bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood eosinophilia, use of inhaled corticosteroids, and risk of COPD exacerbations and mortality
Authors: Oshagbemi Olorunfemi A. , Franssen Frits M.E. , Braeken Dionne C.W. , Henskens Yvonne , Wouters Emiel F.M. , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke‐Hilse , Burden Andrea M. , de Vries Frank
Published: September 2018

Purpose

It remains unclear whether eosinophilia is useful for in guiding inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The goal of this study is to evaluate the risk of acute exacerbations, COPD‐related hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits, and all‐cause mortality with various levels of eosinophil counts among COPD patients using ICS.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients were aged 40+ and had COPD (n = 32 693). Current users of ICS were stratified by relative and absolute eosinophil counts to determine the risk of outcomes with blood eosiniphilia using Cox regression analysis.

Results

Among COPD patients, current use of ICS was not associated with a reduced risk of acute COPD exacerbations, COPD‐related hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits, and all‐cause mortality. Stratification of ICS use by absolute or relative eosinophil counts did not result in significant differences in risk of COPD exacerbations or hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits. However, all‐cause mortality was reduced by 12% to 24% among patients with eosinophilia.

Conclusions

COPD‐related acute exacerbations or hospitalisations/accident and emergency visits were not reduced with eosinophilia among users of ICS with COPD. However, all‐cause mortality was reduced by 12% to 24%. These findings are potentially important and require further evaluation in prospective studies.
Simultaneously enhanced mechanical properties and thermal properties of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene with polydopamine‐coated α‐alumina platelets
Authors: Cao Jingshi , Wang Huaming , Cao Changlin , Li Hongzhou , Xiao Liren , Qian Qingrong , Huang Baoquan , Chen Qinghua
Published: September 2018

Polydopamine (PDA) was employed to modify micrometric Al2O3 platelets to improve the interfacial compatibility between α‐Al2O3 powder and ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The structure of PDA‐coated Al2O3 and UHMWPE composites was investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal stability and mechanical performance of the samples were also evaluated. It is clear that UHMWPE/PDA‐Al2O3 composites exhibit better mechanical properties, higher thermal stability and higher thermal conductivity than UHMWPE/Al2O3 composites, owing to the good dispersion of Al2O3 powder in the UHMWPE matrix and the strong interfacial force between the macromolecules and the inorganic filler caused by the presence of PDA. The tensile strength and the tensile elongation at break of UHMWPE/PDA‐Al2O3 composite with 1 wt% PDA‐Al2O3 are 62.508 MPa and 462%, which are 1.96 and 1.98 times higher than those of pure UHMWPE, respectively. The thermal conductivity of UHMWPE/PDA‐Al2O3 composite increases from 0.38 to 0.52 W m−1 K−1 with an increase in the dosage of PDA‐Al2O3 to 20 wt%. The results show that the prepared PDA‐coated Al2O3 powder can simultaneously enhance the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of UHMWPE. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Shewhart control schemes with supplementary 2‐of‐(h + 1) side‐sensitive runs‐rules under the Burr‐type XII distribution
Authors: Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Malandala Serge Kajingulu , Graham Marien Alet
Published: September 2018

Control schemes that require strict distributional assumptions are called parametric control schemes. When the distributional assumptions fail to hold, nonparametric control schemes and other schemes based on more flexible probability distributions are needed. The traditional Shewhart control scheme has been improved upon using various techniques, one being the addition of non–side‐sensitive (NSS) and side‐sensitive runs‐rules. Many authors showed that side‐sensitive runs‐rules schemes are significantly superior to NSS runs‐rules schemes. In this paper, we propose side‐sensitive Shewhart‐type
schemes supplemented with 2‐of‐(h + 1) standard and improved runs‐rules (where h is a nonzero positive integer) under the violation of the normality assumption for monitoring the process mean. The zero‐state and steady‐state performances of the proposed schemes are investigated using a Markov chain approach. It is observed that the proposed schemes outperform the existing schemes in many situations and possess very interesting zero‐state and steady‐state properties under normal and non‐normal distributions. An illustrative example is provided to facilitate the design and implementation of the proposed schemes.
Comparison of coarse‐resolution rapid methods for assessing fish passage at riverine barriers: ICE and SNIFFER protocols
Authors: Barry James , Coghlan Brian , Cullagh Alan , Kerr James R. , King James J.
Published: September 2018

Man‐made barriers have led to river fragmentation, restricting fish migrations to critical habitat. Fragmentation is relevant to the Water Framework and Habitats (Annex II fish) Directives of the European Union. SNIFFER (Water Framework Directive 111) is a United Kingdom‐developed fish passability assessment method with passability scores based on published data describing the physiological abilities of different fish species/life stages. SNIFFER is an objective protocol, but final scores require assessor opinion on specific nonquantified elements. The French ICE fish passability assessment protocol covers a larger number of fish species/life stages and removes the requirement for velocity readings (except in a few situations) and expert opinion with assessors following a decision tree process. In most situations, fewer direct measurements are required for the ICE protocol, and the evaluation process is quicker and simpler. Both protocols utilize a similar passability scoring system (0 = total barrier, 0.3 = high impact, 0.6 = low impact, 1 = no risk). Comparison of outcomes for species categories for both protocols was made in paired comparisons for 112 transversal sections (fish passage routes) recorded at 52 barriers (in‐river structures) of varying complexity in Irish rivers. Overall scores were found to be in high agreement for species groups at impassable (Score 0) and no risk (Score 1) barriers. Protocol agreement dropped significantly for high‐impact (Score 0.3) and low‐impact (Score 0.6) barriers. Results are discussed in the context of barrier passability at the 52 structures examined, primarily in the context of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus L.). In total, 22 of the structures had one or more fishways or fish passage solutions built into them as part of the original design. Both protocols identified substantial problems for sea lamprey and adult salmon at the majority of the fish passage solutions surveyed. The merits and shortcomings of both protocols, for managers assessing fish passability at complex riverine structures, are discussed.
Assessment of effect size and power for survival analysis through a binary surrogate endpoint in clinical trials
Authors: Abberbock Judah , Anderson Stewart , Rastogi Priya , Tang Gong
Published: September 2018

A strategy for early‐stage breast cancer trials in recent years consists of a neoadjuvant trial with pathological complete response (pCR) at time of surgery as the efficacy endpoint, followed by the collection of long‐term data to show efficacy in survival. To calculate an appropriate sample size to detect a survival difference based upon pCR data, it is necessary to relate the effect size in pCR with the effect size in survival. Here, we propose an exponential mixture model for survival time with parameters for the neoadjuvant pCR rates and an estimated benefit of achieving pCR to determine the treatment effect size. Through simulation studies, we demonstrated how to estimate the empirical power for detecting the survival efficacy under a parameter setting. We also showed a more efficient way to estimate the power for detecting the survival efficacy through estimated average hazard ratios and the Schoenfeld formula. Our method can be used to power future confirmatory adjuvant trials based on the preliminary data obtained from the neoadjuvant component.
Can a multiple ascending dose study serve as an informative proof‐of‐concept study?
Authors: Qu Yongming
Published: September 2018

Drug development is a long, complex, and costly process. The majority of the cost arises from Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical development. Reducing Phase 2 and Phase 3 failure rates would greatly reduce the average drug development cost. Obtaining more informative data on a candidate drug's efficacy and safety prior to moving to Phase 2 will improve Phase 2 success and, hence, reduce the overall development cost. While, typically, multiple ascending dose (MAD) study focuses on safety, this article proposes a model‐based MAD design that not only can provide the desired safety information but also can provide informative efficacy data for certain endpoints in certain therapeutic areas where the parametric models for the longitudinal dose response and the impact of dose titration on a response variable are utilized. This type of MAD design allows relatively informative efficacy data available prior to Phase 2 development and, hence, can serve as a proof‐of‐concept study. This approach may greatly reduce the drug development cycle time without increasing the risk of Phase 2 development.
Not all family firms are equal: The moderating effect of family involvement on the political risk exposure of the foreign direct investment portfolio. Preliminary evidence from Spanish multinational enterprises
Authors: Jimenez Alfredo , Majocchi Antonio , Piana Bice Della
Published: September 2018

We investigate the effect of political risk (PR) exposure and family control on the internationalization strategy of multinational enterprises (MNEs) using social capital theory. Our results from a negative binomial cross‐sectional analysis in 2007 of Spanish MNEs show family ownership or the limited presence of family members on the board has no effect on internationalization. However, when the conceptualization of family firms (FFs) includes majority ownership and board presence, we find a direct negative effect on their internationalization scope but a positive moderating effect on the relationship between the exposure to PR and internationalization scope. FFs have some specific advantages suitable to be employed in their corporate political activity allowing them to develop long‐lasting relationships with relevant political actors. By disentangling the effects of family control on internationalization and PR, this article explains how FFs can be simultaneously risk‐willing and risk‐averse.
The Nile Basin waters and the West African rainforest: Rethinking the boundaries
Authors: Gebrehiwot Solomon Gebreyohannis , Ellison David , Bewket Woldeamlak , Seleshi Yilma , Inogwabini Bila‐Isia , Bishop Kevin
Published: September 2018

This focus article presents the state of the West African rainforest (WARF), its role in atmospheric moisture transport to the Nile Basin, and the potential impact of its deforestation on the Nile Basin's water regime, as well as options for improving transboundary water governance. The Nile is the longest river in the world, but delivers less water per unit area than other major rivers. Pressures from the Basin's rapidly growing population and agricultural demand risk exacerbating transboundary water conflicts. About 85% of the surface water reaching Aswan in Egypt originates from the Ethiopian Highlands which comprise less than 10% of the Nile Basin's total area (3.3 million km2). Some of the atmospheric moisture reaching the Highlands crosses over the WARF; other moisture source areas include the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. The WARF adds atmospheric moisture and modifies the regional climate system. Deforestation in the WARF has the potential to alter rainfall patterns over the Ethiopian Highlands and thus flows in the Nile River, with reductions a likely outcome. Transregional governance that looks beyond basin boundaries to the sources and routes of moisture transport (the precipitationshed) has yet to be integrated into land–atmosphere and water management negotiations. To better achieve sustainable land management and water resource development in the Nile Basin, scientific and governance frameworks need to be established that include the WARF region states in the ongoing negotiations between the Nile riparian states.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Superconformal models for graphene and boundary central charges
Authors: Herzog Christopher P. , Huang Kuo-Wei , Shamir Itamar , Virrueta Julio
Published: September 2018

Abstract

In the context of boundary conformal field theory, we investigate whether the boundary trace anomaly can depend on marginal directions in the presence of supersymmetry. Recently, it was found that a graphene-like non-supersymmetric conformal field theory with a four-dimensional bulk photon and a three-dimensional boundary electron has two boundary central charges that depend on an exactly marginal direction, namely the gauge coupling. In this work, we supersymmetrize this theory, paying special attention to the boundary terms required by supersymmetry. We study models with 4, 8, and 16 Poincaré supercharges in the bulk, half of which are broken by the boundary. In all cases, we find that at all orders in perturbation theory, the gauge coupling is not renormalized, providing strong evidence that these theories are boundary conformal field theories. Moreover, the boundary central charges depend on the coupling. One possible exception to this dependence on marginal directions is that the difference between the two charges is coupling independent at one-loop in the maximally supersymmetric case. In our analysis, a possible boundary Chern-Simons term is incorporated by a bulk θ-term.
Finite size effect from classical strings in deformed AdS3× S3
Authors: Panigrahi Kamal L. , Samal Manoranjan
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We study the finite size effect of rigidly rotating and spinning folded strings in (AdS
3 × S
3)
ϰ
background. We calculate the leading order exponential corrections to the infinite size dispersion relation of the giant magnon, and single spike solutions. For the spinning folded strings we write the finite size effect in terms of the known Lambert W -function.
Renyi relative entropies and renormalization group flows
Authors: Casini Horacio , Medina Raimel , Landea Ignacio Salazar , Torroba Gonzalo
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Quantum Renyi relative entropies provide a one-parameter family of distances between density matrices, which generalizes the relative entropy and the fidelity. We study these measures for renormalization group flows in quantum field theory. We derive explicit expressions in free field theory based on the real time approach. Using monotonicity properties, we obtain new inequalities that need to be satisfied by consistent renormalization group trajectories in field theory. These inequalities play the role of a second law of thermodynamics, in the context of renormalization group flows. Finally, we apply these results to a tractable Kondo model, where we evaluate the Renyi relative entropies explicitly. An outcome of this is that Anderson’s orthogonality catastrophe can be avoided by working on a Cauchy surface that approaches the light-cone.
Hepatic Pedicle Occlusion with the Pringle Maneuver During Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Reduces the Conversion Rate
Authors: Zhao Rongce , Liu Fei , Jia Chenyang , Chen Kefei , Wei Yonggang , Chen Junhua , Li Bo
Published: September 2018

Background

In the presence of cholecystitis or portal hypertension, hemorrhage is common during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) because the vessels of Calot’s triangle are fragile and tortuous. Bleeding can obstruct surgical field visibility and increase conversion rates and risk of common bile duct injury. The Pringle maneuver is a simple occlusion approach that could limit blood flow from the hepatic pedicle, thus controlling bleeding to provide a clear surgical field to reduce conversion rate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of hepatic pedicle occlusion with the Pringle maneuver during difficult LC.

Methods

From 2011 to 2015, LC with hepatic pedicle occlusion by the Pringle maneuver was performed in 67 patients (Pringle group). Another group of 67 cases with matched clinical parameters where LC was performed without the Pringle maneuver (non‐Pringle group) was retrieved from a database to serve as the control group.

Results

The Pringle group had a significantly lower conversion rate (1.49% vs. 11.9%; P = 0.038), less blood loss (37.5 ± 24.1 mL vs. 94.5 ± 67.8 mL; P = 0.002), shorter postoperative hospitalization (2.5 ± 1.4 days vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 days; P = 0.005), and lower cost ($1343 ± $751 USD vs. $1674 ± $609 USD; P = 0.024) than non‐Pringle group. There was one case each of bile duct injury and readmission within 30 days because of bile leakage in the non‐Pringle group, but none in the Pringle group.

Conclusions

Hepatic pedicle occlusion could provide a clear surgical field and enable the recognition of structures during LC. The Pringle maneuver offers a feasible and safe approach to lower conversion rates in difficult LC.
Support vector regression and extended nearest neighbor for video object retrieval
Authors: Ghuge C. A. , Ruikar Sachin D. , Prakash V. Chandra
Published: September 2018

Video retrieval is one of the emerging areas in video capturing that gained various technical advances, increasing the availability of a huge mass of videos. For the text or the image query given, retrieving the relevant videos and the objects from the videos is not always an easy task. A hybrid model was developed in the previous work using the Nearest Search Algorithm (NSA) and exponential weighted moving average (EWMA), for the video object retrieval. In NSA + EWMA, the object trajectories are retrieved based on the query specific distance. This work extends the previous work by developing a novel path equalization scheme for equalizing the path length of the query and the tracked object. Initially, a hybrid model based on Support Vector Regression and NSA tracks the position of the object in the video. The proposed density measure scheme equalizes the path length of the query and the object. Then, the identified path length related to the query is given to extended nearest neighbor classifier for retrieving the video. From the simulation results, it is evident that the proposed video retrieval scheme achieved high values of 0.901, 0.860, 0.849, and 0.922 for precision, recall, F-measure, and multiple object tracking precision, respectively.
Regularity for diffuse reflection boundary problem to the stationary linearized Boltzmann equation in a convex domain
Authors: Chen I-Kun , Hsia Chun-Hsiung , Kawagoe Daisuke
Published: September 2018

We investigate the regularity issue for the diffuse reflection boundary problem to the stationary linearized Boltzmann equation for hard sphere potential, cutoff hard potential, or cutoff Maxwellian molecular gases in a strictly convex bounded domain. We obtain pointwise estimates for first derivatives of the solution provided the boundary temperature is bounded differentiable and the solution is bounded. This result can be understood as a stationary version of the velocity averaging lemma and mixture lemma.
Verteporfin as a Medical Treatment in Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Mohede Daan C.J. , de Jong Igle Jan , Bank Ruud A. , van Driel Mels F.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

In Europe and the United States, verteporfin (Visudyne; VP) is registered and used in treating macular degeneration. Research showed that VP decreased expression of fibrotic genes in fibroblasts collected from nodules of patients suffering from Dupuytren’s disease, plausibly by de-activating transcription in the Yes Activated Protein (YAP) pathway.

Aim

To analyze the effect of VP on myofibroblasts cultured from Peyronie’s disease (PD) plaques.

Methods

At surgery for PD we took biopsies from the plaques of 5 patients. By immunostaining, the presence of the pathologic myofibroblasts was determined. After culturing cells, VP was dispensed in starvation medium for 24 and 48 hours and messenger(m)RNA levels of COL1A1, ACTA2, COL5A1, EDA-FN, LOXL2, CCN2, SERPINH1, PLOD2, and YAP were quantified and compared with controls with real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Outcome Measure

mRNA-levels of COL1A1, ACTA2, COL5A1, EDA-FN, LOXL2, CCN2, SERPINH1, PLOD2, and YAP.

Results

The pathologic phenotype of cells isolated from PD plaques was confirmed with baseline immunofluorescent stainings that showed considerable levels of α-smooth muscle actin, being a marker for the presence of myofibroblasts. The mRNA ratios of all the genes related to fibrosis (COL1A1, etc.) except YAP decreased significantly after treatment with VP within 24 and 48 hours. These results suggest inhibition of fibrosis in the YAP cascade, downstream of YAP.

Conclusion

In our opinion, urologists must move the focus to disease before deformity, and the search for new oral or intralesional agents, well-tolerated and effective in both the acute and chronic phase of PD must continue. VP blocked the expression of genes related to fibrosis in the YAP cascade in myofibroblasts derived from PD plaque.
The Importance of Male Ejaculation for Female Sexual Satisfaction and Function
Authors: Burri Andrea , Buchmeier Joceline , Porst Hartmut
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Although links between ejaculatory control or intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and female sexual functioning have frequently been reported in the past, no study has investigated the importance of other male ejaculatory characteristics, such as ejaculation volume and intensity, for women’s sexuality.

Aim

To assess the importance of subjectively perceived ejaculation intensity and ejaculation volume for female sexual function and satisfaction.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional online survey including 240 sexually active, heterosexual women (median age 27.4 years), using study-specific questions and validated questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measure

Results are presented as means, percentages, and age-controlled partial correlation coefficients of the main study variables.

Results

50.43% of women considered it very important that the partner ejaculates during intercourse. 18.3% of women preferred that the partner ejaculates before they reach orgasm, whereas for 53.5% this did not matter. 22.6% of women stated that they experienced a more intense orgasm when their partner ejaculated during vaginal intercourse. 17.4% reported that they definitely experienced a more intensive orgasm depending on the intensity of their partner’s ejaculation, whereas for 17.8% this did not matter at all. 20.9% of women did not feel that their orgasm was more intense depending on the subjectively felt ejaculate quantity, whereas the majority (37.9%) stated that it did not matter. 13.1% of women regarded the quantity of expelled ejaculate as an expression of their own sexual attractiveness. Women stating that they experienced more intense orgasms when the partner ejaculated, when the partner experienced a more intense ejaculation, and when he expelled a greater ejaculate quantity also reported better lifelong orgasmic function (r = 0.24, r = 0.15, r = .26, respectively) and more lifelong sexual satisfaction (r = .29, r = .15, r = 26, respectively).

Clinical Implications

The perception of ejaculatory characteristics can be related to the female partner’s sexual satisfaction and overall sexual functioning.

Strength & Limitations

This is the very first study to explore the importance of male ejaculation volume and intensity for women’s sexual functioning. Data are of self-report nature and ejaculation characteristics were not objectively measured but by women’s self-report.

Conclusion

Although male ejaculation and its different aspects seem to play an important role for women, the study demonstrates a considerable variability of women’s attitudes toward ejaculatory characteristics. Further research is required to examine the sources of this variability.
Premixed flame–wall interaction in a narrow channel: impact of wall thermal conductivity and heat losses
Authors: Bioche K. , Vervisch L. , Ribert G.
Published: September 2018

The flow physics controlling the stabilisation of a methane/air laminar premixed flame in a narrow channel (internal width $\ell _{i}=5~\text{mm}$) is revisited from numerical simulations. Combustion is described with complex chemistry and transport properties, along with a coupled simulation of heat transfer at and within the wall. To conduct a thorough analysis of the flame–wall interaction, the steady flame is obtained after applying a procedure to find the inlet mass flow rate that exactly matches the flame mass burning rate. The response of the premixed flame shape to various operating conditions is then analysed in terms of flame propagation velocity and flow topology in the vicinity of the reactive front. We focus on the interrelations between the flame speed, the configuration taken by the flame surface, the flow deviation induced by the heat released and the fluxes at the wall. Compared to an adiabatic flame, the flame speed increases with edge-flame quenching at an isothermal cold wall in the absence of a boundary layer, decreases with a boundary layer, to increase again with heat-transfer coupling within the wall. A regime diagram is proposed to delineate between flame shapes in order to build a classification versus heat-transfer properties. Under a small level of convective heat transfer with the ambient air surrounding the channel, the larger the thermal conductivity in the solid, the faster the reaction zone propagates in the vicinity of the wall, leaving the centreline reaction zone behind. The premixed flame front is then concave towards the fresh gases on the axis of symmetry (so-called tulip flame) with a flame speed higher than in the adiabatic case. Increasing the heat loss at the wall through convection with ambient air, the flame shape becomes convex (mushroom flame) and the flame speed decreases below its adiabatic level. Scaling laws are provided for the flame speed under these various regimes. Mesh resolution was calibrated, with and without heat loss, from simulations of one-dimensional detailed chemistry flames, leading to mesh resolution of $12.5~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ for detailed chemistry and $25.0~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ with a skeleton mechanism. The quality of the resolution was also assessed from multi-physics budgets derived from first principles, involving upstream-flame heat retrocession by the wall leading to flow acceleration, budgets bringing physical insights into flame/wall interaction. Additional overall mesh convergence tests of the multi-physics solution would have been desirable, but were not conducted due to the high computing cost of these fully compressible simulations, hence also solving for the acoustic field with low convective velocities.
Unsteady turbulent line plumes
Authors: Hogg Andrew J. , Goldsmith Edward J. , Woodhouse Mark J.
Published: September 2018

The unsteady ascent of a buoyant, turbulent line plume through a quiescent, uniform environment is modelled in terms of the width-averaged vertical velocity and density deficit. It is demonstrated that for a well-posed, linearly stable model, account must be made for the horizontal variation of the velocity and the density deficit; in particular the variance of the velocity field and the covariance of the density deficit and velocity fields, represented through shape factors, must exceed threshold values, and that models based upon ‘top-hat’ distributions in which the dependent fields are piecewise constant are ill-posed. Numerical solutions of the nonlinear governing equations are computed to reveal that the transient response of the system to an instantaneous change in buoyancy flux at the source may be captured through new similarity solutions, the form of which depend upon both the ratio of the old to new buoyancy fluxes and the shape factors.
THE BUREAUCRATIZATION OF MUSLIM MARRIAGE IN INDONESIA
Authors: Nisa Eva F.
Published: September 2018

The phenomenon of “secret” (siri) Muslim marriages—marriages that are conducted without state recognition—has become a hotly debated topic in Indonesia, particularly since the emergence of Muslim marriage agencies that organize unregistered online marriages. The issue is particularly contested between the state, women's activists, legal activists, and religious leaders. This article analyses the current efforts of the Indonesian state to bureaucratize Muslim marriages by insisting that unregistered marriages need to be registered with the state, and the societal responses to such regulations. Those who believe in the importance of state registration of Muslim marriage emphasize that it is an integral part of social reform. However, it has also been seen as creating problems when it only serves the interests of the majority and stands in the way of minority religious understandings, particularly by some conservative Muslims who believe that marriages within the Muslim community should be regulated by Muslim leaders (ʿulamāʾ) only, and not the state. This article argues that unregistered marriage has been the real test of the bureaucratization of religion in Indonesia. The government's effort to demonstrate its Islamic credentials by accommodating the people's majority religion has led it to assume an ambiguous position on the issue of unregistered marriages.
Myths of the medical methods exclusion: medicine and patents in nineteenth century Britain
Authors: Burrell Robert , Kelly Catherine
Published: September 2018

This paper explores the interaction of British medical practitioners with the nascent intellectual property system in the nineteenth century. It challenges the generally accepted view that throughout the nineteenth century there was a settled or professionally agreed hostility to patenting. It demonstrates that medical practitioners made more substantial use of the patent system and related forms of protection than has previously been recognised. Nevertheless, the rate of patenting remained lower than in other fields of technical endeavour, but this can largely be explained by the public nature of medical practice during this period. This paper therefore seeks to retell the history of the exclusion of medical methods from patent protection, an exclusion whose history has produced a substantial body of scholarship. However, its aims go beyond this in that it also seeks to illuminate how medical practitioners engaged with the broader political and policy landscape in order to secure financial remuneration for their inventions. Through an exploration of how prominent doctors interacted with Parliament around claims for a financial reward, it demonstrates that doctors sought to use reputational advantage to leverage financial success and the important role that Parliament could play in that process.
ALCOHOL AND POLITICS IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY BRITAIN
Authors: YOKOE RYOSUKE
Published: September 2018

This review surveys recent developments in the historiography of the politics of alcohol in twentieth-century Britain. The ‘drink question’ has undergone a set of tumultuous shifts, beginning with the decline of the temperance movement after the First World War, diminished conflict in the interwar and post-1945 periods, and the revived concerns over consumption and harm in the late twentieth century. Historians have traditionally presented the drink question as a binary conflict between advocates and opponents of the liberal distribution of drink. Newer narratives question the assumed ‘rationality’ of modern approaches to alcohol, especially concerning the post-1970s public health model which has been increasingly understood as an indirect manifestation of the temperance movement. The concept of ‘moral panics’ has been frequently employed to frame the formation of public attitudes towards drink. The article argues that these multifarious developments illustrate how alcohol offers a unique vantage point into various social developments in modern Britain, including that of the changing role of the state, the contested nature of scientific knowledge, and the formation of public opinion. It also suggests that the historiography should overcome its narrow focus on alcohol in modern Britain by juxtaposing it with other substances, regions, and periods.
Estimating the density of Pennant's swimming crab, Portumnus latipes (Pennant, 1777) in the swash zone using baited stakes and area of attraction
Authors: Cores Claudia , Gaspar Miguel B. , Erzini Karim
Published: September 2018

We used a new, easy to use, highly selective, low impact and cheap method of sampling in the swash zone of a sandy beach to obtain catch per unit effort data (CPUE) for Pennant's swimming crab, Portumnus latipes (Pennant, 1777). Metal stakes baited with sardines were used to attract the crabs that were caught by hand. Crab density was estimated based on area of attraction and maximum CPUE and compared with estimates from bivalve dredges used at depths from 3 to 6.5 m. The baited stake method gave an estimate of 0.026 crabs m−2, which is comparable to bivalve dredge estimates (0.0059–0.045 crabs m−2). This approach can be used for crustaceans, gastropods and other mobile benthic organisms.
Beyond Colonial Dichotomies: The deficits of Spain and the peripheral powers in treaty-port China
Authors: BROGGI CARLES BRASÓ , MARTINEZ-ROBLES DAVID
Published: September 2018

The semi-colonial character of China during the treaty-port era brings into question the dichotomy between the colonizer and the colonized. China's foreign trade had an overall negative balance, and Great Britain, Japan, and the United States of America benefited from it. However, dozens of minor powers suffered a negative balance with China, despite the favourable conditions set in the treaty ports. This article examines the presence of Spain in China during the first decades of the twentieth century, focusing on trade, population, and issues of self-representation. Through a comparative analysis of the Sino-Spanish trade with that of other smaller powers in China, this article shows both the diversity of colonial formations in China and the existence of colonial relations that, although peripheral and complementary, pose a doubt on the adequacy, not only of the colonizer/colonized dichotomy, but also of the representation of colonialism in China.
Hiding negative trials by pooling them: a secondary analysis of pooled-trials publication bias in FDA-registered antidepressant trials
Authors: de Vries Ymkje Anna , Roest Annelieke M. , Turner Erick H. , de Jonge Peter
Published: September 2018

Background

Previous studies on reporting bias generally examined whether trials were published in stand-alone publications. In this study, we investigated whether pooled-trials publications constitute a specific form of reporting bias. We assessed whether negative trials were more likely to be exclusively published in pooled-trials publications than positive trials and examined the research questions, individual trial results, and conclusions presented in these articles.

Methods

Data from a cohort of 105 randomized controlled trials of 16 antidepressants were extracted from earlier publications and the corresponding Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify pooled-trials publications.

Results

We found 107 pooled-trials publications that reported results of 23 (72%) of 32 trials not published in stand-alone publications. Only two (3.8%) of 54 positive trials were published exclusively in pooled-trials publications, compared with 21 (41.1%) of 51 negative trials (p < 0.001). Thirteen (12%) of 107 publications had as primary aim to present data on the trial's primary research question (drug efficacy compared with placebo). Only four of these publications, reporting on five (22%) trials, presented individual efficacy data for the primary research question. Additionally, only five (5%) of 107 pooled-trials publications had a negative conclusion.

Conclusions

Compared with positive trials, negative trials of antidepressants for depression were much more likely to be reported exclusively in pooled-trials publications. Pooled-trials publications flood the evidence base with often-redundant articles that, instead of addressing the original primary research question, present (positive) results on secondary questions. Therefore, pooled-trials publications distort the apparent risk–benefit profile of antidepressants.
Child and adult spinal tuberculosis at tertiary hospitals in the Western Cape, South Africa: 4-year burden and trend
Authors: Mann T. N. , Schaaf H. S. , Dunn R. N. , Dix-Peek S. , du Preez K. , Lamberts R. P. , du Toit J. , Davis J. H.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this retrospective review was to assess the overall burden and trend in spinal tuberculosis (TB) at tertiary hospitals in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. All spinal TB cases seen at the province's three tertiary hospitals between 2012 and 2015 were identified and clinical records of each case assessed. Cases were subsequently classified as bacteriologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed and reported with accompanying clinical and demographic information. Odds ratios (OR) for severe spinal disease and corrective surgery in childvs.adult cases were calculated. A total of 393 cases were identified (319 adults, 74 children), of which 283 (72%) were bacteriologically confirmed. Adult cases decreased year-on-year (P= 0.04), however there was no clear trend in child cases. Kyphosis was present in 60/74 (81%) children and 243/315 (77%) adults with available imaging. Corrective spinal surgery was performed in 35/74 (47%) children and 80/319 (25%) adults (OR 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.6–4.5,P= 0.0003). These findings suggest that Western Cape tertiary hospitals have experienced a substantial burden of spinal TB cases in recent years with a high proportion of severe presentation, particularly among children. Spinal TB remains a public health concern with increased vigilance required for earlier diagnosis, especially of child cases.
Course in Prehospital Major Incidents Management for Health Care Providers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bajow Nidaa A. , AlAssaf Wajdan I. , Cluntun Ameera A.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Unacceptable practices of health care providers during disasters have been observed because they work outside the scope of their daily practices and have inadequate training. A greater need for the involvement of health professionals in disaster management has been noted in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluates the efficacy of a training course in prehospital major incident management for health care providers in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

An interactive course for general principles in prehospital major incident management was developed with domains and core competencies. The course was designed according to the local context and was based on international standards. It was piloted over four days at the Officers Club of the Ministry of Interior (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) and was sponsored by Mohammed Bin Naif Medical Center, King Fahd Security College in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants (n=29) were from different disciplines from main government health facilities in Riyadh. They completed a pre-test and a post-test.

Results

The overall score was 55.1% on the pre-test and 68.4% on the post-test (Wilcoxon test for paired samples, P <.05). Three out of the four domains had significant difference between pre- and post-test results, as well as the overall total knowledge.

Conclusion:

Conducting inter-disciplinary and competency-based disaster medicine courses for health care providers can augment appropriate disaster preparedness for major incidents in Saudi Arabia.

BajowNA,AlAssafWI,CluntunAA.Course in prehospital major incidents management for health care providers in Saudi Arabia.Prehosp Disaster Med.2018;33(6):587–595.
An investigation into the efficacy of a cognitive behavioural therapy group for low self-esteem in a primary care setting
Authors: Beattie Sarah , Beattie David
Published: September 2018

Self-esteem refers to how an individual appraises themselves and is associated with good mental health. A number of studies have identified the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of low self-esteem based on the formulation and treatment trajectory developed by Fennell (1999). However, there has been little empirical enquiry into the efficacy of the programme delivered in primary care. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a CBT programme for low self-esteem delivered within primary care. Fifty-four participants attended a 9-week ‘Boost Your Mood’ group programme. Paired sample t-tests were conducted on pre- and post-group scores on measures of depression, anxiety and self-esteem. Results indicated that there were statistically significant improvements in levels of depression, anxiety and self-esteem post-treatment. Findings are consistent with the suggestion that group CBT may be effective at increasing levels of self-esteem and reducing levels of depression and anxiety when delivered in a primary care setting.
Cross-sectional imaging of thoracic traumatic aortic injury
Authors: Hahn Lewis D. , Prabhakar Anand M. , Zucker Evan J.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Aortic injury remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality from acute thoracic trauma. While such injuries were once nearly uniformly fatal, the advent of cross-sectional imaging in recent years has facilitated rapid diagnosis and triage, greatly improving outcomes. In fact, cross-sectional imaging is now the diagnostic test of choice for traumatic aortic injury (TAI), specifically computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the acute setting and CTA or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in follow-up. In this review, we present an up-to-date discussion of acute traumatic thoracic aortic injury with a focus on optimal and emerging CT/MR techniques, imaging findings of TAI, and potential pitfalls.
Morphodynamics of a Width‐Variable Gravel Bed Stream: New Insights on Pool‐Riffle Formation From Physical Experiments
Authors: Chartrand Shawn M. , Jellinek A. Mark , Hassan Marwan A. , Ferrer‐Boix Carles
Published: September 2018

Field observations, experiments, and numerical simulations suggest that pool‐riffles along gravel bed mountain streams develop due to downstream variations of channel width. Where channels narrow, pools are observed, and at locations of widening, riffles occur. Based on previous work, we hypothesize that the bed profile is coupled to downstream width variations through momentum fluxes imparted to the channel surface, which scale with downstream changes of flow velocity. We address this hypothesis with flume experiments understood through scaling theory. Our experiments produce pool‐riffle like structures across average Shields stresses τ∗ that are a factor 1.5–2 above the threshold mobility condition of the experimental grain size distribution. Local topographic responses are coupled to channel width changes, which drive flows to accelerate or decelerate on average, for narrowing and widening, respectively. We develop theory which explains the topography‐width‐velocity coupling as a ratio of two reinforcing timescales. The first timescale captures the time necessary to do work to the channel bed. The second timescale characterizes the relative time magnitude of momentum transfer from the flowing fluid to the channel bed surface. Riffle‐like structures develop where the work and momentum timescales are relatively large, and pools form where the two timescales are relatively small. We show that this result helps to explain local channel bed slopes along pool‐riffles for five data sets representing experimental, numerical, and natural cases, which span 2 orders of magnitude of reach‐averaged slope. Additional model testing is warranted.
Energy Conversion and Partition in the Asymmetric Reconnection Diffusion Region
Authors: Wang Shan , Chen Li‐Jen , Bessho Naoki , Hesse Michael , Yoo Jongsoo , Yamada Masaaki , Liu Yi‐Hsin , Gershman Danial J. , Giles Barbara L. , Moore Thomas E.
Published: September 2018

We investigate the energy conversion and partition in the asymmetric reconnection diffusion region using two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations and Magnetosphere Multiscale (MMS) mission observations. Under an upstream condition with equal temperatures in the two inflow regions, the simulation analysis indicates that the energy partition between ions and electrons depends on the distance from the X‐line. Within the central electron diffusion region (EDR), nearly all dissipated electromagnetic field energies are converted to electrons. From the EDR to the ion diffusion region (IDR) scales, the rate of the electron energy gain decreases to be lower than that of ions. A magnetopause reconnection event inside the IDR observed by MMS shows comparable ion and electron energy gains, consistent with the simulation result in the transition region from EDR to IDR. At the EDR scale, the electron energization is mainly by the reconnection electric field (Er); in‐plane electric fields (Exz) provide additional positive contributions near the X‐line and do negative work on electrons beyond the EDR. The guide field reduces the electron energization by both Er and Exz in the EDR. For ion energization, Er and Exz have comparable contributions near the time of the peak reconnection rate, while Exz dominants at later time. At the IDR scale, the guide field causes asymmetry in the amount of the energy gain and energization mechanisms between two exhausts but does not have significant effects on energy partition. Our study advances understanding of ion and electron energization in asymmetric reconnect IDRs.
A Comparison Study of NO Cooling Between TIMED/SABER Measurements and TIEGCM Simulations
Authors: Li Zheng , Knipp Delores , Wang Wenbin , Sheng Cheng , Qian Liying , Flynn Sierra
Published: September 2018

We investigate the latitudinal and longitudinal variations of thermospheric nitric oxide (NO) cooling rate from 2005 to 2016. We compare the maximum of the NO cooling rate and its altitude from measurements by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s TIMED (Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics) satellite and from simulations by the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM). In both data and model, the maximum NO cooling rate varies with ~11‐year solar cycle, while the altitude of the peak value does not. At local noon, the maximum NO cooling rate from TIEGCM is significantly larger than that derived from SABER, especially in solar minimum. There are differences in the altitudes of the maximum NO cooling rates between the observations and simulations. The largest difference occurs at noon at low latitudes, with SABER values exceeding TIEGCM values by more than 10 km with a maximum difference of 16 km near solar maximum. Model sensitivity tests suggest that the biases are caused by a model temperature overestimation in the low thermosphere, and tides in the TIEGCM lower boundary play an important role in inducing the low‐latitude temperature overestimation by the model. In addition, SABER's height‐integrated cooling rate (NO flux) exceeds that from TIEGCM, primarily due to the lower cooling rates at 140–200 km in the model.