bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term safety and efficacy of subcutaneous pasireotide in patients with Cushing’s disease: interim results from a long-term real-world evidence study
Authors: Manetti Luca , Deutschbein Timo , Schopohl Jochen , Yuen Kevin C. J. , Roughton Michael , Kriemler-Krahn Ulrike , Tauchmanova Libuse , Maamari Ricardo , Giordano Carla
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Clinical trials have demonstrated the favorable efficacy/safety profile of pasireotide in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). We report interim long-term results of an ongoing real-world evidence study of subcutaneous pasireotide in patients with CD.

Methods

Adults with CD receiving pasireotide, initiated before (prior-use) or at study entry (new-use), were monitored for ≤ 3 years during a multicenter observational study (http://clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02310269). Primary objective was to assess long-term safety of pasireotide alone or with other CD therapies.

Results

At the time of this interim analysis, 127 patients had received pasireotide (new-use, n = 31; prior-use, n = 96). Eight patients had completed the 3-year observation period, 53 were ongoing, and 66 had discontinued. Among 31 new-use and 92 prior-use patients with ≥ 1 safety assessment, respectively: 24 (77%) and 37 (40%) had drug-related adverse events (AEs); 7 (23%) and 10 (11%) had serious drug-related AEs. Most common drug-related AEs were nausea (14%), hyperglycemia (11%) and diarrhea (11%); these were more frequently reported in new users and mostly of mild-to-moderate severity. 14 (45%) new-use and 15 (16%) prior-use patients experienced hyperglycemia-related AEs. Mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) was within normal range at baseline and months 1, 12 and 24, respectively, in: 1/16 (6%), 9/18 (50%), 1/3 (33%) and 0/0 new users; 28/43 (65%), 15/27 (56%), 27/33 (82%) and 12/19 (63%) prior users.

Conclusions

Pasireotide is well tolerated and provides sustained reductions in mUFC during real-world treatment of CD. The lower rate of hyperglycemia-related AEs in prior users suggests that hyperglycemia tends not to deteriorate if effectively managed soon after onset.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT02310269.
Modification of a first-generation solid oxide fuel cell cathode with Co3O4 nanocubes having selectively exposed crystal planes
Authors: Xu Xi , Wang Chao , Fronzi Marco , Liu Xuehua , Bi Lei , Zhao X. S.
Published: August 2019

Co3O4 nanocubes with exposed (001) planes were prepared and employed for use as first-generation Sr-doped LaMnO3 (LSM) cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells to improve the cell performance. Theoretical simulations suggest that the Co3O4 (001) plane has the smallest oxygen adsorption and oxygen dissociation energies compared with other planes, thus favouring cathode reactions in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Experimental studies consistently demonstrate that a cell using an LSM cathode made with Co3O4 nanocubes with selective (001) surfaces exhibits a peak power density of 500 mW cm−2 at 600 °C, while the power output for a cell using unselective (commercial) Co3O4 nanoparticles is only 179 mW cm−2 at the same temperature. The electrochemical study indicates that the use of Co3O4 nanoparticles with exposed (001) surfaces obviously accelerates the cathode reactions and thus decreases the polarisation resistance, which is the key to improving fuel cell performance. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the crystal planes of metal oxides to improve the fuel cell performance and provides a new way to design SOFC cathodes.
Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results
Authors: Zheng Jun-Biao , Liang Qun-Feng , Li Jian-Hui , Zhang Shu-Cheng , Yu Xiao-Hua , Zhao Jing , Liang Guo-Qing , Shi Hui-Juan , Zhou Wei-Jin , Zhu Qian-Xi
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Most of conclusions on the relationship between age and reproductive health in aging men relied on cross-sectional data.

Aim

To better characterize the natural degradation trajectory of reproductive health of aging men based on longitudinal data.

Methods

A community cohort study was performed in randomly selected men 40 to 80 years old, initiated in 2012 and followed up in 2014 and 2016. Participants were investigated by face-to-face structured interview, including demographic information and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scales.

Main Outcome Measures

The differences among the 3 assessments of IIEF-5 and AMS were analyzed, and progression trajectories were traced.

Results

The high degree of variability on AMS and IIEF-5 was evident across individual subjects, as was the variability within individuals. The average IIEF-5 score of 248 subjects decreased from 16.9 to 14.1 during the 4 years, and the total AMS score increased from 22.6–27.0 (P < .001). Longitudinal data, both of individuals and of groups, showed the more rapid increase or decrease on AMS or IIEF-5 scores over 4 years in the 61–70 age group than in other age groups.

Clinical Implication

The evidence of the greatest changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61–70 age group prompts the importance of early intervention to postpone the degradation of reproductive health.

Strength & Limitations

Compared with cross-sectional data, longitudinal data can provide a more natural progression trajectory of reproductive health of aging male individuals. The low follow-up rate might affect the parameter estimation to some extent.

Conclusion

Cohort data over 4 years’ follow-up showed more abrupt changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61–70 age group than in other age groups.
How Cannabis Alters Sexual Experience: A Survey of Men and Women
Authors: Wiebe Ellen , Just Alanna
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Cannabis is reported to enhance sexual function; yet, previous studies have shown that physiological and subjective indices of sexual arousal and motivation were associated with decreased availability of circulating endocannabinoid concentrations.

Aim

To explain this contradiction, we evaluated which aspects of sexual experience were enhanced or diminished by cannabis use.

Methods

We used an online questionnaire with a convenience sample of people who had experience with cannabis. We asked questions regarding various aspects of sexual experience and whether they are affected by cannabis. We also asked about sexual dysfunction.

Main Outcome Measure

Aspects of participant sexual experience enhanced by cannabis.

Results

We analyzed results from 216 questionnaires completed by people with experience using cannabis with sex. Of these, 112 (52.3%) said they used cannabis to alter their sexual experience. Eighty-two participants (38.7%) said sex was better, 34 (16.0%) said it was better in some ways and worse in others, 52 (24.5%) said it was sometimes better, and only 10 (4.7%) said it was worse. Of 202 participants, 119 (58.9%) said cannabis increased their desire for sex, 149 of the 202 participants (73.8%) reported increased sexual satisfaction, 144 of 199 participants (74.3%) reported an increased sensitivity to touch, and 132 of 201 participants (65.7%) reported an increased intensity of orgasms. Out of 199 participants, 139 (69.8%) said they could relax more during sex, and 100 of 198 participants (50.5%) said they were better able to focus. Of the 28 participants who reported difficulty reaching orgasm, 14 said it was easier to reach orgasm while using cannabis, but only 10 said that sex was better.

Clinical Implications

The information in this study helps clarify which aspects of sexual function can be improved or interfered with by cannabis use.

Strengths & Limitations

We asked about specific sexual effects of cannabis and were therefore able to understand the paradox of how cannabis can both improve and detract from sexual experience. Limitations of this study include bias that may have been introduced because the sample included only people who responded to the advertisements; it may not represent the general population of people who use cannabis. Moreover, over one-third of our sample said they use cannabis daily and so represent heavier than average users.

Conclusion

Many participants in our study found that cannabis helped them relax, heightened their sensitivity to touch, and increased intensity of feelings, thus enhancing their sexual experience, while others found that cannabis interfered by making them sleepy and less focused or had no effect on their sexual experience.
The Process of Patient Engagement in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Authors: Jahandideh Sepideh , Kendall Elizabeth , Low-Choy Samantha , Donald Kenneth , Jayasinghe Rohan , Barzegari Ebrahim
Published: August 2019

The primary aim of this study was to test the causal structure of the model of therapeutic engagement (MTE) for the first time, to examine whether the model assists in understanding the process of patient engagement in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. This study used a prospective design, following up patients from the Gold Coast University Hospital Cardiology ward who attended Robina Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic. A structural equation model of the interactions among the proposed variables within the three stages of the MTE (intention to engage in CR programs, CR initiation, and sustained engagement) revealed significant relationships among these variables in a dataset of 101 patients who attended a CR program. However, no relationship was discerned between outcome expectancies and patient intention to engage in CR. Patients’ willingness to consider the treatment also mediated the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and patient intention to engage in CR. These findings help clarify the process proposed by Lequerica and Kortte (2010) in the context of patient engagement in CR programs. The findings also reveal information on how patients engage in CR programs. Importantly, this provides new information for healthcare providers, enabling them to more effectively engage patients according to their stage of engagement.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Care in Alberta: How Much Does Stroke Severity and Timing Matter?
Authors: Tanlaka Eric , King-Shier Kathryn , Green Theresa , Seneviratne Cydnee , Dukelow Sean
Published: August 2019

Background:

We examined the impact of stroke severity and timing to inpatient rehabilitation admission on length of stay (LOS), functional gains, and discharge destination.

Methods:

Alberta inpatient stroke rehabilitation data between April 2013 and March 2017 were analyzed. We evaluated the impact of stroke severity, as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), on timing to inpatient rehabilitation, functional gains, LOS, and discharge destination. Further, we examined whether timing to inpatient rehabilitation impacted the latter three factors.

Results:

The 2404 adults were subcategorized as mild (1237), moderate (1031), or severe (136) based on FIM at inpatient rehabilitation admission. Length of time to rehabilitation admission was not significantly (p = 0.232) different between stroke severities. Mean length of time (days) to rehabilitation admission was 19.79 (20.3 SD) for mild, 27.7 (35.7 SD) for moderate, and 37.70 (56.8 SD) for severe stroke. Mean FIM change for mild (M = 16.3, 9.9 SD) differed significantly (p = 5.1 × 10–9) from moderate (M = 30.4, 16.4 SD) and severe (M = 31.0, 25.7 SD) stroke. The mean LOS for mild stroke (M = 41.3, 31.9 SD) was significantly (p = 5.1 × 10–9) different from moderate stroke (M = 86.8, 76.4 SD) and severe stroke (M = 126.1, 104.2 SD). Time to inpatient rehabilitation admission showed a small, significant impact on FIM change (p = 1.4 × 10–9, partial η2 0.022) and LOS (p = 1.1 × 10–19, partial η2 0.042). Shorter times to rehabilitation admission and mild stroke were associated with discharging home without needing homecare.

Conclusion:

Stroke severity has a significant impact on the conduct of inpatient rehabilitation. Yet, despite suggestions shortening timing to rehabilitation should improve outcomes, the impact on functional gains and rehabilitation LOS was small.
A Comparison of US Federal Government Spending for Research and Development Related to Public Health Preparedness Capabilities, 2008–2017
Authors: Keim Mark , Kirsch Thomas D. , Lovallo Alex
Published: August 2019

Objective:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed 15 National Public Health Emergency and Preparedness Response Capabilities (NPHPRCs) to serve as national standards for health-related core capabilities. The objective of this study is to determine the level of federal funding allocated for research related to NPHPRCs during 2008–2017.

Methods:

An online search of http://www.USAspending.gov was performed to identify federal awards, grants, contracts from 2008–2017 related to research associated with NPHPRCs. Inclusion criteria were identifiable as research and disaster-related; US-based; and specific reference to any of the NPHPRCs. A panel of 3 experts reviewed each entry for inclusion.

Results:

The search identified 15 278 transactions representing US $29.2 billion in awards. After exclusions, 93 entries were found to be related to NPHPRCs, averaging US $2 783 136 annually. Funding notably dropped to US $168 684 in 2010 and ceased entirely in 2016. Ten (67%) of NPHPRCs received funding. Eighty-percent of funding focused on 4 capabilities. Three federal agencies funded 80% of research. Sixteen (24%) of the 47 recipients received 80% of all funding.

Conclusion:

US federal investments in research and development related to NPHPRCs have been highly variable over the past decade. One-third of NPHPRCs receive no funding. There are notable gaps in funding, content, continuity, and scope of participation.
Intimate partner abuse among couples during pregnancy and its predictors as reported by pregnant women visiting governmental health care centres in Tabriz, Iran
Authors: Bahrami-Vazir Ellahe , Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi Sakineh , Ghelichkhani Fatemeh , Mohammadi Azam , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: August 2019

Little is known about intimate partner abuse (IPA) among couples during pregnancy in Iran. This study aimed to compare the rates of IPA by pregnant women towards their husbands (perpetration), and women’s experience of IPA from their husbands (victimization) and determine the predictors of the two behaviours. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 525 pregnant women at 24–30 weeks of gestation visiting governmental health care centres/posts in Tabriz, Iran, in 2014. The study sample was selected using random cluster sampling. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) was used to assess IPA perpetration and victimization. The McNemar test was employed to compare the prevalences of IPA perpetration and victimization, and adjusted logistic regression was utilized to determine the socio-demographic predictors of overall IPA perpetration and victimization. The overall rates of women’s reported abuse of their husbands (perpetration) and women’s experience of abuse from their husbands (victimization) were 70% and 67%, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.086). The prevalence of psychological aggression perpetrated by women towards their husbands was significantly higher than that experienced by the women from their husbands (65% vs 58%, p<0.001). The prevalences of sexual coercion (15% vs 30%) and injury (8% vs 16%) perpetrated by women on their husbands were significantly lower those they experienced by the women from their husbands (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of perpetration of physical violence towards husbands by women (19%) and that experienced by women from their husbands (22%) (p=0.072). Women’s and husbands’ satisfaction with their own occupations were predictors of both perpetration and victimization of IPA. The observed high rates of IPA perpetration by, women and victimization of, women during pregnancy, and the significantly higher rate of violence towards women compared with that perpetrated by women, especially for sexual coercion and injury, require health policymakers and care providers to make serious efforts to identify such violence, and take appropriate measures to reduce it, during pregnancy in women in Iran.
Does epistaxis with an unknown bleeding site originate from the posterior part of the nasal cavity?
Authors: Lou Z-C
Published: August 2019

Objective

To review the origins of epistaxis in patients with unknown bleeding sites.

Methods

This consecutive case series included 26 patients with unknown bleeding sites previously considered to have posterior epistaxis. All patients had previously been examined endoscopically at least once, and were again examined with 30°, 45° and 70° endoscopes.

Results

The bleeding site was at the: anterior end of the lateral wall of the inferior meatus in one patient (3.8 per cent); anterosuperior lateral wall of the nasal cavity in five patients (19.2 per cent); anterior nasal cavity roof in seven patients (26.9 per cent); anterosuperior part of the cartilaginous septum in nine patients (34.6 per cent); ostium pharyngeum tubae in two patients (7.7 per cent); and anterior nasal base in two patients (7.7 per cent). The morphology of the bleeding point showed: nasal mucosa ulceration in 1 patient, isolated primary telangiectasia in 3 patients, prominent vessels in 5 patients and capillary angioma in 17 patients.

Conclusion

Epistaxis originating from the anterosuperior nasal cavity and nasopharynx can be easily misdiagnosed as posterior epistaxis or unknown bleeding sites. Areas that should be considered as possible origins of epistaxis in cases with unknown bleeding sites were identified.
Consistency Between NASS Surveyed Soil Moisture Conditions and SMAP Soil Moisture Observations
Authors: Colliander Andreas , Yang Zhengwei , Mueller Rick , Sandborn Avery , Reichle Rolf , Crow Wade , Entekhabi Dara , Yueh Simon
Published: August 2019

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Survey (NASS) collects and publishes crop growth status and soil moisture conditions in major U.S. agricultural regions. The operationally produced weekly reports are based on survey information. The surveys are based on visual assessments and—in the case of soil moisture—report soil moisture levels in one of four categories (Very Short, Short, Adequate, and Surplus). In this study, we show that these reports have remarkable correspondence with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Level‐4 Soil Moisture (L4SM) product. This consistency allows for combining the two different types of data to produce a value‐added assessment, which enables cropland soil moisture mapping and state‐level statistics. Moreover, it enables daily assessment rather than weekly. In this study classification thresholds are derived for L4SM by mapping cumulative distribution functions of L4SM surface and root zone SM to the categorical NASS SM conditions. The results show that, year over year, the SMAP cumulative SM distributions are consistent with the NASS SM conditions and, furthermore, that the temporal evolution of the SMAP‐derived thresholds is consistent with the seasonal crop growth cycles from year to year. The results signify that the SMAP SM retrievals are relatable to SM estimation conducted in agricultural crop land by land managers and farmers, which underlines the general applicability of the SMAP data.
Small Ponds in Headwater Catchments Are a Dominant Influence on Regional Nutrient and Sediment Budgets
Authors: Schmadel Noah M. , Harvey Judson W. , Schwarz Gregory E. , Alexander Richard B. , Gomez‐Velez Jesus D. , Scott Durelle , Ator Scott W.
Published: August 2019

Small ponds—farm ponds, detention ponds, or impoundments below 0.01 km2—serve important human needs throughout most large river basins. Yet the role of small ponds in regional nutrient and sediment budgets is essentially unknown, currently making it impossible to evaluate their management potential to achieve water quality objectives. Here we used new hydrography data sets and found that small ponds, depending on their spatial position within both their local catchments and the larger river network, can dominate the retention of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment compared to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Over 300,000 small ponds are collectively responsible for 34%, 69%, and 12% of the mean annual retention of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in the Northeastern United States, respectively, with a dominant influence in headwater catchments (54%, 85%, and 50%, respectively). Small ponds play a critical role among the many aquatic features in long‐term nutrient and sediment loading to downstream waters.
The Formation of Electron Heat Flux Over the Sunlit Quiet Polar Cap Ionosphere
Authors: Khazanov George V. , Sibeck David G. , Zesta Eftyhia
Published: August 2019

We consider a new mechanism for the thermal electron heat fluxes formation over the sunlit polar cap in the presence of the potential jumps that are created by the photoelectron escape along the open magnetic field lines. Photoelectrons traveling into the magnetosphere experience small Coulomb collisional scattering, and the low‐energy part of their spectra becomes trapped between the potential jump and upper ionosphere creating the thermal electron energy fluxes that support the formation of electron temperature at the ionospheric altitudes. This mechanism eliminates the need for the customary practice of assuming arbitrary electron heat fluxes at the upper ionospheric boundary in order to explain the measured electron temperature in the topside ionosphere.
A high-efficiency L-band coaxial three-period relativistic Cherenkov oscillator
Authors: Ge Xing-Jun , Zhang Peng , Zhao Chen-Yu , Luo Zhi-Cheng , Chen Si-Yao , Yang Han-Wu , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2019

Miniaturization is one of the important research directions of low frequency high power microwave sources. This paper presents a three-period coaxial slow-wave structure L-band high-power microwave source. Because the coaxial Quasi-TEM mode has no cut-off frequency, the radial size of the device can be reduced. At the same time, in order to reduce the transverse dimension, the coaxial extractor structure is introduced to realize the longitudinal mode selection and improve the conversion efficiency of the device. In simulation, the device obtains the microwave output with the central frequency of 1.53 GHz, the average power of 3.3 GW and the efficiency of 40%. By optimizing the scheme of electron beam collection, the phenomenon of pulse shortening is effectively suppressed. In the experiment, the device obtains the microwave output with the central frequency of 1.52 GHz, the average power of 3 GW, the efficiency of 33% and the pulse width of 40 ns.
Lower Extremity Joint Contributions to Trunk Control During Walking in Persons with Transtibial Amputation
Authors: Yoder Adam J. , Silder Amy , Farrokhi Shawn , Dearth Christopher L. , Hendershot Brad D.
Published: August 2019

Controlled trunk motion is crucial for balance and stability during walking. Persons with lower extremity amputation often exhibit abnormal trunk motion, yet underlying mechanisms are not well understood nor have optimal clinical interventions been established. The aim of this work was to characterize associations between altered lower extremity joint moments and altered trunk dynamics in persons with unilateral, transtibial amputation (TTA). Full-body gait data were collected from 10 persons with TTA and 10 uninjured persons walking overground (~1.4 m/s). Experimentally-measured trunk angular accelerations were decomposed into constituent accelerations caused by net joint moments throughout the body using an induced acceleration analysis. Results showed persons with TTA had similar ankle moment magnitude relative to uninjured persons (P > 0.05), but greater trunk angular acceleration induced by the prosthetic ankle which acted to lean the trunk ipsilaterally (P = 0.003). Additionally, persons with TTA had a reduced knee extensor moment relative to uninjured persons (P < 0.001), resulting in lesser sagittal and frontal induced trunk angular accelerations (P < 0.001). These data indicate kinetic compensations at joints other than the lumbar and hip contribute to altered trunk dynamics in persons with a unilateral TTA. Findings may inform development of new clinical strategies to modify problematic trunk motion.
Quantum Engineering of Atomically Smooth Single-Crystalline Silver Films
Authors: Rodionov Ilya A. , Baburin Aleksandr S. , Gabidullin Aidar R. , Maklakov Sergey S. , Peters Sven , Ryzhikov Ilya A. , Andriyash Alexander V.
Published: August 2019

There is a demand for ultra low-loss metal films with high-quality single crystals and perfect surface for nanophotonics and quantum information processing. Many researches are devoted to alternative materials, but silver is by far theoretically the most preferred low-loss material at optical and near-IR frequencies. Usually, epitaxial growth is used to deposit single-crystalline silver films, but they still suffer from unpredictable losses and well-known dewetting effect that strongly limits films quality. Here we report the two-step approach for e-beam evaporation of atomically smooth single-crystalline metal films. The proposed method is based on the thermodynamic control of film growth kinetics at atomic level, which allows depositing state-of-art metal films and overcoming the film-surface dewetting. Here we use it to deposit 35–100 nm thick single-crystalline silver films with the sub-100pm surface roughness and theoretically limited optical losses, considering an ideal material for ultrahigh-Q nanophotonic devices. Utilizing these films we experimentally estimate the contribution of grain boundaries, material purity, surface roughness and crystallinity to optical properties of metal films. We demonstrate our «SCULL» two-step approach for single-crystalline growth of silver, gold and aluminum films which open fundamentally new possibilities in nanophotonics, biotechnology and superconductive quantum technologies. We believe it could be readily adopted for the synthesis of other extremely low-loss single-crystalline metal films.
Daily high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation of bilateral temporal cortex in chronic tinnitus – a pilot study
Authors: Kreuzer Peter M. , Poeppl Timm B. , Rupprecht Rainer , Vielsmeier Veronika , Lehner Astrid , Langguth Berthold , Schecklmann Martin
Published: August 2019

Several studies emphasized the potential of single and multiple transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) sessions to interfere with auditory cortical activity and to reduce tinnitus loudness. It was the objective of the present study to evaluate the use of high-frequency (hf) tRNS in a one-arm pilot study in patients with chronic tinnitus. Therefore, 30 patients received 10 sessions of high frequency tRNS (100-640 Hz; 2 mA; 20 minutes) over the bilateral temporal cortex. All patients had received rTMS treatment for their tinnitus at least 3 months before tRNS. Primary outcome was treatment response (tinnitus questionnaire reduction of ≥5 points). The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01965028). Eight patients (27%) responded to tRNS. Exactly the same number of patients had responded before to rTMS, but there were only two “double responders” for both treatments. None of the secondary outcomes (tinnitus numeric rating scales, depressivity, and quality of life) was significant when results were corrected for multiple comparisons. tRNS treatment was accompanied by tolerable side effects but resulted in temporal increases in tinnitus loudness in 20% of the cases (2 drop-outs). Our trial showed that hf-tRNS is feasible for daily treatment in chronic tinnitus. However, summarizing low treatment response, increase of tinnitus loudness in 20% of patients and missing of any significant secondary outcome, the use of hf-tRNS as a general treatment for chronic tinnitus cannot be recommended at this stage. Differences in treatment responders between tRNS and rTMS highlight the need for individualized treatment procedures.
Serum SHARP1 and uterine artery Doppler for the prediction of preeclampsia
Authors: Prakansamut Noppakorn , Phupong Vorapong
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to identify the value of serum SHARP1 levels and Doppler of the uterine artery in singleton pregnancy at 11–13+6weeks for predicting preeclampsia. A prospective observational study was conducted in pregnant women at 11–13+6weeks of pregnancy who had antenatal care at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, between January 2017 and January 2018. Serum SHARP1 measurement and transabdominal Doppler of the uterine artery were performed. The predictive values of these tests were determined. Data were obtained from 405 pregnant women. Thirty-five women had preeclampsia (8.6%), and six of these had early-onset preeclampsia (1.5%). Preeclamptic women had significantly lower serum SHARP1 levels than pregnant women without preeclampsia (3.6 ng/ml vs 4.7 ng/ml, p < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of serum SHARP1 levels of less than 3.89 ng/ml for predicting preeclampsia were 77.1%, 72.7%, 21.1% and 97.1%, respectively. For uterine artery Doppler, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the mean pulsatility index (PI) > 95thpercentile for predicting preeclampsia were 5.7%, 95.4%, 10.5% and 91.5%, respectively. For the combination of serum SHARP1 levels with a cutoff value of less than 3.89 ng/ml and a mean PI > 95thpercentile, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 77.1%, 70.3%, 19.7% and 97.0%, respectively. This study demonstrated that serum SHARP1 is a promising biomarker for predicting preeclampsia in the first trimester.
Feasibility of conducting an active exercise prehabilitation program in patients awaiting spinal stenosis surgery: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Marchand Andrée-Anne , Suitner Margaux , O’Shaughnessy Julie , Châtillon Claude-Édouard , Cantin Vincent , Descarreaux Martin
Published: August 2019

Prehabilitation is defined as the process of augmenting functional capacity before surgery in preparation for the postoperative phase. This study intends to assess the feasibility of conducting a preoperative intervention program in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and to report on the piloting of the proposed intervention. Patients were allocated to a 6-week supervised preoperative rehabilitation program or a control group. The intervention included supervised exercise sessions aimed to improve strength, muscular endurance, and spinal stabilization. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 weeks later and again 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Sixty-five percent of admissible participants agreed to take part in the study, of which 5% dropped out before the end of the intervention period. Eighty-eight percent of potential training sessions were delivered without adverse event. Improvements were seen in favour of the experimental group at the preoperative assessment for active ranges of motion, leg pain intensity, lumbar extensor muscle endurance and walking capacities. Results show that slight modifications to the choice of outcome measures would increase feasibility of the main study. The absence of adverse events coupled with positive changes seen in dependant outcome measures warrant the conduct of a full-scale trial assessing the effectiveness of the intervention.
Non-Invasive Imaging Through Scattering Medium by Using a Reverse Response Wavefront Shaping Technique
Authors: Sanjeev Abhijit , Kapellner Yuval , Shabairou Nadav , Gur Eran , Sinvani Moshe , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: August 2019

Fundamental challenge of imaging through a scattering media has been resolved by various approaches in the past two decades. Optical wavefront shaping technique is one such method in which one shapes the wavefront of light entering a scattering media using a wavefront shaper such that it cancels the scattering effect. It has been the most effective technique in focusing light inside a scattering media. Unfortunately, most of these techniques require direct access to the scattering medium or need to know the scattering properties of the medium beforehand. Through the novel scheme presented on this paper, both the illumination module and the detection are on the same side of the inspected object and the imaging process is a real time fast converging operation. We model the scattering medium being a biological tissue as a matrix having mathematical properties matched to the physical and biological aspects of the sample. In our adaptive optics scheme, we aim to estimate the scattering function and thus to encode the intensity of the illuminating laser light source using DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) with an inverse scattering function of the scattering medium, such that after passing its scattering function a focused beam is obtained. We optimize the pattern to be displayed on the DMD using Particle Swarm Algorithm (PSO) which eventually help in retrieving a 1D object hidden behind the media.
Tetraoxolene-bridged rare-earth complexes: a radical-bridged dinuclear Dy single-molecule magnet
Authors: Reed William R. , Dunstan Maja A. , Gable Robert W. , Phonsri Wasinee , Murray Keith S. , Mole Richard A. , Boskovic Colette
Published: August 2019

A radical bromanilate-bridged dinuclear Dy(iii) complex exhibits improved single-molecule magnet performance over the parent compound with a diamagnetic bridge.
Rapid and efficient synthesis of a novel cholinergic muscarinic M1 receptor positive allosteric modulator using flash chemistry
Authors: Miura Shotaro , Fukuda Koichiro , Masada Shinichi , Usutani Hirotsugu , Kanematsu Makoto , Cork David G. , Kawamoto Tetsuji
Published: August 2019

Continuous flash synthesis of a 2-bromobenzaldehyde derivative from the corresponding 1-bromo-2-iodobenzene derivative is described for rapid and efficient synthesis of a novel cholinergic muscarinic M1 receptor positive allosteric modulator.
A catalyst- and solvent-free protocol for the sustainable synthesis of fused 4H-pyran derivatives
Authors: Khan Md. Musawwer , Shareef Sumbulunnisan , Saigal Saigal , Sahoo Subash C.
Published: August 2019

A practical and greener method for the synthesis of highly functionalized pyrazole and coumarin fused 4H-pyran derivatives by exploring NMSM under neat conditions at 110 °C is described.
Highly selective and sensitive detection of amaranth by using carbon dots-based nanosensor
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Mi Zhi , Li Haihong , Li Caiqing , Hu Qin , Feng Feng
Published: August 2019

Illustration of the synthesis of C-dots and the determination of amaranth based on the fluorescence quenching of C-dots.
Coupled stochastic simulation of the chain length and particle size distribution in miniemulsion radical copolymerization of styrene and N-vinylcaprolactam
Authors: Marien Yoshi W. , Van Steenberge Paul H. M. , Pich Andrij , D'hooge Dagmar R.
Published: August 2019

Kinetic Monte Carlo modeling is applied for the coupled simulation of the chain length and particle size distribution in isothermal batch miniemulsion copolymerization of styrene and N-vinylcaprolactam.
Defect passivation by alcohol-soluble small molecules for efficient p–i–n planar perovskite solar cells with high open-circuit voltage
Authors: Chen Kang , Wu Jingnan , Wang Yanan , Guo Qing , Chen Qiaoyun , Cao Tiantian , Guo Xia , Zhou Yi , Chen Ning , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: August 2019

A π-conjugated and alcohol-soluble small molecule was used to passivate defects in p–i–n Pero-SCs with a PCE of 21.40% and Voc of 1.19 V.
Modulating the surface segregation of PdCuRu nanocrystals for enhanced all-pH hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Menggang , Luo Mingchuan , Xia Zhonghong , Yang Yong , Huang Yarong , Wu Dong , Sun Yingjun , Li Chunji , Chao Yuguang , Yang Wenxiu , Yang Weiwei , Yu Yongsheng , Guo Shaojun
Published: August 2019

Core–shell PdCuRu trimetallic nanocrystals with a Pd-rich shell can be obtained by leveraging controlled surface segregation, and high-performance HER catalytic activity finally was achieved at all pH values.
Progress in MgO sorbents for cyclic CO2capture: a comprehensive review
Authors: Hu Yingchao , Guo Yafei , Sun Jian , Li Hailong , Liu Wenqiang
Published: August 2019

A comprehensive review of the recent advances in MgO-based sorbents for CO2capture is provided.
Sulfur encapsulation by MOF-derived CoS2 embedded in carbon hosts for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Zhang Na , Yang Yao , Feng Xinran , Yu Seung-Ho , Seok Jeesoo , Muller David A. , Abruña Héctor D.
Published: August 2019

The superior performance of S/ZIF-derived CoS2 embedded in a carbon framework originates from both physical confinement of sulfur inside the host and strong chemical interactions.
Iron doped cobalt phosphide ultrathin nanosheets on nickel foam for overall water splitting
Authors: Li Ying , Li Fumin , Zhao Yue , Li Shu-Ni , Zeng Jing-Hui , Yao Hong-Chang , Chen Yu
Published: August 2019

Iron doped cobalt phosphide ultrathin nanosheets on nickel foam are used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting in alkaline electrolyte.
General self-assembly of metal/metal chalcogenide heterostructures initiated by a surface linker: modulating tunable charge flow toward versatile photoredox catalysis
Authors: Li Tao , Huang Ming-Hui , Li Yu-Bing , Dai Xiao-Cheng , He Yunhui , Xiao Guangcan , Xiao Fang-Xing
Published: August 2019

Interfacial charge transfer over metal/metal chalcogenide heterostructures was finely tuned by a facile, green, scalable, and simple yet efficient surface ligand-triggered self-assembly strategy for multifarious photoredox catalysis.
Stabilizing honeycomb borophene by metal decoration: a computational study
Authors: John Daughty , Nharangatt Bijoy , Chatanathodi Raghu
Published: August 2019

Adsorption of light metal atoms like Be on a borophene nanosheet can stabilize the sheet structurally and electronically, leading to a graphene like planar honeycomb structure.
A strategy for improving the performance of perovskite red light-emitting diodes by controlling the growth of perovskite crystal
Authors: Huang Guohui , Xie Gancheng , Wang Juanhong , Jiang Congbiao , Mai Chaohuang , Luo Yu , Wang Jian , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: August 2019

Small Cs0.8FA0.2PbI3 perovskite crystal grains with α-phase structure were prepared by a one-step spin-coating method using both polyethylene oxide (PEO) and 1-naphthylmethyl ammonium iodide (NMAI).
MUC1 gene silencing inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration while promoting apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Ai-Min , Chi Xiao-Hui , Bo Zu-Qiang , Huang Xiao-Fang , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2019

The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of RNA interference in the inhibition of MUC1 gene expression in occurrence and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its in-depth mechanisms. The OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues, as well as normal oral epithelial cell line HOK and OSCC cell line SCC-4, Cal-27, TSCCA, Tca8113 were obtained to detect the expression of MUC1. Slug expression in OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues was also determined. The OSCC cells were grouped to investigate the role of MUC1 gene silencing on proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, colony formation ability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration of OSCC cells. We first found higher positive rate of MUC1 and Slug expression in OSCC tissues. Next, it was determined that higher expression of MUC1 was found in OSCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, silencing of MUC1 declined Slug expression, inhibited the proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and EMT while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells. Our study suggests that overexpression of MUC1 is found in OSCC, and MUC1 gene silencing could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells.
High gain three‐state switching hybrid boost converter for DC microgrid applications
Authors: Maroti Pandav Kiran , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Bhaskar Mahajan Sagar , Meraj Mohammad , Iqbal Atif , Al‐Ammari Rashid
Published: August 2019

A novel high gain three‐state switching hybrid boost (TSS‐HB) converter for DC microgrid applications is proposed in this study. The TSS‐HB converter is developed from a conventional boost converter with voltage lift technique. The high voltage gain is achieved by the inclusion of an additional semiconductor switch. Further, this structure reduces the voltage and current stress of the switches and diodes. The proposed TSS‐HB converter operates in three switching states with the help of two different duty ratios (k1 and k2). The power circuitry, continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinues conduction mode (DCM), and characteristics waveform are discussed in detail based on the theoretical background. The voltage gain and efficiency analysis of TSS‐HB in CCM is presented with consideration of non‐ideal circuit components. While boundary condition and voltage gain in DCM is discussed with ideal components. The comparison sections highlight the advantages of TSS‐HB over existed topologies with the same number of components. Further, the selection of semiconductor devices and the design of components are discussed in detail. Finally, the hardware results are presented which validate the predicted characteristics of TSS‐HB converter.
New imaging algorithm for range resolution improvement in passive Global Navigation Satellite System‐based synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Zheng Yu , Yang Yang , Chen Wu
Published: August 2019

This study proposes a new imaging algorithm for passive Global Navigation Satellite System‐based synthetic aperture radar to improve range resolution. In the proposed algorithm, to reduce range compressed pulse mainlobe ambiguity caused by pseudo‐random noise code frequency, second‐order differentiation is carried out to the square of range compressed signal with respect to range delay lag. Because the carrier phase value is distorted in the squaring procedure, thereafter, a recovery processing is applied to each identified range compressed pulse for preserving the carrier phase for azimuth compression. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that compared to the conventional imaging algorithm, a significant enhancement in range resolution can be achieved by the proposed imaging algorithm. Meanwhile, from the results, the proposed algorithm will not degrade the compressed scene illumination level.
Extended smoothing joint data association for multi‐target tracking in cluttered environments
Authors: Memon Sufyan Ali , Kim Myunggun , Shin Minho , Daudpoto Jawaid , Pathan Dur Muhammad , Son Hungsun
Published: August 2019

In heavily cluttered environments, it is difficult to estimate the uncertain motion of an unknown number of targets with low detection probabilities. In particular, for tracking multiple targets, standard multi‐target data association algorithms such as joint integrated probabilistic data association (JIPDA), face complexity and severely limited applicability due to a combinatorially increasing number of possible measurement‐to‐track associations. Smoothers refine the target estimates based on future scan information. However, in this complex surveillance scenario, existing smoothing algorithms often fail to track the true target trajectories. To overcome such difficulties, this study proposes a new smoothing joint measurement‐to‐track association algorithm called fixed‐interval smoothing JIPDA for tracking extended target trajectories (FIsJIPDA). The algorithm employs two independent JIPDA filters: forward JIPDA (fJIPDA) and backward JIPDA (bJIPDA). fJIPDA tracks the target state forward in time and is computed after the smoothing is achieved. bJIPDA estimates the target state in the backward time sequence. The numerical simulation is performed in a heavily populated cluttered environment with low target‐detection probabilities. The results show better target trajectory accuracy and false‐track discrimination performance of FIsJIPDA compared with that of existing algorithms for tracking multiple extended targets.
Antisolar differential rotation of slowly rotating cool stars
Authors: Rüdiger G. , Küker M. , Käpylä P. J. , Strassmeier K. G.
Published: August 2019

Rotating stellar convection transports angular momentum towards the equator, generating the characteristic equatorial acceleration of the solar rotation while the radial flux of angular momentum is always inwards. New numerical box simulations for the meridional cross-correlation ⟨uθuϕ⟩, however, reveal the angular momentum transport towards the poles for slow rotation and towards the equator for fast rotation. The explanation is that for slow rotation a negative radial gradient of the angular velocity always appears, which in combination with a so-far neglected rotation-induced off-diagonal eddy viscosity termν⊥provides “antisolar rotation” laws with a decelerated equator. Similarly, the simulations provided positive values for the rotation-induced correlation ⟨uruθ⟩, which is relevant for the resulting latitudinal temperature profiles (cool or warm poles) for slow rotation and negative values for fast rotation. Observations of the differential rotation of slowly rotating stars will therefore lead to a better understanding of the actual stress-strain relation, the heat transport, and the underlying model of the rotating convection.
lean H2 and NH3 large production in Paraguay by the 14 GW Itaipu hydroelectric facility
Authors: Riveros-Godoy G. , Rivarolo M. , Massardo A.F. , Arevalos G.
Published: August 2019

This paper aims to present a feasibility study for clean production, storage and distribution of large amounts of hydrogen, starting from low-cost available renewable electrical energy. Paraguay and Brazil own equally the binational company ITAIPU Hydroelectric Plant (14 GW, about 96,000 GWh/year of production). 50% of this energy corresponds to Paraguay: however, since its energy demand is quite low, a large amount of this energy is sold to Brazil, receiving a compensation of 10 $/MWh. In this context, seeking for ways of adding value to generated electricity, this paper assesses the potential of clean H2 production by water electrolysis, simulating the use of one generator unit of the mentioned company (700 MW) and discussing two alternatives for the produced hydrogen: a) using it for ammonia production as base for fertilizers; b) using it for passenger cars. A detailed thermo-economic analysis is performed using a dedicated software developed by the authors. The results show that production is economically feasible for both cases, moreover the process is completely clean and significant amounts of oxygen are produced, potentially representing an additional revenue for the process.
Natural gas combined cycle power plant aggregated with battery: a flexible hybrid solution providing enhanced frequency and balancing services
Authors: Giacchino Alessandro , Repetto Enrico
Published: August 2019

The growth of renewable sources and the consequent complexity in the management of the electric grid draw a scenario in which the traditional fossil fuel power plants are asked to improve their performances to continue playing a primary role for the stability of the grid and the safety of the energy supply. The article describes the possible solutions to flexibilize the combined cycle power plants in terms of fast load response and load balancing. In particular, the aggregation of an energy storage system (battery) with a natural gas combined cycle power plant is analyzed in detail. In this context, the fundamental role of the Plant Optimizer, a dedicated Control System developed by Ansaldo Energia performing the function of aggregator, is highlighted. Thanks to the Plant Optimizer, the hybrid power plant can provide enhanced frequency and balancing services and ensure an increasingly aligned response with the needs of the grid operators.