bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six‐Month Use of Droxidopa for Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: François Clément , Shibao Cyndya A. , Biaggioni Italo , Duhig Amy M. , McLeod Kim , Ogbonnaya Augustina , Quillen Apryl , Cannon Joan , Padilla Byron , Yue Binglin , Orloski Laurie , Kymes Steven M.
Published: January 2019

Background

Droxidopa is approved for adult patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH); there is limited information regarding effects on symptoms, outcomes, and quality of life (QOL) beyond two weeks of treatment.

Objective

Examine the real‐world experience of patients taking droxidopa after six months of treatment.

Methods

This non‐interventional, US‐based, prospective cohort study utilized a pharmacy hub, identifying patients who recently started droxidopa for nOH treatment. Questionnaires for fall frequency and other patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) were completed at baseline and one, three, and six months following droxidopa initiation.

Results

179 enrolled patients completed baseline surveys. Droxidopa continuation rates were high at months one, three, and six (87%, 79%, and 75%, respectively). From baseline to month one, there was significant reduction in the proportion of patients reporting falling at least once (54.1% vs. 43.0%; P = 0.0039), with similar observations at month three (52.9% vs. 44.5%; P = 0.0588) and month six (51.4% vs. 40.0%; P = 0.0339). Significant improvements from baseline to month one were observed and maintained at months three and six for most PROs, including the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Item 1, Short Falls Efficacy Scale‐International, Sheehan Disability Scale, Physical Component of the 8‐item Short‐Form Health Survey, and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9.

Conclusions

In this non‐interventional prospective study, fewer nOH patients reported falling after one, three, and six months of droxidopa treatment. Further, improvements reported in nOH symptoms, physical function, and QOL measures were maintained for six months following treatment initiation. Results from randomized clinical trials are required to validate the findings.
18F‐AV‐1451 uptake differs between dementia with lewy bodies and posterior cortical atrophy
Authors: Nedelska Zuzana , Josephs Keith A. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Przybelski Scott A. , Lesnick Timothy G. , Boeve Bradley F. , Drubach Daniel A. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Lowe Val J. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Kantarci Kejal
Published: January 2019

Background

Posterior cortical atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies are 2 distinct clinical syndromes, yet they can overlap in symptoms and occipital hypometabolism. Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies often have overlapping Alzheimer's disease pathology. Similarly, Lewy bodies can be found in patients with posterior cortical atrophy. We investigated differences in the distribution and magnitude of F18‐AV‐1451 uptake in patients with these 2 syndromes.

Methods

Consecutive patients with probable dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 33), posterior cortical atrophy (n = 18), and cognitively unimpaired controls (n = 100) underwent 18F‐AV‐1451 positron emission tomography. Regional differences in AV‐1451 uptake were assessed using voxel‐wise and an atlas‐based approach. The greatest differences in AV‐1451 uptake between patient groups were identified using area under receiver operating curve statistics, and a composite region was derived.

Results

AV‐1451 uptake in both patient groups was predominantly localized to the lateral occipital regions, but the magnitude of uptake was markedly greater in posterior cortical atrophy compared with dementia with Lewy bodies. The posterior cortical atrophy group showed the greatest AV‐1451 uptake throughout all the gray matter compared with that in other groups. The occipital composite region, consisting of superior, middle, and inferior occipital cortices, distinguished posterior cortical atrophy from dementia with Lewy bodies (area under the curve >0.97; P < 0.001, Bonferroni‐corrected) with excellent sensitivity (88%) and specificity (100%).

Conclusions

Posterior cortical atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies can share clinical features, and although the pattern of AV‐1451 uptake in occipital cortices overlaps between these 2 syndromes, its magnitude is significantly higher in posterior cortical atrophy. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Numerical study of Sivashinsky equation using a splitting scheme based on Crank‐Nicolson method
Authors: Abazari Reza , Yildirim Kenan
Published: January 2019

The mathematical modeling of a planar solid‐liquid interface in the solidification of a dilute binary alloy is formulating by one of nonintegrable, nonlinear evolution equation known as Sivashinsky equation. In the first part of this paper, the mathematical modeling of Sivashinsky equation is briefly discussed. Since, the exact solutions of this equation is yet unknown, obtaining its numerical solution plays an important role to simulate its behavior. Therefore, in the second part, a second‐order splitting finite difference scheme, based on Crank‐Nicolson method, is investigated to approximate the solution of the Sivashinsky equation with homogeneous boundary conditions. We prove the solvability of the present scheme and establish the error estimate of the numerical scheme.
Serum metabolomics analysis of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome by mass spectrometry
Authors: Jia Chunshu , Xu Hongmei , Xu Ying , Xu Ying , Shi Qingyang
Published: January 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms caused by elevated androgens (male hormones) in females. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women between 18 and 44 years. Currently, the pathogenesis of PCOS remains unclear. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS)‐based metabolomics is becoming more and more useful for medical research, especially in revealing the mechanism of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference of serum metabolic profiles in patients with PCOS and healthy control to better understand the mechanism of this disease. Ten patients with PCOS and 10 healthy people were recruited for this study. The serum samples were collected for LC/MS analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to discover and identify the potential biomarkers. Six biomarkers were found and identified. The biomarkers belonged to different metabolic pathway including lipid metabolism, carnitine metabolism, androgen metabolism, and bile acid metabolism. Those biomarkers also played different roles in disease progression. Metabolomics is a powerful tool used in research of the mechanism involved in this disease to provide useful information for better understanding of PCOS.
Needle placement approach to subacromial injection in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Ogbeivor Collins
Published: January 2019

Background

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is the most common cause of shoulder pain and is costly, in terms of disability and health service provision. Research evidence suggests that, generally, the anterior, lateral and posterior approaches are used by clinicians for subacromial injection. However, it is uncertain which of these approaches is more effective than the other in the management of SAIS.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the anterior, lateral approach to subacromial injection compared with the posterior approach for the treatment of SAIS.

Methods

A comprehensive search was undertaken of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, PEDro and the E‐Journals databases using full texts, from 1980 to April 2014 and updated in December 2016 via the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (EBSCOhost). Studies of SAIS patients receiving cortisone injections which investigated needle placement through the lateral, posterior or anterior routes were included. Study selection, data extraction and appraisal of the study were undertaken by the researcher and his supervisor. Quality criteria were selected from PEDro, to form a checklist of 10 items.

Results

A total of 4265 citations were retrieved and screened for eligibility; 39 articles were assessed as full text and 8 met the inclusion criteria. They include four randomized controlled trials and four controlled trials. Due to the varying methodological quality, and clinical and statistical heterogeneity of these studies, they were analysed qualitatively, as a meta‐analysis was not possible.

Conclusions

The evidence establishing the superiority of any one method of subacromial injection approach over the other is unclear in clinical practice. This calls for further research into this area.
Comparative effectiveness of one versus two‐stage sacral neurostimulation device placement
Authors: Patel Devin N. , Zhao Hanson H. , Houman Justin , Ackerman A. Lenore , Eilber Karyn S. , Anger Jennifer T.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Sacral neurostimulation (SNS) is an effective third‐line treatment for overactive bladder. We sought to compare the cost of standard two‐stage SNS device placement to that of a combined one‐stage placement using a Markov chain model.

Methods

Costs were defined using Medicare outpatient reimbursement rates. The model was developed as follows: With the two‐stage approach, patients underwent initial lead placement with fluoroscopy and those who converted to stage two underwent permanent generator placement week later. Patients who did not convert underwent lead removal. Patients undergoing a one‐stage procedure had initial lead and generator placement at the same time. Patients with success underwent no further procedure. Patients without success could opt for generator and lead removal. Cost effectiveness of one versus two‐stage placement depended on successful conversion rate.

Results

Reimbursement included physician, anesthesia, facility and device fees. In a two‐stage procedure, initial cost of lead placement was $6170. With successful conversion, cost of a second procedure with permanent lead and generator placement was $18,474. Patients who failed test phase underwent lead removal for a cost of $2879. In a one‐stage procedure approach, initial cost of permanent lead and generator placement was $18,474. Patients with a successful outcome had no additional costs. Patients with an unsuccessful outcome could have the lead and generator removal for a cost of $5758. If the conversion rate from testing phase to permanent placement was greater than 71%, a one‐stage approach proved to be cost effective.

Conclusions

Identifying patients with favorable risk factors for success may predict those patients who warrant a one‐stage approach.
The effect of high impact crossfit exercises on stress urinary incontinence in physically active women
Authors: Yang Jean , Cheng Julie W. , Wagner Hillary , Lohman Everett , Yang Sang H. , Krishingner Gene Austin , Trofimova Alexandra , Alsyouf Muhannad , Staack Andrea
Published: January 2019

Aims

The impact of CrossFit (high energy and intensity exercise) on SUI has not been well described. This study evaluates the incidence of SUI in physically active women, and examines specific exercises that can increase SUI.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in women from four CrossFit centers and one aerobic center for comparison. Participants were surveyed regarding baseline demographics, activity levels, severity, and frequency of leakage during CrossFit exercises as well as preventative strategies against SUI. Participants were stratified based on age, body mass index, types of exercises, parity, delivery, and compared using Mann Whitney‐U and Chi square.

Results

This study had 105 CrossFit (mean = 36.9 years) and 44 aerobic (mean = 29.0 years) participants. Fifty women reported SUI during exercises, while none of the aerobic women reported SUI during exercise. The top three CrossFit exercises associated to SUI were double‐unders (47.7%), jumping rope (41.3%), and box jumps (28.4%). CrossFit women with a history of parity had significantly more episodes of SUI with box jumps, jumping rope, double‐unders, thrusters, squats without weights, squats with weights, and trampoline jumping (P < 0.001). The top preventative strategies were emptying the bladder before workouts, wearing dark pants, and performing Kegel exercises during workout. Vaginal delivery (OR 4.94) and total incontinence symptom severity index (OR 1.45) were both significant predictors of SUI during exercise (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a significantly higher risk of SUI during CrossFit exercises associated with previous pregnancy and vaginal delivery but also in nulliparous women. In general, women participating in CrossFit have been applying preventative measures for protection of SUI during exercises.
Ultrasound‐assisted prompted voiding care for managing urinary incontinence in nursing homes: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Suzuki Motofumi , Miyazaki Hideyo , Kamei Jun , Yoshida Mikako , Taniguchi Tamami , Nishimura Kaoru , Igawa Yasuhiko , Sanada Hiromi , Homma Yukio
Published: January 2019

Aims

To determine whether ultrasound‐assisted prompted voiding (USAPV) care is more efficacious than conventional prompted voiding (CPV) care for managing urinary incontinence in nursing homes.

Methods

Thirteen participating nursing homes in Japan were randomized to CPV (n = 7) or USAPV care group (n = 6). Residents of the allocated nursing homes received CPV (n = 35) or USAPV (n = 45) care for 8 weeks. In the CPV group, caregivers asked the elderly every 2‐3 h whether they had a desire to void and prompted them to void when the response was yes. In the USAPV group, caregivers regularly monitored bladder urine volume by an ultrasound device and prompted them to void when the volume reached close to the individually optimized bladder capacity. Frequency‐volume chart was recorded at the baseline and after the 8‐week intervention to measure the daytime urine loss.

Results

The change in daytime urine loss was statistically greater in the USAPV (median, −80.0 g) than in the CPV (median, −9.0 g; P = .018) group. The proportion of elderly individuals whose daytime urine loss decreased by >25% was 51% and 26% in the USAPV and CPV group, respectively (P = .020). Quality‐of‐life measures of elderly participants showed no significant changes in both groups. The care burden scale score of caregivers was unchanged in the USAPV group (P = .59) but significantly worsened in the CPV group (P = .010) after the intervention.

Conclusions

USAPV is efficacious and feasible for managing urinary incontinence in nursing homes.
Predictive factors of adherence to urinary self‐catheterization in older adults
Authors: Hentzen Claire , Haddad Rebecca , Ismael Samer S. , Peyronnet Benoit , Gamé Xavier , Denys Pierre , Robain Gilberte , Amarenco Gérard , Manceau Philippe
Published: January 2019

Aims

The primary aim is to explore the adherence predicting factors in clean intermittent self‐catheterization (CISC) in patients aged over 65 years. The secondary aim is to assess whether in this population, the non‐adherence risk is greater, compared with patients under 65.

Methods

All patients older than 65 that successfully learned CISC between January 2011 and January 2016 were included. A control population younger than 65 matched with sex, body mass index, and pathology was selected.

Results

One hundered and thirteen (66.9%) out of the 169 patients older than 65 included were adherent at 1 month, and 80 (47.3%) at 6‐12 months. Obesity (P = 0.027), a low PP test (Pencil and Paper test) score (P = 0.037), significant urinary stress incontinence (SUI) (P = 0.048), and prescription of CISC less than three per day (P = 0.03) were the risk factors predicting stopping CISC at 1 month, but none was associated with non‐adherence at 6‐12 months.

Compared with the younger group, age was a risk factor for poor adherence at 1 month.

Conclusion

Obesity, low PP test score, and important SUI are factors of poor adherence to CISC at 1 month in older adults. Necessity of more than three CISC per day is in favor of treatment continuation, possibly due to absence of spontaneous voiding in these patients. Long‐term adherence to CISC in older adults in this study remains close to adherence to other treatments prescribed in urinary disorders, and thus shows that CISC could be an easily purposed therapeutic option in this population, either on a long‐term or transitory basis.
Physical activity and objectively assessed sleep in 6‐month‐old infants in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ching , Chen Li‐Chiou , Tung Yi‐Ching , Lee Chien‐Chang , Tsai Shao‐Yu
Published: January 2019

Adequate physical activity is associated with improved sleep in adults. Such associations, however, vary greatly across studies in pediatric populations, with no studies involving infants found in the literature. This prospective observational study was designed, therefore, to examine the association between physical activity and sleep patterns in infants. A total of 183 healthy infants aged 6 months wore an actigraph for 7 days to measure physical activity and sleep. Parents and caregivers completed a sleep‐activity diary over the same period documenting the different types of infant activities. Daily mean time spent in screen‐time‐or‐limited physical activity, including screen‐based (e.g., watching television or other electronic devices) and non‐screen based activity (e.g., quiet play or restricted infant movement when carried by caregivers or seated in high chairs, swings, or bouncer seats), was 6.68 hr (SD = 1.99), which represented 47.50% of daytime waking hours (SD = 13.73). We found that 65 (35.5%) infants engaged in some screen time during the study, with 10 (5.5%) infants having an average daily screen time >30 min. In our multivariate linear regression model, more hours of screen‐time‐or‐limited physical activity per day were significantly associated with a decrease in total daily 24 hr sleep duration (p < 0.01). Findings from our study suggest that reducing screen‐time‐or‐limited physical activity might be an approach for promoting adequate sleep and lengthening infant daily sleep duration.
On the co‐infection of dengue fever and Zika virus
Authors: Bonyah E. , Khan M.A. , Okosun K.O. , Gómez‐Aguilar J.F.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we present a co‐infection mathematical model for dengue‐Zika disease in order to carry out their synergistic relationship in the presence of prevention and treatment. Submodel analysis is investigated to establish the reproduction numbers for each disease and to determine the disease‐free local stability equilibrium status. The endemic disease equilibrium is investigated using bifurcation analysis and shows backward bifurcation. We use Pontryagin's maximum principle to explore and determine the best optimal strategies to control both diseases. Numerical optimal control analysis indicates that effective prevention and treatment of each disease will help in the effective control and eradication of the diseases. Finally, the control of co‐infection of dengue‐Zika requires that communities should combine both prevention and treatment associated with each disease at the same time.
Steel Tank Modifications Are Easier Than You Think
Authors: Thomas Joey , Geyer Wayne
Published: January 2019

When circumstances render an existing water tank unusable, total replacement isn't the only option. And the alternatives can save time and money.
Amplitude‐dependent damping properties of ramie fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites with varying fiber content
Authors: Chen Dachuan , Pi Chaoxiong , Chen Mingsi , He Liping , Xia Fan , Peng Shuyi
Published: January 2019

This work presented the experimental study on the free vibration characteristics of short ramie fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites (RF/PPs). Effects of fiber content and vibration amplitude on damping properties of the fabricated RF/PP composites, such as damping ratio, natural frequency, and associated mode shape, were investigated based on the amplitude‐dependent damping tests and pulsed excitation modal analysis. The results showed that an increase in fiber content increased the damping properties of composites. It was also found that a critical amplitude (Ac) appeared on the amplitude‐dependent damping ratio curves, at which the damping ratio almost reached the maximum value because the highest amount of the fiber/matrix slippage happened in the composite system. The critical amplitudes for composites with 10, 20, and 30 wt% fiber content were of 6, 8, and 10 mm, respectively. Whereas, the vibration amplitude had negligible influence on the natural frequency of those RF/PP composites. The pulsed excitation test results indicated that both the first and second damping ratios presented an increasing trend with the increase of fiber content. And the second damping ratios were higher than their corresponding first damping ratios due to the lager vibration amplitude in the second mode shape, which could generate more fiber/matrix slippage in composites. Additionally, the tensile and flexural properties of the RF/PP composites improved with the increase of fiber content due to the fiber transferring force effect and good interface quality based on the scanning electron microscopy analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2681–2689, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hemp hurd and alfalfa as particle filler to improve the thermo‐mechanical and fire retardant properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate)
Authors: Battegazzore Daniele , Noori Amir , Frache Alberto
Published: January 2019

The poor thermo‐mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of biopolymers are currently limiting their application and potential exploitation as sustainable polymers. The use of agricultural by‐products as a functional filler for biopolymers is here presented to address the production of environmentally friendly and economically sustainable biocomposites. To this aim, hemp hurd and alfalfa particles were melt‐blended with a poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHB) co‐polymer. The 30 wt% of filler achieves an improvement of 150% in stiffness. The same composites show an increase in the heat deflection temperature over 100°C. Flame‐retardant properties were also evaluated evidencing strong reductions in flame spread rates (−40%) and combustion kinetics (−30%). The achieved performances are compared with those reported in the literature for PHB composites pointing out how these completely renewable materials can compete with other currently studied solutions. The new presented composites show an opportunity for the production of functional and sustainable materials through the valorization of agricultural by‐products. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3429–3437, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Working memory training can improve anhedonia in college students with subsyndromal depressive symptoms
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Jing , Wang Hao‐Yu , Yan Chao , Wang Ling‐Ling , Cheung Eric F. C. , Chan Raymond C.K.
Published: January 2019

Anhedonia is defined as deficits in experiencing everyday life pleasure. Empirical studies suggest that anhedonia and working memory (WM) share overlapping neural substrates. Although WM training has been shown to alleviate anhedonia in individuals with social anhedonia, it is not clear whether WM training may also improve anhedonia in individuals with subsyndromal depression. This study examined the potential effect of WM training on improving anhedonia in college students with subsyndromal depression. Fifty college students were recruited and classified as the depressive (19 students) and non‐depressive (31 students) groups according to their scores on the Beck Depression Inventory. They then took part in a 20‐session dual n‐back WM training. All participants were requested to complete a set of measures capturing experiential pleasure and WM capacity both before and after the training. We found significant improvement in WM performance and self‐reported measures of experiential pleasure in both groups. However, only the depressive group showed significant improvement in a computer‐based task capturing motivation. These preliminary findings suggest that WM training may be able to alleviate anhedonia in individuals with subsyndromal depressive symptoms.
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using reduced‐intensity conditioning for pediatric patients with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Jia Chenguang , Wang Bin , Zhu Guanghua , Zhang Rui , Wang Kai , Yan Yan , Qin Maoquan
Published: January 2019

Importance

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered to be the only curative treatment for familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHLH). Treatment of pediatric FHLH with reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC)‐based haploidentical donor (HID) HSCT has been rarely reported.

Objective

To investigate outcomes and adverse events in patients with FHLH who received HID‐HSCT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of five patients, including three with mutations in PRF1 and two with XIAP deficiency. Four of the five donors were heterozygous for these mutations. The conditioning regimen included fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin, with or without low‐dose irradiation. Unmanipulated mobilized bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells were used as the grafts.

Results

All five patients were successfully engrafted. Four patients survived, and one patient died. All exhibited complete response (CR) after HSCT. All of the patients who survived exhibited CR to FHLH without severe regimen‐related complications at a median of 29.5 months (range: 23–34 months) after HSCT. Four of the five patients had mixed donor chimerism. Three patients had 17% to 87% mixed donor chimerism but remained free of disease. Four patients received donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), which improved the level of mixed donor chimerism. One patient experienced a decrease in donor chimerism to 1% and relapsed; Four patients developed acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) (grade I or II), and one patient developed grade IV GvHD.

Interpretation

HID‐HSCT with RIC can be considered for treatment for patients with FHLH, but the conditions and DLI regimens need to be optimized for long‐term use, and more prospective studies should be conducted.
Predictors of adaptive help seeking across ninth‐grade students enrolled in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses
Authors: Parker Janise S. , Shum Kai Zhuang , Suldo Shannon M. , Shaunessy‐Dedrick Elizabeth , M. Ferron John , Dedrick Robert F.
Published: January 2019

This study explored how adaptive help seeking was related to academic self‐efficacy, perfectionism (maladaptive and adaptive), attitudes toward help seeking (perceived benefits and perceived threats), and teacher emotional support among 311 grade 9 students in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes. Significant bivariate links emerged between adaptive help seeking and all six potential correlates. Regression analyses indicated that teacher emotional support, adaptive perfectionism (high personal standards), and perceived benefits were significant, positive predictors of adaptive help seeking. Gender also was a significant predictor, as boys had lower levels of adaptive help seeking compared with girls. Furthermore, gender moderated the association between perceived benefits and adaptive help‐seeking; perceived benefits were particularly highly associated with boys’ adaptive help seeking from classroom teachers. Strategies for explicating the benefits of adaptive help seeking, promoting adaptive perfectionism, and fostering teacher emotional support are provided, as well as limitations and future directions for research.
Mutations in pheromone‐binding protein3 contribute to pheromone response variations in Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Shen Jianmei , Hu Liming , Dai Jianqing , Chen Binghan , Zhong Guohua , Zhou Xinhua
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is one of the most important crucifer pests. Commercial sex attractants have been developed to monitor and control P. xylostella. However, some studies have demonstrated a variety of pheromone responses of P. xylostella in different locations of the world. Soluble pheromone‐binding proteins (PBPs), as a subfamily of odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs), could selectively bind and transport pheromones across aqueous sensillar lymph to the surface of olfactory receptor neurons. It is worthy to study whether the mutation of PxylPBPs is one of the reasons for the different responses of sex attractors in different regions.

RESULTS

In this study, P. xylostella males were collected from seven Chinese provinces, including Hainan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian, Hunan, Zhejiang, and Hebei. PxylPBP1, PxylPBP2, and PxylPBP3 were cloned, and 3, 6, and 32 types of mutation pattern were identified, respectively. These mutation patterns were distributed in each province with different frequency. The results of fluorescence displacement binding assay and in silico simulation revealed that the three mutant PxylPBP3 were more sensitive to Z11‐16:Ald than the reference protein (ACI28451).

CONCLUSION

This result implied that mutation of PxylPBP3 may have contributed to regional differences in pheromone responses of P. xylostella. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Femtosecond Electron Dynamics in Graphene Nanoribbons – A Nonequilibrium Green Functions Approach Within an Extended Hubbard Model
Authors: Joost Jan‐Philip , Schlünzen Niclas , Bonitz Michael
Published: January 2019

A new approach to study the correlated femtosecond electron dynamics in finite graphene clusters, such as nanoribbons, is presented here. The systems are described by an extended Hubbard model that takes into account the overlap of adjacent orbitals and hopping between up to third‐nearest neighbors. The model is solved by the nonequilibrium Green functions approach combined with different self‐energy approximations, including the second‐Born and GW self‐energy, to take into account electronic correlations. The description allows us to predict the correlated nonequilibrium dynamics of excited graphene nanostructures of arbitrary geometry containing up to 100 carbon atoms for up to 25 fs.
Drugs and QT interval prolongation in patients with PTSD
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: January 2019

The potential risk of drug‐induced prolongation of the electrocardiographic QT interval has been a clinical concern with some drug classes due to the increased risk of developing a rare but life‐threatening atypical ventricular tachycardia known as torsades de pointes. This has led to the withdrawal of several drugs from the U.S. market, as well as a Drug Safety Communication issued by the Food and Drug Administration for citalopram, which is commonly prescribed off‐label for management of anxiety in patients with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Asymmetric Total Synthesis of 16‐Methyleicos‐(4E)‐en‐1‐yn‐3‐ol from the Marine Sponge Cribrochalina vasculum: Establishment of Absolute Configuration of Chiral Centers
Authors: Gundoju Narayana Rao , Bokam Ramesh , Yalavarthi Nageswara Rao , Shaik Karimulla , Ponnapalli Mangala Gowri
Published: January 2019

The first total synthesis of 16‐Methyleicos‐(4E)‐en‐1‐yn‐3‐ol, a bioactive component of the marine sponge Cribrochalina vasculum was achieved by Evans auxiliary methylation followed by resolution of the corresponding racemates using lipase formulation Novozyme 435 and Mosher's ester method. We report the asymmetric syntheses of four diastereomers (1 a‐d) of the natural compound 1 and established the absolute configuration of chiral centers, leading to the revision of the natural product configuration from 3 S to 3 R.
Synthesis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 via Ammonia‐free Co‐precipitation Method: Insight in the Effects of the Lithium Additions on the Morphology, Structure and Electrochemical properties
Authors: Chen Yongxiang , Li Yunjiao , Tang Shuyun , Guo Jia , Lei Tongxing , Deng Shiyi , Chang Shenghong , Zhu Jie
Published: January 2019

Stoichiometric sphere‐like Ni0.25Mn0.75CO3 precursors have been synthesized by the ammonia‐free co‐precipitation via adjusting the Na2CO3 precipitant feeding. As an important factor in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 synthesis process, the effects of lithium additions on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 were extensively investigated. The lithium additions increase can strengthen the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 crystal growth and crystallization. Lack of lithium additions causes the formation of the lithium deficient compounds, while the excess of lithium additions induces the phase transformation from Fd‐3m to P4332 accompanied by the formation of the rock salt phase. The as‐prepared spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with lithium additions of 0.505 delivers 135.8 mAh•g‐1 at 147.0 mA•g‐1 with capacity retention of 90.06 % after 300 cycles. Even at 2940 mA•g‐1, the discharge capacity can reach to 96.7 mAh•g‐1. These excellent electrochemical performances are mainly ascribed to the Ni0.25Mn0.75CO3 precursors with homogenous elements distributions, the good morphology and crystal structure of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 at appropriate amounts of lithium additions.
Effect of gusset connection configurations on frame–gusset interaction in steel buckling‐restrained braced frame
Authors: Zhao Junxian , Chen Ruobing , Zhou Yun , Yu Haichao , Kong Yuwen , Wang Zhan , Dou Miaoyuan , Shi Yifan
Published: January 2019

Although buckling restrained braces (BRBs) are commonly applied in seismic buildings to mitigate structural damage, their performance was often limited by rupture of the corner gusset connections due to additional frame action. This issue may be resolved by alternative gusset connections to mitigate the frame–gusset interaction. In this study, commonly used procedures for design of the traditional gusset connection are reviewed, followed by a case study on the effect of frame action on the structural behavior of these gusset connections in steel frames with BRBs. Inspired by these analysis, two different strategies, aiming at releasing frame–gusset shear interaction using sliding gusset connection or reducing normal interaction using dual gusset plates, are tried to mitigate the frame action effects. Finite element analysis is conducted on steel frame subassemblages with/without BRBs to examine the effect of different gusset connections on the structural behavior of these framing systems. It shows that the sliding gusset connection shows beneficial effect in reducing the frame action, having much smaller stress responses on the gusset interfaces, as well as smaller shear force and plastic responses on the framing system. Thus, it becomes a promising gusset connection for improved seismic performance of the steel framing system with brace‐type dampers.
Synchronous primary cancers of endometrium and ovary vs endometrial cancer with ovarian metastasis: an observational study
Authors: Moro F. , Leombroni M. , Pasciuto T. , Trivellizzi I. N. , Mascilini F. , Ciccarone F. , Zannoni G. F. , Fanfani F. , Scambia G. , Testa A. C.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To compare the ultrasound characteristics of patients with synchronous primary cancers of the endometrium and ovary vs those of patients with endometrial cancer with ovarian metastasis.

Methods

This was a single‐institution retrospective observational study of patients with a histological diagnosis of endometrial cancer and an ovarian malignant mass, who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination at our unit. Based on the histological diagnosis, patients were classified into two groups: those with synchronous primary cancers of the endometrium and ovary (synchronous group) and patients with endometrial cancer with ovarian metastasis (metastasis group). We compared the ultrasound features of ovarian malignant masses and of endometrial cancers between the two groups. Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test were used for comparisons of variables between the two histological groups, as appropriate.

Results

We identified 131 patients, of whom 51 had synchronous primary cancers of the endometrium and ovary (synchronous group) and 80 had endometrial cancer with ovarian metastasis (metastasis group). On ultrasound examination, ovarian masses in the synchronous group were more often multilocular‐solid and less often bilateral than those in the metastasis group. With respect to the ultrasound features of the endometrial lesions, the median largest diameter was 29 (range, 11–118) mm in the synchronous group in comparison with 51.5 (range, 6–150) mm in the metastasis group (P < 0.0001). Endometrial lesions in the synchronous group presented more often with no myometrial infiltration and less often with a multiple‐vessel pattern on color Doppler compared with the endometrial lesions in the metastasis group.

Conclusions

Synchronous primary cancers of the endometrium and ovary have significantly different sonomorphological patterns compared with endometrial cancer with ovarian metastasis. Ovarian masses in women with synchronous primary cancers of the endometrium and ovary appeared as unilateral multilocular‐solid or solid masses, whereas ovarian masses in women with endometrial cancer with ovarian metastasis were mostly bilateral solid masses. The different sonomorphology of these two cancers may facilitate their preoperative identification, helping the surgeon to determine optimum management for the patient. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Reduced‐scaling coupled cluster response theory: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Crawford T. Daniel , Kumar Ashutosh , Bazanté Alexandre P. , Di Remigio Roberto
Published: January 2019

We review the current state of reduced‐scaling electron correlation methods, particularly coupled‐cluster theory for the simulation and prediction of molecular response properties. The successes of local‐coupled‐cluster and related approaches are well known for reaction energies, thermodynamic constants, dipole moments, and so forth—properties that depend primarily on the quality of the ground‐state wave function. However, much more challenging are higher‐order properties such as polarizabilities, hyperpolarizabilities, optical rotations, magnetizabilities, and others that also require accurate representation of the derivative of the wave function to external electromagnetic fields. We discuss a range of methods for improving the correlation domains of such perturbed wave functions, including the use of “perturbation‐aware” natural orbitals that are customized for the property of interest. In addition, we consider the viability and potential of promising, but still‐emerging methods such as stochastic and real‐time coupled‐cluster approaches, for which the localizability of the field‐dependent wave function may be more controllable than for conventional response theory.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Matching decentralized energy production and local consumption: A review of renewable energy systems with conversion and storage technologies
Authors: Grosspietsch David , Saenger Marissa , Girod Bastien
Published: January 2019

The increasing share of decentralized intermittent renewable energy reinforces the necessity of balancing local production and consumption. Decentralized energy systems, powered by renewable energy technologies and incorporating storage and conversion technologies, are promising options to cope with this challenge. Many studies have evaluated their potential contributions, but an overview of the status‐quo in both academia and practice is missing. The extant literature lacks a comprehensive review of the scientific knowledge on decentralized energy systems, partially attributed to the lack of common terminology. Additionally, it remains unclear what kind of systems are already implemented today worldwide as they have not yet been thoroughly analyzed and described. However, pilot projects provide valuable insights into future applications and operational aspects. To fill these gaps, an extensive review of the current state of literature and practice is conducted. To do so, 64 publications and 56 projects were analyzed and an overview is provided using four criteria: terminology, scope/motivation, application, and technical configuration. These criteria facilitate the understanding of decentralized energy systems needed to spur their development and diffusion. Further advancements of research and practice are discussed. For example, technological learning hinges on a common terminology and on an identification of optimal technical configurations per application. There are both avenues for future research.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Analysis > Economics and Policy

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy and Urban Design > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Research & Innovation > Systems and Infrastructure
EDXRF for elemental determination of nanoparticle‐related agricultural samples
Authors: de Almeida Eduardo , Duran Nádia M. , Gomes Marcos H.F. , Savassa Susilaine M. , da Cruz Tatiana N.M. , Migliavacca Rafaela A. , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson W.
Published: January 2019

The number of studies dealing with nanoparticles (NPs) and plants has increased. They subsidize the advances of agriculture in the 21st century; however, so far, beneficial as well as detrimental results have been reported. In this context, analytical tools for monitoring macronutrients and micronutrients in plants exposed to NPs, with adequate performance and low cost, are required. This work assesses the use of energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry for elemental content evaluation in NP‐containing agricultural samples. ForPhaseolus vulgaris(common bean) seedlings treated with ZnO NP, CuO NP, and Fe3O4NP, the limits of detection (LODs) were 0.4 mg kg−1for Zn and Cu and 0.6 mg kg−1for Fe after dry‐ashing digestion, thus being suitable for NP oxide monitoring in seed priming. For submicron suspension fertilizers, Mn, Cu, and Zn were quantified as thin films after sample dilution. The LODs for Mn, Cu, and Zn were 0.09, 0.1, and 0.08 mg L−1, respectively. Finally, forP. vulgarisplants exposed to 300‐nm ZnO NP, we monitored P, S, K, Ca, and Zn directly in powdered leaves, whose LODs ranged from 1.3 to 27 mg kg−1. No critical spectral interference was observed, and notable repeatability and suitable trueness were found in the cases of studies. EDXRF revealed itself a simple, fast, and reliable alternative to evaluate the elemental content in suspensions or the uptake of NP by plants.
Constraining new physics in b → cℓν transitions
Authors: Jung Martin , Straub David M.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

B decays proceeding via b → cℓν transitions with ℓ = e or μ are tree-level processes in the Standard Model. They are used to measure the CKM element V

cb
, as such forming an important ingredient in the determination of e.g. the unitarity triangle; hence the question to which extent they can be affected by new physics contributions is important, specifically given the long-standing tension between V

cb
determinations from inclusive and exclusive decays and the significant hints for lepton flavour universality violation in b → cτ ν and b → sℓℓ decays. We perform a comprehensive model-independent analysis of new physics in b → cℓν, considering all combinations of scalar, vector and tensor interactions occuring in single-mediator scenarios. We include for the first time differential distributions of B → D
∗
ℓν angular observables for this purpose. We show that these are valuable in constraining non-standard interactions. Specifically, the zero-recoil endpoint of the B → Dℓν spectrum is extremely sensitive to scalar currents, while the maximum-recoil endpoint of the B → D
∗
ℓν spectrum with transversely polarized D
∗ is extremely sensitive to tensor currents. We also quantify the room for e-μ universality violation in b → cℓν transitions, predicted by some models suggested to solve the b → cτ ν anomalies, from a global fit to B → Dℓν and B → D
∗
ℓν for the first time. Specific new physics models, corresponding to all possible tree-level mediators, are also discussed. As a side effect, we present V

cb
determinations from exclusive B decays, both with frequentist and Bayesian statistics, leading to compatible results. The entire numerical analysis is based on open source code, allowing it to be easily adapted once new data or new form factors become available.
Elliptic Feynman integrals and pure functions
Authors: Broedel Johannes , Duhr Claude , Dulat Falko , Penante Brenda , Tancredi Lorenzo
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We propose a variant of elliptic multiple polylogarithms that have at most logarithmic singularities in all variables and satisfy a differential equation without homogeneous term. We investigate several non-trivial elliptic two-loop Feynman integrals with up to three external legs and express them in terms of our functions. We observe that in all cases they evaluate to pure combinations of elliptic multiple polylogarithms of uniform weight. This is the first time that a notion of uniform weight is observed in the context of Feynman integrals that evaluate to elliptic polylogarithms.
An entropy current in superspace
Authors: Jensen Kristan , Marjieh Raja , Pinzani-Fokeeva Natalia , Yarom Amos
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We provide a mechanism by which an entropy current can be constructed in a supersymmetric formulation of the low-energy effective action for the Schwinger-Keldysh generating functional. This mechanism allows us to define an entropy current quantum mechanically by coupling it to an external source. Such an entropy current is given by the bottom component of an entropy current superfield which is conserved in superspace, but when restricted to real space satisfies a non-conservation law. We demonstrate the validity of our mechanism in a probe limit which allows us to fully treat quantum fluctuations.