bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A first WHO reference reagent for the detection of anti‐human platelet antigen‐15b
Authors: Sharp Giles , Poles Anthony , Studholme Lucy
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Alloantibodies to human platelet antigen‐15b (anti‐HPA‐15b) have been detected in mothers with foetal–neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia and in multiply transfused patients. Assays used to detect this antibody, which aids in disease diagnosis, can be unreliable and vary in sensitivity. The objective was to generate a stable, lyophilized anti‐HPA‐15b preparation and evaluate its suitability as a World Health Organization (WHO) reference reagent for use in the quality control of platelet alloantibody detection assays. Results from an international collaborative study to evaluate the preparation were used to assign a minimum potency at which laboratories can be expected to detect the antibody.

Materials and Methods

Recalcified plasma containing anti‐HPA‐15b was aliquotted, lyophilized and coded 18/220. Twenty‐five laboratories in 16 countries tested doubling dilutions of the reconstituted material in glycoprotein‐specific assays such as the monoclonal antibody–specific immobilization of platelet antigen assay and reported the last positive (or endpoint) dilution.

Results

Twenty‐four laboratories (96%) detected antibodies with HPA‐15b specificity in preparation 18/220. Reported endpoint dilutions were normally distributed with a modal dilution of 1 in 16 and ranged from 1 in 2 to 1 in 128. Only two laboratories (8%) failed to detect anti‐HPA‐15b at 1 in 8 dilution.

Conclusions

When diluted 1 in 8, most laboratories detected anti‐HPA‐15b in preparation 18/220 using HPA‐15bb platelets but not with HPA‐15aa platelets. The participants agreed this to be an appropriate dilution for assignment as the minimum potency. In October 2020, the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization approved 18/220 as an International Reference Reagent.
Monoidal abelian envelopes
Authors: Coulembier Kevin
Published: June 2021

We prove a constructive existence theorem for abelian envelopes of non-abelian monoidal categories. This establishes a new tool for the construction of tensor categories. As an example we obtain new proofs for the existence of several universal tensor categories as conjectured by Deligne. Another example constructs interesting tensor categories in positive characteristic via tilting modules for ${\rm SL}_2$.
Source level and vocalizing depth estimation of two blue whale subspecies in the western Indian Ocean from single sensor observations
Authors: Bouffaut Léa , Landrø Martin , Potter John R.
Published: June 2021

The source level (SL) and vocalizing source depth (SD) of individuals from two blue whale (BW) subspecies, an Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia; ABW) and a Madagascar pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda; MPBW) are estimated from a single bottom-mounted hydrophone in the western Indian Ocean. Stereotyped units (male) are automatically detected and the range is estimated from the time delay between the direct and lowest-order multiply-reflected acoustic paths (multipath-ranging). Allowing for geometric spreading and the Lloyd's mirror effect (range-, depth-, and frequency-dependent) SL and SD are estimated by minimizing the SL variance over a series of units from the same individual over time (and hence also range). The average estimated SL of 188.5 ± 2.1 dB re 1μPa measured between [25–30] Hz for the ABW and 176.8 ± 1.8 dB re. 1μPa measured between [22–27] Hz for the MPBW agree with values published for other geographical areas. Units were vocalized at estimated depths of 25.0 ± 3.7 and 32.7 ± 5.7 m for the ABW Unit A and C and, ≃20 m for the MPBW. The measurements show that these BW calls series are stereotyped in frequency, amplitude, and depth.
Comparing the Effects of Total Motion Release® to Stretching for Increases in Internal and External Rotation at the Shoulder
Authors: Sordello Nicole , Bright Tenli , Truesdell Taylor , Puckett Jace , Baker Jayme G. , Baker Russell T.
Published: June 2021

Focused Clinical Question: What are the effects of Total Motion Release® on shoulder range of motion compared with stretching in overhead athletes? Clinical Bottom Line: Total Motion Release® significantly improved acute dominant and nondominant shoulder ROM compared with dynamic warm-up and stretching protocols. The application of Total Motion Release® was also found to produce significantly larger increases in shoulder ROM and took substantially less time to complete when compared with dynamic warm-up protocols.
Experiences With Social Participation in Group Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults
Authors: Zimmer Chantelle , McDonough Meghan H. , Hewson Jennifer , Toohey Ann , Din Cari , Crocker Peter R.E. , Bennett Erica V.
Published: June 2021

Little is known about how social participation can be facilitated among older adults in group physical activity and its psychosocial benefits that contribute to successful aging. This study aimed to understand older adults’ experiences with social participation in group physical activity programs. Using interpretive description methodology, 16 observations, eight focus groups, and two interviews with participants unable to attend focus groups were conducted with adults 55 years and older attending programs across four recreation facilities. Group programs were found to influence social participation through (a) a meaningful context for connecting and (b) instructors’ expectations of social interaction. Social participation in these programs addressed psychosocial needs by (c) increasing social contact and interaction, (d) fostering social relationships and belonging, and (e) promoting regular engagement. Training for instructors should include balancing the physical aspects of program delivery with the social, while also considering older adults’ diverse needs and preferences for social interaction.
Toward cloning and mapping the genome of Drosophila
Authors: Merriam J , Ashburner M , Hartl DL , Kafatos FC
Published: June 2021

An ultimate goal of Drosophila genetics is to identify and define the functions of all the genes in the organism. Traditional approaches based on the isolation of mutant genes have been extraordinary fruitful. Recent advances in the manipulation and analysis of large DNA fragments have made it possible to develop detailed molecular maps of the Drosophila genome as the initial steps in determining the complete DNA sequence.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Acidithrix
sp. Strain C25 and
Acidocella
sp. Strain C78, Acidophiles Isolated from Iron-Rich Pelagic Aggregates (Iron Snow)
Authors: Li Qianqian , Cooper Rebecca E. , Wegner Carl-Eric , Lu Shipeng , Küsel Kirsten
Published: June 2021

We report the draft genome sequences of two acidophiles, the Fe-oxidizing bacterium
Acidithrix
sp. strain C25 and the putative Fe-reducing
Acidocella
sp. strain C78. Both strains were isolated from iron-rich pelagic aggregates (iron snow) collected below the redoxcline at a 5-m depth in an acidic pit lake located in Germany (51°31′8.2″N, 13°41′34.7″E).
A record of syn-tectonic sedimentation revealed by perched alluvial fan deposits in Valles Marineris, Mars
Authors: Davis J.M. , Grindrod P.M. , Banham S.G. , Warner N.H. , Conway S.J. , Boazman S.J. , Gupta S.
Published: June 2021

On Mars, basins formed by tectonic processes are rare and mostly have unconstrained subsidence histories. One method for understanding this record of subsidence is through associated alluvial fans, which are sourced from uplifted areas and accumulate in downthrown basins. The source, morphology, and superposition of fan deposits can be used to reconstruct fault kinematics, the relative timing of accommodation space formation, and, in turn, the influence tectonic processes had on Martian fan formation. Here we use high-resolution orbital data sets to characterize sediment fan deposits associated with syn-tectonic sedimentation in two regions of the Valles Marineris canyons: Coprates Chasma and Juventae Chasma. These deposits comprise sediment fans on the current canyon floor and low-gradient surfaces perched several kilometers above the canyon floor. We interpret the low-gradient surfaces as remnant sediment fan deposits, which originally formed at the former canyon floor and have since been offset due to normal faulting. The preservation of vertically offset generations of sediment fan deposits supports a progressive, basinward migration of fault activity into the original hanging wall or repeat activity along a fault zone. Each episode of faulting was followed by a basinward shift in drainages, which led to fault-scarp degradation and formation of a new generation of fans. Multiple episodes of syn-tectonic sedimentation occurred during the evolution of the basins, with fluvial activity sporadically active. Our results demonstrate, for the first time on Mars, that depositional cyclicity was linked to tectonic deformation, possibly representative of regional processes throughout Valles Marineris.
Explosive caldera-forming eruptions and debris-filled vents: Gargle dynamics
Authors: Valentine Greg A. , Cole Meredith A.
Published: June 2021

Large explosive volcanic eruptions are commonly associated with caldera subsidence and ignimbrites deposited by pyroclastic currents. Volumes and thicknesses of intracaldera and outflow ignimbrites at 76 explosive calderas around the world indicate that subsidence is commonly simultaneous with eruption, such that large proportions of the pyroclastic currents are trapped within the developing basins. As a result, much of an eruption must penetrate its own deposits, a process that also occurs in large, debris-filled vent structures even in the absence of caldera formation and that has been termed “gargling eruption.” Numerical modeling of the resulting dynamics shows that the interaction of preexisting deposits (fill) with an erupting (juvenile) mixture causes a dense sheath of fill material to be lifted along the margins of the erupting jet. This can cause an eruption that would otherwise produce a buoyant plume and fallout deposits to instead form pyroclastic currents as the dense sheath drives pulsing jet behavior. Increasing thickness of fill amplifies the time variation in jet height. Increasing the fill grain size relative to that of the juvenile particles can result in a much higher jet due to poorer mixing between the dense sheath and the dilute jet core. In all cases, material collapses along the entire height of the dense sheath rather than from the top of a simple fountain. These gargle dynamics provide strong backing for processes that have been inferred to result in intraplinian ignimbrites and simultaneous deposition from high- and low-energy pyroclastic currents.
A new kind of invisible gold in pyrite hosted in deformation-related dislocations
Authors: Fougerouse Denis , Reddy Steven M. , Aylmore Mark , Yang Lin , Guagliardo Paul , Saxey David W. , Rickard William D.A. , Timms Nicholas
Published: June 2021

Mining of “invisible gold” associated with sulfides in gold ores represents a significant proportion of gold production worldwide. Gold hosted in sulfide minerals has been proposed to be structurally bound in the crystal lattice as a sulfide-gold alloy and/or to occur as discrete metallic nanoparticles. Using a combination of microstructural quantification and nanoscale geochemical analyses on a pyrite crystal from an orogenic gold deposit, we show that dislocations hosted in a deformation low-angle boundary can be enriched in Ni, Cu, As, Pb, Sb, Bi, and Au. The cumulative trace-element enrichment in the dislocations is 3.2 at% higher compared to the bulk crystal. We propose that trace elements were segregated during the migration of the dislocation following the dislocation-impurity pair model. The gold hosted in nanoscale dislocations represents a new style of invisible gold.
On the Possibility of Separating Coherent and Incoherent (Anti)neutrino Scattering on Nuclei
Authors: Bednyakov V. A. , Naumov D. V. , Titkova I. V.
Published: June 2021

The discovery of coherent neutrino–nucleus scattering in the COHERENT experiment opened a source of new information for fundamental investigations in the realms of neutrino and nuclear physics, as well as in the realms of searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Owing to substantial momentum transfers, a feature peculiar to the kinematical region of this experiment is that the effect of coherence is mixed with a sizable incoherent contribution rather than being seen in a pure form. On one hand, this leads to additional systematic uncertainties in studying the neutrino component of the coherence effect as such. On the other hand, this makes it possible to study a dynamical transition between the coherent and incoherent scattering modes and, in principle, to separate them experimentally. In our opinion, a consistent measurement of the coherent and incoherent cross sections for (anti)neutrino scattering on a nucleus in the same experiment seems a unique possibility, and its implementation would of course provide new data for neutrino physics, as well as for nuclear and new physics. In the present study, it is shown that this possibility is implementable not only in experiments that explore coherent neutrino and antineutrino scattering on various nuclei at accelerators, where the neutrino energy reaches several hundred MeV units but also in reactor experiments, where antineutrino energies do not exceed 10 MeV. The respective estimation is based on the approach that controls qualitatively a ‘‘smooth transition’’ of the cross section for (anti)neutrino–nucleus scattering from a coherent (or elastic) to an incoherent (inelastic) mode. In the former case, the target nucleus remains in the initial quantum state, while, in the latter case, its quantum state changes. Observation of a specific number of photons that have rather high energies and which remove the excitation of the nucleus after its inelastic interaction with (anti)neutrinos is proposed to be used as a signal from such an inelastic process. An upper limit on the number of such photons is obtained in this study.
Mobilization of Soil Organic Matter by Ultrafresh Water: Modeling and Assessment of the Impact on the Mobility of Heavy Metals
Authors: Grechishcheva N. Yu. , Yaroslavtsev N. V. , Kotelnikova A. D. , Ostakh O. S. , Kholodov V. A. , Zavorotny V. L. , Balaba V. I.
Published: June 2021

The experiments on mobilization of soil organic matter during soil washing with ultrafresh water against the background of salinity pulsing were designed and performed. Unpolluted soil and the soil artificially polluted with copper(II) were used in experiments, namely, clay loamy typical chernozem (Haplic Chernozem) of the Alekhin Central Chernozemic Nature Reserve (Kursk oblast, Russia; 51°34.207 N, 36°05.444 E) and sandy loamy soddy-podzolic soil (Albic Glossic Retisol (Loamic, Cutanic, Ochric)) from the Domodedovo district of Moscow oblast, Russia (55°17.683 N, 37°50.045 E). Soil samples were taken from the upper humus-accumulative (A1) horizon (5–15 cm). A drastic change in the composition of washing solution from fresh water to 0.1 M NaCl solution and back led to destruction of soil aggregates under the impact of osmotic pressure. Soddy-podzolic soil proved to be more resistant to destruction as compared with typical chernozem. Copper(II) was leached off from artificially contaminated samples of soddy-podzolic soil with the flow of dissolved organic matter, whereas copper leaching from typical chernozem was associated with the destruction of aggregates and release of intraaggregate organic matter. It is argued that copper (II) migration models should take into account the amount of dissolved organic matter for soddy-podzolic soil and the content of aromatic fragments in the organic matter for typical chernozem. A conceptual model of the Cu(II) leaching from contaminated soddy-podzolic soil and typical chernozem in the course of soil washing with fresh water against the background of salinity pulsing and the destruction of soil structure is constructed.
15N Natural Abundance of Soil Microbial Biomass in Alpine and Tundra Ecosystems
Authors: Makarov M. I. , Kadulin M. S. , Malysheva T. I.
Published: June 2021

Isotopic composition of nitrogen in soil microbial biomass (δ15Nmicr) is connected with the transformation of nitrogen compounds and with the balance of carbon and nitrogen availability for microorganisms. We have studied the dependence of δ15Nmicr on nitrogen isotopic composition in the substrate (δ15N of total and extractable nitrogen), as well as the dependence of δ15Nmicr and 15N-enrichment of microbial biomass (Δ15Nmicr = δ15Nmicr – δ15Nsubstr) on nitrogen availability parameters (the C/N ratio in soil, the N-mineralization activity, the content of extractable nitrogen, and the nitrogen use efficiency) in soils of four alpine ecosystems in the North Caucasus and four tundra ecosystems in the Khibiny Mountains. It has been shown that δ15Nmiсr varies from –0.2 to +8.4‰ and may be characterized by both 15N-enrichment and depletion (negative Δ15Nmiсr values) relative to the total and extractable soil nitrogen. As a rule, Δ15Nmicr is 1.5–3.1‰ relative to 15Ntotal and 0.6–4.8‰ relative to 15Nextr. However, under the most N-deficiency conditions in soils of mountain tundra lichen and shrub heaths, Nmicr does not accumulate an increased amount of 15N. We have not revealed a close correlation of δ15Nmicr and Δ15Nmicr with the C/N ratio. The accumulation of 15N in microbial biomass is much stronger related to N-mineralization (positively) and the nitrogen use efficiency (negatively). This testifies to the important role of microbial nitrogen dissimilation in controlling the isotopic composition of soil microbial biomass nitrogen.
Carney complex: left atrial myxoma in a patient with past pituitary microadenoma and lentiginosis
Authors: Spindel Jeffrey , Mathbout Mohammad F , Huffman Travis , Ghafghazi Shahab
Published: June 2021

The Carney complex (CNC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic complex that is characterised by multiple neoplasms consisting of neuroendocrine and cardiac tumours, with only 750 cases reported worldwide as of 2017. Cardiac tumours, in the context of the CNC, are of unique importance since the leading causes of death in patients with CNC are cardiac. To prevent sudden cardiac death and embolic events, a difficult diagnosis must be made and postdiagnostic screenings must be regular. We present a case of a 52-year-old man, with a medical history of pituitary microadenoma and facial lentiginosis, who presented with dyspnoea 2 months after suffering a cerebrovascular accident.
Successful treatment of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy with revision of transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic shunt and embolisation of splenorenal shunt
Authors: Krishnamurthy Padmini , Ahmad Ammar
Published: June 2021

We present a case of 64-year-old US veteran who developed recurrent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) following transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic shunt (TIPSS) procedure. The patient had a history of metabolic syndrome and cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. He had undergone sleeve gastrectomy 1 year earlier with preoperative TIPSS placement. He developed recurrent symptoms of HE despite optimising his medications, resulting in poor quality of life and multiple hospitalisations. A liver Doppler ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen was obtained which showed a patent TIPSS and a prominent shunt between the splenic vein and left renal vein via the left gonadal vein. This was treated with reduction of TIPSS, by placement of a covered stent in an hourglass configuration within the existing TIPSS stent and simultaneous embolisation of the splenorenal shunt by interventional radiology. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms following the procedure without any recurrence of HE.
Paediatric primary cough headache with internal jugular phlebectasia
Authors: Omata Yuko , Takahashi Yoshiko , Nakazawa Tomoko , Omata Taku
Published: June 2021

Primary cough headaches (PCHs) are mainly observed in people aged >40 years, but cough-induced headaches are potentially symptomatic in children. We report a case of a child diagnosed with PCH without an intracranial disease. A 7-year-old boy presented with cough due to pertussis and powerful cough-induced headaches. No brain abnormalities were detected, but the right side of his neck was observed to swell. Echo examination confirmed right internal jugular vein dilatation during a Valsalva manoeuvre, and the patient was diagnosed with PCH with internal jugular phlebectasia. PCHs are normally reported in adults, but they can also occur in children. PCHs and internal jugular vein abnormalities may be related. Thus, tests assessing internal jugular vein morphology and function should be considered for PCH cases.
Secondary metformin monotherapy failure in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Weiss Tracey , Iglay Kristy , Gulati Tania , Rajpathak Swapnil , Yang Lingfeng , Blonde Lawrence
Published: June 2021

Introduction

To assess secondary metformin monotherapy (MM) failure in a real-world type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cohort.

Research design and methods

Using the IQVIA Electronic Medical Record (formerly GE Centricity) database, adults with T2DM who initiated MM between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016 and achieved glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <7% (53 mmol/mol); index date) were analyzed. Secondary MM failure was defined in two ways: loss of glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7% (53 mmol/mol)) and treatment change (addition or switch of antihyperglycemic agent). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the association between secondary MM failure and sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Results

The analysis included 4775 patients initiating MM. 32.9% and 19.2% experienced secondary MM failure at 24 months measured as loss of glycemic control and treatment change, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression found that women (OR=1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5) compared with men, lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.93), and lower baseline HbA1c (OR=0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.98) were associated with increased likelihood of loss of glycemic control. Lower CCI was associated with increased likelihood of treatment change (OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.82).

Conclusions

The observed frequency of secondary MM failure underscores the importance of the American Diabetes Association’s recommendation for glycemic monitoring of at least every 6 months so that timely therapeutic adjustments can be made.
Measurement and prevalence of sexual harassment in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ranganathan Meghna , Wamoyi Joyce , Pearson Isabelle , Stöckl Heidi
Published: June 2021

Objectives

We synthesise evidence on sexual harassment from studies in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to estimate its prevalence and conduct a meta-analysis of the association between sexual harassment and depressive symptoms.

Methods

We searched eight databases. We included peer-reviewed studies published in English from 1990 until April 2020 if they measured sexual harassment prevalence in LMICs, included female or male participants aged 14 and over and conceptualised sexual harassment as an independent or dependant variable. We appraised the quality of evidence, used a narrative syntheses approach to synthesise data and conducted a random effects meta-analysis.

Results

From 49 included studies, 38 focused on workplaces and educational institutions and 11 on public places. Many studies used an unclear definition of sexual harassment and did not deploy a validated measurement tool. Studies either used a direct question or a series of behavioural questions to elicit information on acts considered offensive or defined as sexual harassment. Prevalence was higher in educational institutions than in workplaces although there was high heterogeneity in prevalence estimates across studies with no international comparability. This posed a challenge for calculating an overall estimate or measuring a range. Our meta-analysis showed some evidence of an association between sexual harassment and depressive symptoms (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.76; p=0.016) although there were only three studies with a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to assess measurement approaches and estimate the prevalence of sexual harassment across settings in LMICs. We also contribute a pooled estimate of the association between sexual harassment and depressive symptoms in LMICs. There is limited definitional clarity, and rigorously designed prevalence studies that use validated measures for sexual harassment in LMICs. Improved measurement will enable us to obtain more accurate prevalence estimates across different settings to design effective interventions and policies.
Efficacy and safety of remdesivir in COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Singh Surjit , Khera Daisy , Chugh Ankita , Khera Pushpinder Singh , Chugh Vinay Kumar
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Evaluation of remdesivir, an RNA polymerase inhibitor, for effectiveness in adults with COVID-19.

Data sources

Electronic search for eligible articles of PubMed, Cochrane Central and clinicaltrials.gov was performed on 20 September 2020.

Participants and study eligibility criteria

Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating efficacy of remdesivir in COVID-19 were included for meta-analysis.

Interventions

Remdesivir was compared with standard of care.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes were time to clinical improvement and safety outcomes like serious adverse events, respiratory failure.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

Data synthesis was done with Cochrane review manager 5 (RevMan) V.5.3. Cochrane risk of bias V.2.0 tool was used for methodological quality assessment. The GRADE pro GDT was applied for overall quality of evidence.

Results

52 RCTs were screened and 4 studies were included in analysis, with total of 7324 patients. No mortality benefit was observed with remdesivir versus control group (OR=0.92 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.07), p=0.30, moderate quality evidence). Significantly higher rates of clinical improvement (OR=1.52 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.87), p<0.0001, low quality) and faster time to clinical improvement (HR=1.28 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.46), p=0.0002, very low quality) was observed with remdesivir versus control group. Significant decrease was found in the risk of serious adverse events (RR=0.75 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.90), p=0.0003, low quality); however, no difference was found in the risk of respiratory failure (RR=0.85 (95% CI 0.41 to 1.77), p=0.67, very low quality evidence) with remdesivir.

Conclusions

As per the evidence from current review, remdesivir has shown no mortality benefit (moderate quality evidence) in the treatment of COVID-19. From a cost–benefit perspective, it is our personal opinion that it should not be recommended for use, especially in low and lower middle income countries.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020189517.
Meta-analysis with individual data of functional outcomes following Aquablation for lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH in various prostate anatomies
Authors: Elterman Dean , Gilling Peter , Roehrborn Claus , Barber Neil , Misrai Vincent , Zorn Kevin C , Bhojani Naeem , Te Alexis , Humphreys Mitch , Kaplan Steven , Desai Mihir , Bach Thorsten
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To evaluate functional outcomes following Aquablation in various prostate volume and anatomical subgroups.

Design

A meta-analysis with individual patient data undergoing Aquablation therapy from four prospective, global, clinical studies that have been conducted with Aquablation; WATER, WATER II, FRANCAIS WATER and OPEN WATER.

Setting

Australia, Canada, Lebanon, Germany, New Zealand, UK and the USA.

Participants

425 men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with 1-year follow-up.

Interventions

Aquablation therapy is an ultrasound guided, robotically executed waterjet ablative procedure for the prostate.

Main outcome measures

The analyses focus International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, postoperative Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) and surgical retreatment.

Results

425 men with prostates ranging in size from 20 to 150 mL underwent Aquablation therapy. The outcomes from the seven questions in the IPSS questionnaire were grouped by the following; prostates <100 mL, prostates ≥100 mL, prostate anatomy with an obstructive median lobe identifed by imaging, and prostate anatomy without an obstructive median lobe. Regardless of subgroup, all outcomes are consistent and demonstrate a significant improvement from baseline. Specifically, improvements in frequency, urgency and nocturia demonstrated bladder function improvement. Patients entering treatment with severe incontinence, ISI score >4, and regardless of prostate size, showed a reduction in incontinence during patient follow-up. Surgical retreatment due to BPH symptoms occurred in 0.7% (95% CI 0.1%–2.0%).

Conclusions

Across a variety of prostate anatomies, Aquablation therapy showed remarkable functional improvements following the index procedure. Additionally, men with moderate to severe LUTS/BPH and overactive bladder resulting in urge incontinence showed a reduction in incontinence symptoms postprocedure.
Spleen emptying does not correlate with faster oxygen kinetics during a step-transition supine cycling
Authors: Zubac Damir , Obad Ante , Bošnjak Ana , Zec Mirela , Ivančev Vladimir , Valić Zoran
Published: June 2021

This manuscript quantified spleen volume changes and examined the relationship between those changes and oxygen uptake kinetics during supine cycling. Ten volunteers (age = 22 ± 3), completed 3 step transitions from 20 W to their power output at 90% gas exchange threshold. Ultrasonic measurements of the spleen were performed each minute. The largest spleen volume reduction was 105 mL (p = 0.001). No associations existed between i) spleen volumes at rest; and ii) spleen volume changes (%) and tau pulmonary oxygen uptake (τV̇O2p). Larger resting spleen volume and greater emptying do not correlate with a faster τV̇O2p.

Novelty: Greater splenic contractions do not augment τV̇O2p, irrespective of spleen emptying and subsequent erythrocyte release.
Constraints on interacting dark energy models through cosmic chronometers and Gaussian process
Authors: Aljaf Muhsin , Gregoris Daniele , Khurshudyan Martiros
Published: June 2021

In this paper, after reconstructing the redshift evolution of the Hubble function by adopting Gaussian process techniques, we estimate the best-fit parameters for some flat Friedmann cosmological models based on a modified Chaplygin gas interacting with dark matter. In fact, the expansion history of the Universe will be investigated because passively evolving galaxies constitute cosmic chronometers. An estimate for the present-day values of the deceleration parameter, adiabatic speed of sound within the dark energy fluid, effective dark energy, and dark matter equation of state parameters is provided. By this, we mean that the interaction term between the two dark fluids, which breaks the Bianchi symmetries, will be interpreted as an effective contribution to the dark matter pressure similarly to the framework of the “Generalized Dark Matter”. We investigate whether the estimates of the Hubble constant and of the present-day abundance of dark matter are sensitive to the dark matter–dark energy coupling. We will also show that the cosmic chronometers data favor a cold dark matter, and that our findings are in agreement with the Le Châtelier–Braun principle according to which dark energy should decay into dark matter.
Leaks of CP violation in the real two-Higgs-doublet model
Authors: Fontes Duarte , Löschner Maximilian , Romão Jorge C. , Silva João P.
Published: June 2021

We discuss the $$Z_2$$

Z
2

symmetric two-Higgs-doublet model with a real soft-breaking term (real 2HDM). We explain in detail why it is not tenable to assume CP conservation in the scalar sector to keep the dimension two term real, while CP is violated by the dimension four Yukawa couplings. We propose the calculation of the infinite tadpole of the (would-be) pseudoscalar neutral scalar. We construct a simple toy model with the same flaws, where the unrenormalizable infinity is easier to calculate. We then consider the same tadpole in the real 2HDM. We spearhead this effort focusing on diagrams involving solely bare quantities. This involves hundreds of Feynman three-loop diagrams that could feed the CP violation from the quark into the scalar sector, and is only possible with state of the art automatic computation tools. Remarkably, some intermediate results agree when using three independent derivations, including the peculiar cancellation of the leading pole divergence due to a subtle interplay between masses and the Jarlskog invariant, which we calculate analytically. The calculation is not complete however, since the full two-loop renormalization of the real 2HDM is not yet available in the literature. Still, we argue convincingly that there is an irremovable infinity.
Diffusion-induced blowup solutions for the shadow limit model of a singular Gierer–Meinhardt system
Authors: Duong G. K. , Kavallaris N. I. , Zaag H.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we provide a thorough investigation of the blowing up behavior induced via diffusion of the solution of the following non-local problem: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a bounded domain in [Formula: see text] with smooth boundary [Formula: see text] such problem is derived as the shadow limit of a singular Gierer–Meinhardt system, Kavallaris and Suzuki [On the dynamics of a non-local parabolic equation arising from the Gierer–Meinhardt system, Nonlinearity (2017) 1734–1761; Non-Local Partial Differential Equations for Engineering and Biology: Mathematical Modeling and Analysis, Mathematics for Industry, Vol. 31 (Springer, 2018)]. Under the Turing type condition [Formula: see text]

we construct a solution which blows up in finite time and only at an interior point [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] i.e. [Formula: see text]

where [Formula: see text] More precisely, we also give a description on the final asymptotic profile at the blowup point [Formula: see text] and thus we unveil the form of the Turing patterns occurring in that case due to driven-diffusion instability.

The applied technique for the construction of the preceding blowing up solution mainly relies on the approach developed in [F. Merle and H. Zaag, Reconnection of vortex with the boundary and finite time quenching, Nonlinearity 10 (1997) 1497–1550] and [G. K. Duong and H. Zaag, Profile of a touch-down solution to a nonlocal MEMS model, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 29 (2019) 1279–1348].
Predicting the Nonlinear Damage Response of Imperfect Laminates Using Linear Material Degradation Model and a Semi-Analytical Technique
Authors: Ghannadpour S. A. M. , Kurkaani Barvaj A. , Ovesy H. R.
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates nonlinear damage response and ultimate collapse of laminates under in-plane and lateral pressure loadings. The in-plane loading was in the form of end-shortening strain, while the lateral pressure was sinusoidal. The plates had initial geometric imperfection to which simply-supported boundary conditions were applied. Ritz techniques with nonlinear strain terms in kinematic relations as well as the first-order shear deformation theory were applied. Hashin and Rotem failure criteria were used for failure analysis. Two models were also employed for degradation of material properties in the plates. The complete ply degradation model was implemented along with the ply region degradation model, in which stiffness reduction was applied only to one region of the ply in which failure had occurred. Note that the stiffness degradation after the failure was investigated as both instantaneous and linear models. In both complete ply and region ply degradation models with instantaneous degradation of material properties, at any location in a ply or region, which has exceeded the given stress criterion, the corresponding stiffness properties are instantaneously degraded throughout that ply or region but with linear material degradation model, the stiffness diminishes gradually and linearly. Finally, the results were then validated against the findings of different references as well as finite element analysis. According to the results, it was seen that in the ply region degradation model, last ply failure loads are generally larger than those of the complete ply degradation model.
Structural, microstructural and dielectric characterizations of (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3based lead-free ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Moya B. R. , Silva A. C. , Peláiz-Barranco A. , Guerra J. D. S.
Published: June 2021

(1–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiO3–[Formula: see text]BaTiO3lead-free ceramics have been obtained from the conventional solid-state reaction sintering method. The structural properties were investigated from X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Results revealed well-crystallized ceramic samples with perovskite structure. Microstructural properties, obtained from scanning electron microscopy measurements, have shown high density with very low porosity level. The dielectric response, analyzed as a function of the temperature and several frequencies, showed very broad peaks with a strong frequency dependence of the temperature for the maximum dielectric permittivity for the modified system. Results were analyzed considering the influence of the BaTiO3 content on the studied physical properties.
On the design of sovereign bond-backed securities
Authors: Barucci Emilio , Brigo Damiano , Francischello Marco , Marazzina Daniele
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we analyze Sovereign Bond-Backed Securities in the Euro area, concentrating our attention on the return of the different tranches and on their riskiness. We show that as the correlation level among States increases, the yield rate of senior tranches increases while the yield rate of junior tranches decreases. A similar effect is observed when introducing a block dependence structure with high correlation among States belonging to the same block. Introducing a nonzero recovery rate, as opposed to a null recovery rate, decreases the yield rate of senior tranches and increases the yield rate of junior tranches. We compute the loss distribution and the Value at Risk (VaR) associated with the market risk of retaining the different tranches of the bond. We also analyze the possibility of reaching a safe asset through pooling tranches of government bonds of different States. In summary, we show that the issue in reaching a comprehensive and safe offering through the securitization of government bonds is not the safety of senior tranches but the risk of the junior ones.
Bonding performance and mechanism of a heat-resistant composite precursor adhesive (RT-1000∘C) for TC4 titanium alloy
Authors: Wang Mingchao , Bu Fanxing , Zhou Cunjun , Zhou Qingjun , Wei Tong , Liu Jiachen , Zhai Wenzheng
Published: June 2021

To facilitate the repairing and connecting processes for the non-main bearing TC4 alloy, a high-temperature (up to 1000[Formula: see text]C) resistant adhesive that is converted to the composite of intermetallics and ceramics is prepared. The composition evolution of the adhesive, the structure changes in the bonding layer, the reaction process at interfaces and the fracture mode of joints are comprehensively studied to explore its bonding mechanism. The results show that chemical bonding mechanism based on the formation of Ti5Si3 plays a critical role at 600[Formula: see text]C, and acts as the crucial one at elevated temperatures. As the reaction interlayer (2–5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m) is far thinner than the entire bonding layer (60–70[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m), mechanical properties of the adhesive dominate the bonding performance, which is tied up with the composition and structure evolution. The differ of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the adhesive and the substrate remains lower than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text] in range of 500–1000[Formula: see text]C. Specifically, the formation of composites from intermetallics and ceramics improves the mechanical properties and heat-resistant of the adhesive. The bonding strength reaches [Formula: see text]40[Formula: see text]MPa after pre-treatment at 1000[Formula: see text]C without pressure, and remains over 30[Formula: see text]MPa within the normal operating temperature range of 500–700[Formula: see text]C.
The pros and cons of drinking tea
Authors: Zhao Baolu
Published: June 2021

Tea is the most frequently consumed beverage worldwide besides water. Generally, there are five most popular types of tea: green, white, black, Pu’er, and oolong. Tea possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Several research investigations, epidemiological studies, and meta-analyses suggest that tea and its bioactive polyphenolic constituents have numerous beneficial effects on health, including the prevention of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and obesity. Recently, there are many reports about the resistance of tea to COVID-19 virus on the Internet, which has attracted a lot of attention to tea drinking and the discussion about the pros and cons of tea drinking. Based on our research results and relevant reports form literatures, this review is intended to highlight the beneficial effects and possible side-effects associated with tea consumption, answer 10 questions and point out a few matters for attention.
Obstetrical and Neonatal Outcomes of 3,028 Singletons Born After Advanced ART Techniques: Ejaculated Sperm Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, Artificial Oocyte Activation, in Vitro Maturation and Testicular Sperm Extraction
Authors: Hattori Hiromitsu , Atsumi Yuko , Nakajo Yukiko , Aono Nobuya , Koizumi Masae , Toya Mayumi , Igarashi Hideki , Kyono Koichi
Published: June 2021

Background: To evaluate obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of singletons conceived after advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) techniques: conventional IVF pregnancies (C-IVF), ejaculated sperm intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted oocyte activation (AOA), in vitro maturation (IVM), and testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Methods: The subjects were 3,028 singletons who were born after fresh or frozen embryo transfer. The subjects were separated into five groups: C-IVF ([Formula: see text]), ICSI ([Formula: see text]), AOA ([Formula: see text]), IVM ([Formula: see text]), and TESE ([Formula: see text]). We evaluated obstetrical and neonatal outcomes calculating the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) using multivariable logistic regression analyses for fresh and frozen embryos and for cleavage and blastocyst transfer. The C-IVF group was used as a background control for the ICSI group. Moreover, the TESE, AOA, and IVM groups were compared to the ICSI group to evaluate the effects of the ICSI procedure itself.

Results: The incidence of perinatal complications was significantly lower in the ICSI-fresh group ([Formula: see text], 95% CI: 0.10–0.83, [Formula: see text]). Regarding sex ratio, the IVM was significantly associated with sex ratio imbalance toward female in both fresh and frozen groups ([Formula: see text], 95% CI: 0.10–0.96, [Formula: see text], 95% CI: 0.07–0.98, [Formula: see text]). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in preterm birth rate, low birth weight rate and congenital abnormalities rate between conventional IVF, ICSI, and the other groups.

Conclusions: There were no negative effects on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes between conventional IVF and ICSI. Although this was a limited sample size study, advanced ART technologies such as AOA, IVM, and TESE also seem to have a low risk of adverse impact on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes but may have a slight impact on sex ratio.
Detecting Receptivity for mHealth Interventions in the Natural Environment
Authors: Mishra Varun , Künzler Florian , Kramer Jan-Niklas , Fleisch Elgar , Kowatsch Tobias , Kotz David
Published: June 2021

Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) is an emerging technique with great potential to support health behavior by providing the right type and amount of support at the right time. A crucial aspect of JITAIs is properly timing the delivery of interventions, to ensure that a user is receptive and ready to process and use the support provided. Some prior works have explored the association of context and some user-specific traits on receptivity, and have built post-study machine-learning models to detect receptivity. For effective intervention delivery, however, a JITAI system needs to make in-the-moment decisions about a user's receptivity. To this end, we conducted a study in which we deployed machine-learning models to detect receptivity in the natural environment, i.e., in free-living conditions.

We leveraged prior work regarding receptivity to JITAIs and deployed a chatbot-based digital coach - Ally - that provided physical-activity interventions and motivated participants to achieve their step goals. We extended the original Ally app to include two types of machine-learning model that used contextual information about a person to predict when a person is receptive: a static model that was built before the study started and remained constant for all participants and an adaptive model that continuously learned the receptivity of individual participants and updated itself as the study progressed. For comparison, we included a control model that sent intervention messages at random times. The app randomly selected a delivery model for each intervention message. We observed that the machine-learning models led up to a 40% improvement in receptivity as compared to the control model. Further, we evaluated the temporal dynamics of the different models and observed that receptivity to messages from the adaptive model increased over the course of the study.
Embracing Collisions to Increase Fidelity of Sensing Systems with COTS Tags
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Sun Wei , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: June 2021

RFID techniques have been extensively used in sensing systems due to their low cost. However, limited by the structural simplicity, collision is one key issue which is inevitable in RFID systems, thus limiting the accuracy and scalability of such sensing systems. Existing anti-collision techniques try to enable parallel decoding without sensing based applications in mind, which can not operate on COTS RFID systems. To address the issue, we propose COFFEE, which enables parallel channel estimation of COTS passive tags by harnessing the collision. We revisit the physical layer design of current standard. By exploiting the characteristics of low sampling rate and channel diversity of RFID tags, we separate the collided data and extract the channels of the collided tags. We also propose a tag identification algorithm which explores history channel information and identify the tags without decoding. COFFEE is compatible with current COTS RFID standards which can be applied to all RFID-based sensing systems without any modification on tag side. To evaluate the real world performance of our system, we build a prototype and conduct extensive experiments. The experimental results show that we can achieve up to 7.33x median time resolution gain for the best case and 3.42x median gain on average.