bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant‐Oil‐Based Polyamides and Polyurethanes: Toward Sustainable Nitrogen‐Containing Thermoplastic Materials
Authors: Meier Michael A. R.
Published: September 2018

Plant oils and their derived fatty acids are a highly valuable renewable resource for polymer science. In this review, the use of this renewable resource for the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing step‐growth polymers, that is, polyamides and polyurethanes, is described. The focus is on the accessible structures of monomers and polymers and thus also the obtainable polymer properties. More importantly, the sustainability of the approaches is discussed and compared to each other where possible, also giving suggestions for future developments.
Multicriteria risk assessment framework for components' risk ranking: Case study of a complex oil and gas support structure
Authors: Okoro Uzoma , Kolios Athanasios
Published: September 2018

This paper develops and applies a methodology for multicriteria risk assessment aiming to overcome the limitations of the conventional failure mode and effect analysis where risk evaluation is performed at the higher level consideration of occurrence, severity, and detection. Breaking down these higher level criteria into a set of parameters and variables makes it possible to analyse in greater detail the physical, environmental, and process conditions of the components in response to the activities of factors of biological, chemical, and mechanical stresses. By adopting a framework comprising multicriteria decision analysis, Delphi method, nominal group technique, and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, the fidelity, transparency, and repeatability of the assessment are ensured. The highlight of the paper is the demonstration of the capability of the model for time dependent assessment, which allows the comparison between different states of the asset's conditions through alteration in the risk profiles. The analysis conducted shows the efficient applicability of the method for the reference case study of an offshore oil and gas support structure, proving its relevance for systems of similar class.
Combined single‐stage enterolysis with pedicle seromuscular bowel flaps, myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps to repair recurrent enterocutaneous fistulas in complex abdominal Wall defects
Authors: Adabi Kian , Manrique Oscar J. , Vijayasekaran Aparna , Moran Steven L. , Ciudad Pedro , Huang Tony C. T. , Nicoli Fabio , Bishop Sarah , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Reconstruction of abdominal wall defects with enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) remains challenging. The purpose of this report is to describe a single‐stage approach using combined microscopic enterolysis, pedicle seromuscular bowel flaps, mesh, fasciocutaneous, and myocutaneous flaps.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2016 a retrospective review identified a total of 18 patients with an average age of 39 years (ranging 26–59 years). Thirteen cases were associated with trauma, four were complication of previous mesh repair, and one was after an aortic dissection. Average diameter of defect size was 22 cm (ranging 20–24 cm). Surgical technique involved enterolysis using microscope magnification, a pedicle seromuscular bowel flap to reinforce the bowel anastomosis, mesh, musculocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flaps to reconstruct the abdominal wall.

Results

Fifteen patients required rotational flaps with an average skin paddle area of 442.7 cm2 (ranging 440 cm2–260 cm2) and 10 patients required a serosal patch with an average length of 5 cm (ranging 4–6 cm). Complications included three wound dehiscence and one abdominal wall bulging. Flap survival was 100%. The majority of patients (12 out of 18) were able to resume normal activities, and the remaining (n = 6) were able to resume most activities. Functional outcome as assessed by 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) physical function component questionnaire at 18–24 months follow up was 67.8% (ranging from 59 to 72%). Mean length of hospital stay was 2.2 weeks (ranging 1.4–2.7 weeks). Mean follow‐up was 24 months (ranging 22–26 months) with clinical examination.

Conclusion

Microscopically assisted intra‐abdominal dissection with resection of diseased bowel, replacement with well‐vascularized tissue at the anastomosis site in, and reinforcement with mesh combined with pedicle musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps may be an alternative when other local reconstructive options have failed.
Unified approach to constructing the neural network models of real objects. Part 1
Authors: Antonov Valery , Tarkhov Dmitry , Vasilyev Alexander
Published: September 2018

This article is a two‐part composition. It describes the basics of the methodology developed by the authors to construct approximate neural network solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations. The methodology is illustrated with the sample tasks, ie, for compound domains (with a different type of equations in the subdomains) in the first part, for a variable boundary (caused by phase transition), for a selected boundary, with some heterogeneous information, which includes differential equations, initial and boundary conditions, and experimental and other data in the second part. We show that these different tasks are solved uniformly with the application of general principles.
Interaction of delta shock waves for the Chaplygin Euler equations of compressible fluid flow with split delta functions
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Yanyan , Wang Jinhuan
Published: September 2018

We investigate the interaction of delta shock waves and contact discontinuities for the Chaplygin Euler equations of compressible fluid flow with split delta functions. The perturbed Riemann problem when initial data are three piecewise constant states is constructively solved, and the global structure and large time‐asymptotic behaviors of solutions are discussed case by case via deriving how the solution continues beyond points of interaction. It is shown that the Riemann solutions are stable for such small perturbations with initial data by letting perturbed parameter ε tend to zero. Moreover, some numerical simulations completely coinciding with the theoretical analysis are also exhibited.
Agreement between simple catheter method and 3D transperineal ultrasound for assessing urethral length measurement before stress urinary incontinence treatment
Authors: Fontaine Félix , Tu Le Mai , Carroll Marie‐Soleil , Morin Mélanie
Published: September 2018

Aims

Optimal placement of periurethral material has an important role in treatment efficacy with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The validity of methods for determining urethral length and the precise location of the mid‐urethral complex for SUI treatment have been sparsely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between urethral lengths measured with a catheter and by transperineal ultrasound.

Methods

Fifty‐seven women with SUI or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with predominant stress symptoms were recruited. The urethral length was assessed with 3D transperineal ultrasound and measurements were taken offline from the postero‐inferior margin of the pubic symphysis to the bladder neck. Then, it was measured with a foley catheter by another evaluator, blinded to the ultrasound data. The distance between the inflated balloon and the urethral meatus was considered.

Results

Thirty‐three women (58%) had SUI and 24 (42%) had MUI. The mean urethral length evaluated with ultrasound and the catheter were 3.03 ± 0.34 cm and 3.02 ± 0.41 cm (P = 0.857), respectively. Agreement between the two methods as assessed by the intra‐class correlation coefficient was 0.90 (CI0.82‐0.94, P ≤ 0.001). Limits of agreement (Bland‐Altman) were +0.46 to −0.45 cm, with a mean difference of −0.01 ± 0.23 cm.

Conclusions

Findings of this study, reveal an excellent agreement between a simple catheter technique and ultrasound assessment for measuring urethral length, with a small mean bias and clinically acceptable limits of agreement. This provides relevant information in clinical practice for determining optimal placement of periurethral material or mid‐urethral tape for SUI treatment.
Cotton‐hydrogel composite for improved wound healing: Synthesize optimization and physicochemical characterization—part 1
Authors: Pinho Eva , Soares Graça
Published: September 2018

Composite wound dressings gather the suitable properties of 2 or more polymeric materials. Thus, the present work aimed to assess the functionalization of cotton textiles with cyclodextrin‐hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose‐based hydrogel by chemical cross‐linking. The developed composites were evaluated based on their cross‐linking percentage and swelling ability and characterized by FTIR‐ATR, DSC, and TGA. The best conditions were achieved using 1‐step procedure, 0.54 mol L−1 of cross‐linking agent and 1:0.1 polymeric solution/textile (v/w). The textile physical structure was, also, a crucial parameter. From the substrates tested, nonwoven composites could accommodate more gel fraction with enhanced swelling. The functionalization of cotton fibers with cyclodextrin‐hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose‐based hydrogel improved cotton water uptake and surface properties, increasing its applicability as wound dressing.
Synthesis of copper(II) ion‐imprinted polymers via suspension polymerization
Authors: Chaipuang Angkana , Phungpanya Chalida , Thongpoon Chalermporn , Watla‐iad Kanchana , Inkaew Prachak , Machan Theeraphan , Suwantong Orawan
Published: September 2018

Copper(II) (Cu2+) ion‐imprinted polymers were prepared by suspension polymerization using 2.5 mmol of copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate as the template ion, 5 mmol of 4‐vinylpyridine and methacrylic acid as functional monomers, 20 mmol of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross‐linker, 1 mmol of 1,1′‐azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) as the initiator in the porogen of 10 mL of toluene, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as a stabilizer in the polymerization reaction. The obtained polymers were used to quantify Cu2+ ion by using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Chemical structure, morphology, crystalline structure, and surface area of polymers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller respectively. The diameters of the synthesized polymer particles were about 250 nm. The Cu2+ ion‐imprinted polymers illustrated good recognition property and selective adsorption ability with Cu2+ higher than Mn2+ and Fe2+. Thus, this work could be applied as a sorbent from the enrichment of Cu2+ ions in analytes.
Synthesis and characterization of lactose grafted polycaprolactone‐polysiloxane‐polycaprolactone copolymers
Authors: Ren Yajun , Wang Lei , Cui Xinxiang , Han Libing , Zhou Qifeng , Song Xiaofeng
Published: September 2018

To create new biofunctional materials, a polycaprolactone‐polysiloxane‐polycaprolactone (PCL‐PMVS‐PCL) carrying lactose was developed by ring‐opening polymerization and esterification reaction. 1H NMR and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy confirmed synthesis of the product. Gel permeation chromatography and DSC were used to evaluate its molecular structure. With propagation of the PCL molecular chain, the copolymer transforms from the amorphous form to crystalline, and its solubility in chloroform is modified. Change of the lactose grafting ratio brings about little influence on the solubility of the grafted copolymer. The product exhibits good film‐forming ability after chain extension. The results suggest that the grafted copolymer not only can form composites with commercial biodegradable polyester but also can be processed alone to serve for biomedical engineering. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Realizing Shallow Acceptor Levels in Delafossite CuAlO2 () Surfaces by Chalcogen Doping
Authors: Qin Han , Zeng Wei , Jiang Cheng‐Lu , Zhong Mi , Liu Fu‐Sheng , Tang Bin , Liu Qi‐Jun
Published: September 2018

First‐principles calculations of chalcogen doping at the delafossite CuAlO2 () surfaces have been performed. The calculated results indicate that the bigger the atomic radius of doping atom (compared with that of O atom) is, the more difficult is the doping process; and the doping process becomes more and more difficult from the surface to the interior of CuAlO2 () surfaces. The energetic favorability of doping is the best under Al‐rich condition. The work function of chalcogen doping has been calculated, showing that the S‐2 surface has the lowest work function. The band structures and density of states of pure and chalcogen doped CuAlO2 () surfaces have been given, where the bandgaps, shifts of energy levels, and potential shallow acceptor levels have been analyzed and discussed.
Combined modelling methodology for optimisation of box design based on hybrid genetic algorithm
Authors: Martinez‐Hermosilla Gonzalo A. , Kueh Celia , Dahm Karl , Bronlund John E.
Published: September 2018

The hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) was used to optimise box design to maximise cooling performance, mechanical performance, pallet footprint, and container packing efficiency and to minimise cardboard usage. These factors are normally investigated independently, but the industry requires combined functionality. Here, we present a case study, for optimisation of regular slotted carton boxes filled with wrapped beef mince. After packing, individual boxes are chilled to a desired storage temperature and then palletised for shipping. Four models were developed to predict design performance, including cooling rate, mechanical performance, cardboard usage, and box stacking on pallets. The combination of the model results was used to score the average performance of box designs. The models were solved by Comsol Multiphysics, Ansys APDL, and Cape Pack. The overall design generation and optimisation were developed with Matlab that controls all these software packages, evaluates the interactions between results, and runs the HGA for box optimisation. The HGA was conducted for 10 generations each with a population of 100 individuals. The optimisation routine successfully found optimum dimensions for the box for the defined conditions with relative short simulation times (about 3 hours per generation). This paper demonstrates how overall optimisation of packaging can be achieved through combining the strengths of multiple simulation software packages.
MgCl2‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalysts: A DFT‐D ‘flexible‐cluster’ approach. TiCl4 and probe donor adducts
Authors: Breuza Emanuele , Antinucci Giuseppe , Budzelaar Peter H. M , Busico Vincenzo , Correa Andrea , Ehm Christian
Published: September 2018

In this paper we introduce a DFT‐D ‘flexible‐cluster’ approach to the computational modeling of MgCl2‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalysts. The adsorption of TiCl4 and probe donor molecules on plain and defective lateral terminations of monolayered MgCl2 clusters was studied allowing for full structure relaxation by means of modern DFT methods including dispersion corrections. The approach offers a good compromise between speed and accuracy, and has great potential for realistic simulations of the catalytic species in industrially relevant formulations. In particular, compared with periodic DFT‐D descriptions, it is better able to capture the features of real nano‐sized and highly disordered primary catalyst particles with complex adsorbate compositions.
The reason why a kind of diketopyrrolopyrrole‐analogue can act as acceptors: Theoretical study and characterization
Authors: Pan Jie , Wang Fei , Pan Yi‐Qi , Xie Yu‐Zhong , Sun Guang‐Yan , Jin Guang‐De
Published: September 2018

Recently, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based photovoltaic materials have been continuously modified to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, it was reported that 2,5‐Bis(2‐ethyl‐hexyl)‐3,6‐bis(5‐(benzofuran‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione (BFT), composed of benzofuran‐connected DPP donor, exhibited a relatively low PCE. Besides, the analogue named 2,5‐Diethylhexyl‐3,6‐bis(5‐(benzofuran‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dithione (BFT‐SS), even showed a PCE lower than 0.001% when compounded with fullerene derivatives. The extremely low PCE could attribute to the low‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels. Hence, in this article, we proposed that both BFT‐SS and its rotamer BFT‐SS’ with low LUMO energy levels could be converted as acceptors. And comparative analysis was demonstrated with the parent compound BFT and BFT’. The results highlight the effect of sulfur atom(S) in the thioketo groups could twist the molecules and reduce the LUMO energy level, thereby possess low the charge injection barrier and reorganization energy (λ), during the conversion of BFT‐SS and BFT‐SS’ from donor to acceptor. Finally, we sincerely expect the discussion to provide a meaningful idea for the development of acceptors.
Semiglobal consensus of heterogeneous multiagent systems with input saturations
Authors: Lim Young‐Hun , Ahn Hyo‐Sung
Published: September 2018

This paper studies the semiglobal leaderless state consensus problem for heterogeneous multiagent systems with input saturations. Utilizing the low gain approach, we propose the consensus algorithms that consist of reference generator and regulator. We construct the reference generators using both the relative states of reference generators and agents. Moreover, we apply the anti‐windup technique to generate bounded common trajectory of reference generators such that the regulators under input saturations can track the reference trajectory. Then, we prove the existence of consensus algorithms to achieve the semiglobal consensus. Finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the theoretical results.
A review study on encapsulation‐based self‐healing for cementitious materials
Authors: Xue Caihong , Li Wengui , Li Jianchun , Tam Vivian W. Y. , Ye Guang
Published: September 2018

Encapsulation‐based self‐healing technology is an effective method for healing the crack‐deteriorated cementitious material. Encapsulation‐based self‐healing initiates by crack occurrence and progresses by chemical reaction of released self‐healing agents in the cracks, which are contained in capsules. In this paper, a review has been conducted on various healing agents, encapsulation techniques, as well as experimental approaches, basing on existing substantial studies. Recently, there is no consistent agreement on the effective criteria for evaluating encapsulation‐based self‐healing and mature solution for increasing the survival ratio of capsules during mixing. However, the polyurethane‐based healing agents filled in glass or ceramic tubes are popularly applied for self‐healing cementitious materials. Besides, the polymer capsules present promising attractions for engineering application. Mechanical strength and durability are the most widely used self‐healing efficiency assessment indexes. On the other hand, nondestructive technique and numerical modeling have also extensively adopted to visualize and evaluate the self‐healing behavior of cementitious materials. However, there are still some challenges, which require further investigations, such as behavior of crack propagation, kinetics of healing agent in discrete crack surfaces, effect of inserted capsules on the mechanical properties of self‐healed cementitious materials.
Teaching practices linked to the implementation of inquiry‐based practical work in certain science classrooms
Authors: Akuma Fru Vitalis , Callaghan Ronel
Published: September 2018

Around the world, there have been curricula reforms involving the incorporation of the inquiry‐based teaching and learning strategy in secondary school science education in general and in practical work in particular. Research in inquiry‐based practical work (IBPW) has focused, for example, on aspects of the strategy itself, on teacher professional development, and on classroom teaching and learning based on the strategy. However, the question of the extent to which teaching practices linked to the implementation of practical work are actually inquiry‐based, was still to be answered. To draw on the answer to this question to inform professional development practice and research, we focused on the case of physical sciences classrooms in two resource‐constrained South African schools. In this regard, we used a conceptual framework based on the Interconnected Model of Teachers' Professional Growth and including a framework of teaching practices. In the data collection, we used a multimethod case study approach and to analyze the data, we combined the inductive and deductive approaches in thematic analysis. The results show that in the initiation, planning, and classroom implementation phases of practical work, many of the teaching practices of participants were inconsistent with inquiry‐based teaching and learning, although some other practices were consistent with this type of teaching and learning. At the same time, some of the consistent practices were at a rather low level of implementation. We have discussed the theory‐, practice‐, and research‐based implications of these results, in relation to the implementation of IBPW in resource‐constrained physical sciences classrooms in South Africa and internationally.
Effect of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes Nanoparticles on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Poly(vinyl chloride) Composite Materials
Authors: Tomaszewska Jolanta , Sterzyński Tomasz , Skórczewska Katarzyna
Published: September 2018

The modification of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by polyhedral silsesquioxane containing both methacryl and octyl groups (MeOctPOSS) was the task of studies. The PVC nanocomposites with MeOctPOSS concentration between 1 and 10 wt% were prepared by melt mixing processing, and the homogeneity of MeOctPOSS dispersion in the polymeric matrix was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy observations. The influence of MeOctPOSS on glass transition temperature (Tg) determined by means of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was observed, whereas, higher the measurement frequency, higher the glass transition temperature was noted. The MeOctPOSS concentration‐dependent PVC glass transition temperature was shifted from 73.8°C to about 68°C (ƒ = 1 Hz) and from 76.5°C to 70.8°C (ƒ = 10 Hz) for increasing additive content. Similar result of decreasing Tg value was observed by DSC method. An introduction of 10 wt% of MeOctPOSS into the PVC matrix results in a visible decrease of the maximum value of loss modulus (G′) of approximately 12% and 18% by 1 Hz and 10 Hz, respectively, as well as in a significant reduction of the static elastic modulus. It was stated that the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes with both methacryl and octyl groups may act as plasticizers of the PVC matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E48–E54, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Spectral Power Distribution on the Resolution Enhancement in Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Zhou Cuixia , Xia Guo , Wang Guodong , Jin Shiqun
Published: September 2018

For wavelength interrogation based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors, refractive index (RI) resolution is an important parameter to evaluate the performance of the system. In this paper, we explore the influence of spectral power distribution on the refractive index (RI) resolution of the SPR system by simulating the reflectivity curve corresponding to the different incident angles of the classical Kretschmann structure and several different spectral power distribution curves. A wavelength interrogation based SPR system is built, and commercial micro-spectrometers (USB2000 and USB4000) are used as the detection components, respectively. The RI resolutions of the SPR system in these two cases are measured, respectively. Both theoretical and experimental results show that the spectral power distribution has a significant effect on the RI resolution of the SPR system.
An Analysis of ISIS Propaganda and Recruitment Activities Targeting the
Turkish-Speaking Population
Authors: Ozeren Suleyman , Hekim Hakan , Elmas M. Salih , Canbegi Halil Ibrahim
Published: September 2018

The “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” (ISIS) is the main source of instability, not only
in Iraq and Syria, but also throughout the Middle East. The instability poses a danger for
the other parts of the world because of the influx of foreign fighters to the region.
Extremists have taken advantage of the continuing conflicts in Iraq and Syria, with Syria in
particular serving as a magnet for thousands of foreign fighters from more than 90
countries. While most of these ISIS combatants are men, many women have left their countries
behind to join the “caliphate” and support its cause. Social media have played a key role in
luring women to join ISIS. This study therefore analyzed the ISIS organization’s social
media propaganda and grass-roots recruitment activities aimed at women in Turkey. The
results of the analysis provide important information about the strategies that ISIS uses to
spread its ideology.
Characters of inductive limits of finite alternating groups
Authors: THOMAS SIMON
Published: September 2018

If$G\ncong \operatorname{Alt}(\mathbb{N})$is an inductive limit of finite alternating groups, then the indecomposable characters of$G$are precisely the associated characters of the ergodic invariant random subgroups of$G$.
Simultaneous dense and non-dense orbits for certain partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms
Authors: WU WEISHENG
Published: September 2018

Let$g:M\rightarrow M$be a$C^{1+\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}$-partially hyperbolic diffeomorphism preserving an ergodic normalized volume on$M$. We show that, if$f:M\rightarrow M$is a$C^{1+\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}$-Anosov diffeomorphism such that the stable subspaces of$f$and$g$span the whole tangent space at some point on$M$, the set of points that equidistribute under$g$but have non-dense orbits under$f$has full Hausdorff dimension. The same result is also obtained when$M$is the torus and$f$is a toral endomorphism whose center-stable subspace does not contain the stable subspace of$g$at some point.
Programming mediated by fatty acids affects uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) in brown adipose tissue
Authors: Argentato Perla P. , de Cássia César Helena , Estadella Débora , Pisani Luciana P.
Published: September 2018

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has recently been given more attention for the part it plays in obesity. BAT can generate great amounts of heat through thermogenesis by the activation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1), which can be regulated by many environmental factors such as diet. Moreover, the build-up of BAT relates to maternal nutritional changes during pregnancy and lactation. However, at present, there is a limited number of studies looking at maternal nutrition and BAT development, and it seems that the research trend in this field has been considerably declining since the 1980s. There is much to discover yet about the role of different fatty acids on the development of BAT and the activation of UCP-1 during the fetal and the postnatal periods of life. A better understanding of the impact of nutritional intervention on the epigenetic regulation of BAT could lead to new preventive care for metabolic diseases such as obesity. It is important to know in which circumstances lipids could programme BAT during pregnancy and lactation. The modification of maternal dietary fatty acids, amount and composition, during pregnancy and lactation might be a promising strategy for the prevention of obesity in the offspring and future generations.
Anxiety and depression in adults with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hollocks Matthew J , Lerh Jian Wei , Magiati Iliana , Meiser-Stedman Richard , Brugha Traolach S
Published: September 2018

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are thought to be at disproportionate risk of developing mental health comorbidities, with anxiety and depression being considered most prominent amongst these. Yet, no systematic review has been carried out to date to examine rates of both anxiety and depression focusing specifically on adults with ASD. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the rates of anxiety and depression in adults with ASD and the impact of factors such as assessment methods and presence of comorbid intellectual disability (ID) diagnosis on estimated prevalence rates. Electronic database searches for studies published between January 2000 and September 2017 identified a total of 35 studies, including 30 studies measuring anxiety (n= 26 070; mean age = 30.9,s.d.= 6.2 years) and 29 studies measuring depression (n= 26 117; mean age = 31.1,s.d.= 6.8 years). The pooled estimation of current and lifetime prevalence for adults with ASD were 27% and 42% for any anxiety disorder, and 23% and 37% for depressive disorder. Further analyses revealed that the use of questionnaire measures and the presence of ID may significantly influence estimates of prevalence. The current literature suffers from a high degree of heterogeneity in study method and an overreliance on clinical samples. These results highlight the importance of community-based studies and the identification and inclusion of well-characterized samples to reduce heterogeneity and bias in estimates of prevalence for comorbidity in adults with ASD and other populations with complex psychiatric presentations.
Attention to threat in posttraumatic stress disorder as indexed by eye-tracking indices: a systematic review
Authors: Lazarov Amit , Suarez-Jimenez Benjamin , Tamman Amanda , Falzon Louise , Zhu Xi , Edmondson Donald E. , Neria Yuval
Published: September 2018

Background

Cognitive models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) implicate threat-related attentional biases in the etiology and phenomenology of the disorder. However, extant attentional research using reaction time (RT)-based paradigms and measures has yielded mixed results. Eye-tracking methodology has emerged in recent years to overcome several inherent drawbacks of RT-based tasks, striving to better delineate attentional processes.

Methods

A systematic review of experimental studies examining threat-related attention biases in PTSD, using eye-tracking methodology and group-comparison designs, was conducted conforming to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were selected following a systematic search for publications between 1980 and December 2017 in PsycINFO, MEDLINE and the National Center for PTSD Research's Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) database. Additional records were identified by employing the Similar Articles feature in PubMed, and the Cited Reference Search in ISI Web of Science. Reference sections of review articles, book chapters and studies selected for inclusion were searched for further studies. Ongoing studies were also sought through Clinicaltrials.gov.

Results

A total of 11 studies (n= 456 participants in total) were included in the final review. Results indicated little support for enhanced threat detection, hypervigilance and attentional avoidance. However, consistent evidence emerged for sustained attention on threat (i.e. attention maintenance) in PTSD.

Conclusions

This review is the first to systematically evaluate extant findings in PTSD emanating from eye-tracking studies employing group-comparison designs. Results suggest that sustained attention on threat might serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Intranasal octenidine and universal antiseptic bathing reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence in extended care facilities
Authors: Chow A. , Hon P. Y. , Tin G. , Zhang W. , Poh B. F. , Ang B.
Published: September 2018

Intranasal octenidine, an antiseptic alternative to mupirocin, can be used for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) decolonisation in the prevention of nosocomial transmission. A controlled before–after study was conducted in three extended-care hospitals in Singapore. All inpatients with >48 h stay were screened for MRSA colonisation in mid-2015(pre-intervention) and mid-2016(post-intervention). Hospital A: universal daily chlorhexidine bathing throughout 2015 and 2016, with intranasal octenidine for MRSA-colonisers in 2016. Hospital B: universal daily octenidine bathing and intranasal octenidine for MRSA-colonisers in 2016. Hospital C: no intervention. In 2015, MRSA prevalence was similar among the hospitals (Hospital A: 38.5%, Hospital B: 48.1%, Hospital C: 43.4%, P = 0.288). From 2015 to 2016, MRSA prevalence reduced by 58% in Hospital A (Adj OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20–0.89) and 43% in Hospital B (Adj OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.84), but remained similar in Hospital C (Adj OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.60–2.33), after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, prior MRSA carriage, prior antibiotics exposure and length of hospital stay. Compared with the change in MRSA prevalence from 2015 to 2016 in Hospital C, MRSA prevalence declined substantially in Hospital A (Adj OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13–0.97) and Hospital B (Adj OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.22–1.03). Topical intranasal octenidine, coupled with universal daily antiseptic bathing, can reduce MRSA colonisation in extended-care facilities.
Associations between Prospective and Retrospective Subjective Memory Complaints and Neuropsychological Performance in Older Adults: The Finger Study
Authors: Vaskivuo Laura , Hokkanen Laura , Hänninen Tuomo , Antikainen Riitta , Bäckman Lars , Laatikainen Tiina , Paajanen Teemu , Stigsdotter-Neely Anna , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia , Ngandu Tiia
Published: September 2018

Objectives:Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are among the key concerns in the elderly, but their role in detecting objective cognitive problems is unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between SMCs (both prospective and retrospective memory complaints) and neuropsychological test performance in older adults at risk of cognitive decline.Methods:This investigation is part of the FINGER project, a multicenter randomized controlled trial aiming at preventing cognitive decline in high-risk individuals. The cognitive assessment of participants was conducted at baseline using a modified neuropsychological test battery (NTB). SMCs were evaluated with the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ) in a sub-sample of 560 participants (mean age, 69.9 years).Results:Having more prospective SMCs was associated with slower processing speed, but not with other NTB domains. Retrospective SMCs were linked to poorer function on NTB total score, processing speed, and memory. Executive function domain was not associated with any PRMQ ratings. Depressive symptoms and poor quality of life diluted the observed associations for NTB total score and memory. However, the association between PRMQ and processing speed remained even after full adjustments.Conclusions:Our results indicate that self-reported memory problems, measured with PRMQ, are associated with objectively measured cognitive performance. Such complaints in healthy elderly people also seem to reflect reduced mental tempo, rather than memory deficits. Slowing of processing speed may thus be negatively related to memory self-efficacy. It is also important to consider affective factors among those who report memory problems. (JINS, 2018,24, 1099–1109)
Assessment of Naming in Non-native English Speakers with Epilepsy
Authors: Gooding Amanda , Cole Jeffrey R. , Hamberger Marla J.
Published: September 2018

Objectives: Naming assessment is a core component of neuropsychological evaluation, particularly in the surgical work up for patients with pharmacologically refractory epilepsy. Specifically, naming deficits are typically associated with left, but not right hemisphere epilepsy, thereby assisting with lateralization of seizure onset. We sought to determine whether bilingual (English as second language, ESL) and monolingual epilepsy patients with comparable education, intelligence, and objective vocabulary performance would perform similarly on standard naming measures, and whether ESL patients would demonstrate laterality effects in naming, similar to that observed in monolingual patients. Methods: Participants were 242 adults with epilepsy (186 native, 56 ESL) who underwent neuropsychological evaluation and obtained normal range or higher scores on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (R/III/IV) Vocabulary subtest (scaled score≥8). Groups were compared on demographic factors and language performances (i.e., Boston Naming Test, Auditory & Visual Naming Test, word reading, fluency). Results: Groups did not differ with respect to age, education, FSIQ, vocabulary, reading, or verbal fluency. However, ESL speakers earned poorer scores than native English speakers on all naming measures. Moreover, among ESL participants with unilateral epilepsy, a significant proportion of right hemisphere patients scored below cutoff for impairment. This contrasted with the more typical finding among native English speakers, whereby a significant proportion of left patients demonstrated naming impairment. Conclusions: These results underscore the complexity of verbal assessment in bilinguals, suggesting that naming performances by ESL individuals, even those considered proficient, with strong performances on other English verbal measures, cannot be interpreted by the same standards applied for native speakers. (JINS, 2018, 24, 1057–1063)
Socio-economic differentials in minimum dietary diversity among young children in South-East Asia: evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Harvey Chloe M , Newell Marie-Louise , Padmadas Sabu S
Published: September 2018

Objective

To investigate the socio-economic differentials underlying minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among children aged 6–23 months in three economically diverse South-East Asian countries.

Design

The outcome variable MDD was defined as the proportion of children aged 6–23 months who received foods from four of the seven recommended food groups within the 24 h prior to interview. The association between socio-economic factors and MDD, adjusting for relevant characteristics, was examined using logistic regression.

Setting

We used cross-sectional population data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys from Cambodia (2014), Myanmar (2015–16) and Indonesia (2012).

Subjects

Total of 8364 children aged 6–23 months.

Results

Approximately half of all children met the MDD, varying from 47·7 % in Cambodia (n1023) to 58·2 % in Indonesia (n2907) and 24·6 % in Myanmar (n301). The likelihood (adjusted OR; 95 % CI) of meeting MDD increased for children in the richest households (Cambodia: 2·4; 1·7, 3·4; Myanmar: 1·8; 1·1, 3·0; Indonesia: 2·0; 1·6, 2·5) and those residing in urban areas (Cambodia: 1·4; 1·1, 1·9; Myanmar: 1·7; 1·2, 2·4; Indonesia: 1·7; 1·5, 1·9). MDD deprivation was most severe among children from the poorest households in rural areas. The association between mother’s labour force participation and MDD was positive in all three countries but reached significance only in Indonesia (1·3; 1·1, 1·5).

Conclusions

MDD deprivation among young children was significantly high in socio-economically disadvantaged families in all three study settings. MDD requirements are not being met for approximately half of young children in these three South-East Asian countries.
Lupus disks with faint CO isotopologues: low gas/dust or high carbon depletion?
Authors: Miotello Anna
Published: September 2018

With the advent of ALMA, complete surveys of gas and dust in protoplanetary disks are being carried out in different star forming regions. In particular, continuum emission is used to trace the large (mm-sized) dust grains and CO isotopologues are observed in order to trace the bulk of the gas. The attempt is to simultaneously constrain the gas and dust disk mass as well as the gas/dust mass ratio. In this work the observations from the Lupus disk survey have been analyzed with thermo-chemical disk models, including radiative transfer, CO isotope-selective processes and freeze-out. We find that CO-based gas masses are very low, often smaller than 1MJ. Moreover, gas/dust mass ratios are much lower than value of 100 found in the ISM, being mainly between 1 and 10. This result can be interpreted either as rapid loss of gas, or as a chemical effect removing carbon from CO and locking it into more complex molecules or in larger bodies. Current data cannot distinguish between the two scenarios (except for sources with detected HD lines), but future observations of e.g. [CI] and hydrocarbon lines will help to calibrate CO-based gas masses and to constrain disk gas masses.
Dust formation at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Henning Thomas , Jäger Cornelia , Rouillé Gaël , Fulvio Daniele , Krasnokutski Serge A.
Published: September 2018

The efficiency of dust formation in a variety of environments is an ongoing topic for discussions, especially if it comes to dust formation in the interstellar medium. Although this possibility is discussed in a wide range of numerical studies, experiments on the formation of dust at low densities and temperatures are mostly lacking. This contribution summarizes the main findings of our low-temperature condensation experiments including the formation of silica, complex silicates with pyroxene and olivine stoichiometry, and of carbonaceous refractory materials. Atomic and molecular species to be expected as products of supernovae shock fronts were produced by laser ablation of silicates and graphite. These species were deposited together with a rare gas on cold substrates representing the surfaces of surviving dust grains in the interstellar medium. After characterizing the precursor species, the rare gas matrix was annealed to induce diffusion and reactions between the initial components. We found the production of amorphous and homogeneous silica and magnesium iron silicates at temperatures of about 12 K in a barrierless reaction as monitored by infrared spectroscopy. The 10 μm band of the low-temperature siliceous condensates shows a striking similarity to the 10 μm band of interstellar silicates. Carbonaceous atoms and molecules can also react without a barrier and form an amorphous or hydrogenated amorphous carbon material. The refractory condensate has properties comparable to fullerene-like carbon grains formed at high temperatures.
Modelling the emission of nitrogen-bearing molecules towards the solar type protostar IRAS16293-2422
Authors: Hernández-Gómez A. , Caux E. , Loinard L. , Bottinelli S.
Published: September 2018

Nitrogen, one of the most abundant elements in the Universe is a fundamental element of molecules which are crucial for life. We present here the modelling of the emission of two of the simplest nitrogen-bearing molecules, CN and NO, with a non-LTE radiative transfer code in IRAS16293-2422, a class 0 low-mass protostar. In this model, we assumed IRAS16293-2422 is formed by 2 compact, hot and dense sources embedded in a three layers of envelope.
Possibility to locate the position of the H2O snowline in protoplanetary disks through spectroscopic observations
Authors: Notsu Shota , Nomura Hideko , Walsh Catherine , Honda Mitsuhiko , Hirota Tomoya , Akiyama Eiji , Millar T. J.
Published: September 2018

Observationally measuring the location of the H2O snowline is crucial for understanding the planetesimal and planet formation processes, and the origin of water on Earth. The velocity profiles of emission lines from protoplanetary disks are usually affected by Doppler shift due to Keplerian rotation and thermal broadening. Therefore, the velocity profiles are sensitive to the radial distribution of the line-emitting regions. In our work (Notsu et al. 2016, 2017), we found candidate water lines to locate the position of the H2O snowline through future high-dispersion spectroscopic observations. First, we calculated the chemical composition of the disks around a T Tauri star and a Herbig Ae star using chemical kinetics. We confirmed that the abundance of H2O gas is high not only in the hot midplane region inside the H2O snowline but also in the hot surface layer and the photodesorption region of the outer disk. The position of the H2O snowline in the Herbig Ae disk exists at a larger radius from the central star than that in the T Tauri disk. Second, we calculated the H2O line profiles and identified that H2O emission lines with small Einstein A coefficients (∼10−6 − 10−3 s−1) and relatively high upper state energies (∼ 1000K) are dominated by emission from the hot midplane region inside the H2O snowline, and therefore their profiles potentially contain information which can be used to locate the position of the H2O snowline. The wavelengths of the H2O lines which are the best candidates to locate the position of the H2O snowline range from mid-infrared to sub-millimeter, and the total line fluxes tend to increase with decreasing wavelengths. We investigated the possibility of future observations using the ALMA and mid-infrared high-dispersion spectrographs (e.g., SPICA/SMI-HRS). Since the fluxes of those identified lines from a Herbig Ae disk are stronger than those of a T Tauri disk, the possibility of a successful detection is expected to increase for a Herbig Ae disk.
100 GHz Room-Temperature Laboratory Emission Spectrometer
Authors: Wehres Nadine , Heyne Bettina , Lewen Frank , Hermanns Marius , Schmidt Bernhard , Endres Christian , Graf Urs U. , Higgins Daniel R. , Schlemmer Stephan
Published: September 2018

We present first results of a new heterodyne spectrometer dedicated to high-resolution spectroscopy of molecules of astrophysical importance. The spectrometer, based on a room-temperature heterodyne receiver, is sensitive to frequencies between 75 and 110 GHz with an instantaneous bandwidth of currently 2.5 GHz in a single sideband. The system performance, in particular the sensitivity and stability, is evaluated. Proof of concept of this spectrometer is demonstrated by recording the emission spectrum of methyl cyanide, CH3CN. Compared to state-of-the-art radio telescope receivers the instrument is less sensitive by about one order of magnitude. Nevertheless, the capability for absolute intensity measurements can be exploited in various experiments, in particular for the interpretation of the ever richer spectra in the ALMA era. The ease of operation at room-temperature allows for long time integration, the fast response time for integration in chirped pulse instruments or for recording time dependent signals. Future prospects as well as limitations of the receiver for the spectroscopy of complex organic molecules (COMs) are discussed.
Rings, rings, rings: what does CN tell us?
Authors: Cazzoletti Paolo
Published: September 2018

CN emission lines are among the brightest, and have been observed in the last 20 years with single dish observations. With modern interferometers, we are now able to spatially resolve CN emission, which often shows ring-like structures. We investigate whether such structures trace the morphology of the disks, or if they have a chemical origin. By using the thermochemical code DALI, we conclude that CN formation is triggered by the existence of vibrationally excited H2*, produced by FUV pumping of H2. Herbig stars therefore generally have larger rings and higher CN fluxes than TTauri. Disks with higher masses and flaring also show stronger CN emission and larger rings. CN observations could in the future provide important constraints on some important disk physical parameters. The results of the models are well consistent with the spatially resolved CN observations to-date available.