bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A BMSCs‐laden quercetin/duck's feet collagen/hydroxyapatite sponge for enhanced bone regeneration
Authors: Song Jeong Eun , Tian Jingwen , Kook Yeon Ji , Thangavelu Muthukumar , Choi Joo Hee , Khang Gilson
Published: December 2019

Treating critical‐sized bone defects is an important issue in the field of tissue engineering and bone regeneration. From the various biomaterials for bone regeneration, collagen is an important and widely used biomaterial in biomedical applications, hence, it has numerous attractive properties including biocompatibility, hyper elastic behavior, prominent mechanical properties, support cell adhesion, proliferation, and biodegradability. In the present study, collagen was extracted from duck's feet (DC) as a new collagen source and combined with quercetin (Qtn), a type of flavonoids found in apple and onions and has been reported to affect the bone metabolism, for increasing osteogenic differentiation. Further, improving osteoconductive properties of the scaffold hydroxyapatite (HAp) a biodegradable material was used. We prepared 0, 25, 50, and 100 μM Qtn/DC/HAp sponges using Qtn, DC, and HAp. Their physiochemical characteristics were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, compressive strength, porosity, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. To assess the effect of Qtn on osteogenic differentiation, we cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the sponges and evaluated by alkaline phosphatase, 3‐4‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, they were studied implanting in rat, analyzed through Micro‐CT and histological staining. From our in vitro and in vivo results, we found that Qtn has an effect on bone regeneration. Among the different experimental groups, 25 μM Qtn/DC/HAp sponge was found to be highly increased in cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation compared with other groups. Therefore, 25 μM Qtn/DC/HAp sponge can be used as an alternative biomaterial for bone regeneration in critical situations.
Abaloparatide at the Same Dose Has the Same Effects on Bone as PTH (1-34) in Mice
Authors: Le Henaff Carole , Ricarte Florante , Finnie Brandon , He Zhiming , Johnson Joshua , Warshaw Johanna , Kolupaeva Victoria , Partridge Nicola C
Published: December 2019

Abaloparatide, a novel analog of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1–34), became in 2017 the second osteoanabolic therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis. This study aims to compare the effects of PTH (1-34), PTHrP (1-36), and abaloparatide on bone remodeling in male mice. Intermittent daily subcutaneous injections of 80 μg/kg/d were administered to 4-month-old C57Bl/6J male mice for 6 weeks. During treatment, mice were followed by DXA-Piximus to assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in the whole body, femur, and tibia. At either 4 or 18 hours after the final injection, femurs were harvested for μCT analyses and histomorphometry, sera were assayed for bone turnover marker levels, and tibias were separated into cortical, trabecular, and bone marrow fractions for gene expression analyses. Our results showed that, compared with PTH (1-34), abaloparatide resulted in a similar increase in BMD at all sites, whereas no changes were found with PTHrP (1-36). With both PTH (1-34) and abaloparatide, μCT and histomorphometry analyses revealed similar increases in bone volume associated with an increased trabecular thickness, in bone formation rate as shown by P1NP serum level and in vivo double labeling, and in bone resorption as shown by CTX levels and osteoclast number. Gene expression analyses of trabecular and cortical bone showed that PTH (1-34) and abaloparatide led to different actions in osteoblast differentiation and activity, with increased Runx2, Col1A1, Alpl, Bsp, Ocn, Sost, Rankl/Opg, and c-fos at different time points. Abaloparatide seems to generate a faster response on osteoblastic gene expression than PTH (1-34). Taken together, abaloparatide at the same dose is as effective as PTH (1-34) as an osteoanabolic, with an increase in bone formation but also an increase in bone resorption in male mice. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Concept of Pharmacologic Target‐Mediated Drug Disposition in Large‐Molecule and Small‐Molecule Compounds
Authors: An Guohua
Published: December 2019

Target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) is a term to describe a nonlinear pharmacokinetic (PK) phenomenon that is caused by high‐affinity binding of a compound to its pharmacologic targets. As the interaction between a drug and its pharmacologic target belongs to the process of pharmacodynamics (PD), TMDD can be viewed as a consequence of “PD affecting PK.” Although there are numerous TMDD‐related articles in the literature, most of them focus on characterizing TMDD using various mathematical models, which may not be suitable for those readers who have little interest in mathematical modeling and only want to have an understanding of the basic concept. The goal of this review is to serve as a “primer” on TMDD. This review explains (1) how TMDD happens; (2) why large‐molecule and small‐molecule compounds exhibiting TMDD demonstrate substantially different nonlinear PK behaviors; (3) what nonlinear PK profiles look like in large‐molecule and small‐molecule compounds exhibiting TMDD, using pegfilgrastim, erythropoietin, ABT‐384, and linagliptin as case examples; and (4) how to identify whether the nonlinear PK of a compound is because of TMDD.
Alternative option labeling impacts decision‐making in noninvasive prenatal screening
Authors: Fisher Camille F. , Birkeland Laura E. , Reiser Catherine A. , Zhao Qianqian , Palmer Christina G. S. , Zikmund‐Fisher Brian J. , Petty Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2019

Prenatal genetic screening should be an informed, autonomous patient choice. Extrinsic factors which influence patient decision‐making threaten the ethical basis of prenatal genetic screening. Prior research in the area of medical decision‐making has identified that labeling may have unanticipated effects on patient perceptions and decision‐making processes. This Internet‐administered study explored the impact of option labeling on the noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) selections of US adults. A total of 1,062 participants were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and randomly assigned to one of three possible label sets reflecting provider‐derived and industry‐derived option labels used in prenatal screening. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed option labeling had a statistically significant impact on the NIPS selections of study participants (p = .0288). Outcomes of the Satisfaction with Decision Scale (SWD) indicated option labels did not play a role in participant satisfaction with screening selection. The results of this study indicate a need for further evaluation of the impact NIPS option labeling has on patient screening decisions in real‐world clinical interactions. Clinical providers and testing laboratories offering NIPS should give careful consideration to the option labels used with prenatal screening so as to minimize influence on patient screening selection and decision‐making processes.
Atmospheric precursors for intense summer rainfall over the United Kingdom
Authors: Allan Richard P. , Blenkinsop Stephen , Fowler Hayley J. , Champion Adrian J.
Published: December 2019

Intense sub‐daily summer rainfall is linked to flooding impacts in the United Kingdom. Characterizing the atmospheric conditions prior to the rainfall event can improve understanding of the large‐scale mechanisms involved. The most intense sub‐daily rainfall intensity data generated from rain gauge records across the United Kingdom over the period 1979–2014 are combined with fields from the ERA Interim reanalysis to characterize atmospheric conditions prior to heavy rainfall events. The 200 most intense 3‐hourly events for six UK regions are associated with negative anomalies in sea level pressure (<−2 hPa) and 200 hPa geopotential height (<−60 m) to the west or south west of the United Kingdom 1 day earlier, with above average moisture, evaporation and dew point temperature over North West Europe. Atmospheric precursors are more intense but less coherent between regions for composites formed of the 25 heaviest rainfall events but all display substantial moisture transport from the south or south east prior to their occurrence. Composites for the heaviest events are characterized by a tripole geopotential anomaly pattern across the North Atlantic. Above average geopotential height and dew point temperature over Newfoundland and below average geopotential height but elevated evaporation in the North Atlantic are found to be weakly associated with an increased chance of the most intense sub‐daily rainfall events 5–9 days later.
Influence of mature El Niño‐Southern Oscillation phase on seasonal precipitation and streamflow in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Wei Jia , Wang Weiguang , Shao Quanxi , Rong Yanshu , Xing Wanqiu , Liu Catherine
Published: December 2019

As one of the most influential oceanic and atmospheric oscillations in the Earth system, El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has modulated numerous geophysical processes. This is particularly true for the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), which is vulnerable to Asian Monsoon and faces serious hydrological hazards. In this study, the co‐variability between lag–lead precipitation and sea surface temperature anomalies was evaluated utilizing singular value decomposition (SVD) method. Moreover, certain teleconnections between ENSO and streamflow were identified by wavelet methods. In addition, the contribution of related atmospheric variables was revealed by composite analysis. Results indicate that there are strong associations in lag–lead seasons between the wet condition (dry condition) and September–November (December–February) mature ENSO phase. Significant common power and coherence signals between the ENSO indices and the streamflow occur in the 4–8, 8–16 and 16–32 seasonal scales. Meanwhile, the activity cycle of the ENSO indices ahead of streamflow increases from the mid‐lower reaches to the source region. In addition, the Western Pacific Subtropical High is strengthened during the mature ENSO phase. Anomalous sinking motions and divergent water vapour flux occupy the YRB, reducing the precipitation and leading to the dry condition in the source region until the following March–May. On the other hand, ascending movements and abundant water vapour flux coming from northern Pacific, equatorial western Pacific and the Bay of Bengal result in the wet condition in the mid‐lower reaches.
Projected changes in extreme warm and cold temperatures in China from 1.5 to 5°C global warming
Authors: Hu Ting , Sun Ying
Published: December 2019

Linking regional extreme temperature changes to global warming levels is important for understanding the impacts of global emission targets on regional climate. Here, we investigate how the temperature extremes in China change with different global warming levels using large ensemble runs from Canadian Earth System Model version 2. With the global mean near‐surface temperature increasing from 1.5 to 5°C above the preindustrial level, the absolute intensity of the warmest and coldest temperatures in China will change linearly, while the percentile‐based frequency of warm and cold temperatures will change nonlinearly. All the changes in the intensity and the frequency show clear regional differences, with the most obvious changes observed in northeastern China. The probability distribution functions (PDFs) for the intensity indices show clear shifts but with little change in shape, while the PDFs for the frequency indices show changes in both position and shape. Quantified analyses of risk ratio show that the risk changes in the frequency of temperature extremes will be larger than those for the intensity indices. The changes in the nighttime extremes are faster than those in the daytime extremes. The rarer the event is, the larger the change in the risk ratio. At the 2°C warming level, the cold days and nights with return periods of 5, 10, and 50 years in the current climate will become almost disappeared. At the 3°C level and beyond, the once‐in‐5‐year, 10‐year and 50‐year warm events in the current climate will occur every year.
Sourcing structures and the execution efficiency of information technology projects: A comparative evaluation using stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Mishra Anant , Sinha Kingshuk K. , Thirumalai Sriram , Van de Ven Andrew
Published: December 2019

In the pursuit of low‐wage labor and access to technical talent, information technology (IT) projects today are often executed with sourcing structures that span the boundaries of a firm, a country, or both. Although the strategic implications of sourcing structures have received considerable attention in theory and practice, their implications from a project execution standpoint—specifically, in terms of execution efficiency—remain under‐researched. Based on a large primary dataset on IT projects with distributed sourcing structures, this paper documents the findings of a theoretically grounded, empirical investigation using stochastic frontier analysis that evaluates whether and to what extent does the execution efficiency of projects vary across various types of sourcing structures (namely, Domestic‐Insourcing, Domestic‐Outsourcing, Offshore‐Insourcing, and Offshore‐Outsourcing). The results provide support for differential effects of crossing a firm or country boundary, or both boundaries, on the execution efficiency of IT projects. Specifically, we find that the execution efficiency of IT projects is significantly lower when their sourcing structures cross a country boundary (Offshore‐Insourcing and Offshore‐Outsourcing) relative to when their sourcing structures do not cross a country boundary (Domestic‐Insourcing and Domestic‐Outsourcing). Notwithstanding these trends across sourcing structures, a split‐sample analysis of execution efficiency levels reveals that each structure presents a viable alternative for managers to realize high levels of execution efficiency. Finally, additional analysis highlights the benefits of sourcing structure capabilities—as represented by the extent of risk management planning and agile project management—in improving execution efficiency in IT projects that cross a country boundary.
External Compression and Partial Ischemia Decrease Human Finger Flexor Tendon and Subsynovial Connective Tissue Relative Motion
Authors: Tse Calvin T. F. , Keir Peter J.
Published: December 2019

Cumulative shear strain of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) surrounding finger flexor tendons plays a significant role in the development and progression of carpal tunnel syndrome. Biomechanical risk factors can alter tendon‐SSCT shear strain but the effects of external mechanical compression and localized ischemia have yet to be investigated. In a laboratory study with 19 healthy participants, color Doppler ultrasound imaging was used to quantify relative motion between the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and SSCT during repetitive finger flexion–extension under various conditions of external mechanical compression (palmar and forearm compression), ischemia and different movement speeds (0.75 and 1.25 Hz). Forearm compression reduced tendon displacement (baseline = 28.5 ± 4.1 mm vs. forearm = 27.0 ± 4.6 mm; p = 0.043) and showed a trend for reduced SSCT displacement, while palmar compression had no significant effects on tendon‐SSCT motion. Compared with baseline, partial ischemia decreased SSCT displacement (baseline = 22.9 ± 3.3 mm vs. ischemia = 22.0 ± 3.3 mm; p = 0.015), while tendon displacement remained unchanged. In all experimental conditions, faster movements elicited greater tendon‐SSCT relative motion. Our findings suggest that palmar compression may not negatively impact tendon‐SSCT relative motion, but forearm compression may require further investigation. Localized ischemia in the forearm may alter the gliding conditions within the carpal tunnel and affect tendon‐SSCT relative motion, which bridges an important gap between blood flow in the carpal tunnel and shear injury risk. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature, supporting the role that cumulative tendon‐SSCT shear injury may have on the pathomechanics of carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1038‐1044, 2020
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering as a tool to study cationic surfactants exhibiting low critical micelle concentration
Authors: Mathioudakis George N. , Soto Beobide Amaia , Bokias Georgios , Koutsoukos Petros G. , Voyiatzis George A.
Published: December 2019

The collection of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) by silver nanocolloids was used to identify the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of three cationic surfactants in 0.5‐M NaCl solutions: hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and benzalkonium chloride. Despite structural similarity between the three test surfactans, differences of the shape and size of the respective micelles affected the corresponding SERS signals. The CMC values determined by this method agreed with the respective values measured by conventional methods, including fluorescence probing and electrical conductivity measurements. The potential for the application of SERS technique for low CMC determination without surface modification of silver nanoparticles by a Raman‐active molecule was also demonstrated.
An archaeometric study of a Late Neolithic cup and coeval and Chalcolithic ceramic sherds found in the São Paulo Cave, Almada, Portugal
Authors: Vieira Ferreira L.F. , Barros L. , Ferreira Machado I. , Pereira M.F.C. , Casimiro T.M.
Published: December 2019

A detailed archaeometric study of a Late Neolithic cup found in the São Paulo Cave, Almada, Portugal, has been made, which, according to its unique decorative characteristics, may have had a ceremonial and symbolic utilization. Other 23 sherds, collected around the cup, dated early and late Chalcolithic periods, have also been studied. The conjugation of the information provided by the Raman, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray fluorescence emission experiments for the locally collected cup, sherds, and clays, with emphasis on the analysis of the ceramic bodies, allowed the characterization of the artefacts. In the reddish, brownish, or black parts of the surface of the cup, haematite, magnetite, and carbon black pigments were identified, whereas in the whitish parts, quartz was the most common mineral. Three main groups could be identified in the ceramic bodies, although all were made with the use of locally collected clays. In the first group, where the Neolithic cup is included, the potters used Miocene clays, most probably from the Palença clay sources, which were fired at a high temperature of about 950°C. The second group was also produced with raw materials of Miocene origin but the firing temperature was much lower, around 800°C, as revealed by the existing amount of muscovite. The third group, with clays of a Pliocene origin, exhibited a much lower content of calcium carbonate, as evaluated by the R index ([SiO2 + Al2O3 + K2O]/CaO), considered as ceramic raw material or a geological source indicator. These clays contain high amounts of kaolinite, muscovite, quartz, microcline, and anatase.
Single‐layer multiple‐kernel‐based convolutional neural network for biological Raman spectral analysis
Authors: Sohn Won Bum , Lee Soo Yeol , Kim Soogeun
Published: December 2019

In this study, we propose a single‐layer multiple‐kernel‐based convolutional neural network (SLMK‐CNN) as an analysis tool for biological Raman spectra. We investigated the characteristics of SLMK‐CNN and then analyzed and classified the biological Raman spectra by optimizing the structure of SLMK‐CNN. We have found that the kernel size used in SLMMK‐CNN plays an important role in changing the characteristics of Raman spectra such as intensity and peak position. As a result, the kernel size affects the classification performance and histological interpretation of biological Raman spectra. We also evaluated the classification performance of SLMK‐CNN using Raman spectra obtained from the porcine skin samples irradiated by an ultraviolet (UV) source for different time. For three sample groups according to UV irradiation time (0, 10, and 24 hr), SLMK‐CNN showed the classification accuracy of 96.4% and 92.5% for the preprocessed and raw Raman spectra, respectively. This is superior to other classification methods such as single‐layer single‐kernel‐based CNN and principal component‐linear discriminant analysis in this study.
Directed Self‐Assembly of Patchy Microgels into Anisotropic Nanostructures
Authors: Xu Jianchang , Wang Zhikun , Zhang Fusheng , Peng Shiyuan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Lijuan
Published: December 2019

Multi‐geometry nanostructures with high‐order, complex, and controllable geometries have attracted extensive attention in the development of functional nanomaterials. A simple and versatile strategy is proposed to construct various anisotropic nanostructures through the directed self‐assembly (DSA) of patchy microgels. A general criterion for interaction parameters is developed by the variance analysis method to achieve the formation of 1D nanorods by the single directional DSA process, and 2D or 3D polymorphs including V/T/h/cross shapes, multiple arms, multi‐directional bending, single/multiple rings, nanocages, etc., by the multi‐directional DSA process of binary microgel blends. At the optimum interaction parameters, the nanorods exhibit the quickest formation process and the most thermodynamically stable geometry, while the various 2D or 3D assemblies exhibit controlled jointing behaviors for versatile assembly geometries. The number of recognition sites on the patchy microgel surface guides the aggregation modes of microgels during the DSA process. These assemblies can bear large curvature variance with the increase of shear rates due to the high flexibility and the ability of adjusting orientation spontaneously. The DSA behavior of patchy microgels differs from the traditional self‐assembly process of block copolymers, which may open a new route for guiding the formation of controllable nanoparticle architectures.
Polyester Stereocomplexes Beyond PLA: Could Synthetic Opportunities Revolutionize Established Material Blending?
Authors: Bandelli Damiano , Alex Julien , Weber Christine , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: December 2019

This review summarizes the current literature regarding stereocomplexation of different polyesters based on α‐ as well as β‐hydroxy acids beyond the well‐known poly(lactic acid). Representing the initial step toward stereocomplexation, synthetic approaches needed to obtain and analyze isotactic polyesters are summarized. The basic technologies for the preparation and characterization of the respective stereocomplexes (SCs) are described, and published material properties are related to the structure of the respective polyesters. The variety of available SC materials is very limited despite the multiple options provided by state‐of‐the‐art stereoselective monomer synthesis and polymerization methods. A combination of knowledge from the three scientific areas (i.e., organic chemistry, synthetic macromolecular chemistry, and materials science) thus has enormous potential to create novel materials with additional features enabled by the introduction of functional moieties to such materials besides the adjustment of thermal as well as mechanical properties.
MINIATURIZATION IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Mielczarek Przemyslaw , Silberring Jerzy , Smoluch Marek
Published: December 2019

Expectations for continuous miniaturization in mass spectrometry are not declining for years. Portable instruments are highly welcome by the industry, science, space agencies, forensic laboratories, and many other units. All are striving for the small, cheap, and as good as possible instruments. This review describes the recent developments of miniature mass spectrometers and also provides selected applications where these devices are used. Upcoming perspectives of further development are also discussed. @ 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
Endoscopic assisted insetting of free flaps in anterior skull base reconstruction: A preliminary report of five cases
Authors: Rodriguez‐Lorenzo Andres , Driessen Caroline , Mani Maria , Lidian Adnan , Gudjonsson Olafur , Stigare Erik
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Free vascularized tissue may provide a robust reconstruction after anterior skull base surgery. We report our technique and outcomes of the endoscopic inset of free flaps in anterior skull base reconstructions.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2018, endoscopic tumor removal and reconstruction of anterior skull base pathology was performed in five patients aged 20–72 years old (four male, one female). The tumors included three neuroblastomas, a carcinoma, an adenoma, and a melanoma. The median size of the defect was 3.7 × 6.6 cm. Transmaxillary access was gained through the upper sulcus and an anterior and medial maxillectomy. The flap inset was facilitated by the endoscope. The donor vessels were tunneled through the sinus and through the cheek to the facial vessels without the use of the endoscope.

Results

In three cases a vastus lateralis flap was used, in one case an adipofascial ALT flap and in one case an adipofascial radial forearm flap. Separation of intracranial and sinonasal spaces was confirmed by radiological and endoscopic examinations. There was no flap failure and one case with partial necrosis. One of the flaps needed to be trimmed as it obliterated the nasal cavity and in one of the cases the flap was repositioned postoperatively. Two cases had infectious complications. The mean follow‐up of the patients was 13.8 months.

Conclusions

Endoscopic assisted inset of a free flap in the anterior skull base was feasible in the five cases we present. A dedicated, multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for surgical innovation like this.
On persistence of superoscillations for the Schrödinger equation with time‐dependent quadratic Hamiltonians
Authors: Hight Elijah , Oraby Tamer , Palacio Jose , Suazo Erwin
Published: December 2019

In this work, we prove the persistence in time of superoscillations for the Schrödinger equation with time‐dependent coefficients. In order to prove the persistence of superoscillations, we have conditioned the coefficients to satisfy a Riccati system, and we have expressed the solution as a convolution operator in terms of solutions of this Riccati system. Further, we have solved explicitly the Cauchy initial value problem with three different kinds of superoscillatory initial data. The operator is defined on a space of entire functions. Particular examples include Caldirola‐Kanai and degenerate parametric harmonic oscillator Hamiltonians, and other examples could include Hamiltonians not self‐adjoint. For these examples, we have illustrated numerically the convergence on real and imaginary parts.
The use of mindfulness to promote ethical decision making and behavior: Empirical evidence from the public sector in Thailand
Authors: Sutamchai Kunkanit , Rowlands Kate E. , Rees Christopher J.
Published: December 2019

The study has two main purposes. First, the study explores core ethical values and behaviors from the perspective of Thai public service organizational leaders. Second, the study investigates the extent to which public sector leaders in Thailand consider Buddhist‐based mindfulness practice to be a potentially effective mechanism for reinforcing core ethical values and behaviors in the public sector in Thailand. Using interview data derived from in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 12 senior public sector officials in Thailand, the analysis elicits four dimensions of core ethical values and behaviors that are perceived by Thai public service organizational leaders as central to ethical behavior in the public sector. The study also sheds light on the interviewees' positive perceptions towards mindfulness and the role its associated practices can play in promoting ethical decision making and behavior in the public sector in Thailand.
Photovoltaic operation in the lower atmosphere and at the surface of Venus
Authors: Grandidier Jonathan , Kirk Alexander P. , Jahelka Phillip , Stevens Margaret A. , Gogna Pawan K. , Crisp David , Osowski Mark L. , Vandervelde Thomas E. , Atwater Harry A. , Cutts James A.
Published: December 2019

Low‐intensity high‐temperature (LIHT) solar cells are needed for extended photovoltaic power generation in both the lower atmosphere as well as at the surface of Venus. Double‐junction GaInP/GaAs solar cells that may be able to operate and survive, with suitable encapsulation, for several weeks on the 465°C Venus surface have been developed. These solar cells have been optimized for operation under the Venus solar spectrum, which is different from that of the Earth.
No evidence for interactions of dimethylfumarate (DMF) and its main metabolite monomethylfumarate (MMF) with human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) drug transporter
Authors: Aubets Jordi , Jansat Josep‐Maria , Salva Miquel , Birks Vicky M. , Cole Richard J. , Lewis Jenny , Pitcher Annabell , Hall Michael
Published: December 2019

Dimethylfumarate (DMF) has long been used as part of a fixed combination of fumaric acid esters (FAE) in some European countries and is now available as an oral monotherapy for psoriasis. The present investigation determined whether DMF and its main metabolite monomethylfumarate (MMF) interact with hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) transporter, and was performed as part of DMF's regulatory commitments. Although referred to in the available product labels/summary of product characteristics, the actual data have not yet been made publicly available. In vitro inhibition experiments using CYP‐selective substrates with human liver microsomes showed 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of >666 µmol/L for DMF and >750 µmol/L for MMF. MMF (≤250 μmol/L; 72 hours) was not cytotoxic in cultured human hepatocyte experiments and mRNA expression data indicated no CYP induction by MMF (1‐250 µmol/L). DMF (≤6.66 mmol/L) showed moderate‐to‐high absorption (apparent permeability [Papp] ≥2.3‐29.7 x 10−6 cm/s) across a Caucasian colon adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2) cell monolayer, while MMF (≤7.38 mmol/L) demonstrated low‐to‐moderate permeability (Papp 1.2‐8.9 × 10−6 cm/s). DMF was not a substrate for P‐gp (net efflux ratios ≤1.22) but was a weak inhibitor of P‐gp at supratherapeutic concentrations (estimated IC50 relative to solvent control of 1.5 mmol/L; [3H]digoxin efflux in Caco‐2 cells). This inhibition is unlikely to be clinically relevant. MMF was not a substrate or inhibitor of P‐gp. Thus, DMF and MMF should not affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of coadministered drugs that are CYP and P‐gp substrates.
Bronchoscopic management of haemoptysis due to endobronchial metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Kuperberg Stephen J. , Mockler Daniel C. , Kudelka Andrzej
Published: December 2019

Metastatic involvement of lung by thyroid cancer is common, although presentation with endobronchial disease is rarely encountered. When it occurs, threats to airway patency by luminal obstruction and haemoptysis may occur, requiring prompt recognition and intervention to avoid hypoxia and asphyxiation. Bronchoscopic evaluation is essential for both diagnosis and intervention. To our knowledge, we describe the first case of endobronchial papillary thyroid carcinoma elucidated using bronchoscopic biopsy followed by definitive management using argon plasma coagulation (APC) ablation.
Sampling strategies in the assessment of long‐term exposures to toxic substances in air
Authors: Nocetti Diego , Crimi Michelle , Rossner Alan
Published: December 2019

The decision to mitigate exposures from vapor intrusion (VI) is typically based on limited data from 24‐hour air samples. It is well documented that these data do not accurately represent long‐term average exposures linked to adverse health effects. Limited decision guidance is currently available to determine the most appropriate sampling strategy, considering the cost of sampling alternatives along with the economic consequences of exposure‐related health effects. We present a decision model that introduces economic and statistical considerations in evaluating alternative VI sampling methods. The model characterizes the best sampling method by factoring economic and health consequences of exposure, the variability of exposure, the cost of sampling and mitigation, and the likelihood of false‐negatives and false‐positives. Decision‐makers can use results to select the sample size that maximizes net benefit. Conceptual and mathematical models are presented linking biological, statistical, and economic considerations to assess the cost and effectiveness of different sampling strategies. The model relates an average exposure concentration, determined statistically, to abatement costs and to the monetary value of health deterioration. The value of the information provided by different strategies is calculated and used to select the optimum sampling method. Simulations show that longer‐term sampling methods tend to be more accurate and cost‐effective than short‐term samples. The ideal sampling strategy shows significant seasonal variation (it is typically optimal to use longer samples in the winter) and also varies significantly with the stringency of regulatory standards. Longer‐term sample collection provides a more accurate representation of average VI exposure and reduces the likelihood of type I and type II errors. This reduces expected costs of mitigation and exposure (e.g., health consequences, legal and regulatory penalties), which in some cases can be quite significant. The model herein shows how these savings are balanced against the additional costs of longer‐term sampling.
An Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Derivative That Enables Selective and Sequential Sensing of Cu2+ and CN− Ions in Aqueous and Biological Samples
Authors: Mala Ramanjaneyulu , Nandhagopal Manivannan , Narayanasamy Mathivanan , Thennarasu Sathiah
Published: December 2019

We report a triazole appended imidazopyridine based chemosensor (probe 1) for sequential detection of Cu2+ and CN− ions using fluorometry. Probe 1 is fluorescent in aqueous acetonitrile (H2O‐CH3CN, 1:1, v/v) when common metal ions are present, but the fluorescence is quenched when Cu2+ is present. The binding mechanism, quantitative determination and the mode of interaction of Cu2+ with probe 1 are explained using fluorescence spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The observed detection limit for Cu2+ is found to be (18.17×10−6 M) and it is comparable with those reported for other Cu2+ chemosensors. Further, the 1–Cu2+ complex formation is found to be reversible, and this property has been successfully exploited for the quantitative determination of CN− ions in aqueous acetonitrile. Addition of CN– leads to a complete recovery of fluorescence from 1–Cu2+ complex, permitting the real time detection with the lower limit of detection of CN− being 33.57×10−6 M. The observed experimental results are supported by DFT calculations. A possible application of 1–Cu2+ in fluorescence imaging of Rhizoctonia solani mycelia cells, contaminated with CN− ions, is also represented.
Practitioner's view of barriers to software outsourcing partnership formation: An empirical exploration
Authors: Ali Sikandar , Li Hongqi , Khan Siffat Ullah , Abrar Muhammad Faisal , Zhao Yanhong
Published: December 2019

Software Outsourcing Partnership (SOP) is considered as a kind of risk and reward sharing client‐vendor relationship. Generally, a fruitful outsourcing association might be converted to an outsourcing partnership. The objective of this research is to identify and analyse barriers that are hurdles to vendors in renewing or promoting their ongoing client‐vendor relationship to outsourcing partnership. A questionnaire survey based on the findings of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was performed with 50 experts. The study identifies five critical barriers such as “insufficient quality of technical capability,” “poor infrastructure,” “poor quality of service,” “communication gap and poor coordination,” and “relational risk.” The results indicate that barriers' insufficient quality of technical capability, poor infrastructure, and poor quality of service were common in four types of experts while insufficient quality of technical capability is common in three levels of experts. Furthermore, barriers were classified based on their criticality from client‐vendor perspective. The results of Spearman correlation test (rs = 0.714 and ρ = 0.000) confirmed that the participant strongly agrees with the outcomes of the SLR. The results suggest that for successful renewal or promotion of their existing outsourcing association, vendor organizations should address all the identified barriers in general and the most common barriers in particular.
Using Dialogue to Address Controversial Issues of Social Justice
Authors: Hughbanks Christopher E. , Kenney Jeff M.
Published: December 2019

This chapter shares reflections from two university housing administrators on using dialogic practices to build skills for addressing issues of social justice and equity that surface in residential community living settings.
Critical Professional Praxis in Residence Life
Authors: Kortegast Carrie , Croom Natasha N.
Published: December 2019

How can residence life professionals develop communities where social justice is moved from a theoretical perspective to an integrated practice? This chapter provides a case study for residence life staff to use to explore and to guide critical professional praxis in residence halls.
Model‐based testing of Apache ZooKeeper: Fundamental API usage and watchers
Authors: Artho Cyrille , Banzai Kazuaki , Gros Quentin , Rousset Guillaume , Ma Lei , Kitamura Takashi , Hagiya Masami , Tanabe Yoshinori , Yamamoto Mitsuharu
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we extend work on model‐based testing for Apache ZooKeeper, to handle watchers (triggers) and improve scalability. In a distributed asynchronous shared storage like ZooKeeper, watchers deliver notifications on state changes. They are difficult to test because watcher notifications involve an initial action that sets the watcher, followed by another action that changes the previously seen state.

We show how to generate test cases for concurrent client sessions executing against ZooKeeper with the tool Modbat. The tests are verified against an oracle that takes into account all possible timings of network communication. The oracle has to verify that there exists a chain of events that triggers both the initial callback and the subsequent watcher notification. We show in detail how the oracle computes whether watch triggers are correct and how the model was adapted and improved to handle these features. Together with a new search improvement that increases both speed and accuracy, we are able to verify large test setups and confirm several defects with our model.
The Structure of Essentialist Explanations of Necessity
Authors: Wallner Michael ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2019

Fine, Lowe and Hale accept the view that necessity is to be explained by essences: Necessarily p iff, and because, there is some x whose essence ensures that p. Hale, however, believes that this strategy is not universally applicable; he argues that the necessity of essentialist truths cannot itself be explained by once again appealing to essentialist truths. As a consequence, Hale holds that there are basic necessities that cannot be explained.Thus,Hale style essentialism falls short of what Wilsch calls the explanation-challenge (EC) for the metaphysics of necessity. Without endorsing the EC, I argue that Hale’s argument for basic, unexplained necessities fails due to a misunderstanding of the structure of essentialist explanations. Getting clear about the structure of essentialist explanations of necessity leads to a re-evaluation of crucial circularity- and regress-arguments that have been discussed in the debate about essentialism.
Microplastics in the sediment of Lake Ulansuhai of Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Qin Yiming , Wang Zhichao , Li Weiping , Chang Xin , Yang Jianlin , Yang Fan
Published: December 2019

As an emerging organic pollutant, microplastics in the ocean have been the subject of much study. However, there is a lack of research on freshwater environments, notably in sediment, China. Microplastics contamination in sediment of Lake Ulansuhai has been investigated in the study, and its concentration range was from 24 ± 7 to 14 ± 3 n/kg. Further, it exhibited a difference in spatial distribution with high content in the north zone of the lake far from the entrance of the drainage canal and it has a decreasing tendency with the flow from north to south in lake. Colored plastic particles acted as the dominated pollution type, and more than 79.69% of microplastics were smaller than 2 mm in size, existed as the form of fibers. FTIR results mirrored that the main types of microplastics were polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Results obtained from SEM/EDS showed that there were cracks, holes, and irregular curls on the surface of it, and these microplastics may provide attachment sites for other pollutants. The appearance of metallic elements such as Al, Ni, and Fe showed that microplastics and other pollutants in Lake Ulansuhai have a combined effect, which may aggravate the degree of pollution in the lake.

Practitioner points

Microplastics were found in the sediment of Lake Ulansuhai with a spatial distribution characteristic.

Abundance and morphological characteristics such as shape, color, and size have been analyzed in the paper.

Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride were the main types of microplastics in the sediment detected by FTIR.

There were metallic elements combined on the surface of microplastics increased risk of combined pollution.
Strategies for nonviral nanoparticle‐based delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutics
Authors: Chen Fengqian , Alphonse Martin , Liu Qi
Published: December 2019

CRISPR‐based genome editing technology has become an important potential therapeutic tool for various diseases. A vital challenge is to reach a safe, efficient, and clinically suitable delivery of a CRISPR‐associated protein and a single‐guide RNA. A possible translational approach to applying CRISPR‐based technology is the use of viral vectors such as adeno‐associated virus. However, such vectors give long‐term exposure in vivo that may increase potential off‐target effects as well as the risk of immunogenicity. Therefore, limitations to clinical applications are addressed using nonviral delivery systems such as nanoparticle‐based delivery strategies. Today, the nanoparticle‐based delivery approach is becoming more and more attractive in gene therapeutics because of its specific targeting, scale‐up efficiency, efficacy of customization, minor stimulation of immune response, and minimal exposure to nucleases. In this review, we will present the most recent advances in developing innovations and potential advantages of the nanoparticle delivery system in CRISPR genome editing. We will also propose potential strategies of CRISPR‐based technology for therapeutic and industrial applications. Our review will differ in focus from previous reviews and advance the literature on the subject by (a) focusing on the challenges of the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system; (b) focusing on the application of nanoparticle‐based delivery of CRISPR components (Cas9 and sgRNA), such as lipids and polymeric vectors; (c) discussing the potential nanoparticle‐based delivery approaches for CRISPR/Cas9 application.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Exploring cardiac form and function: A length‐scale computational biology approach
Authors: Sherman William F. , Grosberg Anna
Published: December 2019

The ability to adequately pump blood throughout the body is the result of tightly regulated feedback mechanisms that exist across many spatial scales in the heart. Diseases which impede the function at any one of the spatial scales can cause detrimental cardiac remodeling and eventual heart failure. An overarching goal of cardiac research is to use engineered heart tissue in vitro to study the physiology of diseased heart tissue, develop cell replacement therapies, and explore drug testing applications. A commonality within the field is to manipulate the flow of mechanical signals across the various spatial scales to direct self‐organization and build functional tissue. Doing so requires an understanding of how chemical, electrical, and mechanical cues can be used to alter the cellular microenvironment. We discuss how mathematical models have been used in conjunction with experimental techniques to explore various structure–function relations that exist across numerous spatial scales. We highlight how a systems biology approach can be employed to recapitulate in vivo characteristics in vitro at the tissue, cell, and subcellular scales. Specific focus is placed on the interplay between experimental and theoretical approaches. Various modeling methods are showcased to demonstrate the breadth and power afforded to the systems biology approach. An overview of modeling methodologies exemplifies how the strengths of different scientific disciplines can be used to supplement and/or inspire new avenues of experimental exploration.

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models
Zu Depression und transgenerational weitergegebenem Trauma: ein psychoanalytischer Kommentar
Authors: Lenherr Mariia
Published: December 2019

Dieses Paper behandelt die mögliche Interrelation von Depression mit generationsübergreifend weitergegebenen Traumata aus der Sicht der Psychoanalyse. Die Autorin unternimmt den Versuch, Trauern und Melancholie voneinander abzugrenzen soweit es das aktuelle Verständnis von Depression betrifft. Das Phänomen der verschiedenen depressiven States auf einem individuellem Level wird untersucht, so wie Freud und nachfolgende PsychoanalytikerInnen es vorgeschlagen haben, einschließlich produktiver und unproduktiver Depression (Gut). Zum Verständnis generationsübergreifend weitergegebener Traumata wird eine kurze Analyse der diesbezüglichen Schriften, besonders den Holocaust betreffend, vorgestellt. Die Autorin bespricht die Auswirkungen und Mechanismen von generationenübergreifend weitergegebenen Traumata, wie sie in den einflussreichen Schriften von Laub, Salberg, Bromberg, Faimberg und anderen behandelt werden. In Bezug auf Gruppenlevel wird Depression als Konsequenz von Verlusten und Traumatisierung besprochen denen jeder von uns als Teil der Gesellschaft ausgesetzt ist. Das Paper endet mit Schlussfolgerungen innerhalb derer Anwendungen in der Psychoanalyse thematisiert werden.