bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-stigma of antidepressant users through secondary analysis of PhotoVoice data
Authors: Nelson Erik , Werremeyer Amy , Kelly Gina Aalgaard , Skoy Elizabeth
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Aspects of self-stigma and medication-related stigma among individuals with depressive disorders remain largely unexplored. The primary objective of this study is to highlight and characterize self-stigma and medication-related stigma experiences of antidepressant users.

Methods:

This is a secondary analysis of data obtained from PhotoVoice studies examining psychotropic medication experiences. Transcripts of reflections from 12 individuals self-reporting a depressive disorder diagnosis and receipt of a prescription for an antidepressant were included. A directed content analysis approach based on expansion of the Self-Stigma of Depression Scale and an iterative process of identification of medication-stigma and stigma-resistance were used. Total mentions of self-stigma, stigma resistance, medication stigma, and underlying themes were tallied and evaluated.

Results:

Self-stigma was mentioned a total of 100 times with at least 2 mentions per participant. Self-blame was the most prominent construct of self-stigma and was mentioned nearly twice as often as any other self-stigma construct. Most participants also made mentions of self-stigma resistance. Half of the individual participants mentioned stigma resistance more times than they mentioned self-stigma, which suggests some surmounting of self-stigma. Medication-related stigma was also prominent, denoting negativity about the presence of medications in one's life.

Discussion:

Self-stigma related to self-blame may be problematic for antidepressant users. Identification and measurement of stigma resistance, especially in peer interactions, may represent a promising concept in overcoming self-stigma. Future work should explore emphasizing self-blame aspects when designing interventions to reduce self-stigma among individuals with depressive disorders and explore development of tools to measure stigma resistance.
Changing student attitudes and perceptions toward opioid use disorder
Authors: Countey Haley , Steinbronn Claire , Grady Sarah E.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

With the opioid epidemic creating a group of patients with unique health care needs, pharmacists have an opportunity to be a good resource for patients recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD). To accomplish this, it is essential that pharmacists are knowledgeable and unbiased toward this patient population.

Methods:

Because the curriculum in place to obtain a PharmD at Drake University does not include in-depth information on substance use disorders, study investigators offered students an opportunity to receive more intensive education. Faculty members at Drake University provided didactic and panel discussion presentations on topics such as opioid pharmacology, OUD, and treatment options. The students were assessed for their perception of knowledge and stigma before and after the summit by using a 5-point Likert scale to measure their attitudes toward 10 statements.

Results:

Total knowledge scores showed a significant change of 3.1, indicating an increase in perceived understanding of materials presented (P < .0001). Total stigma scores also changed by 1.4, illustrating a statistically significant decrease in negative perceptions (P = .0198).

Discussion:

By providing more in-depth education, the summit showed that increasing pharmacy student knowledge about OUD and its treatment may decrease associated stigma.
Evaluation of perceptions and knowledge of mental illness in the United States through crowdsourcing
Authors: Palmer Emma C. , Douglass Amber R. , Smith Thomas , Fuentes David G.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Crowdsourcing is a method of data collection with possible benefits in assessing perceptions of mental illness in a large US population.

Methods:

The objective was to describe perceptions and trends of stigma surrounding mental illness in the United States using crowdsourcing. An online survey was conducted evaluating adults in the United States recruited via the online resource Amazon Mechanical Turk. Questions evaluated demographics and perceptions of mental illness. Survey data were adjusted for demographic variables and compared via logistic regression.

Results:

Respondents (n = 1422) were predominately 18 to 30 years of age (n = 743; 52.3%) and white (n = 1101; 77.4%). Over half reported an individual close to them had mental illness (n = 932; 65.5%), and more than one quarter (n = 397; 27.9%) reported having a current or previous mental illness. Non-whites were less likely to agree that: medications are effective (odds ratio [OR] 0.63); they would be comfortable around a coworker with mental illness (OR 0.66); and mental illness is inheritable (OR 0.74). They are also more likely to agree that mental illness is preventable (OR 1.49). Individuals reporting mental illness were more likely to agree that medications (OR 1.34; 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.74) and talk therapy (OR 1.46; 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.90) are effective. Those reporting some or no college were more likely to agree that the United States has good access to mental health treatment.

Discussion:

Crowdsourcing may be an effective way to obtain information regarding demographics, stigma, and mental illness. Personal experiences with mental illness, ethnicity, and educational level appear to continue to impact perceptions of mental illness.
Rechallenge of lamotrigine after development of rash
Authors: Houser Jennifer , Graham Ashley
Published: September 2018

Lamotrigine (LTG) is associated with the potential for a life-threatening rash (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis). The incidence has been linked to rapid titration and an interaction with valproic acid that can increase the level of LTG. Providers often have difficulty discriminating between serious versus benign rashes, and the package insert recommends discontinuing the medication at the first sign of a rash. Therefore, many patients end up being taken off LTG when it may have been effective for them. We present a case where LTG is reintroduced with a faster initial titration than what is noted in the literature after development of a rash. This case is also unique in that the patient had been on LTG for years prior to emergence of the rash and demonstrates that retrials can be successful.
Most Robust and Fragile States with the Same Entanglement Properties
Authors: Li Hong‐Mei , Zhao Bao‐Kui
Published: September 2018

Finding the most robust entangled states and the most fragile entangled states during the whole process of decoherence is particularly a fundamental problem for quantum physics and quantum information processing. Here the robustness of three‐qubit states under three different decoherence channels (amplitude damping, dephasing, bit flip) systematically are investigated, and the most robust genuine tripartite entangled states and the most fragile ones during each of the three decoherence processes are found. Moreover, the states with the most significant difference in robustness are shown to be locally unitarily equivalent to each other and therefore contain the same entanglement properties.
Auf der Suche nach der verlorenen Kultur: Vom Neuroimaging über Critical Neuroscience zu Cultural Neuroscience – und zurück zur Kritik
Authors: Borck Cornelius
Published: September 2018

In Search of Lost Culture: From Neuroimaging via Critical Neuroscience to Cultural Neuroscience – and back to Critique. The availability of new technologies for visualizing brain activity generated great expectations to identify the centers responsible for human action and behavior and to “reduce” all mental processes to neuronal states. Some scientists even called society to adapt to the new insights from brain research by giving up outdated concepts of autonomy and free will. This project spurred harsh critiques from philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies, diagnosing the rise of a new phrenology. A critical neuroscience group took up these criticisms and pledged for a more nuanced reflection about the political, historical and ethical contexts and implications of current neuroscience and argued for an integration of societal concerns into the research agenda – rather similar to the agenda for responsible research of the EU. With the development of more sophisticated visualization strategies, new sub‐disciplines emerged, integrating sociocultural aspects into neuroimaging. Social and cultural neuroscience replaced overstated reductionist claims without leaving the overarching naturalist epistemology, but extending the ontological realm. New research objects such as empathy, religion or ‘Western’ vs. ‘East‐Asian’ attitudes of thinking started to populate the research domain. Especially cultural neuroscience was widely celebrated as new scientific bridge across the nature‐culture gulf. A closer look, however, reveals that this claim and the popular success of cultural neuroscience are based on a decisive lack of conceptual clarity. ‘Culture’ functions as fuzzy denominator for a broad range of social phenomena with unknown links to neurophysiological processes but visualized as brain states. Instead of implementing more reflexive forms of research, cultural neuroscience stabilizes problematic stereotypes and racist attitudes by an expansion of neuro‐culture. In light of this deflation of interdisciplinary cooperation a more radical critique of this ideology seems in place.
Novel Indazole‐based MKK7–TIPRL Interaction Inhibitors as TRAIL Sensitizers
Authors: Gu Sujin , Jung Myoung Eun , Yoon Ji‐Yong , Yoon Sang‐Eun , Lee Jeong‐Ju , Lee Kwangho , Choi Gildon , Kim Nam‐Soon , Jeon Moon‐Kook
Published: September 2018

This work describes the process by which a metabolically unstable TRT‐0002 compound exhibiting Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL)‐sensitizing activity for Huh7 cells at a high working concentration (40 μM) is converted to more potent and metabolically improved analogues by modifying the 5‐amino group and the 1‐aryl moiety in the 1H‐indazole skeleton. The efforts enabled us to identify 5‐sulfonamido derivatives, TRT‐0029 and TRT‐0173 compounds, working at lower concentrations (10 and 20 μM, respectively) and with improved metabolic stabilities. As reported previously by us, co‐treating cultured Huh7 cells with either TRT‐0029 or TRT‐0173 and TRAIL resulted in TRAIL‐induced apoptosis due to the inhibition of the MKK7–TOR signaling pathway regulator‐like (TIPRL) interaction and subsequent phosphorylation of MKK7 and JNK. In addition, the injection of TRT‐0029 or TRT‐0173 compound suppressed tumor growth in combination with TRAIL in an in vivo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse xenograft model. TRT‐0029 and TRT‐0173 compounds and the relevant structure–activity relationship can provide an insight into further study on optimization of potency and metabolic stability.
The association between mean platelet volume levels and poststroke depression
Authors: Qiu Huihua , Liu Yuntao , He Hongfei , Wu Yuemin , He Weilei , Huang Guiqian , He Jincai
Published: September 2018

Objective

High levels of mean platelet volume (MPV) had been found in depression subjects. We sought to examine the relationship between MPV and poststroke depression (PSD).

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐five patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in our study. Peripheral venous blood samples were drawn at admission and MPV levels were measured by the automated hematology analyzer. Patients with a HAMD‐17 score >7 were diagnosed as having PSD.

Results

We found that 60 patients (32.4%) developed PSD, the MPV levels in PSD patients were significantly higher (9.3 ± 1.8 fl) compared to non‐PSD patients (8.5 ± 1.6 fl). High MPV levels (≥9.1 fl) were independently correlated with PSD (OR 2.762, 95% CI 1.138–6.702, p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Patients with higher levels of MPV at admission were correlated with the development of PSD at 1 month after stroke and might be a predictor of its presence.
Intractable pneumothorax complicated with interstitial pneumonitis treated with the Tachosuture technique: A case report
Authors: Uchida Tsuyoshi , Matsubara Hirochika , Sugimura Aya , Matsuoka Hiroyasu , Ichihara Tomofumi , Nakajima Hiroyuki
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical Message

It has been proven that the Tachosuture technique is effective for preventing prolonged air leaks caused by pulmonary resection. We successfully used the Tachosuture technique to treat intractable pneumothorax with interstitial pneumonia. This technique avoids pulmonary resection and contributes to acute exacerbations of interstitial pneumonia.
Influence of pH and Salts on Partial Molar Volume of Lysozyme and Bovine Serum Albumin in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Jirasek Fabian , Garcia Edder J. , Hackemann Eva , Galeotti Nadia , Hasse Hans
Published: September 2018

The partial molar volume of lysozyme and bovine serum albumin in aqueous solutions at different pH values and in aqueous solutions containing sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, sodium sulfate, or ammonium sulfate at different concentrations at pH 7.0 was investigated experimentally at 298.15 K and 1 bar. It was found that the influence of the pH value and the salts on the partial molar volume of the proteins is small, but trends were measurable. Furthermore, the partial molar volume of lysozyme in pure water at different pH values and in aqueous solutions with different sodium chloride concentrations at pH 7.0 was predicted by molecular simulations. The predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor for the Detection of the Folate Receptor in HeLa Cells Based on Hyperbranched Rolling Circle Amplification and Terminal Protection
Authors: Lin Yue , Huang Xiaocui , Zhang Ying , Chen Daozhen , Wang Jian , Luo Fang , Guo Longhua , Qiu Bin , Lin Zhenyu
Published: September 2018

A highly sensitive homogeneous electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for folate receptor (FR) has been developed based on hyperbranched rolling circle amplification (HRCA) and terminal protection. FR was combined to folic acid modified single stranded DNA (FA‐ssDNA) through the strong affinity between FA and FR, which prevented ssDNA from enzymolysis of exonuclease I (Exo I). The protected ssDNA was then applied as a template of padlock looping to trigger the HRCA proceeding. The products of HRCA contains large amount of double strand DNA (dsDNA), which provided excellent carries for Ru(phen)32+ intercalation. The extra free Ru(phen)32+ was removed by ultrafiltration and the Ru(phen)32+ embedded into dsDNA can act as a high‐efficiency ECL indicator to quantify the FR concentration. The enhanced ECL intensity had a linear relationship with logarithm of FR concentration in the range of 4 fM to 120 pM with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. Furthermore, the proposed ECL biosensor has been applied to detect FR in Hela cells and showed a linear relationship with the logarithm of cell concentration ranging from 100–5000 cell/mL. Compared to other FR biosensors, the proposed ECL biosensor presents the merits of the simplicity, high sensitivity and specificity, which shows the great potential application in the field of early cancers diagnosis.
Sidearm Modified Bisoxazoline Ligands and Their Applications
Authors: Wang Lijia , Zhou Jian , Tang Yong
Published: September 2018

Developing novel and highly efficient chiral ligands is the eternal theme in chiral catalysis research, since none of ligands or catalysts is universal for all the reactions. We are aiming at searching for a facile and effective strategy in developing new chiral ligands that could be employed in a broad range of asymmetric reactions. By introducing additional (sidearm) groups to a classic chiral ligand, both the electron nature and steric environment of the catalyst could be adjusted, and thus the reactivity, selectivity and functional group tolerance of a catalyst could be modulated. Based on this strategy, a variety of sidearm modified bisoxazoline ligands have been designed and developed, including TOX, SaBOX, diSaBOX and Wing‐BOX. The account presents a brief introduction on their discovery and representative applications.
Suboptimal Level of Bone‐Forming Cells in Advanced Cirrhosis are Associated with Hepatic Osteodystrophy
Authors: Bihari Chhagan , Lal Deepika , Thakur Monika , Sukriti Sukriti , Mathur Dhananjay , Patil Anupama G. , Anand Lovkesh , Kumar Guresh , Sharma Shvetank , Thapar Shalini , Rajbongshi Apurba , Rastogi Archana , Kumar Anupam , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: September 2018

Bone loss is common in advanced cirrhosis, although the precise mechanisms underlying bone loss in cirrhosis are unknown. We studied the profile and functionality of bone‐forming cells and bone‐building proteins in bone marrow (BM) of individuals with cirrhosis (n = 61) and individuals without cirrhosis as normal controls (n = 50). We also performed dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry for clinical correlation. BM mesenchymal cells (MSCs) were analyzed for colony‐forming units‐fibroblasts and their osteogenic (fibronectin‐1 [FN1], insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 [IGFBP3], collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain [COL1A1], runt‐related transcription factor 2 [RUNX2], and alkaline phosphatase, liver [ALPL]) and adipogenic ( adiponectin, C1Q, and collagen domain containing [ADIPOQ], peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma [PPARγ], and fatty acid binding protein 4 [FABP4]) potentials. Colony‐forming units‐fibroblasts were lower in patients with cirrhosis (P = 0.002) than in controls. Cirrhotic BM‐MSCs showed >2‐fold decrease in osteogenic markers. Compared to controls, patients with cirrhosis showed fewer osteocytes (P = 0.05), osteoblasts, chondroblasts, osteocalcin‐positive (osteocalcin+) area, clusters of differentiation (CD)169+ macrophages (P < 0.001, each), and nestin+ MSCs (P = 0.001); this was more apparent in Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) class C than A (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed low nestin+ MSCs (P = 0.004) as a predictor of bone loss. Bone‐resolving osteoclasts were comparable among CTP groups, but >2‐fold decreased anti‐osteoclastic and increased pro‐osteoclastic factors were noted in patients with CTP C compared to CTP A. Bone‐building proteins (osteocalcin [P = 0.008], osteonectin [P < 0.001], and bone morphogenic protein 2 [P = 0.001]) were decreased while anti‐bone repair factors (fibroblast growth factor 23 [P = 0.015] and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 [P < 0.001]) were increased in BM and peripheral blood; this was more apparent in advanced cirrhosis. The dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan T score significantly correlated with the population of osteoblasts, osteocytes, MSCs, and CD169+ macrophages. Conclusion: Osteoprogenitor cells are substantially reduced in patients with cirrhosis and more so in advanced disease. Additionally, increased anti‐bone repair proteins enhance the ineffective bone repair and development of osteoporosis in cirrhosis. Hepatology Communications 2018;0:0‐0)
Optimizing interstitial photodynamic therapy with custom cylindrical diffusers
Authors: Yassine Abdul‐Amir , Lilge Lothar , Betz Vaughn
Published: September 2018

Interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) has shown promise recently as a minimally invasive cancer treatment, partially due to the development of non‐toxic photosensitizers in the absence of activation light. However, a major challenge in iPDT is the pre‐treatment planning process that specifies the number of diffusers needed, along with their positions and allocated powers, to confine the light distribution to the target volume as much as possible. In this work, a new power allocation algorithm for cylindrical light diffusers including those that can produce customized longitudinal (tailored) emission profiles is introduced. The proposed formulation is convex to guarantee the minimum over‐dose possible on the surrounding organs‐at‐risk. The impact of varying the diffuser lengths and penetration angles on the quality of the plan is evaluated. The results of this study are demonstrated for different photosensitizers activated at different wavelengths and simulated on virtual tumors modeling virtual glioblastoma multiforme cases. Results show that manufacturable cylindrical diffusers with tailored emission profiles can significantly outperform those with conventional flat profiles with an average damage reduction on white matter of 15% to 55% and on gray matter of 23% to 58%.
Effects of experimental parameters on simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO by VUV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process in a pilot‐scale photochemical spraying tower
Authors: Xie Wenxia , Xu Chengwei , Zhang Jun , Liu Yangxian , Xi Jianfei , Gu Zhongzhu , Lv Jianhong
Published: September 2018

Background

Emissions of SO2 and NO from flue gas have caused serious environmental pollution issues. UV/vacuum ultraviolet(VUV)‐activated H2O2 advanced oxidation technology is one of the most promising processes to realize the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO. From the application perspective, it is necessary to carry out further research in a pilot‐scale photochemical reactor with industrial conditions and actual coal‐fired flue gas running conditions.

Results

Results showed that SO2 removal efficiency can reach 100% under most experimental conditions. An increase of the VUV irradiation intensity, H2O2 concentration and solution pH can promote NO removal, but the growth rate of that gradually slows down. It is not conducive to NO removal when the flue gas flow and NO concentration increases. Increasing liquid–gas ratio has dual effects on NO removal; NO removal efficiency increases at first, and then decreases sharply. SO2 concentration has no great impact on removal of NO. Results of ion chromatography (IC) demonstrate that SO42− and NO3− are the major removal products of SO2 and NO.

Conclusion

The VUV‐activated H2O2 advanced oxidation technology is suitable for industrial application. The investment and operating costs of this technology are lower than those of the combined processes NH3‐SCR and Ca‐WFGD. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Recruiter Evaluation of Candidates for Employment: Does Study Abroad Make a Difference?
Authors: Turos Jessica M. , Strange C. Carney
Published: September 2018

This analog study investigated recruiters’ evaluation of candidates for employment in regard to whether study abroad experience advantaged some in being selected for certain positions. Results found that candidates who completed study abroad and a relevant internship were ranked highest, with preference given by recruiters to long‐term Western experiences. However, the data also suggested that recruiter assessments varied somewhat depending on recruiters’ study abroad experience and their own characteristics. Overall, the effect of study abroad on the evaluation of candidates was simply one part of a complex of considerations.
Dimensions of Acculturation and Work Hope in International Students
Authors: Marks Laura Reid , Çiftçi Ayşe , Lee Brittany
Published: September 2018

Work hope is an emerging and important factor in the career development process of international students. In this study, the authors focused on the work hope of international students and examined its relation to dimensions of acculturation (i.e., dominant society immersion, ethnic identity, ethnic society immersion, individualism, and collectivism). A total of 340 international students completed an online survey. Results of a correlation analysis revealed associations in the expected directions. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that horizontal collectivism, horizontal individualism, and vertical collectivism had a significant and unique contribution in explaining work hope. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Treatment with an adjustable long‐term implant for post‐prostatectomy stress incontinence: The ProACT™ pivotal trial
Authors: Nash Steven , Aboseif Sherif , Gilling Peter , Gretzer Mathew , Samowitz Harvey , Rose Marc , Slutsky Joel , Siegel Steven , Tu Le Mai
Published: September 2018

Aims

This paper presents 18‐month follow‐up results for patients enrolled in a pivotal study conducted to support an FDA premarket approval application (PMAA). The trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of the ProACT Adjustable Continence Therapy for the treatment of post‐prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

The clinical study involved 11 clinical sites and enrolled 160 subjects. A total of 124 subjects met study criteria and 123 underwent ProACT implantation from July 2005 through June 2007, of whom 98 completed 18‐month follow‐up. Endpoints included 24‐h pad weight, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I‐QOL), UCLA Prostate Cancer Index‐Urinary Function (PCI‐UF), residual volume, and device or procedure‐related adverse events (AEs).

Results

The mean surgical time was 32 min. Statistically significant improvements during follow‐up were observed in 24‐h pad weight, for which the cohort mean pre‐implant urine loss was 399 g, which was reduced at 18 months to 160 g (P < 0.001). Reductions in pad weight were observed across all levels of pre‐implant SUI severity. Significant improvements were also seen in quality of life as measured by the I‐QOL (P < 0.001) as well as measures of urinary function and pad count. One procedure‐related serious adverse event (SAE), retention, was reported among the 124 subjects; the SAE was resolved without clinical meaningful sequalae.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this newly FDA‐approved therapy, showing significant improvements in objective and subjective measures of SUI in mild, moderate, and severely incontinent male patients. The duration of the implant procedure is short, and complications are mild and easily resolvable.
Novel superabsorbent materials from bacterial cellulose
Authors: Chaiyasat Amorn , Jearanai Sirinard , Christopher Lew P , Alam Md Nur
Published: September 2018

A novel process for the production of superabsorbent materials (hydrogels) from bacterial cellulose (BC) was developed. Prior to crosslinking with a water‐soluble polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), BC was first carboxymethylated and functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate. The degree of crosslinking influenced the swelling properties of the hydrogels. The use of greater amounts of PEGDA enhanced the formation of a thicker macromolecular network containing fewer capillary spaces in the crosslinked gel. The maximum water retention value of the hydrogels containing 2.5–3.5 mmol of carboxyl groups per gram of gel reached 125 g g−1 in distilled water, and 29 g g−1 in saline (0.9% NaCl solution). The highly porous hydrogel architecture with a pore size of 350–600 µm created a high specific surface area. This enables rapid mass penetration in superabsorbent applications. The superabsorbent hydrogels reached 80% of their maximum water absorption capacity in 30 min. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
PIN Diodes Array Made of Perovskite Single Crystal for X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Dewei , Qiu Yunping , Huang Yin , Wu Yao , Li Guanwen , Huang Qianqian , Khan Qasim , Nathan Arokia , Lei Wei , Chen Jing
Published: September 2018

Recently, lead (Pb) halide hybrid perovskites have emerged as sensitive X‐ray detectors due to their desirable charge transport properties and high absorption of ionizing photons. This work reports on a facile methodology for fabrication of highly efficient X‐ray PIN diodes based on MAPbBr3 (MA, methylammonium; Pb, lead; Br, bromide) single crystals to detect X‐ray energies ranging from 30 to 100 keV. The 2 mm thickness PIN diode exhibits a low dark current density of 20 nA cm−2 at 150 V cm−1 and high X‐ray sensitivity of 23.6 μC mGyair−1 cm−2. Besides, a large‐area array based on 30 mm × 28 mm × 7 mm MAPbBr3 single crystal is fabricated for X‐ray imaging. When augmented with signal processing, selective higher and lower energy X‐ray signals can be separated simultaneously to satisfy different requirements for soft and hard organs and tissues in one exposure. This approach offers a new pathway for a one‐time radiation dose applied to the human body to achieve X‐ray images for tissues and blood vessels concurrently.
A tradeoff resource allocation based on MF‐TDMA scheme in the multibeam data relay satellite systems
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Li Yongjun , Zhao Shanghong , Zheng Yongxing , Zhu Zhuodan , Cao Guixing
Published: September 2018

A tremendous increase in the number of distributed satellite constellations with the unscheduled burst data traffic will impose addition and diverse requirements on the DRS (data relay satellite) systems, which increases the complexity for beam management and affects a real‐time data return and acquisition. In this paper, we suggested that a large capacity can be achieved by a multibeam DRS system based on multifrequency time division multiple access scheme providing multiaccess for the distributed satellite constellations. Because the space‐based information network is characterized by the limited on‐board resources, a highly dynamic topology and time‐varying intersatellite links, we designed a 2‐stage dynamic optimization approach to separate the multiobjective optimization for frequency/time blocks and power, aiming at the rapidly converging to the optimal solution and at the same time meeting the fairness resource allocation. In particular, a capacity‐fairness tradeoff algorithm is proposed based on hybrid the enhanced genetic algorithm and the particle swarm optimization. Simulation results show that the tradeoff between maximizing total capacity and providing proportional fairness allocation is well balanced. The proposed algorithm can rapidly converge to adapt to the highly dynamic topology in data relay satellite systems.
Tunable Transformation Between SnS and SnOx Nanostructures via Facile Anodization and Their Photoelectrochemical and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Bian Haidong , Li Zebiao , Xiao Xufen , Schmuki Patrik , Lu Jian , Li Yang Yang
Published: September 2018

Anodic fabrication of tin sulfide is for the first time reported. Through a facile anodization method in a glycerol electrolyte of sodium sulfide, a range of interesting tin sulfide nanostructures are produced in a controllable manner. By changing the anodization parameters (anodization potential, water content, and electrolyte concentration), anodic nanomaterials ranging from pure SnS to SnOx can be conveniently synthesized. The fabricated SnS/SnOx multi‐heterojunction nanocomposites delivered greatly improved photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performances, due to the presence of narrow‐bandgap SnS (≈1.56 eV) in wide‐bandgap SnOx (≈3.6 eV), which can effectively separate the photoinduced electron‐hole pairs and prolong their lifetime. The novel method reported here presents an efficient strategy to directly construct metal sulfides or sulfide/oxide heterojunctions that are directly applicable as electrode materials in photoelectrochemical cells, photovoltaic devices, sensors, and binder‐free batteries or supercapacitors.
Effects of Rolling Temperature on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in an Ultrafine‐Grained Low‐Carbon Steel
Authors: Yuan Qing , Xu Guang , Liu Man , Hu Haijiang , Tian Junyu
Published: September 2018

Ultrafine grained low‐carbon steels are fabricated by cryorolling and cold‐rolling martensite starting microstructure at liquid nitrogen temperature and ambient temperature, respectively. The results indicate that cryorolling process at liquid nitrogen temperature present more potential in refining ferrite grains in low‐carbon steel (132 nm) than ambient temperature deformation (330 nm). The tensile strength increase from 867.0 to 970.2 MPa for the specimen cryorolled at liquid nitrogen temperature compared to the specimen rolled at ambient temperature. The decreased elongation in the specimen at liquid nitrogen temperature is attributed to the coarse Fe3C particles during the annealing. Moreover, Fe3C particles precipitate during the cold‐rolling and subsequent annealing processes in the cold‐rolled specimen, while Fe3C particles in the cryorolled specimen are mainly formed during the annealing process due to the suppression of diffusion of carbon atoms during the cryorolling process.
Addressing the risks of induced seismicity in subsurface energy operations
Authors: Porter Richard T.J. , Striolo Alberto , Mahgerefteh Haroun , Faure Walker Joanna
Published: September 2018

Shale gas could help address the insatiable global demand for energy. However, in addition to risks of environmental pollution, the risk of induced seismicity during the hydraulic fracturing process is often considered as the major showstopper in the public acceptability of shale gas as an alternative source of fossil fuel. Other types of subsurface energy development have also demonstrated similar induced seismicity risks. This article presents an interdisciplinary review of notable cases of suspected induced seismicity relating to subsurface energy operations, covering operations for hydraulic fracturing, wastewater injection, conventional gas extraction, enhanced geothermal systems and water impoundment. Possible causal mechanisms of induced seismicity are described and illustrated, then methods to mitigate induced seismicity, encompassing regulations, including so‐called traffic light systems, monitoring and assessment, and numerical modeling approaches for predicting the occurrence of induced seismicity are outlined. Issues relating to public perception of energy technologies in regards to induced seismicity potential are also discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Climate and Environment

Fossil Fuels > Climate and Environment

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Systems and Infrastructure
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Cs2U2(P2Se9)(Se2)2
Authors: Mesbah Adel , Prakash Jai , Beard Jessica C. , Lebègue Sébastien , Ibers James A.
Published: September 2018

Black single crystals of Cs2U2(P2Se9)(Se2)2 were synthesized at 1023 K by a solid‐state reaction. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. The compound is isostructural with Rb2U2(P2Se9)(Se2)2 and Cs2Th2(P2Se9)(Se2)2 compounds, and crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. Cs2U2(P2Se9)(Se2)2 displays a three‐dimensional structure comprising USe9 polyhedra connected via the Se22– and P2Se9 species with channels filled by Cs atoms. From electronic structure calculations the compound is found to be a metal with a ferromagnetic arrangement of the magnetic moments.
Production of optically pure l(+)-lactic acid from waste plywood chips using an isolated thermotolerant Enterococcus faecalis SI at a pilot scale
Authors: Yuan Shuo-Fu , Hsu Teng-Chieh , Wang Chun-An , Jang Ming-Feng , Kuo Yang-Cheng , Alper Hal S , Guo Gia-Luen , Hwang Wen-Song
Published: September 2018

Utilization of renewable and low-cost lignocellulosic wastes has received major focus in industrial lactic acid production. The use of high solid loadings in biomass pretreatment potentially offers advantages over low solid loadings including higher lactic acid concentration with decreased production and capital costs. In this study, an isolated Enterococcus faecalis SI with optimal temperature 42 °C was used to produce optically pure l-lactic acid (> 99%) from enzyme-saccharified hydrolysates of acid-impregnated steam explosion (AISE)-treated plywood chips. The l-lactic acid production increased by 10% at 5 L scale compared to the similar fermentation scheme reported by Wee et al. The fermentation with a high solid loading of 20% and 35% (w/v) AISE-pretreated plywood chips had been successfully scaled up to process development unit scale (100 L) and pilot scale (9 m3), respectively. This is the first report of pilot-scale lignocellulosic lactic acid fermentation by E. faecalis with high lactic acid titer (nearly 92 g L−1) and yield (0.97 kg kg−1). Therefore, large-scale l-lactic acid production by E. faecalis SI shows the potential application for industries.
The incidence of fractures following bariatric surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Marcil Gabriel , Bourget-Murray Jonathan , Shinde Siddharth , Switzer Noah , Debru Estifanos , Church Neal , Mitchell Philip , Reso Artan , Gill Richdeep S.
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The effects of bariatric surgery on improvement of the metabolic syndrome is well-described, but its effect on intrinsic bone fragility and fracture propagation is unclear. Therefore, the aims of this systematic review of the literature were to examine (1) the incidence of fracture following bariatric surgery, (2) the association of fracture with the specific bariatric surgical procedure, and (3) site-specific types of fractures associated with bariatric surgery.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted through Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Dare, Cochrane library, and HTA database. The search terms used were gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and fracture.

Results:

Eight studies were included (n = 42,567 patients). This included no randomized controlled trials. The average patient age was 43.3 years and 24.9% of patients were male. The average follow-up time was 3.7 years. 1960 patients had at least one fracture, and the total number of fractures encountered was 2326. Overall, 4.6% of patients who underwent bariatric surgery suffered from a fracture post-operatively. The operation associated with the greatest risk of fractures post-operatively was following a biliopancreatic diversion (10.66%), followed by restrictive procedures such as adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy (5.71%), with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass having the lowest risk (2.66%). Of the fractures encountered, 1458 (63.08%) were of the lower extremity and pelvis and 763 (33.01%) were of the upper extremity. Only 90 (3.89%) axial skeleton fractures were reported.

Conclusions:

The overall risk of sustaining a fracture of any type after undergoing bariatric surgery is approximately 5 percent after an average follow up of 3.7 years. The greatest risk of fractures is associated with the biliopancreatic diversion surgery, with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass being the most favorable. Fractures following bariatric surgeries tend to occur mostly in the lower extremity and pelvis.

Highlights:
Invariant random subgroups of semidirect products
Authors: BIRINGER IAN , BOWEN LEWIS , TAMUZ OMER
Published: September 2018

We study invariant random subgroups (IRSs) of semidirect products $G=A\rtimes \unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$. In particular, we characterize all IRSs of parabolic subgroups of $\text{SL}_{d}(\mathbb{R})$, and show that all ergodic IRSs of $\mathbb{R}^{d}\rtimes \text{SL}_{d}(\mathbb{R})$ are either of the form $\mathbb{R}^{d}\rtimes K$ for some IRS of $\text{SL}_{d}(\mathbb{R})$, or are induced from IRSs of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}\rtimes \text{SL}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC})$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}<\mathbb{R}^{d}$ is a lattice.
Radar evidence of ponded subglacial water in Greenland
Authors: OSWALD GORDON K. A. , REZVANBEHBAHANI SOROUSH , STEARNS LEIGH A.
Published: September 2018

The thermal state at the bed of a large ice sheet is a critical boundary condition governing its future evolution. Radar surveys provide an opportunity for direct but remote observation of the ice-sheet bed, and therefore offer a means of constraining numerical ice-sheet models at the ice–bed interface. Here we have processed results of radar surveys of the Greenland Ice Sheet undertaken by the Program for Arctic Regional Climate Assessment (PARCA) between 1999 and 2003, to explore this opportunity. We consider the robustness of the measurements in the context of uncertain dielectric losses in the ice sheet, concluding that the observed radar signal characteristics reflect the character of the bed itself rather than that of uncertain englacial absorption. However, the identification of thaw is restricted to areas where subglacial water has sufficient depth to influence the radar reflection. We derive a map of inferred areas of subglacial thaw, and compare our results with other studies predicting regions with temperate bed. We show that in many areas the radar inferences of ponded water lie within areas predicted to be thawed by modelling and radiostratigraphy. There is clear disagreement in certain areas, suggesting the presence of high geothermal flux anomalies.
Support for Coups in the Americas: Mass Norms and Democratization
Authors: Cassell Kaitlen J. , Booth John A. , Seligson Mitchell A.
Published: September 2018

Coups d’état, once a common end for democracies in the Americas, have declined sharply in recent years. This article investigates whether overall public support for coups is also in decline. Examining 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean from 2004 to 2014 helps to evaluate two alternative theses on democratization: Mainwaring and Pérez-Liñán’s 2013 normative regime preferences theory, which inquires (but does not test) whether public opinion can signal to elites a reluctance or willingness to support a coup; and classic modernization theory (Inglehart 1988; Inglehart and Welzel 2005). We find a substantively meaningful effect of democratic attitudes on coup support and a weak effect for national wealth, from which we infer that evolving elite values and preferences are paralleled at the mass level and that together, those two trends play a stronger role in the consolidation of democratic regimes than does modernization.
Trajectory and determinants of change in lean soft tissue over the postpartum period
Authors: Elliott Sarah A. , Pereira Leticia C. R. , McCargar Linda J. , Prado Carla M. , Bell Rhonda C. ,   the ENRICH Study Team
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to characterise changes in lean soft tissue (LST) and examine the contributions of energy intake, physical activity and breast-feeding practices to LST changes at 3 and 9 months postpartum. We examined current weight, LST (via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), dietary intake (3-d food diary), physical activity (Baecke questionnaire) and breast-feeding practices (3-d breast-feeding diary) in forty-nine women aged 32·9 (sd3·8) years. Changes in LST varied from −2·51 to +2·50 kg with twenty-nine women gaining LST (1·1 (sd0·7) kg,P<0·001) and twenty women losing LST (−0·9 (sd0·8) kg,P<0·001). Energy intake (133 (SD42)v.109 (SD33) kJ/kg,P=0·019) and % kJ from fat at 3 months postpartum was higher in women who gained LST at 9 months postpartum (gained LST=34 (sd5) % kJ; lost LST=29 (sd4) % kJ,P=0·002). Women who gained LST reported breast-feeding their infants more frequently (gained LST=8 (sd3) feeds/d; lost LST=5 (sd1) feeds/d,P=0·014) and for more time per d (gained LST=115 (sd78) min/d; lost LST=59 (sd34) min/d,P=0·016) at 9 months postpartum. Energy intake and % kJ from fat at 3 months were significant predictors of LST gain (β=0·08 (se0·04) and 0·24 (se0·09), respectively). This suggests that gain in LST may be associated with more frequent and longer episodes of breast-feeding at 9 months postpartum as well as dietary intake early in the postpartum period.
Bulk tank milk ELISA to detect IgG1 prevalence and clustering to determine spatial distribution and risk factors of Fasciola hepatica-infected herds in Mexico
Authors: Villa-Mancera A. , Reynoso-Palomar A.
Published: September 2018

Fasciola hepatica is a helminth parasite that causes huge economic losses to the livestock industry worldwide. Fasciolosis is an emerging foodborne zoonotic disease that affects both humans and grazing animals. This study investigated the associations between climatic/environmental factors (derived from satellite data) and management factors affecting the spatial distribution of this liver fluke in cattle herds across different climate zones in three Mexican states. A bulk-tank milk (BTM) IgG1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to detect F. hepatica infection levels of 717 cattle herds between January and April 2015. Management data were collected from the farms by questionnaire. The parasite's overall herd prevalence and mean optical density ratio (ODR) were 62.76% and 0.67, respectively. The presence of clustered F. hepatica infections was studied using the spatial scan statistic. Three marked clusters in the spatial distribution of the parasite were observed. Logistic regression was used to test three models of potential statistical association from the ELISA results using climatic, environmental and management variables. The final model based on climatic/environmental and management variables included the following factors: rainfall, elevation, proportion of grazed grass in the diet, contact with other herds, herd size, parasite control use and education level as significant predictors. Geostatistical kriging was applied to generate a risk map for the presence of parasites in dairy herds in Mexico. In conclusion, the spatial distribution of F. hepatica in Mexican cattle herds is influenced by multifactorial effects and should be considered in developing regionally adapted control measures.
Multidimensional assessment of impulsivity-related measures in relation to externalizing behaviors
Authors: Creswell Kasey G. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Flory Janine D. , Skrzynski Carillon J. , Manuck Stephen B.
Published: September 2018

Background

Trait impulsivity is thought to play a key role in predicting behaviors on the externalizing spectrum, such as drug and alcohol use and aggression. Research suggests that impulsivity may not be a unitary construct, but rather multidimensional in nature with dimensions varying across self-report assessments and laboratory behavioral tasks. Few studies with large samples have included a range of impulsivity-related measures and assessed several externalizing behaviors to clarify the predictive validity of these assessments on important life outcomes.

Methods

Community adults (N = 1295) between the ages of 30 and 54 completed a multidimensional assessment of impulsivity-related traits (including 54 self-report scales of personality traits implicated in impulsive behaviors, and four behavioral tasks purporting to assess a construct similar to impulsivity) and reported on five externalizing behavioral outcomes (i.e. drug, alcohol, and cigarette use, and physical and verbal aggression). We ran an exploratory factor analysis on the trait scales, and then a structural equation model predicting the externalizing behaviors from the three higher-order personality factors (i.e. Disinhibition v. Constraint/Conscientiousness, Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality, and Extraversion/Positive Emotionality) and the four behavioral tasks.

Results

Relations between the self-report factors and behavioral tasks were small or nonexistent. Associations between the self-report factors and the externalizing outcomes were generally medium to large, but relationships between the behavioral tasks and externalizing outcomes were either nonexistent or small.

Conclusions

These results partially replicate and extend recent meta-analytic findings reported by Sharma et al. (2014) to further clarify the predictive validity of impulsivity-related trait scales and laboratory behavioral tasks on externalizing behaviors.