bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in proinflammatory cytokines, neuropeptides, and microglia in an animal model of monosodium iodoacetate‐induced hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Kawarai Yuya , Orita Sumihisa , Nakamura Junichi , Miyamoto Shuichi , Suzuki Miyako , Inage Kazuhide , Hagiwara Shigeo , Suzuki Takane , Nakajima Takayuki , Akazawa Tsutomu , Ohtori Seiji
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the local production of proinflammatory cytokines, pain‐related sensory innervation of dorsal‐root ganglia (DRG), and spinal changes in a rat model of induced hip osteoarthritis (OA). Seventy‐five Sprague–Dawley rats were used, including 25 controls and 50 injected into the right hip joints (sham group, injected with 25 µl of sterile saline: N = 25; and monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) group, injected with 25 µl of sterile saline with 2 mg of MIA: N = 25). We measured the local production of TNF‐α, immunoreactive (‐ir) neurons for calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), and growth associated protein‐43 (GAP‐43) in DRG, and immunoreactive neurons for ionized‐calcium‐binding adaptor molecule‐1 (Iba‐1) in the dorsal horn of spinal cord, on post‐induction days 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 (N = 5 rats/group/time point). For post‐induction days 7–42, the MIA group presented significantly elevated concentrations of TNF‐α than the other groups (p < 0.01), and a higher expression of CGRP‐ir in FG‐labeled DRG neurons than the sham group (p < 0.01). MIA rats also presented significantly more FG‐labeled GAP‐43‐ir DRG neurons than the sham group on post‐induction days 28, 42, and 56 (p < 0.05), and a significantly higher number of Iba‐1‐ir microglia in the ipsilateral dorsal horn than the other groups, on post‐induction days 28, 42, and 56. The results suggest that in rat models, pain‐related pathologies due to MIA‐induced hip OA, originate from inflammation caused by cytokines, which leads to progressive, chronic neuronal damage that may cause neuropathic pain. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2978–2986, 2018.
Evaluation of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) cultivars grown in Texas and levels of various phytonutrients
Authors: Perez Jose L , Jayaprakasha Guddadarangavvanahally K , Crosby Kevin , Patil Bhimanagouda S
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

In the USA, Momordica charantia is relatively unknown and is usually found in specialty markets. In the present study, cultivation of five bitter melon cultivars grown under field conditions in College Station (TX, USA), was evaluated. Additionally, ascorbic acid, amino acids and phenolic compounds were quantified from various cultivars grown in different years.

RESULTS

The yield of the first year of evaluation was comparable to other bitter melon growing regions, ranging from 9371.5 kg ha−1 for the Japanese Spindle cultivar to 20 839.1 kg ha−1 for the Hong Kong Green cultivar. Multivariate analysis suggests a strong correlation between yield and growth degree days, water use efficiency and organic matter, as well as an inverse correlation with the amount or precipitation during the growing season. The highest levels of total ascorbic acid were shown in the Japanese Spindle cultivar (162.97 mg 100 g–1 fresh fruit), whereas the lowest levels were expressed in the Hong Kong Green cultivar (42.69 mg 100 g–1 fresh fruit). The highest levels of total phenolics were consistently found the Indian White cultivar, in the range 10.6–12.5 mg g–1 catechin equivalents. Seven phenolics and organic acids were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Additionally, the highest levels of total amino acids were found in the Large Top cultivar.

CONCLUSION

The current 3‐year field study demonstrates that it is feasible to grow bitter melon commercially in Texas with proper climatic and agronomic conditions. Bitter melon is a rich source for ascorbic acid, amino acids and phenolic compounds, which makes it a valuable food source with respect to improving human health. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
pH‐neutralizing esophageal irrigations as a novel mitigation strategy for button battery injury
Authors: Anfang Rachel R. , Jatana Kris R. , Linn Rebecca L. , Rhoades Keith , Fry Jared , Jacobs Ian N.
Published: June 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Ingestion of button batteries (BB) can rapidly lead to caustic esophageal injury in infants and children, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. To identify novel mitigation strategies, we tested common weakly acidic household beverages, viscous liquids, and Carafate® for their ability to act as protective esophageal irrigations until endoscopic removal of the BB.

Study Design

Cadaveric and live animal model.

Methods

Apple juice, orange juice, Gatorade®, POWERADE®, pure honey, pure maple syrup, and Carafate® were screened using a 3 V lithium (3 V‐CR2032) BB on cadaveric porcine esophagus. The most promising in vitro options were tested against a saline control in live American Yorkshire piglets with anode‐facing placement of the BB on the posterior wall of the proximal esophagus for 60 minutes. BB voltage and tissue pH were measured before battery placement and after removal. The 10 mL irrigations occurred every 10 minutes from t = 5 minutes. Gross and histologic assessment was performed on the esophagus of piglets euthanized 7 ± 0.5 days following BB exposure.

Results

Honey and Carafate® demonstrated to a significant degree the most protective effects in vitro and in vivo. Both neutralized the tissue pH increase and created more localized and superficial injuries; observed in vivo was a decrease in both full‐thickness injury (i.e., shallower depths of necrotic and granulation tissue) and outward extension of injury in the deep muscle beyond surface ulcer margins (P < .05).

Conclusions

In the crucial period between BB ingestion and endoscopic removal, early and frequent ingestion of honey in the household setting and Carafate® in the clinical setting has the potential to reduce injury severity and improve patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:49–57, 2019
Missing Data in the Unified Dysksinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS)
Authors: Luo Sheng , Ren Xuehan , Han Weilu , Goetz Christopher G. , Stebbins Glenn T.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Identify the number of allowable missing values still permitting valid surrogate score calculation for the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS).

Background

Missing data frequently occur in Parkinson's disease rating scales, and they compromise data validity, risking data exclusion from final analyses.

Methods

Accessing the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored UDysRS translation databases (3313 complete scores). We sequentially removed item scores, consistently or randomly from subjective and objective sections. Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient compared prorated scores with complete scores. We considered prorated scores valid when Coefficients exceeded 0.95.

Results

For consistently missing items, three from the subjective section and five from the objective section are allowable. For randomly missing items, seven from the subjective section and four from the objective section are permissible.

Conclusions

We provide guidelines for constructing valid surrogate summary UDysRS scores with clear thresholds for retaining or rejecting scores based on missing values.
Special bases for solutions of a generalized Maxwell system in 3‐dimensional space
Authors: Ding Chao , Bock Sebastian , Gürlebeck Klaus
Published: June 2018

The aim of this paper is to study complete polynomial systems in the kernel space of conformally invariant differential operators in higher spin theory. We investigate the kernel space of a generalized Maxwell operator in 3‐dimensional space. With the already known decomposition of its homogeneous kernel space into 2 subspaces, we investigate first projections from the homogeneous kernel space to each subspace. Then, we provide complete polynomial systems depending on the given inner product for each subspace in the decomposition. More specifically, the complete polynomial system for the homogenous kernel space is an orthogonal system wrt a given Fischer inner product. In the case of the standard inner product inL2on the unit ball, the provided complete polynomial system for the homogeneous kernel space is a partially orthogonal system. Further, if the degree of homogeneity for the respective subspaces in the decomposed kernel spaces approaches infinity, then the angle between the 2 subspaces approachesπ/2.
Elevation of the TP53 isoform Δ133p53β in glioblastomas: an alternative to mutant p53 in promoting tumor development
Authors: Kazantseva Marina , Eiholzer Ramona A , Mehta Sunali , Taha Ahmad , Bowie Sara , Roth Imogen , Zhou Jean , Joruiz Sebastien M , Royds Janice A , Hung Noelyn A , Slatter Tania L , Braithwaite Antony W
Published: June 2018

As tumor protein 53 (p53) isoforms have tumor‐promoting, migration, and inflammatory properties, this study investigated whether p53 isoforms contributed to glioblastoma progression. The expression levels of full‐length TP53α (TAp53α) and six TP53 isoforms were quantitated by RT‐qPCR in 89 glioblastomas and correlated with TP53 mutation status, tumor‐associated macrophage content, and various immune cell markers. Elevated levels of Δ133p53β mRNA characterised glioblastomas with increased CD163‐positive macrophages and wild‐type TP53. In situ‐based analyses found Δ133p53β expression localised to malignant cells in areas with increased hypoxia, and in cells with the monocyte chemoattractant protein C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) expressed. Tumors with increased Δ133p53β had increased numbers of cells positive for macrophage colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1). In addition, cells expressing a murine ‘mimic’ of Δ133p53 (Δ122p53) were resistant to temozolomide treatment and oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that elevated Δ133p53β is an alternative pathway to TP53 mutation in glioblastoma that aids tumor progression by promoting an immunosuppressive and chemoresistant environment. Adding Δ133p53β to a TP53 signature along with TP53 mutation status will better predict treatment resistance in glioblastoma. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Opioid tolerance and clinically recognized opioid poisoning among patients prescribed extended‐release long‐acting opioids
Authors: Young Jessica C. , Lund Jennifer L. , Dasgupta Nabarun , Jonsson Funk Michele
Published: June 2018

Background

In recognition of potential for increased overdose risk, drug labels for extended‐release and long‐acting (ER/LA) opioids emphasize the need for established opioid tolerance prior to initiating high dosages.

Objectives

Describe the proportion of patients with opioid tolerance prior to initiation of 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) ER/LA opioids and examine subsequent risk of opioid poisoning.

Methods

We used Truven Health Analytics' MarketScan Databases (2006‐2015) to identify patients initiating ER/LA opioids ≥90 MME. We examined prescription histories and describe the proportion of initiators with opioid tolerance (defined as ≥7 days of 60 MME in the prior 14 days). We adjusted for age, sex, year of initiation, and baseline comorbidities using inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox proportional hazards models. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the effect of opioid tolerance on the risk of clinically recognized opioid poisoning (based on diagnosis codes) in specific periods (0‐7, 8‐30, 31‐90, and 91‐365 days) following initiation.

Results

Among 372 038 initiators, 38% did not meet opioid tolerance criteria. The proportion of nontolerant initiators was highest among those initiating methadone (44%) and fentanyl (42%). Nontolerant patients were 37% more likely to be diagnosed with opioid poisoning (adjusted hazard ratios = 1.37 [1.07, 1.76]) in the week following ER/LA initiation.

Conclusions

Over one‐third of patients initiating ≥90 MME ER/LA opioids did not have evidence of opioid tolerance. The 7 days following high dose ER/LA initiation may represent a high‐risk period for clinically diagnosed opioid poisoning in patients who do not have prior opioid tolerance.
A coupled constitutive relation with impulse‐momentum for compressive impact behavior of the expanded polypropylene foam
Authors: Kim Byeong K. , Cho Jae Ung , Jeong Kwang Young , Chun Youngjae , Carman Gregory P. , Cheon Seong S.
Published: June 2018

In this article, the Jeong et al.'s constitutive relation and the impulse‐momentum theorem were coupled to characterize the compressive impact loading of EPP (Expanded polypropylene [EPP]) foams under varying strain rate conditions for each step. Simultaneous nonlinear Newton–Raphson method was applied to find the proper values for parameters in the constitutive relation along with quasistatic test data. Also, parameters which have physical meanings were expressed as functions of relative density. Moreover, coupling of the constitutive relation and the impulse‐momentum theorem provided transient velocities of the striker successfully. Dynamic stress‐strain curves from the analysis showed good agreement with data from instrumented impact tests and the potential to be applied to different material type polymeric foams. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:49–57, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Direct Monitoring of Fucosylated Glycopeptides of Alpha‐Fetoprotein in Human Serum for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Immunoprecipitation
Authors: Kim Kwang Hoe , Lee Soo‐Youn , Hwang Heeyoun , Lee Ju Yeon , Ji Eun Sun , An Hyun Joo , Kim Jin Young , Yoo Jong Shin
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is a widely used serological marker that is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the level of AFP is increased in HCC, its sensitivity for diagnosis is poor because AFP levels are also increased in liver diseases. Changes in glycoform, especially fucosylation, have been reported to be associated with the development of HCC.

Experimental design: The authors introduce the monitoring of fucosylated glycopeptides by liquid chromatography (LC)‐mass spectrometry (MS) combined with immunoprecipitation, where glycan‐cleaved fragments with an amino acid sequence are used as transitions. Furthermore, neuraminidase for desialylation is useful to improve the MS detection limit (limit of detection [LOD] <2 ng mL−1) in 0.1 μL of serum.

Results: The performance of the relative percentage of fucosylated AFP (AFP‐fuc%) for differentiating between early HCC and cirrhosis is better than that of serum AFP levels as indicated by a greater area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.962 vs. 0.628) and sensitivity (92.3% vs. 53.9%), respectively. Furthermore, the inter‐ and intraday repeatability of AFP‐fuc% in serum is less than 2.1%.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: These findings suggest that glycopeptide‐based LC‐MS/MS is a promising method and that AFP‐fuc% is a clinically useful parameter for differentiating between early HCC and liver cirrhosis.
A network meta‐analysis provides new insight into fungicide scheduling for the control of Botrytis cinerea in vineyards
Authors: González‐Domínguez Elisa , Fedele Giorgia , Caffi Tito , Delière Laurent , Sauris Pierre , Gramaje David , Ramos‐Saez de Ojer José Luis , Díaz‐Losada Emilia , Díez‐Navajas Ana M , Bengoa Paul , Rossi Vittorio
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Control of Botrytis bunch rot (BBR) is currently based on the application of fungicides at four timings corresponding to specific growth stages of vines: end of flowering (A), pre‐bunch closure (B), veraison (C) and before harvest (D). The current research provides a network meta‐analysis of 116 studies conducted between 1963 and 2016 in nine countries, in which 14 strategies (based on combinations of 1, 2, 3, or 4 sprays applied in A, B, C, and/or D) were compared.

RESULTS

When a one‐spray strategy was applied, BBR control was more effective with sprays applied in A, C, or D than B. With a two‐spray strategy, strategy AC provided similar control as strategy BC; strategy CD also provided good control. For a 3‐spray strategy, the best disease control was consistently obtained with strategy ACD. Four‐spray strategy ABCD provided the best control but often involved needless sprays so that the routine application of four sprays is not justified.

CONCLUSIONS

Spraying at timing A seems to be very important for achieving efficient and flexible disease control. Flexibility is reduced by spraying at timing B rather than A. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Differentiation of Pythium spp. from vegetable crops with molecular markers and sensitivity to azoxystrobin and mefenoxam
Authors: Matić Slavica , Gilardi Giovanna , Gisi Ulrich , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Garibaldi Angelo
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Pythium species attack various vegetable crops causing seed, stem and root rot, and ‘damping‐off’ after germination. Pythium diseases are prevalently controlled by two classes of fungicides, QoIs with azoxystrobin and phenlyamides with mefenoxam as representatives. The present study aimed to test the sensitivity of six Pythium species from different vegetable crops to azoxystrobin and mefenoxam and differentiating species based on ITS, cytochrome b and RNA polymerase I gene sequences.

RESULTS

The inter‐ and intra‐species sensitivity to azoxystrobin was found to be stable, with the exception of one Pythium paroecandrum isolate, which showed reduced sensitivity and two cytochrome b amino acid changes. For mefenoxam, the inter‐species sensitivity was quite variable and many resistant isolates were found in all six Pythium species, but no RNA polymerase I amino acid changes were observed in them. ITS and cytochrome b phylogenetic analyses permitted a clear separation of Pythium species corresponding to globose‐ and filamentous‐sporangia clusters.

CONCLUSION

The results document the necessity of well‐defined chemical control strategies adapted to different Pythium species. Since the intrinsic activity of azoxystrobin among species was stable and no resistant isolates were found, it may be applied without species differentiation, provided it is used preventatively to also control highly aggressive isolates. For a reliable use of mefenoxam, precise identification and sensitivity tests of Pythium species are crucial because its intrinsic activity is variable and resistant isolates may exist. Appropriate mixtures and/or alternation of products may help to further delay resistance development. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Derivatization for detection of abscisic acid and 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Enomoto Hirofumi , Sensu Takuya , Yumoto Emi , Yokota Takao , Yamane Hisakazu
Published: June 2018

Rationale

Abscisic acid (ABA) and 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid (OPDA) play crucial roles in seed development. However, because of their low ionization efficiencies, visualization by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS) has been difficult. In this study, we used on‐tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD) with the derivatization reagent Girard's T (GirT) in MALDI‐IMS to visualize ABA and OPDA.

Methods

Immature Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds were homogenized, and frozen homogenate sections were prepared using a cryostat. The concentration of the trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and spray volume of the GirT solution were optimized using the homogenate sections. Immature seed sections were prepared using a cryostat, and the OTCD efficiency under optimal conditions was measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The GirT solution was sprayed on the seed sections, and then MALDI‐IMS was performed.

Results

The optimal TFA concentration and spray volume were 2% and 500 μL, respectively. The OTCD efficiency rates were 61 ± 10% for ABA and 45 ± 5% for OPDA. The peaks corresponding to GirT‐derivatized ABA (ABA‐GirT) and OPDA (OPDA‐GirT) standards were detected on the optimal OTCD‐treated seed sections. ABA‐GirT was mainly distributed in the embryo, while OPDA‐GirT was localized in the external structures. These results are in agreement with our previously published results.

Conclusions

Our results show that ABA and OPDA in the immature seeds were exactly visualized using OTCD with GirT in MALDI‐IMS. Therefore, OTCD with GirT in MALDI‐IMS is a promising technique for future research on the biological roles of ABA and OPDA in various immature seeds.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry of model prebiotic peptides: Optimization of sample preparation
Authors: English Sloane L. , Forsythe Jay G.
Published: June 2018

Rationale

Depsipeptides, or peptides with a mixture of amide and ester linkages, may have evolved into peptides on primordial Earth. Previous studies on depsipeptides utilized electrospray ionization ion mobility quadrupole time‐of‐flight (ESI‐IM‐QTOF) tandem mass spectrometry; such analysis was thorough yet time‐consuming. Here, a complementary matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) approach was optimized for rapid characterization of depsipeptide length and monomer composition.

Methods

Depsipeptide mixtures of varying hydrophobicity were formed by subjecting aqueous mixtures of α‐hydroxy acids and α‐amino acids to evaporative cycles. Ester and amide content of depsipeptides was orthogonally confirmed using infrared spectroscopy. MALDI‐TOF MS analysis was performed on a Voyager DE‐STR in reflection geometry and positive ion mode. Optimization parameters included choice of matrix, sample solvent, matrix‐to‐analyte ratio, and ionization additives.

Results

It was determined that evaporated depsipeptide samples should be mixed with 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) matrix in order to detect the highest number of unique signals. Low matrix‐to‐analyte ratios were found to generate higher quality spectra, likely due to a combination of matrix suppression and improved co‐crystallization. Using this optimized protocol, a new depsipeptide mixture was characterized.

Conclusions

Understanding the diversity and chemical evolution of proto‐peptides is of interest to origins‐of‐life research. Here, we have demonstrated MALDI‐TOF MS can be used to rapidly screen the length and monomer composition of model prebiotic peptides containing a mixture of ester and amide backbone linkages.
Direct determination of molecular weight distribution of calf‐thymus DNAs and study of their fragmentation under ultrasonic and low‐energy infrared irradiations. A charge detection mass spectrometry investigation
Authors: Halim Mohammad A. , Bertorelle Franck , Doussineau Tristan , Antoine Rodolphe
Published: June 2018

Rationale

Calf‐thymus (CT‐DNA) is widely used as a binding agent. The commercial samples are known to be “highly polymerized DNA” samples. CT‐DNA is known to be fragile in particular upon ultrasonic wave irradiation. Degradation products could have dramatic consequences on its bio‐sensing activity, and an accurate determination of the molecular weight distribution and stability of commercial samples is highly demanded.

Methods

We investigated the sensitivity of charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS), a single‐molecule MS method, both with single‐pass and ion trap CDMS (“Benner” trap) modes to the determination of the composition and stability (under multiphoton IR irradiation) of calf‐thymus DNAs. We also investigated the changes in molecular weight distributions in the course of sonication by irradiating ultrasonic waves to CT‐DNA.

Results

We report, for the first time, the direct molecular weight (MW) distribution of DNA sodium salt from calf‐thymus revealing two populations at high (~10 MDa) and low (~3 MDa) molecular weights. We evidence a transition between the high‐MW to the low‐MW distribution, confirming that the low‐MW distribution results from degradation of CT‐DNA. Finally, we report also IRMPD experiments carried out on trapped single‐stranded linear DNAs from calf‐thymus allowing extraction of their activation energy for unimolecular dissociation.

Conclusions

We show that single‐pass CDMS is a direct, efficient and accurate MS‐based approach to determine the composition of calf‐thymus DNAs. Furthermore, ion trap CDMS allows us to evaluate the stability (both under multiphoton IR irradiation and in the course of sonication by irradiating ultrasonic wave) of calf‐thymus DNAs.
Sparse partial least squares with group and subgroup structure
Authors: Sutton Matthew , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Liquet Benoît
Published: June 2018

Integrative analysis of high dimensional omics datasets has been studied by many authors in recent years. By incorporating prior known relationships among the variables, these analyses have been successful in elucidating the relationships between different sets of omics data. In this article, our goal is to identify important relationships between genomic expression and cytokine data from a human immunodeficiency virus vaccine trial. We proposed a flexible partial least squares technique, which incorporates group and subgroup structure in the modelling process. Our new method accounts for both grouping of genetic markers (eg, gene sets) and temporal effects. The method generalises existing sparse modelling techniques in the partial least squares methodology and establishes theoretical connections to variable selection methods for supervised and unsupervised problems. Simulation studies are performed to investigate the performance of our methods over alternative sparse approaches. Our R packagesgsplsis available athttps://github.com/matt‐sutton/sgspls.
Efficient design of cluster randomized trials with treatment‐dependent costs and treatment‐dependent unknown variances
Authors: van Breukelen Gerard J.P. , Candel Math J.J.M.
Published: June 2018

Cluster randomized trials evaluate the effect of a treatment on persons nested within clusters, where treatment is randomly assigned to clusters. Current equations for the optimal sample size at the cluster and person level assume that the outcome variances and/or the study costs are known and homogeneous between treatment arms. This paper presents efficient yet robust designs for cluster randomized trials with treatment‐dependent costs and treatment‐dependent unknown variances, and compares these with 2 practical designs. First, the maximin design (MMD) is derived, which maximizes the minimum efficiency (minimizes the maximum sampling variance) of the treatment effect estimator over a range of treatment‐to‐control variance ratios. The MMD is then compared with the optimal design for homogeneous variances and costs (balanced design), and with that for homogeneous variances and treatment‐dependent costs (cost‐considered design). The results show that the balanced design is the MMD if the treatment‐to control cost ratio is the same at both design levels (cluster, person) and within the range for the treatment‐to‐control variance ratio. It still is highly efficient and better than the cost‐considered design if the cost ratio is within the range for the squared variance ratio. Outside that range, the cost‐considered design is better and highly efficient, but it is not the MMD. An example shows sample size calculation for the MMD, and the computer code (SPSS and R) is provided as supplementary material. The MMD is recommended for trial planning if the study costs are treatment‐dependent and homogeneity of variances cannot be assumed.
Structural state of stress analysis of concrete‐filled stainless steel tubular short columns
Authors: Shi Jun , Li Pengcheng , Chen Weizhen , Zheng Kaikai , Zhou Guangchun
Published: June 2018

Analyse der statischen Spannungszustände von kurzen betongefüllten Rundstützen aus Edelstahl. Unter Anwendung der Theorie der statischen Spannungszustände werden im vorliegenden Beitrag die experimentellen Untersuchungen zum Arbeitsverhalten kurzer betongefüllter Rundstützen aus Edelstahl (CFSST) behandelt. Zur Beschreibung des statischen Spannungszustands wird zunächst die Summe der GSED (Generalized Strain Energy Density)‐Werte (Eij) der Kurzstütze bei jedem Lastwert (Fj) als Ej,norm standardisiert. Anschließend wird der stark ansteigende Spannungszustand, unter Beachtung des Gesetzes von quantitativer Veränderung zu qualitativer Veränderung, durch Anwendung des Mann‐Kendall (M‐K)‐Kriteriums auf die Ej,norm‐Fj‐Kurve herausgearbeitet. Die Untersuchung zeigt die allgemeinen Charakteristiken der Veränderungen des Spannungszustandes von kurzen Stützen bei bestimmten Einzellasten, was die Präzisierung der Versagenslast ermöglicht. Darüber hinaus wird nachgewiesen, dass das simulative Arbeitsverhalten kurzer Stützen die Spannungszustände widerspiegeln kann, die sich aus den experimentellen Daten ergeben. Daher werden die Bedingungen der Versagenslasten von kurzen CFSST‐Stützen unter Verwendung der simulativen Daten formuliert und diese durch experimentelle und simulative Daten validiert. Insgesamt untersucht diese Studie eine neue Möglichkeit zur Erkennung unsichtbarer Arbeitseigenschaften von Tragwerken. Im Idealfall gibt sie Anlass zu entsprechenden Untersuchungen verschiedener Tragwerke, sodass die Ergebnisse zu einer Verbesserung der Bemessungsvorschrift führen können.
Entanglement properties of boundary state and thermalization
Authors: Guo Wu-zhong
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We discuss the regularized boundary state

$$ {e}^{-{\tau}_0H}\Big|{\left.B\right\rangle}_a $$

e

−

τ
0

H

|

B

a

on two aspects in both 2D CFT and higher dimensional free field theory. One is its entanglement and correlation properties, which exhibit exponential decay in 2D CFT, the parameter 1/τ
0 works as a mass scale. The other concerns with its time evolution, i.e.,

$$ {e}^{-itH}{e}^{-{\tau}_0H}\Big|{\left.B\right\rangle}_a $$

e

−
i
t
H

e

−

τ
0

H

|

B

a

. We investigate the Kubo-Martin-Schwinger (KMS) condition on correlation function of local operators to detect the thermal properties. Interestingly we find the correlation functions in the initial state

$$ {e}^{-{\tau}_0H}\Big|{\left.B\right\rangle}_a $$

e

−

τ
0

H

|

B

a

also partially satisfy the KMS condition. In the limit t → ∞, the correlators will exactly satisfy the KMS condition. We generally analyse quantum quench by a pure state and obtain some constraints on the possible form of 2-point correlation function in the initial state if assuming they satisfies KMS condition in the final state. As a byproduct we find in an large τ
0 limit the thermal property of 2-point function in

$$ {e}^{-{\tau}_0H}\Big|{\left.B\right\rangle}_a $$

e

−

τ
0

H

|

B

a

also appears.
Proton decay and light sterile neutrinos
Authors: Helo Juan C. , Hirsch Martin , Ota Toshihiko
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Within the standard model, non-renormalizable operators at dimension six (d = 6) violate baryon and lepton number by one unit and thus lead to proton decay. Here, we point out that the proton decay mode with a charged pion and missing energy can be a characteristic signature of d = 6 operators containing a light sterile neutrino, if it is not accompanied by the standard π0
e
+ final state. We discuss this effect first at the level of effective operators and then provide a concrete model with new physics at the TeV scale, in which the lightness of the active neutrinos and the stability of the proton are related.
Where in the world are biometric payments taking off?
Authors: Stickland James
Published: June 2018

Over the past several years, cyber-attacks have risen in severity and frequency to become an omnipresent threat to businesses and consumers worldwide. The recent WannaCry, Yahoo! and Uber attacks, and one of the most destructive of them all, Equifax – in which 2.4m people's credentials were compromised – have underlined the vulnerability of our personal information.
Tab location effect on supersonic jet mixing
Authors: Maruthupandiyan K. , Rathakrishnan E.
Published: June 2018

Aerodynamic mixing of a Mach 2 jet controlled with rectangular flat tab with length equal to the nozzle exit diameter, placed at locations 0.25D, 0.5D and 0.75D, downstream of the nozzle exit, has been studied in the presence of different levels of pressure gradients corresponding to nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) range from 3 to 8. The mixing modification associated with shifted tabs is compared with the mixing caused by the same tab at the nozzle exit (0D). The aerodynamic mixing caused by the mass transporting small-scale vortices shed from the edges of the tab placed at the shifted position is found to be appreciably larger than the tab at nozzle exit, for some levels of pressure gradient. For some other levels of nozzle expansion, mixing caused by the shifted tab is comparable to that of tab at nozzle exit. The waves present in the core of the jet controlled with shifted tab were found to be weaker than that of the jet controlled with tab at nozzle exit. At a marginally underexpanded state corresponding to NPR 8, jet core length reduction caused by the tab at 0.75D is about 39.21%, which is closer to the reduction of 40.2%, caused by the tab at 0D. The corresponding core length reduction for tab at 0.25D and 0.5D are 38.16% and 20%, respectively.
DYNAMIC HEDGING STRATEGIES FOR CASH BALANCE PENSION PLANS
Authors: Zhu Xiaobai , Hardy Mary R. , Saunders David
Published: June 2018

Cash balance pension plans with crediting rates linked to long bond yields are relatively common in the United States, but their liabilities are proving very challenging to hedge. In this paper, we consider dynamic hedge strategies using the one-factor and two-factor Hull White models, based on results for the liability valuation from Hardy et al. (2014). The strategies utilise simple hedge portfolios combining one or two zero-coupon bonds, and a money market account. We assess the effectiveness of the strategies by considering how accurately each one would have hedged a 5-year cash balance liability through the past 20 years, using real-world returns and crediting rates, and assuming parameters calibrated using the information available at the time. We show that there is considerable impact of model and parameter uncertainty, with additional, less severe impact from discrete hedging error and transactions costs. Despite this, the dynamic hedge strategies do manage to stabilize surplus substantially, even through the turbulence of the past two decades.
Clustering and increased settling speed of oblate particles at finite Reynolds number
Authors: Fornari Walter , Ardekani Mehdi Niazi , Brandt Luca
Published: June 2018

We study the settling of rigid oblates in a quiescent fluid using interface-resolved direct numerical simulations. In particular, an immersed boundary method is used to account for the dispersed solid phase together with lubrication correction and collision models to account for short-range particle–particle interactions. We consider semi-dilute suspensions of oblate particles with aspect ratio $AR=1/3$ and solid volume fractions $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}=0.5{-}10\,\%$. The solid-to-fluid density ratio $R=1.02$ and the Galileo number (i.e. the ratio between buoyancy and viscous forces) based on the diameter of a sphere with equivalent volume $Ga=60$. With this choice of parameters, an isolated oblate falls vertically with a steady wake with its broad side perpendicular to the gravity direction. At this $Ga$, the mean settling speed of spheres is a decreasing function of the volume $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}$ and is always smaller than the terminal velocity of the isolated particle, $V_{t}$. On the contrary, in dilute suspensions of oblate particles (with $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}\leqslant 1\,\%$), the mean settling speed is approximately 33 % larger than $V_{t}$. At higher concentrations, the mean settling speed decreases becoming smaller than the terminal velocity $V_{t}$ between $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}=5\,\%$ and 10 %. The increase of the mean settling speed is due to the formation of particle clusters that for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}=0.5{-}1\,\%$ appear as columnar-like structures. From the pair distribution function we observe that it is most probable to find particle pairs almost vertically aligned. However, the pair distribution function is non-negligible all around the reference particle indicating that there is a substantial amount of clustering at radial distances between 2 and $6c$ (with $c$ the polar radius of the oblate). Above $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}=5\,\%$, the hindrance becomes the dominant effect, and the mean settling speed decreases below $V_{t}$. As the particle concentration increases, the mean particle orientation changes and the mean pitch angle (the angle between the particle axis of symmetry and gravity) increases from $23^{\circ }$ to $47^{\circ }$. Finally, we increase $Ga$ from 60 to 140 for the case with $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}=0.5\,\%$ and find that the mean settling speed (normalized by $V_{t}$) decreases by less than 1 % with respect to $Ga=60$. However, the fluctuations of the settling speed around the mean are reduced and the probability of finding vertically aligned particle pairs increases.
‘Unforced’ Navier–Stokes solutions derived from convection in a curved channel
Authors: Vaz R. H. , Boshier F. A. T. , Mestel A. J.
Published: June 2018

Steady Boussinesq flow in a weakly curved channel driven by a horizontal temperature gradient is considered. Linear variation in the transverse direction is assumed so that the problem reduces to a system of ordinary differential equations. A series expansion in $G$, a parameter proportional to the Grashof number and the square root of the curvature, reveals a real singularity and anticipates hysteresis. Numerical solutions are found using path continuation and the bifurcation diagrams for different parameter values are obtained. Multivalued solutions are observed as $G$ and the Prandtl number vary. Often fields with the imposed structure that satisfy all the governing equations are insensitive to the boundary conditions and can be regarded as perturbations of the homogeneous (or ‘unforced’) problem. Four such unforced solutions are found. In two of these the velocity remains coupled with temperature which, formally, scales as $1/G$ as $G\rightarrow 0$. The other two are purely hydrodynamic. The existence of such solutions is due to the unbounded nature of the domain. It is shown that these occur not only for the Dean equations, but constitute previously unreported solutions of the full Navier–Stokes equations in an annulus of arbitrary curvature. Two additional unforced solutions are found for large curvature.
The anti-inflammatory effects of erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin and roxithromycin on histamine-induced otitis media with effusion in guinea pigs
Authors: Ersoy B , Aktan B , Kilic K , Sakat M S , Sipal S
Published: June 2018

Background

Otitis media with effusion is a clinical manifestation characterised by inflammation of middle-ear mucosa. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin and roxithromycin on a histamine-induced animal model of otitis media with effusion.

Methods

The animals were divided into five groups, receiving erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, roxithromycin or saline solution. The guinea pigs in the study groups received erythromycin (40 mg/kg/day), clarithromycin (15 mg/kg/day), azithromycin (10 mg/kg/day) or roxithromycin (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 days by gastric tube. Four hours after the end of the administration, histamine solution was injected into the right middle ear.

Results

The lowest neutrophil density value obtained using stereological techniques was in the azithromycin group (0.86 ± 0.25 × 10−5/μm3), while the highest value was observed in the control group (6.68 ± 3.12 × 10−5/μm3). The anti-inflammatory properties of clarithromycin, azithromycin and roxithromycin were similar to one another, but better than that of erythromycin.

Conclusion

The use of macrolide antibiotics is recommended, as they show antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacy in otitis media with effusion.
Pamitinan and Tapusi: Using the Carpio legend to reconstruct lower-class consciousness in the late Spanish Philippines
Authors: Scalice Joseph
Published: June 2018

Reynaldo Ileto, in his classicPasyon and Revolution, sought the categories of perception of the Filipino ‘masses’ that guided their participation in the Philippine Revolution. Among the sources he examined was the Carpio legend, which he unfortunately subsumed to the separate, elite Carpioawit(Tagalog poem). Through a detailed examination of the legend's historical and geographical context, with its invocation of two locations, Pamitinan and Tapusi, I arrive at a different understanding of lower-class consciousness than Ileto. Rather than a counter-rational expression of peasant millenarianism, the legend of Bernardo Carpio was a ‘hidden transcript’ celebrating the history of social banditry in the region.
Still an ethnic enterprise after a generational change? Indian-owned SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Xavier Jesrina Ann , Gomez Edmund Terence
Published: June 2018

This study grapples with two key puzzles: first, what happens when companies established as ethnic-based enterprises, including by migrants, are passed on to the next generation? Second, do these migrant businesses remain as ethnic enterprises after generational transitions? The empirical focus of this study is Malaysia, a country with one of the largest ethnic Indian populations outside India. To provide insights into these questions, this article pays particular attention to how an ethnic enterprise functions, in terms of types of goods and services produced and its targeted market, after the emergence of a new generation of owners with more class resources. The evidence from this study will provide insights into the validity of the concept of ethnic enterprise following a generational transition.
Spoken second language words activate native language orthographic information in late second language learners
Authors: VEIVO OUTI , PORRETTA VINCENT , HYÖNÄ JUKKA , JÄRVIKIVI JUHANI
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the time course of activation of orthographic information in spoken word recognition with two visual world eye-tracking experiments in a task where second language (L2) spoken word forms had to be matched with their printed referents. Participants (n= 64) were native Finnish learners of L2 French ranging from beginners to highly proficient. In Experiment 1, L2 targets (e.g.,/sidʀ/) were presented with either orthographically overlapping onset competitors (e.g.,/sɛ̃tʀ/) or phonologically overlapping onset competitors (/sikl/). In Experiment 2, L2 targets (e.g.,/pom/) were associated with competitors in Finnish, L1 of the participants, in conditions symmetric to Experiment 1 (/pauhu/ vs./pom:i/). In the within-language experiment (Experiment 1), the difference in target identification between the experimental conditions was not significant. In the between-language experiment (Experiment 2), orthographic information impacted the mapping more in lower proficiency learners, and this effect was observed 600 ms after the target word onset. The influence of proficiency on the matching was nonlinear: proficiency impacted the mapping significantly more in the lower half of the proficiency scale in both experiments. These results are discussed in terms of coactivation of orthographic and phonological information in L2 spoken word recognition.
STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT IN THE HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN LATIN AMERICA
Authors: Pichon-Riviere Andres , Soto Natalie , Augustovski Federico , Sampietro-Colom Laura
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

Latin American countries are taking important steps to expand and strengthen universal health coverage, and health technology assessment (HTA) has an increasingly prominent role in this process. Participation of all relevant stakeholders has become a priority in this effort. Key issues in this area were discussed during the 2017 Latin American Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) Policy Forum.

Methods:

The Forum included forty-one participants from Latin American HTA agencies; public, social security, and private insurance sectors; and the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. A background paper and presentations by invited experts and Forum members supported discussions. This study presents a summary of these discussions.

Results:

Stakeholder involvement in HTA remains inconsistently implemented in the region and few countries have established formal processes. Participants agreed that stakeholder involvement is key to improve the HTA process, but the form and timing of such improvements must be adapted to local contexts. The legitimization of both HTA and decision-making processes was identified as one of the main reasons to promote stakeholder involvement; but to be successful, the entire system of assessment and decision making must be properly staffed and organized, and certain basic conditions must be met, including transparency in the HTA process and a clear link between HTA and decision making.

Conclusions:

Participants suggested a need for establishing clear rules of participation in HTA that would protect HTA producers and decision makers from potentially distorting external influences. Such rules and mechanisms could help foster trust and credibility among stakeholders, supporting actual involvement in HTA processes.
Whistler Influence on the Overall Very Low Frequency Wave Intensity in the Upper Ionosphere
Authors: Záhlava J. , Němec F. , Pincon J. L. , Santolík O. , Kolmašová I. , Parrot M.
Published: June 2018

We investigate the influence of lightning‐generated whistlers on the overall intensity of electromagnetic waves measured by the Detection of Electro‐Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions spacecraft (2004–2010, quasi Sun‐synchronous polar orbit with an altitude of about 700 km) at frequencies below 18 kHz. Whistler occurrence rate evaluated using an onboard neural network designed for automated whistler detection is used to distinguish periods of high and low whistler occurrence rates. It is shown that especially during the night and particularly in the frequency‐geomagnetic latitude intervals with a low average wave intensity, contribution of lightning‐generated whistlers to the overall wave intensity is significant. At frequencies below 1 kHz, where all six electromagnetic wave components were measured during specific intervals, the study is accompanied by analysis of wave propagation directions. When we limit the analysis only to fractional‐hop whistlers, which propagate away from the Earth, we find a reasonable agreement with results obtained from the whole data set. This also confirms the validity of the whistler occurrence rate analysis at higher frequencies.