bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrocolic versus antecolic gastrointestinal reconstruction in robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Wang Chih‐Yuan , Huang Ting‐Shuo , Zhang Ke‐Di , Wang Zi‐Zheng , Wang Fei , Zhao Zhi‐Ming , Gao Yuan‐Xing , Liu Rong
Published: September 2019

Background

With the advancement of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD), several reconstruction methods have been advocated to make RPD more effective and safer. In this study, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of RPD using a left retrocolic (L‐port) technique and compared it with those of RPD using an antecolic technique.

Methods

Between October 2015 and August 2016, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of RPD before and after introducing the L‐port technique for gastrointestinal reconstruction. The L‐port technique was mainly performed for retrocolic gastrojejunal reconstruction and some cases of duodenojejunal reconstruction. The perioperative and postoperative outcomes were compared in the two groups.

Results

Eighty‐three cases of RPD were retrieved for statistical analysis. Compared with the antecolic group, the L‐port group was significantly associated with a shorter operative time (median time [IQR] 345 [307–384] min vs. 390 [370–455] min, P < 0.001), reconstruction time (54 [48–59] min vs. 84 [75–98] min, P < 0.001) and lower incidence of delayed gastric emptying. There were no cases of re‐operation due to internal herniation, colonic ischemia, or bowel volvulus in the L‐port group during the 1‐year follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the L‐port technique of RPD is a safe and feasible technique for gastrointestinal reconstruction.
Preoperative serum albumin is associated with intra‐abdominal infection following major hepatectomy
Authors: Rungsakulkij Narongsak , Vassanasiri Watoo , Tangtawee Pongsatorn , Suragul Wikran , Muangkaew Paramin , Mingphruedhi Somkit , Aeesoa Suraida
Published: September 2019

Background

Major hepatectomy is a complex surgical procedure with high morbidity. Intra‐abdominal infection (IAI) is common following hepatectomy and affects treatment outcomes. This study was performed to investigate perioperative factors and determine whether the preoperative serum albumin level is associated with IAI following major hepatectomy.

Methods

From January 2008 to December 2018, 268 patients underwent major hepatectomy. We retrospectively analyzed demographic data and preoperative and perioperative variables. IAI was defined as organ/space surgical site infection. Risk factors for IAI were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 268 patients were evaluated. IAI was observed in 38 patients (14.6%). The mortality rate in the IAI group was 15.7%. Multivariate logistic analysis confirmed that the serum albumin level (odds ratio 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.84–0.97; P = 0.03) and operative duration (odds ratio 1.50; 95% confidence interval 1.18–1.91; P < 0.01) were independent factors associated with IAI. A logistic model using the serum albumin level and operative duration to estimate the probability of IAI was analyzed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting IAI was 0.78.

Conclusion

The serum albumin level and operative duration were independent factors predicting IAI following major hepatectomy.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of new 4‐(4‐(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐phenylthiazole derivatives
Authors: Shinde Vikas , Mhaske Pravin C. , Singh Aakriti , Sarkar Dhiman , Mahulikar Pramod
Published: September 2019

A novel series of 4‐(4‐(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐substitutedthiazole derivatives (8a‐l) have been synthesized by [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 4‐(4‐ethynylphenyl)‐2‐substitutedthiazole with substituted benzyl azide in aqueous DMF. Starting compounds 4‐(4‐ethynylphenyl)‐2‐substitutedthiazole (6a‐d) were synthesized by reaction of 4‐(2‐substitutedthiazol‐4‐yl)benzaldehyde with Ohira‐Bestmann reagent in methanol. The structures of these novel triazole‐thiazole clubbed derivatives were confirmed by the spectral analysis. The title compounds (8a‐l) were tested for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra active and dormant (MTB, ATCC 25177) and antimicrobial activity against standard Gram‐positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (NCIM 2602) and Bacillus subtilis (NCIM 2162), and Gram‐negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (NCIM 2576) and Pseudomonas flurescence (NCIM 2059). Compounds 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8h reported good activity against B subtilis, compounds 8a, 8b, and 8c showed good activity against S aureus, and compound 8b showed good activity against dormant M tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Compounds 8b and 8c found more potent against Gram positive and dormant M tuberculosis H37Rv strains. These novel triazole‐thiazole clubbed analogues found to be a capable leads for further optimization and development.
General morphology and ultrastructure of the radula of Testudinalia testudinalis (O. F. Müller, 1776) (Patellogastropoda, Gastropoda)
Authors: Vortsepneva Elena , Tzetlin Alexander
Published: September 2019

The radular morphology of the patellid species Testudinalia testudinalis (O. F. Müller, 1776) from the White Sea was studied using light, electron, and confocal microscopy. The radula is of the docoglossan type with four teeth per row and consisting of six zones. We characterize teeth formation in T. testidinalis as follows: one tooth is formed by numerous and extremely narrow odontoblasts through apocrine secretion; this initially formed tooth consists of numerous vesicles; the synthetic apparatus of the odontoblasts is localized in the apical and central parts of the cells throughout the cytoplasm and is penetrated by microtubules which are involved in the transport of the synthesized products to the apical part of the odontoblast; the newly formed teeth consist of unpolymerized chitin. Mitotic activity is located in the lateral parts of the formation zone. The first four rows contain an irregular arrangement of teeth, but the radular teeth are regularly arranged after the fifth row. The irregularly arranged teeth early on could be a consequence of the asynchronous formation of teeth and the distance between the odontoblasts and the membranoblasts. The morphological data obtained significantly expands our knowledge of the morphological diversity of the radula formation in Gastropoda.
Neuroanatomical distribution and functions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain
Authors: Anand Surendra Kumar , Mondal Amal Chandra
Published: September 2019

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an extensively studied protein that is evolutionarily conserved and widely distributed in the brain of vertebrates. It acts via its cognate receptors TrkB and p75NTR and plays a central role in the developmental neurogenesis, neuronal survival, proliferation, differentiation, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and brain regeneration. BDNF has also been implicated in a plethora of neurological disorders. Hence, understanding the processes that are controlled by BDNF and their regulating mechanisms is important. Although, BDNF has been thoroughly studied in the mammalian models, contradictory effects of its functions have been reported on several occasions. These contradictory effects may be attributed to the sheer complexity of the mammalian brain. The study of BDNF and its associated functions in a simpler vertebrate model may provide some clarity about the effects of BDNF on the neurophysiology of the brain. Keeping that in mind, this review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about the distribution of BDNF and its associated functions in the zebrafish brain. The main focus of the review is to give a comparative overview of BDNF distribution and function in zebrafish and mammals with respect to distinct life stages. We have also reviewed the regulation of bdnf gene in zebrafish and discussed its role in developmental and adult neurogenesis.
Game Changer in Soil Science. The Anthropocene in soil science and pedology.
Authors: Richter Daniel D.
Published: September 2019

The venerable science of pedology, initiated in the 19thcentury as the study of the natural factors of soil formation, is adapting to the demands of the Anthropocene, the geologic time during which planet Earth and its soils are transitioning from natural to human‐natural systems. With vast areas of soils intensively managed, the future of pedology lies with a renewed science that can be called anthropedology that builds on the pedology of the past but proceeds from “human as outsider” to “human as insider.” In other words, the human in pedology must shift from being a soil‐disturbing to soil‐forming agent. Pedology is well prepared to respond to the challenges of the Anthropocene, given the decades of research on human‐soil relations throughout human history and throughout the period of the Great Acceleration (Steffenet al., [76]). However, quantitative understanding of soil responses to the diversity of human forcings remains elementary and needs remedy.
Management of polymyalgia rheumatica in older people
Authors: Leung Jessica L. , Owen Claire E. , Buchanan Russell R. C. , Liew David F. L.
Published: September 2019

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting older people. For decades it has remained under‐researched and poorly understood, despite causing significant disability. Once thought to be a self‐limiting condition universally responsive to a limited course of prednisolone, it is now clear that most people with PMR require prolonged corticosteroids beyond two years. The cumulative burden of adverse effects from such therapy is thought to substantively contribute to reduced functionality and frailty in older patients, yet few effective alternative pharmacotherapies have been established. This review explores the latest developments regarding the effects of conventional corticosteroid treatment in PMR and the emerging potential of steroid‐sparing agents.
Obstructive sleep apnea, sleep symptoms, and their association with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Oh Melissa S. , Bliwise Donald L. , Smith Andrew L. , Collop Nancy A. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To determine the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, restless legs, and other sleep symptoms in patients with cardiovascular disease and the association of these sleep disorders with quantitative cardiovascular measures.

Methods

Study design was a cross‐sectional survey and retrospective chart review. A questionnaire containing validated sleep symptoms was distributed to 202 patients with cardiovascular disease at a tertiary referral cardiology clinic. Following a focused review of these patients' medical charts, their questionnaire responses were examined for associations with clinical cardiovascular parameters.

Results

Twenty‐one percent of patients reported a prior diagnosis of OSA. A total of 115 patients (60%) had at least one additional sleep symptom. Clinically significant insomnia was significantly associated with heart disease (relative risk [RR] = 1.5, confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 2.1), prior myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident (RR = 2.1, CI = 1.2 to 3.6), and heart failure (RR = 2.2, CI = 1.3 to 3.8). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly associated with insomnia by Insomnia Severity Index (β = −0.52, CI = −0.89 to −0.13).

Conclusion

The frequency of OSA in patients in this tertiary cardiology clinic was higher than the general population in the United States, with the majority of patients experiencing at least one sleep symptom. Insomnia symptoms were shown to be associated with multiple cardiovascular measures, including left ventricular ejection fraction. These findings imply an interwoven relationship between cardiovascular and sleep symptoms as captured by validated sleep questionnaires.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 130:1595–1602, 2020
Cervical VEMP tuning changes by Meniere's disease stages
Authors: Angeli Simon I. , Goncalves Stefania
Published: September 2019

Objective

To determine if changes in cervical vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing reflect the different stages of cochlea‐saccular hydrops in Meniere's disease (MD).

Methods

This is a case‐control retrospective series. Forty‐seven patients with unilateral MD by American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery diagnostic and staging criteria, and 30 with non‐MD vertigo as control. Meniere patients were further classified based on symptoms at the time of testing as active or stable. Subsequently, patients underwent cVEMP testing by tone‐burst stimuli at 500 and 1,000 Hz. The main outcome measure was to compare the cVEMP 1,000 and 500 Hz amplitude ratio in ears with MD and non‐MD vertigo, and in active versus stable MD.

Results

The cVEMP 1,000/500 Hz amplitude ratio was higher in Meniere's ears (mean = 1.14 μV, SD = 0.25) than in non‐Meniere's ears (mean = 0.96 μV, SD = 0.2) (Student's t test, P = .001), and higher in active (mean = 1.22 μV, SD = 0.25) than in stable MD (mean = 1.00 μV, SD = 0.18) (P = .0035). The diagnostic value of cVEMP 1,000/500 Hz amplitude ratio to differentiate MD versus non‐MD vertigo was evaluated with a receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.716 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.591, 0.829]). The ideal cutoff point was 0.9435 with sensitivity and specificity values of 83% and 53%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity values for this test to differentiate active versus stable MD were 68% and 81%, respectively, with AUC 0.746 (95% CI [0.607, 0.885]) and cutoff value of 1.048. In all ears, the 1,000/500 Hz amplitude ratio increased by a decrease of the 500 Hz amplitude with increasing age.

Conclusion

The cVEMP 1,000/500 Hz amplitude ratio is elevated in ears with MD but not in those with non‐MD vertigo. After corrected by age, this ratio is higher in active but not in stable MD, probably reflecting dynamic changes in saccular membrane motion mechanics in hydrops, and may be a useful marker of disease progression and the effect of therapy.

Level of Evidence

IV
Laser Polymer Tattooing: A Versatile Method for Permanent Marking on Polymer Surfaces
Authors: Chang Po‐Yi , Bruntz Adèle , Vidal Loïc , Vetter Pierre‐Alain , Roudot Patrick , Bua Laurent , Ortiz Jose , Zan Hsiao‐Wen , Soppera Olivier
Published: September 2019

A versatile and efficient method for the permanent marking of polymer surfaces that combines inkjet deposition and near‐infrared (NIR) laser curing is investigated. The NIR laser treatment forces the ink particles to migrate into the upper layers of the polymer. This results in the fixation of a permanent grayscale image that can be applied to various polymers, such as polypropylene, which is widely used in industry but still difficult to mark. The physiochemical processes induced by laser curing are investigated by electronic and optical microscopy. The dependence of the thickness of the deposited ink and the laser power on the contrast of marking are also studied. A mechanism implying fast laser‐induced melting of the polymer surface followed by displacement of carbon nanoparticles by convection is proposed. Finally, a comparison of the aging properties of samples prepared by this process and standard UV ink is proposed to illustrate the interesting nature of this new polymer marking process. Integrating the ink under the surface of the polymer, as in a skin tattooing procedure, by laser curing is an efficient way to generate permanent images on polymer surfaces.
Global existence and boundedness in a chemotaxis‐Stokes system with arbitrary porous medium diffusion
Authors: Yu Pei
Published: September 2019

In this short paper, we establish the global existence and boundedness of solutions to the initial‐boundary value problem of a chemotaxis‐Stokes system with porous‐medium‐like cell diffusion Δnm for all adiabatic exponents m>1. Our result extend the corresponding result under the constraint
.
Propagation Kinetics of Isoprene Radical Homopolymerization Derived from Pulsed Laser Initiated Polymerizations
Authors: van Büren Brian , Brandl Florian , Beuermann Sabine
Published: September 2019

The propagation kinetics of isoprene radical polymerizations in bulk and in solution are investigated via pulsed laser initiated polymerizations and subsequent polymer analyses via size‐exclusion chromatography, the PLP‐SEC method. Because of low polymerization rate and high volatility of isoprene, the polymerizations are carried out at elevated pressure ranging from 134 to 1320 bar. The temperatures are varied between 55 and 105 °C. PLP‐SEC yields activation parameters of kp (Arrhenius parameters and activation volume) over a wide temperature and pressure range that allow for the calculation of kp at technically relevant ambient pressure conditions. The kp values determined are very low, e.g., 99 L mol−1 s−1 at 50 °C, which is even lower than the corresponding value for styrene polymerizations. The presence of a polar solvent results in a slight increase of kp compared to the bulk system. The kp values reported are important for determining rate coefficients of other elemental reactions from coupled parameters as well as for modeling isoprene free‐radical polymerizations and reversible deactivation radical polymerization with respect to tailored polymer properties and optimizing the polymerization processes.
Inversion recovery UTE based volumetric myelin imaging in human brain using interleaved hybrid encoding
Authors: Jang Hyungseok , Ma Yajun , Searleman Adam C. , Carl Michael , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Direct myelin imaging can improve the characterization of myelin‐related diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In this study, we explore a novel method to directly image myelin using inversion recovery‐prepared hybrid encoding (IR‐HE) UTE MRI.

Methods

The IR‐HE sequence uses an adiabatic inversion pulse to suppress the long T2 white matter signal, followed by 3D dual‐echo HE utilizing both single point imaging and radial frequency encoding, for which the subtraction image between 2 echoes reveals the myelin signal with high contrast. To reduce scan time, it is common to obtain multiple spokes per IR. Here, we invented a novel method to improve the HE, adapted for the multi‐spoke IR imaging—termed interleaved HE—for which single point imaging encoding is interleaved between radial frequency encodings near nulling point to allow more efficient IR‐signal suppression. To evaluate the proposed approach, a computer simulation, myelin phantom experiment, an ex vivo experiment with a cadaveric multiple sclerosis brain, and an in vivo experiment with 8 healthy volunteers and 13 multiple sclerosis patients were performed.

Results

The computer simulation showed that IR‐interleaved HE allows for improved contrast of myelin signal with reduced imaging artifacts. The myelin phantom experiment showed IR‐interleaved HE allows direct imaging of myelin lipid with excellent suppression of water signal. In the ex vivo and in vivo experiments, the proposed method demonstrated highly specific imaging of myelin in white matter of the brain.

Conclusion

IR‐interleaved HE allows for time‐efficient, high‐contrast direct myelin imaging and can detect demyelinated lesions in multiple sclerosis patients.
Immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies for neuromuscular diseases. Part II: New and novel agents
Authors: Farmakidis Constantine , Dimachkie Mazen M. , Pasnoor Mamatha , Barohn Richard J.
Published: September 2019

While traditional immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies remain the cornerstone of immune‐mediated neuromuscular disease management, new and novel agents including antigen‐specific, monoclonal antibody drugs, have emerged as important treatment options. This article is the second of a two‐part series that reviews immune‐based therapies in neuromuscular diseases. The first article provides an update on the use of traditional immune‐based therapies such as corticosteroids, plasma exchange, steroid‐sparing immunosuppressive drugs, and intravenous immunoglobulin G. This second article focuses on new and novel immune‐based therapies, including eculizumab, a complement inhibitor approved for acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis; rituximab, a B‐cell depletion therapy with evolving indications in neuromuscular diseases; and the subcutaneous formulation of immunoglobulin G that gained approval for use in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in 2018. Finally, several novel antigen‐specific drugs at different stages of investigation in neuromuscular disease are also reviewed.
Follow this formula for effective, efficient MBA program interviews
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: September 2019

Providing campus visits and interviews that feel personal to candidates, while ensuring that all of your time isn't eaten up doing said visits: It's a challenge that might sound familiar to you and one that Jeremiah Nelson faced when he arrived at the Wake Forest University School of Business.
Numerical Simulation of Plasma‐Propellant Interaction Under the Non‐Fourier Model
Authors: He Huizhi , Zhang Xiaobing , Zhang Xiao‐He
Published: September 2019

Due to the signicant characteristics of shorter and more reproducible ignition delay, plasma ignition becomes one of the key technologies of electrothermal‐chemical (ETC) propulsion. Plasma ignition is a complex heat transfer process, characterized by high temperature, high pressure, micro‐scale and extremely short duration. Under such extreme conditions, the assumption that the propagation speed of thermal disturbance is infinite in Fourier's law is no longer applicable. As such, for accurate prediction the non‐Fourier model with dual‐phase‐lag (DPL) is adopted to describe the interaction process between the plasma and the propellant. The temperature history of propellant is obtained by Dufort‐frankel numerical difference method. The numerical results obtained by DPL model are compared with the results by the Fourier model and Cattaneo‐Vernotte (C−V) model, it shows that the DPL model occupies preferable prediction performance. Additionally, the effects of plasma temperature, particle radius and absorber thickness on ignition delay are discussed. It finds that the ignition delay decreases with the increase of plasma temperature, increases with the increase of particle radius, and increases with the increase of absorber thickness. The numerical results based on DPL model are verified by the experimental results as well.
Discover how to effectively advocate for support services tailored to grad students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2019

A total of 2 million graduate and professional students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in 2018. However, student services tailored to graduate and professional students are rare. And student affairs professionals in graduate support roles often have very limited staff and other resources. That makes it difficult to develop effective support services for grad and professional students. And research shows that the lack of support services impacts the success of all grad students but particularly students of color and first‐generation students.
Learn how portfolio of supports can boost success of military students
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: September 2019

Adult students want to find a meaningful degree program that supports their unique needs — and this is especially true for military‐affiliated students.
Surface and Interface Engineering: Molybdenum Carbide–Based Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion
Authors: Ge Riyue , Huo Juanjuan , Sun Mingjie , Zhu Mingyuan , Li Ying , Chou Shulei , Li Wenxian
Published: September 2019

Molybdenum carbide (MoxC)‐based nanomaterials have shown competitive performances for energy conversion applications based on their unique physicochemical properties. A large surface area and proper surface atomic configuration are essential to explore potentiality of MoxC in electrochemical applications. Although considerable efforts are made on the development of advanced MoxC‐based catalysts for energy conversion with high efficiency and stability, some urgent issues, such as low electronic conductivity, low catalytic efficiency, and structural instability, have to be resolved in accordance with their application environments. Surface and interface engineering have shown bright prospects to construct highly efficient MoxC‐based electrocatalysts for energy conversion including the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, and carbon dioxide reduction reaction. In this Review, the recent progresses in terms of surface and interface engineering of MoxC‐based electrocatalytic materials are summarized, including the increased number of active sites by decreasing the particle size or introducing porous or hierarchical structures and surface modification by introducing heteroatom(s), defects, carbon materials, and others electronic conductive species. Finally, the challenges and prospects for energy conversion on MoxC‐based nanomaterials are discussed in terms of key performance parameters for the catalytic performance.
Phosphorus Incorporation into Co9S8 Nanocages for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Qiu Bocheng , Cai Lejuan , Wang Yang , Guo Xuyun , Ma Sainan , Zhu Ye , Tsang Yuen Hong , Zheng Zijian , Zheng Renkui , Chai Yang
Published: September 2019

The improvement of activity of electrocatalysts lies in the increment of the density of active sites or the enhancement of intrinsic activity of each active site. A common strategy to realize dual active sites is the use of bimetal compound catalysts, where each metal atom contributes one active site. In this work, a new concept is presented to realize dual active sites with tunable electron densities in monometal compound catalysts. Dual Co2+ tetrahedral (Co2+(Td)) and Co3+ octahedral (Co3+(Oh)) coordination active sites are developed and adjustable electron densities on the Co2+(Td) and Co3+(Oh) are further achieved by phosphorus incorporation (P‐Co9S8). The experimental results and density functional theory calculations show that the nonmetal P doping can systematically modulate charge density of Co2+(Td) and Co3+(Oh) in P‐Co9S8 and simultaneously improve the electrical conductivity of Co9S8, which substantially enhances oxygen evolution reaction performance of P‐Co9S8.
Development and validation of a quality by design enabled robust LC method for estimation of daptomycin in pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Panda Sagar Suman , Bera Ravi Kumar Venkata Varaha , Pradhan Swati Swagatika
Published: September 2019

A simple and new validated liquid chromatography method with stability‐indicating potential was established for quantifying daptomycin in formulations using a quality by design approach. Analytical target profile establishment and earmarking critical analytical attributes helped to control the method performance. Further, the control strategies for critical method variables were defined as per method intent. Youden's robustness test was applied with the dual intent of defining control strategies and evaluating method robustness for continuous method improvement. Chromatography for the purpose constituted of methanol: water (pH 3.5 maintained by o‐phosphoric acid), 90:10, v/v as mobile phase flowing at 1.2 mL/min on a C18 column. Photodiode array detector provided the best results at 367 nm. Results for parameters viz. linearity (5‐200 µg/mL), accuracy (> 99%) and precision (< 1%) advocated method reliability. The detection (2.5 µg/mL) and quantitation limits (5 µg/mL) were quite in agreement with method need. In a nutshell, the hyphenation of Youden's test with quality by design approach ensured the development of a reliable chromatography method for routine estimation of daptomycin throughout its product lifecycle.
Understand how FERPA provisions apply to campus security records
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: September 2019

One of the most confusing elements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is the distinction between the definitions of “education records” and “law enforcement unit records.” However, it is critical for campus safety units to understand the difference between the two types of records, because one enjoys full FERPA protections, while the other is not covered at all.
The effect of a therapeutic urinary stress diet on the short‐term recurrence of feline idiopathic cystitis
Authors: Naarden Blanche , Corbee Ronald J.
Published: September 2019

The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the effect of a therapeutic urinary stress diet on recurrent clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in cats with idiopathic cystitis. The effects of feeding a therapeutic urinary stress diet were compared with feeding a non‐therapeutic diet for a duration of 5 weeks. The owners selected themselves which food to feed their cat. Of 31 cats with acute non‐obstructive idiopathic cystitis, 17 were fed the test food and 14 the control food. An episode of recurrence was defined as a minimum of one day with at least two clinical signs; i.e. stranguria, periuria, haematuria, dysuria and pollakiuria. The number of cats fed the therapeutic urinary stress diet that had an episode of recurrence (5/17) was significantly lower compared with cats that were fed other commercial diets (11/14). The formulation of the foods fed to the participating cats (dry, moist or a combination of both) was not found significant compared with the recurrence of idiopathic cystitis. Apart from type of diet, no other risk factors affected the short‐term recurrence of FIC. A prospective clinical trial is needed to confirm these findings.
Investigation on Spectroscopic and Laser Properties of Pyrromethene and Perylene Chromophores in Elastic Polymeric Hosts
Authors: Lin Wenxin , Gong Jianqiu , Zhou Huizhong , Wang Yijia , Gao Linhui , Zhu Hongliang , Chen Jianjun
Published: September 2019

In this work, two types of chromophore i.e. the pyrromethene and perylene families dyes were doped into elastic polymeric host materials based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which had been widely employed in various applications. The solubilities, spectroscopic and laser properties of these dyes doped into PDMS matrices were systematically investigated. Tunable laser output with high conversion efficiencies and low laser thresholds were observed and calculated. The laser longevity of pyrromethene dyes doped in PDMS matrices could exceed 1 × 105 pulses through a fast self‐recovery on the laser output with the elapse of aging time. The efficient and stable laser output of the dopants and the flexibility of the PDMS host provided the feasibility of such gain media as mechanically tunable laser sources, which might be employed as cost‐effective components on integrated bio‐chips.
Self‐assessment of Skills by Surgeons and Anesthesiologists After a Trauma Surgery Masterclass
Authors: Tan Edward C. T. H. , Rijnhout Tim W. H. , Rensink Marit , Alken Alexander P. B. , Bleeker Chris P. , Bowyer Mark W.
Published: September 2019

Background

In the Netherlands, each year a three‐day international multidisciplinary trauma masterclass is organized to provide the knowledge and skills needed to care for critically injured trauma patients. This study was designed to longitudinally evaluate the effect of the course on participant's self‐assessment of their own ability and confidence to perform general and specific skills.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2016, all participants were invited to complete a questionnaire before and during follow‐up. Participants were asked to self‐assess their level of confidence to perform general skills (communication, teamwork, leadership) and specific skills. Mean scores were calculated, and mixed models were used to evaluate correlation.

Results

We asked 265 participants to participate. Response rate was 64% for the pre‐questionnaire, 63% for the post‐questionnaire and for 3 months, 1 year and 2 years, respectively, 40%, 30%, 20%. The surgical group showed a statistically significant increase in self‐assessed confidence for general skills (3.82–4.20) and specific technical skills (3.01–3.83; p < 0.001). In the anesthetic group, self‐assessed confidence increased significantly in general skills (3.72–4.26) and specific technical skills (3.33–4.08; p < 0.001). For both groups statistical significance remained during follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a sustained positive effect of a dedicated multidisciplinary trauma training curriculum on participant's self‐assessed confidence to perform both general and specific technical skills necessary for the care of injured patients. Given the known association between confidence and competence, these findings provide evidence that dedicated trauma training curricula can provide positive lasting results.

Level of evidence

This is a basic science paper and therefore does not require a level of evidence.
Algebras with two multiplications and their cumulants
Authors: Burchardt Adam
Published: September 2019

Cumulants are a notion that comes from the classical probability theory; they are an alternative to a notion of moments. We adapt the probabilistic concept of cumulants to the setup of a linear space equipped with two multiplication structures. We present an algebraic formula which involves those two multiplications as a sum of products of cumulants. In our approach, beside cumulants, we make use of standard combinatorial tools as forests and their colourings. We also show that the resulting statement can be understood as an analogue of Leonov–Shiryaev’s formula. This purely combinatorial presentation leads to some conclusions about structure constant of Jack characters.
Place attachment, distress, risk perception and coping in a case of earthquakes in the Netherlands
Authors: Jansen Sylvia J. T.
Published: September 2019

In the Netherlands, the extraction of natural gas from the ground has led to soil subsidence and the occurrence of earthquakes. These earthquakes cause physical damage to buildings and give rise to psychological distress. Research on the impact of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, has shown that there is a complicated relationship between place attachment, perceived risk and coping strategies. The current study, performed in the earthquake area, provides further insight into this relationship, with a focus on place attachment. The study examines whether place attachment is related to (1) the damage intensity of the neighbourhood, (2) socio-demographic characteristics, (3) cognitive and emotional characteristics and (4) coping strategies. The results show that stronger place attachment is related to higher age, lower education and place of origin in the region. Furthermore, respondents with strong place attachment more frequently indicated to be frightened by the multiple earthquakes and to expect damage to their dwelling as a consequence of future earthquakes. Nevertheless, these respondents less frequently intended to relocate than respondents with weaker place attachment. This result indicates that strong place attachment might diminish the chances of moving out despite the awareness of risk and the emotional response to the earthquake hazard.
Sexual Health Communication Between Healthcare Professionals and Adolescents with Chronic Conditions in Western Countries: An Integrative Review
Authors: Engelen Marscha M. , Knoll Jacqueline L. , Rabsztyn Paul R. I. , Maas-van Schaaijk Nienke M. , van Gaal Betsie G. I.
Published: September 2019

Adolescent patients and healthcare professionals find it difficult to initiate the discussion on sexual health in consultations. The aim of this integrative review is to give an overview of determinants in the communication about sexual health between adolescents with chronic conditions, their parents, and their healthcare professionals. A systematic literature search for the period of January 2000 to October 2018 was conducted in four databases (Cinahl, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Pubmed) and resulted in fifteen included studies. Four determinants were found in these studies: attitude, beliefs, knowledge, and self-efficacy. Patients, parents, and healthcare professionals experienced sexual health as a taboo topic and felt not comfortable talking about it. Both patients and professionals expressed a need to discuss sexual health, however personal and practical barriers withhold them from initiating the discussion. This in-depth overview suggests that all four determinants should be targeted to improve communication about sexual health in healthcare settings. Future research should be conducted to give more insight in the experiences and support needs of adolescent patients. On the long term, the discussion about sexual health should become normalized by improving knowledge, training, and support for healthcare professionals and integrating sexual health in education and hospital policies.
Probabilistic solutions to ordinary differential equations as nonlinear Bayesian filtering: a new perspective
Authors: Tronarp Filip , Kersting Hans , Särkkä Simo , Hennig Philipp
Published: September 2019

We formulate probabilistic numerical approximations to solutions of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) as problems in Gaussian process (GP) regression with nonlinear measurement functions. This is achieved by defining the measurement sequence to consist of the observations of the difference between the derivative of the GP and the vector field evaluated at the GP—which are all identically zero at the solution of the ODE. When the GP has a state-space representation, the problem can be reduced to a nonlinear Bayesian filtering problem and all widely used approximations to the Bayesian filtering and smoothing problems become applicable. Furthermore, all previous GP-based ODE solvers that are formulated in terms of generating synthetic measurements of the gradient field come out as specific approximations. Based on the nonlinear Bayesian filtering problem posed in this paper, we develop novel Gaussian solvers for which we establish favourable stability properties. Additionally, non-Gaussian approximations to the filtering problem are derived by the particle filter approach. The resulting solvers are compared with other probabilistic solvers in illustrative experiments.
A note on analysis of extreme minimum temperatures with the GAMLSS framework
Authors: Rydén Jesper
Published: September 2019

Estimation of return levels, based on extreme value distributions, is of importance in the earth and environmental sciences. To incorporate non-stationarity in the modelling, the statistical framework of generalised additive models for location, scale and shape is an option, providing flexibility and with a wide range of distributions implemented. With a large set of selections possible, model choice is an issue. As a case study, we investigate annual minimum temperatures from measurements at a location in northern Sweden. For practical work, it turns out that care must be taken in examining the obtained distributions, not solely relying on information criteria. A simulation study illustrates the findings.
The effect of drying temperature on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Leccinum scabrum (Bull.) Gray and Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.
Authors: Gąsecka Monika , Siwulski Marek , Magdziak Zuzanna , Budzyńska Sylwia , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga , Niedzielski Przemysław , Mleczek Mirosław
Published: September 2019

In the study the effect of drying temperature on phenolic and organic acid content, total phenolic content, ergosterol content, antioxidant activity and content of 40 elements in fruiting bodies ofLeccinum scabrumandHericium erinaceuswas estimated. The analysis was performed for fresh fruiting bodies and those dried at 20, 40 and 70 °C. Drying resulted in changes in the profile of phenolic and organic acids. Drying generally resulted in losses of the content of total phenolics, ergosterol and antioxidant activity in both species. However, a reduction and an increase of phenolic acids and organic acids were observed. The greatest reduction of the compounds was generally observed at 70 °C. The greatest losses concerned organic acids (some single components and total) (even more than 90% of some compounds). The inhibition of free radicals decreased in the following order: fresh samples > air-dried samples > samples dried at 40 °C > samples dried at 70 °C. The drying temperature affected only selected element contents in fruiting bodies.
Surgical Management of Peyronie’s Disease With Co-Existent Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Krishnappa Pramod , Fernandez-Pascual Esau , Carballido Joaquin , Moncada Ignacio , Lledo-Garcia Enrique , Martinez-Salamanca Juan Ignacio
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Surgical intervention in Peyronie’s disease (PD) should ideally be delayed until the resolution of acute inflammatory phase.

Aim

The objective of this review was to highlight the results of penile prosthesis to correct refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with PD, and the secondary procedures that may be required to correct the penile curvature.

Methods

A systematic search on PubMed online database using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations was done using the MeSH terms “Peyronie’s disease” and “erectile dysfunction.”

Main Outcome Measure

Success and satisfaction rates of various procedures.

Results

The search yielded 324 language-specific (English and Spanish language) articles and 58 articles were retained for final review. The following variables were assessed in different studies: number of patients, types of secondary procedure to correct the curvature, satisfaction rates, and follow-up period.

Conclusion

The aim of the surgery in PD should be to achieve a functionally straight penis (<20 degree curvature) with good erection. Patients with refractory ED in PD are candidates for penile prosthesis. Secondary procedures, like manual modeling, plication, plaque incision, or excision grafting, may be required depending on the degree of penile curvature and penile length. In quest for the best graft, TachoSil graft seems to have gained popularity in Europe.
The Northern Iroquoian nominalizer and lexical categories
Authors: Barrie Michael , Jung Sihun
Published: September 2019

In Northern Iroquoian languages, a nominalizer (nlzr) is typically required to transform a verb into a noun, either for noun incorporation or to create a full DP. In some cases, the nominalizer is required only for noun incorporation and not for the formation of a DP. Interestingly, the converse is never found. That is, there are no lexical roots that require the nominalizer for the formation of a DP, but not for noun incorporation. With this asymmetry in mind, we examine the categorial properties of roots in Northern Iroquoian. We discuss three common theories of the categorization of roots: (i) the traditional theory, in which all roots are specified as nouns or verbs (or adjectives for languages that have this category), (ii) the Bare Root Hypothesis, in which all roots are acategorial, and (iii), the Roots as Nouns Hypothesis, in which all roots are nouns. We show that the Northern Iroquoian facts are not amenable to any of these theories. We propose instead that some roots in Northern Iroquoian are categorially specified (some as nouns, some as verbs), while others are truly bare.
Blockchain Technology and Financial Regulation: A Risk-Based Approach to the Regulation of ICOs
Authors: COLLOMB Alexis , DE FILIPPI Primavera , SOK Klara
Published: September 2019

This paper compares Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and equity crowdfunding with Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and explores the corresponding risks and limitations of these different fundraising practices, with a view to analysing the extent to which the latter should be subject to the same regulatory framework as the former. After assessing the underlying principles and current regulatory framework for IPOs and equity crowdfunding, with a focus on Europe and the US, we investigate the possibility of applying existing financial regulations to ICOs. Drawing from the notion of “functional equivalence”, we contend that many ICOs share a sufficient number of similarities with traditional IPOs and equity crowdfunding, to be regulated in a similar manner. However, given the various attempts by token issuers to escape from the scope of securities laws by assigning a different function to their ICOs tokens, we argue that principle-based regulation based on an in-depth risk-analysis could be an effective way of addressing the regulation of ICOs, thereby moving from “functional equivalence” to “risk equivalence”. Finally, we explore the use of blockchain technology as a regulatory technology, incorporating specific rules and constraints into the technological fabric of an ICO, in order to ensure compliance with the fundamental principles of financial regulation.
Why do Public Blockchains Need Formal and Effective Internal Governance Mechanisms?
Authors: YEUNG Karen , GALINDO David
Published: September 2019

With the birth and rise of cryptocurrencies following the success of Bitcoin and the popularity of “Initial Coin Offerings”, public awareness of blockchain technologies has substantially increased in recent years. Many blockchain advocates claim that these software artefacts enable radically new forms of decentralised governance by relying upon computational trust created via cryptographic proof, obviating the need for reliance on conventional trusted third-party intermediaries. But these claims rest on some key assumptions, which this paper subjects to critical examination. It asks: can existing mechanisms and procedures for collective decision-making of public blockchains (which we refer to as internal blockchain governance) live up to these ambitions? By drawing upon HLA Hart’s Concept of Law, together with literature from regulatory governance studies, we argue that unless public blockchain systems establish formal and effective internal governance, they are unlikely to be taken up at scale as a tool for social coordination, and are thus likely to remain, at best, a marginal technology.
Digital revolution and party innovations: An analysis of the Spanish case
Authors: Raniolo Francesco , Tarditi Valeria
Published: September 2019

The literature on party change has shown how the advent of the digital revolution and the diffusion of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the democracies of the 21st century have influenced the way political parties communicate and perform their functions. Less investigated, however, is the organizational reaction of political parties to the challenges posed by the transformation of the communications environment. The aim of this paper is to scrutinize whether parties evince a transformative tendency towards virtual models in which new digital ICTs are used as ‘functional equivalents’ of the old organizational infrastructures. To this end, the paper focuses on the Spanish democracy – a paradigmatic case of the political transformations that European democracies have undergone since the 2008 economic crisis – comparing the organizational models of the main political parties: the Partido Socialista Obrero Español, the Partido Popular, Podemos and Ciudadanos. Particularly the analysis – through the use of parties' documents – focuses on whether and how digital tools are used by the Spanish parties in three dimensions: the participants in the organization, the organizational configuration and the decision-making process. The main conclusions are: new challenger parties make a more intense and radical use of new ICTs introducing ‘disrupting innovations’ in their organization, while old and mainstream parties gradually adapt their organization to the new digital environment introducing ‘sustaining innovations’; parties on the left make greater use of ICTs in order to foster greater internal democracy when compared to their corresponding parties on the centre-right.