bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At‐sea intercomparison of three underway pCO2 systems
Authors: Arruda Ricardo , Atamanchuk Dariia , Cronin Margot , Steinhoff Tobias , Wallace Douglas W. R.
Published: December 2019

Ocean surface partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) is a key factor controlling air–sea CO2 fluxes. Most surface pCO2 data are collected with relatively large and complex air–water equilibrators coupled to stand‐alone infrared analyzers installed on Ships of OPportunity (SOOP‐CO2). This approach has proven itself through years of successful deployments, but expansion and sustainability of the future measurement network faces challenges in terms of certification, autonomy, and maintenance, which motivates development of new systems. Here, we compare performance of three underway pCO2 measurement systems (General Oceanics, SubCtech, and Pro‐Oceanus), including a recently developed compact flow‐through, sensor‐based system. The systems were intercompared over a period of 34 days during two crossings of the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean. With a mean difference from the General Oceanics system of −5.7 ± 4.0 μatm (Pro‐Oceanus) and −4.7 ± 2.9 μatm (SubCtech) during the 1st crossing, our results indicate potential for good agreement between the systems. The study highlighted the challenge of assuring accuracy over long periods of time, particularly seen in a worse agreement during the 2nd crossing, and revealed a number of sources of systematic errors. These can influence accuracy of the measurements, agreement between systems and include slow response of membrane‐based systems to pCO2 changes, “within‐ship” respiration due to biofouling, and bias in measurement of the temperature of equilibration. These error sources can be controlled or corrected for, however, if unidentified, their magnitude can be significant relative to accuracy criteria assigned to the highest‐quality data in global databases. The advantages of the compact flow‐through system are presented along with a discussion of future solutions for improving data quality.
Posttransplant Complications Predict Alcohol Relapse in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kitajima Toshihiro , Nagai Shunji , Segal Antu , Magee Michelle , Blackburn Shaundra , Ellithorpe Donna , Yeddula Siri , Qadeer Yusuf , Yoshida Atsushi , Moonka Dilip , Brown Kimberly , Abouljoud Marwan S.
Published: December 2019

Alcohol relapse after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is a major challenge. Although its association with pretransplant psychosocial factors was extensively studied, the impacts of posttransplant courses on alcohol relapse have not been well investigated. The aim of this study is to analyze peritransplant factors associated with posttransplant alcohol relapse in patients with ALD. This study evaluated 190 adult LT patients with ALD from 2013 to 2019. Risk factors for alcohol relapse were analyzed, focusing on posttransplant chronic complications, which were classified as Clavien‐Dindo classification 3a or higher that lasted over 30 days. The posttransplant alcohol relapse rate was 13.7% (26/190) with a median onset time of 18.6 months after transplant. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that posttransplant chronic complications were an independent risk factor for posttransplant alcohol relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 5.40; P = 0.001), along with psychiatric comorbidity (HR, 3.93; P = 0.001), history of alcohol relapse before LT (HR, 3.00; P = 0.008), and an abstinence period <1.5 years (HR, 12.05; P = 0.001). A risk prediction model was created using 3 pretransplant risk factors (psychiatric comorbidity, alcohol relapse before LT, and abstinence period <1.5 years). This model clearly stratified the risk of alcohol relapse into high‐, moderate‐, and low‐risk groups (P < 0.001). Of the 26 patients who relapsed, 11 (42.3%) continued drinking, of whom 3 died of severe alcoholic hepatitis, and 13 (50.0%) achieved sobriety (outcomes for 2 patients were unknown). In conclusion, posttransplant chronic complications increased the risk of alcohol relapse. Recognition of posttransplant chronic complications in conjunction with the risk stratification model by pretransplant psychosocial factors would help with the prediction of posttransplant alcohol relapse.
Dyskinesia Matters
Authors: Cenci M. Angela , Riggare Sara , Pahwa Rajesh , Eidelberg David , Hauser Robert A.
Published: December 2019

Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) represents a significant source of discomfort for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). It negatively affects quality of life, it is associated with both motor and nonmotor fluctuations, and it brings an increased risk of disability, balance problems, and falls. Although the prevalence of severe LID appears to be lower than in previous eras (likely owing to a more conservative use of oral levodopa), we have not yet found a way to prevent the development of this complication. Advanced surgical therapies, such as deep brain stimulation, ameliorate LID, but only a minority of PD patients qualify for these interventions. Although some have argued that PD patients would rather be ON with dyskinesia than OFF, the deeper truth is that patients would very much prefer to be ON without dyskinesia. As researchers and clinicians, we should aspire to make that goal a reality. To this end, translational research on LID is to be encouraged and persistently pursued. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evidence of positively selected G6PD A‐ allele reduces risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection in African population on Bioko Island
Authors: Liang Xue‐Yan , Chen Jiang‐Tao , Ma Yan‐Bo , Huang Hui‐Ying , Xie Dong‐De , Monte‐Nguba Santiago‐m , Ehapo Carlos Salas , Eyi Urbano Monsuy , Zheng Yu‐Zhong , Liu Xiang‐Zhi , Zha Guang‐Cai , Lin Li‐Yun , Chen Wei‐Zhong , Zhou Xia , Lin Min
Published: December 2019

Background

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an essential enzyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. Although G6PD‐deficient alleles appear to confer a protective effect of malaria, the link with clinical protection against Plasmodium infection is conflicting.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea and further genotyping analysis used to detect natural selection of the G6PD A‐ allele.

Results

Our results showed G6PD A‐ allele could significantly reduce the risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection in male individuals (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–0.93; p < .05) and homozygous female individuals (AOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01–0.84; p < .05). Additionally, the parasite densities were significantly different in the individuals with different G6PD A‐ alleles and individual levels of G6PD enzyme activity. The pattern of linkage disequilibrium and results of the long‐range haplotype test revealed a strong selective signature in the region encompassing the G6PD A‐ allele over the past 6,250 years. The network of inferred haplotypes suggested a single origin of the G6PD A‐ allele in Africans.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) A‐ allele could reduce the risk of P. falciparum infection in the African population and indicate that malaria has a recent positive selection on G6PD A‐ allele.
Numerical analysis for Klein‐Gordon equation with time‐space fractional derivatives
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang JinRong , Zhou Yong
Published: December 2019

We present and analyze two numerical schemes for solving a nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation with time‐space fractional derivatives. Numerical methods are base on finite difference scheme in fractional derivative and Fourier‐spectral method in spatial variable. It is proved that the linearized method is conditionally stable while the nonlinearized one is unconditionally stable. In addition, the error estimate shows that the linearized method is in the order of
, and the nonlinearized method converge with the order
, where
,
,
, and
are, respectively, step of time, polynomial degree, the fractional derivative in space, and regularity of
. Some numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Analysis on predistortion algorithm for improving adjacent channel leakage ratio of radio over fiber systems
Authors: Yang Bo , He Hongxia , Yang Shuna , Ou Jun , Zhai Yanrong , Chi Hao
Published: December 2019

Nonlinear distortion introduced by optoelectronic components imposes serious limitations on the performance of radio over fiber (RoF) systems, such as dynamic range and adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR). In this article, we focus on the impact of digital predistortion (DPD) on the ACLR improvement in a wideband RoF system with multiple carriers. Three key factors, that is, the order of DPD algorithm, the initial phases of carriers, and the processing bandwidth of the predistortion module, are all taken into account in investigating the influence of predistortion on the ACLR performance of RoF systems. A preliminary experiment verifies the effectiveness of predistortion technique for improving the ACLR performance. Quantitative simulation results demonstrate that with the increase in the order of DPD algorithm, the ACLR performance can be significantly improved while the phase randomness within 10 carriers leads to an ACLR fluctuation up to 5 dB. The dependence of the ACLR improvement on the processing bandwidth of the predistortion module, which is very important in practical application, has also been quantitatively studied.
Circularly polarized hexagonal ring microstrip patch antenna with asymmetrical feed and DGS
Authors: Maurya Rakesh Kumar , Kanaujia Binod K. , Gautam A. K. , Chatterji S. , Singh Anil Kumar
Published: December 2019

A novel circularly polarized hexagonal ring microstrip patch antenna with asymmetrical feed is proposed for S, C, and X‐band applications. A semi‐arc‐shaped slot is integrated into the ground plane, and the hexagonal ring is tilted by an angle of 25° with respect to the microstrip‐line feed (asymmetric), which creates a circularly polarized UWB. The simulation of the proposed antenna is carried out using Ansoft HFSS v.13 and the measurement is done with an N5230A vector network analyzer. The simulated and the measured results of our proposed antenna are in good agreement. The successful implementation of the asymmetrical feed shows a broader impedance bandwidth of 134% (B.W = 9.55 GHz) from 2.34 to 11.89 GHz at 7.12 GHz of the center frequency. The 3‐dB axial ratio B.W is 2.8% (7.1‐7.3 GHz) and 21.8% (9.8‐12.2 GHz) in the UWB range. The average gain of the proposed antenna is 4.15 dBi. Good RHCP waves are also found in the x‐z and y‐z planes. The proposed antenna can be effectively used in S, C, and X‐band applications.
Improved gradient‐echo 3D magnetic resonance imaging using compressed sensing and Toeplitz encoding with phase‐scrambled RF excitation
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Liang Dong , Su Shi , King Kevin F. , Chang Yuchou , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Ying Leslie
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To develop a novel three‐dimensional (3D) hybrid‐encoding framework using compressed sensing (CS) and Toeplitz encoding with variable phase‐scrambled radio‐frequency (RF) excitation, which has the following advantages: low power deposition of RF pulses, reduction of the signal dynamic range, no additional hardware requirement, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) improvement.

Methods

In light of the actual imaging framework of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, we applied specially tailored RF pulses with phase‐scrambled RF excitation to implement a 3D hybrid Fourier‐Toeplitz encoding method based on 3D gradient‐recalled echo pulse (GRASS) sequence. This method exploits Toeplitz encoding along the phase encoding direction, while keeping Fourier encoding along the readout and slice encoding directions. Phantom experiments were conducted to optimize the amplitude of specially tailored RF pulses in the 3D GRASS sequence. In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the feasibility of the proposed method, and simulations were conducted to compare the 3D hybrid‐encoding method with Fourier encoding and other non‐Fourier encoding methods.

Results

An optimized low RF amplitude was obtained in the phantom experiments. Using the optimized specially tailored RF pulses, both the watermelon and knee experiments demonstrated that the proposed method was able to preserve more image details than the conventional 3D Fourier‐encoded methods at acceleration factors of 3.1 and 2.0. Additionally, SNR was improved because of no additional gradients and 3D volume encoding, when compared with single‐slice scanning without 3D encoding. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed scheme was superior to the conventional Fourier encoding method, and obtained comparative performance with other non‐Fourier encoding methods in preserving details.

Conclusions

We developed a practical hybrid‐encoding method for 3D MRI with specially tailored RF pulses of phase‐scrambled RF excitation. The proposed method improves image SNR and detail preservation compared with the conventional Fourier encoding methods. Furthermore, our proposed method exhibits superior performance in terms of detail preservation, compared with the conventional Fourier encoding method.
4D flow imaging with UNFOLD in a reduced FOV
Authors: Wink Clarissa , Bassenge Jean Pierre , Ferrazzi Giulio , Schaeffter Tobias , Schmitter Sebastian
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Two‐dimensional selective excitation (2DRF) allows shortening 4D flow scan times by reducing the FOV, but the longer 2DRF pulse duration decreases the temporal resolution, yielding underestimated peak flow values. Multiple k‐space lines per cardiac phase, nl ≥ 2, are commonly applied in 4D flow MRI to shorten the inherent long scan times. We demonstrate that 2DRF 4D flow with nl ≥ 2 can be easily combined with UNFOLD (UNaliasing by Fourier‐encoding the Overlaps using the temporaL Dimension), a technique that allows regaining nominally the temporal resolution of the respective acquisition with nl = 1, to assure peak flow quantification.

Methods

Two different 2DRF pulses with spiral k‐space trajectories were designed and integrated into a 4D flow sequence. Flow phantom experiments and 7 healthy control 4D flow in vivo measurements, with and without UNFOLD reconstructions, were compared with conventional reconstruction and 1D slab‐selective excitation (1DRF) by evaluating time‐resolved flow curves, peak flow, peak velocity, blood flow volume per cardiac cycle, and spatial aliasing.

Results

Applying UNFOLD to 4D flow imaging with 2DRF and reduced FOV increased the quantified in vivo peak flow values significantly by 3.7% ± 2.3% to 5.2% ± 2.4% (P < .05). Accordingly, the peak flow underestimation of 2DRF scans compared with conventional 1DRF scans decreased with UNFOLD. Finally, 2DRF combined with UNFOLD accelerated the 4D flow acquisition 3.5 ± 1.4 fold by reducing the FOV and increasing the effective temporal resolution by 6.7% compared with conventional 1D selective excitation, with 2 k‐space lines per cardiac phase.

Conclusion

Two‐dimensional selective excitation combined with UNFOLD allows limiting the FOV to shorten 4D flow scan times and compensates for the loss in temporal resolution with 2DRF (Δt = 64.8 ms) compared with 1DRF (Δt = 43.2 ms), yielding an effective resolution of Δteff = 40.5 ms to enhance peak flow quantification.
7T bone perfusion imaging of the knee using arterial spin labeling MRI
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Johnson Casey P. , Ellermann Jutta
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging of epiphyseal bone marrow in the distal femoral condyle of the knee at 7T MRI.

Methods

The knees of 7 healthy volunteers were imaged with ASL using a 7T whole body MRI scanner and a 28‐channel knee coil. ASL imaging used a flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery method for labeling and a single‐shot fast spin echo sequence for image readout. ASL imaging with a single oblique transverse slice was performed at 2 slice positions in the distal femoral condyle. Blood flow was measured in 2 regions of interest: the epiphyseal bone marrow and the overlying patellofemoral cartilage. To analyze perfusion SNR, 200 noise images were also acquired using the same ASL imaging protocol with RF pulses turned off.

Results

Knee bone marrow perfusion imaging was successfully performed with all volunteers. The overall mean of blood flow in the knee bone marrow was 32.90 ± 2.41 mL/100 g/min, and the blood flow was higher at the more distal slice position. We observed significant B0 and inhomogeneities, which need to be addressed in the future to improve the quality of ASL imaging and increase the reliability of knee bone marrow perfusion measurements.

Conclusion

Bone marrow perfusion imaging of the distal femoral condyle is feasible using ASL at 7T. Further technical development is needed to improve the ASL method to overcome existing challenges.
Two solution strategies to improve the computational performance of sequentially linear analysis for quasi‐brittle structures
Authors: Pari M. , Swart W. , van Gijzen M.B. , Hendriks M.A.N. , Rots J.G.
Published: December 2019

Sequentially linear analysis (SLA), an event‐by‐event procedure for finite element (FE) simulation of quasi‐brittle materials, is based on sequentially identifying a critical integration point in the FE model, to reduce its strength and stiffness, and the corresponding critical load multiplier (λcrit), to scale the linear analysis results. In this article, two strategies are proposed to efficiently reuse previous stiffness matrix factorisations and their corresponding solutions in subsequent linear analyses, since the global system of linear equations representing the FE model changes only locally. The first is based on a direct solution method in combination with the Woodbury matrix identity, to compute the inverse of a low‐rank corrected stiffness matrix relatively cheaply. The second is a variation of the traditional incomplete LU preconditioned conjugate gradient method, wherein the preconditioner is the complete factorisation of a previous analysis step's stiffness matrix. For both the approaches, optimal points at which the factorisation is recomputed are determined such that the total analysis time is minimised. Comparison and validation against a traditional parallel direct sparse solver, with regard to a two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) benchmark study, illustrates the improved performance of the Woodbury‐based direct solver over its counterparts, especially for large 3D problems.
Simulation of three‐dimensional elastoacoustic wave propagation based on a Discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method
Authors: F. Antonietti Paola , Bonaldi Francesco , Mazzieri Ilario
Published: December 2019

In this article, we present a numerical discretization of the coupled elastoacoustic wave propagation problem based on a discontinuous Galerkin spectral element approach in a three‐dimensional setting. The unknowns of the coupled problem are the displacement field and the velocity potential, in the elastic and the acoustic domains, respectively, thereby resulting in a symmetric formulation. After stating the main theoretical results, we assess the performance of the method by convergence tests carried out on both matching and nonmatching grids, and we simulate realistic scenarios where elastoacoustic coupling occurs. In particular, we consider the case of Scholte waves, the scattering of elastic waves by an underground acoustic cavity, and a problem of marine seismic exploration. Numerical simulations are carried out by means of the code SPEED, available at http://speed.mox.polimi.it.
Nonprofit entrepreneurial orientation: A systematic literature review and conceptual framework
Authors: M. Lacerda Fabrício , D. P. Martens Cristina , M. R. Freitas Henrique
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study is to propose a set of factors that characterize the manifestation of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and we performed a systematic review of the literature. Initially, 17 studies were identified in different databases, and after a full reading of the documents that met the objective of this study, we selected and qualitatively analyzed 14 theoretical and empirical studies about EO in the nonprofit context. The studies analyzed allowed us to understand the characteristics of organizational entrepreneurship in NPOs, through the dimensions of innovativeness, proactivity, risk‐taking, autonomy, and competitive aggressiveness, in addition to the reciprocity dimension, which emerged from the literature. By adding reciprocity as the sixth dimension of the EO construct, it was possible to group a set factors related to each dimension which, after being refined, supported the proposition of a conceptual framework for an empirical analysis of entrepreneurial behavior in different contexts of NPOs. This study contributes to the systematization of factors that configure the manifestation of EO in the nonprofit sector, by proposing a conceptual framework entailing six dimensions of EO and propositions for future studies.
Causes of early death and treatment‐related death in newly diagnosed pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: Recent experiences of the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group
Authors: Klein Kim , van Litsenburg Raphaële R.L. , de Haas Valérie , Dors Natasja , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Knops Rutger R.G. , Tissing Wim J.E. , Versluys Birgitta A. , Zwaan C. Michel , Kaspers Gertjan J.L.
Published: December 2019

Background

With the current more effective treatment regimens for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), research on early death (ED), treatment‐related mortality (TRM), and toxicity becomes increasingly important. The aim of this study was to give an overview of the frequency, clinical features, and risk factors associated with ED and TRM in first complete remission (CR1) during the last three consecutive treatment protocols of the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG) between 1998 and 2014.

Methods

Incidence and risk factors associated with ED and TRM in CR1 were retrospectively studied in 245 patients treated according to the Dutch ANLL‐97/AML‐12 (n = 118), AML‐15 (n = 60), or DB AML‐01 (n = 67) protocols.

Results

The incidence of ED was, respectively, 5.1%, 6.7%, and 3.0% excluding deaths before treatment (P = NS), and 7.4%, 11.1%, and 4.4% including deaths before the onset of treatment. Severe underweight at initial diagnosis was significantly associated with more frequent ED. When relapse was included as a competing risk, cumulative incidence of death in CR1 were 5.9%, 5.0%, and 4.6% for ANLL97, AML15, and DB01, respectively (P = NS). The most important cause of TRM included infectious and SCT‐related complications.

Conclusion

We report relatively stable rates of ED and TRM in CR1 in the latest completed DCOG protocols for newly diagnosed AML patients. The most important causes of TRM were SCT‐ or infection‐related, warranting further evaluation and awareness.
An application‐oriented roadmap to select polymeric nanocomposites for advanced applications: A review
Authors: Doagou‐Rad Saeed , Islam Aminul , Merca Timea D.
Published: December 2019

Polymeric nanocomposites are the materials incorporating nanosized inclusions into the polymer matrixes. The result of the addition of nanoparticles/fibers is a drastic improvement in properties that may include mechanical, electrical, thermal conductivity, or even the acoustical properties. Polymer nanocomposites have spawned huge interest for the development of high‐performance products such as lightweight sensors, thin‐film capacitors, batteries, flame retardant products, biodegradable and biocompatible materials, and so on. The field of polymer nanocomposites has been at the forefront of research in the polymer community for the past few decades and an extremely large number of scientific papers have been published. Nevertheless, application‐oriented guidelines for selecting the ecofriendly nanocomposites for advanced industrial applications are missing in the state of the art. This review article summarizes the current state‐of‐the‐art polymeric nanocomposites, highlighting prominent nanofillers categorized based on their applications, origins, dimensional characteristics, and so on. Each filler type contains a short description of its main feature together with the most relevant and potential applications. To address the global concern about nondegradable wastes, novel green alternatives of each nanofiller type are discussed. Special attention is also given to the biocompatibility properties of the composites. This study provides a state‐of‐the‐art road map to select multifunctional polymeric nanocomposites from huge varieties for advanced industrial applications.
Production of polyacrylonitrile/boehmite nanofibrous composite tubular structures by opposite‐charge electrospinning with enhanced properties from a low‐concentration polymer solution
Authors: Habeeb Salih A. , Rajabi Laleh , Dabirian Farzad
Published: December 2019

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/boehmite nanofibrous composite tubular structures were fabricated from dilute polymer solutions using an opposite‐charge electrospinning method. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, fast Fourier transform, and tensile tests. The presence of boehmite nanoparticles in the electrospun PAN nanofibers prevented bead formation, resulting in uniform fibers with smaller diameters, and improved alignment from low‐concentration PAN polymer solutions. 1 wt% boehmite‐loaded nanofibrous composite tubular structure was selected as the optimal formulation to proceed with the crystallinity and tensile tests, which showed enhanced crystalline properties as well as an abrupt shift in tensile performance. The tensile properties of the nanofiber strongly depended on their crystalline properties. The strong intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonds) between the AlOH groups formed at the surface of boehmite nanoparticles and the polar CN groups along the polymer chains. In addition, the high electrical force between the two tips of the needles in the opposite charge set‐up can contribute to the control of electrical jet deposition instability when using a low‐concentration electrospinning solution, leading to enhanced properties.
Deep Submicron Normally Off AlGaN/GaN MOSFET on Silicon with VTH > 5V and On‐Current > 0.5 A mm−1
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Vura Sandeep , Dolmanan Surani Bin , Tripathy Sudhiranjan , Muralidharan Rangarajan , Nath Digbijoy Neelim
Published: December 2019

A submicron gate normally off AlGaN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) with a high on‐current and high threshold voltage (VTH) is demonstrated. The high‐performance device is realized utilizing a gate recess with a length and depth of 200 and 124 nm, respectively. The recess‐etched region has a roughness of 0.7 nm. Various recess‐etch depths and dielectric annealing conditions are used to tune VTH. The optimized device exhibits an on‐current and VTH of 500 mA mm−1 and 5 V, respectively. The measured breakdown characteristics of the devices and their limitations are investigated using 2D‐technology computer‐aided design (TCAD) device simulation. The penetration of the residual electric field in most of the recess region can be the reason for the premature breakdown of deeply scaled recess‐gate e‐mode HEMTs.
Optimal diffuse augmented atomic basis sets for extrapolation of the correlation energy
Authors: Varandas António J. C. , Pansini Fernando N. N.
Published: December 2019

We seek correlation‐consistent diffuse‐augmented double‐zeta and triple‐zeta basis sets that perform optimally in extrapolating the correlation energy to the one‐electron complete basis set limit, denoted oAVXZ and oAV(X + d)Z. The novel basis sets are method‐dependent in that they are trained to perform optimally for the correlation energy at each specific level of theory. They are shown to yield accurate results in calculating both the energy and tensorial properties such as polarizabilities while not significantly altering the Hartree‐Fock energy. Quantitatively, complete basis set limit (CBS)‐/(oAVdZ,oAVtZ)‐extrapolated correlation energies typically outperform, by 3‐ to 5‐fold, the ones calculated with traditional ansatzes of similar flexibility. Attaining energies of CBS/(AVtZ,AVqZ) type or better accuracy, they frequently outperform expensive raw explicitly correlated ones. Promisingly, a limited test on CBS‐extrapolated energies based on conventional basis sets has shown that they compare well even with extrapolated explicitly correlated ones. Calculated atomization and dissociation energies, molecular geometries, ionization potentials, and electron affinities also tend to outperform the ones obtained with traditional Dunning's ansatzes from which the new basis sets have been determined. The method for basis set generation is simple, and there is no reason of principle why the approach could not be adapted for handling other bases in the literature.
A generalized any‐particle propagator theory: Calculations of nucleon's binding energies
Authors: González‐Ramírez Henry Nicole , Flores‐Moreno Roberto
Published: December 2019

Generalized one‐particle propagator calculations were performed for fermions in atoms: neutrons, protons, and electrons. For this purpose, multicomponent Hartree‐Fock equations were implemented using Gaussian basis sets where, for nucleons, we consider a non‐Coulombic interaction, through a two‐term Yukawa scalar potential and the interaction between electrons and the electrons with positive charge (protons) through a Coulombic potential. The strategy for evaluating the required interaction integrals follows Obara‐Saika and Head‐Gordon recurrence relations combined with the generalized Boys function suggested by Ten‐no. Calculations on the isotopes 2H, 3H, 3He, 4He, 6Li, 6Be, 7Li, and 8Be were realized to test the accuracy of Koopmans' approximation and a second‐order generalized one‐particle propagator. Yukawa potentials were parametrized to reproduce nuclear properties as kinetic energies and radial distributions of density. These potentials produced the reference nuclear Hartree‐Fock calculations on which fully ab initio propagator calculations were performed for these non‐Coulombic potentials. This allowed us to explore the electronic structure of isotopes in an extended nucleus context.
Kidney transplant tolerance associated with remote autologous mesenchymal stromal cell administration
Authors: Casiraghi Federica , Perico Norberto , Gotti Eliana , Todeschini Marta , Mister Marilena , Cortinovis Monica , Portalupi Valentina , Plati Anna Rita , Gaspari Flavio , Villa Alessandro , Introna Martino , Longhi Elena , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

Here we report the case of successful immune tolerance induction in a living-donor kidney transplant recipient remotely treated with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). This case report, which to the best of our knowledge is the first in the world in this setting, provides evidence that the modulation of the host immune system with MSC can enable the safe withdrawal of maintenance immunosuppressive drugs while preserving optimal long-term kidney allograft function.

Lessons learned Autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) infusion in kidney transplant recipients promoted a sustained and long-lasting pro-tolerogenic immune environment. This immune profile was particularly remarkable in a kidney transplant patient. This patient was successfully weaned off immunosuppressive drugs and is now 18 months free from antirejection therapy with optimal kidney allograft function. This case report provides evidence that MSC could modulate the host immune system, enabling the induction of operational tolerance, and sets the basis for future clinical trials in solid organ transplantation.  Significance statementThis case report provides the first evidence that in living-donor kidney transplantation autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) infusion can be associated with safe, complete discontinuation of maintenance antirejection drugs late after transplant, eventually allowing a state of operational tolerance. This case could be also preparatory for future studies to assess whether a panel of noninvasive immunomonitoring tools, in addition to clinical criteria, could identify a pro-tolerogenic signature after MSC therapy that could eventually help to identify patients who are amenable to safe immunosuppressive drug discontinuation. Further investigations building on this approach are critically needed in living-donor as well as in deceased donor kidney transplantation.
Renewable energy barriers and coping strategies: Evidence from the Baltic States
Authors: Lu Jintao , Ren Licheng , Yao Siqin , Rong Dan , Skare Marinko , Streimikis Justas
Published: December 2019

Renewable energy sources (RES) are the main drivers of sustainable energy development. Notwithstanding the substantial expansion of renewables in the past decade, boosted by the various policies and measures, renewable energy sources are still far from full incorporation into the energy markets. It is necessary to overcome the remaining impediments for renewables to realize the energy transition to 100% renewable energy. The aim of this research is to analyze the main barriers of renewables and success of policies dealing with these barriers. The case studies in the Baltic States provide concrete examples of policies and their impacts in terms of overcoming barriers in relevant sectors: heating and cooling, power and transport. The assessment of policies in the Baltic States shows that there are a few measures that are implemented in the transport sector, although this sector encounters many social, economic, technological, and regulatory barriers. The countries have achieved the lowest results in approaching RES targets in transport. New financial incentives and investments in the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles are crucial for the development of markets of electric vehicles.
Surface Modification of Tapioca Starch by Using the Chemical and Enzymatic Method
Authors: Prompiputtanapon Kewalee , Sorndech Waraporn , Tongta Sunanta
Published: December 2019

Surface modifications of starch provide benefits in various applications for food and medical products as a carrier material due to their high adsorption ability. The effect of enzymatic and acid modification of starch surfaces on the morphology and characteristics of granular tapioca starch is investigated. Tapioca starch slurry is prepared and treated with α‐amylase (αA), amyloglucosidase (AM), the combination of these two enzymes (αA+AM), and 2.2 m HCl (AS) at various hydrolysis times. Starch granular surface of αA, AM, and αA+AM‐treated samples show voids and cavities. The AS sample induced more surface roughness in the granules as compared to the enzyme‐treated samples and some parts of the granules are smaller or fused together into a larger size. The highest relative crystallinity is obtained from the AS samples (48.43%). All modified samples exhibit an increase in their specific surface area, volume of pores, and average diameter. The AM sample shows the highest specific surface area (1.66 m2 g−1) which corresponds to the largest pore volume (0.38 cm3 g−1) while the AS sample shows the highest average diameter (21.87 nm). Overall, a modified granular starch surface with various characteristics can be provided by using hydrolysis enzymes and acid.
A review on ice detection technology and ice elimination technology for wind turbine
Authors: Wei Kexiang , Yang Yue , Zuo Hongyan , Zhong Dingqing
Published: December 2019

Blade icing can affect wind turbines to generate electricity. In severe cases, 30% of power generation is lost in a year, and safety problems in the vicinity of wind power plants are also caused. Researchers have designed anti‐icing and de‐icing technologies to reduce these effects, and excellent ice‐detecting devices are a prerequisite for using anti‐icing and de‐icing technologies. Ultrasonic attenuation technology can effectively and reliably detect the presence of ice without affecting the aerodynamic performance of the blade, providing a reliable guarantee for anti‐icing and de‐icing systems. Deicing and anti‐icing systems are divided into active and passive, active heating blades are still the most effective anti‐icing and de‐icing methods, but their energy consumption is too high. Although there are many existing de‐icing methods, there are not many practical uses. This article introduces them separately and lists their advantages and disadvantages. The use of ultrasonic anti‐icing and de‐icing is an economical and reliable means that has been proven to be used for anti‐icing and de‐icing of blades. However, under normal circumstances, a single anti‐icing de‐icing system cannot completely solve the problem of icing of the blades. This paper suggests using both ultrasonic and hydrophobic coatings to cope with more icing conditions.
Design and laboratory test of black‐start control mode for wind turbines
Authors: Shan Martin , Shan Weiwei , Welck Friedrich , Duckwitz Daniel
Published: December 2019

In this article, an operational strategy and control concept for wind turbines (WTs) are described, which would allow them to actively contribute to black‐start events after major power system outages. The approach is based on (a) a new generator/converter control strategy implementing a so called virtual synchronous machine (VSM) and (b) a number of modifications to the superimposed WT controller allowing for operation in black‐start conditions. In order to operate stably even at very low active power levels and to cope with sudden changes in active power, due to switching of loads in the recovered grid, the rotor speed/pitch controller had to be redesigned. The extension of the operational range of the WT towards negative power, ie, power consumption, is discussed, which would allow the turbine to temporarily provide a controllable minimum load to conventional power plants until a sufficient number of consumers has been reconnected. The control system has been implemented and verified using two experimental power converters, each linked to a hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HiL) simulator of a WT and connected to a real medium‐voltage laboratory grid.
A Fourier spectral method for the nonlinear coupled space fractional Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger equations
Authors: Jia Junqing , Jiang Xiaoyun , Yang Xiu , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we give an efficient numerical method for the nonlinear coupled space fractional Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger (NCSFKGS) equations, based on the Crank‐Nicolson method, the central difference method and the Fourier spectral method. As far as we know, no one has studied the Equations (5)–(6) in our paper, these equations are different from those in [39] which only considers space fractional Schrödinger equation while the Klein‐Gordon equation is classical, here, we consider the two equations which are both space fractional. In this paper, the Crank‐Nicolson method and the central difference method are used to discretize the space fractional Schrödinger equation and the space fractional Klein‐Gordon equation in time direction, respectively. The Fourier spectral method is used to discretize the NCSFKGS equations in space direction. This numerical method conserves the mass and energy in the discrete level. The convergence of the numerical method is of second order accuracy in time and spectral accuracy in space. Rigorous proofs are developed here for the conservation laws and the convergence of the numerical method. Numerical experiments are presented to confirm the theoretical results and they proved that our numerical method is very efficient (it only takes a few seconds to get the numerical solutions).
Blood pressure, hypertension and the risk of sudden cardiac death: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Pan Han , Hibino Makoto , Kobeissi Elsa , Aune Dagfinn
Published: December 2019

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, while sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for over 60% of all cardiovascular deaths. Elevated blood pressure and hypertension have been associated with increased risk of SCD, but the findings have not been consistent. To clarify whether blood pressure or hypertension is associated with increased risk of SCD and to quantify the size and the shape of any association observed. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for published prospective studies on blood pressure or hypertension and SCD up to 30 April 2018. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. The meta-analysis included 2939 SCDs among 418,235 participants from 18 studies. The summary RRs were 2.10 (95% CI 1.71–2.58, I2 = 56.7%, pheterogeneity = 0.018, n = 10) for prevalent hypertension, 1.28 (95% CI 1.19–1.38, I2 = 45.5%, pheterogeneity = 0.07, n = 10) per 20 mmHg increment in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 1.09 (95% CI 0.83–1.44, I2 = 83.4%, pheterogeneity = 0.002, n = 3) per 10 mmHg increment in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A nonlinear relationship was suggested between SBP and SCD. The results persisted in most subgroup and sensitivity analyses. There was no evidence of publication bias. This meta-analysis found an increased risk of SCD with hypertension diagnosis and increasing SBP. Future studies should clarify the association for DBP and the shape of the dose–response relationship between blood pressure and SCD.
On cognitive preferences and the plausibility of rule-based models
Authors: Fürnkranz Johannes , Kliegr Tomáš , Paulheim Heiko
Published: December 2019

It is conventional wisdom in machine learning and data mining that logical models such as rule sets are more interpretable than other models, and that among such rule-based models, simpler models are more interpretable than more complex ones. In this position paper, we question this latter assumption by focusing on one particular aspect of interpretability, namely the plausibility of models. Roughly speaking, we equate the plausibility of a model with the likeliness that a user accepts it as an explanation for a prediction. In particular, we argue that—all other things being equal—longer explanations may be more convincing than shorter ones, and that the predominant bias for shorter models, which is typically necessary for learning powerful discriminative models, may not be suitable when it comes to user acceptance of the learned models. To that end, we first recapitulate evidence for and against this postulate, and then report the results of an evaluation in a crowdsourcing study based on about 3000 judgments. The results do not reveal a strong preference for simple rules, whereas we can observe a weak preference for longer rules in some domains. We then relate these results to well-known cognitive biases such as the conjunction fallacy, the representative heuristic, or the recognition heuristic, and investigate their relation to rule length and plausibility.
Fixing pornography’s illocutionary force: Which context matters?
Authors: Mikkola Mari
Published: December 2019

Rae Langton famously argues that pornographic speech illocutionarily subordinates and silences women. Making good this view hinges on identifying the context relevant for fixing such force. To do so, a parallel is typically drawn between pornographic recordings and multipurpose signs involved in delayed communication, but the parallel generates a dispute about the right illocutionary force-fixing context. Jennifer Saul and myself argue that if pornographic speech is akin to multipurpose signs, its illocutionary force is fixed by the actual decoding context: of using/viewing pornographic recordings. By contrast, Claudia Bianchi argues that the relevant context is intended/expected decoding. Here I take issue with Bianchi’s view. Her intentionalist account faces two serious objections. First, the collapse objection: Bianchi’s intentionalist view is so formulated that it collapses into that endorsed by Saul and me. This undermines Bianchi’s case against us. Second, the dissonance objection: looking at a different aspect of Bianchi’s view, and one that does depart from the positions of Saul and myself, shows that her analysis is too intentionalist and cannot be used to elucidate pornography’s illocutionary force. Bianchi’s view should hence be rejected. This nevertheless leaves open further theoretical avenues of research, which I briefly discuss at the end of the paper.
Pasireotide treatment significantly reduces tumor volume in patients with Cushing’s disease: results from a Phase 3 study
Authors: Lacroix André , Gu Feng , Schopohl Jochen , Kandra Albert , Pedroncelli Alberto M. , Jin Lixian , Pivonello Rosario
Published: December 2019

Purpose

In the multinational, randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 B2305 study of patients with Cushing’s disease (CD; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00434148), pasireotide substantially decreased urinary-free cortisol (UFC) levels, decreased mean corticotroph tumor volume, and improved clinical signs of disease. The current post hoc analysis further assesses the effects of pasireotide on corticotroph pituitary tumor volume.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the B2305 study had persistent or recurrent CD or newly diagnosed CD but were not surgical candidates. Enrollees were randomized to receive subcutaneous pasireotide, either 600-μg or 900-μg twice daily. Tumor volume was assessed independently at months 6 and 12 by 2 blinded radiologists and compared with baseline value and UFC response.

Results

Of 162 patients enrolled in the trial, 53 had measurable tumor volume data and were included in the post hoc analysis. Reductions in tumor volume were both dose and time dependent. Tumor volume reduction was more frequently observed at month 6 in the 900-μg group (75%) than in the 600-μg group (44%). Similarly, at month 12 (n = 32), tumor volume reduction was observed more frequently in the 900-µg group (89%) than in the 600-µg group (50%). Control of UFC levels was not required for reduction of tumor volume. No relationship was noted between baseline tumor size and change in tumor size.

Conclusions

Measurable decreases in pituitary tumor volume were observed in a large proportion of patients with CD and measurable tumor volume who were enrolled in the trial and treated with subcutaneous pasireotide; this decrease was not correlated with UFC control.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT00434148.
Improving study success and diversity in Dutch higher education using performance agreements
Authors: Jongbloed Ben , Kaiser Frans , Westerheijden Don F.
Published: December 2019

More and more governments have started to introduce elements of performance in the funding mechanisms for their higher education institutions. An example is a performance agreement: a contract signed between the funding authority and an individual higher education provider. In the Netherlands, a policy experiment involving performance agreements was concluded in 2016. We analyse whether the agreements actually have helped achieve the goals of improving student completion rates, educational quality and increasing the diversity in educational offerings. We present some indicators relating to these goals and discuss what can be learned from the performance agreements experiment in the Netherlands.