bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumption of Greek yogurt during 12 weeks of high-impact loading exercise increases bone formation in young, adult males – a secondary analysis from a randomized trial
Authors: Bridge Aaron D. , Brown Joseph , Snider Hayden , Ward Wendy E. , Roy Brian D. , Josse Andrea R.
Published: October 2019

Exercise combined with protein and calcium has been shown to benefit bone turnover and bone metabolism. Greek yogurt (GY) contains important nutrients that support bone but has yet to be studied with exercise for this purpose. Thirty untrained, university-aged, males were randomized to 2 groups (n = 15/group): GY (20 g protein, 208 mg calcium/dose) or placebo pudding (PP; 0 g protein, 0 g calcium/dose) consumed 3×/day on training days and 2×/day on nontraining days. Both groups underwent a resistance/plyometric training program for 12 weeks. Blood was obtained at weeks 0, 1, and 12 to measure procollagen-type-I-N-terminal-propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal-telopeptide (CTX). After outlier treatment, P1NP increased more over time in GY versus PP (p = 0.002; interaction). Both groups decreased CTX over time (p = 0.046; time effect). Following 1 week of training, there was a trend towards a significant increase in CTX in PP with no change in GY (p = 0.062; interaction). P1NP changed more in GY than PP (baseline to week 12; p = 0.029) as did the P1NP/CTX ratio (p = 0.015) indicating a greater increase in formation with GY. Thus, GY added to a high-load, high-impact exercise program positively shifted bone turnover towards increased formation while attenuating resorption. GY could be a plausible postexercise food to support bone health in young adult males.

Novelty Greek yogurt, with exercise, increased bone formation in young adult males over 12 weeks. After 1 week of an osteogenic exercise program, Greek yogurt tended to blunt a rise in bone resorption seen with the placebo. Greek yogurt is a plausible postexercise food that supports bone.
Comment on “Fourier transform of hydrogen-type atomic orbitals”
Authors: Weniger Ernst Joachim
Published: October 2019

Podolsky and Pauling (Phys. Rev. 34, 109 (1929) doi: 10.1103/PhysRev.34.109 ) were the first ones to derive an explicit expression for the Fourier transform of a bound-state hydrogen eigenfunction. Yükçü and Yükçü (Can. J. Phys. 96, 724 (2018) doi: 10.1139/cjp-2017-0728 ), who were apparently unaware of the work of Podolsky and Pauling or of the numerous other earlier references on this Fourier transform, proceeded differently. They expressed a generalized Laguerre polynomial as a finite sum of powers, or equivalently, they expressed a bound-state hydrogen eigenfunction as a finite sum of Slater-type functions. This approach looks very simple, but it leads to comparatively complicated expressions that cannot match the simplicity of the classic result obtained by Podolsky and Pauling. It is, however, possible to reproduce not only Podolsky and Pauling’s formula for the bound-state hydrogen eigenfunction, but to obtain results of similar quality also for the Fourier transforms of other, closely related, functions, such as Sturmians, Lambda functions, or Guseinov’s functions, by expanding generalized Laguerre polynomials in terms of so-called reduced Bessel functions.
On the Progress Made in GaN Vertical Device Technology
Authors: Ji Dong , Chowdhury Srabanti
Published: October 2019

Silicon technology enabled most of the electronics we witness today, including power electronics. However, wide bandgap semiconductors are capable of addressing high-power electronics more efficiently compared to Silicon, where higher power density is a key driver. Among the wide bandgap semiconductors, silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are in the forefront in power electronics. GaN is promising in its vertical device topology. From CAVETs to MOSFETs, GaN has addressed voltage requirements over a wide range. Our current research in GaN offers a promising view of GaN that forms the theme of this article. CAVETs and OGFETs (a type of MOSFET) in GaN are picked to sketch the key achievements made in GaN vertical device over the last decade.
Weighted Voronoi Diagrams in the Maximum Norm
Authors: Eder Günther , Held Martin
Published: October 2019

We consider multiplicatively weighted points, axis-aligned rectangular boxes and axis-aligned straight-line segments in the plane as input sites and study Voronoi diagrams of these sites in the maximum norm. For [Formula: see text] weighted input sites we establish a tight [Formula: see text] worst-case bound on the combinatorial complexity of their Voronoi diagram and introduce an incremental algorithm that allows its computation in [Formula: see text] time. Our approach also yields a truly simple [Formula: see text] algorithm for solving the one-dimensional version of this problem, where all weighted sites lie on a line.
OPTION PRICING WITH HEAVY-TAILED DISTRIBUTIONS OF LOGARITHMIC RETURNS
Authors: BASNARKOV LASKO , STOJKOSKI VIKTOR , UTKOVSKI ZORAN , KOCAREV LJUPCO
Published: October 2019

A growing body of literature suggests that heavy tailed distributions represent an adequate model for the observations of log returns of stocks. Motivated by these findings, here, we develop a discrete time framework for pricing of European options. Probability density functions of log returns for different periods are conveniently taken to be convolutions of the Student’s [Formula: see text]-distribution with three degrees of freedom. The supports of these distributions are truncated in order to obtain finite values for the options. Within this framework, options with different strikes and maturities for one stock rely on a single parameter — the standard deviation of the Student’s [Formula: see text]-distribution for unit period. We provide a study which shows that the distribution support width has weak influence on the option prices for certain range of values of the width. It is furthermore shown that such family of truncated distributions approximately satisfies the no-arbitrage principle and the put-call parity. The relevance of the pricing procedure is empirically verified by obtaining remarkably good match of the numerically computed values by our scheme to real market data.
Cotorsion pairs and adjoint functors in the homotopy category of N-complexes
Authors: Bahiraei Payam
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we first construct some complete cotorsion pairs on the category [Formula: see text] of unbounded [Formula: see text]-complexes of Grothendieck category [Formula: see text], from two given cotorsion pairs in [Formula: see text]. Next, as an application, we focus on particular homotopy categories and the existence of adjoint functors between them. These are an [Formula: see text]-complex version of the results that were shown by Neeman in the category of ordinary complexes.
Riemannian submersions whose total manifolds admit a Ricci soliton
Authors: Meri̇ç Şemsi̇ Eken , Kiliç Erol
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study Riemannian submersions whose total manifolds admit a Ricci soliton. Here, we characterize any fiber of such a submersion is Ricci soliton or almost Ricci soliton. Indeed, we obtain necessary conditions for which the target manifold of Riemannian submersion is a Ricci soliton. Moreover, we study the harmonicity of Riemannian submersion from Ricci soliton and give a characterization for such a submersion to be harmonic.
Secure Deduplication System with Active Key Update and Its Application in IoT
Authors: Li Jin , Li Tong , Liu Zheli , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: October 2019

The rich cloud services in the Internet of Things create certain needs for edge computing, in which devices should be able to handle storage tasks securely, reliably, and efficiently. When processing the storage requests from edge devices, each cloud server is supposed to eliminate duplicate copies of repeating data to reduce the amount of storage space and save on bandwidth. To protect data confidentiality while supporting deduplication, some convergent-encryption-based techniques have been proposed to encrypt the data before uploading. However, all these works cannot meet two requirements while preventing brute-force attacks: (i) power-constrained edge nodes should update encryption keys efficiently when an edge node is abandoned; and (ii) the access privacy of edge nodes should be guaranteed. In this article, we propose a novel encryption scheme for secure chunk-level deduplication. Based on this scheme, we present two constructions of the secure deduplication system that support an efficient key update protocol. The key update protocol does not involve any edge node in computational tasks, so that the deduplication system can adopt an active key update strategy. Moreover, one of our constructions, which is called advance construction, can provide access privacy assurances for edge nodes. The security analysis is given in terms of the proposed threat model. The experimental analysis demonstrates that the proposed deduplication system is practical.
Second Trimester Maternal Leptin Levels Are Associated with Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain but not Birth Weight of the Infant
Authors: Serapio Solveig , Ahlsson Fredrik , Larsson Anders , Kunovac Kallak Theodora
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Obesity is increasing among the pregnant population. Leptin has an important role in the regulation of energy balance and hunger. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal leptin levels with maternal obesity, gestational weight gain (GWG), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the leptin gene, and the age-adjusted birth weight of the child. Material and Methods: Maternal leptin levels (n = 740) and SNPs (n = 504) were analyzed in blood samples taken within the Uppsala Biobank of Pregnant women at pregnancy weeks 16–19. Results: Maternal leptin levels differed significantly between body mass index (BMI) groups. Normal weight women had the lowest median leptin levels and levels increased with each BMI group. Leptin SNP genotype was not associated with leptin levels or BMI. There was also no association between maternal leptin levels and age-adjusted birth weight of the child except for a negative association between leptin levels and birth weight in the morbid obese group. Discussion/Conclusion: Maternal BMI was identified as the best positive explanatory factor for maternal leptin levels. Leptin was a strong positive explanatory factor for GWG. Birth weight of children of uncomplicated pregnancies was, however, dependent on maternal height, BMI, GWG, and parity but not leptin levels, except for in morbid obese women where a negative association between maternal leptin levels and birth weight was found. We speculate that this indicates altered placental function, not manifested in pregnancy complication. We conclude that maternal leptin levels do not affect the birth weight of the child more than BMI, GWG, and parity.
Plasma Homocysteine Level Is Associated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Liang Jie , Liu Jia , Fan Rong , Chen Zhigang , Chen Xiaohong , Tong Jiayi , Chen Yong , Peng Fuhua , Jiang Ying
Published: October 2019

Background and Objective: Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been investigated among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the changes in Hcy levels and the association between Hcy levels and inflammatory/immune/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients have not been investigated yet. Methods: Case data were collected from 97 acute-phase NMOSD patients and 39 stable-phase NMOSD patients. Patients in the acute phase were divided into 2 groups based on the EDSS score with cutoff equal to 4. Hcy levels, immunoglobulins (Ig) A, G, and M, complement 3 and 4, CH50, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and CSF examination including white blood cells and total protein were determined. Results: No significant differences in Hcy levels are observed between acute-phase and stable-phase NMOSD patients. Hcy and ESR levels were significantly higher in acute-phase NMOSD patients with EDSS score ≥4. Besides, EDSS is positively correlated with Hcy level, ESR, 1/aquaporin-4 titer and Hcy level is negatively correlated with IgM in acute-phase NMOSD patients. Conclusion: Elevated plasma Hcy has the potential to affect the pathogenesis or progression of NMOSD.
Aged Osteoporotic Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Demonstrate Defective Recruitment, Mechanosensitivity, and Matrix Deposition
Authors: Corrigan Michele A. , Coyle Siobhan , Eichholz Kian F. , Riffault Mathieu , Lenehan Brian , Hoey David A.
Published: October 2019

Bone formation requires the replenishment of the osteoblast from a progenitor or stem cell population, which must be recruited, expanded, and differentiated to ensure continued anabolism. How this occurs and whether it is altered in the osteoporotic environment is poorly understood. Furthermore, given that emerging treatments for osteoporosis are targeting this progenitor population, it is critical to determine the regenerative capacity of this cell type in the setting of osteoporosis. Human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) from a cohort of aged osteoporotic patients were compared to MSCs isolated from healthy donors in terms of the ability to undergo recruitment and proliferation, and also respond to both the biophysical and biochemical cues that drive osteogenic matrix deposition. hMSCs isolated from healthy donors demonstrate good recruitment, mechanosensitivity, proliferation, and differentiation capacity. Contrastingly, hMSCs isolated from aged osteoporotic patients had significantly diminished regenerative potential. Interestingly, we demonstrated that osteoporotic hMSCs no longer responded to chemokine-directing recruitment and became desensitised to mechanical stimulation. The osteoporotic MSCs had a reduced proliferative potential and, importantly, they demonstrated an attenuated differentiation capability with reduced mineral and lipid formation. Moreover, during osteogenesis, despite minimal differences in the quantity of deposited collagen, the distribution of collagen was dramatically altered in osteoporosis, suggesting a potential defect in matrix quality. Taken together, this study has demonstrated that hMSCs isolated from aged osteoporotic patients demonstrate defective cell behaviour on multiple fronts, resulting in a significantly reduced regenerative potential, which must be considered during the development of new anabolic therapies that target this cell population.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Drugs Are Associated with Contrast Extravasation and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Terceño Mikel , Serena Joaquín , Bashir Saima , Vera-Monge Victor Augusto , Puig Josep , Blasco Gerard , Puig Marc , Silva Yolanda
Published: October 2019

Background: Antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (SRIs) have been related to the appearance of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Some studies have described bigger haematoma volumes in these patients. So far, no studies have demonstrated an association between SRIs and contrast extravasation (CE). We propose to investigate the relationship of SRIs with CE and clinical outcome. Patients and Methods: We aimed a prospective registry of 294 patients with ICH. All previous treatments were registered, including SRIs intake. The presence of CE and the number of spot sign in CT angiography were collected. Early neurological deterioration (END) and late neurological deterioration (LND) were registered. Follow-up was completed at day 90. Results: Two hundred and ninety-four patients were included, mean age 66.5 years, 27.6% female. A total of 28 (9.5%) were taking SRIs at the time of the ICH. This group of patients presented statistically significantly more CE (46.4 vs. 19.9%, p = 0.012), ≥2 spot sign (25 vs. 6.8%, p = 0.017), END (46.4 vs. 25.2%, p = 0.018) and LND (14.3 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.032). In addition, this group of patients showed a tendency to have higher mortality (32.1 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.553) and a lower functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) at day 90 (25 vs. 36.5%, p = 0.230). In the multivariate analysis, SRIs intake was identified as an independent predictor of CE (adjusted OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.033–10.989; p = 0.044) together with hematoma volume at baseline and alcohol use. Conclusions: In our studied population, previous SRIs intake in patients with ICH was independently associated to CE. Further studies are needed to confirm this association.
Symptom Profile and Clinical Course of Inpatients with Unipolar versus Bipolar Depression
Authors: Hebbrecht Kaat , Stuivenga Mirella , Birkenhäger Tom , van der Mast Roos C. , Sabbe Bernard , Giltay Erik J.
Published: October 2019

Background: Although differences in symptom profiles and outcome between depressive patients with an underlying major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BD) have been reported, studies with sequential short-interval assessments in a real-life inpatient setting are scarce. Objectives: To examine potential differences in symptom profile and course of depressive symptomatology in depressive inpatients with underlying MDD and BD. Methods: A cohort of 276 consecutive inpatients with MDD (n = 224) or BD (n = 52) was followed during their hospitalization using routine outcome monitoring (ROM), which included a structured diagnostic interview at baseline (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus [MINI-Plus]) and repeated 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale every 2 weeks. MDD and BD were compared regarding their symptom profiles and time to response and remission. Furthermore, the concordance between the MINI-Plus and clinical diagnosis was analyzed. Results: Patients were on average 52 and 47 years old in the MDD and BD group, respectively, and 66 versus 64% were female. Compared to patients with BD, patients with MDD scored higher on weight loss (p = 0.02), whereas the BD group showed a higher long-term likelihood of response (hazard ratio = 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.16–3.20, p for interaction with time = 0.04). Although the same association was seen for remission, the interaction with time was not significant (p = 0.48). Efficiency between the MINI-Plus and clinical diagnosis of BD was high (0.90), suggesting that the MINI-Plus is an adequate ROM diagnostic tool. Conclusions: In routine clinical inpatient care, minor differences in the symptom profile and the course of depressive symptomatology may be helpful in distinguishing MDD and BD, particularly when using sequential ROM assessments.
Sevoflurane Protects against Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Activating Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma/Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway in Rats
Authors: Liu Chuiliang , Ding Ruiwen , Huang Wujian , Miao Liping , Li Junhua , Li Yujuan
Published: October 2019

Background: Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a clinical challenge with high morbidity and mortality, whereas the effective therapeutic strategy is limited. Inflammatory reaction plays important roles in I/R-induced intestinal damage and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has been identified as an endogenous anti-inflammatory regulator by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Our previous research has shown that the pretreatment with inhaled anesthetic sevoflurane protects intestinal I/R injury. However, whether the protection induced by sevoflurane is mediated by inhibiting intestinal inflammatory reaction via activation of PPARγ/NF-κB pathway is underdetermined. In this study, we investigated the effects of sevoflurane on intestinal inflammatory reaction during intestinal I/R and the role of PPARγ/NF-κB pathway. Methods: Rat model of intestinal I/R was used in this study. The superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 60 min followed by 120-min reperfusion. Sevoflurane at 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration was inhaled for 30 min before ischemic insult. GW9662, a specific PPARγ antagonist, was injected intraperitoneally before sevoflurane inhalation. Results: Intestinal I/R caused severe intestinal mucosa histopathological injury evaluated by Chiu’s scoring, induced epithelial cell apoptosis evaluated by terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling and activation of caspase-3, upregulated serum MOD levels, reduced protein expression of Bcl-2 and PPARγ, increased protein expression of NF-κB P65 and proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the intestine. Sevoflurane preconditioning significantly ameliorated these changes induced by intestinal I/R. However, GW9662 partly blocked the protective effects induced by sevoflurane. Conclusions: Our results suggest sevoflurane-induced protection against intestinal I/R injury is partly mediated by inhibiting intestinal inflammatory reaction via activation of PPARγ/NF-κB pathway.
Pharmacological Characteristics of Anxiolytics on Acetylcholine-Induced Contractions in Rat Detrusor Smooth Muscle
Authors: Obara Keisuke , Ao Lin , Shimada Toma , Horiguchi Saki , Ikarashi Takumi , Ogawa Tsukasa , Yoshioka Kento , Yamaki Fumiko , Matsuo Kazuhiro , Yoshio Takashi , Tanaka Yoshio
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Benzodiazepine anxiolytics are believed to cause urination disorders due to their anticholinergic effects. Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the potential inhibitory effects of 15 clinically available anxiolytics in Japan on acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions in rat detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) to predict whether these anxiolytics could induce urination disorders. Methods: ­Effects of anxiolytics on contractions induced by ACh and 80 mmol/L KCl solution in rat DSM and effects of anxiolytics on specific binding of [N-methyl-3H]scopolamine ([3H]NMS) in mouse cerebral cortex were investigated. Results and Conclusions: ACh-induced contractions in rat DSM were inhibited by clotiazepam and diazepam (benzodiazepine anxiolytics) at concentrations that were clinically relevant. These contractions were also significantly inhibited by paroxetine, escitalopram (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ­[SSRIs]), and hydroxyzine (a histamine H1 receptor antagonist), albeit at concentrations that substantially exceeded clinically achievable blood levels. At a concentration of 10–5 mol/L, paroxetine, escitalopram, and hydroxyzine inhibited 80 mmol/L high-KCl solution-induced rat DSM contractions but not clotiazepam and diazepam. Paroxetine, escitalopram, and hydroxyzine also inhibited specific binding of [3H]NMS in mouse cerebral cortex but clotiazepam and diazepam did not. In contrast to the effects of the abovementioned anxiolytics, ACh-induced contractions were not significantly affected by tofisopam, alprazolam, lorazepam, bromazepam, oxazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, ethyl loflazepate (benzodiazepine anxiolytics), fluvoxamine (an SSRI), or tandospirone (a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist). These findings suggest that most clinically used anxiolytics are not likely to result in anticholinergic-induced urination disorders within their clinically achievable blood concentration ranges. However, clotiazepam and diazepam may induce urination disorders within their clinical dose ranges via nonanticholinergic inhibition of DSM contractility.
Sertraline Reduces Albuminuria by Interfering with Caveolae-Mediated Endocytosis through Glomerular Endothelial and Epithelial Cells
Authors: Moriyama Takahito , Karasawa Kazunori , Hasegawa Fumio , Uchida Keiko , Nitta Kosaku
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Previously, we reported the caveolae-mediated intracellular trafficking pathway of albumin through glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs) as a new etiological hypothesis of urinary albumin excretion. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, sertraline (Ser), inhibits dynamin, which plays a pivotal role in the fission of caveolae from the cell membrane during caveolae endocytosis. Objective: In this study, we evaluated whether Ser reduces albuminuria levels by interfering with albumin endocytosis through caveolae into GEnCs and podocytes as a novel treatment for glomerulonephritis. Methods: After treating the cells with Ser, albumin and caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) and western blot (WB) analyses. The albuminuria level was determined by histology in a puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced nephrotic syndrome mouse model (PAN mice) treated with or without Ser. Results: IF and WB analyses showed that the albumin expression level was significantly decreased by Ser treatment; however, Cav-1 expression was not decreased in GEnCs or podocytes based on the IF results. In PAN mice treated with or without Ser, Cav-1 expression increased, and the foot process effacement of podocytes and swelling of GEnCs were observed. However, proteinuria levels were not increased in PAN mice treated with Ser relative to that in normal control mice (p = 0.17), and a significant increase was observed in PAN mice without Ser treatment (p = 0.0027). Conclusions: Ser interfered with albumin internalization through the caveolae into GEnCs and podocytes and reduced albuminuria. Dynamin inhibitors may serve as a novel therapeutic option for reducing albuminuria in glomerulonephritis.
Effectiveness of Lusutrombopag in Patients with Mild to Moderate Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tsuji Yuki , Kawaratani Hideto , Ishida Koji , Kaya Daisuke , Kubo Takuya , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Sawada Yasuhiko , Takaya Hiroaki , Shimozato Naotaka , Kaji Kosuke , Namisaki Tadashi , Moriya Kei , Akahane Takemi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: October 2019

Aims: Thrombocytopenia is a common complication among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). To increase platelet counts, lusutrombopag, a small-molecule, second-generation thrombopoietin receptor agonist, was developed in September 2015. Lusutrombopag is mainly used in patients with platelet counts <50,000/µL. However, its usefulness in patients with platelet counts ≥50,000/µL remains unknown. We studied the effectiveness of lusutrombopag administration in patients with platelet counts of ≥50,000/µL. Methods: We evaluated 36 patients who received lusutrombopag for CLD. Changes in platelet counts were evaluated. A treatment response was defined as an increasing platelet count ≥20,000/µL from baseline after drug administration. The differences related to these changes between platelet counts ≥50,000 and <50,000/µL were evaluated. Results: Of the patients, 25 had platelet counts ≥50,000/µL. The increase in platelet count and the date in which it reached a maximum did not significantly differ between the groups. The effectiveness of lusutrombopag did not significantly differ between the groups. In both groups, no adverse reaction was observed during lusutrombopag administration. Conclusion: In this study, we showed the effectiveness of lusutrombopag, which had no complications. This study is the first to report that the effectiveness of lusutrombopag was the same for patients with platelet counts ≥50,000/µL and <50,000/µL.
Use of Experts in International Freshwater Disputes
Authors: Mbengue Makane Moïse , Das Rukmini
Published: October 2019

International disputes related to freshwater resources are increasing in number and complexity. The rising complexity is necessarily accompanied and compounded by the involvement of experts in dispute resolution. This monograph examines, through case studies of international tribunal decisions, the role and use (or absence) of experts in international freshwater disputes. Through this examination, the authors identify the good practices as well as the lacunae in expert use in disputes of this nature. The monograph goes on to suggest the best practices with respect to expert involvement and use for a more fair and efficient resolution of international water disputes.
Designing Governance Mechanisms in Platform Ecosystems: Addressing the Paradox of Openness through Blockchain Technology
Authors: Schmeiss Jessica , Hoelzle Katharina , Tech Robin P. G.
Published: October 2019

The paradox of openness is inherent to all platform ecosystems—the tension in enabling maximum openness to create joint innovation while guaranteeing value capturing for all actors. Governance mechanisms to solve this paradox are embedded into the technical architecture of the platform, addressing the dimensions of access, control, and incentives. Blockchain technology offers unique ways to design novel governance mechanisms through the standardization of interactions. However, the design of such an architecture requires careful consideration of the cost associated with it.
The Association of Medication Knowledge and Adherence Scores With Hospital Readmission
Authors: Hemenway Alice N. , Kandil Manar M. , MacDowell Martin
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Readmission scoring systems are used to predict 30-day hospital readmission. These prediction tools do not considerlack of patient medication knowledge or adherence which can worsen disease outcomes or increase risk of readmissions. Objective: To determine if medication knowledge and adherence, as assessed by validated questionnaires, are associated with an increased rate of 30-day readmission. Methods: Adult medical inpatients were randomly selected for a prospective, single center study that was conducted from January to August 2017. Patients were asked the 4-question Morisky Green Levine Scale (MGLS) and the 4-question Medication Knowledge Score (MKS). Validated readmission score; MKS; and MGLS, as well as baseline information and readmission status within 30 days after the index admission were recorded. Mean or median scores were compared for patients readmitted within 30 days with those not readmitted using descriptive and univariate inferential statistics. Results: Data from 119 patients showed a mean age of 63 years (SD = 16). There was no difference in baseline information: age, sex, or number of scheduled home medications between those readmitted within 30 days and those not readmitted. Patients readmitted within 30 days had a statistically higher readmission score compared to patients not readmitted (66.4 vs 57.1, P = .017). There was no difference in median MKS or mean MGLS between patients readmitted within 30 days and those not readmitted (MKS: 4.0 vs 3.0, P = .753; MGLS: 1 vs 1.3, P = .162). Conclusions: In this prospective study, neither the MKS nor the MGLS scores were associated with 30-day hospital readmission.
High-velocity perforation behaviour of sandwich panels with Al/SiCp composite foam core
Authors: Golestanipour M , Babakhani A , Zebarjad S Mojtaba
Published: October 2019

Aluminium foam core sandwich panels are good energy absorbers for impact protection applications, such as light-weight structural panels, packing materials and energy absorbing devices. In this study, the high-velocity perforation response of a range of sandwich panels with Al A356/SiCp composite foam core and 1100 aluminium face-sheets has been investigated using a conventional gas gun. Impact perforation tests were carried out using a 10-mm diameter conical nosed indenter at velocities up to that required to achieve complete perforation of the target (i.e. 230 m/s). The effects of face-sheet thickness, density and thickness of aluminium composite foam core on the total, specific and extra absorbed energy and also ballistic limit of the panels during impact penetration were experimentally investigated. During test, top face-sheets globally bended and tore into several pieces and so absorbed part of impact energy. Rupture and densification are two deformation modes and energy absorption mechanisms of foam core. Localized indentation and tearing, global bending and delamination were also observed on back face-sheets. Higher foam core density and thickness and also thicker face-sheets resulted in higher absorbed energy and ballistic limit.
Experimental study of void evolution in partially impregnated prepregs
Authors: Farhang Leyla , Mohseni Mohammad , Zobeiry Navid , Fernlund Göran
Published: October 2019

Controlling voids to minimize the final porosity level is an important concern when processing advanced composite structures. In this study, the porosity evolution during processing of partially impregnated prepregs is investigated using interrupted cure cycles and optical microscopy. Laminates made of MTM 45-1/5HS carbon/epoxy prepreg subjected to different cure cycles, bagging conditions, and humidity levels were studied. Fiber tow geometry and gas permeability were measured to determine the amount of compaction and the interconnectivity of unsaturated zones in the laminates. Three types of voids were identified: inter-laminar, fiber tow and resin voids, all with different origins and evolution patterns. It is shown that gas transport (both in-plane and through-thickness), fiber bed compaction, and resin infiltration govern void evolution during processing. The results provide insights for development of representative transport models and to optimize processing cycles.
A Pilot Study of Emotional Response to Time-Out in Children With Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits
Authors: Bansal Pevitr S. , Haas Sarah M. , Willoughby Michael T. , Coles Erika K. , Pelham William E. , Waschbusch Daniel A.
Published: October 2019

Little research has examined how children with conduct problems and concurrent callous-unemotional traits (CPCU) emotionally and behaviorally respond to time-out. This pilot study examined the distribution and stability of emotions during time-out as well as the association between emotions and negative behaviors. Participants were 11 children ( Mage = 9.8 years) with CPCU who participated in a summer treatment program designed specifically for children with CPCU. Summer treatment program counselors rated each child’s emotion when time-out was first assigned and then as the time-out progressed and indicated whether the child had negative behavior during time-out. These ratings were completed for approximately 30% of time-outs that occurred. Results showed that children were mostly rated as “unemotional” or “calm” and that these emotions were relatively stable throughout time-out. Furthermore, negative behaviors were most common during time-outs when children’s emotions were rated as “amused.” Results provide groundwork for future research to extend upon the methods used in the current study to further examine the emotional and behavioral response to time-out in children with CPCU.
Outlining the Black Box: An Introduction to Four Papers
Authors: Shindell Matthew
Published: October 2019

This is an introduction to a special issue devoted to the black box metaphor in science and technology studies (STS). The author briefly addresses the history of the metaphor and its use in the STS community and provides commentary on four papers contributed by Elizabeth Petrick, Rodolfo Alaniz, Caitlin Wylie, and Valentina Marcheselli.
Internally displaced persons and the Cyprus peace process
Authors: Psaltis Charis , Cakal Huseyin , Loizides Neophytos , Kuşçu Bonnenfant Işık
Published: October 2019

The article focuses on Greek Cypriot internally displaced persons and their attitudes towards the island’s reunification talks. We utilize quantitative data from two representative sample surveys, conducted in 2016–2017, which probed respondents on their views on territorial readjustments, property provisions and power-sharing. Contrary to the current findings in the literature, internally displaced persons status is associated with higher levels of support for a negotiated peace settlement. The article examines the impact of anticipated threats and economic opportunities accompanying a settlement and suggests a set of institutionalized mechanisms to incorporate the views of internally displaced persons and other disadvantaged groups in future reunification talks.
On the volatility of transnational actor populations: What has access got to do with it?
Authors: Uhre Andreas Nordang
Published: October 2019

Over the past few decades, international organizations have increasingly granted transnational actors access to monitor and participate in their proceedings. Some observers have argued that stronger involvement of civil society may be a cure for the perceived democratic deficit in international political institutions. However, simply measuring levels of formal access tells us nothing about the degree to which access translates into participation. This article therefore examines the stability, or volatility, of two populations of transnational actors over a period of three decades. It finds significant differences in volatility between the two populations that levels of formal access do not seem to explain.
It’s more complicated than that!: Unpacking ‘Left Behind Britain’ and some other spatial tropes following the UK’s 2016 EU referendum
Authors: Nurse Alexander , Sykes Olivier
Published: October 2019

In the aftermath of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, a number of dominant narratives and spatial imaginaries of ‘Brexit’ have come to the fore including the notion of a revolt of a ‘Left Behind Britain’, and of a generational splintering manifested in different political attitudes. Informed by this context, this paper considers some of these issues at the micro-scale, using voting data from two contiguous local authority districts within the same city region. It presents data from wards that have similar socio-economic conditions and which are highly ranked in the Index of Multiple Deprivation but which voted differently in the referendum. The data reinforce the arguments of those who have claimed that the phenomenon of Brexit is powerfully contextual and that general socio-economic analyses of its causes do not fully explain why some areas and populations voted to leave the EU and others with comparable profiles voted to remain. With poorer regions predicted to be the biggest economic losers of ‘Brexit’, an understanding of such issues is of material consequence and might inform progressive responses to such populist phenomena.
Hyaluronidase reduced edema after experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Washington Patricia M , Lee Changhee , Dwyer Mary Kate R , Konofagou Elisa E , Kernie Steven G , Morrison Barclay
Published: October 2019

Cerebral edema and the subsequent increased intracranial pressure are associated with mortality and poor outcome following traumatic brain injury. Previous in vitro studies have shown that the Gibbs-Donnan effect, which describes the tendency of a porous, negatively charged matrix to attract positive ions and water, applies to brain tissue and that enzymatic reduction of the fixed charge density can prevent tissue swelling. We tested whether hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrades the large, negatively charged glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, could reduce brain edema after traumatic brain injury. In vivo, intracerebroventricular injection of hyaluronidase after controlled cortical impact in mice reduced edema in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 24 h by both the wet-weight/dry-weight method (78.15 ± 0.65% vs. 80.4 ± 0.46%; p < 0.01) and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (13.88 ± 3.09% vs. 29.23 ± 6.14%; p < 0.01). Hyaluronidase did not adversely affect blood–brain-barrier-integrity measured by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, nor did hyaluronidase negatively affect functional recovery after controlled cortical impact measured with the rotarod or Morris water maze tasks. Reduction of fixed charge density by hyaluronidase was confirmed in cortical explants in vitro (5.46 ± 1.15 µg/mg vs. 7.76 ± 1.87 µg/mg; p < 0.05). These data demonstrate that targeting the fixed charge density with hyaluronidase reduced edema in an in vivo mouse model of traumatic brain injury.
Effects of Feedback on Midwifery Students’ Self-Assessed Performance and Their Self-Assessment Ability: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Geranmayeh Mehrnaz , Khakbazan Zohre , Azizi Farahnaz , Mehran Abbas
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of verbal and written feedback in clinical midwifery placement on students’ self-assessed performance and their self-assessment ability. This three-group quasi-experimental study was conducted on 120 students. Participants in the control group received clinical education through the routine method, while in the feedback groups received either verbal or written feedback methods on the basis of the sandwich feedback model. In the last day of clinical education, a checklist was simultaneously filled out by participants and a second instructor. There was significant direct correlation between the scores of performance assessment by both the second instructor and students in the control group ( r = .38, p = .01), the verbal feedback group ( r = .63, p < .001), and the written feedback group ( r = .74, p < .001). The rates of student–instructor agreement in the control, verbal feedback, and written feedback groups were 32.5%, 70%, and 77.5%, respectively. Feedback is effective in significantly improving students’ self-assessment ability.
Christian Formation and Moral Pluralism: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Weaver Darlene Fozard
Published: October 2019

Moral diversity presents challenges and opportunities for Christian ethics, especially with regard to education and formation. Moral pluralism designates a response to that diversity predicated on the belief that such diversity is good and worthy of protection. Is moral pluralism a viable and authentically Christian stance? Attention to moral pluralism in Christian ethics is often muted or implied. Moreover, features of some Christian moral traditions make it difficult to envision a Christian affirmation of moral diversity as good. This article invites Christian ethics to engage questions around moral diversity and pluralism as a central task for Christian education and formation.
Experimental investigation of top burr formation in high-speed micro-milling of Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Kumar Mohan , Bajpai Vivek
Published: October 2019

Miniaturization with superior quality product of super alloy is the demand of the industry. Ti6Al4V is the demanding super alloy due to its excellent material properties, although this super alloy is known for poor machinability in terms of burr formation, low tool life, and poor surface finish. Therefore, being a popular super alloy, it comes under the difficult-to-cut material. In the current work, burr formation on the machining of Ti6Al4V has been studied. Experimental investigation and characterizations of top burr formation on Ti6Al4V alloy using end milling process were carried out. A scanning electron microscopy identifies the burr formed on the machined surface. A new technique has been introduced to measure the top burr width (i.e. equivalent width) accurately. Equivalent burr width calculated as the ratio of total area of burr generated to the total height. It was observed that equivalent burr width in up milling was increased by 120%, while in down milling, it was decreased by 50% as the speed varies from conventional to high speed. Furthermore, the effects of different cutting parameters and tool parameters on top burr formation have been analyzed to establish correlation among them.
Numerical investigation of wall pressure fluctuations downstream of concentric and eccentric blunt stenosis models
Authors: Ozden Kamil , Sert Cuneyt , Yazicioglu Yigit
Published: October 2019

Pressure fluctuations that cause acoustic radiation from vessel models with concentric and eccentric blunt stenoses are investigated. Large eddy simulations of non-pulsatile flow condition are performed using OpenFOAM. Calculated amplitude and spatial-spectral distribution of acoustic pressures at the post-stenotic region are compared with previous experimental and theoretical results. It is found that increasing the Reynolds number does not change the location of the maximum root mean square wall pressure, but causes a general increase in the spectrum level, although the change in the shape of the spectrum is not significant. On the contrary, compared to the concentric model at the same Reynolds number, eccentricity leads to an increase both at the distance of the location of the maximum root mean square wall pressure from the stenosis exit and the spectrum level. This effect becomes more distinct when radial eccentricity of the stenosis increases. Both the flow rate and the eccentricity of the stenosis shape are evaluated to be clinically important parameters in diagnosing stenosis.
Aircraft auxiliary power unit performance assessment and remaining useful life evaluation for predictive maintenance
Authors: Wang Fangyuan , Sun Jianzhong , Liu Xinchao , Liu Cui
Published: October 2019

Modern commercial aircraft are usually configured with aircraft condition monitoring system to collect the operating data of subsystems and components, which can be used for airborne system health monitoring and predictive maintenance. This paper presents a baseline model based aircraft auxiliary power unit performance assessment and remaining useful life prediction method using aircraft condition monitoring system reports data, which can facilitate a cost-effective management of auxiliary power units of aircraft fleet. Firstly, the performance baseline model for auxiliary power unit is established using random forest method. Then a health index characterizing the performance degradation of in-service auxiliary power units is obtained based on the performance baseline model. Finally, the performance degradation trend is predicted using Bayesian dynamic linear model. To improve the prediction accuracy, four performance baseline models are established from the data of auxiliary power units under different operating conditions, among which an optimal model is determined. This data-driven baseline model can be used to quantify the performance degradation of auxiliary power units in service, and can be further used to evaluate the remaining useful life of auxiliary power unit using a Bayesian dynamic model. The developed approach is applied on a real data set from 22 auxiliary power units of a commercial aircraft fleet. The results show that the computed health index can effectively characterize the auxiliary power units performance degradation and the remaining useful life relative prediction errors are less than 4% when auxiliary power unit enters the rapid degradation stage. This would allow operators to accurately assess the performance degradation for the auxiliary power units and further proactively plan future maintenance events based on remaining useful life prediction.
The National Domestic and Family Violence Bench Book 2019
Authors: Douglas Heather , Chapple Kate
Published: October 2019

This Brief provides an overview of the National Domestic and Family Violence Bench Book.