bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of combined treatment with ultrasound‐mediated cisplatin‐loaded microbubbles and atorvastatin on head and neck cancer
Authors: Liao Ai‐Ho , Lin Wan‐Ting , Chen Hang‐Kang , Shih Cheng‐Ping , Wang Chih‐Hung , Chu Yueng‐Hsiang
Published: September 2020

Background

Previously, we used ultrasound (US)‐mediated cisplatin (CDDP)‐loaded microbubbles (CDDP‐MBs) to increase intratumoral CDDP level while decreasing systemic cytotoxicity. Statins have shown antitumorigenic properties. Our study investigated the effects of atorvastatin with CDDP‐MBs and US on head neck cancer.

Methods

Cell viability analysis with CDDP‐MBs and atorvastatin combined with US in FaDu cell line were tested. Cell proliferation and glutathione level were also evaluated.

Results

Both CDDP and atorvastatin reduced cell's viability. Coadministration of CDDP and atorvastatin resulted in synergistic inhibitory effect. After US sonication, cell viability with atorvastatin and CDDP was significantly reduced for CDDP combined with MBs (65.98% to 49.13%) and for CDDP‐MBs (86.17% to 50.15%). CDDP‐MBs combined with atorvastatin and US inhibited the proliferation of cells: 19.61% for CDDP‐MBs + atorvastatin + US, 36.28% for CDDP + atorvastatin, and 71.73% for atorvastatin alone. Also, CDDP‐MBs + atorvastatin + US induced apoptosis by decreasing cellular level of glutathione.

Conclusions

Atorvastatin combined with MB‐conjugated CDDP exerts synergistic inhibitory effect on head neck cancer.
Stroma vs epithelium‐enhanced prognostics through histologic stratification in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kalloger Steve E. , Karasinska Joanna M. , Keung Martin S. , Thompson Danielle L. , Ho Julie , Chow Christine , Gao Dongxia , Topham James T. , Warren Cassia , Wong Hui‐Li , Lee Michael Kuan‐Ching , Renouf Daniel J. , Schaeffer David F.
Published: September 2020

The mixture of epithelial and stromal components in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) may confound sequencing‐based studies of tumor gene expression. Virtual microdissection has been suggested as a bioinformatics approach to segment the aforementioned components, and subsequent prognostic gene sets have emerged from this research. We examined the prognostic signature from the epithelial gene set of one such study using laser capture microdissected (LCM) epithelial samples. We also examined this gene set in matched stromal samples to determine whether prognostic findings were specific to the epithelium. LCM samples from 48 long‐term and 48 short‐term PDAC survivors were obtained. The resultant epithelial and stromal components were subjected to direct mRNA quantification using a 49 gene published PDAC classifier. Component‐specific unsupervised hierarchical clustering was used to derive groups and survival differences were quantified. Immunohistochemical validation of particular genes was performed in an independent cohort. Clustering in the epithelial component yielded prognostic differences in univariable analysis (P= .02), but those differences were not significant when controlled for other clinicopathologic covariates (P= .06). Clustering in the stromal component yielded prognostic differences that persisted in the presence of other clinicopathologic covariates (P= .0005). Validation of selected genes in the epithelium (KRT6A—negative prognostic [P= .004]) and stroma (LY6D—improved prognostic [P= .01] and CTSV—negative prognostic [P= .0002]) demonstrated statistical independence in multivariable analysis. Although the genes used in this study were originally identified as being representative of the epithelial component of PDAC, their expression in the stroma appears to provide additional information that may aid in improved prognostication.
CO2 emission, economic development, fossil fuel consumption and population density in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh: A panel investigation
Authors: Uzair Ali Muhammad , Gong Zhimin , Ali Muhammad Ubaid , Asmi Fahad , Muhammad Rizwanullah
Published: September 2020

The adverse impacts of climate change have occupied central theme of many policy initiatives. This paper investigated the impact of economic development, fossil fuel consumptions and population density on CO2 in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh using annual data over the period 1971–2014. We have applied panel Autoregressive distributed lags model to estimate the long‐run dynamics and Vector error correction model specified Granger causality test for finding the causality direction. Using three multivariate equations model, the empirical outcome of our study has established key associations that have crucial policy implications. Firstly, the results of auto‐regressive distributed lags (ARDL) confirmed the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis that the relationship between CO2 and economic development is U‐shaped. Moreover, fossil fuel consumption and population density have a positive impact on CO2 emission in the long run. VECM test evidence suggests that short‐run causalities from economic development to CO2, population density to CO2 and fossil fuel consumption to CO2 exist. Secondly, CO2 has a negative impact on economic development while the impacts of fossil fuel, FDI and total exports on economic development have been significantly positive in the long run. In short run, CO2, fossil fuel consumption and FDI Granger cause economic development. Lastly, CO2 emission negatively influences population density while economic development positively affects population density in long run. Moreover, short‐run causalities from economic development to population density and CO2 to population density exit. For policy drives, efficient and low carbon emission technologies should be used.
The impact of FDI on income inequality: Evidence from the perspective of financial development
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Lee Chi‐Chuan , Cheng Chih‐Yang
Published: September 2020

By considering the threshold effects of different financial indicators, the current study investigates the relationship among income inequality, foreign direct investment (FDI), and financial development (FV) for a sample of 37 countries over the period 2001–2015. Using the panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model, the empirical results indicate that FDI helps to reduce income inequality, but this beneficial effect becomes weak when the country has reached a threshold level of financial development. We also find that the effect of FV on income inequality is significantly positive, but this harmful effect decreases when the development of the financial system increases further. When the cross‐country heterogeneity is considered, the results indicate that it is possible to improve income distribution through a combination of foreign and domestic funds for non‐high income and non‐lending countries. For those of non‐income and counties with low FDI levels, they should focus more on strengthening financial development.
Implementation of convolutional neural network categorizers in coronary ischemia detection
Authors: Xiao Wei , Gao Qian , Kumar Rahul , Edwin Yu C. L. , Ho Y. E. Janice , Rashid Sheykhahmad Fatima
Published: September 2020

The heart is one of the most important and sophisticated organ of the human body. Coronary ischemia is a condition in which the coronary muscles do not receive sufficient blood and oxygen because of blocked or tightened heart vessels. This syndrome is called cardiac vessel illness. There have been numerous attempts to detect the impact of cardiac vessel illness on the heart muscles using noninvasive experiments. Most of the effects of ischemia as well as severe cardiac conditions on the muscles of the ventricle parts can be detected using ultrasonic images. If treatment is provided to suspected cases in the early stage of cardiac vessel illness, the chance of survival is high; for this, many software‐based detection approaches have been used. In this study, we propose an approach that can automatically diagnose the cardiac artery disease by using the cardiac echo images of the four parts of the heart.
Sustained delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor from mesoporous calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite microparticles promotes in vitro angiogenesis and osteogenesis
Authors: Piard Charlotte , Luthcke Rachel , Kamalitdinov Timur , Fisher John
Published: September 2020

Promoting the growth of blood vessels within engineered tissues remains one of the main challenge in bone tissue engineering. One way to improve angiogenesis is the use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as it holds the ability to increase the formation of a vascular network. In the present study, collagen scaffolds with VEGF‐releasing hydroxyapatite particles were fabricated, in order to engineer a material both capable of presenting an osteoconductive surface and delivering an angiogenic growth factor in a localized and sustained manner, in order to enhance osteogenesis as well as angiogenesis. To this end, we developed microparticles and characterize their size, chemical properties and Ca/P ratio to validate the formation of hydroxyapatite. We then evaluated the osteogenic potential of HAp when cultured with mesenchymal stem cells and compare it to commercially available hydroxyapatite (SBp). Finally, we characterized the encapsulation and release of VEGF in the HAp and assess the angiogenic potential of the VEGF‐HAp when cultured with endothelial cells. We demonstrated the successful fabrication of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite microparticles (CDHAp), with biological properties closer to the bone than stoichiometric, commercially available hydroxyapatite. This CDHAp exhibited a well‐defined 3D network of crystalline nanoplates forming mesoporous and hollow structures. The high specific area created by those structures enabled the loading of VEGF with high efficiency when compared to the loading efficiency of SBp. Furthermore, their biological performances were evaluated in vitro. Our results indicate that VEGF‐CDHAp can be used to improve both osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro.
Influence of back donation effects on the structure of ZnO nanoclusters
Authors: Gutsev Lavrenty G. , M. Aldoshin Sergey , L. Gutsev Gennady
Published: September 2020

The structure and properties of ZnO quantum dots is a very popular and rapidly growing field of research for which accurate quantum calculations are challenging to perform. Since the dependence between system size and wall time scales nonlinearly, certain compromises have to be made. A particularly important limiting factor is the size of the basis used, this is especially the case if accurate large calculations are to be carried out. In our work, we discovered that an important O(2p)‐>Zn(4p) back donation, which greatly influences the strength of the ZnO bond, can be reproduced only if diffuse functions are added to the basis set. We further tested the basis dependence for the magic‐sized wurtzite nanophase ZnO clusters which were previously shown to be able to accurately reproduce the magnetically doped II‐IV Q‐dots. In this work, we outline the minimal basis sets required to properly describe ZnO bonds in a nanocluster. It was demonstrated that the rock salt nanophase is incorrectly stabilized if a basis set does not contain sufficiently diffuse functions while the correct wurtzite phase is stabilized when diffuse functions are added. This tendency, similar to that in the ZnO dimer case, was shown to stem from the incorrect lack of Zn(4p) electron density in calculations when using the diffuse‐free basis set.
Memory reconsolidation in psychotherapy for severe perfectionism within borderline personality
Authors: Vaz Alexandre , Ecker Bruce
Published: September 2020

Objective(s)

For a case of severe perfectionism, comorbid with complex trauma symptomatology including suicidality, self‐harming, and other markers of borderline personality, we demonstrate the use of the empirically confirmed process identified in memory reconsolidation (MR) research for the unlearning and nullification, or “erasure,” of emotional and behavioral responses driven by learned expectations and mental models. MR has been proposed as a transtheoretical, unifying mechanism underlying profound psychotherapeutic change. The therapist (first author), under the second author's supervision, used a varied set of clinical skills woven together through a focus on the MR process.

Results

The result was a depotentiation of underlying, traumatic emotional learnings and near‐total disappearance of perfectionistic and self‐harming behaviors, urges and attitudes after 1 year of therapy.

Conclusions

Implications of this case are discussed in terms of symptom generation by implicit emotional learnings and MR as a promising framework for advancing the effectiveness and unification of psychotherapy.
Ventricular and atrial functions assessed by speckle‐tracking echocardiography in patients with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Cincin Altug , Ozben Beste , Tukenmez Tigen Elif , Sunbul Murat , Sayar Nurten , Gurel Emre , Tigen Kursat , Korten Volkan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically changed the clinical manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated cardiomyopathy from severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction to a pattern of subclinical cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) LV, right ventricular (RV), and biatrial functions in HIV‐infected patients under different ART combinations.

Methods

We consecutively included 128 HIV‐infected patients (mean age 44.2 ± 10.1 years, 110 males) and 100 controls (mean age 42.1 ± 9.4 years, 83 males). Ventricular and atrial functions were assessed by both conventional and STE.

Results

Although there was not any significant difference in conventional echocardiographic variables, HIV‐infected patients had significantly lower LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), RV GLS, left atrial (LA) reservoir and conduit strain, and right atrial conduit strain. HIV patients receiving integrase strand transfer inhibitors and protease inhibitors (PI) had significantly lower LV GLS and LA conduit strain, while patients receiving non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and PI had significantly lower RV GLS than controls. CD4 count at the time of echocardiography was strongly correlated with LV GLS (r = .619, P < .001) and RV GLS (r = .606, P < .001).

Conclusion

Biventricular and atrial functions are subclinically impaired in HIV‐infected patients. ART regimen may also affect myocardial functions.
Developing a curriculum blueprint and taxonomy: Process, progress, and pivots
Authors: Wolcott Michael D. , Quinonez Rocio B. , Tittemore Ashley J. , LaGarry‐Cahoon Alison , Zomorodi Meg , Reside Jonathan M. , Jackson Tate H.
Published: September 2020

Curriculum transformations represent opportunities to innovate; however, there are few examples to inform this process. In 2018, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Adams School of Dentistry began to transform the predoctoral curriculum to improve content integration, enhance team‐based experiences, and develop leaders. Part of this experience has been crafting a conceptual curriculum guide or “blueprint” that outlines a vision for the design process and ensures the transformation achieves its goals. We describe how we created the UNC Blueprint for our revised curriculum, which defines who our graduates are, what they know, and what they can do. This approach has led us to develop a mapping taxonomy to ensure the student outcomes are appropriately aligned with content, instruction, and assessment throughout the curriculum. Last, we encourage others to be agile in their approach, create a common language among their teams, and frequently engage faculty to facilitate the process.
Aerobic scope and climate warming: Testing the “plastic floors and concrete ceilings” hypothesis in the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Authors: Rodgers Essie M. , Franklin Craig E.
Published: September 2020

Ectotherms are predicted to show a reduction in absolute aerobic scope (AAS = maximum − standard metabolic rates) if habitat temperatures surpass optima. However, thermal phenotypic plasticity may play a protective role in the maintenance of AAS. In fishes, resting physiological rates (“physiological floors,” e.g., standard metabolic rates [SMR]) are typically thermally phenotypically plastic whilst maximum physiological rates (“physiological ceilings,” e.g., maximum metabolic rate [MMR]) are typically fixed. This observation led to the “plastic floors and concrete ceilings” hypothesis. The applicability of this hypothesis to nonavian reptiles remains untested, despite this group being at risk of climate warming‐induced extinction. We tested this hypothesis in juvenile estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) by maintaining animals at a water temperature indicative of current summer conditions (28°C) or at a water temperature reflecting a high magnitude of warming (34°C; i.e., thermal acclimation treatments) for 6 months. Metabolic traits (SMR, MMR, and AAS) were subsequently quantified between 28–36°C. A twofold increase in SMR was observed between 28°C and 36°C in both thermal acclimation treatments (pooled Q10 = 3.2). MMR was thermally insensitive between 28°C and 36°C in 28°C‐acclimated crocodiles but doubled between 28°C and 36°C in 34°C‐acclimated crocodiles. These findings demonstrate thermal phenotypic plasticity in a “physiological ceiling” (MMR) and rigidity in a “physiological floor” (SMR), showing the opposite pattern to many fishes. Overall, crocodiles displayed impressive aerobic capacity at temperatures reflecting climate warming scenarios. AAS remained unchanged across an 8°C temperature range in 28°C‐acclimated animals and doubled in 34°C‐acclimated animals.
Successful pregnancy in a patient with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy due to ACAD9 deficiency
Authors: Jacobi‐Polishook Talia , Yosha‐Orpaz Naama , Sagi Yair , Lev Dorit , Lerman‐Sagie Tally
Published: September 2020

Acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase family member 9 (ACAD9) is an enzyme essential for the assembly of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. ACAD9 deficiency can cause lactic acidosis, myopathy, cardiomyopathy, intellectual disability, and early demise. We present a patient with mitochondrial myopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and epilepsy due to recessive ACAD9 mutations. A muscle biopsy depicted ragged red fibers, and decreased activity of complex I of the respiratory chain. Treatment with riboflavin was initiated at the age of 4 years due to complex I deficiency (before the genetic diagnosis), resulting in symptomatic improvement of the cardiomyopathy, exercise intolerance, and lactate levels. A novel homozygous ACAD9 mutation was found: c.398G>A; p.Ser133Asn at the age of 23 years. Three years later she sustained a normal pregnancy, and gave birth to a healthy baby girl delivered by an elective Cesarean section. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a successful pregnancy and delivery in a patient with this rare mitochondrial disease.
Trend analysis of evapotranspiration over Iran based on NEX‐GDDP high‐resolution dataset
Authors: Ghalami Vahid , Saghafian Bahram , Raziei Tayeb
Published: September 2020

Estimation of evapotranspiration, representing a highly sensitive variable to global warming, is often required in water resources and agricultural studies. This study explores the possible effects of climate change on evapotranspiration (ETo) across Iran. The ETo was computed using the Penman‐Monteith Temperature (PMT) method that requires only minimum and maximum temperature (Tmin and Tmax), provided by the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections dataset (NEX‐GDDP) with a 0.25° × 0.25° spatial resolution. Accuracy of the NEX‐GDDP Tmin and Tmax were evaluated against ground truth observations at 41 synoptic weather stations distributed across the country using a set of statistical measures, including the coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE). Similarly, the PMT estimated evapotranspiration based on the NEX‐GDDP Tmin and Tmax (ETo‐GDDP) were statistically evaluated against the ETo computed with observed variables at selected stations (ETo‐obs). Then, at each grid cell, the 45‐years ETo‐GDDP time series was partitioned into three 15‐years subperiods such that the differences between three subperiods were computed and inter‐compared. Furthermore, annual, seasonal, and monthly ETo time series trends of each cell were evaluated using the Mann–Kendall trend test (MK) while the corresponding change rates were estimated using Theil–Sen's slope estimator (TSSE). The results demonstrated a good agreement between ETo‐GDDP and ETo‐obs with R2 greater than 0.8 and NSE greater than 0.7 in 90.2% and 65.8% of the stations, respectively. The maps of differences between the three subperiods showed negligible changes in ETo between 1975–1990 and 1950–1975 subperiods. The spatial patterns of annual and seasonal MK statistics showed a significant increasing trend in most parts of Iran. On seasonal scale, the highest and lowest ETo changes were observed in spring (0.00035–0.0045) and in autumn (0.0005–0.0015), respectively.
Fisher Shannon analysis of drought/wetness episodes along a rainfall gradient in Northeast Brazil
Authors: da Silva Antonio Samuel Alves , Menezes Rômulo Simões Cezar , Telesca Luciano , Stosic Borko , Stosic Tatijana
Published: September 2020

We applied the informational approach of the Fisher‐Shannon method to study the time series of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) derived from monthly rainfall data at 133 gauging stations in Northeast (NE) Brazil. The climate in the study region ranges from tropical humid in the coastal area Zona de Mata to tropical semiarid inland Sertão, passing through a sub‐humid transition region Agreste. The time span is from 1962 to 2012, and SPI was calculated for 1, 3, 6, and 12 ‐ month time scales. We calculate information quantifiers Shannon entropy power (SEP) and Fisher information measure (FIM) that quantify signal disorder and structural organization, respectively, and define its position in the Fisher Shannon plane (FS). We find that the SPI‐1 series that describes short term dry/wet conditions display a higher degree of organization (higher FIM) and a lower degree of disorder (lower SEP) than SPI's that describe medium and long term conditions (SPI‐3, SPI‐6, and SPI‐12). By analysing the spatial distribution of information quantifiers, we find that short term dry/wet conditions (SPI‐1) show the lowest disorder and highest organization degree in the deep inland Sertão region and highest disorder and lowest organization degree in the coastal Zona de Mata region, while long term conditions (SPI‐12) show the opposite trend. For medium‐term conditions (SPI‐3 and SPI‐6), the SEP is highest and FIM lowest in the transition sub‐humid Agreste region. Our findings indicate that information theory‐based methods, particularly FS have the potential to discriminate among different climatic regimes.
Three‐dimensional kinematic analysis of dislocation mechanism in dual mobility total hip arthroplasty constructs
Authors: Klemt Christian , Bounajem Georges , Tirumala Venkatsaiakhil , Xiong Liang , Padmanabha Anand , Kwon Young‐Min
Published: September 2020

Dual mobility (DM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with reduced dislocation rates; however, the kinematic mechanism of dislocation in DM THA constructs is still not well understood. This study hypothesizes that the difference in kinematics between DM THA and conventional THA designs contributes to reduced dislocation rates of DM THA. In addition, this study aims to quantify and compare those kinematic parameters between DM THA and conventional THA using a validated dual fluoroscopy imaging system (DFIS) and finite element (FE) modelling. Fresh frozen cadavers were measured to compare the impingement‐free range of motion and provocative subluxation kinematics among three THA constructs: (1) DM, (2) constrained liner (CS), and (3) 36 mm head diameter neutral liner (NL). The DFIS was used to measure the in vitro kinematics of the hip. Subject‐specific FE models were developed to assess the horizontal dislocation distance and resistive torque at dislocation. The DM construct head exhibited increased provocative anterior and posterior subluxation range of motion before dislocation when compared to CS constructs (p = .05; p = .03), as well as NL constructs (p = .05). The DM THA showed a significantly larger posterior horizontal dislocation distance, as well as smaller resistive torque at dislocation, when compared to NL (p = .05; p = .03) and CS constructs (p = .04; p = .01). Our findings demonstrate there was increased provocative subluxation range of motion as well as normalized jump distance for the DM constructs compared to the NL and CS constructs, suggesting the DM THA may provide increased stability hip during at‐risk functional hip positions.
Rational design of specific ligands for human serum albumin separation and applications
Authors: Ge Cheng‐Tong , Cai Qing‐Yun , Zhang Qi‐Lei , Chu Wen‐Ning , Yao Shan‐Jing , Lin Dong‐Qiang
Published: September 2020

Human serum albumin is widely used in clinical practice, and the development of new ligands with high affinity is beneficial to improve its separation efficiency. The Site II of human serum albumin is an active binding site of various molecules such as l‐tryptophan, which was studied with molecular simulation to obtain insights for the design of new ligands. The results showed that the carboxyl and indolyl groups of l‐tryptophan were critical for the binding on Site II. Seven ligands containing carboxyl groups and indolyl groups were designed, and molecular simulation showed that indole‐3‐pentanoic acid was the best ligand. A new ligand combined indole‐3‐acetic acid and cysteine was designed for easier resin preparation, and molecular simulation also indicated that the new ligand bound strongly to Site II. Resins with the new ligand designed was prepared and static adsorption experiments indicated that the new resin had high adsorption capacity of human serum albumin and strong salt tolerance. Finally, recombinant human serum albumin was separated from yeast broth with high purity of 90.4% and recovery of 94.2%, which indicated that the new resin had good adsorption selectivity and strong potential for applications.
Cotyledonoid Leiomyoma Clinical Characteristics, Imaging Features, and Review of the Literature
Authors: Buonomo Francesca , Bussolaro Sofia , Giorda Giorgio , Romano Federico , Biffi Stefania , Ricci Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

Cotyledonoid leiomyoma of the uterus is a rare variant of benign uterine leiomyoma. It has a favorable attitude, despite some ultrasound presentations. A bulky uterus with a heterogeneous mass with irregular margins, high vascularity, and infiltration of the myometrium can induce the suspicion of a malignant mesenchymal tumor and lead to a radical surgical treatment. If present, some imaging features may suggest this rare type of leiomyoma, thus avoiding extensive surgery, especially in young nulliparous women. We report 13 cases of cotyledonoid leiomyoma with clinical characteristics, imaging features, and a literature review.
Transoral Robotic Surgery Excision of Lingual Thyroglossal Duct Cysts Including the Central Hyoid Bone
Authors: Johnston Douglas R. , Maurrasse Sarah E. , Maddalozzo John
Published: September 2020

View Video S1 Laryngoscope, 131:E1345–E1348, 2021
Russell's typicality as another randomness notion
Authors: Tzouvaras Athanassios
Published: September 2020

We reformulate slightly Russell's notion of typicality, so as to eliminate its circularity and make it applicable to elements of any first‐order structure. We argue that the notion parallels Martin‐Löf (ML) randomness, in the sense that it uses definable sets in place of computable ones and sets of “small” cardinality (i.e., strictly smaller than that of the structure domain) in place of measure zero sets. It is shown that if the domain M satisfies , then there exist typical elements and only non‐typical ones. In particular this is true for the standard model of second‐order arithmetic. By allowing parameters in the defining formulas, we are led to relative typicality, which satisfies most of van Lambalgen's axioms for relative randomness. However van Lambalgen's theorem is false for relative typicality. The class of typical reals is incomparable (with respect to ⊆) with the classes of ML‐random, Schnorr random and computably random reals. Also the class of typical reals is closed under Turing degrees and under the jump operation (both ways).
Brain 5‐HT1A Receptor Binding in Multiple System Atrophy: An [18F]‐MPPF PET Study
Authors: Meyer Marie , Lamare Frédéric , Asselineau Julien , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra , Mazère Joachim , Zanotti‐Fregonara Paolo , Rizzo Gaia , Delamarre Anna , Spampinato Umberto , Rascol Olivier , Pavy‐Le Traon Anne , Tison François , Fernandez Philippe , Sibon Igor , Meissner Wassilios G
Published: September 2020

Background

Loss of medullary serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) neurons has been linked to respiratory disturbances in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Broader 5‐hydroxytryptamine dysfunction may contribute to additional motor/nonmotor symptoms in MSA. The objective of this study was to compare brain 5‐hydroxytryptamine1A receptor binding between MSA and healthy controls. Secondary objectives were to compare 5‐hydroxytryptamine1A receptor binding between MSA and Parkinson's disease (PD) and to assess potential associations with motor/nonmotor symptoms in MSA.

Methods

2′‐Methoxyphenyl‐(N‐2′‐pyridinyl)‐p‐18F‐fluoro‐benzamidoethylpiperazine positron emission tomography was performed in matched MSA patients (n = 16), PD patients (n = 15), and healthy controls (n = 18).

Results

2′‐Methoxyphenyl‐(N‐2′‐pyridinyl)‐p‐18F‐fluoro‐benzamidoethylpiperazine distribution volume ratios were lower in MSA patients versus healthy controls in several brain regions including the caudate, raphe nuclei, thalamus, and brain stem. Distribution volume ratios were also lower in brain stem and amygdala in MSA versus PD. Moderate associations were found between 2′‐methoxyphenyl‐(N‐2′‐pyridinyl)‐p‐18F‐fluoro‐benzamidoethylpiperazine distribution volume ratios and fatigue, pain, and apathy in MSA.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate 5‐hydroxytryptamine dysfunction in several brain regions in MSA, which may contribute to fatigue, pain, and apathy. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Non‐invasive technologies for diagnostics of orthopaedic implant fixation
Authors: Hosseini Sara , Claramunt Rafael , Ros Antonio
Published: September 2020

One of the most important human intervention is a total hip replacement (THR) that has the goal of pain relief and performance restoration. From early 1960, THR comes a long way and now more than one million patients all around the world every year have THR. Against all these facts, 4%–10% of all THR are failed mostly due to loosening. Precise and fast detection is vital for both surgeons and patients. The diagnosis approaches are generally classified into two groups: conventional non‐imaging and imaging approaches. Imaging approaches are the most widely used because they are most cost‐effective, convenient and available. However, some shortcomings are obvious in the conventional imaging methods of diagnosing prosthesis loosening. Consequently, new techniques have been further developed and recommended based on non‐destructive analysis such as vibrometery, telemetry and acoustic.
Dietary Squalene Induces Cytochromes Cyp2b10 and Cyp2c55 Independently of Sex, Dose, and Diet in Several Mouse Models
Authors: Gabás‐Rivera Clara , Jurado‐Ruiz Enrique , Sánchez‐Ortiz Araceli , Romanos Eduardo , Martínez‐Beamonte Roberto , Navarro María A. , Surra Joaquín C. , Arnal Carmen , Rodríguez‐Yoldi María J. , Andrés‐Lacueva Cristina , Osada Jesús
Published: September 2020

Scope: To investigate the effects of squalene, the main hydrocarbon present in extra virgin olive oil, on liver transcriptome in different animal models and to test the influence of sex on this action and its relationship with hepatic lipids.

Methods and Results: To this purpose, male C57BL/6J Apoe‐deficient mice are fed a purified Western diet with or without squalene during 11 weeks and hepatic squalene content is assessed, so are hepatic lipids and lipid droplets. Hepatic transcriptomic changes are studied and confirmed by RT‐qPCR. Dietary characteristics and influence of squalene doses are tested in Apoe‐deficient on purified chow diets with or without squalene. These diets are also given to Apoa1 and wild‐type mice on C57BL/6J background and to C57BL/6J xOla129 Apoe‐deficient mice. Squalene supplementation increases its hepatic content without differences among sexes and hormonal status. The Cyp2b10 and Cyp2c55 gene expressions are significantly up‐regulated by the squalene intake in all models, with independence of sex, sexual hormones, dietary fat content, genetic background and dose, and in Apoe‐deficient mice consuming extra‐virgin olive oil.

Conclusion: Hepatic squalene increases the expression of these cytochromes and their changes in virgin olive oil diets may be due to their squalene content.
Assessment of transcultural psychotherapy to treat resistant major depressive disorder in children and adolescents from migrant families: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial using mixed method and Bayesian approaches
Authors: Lachal Jonathan , Moro Marie Rose , Carretier Emilie , Simon Amalini , Barry Caroline , Falissard Bruno , Rouquette Alexandra
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Cultural variations complicate psychiatric care, especially for migrant children. Transcultural psychotherapy (TCP) is an original psychotherapeutic technique developed to address complex situations of resistant mental disorders in the context of migration. This research will aim to assess the efficacy, the acceptability, and describe the therapeutic processes of TCP for the treatment of depression in first or second generation of migration children and adolescents.

Method

Mixed method study using a multicenter, Bayesian randomized clinical trial with blinded evaluation of the primary outcome. Two parallel groups of 40 children or adolescents from 6 to 20 years old and their family will be included. In the experimental group, patients will attend six sessions of transcultural therapy in addition to usual care.

Results

The improved Clinical Global Impression scale scores at 6 months will be compared across groups. Qualitative analysis of families and therapists' interviews will allow to specify the therapeutic processes and acceptability of the therapy.

Conclusion

The findings will encourage the development and routinization of TCP for second‐line use and its adaption as a first‐line technique in this population.
Efficient algorithms for finding 2‐medians of a tree
Authors: Oudjit Aissa , Stallmann Matthias F.
Published: September 2020

The p‐median problem for networks is NP‐hard, but polynomial time algorithms exist for trees (n is the number of nodes): O(pn2) by Tamir, and O(n lgp + 2 n) by Benkoczi and Bhattacharya. Goldman gave an O(n) algorithm for the 1‐median problem on trees. Mirchandani and Oudjit proved localization properties for 2‐medians on trees; these were later used to obtain an O(nlg n) bound, and, in special cases, O(n) . We present a framework that unifies all efficient algorithms for the 2‐median problem on trees. Our framework isolates the nonlinear part of the computation so that future time‐bound improvements are easily incorporated. We also introduce a method for reducing the search space, improving all known runtimes in many instances. Finally, we give a new algorithm for the case where edge lengths are positive integers. The associated time bound is O(n  +  D) , where D is the sum of the logarithms of edge lengths. This is O(n) if edge lengths are bounded by a constant and O(n lglg n) if they are O(lg n) . The algorithm is flexible enough to extend to noninteger edge lengths, preserving the time bound in some circumstances.
Public service ethics, values and spirituality in developing and transitional countries: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Hossain Farhad , Kumasey Anthony Sumnaya , Rees Christopher J. , Mamman Aminu
Published: September 2020

Concerns over the unethical conduct of leaders and public officials have led to the renaissance of interest in public service ethics and values. Although national and organizational systems and structures have been instituted to either eradicate or ameliorate unethical behaviours in the public service of countries, the practice still persists with devastating consequences. As one way forward, spirituality has been touted as having the potential of stimulating the moral thoughts of individuals who are dealing with ethical issues, thereby reducing unethical behaviour and generating positive organizational behaviour. Drawing from the perspectives of developing and transitional countries, this special issue empirically examines the extent to which ethics, values and spirituality can reduce unethical behaviours.
The influence of structural and charge transport properties of PEDOT:PSS layers on the photovoltaic properties of polymer solar cells
Authors: Aimukhanov A.K. , Rozhkova X.S. , Ilyassov B.R. , Zeinidenov A.K. , Nuraje N.
Published: September 2020

In this study, the effect of modification of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) morphology on its optical, charge transport, and photovoltaic properties of organic solar cells based on the P3HT:PC60BM bulk heterojunction is presented. It is shown that the addition of isopropyl alcohol to the PEDOT:PSS polymer solution and annealing of spin‐coated PEDOT:PSS film leads to a change in its morphology, charge transport, and optical properties. By an impedance spectroscopy technique, the charge transport properties of PEDOT:PSS films were studied. It was established that the efficiency of carrier transport and the efficiency of the polymer solar cells depends on the structural features of PEDOT:PSS.
Optimization of wheat‐straw‐extracted cellulose via response surface methodology and mechanical properties of its poly(lactide)‐based biocomposites
Authors: Qasim Umair , Ali Muzaffar , Usman Muhammad
Published: September 2020

In view of environmental footprints and growing demand for green energy materials, employing biomass by eliminating lignin and hemicellulose has been topic of recent interests due to their applications in food packaging, textile, automobile, and polymer industries. Herein, we report on optimization of the cellulose extraction (removal of lignin and hemicellulose) from agro‐waste (wheat straw) by the response surface methodology (RSM), where, the Box Behnken Design has been implemented to study the effect of sodium hydroxide/sodium hypochlorite amount, temperature, and time on the extraction process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction study, and thermal degradation analysis indicate the successful isolation of cellulose with maximum (56%) removal of hemicellulose and lignin under optimal conditions. Furthermore, nano‐indenter analysis and tensile strength have been examined for cellulose/poly(lactide) biocomposites at different wt.% of cellulose, which indicated better tensile strength (28.15 MPa), tensile modulus (2430.24 MPa), and elongation at break (1.89%) as compared to intrinsic poly(lactide). Such studies on the cellulose extraction with optimized conditions and their mechanically stable biocomposites will pave the way for their utilization in polymer industrial applications.
Ternary silicone dielectric elastomer micro‐nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electromechanical properties
Authors: Han Mengmeng , Liu Ling , Yuan Jinming , Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2020

In this paper, ternary silicone dielectric elastomer micro‐nanocomposites were prepared by mixing barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles or 3‐mercaptopropylethoxy‐bis(tridecyl‐pentaethoxy‐siloxane) (Si747)‐modified BT (BT‐Si747) with hexagonal boron nitride (BN) microplatelets into methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVSR). BN platelets as physical barriers improve the dispersion of BT nanoparticles, so the MVSR/BT/BN composites achieve the higher electric breakdown field. The Si747 in MVSR/BT‐Si747/BN composites can be grafted on BT nanoparticles surface while the mercapto groups of Si747 can react with double bonds of MVSR, which increases interfacial interaction to improve the mechanical property. As a result, the tensile strength and elongation at break of MVSR/30 wt%BT‐Si747/30 wt%BN composite are 3.43 MPa and 2705%, which is 2.4 and 4.4 times as high as the MVSR/30 wt%BT/30 wt%BN composite, respectively. The MVSR/BT‐Si747/BN composites exhibit higher actuation performance under lower electric fields due to simultaneous increase in dielectric constant and decrease in elastic modulus. The MVSR/10 wt%BT‐Si747/10 wt%BN composite obtains an actuated strain of 8.81% at 47.48 kV/mm, which is twice as high as pure MVSR (4.4% at 60.21 kV/mm). The used method in this experiment is simple, effective, and low cost, and prepared ternary micro‐nanocomposites have potential applications in dielectric actuators.
Navigating stormy waters: 10 years of operation of the European Union Regulatory Network Incident Management Plan for Medicines for Human Use
Authors: Santoro Aniello , Caplanusi Irina , Sweeney Fergus , Cappelli Benedicte , Nolan Lorraine , Straus Sabine , Arlett Peter
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The article provides an overview of the European Union Incident Management plan (EU‐IMP) and reviews its first 10 years of operation. It outlines its scope, objectives, triggers, principles, and components.

Methods

Records were extracted from the European Pharmacovigilance Issues Tracking Tool and a separate tracking system for the period August 20, 2009 to August 19, 2019.

Results

During the 10 years of observation, 78 incidents were reviewed by the Incident Review Network and addressed through routine measures. Their number has varied throughout the years with a significant decrease after 2012. Incidents mainly covered safety (56%) and quality (34%) issues or a combination thereof (5%). The majority (70%) were notified by EU regulators and involved centrally and nationally authorized product in similar proportions. A referral was recommended as the assessment pathway for 47% of the issues while lines‐to‐take were the most frequent communication measure (the sole measure in 65% cases). Forty‐six per cent of the issues resulted in a variation, whereas 22% resulted in maintenance of the marketing authorization.

Conclusion

The EU‐IMP is underpinned by a robust regulatory framework with defined processes and clear roles and responsibilities and offers a platform to coordinate actions and communication at EU level, rapidly pool expertise, minimize duplications, and address public health incidents.
Developing next generation ionic polymer–metal composite materials: perspectives for enabling robotics and biomimetics
Authors: Olsen Zakai J , Kim Kwang J , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: September 2020

In this article, we present recent advancements in Ionic Polymer‐Metal Composite (IPMC) technology. The current trajectory of the research shows immense promise for a future with highly capable IPMC actuators and sensors being used in a wide range of robotic, soft‐robotic, and biomimetic technologies.. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Manipulating polymer decomposition to alter burn performance in aluminium/poly(vinylidene fluoride) filaments
Authors: Strutton Jared W , Knott Matthew , Bencomo Jose A , Iacono Scott T , Mates Joseph E , Alston Jeffrey R , McCollum Jena M
Published: September 2020

Filaments composed of aluminium powder and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were produced by melt‐processing to investigate the effect of particle size and loading on decomposition behavior and burn performance. Thermal analysis revealed that nanoscale Al samples decompose PVDF in one step through interactions with the Al particle surface. Microscale samples presented with two distinct decomposition steps: (1) accelerated decomposition through interactions with the Al particle surface and (2) pyrolysis. This behavior occurs due to the drastic change in Al specific surface area. The burn test revealed that the filaments experience a maximum flame speed near the stoichiometric concentration for each fuel size. Although there are variations in decomposition and burn behavior between particle sizes, burn product analysis shows that all melt‐processed filaments result exclusively in AlF3 formation in open‐air burns. This behavior is unique to melt‐processed energetic composites and may provide more insight to binder–particle interactions and the effect on burn properties in energetic composites. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental Research on Tensile Mechanical Properties of NEPE Propellant under Confining Pressure
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Shi‐Xin , Li Meng , Xu Jin‐Sheng , Fan Xing‐Gui , Chen Xiong
Published: September 2020

To study the tensile mechanical properties of the Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether (NEPE) propellant under varying confining pressure conditions, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted under different strain rates (from 0.0006667 s−1 to 0.06667 s−1) and confining pressure conditions (from relative atmospheric pressure up 5.4±0.03 MPa) using a new‐designed confining pressure testing machine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the tensile fracture surfaces. The mechanical properties and damage processes of the NEPE propellant under varying confining pressure conditions were studied and analysed. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of propellant materials are remarkably influenced by the varying confining pressure conditions. The ultimate strain and maximum tensile stress increase with increasing confining pressure. Moreover, the maximum tensile stress present a linear‐log relationship with the strain rate under various confining pressure conditions. Yet, the confining pressure has no obvious effect on the initial elastic modulus. The reason for the change of the mechanical properties of the NEPE propellant is that confining pressure delays the initiation and development of damage under the tensile loading. Based on the time‐pressure superposition principle (TPSP), the master curve of maximum tensile strength of the NEPE propellant was constructed. Furthermore, the results can provide a theoretical foundation for the analysis of the structural integrity of propellant grains of a SRM under ignition conditions. Finally, a constitutive model considering compressibility of propellant materials can be constructed.
InteBac: An integrated bacterial and baculovirus expression vector suite
Authors: Altmannova Veronika , Blaha Andreas , Astrinidis Susanne , Reichle Heidi , Weir John R.
Published: September 2020

The successful production of recombinant protein for biochemical, biophysical, and structural biological studies critically depends on the correct expression organism. Currently, the most commonly used expression organisms for structural studies are Escherichia coli (~70% of all PDB structures) and the baculovirus/ insect cell expression system (~5% of all PDB structures). While insect cell expression is frequently successful for large eukaryotic proteins, it is relatively expensive and time‐consuming compared to E. coli expression. Frequently the decision to carry out a baculovirus project means restarting cloning from scratch. Here we describe an integrated system that allows simultaneous cloning into E. coli and baculovirus expression vectors using the same PCR products. The system offers a flexible array of N‐ and C‐terminal affinity, solubilization and utility tags, and the speed allows expression screening to be completed in E. coli, before carrying out time and cost‐intensive experiments in baculovirus. Importantly, we describe a means of rapidly generating polycistronic bacterial constructs based on the hugely successful biGBac system, making InteBac of particular interest for researchers working on recombinant protein complexes.