bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N‐type Doping of Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites Toward High‐Performance Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Cong‐Cong , Gao Chun‐Hong , Li Meng , Ma Xing‐Juan , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: December 2018

The disparity of hole and electron behavior is a ubiquitous issue in methylammonium lead halide perovskites. The carrier mobility imbalance, which will result in a built‐in electric field thus increase the device resistance, is regarded as one of main limiting factors for the further improvement of device performance in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, we realized an n‐doped organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite by directly incorporating AgI into the CH3NH3PbI3 precursor solution, to fabricate high‐performance PSCs. AgI doping resulted in a balanced charge transporting owing to a remarkable increase in the electron mobility, which was attributed to the aligned orientation of MA+ ions owing to the Ag+‐influenced distribution of electron cloud density. Meanwhile, AgI could act as an additive to control the perovskite crystallization with improved crystallinity and film morphology. Consequently, a maximum power conversion efficiency of over 20% is achieved. The finding in this work provides a direction to fabricate high‐performance PSCs by controlling the charge balance via intensive doping technique.
On mean decomposition for summarizing conditional distributions
Authors: García‐Pareja Celia , Bottai Matteo
Published: December 2018

We propose a summary measure defined as the expected value of a random variable over disjoint subsets of its support that are specified by a given grid of proportions and consider its use in a regression modeling framework. The obtained regression coefficients provide information about the effect of a set of given covariates on the variable's expectation in each specified subset. We derive asymptotic properties for a general estimation approach that are based on those of the chosen quantile function estimator for the underlying probability distribution. A bound on the variance of this general estimator is also provided, which relates its precision to the given grid of proportions and that of the quantile function estimator, as shown in a simulated data example. We illustrate the use of our method and its advantages in two real data applications, where we show its potential for solving resource‐allocation and intervention‐evaluation problems.
A brief analysis of a bearingless linear switched reluctance motor with mover structural decoupling design
Authors: Hao Wenjuan , Wang Yu
Published: December 2018

In this letter, based on a structural decoupling design for the mover, a bearingless linear switched reluctance motor is proposed to simplify the levitation force control. This mover is designed to exhibit two decoupling features, one feature is that the levitation field and the armature field is decoupled by separating the levitation part and the armature part using the modular design with an E‐core structure. The other feature is the self‐inductance of the levitation module is decoupled from the mover position in the X‐direction by specially designed size of the levitation module. Based on this simple and decoupled mover structure, the levitation force can be controlled linearly by adjusting the magnitude of the levitation current without the information of the armature current and the mover position in the X‐direction, that is, the levitation current control is a simple scalar control, and the levitation force control and the thrust force control are structurally decoupled. Based on the FEA results, the design and theoretical analysis are verified. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Theory, tools, and multidisciplinary applications for tracing groundwater fluxes from temperature profiles
Authors: Kurylyk Barret L. , Irvine Dylan J. , Bense Victor F.
Published: December 2018

Quantifying groundwater fluxes to and from deep aquifers or shallow sediment is a critical task faced by researchers and practitioners from many environmental science disciplines including hydrology, hydrogeology, ecology, climatology, and oceanography. Groundwater discharge to inland and coastal water bodies influences their water budgets, thermal regimes, and biogeochemistry. Conversely, downward water flow from the land surface or from surface water bodies to underlying aquifers represents an important water flux that must be quantified for sustainable groundwater management. Because these vertical subsurface flows are slow and typically diffuse, they cannot be measured directly and must rather be estimated using groundwater tracers. Heat is a naturally occurring groundwater tracer that is ubiquitous in the subsurface and readily measured. Most of the academic literature has focused on groundwater temperature tracing methods capitalizing on the propagation of diel temperature sine waves into sediment beneath surface water bodies. Such methods rely on temperature–time series to infer groundwater fluxes and are typically only viable in the shallow subsurface and in locations with focused groundwater fluxes. Alternative methods that utilize temperature–depth profiles are applicable across a broader range of hydrologic environments, and point‐in‐time measurements can be quickly taken to cover larger spatial scales. Applications of these methods have been impeded due in part to the lack of understanding regarding their potential applications and limitations. Herein, we highlight relevant theory, thermal data collection techniques, and recent diverse field applications to stimulate further multidisciplinary uptake of thermal groundwater tracing methods that rely on temperature–depth profiles.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Methods

Science of Water > Methods

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Brief Report: Evaluating the Utility of Varied Technological Agents to Elicit Social Attention from Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Kumazaki Hirokazu , Warren Zachary , Swanson Amy , Yoshikawa Yuichiro , Matsumoto Yoshio , Yoshimura Yuko , Shimaya Jiro , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Sarkar Nilanjan , Wade Joshua , Mimura Masaru , Minabe Yoshio , Kikuchi Mitsuru
Published: December 2018

Technological agents could be effective tools to be used in interventions for enhancing social orienting for some young children with ASD. We examined response to social bids in preschool children with ASD and typical development (TD) at a very early age (i.e., around 3 years) using social prompts presented by technological agents of various forms and human comparisons. Children with ASD demonstrated less response overall to social bids compared to TD controls, across agents or human. They responded more often to a simple humanoid robot and the simple avatar compared to the human. These results support the potential utilization of specific robotic and technological agents for harnessing and potentially increasing motivation to socially-relevant behaviors in some young children with ASD.
Pedro A. Fuertes-Olivera (ed.): ‘The Routledge Handbook of Lexicography’
Authors: Gao Yongwei
Published: December 2018

Pedro A. Fuertes-Olivera (ed.): ‘The Routledge Handbook of Lexicography’, London/New York: Routledge, 2017, 810 pp, ISBN 978-1-138-94160-1
It can be beautiful or destructive: Street‐involved youth's perceptions of their romantic relationships and resilience
Authors: Joly Lauren E. , Connolly Jennifer
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This study examined romantic relationships among street‐involved youth through the overlapping perspectives of resilience, attachment and social bonding. The main goal was to assess how youth understand their romantic attachment bonds as supporting or undermining resilience. While there are qualitative reports on how the social relationships of street‐involved youth are linked to resilience, romantic relationships have yet to be differentiated with regard to resilience. This paper also builds on existing research by providing further information on the characteristics of their romantic relationships, and the impact of street life and risky behaviours within relationships.

Methods

Twenty‐one youth (11 men and 10 women) in shelters, in a Canadian metropolitan city, aged 16–24 years, participated in semi‐structured interviews. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted exploring how the youth understand their romantic attachments as well as their links in supporting or undermining resilience.

Results

Results indicated that connection, support, validation, and encouragement within a relationship were of value to the youth's resilience, in the form of addressing drug use, achieving goals, supporting self‐worth, and promoting positive coping. The youth also reported many negative experiences within their romantic relationships, including dating violence and the stress of street‐life, which they saw as undermining their resilience. A key finding was that the youth had considerable difficulty integrating the positive and negative aspects of their relationships. Overall the findings highlight the co‐occurrence of positive and negative romantic experiences, and support the importance of developing healthy relationship programs for street‐involved youth. Key words: street‐involved; homeless; youth; romantic relationship; resilience; dating violence
Needs and Expectations of Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: An Update on Pharmacological Innovations in Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibition with Focus on Sildenafil
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Droupy Stéphane
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) have an excellent efficacy and tolerability profile and remain the first-line choice for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, ED is still an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition, and many men prematurely discontinue therapy with conventional dosage formulations despite successful intercourse.

Aim

To review the unmet needs and expectations of patients with ED and describe the latest pharmaceutical innovations in the field of PDE5-I formulations designed to address these needs, with particular reference to a new orodispersible film (ODF) formulation of the PDE5-I, sildenafil.

Methods

Online literature search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library.

Main Outcome Measure

To identify English-language publications relevant to the aims of the present review.

Results

Improved recognition and management of ED would enable the early diagnosis of underlying and comorbid conditions that contribute to ED, leading to improved patient health and health-related quality of life. To ensure successful outcomes and patient and partner satisfaction, the complex and personal issues that influence the patient’s needs and expectations regarding treatment for ED must be considered along with their personal experiences and preferences. Innovative drug delivery systems, including orally disintegrating formulations, have been developed as alternatives to conventional dosage forms with the aim of improving patient convenience and acceptability and enhancing compliance. These alternative formulations include the sildenafil ODF, which is designed to improve acceptance and compliance over conventional solid dosage forms and extend the treatment options for men with ED by offering a convenient and discrete dosage form of a drug with proven efficacy.

Conclusion

The sildenafil ODF is an example of an innovative dosage formulation for ED that can be used interchangeably with the conventional film-coated formulation to better address the needs and expectations of men with ED.
Degree of Planning of Sexual Intercourse Among Men from China, Japan, and Taiwan Taking Medication for Erectile Dysfunction: Findings of an Observational, Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Jiann Bang-Ping , Nakajima Koichi , Dighe Sonali , Harshman-Smith Chad D. , Hassan Tarek A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Management of erectile dysfunction (ED) is beset with assumptions around spontaneity of sexual intercourse, requiring candor between the physician and patient if appropriate treatment is to be implemented.

Aim

To evaluate the degree to which men who take ED medications plan for and have sex.

Methods

Men from China, Japan, and Taiwan aged 40–70 years who had taken ED medications within the past 3 months were invited to participate anonymously in an online, self-administered survey that enquired about frequency and advance planning of sex, time between taking ED medication and intercourse, and treatment satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Main Outcome Measure

Frequency of planning of sexual intercourse, planning and ED medication dosing interval, and frequency of ED medication use.

Results

Data from 604 respondents (mean age 50.8 years) from China (n = 254), Japan (n = 250), and Taiwan (n = 100) were collected. Men used ED medications a median of ≤4 times per month in all 3 territories. 76% who used ED medication during the past 3 months planned for sex on specific occasions, with 59% and 52% agreeing that they plan for sex on specific days of the week and times of the day, respectively. Most commonly, men planned for sex up to several hours to a day beforehand, with 94% taking ED medication within 4 hours of sex. Satisfaction with ED medication was generally high and related to erection rigidity, speed of onset, and safety.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the degree to which individuals with ED plan for sex may have important implications for the appropriate prescription of ED medication. The high degree of planning around sexual activities exhibited by men taking ED medication suggests there is a need for appropriate counseling to ensure that treatment is aligned with patient behavior.
Evaluation of a Personalized Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Treatment Program for Neurological Patients
Authors: Suleman Adam , Theoret Lynda , Bourque Pierre , Pringle Elizabeth , Cameron D. William , Cowan Juthaporn
Published: December 2018

Background

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) treatment has been shown to control symptoms and improve overall satisfaction in patients with neurological disorders. However, a large injection volume can be overwhelming and a barrier to successful SCIg treatment. We established a nurse-led individualized approach program to facilitate a smooth and successful treatment transition from intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) to SCIg. The program involved a lead nurse to provide two or more individual educational sessions on SCIg administration, establish a written transition plan, and liaise care with physicians.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the impact of our program to a successful transition defined as SCIg retention or adherence without a need to restart IVIg by six or twelve months.

Methods

We reviewed medical charts of all patients with immune-mediated neuromuscular disorders who were in our program during January 2010 to Dec 2016.

Results

Nineteen patients were identified. Mean IVIg treatment duration was 31.5 months (range 4-98) before the transition. Mean steady state SCIg dosage was 26.2 g/week (SD 10.3). All patients were initially able to switch to SCIg, with a retention rate of 17/19 (89.5%) at six months and 15/19 (78.9%) at twelve months. Two patients reverted back to IVIg treatment due to worsening of their symptoms at two and three months, while two required supplemental IVIg infusions. There were no major adverse events reported during the twelve-month period, but one minor cutaneous adverse event (redness around the injection site).

Conclusions

Successful treatment transition may be achieved with the nurse led individualized approach program.
Instability of sheared density interfaces
Authors: Eaves T. S. , Balmforth N. J.
Published: December 2018

Of the canonical flow instabilities (Kelvin–Helmholtz, Holmboe-wave and Taylor–Caulfield) of stratified shear flow, the Taylor–Caulfield instability (TCI) has received relatively little attention, and forms the focus of the current study. First, a diagnostic of the linear instability dynamics is developed that exploits the net pseudomomentum to distinguish TCI from the other two instabilities for any given flow profile. Second, the nonlinear dynamics of TCI is studied across its range of unstable horizontal wavenumbers and bulk Richardson numbers using numerical simulation. At small bulk Richardson numbers, a cascade of billow structures of sequentially smaller size may form. For large bulk Richardson numbers, the primary nonlinear travelling waves formed by the linear instability break down via a small-scale, Kelvin–Helmholtz-like roll-up mechanism with an associated large amount of mixing. In all cases, secondary parasitic nonlinear Holmboe waves appear at late times for high Prandtl number. Third, a nonlinear diagnostic is proposed to distinguish between the saturated states of the three canonical instabilities based on their distinctive density–streamfunction and generalised vorticity–streamfunction relations.
Passive flight in density-stratified fluids
Authors: Lam Try , Vincent Lionel , Kanso Eva
Published: December 2018

Leaves falling in air and marine larvae settling in water are examples of unsteady descents due to complex interactions between gravitational and aerodynamic forces. Understanding passive flight is relevant to many branches of engineering and science, ranging from estimating the behaviour of re-entry space vehicles to analysing the biomechanics of seed dispersion. The motion of regularly shaped objects falling freely in homogenous fluids is relatively well understood. However, less is known about how density stratification of the fluid medium affects passive flight. In this paper, we experimentally investigate the descent of heavy discs in stably stratified fluids for Froude numbers of order 1 and Reynolds numbers of order 1000. We specifically consider fluttering descents, where the disc oscillates as it falls. In comparison with pure water and homogeneous saltwater fluid, we find that density stratification significantly enhances the radial dispersion of the disc, while simultaneously decreasing the vertical descent speed, fluttering amplitude and inclination angle of the disc during descent. We explain the physical mechanisms underlying these observations in the context of a quasi-steady force and torque model. These findings could have significant impact on the design of unpowered vehicles and on the understanding of geological and biological transport where density and temperature variations may occur.
Centralized Trading, Transparency, and Interest Rate Swap Market Liquidity: Evidence from the Implementation of the Dodd–Frank Act
Authors: Benos Evangelos , Payne Richard , Vasios Michalis
Published: December 2018

We use proprietary transaction data on interest rate swaps to assess the effects of centralized trading, as mandated by Dodd–Frank, on market quality. Contracts with the most extensive centralized trading see liquidity metrics improve by between 12% and 19% relative to those of a control group. This is driven by a clear increase in competition between dealers, particularly in U.S. markets. Additionally, centralized trading has caused interdealer trading in EUR swap markets to migrate from the United States to Europe. This is consistent with swap dealers attempting to avoid being captured by the trade mandate in order to maintain market power.
Molecular characterization ofNeoechinorhynchus cylindratusVan Cleave, 1913 (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae), a parasite of the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in northern Mexico
Authors: García-Varela M. , Pinacho-Pinacho C.D.
Published: December 2018

Members of the genusNeoechinorhynchusStiles & Hassall, 1905 are endoparasites of freshwater fishes, brackish water fishes, and freshwater turtles distributed worldwide. In North America, 33 species have been described. One of the most widely distributed species in the eastern United States and Canada isNeoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) cylindratus,a common acanthocephalan that infects centrarchid fishes. In the current study, adult specimens ofN. (N) cylindratuswere collected from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from the Purificación River in northern Mexico. In the same freshwater system, two additional congeneric species (Neoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) emyditoidesandNeoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) panucensis) were collected and analysed. Sequences of the large subunit, internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2, 5.8S from nuclear DNA, and sequences of the cytochromecoxidase subunit I (cox1) from mitochondrial DNA were generated and aligned with other sequences obtained from GenBank. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses inferred for each dataset showed thatN. (N) panucensis,N. (N) emyditoidesandN. (N) cylindratuswere nested within several clades, indicating that these species do not share a common ancestor. Our phylogenies also revealed that the genusNeoechinorhynchusis paraphyletic, requiring further taxonomic revision using phylogenetic systematics and re-examination of morphological and ecological data. The presence of severalN. (N) cylindratusadults in northern Mexico allowed us to typify this species for the first time using a combination of morphological and molecular characteristics. The current record shows a wide distribution range ofN. (N) cylindratusacross Canada, the United States and Mexico in the Nearctic region.
Population dynamics of the proboscis monkeyNasalis larvatusin the Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
Authors: Matsuda Ikki , Abram Nicola K. , Stark Danica J. , Sha John C. M. , Ancrenaz Marc , Goossens Benoit , Lackman Isabelle , Tuuga Augustine , Kubo Takuya
Published: December 2018

The Endangered proboscis monkeyNasalis larvatusis endemic to the island of Borneo. Habitat loss is a major threat to this species, and an understanding of long-term demographic trends is crucial for its conservation. We assessed the population trends and group sizes of proboscis monkeys over 10 years in the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Comparisons of observed populations between 2004 and 2014 revealed significantly reduced group sizes, which is probably a result of forest fragmentation. Three long-term studies over 34–73 months in specific areas showed fluctuating estimated densities in each area, but no overall population increase or decrease. Riparian forests are the most important habitat for these monkeys, and one reason for the relatively stable population could be that there were only minor losses of forest along rivers during 2004–2014 because protected areas have been established in the region in 2005. However, proboscis monkey habitat remains under threat in areas allocated for oil palm, and protection of these areas is paramount to maintaining this population.
Negative self-evaluation and the genesis of internal threat: beyond a continuum of suicidal thought and behaviour
Authors: Butter Sarah , Shevlin Mark , Murphy Jamie
Published: December 2018

Background

Death by suicide is often preceded by attempted suicide, suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury. These extreme thoughts and behaviours have been considered in terms of a continuum of suicidality. Little known research, however, has considered a suicide continuum that extends beyond these extreme thoughts and behaviours and incorporates a much wider array of phenomena that may vary in severity and may constitute a broader negative self-evaluation (NSE) continuum.

Method

Harvesting key indicators of NSE from a British epidemiological survey (N = 8580), the current study used exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and factor mixture modelling to (i) identify the dimensional structure of NSE in the general population and (ii) profile the distribution of the resultant NSE dimensions. Multinomial logistic regression was then used to differentiate between classes using an array of risk variables, psychopathology outcome variables and a suicide attempt indicator.

Results

A 4-factor model that reflected graded levels of NSE was identified; (F1) Low self-worth & subordination (F2) depression, (F3) suicidal thoughts, (F4) self-harm (SH). Seven classes suggested a clear pattern of NSE severity. Classes characterised by higher levels across the dimensions exhibited greater risk and poorer outcomes. The greatest risk for suicide attempt was associated with a class characterised by engagement in SH behaviour.

Conclusions

Low self-worth, subordination and depression, while representative of distinct groups in the population are also highly prevalent in those who entertain suicidal thoughts and engage in SH behaviour. The findings promote further investigation into the genesis and evolution of suicidality and internal threat.
Auditory statistical learning in children: Novel insights from an online measure
Authors: LAMMERTINK IMME , VAN WITTELOOSTUIJN MEREL , BOERSMA PAUL , WIJNEN FRANK , RISPENS JUDITH
Published: December 2018

Nonadjacent dependency learning is thought to be a fundamental skill for syntax acquisition and often assessed via an offline grammaticality judgment measure. Asking judgments of children is problematic, and an offline task is suboptimal as it reflects only the outcome of the learning process, disregarding information on the learning trajectory. Therefore, and following up on recent methodological advancements in the online measurement of nonadjacent dependency learning in adults, the current study investigates if the recording of response times can be used to establish nonadjacent dependency learning in children. Forty-six children (mean age: 7.3 years) participated in a child-friendly adaptation of a nonadjacent dependency learning experiment (López-Barroso, Cucurell, Rodríguez-Fornells, & de Diego-Balaguer, 2016). They were exposed to an artificial language containing items with and without nonadjacent dependencies while their response times (online measure) were measured. After exposure, grammaticality judgments (offline measure) were collected. The results show that children are sensitive to nonadjacent dependencies, when using the online measure (the results of our offline measure did not provide evidence of learning). We therefore conclude that future studies can use online response time measures (perhaps in addition to the offline grammaticality judgments) to further investigate nonadjacent dependency learning in children.
PROPERTIES OF DOUBLY ROBUST ESTIMATORS WHEN NUISANCE FUNCTIONS ARE ESTIMATED NONPARAMETRICALLY
Authors: Rothe Christoph , Firpo Sergio
Published: December 2018

An estimator of a finite-dimensional parameter is said to be doubly robust (DR) if it imposes parametric specifications on two unknown nuisance functions, but only requires that one of these two specifications is correct in order for the estimator to be consistent for the object of interest. In this article, we study versions of such estimators that use local polynomial smoothing for estimating the nuisance functions. We show that such semiparametric two-step (STS) versions of DR estimators have favorable theoretical and practical properties relative to other commonly used STS estimators. We also show that these gains are not generated by the DR property alone. Instead, it needs to be combined with an orthogonality condition on the estimation residuals from the nonparametric first stage, which we show to be satisfied in a wide range of models.
Reassessing the Hu–Wen Era: A Golden Age or Lost Decade for Social Policy in China?
Authors: Howell Jude , Duckett Jane
Published: December 2018

The Hu–Wen era has been characterized as a “lost decade” for economic and political reform, but a “golden era” in terms of economic growth and political stability. Yet, relatively little attention has been paid to the social policies introduced during Hu and Wen's decade in power. These important policies, however, abolished agricultural taxes, extended health insurance, pensions and income support to almost all rural as well as urban residents, and built a civic welfare infrastructure to address migrants’ grievances. These policies, some of which were developed under the preceding Jiang Zemin and Zhu Rongji leadership, were introduced for a complex mix of reasons. Their aim was not only to reduce inequalities but also to stimulate domestic consumption and sustain economic growth, offset the effects of China's entry to the WTO and the global recession of 2008, and maintain social stability. They were the product of domestic bureaucratic politics and experimentation. They were also strongly influenced by China's integration into the international economy, as well as by international governmental and non-governmental organizations and the ideas they introduced into China's domestic policy networks. Although Hu–Wen era social policy reforms had only limited effects on reducing income inequality and involved complex politics, they did establish for the first time entitlements to social security and safety nets for all China's population.
Prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and herpes simplex virus in Beijing, China
Authors: Liang Y. Y. , Zhai H. Y. , Li Z. J. , Jin X. , Chen Y. , Chen S. P.
Published: December 2018

The prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens in Beijing, China, is rarely reported. In this study, 34 911 symptomatic outpatients with suspected genital infections who attended outpatient clinics in a tertiary care hospital were included to investigate the updated prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2016 in Beijing, China. Results indicated that a decrease trend (UU, CT, NG and HSV) in male and an increase trend (UU, CT and NG) in female were observed during the period. Patients aged 20–39 years old were mostly affected by these pathogens, while the prevalence in patients aged 20–29 years old was the highest, The prevalence of UU in male was significantly lower than in female (31.5% vs. 49.3%, P < 0.05), while the prevalence of NG in male was significantly higher than in female (2.5% vs. 0.8%, P < 0.05). In patients with co-infections, 60.6% of male and 71.4% of female were co-infected by UU + CT. In total, 11.9% and 88.1% of patients with HSV infections were confirmed to be infected by HSV-1 and HSV-2. This study could contribute to a better understanding of the current epidemiological features of UU, NG, CT and HSV among symptomatic patients attending an outpatient clinic in Beijing, China, and thus facilitate to develop more effective intervention, prevention and treatment of STI.
Travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease: would changing cluster definition lead to the prevention of a larger number of cases?
Authors: Rota M. C. , Bella A. , Caporali M. G. , Nicolau A. , Drasar V. , Ricci M. L. , Scaturro M. , Gumá M. , Crespi S.
Published: December 2018

According to European Guidelines for Legionnaires’ Disease prevention and control, travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease (TALD) cases are managed differently if classified as sporadic or as part of a cluster and more stringent control measures are deployed after clusters are identified. In this study, we propose to modify the current cluster definition: ‘two or more cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) who stayed at, or visited, the same commercial accommodation site 2–10 days before onset of illness and whose onset is within the same 2-year period’ with a new cluster definition, i.e. accommodation sites associated with multiple cases regardless of the time elapsed between them. TALD cases occurred in Italy and in the Balearic Islands between 2005 and 2015 were analysed applying the current European Legionnaires’ Disease Surveillance Network (ELDSNet) cluster definition. In a sample of selected accommodation sites with multiple cases, a microbiological study was also conducted. Using the new definition, 63 additional sites (16.4% increase) and 225 additional linked cases (19.5% increase) were identified.Legionella pneumophilasg1 was isolated from 90.7% of the selected accommodation sites. The use of the here proposed TALD cluster definition would warrant a full investigation for each new identified case. This approach should therefore increase the number of sites that will require a risk assessment and, in the presence of an increased risk, the adoption of LD control measures to hopefully prevent additional cases.
Science and Dissent
Authors: Bernstein Robert L.
Published: December 2018

Reading C.P. Snow’s 1959 lecture, ‘Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution’ in 2017, I was struck by the ways in which the essay, written over half a century ago, addresses issues that I’ve been engaged with for most of my life. Snow defined a world of cultures split between: ‘Literary intellectuals at one pole, at the other scientists. Between the two a gulf of mutual incomprehension, sometimes hostility and dislike, but most of all lack of understanding.’ I’ve encountered this lack of understanding in my own profession and in public life. But it was Snow’s closing argument that really grabbed my attention: he proposed to his Cambridge audience that they had ‘better look at education with a fresh eye’ and that there was a ‘good deal to learn from the Russians’. Not really. If, as Snow proposed, ‘Scientists have the future in their bones’, we’d all do better to respond to the cool reason of dissidents such as Andrei Sakharov and Anatol Sharansky and to recognize the ultimate power of free speech, which only exists in a free society.
Swedish Version of the Hayling Test: Clinical Utility in Frontotemporal Dementia Syndromes
Authors: Vestberg Susanna , Nordström Erik Blennow , Waldö Maria Landqvist , Nilsson Karin , Santillo Alexander Frizell , Nilsson Christer
Published: December 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the Hayling test (HT-S) and its clinical utility in a group of patients with different frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes. Early diagnosis of FTD is a challenge and requires a broad arsenal of assessment methods, neuropsychological tests not the least. The Hayling test assesses executive functions including initiation, efficiency and response inhibition. Methods: Seventy-six healthy controls were included as well as patients with the behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD; n = 17), semantic dementia (SD, n = 6), and progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 12). The Color Word Interference Test was administered to examine the construct validity. Results: Age showed a correlation with better performances in younger participants whereas the importance of sex and education were less evident. The split half reliability and internal consistency were equal to, or better, than reported for the original version. The interrater reliability was excellent. The construct validity was supported, nevertheless indicating partly different processes behind the performances of the two tests. The FTD group performed significantly worse than healthy controls on efficiency and response inhibition and there were also significant differences in performances between the syndromes despite small samples. Conclusions: The psychometric properties and clinical utility of the Swedish version are satisfactory for measuring efficiency and response inhibition with results indicating dissimilar profiles in the performances in the different syndromes. These results need to be corroborated in larger samples. (JINS, 2019, 25, 195–203)
Improving screening for malnourished children at high risk of death: a study of children aged 6–59 months in rural Senegal
Authors: Myatt Mark , Khara Tanya , Dolan Carmel , Garenne Michel , Briend André
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate whether children with concurrent wasting and stunting require therapeutic feeding and to better understand whether multiple diagnostic criteria are needed to identify children with a high risk of death and in need of treatment.

Design

Community-based cohort study, following 5751 children through time. Each child was visited up to four times at 6-month intervals. Anthropometric measurements were taken at each visit. Survival was monitored using a demographic surveillance system operating in the study villages.

Setting

Niakhar, a rural area of the Fatick region of central Senegal.

Participants

Children aged 6–59 months living in thirty villages in the study area.

Results

Weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were independently associated with near-term mortality. The lowest WAZ threshold that, in combination with MUAC, detected all deaths associated with severe wasting or concurrent wasting and stunting was WAZ <−2·8. Performance for detecting deaths was best when only WAZ and MUAC were used. Additional criteria did not improve performance. Risk ratios for near-term death in children identified using WAZ and MUAC suggest that children identified by WAZ <−2·8 but with MUAC≥115 mm may require lower-intensity treatment than children identified using MUAC <115 mm.

Conclusions

A combination of MUAC and WAZ detected all near-term deaths associated with severe anthropometric deficits including concurrent wasting and stunting. Therapeutic feeding programmes may achieve higher impact if WAZ and MUAC admission criteria are used.
Measuring nutritional knowledge using Item Response Theory and its validity in European adolescents
Authors: Souza Santos Thanise Sabrina , Julian Cristina , de Andrade Dalton Francisco , Villar Betzabeth Slater , Piccinelli Raffaela , González-Gross Marcela , Gottrand Fréderic , Androutsos Odysseas , Kersting Mathilde , Michels Nathalie , Huybrechts Inge , Widhalm Kurt , Molnár Dénes , Marcos Ascensión , Castillo-Garzón Manuel J , Moreno Luis A
Published: December 2018

Objective

To analyse the Nutritional Knowledge Test (NKT) using Item Response Theory (ITR) analysis and to assess the construct validity of the Nutritional Knowledge Scale (NKTS) and its associations with adolescent food group consumption and nutritional biomarkers.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Multicentre investigation conducted in ten European cities.

Participants

Adolescents aged 12·5–17·5 years (n 3215) who completed over 75 % of the NKT.

Results

Factor analysis indicated that the NKT can be analysed with a one-dimensional model. Eleven out of twenty-three items from the NKT presented adequate parameters and were selected to be included in the NKTS. Nutrition knowledge was positively associated with consumption of fruits, cereals, dairy products, pulses, meat and eggs, and fish, as well as with blood concentrations of vitamin C, β-carotene, n-3 fatty acids, holo-transcobalamin, cobalamin and folate; nutrition knowledge was negatively associated with intake of olives and avocado, alcohol and savoury snacks.

Conclusions

The NKTS assessed nutritional knowledge adequately and it is proposed as a new tool to investigate this subject in future studies.
Brain MRI and cognitive function seven years after surviving an episode of severe acute malnutrition in a cohort of Malawian children
Authors: Lelijveld Natasha , Jalloh Alhaji A , Kampondeni Samuel D , Seal Andrew , Wells Jonathan C , Goyheneix Magdalena , Chimwezi Emmanuel , Mallewa Macpherson , Nyirenda Moffat J , Heyderman Robert S , Kerac Marko
Published: December 2018

Objective

To assess differences in cognition functions and gross brain structure in children seven years after an episode of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), compared with other Malawian children.

Design

Prospective longitudinal cohort assessing school grade achieved and results of five computer-based (CANTAB) tests, covering three cognitive domains. A subset underwent brain MRI scans which were reviewed using a standardized checklist of gross abnormalities and compared with a reference population of Malawian children.

Setting

Blantyre, Malawi.

Participants

Children discharged from SAM treatment in 2006 and 2007 (n 320; median age 9·3 years) were compared with controls: siblings closest in age to the SAM survivors and age/sex-matched community children.

Results

SAM survivors were significantly more likely to be in a lower grade at school than controls (adjusted OR = 0·4; 95 % CI 0·3, 0·6; P < 0·0001) and had consistently poorer scores in all CANTAB cognitive tests. Adjusting for HIV and socio-economic status diminished statistically significant differences. There were no significant differences in odds of brain abnormalities and sinusitis between SAM survivors (n 49) and reference children (OR = 1·11; 95 % CI 0·61, 2·03; P = 0·73).

Conclusions

Despite apparent preservation in gross brain structure, persistent impaired school achievement is likely to be detrimental to individual attainment and economic well-being. Understanding the multifactorial causes of lower school achievement is therefore needed to design interventions for SAM survivors to thrive in adulthood. The cognitive and potential economic implications of SAM need further emphasis to better advocate for SAM prevention and early treatment.
The effectiveness of peer-supported interventions for encouraging dietary behaviour change in adults: a systematic review
Authors: Moore Sarah E , McMullan Megan , McEvoy Claire T , McKinley Michelle C , Woodside Jayne V
Published: December 2018

Objective

There is an urgent need to find effective methods of supporting individuals to make dietary behaviour changes. Peer-supported interventions (PSI) have been suggested as a cost-effective strategy to support chronic disease self-management. However, the effect of PSI on dietary behaviour is unclear. The present systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of PSI for encouraging dietary behaviour change in adults and to consider intervention characteristics linked with effectiveness.

Design

Electronic databases were searched until June 2018 for randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of PSI compared with an alternative intervention and/or control on a dietary related outcome in adults. Following title and abstract screening, two reviewers independently screened full texts and data were extracted by one reviewer and independently checked by another. Results were synthesised narratively.

Setting

Randomised controlled trials.

Participants

Adult studies.

Results

The fifty-four included studies varied in participants, intervention details and results. More PSI reported a positive or mixed effect on diet than no effect. Most interventions used a group model and were lay-led by peer supporters. Several studies did not report intervention intensity, fidelity and peer training and support in detail. Studies reporting positive effects employed more behaviour change techniques (BCT) than studies reporting no effect; however, heterogeneity between studies was considerable.

Conclusions

As evidence was mixed, further interventions need to assess the effect of PSI on dietary behaviour, describe intervention content (theoretical basis, BCT, intensity and peer training/support) and include a detailed process evaluation.
Selection of gamma analysis acceptance criteria in IMRT QA using Gafchromic EBT3 film dosimetry
Authors: Isa Khan Muhammad , Shakil Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Bilal , Rafique Muhammad , Iqbal Tahir , Zahoor Aliza , ur Rehman Jalil , Iqbal Khalid , Chow James C. L.
Published: December 2018

Background and purpose

This study reported the justification and selection of acceptable γ criteria with respect to low (6 MV) and high (15 MV) photon beams for intensity-modulated radiation therapy quality assurance (IMRT QA) using the Gafchromic external beam therapy 3 (EBT3) film.

Materials and methods

Five-field step-and-shoot IMRT was used to treat 16 brain IMRT patients using the dual-energy DHX-S linear accelerator (Varian Medical System, Palo Alto, CA, USA). Dose comparisons between computed values of the treatment planning system (TPS) and Gafchromic EBT3 film were evaluated based on γ analysis using the Film QA Pro software. The dose distribution was analysed with gamma area histograms (GAHs) generated using different γ criteria (3%/2 mm, 3%/3 mm and 5%/3 mm) for the 6 and 15 MV photon beams, to optimise the best distance-to-agreement (DTA) criteria with respect to the beam energy.

Results

From the comparison between the dose distributions acquired from the TPS and EBT3 film, a DTA criterion of 3%/2 mm showed less dose differences (DDs) with passing rates up to 93% for the 6 MV photon beams, while for the 15 MV a relaxed DTA criterion of 5%/3 mm was consistent with the DD acceptability criteria with a 95% passing rate.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that high-energy photon beams required relaxed DTA criteria for the brain IMRT QA, while low-energy photon beams showed better results even with tight DTA criteria.
“Can You Hear Me Now?” Race, Motherhood, and the Politics of Being Heard
Authors: Killen Kimberly
Published: December 2018

Motherhood as a political identity grants women political legitimacy, enabling them to make rights-based claims. However, the efficacy and possibility of motherhood as a political identity is entangled in the sexist and racist narratives that are inextricable from white supremacy. In this article, I analyze the language used by the Mothers of the Movement (MothM) at the 2016 Democratic National Convention to demonstrate how the identities and experiences of Black women, specifically Black mothers, are co-opted and reproduced as deficient, criminal, and irrelevant, thereby limiting their ability to make claims as mothers and citizens. How, then, can marginalized mothers confront the tools of white supremacy, which portray them as “bad” mothers and “bad” citizens, to be heard within the dominant order without conforming to it? I contend that in appropriating the very discourses and spaces that seek to exclude and subjugate them, the MothM demonstrate the hypocrisy of the system of “good motherhood”—all the while reaffirming their status as equal citizens deserving of political recognition. Drawing from Black feminist thinkers, I demonstrate how motherhood and the rights that the MothM claim as mothers can be conceptualized as assertions of freedom and equal citizenship.
Global poverty, global sacrifices, and natural resource reforms
Authors: Nili Shmuel
Published: December 2018

My aim in this essay is to advance discussion of how to justify the sacrifices that reforms combating global poverty might entail for the world’s better-off. I begin from the assumption that we should not try to motivate such sacrifices solely through the hope that they will produce significant poverty gains. Instead, we should also explore whether the affluent actually have compelling moral claims to the goods that they might be asked to relinquish as part of certain global reforms. This alternative strategy forms the background for my discussion of two influential global reform proposals. The first proposal is to tax the natural resource wealth enjoyed by various affluent countries in order to ameliorate global poverty. The second proposal is to prohibit the resource corporations based in affluent democracies from purchasing natural resources controlled by extreme kleptocrats. I argue that once we examine the relationship between these proposals from a sacrifice-sensitive perspective, we find that they genuinely conflict with each other, and that there are sacrifice-related reasons to put aside the canonical proposal for a global redistribution of natural resource wealth.