bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and dynamical aspects of PEG/LiClO4 in solvent mixtures via NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Singh Satnam , Nanda Raju , Dorai Kavita
Published: March 2019

Motivated by the potential usefulness of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/Li+ salt mixtures in several industrial applications, we investigated the structure and dynamics of PEG/LiClO4 mixtures in D2O and its mixtures with CD3CN and DMSO‐d6, in a series of PEG‐based polymers with a wide variation in their molecular weights. 1H NMR chemical shifts, T1/T2 relaxation rates, pulsed‐field gradient NMR diffusion experiments, and 2D HOESY NMR studies have been performed to understand the structural and dynamical aspects of these mixtures. Increasing the temperature of the medium results in a significant perturbation in the H‐bonded structure of PEG in its PEG/LiClO4/D2O mixtures as observed from the increase in chemical shifts. On the other hand, the addition of molecular cosolvents has a negligible effect. The hydrodynamic structure of PEG shows a pronounced variation at low temperature with increasing molecular weight, which, however, disappears at higher temperatures. Increasing the temperature leads to a decrease in the hydrodynamic structure of PEG, which can be explained on the basis of solvation–desolvation phenomena. The 2D HOESY NMR spectra reveal a new finding of Li+‐water binding in the PEG/LiClO4/D2O mixtures with the addition of molecular solvents, suggesting that the Li+ cation diffuses freely in the D2O mixtures of polymers as compared with the polymer mixtures with DMSO or CD3CN.
Interslice current change constrained B0 shim optimization for accurate high‐order dynamic shim updating with strongly reduced eddy currents
Authors: Schwerter Michael , Hetherington Hoby , Moon Chan Hong , Pan Jullie , Felder Jörg , Tellmann Lutz , Shah N. Jon
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To overcome existing challenges in dynamic B0 shimming by implementing a shim optimization algorithm which limits shim current amplitudes and their temporal variation through the application of constraints and regularization terms.

Theory and Methods

Spherical harmonic dynamic B0 shimming is complicated by eddy currents, ill‐posed optimizations, and the need for strong power supplies. Based on the fact that eddy current amplitudes are proportional to the magnitude of the shim current changes, and assuming a smoothness of the B0 inhomogeneity variation in the slice direction, a novel algorithm was implemented to reduce eddy current generation by limiting interslice shim current changes. Shim degeneracy issues and resulting high current amplitudes are additionally addressed by penalizing high solution norms. Applicability of the proposed algorithm was validated in simulations and in phantom and in vivo measurements.

Results

High‐order dynamic shimming simulations and measurements have shown that absolute shim current amplitudes and their temporal variation can be substantially reduced with negligible loss in achievable B0 homogeneity. Whereas conventional dynamic shim updating optimizations improve the B0 homogeneity, on average, by a factor of 2.1 over second‐order static solutions, our proposed routine reached a factor of 2.0, while simultaneously providing a 14‐fold reduction of the average maximum shim current changes.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm substantially reduces the shim amplitudes and their temporal variation, while only marginally affecting the achievable B0 homogeneity. As a result, it has the potential to mitigate the remaining challenges in dynamic B0 shimming and help in making its application more readily available.
Fast 3D brain MR fingerprinting based on multi‐axis spiral projection trajectory
Authors: Cao Xiaozhi , Ye Huihui , Liao Congyu , Li Qing , He Hongjian , Zhong Jianhui
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To develop a fast, sub‐millimeter 3D magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) technique for whole‐brain quantitative scans.

Methods

An acquisition trajectory based on multi‐axis spiral projection imaging (maSPI) was implemented for 3D MRF with steady‐state precession and slab excitation. By appropriately assigning the in‐plane and through‐plane rotations of spiral interleaves in a novel acquisition scheme, an maSPI‐based acquisition was implemented, and the total acquisition time was reduced by up to a factor of 8 compared to stack‐of‐spiral (SOS)‐based acquisition. A sliding‐window method was also used to further reduce the required number of time points for a faster acquisition. The experiments were conducted both on a phantom and in vivo.

Results

The results from the phantom measurements with the proposed and gold standard methods were consistent with a good linear correlation and an R2 value approaching 0.99. The in vivo experiments achieved whole‐brain parametric maps with isotropic resolutions of 1 mm and 0.8 mm in 5.0 and 6.0 min, respectively, with potential for further acceleration. An in vivo experiment with intentionally moving subjects demonstrated that the maSPI scheme largely outperforms the SOS scheme in terms of robustness to head motion.

Conclusion

3D MRF with an maSPI acquisition scheme enables fast and robust scans for high‐resolution parametric mapping.
Virtual slice concept for improved simultaneous multi‐slice MRI employing an extended leakage constraint
Authors: Park Suhyung , Chen Liyong , Beckett Alexander , Feinberg David A.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To develop a novel, simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) reconstruction that extends an inter‐slice leakage constraint to intra‐slice aliasing with a virtual slice concept for artifact reduction.

Methods

Inter‐slice leakage constraint has been used for SMS reconstruction that mitigates leakage artifacts from the adjacent slices. In this work, the leakage constraint is extended to more general framework that includes SMS and parallel MRI as special cases by viewing intra‐slice aliasing artifacts from undersampling as virtual slices while imposing data fidelity to ensure the measurement consistency. In this way, the reconstruction makes it feasible to directly estimate the individual slices from the undersampled SMS acquisition as a one‐step method. The performance of the extended method is evaluated with data acquired using 2D GRE and EPI sequences.

Results

Compared to a two‐step method that performs slice unaliasing followed by inplane unaliasing, the proposed one‐step method reduces aliasing artifacts by employing the extended leakage constraint while lowering the noise amplification by improving the conditioning for the inverse problem.

Conclusions

The proposed one‐step method takes advantage of virtual slices as additional encoding power for improved image quality. We successfully demonstrated that the proposed one‐step method minimizes a trade‐off between aliasing artifacts and amplified noises over the two‐step method.
One‐dimensional self‐weight consolidation with continuous drainage boundary conditions: Solution and application to clay‐drain reclamation
Authors: Feng Jianxue , Ni Pengpeng , Mei Guoxiong
Published: March 2019

Traditional consolidation theories cannot provide good predictions of consolidation settlement in land reclamation because of their assumptions that the influence of soil's self‐weight is often neglected, and the drainage boundary is considered as fully pervious/impervious. In view of these limitations, an analytical solution is derived for one‐dimensional self‐weight consolidation problems with a continuous drainage boundary using the finite Fourier sine transform method. Following the classical Terzaghi's small strain theory, the soil's self‐weight is considered to produce consolidation settlement in dredged materials with a constant coefficient of consolidation. The continuous drainage boundary can essentially describe the time‐dependent variation of drainage capacity at the interface between two adjacent soil layers. By reducing the interface parameters, the effectiveness of the calculation is demonstrated against the Terzaghi's solution. The influence of interface parameters and soil's self‐weight stress coefficient on self‐weight consolidation is discussed. As expected, the rate of consolidation considering the self‐weight stress is faster, although the dependency of consolidation rate on the material property of void ratio is neglected. Moreover, the plane of maximum excess pore‐water pressure is estimated as a function of time factor, based on which a design chart is developed to optimize the layout of horizontal drains in land reclamation.
Nonperforming loan auction: Prudent policy response or earnings management?
Authors: Pandey Ashish , Guhathakurta Kousik
Published: March 2019

The use of asset management companies is one of the standard policy prescriptions for the resolution of the banking crisis. In this paper, we investigate whether banks use the sale of nonperforming loans to asset management companies to exploit the accounting guidelines and manage their reported earnings. Using nonperforming loans sale data of Indian banks, we examine the role of income smoothing, regulatory capital compliance, and ownership concentration in cherry‐picking nonperforming loans offered for sale. We report evidence that the above considerations dissimilarly affect selective identification of nonperforming loans. Our results show that banks with below average return on assets, banks with below average capital ratio, and banks with a significant government ownership engage in selective identification of nonperforming loans offered for sale.
A new approach on improving the fire resistance of polyamide 11 by incorporating sulfur‐based flame retardant
Authors: Jin Xiaodong , Cui Suping , Sun Shibing , Tian Yingliang , Lv Feng , Gu Xiaoyu , Li Hongfei , Sun Jun , Zhang Sheng , Bourbigot Serge
Published: March 2019

In this work, a novel sulfur‐based flame retardant (SA‐M) was synthesized by the self‐assembly of melamine and sulfamic acid. The chemical structure of SA‐M was fully characterized. SA‐M, in company with Al2O3, was then introduced into polyamide 11 (PA 11) by melt compounding in order to improve the fire resistance of the polymer substrate. The observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) indicated the well dispersion of SA‐M in PA 11 matrix. The fire performance of PA 11 composites was evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning (UL‐94), and cone calorimeter tests, respectively. The results showed that the presence of 17.5% SA‐M and 2.5% Al2O3 increased the LOI value from 22.4% to 30.9%, upgraded the UL‐94 rating from no rating to V‐0, significantly eliminated the melt dripping, and decreased the peak heat release rate from 1024 to 603 kW/m2. The thermal behaviors were investigated by thermogravimeric analysis (TGA) and TGA‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was suggested that SA‐M took effects mainly in gas phase by diluting the combustible fuel, leading to the improvement of the fire resistance of PA 11.
Increased expression of neurotensin in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma with evidence of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma
Authors: Norris Eric J , Zhang Qing , Jones Wendell D , DeStephanis Darla , Sutker Ashley P , Livasy Chad A , Ganapathi Ram N , Tait David L , Ganapathi Mahrukh K
Published: March 2019

High grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) without identifiable serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) within the fallopian tube (FT) occurs in approximately 50% of patients. The objective of this study was to use a multisite tumor sampling approach to study HGSC with and without STIC. RNAseq analysis of HGSC samples collected from multiple sites e.g. ovary, FT and peritoneum, revealed moderate levels of intrapatient heterogeneity in gene expression that could influence molecular profiles. Mixed‐model ANOVA analysis of gene expression in tumor samples from patients with multiple tumor sites (n = 13) and patients with a single site tumor sample (n = 11) to compare HGSC‐STIC to HGSC‐NOSTIC identified neurotensin (NTS) as significantly higher (> two‐fold change, False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.10) in HGSC‐STIC. This data was validated using publicly available RNA‐Seq datasets. Concordance between higher NTS gene expression and NTS peptide levels in HGSC‐STIC samples was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. To determine the role of NTS in HGSC, five ovarian cancer (OvCa) cell lines were screened for expression of NTS and its receptors, NTSR1 and NTSR3. Increased expression of NTS and NSTR1 was observed in several of the OvCa cells, whereas the NTSR3 receptor was lower in all OvCa cells, compared to immortalized FT epithelial cells. Treatment with NTSR1 inhibitor (SR48692) decreased cell proliferation, but increased cell migration in OvCa cells. The effects of SR48692 were receptor mediated, since transient RNAi knockdown of NTSR1 mimicked the migratory effects and knockdown of NTSR3 mimicked the anti‐proliferative effects. Further, knockdown of NTSR1 or NTSR3 was associated with acquisition of distinct morphological phenotypes, epithelial or mesenchymal, respectively. Taken together, our results reveal a difference in a biologically active pathway between HGSC with and without STIC. Furthermore, we identify neurotensin signaling as an important pathway involved in cell proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in HGSC‐STIC which warrants further study as a potential therapeutic target. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Specific oxidants improve the wood bonding strength of soy and other plant flours
Authors: Frihart Charles R. , Lorenz Linda F.
Published: March 2019

To meet newer environmental standards, modified plant proteins have been studied as no‐added formaldehyde wood adhesives for interior applications. Many methods have been developed to increase the wet strength of wood products bonded with soy adhesives. These methods involve modifying the soy in separate steps prior to formulating the adhesive or adding a polymerizable co‐reactant to the soy. We show that adding periodate, permanganate, or iodate to soy flour improved the strength of soy adhesive bonds in small‐scale testing and in plywood shear, especially when tested under wet conditions. Periodate improved the bond strength of other plant materials (lupine, canola, and cottonseed) but none of these produced as high of a wet strength as the soy flour. We investigated other oxidants with plant proteins. Permanganate was quite effective and iodate was somewhat effective, whereas nitric acid, chlorate, perchlorate, and bromate were not effective in increasing wet strength. The available data are consistent with oxidation of the carbohydrate–protein mixture in plant flours to provide adhesives with increased wet strength in wood bonds. This mechanism was also supported by the improved wet strength with the addition of dialdehydes (glyoxal and glutaraldehyde). The purified soy protein also gave strength improvement with periodate. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1017–1023
Internal Structure and Magnetic Properties in Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles: Influence of the Synthesis Method
Authors: Lavorato Gabriel , Alzamora Mariella , Contreras Cynthia , Burlandy Gabriel , Litterst F. Jochen , Baggio‐Saitovitch Elisa
Published: March 2019

The design of novel nanostructured magnetic materials requires a good understanding of the variation in the magnetic properties due to different synthesis conditions. In this work, four different procedures for fabricating Co‐ferrite nanoparticles with similar sizes between 7 and 10 nm are compared by studying their structural and magnetic properties. Non‐aqueous methods based on the thermal decomposition of metal acetylacetonates at high temperatures, either with or without surfactants, provide highly crystalline nanoparticles with large saturation magnetization values and a coherent reversal of the magnetic moment. However, variations in the density of defects and in the shape of the nanocrystals determine the distribution of switching fields and the effective magnetic anisotropy, which reaches up to ≈1 × 107 erg cm−3 for oleic acid‐capped 9 nm nanoparticles. It is shown that the saturation magnetization values for nanoparticles produced by different methods are in the range between 49 and 95 emu g−1 due to differences in the stoichiometry, in the cation occupancy, in the magnetic disorder and in the spin canting of the magnetic sub‐lattices, the latter evaluated by in‐field Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Ten‐year‐old children with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia have regional abnormalities in ventilation perfusion matching
Authors: Kjellberg Malin , Sanchez‐Crespo Alejandro , Jonsson Baldvin
Published: March 2019

Aim

The ratio of ventilation to blood flow is an important determinant for regional gas exchange in the lung and hypoxemia is one of the clinical hallmarks in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We have previously demonstrated ventilation/perfusion ratio (V/Q) abnormalities in infants with BPD at 36 weekś postconceptional age. The status of V/Q matching in older children with a history of BPD in infancy is unknown. In this study, we examined if 10‐year‐old children with a history of BPD had V/Q impairments.

Methods

Three‐dimensional V/Q‐scintigraphy (SPECT) was performed in 26 children.

Results

In the BPD group, lung volume with mismatch, (V>Q) was larger compared to areas with reverse mismatch (Q>V), 26.2% and 11.8%, respectively, implying that perfusion defects contribute more than ventilation defects in the V/Q mismatch. Also, the mean fractional distribution of V and Q to V/Q in children with BPD was reduced compared to healthy children, 31% and 51% compared to 64% and 89%, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

At 10 years of age children with a history of BPD had ventilation/perfusion abnormalities, with prominent perfusion defects. These V/Q abnormalities suggest the presence of residual alveolar‐capillary impairment.
Physical activity among children with asthma: Cross‐sectional analysis in the UK millennium cohort
Authors: Pike Katharine C. , Griffiths Lucy J. , Dezateux Carol , Pearce Anna
Published: March 2019

Background

Although beneficial for health and well‐being, most children do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity. Evidence for children with asthma is mixed, with symptom severity rarely considered. This paper aimed to address this gap.

Methods

We analyzed cross‐sectional associations between physical activity and parent‐reported asthma symptoms and severity for 6497 UK Millennium Cohort Study 7−year‐old participants (3321, [49%] girls). Primary outcomes were daily moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA, minutes) and proportion of children achieving recommended minimum daily levels of 60 minutes of MVPA. Daily steps, sedentary time, and total activity counts per minute (cpm) were recorded, as were parent‐reported asthma symptoms, medications, and recent hospital admissions. Associations were investigated using quantile (continuous outcomes) and Poisson (binary outcomes) regression, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and environmental factors.

Results

Neither asthma status nor severity was associated with MVPA; children recently hospitalized for asthma were less likely to achieve recommended daily MVPA (risk ratio [95% confidence interval [CI]]: 0.67 [0.44, 1.03]). Recent wheeze, current asthma, and severe asthma symptoms were associated with fewer sedentary hours (difference in medians [95% CI]: −0.18 [−0.27, −0.08]; −0.14 [−0.24, −0.05]; −0.15, [−0.28, −0.02], respectively) and hospital admission with lower total activity (−48 cpm [−68, −28]).

Conclusion

Children with asthma are as physically active as their asthma‐free counterparts, while those recently hospitalized for asthma are less active. Qualitative studies are needed to understand the perceptions of children and families about physical activity following hospital admission and to inform support and advice needed to maintain active lifestyles for children with asthma.
Comparison of heated humidiﬁed high‐flow nasal cannula flow rates (1‐L·kg·min−1 vs 2‐L·kg·min−1) in the management of acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Yurtseven Ali , Turan Caner , Erseven Eren , Saz Eylem Ulas
Published: March 2019

Objective

We aimed to compare the heated humidiﬁed high‐ﬂow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) flow rate of 1‐L·kg·min−1 (1 L) with 2‐L·kg·min
−1 (2 L) in patients with severe bronchiolitis presenting to the pediatric emergency department.

Study design

We performed a study in which all patients were allocated to receive these two flow rates. The primary outcome was admitted as treatment failure, which was defined as a clinical escalation in respiratory status. Secondary outcomes covered a decrease of respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), the clinical respiratory score (CRS), rise of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), and rates of weaning, intubation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐eight cases (88 received the 1‐L flow rate and 80, the 2‐L flow rate) were included in the analyses. Treatment failure was 11.4% (10 of 88) in the 1‐L group, and 10% (8 of 80) in the 2‐L group (P = .775). Significant variation in the intubation rate or the ICU admission rate was not determined. At the 2nd hour, the rate of weaning (53.4% vs 35%;
P = .017), the falling down of the CRS (−2.1 vs −1.5;
P < .001), RR (−15.2 vs −11.8;
P < .001), and HR (− 24.8 vs − 21.2;
P < .001), and the increase of SpO
2 (4.8 vs 3.6;
P < .001) were significantly more evident in the 1‐L group.

Conclusion

HHHFNC with the 1‐L·kg·min−1 flow rate, which provides a more frequent earlier effect, reached therapy success as high as the 2‐L·kg·min
−1 flow rate in patients with severe acute bronchiolitis.
Inheritance and fitness costs of sulfoxaflor resistance in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: Liao Xun , Mao Kaikai , Ali Ehsan , Jin Ruoheng , Li Zhao , Li Wenhao , Li Jianhong , Wan Hu
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Sulfoxaflor has been considered as a new tool for Nilaparvata lugens control in the field. In this study, a laboratory‐selected resistant strain and a susceptible strain were used to evaluate the inheritance and fitness costs of sulfoxaflor resistance in N. lugens.

RESULTS

The resistant strain (SFX‐SEL) showed 123.63‐fold resistance compared with the susceptible strain (SS). Progenies of reciprocal crosses (F1RS and F1SR) showed similar concentration–mortality responses (LC50) to sulfoxaflor and also exhibited a similar degree of dominance; −0.16 for F1RS and −0.26 for F1SR. Significant differences between the observed and expected mortalities of F2 individuals suggested that sulfoxaflor resistance is associated with multiple genes. The resistant strain had a relative fitness of 0.75 with substantially decreased female adult period, oviposition days, total fecundity, egg hatchability and female adult survival rate, and prolonged pre‐adult period and total pre‐oviposition period.

CONCLUSION

Sulfoxaflor resistance in N. lugens was inherited as autosomal, incompletely recessive and multigene. The development of resistance may have a significant fitness cost for the resistant population. Current research provides valuable information for researchers to establish management strategies to delay the development of sulfoxaflor resistance and control N. lugens sustainably in the field. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasmon–Phonon Coupling in Radiation‐Induced Resistance Oscillations: Beating Pattern and Phase Reversal
Authors: Iñarrea Jesús
Published: March 2019

This article presents a theoretical study on the experimental observation of two different kinds of beating patterns in the microwave‐induced resistance oscillations at very low magnetic field in a high mobility two‐dimensional electron system. In the first pattern there was no phase reversal through the beat, however, the latter experiments present a clear phase reversal of π. Based on a model that considers that the beating pattern is produced as a result of the coupling between a system of electron Landau states harmonically driven by radiation and an acoustic phonon mode, the contradictory results are explained through a different intensity coupling in terms of amplitude. In the scenario of the non‐phase‐reversal case, the dependence on radiation frequency and temperature is studied as well as the possibility of observation of more than one beat by lowering temperature and microwave power. It is concluded that both results can be explained with the same theoretical model that in turn is based on the microwave‐driven electron orbit model that was previously developed to explain microwave‐induced resistance oscillations.
Real‐time dense mapping for online processing and navigation
Authors: Ling Yonggen , Shen Shaojie
Published: March 2019

Autonomous robots require accurate localizations and dense mappings for motion planning. We consider the navigation scenario where the dense representation of the robot surrounding must be immediately available, and require that the system is capable of an instantaneous map correction if a loop closure is detected by the localization module. To satisfy the real‐time processing requirement of online robotics applications, our presented system bounds the algorithmic complexity of the localization pipeline by restricting the number of variables to be optimized at each time instant. A dense map representation along with a local dense map reconstruction strategy is also proposed. Despite the limits that are imposed by the real‐time requirement and planning safety, the mapping quality of our method is comparable to other competitive methods. For implementations, we additionally introduce a few engineering considerations, such as the system architecture, the variable initialization, the memory management, the image processing, and so forth, to improve the system performance. Extensive experimental validations of our presented system are performed on the KITTI and NewCollege datasets, and through an online experiment around the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) university campus. We release our implementation as open‐source robot operating system (ROS) packages for the benefit of the community.
Oral Language Intervention in Norwegian Schools Serving Young Language‐Minority Learners: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Heller Mia C. , Lervåg Arne , Grøver Vibeke
Published: March 2019

In this randomized trial study, the authors examined the efficacy of a practitioner partnership language intervention addressing oral language learning (expressive and receptive) in young language‐minority learners from multiple‐language groups in Norway. Resource teachers in 16 elementary schools implemented the intervention in the first and second grades, delivering a total of 64 thirty‐minute sessions over eight consecutive weeks. With a mean age of 6 years 3.34 months, 137 students were randomly allocated to an intervention group or a waiting‐list control group, with the latter group receiving the intervention after posttest 1. Five assessments of oral language skills were conducted before the intervention, immediately following it, and four months later. The intervention group showed significant improvements in various oral language skills compared with the waiting‐list control group. There were no significant differences between the groups at the four‐month follow‐up when the waiting‐list control group received the intervention. The program was successful in enhancing oral language skills in young language‐minority learners.
Emulating a trial of joint dynamic strategies: An application to monitoring and treatment of HIV‐positive individuals
Authors: Caniglia Ellen C. , Robins James M. , Cain Lauren E. , Sabin Caroline , Logan Roger , Abgrall Sophie , Mugavero Michael J. , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , Meyer Laurence , Seng Remonie , Drozd Daniel R. , Seage III George R. , Bonnet Fabrice , Le Marec Fabien , Moore Richard D. , Reiss Peter , van Sighem Ard , Mathews William C. , Jarrín Inma , Alejos Belén , Deeks Steven G. , Muga Roberto , Boswell Stephen L. , Ferrer Elena , Eron Joseph J. , Gill John , Pacheco Antonio , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Napravnik Sonia , Jose Sophie , Phillips Andrew , Justice Amy , Tate Janet , Bucher Heiner C. , Egger Matthias , Furrer Hansjakob , Miro Jose M. , Casabona Jordi , Porter Kholoud , Touloumi Giota , Crane Heidi , Costagliola Dominique , Saag Michael , Hernán Miguel A.
Published: March 2019

Decisions about when to start or switch a therapy often depend on the frequency with which individuals are monitored or tested. For example, the optimal time to switch antiretroviral therapy depends on the frequency with which HIV‐positive individuals have HIV RNA measured. This paper describes an approach to use observational data for the comparison of joint monitoring and treatment strategies and applies the method to a clinically relevant question in HIV research: when can monitoring frequency be decreased and when should individuals switch from a first‐line treatment regimen to a new regimen?

We outline the target trial that would compare the dynamic strategies of interest and then describe how to emulate it using data from HIV‐positive individuals included in the HIV‐CAUSAL Collaboration and the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems. When, as in our example, few individuals follow the dynamic strategies of interest over long periods of follow‐up, we describe how to leverage an additional assumption: no direct effect of monitoring on the outcome of interest. We compare our results with and without the “no direct effect” assumption. We found little differences on survival and AIDS‐free survival between strategies where monitoring frequency was decreased at a CD4 threshold of 350 cells/μl compared with 500 cells/μl and where treatment was switched at an HIV‐RNA threshold of 1000 copies/ml compared with 200 copies/ml. The “no direct effect” assumption resulted in efficiency improvements for the risk difference estimates ranging from an 7‐ to 53‐fold increase in the effective sample size.
The costs of refocusing: Evidence from hedge fund closures during the financial crisis
Authors: de Figueiredo Rui J. P. , Feldman Emilie R. , Rawley Evan
Published: March 2019

Research Summary

This paper investigates the costs of corporate scope reduction (“refocusing”). Using data on hedge fund firms that were quasi‐exogenously driven to close funds during the 2007–2009 financial crisis, we find evidence that refocusing imposes meaningful economic costs on firms. To better understand the mechanisms behind this result, we disaggregate refocusing costs along two dimensions: the degree of relatedness between the business that was closed and its sister divisions, and the duration of time over which the costs persist. The results suggest that refocusing imposes meaningful, yet transitory, adjustment costs on firms, and destroys synergies when related businesses are closed, creating more persistent costs. Accordingly, our work contributes to the corporate strategy literature by characterizing and evaluating the costs of refocusing.

Managerial Summary

We examine the costs of “refocusing,” defined as multi‐business companies reducing the number of businesses they operate. Using data on hedge funds that were driven to close one or more of their funds during the 2007–2009 financial crisis, we show that refocusing imposes meaningful economic costs on companies. We find that refocusing costs are larger and persist for longer when the business that was closed is more closely related to other businesses within the company. Together, our results suggest that refocusing may destroy synergies and be difficult for organizations to manage. This implies that managers should take steps to mitigate the dislocations that may occur as the refocusing process unfolds, as well as the long‐run persistence in synergy destruction when more‐related businesses are closed.
Biomimetic Compartments Scaffolded by Nucleic Acid Nanostructures
Authors: Fu Jinglin , Oh Sung Won , Monckton Kristin , Arbuckle‐Keil Georgia , Ke Yonggang , Zhang Ting
Published: March 2019

The behaviors of living cells are governed by a series of regulated and confined biochemical reactions. The design and successful construction of synthetic cellular reactors can be useful in a broad range of applications that will bring significant scientific and economic impact. Over the past few decades, DNA self‐assembly has enabled the design and fabrication of sophisticated 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures, and is applied to organizing a variety of biomolecular components into prescribed 2D and 3D patterns. In this Concept, the recent and exciting progress in DNA‐scaffolded compartmentalizations and their applications in enzyme encapsulation, lipid membrane assembly, artificial transmembrane nanopores, and smart drug delivery are in focus. Taking advantage of these features promises to deliver breakthroughs toward the attainment of new synthetic and biomimetic reactors.
Short‐term versus long‐term decision trade‐offs: Evidence from a model‐based observational experiment with African small‐scale farmers
Authors: Kopainsky Birgit , Gerber Andreas , Lara‐Arango David , Nyanga Progress H.
Published: March 2019

Smallholder farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa recurrently face situations of complex and dynamic decision trade‐offs. Short‐term‐oriented activities such as fertilizer application help to cover immediate food needs but compromise on future food production. Long‐term‐oriented production activities such as building up soil fertility are important systemic leverage points; however, they compromise on today's harvests. This article uses a semicomputerized observational experiment in Zambia to investigate farm management decision making with conflicting production objectives in a dynamic context. The results reveal that, overall, Zambian smallholder farmers have a strong and significant preference for short‐term‐oriented production activities, which leads to a suboptimal performance in production in the long term. A mind shift towards more long‐term‐oriented production activities is required to sustainably increase food production. Our findings point at two things in this regard: First, we identify decision rules that successful performers have applied and that should be the basis for capacity building strategies. Second, we indicate that our approach itself contributed to recognition of the importance of a longer term perspective.
Analytical study of the Middle Kingdom group of gold jewellery from tomb 124 at Riqqa, Egypt
Authors: Troalen Lore , Guerra Maria F. , Maitland Margaret , Ponting Matthew , Price Campbell
Published: March 2019

The jewellery from tomb 124 at Riqqa, consisting of one pectoral and one winged beetle in gold and cloisonné work, one gold shell pendant decorated with wires and granulation, and one hollow gold amulet in the form of god Min, was analysed by handheld X‐ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. This group of jewellery, dated to the second half of the 12th Dynasty (c. 1900–1840 B.C.), was excavated inside the coffin of an adult male, which had been crushed after burial by the collapse of the chamber roof during an episode of looting. Both the male and the looter's body were found inside the chamber, evidencing that the group of jewellery was intact. Despite having been highly restored in the past, as referenced in the correspondence between the excavator Flinders Petrie and the curators of the Manchester Museum, it could be shown that the jewellery was produced using Ag‐rich electrum alloys containing platinum group element inclusions that indicate the use of alluvial gold. The analysis of some joins has confirmed the use of hard‐soldering, with solders obtained by addition of Cu to the base‐alloy. Data obtained for the jewellery of tomb 124 were compared with data previously obtained for tomb 296, also excavated at Riqqa, but dated to the 18th Dynasty. The comparison demonstrates the continuity of the workshop traditions in one location between the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom but also reveals discrepancies in the alloys employed in those two periods.
Unexpected Inferences from Sensor Data: A Hidden Privacy Threat in the Internet of Things
Authors: Kröger Jacob
Published: March 2019

A growing number of sensors, embedded in wearables, smart electric meters and other connected devices, is surrounding us and reaching ever deeper into our private lives. While some sensors are commonly regarded as privacy-sensitive and always require user permission to be activated, others are less protected and less worried about. However, experimental research findings indicate that many seemingly innocuous sensors can be exploited to infer highly sensitive information about people in their vicinity. This paper reviews existing evidence from the literature and discusses potential implications for consumer privacy. Specifically, the analysis reveals that certain insufficiently protected sensors in smart devices allow inferences about users’ locations, activities and real identities, as well as about their keyboard and touchscreen inputs. The presented findings call into question the adequacy of current sensor access policies. It is argued that most data captured by smart consumer devices should be classified as highly sensitive by default. An introductory overview of sensors commonly found in these devices is also provided, along with a proposed classification scheme.
Opportunities for the Internet of Things in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Domain
Authors: Kotzé Paula , Coetzee Louis
Published: March 2019

This paper analyses the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) context in South Africa and presents views regarding the possible use of the Internet of Things (IoT) for WASH in South Africa. The views were informed by an analysis of literature related to the WASH domain nationally and internationally. Example case studies of the use of IoT in the WASH sector in developing countries, and where possible Africa, provided further background. As a triangulation exercise, a survey amongst various stakeholders in the WASH domain was conducted. To contextualise the WASH sector in South Africa, value chains were derived. To identity the opportunities for IoT, the findings of the study were combined with insights acquired on the IoT domain in general, both from literature and our experience and learnings.
Internet of Things: The Present Status, Future Impacts and Challenges in Nigerian Agriculture
Authors: Bamigboye Funmilayo O. , Ademola Emmanuel O.
Published: March 2019

The present study considered the current state of internet of things in Nigeria, future prospects and challenges to the usage of the technology in Nigerian Agriculture. In Nigeria, IoT has been used to dispense feed and water to chicks, virtual fences for monitoring farmlands and forest trees, cashless sales and purchases of farm produce and input, monitoring and management of staff performances on the farm and e-wallet for input, loan and information accessibility on agricultural issues. However, there is room for improvement in the area of security for the animals (animal tracking), weather forecasting and real-time soil monitoring, livestock and crop health surveillance. Challenges faced in the usage of IoT in Nigeria are inadequate/lack of capital, skilled manpower, facilities. In conclusion, IoT has great potentials to move Nigerian agriculture to an enviable position.
Professionalism and Frameworks
Authors: de Roche Moira
Published: March 2019

In two sessions the International Professional Practice Partnership (IP3) of IFIP addressed a number of frameworks that provide definitions of ICT competences and typical profiles. These frameworks contribute to establishing an ICT profession that consists of competent and responsible professionals who can demonstrate the necessary skills and competences.
The Internet of Things is Hardly About Technology
Authors: van der Klauw Kees
Published: March 2019

Most definitions of the Internet of Things (IoT) take a technology perspective, referring to connected devices exchanging data with each other and with higher levels, establishing autonomously operating systems. From a business perspective, IoT can be regarded as a business transformation, driving commoditization or even threatening conventional businesses, providing opportunities for product and process improvements and opening perspectives for services business or entirely new businesses based on data acquired by IoT. While the development of the Internet of Things resembles in many aspects the characteristics of for example semiconductor and IT platforms, there are some essential differences, mainly in scale and scope, that make the kickstart of a successful IoT more complex. This paper addresses key elements of a successful deployment of IoT and also key roles for IT professionals in IoT.
First ultrastructural evidence of placental nutrition in a ctenostome bryozoan: example of Amathia verticillata
Authors: Schwaha Thomas , Moosbrugger Martin , Walzl Manfred , Ostrovsky Andrew N.
Published: March 2019

Matrotrophy and its most advanced mode—placentation—is a masterpiece of nature contributing to offspring fitness. It has been studied mainly in vertebrates, whereas so-called placental analogues in invertebrates are poorly known. Here we use an ultrastructural approach to report the first evidence of placentation in the ctenostome bryozoan Amathia verticillata. This marine colonial suspension-feeder incubates its progeny in the tentacle sheath, which is transformed into a brood chamber. When the fertilized egg is deposited into the brood cavity, the tentacle sheath wall, originally consisting of flattened epithelial cells, is modified into an embryophore (placental analogue) via cell multiplication and hypertrophy. The embryophore (nutritive) cells develop a massive secretory apparatus and acquire ‘microvillous’ apical membranes indicating the presence of exocytosis. In turn, the embryo surface cells also form a complex network of irregular projections and foldings. Coated pits beneath this network indicate active endocytosis. The developing embryo is adjacent to the embryophore and the narrow slit between them is filled with dense and flocculent (presumably nutritive) material. The embryo increases up to 24-fold in size indicating substantial matrotrophic provisioning. We compare the ultrastructural details of placentation in A. verticillata with those known in cheilostome bryozoans, and review the major structural principles of placentation in Bryozoa in general. We then discuss possible ways of nutrient transport to the embryophore in various bryozoan clades.
ApoE4 lowers age at onset in patients with frontotemporal dementia and tauopathy independent of amyloid‐β copathology
Authors: Koriath Carolin , Lashley Tammaryn , Taylor William , Druyeh Ronald , Dimitriadis Athanasios , Denning Nicola , Williams Julie , Warren Jason D. , Fox Nick C. , Schott Jonathan M. , Rowe James B. , Collinge John , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Mead Simon
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), with ApoE4 thought to enhance and accelerate amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathology. ApoE4 has recently been described to increase neurodegeneration in a mouse model of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), in vitro, and in patients, demonstrating that ApoE4 modifies tauopathy independently of Aβ. This raises the question whether ApoE genotype also modifies the clinical phenotype in patients with FTD with tau pathology.

Methods

We analyzed 704 patients with FTD, including a genetically and neuropathologically confirmed subset, and 452 healthy elderly controls. We compared ApoE4 genotype frequency and age at onset in tau+ or TDP43+ FTD patients with or without Aβ copathology.

Results

The ApoE4 genotype lowered age at onset in patients with FTD and tau pathology, particularly once accounting for confounding effects of Aβ pathology.

Discussion

We conclude that ApoE4 accelerates neurodegeneration in FTD patients with MAPT mutations or FTLD‐tau pathology, independent of Aβ.
Management of Priapism: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Mishra Kirtishri , Loeb Aram , Bukavina Laura , Baumgarten Adam , Beilan Jonathan , Mendez Melissa , DiGiorgio Lorenzo , Fu Liying , Carrion Rafael
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Current management of ischemic priapism revolves around 3 principles: resolving the acute event, preserving erectile function, and reducing the risk of future recurrences. Although more conservative management options, such as aspiration, irrigation, and surgical shunts, are effective in many patients, those who are refractory to these interventions or have prolonged priapism may benefit from placement of a penile prosthesis (PP).

Aim

To provide a comprehensive overview of priapism management, highlight the current literature on the utility of penile implants for refractory priapism, and provide insight from a high-volume center on surgical decision making and technique.

Methods

A complete review of the current guidelines and associated literature was performed. Associated algorithms were evaluated, and our experience was overlaid on the data present in the literature.

Main Outcome Measures

The current management algorithm for priapism was evaluated. Subsequently, the data on acute and delayed PP placement were assessed. Rates of postoperative infection, erectile dysfunction, and patient satisfaction were also examined.

Results

Overall, both delayed and early PP implants are associated with higher rates of failure than routine PP implants. In patients with refractory or prolonged priapism, early implantation may be technically easier, with decreased loss of penile length and associated complications.

Conclusion

Patients should be evaluated on an individual basis and counseled on the risks and benefits of PP implantation in early and delayed time frames. Although there is no definitive evidence at this time regarding the ideal device or timing of implantation, there are well-established pros and cons of malleable vs inflatable prostheses and of acute vs delayed implantation.