bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal audit standard compliance, potentially competing duties, and external auditors' reliance decision
Authors: Breger David , Edmonds Mark , Ortegren Marc
Published: December 2019

This article explores the impact of two previously overlooked characteristics, compliance with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards and the presence of potentially competing duties, on external auditors' perceptions of internal audit competence, objectivity, and, in turn, their willingness to rely on the internal audit function. This research finds that external auditors consider internal audit functions to be more competent and objective when they fully comply with IIA standards and that external auditors consider internal auditors to be more objective in the absence of any potentially competing duties in other areas. Overall, ratings of objectivity and competence relate to the decision to rely on the internal audit function. This study contributes by providing evidence that external auditors are more willing to rely on internal audit functions that comply with IIA standards and do not perform managerial/consulting duties, even though evidence suggests internal audit functions often do not fully comply with IIA standards and do perform managerial/consulting duties. Additionally, this study's results suggest that remedial action could reduce external audit fees and improve internal audit quality.
On t‐designs and s‐resolvable t‐designs from hyperovals
Authors: van Trung Tran
Published: December 2019

Hyperovals in projective planes turn out to have a link with t‐designs. Motivated by an unpublished work of Lonz and Vanstone, we present a construction for t‐designs and s‐resolvable t‐designs from hyperovals in projective planes of order . We prove that the construction works for . In particular, for the construction yields a family of 5‐ designs. For numerous infinite families of 4‐designs on points with block size can be constructed for any . The construction assumes the existence of a 4‐ design, called the indexing design, including the complete 4‐ design. Moreover, we prove that if the indexing design is s‐resolvable, then so is the constructed design. As a result, many of the constructed designs are s‐resolvable for . We include a short discussion on the simplicity or non‐simplicity of the designs from hyperovals.
Novel ionic liquid–mediated approach for the synthesis of tetracyclic[6,5,5,5]indole ring
Authors: Srivastava Arjita , Siddiqui Ibadur Rahman
Published: December 2019

A novel acidic ionic liquid–catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of diversely substituted tetracyclic indole core has been devised. The application of ionic liquid provides this methodology with various merits over conventional methods regarding reaction time, yield, and ease of handling. Acidic ionic liquid has been employed as a catalytic agent in this protocol.
Reduced CETP glycosylation and activity in patients with homozygous B4GALT1 mutations
Authors: van den Boogert Marjolein A.W. , Crunelle Cleo L. , Ali Lubna , Larsen Lars E. , Kuil Sacha D. , Levels Johannes H.M. , Schimmel Alinda W.M. , Konstantopoulou Vassiliki , Guerin Maryse , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert , Dallinga‐Thie Geesje M. , Stroes Erik S.G. , Lefeber Dirk J. , Holleboom Adriaan G.
Published: December 2019

The importance of protein glycosylation in regulating lipid metabolism is becoming increasingly apparent. We set out to further investigate this by studying the effects of defective glycosylation on plasma lipids in patients with B4GALT1‐CDG, caused by a mutation in B4GALT1 with defective N‐linked glycosylation. We studied plasma lipids, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) glyco‐isoforms with isoelectric focusing followed by a western blot and CETP activity in three known B4GALT1‐CDG patients and compared them with 11 age‐ and gender‐matched, healthy controls. B4GALT1‐CDG patients have significantly lowered non‐high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) and total cholesterol to HDL‐c ratio compared with controls and larger HDL particles. Plasma CETP was hypoglycosylated and less active in B4GALT1‐CDG patients compared to matched controls. Our study provides insight into the role of protein glycosylation in human lipoprotein homeostasis. The hypogalactosylated, hypo‐active CETP found in patients with B4GALT1‐CDG indicates a role of protein galactosylation in regulating plasma HDL and LDL. Patients with B4GALT1‐CDG have large HDL particles probably due to hypogalactosylated, hypo‐active CETP.
Are Lactobacillus salivarius G60 and inulin more efficacious to treat patients with oral halitosis and tongue coating than the probiotic alone and placebo? A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mousquer Camila Rafaela , Della Bona Alvaro , Milani Daiane Cristina , Callegari‐Jacques Sidia Maria , Ishikawa Karin , Mayer Marcia Pinto Alves , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Fornari Fernando
Published: December 2019

Background

The combination of probiotics and prebiotics might be useful to treat oral halitosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Lactobacillus salivarius G60 (LS) and inulin on oral halitosis and tongue coating.

Methods

In this double‐masked, randomized, phase II clinical trial, 45 patients (aged 35 ± 15 years, 66% female) with oral halitosis and tongue coating were allocated to three treatment groups (n = 15) using gums of oral dissolution (one gum every 12 hours) for 10 days. Each gum contained LS (1 billion colony forming units [CFUs]) + inulin (1 g), LS (1 billion CFU) or placebo. Primary outcomes were organoleptic test, Halimeter, and tongue coating, whereas secondary outcomes were quality of life (QOL) and treatment safety. Generalized linear models were used, adjusting for age and sex. In vitro tests were performed to verify whether LS interacts with inulin and whether LS inhibits the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia.

Results

Forty‐four patients (97%) completed the study. Patients treated with LS + inulin showed greater reduction in halitosis measured by Halimeter compared with placebo (adjusted post‐intervention average: 96.7 versus 142.5 ppb; P = 0.003), whereas LS and placebo did not differ (115.7 versus 142.5 ppb; P = 0.097). Organoleptic measurements and coating index showed a similar decrease for all groups. QOL improved in patients treated with LS + inulin compared with placebo (P = 0.029). Side effects were mild and transient in all groups. LS did not metabolize inulin but inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia after 72 hours.

Conclusions

Treatment with L. salivarius G60 combined or not with inulin showed significant decrease in the outcomes organoleptic test, Halimeter, and coating index, improving oral halitosis. However, no significant difference was obtained between the groups.
The multilayer model of soil mineral–organic interfaces—a review
Authors: Gao Jiajia , Mikutta Robert , Jansen Boris , Guggenberger Georg , Vogel Cordula , Kalbitz Karsten
Published: December 2019

Association of organic matter (OM) with minerals is an important pathway in the formation of stable OM in soil. While the importance of mineral–organic associations (MOA) in regulating soil carbon cycling has been rigorously demonstrated by empirical evidence, knowledge about the molecular‐scale arrangement of OM at mineral surfaces is still lacking. Such knowledge is urgently needed to disentangle the mechanisms of long‐term storage of soil OM. Based on indirect observations regarding the formation, composition, and structure of MOA, a conceptual multilayer model was proposed by Kleber et al. in 2007 to foster debate and help elucidating the structure and reactivity of MOA. According to this model, the associated OM at mineral surfaces is discrete and self‐organized into a multilayer structure. In this review, we aim to collect and evaluate existing studies that used this model to explain biogeochemical processes at mineral–organic interfaces, and based on this, assess the applicability of the model. The multilayer model has seen extensive adoption within soil science and related fields. In general, existing studies either support the concept of a patchy distribution of adsorbed OM on mineral surfaces or advocate that OM can be coprecipitated with nanosized poorly crystalline minerals or hydrolysable metals. However, the evidence for the patchy distribution of adsorbed OM cannot support the multilayer model on its own. There is little consensus about the role of N‐rich OM in forming the contact zone according to the multilayer model but surface conditioning by different classes of organic compounds appears to be an essential factor for the overall adsorption of OM. Nevertheless, large uncertainty still remains with respect to multilayer‐like organization of MOA. By taking advantage of recent developments in surface analytical sciences and computational chemistry, a rigid experimental testing of the multilayer model at the molecular level is still required and awaits to be integrated into improved concepts of MOA formation and OM stabilization.
Systematic review of expanded practice in rural community pharmacy
Authors: Taylor Selina , Cairns Alice , Glass Beverley
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify published evidence to inform the development of expanded practice services in rural community pharmacies.

Data sources

The search strategy was applied to the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Emcare, Cochrane and Google Scholar.

Study selection

In all, 508 studies were evaluated against inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 29 eligible studies finally included in the review. Services provided needed to meet the described definition of ‘expanded practice’ and be applied in a rural community pharmacy setting. Expanded services were evaluated against at least one of the following: effectiveness, enablers, barriers and feasibility.

Results

The studies included in this review were conducted in the US (n = 15), Australia (n = 8), Canada (n = 2), New Zealand (n = 1), England (n = 1), Croatia (n = 1) and Ghana (n = 1). All studies were conducted within the past 22 years, with 11 published since 2015. Cardiovascular disease (n = 7), diabetes/metabolic syndrome (n = 4), respiratory disease (n = 6) and vaccinations (n = 5) were the most common diseases or health service targeted in the interventions. Study design varied, reflected in the methodological quality, which included experimental studies (n = 27) and retrospective observational cohort studies (n = 2). Expanded pharmacy services identified included delivery of immunisations and the screening and management of chronic and infectious diseases, such as osteoporosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malaria, diabetes and cardiovascular and kidney disease.

Conclusions

Pharmacists providing these services have an opportunity to improve health outcomes for rural populations.
Rounded Insertion Technique for Cochlear Implantation Surgery to Treat Cystic Inner Ear Malformation
Authors: Hu Hao‐Chun , Chen William Kuan‐Hua , Huang Mei‐Jui , Lin Chi‐Ching , Chen Joshua Kuang‐Chao
Published: December 2019

Objective

This article outlines the advantages and applicability of the rounded insertion technique of cochlear implants in patients with cystic inner ear malformation. This technique enables the insertion of the maximum number of electrodes and prevents the unwanted entry of electrodes into the internal auditory canal.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with cochlear hypoplasia (CH) and/or common cavity (CC) who underwent CI (cochlear implantation) via rounded insertion technique. The position of the electrode array in each patient was confirmed postoperatively via X‐ray, and the number of functional electrodes was confirmed during the mapping process.

Results

This study included five male and two female patients (median age: 3 years; age range: 2–7 years). Among the seven patients, four received a cochlear implant on the right side, one on the left side, and two bilaterally. Of the nine ears, six were cases of CH, and three were CC. All cochlear implant surgeries via rounded insertion technique were completed without complications. The maximum number of electrode contacts with fair function in the cystic cochlea was confirmed via postoperative X‐ray and the subsequent mapping process.

Conclusion

This consecutive series of patients demonstrated the safety and reliability of rounded insertion technique for CI in patients with CH and/or CC.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2229–2233, 2020
Synthesis and Characterization of Thermosensitive Poly(N‐Vinyl Caprolactam)‐Grafted‐Aminated Alginate Hydrogels
Authors: Durkut Serap , Elçin Yaşar Murat
Published: December 2019

Thermosensitive hydrogels are characterized by the drastic and reversible change of their physical properties with temperature. Herein is presented the development of a thermosensitive poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam)‐grafted‐aminated alginate (PNVCL‐g‐Alg‐NH2) having a temperature‐dependent phase transition close to physiological temperature. The hybrid copolymer is formed through the combinational use of chemical and physical methods, that is, carbodiimide chemistry, and ionotrophic gelation by calcium cations. PNVCL‐g‐Alg‐NH2 exhibits a phase transition at ≈35 °C, and temperature‐dependent water uptake. Copolymerization with PNVCL leads to a decrease in the water uptake of aminated alginate, while improving its thermal stability. Model protein (bovine serum albumin) release from PNVCL‐g‐Alg‐NH2 scaffolds indicates a higher rate of release below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) than that of the above, owing to the fact that PNVCL chains collapse at above the LCST and forms a more compact network. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility analyses confirm that PNVCL‐g‐Alg‐NH2 scaffolds are basically non‐cytotoxic and non‐hemolytic.
Cognitive behavioural interventions, and function and pain outcomes among patients with chronic neck pain managed with the McKenzie approach
Authors: Edmond Susan L. , Werneke Mark W. , Young Michelle , Grigsby David , McClenahan Brian , Harris Gary , McGill Troy
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Graded activity and graded exposure in vivo are recommended cognitive behavioural approaches to improve function and pain outcomes for patients receiving physiotherapy for chronic nonspecific neck pain. The McKenzie method is a common treatment approach for patients with neck pain. The study objectives were to examine associations between interventions with graded activity and/or graded exposure, as determined by the treating physiotherapist, and function and pain outcomes for patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain managed by clinicians with credentials in the McKenzie approach.

Method

A cohort study was carried out, in which subjects (n = 366) with chronic nonspecific neck pain completed intake surveys (i.e., the Neck Functional Status Computerized Adaptive Test and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale), and questions related to their demographic, lifestyle and health status. Treatment with graded activity/graded exposure during the episode of care was recorded. Function and pain measures were repeated at discharge. Multivariable models examining associations between patients receiving versus not receiving graded activity/graded exposure, and pain and function outcomes were constructed, controlling for potential confounding effects.

Results

Despite statistical significance, there were no clinically relevant differences between treatment versus no treatment with graded activity/graded exposure, and function or pain outcomes.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that patients being managed with McKenzie methods will attain clinically relevant improvements in function or pain outcomes when augmenting treatment with graded activity and/or graded exposure when the choice to intervene with these cognitive behavioural approaches is determined by the treating physiotherapist.
Reconstruction of the state: Lobbying against political corruption in the Czech Republic
Authors: Perottino Michel , Stauber Jakub , Šárovec Daniel
Published: December 2019

High level of distrust in political elites accompanied with a strong perception of corruption in Czech Republic has led to an increase of several anti‐corruption nongovernmental organisations' activities. About 18 organisations have created in 2013 an open coalition and established a project called “Reconstruction of the State” (Rekonstrukce státu). This project is oriented towards political parties and political elites to lead them to adopt nine anti‐corruption legislative proposals. This paper analyses how the project operates in its formal and informal aspects, which communication means are preferred and how the lobbyists interact with the politicians and political parties. Apart from the analysis of publicly available pieces of information from the project's website and official printed materials, semistructured interviews with activists and field research were performed. It can be seen that Reconstruction of the state has been most successful regarding agenda‐setting, but in the context of the legislative process, it has to face many obstacles either from legislators themselves or competitors with different goals.
Synthesis of a novel phosphate‐containing highly transparent PMMA copolymer with enhanced thermal and flame retardant properties
Authors: Yang Baoping , Wang Lurong , Guo Yongliang , Zhang Yabin , Wang Niannian , Cui Jinfeng , Guo Junhong , Tian Li
Published: December 2019

A novel poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based copolymer (PMMA‐co‐BDPA) rich in aromatic rings was synthesized via radical copolymerization between a phosphorus‐containing acrylic monomer (BDPA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). UV‐vis spectroscopy demonstrated that the copolymer had high transparency. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) were used to test the thermal properties of the composites. Additionally, the PMMA‐co‐BDPA‐15 copolymer exhibited a 23% increase in the limited oxygen index (LOI) value. A cone calorimeter test indicated that the peak heat release rate (pk‐HRR) of PMMA‐co‐BDPA was reduced by 29.2% compared with that of pure PMMA, and the carbon yield of burning was obviously increased. The combined test results demonstrated that the prepared copolymer material had good transparency, thermal stability, and flame retardancy.
Dormancy, a critical trait for weed success in crop production systems
Authors: Batlla Diego , Ghersa Claudio M , Benech‐Arnold Roberto L
Published: December 2019

Agricultural practices exert selective forces on weed populations. As these practices change over time, weed adaptive traits also evolve, allowing weeds to persist in the new environment. However, only weeds having individuals showing the trait with adaptive significance will be able to cope with these changes, thus allowing a sub‐population to be selected for persistence. In addition, changes in agricultural practices can select new weed species showing functional traits with characteristics adaptive to the modified system. Seed dormancy has long been recognized as a trait with enormous adaptive value to adjust weed biology to cropping systems. In this paper, we illustrate with examples of success and failure, the value of seed dormancy as a functional trait to cope with long‐term changes in crop production systems. We show that successful outcomes are mostly related to the existence of sufficient variability for the functioning of physiological mechanisms that control dormancy characteristics as influenced by the agricultural environment. Presented examples illustrate how knowledge about the relationship that exists between agricultural practices and their selective pressure on seed dormancy can be instrumental in predicting changes in weed biotype dormancy characteristics or foreseeing the appearance of new weed species in future agricultural scenarios. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystallization Behavior of Amorphous Si Nanoinclusions Embedded in Silicon Oxide Matrix
Authors: Sarikov Andrey
Published: December 2019

Herein, crystallization behavior of amorphous Si (a‐Si) nanoparticles embedded in Si oxide matrix is studied thermodynamically. The change of the Gibbs free energy of the Si nanoinclusion/Si oxide matrix system upon crystallization of the Si nanoinclusion core is calculated as a function of normalized core radius. Minimum values of the Gibbs free energy determine equilibrium crystallization states of Si nanoinclusions. The equilibrium radii of the crystallized Si parts normalized with respect to the Si particle radii, as well as the barriers for crystallization, are calculated as functions of Si size and annealing temperature. The degree of Si crystallization is shown to increase with Si nanoparticle size. The existence of minimum critical radius of Si nanoinclusions for the onset of crystallization is demonstrated. Obtained results have a good correlation with available experimental data and contribute to the understanding of the formation of crystalline Si structures in the nanosized Si/Si oxide matrix composites formed by phase separation of nonstoichiometric silicon oxide films during high‐temperature annealing.
Radiative and Auger Recombination Constants and Internal Quantum Efficiency of (0001) AlGaN Deep‐UV Light‐Emitting Diode Structures
Authors: Rudinsky Mikhail E. , Karpov Sergey Yu.
Published: December 2019

A semiempirical model accounting for hole localization by composition fluctuations is applied to estimate the radiative and Auger recombination constants in (0001) AlGaN quantum wells serving as active regions of deep‐ultraviolet (UV) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The model is preliminarily calibrated using the directly measured hole localization lengths in Al0.25Ga0.75N alloys and quantum wells. The recombination constants are found to vary nonmonotonously with the alloy composition/emission wavelength. Device simulations combined with the estimated recombination constants enable identification of major factors limiting the internal quantum efficiency of the LED structures: competition of various recombination channels and electron leakage through the electron‐blocking layer at wavelengths longer and shorter than ≈240 nm, respectively. Comparison of the predicted recombination constants with the data available for bulk AlGaN alloys and Al0.45Ga0.55N/AlN quantum wells is done.
Self‐Consistent Four‐Particle Cluster Model of Fe3+ Heisenberg Chains: Spectral and Magnetic Properties of YFe3(BO3)4 Crystals
Authors: Malkin Boris Z. , Popova Elena A. , Chukalina Elena P. , Jablunovskis Artjoms , Popova Marina N.
Published: December 2019

The magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic quasi‐1D YFe3(BO3)4 crystals are studied based on the analysis of the measured optical spectra of the Fe3+ ions in different rare‐earth (RE) iron borates and a self‐consistent four‐particle cluster approach to helical iron chains. The parameters of crystal fields affecting the Fe3+ ions are calculated in the framework of the exchange charge model. The parameters of the isotropic intrachain and interchain exchange interactions between the Fe3+ ions are determined from modeling the temperature dependences of magnetic susceptibilities, the phase transition temperature, and spontaneous magnetic moments. The magnetic easy‐plane anisotropy is explained as the result of dipolar interactions between the Fe3+ ions in the trigonal crystal lattice. The developed model can be used to analyze and predict the properties of multiferroic multifunctional RE iron borates and highlight contributions of the iron subsystem into the magnetoelectric and magnetoelastic effects in these compounds.
Carbon Nanotubes Enabling Highly Efficient Cell Apoptosis by Low‐Intensity Nanosecond Electric Pulses via Perturbing Calcium Handling
Authors: Mao Zheng , Zhang Youyu , Lu Nan , Cheng Shun , Hong Ronghan , Liu Qing Huo
Published: December 2019

Effective induction of targeted cancer cells apoptosis with minimum side effects has always been the primary objective for anti‐tumor therapy. In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are employed for their unique ability to target tumors and amplify the localized electric field due to the high aspect ratio. Highly efficient and cancer cell specific apoptosis is finally achieved by combining carbon nanotubes with low intensity nanosecond electric pulses (nsEPs). The underlying mechanism may be as follows: the electric field produced by nsEPs is amplified by CNTs, causing an enhanced plasma membrane permeabilization and Ca2+ influx, simultaneously triggering Ca2+ release from intracellular storages to cytoplasm in a direct/indirect manner. All the changes above lead to excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Substructural damage and obvious mitochondria membrane potential depolarization are caused subsequently with the combined action of numerously reactive oxygen species production, ultimately initiating the apoptotic process through the translocation of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm and activating apoptotic markers including caspase‐9 and ‐3. Thus, the combination of nanosecond electric field with carbon nanotubes can actually promote HCT116 cell death via mitochondrial signaling pathway‐mediated cell apoptosis. These results may provide a new and highly efficient strategy for cancer therapy.
Feasibility of producing two‐stage (preplaced aggregate) concrete by gravity process
Authors: Das Kunal K. , Lam Eddie S. S.
Published: December 2019

Two‐stage concrete or Preplaced aggregate concrete (“PAC”) is produced by first preplacing the coarse aggregates into the formwork and then injecting a grout to fill in the voids between the aggregates. The involvement of unique and complex machinery for injecting grout has resulted in underutilization of PAC despite its high potential. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of producing PAC using simple construction technique.A suitable grout mix with a desired flowability and strength was applied via gravity process and pumping process to produce PAC using four different sizes of coarse aggregates that is, 45 mm, 37 mm, 20 mm and 14 mm. 20 mm coarse aggregate size was found to be the optimum size for the production of PAC by both gravity process and pumping process displaying compatible performance. Pumping process is recommended for aggregates smaller than 20 mm as it ensures better penetrability of the grout through the aggregates. PAC displays better dimensional stability with drying shrinkage less than half of that produced by conventional concrete.
Pregnancies following long luteal phases in southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)
Authors: Pennington Parker M. , Marshall Kira L. , Capiro Jonnie M. , Howard Lauren , Durrant Barbara S.
Published: December 2019

All extant species in the Rhinocerotidae family are experiencing escalating threats in the wild, making self‐sustaining captive populations essential genetic reservoirs for species survival. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) will become increasingly important for achieving and maintaining ex situ population sustainability and genetic diversity. Previous reports have shown that a large proportion of captive southern white rhinoceros (SWR) females are irregularly cyclic or acyclic, and that cycling females display two different estrous cycle lengths of approximately 30 or 70 days. It has been suggested that the longer estrous cycle length is infertile or subfertile, as no term pregnancies have been observed following long cycles. Here we report the achievement of two pregnancies following long luteal phases, using ovulation induction and artificial insemination with either fresh or frozen‐thawed semen. One female SWR conceived on the first insemination attempt and gave birth to a live offspring. A second female conceived twice in consecutive long cycles although the first embryo was resorbed by 33 days post‐insemination. A pregnancy from this female's second insemination is ongoing with expected parturition in November 2019. Whether prolonged estrous cycles in SWR are subfertile or infertile in natural breeding situations remains unclear. However, our findings demonstrate that the application of ARTs following prolonged cycles can result the successful establishment of pregnancies in SWR. Therefore, with ARTs, female SWR otherwise considered nonreproductive due to long estrous cycles may still have the potential for representation and contribution to the ex situ population.
Postnatal pelvic floor muscle stiffness measured by vaginal elastometry in women with obstetric anal sphincter injury: a pilot study
Authors: Anumba Dilly O. C. , Gillespie Siobhán , Jha Swati , Abdi Shahram , Kruger Jenny , Taberner Andrew , Nielsen Poul M. F. , Li Xinshan
Published: December 2019

Introduction and hypothesis

Vaginal childbirth is associated with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) damage in a third of women. The biomechanics prediction, detection and management of PFM damage remain poorly understood. We sought in this pilot study to determine whether quantifying PFM stiffness postnatally by vaginal elastometry, in women attending a perineal trauma clinic (PTC) within 6 months of obstetric anal sphincter injury, correlates with their antecedent labour characteristics, pelvic floor muscle damage, or urinary/bowel/sexual symptoms, to inform future definitive prospective studies.

Methods

In this pilot study, we measured postnatal PFM stiffness by vaginal elastometry in 54 women. A subset of participants (n = 14) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define any levator ani (LA) muscle defects from vaginal childbirth. We investigated the association of PFM stiffness with demographics, labour and delivery characteristics, clinical features and MRI evidence of LA damage.

Results

Raised maternal BMI was associated with reduced pelvic floor stiffness (r = −0.4; p < 0.01). Higher stiffness values were associated with forceps delivery for delayed second stage of labour (n = 14) vs non-forceps vaginal delivery (n = 40; 630 ± 40 N/m vs 500 ± 30 N/m; p < 0.05), and a non-significant trend towards longer duration of the second stage of labour. Women with urinary, bowel or sexual symptoms (n = 37) demonstrated higher pelvic floor stiffness values than those without (570 ± 30 N/m vs 450 ± 40 N/m; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A history of delayed second stage of labour and forceps delivery was associated with higher PFM stiffness values in the postnatal period. Whether high pelvic muscle stiffness antenatally is a risk factor for instrumental vaginal delivery and LA avulsion is unknown.
Optimization of protein isolation by proteomic qualification from Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus
Authors: Awad Dania , Brueck Thomas
Published: December 2019

In the last decades, microbial oils have been extensively investigated as a renewable platform for biofuel and oleochemical production. Offering a potent alternative to plant-based oils, oleaginous microorganisms have been the target of ongoing metabolic engineering aimed at increasing growth and lipid yields, in addition to specialty fatty acids. Discovery proteomics is an attractive tool for elucidating lipogenesis and identifying metabolic bottlenecks, feedback regulation, and competing biosynthetic pathways. One prominent microbial oil producer isCutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus, due to its broad feedstock catabolism and high lipid yield. However, this yeast has a recalcitrant cell wall and high cell lipid content, which complicates efficient and unbiased protein extraction for downstream proteomic analysis. Optimization efforts of protein sample preparation fromC. oleaginosusin the present study encompasses the comparison of 8 lysis methods, 13 extraction buffers, and 17 purification methods with respect to protein abundance, proteome coverage, applicability, and physiochemical properties (pI, MW, hydrophobicity in addition to COG, and GO analysis). The optimized protocol presented in this work entails a one-step extraction method utilizing an optimal lysis method (liquid homogenization), which is augmented with a superior extraction buffer (50 mM Tris, 8/2 M Urea/Thiourea, and 1% C7BzO), followed by either of 2 advantageous purification methods (hexane/ethanol or TCA/acetone), depending on subsequent applications and target studies. This work presents a significant step forward towards implementation of efficientC. oleaginosusproteome mining for the identification of potential targets for genetic optimization of this yeast to improve lipogenesis and production of specialty lipids.
Multiresistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a new threat in second decade of the XXI century
Authors: Młynarczyk-Bonikowska Beata , Majewska Anna , Malejczyk Magdalena , Młynarczyk Grażyna , Majewski Sławomir
Published: December 2019

Neisseria gonorrhoeaeis an etiologic agent of gonorrhoea, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria. For many years, infections caused byN. gonorrhoeaewere considered to be relatively easy to treat; however, resistance has emerged successively to all therapeutic agents used in treatment of the disease, e.g., penicillin, ciprofloxacin or azithromycin. Currently, the global problem is the emergence and a threat of spread ofN. gonorrhoeaestrains resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC), such as injectable ceftriaxone and oral-used cefixime. Especially, dangerous are multi-resistant strains resistant simultaneously to ESC and azithromycin. Three strains with high-level resistance to azithromycin and resistant to ESC were first time isolated in 2018. Moreover, in 2018, the first ESBL was described inN. gonorrhoeaeand that makes the threat of appearing the ESBL mechanism of resistance inN. gonorrhoeaemore real, even though the strain was sensitive to ceftriaxone. Molecular typing revealed that variants resistant to ESC occurred also among strains belonging to epidemic clonal complex CC1 (genogroup G1407) distinguished in NG-MAST typing system. The G1407 genogroup, in particular the ST1407 sequence type, is currently dominant in most European countries. The presence of different mechanisms of drug resistance significantly affects clinical practice and force changes in treatment regimens and introduction of new drugs.
Lumbar disc extrusions reduce faster than bulging discs due to an active role of macrophages in sciatica
Authors: Djuric N. , Yang X. , el Barzouhi A. , Ostelo R. , van Duinen S. G. , Lycklama à Nijeholt G. J. , van der Kallen B. F. W. , Peul W. C. , Vleggeert-Lankamp C. L. A.
Published: December 2019

Objective

This retrospective observational histological study aims to associate the size and type of disc herniation with the degree of macrophage infiltration in disc material retrieved during disc surgery in patients with sciatica.

Methods

Disc tissue of 119 sciatica patients was embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and CD68. Tissue samples were categorized as mild (0–10/cm2), moderate (10–100/cm2), and considerable (> 100/cm2) macrophage infiltration. All 119 patients received an MRI at baseline, and 108 received a follow-up MRI at 1-year. MRIs were reviewed for the size and type of the disc herniations, and for Modic changes in the vertebral endplates.

Results

Baseline characteristics and duration of symptoms before surgery were comparable in all macrophage infiltration groups. The degree of macrophage infiltration was not associated with herniation size at baseline, but significantly associated with reduction of size of the herniated disc at 1-year post surgery. Moreover, the degree of macrophage infiltration was higher in extrusion in comparison with bulging (protrusion) of the disc. Results were comparable in patients with and without Modic changes.

Conclusion

Macrophage infiltration was positively associated with an extruded type of disc herniation as well as the extent of reduction of the herniated disc during 1-year follow-up in patients with sciatica. This is an indication that the macrophages play an active role in reducing herniated discs. An extruded disc herniation has a larger surface for the macrophages to adhere to, which leads to more size reduction.
Layer Growth in Co(W)-Zn Systems at Hard Metal Recycling
Authors: Koerbler Nadine , Ebner Tamara , Luidold Stefan , Antrekowitsch Helmut , Czettl Christoph , Storf Christian , Clarke Amy , Clarke Kester
Published: December 2019

The influence of W content on the Co(W)Zn system and the behavior of individual elements was investigated. Cobalt is a so-called critical element and is one of the main parts in hard metal products. Because of its toxicity, it requires special care in handling. Further optimization of hard metal recycling, especially by the zinc process, is needed to use scrap as a secondary resource. In this work, Co(W) materials were put in contact with liquid zinc and held at specific temperatures, giving insight into the formation of intermetallic Co-Zn phases by varying the temperature, duration,
and W content. Lower temperatures led to a minimum layer width, and increasing temperatures and W contents resulted in greater thicknesses of the intermetallic phases. The element distribution analyses show that W diffuses from the base material through the intermetallic Co-Zn layer and accumulates at detached Co-Zn phases, forming thin, enriched filaments. This can be attributed to the fact that the intermetallic Co-Zn phases and Zn have no solubility in W. Consequently, the latter is located on the outside of these phases. The combination of practical experiments and statistical analyses will ultimately provide a possibility for improving recycling processes.
Decision support method for early-phase design of offshore hydrocarbon fields using model-based optimization
Authors: González Diana , Stanko Milan , Hoffmann Arnaud
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the development of a method to provide decision support in the feasibility studies and concept planning phases of oil and gas field development. The objective in developing the methodology was to provide an easy-to-use facility to integrate the production-governing elements of oil and gas fields that capture the integrated production and economic performance of the system. This in a modular and scalable manner includes numerical optimization and uncertainty analyses needed to support engineering decisions. The method follows a series of steps that allow determining the optimal field production profile, drilling schedule, type of offshore structure, pressure support method and selection of artificial lift. The first step consists of creating efficient (low running time) proxy models of the production performance of the field and the costs figures associated with the project. The proxy model of the production performance is based on curves of maximum production rates versus cumulative production and contains all relevant field design features and computation of the most relevant performance indicators to consider in the evaluation. The proxy model to estimate the costs associated with the project is based on linear equations function of production rates and number of wells. The second step is to perform numerical optimization to find optimal production profile and drilling schedule that maximize the net present value of the specific development strategies considered. For the last step, an evaluation of the effect of uncertainties on the results of the numerical optimization using probabilistic methods is performed. The method was applied in a synthetic production system based on public data of Wisting field (currently under development). The field is a remote low-energy oil reservoir located in the Barents Sea. Nine strategies, obtained from the combination of three recovery support methods and three processing facilities, were compared using the net present value as decision factor. The best strategy consists of using a tension leg platform as processing facility and multiphase boosting plus water injection as recovery support method. This strategy generated the highest production and required the lowest costs, resulting in the highest profitability. It was demonstrated that the methodology successfully finds optimal field design features while quantifying the effect of uncertainties.
Adaptive Operator-Based Spectral Deconvolution With the Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm
Authors: Huang Chan , Chen Feinan , Chang Yuyang , Han Lin , Li Shuang , Hong Jin
Published: December 2019

Spectral distortion often occurs in spectral data due to the influence of the bandpass function of the spectrometer. Spectral deconvolution is an effective restoration method to solve this problem. Based on the theory of the maximum posteriori estimation, this paper transforms the spectral deconvolution problem into a multi-parameter optimization problem, and a novel spectral deconvolution method is proposed on the basis of Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Furthermore, a spectral adaptive operator is added to the method, which improves the effect of the regularization term. The proposed methods, Richardson-Lucy (R-L) method and Huber-Markov spectroscopic semi-blind deconvolution (HMSBD) method, are employed to deconvolute the white light-emitting diode (LED) spectra with two different color temperatures, respectively. The correction errors, root mean square errors, noise suppression ability, and the computation speed of above methods are compared. The experimental results prove the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Revitalisation endodontic treatment of traumatised immature teeth: a prospective long-term clinical study
Authors: Nazzal H. , Ainscough S. , Kang J. , Duggal M. S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Continuation of root development following revitalisation endodontics (RET) has been shown to be unpredictable with lower success rates in traumatised teeth. This study reports the outcomes for RET in traumatised teeth over a review period of 4 years.

Methods

A prospective uncontrolled study, where RET was performed on traumatised upper immature anterior teeth with necrotic pulps in 15 children (mean age = 8.3 years), was conducted. Patients were reviewed at 3, 9, 12, 24, and 48 months, where clinical and radiographic assessments were performed. At the last review appointment, patients and parents answered questions assessing their perception and acceptance of tooth colour change over time. McNemar’s Exact test and linear mixed model assessment were used to assess changes in pulpal electrical response and radiographic evidence of continuation of root development over time, respectively.

Results

There was 83.3% healing with no significant changes in EPT responses, and no significant changes in root lengths, while significant changes in root widths (p < 0.05) and root apex widths (p < 0.001) were found over time. Twenty-five percent of patients and 33% of parents felt that there were changes in tooth colour following RET over time.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, traumatised teeth treated using RET showed no significant root lengthening, however, acceptable periapical healing, slow thickening of root dentinal walls, and rapid development of apical closure were evident over a period of 43 months. Using Portland cement and omitting minocycline, did not eliminate crown colour change following RET.
Mathematics Graduate Student Instructor Observation Protocol (GSIOP): Development and Validation Study
Authors: Rogers Kimberly Cervello , Petrulis Robert , Yee Sean P. , Deshler Jessica
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the development and validation of the 17-item mathematics Graduate Student Instructor Observation Protocol (GSIOP) at two universities. The development of this instrument attended to some unique needs of novice undergraduate mathematics instructors while building on an existing instrument that focused on classroom interactions particularly relevant for students’ development of conceptual understanding, called the Mathematical Classroom Observation Protocol for Practices (MCOP2). Instrument validation involved content input from mathematics education researchers and upper-level mathematics graduate student instructors at two universities, internal consistency analysis, interrater reliability analysis, and structure analyses via scree plot analysis and exploratory factor analysis. A Cronbach-Alpha level of 0.868 illustrated a viable level for internal consistency. Crosstabulation and correlations illustrate high level of interrater reliability for all but one item, and high levels across all subsections. Collaborating a scree plot with the exploratory factor analysis illustrated three critical groupings aligning with the factors from the MCOP2(student engagement and teacher facilitation) while adding a third factor, lesson design practices. Taken collectively, these results indicate that the GSIOP measures the degree to which instructors’ and students’ actions in undergraduate mathematics classrooms align with practices recommended by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) using a three-factor structure of teacher facilitation, student engagement, and design practices.
Leapfrogging of electrical solitons in coupled nonlinear transmission lines: effect of an imperfect varactor
Authors: Akem Nkongho Achere , Dikandé Alain M. , Essimbi B. Z.
Published: December 2019

The leapfrogging dynamics of a pair of electrical solitons is investigated, by considering two capacitively coupled nonlinear transmission lines with and without intraline resistances. We discuss two distinct transmission line set-ups: in the first, we assume two RLC ladder lines with intraline varactors and a coupling linear capacitor, and in the second, we consider two capacitively coupled lossless lines with a varactor carrying impurity (imperfect diode) in one of the two interacting transmission lines. In the first context, we find that the soliton-pair leapfrogging mimics the motion of a damped harmonic oscillator, the frequency and damping coefficient of which are obtained analytically. Numerical simulations predict leapfrogging of the soliton pair when the differences in the initial values of the amplitude and phase are reasonably small, and the resistance is not too large. In the second context, leapfrogging occurs when the impurity rate is small enough and the differences in the initial values of the amplitude as well as phase are also small. As the impurity rate increases, the soliton signal in the imperfect line gets accelerated upon approaching the defective diode, causing only this specific soliton signal to move faster than its counterpart, leading to the suppression of leapfrogging.
Functional Neuroimaging in the New Era of Big Data
Authors: Li Xiang , Guo Ning , Li Quanzheng
Published: December 2019

The field of functional neuroimaging has substantially advanced as a big data science in the past decade, thanks to international collaborative projects and community efforts. Here we conducted a literature review on functional neuroimaging, with focus on three general challenges in big data tasks: data collection and sharing, data infrastructure construction, and data analysis methods. The review covers a wide range of literature types including perspectives, database descriptions, methodology developments, and technical details. We show how each of the challenges was proposed and addressed, and how these solutions formed the three core foundations for the functional neuroimaging as a big data science and helped to build the current data-rich and data-driven community. Furthermore, based on our review of recent literature on the upcoming challenges and opportunities toward future scientific discoveries, we envisioned that the functional neuroimaging community needs to advance from the current foundations to better data integration infrastructure, methodology development toward improved learning capability, and multi-discipline translational research framework for this new era of big data.