bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the 12‐lead ECG using a novel MR‐compatible ECG sensor network
Authors: Dos Reis Jesús E. , Soullié Paul , Oster Julien , Palmero Soler Ernesto , Petitmangin Gregory , Felblinger Jacques , Odille Freddy
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Current electrocardiography (ECG) devices in MRI use non‐conventional electrode placement, have a narrow bandwidth, and suffer from signal distortions including magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects and gradient‐induced artifacts. In this work a system is proposed to obtain a high‐quality 12‐lead ECG.

Methods

A network of N electrically independent MR‐compatible ECG sensors was developed (N = 4 in this study). Each sensor uses a safe technology – short cables, preamplification/digitization close to the patient, and optical transmission – and provides three bipolar voltage leads. A matrix combination is applied to reconstruct a 12‐lead ECG from the raw network signals. A subject‐specific calibration is performed to identify the matrix coefficients, maximizing the similarity with a true 12‐lead ECG, acquired with a conventional 12‐lead device outside the scan room. The sensor network was subjected to radiofrequency heating phantom tests at 3T. It was then tested in four subjects, both at 1.5T and 3T.

Results

Radiofrequency heating at 3T was within the MR‐compatibility standards. The reconstructed 12‐lead ECG showed minimal MHD artifacts and its morphology compared well with that of the true 12‐lead ECG, as measured by correlation coefficients above 93% (respectively, 84%) for the QRS complex shape during steady‐state free precession (SSFP) imaging at 1.5T (respectively, 3T).

Conclusion

High‐quality 12‐lead ECG can be reconstructed by the proposed sensor network at 1.5T and 3T with reduced MHD artifacts compared to previous systems. The system might help improve patient monitoring and triggering and might also be of interest for interventional MRI and advanced cardiac MR applications.
On a new exponential iterative method for solving nonsmooth equations
Authors: Śmietański Marek J.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we propose a new distinctive version of a generalized Newton method for solving nonsmooth equations. The iterative formula is not the classic Newton type, but an exponential one. Moreover, it uses matrices from B‐differential instead of generalized Jacobian. We prove local convergence of the method and we present some numerical examples.
Development and preliminary validation of an instrument to enable laypersons to assess suspected side effects from medicines
Authors: O'Donovan Bernadine , Rodgers Ruth M. , Cox Anthony R. , Krska Janet
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Research into causality assessment tools enabling patients to assess suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is limited. Supporting patients with tools could improve their confidence in discussions with health professionals and encourage reporting of suspected ADRs to regulators. This study describes development and preliminary validation of an instrument: Side Effect Patient ASsessment Tool (SE‐PAST).

Methods

SE‐PAST was developed from survey and interview data involving patients experiencing suspected ADRs. It included 10 statements enabling causality assessment, covering timing, additional information sources, and experiences, with four options: yes/no/don't know/not applicable. Scoring and weighting resulted in four categories of causal association: highly probable, probable, possible, unlikely.

Validation involved obtaining feedback from 31 individuals experiencing an ADR. Further validation involved online distribution through patient support groups and comparison of reported symptoms to known ADRs.

Results

Validators found SE‐PAST easy to read (31), to understand (27), and to complete (29). A total of 294 respondents completed SE‐PAST online, with 98% completing eight or more causality assessment statements. Symptoms were categorised as highly probable (46; 16%), probable (80; 62%), possible (44; 15%), and unlikely (21; 7%). A total of 221 respondents identified one suspected medicine, with 95% of these reporting at least one symptom known to be an ADR.

Of 227 providing feedback, 139 (61%) found SE‐PAST useful, 160 (71%) felt motivated to discuss their experience with a health professional, and 136 (60%) were encouraged to report to the regulator.

Conclusion

SE‐PAST was easily completed and understood by people experiencing suspected ADRs and could be useful in encouraging patient reporting to health professionals and agencies.
Pure and complex nanostructures using poly[bis(triiso‐propylsilylethynyl) benzodithiophene‐bis(decyltetradecyl‐thien) naphthobisthiadiazole], carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide for high‐performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Agbolaghi Samira
Published: June 2019

Crystallization of poly[bis(triiso‐propylsilylethynyl) benzodithiophene‐bis(decyltetradecyl‐thien) naphthobisthiadiazole] (PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT) was investigated in supramolecules based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and their grafted derivatives. The principal peaks of PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT crystals were in the range 3.50°–3.75°. By grafting the surface of the carbonic materials, the assembling of polymer chains decreased because of hindrance of poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) (PDDT) grafts against π‐stacking. The diameters of CNT/polymer and CNT‐g‐PDDT/polymer supramolecules were 160 and 100 nm. The rGO/polymer supramolecules had the highest melting point (Tm = 282 °C) and fusion enthalpy (ΔHm = 25.98 J g−1), reflecting the largest crystallites and the most ordered constituents. Nano‐hybrids based on grafted rGO (276 °C and 28.26 J g−1), CNT (275 °C and 27.32 J g−1) and grafted CNT (268 °C and 22.17 J g−1) were also analyzed. Tm and ΔHm values were significantly less in corresponding melt‐grown systems. The nanostructures were incorporated in active layers of PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT:phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) solar cells to improve the photovoltaic features. The best results were detected for PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT:PC71BM:rGO/polymer systems having Jsc = 13.11 mA cm−2, fill factor 60% and Voc = 0.71 V with an efficacy of 5.58%. On grafting the rGO and CNT, efficiency reductions were 12.01% (5.58%–4.91%) and 9.34% (4.07%–3.69%), respectively. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Bringing Heparan Sulfate Glycomics Together with Proteomics for the Design of Novel Therapeutics: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Nurcombe Victor , Ling Ling , Hondermarck Hubert , Cool Simon M. , Smith Raymond A. A.
Published: June 2019

Increasing knowledge of how peptides bind saccharides, and of how saccharides bind peptides, is starting to revolutionize understanding of cell‐extracellular matrix relationships. Here, a historical perspective is taken of the relationship between heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans and how they interact with peptide growth factors in order to both drive and modulate signaling through the appropriate cognate receptors. Such knowledge is guiding the preparation of targeted sugar mimetics that will impact the treatment of many different kinds of diseases, including cancer.
Quantization of Magnetic Poisson Structures
Authors: Szabo Richard J.
Published: June 2019

We describe three perspectives on higher quantization, using the example of magnetic Poisson structures which embody recent discussions of nonassociativity in quantum mechanics with magnetic monopoles and string theory with non‐geometric fluxes. We survey approaches based on deformation quantization of twisted Poisson structures, symplectic realization of almost symplectic structures, and geometric quantization using 2‐Hilbert spaces of sections of suitable bundle gerbes. We compare and contrast these perspectives, describing their advantages and shortcomings in each case, and mention many open avenues for investigation.
Exploring the systematic effect of N‐substituted PxxP motifs on peptoid affinity to ARHGEF5/TIM SH3 domain and its relationship with ARHGEF5/TIM activation
Authors: Fu Yong , He Ping , Zhou Yu , Huang Shengyuan , Liang Lin , Liu Shengchun
Published: June 2019

The TIM protein is a short isoform of full‐length Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 5 (ARHGEF5), which acts as a functional regulator of Rho‐dependent signaling pathways by activating the Rho family of GTPases. The activation is auto‐inhibited by a putative helix N‐terminal to the DH domain of TIM, which is stabilized by the intramolecular interaction of C‐terminal SH3 domain with a proline‐rich region 47SSPRQPRKAL56 (termed as SSP peptide) between the putative helix and the DH domain. Previously, we demonstrate that the auto‐inhibitory state of TIM protein can be relieved by targeting its SH3 domain with rationally designed peptide ligands. However, the designed natural peptides have only a moderately increased affinity (~2‐fold) as compared to the cognate SH3‐SSP interaction and are susceptible to protease degradation. Here, considering that proline is the only endogenous N‐substituted amino acid that plays a critical role in SH3‐peptide recognition, the two key proline residues Pro49 and Pro52 in the core 49PxxP52 motif of SSP peptide are systematically replaced by 19 N‐substituted amino acid types to derive a variety of nonnatural peptoid ligands for TIM SH3 domain. Dynamics and energetics analyses reveal that the replacement would impair the active polyproline II (PPII) helical conformation of SSP peptide due to lack of structural constraint introduced by the five‐membered ring of native proline side‐chains, thus increasing the peptide flexibility that could incur a large entropy penalty upon binding to the domain. However, the impairment is not very significant and the peptide affinity may also be restored and improved if the N‐substituted motif of derived peptiod ligands can effectively interact with the PxxP‐binding site of TIM SH3 domain. Consequently, a number of potent peptoids are successfully designed by fluorescence spectroscopy confirmation, in which three (ie, SSP[N‐Ile49, N‐Asn52], SSP[N‐Phe49, N‐Gln52], and SSP[N‐Tyr49, N‐Asn52]) exhibit considerably increased affinity (Kd = 0.09, 0.07, and 0.04 μM, respectively) relative to the native SSP peptide (Kd = 0.87 μM). In addition, guanine nucleotide exchange assays also substantiate that the designed SH3‐targeted peptiods can effectively enhance TIM‐catalyzed RhoA exchange activity (EA), which is observed to present an exponential relationship with the measured SH3‐peptoid binding affinity (pKd).
Off‐Stoichiometry of Magnetron Sputtered Ba1−xSrxTiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Rachut Karsten , Bayer Thorsten J. M. , Wolff Jan O. , Kmet Brigita , Benčan Andreja , Klein Andreas
Published: June 2019

Barium strontium titanate thin films with different Ba/Sr ratios deposited by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering are studied with respect to their composition using in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The deposited samples can be described as either titanium‐rich or stoichiometric, with cation B/A ratios (i.e., ratios between the Ti and (Ba + Sr) concentrations) of 1.2–1.6 or 0.7–1.0, respectively. Volume sensitive compositional analysis using transmission electron microscopy shows a non‐stoichiometry, which is less pronounced than at the surface. X‐ray diffraction only shows cubic perovskite reflections. Together with photoelectron binding energy differences and full widths at half maxima of the Ti 2p and O 1s emissions, this indicates that all films consist of a single phase. The relation between oxygen concentration and B/A ratio further indicates that the deviation of stoichiometry is accommodated by removal or insertion of (Ba,Sr)O. The higher variation of (Ba,Sr)O content near the surface as compared to the bulk may be associated to an increased strain, which is proposed to contribute to surface roughening.
EXAFS Study of the Local Order in Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1–x)4 Alloys
Authors: Pietnoczka Anna , Bacewicz Rajmund , Antonowicz Jerzy , Schorr Susan , Gurieva Galina
Published: June 2019

Local structure in Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1–x)4 alloys is studied by the extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) method. K edge absorption spectra of four elements: Cu, Zn, Sn, and Se have been measured. The EXAFS analysis of the nearest neighbor shell is performed using simultaneous fitting of the data for all four K edges. This provides value of structural parameters in the most consistent way. The cation–anion interatomic distances exhibit the bimodal behavior, i.e., the Me–S and Me–Se distances (Me = Cu, Zn, and Sn) are practically constant over the whole composition range of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1–x)4 alloys. They are compared to the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) values for these alloys. The analysis of the EXAFS Debye‐Waller factors indicates differences in the static disorder around different cations with the lowest disorder observed in the first coordination shell of Sn atoms.
Photostability of MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells by Incorporating Black Phosphorus
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Haijuan , Zhang Taiyang , Shi Wenjun , Kan Miao , Chen Jie , Zhao Yixin
Published: June 2019

Photostability is one of the most vital challenges for organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs). With the incorporation of black phosphorus (BP), well known for self‐healing and its superior property to regulate charge recombination, into CH3NH3PbI3 perovskites (MAPbI3/BP), the associated PSCs exhibit significant enhancement in photostability in addition to the photovoltaic (PV) performance. The MAPbI3/BP‐based PSCs retain ≈94% of initial efficiency after 1000 h continuous white light LED illumination in a dry N2 glovebox whereas their counterparts without the incorporation of BP decrease to ≈30%. Although BP has very small influence on the morphology and structure of the perovskite crystals, Pb0 defects are effectively inhibited and hot carrier recombination is found to be retarded as confirmed by femtosecond optical spectroscopy. The utilization of the material to simultaneously inhibit Pb0 defect formation and retard charge recombination, such as BP, is a promising strategy to enhance the photostability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite‐based PSCs and their siblings.
Active impedance‐based single‐phase hybrid active power filter
Authors: Lemma Bisrat Gezahegn , Liao Minfu
Published: June 2019

This article presents a single‐phase hybrid active power filter (1pSHAPF) containing a small rated active power filter connected in series with a single‐tuned inductive‐capacitive (LC) passive filter. Single‐phase nonlinear loads are increasing alarmingly in the distribution system. This is because the devices are gaining attraction for applications in information technology, emerging electric vehicle technology, and interfacing for power grids. However, nonlinear loads are common source of harmonics and contribute unpleasant conditions for the power systems. In the proposed control, a single‐phase hybrid active power filter was actively adjusted to form multiple active short circuits for characteristic harmonic. Load harmonic current easily diverted into filter path and harmonic voltages eliminated from the bus due to the active short circuit formed at the bus. The LC passive filter blocked 70% of the maximum fundamental bus voltage. This allows us to use lower DC‐link voltage hence reduces switching loss and investment for inverters. The detailed design procedures and their realization on TMS320F28335 DSP are analyzed and presented using PSIM and MATLAB/Simulink environments. The performances of the proposed controller are evaluated using diode rectifiers with resistance‐capacitance (RC)
and resistance‐inductance (RL) loads. The results showed good harmonic voltage damping, current harmonic reduction (from 60.86 to 9.4%), and power factor correction. Therefore, the proposed controller can be taken as a solution to extend the hybrid active power filter (HAPF) tuned into multiple harmonic frequencies. This research has a practical benefit for power quality (PQ) compensation in the case of a single‐phase smart grid. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Trapping horizon and negative energy
Authors: Ho Pei-Ming , Matsuo Yoshinori
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Assuming spherical symmetry and the semi-classical Einstein equation, we prove that, for the observers on top of the trapping horizon, the vacuum energy-momentum tensor is always that of an ingoing negative energy flux at the speed of light with a universal energy density ℰ ≃ − 1/(2κa
2), (where a is the areal radius of the trapping horizon), which is responsible for the decrease in the black hole’s mass over time. This result is independent of the composition of the collapsing matter and the details of the vacuum energy-momentum tensor. The physics behind the universality of this quantity ℰ and its surprisingly large magnitude will be discussed.
Correlation Between the Increased Hospital Volume and Decreased Overall Perioperative Mortality in One Universal Health Care System
Authors: Wu Jin‐Ming , Ho Te‐Wei , Tien Yu‐Wen
Published: June 2019

Background

Volume–outcome relationship has been demonstrated extensively for short‐term outcomes for oncological surgery. However, its effect on long‐term surgical outcomes or in one universal health care (UHC) system is unknown. This retrospective population‐based study aims to validate the correlation between the increased hospital volume and better short‐ and long‐term outcomes in patients who underwent total gastrectomy (TG) for gastric cancer.

Methods

From the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we examined 7905 patients who underwent TG between 2000 and 2010. The surgical outcomes of this study were defined as death within 30, 60, and 180 days after TG.

Results

A total of 7905 subjects were included for analysis. The mean age was 65.8 years, and 68.8% were males. The 30‐, 60‐, and 180‐day mortality rates after TG for gastric cancer were 2.7%, 6.2%, and 18.2%, respectively. On the multivariate analysis, TG at high‐volume hospitals significantly contributed to lower 30‐day (odds ratio 0.64; 95% confidence interval 0.48–0.85; P < 0.001), 60‐day (odds ratio 0.68; 95% confidence interval 0.56–0.82; P < 0.001), and 180‐day mortality rates (odds ratio 0.80; 95% confidence interval 0.70–0.90; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although TG is a complex operation with high mortality rates (~180‐day), high hospital volume correlates with better perioperative outcomes even in UHC system. Hence, the strategy to advocate the centralization of TG is reasonable, especially for the elderly.
Redox self-sufficient biocatalyst system for conversion of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine into (R)- or (S)-3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid
Authors: Xiong Tianzhen , Jiang Jing , Bai Yajun , Fan Tai-Ping , Zhao Ye , Zheng Xiaohui , Cai Yujie
Published: June 2019

We developed an efficient multi-enzyme cascade reaction to produce (R)- or (S)-3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid [(R)- or (S)-Danshensu, (R)- or (S)-DSS] from 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine (l-DOPA) in Escherichia coli by introducing tyrosine aminotransferase (tyrB), glutamate dehydrogenase (cdgdh) and d-aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (csldhD) or l-aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (tcldhL). First, the genes in the pathway were overexpressed and fine-tuned for (R)- or (S)-DSS production. The resulting strain, E. coli TGL 2.1 and E. coli TGL 2.2, which overexpressed tyrB with the stronger T7 promoter and cdgdh, cs ldhD or tcldhL with the weaker Trc promoter, E. coli TGL 2.1 yielded 57% increase in (R)-DSS production: 59.8 ± 2.9 mM. Meanwhile, E. coli TGL 2.2 yielded 54% increase in (S)-DSS production: 52.2 ± 2.4 mM. The optimal concentration of L-glutamate was found to be 20 mM for production of (R)- or (S)-DSS. Finally, l-DOPA were transformed into (R)- or (S)-DSS with an excellent enantiopure form (enantiomeric excess > 99.99%) and productivity of 6.61 mM/h and 4.48 mM/h, respectively.
Bilinear regression with random effects and reduced rank restrictions
Authors: von Rosen Tatjana , von Rosen Dietrich
Published: June 2019

Bilinear models with three types of effects are considered: fixed effects, random effects and latent variable effects. In the literature, bilinear models with random effects and bilinear models with latent variables have been discussed but there are no results available when combining random effects and latent variables. It is shown, via appropriate vector space decompositions, how to remove the random effects so that a well-known model comprising only fixed effects and latent variables is obtained. The spaces are chosen so that the likelihood function can be factored in a convenient and interpretable way. To obtain explicit estimators, an important standardization constraint on the random effects is assumed to hold. A theorem is presented where a complete solution to the estimation problem is given.
Vulvodynia, “A Really Great Torturer”: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study Examining Pain Experiences and Drug/Non-drug Pain Relief Strategies
Authors: Schlaeger Judith M. , Pauls Heather A. , Powell-Roach Keesha L. , Thornton Patrick D. , Hartmann Dee , Suarez Marie L. , Kobak William H. , Hughes Tonda L. , Steffen Alana D. , Patil Crystal L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Women with vulvodynia, a chronic pain condition, experience vulvar pain and dyspareunia. Few studies examine the range and combination of treatment strategies that women are actually using to reduce vulvodynia.

Aim

To describe pain experiences and pain relief strategies of women with vulvodynia.

Methods

Convenience sample, 60 women with vulvodynia (median age 32.5 [interquartile range {IQR} 8.5] years; 50 white, 10 racial/ethnic minorities) completed PAINReportIt and reported use of drugs and alcohol and responded to open-ended questions. Univariate descriptive statistics and bivariate inferential tests were used to describe average pain intensity scores, alcohol use, smoking, number of pain relief strategies, and their associations. Women’s open-ended responses about their pain experiences and drug and non-drug pain relief strategies (NDPRS) were analyzed for patterns.

Outcomes

Our mixed methods analysis connected data from pain measures, prescribed treatments and self-reported behaviors with women’s free responses. This enabled nuanced insights into women’s vulvodynia pain experiences.

Results

Women’s descriptions of their pain and suffering aligned with their reported severe pain and attempts to control their pain, with a median pain intensity of 6.7 (IQR 2.0) despite use of adjuvant drugs (median 2.0 [IQR 2.0]), and opioids (median 1.0 [IQR 2.0]). 36 women (60%) used alcohol to lessen their pain. 26 women (43%) listed combining analgesics and alcohol to relieve their pain. 30 women (50%) smoked cigarettes. 54 women (90%) used ≥1 NDPRS. The mean number of NDPRS used was 2.1 ± 1.3 (range 0–6). The 5 most common NDPRS from women’s comments were herbal medicine (40%), acupuncture (27%), massage (22%), hypnosis (15%), and mental healthcare (13%).

Clinical Implications

Severe pain in women with vulvodynia may be a clinical indicator of those at higher risk of combining prescription pain medications with alcohol, which are all central nervous system depressants and may potentiate overdose.

Strengths and Limitations

This pilot study demonstrated that the mixed methods approach to help understand the complexity of vulvodynia was feasible. We identified data showing a reliance on a high-risk mix of prescriptions and alcohol to reduce vulvodynia pain and a high prevalence of cigarette smoking. However, as a pilot study, these results are considered preliminary; the sample may not be representative. Perhaps only women at the extreme end of the pain continuum participated, or women took the survey twice because identifiers were not collected.

Conclusion

Despite attempts to reduce pain using multiple therapies, including alcohol, women’s vulvodynia pain is severe and not controlled.
Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LiST) for Erectile Dysfunction: Is it Safe for Patients on Anticoagulant Medication?
Authors: Kalyvianakis Dimitrios , Memmos Dimirios , Mykoniatis Ioannis , Kapoteli Paraskevi , Hatzichristou Dimitrios
Published: June 2019

Introduction

A significant percentage of men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) use antiplatelet therapy because they have a history of cardiovascular disease. However, the safety of this novel treatment modality in patients under antiplatelet treatment has been based on anecdotal cases, and published data are lacking. The aim of this study is to examine the safety of low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST) on a group of patients under antiplatelet therapy who were treated with LiST.

Methods

A pulled data analysis, conducted from November–December 2018, including 2 randomized clinical trials conducted at an Andrology outpatient clinic is presented. The 2 trials used the same design, the same shockwaves generator, as well as the same method of delivering the energy. The LiST protocol differed between the patients regarding LiST sessions number (6, 12, or 18), sessions frequency (1, 2, or 3 sessions/wk) and energy flux density used, which was either 0.05 or 0.1 mJ/mm2. The number of 5,000 pulses/session remained unchanged. For the purpose of the current study, patients receiving anticoagulant medication at the time of treatment and follow-up period were included in this analysis. All patients had a diagnosis of vasculogenic ED. According to the study protocol, after every treatment visit, as well as at 1 and 3 months after treatment, all patients reported any side effects or complications of the treatment; physical examination of the penis was performed before and after each treatment session, as well as at follow-up visits at 1 and 3 months. Penile ultrasonography was performed at baseline, as well as at 3 months’ follow-up, at the same time with triplex ultrasonography by the same investigator.

Results

138 patients were included in the 2 trials, whereas 135 (98%) of them finished the 3 months follow-up. 35 (25.3%) of them were under anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication during LiST. No bleeding events or any other side effects were reported.

Strengths & Limitations

The main strength of this article is that it is the first report on the safety of LiST on the specific group of cardiovascular patients with ED under anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. However, it is a pulled data analysis, based on 2 randomized studies, which did not have safety of LiST as a primary outcome.

Conclusion

LiST seems to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for vasculogenic ED in patients on antiplatelet medication.
IncobotulinumtoxinA and Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Soh Derrick , Fasano Alfonso
Published: June 2019

Guidelines recommend Botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) after deep brain stimulation (DBS), although the effectiveness of their combined use is uncertain. A chart review of Parkinson’s disease (17) and dystonia (7) patients undergoing 302 injections with IncobotulinumtoxinA before or after DBS was performed. Patients with cervical dystonia received less IncobotulinumtoxinA after DBS (290.7 ± 124.0 vs. 192.4 ± 131.4, p = 0.005) and experienced an increased benefit (4.0 ± 3.4 vs. 8.4 ± 3.6 weeks, p = 0.003). No significant differences were found when comparing the treatment outcomes of 14 patients who received both IncobotulinumtoxinA and OnabotulinumtoxinA after DBS. The use of BoNT-A after DBS is a useful strategy although prospective studies are needed.
Oral antibiotics prior to colorectal surgery: Do they have to be combined with mechanical bowel preparation?
Authors: Mulder Tessa , Kluytmans Jan A.J.W.
Published: June 2019

To reduce the of risk infection after colorectal surgery, oral antibiotic preparation (OAP) and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) can be applied. Whether OAP can be used without MBP is unclear. A meta-analysis of observational studies demonstrated comparable effectiveness of OAP with and without MBP regarding SSI risk.
Irregular self-similar configurations of shock-wave impingement on shear layers
Authors: Martínez-Ruiz Daniel , Huete César , Martínez-Ferrer Pedro J. , Mira Daniel
Published: June 2019

An oblique shock impinging on a shear layer that separates two uniform supersonic streams, of Mach numbers $M_{1}$ and $M_{2}$, at an incident angle $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{i}$ can produce regular and irregular interactions with the interface. The region of existence of regular shock refractions with stable flow structures is delineated in the parametric space $(M_{1},M_{2},\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{i})$ considering oblique-shock impingement on a supersonic vortex sheet of infinitesimal thickness. It is found that under supercritical conditions, the oblique shock fails to deflect both streams consistently and to provide balanced flow properties downstream. In this circumstance, the flow renders irregular configurations which, in the absence of characteristic length scales, exhibit self-similar pseudosteady behaviours. These cases involve shocks moving upstream at constant speed and increasing their intensity to comply with equilibrium requirements. Differences in the variation of propagation speed among the flows yield pseudosteady configurations that grow linearly with time. Supercritical conditions are described theoretically and reproduced numerically using highly resolved inviscid simulation.
Two-dimensional isotropic inertia–gravity wave turbulence
Authors: Xie Jin-Han , Bühler Oliver
Published: June 2019

We present an idealized study of rotating stratified wave turbulence in a two-dimensional vertical slice model of the Boussinesq equations, focusing on the peculiar case of equal Coriolis and buoyancy frequencies. In this case the fully nonlinear fluid dynamics can be shown to be isotropic in the vertical plane, which allows the classical methods of isotropic turbulence to be applied. Contrary to ordinary two-dimensional turbulence, here a robust downscale flux of total energy is observed in numerical simulations that span the full parameter regime between Ozmidov and forcing scales. Notably, this robust downscale flux of the total energy does not hold separately for its various kinetic and potential components, which can exhibit both upscale and downscale fluxes, depending on the parameter regime. Using a suitable extension of the classical Kármán–Howarth–Monin equation, exact expressions that link third-order structure functions and the spectral energy flux are derived and tested against numerical results. These expressions make obvious that even though the total energy is robustly transferred downscale, the third-order structure functions are sign indefinite, which illustrates that the sign and the form of measured third-order structure functions are both crucially important in determining the direction of the spectral energy transfer.
Practical mathematicians and mathematical practice in later seventeenth-century London
Authors: BEELEY PHILIP
Published: June 2019

Mathematical practitioners in seventeenth-century London formed a cohesive knowledge community that intersected closely with instrument-makers, printers and booksellers. Many wrote books for an increasingly numerate metropolitan market on topics covering a wide range of mathematical disciplines, ranging from algebra to arithmetic, from merchants’ accounts to the art of surveying. They were also teachers of mathematics like John Kersey or Euclid Speidell who would use their own rooms or the premises of instrument-makers for instruction. There was a high degree of interdependency even beyond their immediate milieu. Authors would cite not only each other, but also practitioners of other professions, especially those artisans with whom they collaborated closely. Practical mathematical books effectively served as an advertising medium for the increasingly self-conscious members of a new emerging professional class. Contemporaries would talk explicitly of ‘the London mathematicians’ in distinction to their academic counterparts at Oxford or Cambridge. The article takes a closer look at this metropolitan knowledge culture during the second half of the century, considering its locations, its meeting places and the mathematical clubs which helped forge the identity of its practitioners. It discusses their backgrounds, teaching practices and relations to the London book trade, which supplied inexpensive practical mathematical books to a seemingly insatiable public.
Trade, knowledge and networks: the activities of the Society of Apothecaries and its members in London,c.1670–c.1800
Authors: SIMMONS ANNA
Published: June 2019

This article explores the activities of the Society of Apothecaries and its members following the foundation of a laboratory for manufacturing chemical medicines in 1672. In response to political pressures, the guild created an institutional framework for production which in time served its members both functionally and financially and established a physical site within which the endorsement of practical knowledge could take place. Demand from state and institutional customers for drugs produced under corporate oversight affirmed and supported the society's trading role, with chemical and pharmaceutical knowledge utilized to fulfil collective and individual goals. The society benefited from the mercantile interests, political connections and practical expertise of its members, with contributions to its trading activities part of a much wider participation in London's medical, scientific and commercial milieu. Yet, as apothecaries became increasingly engaged in the practice of medicine rather than the preparation and sale of drugs, the society struggled to reconcile the changing priorities of those it represented, and tensions emerged between its corporate and commercial activities.
FORESHADOWING AND FLASHBACK: CHILDHOOD ANECDOTES IN SUETONIUS’CAESARS
Authors: Garrett Phoebe
Published: June 2019

Suetonius’Lives of the Caesarscontain at least twenty discrete anecdotes about childhood (pueritia) and youth (iuuentaoradulescentia) spread across theLives. Some characterize the Caesars by looking forwards (foreshadowing) and others do so by looking backwards (flashbacks). In both foreshadowing and flashback, the childhood anecdote shows continuity with the adult and creates the impression of lifelong consistency of character. The foreshadowing technique is also something other ancient biographers do; the flashback is something that appears to be unique to Suetonius. In this note I briefly consider the stories from childhood and youth that foreshadow character traits and themes of the rest of theLife, and then the flashbacks from the adulthood section of theLifethat refer to childhood and youth in order to demonstrate vices of the grown adult. I show that the use of foreshadowing and flashbacks contributes to the appearance of a fully formed character in the child that will be consistent into adulthood, as well as facilitating the rubric system of arranging material by type rather than by time.
Interplay between intermittency and dissipation in collisionless plasma turbulence
Authors: Mallet Alfred , Klein Kristopher G. , Chandran Benjamin D. G. , Grošelj Daniel , Hoppock Ian W. , Bowen Trevor A. , Salem Chadi S. , Bale Stuart D.
Published: June 2019

We study the damping of collisionless Alfvénic turbulence in a strongly magnetised plasma by two mechanisms: stochastic heating (whose efficiency depends on the local turbulence amplitude

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) and linear Landau damping (whose efficiency is independent of

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), describing in detail how they affect and are affected by intermittency. The overall efficiency of linear Landau damping is not affected by intermittency in critically balanced turbulence, while stochastic heating is much more efficient in the presence of intermittent turbulence. Moreover, stochastic heating leads to a drop in the scale-dependent kurtosis over a narrow range of scales around the ion gyroscale.
Ancient parasitic DNA reveals Toxascaris leonina presence in Final Pleistocene of South America
Authors: Petrigh Romina S. , Martínez Jorge G. , Mondini Mariana , Fugassa Martín H.
Published: June 2019

Parasitological analysis of coprolites has allowed exploring ecological relationships in ancient times. Ancient DNA analysis contributes to the identification of coprolites and their parasites. Pleistocene mammalian carnivore coprolites were recovered from paleontological and archaeological site Peñas de las Trampas 1.1 in the southern Puna of Argentina. With the aim of exploring ancient ecological relationships, parasitological analysis was performed to one of them, dated to 16 573–17 002 calibrated years BP, with 95.4% probability. Parasite eggs attributed to Toxascaris sp. by morphological characters were isolated. DNA of coprolite and eggs was extracted to molecular identification. Ancient mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the zoological origin of the coprolite as Puma concolor and that of parasite eggs as Toxascaris leonina. This is the oldest molecular parasite record worldwide, and it supports the presence of this parasite since the Pleistocene in America. These findings have implications for the biogeographic history of parasites and for the natural history of the region.
Quality of life in young patients after cone reconstruction for Ebstein anomaly
Authors: Sessions Kristen L. , Van Dorn Charlotte , Dearani Joseph A. , Warring Simrit , Leopold Kaitlin , Wackel Philip L. , Cetta Frank , Johnson Jonathan N.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the health status and quality of life of young patients who had cone reconstruction for Ebstein anomaly.

Methods:

We reviewed all patients who had cone reconstruction from 2007 to 2016 at our institution. Prospective surveys were mailed to all eligible patients. Quality of life was assessed using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales, including four domains: physical, emotional, social, and school functioning.

Results:

Of 116 eligible patients, 72 (62%) responded. About 96% reported their health as excellent or good, and 52% were symptom-free. Only 37% of patients were taking any medications, the most common of which was aspirin (30%). Only 19% had been hospitalised for cardiac reasons following cone reconstruction. The average self-reported quality of life was 85.3/100, whereas the average parent proxy-reported quality of life was 81.8/100. There was no difference by self or parent proxy-report in quality of life between cone reconstruction patients and healthy children; however, quality of life was significantly better compared with children with other chronic health conditions. By self-report and parent proxy-report, 15.1 and 16.7% of patients were deemed “at risk” for reduced quality of life, respectively. Socially, 63/64 (98%) patients over 5 years old were either full-time students or working full-time.

Conclusion:

Children with Ebstein anomaly following cone reconstruction have excellent quality of life comparable with healthy peers and significantly better than other children with chronic health conditions. Families of children with Ebstein anomaly can expect excellent quality of life, long-term health status, and social functioning following cone reconstruction.
ST elevation myocardial infarction following a cannabis smoking binge
Authors: Katranas Sotirios , Ziakas Antonios , Didagelos Matthaios
Published: June 2019

Cannabis smoking is considered the most popular illicit drug used worldwide. We present the case of a 26-year-old male with ST elevation myocardial infarction and heart failure subsequent to cannabis smoking abuse. We searched the literature regarding acute myocardial infarction following cannabis smoking and the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Socio-economic inequality in unhealthy snacks consumption among adolescent students in Iran: a concentration index decomposition analysis
Authors: Yazdi-Feyzabadi Vahid , Rashidian Arash , Amini Rarani Mostafa
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The present study aimed to assess and decompose the socio-economic inequality in unhealthy snacks consumption among adolescent students in Kerman, Iran.

Design:

The data were obtained from a cross-sectional study. Principal component analysis was done to measure the socio-economic status (SES) of the adolescents’ families and the normalized concentration index (NCI) was used to measure the inequality in unhealthy snacks consumption among adolescent students of different SES. The contributions of environmental and individual explanatory variables to inequality were assessed by decomposing the concentration index.

Setting:

Forty secondary schools of Kerman Province in Iran in 2015.

Participants:

Eighth-grade adolescent students (n 1320).

Results:

The data of 1242 adolescent students were completed for the current study. Unhealthy snacks consumption was unequally distributed among adolescent students and was concentrated mainly among the high-SES adolescents (NCI = 0·179; 95 % CI 0·056, 0·119). The decomposition showed that higher SES (62 %) and receiving pocket money allowance (31 %), as environmental variables, had the highest positive contributions to the measured inequality in unhealthy snacks consumption. Taste and sensory perception (7 %) as well as cost sensitivity (5 %), as individual variables, followed them in terms of their contribution importance.

Conclusions:

It is highly suggested that both environmental and individual factors should be addressed at different settings including schools, families and suppliers of unhealthy snacks. These findings can help future health promotion strategies in Iran to tackle the observed inequality in unhealthy snacks consumption.
The profiles of public and private patients in maternal healthcare: a longitudinal study to examine adverse selection
Authors: William Jananie , Loong Bronwyn , Chojenta Catherine , Loxton Deborah
Published: June 2019

In this article, we investigate differences in the profiles of patients within the Australian mixed public-private maternal health system to examine the extent of adverse selection. There are conflicting influences on adverse selection within the private health sector in Australia due to government regulations that incentivise lower risk segments of the population to purchase community-rated private health insurance. We use a two-phase modelling methodology that incorporates statistical learning and logistic regression on a dataset that links administrative and longitudinal survey data for a large cohort of women. We find that the key predictor of private patient status is having private health insurance, which itself is largely driven by sociodemographic factors rather than health-or pregnancy-related factors. Additionally, transitioning between the public-private systems for a subsequent pregnancy is uncommon; however, it is primarily driven by changes in private health insurance when it occurs. Other significant factors when transitioning to the private system for a second pregnancy are hypertension, increased access to specialists and stress related to previous motherhood experiences. Consequently, there is limited evidence of adverse selection in this market, with targeted financial incentives likely outweighing the impact of community rating even during childbearing years where private health service use increases.
Gender and Positive Youth Development
Authors: Wiium Nora , Wreder Laura Ferrer , Chen Bin-Bin , Dimitrova Radosveta
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The positive youth development (PYD) perspective suggests that thriving leads to participation and contribution. All nations working to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Ghana, face challenges in their efforts to ensure that all youth have equal opportunities to thrive. The study design was cross-sectional and participants were 858 Ghanaian adolescents attending senior high school (44% girls). We explored thriving indicators as reflected by the 5Cs of PYD (i.e., confidence, competence, connection, character, and caring) in light of the adolescents’ gender and socio-economic background. Results indicated that boys scored higher on competence relative to girls and that girls scored higher on caring relative to boys. No significant differences were found for socio-economic background. Cultural norms and socialization processes that perpetuate gender inequality may be important to understanding the observed gender differences. Implications of these results are considered in light of efforts to achieve SDGs in Ghana.
Converging Effects of Shrubs on Shadow Dune Formation and Sand Trapping
Authors: Yang YanYan , Liu LianYou , Shi PeiJun , Zhao MengDi , Dai JiaDong , Lyu YanLi , Zhang GuoMing , Zuo XiYang , Jia QingPan , Liu Yong , Liu Yun
Published: June 2019

Shrubs have a patchy distribution under natural conditions. Spacing, as a quantitative parameter used to describe shrub distribution, influences the formation of vegetated aeolian landforms and sand trapping in sandy regions. In this study, the morphology and development of shadow dunes were investigated in a wind tunnel at different wind velocities for three pairs of various‐sized artificial shrubs constructed from live branches and with different spacing patterns. The amount of sand trapped by these shrubs was also measured. With decreasing spacing between two adjacent shrubs, independent dunes, separate dunes that mutually curved toward each other, converging dunes, and coalesced dunes were sequentially observed. Two critical thresholds of shrub spacing were determined, for dune deformation (Td) and dune convergence (Tc). Td and Tc represent the spacings between two adjacent shrubs that result in isolated and independent shadow dunes starting to deform and converge in their tail areas, respectively. The spacing thresholds of shrubs increased with shrub size and decreased with wind velocity. The processes of shadow‐dune development for two adjacent shrubs were classified into three types: separate, separate‐converging, and coalesced. The amount of sand trapped by shrubs at spacings of Td. The converging effects of shrubs on shadow‐dune formation and sand trapping decreased with wind velocity and increased with shrub size. The results suggest that the shadow dune morphology and sand trapping capacity of shrubs are governed by both wind regime and distribution pattern and size of shrubs.
Low‐Viscosity Crustal Layer Controls the Crustal Architecture and Thermal Distribution at Hyperextended Margins: Modeling Insight and Application to the Northern South China Sea Margin
Authors: Li Fucheng , Sun Zhen , Pang Xiong , Liao Jie , Yang Hongfeng , Xie Hui , Zhuo Haiteng , Zhao Zhongxian
Published: June 2019

A low‐viscosity crustal layer (LVCL) due to partial melt and/or hydration has been detected within the continental crust (e.g., in South China block), but its role in the development of hyperextended margins is still not entirely understood. Using 2‐D thermomechanical modeling, we simulate the lithospheric extension with a LVCL embedded within the continental crust. Results show that the ductile layer determines the width of highly thinned crust and the crustal thermal distribution. Detailed effects are found by varying the initial effective viscosity and thickness of the layer: (1) a rheologically weaker and/or thicker LVCL accommodates more deformation and thus results in a slow and distributed crustal thinning and (2) preferential removal of the lithospheric mantle places the crust in direct contact with the hot upwelling asthenosphere, promoting the development of highly thinned and hot continental crust. Both the widths of highly thinned crust and the thermal values increase when the rheology of the ductile layer decreases or the thickness increases. Furthermore, we obtain the crustal thickness and geothermal characteristics of the northern South China Sea (SCS) margin using reprocessed geophysical data and newly complied heat flow data. A detailed comparison of our modeling results with the northern SCS margin suggests that variation in the LVCL thickness may be a possible mechanism for the differential width of highly thinned crust and high heat flow zone along strike of the northern SCS margin.