bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The presence of fecal test soil protects bacteria during cleaning/disinfection
Authors: Nandy Poulomi , Gonzalez Elizabeth A. , Lucas Anne D. , Hitchins Victoria M.
Published: November 2018

Reusable medical devices (RMDs) must be reprocessed between uses to render them safe for each use and each patient. Cleaning used devices removes organic and inorganic soil making them either safe for reuse or ready for disinfection/sterilization depending on the device. Although cleaning is an important step in a RMD's life cycle, it is not always a priority during device design. In addition, when performing cleaning validation, it is recommended that the manufacturer takes into consideration, what the most appropriate or worst case conditions are in terms of type of soil or the presence of bacteria. This study compared the ability of three different cleaning/disinfecting agents (water, alcohol, and bleach) to remove bacteria and fecal test soil from two different polymers: polypropylene and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with two different roughness. There were some differences in the effects of the cleaning/disinfecting agents, the materials, and the roughness depending on the particular circumstances. However, the most consistent effect on the removal of bacteria was the presence of soil, which protected the bacteria from being removed. Conversely, the presence of bacteria played little role in the removal of soil. Although the interactions between material type and roughness, soil type, and bacteria are complicated, they should be taken into account during device design and reprocessing validation to create a device that is easy and safe to use. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1706–1710, 2019.
Patient consultation about a trial of therapeutic plasma exchange for complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Goebel Andreas , Callaghan Therese , Jones Sandra , Bridson John
Published: November 2018

Background

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a severe post‐traumatic chronic pain condition affecting distal limbs, for which few effective treatments exist. Complex regional pain syndrome is listed in the 2016 American Society for Apheresis guidelines as an indication for plasma exchange treatment, but patient perspectives are lacking.

Study design and methods

We convened a “patient and public consultation exercise.” Supervised by a clinical ethicist, the case for using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was presented by a researcher and two TPE experts to five patients with severe, long‐standing CRPS and to one relative. Discussions were recorded and transcribed.

Results

Participants supported the technology's use but expressed concern that the small trauma of repeat cannulations of CRPS unaffected limbs might theoretically cause a spread of the condition, a risk which requires highlighting when taking consent. For a preliminary trial, the participants proposed to include no less than 10, preferably 20 participants. They suggested that the threshold for a decision to conduct a definite trial based on preliminary trial results should be set no higher than 1/5 patients achieving >30% pain reduction in the preliminary trial, with half of these responders achieving >50%. The use of sham‐TPE and a long trial duration (1 year) of a definite, parallel trial was considered acceptable, provided patients would be offered voluntary swap to the other trial arm at the end of the main trial period.

Conclusion

These results provide pertinent patient views about TPE treatment which can inform both clinical consultation and consent procedure and the design of future trials.
Characterization of the structure of rabbit anterior cruciate ligament and its stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Chen Biao , Zhang Jianying , Nie Daibang , Zhao Guangyi , Fu Freddie H. , Wang James H.‐C.
Published: November 2018

Background

It is known that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee joint is prone to injuries with poor healing potential. The healing capacity of a tissue‐like ACL is dependent on its structural components and the properties of the stem cells (SCs). Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the structure of ACL tissue and the properties of the SCs derived from the tissue components.

Methods

The tissue structure of rabbit ACL was determined using a scanning electron microscope, hematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical staining. The biological properties of SCs derived from the structural components of ACL were studied by colony formation, cell proliferation assay, SC marker expression and collagen exhibition, and multidifferentiation potential.

Results

The two distinct components of ACL are classified as sheath and core, which possess differential properties in terms of collagen type, organization, and presence of blood vessels. The sheath tissue contains vascular SCs and the core tissue contains ligamentous SCs, respectively. The two types of SCs differ in clonogenicity, proliferation, and multidifferentiation potential.

Conclusion

This study shows that ACL consists of sheath and core tissues, which contain sheath and core SCs with distinctive biological properties. These findings highlight the need for use of both sheath and core SCs to promote the repair of the complex structure of injured ACL.
Deletion of Runx2 in condylar chondrocytes disrupts TMJ tissue homeostasis
Authors: Liao Lifan , Zhang Shanxing , Zhou Guang‐Qian , Ye Ling , Huang Jian , Zhao Lan , Chen Di
Published: November 2018

Runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2) is essential for chondrocyte maturation during cartilage development and embryonic mandibular condylar development. The process that chondrocytes, especially a subgroup of hypertrophic chondrocytes (HC), could transform into bone cells in mandibular condyle growth makes chondrocytes crucially important for normal endochondral bone formation. To determine whether Runx2 regulates postnatal condylar cartilage growth and tissue homeostasis, we deleted Runx2 in chondrocytes in postnatal mice and assessed the consequences on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage growth and remodeling. The cell lineage tracing data provide information demonstrating the role of chondrocytes in subchondral bone remodeling. The histologic and immunohistochemical data showed that Runx2 deficiency caused condylar tissue disorganization, including loss of HC and reduced hypertrophic zone, reduced proliferative chondrocytes, and decreased cartilage matrix production. Expression of Col10a1, Mmp13, Col2a1, Aggrecan, and Ihh was significantly reduced in Runx2 knockout mice. The findings of this study demonstrate that Runx2 is required for chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in TMJ cartilage and postnatal TMJ cartilage growth and homeostasis, and that Runx2 may play an important role in regulation of chondrocyte‐derived subchondral bone remodeling.
Parasympathectomy increases resting secretion of the submandibular gland in minipigs in the long term
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Ming , Huang Yan , Cong Xin , Qu Ling‐Han , Zhang Kuo , Wu Li‐Ling , Zhang Yan , Yu Guang‐Yan
Published: November 2018

Parasympathectomy leads to retrogressive alteration and dysfunction of the submandibular gland (SMG) within 1 month, but its long‐term effect is unclear. Excessive secretion is observed in half of the patients 4–6 months after SMG transplantation, which completely denervates the gland. Here, we investigated the long‐term effect of parasympathectomy on the secretion of SMGs in minipigs. The results showed that the resting salivary secretion of SMGs decreased by 82.9% of that in control at 2 months after denervation, but increased by 156% at 6 months. Although experiencing an atrophic period, the denervated glands regained their normal morphology by 6 months. The expression of the function‐related proteins, including muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) 3, aquaporin 5 (AQP5), tight junction protein claudin‐3, and claudin‐4 was decreased at 2 months after denervation. Meanwhile, the protein expression of stem cell markers, including sex‐determining region Y‐box 2 and octamer‐binding transcription factor 4, and the number of Ki67+ cells were significantly increased. However, at 6 months after denervation, the expression of mAChR3, AQP5, claudin‐1, claudin‐3, and claudin‐4 was significantly raised, and the membrane distribution of these proteins was increased accordingly. The autonomic axonal area of the glands was reduced at 2 months after denervation but returned to the control level at 6 months, suggesting that reinnervation took place in the long term. In summary, parasympathectomy increases resting secretion of the SMGs in the long term with a possible mechanism involving improved transepithelial fluid transport. This finding may provide a new strategy for xerostomia treatment.
Lysyl oxidase‐like 2 is a regulator of angiogenesis through modulation of endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: de Jong Olivier G. , van der Waals Lizet M. , Kools Farah R. W. , Verhaar Marianne C. , van Balkom Bas W. M.
Published: November 2018

Lysyl oxidase‐like 2 (LOXL2) belongs to the family of lysyl oxidases, and as such promotes crosslinking of collagens and elastin by oxidative deamination of lysine residues. In endothelial cells (ECs), LOXL2 is involved in crosslinking and scaffolding of collagen IV. Additionally, several reports have shown a role for LOXL2 in other processes, including regulation of gene expression, tumor metastasis, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we demonstrate an additional role for LOXL2 in the regulation of angiogenesis by modulation of endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT). LOXL2 knockdown in ECs results in decreased migration and sprouting, and concordantly, LOXL2 overexpression leads to an increase in migration and sprouting, independent of its catalytic activity. Furthermore, LOXL2 knockdown resulted in a reduced expression of EndMT markers, and inhibition of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐mediated induction of EndMT. Interestingly, unlike in EMT, overexpression of LOXL2 alone is insufficient to induce EndMT. Further investigation revealed that LOXL2 expression regulates protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling, both pathways that have been implicated in the regulation of EMT. Altogether, our studies reveal a role for LOXL2 in angiogenesis through the modulation of EndMT in ECs, independent of its enzymatic crosslinking activity.
Melatonin, a toll‐like receptor inhibitor: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Tamtaji Omid Reza , Mobini Moein , Reiter Russel J. , Azami Abolfazl , Gholami Mohammad Saeed , Asemi Zatollah
Published: November 2018

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are crucial activators of inflammatory responses, they are considered immune receptors. TLRs are of fundamental importance in the pathophysiology of disorders related to inflammation including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Melatonin is a beneficial agent in the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders. Melatonin is potent anti‐inflammatory hormone that regulates various molecular pathways. Withal, limited studies have evaluated the inhibitory role of melatonin on TLRs. This review summarizes the current knowledge related to the effects of melatonin on TLRs in some common inflammatory and immunity disorders.
Nitrogen removal by a metal‐resistant bacterium, Pseudomonas putida ZN1, capable of heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification
Authors: Zhang Ni , Chen Hu , Lyu Yongkang , Wang Ying
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Bacteria capable of heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification have received increasing attention, and can achieve simultaneous nitrification and denitrification processes to accelerate nitrogen removal rate. However, heavy metals in industrial wastewater seriously affect the nitrogen removal by these bacteria. Thus, this work focused on the nitrogen removal ability of a metal‐resistant bacterium Pseudomonas putida ZN1.

RESULTS

ZN1 effectively removed ammonium, nitrate and nitrite with maximum removal efficiencies of 97.47%, 86.08% and 71.57%, and it also preferred to utilize ammonium during the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification process. The inhibitory effect of heavy metals on ammonium removal decreased in the order Ni2+ > Cr6+ > Zn2+ > Cu2+, and copB‐I was responsible for the higher copper tolerance of ZN1. The nitrogen removal pathway of ZN1 was proposed to be heterotrophic nitrification combined with aerobic denitrification through the nitrogen source utilization, gas detection, enzyme assay and gene amplification.

CONCLUSION

ZN1 exhibited excellent heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification capacity, and it effectively removed ammonium from wastewater containing the heavy metals Cu2+, Zn2+, Cr6+ and Ni2+. All results make strain ZN1 a promising candidate for future application in treating actual wastewater. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, acalabrutinib, suppresses osteoclast differentiation and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐induced alveolar bone resorption
Authors: Pokhrel Nitin Kumar , Kim Yong‐Gun , Kim Hyo Jeong , Kim Hyung Joon , Lee Ji Hye , Choi So‐Young , Kwon Tae‐Geon , Lee Heon‐Jin , Kim Jae‐Young , Lee Youngkyun
Published: November 2018

Background

Periodontitis is not only one of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases among adults, but also commonly linked to numerous systemic conditions including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Although osteoclasts are responsible for the alveolar bone resorption during periodontitis pathogenesis, the development of pharmacologic strategies targeting these cells has not been vastly fruitful.

Methods

Bone marrow macrophages were cultured in the presence of macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) to examine the direct effect of acalabrutinib on osteoclastogenesis. Ca2+ oscillation and nuclear localization of NFATc1 in osteoclast precursors were examined to determine the precise molecular mechanism. LPS‐induced alveolar bone loss model was employed for studying effect in in vivo bone resorption.

Results

Acalabrutinib directly inhibited RANKL and LPS‐induced in vitro osteoclast differentiation. In addition, acalabrutinib inhibited RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and reduced the expression of NF‐κB. The inhibitory mechanism involved suppression of Ca2+ oscillation in osteoclast precursors resulting in the decreased NFATc1 expression and nuclear localization, which is a crucial prerequisite for osteoclastogenesis. The administration of acalabrutinib significantly reduced P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐induced alveolar bone erosion in mice.

Conclusion

These data indicate that acalabrutinib is an effective inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, with a potential for a novel strategy against bone destruction by periodontitis.
Low‐temperature plasma on peri‐implant–related biofilm and gingival tissue
Authors: Carreiro Adriana F.P. , Delben Juliana A. , Guedes Sarah , Silveira Ericka J.D. , Janal Malvin N. , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Pushalkar Smruti , Duarte Simone
Published: November 2018

Background

Evaluate the effect of low‐temperature plasma (LTP) on an anaerobic biofilm and on the biological response of an in vitro reconstituted gingival epithelium tissue.

Methods

Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 biofilm was cultured on titanium discs and reconstituted gingival tissues were submitted to similar treatment conditions. Treatments: LTP1—plasma treatment for 1 minute, LTP3—plasma treatment for 3 minute, CHX—0.2% chlorhexidine for 1 minute, GAS—gas only (no plasma) for 3 minute, and NEGATIVE—no treatment. TRITON group was included as a positive control for tissue analysis. Counting of viable colony forming units (CFU/mL) and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed to evaluate LTP's antimicrobial effect. EpiGingival tissue was evaluated through cytotoxocity, viability, histology, and imunnohistochemistry (Ki67, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGF‐A], and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling [TUNEL] expression).

Results

LTP1 and LTP3 presented significantly different reduced CFU/mL reduction in comparison to the negative control (Ρ < 0.001), but it was not as effective as the positive control (CHX). Low cytotoxicity and high viability were observed in gingival epithelium of NEGATIVE, GAS, CHX, and both LTP groups. The morphologic analysis of gingival epithelium revealed minor cell damage in the plasma groups (score 1). LTP1, LTP3, GAS, and NEGATIVE groups exhibited less than 5% of basal layer positive cells. LTP1, LTP3, GAS, and CHX groups were not positive for TUNEL assay. LTP1 and LTP3 showed the most positivity for VEGF.

Conclusions

LTP treatment can be considered as an effective method for reducing P. gingivalis biofilm on implant surfaces, while being safe for the gingival epithelium. Furthermore, plasma treatment may be associated with cell repair.
A Highly Stretchable Tough Polymer Actuator Driven by Acetone Vapors
Authors: Yuan Yihui , Yuan Jun , Tan Huiyan , Song Xiaodong , Tu Yaqing , Zhang Ting , Han Huijing , Huang Wei , Huang Xinhua , Zhang Lidong
Published: November 2018

Stimuli‐responsive polymer materials having high stretchability and robust toughness are more promising for applications in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and sensors. Herein, a micropatterned single‐layered polymer soft actuator is reported that can be stretched to 600% of its original length with the strength reaching 40 MPa. The prominent mechanical stretchability comes from the modification of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) by using 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MS), followed by the treatment with mechanical uniaxial stretching. The uniaxial stretching induces microscopic patterning of the PVDF/MS composite actuator, making it capable of kinematics‐controllable movements in response to acetone vapors. The mechanically strong single‐layered vaporesponsive PVDF/MS actuator overcomes many drawbacks of polymer bilayer actuators that might undergo interfacial failure and inactivation caused by less‐than‐perfect mechanical properties. Driven by acetone vapors, the PVDF/MS actuator demonstrates highly efficient energy conversion and sensing abilities with simulating artificial muscles for inducing the movements of various paper dolls.
“Don't you want to stay?” The impact of training and recognition as human resource practices on volunteer turnover
Authors: Walk Marlene , Zhang Ruodan , Littlepage Laura
Published: November 2018

Managing volunteers is a difficult undertaking. This study draws on human resource (HR) management theory and literature to investigate the effect of two HR practices—training and recognition—on volunteer turnover. We use longitudinal administrative data collected by an Indiana nonprofit organization, which contains individual volunteer characteristics, organizational HR practices, and information on actual turnover behavior. We found that recognizing volunteer contributions with awards predicted volunteer retention in the following year. Training did not have a direct effect on volunteer turnover, but interacted with gender; men who received training were more likely to stay than women. The study contributes to the literature on HR management in the volunteer context, adds to the emerging literature on awards as incentives for volunteers, and addresses the common method bias by using longitudinal data.
Dynamic mechanical characterization of boron nitride nanotube—epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Rahmat Meysam , Naftel Alex , Ashrafi Behnam , Jakubinek Michael B. , Martinez‐Rubi Yadienka , Simard Benoit
Published: November 2018

Quasi‐static and dynamic performances of an epoxy adhesive with and without Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are studied here. This article investigates the thin film shear and bulk tensile properties of EPON 828/Epikure 3223. In addition to the neat epoxy material, specimens with 1 and 2 wt% concentrations of BNNTs were also tested. Double‐lap shear tests were performed at strain rates ranging from 4.0 × 10−4 to 3.7 × 103 s−1 and it was found that neither the incorporation of BNNTs nor increasing the strain rate had a substantial effect on the shear properties of the thin adhesive layer. However, bulk tensile properties were seen to be sensitive to changes in strain rate. An increase in the strain rate from 5.5 × 10−4 to 1.2 × 102 s−1 increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus by 39 and 113%, respectively; while the failure strain decreased by 49%. Additionally, the BNNT‐modified tensile specimens demonstrated up to 7% increase in tensile strength, up to a 16% increase in modulus, and a 9% decrease in the strain at failure. These results along with electron micrographs showed that due to pull‐out and bridging mechanisms of the nano‐reinforcements, the BNNTs are more effective in normal stress dominant applications, as opposed to shear stress. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2119–2131, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of Sn/Ge Cation Exchange on Vacancy‐Ordered Double Perovskite Cs2Sn(1−x)GexI6: A First‐Principles Theoretical Study
Authors: Ma Xia‐Xia , Li Ze‐Sheng
Published: November 2018

The toxicity of lead (Pb) and the volatility of organic cations in the typical Pb‐based organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials are the two key challenges in the emerging perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Thus, the development of lead‐free and inorganic perovskite materials for solar cells is very important. Here, the mixed vacancy‐ordered inorganic double perovskite Cs2Sn(1−x)GexI6 is studied to explore how gradual substitution of tetravalent gemanium (Ge4+) for tetravalent tin (Sn4+) influences the structure, as well as thermodynamic, electronic and mechanical properties of Cs2Sn(1−x)GexI6 on the basis of first‐principles theory calculation. By changing the concentration of doping Ge4+, it is shown that the values of band gap and concentration of Ge4+ are in a linear relationship, satisfying the fitting equation: y = 1.04 − 0.704x, where y is the value of band gap, and x is the concentration of Ge4+. Moreover, it is found that the volume of crystal cell generally decreases with the concentration of doping Ge4+ increasing. This indicates that the reduction of band gap relates to contraction of crystal cell. In addition, in this study, it is shown that Cs2Sn0.75Ge0.25I6 exhibits the best thermodynamics stability and the best mechanical ductility and flexibility.
The Mechanism for the Half‐Metal to Insulator Transition at the Fe3O4/ZnAl2O4 Interface
Authors: Jin Zhejunyu , Li Zongxiao , Pu Xiaohua , Zhao Weiwei , Ding Kaining
Published: November 2018

The mechanism of Verwey transition remains unsolved. In this work, the gap opening at the Fe3O4/ZnAl2O4 interface is discussed based on first‐principles calculations. Here, with constraint of the charge transfer, superlattices with different orbital ordering show different gaps corresponding to the different electron–acoustic phonon couplings. When electrons (near the Fermi level) are at the out‐of‐plane orbitals, the interface exhibits a wider band gap with stronger electron–acoustic phonon coupling compared to the superlattice with electrons at in‐plane orbitals. This finding unravels the link between the electron–acoustic phonon coupling and orbital ordering, which is significant to explain the mechanism for the Verwey transition.
Deciphering the effect of reproductive tract microbiota on human reproduction
Authors: Moreno Inmaculada , Simon Carlos
Published: November 2018

Background

The female reproductive tract contains an active microbiome comprising mainly bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, which is associated with a healthy microbiome state. However, spatio‐temporal fluctuations of this microbiome that occur in response to internal and external factors may impact the physiology of the reproductive tract organs and even lead to pathological states.

Methods

Current literature covering the reproductive tract microbiome is summarized and contextualized in this review.

Main findings

This review presents the current knowledge about the bacterial composition of the lower and upper reproductive tract as well as the impact of the microbiota on women's health and reproduction. We place special focus on the impact of the endometrial microbiome in infertility and assisted reproductive technologies.

Conclusion

The assessment of the reproductive tract microbiome adds a new microbiological perspective to human reproduction, pregnancy, and onset of new life, highlighting the importance of considering the evaluation of microbial communities to improve personalized care in reproductive medicine and women's health.
Endogenous progesterone levels could predict reproductive outcome in frozen embryo replacement cycles supplemented with synthetic progestogens: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kawachiya Satoshi , Bodri Daniel , Hirosawa Toshikazu , Yao Serna Jazmina , Kuwahara Akira , Irahara Minoru
Published: November 2018

Purpose

A retrospective, cohort study was conducted between 2009 and 2017 in a private infertility center to determine the predictive value of endogenous estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels in hormone‐replacement frozen embryo replacement (FER) treatment cycles.

Methods

A total of 120 consecutive, infertile patients who became pregnant after FER cycles were analyzed (age: 37.4 ± 4.4 years). Electively vitrified blastocysts were created during natural cycle IVF or mild ovarian stimulation treatments and subsequently transferred through delayed vitrified‐thawed blastocyst transfer cycles supplemented with estrogens and a combination of synthetic progestogens. Serum E2 and progesterone P4 levels were intensively monitored every five days (from the day after embryo transfer until 9w1d of pregnancy) and compared among patients with a subsequent live birth (n = 76) or first‐trimester pregnancy loss (n = 44).

Results

Endogenous placental activity started as early as 5‐6th pregnancy week differing significantly according to pregnancy outcome. For P4, the exponential rise from 6w2d onwards allowed distinguishing between failing and successful conceptions. For P4, lower quartiles of the live birth group did not intersect with upper quartiles of the miscarriage group.

Conclusions

Innovative FER protocols incorporating synthetic progestogens allow the correct measurement of endogenous placental activity and could help to monitor early first‐trimester ART pregnancies.
The Hydrogen Induced Mechanical Degradation of Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Maria Graziele Gianini Braga , Claeys Lisa , Depover Tom , Santos Dagoberto Brandão , Verbeken Kim
Published: November 2018

This study considers the interaction between duplex stainless steel type 2205 and electrochemically charged hydrogen. Duplex stainless steels combine the mechanical properties of ferrite with the corrosion resistance of austenite and are widely used in many industrial applications. However, they are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. In this work, the steel microstructure is first characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and electron backscatter diffraction. Subsequently, melt extraction is done to determine the amount of hydrogen charged into the material, while in situ hydrogen charged tensile tests are combined with a fractography analysis to evaluate the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical behavior. The material displays a rather significant ductility loss of about 26% as a result of the applied hydrogen charging. Melt extraction identifies the increased hydrogen content in the steel microstructure (up to 50 wppm). Moreover, the hydrogen embrittled regions correspond well to the hydrogen diffusion penetration depth from the edges onwards. These cleavage brittle areas are observed up to the theoretical hydrogen diffusion distance, demonstrating the hydrogen embrittlement effect.
In this issue of Weather
Authors: Galvin Jim
Published: November 2018

After a brief examination of the changes in the meteorological services brought about by the First World War, which ended 100 years ago this month, we complete John Zillman's look back at the heyday of the World Meteorological Organizaton in ‘International cooperation in meteorology, part 2: the golden years and their legacy’ on p. 341. This paper clearly demonstrates the value of international links across the world at their best.

On p. 348, we look into the increasing problem of pollution within tropical cities, focussing on an event of last winter in India. In ‘The Delhi ‘gas chamber’: smog, air pollution and the health emergency of November 2017’ John Terry and his co‐authors look at the effects of this highly significant event and the responses to it.

On p. 356, we move into Europe, with a look at flooding associated with a feature that many meteorologists will recognise: the Genoa Low. In ‘Rainfall intensity in the Genoa Metropolitan Area: secular variations and consequences’, Fiorella Acquaotta and her co‐authors review the particular circumstances that lead not only to the generation of this low‐pressure area and associated precipitation, but the effects of the rainfall in this important port city.

Space weather is one of the most recent developments in the work of the weather forecaster. On p. 362, ‘Skills for forecasting space weather’ by H J Austin and N P Savani describes the processes and systems used by forecasters to predict the possible effects of the sun on the electronics of our modern world.

Finally in this issue, Sejabaledi Rankoana looks at human responses to climate change in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Evidently, the response can be complex or confused, although there is a clear signal that the world's changing climate is important to people, as shown in ‘Human perception of climate change’ on p. 367.
Academic Spin Doctoring: The Incommensurability Debate as a Scholarly War Fantasy
Authors: Lowe Sid , Rod Michel
Published: November 2018

This commentary to Shaw and Nowicki (2018) proposes that academic paradigms are ‘dialogical’ discourses that both compete and collaborate in order to sustain their identities. They are all based on different underlying assumptions and are carried by different symbols, tropes and narratives. Each version of the truth cultivates an identity that principally depends upon it not being its alternative. As a result, each paradigm depends upon the continued existence of its opposite. In this sense, therefore, the paradigm wars were a concocted dispute over invented territories and contrived opponents. The contribution of the paper for those seeking paradigmatic peace is to emphasise that just as the war was a concocted ‘simulacrum’, any peace must also be designed as fantasies accomplished through language games.
Alzheimer's disease: 3‐Dimensional MRI texture for prediction of conversion from mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Luk Collin C. , Ishaque Abdullah , Khan Muhammad , Ta Daniel , Chenji Sneha , Yang Yee‐Hong , Eurich Dean , Kalra Sanjay ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Currently, there are no tools that can accurately predict which patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Texture analysis uses image processing and statistical methods to identify patterns in voxel intensities that cannot be appreciated by visual inspection. Our main objective was to determine whether MRI texture could be used to predict conversion of MCI to AD.

Methods

A method of 3‐dimensional, whole‐brain texture analysis was used to compute texture features from T1‐weighted MR images. To assess predictive value, texture changes were compared between MCI converters and nonconverters over a 3‐year observation period. A predictive model using texture and clinical factors was used to predict conversion of patients with MCI to AD. This model was then tested on ten randomly selected test groups from the data set.

Results

Texture features were found to be significantly different between normal controls (n = 225), patients with MCI (n = 382), and patients with AD (n = 183). A subset of the patients with MCI were used to compare between MCI converters (n = 98) and nonconverters (n = 106). A composite model including texture features, APOE‐ε4 genotype, Mini‐Mental Status Examination score, sex, and hippocampal occupancy resulted in an area under curve of 0.905. Application of the composite model to ten randomly selected test groups (nonconverters = 26, converters = 24) predicted MCI conversion with a mean accuracy of 76.2%.

Discussion

Early texture changes are detected in patients with MCI who eventually progress to AD dementia. Therefore, whole‐brain 3D texture analysis has the potential to predict progression of patients with MCI to AD.
Association Between Multiple Sclerosis and Risk of Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Shankun , Wang Jiamin , Liu Yangzhou , Luo Lianmin , Zhu Zhiguo , Li Ermao , Zhao Zhigang
Published: November 2018

Introduction

It has been reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) would increase the susceptibility to female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Aim

To assess whether MS was a risk factor for FSD through a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO databases were systematically searched for all studies reporting sexual function in women with MS. The protocol for this meta-analysis is available from PROSPERO (CRD42018094392).

Main Outcome Measures

The association between MS and risk of FSD was summarized using relative risk or standard mean differences with 95% CI. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to detect potential bias.

Results

Overall, 1,485 women participants (the mean age ranged from 29.15 to 45.89 years) were included from 9 studies (4 cross-sectional and 5 case-control studies); 826 of them were patients with MS, with a mean disease duration from 2.7 to 16.51 years. Synthesis of results revealed that MS was significantly associated with an increased risk of FSD (relative risk 1.87, 95% CI 1.25–2.78, P = .002; heterogeneity: I  2 = 89.0%, P < .001). Women with MS had significantly lower values in total Female Sexual Function Index scores as compared with healthy controls (standard mean differences –2.41,95% CI −3.87 to −0.96, P = .017; heterogeneity: I  2 = 97.2%, P = .001). The grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation–relevant outcomes revealed that the absolute effect of MS on FSD was 434 more per 1000 (from 125 more to 888 more); and the overall quality of the evidence was judged as low.

Clinical Implications

The present meta-analysis indicates that women patients with MS have a significant elevated risk of sexual dysfunction, which should raise awareness of the potential association between MS and FSD by both neurologists and urologists.

Strengths & Limitations

This the first study to summarize all available evidence for combining the odds on the association between MS and the risk of developing FSD. However, all the included studies were observational design, which may downgrade this evidence.

Conclusion

Results of this meta-analysis revealed a potential hazardous effect of MS for developing FSD. High-quality stringently controlled studies with large sample size are still warranted to validate this relationship.
Summative Usability Evaluation of the SCTE-AI Device: A Novel Prefilled Autoinjector for Subcutaneous Testosterone Administration
Authors: Arora Samir , Moclair Betsy , Murphy Kyle , Jaffe Jonathan S. , Kaminetsky Jed C.
Published: November 2018

Background

The subcutaneous testosterone enanthate (TE) autoinjector (SCTE-AI) is a single-use, pre-filled, disposable autoinjector intended for testosterone (T) self-administration in adult males with T deficiency.

Aim

To evaluate the usability of the market configuration of the SCTE-AI, including packaging and instructions for use (IFU), in order to identify and mitigate any preventable patterns of use errors that could result in harm.

Methods

4 groups of participants (injection-naïve or injection-experienced patients or caregivers) were randomized to 1 of 3 doses (50, 75, and 100 mg) of TE and either trained (ie, reviewed the IFU and shown how to properly inject) or not trained (only given the IFU). After simulated at-home use, participants were asked questions regarding the comprehensibility of the IFU and the intuitiveness/usability of the device. All tasks were measured as success, use error, or close call (participant initiated an error but recovered in time).

Main Outcome Measure

Usability (success rates, errors, and close calls) of the drug/device combination by adult males with T deficiency or their caregivers.

Results

65 patients received 1 dose of TE, and 59 patients received 2 doses. Overall, 99 of 123 (80.5%) attempted injections resulted in administration of 1 full dose. Injection success rates were high and comparable among the various user groups. The most common use error (21 of 24) was due to not holding the autoinjector on the abdomen long enough (at least 8 seconds). Few critical drug delivery and safety errors or close calls were observed. No unmitigated use errors by patients or caregivers were apparent that could result in harm or have a negative impact on treatment. SCTE-AI was well tolerated.

Clinical Implications

The SCTE-AI development process resulted in a subcutaneous, TE autoinjection device that is intuitive to use, with clear labeling and packaging and an easy-to-understand IFU, providing an option for T-deficient adult males to self-inject subcutaneously at home.

Strength & Limitations

The strengths of the study include use of a patient-ready drug/device combination for self-administration and inclusion of both injection-naïve and injection-experienced patients and caregivers. The main limitation of the study is the presence of observers/cameras that may have distracted or created performance anxiety, potentially contributing to errors.

Conclusion

Results of this usability validation study indicate that the SCTE-AI device is safe and intuitive to use, with a low potential for harm and is associated with a high rate of injection success, regardless of prior training or experience.
Bio revolution for UK rail
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: November 2018

Liz Nickels spoke to a UK composite manufacturer that has developed an environmentally-friendly component for UK rail that also meets the industry’s stringent safety demands.
Between perception and reality: the economy and trust in Latin American political institutions
Authors: Memoli Vincenzo , Di Pastena Maria Pina
Published: November 2018

What is the effect of the economy on political trust among Latin American countries? The few studies that have examined the causal link between the economy and trust in institutions have observed the phenomenon in a synchronic way, adopting information collected at the individual or at the aggregate level. The results shown by these works reveal a citizenry that is dissatisfied, less tolerant towards the political class, and oriented to de-legitimize the political system. In this work, which analyses the political attitudes of citizens in 18 Latin American countries from a longitudinal perspective (1996–2013), the conjoint effect that economic perceptions and the real economy have on political trust is estimated. In particular, by using data from the Latinobarómetro, we show that in contexts where the political regime continues to alternate between democracy and authoritarianism, citizens’ sociotropic understanding of the economy contributes to strengthening the relationship between citizens and political institutions.
The anatomy of large-scale motion in atmospheric boundary layers
Authors: Katul G. G.
Published: November 2018

The atmospheric boundary layer is the level of the atmosphere where all human activities occur. It is a layer characterized by its turbulent flow state, meaning that the velocity, temperature and scalar concentrations fluctuate over scales that range from less than a millimetre to several kilometres. It is those fluctuations that make dispersion of pollutants and transport of heat, momentum as well as scalars such as carbon dioxide or cloud-condensation nuclei efficient. It is also the layer where a ‘hand-shake’ occurs between activities on the land surface and the climate system, primarily due to the action of large energetic swirling motions or eddies. The atmospheric boundary layer experiences dramatic transitions depending on whether the underlying surface is being heated or cooled. The existing paradigm describing the size and energetics of large-scale and very large-scale eddies in turbulent flows has been shaped by decades of experiments and simulations on smooth pipes and channels with no surface heating or cooling. The emerging picture, initiated by A. A. Townsend in 1951, is that large- and very large-scale motions appear to be approximated by a collection of hairpin-shaped vortices whose population density scales inversely with distance from the boundary. How does surface heating, quintessential to the atmospheric boundary layer, alter this canonical picture? What are the implications of such a buoyancy force on the geometry and energy distribution across velocity components in those large eddies? How do these large eddies modulate small eddies near the ground? Answering these questions and tracking their consequences to existing theories used today to describe the flow statistics in the atmospheric boundary layer are addressed in the work of Salesky & Anderson (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 856, 2018, pp. 135–168). The findings are both provocative and surprisingly simple.
Comparison of the application of artificial ossicles and autologous ossicles in the reconstruction of a damaged ossicular chain
Authors: Zhao L , Li J , Gong S
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the therapeutic effect that the titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis and autologous ossicles have on hearing loss after reconstruction of a damaged ossicular chain.

Methods

Forty-two medical records of treatments carried out from 2013 to 2015 for ossicular chain damage with facial nerve paralysis due to temporal bone fractures were reviewed. The study assessed: causes of damage, pre-operative pure tone audiometry findings, types of intra-operative ossicular chain damage, intra-operative ossicular chain repair methods (titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis or autologous ossicles) and post-operative pure tone audiometry results.

Results

The titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis was used in 26 cases; the average air–bone gap was 32.3 ± 5.3 dB pre-operatively and 12.8 ± 5.3 dB post-operatively. Autologous ossicles were used in 16 cases; the average air–bone gap was 33.4 ± 4.5 dB pre-operatively and 17.8 ± 7.8 dB post-operatively.

Conclusion

Ossicular chain reconstruction is an effective way of improving hearing in patients with ossicular chain damage. The results suggest that repair with either the titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis or autologous ossicles can improve hearing following ossicular chain injury with facial nerve paralysis caused by a temporal bone fracture.
Ripple modifications to alpha transport in tokamaks
Authors: Catto Peter J.
Published: November 2018

Magnetic field ripple is inherent in tokamaks since the toroidal magnetic field is generated by a finite number of toroidal field coils. The field ripple results in departures from axisymmetry that cause radial transport losses of particles and heat. These ripple losses are a serious concern for alphas near their birth speed $v_{0}$ since alpha heating of the background plasma is required to make fusion reactors into economical power plants. Ripple in tokamaks gives rise to at least two alpha transport regimes of concern. As the slowing down time $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}_{s}$ is much larger than the time for an alpha just born to make a toroidal transit, a regime referred to as the $1/\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}\propto \unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}_{s}$ regime can be encountered, with $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ the appropriate alpha collision frequency. In this regime the radial transport losses increase as $v_{0}\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}_{s}/R$, with $R$ the major radius of the tokamak. The deleterious effect of ripple transport is mitigated by electric and magnetic drifts within the flux surface. When drift tangent to the flux surface becomes significant another ripple regime, referred to as the $\sqrt{\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}}$ regime, is encountered where a collisional boundary layer due to the drift plays a key role. We evaluate the alpha transport in both regimes, taking account of the alphas having a slowing down rather than a Maxwellian distribution function and their being collisionally scattered by a collision operator appropriate for alphas. Alpha ripple transport is found to be in the $\sqrt{\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}}$ regime where it will be a serious issue for typical tokamak reactors as it will be well above the axisymmetric neoclassical level and can be large enough to deplete the alpha slowing down distribution function unless toroidal rotation is strong.
Georges Balandier's Africa: postcolonial translations andambiguousreprises
Authors: Fraiture Pierre-Philippe
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on Georges Balandier's autobiographical essayAfrique ambiguë(1957). Its translation into English,Ambiguous Africa: Cultures in Collision(1966), provides the basis for an examination of the concept of translation in its linguistic but also, and above all, transcultural dimensions. As a text,Ambiguous Africadoes not quite render the subtlety of the French original but beyond its translational shortcomings, Balandier's book is also shown to conduct an in-depth analysis of late colonialism in sub-Saharan Africa. This era is characterized by a high degree of cultural anxiety on the part of the colonizers and the colonized. Echoing other anti-colonial thinkers of the period – Balandier was a regular contributor toPrésence Africaine– he records the environmental, artistic, psychological,andlinguistic devastation generated by the colonial process in this part of the world. Balandier's assessment is pessimistic, but he identifies the ability of some unassimilated African intellectuals and members of messianic movements such as Matswanism and Kimbanguism to challenge the hegemonic status of the colonial Ur-Text. This emancipative move relies on vernacular intellectual and cultural resources and is driven by an attempt to re-write and translate biblical stories anew. It is argued here that this process of indigenous re-appropriation, however ambiguous it might have been assessed by Balandier, is postcolonial for it bears witness to a partial de-canonization of the colonial source text.
MATERIAL TURNS IN BRITISH HISTORY: I. LOOT
Authors: Finn Margot C.
Published: November 2018

This address explores the writing of history in Britain during the Georgian and Victorian eras, arguing for the need both to trace British historiographical genealogies along routes that extend from Europe to the Indian subcontinent and to acknowledge the importance of material histories for this evolution. Focusing on military men who served in the East India Company during the Third Anglo-Maratha and Pindari War (1817–18), it examines the entangled histories of material loot, booty and prize on the one hand, and archival and history-writing practices developed by British military officers on the other. Active in these military campaigns and in post-conflict administration of conquered territories, a cadre of Company officers (assisted by ‘native’ interlocutors trained in Indian historical traditions) elaborated historical practices that we more conventionally associate with the Rankean historiographical innovations of the Victorian era. The Royal Historical Society's own history is shaped by these cross-cultural material encounters.