bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster randomised controlled trial of a guided self-help mental health intervention in primary care
Authors: Mathieson Fiona , Stanley James , Collings Catherine (Sunny) , Tester Rachel , Dowell Anthony
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To ascertain whether an ultrabrief intervention (UBI) improves mental health outcomes for patients in general practice with mild-to-moderate mental health concerns.

Trial design

Two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Participants: general practitioners (GPs) were invited based on working in a participating general practice. Patients were eligible to participate if aged 18–65 years, scored ≤35 on the Kessler-10 (K10) and if meeting local mental health access criteria (based on age, low income or ethnic group).

Interventions: intervention arm GPs were trained on the UBI approach, with participating patients receiving three structured appointments over 5 weeks. GPs randomised to practice as usual (PAU) did not receive training, and delivered support following their existing practice approaches.

Outcome measures: primary outcome was patient-level K10 score at 6 months postrecruitment.

Randomisation: GP practices were randomised to UBI training or PAU at the start of the study.

Blinding: GPs were not blinded to group assignment.

Results

Numbers randomised: 62 GPs (recruiting 85 patients) were randomised to UBI, and 50 to PAU (recruiting 75 patients).

Numbers analysed: 31 GPs recruited at least one patient in the UBI arm (70 patients analysed), and 21 GPs recruited at least one patient in the PAU arm (69 patients analysed).

Outcome: K10 scores from an intention-to-treat analysis were similar in UBI and PAU arms, with a wide CI (mean adjusted K10 difference=1.68 points higher in UBI arm, 95% CI −1.18 to 4.55; p=0.255). Secondary outcomes were also similar in the two groups.

Conclusions: the UBI intervention did not lead to better outcomes than practice as usual, although the study had lower than planned power due to poor recruitment. The study results can still contribute to the continuing debate about brief psychological therapy options for primary care and their development.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12613000041752; Pre-results.
Competing needs: a qualitative study of cervical cancer screening attendance among HPV-positive women in Tanzania
Authors: Linde Ditte Søndergaard , Rasch Vibeke , Mwaiselage Julius D , Gammeltoft Tine M
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to understand causes of attendance and non-attendance to a follow-up cervical cancer screening among human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women.

Design

Semistructured, individual interviews with HPV-positive women and cervical cancer screening nurses. The interview guide and initial data analysis were guided by existing health behaviour theories. However, as the theories limited the potential of the data material, a grounded theory framework guided the final data analysis.

Setting

Interviews were conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) or in the homes of screening clients.

Participants

15 interviews were conducted with women who had tested HPV-positive during a patient-initiated screening and been appointed for a follow-up screening 14 months later. Nine women had not attended the follow-up appointment, four had delayed attendance and two had attended on the scheduled date. Further, individual interviews were conducted with the two nurses working at ORCI’s screening clinic.

Results

Perceived benefits for attending a patient-initiated screening include treatment of gynaecological symptoms and prevention of disease. The key perceived benefit of a health provider-initiated follow-up screening is prevention, which is challenged by the circumstance that it is seen by women as having merely potential benefit and therefore can be postponed when competing needs are present. Perceived challenges for screening attendance include emotional costs, in the form of fear of the disease, fear of the gynaecological examination as well as direct and indirect economic costs, such as transportation costs, lost income and waiting time.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening is one among many tasks that women living in a low-income setting must attend to. Since health provider-initiated follow-up screening is seen as having only potential benefit, attendance can be postponed when competing needs exist.

Trial registration number

NCT02509702.
Impact of patient’s health-related quality of life on physicians’ therapy and perceived benefit in acute coronary syndromes: protocol for a systemic review of quantitative and qualitative studies
Authors: Kaambwa Billingsley , Gesesew Hailay , Horsfall Matthew , Chew Derek P
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and coronary angiography are two of the treatments administered to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. However, whether and how patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) influences treatment decisions and subsequent risk benefit analyses is unclear. In this study, we will review the available evidence on the impact of patients’ HRQoL on physicians’ prescribing or treatment decisions and on the estimation of mortality and bleeding risk in ACS patients.

Methods and analysis

We will undertake a systematic review of all quantitative and qualitative studies. The search will include studies that describe the impact of HRQoL on prescribing PCIs or angiography, and impact of HRQoL on perceived risks in terms of mortality and bleeding events. We will conduct an initial search on Google scholar and MEDLINE to build the searching terms followed by a full search strategy using all identified keywords and index terms across the five databases, namely MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences. We will use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for protocol guidelines to present the protocol. Only English language articles will be included for the review. We will use a standardised Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction tool to synthesise the information extracted from the selected studies into themes with summary findings presented in a table.

Ethics and dissemination

We will not require a formal ethical approval as we will not be collecting primary data. Review findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, workshops, conference presentations and a media release.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018108438.
Preparing and training for CPR
Authors: Mathis Alessandra
Published: February 2019

With veterinary medicine offering ever higher levels of care, allowing sicker patients to be treated, witnessing cardiopulmonary arrest is not uncommon in practice and veterinary practitioners and their support staff should be ready to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, while hands‐on training in veterinary CPR techniques is increasingly available, less emphasis has been placed on the importance of preparation at a practice level so that CPR can be initiated without delay. This article discusses some of these practical preparations and the importance of training the veterinary team to deliver effective CPR if needed.
Choosing an equine influenza vaccine
Authors: Durham Andy
Published: February 2019

Equine influenza (EI) vaccination has been mandatory in the UK for most competitive pursuits for several decades, but failure to update vaccine products at the same rate as EI virus mutations has led to several outbreaks affecting both vaccinated and unvaccinated horses. This culminated in suspension of racing in the UK in February 2019. The practising arm of the veterinary profession has a responsibility to support ongoing surveillance that monitors antigenic changes in circulating EI viruses, and also to exercise informed choice of vaccine product when recommending which vaccine to administer to clients’ horses. This article outlines some of the points that vets should consider when choosing a vaccine product.
Being well together? Promoting health and well-being through more than human collaboration and companionship
Authors: Kirk Robert G W , Pemberton Neil , Quick Tom
Published: February 2019

Being well together, an inaugural Research Forum, will critically examine the myriad ways humans have formed partnerships with non-human species to improve health across time and place. Across the humanities and social sciences, a growing body of scholarship has begun to rethink the prominence of the ‘human’ in our accounts of the world by exploring the category less as an individualised essence and more as a temporal process of becoming. From this perspective, being human becomes a process of ‘becoming with’, performed through interactions with non-human others. This paper introduces a diverse collection of studies, originally presented at a workshop held at the University of Manchester in 2018, which explored how emergent approaches within animal studies might productively and playfully engage with the medical humanities. In each case, human health and well-being is shown to rest on the cultivation of relationships with other species. Being well is rethought and remapped as a more than human process of being well together. Collectively, this research forum invites reflection on what the medical humanities might look like from a more than human perspective.
Methods used to determine maximum and minimum dry unit weights of sand: Is there a need for a new standard?
Authors: Lunne T. , Knudsen S. , Blaker Ø. , Vestgården T. , Powell J.J.M. , Wallace C.F. , Krogh L. , Thomsen N.V. , Yetginer G. , Ghanekar R.K.
Published: February 2019

Known challenges exist with maximum (γdmax) and minimum (γdmin) dry unit weight measurements; the respective dry unit weight results depend very much on the method or standard used. A laboratory testing programme was completed to systematically determine and compare γdmax and γdmin values derived for six different sand types by using different methods. The tested sands contained a wide variety of mineralogical and fines contents. The γdmax and γdmin determinations were performed according to the following methods: British Standards Institution (BS) standards; American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards; Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) standards; Dansk Geoteknisk Forening (DGF) guidelines; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Geolabs, and Fugro proprietary methods. Differences in testing procedures, material requirements for testing, and the effects of soil degradation during testing introduce challenges and large differences in γdmax and γdmin values for each of the six sand types were observed. Therefore, it is concluded that there is a need for the development of new standards for a robust determination of γdmax and γdmin values. Specifically, a standard for determining γdmax is required to consistently obtain results at the upper bound of dry unit weight values for the likely range of sands — without crushing the sand grains.
Towards unified spinor fields: confinement of gravitons on a de Sitter background
Authors: Arcodía Marcos R.A. , Bellini Mauricio
Published: February 2019

We propose a unified theory for spinor fields on extended Weyl manifolds taking into account self-interactions to obtain the relativistic dynamics on a general curved Riemannian background as a continuation of the relativistic quantum geometry program, recently introduced. We focus our attention separately on both massless and matter fields. We study an example of confined gravitons on a de Sitter background at Planckian scales.
q-Deformed superstatistic thermodynamics in the presence of minimal length quantum mechanics
Authors: Ikot A.N. , Okorie U.S. , Onate C.A. , Onyeaju M.C. , Hassanabadi H.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we study the thermodynamic properties of a quantum oscillator in the presence of the minimal length scale in terms of the q-deformed superstatistics of statistical mechanics. We evaluated the partition function from the Boltzmann factor and obtained other thermodynamic properties such as internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, entropy, and specific heat capacity. We have also shown graphically the effects of the minimal length and the q-statistical properties on the thermodynamic properties of the system.
Heat transfer analysis of magneto-Eyring–Powell fluid over a nonlinear stretching surface with multiple slip effects: Application of Roseland’s heat flux
Authors: Majeed A. , Zeeshan A. , Xu Huijin , Kashif M. , Masud U.
Published: February 2019

Non-Newtonian fluid model is intricate, nonlinear, and interesting to study because of the presence of rheological flow parameters and viscoelastic properties, which tend to emerge and make industrial flows considerably more complex to explain accurately. Improvement of industrial applications, such as glass fabrication, is an important consequence of this study. In this manuscript, we have explored the combined impact of the higher order slip with variable transverse magnetic field flow and thermal transport using Roseland’s heat flux of the Eyring–Powell fluid with assumption of boundary layer, on nonlinear stretching sheet, in which fluid is considered electrically conducting. The transformed ordinary differential equations are solved by three-stage Lobatto IIIa collocation finite difference scheme using MATLAB. The impact of pertinent flow parameters on dimensionless velocity and temperature profiles is presented graphically and discussed in detail. Obtained results confirm that excellent agreement is achieved for the limiting case with those from the available literature. It is found that skin friction increases in the presence of slip parameters, whereas the opposite behaviour is noted in the Nusselt number.
Lepton flavor violating decays in model
Authors: Nayek P. , Maji P. , Sahoo S.
Published: February 2019

Motivated by the hints of lepton flavor violating (LFV) decays, we study Bd,s → μτ, Bs,d → τe, and τ– → e– + e+ + e– decays in [Formula: see text] model. These LFV decays present interesting patterns that may reveal the shape of new physics beyond the standard model. Considering the effect of both Z- and [Formula: see text]-mediated flavor-changing neutral current we calculate the branching ratios for these decays. We find the branching ratios [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text].
A31P-NMR spectroscopic study of phosphorus forms in two phosphorus-fertilized grassland soils in eastern Canada
Authors: Abdi Dalel , Cade-Menun Barbara J. , Ziadi Noura , Shi Yichao , Bélanger Gilles , Lajeunesse Julie , Lafond Jean
Published: February 2019

Phosphorus (P) fertilization can increase grassland production, but will also alter P forms, changing their cycling and potential for loss in runoff. We assessed the effects of mineral P fertilization on soil P forms in timothy swards at two sites in Quebec, Canada. Soil samples (10 cm depth) were collected in autumn 2013 from replicate plots at Lévis on a Kamouraska clay and at Normandin on a Labarre clay loam, each having received three rates of triple superphosphate (0, 20, and 40 kg P ha−1) for 4 yr. These were analyzed for pH, total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP); Mehlich-3-extractable aluminium (AlM3), iron (FeM3), calcium (CaM3), and P (PM3); and31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-NMR) following sodium hydroxide–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaOH–EDTA) extraction. Phosphorus fertilization had no significant effects on soil TC, TN, AlM3, FeM3, CaM3, and pH, but significantly increased TP, NaOH–EDTA-extractable total P and total inorganic P, PM3, orthophosphate, and glucose 6-phosphate at both sites. In contrast, NaOH–EDTA-extractable total organic P, total orthophosphate diesters, and scyllo-inositol hexaphosphate decreased with P fertilization. Phosphorus fertilization over 4 yr increased soluble inorganic P and decreased organic P at both grassland sites.
Structural and magnetic study of metallo-organic YIG powder using 2-ethylhexanoate carboxylate-based precursors
Authors: Hosseinzadeh S. , Elahi P. , Behboudnia M. , Sheikhi M. H. , Mohseni S. M.
Published: February 2019

The crystallization and magnetic behavior of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) prepared by metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) method are discussed. The chemistry and physics related to synthesis of iron and yttrium carboxylates based on 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2EHA) are studied, since no literature was found which elucidates synthesis of metallo-organic precursor of YIG in spite of the literatures of doped YIG samples such as Bi-YIG. Typically, the metal carboxylates used in preparation of ceramic oxide materials are 2-ethylhexanoate (2EH) solvents. Herein, the synthesis, thermal behavior and solubility of yttrium and iron 2EH used in synthesis of YIG powder by MOD are reported. The crystallization and magnetic parameters, including saturation magnetization and coercivity of these samples, smoothly change as a function of the annealing temperature. It is observed that high sintering temperature of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] promotes the diffraction peaks of YIG, therefore, we can conclude that the formation of YIG in MOD method increases the crystallization temperature. The maximum value of saturation magnetization and minimum value of coercivity and remanence are observed for the sample sintered at [Formula: see text] which are 13.7 emu/g, 10.38 Oe and 1.5 emu/g, respectively. This study cites the drawbacks in chemical synthesis of metallo-organic-based YIG production.
Spatial and Temporal Feature-Based Reduced Reference Quality Assessment for Rate-Varying Videos in Wireless Networks
Authors: Shi Wenjuan , Sun Yanjing , Li Song , Cao Qi , Wang Bowen
Published: February 2019

For the impact of the bitrate change of video streaming services according to the available bandwidth on user satisfaction, in this paper, we propose a spatial and temporal feature-based reduced reference (RR) quality assessment for rate-varying videos in wireless networks called STRQAW. First, simulating the orientation selectivity mechanism of the human visual system (HVS), the histogram of the orientation selectivity-based visual pattern in each frame is extracted as the spatial feature. The histogram similarity between the rate-varying video and the original video is computed as the spatial metric. Second, we extract the temporal variation of the DCT coefficients of the consecutive frame differences as the temporal feature. The temporal variation similarity between the rate-varying video and the original video is calculated as the temporal metric. Finally, we take into account the recency effect and assess the overall quality by combining the temporal and spatial metric. The experimental results using the Laboratory for Image and Video Engineering (LIVE) mobile video quality assessment (VQA) database show that STRQAW is consistent with the subjective assessment results, which means it reflects human subjective feelings well and it provides an evaluation for adjusting compression-coding rates in real time. STRQAW can be used to guide video application providers and network operators working towards satisfying end-user experiences.
Continuous cohomology of topological quandles
Authors: Elhamdadi Mohamed , Saito Masahico , Zappala Emanuele
Published: February 2019

A continuous cohomology theory for topological quandles is introduced, and compared to the algebraic theories. Extensions of topological quandles are studied with respect to continuous 2-cocycles, and used to show the differences in second cohomology groups for specific topological quandles. A method of computing the cohomology groups of the inverse limit is applied to quandles.
Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Process Parameter for Inconel 718 Using Wire Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Kumar Anshuman , Vivekananda K. , Abhishek Kumar
Published: February 2019

Inconel 718 is a nickel-based superalloy having high strength and low thermal conductivity. Due to its properties, wire electrical discharge machining has been selected. The paper reports an experimental investigation of Inconel 718 using zinc-coated brass wire electrode. Based on [Formula: see text], Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology has been adopted to estimate the effect of process parameter on the machining responses. Four controllable process parameters (viz., wire tension, wire speed, discharge current and pulse-on time) vary, each at three discrete levels, between parametric domains. The following machining responses, in terms of material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness ([Formula: see text]) and corner deviation ([Formula: see text]), have been investigated. Finally, an evolutionary computation method has been used based on non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) in order to find out the optimal set of solutions for rough-cutting. Experimental data have been used to develop regression models to optimize the process. The adequacy of the developed mathematical model has also been tested by the analysis of variance results. Pareto-optimal settings obtained through NSGA-II have been ranked by gray relation analysis to identify the best optimal set of solutions to avoid lengthiness and impreciseness in the judgment. Confirmation tests have been conducted for optimum machining parameter from the set of Pareto-optimal solutions for proving betterment.
Investigation of Surface Roughness for Inconel 718 in Blind Hole Drilling with Rotary Tool Electrode
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Pandey Anand , Sharma Pooja
Published: February 2019

The research investigation reported on the effect of machining parameters on surface roughness (Ra) in electric discharge drilling of Inconel 718. Machining was done by using a copper tool electrode. Machining was conducted by considering different process parameters viz. tool diameter, discharge current, pulse on time, pulse off time, tool rotation and depth of hole. Optical surface profiler was used to measure surface roughness of drilled hole in work-piece. Design of experiment was created by Taguchi method based L18 orthogonal array. For minimum surface roughness, optimum parameters were found using Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on analysis, it is found that pulse off time, pulse on time and tool rotation are the most significant parameters that affect the surface roughness. Tool diameter is the less significant parameter that affects the surface roughness. Regression analysis was used to predict a value for minimum surface roughness. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to identify the microstructure of the drilled hole in Inconel 718 work-piece. Interaction plots and residual plot have been plotted for surface roughness to identify the interaction between parameters and residual errors, respectively.
Disassembly Scheduling for the Meat Processing Industry with Product Perishability
Authors: Piewthongngam Kullapapruk , Chatavithee Pachara , Apichottanakul Arthit
Published: February 2019

The pork processing industry resembles a case of disassembly scheduling because a planner needs to decide the pig size and quantity to be supplied to the slaughtering house, as well as the amount of meat and meat size needed to process an order. The meat processing resembles disassembly scheduling for multiple products with parts in commonality. We extend the general disassembly model further to cover product perishability of the meat while allowing demand to occur in other levels of product hierarchy rather than the leaf product (products that are no longer being disassembled). We also allow the model to obtain outsource products to be processed if it achieves a more economical solution. In this study, we developed a mathematical model to determine the quantity and size of pig supplies (root items) and meat cuts (parent/child items) to be processed for an order to minimize the total cost. Computation time and cost of generated test problems are obtained. The application of pork processing plan is demonstrated.
Invariant States for a Quantum Markov Semigroup Constructed from Quantum Bernoulli Noises
Authors: Chen Jinshu
Published: February 2019

Quantum Bernoulli noises are the family of annihilation and creation operators acting on Bernoulli functionals, which satisfy a canonical anti-commutation relation (CAR) in equal-time. In this paper, we consider a quantum Markov semigroup constructed from quantum Bernoulli noises. Among others, we show that the semigroup has infinitely many faithful invariant states that are diagonal, and satisfies the quantum detailed balance condition.
Structural architecture of the Western Alpine Ophiolites, and the Jurassic seafloor spreading tectonics of the Alpine Tethys
Authors: Balestro Gianni , Festa Andrea , Dilek Yildirim
Published: February 2019

We present a regional synthesis of the structural architecture and tectonic evolution of the Western Alpine Ophiolites (WAO), exposed in NW Italy. The WAO represent the remnants of Alpine Tethys (Ligurian–Piedmont Ocean) that opened between Europe and Adria, and developed in four stages from the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. Emplacement of gabbroic intrusions into the extending lithospheric mantle of Europe–Adria marked the main magmatic event (Stage 1). Coalescent shear zones in the fossil upper mantle form lithospheric-scale detachment faults, which led to the exhumation of upper mantle peridotites and gabbros on the seafloor, and extensive serpentinization (Stage 2). Detachment faults, and serpentinized peridotites–gabbros in their footwalls, represent preserved fossil oceanic core complexes within the WAO. Emplacement of ophiolitic breccias and basaltic lava flows marked the syn-extensional phase (Stage 3). Radiolarian chert and limestone were deposited unconformably on this syn-extensional volcanic–sedimentary sequence, marking the post-extensional phase (Stage 4). Magmatic ages of gabbroic intrusions and mafic–felsic dykes, and depositional ages of post-extensional sequences in the WAO constrain the timing of the opening of the Ligurian–Piedmont Ocean to the Middle Jurassic (
c.
170–168 Ma), followed by a tectonic quiescence stage in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the ‘Tethyan ophiolites and Tethyan seaways collection' available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/tethyan-ophiolites-and-tethyan-seaways
Late Jurassic magmatism in the interior South China Block and its implication
Authors: Gan Chengshi , Wang Yuejun , Zhang Yuzhi , Chen Xinyue
Published: February 2019

The NE–SW-trending Qin-Hang Belt and east–west-trending Nanling Range are two critical magmatic and mineralization zones in the southeastern South China Block (SCB). However, the formation timing and petrogenesis of the magmatism in these zones, along with the relationship with the Pacific subduction, remain hotly debated. Herein, this study presents a set of zircon U–Pb geochronological, Lu–Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data for the Late Jurassic Mashan and Nandu shoshonitic intrusions in the Qin-Hang Belt. All the samples are enriched in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements. They have high
ε
Nd

(
t
)

(from −1.4 to +4.4) and zircon
ε
Hf

(
t
)

values (from −1.0 to +3.4) and low initial
87
Sr/
86
Sr (0.70426–0.70696), distinct from those of the Triassic shoshonitic rocks but comparable with those of the Jurassic shoshonitic rocks in the region. Such signatures suggest that the Mashan and Nandu igneous rocks mainly derived from a Jurassic metasomatized lithospheric mantle in response to asthenospheric upwelling, without significant contribution from subducted slab-derived components. Our new data, together with other geological observations, reveal a spatial change of magmatic activities, structural patterns, sedimentary basins and palaeocurrent directions during the Middle–Late Jurassic, probably associated with the far-field effects of the Pacific subduction in the interior SCB.
Practical Subtyping for Curry-Style Languages
Authors: Lepigre Rodolphe , Raffalli Christophe
Published: February 2019

We present a new, syntax-directed framework for Curry-style type systems with subtyping. It supports a rich set of features, and allows for a reasonably simple theory and implementation. The system we consider has sum and product types, universal and existential quantifiers, and inductive and coinductive types. The latter two may carry size invariants that can be used to establish the termination of recursive programs. For example, the termination of quicksort can be derived by showing that partitioning a list does not increase its size. The system deals with complex programs involving mixed induction and coinduction, or even mixed polymorphism and (co-)induction. One of the key ideas is to separate the notion of size from recursion. We do not check the termination of programs directly, but rather show that their (circular) typing proofs are well-founded. Termination is then obtained using a standard (semantic) normalisation proof. To demonstrate the practicality of the system, we provide an implementation accepting all the examples discussed in the article.
Finite Time Synchronization for Fractional Order Sprott C Systems with Hidden Attractors
Authors: Yan Cui , Hongjun He , Chenhui Lu , Guan Sun
Published: February 2019

Fractional order systems have a wider range of applications. Hidden attractors are a peculiar phenomenon in nonlinear systems. In this paper, we construct a fractional‐order chaotic system with hidden attractors based on the Sprott C system. According to the Adomain decomposition method, we numerically simulate from several algorithms and study the dynamic characteristics of the system through bifurcation diagram, phase diagram, spectral entropy, and C0 complexity. The results of spectral entropy and C0 complexity simulations show that the system is highly complex. In order to apply such research results to engineering practice, for such fractional‐order chaotic systems with hidden attractors, we design a controller to synchronize according to the finite‐time stability theory. The simulation results show that the synchronization time is short and the robustness is stable. This paper lays the foundation for the study of fractional order systems with hidden attractors.
The Celiac Disease Patients’ Ability to Experience Pleasure
Authors: Zingone Fabiana , Siniscalchi Monica , Carpinelli Luna , Iovino Paola , Zingone Letizia , Ciacci Carolina
Published: February 2019

The motivation or ability to experience pleasure has been scarcely studied in celiac disease (CeD). We aimed to investigate the hedonistic feelings/anhedonia and sexual pleasure in CeD patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD) compared to controls. We recruited adult CeD patients at follow-up consecutively visited from April 2017 to April 2018 and controls from the hospital staff and friends of CeD patients. Participants completed the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale, measuring the levels of anhedonia, and answered three questions about physical contact, sexual activity, and modification of their life on a GFD. We included 178 CeD patients and 173 healthy controls. Seventeen patients (9.5%) and fourteen controls (8.1%) had anhedonia. We did not find any correlation between the presence of anhedonia and the length in years of GFD neither with the dietary compliance and age at the test. 10.7% patients and 8.7% controls reported of not having pleasure in physical contact and 5.06% CeD and 3.5% controls in feeling attraction for another person; 36.56% said a worsening of their life on a GFD. Our results show that CeD patients on a GFD are similar to controls in anhedonia and sexual problems, despite one-third reported a worsening of their life.
Use of Antimetastatic SOD3-Mimetic Albumin as a Primer in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Messerli Shanta M. , Schaefer Amanda M. , Zhuang Yongxian , Soltys Bohdan J. , Keime Noah , Jin Jenny , Ma Li , Hsia Carleton J. C. , Miskimins W. Keith
Published: February 2019

Of the deaths attributed to cancer, 90% are due to metastasis. Treatments that prevent or cure metastasis remain elusive. Low expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD or SOD3) has been associated with poor outcomes and increased metastatic potential in multiple types of cancer. Here, we characterize the antimetastatic therapeutic mechanisms of a macromolecular extracellular SOD3-mimetic polynitroxyl albumin (PNA, also known as VACNO). PNA is macromolecular human serum albumin conjugated with multiple nitroxide groups and acts as an SOD-mimetic. Here we show that PNA works as a SOD3-mimetic in a highly metastatic 4T1 mouse model of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In vitro, PNA dose dependently inhibited 4T1 proliferation, colony formation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. In vivo, PNA enhanced reperfusion time in the hypoxic cores of 4T1 tumors as measured by ultrasound imaging. Furthermore, PNA enhanced ultrasound signal intensity within the cores of the 4T1 tumors, indicating PNA can increase blood flow and blood volume within the hypoxic cores of tumors. Lung metastasis from 4T1 flank tumor was inhibited by PNA in the presence or absence of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy agent that produces superoxide and promotes metastasis. In a separate study, PNA increased the survival of mice with 4T1 flank tumors when used in conjunction with three standard chemotherapy drugs (paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide), as compared to treatment with chemotherapy alone. In this study, PNA-increased survival was also correlated with reduction of lung metastasis. These results support the hypothesis that PNA works through the inhibition of extracellular superoxide/ROS production leading to the conversion of 4T1 cells from a metastatic tumorigenic state to a cytostatic state. These findings support future clinical trials of PNA as an antimetastatic SOD3-mimetic drug to increase overall survival in TNBC patients.
Stochastic Generation of Subsurface Profiles for Realistic Simulation of Through-the-Earth Communication Systems
Authors: Pena Carreno Josua Daniel , De Barros Braga A. Judson
Published: February 2019

Channel modeling for Through-the-Earth (TTE) communication has mainly been based on deterministic and empirical formulations. Deterministic models are limited to homogeneous rock structures while empirical models are only valid for the same configuration as the measurements that were taken. Given the difficulties in implementing underground measurements taking years to achieve enough database for a variety of mines and depths, we propose, as a more versatile solution, realistic simulations of a variety of underground structures to statistically characterize magnetic field attenuation. An algorithm based on the Monte Carlo method is presented and uses the Finite Element Method (FEM) to compute field propagation through each random structure. An empirical model is produced through simulations, and some metrics are evaluated, such as the median of magnetic field intensity, and the propagation loss, specially at the optimum operation frequency, in which channel variability is less spread when compared to all possible frequencies. This model can be used to estimate link budget for TTE communication in coal mines.
Analytical Investigation of the Flexural Capacity of Precast Concrete Frames with Hybrid Joints
Authors: Kim Ji-Hun , Hong Won-Kee , Kim Hee-Cheul , Kim Seong-Kyum
Published: February 2019

This study aims to evaluate flexural strength based on the inelastic neutral axis calculated from all stress states of the proposed precast composite columns with hybrid beam‐column joints, which facilitate the erection of concrete precast frames in a similar manner to that used for steel frames. It was also shown analytically that hybrid joints with headed studs contribute significantly to the flexural moment capacity and effectively increase the flexural structural performance of precast composite columns. The strain compatibility‐based analytical results were compared with test data, showing results with an error of less than 8% at the critical section for the maximum load limit state of specimens. It is observed that the strength contributed by steel sections and headed studs increased by 30% and 35% at the yield limit state and maximum load limit, respectively, reducing the dependence on rebars. The total contribution of the headed studs was as large as 12.2% (average of the two layers of headed studs) at the maximum load limit state, whereas the strength provided by the tensile rebars decreased from 90.5% to 63.9% for the specimen with headed studs at the maximum load limit state.
Structural Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of an Aircraft Anti-Icing Cavity Based on Thermal Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Feng , Gao Yang , Yao Huiju , Wang Yameng , Luo Kailiang
Published: February 2019

The objective of this paper is to accurately describe the influence of structural parameter uncertainties on the thermal efficiency of an aircraft wing anti-icing cavity. To do this, a new method of parameter sensitivity evaluation is proposed according to the weighted stochastic response surface method. First, the concept of fitting the explicit performance function of the anti-icing cavity structure using the weighted stochastic response surface method is presented. A structural parameter sensitivity analysis based on thermal efficiency is then conducted considering the uncertainties of the position of the flute tube, the height of the double-skin channel, and the diameter and angle of the jet holes. The results indicate that the height of the double-skin channel and the diameter of the jet holes are the main factors influencing the functional reliability of the anti-icing cavity.
Phase 1 Open-Label, Multicenter Study of First-in-Class RORγ Agonist LYC-55716 (Cintirorgon): Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Evidence of Antitumor Activity
Authors: Mahalingam Devalingam , Wang Judy S. , Hamilton Erika P. , Sarantopoulos John , Nemunaitis John , Weems Garry , Carter Laura , Hu Xiao , Schreeder Marshall , Wilkins H. Jeffrey
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

Transcription factor retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) regulates type 17 effector T-cell differentiation and function and is key to immune cell regulation. Synthetic RORγ agonists modulate immune cell gene expression to increase effector T-cell activity and decrease immune suppression. A phase 1 study evaluated the safety and tolerability of LYC-55716 (cintirorgon), a first-in-class, oral, small-molecule RORγ agonist in adults with relapsed/refractory metastatic cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Patients received 28-day treatment cycles of oral LYC-55716; dose and dosing regimen were determined according to pharmacokinetic profile and safety. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics and objective tumor response rate.

Results:

No dose-limiting toxicities occurred among the 32 enrolled patients who received LYC-55716 150 mg BID to 450 mg BID. Treatment-related adverse events (AE) were primarily grade 1–2 and included diarrhea (n = 11), fatigue (n = 7), anemia (n = 4), decreased appetite (n = 4), and nausea (n = 4). Grade 3 AEs were anemia (n = 2), elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (n = 1), and hypophosphatemia (n = 1). Pharmacokinetic concentrations achieved levels expected for target gene regulation. Pharmacodynamic results indicated RORγ pathway engagement. Two patients (NSCLC and sarcomatoid breast cancer) had confirmed partial responses; 11 had disease stabilization for 2 to 12 months (6 received >4 months of treatment).

Conclusions:

These data support the safety and tolerability of LYC-55716 and selection of 450 mg BID dose for a phase 2a study assessing LYC-55716 clinical activity, safety, and biomarkers in patients with NSCLC, head and neck, gastroesophageal, renal cell, urothelial, and ovarian cancers.
Tryptophan Metabolism and Related Pathways in Psychoneuroimmunology: The Impact of Nutrition and Lifestyle
Authors: Gostner Johanna M. , Geisler Simon , Stonig Marlies , Mair Lisa , Sperner-Unterweger Barbara , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: February 2019

In the past, accelerated tryptophan breakdown was considered to be a feature of clinical conditions, such as infection, inflammation, and malignant disease. More recently, however, the focus has changed to include the additional modulation of tryptophan metabolism by changes in nutrition and microbiota composition. The regulation of tryptophan concentration is critical for the maintenance of systemic homeostasis because it integrates essential pathways involved in nutrient sensing, metabolic stress response, and immunity. In addition to tryptophan being important as a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, several catabolites along the kynurenine axis are neuroactive. This emphasizes the importance of the immunometabolic fate of this amino acid for processes relevant to neuropsychiatric symptoms. In humans, besides hepatic catabolism, there is usually a strong relationship between immune activation-associated tryptophan breakdown and increased levels of biomarkers, such as neopterin, which has particular relevance for both acute and chronic diseases. A shift towards neopterin synthesis during oxidative stress may indicate a corresponding decrease in tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor of several mono-oxygenases, providing a further link between tryptophan metabolism and serotonergic and catecholaminergic neurotransmission. The psychoneuroimmunological consequences of tryptophan metabolism and the susceptibility of this pathway to modulation by a variety of nutritional and lifestyle-related factors have important implications for the development of both diagnostic and treatment options.
Metabolomic Signature of Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 Deficiency in Fasting and Postprandial State
Authors: Tikkanen Emmi , Minicocci Ilenia , Hällfors Jenni , Di Costanzo Alessia , D’Erasmo Laura , Poggiogalle Eleonora , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Würtz Peter , Jauhiainen Matti , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Arca Marcello
Published: February 2019

Objective—

Loss-of-function (LOF) variants in the
ANGPTL3
(angiopoietin-like protein 3) have been associated with low levels of plasma lipoproteins and decreased coronary artery disease risk. We aimed to determine detailed metabolic effects of genetically induced ANGPTL3 deficiency in fasting and postprandial state.

Approach and Results—

We studied individuals carrying S17X LOF mutation in
ANGPTL3
(6 homozygous and 32 heterozygous carriers) and 38 noncarriers. Nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics was used to quantify 225 circulating metabolic measures. We compared metabolic differences between LOF carriers and noncarriers in fasting state and after a high-fat meal. In fasting, ANGPTL3 deficiency was characterized by similar extent of reductions in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (0.74 SD units lower concentration per LOF allele [95% CI, 0.42–1.06]) as observed for many TRL (triglyceride-rich lipoprotein) measures, including VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (0.75 [95% CI, 0.45–1.05]). Within most lipoprotein subclasses, absolute levels of cholesterol were decreased more than triglycerides, resulting in the relative proportion of cholesterol being reduced within TRLs and their remnants. Further, β-hydroxybutyrate was elevated (0.55 [95% CI, 0.21–0.89]). Homozygous
ANGPTL3
LOF carriers showed essentially no postprandial increase in TRLs and fatty acids, without evidence for adverse compensatory metabolic effects.

Conclusions—

In addition to overall triglyceride- and LDL cholesterol–lowering effects, ANGPTL3 deficiency results in reduction of cholesterol proportion within TRLs and their remnants. Further,
ANGPTL3
LOF carriers had elevated ketone body production, suggesting enhanced hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation. The detailed metabolic profile in human knockouts of
ANGPTL3
reinforces inactivation of
ANGPTL3
as a promising therapeutic target for decreasing cardiovascular risk.
Safety and Efficacy of Rivaroxaban When Added to Aspirin Monotherapy Among Stabilized Post‐Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: A Pooled Analysis Study of ATLAS ACS‐TIMI 46 and ATLAS ACS 2‐TIMI 51
Authors: Gibson William J. , Gibson C. Michael , Yee Megan K. , Korjian Serge , Daaboul Yazan , Plotnikov Alexei N. , Burton Paul , Braunwald Eugene
Published: February 2019

Background

A residual risk of ischemic events following an acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
) remains despite antiplatelet therapy. The addition of an antithrombin as part of a “dual pathway” approach may further improve outcomes as thrombin generation persists for several months post‐
ACS
. The present study evaluates the safety and efficacy of “dual pathway” therapy (rivaroxaban plus aspirin) as compared with aspirin monotherapy among post‐
ACS
patients.

Methods and Results

A total of 1477 patients were analyzed in a pooled analysis of subsets of the
ATLAS ACS
‐
TIMI
(Anti‐Xa Therapy to Lower cardiovascular events in addition to Aspirin with or without thienopyridine therapy in Subjects with Acute Coronary Syndrome – Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) 46 and
ATLAS ACS
2‐
TIMI
51 trials including post‐
ACS
patients receiving aspirin monotherapy and randomized to either rivaroxaban 2.5 mg
BID
or rivaroxaban 5 mg
BID
or placebo. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (
MI
), or stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic, or of uncertain cause). The primary safety end point was
TIMI
‐non‐coronary artery bypass (
CABG
) major bleeding. The combined rivaroxaban group (2.5 or 5 mg
BID
) among stabilized post‐
ACS
patients on a background of aspirin monotherapy was associated with a significant reduction in the primary end point as compared with placebo (hazard ratio=0.65, 95%
CI
=0.45–0.92,
P
=0.016). Although the combined rivaroxaban dose groups were associated with higher rates of non‐
CABG TIMI
major bleeding, the 2.5 mg dose group was not, and the overall number of patients experiencing a non‐
CABG TIMI
major bleeding event was low (1.5%).

Conclusions

Among patients in the immediate post‐
ACS
period, a “dual pathway” approach using aspirin and low‐dose rivaroxaban may reduce the risk of secondary atherothrombotic events, but increase bleeding risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers:
NCT
00402597;
NCT
00809965.