bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participants' outcomes gone missing within a network of interventions: Bayesian modeling strategies
Authors: Spineli Loukia M. , Kalyvas Chrysostomos , Pateras Konstantinos
Published: May 2019

Objectives: To investigate the implications of addressing informative missing binary outcome data (MOD) on network meta‐analysis (NMA) estimates while applying the missing at random (MAR) assumption under different prior structures of the missingness parameter.

Methods: In three motivating examples, we compared six different prior structures of the informative missingness odds ratio (IMOR) parameter in logarithmic scale under pattern‐mixture and selection models. Then, we simulated 1000 triangle networks of two‐arm trials assuming informative MOD related to interventions. We extended the Bayesian random‐effects NMA model for binary outcomes and node‐splitting approach to incorporate these 12 models in total. With interval plots, we illustrated the posterior distribution of log OR, common between‐trial variance (τ2), inconsistency factor and probability of being best per intervention under each model.

Results: All models gave similar point estimates for all NMA estimates regardless of simulation scenario. For moderate and large MOD, intervention‐specific prior structure of log IMOR led to larger posterior standard deviation of log ORs compared to trial‐specific and common‐within‐network prior structures. Hierarchical prior structure led to slightly more precise τ2 compared to identical prior structure, particularly for moderate inconsistency and large MOD. Pattern‐mixture and selection models agreed for all NMA estimates.

Conclusions: Analyzing informative MOD assuming MAR with different prior structures of log IMOR affected mainly the precision of NMA estimates. Reviewers should decide in advance on the prior structure of log IMOR that best aligns with the condition and interventions investigated.
Brief Report: Cell Cycle Dynamics of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Primed for Differentiation
Authors: Shcherbina Anna , Li Jingling , Narayanan Cyndhavi , Greenleaf William , Kundaje Anshul , Chetty Sundari
Published: May 2019

Understanding the molecular properties of the cell cycle of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is critical for effectively promoting differentiation. Here, we use the Fluorescence Ubiquitin Cell Cycle Indicator system adapted into hPSCs and perform RNA sequencing on cell cycle sorted hPSCs primed and unprimed for differentiation. Gene expression patterns of signaling factors and developmental regulators change in a cell cycle-specific manner in cells primed for differentiation without altering genes associated with pluripotency. Furthermore, we identify an important role for PI3K signaling in regulating the early transitory states of hPSCs toward differentiation. Stem Cells  2019;37:1151–1157
Experimental study on fracture behavior of notched self‐consolidating concrete beam strengthened with off‐axis CFRP sheet
Authors: Sangi Monireh , Vasegh Amiri Javad , Abdollahzadeh Gholamreza , Dehestani Mehdi
Published: May 2019

In this study, the effects of fiber orientation within the carbon fiber reinforced (CFRP) sheets, on the fracture mode and crack growth of specimens were investigated by constructing five groups of initially notched self‐consolidating concrete beams, and strengthening them with CFRP sheets in the tensile area. Furthermore, the bearing capacity, strain variation along the sheet, crack mouth opening, and the midspan displacement were recorded by varying the height of the beams and the initial notch lengths. The results indicate that the load‐crack mouth opening curves have two peak load points. First, the applied load increases up to one peak value and then there is a drop in the load‐caring capacity. Afterwards, the applied load is improved to another peak value due to the relatively high cohesive effect of the CFRP sheet. The results show that as the height of the beam section increases, or the initial notch length decreases, the first and the second peak loads increase. By comparing the specimens with different fiber angles in each group, it was observed that the specimen with fiber angle 0° has a higher capacity relative to other angles, yet its failure occurs in a lower displacement. Furthermore, with the help of finite element software and nonlinear static analysis, the behavior of the aforementioned beams including the stress and strain distributions in the CFRP sheet, and the sheet‐to‐concrete bond zone have been examined and compared with the existing experimental results for validation.
Flexural design of a modular footbridge system with pretensioned carbon fiber reinforced polymer reinforcement
Authors: Kueres Sophia , Will Norbert , Hegger Josef
Published: May 2019

A common problem of concrete footbridges are corrosion damages of the steel reinforcement. The related loss of capacity as well as visual damages often require expensive and elaborate refurbishment or even reconstruction. To overcome these drawbacks, a modular footbridge system without steel reinforcement is developed. The application of noncorrosive carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement is suitable for building slender constructions, which are durable and long‐lasting. For the elements of the modular bridge system CFRP reinforcement is applied as mesh fabrics and pretensioned tendons. To enhance the durability and reduce costs, high strength concrete (HSC) with a high density is applied. Another advantage of the high density is that no additional surface is required. The modular construction method allows for fast assembly and disassembly of the footbridge.

In this paper, the dimensioning and flexural design of the modular footbridge system are presented. In a first step, the requirements regarding cross sections, spans, and level of prestressing are defined based on natural conditions and applied loads. The results are analyzed considering the realization of a modular construction. In a second step, the flexural design of the pretensioned footbridge is presented. In this context, a flexural design model for beams pretensioned with CFRP tendons based on Eurocode 2 is developed.
Torsional capacity investigation of reinforced concrete beams with different configurations of welded and unwelded transverse reinforcement
Authors: Shatarat Nasim , Hunifat Rozan , Murad Yasmin , Katkhuda Hasan , Abdel Jaber Mu'tasim
Published: May 2019

An experimental study is carried out to test 25 reinforced concrete (RC) beams in order to investigate the torsional behavior of the beams using welded and unwelded transverse reinforcement. Four different transverse reinforcement configurations were considered: ordinary, continuous circular spiral, continuous rectangular spiral, and continuous advanced rectangular spiral configuration. Welded configuration includes welding the hoops to the longitudinal reinforcement at their intersections. Three different spacing of 200, 150, and 100 mm were used. The experimental torsional capacity results are compared with the theoretical values determined by the ACI 318–14 code, Eurocode‐2, fib model code2010 and other available equations in the literature. The results showed that the welding effect varies based on the transverse reinforcement configuration and spacing and the maximum improvement in the ultimate torsional capacity of RC beams is obtained in the specimens made with continuous circular spiral stirrups. Furthermore, the ACI‐318, Eurocode‐2, fib model code2010 and other equations available in the literature are generally conservative in predicting the ultimate torsional strength of welded and unwelded RC beams with continuous transverse reinforcement but the predicted torsion moments obtained using Eurocode‐2 and fib model code2010 are closer to the test results.
Multiparametric MRI in prostate cancer and the NHS
Authors: Patel Uday
Published: May 2019

Uday Patel, Consultant Radiologist at St George's Hospital and Medical School, London, discusses the impact of new NICE recommendations for a multiparametric MRI for all men before prostate biopsy.
Current and future simulation in urological surgery training
Authors: Berridge Christopher , Jain Sunjay , Biyani Chandra Shekhar
Published: May 2019

Simulation training offers new opportunities as the restrictions on traditional surgical training increase and the drive for higher quality and greater accountability continues. The authors describe different types of simulation, their role in surgical training and some of the benefits they may offer in the future.
Surface‐supported cluster catalysis: Ensembles of metastable states run the show
Authors: Zandkarimi Borna , Alexandrova Anastassia N.
Published: May 2019

It has recently been shown that the dynamic behavior of surface‐supported nanocluster catalysts in realistic reaction conditions defies conventional models used in catalysis. This opens new doors in catalysis by giving more leverage in catalyst design, but also requires a major revision of the understanding of how dynamic heterogeneous catalytic interfaces operate, as well as of the computational approaches of catalyst modeling, and experimental methods of catalyst characterization. Major aspects of the new paradigm include the collective action of many catalyst states that form a statistical ensemble in reaction conditions, the catalytic activity and selectivity being driven by rare and metastable catalyst states, reaction thermodynamics and kinetics being controlled by different states of the catalyst, broken scaling relationships, non‐Arrhenius behaviors, and catalyst dynamic restructuring being an essential part of the reaction mechanism. For computation, this complexity means the departure from the standard density functional theory calculations of reaction mechanisms on a single catalyst structure. For experiment, it calls for the development of operando characterization tools with the per‐site resolution and the ability to find the minority sites that govern the catalytic activity. For catalyst design, the goal becomes the creation of the catalyst state (geometric and electronic) that might not be present in the as‐prepared catalyst, but would develop in the reaction conditions and would have the desired activity then. While cluster catalysts are the most dramatic in their dynamic fluxionality, other amorphous interfaces also exhibit some of it, and thus are also subject to similar paradigm revision.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
Learning from nature: Understanding hydrogenase enzyme using computational approach
Authors: Qiu Siyao , Li Qinye , Xu Yongjun , Shen Shaohua , Sun Chenghua
Published: May 2019

Learning from nature is a strategy for catalyst development. Its philosophy is that creative designs of high performance catalysts can be obtained from advanced understanding of catalysts selected by nature after billions of years of evolution, such as enzyme. A typical demonstration of such strategy is the developing of catalysts for large‐scale hydrogen production. Hydrogenases due to their impressive performance in catalyzing hydrogen oxidation/production, have been selected as a prototype for human being's learning to achieve better design. Fully understand the structures of hydrogenases and their catalysis mechanisms are essential to reproduce and even outperform this prototype. This article reviews the computational efforts in recent years, focusing on density functional theory calculations on [NiFe] hydrogenases. It summarizes the current knowledge regarding the identification of active sites in [NiFe] hydrogenases and reaction cycles of hydrogen oxidation, followed with a brief collection and discussion of bio‐inspired molecular catalysts derived from [NiFe] hydrogenase model. The capacity of computational calculations for the clarification of catalyst geometries and reaction mechanisms has been highlighted.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
IL7 receptor signaling in T cells: A mathematical modeling perspective
Authors: Park Jung‐Hyun , Waickman Adam T. , Reynolds Joseph , Castro Mario , Molina‐París Carmen
Published: May 2019

Interleukin‐7 (IL7) plays a nonredundant role in T cell survival and homeostasis, which is illustrated in the severe T cell lymphopenia of IL7‐deficient mice, or demonstrated in animals or humans that lack expression of either the IL7Rα or γ
c chain, the two subunits that constitute the functional IL7 receptor. Remarkably, IL7 is not expressed by T cells themselves, but produced in limited amounts by radio‐resistant stromal cells. Thus, T cells need to constantly compete for IL7 to survive. How T cells maintain homeostasis and further maximize the size of the peripheral T cell pool in face of such competition are important questions that have fascinated both immunologists and mathematicians for a long time. Exceptionally, IL7 downregulates expression of its own receptor, so that IL7‐signaled T cells do not consume extracellular IL7, and thus, the remaining extracellular IL7 can be shared among unsignaled T cells. Such an altruistic behavior of the IL7Rα chain is quite unique among members of the γ
c cytokine receptor family. However, the consequences of this altruistic signaling behavior at the molecular, single cell and population levels are less well understood and require further investigation. In this regard, mathematical modeling of how a limited resource can be shared, while maintaining the clonal diversity of the T cell pool, can help decipher the molecular or cellular mechanisms that regulate T cell homeostasis. Thus, the current review aims to provide a mathematical modeling perspective of IL7‐dependent T cell homeostasis at the molecular, cellular and population levels, in the context of recent advances in our understanding of the IL7 biology.

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
How Variance and Invariance Can Inform Teachers’ Enactment of Mathematics Lessons
Authors: Preciado Babb Armando Paulino , Metz Martina , Davis Brent
Published: May 2019

The use of systematic variance and invariance has been identified as a critical aspect for the design of mathematics lessons in many countries where different forms of lesson study and learning study are common. However, a focus on specific teaching strategies is less frequent in the literature. In particular, the use of systematic variation to inform teachers’ continuous decision-making during class is uncommon. In this chapter, we report on the use of variation theory in the Math Minds Initiative, a project focused on improving mathematics learning at the elementary level. We describe how variation theory is embedded in a teaching approach consisting of four components developed empirically through the longitudinal analysis of more than 5 years of observations of mathematics lessons and students’ performance in mathematics. We also discuss the pivotal role of the particular teaching resource used in the initiative. To illustrate, we offer an analysis of our work with a Grade 1 lesson on understanding tens and ones and a Grade 5 lesson on distinguishing partitive and quotitive division.
Risky Neighborhoods as Specific Type of Social Space
Authors: Kurtenbach Sebastian
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this chapter is to outline a conceptional framework for risky neighborhoods, so as to understand violence from a spatial perspective. Therefore, a literature review of segregation, collective efficacy, legal cynicism, and the spatial threat approach is conducted to find a starting point for an explanation for how collective norms affect youth violence. The risky neighborhood concept is presented in the conclusion of the chapter.
Identification of Health Risk Factors and Their Parameters
Authors: Dovjak Mateja , Kukec Andreja
Published: May 2019

This chapter highlights the importance of identifying health risk factors and their parameters for healthier built environments. In Sect. 3.1, epidemiological terms such as “determinants of health”, “health risk” and “health hazards”, are introduced. In Sect. 3.2, health risk factors and their main parameters in built environments are further identified and classified into six groups: biological, chemical, physical, psychosocial, personal, and others. Detailed definition of health risk factors and their main parameters, followed by the results of epidemiological studies proving the association between potential health outcomes and health risk factors, are described in Sects. 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7. Identified and classified health risk factors and their parameters are the basis for the identificationof single and multi-group interactions among them, described in Chap. 4.
Transplanckian axion monodromy!?
Authors: Buratti Ginevra , Calderón José , Uranga Angel M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We show that warped throats of the Klebanov-Strassler kind, regarded as 5d flux compactifications on Sasaki-Einstein manifolds X
5, describe fully backreacted solutions of transplanckian axion monodromy. We show that the asymptotic Klebanov-Tseytlin solution features a 5d axion physically rolling through its dependence on an spatial coordinate, and traversing arbitrarily large distances in field space. The solution includes the backreaction on the breathing mode of the compactification space and on the vacuum energy, which yields a novel form of flattening. We establish the description of the system in terms of an effective 5d theory for the axion, and verify its validity in transplanckian regimes. In this context, rolling axion monodromy configurations with limited field space range would correspond, in the holographic dual field theory, to duality walls, which admit no embedding in string theory so far. We present an identical realization of transplanckian axion monodromy in 4d in fluxed version of AdS4 × X
7. We speculate that similar models in which the axion rolls in the time direction naturally correspond to embedding the same mechanism in de Sitter vacua, thus providing a natural arena for large field inflation, and potentially linking the swampland de Sitter and distance conjectures.
Schranken und Quadranten
Authors: Wanner Lisa , Landsteiner Finn L.
Published: May 2019

Der Artikel beschäftigt sich mit Fragen zu vielfältigen Geschlechtlichkeiten in psychotherapeutischen Räumen. Wir zeichnen eine Verbindung zwischen Topoi des hegemonialen Diskurses um Inter* und Erfahrungen von Trans* und Gender non Conforming Personen, die Therapie in Anspruch nehmen. Möglichkeiten und Grenzen geschlechtlicher Subjektivierung werden in Diskursen und Praktiken – maßgebend in klinischen – hervorgebracht. Vor diesem Hintergrund diskutieren wir die ambivalente Rolle von Psychotherapeut*innen als Vertreter*innen eines machtstützenden Systems, das gleichzeitig individuelle Selbstbestimmung stärken soll. Aus den Überlegungen leiten wir spezifische Bestärkungs- und Gefahrenpotentiale psychotherapeutischer Räume und Reflexionsebenen für Psychotherapeut*innen ab.
The Ethical Dimension in Political Market Orientation: A Framework for Evaluating the Impact of India’s Look East Policy on Regional Income Convergence
Authors: Choudhury Homagni , Kopacsi Zoltan Laszlo , Saxena Gunjan , Mishra Nishikant
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we employ what we term as ‘the ethical dimension in political market orientation (PMO)’ framework to underline how an integration of information from relevant stakeholder groups can inform the formulation of market-oriented, yet ethical policies. Against the backdrop of India’s Look East Policy (LEP), we undertake a critical analysis of historic economic data from 1980 to 2014 in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, often termed as theSeven Sistersbecause of their interdependence. Our analysis of the data, using time-series methods, reveals that policy changes ensuing from the economic reforms of 1990s and the initiation of the LEP in 1991 have resulted in regional income convergence in North-Eastern India. A key contribution of our work emanates from the fact that we determine two structural breaks endogenously from long time-series data, thereby identifying three distinct policy regimes, rather than specifying exogenous breaks based on historic and theoretical conjectures. Overall, our work offers both conceptual insights into processes that enable ethical and inclusive policy making, as well as empirical evidence emerging from stochastic convergence of incomes per capita for theSeven Sisterstates in the North-Eastern region in India, to illustrate how regional economic inequality can be reduced through targeted market-oriented policies.
HuValue: a tool to support design students in considering human values in their design
Authors: Kheirandish Shadi , Funk Mathias , Wensveen Stephan , Verkerk Maarten , Rauterberg Matthias
Published: May 2019

Human values play an integral role in any design that aims to improve the quality of human life. However, only a few design approaches concentrate on human values in their design, and there is even very little agreement between them in identifying human values. Considering this, we created a design tool based on a comprehensive value framework to support designers’ addressing human values in their designs. This tool intends to raise designers’ awareness about human values and provide tangible materials to facilitate the use of selected values within the design process. This article investigated whether this tool is applicable and effective to be used in design education. A quasi-experimental study with design students showed that the project groups who were supported with this tool addressed significantly stronger human values in their design concepts compared to the control groups. Results of the evaluation indicated that the tool is not only applicable in a design process but is also effective at enriching design concepts with human values.
A plea for KR
Authors: Kerr Alison Duncan
Published: May 2019

There is a strong case to be made for thinking that an obscure logic, KR, is better than classical logic and better than any relevant logic. The argument for KR over relevant logics is that KR counts disjunctive syllogism valid, and this is the biggest complaint about relevant logics. The argument for KR over classical logic depends on the normativity of logic and the paradoxes of implication. The paradoxes of implication are taken by relevant logicians to justify relevant logic, but considerations on the normativity of logic show that only some of the paradoxes of implication are genuine. KR avoids all the genuine paradoxes of implication, unlike classical logic. Overall, KR avoids the genuine paradoxes of implication and avoids the major objection to relevant logics. This combination of features provides strong reason to give KR a place in the conversation about the right logic(s).
Correction to: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Preoperative HbA1c Level Have no Consequence on Outcomes after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy—a Cohort Study
Authors: Wysocki Michał , Walędziak Maciej , Hady Hady Razak , Czerniawski Mikołaj , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Szymański Michał , Dowgiałło-Wnukiewicz Natalia , Kozera Piotr , Szeliga Jacek , Orłowski Michał , Pędziwiatr Michał , Szopa Magdalena , Budzyński Andrzej , Major Piotr
Published: May 2019

Some of the author affiliations were incorrectly assigned in the original article. They are correct here.
Phage display screening of therapeutic peptide for cancer targeting and therapy
Authors: Saw Phei Er , Song Er-Wei
Published: May 2019

Recently, phage display technology has been announced as the recipient of Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2018. Phage display technique allows high affinity target-binding peptides to be selected from a complex mixture pool of billions of displayed peptides on phage in a combinatorial library and could be further enriched through the biopanning process; proving to be a powerful technique in the screening of peptide with high affinity and selectivity. In this review, we will first discuss the modifications in phage display techniques used to isolate various cancer-specific ligands byin situ,in vitro,in vivo, andex vivoscreening methods. We will then discuss prominent examples of solid tumor targeting-peptides; namely peptide targeting tumor vasculature, tumor microenvironment (TME) and over-expressed receptors on cancer cells identified through phage display screening. We will also discuss the current challenges and future outlook for targeting peptide-based therapeutics in the clinics.
Effect of Hydration on Polytypism and Disorder in the Sulfate-Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides of Li and Al
Authors: Pachayappan Latha , Kamath P. Vishnu
Published: May 2019

The double hydroxide of Li+ and Al3+ is an anionic clay comprising positively charged metal hydroxide layers and intercalated anions. While the structure of the iono-covalently bonded metal hydroxide layer is well known, relatively less knowledge is available regarding the manner in which the anions and water molecules are packed in the interlayer region. The sulfate ion is of special interest as it can potentially intercalate in a multiplicity of orientations and grow an extended hydration sphere. The sulfate-intercalated double hydroxide was synthesized by the imbibition of Li2SO4 into both the gibbsite and bayerite forms of Al(OH)3 to obtain layered double hydroxides with the nominal formula Li2Al4(OH)12SO4·nH2O (n = 4–8). The as-prepared compounds were poorly ordered and did not yield any structural information. Temperature-induced partial dehydration yielded ordered phases of different structures in the two systems. Simulation of the powder patterns of different model structures, followed by structure refinement in both direct and reciprocal spaces, showed that the gibbsite-derived phase yielded a two-layer polytype of hexagonal symmetry (space group P63/m). The local symmetry of the sulfate ion was close to D2d with one of the C2 axes of the SO42− being nearly parallel to the c axis of the crystal. The bayerite-derived phase yielded a one-layer polytype of monoclinic symmetry (space group C2/m). The sulfate ion was oriented with its C3 axes tilted away from the stacking direction. Cooling and rehydration (relative humidity ~70%) resulted in a reversible expansion of the basal spacing due to the ingress of water molecules from the ambient humidity into the interlayer region. Hydration in both cases resulted in turbostratic disorder. The disorder in the bayerite-derived phase was a result of random intergrowth of motifs with rhombohedral and monoclinic symmetries.
Updates in prognostication and treatment of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
Authors: Advani Pooja , Paulus Aneel , Ailawadhi Sikander
Published: May 2019

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, incurable hematologic disorder with a relatively indolent course in a majority of the patients. Despite this, a significant proportion of patients require treatment because of hypersecretion of immunoglobulin M and the invasion of bone marrow and peripheral organs by neoplastic lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma cells. Historically, there has been a dearth of research and therapeutic advancements in the field of WM, with most understanding based on other, related B-cell lymphoid malignancies, including multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Recently, there has been an increase in dedicated work to better explain the pathobiology of WM, which has identified several clinical and genetic markers that serve to prognosticate disease course and patient outcomes. Furthermore, this has led to dedicated clinical trials and the development of novel drugs/regimens including the first Food and Drug Administration-approved agent for this diagnosis, ibrutinib. This review aims to document some of the recent advancements with respect to prognostic markers and therapeutic options for patients with WM, as well as certain selected novel treatments with unique mechanisms of action, that are currently under development.
School bullying
Authors: Alhafez Laila , Masri Amira
Published: May 2019

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are seizure-like episodes that are not associated with changes on electroencephalogram. They are the result of a wide range of possible psychological stressors including being a victim of bullying. Currently, reports regarding PNES in bullied patients are lacking. In this case report, we describe two cases; the first is a 10-year-old boy who presented to the emergency room once for visual loss and another for inability to walk. The other is a 12-year-old boy who has experienced recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness. Based on the negative investigations for any other possible diagnosis, and upon the nature of the episodes, a diagnosis of PNES was made after a history of bullying victimization was revealed. This suggests that PNES can result from psychological distress caused by school bullying victimization in children and highlights the importance of screening for bullying in patients with PNES.
A model for overcoming challenges in academic pediatric medical device innovation
Authors: Fischer Gwenyth A. , Wells Sandra M. , Rebuffoni Jodi F. , Peterson Brittni M. , LeBien Tucker W.
Published: May 2019

Technological advancements in medical devices developed for adults far outpace the development of technologies designed for pediatric patients in the USA and other countries. This technology lag was previously reflected in a lack of pediatric-specific innovation within our academic institution. To address the institutional deficit of device innovation around pediatric patients, we formed unique partnerships both within our university and extending to the medical device industry, and developed novel programmatic approaches. The Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (PDIC) bridges the medical device community and the University of Minnesota. Since 2014, the PDIC has supported 22 pediatric medical technology innovation projects, provided funds totaling more than $500,000, licensed two technologies, and advanced two technologies to patient use. Here, we describe the PDIC model and method, the PDIC approach to common challenges that arise in the development of small-market medical technologies at an academic institution, and iterations to our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that have matured throughout our experience. The PDIC model continues to evolve to reflect the special needs of innovation for smaller markets and the unique role of clinician innovators. Our approach serves as a successful model for other institutions interested in creating support mechanisms for pediatric or small-market technology development.
Creating reasonable antibiograms for antibiotic stewardship programs in nursing homes: Analysis of 260 facilities in a large geographic region, 2016–2017
Authors: Fridkin Scott K. , Pack Jacob , Licitra Giancarlo , Zheng Ziduo , Watkins Russell , Price Steve , Camp Mayfield , Moore Renee
Published: May 2019

Objective:

To determine the best nursing home facility characteristics for aggregating antibiotic susceptibility testing results across nursing homes to produce a useful annual antibiogram that nursing homes can use in their antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Design:

Derivation cohort study.

Setting:

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) certified skilled nursing facilities in Georgia (N = 231).

Participants:

All residents of eligible facilities submitting urine culture specimens for microbiologic testing at a regional referral laboratory.

Methods:

Crude and adjusted metrics of antibiotic resistance prevalence (percent of isolates testing susceptible) for 5 bacterial species commonly recovered from urine specimens were calculated using mixed linear models to determine which facility characteristics were predictive of testing antibiotic susceptibility.

Results:

In a single year, most facilities had an insufficient number of isolates tested to create facility-specific antibiograms: 49% of facilities had sufficient Escherichia coli isolates tested, but only about 1 in 10 had sufficient isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After accounting for antibiotic tested and age of the patient, facility characteristics predictive of susceptibility were: E. coli, region, year, average length of stay; K. pneumoniae, region, bed size; P. mirabilis, region; and for E. faecalis or P. aerginosa no facility parameter remained in the model.

Conclusions:

Nursing homes often have insufficient data to create facility-specific antibiograms; aggregating data across nursing homes in a region is a statistically sound approach to overcoming data shortages in nursing home stewardship programs.
Material stability and instability in non-local continuum models for dense granular materials
Authors: Li Shihong , Henann David L.
Published: May 2019

A class of common and successful continuum models for steady, dense granular flows is based on the$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}(I)$model for viscoplastic grain-inertial rheology. Recent work has shown that under certain conditions,$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}(I)$-based models display a linear instability in which short-wavelength perturbations grow at an unbounded rate – i.e. a Hadamard instability. This observation indicates that$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}(I)$models will predict strain localization arising due to material instability in dense granular materials; however, it also raises concerns regarding the robustness of numerical solutions obtained using these models. Several approaches to regularizing this instability have been suggested in the literature. Among these, it has been shown that the inclusion of higher-order velocity gradients into the constitutive equations can suppress the Hadamard instability, while not precluding the modelling of strain localization into diffuse shear bands. In our recent work (Henann & Kamrin,Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, vol. 110, 2013, pp. 6730–6735), we have proposed a non-local model – called the non-local granular fluidity (NGF) model – which also involves higher-order flow gradients and has been shown to quantitatively describe a wide variety of steady, dense flows. In this work, we show that the NGF model also successfully regularizes the Hadamard instability of the$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}(I)$model. We further apply the NGF model to the problem of strain localization in quasi-static plane-strain compression using nonlinear finite-element simulations in order to demonstrate that the model is capable of describing diffuse strain localization in a mesh-independent manner. Finally, we consider the linear stability of an alternative gradient–viscoplastic model (Bouzidet al.,Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 111, 2013, 238301) and show that the inclusion of higher-order gradients does not guarantee the suppression of the Hadamard instability.
Boundary-layer stability of supercritical fluids in the vicinity of the Widom line
Authors: Ren Jie , Marxen Olaf , Pecnik Rene
Published: May 2019

We investigate the hydrodynamic stability of compressible boundary layers over adiabatic walls with fluids at supercritical pressure in the proximity of the Widom line (also known as the pseudo-critical line). Depending on the free-stream temperature and the Eckert number that determines the viscous heating, the boundary-layer temperature profile can be either sub-, trans- or supercritical with respect to the pseudo-critical temperature, $T_{pc}$. When transitioning from sub- to supercritical temperatures, a seemingly continuous phase change from a compressible liquid to a dense vapour occurs, accompanied by highly non-ideal changes in thermophysical properties. Using linear stability theory (LST) and direct numerical simulations (DNS), several key features are observed. In the sub- and supercritical temperature regimes, the boundary layer is substantially stabilized the closer the free-stream temperature is to $T_{pc}$ and the higher the Eckert number. In the transcritical case, when the temperature profile crosses $T_{pc}$, the flow is significantly destabilized and a co-existence of dual unstable modes (Mode II in addition to Mode I) is found. For high Eckert numbers, the growth rate of Mode II is one order of magnitude larger than Mode I. An inviscid analysis shows that the newly observed Mode II cannot be attributed to Mack’s second mode (trapped acoustic waves), which is characteristic in high-speed boundary-layer flows with ideal gases. Furthermore, the generalized Rayleigh criterion (also applicable for non-ideal gases) unveils that, in contrast to the trans- and supercritical regimes, the subcritical regime does not contain an inviscid instability mechanism.
Area changes of glaciers on active volcanoes in Latin America between 1986 and 2015 observed from multi-temporal satellite imagery
Authors: REINTHALER JOHANNES , PAUL FRANK , GRANADOS HUGO DELGADO , RIVERA ANDRÉS , HUGGEL CHRISTIAN
Published: May 2019

Glaciers on active volcanoes are subject to changes in both climate fluctuations and volcanic activity. Whereas many studies analysed changes on individual volcanoes, this study presents for the first time a comparison of glacier changes on active volcanoes on a continental scale. Glacier areas were mapped for 59 volcanoes across Latin America around 1986, 1999 and 2015 using a semi-automated band ratio method combined with manual editing using satellite images from Landsat 4/5/7/8 and Sentinel-2. Area changes were compared with the Smithsonian volcano database to analyse possible glacier–volcano interactions. Over the full period, the mapped area changed from 1399.3 ± 80 km2to 1016.1 ± 34 km2(−383.2 km2) or −27.4% (−0.92% a−1) in relative terms. Small glaciers, especially in tropical regions lost more of their area compared to large and extra–tropical glaciers. Interestingly, 46 out of 59 analysed glaciers (78%) showed a decelerating shrinkage rate in the second period (−1.20% a−1before 1999 and −0.70% a−1after 1999). We found a slightly higher (but statistically not significant) area loss rate (−1.03% a−1) for glaciers on volcanoes with eruptions than without (−0.86% a−1).
Stratigraphic and paleogeographic distributions of Devonian crinoids from Spain with description of new taxa from the Iberian Chains
Authors: Ausich William I. , Zamora Samuel
Published: May 2019

A new Lower Devonian fauna from the Iberian Chains (NE Spain) is described. Specimens have been collected from the shaley intervals of the Mariposas Formation dated as early Emsian. These include the camerates Acanthocrinus carsli n. sp., Platyhexacrinus santacruzensis n. sp., Culicocrinus breimeri n. sp., Camerata indeterminate, and an indeterminate eucladid. Compared with other faunas from Spain, this represents a low diversity crinoid assemblage that was probably concentrated in shallow, turbid environments. A summary of crinoids previously described from the Spanish Devonian is reported, which indicates that crinoid faunas become progressively more cosmopolitan during the Devonian.

UUID: http://zoobank.org:pub/2debf9fa-11bf-46df-baf1-ab7926031051
The Relationship of the Resistance Curve and Gcto Specimen Configuration
Authors: Adams N J I , Munro H G
Published: May 2019

Following a brief introduction, an examination is presented of the factors which define fracture toughness, resistance-curve relationships and the extent of stable crack extension in thin-sheet failure. Tests have been performed on three aluminium alloys to establish the variations in the shape of resistance curves, using both compliance-indicated and measured absolute values of crack length in compact tension specimens and centre crack sheets. The results show that both the toughness and the resistance curves of the two specimen types are different and that these differences cannot be explained wholly by consideration of crack tip plastic zone sizes.
A New Series of Aerofoil Sections Suitable for Aircraft Propellers
Authors: Bocci A J
Published: May 2019

A series of advanced aerofoil sections suitable for aircraft propellers has been developed. The sections combine advanced supercritical now characteristics with good low-speed performance and are also directly applicable to other rotating aerodynamic machinery, such as low-solidity ducted fans, windmills, etc. The work has focused initially on propeller sections of around 6 per cent thickness/chord ratio, typical of the fundamental blade station where peak loading is usually carried (0.7 × radius). The complete section family covers a wide range of thickness/chord ratios, from 3 per cent to over 20 per cent. The profiles are defined by mathematical formulae and distort with thickness to achieve a shape having optimum performance characteristics at the flow conditions expected for that thickness. A subset of the family is defined for higher Mach number penetration, up to near sonic values. Practical applications of the new sections have shown notable gains.
The Authoritativeness of the English and French Texts of Security Council Resolution 242 (1967) on the Situation in the Middle East
Authors: De Valdés Toribio
Published: May 2019

In a recent article in this Journal by Dr. Shihata, it is implied that the English text of Security Council Resolution 242 (1967) of November 22,1967 on the situation in the Middle East should, for purposes of interpretation, enjoy some measure of precedence over the French version. This view appears to be based on the fact that English was the original language of the draft resolution which without change became Security Council Resolution 242 (1967). The underlying issue is now famous. The English and French versions of this resolution are considered to conflict in that the latter provides, literally, for withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied territories, whereas partial withdrawal would appear to satisfy the requirements of the former.
The B-vitamins in malnutrition with alcoholism: A model of intervitamin relationships
Authors: Dastur D. K. , Santhadevi N. , Quadros E. V. , Avari F. C. R. , Wadia N. H. , Desai Meher M. , Bharucha E. P.
Published: May 2019

1. The B-vitamin status of fifty-nine patients, mainly from the lower socio-economic classes in Bombay, with a history of chronic malnutrition, and of alcoholism of 1·5–20 years’ duration, was studied before and during treatment, and in relation to their clinical, especially neurological, condition. These patients were divided into two neurological categories: (1) those with peripheral neuropathy (mainly sensory and distal) alone, (2) those with mental changes (mainly confusion and disorientation) also. Both categories frequently showed pellagrous pigmentation and mucocutaneous signs of B-vitamin deficiency.

2. Thiamin and erythrocyte transketolase (EC2.2.1.1) activity, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, total and pyridoxal fraction of vitamin B6, folate and total vitamin B12were estimated in the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of these patients, and also in the blood of sixty-nine control subjects and in the CSF of some of them. The concentrations of all the vitamins, except vitamin B12, were highly significantly lower in the blood of patients of category 1 compared to the controls, and erythrocyte transketolase activity and pyridoxal concentration in patients of category 2 were significantly lower than those of category 1 patients. Blood pantothenic acid and folate concentrations were reduced less consistently.

3. Serum vitamin B12concentration was significantly increased (though within normal range) in the patients compared to the control group, probably because of the moderate hepatic insufficiency (as assessed by liver function tests) in the former.

4. The concentrations of thiamin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid and total vitamin B6were also highly significantly lower in the CSF in patients of category 1 compared with controls. Furthermore, thiamin, nicotinic acid and total vitamin B6concentrations were significantly lower in patients of category 2 than those of category 1 patients, indicating that CSF levels reflect better the neurological status of these patients.

5. There was a moderate increase in the blood concentration of all the vitamins tested, after a relatively poor hospital diet alone. There was a concurrent increase in the blood levels of thiamin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid and pantothenic acid after parenteral treatment with either thiamin or nicotinic acid. The administration of pyridoxine resulted in a significant increase in the blood levels of riboflavin and the pyridoxal fraction of vitamin B6.
The ileum of the sheep as a site of protein digestion
Authors: Ben-Ghedalia D. , Tagari H. , Bondi A.
Published: May 2019

1. In order to study the ability of the ileum of the sheep to digest and absorb protein, casein or gluten were infused into the intestine of rams through cannulas inserted at distances of 0·05, 7, 9 and 15 m from the pylorus. Amounts of casein or gluten containing 10–20 g nitrogen were infused during 24 h, in animals given a low-N diet.

2. N balance was negative during the preliminary period when no infusion was given; infusion of casein or gluten increased the daily N retention to 5–15 g.

3. Infusion of proteins into the intestine did not induce an increased activity of pancreatic proteases in digesta withdrawn from the lower part of the intestine.

4. The increased N retention after the infusion of proteins into the lower part of the intestine indicates a considerable capacity of this section of the intestine to digest and absorb proteins.
Influence of fructose feeding on individual enzymic reactions in the formation and metabolism of bile acids in rat liver homogenates
Authors: Carrella M. , Björkhem I. , Einarsson K. , Hellström K.
Published: May 2019

1. Rats were maintained for 10 d on a semi-synthetic diet containing 700 g glucose or 700 g fructose/kg. Individual enzymie reactions in bile acid synthesis and metabolism were studied by measuring the 7α-hydroxylation of [4-14C]cholesterol, the 12α-hydroxylation of 7α-[6β-3H]hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, the 26-hydroxylation of 5β-[7β-3H]cholestane-3α,7α-diol and the 6β-hydroxylation of [3H]lithocholic acid in liver homogenates.

2. The serum cholesterol level was approximately the same in both groups of animals, but the serum triglyceride level was almost twice as high in the fructose-fed rats compared to the glucose-fed rats.

3. The 6β-hydroxylation of [3H]lithocholic acid was increased by about 20% in the fructose-fed rats compared to the glucose-fed animals. The activities of the other enzymic reactions studied did not differ significantly between the two groups of animals. The findings are discussed in relation to previous knowledge concerning mechanisms regulating triglyceride, pre-β-lipoprotein and bile acid synthesis.
A system for automatic collection and removal of urine from male farm animals
Authors: Watts P. R.
Published: May 2019

A system for collection and removal of urine has been developed, consisting of a peristaltic pump controlled by an electronic switch activated by the presence of urine in a funnel and in tubing. For optimum performance, it is necessary to clean parts at regular intervals.
Effects of Age and Season on Yield of Crude and Extractable Proteins from Some Edible Plants
Authors: Fafunso M. , Bassir O.
Published: May 2019

The crude protein contents of four Nigerian edible leafy vegetables were high, with values ranging from ao to 30% on a dry weight basis and maximum yields of crude protein ranging from 428 to 602 kg/ha. The percentages of leaf protein extracted ranged from 41 to 70%, whilst the highest yields of extractable edible protein varied from 199 to 332 kg/ha. The crude protein levels, as well as yields of extractable proteins, were slightly affected by the season of growth, but greatly by the age and species of plants.