bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of an Anionic Gemini Surfactant for Enhanced Oil Recovery in a Hypersaline Reservoir
Authors: Chen Zhaojun , Mi Huan , Liu Xin , Xia Kai , Ge Fang , Li Xiaoyang , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: September 2019

A new type of anionic Gemini surfactant (AGS) was designed and prepared by a simple, low–cost, and green method, and its properties were characterized. The results showed that the values of parameters such as critical micelle concentration (CMC) value, Γmax, Amin, and pC20 of AGS were 0.10 mmol L−1, 1.62 mmol m−2, 1.02 nm2, and 4.60, respectively, indicating that AGS is highly surface active. AGS has a very good synergistic effect with lauryl diethanol amide (6501), and the mixture surfactant 6501DA (composed of AGS and 6501 with a mass ratio of 1:2.5) has good wetting and emulsifying ability of the crude oil and good resistance to calcium and magnesium ions. In the temperature range from 50 to 70 °C, salinity of 20,000–50,000 mg L−1 of the simulated formation water, and dosage of 6501DA from 500 to 3000 mg L−1, all the interfacial tension (IFT) values between the 6501DA solution and Bamianhe crude oil were lower than 10−2 mN m−1, and all the adsorption amounts of oil sand to 6501DA in solution were less than 2 mg g−1, indicating that AGS has potential for application in EOR in a hypersaline reservoir.
Gastric cancer in the remnant stomach after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A case series
Authors: Sonoda Keita , Samdani Rashmi T. , Ikoma Naruhiko , Kaya Dilsa Mizrak , Blum‐Murphy Mariela , Ajani Jaffer A. , Badgwell Brian D. , Katz Matthew H. , Rashid Asif , Estrella Jeannelyn S.
Published: September 2019

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) occasionally develops in the remnant stomach following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). In those who have undergone PD for adenocarcinoma, however, the interval and frequency of anastomotic GC are unknown.

Methods

We searched our institutional database for patients who had undergone PD for adenocarcinoma and subsequently developed GC between 1994 and 2018 and found six patients. We summarized the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of these patients with anastomotic GC.

Results

The median interval from PD to development of GC was 111.5 months. Four patients underwent curative resection of gastrojejunal anastomosis. Pathologic analysis showed signet ring cell carcinoma in four patients. The median overall survival after developing GC was 61 months.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that GC in the remnant stomach after PD is rare but can occur at gastrojejunostomy anastomosis after a prolonged period. Periodic and long‐term follow‐up +/− surveillance endoscopy to facilitate early detection of GC in the remnant stomach is recommended, particularly for symptomatic patients. Recognition of the anastomotic tumor as a second primary and not a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma recurrence/metastasis is crucial in the optimal treatment of these patients, as curative resection of early‐stage GC may prolong survival.
Real‐world evidence for increased deep neck infection risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chang Geng‐He , Ding Meng‐Chang , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Liu Chia‐Yen , Chang Pey‐Jium , Lee Chuan‐Pin , Lin Meng‐Hung , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Wu Ching‐Yuan , Lin Ko‐Ming , Tsai Ming‐Shao
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and deep neck infection (DNI).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with RA between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Moreover, patients without RA were randomly selected and matched at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, urbanization level, income, and diabetes mellitus. The patients were followed up until death or the end of the study period (December 31, 2013). The primary outcome was the occurrence of DNI.

Results

In total, 30,207 patients with RA and 120,828 matched patients without RA were enrolled. Patients with RA had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of DNI than those without RA (P < 0.001). The adjusted Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that RA was significantly associated with a higher incidence of DNI (hazard ratio: 2.80, 95% confidence interval: 2.26–3.46, P < 0.001). Therapeutic methods (surgical or nonsurgical) did not differ significantly between the patients with RA‐DNI and with non–RA‐DNI. Patients with RA‐DNI had higher rates of tracheostomy, mediastinitis, mediastinitis‐related mortality, and mortality than patients with non–RA‐DNI, although these differences were without statistical significance. RA patients receiving no therapy experienced higher rates of DNI compared with those receiving methotrexate alone, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biologic therapies.

Conclusion

This study is the first to investigate the association between RA and DNI. We conclude RA is an independent predisposing factor for DNI.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1402–1407, 2020
Exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) in children and young adults: From referral to diagnosis
Authors: Shay Elizabeth O. , Sayad Edouard , Milstein Claudio F.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To identify different presentations, referral patterns, comorbidities, and laryngoscopy findings in children and young adults with exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO).

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 112 patients, age <26 years, with EILO between 2013 and 2016.

Results

Of the 112 patients who met criteria, 91 were female and 21 were male. Patients were most frequently referred by pulmonologists (60.7%). The majority of patients (93%) participated in organized sports, most of them at a competitive level. The mean age at symptom onset was 13.8 ± 3.3 years, and the mean age of diagnosis was 15.4 ± 3.0 years. Sixty‐seven (59.8%) patients presented with a prior diagnosis of asthma, the majority of whom had failed asthma treatment. The most common symptoms reported were dyspnea (93.8%), wheezing/stridor (78.6%), and throat tightness (48.2%). Ninety‐one (81.3%) patients had spirometry performed, with 46 (51.1%) showing inspiratory loop flattening. On flexible laryngoscopy, 87 (78.4%) of 111 patients had paradoxical vocal fold motion. Supraglottic involvement was observed to obstruct the airway in 26 (23.9%) patients, with patterns of obstruction similar to those observed in children with laryngomalacia.

Conclusion

Most patients participated in competitive sports, were female, and presented with exertional dyspnea. Most patients were diagnosed with exercise‐induced asthma but treated unsuccessfully. Almost one‐quarter of our patients showed supraglottic collapse obstructing the airway. Exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction is a more descriptive term than paradoxical vocal fold motion or vocal cord dysfunction, which only describe vocal fold involvement. The time to diagnosis of EILO was shorter than previously reported, suggesting that awareness of this condition is increasing.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E400–E406, 2020
Esophageal Manometry, pH Testing, Endoscopy, and Videofluoroscopy in Patients With Globus Sensation
Authors: Van Daele Douglas J.
Published: September 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Combine techniques commonly employed in the clinical workup of patients with isolated globus sensation to identify the most common pharyngoesophageal abnormality. The primary aim was to retrospectively review high‐resolution manometry, pH probe testing, contrast videofluoroscopy, and endoscopy studies in patients with a primary complaint of globus sensation. The specific hypothesis was esophageal high‐resolution manometry identifies the most significant proportion of abnormalities compared to all other modalities.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

An inclusive retrospective chart review was performed for patients evaluated between 2009 and 2016 with the primary complaint of globus sensation. Age at testing, self‐identified gender, associated diagnoses, and results from each modality were collected. Descriptive statistics and pairwise comparisons were performed as well as sensitivity and specificity calculations.

Results

One hundred seventy‐two patients met inclusion criteria. The cohort had an age range of 22.7 to 88.5 years and was predominantly female. Esophageal manometry identified abnormalities in 62.8% of patients, and pH testing identified abnormal acidification in approximately 20%. The esophagram identified abnormalities in 24% of patients, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy identified abnormalities in 22%. Modified barium swallows were normal in 93% of patients. Measures of sensitivity and specificity of other modalities were poor compared to esophageal manometry and pH testing.

Conclusions

Patients with isolated globus sensation have evidence of esophageal dysmotility and laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux disease in high proportions. Esophageal high‐resolution manometry testing identifies the greatest proportion of abnormalities of the investigated modalities.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2120–2125, 2020
Tetraphenylsilane‐Cored Star‐Shaped Amphiphilic Block Copolymers for pH‐Responsive Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Shang Yingqi , Guo Lingxiao , Wang Zhonggang
Published: September 2019

Four‐arm star‐shaped poly[2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]‐b‐poly[2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate]s block copolymers using tetraphenylsilane (TPS) as a core with adjustable arm lengths are synthesized through two‐step atom transfer radical polymerizations. For comparison, a linear block copolymer with similar molecular weight is also prepared. The assembled star‐shaped copolymer micelles exhibit sizes of 102–139 nm and critical micelle concentrations of 1.49–3.93 mg L−1. Moreover, the bulky and rigid TPS core is advantageous for propping up the four star‐shaped arms to generate large intersegmental space. As a result, the drug‐loading capacity in the micelles is up to 33.97 wt%, much surpassing the linear counterpart (8.92 wt%) and the previously reported star‐shaped copolymers prepared using pentaerythritol as the core. Furthermore, the micelles show sensitive pH‐responsive drug release when the pH changes from 7.4 to 5.0. The in vitro cytotoxicity to Hela cells indicates that the doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded micelles have similar anticancer activity to the pristine DOX. The combination of excellent micelle stability, high drug‐loading, sensitive pH response, and good anticancer activity endows the copolymers with promising application in drug control delivery for anticancer therapy.
Some comparison principles for fractional differential equations and systems
Authors: Alshabanat Amal , Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem
Published: September 2019

We consider certain classes of fractional differential equations and systems involving weighted fractional derivatives. We establish some comparison principles, and we study the uniqueness and the continuity with respect to the data.
The independent contributions of gender stereotypes and gender identification in predicting primary school pupils’ expectancies of success in STEM fields
Authors: Selimbegović Leila , Karabegović Mia , Blažev Mirta , Burušić Josip
Published: September 2019

On the basis of the expectancy‐value theory of achievement, this paper aims to examine the relative contributions of gender‐stereotype endorsement and gender identification on expectancies for success in STEM fields. In a sample of 880 Croatian primary school pupils of approximately 12 years of age, stereotyped beliefs about gender‐appropriateness of STEM‐related professions (stereotype endorsement) and self‐perception as a typical representative of one's gender (gender identification) were first assessed. Participants also reported their expectations for success in each of the STEM‐related professions previously used for establishing stereotype endorsement. Stereotype endorsement and gender identification separately interacted with gender to predict expectancies for success in STEM‐related professions. Higher levels of stereotype endorsement and gender identification fostered stereotype‐consistent expectancies for success in STEM fields (higher expectancies for boys than for girls). Implications are discussed in terms of strategies to encourage girls to engage in STEM‐related careers.
Miliary tuberculosis leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome: Clinical experience in pediatric intensive care
Authors: Piastra Marco , Picconi Enzo , Morena Tony C. , Valentini Piero , Buonsenso Danilo , Conti Giorgio , Antonelli Massimo , Wolfler Andrea M. , Chidini Giovanna , Pons‐Òdena Martí , De Pascale Gennaro ,   on behalf of the INTREPID group
Published: September 2019

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a rare complication of miliary tuberculosis (TB) in the adult setting, and it is even less common in the pediatric population. The presence of comorbidities and the possibility of a delayed diagnosis may further impair the clinical prognosis of critically ill patients with disseminated TB and acute respiratory failure. In this report, we present a case series of five pediatric patients with miliary TB and ARDS, where rescue and multimodal respiratory support strategies have been applied with a favorable outcome in more than half of them. The burden of miliary TB over time on a general pediatric intensive care unit—including two ARDS patients—is also illustrated.
Obesity, but not metabolic control, is associated with muscle strength and endurance in diabetic older adults
Authors: Bassi‐Dibai Daniela , Dibai‐Filho Almir Vieira , Carvalho Lívia Pinheiro , de Melo Bianca Cardoso , Pedrosa Letícia Bomfim , Mendes Renata Gonçalves , Caruso Flávia Cristina Rossi , Borghi‐Silva Audrey
Published: September 2019

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the association between muscle function, body composition, and metabolic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).

Methods

Forty‐eight individuals with DM2 were divided into four groups according to the severity of obesity (body mass index [BMI]: lean [LN, n = 10], overweight [OW, n = 16], obese class I [OBI, n = 15], and obese class II [OBII, n = 7]). Absolute peak torque (TQ), relative peak torque (TQ/body weight [BW]), total work (TW), and fatigue index (FI) were assessed by means of an isokinetic dynamometer during concentric knee extensor contraction. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to estimate the association between measurements.

Results

Although OBII had higher insulin levels than both LN and OW groups, no significant differences were found between groups for TQ, TQ/BW, TW, and FI, as well as between metabolic variables and muscle measurements. There was a positive correlation between BMI and TQ (rs = .45) and resistance tests, between BMI and TQ (rs = .43), and TW (rs = .37).

Conclusion

Metabolic variables do not correlate with muscle strength and endurance in DM2. However, severity of obesity measured by the BMI is positively associated with muscle force‐generating capacity and endurance.
Molecular dynamics study of interactions between polymorphic actin filaments and gelsolin segment‐1
Authors: Lee Myeongsang , Kang Ellen H.
Published: September 2019

The assembly of protein actin into double‐helical filaments promotes many eukaryotic cellular processes that are regulated by actin‐binding proteins (ABPs). Actin filaments can adopt multiple conformations, known as structural polymorphism, which possibly influences the interaction between filaments and ABPs. Gelsolin is a Ca2+‐regulated ABP that severs and caps actin filaments. Gelsolin binding modulates filament structure; however, it is not known how polymorphic actin filament structures influence an interaction of gelsolin S1 with the barbed‐end of filament. Herein, we investigated how polymorphic structures of actin filaments affect the interactions near interfaces between the gelsolin segment 1 (S1) domain and the filament barbed‐end. Using all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that different tilted states of subunits modulate gelsolin S1 interactions with the barbed‐end of polymorphic filaments. Hydrogen bonding and interaction energy at the filament‐gelsolin S1 interface indicate distinct conformations of filament barbed ends, resulting in different interactions of gelsolin S1. This study demonstrates that filament's structural multiplicity plays important roles in the interactions of actin with ABPs.
Analysis of dispersion behavior of aluminum powder in a 20 L chamber with two symmetric nozzles
Authors: Yao Ning , Wang Liqiong , Bai Chunhua , Liu Nan , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2019

Although aluminum (Al) powder is a potential fuel that has been widely used in many important fields, Al powders are dangerous because of its flammable and explosive characteristics. From this point of view, the investigation of the explosion characteristics of Al powders is of critical importance. The characteristics of a dust explosion are closely related to the dispersion behavior of the powders. The purpose of this research is to analyze the dispersion behavior of Al powder and the uniformity of dust cloud. The dispersion process of Al powders was studied using a high‐speed camera. Image processing technology was applied to obtain the transmission value of the light beam passing through the Al dust cloud at different locations within a vessel. The images obtained by the high‐speed camera indicated that the dispersion process had three stages, that is, a fast injection stage, diffusion stage, and stabilization stage. By examining the transmission‐time histories at 13 different locations in the chamber and at various Al concentrations (from 100 to 800 g/m3), the decay behavior of transmission under different concentrations was obtained, and the decay time fluctuated from 44 to 68 ms. By comparing the deviation of transmission at different locations and for various concentrations in the stabilization stage, the maximum SD obtained was 8.2%, that meant the dust clouds were relatively uniform. Finally, based on the experimental results, the ignition delay time (after which the powder/air mixture is considered homogeneous) corresponding to different dust concentrations should be different to ensure the accuracy of explosion characteristics test.
Determination of hormones in human urine by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Yanqiu , Cai Zongwei
Published: September 2019

Steroid hormones play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of human metabolism. Urine as a noninvasive sample has been extensively used in clinical diagnosis for hormones homeostasis. In this study, the simultaneous characterization of fourteen hormones in urine was performed based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPHLC/ESI(+)‐MS/MS) with multiple reaction monitoring in the positive ionization mode. The target hormones were cortisone, cortisol, 11‐deoxycortisol, aldosterone, corticosterone, 11‐deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, 17‐OH‐progesterone, pregnenolone, estrone, estradiol, estriol, testosterone and dehydreopiandrosterone. β‐Glucuronidase/sulfatase deconjugation and liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) were conducted for the determination of urinary hormones (free + conjugated forms). The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.2 ng/mL (11‐deoxycortisol and testosterone) to 1 ng/mL (cortisone). The extraction recovery of the targeted compounds ranged from 87% to 127%, indicating sufficient extraction efficiency for the LLE process. Intraday precision was below 10% and the accuracy ranged from 84% to 122%. The profiling analysis of hormones in urine samples helps to understand the metabolic state of biological systems and can be employed as a diagnostic tool in diseases developed by endocrine‐disrupted systems.
Re‐envisioning the purpose of early warning systems: Shifting the mindset from student identification to meaningful prediction and intervention
Authors: McMahon Brian M. , Sembiante Sabrina F.
Published: September 2019

Emphasis in school dropout literature has shifted from exploring wide‐ranging causes of dropping out to soliciting a smaller number of predictive indicators to identify students at increased risk for dropping out. However, much of the past decade's Early Warning research excludes indicators that do not add to the predictive nature of the model even if they might inform intervention. Considering this shift and the relative infancy of Early Warning research, this paper presents a critical systematic review of the literature surrounding dropout and Early Warning System(s) (EWS). Through a focus and evaluation of student‐level indicators, we present an argument of how an effectiveEWScan bridge the gap between the prediction of dropout events and underlying causes, while providing actionable information for schools to intervene. Finally, we present preliminary data that demonstrate the potential of elementary‐level student‐level indicators as an avenue for shifting the focus ofEWSfrom student identification to meaningful prediction and intervention. The results show how the student‐level indicators explored in this paper can effectively identify students at these grade levels who are on‐ and off‐track to graduation. We discuss the implications of evidence warranting the position that dropping out of school can be predicted as early as the elementary grade levels and its potential to drive future research in this area.
Investing in the S&P 500 index: Can anything beat the buy‐and‐hold strategy?
Authors: Dichtl Hubert
Published: September 2019

Determining whether investment strategies exist that provide higher (risk‐adjusted) returns than buying and holding the S&P 500 stock market index is not only highly relevant for finance theory, but also for the asset management industry. This study conducts a comprehensive test using realistic investment strategies based on monthly seasonalities, technical indicators, and fundamental factors (over 4,100 strategies in total). To assess statistical significance, we use Hansen's data‐snooping‐resistant SPA test. The results show that only investment strategies trying to exploit underreaction and overreaction effects with technical indicators dominate the buy‐and‐hold strategy in some simulation setups. These investment strategies are clearly superior to the strategies based on seasonalities and fundamental factors. Given that underreaction and overreaction effects are mainly justified with cognitive biases, our results support the economic relevance of behavioral finance insights.
Integrating narratives into decision making for complex systems engineering design issues
Authors: MacKenzie Cameron A. , Bryden Kristy A. , Prisacari Anna A.
Published: September 2019

Engineering decision making and design requires collaboration between groups from different disciplines, each with different tools, vocabulary, and concerns. Traditional engineering decision‐making tools are generally based on understanding the decision makers’ values, modeling uncertainty with probability, and selecting the alternative that maximizes utility. This rational approach to decision making may not be well understood or used by many stakeholders involved in the engineering design process. Constructing narratives, a basic means of human communication, may aid in engineering communication and comprehension and help with decision making. Narratives represent events by means of a story and usually include characters or agents who cause events and to whom events happen. This paper recommends three methods for how the use of narrative can be applied to the area of engineering decision making. These methods include connecting the decision maker to the analysis, creating narrative simulations for training decision makers, and fostering consensus in problems with multiple stakeholders. An illustrative example of designing a better cookstove for the developing world demonstrates the role that understanding narratives of various stakeholders can play for accomplishing complex systems engineering.
Correction to: Prediction Modeling Methodology
Authors: Dankers Frank J. W. M. , Traverso Alberto , Wee Leonard , van Kuijk Sander M. J.
Published: September 2019

Correction to: Chapter 8 in: P. Kubben et al. (eds.), Fundamentals of Clinical Data Science,10.1007/978-3-319-99713-1_8
Comparative Performance of the 7th and 8th Editions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual for Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Fisher Sarah B. , Habra Mouhammed A. , Chiang Yi‐Ju , Wu Si‐Yuan , Graham Paul H. , Grubbs Elizabeth G. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Perrier Nancy D.
Published: September 2019

Background

The American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging manual for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) redefines T stage to include large vessel invasion (T4, previously undescribed) and restricts stage IV to those with distant metastases. We evaluated the prognostic power of the 8th edition.

Methods

Patients with ACC treated between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, were identified. Overall survival (OS) was compared using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Of 290 patients evaluated, the change in T stage nomenclature impacted 13 (4.5%) who were previously categorized as T3; 61 had large vessel involvement but were already T4 based on invasion of adjacent organs. The restriction of stage IV to patients with distant metastases downstaged 41 (14.1%; T4N0M0 or T3–4N1M0) to stage III. In the 7th edition, the hazard ratio (HR) for death was similar between patients with stage II and III disease, with 5‐year OS 66.7%, 54.4%, 57.2%, and 14.0% (stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively). In the 8th edition, stages I and II remain unchanged, with 5‐year OS for stage III and IV 44.1% and 9.2%, respectively. The c‐index for the 7th and 8th editions was similar (83.4 and 82.7, respectively).

Conclusions

While 8th edition changes impact a relatively small proportion of ACC patients, they represent progress toward a common staging system that accurately reflects prognosis. In the 8th edition, the inclusion of patients with T4 tumors or nodal disease as stage III rather than IV results in improved stratification between stages II and III.
Association of artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened soft drinks with β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and type 2 diabetes: the Maastricht Study
Authors: den Biggelaar Louise J. C. J. , Sep Simone J. S. , Mari Andrea , Ferrannini Ele , van Dongen Martien C. J. M. , Wijckmans Nicole E. G. , Schram Miranda T. , van der Kallen Carla J. , Schaper Nicolaas , Henry Ronald M. A. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Eussen Simone J. P. M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverage consumptions have both been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) risk. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential underlying associations with dynamic pancreatic β-cell function (BCF) and insulin sensitivity.

Methods

We evaluated cross-sectional associations in 2240 individuals (mean ± SD age 59.6 ± 8.18, 49.4% male, 21.9% T2D) participating in a diabetes-enriched population-based cohort. Artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened soft drinks and juice consumption were assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire. Glucose metabolism status, insulin sensitivity, and BCF were measured by a seven-point oral glucose tolerance test. Regression analyses were performed to assess associations of artificially and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with measures of glucose homeostasis. Associations were adjusted for potential confounders, and additionally with and without total energy intake and BMI, as these variables could be mediators.

Results

Moderate consumption of artificially sweetened soft drink was associated with lower β-cell glucose sensitivity [standardized beta (95% CI), − 0.06 (− 0.11, − 0.02)], total insulin secretion [β − 0.06 (− 0.10, − 0.02)], and with lower β-cell rate sensitivity [odds ratio (95% CI), 1.29 (1.03, 1.62)] compared to abstainers. Daily artificially sweetened soft drink consumption was associated with lower β-cell glucose sensitivity [β − 0.05 (− 0.09, 0.00)], and total insulin secretion [β − 0.05 − 0.09, − 0.01)] compared to abstainers.

Conclusions

Moderate and daily consumption of artificially sweetened soft drinks was associated with lower BCF, but not with insulin sensitivity. No evidence was found for associations of sugar-sweetened soft drink and juice consumption with BCF or insulin sensitivity in this middle-aged population. Prospective studies are warranted to further investigate the associations of artificially and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with non-fasting insulin sensitivity and multiple BCF aspects.
How satisfied are cervical dystonia patients after 3 years of botulinum toxin type A treatment? Results from a prospective, long-term observational study
Authors:   the INTEREST IN CD2 study group, Colosimo Carlo , Charles David , Misra Vijay P. , Maisonobe Pascal , Om Savary
Published: September 2019

Background

Patients with cervical dystonia (CD) typically require regular injections of botulinum toxin to maintain symptomatic control. We aimed to document long-term patient satisfaction with CD symptom control in a large cohort of patients treated in routine practice.

Methods

This was a prospective, international, observational study (NCT01753349) following the course of adult CD treated with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) over 3 years. A comprehensive clinical assessment status was performed at each injection visit and subjects reported satisfaction in two ways: satisfaction with symptom control at peak effect and at the end of treatment cycle.

Results

Subject satisfaction remained relatively stable from the first to the last injection visit. At 3 years, 89.9% of subjects reported satisfaction with symptom control at peak effect and 55.6% reported satisfaction with symptom control at end of treatment cycle. By contrast, objective ratings of CD severity showed an overall reduction over 3 years. Mean ± SD Toronto Western Spasmodic Rating Scale (TWSTRS) Total scores (clinician assessed at end of treatment cycle) decreased from 31.59 ± 13.04 at baseline to 24.49 ± 12.43 at 3 years (mean ± SD reduction from baseline of − 6.97 ± 11.56 points). Tsui scale scores also showed gradual improvement; the percent of subjects with a tremor component score of 4 reduced from 12.4% at baseline to 8.1% at 3 years.

Conclusions

Despite objective clinical improvements over 3 years, subject satisfaction with symptom control remained relatively constant, indicating that factors other than symptom control also play a role in patient satisfaction.
Cluster-based Kriging approximation algorithms for complexity reduction
Authors: van Stein Bas , Wang Hao , Kowalczyk Wojtek , Emmerich Michael , Bäck Thomas
Published: September 2019

KrigingorGaussian Process Regressionis applied in many fields as a non-linear regression model as well as a surrogate model in the field of evolutionary computation. However, the computational and space complexity of Kriging, that is cubic and quadratic in the number of data points respectively, becomes a major bottleneck with more and more data available nowadays. In this paper, we propose a general methodology for the complexity reduction, called cluster Kriging, where the whole data set is partitioned into smaller clusters and multiple Kriging models are built on top of them. In addition, four Kriging approximation algorithms are proposed as candidate algorithms within the new framework. Each of these algorithms can be applied to much larger data sets while maintaining the advantages and power of Kriging. The proposed algorithms are explained in detail and compared empirically against a broad set of existing state-of-the-art Kriging approximation methods on a well-defined testing framework. According to the empirical study, the proposed algorithms consistently outperform the existing algorithms. Moreover, some practical suggestions are provided for using the proposed algorithms.
AU Pegasi revisited: period evolution and orbital elements of a peculiar Type II Cepheid
Authors: Csörnyei Géza , Szabados László
Published: September 2019

New analysis on the period changes of Type II Cepheid AU Peg is presented. The available recent photometric measurements were collected and analysed with various methods. The period has been found to be constant for certain time intervals, although increasing in overall, in contrast with the previous expectations, which suggested the period change to reverse. Superimposed on overall period change, a formerly unknown periodic behaviour has been found in the $O-C$
O
−
C
diagram of AU Peg, which cannot be matched to the radial velocity variations. Since the Cepheid is a member of a binary system, it is probable that the unusual period change is in connection with the companion’s tidal force. The orbital elements of the binary system involving AU Peg have been also revised.
Disengagement, engagement and digital skills in technology-enhanced learning
Authors: Bergdahl Nina , Nouri Jalal , Fors Uno
Published: September 2019

With the digitalisation of education increasing, the relationship between student engagement in Technology-enhanced Learning (TEL) and digital skills has remained largely unexplored. There is a strong consensus that engagement is necessary for students to succeed in school. We hypothesised that students reporting high and low levels of general engagement display differences in terms of their engagement in TEL, and that students’ digital skills correlate with their engagement in and disengagement in TEL, which in turn is related to their learning outcomes. We used statistical tests to explore the relationship between the students’ (N = 410) general engagement and engagement in TEL, and investigated how digital skills were related to engagement and disengagement in TEL. We found significant correlations between students’ digital skills and engagement in TEL, showing that the possession of high levels of digital skill is related to engagement in TEL. Interestingly, digital skills were not related to disengagement. This suggests that students reporting both high and low levels of digital skills disengage to some extent when learning with technologies. We also identified variables reflecting both engagement and disengagement in TEL that predict student performance as measured via final grades, implying that in order to understand and support students who learn with technologies, a broader understanding of the factors influencing engagement and disengagement is key.
Correction to: 57Fe Mössbauer spectra from fluorinated phases of Fe0.50 M0.50(M = co,mg)Sb2O4
Authors: Berry Frank J. , de Laune Benjamin P. , Greaves Colin , Thomas Michael F. , Jumas Jean-Claude
Published: September 2019

Due to technical constraints this article was published in volume 240:1 with erroneous article citation ID number 7 whereas this should have been 77 which is corrected as such. Springer Nature sincerely apologizes towards the author(s) for the inconvenience caused.
Two new genera of Acanthaceae from tropical Africa
Authors: Darbyshire Iain , Kiel Carrie A. , Daniel Thomas F. , McDade Lucinda A. , Luke W. R. Quentin
Published: September 2019

DNA sequence data, macro-morphological evidence and pollen analysis are used to clarify the phylogenetic placement of two African species of Acanthaceae: Schaueria populifolia C.B.Clarke and Rhinacanthus ndorensis Schweinf. The combined data demonstrate that these species are only distantly related to the genera in which they are currently placed and provide strong support for recognition of new genera to accommodate them. Two new genera are therefore proposed and a taxonomic account is provided for each of these. The first, Champluviera I.Darbysh., T.F.Daniel & C.A.Kiel, is based primarily on S. populifolia but Chlamydocardia nuda C.B.Clarke (= Justicia tigrina Heine) is also included within this new genus based on shared morphological traits, at least one of which is synapomorphic and restricted to these species. Based on molecular evidence, Champluviera is placed in a well-supported clade of several genera that are together sister to the core Isoglossinae lineage of tribe Justicieae. The genus may be recognised morphologically by the combination of a dense spiciform terminal thyrse with the bracts, bracteoles and calyx lobes all slender and closely resembling one another; a bilabiate corolla lacking a rugula and with intricate speckling or striping on the lips; and, in particular, the putatively synapomorphic trait of anther thecae with broad, flattened, basal appendages that have an irregularly toothed fringe. The second new genus, Kenyacanthus I.Darbysh. & C.A.Kiel, is based on R. ndorensis and is so far thought to be monospecific. It is placed between core Diclipterinae and Monechma Group II within the expanded subtribe Diclipterinae in tribe Justicieae. Kenyacanthus can be recognised morphologically by having the combination of a trailing or procumbent habit; fasciculate inflorescences; bracts, bracteoles and calyces with hyaline margins; a bilabiate corolla with a slender cylindrical tube longer than the limb and with a shallow rugula; stenotribic flowers, with the stamens held against the lower lip; and anthers with only slightly offset thecae that lack appendages.
Heterotopic Brain Tissue in the Spinal Canal: a Report of an Unusual Case with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Mazurek Marek , Kulesza Bartłomiej , Jarosz Bożena , Janusz Witold , Rola Radosław
Published: September 2019

Heterotopia refers to cells displaced from normal sites, when they are in an aberrant location within their organ of origin. Heterotopic neuroglial tissues are usually located in the nasal region. We present acase of a 69-year-old man with a long history of lumbosacral pain with paresis of the inferior limb. MRI examination detected a cystic tumor located at the L1-L2 level. Histologic examination revealed presence of heterotopic neuroglial tissues, containing synaptophysin, glial cells, and meninges.
Sharing the Load: How Do Coresident Children Influence the Allocation of Work and Schooling in Northwestern Tanzania?
Authors: Hedges Sophie , Lawson David W. , Todd Jim , Urassa Mark , Sear Rebecca
Published: September 2019

Economic and evolutionary models of parental investment often predict education biases toward earlier-born children, resulting from either household resource dilution or parental preference. Previous research, however, has not always found these predicted biases—perhaps because in societies where children work, older children are more efficient at household tasks and substitute for younger children, whose time can then be allocated to school. The role of labor substitution in determining children’s schooling remains uncertain, however, because few studies have simultaneously considered intrahousehold variation in both children’s education and work. Here, we investigate the influence of coresident children on education, work, and leisure in northwestern Tanzania, using detailed time use data collected from multiple children per household (n = 1,273). We find that age order (relative age, compared with coresident children) within the household is associated with children’s time allocation, but these patterns differ by gender. Relatively young girls do less work, have more leisure time, and have greater odds of school enrollment than older girls. We suggest that this results from labor substitution: older girls are more efficient workers, freeing younger girls’ time for education and leisure. Conversely, relatively older boys have the highest odds of school enrollment among coresident boys, possibly reflecting traditional norms regarding household work allocation and age hierarchies. Gender is also important in household work allocation: boys who coreside with more girls do fewer household chores. We conclude that considering children as both producers and consumers is critical to understanding intrahousehold variation in children’s schooling and work.
Op metastasen gerichte behandeling van prostaatcarcinoom
Authors: Leyten Gisèle H. J. M. , van Oort Inge M. , Bergman Andries M.
Published: September 2019

Samenvatting

Het aantal behandelmogelijkheden voor gemetastaseerd prostaatkanker en castratieresistent prostaatkanker is het laatste decennium belangrijk toegenomen. Van abirateron, enzalutamide, cabazitaxel en radium-223 is reeds een overlevingswinst aangetoond. In dit overzichtsartikel zullen we de huidige behandelmogelijkheden en de nieuwste ontwikkelingen op het gebied van gemetastaseerd prostaatcarcinoom bespreken, onder andere nieuwe indicaties zoals ‘upfront’ abirateron, en mogelijke toekomstige behandelingen zoals 177Lu-PSMA-617 behandeling, en de ontwikkelingen op het gebied van immunotherapie. Ook zullen wij de huidige gegevens over de meerwaarde van behandelen van de patiënt met oligometastasen bespreken.
Investigation of calcium phosphate (CaP) tribofilms from commercial automatic transmission fluids (ATFs) and their correlation with antishudder performance
Authors: Di Zechao , Xu Jingjing , Liu Yang , Jiang Yu , Huang Dongsheng , Cui Haitao , Liu Zhongguo , Zhao Zhiyu , Li Shaohui
Published: September 2019

The friction properties of wet clutches are highly dependent on the surface tribofilms formed by automatic transmission fluids (ATFs). Here, four commercial ATFs were evaluated with a disc-on-disc tribometer to study tribofilm formation on steel surfaces and the effects of tribofilms on the friction properties. The chemical composition, stoichiometry, structure, and thickness of the tribofilms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Calcium phosphate (CaP) tribofilms form on the friction surface with all ATFs, which contributes to their antishudder characteristics. The thickness and surface coverage of CaP tribofilms are positively correlated with their antishudder properties.
Erratum to: Lubrication of dry sliding metallic contacts by chemically prepared functionalized graphitic nanoparticles
Authors: Samanta Suprakash , Singh Santosh Kumar , Sahoo Rashmi R.
Published: September 2019

The original version of this article unfortunately contained incorrect author’s name and address. On the first page of this article, instead ofSuprakash SAMANTA1,2, Santosh SINGH1, Rashmi R. SAHOO1,2,*1Surface Engineering & Tribology Division, CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur 713209, India2Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India

It should readSuprakash SAMANTA1,2, Santosh Kumar SINGH1, Rashmi R. SAHOO1,2,*1Enviromental Engineering Group, CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur 713209, India2Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
A New Kaolin Deposit in Western Africa: Mineralogical and Compositional Features of Kaolinite from Caluquembe (Angola)
Authors: Tauler Esperança , Xu Jingyao , Campeny Marc , Amores Sandra , Melgarejo Joan Carles , Martinez Salvador , Gonçalves Antonio O.
Published: September 2019

Large kaolin deposits developed by weathering on Precambrian granitic rocks have been discovered in the Caluquembe area, Huíla province, Angola. To determine accuracy of analysis and to evaluate the kaolinite grade, a full-profile Rietveld refinement by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used. Caluquembe kaolin is composed mainly of kaolinite (44–93 wt.%), quartz (0–23 wt.%), and feldspar (4–14 wt.%). The Aparicio-Galán-Ferrell index (AGFI), calculated by XRPD profile refinement, indicates low- and medium-defect kaolinite. Kaolinite particles show a platy habit and they stack together forming ‘booklets’ or radial aggregates; they also occur as small anhedral particles in a finer-grained mass. Muscovite-kaolinite intergrowths have also been found. Whole-rock chemical analysis included major, trace, and Rare Earth Elements (REE). Chondrite-normalized REE patterns show the same tendency for all samples, with a significant enrichment in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE). Mineralogical and compositional features of the Caluquembe kaolin indicate that it is a suitable material for the manufacture of structural products, such as bricks, paving stones, and roofing tiles. In addition, the significant REE contents of the Caluquembe kaolin can be considered as a potential future target of mining exploration.
Make development great again? Accumulation regimes, spaces of sovereign exception and the elite development paradigm of China's Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Gonzalez-Vicente Ruben
Published: September 2019

This article studies what I describe as “state-coordinated investment partnerships,” an investment modality central to the deployment of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These partnerships bring together state and business actors to export overcapacity and address infrastructural demands in underdeveloped markets. To do so, they require accumulation and sovereignty regimes that mirror, in contingent ways, similar social arrangements within China. The superposition of such regimes and the interests and social imaginaries of local actors produces forms of uneven and combined development and shapes the contours of the BRI's emerging developmental and geoeconomic footprints. The BRI exports also an elite development paradigm which promotes urbanization, connectivity and economic growth over participatory approaches. This paradigm projects a depoliticized version of China's present into the BRI's future to justify social and environmental dislocations, and shields Chinese firms from civil society scrutiny. My analysis rejects this elite perspective and favors a labor-centric approach that unearths the social foundations of the BRI. From this perspective, despite relevant differences in format, the BRI's quintessential investment modality is closely aligned to a contemporary global current of public-private partnerships endeavored to mobilize public resources and state power for the expansion of capitalist social relations.
Female sex worker’s children: their vulnerability in Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Saeid , Khosravi Sajad , Oroomiei Nadia
Published: September 2019

This qualitative study used a narrative approach to address the vulnerabilities and problems experienced by the children of sex workers in Iran. A purposive sample of women who were referred to drop-in centres were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews. An analysis of the data identified 8 main themes and 12 sub-themes, most of which related to risks and harm being perpetrated on the children of sex workers. The main risk to these children was the likelihood that they would escape from home and become sex workers themselves. Also identified as problematic was the risk of child labour, becoming members of offending groups and becoming a member of a brothel.
The neuroanatomical correlates of individual differences in delay discounting: A voxel-based morphometry study
Authors: Li Xueting , Hu Ping , Liu Jia
Published: September 2019

Delay discounting refers to the reduction in the present value of a future reward as the delay to that reward increases, which is related to various problematic behaviors, such as substance abuse. In this study, we explored the neuroanatomical correlates of delay discounting by employing voxel-based morphometry and the individual difference approach. We found that participants’ delay discounting, measured by the Monetary Choice Questionnaire, was correlated with the gray matter volume (GMV) of two cortical regions. On the one hand, individuals with a larger GMV of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) were likely to discount future values less steeply and choose large but delayed rewards. On the other hand, individuals with a larger GMV of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are likely to discount the future value more steeply and prefer small but immediate rewards. Our study revealed the neuroanatomical correlates of delay discounting across the whole brain, and may help to understand the delay discounting in the frame of the hot versus cool system, which demonstrates the dynamics of resisting present temptation for future rewards.