bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Planning During and After the West African Ebola Crisis
Authors: Bietsch Kristin , Williamson Jessica , Reeves Margaret
Published: March 2020

The West African Ebola outbreak of 2013–2016 had the potential to devastate family planning programs in affected countries, which had made great progress in years prior. We examine monthly provision of family planning service statistics from government sources for Liberia and Sierra Leone from 6 months before the first Ebola case to 24 months after the last Ebola case to measure the impact during and after the epidemic. By calculating the couple‐years of protection from service statistics, we find that family planning distribution declined by 65 percent in Liberia and 23 percent in Sierra Leone at the peak of the epidemic. Two years after Ebola, Liberia's average monthly contraception distribution is 39 percent above precrisis levels, while distribution in Sierra Leone increased by 27 percent, findings echoed in data from the Demographic and Health Survey and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. Increased contraceptive use comes from implants in both countries, and injectables in Liberia. This study indicates that the family planning sector can recover, and continue to improve, following a significant disruption and is a lesson in resilience.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Characterization of Potent Antileishmanial Methionine Aminopeptidase 1 Inhibitors
Authors: Rodriguez Felipe , John Sarah F. , Iniguez Eva , Montalvo Sebastian , Michael Karina , White Lyndsey , Liang Dong , Olaleye Omonike A. , Maldonado Rosa A.
Published: March 2020

Leishmania major
is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). No human vaccine is available for CL, and current drug regimens present several drawbacks, such as emerging resistance, severe toxicity, medium effectiveness, and/or high cost. Thus, the need for better treatment options against CL is a priority. In the present study, we validate the enzyme methionine aminopeptidase 1 of
L. major
(MetAP1
Lm
), a metalloprotease that catalyzes the removal of N-terminal methionine from peptides and proteins, as a chemotherapeutic target against CL infection.
Apoptosis Functions in Defense against Infection of Mammalian Cells with Environmental Chlamydiae
Authors: Brokatzky Dominik , Kretz Oliver , Häcker Georg
Published: March 2020

Apoptotic cell death can be an efficient defense reaction of mammalian cells infected with obligate intracellular pathogens; the host cell dies and the pathogen cannot replicate. While this is well established for viruses, there is little experimental support for such a concept in bacterial infections. All
Chlamydiales
are obligate intracellular bacteria, and different species infect vastly different hosts.
Chlamydia trachomatis
infects human epithelial cells;
Parachlamydia acanthamoebae
replicates in amoebae.
Structural Biology of the Enterovirus Replication-Linked 5′-Cloverleaf RNA and Associated Virus Proteins
Authors: Pascal Steven M. , Garimella Ravindranath , Warden Meghan S. , Ponniah Komala
Published: March 2020

Although enteroviruses are associated with a wide variety of diseases and conditions, their mode of replication is well conserved. Their genome is carried as a single, positive-sense RNA strand. At the 5′ end of the strand is an approximately 90-nucleotide self-complementary region called the 5′ cloverleaf, or the oriL. This noncoding region serves as a platform upon which host and virus proteins, including the 3B, 3C, and 3D virus proteins, assemble in order to initiate replication of a negative-sense RNA strand.
Does the Evidence Support the Existence of the Simian Polyomavirus SV40 Vp4 Viroporin?
Authors: Henriksen Stian , Rinaldo Christine Hanssen
Published: March 2020

The simian polyomavirus SV40 was reported to express Vp4, an N-terminally truncated form of the minor capsid proteins Vp2 and Vp3. Since a missense mutation of the putative Vp4 start codon (Vp2M228I) was found to give reduced progeny release and delayed lysis, Vp4 was claimed to be a viroporin. However, two independent research groups, including our own, were unable to replicate these findings. In contrast, we found no Vp4 expression in SV40-infected cells and no reduction in progeny release for Vp4-deficient virus, and finally, we found that the single amino acid substitution unavoidably introduced into the overlapping Vp2/Vp3 genes during Vp4 mutagenesis reduced early steps but not virus release.
Adjuvant-containing control arms in pivotal quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine trials: restoration of previously unpublished methodology
Authors: Doshi Peter , Bourgeois Florence , Hong Kyungwan , Jones Mark , Lee Haeyoung , Shamseer Larissa , Spence O'Mareen , Jefferson Tom
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Trustworthy reporting of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine trials is the foundation for assessing the vaccine’s risks and benefits. However, several pivotal trial publications incompletely reported important methodological details and inaccurately described the formulation that the control arms received. Under the Restoring Invisible and Abandoned Trials initiative (RIAT), we aim to restore the public record regarding the content and rationale of the controls used in the trials.

Methods

We assembled a cohort (five randomised controlled trials) described as placebo-controlled using clinical study reports (CSRs) obtained from the European Medicines Agency. We extracted the content and rationale for the choice of control used in each trial across six data sources: trial publications, register records, CSR synopses, CSR main bodies, protocols and informed consent forms.

Results

Across data sources, the control was inconsistently reported as ‘placebo’-containing aluminium adjuvant (sometimes with dose information). Amorphous aluminium hydroxyphosphate sulfate (AAHS) was not mentioned in any trial registry entry, but was mentioned in all publications and CSRs. In three of five trials, consent forms described the control as an ‘inactive’ substance. No rationale for the selection of the control was reported in any trial publication, register, consent form, CSR synopsis or protocol. Three trials reported the rationale for choice of control in CSRs: to preserve blinding and assess the safety of HPV virus-like particles as the ‘safety profile of (AAHS) is well characterised’.

Conclusions

The stated rationale of using AAHS control—to characterise the safety of the HPV virus-like particles—lacks clinical relevance. A non-placebo control may have obscured an accurate assessment of safety and the participant consent process of some trials raises ethical concerns.

Trial registration numbers

NCT00092482,NCT00092521,NCT00092534,NCT00090220,NCT00090285.
Qualitative exploration of the intersection between social influences and cultural norms in relation to the development of alcohol use behaviour during adolescence
Authors: MacArthur Georgie J , Hickman Matthew , Campbell Rona
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Few contemporary studies have examined peer and social drivers of alcohol use during mid-adolescence. We sought to explore young people’s perspectives on socio-cultural influences relating to alcohol use behaviour during this period.

Design

Qualitative research study.

Methods

Semi-structured one-to-one (n=25), paired (n=4) or triad (n=1) interviews and one focus group (n=6) were conducted with 30 young people aged 14 to 15 (13 males, 17 females) recruited from 4 schools, and 12 participants (aged 14 to 18, 8 males, 4 females) recruited from two youth groups in an urban centre in the West of England. Nineteen participants abstained from alcohol use, 9 were occasional or moderate drinkers and 14 drank alcohol more regularly. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using NVivo V.10, through a lens of social influence and social norms theories.

Results

Alcohol consumption was associated with being cool, mature and popular, while enabling escape from reality and boosting confidence and enjoyment. Positive expectancies, alongside opportunity, contributed to motivating initiation, but social influences were paramount, with participants describing a need to ‘fit in’ with friends to avoid social exclusion. Such influences positioned drinking at parties as a normative social practice, providing opportunities for social learning and the strengthening of peer norms. Social media presented young people with positive alcohol-associated depictions of social status, enjoyment and maturity. This intersection of influences and norms generated a pressurised environment and a sense of unease around resisting pressures, which could elicit stigmatising insults.

Conclusions

Cultural norms, social influences and social media intersect to create a pressurised environment around alcohol use during mid-adolescence, driving the escalation in the prevalence of excessive consumption at this stage. New interventions need to address normative influences to enable the prevention of excessive alcohol use during adolescence.
Double burden of malnutrition in children aged 24 to 59 months by socioeconomic status in five South Asian countries: evidence from demographic and health surveys
Authors: Hossain Fariha Binte , Shawon Md Shajedur Rahman , Al-Abid Md Shehab Uddin , Mahmood Sultan , Adhikary Gourab , Bulbul Md M Islam
Published: March 2020

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the socioeconomic inequalities in the burden of underweight and overweight among children in South Asia. We also examined other factors that were associated with these outcomes independently of household’s socioeconomic status.

Design

Nationally-representative surveys.

Settings

Demographic and Health Surveys from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Maldives and Nepal, which were conducted between 2009 and 2016.

Participants

Children aged 24 to 59 months with valid measurement for height and weight (n=146 996).

Primary exposure and outcome measures

Primary exposures were household’s wealth index and level of education. Underweight and overweight were defined according to the WHO and International Obesity Task Force definitions, respectively.

Results

Underweight prevalence was 37% in Bangladesh, 38% in India, 19% in Maldives, 29% in Nepal and 28% in Pakistan. Bangladesh, India and Nepal had similar overweight prevalence (between 2% and 4%) whereas Pakistan (7%) and Maldives (9%) had higher prevalence. Households with higher wealth index or education had lower odds of having underweight children. Adjusted ORs of underweight for richest versus poorest households were 0.4 (95% CI: 0.3 to 0.5), 0.5 (95% CI: 0.5 to 0.6), 0.5 (95% CI: 0.2 to 1.4), 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3 to 0.8) and 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5 to 1.1) for Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan, respectively. Compared with poorest households, richest households were more likely to have overweight children in all countries except Pakistan, but such associations were not significant after adjustment for other factors. There were higher odds of having overweight children in households with higher education in Bangladesh (OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3 to 3.5)), India (OR 1.2 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.3)) and Pakistan (OR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.9)) when compared with households with no education. Maternal nutritional status was consistently associated with children’s nutritional outcomes after adjustments for socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence for socioeconomic inequalities for childhood underweight and overweight in South Asian countries, although the directions of associations for underweight and overweight might be different.
Changes to cardiovascular risk factors over 7 years: a prospective cohort study of in situ urbanised residents in the Chaoyang District of Beijing
Authors: Li Zhe , Yu Shicheng , Han Xiaoyan , Liu Jianjun , Yao Hongyan
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To examine changes in cardiovascular risk factors of in situ urbanised residents between 2010 and 2017.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

The Chaoyang District of Beijing, China.

Participants

A total of 942 in situ urbanised rural residents aged 35–64 who participated in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors study in China between 2010 and 2017.

Main outcome measures

Lifestyles (smoking, drinking and effective exercise) and medical history (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, overweight and obesity) were self-reported. New cases of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, overweight and obesity were confirmed by physical examination or blood biochemical tests. Multiple linear regression and log-binomial models analyses adjusted for sociodemographic confounders were conducted to evaluate any changes of clinical indexes and to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs), respectively.

Results

During the study period of 2010–2017, diastolic blood pressure elevated by 3.55 mm Hg, central blood pressure increased by 4.39 mm Hg, total cholesterol decreased by 0.29 mmol/L and hypertension increased significantly (PRR=1.25, p<0.05) after adjusting for demographic, lifestyle and family history factors. Effective exercise rate (PRR=1.57), prevalence of diabetes (PRR=1.36) and dyslipidaemia (PRR=1.19) all increased from 2010 to 2017. However, these changes were not significant after adjusting for confounders (p>0.05). Prevalence of smoking, drinking, hypertension, overweight and obesity was significantly higher in males than females in both 2010 and 2017. In 2017, the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic CVD increased in 29.8% of participants and decreased in 6.1% of individuals.

Conclusions

CVD risk factors augmented remarkably for in situ urbanised rural residents aged 35–64 in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, especially those indicators related to blood pressure. Awareness of the direction and magnitude of these risk factor changes may be beneficial in informing targeted strategies for preventing CVDs of in situ urbanised populations.
Willingness, perceived barriers and motivators in adopting mobile applications for health-related interventions among older adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ahmad Nurul Asilah , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , Shahar Suzana , Mohd Noah Shahrul Azman , Mohd Tohit Noorlaili
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The world’s older population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. An ageing population poses a great challenge to our healthcare system that requires new tool to tackle the complexity of health services as well as the increasing expenses. Mobile health applications (mHealth app) is seen to have the potential to address these challenges, alleviating burdens on the healthcare system and enhance the quality of life for older adults. Despite the numerous benefits of mHealth apps, relatively little is known about whether older adults perceive that these apps confer such benefits. Their perspectives towards the use of mobile applications for health-related purposes have also been little studied. Therefore, in this paper, we outline our scoping review protocol to systematically review literature specific to older adults’ willingness, perceived barriers and motivators towards the use of mobile applications to monitor and manage their health.

Methods and analysis

Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology framework will guide the conduct of this scoping review. The search strategy will involve electronic databases including PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, in addition to grey literature sources and hand-searching of reference lists. Two reviewers will independently screen all abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion. Data will be charted and sorted through an iterative process by the research team. The extracted data will undergo a descriptive analysis and simple quantitative analysis will be conducted using descriptive statistics. Engagement with relevant stakeholders will be carried out to gain more insights into our data from different perspectives.

Ethics and dissemination

Since the data used are from publicly available sources, this study does not require ethical approval. Results will be disseminated through academic journals, conferences and seminars. We anticipate that our findings will aid technology developers and health professionals working in the area of ageing and rehabilitation.
Access and use of oxytocin for postpartum haemorrhage prevention: a pre-post study targeting the poorest in six Mesoamerican countries
Authors: Kamath Aruna M , Schaefer Alexandra M , Palmisano Erin B , Johanns Casey K , Gonzalez Marmol Alvaro , Dinarte Mendoza Mauricio , Schwarzbauer Karla , Zúñiga-Brenes Paola , Ríos-Zertuche Diego , Iriarte Emma , Mokdad Ali H , Hernandez Prado Bernardo
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Haemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in Central America. The Salud Mesoamérica Initiative aims to reduce such mortality via performance indicators. Our objective was to assess the availability and administration of oxytocin, before and after applying Salud Mesoamérica Initiative interventions in the poorest health facilities across Central America.

Design

Pre-post study.

Setting

166 basic-level and comprehensive-level health facilities in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.

Participants

A random sample of medical records for uncomplicated full-term deliveries (n=2470) per International Classification of Diseases coding at baseline (July 2011 to August 2013) and at first-phase follow-up (January 2014 to October 2014).

Interventions

A year of intervention implementation prior to first-phase follow-up data collection focused on improving access to oxytocin by strengthening supply chains, procurement, storage practices and pharmacy inventory monitoring, using a results-based financing model.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Oxytocin availability (primary outcome) and administration (secondary outcome) for postpartum haemorrhage prevention.

Results

Availability of oxytocin increased from 82.9% to 97.6%. Oxytocin administration increased from 83.6% to 88.4%. Significant improvements were seen for availability of oxytocin (adjusted OR (aOR)=8.41, 95% CI 1.50 to 47.30). Administration of oxytocin was found to be significantly higher in Honduras (aOR=2.96; 95% CI 1.00 to 8.76) in reference to Guatemala at follow-up.

Conclusion

After interventions to increase health facility supplies, the study showed a significant improvement in availability but not administration of oxytocin in poor communities within Mesoamerica. Efforts are needed to improve the use of oxytocin.
Phase II double-blind randomised controlled trial of exogenous administration of melatonin in chronic pain (DREAM—CP): a study protocol
Authors: Adam Rosalind , Kanakarajan Saravanakumar , Onyeakazi Uzunma , Columb Malachy , Galley Helen
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Chronic pain is prevalent, and approximately half of patients with chronic pain experience sleep disturbance. Exogenous melatonin is licensed to treat primary insomnia and there is some evidence for analgesic effects of melatonin.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of oral melatonin (as Circadin) 2 mg at night in adults with severe non-malignant pain of at least 3 months’ duration.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. The primary outcome is sleep disturbance. Secondary outcomes are pain intensity, actigraphy, fatigue, reaction time testing, serum melatonin and endogenous opioid peptide levels along with patient views about study participation.

We aim to recruit 60 patients with severe chronic pain (average pain intensity ≥7 on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)) from a tertiary referral pain clinic in Northeast Scotland. Participants will be randomised to receive melatonin (as modified release Circadin) 2 mg daily for 6 weeks or placebo, followed by a 4-week washout period, then 6 weeks treatment with the treatment they did not receive. Participants will complete the Verran Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire 3-item index, BPI and psychomotor vigilance reaction time testing at 6 points over 20 weeks. Actigraphy watches will be used to provide objective measures of sleep duration and latency and other sleep measures and will prompt patients to report contemporaneous pain and fatigue scores daily.

Cross-over analyses will include tests for effects of treatment, period, treatment–period interaction (carryover effect) and sequence. Within-patient effects and longitudinal data will be analysed using mixed linear models, accounting for potential confounders.

Ethics and dissemination

Approved by Office for Research Ethics Committees Northern Ireland, reference 19/NI/0007. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12861060
Pain Squad+ smartphone app to support real-time pain treatment for adolescents with cancer: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jibb Lindsay , Nathan Paul C , Breakey Vicky , Fernandez Conrad , Johnston Donna , Lewis Victor , McKillop Sarah , Patel Serina , Sabapathy Christine , Strahlendorf Caron , Victor J. Charles , Moretti Myla E , Nguyen Cynthia , Hundert Amos , Cassiani Celia , El-Khechen Richandi Graziella , Insull Hayley , Hamilton Rachel , Fang Geoffrey , Kuczynski Susan , Stinson Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Pain negatively affects the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of adolescents with cancer. The Pain Squad+ smartphone-based application (app), has been developed to provide adolescents with real-time pain self-management support. The app uses a validated pain assessment and personalised pain treatment advice with centralised decision support via a registered nurse to enable real-time pain treatment in all settings. The algorithm informing pain treatment advice is evidence-based and expert-vetted. This trial will longitudinally evaluate the impact of Pain Squad+, with or without the addition of nurse support, on adolescent health and cost outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This will be a pragmatic, multicentre, waitlist controlled, 3-arm parallel-group superiority randomised trial with 1:1:1 allocation enrolling 74 adolescents with cancer per arm from nine cancer centres. Participants will be 12 to 18 years, English-speaking and with ≥3/10 pain. Exclusion criteria are significant comorbidities, end-of-life status or enrolment in a concurrent pain study. The primary aim is to determine the effect of Pain Squad+, with and without nurse support, on pain intensity in adolescents with cancer, when compared with a waitlist control group. The secondary aims are to determine the immediate and sustained effect over time of using Pain Squad+, with and without nurse support, as per prospective outcome measurements of pain interference, HRQL, pain self-efficacy and cost. Linear mixed models with baseline scores as a covariate will be used. Qualitative interviews with adolescents from all trial arms will be conducted and analysed.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial is approved by the Hospital for Sick Children Research Ethics Board. Results will provide data to guide adolescents with cancer and healthcare teams in treating pain. Dissemination will occur through partnerships with stakeholder groups, scientific meetings, publications, mass media releases and consumer detailing.

Trial registration number

NCT03632343(ClinicalTrials.gov).
Outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator injection and pneumatic displacement of fovea-involving submacular haemorrhage
Authors: Wilkins Carl S , Mehta Neesurg , Wu Chris Y , Barash Alexander , Deobhakta Avnish A , Rosen Richard B
Published: March 2020

Objective

Fovea-involving subretinal haemorrhage is challenging to manage with uncertain visual outcomes. We reviewed outcomes of patients with fovea-involving macular haemorrhage treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) with pneumatic displacement.

Methods and Analysis

This is a retrospective interventional case series. All patients with submacular haemorrhage who underwent PPV with subretinal tPA injection were included. Reasons for exclusion encompassed patients who underwent intravitreal tPA injection in the office without surgery, insufficient follow-up or documentation. Primary outcomes of interest were postoperative visual acuity (VA) at month 1 and 3. Secondary outcomes were median VA at month 3 by location of haemorrhage and underlying diagnosis.

Results

Thirty-seven total patients were included. The mean age was 68.2 years, with 54.1% (20/37) females. The most common aetiology was exudative macular degeneration (43.2%), followed by undifferentiated choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) (18.9%), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (18.9%), traumatic CNV (10.8%), macroaneurysm (5.4%) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (2.7%). Median preoperative VA was 20/2000, postoperative month 1 was 20/347 (p<0.01), improving to 20/152 (p<0.01) at month 3. Proportion of patients gaining vision 3+ lines in vision was 15/36 (42%). Mean preoperative central subfield thickness on optical coherence tomography was 512.2 µm for sub-retinal pigment epithelium haemorrhage and 648.2 µm for subretinal haemorrhage (p=0.48). Difference in VA by diagnosis was not significant (p=0.60).

Conclusions

PPV with subretinal tPA injection and pneumatic displacement of submacular haemorrhage offers modest visual recovery for a diverse group of patients. Location of haemorrhage or specific diagnosis may not predict outcome.
Advanced machine learning methods in psychiatry: an introduction
Authors: Wu Tsung-Chin , Zhou Zhirou , Wang Hongyue , Wang Bokai , Lin Tuo , Feng Changyong , Tu Xin M
Published: March 2020

Mental health questions can be tackled through machine learning (ML) techniques. Apart from the two ML methods we introduced in our previous paper, we discuss two more advanced ML approaches in this paper: support vector machines and artificial neural networks. To illustrate how these ML methods have been employed in mental health, recent research applications in psychiatry were reported.
Republished: Spinal arteriovenous malformation without endovascular arterial access: is a combined neurosurgical approach and direct venous puncture an option?
Authors: Pagiola Igor , Caroff Jildaz , Mihalea Cristian , Aghakhani Nozar , Ikka Léon , Chalumeau Vanessa , Iacobucci Marta , Ozanne Augustin , Gallas Sophie , Carrete Henrique , Marques Marcio Chaves , Nalli Darcio , Caldas Jose Guilherme , Frudit Michel Eli , Moret Jacques , Parker Fabrice , Spelle Laurent
Published: March 2020

This case report describes a combined neurosurgical and endovascular approach for the treatment of a conus medullaris arteriovenous malformation resulting in considerable improvement in the patient’s neurological condition (modified Rankin Scale score 2).
Impacts of matric suction equalization on small strain shear modulus of soils during air drying
Authors: Ngoc Thang Pham , Fatahi Behzad , Khabbaz Hadi , Sheng Daichao
Published: March 2020

In this study, a weight-control bender element system has been developed to investigate the impact of matric suction equalization on the measurement of small strain shear modulus (Gmax) during an air-drying process. The setup employed is capable of measuring the shear wave velocity and the corresponding Gmaxof the soil sample in either an open system in which the soil sample evaporates freely or in a closed system that allows the process of matric suction equalization. The comparison between measurements of Gmaxin the open and closed systems revealed underestimations of Gmaxwhen matric suction equalization was ignored due to the nonuniform distribution of water content across the sample cross-sectional area. This study also investigated the time required for matric suction equalization tseto be established for samples with different sizes. The experimental results indicated two main mechanisms driving the matric suction equalization in a closed system during an air-drying process, namely the hydraulic flow of water and the flow of vapour. While the former played the key role when the micropores were still saturated at the high range of water content, effects of the latter increased and finally dominated when more air invaded the micropores at lower water contents.
Development of automated lay-up robot system for jointing process of GRP pipes
Authors: Lee Jae-Youl , Jung Myung-Soo , Shin Kwang-Bok
Published: March 2020

The joining process for glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes is external and internal. Currently, internal and external connections are performed manually, and there are frequent delays in the process, excessive labor costs, and safety problems. An automated process using robots has advantages such as rapid processing, reduction of manpower, and safety. In this study, we developed a pipe root with an automated tape layered machine (ATL) to improve the bonding process inside the GRP pipe. A safety assessment was performed when the load generated during the development of the pipe root and the operation of the robot was applied to the GRP pipe. From the results of the configuration and performance tests of the developed robot, it was shown that the developed robot was sufficiently safe to operate inside the GRP pipe and that the required automation process capability was satisfactory.
A Hybrid Fuzzy System via Topic Model for Recommending Highlight Topics of CQA in Developer Communities
Authors: Jelodar Hamed , Wang Yongli , Vajdi Ahamdreza , Rabbani Mahdi , Zhao Ruxin , Boukela Lynda , Li Hao
Published: March 2020

Question-answering (QA) websites supply a quickly growing source of useful information in numerous areas. These platforms present novel opportunities for online users to supply solutions, they also pose numerous challenges with the ever-growing size of the QA community. QA sites supply platforms for users to cooperate in the form of asking questions or giving answers. Stack Overflow is a massive source of information for both industry and academic practitioners, and its analysis can supply useful insights. Topic modeling of Stack Overflow is very beneficial for pattern discovery and behavior analysis in programming knowledge. In this paper, we propose a framework based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm and fuzzy rules for question topic mining and recommending highlight latent topics in a community question-answering (CQA) forum of developer community. We consider a real dataset and use 170,091 programmer questions in the R language forum from the Stack Overflow website. Our result shows that LDA topic models via novel fuzzy rules can play an effective role for extracting meaningful concepts and semantic mining in question-answering forums in developer communities.
Ordered mesoporous carbon-supported mono-dispersed Co and Ru–Co catalysts for low-temperature CO2 methanation
Authors: Zhao Chunxia , Li Feng , Yang Yunxia , Lippi Renata , Li Hang , Chen Wen
Published: March 2020

Developing advanced catalysts with high activity and low cost is a hot topic for CO2 methanation at low temperatures. Co/C catalysts with well-dispersed Co nanoparticles in the channels of the ordered mesoporous carbons have been synthesized with high specific surface area and uniform pore size. Then, size control and Ru incorporation have been conducted to promote the catalytic activity. The results show that Ru–Co/C catalysts with smaller particle size ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm) and mono-dispersion achieve CO2 conversion rate of 31.7% and CH4 selectivity up to 75.8%. Importantly, Ru–Co/C catalysts yield 29.9% CO2 conversion and space-time yield (CH4) of 44.5 (mmol/gcat[Formula: see text]min) even at 5 bar. It demonstrates the important prospect of structured carbon-supported metal catalysts for low-temperature and low-pressure CO2 methanation.
Interfacial behaviors of p-type CeyFexCo4–xSb12/Nb thermoelectric joints
Authors: Chu Jing , Gu Ming , Liu Ruiheng , Bai Shengqiang , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: March 2020

Interfacial diffusions and/or chemical reactions are one of the key issues for the reliability of CoSb3-based skutterudite thermoelectric (TE) joint, especially for the [Formula: see text]-type joint, which limits the applications of TE devices. We investigate the interfacial evolution for [Formula: see text]-type CeyFexCo[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]/Nb joints ([Formula: see text]–1, [Formula: see text], 3, 4) and combine the previous study on [Formula: see text]-type Yb[Formula: see text]Co4Sb[Formula: see text]/Nb joint to demonstrate the effect of TE materials on the interfacial microstructure and interfacial resistivity. The reaction–diffusion kinetic analysis shows that the TE materials has little effect on chemical reactions but strongly influence the Sb diffusions. The low energy barrier of Sb diffusion leads to the absent phase decomposition of skutterudites in CeyFexCo[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]/Nb joints. The interfacial resistivity of CeyFexCo[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]/Nb joints is related with Fe content and the interfacial reaction layer (IRL) growth. In addition, since the interfacial reaction layer growth rate and interfacial resistivity of CeyFexCo[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]/Nb joints are both low, Nb is an adequate barrier layer candidate material.
Effect of titanium suboxide on the formation of anatase and rutile phases during annealing of C-Doped Ti–O thin film deposited by DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Zuo Xiaodan , Deng Qiaoyuan , Yang Tao , Liu Jiaqi , Cao Huatang , Jiang Hong , Wen Feng , Pei Yutao
Published: March 2020

C-doped Ti–O films with different titanium suboxide contents are prepared by DC magnetron sputtering deposition at different sputtering powers. The films with different phases are formed after annealing at 873[Formula: see text]K in air. The structure of the films is characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical properties and surface roughness of the films are investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Photocatalytic activity of the thin films is studied by degrading the methyl orange solution under xenon lamp (300[Formula: see text]W) irradiation. The results show that the C-doped Ti–O thin films with higher titanium suboxide contents ([Formula: see text]%) tend to form the rutile phase after annealing, whereas the films with a lower titanate content ([Formula: see text]%) are easy to form anatase phase by annealing.
Parameter of dielectric loss distribution in the new model for complex conductivity based on Havriliak–Negami formula
Authors: Yurasov Yu. I. , Nazarenko A. V.
Published: March 2020

This paper is focused on the comparison of the results of various approximation models describing the frequency dependences of the dielectric constant [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the tangent of the loss angle tg[Formula: see text] and the electrical conductivity [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of nonlinear dielectrics. The classic ferroelectric material of the PZT system with [Formula: see text] was chosen as the object of study. Based on the analysis of temperature-frequency dependences of the “empirical” parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], a regularity has been revealed that allows them to be calculated. A new relationship has been established through the parameter [Formula: see text], which allows to relate the temperature and frequency dependences of the complex electrical conductivity as [Formula: see text] and as [Formula: see text] in the Havriliak–Negami approximation models and in the new model for the description of the complex electrical conductivity [Formula: see text]. It is shown that [Formula: see text] is a parameter of the temperature-frequency distribution of dielectric losses. Using the obtained expressions, a new theoretical description of experimental spectra having a relaxation character was proposed. It has been proven that the use of the new model makes it possible to accurately describe the set of studied spectra, including the high and low frequencies, in the frequency range from [Formula: see text] to 108[Formula: see text]Hz.
Looking Beyond the Horizon
Authors: Toorn Olivier Van der , Sperotto Anna
Published: March 2020

The Internet exposes us to cyberthreats attacking information, services, and the Internet infrastructure itself. Such attacks are typically detected in a reactive fashion. The downside of this approach is that alerts of an attack are issued as it is happening. In this article, we advocate that the security community could benefit by complementing traditional reactive solutions with a proactive threat detection approach, as this would enable us to provide early warnings by analyzing and detecting threat indicators in actively collected data. By describing three use cases from the DNS domain, we highlight the strengths and limitations of proactive threat detection and discuss how we could integrate those with existing solutions.
Fluctuations and the Higgs Mechanism in Underdoped Cuprates
Authors: Pépin C. , Chakraborty D. , Grandadam M. , Sarkar S.
Published: March 2020

The physics of the pseudogap phase of high-temperature cuprate superconductors has been an enduring mystery over the past 30 years. The ubiquitous presence of the pseudogap phase in underdoped cuprates suggests that understanding it is key to unraveling the origin of high-temperature superconductivity. We review various theoretical approaches to this problem, emphasizing the concept of emergent symmetries in the underdoped region of those compounds. We differentiate these theories by considering a few fundamental questions related to the rich phenomenology of these materials. Lastly, we discuss a recent idea regarding two kinds of entangled preformed pairs that open a gap at the pseudogap onset temperature, T*, through a specific Higgs mechanism. We review the experimental consequences of this line of thought.
The effect of acute dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibition on incretin release and glucose metabolism after gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Martinussen Christoffer , Veedfald Simon , Dirksen Carsten , Bojsen-Møller Kirstine N. , Svane Maria S. , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J. , van Hall Gerrit , Kristiansen Viggo B. , Fenger Mogens , Holst Jens J. , Madsbad Sten
Published: March 2020

Enhanced meal-related enteroendocrine secretion, particularly of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), contributes to weight-loss and improved glycemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Dietary glucose drives GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion postoperatively. Understanding how glucose triggers incretin secretion following RYGB could lead to new treatments of diabetes and obesity. In vitro, incretin release depends on glucose absorption via sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1). We investigated the importance of SGLT1/SGLT2 for enteropancreatic hormone concentrations and glucose metabolism after RYGB in a randomized, controlled, crossover study. Ten RYGB-operated patients ingested 50 g of oral glucose with and without acute pretreatment with 600 mg of the SGLT1/SGLT2-inhibitor canagliflozin. Paracetamol and 3- O-methyl-d-glucopyranose (3-OMG) were added to the glucose drink to evaluate rates of intestinal entry and absorption of glucose, respectively. Blood samples were collected for 4 h. The primary outcome was 4-h plasma GLP-1 (incremental area-under the curve, iAUC). Secondary outcomes included glucose, GIP, insulin, and glucagon. Canagliflozin delayed glucose absorption (time-to-peak 3-OMG: 50 vs. 132 min, P < 0.01) but did not reduce iAUC GLP-1 (6,067 vs. 7,273·min·pmol−1·L−1, P = 0.23), although peak GLP-1 concentrations were lowered (−28%, P = 0.03). Canagliflozin reduced GIP (iAUC −28%, P = 0.01; peak concentrations −57%, P < 0.01), insulin, and glucose excursions, whereas plasma glucagon (AUC 3,216 vs. 4,160 min·pmol·L−1, P = 0.02) and amino acids were increased. In conclusion, acute SGLT1/SGLT2-inhibition during glucose ingestion did not reduce 4-h plasma GLP-1 responses in RYGB-patients but attenuated the early rise in GLP-1, GIP, and insulin, whereas late glucagon concentrations were increased. The results suggest that SGLT1-mediated glucose absorption contributes to incretin hormone secretion after RYGB.
Androgen aggravates liver fibrosis by activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in CCl4-induced liver injury mouse model
Authors: Ma Xingyu , Zhou Yang , Qiao Bingke , Jiang Songhong , Shen Qian , Han Yuzhu , Liu Anfang , Chen Xuequn , Wei Leiting , Zhou Le , Zhao Jianjun
Published: March 2020

Studies have shown that there are differences between the sexes regarding to the occurrence and development of liver diseases, which may be associated with sex hormones. However, the mechanisms behind it are largely unknown. In this study, we first investigated the differences of liver injury between male and female mice, using the CCl4-induced liver injury mouse model. It showed that the liver damage of male mice was much more severe than that of female mice. Both the acute injury and fibrosis of the liver were reduced when androgens were depleted by castration of male mice. The vulnerability of male liver was associated with testis endocrine and excessive activation of inflammatory response in the liver. Castrated male mice with testosterone supplementation showed aggravated liver inflammatory response and fibrosis. The activity of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was increased when testosterone supplementation was provided. However, the enhanced inflammatory response and fibrosis due to testosterone supplementation were negated by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 using the specific small molecule inhibitor MCC950. It suggests that testosterone is a key factor that influences liver injury by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome activation-mediated inflammatory response.
Bone Mass Loss and Sarcopenia in Ecuadorian Patients
Authors: Intriago M. , Maldonado G. , Guerrero R. , Messina O. D. , Rios C.
Published: March 2020

Introduction. An intimate relationship between osteoporosis and sarcopenia has been established. At present, there are few epidemiological studies about osteosarcopenia due to the recent use of this term, especially in Latin America. Objective. To study the association between osteoporosis and sarcopenia and determine the prevalence of osteosarcopenia in patients who attended a rheumatology center in Ecuador. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of patients who had a densitometric study. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was determined by the DXA standard gold test, screening, and conventional methods (bioimpedance, anthropometric measurements, SARC-F, muscle function, and gait test). Results. A total of 92 patients were studied. The median age was 66 ± 10, 90% females. Using the criteria of SMI, 65% had sarcopenia of which 9% had only sarcopenia and 56% had osteosarcopenia; 22% had only osteopenia/osteoporosis; and 13% none of these conditions. The prevalence of sarcopenia according to handgrip strength was 60%, gait speed 45%, and SARC-F score 40%. The prevalence of osteosarcopenia according to handgrip strength was 51%, gait speed 34%, and SARC-F score 32%. Osteoporosis was associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia using the criteria of SMI since 40% had sarcopenia in the normal DXA group, 64% in the osteopenia group, and 76% in the osteoporosis group (p=0.017). Of the women, 69% had sarcopenia compared to 33% of the men (p=0.034). The BMI was lower in the group with sarcopenia (25.1 ± 4.1 kg/m2) compared to the group without sarcopenia (29.4 ± 4.1 kg/m2, p<0.001). Patients with osteosarcopenia and sarcopenia had lower BMI, handgrip strength, ASM, SMI, and total-body skeletal muscle mass than those with osteopenia/osteoporosis or normal patients. Conclusion. 65% of the studied population had sarcopenia. It is clear that the prevalence of sarcopenia is higher in patients with greater loss of bone mass. Identifying pathways that affect both bone and muscle could facilitate the development of treatments that simultaneously improve osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
Evaluation Method of Coal-Bed Methane Fracturing in the Qinshui Basin
Authors: Chen Zhengrong , Sun Tengfei
Published: March 2020

In order to evaluate the productivity effects of coal-bed methane well fracturing, the relationship between the five factors of horizontal in situ stress difference is analyzed: fracturing friction, net pressure, fracture morphology, fracturing curve shape, and fracturing effect, taking the coal-bed methane wells in the Qinshui Basin as the research target. The results show that the smaller the horizontal in situ stress difference, the larger the fracture stimulation volume; the smaller the fracturing friction and the net pressure, the higher the productivity of the coal-bed methane well; the greater the proportion of coal-bed methane wells with complex fractures in the form of fracturing fractures, the greater the productivity; the fractures formed by descending and mixed fracture curves are ideal, and the effect after fracturing is better. Based on support vector machine for the above five factors, a fracturing effect classification and evaluation model is established using the fractured wells in the target block as training samples, and the effect prediction of nearby coal-bed methane wells is performed. The results show that the prediction results are in excellent agreement, comparing the prediction classification results of support vector machine with the average daily gas production. This theoretical method realizes the classification of the complex effects of coal-bed methane fracturing and provides a theoretical basis for the design of coal-bed methane well production stimulation and effect prediction.
Relationship between Particulate Matter (PM10) and Airway Inflammation Measured with Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Choi Juwhan , Sim Jae Kyeom , Oh Jee Youn , Lee Young Seok , Hur Gyu Young , Lee Sung Yong , Shim Jae Jeong , Moon Ji-yong , Min Kyung Hoon
Published: March 2020

Purpose. Particulate matter (PM) is increasing every year in Asia. It is not fully understood how the airway is affected when inhaling PM. We investigated the correlation between particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to determine whether PM causes airway inflammation. Material and Methods. We analyzed patients who visited our outpatient clinic and tested FeNO from January 2016 to December 2017 at the Korea University Guro Hospital. PM10 data were provided by the government of the Republic of South Korea, and measuring station of PM10 is located 800 meters from the hospital. We analyzed the correlation between PM10 and FeNO by a Pearson correlation analysis and by a multivariate linear regression analysis. To identify the most correlated times, we analyzed the correlation between the FeNO and PM10 daily average from the day of visit to 4 days before visit. Results. FeNO positively correlated with PM10 at two days before hospital visit in the Pearson correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.057; P-value = 0.023) and in the multivariate linear regression analysis (B = 0.051, P-value = 0.026). If the PM10 increased by 100 μg/m3, the FeNO result was expected to rise to 8.3 ppb in healthy people without respiratory disease. Conclusion. The positive correlation was found in both healthy people and asthmatic patients. Therefore, PM10 can increase airway inflammation.