bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squall‐line initiation over the northern coast of Brazil in March: Observational features
Authors: Oliveira Fernando P. , Oyama Marcos D.
Published: April 2019

The daily cycle of atmospheric conditions related to squall‐line (SL) initiation over the northern coast of Brazil (NCB) was obtained for a specific month (March) over the course of a decade (2004–2013). March falls during the NCB's rainy season. A comparison of atmospheric conditions between two categories, the most intense SL events (SLC+) and the weakest coastal convection events (CC–), was carried out. For both categories, the daily cycle of convective cluster properties (i.e. number and area) over the NCB showed that the transition from shallow to deep convection occurred from 1200 to 1500 UTC, and the development of multicell storms occurred from 1500 to 1800 UTC. From 1800 to 2100 UTC for the SLC+ events, the number of clusters decreased sharply, and the area slightly expanded, which indicated upscalingviamerging; for the CC– events, merging was a secondary mechanism, and the clusters did not experience upscaling. Atmospheric conditions were computed from the ERA‐Interim reanalysis data. By focusing on the significant differences between the categories, it was found that SL initiation was related to a higher moisture content at approximately 700 hPa for all analysis times (0600, 1200, 1800 and 0000 UTC) and to a stronger low‐level moisture convergence from 0600 to 1800 UTC, mid‐level upward motion from 1200 to 0000 UTC, low‐level convergence at 1200 UTC, and upper‐level divergence from 1800 to 0000 UTC.
Dynamics and bifurcations of a modified Leslie‐Gower–type model considering a Beddington‐DeAngelis functional response
Authors: Vera‐Damián Yrina , Vidal Claudio , González‐Olivares Eduardo
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a planar system of ordinary differential equations is considered, which is a modified Leslie‐Gower model, considering a Beddington‐DeAngelis functional response. It generates a complex dynamics of the predator‐prey interactions according to the associated parameters. From the system obtained, we characterize all the equilibria and its local behavior, and the existence of a trapping set is proved. We describe different types of bifurcations (such as Hopf, Bogdanov‐Takens, and homoclinic bifurcation), and the existence of limit cycles is shown. Analytic proofs are provided for all results. Ecological implications and a set of numerical simulations supporting the mathematical results are also presented.
Side‐Directed Transfer and Presystemic Metabolism of Selenoneine in a Human Intestinal Barrier Model
Authors: Rohn Isabelle , Kroepfl Nina , Bornhorst Julia , Kuehnelt Doris , Schwerdtle Tanja
Published: April 2019

Scope: Selenoneine, a recently discovered selenium (Se) species mainly present in marine fish, is the Se analogue of ergothioneine, a sulfur‐containing purported antioxidant. Although similar properties have been proposed for selenoneine, data on its relevance to human health are yet scarce. Here, the transfer and presystemic metabolism of selenoneine in an in vitro model of the human intestinal barrier are investigated.

Methods and results: Selenoneine and the reference species Se‐methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys) and selenite are applied to the Caco‐2 intestinal barrier model. Selenoneine is transferred in higher amounts, but with similar kinetics as selenite, while MeSeCys shows the highest permeability. In contrast to the reference species, transfer of selenoneine is directed toward the blood side. Cellular Se contents demonstrate that selenoneine is efficiently taken up by Caco‐2 cells. Moreover, HPLC/MS‐based Se speciation studies reveal a partial metabolism to Se‐methylselenoneine, a metabolite previously detected in human blood and urine.

Conclusions: Selenoneine is likely to pass the intestinal barrier via transcellular, carrier‐mediated transport, is highly bioavailable to Caco‐2 cells and undergoes metabolic transformations. Therefore, further studies are needed to elucidate its possible health effects and to characterize the metabolism of selenoneine in humans.
Everything from the egg
Authors: Bariani María Victoria , Rhon‐Calderón Eric A. , Beltrame Jimena S.
Published: April 2019

In 1651, William Harvey opened a real debate when he postulated that the egg is the origin of all life. The central pillar of Harvey's theory sustains that all adults are already present in a smaller size in the egg. The frontispiece of his famous treatise attributed to Richard Gaywood shows Zeus holding an egg that releases small creatures as humans, others animals, and plants. The treatise concludes that no generation occurs without a primordial egg, representing the establishment of ex Ovo Omnia doctrine. Nowadays, evidence supports that both male and female gametes are essential for embryo development following sexual reproduction. Despite obvious differences in morphology and in scale, the oocytes carry out the same role in the development and still demonstrate the mystery of reproduction.
A dual mortar contact method for porous media and its application to clay‐core rockfill dams
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Mozhen , Zhang Bingyin , Peng Chong
Published: April 2019

The clay‐core rockfill dam is a multibody contact system in which the hydromechanical response of the clay core plays a crucial role. This complex problem is highly challenging to model numerically. We present a numerical approach that considers the multibody contact, consolidation, and strong geometric and material nonlinearities for the modeling of clay‐core rockfill dams. Within the framework of the dual mortar finite element method, the presented approach considers the contact bodies as independent porous media continuums. The nonlinear contact conditions are derived based on the effective contact traction on contact interfaces and pore pressure continuity. The weak forms are obtained by introducing Lagrange multipliers as additional unknowns, which are then condensed through an extended general transformation. The presented method is first validated with a patch test considering the contact between two porous media. Then, a three‐dimensional analysis of the Rumei clay‐core rockfill dam is performed. The main numerical analysis concerns are the two observation galleries planned for construction inside the clay core. The galleries consist of dozens of tunnel‐like concrete blocks, giving rise to complex concrete‐concrete and concrete‐clay contacts. The discontinuous separation and sliding between concrete blocks are investigated. For the concrete‐concrete contact, both hard and soft joint approaches are evaluated and compared. The pore pressure results of the concrete structures are also analyzed.
Elimination of Fermentable Carbohydrates to Reduce Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Pediatric Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Fisher Kelly , Hutcheon Deborah , Ziegler Jane
Published: April 2019

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is classified as a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel function. Although the pathophysiology of IBS is incompletely understood, fermentable carbohydrates are implicated as a potential cause of symptoms. An elimination diet, such as a low‐FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet, represents a potential intervention for reducing GI symptoms in patients with IBS. The role of fermentable carbohydrates in symptom onset is well studied in adult patients with IBS; however, less research exists in the pediatric population. This review sought to explore evidence for the role of dietary fermentable carbohydrate elimination to reduce GI symptoms (abdominal pain, stool changes, abdominal bloating) in children and adolescents (4–19 years of age) diagnosed with IBS based on Rome III or IV criteria. Five studies of neutral to positive quality rating were identified and analyzed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process. These studies demonstrate that dietary elimination of fermentable carbohydrates, such as through a low‐FODMAP diet, reduces the severity of 1 or more GI symptoms in about one‐quarter to one‐half of pediatric patients with IBS. Patients without improvement are considered “nonresponders” and may require an alternative intervention. More research is needed to establish the best way to identify patients who would respond to elimination diets vs other IBS treatment strategies.
On bilevel minimum and bottleneck spanning tree problems
Authors: Shi Xueyu , Zeng Bo , Prokopyev Oleg A.
Published: April 2019

We study a class of bilevel spanning tree (BST) problems that involve two independent decision‐makers (DMs), the leader and the follower with different objectives, who jointly construct a spanning tree in a graph. The leader, who acts first, selects an initial subset of edges that do not contain a cycle, from the set under her control. The follower then selects the remaining edges to complete the construction of a spanning tree, but optimizes his own objective function. If there exist multiple optimal solutions for the follower that result in different objective function values for the leader, then the follower may choose either the one that is the most (optimistic version) or least (pessimistic version) favorable to the leader. We study BST problems with the sum‐ and bottleneck‐type objective functions for the DMs under both the optimistic and pessimistic settings. The polynomial‐time algorithms are then proposed in both optimistic and pessimistic settings for BST problems in which at least one of the DMs has the bottleneck‐type objective function. For BST problem with the sum‐type objective functions for both the leader and the follower, we provide an equivalent single‐level linear mixed‐integer programming formulation. A computational study is then presented to explore the efficacy of our reformulation.
Preparation and Physical Characterization of Pyrene and Pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione‐Based Copolymers
Authors: Alqurashy Bakhet A.
Published: April 2019

Two narrow band‐gap copolymers consisting of 2,7‐bis(5‐(trimethylstannyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐4,5,9,10‐tetrakis(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐pyrene (M1) as an electron‐rich unit and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) as an electron‐deficient unit have been synthesized and characterized for polymer solar cells. The two polymers were prepared by Stille coupling reactions. Two solubilizing alkyl chains (ethylhexyl and octlydodecyl) were attached to the DPP unit in order to evaluate their impact upon the optical and electrochemical characteristics of the two polymers. Poly[4,5,9,10‐tetrakis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]pyrene‐alt‐3,6‐bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐ bis(2‐octyldodecyl)pyrrole[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐ 1,4(2H,5H)‐dione] (PPEHDT‐DPPODo) and poly[4,5,9,10‐tetrakis((2‐ethylhexyl)oxy)pyren‐alt‐3,6‐bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)pyrrole[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4(2H,5H)‐dione] (PPEHDT‐DPPEH) exhibited high thermal stability with decomposition temperatures over 300 °C. Optical properties showed that PPEHDT‐DPPODo and PPEHDT‐DPPEH have optical band gaps of around 1.40 eV. It is believed that both polymers adopt high planar structures in the thin film, leading to more electronic conjugation along the backbone of the conjugated polymers. Powder X‐ray diffraction revealed that PPEHDT‐DPPODo and PPEHDT‐DPPEH seem to have an amorphous nature. The HOMO energy levels of the two polymers are clearly affected by changing alkyl chains. The HOMO levels of PPEHDT‐DPPODo and PPEHDT‐DPPEH were found to be at −5.27 and −5.38 eV, respectively. PPEHDT‐DPPODo showed a HOMO energy level approximately 0.11 eV shallower than that of PPEHDT‐DPPEH, which is probably a consequence of attaching a larger alkyl chain to the DPP moiety reducing its electron accepting ability.
Preventing treatment abandonment for children with solid tumors: A single‐center experience in Brazil
Authors: Ferman Sima , Lima Fernanda Ferreira da Silva , Lage Carollyne Rodrigues Souza , da Hora Senir Santos , Vianna Danielle Tavares , Thuler Luiz Claudio
Published: April 2019

Background

High rates of treatment abandonment have been considered one of the major limitations to achieving high cure rates of childhood cancer in developing countries. The aims of this study were to report the prevalence and factors associated with treatment abandonment for children diagnosed with solid tumors in one reference center in Brazil and to describe effective strategies to prevent it.

Procedures

A retrospective review was conducted using data from 1139 children (0–18 years) treated for solid tumors at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, during the period between January 2012 and December 2017. Treatment abandonment was defined as recommended by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology. The impact of implementing a patient‐tracking system was evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient characteristics. Chi‐square test was used for statistical analysis, with the significance level <0.05.

Results

Of 1139 patients, 1.66% refused or abandoned treatment. Although from 2012 to 2013 there was an increase in the abandonment rate, it then decreased by 63.8% from 2013 to 2017 (2.5% to 0.9%). In the multivariate model, only retinoblastoma diagnosis was associated with abandonment (odds ratio = 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–20.4; P = 0.025). In our cohort, abandonment rates were not associated with increased death.

Conclusion

Monitoring missed appointments, and early interventions to address issues associated with providing resources to help families during treatment were effective in achieving very low abandonment rates.
Antithrombin and fibrinogen levels as predictors for plasma L‐asparaginase activity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Merlen Clémence , Bonnefoy Arnaud , Afeich Cynthia , Théorêt Yves , Laverdière Caroline , Leclerc Jean‐Marie , Rivard Georges‐Etienne
Published: April 2019

Background

L‐asparaginase is a cornerstone treatment for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, immune reaction to the drug may increase the clearance or impair the function of L‐asparaginase and reduces its therapeutic efficacy. The objective of this study was to identify potential plasma proteins that could be used as proxies for L‐asparaginase activity.

Methods

Fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag), total protein, and albumin levels as well as antithrombin (AT) and L‐asparaginase activities were measured in 97 children with ALL treated for prolonged period of time with L‐asparaginase. Binary logistic regression and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to evaluate the predictive value of plasma proteins for L‐asparaginase activity.

Results

Median E. coli L‐asparaginase activity was 220 IU/L (range, 0–1308) throughout the treatment period. L‐asparaginase activity was below 100 IU/L in 23% of measured samples. L‐asparaginase activity was inversely associated with AT activity, fibrinogen, total protein, and albumin levels (r = −0.63, −0.62, −0.57, and −0.45, respectively; P < 0.0001), but not with VWF:Ag. ROC curve analyses showed an intermediate accuracy of AT activity (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.77) to detect specimens with subtherapeutic level of L‐asparaginase. An optimal accuracy was found when AT and fibrinogen were combined (AUC = 0.82; sensitivity = 75%; specificity = 82%; positive predictive value = 55%; negative predictive value = 92%) with cutoff values of 0.73 IU/mL and 1.85 g/L, respectively.

Conclusions

AT combined with fibrinogen levels could be used as a proxy to identify patients with therapeutic level of L‐asparaginase activity in the absence of real‐time asparaginase measurement during prolonged exposure to L‐asparaginase.
High‐molecular‐weight polyisobutylenes (PIBs) and PIB networks from liquid PIBs by thiol‐ene clicking
Authors: Kurnaz Elif , Helvacioglu Ekmel , Kekec Nur Cicek , Nugay Nihan , Nugay Turgut , Kennedy Joseph P.
Published: April 2019

We report the synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight linear polyisobutylenes (PIBs) and PIB networks from low‐molecular‐weight PIB by thiol‐ene click chemistry. Thus, liquid allyl‐telechelic PIB was reacted with small di‐ and tri‐thiols, and the thiolated intermediates chain‐extended by UV‐ or thermally induced free radical initiation to linear and crosslinked products. PIB networks were also prepared by crosslinking SH‐telechelic PIB with a small triallyl compound. Linear products were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and GPC, and networks by FTIR spectroscopy, extractables, swelling, and permanent set. The effect of reaction conditions (nature of thiol chain extender, concentration of photo‐ and thermal initiators, UV radiation time, and reagent concentrations) on chain extension and crosslinking was investigated. Under well‐defined conditions high‐molecular‐weight PIBs and tight PIB networks were prepared. Thiol‐ene click chemistry provides novel thiolated PIB derivatives and is a useful strategy for the convenient preparation of high‐molecular‐weight rubbery PIBs and tight PIB networks from low‐molecular‐weight PIB precursors. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019
Ficus extract—A promising agent for antimammary tumorigenesis: A review on current status and future possibilities
Authors: Remadevi Viji , Mohan Lathika Lakshmi , Sasikumar Sujatha Anjana , Sreeharshan Sreeja
Published: April 2019

Pharmacological studies have shown that various species of Ficus have antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiparasitic, antiangiogenic, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antiplatelet, reproductive, dermatological, immunological, endocrine, and hepato and nephron protective effects. But there is no sufficient research on biomolecules present in the leaf extract of Ficus religiosa and its mechanism of action. We have previously reported that bioavailable constituents of F. religiosa leaf extract exert photosensitizing and apoptosis‐inducing capability through the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species on breast cancer cells. In this review, we have evaluated the expression of checkpoint proteins of G1/S and sub G0 phase with wet lab data and also have done a data mining of other research for other potential mechanistic action of the F. religiosa leaf extract.
Enhancement of Nonlinear Optical Properties of Indole Based Dyes through Electron Acceptor and π‐Linker for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Sutradhar Tanushree , Misra Anirban
Published: April 2019

Six indole based thiazole substituted donor‐π‐acceptor molecules are designed and their nonlinear optical properties (NLO) are evaluated theoretically. Different electron withdrawing groups and π‐linkers are used to understand their role in tuning the NLO properties. The NLO properties of the molecules are analyzed in gas phase and in different solvent medium through the dipole moment, static polarizability, first and second hyperpolarizabilities. Efficiency of the molecules are studied through HOMO‐LUMO gap, frontier molecular orbitals, light harvesting efficiency, ionization potential, electron affinity and reorganization energy for hole and electron. All the dyes show maximum absorption wavelength in the visible region. The computed absorption spectra are well correlated with the HOMO‐LUMO gaps of the molecules. The HOMO‐LUMO gaps of all the dyes are found to be small, which lead to large NLO response. Results indicate that hyperpolarizability increases with increasing strength of the electron withdrawing group. In addition to the study of nonlinear optical property, we also calculate relevant parameters related to photovoltaic cells for two designed dyes which emerge suitable for this purpose. Photovoltaic parameters such as electron injection efficiency, exciton binding energy, and open circuit photovoltage are evaluated for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) applications. This study shows that alkyne π‐linkers are better than the alkene π‐linkers for desired applications. Overall, this study highlights the optical and photovoltaic nature of the dyes and reveals the influence of different π‐linkers and electron acceptors in designing new materials for NLO and DSSC applications.
Facile Synthesis of Ce–Doped SnO2 Nanoparticles: A Promising Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution and Dyes Degradation
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Bhawna  , Yadav Sanjeev Kumar , Gupta Akanksha , Dwivedi Bhavna , Kumar Anup , Singh Prashant , Deori Kalyanjyoti
Published: April 2019

This report discussed the efficient hydrogen generation via water splitting and fast dye degradation pathway using Ce doped SnO2 nanoparticles. One pot synthesis of Ce doped SnO2 nanoparticles was carried out by a simple, convenient wet chemical method using H2O2 and the product obtained was characterized using array of physico‐chemical techniques. Powder X‐ray diffraction confirmed the presence of rutile phase. Band gap for Ce:SnO2 was found out to be 3.80 eV which is more than the pure SnO2 (3.71 eV) and it is due to Moss‐Burstein effect. EDAX analysis and elemental mapping support uniform distribution of 5% Ce and the SEM imaging depicts irregular shape of nanocrystallites. The doping of 5% Ce into the interstitial and lattice positions of SnO2 nanoparticles was also confirmed by the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Raman measurement and photoluminescence analysis showed the presence of oxygen vacancies and disorderness in the nanoparticles. Photocatalytic water splitting proficiency was investigated using Ce doped SnO2 nanomaterials in the presence of NiO as co‐catalyst and other different sacrificial reagents such as methanol, Na2S‐Na2SO3, EDTA ions, triethanolamine and in combinations. It was found that the evolution of H2 is maximum i. e. 25 μmol/g/h in presence of as‐synthesized catalyst, NiO (co‐catalyst) along with EDTA and methanol as scavengers under UV light irradiation. Further, the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes was investigated under UV‐Visible irradiation using Ce:SnO2 NPs.
The Reaction of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes with 4,7‐Dihydroindole: A New Protocol for the Synthesis of Divergent C2‐Alkylated Indoles
Authors: Kilic Haydar , Dalkilic Oguzhan
Published: April 2019

Nucleophilic ring opening reactions of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes with 4,7‐dihydroindole (1 a) were described. A series of dimethyl 2‐(2‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)‐2‐arylethyl)malonates were synthesized by using Ytterbium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate as the catalyst for the first time in good to excellent yields. This study is also the first example for the reaction of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes with 4,7‐dihydroindole. The obtained products are amenable to purposive elaborations. The synthesized compounds were characterized by using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) techniques.
Asymmetric heavy-quark hadroproduction at LHCb: predictions and applications
Authors: Gauld Rhorry , Haisch Ulrich , Pecjak Benjamin D.
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We present a phenomenological analysis of asymmetric bottom- and charm-quark production within the LHCb acceptance relevant for pp collisions at

$$ \sqrt{s}=13 $$

s

=
13

TeV. Predictions are provided for both anti-k

t
bottom- and charm-jet pairs, which are kept differentially with respect to the invariant mass of the jet pair. It is quantified how data in this region can provide sensitivity to the couplings of the Z boson to heavy quarks, and we investigate what precision is needed to compete with LEP. We also discuss how asymmetry and rate measurements can provide constraints on a particular class of new-physics models, which contains gauge bosons with small/moderate couplings to light/heavy quarks and masses of the order of 100GeV. Predictions are obtained including all relevant QCD and QED/weak contributions up to next-to-leading order, which have been implemented in a Fortran code which allows to directly compute the asymmetric cross sections. We provide all relevant analytic formulas for our computations.
Infrahepatic Inferior Vena Cava Semi‐Clamping can Reduce Blood Loss During Hepatic Resection but Still Requires Monitoring to Avoid Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sugiura Teiichi , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ito Takaaki , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: April 2019

Background

The efficacy of infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) semi‐clamping for reducing blood loss during hepatic resection and its safety remain unclear. The aim of this study was to validate the effectiveness of IVC semi‐clamping for reducing blood loss during hepatic resection and to confirm its safety.

Methods

Patients who underwent anatomical hepatic resection between January 2011 and May 2018 were analysed by propensity score‐matched and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of 437 patients who underwent anatomical hepatic resection, IVC semi‐clamping was performed in 196 patients (44.9%; clamping group). A propensity score‐matched analysis demonstrated that even though there was no significant difference in the characteristics of the 141 patients in each group, IVC semi‐clamping reduced the blood loss during hepatic resection (clamping group versus non‐clamping group: 836 ± 123 vs. 1198 ± 124 ml, P = 0.04). Regarding post‐operative complications, the multivariate analysis identified IVC semi‐clamping as an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury on post‐operative day 1 (P = 0.01, odds ratio = 9.23). A significant positive correlation was found between the duration of IVC semi‐clamping and an increased level of serum creatinine (sCre) (P = 0.03), and a significant inverse correlation was found between the blood pressure after clamping and an increased level of sCre (P = 0.02). A receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the duration and mean blood pressure after clamping that indicated a high risk of acute kidney injury to be 116 min and 65 mmHg, respectively.

Conclusion

IVC semi‐clamping can reduce blood loss during hepatic resection but still necessitates monitoring in order to avoid acute kidney injury.
Correction to: Laxative effect of repeated Daiokanzoto is attributable to decrease in aquaporin-3 expression in the colon
Authors: Kon Risako , Yamamura Miho , Matsunaga Yukari , Kimura Hiroshi , Minami Moe , Kato Saki , Ikarashi Nobutomo , Sugiyama Kiyoshi
Published: April 2019

The article Laxative effect of repeated Daiokanzoto is attributable to decrease in aquaporin-3 expression in the colon, written by Risako Kon, Miho Yamamura, Yukari Matsunaga, Hiroshi Kimura, Moe Minami, Saki Kato, Nobutomo Ikarashi, Kiyoshi Sugiyama, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 27 January 2018 without open access.
Substance-Linked Sex in Heterosexual, Homosexual, and Bisexual Men and Women: An Online, Cross-Sectional “Global Drug Survey” Report
Authors: Lawn Will , Aldridge Alexandra , Xia Richard , Winstock Adam R.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Substance use in sexual contexts has received recent attention, but it has mostly been restricted to men who have sex with men and the so-called “chemsex” phenomenon.

Aim

To explore the use of licit and illicit substances in combination with sex in heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual men and women; to explore substance-linked sex (SLS) differences across sexual orientation and sexes.

Methods

An international online self-selecting cross-sectional drugs survey, the Global Drug Survey 2013 (n = 22,289), was conducted. Respondents were asked about which drugs (including alcohol) they had had sex while on; how frequently they used drugs to enhance sex; and how different drugs changed different aspects of the sexual experience. We report descriptive statistics and test differences between men and women and between different sexual orientations.

Main Outcome Measures

The following outcome measures were recorded: (i) Percentage of each group reporting last-year use of each drug with sex, (ii) Mean subjective rating (–10 to +10) from each group for each drug on each aspect of the sexual experience.

Results

SLS occurred across sexual orientations and in both men and women. All groups reported that alcohol, cannabis, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were the most while commonly used drugs with sex. Larger proportions of homosexual and bisexual men had sex while on most drugs than heterosexual men (P < .001); and larger proportions of bisexual women had sex while on most drugs than heterosexual women (P < .004). ≥20% of each group reported having used drugs with the intention of enhancing a sexual experience; larger proportions of homosexual and bisexual men reported this behavior than heterosexual men (P < .001). There were clear dissociations between the effects of different drugs on different aspects of the sexual experience; although γ-hydroxybutyric acid/γ-butyrolactone and MDMA were rated consistently highly.

Clinical Implications

Men and women of different sexual orientations must be considered when forming harm reduction and treatment strategies. However, “chemsex” drugs were most commonly used by homosexual men; targeted messages to this group should continue.

Strength & Limitations

Our study is highly novel; no previous study has investigated the combination of sex with this range of drugs. However, our survey is self-selecting, and some groups have a small sample size.

Conclusions

All groups reported SLS to some degree. However, differences in SLS between men and women and sexual orientations were found. Alcohol, cannabis, and MDMA were most commonly used with sex. “Chemsex” drugs were more commonly used by homosexual and bisexual men than heterosexual men.
Evaluating Changes to Prevented Planting Provision on Moral Hazard
Authors: Boyer Christopher N. , Aaron Smith S.
Published: April 2019

Prevented planting provision in crop insurance protects producers from failure to plant attributable to natural causes. We determined the impact of this provision at various crop insurance coverage levels on prevented planting claims and ex post moral hazard. The moral hazard incentive in the prevented planting provision is stronger for corn than soybeans. Reducing the prevented planting coverage factor for corn could likely reduce moral hazard, but the degree of the reduction will likely depend on the revenue protection coverage level. Conversely, we found moral hazard is unlikely to occur for soybean production regardless of the revenue protection coverage level.
On the relevance of Reynolds stresses in resolvent analyses of turbulent wall-bounded flows
Authors: Morra Pierluigi , Semeraro Onofrio , Henningson Dan S. , Cossu Carlo
Published: April 2019

The ability of linear stochastic response analysis to estimate coherent motions is investigated in turbulent channel flow at the friction Reynolds number $\text{Re}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}=1007$. The analysis is performed for spatial scales characteristic of buffer-layer and large-scale motions by separating the contributions of different temporal frequencies. Good agreement between the measured spatio-temporal power spectral densities and those estimated by means of the resolvent is found when the effect of turbulent Reynolds stresses, modelled with an eddy-viscosity associated with the turbulent mean flow, is included in the resolvent operator. The agreement is further improved when the flat forcing power spectrum (white noise) is replaced with a power spectrum matching the measures. Such a good agreement is not observed when the eddy-viscosity terms are not included in the resolvent operator. In this case, the estimation based on the resolvent is unable to select the right peak frequency and wall-normal location of buffer-layer motions. Similar results are found when comparing truncated expansions of measured streamwise velocity power spectral densities based on a spectral proper orthogonal decomposition to those obtained with optimal resolvent modes.
A PARAMETRIC, RESOURCE-BOUNDED GENERALIZATION OF LÖB’S THEOREM, AND A ROBUST COOPERATION CRITERION FOR OPEN-SOURCE GAME THEORY
Authors: CRITCH ANDREW
Published: April 2019

This article presents two theorems: (1) a generalization of Löb’s Theorem that applies to formal proof systems operating with bounded computational resources, such as formal verification software or theorem provers, and (2) a theorem on the robust cooperation of agents that employ proofs about one another’s source code as unexploitable criteria for cooperation. The latter illustrates a capacity for outperforming classical Nash equilibria and correlated equilibria, attaining mutually cooperative program equilibrium in the Prisoner’s Dilemma while remaining unexploitable, i.e., sometimes achieving the outcome (Cooperate, Cooperate), and never receiving the outcome (Cooperate, Defect) as player 1.
Modeling the West, Returning to Asia: Shifting Politics of Representation in Japanese Colonial Expositions in Korea
Authors: Kal Hong
Published: April 2019

The world exposition stemmed from the specific context of nineteenth-century Europe, but by the end of that century, its practice had already spread to the colonies as the imperial powers organized a number of colonial expositions. The colonial exposition was meant to represent colonialism as fundamental to the progress of both the metropole and the colony. The ideas of “progress” and “modernity” were represented in such a way that colonial subjects would acknowledge the benevolent contribution of imperial rule to the development of the colony. This historical practice attracted not only nations that had already achieved imperial status, but also nations such as Japan that were aspiring to become an imperial power.
Failure of activation of striatum during the performance of executive function tasks in adult patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Tian Fangfang , Diao Wei , Yang Xun , Wang Xiuli , Roberts Neil , Feng Can , Jia Zhiyun
Published: April 2019

Background

Although numerous studies have used functional neuroimaging to identify executive dysfunction in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), the findings are not consistent. The aim of this meta-analysis is to identify the most reliable functional anomalies in BD patients during performance of Executive Function (EF) tasks.

Methods

A web-based search was performed on publication databases to identify functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of BD patients performing EF tasks and a voxel-based meta-analytic method known as anisotropic Effect Size Signed Differential Mapping (ES-SDM) was used to identify brain regions which showed anomalous activity in BD patients compared with healthy controls (HC).

Results

Twenty datasets consisting of 463 BD patients and 484 HC were included. Compared with HC, BD patients showed significant hypo-activation or failure of activation in the left striatum (p= 0.00007), supplementary motor area (BA 6,p= 0.00037), precentral gyrus (BA 6,p= 0.0014) and cerebellum (BA 37,p= 0.0019), and hyper-activation in the left gyrus rectus (BA 11,p≈ 0) and right middle temporal gyrus (BA 22,p= 0.00031) during performance of EF tasks. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses showed that the anomaly of left striatum is consistent across studies and present in both euthymic and BD I patients.

Conclusions

Patients with BD consistently showed abnormal activation in the cortico-striatal system during performance of EF tasks compared with HC. Failure of activation of the striatum may be a reliable marker for impairment in performance of especially inhibition tasks by patients with BD.
Lower [18F]fallypride binding to dopamine D2/3receptors in frontal brain areas in adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: a positron emission tomography study
Authors: van Duin Esther D. A. , Ceccarini Jenny , Booij Jan , Kasanova Zuzana , Vingerhoets Claudia , van Huijstee Jytte , Heinzel Alexander , Mohammadkhani-Shali Siamak , Winz Oliver , Mottaghy Felix , Myin-Germeys Inez , van Amelsvoort Thérèse
Published: April 2019

Background

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is caused by a deletion on chromosome 22 locus q11.2. This copy number variant results in haplo-insufficiency of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, and is associated with a significant increase in the risk for developing cognitive impairments and psychosis. The COMT gene encodes an enzyme that primarily modulates clearance of dopamine (DA) from the synaptic cleft, especially in the prefrontal cortical areas. Consequently, extracellular DA levels may be increased in prefrontal brain areas in 22q11DS, which may underlie the well-documented susceptibility for cognitive impairments and psychosis in affected individuals. This study aims to examine DA D2/3receptor binding in frontal brain regions in adults with 22q11DS, as a proxy of frontal DA levels.

Methods

The study was performed in 14 non-psychotic, relatively high functioning adults with 22q11DS and 16 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs), who underwent DA D2/3receptor [18F]fallypride PET imaging. Frontal binding potential (BPND) was used as the main outcome measure.

Results

BPNDwas significantly lower in adults with 22q11DS compared with HCs in the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate gyrus. After Bonferroni correction significance remained for the anterior cingulate gyrus. There were no between-group differences in BPNDin the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate lower frontal D2/3receptor binding in adults with 22q11DS. It suggests that a 22q11.2 deletion affects frontal dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Definiendo el valor de las tecnologías sanitarias en Latino-América: desarrollo de marcos de valor para informar la priorización de recursos sanitarios
Authors: Pichon-Riviere Andres , Garcia-Marti Sebastian , Oortwijn Wija , Augustovski Federico , Sampietro-Colom Laura
Published: April 2019

Objetivos

El reciente desarrollo de marcos de valor responde a una demanda por hacer más explícito e inclusivo el proceso de toma de decisiones sobre asignación de recursos sanitarios. El objetivo del Foro de Políticas en Latino América 2018 de Health Technology Assessment International fue explorar las experiencias internacionales y discutir la potencial aplicación de marcos de valor en la región.

Métodos

Este manuscrito está basado en un documento base y en las presentaciones y discusiones mantenidas por los miembros del Foro (43 participantes, 12 países) durante el Foro del 2018.

Resultados

Los participantes coincidieron en que un proceso de evaluación y toma de decisión basado en marcos de valor más inclusivos y abarcativos podría mejorar la efectividad, eficiencia, sustentabilidad y equidad; promover la transparencia y una evaluación más completa de las tecnologías, mejorar la rendición de cuentas de las decisiones y la participación de actores. Se identificaron como criterios esenciales para ser incluidos en marcos de valor en la región a la carga de enfermedad y severidad de la condición, la efectividad y seguridad de la tecnología, la calidad de la evidencia, la costo-efectividad e impacto presupuestario. Los potenciales desafíos para su implementación identificados incluyeron la escasez de recursos humanos y las demoras en el proceso de evaluación que se podrían producir.

Conclusiones

Los participantes remarcaron que los próximos pasos deberían ser identificar procesos y metodologías apropiadas, adaptadas al contexto de cada país, para facilitar la aplicación de marcos de valor y mejorar el vínculo entre la evaluación y la toma de decisiones.
Pulmonary hypertension in infancy and childhood
Authors: Gorenflo Matthias , Nelle Mathias , Schnabel Ph. A. , Ullmann Michael V.
Published: April 2019

In this review, we discuss current concepts in the pathogenesis and management of pulmonary hypertension affecting infants and children, with special focus on left-to-right shunting, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and primary pulmonary hypertension.

In patients of these ages, functional aspects, such as an imbalance between vasoconstricting and vasodilating mechanisms, and morphological alterations of the vessel wall, contribute to the pulmonary hypertension. In the past decades, strategies have emerged for treatment that are targeted at the pathophysiological basis. Thus, in patients with left-to-right shunting and pulmonary hypertension after intra-cardiac repair, treatment with nitric oxide has been introduced effectively, while treatment with prostanoids, such as iloprost, is under investigation. In patients with pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, therapeutic strategies focus on the underlying chronic lung disease and use of vasodilators. The pathogenesis of primary pulmonary hypertension in children remains as yet unclear, although treatment with prostanoids has proven effectively to improve the long-term prognosis.
Cardiac catheterization in children as outpatients: potential, eligibility, safety and costs
Authors: Arpagaus Monica , Gray Darryl , Zierler Brenda
Published: April 2019

Background:Outcomes and costs of inpatient versus outpatient pediatric cardiac catheterization have not been extensively evaluated.Methods:For a cost-consequence analysis, we reviewed the medical records and cost data in a Swiss pediatric hospital. We compared outcomes and costs of observed inpatient management versus hypothetical planned same-day discharge for patients meeting the outpatient catheterization criterions for an American pediatric hospital.Results:Among 346 catheterization admissions occurring from January, 1998 through December, 1999, 179 met the American criterions for outpatient catheterization. Complications observed, and/or nursing interventions begun within 5 hours of catheterization, might have required overnight observation in 41 of the 179 admissions (22.9%). The remaining 138 patients were stable at five hours, and presumably could have been discharged the day of the procedure. Routine pre-discharge imaging detected significant complications following three interventional procedures. Postulated costs from the perspective of the provider, counting hospital and physician expenditure were calculated for the Swiss franc in 2000 at a rate of 1.69 francs for each American dollar, averaged 10,946 francs per inpatient, versus 9790 francs for outpatient treatment (p < 0.001 by paired t-test). Estimated revenue deficits, calculated as costs minus reimbursement, averaged 8565 francs per inpatient versus 1756 francs per patient treated as an outpatient.Conclusions:Half the patients being catheterized in the Swiss hospital met the external criterions for attempted outpatient catheterization. Most might have been safely discharged on the same day, with modest savings in costs, and reduced deficits in terms of revenue. Routine pre-discharge imaging may be more important than overnight observation. Outpatient catheterization merits prospective evaluation in Switzerland.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for anastomotic stenosis after coronary arterial bypass grafting in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Miyazaki Aya , Tsuda Etsuko , Miyazaki Shunichi , Kitamura Soichiro , Tomita Hideshi , Echigo Shigeyuki
Published: April 2019

Objectives:We evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for anastomotic stenosis after coronary arterial bypass grafting using the internal thoracic artery in patients with coronary arterial lesions due to Kawasaki disease.Subjects and Methods:From July 1997 to April 2000, four boys and one girl underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for 6 anastomotic lesions following coronary arterial bypass grafting using the left or right internal thoracic artery. Progressive severe stenosis of the grafts in the follow-up angiograms after grafting, and evidence of ischemia, were regarded as indications for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Age at coronary angioplasty ranged from 4.2 to 16.7 years, with a median of 6.9 years, while the interval from operation ranged from 0.3 to 3.0 years, with a median of 1.1 years. The diameter of the balloon catheter employed varied from 1.5 to 2.5 mm, and the pressure of inflation ranged from 8 to 16 atmospheres.Results:The degree of stenosis decreased from 63 to 99%, with a median of 88%, to 0 to 40%, with a median of 17% immediately after angioplasty. A follow-up angiogram either 3 months or 1 year later revealed no restenosis in any patient.Conclusion:Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is a feasible and useful procedure for treating anastomotic stenosis following coronary arterial bypass grafting using the internal thoracic artery in patients with coronary arterial lesions due to Kawasaki disease.
Importance of knowledge in the behavioural treatment of panic disorder
Authors: Grubbs Kathleen M. , Broussard James D. , Hiatt Emily L. , Beason-Smith Melissa A. , Teng Ellen J.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for panic disorder encourages patients to learn about and make changes to thoughts and behaviour patterns that maintain symptoms of the disorder. Instruments to assess whether or not patients understand therapy content do not currently exist.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to examine if increases within specific knowledge domains of panic disorder were related to improvement in panic symptoms following an intensive 2-day panic treatment.

Method:

Thirty-nine Veterans enrolled in an intensive weekend panic disorder treatment completed knowledge measures immediately before the first session of therapy and at the end of the last day of therapy. Four panic disorder experts evaluated items and reached consensus on subscales. Subscales were reduced further to create psychometrically sound subscales of catastrophic misinterpretation (CM), behaviours (BE), and self-efficacy (SE). A simple regression analysis was conducted to determine whether increased knowledge predicted symptom change at a 3-month follow-up assessment.

Results:

The overall knowledge scale was reduced to three subscales BE (n = 7), CM (n = 13) and SE (n = 8) with good internal consistency. Veterans’ knowledge of panic disorder improved from pre- to post-treatment. Greater increase in scores on the knowledge assessment predicted lower panic severity scores at a 3-month follow-up. A follow-up analysis using the three subscales as predictors showed that only changes in CM significantly contributed to the prediction.

Conclusions:

In an intensive therapy format, reduction in panic severity was related to improved knowledge overall, but particularly as a result of fewer catastrophic misinterpretations.
General Introduction
Authors: HAALAND KATHLEEN Y.
Published: April 2019

The manuscript by Stefanatos, Gershkoff, and Madigan is the inaugural
contribution to the new Neurobehavioral Grand Rounds feature of
JINS. Case reports have been published in JINS in the
past, but the goal of this new feature is to highlight the importance of
case reports that are theoretically driven and have the potential to
influence future research in the area. You will see that this case fits
that description very well. In order to emphasize the larger context of
the case, for each Grand Rounds an expert in the area will be asked to
provide a short introduction. Dr. Jeffrey Binder, a neurologist at the
Medical College of Wisconsin and an expert in the neural basis of
language, has written an introduction that emphasizes the value of this
case in terms of its utilization of a careful perceptual analysis combined
with anatomical data to better characterize this classic syndrome.