bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spermatic vein embolization as a treatment for symptomatic varicocele
Authors: Broe Mark P. , Ryan James P.C. , Ryan Eanna J. , Murphy David J. , Mulvin David W. , Cantwell Colin , Brophy David P. 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Varicocele is a relatively common condition in men that causes pain in approximately 10% of cases. There have been few studies to date assessing the improvements in both pain and quality of life parameters associated with spermatic vein embolization (SVE) as a treatment for patients with symptomatic varicocele, so we aimed to assess this.
Methods: A review was carried out of consecutive SVE procedures performed at our institution from 2013–2019. Only patients with painful varicocele were included after other causes of testicular pain were excluded. The technique employed was a combination of distal coil embolization of the spermatic vein with 4–6 mm coils at the level of the inguinal canal, as well as sclerotherapy to prevent reflux of sclerosant. Furthermore, a prospective validated Pain Impact Questionnaire-6 (PIQ-6) was performed to assess for improvement in quality of life. A matched pair Student two-tailed t-test was used to compare mean scores pre- and post-treatment, with 95% confidence intervals presented as T scores and their associated p-values.
Results: Over six years, 62 SVE procedures were performed for symptomatic varicocele. Success rate was 95%, with a median followup of nine months. Two patients had a failed procedure on two occasions requiring subsequent surgical ligation. There was one clinically significant recurrence. All components of PIQ-6 score showed a statistically significant reduction post-SVE, most noticeably pain severity and impact on leisure activities.
Conclusions: SVE is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for symptomatic varicocele, improving pain and quality of life.
Costovertebral angle as a novel tool for predicting the thoracic complication risk following percutaneous nephrolithotomy requiring supracostal access
Authors: Guzel Ahmet , Oksay Taylan , Ozturk Sefa Alperen , Soyupek Arap Sedat , Ozorak Alper , Kosar Alim 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine whether the costovertebral angle (CVA) and other factors can predict the risk of thoracic complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Methods: The data of patients who underwent prone PCNL with supracostal access at Suleyman Demirel University Hospital between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ demographics information (age, sex, body mass index [BMI], stone size, and stone location), operative data (supracostal access site, renal puncture site, and laterality), and postoperative thoracic complications (pleural injury) were evaluated. The CVA was measured on preoperative posteroanterior chest X-ray images. The mean CVA of patients with and without thoracic complications was evaluated.
Results: A total of 89 patients (mean age 46.12±15.66 years; 59 men and 30 women) with supracostal access were included in the study. Thoracic complications occurred in 17 (19.1%) patients. Nine (52.9%) hemothorax cases, five (29.4%) pneumothorax cases, and three (17.7%) urinothorax cases were detected. There was a statistically significant difference in the complication rate compared to the percutaneous access site (10th–11th supracostal vs. 11th–12th supracostal) (p=0.004). The mean CVA was significantly lower in patients with complications (45.47±3.59) than in those without complications (53.26±5.98) (p=0.000). No association was found (p>0.05) with age, sex, BMI, laterality, stone surface area, and access site among patients with and without thoracic complications.
Conclusions: Preoperative CVA can be an effective tool in predicting the risk of postoperative thoracic complications.
Further Analysis of the Forces on Keel and Rudder of a Sailing Yacht
Authors: Keuning J. A. , Katgert M. , Vermeulen K. J. 
Published: May 2021

In order to be able to calculate the forces on the keel and rudder of a sailing yacht more is to be known about their interaction. Both for determining the yaw balance of a sailing yacht as for the maneuvering it is of importance to have a good assessment on these forces because they determine the yaw moment to a large extent.
Therefore a research project was set up in the Delft Shiphydromechanics Department to investigate the influence of the keel on the rudder. Aim was to improve on the side force prediction of keel and rudder and to assess the wake of the keel and the downwash on the rudder in various conditions. Based on the measured results the the previous developped formulation within the DSYHS for the keel residuary resistance is validated and a new formulation for the downwash behind the keel is presented. In addition the expression within the DSYHS for the sideforce on the yacht is improved for higher aspect ratios.
Attachment Style, Mother Tongue Proficiency and Sociocultural Identity Amongst Second and Third Generation South Asian Immigrants in Hong Kong
Authors: Dhaliwal Kulwinder Kaur , Cariola Laura A. 
Published: May 2021

This study examined the relationship between attachment style, mother tongue (L1) and dominant language (DL) proficiency, sociocultural identification with the culture of origin, and life satisfaction amongst second-generation and third-generation South Asian immigrants in Hong Kong. Participants included 69 women and 28 men who were permanent residents of South Asian ethnicity, and who had grown up in Hong Kong. The results identified significant associations between attachment insecurity and L1 and DL proficiency, as well as commitment to the origin culture. There was a positive association between life satisfaction and commitment levels to origin culture, indicating that high commitment levels to origin culture tend to coexist with high life satisfaction. This study adds to the existing literature with a focus on language skills, attachment and acculturation in immigrant populations.
Bewitching Oxymorons and Illusions of Harmony
Authors: Stolorow Robert D. , Atwood George E. 
Published: May 2021

Wittgenstein’s account of how language bewitches one’s intelligence is a singular achievement in the phenomenology of language. In section 426 of Philosophical Investigations Wittgenstein famously claims that the meaning of a word is to be found in the “actual use” of it, and he contrasts this understanding with the projection of a picture:
A picture is conjured up which seems to fix the sense unambiguously. The actual use, compared with that suggested by the picture, seems like something muddied. ... [T]he form of expression we use seems to have been designed for a god, who knows what we cannot know; he sees the whole of each of those infinite series and he sees into human consciousness. (Wittgenstein, 1953, section 426)
In the Footsteps of an Observer – Looking at Edvard Munch in Åsgårdstrand
Authors: Mathiesen Ilmi Gutzeit 
Published: May 2021

This article presents an arts based approach to some of the motifs that Edvard Munch painted during his many stays in the Norwegian town of Åsgårdstrand. The author examines the relationship between Munch’s and her own observations made from the very same vantage points in the landscapes. The theoretical thrust of the article is informed by arts based research as promoted by art education theorists Barone and Eisner (2012) and art therapy researcher McNiff (2013). It is also inspired by Pink’s text “Doing sensory ethnography” (2009), which highlights the multisensory experience and recognises the significance of the researcher’s own presence in the data collection process.
A key tool in the research project was a tablet device (iPad), used both as a camera in the field and as a tool for creative artistic exploration in practice. The method involved digitally painting Munch’s figures onto photos taken from the same places as the artist must have stood when inspired to paint his famous pictures. The author argues that a tablet with artistic software applications can serve as a versatile and handy “portable studio”, facilitating immediate first-hand experience and understanding. The concluding discussion focuses on how this practical arts based approach to the work of a famous artist can be implemented in an art education setting.
Specialty pharmacist integration into an outpatient neurology clinic improves pimavanserin access
Authors: Livezey Sabrina , Shah Nisha B. , McCormick Robert , DeClercq Josh , Choi Leena , Zuckerman Autumn D. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Access to pimavanserin, the only Parkinson disease–related psychosis treatment approved by the FDA, is restricted by insurance requirements, a limited distribution network, and high costs. Following initiation, patients require monitoring for safety and effectiveness. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate impact of specialty pharmacist (SP) integration on time to insurance approval. Additionally, we describe a pharmacist-led monitoring program.

Methods
This was a single-center, retrospective study of adults prescribed pimavanserin by the neurology clinic from June 2016 to June 2018. Patients receiving pimavanserin externally or through clinical trials were excluded. Pre- (June 2016 to December 2016) and post-SP integration (January 2017 to June 2018) periods were assessed. Proportional odds logistic regression was performed to test association of approval time with patient characteristics (age, gender, insurance type) postintegration. Interventions were categorized as clinical care, care coordination, management of adverse event, or adherence.

Results
We included 94 patients (32 preintegration, 62 postintegration), 80% male (n = 75) and 96% white (n = 90) with a mean age of 73 years. Median time to approval was 22 days preintegration and 3 days postintegration. Higher rates of approval (81% vs 95%) and initiation (78% vs 94%) were observed postintegration. Proportional odds logistic regression suggested patients with commercial insurance were likely to have longer time to approval compared with patients with Medicare/Medicaid (odds ratio 7.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.9, 26.7; P = .004). Most interventions were clinical (51%, n = 47) or care coordination (42%, n = 39).

Conclusion
Median time to approval decreased postintegration. The SP performed valuable monitoring and interventions.
Kratom-induced transaminitis with subsequent precipitated opioid withdrawal following naltrexone
Authors: Jensen Aimee N. , Truong Quynh-Nhu , Jameson Melanie , Nadal Celeste N. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Kratom is an herbal supplement that has gained popularity for recreational use within the United States. Kratom exerts opioid-like effects and, although not US FDA approved, is commonly used for self-treatment of pain, withdrawal management from opioids, and euphoria. Drug-related hepatic injury has been associated with kratom use. All of this raises concern for patient safety and monitoring. The potential for additive liver toxicity must be considered when kratom is used concurrently with hepatotoxic, over-the-counter, herbal, and prescription medications. This case report describes a case of kratom-induced liver inflammation complicated by opioid withdrawal that was precipitated by initiation of IM naltrexone. To our knowledge, there are no published case reports related to opioid withdrawal following naltrexone administration in patients using kratom (without other opioids). The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate potential complications that may arise with kratom use and considerations that should be taken prior to initiation of naltrexone in kratom users.
Different Aspects of Using Ultrasound to Combat Microorganisms
Authors: Nakonechny Faina , Nisnevitch Marina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGrowing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics due to their widespread use has led to multiple bacterial infections posing a serious threat to health and human life. Low‐frequency ultrasound is one of physical methods for inactivation of pathogenic microbial cells. Application of ultrasound is safe, demonstrates good tissue penetration without significant attenuation of energy, and does not induce microbial resistance. Bactericidal effect of ultrasound is based on acoustic cavitation—the growth and collapse of microbubbles in a liquid medium, resulting in shock waves, shear forces, and microjets which cause irreversible damage and inactivation of microorganisms. The present review combines and analyzes literature data on in vitro and in vivo studies and summarizes works demonstrating the ability of ultrasound, alone or in combination with other methods, to combat pathogenic microorganisms. The results of various studies presented in this review show that low‐frequency ultrasound has a noticeable antimicrobial effect on planktonic cells of microorganisms and biofilms. Ultrasound synergistically enhances the effectiveness of other antibacterial agents and activates molecules called sonosensitizers, resulting in the formation of compounds toxic to microbial cells. Ultrasound can also promote local release of antimicrobial drugs from liposomes, as well as from medical implants.
Carrier Tunneling from Charge Transfer States in Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Devižis Andrius , Gelzinis Andrius , Chmeliov Jevgenij , Diethelm Matthias , Endriukaitis Laurynas , Padula Daniele , Hany Roland 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCharge transfer (CT) states play a key role in the functioning of organic solar cells; however, understanding the mechanism by which CT states dissociate efficiently into free charges remain a conceptual challenge. Here, the electric field dependent dynamics of charge generation in planar cyanine/fullerene photovoltaic cells is probed over a wide temperature range using time‐resolved Stark effect experiments, transient absorption, and photocurrent measurements. Results indicate that dissociation of thermalized CT states is the rate‐limiting step for all temperatures. The dissociation rate strongly depends on the field, but is temperature independent. The results also suggest that the yield of generated charges is temperature independent. Model electrostatic calculations illustrate that specific orientations of the cyanine crystal relative to C60 create a repulsive potential for an electron near the interface that is largely due to the quadrupole moment of the unit cell. In combination with the electron‐hole coulomb attraction and the electric field‐induced barrier lowering, a high‐energy potential barrier forms with a narrow width of a few nanometers. It is proposed that charge separation occurs via a field‐dependent electron tunneling mechanism through that barrier, which is temperature independent. The results support a thus far overlooked pathway for CT state dissociation via carrier tunneling.
Superradiant Emission from Coherent Excitons in van Der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Haider Golam , Sampathkumar Krishna , Verhagen Tim , Nádvorník Lukáš , Sonia Farjana J. , Valeš Václav , Sýkora Jan , Kapusta Peter , Němec Petr , Hof Martin , Frank Otakar , Chen Yang‐Fang , Vejpravová Jana , Kalbáč Martin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent advancements in isolation and stacking of layered van der Waals materials have created an unprecedented paradigm for demonstrating varieties of 2D quantum materials. Rationally designed van der Waals heterostructures composed of monolayer transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and few‐layer hBN show several unique optoelectronic features driven by correlations. However, entangled superradiant excitonic species in such systems have not been observed before. In this report, it is demonstrated that strong suppression of phonon population at low temperature results in a formation of a coherent excitonic‐dipoles ensemble in the heterostructure, and the collective oscillation of those dipoles stimulates a robust phase synchronized ultra‐narrow band superradiant emission even at extremely low pumping intensity. Such emitters are in high demand for a multitude of applications, including fundamental research on many‐body correlations and other state‐of‐the‐art technologies. This timely demonstration paves the way for further exploration of ultralow‐threshold quantum‐emitting devices with unmatched design freedom and spectral tunability.
Plasmonic Photoelectrochemistry: In View of Hot Carriers
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Guo Wenxiao , Zhang Yunlu , Wei Wei David 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUtilizing plasmon‐generated hot carriers to drive chemical reactions has emerged as a popular topic in solar photocatalysis. However, a complete description of the underlying mechanism of hot‐carrier transfer in photochemical processes remains elusive, particularly for those involving hot holes. Photoelectrochemistry enables to localize hot holes on photoanodes and hot electrons on photocathodes and thus offers an approach to separately explore the hole‐transfer dynamics and electron‐transfer dynamics. This review summarizes a comprehensive understanding of both hot‐hole and hot‐electron transfers from photoelectrochemical studies on plasmonic electrodes. Additionally, working principles and applications of spectroelectrochemistry are discussed for plasmonic materials. It is concluded that photoelectrochemistry provides a powerful toolbox to gain mechanistic insights into plasmonic photocatalysis.
Benthic foraminiferal faunas associated with cold‐water coral environments in the North Atlantic realm
Authors: Fentimen Robin , Schmiedl Gerhard , Rüggeberg Andres , Foubert Anneleen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSurface benthic foraminiferal assemblages associated with cold‐water coral mounds and reefs from the Irish margin and Norwegian shelf (North‐east Atlantic) are for the first time compared quantitatively. Results indicate that the considered sites share a common assemblage, dominated by elevated epibenthic and distinct infaunal species. This surface assemblage is typical of environments that are subject to strong bottom‐water turbulence with enhanced food availability. It provides a benchmark for comparison with fossil benthic foraminiferal assemblages from past cold‐water coral environments. Similar to macrofaunal and megafaunal communities, surface benthic foraminiferal diversity is higher on reefs and mounds than in surrounding off‐mound/off‐reef sediments. Benthic foraminiferal diversity is highest within the living coral macrohabitat, possibly as a result of enhanced availability and variety of food sources, and ecological niche separation. Indeed, living coral generally thrives on the summits or flanks of reefs and mounds where food availability is most important. The second part discusses the use of fossil benthic foraminiferal assemblages as palaeoceanographic proxies from past cold‐water coral environments. The overview of previous observations demonstrates that benthic foraminifera are valuable tools to reconstruct past bottom‐water oxygenation, bottom‐water currents and surface productivity, all of which are key environmental variables controlling cold‐water coral growth. Moreover, the advantages of a detailed investigation of benthic foraminiferal assemblages within cold‐water coral environments are compared to other palaeoceanographic proxies. This study highlights that benthic foraminiferal assemblages are an often overlooked proxy within cold‐water coral environments, despite yielding valuable information.
Ultrastructural analysis of dendritic spine necks reveals a continuum of spine morphologies
Authors: Ofer Netanel , Berger Daniel R. , Kasthuri Narayanan , Lichtman Jeff W. , Yuste Rafael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDendritic spines are membranous protrusions that receive essentially all excitatory inputs in most mammalian neurons. Spines, with a bulbous head connected to the dendrite by a thin neck, have a variety of morphologies that likely impact their functional properties. Nevertheless, the question of whether spines belong to distinct morphological subtypes is still open. Addressing this quantitatively requires clear identification and measurements of spine necks. Recent advances in electron microscopy enable large‐scale systematic reconstructions of spines with nanometer precision in 3D. Analyzing ultrastructural reconstructions from mouse neocortical neurons with computer vision algorithms, we demonstrate that the vast majority of spine structures can be rigorously separated into heads and necks, enabling morphological measurements of spine necks. We then used a database of spine morphological parameters to explore the potential existence of different spine classes. Without exception, our analysis revealed unimodal distributions of individual morphological parameters of spine heads and necks, without evidence for subtypes of spines. The postsynaptic density size was strongly correlated with the spine head volume. The spine neck diameter, but not the neck length, was also correlated with the head volume. Spines with larger head volumes often had a spine apparatus and pairs of spines in a post‐synaptic cell contacted by the same axon had similar head volumes. Our data reveal a lack of morphological subtypes of spines and indicate that the spine neck length and head volume must be independently regulated. These results have repercussions for our understanding of the function of dendritic spines in neuronal circuits.
Genetic analyzer‐dependent DNA methylation detection and its application to existing age prediction models
Authors: So Moon Hyun , Lee Hwan Young 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDNA methylation is the most promising biomarker for estimating human age. There are various methods used for analyzing DNA methylation. Among those, the SNaPshot assay‐based method provides a semi‐quantitative measurement of DNA methylation using capillary electrophoresis on genetic analyzers. However, DNA methylation measures produced using different types of genetic analyzers have never been compared, although differences in methylation values can directly affect age estimates. To evaluate the differences between the results generated by different genetic analyzers, we analyzed the same blood, saliva, and control methylated DNA using three genetic analyzers—the Applied Biosystems 3130, 3500, and SeqStudio—and compared the methylation values at five CpG sites: ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, MIR29B2C, and TRIM59. The methylation value at each of the five CpG sites decreased in the order 3130, 3500, and SeqStudio. The differences in the results produced by the different genetic analyzers resulted in significant errors when applying the 3500 and SeqStudio data to a previous age estimation model constructed using the 3130 Genetic Analyzer data. Therefore, DNA methylation measurements from 3500 and SeqStudio were corrected using the regression functions obtained by plotting the DNA methylation data of one instrument versus the other to facilitate the application of DNA methylation data from one instrument to the age prediction model based on other instruments. The age prediction accuracy obtained by applying corrected 3500 and SeqStudio data to the existing age estimation model was as high as observed in the 3130 data.