bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertilización mineral y orgánica en el cultivo intercalado maíz-frijol asociados y haba en un Andosol del Estado de México
Authors: Tapia Laura García , Sedillo Ildefonso Ronquillo
Published: September 2019

La producción agrícola en San José del Rincón, Estado de México, como en el país en general, presenta problemas ambientales, económicos y sociales. La implementación de tecnologías no adaptadas a las condiciones locales ha reducido la productividad de los sistemas campesinos. El objetivo fue evaluar la productividad, eficiencia relativa de la tierra (ERT) e ingreso neto familiar del cultivo intercalado en franjas de maíz-frijol de guía asociados y haba en un Andosol, con fertilización mineral y orgánica. La investigación se realizó en la parcela de un productor en el ciclo primavera-verano de temporal del 2014. El diseño experimental fue en parcelas divididas con dos arreglos topológicos (AT) como parcela grande (un surco de maíz-frijol de guía asociados, intercalados con un surco de haba (1x1), y dos surcos de maíz-frijol de guía asociados, intercalados con dos surcos de haba (2x2)) y nueve tratamientos de parcela chica, seleccionados con una matriz de un factor a la vez (matriz baconiana). Los factores fueron: fertilización, densidad de población y variedad de maíz. Se adicionaron tres tratamientos de cultivo simple para calcular la eficiencia relativa de la tierra. Los resultados indicaron que el cultivo intercalado 1x1 con maíz azul y el 2x2 con maíz rosado; fertilización 80-80-00 con 3tha-1 de composta, obtuvo una eficiencia relativa de la tierra de 1.35 y 1.40 respectivamente, con un ingreso equivalente a 1.8 y 1.24 salarios mínimos por día. Se concluye que el cultivo intercalado de maíz-frijol asociados y haba aumenta el rendimientoy el ingreso sobre el cultivo simple y es opción para los campesinos.
Modelo de Competências à Luz da Adaptabilidade para Análise da Atuação em Equipes de Software
Authors: Jorge Lima Dias Júnior José , Barbosa da Silva Anielson
Published: September 2019

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a dinâmica da atuação de profissionais em equipes de software a partir da proposição de um modelo que denominamos de Competências Adaptativas. Para isso, adotamos a perspectiva de equipes como Sistemas Adaptativos Complexos (SAC). A partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, envolvendo observações e entrevistas semiestruturadas, e quantitativa, englobando análises multivariadas, foi possível identificar os construtos que compõem o modelo, suas relações e os tipos de agentes que compõem o SAC. Os resultados avançam em direção a melhoria de políticas e práticas de gestão de pessoas, de projetos e de equipes em Sistemas de Informação (SI).
The Girdlestone situation: a historical essay
Authors: Vincenten C.M. , Gosens T. , Susante J.C. van , Somford M.P.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The eponymous term 'Girdlestone situation' originally referred to an excision of the femoral head in case of an acute pyogenic infection of the hip, described by Gathorne Robert Girdlestone in 1945. Over time the procedure and the indication to perform it have significantly changed. This article presents a short biography of Girdlestone with a concomitant report on investigating the evolution of the indication and technique of the Girdlestone situation from the first description up to contemporary literature.
Bone and Joint Infections among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Abad Cybele Lara , Phuoc Vania , Kapoor Prashant , Tosh Pritish K. , Sia Irene G. , Osmon Douglas R. , Tande Aaron J.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at increased risk for infection. This study describes bone and joint infections (BJI) among HSCT recipients.Methods: We reviewed 5861 patients who underwent HSCT at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN from January 1, 2005 through January 1, 2015 for study inclusion. BJI was defined as native septic arthritis, prosthetic joint infection, osteomyelitis, and orthopedic implant infection. All adults with BJI after HSCT were included in the analysis.Results: Of 5861 patients, 33 (0.6%) developed BJI. Native joint septic arthritis was the most common BJI occurring in 15/33 (45.4%) patients. Patients were predominantly male (24/33, 72.7%), with median age of 58 (range 20-72) years. BJI was diagnosed a median of 39 (range 1-114) months after allogeneic (14/33, 42.4%) or autologous (19/33, 57.6%) HSCT. Organisms were recovered via tissue (24/27, 88.9%), synovial fluid (13/17, 76.5%), and/or blood cultures (16/25, 64%). Most underwent surgical debridement (23/33, 69.7%). Patients were followed a median of 78.3 months (range 74-119). Therapy was unsuccessful in 4/33 (12.1%), with death related to the underlying BJI in two (50%). Failure occurred a median of 3.4 (0.1-48.5) months from diagnosis. At last follow up, 7/33 (21.2%) patients were alive. Median overall survival was 13 months (0.07-70.6).Conclusion: BJI among HSCT recipients is infrequent. The most common infection is native joint septic arthritis. Pathogens appear similar to patients without HSCT. Treatment involving surgical-medical modalities is successful, with most patients surviving >1 year after BJI.
Shared Inuit Culture: European Museums and Arctic Communities
Authors: Buijs Cunera
Published: September 2019

Since the 1980s, museum professionals have increasingly committed to sharing collections with the descendants of people and communities from whom the collected artifacts originated. As late as the 1970s, Indigenous people were not considered stakeholders in the collection and exhibition of their own cultural artifacts. Recently, however, exemplary cases of collection sharing have occurred in North American and European museums. Museums have become “contact zones” as issues of decolonization have come to the fore. This article discusses the sharing of material culture and “double” position of anthropological museums, rooted in their own (colonial) history but in possession of another’s culture. Ownership issues, access, and ethics are important for local communities but not always easy for museums to negotiate. This article describes thirteen examples of collaborative partnerships between museums, for the most part large, urban, European, postcolonial institutions, and Arctic Indigenous communities. I argue that open communication, collection research, and an increasing level of co-curation are prerequisites for changes in museum practice, and these changes will benefit both the institutions and the communities involved.
Deux musées pour un héritage : Les collections unangax̂ de l’île d’Unga
Authors: Salabelle Marie-Amélie , Alix Claire , McLain Allison Y.
Published: September 2019

Cet article s’intéresse aux destins parallèles de deux collections unangax̂ (aléoutes) constituées dans la seconde moitié du XIXesiècle par le Français Alphonse Pinart et l’Américain William Dall. Fondées sur une rivalité entre ces deux personnages, ces collections, issues de leurs explorations respectives de cavernes funéraires de l’île d’Unga, forment un ensemble d’objets aussi unique qu’énigmatique, divisé entre le Château-Musée de Boulogne-sur-Mer (France) et le National Museum of Natural History de la Smithsonian Institution (États-Unis). Les auteures retracent ici le parcours singulier de ces objets qui, malgré leur caractère exceptionnel, restent à ce jour encore très peu étudiés.
The organic record of Oceanic Anoxic Events: Toarcian vs Cenomanian-Turonian
Authors: Fonseca Carolina , Mendonça Filho João Graciano , Lézin Carine , Duarte Luís Vítor
Published: September 2019

The Mesozoic is marked by periods of profound climatic and paleoceanographic changes of the planet, representing major environmental perturbations and global carbon cycle disturbances, the so-called oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). These events are usually characterized by the deposition of sediments rich in organic matter (OM) which further validates the importance of the characterization of these organic records (e.g. Jenkyns, 2010). Furthermore, the high variability in the expression of these global events could be related to regional factors, which can be assessed through the study of the organic fraction of these records. With these premises is made a discussion about the organic variability, especially focused on petrographic observations, of two major OAE’s that differ in origin, extension and geochemical signature, the Toarcian (T-OAE) and the Cenomanian-Turonian (OAE2) events. For the T-OAE is analyzed a N-S transect of the Toarcian epicontinental seaway to enable the establishment of relationships of confinement, salinity and OM concentration. For the OAE2 the focus is on sections recording the Atlantic and Tethyan affinities to discuss the origin of the anoxia. The T-OAE organic record is characterized by the already established trend in TOC (van de Schootbrugge et al., 2005), with higher values being present in the more northern basins of the European epicontinental seaway (e.g. Dotternhausen) and diminishing towards the south, with lower values registered in the more external basins (e.g. Lusitanian Basin). This is coupled by a decrease in the degree of amorphization of the OM, and a variation in the origin of the amorphous OM, that culminates in its disappearance in the more external Lusitanian Basin (Fonseca et al., 2018; Rodrigues et al., 2016). The OAE2 organic record is marked by high variability, especially connected to differences in oceanic circulation dynamics that differ in the Tethyan and Atlantic domains (e.g. Trabucho-Alexandre et al., 2010). The TOC content of this event reaches higher values than the ones associated with the T-OAE (>30 wt.%), with the organic associations being dominated in the majority of the sections by amorphous OM. Nevertheless, the origin of this component differs and is very much controlled by local conditions. Differences in productivity, connected to the occurrence of intense upwelling in the Atlantic domain, are also observed. The organic facies variability and the differences in paleoenvironmental depositional contexts observed in the studied sections are associated with the regional character of both the T-OAE and the OAE2. These are mainly attributed to differences in paleogeography, paleogeomorphology and oceanic circulation patterns. Furthermore, there are clear differences in the organic content of both events, showing that is not only their origin, extension and geochemical characteristics that differ but also their organic signature.
Effect of Starter Solution and Age of Seedling on Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea Var. Italica)
Authors: Soniya Ismita Akter , Mostarin Tahmina , Khatun Khaleda , Haq Md. Ehsanul , Akhter Sanjida , Sharmin Iffat , Monira Shirajum , Parvin Anannya
Published: September 2019

A study was conducted at central farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural university, Dhaka during the period of October, 2017 to March, 2018 to investigate the influence of starter solution and age of seedling on the growth and yield of broccoli. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: Four levels of starter solution as S0= 0% urea solution (control), S1= 1% urea solution, S2= 2% urea solution, S3= 3% urea solution and Factor B: Three levels of age of seedling as A1= 20 days of seedling, A2= 30 days of seedling, A3= 40 days of seedling. Application of the treatment influenced independently and also in combination on the growth and yield of broccoli. In case of starter solution, the highest yield (24.32 t/ha) was obtained from S2 (2% urea) treatment, whereas the lowest yield (13.21 t/ha) was recorded from S0 (0% urea) treatment. For three level of age of seedling the highest yield (20.75 t/ha) was obtained from A2 (30 days old seedling) treatment and the lowest yield (15.48 t/ha) was recorded from A3 (40 days old seedling) treatment. In case of combined effect the highest yield (26.91 t/ha) of broccoli was obtained from the treatment combination of S2A2 while the lowest (13.41 t/ha) was obtained from S0A3 treatment combination. Economic analysis revealed that S2A2 treatment combination was the best in respect of net return (3,24,890 tk) with benefit cost ratio of  2.5. So it may be concluded that 2% starter solution and 30 days age seedling was best for growth and yield of broccoli.
Redox Economic Synthesis of TrisubstitutedPiperidones via Ruthenium Catalyzed Atom‐Economic Couplings of N‐Protected 1,5‐Aminoalcohols and Michael Acceptors
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Sarkar Debayan , Bera Nabakumar
Published: September 2019

An efficient atom‐economic coupling of 1,5‐amino alcohols and Michael acceptors has been developed employing [CpRu(MeCN)3]PF6 as a key catalyst to synthesize α,β‐unsaturated ketones with exclusive generation of E‐geometrical isomers at room temperature without any co‐catalyst and additives. A base catalysed 6‐endo‐trig cyclization of the α,β‐unsaturated ketone delivers a direct access to tri‐substituted piperidones.

magnified image
Free mucosal grafts and anterior pedicled flaps to prevent ostium restenosis after endoscopic modified Lothrop (frontal drillout) procedure: a randomized, controlled study
Authors: Wang Ying‐Piao , Shen Ping‐Hung , Hsieh Li‐Chun , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: September 2019

Background

The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP) is used to manage ongoing refractory frontal sinusitis after failed previous endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), but this approach has a significant restenosis rate. We evaluated the potential benefits of mucosal grafts and pedicled flaps on the opening of the newly formed frontal ostium.

Methods

Fifty patients with refractory frontal sinusitis or mucoceles after ESS were randomized to undergo EMLP, either with (n = 27) or without (n = 23) mucosal grafts and pedicled flap reconstruction of the neo‐ostium. The frontal neo‐ostium was measured with Lindholm distending forceps, and anteroposterior (A‐P) and lateral dimensions were measured intraoperatively, and then again at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Olfaction outcomes were assessed using the Taiwan Smell Identification Test (TWSIT) and a smell visual analog scale (VAS) score preoperatively and at 6 months postsurgery.

Results

The initial intraoperative mean lateral and A‐P dimensions were 23.2 ± 2.7 mm and 14.8 ± 2.3 mm and were significantly decreased at all time‐points postoperatively. The mucosal grafts and pedicled flaps had greater lateral and A‐P dimensions, and a greater percentage of intraoperative frontal neo‐ostium area at all time‐points postoperatively (all p < 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, TWSIT (p = 0.027), but not the smell VAS score (p = 0.063), was significantly improved compared with baseline. TWSIT and smell VAS score changes did not differ between groups (p = 0.92 and p = 0.85, respectively).

Conclusion

The use of mucosal grafts and pedicled flaps reduces stenosis of the frontal neo‐ostium postsurgery and should be considered after EMLP.
Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the survival of patients with breast cancer diagnosed by screening
Authors: Zarcos‐Pedrinaci Irene , Redondo Maximino , Louro Javier , Rivas‐Ruiz Francisco , Téllez Teresa , Pérez Diego , Medina Cano Francisco , Machan Kenza , Domingo Laia , Mar Vernet Maria , Padilla‐Ruiz Maria , Castells Xavier , Rueda Antonio , Sala María ,   REDISSEC‐CaMISS Group
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study is to determine the survival of patients with breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (ACh) after the diagnosis by screening, taking comorbidity into account. This multicenter cohort study examined a population of patients taking part in four national screening programs for the early detection of breast cancer (localized or locally advanced), during the period 2000‐2008. Of the 1248 cancers detected, 266 were prevalent (21.3%), 633 were incident (50.7%), and 349 were interval (27.9%). No significant differences were detected between the three groups in terms of the distribution of comorbidity according to the CCI. After a median follow‐up of 102 months, 22.1% of the patients with interval cancer had died. The corresponding figures for the incident and prevalent cancers were 10.4% and 7.9%, respectively (P < .001). The adjusted Cox regression analysis by the stage, CCI and group revealed no differences in the risk of recurrence between the different groups according to the ACh performed. However, there were significant differences in the overall survival; for the interval cancer group without ACh, the risk of death was higher (Hazard ratio: 2.5 [1.0‐6.2]) than for the other two groups. However, for the prevalent and incident groups that did not receive ACh, there was no greater risk of death. This study shows that adjuvant chemotherapy seems to benefit patients with interval breast cancer, who have a poorer prognosis than those with prevalent or incident cancer. However, the role of ACh is unclear with respect to prevalent and incident cancers when comorbidity is taken into account.
A Quencher‐Free Linear Probe from Serinol Nucleic Acid with a Fluorescent Uracil Analogue
Authors: Murayama Keiji , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: September 2019

With the goal of developing a quencher‐free probe composed of an artificial nucleic acid, the fluorescent nucleobase analogue 5‐(perylenylethynyl)uracil (PeU), which was incorporated into totally artificial serinol nucleic acid (SNA) as a substitute for thymine, has been synthesized. In the context of a 12‐mer duplex with RNA, these fluorophores reduce duplex stability slightly compared with that of an SNA without PeU modification; thus suggesting that structural distortion is not induced by the modification. If two PeUs were incorporated at separate positions in an SNA, the fluorescent emission at λ≈490 nm was clearly enhanced upon hybridization with complementary RNA. A quencher‐free SNA linear probe containing three PeUs, each separated by six nucleobases, has been designed. Detection of target RNA with high sensitivity and discrimination of a single‐base mismatch has also been demonstrated.
Biological Effects of a Simplified Synthetic Analogue of Ion‐Channel‐Forming Polytheonamide B on Plasma Membrane and Lysosomes
Authors: Xue Yun‐Wei , Hayata Atsushi , Itoh Hiroaki , Inoue Masayuki
Published: September 2019

Polytheonamide B (1) is a linear 48‐mer natural peptide with alternating d‐ and l‐amino acid residues. Compound 1 forms conducting channels for monovalent ions and exhibits potent cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cells. Previously, we reported that nanomolar concentrations of 1 induce plasma membrane depolarization and lysosomal pH disruption, which triggers apoptosis. Here, we report the cellular localization and biological action of a simplified synthetic analogue of 1, polytheonamide mimic 3. Compared with 1, the toxicity of 3 against MCF‐7 cells is 16 times weaker. Although its plasma membrane depolarization effect is only 3.6 times lower, more 3 (20‐fold) is required to neutralize lysosomal pH. Thus, the effective concentrations for lysosomal neutralization and cytotoxicity by 3 are comparable. These results strongly suggest that the activity of 3 against the lysosomal membrane is more important for apoptotic cell death than its effects on the plasma membrane, and provide valuable information regarding the unique behavior of polytheonamide‐based molecules.
Mass deworming for soil‐transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis among pregnant women: A systematic review and individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Salam R. A. , Cousens S. , Welch V. , Gaffey M. , Middleton P. , Makrides M. , Arora P. , Bhutta Z. A.
Published: September 2019

The objective of the review is to use individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis to explore the effect of mass deworming during pregnancy. We developed a search strategy and searched the databases till March 2018. We included individually randomised controlled trials; cluster randomised controlled trials and quasi randomised studies providing preventive or therapeutic deworming drugs for soil transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis during pregnancy. All IPD were assessed for completeness, compared to published reports and entered into a common data spreadsheet. Out of the seven trials elgible for IPD, we received data from three trials; out of 8,515 potential IPD participants; data were captured for 5,957 participants. Findings from this IPD suggest that mass deworming during pregnancy reduces maternal anaemia by 23% (Risk ratio [RR]: 0.77, 95% confidence intreval [CI]: 0.73–0.81; three trials; 5,216 participants; moderate quality evidence). We did not find any evidence of an effect of mass deworming during pregnancy on any of the other outcomes. There was no evidence of effect modification; however these findings should be interpreted with caution due to small sample sizes. The quality of evidence was rated as moderate for our findings. Our analyses suggest that mass deworming during pregnancy is associated with reducing anaemia with no evidence of impact on any other maternal or pregnancy outcomes. Our analyses were limited by the availability of data for the impact by subgroups and effect modification. There is also a need to support and promote open data for future IPDs.
Thermal Properties of Ordered and Disordered DNA Chains: Efficient Energy Conversion
Authors: Ojeda Silva Judith Helena , Maiti Santanu K.
Published: September 2019

Considering the numerous possibilities of having suitable thermoelectric energy conversion at nano‐scale level, especially for molecular systems, in the present work we put forward a new proposal along this using a flat DNA segment as a functional element. It is modeled by coupling two chains to a form a two‐stranded ladder like geometry, with interactions to first neighbors, within the tight‐binding prescription. We critically investigate electrical and thermal properties of DNA molecule depending on the length of the system, temperature, molecule‐to‐lead coupling and the degree of (correlated) disorder. Our analysis might be helpful in analyzing thermoelectric signatures of correlated and uncorrelated disordered systems, and can be verified in laboratory.
Influence of Orientational Disorder on the Optical Absorption Properties of the Hybrid Metal‐Halide Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Martynow Miłosz , Głowienka Damian , Szmytkowski Jędrzej , Galagan Yulia , Guthmuller Julien
Published: September 2019

An experimental and theoretical investigation is reported to analyze the relation between the structural and absorption properties of CH3NH3PbI3 in the tetragonal phase. More than 3000 geometry optimizations were performed to reveal the structural disorder and identify structures with the lowest energies. The electronic structure calculations provide an averaged band gap of 1.674 eV, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental value of about 1.6 eV. The simulations of the absorption spectrum for three representative structures with lowest energy reproduced the absorption shoulders observed in the experimental spectra. These shoulders are assigned to excitations having similar orbital characters and involving transitions between hybridized 6s(Pb)/5p(I) orbitals and 6p(Pb) orbitals. The geometries of the three structures were analyzed and the effects of the inorganic frame and the CH3NH3+ cations on the absorption properties were estimated. It was found that both changes in the inorganic frame and the CH3NH3+ cations orientations impact the absorption spectra, by modifying the transitions energies and intensities. This highlights the role of CH3NH3+ cation in influencing the absorption properties of CH3NH3PbI3 and demonstrates that CH3NH3+ cation is one of the key elements explaining the broad and nearly constant absorption spectrum in the visible range.
A Sensitive Sensor Based on Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes: Its Preparation, Characterization and Application in the Electrochemical Determination of Drug Clorsulon in Milk Samples
Authors: Rudnicki Konrad , Brycht Mariola , Leniart Andrzej , Domagała Sławomir , Kaczmarek Katarzyna , Kalcher Kurt , Skrzypek Sławomira
Published: September 2019

Within this paper, a glassy carbon electrode modified with single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs−GCE) was prepared, and employed for the determination of clorsulon (Clo), which is a frequently used veterinary drug against common liver fluke. The comprehensive topographical and electrochemical characterizations of bare GCE and SWCNTs−GCE were performed by atomic force microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Significantly enhanced electrochemical characteristics of SWCNTs−GCE toward a ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox couple was observed when compared to bare GCE. Further, the prepared sensor was applied for the voltammetric determination of Clo, which was electrochemically investigated for the first time in this work. Voltammetric experiments were performed using square‐wave voltammetry with optimized parameters in phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.8, which was selected as the most suitable medium for the determination of Clo. The corresponding current at approx. +1.1 V increased linearly with Clo concentration within two linear dynamic ranges of 0.75–4.00 μmol L−1 (R2=0.9934) and 4.00–15.00 μmol L−1 (R2=0.9942) with a sensitivity for the first calibration range of 0.76 μA L μmol−1, a limit of detection of 0.19 μmol L−1, and a limit of quantification of 0.64 μmol L−1. The developed method was subsequently applied for quantitative analysis of Clo in milk samples with results proving high repeatability and recovery.
Performance of Hong Kong Liver Cancer staging system in patients of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with surgical resection: An Indian validation study
Authors: Patkar Shraddha , Parray Amir , Mahendra Balu , Kurunkar Sagar , Goel Mahesh
Published: September 2019

Background

Hong Kong Liver Cancer staging (HKLCS) system lacks external validation.

Aims and Methods

We conducted a study to validate the prognostic and clinical utility of HKLCS system in the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of heterogeneous etiologies treated with hepatic resection with curative intent at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India.

Results

A total of 144 patients underwent resection for HCC. Our patient cohort was comparable to the original developmental cohort in median age and gender distribution but differed in etiology, liver function status, and tumor venous invasion. On Kaplan‐Meier survival curve analysis for overall and disease‐free survival, we could achieve statistically significant separation of curves in both Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging (BCLCS) and HKLCS staging systems (P < .000). Interstage discrimination between early and intermediate stages for survival was higher in HKLCS system (P value of .039 vs .091). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the survival of BCLCS and HKLCS systems for the entire patient population was 0.66 and 0.60, respectively, which was not statistically significant (P = .31).

Conclusion

The HKLCS system offered higher interstage discrimination power in the patients with HCC treated with resection and may be equally applicable to nonalcoholic steatosis‐related chronic liver disease and noncirrhotic patient population.
Conditional disease‐free survival after curative‐intent liver resection for neuroendocrine liver metastasis
Authors: Sahara Kota , Merath Katiuscha , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Hyer J. Madison , Guglielmi Alfredo , Aldrighetti Luca , Weiss Matthew , Fields Ryan C. , Poultsides George A. , Maithel Shishir K. , Endo Itaru , Pawlik Timothy M. , other members of the U.S. Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group
Published: September 2019

Background

Neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) are typically associated with high recurrence rates following surgical resection. Conditional disease‐free survival (CDFS) estimates may be more clinically relevant compared to actuarial survival estimates.

Methods

CDFS was assessed using a multi‐institutional cohort of patients. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate factors associated with disease‐free survival (DFS). Three‐year CDFS (CDFS3) estimates at “x” year after surgery were calculated as CDFS3 = DFS(x + 3)/DFS(x).

Results

A total of 521 patients met the inclusion criteria. While actuarial 3‐year DFS gradually decreased from 49% at 1 year to 39% at 5 years, CDFS3 increased over time. CDFS3 at 5 years was estimated as 89% vs actuarial 8‐year DFS of 39% (P < .001). The probability of remaining disease‐free at 5 years after resection increased as patients remained disease‐free. For example, the probability of being disease‐free for an additional 3 years was 66.3% and 88.8% for patients who lived 2 and 5 years, respectively. Overall, CDFS3 in each subgroup increased postoperatively as years elapsed, however, the impact of each prognostic factor on CDFS3 changed over time.

Conclusion

CDFS of patients who underwent resection of NELM exponentially improved as patients survived additional years without recurrence. CDFS provides more accurate prognostic measures compared with traditional DFS measures.
Desiccation and supra‐zero temperature storage of cat germinal vesicles lead to less structural damage and similar epigenetic alterations compared to cryopreservation
Authors: Lee Pei‐Chih , Comizzoli Pierre
Published: September 2019

Understanding cellular and molecular damages in oocytes during exposure to extreme conditions is essential to optimize long‐term fertility preservation approaches. Using the domestic cat (Felis catus) model, we are developing drying techniques for oocytes’ germinal vesicles (GVs) as a more economical alternative to cryopreservation. The objective of the study was to characterize the influence of desiccation on nuclear envelope conformation, chromatin configuration, and the relative fluorescent intensities of histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and at lysine 9 (H3K9me3) compared to vitrification. Results showed that higher proportions of dried/rehydrated GVs maintained normal nuclear envelope conformation and chromatin configuration than vitrified/warmed counterparts. Both preservation methods had a similar influence on epigenetic patterns, lowering H3K4me3 intensity to under 40% while maintaining H3K9me3 levels. Further analysis revealed that the decrease of H3K4me3 intensity mainly occurred during microwave dehydration and subsequent rehydration, whereas sample processing (permeabilization and trehalose exposure) or storage did not significantly affect the epigenetic marker. Moreover, rehydration either directly or stepwise with trehalose solutions did not influence the outcome. This is the first report demonstrating that the incidence of GV damages is lower after desiccation/rehydration than vitrification/warming.
Submergence Responses of Cool-Season Annual Plants and Potential for Fish Habitat
Authors: Coppola Giancarlo , Miranda Leandro E. , Colvin Michael E. , Hatcher Hunter R. , Lashley Marcus A.
Published: September 2019

The artificial water regimes of flood control reservoirs limit vegetation establishment in littoral zones and produce mudflats with limited habitat for juvenile fishes. One strategy to enhance habitat on mudflats is to sow cool-season plants to provide submerged structure when inundated. However, how the structure of these plants persists following inundation has not been evaluated. To investigate the species-specific responses of plants to inundation, we submerged six cool-season annual plant cultivars in outdoor flow-through tanks and monitored maximum height and density of plant structures over time. Time-to-event analyses and generalized linear models characterized differences in structural persistence between cultivars over time. Plantings degraded rapidly if inundated before plants matured. However, mature plants of Marshall ryegrass Lolium multiflorum and triticale Triticosecale provided dense structure that persisted for 3 months. As Marshall ryegrass degraded, the stem density decreased and produced wide gaps relative to triticale, which remained dense and complex. Differences in plant architecture during the senescence process following submergence may influence fish species and size class use. Our results indicate that cool-season grasses have high potential as habitat enhancers due to long-term persistence, and differences in plant structural characteristics may provide flexibility for managers to attract target fish species.
Cytoplasmic “ciliary inclusions” in isolation are not sufficient for the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Vece Timothy J. , Sagel Scott D. , Zariwala Maimoona A. , Sullivan Kelli M. , Burns Kimberlie A. , Dutcher Susan K. , Yusupov Roman , Leigh Margaret W. , Knowles Michael R.
Published: September 2019

Background

The diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is difficult and requires a combination of clinical features, nasal nitric oxide testing, cilia ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy (EM), and genetics. A recently described cytoplasmic ultrastructural change termed “ciliary inclusions” was reported to be diagnostic of PCD; however, no supporting evidence of PCD was provided. In this study, we sought to confirm, or refute, the diagnosis of PCD in subjects with “ciliary inclusions” on EM.

Methods

Six subjects from five families with previous lab reports of “ciliary inclusions” on EMs of ciliated cells were identified and evaluated at a Genetic Disorders of Mucociliary Clearance Consortium site. We performed a detailed clinical history, nasal nitric oxide measurement, genetic testing including whole‐exome sequencing (WES), and when possible, repeat ciliary EM study.

Results

Only one of six subjects had multiple and persistent clinical features congruent with PCD. No subject had situs inversus. Only one of six subjects had a very low nasal nitric oxide level. No “ciliary inclusions” were found in three subjects who had a repeat ciliary EM, and ciliary axonemal ultrastructures were normal. Genetic testing, including WES, was negative for PCD‐causing genes, and for pathogenic variants in gene pathways that might cause “ciliary inclusions,” such as ciliary biogenesis.

Conclusion

“Ciliary Inclusions”, in isolation, are not sufficient to diagnosis PCD. If seen, additional studies should be done to pursue an accurate diagnosis.
A comparison of procedural success rate and long-term clinical outcomes between in-stent restenosis chronic total occlusion and de novo chronic total occlusion using multicenter registry data
Authors: Lee Seung Hun , Cho Jae Young , Kim Je Sang , Lee Hyun Jong , Yang Jeong Hoon , Park Jae Hyoung , Hong Soon Jun , Choi Rak Kyeong , Choi Seung-Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Lim Do-Sun , Yu Cheol Woong
Published: September 2019

Background

There have been little data about outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for in-stent restenosis (ISR) chronic total occlusion (CTO) in the drug eluting stent (DES) era. This study aimed to compare the procedural success rate and long-term clinical outcomes of ISR CTO and de novo CTO.

Methods and results

Patients who underwent PCI for ISR CTO (n = 164) versus de novo CTO (n = 1208) were enrolled from three centers in Korea between January 2008 and December 2014. Among a total of ISR CTO, a proportion of DES ISR CTO was 79.3% (n = 130). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs); a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). Following propensity score-matching (1:3), the ISR CTO group (n = 156) had a higher success rate (84.6% vs. 76.0%, p = 0.035), mainly driven by high success rate of PCI for DES ISR CTO (88.6%), but showed a higher incidence of MACEs [hazard ratio (HR): 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–3.09; p < 0.001], mainly driven by higher prevalence of MI [HR: 9.71; 95% CI 2.06–45.81; p = 0.004] and TLR [HR: 3.04; 95% CI 1.59–5.81; p = 0.001], during 5 years of follow-up after successful revascularization, as compared to the de novo CTO group (n = 408).

Conclusion

The procedural success rate was higher in the ISR CTO than the de novo CTO, especially in DES ISR CTO. However, irrespective of successful revascularization, the long-term clinical outcomes for the ISR CTO were significantly worse than those for the de novo CTO, in terms of MI and TLR.

Graphic abstract
Impact of the malicious input data modification on the efficiency of quantum spatial search
Authors: Glos Adam , Miszczak Jarosław Adam
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate that the efficiency of quantum spatial search can be significantly altered by malicious manipulation of the input data in the client–server model. We achieve this by exploiting exceptional configuration effect on Szegedy spatial search and proposing a framework suitable for analysing efficiency of attacks on quantum search algorithms. We provide the analysis of proposed attacks for different models of random graphs. The obtained results demonstrate that quantum algorithms in general are not secure against input data alteration.
The Rise and Fall of Regulatory Competition in Corporate Insolvency Law in the European Union
Authors: Eidenmüller Horst
Published: September 2019

In this article, I discuss the rise and fall of regulatory competition in corporate insolvency law in the European Union. The rise is closely associated with the European Insolvency Regulation (EIR, 2002), and it is well documented. The UK has emerged as the ‘market leader’, especially for corporate restructurings. The fall is about to happen, triggered by a combination of factors: the recasting of the EIR (2017), the European Restructuring Directive (ERD, 2019) and Brexit (2019). The UK will lose its dominant market position. I present evidence to support this hypothesis.
Organic–inorganic hybrid 1-D double chain heteropolymolybdates constructed from plenary Keggin germanomolybdate anions and hepta-nuclear Cu–RE–pic heterometallic clusters
Authors: Hu Huifen , Gong Peijun , Pang Jingjing , Jiang Jun , Chen Lijuan , Zhao Junwei
Published: September 2019

Two unprecedented 1-D double chain germanomolybdates containing hepta-nuclear Cu–RE–pic heterometallic clusters were prepared and the adsorption capacity of 1 toward dyes in aqueous solutions was investigated.
Super-Earth masses sculpted by pebble isolation around stars of different masses
Authors: Liu Beibei , Lambrechts Michiel , Johansen Anders , Liu Fan
Published: September 2019

We developed a pebble-driven core accretion model to study the formation and evolution of planets around stars in the stellar mass range of 0.08 M⊙–1 M⊙. By Monte Carlo sampling of the initial conditions, the growth and migration of a large number of individual protoplanetary embryos were simulated in a population synthesis manner. We tested two hypotheses for the birth locations of embryos: at the water ice line or log-uniformly distributed over entire protoplanetary disks. Two types of disks with different turbulent viscous parametersαtof 10−3and 10−4are also investigated to shed light on the role of outward migration of protoplanets. The forming planets are compared with the observed exoplanets in terms of mass, semimajor axis, metallicity, and water content. We find that gas giant planets are likely to form when the characteristic disk sizes are larger, the disk accretion rates are higher, the disks are more metal rich, and/or their stellar hosts are more massive. Our model shows that first, the characteristic mass of super-Earth is set by the pebble isolation mass. Super-Earth masses increase linearly with the mass of its stellar host, which corresponds to one Earth mass around a late M-dwarf star and 20 Earth masses around a solar-mass star. Second, the low-mass planets, up to 20 M⊕, can form around stars with a wide range of metallicities, while massive gas giant planets are preferred to grow around metal rich stars. Third, super-Earth planets that are mainly composed of silicates, with relatively low water fractions, can form from protoplanetary embryos at the water ice line in weakly turbulent disks where outward migration is suppressed. However, if the embryos are formed over a wide range of radial distances, the super-Earths would end up having a distinctive, bimodal composition in water mass. Altogether, our model succeeds in quantitatively reproducing several important observed properties of exoplanets and correlations with their stellar hosts.
The prevalence of dentofacial anomalies and the prognosis of morbidity of the population living in the zone of ecological distress of the Republic of Dagestan
Authors: Kosyreva Tamara F. , Astarkhanova Farida I. , Astarkhanov Ibragim R. , Astarkhanova Tamara S. , Alibalaeva Leyla I. , Osmanov Ilyas N.
Published: September 2019

Studies on pesticide load were carried out. The number and the classes of toxic chemicals used in the republic and their ranking by hazard class and toxicological stress are given. Pesticide-contaminated zones of Dagestan were identified. The dependence of the prevalence of dentofacial anomalies and the prognosis of the incidence of the population living in the zones of environmental trouble have been revealed.
Determination of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Yerba-maté herbal drink
Authors: Nwankwo Christian , Barton Stephen , Ghazal Heba
Published: September 2019

Yerba-maté (Y-M), known as llex-paraquariensis is traditional South American herbal drink that is consumed as an aqueous extract from the Y-M leaves. This drink is thought to have long-term health benefits and thus it has recently gained more popularity. However, health hazards of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) deposited in Y-M during drying process has been linked to the development of different types of cancer in particular oesophageal cancer. The current study developed and validated an extraction and analytical method to determine the presence of one of the PAH compounds, namely; benzo(b)fluoranthene [Bbf] as an indicator for the PAH(s) occurrence in Y-M in commercial samples of the dried leaves. Since the expected level of contamination with this compound is at trace level thus a sensitive and selective analytical method was needed. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry GC-MS method was developed using selected ion monitoring (SIM) with split-less mode focusing on 126 ion and 252 ion (main) for [Bbf]. The content of [Bbf] using different extraction methods was found in a range 0.02 to 0.09 μg/g. GC-MS results indicated a good repeatability of the peak area with strong correlation and linearity between mean peak area and concentration from the calibration curve. Soxhlet extraction using hexane as a solvent gave the highest yield of [Bbf] concentration. However, ultrasonic extraction using hot distilled water as a solvent is recommended as it better simulates the way of making and drinking.
Comparing water and paraffin PCM as storage mediums for thermal energy storage applications
Authors: Pagkalos Christos , Vrachopoulos Michalis Gr. , Konstantaras John , Lymperis Kostas
Published: September 2019

A CFD analysis is performed in two different heat storage mediums, water and paraffin phase change material (PCM), in order to evaluate and compare the two mediums for use in heating thermal energy storage (HTES) applications. The two mediums use different heat storing mechanisms, namely water uses Sensible Heat Storage, and the PCM Latent heat storage. The applied computational domain represents a single tube of a heat exchanger (HE), and so it comprises of a copper tube with aluminium fins. The geometric characteristics of the domain are taken in accordance with commercially used HE’s for HTES applications [1]. The characteristics studied are the stored energy of the system, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) in the outlet and the temperature of the storage medium. The results of the simulations showed that for the same mass of storage mediums, the PCM can store more energy than water, for the same temperature of the HTF, as expected. Also, the temperature of the medium for the sensible heat storage rises linearly with the energy stored inside it, while in the latent heat storage mechanism, the temperature of the medium rises linearly till the melting (or solidification) of it, then stays almost steady until the melting of the whole volume and then rises again until it reaches the temperature of the HTF.
Selection of optimal parameters of horizontal wells with SAGD technology based on numerical simulation
Authors: Shchesnyak Evgeniy , Ryzhkov Anatoliy , Ledovich Iosif , Osipov Andrey , Musin Artur
Published: September 2019

As the development of reserves of traditional oil takes place, an important component of the raw material base is the reserves of highly viscous oil and natural bitumen, one of the effective methods for the development of which is the SAGD technology. This paper is devoted to optimizing the length of the horizontal section of wells with the SAGD technology using numerical modeling for one of the fields of high-viscosity Caribbean oil and finding the analytical dependence of the technological characteristics of the method on the parameters of the wells. The solution of the tasks was carried out using a thermohydrodynamic simulator «CMG STARS» (Computer Modeling Group). The paper presents the results of calculations to determine the optimal rate of steam injection and the length of a horizontal wellbore at the SAGD, as well as the analytical dependence of the technological characteristics of the parameters of the well, which can be used for an initial assessment of the effectiveness of technology for specific geological and physical conditions in this area.
PLA – based electrospun structures
Authors: Sobczyk Karolina , Borowczak Maciej , Leluk Karol
Published: September 2019

Polymer matrix (MATER-BI) electrospinning tests were carried out under various process conditions. Structures with a diversified morphology have been obtained. Changing the parameters of electrospinning process (mainly voltage and solution concentration) resulted in products with different morphology.
MGMR3D, a semi-analytic code for the obtaining the radio footprint from the shower currents
Authors: Scholten Olaf , Trinh Gia , de Vries Krijn D. , Hare Brian
Published: September 2019

MGMR3D is a code that calculates the complete radio footprint, i.e. intensity, polarization and pulse shapes, for a parametrized shower current density using a semianalytic approach. The non-Monte-Carlo code is fast (typically 10 seconds for a complete footprint) and thus can be used in a chi-square optimization calculation of atmospheric electric fields or to optimize antenna geometry.
Properties of the Lunar Detection Mode for ZeV-Scale Particles with LOFAR
Authors: Winchen T. , Bonardi A. , Buitink S. , Corstanje A. , Falcke H. , Hare B. M. , Hörandel A. , Mitra P. , Mulrey K. , Nelles A. , Rachen J.P. , Rossetto L. , Schellart P. , Scholten O. , ter Veen S. , Thoudam S. , Trinh T.N.G.
Published: September 2019

The steep decrease of the flux of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) provides a challenge to answer the long standing question about their origin and nature. A significant increase in detector volume may be achieved byemploying Earth’s moon as a detector that is read out using existing Earth-bound radio telescopes by searching for the radio pulses emitted by the particle shower in the lunar rock. In this contribution we will report on the properties of a corresponding detection mode currently under development for the LOFAR Radio telescope.
A high-efficiency and compact charge pump with charge recycling scheme and finger boost capacitor
Authors: Peng Hui , Bauwens Pieter , De Pauw Herbert , Doutreloigne Jan
Published: September 2019

A 16-phase 8-branch charge pump with finger boost capacitor is proposed to increase the power efficiency. Compared with the standard capacitor, the finger capacitor can significantly reduce the parasitic capacitance. The proposed four-stage charge pump with finger capacitor can achieve 14.2 V output voltage from a 3 V power supply. The finger capacitor can increase the power efficiency of the charge pump to 60.5% and save chip area as well.