bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Zr/Gnp hybrid filler on thermal and ablation properties of carbon‐epoxy composites
Authors: Subha Sivakumar , Sairam Vadapalli Naga Venkata , Pal Yash
Published: October 2020

In this work, the Zirconia (Zr) particles were coated with graphene nanoplatelets (Gnps) using the wet chemical synthesis process and sintered at 500°C and 900°C. At sintering temperature of 900°C, the Zr coated with 0.25 wt% Gnp fillers exhibited better oxidation resistance. Thus, the carbon epoxy (C‐Ex) composites containing Zr/Gnp, 0.25 wt%, were fabricated by the hand‐layup technique. The prepared composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), flexural, and ablation tests. The C‐Ex composites modified with Zr/Gnps fillers showed significant improvement in thermal stability and flexural strength compared with the pristine sample. The composite containing 0.25 wt% Zr/Gnp filler reduced the mass ablation rate to 23%, whereas back‐surface temperature was decreased to 170°C compared with pure C‐Ex composite. The surface morphology of ablated composite samples revealed that the Zr/Gnp produced char droplet spheres on the carbon fibres, which prevented the further oxidation of the matrix and thus improved the ablative performance.
Antidepressant use in Australia and Sweden—A cross‐country comparison
Authors: Eek Emma , van Driel Mieke , Falk Magnus , Hollingworth Samantha A. , Merlo Gregory
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To compare the dispensed use of antidepressants in Australia and Sweden.

Methods

We analysed publicly available data from Australia and Sweden on dispensed use of antidepressants from 2006 to 2018.

Results

The dispensed use of antidepressants has increased in both Australia and Sweden. Australia had a more rapid increase resulting in a higher total use. The utilisation profile was similar in both countries; SSRIs were the most commonly used group, “other antidepressants” were the group that increased the most, and seven of the eight most used substances were the same. There were differences in which antidepressants were most used, with the three most prescribed antidepressants being escitalopram, sertraline, and venlafaxine in Australia; and mirtazapine, sertraline, and citalopram in Sweden.

Conclusion

Dispensed use of antidepressants has increased remarkably in both Australia and Sweden between 2006 and 2018. Although similar with regard to economic status and health care system, use of antidepressants differs between both countries. This may be a result of a combination of factors related to medical, contextual and policy evidence. The differences displayed in this study may reflect varying accessibility of treatments, national programmes enhancing mental health literacy in the population, clinical prescribing guidelines and timing of approval of new antidepressants.
μ‐Conotoxin KIIIA peptidomimetics that block human voltage‐gated sodium channels
Authors: Knuhtsen Astrid , Whiting Rachel , McWhinnie Fergus S. , Whitmore Charlotte , Smith Brian O. , Green A. Christopher , Timperley Christopher M. , Kinnear Kenneth I. , Jamieson Andrew G.
Published: October 2020

Peptidomimetics designed to target voltage‐gated sodium channels have attracted significant attention as potential analgesics. However, voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC)‐blocking activity of these compounds has mainly been assessed using rat and/or mice homologs. In this study, we developed a novel series of conformationally constrained peptidomimetic analogues of the μ‐conotoxin KIIIA and assessed their activity against human VGSCs. Two of the mimetics block the currents of hNav1.4 and hNav1.6 channels. NMR derived structures of the mimetics provided excellent insight into the structural requirements for bioactivity. A lactam‐constrained analogue, previously reported to be active in mice, did not block the corresponding human VGSC. This work highlights important differences in VGSCs between species and validates the potential of peptidomimetics as human analgesics.
How does future focus promote study engagement? A moderated mediation model of self‐esteem and dispositional awe
Authors: Zhang Furong , Feng Shiting , Li Jie
Published: October 2020

Sufficient engagement in studying promotes students' academic performance and ability to compete in the job market. In this study, we explore the role of future focus and dispositional awe in stimulating college students' study engagement. To examine our hypotheses, we conducted a questionnaire survey with 237 students from a national college in China. The results indicate that future focus is positively related to study engagement and that self‐esteem mediates this relationship. Moreover, the mediating effect of self‐esteem is moderated by dispositional awe such that the mediation relationship is weaker when the level of awe is higher. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
How teachers' perceptions of the parent–teacher relationship affect children's risk for early childhood expulsion
Authors: Zulauf‐McCurdy Courtney A. , Zinsser Katherine M.
Published: October 2020

Rates of expulsion from early care and education settings (e.g., childcare and preschool programs) exceed those in K‐12, and relatively little is known of how to prevent such disciplinary decisions. In addition, expulsion disproportionately affects children of color, especially boys. The present study explores a potential protective strategy existent in all early care and education settings, the parent–teacher relationship. Surveys with early childhood teachers (N = 295) outline the association between teachers' perceptions of the parent–teacher relationship and a child's risk for expulsion. Findings indicate that teachers' perceptions of high‐quality parent–teacher relationships are related to a lower risk for expulsion for children who have not been expelled, with the strongest association found for Black children. In contrast, for children identified as previously expelled, we found no association between teachers' perceptions of the parent–teacher relationship and future expulsion risk. Each finding will be described in detail with an eye towards implications and intervention.
Development of recoverable and recyclable Fe3O4‐supported organocatalysts for ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Chen Yang , Xiao Wenhao , Zhang Jie , Bu Minglu , Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Anfu , Xu Jinbao , Lei Caihong
Published: October 2020

An iminotris(dimethylamino)phosphorane (HMP1) phosphazene superbase has been anchored onto poly(hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene‐co‐4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol) (PZS)‐coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) through efficient phosphorous‐chloride (from PZS surface) and imino (from HMP1) reaction. Subsequently, these novel heterogeneous Fe3O4@PZS@HMP1 catalysts have been successfully utilized in the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) and δ‐valerolactone (δ‐VL). Notably, such catalysts can be easily removed from the reaction mixture and reused 3 times without obvious activity loss.
The association between anxiety and esophageal cancer: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Zhu Juan , Zhou Yueyue , Ma Shanrui , Chen Ru , Xie Shuanghua , Liu Zhengkui , Li Xinqing , Wei Wenqiang
Published: October 2020

Objective

Research on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its association with esophageal cancer (EC) is sparse. The study aimed to explore the association between GAD and EC.

Methods

A multicenter, population‐based study in high‐risk regions for EC (ECHRRs) was conducted from 2017 to 2019. All participants received free endoscopy screening. If the esophageal endoscopy results were suspicious, the pathological biopsy was performed to confirm normal, esophagitis, low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), and EC. Information on participants' exposure to risk factors was collected. GAD was assessed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale‐7.

Results

With esophageal endoscopy, 25,650 participants in ECHRRs were examined, 9586 of whom were suspicious and confirmed by esophageal pathology. The detection rate of EC and precancerous lesions was 6.83% (1751/25,650), with 1377 LGIN (5.37%), 272 HGIN (1.06%), and 102 EC (0.40%) cases. The overall mean GAD score (95% CI) and prevalence among 25,650 participants with endoscopy were 1.96 (1.93–1.99) and 16.90%, respectively. The mean GAD score and prevalence among 9586 participants with pathology were 1.96 (1.91–2.02) and 17.98%, respectively. The mean GAD scores of patients confirmed with normal, esophagitis, LGIN, HGIN, and EC were 1.73 (1.62–1.85), 1.91 (1.85–1.97), 1.94 (1.80–2.08), 3.98 (3.73–4.23). and 2.97 (2.49–3.45), respectively (p < 0.001). The corresponding prevalence of GAD were 5.21%, 18.72%, 17.72%, 43.75%, and 36.27%, respectively (p < 0.001). The age‐ and gender‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) between GAD and each esophageal lesion type were 1.02 (0.99–1.04), 1.01 (0.98–1.04), 1.27 (1.21–1.33), and 1.16 (1.08‐1.24), respectively. The ORs (95% CIs) of the positive associations were 1.08 (1.05–1.12), 1.03 (0.99–1.07), 1.35 (1.29–1.42), and 1.19 (1.10–1.29) after further adjustment for potential confounders (all p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that the positive association persisted.

Conclusions

GAD was significantly higher in patients with EC and precancerous lesions. Focusing on and alleviating anxiety in high‐risk groups (including patients with HGIN and EC) may be an effective strategy for EC prevention and control. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate the results.
Enhancing integrated psychosocial oncology through leveraging the oncology social worker's role in collaborative care
Authors: Courtnage Tiffany , Bates Nicole E. , Armstrong Anne A. , Seitz M. Katherine , Weitzman Tammy S. , Fann Jesse R.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The collaborative care model is effective in delivering evidence‐based psychosocial oncology care. Social workers comprise the largest proportion of psychosocial oncology providers in the United States. This study describes the process and perceptions of clinical oncology social workers at a large comprehensive cancer center who transitioned to practicing as care managers within collaborative care.

Methods

We describe the process of engaging clinical oncology social workers as care managers as part of the implementation of collaborative care at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. We then present survey results from 2017 and 2020 of participating social workers' perceptions of the collaborative care model's advantages and disadvantages.

Results

Since the implementation of collaborative care at our institution, key functions of the social worker as care manager were defined. The majority of social workers surveyed in 2017 and 2020 agreed that collaborative care led to improved clinical outcomes, timely access to care, and greater patient satisfaction. They also reported professional advantages: more interdisciplinary team integration, working at the top of their licensure, and improved job satisfaction. Challenges identified included missing important patient needs and creating extra work burden for social workers.

Conclusions

Oncology social workers can be successfully deployed as care managers within a collaborative care model, thus leveraging existing clinical staff to address unmet psychosocial patient needs. This model is feasible and sustainable in a large academic cancer center, requires minimal additional resources, and is favorably viewed by participating social workers in terms of perceived benefits to patients and their own professional roles.
Corrosion prevention of crude and vacuum distillation column overheads in a petroleum refinery: A field monitoring study
Authors: Subramanian Chidambaram
Published: October 2020

The aim of the present work is to monitor dew point corrosion of crude and vacuum distillation column overhead section in a petroleum refinery. The material of construction of overhead line pipe was carbon steel. The state of art of crude unit process was introduced. The corrosion and associated hydrolyzing mechanisms were briefly described. The crude processing in a petroleum refinery was extremely dynamic and thus field monitoring attempts were made, which provides some useful information on structural integrity of column downstream equipments. The demulsifier, neutralizer, and corrosion inhibitor were mixed in crude unit at specific locations for corrosion prevention. Field monitoring includes evaluation of pH and chloride content of desalter extracted water and overhead condensed water, Base Sediment & Water (BS&W) and chloride content of as‐received & desalted crude, and iron content of overhead condensed water. Furthermore, corrosion coupon was installed in overhead section to obtain the actual corrosion rate. All the field study was conducted for a specified period. The acidity, chloride concentration, and iron loss of condensed water confirmed that acidic corrosion was under control. The corrosion rate of the installed coupons confirmed that corrosion rate was within the specified limit. The results revealed in this paper intended for refinery operators and corrosion engineers involved in understanding of actual process parameters in prevention of overhead acidic corrosion.
Heterokaryotic state of a point mutation (H249Y) in SDHB protein drives the evolution of thifluzamide resistance in Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Miao Jianqiang , Mu Wenjun , Bi Yang , Zhang Yanling , Zhang Shaoliang , Song Jizhen , Liu Xili
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, can be effectively controlled by application of the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor thifluzamide. Although the risk of resistance to thifluzamide in R. solani had been reported, the thifluzamide‐resistance mechanism and the evolution of thifluzamide‐resistance in R. solani have not been investigated in detail.

RESULTS

No differences were found between the sequences of proteins SDHA, SDHC, and SDHD in thifluzamide‐sensitive isolates and thifluzamide‐resistant mutants, but a single point mutation H249Y was found in SDHB. Two different types of thifluzamide‐resistant R. solani mutants were characterized: homokaryotic, carrying only the resistance allele; and heterokaryotic, retaining the wild‐type allele in addition to the resistance allele. The resistance level differed according to the nuclear composition at codon 249 in the sdhB gene. Molecular docking results suggested that the point mutation (H249Y) might significantly alter the affinity of thifluzamide and SDHB protein. Heterokaryotic mutants were able to evolve into a homokaryon when repeatedly cultured on agar media or rice plants in the presence of thifluzamide, but thifluzamide treatment had no effect on the genotypes of homokaryotic mutants or sensitive isolates.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that H249Y in SDHB protein could cause thifluzamide resistance in R. solani. Fungicide application could promote heterokaryotic mutants to evolve into a homokaryon. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Defining estimands using a mix of strategies to handle intercurrent events in clinical trials
Authors: Qu Yongming , Shurzinske Linda , Sethuraman Shanthi
Published: October 2020

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of investigational interventions. If every patient in an RCT were to adhere to the randomized treatment, one could simply analyze the complete data to infer the treatment effect. However, intercurrent events (ICEs) including the use of concomitant medication for unsatisfactory efficacy, treatment discontinuation due to adverse events, or lack of efficacy may lead to interventions that deviate from the original treatment assignment. Therefore, defining the appropriate estimand (the appropriate parameter to be estimated) based on the primary objective of the study is critical prior to determining the statistical analysis method and analyzing the data. The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) E9 (R1), adopted on November 20, 2019, provided five strategies to define the estimand: treatment policy, hypothetical, composite variable, while on treatment, and principal stratum. In this article, we propose an estimand using a mix of strategies in handling ICEs. This estimand is an average of the “null” treatment difference for those with ICEs potentially related to safety and the treatment difference for the other patients if they would complete the assigned treatments. Two examples from clinical trials evaluating antidiabetes treatments are provided to illustrate the estimation of this proposed estimand and to compare it with the estimates for estimands using hypothetical and treatment policy strategies in handling ICEs.
Salviplenoid A from Salvia plebeia attenuates acute lung inflammation via modulating NF‐κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways
Authors: Huang Jia‐Luo , Fan Run‐Zhu , Zou Yi‐Hong , Zhang Lei , Yin Sheng , Tang Gui‐Hua
Published: October 2020

Acute lung injury (ALI) involves series of inflammatory pathologies and cause high morbidity. Salviplenoid A (SA) was a new sesquiterpenoid from the traditional inflammatory herb Salvia plebeia. In our previous study, SA exhibited antiinflammatory activity in RAW264.7 cells. However, the extensive effects of SA in human cells and in vivo and the active mechanisms are unclear. Thus, in this study, we sought to access its effects in vitro and in vivo and to investigate its mechanisms. SA was proved to inhibit the induction of proinflammatory cytokines in human cell types, including pulmonary epithelial cells and endothetial cells. It also depressed monocyte adhesion. Moreover, SA potently attenuated the acute lung inflammation in the LPS‐induced mouse model shown by down‐regulation of proinflammatory mediators, inhibition of polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration, and alleviation of related symptoms like alveolar congestion and mucus secretion. Further evaluation confirmed that SA regulated NF‐κB pathway by inhibiting the IκB‐α phosphorylation. And it markedly mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway by activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 expression and promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Therefore, SA could attenuate acute lung inflammation via suppressing NF‐κB and activating Nrf2, which provide a theoretical basis for the potential application of SA in clinic.
Robust control of the Hill's problem with drag
Authors: Limebeer David J. N. , Sabatta Deon
Published: October 2020

There are significant advantages associated with the analysis of satellite trajectory control problems in the Hill's analysis framework. As with the circular restricted three‐body problem (CRTBP) equations, the Hill's equations support three‐dimensional “halo” orbits that require station‐keeping control. These orbits are typically in regions of space close to a libration point. In most cases these orbits are unstable, with drag effects introducing uncertain exogenous forces. A two‐degree‐of‐freedom control strategy is used to maintain a pre‐selected orbit and introduce a quantifiable robust stability margin. The control study presented is based on a time‐periodic state feedback law, and a time‐periodic feed‐forward control that is based on a linearized drag model. The efficacy of these ideas is demonstrated by simulation.
Filtering homogeneous observers in control of integrator chains
Authors: Jbara Adam , Levant Arie , Hanan Avi
Published: October 2020

Any homogeneous controller asymptotically stabilizing disturbed integrator chains can be coupled with the proposed robust homogeneous filtering observer. The type of convergence (in finite‐time, in fixed‐time to any ball or exponential) is determined by the sign of the system homogeneity degree (HD). Filtering high‐gain observers and sliding‐mode‐based observers/differentiators are important particular cases corresponding to zero and negative HDs, respectively. Stabilization accuracy is estimated in the presence of possibly unbounded sampling noises featuring locally bounded iterated integrals. Accurate stabilization and differentiation are demonstrated for extremely large noises.
Building Lexical Representations With Nonverbal Supports
Authors: Lawson‐Adams Jessica , Dickinson David K.
Published: October 2020

High‐quality lexical representations are important for reading comprehension; however, prior research has focused primarily on the verbal aspects of these lexical representations. In this article, the authors argue for the importance of considering nonverbal representational elements of lexical knowledge and for more systematic attention to how nonverbal supports, such as gestures, pictures, and sounds, contribute to the acquisition of word knowledge. Drawing from various theoretical perspectives, the authors argue that the semantic content and the attention‐directing attributes of nonverbal supports are critical in assisting primary‐grade students in building high‐quality multimodal lexical representations. The authors examined the use of nonverbal supports in vocabulary studies for young learners and present implications about the role of nonverbal supports in students’ vocabulary acquisition. Results suggest that nonverbal scaffolds can help refine and deepen students’ knowledge of words for a variety of word types, including abstract words.
Humor as Political Possibility: Critical Media Literacy in LGBTQ+ Participatory Cultures
Authors: Shrodes Addie
Published: October 2020

The author contributes new insights into everyday literacies in participatory cultures using a multimodal analysis of three LGBTQ+ reaction videos on YouTube. LGBTQ+ reaction videos respond, often comedically, to oppressive media forms and technologies. In the analysis, the author considers how reaction video makers draw on seven meaning‐making modes and multimodal techniques in digital composition to enact practices of critical media literacy, namely, to identify, interrogate, and disrupt dominant ideologies that undergird media forms and technologies. Through analytic video logging and multimodal analysis of video episodes, the author also examines the role of humor in enactments of these practices. The article forwards the conceptual framework of humor as political possibility made manifest in the range of ways that video makers construct slips of humor, compose multimodal parodies, and create satires that critique dominant ideologies and imagine new ways of being in the world. Examining literate activities in participatory cultures with a focus on LGBTQ+ identities has purchase to explicate possibilities to name, challenge, and transform dominant ideologies toward more just futures.
Brachyury engineers cardiac repair competent stem cells
Authors: Li Mark , Yamada Satsuki , Shi Ao , Singh Raman Deep , Rolland Tyler J. , Jeon Ryounghoon , Lopez Natalia , Shelerud Lukas , Terzic Andre , Behfar Atta
Published: October 2020

To optimize the regenerative proficiency of stem cells, a cardiopoietic protein-based cocktail consisting of multiple growth factors has been developed and advanced into clinical trials for treatment of ischemic heart failure. Streamlining the inductors of cardiopoiesis would address the resource intensive nature of the current stem cell enhancement protocol. To this end, the microencapsulated-modified-mRNA (M3RNA) technique was here applied to introduce early cardiogenic genes into human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). A single mesodermal transcription factor, Brachyury, was sufficient to trigger high expression of cardiopoietic markers, Nkx2.5 and Mef2c. Engineered cardiopoietic stem cells (eCP) featured a transcriptome profile distinct from pre-engineered AMSCs. In vitro, eCP demonstrated protective antioxidant capacity with enhanced superoxide dismutase expression and activity; a vasculogenic secretome driving angiogenic tube formation; and macrophage polarizing immunomodulatory properties. In vivo, in a murine model of myocardial infarction, intramyocardial delivery of eCP (600 000 cells per heart) improved cardiac performance and protected against decompensated heart failure. Thus, heart repair competent stem cells, armed with antioxidant, vasculogenic, and immunomodulatory traits, are here engineered through a protein-independent single gene manipulation, expanding the available regenerative toolkit.
Efficient, Hysteresis‐Free, and Flexible Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Using All‐Vacuum Processing
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Yadav Pankaj , Prochowicz Daniel , Tavakoli Rouhollah
Published: October 2020

The fabrication of efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using all‐vacuum processing is still challenging due to the limitations in the vacuum deposition of the hole transporting layer (HTL). Herein, inverted PSCs using copper (II) phthalocyanine (CuPC) as an ideal alternative HTL for vacuum processing are fabricated. After proper optimization, a PSC with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.3% is achieved, which is much better than the PCEs (16.8%) of devices with solution‐based CuPC. As it takes a long time to dissolve CuPC in the solution‐based device, the evaporation approach has better advantage in terms of fast processing. In addition, the device with the evaporated CuPC HTL indicates an excellent operational stability, showing only 9% PCE loss under continuous illumination after 100 h, better than its counterpart device. Interestingly, the device shows negligible hysteresis. As all fabrication processes are conducted at low temperatures, flexible PSCs are also fabricated on ITO/PET substrates and a PCE of 18.68% is obtained. After 200 bending cycles, the flexible device retains 87.5% of its initial PCE value, indicating its great flexibility. Herein, the role of a suitable HTL for the fabrication of all‐vacuum‐processing PSCs with great efficiency and stability is highlighted.
Seismic analysis on reinforced concrete group silos through shaking table tests
Authors: Xu Qikeng , Zhang Hao , Liu Qiang , Wang Lumin
Published: October 2020

The main objective of this research is to explore the seismic performance of the group silos through the shaking table tests and the finite element analysis. The 1/16 scaled model of reinforced concrete silos supported by supporting wall was designed and constructed. The shaking table tests were carried out with gradually increasing table‐input acceleration amplitudes. The dynamic characteristics, seismic responses, cracking patterns and failure mechanism of the model under empty and full conditions were analyzed. The finite element model was established and verified by experimental results. This article is aimed to provide guide for engineering design of group silos.
CCR2 downregulation attenuates spinal cord injury by suppressing inflammatory monocytes
Authors: Zhang Qingpu , Zhu Chunjing , Li Xiaojing , Shi Yulin , Zhang Zhongli
Published: October 2020

Specific elimination of blood‐derived macrophages/monocytes following spinal cord injury (SCI) may suppress neurotoxicity without affecting the neuroprotective microglia at the injury sites. We aimed to deplete hematogenous monocytes by downregulating CCR2 through siCCR2‐loaded nanoparticles and investigated its outcome in the recovery of locomotor function of SCI mice. We induced SCI in mice and examined the influx of blood‐derived monocytes into the injury site. We constructed nanoparticles loaded with siRNA targeting CCR2 and examined its efficiency in downregulating the CCR2 expression in cultured RAW264.7 cells and monocytes in vivo. Finally, we assessed the effects of CCR2 downregulation in pro‐inflammatory cytokine production, axon regeneration, and locomotor recovery of the SCI mice. We found that SCI significantly increased the CCL2 expression and number of blood‐derived macrophages/monocytes in the lesion area. Nanoparticles loaded with siCCR2 significantly suppressed the CCR2 expression in hematogenous macrophages/monocytes, reduced the number of hematogenous macrophages/monocytes, and reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production at the injury site. Finally, CCR2 downregulation promoted axon regeneration and improved locomotor recovery in SCI mice. Our study suggests that siCCR2 loading nanoparticles are efficient and specific in downregulating hematogenous macrophages/monocytes without affecting the neuroprotective microglia and its efficacy in promoting locomotor recovery in SCI mice warrants further investigation for its clinical application in SCI.
Importance of Depth and Artificial Structure as Predictors of Female Red Snapper Reproductive Parameters
Authors: Brown‐Peterson Nancy J. , Leaf Robert T. , Leontiou Andrea J.
Published: October 2020

The Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus is a structure‐associated species occurring across a wide depth range in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We used the random forest machine learning algorithm to understand which habitat and individual fish characteristics could predict reproductive parameters of female Red Snapper. We evaluated fish captured from 2016 to 2018 on three artificial structure types with various structure heights at depths of 100 m or less. Overall, we found that depth and month were important predictors for most reproductive parameters, but the type of structure (artificial reefs, oil platforms, and rigs‐to‐reefs structures) was not important. Maturity was correctly classified in 88.9% of the cases when using the random forest ensemble model, with important predictors including FL, depth, structure height, and month of collection. Spawning seasonality (measured as gonadosomatic index [GSI]) was correctly classified in 59.5% of the cases when using histology reproductive phase, FL, month, and depth variables. Reproductively active or inactive females were correctly classified in 89.3% of the cases using GSI, month, FL, and depth, while females in the developing versus spawning capable phases were correctly classified in 82.2% of the cases using GSI, FL, month, and depth. Histological indicators that show potential spawning within a 36‐h period were correctly classified 61.5% of the time, with the best predictors being depth, FL, GSI, and month. Stepwise regression indicated that month was the only factor that significantly predicted contrasts in relative batch fecundity, with significantly greater values in August compared to all other months. Our findings suggest that female Red Snapper reproductive effort is not consistently or well predicted by artificial structure type or height but that a combination of fish FL, month, and depth can predict reproductive characteristics of female Red Snapper.
Herman Boerhaave: A search for his herbarium collections
Authors: Thijsse Gerard , Wesseling Margreet
Published: October 2020

Numerous books and papers have been written about the life and work of the famous Leiden physician and botanist professor Herman Boerhaave (1668–1738). However, none of these publications mentions what has happened to his botanical collections. A set of loose herbarium sheets with labels written by Boerhaave is known to be present at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden. Furthermore, two bound herbaria attributed to Boerhaave are known to exist. The first, a four‐volume herbarium makes part of the Sloane Herbarium (Natural History Museum, London). The second is a voluminous one‐volume herbal at Copenhagen (Natural History Museum Denmark). Another single‐volume herbarium, traditionally referred to as the “Herbarium of Boerhaave”, at Leiden (Naturalis) is discussed here as well. Are these true Boerhaave herbaria made by Boerhaave personally, or have these herbaria at least formed part of his private collection? Where could other herbaria of his be found, and what has happened to the herbaria that were auctioned together with his library after his death? These are the questions this paper will try to answer.
Redundancy masking and the identity crowding debate
Authors: Taylor Henry , Sayim Bilge ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2020

Some have claimed that identity crowding is a case where we consciously see an object to which we are unable to pay attention. Opponents of this view offer alternative explanations, which emphasise the importance of prior knowledge, amongst other factors. We review new empirical evidence showing that prior knowledge has a profound effect on identity crowding. We argue that this is problematic for the “conscious seeing without attention” view, and supports an opposing view.
Fetal cardiac function at 35–37 weeks' gestation in pregnancies that subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Semmler J. , Garcia‐Gonzalez C. , Sanchez Sierra A. , Gallardo Arozena M. , Nicolaides K. H. , Charakida M.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To compare fetal cardiac morphology and function between pregnancies that subsequently developed pre‐eclampsia (PE) and those that remained normotensive.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study in 1574 pregnancies at 35–37 weeks' gestation, including 76 that subsequently developed PE. We carried out comprehensive assessment of fetal cardiac morphology and function including novel imaging modalities, such as speckle‐tracking echocardiography, and measured uterine artery pulsatility index, mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). The findings in the group that subsequently developed PE were compared to those in pregnancies that remained normotensive.

Results

In fetuses of mothers who subsequently developed PE, compared to those from normotensive pregnancies, there was a more globular right ventricle, as shown by reduced right ventricular sphericity index, reduced right ventricular systolic contractility, as shown by reduced global longitudinal strain, and reduced left ventricular diastolic function, as shown by increased E/A ratio. On multivariable regression analysis, these indices demonstrated an association with PE, independent of maternal characteristics and fetal size. In pregnancies that subsequently developed PE, compared to those that remained normotensive, MAP, sFlt‐1 and the incidence of low birth weight were higher, whereas serum PlGF, CPR and the interval between assessment and delivery were lower. These findings demonstrate that, in pregnancies that develop PE, there is evidence of impaired placentation, reflected in low PlGF and reduced birth weight, placental ischemia, evidenced by increased sFlt‐1 which becomes apparent in the interval of 2–4 weeks preceding the clinical onset of PE, and consequent fetal hypoxia‐induced redistribution in the fetal circulation, reflected in the low CPR.

Conclusion

Although the etiology of the observed fetal cardiac changes in pregnancies that subsequently develop PE remains unclear, it is possible that the reduction in right‐heart systolic function is the consequence of high afterload due to increased placental resistance, whilst the early left ventricular diastolic changes could be due to fetal hypoxia‐induced redistribution in the fetal circulation. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
On delamination of bi‐layers composed by orthotropic materials: Exact analytical solutions for some particular cases
Authors: Ustinov K. B. , Idrisov D. M.
Published: October 2020

Earlier [1, 2, 3], exact analytical solutions were obtained for three configurations of composed bi‐layers with semi‐infinite interface cracks: (i) the bilayer composed of two isotropic layers of equal thicknesses; (ii) an orthotropic layer with the central semi‐infinite crack; (iii) an isotropic layer on isotropic half‐plane of a different material (may be considered as a bilayer, the thickness of one of its layers tending to infinity). In all cases the second Dundur's parameter were supposed to be equal to zero. Here by using a scaling technique all three solutions have been extended to cover wider range of elastic and geometric parameters (elastic constants and thicknesses). In particular, a 2‐D problem of a bilayer composed by dissimilar anisotropic layers partly separated by semi‐infinite crack arbitrary loaded at infinity is considered. The principle axes of elasticity tensor for both layers are supposed to coincide with the geometrical axes. The problem involves 10 constants: four elastic constants for each layer and two thicknesses of the layers. By choosing the proper scales for length and for elastic moduli, the number of dimensionless constants is reduced to 8. By using a scaling technique exact analytical solutions are obtained for two subclasses of the problem with four conditions imposed on the parameters for each case, so that four out of eight parameters remain arbitrary. Similarly a solution is obtained for 2‐D problem of a layer on a half‐plane partly separated by semi‐infinite crack arbitrary loaded at infinity. For all considered cases two modes of stress intensity factors are found in terms of four integral characteristics of the external loads.
Modeling stress‐affected chemical reactions in composite materials
Authors: Vilchevskaya Elena
Published: October 2020

The paper focuses on the modeling of the stress‐affected localized chemical reaction in particles embedded in a matrix material. The self‐consistent field method is used to account for the interaction between particles and to calculate the effective stress field acting on a separate particle. The kinetics of chemical reaction front is governed by the chemical affinity tensor that depends on the stress‐strain state at the reaction front. The influence of the matrix elastic properties and the particle volume fraction on the reaction front kinetics is studied in detail.
The superconformal

equation
Authors: Burić Ilija , Schomerus Volker , Sobko Evgeny
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Crossing symmetry provides a powerful tool to access the non-perturbative dynamics of conformal and superconformal field theories. Here we develop the mathematical formalism that allows to construct the crossing equations for arbitrary four-point functions in theories with superconformal symmetry of type I, including all superconformal field the- ories in d = 4 dimensions. Our advance relies on a supergroup theoretic construction of tensor structures that generalizes an approach which was put forward in [1] for bosonic theories. When combined with our recent construction of the relevant superblocks, we are able to derive the crossing symmetry constraint in particular for four-point functions of arbitrary long multiplets in all 4-dimensional superconformal field theories.
Mimetic Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble (ECSK) gravity
Authors: Izaurieta Fernando , Medina Perla , Merino Nelson , Salgado Patricio , Valdivia Omar
Published: October 2020

Abstract

In this paper, we formulate the Mimetic theory of gravity in first-order formalism for differential forms, i.e., the mimetic version of Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble (ECSK) gravity. We consider different possibilities on how torsion is affected by Weyl transformations and discuss how this translates into the interpolation between two different Weyl transformations of the spin connection, parameterized with a zero-form parameter λ. We prove that regardless of the type of transformation one chooses, in this setting torsion remains as a non-propagating field. We also discuss the conservation of the mimetic stress-energy tensor and show that the trace of the total stress-energy tensor is not null but depends on both, the value of λ and spacetime torsion.
On the Existence of an Extremal Function in the Delsarte Extremal Problem
Authors: Gaál Marcell , Nagy-Csiha Zsuzsanna
Published: October 2020

This paper is concerned with a Delsarte-type extremal problem. Denote by$${\mathcal {P}}(G)$$P(G)the set of positive definite continuous functions on a locally compact abelian groupG. We consider the function class, which was originally introduced by Gorbachev,$$\begin{aligned}&{\mathcal {G}}(W, Q)_G = \left\{ f \in {\mathcal {P}}(G) \cap L^1(G)~:\right. \\&\qquad \qquad \qquad \qquad \qquad \left. f(0) = 1, ~ {\text {supp}}{f_+} \subseteq W,~ {\text {supp}}{\widehat{f}} \subseteq Q \right\} \end{aligned}$$G(W,Q)G=f∈P(G)∩L1(G):f(0)=1,suppf+⊆W,suppf^⊆Qwhere$$W\subseteq G$$W⊆Gis closed and of finite Haar measure and$$Q\subseteq {\widehat{G}}$$Q⊆G^is compact. We also consider the related Delsarte-type problem of finding the extremal quantity$$\begin{aligned} {\mathcal {D}}(W,Q)_G = \sup \left\{ \int _{G} f(g) \mathrm{d}\lambda _G(g) ~ : ~ f \in {\mathcal {G}}(W,Q)_G\right\} . \end{aligned}$$D(W,Q)G=sup∫Gf(g)dλG(g):f∈G(W,Q)G.The main objective of the current paper is to prove the existence of an extremal function for the Delsarte-type extremal problem$${\mathcal {D}}(W,Q)_G$$D(W,Q)G. The existence of the extremal function has recently been established by Berdysheva and Révész in the most immediate case where$$G={\mathbb {R}}^d$$G=Rd. So, the novelty here is that we consider the problem in the general setting of locally compact abelian groups. In this way, our result provides a far reaching generalization of the former work of Berdysheva and Révész.
Optimal and robust controller synthesis using energytimed automata with uncertainty
Authors: Bacci Giovanni , Bouyer Patricia , Fahrenberg Uli , Larsen Kim G. , Markey Nicolas , Reynier Pierre-Alain
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a novel framework for the synthesis of robust and optimal energy-aware controllers.
The framework is based on energy timed automata, allowing for easy expression of timing constraints and variable energy
rates. We prove decidability of the energy-constrained infinite-run problem in settings with both certainty and uncertainty of the
energy rates. We also consider the optimization problem of identifying the minimal upper bound that will permit existence of
energy-constrained infinite runs. Our algorithms are based on quantifier elimination for linear real arithmetic. Using Mathematica
and Mjollnir, we illustrate our framework through a real industrial example of a hydraulic oil pump. Compared with previous
approaches our method is completely automated and provides improved results.
Determination of FODMAP contents of common wheat and rye breads and the effects of processing on the final contents
Authors: Schmidt Marcus , Sciurba Elisabeth
Published: October 2020

The benefits of a diet, low in fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) for patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been well established. Thus, the exact knowledge of the amount and composition of FODMAPs in foods is of vital importance for these patients. This study investigated the possibilities of FODMAP reduction by adjusting the processing parameters, which are feasible in practise, while still producing marketable breads. Therefore, the impact of prolonged proofing and the addition of sourdough on the FODMAPs in the final products was evaluated. High performance anion exchange chromatography was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis. A prolonged proofing time resulted in reduction of the fructan content and in consequence of the total FODMAPs. In contrast, the addition of sourdough only altered the FODMAP composition, by reducing the fructan content but increasing the mannitol content. While all the breads produced from refined wheat flour meet the low-FODMAP criteria, the breads from rye and whole meal wheat flour have to be considered as high-FODMAP, regardless of the processing conditions investigated. Breads produced from rye flour exceeded the limits for fructans and mannitol, while whole meal wheat breads were found to exceed the threshold for excess fructose. Overall, the production of low-FODMAP rye breads was identified as the biggest challenge for future research, since it could not be achieved using conventional processing parameter.
Elevated high-sensitivity troponin T levels at 1-year follow-up are associated with increased long-term mortality after TAVR
Authors: Seoudy Hatim , Lambers Moritz , Winkler Vincent , Dudlik Linnea , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Frank Johanne , Kuhn Christian , Rangrez Ashraf Yusuf , Puehler Thomas , Lutter Georg , Bramlage Peter , Frey Norbert , Frank Derk
Published: October 2020

Background

Elevated pre-procedural high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) levels predict adverse outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is unknown whether elevated troponin levels still provide prognostic information during follow-up after successful TAVR. We evaluated the long-term implications of elevated hs-TnT levels found at 1-year post-TAVR.

Methods and results

The study included 349 patients who underwent TAVR for severe AS from 2010–2019 and for whom 1-year hs-TnT levels were available. Any required percutaneous coronary interventions were performed > 1 week before TAVR. The primary endpoint was survival time starting at 1-year post-TAVR. Optimal hs-TnT cutoff for stratifying risk, identified by ROC analysis, was 39.4 pg/mL. 292 patients had hs-TnT < 39.4 pg/mL (median 18.3 pg/mL) and 57 had hs-TnT ≥ 39.4 pg/mL (median 51.2 pg/mL). The high hs-TnT group had a higher median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, greater left ventricular (LV) mass, higher prevalence of severe diastolic dysfunction, LV ejection fraction < 35%, severe renal dysfunction, and more men compared with the low hs-TnT group. All-cause mortality during follow-up after TAVR was significantly higher among patients who had hs-TnT ≥ 39.4 pg/mL compared with those who did not (mortality rate at 2 years post-TAVR: 12.3% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.010). Multivariate analysis identified 1-year hs-TnT ≥ 39.4 pg/mL (hazard ratio 2.93, 95% CI 1.91–4.49, p < 0.001), NT-proBNP level > 300 pg/mL, male sex, an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as independent risk factors for long-term mortality after TAVR.

Conclusions

Elevated hs-TnT concentrations at 1-year after TAVR were associated with a higher long-term mortality.

Graphic abstract
Clinical risk predictors in atrial fibrillation patients following successful coronary stenting: ENTRUST-AF PCI sub-analysis
Authors: Goette Andreas , Eckardt Lars , Valgimigli Marco , Lewalter Thorsten , Laeis Petra , Reimitz Paul-Egbert , Smolnik Rüdiger , Zierhut Wolfgang , Tijssen Jan G. , Vranckx Pascal
Published: October 2020

Aims

This subgroup analysis of the ENTRUST-AF PCI trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02866175; Date of registration: August 2016) evaluated type of AF, and CHA2DS2-VASc score parameters as predictors for clinical outcome.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to either edoxaban (60 mg/30 mg once daily [OD]; n = 751) plus a P2Y12 inhibitor for 12 months or a vitamin K antagonist [VKA] (n = 755) plus a P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin (100 mg OD, for 1–12 months). The primary outcome was a composite of major/clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNM) within 12 months. The composite efficacy endpoint consisted of cardiovascular death, stroke, systemic embolic events, myocardial infarction (MI), and definite stent thrombosis.

Results

Major/CRNM bleeding event rates were 20.7%/year and 25.6%/year with edoxaban and warfarin, respectively (HR [95% CI]: 0.83 [0.654–1.047]). The event rates of composite outcome were 7.26%/year and 6.86%/year, respectively (HR [95% CI]): 1.06 [0.711–1.587]), and of overall net clinical benefit were 12.48%/year and 12.80%/year, respectively (HR [(95% CI]: 0.99 [(0.730; 1.343]). Increasing CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with increased rates of all outcomes. CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 5 was a marker for stent thrombosis. Paroxysmal AF was associated with a higher occurrence of MI (4.87% versus 2.01%, p = 0.0024).

Conclusion

After PCI in AF patients, increasing CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with increased bleeding rates and CHA2DS2-VASc score (≥ 5) predicted the occurrence of stent thrombosis. Paroxysmal AF was associated with MI. These findings may have important clinical implications in AF patients.