bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on anti‐tuberculosis peptides: Impact of peptide structure on anti‐tuberculosis activity
Authors: Yathursan Sutharsana , Wiles Siouxsie , Read Hannah , Sarojini Vijayalekshmi
Published: September 2019

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem globally. Particularly concerning amongst drug‐resistant human pathogens is Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes the deadly infectious tuberculosis (TB) disease. Significant issues associated with current treatment options for drug‐resistant TB and the high rate of mortality from the disease makes the development of novel treatment options against this pathogen an urgent need. Antimicrobial peptides are part of innate immunity in all forms of life and could provide a potential solution against drug‐resistant TB. This review is a critical analysis of antimicrobial peptides that are reported to be active against the M tuberculosis complex exclusively. However, activity on non‐TB strains such as Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare, whenever available, have been included at appropriate sections for these anti‐TB peptides. Natural and synthetic antimicrobial peptides of diverse sequences, along with their chemical structures, are presented, discussed, and correlated to their observed antimycobacterial activities. Critical analyses of the structure allied to the anti‐mycobacterial activity have allowed us to draw important conclusions and ideas for research and development on these promising molecules to realise their full potential. Even though the review is focussed on peptides, we have briefly summarised the structures and potency of the various small molecule drugs that are available and under development, for TB treatment.
The Importance of the Human Mass Balance Study in Regulatory Submissions
Authors: Coppola Paola , Andersson Anita , Cole Susan
Published: September 2019

The human mass balance study is a key study in the Clinical Pharmacology package of new drug applications. This study, along with the mass balance studies in toxicology species, provides essential information on the exposure of the parent compound and metabolites. Despite current regulatory guidance and previous publications, a lack of this study, or deficiencies in the study, are still seen in regulatory submissions today. This restricts the assessment of the benefit/risk in all populations and on the potential for drug–drug interactions leading to unnecessary precautions in the label. A review of new drug applications identifies a number of examples of inadequate characterization of circulating drug‐related components or of elimination pathways, with questions raised during the regulatory review. In light of this, new insight is given on what is required from the mass balance study and on how to ensure sufficient information is captured.
An arsenal of tools based on Kendrick mass defects to process congested electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectra of polymers with multiple charging
Authors: Ishitsuka Kei , Kakiuchi Toshifumi , Sato Hiroaki , Fouquet Thierry N. J.
Published: September 2019

Rationale

Electrospray ionization (ESI) favors the multiple charging of high molecular weight polymer samples and allows their high‐resolution mass analysis in the low‐mass range. It also induces the detection of numerous ion series at different charge states with different adducts complicating the interpretation of the mass spectrum which should be facilitated by an appropriate data processing.

Methods

An arsenal of tools based on the Kendrick mass defect (KMD) is proposed to process congested ESI high‐resolution mass spectra of poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) samples. The combination of regular, charge‐dependent, and resolution‐enhanced KMD plots in addition to a “remainders” plot and a new three‐dimensional plot offers unrivaled capabilities of filtering for any minor series among thousands of points. The sequential data processing is conducted using Kendo, a spreadsheet developed in‐house for an advanced KMD analysis.

Results

The charge‐state distribution is easily evaluated by counting the parallel lines in a regular KMD plot. A charge‐dependent resolution‐enhanced KMD plot instantly reveals the variation of adducted ions at a given charge state, helping the user to choose the best analytical conditions. Ion series at different charge states from PPO oligomers carrying different end‐groups are also efficiently extracted using several combinations of KMD and remainders plots and assigned using a new simulator tool.

Conclusions

The innovative combination of existing and new KMD‐related plots, selection tools, and simulator all combined in a single spreadsheet dramatically facilitates the processing and interpretation of complex ESI mass spectral data. The presented tools may be extended to any other class of homo‐, co‐ and terpolymers.
Characterization of the metabolites of GW1929 in rat by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Qin Ying , Jia Haoyan , Zhao Guizhu , Li Zhihong , Wang Hongqin , Gao Baiqing
Published: September 2019

Rationale

GW1929 is a potent PPAR‐γ activator. To fully understand its mechanism of action, it is necessary to study the in vitro and in vivo metabolism.

Methods

For in vitro metabolism, GW1929 was incubated with rat hepatocytes at 37°C for 2 h. For in vivo metabolism, rats were orally administered with GW1929 at a single dose of 10 mg/kg and plasma, urinary and fecal samples were collected at defined time points. All the samples were analyzed by the developed ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. The structures of metabolites were proposed according to their accurate masses and product ions.

Results

A total of 17 metabolites, including seven glucuronide conjugates, were detected and structurally identified. M4 (hydroxylation), M13 (demethylation) and M14 (hydroxylation) were the most abundant metabolites. The metabolic pathways of GW1929 referred to hydroxylation, demethylation, deamination and glucuronidation.

Conclusions

The present study provided new information on the in vitro and in vivo metabolic profiles of GW1929 which will be helpful for a better understanding of the mechanism of the elimination of GW1929.
In situ analysis of oxytetracycline tablets based on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Xie Hanyi , He Qichuan , Zhao Yanfang , Li Huijuan , Zhao Mei , Chen Xiangfeng , Cai Zongwei , Fang Kezhong , Song Hexing
Published: September 2019

Rationale

A thorough understanding of the content and distribution of active ingredients in pharmaceuticals is essential for drug efficacy and safety. Technological advancements in mass spectrometry imaging present an opportunity for methodological innovation by providing qualification and quantification analysis, as well as spatial information, in the same assay, which has great potential for applications in the rapid analysis and quality control of drugs.

Methods

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) was employed to directly analyze oxytetracycline tablets in order to map the distribution of the active constituent within the whole tablet. Quantitative analysis was capable of differentiating tablets containing various doses of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Results

To establish the methodology, detailed factors that influence matrix spraying and spatial resolution during sample preparation and the data acquisition process were optimized systematically. Quantitative analysis could differentiate the tablets containing various doses of the active compound. The proposed method was successfully applied to analyze real commercial tablets.

Conclusions

The developed method could successfully achieve the spatial location of oxytetracycline in actual tablet samples. These results could contribute to pharmaceutical tracing technology, especially the formulation process of tablets, which is helpful for monitoring the quality of pharmaceutical products and guaranteeing drug security.
Increased plasma phosphatidylcholine/lysophosphatidylcholine ratios in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Miletić Vukajlović Jadranka , Drakulić Dunja , Pejić Snežana , Ilić Tihomir V. , Stefanović Aleksandra , Petković Marijana , Schiller Jürgen
Published: September 2019

Rationale

Changes in lipid composition might be associated with the onset and progression of various neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we investigated the changes in the plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC)/lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) ratios in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in comparison with healthy subjects and their correlation with clinico‐pathological features.

Methods

The study included 10 controls and 25 patients with PD. All patients were assigned to groups based on clinico‐pathological characteristics (gender, age at examination, duration of disease and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage). The analysis of the PC/LPC intensity ratios in plasma lipid extracts was performed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry.

Results

PD patients exhibited an increased PC/LPC intensity ratio in comparison with the control group of healthy subjects. Furthermore, the investigated ratio was shown to be correlated with clinico‐pathological parameters, in particular with H&Y stage and disease duration. The PC/LPC intensity ratio in plasma samples of PD patients was found to be elevated in all examined H&Y stages and throughout the disease duration.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the PC/LPC ratios in plasma of patients with PD and illustrating their correlation with clinico‐pathological features. Although the presented results may be considered as preliminary due to the limited number of participants, the observed alterations of PC/LPC ratios in plasma might be a first step in the characterization of plasma lipid changes in PD patients and an indicator of lipid reconfiguration.
Therapeutic bronchoscopy in a lung abscess secondary to broncholithiasis
Authors: Amano Yoshihiro , Tong Xuexia , Miura Kiyotaka , Tsubata Yukari , Kurimoto Noriaki , Isobe Takeshi
Published: September 2019

A 60‐year‐old woman developed a pulmonary abscess due to broncholithiasis. It was treated by bronchoscopic broncholithectomy after antibiotic administration. Broncholithiasis is a rare disease and various treatment options are available, which include bronchoscopic broncholithectomy and surgery. Bronchoscopic broncholithectomy has proved to be more useful because it can be used to easily extract the broncholith by using a balloon and haemostasis can be obtained at the same time.
Phase noise impact on the performance of contention resolution slotted random access schemes
Authors: Zidane Karine , De Gaudenzi Riccardo , Alagha Nader , Cioni Stefano
Published: September 2019

Cost‐effective satellite terminals (STs) that are designed for a large scale deployment in the Internet of things (IoT) applications are constrained by consumer‐grade local oscillators (LOs) to lower the costs, on the one hand, and by limited equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) due to limited peak transmit power and/or low antenna gain, on the other hand. To close the link budget with the low EIRP constraint, STs can resort to adopting robust forward error correcting (FEC) schemes and/or limiting the transmission baud rate, hence increasing the link margin with respect to the required receiver threshold. In general, the LOs at the terminal side are responsible for injecting multiplicative phase distortions to the transmitted signal, known as phase noise (PN). The PN caused by low‐cost LOs could be significant, especially for low baud rates, thus affecting the demodulator performance. Random access (RA) techniques are particularly encouraged on the return link in networks with low‐cost terminals and bursty/low‐duty cycle types of traffic. The state‐of‐the‐art time‐slotted RA techniques are often evaluated considering high EIRP at the terminal side and high baud rates. This paper investigates the impact of the PN in time‐slotted RA techniques and optimizes different carrier phase estimation (CPE) algorithms. Furthermore, it evaluates the impact of CPE errors on RA performance for a wide range of baud rates and typical STs phase noise masks.
Rational Design of Nanoporous MoS2/VS2 Heteroarchitecture for Ultrahigh Performance Ammonia Sensors
Authors: Zhang Shuaihua , Wang Jiayu , Torad Nagy L. , Xia Wei , Aslam Muhammad Aamir , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Hou Zhufeng , Ding Zejun , Da Bo , Fatehmulla Amanullah , Aldhafiri Abdullah M. , Farooq Wazirzada Aslam , Tang Jing , Bando Yoshio , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: September 2019

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received widespread interest by virtue of their excellent electrical, optical, and electrochemical characteristics. Recent studies on TMDs have revealed their versatile utilization as electrocatalysts, supercapacitors, battery materials, and sensors, etc. In this study, MoS2 nanosheets are successfully assembled on the porous VS2 (P‐VS2) scaffold to form a MoS2/VS2 heterostructure. Their gas‐sensing features, such as sensitivity and selectivity, are investigated by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique. The QCM results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the impressive affinity of the MoS2/VS2 heterostructure sensor toward ammonia with a higher adsorption uptake than the pristine MoS2 or P‐VS2 sensor. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics of the MoS2/VS2 heterostructure sensor toward ammonia follow the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model. The excellent sensing features of the MoS2/VS2 heterostructure render it attractive for high‐performance ammonia sensors in diverse applications.
Tuning the Optical and Electrical Properties of Few‐Layer Black Phosphorus via Physisorption of Small Solvent Molecules
Authors: Wang Ye , Slassi Amine , Cornil Jérôme , Beljonne David , Samorì Paolo
Published: September 2019

Black phosphorus (BP) is recently becoming more and more popular among semiconducting 2D materials for (opto)electronic applications. The controlled physisorption of molecules on the BP surface is a viable approach to modulate its optical and electronic properties. Solvents consisting of small molecules are often used for washing 2D materials or as liquid media for their chemical functionalization with larger molecules, disregarding their ability to change the opto‐electronic properties of BP. Herein, it is shown that the opto‐electronic properties of mechanically exfoliated few‐layer BP are altered when physically interacting with common solvents. Significantly, charge transport analysis in field‐effect transistors reveals that physisorbed solvent molecules induce a modulation of the charge carrier density which can be as high as 1012 cm−2 in BP, i.e., comparable to common dopants such as F4‐TCNQ and MoO3. By combining experimental evidences with density functional theory calculations, it is confirmed that BP doping by solvent molecules not only depends on charge transfer, but is also influenced by molecular dipole. The results clearly demonstrate how an exquisite tuning of the opto‐electronic properties of few‐layer BP can be achieved through physisorption of small solvent molecules. Such findings are of interest both for fundamental studies and more technological applications in opto‐electronics.
Colloidal Crystals from Microfluidics
Authors: Bian Feika , Sun Lingyu , Cai Lijun , Wang Yu , Wang Yuetong , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: September 2019

Colloidal crystals are of great interest to researchers because of their excellent optical properties and broad applications in barcodes, sensors, displays, drug delivery, and other fields. Therefore, the preparation of high quality colloidal crystals in large quantities with high speed is worth investigating. After decades of development, microfluidics have been developed that provide new choices for many fields, especially for the generation of functional materials in microscale. Through the design of microfluidic chips, colloidal crystals can be prepared controllably with the advantages of fast speed and low cost. In this Review, research progress on colloidal crystals from microfluidics is discussed. After summarizing the classifications, the generation of colloidal crystals from microfluidics is discussed, including basic colloidal particles preparation, and their assembly inside or outside of microfluidic devices. Then, applications of the achieved colloidal crystals from microfluidics are illustrated. Finally, the future development and prospects of microfluidic‐based colloidal crystals are summarized.
Using principles as activity drivers in human activity systems
Authors: Calvo‐Amodio Javier
Published: September 2019

Engineering activity possess robust methods for designing, realizing, and managing complex engineered systems. As engineered systems become more complex, engineering activity's complexity is growing along with it. Current engineering management tools and methods, although they serve well for many engineering activities, begin to fail when the complexity of the engineered systems exceeds a threshold. Part of the problem is that social, organizational, and psychological sciences have been integrated in limited capacity into engineering activity. Further, the methods and tools for managing engineering activities tend to be rigid and often do not adapt well to complex engineering environments. To address these limitations, the author proposes for the use of the purposeful human activity systems framework as a systems perspective on engineering activity. The framework provides a flexible approach to managing engineering activity by enabling the selection and application and effectiveness measurement of the best social, organizational, and psychological methods and tools according to the specific needs of the engineering organization.
Untersuchungen zu Verbundträgern mit randnahen Verbunddübelleisten
Authors: Broschart Yannick , Kurz Wolfgang
Published: September 2019

Im Stahlverbundbau bieten Verbunddübelleisten eine wirtschaftliche Alternative zu klassischen Verbundmitteln wie Kopfbolzendübeln. Moderne Verbundkonstruktionen werden insbesondere im Hochbau zunehmend filigraner hergestellt. Um die hierfür erforderlichen geringen Deckendicken zu realisieren, können Verbunddübelleisten horizontal innerhalb der Betonplatte angeordnet werden, woraus ein geringer seitlicher Abstand zum freien Betonplattenrand resultiert. Bisherige Untersuchungen beschreiben unterschiedliche Versagensbilder von Bauteilen mit Verbunddübelleisten, bspw. Spalten der Betonplatte, Ausstanzen eines Betonkegels oder Plastizieren der Stahlzähne. An der Technischen Universität Kaiserslautern wurden im Rahmen eines gemeinsamen Forschungsprojekts mit der RWTH Aachen sowohl Push‐out‐Versuche als auch Verbundträgerversuche durchgeführt, anhand derer das Tragverhalten von Verbunddübelleisten mit randnahen Einbaupositionen untersucht wird. In diesen Versuchen konnten zuvor unbekannte Versagensmechanismen beobachtet werden, die bei konventionellen (randfernen) Einbaupositionen nicht eintreten und deshalb gesondert untersucht werden müssen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die entsprechenden Bauteilversuche vorgestellt und erste Ergebnisse präsentiert. Auf Grundlage dieser Beobachtungen und Messungen werden Bemessungsansätze für randnahe Verbunddübelleisten ausgearbeitet, die langfristig Einzug in die europäischen Regelwerke finden sollen.
Heißbemessung als Level‐3‐Analyse der denkmalgeschützten Laborhalle ML der ETH Zürich
Authors: Stamm Matthias , Lequime Pascal , Siemon Matthias
Published: September 2019

An der ETH Zürich forschen Wissenschaftler an den innovativen Verfahren von morgen. Daher ist es selbstverständlich, dass zur Sanierung der denkmalgeschützten Maschinenlaborhalle ML im Herzen von Zürich auch moderne Simulationsverfahren zum Einsatz kommen, um eine besondere Aufgabe zu lösen. Das Stahltragwerk der Halle wurde 1933 errichtet und ist eine der ersten vollständig geschweißten Stahlkonstruktionen der Schweiz. Da die Nutzung im Zuge des derzeit laufenden Umbaus auch den Brandschutz berücksichtigen muss, gleichzeitig aber aus Gründen des Denkmalschutzes die Konstruktion im ursprünglichen Zustand erhalten bleiben soll, wurde eine Heißbemessung mit Naturbrandverfahren angewandt, um den Feuerwiderstand der Stahlhalle nachzuweisen. Dabei wirkte Prof. Dr. Mario Fontana an diesem ambitionierten Projekt mit, der bis vor Kurzem die Professur für Stahl‐, Holz‐ und Verbundbau am Institut für Baustatik und Konstruktion der ETH Zürich innehatte und einer der international renommiertesten Wissenschaftler für Heißbemessung aus der Schweiz ist. Mithilfe von Simulationsmethoden wird aktuell der Nachweis der Tragfähigkeit im Brandfall erbracht, sodass die Maschinenhalle auch in Zukunft in ihrem ursprünglichen Zustand mit sichtbarem Stahltragwerk genutzt werden kann.
Effects of Nano‐SiC on Silane Grafting and Curing of Polyolefin Elastomer: Mixing Order, Physical, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Morshedian Jalil , Moballegh Leila , Azizi Hamed , Degheh Hebeh
Published: September 2019

The objective of this article was preparation of curable silane‐grafted poly(ethylene‐1‐butene) nanocomposite. The poly(ethylene‐1‐butene) was a polyolefin elastomer with random high comonomer content. Two preparation methods were investigated. The method of preparing nanocomposites significantly affected the mechanical properties of the resulted nanocomposites. So that, with the same formulation and different preparation methods, silane grafting with the first was 94% (PVDS3), while with the second was 33% (PS3VD). It was shown that the tensile strength of the cured nanocomposite prepared with the method 1 (PVDS3) increased four times higher than the pure resin. The effects of different factors such as the amount of silane and also the amount of silicon carbide on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the cured and uncured nanocomposites were investigated. The rate of curing was depended on the silicon carbide concentration and 5 phr (part per hundred resin), and nano‐SiC was a concentration where the tensile properties were optimum. Thermal stability and the impermeability of the cured samples improved in the presence of nano‐silicon carbide. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:244–252, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Predicting Stable Molecular Structures for (RNC)2AuIX Complexes
Authors: Rabaâ Hassan , Chiheb Mohamed , Balch Alan L. , Sundholm Dage
Published: September 2019

Calculations have been performed at the MP2 and DFT levels for investigating the reasons for the difficulties in synthesizing bis(isocyanide)gold(I) halide complexes. Three‐coordinated gold(I) complexes of the type (R3P)2AuIX (1) can be synthesized, whereas the analogous isocyanide complexes (RNC)2AuIX (2) are not experimentally known. The molecular structures of (R3P)2AuIX (X = Cl, Br, and I) and (RNC)2AuIX with X = halide, cyanide, nitrite, methylthiolate, and thiocyanate are compared and structural differences are discussed. Calculations of molecular properties elucidate which factors determine the strength of the gold‐ligand interactions in (RNC)2AuIX. The linear bonding mode of RNC favors a T‐shaped geometry instead of the planar Y‐shaped trigonal structure of (R3P)2AuIX complexes that have been synthesized. An increased polarity of the Au–X bond in 2 leads to destabilization of the Y‐shaped structure. Chalcogen‐containing ligands or cyanide appear to be good X‐ligand candidates for synthesis of (RNC)2AuIX complexes.
Cyclometalated Iridium Bipyridine Complexes with Peripheral Antimony Substituents
Authors: Lo Ying‐Hao , Gabbai François P.
Published: September 2019

As part of our ongoing efforts in the development of main group Lewis acids as anion receptors, we have investigated the synthesis of cyclometalated bipyridine iridium(III) complex decorated by antimony moieties. Reaction of 4‐(diphenylstibino)‐2,2'‐bipyridine (L) with [(ppy)2Ir(μ‐Cl)]2 afforded the corresponding tris‐chelate iridium complex [(ppy)2IrL]+ ([1]+), which was isolated as a hexafluorophosphate salt ([1][PF6]). Reaction of [1][PF6] with excess PhICl2 in DMSO induced the conversion of the diphenylantimony moiety of [1]+ into an anionic diphenyltrichloroantimonate leading to a zwitterionic complex referred to as 2‐Cl. Complexes [1][PF6] and 2‐Cl were characterized by NMR and the structure of 2‐Cl confirmed using X‐ray diffraction. DFT calculations and electrochemical measurments show that the electron‐rich diphenyltrichloroantimonate moiety in 2‐Cl cathodically shifts the Ir(III/IV) redox couple. Luminescence measurements also show that 2‐Cl is less emissive than [1]+.
The weak scale from weak gravity
Authors: Craig Nathaniel , Garcia Garcia Isabel , Koren Seth
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We explore the prospects for bounding the weak scale using the weak gravity conjecture (WGC), addressing the hierarchy problem by violating the expectations of effective field theory. Building on earlier work by Cheung and Remmen, we construct models in which a super-extremal particle satisfying the electric WGC for a new Abelian gauge group obtains some of its mass from the Higgs, setting an upper bound on the weak scale as other UV-insensitive parameters are held fixed. Avoiding undue sensitivity of the weak scale to the parameters entering the bound implies that the super-extremal particle must lie at or below the weak scale. While the magnetic version of the conjecture implies additional physics entering around the same scale, we demonstrate that this need not correspond to a cutoff for the Higgs potential or otherwise trivialize the bound. We stress that linking the WGC to the weak scale necessarily involves new light particles coupled to the Higgs, implying a variety of experimentally accessible signatures including invisible Higgs decays and radiative corrections in the electroweak sector. These models also give rise to natural dark matter candidates, providing additional paths to discovery. In particular, collective effects in the dark matter plasma may provide a telltale sign of the Abelian gauge group responsible for bounding the weak scale.
Cyclic Permutation Groups that are Automorphism Groups of Graphs
Authors: Grech Mariusz , Kisielewicz Andrzej
Published: September 2019

In this paper we establish conditions for a permutation group generated by a single permutation to be an automorphism group of a graph. This solves the so called concrete version of König’s problem for the case of cyclic groups. We establish also similar conditions for the symmetry groups of other related structures: digraphs, supergraphs, and boolean functions.
Autologous aortic arch reconstruction in isolated and combined cardiac lesions
Authors: Herbst Claudia , Laufer Guenther , Greil Sabine , Kitzmueller Erwin , Base Eva , Vargha Regina , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Various surgical strategies have been reported for the treatment of aortic coarctation with hypoplastic aortic arch, including simple resection and end-to-end anastomosis as well as various forms of patch augmentation. These techniques are limited by inadequate relief of arch obstruction and use of patch material predisposed to recurrent obstruction or aneurysm formation. We report our experience with autologous aortic arch reconstruction in isolated and combined lesions, a technique that relieves even complex forms of arch reconstruction without patch material.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our institutional experience with autologous aortic arch reconstruction in isolated and combined cardiac lesions from November 2009 to December 2016. Study endpoints were procedural success, incidence of procedure-related complications, need for re-interventions, and survival.

Results

In total, 54 patients underwent total autologous aortic arch reconstruction during the study period. Thereof, 13 (24%) had isolated arch obstruction and 41 (76%) had combined cardiac lesions. The majority of procedures were performed in the neonatal period (72%), median age was 8 days (range: 1 day to 4.3 years). Body weight ranged from 2.2 to 16.5 kg (median: 3.7 kg). There was one (1.9%) procedure-related early reoperation for bronchial obstruction. No repeat interventions (dilatation or re-operation) were observed. One patient with syndromic disease died on postoperative day 20 due to sepsis (1.9% in-hospital mortality rate). No late deaths were observed. Median follow-up was 23 months.

Conclusion

Autologous aortic arch reconstruction is a safe and effective surgical technique for the treatment of aortic arch obstruction in isolated and complex cardiac lesions. It is associated with an extremely low re-intervention rate and a low overall complication rate.
A Qualitative Study to Identify Perceptual Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Uptake and Adherence in HIV Positive People from UK Black African and Caribbean Communities
Authors:   the SUPA Group, Glendinning Elizabeth , Spiers Johanna , Smith Jonathan A. , Anderson Jane , Campbell Lucy J. , Cooper Vanessa , Horne Rob
Published: September 2019

To inform the development of interventions to increase uptake and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), we explored perceptions of ART in semi-structured interviews with 52 men and women from UK black African and black Caribbean communities. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. Perceptions of ART could be grouped into two categories: doubts about the personal necessity for ART and concerns about potential adverse effects. Doubts about necessity stemmed from feeling well, doubts about the efficacy of ART, religious beliefs and the belief that treatment was futile because it could not cure HIV. Concerns about adverse effects included the fear that attending HIV services and taking treatment would lead to disclosure of HIV, feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of starting treatment soon after diagnosis, fears about side effects and potential long-term effects, and physical repulsion. The findings will facilitate the development of interventions to increase uptake and adherence to ART.
The efficacy of Chondrostereum purpureum in sprout control of birch during mechanized pre-commercial thinning
Authors: Laine Tiina , Hamberg Leena , Saarinen Veli-Matti , Saksa Timo
Published: September 2019

The efficacy of mechanized pre-commercial thinning (PCT) done by a lightweight mini-harvester Tehojätkä together with the Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. ex Fr.) Pouzar fungal treatment (dilutions 1:100, 1:200, 1:400) and control (cutting only) was studied for three years. The efficacy of the fungal treatment was defined as capability to prevent sprouting of birch (Betula pendula Roth. and B. pubescens Ehrh.). The fungal treatment resulted in higher stump mortality and lower number of sprouts but it did not have a clear effect on the maximum height of stump sprouts. However, mortalities obtained in this study (34.1%, 26.8%, and 25.6% for dilutions 1:100, 1:200, and 1:400, respectively) were notably lower compared to previous studies which indicate that the accuracy of the spreading mechanism was not satisfactory. We conclude that it is possible to decrease stump sprouting with the fully mechanized fungal treatment but putting this implementation into practice needs more testing to increase efficacy.
Pupils’ ways of understanding programmed technological solutions when analysing structure and function
Authors: Cederqvist Anne-Marie
Published: September 2019

Programming has recently become part of Swedish technology education; pupils should now be able to analyse existing programmed technological solutions, and be able to design new ones. Teachers facing this curriculum change need guidance on how to teach and what to address, based on how pupils understand the content. The aim of this study is to investigate pupils’ different ways of understanding programmed technological solutions when analysing their structure and function. Taking a phenomenographic approach, interviews were conducted with pupils aged 11–12. In the interviews, prepared contexts were used: Micro:bit constructions and programmed technological solutions from everyday life. The results show that pupils have different approaches to programmed technological solutions based on what parts are discerned in the prepared contexts, and also that pupils approach the two prepared contexts differently. The parts that are critical to discern in both of the contexts are the physical structure of components in the technological solution, how the components work and what their function is in the solution, as well as the logic in the code and how it controls the components and the flow of information that determines the function of the solution. The discernment of these parts is necessary to transcend the contextual details and generalize the understanding of structure and function in programmed technological solutions. These results have implications for teaching with concrete programming materials, suggesting a need to focus on facilitating discernment of the parts and addressing the similarities and the differences between different contexts in order to reach a generalized understanding.
Design and Sensitivity Analysis of Rock Slope Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Aladejare Adeyemi Emman , Akeju Victor Oluwatosin
Published: September 2019

A probabilistic approach that is based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) was developed in this study to design and perform sensitivity analysis of rock slope. The probabilistic approach uses MCS to perform a series of single objective optimizations for design of rock slope and to perform sensitivity analysis of rock slope stability. The MCS-based approach was used to evaluate the failure probability of a rock slope system and to determine a safe maximum slope height for rock slope design. To achieve this, the performance of different rock properties and rock slope conditions were explicitly considered towards achieving the target reliability index of the rock slope. The approach can achieve multiple rock slope design specifications using different target reliability indexes from a single run of MCS. The proposed probabilistic approach was illustrated through an example of rock slope design to determine feasible designs under different rock slope conditions. Also, sensitivity studies were performed to explore the effects of uncertainties in tension crack depth and water depth in tension crack, and variability in rock unit weight. The results show that the effects of uncertainties and variability on rock slope stability can be significant and should be incorporated during design analysis. Incorporating such uncertainties and variability in rock slope design is achieved with relative ease using the proposed approach.
Adolescent Gambling, Gambling Expenditure and Gambling–Related Harms in Finland, 2011–2017
Authors: Raisamo Susanna , Kinnunen Jaana M. , Pere Lasse , Lindfors Pirjo , Rimpelä Arja
Published: September 2019

Existing literature on recent trends in adolescent gambling is scarce. The rapidly changing landscape of gambling, together with the generally applied legal age limits, calls for the continuous monitoring of gambling also among the adolescent population. In Finland, the legal gambling age is 18. We examined changes in adolescents’ gambling, gambling expenditure and gambling–related harms from 2011 to 2017. Comparable cross-sectional biennial survey data were collected in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 among 12–18-year-olds (N = 18,857). The main measures were self-reported six-month gambling, average weekly gambling expenditure (€) and harms due to gambling. Data were analyzed using cross-tabulations, χ2-tests and linear regression analysis. A significant decline in gambling among minors (aged 12–16-year-olds) was found (β = − 0.253), while no significant changes were observed among 18-year-olds (who are not targeted by the law). The mean gambling expenditure also declined from 2011 to 2017. Adolescent gamblers experienced significantly less (p = .003) gambling–related harms in 2017 (7.4%) compared to 2011 (13.5%). Adolescent gambling and its related negative consequences have become less prevalent in Finland between 2011 and 2017. Further monitoring is necessary to ascertain whether the positive direction will continue. Also, empirical analyses providing evidence of reasons for the observed trend are warranted.
Dual Identity Development and Adjustment in Muslim Minority Adolescents
Authors: Spiegler Olivia , Wölfer Ralf , Hewstone Miles
Published: September 2019

Dual identity (e.g., strong ethnic and national identity) is a psychological resource for minority groups, but how it develops during adolescence is less clear. In this 3-wave longitudinal study, a person-oriented approach was used to examine dual identity development in a sample of 2145 Muslim adolescents (MT1 = 15 years, 51% female) in four Western European countries. The results of a growth-mixture model pointed toward four distinct developmental Classes: (1) “Dual identity”, (2) “Separation to dual identity”, (3) “Assimilation to dual identity”, and (4) “Separation”. Multiple group comparisons further showed that adolescents in Class 1 were well adjusted, but well-being (e.g., internalizing problems, life satisfaction) and health were even higher among adolescents in Class 2. Adolescents in Class 3 had consistently lower levels of well-being, and adolescents in Class 4 had lower levels of socio-cultural adjustment (e.g., problem behaviour at school, delinquent behaviour, and lack of intergroup contact). The findings underscore that most Muslim minority adolescents in Western Europe develop a dual identity, and that the developmental process, not simply the outcome, matters for adjustment.
Cardiomyocyte damage control in heart failure and the role of the sarcolemma
Authors: Kitmitto Ashraf , Baudoin Florence , Cartwright Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2019

The cardiomyocyte plasma membrane, termed the sarcolemma, is fundamental for regulating a myriad of cellular processes. For example, the structural integrity of the cardiomyocyte sarcolemma is essential for mediating cardiac contraction by forming microdomains such as the t-tubular network, caveolae and the intercalated disc. Significantly, remodelling of these sarcolemma microdomains is a key feature in the development and progression of heart failure (HF). However, despite extensive characterisation of the associated molecular and ultrastructural events there is a lack of clarity surrounding the mechanisms driving adverse morphological rearrangements. The sarcolemma also provides protection, and is the cell’s first line of defence, against external stresses such as oxygen and nutrient deprivation, inflammation and oxidative stress with a loss of sarcolemma viability shown to be a key step in cell death via necrosis. Significantly, cumulative cell death is also a feature of HF, and is linked to disease progression and loss of cardiac function. Herein, we will review the link between structural and molecular remodelling of the sarcolemma associated with the progression of HF, specifically considering the evidence for: (i) Whether intrinsic, evolutionary conserved,plasma membrane injury-repair mechanismsare in operation in the heart, and (ii) if deficits in key ‘wound-healing’ proteins (annexins, dysferlin, EHD2 and MG53) may play a yet to be fully appreciated role in triggering sarcolemma microdomain remodelling and/or necrosis. Cardiomyocytes are terminally differentiated with very limited regenerative capability and therefore preserving cell viability and cardiac function is crucially important. This review presents a novel perspective on sarcolemma remodelling by considering whether targeting proteins that regulate sarcolemma injury-repair may hold promise for developing new strategies to attenuate HF progression.
The frame bundle picture of Gaussian wave packet dynamics in semiclassical mechanics
Authors: Skerritt Paul
Published: September 2019

Recently Ohsawa (Lett Math Phys 105:1301–1320, 2015) has studied the Marsden–Weinstein–Meyer quotient of the manifold $$T^*\mathbb {R}^n\times T^*\mathbb {R}^{2n^2}$$T∗Rn×T∗R2n2 under a $$\mathrm {O}(2n)$$O(2n)-symmetry and has used this quotient to describe the relationship between two different parametrisations of Gaussian wave packet dynamics commonly used in semiclassical mechanics. In this paper, we suggest a new interpretation of (a subset of) the unreduced space as being the frame bundle $${\mathcal {F}}(T^*\mathbb {R}^n)$$F(T∗Rn) of $$T^*\mathbb {R}^n$$T∗Rn. We outline some advantages of this interpretation and explain how it can be extended to more general symplectic manifolds using the notion of the diagonal lift of a symplectic form due to Cordero and de León (Rend Circ Mat Palermo 32:236–271, 1983).
Cyclic electron flow and light partitioning between the two photosystems in leaves of plants with different functional types
Authors: Sagun Julius Ver , Badger Murray R. , Chow Wah Soon , Ghannoum Oula
Published: September 2019

Cyclic electron flow (CEF) around photosystem I (PSI) is essential for generating additional ATP and enhancing efficient photosynthesis. Accurate estimation of CEF requires knowledge of the fractions of absorbed light by PSI (fI) and PSII (fII), which are only known for a few model species such as spinach. No measures of fI are available for C4 grasses under different irradiances. We developed a new method to estimate (1) fII in vivo by concurrently measuring linear electron flux through both photosystems $$\left( {{\text{LEF}}_{{{\text{O}}_{ 2} }} } \right)$$LEFO2 in leaf using membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) and total electron flux through PSII (ETR2) using chlorophyll fluorescence by a Dual-PAM at low light and (2) CEF as ETR1—$${\text{LEF}}_{{{\text{O}}_{ 2} }}$$LEFO2. For a C3 grass, fI was 0.5 and 0.4 under control (high light) and shade conditions, respectively. C4 species belonging to NADP-ME and NAD-ME subtypes had fI of 0.6 and PCK subtype had 0.5 under control. All shade-grown C4 species had fI of 0.6 except for NADP-ME grass which had 0.7. It was also observed that fI ranged between 0.3 and 0.5 for gymnosperm, liverwort and fern species. CEF increased with irradiance and was induced at lower irradiances in C4 grasses and fern relative to other species. CEF was greater in shade-grown plants relative to control plants except for C4 NADP-ME species. Our study reveals a range of CEF and fI values in different plant functional groups. This variation must be taken into account for improved photosynthetic calculations and modelling.
Correction to: Better beware: comparing metacognition for phishing and legitimate emails
Authors: Canfield Casey Inez , Fischhoff Baruch , Davis Alex
Published: September 2019

The article “Better beware: comparing metacognition for phishing and legitimate emails”, written by Casey Inez Canfield, Baruch Fischhoff and Alex Davis, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 20 July 2019 without open access.
Influence of diazonium and surfactant modification of the mesoporous material on its adsorption properties
Authors: Sandomierski Mariusz , Poniedziałek Kornelia , Bielicka-Daszkiewicz Katarzyna , Voelkel Adam
Published: September 2019

We describe a new and direct route to obtain Al-SBA-15-modified materials with different groups on their surface using diazonium salts. For comparison, modification using surfactants was also used. In the present study, we decided to examine the applicability of these materials in the adsorption of compounds released from dental fillings. The effectiveness of modification was proved by results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry. The results indicate the formation of characteristic groups on the surface of the materials. The materials after modification are characterized by smaller surface area and pore volume, which is result of covering the surface with an aryl or surfactant layer. The adsorption properties change after modification and depend on the used modifier. Diazonium modification has a positive effect on sorptive properties when hydroxyl and dimethylamine groups are obtained. The methods of material modification presented in this work may in the future lead to the improvement in the properties of sorbents used in solid-phase extraction.
Potential adverse effects on animal health and performance caused by the addition of mineral adsorbents to feeds to reduce mycotoxin exposure
Authors: Elliott Christopher T. , Connolly Lisa , Kolawole Oluwatobi
Published: September 2019

The contamination of feed with mycotoxins is a continuing feed quality and safety issue, leading to significant losses in livestock production and potential human health risks. Consequently, various methods have been developed to reduce the occurrence of mycotoxins in feed; however, feed supplementation with clay minerals or mineral adsorbents is the most prominent approach widely practiced by farmers and the feed industry. Due to a negatively charged and high surface area, pore volume, swelling ability, and high cation exchange capacity, mineral adsorbents including bentonite, zeolite, montmorillonite, and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate can bind or adsorb mycotoxins to their interlayer spaces, external surface, and edges. Several studies have shown these substances to be partly or fully effective in counteracting toxic effects of mycotoxins in farm animals fed contaminated diets and thus are extensively used in livestock production to reduce the risk of mycotoxin exposure. Nevertheless, a considerable number of studies have indicated that these agents may also cause undesirable effects in farm animals. The current work aims to review published reports regarding adverse effects that may arise in farm animals (with a focus on pig and poultry) and potential interaction with veterinary substances and nutrients in feeds, when mineral adsorbents are utilized as a technological feed additive. Furthermore, results of in vitro toxicity studies of both natural and modified mineral adsorbents on different cell lines are reported. Supplementation of mycotoxin-contaminated feed with mineral adsorbents must be carefully considered by farmers and feed industry.
Decline and diversity in Swedish seas: Environmental narratives in marine history, science and policy
Authors: Lidström Susanna , Sörlin Sverker , Svedäng Henrik
Published: September 2019

Before the mid-twentieth century, there was no comprehensive narrative about empirical conditions in Swedish seas. Around 1970, this view changed profoundly. In line with growing research and the emergence of ‘the environment’ as a defining concept, conditions in Swedish seas were framed as a ‘narrative of decline’. Marine scientists have since recorded more diverse developments than are described by an overall declensionist narrative. Data show trends of interrupted decline, variability and even recovery, taking place at least partly in response to effective policy and legislation. We suggest that beyond the specialised fields of marine sciences and marine environmental history, the overarching narrative of decline has persisted, paying little attention to local and regional particularities as well as cultural and political dimensions of the marine environment. This overly uniform narrative risks obscuring historical reality and, hence, fails to adequately inform policy and the public about developments and outcomes of interventions in Swedish seas.