bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring treatment efficacy and resistance in breast cancer patients via circulating tumor DNA genomic profiling
Authors: Chen Zhanhong , Sun Tian , Yang Ziyan , Zheng Yabing , Yu Ruoying , Wu Xue , Yan Junrong , Shao Yang W , Shao Xiying , Cao Wenming , Wang Xiaojia
Published: December 2019

Background

One of the major challenges in managing invasive breast cancer (BC) is the lack of reliable biomarkers to track response. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from liquid biopsy, as a candidate biomarker, provides a valuable assessment of BC patients. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the utility of ctDNA to reflect the efficacy of treatment and to monitor resistance mechanisms.

Methods

Targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of 416 cancer‐relevant genes was performed on 41 plasma biopsy samples of 19 HER2+ and 12 HER2‐ BC patients. Longitudinal ctDNA samples were analyzed in three BC patients over the treatment course for detecting acquired mutations.

Results

In HER2+ BC patients, ERBB2 somatic copy numbers in ctDNA samples were significantly higher in patients progressed on HER2‐targeted therapy than those who were still responding to the treatment. Recurrent acquired mutations were detected in genes including ERBB2, TP53, EGFR, NF1, and SETD2, which may contribute to trastuzumab resistance. In longitudinal analyses, the observed mutation allele frequencies were tracked closely in concordance with treatment responses. A novel ERBB2 p.(Leu869Arg) mutation was acquired in one patient upon resistant to trastuzumab therapy, which was further validated as an oncogenic mutation in vitro and contributed to resistance. In HER2‐ BC patients with chemotherapy resistance, genetic alterations on TP53, PIK3CA, and DNA damage repair genes were frequently observed.

Conclusions

In summary, ctDNA monitoring, particularly longitudinal analyses, provides valuable insights into the assessment of targeted therapy efficacy and gene alterations underlying trastuzumab resistance and chemotherapy resistance in HER2+ and HER2‐ BC patients, respectively.
GAO report highlights deficiencies in traditional oversight of parity
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2019

The process of monitoring whether health plans are complying with mental health and substance use parity requirements consists of a patchwork of federal and state oversight practices, leading Congress's Government Accountability Office (GAO) to state in a new report that “the full extent of compliance with [mental health/substance use] parity requirements is not known.”
Antidepressant use among youths increases following fatal school shootings
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2019

While public attention is often focused on the victims of fatal school shootings, not much is known about how survivors fare in the subsequent months and years, and the impact of these events on the mental health of surviving youth, according to researchers of a new study published Dec. 16 by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Approved federal spending bill supports research, CCBHCs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2019

Congress last week passed a $1.4 trillion fiscal year 2020 spending bill which includes several provisions that will fund medical research and treatment programs for people with mental illness and substance use disorders (SUDs), and provide funding for grants to Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHC).
Free‐flap reconstruction for full‐thickness oral defects involving the oral commissure combined with oral modiolus reconstruction using a fascial sling
Authors: Sasaki Kaoru , Sasaki Masahiro , Oshima Junya , Aihara Yukiko , Nishijima Akio , Sekido Mitsuru
Published: December 2019

Background

Oral modiolus reconstruction is important in unilateral oral commissure removal including the modiolus. However, the proper procedure is not yet established. We performed free‐flap reconstruction for full‐thickness oral defects involving the oral commissure combined with oral modiolus reconstruction using a fascial sling.

Patients and methods

From 2008 to 2018, six oral carcinoma patients, aged 65 to 86 years, underwent free‐flap modiolus reconstruction after tumor resection. The resulting lip defects of 10% to 80% were labial (two patients), buccal (two patients), and mixed (two patients).

Results

Five anterolateral thigh flaps including one perforator and one radial forearm flap were performed. The oral defects were covered with folded flaps (size, 11 × 6–18 × 7.5 cm2). The orbicularis oris stumps were connected to the masseter with a fascia lata or palmaris longus tendon (length, 15–20 cm), arranged in a Y‐shape in four patients and a V‐shape in two patients. All the flaps survived without complications. Almost all the patients achieved good oral static effects (lip deviation and drooping) and dynamic effects (mouth opening, oral commissure narrowing, and diet) in the 6 to 65 months' follow‐up.

Conclusion

Free‐flap reconstruction combined with oral modiolus reconstruction using a fascial sling achieves good oral static and dynamic effects for full‐thickness oral reconstruction involving the oral commissure.
The stabilizability of heat equations with time‐dependent coefficients
Authors: Li Lingfei , Gao Hang
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the stabilizability of heat equations with time‐dependent coefficients. The instability of the systems is illustrated by special solutions. The boundary feedback stabilization results are established by the backstepping method where the growth order of the kernel function depends on time.
Baskakov‐Durrmeyer type operators involving generalized Appell Polynomials
Authors: Neer Trapti , Acu Ana Maria , Agrawal P.N.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we define the Baskakov‐Durrmeyer type operators based on generalized Appell polynomials. Here, we establish moment estimates, an estimate via weighted modulus of continuity and a Voronovoskaya type asymptotic result. Further, we study a quantitative‐Voronovoskaya‐type theorem and Grüss Voronovskaya‐type theorem. Lastly, we give the approximation result for functions having derivatives of bounded variation.
A receding horizon control approach for integrated vector management of Aedes aegypti using chemical and biological control: A mono and a multiobjective approach
Authors: Jesus Tales , Wanner Elizabeth , Cardoso Rodrigo
Published: December 2019

This paper addresses an integrated vector management (IVM) approach for combating Aedes aegypti, the transmission vector of dengue, zika, and chikungunya diseases, some of the most important viral epidemics worldwide. In order to tackle this problem, a receding horizon control (RHC) strategy is adopted, considering a mono‐objective and a multiobjective version of the optimal control model of combating the mosquito using chemical and biological control. RHC is essentially a suboptimal scheme of classical optimal control strategies considering discrete‐time approximations. The integrated vector control actions used in this work consist in applying insecticides and inserting sterile males produced by irradiation in the population of mosquitoes. The cost function is defined in terms of social and economic costs, in order to quantify the effectiveness of the proposed epidemiological control throughout a time window of 4 months. Numerical simulations show that the obtained results are better than those from the optimal control strategies found in literature. Furthermore, through the application of the multiobjetive approach, varying the scenarios in the mono‐objective formulation is no longer necessary and a set of optimal strategies can be obtained at once. Finally, in order to help health authorities in the choice of the best solution of the Pareto‐optimal set to be implemented in practice, a cost‐effectiveness analysis is performed and a strategy representing the most cost‐effective control policy is obtained.
Motion and eddy current–induced signal dephasing in in vivo cardiac DTI
Authors: Stoeck Christian T. , von Deuster Constantin , van Gorkum Robbert J. H. , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To address motion in cardiac DWI, stimulated‐echo acquisition mode (STEAM) and second‐order motion‐compensated spin‐echo (SE) sequences have been proposed. Despite applying motion‐compensation strategies, residual motion can cause misleading signal attenuation. The purpose of this study is to estimate the motion‐induced error in both sequences by analysis of image phase.

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted motion‐compensated SE sequences and STEAM imaging was applied in vivo with diffusion encoding along 3 orthogonal directions. A b‐value range of 100 to 600 s/mm2 and trigger delays of 25%, 50%, and 75% of end systole and middiastole were used. Eddy‐current contributions were obtained from phantom measurements. After computation of motion‐induced phase maps, the amount of signal dephasing was computed from phase gradients, and the resulting errors in diffusion tensor parameters were calculated.

Results

Motion‐induced dephasing from the STEAM sequence showed less dependency on the b‐value and no dependency on the heart phase, whereas SE imaging performed best at 75% end systole followed by 50% end systole and middiastole. For a typical experimental setting, errors of 3.3%/3.0% mean diffusivity, 4.9%/4.8% fractional anisotropy, 2.9º/3.2º helix angulation, 0.8º/0.7º transverse angulation, and 9.9º/10.0º sheet angulation (SE/STEAM) were calculated.

Conclusion

Image phase contains valuable information regarding uncompensated motion and eddy currents in cardiac DTI. Although the trigger delay window for SE is narrower compared with the STEAM‐based approach, imaging in both systole and diastole is feasible and both sequences perform similarly if the trigger delays are selected carefully with SE.
A finite difference scheme for smooth solutions of the general Degasperis–Procesi equation
Authors: Noyola Rodriguez Jesus , Omel'yanov Georgy
Published: December 2019

The general Degasperis–Procesi equation (gDP) describes the evolution of the water surface in a unidirectional shallow water approximation. We propose a finite‐difference scheme for this equation that preserves some conservation and balance laws. In addition, the stability of the scheme and the convergence of numerical solutions to exact solutions for solitons are proved. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical conclusions. For essentially nonintegrable versions of the gDP equation, it is shown that solitons and antisolitons collide almost elastically: they retain their shape after interaction, but a small “tail”, the so‐called “radiation”, appears.
Solubilization, micellar transition and biocidal assay of loaded antioxidants in Tetronic® 1304 micelles
Authors: Patel Dhruvi , Ray Debes , Kuperkar Ketan , Pal Haridas , Aswal Vinod K , Bahadur Pratap
Published: December 2019

The current study scrutinizes the solubilization behaviour of pharmaceutically active antioxidants, namely hydrocinnamic acid (HCA), cinnamic acid (CA) and phenyl propiolic acid (PPA), in the micelles of polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene oxide (PEO‐PPO) based star‐block copolymer: Tetronic® 1304 (T1304). A correlation between the molecular orbital energy levels of PEO‐PPO units of T1304 and the active parts of the antioxidants are well explained using a simulation study. The antioxidants modulate core–shell micelles of T1304 with enhanced solubilization dependent on their unsaturation and hydrophobicity, as depicted from UV–visible spectroscopy. Antioxidants as an additive induce micellization in 5% w/v T1304 thereby modulating the phase behaviour, as indicated by the decrease in the cloud point. The cloud point results are well complemented by steady state fluorescence spectroscopy findings, depicting a decrease in critical micelle temperature due to the solubilization of antioxidants into the T1304 micelles. A significant difference between the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of unloaded and loaded polymer micelles with antioxidants is observed from dynamic light scattering, ensuring the solubilization of the antioxidants in T1304 micelles. These results can apparently be attributed to the interaction and the charge induced by the antioxidants on non‐ionic T1304 micelles which increase the micellar size. Furthermore, the role of unsaturation and hydrophobicity of the employed antioxidants in 5% T1304 demonstrates the solution viscosity (η) change as a function of temperature. In addition, small‐angle neutron scattering depicts the shape transition (spherical to ellipsoidal to polymersomes) with temperature. The antioxidant loaded 5% T1304 micellar systems exhibit brilliant biocidal activity against the tested microbes, suggesting their antimicrobial application. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Nasal high flow in preterm infants: A dose‐finding study
Authors: Hough Judith L. , Shearman Andrew D. , Jardine Luke , Schibler Andreas
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the relationship between applied flows of nasal high flow (NHF) and physiological outcomes and work of breathing (WOB), to identify an optimal delivery flow which results in reduced WOB in preterm infants.

Design

A prospective observational clinical study with randomly applied NHF rates.

Patients and Setting

Preterm infants within 72 hours of commencement of NHF respiratory support.

Interventions

Infants were initially placed on 8 L/min of NHF and flows of 2, 4, and 6 L/min were then applied in random order.

Measurements and Results

WOB was measured using transcutaneous electromyography and respiratory inductance plethysmography. Physiological variables were also recorded. Measurements taken 10 minutes after each flow change were compared with 8 L/min. Sixteen infants with a median gestational age of 28 (range 24‐31) weeks and postnatal age of 14 (2‐55) days were included in the study. The median flow rate before the study was 6 (4‐8) L/min and a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was 0.21 (0.21‐0.26). Changes in flow resulted in changes in activity in the front diaphragm (P = .027) and intercostals (P = .034). The electrical activity of the front diaphragm at 8 L/min was significantly lower than that at 2 L/min (P = .016). Respiratory rate was lowest at 6 L/min (P = .002) and SpO2/FiO2 was highest at 8 L/min (P < .04).

Conclusion

In preterm infants, changes in WOB resulting from randomly applied levels of NHF can be demonstrated by measuring the electrical activity of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles with transcutaneous electromyography. In combination with physiological measurements, the similarities in electrical activity between 4, 6, and 8 L/min suggest that these three flows may be equally as effective.
Adaptive optimal dynamic surface control of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with output constraints
Authors: Zhang Tianping , Xu Haoxiang
Published: December 2019

In this paper, an adaptive optimal control strategy is proposed for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with output constraints by using dynamic surface control. The controller design procedure is divided into two parts. One is the design of feedforward controller and the other is the design of optimal controller. To guarantee the satisfaction of output constraints in feedforward controller, nonlinear mapping is utilized to transform the constrained system into an unconstrained system. Neural‐network based adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is employed to approximate the optimal cost function and the optimal control law. By theoretical analysis, all the signals in the closed‐loop system are proved to be semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the output constraints are not violated. A numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Consensus of multiagent systems with random switching topologies and its application
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Sun Yuanyuan
Published: December 2019

This paper is concerned on the consensus problem of multiagent systems with random switching topologies, where the dwell time of each topology consists of fixed and random parts. Firstly, the consensus analysis of such multiagent systems is considered by a mode‐dependent Lyapunov function approach, whose conditions are developed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Then, three kinds of consensus protocols based on random switching topologies are proposed, whose differences are also illustrated. Moreover, all the existence conditions of such consensus controllers are presented with solvable forms, where the dwell times and topology are both included and play important roles. Finally, the proposed consensus protocols are applied to a chemical process to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Engineering the Metal/Oxide Interface of Pd Nanowire@CuOx Electrocatalysts for Efficient Alcohol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Chen Zelin , Liu Yunwei , Liu Chang , Zhang Jinfeng , Chen Yanan , Hu Wenbin , Deng Yida
Published: December 2019

The development of new type electrocatalysts with promising activity and antipoisoning ability is of great importance for electrocatalysis on alcohol oxidation. In this work, Pd nanowire (PdNW)/CuOx heterogeneous catalysts with different types of PdOCu interfaces (Pd/amorphous or crystalline CuOx) are prepared via a two‐step hydrothermal strategy followed by an air plasma treatment. Their interface‐dependent performance on methanol and ethanol oxidation reaction (MOR and EOR) is clearly observed. The as‐prepared PdNW/crystalline CuOx catalyst with 17.2 at% of Cu on the PdNW surface exhibits better MOR and EOR activity and stability, compared with that of PdNW/amorphous CuOx and pristine PdNW catalysts. Significantly, both the cycling tests and the chronoamperometric measurements reveal that the PdNW/crystalline CuOx catalyst yields excellent tolerance toward the possible intermediates including formaldehyde, formic acid, potassium carbonate, and carbon monoxide generated during the MOR process. The detailed analysis of their chemical state reveals that the enhanced activity and antipoison ability of the PdNW/crystalline CuOx catalyst originates from the electron‐deficient Pdδ+ active sites which gradually turn into Pd5O4 species during the MOR catalysis. The Pd5O4 species can likely be stabilized by moderate crystalline CuOx decorated on the surface of PdNW due to the strong PdOCu interaction.
Remote Control of Mechanical Forces via Mitochondrial‐Targeted Magnetic Nanospinners for Efficient Cancer Treatment
Authors: Chen Mengwei , Wu Jiaojiao , Ning Peng , Wang Jingjing , Ma Zuan , Huang Liqun , Plaza Gustavo R. , Shen Yajing , Xu Chang , Han Yu , Lesniak Maciej S. , Liu Zhongmin , Cheng Yu
Published: December 2019

In cells, mechanical forces play a key role in impacting cell behaviors, including adhesion, differentiation, migration, and death. Herein, a 20 nm mitochondria‐targeted zinc‐doped iron oxide nanocube is designed as a nanospinner to exert mechanical forces under a rotating magnetic field (RMF) at 15 Hz and 40 mT to fight against cancer. The nanospinners can efficiently target the mitochondria of cancer cells. By means of the RMF, the nanocubes assemble in alignment with the external field and produce a localized mechanical force to impair the cancer cells. Both in vitro and in vivo studies show that the nanospinners can damage the cancer cells and reduce the brain tumor growth rate after the application of the RMF. This nanoplatform provides an effective magnetomechanical approach to treat deep‐seated tumors in a spatiotemporal fashion.
Enhanced Chemisorption and Catalytic Effects toward Polysulfides by Modulating Hollow Nanoarchitectures for Long‐Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Zhonglin , Xiao Zhubing , Li Pengyue , Meng Xueping , Wang Ruihu
Published: December 2019

Hollow nanostructures with intricate interior and catalytic effects hold great promise for the construction of advanced lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, a double‐shelled hollow polyhedron with inlaid cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen‐doped carbon (Co/NC) nanodots (Co‐NC@Co9S8/NPC) is reported, which is acquired by using imidazolium‐based ionic‐polymer‐encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 as a core‐shelled precursor. The Co/NC nanodots promote redox kinetics and chemical adsorbability toward polysulfides, while the interconnected double shells serve as a nanoscale electrochemical reaction chamber, which effectively suppresses the polysulfide shuttling and accelerates ion/electron transport. Benefiting from structural engineering and reaction kinetics modulation, the Co‐NC@Co9S8/NPC‐S electrode exhibits high cycling stability with a low capacity decay of 0.011% per cycle within 2000 cycles at 2 C. The electrode still shows high rate performance and cyclability over 500 cycles even in the case of high sulfur loading of 4.5 mg cm−2 and 75 wt% sulfur content. This work provides one type of new hollow nanoarchitecture for the development of advanced Li–S batteries and other energy storage systems.
Effect of Ball Milling Treatment on Thermal, Structural, and Morphological Properties of Phosphated Starches from Corn and Pinhão
Authors: Beninca Cleoci , de Oliveira Cristina Soltovski , Bet Camila Delinski , Bisinella Radla Zabian Bassetto , Gaglieri Caroline , Schnitzler Egon
Published: December 2019

In the previous study, the effect of chemical modification with sodium tripolyphosphate on the properties of corn and pinhão starches was evaluated. However, physical modifications also confer specific characteristics on the starch, diversifying its application. Thus, in this study, thermal (thermogravimetry [TG], differential exploratory calorimetry [DSC]), structural (X‐ray powder diffractometry [XRD], Fourier‐transform infrared [FTIR]) and morphological (field emission gun‐scanning electron microscopy) properties of native and phosphated corn and pinhão starches are evaluated before and after ball milling treatment. In addition, wavelength dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy is applied as a new technique to measure the level of phosphorus and sodium. The incorporation of phosphate groups in starches is confirmed and phosphorus and sodium are reduced after milling. The doubly modified starches show lower moisture retention capacity and lower thermal stability. All treatments reduce the gelatinization enthalpy mainly for double modified starches. Relative crystallinity is drastically reduced after the double modification. Changes in FTIR results are more pronounced after the physical treatment, corroborating with DSC and XRD results. Morphological changes are observed only in the milled samples. Thus, the double modification confer greater changes compared to the isolated modifications.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants: 70
Authors: Applequist Wendy L.
Published: December 2019

The following five generic names are recommended for conservation: Goodenia with a conserved type, Microlepia against Scyphofilix, Orostachys with a conserved type, Salpichroa against Nectouxia, and Saxofridericia with that spelling. Conservation of Scilla with a conserved type and conservation of Podostemum with that spelling were not considered to be necessary but would be recommended if the General Committee disagreed. The following two generic names are recommended for rejection: Allosorus and Kadalia. The following 12 species names are recommended for conservation: Alyssum hyperboreum with a conserved type, Amaryllis atamasco with that spelling, Asplenium richardii with a conserved type, Avena sterilis with a conserved type, Blackwellia planiflora, Campyloneurum densifolium against Polypodium ccallahuala, Carum persicum against Sium cyminosma, Conoria cuspa against Aspidosperma bicolor, Mammillaria magnifica Franc.G. Buchenau against M. magnifica Sencke, Maxillaria galeata against Acropera loddigesii, Sempervivum tectorum with a conserved type, and Thalictrum delavayi against T. thibeticum. The following four species names are not recommended for conservation: Agave dasylirioides against A. dealbata, Aloe horombensis against A. subacutissima, Lacis riedelii against L. fucoides, and Triticum palaeocolchicum against T. karamyschevii. The following two species names are recommended for rejection: Salvinia adnata and Stapelia cochinchinensis. It is not recommended that the conserved authorship of Theaceae be changed. It is recommended that Briquetastrum and Briquetiastrum, and Mimosa inga and M. ynga, be treated as homonyms. It is recommended that Rauiella and Rauhiella, and Pollia and Polia, should not be treated as homonyms.
Study of ageing of laminates and its effects on wind turbine blade deflection
Authors: Nuin Iñaki , Fariñas Ana Belen , del Rio Marcos , Murillo Ivan , Landaburu Ibai , Saenz Ernesto
Published: December 2019

Some wind turbines have exceeded their nominal design service life and are continuing their operation with periodic inspections and maintenance. In the case of rotor blades, the reliability of the inspection is very limited because of the blade structure that comprises laminates and sandwich structures, which are very difficult to monitor. For this reason, wind farm owners are searching for technologies or approaches that will guarantee a safe operation of their wind turbines after the design life has elapsed.

The main objective of this paper was to investigate whether detection of ageing of wind turbine blades using deflection as key parameter is feasible using commercial equipment. The paper is divided in three phases. In phase 1, the effect of ageing on a new UD‐0° glass fibre with high moduli was obtained. Using these results and bibliography data, a theoretical study was performed in phase 2 to determine the magnitude of blade deflection along its lifetime due to material ageing. Finally, in phase 3, in‐field deflection measurements where performed on a wind turbine blade to evaluate the utility and limitations of commercial equipment for the detection of blade ageing.

It was concluded that material ageing could result in an increase in blade deflection under self‐weight that can be detected using commercial measurement equipment. These results can be used by wind farm owners in their O&M strategies to monitor blades over time and decide whether they should be repaired or replaced.
Tortuosity of the Descending Thoracic Aorta in Patients with Aneurysm and Type B Dissection
Authors: Belvroy Viony M. , de Beaufort Hector W. L. , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Bismuth Jean , Piffaretti Gabriele , Moll Frans L. , Trimarchi Santi
Published: December 2019

Objective

Tortuosity in the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) comes with aging and increases the risk of endoleaks after TEVAR. With this report, we would like to define and classify tortuosity in the DTA of patients with thoracic aortic disease.

Methods

Retrospective case–control study of two hundred seven patients, comparing sixty‐nine controls without aortic disease (CG), to sixty‐nine patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (AG) and sixty‐nine patients with type B aortic dissection (DG). 3Mensio Vascular software was used to analyze CTA scans and collect the following measurements; tortuosity index, curvature ratio and the maximum tortuosity of the DTA. The DTA was divided into four equal zones. The maximum tortuosity was divided into three groups: low (<30°), moderate (30°–60°) and high tortuosity (>60°).

Results

Compared to the CG, tortuosity was more pronounced in the DG, and even more in the AG, evidenced by the tortuosity index (1.11 vs. 1.20 vs. 1.31; p < 0.001), curvature ratio (1.00 vs. 1.01 vs. 1.03; p < 0.001), maximum tortuosity in degrees (28.17 vs. 33.29 vs. 43.83; p < 0.001) and group of tortuosity (p < 0.001). The maximum tortuosity was further distal for the DG and AG, evidenced by the zone of maximum tortuosity (4A vs. 4B vs. 4B; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows that tortuosity in the DTA is more prominent in diseased aortas, especially in aneurysmal disease. This phenomenon needs to be taken into account during planning of TEVAR to prevent stent graft‐related complications and to obtain positive long‐term outcome.
Functional and structural changes in aorta of mice divergently selected for basal metabolic rate
Authors: Sawicka Diana , Maciak Sebastian , Kozłowska Hanna , Kasacka Irena , Kloza Monika , Sadowska Anna , Sokołowska Emilia , Konarzewski Marek , Car Halina
Published: December 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most common causes of mortality likely genetically linked to the variation in basal metabolic rate (BMR). A robust test of the significance of such association may be provided by artificial selection experiments on animals selected for diversification of BMR. Here we asked whether genetically determined differences in BMR correlate with anatomical shift in endothelium structure and if so, the relaxation and contraction responses of the aorta in mice from two lines of Swiss-Webster laboratory mice (Mus musculus) divergently selected for high or low BMR (HBMR and LBMR lines, respectively). Functional and structural study of aorta showed that a selection for divergent BMR resulted in the between-line difference in diastolic aortic capacity. The relaxation was stronger in aorta of the HBMR mice, which may stem from greater flexibility of aorta mediated by higher activity of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Structural examination also indicated that HBMR mice had significantly thicker aorta's middle layer compared to LBMR animals. Such changes may promote arterial stiffness predisposing to cardiovascular diseases. BMR-related differences in the structure and relaxation ability of aortas in studied animals may be reminiscent of potential risk factors in the development of CVD in humans.
Correction to: Sorgoleone release from sorghum roots shapes the composition of nitrifying populations, total bacteria, and archaea and determines the level of nitrification
Authors: Sarr Papa Saliou , Ando Yasuo , Nakamura Satoshi , Deshpande Santosh , Subbarao Guntur Venkata
Published: December 2019

The name of the author was incorrectly spelled as “Filippo Carannant”. The correct spelling is “Filippo Carannante” and is now presented correctly in this article.
Recent progress on elucidating the molecular mechanism of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance and drug design
Authors: Kai Jindan , Wang Sheng
Published: December 2019

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global challenge to public health. Polymyxin is considered to be the last-resort antibiotic against most gram-negative bacteria. Recently, discoveries of a plasmid-mediated, transferable mobilized polymyxin resistance gene (mcr-1) in many countries have heralded the increased threat of the imminent emergence of pan-drug-resistant super bacteria. MCR-1 is an inner membrane protein that enables bacteria to develop resistance to polymyxin by transferring phosphoethanolamine to lipid A. However, the mechanism associated with polymyxin resistance has yet to be elucidated, and few drugs exist to address this issue. Here, we review our current understanding regarding MCR-1 and small molecule inhibitors to provide a detailed enzymatic mechanism of MCR-1 and the associated implications for drug design.
Chirurgie der Temporallappenepilepsie
Authors: Dorfer Christian , Czech Thomas , Rössler Karl
Published: December 2019

Die chirurgische Therapie der therapierefraktären Temporallappenepilepsie ist der medikamentösen weitaus überlegen, und es kann bei 60–80% der Patienten eine Anfallsfreiheit erreicht werden. Aufgrund der Fortschritte in den diagnostischen Verfahren, insbesondere der MR-Bildgebung, haben sich verschiedene chirurgische Techniken entwickelt. Allen gemeinsam ist der Einschluss der medialen temporalen Strukturen (Amygdala, Hippocampus, Parahippocampus) in die Resektion. Unterschiede zwischen der vorderen Temporallappenresektion und der anteromedialen Temporallappenresektion bestehen im Ausmaß der lateralen temporalen Resektion. Im Falle einer selektiven Resektion des medialen Temporallappens werden unterschiedliche Zugangswege vorgeschlagen. Im Hinblick auf Anfallsfreiheit und Minimierung der neuropsychologischen Morbidität ist die Wahl des jeweiligen resektiven Verfahrens sowohl zentrums- als auch chirurgenabhängig. Gleichzeitig zielen sie darauf ab, die Morbidität v. a. im Hinblick auf das neuropsychologische Outcome zu reduzieren. Diesen Gedanken führen minimal-invasive Methoden wie die Laserablation (LITT) fort. Durch diese erhofft man sich, das gute Anfallsoutcome der offenen Resektionen beibehalten zu können und gleichzeitig die mit einer Resektion verbundenen Kollateralschäden zu minimieren. Des Weiteren soll die minimal-invasive Natur dieser Methoden die Hemmschwelle der Patienten für einen Eingriff senken und so die Anzahl der epilepsiechirurgischen Kandidaten, die sich nicht einem offen chirurgischen Eingriff unterziehen wollen, reduzieren. Die Erfahrungen mit diesen Methoden sind noch vergleichsweise gering, und es bleibt abzuwarten, ob sie ein ebenso gutes Anfallsoutcome im Langzeitverlauf bei so geringer Komplikationsrate, wie es die resektive chirurgische Therapie der Temporallappenepilepsie hat, erreichen kann.
Arsenic and Selenium Profile in Erythrocytes of Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Wilk Aleksandra , Wiszniewska Barbara
Published: December 2019

Arsenic and selenium elements play extremely important roles in organisms. Too high As concentration in blood may lead to functional disorders within organs, including cancer. Arsenic is designated as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that has established causal role of arsenic in cancers of the urinary bladder, lung, and skin in humans. In contrast, Se is believed to be the antioxidant trace element that is important in the biological defense against oxidative damage. We tested the hypothesis that immunosuppressive treatment based on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), that is one of the most commonly used drug by renal transplant recipients, affects arsenic and selenium concentration in erythrocytes of renal transplant recipients. Current research was undertaken due to the fact that there are few studies on the concentration of chemical elements in the erythrocytes in kidney patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Monitoring of the concentration of chemical elements in the blood in patients who underwent kidney transplantation could be helpful, since chemical elements play an important role in many biological processes and it seems to be crucial in the prevention of cancer to which renal transplant recipients are more often exposed.

The material consisted of blood from 115 renal transplant recipients of the Department of Nephrology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine of Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2, Pomeranian Medical University, in the city of Szczecin in northwestern Poland. Arsenic and selenium levels in erythrocytes were quantified by inductively coupled mass spectroscopy.

Men MMF+ had significantly higher As concentration than men MMF−. Se concentration was significantly higher in younger patients compared with older patients. The patients with lower creatinine level who used MMF had significantly higher As than MMF− patients. Patients whose therapy was based on MMF, cyclosporine A and glucocorticosteroids exhibited significantly higher concentration of As compared with patients whose regimen was based on MMF, tacrolimus, and glucocorticosteroids.

This is the first study that demonstrates that regimen based on mycophenolate mofetil affects As and Se concentrations in erythrocytes in renal transplant recipients.
Kooperationsfaktoren in den Klimaverhandlungen: Eine vergleichende Analyse der Klimagipfel in Kopenhagen 2009 und in Paris 2015
Authors: Högl Maximilian
Published: December 2019

Interdisziplinäre Forschungen zeigen, dass sieben Faktoren bestimmen, ob Individuen bei Problemen gemeinsam genutzter Ressourcen kooperieren: Reziprozität, Vertrauen, Kommunikation, Reputation, Fairness, Sanktion und Wir-Identität. Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Übertragbarkeit dieser Erkenntnisse auf die Ebene der internationalen Beziehungen. Ein Vergleich der Kopenhagener und der Pariser Klimakonferenz zeigt, dass Veränderungen bei den Faktoren Vertrauen und Kommunikation, Sanktion, Fairness, Reputation und Reziprozität maßgeblich zum Erfolg der Pariser Konferenz beitrugen.
Narrative coherence, psychopathology, and wellbeing: Concurrent and longitudinal findings in a mid‐adolescent sample
Authors: Mitchell Claire , Reese Elaine , Salmon Karen , Jose Paul
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Research with adults and older adolescents has found that people exhibiting higher narrative coherence in life stories also report higher psychological wellbeing; however, this link has not been investigated longitudinally. The current study investigated concurrent and longitudinal relationships in mid‐adolescence between narrative coherence (causal and thematic coherence) of turning point narratives and psychopathology (depressive symptoms and rumination) and psychological wellbeing (life satisfaction). Hypothesis one was that in concurrent analyses, narrative coherence would be negatively associated with psychopathology and positively associated with wellbeing. Hypothesis two was that higher narrative coherence would predict lower psychopathology and greater wellbeing over time.

Method

A sample of 132 adolescents (ages 14–18 years) wrote a narrative about a turning point event in their life and completed psychopathology and psychological wellbeing measures twice, approximately one year apart.

Results

Partial correlations on concurrent data showed that only causal coherence was associated with lower psychopathology and higher wellbeing. Longitudinal regressions showed that causal coherence predicted higher wellbeing one year later.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that causal coherence in life stories may play a causal role in increased life satisfaction over time for adolescents. Experimental research is required to further investigate this possibility.
Electron paramagnetic resonance characterization of aluminum ion implantation-induced defects in 4H-SiC
Authors: Wang Xiuhong , Xu Zongwei , Rommel Mathias , Dong Bing , Song Le , Tee Clarence Augustine TH , Fang Fengzhou
Published: December 2019

Deep-level defects in silicon carbide (SiC) are critical to the control of the performance of SiC electron devices. In this paper, deep-level defects in aluminum ion-implanted 4H-SiC after high-temperature annealing were studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy at temperatures of 77 K and 123 K under different illumination conditions. Results showed that the main defect in aluminum ion-implanted 4H-SiC was the positively charged carbon vacancy (VC+), and the higher the doping concentration was, the higher was the concentration of VC+. It was found that the type of material defect was independent of the doping concentration, although more VC+ defects were detected during photoexcitation and at lower temperatures. These results should be helpful in the fundamental research of p-type 4H-SiC fabrication in accordance with functional device development.
Interlayer-free silica–pectin membrane for sea-water desalination
Authors: Rampun Erdina L.A. , Elma Muthia , Rahma Aulia , Pratiwi Amalia E.
Published: December 2019

Water scarcity has become a serious problem worldwide. Research is now looking at the fabrication and use of interlayer-free silica–pectin membranes for sea-water desalination as one potential solution to this problem. This research work investigates the performance of interlayer-free silica–pectin membranes for artificial sea-water desalination. A dual acid–base catalyst process is applied during the sol–gel process used to prepare the membrane's thin layer structure. Membranes were prepared using tetraethyl orthosilicate as the silica precursor and various concentrations of pectin (0 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 2.5 wt%) were used as the “templating” agent. The performance of membranes was evaluated using pervaporation (PV) processes at room temperature (~25°C). The results show that water flux for 0.1 wt% pectin was the highest (4.50 kg m−2 h−1 and 5.73 kg m−2 h−1, at calcination temperatures of 300°C and 400°C, respectively). The fluxes at 0.5 wt% and 2.5 wt% pectin concentration were much lower, compared with 0.1 wt% (3.12–0.51 kg m−2 h−1 for both, at calcination temperatures of 300°C and 400°C). In addition, the salt rejection for all membranes remained excellent, at ~99.9%. This clearly demonstrates that carbon chains in silica matrices may produce smaller and stronger pores.
A subglacial hydrologic drainage hypothesis for silt sorting and deposition during retreat in Pine Island Bay
Authors: Schroeder Dustin M. , MacKie Emma J. , Creyts Timothy T. , Anderson John B.
Published: December 2019

Late Holocene sediment deposits in Pine Island Bay, West Antarctica, are hypothesized to be linked to intensive meltwater drainage during the retreat of the paleo-Pine Island Ice Stream after the Last Glacial Maximum. The uppermost sediment units show an abrupt transition from ice-proximal debris to a draped silt during the late Holocene, which is interpreted to coincide with rapid deglaciation. The small scale and fine sorting of the upper unit could be attributed to origins in subglacial meltwater; however the thickness and deposition rate for this unit imply punctuated- rather than continuous-deposition. This, combined with the deposit's location seaward of large, bedrock basins, has led to the interpretation of this unit as the result of subglacial lake outbursts in these basins. However, the fine-scale sorting of the silt unit is problematic for this energetic interpretation, which should mobilize and deposit a wider range of sediment sizes. To resolve this discrepancy, we present an alternative mechanism in which the silt was sorted by a distributed subglacial water system, stored in bedrock basins far inland of the grounding line, and subsequently eroded at higher flow speeds during retreat. We demonstrate that this mechanism is physically plausible given the subglacial conditions during the late Holocene. We hypothesize that similar silt units observed elsewhere in Antarctica downstream of bedrock basins could be the result of the same mechanism.
Resisting Democratic Backsliding: Malawi’s Experience in Comparative Perspective
Authors: VonDoepp Peter
Published: December 2019

Why does collective resistance to democratic backsliding emerge in some contexts and not others? The experience of Malawi in 2011–2012 offers an opportunity to explore this question. In the face of attacks on democratic rights and institutions, large-scale popular and civil society mobilization challenged the government’s authoritarian tendencies. Drawing on collective action theories and comparing Malawi’s experience to that of Zambia, VonDoepp argues that Malawi’s resistance arose in an environment that was favorable to its emergence. Economic conditions had generated grievances against government, polarization remained modest, and civil society organizations benefitted from credibility and the presence of allies that facilitated activism.
This Land Was Made for … : (Re)Appearing Black/Brown Female Corporeality, Life, and Death
Authors: Murdock Esme G.
Published: December 2019

Lands and bodies are often conceptualized as exhaustible objects and property within settler-colonial and neoliberal ideologies. These conceptualizations lead to underdevelopment of understandings of lands and bodies that fall outside of these ascriptions, and also attempt to actively obscure the pervasive ways in which settler colonialism violently reinscribes itself on the North American landscape through the murder and disappearance of Black and Brown women's bodies. In this article, I will argue that the continual murder and disappearance of Black and Brown women in North America facilitate the successful functioning of ongoing settler-colonial systems and projects. This violence creates and reinforces the functionality of Black/Brown bodies as the territory upon which settler identity and futurity gains traction, indeed, requires.
Englacial drainage structures in an East Antarctic outlet glacier
Authors: Schaap Thomas , Roach Michael J. , Peters Leo E. , Cook Sue , Kulessa Bernd , Schoof Christian
Published: December 2019

Ground-penetrating radar data acquired in the 2016/17 austral summer on Sørsdal Glacier, East Antarctica, provide evidence for meltwater lenses within porous surface ice that are conceptually similar to firn aquifers observed on the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Arctic and Alpine glaciers. These englacial water bodies are associated with a dry relict surface basin and consistent with perennial drainage into an interconnected englacial drainage system, which may explain a large englacial outburst flood observed in satellite imagery in the early 2016/17 melt season. Our observations indicate the rarely-documented presence of an englacial hydrological system in Antarctica, with implications for the storage and routing of surface meltwater. Future work should ascertain the spatial prevalence of such systems around the Antarctic coastline, and identify the degree of surface runoff redistribution and storage in the near surface, to quantify their impact on surface mass balance.
A QUALIFIED DEFENCE OF THE PRIMACY OF NATIONALITY OVER EUROPEAN UNION CITIZENSHIP
Authors: van den Brink Martijn
Published: December 2019

The relationship between EU citizenship and nationality is still defined by ‘linkage’ and ‘derivation’: national citizenship enjoys primacy over and conditions access to EU citizenship. However, because naturalisation decisions have a European dimension as well as a cross-border dimension, various commentators have questioned whether this primacy is desirable. This article examines alternative models of EU citizenship and argues that the answer is not to reconsider the criteria of ‘linkage’ and ‘derivation’, but to create some common EU rules on ‘access’ to national and EU citizenship. A particularly attractive solution is for rules on the grant of nationality to be guided by the idea of a ‘genuine link’. Reflecting on the Commission's recent report on investment citizenship within the EU and the debate it provoked, this article questions whether such shared rules can currently be adopted.
Eustachian tube balloon dilatation: a cross-sectional, survey-based study of 137 UK consultants
Authors: Koumpa F S , Moraitis I , Bowles P , Saunders N
Published: December 2019

Objective

To explore the opinions of the UK consultant body on endoscopic Eustachian tube balloon dilatation in the context of Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Method

A 10-question online survey was distributed to ENT consultants currently practising in the UK (July–September 2018).

Results

A total of 137 ENT consultants responded. Twenty-three per cent reported experience of Eustachian tube balloon dilatation, with a further 10 per cent planning to start performing the procedure. Of those performing the procedure, 16 per cent had more than two years’ experience. Thirty-two per cent were performing zero to five procedures a year. Eustachian tube balloon dilatation was primarily conducted to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms, as well as retraction pockets, baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion. The most common reason for not undertaking Eustachian tube balloon dilatation was insufficient evidence of efficacy (65 per cent). Seventy-two per cent of consultants thought that creating a national database for audit and monitoring purposes would benefit the specialty.

Conclusion

The majority of UK ENT consultants do not practise Eustachian tube balloon dilatation, citing a lack of high-level evidence to support its use. A national database for auditing and research could facilitate the creation of guidelines.