bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolving the mystery—How TCR transgenic mouse models shed light on the elusive case of gamma delta T cells
Authors: Hahn Anne M. , Winkler Thomas H.
Published: February 2020

Cutting-edge questions in αβ T cell biology were addressed by investigating a range of different genetically modified mouse models. In comparison, the γδ T cell field lacks behind on the availability of such models. Nevertheless, transgenic mouse models proved useful for the investigation of γδ T cell biology and their stepwise development in the thymus. In general, animal models and especially mouse models give access to a wide range of opportunities of modulating γδ T cells, which is unachievable in human beings. Because of their complex biology and specific tissue tropism, it is especially challenging to investigate γδ T cells in in vitro experiments since they might not reliably reflect their behavior and phenotype under physiologic conditions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive historical overview about how different transgenic mouse models contributed in regards of the understanding of γδ T cell biology, whereby a special focus is set on studies including the elusive role of the γδTCR. Furthermore, evolutionary and translational remarks are discussed under the aspect of future implications for the field. The ultimate full understanding of γδ T cells will pave the way for their usage as a powerful new tool in immunotherapy.
Synthesis of a Multifunctional Quinoxaline and Benzodithiophene Bearing Polymer and Its Electrochromic Device Applications
Authors: Yasa Mustafa , Surmeli Seher , Depci Tolga , Toppare Levent , Hacioglu Serife Ozdemir
Published: February 2020

A quinoxaline (Qx) and benzodithiophene (BDT) comprising of random copolymers, namely poly(5‐(6‐(5‐(4,8‐bis((2‐ethylhexyl)oxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophen‐2‐yl)‐4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐4,8‐bis ((2‐ethylhexyl)oxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,3‐bis(3,4‐bis(octyloxy)phenyl)quinoxaline) (PQBT), is synthesized via Stille polycondensation reaction. To investigate the effect of the π‐bridge on the electrochromic properties, 3‐(2‐ethylhexyl) thiophene is incorporated the between Qx and BDT moiety. The resulting random copolymer is characterized by NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), attenuated total reflectance−Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR−FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PQBT exhibits ambipolar and multichromic characteristics and is highly soluble in common solvents. Optoelectronic studies reveal two well‐separated absorption bands having maxima at 500 and 532 nm with 1.83 eV optical band gap (Egop). PQBT exhibits orange color in the neutral state with brown, green, and blue colors in the intermediate, oxidized, and reduced states, respectively. Subsequently, a PQBT and poly‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT)‐bearing prototype bilayer electrochromic device working between orange and blue colors is constructed and characterized.
On the trajectory ruled surfaces of framed base curves in the Euclidean space
Authors: Yıldız Önder Gökmen , Akyiğit Mahmut , Tosun Murat
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we study trajectory ruled surface of a curve with singular points in the Euclidean 3‐space as an application of singularity theory of a space curve with singular points. By considering notion of framed curve, we investigate the trajectory ruled surface and give some results about invariants of these surfaces. Then, we give some examples of trajectory ruled surfaces. Moreover, we determine local diffeomorphic image of these surfaces.
Does ketamine ameliorate the social stress‐related bladder dysfunction in mice?
Authors: Yang Stephen Shei‐Dei , Chang Hsi‐Hsien , Chang Shang‐Jen
Published: February 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate whether ketamine could relieve the social stress (SS)‐related bladder dysfunction in mice.

Materials and Methods

The FVB mice were randomly assigned to either undergo SS exposure for 60 minutes per day on seven consecutive days for 4 weeks (SS1) or control without SS (SS0). The SS0 were then allocated to single or no injection of ketamine (SS0K1 and SS0K0). In the group of SS1, the SS1 mice were allocated to receive single injection of saline (SS1K0), single dose (SS1K1) or five daily dose of (SS1K5) ketamine injection (25 mg/kg/day/ip) since day 22. In vivo cystometry and tissue bath wire myography were performed on day 29. Serum and urine level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In mice without social stress exposure, ketamine administration did not significantly affect voiding frequency (P > .05). SS1K0, SS1K1, and SS1K5 had significantly lower voiding frequency than that of control (SS1K0) (each n = 15, P < .05). Ketamine administration reversed the trend of decreased voiding frequency in SS1 mice. Stressed mice had significant higher serum level of BDNF that reduced by short‐term ketamine. Stressed mice had detrusor overactivity and impaired detrusor contractility which were not reversed by short‐term ketamine.

Conclusions

Social stress leads to elevated serum BDNF, infrequent voiding, detrusor overactivity, and impaired contractility. Short‐term administration of ketamine may improve SS‐related infrequent voiding and elevated serum BDNF level. However, ketamine did not improve SS‐related bladder dysfunction on urodynamic and myography studies.
A sequential partial information bomber‐defender shooting problem
Authors: Kalyanam Krishna , Casbeer David , Pachter Meir
Published: February 2020

A bomber carrying homogenous weapons sequentially engages ground targets capable of retaliation. Upon reaching a target, the bomber may fire a weapon at it. If the target survives the direct fire, it can either return fire or choose to hold fire (play dead). If the former occurs, the bomber is immediately made aware that the target is alive. If no return fire is seen, the true status of the target is unknown to the bomber. After the current engagement, the bomber, if still alive, can either re‐engage the same target or move on to the next target in the sequence. The bomber seeks to maximize the expected cumulative damage it can inflict on the targets. We solve the perfect and partial information problems, where a target always fires back and sometimes fires back respectively using stochastic dynamic programming. The perfect information scenario yields an appealing threshold based bombing policy. Indeed, the marginal future reward is the threshold at which the control policy switches and furthermore, the threshold is monotonic decreasing with the number of weapons left with the bomber and monotonic nondecreasing with the number of targets left in the mission. For the partial information scenario, we show via a counterexample that the marginal future reward is not the threshold at which the control switches. In light of the negative result, we provide an appealing threshold based heuristic instead. Finally, we address the partial information game, where the target can choose to fire back and establish the Nash equilibrium strategies for a representative two target scenario.
Exploring the educational needs of nurses on children’s pain management: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Kusi Amponsah Abigail , Kyei‐Dompim Joana , Bam Victoria , Kyei Evans F. , Oduro Evans , Ahoto Collins K. , Axelin Anna
Published: February 2020

Aim

To explore the educational needs of nurses on children's pain management.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

Individual and group interviews were conducted among 28 nurses and four nurse managers at four hospitals in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The recorded interviews were later transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed based on a conceptual interest in the educational needs on paediatric pain management.

Results

Nurses were acquainted with pain assessment of children who can verbally communicate. They mainly used drugs in treating pain and were familiar with the use of some non‐pharmacological interventions. Notwithstanding, they desired to know more about pain assessment for children with non‐functional speech. Additionally, they were interested in learning more about both drug and nondrug pain relief methods for children. The sampled nurses and nurse managers indicated diverse preferences on the nature of the paediatric pain educational programme based on their personal choices and working dynamics.
Translating claims‐based CHA2DS2‐VaSc and HAS‐BLED to ICD‐10‐CM: Impacts of mapping strategies
Authors: Webster‐Clark Michael , Huang Ting‐Ying , Hou Laura , Toh Sengwee
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The CHA2DS2‐VaSc and HAS‐BLED risk scores are commonly used in the studies of oral anticoagulants (OACs). The best ways to map these scores to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) codes is unclear, as is how they perform in various types of OAC users. We aimed to assess the distributions of CHA2DS2‐VaSc and HAS‐BLED scores and C‐statistics for outcome prediction in the ICD‐10‐CM era using different mapping strategies.

Methods

We compared the distributions of CHA2DS2‐VaSc and HAS‐BLED scores from various mapping strategies in atrial fibrillation patients before, during, and after ICD‐10‐CM transition. We estimated the C‐statistics predicting the 90‐day risk of hospitalized stroke (for CHA2DS2‐VaSc) or hospitalized bleeding (for HAS‐BLED) in patients identified at least 6 months after the ICD‐10‐CM transition, overall and by anticoagulant type.

Results

Forward‐backward mapping produced higher CHA2DS2‐VaSc and HAS‐BLED scores in the ICD‐10‐CM era compared to the ICD‐9‐CM era: the mean difference was 0.074 (95% confidence interval 0.064‐0.085) for CHA2DS2‐VaSc and 0.055 (0.048‐0.062) for HAS‐BLED. Both scores had higher C‐statistics in patients taking no OACs (0.697 [0.677‐0.717] for CHA2DS2‐VaSc; 0.719 [0.702‐0.737] for HAS‐BLED) or direct OACs (0.695 [0.654‐0.735] for CHA2DS2‐VaSc; 0.700 [0.673‐0.728] for HAS‐BLED) than those taking warfarin (0.655 [0.613‐0.697] for CHA2DS2‐VaSc; 0.663 [0.6320.695] for HAS‐BLED).

Conclusions

Existing mapping strategies generally preserved the distributions of CHA2DS2‐VaSc and HAS‐BLED scores after ICD‐10‐CM transition. Both scores performed better in patients on no OACs or direct OACs than patients on warfarin.
The Aging Metabolome—Biomarkers to Hub Metabolites
Authors: Sharma Rishi , Ramanathan Arvind
Published: February 2020

Aging biology is intimately associated with dysregulated metabolism, which is one of the hallmarks of aging. Aging‐related pathways such as mTOR and AMPK, which are major targets of anti‐aging interventions including rapamcyin, metformin, and exercise, either directly regulate or intersect with metabolic pathways. In this review, numerous candidate bio‐markers of aging that have emerged using metabolomics are outlined. Metabolomics studies also reveal that not all metabolites are created equally. A set of core “hub” metabolites are emerging as central mediators of aging. The hub metabolites reviewed here are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate, α‐ketoglutarate, and β‐hydroxybutyrate. These “hub” metabolites have signaling and epigenetic roles along with their canonical roles as co‐factors or intermediates of carbon metabolism. Together these hub metabolites suggest a central role of the TCA cycle in signaling and metabolic dysregulation associated with aging.
Design and development of self‐repairable and recyclable crosslinked poly(thiourethane‐urethane) via enhanced aliphatic disulfide chemistry
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Yibin , Zheng Hua , Li Chunmei , Zhang Yi , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: February 2020

Thermoset polymer elastomers that are capable of autonomous repairability upon physical damage at ambient temperature are highly desirable because of their thermal and environmental resistance, outstanding mechanical toughness and stability. To aim at this goal, we demonstrated that tris(diethylamino)phosphine was initially proven as an efficient catalyst for the aliphatic disulfide exchange at mild condition. By making use of the aliphatic disulfide bond reshuffling and elasticity of polyurethane elastomers, the inherently cross‐linked polysulfide‐based poly(thiourethane‐urethane) elastomers were prepared and exhibited the ability to mend without extrinsic stimuli in the presence of phosphorus catalyst at room temperature after artificially damaged. The self‐healing efficiency via the mechanical recovery approach was investigated to be mainly dependent upon the cross‐linking density of polysulfide and hard segments chemistry, which in turns determined the molecular chain diffusion and reshuffling that was corroborated by the stress‐relaxation study. The thermoset elastomer based on asymmetric diisocynate showed a maximum self‐healing efficiency of 85.6% compared to 71.6% for the elastomer with symmetric monomer building blocks. The self‐healable polymer was confirmed to be recyclable and reprocessable through a cut‐compression processing cycle under a quite mild pressure and temperature thanks to the disulfide bond reshuffling. Meanwhile, the recycled thermoset elastomer well maintained the mechanical properties to its original material.
A variable parameters multivariate control chart for simultaneous monitoring of the process mean and variability with measurement errors
Authors: Sabahno Hamed , Castagliola Philippe , Amiri Amirhossein
Published: February 2020

Evaluating the effect of measurement errors on either adaptive or simultaneous control charts has been a topic of interest for the researchers in the recent years. Nevertheless, the effect of measurement errors on both adaptive and simultaneous monitoring control charts has not been considered yet. In this paper, through extensive numerical studies, we evaluate the effect of measurement errors on an adaptive (variable parameters) simultaneous multivariate control chart for the mean vector and the variance‐covariance matrix of p quality characteristics assumed to follow a multivariate normal distribution. In order to do so, (a) we use eight performance measures computed using a Markov chain model, (b) we consider the effects of multiple measurements as well as the error model's parameters, and (c) we also consider the overall performance of this adaptive simultaneous chart including the chart parameters values optimization, which have never been considered so far for this scheme. At last, a real case is presented in order to illustrate the proposed scheme.
Time‐lapse monitoring of mouse embryos produced by injecting sonicated, frozen‐thawed sperm heads with high or low chromosomal integrity
Authors: Harada Yoshihisa , Kinutani Masayuki , Horiuchi Toshitaka
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To investigate the first‐division kinetics and in vitro development of embryos produced by injecting sonicated sperm heads with high or low chromosomal integrity into oocytes.

Methods

Mouse spermatozoa were frozen after separating the sperm heads from the tails by sonication in an EGTA solution (EGTA group) or M2 medium (M2 group). The chromosomal integrity of sonicated mouse spermatozoa was analyzed by injecting the sperm heads into fresh mouse oocytes. The developmental potential of spermatozoa was examined by injecting the sperm heads into vitrified‐warming mouse oocytes. We used a time‐lapse monitoring system to compare the first‐division kinetics.

Results

Chromosomal integrity was preserved significantly more frequently in the EGTA group (90.6%) than in the M2 group (32.7%). Blastocysts developed significantly more often in the EGTA group (80.8%) than in the M2 group (39.6%). In the M2 group, with frequent chromosome aberrations, the time between the sperm injection and first cleavage was delayed (18.4 hours), compared to the EGTA group (16.5 hours). All results of the EGTA group were similar to that of fresh epididymal spermatozoa.

Conclusion

The EGTA solution for sonication maintained the integrity of sperm chromosomes. Our results revealed a relationship between sperm chromosome integrity and first‐division kinetics.
State estimation for linear hybrid systems with periodic jumps and unknown inputs
Authors: Ríos Héctor , Dávila Jorge , Teel Andrew R.
Published: February 2020

In order to solve the state estimation problem for linear hybrid systems with periodic jumps and unknown inputs, some hybrid observers are proposed. The proposed observers admit a Luenberger‐like structure and the synthesis is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Therefore, the proposed observer designs are completely constructive and provide some input‐to‐state stability properties with respect to unknown inputs. It is worth mentioning that the structure of the hybrid observers, as well as the structure of the LMIs, depends on some observability properties of the flow and jump dynamics, respectively. Then, in order to compensate the effect of the unknown inputs, a hybrid sliding‐mode observer is added to the Luenberger‐like observer structure, providing exponential convergence to zero of the state estimation error despite certain class of unknown inputs. The existence of the hybrid observers and the unknown input hybrid observer is guaranteed if and only if the hybrid system is observable and strongly observable, respectively. Some numerical examples illustrate the feasibility of the proposed estimation approach.
A Heterostructure Coupling of Bioinspired, Adhesive Polydopamine, and Porous Prussian Blue Nanocubics as Cathode for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Liu Yang , He Dandan , Cheng Yingjie , Li Lin , Lu Zhansheng , Liang Rui , Fan Yangyang , Qiao Yun , Chou Shulei
Published: February 2020

Prussian blue (PB) and its analogues are recognized as promising cathodes for rechargeable batteries intended for application in low‐cost and large‐scale electric energy storage. With respect to PB cathodes, however, their intrinsic crystal regularity, vacancies, and coordinated water will lead to low specific capacity and poor rate performance, impeding their application. Herein, nanocubic porous NaxFeFe(CN)6 coated with polydopamine (PDA) as a coupling layer to improve its electrochemical performance is reported, inspired by the excellent adhesive property of PDA. As a cathode for sodium‐ion batteries, the NaxFeFe(CN)6 electrode coupled with PDA delivers a reversible capacity of 93.8 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, and a discharge capacity of 72.6 mA h g−1 at 5.0 A g−1. The sodium storage mechanism of this NaxFeFe(CN)6 coupled with PDA is revealed via in situ Raman spectroscopy. The first‐principles computational results indicate that FeII sites in PB prefer to couple with the robust PDA layer to stabilize the PB structure. Moreover, the sodium‐ion migration in the PB structure is enhanced after coating with PDA, thus improving the sodium storage properties. Both experiments and computational simulations present guidelines for the rational design of nanomaterials as electrodes for energy storage devices.
In Situ Growth of CoP3/Carbon Polyhedron/CoO/NF Nanoarrays as Binder‐Free Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Enhanced Specific Capacity
Authors: Du Yingjie , Ma Wei , Li Haibo
Published: February 2020

Advanced functional materials enable lithium‐ion batteries to reach high specific capacity. To achieve this goal, nickel foam (NF), as current collector, is chosen to in situ form aligned nanoarrays composed of CoP3/carbon polyhedron (CP)/CoO. The CoO nanowire acts as bridge to link NF and CoP3/CP which not only reinforces the adhesion between active material and NF but also enhances the capacity of whole electrode. Besides, CoP3 is evenly coupled with CP, which can effectively buffer the volume expansion of CoP3 during the charge/discharge process. Moreover, the novel architecture of CoP3/CP/CoO/NF is beneficial to improve the electronic conductivity. As a result, the CoP3/CP/CoO/NF anode delivers an ultrahigh specific capacity of 1715 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 which can remain at 1150 mAh g−1 after 80 cycles, demonstrating the good durability. Thus, this work develops a facile strategy to design self‐supporting electrodes for an enhanced energy storage device.
1D/3D Alloying Induced Phase Transition in Light Absorbers for Highly Efficient Sb2Se3 Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Chunsheng , Liang Xiaoyang , Liu Tao , Liu Yufan , Yang Lin , Lai Weidong , Schropp Ruud E. I. , Song Dengyuan , Mai Yaohua , Li Zhiqiang
Published: February 2020

A simple binary inorganic antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) compound is attractive as a promising light absorber for low‐cost and high‐efficiency photovoltaics. The external quantum efficiencies of Sb2Se3 solar cells are now approaching the optical limit values, which are comparable with the traditional well‐developed solar cells (such as Si, CuInGaSe2, CdTe, etc). However, the power conversion efficiency of the Sb2Se3 devices is constrained by the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit, due to the intrinsic high resistivity and low element‐doping efficiency in such one‐dimensional (1D) crystals. Herein, a highly conductive, three‐dimensional (3D) crystal‐structure AgSbSe2 phase, formed by phase transition from low symmetry binary Sb2Se3, is introduced to control the doping density in the alloyed (Sb2Se3)x(AgSbSe2)1−x films utilizing configurational entropy. Guided by this alloying concept, 1D–3D (Sb2Se3)x(AgSbSe2)1−x alloy films with tunable doping densities are obtained. As a consequence, a noticeable improvement in VOC by >18% is observed in solar cells based on the (Sb2Se3)x(AgSbSe2)1−x alloy absorber layer, compared with the reference cell with a pure Sb2Se3 absorber, leading to a high conversion efficiency of 7.8%. This alloying model provides a universal approach to control the photoelectrical properties for high‐efficiency Sb2Se3‐based solar cells.
Robust and efficient memory management in Apache AsterixDB
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Behm Alexander , Blow Michael , Borkar Vinayak , Bu Yingyi , Carey Michael J. , Hubail Murtadha , Jahangiri Shiva , Jia Jianfeng , Li Chen , Luo Chen , Maxon Ian , Pirzadeh Pouria
Published: February 2020

Traditional relational database systems handle data by dividing their memory into sections such as a buffer cache and working memory, assigning a memory budget to each section to efficiently manage a limited amount of overall memory. They also assign memory budgets to memory‐intensive operators such as sorts and joins and control the allocation of memory to these operators; each memory‐intensive operator attempts to maximize its memory usage to reduce disk I/O cost. Implementing such memory‐intensive operators requires a careful design and application of appropriate algorithms that properly utilize memory. Today's Big Data management systems need the ability to handle large amounts of data similarly, as it is unrealistic to assume that truly big data will fit into memory. In this article, we share our memory management experiences in Apache AsterixDB, an open‐source Big Data management software platform that scales out horizontally on shared‐nothing commodity computing clusters. We describe the implementation of AsterixDB's memory‐intensive operators and their designs related to memory management. We also discuss memory management at the global (cluster) level. We conducted an experimental study using several synthetic and real datasets to explore the impact of this work. We believe that future Big Data management system builders can benefit from these experiences.
Phylogenetics of Dendrochilum (Orchidaceae): Evidence of pronounced morphological homoplasy and predominantly centric endemism
Authors: Pedersen Henrik Æ. , Petersen Gitte , Gravendeel Barbara , Barkman Todd J. , de Boer Hugo , Sulistyo Bobby P. , Seberg Ole
Published: February 2020

A phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Dendrochilum s.l. (including Bracisepalum) is based on nucleotide sequences of the nuclear ribosomal ITS and two plastid regions (matK, ycf1). The trees based on parsimony analysis of the nrITS and plastid partitions, respectively, are largely congruent, the only strongly supported conflict being the exact position of D. arachnites. Maximum likelihood analysis of the combined molecular matrix resulted in a tree with very high topological congruence to the parsimony consensus tree and to a fossil‐calibrated Bayesian inference tree that was used for dating. Our results confirm that monophyly of Dendrochilum is only supported if Bracisepalum is included in the former. They also suggest that only two subgenera (Dendrochilum, Platyclinis) should be recognized, whereas all other subgenera and sections previously proposed on a morphological basis should be treated as synonyms of subg. Platyclinis. Indeed, mapping of five vegetative and nine floral characters of alleged systematic value, using DELTRAN and ACCTRAN optimization, demonstrates pronounced morphological homoplasy. Molecular time calibration dates the origin of the genus to the Miocene and contradicts the hypothesis that most extant Dendrochilum species did not evolve until the Holocene. Inferred phylogenetic relationships between extant species, in combination with previously identified hotspots of narrow endemism, suggest that species endemism in Dendrochilum is predominantly centric.
Presumptive drug testing—The importance of considering prior probabilities
Authors: Maskell Peter D. , Jackson Graham
Published: February 2020

Presumptive drug testing is commonly used in both the clinical and forensic fields to allow rapid identification of the presence and/or usage of drugs. Because the tests generally have a high sensitivity and specificity (often >90%), then a positive test result may be taken to mean there is a high probability that a targeted drug is present. This assumption is, however, incorrect. This paper demonstrates how, in order to assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of a test, it is necessary to take into account, along with the sensitivity and specificity of the test, the prevalence of the drug in the population being investigated. We demonstrate how an alternative, Bayesian approach to assessing the posterior probability of a drug being present mimics the conventional calculation of PPVs but, because a Bayesian approach requires case‐specific prior probabilities, the posterior probabilities are more meaningful than PPV in any one specific case. The effectiveness of presumptive test results in cases such as drink‐spiking, drug‐driving, testing of drugs during seizures and the confirmation of initial presumptive test results is explored. In order to exploit the potential of presumptive drug testing, it is important that the prevalence of the targeted drugs in relevant populations is understood but, more importantly, it is important to consider using a Bayesian approach in order to tailor results to the specific individual or drug batch being tested.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Analytical Toxicology

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Expert Evidence and Narrative
Expanding 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 theories around the round sphere
Authors: Gang Dongmin , Yamazaki Masahito
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We study a perturbative expansion of the squashed 3-sphere $$ \left({s}_b^3\right) $$

s
b
3

partition function of 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauge theories around the squashing parameter b = 1. Our proposal gives the coefficients of the perturbative expansion as a finite sum over the saddle points of the supersymmetric-localization integral in the limit b → 0 (the so-called Bethe vacua), and the contribution from each Bethe vacua can be systematically computed using saddle-point methods. Our expansion provides an efficient and practical method for computing basic CFT data (F, CT, CJJ and higher-point correlation functions of the stress-energy tensor) of the IR superconformal field theory without performing the localization integrals.
Bettenkapazitätsanalyse für eine internistische Intensivstation
Authors: Radtke J. S. , Götz J. , Gielen S. , Fischer F.
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Der Anstieg der älteren Bevölkerungsgruppe und der damit einhergehende Zuwachs des intensivmedizinischen Bedarfs betont die Notwendigkeit einer effizienten Bettenkapazitätsanalyse. Insbesondere Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen stellen ein häufig auftretendes Erkrankungsbild bei über 65-Jährigen dar. Ziel dieser Arbeit war somit die Analyse des retrospektiven und zukünftigen Intensivbedarfs von älteren Patienten über 65 Jahre mit 6 ausgewählten (kardiovaskulären) Codes der Internationalen statistischen Klassifikation der Krankheiten und verwandter Gesundheitsprobleme (ICD-10) am Beispiel einer Einrichtung der Maximalversorgung in einer ländlichen Region.

Methodik

Für die retrospektive Analyse wurden Daten für den Zeitraum 2015–2017 deskriptiv und bivariat ausgewertet. Die Analyse des Intensivbettenbedarfs erfolgte anhand der Warteschlangentheorie.

Ergebnisse

In dem betrachteten Zeitraum lagen die monatlichen Auslastungsraten kontinuierlich über der idealen Auslastungsrate von 80 % und zum Teil sogar über 100 %. Insbesondere die Nachfrage von Patienten mit I50.14 war im gesamten Krankenhaus sehr hoch. Die Bettenbedarfsanalyse zeigt einen Anstieg von 9 benötigten Betten im Jahr 2017 auf 11 Betten bis zum Jahr 2030 für die 6 Diagnosegruppen. Ohne Einschluss der Diagnosegruppe I50.14 wird sowohl retrospektiv als auch zukünftig etwa die Hälfte der Betten, die bei Einschluss aller 6 Diagnosen benötigt wurden, nachgefragt.

Diskussion

Der Effekt des demographischen Wandels auf den Intensivbettenbedarf ist bereits heute sichtbar. Zudem zeigen die Analysen, dass ein weiterer Anstieg des Bedarfs in Zukunft zu erwarten ist. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen die Notwendigkeit einer an den Bedarf angepassten Intensivkapazitätsplanung. Vor Erweiterung der Bettenkapazitäten wäre jedoch die Analyse von Kriterien, die eine intensivmedizinische Behandlung bedingen, notwendig, um primär Kapazitäten für Patienten mit einem realen Intensivbedarf vorzuhalten.
Magnetosomes for bioassays by merging fluorescent liposomes and magnetic nanoparticles: encapsulation and bilayer insertion strategies
Authors: Hermann Cornelia A. , Hofmann Carola , Duerkop Axel , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: February 2020

Magnetized liposome (magnetosomes) labels can overcome diffusion limitations in bioassays through fast and easy magnetic attraction. Our aim therefore was to advance the understanding of factors influencing their synthesis focusing on encapsulation strategies and synthesis parameters. Magnetosome synthesis is governed by the surface chemistry and the size of the magnetic nanoparticles used. We therefore studied the two possible magnetic labelling strategies, which are the incorporation of small, hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into the bilayer core (b-liposomes) and the entrapment of larger hydrophilic MNPs into the liposomes’ inner cavity (i-liposomes). Furthermore, they were optimized and compared for application in a DNA bioassay. The major obstacles observed for each of these strategies were on the one hand the need for highly concentrated hydrophilic MNPs, which is limited by their colloidal stability and costs, and on the other hand the balancing of magnetic strength vs. size for the hydrophobic MNPs. In the end, both strategies yielded magnetosomes with good performance, which improved the limit of detection of a non-magnetic DNA hybridization assay by a factor of 3–8-fold. Here, i-liposomes with a magnetization yield of 5% could be further improved through a simple magnetic pre-concentration step and provided in the end an 8-fold improvement of the limit of detection compared with non-magnetic conditions. In the case of b-liposomes, Janus-like particles were generated during the synthesis and yielded a fraction of 15% magnetosomes directly. Surprisingly, further magnetic pre-concentration did not improve their bioassay performance. It is thus assumed that magnetosomes pull normal liposomes through the magnetic field towards the surface and the presence of more magnetosomes is not needed. The overall stability of magnetosomes during storage and magnetic action, their superior bioassay performance, and their adaptability towards size and surface chemistry of MNPs makes them highly valuable signal enhancers in bioanalysis and potential tools for bioseparations.
Superomedial partial arytenoidectomy for voice improvement by correction of posterior glottic insufficiency
Authors: Mahieu Rutger , Heuveling Derrek , Mahieu Hans
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Arytenoid resection is a well-known intervention to improve glottic airway. Superomedial partial arytenoidectomy (SPA) can also be used for voice improvement by correcting posterior glottic insufficiency in patients with an obstructing anteromedially prolapsed arytenoid. Posterior glottic insufficiency can be difficult to address and traditionally involves challenging arytenoid repositioning procedures. This study aimed to compare postoperative functional voice outcomes in patients who underwent SPA to pre-operative voice status. Second, consequences of concomitant injection augmentation in patients who underwent SPA were studied. Additionally, presenting the surgical technique.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, pre-operative and postoperative clinical data of patients who underwent SPA between 2004 and 2018 were analyzed. Both short- and long-term voice outcomes were assessed using Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and maximum phonation time (MPT). Pre- to postoperative assessment changes (delta:δ) were applied to multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 105 patients were included, of which 91 had hemilaryngeal immobility, 25 had undergone previous phonosurgical procedures and 45 received concomitant injection augmentation. Patients who underwent SPA had significant improvement of VHI and MPT. In 81% of our population, laryngeal framework surgery was avoided. Multivariate analyses showed significantly improved short-term voice outcomes in patients who received injection augmentation concomitantly to SPA. Finally,δMPT was a significant predicting factor regarding additional procedures in patients who underwent SPA.

Conclusion

SPA is a safe and efficient procedure for voice improvement in patients with posterior glottic insufficiency due to an obstructing anteromedially prolapsed arytenoid. We recommend performing this procedure combined with injection augmentation.
Cutoff for product replacement on finite groups
Authors: Peres Yuval , Tanaka Ryokichi , Zhai Alex
Published: February 2020

We analyze a Markov chain, known as theproduct replacement chain, on the set of generatingn-tuples of a fixed finite groupG. We show that as$$n \rightarrow \infty $$n→∞, the total-variation mixing time of the chain has a cutoff at time$$\frac{3}{2} n \log n$$32nlognwith window of ordern. This generalizes a result of Ben-Hamou and Peres (who established the result for$$G = {{\mathbb {Z}}}/2$$G=Z/2) and confirms a conjecture of Diaconis and Saloff-Coste that for an arbitrary but fixed finite group, the mixing time of the product replacement chain is$$O(n \log n)$$O(nlogn).
Study on The Influence of the Blade on Powder Layers Built in Powder Bed Fusion Processes for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Mitterlehner Marco , Danninger Herbert , Gierl-Mayer Christian , Frank Johannes , Tomischko Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

For Additive Manufacturing (AM) performed by the laser powder bed fusion process, important aspects are not only powder characteristics such as flowability but also the morphology of the top layer itself. In the present study, the quality of the first applied top layer was studied using a self-made tester for the layer building process and a digital microscope with a large depth-of-field to observe the surface of the top layer. The three-dimensional images obtained have then been analyzed by a program, written by the corresponding author, that calculates specific parameters as well as the size of the particles in the top layer to rate the quality of the surface. Using this technique, the influence of using different blades and varying the blade speed during the layer building process on the quality of the surface has been investigated.
Thermal conductivity of supraglacial volcanic deposits in Iceland
Authors: Möller Rebecca , Römer Wolfgang , Möller Marco , Wollenberg Uwe , Lehmkuhl Frank , Schneider Christoph , Kukla Peter A.
Published: February 2020

Supraglacial deposits of tephra or volcaniclastics have the potential to cause significant anomalies of glacier ablation and runoff. The intensity of these anomalies is governed by the thermal resistivity of the covering layer and hence the thermal conductivity of the deposited grains. This study concentrates on causal and quantitative relationships between density, geochemical composition and thermal conductivity of volcanic materials based on the analysis of 43 samples from locations across Iceland. Thermal conductivity is primarily influenced by density, whereas geochemical composition has been proved to be of subsidiary importance. Four different multiple regression models were calibrated that calculate the grain thermal conductivity of a volcanic material based on rock properties and geochemical composition. In a subsequent step, the bulk thermal conductivity of the respective deposit is calculated as a function of porosity and degree of water saturation. Examples using volcanic material from the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Grímsvötn 2011 eruptions confirm that the presented calculation scheme can be executed using only limited geochemical data as input. This facilitates an easy application of the modeling scheme immediately after a volcanic eruption.
Sonographische Graduierung von Karotisstenosen
Authors: Schäberle W.
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Zur Validität der Ultraschalldiagnostik bei Karotisstenosen und in den Stenosekriterien gibt es erhebliche Diskrepanzen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Aufarbeitung der differierenden Kriterien anhand der Studienlage.

Methodik

Berücksichtigt werden die in PubMed zum Thema „sonographische Graduierung von Stenosen der A. carotis interna (ICA)“ publizierten Artikel von 1990 bis 2019. Suchworte: „carotid stenosis“, „stenosis grading“, „duplex ultrasound“, „angiography“, „plaque formation“, „eccentric plaque“.

Ergebnisse

Bei der Graduierung von hochgradigen ICA-Stenosen zeigen ROC-Kurven in Vergleichsstudien zwischen Angiographie und Duplexsonographie (FKDS) mit Messung der intrastenotischen, systolischen Spitzengeschwindigkeit (PSV) zwar in der Diagnostik höhergradige Stenosen mit Sensitivitäten und Spezifitäten um 90 % und eine gute Korrelation, jedoch eine bedeutende Streubreite einzelner PSV-Messwerte.

Eine gravierende bisher in Studien wenig berücksichtigte Diskrepanz zwischen hämodynamischen (PSV) und morphologischen Messparametern (angiographische Diameterreduktion) verursacht die exzentrische Plaqueformation: Exzentrische Plaque erzeugen eine deutlich geringere Flächenreduktion und somit geringere hämodynamische Relevanz als konzentrische und somit auch eine deutlich geringere PSV (bei 50 % Stenose bis 30 % Diskrepanz). Bei gleicher Diameterreduktion ist das Embolierisiko bei exzentrischen Plaques durch ihre größere Plaquedicke jedoch erhöht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Diskrepanzen in der Stenosegraduierung zwischen Angiographie und FKDS werden durch die Plaqueformation bzw. Plaquekonfiguration mitverursacht.

Bei höhergradigen, exzentrischen Stenosen mit hoher Plaquedicke muss das Dilemma der unterschätzten Emboliegefahr bei durch hämodynamische Parameter graduierten Stenosen in der Therapieplanung mitbedacht werden.
A clinical pharmacology study of the novel, selective urate reabsorption inhibitor dotinurad in outpatients
Authors: Hosoya Tatsuo , Furuno Kazuki , Kanda Shingo
Published: February 2020

Background

Dotinurad is a novel, selective urate reabsorption inhibitor (SURI), which reduces serum uric acid levels by selective inhibition of the urate transporter 1 (URAT1). The Japanese guideline for the management of hyperuricemia and gout recommends that drug selection should be based on classification of hyperuricemia as a fundamental principle. However, there may be some cases where this principle is not observed. We investigated the pharmacodynamics and safety of dotinurad in outpatients with uric acid overproduction or uric acid underexcretion type.

Methods

This was a multicenter, open-label, forced titration study. Patients were classified as uric acid overproduction or underexcretion type. Study treatment was initiated at 0.5 mg/day, followed by dose titration to the estimated maximum dose of 4 mg/day over 14 weeks. The primary endpoint was urinary uric acid excretion at each 24-h urine collection.

Results

A total of 26 hyperuricemic patients with or without gout were enrolled in the study and assigned to the uric acid overproduction group (overproduction group) or the uric acid underexcretion group (underexcretion group). Although urinary uric acid excretion, the primary endpoint, tended to be slightly greater in the overproduction group, no notable difference was noted between the two hyperuricemic types. Neither type had noteworthy safety concerns associated with dotinurad.

Conclusion

The results of the study demonstrated no relevant differences between the hyperuricemic types in terms of pharmacodynamic action and safety of dotinurad.
Two approximation algorithms for probabilistic coalition structure generation with quality bound
Authors: Matsumura Kouki , Kodric Bojana , Okimoto Tenda , Hirayama Katsutoshi
Published: February 2020

How to form effective coalitions is an important issue in multi-agent systems. Coalition Structure Generation ($${{\mathsf {CSG}}}$$CSG) is a fundamental problem whose formalization can encompass various applications related to multi-agent cooperation.$${{\mathsf {CSG}}}$$CSGinvolves partitioning a set of agents into coalitions such that the social surplus (i.e., the sum of the values of all coalitions) is maximized. In traditional$${\mathsf {CSG}}$$CSG, we are guaranteed that all coalitions will be successfully established, that is, the attendance rate of each agent for joining any coalition is assumed to be 1.0. Having the real world in mind, however, it is natural to consider the uncertainty of agents’ availabilities, e.g., an agent might be available only two or three days a week because of his/her own schedule. Probabilistic Coalition Structure Generation ($${{\mathsf {PCSG}}}$$PCSG) is an extension of$${\mathsf {CSG}}$$CSGwhere the attendance type of each agent is considered. The aim of this problem is to find the optimal coalition structure which maximizes the sum of the expected values of all coalitions. In$${\mathsf {PCSG}}$$PCSG, since finding the optimal coalition structure easily becomes intractable, it is important to consider approximation algorithms, i.e., to consider a trade-off between the quality of the returned solution and tractability. In this paper, a formal framework for$${\mathsf {PCSG}}$$PCSGis introduced. Approximation algorithms for$${\mathsf {PCSG}}$$PCSGcalled Bounded Approximation Algorithm based on Attendance Types ($${{\mathsf {BAAAT}}}$$BAAAT) and Involved$${\mathsf {BAAAT}}$$BAAAT($${{\mathsf {IBAAAT}}}$$IBAAAT) are then presented. We prove a priori bounds on the quality of the solution returned by$${\mathsf {BAAAT}}$$BAAATand$${\mathsf {IBAAAT}}$$IBAAATwith respect to the optimum and perform experimental evaluations on a number of benchmarks.
Using high-frequency phosphorus monitoring for water quality management: a case study of the upper River Itchen, UK
Authors: Fones Gary R. , Bakir Adil , Gray Janina , Mattingley Lauren , Measham Nick , Knight Paul , Bowes Michael J. , Greenwood Richard , Mills Graham A.
Published: February 2020

Increased concentrations of phosphorus (P) in riverine systems lead to eutrophication and can contribute to other environmental effects. Chalk rivers are known to be particularly sensitive to elevated P levels. We used high-frequency (daily) automatic water sampling at five distinct locations in the upper River Itchen (Hampshire, UK) between May 2016 and June 2017 to identify the main P species (including filterable reactive phosphorus, total filterable phosphorus, total phosphorus and total particulate phosphorus) present and how these varied temporally. Our filterable reactive phosphorus (considered the biologically available fraction) data were compared with the available Environment Agency total reactive phosphorus (TRP) values over the same sampling period. Over the trial, the profiles of the P fractions were complex; the major fraction was total particulate phosphorus with the mean percentage value ranging between 69 and 82% of the total P present. Sources were likely to be attributable to wash off from agricultural activities. At all sites, the FRP and Environment Agency TRP mean concentrations over the study were comparable. However, there were a number of extended time periods (1 to 2 weeks) where the mean FRP concentration (e.g. 0.62 mg L−1) exceeded the existing regulatory values (giving a poor ecological status) for this type of river. Often, these exceedances were missed by the limited regulatory monitoring procedures undertaken by the Environment Agency. There is evidence that these spikes of elevated concentrations of P may have a biological impact on benthic invertebrate (e.g. blue-winged olive mayfly) communities that exist in these ecologically sensitive chalk streams. Further research is required to assess the ecological impact of P and how this might have implications for the development of future environmental regulations.
Comparative analysis of overexpressed Fragaria vesca S-adenosyl-l-methionine synthase (FvSAMS) and decarboxylase (FvSAMDC) during salt stress in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Kovács László , Mendel Ákos , Szentgyörgyi Anna , Fekete Sándor , Söre Ferenc , Posta Katalin , Kiss Erzsébet
Published: February 2020

We investigated the effect of overexpressing Fragaria vesca L. cv. Rügen S-adenosyl-l-methionine synthase (FvSAMS) and decarboxylase (FvSAMDC) genes on control and salt stressed Nicotiana benthamiana Domin plants. According to previous studies the overproduction of both proteins enhances the abiotic stress tolerance of plants, but the two enzymes have not yet been studied in one experimental system. We found that the transgenic plants subjected to long-term salt stress displayed higher levels of tolerance than the wild type (WT). In contrast to several earlier studies no antagonistic effect between ethylene and polyamine biosynthesis was observed in our experimental system. Overexpression of FvSAMDC had higher impact on the plant physiological parameters both in control and salt stress conditions, than that of FvSAMS. Based on the data measured in the FvSAMDC lines there appears to be a positive correlation between the free polyamine levels and the proline content as well as the amount of ethylene, while there is a negative correlation between the free polyamine levels and the lignin content in the plants exposed to salt stress. The transformation vectors contained the CaMV35S promoter, the coding sequence of FvSAMS and FvSAMDC fused with synthetic green fluorescent protein (sGFP). We detected the subcellular localization of both enzymes and examined the possible stress induced changes in their distribution. In the case of FvSAMS::sGFP nuclear, nucleolar, cytoplasmic (near to the plasmalemma), plastid membrane, whereas in FvSAMDC::sGFP nuclear and homogenous cytoplasmic localization was detected. Therefore, SAM is assumed to be produced in situ for numerous biochemical reactions.