bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bounded Oscillation Theorem for Unstable-type Neutral Impulsive Differential Equations of the Second Order
Authors: Abasiekwere U. A. , Eteng E. , Isaac I. O. , Lipcsey Z.
Published: April 2019

The oscillations theory of neutral impulsive differential equations is gradually occupying a central place among the theories of oscillations of impulsive differential equations. This could be due to the fact that neutral impulsive differential equations plays fundamental and significant roles in the present drive to further develop information technology. Indeed, neutral differential equations appear in networks containing lossless transmission lines (as in high-speed computers where the lossless transmission lines are used to interconnect switching circuits).   In this paper, we study the behaviour of solutions of a certain class of second-order linear neutral differential equations with impulsive constant jumps.  This type of equation in practice is always known to have an unbounded non-oscillatory solution.  We, therefore, seek sufficient conditions for which all bounded solutions are oscillatory and provide an example to demonstrate the applicability of the abstract result.
Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Study on the Leaf Extract of Tapinanthus dodoneifolius (Van Teigh) Loranthaceae
Authors: Mohammed M. , Idris A. Y. , Gandu I. , Tanko U. M. , Muhammad A. , A.Adeiza A.
Published: April 2019

Leaves of Tapinanthus dodoneifolius is used as traditional medicine for the treatment of menstrual   pain, wound, gonorrhea, and control of diarrhea and dysentery which was extracted by cold maceration in methanol. The concentrated methanol extract was subsequently partitioned with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate and n-butanol. Agar well Diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activities of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureaus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiela pneumonia, Salmmnella typhi, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida albican at different concentrations. Antimicrobial sensitivity test indicated that, the extract inhibited the growth of all microorganisms to varying degrees except Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida krusei respectively. The in vitro   antimicrobial screening revealed that, the extracts exhibited diverse activities against different microbe’s concentrations ranging from 2.5mg/ml-5mg/ml. The plant extract was found to contain flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides which may be responsible for its antimicrobial properties. The result justifies the traditional use of the plant leaf in the treatment of menstrual   pain, sexual transmitted diseases, wounds and control of dysentery and diarrhea.
Growth and Haematological Changes in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus Juveniles Exposed to Mercuric Chloride
Authors: Isiyaku M. S. , Annune P. A. , Tiamiyu L. O.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Mercuric chloride on the growth and haematological parameters in the freshwater catfish, Clarias gariepinus. A total of 30 fishes were used for each concentration as well as in the control. Clarias gariepinus was exposed to 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10 mg/l of HgCl2 for 56 days. The treatment with mercuric chloride was found to inflict a drastic reduction in the total count of RBC’s. The reduction was time dependent; as concentration of mercuric chloride increased, the RBC levels declined. Exposed fishes showed a significant decrease in WBC count when compared to the control. The morphological indices MCV, MCH and MCHC fluctuate as the test concentration increased. The chronic exposure to sublethal concentration of mercuric chloride to the studied fish showed a significant decrease in final body weight in comparison to control group. Also, Growth parameters such as specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion efficiency (FCE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), food conversion rate (FCR) decreased with increased concentration of mercuric chloride. The mercuric chloride caused a significant decrease in the survival rate (P < 0.05).
Identification through Culture and Molecular Methods of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter fetus in Surface Waters in Rasht
Authors: Roshanjo Keyvan , Jafari Nematallah Jonaidi , Asadpour Leila , Ranjbar Reza , Afshar Davoud , Farahani Abbas , Shahsafi Milad , Rahimi Arian
Published: April 2019

Backgrounds: As zoonotic infectious agents, Campylobacter spp. are important factors causing gastroenteritis in humans. Surveys show that the three strains; Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter fetus play a major role in human infections. Identification of these infectious agents is valuable for sanitary control of disease transmission through water resources.

Objectives: The aim of this study was identification and molecular diagnosis of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter fetus in surface waters in Rasht.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 samples of surface water in Rasht collected according to water health guidelines. After culture and biochemical tests on collected samples, detection and identification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter fetus was done using sequence-specific amplification by Multiplex PCR. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software.

Results: Out of 45 samples tested, 6 were positive in culture, four of which were identified as Campylobacter jejuni after biochemical tests. Using Multiplex PCR, 8 samples were positive, from which 3 were Campylobacter jejuni, 1 Campylobacter coli and 4 were positive for both Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. All the samples did not yield C. fetus.

Conclusions: Multiplex PCR is regarded a diagnostic method with higher sensitivity and specificity than compared to methods for Campylobacter. The prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in surface waters in Rasht is considerable. Therefore, public health measures for the control of these organisms are recommended.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 1‐Arylpropan‐2‐amines from Allylbenzenes through a Wacker‐Tsuji Oxidation‐Biotransamination Sequential Process
Authors: González‐Martínez Daniel , Gotor Vicente , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente
Published: April 2019

Herein, a sequential and selective chemoenzymatic approach is described involving the metal‐catalysed Wacker‐Tsuji oxidation of allylbenzenes followed by the amine transaminase‐catalysed biotransamination of the resulting 1‐arylpropan‐2‐ones. Thus, a series of nine optically active 1‐arylpropan‐2‐amines were obtained with good to very high conversions (74–92%) and excellent selectivities (>99% enantiomeric excess) in aqueous medium.

The Wacker‐Tsuji reaction has been exhaustively optimised searching for compatible conditions with the biotransamination experiments, using palladium(II) complexes as catalysts and iron(III) salts as terminal oxidants in aqueous media. The compatibility of palladium/iron systems for the chemical oxidation with commercially available and made in house amine transaminases was analysed, finding ideal conditions for the development of a general and stereoselective cascade sequence. Depending on the selectivity displayed by selected amine transaminase, it was possible to produce both 1‐arylpropan‐2‐amines enantiomers under mild reaction conditions, compounds that present therapeutic properties or can be employed as synthetic intermediates of chiral drugs from the amphetamine family.

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CH‐π Interactions Promote the Conversion of Hydroxypyruvate in a Class II Pyruvate Aldolase
Authors: Marsden Stefan R. , Mestrom Luuk , Bento Isabel , Hagedoorn Peter‐Leon , McMillan Duncan G. G. , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: April 2019

The class II hydroxy ketoacid aldolase A5VH82 from Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 (SwHKA) accepts hydroxypyruvate as nucleophilic donor substrate, giving access to synthetically challenging 3,4‐dihydroxy‐α‐ketoacids. The crystal structure of holo‐SwHKA in complex with hydroxypyruvate revealed CH‐π interactions between the C−H bonds at C3 of hydroxypyruvate and a phenylalanine residue at position 210, which in this case occupies the position of a conserved leucine residue. Mutagenesis to tyrosine further increased the electron density of the interacting aromatic system and effected a rate enhancement by twofold. While the leucine variant efficiently catalyses the enolisation of hydroxypyruvate as the first step in the aldol reaction, the enol intermediate then becomes trapped in a disfavoured configuration that considerably hinders subsequent C−C bond formation. In SwHKA, micromolar concentrations of inorganic phosphate increase the catalytic rate constant of enolisation by two orders of magnitude. This rate enhancement was now shown to be functionally conserved across the structurally distinct (α/β)8 barrel and αββα sandwich folds of two pyruvate aldolases. Characterisation of the manganese (II) cofactor by electron paramagnetic resonance excluded ionic interactions between the metal centre and phosphate. Instead, histidine 44 was shown to be primarily responsible for the binding of phosphate in the micromolar range and the observed rate enhancement in SwHKA.

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Iron‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Dihydronaphthalenones from Aromatic Oxime Esters
Authors: Zhang Youcan , Yin Zhiping , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: April 2019

Herein, a convenient procedure on iron‐catalyzed radical‐mediated synthesis of dihydronaphthalenones from oxime esters has been developed. By using iron salt as a green and inexpensive catalyst, various α‐aryl oxime esters were transformed into the corresponding dihydronaphthalenones in moderate to good yields with high chemo‐selectivities. The reaction proceeds via 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer and then intramolecular radical cyclization sequence.

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TMEM70 deficiency: Novel mutation and hypercitrullinemia during metabolic decompensation
Authors: Staretz‐Chacham Orna , Wormser Ohad , Manor Esther , Birk Ohad S. , Ferreira Carlos R.
Published: April 2019

Respiratory chain disorders comprise a heterogeneous group of diseases that are the result of mutations in nuclear or mitochondrial genes. TMEM70 encodes a nuclear protein involved in the assembly of respiratory chain complex V. Although mutations in various genes can result in isolated complex V deficiency; TMEM70 mutations represent the most common reported etiology. TMEM70 deficiency is known to cause a syndrome of neonatal mitochondrial encephalocardiomyopathy, accompanied by elevated lactate and hyperammonemia. Elevated citrulline has been reported previously in different inborn errors of metabolism, although uncommonly associated with TMEMT70 deficiency. We present a series of two siblings diagnosed with TMEM70 deficiency, and describe hypercitrullinemia during decompensation as a new finding in this condition. The cause of hyperammonemia in TMEM70 deficiency was previously assumed to be related to carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 deficiency, but our finding of hypercitrullinemia rules out this possibility. We thus propose a different etiology for the hyperammonemia seen in these patients.
Establishment of an EC50 database of pesticides using a Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence method
Authors: Efremova Aaron Snezana , Tosheska‐Trajkovska Katerina , Cekovska Svetlana , Aaron Jean‐Jacques
Published: April 2019

An EC50 database was established to assess the acute toxicity of 16 PESTANAL pesticide standards and of seven pesticide commercial formulations using a Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence method. Half maximal effective concentration (EC50) is defined as the concentration of pollutant (in this case, pesticide) destroying 50% of the bacteria population and causing 50% bioluminescence inhibition, after a specified exposure time. Linear curves of bioluminescence inhibition versus pesticide concentration and EC50 values were obtained for exposure times (t) of 5 or 15 min for these pesticides. The EC50 values ranged from 6.90 × 10−4 to 0.83 mg/ml (t = 5 min), and from 9.00 × 10−4 to 0.37 mg/ml (t = 15 min) for pesticide standards, plus from 0.0077 to 0.74 mg/ml (t = 5 min), and from 0.0076 and 0.57 mg/ml (t = 15 min) for pesticide commercial formulations. The EC50 database allowed classification of the pesticides under study into three categories according to their toxicity: very toxic, toxic and moderately toxic. These results demonstrated that the establishment of an EC50 database and of linear curves of bioluminescence inhibition versus the pesticide concentration resulted in very important and irreplaceable tools to estimate the global and individual toxicity of pesticides present in environmental samples.
Digital PCR improves the quantitation of DMR and the selection of CML candidates to TKIs discontinuation
Authors: Bernardi Simona , Malagola Michele , Zanaglio Camilla , Polverelli Nicola , Dereli Eke Elif , D’Adda Mariella , Farina Mirko , Bucelli Cristina , Scaffidi Luigi , Toffoletti Eleonora , Deambrogi Clara , Stagno Fabio , Bergamaschi Micaela , Franceschini Luca , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Divona Maria Domenica , Gobbi Marco , Di Raimondo Francesco , Gaidano Gianluca , Tiribelli Mario , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Cattaneo Chiara , Iurlo Alessandra , Russo Domenico
Published: April 2019

Treatment‐free remission (TFR) by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) discontinuation in patients with deep molecular response (DMR) is a paramount goal in the current chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) therapeutic strategy. The best DMR level by real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) for TKI discontinuation is still a matter of debate. To compare the accuracy of digital PCR (dPCR) and RT‐qPCR for BCR‐ABL1 transcript levels detection, 142 CML patients were monitored for a median time of 24 months. Digital PCR detected BCR‐ABL1 transcripts in the RT‐qPCR undetectable cases. The dPCR analysis of the samples, grouped by the MR classes, revealed a significant difference between MR4.0 and MR4.5 (P = 0.0104) or MR5.0 (P = 0.0032). The clinical and hematological characteristics of the patients grouped according to DMR classes (MR4.0 vs MR4.5‐5.0) were superimposable. Conversely, patients with dPCR values <0.468 BCR‐ABL1 copies/µL (as we previously described) showed a longer DMR duration (P = 0.0220) and mainly belonged to MR4.5‐5.0 (P = 0.0442) classes compared to patients with higher dPCR values. Among the 142 patients, 111 (78%) discontinued the TKI treatment; among the 111 patients, 24 (22%) lost the MR3.0 or MR4.0. RT‐qPCR was not able to discriminate patients with higher risk of MR loss after discontinuation (P = 0.8100). On the contrary, according to dPCR, 12/25 (48%) patients with BCR‐ABL1 values ≥0.468 and 12/86 (14%) patients with BCR‐ABL1 values <0.468 lost DMR in this cohort, respectively (P = 0.0003). Treatment‐free remission of patients who discontinued TKI with a dPCR <0.468 was significantly higher compared to patients with dPCR ≥ 0.468 (TFR at 2 years 83% vs 52% P = 0.0017, respectively). In conclusion, dPCR resulted in an improved recognition of stable DMR and of candidates to TKI discontinuation.
The development and external validation of simplified T category classification for nasopharyngeal carcinoma to improve the prognostic value in the intensity‐modulated radiotherapy era
Authors: Tang Ling‐Long , Liang Shao‐Bo , Huang Cheng‐Long , Zhang Fan , Xu Cheng , Mao Yan‐Ping , Tian Li , Lin Ai‐Hua , Li Li , Sun Ying , Ma Jun
Published: April 2019

Background

Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) provides excellent local control in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We investigated whether simplifying 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system T categories improves prognostic value.

Methods

We used 2191 NPC patients as a training set and 414 patients separately as an independent, external validation cohort.

Results

In the training set, local relapse‐free survival (LRFS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were not significantly different between the 8th edition T2/T3 (P = 0.610, 0.380 and 0.353, respectively). Merging T2 and T3 to proposed T2 (proT2) provided significant differences in LRFS, DFS, and OS between proposed T categories. Proposed T categories had similar c‐indices for LRFS, DFS, and OS (vs the 8th edition), which was validated in the external cohorts. Moreover, for DFS, the adjusted HRs of the proT2N0 (3.8), proT1N1 (3.8), and proT2N1 (6.0) subsets were similar; the adjusted HRs of the proT3N0 (7.0), proT3N1 (11.4), proT1N2 (11.0), proT2N2 (11.6), and proT3N2 (13.3) subsets were similar; the adjusted HRs of the proT1N3 (17.8), proT2N3 (15.3), and proT3N3 (26.4) subsets were similar; the results of the adjusted HRs for OS had the same rule. Defining proT1N0 as stage I; proT1N1/proT2N0‐1 as stage II; proT3N0‐2/proT1‐2N2 as stage III; and proT1‐3N3 as stage IVa generated orderly, significant differences in DFS and OS between stages in the training set and external validation cohort.

Conclusions

In the IMRT era, three T categories are more reasonable (merging T2/T3 into T2) and proT3N0‐2 (the 8th edition T4N0‐2) should be down‐staged to stage III.
The dyslexia susceptibility KIAA0319 gene shows a specific expression pattern during zebrafish development supporting a role beyond neuronal migration
Authors: Gostic Monika , Martinelli Angela , Tucker Carl , Yang Zhengyi , Gasparoli Federico , Ewart Jade‐Yi , Dholakia Kishan , Sillar Keith T. , Tello Javier A. , Paracchini Silvia
Published: April 2019

Dyslexia is a common neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a significant genetic component. The KIAA0319 gene is one of the most robust dyslexia susceptibility factors but its function remains poorly understood. Initial RNA‐interference studies in rats suggested a role in neuronal migration whereas subsequent work with double knock‐out mouse models for both Kiaa0319 and its paralogue Kiaa0319‐like reported effects in the auditory system but not in neuronal migration. To further understand the role of KIAA0319 during neurodevelopment, we carried out an expression study of its zebrafish orthologue at different embryonic stages. We used different approaches including RNAscope in situ hybridization combined with light‐sheet microscopy. The results show particularly high expression during the first few hours of development. Later, expression becomes localized in well‐defined structures. In addition to high expression in the brain, we report for the first time expression in the eyes and the notochord. Surprisingly, kiaa0319‐like, which generally shows a similar expression pattern to kiaa0319, was not expressed in the notochord suggesting a distinct role for kiaa0319 in this structure. This observation was supported by the identification of notochord enhancers enriched upstream of the KIAA0319 transcription start site, in both zebrafish and humans. This study supports a developmental role for KIAA0319 in the brain as well as in other developing structures, particularly in the notochord which, is key for establishing body patterning in vertebrates.
Revision of the fear of cancer recurrence cognitive and emotional model by Lee‐Jones et al with women with breast cancer
Authors: Maheu Christine , Hébert Maude , Louli Julie , Yao Tian‐Ran , Lambert Sylvie , Cooke Andrea , Black Alexandra , Kyriacou Jamie
Published: April 2019

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is among the top unmet concerns reported by breast cancer survivors. Despite the sizable literature on FCR, few theoretical models have been empirically tested. One of the most cited is the FCR model.

Aim

This study seeks to understand the nature of women's cognitive and emotional issues from FCR using specific guidance from the model by Lee‐Jones and to provide suggestions for modifications to the model based on empirical results from the reported experiences of women living with breast cancer.

Methods and results

A qualitative descriptive study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted at an urban hospital. Recruited by convenience sampling, 12 breast cancer survivors concerned with FCR and who had recently completed active treatment participated in the study. Seven thematic categories emerged from the women's descriptions of their cognitive and emotional experiences with FCR: (a) FCR is always there; (b) beliefs about risk of recurrence; (c) beliefs about eradication of cancer; (d) preferences not to seek information about recurrence; (e) derailment of normal life; (f) worries related to recurrence; and (g) need for support. Adjustments to the model by Lee‐Jones et al1 specifically to women living with breast cancer include the addition of new variables—the fear is always present, a preference not to seek information, and the need for support beyond treatment—and the merging of two variables, anxiety and worry, as participants viewed these concepts as interchangeable and experienced in similar ways. Lastly, participants did not report any remorse related to not opting for more aggressive treatments.

Conclusion

The refinement of a more comprehensive FCR theoretical model, such as through the modifications derived from this study, provides a deeper understanding of breast cancer survivors' experiences with FCR and can more effectively guide health care professionals to develop appropriately tailored interventions aimed at decreasing FCR levels.
The role of recombination, niche‐specific gene pools and flexible genomes in the ecological speciation of bacteria
Authors: Schmutzer Michael , Barraclough Timothy Giles
Published: April 2019

Bacteria diversify into genetic clusters analogous to those observed in sexual eukaryotes, but the definition of bacterial species is an ongoing problem. Recent work has focused on adaptation to distinct ecological niches as the main driver of clustering, but there remains debate about the role of recombination in that process. One view is that homologous recombination occurs too rarely for gene flow to constrain divergent selection. Another view is that homologous recombination is frequent enough in many bacterial populations that barriers to gene flow are needed to permit divergence. Niche‐specific gene pools have been proposed as a general mechanism to limit gene flow. We use theoretical models to evaluate additional hypotheses that evolving genetic architecture, specifically the effect sizes of genes and gene gain and loss, can limit gene flow between diverging populations. Our model predicts that (a) in the presence of gene flow and recombination, ecological divergence is concentrated in few loci of large effect and (b) high rates of gene flow plus recombination promote gene loss and favor the evolution of niche‐specific genes. The results show that changing genetic architecture and gene loss can facilitate ecological divergence, even without niche‐specific gene pools. We discuss these results in the context of recent studies of sympatric divergence in microbes.
Insights into the excited state intramolecular proton transfer process and mechanism of the novel 3‐hydroxythioflavone system: A theoretical study
Authors: Wang Lifei , Wang Yan , Zhao Juan , Zhao Jinfeng
Published: April 2019

It is well known that the molecular excited state dynamical process plays important roles in designing and developing novel applications. In this work, based on density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we theoretically explored a novel 3‐hydroxythioflavone (3HTF). Through calculating the electrostatic potential surface of the 3HTF structure, we confirm the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonding O2‐H3···O4. Our theoretically obtained dominating bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bonds demonstrate that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S1 state. Coupling with the simulated infrared vibrational spectra, we further verify the enhanced hydrogen bonding O2‐H3···O4 in the S1 state. Upon photoexcitation, we found that the charge transfer characteristics around hydrogen bonding moieties play important roles in facilitating the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. Via constructing potential energy curves in both S0 and S1 states, we confirm the almost nonbarrier ESIPT reaction should be an ultrafast process that further explains the previous experimental phenomenon. At last, we search the S1‐state transition state (TS) structure along with ESIPT path, based on which we simulate the intrinsic reaction coordinate path that further confirms the ESIPT mechanism. We hope that our theoretical work could guide novel applications based on the 3HTF system in future.
Understanding HIV Prevention With College‐Going Black Women: An NIMH‐Funded Pilot Study
Authors: Buckley Tamara R. , Awais Yasmine J.
Published: April 2019

Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV. Limited research has examined race and gender as psychological variables of influence. In this National Institute of Mental Health pilot study, the authors used semistructured interviews to explore the heterogeneity of identity within race and gender and possible interactions with sexual risk perceptions and behavior in a sample of Black women attending college in an urban city. The article presents emergent themes, recommendations, and questions for future research.

El VIH afecta a las mujeres negras de forma desproporcionada. Un número limitado de investigaciones ha examinado la raza y el sexo como variables psicológicas de influencia. En este estudio piloto del Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental, los autores usaron entrevistas semiestructuradas para explorar la heterogeneidad de la identidad dentro de la raza y el sexo, así como posibles interacciones con las percepciones de riesgo y comportamiento sexual en una muestra de mujeres negras cursando estudios universitarios en una ciudad urbana. El artículo presenta temas emergentes, recomendaciones y preguntas para futuras investigaciones.
Using Liberation Psychology and Dialectical Humanism to Understand Latinx Adolescents’ Life Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Hinojosa Yvette , Vela Javier Cavazos , Guerra Federico , Whittenberg James
Published: April 2019

The authors conducted a study to examine how the presence of meaning in life, search for meaning in life, hope, family importance, and enculturation influenced Latinx adolescent students’ depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Two regression models revealed there was a statistically significant relationship between predictor variables, life satisfaction, and depression. The article concludes with a discussion regarding the importance of these findings and recommendations for practice and research.

Los autores llevaron a cabo un estudio para examinar cómo la presencia de sentido en la vida, la búsqueda de sentido en la vida, la esperanza, la importancia de la familia y la enculturación influyeron en los síntomas depresivos y satisfacción vital de estudiantes adolescentes Latinx. Dos modelos de regresión revelaron que existe una relación estadísticamente significativa entre las variables de predicción, la satisfacción vital y la depresión. Este artículo concluye con una discusión en torno a la importancia de estos hallazgos, así como recomendaciones para la práctica y la investigación.
Physico‐mechanical properties and flammability of PUR/PIR foams containing expandable graphite core‐shell composite particles
Authors: Gosz Kamila , Haponiuk Józef , Mielewczyk‐Gryń Aleksandra , Piszczyk Łukasz
Published: April 2019

In this work, polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (PUR/PIR) foams were modified by two types of expandable graphite (EG) core‐shell composite particles. The pulverized EG core‐shell composite particles were prepared during emulsion polymerization using methyl methacrylate or glycidyl methacrylate for the synthesis of the polymeric shells (poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA)), and then the obtained EG_PMMA and EG_PGMA particles were used for a modification of the PUR/PIR foams. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations well demonstrated that the EG_PMMA and EG_PGMA particles were successfully synthesized via emulsion polymerization. The foams with different content of EG or EG core‐shell particles were prepared by the single‐step method at NCO/OH ratio equals 2.5. The prepared materials were analyzed in terms of their morphology, flammability, thermal conductivity, and basic physical and mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3805–3813, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prevalence, correlates of depression, and its impact on quality of life of cancer patients attending a palliative care setting in South India
Authors: Sudarisan Sri Sai Priya , Abraham Bennet , George Christina
Published: April 2019

Objective

Depression is an easily treatable yet frequently underdiagnosed affliction in palliative population with deleterious implications on their quality of life. It has been studied poorly in developing countries like India.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was done with 234 consenting subjects attending a palliative care unit. Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL‐BREF), and semi‐structured proforma were used by trained nonmental health professional to collect data.

Results

The prevalence of major depression was 70%. Being a resident of nuclear family (p = .004), absence of insurance coverage (p = .01), presence of financial difficulties (p = .002), and absence of cancer recurrence (p = .001) were significantly associated with major depression in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, presence of financial difficulties (OR = 3.9; 95% CI, 2.00‐7.61) and absence of health insurance (OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.02‐3.7) were independently associated with major depression. The presence of depression showed significant negative correlation with physical health (p = .03), psychological health (p = .002), and environmental (p = .002) domains of the WHOQOL‐BREF.

Conclusion

This study brings to the fore the high rates of depression and its negative impact on the quality of life of terminally ill cancer patients. An improvement in their quality of life requires measures to reduce the rate of underdiagnosed psychiatric morbidities, especially in those who are financially burdened and lack insurance coverage.
A UWB solution for wireless intra‐spacecraft transmissions of sensor and SpaceWire data
Authors: Puschita Emanuel , Ratiu Ovidiu , Drobczyk Martin , Panagiotopoulos Nickolaos , Kirei Botond Sándor , Vos Stefan , Ratiu Vlad , Gärtner Thomas , Pastrav Andra , Palade Tudor
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the design, testing, and validation of a ultra‐wideband (UWB) wireless solution to replace wired intra‐spacecraft communications with wireless communications. The system requirements are provided in the framework of the Eu:CROPIS mission and the wired intra‐spacecraft communication system is replaced with a two‐segment wireless network. As such, distinct sets of UWB gateways and nodes are prototyped to interface with the on‐board entities and properly handle the data transmission in the resulting spacecraft and payload wireless networks. To accomplish these tasks, a custom radio module integrated into the prototypes was designed to provide the appropriate UWB RF front‐end and run a custom‐built communication stack. The viability of the solution was tested in laboratory conditions. For the test scenarios, sensor data are acquired in the payload network and forwarded as SpaceWire packets over the spacecraft network. Experimental test results indicate the suitability of the proposed solution in terms of delay and data integrity for implementing intra‐spacecraft wireless communications.
An overview on consensus‐based approaches to processing collective inconsistency and knowledge integration
Authors: Nguyen Van Du , Truong Hai Bang , Merayo Mercedes G. , Nguyen Ngoc Thanh
Published: April 2019

The possibility of connecting billions of people around the world through network is the main characteristic of cyber‐physical systems production. To date, social web, virtual communities, and information sharing have been considered as additional sources of information, knowledge which is often referred to as the wisdom of crowds for information retrieval. In these cases, there exists a need to integrate all individual knowledge states originating from different sources concerning some common problems in the real world. Knowledge integration is considered as the key to improve decision quality and enhance the core competency of organizations. For such a task, the most important issue is processing inconsistency of knowledge. The first part of the paper presents an overview of consensus‐based approaches to processing collective inconsistency arising in the integration process. In addition, some issues concerning knowledge integration such as multi‐level integration and knowledge increase in a collective are also devoted. Furthermore, we will investigate the research problem concerning the role of collective knowledge in Collective Intelligence.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Data Preprocessing

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Big Data Mining
Resource-Tracking Concurrent Games
Authors: Alcolei Aurore , Clairambault Pierre , Laurent Olivier
Published: April 2019

We present a framework for game semantics based on concurrent games, that keeps track of resources as data modified throughout execution but not affecting its control flow. Our leading example is time, yet the construction is in fact parametrized by a resource bimonoid$$\mathcal {R}$$, an algebraic structure expressing resources and the effect of their consumption either sequentially or in parallel. Relying on our construction, we give a sound resource-sensitive denotation to $$\mathcal {R}$$-IPA, an affine higher-order concurrent programming language with shared state and a primitive for resource consumption in $$\mathcal {R}$$. Compared with general operational semantics parametrized by $$\mathcal {R}$$, our resource analysis turns out to be finer, leading to non-adequacy. Yet, our model is not degenerate as adequacy holds for an operational semantics specialized to time.

In regard to earlier semantic frameworks for tracking resources, the main novelty of our work is that it is based on a non-interleaving semantics, and as such accounts for parallel use of resources accurately.
Languages Ordered by the Subword Order
Authors: Kuske Dietrich , Zetzsche Georg
Published: April 2019

We consider a language together with the subword relation, the cover relation, and regular predicates. For such structures, we consider the extension of first-order logic by threshold- and modulo-counting quantifiers. Depending on the language, the used predicates, and the fragment of the logic, we determine four new combinations that yield decidable theories. These results extend earlier ones where only the language of all words without the cover relation and fragments of first-order logic were considered.
Towards a Structural Proof Theory of Probabilistic $$\mu $$ -Calculi
Authors: Lucas Christophe , Mio Matteo
Published: April 2019

We present a structural proof system, based on the machinery of hypersequent calculi, for a simple probabilistic modal logic underlying very expressive probabilistic
$$\mu $$
-calculi. We prove the soundness and completeness of the proof system with respect to an equational axiomatisation and the fundamental cut-elimination theorem.
Justness
Authors: van Glabbeek Rob
Published: April 2019

This paper poses that transition systems constitute a good model of distributed systems only in combination with a criterion telling which paths model complete runs of the represented systems. Among such criteria, progress is too weak to capture relevant liveness properties, and fairness is often too strong; for typical applications we advocate the intermediate criterion of justness. Previously, we proposed a definition of justness in terms of an asymmetric concurrency relation between transitions. Here we define such a concurrency relation for the transition systems associated to the process algebra CCS as well as its extensions with broadcast communication and signals, thereby making these process algebras suitable for capturing liveness properties requiring justness.
Change Actions: Models of Generalised Differentiation
Authors: Alvarez-Picallo Mario , Ong C.-H. Luke
Published: April 2019

Change structures, introduced by Cai et al., have recently been proposed as a semantic framework for incremental computation. We generalise change actions, an alternative to change structures, to arbitrary cartesian categories and propose the notion of change action model as a categorical model for (higher-order) generalised differentiation. Change action models naturally arise from many geometric and computational settings, such as (generalised) cartesian differential categories, group models of discrete calculus, and Kleene algebra of regular expressions. We show how to build canonical change action models on arbitrary cartesian categories, reminiscent of the Fàa di Bruno construction.
Gluing together modular flows with free fermions
Authors: Wong Gabriel
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We revisit the calculation of multi-interval modular Hamiltonians for free fermions using a Euclidean path integral approach. We show how the multi-interval modular flow is obtained by gluing together the single interval modular flows. Using this relation, we obtain an exact expression for the multi-interval modular Hamiltonian and entanglement entropy in agreement with existing results. An essential ingredient in our derivation is the introduction of the modular action. This determines the non-local field theory describing the free fermion reduced density matrix, and makes manifest it’s non-local conformal symmetry and U(1) Kacs-Moody symmetry.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Outcomes of Liver Resection for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hobeika Christian , Cauchy François , Poté Nicolas , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel , Durand François , Farges Olivier , Dokmak Safi , Vilgrain Valérie , Ronot Maxime , Paradis Valérie , Soubrane Olivier
Published: April 2019

Background

While the metabolic syndrome (MS) is being recognized as an important risk factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), the outcomes of liver resection in this context remain poorly described. This study aims to report the short‐ and long‐term results of hepatectomy for patients with MS as risk factor for the development of ICC (MS+).

Methods

All patients undergoing hepatectomy for ICC between 2000 and 2016 at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. The perioperative outcomes of MS+ and ICC patients without MS (MS−) were compared.

Results

Among 115 resected ICC patients, 40 (34.8%) were MS+ and 75 (65.2%) were MS−. MS+ exhibited an increased Charlson comorbidity index (5 ± 2 vs. 2 ± 2, p < 0.001) than MS− patients. While operative characteristics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, MS+ experienced higher rate of major complications (62.5 vs. 29.3%, p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, MS+ was an independent risk factor of major complication (HR 2.86, 95% CI 1.07–7.60, p = 0.036) and major cardiorespiratory complication (HR 4.35, 95% CI 1.50–12.62, p = 0.007). Pathological analysis revealed that MS+ displayed higher rates of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (60.0 vs. 31.1%, p = 0.003) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (25 vs. 5.4%, p = 0.005). MS+ was independently associated with decreased risk of recurrence (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26–0.85, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

MS+ accounts for 35% of resected ICC patients. The existence of significant cardiovascular comorbidities increases postoperative morbidity and requires specific management.
Correction to: The impact of transparency on mobile privacy decision making
Authors: Betzing Jan Hendrik , Tietz Matthias , vom Brocke Jan , Becker Jörg
Published: April 2019

The article “The impact of transparency on mobile privacy decision making”, written by Jan Hendrik Betzing, Matthias Tietz, Jan vom Brocke, Jörg Becker, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 07 February 2019 without open access.
Role of Interface Sign and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differential Diagnosis of Exophytic Renal Masses
Authors: Kulali Fatma , Kulali Safak Firat , Semiz-Oysu Aslihan , Kaya-Tuna Burcu , Bukte Yasar
Published: April 2019

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the role of interfaces of exophytic solid and cystic renal masses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging in differentiating benign from malignant lesions.

Methods

The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study, and informed consent was waived. A total of 265 patients (109 [41%] women and 156 [59%] men) with a mean age of 57 ± 12 (standard deviation) years were enrolled in this study. Preoperative MRI (n = 238) examinations of patients with solid or cystic renal masses and MRI (n = 27) examinations of patients with Bosniak IIF cysts without progression were reviewed. Solid/cystic pattern, interface types and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were recorded by 2 radiologists. The diagnostic performance of combining normalized ADC values with interface sign were evaluated.

Results

Among 265 renal lesions (109 cystic and 156 solid), all malignant lesions (n = 192) had a round interface. No malignant lesions showed an angular interface. For prediction of benignity in cystic lesions, sensitivity (82.86% vs 56.16%), negative predictive value (92.50% vs 85.71%), and accuracy (94.50% vs 87.92%) ratios of angular interface were higher compared to all (solid plus cystic) lesions. The best normalized ADC cutoff values for predicting malignancy in lesions with round interface were as follows: for all (solid plus cystic), ≤ 0.75 (AUROC = 0.804); solid, ≤ 0.6 (AUROC = 0.819); and cystic, ≤ 0.8 (AUROC = 0.936).

Conclusions

Angular interface can be a predictor of benignity for especially cystic renal masses. The evaluation of interface type with normalized ADC value can be an important clue in differential diagnosis especially in patients avoiding contrast.
Bondage-Discipline, Dominance-Submission and Sadomasochism (BDSM) From an Integrative Biopsychosocial Perspective: A Systematic Review
Authors: De Neef Nele , Coppens Violette , Huys Wim , Morrens Manuel
Published: April 2019

Introduction

BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism) increasingly receives attention from the scientific community. Where earlier research efforts mainly focused on epidemiologic characteristics, psychological and biologic factors driving BDSM preferences have recently gained interest as well.

Aim

To bring together all the existing scientific literature on BDSM from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Methods

Based on the PRISMA guidelines, the current systematic review brings together all the existing literature on BDSM from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Main Outcome Measure

Prevalence rates of BDSM interests were investigated in the literature, as well as the associations between BDSM interests on one hand and personality traits, adverse childhood experiences, education levels, sexual orientations and biological markers on the other.

Results

Biologic factors such as gender identity, sex hormone levels, and the neurologic constitution of the brain’s pain and reward systems influence BDSM orientation. With regard to psychological factors, both personality traits (eg, higher levels of openness or extraversion) and the presence of a personality disorder have been associated with a heightened interest in BDSM, although only limited supporting evidence is available. Additionally, sensation-seeking levels and impulsivity seem to contribute, because they presumably guide one’s drive to explore new or more-intense kinks. Whereas attachment styles impact couple dynamics, they also influence willingness to explore limits in a BDSM context. Lastly, education levels impact relational and sexual dynamics.

Strengths and Limitations

The limitations of the current review reflect those of the topical scientific literature. Although the number of studies focused on all aspects of BDSM is exponentially growing, most of these are only descriptive, and very few focus on underlying driving processes.

Conclusion

From this biopsychosocial perspective, we offer a dimensional approach while integrating the factors driving the onset and evolution of BDSM interests.
A Randomized Controlled Study of Group-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hypersexual Disorder in Men
Authors: Hallberg Jonas , Kaldo Viktor , Arver Stefan , Dhejne Cecilia , Jokinen Jussi , Öberg Katarina Görts
Published: April 2019

Background

Hypersexual disorder (HD) is defined as a condition in which the individual loses control over engagement in sexual behaviors, leading to distress and negative effects on key life areas. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven to reduce symptoms of hypersexual behavior; however, no randomized controlled study of CBT interventions for HD has been reported previously.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of group-administered CBT for HD.

Methods

Male participants (n = 137) diagnosed with HD, were randomized between 7 weeks of group-administered CBT (n = 70) and a waitlist control receiving the intervention after 8 weeks (n = 67). Measurements were administered at pre-, mid-, and posttreatment, with follow-up after 3 and 6 months.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was the Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale (HD:CAS), and secondary outcomes were the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) and measures of depression (Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S), psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), and treatment satisfaction (CSQ-8).

Results

A significantly greater decrease in HD symptoms and sexual compulsivity, as well as significantly greater improvements in psychiatric well-being, were found for the treatment condition compared with the waitlist. These effects remained stable at 3 and 6 months after treatment.

Clinical Implications

CBT can ameliorate HD symptoms and psychiatric distress, suggesting that the CBT program may serve as a first-line treatment in clinical settings.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the first randomized controlled study evaluating the efficacy of a CBT program in a rather large sample of HD-specific diagnosed men. The long-term treatment effects are vague due to the low response rate on follow-up measurements, and the efficacy of this program for hypersexual women remains unknown.

Conclusion

This study supports the efficacy of a group-administered CBT program as a treatment option for HD; however, future studies should include women, comprise dismantling analysis of the constituting interventions, and evaluate other treatment formats, for example, administration via the Internet.
Design of scaled model for dynamic characteristics of stiffened cylindrical shells based on equivalent similar method
Authors: Zhou L. L. , Li D. K.
Published: April 2019

Scaled model test is an effective means to verify the design of a stiffened cylindrical shell. However, there is a problem of similarity distortion by use of the traditional dimensional analysis to design scaled models. In this present study, an equivalent similar method is proposed to solve the problem. The method is applied to an axial stiffened cylindrical shell, and the equivalent criteria and scaling laws satisfying the equivalent similarity of global bending mode are derived and verified by numerical examples. The results indicate that the similarity distortion caused by practical conditions for the stiffened cylindrical shell can be solved and the parameters of scaled model can be designed more freely with the proposed equivalent similar method.