bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forced convective heat transfer between assemblages of spherical particles and power‐law non‐Newtonian liquids with velocity slip at the interface
Authors: Ramteke Rahul Ramdas , Kishore Nanda
Published: July 2019

Heat transfer from spheres can be influenced by a varying degree of slip at the fluid‐particle interface along with the rheology of the surrounding continuous liquid and adjacent spheres. Thus in this study, the effects of dimensionless velocity slip parameter (λ) along with power‐law fluid rheology and other pertinent kinematic flow and heat transfer parameters on isotherm contours, local and average Nusselt numbers of assemblages of spherical slip particles are presented. This is done by adopting a segregated approach where dimensionless momentum and energy equations are solved by SMAC algorithm formulated in spherical coordinates within the finite difference formulation. Before obtaining new results, grid independence studies for either extreme values of power‐law consistency index of non‐Newtonian fluids are carried out. Finally, the major contribution of this study is the development of a correlative equation for the average Nusselt number of assemblages of spherical slip particles in power‐law fluids based on the present results (5880 data points) as a function of pertinent dimensionless parameters.
Is abortion justified to save the life or health of a woman? Evidence of public opinion from Accra, Ghana
Authors: Rominski Sarah D. , Bell April J. , Yawson Alfred E. , Nakua Emmanuel K. , Moyer Cheryl A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

In this study, we sought to determine to what extent the abortion law in Ghana is reflective of public opinion.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional, community‐based survey, individuals in two fishing communities in Accra were interviewed about their beliefs on abortion between May and July 2016, and sociodemographic, attitudinal, and experience data were collected. Factors associated with the outcome variable (abortion is justified to save the life/health of the woman: Yes/No) were entered into a multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 508 participants completed the survey. Thirty‐nine percent (n=198) of the sample agreed that abortion was justified to save the life/health of the woman, with no significant differences in this finding when controlling for understanding of the law, gender, marital status, or personal experience of abortion in multivariate analysis. Higher education (odds ratio [OR] 1.64 [P<0.001]) and older age (OR 1.28 [P<0.001]) are positively associated with abortion being justified to save life/health, while those who have had an experience of unwanted sex are less likely to believe that (OR 0.60 [P=0.029]).

Conclusion

The participants held conservative views about the justification of abortion to save a woman's life and/or health. Improving access to safe abortion services will require acknowledgment of the broader social and cultural context that may make accessing such services difficult.
Endogenous censoring in the mixed proportional hazard model with an application to optimal unemployment insurance
Authors: Szydłowski Arkadiusz
Published: July 2019

We examine the sensitivity of estimates of the MPH model with respect to assumptions on the censoring mechanism in the context of an economic model of optimal unemployment insurance. We assume a parametric model for the duration of interest and leave the distribution of censoring unrestricted, allowing it to be correlated with observed and unobserved characteristics. We provide a practical characterization of the identified set with moment inequalities and suggest methods for estimating this set. We apply this approach to estimate the elasticity of unemployment exit rate with respect to unemployment benefit. Finally, we investigate welfare consequences of our estimates.
The within‐ and between‐laboratory reproducibility and predictive capacity of the in chemico amino acid derivative reactivity assay: Results of validation study implemented in four participating laboratories
Authors: Fujita Masaharu , Yamamoto Yusuke , Watanabe Shinichi , Sugawara Tsunetsugu , Wakabayashi Koji , Tahara Yu , Horie Nobuyuki , Fujimoto Keiichi , Kusakari Kei , Kurokawa Yoshihiko , Kawakami Tsuyoshi , Kojima Kohichi , Sozu Takashi , Nakayama Takuto , Kusao Takeru , Richmond Jon , Nicole Kleinstreuer , Kim Bae‐Hwa , Kojima Hajime , Kasahara Toshihiko , Ono Atsushi
Published: July 2019

The amino acid derivative reactivity assay (ADRA) is an in chemico alternative method that focuses on protein binding as the molecular initiating event for skin sensitization. It is a simple and versatile method that has successfully solved some of the problems of the direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA). The transferability and within‐ and between‐laboratory reproducibility of ADRA were evaluated and confirmed as part of a validation study conducted at four participating laboratories. The transfer of ADRA technology from the lead laboratory to the four participating laboratories was completed successfully during a two‐step training program, after which the skin sensitization potentials of 40 coded chemicals were predicted based on the results of ADRA testing. Within‐laboratories reproducibility was 100% (10 of 10), 100% (10 of 10), 100% (7 of 7) and 90% (9 of 10), or an average of 97.3% (36 of 37); between‐laboratory reproducibility as calculated on the results of three laboratories at the time was 91.9%. The overall predictive capacity comprised an accuracy of 86.9%, sensitivity of 81.5% and specificity of 98.1%. These results satisfied the targets set by the validation management team for demonstrating transferability, within‐ and between‐laboratory reproducibility, and predictive capacity as well as gave a clear indication that ADRA is easily transferable and sufficiently robust to be used in place of DPRA.
Substitution between accruals‐based and real activities earnings management of listed Thai firms
Authors: Khunkaew Rojana , Qingxiang Yang
Published: July 2019

This article examines the association between accruals earnings management (AEM) and real activities earnings management (REM) based on 1,471 Thai firm observations during 2014–2017. The study follows a modified Jones model and Roychowdhury model to measure AEM and REM and extends the control variables by adding the factors of top management team characteristics. For the investigation, the study performs simultaneous equations and uses both ordinary least‐squares and two‐state least‐square methods to test the regression model. The results demonstrate the negative relationship between AEM and REM which implies that the Thai firms listed use AEM and REM as the substitution method, and the results based on industry groups support the main findings of this study by presenting the negative association between AEM and REM as a different level.
Prenatal and preconception genetic counseling for consanguinity: Consanguineous couples' expectations, experiences, and perspectives
Authors: Thain Emily , Shuman Cheryl , Miller Kristen , Sappleton Karen , Myles‐Reid Diane , Chitayat David , Gibbons Clare
Published: July 2019

Consanguinity, the union between two individuals who are related as second cousins or closer, is a long‐standing and respected tradition in many communities. Although there are social and economic benefits of consanguineous unions, offspring are at increased risk of having an inherited genetic condition or congenital anomaly. Genetic counseling services for consanguinity are available to couples at many centers. However, little is known about patient expectations of and experiences with genetic counseling for this indication, or their perspectives on genetic screening relevant to family planning, such as expanded carrier screening (ECS). This exploratory qualitative study involved interviews with 13 individuals who had recently received preconception or prenatal genetic counseling for consanguinity at a single center. We sought to gain insight into their expectations for the genetic counseling session, experiences discussing family history and reproductive risks with the genetic counselor, and views on ECS. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an interpretive descriptive approach. Data analysis revealed three main themes: (a) anticipation balances apprehension before the appointment; (b) genetic counseling reduces anxiety and empowers; and (c) the need for wider information dissemination about consanguinity‐related risks and genetic services. Our findings support the personal utility of genetic counseling for consanguinity and demonstrate the need for increased visibility and access to genetics information, counseling, and testing relevant to this patient population.
Equanimity: The somatization of a moral sentiment from the eighteenth to late twentieth century
Authors: Mckay Francis
Published: July 2019

Over the past 40 years, mindfulness‐based therapies (MBTs) have gained a reputation among the biomedical community for their ability to contribute to health, mental capital, and human flourishing. Recently, however, critical mindfulness scholars have questioned the moral import of MBTs, claiming that, in modernizing meditation, they strip Buddhist practices of their ethical and soteriological content. Inspired by Harrington and Dunne's (2015, p. 630) recent call to historicize this present discontent, I offer an account for this perceived “de‐ethicization” of mindfulness, locating it in a long history of changes in the ontological infrastructures supporting moral reasoning from the eighteenth century onwards. Through the example of equanimity—a virtue that has been a part of Western and Eastern character ethics and theories of flourishing from the ancient period to the modern age—I show how, from the eighteenth century, research in the natural sciences on nervous diseases, stress, and relaxation, provided a frame for rethinking moral equanimity as a somatic experience of physiological calm. This transformation reaches its peak in the late twentieth century in research on mindfulness, which builds upon that tradition by folding into its ambit Eastern conceptions of equanimity as well. Insofar as modern MBTs continue to somatize moral virtues, I argue that they raise questions about the degree to which they are conducive to human flourishing and well‐being, as opposed to the related but narrower notions of health and mental capital.
A Facile One‐pot Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Interesting Pyrazole and Pyrimidinthione via Heterocyclic Interconversion
Authors: Rizk Sameh A. , Shaban Safa
Published: July 2019

Design and synthesis of new pyrazole, pyrimidinthione, and triazepinthione derivatives via heterocyclic ring opening of azacoumarin were promoted with grinding and ultrasonic reaction conditions. Efficient solventless one‐pot synthesis can be well progressed to afford the good yield of new heterocyclic products that were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, MS, and microanalytical data. Anticancer evaluation for the synthesized compounds exhibited moderate to good cytotoxicity such as pyrazole derivatives 5, 9, and 14 that displayed best cytotoxic activities with IC50 8.16 ± 1.1, 7.02 ± 0.6, and 5.12 ± 0.41 μg/mL and 9.28 ± 0.7, 6.45 ± 0.9, and 5.85 ± 0.26 μg/mL for MCF‐7 and WI cells, respectively. Pyrimidine derivatives 6, 11, and 15 exhibited strong cytotoxicity with IC50 8.9 ± 0.62, 7.16 ± 0.5, and 7.72 ± 0.41 μg/mL against MCF‐7.
JAK inhibition by methotrexate (and csDMARDs) may explain clinical efficacy as monotherapy and combination therapy
Authors: Gremese Elisa , Alivernini Stefano , Tolusso Barbara , Zeidler Martin P , Ferraccioli Gianfranco
Published: July 2019

Methotrexate (MTX) is recognized as the anchor drug in the algorithm treating chronic arthritis (RA, psoriatic arthritis), as well as a steroid sparing agent in other inflammatory conditions (polymyalgia rheumatica, vasculitis, scleroderma). Its main mechanism of action has been related to the increase in extracellular adenosine, which leads to the effects of A2A receptor in M1 macrophages that dampens TNFα and IL12 production and increases IL1Ra and TNFRp75. By acting on A2B receptor on M2 macrophages it enhances IL10 synthesis and inhibits NF-kB signaling. MTX has also been shown to exert JAK inhibition of JAK2 and JAK1 when tested in Drosophila melanogaster as a model of kinase activity and in human cell lines (nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia cell lines). These effects may explain why MTX leads to clinical effects similar to anti-TNFα biologics in monotherapy, but is less effective when compared to anti-IL6R in monotherapy, which acting upstream exerts major effects downstream on the JAK1-STAT3 pathway. The MTX effects on JAK1/JAK2 inhibition also allows to understand why the combination of MTX with Leflunomide, or JAK1/JAK3 inhibitor leads to better clinical outcomes than monotherapy, while the combination with JAK1/JAK2 or JAK1 specific inhibitors does not seem to exert additive clinical benefit.
Clinical course in a patient with myopathic VLCAD deficiency during pregnancy with an affected baby
Authors: Yamada Kenji , Matsubara Keiichi , Matsubara Yuko , Watanabe Asami , Kawakami Sanae , Ochi Fumihiro , Kuwabara Kozue , Mushimoto Yuichi , Kobayashi Hironori , Hasegawa Yuki , Fukuda Seiji , Yamaguchi Seiji , Taketani Takeshi
Published: July 2019

Very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is an autosomal recessive mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation disorder that manifests in three clinical forms: (a) severe, (b) milder, and (c) myopathic. Patients with the myopathic form present intermittent muscular symptoms such as myalgia, muscle weakness, and rhabdomyolysis during adolescence or adulthood. Here, the clinical symptoms and serum creatine kinase (CK) levels of a pregnant 31‐year‐old woman with the myopathic form of VLCAD deficiency were reduced during pregnancy. Clinical symptoms rarely appeared during pregnancy, although she had sometimes suffered from muscular symptoms before pregnancy. When ritodrine was administered for threatened premature labor at 35 weeks of gestation, her CK level was elevated to over 3900 IU/L. She delivered a full‐term baby via cesarean section but suffered from muscle weakness with elevated CK levels soon after delivery. It has been reported that an unaffected placenta and fetus can improve maternal β‐oxidation during pregnancy. However, in our case, the baby was also affected by VLCAD deficiency. These suggest that the clinical symptoms of a woman with VLCAD deficiency might be reduced during pregnancy even if the fetus is affected with VLCAD deficiency.
Extent, impact, and predictors of diagnostic delay in Pompe disease: A combined survey approach to unveil the diagnostic odyssey
Authors: Lagler Florian B. , Moder Angelika , Rohrbach Marianne , Hennermann Julia , Mengel Eugen , Gökce Seyfullah , Hundsberger Thomas , Rösler Kai M. , Karabul Nesrin , Huemer Martina
Published: July 2019

Background

Early diagnosis is of substantial benefit for patients with Pompe disease. Yet underdiagnosing and substantial diagnostic delay are still frequent and the determinants of this are unknown. This study is the first to systematically investigate the diagnostic odyssey in Pompe disease from patients', parents', and physicians' perspectives.

Methods

Patients with infantile or late onset Pompe disease, their parents as well as their metabolic experts were invited to fill in respective surveys. The survey addressed perceived disease symptoms at onset and during the course of the disease, specialties of involved physicians, activities of patient‐initiated search for diagnosis and the perceived impact of time to diagnosis on outcome. Results of experts' and patients'/parents' surveys were compared and expressed by descriptive statistics.

Results and Discussion

We collected data on 15 males and 17 females including 9 infantile and 23 late onset Pompe patients. All received the correct diagnosis at a metabolic or musculoskeletal expert center. Patients with direct referral to the expert center had the lowest diagnostic delay, while patients who were seen by several physicians, received the correct diagnosis after 44%‐200% longer delay. The proportion of direct referral varied strongly between pediatricians (57%) and other disciplines (18%‐36%).

Conclusion

Our study highlights a substantially larger diagnostic delay in Pompe patients that are not directly referred to expert centers for diagnostic work. Our findings may be used to develop more successful strategies for early diagnosis.

Synopsis

Diagnostic delay in Pompe disease is substantial particularly in patients that are not directly referred to expert centers for diagnostic workup, so facilitating direct referral may be a new strategy for early diagnosis.
A new internal structure of nauplius larvae: A “ghostly” support sling for cypris y left within the exuviae of nauplius y after metamorphosis (Crustacea: Thecostraca: Facetotecta)
Authors: Grygier Mark J. , Høeg Jens T. , Dreyer Niklas , Olesen Jørgen
Published: July 2019

Facetotecta, or crustacean “y‐larvae,” occur in all the world's oceans although the adult forms remain completely unknown. At the metamorphic molt from the last naupliar instar to the terminal cypris larval stage a free carapace, six pairs of natatory thoracopods, and a segmented thorax and abdomen all develop anew. Unlike in earlier molts, the cephalic shield and the so‐called “faciotruncal integument” usually remain together at this last naupliar molt, and the posterior “trunk” portion of the exuviae, while hollow, is not empty. In mounted preparations examined by phase contrast or differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, a ghost‐like image of part of the cypris thorax, particularly the thoracopods and even their setae, is commonly visible inside the naupliar exuviae, and may be universally present in the Facetotecta. To investigate this “ghost,” we used DIC and digital photographic stacking, and also scanning electron microscopy, on slide or stub‐mounted final naupliar exuviae of an assortment of undescribed species of Facetotecta that had been reared from planktonic lecithotropic nauplii to the cypris stage at Sesoko Island, Okinawa, Japan, and at Keelung and Green Island, Taiwan. These techniques showed that the “ghost” is a delicate, three‐dimensional, fibrous structure, essentially a sling‐like mold or matrix with struts attached to the outer cuticle and pairs of deep pockets that previously held the thoracopods of the developing cypris y. Whether it is endoskeletal in nature, the (partial) exuvia of an additional instar, remnants of apoptosis, or something else is currently unknown. Nothing similar has been reported in other thecostracans, or in other crustaceans that undergo a similarly abrupt metamorphosis at the last naupliar molt.
Utility of deep learning super‐resolution in the context of osteoarthritis MRI biomarkers
Authors: Chaudhari Akshay S. , Stevens Kathryn J. , Wood Jeff P. , Chakraborty Amit K. , Gibbons Eric K. , Fang Zhongnan , Desai Arjun D. , Lee Jin Hyung , Gold Garry E. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Super‐resolution is an emerging method for enhancing MRI resolution; however, its impact on image quality is still unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate MRI super‐resolution using quantitative and qualitative metrics of cartilage morphometry, osteophyte detection, and global image blurring.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 176 MRI studies of subjects at varying stages of osteoarthritis.

Field Strength/Sequence

Original‐resolution 3D double‐echo steady‐state (DESS) and DESS with 3× thicker slices retrospectively enhanced using super‐resolution and tricubic interpolation (TCI) at 3T.

Assessment

A quantitative comparison of femoral cartilage morphometry was performed for the original‐resolution DESS, the super‐resolution, and the TCI scans in 17 subjects. A reader study by three musculoskeletal radiologists assessed cartilage image quality, overall image sharpness, and osteophytes incidence in all three sets of scans. A referenceless blurring metric evaluated blurring in all three image dimensions for the three sets of scans.

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney U‐tests compared Dice coefficients (DC) of segmentation accuracy for the DESS, super‐resolution, and TCI images, along with the image quality readings and blurring metrics. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with 95% confidence intervals compared osteophyte detection for the super‐resolution and TCI images, with the original‐resolution as a reference.

Results

DC for the original‐resolution (90.2 ± 1.7%) and super‐resolution (89.6 ± 2.0%) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than TCI (86.3 ± 5.6%). Segmentation overlap of super‐resolution with the original‐resolution (DC = 97.6 ± 0.7%) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than TCI overlap (DC = 95.0 ± 1.1%). Cartilage image quality for sharpness and contrast levels, and the through‐plane quantitative blur factor for super‐resolution images, was significantly (P < 0.001) better than TCI. Super‐resolution osteophyte detection sensitivity of 80% (76–82%), specificity of 93% (92–94%), and DOR of 32 (22–46) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than TCI sensitivity of 73% (69–76%), specificity of 90% (89–91%), and DOR of 17 (13–22).

Data Conclusion

Super‐resolution appears to consistently outperform naïve interpolation and may improve image quality without biasing quantitative biomarkers.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:768–779.
Disaster risk, risk management, and tourism competitiveness: A cross‐nation analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Cheng Peng , OuYang Zhe
Published: July 2019

This study explored how disaster risk and risk management level affect a country‐s tourism competitiveness using a classification of two dimensions of disaster risk, namely, exposure and vulnerability. We analyze empirical data from 128 countries in 2013 and find that both exposure to natural disasters and vulnerability can reduce a country‐s ability to compete globally in the tourism and a higher risk management level can improve its competitiveness. Additionally, government effectiveness moderates the relationship between exposure, vulnerability, and entry tourism competitiveness. Greater government effectiveness cannot, however, alleviate the negative impacts of disaster risk when the risk level is high.
Are different types of interfirm linkages conducive to different types of tourism innovation?
Authors: Tang Jinwen (Jimmy) , Williams Allan M. , Makkonen Teemu , Jiang Jinbo
Published: July 2019

Few studies have researched how the linkages of tourist firms are related to the types of tourism innovation. Therefore, an organizational information processing theory perspective, a case study approach, and a focus group method were adopted in the Pearl River Delta area (China) to discover how different types of firm linkages influence tourism innovation. The findings reveal that tourist firms have four main forms of linkages and that they have differentiated impacts on innovations. Intracompany linkages are beneficial for institutional, managerial, and product innovations; both intercompany and intrasectoral linkages encourage marketing and product innovations, whereas intersectoral linkages facilitate process innovation and product innovation. These findings fill a research gap in the knowledge of firm‐based innovative linkages and explore the importance of linkages between tourism services and tourism manufacturing.
Free lunch, may contain lead: scavenging shot small mammals
Authors: Mctee Michael , Hiller Brian , Ramsey Philip
Published: July 2019

Scavengers are subsidized by the remains of hunting worldwide. Although most studies focus on carcasses of large mammals, small mammals that have been shot likely provide a significant food subsidy as well, particularly in parts of the western United States. Millions of small mammals are estimated to be shot each year for damage control and recreation, many being left in the field. Despite this prevalence of carrion, and the potential for scavengers to ingest residual lead from bullet fragments, the fate of these carcasses is largely unknown. We deployed remote cameras to observe which scavengers consumed shot ground squirrels (Urocitellus spp.) and black‐tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in 8 locations across Montana, USA. At least 5 species of mammals and 9 species of birds scavenged, including burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia). Scavengers fully consumed 66% of carcasses and partially consumed 9%. Carcasses lasted an average of 24.5 hours before the first scavenger arrived. Of carcasses that were scavenged, mammals ate 16% and birds ate 84%, with corvids and raptors consuming an equal number of carcasses. Common ravens (Corvus corax) and black‐billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) visited the most carcasses and often arrived first. Scavengers consumed only 9% of the carcasses that were partially concealed by being inside a burrow. Overall, our results indicate that a diverse scavenger community consumes shot ground squirrels and black‐tailed prairie dogs, and consequently, may be exposed to lead from bullet fragments. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Monotone iterative techniques together with Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias stability
Authors: Shah Kamal , Shah Liaqat , Ahmad Saeed , Rassias John Michael , Li Yongjin
Published: July 2019

In this article, the first purpose is treating a coupled system of nonlinear boundary value problems (BVPs) of fractional‐order differential equations (FODEs) for existence of solutions. The corresponding fractional‐order derivative is taken in Riemann‐Liouville sense. The require results for iterative solutions are obtained by using monotone iterative techniques combine with the method of upper and lower solutions. In this regard, two sequences are established for upper and lower solutions, respectively, in which one is monotonically increasing and converges to upper solution, while other one is monotonically decreasing converges to lower solution of the considered problem. The second purpose is discussing different kinds Ulam stability results for the proposed problem. Some applications of our results are also provided.
Q‐boosted switched inductor based on 1:2 transformer
Authors: Chen Zhe , Fan Kuikui , Zhai Jianfeng
Published: July 2019

In this article, the development of quality factor (Q) boosted switched inductor based on 1:2 transformer is presented. The Q‐boosted switched inductor consists of 1:2 inductor‐loaded transformer and RF switch. The eddy current in the secondary coil, equivalent inductance, and Q‐boosted factor are theoretically analyzed and derived. In the proposed topology at switch ON‐state, the eddy current in the secondary coil will decrease to 1/2, and the dissipated power due to the switch on‐resistance will decrease to 1/4, compared with conventional switched inductor with 1:1 inductor‐loaded transformer. Thus, the inductor Q will be boosted at switch ON‐state. Prototype has been designed and fabricated for the Q‐boosted and conventional switched inductors. Measured results show the peak inductor Q is greatly improved from 19.3 to 30.4 at ON‐state. The proposed Q‐boosting method is compatible with multiple planar circuit techniques, that is, PCB, low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC), monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) techniques, etc.
An n‐sided polygonal finite element for nonlocal nonlinear analysis of plates and laminates
Authors: Aurojyoti P. , Raghu P. , Rajagopal A. , Reddy J. N.
Published: July 2019

In this study, a locking‐free n‐sided C1 polygonal finite element is presented for nonlinear analysis of laminated plates. The plate kinematics is based on Reddy's third‐order shear deformation theory (TSDT). The in‐plane displacements are approximated using barycentric form of Lagrange shape functions. The weak‐form Galerkin formulation based on the kinematics of TSDT requires the C1 approximation of the transverse displacement over the polygonal element. This is achieved by embedding the C0 Lagrange interpolants over a cubic Bernstein‐Bezier patch defined over the n‐sided polygonal element. Such an approach ensures the continuity of the derivative field at the inter‐element edges. In addition, Eringen's stress‐gradient nonlocal constitutive equations are used in the present formulation to account for nonlocality. The effect of geometric nonlinearity is taken by considering the von Kármán geometric nonlinearity. Examples are presented to show the effect of nonlocality, geometric nonlinearity, and the lamination scheme on the bending behavior of laminated composite plates. The results are compared with analytical solutions, conventional FEM results, and with those available in the literature. Shear locking is addressed considering reduced integration and consistent interpolation techniques. The patch test is used to check the convergence of the element developed.
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas with PRDM10 fusions have a distinct gene expression profile
Authors: Hofvander Jakob , Puls Florian , Pillay Nischalan , Steele Christopher D , Flanagan Adrienne M , Magnusson Linda , Nilsson Jenny , Mertens Fredrik
Published: July 2019

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a highly aggressive soft tissue tumor. A subset of UPS is characterized by a CITED2–PRDM10 or a MED12–PRDM10 gene fusion. Preliminary data suggest that these so‐called PRDM10‐rearranged tumors (PRT) are clinically more indolent than classical high‐grade UPS, and hence important to recognize. Here, we assessed the spectrum of accompanying mutations and the gene expression profile in PRT using genomic arrays and sequencing of the genome (WGS) and transcriptome (RNA‐seq). The fusion protein's function was further investigated by conditional expression of the CITED2–PRDM10 fusion in a fibroblast cell line, followed by RNA‐seq and an assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin (ATAC‐seq). The CADM3 gene was found to be differentially up‐regulated in PRT and cell lines and was also evaluated for expression at the protein level using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The genomic analyses identified few and nonrecurrent mutations in addition to the structural variants giving rise to the gene fusions, strongly indicating that the PRDM10‐fusions represent the critical driver mutations. RNA‐seq of tumors showed a distinct gene expression profile, separating PRT from high‐grade UPS and other soft tissue tumors. CADM3 was among the genes that was consistently and highly expressed in both PRT and fibroblasts expressing CITED2‐PRDM10, suggesting that it is a direct target of the PRDM10 transcription factor. This conclusion is in line with sequencing data from ATAC‐seq, showing enrichment of PRDM10 binding sites, suggesting that the amino‐terminal fusion partner contributes by making the DNA more accessible to PRDM10 binding. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting the effect of zinc‐rich epoxy via poly(aniline‐co‐anisidine)/iron waste composite on corrosion protection of steel
Authors: Diab Walaa W. , Morsi Samir M. M. , Khorshed Lobna A. , Emira Hassan S.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this article was to evaluate the performance of a poly(aniline‐co‐anisidine)/iron waste composite (COIW) as an anticorrosive pigment for primer coatings. A procedure was outlined to prepare COIW and evaluate its anticorrosive properties following the electrochemical behavior and corrosion test of the coated steel. Various zinc‐rich epoxy primers were formulated by replacing part of the zinc powder (ZP) pigment with COIW. In all formulas, the ratio of pigment to epoxy resin was fixed at 2. In the pigment mix, the percentage of COIW was ranged from 5% to 60% by weight to the ZP. The performance of the formulated primers was estimated by the salt immersion test and potentiodynamic polarization measurement (corrosion potential, polarization resistance, and corrosion rate essays). It was demonstrated that COIW is effective in protecting steel from corrosion when it is used in combination with ZP.
Structure and properties of a compatible wood‐plastic composite prepared by using poly(butylene succinate)‐based polyurethane prepolymer
Authors: Weng Fangqing , Liu Xuemei , Koranteng Ernest , Ma Nian , Wu Zhengshun , Wu Qiangxian
Published: July 2019

Wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) are sustainable green material with extensive application prospects in both industry and daily life. So a more convenient, environmentally friendly and effective method is crucial. In this work, WPC was composed by 60 wt% poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) matrix, 10 wt% compatibilizer, and 30 wt% wood flour (WF) through extruder and injection machine. The effects of PBS diol‐based polyurethane prepolymer (PBSPUP) compatibilizer on the structure and properties of WPCs were investigated. Compared with the WF30P70 sample, the tensile strength and the elongation at break of WF30PU10P60 sample had an increase of 52.1% and 125.0%, respectively. And the equilibrium water absorption of WF30PU10P60 was reduced from 4.79% (WF30P70) to 3.57%, the flow properties of WF30PU10P60 were also improved at the same time. Apparently, the composites containing the poly(butylene succinate) diol‐based polyurethane prepolymer (PBSPUP) compatibilizer exhibited improved mechanical properties and thermal performance as shown by the results of scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, water absorption, rheological property analyses, and so on. Toward this end, the special PBSPUP interface structure played an important role in improving the properties of the WPC.
Physico‐mechanical, thermal, and ultraviolet light barrier properties of collagen hydrolysate films from leather solid wastes incorporated with nano TiO2
Authors: Erciyes Ayse , Ocak Bugra
Published: July 2019

In the present research, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by using sol‐gel technique, and the phase structure and morphology of obtained TiO2NPs were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The XRD patterns of the TiO2NPs indicated the formation of anatase phase. A new nanocomposite film has been developed by solvent casting method from collagen hydrolysate (CH) and TiO2NPs at different concentrations for use in packaging industry. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed the intermolecular reactions between CH and TiO2NPs in the films. SEM micrographs revealed a clear dispersion of TiO2NPs on the surface of the films especially at low concentrations. Thermal analyses showed that after incorporation of TiO2NPs in polymer matrix, heat susceptibility of films were changed and weight loss of films was decreased. The results revealed that incorporation of TiO2NPs significantly decremented water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility, and elongation at break (EAB) of the films, whereas tensile strength (TS) significantly incremented. The findings pointed out that TiO2NPs can be successfully incorporate to the CH films and the reutilization of CH in nanocomposite films will be a promising alternative material in non‐food packaging industry.
Biaxial characterization of poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) for thermoforming: A comparison between bulge and in‐plane biaxial testing
Authors: Turner Josh A. , Menary Gary H. , Martin Peter J.
Published: July 2019

The biaxial response of extruded PEEK films at conditions relevant to thermoforming has been investigated extensively using a combination of load‐controlled (bulge test) and displacement‐controlled (biaxial stretcher) experiments. Results from bulge testing yielded average and maximum strain rate ranges of 2.5–5 and 5–18 s−1, respectively, across the forming temperature range. In‐plane biaxial characterization highlighted the anisotropic nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of the films with strong dependence on the yield and strain hardening behavior on the temperature and strain history at conditions equivalent to the forming process. The combined approach to material characterization highlights the pros and cons of each test method, the complementary nature of the data generated, and the need to use both methods to have a complete data set for developing accurate material models and validated numerical simulations of thermoforming. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1853–1865, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface‐initiated PET‐RAFT polymerization under metal‐free and ambient conditions using enzyme degassing
Authors: Seo Soyoung E. , Discekici Emre H. , Zhang Yuanyi , Bates Christopher M. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: July 2019

An open‐to‐air method for the efficient synthesis of surface‐tethered polymer brushes based on photoinduced electron transfer‐reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (PET‐RAFT) polymerization is reported. Key to this approach is an enzyme‐assisted strategy using glucose oxidase to facilitate the in situ removal of oxygen during the polymerization process. Control experiments in the absence of glucose oxidase confirm the importance of enzymatic deoxygenation for successful polymerization of a variety of acrylamide, methacrylate, and acrylate monomers. In accordance with controlled polymerization kinetics, a linear increase in brush height as a function of irradiation time for a range of light intensities is demonstrated. Importantly, the use of light to mediate growth and the inherent monomer versatility of PET‐RAFT allow for the facile fabrication of well‐defined polymer brushes under aqueous conditions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 70–76
A peptide from Testudo horsfieldii tortoise spleen as a potential helper for reducing acute radiation syndrome
Authors: Turdiev Azim , Filiutovich Oksana , Mirkin Fiana , Byk Gerardo
Published: July 2019

The Middle Asian tortoise Testudo horsfieldii is one of the most radioresistant animals, with Lethal Dose (LD) 50/30 around 500 Gy. Extracts were prepared from different organs of the tortoise, and their biological activity was evaluated. Crude extract from the spleen was found to significantly increase survival of mice treated with lethal doses of radiation. In an iterative process, the active extract was purified by chromatography, and the fractions were screened for biological activity. Various vital parameters were monitored: peripheral blood leukocytes, spleen colonies, mitosis in the bone marrow, and survival after 30 days. The process concluded with the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of the tetrapeptide FTGN, which accelerated repopulation of the irradiated bone marrow at very low concentrations both in vivo and ex vivo.

A fluorescently labeled derivative of the peptide was found to selectively associate to CD34+ stem cells, suggesting that the peptide mediates their proliferation and allows fast repopulation of hematopoietic lineages. Interestingly, the peptide protected animals from alopecia. The studies in experimental animals suggest that treatment with FTGN can potentially benefit patients who suffer bone marrow damage due to radiotherapy or chemotherapy and patients undergoing autologous or allogenic bone marrow transplantation.
Fisher information and uncertainty relations for potential family
Authors: Onate Clement A. , Onyeaju Michael C. , Ikot Akpan N. , Ebomwonyi Osarodion , Idiodi John O. A.
Published: July 2019

An approximate bound state solution of the three‐dimensional Schrödinger equation for potential family was obtained together with the corresponding wave function, after which the Fisher information for a potential family was explicitly obtained via the methodology of expectation value and radial expectation value. Some uncertainty relations that are closely related to Heisenberg‐like uncertainty were obtained and numerical results were generated to justify the relations and inequalities. Finally, we have numerically studied the Fisher information for two special cases from the result of the potential family that has applications to prototype systems. It was deduced that the Fisher information of the potential family and that of the two special cases exhibit similar features.
Ab initio and density functional theory study of the electronic structure of rhenium complexes with noninnocent dioxolene ligands: Localized vs delocalized valence states
Authors: Dmitriev Alexey A. , Gritsan Nina P.
Published: July 2019

The dioxolene type ligands (Diox) derived from ortho‐quinones are the most widely studied redox noninnocent ligands existing in the dianionic (Cat), anion radical (SQ) or neutral (Q) forms although a highly delocalized electronic structure is also possible. For [ReO(Diox)2PPh3]− (2) and [ReCl3(Diox)PPh3] (3) complexes, the ReV‐Cat2 and ReIV‐SQ localized valence states were proposed on the basis of their XRD structures. To understand in detail the electronic structure of these complexes, we performed a series of the all‐electron calculations at the DKH2‐CASSCF/CASPT2 and DKH2‐CASSCF/NEVPT2 levels taking into account scalar relativistic and spin‐orbit effects. All calculations predicted that 2 has a singlet ground state with a predominant contribution of a single electronic configuration with doubly occupied molecular orbitals being pure o‐quinone LUMOs of both Diox ligands that corresponds to the ReV‐Cat2 valence state. Complex 3 has a triplet ground state with four electronic configurations contributing mainly into its wavefunction and differing by the occupation of bonding and antibonding combinations of the o‐quinone LUMO and rhenium d‐AO with nearly equal contributions. This leads to the empirical “metrical oxidation state” of dioxolene ligand being −1 that is usually referred to the ReIV‐SQ oxidation state. However, in fact, the negative charge on the Diox ligand is mainly provided by a pair of electrons on the bonding MO. The standard DFT calculations entirely fail to correctly predict the ground state multiplicity for 3.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis complicated by eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis successfully treated with mepolizumab
Authors: Matsumoto Nobuhiro , Shigekusa Takafumi , Matsuo Ayako , Tsubouchi Hironobu , Yanagi Shigehisa , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: July 2019

A 67‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital because of frequent asthma attacks and refractory chronic rhinosinusitis. She was diagnosed with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) concomitant with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) on the basis of peripheral blood eosinophilia, precipitating antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus, elevated total serum IgE, pulmonary infiltration, central bronchiectasis, mucoid impaction, and bilateral rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, which showed remarkable eosinophil accumulation histologically, especially in the ethmoid sinuses. Treatment with mepolizumab, 100 mg every 4 weeks, was initiated for both the ABPA and ECRS. Consistent with the decrease in the peripheral eosinophil count, the asthma and rhinosinusitis symptoms were drastically ameliorated. Not only her airway symptoms but also her exercise tolerance and pulmonary function test results remarkably improved. Mepolizumab therapy enhanced the quality of life for this patient with intractable ABPA and ECRS.
Decomposition analysis of tourism CO2 emissions for sustainable development: A case study of China
Authors: Zha Jianping , Tan Ting , Yuan Wenwen , Yang Xiaojie , Zhu Ying
Published: July 2019

The tourism industry is a nonnegligible contributor to global CO2 emissions, and formulating policy around emission reduction for sustainable tourism requires understanding the drivers contributing to the growth of tourism CO2 emissions. This paper develops an alternative decomposition technique that uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) and distance functions to examine the sources of change in tourism CO2 emissions; this method offers advantages in measuring the contribution of factor inputs to CO2 emissions change and has flexible data requirements. An empirical application using provincial panel data from China's tourism industry during the 2005–2016 period is performed. The results indicate the following: The scale effect induced by economic growth in tourism was the largest factor driving CO2 emissions growth; technical change played a dominant role in reducing CO2 emissions, and technical efficiency change exerted a negligible positive effect on the CO2 emissions increment; the emissions indices associated with labour, capital, and attractive resources generated significant promoting effects on CO2 emissions growth; and the emissions index associated with energy had a minor inhibitory effect. In addition, the drivers of tourism CO2 emissions clearly varied by region and province, and three driving modes of change in provincial CO2 emissions were summarized. This study extends the application of decomposition techniques in the field of tourism studies, and our results provide valuable insights for policymakers and business entities aiming to adopt measures to curb tourism CO2 emissions and promote sustainable tourism.
Controlling false discovery proportion in identification of drug‐related adverse events from multiple system organ classes
Authors: Tan Xianming , Liu Guanghan F. , Zeng Donglin , Wang William , Diao Guoqing , Heyse Joseph F. , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: July 2019

Analyzing safety data from clinical trials to detect safety signals worth further examination involves testing multiple hypotheses, one for each observed adverse event (AE) type. There exists certain hierarchical structure for these hypotheses due to the classification of the AEs into system organ classes, and these AEs are also likely correlated. Many approaches have been proposed to identify safety signals under the multiple testing framework and tried to achieve control of false discovery rate (FDR). The FDR control concerns the expectation of the false discovery proportion (FDP). In practice, the control of the actual random variable FDP could be more relevant and has recently drawn much attention. In this paper, we proposed a two‐stage procedure for safety signal detection with direct control of FDP, through a permutation‐based approach for screening groups of AEs and a permutation‐based approach of constructing simultaneous upper bounds for false discovery proportion. Our simulation studies showed that this new approach has controlled FDP. We demonstrate our approach using data sets derived from a drug clinical trial.
Assessing pharmacokinetic marker correlates of outcome, with application to antibody prevention efficacy trials
Authors: Gilbert Peter B. , Zhang Yuanyuan , Rudnicki Erika , Huang Yunda
Published: July 2019

The Antibody Mediated Prevention efficacy trials are the first studies to evaluate whether passive administration of a broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody can prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. The trials randomize 4600 HIV‐negative volunteers to receive 10 infusions of the monoclonal antibody VRC01 or placebo. The primary objective compares the incidence of HIV infection between the study groups. The secondary objective assesses whether and how a marker defined as the serum concentration of VRC01 over time associates with the instantaneous rate of HIV infection, using a two‐phase sampling design, a pharmacokinetic model for the time‐concentration curve, and an estimator of HIV infection times. While a Cox model with a time‐dependent covariate constitutes an important approach to this problem, the low interindividual versus intraindividual marker variability limits its power, motivating us to develop two alternative methods that condition on outcome status: (1) an indirect method that checks whether HIV‐infected cases have unexpectedly long times from the most recent infusion to the estimated infection date and (2) a direct method that checks whether the marker itself is unexpectedly low at estimated infection dates. In simulations and a pseudo Antibody Mediated Prevention application, we find that method (2) (but not (1)) has greater power than the Cox model. We also find that the quality of the infection time estimator majorly impacts method performance, and thus, incorporating details of an optimized estimator is critical. The methods apply more generally for assessing a time‐dependent longitudinal marker as a correlate of risk when the marker trajectory is modeled pharmacokinetically.