bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discontinuities and functional resilience of large river fish assemblages
Authors: Bouska Kristen L.
Published: July 2018

Functional composition of communities across scales is increasingly used to infer resilience of biotic communities to environmental change. To assess the relevance of these concepts to management of large rivers, analyses were applied to fish community data of the Upper Mississippi River. First, to evaluate whether there was evidence for structural patterns in fish size distributions, a discontinuity analysis was performed. Using long‐term fish data, consistent discontinuities were identified across 14 reaches, suggesting similar structuring processes occur throughout the nearly 1300 river kilometers represented by those reaches. Increased variability in species abundance in relation to proximity to edges of body size aggregations supports the discontinuity hypothesis that body size aggregations are structured by key processes. Functional richness and redundancy were quantified within and across identified scales for each of 14 river reaches. Diversity of trophic and spawning guilds was generally greater in the upstream reaches in comparison with downstream reaches, with the exception of the diversity of large‐bodied spawning guilds. Evidence of functional shifts in the composition of fishes occurred, but differed by size aggregations, likely reflecting scale‐specific resource availability. Redundancy of spawning and trophic groups across body size aggregations suggested downstream reaches of this system may be less resilient to disturbances and were weakly associated with reduced habitat diversity. These findings suggest that discontinuities in large river fish assemblages do occur and may provide indication of shifting resource availability. Further investigation of the underlying processes and scales that support resource availability will be critical to managing for resilience in large river ecosystems.
The multifactorial effects of dispersal on biodiversity in environmentally forced metacommunities
Authors: Salois Sarah L. , Gouhier Tarik C. , Menge Bruce A.
Published: July 2018

Disentangling the effects of dispersal and environmental heterogeneity on biodiversity is a central goal in ecology. Although metacommunity structure can be partitioned into spatial and environmental fractions, it remains unclear whether these statistical results can be used to infer the relative importance of dispersal limitation (spatial fraction) and environmental forcing (environmental fraction). Using an environmentally forced, spatially explicit metacommunity model, we show that the distinct effects of the mean (advection) and the standard deviation (diffusion) of the dispersal kernel on biodiversity are not easily detectable via variation partitioning alone. Although increasing dispersal ultimately leads to a decrease in the spatial fraction due to reduced dispersal limitation and greater species sorting, the magnitude of the spatial fraction depends on the complex interplay between the nature of dispersal and the type of boundary conditions in the metacommunity. Indeed, metacommunities characterized by either high or low dispersal can exhibit a small spatial fraction. A case study of a marine metacommunity experiencing strong alongshore transport is consistent with these findings, as the size of the spatial fraction is not associated with dispersal. Overall, our results suggest that accounting for the nature of environmental forcing as well as the multifactorial effects of dispersal is critical for understanding how ecological and environmental processes give rise to biodiversity across spatial scales.
Extraction of a photovoltaic cell's double‐diode model parameters from data sheet values
Authors: Sulyok Georg , Summhammer Johann
Published: July 2018

In the data sheets of photovoltaic cells, manufacturers usually only provide selected points of the cell's current‐voltage curve, that is, short‐circuit current, open‐circuit voltage and current and voltage at the maximum power point. However, these three parameters do not suffice to deduce the cell's double diode model parameters. Thus, it is not possible to reproduce the complete current‐voltage characteristics. Here, we point out how the range of the double diode parameters can be determined from the available data points and present approximately valid conditions which can be exploited to derive unique double diode parameter sets. The introduced methods rely on the solution of one‐dimensional equations and the intervals within which their roots lie are established. Thus, a straightforward extraction of the parameters is possible. The reliability of four different methods is checked by comparison with real cells whose double diode parameters are known for varying temperature and illumination conditions as well as with numerically generated parameters. Accurate parameter guesses and a faithful reproduction of the cell's IV‐curve can be achieved, in particular, for present‐day high‐quality cells.
Antioxidant and alpha‐amylase inhibitory potentials of Cocos nucifera husk
Authors: Muritala Hamdalat Folake , Akolade Jubril Olayinka , Akande Sarah Abimbola , Abdulazeez Azeemat Titilola , Aladodo Raliat Abimbola , Bello Abdulkabir Bolakale
Published: July 2018

Concoctions containing extract from Cocos nucifera husk fiber are used in Nigeria by traditional medicine practitioners for management of diabetes and its associated complications. Preliminary antidiabetic study was designed to validate the folkloric usage of the plant extract. Dried coconut husk fiber was pulverized and extracted with methanol, followed by partitioning of the methanolic extract in ethyl acetate. Phenolic content, radical scavenging activity and antioxidant capacity as well as inhibitory effects of C. nucifera methanolic (CN‐M) extract and its ethyl acetate (CN‐E) fraction on pancreatic α‐amylase and lipid peroxidation were determined. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of CN‐E fraction were significantly higher than that of CN‐M extract, whereas there was no significant difference in their ability to scavenge free radicals. The CN‐E fraction also exhibited higher in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects on α‐amylase activity and lipid peroxidation; reducing blood glucose level within 5 days following intraperitoneal administration of the C. nucifera extract to alloxan‐induced hyperglycemic rats. The phenolic‐rich extracts from coconut husk can be further explored as nutraceutical supplement in food formulation for diabetic patients.
Correlation between auditory‐vestibular functions and estrogen levels in postmenopausal patients with Meniere's disease
Authors: Jian Huirong , Yu Gang , Chen Gang , Lin Naifen , Wang Haibo
Published: July 2018

Background

To investigate auditory and vestibular functions, estrogen levels, and its clinical correlation in postmenopausal females with Meniere's disease (MD).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the serum estradiol (E2) levels and the auditory and vestibular functions measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR) to high click rate, pure‐tone audiometry (PTA), and caloric test on postmenopausal women who suffered from MD or not at the Specialist Clinic of Vertigo, Shandong Provincial Hospital, during September 2010 to October 2014.

Results

A total of 76 postmenopausal patients with MD and 50 healthy postmenopausal controls were included. The patients with MD had lower estrogen levels (22.50 ± 16.66 pg/mL vs 30.69 ± 18.59 pg/mL, P = 0.011), longer I‐V interpeak latency of ABR (left 0.22 ± 0.16 mseconds vs 0.18 ± 0.10 mseconds, P = 0.118; right 0.24 ± 0.13 mseconds vs 0.17 ± 0.09 mseconds, P = 0.001), and higher unilateral weakness (UW) value (P < 0.001) in comparison with the controls. The mean pure‐tone thresholds of at the speech frequency (500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 3 kHz) were significantly elevated in patients with MD than those in the controls (left P < 0.001, right P < 0.01). The estradiol level of patients with MD was correlated with ABR latency (left r = −0.229, P < 0.05; right r = −0.220, P < 0.05) and UW value (r = −0.328, P < 0.05), but not with mean pure‐tone threshold.

Conclusions

Estrogen levels correlated with auditory and vestibular function in postmenopausal patients with MD. Low estrogen may be involved in the microcirculatory disturbance of the inner ear, affecting the occurrence and development of MD.
The impact of caries in combination with periodontitis on oral health‐related quality of life in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Passos‐Soares Johelle de Santana , Santos Lília Paula de Souza , Cruz Simone Seixas da , Trindade Soraya Castro , Cerqueira Eneida de Moraes Marcílio , Santos Kionna Oliveira Bernardes , Balinha Izadora da Silva Campodonio Eloy , Silva Ivana Conceição Oliveira da , Freitas Taciane Oliveira Bet , Miranda Samilly Silva , Seymour Gregory J. , Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart
Published: July 2018

Background

Both dental caries and periodontal disease, as isolated conditions, can generate limitations and disabilities with negative repercussions on the individual's quality of life, but the combination of both oral diseases has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the combined exposure to dental caries and periodontitis and the impact on oral health‐related quality of life.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 306 individuals seen in the public health services in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. The individuals were divided into three groups: individuals without caries and periodontitis (n = 60), those with caries or periodontitis separately (n = 155), and those with both caries and periodontitis (n = 91). Information regarding sociodemographic, health conditions, behavioral aspects, and health‐care characteristics were obtained through structured questionnaires. Oral clinical examination was performed to evaluate dental caries (decayed, missing, and filled teeth DMFT) and periodontal status including bleeding on probing, visible plaque index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level. The impact of oral health on quality of life was measured using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14).

Results

In terms of the OHIP‐14, the mean ±SD and median of the severity scores were 11.07 ±9.45 and 9, respectively, and mean ±SD of the extension score: 1.78 ±2.27. The adjusted association measurement showed that in individuals exposed simultaneously to caries and periodontitis, the occurrence of the impact on quality of life was 63% greater than among those without these diseases.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the combined occurrence of dental caries and periodontitis is associated with a significant impact on oral health‐related quality of life when compared with absence of these oral diseases.
Validation of reported GLT6D1 (rs1537415), IL10 (rs6667202), and ANRIL (rs1333048) single nucleotide polymorphisms for aggressive periodontitis in a Brazilian population
Authors: Taiete Tiago , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Stolf Camila Schmidt , Corrêa Mônica Grazieli , Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Andere Naira Maria Rebelato Bechara , Coletta Ricardo D. , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Nociti Júnior Francisco Humberto , Silvério Karina Gonzales , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana
Published: July 2018

Background

Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is influenced by genetic factors. Recently, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1537415 (GLT6D1), rs6667202 (IL10), and rs1333048 (ANRIL) were associated with AgP in different European populations. However, these specific SNPs have not yet been determined in Brazilians. Therefore, this study investigated whether these SNPs previously associated with AgP could be replicated among Brazilians.

Methods

The SNPs rs1537415, rs6667202, and rs1333048 were genotyped using 5′‐nuclease allelic discrimination assay in AgP (n = 200), chronic periodontitis (CP, n = 190), and healthy patients (H, n = 196). Differences in allele and genotype frequencies were analyzed using chi‐square tests and stepwise logistic regression.

Results

The minor C allele of rs6667202 was less frequently detected in AgP patients (23.5%) when compared to non‐AgP groups (H = 34.2% and CP = 30.3%; p < 0.01), making the SNP protective against AgP occurrence. Moreover, the final logistic model for AgP diagnosis included gender (p = 0.001) and the SNP rs6667202 (p < 0.001) as significant variables. The SNPs rs1537415 and rs1333048 did not show associations with AgP.

Conclusion

Only the SNP rs6667202 was associated with AgP in a Brazilian population, being the minor C allele protective against AgP. Moreover, SNPs rs1333048 and rs1537415, previously associated with AgP in other population, was not validated to Brazilian population.
Integrated Remodeling of Gut–Liver Metabolism Induced by Moderate Protein Restriction Contributes to Improvement of Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Xin , Qiu Kai , Wang Liqi , Xu Doudou , Yin Jingdong
Published: July 2018

Scope

Protein restriction (PR) is beneficial for relieving metabolic disorders and aging‐related diseases. However, extreme PR could result in malnutrition due to severe deficiency of essential amino acids. Therefore, the effect of moderate PR on insulin sensitivity is investigated.

Methods and results

The growing and adult pigs are subjected to moderate PR by 15–30%. Plasma insulin concentration and insulin resistance index HOMA‐IR are significantly decreased upon moderate PR. Furthermore, IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway in the basal state is enhanced in both liver and skeletal muscle. The adapted metabolism in the liver upon moderate PR is in support of improving insulin sensitivity. The liver shares a coordinated metabolic adaption in terms of energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism with the small intestine. Particularly, alteration of the metabolic footprint appeared in the portal venous blood, representing metabolites to be absorbed into liver after intestinal metabolism, is also in favor of improvement of insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

In summary, the study proves that moderate PR could improve insulin sensitivity from childhood to adulthood in a pig model, and sheds a new light on the role of integrated remodeling of gut and liver metabolism in the improved insulin sensitivity induced by moderate PR.
Histogram‐based standardization of intravascular optical coherence tomography images acquired from different imaging systems
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Dzyubachyk Oleh , Eggermont Jeroen , Nakatani Shimpei , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P. F. , Dijkstra Jouke
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) is widely used for analysis of the coronary artery disease. Its high spatial resolution allows for visualization of arterial tissue components in detail. There are different OCT systems on the market, each of which produces data characterized by its own intensity range and distribution. These differences should be taken into account for the development of image processing algorithms. In order to overcome this difference in the intensity range and distribution, we developed a framework for matching intensities based on the exact histogram matching technique.

Methods

In our method, the key step for using the exact histogram matching is to determine the target histogram. For this, we proposed two schemes: a global scheme that uses a single histogram as the target histogram for all the pullbacks, and a local scheme that selects for each single image a target histogram from a predefined database. These two schemes are compared on a unique dataset containing pairs of pullbacks that were acquired shortly after each other with systems from two vendors, St. Jude and Terumo. Pullbacks were aligned according to anatomical landmarks, and a database of matched histogram pairs was created. A leave‐one‐out cross validation was used to compare performance of the two schemes. The matching accuracy was evaluated by comparing: (a) histograms using Euclidean (dx2) and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (dKS) distances, and (b) median intensity level within anatomical regions of interest.

Results

Leave‐one‐out validation indicated that both matching schemes yield comparably high accuracies across the entire validation dataset. The local scheme outperforms the global scheme with marginally lower dissimilarities at both histogram level and intensity level. High visual similarity was observed when comparing the matched images to their aligned counterparts.

Conclusion

Both local and global schemes are robust and produce accurate intensity matching. While local scheme performs marginally better than the global scheme, it requires a predefined histogram dataset and is more time consuming. Thus, for offline standardization of the images, the local scheme should be preferred for being more accurate. For online standardization or when another system is involved, the global scheme can be used as a simple and nearly‐as‐accurate alternative.
Cancer survivors' experiences of return to work: A qualitative study
Authors: Zamanzadeh Vahid , Valizadeh Leila , Rahmani Azad , Zirak Mohammad , Desiron Huget
Published: July 2018

Objective

The study aimed to explore Iranian cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 cancer survivors at their workplace and in a referral cancer center. Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis technique.

Results

Three main categories were identified as important in cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work: (1) individual perspectives, (2) nature of disease, and (3) access to support system. Results showed that returning to work contained different meaning for men and women. Also, it was found that cancer survivors had limited information about the disease and return to work that made them doubtful about returning to work.

Conclusion

Cancer survivors have different individual perspectives that affect their decision about returning to work. Their perspectives should be assessed before returning to work, and necessary support should be provided for them in returning to work process. In this regard, health care systems and rehabilitation specialists should inform cancer survivors about the disease and return to work. Also, employers should prepare work places for cancer survivors' entrance.
Investigation of the Electronic Structures and Optical Properties of Zinc‐Blende ZnS Doped with Transition Metals From a First‐Principles Method
Authors: Lu Xuefeng , Lei Qingfeng , Gao Xu , Ren Junqiang , Guo Xin , La Peiqing
Published: July 2018

Based on first‐principles with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) form, the authors carry out systematic investigations regarding the electronic structures and optical properties of zinc‐blende (ZB) ZnS doped with six types of transition metals. The Cd‐doped system has greater structural stability with a lower formation energy of 0.526 eV compared to other systems. Additionally, the band structures of systems are employed to show the superior semiconductor capacity of Mo‐ and Pt‐doped systems with decreased band gaps (EG) of 0.978 eV and 0.843 eV, which are smaller than those of the pure system and others. Moreover, charge difference density maps show that the covalent properties of MoS and PtS bonds are enhanced by exposing the electron‐deficient region. Meantime, optical properties, including absorption and reflectivity spectra, dielectric constant, and loss function, are introduced to reveal that the absorption spectra curves reach the lowest absorption peak of 2.375 × 105 cm−1 at 7.227 eV for the Mo‐doped system, in which the system exhibits a relatively negative reflectivity spectrum and dielectric loss that is expected in the solar cell industry, predicting its broad scope of application prospects in the photoelectric and microelectronic device fields.
Rapid detection and quantification of aminoglycoside phosphorylation products using direct‐infusion high‐resolution and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Perez Johnny J. , Chen Chin‐Yi
Published: July 2018

Rationale

Worldwide efforts are underway to determine the extent of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) founded the Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) focusing on surveillance and dissemination of data. In addition, the WHO advocates method development focused on rapid determination and close to real‐time monitoring of antibiotic usage and its effectiveness. Rapid determination of aminoglycoside modification by O‐phosphorylation, the most prevalent mechanism of clinical resistance, was performed using direct flow and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

Methods

A strain of Escherichia coli carrying a plasmid encoding an aminoglycoside modification enzyme (O‐phosphotransferase) was incubated with kanamycin, an aminoglycoside. The antibiotic and its modified form were observed using direct flow and LC/MS. Direct flow high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) using a Thermo Fisher Q‐Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometer was employed for quantitative analysis and structural elucidation. Liquid chromatography coupled with the AB Sciex QTRAP 6500+ was also used for quantitative analysis.

Results

Detection of phosphorylated kanamycin was achieved in less than 4 h of incubation. Calibration curves for modified kanamycin from 2.5–250 and 10–200 μg mL−1 μg mL−1 were obtained for LC/MS and direct injection high‐resolution experiments, respectively. The high‐resolution measurements were employed for conformation and structural elucidation of the novel precursor and product ion biomarkers with high mass accuracy (≤7 ppm). These results confirm previous in vitro O‐phosphotransferase metabolite measurements.

Conclusions

A new analytical method capable of determination and quantification of the most common form of aminoglycoside resistance (via phosphorylation) was developed requiring short incubation times for a positive confirmation 100‐fold lower than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). High‐resolution data simultaneously revealed quantitative abilities and provided numerous novel product ions confirming placement of the phosphate group on kanamycin.
Lack of a meaningful association between dietary patterns and in vitro fertilization outcome among Japanese women
Authors: Sugawa Miki , Okubo Hitomi , Sasaki Satoshi , Nakagawa Yuko , Kobayashi Tamotsu , Kato Keiichi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine whether preconception maternal dietary pattern is associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome among Japanese women.

Methods

This prospective study included 140 Japanese women who underwent conventional‐IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The patients’ diets during the previous month before egg retrieval were assessed with validated brief‐type self‐administered diet history questionnaire. Dietary patterns from 33 predefined food groups [energy‐adjusted food (g/1000 kcal)] were extracted by factor analysis. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate after IVF.

Results

Thirty‐six women had confirmed clinical pregnancy. Three dietary patterns were identified: “Vegetable and seafood,” “Western,” and “Rice and miso soup.” The “Vegetables and seafood” dietary pattern (high intakes of green and other vegetables, mushrooms, seasoning, fish, soy products, chicken, and potatoes) was not associated with clinical pregnancy ([odds ratio per one‐quartile increase in dietary pattern: 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.67‐1.32), P = 0.73]. This relationship was unaltered after controlling for potential confounders. Furthermore, no association was seen between the other two dietary patterns and clinical pregnancy.

Conclusions

The three maternal preconception dietary patterns identified revealed no meaningful association with IVF outcome in Japanese women. Further studies in various populations with different dietary patterns are needed to confirm these findings.
Determinants of alliance partner choice: Network distance, managerial incentives, and board monitoring
Authors: Kang Ribuga , Zaheer Akbar
Published: July 2018

Research Summary: We ask if managerial opportunism is a significant problem in alliance partner choice and examine the role of corporate governance mechanisms in explaining this choice. Using a sample of 313 alliances of U.S. firms from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries from 1992 to 2010, we find that managerial incentives lead to managerial preference for relationally risky distant partners over existing and new close partners. Further, board monitoring encourages managers to pursue existing and distant partners over new close ones, choices aligned with shareholder interests. In addition, we find that board monitoring substitutes for managerial incentives in alliance partner choice. We contribute to the literature on alliance partner choice to identify an important, and hitherto, unexplored perspective.

Managerial Summary: This article examines whether managers and shareholders view alliance‐related risks differently, and how the divergent interests between managers and shareholders affect alliance partner choice. We argue that managers’ concern about their loss of employment and compensation from alliance failure impedes the choice of relationally risky alliance partners that may increase shareholder value. We also argue that managerial stock ownership and board monitoring mitigate this managerial propensity. Our findings suggest that stock ownership owned by managers and strong board monitoring are effective governance mechanisms to align managers’ interests with those of shareholders. Our study offers a novel perspective to understand alliance partner choice by viewing the firm as an entity comprised of fragmented interests.
Effect of Strain Rate on Deformation Resistance during Ausforming in Fe–C–Mn–Si High‐Strength Bainite Steels
Authors: Chen Guanghui , Xu Guang , Hu Haijiang , Yuan Qing , Zhang Qingxiao
Published: July 2018

Deformation experiments for two bainite steels at different strain rates are conducted to analyze the effects of strain rate on deformation resistance during ausforming of two bainite steels. The results indicate that deformation resistance for medium‐carbon steel increases with strain as well as strain rate due to work hardening. However, for low‐carbon steel, although deformation resistance increases with strain due to work hardening, maximum flow stress unexpectedly appears in the specimen deformed at the smallest strain rate of 0.001 s−1 instead of the largest strain rate of 5.0 s−1. Microstructure observation of specimens deformed at 0.001 s−1 and 1.0 s−1 of low‐carbon bainite steel confirms that bainitic transformation induced by plastic deformation dominates the flow stress behavior of low‐carbon bainite steel at strain rate from 0.001 to 1.0 s−1. The present work provides the useful reference for the calculating of deformation force, setup of the deformation schedule, and safety check of processing equipment.
Towards a tensionless string field theory for the $$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,0\right) $$ CFT in d = 6
Authors: Ananth Sudarshan , Kovacs Stefano , Sato Yuki , Shimada Hidehiko
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We describe progress in using the field theory of tensionless strings to arrive at a Lagrangian for the six-dimensional$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,0\right) $$N=20conformal theory. We construct the free part of the theory and propose an ansatz for the cubic vertex in light-cone superspace. By requiring closure of the (2, 0) supersymmetry algebra, we fix the cubic vertex up to two parameters.
Magnifying the ATLAS stealth stop splinter: impact of spin correlations and finite widths
Authors: Cohen Timothy , Hopkins Walter , Majewski Stephanie , Ostdiek Bryan
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In this paper, we recast a “stealth stop” search in the notoriously difficult region of the stop-neutralino Simplified Model parameter space for which

$$ m\left({\tilde{t}}_1\right)-m\left({\tilde{\upchi}}_1^0\right)\simeq {m}_t $$

m

t
˜

1

−
m

χ
˜

1
0

≃

m
t

. The properties of the final state are nearly identical for tops and stops, while the rate for stop pair production is

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

(10%) of that for

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

. Stop searches away from this stealth region have left behind a “splinter” of open parameter space when

$$ m\left({\tilde{t}}_1\right)\simeq {m}_t $$

m

t
˜

1

≃

m
t

. Removing this splinter requires surgical precision: the ATLAS constraint on stop pair production reinterpreted here treats the signal as a contaminant to the measurement of the top pair production cross section using data from

$$ \sqrt{s}=7 $$

s

=
7

TeV and 8 TeV in a correlated way to control for some systematic errors. ATLAS fixed

$$ m\left({\tilde{t}}_1\right)\simeq {m}_t\kern0.5em and\kern0.5em m\left({\tilde{\upchi}}_1^0\right)=1 $$

m

t
˜

1

≃

m
t

and

m

χ
˜

1
0

=
1

GeV, implying that a careful recasting of these results into the full

$$ m\left({\tilde{t}}_1\right)-m\left({\tilde{\upchi}}_1^0\right) $$

m

t
˜

1

−
m

χ
˜

1
0

plane is warranted. We find that the parameter space with

$$ m\left({\tilde{\upchi}}_1^0\right)\lesssim 55 $$

m

χ
˜

1
0

≲
55

GeV is excluded for

$$ m\left({\tilde{t}}_1\right)\simeq {m}_t $$

m

t
˜

1

≃

m
t

— although this search does cover new parameter space, it is unable to fully pull the splinter. Along the way, we review a variety of interesting physical issues in detail: (i) when the two-body width is a good approximation; (ii) how assuming the narrow width approximation affects the total rate; (iii ) how the production rate is affected when the wrong widths are used; (iv ) what role propagating the spin correlations consistently through the multi-body decay chain plays in the limits. In addition, we provide a guide to using MadGraph for implementing the full production including finite width and spin correlation effects, and we survey a variety of pitfalls one might encounter.
The Burden of High‐Energy Musculoskeletal Trauma in High‐Income Countries
Authors: Hoogervorst P. , Shearer D. W. , Miclau T.
Published: July 2018

Introduction to the problem

Though declining in the recent decades, high‐energy musculoskeletal trauma remains a major contributor to the burden of disease in high‐income countries (HICs). However, due to limitations in the available body of the literature, evaluation of this burden is challenging. The purpose of this review is to assess: (1) the current epidemiologic data on the surgical burden of high‐energy musculoskeletal trauma in HICs; (2) the current data on the economic impact of high‐energy musculoskeletal trauma; and (3) potential strategies for addressing gaps in musculoskeletal trauma care for the future.

Review of literature

In 2016, mortality from road traffic injuries (RTIs) between the ages of 15–49 was reported to be 9.5% (9.0–9.9) in high‐income countries, accounting for approximately 255 million DALYs. While RTIs do not fully capture the extent of high‐energy musculoskeletal trauma, as the most common mechanism, they serve as a useful indicator of the impact on the surgical and economic burden. In 2009, the global losses related to RTIs were estimated to be 518 billion USD, costing governments between 1 and 3% of their gross domestic product (GDP). In the last decade, both the total direct per‐person healthcare cost and the incremental direct per‐person costs for those with a musculoskeletal injury in the USA rose 75 and 58%, respectively.

Future directions: addressing the gaps

While its impact is large, research on musculoskeletal conditions, including high‐energy trauma, is underfunded compared to other fields of medicine. An increased awareness among policy makers and healthcare professionals of the importance of care for the high‐energy musculoskeletal trauma patient is critical. Full implementation of trauma systems is imperative, and metrics such as the ICD–DALY have the potential to allow for real‐time evaluation of prevention and treatment programs aimed to reduce injury‐related morbidity and mortality. The dearth in knowledge in optimal and cost‐effective post‐acute care for high‐energy musculoskeletal trauma is a reason for concern, especially since almost half of the costs are attributed to this phase of care. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams as part of a musculoskeletal trauma system may be of interest to decrease further the long‐term negative effects and the economic burden of high‐energy musculoskeletal trauma.
Social skills group training in children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dekker Vera , Nauta Maaike H. , Timmerman Marieke E. , Mulder Erik J. , van der Veen-Mulders Lianne , van den Hoofdakker Barbara J. , van Warners Sjoukje , Vet Leonieke J. J. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , de Bildt Annelies
Published: July 2018

In 122 high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; 9–13 years; 19 girls), we investigated the effectiveness of a 15-session social skills group training (SST) with and without parent and teacher involvement (PTI) in a randomized controlled trial with three conditions: SST (n = 47), SST–PTI (n = 51), and care-as-usual (CAU, n = 24). Hierarchical linear modeling was used for immediate and 6-month follow-up analyses. Measures were administered before randomization (blind), post-treatment and at follow-up (not blind). Trial registration: Dutch Trial Register; http://www.trialregister.nl; NTR2405. At post-treatment, children in both SSTs had improved significantly more than CAU on the primary outcome, Vineland Socialization (SST: Cohen’s d = 0.39; 95% CI − 2.23 to 3.11 and SST–PTI: d = 0.43; 95% CI − 2.19 to 3.15) and on the secondary outcome parent-SSRS “Cooperation” (SST: d = 0.43; 95% CI − 0.23 to 1.15 and SST–PTI: d = 0.45; 95% CI − 0.21 to 1.17), with no difference between post-treatment and follow-up. Additionally, children in SST–PTI improved significantly more on the teacher-SSRS than in CAU [“Cooperation” d =0.42 (95% CI − 0.33 to 1.13); “Assertion” d =0.34 (95% CI − 0.39 to 1.11); “Self-Control” d =0.61 (95% CI − 0.08 to 1.34)] and in SST [“Cooperation” d =0.34 (95% CI − 0.37 to 1.05); “Self-Control” d =0.59 (95% CI − 0.13 to 1.32)]. The current study corroborates earlier findings in smaller samples and wider age ranges, with small but statistically significant effects of SST for high-functioning pre-adolescent children with ASD. Parental and teacher involvement intensified treatment, yet did not yield an additional effect relative to SST for children only, as reported by parents. 6 months after training, no further improvement or decline was found.
Minor complexity of discrete functions
Authors: Shtrakov Slavcho
Published: July 2018

In this paper we study a class of complexity measures, induced by a new data structure for representingk-valued functions (operations), called minor decision diagram. When assigning values to some variables in a function the resulting functions are called subfunctions, and when identifying some variables the resulting functions are called minors. The sets of essential variables in subfunctions offare called separable inf.

We examine the maximal separable subsets of variables and their conjugates, introduced in the paper, proving that each such set has at least one conjugate. The essential arity gapgap(f)of the functionfis the minimal number of essential variables infwhich become fictive when identifying distinct essential variables inf. We also investigate separable sets of variables in functions with non-trivial arity gap. This allows us to solve several important algebraic, computational and combinatorial problems about the finite-valued functions.
Splenic hamartoma associated with abdominal discomfort and pain: Case report
Authors: Illuminati Giulio , Prezioso Giampaolo , Pizzardi Giulia , Pasqua Rocco , Perotti Bruno , Amatucci Chiara , De Vincentiis Ludovica
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Hamartomas are benign splenic neoplasms asymptomatic in most of the cases. Symptoms, when present, may either be related to the growth of the mass with abdominal discomfort and pain or be related to a hypersplenism syndrome. Certain preoperative diagnosis cannot be made with current diagnostic imaging. Splenectomy is therefore indicated in order to obtain histological diagnosis, rule out malignancy or achieve regression of symptoms. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman referred for a splenic hamartoma causing pain located on the upper abdominal quadrant. She underwent splenectomy through a left subcostal access followed by complete resolution of symptoms.

Resection of splenic masses is indicated to complete diagnosis, achieve cure and, when present, relieve symptoms.

Highlights:
Comparison of 4.8 Fr and 6 Fr ureteral stents on stent related symptoms following ureterorenoscopy: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cubuk Alkan , Yanaral Fatih , Ozgor Faruk , Savun Metin , Ozdemir Harun , Erbin Akif , Yuksel Bahar , Sarilar Omer
Published: July 2018

The effects of ureteral stent diameters on ureteral stent‐related symptoms were evaluated by using Turkish‐validated Ureteral Stent Related Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ). Datas on 126 patients underwent uncomplicated flexible ureterorenoscopy and 62 patients underwent uncomplicated semirigid ureteroscopy surgery without stent insertion (group 3) were collected. Patients were randomized preoperatively in a double‐blind fashion to 4.8 French (group 1) and 6 French (group 2) ureteral JJ stents groups. The first follow‐up visit was done at one week after surgery for all groups. Stents were removed on the third postoperative week for stented groups. The second follow‐up visit was done at one week after stent removal for group 1 and group 2, and four week after surgery for group 3. Preoperative characteristics, operation time and hospitalization times were similar in both groups. Total USSQ scores were 91.9, 103.0, 44.2 at first visit and 54.3, 58.7, 28.5 at second visit in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively. At both first and second visits, the group 2 had significantly higher USSQ scores than the group 1 (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Group 1 and 2 had higher scores than group 3 at both visits. Ureteral stents are associated with poor effects on patients' comfort and high USSQ scores. Using 4.8 Fr JJ stents improves stent‐related symptoms and decreases the USSQ score more than 6 Fr JJ stents. Therefore, if ureteral stent is to be used after URS, we recommend using 4.8 Fr stent.
Autonomic Dysreflexia as a Potential Adverse Effect of Duloxetine and Amitriptyline Combination Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Parke Sara C. , Reyes Maria Regina
Published: July 2018

Pharmacologic triggers of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) have rarely been described. This report describes the case of a 31‐year‐old woman with T3 American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A spinal cord injury who developed recurrent AD while receiving duloxetine and amitriptyline combination therapy for neuropathic pain. After excluding other AD generators, duloxetine was discontinued and the AD episodes resolved. Although secondary hypertension is a known side effect of amitriptyline and duloxetine, neither drug has been previously associated with AD. One potential mechanism for inhibition of duloxetine metabolism is discussed. Unexplained AD in at‐risk patients receiving duloxetine and amitriptyline should prompt consideration of an adverse reaction to combination therapy.

Level of Evidence

V
Walking Stability During Normal Walking and Its Association with Slip Intensity Among Individuals with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Arora Tarun , Musselman Kristin E. , Lanovaz Joel L. , Linassi Gary , Arnold Catherine , Milosavljevic Stephan , Oates Alison
Published: July 2018

Background

Ambulatory individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) experience frequent falls suggesting impairments in their balance control. Individuals with iSCI are more stable during normal walking as compared to able‐bodied (AB) individuals; however, it is not known whether this increased stability helps prevent hazardous slips.

Objective

To compare walking stability during normal walking between iSCI and AB individuals, and to study the association between stability during normal walking and the intensity of an unexpected slip perturbation.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Biomechanics of Balance and Movement lab, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.

Participants

Twenty iSCI (15 men; age: M = 60.05, SD = 17.77 years) and 16 (12 men; age: M = 58.92, SD = 17.10 years) AB individuals.

Methods

Stability measures during unperturbed walking at a self‐selected speed were collected from all the participants. Additionally, stability measures were also collected from 10 of the AB participants walking at a slower speed. An unexpected slip perturbation was recorded in all participants during a self‐selected speed trial and peak‐slip heel velocity post slip was recorded.

Main Outcome Measurements

Measures of stability: ankle co‐contraction, required coefficient of friction, walking velocity, foot angle, anteroposterior margin of stability, percentage double support, step length, and step width were compared between iSCI, AB‐self selected, and AB‐slow walking groups. Associations between slip intensity, indicated by peak post‐slip heel velocity, and stability measures were also examined through correlation analysis.

Results

Individuals with iSCI walked slower, took shorter steps, and spent a greater percentage of time in double support compared with AB individuals walking at a self‐selected pace (P < .01). Slower walking velocity was correlated with slower post‐slip velocity in participants with iSCI (P = .01) only.

Conclusions

Individuals with iSCI walk with greater stability than AB individuals during unperturbed walking because of a lower self‐selected speed, which appears to reduce the intensity of an unexpected slip perturbation.

Level of Evidence

III
Comprehending the Incomprehensible
Authors: Palmer Donald , Feldman Valerie
Published: July 2018

This Element describes child sexual abuse and the formal organizations in which it can occur, reviews extant perspectives on child abuse, and explains how an organization theory approach can advance understanding of this phenomenon. It then elaborates the main paths through which organizational structures can influence child sexual abuse in organizations and analyze how these structures operate through these paths to impact the perpetration, detection, and response to abuse. The analysis is illustrated throughout with reports of child sexual abuse published in a variety of sources. The Element concludes with a brief discussion of the policy implications of this analysis.
VOTING, NATIONHOOD, AND CITIZENSHIP IN LATE-COLONIAL AFRICA
Authors: WILLIS JUSTIN , LYNCH GABRIELLE , CHEESEMAN NIC
Published: July 2018

In the face of considerable scepticism from some British commentators, elections by secret ballot and adult suffrage emerged as central features of the end of British rule in Africa. This article considers the trajectories of electoral politics in three territories – Ghana (Gold Coast), Kenya, and Uganda. It shows that in each of these, the ballot box came to provide a point of convergence for the disparate ambitions of nationalist politicians, colonial policy-makers, and a hopeful, restive public: performing order, asserting maturity and equality, and staking a claim to prosperity. Late-colonial elections, we argue, constrained political possibility even as they offered citizenship, presenting the developmentalist state as the only possible future and ensuring substantial continuities from late colonialism to independence. They also established a linkage between nationhood, adulthood, and the ballot that was to have enduring political force. Yet at the same time, they established elections as a space for a local politics of clientelism, and for kinds of claims-making and accountability that were to complicate post-independence projects of nation-building.
Records of opecoeline species Pseudopecoelus cf. vulgaris and Anomalotrema koiae Gibson & Bray, 1984 (Trematoda, Opecoelidae, Opecoelinae) from fish of the North Pacific, with notes on the phylogeny of the family Opecoelidae
Authors: Sokolov S.G. , Shchenkov S.V. , Gordeev I.I.
Published: July 2018

Opecoelid speciesPseudopecoelus cf.vulgarisandAnomalotrema koiaeGibson & Bray, 1984 were found in fish collected in the boreal waters of the North Pacific.Pseudopecoelus cf.vulgarisdiffers fromPseudopecoelusvulgaris(Manter, 1934) in terms of the egg size. This is the first record ofA. koiaein the North Pacific, and the second ofPseudopecoeluscf.vulgaris.Previously,A. koiaewas recorded only in North Atlantic fish. Partial sequences of 28S rDNA obtained for these two species and six other previously unsequenced representatives of the family Opecoelidae were analysed together with data from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis supports the allocation of the six clades of opecoelids – Helicometrinae, Opecoelinae, Opistholebetinae, ‘freshwater Plagioporinae’, ‘marine Plagioporinae B’ and ‘marine Plagioporinae C’, and confirms the paraphyly of the group ‘deep-sea Plagioporinae’. Our phylogeny does not support previous hypotheses about the monophyly of opecoelines with a uroproct.
Leg pains in CHD: a distressing symptom of a wider problem
Authors: Hutchinson Suzie , Crossland David S. , Chaudhry Bill , Coats Louise
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Anecdotal reports suggest that children and young adults with CHD frequently experience pain in their legs. The purpose of this pilot study, performed by Little Hearts Matter patient organisation, was to assess the burden of leg pains in this group and begin to investigate associated factors and consequences for daily living.

Methods

An internet-based survey was distributed by Little Hearts Matter patient organisation. After anonymisation and collation, responses were analysed and compared with their healthy siblings.

Results

Of the 220 patients who responded, 94% reported leg pains compared with 30% of siblings (n=107; p<0.001). In respondents, pain was typically reported to occur in the lower legs or around the knees or ankles, often associated with crying and screaming (49.0%) and most commonly occurring at night-time (82.0%). Individuals taking aspirin and those who were more active were more likely to report leg pains. Older age was associated with leg pain that occurred with stress (p=0.02) and at night (p=0.05). Analgesia (64.1%) or massage (53.9%) was the preferred option for alleviation. There was no gender bias, association with diagnosis, surgical history, and/ or relationship with diagnosed orthopaedic issues.

Conclusion

Leg pains are more frequent in those with CHD compared with their healthy siblings. Aetiology is uncertain, but pains share many common characteristics with benign “growing pains”.
Solar Flare Prediction Using Machine Learning with Multiwavelength Observations
Authors: Nishizuka Naoto , Sugiura Komei , Kubo Yuki , Den Mitsue , Watari Shin-ichi , Ishii Mamoru
Published: July 2018

We developed a flare prediction model based on the supervised machine learning of solar observation data for 2010-2015. We used vector magnetograms, lower chromospheric brightening, and soft-X-ray data taken by Solar Dynamics Observatory and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite. We detected active regions and extracted 60 solar features such as magnetic neutral lines, current helicity, chromospheric brightening, and flare history. We fully shuffled the database and randomly divided it into two for training and testing. To predict the maximum size of flares occurring in the following 24 hours, we used three machine-learning algorithms independently: the support vector machine, the k nearest neighbors (kNN), and the extremely randomized trees. We achieved a skill score (TSS) of greater than 0.9 for kNN. Furthermore, we compared the prediction results in a more operational setting by shuffling and dividing the database with a week unit. It was found that the prediction score depends on the way the database is prepared.