bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Spin–Orbit‐Torque Memristive Device
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Luo Shijiang , Xu Nuo , Zou Qiming , Song Min , Yun Jijun , Luo Qiang , Guo Zhe , Li Ruofan , Tian Weicheng , Li Xin , Zhou Hengan , Chen Huiming , Zhang Yue , Yang Xiaofei , Jiang Wanjun , Shen Ka , Hong Jeongmin , Yuan Zhe , Xi Li , Xia Ke , Salahuddin Sayeef , Dieny Bernard , You Long
Published: January 2019

Memristors, demonstrated by solid‐state devices with continuously tunable resistance, have emerged as a new paradigm for self‐adaptive networks that require synapse‐like functions (artificial synapse, for example). Spin‐based memristors offer advantages over other types of memristors because of their significant endurance and high energy efficiency. Yet it remains a challenge to build dense and functional spintronic memristors with structures and materials that are compatible with existing ferromagnetic devices. Here, a memristive device based upon Ta/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures is demonstrated, which are commonly used in out‐of‐plane magnetized magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ). To achieve the memristive function, a domain wall (DW) is driven back and forth in a continuous manner in the CoFeB layer by applying in‐plane positive or negative current pulses along the Ta layer, utilizing the spin–orbit torque (SOT) that the current exerts on the CoFeB magnetization. Hence, the magnetization and consequently the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) resistance are modulated in an analog manner, being controlled by the pulsed current characteristics including amplitude, duration, and repetition number. The quasi‐continuous AHE resistance variation is explained by the SOT‐induced DW creep motion. These results pave the way for developing SOT‐based energy‐efficient neuromorphic systems.
Preparation and characterization of silicone oil modified polyurethane damping materials
Authors: Li Lianzhen , Tian Bo , Li Linlin , Shi Meihui , Guan Yong , Liu Haitao
Published: January 2019

A series of polyurethane (PU) composites, which could be used as damping materials, with different contents of hydroxyl silicone oil were successfully prepared in this study. The damping and mechanical properties, thermal stability, and molecular groups of the PU composites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis, electronic tensile analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The surface morphology was also observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectroscopy showed that the hydroxyl silicone oil was embedded in the PU. The soft and hard segments of the PU composites appeared thermodynamically incompatible and showed microphase separation, as shown by the SEM pictures. The PU composite with 8% hydroxyl silicone oil was found to possess the best synthetic properties among these composites. The maximum values of tan δ were 0.376, 0.561, and 0.573 at 1, 10, and 20 Hz, respectively. The temperature range for the use of damping materials becomes wider at 1 Hz. Frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz might suitable surroundings for the application of damping materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47579.
Comprehensive three‐dimensional morphology of neoangiogenesis in pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis
Authors: Neubert Lavinia , Borchert Paul , Shin Hoen‐Oh , Linz Friedemann , Wagner Willi L , Warnecke Gregor , Laenger Florian , Haverich Axel , Stark Helge , Hoeper Marius M , Kuehnel Mark , Ackermann Maximilian , Jonigk Danny
Published: January 2019

Pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare lung disease characterized by fibrotic narrowing of pulmonary veins leading to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and finally to death by right heart failure. PVOD is often accompanied by pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH), a marked abnormal proliferation of pulmonary capillaries. Both morphological patterns often occur together and are thought to be distinct manifestations of the same disease process and accordingly are classified together in group 1′ of the Nice classification of PH. The underlying mechanisms of these aberrant remodeling processes remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the three‐dimensional structure of these vascular lesions in the lung explant of a patient diagnosed with PVOD by μ‐computed tomography, microvascular corrosion casting, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, correlative light microscopy and gene expression analysis. We were able to describe multifocal intussusceptive neoangiogenesis and vascular sprouting as the three‐dimensional correlate of progressive PCH, a process dividing pre‐existing vessels by intravascular pillar formation previously only known from embryogenesis and tumor neoangiogenesis. Our findings suggest that venous occlusions in PVOD increase shear and stretching forces in the pulmonary capillary bloodstream and thereby induce intussusceptive neoangiogenesis. These findings can serve as a basis for novel approaches to the analysis of PVOD.
Scaling Limit for the Ant in High‐Dimensional Labyrinths
Authors: Arous Gérard Ben , Cabezas Manuel , Fribergh Alexander
Published: January 2019

We study here a detailed conjecture regarding one of the most important cases of anomalous diffusion, i.e., the behavior of the “ant in the labyrinth.” It is natural to conjecture that the scaling limit for random walks on large critical random graphs exists in high dimensions and is universal. This scaling limit is simply the natural Brownian motion on the integrated super‐Brownian excursion. We give here a set of four natural, sufficient conditions on the critical graphs and prove that this set of assumptions ensures the validity of this conjecture. The remaining future task is to prove that these sufficient conditions hold for the various classical cases of critical random structures, like the usual Bernoulli bond percolation, oriented percolation, and spread‐out percolation in high enough dimension. In a companion paper, we do precisely that in a first case, the random walk on the trace of a large critical branching random walk. We verify the validity of these sufficient conditions and thus obtain the scaling limit mentioned above in dimensions larger than 14. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deposition of hydrophilic amorphous carbon film with ether as a source molecule and analysis of its deposition reaction
Authors: Shinohara Masanori , Tominaga Taisuke , Shimomura Hayato , Ihara Takeshi , Yagyu Yoshihito , Ohshima Tamiko , Kawasaki Hiroharu
Published: January 2019

A hydrophilic amorphous carbon film was deposited with plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition using diisopropylether ((i‐C3H7)2O) as a source molecule. Bonding states of hydrocarbon in the deposited film are comprised of sp3‐hydrocarbon components, which is the same as the isopropyl group in the source molecule. On the other hand, C═O bonding is formed in the deposited film, not as similar to the source molecule, diisopropylether. These results suggest that C─O─C in the source molecule would be cleaved. This study would propose a new deposition method of a hydrophilic amorphous carbon film with ether as a source molecule.
The provision of epilepsy care across Europe 2017: A 17‐year follow‐up survey
Authors: Zelano Johan , Klecki Judith , Christensen Jakob , Tomson Torbjörn , Malmgren Kristina ,   The ESBACE consortium Collaborators
Published: January 2019

Objective

To assess the resources available in the provision of epilepsy care across Europe and the developments since the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) survey published in 2003 (data collected in 2000).

Methods

An updated online version of the European Epilepsy Services Inventory was distributed to all European chapters of the ILAE (N = 47) and responses were obtained from 33 chapters (response rate 70%). To assess trends and allow comparisons with the survey published in 2003, the responding countries were divided into 4 groups (Western, Central, Southern, and Eastern). Responses from European Union (EU) member states are reported as a subgroup (N = 23), since the current survey is a part of the EU‐funded European Study on the Burden and Care of Epilepsy (ESBACE, www.esbace.eu).

Results

The total number of physicians involved in epilepsy care had increased since 2000, with the largest increase seen for neurologists. The gap between the best‐ and the least‐provided areas with regard to the competence of the providers had diminished. However, the density of comprehensive multidisciplinary epilepsy teams had not changed to any greater degree. The main problems reported by the chapters were to a large extent the same as in 2000 and included lack of specialists and specialist care, lack or underuse of epilepsy surgery, and problems regarding financing and resource allocation. Several chapters also highlighted problems with healthcare structure and organization.

Significance

Although there have been some improvements concerning the availability of care for people with epilepsy in Europe over the last 17 years, there are still a number of problem areas with little improvement or where there are important regional differences.
Toxicological studies on the botanical supplement LI12542F6 containing extracts ofSphaeranthus indicusflower heads andMangifera indica(mango tree) bark
Authors: Nestmann Earle R. , Alluri Venkata Krishnaraju , Dodda Sundararaju , Davis Barbara A.
Published: January 2019

LI12542F6, a botanical extract composed ofSphaeranthus indicusandMangifera indica, was evaluated for mutagenicity in bacteria,clastogenicity in mouse bone marrow, acute oral and dermal toxicity in the rat, irritation (dermal, eye) in rabbit, and subacute and subchronic toxicity (28 and 90 days) in the rat. All studies followed standardOECDtest protocols, in accordance with the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).LI12542F6 did not induce mutations in the bacterial assay usingSalmonellaandEscherichia colistrains, nor did it induce genotoxic effects in erythrocytes from mouse bone marrow.LI12542F6 was found to have oral and dermalLD50values greater than the limit dose of 2,000 mg/kg body weight in the rat. In an eye irritation/corrosion test,LI12542F6 caused conjunctival redness, corneal opacity, and chemosis and is classified as Category 2A (“irritating to eyes – reversible eye effect”). Doses in the 28‐day and 90‐day rat oral toxicity studies were 0, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 and 0, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively, administered by gavage. Both studies featured a recovery period. Minor effects were random and not treatment related except for local irritation of the forestomach in the 28‐day study, evidenced by histopathologic examination, in mid‐ and high‐dose animals. The frequency and severity of these effects were reduced in the recovery group; irritation was not found in the forestomach of rats in the 90‐day study. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was greater than the highest dose tested, that is, >2,000 mg/kg in the 90‐day study. This botanical composition will be marketed commercially for muscle health as Myotor™.
Effectiveness of DementiAbility Methods: The Montessori Way on agitation in long‐term care home residents with dementia in Hong Kong
Authors: Yuen Ivo , Kwok Timothy
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate the effect of the DementiAbility Methods: The Montessori Way (DMMW) on agitation in long‐term care home residents with dementia. The activities using the DMMW are hypothesized to reduce agitation in terms of its frequency and disruptiveness to greater extent than structured social activities as control.

Methods

Forty‐six long‐term care home residents with dementia were randomly allocated to receive the DMMW (n = 23) or structured social activities as control (n = 23). Each participant received six intervention sessions of 45 minutes each within 2 weeks, at long‐term care home. Agitation in terms of frequency and disruptiveness before and after the intervention were compared.

Results

The results showed that the DMMW resulted in significant reduction in overall frequency and disruptiveness of agitation. The DMMW group had significant reduction in frequency and disruptiveness of verbal aggressive, physical nonaggressive, and physical aggressive behaviors after the intervention.

Conclusions

The present findings support the potential of the DMMW as a safe and efficacious therapeutic intervention for addressing agitation in long‐term care home residents with dementia, relevant to Hong Kong culture.
A grid‐based algorithm in conjunction with a gaussian‐based model of atoms for describing molecular geometry
Authors: Chakravorty Arghya , Gallicchio Emilio , Alexov Emil
Published: January 2019

A novel grid‐based method is presented, which in conjunction with a smooth Gaussian‐based model of atoms, is used to compute molecular volume (MV) and surface area (MSA). The MV and MSA are essential for computing nonpolar component of free energies. The objective of our grid‐based approach is to identify solute atom pairs that share overlapping volumes in space. Once completed, this information is used to construct a rooted tree using depth‐first method to yield the final volume and SA by using the formulations of the Gaussian model described by Grant and Pickup (J. Phys Chem, 1995, 99, 3503). The method is designed to function uninterruptedly with the grid‐based finite‐difference method implemented in Delphi, a popular and open‐source package used for solving the Poisson–Boltzmann equation (PBE). We demonstrate the time efficacy of the method while also validating its performance in terms of the effect of grid‐resolution, positioning of the solute within the grid‐map and accuracy in identification of overlapping atom pairs. We also explore and discuss different aspects of the Gaussian model with key emphasis on its physical meaningfulness. This development and its future release with the Delphi package are intended to provide a physically meaningful, fast, robust and comprehensive tool for MM/PBSA based free energy calculations. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐Pasch optimal packings with triples
Authors: Demirkale Fatih , Donovan Diane , Grannell Mike
Published: January 2019

It is shown that for, there exists an optimal packing with triples onpoints that contains no Pasch configurations. Furthermore, for all(mod 6), there exists a pairwise balanced design of order, whose blocks are all triples apart from a single quintuple, and that has no Pasch configurations amongst its triples.
Differential contribution of education through KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3, and KIR3DL1 to antibody-dependent (AD) NK cell activation and ADCC
Authors: Lisovsky Irene , Kant Sanket , Tremblay-McLean Alexandra , Isitman Gamze , Kiani Zahra , Dupuy Franck P , Gilbert Louise , Bruneau Julie , Shoukry Naglaa H , Lebouché Bertrand , Bernard Nicole F
Published: January 2019

The engagement of activating NK receptors (aNKR) stimulates NK cell activity, provided that interactions between inhibitory NK receptors (iNKR) with their HLA ligands do not override them. Abs bound to target cells can also activate NK cells by engaging the CD16 aNKR. NK cell education status is an important factor for Ab-dependent NK cell activation (ADNKA) of some NK cell subsets. However, whether NK cell education also influences Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) levels is not fully known. ADCC-GranToxiLux (GTL) assays measured ADCC activity as the frequency of granzyme B positive (%GzB+) target cells. Target cells were anti-HIV Immunoglobulin G (HIVIG)-opsonized CEM-NKr.CCR5 (CEM) cells. Lymphocytes and sorted single positive (SP) NKG2A+, KIR2DL1+, KIR2DL3+, and KIR3DL1+ NK cells, to self- and nonself HLA, were used as effectors in ADCC-GTL assays to examine how education status influenced ADCC activity. ADNKA activity was assessed by stimulating lymphocytes with HIVIG-opsonized CEMs and measuring the frequency of NK cell populations defined by their expression of iNKRs, along with IFN-γ, CCL4, and CD107a functions. ADCC: the %GzB+ CEM cells generated by self- versus nonself HLA-specific SPiNKR did not differ. ADNKA: More NK cells educated through KIR2DL1 and KIR3DL1, but not KIR2DL3, responded to ADNKA than their uneducated counterparts. CD16 engagement induced ADCC and ADNKA activity. With the proviso that groups’ sizes were small, our results support the notion that NK cell education does not influence ADCC levels but does contribute to ADNKA activity.
Taking a proactive approach to change to secure a manufacturer's future
Authors: Nicholson Kate Alice , Odom Curtis L.
Published: January 2019

In an ever‐changing business environment, there is always the risk of failure. Regardless of the nature of the challenges encountered, a proactive approach to leadership that balances proven practices with innovation is essential. The experiences of a manufacturing unit grappling with supply chain disruptions, employee retention, and succession planning, among other issues, reveal the importance of open communications, policies that foster trust and teamwork, and a long‐term strategic vision that provides for sustained improvement.
Metformin as an add‐on to insulin improves periodontal response during orthodontic tooth movement in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Mena Laura Ever Elias , Cestari Tania Mary , Almeida Rodrigo , Pereira Daniela Santos , Taga Rumio , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Assis Gerson Francisco
Published: January 2019

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with delayed tissue healing and bone loss. Periodontal tissues during tooth movement (OTM) in T1D and under diabetic treatment are poorly understood. We aimed to study the effect of metformin as an add‐on to insulin therapy on periodontal structures during OTM in T1D rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into normoglycemic (NG, n = 20) and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic groups that were untreated (T1D, n = 20), treated with insulin (I‐T1D, n = 20), or treated with insulin plus metformin (IM‐T1D, n = 20). After 7 days of treatment, the first right upper molar (M1) was moved mesially. At days 0, 3, 7 and 14, the pattern of OTM and the periodontal tissues were analyzed by micro‐CT, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry for TRAP.

Results

In T1D, major osteoclastogenic activity and bone loss versus other groups were confirmed by a greater TRAP‐positive cell number and reabsorption surface on both the pressure and tension sides for 14 days (p < 0.01). Additionally, we observed low bone volume density. Metformin plus insulin resulted in a daily insulin dose reduction and major glycemic control versus I‐T1D. Although no significant differences were observed between I‐T1D and IM‐T1D, the tooth displacement and inclination, periodontal ligament thickness, and alveolar bone density on the pressure side in IM‐T1D were similar to that of NG (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Antidiabetic treatment reduces severe periodontal damage during applied orthodontic force in T1D untreated rats. Metformin as an add‐on to insulin therapy resulted in glycemic control and a periodontal tissue response to orthodontic forces that was similar to that of normoglycemic rats.
Neuroprotective factors and incident hearing impairment in the epidemiology of hearing loss study
Authors: Paulsen Adam J. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Pinto Alex , Schubert Carla R. , Dalton Dayna S. , Fischer Mary E. , Klein Barbara E.K. , Klein Ronald , Tsai Michael Y. , Tweed Ted S.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Hearing impairment (HI) is common in aging adults. Aldosterone, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF1), and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been identified as potentially protective of hearing. The present study aims to investigate these relationships.

Methods

The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study is a longitudinal population‐based study of aging in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, that began in 1993. Baseline for the present investigation is the 1998 to 2000 phase. Follow‐up exams occurred approximately every 5 years, with the most recent occurring from 2013 to 2016. Hearing was measured by pure‐tone audiometry. HI was defined as a pure tone average (PTA) > 25 decibels hearing level in either ear. Change in PTA was the difference between follow‐up examinations and baseline. Baseline serum samples were used to measure biomarkers in 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the effect of biomarker levels in the lowest quintile (Q1) versus the highest (Q5) on incident HI and PTA change.

Results

There were 1,088 participants (69.3% women) at risk of HI included in analyses. The mean baseline age was 63.8 years (standard deviation = 7.0). The 16‐year incidence of HI was 54.9% and was higher in men (61.1%) than women (52.1%). In age‐ and sex‐adjusted models, aldosterone (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.82–1.37), IGF1 (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.71–1.19), and BDNF (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.66–1.12) levels were not associated with risk of HI. PTA change was similarly not affected by biomarker levels.

Conclusion

Aldosterone, IGF1, and BDNF were not associated with decreased risk of age‐related hearing loss in this study.

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 129:2178–2183, 2019
The solid‐state mixing characteristic of two rotor continuous mixer and its influence on microstructure of HDPE/CaCO3 composite
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Hui , Chen Tao , Zhao Haili , Ji Huajian , Ma Yulu , Sha Jin , Xie Linsheng
Published: January 2019

In this article, the solid‐state mixing characteristics of two rotor continuous mixer were studied by revealing the change of CaCO3 particles size and its surface properties. High‐density polyethylene/calcium carbonate (HDPE/CaCO3) composites were fabricated for the study. The characterized CaCO3 particles samples were taken from different axial positions of solid‐state mixing zone. Particle size and morphology of CaCO3 particles were investigated by laser particle sizer and scanning electrical microscope (SEM). The decrease of CaCO3 particles size indicated that fillers deagglomerated along the solid‐state mixing zone. The surface properties of CaCO3 particles were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle and thermogravimetric analysis. The appearance of HDPE characteristic peaks in the FTIR spectrum of CaCO3 particles showed that the filler surface was coated by HDPE during solid‐state mixing, which made CaCO3 particles less hydrophilic. Deagglomeration and surface coating amount of CaCO3 particles were influenced by process parameters, and the best results were obtained at feed rate 1.58 kg/h and rotor speed 700 rpm. Furthermore, SEM and dynamic rheology measurement of HDPE/CaCO3 composites were conducted to investigate the composite microstructure. Higher complex viscosity and more obvious shear thinning behavior were the indications of improved CaCO3–HDPE compatibility and filler–filler interaction after solid‐state mixing process. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3296–3305, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Supramolecular Gel of Oxalic Acid‐Monoethanolamine for Potential Schottky Barrier Diode Application
Authors: Dhibar Subhendu , Dey Arka , Ghosh Debasish , Majumdar Santanu , Dey Amiya , Mukherjee Priyanka , Mandal Amit , Ray Partha Pratim , Dey Biswajit
Published: January 2019

A functional supramolecular gel of oxalic acid and monoethanolamine (OXMEA) has been achieved through direct instant mixing of N,N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution of oxalic acid and pure monoethanolamine at room temperature under ambient condition. The rheological analysis established the viscoelastic semi‐solid type nature of mechanically stable OXMEA supramolecular gel. The morphological pattern, imaged through field emission scanning electron microscopic investigation, explores the bean‐seed like hierarchical architecture of the gel network. The semiconducting property of the gel was verified from band gap energy and conductivity estimation. The electrical charge transport property was also analyzed in the form of OXMEA gel based metal‐semiconductor junction thin film device. The obtained nonlinear current‐voltage characteristics of the device signify Schottky barrier diode nature of the synthesized gel. Overall, this work has been proof of development of semiconducting electronic device by OXMEA gel based gel medium.
Aligned Heterointerface‐Induced 1T‐MoS2 Monolayer with Near‐Ideal Gibbs Free for Stable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Kan , Jin Bingjun , Gao Yujie , Zhang Shengli , Shin Hyunjung , Zeng Haibo , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: January 2019

1T‐phase molybdenum disulfide (1T‐MoS2) exhibits superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over 2H‐phase MoS2 (2H‐MoS2). However, its thermodynamic instability is the main drawback impeding its practical application. In this work, a stable 1T‐MoS2 monolayer formed at edge‐aligned 2H‐MoS2 and a reduced graphene oxide heterointerface (EA‐2H/1T/RGO) using a precursor‐in‐solvent synthesis strategy are reported. Theoretical prediction indicates that the edge‐aligned layer stacking can induce heterointerfacial charge transfer, which results in a phase transition of the interfacial monolayer from 2H to 1T that realizes thermodynamic stability based on the adhesion energy between MoS2 and graphene. As an electrocatalyst for HER, EA‐2H/1T/RGO displays an onset potential of −103 mV versus RHE, a Tafel slope of 46 mV dec−1 and 10 h stability in acidic electrolyte. The unexpected activity of EA‐2H/1T/RGO beyond 1T‐MoS2 is due to an inherent defect caused by the gliding of S atoms during the phase transition from 2H to 1T, leading the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH*) to decrease from 0.13 to 0.07 eV, which is closest to the ideal value (0.06 eV) of 2H‐MoS2. The presented work provides fundamental insights into the impressive electrochemical properties of HER and opens new avenues for phase transitions at 2D/2D hybrid interfaces.
Delivery or expectant management for prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: an individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Bernardes T. P. , Zwertbroek E. F. , Broekhuijsen K. , Koopmans C. , Boers K. , Owens M. , Thornton J. , van Pampus M. G. , Scherjon S. A. , Wallace K. , Langenveld J. , van den Berg P. P. , Franssen M. T. M. , Mol B. W. J. , Groen H.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Hypertensive disorders affect 3–10% of pregnancies. Delayed delivery carries maternal risks, while early delivery increases fetal risk, so appropriate timing is important. The aim of this study was to compare immediate delivery with expectant management for prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with hypertensive disease in pregnancy.

Methods

CENTRAL, PubMed, MEDLINE and
ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing immediate delivery to expectant management in women presenting with gestational hypertension or pre‐eclampsia without severe features from 34 weeks of gestation. The primary neonatal outcome was respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and the primary maternal outcome was a composite of HELLP syndrome and eclampsia. The PRISMA‐IPD guideline was followed and a two‐stage meta‐analysis approach was used. Relative risks (RR) and numbers needed to treat or harm (NNT/NNH) with 95% CI were calculated to evaluate the effect of the intervention.

Results

Main outcomes were available for 1724 eligible women. Compared with expectant management, immediate delivery reduced the composite risk of HELLP syndrome and eclampsia in all women (0.8% vs 2.8%; RR, 0.33 (95% CI, 0.15–0.73); I2 = 0%; NNT, 51 (95% CI, 31.1–139.3)) as well as in the pre‐eclampsia subgroup (1.1% vs 3.5%; RR, 0.39 (95% CI, 0.15–0.98); I2 = 0%). Immediate delivery increased RDS risk (3.4% vs 1.6%; RR, 1.94 (95% CI 1.05–3.6); I2 = 24%; NNH, 58 (95% CI, 31.1–363.1)), but depended upon gestational age. Immediate delivery in the 35th week of gestation increased RDS risk (5.1% vs 0.6%; RR, 5.5 (95% CI, 1.0–29.6); I2 = 0%), but immediate delivery in the 36th week did not (1.5% vs 0.4%; RR, 3.4 (95% CI, 0.4–30.3); I2 not applicable).

Conclusion

In women with hypertension in pregnancy, immediate delivery reduces the risk of maternal complications, whilst the effect on the neonate depends on gestational age. Specifically, women with a‐priori higher risk of progression to HELLP, such as those already presenting with pre‐eclampsia instead of gestational hypertension, were shown to benefit from earlier delivery. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dark matter in the KL moduli stabilization scenario with SUSY breaking sector from $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 SQCD
Authors: Guio Thaisa C. da C. , Schmitz Ernany R.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We investigate neutralino dark matter from a string/M-theory perspective. Using the Kallosh-Linde (KL) scenario to stabilize the string moduli requires supersymmetry breaking for uplifting to a de Sitter vacuum. We consider the free magnetic dual description of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 SUSY QCD with massive flavours, the Intriligator-Seiberg-Shih model (ISS), as an F-term dynamical SUSY breaking sector. This framework allows for a gravitino mass in the TeV range. Moreover, due to the plethora of particles from the ISS sector, we investigate the consequences of coupling the MSSM with the KL-ISS setup to obtain constraints from both late entropy production and the dark matter relic density. In addition to thermal neutralino production, we consider neutralino production via the decays of gravitinos and ISS fields.
Taylor expansions of the value function associated with a bilinear optimal control problem
Authors: Breiten Tobias , Kunisch Karl , Pfeiffer Laurent
Published: January 2019

A general bilinear optimal control problem subject to an infinite-dimensional state equation is considered. Polynomial approximations of the associated value function are derived around the steady state by repeated formal differentiation of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation. The terms of the approximations are described by multilinear forms, which can be obtained as solutions to generalized Lyapunov equations with recursively defined right-hand sides. They form the basis for defining a suboptimal feedback law. The approximation properties of this feedback law are investigated. An application to the optimal control of a Fokker–Planck equation is also provided.
Well posedness of nonlinear parabolic systems beyond duality
Authors: Bulíček Miroslav , Burczak Jan , Schwarzacher Sebastian
Published: January 2019

We develop a methodology for proving well-posedness in optimal regularity spaces for a wide class of nonlinear parabolic initial–boundary value systems, where the standard monotone operator theory fails. A motivational example of a problem accessible to our technique is the following system

\partial _{t}u−\mathrm{div}\left(\nu (|\mathrm{∇}u|)\mathrm{∇}u\right) = −\mathrm{div}f

with a given strictly positive bounded function

\nu

, such that

\mathrm{\lim }_{k\rightarrow \infty }⁡\nu (k) = \nu _{\infty }

and

f \in L^{q}

with

q \in (1,\infty )

. The existence, uniqueness and regularity results for

q \geq 2

are by now standard. However, even if a priori estimates are available, the existence in case

q \in (1,2)

was essentially missing. We overcome the related crucial difficulty, namely the lack of a standard duality pairing, by resorting to proper weighted spaces and consequently provide existence, uniqueness and optimal regularity in the entire range

q \in (1,\infty )

.

Furthermore, our paper includes several new results that may be of independent interest and serve as the starting point for further analysis of more complicated problems. They include a parabolic Lipschitz approximation method in weighted spaces with fine control of the time derivative and a theory for linear parabolic systems with right hand sides belonging to Muckenhoupt weighted

L^{q}

spaces.
Follow-up of Benign Thyroid Nodules—Can We Do Less?
Authors: Mohammadi Manijeh , Betel Carrie , Burton Kirsteen Rennie , Higgins Kevin McLughlin , Ghorab Zeina , Halperin Ilana Jaye
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine the incidence of malignancy, follow-up ultrasound (US), and repeat fine needle aspiration (FNA) in thyroid nodules that have been previously biopsied as benign.

Methods

This is a retrospective, descriptive study of benign thyroid nodules evaluated by US between 2010-2011. We determined the frequency of follow-up ultrasounds and FNAs, mean years of follow-up, interval between follow-up US, change in nodule size, reasons for repeat FNA (rFNA), frequency of thyroidectomy, and thyroid malignancy during 5 years of follow-up.

Results

A total of 733 benign thyroid nodules were reviewed in 615 patients. Mean years of US follow-up was 3.47 ± 1.65 years; 275 (37.5%) had no follow-up US; 109 (14.9%) had 1 follow-up US; 93 (12.7%) had 2 follow-up US; and 256 (34.9%) had 3 or more follow-up US. Assessment of thyroid nodule size showed that 215 (28.8%) nodules decreased in size, 145 (19.4%) increased in size by less than 50%, and 91 (12.1%) increased in size by more than 50%. Of the 733 nodules, 17 nodules (2.3%) underwent thyroidectomy for which the pathology result of 9 (1.2%) showed malignancy, and 65 (8.9%) thyroid nodules underwent rFNA. When applying the 2015 recommendations for repeat FNA, 35% were done unnecessarily.

Conclusion

In our sample of initially benign thyroid nodules, only 9 patients (1.2%) had pathology-proven malignancy after a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Over 30% of patients had more than 3 rUSs. Decreased interval and frequency of rUS should be considered in future guidelines for thyroid management.
Imaging of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Emergencies in Binge Drinking
Authors: Shimpi Trishna R. , Shikhare Sumer N. , Chung Raymond , Wu Peng , Peh Wilfred C.G.
Published: January 2019

Excess alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. The pattern of consumption of alcoholic beverages has changed in our society in the recent past, with binge drinking becoming more and more common, especially among young adults. Abdominal pain following alcohol consumption can be secondary to a wide range of pathologies, the treatment algorithm of which can range from medical supportive treatment to more invasive life-saving procedures such as transarterial embolization and emergency laparotomy. Correct diagnosis, differentiation among these conditions, and implementing the correct management algorithm is heavily reliant on accurate and appropriate imaging. We review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging features and management options of acute abdominal emergencies secondary to binge drinking, based on a selection of illustrative cases.
Spine Intervention—An Update on Injectable Biomaterials
Authors: Ashammakhi Nureddin , Clerk-Lamalice Olivier , Baroud Gamal , Darabi Mohammad Ali , Georgy Bassem , Beall Douglas , Wagoner Derrick
Published: January 2019

Back pain is the second most common reason for primary-care physician visits after the common cold. New understanding of the spine pathophysiology and biomechanics led to the development of novel injectable biomaterials to treat those pain generators. Although not all biomaterials are currently ready for common use, there is significant interest by the medical community to invest time, resources, and energy to optimize these injectables. This review introduces basic concepts and advancements in the field of bioinjectables tailored for the vertebral body. Also, we highlight advances in injectable biomaterials which were presented at the Groupe de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Biomatériaux Ostéoarticulaires Injectables (GRIBOI) (Interdisciplinary Research Society for Injectable Osteoarticular Biomaterials) meeting in March 2018 in Los Angeles, CA. Indeed, multidisciplinary translational research and international meetings such as GRIBOI bring together scientists and clinicians with different backgrounds/expertise to discuss injectable biomaterials innovations tailored for the interventional pain management field.
Heritability in frontotemporal tauopathies
Authors: Forrest Shelley L. , Halliday Glenda M. , McCann Heather , McGeachie Andrew B. , McGinley Ciara V. , Hodges John R. , Piguet Olivier , Kwok John B. , Spillantini Maria G. , Kril Jillian J.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Exploring the degree of heritability in a large cohort of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with tau‐immunopositive inclusions (FTLD‐tau) and determining if different FTLD‐tau subtypes are associated with stronger heritability will provide important insight into disease pathogenesis.

Methods

Using modified Goldman pedigree classifications, heritability was examined in pathologically proven FTLD‐tau cases with dementia at any time (n = 124) from the Sydney‐Cambridge collection.

Results

Thirteen percent of the FTLD‐tau cohort have a suggested autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, 25% have some family history, and 62% apparently sporadic. MAPT mutations were found in 9% of cases. Globular glial tauopathy was associated with the strongest heritability with 40% having a suggested autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance followed by corticobasal degeneration (19%), Pick's disease (8%), and progressive supranuclear palsy (6%).

Discussion

Similar to clinical frontotemporal dementia syndromes, heritability varies between pathological subtypes. Further identification of a genetic link in cases with strong heritability await discovery.
Quantifying memory deficits in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Andrés Pilar , Vico Helena , Yáñez Aina , Siquier Antònia , Ferrer Guillermo Amer
Published: January 2019

Introduction

In the present study, we use the item‐specific deficit approach (ISDA), a method for characterizing memory deficits in list‐learning, to portray the memory deficits in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Methods

We applied the ISDA to compare memory performance of patients with aMCI and healthy controls in encoding, consolidation, and retrieval using the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test.

Results

The results revealed clear differences in recall performance between patients with aMCI and controls. When analyzing the ISDA deficit indices, the results revealed a prominent encoding deficit, followed by a consolidating deficit. A greater sensitivity for the encoding index confirmed that a difficulty with encoding information plays a major role in explaining the episodic memory deficits experienced by patients with aMCI.

Discussion

The present study applying the ISDA reveals great sensitivity and specificity of the encoding deficit index when identifying aMCI. As aMCI constitutes a risk factor to develop Alzheimer's disease, the current findings also confirm the need to concentrate on encoding deficits as an early diagnostic sign of cognitive decline.
Amygdala subnuclei are differentially affected in the different genetic and pathological forms of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Bocchetta Martina , Iglesias Juan Eugenio , Cash David M. , Warren Jason D. , Rohrer Jonathan D.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with multiple genetic and pathological causes. It is characterized by both cortical and subcortical atrophies, with previous studies showing early involvement of the amygdala. However, no prior study has specifically investigated the atrophy of different subnuclei of the amygdala.

Methods

Using an automated segmentation tool for T1‐weighted volumetric magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated amygdalar subnuclei (AS) involvement in a cohort of 132 patients with genetic or pathologically confirmed FTD (age: mean = 61 years (standard deviation = 8); disease duration: 5 (3) years) compared with 107 age‐matched controls.

Results

AS were affected in all genetic and pathological forms of FTD. MAPT mutations/FTDP‐17, Pick's disease, and transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa type C were the forms with the smallest amygdala (35%–50% smaller than controls in the most affected hemisphere, P < .0005). In most FTD groups, medial subnuclei (particularly the superficial, accessory basal and basal/paralaminar subnuclei) tended to be affected more than the lateral subnuclei, except for the progressive supranuclear palsy group, in which the corticoamygdaloid transition area was the least‐affected area.

Discussion

Differential involvement of the AS was seen in the different genetic and pathological forms of FTD. In general, the most affected subnuclei were the superficial, accessory basal and basal/paralaminar subnuclei, which form part of a network of regions that control reward and emotion regulation, functions known to be particularly affected in FTD.
Clinical profile and outcome of antibiotic lock therapy for bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology/oncology patients in a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Sonia , Fatima Paras , Mukhtar Aiman , Zehra Ale , Qamar Farah Naz
Published: January 2019

Background:

Intravascular catheters are susceptible to infections, thus requiring catheter removal and leading to increased morbidity and costs. Antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) is a therapeutic technique that is used to salvage the catheter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of antibiotic lock therapy in bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology/oncology patients in a tertiary care hospital, Karachi.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed from January 2013 to December 2017 of pediatric he- matology/oncology patients with bloodstream infections and who received ALT at Aga Khan University Hospital. All cases of polymicrobial infections, catheter removal, or malfunction before the completion of ALT were excluded. Descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.

Results:

A total of nine hematology/oncology patients were eligible. The catheter was salvaged in 7/9 (77.8%) children, and in 2/9 (22.2%) cases, catheter was removed because of persistent bacteremia. The most common organism isolated was Staphylococcus non-aureus species (33.3%). Relapse with a similar pathogen occurred in 2 (22.2%) patients and 2 (22.2%) of them developed an exit-site infection.

Conclusion:

In our experience, in almost two thirds of the cases, the catheter was salvaged, but disappointingly, relapses were high when the infection was due to Staphylococcus spp. Although this is a small study, our results show that ALT can be a potential safe adjunctive strategy to treat catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). However, we need larger prospective studies to test the safety and efficacy of ALT to develop specific ALT recommendations and guidelines particularly in children.
Predicting diagnosis and cognition with18F‐AV‐1451 tau PET and structural MRI in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mattsson Niklas , Insel Philip S. , Donohue Michael , Jögi Jonas , Ossenkoppele Rik , Olsson Tomas , Schöll Michael , Smith Ruben , Hansson Oskar
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The relative importance of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tau positron emission tomography (PET) to predict diagnosis and cognition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unclear.

Methods

We tested 56 cognitively unimpaired controls (including 27 preclinical AD), 32 patients with prodromal AD, and 39 patients with AD dementia. Optimal classifiers were constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with18F‐AV‐1451 (tau) PET and structural MRI data (regional cortical thickness and subcortical volumes).

Results

18F‐AV‐1451 in the amygdala, entorhinal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, fusiform, and inferior parietal lobule had 93% diagnostic accuracy for AD (prodromal or dementia). The MRI classifier involved partly the same regions plus the hippocampus, with 83% accuracy, but did not improve upon the tau classifier.18F‐AV‐1451 retention and MRI were independently associated with cognition.

Discussion

Optimized tau PET classifiers may diagnose AD with high accuracy, but both tau PET and structural brain MRI capture partly unique information relevant for the clinical deterioration in AD.
Fail-safe optimization of beam structures
Authors: Lüdeker Julian Kajo , Kriegesmann Benedikt
Published: January 2019

In the current work, a fail-safe optimization of beam structures is carried out. This approach may provide an insight into the robustness of lattice structures. The use of beam elements allows a commonly used engineering approach for obtaining a fail-safe design to be applied. This consists of removing one beam element at a time and optimizing the remaining structure. At the end of the process, the maximum beam radii are used for the final design. This approach is computationally extremely expensive for lattice structures, as it requires one optimization per removed beam. In our contribution, we show that the design obtained from this approach does not actually achieve the desired fail-safe behaviour. We therefore apply a multi-model approach in which the fail-safe requirement is an optimization constraint. This is still computationally demanding and therefore, methods for reducing the number of failure cases to be considered within the optimization are discussed. Furthermore, the p-norm is applied to the stress constraints to reduce the computational effort for the gradient calculation. Reduction of failure cases and use of the p-norm have opposite effects on the conservatism of the result and therefore compensate each other to some extent.

Highlights Stress constrained optimization of beam structures. Evaluation of different approaches for fail-safe design. Strategies for efficiency improvement (reducing failure cases/p-norm).
The Alzheimer's disease THErapy with NEuroaid (ATHENE) study protocol: Assessing the safety and efficacy of Neuroaid II (MLC901) in patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease stable on cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine—A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Chen Christopher L.H. , Sharma Purabi Reang , Tan Boon Yeow , Low Casuarine , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: January 2019

Background

Dementia is a large and growing health care burden globally, and its major cause is Alzheimer's disease (AD). MLC901 (Neuroaid II) is a simplified form of MLC601 (Neuroaid), a Traditional Chinese Medicine with neuroprotective and neuroproliferative properties in cellular and animal models of brain injury. MLC601 has been shown to modulate amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in human neuroblastoma cell cultures and increase the levels of soluble APPα. In addition, MLC901 has been shown to reduce tau phosphorylation in vitro. Hence, MLC901 may have possible multimodal actions and a disease‐modifying effect in AD. In previous clinical studies, MLC601 has shown promising effects in AD.

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of MLC901 add‐on therapy to standard treatment in mild‐to‐moderate probable AD patients stable on standard treatment and to evaluate if MLC901 has a disease‐modifying effect in AD.

Methods

This is a 6‐month randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in mild‐to‐moderate probable AD where MLC901 will be given as an add‐on therapy to standard AD treatment, followed by an extension study for another 6 months, where all subjects will be treated with open‐label MLC901 in addition to standard treatment. The primary outcome is safety as measured by adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiogram, laboratory tests, and physical and neurological examinations. Secondary outcomes evaluating cognition, behavior, and activities of daily living at various time points include the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study–Clinical Global Impression of Change, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Inventory, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Mini–Mental State Examination.

Conclusion

MLC901 has the potential to improve cognition in AD patients. It may also have a role in delaying disease progression. This study will be the first to provide safety and efficacy data for MLC901 in mild‐to‐moderate probable AD patients already receiving standard therapy.