bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporting of data analysis methods in psychiatric journals: Trends from 1996 to 2018
Authors: Nieminen Pentti , Kaur Jasleen
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The article aims to evaluate how study designs and data analysis methods in psychiatric studies have changed over the last 22 years.

Methods

This study involved a total of 320 papers published in 1996 and 2018 in the American Journal of Psychiatry, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, British Journal of Psychiatry, and JAMA Psychiatry. We manually reviewed the articles to determine the way in which they reported the study characteristics and the methods applied in data analysis.

Results

The statistical intensity in psychiatric journals has changed over the past 20 years. Traditional methods of testing statistical significance were widely used both in 1996 and in 2018. In 2018, there was an increase in reporting more complex methods, such as multivariable regression models, multilevel modelling, and intracluster correlation methods. However, computationally complex data mining or machine learning procedures were not adopted by psychiatric researchers.

Conclusion

The increase in statistical intensity in the literature suggests that readers of prominent psychiatric journals must possess a substantial level of statistical expertise if they wish to critically evaluate the findings published in these journals. It is essential to include an awareness of this substantial change in data analysis methods in psychiatric undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Proteomic markers of low and high fertility bovine spermatozoa separated by Percoll gradient
Authors: D'Amours Olivier , Calvo Ézéquiel , Bourassa Sylvie , Vincent Patrick , Blondin Patrick , Sullivan Robert
Published: May 2019

In the context of artificial insemination, male fertility is defined as the ability to produce functional spermatozoa able to withstand cryopreservation. We hypothesized that interindividual variations in fertility depend on the proportion of the fully functional sperm population contained in the insemination dose. The objective of this study was to identify protein markers of the fully functional sperm subpopulation. Insemination doses from four high‐fertility (HF) and four low‐fertility (LF) bulls with comparable post‐thaw quality parameters were selected for proteomic analysis using iTRAQ technology. Thawed semen was centrifuged through a Percoll gradient to segregate the motile (high density [HD]) from the immotile (low density [LD]) sperm populations. Sperm proteins were extracted with sodium deoxycholate and four groups were compared: LD and HD spermatozoa from LF and HF bulls. A total of 498 unique proteins were identified and quantified. Comparison of HD spermatozoa from HF and LF bulls revealed that five proteins were significantly more abundant in the HF group (AK8, TPI1, TSPAN8, OAT, and DBIL5) whereas five proteins were more abundant in the LF group (RGS22, ATP5J, CLU, LOC616319, and CCT5). Comparison of LD spermatozoa from HF and LF bulls revealed that four proteins were significantly more abundant in the HF group (IL4I1, CYLC2, OAT, and ARMC3) whereas 15 proteins were significantly more abundant in the LF group (HADHA, HSP90AA1, DNASE1L3, SLC25A20, GPX5, TCP1, HIP1, CLU, G5E622, LOC616319, HSPA2, NUP155, DPY19L2, SPERT, and SERPINE2). DBIL5, TSPAN8, and TPI1 showed potential as putative markers of the fully functional sperm subpopulation.
Evaluation of suitable antigens and adjuvant concentration for sublingual immunization to prevent periodontal disease
Authors: Chang Emily , Kobayashi Ryoki , Hagiwara Mio , Komiya Masamichi , Kurita‐Ochiai Tomoko
Published: May 2019

The oral cavity is dominated by both mucosal and systemic immune systems, due to the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibodies (Abs) in saliva and IgG Abs in gingival crevicular fluid. Transmucosally administered vaccines allowing the development of both systemic and local immune responses are thus optimal for preventing oral infections. We assessed the capacity of a mucosal vaccine targeting recombinant HSP60 from Porphyromonas gingivalis (GroEL) to induce protective mucosal immune responses. As the basic experiment, optimal concentrations of GroEL as antigen (Ag) and synthetic oligonucleotides containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG ODN) as a mucosal adjuvant for sublingual immunization were examined in mice. GroEL‐specific immune responses were observed in sublingual immunization with a combination of GroEL plus cholera toxin or GroEL plus CpG ODN. The optimal concentrations of GroEL and CpG ODN as antigen and adjuvant in sublingual immunization were 3 and 25 μg per mouse, respectively. These results suggest that the sublingual administration of GroEL plus CpG ODN is effective for inducing mucosal and systemic Ag‐specific Ab responses.
The use of pharmacokinetically guided carboplatin chemotherapy in a pre‐term infant with neuroblastoma‐associated spinal cord compression
Authors: Hawley Jessica , Veal Gareth J. , Errington Julie , McDonald Leigh G. , Tweddle Deborah A.
Published: May 2019

Neonatal neuroblastoma may require chemotherapy either due to mass effect or unfavourable cytogenetics. This case focuses on using pharmacokinetic (PK) guided chemotherapy to treat neonatal neuroblastoma. A newborn baby was noted to have left leg immobility. Imaging showed a retroperitoneal tumour with spinal canal extension causing spinal cord compression. PK‐guided carboplatin was given after conventionally dosed chemotherapy demonstrated no improvement. After initiation of PK therapy, clinical and radiological improvement was seen. We discuss our decision to use PK‐guided chemotherapy despite guidelines recommending weight‐based dosing and discuss the benefits in terms of clinical efficacy without increased toxicity.
Dielectric analysis monitoring of thermoset curing with ionic liquids: From modeling to the prediction in the resin transfer molding process
Authors: Demleitner Martin , Sanchez‐Vazquez Sandra Aline , Raps Daniel , Bakis Gökhan , Pflock Tobias , Chaloupka Alexander , Schmölzer Stefan , Altstädt Volker
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present work was to establish a cure‐prediction via dielectric analysis (DEA) for a bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) epoxy cured with an imidazolium‐based ionic liquid [EMIM][N(CN)2]. Ionic liquids caught increasingly attention in the composite industry due to their potential use as efficient latent curing agent and hence possible optimization of production cycles. Dielectric analysis is a promising tool for mass‐scale composite production for monitoring cure and as feedback control system, however a profound correlation to thermal and rheological properties is necessary. For this purpose, complementary cure kinetic modeling of the neat system was first carried out via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to allow the prediction of the degree of cure and glass transition temperature Tg during the curing cycle. The focus laid on the comparison between isoconversional and model‐based prediction and the influence of the implementation of the diffusion factor. Dielectric measurements were conducted and afterwards a cure prediction based on these results was established. Problems with ionic liquids as curing agent along with using DEA as characterization method were addressed. Consequently, to verify the previously obtained outcome, dielectric analysis was conducted to real‐time monitor the crosslinking during the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. Sufficient agreement to theoretical cure prediction based on DSC and DEA results with actual conversion during RTM was observed.
Nature and frequency of dosing instructions on prescription labels in primary care
Authors: Borgsteede Sander D. , Heringa Mette
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To investigate the nature and frequency of dosing instructions and auxiliary labels on prescription labels in primary care.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data on prescription labels of dispensed drugs extracted from the pharmacy information system of community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Dosing instructions were categorized into four types.

Results

Data were extracted from 123 community pharmacies. All drugs dispensed for a random sample of 10% of patients were selected. In the sample of 938 479 prescriptions, 96% had a predefined dosing instruction and 2995 different coded instructions were used. Ninety‐five percent of all instructions were covered by 354 coded instructions. Most prescriptions were coded with an instruction indicating once daily use (48.4%) or twice or more times daily use (23.8%) without specification of the time (eg, “1 tablet 1 time a day”). A general instruction (“use as directed”) was given for 7.0% of all prescriptions, and for 6.0%, the instruction was to use “as needed.” For most prescriptions (80.6%), one or more auxiliary labels were generated with the warning “may cause drowsiness” (17.9%) being the most frequent one.

Conclusions

A limited set of instructions covered the majority of the prescriptions. About a quarter of the prescription labels contained nonspecific dosing instructions for use multiple times a day, and 13.0% were general or “use as needed” instructions. These instructions can potentially be made more comprehensible by rewording and specification of the time of day.
Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable aliphatic–aromatic nanocomposites fabricated using maleic acid‐grafted poly[(butylene adipate)‐co‐terephthalate] and organically modified layered zinc phenylphosphonate
Authors: Wang Hsiang‐Ting , Wang Jie‐Mao , Wu Tzong‐Ming
Published: May 2019

A new series of biodegradable aliphatic–aromatic nanocomposites containing maleic acid‐grafted poly[(butylene adipate)‐co‐terephthalate] (g‐PBAT) and organically modified layered zinc phenylphosphonate (m‐PPZn) were successfully synthesized through transesterification and polycondensation processes with covalent linkages between the polymeric and inorganic materials. Fourier transform infrared and 13C NMR spectra demonstrate the successful grafting of maleic acid to PBAT. The morphology of g‐PBAT/m‐PPZn nanocomposites was investigated using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that the stacking layers of m‐PPZn were distributed and intercalated into the g‐PBAT polymer matrix. The incorporation of m‐PPZn into the g‐PBAT matrix significantly enhanced the storage modulus at −70 °C as compared to that of neat g‐PBAT. A reduction in thermal stability was observed for all g‐PBAT/m‐PPZn systems, which is probably due to the lower thermal stability of m‐PPZn. The biodegradation of neat g‐PBAT copolymers and g‐PBAT/m‐PPZn nanocomposites was investigated using lipase from Pseudomonas sp. The degradation rates of neat g‐PBAT copolymers decrease in the order g‐PBAT‐80 > g‐PBAT‐50 > g‐PBAT‐20. The faster degradation rate of g‐PBAT‐80 is a result of the higher content of adipate acid units and the chain flexibility of the polymer backbone. Furthermore, the weight loss increases as the loading of m‐PPZn increases, indicating that the presence of m‐PPZn improves the degradation of the g‐PBAT copolymers. This result might be accounted for by the lower degree of crystallinity for g‐PBAT/m‐PPZn nanocomposites. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of Prolificacy‐Related Differentially Expressed Proteins from Sheep (Ovis aries) Hypothalamus by Comparative Proteomics
Authors: Zhang Zhuangbiao , Tang Jishun , Di Ran , Liu Qiuyue , Wang Xiangyu , Gan Shangquan , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Chen Wei , Hu Wenping , Chu Mingxing
Published: May 2019

Reproduction, as a physiologically complex process, can significantly affect the development of the sheep industry. However, a lack of overall understanding to sheep fecundity has long blocked the progress in sheep breeding and husbandry. In the present study, the aim is to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) from hypothalamus in sheep without FecB mutation in two comparison groups: polytocous (PF) versus monotocous (MF) sheep at follicular phase and polytocous (PL) versus monotocous (ML) sheep at luteal phase. Totally 5058 proteins are identified in sheep hypothalamus, where 22 in PF versus MF, and 39 proteins in PL versus ML are differentially expressed, respectively. A functional analysis is then conducted including Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis to reveal the potential roles of these DEPs. The proteins ENSOARP00000020097, ENSOARP00000006714, growth hormone (GH), histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4), and 5′‐3′ exoribonuclease 2 (XRN2) in PF versus MF, and bcl‐2‐associated athanogene 4 (BAG4), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF1R), hydroxysteroid 11‐beta dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1), and transthyretin (TTR) in PL versus ML appear to modulate reproduction, presumably by influencing the activities of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH). This study provides an alternative method to identify DEPs associated with sheep prolificacy from the hypothalamus. The mass spectrometry data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD013822.
Molecular and Atomic Hydrogen Diffusion Behavior by Reaction Kinetic Analysis in Projection Range of Hydrocarbon Molecular Ion for CMOS Image Sensors
Authors: Okuyama Ryosuke , Onaka‐Masada Ayumi , Suzuki Akihiro , Kobayashi Koji , Shigematsu Satoshi , Kadono Takeshi , Hirose Ryo , Koga Yoshihiro , Kurita Kazunari
Published: May 2019

In this study, two types of hydrogen diffusion behavior in the projection range of a hydrocarbon molecular ion after high‐temperature heat treatment for the passivation of interface state defects at SiO2/Si interface of the CMOS image sensor is presented. The hydrogen peak concentration in the hydrocarbon ion projection range is observed by secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis after silicon epitaxial growth and the subsequent high‐temperature heat treatment. Moreover, the hydrogen peak concentration strongly depends on heat treatment time after epitaxial growth and the subsequent heat treatment. Two dissociation activation energies by reaction kinetic analysis using the results of the time dependence of hydrogen diffusion behavior are also determined. Assuming two dissociation reactions, the activation energy from the projection range of a hydrocarbon molecular ion is derived. The results of reaction kinetic analysis show that the dissociation activation energies are 0.79 eV for molecular hydrogen and 0.42 eV for atomic hydrogen. The dissociation activation energy of 0.79 eV indicates molecular hydrogen diffusion activation energy, whereas that of 0.42 eV indicates atomic hydrogen diffusion from the projection range of a hydrocarbon molecular ion. Therefore, it is believed that the molecular and atomic hydrogen diffusion behavior of the hydrocarbon molecular ion implanted silicon epitaxial wafers can contribute to the effective reduction in the density of interface state defects at the SiO2/Si interface.
Structural, Elastic, Mechanical and Electronic Properties of NbW‐Based Intermetallic Compounds: First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Zhu Sheng‐Hai , Qin Han , Liu Fu‐Sheng , Tang Bin , Liu Qi‐Jun
Published: May 2019

The structural, elastic and electronic properties of NbW‐based intermetallic compounds have been investigated by first‐principles calculations from CASTEP code based on density functional theory (DFT). The calculated lattice parameters of NbW‐based intermetallic compounds are in good agreement with the experimental values. The calculated elastic constants indicate that NbW, CNb0.8W0.2, Mo0.333Nb0.333W0.333, Nb0.33Ta0.33W0.34, Nb0.75Se2W0.25, and Nb2.25S6W0.75 have mechanically stable structures. The bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio are obtained. With the addition of Ta element, the ductility of NbW‐based alloys increases obviously. With the addition of non‐metallic elements, it can be decreased. Among the six compounds, Nb0.33Ta0.33W0.34 has the best plasticity and the stiffness of CNb0.8W0.2 is the highest. The results show that NbW, Mo0.333Nb0.333W0.333, Nb0.33Ta0.33W0.34, and Nb2.25S6W0.75 are ductile, and CNb0.8W0.2 as well as Nb0.75Se2W0.25 are brittle. Furthermore, all NbW‐based intermetallic compounds considered in this work are conductors.
Enhancing the settling time estimation of a class of fixed‐time stable systems
Authors: Aldana‐López Rodrigo , Gómez‐Gutiérrez David , Jiménez‐Rodríguez Esteban , Sánchez‐Torres Juan Diego , Defoort Michael
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we provide a new nonconservative upper bound for the settling time of a class of fixed‐time stable systems. To expose the value and the applicability of this result, we present four main contributions. First, we revisit the well‐known class of fixed‐time stable systems, to show the conservatism of the classical upper estimate of its settling time. Second, we provide the smallest constant that the uniformly upper bounds the settling time of any trajectory of the system under consideration. Third, introducing a slight modification of the previous class of fixed‐time systems, we propose a new predefined‐time convergent algorithm where the least upper bound of the settling time is set a priori as a parameter of the system. At last, we design a class of predefined‐time controllers for first‐ and second‐order systems based on the exposed stability analysis. Simulation results highlight the performance of the proposed scheme regarding settling time estimation compared to existing methods.
Polymorphism of Palladium(II) Complexes : Crystal Structure Determination, Luminescence Properties, Hirshfeld Surface Analyses and DFT/TD‐DFT Studies
Authors: Seyfi Sara , Alizadeh Robabeh. , Ganji Masoud D. , Amani Vahid
Published: May 2019

Two luminescent polymorphs based on a new Pd(II) complex [Pd(mtzt)2(en)] (mtzt=1‐methyl‐1H‐1,2,3,4‐tetrazole‐5‐thiol and en=ethylenediamine) have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, UV/Vis, elemental analysis,1HNMR and single‐crystal X‐ray diﬀraction analysis. The X‐ray structural analysis indicated that in the structures of these polymorphs Pd(II) cation is four‐coordinated in a distorted square planer configuration by two tetrazole rings in the cis‐positions, two nitrogen atoms of chelated ethylenediamine ligand. The dihedral angles between the planes of the tetrazole rings of polymorphs (1) and (2) are 72.01 and 77.70°, respectively. Moreover, in these polymorphs, intermolecular interactions C−H…N, C−H…S, and N−H…N hydrogen bonds, are effective in the stabilization of the crystal structures. The present study reports a detailed analysis of Hirshfeld surfaces, facilitating a comparison of intermolecular interactions in the supramolecular structure. The geometries of polymorphs (1) and (2) are optimized with B3LYP−D3/TZVP method, and analyzed with natural bond orbital (NBO), then their UV/Vis spectra are calculated with time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) method. The IR spectroscopy was performed using VEDA4 software and compared with the experimental values. Quantum chemical parameters are: such as EHOMO, ELUMO, energy gap, chemical hardness (η), and dipole moment (μ), and the frontier molecular orbital properties.
Hexyltriphenylphosphonium Bromide as an Absolutely Chemoselective Ionic Liquid Catalyst in the Three‐Component Reaction of Aryl Aldehydes, Acetophenones and Malononitrile
Authors: Bahrami Kiumars , Khodaei Mohammad M. , Batooie Nasim , Hosseinzadeh Nouraddin , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: May 2019

Hexyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (HTPB) is used as an efficient ionic liquid catalyst in the chemoselective addition of malononitrile to carbonyl group moiety of chalcones through the three‐component reaction of aryl aldehydes, acetophenone derivatves, and malononitrile to produce (E)‐2‐(1,3‐diarylallylidene)malononitriles at ambient temperature. The method is simple, solvent‐free, environmentally friendly, and gives excellent yields in a short reaction times.
Effect of pH Variations on the Properties of Cyclodextrin‐Calixarene Nanosponges
Authors: Di Vincenzo Antonella , Russo Marco , Cataldo Salvatore , Milea Demetrio , Pettignano Alberto , Lo Meo Paolo
Published: May 2019

The pH‐responsive properties of cyclodextrin‐calixarene nanosponge co‐polymeric materials have been investigated. In particular, ISE‐H+ potentiometric titrations were carried out in order to evaluate the acid‐base properties and the actual amount of ionizable sites present in the materials. Moreover, the relevant pH‐dependent adsorption abilities were evaluated towards a set of selected model organic pollutant molecules by means of adsorption tests and by studying the corresponding adsorption isotherms. The latter ones could be suitably described by means of the Freundlich model. The whole of the experimental results enabled us to clarify some general aspects of the microscopic behavior of the nanosponges considered.
Porous Graphitic Carbon Nitride Synthesized via Using Carbon Nanotube as a Novel Recyclable Hard Template for Efficient Visible Light Photocatalytic Organic Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Chen Xiang , Wang Haonan , Meng Ruru , Chen Minmin
Published: May 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has attracted considerable attention due to its many intriguing properties in visible light photocatalysis. However, the photocatalytic performance of g‐C3N4 is far from satisfaction partly because standard synthesis methods prepare rather dense materials with low specific surface area. Herein, we report a facile approach to prepare porous g‐C3N4 via using carbon nanotubes (CNT) as a novel hard template for the first time. Unlike other hard templates, CNT can be easily removed by ultrasonic method and recycled to produce porous g‐C3N4. The as‐prepared porous g‐C3N4 has a much higher specific surface area of 103.3 m2 g−1 than the bulk g‐C3N4 of 10.5 m2 g−1. The photocatalytic organic pollutant decomposition rate of porous g‐C3N4 is nearly 4.4 times as high as that of bulk g‐C3N4 under visible light (λ > 400 nm) irradiation. This work opens a new way to explore the sustainable, environment‐friendly preparation of high‐performance g‐C3N4 for solar energy conversion and environmental remediation, especially for large‐scale applications in industry.
Palladium/Copper Nanoalloy Supported on Carbon Nanotubes for the Electrooxidation of Methanol and Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Arulmani Subramanian , Kumar Ponnusamy Vinoth , Landi Giovanni , Anandan Sambandam
Published: May 2019

Herein, we demonstrate the ultrasonic‐assisted synthesis of Palladium/Copper nanoalloy supported on carbon nanotubes (PdCu/CNT) towards the electro‐oxidation of methanol and ethylene glycol using Triton X‐100 as a stabilizer. Structural and morphological analysis manifests the formation of PdCu nanoalloy on the surface of CNTs. For the electrochemical comparison, PdCu on Vulcan carbon (PdCu/VC) also synthesized in the same procedure and characterized thoroughly. The electrochemical evaluations of the PdCu/CNT reveal the better mass activity of 1021.6 mA mg[pd]−1 which is 1.6‐fold higher than PdCu/VC and 5.9 times advanced than commercial Pd/C catalysts towards methanol electrooxidation. Also, for electrooxidation of ethylene glycol, the mass activity of the PdCu/CNT is more of about 1219.8 mA mg[pd]−1 which is around 1.7 times enhanced than PdCu/VC and 4.1 times improved than commercial Pd/C catalysts. Furthermore, sonochemically prepared PdCu/CNT provides improved stability up to 3600s in both methanol and ethylene glycol oxidation reactions. The accredited activity enhancement due to its unique construction of zero‐dimensional structured PdCu nanoalloy with one‐dimensional CNTs and modified electronic effect of Pd on it.
Effect of Different Torsion Routes on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of 0Cr12Mn5Ni4Mo3Al Steel Undergoing Deformation‐Induced Phase Transformation
Authors: Wang Xueli , Li Fuguo , Zhu Guang , Chen Han , Hou Botong , Cai Haotong
Published: May 2019

The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the 0Cr12Mn5Ni4Mo3Al steel subjected to single direction torsion (SDT) and torsion‐reverse torsion (TRT) are investigated. The finite‐element method (FEM) is used to obtain the value of the equivalent strain in different torsion routes. These results demonstrate that the size of the grain becomes more refined when undergoing SDT and TRT. With a decrease in the TRT angle, the distribution of α‐phase appears like a kinked curve, and the grain refinement becomes less and less obvious. In addition, deformation‐induced phase transformation emerges and results in ferrite and austenite concurrent rearrangements. Furthermore, the material hardening is mainly due to the increase in statistically stored dislocations (SSDs) and geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) with the accumulation of the equivalent strain and the strain gradient. Finally, the fracture mechanism is also discussed to reveal the strength ductility of the samples.
An autoencoder‐based piecewise linear model for nonlinear classification using quasilinear support vector machines
Authors: Li Weite , Liang Peifeng , Hu Jinglu
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose to implement a piecewise linear model to solve nonlinear classification problems. In order to realize a switch between linear models, a data‐dependent gating mechanism achieved by an autoencoder is designed to assign gate signals automatically. We ensure that a diversity of gate signals is available so that it is possible for our model to switch between a large number of linear classifiers. Besides, we also introduce a sparsity level to add a manual control on the flexibility of the proposed model by using a winner‐take‐all strategy. Therefore, our model can maintain a balance between underfitting and overfitting problems. Then, given a learned gating mechanism, the proposed model is shown to be equivalent to a kernel machine by deriving a quasilinear kernel function with the gating mechanism included. Therefore, a quasilinear support vector machine can be applied to solve the nonlinear classification problems. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed piecewise linear model performs better than or is at least competitive with its state‐of‐the‐art counterparts. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Who self‐cares wins: an updated perspective on men and self‐care
Authors: Baker Peter
Published: May 2019

Men's health has generally been overlooked in the self‐care field. This matters because, even though male life expectancy and healthy life expectancy have improved significantly over the past 40 years, men's health outcomes remain far poorer than they could be. Drawing on the Global Action on Men's Health's new report, the author explores how a greater focus on self‐care could make a significant difference.
Never mind Brexit, it's time to celebrate ‘TRexit’
Authors: Simson Nick , Rusere Jonah , Stroman Luke , Popert Rick
Published: May 2019

In this comment piece the authors discuss the ‘Trexit’ initiative to encourage the complete cessation of transrectal prostate biopsies in favour of the transperineal route.
History of the prostate, part two: the cause of urinary symptoms
Authors: Goddard Jonathan Charles
Published: May 2019

In the second article in this series the author describes how it gradually became understood that the prostate caused urinary symptoms, and how surgeons tried to manage them.
Impact of aerodynamic modelling on seakeeping performance of a floating vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: Leroy Vincent , Gilloteaux Jean‐Christophe , Lynch Mattias , Babarit Aurélien , Ferrant Pierre
Published: May 2019

This study focuses on the impact of the aerodynamic model on the dynamic response of a floating vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). It compares a state‐of‐the‐art quasi‐steady double multiple streamtube (DMS) solver, a prescribed vortex wake (PVW), and a free vortex wake (FVW) solver. The aerodynamic loads acting on a bottom‐fixed VAWT and computed with the three aerodynamic solvers are compared, then the dynamic responses of the floating turbine in irregular waves and turbulent wind with the different aerodynamic solvers are compared. Differences are observed, particularly in the mean motions of the platform. Eventually, the aerodynamic damping computed by the solvers are estimated with aerodynamic simulations on the turbine with imposed surge and pitch motions. The estimated damping can then be correlated with the dynamic response amplitude of the VAWT. Substantial discrepancies are observed between the three solvers at high tip speed ratio, when the rotor is highly loaded. It is shown that the quasi‐steady DMS solver seems to give greater amplitude of motions for the floating VAWT because of strong rotor/wake interaction that are not correctly accounted for.
System for coincidence measurements of the ions desorbed and projectiles scattered from noble gas solid surfaces by slow multiply charged ion impacts
Authors: Sawa Hiroyoshi , Uchida Shuntaro , Ueta Hirokazu , Hirayama Takato
Published: May 2019

We have developed a new experimental apparatus for performing coincidence measurements of the ions desorbed and projectiles scattered from the surfaces of noble gas solids by slow multiply charged ion impacts at grazing incidence angles. This simultaneously measures the desorbed ions' flight times and the scattered projectiles' charge states. We also conduct experiments on 6 keV Ar6+ impacts onto a solid Ne surface using the device.
Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Code of the Street
Authors: Howell Simon , Kurtenbach Sebastian , Rauf Abdul , Zaman Muhammad , Zdun Steffen
Published: May 2019

This is one of the core chapters of this book. After describing the national peculiarities, the main findings are presented and cross-culturally compared and reflected in the context of the street code. The aspects, social space/neighborhood, street etiquette, symbols, toughness/masculinity, friends, respect, enemies, and violent perception are addressed. The goal of this approach is not just a documentation of the main findings but also a stepwise comparison of these topics in the three countries. This allows for presenting a wide range of various aspects, but also a description and discussion of similarities.
Axion misalignment driven to the bottom
Authors: Co Raymond T. , Gonzalez Eric , Harigaya Keisuke
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Several theoretical motivations point to ultralight QCD axions with large decay constants

$$ {f}_a\simeq \mathcal{O}\left({10}^{16}-{10}^{17}\right)\ \mathrm{GeV} $$

f
a

≃
O

10
16

−

10
17

GeV

, to which experimental proposals are dedicated. This regime is known to face the problem of overproduction of axion dark matter from the misalignment mechanism unless the misalignment angle θ
mis is as small as

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({10}^{-3}-{10}^{-4}\right) $$

O

10

−
3

−

10

−
4

, which is generally considered a fine-tuning problem. We investigate a dynamical explanation for a small θ
mis. The axion mass arises from strong dynamics and may be sufficiently enhanced by early dynamics so as to overcome Hubble friction and drive the field value to the bottom of the potential long before the QCD phase transition. Together with an approximate CP symmetry in the theory, this minimum is very closely related to today’s value and thus θ
mis can automatically be well under unity. Owing to such efficient relaxation, the isocurvature perturbations are essentially damped. As an existence proof, using supersymmetric theories we illustrate that the Higgs coupling with the inflaton energy can successfully achieve this axion damping in a consistent inflationary cosmology.
Lattice study of static quark-antiquark interactions in dense quark matter
Authors: Astrakhantsev N. Yu. , Bornyakov V. G. , Braguta V. V. , Ilgenfritz E.-M. , Kotov A. Yu. , Nikolaev A. A. , Rothkopf A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract

In this paper we study the interactions among a static quark-antiquark pair in the presence of dense two-color quark matter with lattice simulation. To this end we compute Polyakov line correlation functions and determine the renormalized color averaged, color singlet and color triplet grand potentials. The color singlet grand potential allows us to elucidate the number of quarks induced by a static quark antiquark source, as well as the internal energy of such a pair in dense quark matter. We furthermore determine the screening length, which in the confinement phase is synonymous with the string breaking distance. The screening length is a decreasing function of baryon density, due to the possibility to break the interquark string via a scalar diquark condensate at high density. We also study the large distance properties of the color singlet grand potential i a dense medium and find that it is well described by a simple Debye screening formula, parameterized by a Debye mass and an effective coupling constant. The latter is of order of unity, i.e. even at large density two-color quark matter is a strongly correlated system.
Production and backreaction of spin-2 particles of SU(2) gauge field during inflation
Authors: Maleknejad A. , Komatsu E.
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Primordial SU(2) gauge fields with an isotropic background lead to the production of spin-2 particles during inflation. We provide a unified formalism to compute this effect in all of the inflation models with isotropic SU(2) gauge fields such as Gauge-flation and Chromo-Natural inflation with and without spectator axion fields or the mass of the gauge field from the Higgs mechanism. First, we calculate the number and energy densities of the spin-2 particles. We then obtain exact analytical formulae for their backreaction on the background equations of motion of SU(2) and axion fields in (quasi) de Sitter expansion, which were calculated only numerically for one particular model in the literature. We show that the backreaction is directly related to the number density of the spin-2 field. Second, we relate the number density of the spin-2 particles to the power spectrum and the energy density of the gravitational waves sourced by them. Finally, we use the size of the backreaction to constrain the parameter space of the models. We find that the tensor-to-scalar ratio of the sourced gravitational waves can at most be on the order of that of the vacuum contribution to avoid a large backreaction on slow-roll dynamics of the gauge ssand axion fields in quasi-de Sitter expansion.
Studying gaugino masses in supersymmetric model at future 100 TeV pp collider
Authors: Asai Shoji , Chigusa So , Kaji Toshiaki , Moroi Takeo , Saito Masahiko , Sawada Ryu , Tanaka Junichi , Terashi Koji , Uno Kenta
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We discuss prospects of studying supersymmetric model at future pp circular collider (FCC) with its centre-of-mass energy of ∼ 100 TeV. We pay particular attention to the model in which Wino is lighter than other supersymmetric particles and all the gauginos are within the kinematical reach of the FCC, which is the case in a large class of so-called pure gravity mediation model based on anomaly mediated supersymmetry breaking. In such a class of model, charged Wino becomes long-lived with its decay length of ∼ 6 cm, and the charged Wino tracks may be identified in particular by the inner pixel detector; the charged Wino tracks can be used not only for the discrimination of standard model backgrounds but also for the event reconstructions. We show that precise determinations of the Bino, Wino, and gluino masses are possible at the FCC. For such measurements, information about the charged Wino tracks, including the one about the velocity of the charged Wino using the time of the hit at the pixel detector, is crucial. With the measurements of the gaugino masses in the pure gravity mediation model, we have an access to more fundamental parameters like the gravitino mass.
Uncovering early indicators of fixation during the concept development stage of children’s design processes
Authors: Schut Alice , Klapwijk Remke , Gielen Mathieu , van Doorn Fenne , de Vries Marc
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we explore the early indicators of design fixation occurring during the concept development stage of children’s design processes. This type of fixation, which we named:concept fixation, causes a blind adherence to the current (possibly unfavourable) state of a design idea. Its occurrence hampers the creative thinking processes present in a design process, which in turn stagnates the development of initial design ideas into final designs. Until now, research on design fixation has mainly focussed on creative idea generation in the early phases of the design process through analysing (intermediate) design ideas and completed artefacts. However, children’s fixation behaviours might be identified at an earlier moment through the conversations that take place in the classroom about their design ideas. To this end, we present a case study in which we explored early indicators of concept fixation of a group of 24 primary school children (ages 9–11) carrying out a co-design project. Fixation was observed through the manner in which the design teams responded to questions and comments from their peers and the client. Four categories of response behaviours indicating concept fixation emerged from the verbal data, namely: ‘band-aids’, ‘already-in-there’, ‘question-not-relevant’ and ‘it’s-not-possible’. We expect that the indicators will be helpful in identifying concept fixation during the design process, especially in an educational context. The process of identification of fixation, and reflecting on it, creates awareness. This is considered as an important step by professional designers towards guarding oneself from fixation episodes in future projects, and thus being more creative.
The response of a standardized fluid challenge during cardiac surgery on cerebral oxygen saturation measured with near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Holmgaard Frederik , Vistisen Simon T. , Ravn Hanne B. , Scheeren Thomas W. L.
Published: May 2019

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to evaluate regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (ScO2) during the last decades. Perioperative management algorithms advocate to maintain ScO2, by maintaining or increasing cardiac output (CO), e.g. with fluid infusion. We hypothesized that ScO2 would increase in responders to a standardized fluid challenge (FC) and that the relative changes in CO and ScO2 would correlate. This study is a retrospective substudy of the FLuid Responsiveness Prediction Using Extra Systoles (FLEX) trial. In the FLEX trial, patients were administered two standardized FCs (5 mL/kg ideal body weight each) during cardiac surgery. NIRS monitoring was used during the intraoperative period and CO was monitored continuously. Patients were considered responders if stroke volume increased more than 10% following FC. Datasets from 29 non-responders and 27 responders to FC were available for analysis. Relative changes of ScO2 did not change significantly in non-responders (mean difference − 0.3% ± 2.3%, p = 0.534) or in fluid responders (mean difference 1.6% ± 4.6%, p = 0.088). Relative changes in CO and ScO2 correlated significantly, p = 0.027. Increasing CO by fluid did not change cerebral oxygenation. Despite this, relative changes in CO correlated to relative changes in ScO2. However, the clinical impact of the present observations is unclear, and the results must be interpreted with caution.

Trial registration:http://ClinicalTrial.gov identifier for main study (FLuid Responsiveness Prediction Using Extra Systoles—FLEX): NCT03002129.
PET Evaluation of Microglial Activation in Non-neurodegenerative Brain Diseases
Authors: Ghadery Christine , Best Laura A. , Pavese Nicola , Tai Yen Foung , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: May 2019

Purpose of the Review

Microglial cell activation is an important component of neuroinflammation, and it is generally well accepted that chronic microglial activation is indicative of accumulating tissue damage in neurodegenerative conditions, particularly in the earlier stages of disease. Until recently, there has been less focus on the role of neuroinflammation in other forms of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. Through this review, we hope to demonstrate the important role TSPO PET imaging has played in illuminating the pivotal role of neuroinflammation and microglial activation underpinning these conditions.

Recent Findings

TSPO is an 18 kDa protein found on the outer membrane of mitochondria and can act as a marker of microglial activation using nuclear imaging. Through the development of radiopharmaceuticals targeting TSPO, researchers have been able to better characterise the spatial-temporal evolution of chronic neurological conditions, ranging from the focal autoimmune reactions seen in multiple sclerosis to the Wallerian degeneration at remote parts of the brain months following acute cerebral infarction.

Development of novel techniques to investigate neuroinflammation within the central nervous system, for the purposes of diagnosis and therapeutics, has flourished over the past few decades. TSPO has proven itself a robust and sensitive biomarker of microglial activation and neuroimaging affords a minimally invasive technique to characterise neuroinflammatory processes in vivo.
Epidemiological, clinical, and severity characterization of sickle cell disease in a population from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Cesar Purim , Dhyani Anamika , Schwade Luiz Augusto , Acordi Pollyana , Albuquerque Cinthia Xerez , Nina Rejane , Paula Erich V. De , Fraiji Nelson
Published: May 2019

Objective/background:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by a point mutation in the HBB gene. Here we characterized the clinical presentation of SCD in a population from Amazonas State in northern Brazil, in order to evaluate whether the higher Amerindian ancestry observed in this relatively isolated geographic region would influence the clinical presentation of SCD.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study characterizing the clinical presentation of SCD patients registered at HEMOAM, Amazon, Brazil. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire, and by a review of the medical records.

Results:

Of the 236 SCD patients listed in the historical records, 122 were included in this study. The median age was 15 years, with a male to female ratio of 52:70. The population was characterized by a high level of socioeconomic vulnerability, with only 2.1% presenting a family income above five minimum wages. Homozygous HbS (SS) was the most prevalent form of SCD (89.7%), and the diagnosis of SCD was performed in the context of complications in 92.3% of patients. The median frequency of vaso-occlusive crisis in the past 12 months was 2 (0-10). Using a validated clinical severity score based on clinical and laboratory data, no significant difference could be observed when compared to other populations.

Conclusion:

Our results represent the first comprehensive characterization of epidemiological, laboratorial, and clinical data of SCD in the region of the Brazilian Amazon. Despite the higher contribution of Amerindian ancestry previously demonstrated in this region, the main clinical characteristics of SCD seem similar to those reported in other populations.
Right middle cerebral artery infarct after minor head trauma in an infant
Authors: Khalid Md Tauseef , Chan Derrick W.S. , Tan Enrica E.K. , Seow Wan Tew , Ng Lee Ping , Low David C.Y. , Low Sharon Y.Y.
Published: May 2019

Ishaemic stroke (IS) in the paediatric population is extremely rare. In this age group, the occurrence of IS often concurs with underlying congenital heart disease, haematological, metabolic or immunological conditions. In contrast, the association between IS and minor head injury in children has been sparse in current literature. The authors report a case of a healthy 9-month-old male who was found to have a right middle cerebral artery territory infarct after a minor head injury. An extensive medical workup was performed, and it was negative for any previously undiagnosed co-morbidities. Given the paucity of such cases, the condition and its management are discussed in corroboration with current literature.
Pediatric diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alaqeel Aqeel A.
Published: May 2019

Diabetes in children has increased globally, and the World Health Organization ranks Saudi Arabia 7th in prevalence and 5th in incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents has been identified in Saudi Arabia but its prevalence is still unknown. Despite advances in diabetes management including new insulins, insulin delivery systems, glucose monitoring and easy access to media for disease awareness, diabetes in children continues to be challenging in many aspects. Problems include delayed diagnosis, suboptimal glycemic control, early and late disease complications, transition from pediatric to adult care and raising of obesity and T2D, poor psychological and school support. This review summarizes the pediatric and adolescent diabetes studies in Saudi Arabia to date and explores the country-specific treatment challenges and potential solutions.
Collaborating Beyond Collections: Engaging Tribes in Museum Exhibits
Authors: Goff Sheila , Chapoose Betsy , Cook Elizabeth , Voirol Shannon
Published: May 2019

There has been—and continues to be—tension between Native peoples and museums in the United States due to past collecting practices and exhibitions that strive to interpret their culture and history without their involvement. Previously, many of these exhibitions stereotyped and lumped Native peoples together, depicting their cultures as static and interpreting them and their material culture from a Western scientific perspective. Changes are being made. Collaboration between Native peoples and museums in all areas of museum work, including exhibitions, is beginning to be considered by many as a best practice. Exhibitions developed in collaboration with Native peoples, with shared curatorial authority, decidedly help ease the historic tension between the two, and they are much more vibrant and accurate than when collaboration is lacking. This article will provide three examples of collaboration, defined with our tribal partners, to develop exhibitions at History Colorado, the state history museum, concluding with lessons learned.
Narrowband signals recorded near a moulin that are not moulin tremor: a cautionary short note
Authors: Carmichael Joshua D
Published: May 2019

Geophysicists that deploy seismic sensors in ablation zones of glaciers and ice sheets to record glaciogenic signatures can confront recording challenges caused by instrument melt-out or tilt. These challenges often require installing sensors in boreholes to delay melt-out, or securing sensors to structures that improve coupling. We show that some of these structures that were buried near a moulin at a snow-free site in the ablation zone of the Western Greenland Ice Sheet resonated as they became exposed, and caused their geophones to record temporally evolving, narrowband signals that mimic features of glaciogenic sources like moulin tremor. We quantify these artifacts with a mechanical model that shows instruments undergo structural resonance as they melt-out, at exposure rates that we predict from an ablation model (RACMO). These models reproduce general spectral features in our data, and enable us to estimate what instrument exposure reduces ice-to-sensor coupling enough to prevent icequake detection. Last, we use our resonance data to quantitatively measure how narrowband signals that originate from either artificial or glaciogenic sources will reduce the ability of certain waveform detectors (correlators) to capture transient seismic events, even if sensors remain coupled.