bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expert insights: The potential role of the gut microbiome‐bile acid‐brain axis in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease and hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Jia Wei , Rajani Cynthia , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima , Li Houkai
Published: December 2019

Recent epidemiological and molecular studies have linked the disruption of cholesterol homeostasis to increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Emerging evidence also suggests that brain cholesterol accumulation contributes to the progression of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) via bile acid (BA)‐mediated effects on the farnesoid X receptor. In this perspective paper, we reviewed several recently published studies that suggested a role for the gut microbiota transformation of BAs as a factor in AD and HE development/progression. We hypothesize that in addition to cholesterol elimination pathways, alteration of the gut microbiota and subsequent changes in both the serum and brain BA profiles are mechanistically involved in the development of both AD and HE, and thus, are a potential target for the prevention and treatment of the two diseases. Our understanding of the microbiome‐BAs‐brain axis in central nervous system disease is still evolving, and critical questions regarding the emerging links among central, peripheral, and intestinal metabolic failures contributing to brain health and disease during aging have yet to be addressed.
Maximum principle for Hadamard fractional differential equations involving fractional Laplace operator
Authors: Wang Guotao , Ren Xueyan , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2019

The purpose of the current study is to investigate IBVP for spatial‐time fractional differential equation with Hadamard fractional derivative and fractional Laplace operator(−Δ)β. A new Hadamard fractional extremum principle is established. Based on the new result, a Hadamard fractional maximum principle is also proposed. Furthermore, the maximum principle is applied to linear and nonlinear Hadamard fractional equations to obtain the uniqueness and continuous dependence of the solution of the IBVP at hand.
An image regression motion prediction technique for MRI‐guided radiotherapy evaluated in single‐plane cine imaging
Authors: Ginn John S. , Ruan Dan , Low Daniel A. , Lamb James M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a novel motion prediction method for magnetic resonance image (MRI)‐guided radiotherapy applications. This method, which we deem “image regression,” predicts future tissue motion based on a weighted combination of previously observed motion states. Motion predictions are derived from a sliding window of recent motion states which are defined by a temporal sequence of images. A key advantage of this method compared to other motion prediction methods is that its computational complexity scales weekly with the number of spatial points predicted. Applications of gating latency reduction and improvement in deformable registration‐based target tracking are demonstrated.

Methods

The image regression (IR) motion prediction method was developed and evaluated using 26.9 h of real‐time imaging acquired from eight healthy volunteers and 13 patients using a 0.35 T MRI‐guided radiotherapy system. Motion predictions were performed 0.25–0.33 s into the future using a weighted sum of previously observed motion states with image similarity‐derived weights. The set of previously observed motion states were continuously updated to incorporate the changes in breathing patterns. The accuracy of the predicted radiotherapy gating decision, beam‐on positive predictive value (PPV), and predicted vs ground‐truth target centroid position errors are reported. The IR technique was compared against no prediction, linear extrapolation, and an established autoregressive linear prediction algorithm. The usage of IR to initialize the deformable registration and enhance the target tracking was demonstrated in the healthy volunteer studies. Deformable registration with IR initialization was compared to the initialization performed by current clinical software: no initialization, previous image registration initialization and linear motion extrapolation initialization.

Results

The average IR‐predicted radiation beam gating decision accuracy was 95.8%, with a PPV of 95.7%, and median and 95th percentile centroid position errors of 0.63 and 2.08 mm, respectively. Compared to the autoregressive linear prediction method, gating accuracy was 1.15% greater, PPV was 1.61% greater, and median and 95th percentile centroid distances were 0.21 and 0.23 mm smaller. The IR‐initialized registration on average converged within 0.50 mm of the ground‐truth position in fewer than 10 iterations whereas the next best initialization method required more than 25 iterations.

Conclusions

Image regression motion prediction has the potential to reduce the gating latencies and improve the speed and accuracy of deformable registration‐based target tracking in MRI‐guided radiotherapy.
Technical Note: Performance comparison of ultra‐high‐resolution scan modes of two clinical computed tomography systems
Authors: Kawashima Hiroki , Ichikawa Katsuhiro , Takata Tadanori , Nagata Hiroji , Hoshika Minori , Akagi Noriaki
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Two ultra‐high‐resolution (UHR) computed tomography (CT) scanners are clinically available. One is achieved by a CT system with a 0.25 mm × 160 row detector (Detector‐UHR), whereas the other is with a 0.6 mm × 32 row detector with in‐plane comb filtering in a dual source CT (Comb‐UHR). We compared radiation dose efficiencies of the two UHR modes to that of a routine scan mode (RS), using physical image quality measures for an assumed condition of abdominal CT angiography (CTA).

Methods

A wire phantom, a 300‐mm cylindrical water bath phantom, and a microdisk phantom were used for measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and slice sensitivity profiles (SSP), respectively, at CTDIvol of 20 mGy. Images with minimal slice thicknesses were reconstructed by filtered back projection methods. System performance functions (SPF2) based on the prewhitening theorem were calculated by dividing MTF2 by NPS measurements. The ideal observer's detectability index (d'2) was also estimated for a task corresponding to a 1‐mm diameter vessel. Furthermore, a bar‐pattern phantom placed in a water phantom resembling an adult abdomen was scanned, and the visibility of the bars was observed.

Results

System performance function (SPF2) results showed that Comb‐UHR has a 70% dose efficiency compared to RS and provides better than twofold SPF2 compared to Detector‐UHR. The d'2 values of Detector‐UHR, Comb‐UHR, and RS were 6.5, 14.7, and 16.0, respectively. Although the bar‐pattern phantom images were consistent with the SPF results, bar widths < 1.0 mm for Detector‐UHR and < 0.75 mm for Comb‐UHR and RS were not resolved.

Conclusions

Though both the UHR modes exhibited system performances extending to 2.6 cycles/mm, they appeared not to be advantageous compared to RS in the conditions applicable to abdominal CTA, because of their insufficient dose efficiencies.
MRIgRT head and neck anthropomorphic QA phantom: Design, development, reproducibility, and feasibility study
Authors: Steinmann A. , Alvarez P. , Lee H. , Court L. , Stafford R. , Sawakuchi G. , Wen Z. , Fuller C. D. , Followill D.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to design, manufacture, and evaluate a tissue equivalent, dual magnetic resonance/computed tomography (MR/CT) visible anthropomorphic head and neck (H&N) phantom. This phantom was specially designed as an end‐to‐end quality assurance (QA) tool for MR imaging guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) systems participating in NCI‐sponsored clinical trials.

Method

The MRIgRT H&N phantom was constructed using a water‐fillable acrylic shell and a custom insert that mimics an organ at risk (OAR) and target structures. The insert consists of a primary and secondary planning target volume (PTV) manufactured of a synthetic Clear Ballistic gel, an acrylic OAR and surrounding tissue fabricated using melted Superflab. Radiochromic EBT3 film and thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) were used to measure the dose distribution and absolute dose, respectively. The phantom was evaluated by conducting an end‐to‐end test that included: imaging on a GE Lightspeed CT simulator, planning on Monaco treatment planning software (TPS), verifying treatment setup with MR, and irradiating on Elekta's 1.5 T Unity MR linac system. The phantom was irradiated three times using the same plan to determine reproducibility. Three institutions, equipped with either ViewRay MRIdian 60Co or ViewRay MRIdian Linac, were used to conduct a feasibility study by performing independent end‐to‐end studies. Thermoluminescent detectors were evaluated in both reproducibility and feasibility studies by comparing ratios of measured TLD to reported TPS calculated values. Radiochromic film was used to compare measured planar dose distributions to expected TPS distributions. Film was evaluated by using an in‐house gamma analysis software to measure the discrepancies between film and TPS.

Results

The MRIgRT H&N phantom on the Unity system resulted in reproducible TLD doses (SD < 1.5%). The measured TLD to calculated dose ratios for the Unity system ranged from 0.94 to 0.98. The Viewray dose result comparisons had a larger range (0.95–1.03) but these depended on the TPS dose calculations from each site. Using a 7%/4 mm gamma analysis, Viewray institutions had average axial and sagittal passing rates of 97.3% and 96.2% and the Unity system had average passing rates of 97.8% and 89.7%, respectively. All of the results were within the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core in Houston (IROC‐Houston) standard credentialing criteria of 7% on TLDs, and >85% of pixels passing gamma analysis using 7%/4 mm on films.

Conclusions

An MRIgRT H&N phantom that is tissue equivalent and visible on both CT and MR was developed. The results from initial reproducibility and feasibility testing of the MRIgRT H&N phantom using the tested MGIgRT systems suggests the phantom's potential utility as a credentialing tool for NCI‐clinical trials.
The Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study: Methods, design and baseline sample characteristics of a cohort study among adolescents and young adults
Authors: Beesdo‐Baum Katja , Voss Catharina , Venz John , Hoyer Jana , Berwanger Johanna , Kische Hanna , Ollmann Theresa Magdalena , Pieper Lars
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study is a population‐based cohort study of adolescents and young adults from Dresden, Germany. The aim is to investigate psychological and behavioral factors linked to a range of mental disorders and health behaviors and their interaction with social‐environmental and genetic/biologic factors.

Methods

A random sample of 14–21 year olds was drawn from the population registry in 2015. The baseline investigation was completed 11/2015–12/2016 (N = 1,180). Assessments include standardized diagnostic interview, cognitive‐affective tasks, questionnaires, biosamples, and ecologic momentary assessment in real life with combined actigraphic/geographic monitoring. In the family study component, parents completed similar assessments and provided information on child's early development.

Results

The participation rate (minimum response proportion) was 21.7%; the cooperation rate was 43.4%. Acceptance and completion of study components were high. General health data indicate that more than 80% reported no or only mild impairment due to mental or somatic health problems in the past year; about 20% ever sought treatment for mental health problems or chronic somatic illnesses, respectively.

Conclusions

Data from BeMIND baseline and follow‐up investigations will provide novel insights into contributors to health and disease as adolescents grow into adulthood.
The Alcohol Dependence Scale and DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder: Severity ratings correspond insufficiently in older patients
Authors: Mejldal Anna , Andersen Kjeld , Bilberg Randi , Braun Barbara , Bogenschutz Michael , Bühringer Gerhard , Nielsen Anette Søgaard , Silke Behrendt
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To investigate the psychometric properties of the frequently used Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) in older adults and the associations between ADS scores and alcohol use and DSM‐5 AUD symptom counts.

Methods

Using baseline data from an international multicenter RCT on outpatient AUD treatment for adults aged 60+ with DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder (AUD; n = 529), we computed Cronbach's alpha (α) and applied confirmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the underlying factor structure. A structural equation model (SEM) explored the interrelationship of latent ADS factors with alcohol use and number of DSM‐5 criteria endorsed.

Results

Internal consistency of the ADS (α = 0.81) was good. EFA revealed a three‐factor structure. Factor 1 (“Severe withdrawal symptoms”) consisted of severe psychoperceptual and psychophysical consequences of excessive drinking, Factor 2 (“Loss of control”) consisted of acute physical reactions of intoxication, and Factor 3 (“Obsessive–compulsive drinking”) described habitual drinking. The SEM suggested that only Factor 3 had large effects on DSM‐5 symptom score and drinking behavior.

Conclusion

Lowering the ADS threshold or focusing on ADS items from Factor 3 may be more suitable measures of severity of alcohol dependence in treatment‐seeking older adults as ADS scores are low and not closely related to DSM‐5 AUD.
Recent advances in computational 31P NMR: Part 2. Spin–spin coupling constants
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: December 2019

This is the second part of two closely related reviews dealing with the computation of 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters in a wide range of phosphorous containing compounds. The first part of this review concentrated primarily on the computation of 31P NMR chemical shifts, whereas the second part concerns the calculation of spin–spin coupling constants involving phosphorus nucleus, focusing primarily on their stereochemical dependencies and stereodynamic behavior in particular classes of organophosphorus compounds. This review is dedicated to the Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Professor Boris A. Trofimov in view of his invaluable contribution to the field of synthesis, NMR, and computation studies of organophosphorus compounds.
A branch‐and‐cut algorithm for a bipartite graph construction problem in digital communication systems
Authors: Kabakulak Banu , Taşkin Z. Caner , Pusane Ali E.
Published: December 2019

We study a bipartite graph (BG) construction problem that arises in digital communication systems. In a digital communication system, information is sent from one place to another over a noisy communication channel using binary symbols (bits). The original information is encoded by adding redundant bits, which are then used to detect and correct errors that may have been introduced during transmission. Harmful structures, such as small cycles, severely deteriorate the error correction capability of a BG. We introduce an integer programming formulation to generate a BG for a given smallest cycle length. We propose a branch‐and‐cut algorithm for its solution and investigate the structural properties of the problem to derive valid inequalities and variable fixing rules. We also introduce heuristics to obtain feasible solutions for the problem. The computational experiments show that our algorithm can generate BGs without small cycles in an acceptable amount of time for practically relevant dimensions.
Micromorphology, mechanical, crystallization and permeability properties analysis of HA/PBAT/PLA (HA, hydroxyapatite; PBAT, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐butylene terephthalate); PLA, polylactide) degradability packaging films
Authors: Yao Qianru , Song Zhiyong , Li Jie , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2019

In this study, the self‐made nano‐hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐butylene terephthalate) copolyesters (PBAT) were used as fillers, and composite films of HA/PLA (PLA, polylactide) and HA/PBAT/PLA systems were prepared. The micromorphology, mechanical properties, thermal properties, crystallinity, water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability of the composite films were studied. The results show that the self‐made HA has a porous rod‐like structure with a size of 30–50 nm. PBAT was dispersed uniformly in the HA/PLA matrix in the form of spherical particles and formed many pores and holes. The tensile strength, elongation at break and modulus of elasticity of HA/PLA composite films were increased by adding 10 wt% PBAT. The addition of HA and PBAT played a synergistic function in improving the crystallinity of the composite films. The water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of HA/PLA and HA/10%PBAT/PLA composite films can be regulated by adjusting the amount of HA. The results of this study indicate that composite films with higher water vapor and oxygen permeabilities exhibit great potential for applications in green packaging and fresh‐keeping packaging. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Phase Epitaxy Growth of Buffer Layers on 3C‐SiC/Si(111) Templates for AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors with Low RF Losses
Authors: Frayssinet Eric , Nguyen Luan , Lesecq Marie , Defrance Nicolas , Garcia Barros Maxime , Comyn Rémi , Ngo Thi Huong , Zielinski Marcin , Portail Marc , De Jaeger Jean-Claude , Cordier Yvon
Published: December 2019

Herein, the interest of cubic silicon carbide as a template for the growth of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) heterostructures on silicon substrates for high‐frequency operation is shown. On the one hand, 0.6–0.8 μm‐thick 3C‐SiC grown by chemical vapor deposition on intrinsic silicon substrate having initial resistivity superior to 5 kΩ cm enables the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy of GaN buffer layers with propagation losses below 0.4 dB mm−1 at 40 GHz and 0.5 dB mm−1 at 67 GHz. On the other hand, an HEMT heterostructure is grown on 1.5 μm‐thick 3C‐SiC on 4° off‐axis silicon substrate having an initial resistivity superior to 200 Ω cm that allows to keep a sufficiently resistive epilayer stack limiting the loss up to 0.78 dB mm−1 at 40 GHz. Device process developed on a piece of the 100 mm diameter wafer leads to the demonstration of DC transistor operation with low leakage currents. Compared with direct growth on silicon, these templates enable reduced radio frequency (RF) propagation losses that are very interesting for high‐frequency transistors and circuits operation.
Ultrafast‐Response Humidity Sensor with High Humidity Durability Based on a Freestanding Film of Graphene Oxide Supramolecular
Authors: Tang Min , Zhang Chen , Zhang Jun-Ying , Zhao Quan-Liang , Hou Zhi-Ling , Zhan Ke-Tao
Published: December 2019

Humidity sensors with ultrafast response and recovery speed are highly desired in applications of dynamic situations, such as medical monitoring and industrial detection. A freestanding film for humidity sensing with ultrafast response is easily fabricated by supramolecular polymerization of graphene oxide and aniline (GOA). Its response/recovery time is as short as about 50 ms. The high‐speed adsorption and desorption of water vapor on the surface of GOA benefit from the unique moderate hydrophobic surface caused by the hydrophilicity of the oxygen‐containing functional group and the hydrophobicity of the benzene ring. Furthermore, the GOA sensor can work at high humidity and recover rapidly from full‐water condition. Such ultrafast response and excellent water‐durable property of GOA film facilitate the application for physiological or psychological monitoring by detecting humidity fluctuations of human body in real time.
New Zero Poisson's Ratio Structures
Authors: Gaal Vladimir , Rodrigues Varlei , Dantas Socrates O. , Galvão Douglas S. , Fonseca Alexandre F.
Published: December 2019

Most materials exhibit positive Poisson's ratio (PR) values, but special structures can also present negative and, even rarer, zero (or close to zero) PR. Null PR structures have received much attention due to their unusual properties and potential applications in different fields, such as aeronautics and bioengineering. Herein, a new and simple near‐zero PR 2D topological model is presented based on a structural block composed of two smooth and rigid bars connected by a soft membrane or spring. It is not based on reentrant or honeycomb‐like configurations, which have been the basis of many null or quasinull PR models. The topological model is 3D printed, and the experimentally obtained PR is −0.003 ± 0.001 which is one of the closest to zero values ever reported. The possibility to extend this model to 3D systems with compression in any direction is discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of these models are also addressed.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of New Analogue of Bicyclic 1‐Azafagomine
Authors: Akhundova Fidan N. , Kurbanova Malahat M. , Huseynzada Alakbar E. , Alves Maria J. , Sujayev Afsun R.
Published: December 2019

New (S)‐(1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridazin‐3‐yl)methanol was synthesized by Lewis acid catalyzed and self‐assembled Diels‐Alder (LACASA‐DA) cycloaddition reaction using (S)‐BINOL as a chiral inductor. The N‐2 pyridazine position was protected, the hydroxyl group was carbonylated to form the new bicyclic structure. The protective group was removed and the double bond was dihydroxylated leading to the target compound. Removal of the protective group was performed using a newly found ecofriendly catalyst for N‐Boc deprotection. The final iminosugar derivative 7 and all newly synthesized intermediates, were investigated against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria and were found to show promising activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria.
New Preparation Method Using Microwave, Kinetics, In Vitro Dissolution‐Diffusion, and Anti‐Inflammatory Study of Diclofenac‐ Proline Co–Crystal
Authors: Nugrahani Ilma , Utami Dwi , Ayuningtyas Livia , Garmana Afrillia Nuryanti , Oktaviary Rozana
Published: December 2019

In this study, we developed a novel and simple method to prepare an established diclofenac‐proline co‐crystal (DPC) using microwave. In addition, we also evaluate the pharmaceutical properties of the co‐crystal, including dissolution, diffusion, and anti‐inflammatory profile. The kinetics of co‐crystal formation was investigated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The co‐crystal yield was confirmed physically by differential scanning calorimetry and powder x‐ray diffraction, while the chemical stability of the drug during and after microwaving was confirmed using thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Experiment results demonstrated that microwave can generate the stable and uniform quality of diclofenac‐proline co‐crystal efficiently. Furthermore, the process was investigated to follow a second order kinetic, which is different than the neat‐grinding process previously reported. Moreover, our findings revealed that co‐crystals with L‐proline can significantly improve the dissolution, diffusion, and anti‐inflammation activity of diclofenac acid.
Plastic hinge relocation in exterior reinforced beam–column joint and compliance issues to seismic design guidelines—A review
Authors: Arowojolu Olaniyi , Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: December 2019

The current recommendations for the design of monolithic reinforced concrete beam–column joints allowed for the provision of transverse reinforcements at the joint to avoid brittle shear failure of the joint during seismic events but neglected the effect of plastic hinge penetration in the joint leading to bond deterioration and shear failure, especially for external frames. In this paper, previous studies conducted by different authors using the seismic design recommendations are reviewed for failure modes and the effectiveness of the code recommendations to avoid joint failure. Various retrofitting strategies to upgrade nonseismically designed beam–column joints are also reviewed. Methods of plastic hinge relocation in beam–column joints of new construction were proposed and verified with numerical simulation. This study contributes to knowledge by highlighting areas of concern in current design guidelines and a call for further research on code compliant exterior beam–column joint for better seismic performance.
Pryout capacity of headed stud anchor groups with stiff base plate: 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Jebara Khalil , Ožbolt Joško , Sharma Akanshu
Published: December 2019

Concrete pryout failure mode of a group of relatively shallow embedded anchors welded to a steel base plate has not been extensively investigated in the past. Therefore, the failure mechanism and resistance of such anchor groups needs to be clarified. In this paper a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element parametric study for quadruple (2 × 2) anchor groups loaded in shear with no influence of edges is carried out. In the study, embedment depth of anchors and anchor spacing in both directions are varied. The results show that the increase of anchor spacing perpendicular to the shear load direction has no major influence on the concrete pryout capacity, whereas the increase in anchor spacing parallel to the loading direction significantly increases the pryout capacity. For anchor spacing greater than a particular threshold value, the pryout resistance of a group of anchors is approximately equal to the resistance of a single anchor multiplied by the number of anchors. Based on the results of the study, a design formula for anchor group failing in pryout is proposed and compared with the current design code recommendations.
Radiation Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogels for Removal of Organic Contaminants from Its Aqueous Solution
Authors: Abdel Ghaffar A. M. , El‐Arnaouty M. B. , Abdel Baky A. A. , Shama S. A.
Published: December 2019

Preparation of hydrogels based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) using direct radiation grafting technique for removal of organic contaminant such as 4‐chlorophenol and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) was carried out. The prepared hydrogels which are composed of individual radiation grafting of methacrylic acid onto CMC to form poly(CMC/MAA) the other hydrogel composed of binary acrylamide/methacrylic acid grafted onto CMC to form poly(CMC/MAA:AAm) hydrogels. The two selected composition poly(CMC/MAA:AAm) (1/60:40 wt%) poly(CMC/MAA) (1:20) wt% hydrogels due to its high chelating properties obtained from our previous work by the same authors. The properties of the selected two prepared hydrogels were evaluated by using different analytical tools such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The gel (%) and the swelling behavior of poly(CMC/MAA:AAm) is higher than poly(CMC/MAAc) hydrogel. It is found that the adsorption capacity of poly(CMC/MAA) hydrogel (1:20 wt%) toward 4‐chlorophenol and 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid was higher than that of poly(CMC/MAA:AAm) (1/60:40 wt%) hydrogel. Also The obtained results showed that the adsorption capacity of both poly(CMC/MAA:AAm) (1/60:40 wt%) and poly(CMC/MAA) (1:20) wt% hydrogels toward 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid was higher than of 4‐chlorophenol. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:362–369, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sage‐grouse breeding and late brood‐rearing habitat guidelines in Utah
Authors: Dahlgren David K. , Messmer Terry A. , Crabb Benjamin A. , Kohl Michel T. , Frey Shandra N. , Thacker Eric T. , Larsen Randy T. , Baxter Rick J.
Published: December 2019

Delineation, protection, and restoration of habitats provide the basis for endangered and threatened species recovery plans. Species recovery plans typically contain guidelines that provide managers with a scientific basis to designate and manage critical habitats. As such, habitat guidelines are best developed using data that capture the full diversity of ecological and environmental conditions that provide habitat across the species’ range. However, when baseline information, which fails to capture habitat diversity, is used to develop guidelines, inconsistencies and problems arise when applying those guidelines to habitats within an ecologically diverse landscape. Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse) populations in Utah, USA, reflect this scenario—published range‐wide habitat guidelines developed through a literature synthesis did not include data from the full range of the species. Although all sage‐grouse are considered sagebrush obligates (Artemisia spp.), the species occupies a diversity of sagebrush communities from shrub‐dominated semideserts in the southwest to more perennial grass‐dominated sagebrush‐steppe in the northeast portions of their distribution. Concomitantly, local ecological site and environmental conditions may limit the ability of managers to achieve broader range‐wide habitat guidelines. We combined microsite habitat vegetation parameters from radiomarked sage‐grouse nest and brood locations with state‐wide spatially continuous vegetation, climatic, and elevation data in a cluster analysis to develop empirically based sage‐grouse habitat guidelines that encompass the range of ecological and environmental variation across Utah. Using this novel approach, we identified 3 distinct clusters of sage‐grouse breeding (i.e., nesting and early brood‐rearing) and late brood‐rearing habitats in Utah. For each cluster, we identified specific vegetation recommendations that managers can use to assess sage‐grouse breeding and late brood‐rearing habitat. Our results provide relevant guidelines to Utah's sage‐grouse populations and are feasible given the unique ecological variation found therein. This approach may have application to other species that occupy diverse habitats and physiographic regions. © 2019 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Sudakov suppression of the Balitsky-Kovchegov kernel
Authors: Zheng Du-xin , Zhou Jian
Published: December 2019

Abstract

To sum high-energy leading logarithms in a consistent way, one has to impose the strong ordering in both projectile rapidity and dense target rapidity simultaneously, which results in a kinematically improved Balitsky-Kovchegov (BK) equation. We find that beyond this strong ordering region, the important sub-leading double logarithms arise at high order due to the incomplete cancellation between real corrections and virtual corrections in a t-channel calculation. Based on this observation, we further argue that these double logarithms are the Sudakov type ones, and thus can be resummed into an exponential leading to a Sudakov suppressed BK equation.
Nonperturbative corrections to soft drop jet mass
Authors: Hoang André H. , Mantry Sonny , Pathak Aditya , Stewart Iain W.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We provide a quantum field theory based description of the nonperturbative effects from hadronization for soft drop groomed jet mass distributions using the soft- collinear effective theory and the coherent branching formalism. There are two distinct regions of jet mass m

J
where grooming modifies hadronization effects. In a region with intermediate m

J
an operator expansion can be used, and the leading power corrections are given by three universal nonperturbative parameters that are independent of all kinematic variables and grooming parameters, and only depend on whether the parton initiating the jet is a quark or gluon. The leading power corrections in this region cannot be described by a standard normalized shape function. These power corrections depend on the kinematics of the subjet that stops soft drop through short distance coefficients, which encode a perturbatively calculable dependence on the jet transverse momentum, jet rapidity, and on the soft drop grooming parameters z
cut and β. Determining this dependence requires a resummation of large logarithms, which we carry out at LL order. For smaller m

J
there is a nonperturbative region described by a one-dimensional shape function that is unusual because it is not normalized to unity, and has a non-trivial dependence on β.
Three-point functions in AdS3/CFT2 holography
Authors: Dei Andrea , Eberhardt Lorenz , Gaberdiel Matthias R.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Recently, string theory on AdS3
× S3
× 𝕋4 with one unit of NS-NS flux (k = 1) was argued to be exactly dual to the symmetric orbifold of 𝕋 4, and in particular, the full (unprotected) spectrum was matched between the two descriptions. This duality was later extended to the case with higher NS-NS background flux for which the long string sector was argued to be described by the symmetric product orbifold of (

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 Liouville) × 𝕋 4. In this paper we study correlation functions for the bosonic analogue of this duality, relating bosonic string theory on AdS3
× X to the symmetric orbifold of Liouville × X. More specifically, we show that the low-lying null vectors of Liouville theory correspond to BRST exact states from the worldsheet perspective, and we demonstrate that they give rise to the expected BPZ differential equations for the dual CFT correlators. Since the structure constants of Liouville theory are uniquely fixed by these constraints, this shows that the seed theory of the dual CFT contains indeed the Liouville factor.
Perioperative Outcomes of Melanoma Patients Undergoing Surgery After Receiving Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy
Authors: Sun James , Kirichenko Dennis A. , Chung Joyce L. , Carr Michael J. , Eroglu Zeynep , Khushalani Nikhil I. , Markowitz Joseph , Messina Jane L. , Sondak Vernon K. , Zager Jonathan S. , Patel Sephalie Y.
Published: December 2019

Background

Traditional chemotherapy agents adversely affect wound healing and need to be held prior to or after surgery. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted agents are now standard of care for the several treatment cancers. We hypothesize that ICI and targeted therapy do not have similar adverse effects on perioperative outcomes.

Methods

We performed a review of melanoma patients undergoing surgery at an academic hospital between 2011 and 2019. All patients received ICI or targeted therapy ≤ 60 days prior to surgery, including palliative procedures. Preoperative performance status was assessed using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score and American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification System. Thirty‐day complications were classified by Clavien–Dindo grade. No statistical comparisons were performed.

Results

Of 63 patients included in the analysis, 29 (46%) patients received ICI and 34 (54%) received targeted therapy with median of 14 days (IQR 5–27 days) between the last preoperative dose and day of surgery (ICI, median 18 days [IQR 13–34.5]; targeted therapy, median 7 days [IQR 3–22.25]). There were no perioperative mortalities. Among patients treated with ICI, 22 patients (76%) had no complications. Four patients had wound infections (2 readmitted), 1 had reoperation (hematoma) and 2 readmitted for other reasons (fever; volvulus). Among patients treated with targeted therapy, 25 patients (74%) had no complications. Seven patients had wound infections (none readmitted), 1 had reoperation (flap failure) and 1 had dehiscence (not treated).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing treatment with ICI or targeted therapies can safely undergo surgery without substantially increased risk of serious intraoperative and postoperative complications.
A role for OCRL in glomerular function and disease
Authors: Preston Rebecca , Naylor Richard W , Stewart Graham , Bierzynska Agnieszka , Saleem Moin A , Lowe Martin , Lennon Rachel
Published: December 2019

Background

Lowe syndrome and Dent-2 disease are caused by mutations in theOCRLgene, which encodes for an inositol 5-phosphatase. The renal phenotype associated withOCRLmutations typically comprises a selective proximal tubulopathy, which can manifest as Fanconi syndrome in the most extreme cases.

Methods

Here, we report a 12-year-old male with nephrotic-range proteinuria and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis on renal biopsy. As a glomerular pathology was suspected, extensive investigation of tubular function was not performed.

Results

Surprisingly, whole exome sequencing identified a genetic variant inOCRL(c1467-2A>G) that introduced a novel splice mutation leading to skipping of exon 15. In situ hybridisation of adult human kidney tissue and zebrafish larvae showedOCRLexpression in the glomerulus, supporting a role for OCRL in glomerular function. In cultured podocytes, we found that OCRL associated with the linker protein IPIP27A and CD2AP, a protein that is important for maintenance of the podocyte slit diaphragm.

Conclusion

Taken together, this work suggests a previously under-appreciated role for OCRL in glomerular function and highlights the importance of investigating tubular function in patients with persistent proteinuria.
Long-term proton pump inhibitor usage and the association with pancreatic cancer in Sweden
Authors: Brusselaers Nele , Sadr-Azodi Omid , Engstrand Lars
Published: December 2019

Background

The long-term safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is increasingly questioned. The aim of our study was to assess the risk of pancreatic cancer among long-term PPI users in Sweden.

Methods

This population-based nationwide Swedish cohort study including 796,492 adult long-term PPI users has been used to calculate the standardized incidence rate ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pancreatic cancer, stratifying by indications of use, age, sex, and duration of use. The risk among all 20,210 long-term H2-receptor antagonist users was assessed as comparison.

Results

Pancreatic cancer was found in 1733 long-term PPI users, and 25 H2-receptor antagonist users. For PPI users, the risk of pancreatic cancer was increased overall (SIRs = 2.22; 95% CI 2.12–2.32) and in all subgroup analyses, with the highest risk among PPI-users younger than 40 years (SIR = 8.90, 95% CI 4.26–16.37), and among individuals with a history of Helicobacter pylori (SIR = 2.99, 95% CI 2.54–3.49). After the first year after enrolment (during which PPI use may be because of early symptoms of pancreatic cancer), the risk remained increased over time, with SIR = 1.57 (95% CI 1.38–1.76) after 5 years. No associations were found for H2-receptor antagonists (SIR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.66–1.51).

Conclusions

This large study showed an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in long-term users of PPIs in Sweden, in particular among the youngest users.
Spatiotemporal pattern of wild boar rooting in a Central European dry oak forest
Authors: Sütő D. , Farkas J. , Siffer S. , Schally G. , Katona K.
Published: December 2019

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) density has significantly increased worldwide. In Europe, oak acorns are basic diet items for the species. However, regeneration of temperate oak forests has become excessively low. Thus, better understanding of the patterns and dynamics of wild boar rooting and the spatiotemporal relationship between the acorn density and the rooting has special importance. In our study, the acorn density, the presence and intensity of the rooting were measured monthly in a 28-ha oak forest stand between 2016 October and 2019 April. Study site was divided to 400 m2grid cells to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of the rooting. Comparing the acorn densities, we stated that in the first 2 years, but not in the third one, the oaks were masting. During the acorn-rich periods (October–April), significant inter-annual differences were found in the proportions of the disturbed area between the non-mast and the other two mast years. Throughout our observations, 9.12% of the cells stayed undisturbed. On average, in 12.59% of the cells new rooted patches appeared, and 15.6% of them was repeatedly disturbed. Rooting were mainly litter disturbances in 71.75% of cases. Throughout acorn fall periods (September–November), the most intensively rooted sites were the poorest in acorns, while the unrooted sites were the richest. Our results demonstrate that wild boars have a great effect on acorn density and on the whole forest by rooting almost the entire ground surface at least once, but also the masting of the oaks has a crucial role in their rooting dynamics.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of an Item Bank for Computerized Adaptive Testing of the EORTC Insomnia Dimension in Cancer Patients (EORTC CAT-SL)
Authors:   on behalf of the EORTC Quality of Life Group, Dirven Linda , Petersen Morten Aa. , Aaronson Neil K. , Chie Wei-Chu , Conroy Thierry , Costantini Anna , Hammerlid Eva , Velikova Galina , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Young Teresa , Groenvold Mogens
Published: December 2019

To further advance assessment of patient-reported outcomes, the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group has developed computerized adaptive test (CAT) versions of all EORTC Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) scales/items. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an item bank for CAT measurement of insomnia (CAT-SL). In line with the EORTC guidelines, the developmental process comprised four phases: (I) defining the concept insomnia and literature search, (II) selection and formulation of new items, (III) pre-testing and (IV) field-testing, including psychometric analyses of the final item bank. In phase I, the literature search identified 155 items that were compatible with our conceptualisation of insomnia, including both quantity and quality of sleep. In phase II, following a multistep-approach, this number was reduced to 15 candidate items. Pre-testing of these items in cancer patients (phase III) resulted in an item list of 14 items, which were field-tested among 1094 patients in phase IV. Psychometric evaluations showed that eight items could be retained in a unidimensional model. The final item bank yielded greater measurement precision than the original QLQ-C30 insomnia item. It was estimated that administering two or more items from the insomnia item bank with CAT results in a saving in sample size between approximately 15–25%. The 8-item EORTC CAT-SL item bank facilitates precise and efficient measurement of insomnia as part of the EORTC CAT system of health-related quality life assessment in both clinical research and practice.
Solid residue and by-product yields from acid-catalysed conversion of poplar wood to levulinic acid
Authors: Hurst G. , Brangeli I. , Peeters M. , Tedesco S.
Published: December 2019

This study examines the yields of solid residue and by-product from the microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic poplar wood for levulinic acid production. The aim of this study was to optimise levulinic acid production via response surface methodology (RSM) and also investigate the effect of reaction conditions on other products such as furfural, solid residue, formic acid and acetic acid yields. A maximum theoretical levulinic acid yield of 62.1% (21.0 wt %) was predicted when reaction conditions were 188 °C, 126 min and 1.93 M sulphuric acid, with a corresponding solid residue yield of 59.2 wt %. Furfural from the hydrolysis of hemicellulose was found to have significantly degraded at the optimum levulinic acid yield conditions. The investigation of formic acid yields revealed lower formic acid yields than stoichiometrically expected, indicating the organic acid reactions under microwave-assisted hydrolysis of lignocellulose. The solid residue yields were found to increase significantly with increasing reaction time and temperature. The solid residue yields under all conditions exceeded that of levulinic acid and, therefore, should be considered a significant product alongside the high-value compounds. The solid residue was further examined using IR spectra, elemental analysis and XRF for potential applications. The overall results show that poplar wood has great potential to produce renewable chemicals, but also highlight all by-products must be considered during optimization.
Women Have Reduced Ability to Discriminate Body Odors During the Withdrawal Period of Oral Contraception
Authors: Endevelt–Shapira Yaara , Pinchover Liron , Perl Ofer , Bar Ella , Avin Ayelet , Sobel Noam
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Women’s olfactory perception varies across the menstrual cycle. The influence of oral contraceptives on this variability remains unclear.

Methods

To further estimate this, we assessed discrimination performance for both body odors and ordinary odorants in 36 women, 18 naturally ovulating, and 18 using oral contraceptives. Each participant was tested once a week over the course of a month, and data was then parsed into menstrual phases.

Results

In naturally ovulating women, at the transition from follicular to luteal phases, there was a decline of 19% (p = 0.003) in olfactory discrimination of body odors but not ordinary odorants. In turn, in women using oral contraceptives, only at a later time of the month, at a point corresponding to the late luteal phase and shift from post-ovulation to pre-menstruation, was there a decline of 20% (p = 0.002) in olfactory discrimination performance. Moreover, when we reorganized the data from women using oral contraceptives in order to separately assess the contraceptive withdrawal period (the few days off pills), we observed a 23% reduction (p = 0.01) in discrimination accuracy of body odors but not ordinary odorants during this time alone.

Conclusions

Women have reduced ability to discriminate body odors during the withdrawal period of oral contraception.

Implications

If women indeed consider men’s body odor in their mate selections, then the oral contraception withdrawal period may not be the best time to make such decisions.
Do the happy-go-lucky?
Authors: Thompson Edmund R. , Prendergast Gerard P. , Dericks Gerard H.
Published: December 2019

While popular aphorisms and etymologies across diverse languages suggest an intrinsic association between happiness and luck beliefs, empirically testing the existence of any potential link has historically been constrained by varying and unclear conceptualizations of luck beliefs and by their sub-optimally valid measurement. Employing the Thompson and PrendergastPersonality and Individual Differences,54(4), 501-506, (2013) bi-dimensional refinement of trait luck beliefs into, respectively, ‘Belief in Luck’ and ‘Belief in Personal Luckiness’, we explore the relationship between luck beliefs and a range of trait happiness measures. Our analyses (N = 844) find broadly that happiness is negatively associated with Belief in Luck, but positively associated with Belief in Personal Luckiness, although results differ somewhat depending on which measure of happiness is used. We further explore interrelationships between luck beliefs and the five-factor model of personality, finding this latter fully accounts for Belief in Luck’s negative association with happiness, with additional analyses indicating this is wholly attributable to Neuroticism alone: Neuroticism appears to be a possible mediator of Belief in Luck’s negative association with happiness. We additionally find that the five-factor model only partially attenuates Belief in Personal Luckiness’ positive association with happiness, suggesting that Belief in Personal Luckiness may be either a discrete facet of trait happiness or a personality trait in and of itself.