bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the limitations of recent lawsuits against Sci‐Hub, OMICS, ResearchGate, and Georgia State University
Authors: Manley Stewart
Published: July 2019

Key points

The 2017 Sci‐Hub judgement has, to date, proven unenforceable, and it appears that enforcing the 2019 OMICS judgement will similarly prove challenging.

Business developments and changing expectations over sharing digital content may also undermine the impact of the ongoing cases against ResearchGate and Georgia State University.

Stakeholders should consider these limitations when deciding how to resolve scholarly publishing disputes.
An Excellent Intrinsic Transparent Epoxy Resin with High Flame Retardancy: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties
Authors: Shao Zhubao , Yue Weizheng , Piao Mingjun , Ma Jianying , Lv Xue , Wang Deyi , Wang Qi
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a novel multifunctional, liquid, and colorless curing agent, namely DPTA, is prepared through diphenylphosphinic chloride (DPPC) and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). Different measurements confirm that the DPTA is prepared successfully and the cured DPTA‐EPs simultaneously display excellent flame retardancy and transparency. The resulting DPTA‐EP system reaches high optical transmittance up to 90% within the visible region. Meanwhile, the introduction of the flame‐retardant groups in DPTA‐EP does not deteriorate the mechanical behaviors compared with that of reference sample TEPA‐EP. More importantly, with only 15 wt% DPTA addition, the resulting DPTA‐EP with 1.6 mm passes UL‐94 V‐0 rating, and limiting oxygen index reaches 29.0%. Moreover, the peaks of heat release rate and total smoke production of DPTA‐EP are largely reduced by 43.1% and 58.8%, respectively, further verifying the excellent smoke‐suppression efficiency and flame retardancy. The analyses from both cone calorimeter (CC) and thermogravimetric (TG) results suggest that the satisfactory flame retardancy of cured DPTA‐EP dominates in the gaseous phase. The earlier release of large amount of non‐combustion gas and phosphorus containing groups improve the flame‐retardant efficiency.
Improvement of “Wing‐Beating” Tremor in Wilson's Disease With High Dose of Zolpidem: A Case Report
Authors: Maciel Ricardo , Portela Denise Cury , Xavier‐Souza Gabriel , Maia Débora , Cardoso Francisco
Published: July 2019

View Supplementary Video 1
Functional evidence for a de novo mutation in WDR45 leading to BPAN in a Chinese girl
Authors: Xiong Qiuhong , Li Wenjing , Li Ping , Zhao Zhonghua , Wu Changxin , Xiao Han
Published: July 2019

Background

Beta‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration (BPAN, OMIM 300894) is an X‐linked neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in WDR45. WDR45 is required for autophagy, defect in WDR45 impaired autophagy which contributes for the pathogenesis of BPAN. Previously, we reported a novel de novo mutation (c.1040_1041del, p.Glu347GlyfsTer7) in WDR45 (NM_007075) in a 3‐year‐old Chinese girl with BPAN.

Methods

The protein structure was constructed using SWISS‐MODEL and the isoelectric point (pI) was predicted by the online pI/Mw tool at ExPASy. The functional effects of this mutation were predicted by two online software programs: PROVEN and MutationTaster. Stable overexpression of Flag‐tagged wild‐type or mutant WDR45 in HeLa cells was constructed. Protein levels of LC3 and p62 were analyzed by western blot upon treatment with/without autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1, the formation of LC3 puncta were analyzed in HeLa cells transfected with mCherry‐LC3 by confocal microscopy.

Results

The mutation resulted in a shift of pI from 6.74 to 8.84 and was predicted to be pathogenic. The protein levels of LC3‐II and p62 were increased in cells overexpression of wild‐type and mutant WDR45 while the protein levels were not increased in cells overexpression of mutant WDR45 upon treatment with autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1. Results from confocal microscopy revealed that LC3‐positive puncta were increased in cells expressing both wild‐type and mutant WDR45 while the number of LC3‐positive puncta was not increased in cells expressing mutant WDR45 upon treatment with Bafilomycin A1.

Conclusion

Our study evidenced that this novel mutation in WDR45 impaired autophagy in cells thus this mutation is the cause for BPAN in this patient.
A novel variant of C12orf4 in a consanguineous Armenian family confirms the etiology of autosomal recessive intellectual disability type 66 with delineation of the phenotype
Authors: Hancarova Miroslava , Babikyan Davit , Bendova Sarka , Midyan Susanna , Prchalova Darina , Shahsuvaryan Gohar , Stranecky Viktor , Sarkisian Tamara , Sedlacek Zdenek
Published: July 2019

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) is a feature of many rare diseases caused by thousands of genes. This genetic heterogeneity implies that pathogenic variants in a specific gene are found only in a small number of patients, and difficulties arise in the definition of prevailing genotype and characteristic phenotype associated with that gene. One of such very rare disorders is autosomal recessive ID type 66 (OMIM #618221) caused by defects in C12orf4. Up to now, six families have been reported with mostly truncating variants. The spectrum of the clinical phenotype was not emphasized in previous reports, and detailed phenotype was not always available from previous patients, especially from large cohort studies.

Methods

Exome sequencing was performed in a consanguineous Armenian family with two affected adult brothers.

Results

The patients carry a novel homozygous nonsense C12orf4 variant. The integration of previous data and phenotyping of the brothers indicate that the clinical picture of C12orf4 defects involves hypotonia in infancy, rather severe ID, speech impairment, and behavioral problems such as aggressiveness, unstable mood, and autistic features. Several other symptoms are more variable and less consistent.

Conclusion

This rather nonsyndromic and nonspecific clinical picture implies that additional patients with C12orf4 defects will likely continue to be identified using the “genotype‐first” approach, rather than based on clinical assessment. The phenotype needs further delineation in future reports.
Confined steady states of a Vlasov‐Poisson plasma in an infinitely long cylinder
Authors: Knopf Patrik
Published: July 2019

We consider the two‐dimensional Vlasov‐Poisson system to model a two‐component plasma whose distribution function is constant with respect to the third space dimension. First, we show how this two‐dimensional Vlasov‐Poisson system can be derived from the full three‐dimensional model. The existence of compactly supported steady states with vanishing electric potential in a three‐dimensional setting has already been investigated in the literature. We show that these results can easily be adapted to the two‐dimensional system. However, our main result is to prove the existence of compactly supported steady states even with a nontrivial self‐consistent electric potential.
Hermite‐Hadamard inequalities for Riemann‐Liouville fractional integrals of a convex function with respect to a monotone function
Authors: Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman
Published: July 2019

In this article, we have established new Hermite–Hadamard's type inequalities for Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals of convex functions with respect to increasing functions. Our obtained inequalities generalize some recent obtained inequalities in the literature involving classical integrals and Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals. Finally, applications of our work are demonstrated via the known special functions of real numbers.
Dynamics of a generalized predator‐prey model with delay and impulse via the basic reproduction number
Authors: Xiangsen Liu , Binxiang Dai
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we study a generalized predator‐prey model with delay and impulse. The existence of the predator‐free periodic solution is investigated. We employ the approach and techniques coming from epidemiology and calculate the basic reproduction number for the predator. Using the basic reproduction number, we consider the global attraction of the predator‐free periodic solution and permanence of the model. As for application, an example is discussed. Furthermore, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate our results.
On nonlinear Fredholm integral equations with non‐differentiable Nemystkii operator
Authors: Hernández‐Verón M. A. , Martínez Eulalia
Published: July 2019

From decomposition method for operators, we consider a Newton‐Steffensen iterative scheme for approximating a solution of nonlinear Fredholm integral equations with non‐differentiable Nemystkii operator. By means of a convergence study of the iterative scheme applied to this type of nonlinear Fredholm integral equations, we obtain domains of existence and uniqueness of solution for these equations. In addition, we illustrate this study with a numerical experiment.
High‐Fat Diet Enriched with Bilberry Modifies Colonic Mucus Dynamics and Restores Marked Alterations of Gut Microbiome in Rats
Authors: Liu Hao‐Yu , Walden Tomas B. , Ahl David , Nyman Margareta , Bertilsson Stefan , Phillipson Mia , Holm Lena
Published: July 2019

Scope

Emerging evidence suggests that high‐fat diet (HFD) is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis and related disorders. Bilberry is a prebiotic food component with known health benefits. Herein, the dynamics of the colonic mucus layer and microbiome during HFD and bilberry supplementation are addressed.

Methods and results

The effects on colonic mucus thickness in vivo and gut microbiota composition (Illumina sequencing, quantitative real‐time PCR) are investigated in young rats fed a low‐fat diet or HFD with or without bilberries for 8 weeks (n = 8). HFD induced significant local colonic effects, despite no observed weight gain or systemic inflammation, as HFD causes epithelial upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, which is counteracted by bilberry. The firmly adherent mucus layer becomes thicker and the mRNA levels of Muc2 and Tff3 are increased by HFD with or without bilberry. In parallel, HFD reduced the colonic abundance of mucolytic bacterial species Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides spp. Finally, bilberry prevents HFD‐induced microbiota dysbiosis, including expansion of pathobionts, for example, Enterobacteriaceae.

Conclusion

HFD expand firmly adherent mucus thickness and reduce mucus‐foraging bacteria populations in the colon prior to obesity. Enriching HFD with bilberry protects against intestinal inflammation and marked microbiota encroachment.
Nurses' attitudes towards diabetes in tertiary care: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alhaiti Ali Hassan , Senitan Mohammed , Shanmuganathan Selvanaayagam , Dacosta Cliff , Jones Linda Katherine , Lenon George Binh
Published: July 2019

Aim

To evaluate the attitude and training of nurses in Saudi Arabia towards the care of patients with diabetes.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected in 2016 from 1,695 participants at the King Fahad Medical City using the Diabetes Attitude Scale version 3.

Results

Most nurses had not received diabetes training. The agreement score of nurses for the requirement of special training for the management of diabetes is high; the survey found that most nurses were aware of the psychological effect of diabetes. However, the low agreement regarding the perception of the seriousness of diabetes among nurses and the valuing of self‐care attributes such as tight control of glycaemic level in patients with diabetes indicates the need for diabetes training.
Accurate Sr isotope determination of human bone and tooth samples by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS: A comment on “Meijer et al., (2019)”
Authors: Lugli Federico
Published: July 2019

The in‐situ Sr isotope determination of low‐Sr bioapatites is challenging and requires monitoring several interferences, among others, Ar‐CaPO. In particular, the analysis of human bones and teeth has revealed several pitfalls, which affect the ability to obtain accurate results. In this commentary, I review the data from the paper of Meijer et al. (2019), trying to address some accuracy issues arising, in my opinion, from polyatomic interferences. After a tentative calibration of their data, using the 1/88Sr signal (V−1) as a proxy of the Sr content, the enamel specimens (enamel Ar‐CaPO corrected 87Sr/86Sr ratio = 0.7078 ± 0.0032; mean ± 2σ) are closer to the likely local bioavailable Sr (bone Ar‐CaPO corrected 87Sr/86Sr ratio = 0.7071 ± 0.0011; mean ± 2σ).
Design and Synthesis of Imidazole and Triazole Pyrazoles as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis CYP121A1 Inhibitors
Authors: Kishk Safaa M. , McLean Kirsty J. , Sood Sakshi , Smith Darren , Evans Jack W.D. , Helal Mohamed A. , Gomaa Mohamed S. , Salama Ismail , Mostafa Samia M. , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S. , Levy Colin W. , Munro Andrew W. , Simons Claire
Published: July 2019

The emergence of untreatable drug‐resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide, and the identification of new efficient treatments is urgently needed. Mycobacterium tuberculosis cytochrome P450 CYP121A1 is a promising drug target for the treatment of tuberculosis owing to its essential role in mycobacterial growth. Using a rational approach, which includes molecular modelling studies, three series of azole pyrazole derivatives were designed through two synthetic pathways. The synthesized compounds were biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity towards M. tuberculosis and their protein binding affinity (KD). Series 3 biarylpyrazole imidazole derivatives were the most effective with the isobutyl (10 f) and tert‐butyl (10 g) compounds displaying optimal activity (MIC 1.562 μg/mL, KD 0.22 μM (10 f) and 4.81 μM (10 g)). The spectroscopic data showed that all the synthesised compounds produced a type II red shift of the heme Soret band indicating either direct binding to heme iron or (where less extensive Soret shifts are observed) putative indirect binding via an interstitial water molecule. Evaluation of biological and physicochemical properties identified the following as requirements for activity: LogP >4, H‐bond acceptors/H‐bond donors 4/0, number of rotatable bonds 5–6, molecular volume >340 Å3, topological polar surface area <40 Å2.
Changes in brain activity after weight loss
Authors: van Opstal A. M. , Wijngaarden M. A. , van der Grond J. , Pijl H.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The importance of the regulatory role of the brain in directing glucose homeostasis, energy homeostasis, eating behaviour, weight control and obesity is increasingly recognized. Brain activity in (sub)cortical neuronal networks involved in homeostatic control and hedonic responses is generally increased in persons with obesity. Currently, it is not known if these functional changes can be affected by dieting. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether prolonged fasting and/or weight loss influences neuronal brain activity in obese persons.

Methods

Fourteen participants with obesity were included (two male participants and 12 female participants, body mass index 35.2 ± 1.2 kg m−2). Whole‐brain resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed after an overnight fast, after a prolonged 48‐h fast and after an 8‐week weight loss intervention.

Results

An 8‐week weight loss intervention decreased BOLD signal in areas of the brain involved in salience, sensory motor and executive control. BOLD signal in these areas correlated with leptin levels and body mass index.

Conclusions

Weight loss decreased activity in brain areas involved in feeding behaviour and reward processing. These results indicate that these obesity‐associated alterations in neuronal activity are related to excessive body weight and might change after weight loss.
Renormalization Group Circuits for Weakly Interacting Continuum Field Theories
Authors: Cotler Jordan , Mozaffar M. Reza Mohammadi , Mollabashi Ali , Naseh Ali
Published: July 2019

We develop techniques to systematically construct local unitaries which map scale‐invariant, product state wavefunctionals to the ground states of weakly interacting, continuum quantum field theories. More broadly, we devise a “quantum circuit perturbation theory” to construct local unitaries which map between any pair of wavefunctionals which are each Gaussian with arbitrary perturbative corrections. Further, we generalize cMERA to interacting continuum field theories, which requires reworking the existing formalism which is tailored to non‐interacting examples. Our methods enable the systematic perturbative calculation of cMERA circuits for weakly interacting theories, and as a demonstration we compute the 1‐loop cMERA circuit for scalar ϕ4 theory and analyze its properties. In this case, we show that Wilsonian renormalization of the spatial momentum modes is equivalent to a local position space cMERA circuit. This example provides new insights into the connection between position space and momentum space renormalization group methods in quantum field theory. The form of cMERA circuits derived from perturbation theory suggests useful ansatzes for numerical variational calculations.
Processes governing the amplification of ensemble spread in a medium‐range forecast with large forecast uncertainty
Authors: Baumgart Marlene , Riemer Michael
Published: July 2019

This study provides a process‐based perspective on the amplification of forecast uncertainty and forecast errors in ensemble forecasts. A case from the North Atlantic Waveguide and Downstream Impact Experiment that exhibits large forecast uncertainty is analysed. Two aspects of the ensemble behaviour are considered: (a) the mean divergence of the ensemble members, indicating the general amplification of forecast uncertainty, and (b) the divergence of the best and worst members, indicating extremes in possible error‐growth scenarios. To analyse the amplification of forecast uncertainty, a tendency equation for the ensemble variance of potential vorticity (PV) is derived and partitioned into the contributions from individual processes. The amplification of PV variance is, on average for the midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, dominated by near‐tropopause dynamics. Locally, however, other processes can dominate the variance amplification, for example, in the region where tropical storm Karl interacts with the Rossby‐wave pattern during extratropical transition. In this region, the variance amplification is dominated by upper‐tropospheric divergence and tropospheric–deep interaction and is thereby mostly related to (moist baroclinic) cyclone development. The differences between the error growth in the best and worst ensemble members can, to a large part, be attributed to differences in the representation of cut‐off evolution around 3 days, which subsequently amplifies substantially in the highly nonlinear region of the Rossby‐wave pattern until 5 days. In terms of the processes, the differences in error growth are dominated by differences in the error growth by near‐tropopause dynamics. The approach presented provides flow‐dependent insight into the dynamics of forecast uncertainty and forecast errors and helps to understand better the different contributions of specific weather systems to the medium‐range amplification of ensemble spread.
Linear profiles monitoring in the presence of nonnormal random errors
Authors: Li Chung‐I , Tsai Tzong‐Ru
Published: July 2019

Profile monitoring is a technique to test the stability of the relationship between a response variable and explanatory variables over time. The most relevant linear profile monitoring methods have been constructed using the normality assumption. However, the normality assumption could be violated in many quality control applications. In this study, we consider a situation in which the random errors in a linear profile model follow a skew‐normal distribution. The skew‐normal distribution is a generalized version of the normal distribution. A new Shewhart‐type chart and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) chart, named the ShewhartR and EWMAR charts, respectively, are constructed based on residuals to monitor the parameters of linear profile model. The simulation results show that the multivariate EWMA chart is sensitive to the normality assumption and that the proposed ShewhartR and EWMAR charts have good ability to detect big and small‐to‐moderate process shifts, respectively. An example using photo mask techniques in semiconductor manufacturing is provided to illustrate the applications of the ShewhartR and EWMAR charts.
Results of the first and second British Mass Spectrometry Society interlaboratory studies on ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: McCullough Bryan J. , Hopley Christopher J.
Published: July 2019

Rationale

As the popularity of ambient ionisation grows, so too does the importance of understanding its capabilities and limitations. The British Mass Spectrometry Society Special Interest Group on Ambient Ionisation has carried out two studies into the use of ambient ionisation, the results of which are presented here.

Methods

The first study (study 1) examined the detection and quantitation capabilities of ambient ionisation while the second examined repeatability and robustness. For study 1 participants were sent a range of samples including two calibration sample sets and asked to analyse them. For study 2, two samples containing the same eight‐component mixture were provided (one in solvent, one in matrix); participants were asked to analyse these samples multiple times, over multiple days to allow assessment of repeatability.

Results

Study 1 showed that small, polar compounds were well detected by the participants while lower polarity compounds were less well detected. For many samples the introduction method appeared to be a significant factor in the observed spectra. The quantitation study gave good results but revealed significant variability. For study 2 the mean repeatabilities were 65% in solvent and 88% in matrix. The inclusion of an internal standard was shown to greatly improve repeatability.

Conclusions

Ambient ionisation is capable of ionising a wide range of compounds with good precision and excellent repeatability; however, in order to obtain such data care must be taken with the experimental design. The data can be significantly improved with a well‐chosen internal standard.
Rapid desorption of low‐volatility compounds in liquid droplets accompanied by the flash evaporation of solvent below the Leidenfrost temperature
Authors: Ninomiya Satoshi , Rankin‐Turner Stephanie , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: July 2019

Rationale

The objective of this work is to study the interaction of methanol droplets with the heated surface for the improved detection of low‐volatility and thermally labile compounds by the flash evaporation that occurs below the Leidenfrost temperature.

Methods

5 μL solutions of low‐volatility compounds in methanol were introduced into the heated tube. Desorbed analytes were ionized in the sealed atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source by direct current (DC) corona discharge using air as the reagent gas.

Results

The rapid desorption of low‐volatility compounds accompanied by the flash evaporation of methanol solvent was observed in the temperature range of 60–100°C. Linear relationships between the signal intensities and the solute concentrations in the range of 0.01–5 ppm for morphine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine were obtained at 95°C.

Conclusions

The observed rapid desorption of low‐volatility compounds below the Leidenfrost temperature would provide useful information in many fields, e.g., the interaction of liquid droplets with heated matter, liquid sample introduction into the injection port of a gas chromatograph, coupling of the flash evaporation with pulse valve operated miniaturized mass spectrometer, etc.
REI: An integrated measure for software reusability
Authors: Zozas Ioannis , Ampatzoglou Apostolos , Bibi Stamatia , Chatzigeorgiou Alexander , Avgeriou Paris , Stamelos Ioannis
Published: July 2019

To capitalize upon the benefits of software reuse, an efficient selection among candidate reusable assets should be performed in terms of functional fitness and adaptability. The reusability of assets is usually measured through reusability indices. However, these do not capture all facets of reusability, such as structural characteristics, external quality attributes, and documentation. In this paper, we propose a reusability index (REI) as a synthesis of various software metrics and evaluate its ability to quantify reuse, based on IEEE Standard on Software Metrics Validity. The proposed index is compared with existing ones through a case study on 80 reusable open‐source assets. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed index, we performed a pilot study, where real‐world reuse decisions have been compared with decisions imposed by the use of metrics (including REI). The results of the study suggest that the proposed index presents the highest predictive and discriminative power; it is the most consistent in ranking reusable assets and the most strongly correlated to their levels of reuse. The findings of the paper are discussed to understand the most important aspects in reusability assessment (interpretation of results), and interesting implications for research and practice are provided.
Highly Efficient Guanidinium‐Based Quasi 2D Perovskite Solar Cells via a Two‐Step Post‐Treatment Process
Authors: Zhang Yingzhu , Chen Jiehuan , Lian Xiaomei , Qin Minchao , Li Jun , Andersen Thomas Rieks , Lu Xinhui , Wu Gang , Li Hanying , Chen Hongzheng
Published: July 2019

2D perovskites with alternating cations in the interlayer space (ACI) have raised increasing interest in the field of layered 2D perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Herein, ACI quasi‐2D PVSCs with a chemical formula of C(NH2)3(CH3NH3)4Pb4I13 (n = 4) are fabricated by an antisolvent method assisted by a novel two‐step post‐treatment process, in which guanidinium thiocyanate (GASCN) and MACl (GA = guanidinium, MA = methylammonium) are utilized as post‐treatment reagents, sequentially. With the first‐step post‐treatment by GASCN, the grain gaps within the perovskite films are dramatically diminished, leading to increased alignment and well‐ordered crystal grains. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the corresponding devices increases by more than 50% (from 8.62% to 13.13%). After the second‐step post‐treatment by MACl, the trap states in the perovskite films are passivated, and as a result the PCE of the PVSCs is further enhanced to 15.27%. This work provides the new method of two‐step post‐treatment for fabrication of high quality 2D PVSC films.
Single Crystal Perovskite Microplate for High‐Order Multiphoton Excitation
Authors: He Huajun , Ma En , Chen Xueyuan , Yang Deren , Chen Banglin , Qian Guodong
Published: July 2019

Single crystal perovskite microplates are fundamentally and technologically very important to developing high‐order (n ≥ 3) multiphoton excitation. This study reports the preparation of high‐quality single crystal perovskite microplates through the controlled release of lead ions from the confined species within a metal–organic framework. The resulting free‐standing MAPbBr3 (MA = CH3NH3+) and CsPbBr3 single crystals of rectangular microplates exhibit excellent multiphoton excitation behaviors, as demonstrated in their five‐photon‐excited photoluminescence and three‐photon‐pumped stimulated emission with the threshold of 159 mJ cm−2, providing the promise of exploring high‐quality single crystal perovskite microplates for functional optoelectronic and photonics applications.
Development, testing, and environmental impact assessment of glow‐in‐the‐dark concrete
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Blaisi Nawaf I.
Published: July 2019

Glow‐in‐the‐dark (GiD) material has the advantage that it can absorb energy in the presence of a light source and emit the absorbed energy in the form of visible light in the absence of external light. The presented research work deals with the development, testing, and environmental impact assessment of GiD‐concrete. New innovative interlocking concrete blocks have been developed which have the ability to GiD without the need of any external power source. The presented GiD‐concrete has the advantage of long‐term durability over using GiD material as emulation. Through experimentation, 20% GiD addition was found to be the optimum dosage for GiD‐concrete. Mechanical tests consisting of strength, skid resistance, thermal cycling, and glow intensity and duration were conducted on the prepared prototypes. In addition, environmental impact assessment and toxicity testing was conducted in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) standards and regulations in order to ascertain the effects of GiD material on the environment and human health. Through these experimentations, the durability and safety of the developed material with regard to the real‐world application have been judged. The provided information can be used by engineers and researchers along with regulatory bodies to develop guidelines regarding the application of the newly developed material in infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the developed prototype can be used in a variety of ways to improve safety and living conditions, ranging from bicycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, building basements, walkways, concrete barriers, and curbstones along with other architectural and esthetical applications.
Malmström vacuum or Kielland forceps: which causes more damage to pelvic floor?
Authors: García‐Mejido J. A. , Martín‐Martínez A. , González‐Diaz E. , Fernández‐Fernández C. , Ortega I. , Medina M. , Fernández‐Corona A. , Fernández‐Palacín A. , Sainz J. A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine whether differences exist in the rate of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion between women who had undergone either Malmström vacuum delivery (MVD) or Kielland forceps delivery (KFD), allowing for potential confounding factors.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of nulliparous women undergoing instrumental delivery using Malmström vacuum extractor or Kielland forceps, at two hospital centers in Spain. Fetal head position (anterior, posterior or transverse) and fetal head station (low or mid) were assessed by ultrasound and digital examination, respectively. Avulsion was defined on tomographic ultrasound imaging as an abnormal insertion of the LAM in the three central slices from the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions.

Results

In total, 414 patients were included in the study (212 MVD and 202 KFD). We observed a higher rate of LAM avulsion in the KFD group (KFD 49.5% vs MVD 32.5%; P = 0.001). When the results were evaluated according to fetal head position and station, we observed no differences in LAM avulsion. The crude odds ratio (OR) for the difference in avulsion between women in the KFD and MVD groups was 2.03 (95% CI, 1.36–3.03). However, when adjusted for duration of second stage of labor, fetal head circumference and fetal head station, the OR was no longer statistically significant (OR, 2.14 (95% CI, 0.95–4.85); P = 0.068).

Conclusion

When potential confounding factors are taken into account, the rate of LAM avulsion does not differ between women according to whether they have undergone KFD or MVD. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The diversity of water markets: Prospects and perils for the SDG agenda
Authors: O'Donnell Erin L. , Garrick Dustin E.
Published: July 2019

Water markets are used in a wide variety of contexts to (a) increase access to water, and (b) increase water use efficiency by reallocating water to uses with a higher economic value. The global prevalence of water markets may help or hinder achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, making it essential to understand their role in water management. However, an overarching understanding of what water markets are and how they work across different regulatory and geographic contexts is surprisingly elusive. The literature separates water markets based on their formality and the nature of the goods and services being sold (typically either domestic water or agricultural), but growing water scarcity and increasing urban water demands means that agricultural and urban water use can no longer be considered separately. This review brings together two disparate strands of literature on water markets: (a) markets as a tool for re‐allocation between agricultural uses (including both water rights and irrigation services), and (b) urban water markets to expand access to safe water supplies. Based on a review of 148 studies of water markets, this article explores the similarities and differences between urban and agricultural markets across the spectrum of regulatory formality to identify key findings in water market operation and outcomes, including critiques of market function. Bringing together the work on urban and agricultural water markets highlights important lessons on the role water markets can play in achieving SDG 6.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Value of Water

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water
Treatment of anaerobically digested effluent from kitchen waste using combined processes of anaerobic digestion–complete nitritation–ANAMMOX based on reflux dilution
Authors: Gao Shumei , Ying Su Ying , Xu Jie , Zhao Yongjun
Published: July 2019

In this study, an anaerobically digested effluent from kitchen waste with high concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen was treated using combined processes of anaerobic digestion (AD), complete nitritation (CN), and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX). The COD and nitrogen removal efficiency of each treatment unit were investigated. The feasibility of using the final treatment effluent to dilute the original wastewater was also discussed. Findings showed that as a pretreatment step, AD resulted in the decline in biodegradability and increase in concentration. CN was successfully and stably achieved for 106 days with an average nitritation rate of 95% by maintaining the dissolved oxygen at 2–3 mg/L and hydraulic retention time of 24 hr under 30 ± 1°C. High and . removal efficiencies of over 88% and 96% were attained in the following ANAMMOX reactor. The reflux of ANAMMOX‐treated effluent for the dilution of raw wastewater or an influent of CN and ANAMMOX ensured the stable operation of the combined system.

Practitioner points

Anaerobic digestion effluent of kitchen waste had low COD/ ratio and poor biodegradability.

Stable and efficient nitritation was realized by controlling DO, HRT and TEMP.

High and removal efficiency were obtained by ANAMMOX process.

Average nitrogen removal rate of 0.94 kg N/m3/day were obtained by ANAMMOX.

Reflux dilution with the effluent guaranteed the system's successful operation.
Purine auxotrophy: Possible applications beyond genetic marker
Authors: Kokina Agnese , Ozolina Zane , Liepins Janis
Published: July 2019

Exploring new drug candidates or drug targets against many illnesses is necessary as “traditional” treatments lose their effectivity. Cancer and sicknesses caused by protozoan parasites are among these diseases. Cell purine metabolism is an important drug target. Theoretically, inhibiting purine metabolism could stop the proliferation of unwanted cells. Purine metabolism is similar across all eukaryotes. However, some medically important organisms or cell lines rely on their host purine metabolism. Protozoans causing malaria, leishmaniasis, or toxoplasmosis are purine auxotrophs. Some cancer forms have also lost the ability to synthesize purines de novo. Budding yeast can serve as an effective model for eukaryotic purine metabolism, and thus, purine auxotrophic strains could be an important tool. In this review, we present the common principles of purine metabolism in eukaryotes, effects of purine starvation in eukaryotic cells, and purine‐starved Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for purine depletion‐elicited metabolic states with applications in evolution studies and pharmacology. Purine auxotrophic yeast strains behave differently when growing in media with sufficient supplementation with adenine or in media depleted of adenine (starvation). In the latter, they undergo cell cycle arrest at G1/G0 and become stress resistant. Importantly, similar effects have also been observed among parasitic protozoans or cancer cells. We consider that studies on metabolic changes caused by purine auxotrophy could reveal new options for parasite or cancer therapy. Further, knowledge on phenotypic changes will improve the use of auxotrophic strains in high‐throughput screening for primary drug candidates.
Properties of the partition function of $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supersymmetric QCD with massive matter
Authors: Russo J. G.
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We study the different quantum phases that occur in massive

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

supersymmetric QCD with gauge groups SU(2) and SU(3) as the coupling Λ/M is gradually increased from 0 to infinity. The phases can be identified by computing the exact partition function by saddle-points, combining supersymmetric localization and the Seiberg-Witten formalism. In all cases, we find two phases, a weak coupling and a strong coupling phase, separated by a critical point described by a superconformal field theory or involving superconformal sectors. In crossing the critical point, the dominant saddle-point hops from one singularity of the curve to another one. The theories seem to undergo a second-order phase transition with divergent susceptibility.
Universal approximations for flavor models
Authors: von Gersdorff Gero
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We develop a systematic analytical approximation scheme for the singular value decompositions of arbitrary complex three dimensional matrices Y with non-degenerate singular values. We derive exact expressions for the errors of this approximation and show that they are bounded from above by very simple ratios of the form (y

i

/y

j
)2n
where y

i

< y

j
are singular values of Y and n is the order of the approximation. The applications we have in mind are the analytical and numerical treatments of arbitrary theories of flavor. We also compute upper bounds for the errors of the Cabbibo Kobayashi Maskawa (CKM) matrix that only depend on the ratios of the masses and the physical CKM angles.
Flat space physics from AdS/CFT
Authors: Hijano Eliot
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We propose a formula relating scattering S-matrix amplitudes to correlators of a conformal field theory. The proposal implements a flat limit of the field theory, providing an indirect microscopic description of gravitational theories with asymptotically flat boundary conditions. The formula is valid for both massive and massless external particles, and reduces to existing expressions in the literature when all particles are either simultaneously massless or massive. We test the result in various (2 + 1)-dimensional examples such as simple BMS3 invariant correlators and blocks. We also study two-point correlators in conformal field theory deficit states to obtain known expressions for nontrivial scattering in asymptotically flat conical geometries.
Staging and managing patients with acromegaly in clinical practice: baseline data from the SAGIT® validation study
Authors: Giustina Andrea , Bronstein Marcello D. , Chanson Philippe , Petersenn Stephan , Casanueva Felipe F. , Sert Caroline , Houchard Aude , Melmed Shlomo
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The SAGIT® instrument, designed to assist clinicians to stage acromegaly, assess treatment response and adapt patient management, was well received by endocrinologists in a pilot study. We report an interim analysis of baseline data from the validation phase.

Methods

The SAGIT® validation study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02539927) is an international, non-interventional study. Data collection included: demographic/disease characteristics; medical/surgical histories; concomitant acromegaly treatments; investigators’ subjective evaluation of disease-control status (clinical global evaluation of disease control [CGE-DC]; controlled/not controlled/yet to be clarified) and clinical disease activity (active/not active); growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels; investigators’ therapeutic decision.

Results

Of 228 patients enrolled, investigators considered disease to be controlled in 110 (48.2%), not controlled in 105 (46.1%), and yet to be clarified in 13 (5.7%) according to CGE-DC. Thirty-three patients were treatment-naïve (not controlled, n = 31; yet to be clarified, n = 2). Investigators considered 48.2% patients in the controlled and 95.2% in the not-controlled groups to have clinically active disease. In the controlled group, 29.7% of patients did not exhibit hormonal control (GH ≤ 2.5 µg/L; normalized IGF-1) and 47.3% did not have rigorous hormonal control (GH < 1.0 µg/L; normalized IGF-1) by contemporary consensus. Current acromegaly treatment was continued with no change for 91.8% of patients in the controlled and 40.0% in the not-controlled groups.

Conclusions

These data highlight discrepancies between investigator-evaluated disease-control status, disease activity, hormonal control, and treatment decisions in acromegaly. Once validated, the SAGIT® instrument may assist clinicians in making active management decisions for patients with acromegaly.
Influence of negative emotions on residents’ learning of scientific information: an experimental study
Authors: Kremer Telma , Mamede Silvia , Van den Broek Walter W. , Schmidt Henk G. , Nunes Maria do P. T. , Martins Milton A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction Medical training is consistently described as emotionally challenging. Students commonly encounter situations that are likely to trigger emotional reactions, but the influence of emotional reactions to these situations on learning is unclear. This experiment examined the effects of negative emotions on medical residents’ learning of scientific information.

Methods Sixty first-year internal medicine residents (i.e. physicians in training to become specialists) at the São Paulo University Medical School were randomly assigned to watching a video clip either presenting an emotional (experimental group) or a neutral (control group) version of the same situation. Subsequently, all residents studied the same scientific text. Main outcome measurements were learning processes (inferred through study time and cognitive engagement) and outcomes (recall accuracy). Data were analyzed using chi-square and independent t‑tests.

Results The experimental group spent significantly less time (p < 0.001) studying the text and performed significantly worse on the free recall test (p < 0.001) than the control group.

Discussion Negative emotions decreased time invested in a learning task and the amount of knowledge gained from it, possibly because they automatically activated avoidance attitudes or captured part of the residents’ cognitive resources, hindering processing of the learning material. Future studies should further explore the underlying mechanisms of this effect and how it can be diminished.
Manganese-Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks-90 with High Blood Circulation Stability for MRI-Guided Tumor Therapy
Authors: Jiang Zhenqi , Yuan Bo , Qiu Nianxiang , Wang Yinjie , Sun Li , Wei Zhenni , Li Yanyin , Zheng Jianjun , Jin Yinhua , Li Yong , Du Shiyu , Li Juan , Wu Aiguo
Published: July 2019

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as smart drug delivery systems with microenvironment-triggered release have attracted much attention for tumor therapy. However, the exploration of ZIFs in biomedicine still encounters many issues, such as inconvenient surface modification, fast drug release during blood circulation, undesired damage to major organs, and severe in vivo toxicity. To address the above issues, we developed an Mn-ZIF-90 nanosystem functionalized with an originally designed active-targeting and pH-responsive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Y1 receptor ligand [Asn28, Pro30, Trp32]-NPY (25–36) for imaging-guided tumor therapy. After Y1 receptor ligand modification, the Mn-ZIF-90 nanosystem exhibited high drug loading, better blood circulation stability, and dual breast cancer cell membrane and mitochondria targetability, further favoring specific microenvironment-triggered tumor therapy. Meanwhile, this nanosystem showed promising T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging contrast in vivo in the tumor sites. Especially, this nanosystem with fast clean-up had almost no obvious toxicity and no damage occurred to the major organs in mice. Therefore, this nanosystem shows potential for use in imaging-guided tumor therapy.
Mixed emotion experiences for self or another person in adolescence
Authors: Burkitt Esther , Watling Dawn , Cocks Francesca
Published: July 2019

Introduction

This study examined types of reported simultaneous mixed emotion experiences for the first time in adolescence for high and low intensity emotion pairs using an Analogue Emotion Scale which affords the graphing of two opposite valence emotions over time on the same graph.

Methods

In a cross sectional design, 163 participants based in schools across the UK formed two age groups representing early and mid‐adolescence (12 years, 5 months‐16 years, 9 months vs. 16 years, 10 months‐18 years, 8 months) across two conditions considering either their own (n = 83) or another child's (n = 80) emotional experience divided equally for high (n = 80) or low (n = 83) intensity mixed emotion pairs presented in vignettes about themselves or another person. They were seen individually and completed an emotion presence interview and an Analogue Emotion Scale about the emotions experienced in the condition appropriate vignette.

Results

Participants reported mixed emotions both sequentially and simultaneously. In particular we found that children showed that others experience emotions in a more sequential manner, while they themselves would experience more emotions in a highly simultaneous way. Emotion experience was different depending on the emotion pair and age group.

Conclusions

Adolescents’ subjective mixed emotion experiences vary by intensity and patterns of simultaneity over time. Findings are discussed in relation to an evaluative space model of mixed emotion and applications of the AES with adolescent populations.
Stationary solutions to coagulation-fragmentation equations
Authors: Laurençot Philippe
Published: July 2019

Existence of stationary solutions to the coagulation-fragmentation equation is shown when the coagulation kernel
K
and the overall fragmentation rate
a
are given by

K(x,y) = x^{\alpha }y^{\beta } + x^{\beta }y^{\alpha }

and

a(x) = x^{\gamma }

, respectively, with

0 \leq \alpha \leq \beta \leq 1

,

\alpha + \beta \in [0,1)

, and

\gamma > 0

. The proof requires two steps: a dynamical approach is first used to construct stationary solutions under the additional assumption that the coagulation kernel and the overall fragmentation rate are bounded from below by a positive constant. The general case is then handled by a compactness argument.
Compartmentalized ideology and nation-building in non-democratic states
Authors: Kudaibergenova Diana T.
Published: July 2019

What are the mechanisms of legitimation in non-democratic and linguistically divided states? How do regimes in these states use and manipulate the ideology and nation-building for the purposes of regime legitimation? The article focuses on the concept of compartmentalized ideology in non-democratic regimes with substantial divisions in the so-called titular and minority group where socio-linguistic divide allows regimes to construct diverse audiences and even political communities with their own distinct narratives and discourses about the nation, state and the regime. The compartmentalized ideology is only sustainable under the conditions of the regime's power to control and facilitate these discourses through the system of authoritative presidential addresses to the nation and/or other forms of regime's communication with the polity. The shifting of these discourses and themes contribute to the regime stability but also may constitute its re-legitimation.