bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral retinocytoma associated with a variant in the RB1 gene
Authors: Wu Shijing , Zou Xuan , Sun Zixi , Zhu Tian , Wei Xing , Sui Ruifang
Published: January 2020

Background

Retinocytoma is a rare benign retinal tumor associated with variants in the RB1 gene. Ophthalmoscopic features can include a translucent retinal mass, calcification, retinal pigment epithelial alteration and chorioretinal atrophy.

Methods

Detailed ophthalmological examinations were performed in a Chinese patient with retinocytoma and his daughter with bilateral retinoblastoma. Sanger sequencing was performed to detect RB1 genetic variants in the patient, his daughter and tumor tissue from his daughter.

Results

A 33‐year‐old man presented with poor vision and strabismus in the right eye since childhood. Fundus examination revealed a round yellow‐white lesion stretching from the nasal side of the optic disc to the temporal periphery of the right eye. Sequencing result identified a reported variant (c.658C>G, p.Leu220Val) in the RB1 gene (NM_000321.2) of DNA extracted from peripheral blood of the patient and his daughter. The missense variant was also found in the tumor tissue from his daughter.

Conclusions

We report detailed clinical features and genetic analysis of a case with unilateral retinocytoma. Retinocytoma has a wide range of clinical phenotypes; genetic testing is therefore a useful tool for the diagnosis of atypical cases.
Breast reconstruction with superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) free flap: Report of two cases
Authors: Mountziaris Paschalia M. , Patel Ashit , Rezak Kristen M.
Published: January 2020

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. When the DIEP pedicle is damaged, alternative perforator flaps are harvested from sites with less donor tissue, such as the thigh. Pedicled superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps have been recently described for reconstruction of inferior partial breast defects. The purpose of this report is to show the surgical technique of the free SEAP flap for reconstruction of the entire breast in two patients. The authors describe two patients where the DIEP pedicle was unavailable. The first patient was 53 years old, with body mass index (BMI) 22.7, while the second patient was 60 with BMI 32.4. The donor site was marked as for a DIEP, and two lateral row perforators were selected in each case. Flaps were designed to cross the midline, with adequate perfusion confirmed via indocyanine green angiography. Both flaps were rotated 90° counterclockwise for inset into the chest. Flap size and weight for the two patients were: 24 × 15 cm and 350 g; and 25 × 15 cm and 400 g. Both patients had a routine postoperative course without complications. Length of follow‐up was 155 and 158 days, respectively. We believe that the free SEAP flap is a promising technique in select patients who require an alternative to the DIEP for autologous breast reconstruction.
Stability analysis of first‐order impulsive nonautonomous system on timescales
Authors: Zada Akbar , Pervaiz Bakhtawar , Shah Syed Omar , Xu Jiafa
Published: January 2020

In this manuscript, we present the existence, uniqueness, β‐Ulam‐Hyers stability, and β‐Ulam‐Hyers‐Rassias stability of semilinear nonautonomous impulsive dynamic systems on timescales, with the help of fixed point approach. We use Grönwall inequality on timescale, abstract Gröwall lemma, and Picard operator as basic tools to develop our main results. At the end, an example is given to demonstrate the validity of our main theoretical result.
Dual‐band dual‐polarized leaky‐wave structure with forward and backward beam scanning for circular polarization‐flexible antenna application
Authors: Rudramuni Karthik , Majumder Basudev , Kandasamy Krishnamoorthy
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a novel dual‐band dual‐polarized leaky‐wave antenna (LWA) with polarization diversity is proposed using half mode substrate‐integrated waveguide (HMSIW)‐based technology. HMSIW LWAs are generally single band. In this work, by etching simple spiral type slots on the HMSIW cavity, a novel dual‐band dual‐polarized LWA is designed. The proposed antenna resonates at 5.6 and 8.5 GHz. Moreover, the antenna radiates the linearly polarized wave in the lower band and circularly polarized (CP) wave in the higher operating band. Also, in the higher operating band between 8.7 and 9.3 GHz, the proposed overall antenna exhibits both right‐hand circular polarization as well as the left‐hand circular polarization in the near main beam direction. The −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna at the lower and the higher operating bands are 27% (4.86‐6.4 GHz) and 25% (7.4‐9.6 GHz), respectively. In the higher band, the 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 6.6% (8.7‐9.3 GHz) is achieved. The main beam of the antenna can be steered from 19° to 69° in the forward direction in the lower operating band. In the higher operating band, the antenna can steer the CP beam between −17° and −32°. In both the lower bands, the realized peak gain is observed around 13.3 dBi, whereas in the higher band, the realized peak gain is observed around 14 dBi.
GAN and dual‐input two‐compartment model‐based training of a neural network for robust quantification of contrast uptake rate in gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Simeth Josiah , Cao Yue
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Gadoxetic acid uptake rate (k1) obtained from dynamic, contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising measure of regional liver function. Clinical exams are typically poorly temporally characterized, as seen in a low temporal resolution (LTR) compared to high temporal resolution (HTR) experimental acquisitions. Meanwhile, clinical demands incentivize shortening these exams. This study develops a neural network–based approach to quantitation of k1, for increased robustness over current models such as the linearized single‐input, two‐compartment (LSITC) model.

Methods

Thirty Liver HTR DCE MRI exams were acquired in 22 patients with at least 16 min of postcontrast data sampled at least every 13 s. A simple neural network (NN) with four hidden layers was trained on voxel‐wise LTR data to predict k1. Low temporal resolution data were created by subsampling HTR data to contain six time points, replicating the characteristics of clinical LTR data. Both the total length and the placement of points in the training data were varied considerably to encourage robustness to variation. A generative adversarial network (GAN) was used to generate arterial and portal venous inputs for use in data augmentation based on the dual‐input, two‐compartment, pharmacokinetic model of gadoxetic acid in the liver. The performance of the NN was compared to direct application of LSITC on both LTR and HTR data. The error was assessed when subsampling lengths from 16 to 4 min, enabling assessment of robustness to acquisition length.

Results

For acquisition lengths of 16 min NRMSE (Normalized Root‐Mean‐Squared Error) in k1 was 0.60, 1.77, and 1.21, for LSITC applied to HTR data, LSITC applied to LTR data, and GAN‐augmented NN applied to LTR data, respectively. As the acquisition length was shortened, errors greatly increased for LSITC approaches by several folds. For acquisitions shorter than 12 min the GAN‐augmented NN approach outperformed the LSITC approach to a statistically significant extent, even with HTR data.

Conclusions

The study indicates that data length is significant for LSITC analysis as applied to DCE data for standard temporal sampling, and that machine learning methods, such as the implemented NN, have potential for much greater resilience to shortened acquisition time than directly fitting to the LSITC model.
An off‐policy approach for model‐free stabilization of linear systems subject to input energy constraint and its application to spacecraft rendezvous
Authors: Gu Juan , Zhou Jianzhong
Published: January 2020

This note is concerned with the problem of stabilizing a class of linear continuous‐time systems with completely unknown system dynamics subject to input energy constraint. To deal with this problem, a model‐based low gain feedback law is designed firstly by establishing a special algebraic Riccati equation. Such a low gain feedback law can semiglobally stabilize the linear systems subject to input energy constraint with the exact system model. In order to relax the assumption that the system model is exactly known, an off‐policy reinforcement learning approach is designed to solve the same problem without requiring the completely knowledge of the system dynamics. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model‐free approach, simulation result on the spacecraft rendezvous problem is introduced.
Proteomic Analysis of DNA Synthesis on a Structured DNA Template in Human Cellular Extracts: Interplay Between NHEJ and Replication‐Associated Proteins
Authors: Janel‐Bintz Régine , Kuhn Lauriane , Frit Philippe , Chicher Johana , Wagner Jérôme , Haracska Lajos , Hammann Philippe , Cordonnier Agnès M
Published: January 2020

It is established that short inverted repeats trigger base substitution mutagenesis in human cells. However, how the replication machinery deals with structured DNA is unknown. It has been previously reported that in human cell‐free extracts, DNA primer extension using a structured single‐stranded template is transiently blocked at DNA hairpins. Here, the proteomic analysis of proteins bound to the DNA template is reported and evidence that the DNA‐PK complex (DNA‐PKcs and the Ku heterodimer) recognizes, and is activated by, structured single‐stranded DNA is provided. Hijacking the DNA‐PK complex by double‐stranded oligonucleotides results in a large removal of the pausing sites and an elevated DNA extension efficiency. Conversely, DNA‐PKcs inhibition results in its stabilization on the template, along with other proteins acting downstream in the Non‐Homologous End‐Joining (NHEJ) pathway, especially the XRCC4‐DNA ligase 4 complex and the cofactor PAXX. Retention of NHEJ factors to the DNA in the absence of DNA‐PKcs activity correlates with additional halts of primer extension, suggesting that these proteins hinder the progression of the DNA synthesis at these sites. Overall these results raise the possibility that, upon binding to hairpins formed onto ssDNA during fork progression, the DNA‐PK complex interferes with replication fork dynamics in vivo.
Hydrogen bonding interactions induced excited state proton transfer and fluoride anion sensing mechanism for 2‐(3,5‐dichloro‐2,6‐dihydroxy‐phenyl)‐benzoxazole‐5‐carboxylicacid
Authors: Yang Guang , Jin Xiaofeng , Chen Kaifeng , Yang Dapeng
Published: January 2020

The present work explores and reports photo‐induced behavior and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process for the novel 2‐(3,5‐dichloro‐2,6‐dihydroxy‐phenyl)‐benzoxazole‐5‐carboxylicacid (DICH) compound. Our theoretical investigation implies that two intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1─H2···N3 or O4─H5···O6) of DICH form are strengthening in the first excited state by comparing bond lengths, bond angles, and infrared (IR) spectra, which may facilitate the ESIPT process effectively. Particularly, the changes of O1─H2···N3 are bigger than O4─H5···O6, which demonstrates that the ESIPT is more likely to happen along with O1─H2···N3. Within the framework of MOs analysis, intramolecular charge transfer phenomenon can be found, which could be a reasonable evidence for confirming the occurrence of the ESPT process in the S1 state. We theoretically construct the potential energy curves for DICH system based on fixing both O1─H2 and O4─H5 bond lengths and optimizing structures in both S0 and S1 states. Through the comparisons of potential barriers among stable configurations, we confirm the S1‐state DICH‐PT1 (proton‐transfer tautomer along with O1─H2···N3) should be the most reasonable configuration ascribed to previous experimental emission peak. Furthermore, we also predict and explain the fluoride‐sensing mechanism for DICH system that the deprotonation reaction bringing from fluoride anion inhibits the initial ESIPT process of DICH, which results in the novel changes of ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectra that plays the roles in fluorescence response. We sincerely hope this work could provide essential insights into the design and function of ESIPT as well as florescence sensor for optoelectronic applications.
Raman and Infrared Phonon Spectra of Novel Nonlinear Optical Materials PbGa2GeS6 and PbGa2GeSe6: Experiment and Theory
Authors: Valakh Mykhailo Ya. , Dzhagan Volodymyr M. , Mazur Nazar V. , Havryliuk Yevhenii O. , Yukhymchuk Volodymyr O. , Piskach Lyudmyla V. , Kogut Yurii M. , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Litvinchuk Alexander P.
Published: January 2020

Phonon spectra of two novel nonlinear optical crystals, PbGa2GeSe6 and PbGa2GeS6, are studied experimentally by Raman and infrared reflection spectroscopy and theoretically by density functional theory (DFT) lattice dynamics calculations. The experimental peak frequencies are compared with calculated vibration frequencies, and a very reasonable agreement is established. A comparative analysis of results for PbGa2GeSe6 and PbGa2GeS6 with earlier reported data on relevant binary and ternary metal chalcogenides clearly indicates that the similarity of their phonon spectra stems from the presence of GeS4 and GeSe4 tetrahedra as structural building blocks.
Modified processes capability assessment with dynamic mean shift
Authors: Wu Chia‐Huang
Published: January 2020

Rapid advancements in manufacturing technology have seen electronic products becoming lighter and thinner. This has led to production yield requirements of sawing processes in the semiconductor industry becoming increasingly strict. For sawing processes requiring a very low fraction of defective, the process capability index Cpk is widely applied for production yield measurement under the assumption of process stability. However, in practice, even when the typical control charts are implemented, dynamic and unobserved natures of the actual process mean shift may occur. Since the trial control limits are established with reference to random samples, the associated performances are also with uncertainty because of sampling error. In this paper, we investigate the effects of parameter estimation error on the development of the phase I control chart and further compare three methods with various estimators for the process standard deviation. Then, we tabulate the modified adjustment magnitudes for the dynamic Cpk under various subgroup sizes and sample sizes. On the basis of the simulation results, the proposed method can avoid overestimating the true process capability and make more trustworthy decisions. Finally, for demonstration purposes, an application of process capability measures for a sawing process is presented.
Methods for generalized change‐point models: with applications to human immunodeficiency virus surveillance and diabetes data
Authors: Tapsoba Jean de Dieu , Wang Ching‐Yun , Zangeneh Sahar , Chen Ying Qing
Published: January 2020

In many epidemiological and biomedical studies, the association between a response variable and some covariates of interest may change at one or several thresholds of the covariates. Change‐point models are suitable for investigating the relationship between the response and covariates in such situations. We present change‐point models, with at least one unknown change‐point occurring with respect to some covariates of a generalized linear model for independent or correlated data. We develop methods for the estimation of the model parameters and investigate their finite‐sample performances in simulations. We apply the proposed methods to examine the trends in the reported estimates of the annual percentage of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses linked to HIV‐related medical care within 3 months after diagnosis using HIV surveillance data from the HIV prevention trial network 065 study. We also apply our methods to a dataset from the Pima Indian diabetes study to examine the effects of age and body mass index on the risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Profiling dialysis facilities for adverse recurrent events
Authors: Estes Jason P. , Chen Yanjun , Şentürk Damla , Rhee Connie M. , Kürüm Esra , You Amy S. , Streja Elani , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Nguyen Danh V.
Published: January 2020

Profiling analysis aims to evaluate health care providers, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or dialysis facilities, with respect to a patient outcome. Previous profiling methods have considered binary outcomes, such as 30‐day hospital readmission or mortality. For the unique population of dialysis patients, regular blood works are required to evaluate effectiveness of treatment and avoid adverse events, including dialysis inadequacy, imbalance mineral levels, and anemia among others. For example, anemic events (when hemoglobin levels exceed normative range) are recurrent and common for patients on dialysis. Thus, we propose high‐dimensional Poisson and negative binomial regression models for rate/count outcomes and introduce a standardized event ratio measure to compare the event rate at a specific facility relative to a chosen normative standard, typically defined as an “average” national rate across all facilities. Our proposed estimation and inference procedures overcome the challenge of high‐dimensional parameters for thousands of dialysis facilities. Also, we investigate how overdispersion affects inference in the context of profiling analysis. The proposed methods are illustrated with profiling dialysis facilities for recurrent anemia events.
Synthesis and Molecular Modelling Studies of Coumarin and 1‐Aza‐Coumarin Linked Miconazole Analogues and Their Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Sutar Suraj M. , Savanur Hemantkumar M. , Malunavar Shruti S. , Pawashe Geeta M. , Aridoss Gopalakrishnan , Kim Kang Min , Lee Jin Young , Kalkhambkar Rajesh G.
Published: January 2020

A series of coumarin and 1‐Aza coumarin analogues of miconazole(5 a‐6 e) were synthesized from 2‐bromo‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)ethanone and diversification was achieved by synthesizing coumarin‐benzimidazole(7 a‐7 e) and 1‐aza coumarin‐benzimidazole(8 a‐8 e) hybrids of miconazole and evaluated for in‐vitro anti‐microbial activities. Among the tested compounds, 8 b‐8 e were found to be effective as anti‐fungal against C. albicans, C. utilis and C. krusei, with activity compared to that of the standard. Comparative docking studies with mevalonate‐5‐diphosphatedecarboxylase shows better binding affinity than imidazole counterparts which is primarily attributed to extended π‐alkyl interactions facilitated by benzimidazole.
Modified Quinoxaline‐Fused Oleanolic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of Osteoclastogenesis and Potential Agent in Anti‐Osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Chao , Shen Qi , Zhu Ming‐Wu , Wang Jie , Du Yun , Wu Jing , Li Jian‐Xin
Published: January 2020

Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases for aged people, posing a heavy burden to our aging society. Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is a main strategy to prevent bone loss or bone micro architecture deterioration caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis. In current study, a series of quinoxaline‐fused oleanolic acid (QOA) derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their inhibitory activity on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis was evaluated using a cell‐based tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assay. The most potent compound, QOA derivative 5 l, showed an IC50 at 62.4 nM, and cytotoxicity assay of bone marrow‐derived monocyte/macrophage (BMDMs) suggested that the inhibition of 5 l on osteoclast differentiation was not due to its cytotoxicity. More importantly, 5 l attenuated bone loss in the bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) mice model, and preliminary mechanism study indicated that 5 l affected the early stage of osteoclastogenesis. Our data demonstrated that these QOA derivatives might serve as potential leads for the development of new anti‐osteoporosis agents.
SnS2/Bi4Ti3O12 Heterostructure Material: A UV‐Visible Light Active Direct Z‐Scheme Photocatalyst for Aqueous Phase Degradation of Diazinon
Authors: Das Krishnendu , Majhi Dibyananda , Bariki Ranjit , Mishra Braja G.
Published: January 2020

In this study, a series of Z‐scheme SnS2/Bi4Ti3O12 heterostructure photocatalyst materials were synthesized by a two‐step process. Initially, Bi4Ti3O12 (BT) nanopellets with planar dimension of 350–400 nm were prepared by a facile combustion synthesis route. The SnS2 nanoparticles (10–20 nm) were subsequently decorated over BT surface using a hydrothermal method. The heterostrucure materials possess orthorhombic BT and hexagonal SnS2 crystalline phases with high interfacial contact and strong interaction at microscopic level. Optical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements suggest improved UV‐visible light absorption and enhanced charge carrier separation and migration properties. The SnS2/Bi4Ti3O12 materials displayed excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of diazinon insecticide (>90 % with kapp ∼0.019 min−1) in aqueous media under UV‐visible light illumination. The valence band (VB) holes and •OH radicals were identified as major transient species responsible for photodegradation of diazinon. A Z‐scheme electron transfer process has been proposed to explain adequately the generation of these radicals which was deduced from PEC measurements, scavenger and radical trapping experiments. Mechanistic study revealed that diazinon degradation occured in a series of steps to produce 2‐isopropyl‐6‐methyl‐pyrimidin‐4‐ol as a major intermediate which was further mineralized over the photocatalyst surface. The process potential of the developed photocatalytic method has been tested for different water matrices and interfering anionic species with radical quenching activity.
Alloy Foam‐Derived Ni0.86Fe2.14O4 Hexagonal Plates as an Efficient Electrochemical Catalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kong Xiaoxing , Lei Jinlong , Cao Qinghe , Liu Fenggang , Xie Chuqi , Huang Miao , Xu Xingdong , Wang Jiahai
Published: January 2020

Synthesis of binary electrocatalysts from substrates is ideal for further integration of water‐splitting electrodes. The seamless growth of an electrocatalyst directly from an alloy substrate would provide excellent mechanical behavior and lower interface resistance. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) intertwined Ni0.86Fe2.14O4 hexagonal plate electrocatalyst as the active site for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was successfully prepared by seamless growth and direct synthesis on Ni−Fe foam (NFF) via a hydrothermal route. Ni0.86Fe2.14O4/NFF exhibited excellent OER electrochemical properties, achieving a low overpotential of 286 mV to reach a current density of 200 mA cm−2 and prominent electrochemical durability. The synergistic effect between Ni and Fe in Ni0.86Fe2.14O4 and the seamless connection between Ni0.86Fe2.14O4 and the substrate make main contribution to excellent OER activity for the electrode system. This synthesis strategy provides a route for the synthesis of binary metal‐oxide electrocatalysts from alloys, which can be extended to other binary electrocatalysts.
Core‐Shell Fe3O4@Carbon@SO3H: A Powerful Recyclable Catalyst for the Synthesis of α‐2‐Deoxygalactosides
Authors: Jiang Nan , Dong Youxian , Sun Guosheng , Yang Guofang , Wang Qingbing , Zhang Jianbo
Published: January 2020

A method for the preparation of 2‐deoxygalactosides by using a novel magnetic core‐shell material Fe3O4@C@SO3H as a catalyst was developed. The method had the advantages of short reaction time (1–4 h), good to excellent yield (69–93 %), high stereoselectivity (α:β >30 : 1), one‐pot synthesis of trisaccharides. Moreover, the catalyst retained good catalytic activity after five times recycling, and the yield did not change significantly.
Preparation of Starch Citrates Using Solvent Free Reaction and Comparison with Aqueous and Ethanol Mediated Reactions
Authors: Ganesh Aditya , Singh Bhavana , Duttagupta Arijit , Kalita Dipankar , Zhong Yuyue , Blennow Andreas , Singh Harinder
Published: January 2020

Corn starch is modified with citric acid (2.5% w/w) in aqueous, alcoholic media and in solid solid reaction (dry heat condition without any solvent). Degree of substitution is similar for both treatments, independent of use of solvent but higher than for dry heated starch citrate. Apparent amylose content of all starch citrates is higher than for native starch. Molecular weight, as determined by triple detection size exclusion chromatography, also decreases, demonstrating hydrolysis of chains. As a consequence, starch citrate prepared using dry heating and ethanol, as compared to aqueous media, show drastic reduction in pasting viscosity. X‐ray diffraction pattern and morphology of the produced starch granules remain unaltered in all three reaction types. Starch citrates prepared using solvent less reactions show similar characteristics as that of conventional hydrolysis performed using concentrated hydrochloric acid. However, the solid solid hydrolytic reaction process using citric acid is far more environmental friendly and less costly than typical conventional hydrolysis processes. The present study is not only useful for starch systems but more generally for studying reactions in, for example, gums and cellulose.
Two-colour QCD phases and the topology at low temperature and high density
Authors: Iida Kei , Itou Etsuko , Lee Tong-Gyu
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We delineate equilibrium phase structure and topological charge distribution of dense two-colour QCD at low temperature by using a lattice simulation with two-flavour Wilson fermions that has a chemical potential μ and a diquark source j incorporated. We systematically measure the diquark condensate, the Polyakov loop, the quark number density and the chiral condensate with improved accuracy and j → 0 extrapolation over earlier publications; the known qualitative features of the low temperature phase diagram, which is composed of the hadronic, Bose-Einstein condensed (BEC) and BCS phases, are reproduced. In addition, we newly find that around the boundary between the hadronic and BEC phases, nonzero quark number density occurs even in the hadronic phase in contrast to the prediction of the chiral perturbation theory (ChPT), while the diquark condensate approaches zero in a manner that is consistent with the ChPT prediction. At the highest μ, which is of order the inverse of the lattice spacing, all the above observables change drastically, which implies a lattice artifact. Finally, at temperature of order 0.45T

c
, where T

c
is the chiral transition temperature at zero chemical potential, the topological susceptibility is calculated from a gradient-flow method and found to be almost constant for all the values of μ ranging from the hadronic to BCS phase. This is a contrast to the case of 0.89T

c
in which the topological susceptibility becomes small as the hadronic phase changes into the quark-gluon plasma phase.
Dynamics of revolving D-branes at short distances
Authors: Iso Satoshi , Kitazawa Noriaki , Ohta Hikaru , Suyama Takao
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study the behavior of the effective potential between revolving Dp-branes at all ranges of the distance r, interpolating r » ls and r « l

s
(l

s
is the string length). Since the one-loop open string amplitude cannot be calculated exactly, we instead employ an efficient method of partial modular transformation. The method is to perform the modular transformation partially in the moduli parameter and rewrite the amplitude into a sum of contributions from both of the open and closed string massless modes. It is nevertheless free from the double counting and can approximate the open string amplitudes with less than 3% accuracy. From the D-brane effective field theory point of view, this amounts to calculating the one-loop threshold corrections of infinitely many open string massive modes. We show that threshold corrections to the ω
2
r
2 term of the moduli field r cancel among them, where ω is the angular frequency of the revolution and sets the scale of supersymmetry breaking. This cancellation suggests a possibility to solve the hierarchy problem of the Higgs mass in high scale supersymmetry breaking models.
Peculiar index relations, 2D TQFT, and universality of SUSY enhancement
Authors: Buican Matthew , Li Linfeng , Nishinaka Takahiro
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study certain exactly marginal gaugings involving arbitrary numbers of Argyres-Douglas (AD) theories and show that the resulting Schur indices are related to those of certain Lagrangian theories of class

$$ \mathcal{S} $$

S

via simple transformations. By writing these quantities in the language of 2D topological quantum field theory (TQFT), we easily read off the S-duality action on the flavor symmetries of the AD quivers and also find expressions for the Schur indices of various classes of exotic AD theories appearing in different decoupling limits. The TQFT expressions for these latter theories are related by simple transformations to the corresponding quantities for certain well-known isolated theories with regular punctures (e.g., the Minahan-Nemeschansky E
6 theory and various generalizations). We then reinterpret the TQFT expressions for the indices of our AD theories in terms of the topology of the corresponding 3D mirror quivers, and we show that our isolated AD theories generically admit renormalization group (RG) flows to interacting superconformal field theories (SCFTs) with thirty-two (Poincaré plus special) supercharges. Motivated by these examples, we argue that, in a sense we make precise, the existence of RG flows to interacting SCFTs with thirty-two supercharges is generic in a far larger class of 4D

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 SCFTs arising from compactifications of the 6D (2, 0) theory on surfaces with irregular singularities.
Normal appearances and dimensions of the foetal cavum septi pellucidi and vergae on in utero MR imaging
Authors: Jarvis Deborah , Griffiths Paul David
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to provide normative data about the appearances and dimensions of the cavum septi pellucidi and vergae (CSPV) on in utero MR (iuMR) imaging in second and third trimester foetuses.

Methods

Two hundred normal foetuses (from a low-risk pregnancy, with normal ante-natal USS findings and no intracranial abnormality of iuMR) had iuMR imaging between 18 and 37 gestational weeks (gw). The anatomical features on those studies were compared with published atlases of post-mortem foetal brains. The length, width and volume of the CSPV were measured in all foetuses.

Results

The anatomy of the CSPV and its relationship with the corpus callosum and the fornices on iuMR imaging was comparable with post-mortem data at all gestational ages studied. The length of the CSPV increased throughout pregnancy, whereas the width and volume of CSPV reached a maximum between 29 and 31 gw and then showed a reduction later in pregnancy.

Conclusion

The iuMR imaging features of the CSPV and its close anatomical relations closely correspond to post-mortem data. The CSPV was patent in all cases but we have shown that closure commences in the midpart of the third trimester and advances in a posterior to anterior direction.
The Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Margin Re‐excision in Breast‐Conserving Surgery
Authors: Devane Liam A , Baban Chwanrow K , O'Doherty A , Quinn Cecily , McDermott Enda W , Prichard Ruth S
Published: January 2020

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) can improve cosmesis by reducing resection volume. Breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) aims to achieve clear excision margins while optimizing cosmesis. However, the influence of NAC on margin re‐excision after BCS is unclear. This study examines the rate and determinants of margin re‐excision in patients undergoing BCS following NAC in our institution.

Methods

From 2011–2015, all patients treated with NAC prior to BCS were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Mann–Whitney and Fisher's exact test tests were used to compare variables in patients who did and did not require re‐excision. Patients undergoing primary surgical treatment in 2015 comprised an unmatched comparison group.

Results

Of 211 patients treated with NAC, 69 initially underwent BCS. The re‐excision rate was 32% (n = 22) compared to 17% in the primary operable group (38 of 221, p = 0.02). Re‐excision rates were lowest in triple‐negative and HER2+ tumors (0% and 10%, respectively). Lobular carcinoma and ER+ tumors had a significantly higher rate of re‐excision (100% and 42%, respectively). Of 22 patients undergoing re‐excision, 9 had further BCS and 13 had a mastectomy.

Conclusion

The re‐excision rate following NAC is almost twice that of patients who underwent primary operative management. Her2+ and triple‐negative tumors have lower re‐excision rates and may represent a selected cohort most suitable for BCS. Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma or ER+ disease have significantly higher rates of margin positivity, and these patients should be considered for a cavity shave during primary surgery to reduce the rates of re‐excision.
Soluble neprilysin, NT-proBNP, and growth differentiation factor-15 as biomarkers for heart failure in dialysis patients (SONGBIRD)
Authors: Claus Robert , Berliner Dominik , Bavendiek Udo , Vodovar Nicolas , Lichtinghagen Ralf , David Sascha , Patecki Margret , Launay Jean-Marie , Bauersachs Johann , Haller Hermann , Hiss Marcus , Balzer Michael S.
Published: January 2020

Background

Dialysis patients are at increased risk of HF. However, diagnostic utility of NT-proBNP as a biomarker is decreased in patients on dialysis. GDF-15 and cNEP are biomarkers of distinct mechanisms that may contribute to HF pathophysiology in such cohorts. The aim of this study was to determine whether growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and circulating neprilysin (cNEP) improve the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (HF) in patients on dialysis.

Methods and results

We compared circulating concentrations of NT-proBNP, GDF-15, and cNEP along with cNEP activity in patients on chronic dialysis without (n = 80) and with HF (n = 73), as diagnosed by clinical parameters and post-dialysis echocardiography. We used correlation, linear and logistic regression as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Compared to controls, patients with HF had higher median values of NT-proBNP (16,216 [interquartile range, IQR = 27739] vs. 2883 [5866] pg/mL, p < 0.001), GDF-15 (7512 [7084] vs. 6005 [4892] pg/mL, p = 0.014), but not cNEP (315 [107] vs. 318 [124] pg/mL, p = 0.818). Median cNEP activity was significantly lower in HF vs. controls (0.189 [0.223] vs. 0.257 [0.166] nmol/mL/min, p < 0.001). In ROC analyses, a multi-marker model combining clinical covariates, NT-proBNP, GDF-15, and cNEP activity demonstrated best discrimination of HF from controls (AUC = 0.902, 95% CI 0.857–0.947, p < 0.001 vs. base model AUC = 0.785).

Conclusion

We present novel comparative data on physiologically distinct circulating biomarkers for HF in patients on dialysis. cNEP activity but not concentration and GDF-15 provided incremental diagnostic information over clinical covariates and NT-proBNP and may aid in diagnosing HF in dialysis patients.

Graphic abstract
Spiders in rice-paddy ecosystems shift from aquatic to terrestrial prey and use carbon pools of different origin
Authors: Radermacher Nico , Hartke Tamara R. , Villareal Sylvia , Scheu Stefan
Published: January 2020

Spiders are important bio-control agents of rice insect pests such as plant- and leafhoppers. To investigate temporal changes in spider prey and variations in prey due to landscape structure around rice fields, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of rice field arthropods were analysed over three consecutive sampling dates during the rice cropping season. Initial isotope composition of gnats and midges emerging from submersed rice fields indicates a larval algae diet, while later values suggest a switch to rice-derived carbon. Initial δ13C values of plant- and leafhoppers were higher in fields of rice-heterogeneous landscapes, indicating migration from source populations feeding on C4 grasses into rice fields; later, their δ13C values approached those of rice. Isotope values of web-building and cursorial spiders in the earliest samples indicate aquatic gnat and midge prey. The later shift toward terrestrial herbivore prey was more pronounced for small than for larger species and in rice paddies near permanent vegetation, indicating use of prey from the surrounding landscape. The results suggest that rice field spiders are supported by three different carbon pools: (1) aquatic carbon originating from algae and (2) legacy carbon from previous growing cycles, both incorporated via between-season predation on gnats and midges, and (3) carbon from the current rice season incorporated via herbivore prey. In conclusion, fostering aquatic midge and gnat larvae, e.g. via mulching, and integrating rice fields into rice-heterogeneous landscapes likely strengthens biological control of pest species in rice paddies by supporting high populations of spiders between cropping seasons.
Epidemiology and management of atlas fractures
Authors: Fiedler Nora , Spiegl Ulrich J. A. , Jarvers Jan-Sven , Josten Christoph , Heyde Christoph E. , Osterhoff Georg
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gain new insights into the epidemiologic characteristics of patients with atlas fractures and to retrospectively evaluate complication rates after surgical and non-surgical treatment.

Methods

In a retrospective study, consecutive patients diagnosed with a fracture of the atlas between 01/2008 and 07/2018 were analyzed. Data on epidemiology, concomitant injuries, fracture patterns and complications were obtained by chart and imaging review.

Results

In total, 189 patients (mean age 72 years, SD 19; 57.1% male) were treated. The most frequent trauma mechanism was a low-energy trauma (59.8%). A concomitant injury of the cervical spine was found in 59.8%, a combined C1/C2 injury in 56.6% and a concomitant fracture of the thoraco-lumbar spine in 15.4%. When classified according to Gehweiler, there were: 23.3% type 1, 22.2% type 2, 32.8% type 3, 19.0% type 4 and 1.1% type 5. Treatment of isolated atlas fractures (n = 67) consisted of non-operative management in 67.1%, halo fixation in 6.0% and open surgical treatment in 26.9%. In patients with combined injuries, the therapy was essentially dictated by the concomitant subaxial cervical injuries.

Conclusions

Atlas fractures occurred mainly in elderly people and in the majority of the cases were associated with other injuries of the head and spine. Most atlas fractures were treated conservatively. However, surgical treatment has become a safe and valid option in unstable fracture patterns involving the anterior and posterior arch (type 3) or those involving the articular surfaces (type 4).

Level of evidence

IV (Retrospective cohort study).

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
No evidence of abnormal metabolic or inflammatory activity in the brains of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a preliminary study using whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI)
Authors: Mueller Christina , Lin Joanne C. , Thannickal Halle H. , Daredia Altamish , Denney Thomas S. , Beyers Ronald , Younger Jarred W.
Published: January 2020

Introduction/objectives

Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report persistent fatigue even after management of peripheral disease activity. This study used whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to investigate whether abnormal inflammatory activity in the central nervous system may be associated with such symptoms. We hypothesized that RA patients would show higher brain choline (CHO), myo-inositol (MI), and lactate (LAC), and higher brain temperature than healthy controls. We further hypothesized that the metabolite levels would be positively correlated with self-reported fatigue.

Method

Thirteen women with RA provided fatigue severity ratings and underwent whole-brain MRSI and a joint examination. Thirteen healthy controls (HC) provided comparison imaging and fatigue data. CHO, MI, LAC, and brain temperature in 47 brain regions were contrasted between groups using independent-samples t tests. Significant differences were determined using a false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p value threshold of ≤ 0.0023. Secondary analyses obtained correlations between imaging and clinical outcomes in the RA group.

Results

No brain metabolic differences were identified between the groups. In the RA group, fatigue severity was positively correlated with CHO in several brain regions—most strongly the right frontal lobe (rs = 0.823, p < 0.001). MI was similarly correlated with fatigue, particularly in the right calcarine fissure (rs = 0.829, p < 0.001). CHO in several regions was positively correlated with joint swelling and tenderness.

Conclusions

We conclude that abnormal brain metabolites are not a common feature of RA, but may been seen in patients with persistent fatigue or disease activity after conventional treatment.Key Points• Whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed no metabolic abnormalities in the brain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.• Brain choline levels were correlated with fatigue severity reported by RA patients and with peripheral joint swelling and tenderness.• Brain myo-inositol levels were similarly correlated with fatigue severity in RA patients.
The Great Recession and the Rise of Populism
Authors: Passari Evgenia
Published: January 2020

The success of populist rhetoric in Europe is worrisome as it presents a threat to national and European institutions, the rule of law, and other fundamental free-market democratic institutions, such as freedom of the press and the independence of the judiciary system.
Populism: Root Causes, Power Grabbing and Counter Strategy
Authors: Aiginger Karl
Published: January 2020

The economic agenda of bringing jobs back and improving dynamics can sometimes work in the short run, if past fiscal prudence has left some space for higher government expenditures for low incomes. However, in the long run, protection and redistribution without active components, innovation and new firms do not work.
Mice Deficient in the IL-1β Activation Genes Prtn3, Elane, and Casp1 Are Protected Against the Development of Obesity-Induced NAFLD
Authors: Mirea Andreea-Manuela , Stienstra Rinke , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi , Tack Cees J. , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Toonen Erik J.M. , Joosten Leo A.B.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Inflammatory pathways contribute to disease pathogenesis; however, regulation of the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. IL-1β, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, participates in the development and progression of NAFLD. To become bioactive, IL-1β requires enzymatic processing. Mechanisms that activate IL-1β include the classical NLRP3 inflammasome-caspase-1 and the neutrophil serine proteases, neutrophil elastase, and proteinase-3. Several studies have shown that both caspase-1 and the neutrophil serine proteases are important for NAFLD development. However, it is unknown whether these pathways interact and if they have a synergistic effect in promoting NAFLD. In the present study, we developed a novel and unique mouse model by intercrossing caspase-1/11 knockout mice with neutrophil elastase/proteinase-3 double knockout mice. Subsequently, these mice were examined regarding the development of high-fat diet–induced NAFLD. Our results show that mice deficient in caspase-1, neutrophil elastase, and proteinase-3 were protected from developing diet-induced weigh gain, liver steatosis, and adipose tissue inflammation when compared with controls. We conclude that pathways that process pro-IL-1β to bioactive IL-1β play an important role in promoting the development of NAFLD and obesity-induced inflammation. Targeting these pathways could have a therapeutic potential in patients with NAFLD.
Altered GABA Concentration in Brain Motor Area Is Associated with the Severity of Motor Disabilities in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Umesawa Yumi , Matsushima Kanae , Atsumi Takeshi , Kato Toshihiro , Fukatsu Reiko , Wada Makoto , Ide Masakazu
Published: January 2020

Several motor disabilities accompanied with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are widely known despite limited reports of underlying neural mechanisms. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the motor-related cortical areas modulate several motor performances in healthy participants. We hypothesized that abnormal GABA concentrations in the primary motor area (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA) associate with different motor difficulties for ASD adolescents/adults. We found that increased GABA concentrations in M1 measured using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy exhibited lower motor performance in tasks requiring increased muscle strength while lower GABA concentrations in SMA were associated with lower scores in tests measuring body coordination. The degrees of neural inhibition in the M1 and SMA regions would contribute to different dimensions of motor disabilities in autism.
Amino-acid selective isotope labeling enables simultaneous overlapping signal decomposition and information extraction from NMR spectra
Authors: Kasai Takuma , Ono Shunsuke , Koshiba Seizo , Yamamoto Masayuki , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Ikeda Shiro , Kigawa Takanori
Published: January 2020

Signal overlapping is a major bottleneck for protein NMR analysis. We propose a new method, stable-isotope-assisted parameter extraction (SiPex), to resolve overlapping signals by a combination of amino-acid selective isotope labeling (AASIL) and tensor decomposition. The basic idea of Sipex is that overlapping signals can be decomposed with the help of intensity patterns derived from quantitative fractional AASIL, which also provides amino-acid information. In SiPex, spectra for protein characterization, such as 15N relaxation measurements, are assembled with those for amino-acid information to form a four-order tensor, where the intensity patterns from AASIL contribute to high decomposition performance even if the signals share similar chemical shift values or characterization profiles, such as relaxation curves. The loading vectors of each decomposed component, corresponding to an amide group, represent both the amino-acid and relaxation information. This information link provides an alternative protein analysis method that does not require “assignments” in a general sense; i.e., chemical shift determinations, since the amino-acid information for some of the residues allows unambiguous assignment according to the dual selective labeling. SiPex can also decompose signals in time-domain raw data without Fourier transform, even in non-uniformly sampled data without spectral reconstruction. These features of SiPex should expand biological NMR applications by overcoming their overlapping and assignment problems.
On Freedom’s Mystery
Authors: van Woudenberg Rene
Published: January 2020

This paper argues that Peter van Inwagen’s argument for the mysteriousness of metaphysical freedom does not establish its conclusion. Van Inwagen’s argument involves the notion of ‘chance’. This paper explores how Van Inwagen’s argument fares when the notion of chance is unpacked in four different ways (viz. as meaning ‘unpredictable’, ‘lacking determining causes’, ‘lacking agential control’, and ‘not intended by an agent’) and two different semantics for conditionals (the material conditional account, and Douven’s inferentialist account) are applied. This paper concludes that the mystery argument fails to establish that freedom is a mystery in each of its forms.