bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and investigations on a compact, UWB, monopole antenna with reconfigurable band notches for 5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN and 5.5 GHz Wi‐MAX bands
Authors: De Arnab , Roy Bappadittya , Bhattacharjee Anup Kumar
Published: January 2020

This article represents a microstrip line–fed novel circular monopole antenna with ultra‐wideband (UWB) characteristics. The compact antenna provides reconfigurable notches at WLAN (5.2/5.8 GHz) and Wi‐MAX (5.5 GHz) frequency bands. The band rejection is achieved by etching an open‐ended L‐shaped slot in the ground plane, which effectively mitigates the interference between WLAN, Wi‐MAX, and UWB systems with an effective patch area of 36.26%. The proposed antenna operates from 3.05 to 12.11 GHz with VSWR
2 except at stopband (3.89‐5.93 GHz) to filter the WLAN and Wi‐MAX signals. The simulated return loss, gain, and radiation pattern of the proposed antenna has been experimentally verified with the fabricated one which holds a good agreement.
Reflect early on your retirement plans
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: January 2020

It's been a year since I retired after a 40‐year career in higher education. Being the reflective person I am, I've spent some time pondering the year and what led to my eventual retirement.
Student loan borrowers with disabilities missing out on debt relief
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2020

Students with disabilities are not getting the student loan relief to which they are federally entitled, according to a study by National Public Radio. Student loan borrowers with a significant permanent disability that means they can no longer work enough to support themselves can ask the Department of Education to erase their student loan debts. But hundreds of thousands of borrowers who are entitled to relief have not yet received it, according to NPR.
Empirical patterns of environmental variation favor adaptive transgenerational plasticity
Authors: Colicchio Jack M. , Herman Jacob
Published: January 2020

Effects of parental environment on offspring traits have been well known for decades. Interest in this transgenerational form of phenotypic plasticity has recently surged due to advances in our understanding of its mechanistic basis. Theoretical research has simultaneously advanced by predicting the environmental conditions that should favor the adaptive evolution of transgenerational plasticity. Yet whether such conditions actually exist in nature remains largely unexplored. Here, using long‐term climate data, we modeled optimal levels of transgenerational plasticity for an organism with a one‐year life cycle at a spatial resolution of 4 km2across the continental United States. Both annual temperature and precipitation levels were often autocorrelated, but the strength and direction of these autocorrelations varied considerably even among nearby sites. When present, such environmental autocorrelations render offspring environments statistically predictable based on the parental environment, a key condition for the adaptive evolution of transgenerational plasticity. Results of our optimality models were consistent with this prediction: High levels of transgenerational plasticity were favored at sites with strong environmental autocorrelations, and little‐to‐no transgenerational plasticity was favored at sites with weak or nonexistent autocorrelations. These results are among the first to show that natural patterns of environmental variation favor the evolution of adaptive transgenerational plasticity. Furthermore, these findings suggest that transgenerational plasticity is likely variable in nature, depending on site‐specific patterns of environmental variation.
Ecosystem effects of the world’s largest invasive animal
Authors: Shurin Jonathan B. , Aranguren-Riaño Nelson , Duque Negro Daniel , Echeverri Lopez David , Jones Natalie T. , Laverde‐R Oscar , Neu Alexander , Pedroza Ramos Adriana
Published: January 2020

The keystone roles of mega‐fauna in many terrestrial ecosystems have been lost to defaunation. Large predators and herbivores often play keystone roles in their native ranges, and some have established invasive populations in new biogeographic regions. However, few empirical examples are available to guide expectations about how mega‐fauna affect ecosystems in novel environmental and evolutionary contexts. We examined the impacts on aquatic ecosystems of an emerging population of hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibus) that has been growing in Colombia over the last 25 yr. Hippos in Africa fertilize lakes and rivers by grazing on land and excreting wastes in the water. Stable isotopes indicate that terrestrial sources contribute more carbon in Colombian lakes containing hippo populations, and daily dissolved oxygen cycles suggest that their presence stimulates ecosystem metabolism. Phytoplankton communities were more dominated by cyanobacteria in lakes with hippos, and bacteria, zooplankton, and benthic invertebrate communities were similar regardless of hippo presence. Our results suggest that hippos recapitulate their role as ecosystem engineers in Colombia, importing terrestrial organic matter and nutrients with detectable impacts on ecosystem metabolism and community structure in the early stages of invasion. Ongoing range expansion may pose a threat to water resources.
Regulation of translesion DNA synthesis in mammalian cells
Authors: Ma Xiaolu , Tang Tie‐Shan , Guo Caixia
Published: January 2020

The genomes of all living cells are under endogenous and exogenous attacks every day, causing diverse genomic lesions. Most of the lesions can be timely repaired by multiple DNA repair pathways. However, some may persist during S‐phase, block DNA replication, and challenge genome integrity. Eukaryotic cells have evolved DNA damage tolerance (DDT) to mitigate the lethal effects of arrested DNA replication without prior removal of the offending DNA damage. As one important mode of DDT, translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) utilizes multiple low‐fidelity DNA polymerases to incorporate nucleotides opposite DNA lesions to maintain genome integrity. Three different mechanisms have been proposed to regulate the polymerase switching between high‐fidelity DNA polymerases in the replicative machinery and one or more specialized enzymes. Additionally, it is known that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) mono‐ubiquitination is essential for optimal TLS. Given its error‐prone property, TLS is closely associated with spontaneous and drug‐induced mutations in cells, which can potentially lead to tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, TLS process must be tightly modulated to avoid unwanted mutagenesis. In this review, we will focus on polymerase switching and PCNA mono‐ubiquitination, the two key events in TLS pathway in mammalian cells, and summarize current understandings of regulation of TLS process at the levels of protein–protein interactions, post‐translational modifications as well as transcription and noncoding RNAs. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:680–692, 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calotropis gigantea leaves assisted biosynthesis of ZnO and Ag@ZnO catalysts for degradation of rhodamine B dye in aqueous medium
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Siddique Mohsin , Ibrahim Muhammad , Akram Nadia , Usman Muhammad , Aleem Muhammad A. , Baig Afifa
Published: January 2020

The semiconductor metal oxides based photocatalysis is one of the efficient techniques used for eradication of pollutants from wastewater. The plants mediated biosynthesis of metal oxides have got much interest due to environmentally friendly and cost‐effective nature. This article reports the Calotropis gigantea mediated biosynthesis of ZnO and Ag@ZnO as effective catalysts for degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye. After characterization with advanced techniques, the biosynthesized ZnO and Ag@ZnO were tested as photocatalysts on degradation of RhB dye under irradiation. The catalytic activity of ZnO and Ag@ZnO was estimated in terms of decolorization, COD, and TOC removal. Results showed that 50.4 and 90.2% decolorization, 41.3 and 74.8% removal of COD, and 45.3 and 83.5% removal of TOC were measured over ZnO and Ag@ZnO as photocatalysts in 120 min, respectively. The biosynthesized Ag@ZnO was a stable and reusable catalyst in degradation experiments.
Family‐based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa: What happens to rates of comorbid diagnoses?
Authors: Trainor Claire , Gorrell Sasha , Hughes Elizabeth K. , Sawyer Susan M. , Burton Claire , Le Grange Daniel
Published: January 2020

Objective

Rates of psychiatric comorbidity are elevated in adolescents with anorexia nervosa, but little is known about how psychiatric comorbidity changes following family‐based treatment (FBT).

Methods

Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (N = 107) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing two forms of FBT completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents at baseline and end of treatment. Analyses tested whether baseline comorbid diagnoses predicted the presence of comorbid diagnoses at end of treatment and if baseline eating disorder psychopathology impacted this association.

Results

Rates of comorbid diagnoses decreased from 54% at baseline to 26% at end of treatment. Logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals with multiple comorbid diagnoses at baseline were more likely to meet criteria for a comorbid condition at end of treatment (b = 2.00, p < .05). Individuals with reported psychotropic medication use were less likely to meet criteria for a comorbid condition at end of treatment (b = −1.63, p = .04). Diagnostic rates for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder/agoraphobia decreased following FBT.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that FBT for adolescent anorexia nervosa may aid in the resolution of some co‐occurring psychiatric diagnoses. Continued research is needed to understand factors contributing to comorbid symptom improvement throughout treatment.
The generalizability of Older Adult Self‐Report (OASR) syndromes of psychopathology across 20 societies
Authors: Ivanova Masha Y. , Achenbach Thomas M. , Rescorla Leslie A. , Turner Lori V. , Dumas Julie A. , Almeida Vera , Anafarta‐Sendag Meltem , Bite Ieva , Boomsma Dorret I. , Caldas J. Carlos , Capps John W. , Chen Yi‐Chuen , Colombo Paola , da Silva Oliveira Margareth , Dobrean Anca , Erol Nese , Frigerio Alessandra , Funabiki Yasuko , Gedutienė Reda , Guðmundsson Halldór S. , Heo Min Quan , Kim Young Ah , Lee Tih‐Shih , Leite Manuela , Liu Jianghong , Markovic Jasminka , Misiec Monika , Müller Marcus , Oh Kyung Ja , Portillo‐Reyes Verónica , Retz Wolfgang , Sebre Sandra B. , Shi Shupeng , Sigurðardóttir Sigurveig H. , Šimulionienė Roma , Sokoli Elvisa , Tomasevic Tanja , Vink Jacqueline M. , Zasępa Ewa
Published: January 2020

Objectives

As the world population ages, psychiatrists will increasingly need instruments for measuring constructs of psychopathology that are generalizable to diverse elders. The study tested whether syndromes of co‐occurring problems derived from self‐ratings of psychopathology by US elders would fit self‐ratings by elders in 19 other societies.

Methods/design

The Older Adult Self‐Report (OASR) was completed by 12 826 adults who were 60 to 102 years old in 19 societies from North and South America, Asia, and Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Europe, plus the United States. Individual and multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) tested the fit of the seven‐syndrome OASR model, consisting of the Anxious/Depressed, Worries, Somatic Complaints, Functional Impairment, Memory/Cognition Problems, Thought Problems, and Irritable/Disinhibited syndromes.

Results

In individual CFAs, the primary model fit index showed good fit for all societies, while the secondary model fit indices showed acceptable to good fit. The items loaded strongly on their respective factors, with a median item loading of .63 across 20 societies, and 98.7% of the loadings were statistically significant. In multigroup CFAs, 98% of items demonstrated approximate or full metric invariance. Fifteen percent of items demonstrated approximate or full scalar invariance, and another 59% demonstrated scalar invariance across more than half of societies.

Conclusions

The findings supported the generalizability of OASR syndromes across societies. The seven syndromes offer empirically based clinical constructs that are relevant for elders of different backgrounds. They can be used to assess diverse elders and as a taxonomic framework to facilitate communication, services, research, and training in geriatric psychiatry.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling identifies two novel genes in cervical neoplasia
Authors: El‐Zein Mariam , Cheishvili David , Gotlieb Walter , Gilbert Lucy , Hemmings Robert , Behr Marcel A. , Szyf Moshe , Franco Eduardo L. ,   for the MARKER study group
Published: January 2020

DNA methylation analysis may improve risk stratification in cervical screening. We used a pan‐epigenomic approach to identify new methylation markers along the continuum of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to cervical cancer. Physician‐collected samples (54 normal, 50 CIN1, 40 CIN2 and 42 CIN3) were randomly selected from women at a single‐center colposcopy clinic. Extracted DNA was subjected to Illumina Infinium EPIC array analysis, and methylation was assessed blinded to histopathological and clinical data. CpG sites whose state of methylation correlated with lesion grade were assessed (Spearman correlation), and a weighted methylation score was calculated comparing normal to CIN3. Validation of the top selected genes was performed in an independent cohort (100 normal, 50 CIN1, 50 CIN2, 50 CIN3 and 8 cervical cancers) of new patients, referred for colposcopic examination at three hospitals, using targeted DNA methylation Illumina amplicon sequencing. The relationship between a combined weighted marker score and progression from normal through precancerous lesions and cervical cancer was compared using one‐way ANOVA. Our analyses revealed 7,715 CpGs whose methylation level correlated with progression (from normal to CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3), with a significant trend of increased methylation with lesion grade. We shortlisted a bigenic (hyaluronan synthase 1, HAS1 and ATPase phospholipid transporting 10A, ATP10A corresponding to cg03419058 and cg13944175 sites) marker set; r = 0.55, p < 0.0001. Validation of the four most discriminating genes (CA10, DPP10, FMN2 and HAS1) showed a significant correlation between methylation levels and disease progression (p‐value < 2.2 × 10−16, adjusted R2 = 0.952). Translational research of the identified genes to future clinical applications is warranted.
Enhanced locomotor performance on familiar surfaces is uncoupled from morphological plasticity in Anolis lizards
Authors: Feiner Nathalie , Munch Kirke L. , Jackson Illiam S. C. , Uller Tobias
Published: January 2020

The radiation of Anolis lizards in the Caribbean is associated with a diversification of the functional match between morphology, habitat use, and locomotor performance. It has been hypothesized that the microhabitat a lizard is reared in can achieve a similar fit of form and function within a species. This predicts that plasticity in the locomotor apparatus is accompanied by changes in perching behavior or improved locomotor performance. To test this, we raised juveniles of two species (Anolis sagrei and Anolis carolinensis) on either broad or narrow surfaces and examined perching behavior and locomotor performance as well as the shape of the pectoral and pelvic girdles, limb length, and thickness of the long bones. Perching behavior was not affected by the habitat surface experienced during ontogeny. However, individuals raised on broad surfaces showed better locomotor performance on broad surfaces, and the magnitude of the effect was as large as the difference between the two species. Both species showed modifications of pectoral and pelvic shape, but only A. carolinensis developed longer limbs on broad surfaces. However, these morphological adjustments induced by physical activity did not explain why lizards raised on broad surfaces performed better. Thus, it appears that early‐life experiences can affect both the morphology of the locomotor apparatus and locomotor performance in Anolis lizards, without the two being functionally connected.
Comprehensive formulae for effective length of multiple grounding electrodes considering different aspects of soils: Simplified multiconductor transmission line‐intelligent water drop approach
Authors: Sajjadi Seyyed S. , Aghajani Vahid , Ostadzadeh Saeed R.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, an approximate modeling approach called simplified multiconductor transmission line model (simplified MTL) is proposed for transient analyses of multiple grounding electrodes. Since this approach is in the frequency domain, the effect of soil dispersion (frequency variation of soil electrical parameters) is easily incorporated. In addition, the soil ionization effect is treated as gradually increasing radius of the electrode. With the use of this approach, predicting formulae for effective length of multiple grounding electrodes considering both ionization and dispersion are proposed for the first time. Finally, combining the extracted formulae with the apparent resistivity in two‐layer soils, effective length in such soils is easily predicted.
Rapid redesign of multiband antennas with respect to operating conditions and material parameters of substrate
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: January 2020

This work addresses geometry parameter scaling of multiband antennas for Internet of Things applications. The presented approach is comprehensive and permits redesign of the structure with respect to both the operating frequencies and material parameters of the dielectric substrate. A two‐step procedure is developed with the initial design obtained from an inverse surrogate model constructed using a set of appropriately prepared reference points and the final design identified through an iterative correction procedure. The latter is necessary in order to account for limited accuracy of the surrogate. The proposed approach is validated using a dual‐band microstrip patch antenna scaled over wide ranges of operating frequencies (1.5‐2.5 GHz for the lower band and 5.0‐6.0 GHz for the upper band), substrate thickness (0.7‐1.5 mm), and substrate permittivity (2.5‐3.5). The redesign cost corresponds to only up to three electromagnetic simulations of the antenna at hand. Reliability of the process is confirmed through experimental validation of the fabricated antenna prototypes.
Temporal and spatial variations of convection, clouds and precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau from recent satellite observations. Part II: Precipitation climatology derived from global precipitation measurement mission
Authors: Kukulies Julia , Chen Deliang , Wang Minghuai
Published: January 2020

This sequence of papers examines spatio‐temporal variations of precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) based on satellite observations. Here in Part 2, spatial patterns of seasonal and diurnal variations of precipitation have been examined based on the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) and three additional satellite products. The results show a spatial dipole pattern of two distinct seasonalities: The central TP is marked by strong July peaks and exhibits rainfall contributions of the monsoon season (May–September) of more than 70%, whereas northwestern and southern regions of the plateau exhibit significantly smaller amplitudes in the annual cycle. In some southern regions which are characterized by very high summer mean precipitation and more extreme rain rates, winter months (October–April) contribute significantly to the total annual mean precipitation. In addition, there are larger differences in seasonal curves along a west‐to‐east axis, than along a north‐to‐south axis. The spatial patterns of diurnal precipitation over the TP are more complex compared to seasonality and point to multiple components, which construct the regional differences. These show also a seasonal dependence and are characterized by a stronger afternoon to early evening peak (17:00 LST time, 11:00 UTC) and weaker nighttime peak (23:00 LST, 17:00 UTC) during the monsoon season and over the plateau compared to its surroundings. Furthermore, it was shown that convective precipitation during the monsoon season contribute only up to 30% to the total precipitation, whereas more than 70% is produced by the 90th percentile of daily rain rates. An important characteristic of summer precipitation is hence that a significant part of the extreme precipitation is non‐convective. This paper reveals new features of spatial patterns in seasonal and diurnal precipitation and highlights the importance of non‐monsoonal components for seasonal precipitation variations.
Effect of graft positioning on dissipated energy in knee osteochondral autologous transplantation—A biomechanical study
Authors: Walter Christian , Trappe Dominik , Beck Alexander , Jacob Christopher , Hofmann Ulf Krister
Published: January 2020

Focal cartilage defects can be treated by osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT). High congruence of the graft with the surrounding cartilage structure is essential for a good clinical outcome, but can not always be achieved. We recently established a method to measure dissipated energy (DE) as a friction parameter in knee joints. We now investigated how autograft harvesting and implant positioning affect the DE during knee motion. Six sheep knee joints were cyclically motioned under 400 N axial load. During the cyclic motion, the flexion angle and the respective torque were recorded and the DE was calculated. Several experimental conditions were tested: first, the DE was measured after approach had been performed (“native”). Subsequently, a cylinder was removed from the medial femur condyles and a donor cylinder was inserted from an unloaded site in four different transplant positions: even, 1 mm deeper, 1 mm higher, and flush without cartilage (defect). No significant changes in friction were observed between the native knee and an even or deep OAT positioning. We, however, found a small but significant increase in DE between the “native” and “1 mm high” formations (ΔDE compared with native = 14 mJ/cycle; P = .004 after data normalization) and a large increase in defect situation (ΔDE compared with native = 119 mJ/cycle; P = .001). Considering the long‐term therapeutic aim that is pursued when performing OAT, elevated graft positioning should clearly be avoided. From a biomechanical point of view, donor site morbidity after cylinder harvest can be neglected.
Growth differentiation factor 11 impairs titanium implant healing in the femur and leads to mandibular bone loss
Authors: Liu Weiqing , Zhou Liyan , Xue Hanxiao , Li Hanshi , Yuan Quan
Published: January 2020

Background

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a secreted member of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily, has recently been suggested as an anti‐aging factor that declines with age in the bloodstream, and restoration of the youthful level by administration of its recombinant protein could reverse age‐related dysfunctions. However, its effects on titanium implant osseointegration and mandibular bone during aging remain unknown.

Methods

Two‐month‐old and 18‐month‐old C57BL male mice were given daily intraperitoneal injections of recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) or vehicle for 6 weeks. Experimental titanium implants were inserted into femurs on the fourth week. Inhibition of GDF11 function was achieved by GDF11 antibody. Implant‐bearing femurs were subjected to histomorphometric analysis and biomechanical evaluation. Mandibles were scanned with micro‐CT and decalcified for histological measurements.

Results

In both young adult and aged mice, supraphysiologic GDF11 leads to a significantly decreased bone‐to‐implant contact ratio (BIC) and peri‐implant bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) at the histologic level and reduced resistance at the biomechanical level, indicating weakened implant fixation. Moreover, rGDF11 administration resulted in less trabecular bone volume and thinner cortical thickness in the mandible, which was further compromised in the old animals. In contrast, inhibition of GDF11 improved peri‐implant bone healing in old mice.

Conclusions

Rather than functioning as a rejuvenating factor, exogenous GDF11 negatively affects not only titanium implant healing but also mandibular bone in both young and old mice. In contrast, neutralization of endogenous GDF11 has positive effects on implant fixation in aged mice.
Learning curve for sentinel lymph node mapping in gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Kim Seongmin , Ryu Ki Jin , Min Kyung Jin , Lee Sanghoon , Jung Un Suk , Hong Jin Hwa , Song Jae Yun , Lee Jae Kwan , Lee Nak Woo
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Only a few studies have reported the learning curve for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in gynecologic malignancies. We investigated the learning curve for SLN detection during robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery for endometrial and cervical carcinomas.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included patients with stage IA to IIA1 cervical cancer or stage I to III endometrial cancer who underwent SLN mapping using indocyanine green during robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery performed by a single surgeon. Learning curves were analyzed in consecutive cases using SLN detection rates and the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method.

Results

SLN mapping was achieved in 81.25% (65/80), 77.50% (62/80), and 66.25% (53/80) of the cases involving the right, left, and simultaneous bilateral pelvic areas, respectively. Learning curve analysis based on the cumulative detection rate showed initial fluctuations followed by stabilization; the time required for proficiency was discordant among the LN regions. However, the CUSUM method showed proficient mapping of the right, left, and bilateral SLNs after 27 to 28 cases.

Conclusion

At least 27 cases were required for SLN mapping proficiency in gynecologic cancer; the learning period could influence the surgical quality. Further studies are warranted to confirm the impact of this learning curve on disease outcomes.
Kinetics of chemical absorption of carbon dioxide into aqueous calcium acetate solution
Authors: Uysal Ziraman Duygu , Doğan Özkan Murat , Uysal Bekir Zühtü
Published: January 2020

Increasing energy demand in the world leads to more electricity generation mainly at fossil fuel power plants. Greenhouse gases are thus produced and mostly emitted to the atmosphere directly, resulting in global warming and climate change. Carbon dioxide is believed to be a main pollutant among greenhouse gases responsible from global warming. Conventional systems using mostly amine solutions to capture carbon dioxide at the source have some disadvantages, and alternatives are constantly being searched. In this work, a benign system of aqueous calcium acetate solution was investigated for this purpose. Calcium acetate is easy to produce, relatively cheap, environmentally friendly, nonhazardous, and noncorrosive. These properties make it a great alternative for use in capturing carbon dioxide. This absorption process is accompanied by chemical reaction. Therefore, the reaction kinetics needs to be investigated before its use in absorbers. A stirred cell reactor was used in the experiments using aqueous calcium acetate solution of different concentrations (2‐20% w/w) and different carbon dioxide concentrations in gas mixtures (4.5‐100% v/v dry carbon dioxide) at temperatures ranging from 286 to 352 K. The Gibbs free energy change for the overall reaction between carbon dioxide and aqueous calcium acetate solution was found to be –2.75 kJ/mol that shows the reaction is exergonic and occurs spontaneously. It was also found out that the reaction is pseudo–first order with respect to carbon dioxide which was also proven by calculating the Hatta number. Activation energy and Arrhenius (frequency) constant were also determined experimentally.
Review of Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinical Trials: Past Trends and Future Opportunities
Authors: Shetty Kunal R. , Komshian Sevan R. , Devaiah Anand , Levi Jessica R.
Published: January 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Pediatric otolaryngologic conditions are highly prevalent in the United States. Although data gathered from clinical trials drive therapeutic strategies, the trends of research in pediatric otolaryngology remain unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize recent trials in pediatric otolaryngology to better understand current directions of study and to identify opportunities for future research.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of United States pediatric clinical trials in otolaryngology between 2001 and 2017 was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov. Criteria for inclusion included otolaryngologic trials with at least one trial arm of participants <18 years of age, interventional design that was closed, and conducted in the United States. We assessed the information available to us on ClinicalTrials.gov to identify recent trends in pediatric otolaryngology interventional research. We used PubMed to examine publication rates and National Institutes of Health RePORTER to characterize funding patterns for these trials.

Results

Of the 122 trials analyzed, 25% investigated treatments for rhinitis, 25% for acute otitis media, and 50% for all other conditions. Drug studies comprised 72% of all trials. Overall, 65% had their results published in a peer‐reviewed journal. Industry funding accounted for 73% of financial support.

Conclusions

Continued focus on the development of pediatric otolaryngologic clinical trials allows an opportunity to better represent the wide spectrum of disease and therapy in the specialty. Increasing the rates of results publication and federal funding may spearhead a more balanced landscape of clinical trials and further advance the care of children with otolaryngologic disease.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:2719–2724, 2020
Design Principle of Reactive Components for Dimethacrylate‐Terminated Quantum Dots: Preserved Photoluminescent Quantum Yield, Excellent Pattern Uniformity, and Suppression of Aggregation in the Matrix
Authors: Lee Seonwoo
Published: January 2020

With the advent of various quantum dot (QD)‐based application technologies, the demand for low‐cost, eco‐friendly, high‐performance nanocomposites (e.g., QD photoresist) is rapidly increasing. However, the aggregation phenomenon due to incompatibility between QDs and components is still a limitation in industrial use. Herein, the principle of selecting reactive components that inhibit aggregation and preserve photoluminescent properties is presented. For model QDs (bis[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate/1‐dodecanethiol [BMEP/DDT] capped QDs), BMEP allows copolymerization and coadded DDT minimizes the loss of absolute quantum yield during ligand exchange. Besides, bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate (Mn: ≈1700, polyethylene oxide) suppresses aggregation in the matrix and provide high solubility in alkaline solution. More specifically, the coated thin film (1.0 µm thick) containing up to 20.0 wt% QDs exhibits not only transmittance of more than 85% at 550 nm, but also excellent pattern uniformity at high resolution.
Physical Therapy for Freezing of Gait and Gait Impairments in Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rutz Dionys G. , Benninger David H.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a major cause of falls and disability in Parkinson disease (PD). As FOG only partially improves in response to dopaminergic medication, physical therapy is an important element of its management.

Objective

To assess the evidence for the physical interventions for FOG and gait impairments and to establish recommendations for clinical practice.

Literature Survey

This review follows the guidelines for systematic reviews: the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA). Systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Databases, and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials of PT interventions for FOG in PD patients until April 2018.

Synthesis

Twenty randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed. In 12 RCTs, PT for FOG was assessed, which was the primary outcome measure in nine of these RCTs. In eight RCTs, PT for gait impairment (not targeting specifically FOG) in PD was assessed. The following PT interventions reduce FOG with a good category A recommendation: cueing strategies (P < .05) (visual and auditory); treadmill walking (P < .05); aquatic obstacle training (P < .01); supervised slackline training (P < .05). These interventions can be combined and maintain their efficacy when being applied concurrently: though there is a lack of long‐term follow‐up studies. The following PT interventions show possible benefit and need further investigations: balance and coordination training; aquatic gait training; sensory (tactile) cues. The treadmill training and auditory and visual cues are effective also for other gait disturbances in PD and improve gait kinematics.

Conclusions

Visual and auditory cueing and the treadmill training are effective interventions for FOG and gait impairments in PD patients (evidence level A‐ according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies). Tactile cues and other specific therapies targeting FOG are probably effective but need further studies.
Investigation of mixed micellization study of sodium dodecyl sulfate and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide mixtures at different compositions: Effect of electrolytes and temperatures
Authors: Hasan Md. Zahid , Mahbub Shamim , Hoque Md. Anamul , Rub Malik Abdul , Kumar Dileep
Published: January 2020

Herein, we employed the conductometric measurement technique for the estimation of the interaction between two oppositely charged surfactants (anionic, sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS] and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide [TTAB]) in two chloride (NaCl/NH4Cl) salts in the range of temperatures from 298.15 to 318.15 K. The deviation of experimental critical micelle concentration (cmc) from the corresponding ideal values of cmc (cmcid), the values of interaction parameters (β), and activity coefficients (f1 and f2) of the components reveal the existence of the interaction amongst the investigated components. The attained cmc values for SDS/SDS + TTAB decline with the rise of temperature in H2O/electrolytes medium. The reduction of cmc in the presence of electrolytes reveals the facilitated micellization in the electrolyte medium. The assessed values of the micellar mole fraction of TTAB (X1) obtained from theoretical models signify the significant contribution of TTAB in SDS + TTAB mixed micellization. The estimated negative values of free energy (
) and excess free energy (ΔGex) of micellization reveal that micellization is spontaneous and mixed micelles are extra stable than distinct micelle, respectively. The enthalpy (
) and entropy (
) in addition transfer energies of micellization were also evaluated and explained thoroughly.
Hexamethylphosphanetriamine‐mediated aziridination of imines with alpha‐ketoesters: A molecular electron density theory study
Authors: Amiri Arash , Emamian Saeedreza , Hosseini Seyed Javad , Ali‐Asgari Safa
Published: January 2020

The highly trans‐stereoselective reaction of oxyphosphonium enolate (OPE) with N‐benzylidene‐4‐methoxybenzenesulfonamide (N‐BMS) in toluene, at room temperature leading to trans‐aziridine‐2‐carboxylate (trans‐Az 3), was theoretically studied using molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) computational level to shed light on the energy transformation, selectivities, and mechanistic aspects. This domino process is initialized by adding of N,N,N′,N′,N″,N″‐hexamethylphosphanetriamine (HMPT) to methyl benzoylformate to generate OPE. Subsequently, nucleophilic addition of OPE to the C–N double bond in N‐BMS leads to the intermediate IN‐Ta. Finally, trans‐Az 3 is formed through a 3‐exo‐tet ring closure step as a result of the nucleophilic attack of the negatively charged nitrogen atom on the carbon atom bearing –OP (NMe2)3 in IN‐Ta. Analysis of the relative Gibbs free energies shows that the ring closure step is the rate‐determining step. By an investigation of the conceptual density functional theory reactivity indices, OPE and N‐BMS are classified as a strong nucleophilic and as a strong electrophilic species, respectively, which indicates that the additional step of OPE to N‐BMS should display a high‐polar character. An analysis of the calculated electrophilic and nucleophilic Parr functions at the reactive sites of reagents clarifies the regioselectivity observed experimentally along the C1–C2 bond formation process.
Whispering Gallery Mode Optical Microresonators: Structures and Sensing Applications
Authors: Cai Lu , Pan Junyao , Zhao Yong , Wang Jin , Xiao Shiyuan
Published: January 2020

Whispering gallery mode resonators (WGMRs) have achieved significant results due to their unique properties such as extremely small mode volume, ultra‐high quality (Q) factor, fast dynamic response, and ultra‐high sensitivity. WGM is commonly used in theoretical physics research, nonlinear optics, optoelectronic devices, and the preparation of high‐sensitivity sensors. This article briefly introduces the basic characteristics and sensing principle of WGM, the manufacturing method of WGMRs, and the sensing applications of microresonators in the fields of physics, chemistry, and biology. The detection limits of physical parameters and the detection sensitivity of biomolecules in recent decades are summarized. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of different structures and the development trend of WGMRs applications are discussed.
Adverse drug events in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: January 2020

Elderly patients are highly susceptible to adverse drug events as a result of factors such as altered pharmacodynamic effect, slower pharmacokinetic disposition, and increased use of medications for managing concurrent diseases. Many of these drug events result in visits to the hospital emergency department (ED).
Direct construction of globally D‐optimal designs for factors at two levels and main effects models
Authors: King Caleb , Jones Bradley , Morgan Joseph , Lekivetz Ryan
Published: January 2020

In developing screening experiments for two‐level factors, practitioners typically are familiar with regular fractional factorial designs, which are orthogonal, globally D‐optimal (ie, 100% D‐efficient), and exist if
is a power of two. In addition, nonregular D‐optimal orthogonal designs can be generated for almost any
a multiple of four, the most notable being the family of Plackett and Burman1 designs. If resource constraints dictate that
is not a multiple of four, while an orthogonal design for two‐level factors does not exist, one can still consider a D‐optimal design. Exchange algorithms are available in commercial computer software for creating highly D‐efficient designs. However, as the number of factors increases, computer searches eventually fail to find the globally optimal design for any
or require impractical search times. In this article, we compile state‐of‐the‐art direct construction methods from the literature for producing globally D‐optimal designs for virtually any number of two‐level factors as well as any
greater than the number of factors. We summarize the known methods as well as areas for continued research, with the intention of catalyzing research in extending these construction methods.
Confidence limits for compliance testing using mixed acceptance criteria
Authors: Edirisinghe Pasan M. , Mathew Thomas , Peiris T. S. G.
Published: January 2020

For manufactured items sold by weight or volume, this article considers mixed acceptance criteria that put limits on the sample mean or on an upper confidence limit based on the sample mean and on the number of individual sample units that are nonconforming. For a normally distributed quality characteristic of interest, this article develops lower confidence limits for the mixed acceptance criteria applying the concept of a generalized pivotal quantity and applying a bias‐corrected and accelerated parametric bootstrap. The accuracy of the confidence limits is assessed using estimated coverage probabilities, and the results are illustrated with an example.
Comparative evaluation of the liquid chromatographic methods for simultaneous analysis of quercetin and salicin in an anti‐psoriasis polyherbal formulation
Authors: Qadir Abdul , Aqil Mohd , Ali Athar , Ahmad Farhan J. , Ahmad Sayeed , Beg Sarwar , Khan Nausheen
Published: January 2020

Smilax china L. and Salix alba are the medicinal plants of interest due to the presence of various therapeutic activities of these plants such as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, anti‐psoriatic and digestive properties. Smilax china and Salix alba consists of bioactive marker Quercetin and Salicin, respectively. In the present study, a simple, rapid, reliable and accessible high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method has been established for simultaneous quantification of quercetin and salicin. High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography fingerprinting was carried out on pre‐coated Silica G60 F254 plates with toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (3.5:6.0:1.0 v/v/v) as mobile phase. The developed plates were scanned and quantified at two different λmax 380 and 275 nm. The drug samples were satisfactorily resolved with Rf 0.61 ± 0.02 for quercetin and 0.07 ± 0.03 for salicin. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, and specificity. The limits of detection and quantification for quercetin and salicin were 2.0 and 6.00 µg per band and 6.00 and 30.0 µg per band respectively. The developed high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method can be implemented for the concurrent estimation of quercetin and salicin for routine quality control of herbal drugs containing these phytoconstituents.
Performance mutation testing
Authors: Delgado‐Pérez Pedro , Sánchez Ana Belén , Segura Sergio , Medina‐Bulo Inmaculada
Published: January 2020

Performance bugs are known to be a major threat to the success of software products. Performance tests aim to detect performance bugs by executing the program through test cases and checking whether it exhibits a noticeable performance degradation. The principles of mutation testing, a well‐established testing technique for the assessment of test suites through the injection of artificial faults, could be exploited to evaluate and improve the detection power of performance tests. However, the application of mutation testing to assess performance tests, henceforth called performance mutation testing (PMT), is a novel research topic with numerous open challenges. In previous papers, we identified some key challenges related to PMT. In this work, we go a step further and explore the feasibility of applying PMT at the source‐code level in general‐purpose languages. To do so, we revisit concepts associated with classical mutation testing and design seven novel mutation operators to model known bug‐inducing patterns. As a proof of concept, we applied traditional mutation operators as well as performance mutation operators to open‐source C++ programs. The results reveal the potential of the new performance‐mutants to help assess and enhance performance tests when compared with traditional mutants. A review of live mutants in these programs suggests that they can induce the design of special test inputs. In addition to these promising results, our work brings a whole new set of challenges related to PMT, which will hopefully serve as a starting point for new contributions in the area.
Triple La Sota re‐vaccinations can protect laying chickens for 3 months against drop in egg production caused by velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease virus infection
Authors: Okechukwu Harriet N. , Chukwuedo Anthony A. , Eze Didacus C. , Igwe Amarachukwu O. , Ihedioha John I. , Okoye John O. A.
Published: January 2020

One hundred and ten Isa Brown layers were vaccinated with La Sota, once at point of lay at 18 weeks and three times at peak of lay which occurred at 27–29 weeks of age. Thereafter, they were weekly monitored for haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody decline. The first batch A of the layers were challenged with velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease (vvND) virus (vvNDV) on day 24 post‐vaccination (PV), when the geometric mean titre (GMT) was 84.4, batch B were challenged on day 48 PV at GMT of 42.2, while batch C were challenged on day 97 PV at GMT of 21.1. The individual chicken HI antibody titres of the 10 layers in batch C at the day of challenge were: 7 layers had HI titres of 16, 2 layers had HI titres of 32 and 1 layer had HI titres of 64. Each challenge in the three batches produced no clinical signs including drop in egg production. But there was initial swelling of the spleen followed by atrophy with high antibody responses. The virus was recovered in all the cloacal swabs on days 3–9 post‐challenge (PC) at low titres. On days 145 PV and 48, post‐Batch C challenge the remaining hyperimmunized unchallenged layers demonstrated a drop in total % egg production (p < .05) and changes in egg quality. The HI GMT was 256. The virus was recovered in all the cloacal swabs on days 3–9 following appearance of clinical signs. There was no mortality in the experiment. Based on the above observations, it is concluded that triple La Sota re‐vaccination can protect layers against a drop in egg production in areas where vvNDV infection is enzootic.
Stringy CFT duals with $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (2, 2) supersymmetry
Authors: Gaberdiel Matthias R. , Mann Jeremy A.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

It was recently shown that string theory on AdS3
× S3
×

$$ \mathbbm{T} $$

T

4 with minimal NS-NS flux (k = 1) is exactly dual to the symmetric orbifold of

$$ \mathbbm{T} $$

T

4. Here we show that a similar statement also holds for the D

n
orbifolds of these backgrounds that have

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= (2, 2) supersymmetry. In this case the CFT dual is the symmetric orbifold of

$$ \mathbbm{T} $$

T

4
/D

n
.
Conformal field theory and the web of quantum chaos diagnostics
Authors: Kudler-Flam Jonah , Nie Laimei , Ryu Shinsei
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study three prominent diagnostics of chaos and scrambling in the context of two-dimensional conformal field theory: the spectral form factor, out-of-time-ordered correlators, and unitary operator entanglement. With the observation that all three quantities may be obtained by different analytic continuations of the torus partition function, we address the connections and distinctions between the information that each quantity provides us. In this process, we study the emergence of irrationality from “large-N” limits of rational conformal field theories (RCFTs) as well as the explicit breakdown of rationality for theories with central charges greater than the number of their conserved currents. Our analysis begins to elucidate the intermediate dynamical behavior of theories that bridge the gap between integrable RCFTs and maximally chaotic holographic CFTs.
Indeterminacy of Cournot–Walras equilibrium with incomplete markets
Authors: Zierhut Michael
Published: January 2020

This paper studies a sole proprietorship economy with imperfect competition in a transferable utility setting. While consumers behave as price takers, producers issue real assets strategically to maximize their own utility. Even when complete markets are technologically feasible, equilibria with incomplete markets are robust, and they appear in large numbers: There is a continuum of equilibria with different asset spans that can be welfare-ranked. This real indeterminacy does not vanish as the number of producers goes to infinity. Therefore, the self-interest of producers restricts economic outcomes but does not determine them.