bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Strength, Flexibility, and Functional Performance in the Adolescent Ballet Dancer During Intensive Dance Training
Authors: Yin Amy X. , Geminiani Ellen , Quinn Bridget , Owen Michael , Kinney Susan , McCrystal Tara , Stracciolini Andrea
Published: February 2019

Background

Adolescent ballet dancers have a higher incidence of injury than adult professional dancers. It is unclear which factors, including biomechanical changes related to intense dance training and/or the growth process itself, contribute to increased injury risk in this population.

Objective

To assess changes in strength, flexibility, and functional performance in adolescent ballet dancers during a summer intensive dance program.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Performing arts school in a suburb of Massachusetts.

Participants

A convenience sample of 58 male and female ballet dancers, 12 to 17 years old, was enrolled. One dancer did not have functional testing due to injury, but strength and range of motion results were included.

Methods

Paired sample t‐test was used to evaluate changes in (1) strength: lower abdominal muscle strength evaluated by the Kendall double leg lowering test; (2) flexibility: passive range of motion in hip extensibility, hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, hip turnout, and ankle dorsiflexion; and (3) functional athletic and dance assessment: the star excursion balance test (SEBT), vertical jump test, and dance technique performing demi‐plié and passé dance positions.

Main Outcome Measurements

Change in strength, flexibility, and functional dance measurements pre‐ and postsummer intensive dance training.

Results

Lower abdominal strength testing improved 11° on the Kendall test (P < .001); lower extremity passive flexibility was reduced in all tested ranges bilaterally. Dance technique, in performing demi‐plié and passé dance positions, improved. More dancers demonstrated correct knee alignment during demi‐plié (P < .001‐.002) and hip alignment during plié (P = .01‐.04). Dancers also had greater active hip turnout in first position passé of 2 to 3° (P = .02‐.05). No significant change was found in functional athletic performance as measured by the SEBT and vertical jump test.

Conclusion

Adolescent dancers in this study cohort who participated in a summer intensive dance program improved lower abdominal muscle strength as well as functional dance technique in demonstrating correct alignment performing demi‐plié and passé dance positions despite a decrease in passive lower extremity range of motion. Further research is needed to clarify the role of these findings in training for young dancers in order to move forward injury prevention efforts.

Level of Evidence

II
Correlations between microstructure of α‐row nuclei and polymorphism of shear‐induced iPP/carbon fiber cylindrite
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Jihai , Jing Mengfan , Sui Guopeng , Liu Dingyao , Wang Ke , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2019

Herein, we reported the formation mechanism of hybrid crystalline (cylindrite) in isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/carbon fiber (CF) via pulling a CF within the iPP melt. The α‐row nuclei layer closely attached to the surface of CF acts as a self‐nucleation site, rather than a heterogeneous nucleation one, to grow cylindrites. As a result, the polymorphic feature of iPP/CF cylindrite is significantly influenced by the microstructure of α‐row nuclei. With decreasing crystallization temperature (Tc), the polymorphic cylindrite changes from pure α‐form to mixed α‐/β‐form and to β‐rich form. The main characteristics of this change include: (a) the outlines of α‐row nuclei layer correspond to wave‐like, saw‐like, and straight lines; (b) the orientation level of iPP molecules in the α‐row nuclei layer become higher; (c) the α‐lamellae rearrange from loose to compact; and (d) the distance between the growth sites of β‐sectors and the surface of CF is evidently longer than in the case of α‐sectors. Moreover, this study provides a guideline for developing the interfacial enhanced iPP/CF composites through manipulation of polymorphic structure in cylindrites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 368–377
Measuring structural inhomogeneity of a helical conjugated polymer at high pressure and temperature
Authors: Arge Tummas Napoleon , Konôpková Zuzana , Haase Dörthe , Liermann Hanns‐Peter , Scherf Ullrich , Guha Suchismita , Knaapila Matti
Published: February 2019

We report on X‐ray scattering measurements of helical poly[9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl] by mapping the sample with 10 μm spatial resolution from 0.3 GPa to 36 GPa. We follow the strongest 00l reflection, which moves toward higher scattering angles with pressure indicating planarization of helical polyfluorene. Lateral inhomogeneity is increased for >10 GPa concomitant with the solidification of the pressure transmitting medium (a 4:1 mixture of methanol and ethanol). We also follow the 00l reflection with increasing temperature at the constant pressure of 4.3 GPa in neon. We observe a sharp shift toward higher scattering angles indicative of a phase transition at 167–176 °C. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 392–396
Rheological behavior of fumed silica filled polyethylene oxide
Authors: Zhang Qingxu , Xu Huilong , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang
Published: February 2019

Influence of molecular weight of polymer matrix on nanocomposites rheology is not yet well understood. Herein dynamic rheological responses of fumed silica (FS)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanocomposites are investigated as a function of viscosity‐averaged molecular weight (Mη) of PEO, volume fraction (ϕ) and surface characteristics (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) of FS. In the nanocomposites, FS does not influence the glass transition and crystallinity of PEO in the mobile PEO phase while the interfacial interactions tend to immobilize a small fraction of PEO chains that could not undergo glass transition. In spite of the common observation that the reinforcement decreases with increasing Mη of PEO and improving hydrophobicity of FS, linear rheological responses are well reproduced by the two‐phase model, revealing the crucial contribution of the non‐Newtonian matrix undergoing microscopic strain amplified by the filler. Furthermore, nonlinear rheological responses of the nanocomposites are collapsed into master curves plotted against local strain of the matrix. Analyzing the nonlinear rheology by Fourier transform and stress waveform methods reveal the dominating contribution of the matrix and the role of strain amplification played by the filler. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 397–405
Assessing the psychosocial needs of newly diagnosed patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer: Identifying factors associated with distress
Authors: Leung Bonnie , Laskin Janessa , Wu Jonn , Bates Alan , Ho Cheryl
Published: February 2019

Objective

The Psychosocial Screen for Cancer (PSSCAN‐R) questionnaire is a validated screening tool used to identify the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer. It assesses patients' perceived social supports and psychosocial needs, and the presence of symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study goals were to assess the prevalence and factors associated with distress in patients with newly diagnosed nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

All patients with NSCLC referred to BC Cancer centers from 2011 to 2015, who completed a prospective PSSCAN‐R questionnaire at the time of their first visit, were included in the study. Demographics and baseline disease characteristics were collected retrospectively. The chi‐squared test, Fisher exact test, and logistical regression analysis were used to compare factors associated with the presence of distress based on sex, age, stage of disease, and performance status (PS).

Results

A total of 4281 NSCLC patients completed the PSSCAN‐R questionnaire. Baseline characteristics: 70% were greater than or equal to 65, 50% female, 52% metastatic disease, 47% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) greater than or equal to two. Patients who were female, less than 65, have metastatic disease and poor PS were more likely to report subclinical or clinical symptoms of anxiety. Symptoms of depression were associated with younger, female, poor PS patients, and social isolation.

Conclusions

Newly diagnosed patients with NSCLC are likely to report clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression and have a high number of concerns in multiple psychosocial domains. Resource development for lung cancer patients should be based on their care needs with careful consideration of patients' age, gender, stage, and social situation to optimally support their psychosocial needs during treatment and follow‐up.
Evaluation of a novel elastic registration algorithm for spinal imaging data: A pilot clinical study
Authors: Rashad Ashkan , Heiland Max , Hiepe Patrick , Nasirpour Alireza , Rendenbach Carsten , Keuchel Jens , Regier Marc , Al‐Dam Ahmed
Published: February 2019

Background

Rigid image coregistration is an established technique that allows spatial aligning. However, rigid fusion is prone to deformation of the imaged anatomies. In this work, a novel fully automated elastic image registration method is evaluated.

Methods

Cervical CT and MRI data of 10 patients were evaluated. The MRI was acquired with the patient in neutral, flexed, and rotated head position. Vertebrawise rigid fusions were performed to transfer bony landmarks for each vertebra from the CT to the MRI space serving as a reference.

Results

Elastic fusion of 3D MRI data showed the highest image registration accuracy (target registration error of 3.26 mm with 95% confidence). Further, an elastic fusion of 2D axial MRI data (<4.75 mm with 95% c.) was more reliable than for 2D sagittal sequences (<6.02 mm with 95% c.).

Conclusions

The novel method enables elastic MRI‐to‐CT image coregistration for cervical indications with changes of the head position.
Experiments in feedback linearized iterative learning‐based path following for center‐articulated industrial vehicles
Authors: Dekker Lukas G. , Marshall Joshua A. , Larsson Johan
Published: February 2019

This paper describes the design, industrial application, and field testing of a technique for autonomous wheeled‐vehicle path following that uses iterative learning control (ILC) in a feedback linearized space. One advantage of this approach is that ILC is used without having to employ approximate linearization at every time step. The main contribution of this paper is the unique field experiments that used two large industrial‐scale center‐articulated underground mining vehicles. The described field work not only tested the underlying technique on commercial vehicles, but also presents a method for parallel speed learning, wherein the speed is adjusted over subsequent learning trials to improve cycle productivity. Finally, presented are field results for an approach to prelearning through simulation before deployment in the field to reduce the initial path‐following errors.
Revised systematics of Mediterranean Arundo (Poaceae) based on AFLP fingerprints and morphology
Authors: Hardion Laurent , Verlaque Régine , Baumel Alex , Juin Marianick , Vila Bruno
Published: February 2019

The systematics of the genus Arundo (Poaceae) remains poorly resolved because of the overlap of morphological characters classically used in the taxonomy of the genus and insufficient variation of DNA sequences. The main aim of this study is to delimit genetic clusters with AFLP fingerprints and to compare them with morphological data. On the basis of extensive sampling in the Mediterranean area, AFLP markers clearly showed five clusters. Despite overlapping values, morphometric analyses strongly confirm these clusters, and new qualitative features allow the recognition of five taxa: the Taiwanese A. formosana, the cosmopolitan A. donax, the circum‐Mediterranean A. micrantha, the Italo‐Balkan A. plinii and the Franco‐Ligurian A. donaciformis (Loisel.) Hardion & al. comb. nov. Additionally, this study shows a correlation between genetic diversity, caryopsis production and ploidy level. However, the lack of genetic diversity for A. micrantha and A. donax in the Mediterranean area remains enigmatic.
How Transnational are Migrants in Switzerland? An Analysis of the Migration-Mobility-Transnationality Nexus
Authors: Crettaz Eric , Dahinden Janine
Published: February 2019

Transnational studies have been in vogue for the past two decades. Nevertheless, there remain important knowledge gaps concerning migrants’ transnational formations. First, most of the literature relies on qualitative case studies. The few existing quantitative studies have shown that transnationality is far from being a “lifestyle” and that factors other than individual preferences are at play. Second, most studies in this field focus on one nationally defined group, which renders impossible the elaboration of an overall model of transnationality that goes beyond description. Third, few studies have tried to link the question of transnationality simultaneously to migration and mobility. To address these gaps, we propose here an analysis of migrant transnationality based on the Migration-Mobility Survey. We define transnationality along three dimensions. We make a distinction between transnational (pre-and-post-migration) mobilities, network transnationality and transnational belonging. We use regression models and multiple correspondence analysis to identify the prevalence of transnationality and the main determinants of transnational patterns. The analysis confirms the hypothesis that transnationality can be linear – an “automatic effect” of migration – resource-dependent, but also reactive upon discrimination. Migrant transnationality can simultaneously be a sign of possessing high resources – most importantly, in terms of legal capital, education and economic resources – or of discrimination. Furthermore, our analysis brings to light five ideal-typical configurations of what we call the Migration-Mobility-Transnationality Nexus. Our analysis contributes to this book by investigating the Migration-Mobility-Nexus with respect to transnationality, going beyond the normative ideas of migration and mobility by integrating them analytically into one model.
Who Feels Disadvantaged? Reporting Discrimination in Surveys
Authors: Auer Daniel , Ruedin Didier
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, we seek to shed light on the mechanisms of perceived discrimination: Who, among recent immigrants, is more likely to feel discriminated against and report it when asked in a survey? Social scientists typically define discrimination as an observable and unjust difference in the treatment of distinct groups. To personally feel discriminated against, people must be aware of the differential treatment and perceive it as unjust. We show that reporting discrimination when asked in a survey depends substantially upon individual traits, including aspects that shape whether discrimination is accepted and whether immigrants feel attached to the host society. Although respondents report less discrimination if their job situation has improved after migration, people more likely report discrimination when they originate from countries in which the national legislature represents ethnic minority groups relatively well. Earlier difficulties related to the migration process and the lack of supporting networks continue to affect the perception of unfair treatment. Moreover, we show that individuals distinguish to a surprising degree between discrimination in and outside the work environment. For instance, when they are proficient in the local language, respondents often report discrimination in the workplace but not in a public environment. This distinction between discrimination in the workplace and discrimination in public also depends strongly upon the immigrant’s origin. We conclude that contemporary individual-level measures and policy recommendations merely approximate discriminatory patterns; we urge future research to consider factors that affect individual perception of discrimination.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking from anyon condensation
Authors: Bischoff Marcel , Jones Corey , Lu Yuan-Ming , Penneys David
Published: February 2019

Abstract

In a physical system undergoing a continuous quantum phase transition, spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs when certain symmetries of the Hamiltonian fail to be preserved in the ground state. In the traditional Landau theory, a symmetry group can break down to any subgroup. However, this no longer holds across a continuous phase transition driven by anyon condensation in symmetry enriched topological orders (SETOs). For a SETO described by aG-crossed braided extension$$ \mathcal{C}\subseteq {\mathcal{C}}_G^{\times } $$C⊆CG×, we show that physical considerations require that a connected étale algebraA∈$$ \mathcal{C} $$Cadmit aG-equivariant algebra structure for symmetry to be preserved under condensation ofA. Given any categorical actionG→EqBr($$ \mathcal{C} $$C) such thatg(A) ≅Afor allg∈G, we show there is a short exact sequence whose splittings correspond toG-equivariant algebra structures. The non-splitting of this sequence forces spontaneous symmetry breaking under condensation ofA, while inequivalent splittings of the sequence correspond to different SETOs resulting from the anyon-condensation transition. Furthermore, we show that if symmetry is preserved, there is a canonically associated SETO of$$ {\mathcal{C}}_A^{\mathrm{loc}} $$CAloc, and gauging this symmetry commutes with anyon condensation.
Squashed toric manifolds and higher depth mock modular forms
Authors: Gupta Rajesh Kumar , Murthy Sameer , Nazaroglu Caner
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Squashed toric sigma models are a class of sigma models whose target space is a toric manifold in which the torus fibration is squashed away from the fixed points so as to produce a neck-like region. The elliptic genera of squashed toric-Calabi-Yau manifolds are known to obey the modular transformation property of holomorphic Jacobi forms, but have an explicit non-holomorphic dependence on the modular parameter. The elliptic genus of the simplest one-dimensional example is known to be a mixed mock Jacobi form, but the precise automorphic nature for the general case remained to be understood. We show that these elliptic genera fall precisely into a class of functions called higher-depth mock modular forms that have been formulated recently in terms of indefinite theta series. We also compute a generalization of the elliptic genera of these models corresponding to an additional set of charges corresponding to the toric symmetries. Finally we speculate on some relations of the elliptic genera of squashed toric models with the Vafa-Witten partition functions of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 SYM theory on ℂℙ2.
Internal hernia after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in minimally invasive surgery era
Authors: Kang Kyong Min , Cho Yo Seok , Min Sa-Hong , Lee Yoontaek , Park Ki Bum , Park Young Suk , Ahn Sang-Hoon , Park Do Joong , Kim Hyung-Ho
Published: February 2019

Background

The incidence and clinical presentation of internal hernia after gastrectomy have been changing in the minimally invasive surgery era. This study aimed to analyze the clinical features and risk factors for internal hernia after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed internal hernia after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in 6474 patients between January 2003 and December 2016 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate risk factors.

Results

Internal hernias identified by computed tomography or surgical exploration were 111/6474 (1.7%) and the median interval time was 450 days after gastrectomy. Fourteen (0.9%) of the 1510 patients who underwent open gastrectomy and 97 (2.0%) of the 4964 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy developed internal hernia. Of the 6474 patients, internal hernia developed in 0 (0%), 9 (1.1%), 40 (3.1%), 56 (3.3%), 6 (2.3%), and 0 (0%) patients who underwent Billroth I, Billroth II, Roux-en-Y, uncut Roux-en-Y, double tract, and esophagogastrostomy reconstructions, respectively. Fifty-nine (53.2%) of 111 patients with symptomatic hernia underwent surgery. Of the 59 internal hernias, treated surgically, 32 (53.2%), 27 (45.8%), and 0 (0%) were identified in jejunojejunostomy mesenteric, Petersen’s, and transverse colon mesenteric defects, respectively. In multivariate analysis, non-closure of mesenteric defects (P < 0.01), laparoscopic approach (P < 0.01), and totally laparoscopic approach (P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for internal hernia.

Conclusions

The potential spaces such as Petersen’s, jejunojejunostomy mesenteric, and transverse colon mesenteric defects should be closed to prevent internal hernia after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Peer-to-peer electricity trading system: smart contracts based proof-of-benefit consensus protocol
Authors: Liu Chao , Chai Kok Keong , Zhang Xiaoshuai , Chen Yue
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, people trade electricity through centralized companies or organizations which is vulnerable to cyber attacks and incapable of coping with increasing demands from stakeholders. In this paper, we propose a new Peer-to-Peer Electricity Blockchain Trading (P2PEBT) system based on the current charging and discharging schemes for electric vehicles (EV) in the smart grid to enable users to participate in the trading process. In order to cope with the current situation of the high volume of EV integration, the proof-of-Benefit (PoB) consensus primitives are proposed for P2PEBT to achieve demand response by providing incentives to balance local electricity demand in the novel blockchain system. PoB is implemented by executing the smart contracts on the Ethereum platform, and the process of achieving the maximal benefits is completed by submitting the transaction in the decentralized network. Security analysis shows that the P2PEBT system is able to manage a potential protection against up to a number of attacks. We demonstrate that the proposed system using the PoB consensus mechanism can achieve lower power fluctuation without requiring a third-party intermediary.
Parent Mindfulness, Parenting, and Child Psychopathology in China
Authors: Han Zhuo Rachel , Ahemaitijiang Nigela , Yan Jia , Hu Xiaoyi , Parent Justin , Dale Chelsea , DiMarzio Karissa , Singh Nirbhay N.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Considering the Western-Eastern cultural differences in parenting practices, as well as the relative paucity of research on the use of mindfulness-based programs by Chinese parents, we replicated a recently proposed Western model of mindfulness. The purpose of this study was to test the direct and indirect relations between parents’ dispositional mindfulness, mindful parenting, parenting practices, and child internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

Method

A total of 2237 Chinses parents (M = 38.46, SD = 4.43) of 6- to 12-year-old children participated in the current study.

Results

The results showed that parents’ dispositional mindfulness was indirectly associated with child internalizing and externalizing behaviors through mindful parenting and positive parenting practices, whereas this pathway was not significant through negative parenting practices. In addition, mothers and fathers demonstrated almost equal effects on direct and indirect pathways except that mothers showed stronger effects on the relationships between dispositional mindfulness and mindful parenting, as well as on the link between negative parenting practices and child externalizing behaviors.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying how mindfulness and parenting associated with child internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and have important implications for research on interventions aimed at promoting children’s psychological well-being.
Automatic spine segmentation from CT images using Convolutional Neural Network via redundant generation of class labels
Authors: Vania Malinda , Mureja Dawit , Lee Deukhee
Published: February 2019

There has been a significant increase from 2010 to 2016 in the number of people suffering from spine problems. The automatic image segmentation of the spine obtained from a computed tomography (CT) image is important for diagnosing spine conditions and for performing surgery with computer-assisted surgery systems. The spine has a complex anatomy that consists of 33 vertebrae, 23 intervertebral disks, the spinal cord, and connecting ribs. As a result, the spinal surgeon is faced with the challenge of needing a robust algorithm to segment and create a model of the spine. In this study, we developed a fully automatic segmentation method to segment the spine from CT images, and we compared our segmentation results with reference segmentations obtained by well-known methods. We use a hybrid method. This method combines the convolutional neural network (CNN) and fully convolutional network (FCN), and utilizes class redundancy as a soft constraint to greatly improve the segmentation results. The proposed method was found to significantly enhance the accuracy of the segmentation results and the system processing time. Our comparison was based on 12 measurements: the Dice coefficient (94%), Jaccard index (93%), volumetric similarity (96%), sensitivity (97%), specificity (99%), precision (over segmentation 8.3 and under segmentation 2.6), accuracy (99%), Matthews correlation coefficient (0.93), mean surface distance (0.16 mm), Hausdorff distance (7.4 mm), and global consistency error (0.02). We experimented with CT images from 32 patients, and the experimental results demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed method.

Highlights A method to enhance the accuracy of spine segmentation from CT data was proposed. The proposed method uses Convolutional Neural Network via redundant generation of class labels. Experiments show the segmentation accuracy has been enhanced.
The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rhim Hye Chang , Kim Min Seo , Park Young-Jin , Choi Woo Suk , Park Hyoung Keun , Kim Hyeong Gon , Kim Aram , Paick Sung Hyun
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The efficacy and safety of arginine supplements in erectile dysfunction (ED) remain debatable.

Aim

To assess the potential role of arginine supplements on ED as alternatives to phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

Methods

Studies published up to April 2018 that evaluated the efficacy of arginine supplements were identified from multiple databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, Embase, Kiss, DBpia, and Cochrane databases). Studies comparing arginine supplements with placebo or no treatment; focusing only on patients with mild to moderate severity of ED; and presenting outcomes such as improvement rate, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, and adverse effects were included. Subgroup analysis for arginine alone and arginine in combination with other substances was further conducted to increase interpretability.

Main Outcome Measure

The strength of the association between arginine supplements and ED was assessed using relative odds ratios and weighted mean differences with 95% CI.

Results

In total, 10 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, reporting the outcomes of 540 patients with ED. The analysis demonstrated that arginine supplements with dosage ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 mg significantly improved ED compared with placebo or no treatment (odds ratios, 3.37 [1.29, 8.77], P = .01, I2 = 44). Arginine supplements also caused significant improvements in the IIEF subdomain scores of overall satisfaction, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, and erectile function, whereas the IIEF sexual desire score remain unchanged. The adverse effect rate in the arginine-treated group was 8.3%, and that in the placebo group was 2.3%, none of which were severe.

Clinical Implications

Arginine supplements can be recommended to patients with mild to moderate ED.

Strength & Limitations

The strength of this study is that it is the first meta-analysis to assess the potential role of arginine supplements in ED compared with placebo or no treatment. A limitation is that the treatment dosage and duration varied among studies, which may have contributed to study heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence on the effectiveness of arginine supplements for mild to moderate ED.
The Basic Science Behind Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Scoping Review of Pre-Clinical Studies
Authors: Sokolakis Ioannis , Dimitriadis Fotios , Teo Pearline , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Hatzichristou Dimitrios , Giuliano Francois
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Despite recent promising clinical results, the underlying mechanism of action of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) for erectile dysfunction (ED) is mostly unclear and currently under investigation.

Aim

To systematically identify and evaluate evidence regarding the basic science behind Li-ESWT for ED, discuss and propose a putative mechanism of action, address the limitations, and imply insights for further investigation in the field.

Methods

Using Cochrane’s methodologic recommendations on scoping studies and systematic reviews, we conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature on experimental research regarding Li-ESWT for ED and other pathologic conditions. The initial systematic search was carried between January and November 2017, with 2 additional searches in April and August 2018. All studies that applied shockwave treatment at an energy flux density >0.25 mJ/mm2 were excluded from the final analysis.

Main Outcome Measure

We primarily aimed to clarify the biological responses in erectile tissue after Li-ESWT that could lead to improvement in erectile function.

Results

59 publications were selected for inclusion in this study. 15 experimental research articles were identified on Li-ESWT for ED and 44 on Li-ESWT for other pathologic conditions. Li-ESWT for ED seems to improve erectile function possibly through stimulation of mechanosensors, inducing the activation of neoangiogenesis processes, recruitment and activation of progenitor cells, improving microcirculation, nerve regeneration, remodeling of erectile tissue, and reducing inflammatory and cellular stress responses.

Clinical Implications

Improving our understanding of the mechanism of action of Li-ESWT for ED can help us improve our study designs, as well as suggest new avenues of investigation.

Strengths & Limitations

A common limitation in all these studies is the heterogeneity of the shockwave treatment application and protocol.

Conclusion

Li-ESWT for ED, based on current experimental studies, seems to improve erectile function by inducing angiogenesis and reversing pathologic processes in erectile tissue. These studies provide preliminary insights, but no definitive answers, and many questions remain unanswered regarding the mechanism of action, as well as the ideal treatment protocol.
REGULARIZATION OF NON-NORMAL MATRICES BY GAUSSIAN NOISE—THE BANDED TOEPLITZ AND TWISTED TOEPLITZ CASES
Authors: BASAK ANIRBAN , PAQUETTE ELLIOT , ZEITOUNI OFER
Published: February 2019

We consider the spectrum of additive, polynomially vanishing random perturbations of deterministic matrices, as follows. Let$M_{N}$be a deterministic$N\times N$matrix, and let$G_{N}$be a complex Ginibre matrix. We consider the matrix${\mathcal{M}}_{N}=M_{N}+N^{-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}}G_{N}$, where$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}>1/2$. With$L_{N}$the empirical measure of eigenvalues of${\mathcal{M}}_{N}$, we provide a general deterministic equivalence theorem that ties$L_{N}$to the singular values of$z-M_{N}$, with$z\in \mathbb{C}$. We then compute the limit of$L_{N}$when$M_{N}$is an upper-triangular Toeplitz matrix of finite symbol: if$M_{N}=\sum _{i=0}^{\mathfrak{d}}a_{i}J^{i}$where$\mathfrak{d}$is fixed,$a_{i}\in \mathbb{C}$are deterministic scalars and$J$is the nilpotent matrix$J(i,j)=\mathbf{1}_{j=i+1}$, then$L_{N}$converges, as$N\rightarrow \infty$, to the law of$\sum _{i=0}^{\mathfrak{d}}a_{i}U^{i}$where$U$is a uniform random variable on the unit circle in the complex plane. We also consider the case of slowly varying diagonals (twisted Toeplitz matrices), and, when$\mathfrak{d}=1$, also of independent and identically distributed entries on the diagonals in$M_{N}$.
Building Partnerships and Bridging Science and Policy to Address the Biological Invasions Crisis
Authors: Barney Jacob N. , Schenk Todd , Haak David C. , Salom Scott , Brown Bryan , Hotchkiss Erin R.
Published: February 2019

Biological invasions are one of the grand challenges facing society, as exotic species introductions continue to rise and can result in dramatic changes to native ecosystems and economies. The scale of the “biological invasions crisis” spans from hyperlocal to international, involving a myriad of actors focused on mitigating and preventing biological invasions. However, the level of engagement among stakeholders and opportunities to collaboratively solve invasives issues in transdisciplinary ways is poorly understood. The Biological Invasions: Confronting a Crisis workshop engaged a broad group of actors working on various aspects of biological invasions in Virginia, USA—researchers, Extension personnel, educators, local, state, and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and land managers—to discuss their respective roles and how they interact with other groups. Through a series of activities, it became clear that despite shared goals, most groups are not engaging with one another, and that enhanced communication and collaboration among groups is key to designing effective solutions. There is strong support for a multistakeholder coalition to affect change in policy, public education/engagement, and solution design. Confronting the biological invasions crisis will increasingly require engagement among stakeholders.
Dynamo saturation down to vanishing viscosity: strong-field and inertial scaling regimes
Authors: Seshasayanan Kannabiran , Gallet Basile
Published: February 2019

We present analytical examples of fluid dynamos that saturate through the action of the Coriolis and inertial terms of the Navier–Stokes equation. The flow is driven by a body force and is subject to global rotation and uniform sweeping velocity. The model can be studied down to arbitrarily low viscosity and naturally leads to the strong-field scaling regime for the magnetic energy produced above threshold: the magnetic energy is proportional to the global rotation rate and independent of the viscosity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$. Depending on the relative orientations of global rotation and large-scale sweeping, the dynamo bifurcation is either supercritical or subcritical. In the supercritical case, the magnetic energy follows the scaling law for supercritical strong-field dynamos predicted on dimensional grounds by Pétrélis & Fauve (Eur. Phys. J. B, vol. 22, 2001, pp. 271–276). In the subcritical case, the system jumps to a finite-amplitude dynamo branch. The magnetic energy obeys a magneto-geostrophic scaling law (Roberts & Soward, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech., vol. 4, 1972, pp. 117–154), with a turbulent Elsasser number of the order of unity, where the magnetic diffusivity of the standard Elsasser number appears to be replaced by an eddy diffusivity. In the absence of global rotation, the dynamo bifurcation is subcritical and the saturated magnetic energy obeys the equipartition scaling regime. We consider both the vicinity of the dynamo threshold and the limit of large distance from threshold to put these various scaling behaviours on firm analytical ground.
Experiments on wave propagation in grease ice: combined wave gauges and particle image velocimetry measurements
Authors: Rabault Jean , Sutherland Graig , Jensen Atle , Christensen Kai H. , Marchenko Aleksey
Published: February 2019

Water wave attenuation by grease ice is a key mechanism for the polar regions, as waves in ice influence many phenomena such as ice drift, ice breaking and ice formation. However, the models presented so far in the literature are limited in a number of regards, and more insights are required from either laboratory experiments or fieldwork for these models to be validated and improved. Unfortunately, performing detailed measurements of wave propagation in grease ice, either in the field or in the laboratory, is challenging. As a consequence, laboratory data are relatively scarce, and often consist of only a couple of wave elevation measurements along the length of the wave tank. We present combined measurements of wave elevation using an array of ultrasonic probes, and water kinematics using particle image velocimetry (PIV), in a small-scale wave tank experiment. Experiments are performed over a wider frequency range than has been previously investigated. The wave elevation measurements are used to compute the wavenumber and exponential damping coefficient. In contrast to a previous study in grease ice, we find that the wavenumber is consistent with the mass loading model, i.e. it increases compared with the open water case. Wave attenuation is compared with a series of one-layer models, and we show that they satisfactorily describe the viscous damping occurring. PIV data are also consistent with exponential wave amplitude attenuation, and a proper orthogonal decomposition analysis reveals the existence of mean flows under the ice that are a consequence of the displacement and packing of the ice induced by the gradient in the wave-induced stress. Finally, we show that the dynamics of grease ice can generate eddy structures that inject eddy viscosity into the water under the grease ice, which would lead to enhanced mixing and participating in energy dissipation.
Study of asymmetrical shock wave reflection in steady supersonic flow
Authors: Lin Jing , Bai Chen-Yuan , Wu Zi-Niu
Published: February 2019

The asymmetrical Mach reflection configuration is studied analytically in this paper, using an asymmetrical model extended from a recent symmetrical model and accounting for the new features related to asymmetry of the two wedges. It is found that the two sliplines do not turn parallel to the incoming flow at the same horizontal location and the sonic throat locates at the position where the difference of slopes of the two sliplines vanishes. This allows us to define a new sonic throat compatibility condition essential to determine the size of the Mach stem. The present model gives the height of the Mach stem, declined angle of the Mach stem from vertical axis, sonic throat location and shape of all shock waves and sliplines. The accuracy of the model is checked by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. It is found that the Mach stem height is strongly dependent on asymmetry of the wedge angles and almost linearly dependent on the asymmetry of the wedge lower surface lengths. The Mach stem height is shown to be insensitive to the asymmetry of the horizontal positions of the two wedges. The mechanisms for these observations are explained. For instance, it is demonstrated that the Mach reflection configuration remains closely similar when there is horizontal shift of either wedge.
Automatic measurement of glacier ice ablation using thermistor strings
Authors: CARTURAN L. , CAZORZI F. , DALLA FONTANA G. , ZANONER T.
Published: February 2019

In this work we tested the suitability of thermistor strings as automatic tools for the continuous measurement of glacier ice ablation. Experimental data collected in summer 2017 over an Italian glacier provided ice ablation readings with accuracy similar to manual measurements with ablation stakes and other automatic systems, like the draw-wire method and the Bøggild ablatometer. Thermistor strings have potential for future applications in remote glacier monitoring, thanks to their flexibility, simple construction, and robustness.
Mathematicians on board: introducing lunar distances to life at sea
Authors: BENNETT JIM
Published: February 2019

Nevil Maskelyne, the Cambridge-trained mathematician and later Astronomer Royal, was appointed by the Royal Society to observe the 1761 transit of Venus from the Atlantic island of St Helena, assisted by the mathematical practitioner Robert Waddington. Both had experience of measurement and computation within astronomy and they decided to put their outward and return voyages to a further use by trying out the method of finding longitude at sea by lunar distances. The manuscript and printed records they generated in this activity are complemented by the traditional logs and journals kept by the ships’ officers. Together these records show how the mathematicians came to engage with the navigational practices that were already part of shipboard routine and how their experience affected the development of the methods that Maskelyne and Waddington would separately promote on their return. The expedition to St Helena, in particular the part played by Maskelyne, has long been regarded as pivotal to the introduction of the lunar method to British seamen and to the establishment of theNautical Almanac. This study enriches our understanding of the episode by pointing to the significant role played by the established navigational competence among officers of the East India Company.
A NEOLOGIZING TAKE ON HIPPONAX, FR. 92.3 WEST
Authors: Allen Archibald
Published: February 2019

‘When I use a word’, Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.’

In his recent note on Hipponax in this journal, Joseph Cotter first offers ‘a revised version of LSJ's definition’ of ὄρχις. At LSJ (incl. Revised Supplement, 1996), s.v. ὄρχις I, ‘… testicle Hippon. 92.3 W. …’, he would delete the Hipponactean citation and rewrite the second definition, under ΙΙ (‘plant so called from the form of its root …’), to read: ‘from similarity of shape, 1 glans penis, Hippon. 92 (95 Degani), 2.  from the form of its root …’. Cotter derives his new definition from his reading of that Hipponactean line (= fr. 95.3 Degani), καί μοι τὸν ὄρχιν τῆς φαλ[ … , which he supplements with the name of a marsh bird, φαλ[ηρίδος, also redefined. This supplementary ‘coot’ is said to mean ‘cock’, so that the narrator of the fragment's description of (probable) treatment for sexual impotence tells how a Lydian woman ‘thrashed with fig-branch (4, κ]ράδηι συνηλοίησεν) the glans of my cock’. We are presented, then, with two previously unattested meanings of two nouns, ὄρχις and φαληρίς, and an accommodating correction of LSJ. What—I have asked Cotter—might Henry Liddell have thought of these innovations, familiar as he undoubtedly was with Humpty Dumpty's semantics!
THE SPEAKER AND THE ADDRESSEE OF SOPHOCLES’ TEREVS FR. 588 RADT AND THE CONTEXT OF FR. 583
Authors: Libatique Daniel
Published: February 2019

This note offers two related arguments. First, I supplement the existing scholarly consensus that the speaker of Sophocles’ Tereus fr. 588 Radt is Procne by suggesting that her addressee is a shepherd (henceforth ‘Shepherd’), whose existence was recently discovered and confirmed by a new papyrus for fr. 583. Second, I attempt to contextualize P.J. Finglass's placement of fr. 583 in the first episode of the play and to respond to the ‘internment’ problem posited by David Fitzpatrick by suggesting that the play takes place on an anniversary or some sort of commemoration of Philomela's supposed death. This proposal justifies the doleful tenor of the fragment and its generalizing subject-matter, the lonely plight of married women torn from their natal families, and resolves the question of Procne's state of knowledge about her sister's fate; and it allows for the internment of Philomela to figure into the play's plot by making Philomela's ‘death’ an established event before the play begins, as Gregory Dobrov suggests.
THE HORTATIVE AORIST
Authors: Lloyd Michael
Published: February 2019

The final section on the aorist indicative in Goodwin'sMoods and Tensesidentifies the following usage: ‘In questions with τί οὐ [‘why not’], expressing surprise that something is not already done, and implying an exhortation to do it’. Other scholars identify urgency or impatience in these questions. Albert Rijksbaron writes: ‘Questions with the 1stor 2ndperson of the aorist indicative, introduced by τί οὖν οὐ or τί οὐ, often serve, especially in Plato and Xenophon, asurgent requests[original emphasis] … The aorist indicative is more emphatic than the present: the speaker observes that a state of affairs which he apparently wants to occur has, in fact, not occurred, and he asks his interlocutor why it has not.’ Kühner and Gerth explain it as follows: ‘Der Redende wünscht in seiner Ungeduld gewissermassen die begehrte Handlung als eine schon geschehene zu sehen’ (‘the speaker impatiently wants, as it were, to see the desired action as one that has already been done’). They contrast allegedly less urgent examples in the present (‘der Ton der Frage ist alsdann ruhiger’, ‘the tone of the question is thereby milder’). These scholars stress the pastness of the aorist tense in communicating urgency and impatience: ‘Why have you not …?’. This remains the dominant view, regularly repeated in commentaries.
Economic selection index in small rural dairy farms
Authors: Yokoo Marcos Jun-Iti , Seno Leonardo de Oliveira , Oliveira Luiza Corrêa , Costa Pedro U N da , Silva Gustavo M da , Suñé Renata W , Cardoso Fernando Flores
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to calculate economic values (EVs) and economic selection indices for milk production systems in small rural properties. The traits 305-d milk yield in kg (MY), fat (FP) and protein (PP) percentage, daily fat (FY) and protein (PY) yield, cow live weight in kg (LW), calving interval (CI), and logarithm of daily somatic cell count (SCC) in milk were considered the goals and selection criteria. The production systems were identified from 29 commercial properties based on the inventory of revenues and costs and of zootechnical field data. Later, bioeconomic models were developed to calculate the productive performance, revenues, and costs concerning milk production to estimate EVs, which were calculated as the difference in annual profit with dairy production resulting from a change in one unit of the trait while keeping the others constant and dividing the value by the number of cows. After the EVs were known, ten economic selection indices were estimated for each system so they could be compared by modifying the selection criteria and calculating the relative importance of each selection criteria, the accuracy of the economic selection index, and response expected to the selection in USD, among other parameters. One of the systems detected was called less intensive (LS) and was characterized by having ten cows in lactation that produced 13·5 l/d and consumed 1·8 kg of concentrate/d. The second system detected was called more intensive (IS) and had 22 cows in lactation that produced 17·5 l/d and consumed 3·4 kg of concentrate/d. Monthly profits per cows in lactation of USD 2·60 and USD 68·77 were recorded for LS and IS, respectively. The EVs of the traits MY, FP, and PP were all positive, while for the other traits they were all negative in all situations. The best economic selection indices were those featuring selection criteria MY, LW, and CI, while the trait LW had the greatest importance in both systems. These results indicate that animal frame must be controlled in order to maximize the system's profit.