bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled evaluation of a transition clinic for Dutch young people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Peeters Mariëlle A. C. , Sattoe Jane N. T. , van Staa AnneLoes , Versteeg Simone E. , Heeres Inge , Rutjes Niels W. , Janssens Hettie M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Transition clinics (TCs) are advocated as best practice to support young people with cystic fibrosis (CF) during transition to adulthood and adult care. We aimed to research the functioning of a TC for young people with CF compared with direct hand‐over care and to evaluate whether those treated at the TC have better transfer experiences and outcomes compared with the control group.

Methods

Mixed‐methods retrospective controlled design, including interviews with professionals, observations of clinics, chart reviews (at four measurement moments), and patient surveys. Qualitative data analysis focused on organization and daily routines, and barriers and facilitators experienced. Young people's transfer experiences, self‐management, health care use, and clinical outcomes were assessed quantitatively.

Results

The most notable feature distinguishing the TC and direct hand‐over care comprised joint consultations between pediatric and adult care professionals in the former. A transition coordinator was considered essential for the success of the TC. The main barriers were lack of time, planning, and reimbursement issues. Young people treated at the TC tended to have better transfer experiences and were more satisfied. They reported significantly more trust in their adult care professionals. Their self‐management‐related outcomes were less favorable.

Conclusions

The TC had several perceived benefits and showed positive trends in transfer experiences and satisfaction, but no differences in health‐related outcomes. Structured preparation of young people, joint consultations with pediatric and adult care professionals, and better coordination were perceived as facilitating elements. Further improvement demands solutions for organizational and financial barriers, and better embedding of self‐management interventions in CF care.
Surfactant therapy in premature babies: SurE or InSurE
Authors: Jena Soumya R. , Bains Harmesh S. , Pandita Aakash , Verma Anup , Gupta Vishal , Kallem Venkat R. , Abdullah Mohammed , Kawdiya Apurva , on behalf of SURE group
Published: August 2019

Background: Preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requiring surfactant therapy have been traditionally receiving surfactant by intubation surfactant and extubation technique (InSurE), which comprises of tracheal intubation, surfactant administration, and extubation. However, more recently noninvasive methods like least invasive surfactant therapy or minimally invasive surfactant therapy have been reported to be successful. These methods, avoid intubation thus minimize airway trauma and avoid barotrauma. The primary aim of this randomized trial was to compare the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) between the administration of surfactant via a thin catheter during spontaneous breathing and the InSurE technique.

Methods: Preterm infant's ≤34 weeks with RDS requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) within 6 hours of life were prospectively randomized to receive early surfactant either by SurE (surfactant without endotracheal tube intubation) or InSurE technique. The need for MV within the first 72 hours and other related outcomes were analyzed between the two groups.

Results: One hundred seventy‐five infants in each group were analyzed. The need for MV in the first 72 hours of life was significantly lower in the SurE group compared to the InSurE group (19% vs 40%, P < .01). Similarly, duration of oxygen therapy and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the SurE group. Furthermore, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) rate was significantly lower among the infants administered surfactant by the SurE technique.

Conclusion: In preterm neonates with RDS who are stabilized on CPAP, the SurE technique for surfactant delivery results in the reduced need for MV and also may decrease the rate of BPD in some vulnerable subpopulations.
Evaluation of cardiac function in pediatric patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in the era of cardiac strain imaging
Authors: Abdelmohsen Gaser , Mohamed Hossam , Mohsen Mona , Abdelaziz Osama , Ahmed Doaa , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Dohain Ahmed
Published: August 2019

Objective

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease, which may be associated with pulmonary hypertension and cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of 2D‐speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) and tissue doppler imaging (TDI) to detect subtle cardiac dysfunction in pediatric patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma.

Methodology

The study included 30 children with mild to moderate bronchial asthma and 27 age‐matched healthy controls. Both groups underwent pulmonary function tests, TDI and 2D‐STE. Myocardial performance index (MPI), S′, E′, A′ velocities, global strain of left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), and right atrium (RA) were measured.

Results

RV diastolic function was impaired in the patient group, as the tricuspid E′ velocity was significantly lower in the patients when compared with the controls (16 [14‐17] vs 16 [17‐19] cm/s, P = .044), while the RV‐MPI was significantly higher in patients when compared to controls (0.30 [0.27‐0.36] vs 0.30 [0.30‐0.30], P = .001). The global RV longitudinal strain, RA strain, and LV strain did not show significant differences between the test and the control groups. RV systolic parameters and LV systolic and diastolic parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma may have early RV diastolic dysfunction with preserved other cardiac functions.
KEGG Mapper for inferring cellular functions from protein sequences
Authors: Kanehisa Minoru , Sato Yoko
Published: August 2019

KEGG is a reference knowledge base for biological interpretation of large‐scale molecular datasets, such as genome and metagenome sequences. It accumulates experimental knowledge about high‐level functions of the cell and the organism represented in terms of KEGG molecular networks, including KEGG pathway maps, BRITE hierarchies, and KEGG modules. By the process called KEGG mapping, a set of protein coding genes in the genome, for example, can be converted to KEGG molecular networks enabling interpretation of cellular functions and other high‐level features. Here we report a new version of KEGG Mapper, a suite of KEGG mapping tools available at the KEGG website (https://www.kegg.jp/ or https://www.genome.jp/kegg/), together with the KOALA family tools for automatic assignment of KO (KEGG Orthology) identifiers used in the mapping.
Atomic Layer Deposition Alumina‐Mediated Graphene Transfer for Reduced Process Contamination
Authors: Shivayogimath Abhay , Eriksson Lars , Whelan Patrick R. , Mackenzie David M. A. , Luo Birong , Bøggild Peter , Booth Timothy J.
Published: August 2019

Herein, an approach for integrating gate insulator deposition and graphene transfer steps in the fabrication of graphene field‐effect devices is reported. A thin layer of Al2O3 is deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) onto as‐grown graphene on copper, where the improved surface wettability of graphene on copper aids in obtaining a uniform deposition of the ALD layer. The ALD Al2O3/graphene stack is then mechanically delaminated from the copper surface and transferred onto the desired target substrate. An ALD layer thickness between 20 and 30 nm is optimal for facilitating such transfer. The ALD layer protects graphene from process contamination during subsequent transfer and device fabrication, resulting in reduced doping in measured field‐effect devices.
Synthesis, Antitumor and Cytotoxic Activity of New Adamantyl O‐Acylamidoximes and 3‐Aryl‐5‐Adamantane‐1,2,4‐Oxadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Aguiar Deivson Ferreira , Dutra Luana Letícia Alves , Dantas Willyenne Marília , Camelo de Carvalho Guilherme Graziany , Gonçalves Lemes Romélia Pinheiro , do Ó Pessoa Claudia , Koscky Paier Carlos Roberto , Barros Araujo Patricia Lopes , Araujo Elmo Silvano , Pena Lindomar José , de Oliveira Ronaldo Nascimento
Published: August 2019

O‐Acylamidoxime and 1,2,4‐oxadiazole derivatives were synthesized from adamantanecarbonyl chloride 1 and a diversity of arylamidoximes 2 a‐k. First, O‐acylamidoximes intermediates 3 a‐k were synthesized and subsequent cyclization under microwave irradiation afforded 1,2,4‐oxadiazol derivatives 4 a‐k. Molar Heat of Reaction Calorimetry studies performed from O‐acylamidoximes revealed influence of the substituent groups. A one‐pot two‐step methodology was also developed proving to be a viable protocol. Compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, Elemental Analysis or High Resolution Mass Spectral Analysis, and subjected to cytotoxic studies in non‐tumoral Vero cells and antiproliferative activity tests in six malignant cell lines. Our findings suggest that compounds 3 derivatives presented a concentration‐dependent profile for chronic myeloid leukemia (K562) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (HL‐60) cell.
Graphene and Graphene/Polymer Composites as the Most Efficient Protective Coatings for Steel, Aluminum and Copper in Corrosive Media: A Review of Recent Studies
Authors: Ehsani Ali , Heidari Ali Akbar , Sajedi Maryam
Published: August 2019

The metal corrosion is considered as a severe threat to the national economy and industry structure, capable of triggering significant economic losses and severe damages, involving innumerable fields in daily life and industries. This review provides an overview of the physioelectrochemical studies on anticorrosive properties of various types of graphene coatings. Required electrochemical techniques for the investigation of anticorrosive efficiency, various types of graphene‐based materials coatings along with different routes to provide desirable coated layers are discussed in detail. After all, we intend to show that the modified graphene nanosheets can be regarded as effective protective layers against metal corrosion not only because of their extraordinary mechanical strength and toughness, which can be reached with a vastly thin layer, but also for their high transparency, cost‐efficiency and stability.
On the scaling behaviour of the alternating spin chain
Authors: Bazhanov Vladimir V. , Kotousov Gleb A. , Koval Sergii M. , Lukyanov Sergei L.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

In this note we report the results of our study of a 1D integrable spin chain whose critical behaviour is governed by a CFT possessing a continuous spectrum of scaling dimensions. It is argued that the computation of the density of Bethe states of the continuous theory can be reduced to the calculation of the connection coefficients for a certain class of differential equations whose monodromy properties are similar to those of the conventional confluent hypergeometric equation. The finite size corrections to the scaling are also discussed.
A holographic superconductor forced through interactions
Authors: Basu Pallab , Bhattacharya Jyotirmoy , Das Sayan Kumar
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We propose a novel mechanism to achieve superconductivity at zero chemical potential, within the holographic framework. Extending previous construction of the holographic superconductors, we consider an Einstein-Maxwell system coupled with two interacting scalars in Anti-de Sitter space. One of the scalar fields is charged and therefore, interacts non-trivially with the gauge field, while the other is uncharged. We find that, if we turn on a boundary source for the uncharged scalar field, it forces the condensation of the charged scalar, leading to a superconducting phase in the dual boundary theory. The condensation occurs at a certain critical value of the source, depending on the value of the chemical potential, which can even be zero. We work out the complete phase diagram of this scenario. We further corroborate the existence of superconductivity at zero chemical potential, through a fluctuation analysis on our solution. Notably, the conductivity of the system, as a function of probing frequency, exhibits characteristics of usual holographic superconductors. We also investigate how these properties of the system changes, as we vary the interaction strength between the scalar fields. Our results indicate a controlled mechanism to manipulate the phase transition temperature of superconductors with strongly coupled microscopics.
Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic‐Assisted Right Hemicolectomy
Authors: Sabajo Charissa R. , Olthof Pim B. , Roos Daphne , Dekker Jan Willem T.
Published: August 2019

Background

Different approaches used for laparoscopic right colectomy have different advantages and disadvantages. This study aims to determine the incidence and clinical relevance of IH after LARHC as the preferred technique in an experienced setting and to assess which factors are correlated with the development of IH.

Methods

Between January 2012 and December 2016, all consecutive patients who underwent LARHC were included. Data were obtained in accordance with the Dutch ColoRectal Audit, and IH was scored based on physical examination and imaging at standard follow‐up. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for IH.

Results

A total of 170 patients underwent LARHC. In the same period, 64 patients had an open RHC. IH after LARHC was seen in 24 patients after a median time of 7 months (14%). Only four of these patients underwent operative IH repair (2%). Interestingly, a trend for more IH was seen between two surgeons. Multivariable analysis identified BMI [OR 1.08 (95% CI 1.00–1.15) P = 0.043], a history of smoking [OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.03–4.41) P = 0.040], and surgical site infection [OR 2.99 (95% CI 1.28–7.00) P = 0.012] as risk factors for IH.

Conclusion

IH incidence after LARHC was considerable, but few were clinically relevant IHs. The IH incidence should be included in shared decision making. The low clinically relevant IH rate does in our opinion not outweigh possible advantages of LARHC.
Coronary artery assessment in Kawasaki disease with dual-source CT angiography to uncover vascular pathology
Authors: van Stijn D. , Planken R. N. , Groenink M. , Streekstra G. J. , Kuijpers T. W. , Kuipers I. M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis with formation of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) that can lead to myocardial ischemia. Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for the coronary arteries despite limited visualization. Coronary angiography (CAG) is the gold standard yet invasive with high-radiation exposure. To date however, state-of-the-art CT scanners enable high-quality low-dose coronary computed tomographic angiography (cCTA) imaging. The aim of our study in KD is to report (i) the diagnostic yield of cCTA compared to echocardiography, and (ii) the radiation dose.

Methods and results

We collected data of KD patients who underwent cCTA. cCTA findings were compared with echocardiography results. In 70 KD patients (median age 15.1 years [0.5–59.5 years]; 78% male; 38% giant CAA), the cCTA identified 61 CAAs, of which 34 (56%, with a Z score > 3, in 22 patients) were not detected by echocardiography. In addition, the left circumflex (aneurysmatic in 6 patients) was always visible upon cCTA and not detected upon echocardiography. Calcifications, plaques, and/or thrombi were visualized by cCTA in 25 coronary arteries (15 patients). Calcifications were seen as early as 2.7 years after onset of disease. In 5 patients, the cCTA findings resulted in an immediate change of treatment. The median effective dose (ED) in millisievert differed significantly (p < 0.01) between third-generation dual-source and other CT scanners (1.5 [0.3–9.4] (n = 56) vs 3.8 [1.7–20.0] (n = 14)).

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield of third-generation dual-source cCTA combined with reduced radiation exposure makes cCTA a favorable diagnostic modality to complete the diagnosis and long-term treatment indications for KD.

Key Points

• cCTA is a favorable diagnostic modality to complete the diagnosis and long-term treatment indications for Kawasaki disease.

• Kawasaki disease patients with proven coronary artery involvement on echocardiography require additional imaging.
Correction to: Development of a Japanese version of the SARC-F for diabetic patients: an examination of reliability and validity
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Murata Kazuya , Nakadachi Daiki , Ishihara Yuki , Imataka Kanako , Uchida Akihiro , Monguchi Kou , Kaneko Ryutaro , Fujiwara Ryoko , Takahashi Hiroka
Published: August 2019

The article Development of a Japanese version of the SARC-F for diabetic patients: an examination of reliability and validity, written by Satoshi Ida, Kazuya Murata, Daiki Nakadachi, Yuki Ishihara, Kanako Imataka, Akihiro Uchida, Kou Monguchi, Ryutaro Kaneko, Ryoko Fujiwara and Hiroka Takahashi was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 10 November 2016 without open access.
Melatonin Treatment Ameliorates Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Impairment of Erectile Function in a Rat Model
Authors: Tang Zhe , Song Jingyu , Yu Zhe , Cui Kai , Ruan Yajun , Wang Tao , Yang Jun , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong
Published: August 2019

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been reported to be strongly correlated with the occurrence of erectile dysfunction (ED), but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Moreover, whether melatonin could be a potential treatment of HHcy-induced ED needs to be elucidated.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on HHcy-induced ED and the potential mechanisms via modulating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Methods

The Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of HHcy was induced by 7% methionine (Met)-rich diets. 36 male SD rats were randomly distributed into 3 groups (n = 12 per group): control group, 7% Met group, and 7% Met + melatonin (Mel; 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) treatment group. After 4 weeks, the erectile function of all rats was evaluated by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Histologic and molecular alterations of the corpus cavernosum were also analyzed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and polymerase chain reaction.

Outcomes

HHcy-induced ED rat models were successfully established, and Mel could preserve erectile function mainly through inhibiting oxidative stress via the Erk1/2/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and suppression of apoptosis.

Results

Erectile function was significantly reduced in the rats with HHcy compared with that in the control group and was ameliorated in the HHcy rats treated with Mel. Compared with the control group, the rats in the HHcy group showed the following: (1) higher levels of total plasma homocysteine; (2) fewer neuronal nitric oxide synthase-positive cells in the corpus cavernous; (3) higher levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, higher expression levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, and lower activities of superoxide dismutase, indicating an overactivated oxidative stress; (4) lower expression levels of Erk1/2/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway components; and (5) higher levels of apoptosis, as determined by the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 3. Mel treatment improved the erectile response, as well as histologic and molecular alterations.

Clinical Translation

Our study on a rodent model of HHcy provided evidence that Mel could be a potential therapeutic method for HHcy-related ED.

Conclusions

Mel treatment improves erectile function in rats with HHcy probably by potential antioxidative stress activity. This finding provides evidence for a potential new therapy for HHcy-induced ED.
Decrypting SSL traffic: best practices for security, compliance and productivity
Authors: Taylor Adrian
Published: August 2019

Back in 2014, when Google's search engine started giving HTTPS sites a boost in their ranking algorithm, only 15% of websites worldwide used a valid SSL (secure socket layer) certificate. But Google recently reported that 94% of traffic across all its products and services is now encrypted. 1
Direct numerical simulation of conical shock wave–turbulent boundary layer interaction
Authors: Zuo Feng-Yuan , Memmolo Antonio , Huang Guo-ping , Pirozzoli Sergio
Published: August 2019

Direct numerical simulation of the Navier–Stokes equations is carried out to investigate the interaction of a conical shock wave with a turbulent boundary layer developing over a flat plate at free-stream Mach number $M_{\infty }=2.05$ and Reynolds number $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}\approx 630$, based on the upstream boundary layer momentum thickness. The shock is generated by a circular cone with half opening angle $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{c}=25^{\circ }$. As found in experiments, the wall pressure exhibits a distinctive N-wave signature, with a sharp peak right past the precursor shock generated at the cone apex, followed by an extended zone with favourable pressure gradient, and terminated by the trailing shock associated with recompression in the wake of the cone. The boundary layer behaviour is strongly affected by the imposed pressure gradient. Streaks are suppressed in adverse pressure gradient (APG) zones, but re-form rapidly in downstream favourable pressure gradient (FPG) zones. Three-dimensional mean flow separation is only observed in the first APG region associated with the formation of a horseshoe vortex, whereas the second APG region features an incipient detachment state, with scattered spots of instantaneous reversed flow. As found in canonical geometrically two-dimensional wedge-generated shock–boundary layer interactions, different amplification of the turbulent stress components is observed through the interacting shock system, with approach to an isotropic state in APG regions, and to a two-component anisotropic state in FPG. The general adequacy of the Boussinesq hypothesis is found to predict the spatial organization of the turbulent shear stresses, although different eddy viscosities should be used for each component, as in tensor eddy-viscosity models, or in full Reynolds stress closures.
The rapid distortion of two-way coupled particle-laden turbulence
Authors: Kasbaoui M. Houssem , Koch Donald L. , Desjardins Olivier
Published: August 2019

In this study, we address the modification of sheared turbulence by dispersed inertial particles. The preferential sampling of the straining regions of the flow by inertial particles in turbulence leads to an inhomogeneous distribution of particles. The strong gravitational loading exerted by the highly concentrated regions results in anisotropic alteration of turbulence at small scales in the direction of gravity. These effects are investigated in a rapid distortion theory (RDT) extended for two-way coupled particle-laden flows. To make the analysis tractable, we assume that particles have small but non-zero inertia. In the classical results for single-phase flows, the RDT assumption of fast shearing compared to the turbulence time scales leads to the distortion and shear-induced production of turbulence. In particle-laden turbulence, the coupling between the two phases under rapid shearing induces number density fluctuations that convert gravitational potential energy to turbulent kinetic energy and modulate the turbulence spectrum in a manner that increases with mass loading. Turbulence statistics obtained from RDT are compared with Euler–Lagrange simulations of homogeneously sheared particle-laden turbulence.
Emergence of substructures inside the large-scale circulation induces transition in flow reversals in turbulent thermal convection
Authors: Chen Xin , Huang Shi-Di , Xia Ke-Qing , Xi Heng-Dong
Published: August 2019

We present an experimental study of the reversal of the large-scale circulation (LSC) in quasi-two-dimensional turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection. It is found that there exists a transition in the Rayleigh number ($Ra$) dependence of the reversal rate $f$ with two distinct scalings: for $Ra$ less than a transitional value $Ra_{t}$, the non-dimensionalized reversal rate $ft_{E}\sim Ra^{-1.09}$; however, for higher $Ra$ the scaling changes to $ft_{E}\sim Ra^{-3.06}$, where $t_{E}$ is the turnover time of the LSC. Flow visualization shows that this regime transition originates from a change in flow topology from a single-roll state to a new, less stable, abnormal single-roll state with substructures inside the single roll. The emergence of the substructures inside the LSC lowers the energy barrier for the flow reversals to occur and leads to a slower decay of $f$ with $Ra$. Detailed analysis reveals that, although it is the corner rolls that trigger the reversal event, the probability for the occurrence of reversals mainly depends on the stability of the LSC. This is supported by a model we proposed to predict the critical condition for the transition, which agrees well with the experimental results.
Corporate Strategy and Subsidiary Performance: The Effect of Product and Geographic Diversification
Authors: Jiao Jie , Liu Yang , Wu Rui , Xia Jun
Published: August 2019

In this study, we argue that foreign subsidiaries may benefit from the corporate strategies of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in different ways in terms of knowledge transfer and strategic flexibility. From this viewpoint, we explore the relationship between product diversification and financial performance of their subsidiaries under the condition of MNE geographic diversification. Using panel data on foreign subsidiaries in European countries from 2006 to 2011, we find a U-shaped relationship between product diversification and subsidiary performance and the joint effect of product and geographic diversification. Given the importance of transition economies in international business today, we conducted a subsample test contrasting the results based on the transitional (Central and Eastern European) versus Western European countries. The contrasting results provide important implications for other transition economies like China. We validate the relationship in several ways in our robustness tests.
International New Ventures from Emerging Economies: Network Connectivity and Legitimacy Building
Authors: Prashantham Shameen , Kumar K , Bhattacharyya Sumelika
Published: August 2019

We develop an integrative perspective on the role of coethnic ties and ties with foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) – normally studied in isolation of each other – on the perceived legitimacy of international new ventures (INVs) from emerging economies. Building on the notions ofpeople(interpersonal diaspora ties) andpipelines(interorganizational MNE ties) in Lorenzen and Mudambi's connectivity theory of clusters, we argue that these could contribute to the focal INV's internal and external legitimacy, respectively, as it seeks to upgrade its capabilities. We go a step further by highlightingpeople within pipelines– coethnic managers working in foreign MNEs – as a potentially important catalyst of the focal INV's cross-border legitimacy. Using an illustration of an INV from Bangalore, we note that India offers a fruitful setting – and one that is distinct from China – for future INV research into the role of people, pipelines and, in particular, people within pipelines.
A new proof of the Hardy–Rellich inequality in any dimension
Authors: Cazacu Cristian
Published: August 2019

The Hardy-Rellich inequality in the whole space with the best constant was firstly proved by Tertikas and Zographopoulos in Adv. Math. (2007) in higher dimensions N ⩾ 5. Then it was extended to lower dimensions N ∈ {3, 4} by Beckner in Forum Math. (2008) and Ghoussoub-Moradifam in Math. Ann. (2011) by applying totally different techniques.

In this note, we refine the method implemented by Tertikas and Zographopoulos, based on spherical harmonics decomposition, to give an easy and compact proof of the optimal Hardy–Rellich inequality in any dimension N ⩾ 3. In addition, we provide minimizing sequences which were not explicitly mentioned in the quoted papers in lower dimensions N ∈ {3, 4}, emphasizing their symmetry breaking. We also show that the best constant is not attained in the proper functional space.
Sponge community variation along the Apulian coasts (Otranto Strait) over a pluri-decennial time span. Does water warming drive a sponge diversity increasing in the Mediterranean Sea?
Authors: Costa Gabriele , Bavestrello Giorgio , Micaroni Valerio , Pansini Maurizio , Strano Francesca , Bertolino Marco
Published: August 2019

Climate change and heavy anthropic pressures are giving rise to important modifications in the rocky benthic communities of the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, sponge assemblages have been deeply affected due to the susceptibility of some species to dramatic phenomena such as mass mortalities or widespread variations in the abundance of other species. For this reason, long-term biodiversity monitoring of the sponge assemblages is important for understanding the direction of changes over time. We studied the sponge fauna living off Tricase Porto (Otranto Strait) and compared its composition with the results of a study conducted in the same area 50 years ago. The comparison indicated that the sponge diversity of this area has strongly increased in the last 50 years and a large number of the sponges recorded in the old survey are still present in the recent community. This evidence matches with other results obtained from different localities of the Mediterranean Sea indicating an increase of sponge diversity, possibly due to the present water warming. The description of two new Demosponge species,Diplastrella boeroisp. nov. andSpirastrella angulatasp. nov., is also provided.
Russian Cosmism: Alien visitations and cosmic energies in contemporary Russia
Authors: TERBISH BAASANJAV
Published: August 2019

This article is about a cultural-philosophical movement called Russian cosmism (Russky kosmizm) and its current status in the Republic of Kalmykia, southwest Russia, home to Buddhist Kalmyks, a people of Oirat-Mongol origin. Emerging in Russia in the early twentieth century and suppressed during the Soviet period, this movement proliferated openly across Russia with the beginning of perestroika. Promulgated as an original product of the Russian mind, cosmism positions itself as a ‘science of the truth and soul searching’ and purports to address various issues, including—but not limited to—the spiritual, psychic, and paranormal anxieties that are on the rise in Russia. Although Russian cosmism is an all-encompassing movement combining various elements of theosophy, philosophy, poetry, theories of evolution and energy, astrology, cosmology, ecology, and even science fiction, this article focuses upon its more cosmic topics—that is, those that are related to outer space, cosmic energies, and alien visitations, as well as responses to these ideas in Kalmykia. The story of Russian cosmism is not just a story of this particular movement, but also that of science in Russia.
Childhood trauma and being at-risk for psychosis are associated with higher peripheral endocannabinoids
Authors: Appiah-Kusi E. , Wilson R. , Colizzi M. , Foglia E. , Klamerus E. , Caldwell A. , Bossong M. G. , McGuire P. , Bhattacharyya S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Evidence has been accumulating regarding alterations in components of the endocannabinoid system in patients with psychosis. Of all the putative risk factors associated with psychosis, being at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR) has the strongest association with the onset of psychosis, and exposure to childhood trauma has been linked to an increased risk of development of psychotic disorder. We aimed to investigate whether being at-risk for psychosis and exposure to childhood trauma were associated with altered endocannabinoid levels.

Method

We compared 33 CHR participants with 58 healthy controls (HC) and collected information about previous exposure to childhood trauma as well as plasma samples to analyse endocannabinoid levels.

Results

Individuals with both CHR and experience of childhood trauma had higher N-palmitoylethanolamine (p < 0.001) and anandamide (p < 0.001) levels in peripheral blood compared to HC and those with no childhood trauma. There was also a significant correlation between N-palmitoylethanolamine levels and symptoms as well as childhood trauma.

Conclusions

Our results suggest an association between CHR and/or childhood maltreatment and elevated endocannabinoid levels in peripheral blood, with a greater alteration in those with both CHR status and history of childhood maltreatment compared to those with either of those risks alone. Furthermore, endocannabinoid levels increased linearly with the number of risk factors and elevated endocannabinoid levels correlated with the severity of CHR symptoms and extent of childhood maltreatment. Further studies in larger cohorts, employing longitudinal designs are needed to confirm these findings and delineate the precise role of endocannabinoid alterations in the pathophysiology of psychosis.
Anhedonia in chronic pain and prescription opioid misuse
Authors: Garland Eric L. , Trøstheim Martin , Eikemo Marie , Ernst Gernot , Leknes Siri
Published: August 2019

Background

Both acute and chronic pain can disrupt reward processing. Moreover, prolonged prescription opioid use and depressed mood are common in chronic pain samples. Despite the prevalence of these risk factors for anhedonia, little is known about anhedonia in chronic pain populations.

Methods

We conducted a large-scale, systematic study of anhedonia in chronic pain, focusing on its relationship with opioid use/misuse, pain severity, and depression. Chronic pain patients across four distinct samples (N= 488) completed the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), measures of opioid use, pain severity and depression, as well as the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM). We used a meta-analytic approach to determine reference levels of anhedonia in healthy samples spanning a variety of countries and diverse age groups, extracting SHAPS scores from 58 published studies totaling 2664 psychiatrically healthy participants.

Results

Compared to healthy samples, chronic pain patients showed higher levels of anhedonia, with ~25% of patients scoring above the standard anhedonia cut-off. This difference was not primarily driven by depression levels, which explained less than 25% of variance in anhedonia scores. Neither opioid use duration, dose, nor pain severity alone was significantly associated with anhedonia. Yet, there was a clear effect of opioid misuse, with opioid misusers (COMM ⩾13) reporting greater anhedonia than non-misusers. Opioid misuse remained a significant predictor of anhedonia even after controlling for pain severity, depression and opioid dose.

Conclusions

Study results suggest that both chronic pain and opioid misuse contribute to anhedonia, which may, in turn, drive further pain and misuse.
Social context and the real-world consequences of social anxiety
Authors: Hur Juyoen , DeYoung Kathryn A. , Islam Samiha , Anderson Allegra S. , Barstead Matthew G. , Shackman Alexander J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Social anxiety lies on a continuum, and young adults with elevated symptoms are at risk for developing a range of psychiatric disorders. Yet relatively little is known about the factors that govern the hour-by-hour experience and expression of social anxiety in the real world.

Methods

Here we used smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to intensively sample emotional experience across different social contexts in the daily lives of 228 young adults selectively recruited to represent a broad spectrum of social anxiety symptoms.

Results

Leveraging data from over 11 000 real-world assessments, our results highlight the central role of close friends, family members, and romantic partners. The presence of such close companions was associated with enhanced mood, yet socially anxious individuals had fewer confidants and spent less time with the close companions that they do have. Although higher levels of social anxiety were associated with a general worsening of mood, socially anxious individuals appear to derive larger benefits – lower levels of negative affect, anxiety, and depression – from their close companions. In contrast, variation in social anxiety was unrelated to the amount of time spent with strangers, co-workers, and acquaintances; and we uncovered no evidence of emotional hypersensitivity to these less-familiar individuals.

Conclusions

These findings provide a framework for understanding the deleterious consequences of social anxiety in emerging adulthood and set the stage for developing improved intervention strategies.
Tracking RNA with light: selection, structure, and design of fluorescence turn-on RNA aptamers
Authors: Trachman Robert J. , Ferré-D'Amaré Adrian R.
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence turn-on aptamers,in vitroevolved RNA molecules that bind conditional fluorophores and activate their fluorescence, have emerged as RNA counterparts of the fluorescent proteins. Turn-on aptamers have been selected to bind diverse fluorophores, and they achieve varying degrees of specificity and affinity. These RNA–fluorophore complexes, many of which exceed the brightness of green fluorescent protein and their variants, can be used as tags for visualizing RNA localization and transport in live cells. Structure determination of several fluorescent RNAs revealed that they have diverse, unrelated overall architectures. As most of these RNAs activate the fluorescence of their ligands by restraining their photoexcited states into a planar conformation, their fluorophore binding sites have in common a planar arrangement of several nucleobases, most commonly a G-quartet. Nonetheless, each turn-on aptamer has developed idiosyncratic structural solutions to achieve specificity and efficient fluorescence turn-on. The combined structural diversity of fluorophores and turn-on RNA aptamers has already produced combinations that cover the visual spectrum. Further molecular evolution and structure-guided engineering is likely to produce fluorescent tags custom-tailored to specific applications.
The Impact of Cohousing on Older Adults’ Quality of Life
Authors: Puplampu Vivian , Matthews Elise , Puplampu Gideon , Gross Murray , Pathak Sushila , Peters Sarah
Published: August 2019

The global population including Canada’s is aging, which demands planning for housing that will support older adults’ quality of life. This mixed-method study is the first Canadian study to examine the impact of cohousing on older adults’ quality of life and involved 23 participants. The older adults rated their quality of life very high, especially in the environmental, physical, and psychological domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL_BREF) survey; quality of life in the social domain was rated low, which was surprising in light of the focus group data findings. Four themes of “belonging in a community”, “life in the community”, “changes associated with aging,” and “aging in place” emerged from the qualitative data to explain factors that influence older adults’ quality of life. This research provides foundational, strong evidence that seniors’ cohousing is an innovative housing solution that can support older adults’ quality of life.
Parent and facilitator experiences of an intensive parent and infant programme delivered in routine community settings
Authors: Leckey Yvonne , Hickey Gráinne , Stokes Ann , McGilloway Sinéad
Published: August 2019

Aim:

The aims of this study were to (1) assess the initial experiences of parenthood amongst mainly disadvantaged mothers; (2) explore their views on the extent to which they felt they had benefitted (or not) from participating in a newly developed, intensive mother and baby support programme in the community; and (3) explore the perspectives of those who delivered the programme (i.e., facilitators), most of whom were Public Health Nurses (PHNs).

Background:

Positive parent–child interactions and appropriate levels of infant stimulation are essential to promoting a child’s well-being and laying a foundation in the early years for positive developmental outcomes. It is important, therefore, to examine participants’ experiences of community-based, family-focused, early prevention and intervention programmes.

Methods:

This study was undertaken as part of a larger evaluation of a newly developed parent and infant (PIN) programme which was delivered in two disadvantaged areas in Ireland. One-to-one interviews were conducted with both mothers (n= 22) and facilitators (n= 8) (including three PHNs) plus six focus groups with an additional sub-group of facilitators (n= 17).

Findings:

The collective findings suggest that mothers found the programme helpful in promoting a greater understanding of their infants’ behaviour and needs, and in alleviating stress and concerns associated with motherhood. Mothers described feeling more knowledgeable about the importance of regular and appropriate infant interaction to encourage learning and development. Facilitators, specifically PHNs, also reported a greater awareness of the value of infant socioemotional development for their clinical practice and observed greater positive communication between mothers and infants.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that a community-based, intensive mother and baby programme can help to promote parental competence and enhance infant learning and development. Additional benefits in terms of early intervention and positive changes to public health nursing practice are also discussed.
The GATS and Financial Regulation: Time to Clear-House?
Authors: Papaconstantinou George A.
Published: August 2019

In the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, European Union regulators introduced the mechanism of ‘third-country equivalence’ for non-European financial institutions to access the EU internal market. This article evaluates for the first time the GATS-consistency of the European rules on third-country clearinghouses. Through this exercise, the article sheds light on the tension between financial regulation and WTO law, exploring how these two different disciplines can be reconciled. Building on the international economic law principles of non-discrimination and transparency, the analysis reveals that the European financial regulation could negatively impact the access of smaller countries to the EU market. The regulation in question is assessed under the GATS Article VI (Domestic Regulation), Article II (MFN), Article VII (Recognition), and the Annex on Financial Services prudential carve-out. The findings of the European case study indicate that the vast flexibility that trade law has delegated to national regulators possibly has adverse effects on the liberalization of financial services. The article concludes that if WTO Members do not derogate from their GATS obligations and commitments, the stability of the financial system would not be jeopardized, while the prospect of international integration would be increased.
The Adverse Effects of Technological Innovation under WTO Subsidy Rules
Authors: Kennedy Matthew
Published: August 2019

The WTO concluded in 2012 that subsidized aeronautical research and development (R&D) gave Boeing a head start in product development that caused serious prejudice to the interests of Airbus but later, in 2019, it could not decide how long that head start had lasted. Meanwhile, the WTO concluded in 2018 that launch aid for Airbus aircraft led to innovations that also improved later aircraft models, thereby contributing to serious prejudice to the interests of Boeing. Both conclusions relied on a causation analysis that considered the effects of technological innovation, which makes subsidies used for R&D particularly vulnerable to challenge. This novel analysis may be too broad for the actionable subsidy disciplines of the SCM Agreement.
Quantification of Surface Forcing Requirements for a Greenland Ice Sheet Model Using Uncertainty Analyses
Authors: Schlegel Nicole‐Jeanne , Larour Eric Y.
Published: August 2019

The Greenland Ice Sheet is a substantial reservoir of almost 7 m of sea level equivalent, and on average, climate dictates 60% of its sea level contribution. Changes in ice discharge, driven by perturbations in outlet glacier ice dynamics, constitute the rest. Climate also affects ice discharge, since the flow of interior ice feeding the outlet glaciers evolves in response to surface changes over time. Here, using an ice sheet model and uncertainty quantification, we explore ice flow sensitivity to climate‐driven changes in ice surface topography on multidecadal timescales. We find that changes in surface forcing near large outlet glaciers can influence region‐wide ice flow. Improvements to climate products should be prioritized in these areas, especially in the Central West and Southeast. Results also suggest that over most of Greenland, surface forcing should be supplied at a spatial resolution of 21 km or finer to accurately simulate ice response to climate change.
First Measurements of Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Signals in a Grounded Bipole
Authors: Davis A. C. , Skibbe N. , Müller‐Petke M.
Published: August 2019

Surface nuclear magnetic resonance (surface NMR) soundings are geophysical techniques that offer direct detection of groundwater. Ordinary surface NMR soundings are achieved with a wire loop that acts as both transmitter and receiver. We extend the capability of the technique by using a grounded electrical bipole as the measurement sensor. We provide the first successful measurements of surface NMR signals taken with a grounded electrode pair on a beach outside Perth, Western Australia. Simple changes to existing equations are sufficient to provide forward models for the changes in measurement technique, and the resulting groundwater models are consistent with coincident loop soundings. Our result opens the field for novel sounding techniques of surface NMR signals that could have broad impact on near‐surface groundwater investigations.
Low Latitude Ionospheric TEC Oscillations Associated With Periodic Changes in IMF Bz Polarity
Authors: Li Guozhu , Ning Baiqi , Zhao Xiukuan , Sun Wenjie , Hu Lianhuan , Xie Haiyong , Liu Kangkang , Ajith K. K.
Published: August 2019

An Ionospheric Observation Network for Irregularity and Scintillation in East/Southeast Asia was recently deployed. Using ionospheric total electron content (TEC) from the two crossed Beidou geostationary satellite receiver chains of the network along 110°E and 23°N and Doppler velocity measurements from the Sanya (18.3°N, 109.6°E) portable digital ionosonde, we report first observations of low latitude TEC oscillations synchronized over a wide longitude range in East/Southeast Asia, which occur at nighttime, after the main phase of the geomagnetic storm on 20 April 2018. A comparison among TEC and Doppler velocity and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz component shows that the periodic TEC enhancements correlate withFregion downward plasma drifts and IMF Bz southward turnings. The results suggest that the quasiperiodic southward turnings of IMF Bz could produce multiple short‐lived westward prompt penetration electric fields, which contribute to driving the nighttime low latitude TEC oscillations simultaneously over the wide longitude range.