bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonfragile stabilization for uncertain system with interval time‐varying delays via a new double integral inequality
Authors: Samidurai R. , Sriraman R. , Cao Jinde , Tu Zhengwen
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the problem of nonfragile stabilization for uncertain systems with interval time‐varying delays via new double integral inequality approach is studied. Based on the auxiliary function‐based integral inequality, a new double integral inequality is developed in this literature. Then, to prove the potency of the proposed inequality, some less conservative stability conditions are derived with the help of Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and linear matrix inequality technique. Three benchmark illustrative examples are delivered with simulations to validate the effectiveness and advantages of present results.
Simulation of cyclic strength degradation of natural clays via bounding surface model with hybrid flow rule
Authors: Shi Z. , Buscarnera G. , Finno R. J.
Published: June 2018

Strength loss of natural clays subjected to seismic loading is a critical factor contributing to earthquake‐induced ground failure and associated hazards. This work proposes a bounding surface constitutive law to simulate cyclic strength degradation of natural clays resulting from the loss of structure and attendant accumulation of excess pore pressures. The proposed model employs an enhanced plastic flow rule that can simulate accurately the development of pore pressure and explicitly incorporates soil structure effects. The validation of the model with reference to the experimental evidence available for 3 structured clays shows that with a single set of parameters the proposed model can reasonably represent the mechanical behavior of natural clays under various loading conditions (1D compression, monotonic shearing in compression and extension, cyclic loading, and postcyclic shearing). Particularly, its satisfactory performance in terms of quantification of cyclic strength degradation encourages the use of the model in simulating boundary value problems related to the stability of geotechnical facilities under earthquakes.
Physiological stretch induced proliferation of human urothelial cells via integrin α6‐FAK signaling pathway
Authors: Gao Xiaoshuai , Wei Tangqiang , Liao Banghua , Ai Jianzhong , Zhou Liang , Gong Lina , Chen Yuntian , He Qing , Cheng Liang , Wang Kunjie
Published: June 2018

Aims

To test a kind of stretch pattern which is the optimum stress parameter to promote human urothelial cells (HUCs) proliferation, and to investigate the roles of integrin subunits and their pathway in the HUCs proliferation induced by physiological stretch.

Methods

HUCs were seeded on silicone membrane, and subjected to four kinds of stretch (0,5%,10%,15% elongation) for 24 h, as controlled by a BioDynamic® bioreactor. Cell proliferation, viability and cycle distribution were examined using Cell Counting Kit‐8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The gene and protein expression of integrin subunits and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in each group were assessed by Real‐time PCR(RT‐PCR) and western blot, respectively. Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) were applied to knockdown integrin α6 and FAK expression in HUCs, and FAK inhibitor was used to validate the role of α6 and FAK in cell proliferation under physiological stretch.

Results

The proliferation of HUCs were highest in the 5% elongation group compared to static control, 10% and 15% elongation group. RT‐PCR and western blot showed that 5% cyclic stretch significantly promoted the expression of integrin α6 and FAK. The stretch‐induced cell proliferation and FAK expression was inhibited by siRNA of integrin α6. Further study with FAK inhibitor revealed that elongation promoted proliferation though integrin α6 and FAK signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Physiological stretch induced HUCs proliferation via integrin α6‐FAK signaling pathway, and 5% elongation may be the optimal stress parameter to promote the cell proliferation.
Proteomics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science: Neglected Scientific Opportunities with Immediate Impact
Authors: Bilić Petra , Kuleš Josipa , Galan Asier , Gomes de Pontes Leticia , Guillemin Nicolas , Horvatić Anita , Festa Sabes Amanda , Mrljak Vladimir , Eckersall Peter David
Published: June 2018

Animal/veterinary proteomics is an evolving field which holds a great promise not only for fundamental and applied discoveries regarding biology and pathology of domestic species, but can also be implemented in comparative applications of human diseases research. Experimental proteomics in domestic animals have advantages over use of rodents, such as multiple sampling in time series and availability of biological samples in sufficient volume for multiple analyses, such that both experimental and natural disease processes can be investigated. While there are certain technical limitations in the expansion of the field, they can currently be circumvented and in the future mastered with a greater participation of proteomic experts, which will in turn drive the accessibility of species‐specific reagents, data volume expansion in bioinformatic databases, and increased funding. This Viewpoint highlights some comparative proteomics studies addressing important issues and encourages readers to expand their horizons of domestic animal proteomics research. It will hopefully inspire new fruitful collaborations between veterinary and animal scientists and proteomic specialists for research in these areas that can have immediate and direct impact on health, society, and the economy.
Tailored bimodal ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene particles
Authors: Lafleur Sarah , Berthoud Romain , Ensinck Richard , Cordier Astrid , De Cremer Gert , Philippaerts An , Bastiaansen Kees , Margossian Tigran , Severn John R.
Published: June 2018

A single molecular catalyst system supported on MgCl2 has been developed and combined with a simple two‐stage fed‐batch polymerization process to produce tailored bimodal polyethylene reactor blend particles of UHMWPE. By varying and controlling the process conditions in the first stage and second stage, bimodal HMWPE:UHMWPE reactor particles are obtained with independent control over the individual molar masses, the mass ratio of the HMWPE and UHMWPE components, and the reactor powder particle size. This allows multidimensional control over the individual UHMWPE reactor particle properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1645–1656
Facile preparation of superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces via the combination of Cu(0)‐mediated reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization and click chemistry
Authors: Enayati Mojtaba , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: June 2018

The fabrication of novel hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, and oleophobic surfaces on glass using nanosilica particles modified with polymer brushes prepared via surface initiated Cu(0)‐mediated reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization was demonstrated. Monomers including n‐butyl acrylate, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate, and 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate were used to synthesize a series of nanosilica–polymer organic/inorganic hybrid materials. Products were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The coated nanosilica showed core–shell structures that contains polymer brushes up to 67 wt %. The application of these particles for modifying surface wettability was examined by covalently attaching them to glass via a recently developed one‐pot “grafting to” methodology using “thio‐bromo click” chemistry. Atomic force microscopy topographic images show up to 25 times increase in roughness of the coated glass compared to blank glass sample. Contact angle measurements showed that nanosilica coated with PBA and PTFEM produced hydrophobic glass surfaces, while a superhydrophobic and oleophobic surface was generated using nanosilica functionalized with PHFIPA. This novel methodology can produce superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces in an easy and fast way without the need for tedious and time‐consuming processes, such as layer‐by‐layer deposition, high temperature calcination, and fluorinated oil infusion. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018
Controlled aggregation behavior of thermoresponsive polymeric micelles by introducing hydrophilic segments as corona components
Authors: Akimoto Jun , Ito Yoshihiro , Okano Teruo , Nakayama Masamichi
Published: June 2018

Poly[N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐(3‐methoxypropyl)acrylamide]‐b‐poly(D,L‐lactide) (P(IPAAm‐co‐MPAAm)‐b‐PLA) as a thermoresponsive block copolymer and PMPAAm‐b‐PLA as a nonthermoresponsive block copolymer were co‐assembled into thermoresponsive polymeric micelles in water. In addition, PMPAAm‐b‐P(IPAAm‐co‐MPAAm)‐b‐PLA triblock copolymer was assembled to form thermoresponsive micelles with a hydrophilic layer on the outermost surface of the thermoresponsive corona. Using both micelles, we investigated the effects of introducing hydrophilic polymer segments on micellar aggregation behavior at temperatures above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the thermoresponsive micelles. Despite the external hydrophilic PMPAAm layer on PMPAAm‐b‐P(IPAAm‐co‐MPAAm)‐b‐PLA micelles, aggregation following dehydration of the thermoresponsive segments was not significantly suppressed at temperatures above the LCST due to the instability of the core‐corona state. In contrast, intermicellar aggregation was successfully controlled by blending P(IPAAm‐co‐MPAAm) and PMPAAm in the thermoresponsive corona region, even above the LCST. In particular, PMPAAm chains longer than the P(IPAAm‐co‐MPAAm) chains could regulate the hydrodynamic diameter of micellar aggregates at temperatures above the LCST. The micelles showed enhanced drug release rates in response to temperature changes above the LCST without precipitating from solution. These results indicated that a side‐by‐side structure of hydrophilic/thermoresponsive chains in the corona region could effectively control the micellar aggregation state after a thermal phase transition. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1695–1704
Design, synthesis, and gas permeation properties of polyimides containing pendent imidazolium groups
Authors: Shrimant Bharat , Kharul Ulhas K. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P.
Published: June 2018

Film‐forming polymers containing ionic groups have attracted considerable attention as emerging materials for gas separation applications. The aim of this article was to synthesize new film‐forming polyimides containing imidazolium groups (PI‐IMs) and establish their structure–performance relationship. In this context, a new aromatic diamine, namely, N1‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐N1‐(4‐(2‐phenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)phenyl)benzene‐1,4‐diamine (ImTPADA), was synthesized and polycondensed with three aromatic dianhydrides, namely, 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride, 4,4‐(4,4‐isopropylidenediphenoxy) bis(phthalic anhydride), and 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride to form the corresponding polyimides containing pendent 2‐phenylimidazole groups (PI‐IEs). Next, PI‐IMs were prepared by N‐quaternization of pendent 2‐phenylimidazole groups present in PI‐6FDA using methyl iodide followed by anion exchange with bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt (LiTf2N). PI‐IEs and PI‐IMs exhibited reasonably high molecular weights, amorphous nature, good solubility, and could be cast into self‐standing films from their DMAc solutions. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that 10% weight loss temperature of PI‐IEs and PI‐IMs were in the range 545–475 °C and 303–306 °C, respectively. Gas permeability analysis of films of PI‐IEs and PI‐IMs was investigated by variable‐volume method and it was observed that incorporation of ionic groups into PI‐6FDA resulted in increased permeability while maintaining selectivity. In particular, polymer bearing Tf2N− anion exhibited high CO2 permeability (33.3 Barr) and high selectivity for CO2/CH4 (41.1) and CO2/N2 (35.4). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1721–1729
Radical polymerizations of two stereoisomeric trimethacrylates with rigid adamantane‐like cores from naturally occurring myo‐inositol
Authors: Okamoto Shusuke , Tanaka Kentaro , Sudo Atsushi
Published: June 2018

Two stereoisomeric trimethacrylates, T1 and T2, which share a common adamantane‐like rigid core, were synthesized from naturally occurring myo‐inositol, and their radical polymerization behaviors were investigated. For the synthesis of T1, myo‐inositol was converted to triol 1, bearing one equatorial hydroxyl group and two axial hydroxyl groups, by orthoesterification, which was used as a precursor. For the synthesis of T2, 1 was converted to triol 2, bearing three axial hydroxyl groups, which was used as a precursor. Investigations on the radical polymerization of T1 and T2, which potentially accompanies the cyclopolymerization of the axially oriented methacrylate moieties, revealed significant differences between the two. (1) The polymerization of T1 affords networked and thus insoluble polymers PT1, while that of T2 affords less crosslinked and thus soluble polymers PT2. (2) The amount of residual methacrylate moieties was larger in PT2 than in PT1. (3) PT2 had higher thermal stability than PT1, though PT2 contained a larger amount of unreacted methacrylate moieties. These tendencies were successfully correlated with the difference in cyclopolymerization efficiency between the polymerizations of the two monomers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1743–1748
Synthesis and radical polymerization properties of thermal radical initiators based on o‐imino‐isourea: The effect of the alkyl side chain on the radical initiation temperature
Authors: Lee Kyu Cheol , Jeong Su Bin , Kim Dong Yeon , Lee Tae Hee , Kim Soon Cheon , Kim Jin Chul , Lee Sang‐Ho , Noh Seung Man , Park Young Il
Published: June 2018

Four types of thermal radical initiators (TRIs) that are based on o‐imino‐isourea with cyclohexyl and isopropyl groups were successfully synthesized, namely, C‐HexDCC, DiiprDCC, C‐HexDIC, and DiiprDIC. The free radical polymerization and thermal properties of those synthesized TRIs were determined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (using n‐butyl acrylate) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The TRI derivatives showed peak temperatures (Tmax) from 89 to 97 °C in n‐butyl acrylate, and DiiprDIC, with isopropyl groups on both sides of the NO group, showed the lowest peak temperatures. The rates of NO bond homolysis (kd) of all the TRIs were calculated from their half‐lives determined using real‐time nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and their theoretical bond dissociation energies (BDEs) were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The free radical polymerization of n‐butyl acrylate using each TRI was efficiently determined from Tpeak of the DSC curves; conversions depending on polymerization temperature (80, 90, and 100 °C) were monitored to observe kinetic information of TRIs during polymerization. Furthermore, to investigate the use of TRIs in curing, we applied them to an automotive clear coating system and monitored the real‐time evolution of the elastic modulus (G′) during thermal curing using a rheometer for representative DiiprDIC. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1749–1756
Effect of substitution positions of alkyl side chains in phenanthrodithiophene–isoindigo copolymers: The enhancement of crystallinity and control of molecular orders
Authors: Mori Hiroki , Hara Shuto , Toyama Ryota , Asanuma Yuya , Takahashi Ryosuke , Nishinaga Shuhei , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: June 2018

The synthesis, characterization, and solar cell application of newly developed two semiconducting polymers containing phenanthro[1,2‐b:8,7‐b′]dithiophene (PDT) and an isoindigo (IID) unit are described. In addition, a relationship between substitution position of side chains and molecular weights of the polymers and their solar cell performance are also discussed. Because of the installation of alkyl side chains onto sterically less hindered positions, PDT‐IID copolymers 12OD‐2 and 8OD‐2 have stronger intermolecular interaction than that of the previously reported copolymer 12OD. In low‐Mn polymers 12OD‐2 and 8OD‐2 formed high‐crystalline thin film with higher face‐on ratio than that of 12OD, but their unsuitable large‐scale phase separation suppressed their efficient photocurrent generation, leading to poor PCE of 2–3%. However, the surface morphology of 12OD‐2 and 8OD‐2 blended films are drastically improved by increasing Mn, which leads to the enhancement of Jsc and higher PCE of up to 4.3%. However, high‐Mn polymers 12OD‐2 and 8OD‐2 formed high‐crystalline film with about 10–15% lower face‐on ratio than that of high‐Mn polymer 12OD, leading to poor hole transporting ability, and thus lower Jsc and PCE. From this result, too much strong intermolecular interaction promotes the formation of unsuitable edge‐on orientation in blended films. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1757–1767
Structural and Electronic Properties of Na2Ti3O7 and H2Ti3O7
Authors: Abass Sara A. H. , Seriani Nicola
Published: June 2018

Hydrogen and sodium titanates have attracted interest as possible photocatalysts for energy conversion, storage, and environmental remediation. Here, first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been carried out to study their crystal and electronic structures, their exfoliation behavior, and defect formation. In the hydrogen titanate, half of the hydrogen forms water in the stoichiometric compound, and the crystal cell has a lower symmetry with respect to its sodium counterpart. H2Ti3O7 and Na2Ti3O7 have electronic gaps of 2.96 and 3.13 eV, respectively. Hydrogen and sodium vacancies are the defects with the lowest formation energies, making these compounds p‐type semiconductors. Oxygen vacancy formation is suppressed with respect to titanium dioxide. Finally, the two compounds have a low surface energy, promoting exfoliation of the bulk and the formation of 2D materials and nanotubes.
Quartz Tuning‐Fork Based Carbon Nanotube Transfer into Quantum Device Geometries
Authors: Blien Stefan , Steger Patrick , Albang Alexander , Paradiso Nicola , Hüttel Andreas K.
Published: June 2018

With the objective of integrating single clean, as‐grown carbon nanotubes into complex circuits, we have developed a technique to grow nanotubes directly on commercially available quartz tuning forks using a high‐temperature chemical vapor deposition process. Multiple straight and aligned nanotubes bridge the >100 µm gap between the two tips. The nanotubes are then lowered onto contact electrodes, electronically characterized in situ, and subsequently cut loose from the tuning fork using a high current. First quantum transport measurements of the resulting devices at cryogenic temperatures display Coulomb blockade characteristics.
Effects of gender concordance in mentoring relationships on summer research experience outcomes for undergraduate students
Authors: Morales Danielle X. , Grineski Sara E. , Collins Timothy W.
Published: June 2018

Undergraduate research is a high impact educational practice that encourages more women to engage in science. Few studies have focused on gender concordance between mentors and mentees within the context of summer undergraduate research programs, and none have linked gender concordance with student gains. Previous research has more often overlooked the faculty–postgraduate–undergraduate triad, focusing instead on the faculty–undergrad dyad. This study explores the effects of gender concordance among mentoring dyads and triads on student gains from summer research experiences. Using programmatic and evaluation data, bivariate analyses were conducted and generalized estimating equations were employed to examine effects of gender concordance in mentoring relationships on student gains. Results indicate that gender concordance within undergraduate mentee and faculty mentor dyads promoted the greatest student gains among the six categories of mentoring relationships studied, having postgraduate mentors for undergraduates suppressed student gains, and women benefited more than men from gender concordance in mentoring relationships. Considering the results, undergraduate research program staff should make efforts to recruit more women faculty mentors, consider matching them with women undergraduates, train men scientists so they can be effective mentors for women students, and provide high‐quality mentoring training opportunities for postgraduate mentors.
Modelling damping sources in monopile‐supported offshore wind turbines
Authors: Chen Chao , Duffour Philippe
Published: June 2018

Vibration damping in offshore wind turbines is a key parameter to predict reliably the dynamic response and fatigue life of these systems. Damping in an offshore wind turbine originates from different sources, mainly, aerodynamic, structural, hydrodynamic, and soil dampings. The difficulties in identifying the individual contribution from each damping source have led to considerable uncertainty and variation in the values recommended. This paper proposes simplified but direct modelling approaches to quantify the damping contributions from the aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, and soil interactions. Results from these models were systemically compared to published values and when appropriate with simulation results from the software package FAST. The range of values obtained for aerodynamic damping confirmed those available in the literature, and blade element modelling theory was shown to provide good results relatively efficiently. The influence of couplings between fore‐aft and side‐side directions on the aerodynamic damping contribution was highlighted. The modelling of hydrodynamic damping showed that this damping is much smaller than usually recommended and could be safely ignored for offshore wind turbines. Soil damping strongly depends on the soil specific nonlinear behaviour.
Dark quarkonium formation in the early universe
Authors: Geller M. , Iwamoto S. , Lee G. , Shadmi Y. , Telem O.
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The relic abundance of heavy stable particles charged under a confining gauge group can be depleted by a second stage of annihilations near the deconfinement temperature. This proceeds via the formation of quarkonia-like states, in which the heavy pair subsequently annihilates. The size of the quarkonium formation cross section was the subject of some debate. We estimate this cross section in a simple toy model. The dominant process can be viewed as a rearrangement of the heavy and light quarks, leading to a geometric cross section of hadronic size. In contrast, processes in which only the heavy constituents are involved lead to mass-suppressed cross sections. These results apply to any scenario with bound states of sizes much larger than their inverse mass, such as U(1) models with charged particles of different masses, and can be used to construct ultra-heavy dark-matter models with masses above the naïve unitarity bound. They are also relevant for the cosmology of any stable colored relic.
Imaging of Pulmonary Embolus: Thrombotic, Nonthrombotic, and Mimickers
Authors: Thomas-Gittens Jaramie , Semionov Alexandre , Pressacco Josephine
Published: June 2018

Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially fatal pathological condition. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and differentiation of the causes of pulmonary embolus. Here we present typical imaging findings associated with both thrombotic and nonthrombotic pulmonary emboli, as well as their potential mimickers.
Acquired factor X deficiency in light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is rare and associated with advanced disease
Authors: Patel Gina , Hari Parameswaran , Szabo Aniko , Rein Lisa , Kreuziger Lisa Baumann , Chhabra Saurabh , Dhakal Binod , D’Souza Anita
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis can lead to an acquired coagulopathy secondary to acquired factor X (aFX) deficiency. However, it is not very clear who develops aFX deficiency in AL amyloidosis.

Methods:

We therefore undertook this single centre, retrospective study to better characterize AL amyloidosis-associated aFX deficiency.

Results:

Out of 121 AL patients who had FX testing at the time of their first evaluation at our institution, including 17 patients on warfarin at the time of testing, 10 out of 104 patients (9.6%) with systemic AL amyloidosis were found to have FX levels below 50%. Acquired FX deficiency was associated with advanced stage of AL amyloidosis and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Lower FX activity, advanced stage, and cardiac involvement by disease were associated with higher hazard of death on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, stage of AL amyloidosis was the only significant predictor of survival. Median survival time of patients with FX deficiency was 9.3 months compared to 118.4 months in those without.

Conclusions:

We conclude that while aFX deficiency is rare in systemic AL amyloidosis, it is a marker of advanced disease.
Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and its association with incident all‐cause and Alzheimer's disease dementia in large national surveys
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Beydoun Hind A. , Elbejjani Martine , Dore Gregory A. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Infectious agents were recently implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and etiology of other dementias, notably Helicobacter pylori.

Methods

We tested associations of H. pylori seropositivity with incident all‐cause and AD dementia and with AD‐related mortality among US adults in a retrospective cohort study. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys III, phase 1 (1988–1991) and 1999–2000 linked with Medicare and National Death Index registries, were used (baseline age ≥45 y, follow‐up to 2013, Npooled = 5927).

Results

A positive association between H. pylori seropositivity and AD mortality was found in men (hazard ratioadj, pooled = 4.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.51–12.41, P = .006), which was replicated for incident AD and all‐cause dementia, with hazard ratioadj, pooled = 1.45 (95% confidence interval: 1.03–2.04, P = .035) and hazard ratioadj, III = 1.44 (95% confidence interval: 1.05–1.98, P = .022), respectively. These associations were also positive among higher socioeconomic status groups.

Discussion

In sum, H. pylori seropositivity's direct association with AD mortality, all‐cause dementia, and AD dementia was restricted to men and to higher socioeconomic status groups.
Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Santos-Iglesias Pablo , Walker Lauren M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Different scales exist for the assessment of sexual distress in men with prostate cancer (PCa); however, these measures narrowly focus on distress associated with sexual function.

Aim

To validate and examine the psychometric properties of the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) and Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (SDS-R), which were recently validated for use within men, in samples of sexually functional and sexually dysfunctional men with PCa.

Methods

A sample of 538 men (with and without PCa and with and without sexual dysfunction) were used to examine the psychometric properties of the SDS. Confirmatory factor analysis followed by tests of measurement bias, calculations of reliability, and estimation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to examine the psychometric properties of the SDS and SDS-R. A subsample of 321 men completed the survey again 1 month later, and their responses were used to examine test-retest reliability.

Outcomes

Participants completed the SDS and SDS-R, as well as measures of sexual bother and sexual concerns, sexual function, sexual attitudes, and mood states.

Results

The SDS and SDS-R assess 1 general domain of sexual distress; 1 violation of measurement invariance was found between men with and men without PCa, which limits the comparability of scores between these 2 groups. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities were above 0.93 and 0.82, respectively. Evidences of validity based on relations with other variables supported our predictions because sexual distress was associated with other measures of distress, sexual function, satisfaction, and mood and not correlated to sexual attitudes. Although the SDS and SDS-R discriminated between sexually functional and dysfunctional men, the accuracy of the cutoff scores was only moderate.

Clinical Translation

This instrument can be used by researchers and clinicians to examine sexual distress and can be used to elucidate how sexual distress relates to sexual function, well-being, and quality of life.

Strengths and Limitations

The SDS and SDS-R assess sexual distress independently of sexual function; however, with the current evidence, they should not be used to compare men with and men without PCa and to classify men with and men without sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

This study provides a validation of the SDS and SDS-R that can be used in samples of men with PCa and with and without sexual dysfunction for the assessment of distress.
Erectile Dysfunction and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Youpeng , Wang Jin , Li Sen , Cheng Yongbiao , Guo Jialun , Tang Yong , Zeng Hanqing , Zhu Zhaohui
Published: June 2018

Background

Some studies have reported that exposure to depression increases the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), whereas others have observed no association. Moreover, additional studies have reported that exposure to ED increases the risk of depression.

Aim

To identify and quantitatively synthesize all studies evaluating the association between ED and depression and to explore factors that may explain differences in the observed association.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched Medline, Ovid Embase, and the Cochrane Library through October 2017 for studies that had evaluated the association between ED and depression. Studies were included in accordance with Patient Population or Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Setting (PICOS) inclusion criteria.

Outcomes

The odds ratio (OR) was regarded as the effect size, and the heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I2 statistic.

Results

We identified 49 eligible publications. The pooled OR for studies evaluating depression exposure and risk of ED was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.35–1.42; n = 46 publications with 48 studies). Although we observed large heterogeneity (I2 = 93.6%), subgroup analysis indicated that it may have been as a result of variations in study design, comorbidities, ED assessment, depression assessment, the source of the original effect size, etc. No significant publication bias was observed (P = .315), and the overall effect size did not change by excluding any single study. The pooled OR for studies evaluating ED exposure and risk of depression was 2.92 (95% CI: 2.37–3.60; n = 5 publications with 6 studies). No significant heterogeneity (P < .257, I2 = 23.5%) or publication bias (P = .260) was observed.

Clinical Implications

Patients reporting ED should be routinely screened for depression, whereas patients presenting with symptoms of depression should be routinely assessed for ED.

Strengths and Limitations

There are several strengths to this study. First, evaluations of the association between ED and depression are timely and relevant for clinicians, policymakers, and patients. Second, we intentionally conducted 2 meta-analyses on the association, allowing us to include all potentially relevant studies. However, our study also possesses some limitations. First, the OR is a measure of association that only reveals whether an association is present. Thus, this study was unable to determine the direction of causality between ED and depression. Second, the high heterogeneity among studies makes it difficult to generalize the conclusions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an association between depression and ED. Policymakers, clinicians and patients should attend to the association between depression and ED.
Chronic rhinosinusitis and endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Daramola Opeyemi O. , Chandra Rakesh K.
Published: June 2018

Olfactory dysfunction is a major symptom reported by patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Surgical treatment of this disease requires close surveillance of such dysfunction because of wide ranging implications for safety, quality of life, and impact on the flavor of foods and beverages. This review highlights key findings regarding the influences of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on olfactory function across the unique presentations of CRS. Such findings provide information useful for informing patients of potential complications and for obtaining informed consent prior to surgical intervention. ESS has been shown to improve olfaction across all types of CRS as assessed through quantitative testing and subjective reports. The presence of nasal polyposis (NP) and eosinophilia have been identified as predictors of significant postoperative olfactory improvement. When indicated, judicious partial resection of the middle turbinate may result in improved olfactory function without a risk of long term complication. Careful attention to the olfactory cleft and frontal sinus recess are important in limiting olfactory complications by avoiding indiscriminate disruption of olfactory epithelium. Given the chronic nature of the disease, surveillance of olfactory function in patients with CRS is a lifelong activity that will evolve as emerging technologies become available.
Centers for medicare and medicaid services hospital-acquired conditions policy for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and cather-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) shows minimal impact on hospital reimbursement
Authors: Calderwood Michael S. , Kawai Alison Tse , Jin Robert , Lee Grace M.
Published: June 2018

Objective

In 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stopped reimbursing for hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) not present on admission (POA). We sought to understand why this policy did not impact central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) trends.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Acute-care hospitals in the United States.

Participants

Fee-for-service Medicare patients discharged January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2011.

Methods

Using inpatient Medicare claims data, we analyzed billing practices before and after the HAC policy was implemented, including the use and POA designation of codes for CLABSI or CAUTI. For the 3-year period following policy implementation, we determined the impact on diagnosis-related groups (DRG) determining reimbursement as well as hospital characteristics associated with the reimbursement impact.

Results

During the study period, 65,205,607 Medicare fee-for-service hospitalizations occurred at 3,291 acute-care, nonfederal US hospitals. Based on coding, CLABSI and CAUTI affected 0.23% and 0.06% of these hospitalizations, respectively. In addition, following the HAC policy, 82% of the CLABSI codes and 91% of the CAUTI codes were marked POA, which represented a large increase in the use of this designation. Finally, for the small numbers of CLABSI and CAUTI coded as not POA, financial impacts were detected on only 0.4% of the hospitalizations with a CLABSI code and 5.7% with a CAUTI code.

Conclusions

Part of the reason the HAC policy did not have its intended impact is that billing codes for CLABSI and CAUTI were rarely used, were commonly listed as POA in the postpolicy period, and infrequently impacted hospital reimbursement.
Five-year trends in adenoviral conjunctivitis in employees of one medical center
Authors: Kuo Irene C. , Espinosa Colleen
Published: June 2018

Objective

To describe the 5-year findings after a policy to screen for, diagnose, and isolate medical center employees with adenoviral conjunctivitis was implemented.

Design

Observational report with a retrospective evaluation of a current quality improvement initiative.

Setting

Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

Participants

Johns Hopkins Medicine employees.

Methods

Data were retrieved from records maintained for this initiative, in which employees with suspected adenoviral conjunctivitis were evaluated in the Occupational Health Clinic and swabbed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Signs, symptoms, work area, diagnoses, and disposition of employees with eye complaints as well as PCR result and adenoviral type were recorded. Five-year data were reviewed.

Results

From 2011 to 2016, of 10,000 full-time equivalent employees, 1,059 employees visited the Occupational Health Clinic with suspicion of adenoviral conjunctivitis. Of these, 104 (10%) were PCR positive for adenovirus. Of these PCR-positive employees, 26 (25%) had the worst clinical presentation, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). The Outpatient Pharmacy had the highest number of adenoviral conjunctivitis cases (n=9). The proportion of red-eye employees having PCR-positive adenoviral conjunctivitis increased over 5 years (P<.005, Cochrane-Armitage test for trend) as did the proportion of employees with EKC (P<.05). The proportion of employees with EKC caused by type 37 also increased (P<.05).

Conclusions

Adenoviral conjunctivitis represents 10% of employee cases clinically suspected of this infection. Employees in patient-care areas should be screened even if they have no direct patient contact. Despite increases in the proportions of adenoviral conjunctivitis and of EKC over 5 years, no outbreaks occurred. This policy helps identify incipient EKC outbreaks and guides infection control efforts.
Investor Rights versus Human Rights: Do Bilateral Investment Treaties Tilt the Scale?
Authors: Bodea Cristina , Ye Fangjin
Published: June 2018

This article argues that the broad and legally enforceable protection that bilateral investment treaties (BITs) offer to foreign investors worsens the human rights practices of developing countries. BITs lock in initial conditions attractive to investors that are linked to vertical investment flows and investment and trade competition. They also constrain the provision of welfare benefits or basic infrastructure. The lock-in and constraining effects are sources of popular grievance and dissent in states that host foreign investment. BIT-protected investor rights, however, limit the ability of governments to back-down vis-à-vis investors, lowering the relative cost of human rights violations. Finally, this study suggests that democratic regimes mitigate the negative effect of BITs. Evidence from 113 developing countries from 1981 to 2009 supports the hypotheses.
Labour market marginalisation in obsessive–compulsive disorder: a nationwide register-based sibling control study
Authors: Pérez-Vigil Ana , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Helgesson Magnus , Fernández de la Cruz Lorena , Mataix-Cols David
Published: June 2018

Background

The impact of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) on objective indicators of labour market marginalisation has not been quantified.

Methods

Linking various Swedish national registers, we estimated the risk of three labour market marginalisation outcomes (receipt of newly granted disability pension, long-term sickness absence and long-term unemployment) in individuals diagnosed with OCD between 2001 and 2013 who were between 16 and 64 years old at the date of the first OCD diagnosis (n = 16 267), compared with matched general population controls (n = 157 176). Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox regression models, adjusting for a number of covariates (e.g. somatic disorders) and stratifying by sex. To adjust for potential familial confounders, we further analysed data from 7905 families that included full siblings discordant for OCD.

Results

Patients were more likely to receive at least one outcome of interest [adjusted HR = 3.63 (95% CI 3.53–3.74)], including disability pension [adjusted HR = 16.36 (95% CI 15.34–17.45)], being on long-term sickness absence [adjusted HR = 3.07 (95% CI 2.95–3.19)] and being on long-term unemployment [adjusted HR = 1.72 (95% CI 1.63–1.82)]. Results remained similar in the adjusted sibling comparison models. Exclusion of comorbid psychiatric disorders had a minimal impact on the results.

Conclusions

Help-seeking individuals with OCD diagnosed in specialist care experience marked difficulties to participate in the labour market. The findings emphasise the need for cooperation between policy-makers, vocational rehabilitation and mental health services in order to design and implement specific strategies aimed at improving the patients’ participation in the labour market.
Deconstructing variation in pragmatic function: A transdisciplinary case study
Authors: Wiltschko Martina , Denis Derek , D'Arcy Alexandra
Published: June 2018

Despite recent advances (e.g. Cheshire 2007; Pichler 2010; Denis 2015), discourse-pragmatic variables continue to challenge variationist theory and methods. An overarching dilemma concerns multifunctionality, raising difficulties for semantic equivalency and the circumscription of the variable context. In this article we present a case study to illustrate that deconstructing a discourse-pragmatic marker into its composite parts reveals clear criteria for disambiguating its principal function and its contextually derived functions. The discussion centres on the pragmatic marker eh in Canadian English. We illustrate that its multifunctionality is derivable from four parts: principal function, syntactic context, prosodic context, and discourse context. Our deconstruction uses a two-pronged methodology, drawing on storyboard elicitation and sociolinguistic interview data, which mutually reinforce our theoretical arguments. Under this transdisciplinary lens, the exponents of form and function become predictable, constrainable, and systematically derivable for probabilistic modelling within and across speech communities. (Confirmationals, multifunctionality, pragmatic markers, eh, speech acts)*
IV The Tchefuncte Artifacts
Authors: Ford James A. , Quimby George I.
Published: June 2018

In this section of the report we have described the artifacts representative of the Tchefuncte culture as a whole. These artifacts were made of pottery, stone, bone, and shell—pottery vessels, however, are described in the next chapter.

Clay Tubular Pipes.—Tubular pipes made of fired clay are a diagnostic trait of the Tchefuncte period (Fig. 7). Complete specimens averaged about 15 cm. in length and the stem diameter increases gradually from about 1.5 cm. to 2 cm. which is the average diameter of the tobacco chamber. Frequently these pipes have flattened mouth pieces (Fig. 7 a, d, f, p, q, s, t). A few specimens exhibit slight shoulders between the stem and the tobacco chamber (Fig. 7 l, m) and a few others have slightly flaring rims (Fig. 7 c, k).

In most of the specimens there is a slight interior constriction between the tobacco chamber and the stem. The bore tapers gradually from the chamber to the mouthpiece where it has an average diameter of 6 mm. The tobacco chambers have an average interior diameter of 16 mm. About one-half of any pipe is tobacco chamber and the other half is stem.
On Basic Highland Culture
Authors: Rowe John Howland
Published: June 2018

Since distance and field work obligations will unfortunately prevent my attendance at the Viking Fund-Institute of Andean Research meeting on Peruvian prehistory, I would like my colleagues to accept a few written notes on one of the subjects that will probably be discussed: the problem of basic highland culture. I am not sure that I understand why the problem was posed in terms of the highlands alone. My impression of the Peruvian archaeological picture is that the differences between highland sub-areas and coastal sub-areas is hardly greater than what one finds between adjacent highland sub-areas. Even in geographical terms the differences between highland sub-areas are very great. The problem is still an Andean one.
A Revised Sequence for the South Titicaca Basin
Authors: Bennett Wendell C.
Published: June 2018

Acareful review of field notes and collections from Tiahuanaco, Chiripa, and Pariti and comparison with the preliminary reports by Kidder on Pucara and M. Tschopik on the north Titicaca basin suggest a change in the position of Chiripa in the Bolivian sequences previously reported. The evidence for this change is briefly reviewed.

The Chiripa mound has four major levels: (1) top soil, from 0 to .50 meters; (2) post-house level, from .50 to 2.0 meters; (3) house level, from 2.0 to 3.0 meters; (4) pre-house and premound levels, from 3.0 to 5.0 meters. The house and pre-house levels, (3) and (4), contain unmixed Chiripa materials. The post-house levels, (1) and (2), show a continuation of Chiripa materials plus an intrusive Decadent Tiahuanaco, represented by burials, sherds, a semi-subter-ranean temple, and a facing wall.
Notes on Chipped Points and Classification Systems
Authors: Smith Marian W.
Published: June 2018

Chipped stone points are now classified according to a scheme suggested by Thomas Wilson in 1898, worked out by Gifford and Schenck in 1926, and carefully modified by Strong in 1935. Part of Strong's modification developed from his earlier work in the Dalles-Deschutes region. The classification is based upon analysis of form. The presence or absence of a stem, indicated by S- and N- respectively, is used as the primary basis for division with the shape of the stem secondary. In discussing the Dalles-Deschutes points, Strong, Schenck, and Steward question the validity of the particular elements selected: “There remains some question whether the shape of the stem … or the presence of a shoulder or barb … should be chosen for secondary classification. We endeavor to present data so that either may be used.”
Site Summaries
Authors: Smith Marian W.
Published: June 2018

Before turning to a systematic description of the archaeological sites of the Columbia-Fraser region, it will be well to review briefly the main sources of information. It may then be possible to bring together various of the sites and, with considerable tentativeness to be sure, associate them according to the cultural phases they represent. Some framework for the prehistory of the region may thus be obtained.

Judge Wickersham's early data for western Washington led him to believe that it was a poor region “for the development of the Stone Age,” and that the Indian “made his implements of bone, shell, or wood, and these soon decayed.” He goes on, however, to mention mauls, adz blades, clubs, and pipes of polished stone, in addition to chipped points among which “ … local forms are rare, but so distinct in character from others, which are so clearly traced to eastern Washington, as to admit of but little doubt as to their local origin.” He apparently thought the archaeological materials were closely related to the objects used by living Indians. Ties between the peoples east and west of the Cascades were obvious on the ethnological level and Wickersham was, consequently, not surprised to find arrow points on the Sound which were reminiscent of the eastern section of the state.