bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity Sensors to Evaluate the Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Quality‐of‐Life in Heart Failure: rational and design of the AWAKE‐HF study
Authors: Khandwalla Raj M. , Birkeland Kade , Heywood J. Thomas , Steinhubl Steven , McCague Kevin , Fombu Emmanuel , Grant Daniel , Riebman Jerome B. , Owens Robert L.
Published: October 2019

Aims

Limited data are available regarding the ability of sacubitril/valsartan to provide clinically meaningful health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) improvements among individuals with heart failure (HF). Objective measurement of physical activity and sleep using actigraphy can provide insight into daily functioning and HRQoL.

Methods and results

We designed an 18 week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel‐group study to objectively assess changes in function and HRQoL directly after initiating sacubitril/valsartan vs. enalapril in participants with HF in their home environments. A total of 136 outpatient, ambulatory participants with New York Heart Association Class II or III HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) will be included in the study. Patients will undergo a 2 week baseline observational phase (continuing current HF treatment); data from the second week of this phase will be the baseline value for comparison with those of subsequent periods. Patients will then enter an 8 week blinded‐treatment phase (randomly assigned 1:1 to sacubitril/valsartan or enalapril), followed by an 8 week open‐label extension phase (treatment with only sacubitril/valsartan). The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in mean activity counts during the most active 30 min of the participant's day between baseline and the final randomized treatment phase measurement. Secondary endpoints include the change in mean sleep activity during the randomized and open‐label phases; questionnaires will also assess HRQoL measures. Rather than analysing pooled actigraphy data, the researchers are considering each participant to be acting as his or her own control.

Conclusions

This will be the first study to assess the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on objective measures of sleep and activity in individuals with HFrEF within the context of their daily lives. Wearable accelerometer devices will be used to gain insight into how the medication affects physical activity and sleep.
Phenomapping of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using machine learning‐based unsupervised cluster analysis
Authors: Segar Matthew W. , Patel Kershaw V. , Ayers Colby , Basit Mujeeb , Tang W.H. Wilson , Willett Duwayne , Berry Jarett , Grodin Justin L. , Pandey Ambarish
Published: October 2019

Aim

To identify distinct phenotypic subgroups in a highly‐dimensional, mixed‐data cohort of individuals with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using unsupervised clustering analysis.

Methods and results

The study included all Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) participants from the Americas (n = 1767). In the subset of participants with available echocardiographic data (derivation cohort, n = 654), we characterized three mutually exclusive phenogroups of HFpEF participants using penalized finite mixture model‐based clustering analysis on 61 mixed‐data phenotypic variables. Phenogroup 1 had higher burden of co‐morbidities, natriuretic peptides, and abnormalities in left ventricular structure and function; phenogroup 2 had lower prevalence of cardiovascular and non‐cardiac co‐morbidities but higher burden of diastolic dysfunction; and phenogroup 3 had lower natriuretic peptide levels, intermediate co‐morbidity burden, and the most favourable diastolic function profile. In adjusted Cox models, participants in phenogroup 1 (vs. phenogroup 3) had significantly higher risk for all adverse clinical events including the primary composite endpoint, all‐cause mortality, and HF hospitalization. Phenogroup 2 (vs. phenogroup 3) was significantly associated with higher risk of HF hospitalization but a lower risk of atherosclerotic event (myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death), and comparable risk of mortality. Similar patterns of association were also observed in the non‐echocardiographic TOPCAT cohort (internal validation cohort, n = 1113) and an external cohort of patients with HFpEF [Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status and Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (RELAX) trial cohort, n = 198], with the highest risk of adverse outcome noted in phenogroup 1 participants.

Conclusions

Machine learning‐based cluster analysis can identify phenogroups of patients with HFpEF with distinct clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes.
Uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis of bladed disk statics with material anisotropy and root geometry variations
Authors: Rajasekharan Rahul , Petrov Evgeny
Published: October 2019

Monocrystalline blades used in gas turbines exhibit material anisotropy, and the orientation of the anisotropy axis affects the deformation of the bladed disk. Considering the orientation of the anisotropy axis as a random design parameter, the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for static blade deformations are presented for the first time. The following two cases are analyzed using a realistic bladed disk model with friction contacts: (i) deformation of the tuned bladed disks considering the uncertainty in anisotropy orientation and variations in fir tree root geometry and (ii) deformation of mistuned bladed disks with uncertain blade crystal orientations. For efficient uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, the applicability of the following surrogate models are explored: (i) an ensemble of regression trees (random forest) and (ii) gradient‐based polynomial chaos expansion. Faster convergence in statistical characteristics has been obtained using a surrogate model compared to that obtained from finite element model based Monte Carlo simulation. From sensitivity analysis, it has been inferred that the uncertainty in static displacements of a blade in a bladed disk is primarily due to the uncertainty in anisotropy angles of that blade itself and secondarily due to the interaction of different blade anisotropy angles.
Effects of drying methods on the characteristics of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seed fat: An optimisation approach
Authors: Jahurul M.H.A. , Ying L.N. , Amir H.M.S. , Azzatul F.S. , Sharifudin M.S. , Hasmadi M. , Lee J.S. , Mansoor A.H. , Jumardi R. , Matanjun P. , Firoz Khan M. , Zaidul I.S.M.
Published: October 2019

The pre‐treatment of oilseeds prior to extraction process may affect oil yield and quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two drying methods on rambutan seed fat (RSF) yield and their oxidative stability, physicochemical properties, and crystal morphology. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used in the optimisation and investigation of the effects of three process conditions: seed weight (g), extraction time (min), and solvent volume (ml) on RSF yield. Under optimal conditions, a maximum RSF yield of 44.14% was obtained. The differences between RSF pre‐treated with oven‐drying and RSF with freeze‐drying methods in slip melting point (38.3°C to 39.7°C), free fatty acid (3.13 to 3.50 mg KOH/g fat), peroxide value (1.04 to 1.67 meq of O2/kg of fat), p‐anisidine value (1.10 to 1.56), and total oxidation value (4.21 to 5.67) were significant (p < 0.05). Both fats showed needle‐like shaped crystals. Our results provide useful information in the pre‐treatment of RSF, which has potential to be used as blending component with palm oil for cocoa butter equivalent formulation in chocolate and confectionery industries.
The Need for and Path to Harmonized Life Cycle Assessment and Techno‐Economic Assessment for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization
Authors: Sick Volker , Armstrong Katy , Cooney Gregory , Cremonese Lorenzo , Eggleston Alexandra , Faber Grant , Hackett Gregory , Kätelhön Arne , Keoleian Greg , Marano John , Marriott Joseph , McCord Stephen , Miller Shelie A. , Mutchek Michele , Olfe-Kräutlein Barbara , Ravikumar Dwarakanath , Roper Louise Kjellerup , Schaidle Joshua , Skone Timothy , Smith Lorraine , Strunge Till , Styring Peter , Tao Ling , Völker Simon , Zimmermann Arno
Published: October 2019

The use of carbon dioxide as a feedstock for a broad range of products can help mitigate the effects of climate change through long‐term removal of carbon or as part of a circular carbon economy. Research on capture and conversion technologies has intensified in recent years, and the interest in deploying these technologies is growing fast. However, sound understanding of the environmental and economic impacts of these technologies is required to drive fast deployment and avoid unintended consequences. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) and techno‐economic assessments (TEAs) are useful tools to quantify environmental and economic metrics; however, these tools can be very flexible in how they are applied, with the potential to produce significantly different results depending on how the boundaries and assumptions are defined. Built on ISO standards for generic LCAs, several guidance documents have emerged recently from the Global CO2 Initiative, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that further define assessment specifications for carbon capture and utilization. Overall agreement in the approaches is noted with differences largely based on the intended use cases. However, further guidance is needed for assessments of early‐stage technologies, reporting details, and reporting for policymakers and nontechnical decision‐makers.
Role of computer software tools in industrial symbiotic networks and the examination of sociocultural factors
Authors: Fric Urška , Rončević Borut , Uršič Erika D.
Published: October 2019

This article represents some principal dilemmas and challenges that need to be undertaken when conducting future research on Industrial Symbiotic Networks (ISN) using existing and efficient Computer Software Tools (CS tools). Multidimensional networks in industrial symbiosis have involved two or more stakeholders in sharing services, utility, or by‐products/waste (material, energy, and water) in order to increase value and reduce financial and environmental costs. Multidimensional networks operate as dynamic complex networks, crossing the boundaries and are formed by natural, technical, social, and computer systems. For a better understanding, there is an outline and review of the benefits of using CS tools within managing industrial symbiotic networks.
Implications of municipal solid waste disposal methods in China on greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Bian Rongxing , Zhao Fengbin , Chai Xiaoli
Published: October 2019

Waste disposal sector is an important anthropogenic source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; therefore, it is important to accurately estimate GHG budget of waste disposal activities and evaluate its contribution to global GHG emissions. Based on the GHG inventory guidelines provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this study calculated GHGs from the municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal sector (including landfill, incineration, and compost) in China during the period 2002–2017. Overall GHG emission from the MSW disposal sector increased from 30,392.0 Gg CO2 in 2002 to 76,623.0 Gg in 2017. MSW landfill contributed most to GHG emissions as indicated by the emission share of landfill decreasing from a peak value of 93.5% in 2002 to 65.8% in 2017. GHG emissions from MSW incineration increased rapidly from less than 3.0% in 2002 to 32.8% in 2017. In 2017, East China contributed the most among the seven regions of China, while the Northwest contributed the least. Methane mitigation technologies such as landfill gas to energy projects and functional solid cover utilization are the primary measures for reducing GHG emissions from landfill; conversion of the treatment method from landfill to incineration is another effective measure; MSW sorting and source reduction of waste amounts prior to incineration were also found to be promising strategies.
A parametric study to simulate the non‐Newtonian turbulent flow in spiral tubes
Authors: Valizadeh Kamran , Farahbakhsh Soroush , Bateni Amir , Zargarian Amirhossein , Davarpanah Afshin , Alizadeh Araz , Zarei Mojtaba
Published: October 2019

Non‐Newtonian fluids are considered to those types of fluids that do not follow Newton's law of viscosity where viscosity would change in either more solid or liquid. The objective of this study, a parametric simulation, was performed to investigate the considerable influence of non‐Newtonian fluids on different parameters on spiral tubes. Firstly, governing equations have derived by computational fluid dynamics methods to compare the laminar and turbulent flows. Then, the turbulent flow, the non‐Newtonian flow, power law flow, and cross models are simulated according to the boundary conditions. Consequently, for the Reynolds range of 600‐2500, increasing the Reynolds number decreases the friction coefficient. It is observed that in slow flow, there is no significant difference between the results of cross and power law models. The distribution of velocity profile has slight variation at the pipe outlet for Reynolds 9000 and 20 000. In other words, the flow is constant in developed region inside the spiral pipe. Moreover, the investigation of pressure drop inside the pipe revealed that regarding the increase in Reynolds number, the friction coefficient decreases. In spiral tubes, due to the presence of secondary currents, the friction coefficient is higher than the direct tube.
Dynamic analysis of concrete pipes under the coupled effects of traffic load and groundwater level fluctuations
Authors: Li Bin , Fang Hongyuan , Yang Kangjian , Tan Peiling , Wang Fuming
Published: October 2019

Fluctuations in the groundwater level make the working conditions of concrete pipes below the groundwater level more complex than those of concrete pipes above the groundwater level. This paper describes the application of a three‐dimensional (3‐D) refined finite element (FE) model to the analysis of a buried concrete pipe subjected to the coupled effects of traffic load and groundwater level fluctuations. First, the dynamic responses of the concrete pipes buried in dry soil were investigated with a full‐scale test and an FE model. The results show that the FE model predicted results similar to those observed in field pipes. Then, the dynamic responses based on the numerical results of pipes buried in dry soil under a traffic load and those of pipes buried in saturated soil under the coupled effects of a traffic load and groundwater level fluctuations were compared. Finally, a parametric analysis of the effects of the void ratio, permeability coefficient, and fluctuation period in the groundwater level in relation to the dynamic responses of the pipes was conducted. The results show that the mechanical behaviors of the pipes in dry soil were substantially different from those of pipes in saturated soil. Compared with pipes in dry soil under a traffic load, the stresses at the crown, springline, and invert of the bell under the coupled effects of the traffic load and groundwater level fluctuations were lowered by 44.8%, 52.0%, and 50.3%, respectively, while those of the spigot were lowered by 42.0%, 50.3%, and 49.6%, respectively. The maximum principal stress and the vertical displacement were proportional to the void ratio and the permeability coefficient, while their relationship to the groundwater level fluctuation period was less straightforward.
Detection of multipath routing with passive delay measurements: Hypothesis testing approaches
Authors: Pan Shengli , Wang Yan , Bai Ziming , Xiong Muzhou , Gu Lin
Published: October 2019

Multipath routing, which is a common approach to achieve load balancing, will enable multiple active paths between two end‐hosts. However, it will cause out‐of‐order delivery of packets, which will not only severely debilitate the performances of TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) but also will make many single‐path–based applications work improperly. In this paper, we propose to utilize passive delay measurements between end‐hosts, to detect multipath routing with two different hypothesis testing approaches, ie, t‐Test and variance test. The motivation is that the obtained distributions of passive delays between end‐to‐end communication flows can be very similar to each other when they are routed by the identical end‐to‐end path, whereas distinct differences are observed among the ones of different end‐to‐end paths. Simulations based on NS2 validate the efficiency of both t‐Test and variance test and demonstrate the robustness of t‐Test against asynchronous measurements between different flows.
Health status diagnosis of distribution transformers based on big data mining
Authors: Wang Yue , Hu Linfang , Chen Jianwei , Ren Yueqing
Published: October 2019

In the fault detection technology of distribution transformer, the traditional artificial intelligence algorithm has been unable to achieve its efficient analysis and processing, but also unable to achieve the elimination of misdiagnosis caused by improper interval segmentation in the process of fault diagnosis of distribution transformer. In a word, the problem that always exists in transformer fault diagnosis technology is the problem of discretization of fault data. In order to solve this problem, this paper creatively proposes a health condition diagnosis method of distribution transformer based on large data. This method innovatively proposes that the dissolved gas analysis value of distribution transformer is the conditional attribute, and the fault type is the decision attribute, and the fault decision table is established. The continuous attribute data in the decision table are discretized by using the optimization behavior of large data sets. Subsequently, the discretized decision table is simplified by using the big data theory, and the decision table of fault diagnosis rules is established, which greatly simplifies the difficulty of attribute simplification of decision table and makes diagnosis more convenient. Finally, an example shows that the proposed method can effectively discretize and reduce samples. Compared with traditional methods, it improves the accuracy of fault diagnosis.
Multipath mitigation in GPS receiver using Taylor integrated bidirectional least mean square algorithm
Authors: Siridhara A.L. , Ratnam D.V.
Published: October 2019

Research interest in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is increasing in the past few years due to its wide applicability in many application‐oriented environments, such as automobile navigation system and aircraft landing system. Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the GNSSs having high precision navigation performance. Multipath is a dominant error source that occurs in several GPS applications, limiting the performance. To reduce the multipath effects of satellite signals, an effective multipath mitigation technique is required. This paper introduces the Taylor series–based bidirectional least mean square (Taylor‐BLMS) beamforming model for the multipath mitigation problems occurring in the GPS receiver. The performance metrics, such as antenna gain and bit error rate (BER), measure the performance of the proposed Taylor‐BLMS model against various comparative models. For the system with six sensors, the proposed Taylor‐BLMS model has the best performance with the values of 23.460 dB and 4.78E−05 for the antenna gain and the BER, respectively. For the system with 1 jammer, the proposed Taylor‐BLMS model has the antenna gain and the BER values of 22.2828 dB and 3.69E−05, respectively.
An effective handover management based on SINR and software‐defined network over urban vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Ahmed Adel A.
Published: October 2019

Urban vehicular ad hoc network (UVANET) is a modality of high‐topology variation MANET where vehicles travel across constrained layout of the roads and tall buildings, which eventually results in shadowing effects. One of the critical challenges in UVANET is the handover process that happens when a vehicle changes its association with the roadside unit. Urban area suffers from high vehicular density at traffic signals, and vehicle slowdowns caused by speed limits, frequent link disconnection caused by signal attenuation due to obstacles. Thus, it is difficult for UVANET to disseminate the packets to their destinations located in a specified area. This paper presents an effective handover management that calculates the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) to ultimately determine the optimal cluster head for seamless handover in UVANET. It also utilizes the software‐defined network to resolve the problem of handover failure in UVANET. The finding in the experimental results shows that the developed association clustering mechanism based on SINR significantly outperforms the baseline association mechanism. More importantly, it can resolve different types of handover problems that improved the quality of service in terms of throughput, handover latency, packet loss ratio, and handover failure ratio, when compared to the baseline handover mechanisms.
Passiflora edulis seed oil from west Cameroon: Chemical characterization and assessment of its hypolipidemic effect in high‐fat diet–induced rats
Authors: Ngakou Takam Prosper , Tonfack Djikeng Fabrice , Kuate Dieudonné , Nouemsi Kengne Anne Pascale , Doungué Tsafack Hermine , Makamwé Inelle , Oben Julius Enyong
Published: October 2019

In this study, the in vivo hypolipidemic effect of west Cameroonian Passiflora edulis variety seed oil (PE) was assessed in female and male Wistar rats. The chemical properties of the oil were evaluated through the determination of the peroxide, iodine, and thiobarbituric acid values, as well as its fatty acid composition using gas chromatography. Results showed that the oil extraction yield was 19.90% and its quality indexes were as follows: peroxide value = 2.10 ± 0.20 meq O2/kg; thiobarbituric acid value = 0.25 ± 0.00 ppm; and iodine value = 97.40 ± 0.45 g I2/100 g. Its fatty acid composition showed that it contains about 84.88% of unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid being the most represented (68.39%), followed by oleic acid (14.31%). The administration of this oil resulted in a significant reduction (p < .05) in the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol in rats. The PE groups showed a significant increase (p < .05) in high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol compared with untreated male rats. A similar trend was observed with female rats for triglycerides, but lowest values were observed with olive oil at 1 ml. This study suggests that P. edulis seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, which might be responsible for its hypolipidemic effect comparable to that of olive oil.
Dynamic functioning of transient resting‐state coactivation networks in the Human Connectome Project
Authors: Janes Amy C. , Peechatka Alyssa L. , Frederick Blaise B. , Kaiser Roselinde H.
Published: October 2019

Resting‐state analyses evaluating large‐scale brain networks have largely focused on static correlations in brain activity over extended time periods, however emerging approaches capture time‐varying or dynamic patterns of transient functional networks. In light of these new approaches, there is a need to classify common transient network states (TNS) in terms of their spatial and dynamic properties. To fill this gap, two independent resting state scans collected in 462 healthy adults from the Human Connectome Project were evaluated using coactivation pattern analysis to identify (eight) TNS that recurred across participants and over time. These TNS spatially overlapped with prototypical resting state networks, but also diverged in notable ways. In particular, analyses revealed three TNS that shared cortical midline overlap with the default mode network (DMN), but these “complex” DMN states also encompassed distinct regions that fall beyond the prototypical DMN, suggesting that the DMN defined using static methods may represent the average of distinct complex‐DMN states. Of note, dwell time was higher in “complex” DMN states, challenging the idea that the prototypical DMN, as a single unit, is the dominant resting‐state network as typically defined by static resting state methods. In comparing the two resting state scans, we also found high reliability in the spatial organization and dynamic activities of network states involving DMN or sensorimotor regions. Future work will determine whether these TNS defined by coactivation patterns are in other samples, and are linked to fundamental cognitive properties.
Functional network dynamics in a neurodevelopmental disorder of known genetic origin
Authors: Hawkins Erin , Akarca Danyal , Zhang Mengya , Brkić Diandra , Woolrich Mark , Baker Kate , Astle Duncan
Published: October 2019

Dynamic connectivity in functional brain networks is a fundamental aspect of cognitive development, but we have little understanding of the mechanisms driving variability in these networks. Genes are likely to influence the emergence of fast network connectivity via their regulation of neuronal processes, but novel methods to capture these rapid dynamics have rarely been used in genetic populations. The current study redressed this by investigating brain network dynamics in a neurodevelopmental disorder of known genetic origin, by comparing individuals with a ZDHHC9‐associated intellectual disability to individuals with no known impairment. We characterised transient network dynamics using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) on magnetoencephalography (MEG) data, at rest and during auditory oddball stimulation. The HMM is a data‐driven method that captures rapid patterns of coordinated brain activity recurring over time. Resting‐state network dynamics distinguished the groups, with ZDHHC9 participants showing longer state activation and, crucially, ZDHHC9 gene expression levels predicted the group differences in dynamic connectivity across networks. In contrast, network dynamics during auditory oddball stimulation did not show this association. We demonstrate a link between regional gene expression and brain network dynamics, and present the new application of a powerful method for understanding the neural mechanisms linking genetic variation to cognitive difficulties.
Regression‐based machine‐learning approaches to predict task activation using resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Cohen Alexander D. , Chen Ziyi , Parker Jones Oiwi , Niu Chen , Wang Yang
Published: October 2019

Resting‐state fMRI has shown the ability to predict task activation on an individual basis by using a general linear model (GLM) to map resting‐state network features to activation z‐scores. The question remains whether the relatively simplistic GLM is the best approach to accomplish this prediction. In this study, several regression‐based machine‐learning approaches were compared, including GLMs, feed‐forward neural networks, and random forest bootstrap aggregation (bagging). Resting‐state and task data from 350 Human Connectome Project subjects were analyzed. First, the effect of the number of training subjects on the prediction accuracy was evaluated. In addition, the prediction accuracy and Dice coefficient were compared across models. Prediction accuracy increased with the training number up to 200 subjects; however, an elbow in the prediction curve occurred around 30–40 training subjects. All models performed well with correlation matrices, which displayed correlation between actual and predicted task activation for all subjects, exhibiting a strong diagonal trend for all tasks. Overall, the neural network and random forest bagging techniques outperformed the GLM. These approaches, however, require additional computing power and processing time. These results show that, while the GLM performs well, resting‐state fMRI prediction of task activation could benefit from more complex machine learning approaches.
Cancer mortality predictions for 2019 in Latin America
Authors: Carioli Greta , Bertuccio Paola , Malvezzi Matteo , Rodriguez Teresa , Levi Fabio , Boffetta Paolo , La Vecchia Carlo , Negri Eva
Published: October 2019

We estimated mortality figures for 2019 in seven Latin American countries, with focus on breast cancer. We retrieved cancer death certification and population data from the WHO and PAHO databases. We obtained mortality statistics for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela for 1970–2015. We predicted current death numbers and age‐standardised (world population) mortality rates using joinpoint regression models. Total cancer mortality is predicted to decline in all countries and both sexes, except Argentinian women. Cuba had the highest all cancer rates for 2019, 136.9/100,000 men and 90.4 women, while Mexico showed the lowest ones, 63.8/100,000 men and 61.9 women. Stomach cancer showed favourable trends over the whole period, while colorectal cancer only recently. Lung cancer rates declined in men, while in women they decreased slightly over the most recent years, only. In Cuban women, lung cancer rates overtook breast cancer ones. Breast cancer showed overall favourable trends, but rates are rising in young women. Prostate and uterine cancer had favourable trends. Pancreas, ovary, bladder and leukaemias showed slightly decreasing trends. Between 1990 and 2019, mortality from all neoplasms is predicted to fall by about 18% in Argentina, 26% in Chile, 14% in Colombia, 17% in Mexico and 13% in Venezuela, corresponding to almost 0.5 million avoided cancer deaths. No decline was observed in Brazil and Cuba. Of concern, the persisting high rates of (cervix) uterus cancer, the high lung cancer rates in Cuba, the possible increases in breast cancer in young women, and the lack of overall declines in Brazil, Cuba and Venezuelan men.
A quantitative evaluation of the use of medical lasers in German hospitals
Authors: Späth Moritz , Klämpfl Florian , Stelzle Florian , Hohmann Martin , Lengenfelder Benjamin , Schmidt Michael
Published: October 2019

The laser has become an integral part of modern medicine, procedures based on this technique have found their way into a multitude of medical disciplines. There is, however, no data available on the detailed quantitative development of laser use in the medical sector. This fact gave rise to the idea of the present study, which analyzed the raw data of the quality report of German hospitals with respect to this subject. Over the 9 years of report, a steady increase in the cumulative number of cases was evident, although not all body regions in which the medical laser is used followed this trend. The CO2 laser was found to be the most commonly applied laser, even though a large spectrum of different laser types is used. Based on the present study, the importance of the laser for medical purposes can be confirmed.
One‐pot synthesis of 3‐(sulfonyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]pyridines through a cascade Michael/cyclization reaction
Authors: Wang Dao‐Cai , Ma Fei , Xiao Qiang , Zhang Chi , Huang Mian , Liu Xiao‐Peng
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a straightforward and valid three‐component Michael/cyclization reaction of (E)‐1‐methyl‐3‐(arylidene)piperidin‐4‐ones, 2‐(sulfonyl)acetonitriles, and aromatic aldehydes was explored for the preparation of potentially biologically active 3‐(sulfonyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]pyridines under mild reaction conditions. More diverse 3‐(sulfonyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]pyridine derivatives were constructed in satisfactory yields (up to 97%). The chemical structure of newly synthesized 3‐(sulfonyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]pyridines were identified with 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectrometry analysis. The recommendable method features a simple and direct workup, easy access to initial materials, high atom utilization efficiency, high final product yields, and a wide range of substrate adaptability.
Vapor–liquid and chemical equilibria model for formaldehyde–trioxane–sulfuric acid–water mixtures
Authors: Jiang Siqi , Zhang Xianming , Hu Yufeng , Yin Liuyi , Qi Jianguang , Ren Chunxiao , Mo Shuqin
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Trioxane (C3H6O3) is industrially produced from aqueous formaldehyde (HCHO) solutions through catalytic distillation catalyzed by sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Optimizing industrial process of the synthesis and developing new catalysts require a reliable model for the vapor–liquid equilibria in reaction mixture HCHO–C3H6O3–H2SO4– H2O and a deep understanding of the role of H2SO4 in the industrial production of trioxane.

RESULTS

Here the Maurer and co‐workers's model and the LIFAC model along with their model parameters were invoked to develop such a model. The vapor–liquid equilibrium data in HCHO–C3H6O3–H2SO4–H2O and HCHO–salt–H2O were systematically measured and utilized to determine the newly introduced model parameters. The model thus‐established provides a reliable method for calculating and predicting the vapor–liquid and chemical equilibria data in HCHO–C3H6O3–H2SO4– H2O and HCHO–salt–H2O.

CONCLUSIONS

The prediction results uncover that, in addition to its ability to accelerate the reaction, the catalyst H2SO4 has strong abilities to increase the activity of ‘real’ reactant for trioxane synthesis and to promote the phase separation that is very important for drastically increasing the yield of trioxane, reducing the energy requirement for the trioxane synthesis, and decreasing the formation of the by‐product formic acid. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Could a Dean of Creativity Enrich Nontraditional Medical Education Initiatives?
Authors: Green David
Published: October 2019

Educational reform efforts aim to modernize curricula with competency‐based and technology‐enriched approaches. However, cultural traditionalism limits the potential impacts of these complex change efforts. Creative leaders could challenge the status quo and foster the conditions needed to sustain novel education initiatives. The following commentary proposes an implementable action plan that could promote creative solutions and remove institutional barriers.
Application of artificial intelligence algorithms on modeling of reflection phase characteristics of a nonuniform reflectarray element
Authors: Mahouti Peyman
Published: October 2019

Reflectarray antennas (RAs) have the ability to combine the advantages of both traditional parabolic reflector and phased array antennas without the need for feed network designs. Microstrip reflectarrays (MRAs) have the advantages of being small size, light weighted, easy to prototyped, high gain, low side‐lobe level, and a predetermined radiation pattern. These can be achieved by precise calculation of reflection phase at each RA unit independently with a phase compensation proportional to the distance from the feed. The challenging problem is to have a fast and high accurate unit element to be used in multidimension, multiobjective design optimization. Herein, artificial intelligence algorithms (AIAs) have been used for prediction of reflection phase characterization of an X band MRA unit element with respect to the geometrical design parameters. Firstly, a nonuniform unit RA has been designed in 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation tool for creating the training validation data sets. Then, the data sets are given to the different types of AIA regression models such as multilayer perceptron, symbolic regression, and convolutional neural network. From the results of the validation data set, it can be concluded that the proposed models have sufficient accuracy that can be used in a computationally efficient design optimization process of a large‐scale RA design.
Declining U.S. regional and continental trends in intra‐annual and interannual extreme temperature swings
Authors: DeGaetano Arthur T. , Lim Li‐Sha
Published: October 2019

The occurrence of regional temperature extremes on weekly to seasonal time scales has been a common climate impact in recent decades. Both instances of extreme warmth and extreme cold have been documented and analysed in the literature. While these events have most often been analysed independently, in this study, the transition between temperature extremes is examined using station data. Five measures of extreme temperature change are examined. At stations across the United States, there has been a significant decrease in the temperature difference between the warmest and coldest percentile observed within each year based on 7‐, 30‐ and 90‐day temperature averages during both the 1900–2017 and 1950–2017 periods. The maximum difference between percentiles associated with adjacent 7‐, 30‐ and 90‐day periods in each year has also declined significantly. At the same time, the interval between the highest and lowest annual percentile occurrence has lengthened. On a decadal basis, the frequency of shifts from the sub‐5th to over‐95th temperature percentiles has also declined through time, while the average time period between temperature occurrences in opposite tails of the distribution has increased. In general, these results are very consistent across the United States, although some regional‐ and duration‐dependent differences are noted. For many of the extreme temperature metrics, a high level of field significance is obtained in the Southwest, Great Plains and Midwest regions.
Volume‐Based Feeding Enhances Enteral Delivery by Maximizing the Optimal Rate of Enteral Feeding (FEED MORE)
Authors: Holyk Amanda , Belden Valerie , Sirimaturos Michael , Chiles Kathryn , Fontenot Nicole , Lista Annette , Broadway Mary K. , Leon Raul Sanchez
Published: October 2019

Background

The importance of enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients is well documented. However, actual administration of EN frequently does not amount to prescribed nutrition goals. Persistent underfeeding may lead to impaired immune response, increased mortality, and higher costs. Traditionally, EN uses a rate‐based approach, utilizing slow titration to goal and a final fixed hourly rate, regardless of interruptions in feeding. Volume‐based feeding (VBF) establishes a 24‐hour EN goal volume, and the rate varies to achieve this daily goal when interruptions occur.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective, single‐center, quasi‐experimental study comparing traditional rate‐based feeding (RBF) to VBF in adult patients admitted to the medical and neurosurgical intensive care units (ICUs). The primary outcome was mean percentage of total goal energy received after EN initiation until 7 days, transfer from ICU, removal of feeding tube, or oral diet order placed. Secondary outcomes included mean percentage of total goal protein received, percentage of patients meeting 80% of nutrition goals, incidence of gastric residual volumes >400 mL, and incidence of moderate hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL).

Results

The study enrolled 189 patients. Mean percentage of goal energy delivered (75% RBF, 102% VBF; P < .001) and goal protein delivered (68% RBF, 87% VBF; P < .001) was significantly higher with VBF compared with RBF.

Conclusion

VBF demonstrated a significant increase in energy and protein delivery with no major safety or tolerability issues. VBF should be considered for use in ICU patients to optimize nutrition delivery.
Activation Energy for Dissociation of Hydrogen‐Bonding Crosslinkers in Phase‐Change Salogels: Dynamic Light Scattering versus Rheological Studies
Authors: Karimineghlani Parvin , Sukhishvili Svetlana A.
Published: October 2019

Dissociation energy of dynamic bonds in thermoresponsive phase‐change salogels is explored using rheology and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The salogels are formed by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reversibly crosslinked by hydrogen‐bonding amine‐terminated molecules in an inorganic phase‐change material—lithium nitrate trihydrate (LNH) salt—as a solvent. The crosslinker geometry (linear vs branched) has a strong effect on both the gelation temperature (Tgel) and the crosslinker to polymer ratio at which the gelation occurs. Due to their higher functionality, dendritic crosslinkers are more efficient gelators as compared to their linear counterparts, inducing PVA gelation at a lower concentration of a crosslinker and resulting in salogels with higher Tgel. Both stress relaxation and DLS data can be fitted by the exponential functions with temperature‐independent exponents of ≈0.5 and 2, respectively. For the first time, it is reported that the crosslinker dissociation activation energy determined from the rheological stress relaxation time and DLS slow mode decay time are in very good agreement, comprising ≈130–140 kJ mol−1 for salogels with both linear and dendritic crosslinkers.
Model completion of scaled lattices and co‐Heyting algebras of p‐adic semi‐algebraic sets
Authors: Darnière Luck
Published: October 2019

Let p be prime number, K be a p‐adically closed field, a semi‐algebraic set defined over K and the lattice of semi‐algebraic subsets of X which are closed in X. We prove that the complete theory of eliminates quantifiers in a certain language , the ‐structure on being an extension by definition of the lattice structure. Moreover it is decidable, contrary to what happens over a real closed field for . We classify these ‐structures up to elementary equivalence, and get in particular that the complete theory of only depends on m, not on K nor even on p. As an application we obtain a classification of semi‐algebraic sets over countable p‐adically closed fields up to so‐called “pre‐algebraic” homeomorphisms.
Lower bound of measure and embeddings of Sobolev, Besov and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces
Authors: Karak Nijjwal
Published: October 2019

In this article, we study the relation between Sobolev‐type embeddings for Sobolev spaces or Hajłasz–Besov spaces or Hajłasz–Triebel–Lizorkin spaces defined on a doubling and geodesic metric measure space and lower bound for measure of balls either in the whole space or in a domain inside the space.
Gain of function in somatic TP53 mutations is associated with immune‐rich breast tumors and changes in tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Behring Michael , Vazquez Ana I. , Cui Xiangqin , Irvin Marguerite R. , Ojesina Akinyemi I. , Agarwal Sumit , Manne Upender , Shrestha Sadeep
Published: October 2019

Background

Somatic mutations in TP53 are present in 20%–30% of all breast tumors. While there are numerous population‐based analyses of TP53, yet none have examined the relationship between somatic mutations in TP53 and tumor invasive immune cells.

Methods

Clinical and genetic data from 601 women drawn from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to test the association between somatic TP53 mutation and immune‐rich or immune‐poor tumor status; determined using the CIBERSORT‐based gene expression signature of 22 immune cell types. Our validation dataset, the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC), used a pathologist‐determined measure of lymphocyte infiltration.

Results

Within TP53‐mutated samples, a mutation at codon p.R175H was shown to be present at higher frequency in immune‐rich tumors. In validation analysis, any somatic mutation in TP53 was associated with immune‐rich status, and the mutation at p.R175H had a significant association with tumor‐invasive lymphocytes. TCGA‐only analysis of invasive immune cell type identified an increase in M0 macrophages associated with p.R175H.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TP53 somatic mutations, particularly at codon p.R175H, are enriched in tumors with infiltrating immune cells. Our results confirm recent research showing inflammation‐related gain of function in specific TP53 mutations.
An in silico Approach for Integrating Phenotypic and Target‐based Approaches in Drug Discovery
Authors: Iwata Hiroaki , Kojima Ryosuke , Okuno Yasushi
Published: October 2019

Phenotypic and target‐based approaches are useful methods in drug discovery. The phenotypic approach is an experimental approach for evaluating the phenotypic response. The target‐based approach is a rational approach for screening drug candidates targeting a biomolecule that causes diseases. These approaches are widely used for drug discovery. However, two serious problems of target deconvolution and polypharmacology are encountered in these conventional experimental approaches. To overcome these two problems, we developed a new in silico method using a probabilistic framework. This method integrates both the phenotypic and target‐based approaches to estimate a relevant network from compound to phenotype. Our method can computationally execute target deconvolution considering polypharmacology and can provide keys for understanding the pathway and mechanism from compound to phenotype, thereby promoting drug discovery.
A quad‐band Sierpenski based fractal antenna fed by co‐planar waveguide
Authors: Mungaru Nanda kumar , Yogaprasad Kalavagunta , Anitha Vaddinuri Rajareddy
Published: October 2019

In this article, A Sierpenski based octagonal carpet fractal antenna is introduced for quad‐band applications. The proposed antenna developed with FR‐4 substrate material with relative permittivity of 4.4, thickness chosen is 1.6 mm and co‐planar waveguide feed is used in this design. The antenna is designed, simulated with computer simulation technology studio suite, printed and tested. The measurement results of proposed antenna resonates at 2.4, 4.45, 9.1, 10.24, 12.46 GHz and are well suited for C‐band(2.4 GHz), L‐band (4.45 GHz), X‐band (9.1 GHz, 10.24 GHz), Ku‐band (12.46 GHz) applications. Good agreement between the results of simulation and measurement is observed with applications.
Mechanochemical Preparations of Anion Coordinated Architectures Based on 3‐Iodoethynylpyridine and 3‐Iodoethynylbenzoic Acid
Authors: Morin Vincent M. , Szell Patrick M. J. , Caron‐Poulin Estelle , Gabidullin Bulat , Bryce David L.
Published: October 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Professor David Bryce at the University of Ottawa. The cover picture shows a stylized depiction of the mechanochemical halogen‐bond induced cocrystallization of 3‐iodoethynylpyridine with tetraphenylphosphonium bromide. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201900194.
Preparation and characterization of polymethacrylamide/halloysite composites
Authors: Eser Nihal , Önal Müşerref , Çelik Meltem , Pekdemir Abdullah Devrim , Sarıkaya Yüksel
Published: October 2019

Methacrylamide (MAA) including halloysite (H) with different contents was polymerized in aqueous medium with the in situ technique by using benzoyl peroxide as a radical initiator. Halloysite, polymethacrylamide (PMAA), and prepared composites were examined with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption (N2‐AD) techniques. The XRD results showed that the crystal structure of halloysite unchanged by the formation of the composites, but completely transformed to the metahalloysite. The SEM images exhibited that the composites have a spongy and porous‐shaped morphology. The TEM view revealed that the halloysite particles distributed in the PMAA of both fiber bundle and exfoliated forms. Thermal analysis demonstrated the improved thermal stability of composites relative to the pure PMAA due to the incorporated halloysite. Furthermore, surface area, micro‐ and mesopore volume, and moisture retentions of the composites decreased with increasing PMAA content.