggregates in the concrete samples with glass aggregate are 50% calcareous sand and 50% glass. After heating at different temperature, the samples are cooled at water (thermal shock) and air (thermal aging), and then dried. Afterwards, surface color, mass, thermal conductivity, compressional wave velocity, and compressive strength of the samples are measured. The results show that the color change is related to the content of Ca(OH)2. The mass change is mainly related to the evaporation of free water and chemically bond water and the mass loss of thermal shock samples is lower than that of thermal aging samples. The thermal conductivity of concrete made with limestone is higher than that of concrete made with glass. Thermal shock has little effect on the wave velocity and compressive strength of the concrete. The strength of the samples made without glass is significantly higher than that of the samples made with glass. Thermal shock causes a denser microstructure than thermal aging due to the rehydration of the components. The color change, mass loss, thermal conductivity, wave velocity, and compressive strength of the concrete are related to the rehydration of components in concrete and the relationships between these parameters show good linear relationships.
A novel constraint‐based genetic algorithm solution for SHE technique in modified PUC‐5 inverter
Authors: Lodi Kaif Ahmed , Azeem Abdul , Sarwar Adil , Tariq Mohd
Published: November 2019

In this letter, constraints solving of selective harmonic elimination equation using minimum number of switching pulses for modified packed U‐cell five‐level inverter is employed, and the optimum angles for total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction are found using genetic algorithm (GA). The novel constraints‐based GA algorithm is applied in this work, which eliminates the third and its higher orders and fifth harmonic in the output voltage waveform. The obtained results are compared with the those of conventional approach wherein the THD obtained for each order is displayed. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of dietary tryptophan supplementation on growth performance, immune response and anti‐oxidant status of broiler chickens from 7 to 21 days
Authors: Mund Muhammad D. , Riaz Muhammad , Mirza Muhammad A. , Rahman Zia‐ur , Mahmood Tahir , Ahmad Fawad , Ammar Ahmad
Published: November 2019

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the optimum dietary level of tryptophan (Trp) supplementation at which broiler chickens have better growth with efficient immune system and anti‐oxidant status.

Method

One hundred and twenty (n = 120) 1‐day‐old broiler chicks were fed a common commercial diet from days 1 to 7. On day 7, the chicks were randomly divided in three treatment groups, that is, Trp 0.2 [national research council (NRC) recommended level of tryptophan], Trp 0.3 (tryptophan supplemented at 0.3%) and Trp 0.5 (tryptophan supplemented at 0.5%). All the experimental diets were iso‐caloric (ME; 3,000 kcal/kg) and iso‐proteic (CP; 18.5%). Weekly data on feed intake and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded to calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR). On day 19, avian tuberculin was injected to note the cellular immunity. On day 21, two birds per replicate were killed to determine carcass and visceral organ weights. Blood serum samples were collected for analysis of humoral immune response against sheep red blood cells, total oxidant and anti‐oxidants by spectrophotometric method.

Results

Feed intake, carcass and visceral organ weights remained unaffected by dietary treatments while BWG and FCR tended to improve (p < .05) in broiler chicks fed the Trp 0.3 and the Trp 0.5 diets. Total oxidant status was also improved (p < .05) in broiler chicks fed the Trp 0.5 diet. Likewise, broiler chicks fed the Trp 0.3 and the Trp 0.5 diets tended to have better (p < .05) total anti‐oxidant status, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and arylesterase (ARE). The overall antibodies response and IgG improved (p < .05) by the Trp 0.3 and Trp 0.5 diets compared to control. However, IgM level remained similar across the treatment. The cellular immunity against avian tuberculin improved at 24 hr post‐injection but its effect disappeared at 48 hr.

Conclusion

The results of present study revealed that Trp above the NRC recommended level may give better growth, immune response and anti‐oxidant status in broiler chickens.
Zusammenfassung und Ausblick
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

Die Intention, die dieser Arbeit zugrunde liegt, war, das verzahnte Verhältnis von Ökonomie, Politik, Wertebewusstsein und individuellem Erleben in Bezug auf ein einschneidendes gesellschaftliches Ereignis, wie es eine Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise darstellt, auf der Basis von Tiefeninterviews in den bewussten und unbewussten Dimensionen zu analysieren und dadurch eine mögliche gegenseitige Befruchtung zwischen unterschiedlichen Wissenschaftsdisziplinen anzuregen.
Fakten zur Finanzkrise 2008 und der ihr folgenden Wirtschaftskrise, bezogen auf Wirtschafts- und soziale Daten
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

In diesem Kapitel sollen zunächst überblicksartig jene Faktoren beschrieben werden, die zur Finanzkrise 2008 und im Anschluss daran zu einem massiven Einbruch der Weltwirtschaft führten, sodass einzelne Menschen und ganze Kollektive davon betroffen waren. Im Anschluss wird auf die Situation in Österreich genauer eingegangen.
Metapsychologische Konzepte des Unbewussten
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

Das Unbewusste ist ein Kernbegriff der Psychoanalyse, dessen Genese man gut anhand der Modellvorstellungen des menschlichen Seelenlebens im Werk Freuds nachvollziehen kann. In einem ersten Kapitel werden die Konzeptionen des Unbewussten, wie Freud sie beschrieben hat, dargestellt. Im folgenden Abschnitt werden Arbeiten zum gesellschaftlich(en)/sozialen Unbewussten beleuchtet, soweit sie für die Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit von Bedeutung sind.
Die analytisch-sozialpsychologische Matrix der Finanzkrise 2008 und ihrer wirtschaftlichen Folgen
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

Im folgenden Kapitel soll der Versuch unternommen werden, mithilfe der Psychoanalyse jene Rahmenbedingungen in ökonomischer und kultureller Hinsicht zu untersuchen, die das Feld abgesteckt haben, auf dem sich die Finanzkrise vollziehen konnte. Mit Bezug auf die Ausführungen im vorherigen Kapitel werde ich mich der dort vorgestellten Konzepte bedienen, die die Wechselwirkung von sozioökonomischen Verhältnissen und individuellen Verhaltensweisen psychodynamisch beleuchten.
Ergebnisdiskussion
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

Vor dem Hintergrund der sozioökonomischen Matrix der Finanzkrise (Kapitel 6) und der vorangehenden theoretischen Vorarbeiten sollen nun die Interviewergebnisse diskutiert und reflektiert werden. Individuelles Erleben, Denken und Handeln meiner Interviewpartner werden in ihrer sozialen und gesellschaftlichen Dimension dahingehend analysiert, welche metapsychologischen Aussagen im Hinblick auf die Forschungsfrage getroffen werden können, die die Untersuchung der Repräsentationen des Unbewussten in der Verarbeitung der Finanzkrise 2008 und der ihr folgenden Wirtschaftskrise zum Ziel hatte.
Constraints on the quartic Higgs self-coupling from double-Higgs production at future hadron colliders
Authors: Bizoń Wojciech , Haisch Ulrich , Rottoli Luca
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We study the indirect constraints on the quartic Higgs self-coupling that arise from double-Higgs production at future hadron colliders. To this purpose, we calculate the two-loop contributions to the gg → hh amplitudes that involve a modified h4 vertex. Based on our results, we estimate the reach of a pp collider operating at 27 TeV and 100 TeV centre-of-mass energy in constraining the cubic and quartic Higgs self-couplings by measurements of double-Higgs and triple-Higgs production in gluon-fusion.
Topological recursion in the Ramond sector
Authors: Osuga Kento
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We investigate supereigenvalue models in the Ramond sector and their recursive structure. We prove that the free energy truncates at quadratic order in Grassmann coupling constants, and consider super loop equations of the models with the assumption that the 1/N expansion makes sense. Subject to this assumption, we obtain the associated genus-zero algebraic curve with two ramification points (one regular and the other irregular) and also the supersymmetric partner polynomial equation. Starting with these polynomial equations, we present a recursive formalism that computes all the correlation functions of these models. Somewhat surprisingly, correlation functions obtained from the new recursion formalism have no poles at the irregular ramification point due to a supersymmetric correction — the new recursion may lead us to a further development of supersymmetric generalizations of the Eynard-Orantin topological recursion.
Loop corrected soft photon theorem as a Ward identity
Authors: Campiglia Miguel , Laddha Alok
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Recently Sahoo and Sen obtained a series of remarkable results concerning sub­ leading soft photon and graviton theorems in four dimensions. Even though the S-matrix is infrared divergent, they have shown that the subleading soft theorems are well defined and exact statements in QED and perturbative Quantum Gravity. However unlike the well studied Cachazo-Strominger soft theorems in tree-level amplitudes, the new subleading soft expansion is at the order ln w (where w is the soft frequency) and the corresponding soft factors structurally show completely different properties then their tree-level counterparts. Whence it is natural to ask if these theorems are associated to asymptotic symmetries of the S-matrix.

We consider this question in the context of sub-leading soft photon theorem in scalar QED and show that there are indeed an infinity of conservation laws whose Ward identities are equivalent to the loop-corrected soft photon theorem. This shows that in the case of four dimensional QED, the leading and sub-leading soft photon theorems are equivalent to Ward identities of (asymptotic) charges.
The content of polyphenols in coffee beans as roasting, origin and storage effect
Authors: Król Katarzyna , Gantner Magdalena , Tatarak Aleksandra , Hallmann Ewelina
Published: November 2019

Coffee, one of the most popular beverages in the world, contains many bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was a comparative evaluation of the content of bioactive compounds in organic and conventional coffee (Coffea arabica)originating from Brazil during 12 months storage. The content of the polyphenolic compounds was determined using HPLC analysis. The obtained results indicate that organic or conventional production and roasting conditions (light, medium, dark roast) affect the polyphenolic compounds of coffee. The highest content of total polyphenolic compounds was determined in coffees roasted in light and medium roasting conditions. Furthermore, organic coffee beans showed higher content of bioactive compounds (total phenolic, phenolic acids and flavonoids) than conventional coffee beans. During 12 months storage a decrease in polyphenolic compounds is observed and it is connected with the degradation of chlorogenic acid, which influences total bioactivity. Moreover, the highest caffeine content was observed in light and medium roasted coffee and after storage an increase in caffeine content was observed only in organic coffee beans.
A nomogram constructed using intraoperative ex vivo shear-wave elastography precisely predicts metastasis of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer
Authors: Bae Soong June , Youk Ji Hyun , Yoon Chang Ik , Park Soeun , Cha Chi Hwan , Lee Hak Woo , Ahn Sung Gwe , Lee Seung Ah , Son Eun Ju , Jeong Joon
Published: November 2019

Objective

To develop a nomogram and validate its use for the intraoperative evaluation of nodal metastasis using shear-wave elastography (SWE) elasticity values and nodal size

Methods

We constructed a nomogram to predict metastasis using ex vivo SWE values and ultrasound features of 228 axillary LNs from fifty-five patients. We validated its use in an independent cohort comprising 80 patients. In the validation cohort, a total of 217 sentinel LNs were included.

Results

We developed the nomogram using the nodal size and elasticity values of the development cohort to predict LN metastasis; the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.856 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.783–0.929). In the validation cohort, 15 (7%) LNs were metastatic, and 202 (93%) were non-metastatic. The mean stiffness (23.54 and 10.41 kPa,p= 0.005) and elasticity ratio (3.24 and 1.49,p= 0.028) were significantly higher in the metastatic LNs than those in the non-metastatic LNs. However, the mean size of the metastatic LNs was not significantly larger than that of the non-metastatic LNs (8.70 mm vs 7.20 mm, respectively;p= 0.123). The AUC was 0.791 (95% CI, 0.668–0.915) in the validation cohort, and the calibration plots of the nomogram showed good agreement.

Conclusions

We developed a well-validated nomogram to predict LN metastasis. This nomogram, mainly based on ex vivo SWE values, can help evaluate nodal metastasis during surgery.

Key Points

• A nomogram was developed based on axillary LN size and ex vivo SWE values such as mean stiffness and elasticity ratio to easily predict axillary LN metastasis during breast cancer surgery.

• The constructed nomogram presented high predictive performance of sentinel LN metastasis with an independent cohort.

• This nomogram can reduce unnecessary intraoperative frozen section which increases the surgical time and costs in breast cancer patients.
New evidence defining the pathology and pathogenesis of lower esophageal sphincter damage
Authors: Chandrasoma Parakrama
Published: November 2019

Background

Present diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has resulted in a dramatic increase in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This is due to failure to identify pathologic changes of early GERD; at present, pathology is limited to management of Barrett esophagus (BE).

Methods

Convincing evidence have confirmed that cardiac mucosa distal to the squamocolumnar junction in the endoscopically normal person is a metaplastic GERD-induced esophageal epithelium, and not a normal proximal gastric epithelium.

Results

When cardiac mucosa is recognized as a metaplastic esophageal epithelium, it becomes self-evident that the present endoscopic definition of the gastro-esophageal junction is incorrect, and there exists a dilated distal esophagus (DDE) in what is incorrectly termed the “gastric cardia” presently mistaken for proximal stomach. It also becomes clear that the length of the DDE correlates with the presence and severity of GERD and represents the pathology of the entire spectrum of GERD. Further, it allows recognition that the DDE, measured as the gap between esophageal squamous epithelium and gastric oxyntic mucosa that is composed of cardiac mucosa, represents the pathologic anatomy of damage to the abdominal segment of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Conclusion

The new understanding of the significance of cardiac mucosa provides a new and highly accurate histologic method of assessment of LES damage, the primary cause of GERD. This opens a new door to complete histologic assessment of GERD from its etiologic standpoint and to new research that permit early diagnosis of GERD at its outset. Ultimately, such early diagnosis has the potential to reverse the increasing trend of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Politicising Government Engagement with Corporate Social Responsibility: “CSR” as an Empty Signifier
Authors: Zueva Anna , Fairbrass Jenny
Published: November 2019

Governments are widely viewed by academics and practitioners (and society more generally) as the key societal actors who are capable of compelling businesses to practice corporate social responsibility (CSR). Arguably, such government involvement could be seen as a technocratic device for encouraging ethical business behaviour. In this paper, we offer a more politicised interpretation of government engagement with CSR where “CSR” is not a desired form of business conduct but an element of discourse that governments can deploy in structuring their relationships with other social actors. We build our argument through a historical analysis of government CSR discourse in the Russian Federation. Laclau and Mouffe's (Hegemony and socialist strategy: Towards a radical democratic politics,
Verso Books, London, 1985) social theory of hegemony underpins our research. We find that “CSR” in the Russian government’s discourse served to legitimise its power over large businesses. Using this case, we contribute to wider academic debates by providing fresh empirical evidence that allows the development of critical evaluation tools in relation to governments’ engagement with “CSR”. We find that governments are capable of hijacking CSR for their own self-interested gain. We close the paper by reflecting on the merit of exploring the case of the Russian Federation. As a “non-core”, non-western exemplar, it provides a useful “mirror” with which to reflect on the more widely used test-bed of Western industrial democracies when scrutinising CSR. Based on our findings, we invite other scholars to adopt a more critical, politicised stance when researching the role of governments in relation to CSR in other parts of the world.
Historical control data for the interpretation of ecotoxicity data: are we missing a trick?
Authors: Brooks Amy C. , Foudoulakis Manousos , Schuster Hanna S. , Wheeler James R.
Published: November 2019

Wildlife can be exposed to chemicals in the environment from various anthropogenic sources. Ecotoxicity studies, undertaken to address the risks from potential exposure to chemicals, vary in their design e.g. duration of exposure, effect types and endpoints measured. Ecotoxicity studies measure biological responses to test item exposure. Responses can be highly variable, with limited opportunity for control of extrinsic sources of variability. It is critical to distinguish between treatment-related effects and background ‘normal variability’ when interpreting results. Historical control data (HCD) can be a valuable tool in contextualising results from single studies against previous studies performed under similar conditions. This paper discusses the case for better use of HCD in ecotoxicology assessments, illustrating with case studies the value and difficulties of using HCD in interpretation of results of standard and higher-tier study designs. HCD are routinely used in mammalian toxicology for human health assessments, but not directly in ecotoxicology. The possible reasons for this are discussed e.g., different data types, the potential to mask effects, and the lack of guidance. These concerns are real but not insurmountable and we would like to see organisations such as OECD, EFSA and USEPA develop guidance on the principles of HCD collection. Hopefully, this would lead to greater use of HCD and regulatory acceptance. We believe this is not only a scientifically valid approach but also an ethical issue that is in line with societally driven legal mandates to minimise the use of vertebrate testing in chemical regulatory decision making.
Functional and Nonclinical Similarity of ABP 980, a Biosimilar of Trastuzumab
Authors: Jassem Shea , Wang Wei , Sweet Heather , Manoukian Raffi , Chow Vincent , Kanakaraj Palanisamy , Hutterer Katariina M. , Kuhns Scott , Foltz Ian N. , Chen Qing , Ferbas John , McBride Helen J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The in vitro and in vivo pharmacologic assessment of ABP 980 similarity to its reference product is intended to compare the activity of ABP 980 and trastuzumab and support the overall conclusion of similarity based on a comprehensive analytical and functional evaluation.

Methods

This work complements the primary assessment of functional similarity with additional in vitro assays, binding studies, and non-clinical studies including human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) kinetic binding, HER2 signaling, HER2 internalization, synergy with docetaxel chemotherapy, FcγR kinetic binding, primary natural killer and monocyte cell binding, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis activity, in vivo xenograft studies, and toxicokinetic parameters.

Results

The results contribute to the totality of evidence with respect to functional similarity and support that ABP 980 is similar to trastuzumab in all primary and secondary mechanisms of action.

Conclusions

These results also support the scientific justification of extrapolation to all approved indications of trastuzumab given the established functional similarity of the two products and the same mechanisms of action across all conditions of use.