bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel design method for extending power back‐off range of broadband Doherty power amplifier
Authors: Jin Yi , Dang Ni , Yang Guangwen , Li Mingyu , Yang Zhenxing , Yao Yao
Published: June 2019

In this article, a novel design method for extending the output back‐off (OBO) range of the Doherty power amplifier (DPA) is proposed. The influence of the power ratio of the peaking and carrier power amplifier on the bandwidth of the DPA is analyzed in detail. With the proposed theory, the simplified estimation of the bandwidth of the DPA for a specific OBO range can be carried out. A broadband high‐efficiency DPA working from 1.8 to 2.6 GHz (33% relative bandwidth) with 9 dB OBO level is designed to verify the proposed method. According to the measured results, the DPA achieves 44.6 to 46.8 dBm saturation output power and drain efficiency (DE) of 61% to 74%. And at 9 dB OBO level, the DE varies from 50% to 63% over the operation band. Furthermore, digital predistortion (DPD) measurement results show that the linearized DPA can meet the spectral requirements for modern wireless communication systems.
Association Between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Future Deterioration of Metabolic Health: A Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang You‐Cheol , Ahn Hong‐Yup , Park Cheol‐Young
Published: June 2019

Objective

It was hypothesized that the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at baseline predicts future conversion from the metabolically healthy (MH) to the metabolically unhealthy (MU) phenotype according to body fat mass.

Methods

A total of 22,551 Korean participants (13,601 men and 8,950 women) aged 18 to 78 years in the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study cohort were enrolled from 2007 to 2013.

Results

During a median of 5.1 years of follow‐up (interquartile range 2.1‐9.8 years), 23.5% (n = 5,298) of MH individuals converted to the MU phenotype. NAFLD at baseline predicted conversion independent of age, sex, BMI, lifestyle factors, individual components of metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance (HR, 1.29; 95% CI: 1.19‐1.39; P < 0.0001). In participants with lower BMI and fat mass, NAFLD was strongly associated with conversion; however, as BMI and fat mass increased, the risk decreased, and there was no association in participants with higher BMI and fat mass (P < 0.0001 for trend).

Conclusions

NAFLD at baseline was independently associated with future conversion from the MH to the MU phenotype.
Does Stimulating Physical Activity Affect School Performance?
Authors: Golsteyn Bart H. H. , Jansen Maria W. J. , Van Kann Dave H. H. , Verhagen Annelore M. C.
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates whether encouraging children to become more physically active in their everyday life affects their primary school performance. We use data from a field quasi‐experiment called the Active Living Program, which aimed to increase active modes of transportation to school and active play among 8‐ to 12‐year‐olds living in low socioeconomic status (SES) areas in the Netherlands. Difference‐in‐differences estimations reveal that while the interventions increase time spent on physical activity during school hours, they negatively affect school performance, especially among the worst‐performing students. Further analyses reveal that increased restlessness during instruction time is a potential mechanism for this negative effect. Our results suggest that the commonly found positive effects of exercising or participating in sports on educational outcomes may not be generalizable to physical activity in everyday life. Policymakers and educators who seek to increase physical activity in everyday life need to weigh the health and well‐being benefits against the probability of increasing inequality in school performance.
Influence of extender oil composition on flowing property, thermal stability, and morphology of styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene copolymer/polypropylene/oil blends
Authors: Shi Xiaotao , Wu Jianxun , Zhen Xinping , Xie Haisheng , Xiong Chunzhu
Published: June 2019

In this study, a series of styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene copolymer (SEBS)/polypropylene (PP)/oil blends with different kinds of oil composition was developed through melt blending. The effect of oil with different composition and properties on its phase equilibrium and “redistribution” in multiphasic SEBS elastomer was systematically studied for the first time. Moreover, an integral influencing mechanism of oil composition on the structure and properties of SEBS/PP/oil blends was also put forward. The mineral oil was mainly distributed in ethylene/butylene (EB)/PP phase, which greatly enhanced the processing flowability of SEBS/PP/oil blends. With increasing oil CN content, a redistribution of oil appeared and excess naphthenic oil (NO) entered the interphase of soft and hard phases. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) analysis indicated that the polystyrene (PS) phase was plasticized, which also helped to improve the processing fluidity of blends. However, the plasticizing of physical cross‐linking point PS resulted in a decrease in mechanical strength and thermal stability. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) results showed that PS phase (45 nm to 55 nm) cylindrically distributed in EB/PP/oil matrix, the excess NO in the interphase enlarged the distance between PS phase and widen the escape channel for oil migration. At over 45% oil CN content, the electron density difference between soft and hard phases reduced to the minimum, same as TgPS, indicating a deeper plasticizing effect. The PS phase swelled and exhibited elastic behavior; thus, the force could be uniformly transferred between two phases. Importantly, a recover in strength and thermal stability was observed in O‐5 blend. This work significantly filled the gap of studies in oil‐extended thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), exhibiting great theoretical guiding significance and application value.
Montmorillonite reduces crystallinity of poly‐l‐lactic acid scaffolds to accelerate degradation
Authors: Shuai Cijun , Li Yang , Feng Pei , Yang Wenjing , Zhao Zhenyu , Liu Wei
Published: June 2019

Poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) is considered as a potential bone scaffold material because of good biocompatibility and bioabsorbability, whereas too slow degradation rate limits its application. In this study, montmorillonite (MMT) was introduced into PLLA scaffolds fabricated via selective laser sintering to accelerate degradation by reducing crystallinity. To be specific, MMT was a layered silicate with large surface area and aspect ratio, which provided nucleation site for the crystallization of PLLA molecular chain along their surface during the sintering process. As the surface of MMT plate was randomly oriented in the matrix, the growth direction of crystallite was also random, which interrupted the orderly crystallization, thus decreasing the overall crystallinity of PLLA. As a result, the crystallinity of PLLA scaffolds was decreased from 32.3% to 27.4% when introducing 4.5% MMT. Accordingly, weight loss was increased from 0.83% to 7.25% after immersing for 4 weeks. Besides, the tensile strength and modulus of the scaffolds increased by 44.1% and 66.9% because of the change of fracture mode from brittle fracture to ductile fracture. In addition, the scaffolds also demonstrated good hydrophilic property and cell compatibility.
Investigating the psychological impact of active surveillance or active treatment in newly diagnosed favorable‐risk prostate cancer patients: A 9‐month longitudinal study
Authors: Ruane‐McAteer Eimear , Porter Sam , O'Sullivan Joe , Dempster Martin , Prue Gillian
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study aimed to explore the psychological impact of favorable‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) and associated treatment (active surveillance [AS] or active treatment [AT]), comparing prevalence and temporal variability of generalized anxiety, PCa‐specific anxiety, and depression symptoms.

Methods

PCa patients were recruited at diagnosis prior to treatment decision‐making and completed questionnaires assessing anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory short form [STAI‐6] and Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer [MAX‐PC]) and depression symptoms (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES‐D]) at four timepoints for 9 months. Non‐cancer controls were recruited via university staff lists and community groups. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance.

Results

Fifty‐four PCa (AS n = 11, AT n = 43) and 53 non‐cancer participants were recruited. The main effect of time or treatment group were not statistically significant for CES‐D scores (P > .05). The main effect of treatment on STAI‐6 scores was significant (F2,73 = 4.678, .012) with AS patients reporting highest STAI‐6 scores (T1 M = 36.56; T2 M = 36.89, T3 M = 38.46; T4 M = 38.89). There was a significant main effect for time since diagnosis on MAX‐PC (F3,123 = 3.68, .01); AS patient scored higher than AT at all timepoints (T1 M = 10.33 vs 10.78; T2 M = 11.11 vs 11.30; T3 M = 13.44 vs 10.55; T4 M = 11.33 vs 8.88); however, both groups declined overall with time.

Conclusions

Men undergoing AS had significantly higher anxiety symptoms than AT and non‐cancer participants, contradicting previous literature. This may be due to perceived inactivity of AS relative to traditional narratives of cancer treatment. Participant experiences appear to be less favorable relative to other international centers. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice include the need to improve diagnosis and treatment information provision particularly for lower risk patients.
Effects of dignity therapy on dignity, psychological well‐being, and quality of life among palliative care cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiao Jinnan , Chow Ka Ming , Liu Yunhong , Chan Carmen W.H.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The review aims to identify available evidence related to the effects of dignity therapy on dignity, psychological well‐being, and quality of life (QoL) among patients with cancer under palliative care.

Methods

Thirteen electronic databases were searched for published articles in English or Chinese from inception to May 2018. Methodological rigour was assessed through the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experimental studies. Sufficient data from four trials were statistically pooled with Review Manager; otherwise, a narrative summary was used.

Results

Ten articles describing eight studies met the selection criteria and were included in the review. None of the studies met all JBI checklist criteria. Meta‐analysis results revealed that dignity therapy significantly improved dignity‐related distress in existential distress domain (mean differences [MD]: −0.26, 95% CI, −0.50 to −0.02, .03) and social support domain (MD: −0.23, 95% CI, −0.39 to −0.07, .004), but nonsignificant improved depression and anxiety. Narrative summaries indicated that dignity therapy exerted positive effects on patients' dignity, psychological well‐being, and QoL.

Conclusions

Dignity therapy is a promising approach to improve psychological well‐being among patients with cancer under palliative care. However, the effects of dignity therapy on dignity and QoL are inconsistent. Further extensive studies should measure the impact of dignity therapy through qualitative and quantitative approaches to establish outcomes in psychological well‐being. Studies with sensitivity to the cultural context within which dignity therapy applied should be conducted to explore its effects on patients with cancer at the early stages of illness trajectory.
Crystallographic and Optical Properties of (Cu1−xLix)2SnS3 Photovoltaic Semiconductor
Authors: Nakata Seiya , Maeda Tsuyoshi , Wada Takahiro
Published: June 2019

In order to clarify a lack of knowledge on lithium alloying with Cu2SnS3 (CTS), the authors synthesized monoclinic (Cu1–xLix)2SnS3 with 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10 and characterized their crystallographic and optical properties. Their lattice constants, a, b, and c increased and angle β decreased with increasing Li content. Two band‐gaps (Eg1 and Eg2) are observed for the (Cu1–xLix)2SnS3 samples because there is a double onset in the diffuse reflectance spectra. The Eg1 almost linearly increases from 0.91 eV for x = Li/(Li + Cu) = 0.0 to 0.99 eV for x = 0.1 and the Eg2 also linearly increases from 0.99 eV for x = 0.0 to 1.10 eV for x = 0.1. To understand the band diagram of the (Cu1–xLix)2SnS3 solid solution, the energy level of the valence band maximum (VBM) from the vacuum level is determined from the ionization energy measured by photoemission yield spectroscopy (PYS). The energy levels of VBM for the (Cu1−xLix)2SnS3 solid solution monotonically decreases from −5.18 eV for x = 0.0 to −5.33 eV for x = 0.1 with increasing Li content. On the other hand, the energy levels of the conduction band minimum (CBM) is kept almost constant value by changing Li content. Therefore, the authors consider that the increase in the band‐gap energy of the (Cu1–xLix)2SnS3 solid solution is mainly caused by lowering the VBM level.
Middle‐aged individuals’ sexual risk‐taking: Analysis of Swedish research and prevention policies
Authors: Lundström Mats , Ouis Pernilla
Published: June 2019

This article critically examines the basis for Swedish prevention strategies and policy documents concerning sexual risk‐taking, investigating in particular how risk‐taking is represented with respect to the group of middle‐aged, heterosexual individuals. These prevention strategies and policy documents seem to be built on an assumption that sexual relationships are limited to people having sex with individuals with the same sexual orientation, age, behaviour or drug use, an assumption that can be questioned. We have made a scoping review of existing research and examined Swedish national prevention strategies, analysing policy documents on sexual risk‐taking. The results demonstrate a lack of both research and interventions targeted at middle‐aged heterosexuals. We argue that research and interventions directed to heterosexuals have strong connections to fertility. Drawing on Loseke's theorization, the explanation might be that middle‐age sexual behaviour loses the “social problem game”. The blind spots observed in research and policy can also be explained by an agreement in normativity between the different claims‐makers, such as interest groups, policy‐makers and politicians.
Same‐sex marriage and the public policy process
Authors: Cravens Royal G.
Published: June 2019

How did same‐sex marriage come to be adopted as public policy in the United States? In this expository essay, I draw on multiple streams, social construction, and punctuated equilibrium theories to analyze the changes in policy definition, policy venue, the focusing events, indicators, and feedback which led to the placement of same‐sex marriage on the institutional agenda of the Supreme Court. I conclude that same‐sex marriage represents the policy solution to the problem of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) inequality which corresponded best with the political environment in the United States at the time of its endorsement by the Supreme Court. By synthesizing the social construction literature and critiques of same‐sex marriage derived from queer theory, however, I highlight the consequences of forgoing policy alternatives in favor of same‐sex marriage for LGBT people who do not fit dominant constructions of sexual minority identity.
Combined criteria for dose optimisation in early phase clinical trials
Authors: Alam M. Iftakhar , Coad D. Stephen , Bogacka Barbara
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to investigate whether any bridge is possible between so‐called best intention andD‐optimum designs. It introduces combined criteria for dose optimisation in seamless phase I/II adaptive clinical trials. Each of the optimality criteria considers efficacy and toxicity as endpoints and is based on the probability of a successful outcome and on the determinant of the Fisher information matrix for estimation of the dose‐response parameters. In addition, one of the criteria incorporates penalties for choosing a toxic or inefficacious dose. Starting with the lowest dose, the adaptive design selects the dose for each subsequent cohort that maximises the respective defined criterion. The methodology is illustrated with a dose‐response model that assumes trinomial responses. Simulation studies show that the method is capable of identifying the optimal dose accurately without exposing many patients to toxic doses.
2 Employment and social trends by region
Authors: Milasi Santo
Published: June 2019

Given the heterogeneity of labour market and social outcomes across regions around the world, this chapter discusses recent economic and labour market developments across and within five ILO regions, highlighting the main challenges to the short‐term employment and social prospects. An assessment of the latest trends and projections for unemployment, status in employment, working poverty and labour productivity is provided for each of the regions.
3 Sustainable Development Goal 8
Authors: Grimshaw Damian , Kühn Stefan
Published: June 2019

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 calls upon the international community to “[p]romote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”. This chapter assesses the progress made towards each of the targets of SDG 8, by presenting recent trends in the corresponding indicators. Attaining SDG 8 will require far increased efforts, given how far current trends are from the targets envisaged under this goal.
Introduction: Connectivities Between Literature and Science in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Engelhardt Nina , Hoydis Julia
Published: June 2019

This introductory chapter situates the book in current discussions in the fields of literature and science studies and twenty-first-century fiction. It introduces the notion of ‘connectivities,’ understood to capture actual states as well as possibilities for connection, and distinguishes it from, respectively, the concepts of ‘two cultures’ and ‘networks’ to allow fresh and unburdened views on representations of science in contemporary fiction. Setting out the organisation of this volume in two main sections, the chapter explains the governing ideas of ‘human connectivities’ and ‘temporal connectivities’ and locates these in contemporary criticism, including conceptualisations of returns to realism and ethics, unbroken interest in the past and the future, and renegotiations of the traditionally speculative views of science fiction and its relations to mainstream literature.
A novel seed plants gene regulates oxidative stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sujeeth Neerakkal , Mehterov Nikolay , Gupta Saurabh , Qureshi Muhammad K. , Fischer Axel , Proost Sebastian , Omidbakhshfard M. Amin , Obata Toshihiro , Benina Maria , Staykov Nikola , Balazadeh Salma , Walther Dirk , Fernie Alisdair R. , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Hille Jacques , Gechev Tsanko S.
Published: June 2019

Oxidative stress can lead to plant growth retardation, yield loss, and death. Theatr7mutant ofArabidopsis thalianaexhibits pronounced tolerance to oxidative stress. Using positional cloning, confirmed by knockout and RNA interference (RNAi) lines, we identified theatr7mutation and revealed thatATR7is a previously uncharacterized gene with orthologs in other seed plants but with no homology to genes in lower plants, fungi or animals. Expression ofATR7-GFPfusion shows that ATR7 is a nuclear-localized protein. RNA-seq analysis reveals that transcript levels of genes encoding abiotic- and oxidative stress-related transcription factors (DREB19, HSFA2, ZAT10), chromatin remodelers (CHR34), and unknown or uncharacterized proteins (AT5G59390, AT1G30170, AT1G21520) are elevated inatr7. This indicates thatatr7is primed for an upcoming oxidative stress via pathways involving genes of unknown functions. Collectively, the data revealATR7as a novel seed plants-specific nuclear regulator of oxidative stress response.
Broccoli sprout supplementation in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer is difficult despite positive effects—results from the POUDER pilot study
Authors: Lozanovski Vladimir J. , Polychronidis Georgios , Gross Wolfgang , Gharabaghi Negin , Mehrabi Arianeb , Hackert Thilo , Schemmer Peter , Herr Ingrid
Published: June 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a highly aggressive malignancy with short survival and limited therapeutic options. Broccoli sulforaphane is a promising new treatment due to the results of recent epidemiological, experimental and patient studies. Upon approval from the ethics committee and registration at ClinicalTrials.gov, 40 patients with palliative chemotherapy were placed into a placebo and treatment group in an unblinded fashion. Fifteen capsules with pulverized broccoli sprouts containing 90 mg/508 μmol sulforaphane and 180 mg/411 μmol glucoraphanin or methylcellulose were administered daily for up to 1 year. Twenty-nine patients were included in the treatment group and 11 patients were in the placebo group; these patients were followed for up to 1 year. The patient characteristics, overall survival and feasibility were assessed. Compared to those of the placebo group, the mean death rate was lower in the treatment group during the first 6 months after intake (day 30: 0%/18%, day 90: 0%/25%, and day 180: 25%/43%), and Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a higher survival rate. There was a high drop-out rate (72% in the treatment group and 55% in the placebo group) after 1 year. We concluded from the Karnofsky index that the broccoli sprouts did not impact patient’s self-care and overall abilities severely. The intake of 15 capsules daily was difficult for some patients, and the broccoli sprouts sometimes increased digestive problems, nausea and emesis. We did not obtain statistically significant results (p = 0.291 for the endpoint at day 180), but the knowledge about the feasibility is the basis for the development of new sulforaphane drugs.
Getting the facts right on born globals
Authors: Ferguson Shon , Henrekson Magnus , Johannesson Louise
Published: June 2019

Policymakers in several countries have recently taken steps to promote the rapid export expansion of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal of these policies has been to create successful export-intensive startups, which are often referred to as born globals. These measures are motivated by studies claiming that born global firms are disproportionately important for job creation and economic growth. Using detailed register data on the universe of Swedish manufacturing startups founded 1998–2014, we find that born globals are a very small group of firms whose long-run size and growth do not outperform other exporting firms. We also show that removing continuing firms and spinouts from the analysis is crucial for obtaining correct results. Thus, the notion that born globals are superior to firms that follow a more gradual internationalization process, a conclusion largely based on case studies and surveys, does not withstand scrutiny. Policymakers must therefore be aware that encouraging more born globals need not necessarily lead to large benefits for the overall economy, especially in terms of employment.
Confirmation of the five-factor structure of the Parent Global Report version of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire in a Polish community sample
Authors: Święcicka Małgorzata , Woźniak-Prus Małgorzata , Gambin Małgorzata , Stolarski Maciej
Published: June 2019

Since parenting practices have been shown to play an important role in the development of a child’s emotional, cognitive and social functioning, it is important to reliably measure this construct across various cultures and countries. A widely used instrument to assess parenting practices is the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ). However, no previous studies have verified the five-factor structure of this measure using confirmatory factor analysis. The aim of this study was to verify factor structure and examine psychometric properties of the Parent Global Report version of the APQ in a Polish sample. A total of 911 mothers and 497 fathers of children in the age range of 6–13 years from the community sample completed the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire as well as the Rating Scales for Parents assessing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the five-factor model is characterized by a good fit in the Polish sample of mothers and quite a good fit in the sample of fathers. The Polish version of the APQ has a good construct validity. Children’s ODD symptoms were positively correlated with negative parenting practices and negatively with positive parenting practices. Children’s ADHD symptoms were the most strongly correlated with the inconsistent discipline subscale. Relations between ADHD and ODD symptoms and positive parenting practices were lower than with negative parenting practices. Our study confirms the five-factor structure of the Polish version of the APQ for parents and shows that parenting practices can be reliably measured in a Polish sample with the use of the Parent Global Report version of the APQ.
Blood amyloid levels and risk of dementia in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (GEMS): A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Lopez Oscar L. , Chang Yuefang , Ives Diane G. , Snitz Beth E. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Carlson Michelle C. , Rapp Stephen R. , Williamson Jeffrey D. , Tracy Russell P. , DeKosky Steven T. , Kuller Lewis H.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Both high or low plasma amyloid levels have been associated with risk of dementia in nondemented subjects.

Methods

We examined baseline plasma β‐amyloid (Aβ) levels in relationship to incident dementia during a period of 8.5 years in 2840 subjects age >75 years; 2381 were cognitively normal (CN) and 450 mild cognitive impairment.

Results

Increased plasma Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42 levels were associated with gender (women), age, low education, creatinine levels, history of stroke, and hypertension. CN participants who developed dementia had lower levels of Aβ1‐42 and Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 ratio compared with those who did not. Aβ levels did not predict dementia in mild cognitive impairment participants.

Discussion

There was an inverse association between Aβ1‐42 and Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 ratio to risk of dementia in CN participants. Cerebral and cardiovascular disease and renal function are important determinants of increased Aβ levels and must be considered in evaluations of relationship of plasma Aβ and subsequent risk of dementia.
A clinical study of newly-diagnosed colorectal cancer over 2 years in a gastroenterology center in Iraq
Authors: Alrubaie Abdulhadi , Alkhalidi Nawal , Abd-Alhusain Summar
Published: June 2019

Background and study aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal cancer and the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy affecting about one million individuals each year. The etiology for most cases of CRC appears to be related to environmental factors. This study to describe the main characteristics of this malignancy regarding age, gender, and anatomical sub site distribution, as well as the main presenting symptoms in Iraqi patients.

Patients and methods Patients with newly-diagnosed CRC by colonoscopy findings and confirmed by histopathological examination of endoscopic colonic biopsies were studied.

Results Sixty three cases with a newly-diagnosed CRC were included in this study. There were 31 (49.2%) males and 32 (50.8%) females. CRC peaked in the 60–69 years old age group (p < 0.05), more than 60% were between 40 and 69 years old. Fresh bleeding per rectum was the most common symptom occurred in 48 (76.2%) patients; while the least common was weight loss (19%). The mean duration of symptoms before referral was 7.3 ± 12.6 months. The tumor sites of the CRC were the rectum and sigmoid region seen in 77.8% (p < 0.05), the rectum alone reported in 37 patients (58.7%); followed by sigmoid colon in 12 (19%) patients, cecum in 7 (11.1%) patients and the ascending colon seen in 2 (3.2%) patients.

Conclusions In this study CRC occurs in relatively younger age groups in comparison to studies in the developed countries with rectal cancer predominates of all colorectal cancers.
Prevalence of Sexual Problems and Associated Distress in Aging Men Across 4 European Countries
Authors: Hald Gert Martin , Graham Cynthia , Štulhofer Aleksandar , Carvalheira Ana , Janssen Erick , Træen Bente
Published: June 2019

Background

Among older men, comparable cross-cultural investigations of sexual problems and associated distress that also include a multitude of relevant explanatory variables of these sexual problem and related distress are rare in the research literature.

Aims

To investigate prevalence rates of sexual problems and associated distress among older men across 4 European countries (Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal) and assess for associated mental and physical health–related factors.

Methods

Multinational cross-sectional questionnaire study using self-report measures.

Outcomes

Prevalence rates of sexual problems and associated distress levels.

Results

We found a high prevalence of sexual problems persisting for months or longer across countries, but noted that many affected men experienced minimal or no distress related to these problems. We also found marked cross-cultural differences in reported distress about sexual problems, with southern European men (ie Portugal) reporting significantly more distress related to the majority of sexual problems investigated compared with northern European men (ie Denmark and Norway). Finally, we identified several relational, physical, and mental health problems associated with the reported number of sexual problems and the distress related to these problems.

Clinical Implications

We suggest that healthcare professionals also target distress when considering sexual problems among older men and contextualize these considerations within a multifactorial approach to general health in which (other) mental and physical health factors relevant to these patients’ sexual health and function are also jointly considered.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths of this study include the large sample size, inclusion of participants from 4 European countries, assessment of distress associated with sexual problems, and similar research design and method of data collection across the 4 included countries. Limitations of the study include the cross-sectional design, which precludes causal conclusions; the low response rate in the Portuguese sample; the lack of homosexual participants; and the lack of comprehensive assessments of dyadic factors that may be of relevance to sexual problems and associated distress.

Conclusion

This study identified a high prevalence of sexual problems persisting for 3 months or longer among older men across 4 European countries, but also found that many of the men with sexual problems experienced minimal or no distress related to these problems.
Lithic Technological Organization and Hafting in Early Villages
Authors: Quinn Colin P. , Goodale Nathan , Andrefsky William , Kuijt Ian , Finlayson Bill
Published: June 2019

Hafting is an important part of lithic technology that can increase our understanding of socioeconomic behavior in the past. In this article, we develop a holistic approach to studying hafting by using the concept of curation within a broader assessment of lithic technological organization in early villages. Early villages were loci of socioeconomic transformation as part of the shift from mobile foraging to more sedentary cultivation lifeways. We suggest that an examination of hafting can provide new insights into how early villagers negotiated technological requirements, economic decision making, and social interactions in these novel contexts. As a case study, we develop a curation index and apply it to an archaeological context of hafted and unhafted pointed tools from the early Neolithic village of Dhra’, Jordan. This curation index allows for a discussion of the technological, economic, and social dimensions of hafting strategies at Dhra’. The presence of multiple hafting traditions within early Neolithic villages of Southwest Asia is evidence of persistent social segmentation despite food storage and ritual practices that emphasized communal integration. Through the lens of lithic technological organization, we demonstrate that hafting and curation patterns can increase our understanding of technological, economic, and social strategies in early villages.
How to Close the Gender Gap in Political Participation: Lessons from Matrilineal Societies in Africa
Authors: Robinson Amanda Lea , Gottlieb Jessica
Published: June 2019

While gender gaps in political participation are pervasive, especially in developing countries, this study provides systematic evidence of one cultural practice that closes this gap. Using data from across Africa, this article shows that matrilineality – tracing kinship through the female line – is robustly associated with closing the gender gap in political participation. It then uses this practice as a lens through which to draw more general inferences. Exploiting quantitative and qualitative data from Malawi, the authors demonstrate that matrilineality's success in improving outcomes for women lies in its ability to sustain more progressive norms about the role of women in society. It sets individual expectations about the gendered beliefs and behaviors of other households in the community, and in a predictable way through the intergenerational transmission of the practice. The study tests and finds evidence against two competing explanations: that matrilineality works through its conferral of material resources alone, or by increasing education for girls.
Polyandry and trade-off between fecundity and longevity in female Dichelops furcatus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Cingolani M.F. , Roggiero M.F. , Barakat M.C. , Liljesthröm G.G.
Published: June 2019

A trade-off is a relationship between two life history characteristics principally reproduction and adult longevity that are fundamental in predicting the optimal life history in any given environment. Mating is indispensable for sexual reproduction, but also can impose risks to females. Nevertheless, in the majority of insects, females allow multiple mating. Dichelops furcatus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a pest of wheat and corn in Argentina and southern Brazil, but little is known about its reproduction (i.e., the characteristics of the process that results in offspring). We analyzed reproductive attributes of D. furcatus, and the effect of single mating vs. multiple matings, evaluating the trade-off between fecundity and adult female longevity. We found that mating is not required for D. furcatus to oviposit, and multiple copulations were costly in terms of reduced longevity. Although multicopulated females lived a shorter period, only the pre- and post-reproductive periods were shortened. Fecundity was not affected but fertility was incremented in multicopulated females. Females copulated only once oviposited most of the eggs in the first half of the reproductive period, while eggs oviposited in the second half were all inviable (did not hatch). Studying demographic attributes of phytophagous insects provides relevant information to better understand the population dynamics of pests.
A new argument for existence of the DP in languages without articles
Authors: ERSCHLER DAVID
Published: June 2019

In this squib, I provide evidence of a novel type in favor of the existence of the DP in previously undiscussed articleless languages: I show that a comitative preposition in the Ossetic languages cannot attach to nominal expressions that would be analyzed as DPs in better studied languages. On the other hand, nominal expressions that it can attach to are of the kinds that would be analyzed as bare NumPs.
A’ingae (Cofán)
Authors: Repetti-Ludlow Chiara , Zhang Haoru , Lucitante Hugo , AnderBois Scott , Sanker Chelsea
Published: June 2019

A’ingae (also known as Cofán or Kofán) is a language isolate spoken by approximately 1,500 people in 13 communities in Ecuador and Colombia (Figure 1). Traditionally, the A’i (speakers of A’ingae) lived in the Andean foothills, but over the past century they have migrated down the Aguarico and San Miguel rivers, founding communities at Dureno and Zábalo, where the language is most widely spoken. This migration was spurred in large part by extensive oil contamination; an issue of great concern to the Foundation for the Survival of the Cofán People (FSC) and the community at large (Cepek 2012: 103; 2018: 1–15). Another concern in the Cofán community is the decreasing use of A’ingae, which, according toEthnologue(Simons & Fennig 2017), is ‘endangered’ in Ecuador and ‘severely endangered’ in Colombia as a growing emphasis on Spanish disincentivizes the younger generation from learning A’ingae.
On the union of intersecting families
Authors: Ellis David , Lifshitz Noam
Published: June 2019

A family of sets is said to be intersecting if any two sets in the family have non-empty intersection. In 1973, Erdős raised the problem of determining the maximum possible size of a union of r different intersecting families of k-element subsets of an n-element set, for each triple of integers (n, k, r). We make progress on this problem, proving that for any fixed integer r ⩾ 2 and for any $$k \le ({1 \over 2} - o(1))n$$, if X is an n-element set, and $${\cal F} = {\cal F}_1 \cup {\cal F}_2 \cup \cdots \cup {\cal F}_r $$, where each $$ {\cal F}_i $$ is an intersecting family of k-element subsets of X, then $$|{\cal F}| \le \left( {\matrix{n \cr k \cr } } \right) - \left( {\matrix{{n - r} \cr k \cr } } \right)$$, with equality only if $${\cal F} = \{ S \subset X:|S| = k,\;S \cap R \ne \emptyset \} $$ for some R ⊂ X with |R| = r. This is best possible up to the size of the o(1) term, and improves a 1987 result of Frankl and Füredi, who obtained the same conclusion under the stronger hypothesis $$k < (3 - \sqrt 5 )n/2$$, in the case r = 2. Our proof utilizes an isoperimetric, influence-based method recently developed by Keller and the authors.
Effects of vibration on passive intermodulation of microwave connector
Authors: Li Tuanjie , Li Mingtai , Zhai Wangmin , Jiang Jie
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the generation of passive intermodulation (PIM) in coaxial connectors during vibration. A series of experiments were designed and the simulation model and method were proposed for understanding these phenomena. We found that PIM is mainly influenced by the contact stress and contact surface roughness during vibration. Thus, a power spectral density method is presented to identify the roughness parameter of contact surface based on the Weierstrass–Mandelbrot model, and the simulation model and method were verified by the relative experiments. Eventually, some suggestions for engineering application were provided.
The Implementation of Crimes Against the Peace and Security of Mankind in the Penal Legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: SAYAPIN Sergey
Published: June 2019

The penal legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan includes a number of crimes against the peace and security of mankind. Among these are most of the traditional “core” crimes under international law—genocide, war crimes, and the crime of aggression—as well as some other crimes. Crimes against humanity are not included in the Criminal Code so far but some of their definitional features are shared by so-called “extremist crimes”. In addition to other customary crimes against the peace and security of mankind—such as deliberately attacking internationally protected persons and organizations and abusing internationally protected emblems—the Code also includes more novel crimes, such as participation in foreign armed conflicts. This paper analyses the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan in the light of corresponding treaty-based and customary rules of international law, and suggests further improvements to be made to the Code.
Homeostatic feelings – a novel explanation of vein symptoms	derived from an experimental patient study
Authors: Blättler Werner , Mendoza Erika , Zollmann Christine , Bendix John , Amsler Felix
Published: June 2019

Summary. Background: Vein symptoms (VS) entail diffuse leg discomfort and pain coinciding with a perception of weighty or swollen legs. Their traditional classification as a form of venous disease may be inaccurate as they occur in patients with no or any venous disorder. We hypothesized that VS would emerge from a primordially standing associated perturbation in the lower limbs which is not necessarily connected with a venous disorder. Patients and methods: Patients were sorted into groups according to the CEAP classification, VS only (C0s), primary varicose veins (C2p), varicose veins plus oedema (C2p and C3), and venous dermatopathy (C4). Patients completed questionnaires before and one week after they were exposed to a test of stationary standing. Results: Patients (N = 127) in the four groups differed by sex, age and body weight. The VS experienced in the preceding week scored the same in all groups at 3.1 on a numeric rating scale (range 0–10; SD 1.6). During standing, lower leg volume increased and symptoms emerged to the same extent across patient groups and were reduced similarly by compression (volume by 1.7 %, symptoms by 41.7 %). The emergence of symptoms was neither correlated with leg volume increase per se, nor with limiting this increase by compression. Symptoms recorded at baseline correlated with the symptoms provoked by the stress test with bare legs while the symptoms reported at follow-up, when stockings were worn regularly, correlated with the stress test with compression. Conclusions: VS, in terms of neuropsychology, reflect a homeostatic disturbance experienced in the presence and absence of venous disease. Thus, VS are not distinctive for the presence of venous disease insofar as they may reflect dynamic homeostatic feelings resulting from a standing-related disequilibrium in the legs’ internal environment.
Stellungnahme Dachgesellschaft Sucht:
Authors: Bischof Gallus , Lange Nikolaus , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen , Preuss Ulrich W.
Published: June 2019

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Unterschiede in der Therapiezielfindung bei der Behandlung von Alkoholkonsumstörungen, die sich zwischen völliger Abstinenz, vermindertem Konsum (Schadensvermeidung) und „kontrolliertem Konsum“ aufspannen, werden seit vielen Jahren z. T. kontrovers diskutiert. Ziel: Ziel der Stellungnahme der Dachgesellschaft Sucht ist es, vorhandene empirische Erkenntnisse zu diesem Themenbereich zusammenzutragen und daraus Empfehlungen für den praktischen Umgang mit verschiedenen Therapiezielen wie Trinkmengenreduktion oder Abstinenz für die Patienten oder Klienten abzuleiten. An der Erstellung des Positionspapiers haben sich Vertreter verschiedener Fachgesellschaften (DG Suchtmedizin, der DG Suchtforschung und Suchttherapie sowie die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Suchtpsychologie) beteiligt. Eine Reihe von Forschungsdesideraten wird benannt.
Nitrogen‐Driven Chromatographic Separation During Gas Injection Into Hydrate‐Bearing Sediments
Authors: Darnell K. N. , Flemings P. B. , DiCarlo D.
Published: June 2019

Hydrates are solid phases composed of water cages enclosing gas molecules that may host large quantities of recoverable natural gas and may serve to sequester CO2 on geological time scales. Most hydrate studies focus on hydrates containing a single gas component, such as CH4 or CO2. Yet, there are several settings in which multiple components form hydrate mixtures, or mixed hydrates, including a subsurface injection technique that claims to simultaneously recover CH4 and sequester CO2 called “guest molecule exchange.” Here, we combine multicomponent phase behavior for hydrate‐forming systems with a multiphase fluid flow simulator to understand the evolution of hydrate and nonhydrate phases during subsurface injection. We simulate various scenarios for systems composed of H2O, CH4, CO2, and N2. Our study probes the impact of injection composition, initial reservoir composition, and transport of each component through the model domain. We observe chromatographic separation from the combined effect of compositional partitioning in each phase, variable flow speed of each phase, and compositional dependence of phase stabilities. We show that N2 drives chromatographic separation to create a CH4‐free zone and a CO2‐free zone that are connected by a continuous N2‐dominated vapor phase. While our results are theoretical and should be validated experimentally, they imply that guest molecule exchange acts as two sequential processes rather than as a simultaneous process. Furthermore, they show that injections into reservoirs with and without free water have vastly different behaviors, which has implications for the interpretation of the guest molecule exchange field test and various laboratory studies.
Evaporation From Multilayered Heterogeneous Bare Soil Profiles
Authors: Assouline Shmuel , Narkis Kfir
Published: June 2019

Evaporation from homogeneous and multilayered soil profiles was studied under laboratory conditions using columns packed with different sand types and containers packed with glass beads of different sizes. The impact of positive and negative permeability gradients, and the effect of layer thickness (H), has been investigated. The cumulative evaporation from the fine‐to‐coarse (F‐C) multilayered profile is higher than the one from the coarse‐to‐fine (C‐F) profile. The homogeneous columns evaporate more or less than the multilayered ones depending on the thickness of the layers and the characteristic length of the soil in the top layer. The trends are in agreement with the preliminary results generated by the numerical solution of the flow equations. Cumulative evaporation at the end of stage 1 increases with the layer thickness for the multilayered systems and is larger for the F‐C configuration than for the C‐F one. Glass beads evaporation experiments revealed the existence of a cascade of bursts of air when the invading gas phase reaches the successive fine/coarse layer interfaces in the case of the F‐C configuration. While the evaporation front moves gradually downward during drying in the C‐F multilayered system, it appears to move upward toward the surface in the F‐C multilayered one. It is shown that soil heterogeneity has a significant impact on evaporation. Multilayered soil profiles could be harnessed to reduce water losses or to accelerate drying, depending on the sequence, the thicknesses, and the properties of the layers.