bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of an Organic Salt on Micellization Behavior of Tetradecyltrimethylammonium Bromide in Aqueous Solutions of Trisubstituted Ionic Liquid [Odmim][Cl]
Authors: Pal Amalendu , Punia Renu
Published: August 2019

The influence of sodium benzoate (Na‐Bz) on micellization behavior of the cationic surfactant tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) in aqueous media of trisubstituted imidazolium‐based ionic liquid (IL), 1,2‐dimethyl‐3‐octylimidazolium chloride [odmim][Cl], was investigated using conductometry, tensiometry, fluorescence,1H NMR, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Rheology techniques. It was observed that with an increase in salt concentration, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of the system decrease. The CMC and various thermodynamic parameters like standard Gibbs free energy of micellization (), standard enthalpy change (), and standard entropy change () were calculated using conductometry and surface parameters such as surface pressure at the interface (Пcac), maximum surface excess concentration (Гmax), minimum surface area per molecule (Amin), and pC20 (adsorption efficiency) were calculated using the tensiometry technique. The aggregation number (Nagg) was calculated using fluorescence measurements. 1H NMR spectra shed light on interactions between the salt and the cationic surfactant in 0.1 wt% IL. DLS gives information about the size distribution of micelles in solution at different concentrations of salt.
Multifactorial analysis of local control and survival in patients with early glottic cancer
Authors: Nomura Tsutomu , Ishikawa Junichi , Ohki Masafumi , Ohata Atsushi , Araki Ryuichiro , Kikuchi Sigeru
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of various prognostic factors for early glottic cancer patients who underwent radiotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the all patients who were treated at our hospital for early glottic squamous cell carcinoma from 2004 to 2016. Data included patient's age, sex, T classification, tumor size, pathological grade, anterior commissure involvement, subglottic extension, laryngeal ventricle involvement, and restriction of vocal cord movement.

Results

There were 74 patients with T1 tumors and 31 with T2 tumors. Recurrence was found in four patients with T1 and eight patients with T2. There were 99 males and six females enrolled, and the mean age was 67.5 ± 9.2 years for T1a, 67.3 ± 11.2 years for T1b, and 67.4 ± 7.9 years for T2. One patient with recurrence after 1 month was thought to have a residual tumor. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate and the 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rate for T1–T2 patients were both 100%. The rate of larynx preservation was 94.6% for T1 and 74.2% for T2. A univariate analysis showed that the effective factors were age, T, size, SE. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age influenced the recurrence status. Size is also suspected to be a prognostic factor.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the effective factors were age, T, size, and SE.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1701–1706, 2020
Intestinal tumors in neurofibromatosis 1 with special reference to fatal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Authors: Ylä‐Outinen Heli , Loponen Niina , Kallionpää Roope A. , Peltonen Sirkku , Peltonen Juha
Published: August 2019

Background

Type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) is a genetic tumor predisposing Rasopathy. NF1 patients have an increased risk for developing benign and malignant tumors, but the occurrence of intestinal tumors has not been investigated at the population level.

Methods

In this retrospective register‐based total population study, diagnoses of gastrointestinal tract tumors were retrieved from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care for 1,410 NF1 patients and 14,030 reference persons. We also reviewed the death certificates of 232 NF1 patients who died during years 1987–2013, and specifically searched for diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

Results

The register analysis revealed an increased overall hazard ratio (HR) of 2.6 (95% CI 1.9–3.6) for intestinal tumors in NF1 compared to general population. The highest HR of 15.6 (95% CI 6.9–35.1) was observed in the small intestine. The focused analysis of NF1 death certificates and GISTs demonstrated that the GIST was the primary cause of death in seven patients.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of NF1 patients with gastrointestinal complaints. The challenge in diagnosis is that the tumors preferably occur at the small intestine, which is difficult target for diagnostic procedures. We also show that the NF1 GISTs may lead to fatal outcome despite of benign histopathological findings at the time of the diagnosis.
Dietary Supplementation with Fish Oil or Conjugated Linoleic Acid Relieves Depression Markers in Mice by Modulation of the Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Cigliano Luisa , Spagnuolo Maria Stefania , Boscaino Floriana , Ferrandino Ida , Monaco Antonio , Capriello Teresa , Cocca Ennio , Iannotta Lucia , Treppiccione Lucia , Luongo Diomira , Maurano Francesco , Rossi Mauro , Bergamo Paolo
Published: August 2019

Inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders and nuclear erythroid related factor 2 (Nrf2), a regulator of RedOx homeostasis and inflammation, is a promising target for depression prevention/treatment. As fish oil (FO) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are known Nrf2 inducers, their protective ability is comparatively evaluated in a murine model of depression (MRL/MpJ‐Faslpr). Oxidative stress, fatty acids content, and critical factors reflecting brain functioning—namely brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptic markers, and cholinergic signaling—are preliminarily evaluated in the frontal cortex of 8‐week (Young) and in 22‐week old animals (Old), which are used as model of depression. These markers are measured in Old mice at the end of a 5‐week pretreatment with FO or CLA (728 or 650 mg kg–1, respectively). Old mice exhibit disrupted Redox homeostasis, compensatory Nrf2 hyperactivation, lower docosaheaxaenoic acid (DHA), and lower BDNF and synaptic function proteins compared to Young mice. FO and CLA treatment relieves almost all the pathophysiological hallmarks at a level comparable to Young mice. Presented data provide the first evidence for the comparable efficacy of FO or CLA supplementation in preventing depression signs in Old MRL/lpr mice, likely through their ability of improving Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant defenses.
Comparing electrical stimulation and tacrolimus (FK506) to enhance treating nerve injuries
Authors: Jo Sally , Pan Deng , Halevi Alexandra E. , Roh Joseph , Schellhardt Lauren , Hunter RA Daniel A. , Snyder‐Warwick Alison K. , Moore Amy M. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Neuroenhancing therapies are desired because repair of nerve injuries can fail to achieve recovery. We compared two neuroenhancing therapies, electrical stimulation (ES) and systemic tacrolimus (FK506), for their capabilities to enhance regeneration in the context of a rat model.

Methods

Rats were randomized to four groups: ES 0.5 mA, ES 2.0 mA, FK506, and repair alone. All groups underwent tibial nerve transection and repair, and outcomes were assessed by using twice per week walking track analysis, cold allodynia response, relative muscle mass, and nerve histology.

Results

Electrical stimulation and FK506 groups demonstrated improved functional recovery and myelinated axon counts distal to the repair compared with repair alone. Electrical stimulation provided improvements in nerve regeneration that were not different from optimized FK506 systemic administration.

Discussion

Providing ES after nerve repair improved regeneration and recovery in rats, with minimal differences in therapeutic efficacy to FK506, further demonstrating its clinical potential to improve management of nerve injuries.
Diffusion tensor imaging of the abdominal organs: Influence of oriented intravoxel flow compartments
Authors: Phi van Valerie , Reiner Caecilia S. , Klarhoefer Markus , Ciritsis Alexander , Eberhardt Christian , Wurnig Moritz C. , Rossi Cristina
Published: August 2019

Water flow in partially oriented intravoxel compartments mimics an anisotropic fast‐diffusion regime, which contributes to the signal attenuation in diffusion‐weighted images. In the abdominal organs, this flow may reflect physiological fluid movements (eg, tubular urine flow in kidneys, or bile flow through the liver) and have a clinical relevance. This study investigated the influence of anisotropic intravoxel water flow on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the abdominal organs.

Diffusion‐weighted images were acquired in five healthy volunteers using an EPI sequence with diffusion preparation (TR/TE: 1000 ms/71 ms; b‐values: 0, 10, 20, 40, 70, 120, 250, 450, 700, 1000 s/mm2; 12 noncollinear diffusion‐encoding directions). DTI of liver and kidneys was performed assuming (i) monoexponential decay of the diffusion‐weighted signal, and (ii) accounting for potential anisotropy of the fast‐diffusion compartments using a tensorial generalization of the IVIM model. Additionally, potential dependency of the metrics of the tensors from the anatomical location was evaluated.

Significant differences in the metrics of the diffusion tensor (DT) were found in both liver and kidneys when comparing the two models. In both organs, the trace and the fractional anisotropy of the DT were significantly higher in the monoexponential model than when accounting for perfusion. The comparison of areas of the liver proximal to the hilum with distal regions and of renal cortex with the medulla also proved a location dependency of the size of the fast‐diffusion compartments.

Pseudo‐diffusion correction in DTI enables the assessment of the solid parenchyma regardless of the organ perfusion or other pseudo‐diffusive fluid movements. This may have a clinical relevance in the assessment of parenchymal pathologies (eg, liver fibrosis). The fast pseudo‐diffusion components present a detectable anisotropy, which may reflect the hepatic microcirculation or other sources of mesoscopic fluid movement in the abdominal organs.
Novel nanocomposites based on epoxy resin and modified magnesium hydroxide: Focus on flame retardancy and mechanical properties
Authors: Lv Xinyao , Fan Hui , Zeng Wei , Yang Zhiwang , Wang Yun , Lei Ziqiang
Published: August 2019

In this work, a novel multifunctional organic‐inorganic hybrid flame agent (AM‐MEL) was prepared from magnesium hydroxide nanosheets decorated by nitrilotrimethylene triphosphonic acid and melamine. Then, an intrinsic flame‐retardant epoxy resin (EP) was prepared by covalently incorporating AM‐MEL nanoparticles. Meanwhile, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was added into EP to form an intumescent flame retardant system with AM‐MEL. The chemical structure of AM‐MEL was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. With the incorporation of 5 wt% AM‐MEL and 15 wt% APP, EP/AM‐MEL/APP could reach a limiting oxygen index value of 32.0% and achieve UL‐94 V‐0 rating, along with 88.0%, 70.0%, 81.5%, and 87.3% decrease in the peak heat release rate, total heat release, total smoke production, and the peak CO production rate, respectively, with respect to that of pure EP. The mechanisms of its flame retardant and smoke suppression were investigated.
Patterns of failure and toxicity profile following proton beam therapy for pediatric bladder and prostate rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Buszek Samantha M. , Ludmir Ethan B. , Grosshans David R. , McAleer Mary F. , McGovern Susan L. , Harrison Douglas J. , Okcu M. Fatih , Chintagumpala Murali M. , Mahajan Anita , Paulino Arnold C.
Published: August 2019

Purpose/Objective(s)

Bladder and prostate are unfavorable sites for rhabdomyosarcoma (B/P‐RMS), and represent a challenging location for radiotherapy.

Materials/Methods

Nineteen patients with B/P‐RMS were enrolled on a prospective registry protocol (2008‐2017) and treated with chemotherapy, proton beam therapy (PBT), and surgical resection (n = 8; 42%). Emphasis was given to treatment technique, disease‐related outcomes, and toxicity associated with PBT.

Results

The majority of patients had bladder RMS (74%) of embryonal histology (95%), Group III (68%), and intermediate‐risk disease by Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk stratification (89%). Seven patients (37%) had primary tumors >5 cm in size. All patients were treated according to COG protocols. With a median follow‐up of 66.2 months, 5‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 76%. Four patients (21%) experienced disease relapse, all presenting with local failure. The 5‐year local control (LC) rate was 76%. Tumor size predicted LC, with 5‐year LC for patients with >5 cm tumors being 43% versus 100% for those with ≤5 cm tumors (P = .006). Univariate analysis demonstrated an effect of tumor size on OS (tumor >5 cm, hazard ratio [HR] 17.7, P = .049) and PFS (HR 17.7, P = .049). Acute grade 2 toxicity was observed in two patients (11%, transient proctitis). Late grade 2+ toxicity was observed in three patients (16%; n = 1 grade 2 skeletal deformity; n = 3 transient grade 2 urinary incontinence; one patient experienced both).

Conclusions

PBT for B/P‐RMS affords promising disease‐related outcomes with an acceptable toxicity profile. Higher local failure rates were observed for larger tumors, supporting dose‐escalation components of ongoing RMS clinical trials.
The State of the Field: Results from the 2014 and 2017 Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Practice Surveys
Authors: Houtrow Amy J. , Zigler Christina K. , Pruitt David W.
Published: August 2019

Background

Childhood disability is on the rise and there is a national shortage of pediatric physiatrists in the United States. The 2009 Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Practice Survey identified concerns regarding inadequate geographic dispersion of providers, salary inequities, and limited academic competitiveness and external funding for research.

Objective

To describe the current state of the field of pediatric rehabilitation medicine.

Design

Survey of pediatric physiatrists in the United States in 2014 and 2017.

Setting

National.

Participants

Pediatric physiatrists

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measurements

Characteristics; clinical activities, responsibilities, and comfort; academic activities; and salaries and productivity.

Results

In both 2014 and 2017, the majority of pediatric physiatrists who responded were women (~63%) and worked at an academic teaching hospital (~68%). Pediatric physiatrists most commonly held the title of assistant professor and were overrepresented in the Midwest. Overall, 55.8% of providers felt that access was adequate in their area whereas only 3.7% felt access was adequate across the country. In 2017, 52.5% of pediatric physiatrists participated in research or other scholarly activities with 44.2% reporting having published original research at some point in their careers. The inflation adjusted mean salary in 2014 ($227 360) was not statistically different than in 2017 ($232 634, P = .422). In both years, full professors reported the highest academic full‐time salaries. Individuals having at least one leadership title also reported significantly higher average full‐time salaries than individuals with no titles.

Conclusions

Although gains have been made in terms of academic competitiveness and engagement in research in pediatric physiatry, there are areas of ongoing concern including large geographic practice variations with associated access to care problems, challenges with recruiting physicians to the field, and salary malalignment within the field of PM&R.
Type IIB Flux Vacua and Tadpole Cancellation
Authors: Betzler Philip , Plauschinn Erik
Published: August 2019

We consider flux vacua for type IIB orientifold compactifications and study their interplay with the tadpole‐cancellation condition. As a concrete example we focus on , for which we find that solutions to the F‐term equations at weak coupling, large complex structure and large volume require large flux contributions. Such contributions are however strongly disfavored by the tadpole‐cancellation condition. We furthermore find that solutions which stabilize moduli in this perturbatively‐controlled regime are only a very small fraction of all solutions, and that the space of solutions is not homogenous but shows characteristic void structures and vacua concentrated on submanifolds.
Sample size calculation for the Andersen‐Gill model comparing rates of recurrent events
Authors: Tang Yongqiang , Fitzpatrick Ronan
Published: August 2019

Recurrent events arise frequently in biomedical research, where the subject may experience the same type of events more than once. The Andersen‐Gill (AG) model has become increasingly popular in the analysis of recurrent events particularly when the event rate is not constant over time. We propose a procedure for calculating the power and sample size for the robust Wald test from the AG model in superiority, noninferiority, and equivalence clinical trials. Its performance is demonstrated by numerical examples. Sample SAS code is provided in the Supplementary Material.
State‐of‐the‐art framework for design of offshore wind jacket foundations
Authors: Nielsen Martin Bjerre , Jensen Jacob Fisker , Harper Christopher , Knudsen Lennart Skovbjerg , Pedersen Ronnie Refstrup
Published: August 2019

Nominated for the Bernt Johansson Outstanding Paper Awards at Nordic Steel 2019

A state‐of‐the‐art framework for the design of jacket foundations for offshore wind turbines is presented here. The article illustrates how an efficient, yet highly accurate, structural model can be achieved through a combination of a comprehensive beam finite element model and detailed shell/solid finite element models, where the former suffices for representing the overall global behaviour and the latter improves the representation of non‐trivial structural details such as the transition piece and tubular joints. This approach allows the verification of standard structural elements according to various design codes to be automated on beam element level, while the fatigue performance via the hot‐spot method as well as detailed stress and buckling analyses of relevant joints and details can be performed based on the detailed shell/solid finite element models readily available for stiffness representation. The computational framework ensures full consistency between the local and global description levels and an efficient cloud interface facilitates the thousands of design load cases that typically require consideration in order that a full detailed design can be simulated within a reasonable timeframe.
Different load bearing mechanisms in headed stud shear connectors for composite beams with profiled steel sheeting
Authors: Vigneri Valentino , Odenbreit Christoph , Lam Dennis
Published: August 2019

Nominated for the Bernt Johansson Outstanding Paper Awards at Nordic Steel 2019

The current design rules of EN 1994‐1‐1 covering headed stud shear connectors for composite beams with profiled sheeting lead, in some cases, to an overestimation of the load bearing capacity. Owing to their empirical nature, these equations are not able to capture the real behaviour of the connector. Therefore, the load bearing mechanisms of the shear connection are identified in this work with the support of experimental and numerical results. According to the static system proposed, the concrete rib is modelled as a system of diagonal struts in combination with the stud in bending. It was observed that at 1–4 mm slip, a ”strut and beam“ mechanism prevails, where the resistance of the connector depends on the activation of the plastic hinges in the stud and on the capacity of the diagonal strut in front of it. By increasing the slip (approx. 4–10 mm), the surrounding concrete gradually crushes, while the tensile stresses at the edge of the rib reach the tensile strength of the material. Because of this loss of rotational stiffness, the bending moment in the stud decreases and the upper plastic hinge gradually moves towards the slab. At higher displacements (approx. 20–40 mm), high tensile forces develop in the stud due to non‐linear geometric effects and the load is carried through a ”strut and tie“ resistance mechanism, provided that the embedment of the stud is sufficient to prevent the rotation of the rib. As the slip increases further, failure occurs either in the form of concrete pull‐out or stud rupture.
“Whose Side Are We On?” Revisited: Narrative Power, Narrative Inequality, and a Politics of Narrative Humanity
Authors: Plummer Ken
Published: August 2019

In 1967, Howard S. Becker gave a widely discussed and polemical presidential address entitled “Whose Side Are We On?” Here he introduced the idea of the hierarchy of credibility. Briefly reviewing the article, I suggest a little of how the world has moved on since then. The core of my analysis links symbolic interactionism to ideas of narrative power, narrative inequality, and narrative othering, sketching out a frame of generic forms of narrative power: domination, exclusion, negotiation, and resistance. I stress the dynamics of the subordinated standpoint and narrative othering. Drawing from a wide range of empirical examples where these processes are featured, I suggest many of us tacitly work with such ideas in our studies. I end by returning to Becker's question—Whose side are we on?—and answer: the side of humanity. Just what we mean by humanity raises contentious value claims, especially in these posthuman times. But understanding our humanities and the value challenge they pose provides the necessary prerequisite for answering Becker's question. From this, political action can flow, and a politics of humanity can be cultivated.
(R)‐ and (S)‐ketamine induce differential fMRI responses in conscious rats
Authors: Masaki Yukiko , Kashiwagi Yuto , Watabe Hiroshi , Abe Kohji
Published: August 2019

(R,S)‐ketamine exerts robust antidepressant effects in patients with depression when given at sub‐anesthetic doses. Each of the enantiomers in this racemic mixture, (R)‐ketamine and (S)‐ketamine, have been reported to exert antidepressant effects individually. However, the neuropharmacological effects of these enantiomers and the mechanisms underlying their antidepressive actions have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effect of (R,S)‐, (R)‐, and (S)‐ketamine on brain activity by functional MRI (fMRI) in conscious rats and compared these with that of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist MK‐801 (n = 5~7). We also assessed their pharmacokinetic profiles (n = 4) and their behavioral effects (n = 7~9). This pharmacological MRI study revealed a significant positive response to (S)‐ketamine specifically in the cortex, nucleus accumbens and striatum. In contrast, negative fMRI responses were observed in various brain regions after (R)‐ketamine administration. (R,S)‐ketamine, evoked significant positive fMRI responses specifically in the cortex, nucleus accumbens and striatum, and this fMRI response pattern was comparable with that of (S)‐ketamine. MK‐801‐induced similar fMRI response pattern to (S)‐ketamine. The fMRI responses to (S)‐ketamine and MK‐801 showed differential temporal profiles, which corresponded with brain concentration profiles. (S)‐ketamine and MK‐801 significantly increased locomotor activity, while (R)‐ketamine produced no noticeable change. (R,S)‐ketamine tended to increase locomotor activity. Our novel fMRI findings show that (R)‐ketamine and (S)‐ketamine induce completely different fMRI response patterns on rat, and that the response produced by the latter is similar to that elicited by an NMDAR antagonist. Our findings provide insight into the antidepressant mechanism of (R,S)‐ketamine.
Drawing to reason and learn in science
Authors: Tytler Russell , Prain Vaughan , Aranda George , Ferguson Joseph , Gorur Radhika
Published: August 2019

Despite mixed results in research on student learning from drawing in science, there is growing interest in the potential for this visual mode, in tandem with other modes, to enact and enable student reasoning in this subject. Building on current research in this field, and using a micro‐ethnographic approach informed by socio‐semiotic perspectives, we aimed to identify how and why student drawing can contribute to student reasoning and learning. In our study, secondary school students were challenged to explore and collaboratively create explanatory representations of phenomena including through drawing. Data were generated using multiple wall‐ and ceiling‐mounted cameras capable of continuously tracking groups of students negotiating these representational challenges. Our analysis proceeded through active and iterative viewing of the extensive video record, and the identification of themes to establish possible relationships between drawing and reasoning. Through this process, we (a) identify multiple necessary conditions and varied opportunities for student drawing to enact and enable reasoning, and (b) extend current understandings of how the particular affordances of this mode interact with these conditions to contribute to student learning in science.
A study of modal damping for offshore wind turbines considering soil properties and foundation types
Authors: Ishihara Takeshi , Wang Lilin
Published: August 2019

The modal damping ratio for each mode is crucial to characterize the dynamic behavior of offshore wind turbines and widely used by simulation software in wind turbine engineering, such as Bladed and FAST. In this study, modal damping ratios of offshore wind turbines are systematically studied for different soil properties and foundation types. Firstly, the modal damping ratios and modal frequencies for the first and second modes of a gravity foundation–supported offshore wind turbine are studied. An offshore wind turbine supported by a monopile foundation is then investigated to clarify the characteristics of modal damping ratios and modal frequencies for the monopile foundation. The soil parameters are identified by means of genetic algorithm (GA). Predicted modal damping ratios and modal frequencies as well as modal shapes show good agreement with the field measurements for both foundations. Finally, a sensitivity analysis study is carried out to investigate the effects of soil properties and foundation types on modal damping ratios. For the gravity foundation–supported offshore wind turbine, soil properties affect the modal damping ratio of the second mode largely, but affect that of the first mode little, while for the monopile‐supported offshore wind turbine, soil properties affect the modal damping ratios of the first and second modes significantly. Predicted natural periods and modal damping ratios of the first mode for both foundations by a pair of simple models agree well with those by numerical models.
Captive breeding of wildlife resources—China's revised supply‐side approach to conservation
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Yang Liangliang , Wronski Torsten , Chen Shaozhi , Hu Yanjie , Huang Songlin
Published: August 2019

The conservation and utilization of wild animals in China often raises public concerns. Thus, the Chinese government is increasingly exploring sustainable development of wildlife resources, and has implemented a series of measures, such as the modification of the Wildlife Protection Law (WPL), implementation of captive breeding licenses, an animal marking system, forest certification, and other actions to regulate captive breeding and utilization of wildlife. At the same time, the government tries to meet the Chinese traditional demand for wildlife products. We first introduce wildlife utilization as an internationally accepted conservation tool, and describe market‐based wildlife farming as a legal substitute for wild‐hunted animals. Second, we highlight the importance of wildlife products in Chinese culture and economy and review some successful examples of wildlife utilization in China, showing that the supply‐side approach is a viable alternative to classical conservation. Subsequently, we outline benefits of, and drawbacks to, China's ‘conservation through utilization’ approach, resulting in the implementation of China's new, revised WPL. We discuss merits and shortcomings of China's revised WPL and respond to recent national and international criticism on China's supply‐side approach to conservation. We strongly propose that captive breeding is a feasible approach to China's wildlife conservation–utilization dilemma, and much work is needed to promote the progress, such as legislation restructure, government attention, duties clarification, and so on. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
The Swampland Distance Conjecture and towers of tensionless branes
Authors: Font Anamaría , Herráez Alvaro , Ibáñez Luis E.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

The Swampland Distance Conjecture states that at infinite distance in the scalar moduli space an infinite tower of particles become exponentially massless. We study this issue in the context of 4d type IIA and type IIB Calabi-Yau compactifications. We find that for large moduli not only towers of particles but also domain walls and strings become tensionless. We study in detail the case of type IIA and IIB 𝒩 = 1 CY orientifolds and show how for infinite Kähler and/or complex structure moduli towers of domain walls and strings become tensionless, depending on the particular direction in moduli space. For the type IIA case we construct the monodromy orbits of domain walls in detail. We study the structure of mass scales in these limits and find that these towers may occur at the same scale as the fundamental string scale or the KK scale making sometimes difficult an effective field theory description. The structure of IIA and IIB towers are consistent with mirror symmetry, as long as towers of exotic domain walls associated to non-geometric fluxes also appear. We briefly discuss the issue of emergence within this context and the possible implications for 4d vacua.
Rural–urban disparities in the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic eye complications in Hungary
Authors: Tóth Gábor , Szabó Dorottya , Sándor Gábor L , Szepessy Zsuzsanna , Barsi Árpád , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Limburg Hans , Németh János
Published: August 2019

Background

To examine the rural–urban differences in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the population aged 50 years and older in Hungary.

Methods

105 clusters of 35 people aged 50 years or older were randomly selected. Standardized rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) with the diabetic retinopathy module was performed. Participants were classified as diabetic if they had a previous diagnosis of DM or a random blood glucose level ≥200 mg/dl. Each individual with DM who agreed underwent dilated fundus examination and DR grading.

Results

The prevalence of DM was higher in rural (21.8%) than in urban (18.6%) areas (p = 0.016). The prevalence of DR did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas in DM cases. Blindness (0.9% vs. 0.1%; p = 0.048) and blindness due to DM (0.3% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.021) in diabetic participants was significantly more common in rural than in urban areas. Diabetic eye screening coverage was significantly lower in rural than in urban areas (p ≤ 0,007).

Conclusion

Based on our results and the high rate of blindness and blindness due to DR in rural areas, primary eye care should be improved and a telemedical eye screening program should be undertaken, especially concentrating on rural areas.
Absolutism, Relativism and Metaepistemology
Authors: Carter J. Adam , McKenna Robin
Published: August 2019

This paper is about two topics: metaepistemological absolutism and the epistemic principles governing perceptual warrant. Our aim is to highlight—by taking the debate between dogmatists and conservativists about perceptual warrant as a case study—a surprising and hitherto unnoticed problem with metaepistemological absolutism, at least as it has been influentially defended by Paul Boghossian (Fear of knowledge: against relativism and constructivism, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2006a) as the principal metaepistemological contrast point to relativism. What we find is that the metaepistemological commitments at play on both sides of this dogmatism/conservativism debate do not line up with epistemic relativismnordo they line up with absolutism, at least as Boghossian articulates this position. What this case study reveals is the need in metaepistemological option space for the recognition of a weaker and less tendentious form of absolutism, what we call “environment relativism”. On this view, epistemic principles are knowable, objective, and they can serve as the basis of particular epistemic evaluations, but their validity is relative to the wider global environment in which they are applied.
A survey of challenges for runtime verification from advanced application domains (beyond software)
Authors: Sánchez César , Schneider Gerardo , Ahrendt Wolfgang , Bartocci Ezio , Bianculli Domenico , Colombo Christian , Falcone Yliès , Francalanza Adrian , Krstić Srđan , Lourenço Joa̋o M. , Nickovic Dejan , Pace Gordon J. , Rufino Jose , Signoles Julien , Traytel Dmitriy , Weiss Alexander
Published: August 2019

Runtime verification is an area of formal methods that studies the dynamic analysis of execution traces against formal specifications. Typically, the two main activities in runtime verification efforts are the process of creating monitors from specifications, and the algorithms for the evaluation of traces against the generated monitors. Other activities involve the instrumentation of the system to generate the trace and the communication between the system under analysis and the monitor. Most of the applications in runtime verification have been focused on the dynamic analysis of software, even though there are many more potential applications to other computational devices and target systems. In this paper we present a collection of challenges for runtime verification extracted from concrete application domains, focusing on the difficulties that must be overcome to tackle these specific challenges. The computational models that characterize these domains require to devise new techniques beyond the current state of the art in runtime verification.
Construction of software using gain-schedule/auto-adaptive control strategy for automation in drilling fluid production plants
Authors: Magalhães S. C. , Fontella G. , Borges R. F. O. , Vega M. P. , Calçada L. A. , Scheid C. M.
Published: August 2019

Although many advanced nonlinear process control techniques have been developed over the past decade, classic control based on feedback response still has its place. This is mostly so because feedback empirical control is robust and simple to implement and does not require fancy calculations or high-qualified operational manpower to operate it. This work has developed an application written in LabVIEW® environment capable of doing a fully automated single-input single-output control. Preliminary tests were performed in a drilling fluid production unit, controlling flow rate through manipulation of the pump power engine. In the future, tests in the same plant of pressure control by choke valves manipulation will be performed (as found in rig sites, where wellbore pressure is controlled by manipulation of such valves). The final goal is to implement such software in a real rig site, to help operators in drilling control areas such as flow rate and wellbore pressure. The produced software has embedded three self-developed features: automatic plant identification (API), auto-tuning (ABAP) and controllers auto-switch (CAS). The API determines automatically the linearity of the process determining the empirical parameters according to Sundaresan and Krishnaswamy technique. In sequence, it calculates the parameters for P, PI and PID controllers using Cohen–Coon and Ziegler–Nichols methods. The API method automates the sequence of tests necessary to implement the Sundaresan and Krishnaswamy empirical approach. The ABAP feature based on heuristic rules tunes in real time the controllers’ parameters to optimize its response. The CAS allows automatic switch between controllers and parameters to avoid instability, overshoots and creates a synergy with ABAP feature. The results have shown that the API feature is a good optimizer reducing the invested time to calculate all the parameters, from hours to a few minutes. The CAS results demonstrated an associative property with the ABAP feature to mitigate instabilities and overshoots. Therefore, the preliminary results suggested this software is a unique and important tool to improve performance, profitability and reliability during offshore and onshore drilling operations. Moreover, this application could be used in any industry with an approximate first-order dynamic system due to its robustness and a low human interaction need.
Brand Attribute Associations, Emotional Consumer-Brand Relationship and Evaluation of Brand Extensions
Authors: Pourazad Naser , Stocchi Lara , Pare Vipul
Published: August 2019

This research aims to test the power of brand attribute associations and emotional consumer-brand relationship (E-CBR) as drivers of the intention to purchase brand extensions, while taking into consideration the moderating role of perceived fit. These aspects are examined in the context of luxury brands, given their expressive and hedonic nature. In more detail, using survey data from a population of Iranian consumers and covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM), this study confirms that E-CBR has a positive impact on the intention to purchase a luxury brand's extension. The study also confirms that E-CBR mediates the relationship between brand attribute associations and the intention to purchase a luxury brand's extension. As such, this research sheds light on the synergic effects of cognitive (brand attribute associations) and emotional (E-CBR) factors in relation to extensions of luxury brands. With respect to perceived fit, the results highlight that it moderates the relationship between brand attribute associations and the intention to purchase a luxury brand's extension. These findings advance existing knowledge of how consumers see extensions of luxury brands, revealing important underlying mechanisms that tie rational and emotional aspects, shaping consumers’ intent. Accordingly, this research yields important implications in relation to the marketing tactics that could be utilised to promote the acceptance of luxury brands’ extensions, especially in growing middle-Eastern markets such as Iran.
Laparoscopic pelvic organ suspension with mesh: a modified technique and primary results
Authors: Khodaei Shahin , Ghahramani Leila , Khazraei Hajar , Hosseini Seyed Vahid
Published: August 2019

Background Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence rate is an important issue which impacts the patient's quality of life and results in a new surgical procedure. We use a new technique of laparoscopic pelvic organ suspension (rectal suspension) for pelvic organ prolapse treatment in our center. We evaluated the results of this technique, three months after surgery and at the time of study reporting.

Methods All patients with pelvic organ prolapse for whom laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse had been done were evaluated. Data were collected from the patient's charts and their short term follow up 3 months after the surgery and their last follow up visit. Demographic, history, physical examination, Wexner's fecal incontinence score and Altomare's Obstructed Defecation Syndrome score, post-operation complications and patient's satisfaction were analyzed, retrospectively.

Results All patients were female with a mean age of 57 ± 11.43 years (range 32–86 years). Mean BMI was 26.1 ± 3.73. Nine patients had rectal bleeding (31%), 18 had prolonged or difficult defecation (62%), 16 had rectal prolapse (55.2%), 11 had gas incontinence (37.9%), 9 had liquid stool incontinence (31%), 5 had stool incontinence (17.2%), 9 had vaginal prolapse (31%), 23 had constipation (79.3%), 9 complaint of pelvic pain (31%), 9 had urge or stress urinary incontinence (31%) and 13 had dyspareunia (44.8%).

Conclusions In conclusion, we believe this procedure has good results in short term follow up (3 months after surgery), but a high recurrence rate in the middle term follow up. Therefore, this procedure is no longer recommended.
Effects of Preoperative Atorvastatin Treatment On Erectile Function After Radical Prostatectomy: Results From a Subgroup of ESTO1, a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Siltari Aino , Riikonen Jarno , Fode Mikkel , Murtola Teemu J.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is common after radical prostatectomy because of damage to the cavernous nerves. Thus, it is important to identify new ways to avoid this problem. For example, statins have shown positive effects on erectile function and may have anti-inflammatory effects that improve recovery after surgery.

Aim

The aim of this exploratory analysis of a subgroup from ESTO1, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, was to evaluate the preoperative use of atorvastatin on erectile function after radical prostatectomy.

Method

Patients were randomized to either 80 mg atorvastatin or placebo daily before undergoing radical prostatectomy from study inclusion to the day of surgery. Altogether 118 men with prostate cancer and scheduled for radical prostatectomy were asked to fill out the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire before surgery and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery.

Main Outcome Measurements

The study was exploratory, with the main outcome being the overall difference between IIEF-5 scores in the 2 groups at 12 months. Several hypotheses generating sub-analyses were conducted.

Results

Overall, 85% filled out the IIEF-5 questionnaire before their operation and 85%, 81%, 78%, and 78% completed it at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up, respectively. 52% of men had information available at all time points. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at baseline in either erectile function, comorbidities, or tumor characteristics. The median duration of use of atorvastatin and placebo before surgery was 27 and 25 days, respectively. Preoperative atorvastatin treatment had no statistically significant effect on erectile function after prostatectomy as compared with placebo, although IIEF-5 scores were higher at all time points in the statin arm. Furthermore, atorvastatin treatment compared with placebo improved IIEF-5 scores at 12 months after surgery when the cavernous nerves were at least partially intact bilaterally (P < .04, n = 65); however, after full bilateral or unilateral nerve-sparing, the difference was not statistically significant.

Clinical Implication

Short-term statin treatment did not improve recovery of erectile function after prostatectomy; however, further studies are needed before final conclusions.

Strengths & Limitations

This was a randomized placebo-controlled study. Original ESTO1 study was designed to detect a difference in prostate cancer biomarkers.

Conclusion

Short-term atorvastatin treatment before radical prostatectomy had no statistically significant effect on the recovery of erectile functions in a non-selected cohort of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of long-term atorvastatin use before and after prostatectomy.
Tilted drifting jets over a zonally sloped topography: effects of vanishing eddy viscosity
Authors: Khatri Hemant , Berloff Pavel
Published: August 2019

Oceanic multiple jets are seen to possess spatio-temporal variability imposed by varying bottom topography resulting in jets that can drift and merge. The dynamics of multiple jets over a topographic zonal slope is studied in a two-layer quasi-geostrophic model. The jets tilt from the zonal direction and drift meridionally. In addition to the tilted jets, other large-scale spatial patterns are observed, which are extracted using the principal component analysis. The variances of these patterns are strongly influenced by the values of eddy viscosity and bottom friction parameters. The contribution of the tilted jets to the full flow field decreases with decreasing friction and viscosity parameters, and purely zonal large-scale modes, propagating in the meridional direction, populate the flow field. Linear stability analysis and two-dimensional kinetic-energy spectrum analysis suggest that the zonal modes gain energy from ambient eddies as well as from the tilted jets through nonlinear interactions. However, viscous dissipation and bottom friction tend to suppress the nonlinear interactions, which results in the inhibition of the upscale energy transfer from eddies to the zonal modes. These simulations suggest that, in the presence of topography, alternating jet patterns may be sustained through interactions among various large-scale modes. This is different from the classical zonal jet formation arguments, in which direct eddy forcing maintains the jets.
The Persistence of Racialized Health Care Attitudes: Racial Attitudes among White Adults and Identity Importance among Black Adults
Authors: McCabe Katherine T.
Published: August 2019

This study evaluates the emergence and persistence of the racial divide on health reform in public opinion using survey data from 2008 through 2017. The findings support existing work showing a consistent relationship between racial resentment and attitudes on the Affordable Care Act among White adults. However, the study also builds on existing work by evaluating the relationship between strength of racial identity among Black adults and health care opinion during President Barack Obama's Administration. The paper investigates the implications of the findings for future health policy in the post-Obama era using survey data on the Republicans’ attempt to pass the American Health Care Act in 2017. The results underscore the conditions that make the “spillover” of racial attitudes into seemingly non-racial policy areas more or less likely to occur. The findings also provide suggestive evidence for how future health reforms may receive different levels of support from both White and Black adults.