bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic management of biliary leaks: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Vlaemynck Kenny , Lahousse Lies , Vanlander Aude , Piessevaux Hubert , Hindryckx Pieter
Published: February 2019

Background The first-line approach to the treatment of biliary leaks is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A variety of techniques can be used, including sphincterotomy, stenting, a combination of both techniques, or nasobiliary drainage. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to define the optimal strategy.

Methods We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science until January 2018 for randomized clinical trials, case-control studies, and prospective cohort studies. Data on procedure, success, and complication rate were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare sphincterotomy alone vs. stenting alone vs. combination treatment. Stenting was further stratified into leak-bridging and short stenting.

Results 11 studies out of 5085 references were included. Compared with sphincterotomy alone, the combination of sphincterotomy with leak-bridging stenting had the highest success rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.15, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.97 – 1.50), followed by leak-bridging stenting alone (RR 1.10, 95 %CI 0.84 – 1.44). For nonbridgeable leaks, stenting alone had a higher success rate than sphincterotomy alone (RR 1.07, 95 %CI 0.72 – 1.40). The combination of short stents with sphincterotomy had no added benefit (RR 0.94, 95 %CI 0.49 – 1.29). Overall quality of the included studies was considered to be moderate.

Conclusions We recommend sphincterotomy with stenting if the biliary leak can be bridged. If not, stenting alone with a short stent may be preferred in order to avoid sphincterotomy-related complications. More and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Recent Developments in the Synthesis of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles through C–H/N–H Bond Functionalizations and Oxidative Cyclization
Authors: Liu Xiang , Huang Yu , Meng Xu , Li Jihui , Wang Dong , Chen Yongxin , Tang Dong , Chen Baohua
Published: February 2019

The synthesis and structure of nitrogen-containing heterocycles are fascinating because these compounds have a great richness of structural, physicochemical, and biological properties. Therefore, the development of improved ways for the synthesis of polyfunctional nitrogen-containing heterocycles continues to be a challenging goal. This account describes developments in the discovery of C–H/N–H bond functionalization and oxidative cyclization procedures for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles (aziridines, indoles, indolizines, triazoles, imidazoles, oxazoles, thiazoles, quinoxalines, triazines, and pyridines) in our laboratories during the last 15 years.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of Aziridines

3 Synthesis of Indoles and Indolizines

4 Synthesis of Triazoles

5 Synthesis of Imidazoles

6 Synthesis of Oxazoles and Thiazoles

7 Synthesis of Quinoxalines, Triazines, and Pyridines

8 Conclusion and Outlook
Cannabinoide
Authors: Heim Dr. Thomas
Published: February 2019

Im März 2017 wurde in Deutschland per Gesetz die medizinische Anwendung von Cannabispräparaten auf einen Schlag und ohne Indikationsbindung freigegeben. Die Niederlande, das Land, das mit medizinischem Cannabis weltweit die meisten Erfahrungen hat, ist unterdessen am Zurückrudern.
What Do Children with Speech Sound Disorders Think about Their Talking?
Authors: McLeod Sharynne , Crowe Kathryn , McCormack Jane
Published: February 2019

Investigating children's feelings and attitudes toward talking assists speech–language pathologists (SLPs) to understand experiences of communication and the impact of speech sound disorders (SSD). This, in turn, can assist SLPs in identifying appropriate intervention for children with SSD that addresses the needs of children, and their communication partners. This paper draws on data from the Sound Start Study in Australia to explore the attitudes toward talking of 132 preschool-aged children with SSD and the relationship between children's attitudes, speech accuracy, and parent-reported intelligibility and participation. The study revealed most of the children with SSD had a positive attitude toward talking. There was a significant relationship between children's attitudes toward talking and speech accuracy. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between speech accuracy and parents' perceptions of intelligibility and participation. However, there was no significant relationship between children's attitudes and parents' perceptions. These results highlight similarities and differences between attitudes and experiences of preschool-aged children, their performance on clinical measures, and their parents' perceptions, indicating the need for SLPs to consider each of these areas during assessment and intervention.
Describing How School-Based SLPs Determine Eligibility for Children with Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Tambyraja Sherine , Farquharson Kelly
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore how school-based speech–language pathologists (SLPs) determine eligibility for children with speech sound disorders (SSDs). Presently, there is substantial variability nationwide with respect to if or how children with SSDs receive speech therapy in public schools. We report the results of a nation-wide survey of school-based SLPs, which further underscore this variability. Findings provide insight into which and how many factors SLPs report contributing to eligibility decisions, as well as which and how many components of an assessment are mandatory. Our discussion includes a call to advocacy for SLPs, but also a need for increased awareness of this problematic variability for school administrators.
Manejo expectante de osteocondroma solitario interóseo de la tibia distal: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Schulze S Clara , Valenzuela G Gonzalo , Zamora H Tomás
Published: February 2019

La localización del osteocondroma en la tibia distal es poco frecuente y su crecimiento con compromiso y deformidad del peroné distal es aún más raro, haciéndolo una condición más sintomática que en otras ubicaciones. Factores como la severidad de los síntomas, deformidad progresiva del tobillo, complicaciones sindesmóticas, riesgo de fractura patológica o transformación maligna, junto con nuevas y mejores técnicas quirúrgicas, han llevado a que el manejo expectante de esas lesiones sea excepcional y escasamente reportado. Presentamos el caso de un joven de 17 años con osteocondroma solitario interóseo tibio distal sintomático y compromiso fibular, que fue exitosamente manejado en forma expectante. A los 5 años de seguimiento clínico-radiológico no presenta complicaciones y la lesión se mantiene estable.
Auf der Suche nach einer effektiven Glioblastom-Therapie
Authors: Krome Dr. Susanne
Published: February 2019

Patienten mit Glioblastomen haben eine unverändert schlechte Prognose. Studien überprüfen derzeit, ob auch diese Patienten von der Behandlung mit CAR-T-Zellen profitieren. Bei hämatologischen Neoplasien bewirkten CAR-T-Zellen ein dauerhaftes Ansprechen und waren mit signifikanten Überlebensvorteilen assoziiert. Erstes Zwischenergebnis: Die Anwendung bei Glioblastomen war vielversprechend, allerdings sind noch einige Fragen offen.
Gastrointestinale Refluxkrankheit
Authors: Krome Dr. Susanne
Published: February 2019

Rund 10–20 % der Erwachsenen sind in der westlichen Welt von einer gastrointestinalen Refluxerkrankung (GERD) betroffen, welche das Risiko für ösophageale Adenokarzinome steigert. Ob die medikamentöse Behandlung und operative Eingriffe dem vorbeugen, wird kontrovers diskutiert. Die skandinavische Studie verglich die Inzidenzen nach einer chirurgischen Intervention mit zwei Kontrollgruppen.
Rezidiviertes/refraktäres diffus großzelliges B-Zell-Lymphom
Authors: Klein Friederike
Published: February 2019

Patienten mit rezidiviertem oder refraktärem diffus großzelligen B-Zell-Lymphom (DLBCL) haben bislang eine schlechte Prognose. Die allogene Stammzelltransplantation (alloSCT) verlängert für einige Patienten das Überleben, ist aber mit einer erheblichen nicht rezidivabhängigen Mortalität (NRM) assoziiert. Jetzt stellt die kürzlich zugelassene Therapie mit autologen T-Zellen, die gentechnisch mit chimären Antigenrezeptoren (CAR) für das Antigen CD19 ausgestattet werden, eine Alternative dar.
Results of Minimally Invasive Bipolar Tenotomy of Congenital Muscular Torticollis
Authors: Sahu Ramji
Published: February 2019

Background Congenital muscular torticollis is the postural deformity of the head and of the neck. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the results of bipolar sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle tenotomy in children.

Methods The present prospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery from December 2010 to December 2014. A total of 34 children with congenital muscular torticollis and a mean age of 4.8 years (range: 1–14 years) were recruited from the Outpatient Department. They were treated with bipolar SCM muscle release under general anesthesia. The functional and cosmetic results were rated on a scoring system modified from Lim et al (2014). All of the children were followed-up for 2 years.

Results At the final follow-up, the neck range of movement and head tilt improved and their appearance were cosmetically improved despite the long-standing nature of the deformity. The results were excellent in 30 patients (88.23%) and good in 4 patients (11.76%). No postoperative complications were found in any of the 34 patients.

Conclusion Bipolar tenotomy of the SCM muscle is a good method for correcting difficult cases of congenital muscular torticollis. It is a safe, effective and complication-free method for these patients.
Converting the Distinct Heparins Sourced from Bovine or Porcine Mucosa into a Single Anticoagulant Drug
Authors: Tovar Ana , Vairo Bruno , Oliveira Stephan-Nicollas , Glauser Bianca , Santos Gustavo , Capillé Nina , Piquet Adriana , Santana Paloma , Micheli Kayene , Pereira Mariana , Vilanova E. , Mourão Paulo
Published: February 2019

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and their low-molecular-weight derivatives are sourced almost exclusively from porcine mucosa (HPI); however, a worldwide introduction of UFH from bovine mucosa (HBI) has been recommended to reinforce the currently unsteady supply chain of heparin products. Although HBI has different chemical composition and about half of the anticoagulant potency of HPI (∼100 and ∼180 international unit [IU]/mg, respectively), they have been employed as interchangeable UFHs in some countries since the 1990s. However, their use as a single drug provoked several bleeding incidents in Brazil, which precipitated the publication of the first monographs exclusive for HBI and HPI by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. Nevertheless, we succeed in producing with high-resolution anion-exchange chromatography a novel HBI derivative with anticoagulant potency (200 IU/mg), disaccharide composition (enriched in N,6-disulfated α-glucosamine) and safety profile (bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia potentials and protamine neutralization) similar to those seen in the gold standard HPI. Therefore, we show that it is possible to equalize the composition and pharmacological characteristics of these distinct UFHs by employing an easily implementable improvement in the HBI manufacturing.
Mode rotation control in a tokamak with a feedback-driven biased electrode
Authors: Brooks J. W. , Stewart I. G. , Boyer M. D. , Levesque J. P. , Mauel M. E. , Navratil G. A.
Published: February 2019

Rotation of the plasma and MHD modes in tokamaks has been shown to stabilize resistive wall and tearing modes as well as improve confinement through suppression of edge turbulence. In this work, we control mode rotation with a biased electrode inserted into the plasma of the High Beta Tokamak-Extended Pulse’s facility in conjunction with its active GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) feedback system. We first characterize a negative linear relationship between the electrode voltage and mode rotation. Using this relationship, we design, simulate, and implement a proof-of-concept, GPU-based active-control system, which shows consistent success in controlling mode rotation in both feedforward and feedback operation. Controllability is limited by operating conditions, the electrode’s voltage range, and by the electrode’s proximity to the vessel’s walls. The final control system has a 15 μs cycle time, but the addition of various signal filters results in a full cycle latency of 200 μs.
Evolution of the light sensitive defects in high performance multicrystalline silicon wafers
Authors: Søndenå Rune , Wiig Marie Syre
Published: February 2019

Sequential degradation measurements have been performed on passivated high performance multicrystalline silicon wafers, first at room temperature under low intensity illumination followed by a higher intensity illumination at an elevated temperature. The presence of two main degradation mechanisms, affecting the lifetime under different conditions has been demonstrated, namely, the well-studied light induced degradation caused by boron-oxygen-complexes and the less understood light and elevated temperature induced degradation. Light and elevated temperature induced degradation is the main lifetime limiting the recombination path when fully activated, but the contribution from boron-oxygen complexes is not negligible. This separation of the two degradation mechanisms might, therefore, be necessary for proper evaluation of the dominant recombination mechanism. Experiments also show regeneration of the minority carrier lifetimes caused by deactivation of both the lifetime limiting defects at comparable time scales, and under similar illumination and temperature conditions. Wafers from different heights in a high performance multicrystalline silicon ingot have been evaluated to better understand the underlying causes for the different degradation mechanisms. Effects of the iron-boron-splitting on the carrier lifetime are only visible in ungettered wafers.
Amplitude effects on seismic velocities: How low can we go?
Authors: Melgar Dolores , Lauricella Marco , O’Brien Gareth S. , English Niall J.
Published: February 2019

α-quartz is one of the most important SiO2 polymorphs because it is the basis of very common minerals, especially for seabed materials with geoscientific importance. The elastic characterization of these materials is particularly relevant when the properties governing phonon and sound propagation are involved. These studies are especially interesting for oil exploration purposes. Recently, we published a new method that constitutes to the best of our knowledge the first attempt to recreate longitudinal and transversal perturbations in a simulation box to observe their propagation through the crystal by means of a set of descriptors [D. Melgar et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 122, 3006–3013 (2018)]. The agreement with the experimental S- and P-wave velocities was rather excellent. Thus, an effort has been undertaken to deepen the particularities of this new methodology. Here, bearing in mind this encouraging initial methodology-development progress, we deepen our knowledge of the particularities of this new methodology in presenting a systematic investigation of the implementation of the perturbation source. This includes new ways of creating the perturbation, as well as analyzing the possible effects the perturbation amplitude could have on the resultant velocities. In addition, different force fields were tested to describe the interatomic interactions. The lack of dependence of the seismic velocities on the way the perturbation is created and the perturbation amplitude, and the good agreement with the experimental results are the main reasons that allow the definition of this new methodology as robust and reliable. These qualities are consolidated by the physical behavior of the calculated velocities in the presence of vacancies and under stress. The development of this method opens up a new line of research of calculating seismic velocities for geophysically relevant materials in a systematic way, with full control not only on the sample features (composition, porosity, vacancies, stress, etc.) but also on the particularities of perturbation itself, as well as determining optimal system-response metrics.
Assessing the accuracy of the Jastrow antisymmetrized geminal power in the H4 model system
Authors: Genovese C. , Meninno A. , Sorella S.
Published: February 2019

We report a quantum Monte Carlo study, on a very simple but nevertheless very instructive model system of four hydrogen atoms, recently proposed in Gasperich et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 147, 074106 (2017)]. We find that the Jastrow correlated Antisymmetrized Geminal Power (JAGP) is able to recover most of the correlation energy even when the geometry is symmetric and the hydrogens lie on the edges of a perfect square. Under such conditions, the diradical character of the molecule ground state prevents a single determinant Ansatz to achieve an acceptable accuracy, whereas the JAGP performs very well for all geometries. Remarkably, this is obtained with a similar computational effort. Moreover, we find that the Jastrow factor is fundamental in promoting the correct resonances among several configurations in the JAGP, which cannot show up in the pure Antisymmetrized Geminal Power (AGP). We also show the extremely fast convergence of this approach in the extension of the basis set. Remarkably, only the simultaneous optimization of the Jastrow and the AGP part of our variational Ansatz is able to recover an almost perfect nodal surface, yielding therefore state of the art energies, almost converged in the complete basis set limit, when the so called diffusion Monte Carlo is applied.
Numerical study on the dynamic process of single plume flow in thermal convection with polymers
Authors: Cheng Jian-Ping , Cai Wei-Hua , Zhang Hong-Na , Li Feng-Chen , Shen Lian , Qian Shi-Zhi
Published: February 2019

A direct numerical simulation of single plume flow in thermal convection with polymers was carried out in a domain with 1:3 as the width to height ratio. The heat transport ability is weakened by adding polymers within the here-investigated governing parameter range. However, it is promoted when the maximum polymer extension L is increased. The distribution of vertical velocity and temperature indicates that the plume in the polymer solution case is speeded up and widens bigger as compared to that in the Newtonian fluid case. Inside the plume, polymer chains tend to release energy at the position where the velocity is decelerated. The ratio of Nusselt numbers (Nu/NuNew) shows the power-law scaling relation with the governing parameter L2/Wi in polymer solution cases, which is only applicable for moderate Wi and small L. The present study can give direct insight into the observation about plumes in turbulent thermal convection experiments. It is therefore useful for the analysis of heat transport in thermal convection with polymers.
A phase modulating homodyne interferometer with tilting error compensation by use of an integrated four-photodetector
Authors: Lou Yingtian , Yan Liping , Chen Benyong
Published: February 2019

The tilting error of the measuring reflector moving with the measured object influences the accuracy of displacement measurement in laser interferometers. To solve this problem, a phase modulating homodyne interferometer with tilting error compensation is proposed for precision displacement measurement. In this interferometer, the displacement and tilting angle of the measured object are obtained simultaneously by differentially processing the phase changes of four interference signals detected with an integrated four-photodetector, and the obtained tilting angle is used to compensate its influence on the displacement result. The optical configuration of this interferometer is designed, and the displacement measurement with tilting error compensation is presented. An experimental setup is constructed, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed interferometer are demonstrated.
Microstructured electrodes supported on serpentine interconnects for stretchable electronics
Authors: Nasreldin M. , Delattre R. , Marchiori B. , Ramuz M. , Maria S. , de Bougrenet de la Tocnaye J. L. , Djenizian T.
Published: February 2019

In this work, it is reported the fabrication of highly stretchable electrodes on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. A laser ablation technique is used to design lithium nickel manganese oxide micropillars supported on serpentine Al interconnects. Morphological, mechanical, and chemical analyses have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy. We show that unlike compact and continuous electrode thin-films, vertical micropillar structures supported on Al serpentines can be stretched up to 70% without structural damage, which opens a new alternative for the fabrication and development of truly stretchable devices such as stretchable micro-batteries.
Impact of topological line defects on wall roughness and thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yousefi Farrokh , Khoeini Farhad
Published: February 2019

Understanding the influence of defects on thermal conductivity of nanowires and nanomaterials is important due to its application for heat management in the nanodevices. In the present study, we investigate the influence of topological line defects on thermal conductivity of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) through molecular dynamics simulations. To model interaction between carbon atoms in the carbon nanotube, we employed the three-body Tersoff potential. Thermal conductivity was obtained in situations, which the 5-8-5 defects have been distributed with several patterns on the surface of carbon nanotube (CNT). We examined the impact of defect concentration and found that thermal conductivity decreases with increasing defect concentration. We also investigated the effects of length, temperature and the temperature difference between two ends of carbon nanotube on its thermal conductivity. The increase of length leads to an increment in thermal conductivity, while the increase of temperature causes thermal conductivity decreases. The cross-section of the nanotubes changes with the pattern of defect. Our results can be applicable in the heat management of carbon nanotube-based nanodevices.
Tapeworm discovery in elasmobranch fishes: quantifying patterns and identifying their correlates
Authors: Randhawa Haseeb S. , Poulin Robert
Published: February 2019

Most parasites from known host species are yet to be discovered and described, let alone those from host species not yet known to science. Here, we use tapeworms of elasmobranchs to identify factors influencing their discovery and explaining the time lag between the descriptions of elasmobranch hosts and their respective tapeworm parasites. The dataset included 918 tapeworm species from 290 elasmobranch species. Data were analysed using linear mixed-effects models. Our findings indicated that we are currently in the midst of the greatest rate of discovery for tapeworms exploiting elasmobranchs. We identified tapeworm size, year of discovery of the type host, host latitudinal range and type locality of the parasite influencing most on the probability of discovery of tapeworms from elasmobranchs and the average time lag between descriptions of elasmobranchs and their tapeworms. The time lag between descriptions is decreasing progressively, but, at current rates and number of taxonomic experts, it will take two centuries to clear the backlog of undescribed tapeworms from known elasmobranch species. Given that the number of new elasmobranch species described each year is on the rise, we need to re-assess funding strategies to save elasmobranchs (and, thus, their tapeworm parasites) before they go extinct.
Droplet motions fill a periodic table
Authors: Steen Paul H. , Chang Chun-Ti , Bostwick Joshua B.
Published: February 2019

Significance

Droplets and their motions surround us––in art, science, and technology. Yet, droplet motions have resisted classification. Here, we reveal a periodic table (PT) classification of droplet motion that is profound in implication and refreshing in originality. The classical PT of chemical elements is a synthesis of knowledge of monumental stature. This paper provides a parallel PT synthesis of ballistic droplet motions, demonstrates the techniques by which one can identify “motion elements,” and introduces the wettability spectrometer, all enabled by a recent spectral theory of meniscus motions. In the realm of pedagogy, the simplicity of the droplet motion PT provides unique perspective on the chemical PT making concepts like chemical bonding and atomic orbitals more accessible.
Observing language-related episodes in intact classrooms
Authors: Collins Laura , White Joanna
Published: February 2019

Observations of spontaneous language related episodes (LREs) in actual classrooms capture pedagogical behaviours that may affect the characteristics of LREs. In this study of 87 twelve-year old intermediate francophone EFL students in 3 intact classes, we examined the type, frequency, and resolution of 607 LREs during 20 paired/small group communicative activities (311,000-word, 55-hour corpus). Common findings across classes were the students’ ability to resolve LREs and their focus on lexical issues. However, peer-initiated LREs and attention to grammar were greater in the class where the teacher highlighted task-useful language, provided self-access tools for addressing language needs, and promoted a culture of peer collaboration. Observational research presents methodological challenges and its design limits generalizability. However, the rich description, large data-base and high ecological validity enhance the relevance of the findings for L2 pedagogy.
Methodological strengths, challenges, and joys of classroom-based quasi-experimental research
Authors: Sato Masatoshi , Loewen Shawn
Published: February 2019

This chapter reports on a classroom-based quasi-experimental study by focusing on its methodological aspects. The study’s objectives were twofold: (1) to examine the effect of metacognitive instruction (MI) in which learners were instructed about the benefits of receiving corrective feedback (CF), and (2) to compare the effects of two CF types – input-providing vs. output-prompting CF. Eighty-three EFL learners from four intact classes at a private university in Chile were assigned to one of four conditions: MI plus input-providing CF, input-providing CF only, MI plus output-prompting CF, and output-prompting CF only. The results showed that MI helped learners benefit from CF. Focusing on the ecological validity, we argue that providing learners with interventions that were seamlessly deployed in genuine classroom contexts permitted the examination of authentic classroom instruction with minimal disturbance, thereby allowing the observation of the effects of MI and CF without the potentially confounding variables of researcher intrusion and unfamiliar data collection context.
Discussion
Authors: Spada Nina
Published: February 2019

In this chapter I reflect on the contributions to this volume with respect to two guiding criteria: Relevance to classroom applications and Advantages and challenges of methodology. I examine the goals, focus, and research questions investigated in the descriptive, quasi-experimental and experimental studies presented in this collection. I analyze their methodological characteristics in terms of cost, ethics, participant availability, experimental control, teacher collaboration, student motivation, and generalizability. I argue that all the ISLA studies presented in this volume are relevant to L2 pedagogy. Echoing the words of the editors, I also argue that placing experimental and descriptive research into a dichotomous relationship where the former is characterized as not relevant to the classroom and the latter as lacking validity is problematic. Such a categorization fails to acknowledge the different purposes of both types of research and the different contributions each can make to L2 pedagogy.
Changing perspectives
Authors: Vandelanotte Lieven
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates questions of perspective shift or non-shift against a background of a basic deictic-cognitive divide in our understanding of what comes under the linguistic notion of perspective. In differentiating ‘distancing’ from ‘free’ indirect speech/thought in narratives, it proposes a new lens through which to reconsider a class of examples controlled in curious ways by the narrator’s deictic and cognitive perspective. Turning to a newer mode of communication – that of Internet memes combining set phrases and images in one multimodal package – the paper shows that despite this novelty, unusual uses of quotation in memes in fact join the ranks of existing non-quotative uses of quotation to express a stance rather than genuinely shift to a different discourse source. The paper also touches on the question of the constructional status of the ‘old’ and ‘new’ phenomena investigated.
Influence of aluminium on silicon microsegregation in solution strengthened ductile iron
Authors: Franzen Daniel , Weiß Philipp , Pustal Björn , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas
Published: February 2019

The excellent static mechanical properties of solid solution strengthened grades of ferritic ductile iron (SSFDI) are adjusted by elevated silicon contents and undergo a rapid loss above a critical content of about 4.3 wt-% silicon. This phenomenon is attributed to the formation of iron-silicon superstructures that is intensified in particular by the formation of silicon microsegregation. In order to affect silicon microsegregation, the alloying concept of SSFDI has been modified. In the present investigations, an inversion of the silicon microsegregation profile could be achieved by alloying a nodular cast iron melt with 1.2 wt-% aluminium. The results provide a metallurgical tool to shift the silicon embrittlement to higher silicon contents and thus to further enhance the mechanical properties of SSFDI.
Aspiration-based coevolution of node weights promotes cooperation in the spatial prisoner’s dilemma game
Authors: Chu Chen , Mu Chunjiang , Liu Jinzhuo , Liu Chen , Boccaletti Stefano , Shi Lei , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2019

Coevolution is considered as an effective means to optimize the conditions for the survival of cooperation. In this work, we propose a coevolution rule between individuals’ node weights and aspiration, and then explore how this mechanism affects the evolution of cooperation in the spatial prisoner’s dilemma game. We show that there is an optimistic amplitude of node weights that guarantees the survival of cooperation even when temptation to antisocial behavior is relatively large. An explanation is provided from a microscopic point of view by dividing nodes into four different types. What is interesting, our coevolution rule results in spontaneous emergence of cyclic dominance, where defectors with low weight become cooperators by imitating cooperators with high weight.
Time-changes preserving zeta functions
Authors: Jaidee Sawian , Moss Patrick , Ward Tom
Published: February 2019

We associate to any dynamical system with finitely many periodic orbits of each period a collection of possible time-changes of the sequence of periodic point counts for that specific system that preserve the property of counting periodic points for some system. Intersecting over all dynamical systems gives a monoid of time-changes that have this property for all such systems. We show that the only polynomials lying in this monoid are the monomials, and that this monoid is uncountable. Examples give some insight into how the structure of the collection of maps varies for different dynamical systems.
Generalized torsion and decomposition of 3–manifolds
Authors: Ito Tetsuya , Motegi Kimihiko , Teragaito Masakazu
Published: February 2019

A nontrivial element in a group is a generalized torsion element if some nonempty finite product of its conjugates is the identity. We prove that any generalized torsion element in a free product of torsion-free groups is conjugate to a generalized torsion element in some factor group. This implies that the fundamental group of a compact orientable

3
3

–manifold

M
M

has a generalized torsion element if and only if the fundamental group of some prime factor of

M
M

has a generalized torsion element. On the other hand, we demonstrate that there are infinitely many toroidal

3
3

–manifolds whose fundamental group has a generalized torsion element, while the fundamental group of each decomposing piece has no such elements. Additionally, in the course of the proof of the first result, we give an upper bound for the stable commutator length of generalized torsion elements.
On inductive limit spectral triples
Authors: Floricel Remus , Ghorbanpour Asghar
Published: February 2019

Given an inductive system of spectral triples

{
(

A
j

,

H

j

,

D
j

)

}
j

\{(A_j,\mathcal {H}_j,D_j)\}_j

, we find conditions under which the triple
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="left-parenthesis limit Underscript long right-arrow Endscripts upper A Subscript j Baseline comma limit Underscript long right-arrow Endscripts upper H Subscript j Baseline comma limit Underscript long right-arrow Endscripts upper D Subscript j Baseline right-parenthesis">

(

lim
⟶

A
j

,

lim
⟶

H
j

,

lim
⟶

D
j

)

(\underset {\longrightarrow }{\lim } A_j,\underset {\longrightarrow }{\lim } H_j,\underset {\longrightarrow }{\lim } D_j)

is a spectral triple. We also analyze and describe some classical examples of spectral triples in terms of these conditions.
Weighted sum formula for multiple harmonic sums modulo primes
Authors: Hirose Minoru , Murahara Hideki , Saito Shingo
Published: February 2019

In this paper we prove a weighted sum formula for multiple harmonic sums modulo primes, thereby proving a weighted sum formula for finite multiple zeta values. Our proof utilizes difference equations for the generating series of multiple harmonic sums. We also conjecture several weighted sum formulas of similar flavor for finite multiple zeta values.
Multisensory Environments to Measure Craving During Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Goodyear Kimberly
Published: February 2019

There are limited functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies that measure alcohol craving with multisensory environments. Researchers are faced with a two-fold challenge: to recreate a naturalistic environment during an MRI scan and to produce paradigms that mimic real-life conditions involved with craving. Craving is a multifaceted psychological construct and techniques such as fMRI provide an alternative way to measure craving and to have a better understanding of its complexity. Most studies to date have implemented visual stimuli to measure craving and only a few studies have investigated gustation and olfaction. Moving forward, there needs to be greater attention on the ways in which we measure craving and the use of multisensory environments during fMRI. By going beyond examining subjective craving responses, and investigating neurobiological responses such as brain activity during fMRI, can potentially lead to better treatments for alcohol use disorder. Further, there needs to be additional consideration on standardizing how we measure craving, which will allow for a more unified approach amongst researchers.
Social Pedagogy in the World Today: An Analysis of the Academic, Training and Professional Perspectives
Authors: Janer Hidalgo Àngela , Úcar Xavier
Published: February 2019

We present a study of social pedagogy from a comparative perspective with the aim of offering an international overview of the current status of social pedagogy in the world. The lack of a universal conceptual definition for the term causes epistemological confusion and inaccuracy and has led to the emergence of multiple polarised perspectives on the concept in different contexts. Our study analyses the current situation from the academic, training and professional viewpoints, with the aim of developing a series of indicators to construct an updated, global and integrated view of social pedagogy. Each of these three visions forms a phase of research and uses a specific methodology: the academic perspective (qualitative methodology with the Delphi method), the training perspective (quantitative methodology with a statistical analysis) and the professional perspective (qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews). Based On the triangulation of all results in different phases, our principal findings define the main dimensions of social pedagogy: contextual, historical, epistemological, functional, professional, methodological, normative and ethical and political. It also confirms that it is possible to define a theoretical, transdisciplinary and international common ground on social pedagogy and describe the specific features characteristic of each context.
Critical Questions on Critical Social Work: Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Barak Adi
Published: February 2019

This research study explored the perspectives of social work students (n = 118) in the final semester of their studies regarding the implementation of critical social work in their future practices. Using performance ethnographies to collect data, students were asked to share their perspectives about implementing critical social work both in individual interventions and as a way to change the practice of mainstream social work organisations. Research ethnographies were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological approach, in an attempt to describe the shared essential experience of participants. Results demonstrated that students are influenced by several lines of thinking that come into direct conflict with one another: (i) they feel that critical social work is essential for individual interventions while also feeling that critical social work is not a priority for individual interventions and (ii) they feel that critical social work should and could change mainstream social work organisations while also feeling that critical social work should not and could not change mainstream social work organisations. These results contribute to a better understanding of the barriers in implementing critical social work, as well as the dilemmas and questions that should be addressed in social work education. Implications for social work education are outlined.
S194-P-FADD as a marker of aggressiveness and poor prognosis in human T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Marín-Rubio José L , Pérez-Gómez Eduardo , Fernández-Piqueras José , Villa-Morales María
Published: February 2019

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma is a haematological disease with an urgent need for reliable prognostic biomarkers that allow therapeutic stratification and dose adjustment. The scarcity of human samples is responsible for the delayed progress in the study and the clinical management of this disease, especially compared with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, its leukemic counterpart. In the present work, we have determined by immunohistochemistry that S194-P-FADD protein is significantly reduced in a cohort of 22 samples from human T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Notably, the extent of such reduction varies significantly among samples and has revealed determinant for the outcome of the tumour. We demonstrate that Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) phosphorylation status affects protein stability, subcellular localization and non-apoptotic functions, specifically cell proliferation. Phosphorylated FADD would be more stable and preferentially localized to the cell nucleus; there, it would favour cell proliferation. We show that patients with higher levels of S194-P-FADD exhibit more proliferative tumours and that they present worse clinical characteristics and a significant enrichment to an oncogenic signature. This supports that FADD phosphorylation may serve as a predictor for T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma aggressiveness and clinical status. In summary, we propose FADD phosphorylation as a new biomarker with prognostic value in T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Addition of Flucytosine to Fluconazole for the Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in Africa: A Multicountry Cost-effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Shiri Tinevimbo , Loyse Angela , Mwenge Lawrence , Chen Tao , Lakhi Shabir , Chanda Duncan , Mwaba Peter , Molloy Síle F , Heyderman Robert S , Kanyama Cecilia , Hosseinipour Mina C , Kouanfack Charles , Temfack Elvis , Mfinanga Sayoki , Kivuyo Sokoine , Chan Adrienne K , Jarvis Joseph N , Lortholary Olivier , Jaffar Shabbar , Niessen Louis W , Harrison Thomas S
Published: February 2019

Background

Mortality from cryptococcal meningitis remains very high in Africa. In the Advancing Cryptococcal Meningitis Treatment for Africa (ACTA) trial, 2 weeks of fluconazole (FLU) plus flucytosine (5FC) was as effective and less costly than 2 weeks of amphotericin-based regimens. However, many African settings treat with FLU monotherapy, and the cost-effectiveness of adding 5FC to FLU is uncertain.

Methods

The effectiveness and costs of FLU+5FC were taken from ACTA, which included a costing analysis at the Zambian site. The effectiveness of FLU was derived from cohorts of consecutively enrolled patients, managed in respects other than drug therapy, as were participants in ACTA. FLU costs were derived from costs of FLU+5FC in ACTA, by subtracting 5FC drug and monitoring costs. The cost-effectiveness of FLU+5FC vs FLU alone was measured as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). A probabilistic sensitivity analysis assessed uncertainties and a bivariate deterministic sensitivity analysis examined the impact of varying mortality and 5FC drug costs on the ICER.

Results

The mean costs per patient were US $847 (95% confidence interval [CI] $776–927) for FLU+5FC, and US $628 (95% CI $557–709) for FLU. The 10-week mortality rate was 35.1% (95% CI 28.9–41.7%) with FLU+5FC and 53.8% (95% CI 43.1–64.1%) with FLU. At the current 5FC price of US $1.30 per 500 mg tablet, the ICER of 5FC+FLU versus FLU alone was US $65 (95% CI $28–208) per life-year saved. Reducing the 5FC cost to between US $0.80 and US $0.40 per 500 mg resulted in an ICER between US $44 and US $28 per life-year saved.

Conclusions

The addition of 5FC to FLU is cost-effective for cryptococcal meningitis treatment in Africa and, if made available widely, could substantially reduce mortality rates among human immunodeficiency virus–infected persons in Africa.
Prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in the very elderly
Authors: Zakine Cyril , Garcia Rodrigue , Narayanan Kumar , Gandjbakhch Estelle , Algalarrondo Vincent , Lellouche Nicolas , Perier Marie-Cécile , Fauchier Laurent , Gras Daniel , Bordachar Pierre , Piot Olivier , Babuty Dominique , Sadoul Nicolas , Defaye Pascal , Deharo Jean-Claude , Klug Didier , Leclercq Christophe , Extramiana Fabrice , Boveda Serge , Marijon Eloi
Published: February 2019

Aims

Current guidelines do not propose any age cut-off for the primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). However, the risk/benefit balance in the very elderly population has not been well studied.

Methods and results

In a multicentre French study assessing patients implanted with an ICD for primary prevention, outcomes among patients aged ≥80 years were compared with <80 years old controls matched for sex and underlying heart disease (ischaemic and dilated cardiomyopathy). A total of 300 ICD recipients were enrolled in this specific analysis, including 150 patients ≥80 years (mean age 81.9 ± 2.0 years; 86.7% males) and 150 controls (mean age 61.8 ± 10.8 years). Among older patients, 92 (75.6%) had no more than one associated comorbidity. Most subjects in the elderly group got an ICD as part of a cardiac resynchronization therapy procedure (74% vs. 46%, P < 0.0001). After a mean follow-up of 3.0 ± 2 years, 53 patients (35%) in the elderly group died, including 38.2% from non cardiovascular causes of death. Similar proportion of patients received ≥1 appropriate therapy (19.4% vs. 21.6%; P = 0.65) in the elderly group and controls, respectively. There was a trend towards more early perioperative events (P = 0.10) in the elderly, with no significant increase in late complications (P = 0.73).

Conclusion

Primary prevention ICD recipients ≥80 years in the real world had relatively low associated comorbidity. Rates of appropriate therapies and device-related complications were similar, compared with younger subjects. Nevertheless, the inherent limitations in interpreting observational data on this particular competing risk situation call for randomized controlled trials to provide definitive answers. Meanwhile, a careful multidisciplinary evaluation is needed to guide patient selection for ICD implantation in the elderly population.
How do surgeons decide? Conduit choice in coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the UK
Authors: Jayakumar Shruti , Gasparini Marisa , Treasure Tom , Burdett Clare ,   Cardiothoracic Trainees Research Collaborative, Jozsa Felix , Padfield Olivia , Strickland Jonathan , Murugesu Nilaani , Samuel Nathan , Noor Mohammed Said , Roseman Gerald , Budcan Alina , Dirir Omar , Keshwala Uday , Wasim Sara , Thomson Andrew , Mouy Florence , Gupta Sandipika , Richards Caryl , Bar Emily , Pearson Nicholas , Nichani Sahil , Tew Yong Yong , Tan Gerald , Ying Hey Cong , Sivanesan Omkaar
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

Conduits used in coronary artery bypass grafting may have significant impact on outcomes, but evidence is mixed and there is large variation in practice. This study provides insights into the opinions of the UK surgeons on conduit use and their decision-making processes.

METHODS

A questionnaire was created using the Ottawa Decision Support Framework to elicit the importance that surgeons placed on bilateral internal mammary artery grafting, skeletonization, total arterial revascularization and sequential anastomoses on a scale of 1–10. Scores ≥8 were deemed ‘important’ and ≤3 ‘not important’. Surgeons were asked to specify changes to practice in frail patients or emergencies. Additional questions included conduit type used, factors affecting decision-making and vein harvesting methods. Questionnaires were administered in person with data analysed centrally.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven consultant cardiac surgeons from 25 centres responded. Thirty-two percent surgeons routinely used radial arteries and 36% used right internal mammary artery. High-quality evidence contributed most to decision-making receiving a total of 328/960 points, with consultant experience being the second (255/960 points). There was a bimodal distribution of perceived importance of bilateral internal mammary artery use, with 29 (30%) ‘important’ and ‘not important’ scores each. 23% of surgeons found total arterial revascularization important. Most surgeons (64%) preferred pedicled mammary arteries. Twenty-six percent of surgeons considered sequential grafting to be important.

CONCLUSIONS

Low uptake of total arterial revascularization and bilateral internal mammary artery among the UK consultants may be due to the lack of high-quality evidence demonstrating a significant benefit. It is also possible that reluctance to use certain conduits may stem from low levels of exposure to conduits or inadequate training, particularly given the importance of consultant experience on decision-making.
Constrained controllability of second order retarded nonlinear systems with nonlocal condition
Authors: Kumar Suman , Sakthivel R
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the constrained controllability of the second order retarded nonlinear systems with nonlocal condition has been established by using the theory of cosine families and the generalized open mapping theorem. A new set of sufficient conditions for the constrained controllability of retarded nonlinear systems is established under the assumption that the associated linear system is controllable. By using the Banach fixed point theorem, the existence of mild solution for the considered system with nonlocal delay condition has been deduced. Finally, an example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the obtained theory.