bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Strain States on the Thermal Transport Properties of Single and Multiwalled Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Nakarmi Sushan , Unnikrishnan V. U.
Published: January 2019

The increasing demand for system miniaturization and high power density energy produces excessive thermal loads on electronic devices with significant mechanical strain. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) based devices are found to have excellent thermal transport properties that makes them attractive for thermal management of these miniaturized nano-electronic devices under extreme environments. These conductive nanostructure (carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc.) are often embedded in polymers or other high-strain alloys (the matrix phase), and are used as bridging materials for conductivity (electrical and thermal) with strain resiliency. The effect of strain on the thermal transport properties of these nanostructures have often been overlooked and will be the focus of this work. The thermal conductivity of the nanostructure is obtained in LAMMPS using the Heat-Bath method, which is a reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (RNEMD) simulation strategy. In RNEMD, constant amount of heat is added to and removed from hot and cold regions and the resultant temperature gradient is measured. The effect of strain on the thermal conductivity of the single and multiwalled nanostructures of various configurations will be discussed with specific emphasis on the phonon density of states of nanotubes at different strain states.
Investigating Effects of Graphene Nanoinclusions for Improved Desalination Rates of Salt Water Under Solar Heat
Authors: Patil Vinay , Usta Aybala , Rahman Muhammad M. , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: January 2019

The development of sustainable, cost-effective, reliable, efficient and stable materials and methods for continuous fresh water production is crucial for many regions of the world. Among the many other options, graphene nanoflakes seem to be good option to solve the global water problem due to their low energy cost and simple operational process to purify waste water. The produced water can be used for drinking, agriculture, gardening, medical, industrial and other purposes. Most of the nanofilter-based multifunctional fresh water systems do not require large infrastructures or centralized systems, and can be portable to remote regions for efficient water treatment. Graphene was discovered as a single-layer of isolated graphite atoms arranged in 2D hexagonal shape, making it the thinnest and strongest material known to date. Despite its intriguing mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, usage of graphene for different industries has not been investigated in detail. The present study investigated the availability and practical use of graphene inclusions for desalination of salt water to produce fresh water. In the present study, graphene was added to 3.5wt% salt water (similar to sea water) at different percentages. Graphene has a high absorption capability to convert solar energy into heat to enhance the evaporation rate of salt water. The graphene inclusions can also be used to remove bacteria, viruses, fungi, heavy metals and ions, complex organic and inorganic compounds, and other pathogens and pollutants present in various water sources (e.g., surface, ground water, and industrial water).
Lightning Strike Protection and EMI Shielding of Fiber Reinforced Composite Using Gold and Silver Nanofilms
Authors: Bollavaram Praveen K. , Rahman Muhammad M. , Asmatulu R.
Published: January 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced composites are very much imperative to future-generation aircraft structures. However, lightning strike protection (LSP) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) are main concerns. Carbon fibers have very good mechanical properties with the best strength-to-weight ratio, but they are very poor conductors of electricity. These fibers must be reinvented to increase the surface conductance to provide high electrical conductivity to the aircraft structure. The present study deals with preparing composite sandwich structures of carbon fibers used for commercial nacelle applications subject to lightning strike effects with different metallic nanofilm of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) measuring approximately 100 nm. These metallic nanofibers were co-cured on the top layers of composite panels during vacuum curing process. In our laboratory, lightning strike results for a composite sandwich structure using nanofilms were obtained to observe lightning strike damage and structural tolerance necessary to observe the damage tolerance capability. Resistance of composite panels with metallic nanofilm under various strains was studied. It was found that resistance of the metallic nanofilm increased under strain. The voltage was found to be low; hence, an increase in current would help to reduce the damage on composite panels due to lightning strikes, and the same theory would be applicable to EMI. No EMI was absorbed or reflected in the nanofilm using the P-static test. When lightning strikes were applied to composite coupons, the resulting damage from the currents was reduced on those with metallic nanofilms.
Utilizing the Integral Technique to Determine the Similarity Variable in Classical Heat Transfer Problems: Thermal Boundary Layer Theory
Authors: Kobus Chris J.
Published: January 2019

In advanced heat transfer courses, a technique exists for reducing a partial differential equation, where the dependent variable is a function of two independent variables, to an ordinary differential equation where that same dependent variable becomes a function of only one. The key to this technique is finding out what the functional form of the similarity variable is to make such a transformation. The difficulty is that the form of the similarity variable is not intuitive, and many heat transfer textbooks do not reveal how this variable is found in classical problems such as viscous and thermal boundary layer theory. It turns out that one way to find this variable is by utilizing the integral technique. By employing the integral technique to boundary layer theory, it will be shown that when the approximate functional relationship for the dependent variable (temperature, velocity, etc) can be represented by an nth order polynomial, the similarity variable can be found very simply. This is seen to be a good tool especially in heat transfer education, but may have applications in research as well. The approach described here is a variation of a well-known technique used for isothermal momentum boundary layer consideration.
Effect of Wind Speed on Ventilation Flow Through a Two Dimensional Room Fitted With a Windcatcher
Authors: Taghipour Rahil , Abdo Peter , Huynh B. P.
Published: January 2019

Natural ventilation is the process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space by natural means. Windcatcher has been used over centuries for providing natural ventilation using wind power, it is an effective passive method to provide healthy and comfortable indoor environment by decreasing moisture content in the air and reducing pollutants concentration. The windcatcher’s function is based on the wind and on the stack effect resulting from temperature differences. Generally, it is difficult for wind to change its direction, and enter a room through usual openings, the windcatcher is designed to overcome such problems since they have vertical columns aimed at helping wind to channel down to the inside of a building. The efficiency of a windcatcher is maximized by applying special forms of opening and exit. The openings depend on the windcatcher’s location and on its cross sectional area and shape such as square, rectangular, hexagonal or circular. In this study the effect of different wind speeds on the total air flow captured by different inlet designs is investigated. To achieve this, CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tool is used to simulate the air flow in a two dimensional room fitted with a windcatcher applying wind speeds from 1 m/s up to 14 m/s and based on different inlet designs such as a uniform inlet, a divergent inlet and a bulging-convergent inlet.
Phage Therapy in the Postantibiotic Era
Authors: Gordillo Altamirano Fernando L. , Barr Jeremy J.
Published: January 2019

Antibiotic resistance is arguably the biggest current threat to global health. An increasing number of infections are becoming harder or almost impossible to treat, carrying high morbidity, mortality, and financial cost.
Treating Polymicrobial Infections in Chronic Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Buch Pranali J. , Chai Yunrong , Goluch Edgar D.
Published: January 2019

This review provides a comprehensive summary of issues associated with treating polyclonal bacterial biofilms in chronic diabetic wounds. We use this as a foundation and discuss the alternatives to conventional antibiotics and the emerging need for suitable drug delivery systems.
Moderately Neutralizing Epitopes in Nonfunctional Regions Dominate the Antibody Response to
Plasmodium falciparum
EBA-140
Authors: Salinas Nichole D. , Paing May M. , Adhikari Jagat , Gross Michael L. , Tolia Niraj
Published: January 2019

Plasmodium falciparum
erythrocyte-binding antigen 140 (EBA-140) plays a role in tight junction formation during parasite invasion of red blood cells and is a potential vaccine candidate for malaria. Individuals in areas where malaria is endemic possess EBA-140-specific antibodies, and individuals with high antibody titers to this protein have a lower rate of reinfection by parasites.
Structural and Functional Insights into PpgL, a Metal-Independent β-Propeller Gluconolactonase That Contributes to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Virulence
Authors: Song Ying-Jie , Wang Kai-Lun , Shen Ya-Lin , Gao Jie , Li Tao , Zhu Yi-Bo , Li Chang-Cheng , He Li-Hui , Zhou Qiao-Xia , Zhao Ning-Lin , Zhao Chang , Yang Jing , Huang Qin , Mu Xing-Yu , Li Hong , Dou Deng-Feng , Liu Chuan , He Jian-Hua , Sun Bo , Bao Rui
Published: January 2019

Biofilm formation is a critical determinant in the pathopoiesis of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. It could significantly increase bacterial resistance to drugs and host defense.
Lag Phase Is a Dynamic, Organized, Adaptive, and Evolvable Period That Prepares Bacteria for Cell Division
Authors: Bertrand Robert L.
Published: January 2019

Lag is a temporary period of nonreplication seen in bacteria that are introduced to new media. Despite latency being described by Müller in 1895, only recently have we gained insights into the cellular processes characterizing lag phase.
Reconstruction of the Genomes of Drug-Resistant Pathogens for Outbreak Investigation through Metagenomic Sequencing
Authors: Mu Andre , Kwong Jason C. , Isles Nicole S. , Gonçalves da Silva Anders , Schultz Mark B. , Ballard Susan A. , Lane Courtney R. , Carter Glen P. , Williamson Deborah A. , Seemann Torsten , Stinear Timothy P. , Howden Benjamin P.
Published: January 2019

The study results reported here perfectly demonstrate the power and promise of clinical metagenomics to recover genome sequences of important drug-resistant bacteria and to rapidly provide rich data that inform outbreak investigations and treatment decisions, independently of the need to culture the organisms.
Integrated Omic Analyses Provide Evidence that a “
Candidatus
Accumulibacter phosphatis” Strain Performs Denitrification under Microaerobic Conditions
Authors: Camejo Pamela Y. , Oyserman Ben O. , McMahon Katherine D. , Noguera Daniel R.
Published: January 2019

“
Candidatus
Accumulibacter phosphatis” is widely found in full-scale wastewater treatment plants, where it has been identified as the key organism for biological removal of phosphorus. Since aeration can account for 50% of the energy use during wastewater treatment, microaerobic conditions for wastewater treatment have emerged as a cost-effective alternative to conventional biological nutrient removal processes. Our report provides strong genomics-based evidence not only that “
Ca
. Accumulibacter phosphatis” is the main organism contributing to phosphorus removal under microaerobic conditions but also that this organism simultaneously respires nitrate and oxygen in this environment, consequently removing nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater. Such activity could be harnessed in innovative designs for cost-effective and energy-efficient optimization of wastewater treatment systems.
Impact of renal dysfunction on the management and outcome of acute heart failure: results from the French prospective, multicentre, DeFSSICA survey
Authors: Dos Reis Dominique , Fraticelli Laurie , Bassand Adrien , Manzo-Silberman Stéphane , Peschanski Nicolas , Charpentier Sandrine , Elbaz Meyer , Savary Dominique , Bonnefoy-Cudraz Eric , Laribi Said , Henry Patrick , Guerraoui Abdallah , Tazarourte Karim , Chouihed Tahar , El Khoury Carlos
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is the combination of acute heart failure syndrome (AHF) and renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≤60 mL/min). Real-life data were used to compare the management and outcome of AHF with and without renal dysfunction.

Design

Prospective, multicentre.

Setting

Twenty-six academic, community and regional hospitals in France.

Participants

507 patients with AHF were assessed in two groups according to renal function: group 1 (patients with CRS (CrCl ≤60 mL/min): n=335) and group 2 (patients with AHF with normal renal function (CrCl >60 mL/min): n=172).

Results

Differences were observed (group 1 vs group 2) at admission for the incidence of chronic heart failure (56.42% vs 47.67%), use of furosemide (60.9% vs 52.91%), insulin (15.52% vs 9.3%) and amiodarone (14.33% vs 4.65%); additionally, more patients in group 1 carried a defibrillator (4.78% vs 0%), had ≥2 hospitalisations in the last year (15.52% vs 5.81%) and were under the care of a cardiologist (72.24% vs 61.63%). Clinical signs were broadly similar in each group. Brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and BNP prohormone were higher in group 1 than group 2 (1157.5 vs 534 ng/L and 5120 vs 2513 ng/mL), and more patients in group 1 were positive for troponin (58.2% vs 44.19%), had cardiomegaly (51.04% vs 37.21%) and interstitial opacities (60.3% vs 47.67%). The only difference in emergency treatment was the use of nitrates, (higher in group 1 (21.9% vs 12.21%)). In-hospital mortality and the percentage of patients still hospitalised after 30 days were similar between groups, but the median stay was longer in group 1 (8 days vs 6 days).

Conclusions

Renal impairment in AHF should not limit the use of loop diuretics and/or vasodilators, but early assessment of pulmonary congestion and close monitoring of the efficacy of conventional therapies is encouraged to allow rapid and appropriate implementation of alternative therapies if necessary.
Hearing Norton Sound: a community randomised trial protocol to address childhood hearing loss in rural Alaska
Authors: Emmett Susan D , Robler Samantha Kleindienst , Wang Nae-Yuh , Labrique Alain , Gallo Joseph J , Hofstetter Philip
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The population in rural Alaska experiences a disproprionately high burden of infection-mediated hearing loss. While the state mandates school hearing screening, many children with hearing loss are not identified or are lost to follow-up before ever receiving treatment. A robust, tribally owned healthcare system exists in Alaska, but children with hearing loss must first be identified and referred for existing infrastructure to be used. This trial will evaluate a new school hearing screening and referral process in rural Alaska, with the goal of improving timely identification and treatment of childhood hearing loss.

Methods and analysis

Comparative effectiveness community randomised trial testing digital innovations to improve school hearing screening and referral in 15 communities in the Norton Sound region of northwest Alaska, with data collection from October 2017 to February 2020. All children (K-12) attending school in Bering Strait School District with parental informed consent and child assent will be eligible (target recruitment n=1500). Participating children will undergo both the current school hearing screen and new mobile health (mHealth) screen, with screening test validity evaluated against an audiometric assessment. Communities will be cluster randomised to continue the current primary care referral process or receive telemedicine referral for follow-up diagnosis and treatment. The primary outcome will be time to International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, ear/hearing diagnosis from screening date, measured in days. Secondary outcomes will include: sensitivity and specificity of current school and mHealth screening protocols measured against a benchmark audiometric assessment (air and bone conduction audiometry, tympanometry and digital otoscopy); hearing loss prevalence; hearing-related quality of life; and school performance (AIMSweb). Intention-to-treat analysis will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Alaska Area, Norton Sound and Duke University and is registered on clinicaltrials.gov. Results will be distributed with equal emphasis on scientific and community dissemination.

Trial registration number

NCT03309553; Pre-results.
External cold and vibration for pain management of children undergoing needle-related procedures in the emergency department: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial protocol
Authors: Ballard Ariane , Khadra Christelle , Adler Samara , D Trottier Evelyne , Bailey Benoit , Poonai Naveen , Théroux Jean , Le May Sylvie
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Needle-related procedures are considered as the most important source of pain and distress in children in hospital settings. Considering the physiological and psychological consequences that could result from these procedures, management of pain and distress through pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods is essential. Therefore, it is important to have interventions that are rapid, easy-to-use and likely to be translated into clinical practice for routine use. The aim of this study will be to determine whether a device combining cold and vibration (Buzzy) is non-inferior to a topical anaesthetic (liposomal lidocaine 4% cream) for pain management of children undergoing needle-related procedures in the emergency department.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial comparing the Buzzy device to liposomal lidocaine 4% cream for needle-related pain management. A total of 346 participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of the two study groups. The primary outcome will be the mean difference in pain intensity between groups during needle-related procedures. A non-inferiority margin of 0.70 on the Color Analogue Scale will be considered. A Non-inferiority margin of 0.70 on the Color Analogue Scale will be considered. The secondary outcomes will be the level of distress during the procedure, the success of the procedure at first attempt, the occurrence of adverse events, the satisfaction of both interventions and the memory of pain 24 hours after the procedure. The primary outcome will be assessed for non-inferiority and the secondary outcomes for superiority.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of the study setting. Findings of this trial will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT02616419.
A prospective cohort for the investigation of alteration in temporal transcriptional and microbiome trajectories preceding preterm birth: a study protocol
Authors: Brummaier Tobias , Syed Ahamed Kabeer Basirudeen , Lindow Stephen , Konje Justin C , Pukrittayaamee Sasithon , Utzinger Juerg , Toufiq Mohammed , Antoniou Antonios , Marr Alexandra K , Suriyakan Sangrawee , Kino Tomoshige , Al Khodor Souhaila , Terranegra Annalisa , Nosten François , Paris Daniel H , McGready Rose , Chaussabel Damien
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Preterm birth (PTB) results from heterogeneous influences and is a major contributor to neonatal mortality and morbidity that continues to have adverse effects on infants beyond the neonatal period. This protocol describes the procedures to determine molecular signatures predictive of PTB through high-frequency sampling during pregnancy, at delivery and the postpartum period.

Methods and analysis

Four hundred first trimester pregnant women from either Myanmar or Thailand of either Karen or Burman ethnicity, with a viable, singleton pregnancy will be enrolled in this non-interventional, prospective pregnancy birth cohort study and will be followed through to the postpartum period. Fortnightly finger prick capillary blood sampling will allow the monitoring of genome-wide transcript abundance in whole blood. Collection of stool samples and vaginal swabs each trimester, at delivery and postpartum will allow monitoring of intestinal and vaginal microbial composition. In a nested case–control analysis, perturbations of transcript abundance in capillary blood as well as longitudinal changes of the gut, vaginal and oral microbiome will be compared between mothers giving birth to preterm and matched cases giving birth to term neonates. Placenta tissue of preterm and term neonates will be used to determine bacterial colonisation as well as for the establishment of coding and non-coding RNA profiles. In addition, RNA profiles of circulating, non-coding RNA in cord blood serum will be compared with those of maternal peripheral blood serum at time of delivery.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol that aims to detect perturbations in molecular trajectories preceding adverse pregnancy outcomes was approved by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand (Ethics Reference: TMEC 15–062), the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Reference: OxTREC: 33–15) and the local Tak Province Community Ethics Advisory Board. The results of this cooperative project will be disseminated in multiple publications staggered over time in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02797327; Pre-results.
Global certification of wild poliovirus eradication: insights from modelling hard-to-reach subpopulations and confidence about the absence of transmission
Authors: Duintjer Tebbens Radboud J , Kalkowska Dominika A , Thompson Kimberly M
Published: January 2019

Objective

To explore the extent to which undervaccinated subpopulations may influence the confidence about no circulation of wild poliovirus (WPV) after the last detected case.

Design and participants

We used a hypothetical model to examine the extent to which the existence of an undervaccinated subpopulation influences the confidence about no WPV circulation after the last detected case as a function of different characteristics of the subpopulation (eg, size, extent of isolation). We also used the hypothetical population model to inform the bounds on the maximum possible time required to reach high confidence about no circulation in a completely isolated and unvaccinated subpopulation starting either at the endemic equilibrium or with a single infection in an entirely susceptible population.

Results

It may take over 3 years to reach 95% confidence about no circulation for this hypothetical population despite high surveillance sensitivity and high vaccination coverage in the surrounding general population if: (1) ability to detect cases in the undervaccinated subpopulation remains exceedingly small, (2) the undervaccinated subpopulation remains small and highly isolated from the general population and (3) the coverage in the undervaccinated subpopulation remains very close to the minimum needed to eradicate. Fully-isolated hypothetical populations of 4000 people or less cannot sustain endemic transmission for more than 5 years, with at least 20 000 people required for a 50% chance of at least 5 years of sustained transmission in a population without seasonality that starts at the endemic equilibrium. Notably, however, the population size required for persistent transmission increases significantly for realistic populations that include some vaccination and seasonality and/or that do not begin at the endemic equilibrium.

Conclusions

Significant trade-offs remain inherent in global polio certification decisions, which underscore the need for making and valuing investments to maximise population immunity and surveillance quality in all remaining possible WPV reservoirs.
Relaxation for Critically ill Patient Outcomes andStress-coping Enhancement (REPOSE): a protocol for a pilot randomised trial of an integrative intervention to improve critically ill patients’ delirium and related outcomes
Authors: Papathanassoglou Elizabeth D E , Skrobik Yoanna , Hegadoren Kathleen , Thompson Patrica , Stelfox Henry Thomas , Norris Colleen , Rose Louise , Bagshaw Sean M , Meier Michael , LoCicero Cheryl , Ashmore Rhonda , Sparrow Brulotte Tiffany , Hassan Imran , Park Tanya , Kutsogiannis Demetrios J
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Delirium is a common complication of critical illness, associated with negative patient outcomes. Preventive or therapeutic interventions are mostly ineffective. Although relaxation-inducing approaches may benefit critically ill patients, no well-designed studies target delirium prevention as a primary outcome. The objective of this study is to assess feasibility and treatment effect estimates of a multimodal integrative intervention incorporating relaxation, guided imagery and moderate pressure touch massage for prevention of critical illness delirium and for related outcomes.

Methods and analysis

Randomised, controlled, single-blinded trial with two parallel groups (1:1 allocation: intervention and standard care) and stratified randomisation (age (18–64 years and ≥65 years) and presence of trauma) with blocking, involving 104 patients with Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC): 0–3 recruited from two academic intensive care units (ICUs). Intervention group participants receive the intervention in addition to standard care for up to five consecutive days (or until transfer/discharge); control group participants receive standard care and a sham intervention. We will assess predefined feasibility outcomes, that is, recruitment rates and protocol adherence. The primary clinical outcome is incidence of delirium (ICDSC ≥4). Secondary outcomes include pain scores, inflammatory biomarkers, heart rate variability, stress and quality of life (6 weeks and 4 months) post-ICU discharge. Feasibility measures will be analysed descriptively, and outcomes will be analysed longitudinally. Estimates of effects will be calculated.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval from the Human Research Ethics Board, University of Alberta. Results will inform the design of a future multicentre trial.

Trial registration number

NCT02905812; Pre-results.
Qualitative study investigating the underlying motivations of healthy participants in phase I clinical trials
Authors: Manton Kerry J , Gauld Cassandra S , White Katherine M , Griffin Paul M , Elliott Suzanne L
Published: January 2019

Objectives

If patients are to reap the benefits of continued drug development, an understanding of why healthy participants take part in phase I clinical trials is imperative. The current study aimed to explore the nature of these underlying motivations which may, in turn, improve the overall participant experience and assist in the development of more effective recruitment and retention strategies.

Design

This study used a qualitative design based on the theory of planned behaviour. Specifically, it explored healthy participants’ underlying behavioural, control and normative beliefs which influence their participation in phase I clinical trials.

Setting

This study took place at a company that specialises in conducting phase I and phase II clinical trials in the Australian state of Queensland.

Participants

Participants (n=31) were either currently undergoing a phase I clinical trial or had previously taken part in a phase I clinical trial.

Results

Results showed that the motivations were varied and not solely centred on financial gains. Reported advantages of participation included altruism, while inconvenience was most often reported as a disadvantage. Friends were reported as those most likely to approve, while one’s mother was reported as most likely to disapprove. Having a suitable time frame/flexible scheduling and feeling comfortable taking part in the trial were both the most commonly reported facilitators, while inflexible scheduling/time commitment was the most commonly reported barrier.

Conclusions

Practical implications included the need for organisations involved in clinical trials to be mindful of inflexible scheduling and exploring the possibility of making educational materials available to family members who may be concerned about the risks associated with participation. Overall, it is anticipated that the results of this study will improve the understanding of factors that influence phase I clinical trial participation which may, ultimately, help develop new therapeutics to improve patient health.
Long-term outcome of therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET): a naturalistic 2-year follow-up after a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Enander Jesper , Ljótsson Brjánn , Anderhell Lina , Runeborg Martin , Flygare Oskar , Cottman Oskar , Andersson Erik , Dahlén Sofia , Lichtenstein Linn , Ivanov Volen Z , Mataix-Cols David , Rück Christian
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Most patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) do not receive evidence-based treatment. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) has found that a therapist-guided internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) programme for BDD (BDD-NET) can be delivered safely via the internet with significant improvements in BDD symptom severity in the short term. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the therapeutic gains of BDD-NET are maintained 2 years after treatment.

Setting

Academic medical centre.

Participants

A naturalistic 2-year follow-up study of the 88 self-referred adult outpatients with a diagnosis of BDD that had received BDD-NET within the context of the RCT.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome was the BDD-Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Responder status was defined as a ≥30% reduction in symptoms. Remission was defined as no longer meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition criteria for BDD. Secondary outcomes included measures of depression, global functioning and quality of life.

Results

The efficacy of BDD-NET was sustained long- term, with further improvements observed on the BDD-YBOCS during the follow-up period. At follow-up, 69% (95% CI 57% to 80%) were classified as responders and 56% (95% CI 43% to 69%) were in remission. Gains on depressive symptoms and global functioning were also sustained but not quality of life. A majority of participants reported that the main reason for seeking help for their BDD was the possibility to access the treatment from home.

Conclusion

BDD-NET is an effective treatment for BDD, and the patients’ gains are maintained in the long term. BDD-NET has the potential to increase access to CBT and may lower the threshold for BDD sufferers to seek help in the first place.

Trial registration number

NCT02010619.
Particulate matter emissions of four types of one cigarette brand with and without additives: a laser spectrometric particulate matter analysis of secondhand smoke
Authors: Braun Markus , Fromm Elsa-Luise , Gerber Alexander , Klingelhöfer Doris , Müller Ruth , Groneberg David A
Published: January 2019

Objective

Inhaled particulate matter (PM) in secondhand smoke (SHS) is deleterious for smokers and non-smokers. Different additives in cigarettes might effect the amount of PM. This study aimed to assess the influence of additives on the PM emissions from different cigarette types in SHS.

Design

An experimental study of PM measuring in SHS of cigarettes without exposition of any person.

Method

The concentrations of PM (PM10, PM2.5and PM1) in SHS of four different types of cigarettes of the brand Lucky Strike, two types with additives (Original Red, Original Blue) and two types without additives (Straight Red, Straight Blue), in comparison to the reference cigarette 3R4F were analysed. An automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter generated SHS in an enclosed space with a volume of 2.88 m3. PM was measured with a laser aerosol spectrometer (Grimm model 1.109). Afterwards, the measuring values of the four Lucky Strike brands and the reference cigarette were statistically evaluated and visualised.

Results

Lucky Strike Straight Blue, a cigarette type without additives and lower tar amount, showed 10% to 25% lower PM mean values compared with the other tested Lucky Strike products, but 21% (PM1) respectively 27% (PM2.5,PM10) higher mean values than the reference cigarette. The PM mean of all measured smoke-free baseline values (clean air) was 1.6 µg/m³. It increased up to about 1800 µg/m³ for the reference cigarette and up to about 3070 µg/m³ for the Lucky Strike Original Blue.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show the massive increase of PM amount by smoking cigarettes in enclosed spaces and suggest that additives in tobacco products increase the PM amount in SHS. For validation, further comparative studies are necessary focusing on the comparison of the PM concentration of cigarettes with and without additives.

Implications

Due to the exposure to SHS, 890 000 people die each year worldwide. PM in SHS endangers the health of both non-smokers and smokers. This study considers the effect of additives like aromatics and humectant agents in cigarettes on PM in SHS. Do additives in tobacco products increase the amount of PM?
Screening strategies for hypertension: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Schmidt Bey-Marrié , Durão Solange , Toews Ingrid , Bavuma Charlotte M , Meerpohl Joerg J , Kredo Tamara
Published: January 2019

Introduction

It is unclear whether early detection of hypertension, through screening, leads to healthier behaviours and better control of blood pressure levels. There is a need to learn from studies that have assessed the impact of different screening approaches on patient important outcomes. This systematic review protocol outlines the methods that will be used to assess the comparative effectiveness of different screening strategies (mass, targeted or opportunistic) for hypertension to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.

Methods and analysis

We will primarily search Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). Relevant randomised controlled trials, controlled before and after, interrupted time series and prospective analytic cohort studies regardless of publication date, language and geographic location, will be included. We are interested in clinical, adverse event and health system outcomes. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles against inclusion criteria; perform data extraction and assess risk of bias in included studies. We will assess the certainty of the overall evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach and report findings accordingly.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval will be sought, as only secondary studies will be used. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018093046.
Evaluation of instructions in patient information leaflets for the use of intranasal corticosteroid sprays: an observational study
Authors: Rollema Corine , van Roon Eric M , Schilder Anne GM , de Vries Tjalling W
Published: January 2019

Objectives

In this study, we analysed patient information leaflets (PILs) of intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCS) of different manufacturers in the UK to determine if instructions for the use of INCS are complete and uniform.

Setting

PILs of all INCS of all manufacturers, available for patients in the UK, were collected from the British National Formulary website and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency website. All instructions in these PILs were analysed.

Participants

We identified PILs of INCS from 21 different manufacturers, available for patients in the UK.

Results

We analysed the instructions for the use of INCS in 21 different PILs and there is large variation in the PIL instructions for the technique of using INCS across PILs.

Conclusion

Complete and uniform instructions for the use of INCS are lacking in PILs for registered preparations in the UK. Structured and standardised instructions to be used by both professionals and patients are essential in order to optimise daily use of INCS.
Deformation characteristics of saturated clay in three-dimensional cyclic stress state
Authors: Gu Chuan , Wang Yongzheng , Cai Yuanqiang , Wang Jun
Published: January 2019

The dynamic stress field induced by moving loads is three dimensional, involving the cyclic variation of major, intermediate, and minor principal stresses, while so far very limited laboratory studies have been undertaken on the one-way deformation behavior of saturated clays in three-dimensional stress state. In this study, an advanced true triaxial apparatus, which can apply cyclic major and intermediate principal stresses simultaneously, is employed to carry out a total of 65 one-way cyclic tests on both normally and overconsolidated clays. Four values of overconsolidation ratio (OCR), five values of bcyc, which is termed the coefficient of cyclic intermediate principal stress, and a wide range of cyclic stress ratios (CSR) are tested. Emphasis is put on the effects of bcyc and OCR on the characteristics of permanent major and intermediate principal strains. Test results show that the increase of bcyc significantly reduces the accumulation of major principal strain, and linear relationships are observed between the permanent major principal strain and bcyc for test data with the same CSR, OCR, and cycle number. A critical value of bcyc ≈ 0.5, at which the permanent intermediate principal strain changes from tension to compression, is observed for the remolded clay. Furthermore, an empirical model is proposed, allowing the long-term deformation of saturated clays to be predicted in three-dimensional cyclic stress state.
Using fine-scale spatial analysis to study behavioural strategies prevalence in wild groups of drift-feeding fish
Authors: Vivancos Aurélien , Closs Gerry
Published: January 2019

Key aspects of the social behaviour of groups of drift-feeding fish can be inferred by the way space is shared between group members, because they inhabit a very dynamic and complex environment where spatial positions have a direct impact on fitness-related traits. Therefore, the spatial analysis of such a system can reveal important insights into behavioural ecology of fish, but so far, technical constraints limited this approach to only large salmonids. We used a digital imaging technique to monitor movements and behaviour of free-ranging groups of juvenile galaxiids (Galaxias anomalus) facing two contrasting physical and social contexts. We described the spatial structure of these groups and studied individual space use in relation to their social behaviour. We found that prevalence of territorial behaviour differs greatly between sites, which suggests that groups were displaying different social organisation. This study showed that detailed spatial analysis of space use and behaviour of drift-feeding fish could provide new insights into the social organisation of group-living animals.
Understanding habitat co-occurrence and the potential for competition between native mammals and invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) at the northern edge of their range
Authors: O’Brien Paul , Vander Wal Eric , Koen Erin L. , Brown Carissa D. , Guy Jenn , van Beest Floris M. , Brook Ryan K.
Published: January 2019

Invasive species are a major contributor to biodiversity loss worldwide. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) are highly invasive in their introduced ranges; they modify habitat and threaten native species. As recent invaders in Canada, it is unknown what habitats wild pigs occupy at the northern edge of their range and how they affect mammalian diversity. We examined habitat factors that we predicted would affect co-occurrence of wild pigs with native mammals. We randomly placed 17 camera traps in four stratified habitat types (deciduous forest, grassland, cropland, and wetland) for 2 years to examine species co-occurrence in these habitats. We analyzed camera-trap data using nonmetric multidimensional scaling. Wild pig detection during winter was greatest in wetland and cropland and positively associated with occurrence of moose (Alces alces (Linnaeus, 1758)) and coyote (Canis latrans Say, 1823) and negatively associated with the presence of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)), and humans. In summer, we detected wild pigs only in grassland; these detections were positively associated with moose and mule deer and negatively associated with domesticated cattle (Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758), elk (Cervus canadensis Erxleben, 1777), and humans. We conclude that invasive wild pig occurrence at the northern edge of their Canadian range varies seasonally, by habitat, and is negatively affected by the presence of humans. Moreover, apparent co-occurrence with native fauna and avoidance of domestic species provides early evidence for potential competitive interactions.
Generation patterns, modified γ − Z mixing, and hidden sector with dark matter candidates as framed standard model results
Authors: Bordes José , Chan Hong-Mo , Tsou Sheung Tsun
Published: January 2019

A descriptive summary is given of the results to-date from the framed standard model (FSM) which:

Assigns geometric meaning to the Higgs field and to fermion generations, hence offering an explanation for the observed mass and mixing patterns of quarks and leptons, reproducing near-quantitatively 17 of SM parameters with only 7. Predicts a new vector boson [Formula: see text] which mixes with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], leading to deviations from the SM mixing scheme. For [Formula: see text] TeV, these deviations are within present experimental errors but should soon be detectable at LHC when experimental accuracy is further improved. Suggests the existence of a hidden sector of particles as yet unknown to experiment which interact but little with the known particles. The lowest members of the hidden sector of mass around 17 MeV, being electrically neutral and stable, may figure as dark matter constituents.

The idea is to retrace the steps leading to the above results unencumbered by details already worked out and reported elsewhere. This has helped to clarify the logic, tighten some arguments and dispense with one major assumption previously thought necessary, thus strengthening earlier results in opening up possibly a new and exciting vista for further exploration.
q-deformed Einstein equations from entropic force
Authors: Senay Mustafa , Kibaroğlu Salih
Published: January 2019

In this study, we investigate the influences of fermionic q-deformation on the Einstein equations by taking into account of Verlinde’s entropic gravity approach and Strominger’s proposal on quantum black holes. According to Verlinde’s proposal, gravity is interpreted as an entropic force. Moreover, Strominger’s suggestion claims that extremal black holes obey deformed statistics instead of the standard Bose or Fermi statistics. Inspired by Verlinde’s and Strominger’s suggestions, we represent some thermostatistical functions of VPJC-type q-deformed fermion gas model for the high-temperature limit. Applying the Verlinde’s entropic gravity approach to the q-deformed entropy function, q-deformed Einstein equations with the effective cosmological constant are derived. The results obtained in this work are compared with the related works in the literature.
Things that go bump in the night: From J/ψϕ to other mass spectrum
Authors: Yi Kai
Published: January 2019

This article summarizes a brief development of exotic mesons with vector–vector (VV) final states starting from the [Formula: see text] mass spectrum, as well as extensions to other final states for strong-interaction physics and physics beyond standard model. These VV final states are very suitable to be studied at the CEPC through associate production and two-photon production, as well as a visionary low energy photon collider.
331-Z′ mediated FCNC effects on b → dμ+μ− transitions
Authors: Singh Soram Robertson , MAWLONG Barilang
Published: January 2019

We study the rare semileptonic [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decay modes mediated by the quark level [Formula: see text] transition in this paper. We analyze observables such as the differential branching ratio, lepton polarization asymmetry and forward–backward asymmetry within the standard model in the large hadronic recoil region. We then analyze these observables within the 331 or [Formula: see text] model in which a new heavy [Formula: see text] boson contributes. The effects of the [Formula: see text]-mediated flavor changing neutral current (FCNC) transitions on these modes are examined by varying the mass [Formula: see text] and the model parameter [Formula: see text]. The new [Formula: see text] couplings are constrained by flavor observables of [Formula: see text] mixing. For the obtained parameter space, we observe [Formula: see text] sensitivities of our observables of interest and deviations from standard model can range from moderate to large depending on the [Formula: see text] value.
Computational Complexity Reduction of MMSE-IC MIMO Turbo Detection
Authors: Rizk Mostafa , Baghdadi Amer , Jézéquel Michel
Published: January 2019

High data rates and error-rate performance approaching close to theoretical limits are key trends for evolving digital wireless communication applications. To address the first requirement, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques are adopted in emergent wireless communication standards and applications. On the other hand, turbo concept is used to alleviate the destructive effects of the channel and ensure error-rate performance close to theoretical limits. At the receiver side, the incorporation of MIMO techniques and turbo processing leads to increased complexity that has a severe impact on computation speed, power consumption and implementation area. Because of its increased complexity, the detector is considered critical among all receiver components. Low-complexity algorithms are developed at the cost of decreased performance. Minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) solution with iterative detection and decoding shows an acceptable tradeoff. In this paper, the complexity of the MMSE algorithm in turbo detection context is investigated thoroughly. Algorithmic computations are surveyed to extract the characteristics of all involved parameters. Consequently, several decompositions are applied leading to enhanced performance and to a significant reduction of utilized computations. The complexity of the algorithm is evaluated in terms of real-valued operations. The proposed decompositions save an average of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of required operations for 2 [Formula: see text] 2 and 4 [Formula: see text] 4 MIMO systems, respectively. In addition, the hardware implementation designed applying the devised simplifications and decompositions outperforms available state-of-the-art implementations in terms of maximum operating frequency, execution time, and performance.