bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further evaluation of modified‐bolus‐placement methods during initial treatment of pediatric feeding disorders
Authors: Ibañez Vivian F. , Peters Kerri P. , St Paul Jovanie A. , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: August 2020

Children with feeding disorders might pack or expel food when they lack the oral‐motor skills, the motivation, or both, to swallow. Bolus placement directly on the tongue with a Nuk (e.g., Milnes et al., 2019) or flipped spoon (e.g., Sharp et al., 2010) is a treatment that researchers generally implement after such behavior emerges (e.g., Girolami et al., 2007). However, Wilkins et al. (2014) tested the relative efficacy of Nuk presentation and upright‐spoon presentation during initial treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. In the current study, we compared the effects of (a) upright‐spoon presentation; (b) Nuk presentation; and (c) flipped‐spoon presentation on two product measures of swallowing: 15‐ and 30‐s mouth clean, and expulsion during the initial treatment of feeding disorders with 5 children. We also monitored lip closure during bite presentation and following bolus placement. Nuk presentation produced the highest levels of mouth clean and the lowest rates of expels relative to upright‐spoon presentation and flipped‐spoon presentation. We discuss potential reasons why modified‐bolus‐placement methods improved feeding behavior and how measures of oral‐motor skills might predict its necessity during initial treatment.
Soft‐tissue spectral subtraction improves transcutaneous Raman estimates of murine bone strength in vivo
Authors: Chen Keren , Massie Christine , Berger Andrew J.
Published: August 2020

Transcutaneous determination of a bone's Raman spectrum is challenging because the type I collagen in the overlying soft tissue is spectroscopically identical to that in bone. In a previous transcutaneous study of murine tibiae, we developed a library‐based model called SOLD to unmix spatially offset Raman measurements into three spectra: a bone estimate, a soft tissue estimate, and a residual. Here, we demonstrate the value of combining the bone estimate and the residual to produce a “top layer subtracted” (tls) spectrum. We report superior prediction of two standard bone metrics (volumetric bone mineralization density and maximum torque) using partial least squares regression models based upon tls spectra rather than SOLD bone estimates, implying that the spectral residuals contain useful information. Simulations reinforce experimental in vivo findings. This chemometric approach, which we denote as SOLD/TLS, could have broad applicability in situations where comprehensive spectral libraries are difficult to acquire.
Calcilytic NPSP795 Increases Plasma Calcium and PTH in an Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia Type 1 Mouse Model
Authors: Hannan Fadil M , Gorvin Caroline M , Babinsky Valerie N , Olesen Mie K , Stewart Michelle , Wells Sara , Cox Roger D , Nemeth Edward F , Thakker Rajesh V
Published: August 2020

Calcilytics are calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonists that reduce the sensitivity of the CaSR to extracellular calcium. Calcilytics have the potential to treat autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), which is caused by germline gain‐of‐function CaSR mutations and leads to symptomatic hypocalcemia, inappropriately low PTH concentrations, and hypercalciuria. To date, only one calcilytic compound, NPSP795, has been evaluated in patients with ADH1: Doses of up to 30 mg per patient have been shown to increase PTH concentrations, but did not significantly alter ionized blood calcium concentrations. The aim of this study was to further investigate NPSP795 for the treatment of ADH1 by undertaking in vitro and in vivo studies involving Nuf mice, which have hypocalcemia in association with a gain‐of‐function CaSR mutation, Leu723Gln. Treatment of HEK293 cells stably expressing the mutant Nuf (Gln723) CaSR with 20nM NPSP795 decreased extracellular Ca2+‐mediated intracellular calcium and phosphorylated ERK responses. An in vivo dose‐ranging study was undertaken by administering a s.c. bolus of NPSP795 at doses ranging from 0 to 30 mg/kg to heterozygous (Casr+/Nuf) and to homozygous (CasrNuf/Nuf) mice, and measuring plasma PTH responses at 30 min postdose. NPSP795 significantly increased plasma PTH concentrations in a dose‐dependent manner with the 30 mg/kg dose causing a maximal (≥10‐fold) rise in PTH. To determine whether NPSP795 can rectify the hypocalcemia of Casr+/Nuf and CasrNuf/Nuf mice, a submaximal dose (25 mg/kg) was administered, and plasma adjusted‐calcium concentrations measured over a 6‐hour period. NPSP795 significantly increased plasma adjusted‐calcium in Casr+/Nuf mice from 1.87 ± 0.03 mmol/L to 2.16 ± 0.06 mmol/L, and in CasrNuf/Nuf mice from 1.70 ± 0.03 mmol/L to 1.89 ± 0.05 mmol/L. Our findings show that NPSP795 elicits dose‐dependent increases in PTH and ameliorates the hypocalcemia in an ADH1 mouse model. Thus, calcilytics such as NPSP795 represent a potential targeted therapy for ADH1. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Synthesis of calcium‐layered double hydroxide based nanohybrid for controlled release of an anti‐inflammatory drug
Authors: Abniki Milad , Moghimi Ali , Azizinejad Fariborz
Published: August 2020

The study proposed an approach for synthesis‐Layered Double Hydroxide nanoparticles by the coprecipitation method in solution containing two divalent and trivalent metal salts, calcium, and aluminum. The synthesized calcium‐layered Double Hydroxide (CAL) used for intercalating an anti‐inflammatory drug with the purpose of obtaining controlling release rate, protecting of drug from decomposition and raising the poor aqueous solubility of drug. Mefenamic acid (ME) as anti inflammatory drug was intercalated into CAL from ion‐exchange route to preparation CAL/ME nanohybrids. An increase in the space of interlayer of the (002) plane from 8.06 Å in pristine CAL to 34.51 Å in the nanohybrid confirmed successful intercalation of ME anion into CAL framework, which was ordered in a bilayer fashion with the carboxylate functional groups in the interlayer gallery of CAL. The x‐ray diffraction and FTIR study indicated that the ME was successfully intercalated into interlayer space of CAL. The chemical composition of samples was evaluated by ICP‐OES and energy‐dispersive spectrum analysis. TG analysis confirmed that the thermal stability of intercalated ME in the form of nanohybrid was enhanced. dynamic light scattering and field emission scanning electron microscopy were determined the size of CAL particles. Finally, in vitro drug release experiments of nanohybrid at a PH of 4.8 and 7.4 showed sustained release profiles with ME anions as an anti‐inflammatory model drug.
Multiple‐victim parricides in South Africa, 1990–2019
Authors: Moen Melanie , Shon Phillip
Published: August 2020

Previous studies of homicides in South Africa have examined serial murders and mass killings. While some scholars have examined parricides in African countries such as Ghana and Zimbabwe, few have examined the intersection of parricide and multiple victim homicides in the context of South Africa. This paper examines multiple victim parricides in a South African context using newspapers and court records as data. Eighteen cases of multiple‐victim parricides were identified and analysed. Our findings indicate that multiple victim parricides in South Africa are shaped by residential patterns as well as social and cultural factors that are unique to South Africa that are embodied in the offence characteristics. The implications on the findings are discussed.
Compliance and perception about personal protective equipment among health care workers involved in the surgery of COVID‐19 negative cancer patients during the pandemic
Authors: Prakash Gagan , Shetty Preethi , Thiagarajan Shivakumar , Gulia Ashish , Pandrowala Saneya , Singh Lovedeep , Thorat Veena , Patil Vijaya , Divatia Jigeeshu V. , Puri Ajay , Pramesh C. S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of getting infected while at work, for example, operating room (OR), hence it is pertinent that they don all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the chance of getting infected.

Methods

A COVID‐19 specific briefing and debriefing form was created and used in the OR along with the World Health Organization surgical safety checklist to reinforce the use of appropriate PPE. An audit was subsequently done to understand the compliance to PPE use, followed by a survey based on the findings of the audit to understand the issues related to noncompliance.

Results

The form was used in 183 out of the 238 (77%) surgeries performed during a months' time. The overall compliance for PPE usage was 96.3%. Noncompliance was seen most often for eye protection (45/567) (P = .01). The survey revealed that this was mostly among surgeons mainly due to discomfort, poor visibility, and frequent fogging.

Conclusions

Our HCW were adapting well to the new normal of donning appropriate PPE in the OR, except for the eye protection due to discomfort and visibility related issues. This is important to know so that necessary changes could be introduced to better the compliance.
A Window Into the Whole Story: Temporal Bone Plasmacytoma Presenting With a Mobile Third Window
Authors: Pogson Jacob M. , Taylor Rachael L. , Thompson Elizabeth O. , Magnussen John S. , Welgampola Miriam S. , Halmagyi G. Michael
Published: August 2020

A 63‐year‐old man presented with imbalance when coughing due to a respiratory tract infection. He had a history of multiple myeloma with a plasmacytoma of the left temporal bone. Examination revealed a positive leftward head impulse test, no spontaneous nystagmus, left‐beating positional nystagmus, and left‐beating Valsalva‐induced nystagmus. Videonystagmography, audiology, and comprehensive vestibular function tests revealed a subtotal left peripheral audio‐vestibular loss. Temporal bone computed tomography showed an unchanged bony erosion of the left labyrinth from 2 years prior. Vertigo subsided after treatment of the respiratory tract infection. Although no tumor progression was evident, coughing had triggered a preexisting third mobile window to declare itself. Laryngoscope, 131:E966–E969, 2021
Total aesthetic reconstruction of postburn bilateral breast loss using transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flaps: A case report and literature review
Authors: Acartürk Tahsin Oğuz , Bengür Fuat Barış
Published: August 2020

Reconstruction of breast burns are challenging, as it includes both functional and aesthetic components. Transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has been used for postmastectomy breast reconstruction in the absence of abdominal donor site availability. Use of this flap for the breast burns is limited. A 32‐year‐old female sustained 54% second and third degree burns resulting with bilateral total breast loss. Anterior and posterior thorax, upper and mid abdomen, neck, shoulders, and bilateral upper extremities were also involved. Inner medial thighs had an ample amount of tissue and had never been used as donor sites. The left TMG (28 × 12 cm, 1,413 g) was used for right, and the right TMG (30 × 14 cm, 1,635 g) was used for the left breast, 3 months apart. The contracture on the chest wall was completely excised. Venous anastomosis to the venae commitantes was performed using a 2.5 mm coupler, followed by an end‐to‐end arterial anastomosis to the internal mammary artery. Flaps were inset in a fashion so that the inferior part became the inframammary fold, and the anterior and posterior wings were joined in the upper pole, creating a conical shape. Minimal wound dehiscence in the postoperative course healed with dressing changes and both flaps survived completely. Nipple reconstruction and areolar tattooing was performed. The patient was very happy with the outcome at seventh year follow‐up. TMG may be a valuable option even in bilateral cases of microsurgical autologous free tissue transfer for total aesthetic reconstruction of postburn breast loss.
Energy‐dissipation in a coupled system of Allen–Cahn‐type equation and Kobayashi–Warren–Carter‐type model of grain boundary motion
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Shirakawa Ken
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider a system of initial‐boundary value problems for parabolic equations, as a generalized version of the “φ‐η‐θmodel” of grain boundary motion, proposed by Kobayashi (2001). The system is a coupled system of an Allen–Cahn‐type equation with a given temperature source and a phase‐field model of grain boundary motion, known as “Kobayashi–Warren–Carter‐type model.” The focus of the study is on a special kind of solution, calledenergy‐dissipative solution, which is to reproduce the energy‐dissipation of the governing energy in time. Under suitable assumptions, two Main Theorems, concerned with the existence of energy‐dissipative solution and and the large‐time behavior, will be demonstrated as the results of this paper.
Elimination of low‐inversion‐efficiency induced artifacts in whole‐brain MP2RAGE using multiple RF‐shim configurations at 7 T
Authors: Oran Omer F. , Klassen L. Martyn , Gilbert Kyle M. , Gati Joseph S. , Menon Ravi S.
Published: August 2020

The magnetization‐prepared two‐rapid‐gradient‐echo (MP2RAGE) sequence is used for structural T1‐weighted imaging and T1 mapping of the human brain. In this sequence, adiabatic inversion RF pulses are commonly used, which require the B1+ magnitude to be above a certain threshold. Achieving this threshold in the whole brain may not be possible at ultra‐high fields because of the short RF wavelength. This results in low‐inversion regions especially in the inferior brain (eg cerebellum and temporal lobes), which is reflected as regions of bright signal in MP2RAGE images. This study aims at eliminating the low‐inversion‐efficiency induced artifacts in MP2RAGE images at 7 T. The proposed technique takes advantage of parallel RF transmission systems by splitting the brain into two overlapping slabs and calculating the complex weights of transmit channels (ie RF shims) on these slabs for excitation and inversion independently. RF shims were calculated using fast methods implemented in the standard workflow. The excitation RF pulse was designed to obtain slabs with flat plateaus and sharp edges. These slabs were joined into a single volume during the online image reconstruction. The two‐slab strategy naturally results in a signal‐to‐noise ratio loss; however, it allowed the use of independent shims to make the B1+ field exceed the adiabatic threshold in the inferior brain, eliminating regions of low inversion efficiency. Accordingly, the normalized root‐mean‐square errors in the inversion were reduced to below 2%. The two‐slab strategy was found to outperform subject‐specific kT‐point inversion RF pulses in terms of inversion error. The proposed strategy is a simple yet effective method to eliminate low‐inversion‐efficiency artifacts; consequently, MP2RAGE‐based, artifact‐free T1‐weighted structural images were obtained in the whole brain at 7 T.
Follow‐up study of nasal deformity in cleft lip and palate patients: Morphological changes and image analysis with growth
Authors: Uchino Natsuko , Hoshi Kazuto , Takato Tsuyoshi , Okayasu Mari , Saijo Hideto , Nakatsuka Takashi , Ohkubo Kazumi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

There are no long‐term reports on morphologic changes of nasal deformity in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). This retrospective study was conducted to clarify changes in the nose morphology of patients with CLP.

Materials and Methods

We investigated 47 patients in our department. The evaluation time was as follows: T1 (before or after attending elementary school), T2 (after puberty growth), and T3 (after rhinoplasty). We evaluated the dorsal nose deviation angle, the nasal tip angle, and the nasolabial angle with standardized facial photographs, and nasal septum with computed tomography (CT) images. Computer software ImageJ was used for measurements. For statistical analysis, the Mann‐Whitney U test was used (significance level; P < 0.05).

Results

Analysis showed that in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), twisted nose and reduction of the nasolabial angle became more prominent after puberty. In patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), the nasal tip was larger than in patients with UCLP and tended to be directed upward. The nasolabial angle in BCLP was more obtuse than the general mean value, but that in UCLP tended to be more acute. CT showed that in UCLP patients, the nasal septum was displaced toward the affected side, and the inferior nasal turbinate on the unaffected side was thickened. Nasal septum deviation was less severe in BCLP patients.

Conclusions

UCLP and BCLP patients showed different nasal morphology at T1 and they grew differently from T1 to T2.
Advanced Fiber Technology for High‐Energy Lasers
Authors: Bigot Laurent , Roy Philippe , Taunay Thierry , Benabid Fetah , Mottay Eric
Published: August 2020

The French 4F consortium has obtained new results on microstructured optical fibers for the development of ytterbium active fibers with a large core and for the transport of intense laser beams via hollow‐core photonic crystal fibers. In the case of active fibers, several methods to obtain fiber preforms have been tested (MCVD, OVD, powders, sol‐gel), as well as various types of fiber designs.
Molecular dynamics study of ferrocene topology under various temperatures
Authors: Wang Feng , Vasilyev Vladislav
Published: August 2020

We present the first quantum mechanical Atom‐Centered Density‐Matrix Propagation molecular dynamic (MD) study to investigate ferrocene (Fc) conformation in gas phase. The MD simulations were performed at several temperatures (7, 18, 80, 120, 180, 293, and 500 K) for a period of 10 ps. It is found that, at very low temperatures (≤18 K), ferrocene prefers eclipsed‐like conformation. At higher temperatures (>18 K), the cyclopentadienyl rings (Cp) of ferrocene exhibit apparent fluxional rotations, leading to configurations with the rotational angle δ distributing within a range of 0° (eclipsed) to 18° (approximately half of 36° for the staggered conformation), accompanied by the cyclopentadienyl ring tilt up to approximately 12° at 500 K. The simulated mean inferred (IR) spectrum of ferrocene at 7 K is clearly dominant by a doublet‐splitting band of eclipsed‐like Fc features in the region of 400 to 600 cm−1, in agreement with previous IR studies. The animation obtained from the MD simulations indicates that, at room temperature, the Fe‐C distances in ferrocene are in fact not strictly congruent but 2:2:1‐fold.
Neutral Lanthanide Complexes of 3‐Aryl‐6‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)picolinic Acids: Synthesis and Photophysical Studies
Authors: Krinochkin Alexey P. , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Kim Grigory A. , Shevyrin Vadim A. , Kovalev Igor S. , Sadieva Leila K. , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Rusinov Vladimir L. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: August 2020

A convenient synthetic method has been developed for the synthesis of 3‐aryl‐6‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)picolinic acids having a cyclopentene fragment condensed to the pyridine ring. In addition, based on these new ligands neutral lanthanide complexes were obtained, and their photophysical properties were studied. It was observed that newly obtained quinoline‐based chelates exhibited a significant bathochromic shift of their absorption maxima compared to the previously described chelates based on 5‐aryl‐2,2′‐bipyridines.
Solid Dispersions of Famotidine: Physicochemical Properties and In Vivo Comparative Study on the Inhibition of Hyperacidity
Authors: Yuliandra Yori , Fitriani Lili , Kurniawan Robby , Yasardi Fuji , Zaini Erizal
Published: August 2020

Famotidine is a potent histamine 2 antagonist used in the treatment of gastric acid overproduction. Famotidine belongs to Class IV in Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) which has low solubility and membrane permeability. The purpose of this study was to compare the solubility and dissolution profile of solid dispersions (SDs) of famotidine with mannitol (SD‐MAN) and with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (SD‐HPMC), and to comparatively study their in vivo effectiveness against hyperacidity. Famotidine SDs were prepared by cogrinding technique with the respective carriers in various ratios and grinding time. SDs with the best solubility underwent dissolution rate studies, solid‐state characterization, and in vivo efficacy evaluation. The in vivo evaluation was conducted in Sprague Dawley rats receiving famotidine formulations in the dose equivalent to 12 mg/kg of famotidine. The study found that the famotidine SDs could greatly improve the solubility of famotidine by 100.61 and 120.91% for SD‐MAN and SD‐HPMC, respectively. The solid‐state characterization revealed the decrease in crystallinity degree of famotidine solid dispersion systems. The comparative study on the in vivo efficacy of famotidine SDs showed that SD‐HPMC was significantly better than SD‐MAN. This study concludes that SDs can improve the solubility and in vivo effectiveness of famotidine in overproduction of gastric acid.
Functionalized Electrospun Fibrous Membranes as Effective Adsorbents for Benzoic Acid from Aqueous Media
Authors: Papaphilippou Petri Ch. , Karamanis Petros , Stavrinou Kyriakos , Krasia‐Christoforou Theodora
Published: August 2020

The contamination of water as a consequence of extensive industrial and domestic activities results to severe environmental disruption. In this study functionalized, polymer‐based electrospun microfibrous membranes were used as adsorbents for the removal of aromatic organic contaminants from aqueous media. More precisely, two types of random copolymers having aromatic and cationic groups, were synthesized by free radical polymerization: Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐poly((2‐diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐co‐PDEAEMA) and poly(benzyl methacrylate)‐poly((2‐diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PBzMA‐co‐PDEAEMA). Microfibrous membranes were successfully prepared upon blending the aforementioned copolymers with a commercially available poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) followed by electrospinning. The produced materials were characterized in respect to their morphology and thermal properties and they were further evaluated as adsorbents for benzoic acid (BzA) employed as a model organic contaminant. The BzA removal was monitored by UV‐vis spectrophotometry. The highest BzA removal efficiency was observed when PBzMA1‐co‐PDEAEMA0.8/PMMA microfibrous membrane containing BzMA aromatic moieties and the highest PDEAEMA content was used as an adsorbent, thus indicating the significance of aromatic and electrostatic interactions developed between the fibrous adsorbent and the aromatic pollutant in the adsorption efficiency.
Multilayer Cascade Charge Transport Layer for High‐Performance Inverted Mesoscopic All‐Inorganic and Hybrid Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Yu , Tang Weijian , Wu Yihui , Yuan Ruihan , Yang Jianchao , Shan Wenjuan , Zhang Shengli , Zhang Wen-Hua
Published: August 2020

It is imperative to improve the quality of light absorber and reduce the charge‐carrier recombination for efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a synergistic regulation strategy that combines the tailoring of crystallinity and construction of multilayer cascade charge transport layers (CTLs) for inverted CsPbI2Br solar cells is presented. The film quality of CsPbI2Br is well tuned via F− doping. In addition, gradient energy alignment between perovskite and CTLs, i.e., NiOx/Zn:CuGaO2/perovskite and perovskite/TiO2/PC61BM/ZnO, favors the charge transfer and depresses carrier recombination. Noticeably, the TiO2 interlayer with deep valence band maximum effectively blocks the hole back‐transfer from perovskite to PC61BM. These unique characteristics of the novel structured CsPbI2Br device give a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.10% along with good thermal and operational stability. Moreover, the graded CTLs can be expanded to methylammonium‐free hybrid perovskite device (Eg = ≈1.76 eV) by delivering a PCE of 18.12%, showing great promise in tandem solar cells for use as top cell.
A Mathematical Model of COREX Process with Top Gas Recycling
Authors: Yao Shun , Wu Shengli , Wang Shuyu , Tang Zhiyong , Yang Jiahui , Zhou Heng , Song Bo , Kou Mingyin
Published: August 2020

A mathematical model of the COREX process with a top gas recycling technology is developed based on mass and heat balances. Herein, the influence of top gas recycling on the operation parameters of the COREX process is investigated. The results show that the theoretical combustion temperature is significantly affected by gas injection, and the theoretical combustion temperature can be reduced by 116.11 and 72.94 °C, respectively, by injecting the gas without CO2 removal and the gas after CO2 removal. Also, injecting the gas without CO2 removal obviously reduces the dome temperature, but injecting the gas after CO2 removal has no obvious effect on the dome temperature. The fuel rate and integrated fuel rate can be reduced by injecting the two kinds of gas, and the fuel rate can be reduced by 2.84 and 2.86 kg t−1, respectively, by injecting the gas without CO2 removal and the gas after CO2 removal, but the decrease in the integrated fuel rate by injecting the gas after CO2 removal is relatively small, only 0.31 kg t−1.
Reengineering a falloposcope imaging system for clinical use
Authors: Kiekens Kelli C. , Romano Gabriella , Galvez Dominique , Cordova Ricky , Heusinkveld John , Hatch Kenneth , Drake William , Kmeid Zaynah , Barton Jennifer K.
Published: August 2020

High‐grade serous carcinoma of the ovary is believed to originate in the fallopian tubes (FTs). A submillimeter diameter endoscope with advanced imaging capabilities may take advantage of the natural pathway of the female reproductive tract to image the FTs in a minimally invasive procedure for early detection of cancer. Our lab previously built a prototype benchtop FT endoscope with pseudowhite light imaging, multispectral fluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography. This endoscope was approximately 0.9 mm in diameter, flexible and steerable in one direction. Several modifications have been made to create a falloposcope imaging system which is ready for clinical use. This new design includes a multilumen extrusion, a revised handle design, simplified lens design and redesigned subsystems resulting in improved mechanical characteristics, biocompatibility and portability while maintaining image quality. Additionally, these clinical endoscopes are single use, considerably less expensive and faster to build as compared to the prototype.
Methods for the analysis of mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Forsythe Bethany , Melia Lisa , Harbison SallyAnn
Published: August 2020

The use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiling as a tool for forming a link between an individual and a crime sample is a well‐established forensic biology technique. Though nuclear DNA typing is considered the gold standard method, certain evidence types have limited nuclear DNA available, such as telogen hairs and ancient or degraded remains, for which mtDNA analysis may be required. Traditionally mtDNA typing has been carried out using Sanger type sequencing, which is labor, time, and cost intensive. This has restricted the analysis of the mitochondrial genome to the control region, limiting the discrimination power of the technique. The introduction of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) into forensic laboratories has brought about the ability to analyze the whole mitochondrial genome of forensically relevant samples. The use of MPS for mtDNA analysis has resulted in an increase in the range of methods available for analysis, including: midi‐ and mini‐sized amplification strategies for whole genome analysis of casework‐type samples; whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) multiplexes; and DNA capture methods allowing the analysis of highly degraded remains. The resulting increase in discriminatory power and the continued progression of the technology and associated methods increase its appeal as a DNA analysis method and may facilitate its implementation as a routinely used forensic tool. Here, we give an overview of current laboratory practices for the analysis of mtDNA using MPS.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Haploid Markers

Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies
Holographic flows from CFT to the Kasner universe
Authors: Frenkel Alexander , Hartnoll Sean A. , Kruthoff Jorrit , Shi Zhengyan D.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The Schwarzschild singularity is known to be classically unstable. We demonstrate a simple holographic consequence of this fact, focusing on a perturbation that is uniform in boundary space and time. Deformation of the thermal state of the dual CFT by a relevant operator triggers a nonzero temperature holographic renormalization group flow in the bulk. This flow continues smoothly through the horizon and, at late interior time, deforms the Schwarzschild singularity into a more general Kasner universe. We show that the deformed near-singularity, trans-horizon Kasner exponents determine specific non-analytic corrections to the thermal correlation functions of heavy operators in the dual CFT, in the analytically continued ‘near-singularity’ regime.
Spinor-helicity formalism for massless fields in AdS4 III: contact four-point amplitudes
Authors: Nagaraj Balakrishnan , Ponomarev Dmitry
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We study contact four-point amplitudes in the spinor-helicity formalism in anti-de Sitter space. We find that these amplitudes can be brought to an especially simple form, which we call canonical. Next, we classify consistent contact amplitudes by requiring correct transformation properties with respect to the AdS isometry algebra. Finally, we establish a connection between the canonical form of AdS amplitudes and scalar multi-trace conformal primaries in flat space.
Out-of-time-order correlator in coupled harmonic oscillators
Authors: Akutagawa Tetsuya , Hashimoto Koji , Sasaki Toshiaki , Watanabe Ryota
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Exponential growth of thermal out-of-time-order correlator (OTOC) is an indicator of a possible gravity dual, and a simple toy quantum model showing the growth is being looked for. We consider a system of two harmonic oscillators coupled nonlinearly with each other, and numerically observe that the thermal OTOC grows exponentially in time. The system is well-known to be classically chaotic, and is a reduction of Yang-Mills-Higgs theory. The exponential growth is certified because the growth exponent (quantum Lyapunov exponent) of the thermal OTOC is well matched with the classical Lyapunov exponent, including their energy/temperature dependence. Even in the presence of the exponential growth in the OTOC, the energy level spacings are not sufficient to judge a Wigner distribution, hence the OTOC is a better indicator of quantum chaos.
Auf dem Weg zur „Einheit“: Józef Chałasiński und die Suche nach einer „erlaubten“ Genealogie der Soziologie im Nachkriegspolen (1945–1951)
Authors: Lokhmatov Aleksei
Published: August 2020

Dieser Aufsatz beschäftigt sich mit den öffentlichen Debatten über die Genealogie der polnischen Sozialwissenschaften nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Es wird gezeigt, wie sich in der Periode zwischen dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges (1945) und der Stalinisierung der polnischen Wissenschaft im Rahmen des „Ersten Kongresses der polnischen Wissenschaft“ (1951) die Grenzen des Erlaubten in öffentlichen Diskussionen über die wissenschaftliche Identität der Soziologie verschoben haben. Der Artikel, der vor allem auf der Analyse der öffentlichen Haltung des Organisators der soziologischen Gruppe Józef Chałasiński basiert ist, beschreibt die Entwicklungsetappen des öffentlichen Diskurses über die akademische Tradition der Sozialwissenschaften, die den zunehmenden Einfluss der politischen Agenda auf die wissenschaftliche Praxis widerspiegeln. Obwohl unmittelbar nach dem Krieg die Kontinuität mit der Zwischenkriegstradition und der „limitierte Charakter“ des marxistischen Ansatzes betont wurden, hat die beginnende Stalinisierung des öffentlichen Raums 1948 dazu geführt, dass die politische Rolle der Soziologie, die zusammen mit dem Marxismus dem progressiven Lager angehörte, zum zentralen Punkt ihrer eigenen Genealogie wurde. Die Schließung der soziologischen Abteilungen und Zeitschriften zwischen 1950 und 1951 markierten dabei die neue Etappe im Rahmen der Vorbereitungssitzungen zum ersten wissenschaftlichen Kongress. Eine der Hauptaufgaben für die Sozialwissenschaften im Rahmen dieses Kongresses bestand darin, gemeinsam mit den Philosophen eine progressive wissenschaftliche Tradition Polens zu konstruieren. Der Kongress wurde für die polnischen Wissenschaftler zur Aufgabe mit bekanntem Ergebnis und mehreren obligatorischen Elementen wie einer „fortschrittlichen nationalen Tradition“, dem „Marxismus-Leninismus“ und einem „Sechsjahresplan“ zu verfassen. Trotz des starken Drucks von Seiten der Politik konnten die Teilnehmer der Diskussionen keinen Kompromiss im Hinblick auf die progressive Tradition der polnischen Sozialwissenschaften finden und so die notwendige „Einheit“ erreichen.
Implantation of a new active bone conduction hearing device with optimized geometry
Authors: Plontke S. K. , Götze G. , Wenzel C. , Rahne T. , Mlynski R.
Published: August 2020

Here, we describe the surgical technique for implanting a new, active, transcutaneous bone conduction hearing aid. The implant technology is based on a system that has been in use reliably since 2012. The geometry of the new implant has been adapted based on experience with previously introduced implants. The surgery was feasible, standardized, and safe. Due to the optimized geometric design that improved the bone fit, it is not necessary to use specialized, detailed preoperative planning, except in challenging anatomical conditions; e.g., in young children, malformations, poor pneumatization, or after a canal wall down mastoidectomy.
Generalized properties for Hanafi–Wold’s procedure in partial least squares path modeling
Authors: Hanafi Mohamed , Dolce Pasquale , El Hadri Zouhair
Published: August 2020

Partial least squares path modeling is a statistical method that allows to analyze complex dependence relationships among several blocks of observed variables, each one represented by a latent variable. The computation of latent variable scores is an essential step of the method, achieved through an iterative procedure named here Hanafi–Wold’s procedure. The present paper generalizes properties already known in the literature for this procedure, from which additional convergence results will be obtained.
Gas-phase volatilomic approaches for quality control of brewing hops based on simultaneous GC-MS-IMS and machine learning
Authors: Brendel Rebecca , Schwolow Sebastian , Rohn Sascha , Weller Philipp
Published: August 2020

For the first time, a prototype HS-GC-MS-IMS dual-detection system is presented for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in fields of quality control of brewing hop. With a soft ionization and drift time-based ion separation in IMS and a hard ionization and m/z-based separation in MS, substance identification in the case of co-elution was improved, substantially. Machine learning tools were used for a non-targeted screening of the complex VOC profiles of 65 different hop samples for similarity search by principal component analysis (PCA) followed by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Partial least square regression (PLSR) was applied to investigate the observed correlation between the volatile profile and the α-acid content of hops and resulted in a standard error of prediction of only 1.04% α-acid. This promising volatilomic approach shows clearly the potential of HS-GC-MS-IMS in combination with machine learning for the enhancement of future quality assurance of hops.
Automated patient positioning in CT using a 3D camera for body contour detection: accuracy in pediatric patients
Authors: Booij Ronald , van Straten Marcel , Wimmer Andreas , Budde Ricardo P.J.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the accuracy of a 3D camera for body contour detection in pediatric patient positioning in CT compared with routine manual positioning by radiographers.

Methods and materials

One hundred and ninety-one patients, with and without fixation aid, which underwent CT of the head, thorax, and/or abdomen on a scanner with manual table height selection and with table height suggestion by a 3D camera were retrospectively included. The ideal table height was defined as the position at which the scanner isocenter coincides with the patient’s isocenter. Table heights suggested by the camera and selected by the radiographer were compared with the ideal height.

Results

For pediatric patients without fixation aid like a baby cradle or vacuum cushion and positioned by radiographers, the median (interquartile range) absolute table height deviation in mm was 10.2 (16.8) for abdomen, 16.4 (16.6) for head, 4.1 (5.1) for thorax-abdomen, and 9.7 (9.7) for thorax CT scans. The deviation was less for the 3D camera: 3.1 (4.7) for abdomen, 3.9 (6.3) for head, 2.2 (4.3) for thorax-abdomen, and 4.8 (6.7) for thorax CT scans (p < 0.05 for all body parts combined).

Conclusion

A 3D camera for body contour detection allows for automated and more accurate pediatric patient positioning than manual positioning done by radiographers, resulting in overall significantly smaller deviations from the ideal table height. The 3D camera may be also useful in the positioning of patients with fixation aid; however, evaluation of possible improvements in positioning accuracy was limited by the small sample size.

Key Points

• A 3D camera for body contour detection allows for automated and accurate pediatric patient positioning in CT.

• A 3D camera outperformed radiographers in positioning pediatric patients without a fixation aid in CT.

• Positioning of pediatric patients with fixation aid was feasible using the 3D camera, but no definite conclusions were drawn regarding the positioning accuracy due to the small sample size.
A Fast Shortest Path Algorithm on Terrain-like Graphs
Authors: Froese Vincent , Renken Malte
Published: August 2020

Terrain visibility graphs are a well-known graph class in computational geometry. They are closely related to polygon visibility graphs, but a precise graph-theoretical characterization is still unknown. Over the last decade, terrain visibility graphs attracted considerable attention in the context of time series analysis (there called time series visibility graphs) with various practical applications in areas such as physics, geography, and medical sciences. Computing shortest paths in visibility graphs is a common task, for example, in line-of-sight communication. For time series analysis, graph characteristics involving shortest paths lengths (such as centrality measures) have proven useful. In this paper, we devise a fast output-sensitive shortest path algorithm on a superclass of terrain visibility graphs called terrain-like graphs (including all induced subgraphs of terrain visibility graphs). Our algorithm runs in $$O(d^*\log \varDelta )$$

O
(

d
∗

log
Δ
)

time, where $$d^*$$

d
∗

is the length (that is, the number of edges) of the shortest path and $$\varDelta $$
Δ
is the maximum vertex degree. Alternatively, with an $$O(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

-time preprocessing our algorithm runs in $$O(d^*)$$

O
(

d
∗

)

time.
SaS-BCI: a new strategy to predict image memorability and use mental imagery as a brain-based biometric authentication
Authors: Yousefi Fares , Kolivand Hoshang , Baker Thar
Published: August 2020

Security authentication is one of the most important levels of information security. Nowadays, human biometric techniques are the most secure methods for authentication purposes that cover the problems of older types of authentication like passwords and pins. There are many advantages of recent biometrics in terms of security; however, they still have some disadvantages. Progresses in technology made some specific devices, which make it possible to copy and make a fake human biometric because they are all visible and touchable. According to this matter, there is a need for a new biometric to cover the issues of other types. Brainwave is human data, which uses them as a new type of security authentication that has engaged many researchers. There are some research and experiments, which are investigating and testing EEG signals to find the uniqueness of human brainwave. Some researchers achieved high accuracy rates in this area by applying different signal acquisition techniques, feature extraction and classifications using Brain–Computer Interface (BCI). One of the important parts of any BCI processes is the way that brainwaves could be acquired and recorded. A new Signal Acquisition Strategy is presented in this paper for the process of authorization and authentication of brain signals specifically. This is to predict image memorability from the user’s brain to use mental imagery as a visualization pattern for security authentication. Therefore, users can authenticate themselves with visualizing a specific picture in their minds. In conclusion, we can see that brainwaves can be different according to the mental tasks, which it would make it harder using them for authentication process. There are many signal acquisition strategies and signal processing for brain-based authentication that by using the right methods, a higher level of accuracy rate could be achieved which is suitable for using brain signal as another biometric security authentication.
Rigidity for perimeter inequality under spherical symmetrisation
Authors: Cagnetti F. , Perugini M. , Stöger D.
Published: August 2020

Necessary and sufficient conditions for rigidity of the perimeter inequality under spherical symmetrisation are given. That is, a characterisation for the uniqueness (up to orthogonal transformations) of the extremals is provided. This is obtained through a careful analysis of the equality cases, and studying fine properties of the circular symmetrisation, which was firstly introduced by Pólya in 1950.
Concentration Fluctuations from Localized Atmospheric Releases
Authors: Cassiani Massimo , Bertagni Matteo B. , Marro Massimo , Salizzoni Pietro
Published: August 2020

We review the efforts made by the scientific community in more than seventy years to elucidate the behaviour of concentration fluctuations arising from localized atmospheric releases of dynamically passive and non-reactive scalars. Concentration fluctuations are relevant in many fields including the evaluation of toxicity, flammability, and odour nuisance. Characterizing concentration fluctuations requires not just the mean concentration but also at least the variance of the concentration in the location of interest. However, for most purposes the characterization of the concentration fluctuations requires knowledge of the concentration probability density function (PDF) in the point of interest and even the time evolution of the concentration. We firstly review the experimental works made both in the field and in the laboratory, and cover both point sources and line sources. Regarding modelling approaches, we cover analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical methods. For clarity of presentation we subdivide the models in two groups, models linked to a transport equation, which usually require a numerical resolution, and models mainly based on phenomenological aspects of dispersion, often providing analytical or semi-analytical relations. The former group includes: large-eddy simulations, Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes methods, two-particle Lagrangian stochastic models, PDF transport equation methods, and heuristic Lagrangian single-particle methods. The latter group includes: fluctuating plume models, semi-empirical models for the concentration moments, analytical models for the concentration PDF, and concentration time-series models. We close the review with a brief discussion highlighting possible useful additions to experiments and improvements to models.
Potential for Sustainable Aquaculture: Insights from Discrete Choice Experiments
Authors: Xuan Bui Bich , Sandorf Erlend Dancke
Published: August 2020

The growth in global aquaculture production may address the lack of sustainability in wild fisheries, alleviate poverty in rural and coastal areas, and help meet the worldwide increase in demand for animal protein. However, there is an ongoing debate about the severity of the environmental impact of aquaculture production. Investing in new high-tech production systems can address both productivity growth and the environmental externalities, but high investment costs hinder adoption of high-tech production methods. We investigate the potential of a payment for environmental services program easing access to capital for producers to increase willingness-to-invest in more sustainable aquaculture practices in Vietnam. We conducted two discrete choice experiments to explore the supply and demand side of the policy. First, we elicited the public’s willingness-to-pay to reduce the environmental impact of conventional shrimp aquaculture, and second, we elicited farmers willingness-to-accept a credit subsidy to invest in high-tech production methods. Our results show that the public care about reduced environmental impacts, while farmers strongly prefer increased productivity. Furthermore, the public’s willingness-to-pay for reduced environmental impacts exceeds producer’s willingness-to-accept a subsidy to invest under most scenarios. This implies a potential for more sustainable aquaculture production in Vietnam.
Wait for it: identifying “On-Hold” self-admitted technical debt
Authors: Maipradit Rungroj , Treude Christoph , Hata Hideaki , Matsumoto Kenichi
Published: August 2020

Self-admitted technical debt refers to situations where a software developer knows that their current implementation is not optimal and indicates this using a source code comment. In this work, we hypothesize that it is possible to develop automated techniques to understand a subset of these comments in more detail, and to propose tool support that can help developers manage self-admitted technical debt more effectively. Based on a qualitative study of 333 comments indicating self-admitted technical debt, we first identify one particular class of debt amenable to automated management: on-hold self-admitted technical debt (on-hold SATD), i.e., debt which contains a condition to indicate that a developer is waiting for a certain event or an updated functionality having been implemented elsewhere. We then design and evaluate an automated classifier which can identify these on-hold instances with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.98 as well as detect the specific conditions that developers are waiting for. Our work presents a first step towards automated tool support that is able to indicate when certain instances of self-admitted technical debt are ready to be addressed.