bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slow depressurization following intradiscal injection leads to injectate leakage in a large animal model
Authors: Varden Lara J. , Nguyen Duc T. , Michalek Arthur J.
Published: July 2019

Needle injection has been indicated as the most practical method of delivering therapeutic agents to the intervertebral disc due to the disc's largely avascular nature. As the disc is characterized by both high stiffness and low permeability, injection requires substantial pressure, which may not relax on practical time scales. Additionally, needle puncture results in a localized disruption to the annulus fibrosus that can provide a leakage pathway for pressurized injectate. We hypothesized that intradiscal injection would result in slow relaxation of injectate pressure, followed by leakage upon needle retraction. This hypothesis was tested via controlled injection of fluorescently labeled saline into bovine caudal discs via a 21 gauge needle. Injections were performed with 10% of total disc volume injected at 3%/s followed by a 4‐minute dwell. An analytical poroelastic model was calibrated to the experimental data and used to estimate injectate delivery with time. Experimental results confirmed both pressurization (with a peak of 199 ± 45 kPa) and slow recovery (final pressure of 81 ± 23 kPa). Injectate leakage through the needle puncture was verified following needle retraction in all samples. Histological sections of the discs displayed a clear defect at each disc's injection site with strong fluorescent labeling indicating a leakage pathway. The modeling results suggest that less than one‐fourth of the injected volume was absorbed by the tissue in 4 minutes. Taken together these results suggest that needle injection is a feasible, albeit inefficient method for delivery of therapeutic agents into the intervertebral disc. Particular care should be taken to aspirate un‐absorbed injectate prior to needle retraction to prevent leakage and exposure of surrounding tissues.
Maximizing dissemination and engaging readers: The other 50% of an author's day: A case study
Authors: Green Toby
Published: July 2019

Key points

Dissemination should be the other 50% of what authors do: being read and having impact will not happen by itself.

Authors can influence discovery and readership through owned media – i.e. their own communication activities.

Earned media – i.e. when influencers write about your work – is key to reaching larger and more diverse audiences.

There is plenty of data for tracking engagement and use of articles, but it is scattered across multiple tools and providers and can be misleading or even incorrect.

Listservs can have higher engagement than modern, ‘cool’, social networking tools.
Older Donor Age Is a Risk Factor for Negative Outcomes After Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Using Small‐for‐Size Grafts
Authors: Macshut Mahmoud , Kaido Toshimi , Yao Siyuan , Yagi Shintaro , Ito Takashi , Kamo Naoko , Nagai Kazuyuki , Sharshar Mohamed , Uemoto Shinji
Published: July 2019

Adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) using small‐for‐size grafts (SFSGs), ie, a graft with a graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) <0.8%, has been a challenge that should be carefully dealt with, and risk factors in this category are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine the risk factors and outcomes of ALDLT using SFSGs over a 13‐year period in 121 patients who had undergone their first ALDLT using SFSGs. Small‐for‐size syndrome (SFSS), early graft loss, and 1‐year mortality were encountered in 21.6%, 14.9%, and 18.4% of patients, respectively. By multivariate analysis, older donor age (≥45 years) was an independent risk factor for SFSS (odds ratio [OR], 4.46; P = 0.004), early graft loss (OR, 4.11; P = 0.02), and 1‐year mortality (OR, 3.76; P = 0.02). Child‐Pugh C class recipients were associated with a higher risk of SFSS development (P = 0.013; OR, 7.44). Despite no significant difference between GRWR categories in the multivariate outcome analysis of the whole population, in the survival analysis of the 2 donor age groups, GRWR <0.6% was associated with significantly lower 1‐year survival than the other GRWR categories in the younger donor group. Moreover, in the high final portal venous pressure (PVP) group (>15 mm Hg), younger ABO‐compatible donors showed 100% 1‐year survival with a significant difference from the group of other donors. Older donor age was an independent risk factor for SFSS, early graft loss, and 1‐year mortality after ALDLT using SFSGs. GRWR should not be <0.6%, and PVP modulation is indicated when grafts from older or ABO‐incompatible donors are used.
A Comprehensive Outlook of Synthetic Strategies and Applications of Redox‐Responsive Nanogels in Drug Delivery
Authors: Kumar Parveen , Liu Bo , Behl Gautam
Published: July 2019

Increasing recognition of the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of many clinical conditions and the existence of defined redox potential in healthy tissues has led to extensive research in the development of redox‐responsive materials for biomedical applications. Especially, considerable growth has been seen in the fabrication of polymeric nanogel–based drug delivery carriers utilizing redox‐responsive cross‐linkers bearing a variety of functional groups via various synthetic strategies. Redox‐responsive polymeric nanogels provide an advantage of facile chemical modification post synthesis and exhibit a remarkable response to biological redox stimuli. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, a more profound combined conceptual knowledge from a chemical and biological point of view is imperative for the rational design of redox‐responsive nanogels. The present review provides an insight into the design and fabrication of redox‐responsive nanogels with particular emphasis on synthetic strategies utilized for the development of redox‐responsive cross‐linkers, polymerization techniques being followed for nanogel development and biomedical applications. Cooperative effect of redox trigger with other stimuli such as pH and temperature in the evolution of dual and triple stimuli‐responsive nanogels is also discussed.
Comprehensive mismatch repair gene panel identifies variants in patients with Lynch‐like syndrome
Authors: Xavier Alexandre , Olsen Maren Fridtjofsen , Lavik Liss A. , Johansen Jostein , Singh Ashish Kumar , Sjursen Wenche , Scott Rodney J. , Talseth‐Palmer Bente A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Lynch‐like syndrome (LLS) represents around 50% of the patients fulfilling the Amsterdam Criteria II/revised Bethesda Guidelines, characterized by a strong family history of Lynch Syndrome (LS) associated cancer, where a causative variant was not identified during genetic testing for LS.

Methods

Using data extracted from a larger gene panel, we have analyzed next‐generation sequencing data from 22 mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MSH3, PMS1, MLH3, EXO1, POLD1, POLD3 RFC1, RFC2, RFC3, RFC4, RFC5, PCNA, LIG1, RPA1, RPA2, RPA3, POLD2, POLD4, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) in 274 LLS patients. Detected variants were annotated and filtered using ANNOVAR and FILTUS software.

Results

Thirteen variants were revealed in MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6, all genes previously linked to LS. Five additional genes (EXO1, POLD1, RFC1, RPA1, and MLH3) were found to harbor 11 variants of unknown significance in our sample cohort, two of them being frameshift variants.

Conclusion

We have shown that other genes associated with the process of DNA MMR have a high probability of being associated with LLS families. These findings indicate that the spectrum of genes that should be tested when considering an entity like Lynch‐like syndrome should be expanded so that a more inclusive definition of this entity can be developed.
Three‐dimensional Navier‐Stokes‐Voight equation with a memory and the Brinkman‐Forchheimer damping term
Authors: Wang Xiuqing , Qin Yuming
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we consider the 3D Navier‐Stokes‐Voight model with a nonlinear damping, where the instantaneous kinematic viscosity is replaced by a memory through a distributed delay effect. We prove that the system possesses global and exponential attractors
, where ε∈(0,1) is the scaling parameter in the memory kernel. We also prove that the model converges to the classical Navier‐Stokes‐Voight model with nonlinear damping when ε→0 as t→∞. Our results have extended those in Plinio et al.
Choline Supplementation Ameliorates Behavioral Deficits and Alzheimer's Disease‐Like Pathology in Transgenic APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Guan Xingying , Chen Xuedan , Cai Yulong , Ma Yuanyuan , Ma Jiming , Zhang Qiming , Dai Limeng , Fan Xiaotang , Bai Yun
Published: July 2019

Scope

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a detrimental neurodegenerative disease and has no known effective treatment. The essential nutrient choline potentially plays an important role in cognition. Perinatal choline supplementation (CS) is critical for memory performance. Findings have shown that postnatal choline‐containing compounds enhance memory functions in populations with memory impairments. However, whether CS can be targeted to decelerate the progression of AD remains unknown.

Methods and results

APP/PS1 mice and their wild‐type littermates are fed either a control or CS diet from 2 to 11 months of age. As compared to WT mice, APP/PS1 mice on the control diet are characterized by the reduction in the number of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, reduced cholinergic fiber staining intensity in the amygdala, and reduced hippocampal and cerebral cortical levels of choline and acetylcholine. CS partially prevents these changes and ameliorates cognitive deficits and anxiety. Furthermore, amyloid‐β deposition and microgliosis are decreased in the APP/PS1 mice fed a CS diet. These effects may have been due to inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and restoration of synapse membrane formation.

Conclusion

These findings reveal a beneficial effect of CS on AD progression during adulthood and provide a likely therapeutic intervention for AD patients.
Effect of Synbiotic Supplementation in a Very‐Low‐Calorie Ketogenic Diet on Weight Loss Achievement and Gut Microbiota: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Repiso Carolina , Hernández‐García Carmen , García‐Almeida José Manuel , Bellido Diego , Martín‐Núñez Gracia María , Sánchez‐Alcoholado Lidia , Alcaide‐Torres Juan , Sajoux Ignacio , Tinahones Francisco J. , Moreno‐Indias Isabel
Published: July 2019

Scope

Little is known about the changes that a very‐low‐calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) produces in gut microbiota or the effect of synbiotics during the diet. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in gut microbiota produced by a VLCKD and synbiotic supplementation.

Methods and results

A randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐design trial is conducted in 33 obese patients who follow a weight‐loss program (PnK‐Method) that include a VLCKD followed by a low‐calorie diet (LCD). Subjects are randomly allocated to three groups: one supplemented with synbiotics, a second group supplemented with a placebo during the VLCKD and synbiotics during the LCD phase, and a control group given a placebo.

Although symbiotic administration do not produce an effect on microbial diversity, an increase in short‐chain fatty aciding producing bacteria and anti‐inflammatory mediator signals such as Odoribacter and Lachnospira is shown. The administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and prebiotics fiber during the LCD is significantly associated with the percentage of weight loss and change in glucose, C‐reactive protein and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein.

Conclusions

VLCKD produces important changes in gut microbiota. The administration of synbiotics during VLCKD can improve weight loss through the amelioration of inflammation, which may be mediated by the gut microbiota.
Epidemiology, progression, and predictive factors of urinary incontinence in older community‐dwelling Mexican adults: Longitudinal data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study
Authors: Giraldo‐Rodríguez Liliana , Agudelo‐Botero Marcela , Mino‐León Dolores , Álvarez‐Cisneros Teresa
Published: July 2019

Aims

To understand the epidemiology, progression, and predictive factors of urinary incontinence (UI) in community‐dwelling Mexican adults aged ≥ 50 by sex and UI subtypes (stress, urge, and mixed).

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal UI data in community‐dwelling adults aged ≥ 50 (7783 women and 5843 men) for the 2012 to 2015 period of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. We estimated mixed, stress, and urgency incontinence prevalence (2012); 2‐year cumulative incidence and remissions (2015); and progression (2012‐2015). A multivariate analysis was undertaken to evaluate the predictive factors for UI and its subtypes by sex.

Results

The prevalence of UI was higher (27.7%) for women (average age 65.9 ± 9.5) than 12.5% men (average age 67.4 ± 9.3) and increased with age in both sexes (26.7% in women 50 to 59, to 48.5% in ≥ 90; and 6.8% in men 50 to 59, to 26.2% ≥ 90). The most frequent UI subtypes were mixed in women and urge in men. The cumulative incidence of UI was higher in women (22.9%) than men (12.3%) while its remission was higher in men than women. Predictive factors for UI in both sexes were depressive symptoms, a higher number of concomitant diseases and a history of falls; while advanced age was a factor only for men.

Conclusions

UI is a common health problem and its prevalence and severity increase with age. Addressing modifiable risk factors such as depression and falls could decrease the prevalence and incidence of UI and its subtypes. Further studies should also focus on the relationship between mixed UI and male mortality.
The solvatochromic response of benzo[a]fluorenone in aprotic solvents compared with benzo[b]fluorenone and 9‐fluorenone
Authors: Kopkalli Yasemin , Celius Tevye C. , Dickson‐Karn Nicole M. , Davenport Lesley , Williams Brian Wesley
Published: July 2019

The solvatochromism and possible excited state deactivation pathways of benzo[a]fluorenone were investigated and compared with the related aromatic compounds 9‐fluorenone and benzo[b]fluorenone. These molecules can serve as molecular building blocks with application in light emitting diodes, catalysts, and dye‐sensitized solar cells. A study of the effect changes in aromatic structure might have on their relative photophysical responses is therefore of interest. Steady‐state absorption and emission spectra, Lippert‐Mataga plots, fluorescence lifetimes, and absolute quantum yields were used in tandem with time dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations to investigate solvatochromism, excited state decay, and the relative energies of singlet and triplet excited states. It was found that changes in aromaticity affect the energetic order and character of the excited singlet and triplet states differently among these fluorenones as solvent polarity is varied. The observed fluorescence emission from all these molecules can be understood in terms of their relative ability to undergo intersystem crossing. Additional calculations on the related benzo[c]fluorenone predict that its solvatochromic behavior should resemble that of benzo[a]fluorenone.
Dynamic Aha1 co‐chaperone binding to human Hsp90
Authors: Oroz Javier , Blair Laura J. , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: July 2019

Hsp90 is an essential chaperone that requires large allosteric changes to determine its ATPase activity and client binding. The co‐chaperone Aha1, which is the major ATPase stimulator in eukaryotes, is important for regulation of Hsp90's allosteric timing. Little is known, however, about the structure of the Hsp90/Aha1 complex. Here, we characterize the solution structure of unmodified human Hsp90/Aha1 complex using NMR spectroscopy. We show that the 214‐kDa complex forms by a two‐step binding mechanism and adopts multiple conformations in the absence of nucleotide. Aha1 induces structural changes near Hsp90's nucleotide‐binding site, providing a basis for its ATPase‐enhancing activity. Our data reveal important aspects of this pivotal chaperone/co‐chaperone interaction and emphasize the relevance of characterizing dynamic chaperone structures in solution.
Leveraging technology to minimize operational error and hazards—Rise of the Operator 2.0
Authors: Thompson Michael , Falco Jenna
Published: July 2019

We are living in a time where operations and reliability are being impacted by the limits of our own humanity. Decades of research in the field of human factors engineering has shown that, often, we as humans are in fact the weakest link in the successful operation of a plant or facility. Complex systems coupled with the human element give rise to a new class of problem, the socio‐technical problem. Fortunately, we now have proven technology to mitigate some of our inherent shortcomings. The use of this technology can radically alter the way we operate and will give rise to what I call the Operator 2.0. Imagine automated work procedures that appear in the operators work environment that guide them through an activity, instant access to remote expertise that guide them through troubleshooting from anywhere in the world, and a technology that can reduce training time for operators and technicians from years, down to months. Imagine sending a drone to perform an inspection in the process, as opposed to sending an operator into harm's way. Think of the implications of not having people in the actual process. This opportunity exists today.
Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulation of the Growth of AlN Films by Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: An Jiadai , Dai Xianying , Wu Wujian , Guo Runqiu , Feng Lansheng
Published: July 2019

Based on first‐principle calculation and Grove's model of chemical vapor deposition, a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation of AlN film growth by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is studied. The previous KMC simulation of group III nitrides just involved surface reactions, whereas the simulation herein takes consideration of the gas‐phase reactions. First, the activation energy of chemical reactions during AlN film growth by MOCVD is calculated to establish the model. Then, the reaction rate parameters of gas‐phase and surface reactions are modified based on Grove's model. Furthermore, the effects of temperature and pressure on growth rate and surface roughness are investigated by KMC simulation. The simulation results demonstrate that ≈1100 °C with lower pressure is an appropriate growth condition for AlN films by MOCVD. The theoretical calculations provide an important insight into the optimization of AlN films in growth rate and surface roughness at the microscopic level during the growth process in the experiment.
Large Magnetoelectric Coupling in a Y‐Type Hexaferrite
Authors: Yang Yanting , Jiang Kaidi , Wu Qiong , Ge Hongliang
Published: July 2019

The enhanced magnetoelectric properties of Ba0.5Sr1.5Zn2(In0.08Fe0.92)12O22 are demonstrated. This hexaferrite exhibits great magnetoelectric tunability and high electrical resistivity. Mutual modulation of ferroelectricity and magnetism is simultaneously achieved near room temperature. Moreover, the reversal of M direction by an electrical field is obtained at low magnetic field. This study illuminates a potential application in magnetoelectric devices.
Anisotropic Distribution of Phase Boundaries and its Potential Correlation with Magnetic Properties in a Sintered NdFeB Permanent Magnet
Authors: Yuan Xiaokun , Zhu Jie
Published: July 2019

This work reports the grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) on a statistical meaning of phase boundaries that are between Nd2Fe14B and thin‐layer‐like Nd‐rich phases in a sintered NdFeB magnet. In the low‐textured sample, the phase boundaries are divided into preferred phase boundaries (with a preferred misorientation of 31°/[001] across the boundary plane) and random phase boundaries. By the five parameter analysis (FPA) method, the orientations of phase boundaries as well as the subsets are textured. The correlation between the GBCDs and magnetic properties is suggested via the illustrated anisotropic features at phase boundary positions.
Beta-Cell Dedifferentiation in Type 2 Diabetes: Concise Review
Authors: Efrat Shimon
Published: July 2019

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is caused by an inherited predisposition to pancreatic islet β-cell failure, which is manifested under cellular stress induced by metabolic overload. The decrease in the functional β-cell mass associated with T2D has been attributed primarily to β-cell death; however, studies in recent years suggested that β-cell dedifferentiation may contribute to this decline. The mechanisms linking genetic factors and cellular stress to β-cell dedifferentiation remain largely unknown. This study evaluated the evidence for β-cell dedifferentiation in T2D, and T2D and examined experimental systems in which its mechanisms may be studied. Understanding these mechanisms may allow prevention of β-cell dedifferentiation or induction of cell redifferentiation for restoration of the functional β-cell mass. Stem Cells  2019;37:1267–1272
Light fermionic WIMP dark matter with light scalar mediator
Authors: Matsumoto Shigeki , Tsai Yue-Lin Sming , Tseng Po-Yan
Published: July 2019

Abstract

A light fermionic weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter is investigated by studying its minimal renormalizable model, where it requires a scalar mediator to have an interaction between the WIMP and standard model particles. We perform a comprehensive likelihood analysis of the model involving the latest but robust constraints and those will be obtained in the near future. In addition, we pay particular attention to properly take the kinematically equilibrium condition into account. It is shown that near-future experiments and observations such as low-mass direct dark matter detections, flavor experiments and CMB observations play important roles to test the model. Still, a wide parameter region will remain even if no WIMP and mediator signals are detected there. We also show that precise Higgs boson measurements at future lepton colliders will significantly test this remaining region.
Effective gauge theories of superfluidity with topological order
Authors: Hirono Yuji , Tanizaki Yuya
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We discuss the low-energy dynamics of superfluidity with topological order in (3 + 1) spacetime dimensions. We generalize a topologicalBFtheory by introducing a non-squareKmatrix, and this generalizedBFtheory can describe massless Nambu-Goldstone bosons and anyonic statistics between vortices and quasiparticles. We discuss the general structure of discrete and continuous higher-form symmetries in this theory, which can be used to classify quantum phases. We describe how to identify the appearance of topological order in such systems and discuss its relation to a mixed ’t Hooft anomaly between discrete higher-form symmetries. We apply this framework to the color-flavor locked phase of dense QCD, which shows anyonic particle-vortex statistics while no topological order appears. An explicit example of superfluidity with topological order is discussed.
Quantum quenches and thermalization in SYK models
Authors: Bhattacharya Ritabrata , Jatkar Dileep P. , Sorokhaibam Nilakash
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We study non-equilibrium dynamics in SYK models using quantum quench. We consider models with two, four, and higher fermion interactions (q= 2,4, and higher) and use two different types of quench protocol, which we call step and bump quenches. We analyse evolution of fermion two-point functions without long time averaging. We observe that inq= 2 theory the two-point functions do not thermalize. We find thermalization inq= 4 and higher theories without long time averaging. We calculate two different exponents of which one is equal to the coupling and the other is proportional to the final temperature. This result is more robust than thermalization obtained from long time averaging as proposed by the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis(ETH). Thermalization achieved without long time averaging is more akin to mixing than ergodicity.
Impulsivity and nonsuicidal self‐injury: A longitudinal examination among emerging adults
Authors: Hamza Chloe A. , Willoughby Teena
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (e.g., self‐cutting without lethal intent) is a widely occurring behavior among adolescents and emerging adults. Heightened impulsivity during the adolescent and emerging adult years may contribute to an increased risk for nonsuicidal self‐injury onset and engagement during these developmental periods; however, longitudinal research on impulsivity and nonsuicidal self‐injury among young persons is lacking.

Method

To extend previous research, and elucidate the direction of effects between impulsivity and nonsuicidal self‐injury, 782 emerging adults (75% female) completed assessments of impulsivity and nonsuicidal self‐injury annually for three years.

Results

Path analysis revealed a bidirectional relation, such that higher impulsivity predicted greater nonsuicidal self‐injury frequency over time, and greater nonsuicidal self‐injury frequency predicted higher impulsivity over time, even after taking into account past scores on these variables as well as other participant factors (e.g., age, sex, depressive symptoms, anxiety). Gender did not moderate the pattern of associations.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that impulsivity may not only lead to nonsuicidal self‐injury, but that frequent engagement in nonsuicidal self‐injury may undermine regulatory skill development and lead to greater impulsivity over time during the emerging adult years.
Meta-Analysis of the Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerance of Tadalafil Daily Compared With Tadalafil On-Demand in Treating Men With Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Zhou Zhongbao , Chen Hongyan , Wu Jitao , Wang Jipeng , Zhang Xuebao , Ma Jiajia , Cui Yuanshan
Published: July 2019

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent in aging men. Tadalafil daily and on-demand are widely used for the treatment of ED.

Aim

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tadalafil daily compared with tadalafil on-demand in treating men with ED after at least 24 weeks of long-term treatment.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials of tadalafil daily vs on-demand in treating men with ED were searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Systematic review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. The data was calculated by RevMan version 5.3.0. The references of related articles were also searched.

Outcomes

International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain, sexual encounter profile question 2 (SEP2), SEP question 3 (SEP3), any treatment-emergent adverse event (AE), discontinuation due to AEs, myalgia, back pain, headache, dyspepsia, and nasopharyngitis.

Results

4 articles, including 1,035 participants were studied. The analysis found that tadalafil daily had a greater improvement than tadalafil on-demand in terms of International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (mean difference (MD) 1.24; 95% CI 0.03−2.44; P = .04), SEP2 (MD 10.08; 95% CI 9.15−11.01; P < .00001) and SEP3 (MD 8.19; 95% CI 2.09−14.29; P = .009) in treating ED after at least 24 weeks treatment cycle. For safety, tadalafil on-demand had a higher incidence of any treatment-emergent AE (odds ratio 0.73; 95% CI 0.56−0.96; P = .02) compared with tadalafil daily, but for other aspects, including discontinuation due to AEs, myalgia, back pain, headache, dyspepsia, and nasopharyngitis, there were no significant difference between the 2 treatments.

Clinical Implications

Tadalafil daily may offer a better effect for ED than on-demand for long-term treatment.

Strengths and Limitations

From the perspective of evidence-based medicine, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of tadalafil daily compared with tadalafil on-demand in treating men with ED after a long-term treatment. The quality of these studies included is flawed, primarily in difference in tadalafil doses and severity of the ED.

Conclusion

Tadalafil daily provides a preferable therapeutic effect for ED with a lower incidence of treatment-emergent side effects relative to tadalafil on-demand after at least 24 weeks of long-term treatment.
Dynamics of poles in two-dimensional hydrodynamics with free surface: new constants of motion
Authors: Dyachenko A. I. , Dyachenko S. A. , Lushnikov P. M. , Zakharov V. E.
Published: July 2019

We address the problem of the potential motion of an ideal incompressible fluid with a free surface and infinite depth in a two-dimensional geometry. We admit the presence of gravity forces and surface tension. A time-dependent conformal mapping $z(w,t)$ of the lower complex half-plane of the variable $w$ into the area filled with fluid is performed with the real line of $w$ mapped into the free fluid’s surface. We study the dynamics of singularities of both $z(w,t)$ and the complex fluid potential $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}(w,t)$ in the upper complex half-plane of $w$. We show the existence of solutions with an arbitrary finite number $N$ of complex poles in $z_{w}(w,t)$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}_{w}(w,t)$ which are the derivatives of $z(w,t)$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}(w,t)$ over $w$. We stress that these solutions are not purely rational because they generally have branch points at other positions of the upper complex half-plane. The orders of poles can be arbitrary for zero surface tension while all orders are even for non-zero surface tension. We find that the residues of $z_{w}(w,t)$ at these $N$ points are new, previously unknown, constants of motion, see also Zakharov & Dyachenko (2012, authors’ unpublished observations, arXiv:1206.2046) for the preliminary results. All these constants of motion commute with each other in the sense of the underlying Hamiltonian dynamics. In the absence of both gravity and surface tension, the residues of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}_{w}(w,t)$ are also the constants of motion while non-zero gravity $g$ ensures a trivial linear dependence of these residues on time. A Laurent series expansion of both $z_{w}(w,t)$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}_{w}(w,t)$ at each poles position reveals the existence of additional integrals of motion for poles of the second order. If all poles are simple then the number of independent real integrals of motion is $4N$ for zero gravity and $4N-1$ for non-zero gravity. For the second-order poles we found $6N$ motion integrals for zero gravity and $6N-1$ for non-zero gravity. We suggest that the existence of these non-trivial constants of motion provides an argument in support of the conjecture of complete integrability of free surface hydrodynamics in deep water. Analytical results are solidly supported by high precision numerics.
Predictions of the effective slip length and drag reduction with a lubricated micro-groove surface in a turbulent channel flow
Authors: Chang Jaehee , Jung Taeyong , Choi Haecheon , Kim John
Published: July 2019

We perform direct numerical simulations of a turbulent channel flow with a lubricated micro-grooved surface to investigate the effects of this surface on the slip characteristics at the interface and the friction drag. The interface between water and lubricant is assumed to be flat, i.e. the surface-tension effect is neglected. The solid substrate, where a lubricant is infused, is composed of straight longitudinal grooves. The flow rate of water inside the channel is maintained constant, and a lubricant layer under the interface is shear driven by the turbulent water flow above. A turbulent channel flow with a superhydrophobic (i.e. air-lubricated) surface having the same solid substrate configuration is also simulated for comparison. The results show that the drag reduction with the liquid-infused surface highly depends on the lubricant viscosity as well as the groove width and aspect ratio. The amounts of drag reduction with the liquid-infused surfaces are not as good as those with superhydrophobic surfaces, but are still meaningfully large. For instance, the maximum drag reduction by the heptane-infused surface is approximately 13 % for a rectangular groove whose spanwise width and depth in wall units are 12 and 14.4, respectively, whereas a superhydrophobic surface with the same geometry results in a drag reduction of 21 %. The mean slip length normalized by the viscosity ratio and groove depth depends on the groove aspect ratio. The ratio of fluctuating spanwise slip length to the streamwise one is between 0.25 (ideal surface without groove structures) and 1 (i.e. isotropic slip), indicating that the slip is anisotropic. Using the Stokes flow assumption, the effective streamwise and spanwise slip lengths are expressed as a function of groove geometric parameters and lubricant viscosity. We also suggest a predictive model for drag reduction with the heptane-lubricated surface by combining the predicted effective slip lengths with the drag reduction formula used for riblets (Luchini et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 228, 1991, pp. 87–109). The predicted drag reductions are in good agreements with those from the present and previous direct numerical simulations.
Comment on: Tang et al. [2019]: A problematic animal fossil from the early Cambrian Hetang Formation, South China
Authors: Slater Ben J. , Budd Graham E.
Published: July 2019

Tang et al. (2019) described new specimens of carbonaceous compression fossils from the early Cambrian Hetang Formation in South China, for which they established the new taxonCambrowania ovataTang and Xiao in Tang et al., 2019. Tang et al. (2019) interpreted these fossils as the remains of metazoans, representing either the carapaces of bivalve arthropods, or early life-cycle stages of sponges. We contest the animal affinity of these fossils; instead, we propose that the specimens described asCambrowania ovataare actually largeLeiosphaeridia—in other words, collapsed hollow organic spheroidal acritarchs. The features described by Tang et al. (2019) all fall into the morphology of carbonaceous compressions ofLeiosphaeridiawith pyritized/baritized folds and compaction wrinkles. SuchLeiosphaeridiaare a common component of Cambrian (and older) siliciclastic deposits, and frequently exhibit such a pattern of pyritization, baritization, and encrustation with other diagenetic minerals.
Is the Sibuya distribution a progeny?
Authors: Letac Gérard
Published: July 2019

For 0 < a < 1, the Sibuya distribution sa is concentrated on the set ℕ+ of positive integers and is defined by the generating function $$\sum\nolimits_{n = 1}^\infty s_a (n)z^{{\kern 1pt} n} = 1 - (1 - z)^a$$. A distribution q on ℕ+ is called a progeny if there exists a branching process (Zn)n≥0 such that Z0 = 1, such that $$(Z_1 ) \le 1$$, and such that q is the distribution of $$\sum\nolimits_{n = 0}^\infty Z_n$$. this paper we prove that sa is a progeny if and only if $${\textstyle{1 \over 2}} \le a < 1$$. The main point is to find the values of b = 1/a such that the power series expansion of u(1 − (1 − u)b)−1 has nonnegative coefficients.
Exact sampling of the infinite horizon maximum of a random walk over a nonlinear boundary
Authors: Blanchet Jose , Dong Jing , Liu Zhipeng
Published: July 2019

We present the first algorithm that samples maxn≥0{Sn − nα}, where Sn is a mean zero random walk, and nα with $\alpha \in ({1 \over 2},1)$ defines a nonlinear boundary. We show that our algorithm has finite expected running time. We also apply this algorithm to construct the first exact simulation method for the steady-state departure process of a GI/GI/∞ queue where the service time distribution has infinite mean.
Socioeconomic determinants of community knowledge and practice in relation to malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of central India
Authors: Singh Mrigendra Pal , Saha Kalyan Brata , Chand Sunil Kumar , Savargaonkar Deepali
Published: July 2019

This study was undertaken with an aim of exploring community knowledge and treatment practices related to malaria and their determinants in high- and low-transmission areas of central India. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out between August 2015 and January 2016 in two high- and two low-malaria-endemic districts of central India. A total of 1470 respondents were interviewed using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Respondents residing in high-transmission areas with higher literacy levels, and of higher socioeconomic status, were found to practise more modern preventive measures than those living in low-transmission areas with low literacy levels and who were economically poor. Level of literacy, socioeconomic status and area (district) of residence were found to be the main factors affecting people’s knowledge of malaria aetiology and clinical features, and prevention and treatment practices, in this community in central India.
Is routine disinfection efficient in preventing contamination with Toxocara canis eggs?
Authors: Ursache A.L. , Mircean V. , Dumitrache M. , Andrei S. , Ştefănuţ L. , Cozma V. , Cătană R. , Cernea M.
Published: July 2019

Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782) is a zoonotic nematode commonly parasitizing dogs worldwide with great public health importance as the aetiological agent of human toxocariasis. In this respect, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of six disinfectant products commonly used in kennels, veterinary clinics and as household cleaning products on the embryogenesis and viability of T. canis eggs. The composition of active ingredients in these commercial disinfectants was sodium hypochlorite (A); a mix of N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropan-1.3-diamine and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (B); sodium dichloroisocyanurate dehydrate (C); a mix of glutaraldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-c12-18-alkyldimethyl and chlorides (D); a mix of 2-propanol, ethanol, benzalkonium chloride and glucoprotamin (E); a mix of pentapotassium bis (peroxymonosulphate) bis (sulphate), sodium C10-13-alkylbenzenesulphonate, malic acid, sulphamidic acid, sodium toluenesulphonate, dipotassium peroxodisulphate and dipentene (F). After dilution, the tested disinfectants had the maximal concentration recommended by the manufacturer in order to achieve a biocidal effect. Each product was tested on approximately 10,000 T. canis eggs, having five different contact times (5, 10, 15, 30, 60 min). Three replicates were tested for each diluted disinfectant and for each contact time. After the treatment, eggs were washed and incubated in distilled water at 27 °C for 2 weeks. None of the tested products had a significant inhibitory effect on the embryogenesis and viability of T. canis eggs, regardless of the contact time. Moreover, after 2 weeks, in all tested samples, eggs containing motile infective larvae were identified, showing that routinely used disinfectants do not eliminate risk of infection by T. canis.
Fetal Repair of Open Neural Tube Defects: Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
Authors: RADIC JULIA A.E. , ILLES JUDY , MCDONALD PATRICK J.
Published: July 2019

Open neural tube defects or myelomeningoceles are a common congenital condition caused by failure of closure of the neural tube early in gestation, leading to a number of neurologic sequelae including paralysis, hindbrain herniation, hydrocephalus and neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction. Traditionally, the condition was treated by closure of the defect postnatally but a recently completed randomized controlled trial of prenatal versus postnatal closure demonstrated improved neurologic outcomes in the prenatal closure group. Fetal surgery, or more precisely maternal-fetal surgery, raises a number of ethical issues that we address including who the patient is, informed consent, surgical innovation and equipoise as well maternal assumption of risk. As the procedure becomes more widely adopted into practice, we suggest close monitoring of new fetal surgery centers, in order to ensure that the positive results of the trial are maintained without increased risk to both the mother and fetus.
Encircling granulosa cells protects against di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-induced apoptosis in rat oocytes cultured in vitro
Authors: Tripathi Anima , Pandey Vivek , Sahu A.N. , Singh Alok K. , Dubey Pawan K.
Published: July 2019

The present study investigated if the presence of encircling granulosa cells protected against di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-induced oxidative stress in rat oocytes cultured in vitro. Denuded oocytes and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated with or without various doses of DEHP (0.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 μM) in vitro. Morphological apoptotic changes, levels of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and expression levels of apoptotic markers (Bcl2, Bax, cytochrome c) were analyzed. Our results showed that DEHP induced morphological apoptotic changes in a dose-dependent manner in denuded oocytes cultured in vitro. The effective dose of DEHP (400 µg) significantly (P>0.05) increased oxidative stress by elevating ROS levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential with higher mRNA expression and protein levels of apoptotic markers (Bax, cytochrome c). Encircling granulosa cells protected oocytes from DEHP-induced morphological changes, increased oxidative stress and ROS levels, as well as increased expression of apoptotic markers. Taken together our data suggested that encircling granulosa cells protected oocytes against DEHP-induced apoptosis and that the presence of granulosa cells could act positively towards the survival of oocytes under in vitro culture conditions and may be helpful during assisted reproductive technique programmes.
OFFSHORING, RESHORING, UNEMPLOYMENT, AND WAGE DYNAMICS IN A TWO-COUNTRY EVOLUTIONARY MODEL
Authors: Radi Davide , Lamantia Fabio , Italo Bischi Gian
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the location patterns of Multinational Enterprises are modeled by an evolutionary two-country model in which producing in a developed economy offers strong cost-reducing externalities of within-country spillovers and opting for a developing economy entails cheap labor but also extra operational costs due to the undersupply of public goods. The offshoring process, that is, manufacturing activity outsourced in the developing economy, increases the bargaining power of its workers and, with it, its labor cost. The investigation underlines that an increasing labor-productivity remuneration in the developing economy may spark a reshoring process that depends on the agglomeration and endowment drivers characterizing an industry. The reshoring process can be narrowed by a flexible labor remuneration scheme, with wages indexed to the domestic concentration of manufacturing activity. The presence of sub-optimal location patterns points out the existence of a trade-off between stability and efficiency, which underlines that policy measures designed to make a country a more efficient location are neither sufficient nor necessary for preventing offshoring or ensuring reshoring.
‘Shunning’ and ‘seeking’ membership: Rethinking citizenship regimes in the European constitutional space
Authors: SHAW JO
Published: July 2019

This article explores parallels between the ‘shunning’ and ‘seeking’ of membership of the EU in the context of Brexit and stalled enlargement in south-east Europe, via a focus on the partial, fragmentary and contested governance of citizenship. The case studies place Union citizenship into a wider political and socio-economic context, demonstrating its central importance as an enabler of personal freedom. At the same time, they highlight how the denial or removal of Union citizenship can engender individual strategies to recover lost or denied benefits. From the analysis, parallels emerge between Union citizenship and national citizenship; both offer a promise of equality, but a reality of differentiation and inequality. At the same time, by delving deep into the case studies, it proves possible to illuminate the complex and often ‘messy’ constitutional edifice of the European Union, involving sometimes contradictory processes of Europeanisation and de-Europeanisation affecting citizenship regimes at all levels.
Effect of varied soil moisture regimes on the growth and reproduction of two Australian biotypes of junglerice (Echinochloa colona)
Authors: Mahajan Gulshan , Mutti Navneet Kaur , Walsh Michael , Chauhan Bhagirath S.
Published: July 2019

Junglerice [Echinochloa colona (L.) Link] is a problematic weed in the northern grain region of Australia. Two pot experiments (Experiment 1 and Experiment 2) were conducted in a screen house to evaluate the growth and reproductive behavior of two biotypes (A, collected from a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)–fallow; B, collected from a fence near a water channel) of E. colona in response to water stress (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% water holding capacity [WHC]). Averaged across both biotypes, the plant height, biomass, and seed production of E. colona were reduced at 25% WHC compared with 100% WHC. However, E. colona still produced a considerable amount of seeds at 25% WHC (at least 365 seeds plant−1). Biotype A produced more seeds in the second experiment, while biotype B produced more seeds in the first experiment. In Experiment 2, at 100% WHC, biotype A produced more seeds (17,618 seeds plant−1) than biotype B (4,378 seeds plant−1), and similar observations were noticed for root biomass. Growth and seed production of E. colona at all moisture levels and environmental conditions ensure survival in an unpredictable environment and contribute to the weedy nature of this species. Results indicate that biotype A is more invasive than biotype B under favorable environmental conditions (100% WHC). This study suggests an enhanced competitive ability of some biotypes of E. colona in response to a range of environmental and soil moisture conditions in Australia. Under favorable environmental conditions, biotype A could be more problematic, as it has higher seed production than biotype B. Therefore, it is important to implement sustainable weed control methods for such biotypes in the early stages of crop growth to prevent loss of stored moisture.
Stress Patterns and Failure Around Rough Interlocked Fault Surface
Authors: Sagy Amir , Lyakhovsky Vladimir
Published: July 2019

Fault zones accumulate stress during interseismic periods and release it by slip along fault surfaces. We explore the effect of fault roughness on stress patterns and failure conditions around interlocked fault surfaces using an analytical approach. Measured slip surface geometry of different fault outcrops parallel to the slip demonstrates surface roughness at outcrop scales generally confined between 0.001L0.5 and 0.01L0.8, where L is the section length. These two power law end‐members are utilized for exploring the influence of scale‐dependent geometrical undulations on stress and failure conditions. Off‐fault static stress pattern is calculated based on perturbation theory. Stress amplification and failure conditions around the surfaces are controlled by the ratio between roughness amplitude to wavelength, and therefore, small power values increase failure associated with short roughness wavelengths, immediately nearby the interface. Increasing both amplitude to wavelength ratio and amplitude heights enhance failure in zones around the interface, but at the same time decreases stress and blocks yielding in other zones. In contrast, failure around faults with smaller amplitude heights initiates at larger external loads, and therefore, more elastic energy is available for slip when failure occurs. Calculations of stress around fractal and nonfractal interfaces indicate that failure nucleation and locations are strongly dependent on the initial surface geometry. We suggest that stress asperities and barriers throughout the seismic cycle can be driven by the geometrical irregularities of the fault surface.