bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic environmental Kuznets curves: the optimal growth linear-quadratic case
Authors: Boucekkine Raouf , Fabbri Giorgio , Federico Salvatore , Gozzi Fausto
Published: April 2019

We solve a linear-quadratic model of a spatio-temporal economy using a polluting one-input technology. Space is continuous and heterogenous: locations differ in productivity, nature self-cleaning technology and environmental awareness. The unique link between locations is transboundary pollution which is modelled as a PDE diffusion equation. The spatio-temporal functional is quadratic in local consumption and linear in pollution. Using a dynamic programming method adapted to our infinite dimensional setting, we solve the associated optimal control problem in closed-form and identify the asymptotic (optimal) spatial distribution of pollution. We show that optimal emissions will decrease at given location if and only if local productivity is larger than a threshold which depends both on the local pollution absorption capacity and environmental awareness. Furthermore, we numerically explore the relationship between the spatial optimal distributions of production and (asymptotic) pollution in order to uncover possible (geographic) environmental Kuznets curve cases.
Numerical approximations of McKean anticipative backward stochastic differential equations arising in initial margin requirements
Authors: Agarwal A. , De Marco S. , Gobet E. , López-Salas J. G. , Noubiagain F. , Zhou A.
Published: April 2019

We introduce a new class of anticipative backward stochastic differential equations with a dependence of McKean type on the law of the solution, that we name MKABSDE. We provide existence and uniqueness results in a general framework with relatively general regularity assumptions on the coefficients. We show how such stochastic equations arise within the modern paradigm of derivative pricing where a central counterparty (CCP) requires the members to deposit variation and initial margins to cover their exposure. In the case when the initial margin is proportional to the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) of the contract price, we apply our general result to define the price as a solution of a MKABSDE. We provide several linear and non-linear simpler approximations, which we solve using different numerical (deterministic and Monte-Carlo) methods.
New particle representations for ergodic McKean-Vlasov SDEs
Authors: AlRachid Houssam , Bossy Mireille , Ricci Cristiano , Szpruch Lukasz
Published: April 2019

The aim of this paper is to introduce several new particle representations for ergodic McKean-Vlasov SDEs. We construct new algorithms by leveraging recent progress in weak convergence analysis of interacting particle system. We present detailed analysis of errors and associated costs of various estimators, highlighting key differences between long-time simulations of linear (classical SDEs) versus non-linear (Mckean-Vlasov SDEs) process.
Monte-Carlo methods for the pricing of American options: a semilinear BSDE point of view
Authors: Bouchard Bruno , Wai Chau Ki , Manai Arij , Sid-Ali Ahmed
Published: April 2019

We extend the viscosity solution characterization proved in [5] for call/put American option prices to the case of a general payoff function in a multi-dimensional setting: the price satisfies a semilinear reaction/diffusion type equation. Based on this, we propose two new numerical schemes inspired by the branching processes based algorithm of [8]. Our numerical experiments show that approximating the discontinuous driver of the associated reaction/diffusion PDE by local polynomials is not efficient, while a simple randomization procedure provides very good results.
Numerical approximation of general Lipschitz BSDEs with branching processes
Authors: Bouchard Bruno , Tan Xiaolu , Warin Xavier
Published: April 2019

We extend the branching process based numerical algorithm of Bouchard et al. [3], that is dedicated to semilinear PDEs (or BSDEs) with Lipschitz nonlinearity, to the case where the nonlinearity involves the gradient of the solution. As in [3], this requires a localization procedure that uses a priori estimates on the true solution, so as to ensure the well-posedness of the involved Picard iteration scheme, and the global convergence of the algorithm. When, the nonlinearity depends on the gradient, the later needs to be controlled as well. This is done by using a face-lifting procedure. Convergence of our algorithm is proved without any limitation on the time horizon. We also provide numerical simulations to illustrate the performance of the algorithm.
Numerical schemes for the aggregation equation with pointy potentials
Authors: Fabrèges Benoît , Hivert Hélène , Le Balc’h Kevin , Martel Sofiane , Delarue François , Lagoutière Frédéric , Vauchelet Nicolas
Published: April 2019

The aggregation equation is a nonlocal and nonlinear conservation law commonly used to describe the collective motion of individuals interacting together. When interacting potentials are pointy, it is now well established that solutions may blow up in finite time but global in time weak measure valued solutions exist. In this paper we focus on the convergence of particle schemes and finite volume schemes towards these weak measure valued solutions of the aggregation equation.
Vergleich der Bildqualität zweier unterschiedlicher OCT-Angiografie-Systeme mit Fokus auf Bewegungsartefakten bei gesunden Probanden
Authors: Mihailovic Natasa , Lauermann Jost Lennart , Schubert Friederike , Lahme Larissa , Treder Maximilian , Alten Florian , Eter Nicole , Alnawaiseh Maged
Published: April 2019

Hintergrund Die vorliegende Studie vergleicht die Ausprägung von Bewegungsartefakten bei Aufnahmen der optischen Kohärenztomografie-Angiografie (OCT-A) bei gesunden Probanden zwischen 2 OCT-A-Systemen verschiedener Hersteller mit unterschiedlicher technischer Ausstattung.

Methodik In dieser Arbeit wurden 25 Augen von 25 gesunden Probanden (19 weiblich, mittleres Alter 31,12 ± 11,95 Jahre) ohne bestehende Augenerkrankungen oder zurückliegende Augenoperationen eingeschlossen. OCT-A-Aufnahmen wurden mit dem RTVue XR Avanti (Optovue Inc., Fremont, Kalifornien, USA) sowie mit dem Spectralis OCT-A-Modul (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Deutschland) durchgeführt. In jeweils 2 Messungen der Makula (Optovue: 3 × 3 mm², äquivalent Heidelberg: 10 × 10°) je Proband mit aktivem Eye Tracking (ET) wurde die Ausprägung von Bewegungsartefakten im superfiziellen OCT-Angiogramm anhand eines Motion Artifact Scores (MAS) von 2 unabhängigen Readern erfasst.

Ergebnisse Die Signalstärke (signal strength index, SSI) lag im Mittel bei 73,0 ± 7,8 (Optovue) und 39,6 ± 3,6 (Heidelberg), dies entsprach beim Optovue 73,0% des theoretischen Bestwerts (SSImax = 100 = 100%) und beim Heidelberg 79,2% der höchstmöglichen SSI (SSImax = 50 = 100%). Beide Geräte zeigten eine insgesamt geringe Artefaktausprägung mit einem entsprechend niedrigen MAS (mittlerer MAS [Optovue]: 1,32 ± 0,551; mittlerer MAS [Heidelberg]: 1,7 ± 0,789; p = 0,006). Die Übereinstimmung zwischen den beiden Readern lag bei beiden Geräten bei 88%. Ein Quilting/Banding zeigte sich in 20% (10/50, Optovue), resp. 6% (3/50, Heidelberg) aller Messungen, ein Stretching in 4% (2/50, Optovue) und in 6% (3/50, Heidelberg). Ein Vessel Doubling und Displacement zeigte sich jeweils in einer Optovue-Aufnahme (2%) und bei keiner Heidelberg-Aufnahme (0%). Blink Lines hingegen waren in 3 Heidelberg-Aufnahmen (6%) und in keiner Optovue-Aufnahme auffindbar (0%).

Schlussfolgerung Beide Geräte ermöglichen trotz unterschiedlicher Soft- und Hardware im vorliegenden Kollektiv Aufnahmen mit nur geringer Ausprägung von Bewegungsartefakten. Jedoch kommen diese auch bei gesunden Probanden mit guter Fixation vor. Ferner zeigte sich eine hohe Übereinstimmung bei der Bildbeurteilung in Bezug auf den MAS zwischen den beiden Readern. Dennoch bleibt die Analyse von Bewegungsartefakten komplex und erfordert eine gewisse Erfahrung und genaue Betrachtung bei der Bewertung von OCT-A-Aufnahmen.
Sicherheit geht vor – Evaluation von IOL-Injektorsystemen
Authors: Borkenstein Andreas F. , Borkenstein Eva-Maria
Published: April 2019

Hintergrund Der Fortschritt in der Kataraktchirurgie brachte vorgeladene IOL-Implantationssysteme auf den Markt. Diese sollen die OP-Gesamtzeit sicher und effektiv verkürzen. Im Rahmen dieser Studie wurde die Sicherheit und Handlichkeit des 2-Komponenten-Autoloading-Systems SAFELOADER® (HumanOptics AG, Erlangen, Deutschland) bewertet und mit 2 anderen Systemen verglichen.

Material und Methoden Insgesamt wurden 167 Augen in die monozentrische prospektive Studie eingeschlossen. In 67 Augen wurden die IOLs durch das SAFELOADER-System, in 50 Augen durch ein Fully-preloaded-System (TECNIS iTec® Preloaded Delivery System, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Santa Ana, CA, USA) und in 50 Augen durch ein manuelles System (UNFOLDER® Platinum 1 Series Delivery System, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Santa Ana, CA, USA) implantiert. Für jedes Verfahren wurden die IOL-Vorbereitungszeit und die Implantationszeit in Sekunden festgehalten. Der OP-Ablauf sowie die Handhabung durch den Arzt und die OP-Schwester wurden bewertet.

Ergebnisse Der SAFELOADER und iTec sind schneller und handlicher als der UNFOLDER. Die Vorbereitungszeit des SAFELOADER war mit einem Median von 6,5 Sekunden (s) (5,3 – 6,9) ca. 1 s länger (p < 0,0001) als die des iTec-Systems mit 5,2 s (4,5 – 6,5). Beide waren signifikant (p < 0,0001) schneller als der manuelle UNFOLDER mit 26,9 s (20,6 – 30,1). Bei Betrachtung der reinen Implantationszeit gab es kaum Unterschiede zwischen SAFELOADER mit 7,2 s (5,3 – 8,6), iTec mit 7,3 s (5,9 – 8,3) und UNFOLDER mit 7,2 s (5,9 – 7,6). Im gesamten OP-Ablauf schnitten SAFELOADER mit einer Note von 2,0 (1,0 – 3,0) und iTec 1,0 (1,0 – 3,0) deutlich (p < 0,0001) besser ab als das manuelle System mit 5,0 (3,0 – 5,0). Der Arzt empfand die Handhabung des SAFELOADER und des iTec (beide Median 1,0; 1,0 – 2,0) signifikant (p < 0,0001) besser als die des UNFOLDER (2,5; 1,0 – 4,0). Für die OP-Schwester schnitt der SAFELOADER mit 1,0 (1,0 – 2,0) signifikant (p < 0,0001) besser ab als iTec mit 2,0 (1,0 – 3,0) und der UNFOLDER mit 4,0 (2,0 – 5,0).

Schlussfolgerung Das 2-Komponenten-Autoloading-System SAFELOADER® ist intuitiv zu handhaben, schnell und effektiv in der Anwendung und bietet ein hohes Maß an Sicherheit.
Significantly lower annual rates of neoplastic progression in short- compared to long-segment non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chandrasekar Viveksandeep Thoguluva , Hamade Nour , Desai Madhav , Rai Tarun , Gorrepati Venkata Subhash , Jegadeesan Ramprasad , Sathyamurthy Anjana , Sharma Prateek
Published: April 2019

Background Although shorter lengths of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) have been associated with a lower risk of neoplastic progression, precise estimates have varied, especially for non-dysplastic BE (NDBE) only. Therefore, current US guidelines do not provide specific recommendations on surveillance intervals based on BE length. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to examine neoplastic progression rates of NDBE based on BE length.

Methods PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Embase were comprehensively searched. Studies reporting progression rates in patients with NDBE and > 1 year of follow-up were included. The number of patients progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and high grade dysplasia (HGD)/EAC in individual studies and the mean follow-up were recorded to derive person-years of follow-up. Pooled rates of progression to EAC and HGD/EAC based on BE length (< 3 cm vs. ≥ 3 cm) were calculated.

Results Of the 486 initial studies identified, 10 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. These included a total of 4097 NDBE patients; 1979 with short-segment BE (SSBE; 10 773 person-years of follow-up) and 2118 with long-segment BE (LSBE; 12 868 person-years). The annual rates of progression to EAC were significantly lower for SSBE compared with LSBE: 0.06 % (95 % confidence interval 0.01 % – 0.10 %) vs. 0.31 % (0.21 % – 0.40 %), respectively; odds ratio (OR) 0.25 (0.11 – 0.56); P < 0.001, as were the rates for the combined endpoint (HGD/EAC): 0.24 % (0.09 % – 0.32 %) vs. 0.76 % (0.43 % – 0.89 %), respectively; OR 0.35 (0.21 – 0.58); P < 0.001. There was no significant heterogeneity among studies.

Conclusion The results demonstrate significantly lower rates of neoplastic progression in NDBE patients with SSBE compared with LSBE. BE length can easily be used for risk stratification purposes for NDBE patients undergoing surveillance endoscopy and consideration should be given to tailoring surveillance intervals based on BE length in future US guidelines.
Diverting Ostomy: For Whom, When, What, Where, and Why
Authors: Plasencia Alexis , Bahna Heidi
Published: April 2019

Fecal diversion is an important tool in the surgical armamentarium. There is much controversy regarding which clinical scenarios warrant diversion. Throughout this article, we have analyzed the most recent literature and discussed the most common applications for the use of a diverting stoma. These include construction of diverting ileostomy or colostomy, ostomy for low colorectal/coloanal anastomosis, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and obstructing colorectal cancer. We conclude the following: diverting loop ileostomy is preferred to loop colostomy, an ostomy should be used for a pelvic anastomosis < 5 to 6 cm including coloanal anastomosis and ileo-anal-pouch anastomosis, severe perianal Crohn's disease frequently requires diversion, a primary anastomosis with diverting ileostomy in the setting of diverticular perforation is safe, and a diverting stoma can be used as a bridge to primary resection in the setting of an obstructing malignancy.
Health Care Policy and Outcomes after Colon and Rectal Surgery: What Is the Bigger Picture?—Cost Containment, Incentivizing Value, Transparency, and Centers of Excellence
Authors: Bhama Anuradha , Holubar Stefan , Delaney Conor
Published: April 2019

Early in the 21st century, the costs of health care in the United States have spiraled out of control, where the per capita spending is $9,237 per person—the highest in the world. By 2020, an estimated 20% of GDP will be spent on health care. The issue of cost and quality is now becoming a national crisis, with ∼50% of hospitals losing money on clinical operations, forcing closure of essential critical access hospitals, and forcing health care workers to relocate or change professions. This crisis will only worsen with the graying of America, as an estimated 17% of Americans will be over the age of 65 years by the year 2020. The policy and financial structures on which these changes are based are important factors of which practicing surgeons should be aware. This review discusses recent national health care policy reform and specific topics including cost-containment legislation, value-based incentives and penalties, transparency, and centers of excellence in colorectal surgery.
Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome, Case Report and Diagnostic Evaluation
Authors: Guedes-Correa Jose Fernando , Bulhões Stephanie Oliveira Fernandes de
Published: April 2019

Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment is a rarely diagnosed condition that leads to intense neuropathic pain in the anterolateral wall of the abdomen. Generally, it is triggered by some factor implied in the increase of the pressure on the nerve in its passage by the abdominal wall. Its most important differential diagnosis is pain of visceral origin.

We present a case in which the clinical findings confirmed on ultrasound and other imaging tests established the diagnosis and in which the noninvasive treatment was effective.
Endovascular Treatment in the Subclavian Steal Syndrome
Authors: Gatto Luana Antunes Maranha , Chaves Jennyfer Paulla Galdino , Mendes Cássio Henrique , Seabra Diego do Monte Rodrigues , Koppe Gelson Luis , Demartini Junior Zeferino
Published: April 2019

When the proximal occlusion or stenosis of the subclavian or of the brachiocephalic artery may require distal arterial filling through reversal flow from the vertebral artery, causing clinically significant blood supply reduction to the brainstem, it is called subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). We report a 54-year-old male patient who presented with multiple episodes of syncopes and vascular claudication due to right SSS. He underwent an angioplasty, evolving with complete improvement of the symptoms. We review the clinical presentation, the diagnostic methods, and the treatment options of the disease.
Usage of a Translated Version of Terminologia Anatomica in Brazil: An Examination of the Neurosurgical Literature
Authors: Lessa Krysna Pires , Vilasbôas Ítalo Gonçalo Matias , Aquino Marcos de Amorim , Maldonado Igor Lima
Published: April 2019

Introduction The linguistic factor may have delayed the universal adoption of the International Anatomical Terminology (IAT), which was widespread in Latin and in English only. Independent translations are possible, but they are not devoid of methodological difficulties.

Objective To estimate the usage of the translated version of the Terminologia Anatomica in neurosurgical articles in Brazil.

Method Consecutive national publications were checked for the correspondence of their anatomical terms to the following categories: IAT – Brazilian version; IAT in Latin; Nomina Anatomica – previous versions; incomplete terms; derivative terms; eponyms; neologisms; and others (misspellings and prosaic terms). The years 2014 and 2015 were chosen for analysis so that included articles were published at least 16 years after the publication of the original IAT (1998) and at least 13 years since the publication of the Brazilian version (2001).

Results Out of a total of 183 articles analyzed, 1,132 anatomical terms were identified, referring to 334 different anatomical structures. Most of the structures were described using terms from the Brazilian version of the IAT (n = 834; 73.7%). Those that did not belong to or did not derive from any version of the IAT totaled 281 (24.8%). The remaining 17 terms (1.5%) corresponded to words derived or provided for in the Latin IAT. No association was identified between the number of authors and any category of nomenclature.

Conclusion Although most anatomical structures cited in Portuguese were described in accordance with the Brazilian version of the IAT, the degree of adherence was considered moderate given that about one-quarter of the terms escaped this terminology.
A De Novo Dominant Negative Mutation in DNM1L Causes Sudden Onset Status Epilepticus with Subsequent Epileptic Encephalopathy
Authors: Schmid S. , Wagner M. , Goetz C. , Makowski C. , Freisinger P. , Berweck S. , Mall V. , Burdach S. , Juenger H.
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial dynamics such as fission and fusion play a vital role in normal brain development and neuronal activity. DNM1L encodes a dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), which is a GTPase essential for proper mitochondrial fission. The clinical phenotype of DNM1L mutations depends on the degree of mitochondrial fission deficiency, ranging from severe encephalopathy and death shortly after birth to initially normal development and then sudden onset of refractory status epilepticus with very poor neurologic outcome. We describe a case of a previously healthy 3-year-old boy with a mild delay in speech development until the acute onset of a refractory status epilepticus with subsequent epileptic encephalopathy and very poor neurologic outcome. The de novo missense mutation in DNM1L (c.1207C > T, p.R403C), which we identified in this case, seems to determine a unique clinical course, strikingly similar to four previously described patients in literature with the identical de novo heterozygous missense mutation in DNM1L.
Highly selective photonic glass filter for saturated blue structural color
Authors: Shang Guoliang , Häntsch Yen , Furlan Kaline Pagnan , Janßen Rolf , Schneider Gerold A. , Petrov Alexander , Eich Manfred
Published: April 2019

Angle independent non-absorbing spectral filters are required for many applications such as sunscreens, structural colors, photovoltaics, and radiative cooling. One of the promising and simple to manufacture structures is based on the disordered arrangement of monodisperse spherical particles by self-assembly, also called photonic glasses. So far, reported photonic glasses inherently show poor spectral selectivity with a smooth transition in reflection. No significant improvement is usually expected from particles optimization as the Mie resonances are broad for small dielectric particles with a moderate refractive index. Via Fourier space engineering, we show here that it is, nonetheless, possible to obtain sharp spectral transitions from the synergetic effect of a core-shell geometry of the particles with the short range order of the photonic glass. We apply the developed approach to demonstrate a high color saturation of a non-iridescent blue structural color employing a photonic glass with hollow sphere particles, which features a sharp spectral transition in reflection. The experimental results support the theoretical predictions from the first-order approximation.
The growth and phase distribution of ultrathin SnTe on graphene
Authors: Chang Kai , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: April 2019

Recently, a monolayer of SnTe was discovered to be a two-dimensional ferroelectric with an in-plane polarization, and, most dramatically, it exhibits a significant enhancement of the ferroelectric phase transition temperature compared to its bulk counterpart. This phenomenon is due to a structural phase transition from bulk-like α/β-SnTe, a topological crystalline insulator, to layered γ-SnTe as the thickness is decreased to a few atomic layers. A detailed understanding of the growth mechanism and phase distribution of ultrathin SnTe films are of great interest for potential applications. Here, we report detailed studies of the molecular beam epitaxial growth and in situ scanning tunneling microscopy characterization of ultrathin SnTe films on graphene substrates. By varying the growth conditions, SnTe can be prepared as either a continuous film or in the form of large rectangular plates. The rate of nucleation of SnTe was found to be highly sensitive to the substrate temperature. The coexistence and competition between the β and γ phases formed at room temperature was studied, and the phase diagram with respect to the average thickness of SnTe and the substrate temperature during growth is drawn.
Hoof pressure and trampling intensity of yaks are higher than those of Tibetan sheep in a Tianzhu alpine meadow
Authors: Yang Hailei , Sun Jinjin , Xu Changlin , Zhang Jianwen , Chai Jinlong , Jiao Ting , Yu Xiaojun
Published: April 2019

Trampling by grazing animals exerts a comprehensive and serious effect on grassland vegetation and soil. In order to compare the trampling of yaks and Tibetan sheep under different grazing intensities, we examined the hoof pressure and trampling intensity (based on trampling area and hoof-print count) of white yaks (Poephagus grunniens) and Tibetan sheep (Ovis ammon) in an alpine meadow of Tianzhu County, Gansu Province, China, under conditions where either grazing area or livestock number were controlled. The average areas trampled by yaks and Tibetan sheep were 39.2 and 21.6 cm2 respectively. The average hoof pressure of yaks and Tibetan sheep were 6.89 and 3.13 kg cm–2 respectively. The yak-to-sheep ratio of the average area trampled was 1.81:1, whereas the yak-to-sheep ratio of average hoof pressure was 2.20:1. Average ingestion and walking trampling intensities of yaks were 384.8 × 103 and 247.1 × 103 kg cm–2, respectively, in controlled grazing areas, and 439.1 × 103 and 756.3 × 103 kg cm–2, respectively, in areas of controlled livestock numbers. These values for Tibetan sheep were 15.3 × 103 and 120.3 × 103 kg cm–2 in controlled grazing areas, and 42.6 × 103 and 128.2 × 103 kg cm–2 in areas of controlled livestock numbers. In controlled grazing areas, the ingestion and walking trampling intensities of yaks were 25.2 and 5.4 times higher, respectively, than those of sheep. Under areas of controlled livestock numbers, these values were 10.3 and 5.9 times higher, respectively, than those of sheep. The average trampling intensity of yaks was 7.3 times higher than that of the sheep. Therefore, under conditions of similar grazing intensity, yaks cause more damage than Tibetan sheep in alpine meadows.
The mixed effects of online diversity training
Authors: Chang Edward H. , Milkman Katherine L. , Gromet Dena M. , Rebele Robert W. , Massey Cade , Duckworth Angela L. , Grant Adam M.
Published: April 2019

Significance

Although diversity training is commonplace in organizations, the relative scarcity of field experiments testing its effectiveness leaves ambiguity about whether diversity training improves attitudes and behaviors toward women and racial minorities. We present the results of a large field experiment with an international organization testing whether a short online diversity training can affect attitudes and workplace behaviors. Although we find evidence of attitude change and some limited behavior change as a result of our training, our results suggest that the one-off diversity trainings that are commonplace in organizations are not panaceas for remedying bias in the workplace.
Pejvakin-mediated pexophagy protects auditory hair cells against noise-induced damage
Authors: Defourny Jean , Aghaie Alain , Perfettini Isabelle , Avan Paul , Delmaghani Sedigheh , Petit Christine
Published: April 2019

Significance

Noise-induced hearing loss is a highly prevalent form of sensorineural hearing impairment affecting individuals of all ages. Noise exposure triggers a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, causing oxidative damage to auditory hair cells and resulting in hearing loss. Here we describe a novel mechanism of protection against noise-induced auditory hair cell damage. In response to sound exposure, pejvakin, a peroxisome-associated protein, acts as an ROS sensor and recruits the autophagy machinery to trigger the degradation of peroxisomes (pexophagy) damaged by oxidative stress. We characterized the pejvakin interactions involved in this process. We provide evidence that pejvakin-mediated pexophagy plays a key role in controlling peroxisome proliferation and protecting auditory hair cells against noise-induced damage.
Improved enantioselectivity of E. coli BioH in kinetic resolution of methyl (S)-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate by combinatorial modulation of steric and aromatic interactions
Authors: Wu Xiafen , Yang Shengli , Yu Hongwei , Ye Lidan , Su Bingmei , Shao Zehui
Published: April 2019

As a chiral precursor for the important anticoagulant Edoxaban, enantioselective synthesis of (S)-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid is of great significance. The complicated procedures and generation of massive solid waste discourage its chemical synthesis, and the alternative biocatalysis route calls for an enzyme capable of asymmetric hydrolysis of racemic methyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate. To this end, we engineered the E. coli esterase BioH for improved S-enantioselectivity via rational design. By combinatorial modulation of steric and aromatic interactions, a positive mutant Mu3 (L24A/W81A/L209A) with relatively high S-selectivity in hydrolyzing racemic methyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate was obtained, improving the enantiomeric excess from 32.3% (the wild type) to 70.9%. Molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for both (R)- or (S)- complexes of the wild type and Mu3 to provide hints for the mechanism behind the increased S-selectivity. Moreover, the reaction conditions of Mu3 in methyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate hydrolysis was optimized to improve the conversion rate to 2 folds.
Time-Varying Exposure to Ozone and Risk of Stillbirth in a Nonattainment Urban Region
Authors: Rammah Amal , Whitworth Kristina W , Han Inkyu , Chan Wenyaw , Symanski Elaine
Published: April 2019

In a racially and ethnically diverse urban area (Harris County, Texas) with historic nonattainment O3 levels, we obtained birth and fetal death records from 2008–2013 and estimated maternal residential O3 concentrations from conception until delivery using inverse-distance interpolation from the local air monitoring network. We examined multipollutant models (with fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) and effect measure modification by race/ethnicity and length of gestation. We found a 9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1, 18) increased stillbirth risk associated with a 3.6-parts-per-billion increase in O3 exposure. The risk was higher among women with pregnancies of <37 gestational weeks (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.23) compared with women with pregnancies of longer gestation (HR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.27) and among Hispanic women (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.27). We also conducted a case-crossover analysis and detected no associations with short-term exposure. To our knowledge, this study is the first to use time-to-event analyses to examine stillbirth risk associated with time-varying prenatal ozone (O3) exposure over pregnancy. Our findings indicate that maternal O3 exposure over pregnancy is associated with stillbirth risk and that Hispanic women and women with shorter pregnancies might be at particular risk.
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) History: Its Role in Plastic Surgery Safety
Authors: Singer Robert , Keyes Geoffrey R , Nahai Foad
Published: April 2019

From its origin cosmetic surgery was performed in facilities which were neither certified nor regulated. Recognizing that there was no formal oversight of facilities, a group of plastic surgeons saw the need to develop an accreditation program. This eventually evolved into the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Plastic Surgery Facilities. The organization was started to implement and maintain a voluntary inspection accreditation program for qualifying surgical facilities. Its focus was to educate plastic surgeons on safety and became recognized as the gold standard for accreditation. Seeing the need for similar standards for all surgeons, it morphed into the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Comprehending that accreditation was in everyone’s best interest, AAAASF developed educational formats for plastic surgeons, testified at the US Congress suggesting potential ways that oversight of facilities could improve patient safety, functioned as a resource to numerous states in developing guidelines for oversight of facilities, continued to update its standards, and extended its accreditation program internationally. Recognizing the value of accreditation, proven by AAAAASF’s extensive database from its Internet-Based Quality Assurance Program, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) mandated that its members operate only in accredited or licensed facilities. Numerous studies documenting the safety of accredited plastic surgical facilities from AAAASF’s extensive quality assurance and peer-review reporting program are cited. AAAASF played a significant role and will continue to do that in producing better, safer environments for outpatient surgical procedures.
Facing death together: heterospecific aggregations of blowfly larvae evince mutual benefits
Authors: Komo Larissa , Scanvion Quentin , Hedouin Valéry , Charabidze Damien
Published: April 2019

Heterospecific aggregations and foraging associations have been observed between different species, from apes to birds to insects. Such associations are hypothesized to result in a mutually beneficial relationship entailing benefits that are not apparent in conspecific groupings. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to investigate 1) how 3 blowfly species, namely, Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, and Lucilia sericata, aggregate according to species, and 2) if developmental benefits are linked to heterospecific aggregation. For objective (1), larvae of 2 species were placed between 2 conspecific aggregates, each with a different species (i.e., a binary choice test). After 20 h, the positions of all larvae were determined. On average, 98% of the maggots added later settled together on one of the 2 pre-existing aggregations, demonstrating a collective choice. The aggregation spot with C. vicina was preferred against others, indicating different attractiveness of different species. To relate this behavior to its benefits (objective ii), C. vicina and L. sericata larvae were raised from first instar to adult in con- and heterospecific conditions, and their development time, mortality rates, and morphometrics were measured. Thereby, mutual and asymmetric consequences were observed: specifically, there were significant increases in size and survival for L. sericata and faster development for C. vicina in heterospecific groups. These results indicate that the predilection for heterospecific association leads to mutual developmental benefits. This heterospecific aggregation behavior may be a resource-management strategy of blowflies to face carrion-based selection pressure.
Evaluation of different computational methods on 5-methylcytosine sites identification
Authors: Lv Hao , Zhang Zi-Mei , Li Shi-Hao , Tan Jiu-Xin , Chen Wei , Lin Hao
Published: April 2019

5-Methylcytosine (m5C) plays an extremely important role in the basic biochemical process. With the great increase of identified m5C sites in a wide variety of organisms, their epigenetic roles become largely unknown. Hence, accurate identification of m5C site is a key step in understanding its biological functions. Over the past several years, more attentions have been paid on the identification of m5C sites in multiple species. In this work, we firstly summarized the current progresses in computational prediction of m5C sites and then constructed a more powerful and reliable model for identifying m5C sites. To train the model, we collected experimentally confirmed m5C data from Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana, and compared the performances of different feature extraction methods and classification algorithms for optimizing prediction model. Based on the optimal model, a novel predictor called iRNA-m5C was developed for the recognition of m5C sites. Finally, we critically evaluated the performance of iRNA-m5C and compared it with existing methods. The result showed that iRNA-m5C could produce the best prediction performance. We hope that this paper could provide a guide on the computational identification of m5C site and also anticipate that the proposed iRNA-m5C will become a powerful tool for large scale identification of m5C sites.
Long-Term Taste Impairment after Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy to Treat Head-and-Neck Cancer: Correlations with Glossectomy and the Mean Radiation Dose to the Oral Cavity
Authors: Chen Wen-Cheng , Tsai Ming-Shao , Tsai Yao-Te , Lai Chia-Hsuan , Lee Chuan-Pin , Chen Miao-Fen
Published: April 2019

We explored the effects of various parameters on taste impairments (TIs) in head-and-neck (H&N) cancer patients receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). From January 2014 to September 2017, 88 H&N cancer patients subjected to curative or postoperative IMRT were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent at least 1 year of follow-up after IMRT. Quality-of-life assessments in terms of patient-reported gustatory function were measured using the taste-related questions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer H&N35 questionnaires. At a median follow-up time of 27 months, 27 of 88 patients (30.7%) reported long-term TIs. In multivariate analyses, glossectomy most significantly predicted TIs (P = 0.04). The percentage of TIs (61.5%) was significantly (P = 0.03) higher in patients who underwent partial or total glossectomy than in patients who did not undergo surgery (28.0%) and those who underwent radical surgery without glossectomy (20.0%). When we excluded surgical patients from analyses, the mean radiation dose to the oral cavity was of borderline significance in terms of TI prediction (P = 0.05). Only 10.5% of patients suffered from TIs when the mean radiation dose was <5000 cGy compared with 38.7% when the mean dose was ≥5000 cGy. In conclusion, glossectomy is the major cause of long-term TIs in H&N cancer patients receiving IMRT. In patients who do not undergo glossectomy, reduction of the mean radiation dose to the oral cavity may reduce TIs after IMRT.
Frequency, predictors, and prognosis of ejection fraction improvement in heart failure: an echocardiogram-based registry study
Authors: Ghimire Anukul , Fine Nowell , Ezekowitz Justin A , Howlett Jonathan , Youngson Erik , McAlister Finlay A
Published: April 2019

Aims

To identify variables predicting ejection fraction (EF) recovery and characterize prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients with EF recovery (HFrecEF).

Methods and results

Retrospective study of adults referred for ≥2 echocardiograms separated by ≥6 months between 2008 and 2016 at the two largest echocardiography centres in Alberta who also had physician-assigned diagnosis of HF. Of 10 641 patients, 3124 had heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (EF ≤ 40%) at baseline: while mean EF declined from 30.2% on initial echocardiogram to 28.6% on the second echocardiogram in those patients with persistent HFrEF (defined by <10% improvement in EF), it improved from 26.1% to 46.4% in the 1174 patients (37.6%) with HFrecEF (defined by EF absolute improvement ≥10%). On multivariate analysis, female sex [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40–1.96], younger age (aOR per decade 1.16, 95% CI 1.09–1.23), atrial fibrillation (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.68–2.38), cancer (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03–2.26), hypertension (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18–1.62), lower baseline ejection fraction (aOR per 1% decrease 1.07 (1.06–1.08), and using hydralazine (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.19–2.40) were associated with EF improvements ≥10%. HFrecEF patients demonstrated lower rates per 1000 patient years of mortality (106 vs. 164, adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 0.70 [0.62–0.79]), all-cause hospitalizations (300 vs. 428, aHR 0.87 [0.79–0.95]), all-cause emergency room (ER) visits (569 vs. 799, aHR 0.88 [0.81–0.95]), and cardiac transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation (2 vs. 10, aHR 0.21 [0.10–0.45]) compared to patients with persistent HFrEF. Females with HFrEF exhibited lower mortality risk (aHR 0.94 [0.88–0.99]) than males after adjusting for age, time between echocardiograms, clinical comorbidities, medications, and whether their EF improved or not during follow-up.

Conclusion

HFrecEF patients tended to be younger, female, and were more likely to have hypertension, atrial fibrillation, or cancer. HFrecEF patients have a substantially better prognosis compared to those with persistent HFrEF, even after multivariable adjustment, and female patients exhibit lower mortality risk than men within each subgroup (HFrecEF and persistent HFrEF) even after multivariable adjustment.
An Annual basal area growth model with multiplicative climate modifier fitted to longitudinal data for shortleaf pine
Authors: Saud Pradip , Lynch Thomas B , Cram Douglas S , Guldin James M
Published: April 2019

Understanding climatic influences on annual basal area growth (ABAG) rates of individual trees is necessary to predict future stand dynamics. We fitted nonlinear ABAG models for shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) with climate variables linearly added to the arguments of logistic and exponential multiplicative functions of climate variables as climate modifiers to incorporate 14 growing seasons and 30 month-specific climate variables including standardized precipitation index. Data were collected from permanently established plots in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Six re-measurement events collected between 1985 and 2014 provided five growth periods (GPs) and ABAG models were fitted using a mixed-effects approach. Model performance was evaluated using likelihood ratio tests and fit statistics. Climate variables from GPs expressed as deviations from long-term means that performed better than other candidate variables included (1) month-specific: June mean maximum air temperature (°C) (DTMAX6), and September precipitation (mm) (DPPT9); and (2) growing seasons: mean maximum air temperature (°C) (DGTMAX) and precipitation (mm) (DGPPT). ABAG models fitted with multiplicative climate modifiers provided improved growth predictions compared with models fitted with climate variables linearly added to the argument of a logistic function. There was positive correlation with DGTMAX and negative correlation with DMPPT. In addition, 1°C increase in mean maximum temperature had a greater cumulative effect on ABAG rates of young versus old trees. Fitting ABAG models with climate modifiers are useful for assessing variations in productivity due to climate change in the future.
Everyone wants (a) peace: the dynamics of rhetoric and practice on ‘Women, Peace and Security’
Authors: True Jacqui , Wiener Antje
Published: April 2019

‘Women, Peace and Security’ (WPS) is not just any normative agenda: everyone wants a piece of it. WPS is characterized by unprecedented recognition by states at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the presence of multiple stakeholders, including its own transnational NGO network focused on the first Resolution, 1325. The high degree of participation from civil society in framing the norm from the outset—driving their own access to contestation—makes WPS relatively unique among global normative agendas. It is therefore a good case in which to examine the ‘dynamics of dissent’ and test the effects of discursive and behavioural contestation on normative change. The article seeks to advance the thriving literature on the UN WPS agenda and to further develop the exploratory approach to contestation, which evaluates normative progress based on increased access of all those affected by the norm to practices of norm validation. It maps norm contestation at distinct sites, reflecting a sequence of WPS events referenced at the 2015 UNSC open debate on WPS. It evaluates practices of contestation with regard to affected WPS stakeholders' access to political agency and assesses ‘whose practices’ affect norm change and transformative change in the WPS agenda. The authors conclude that the relative access of the wide range of stakeholders to the different repertoires and constellations of contestation affects the outcomes of WPS. They suggest that scholars should evaluate diverse practices of contestation and identify expanding spaces and choices for a variety of local, national and regional perceptions of gender-equal peace and security. This article forms part of the special section of the May 2019 issue of International Affairs on ‘The dynamics of dissent’, guest-edited by Anette Stimmer and Lea Wisken.
Chemical Ecology of Marine Sponges: New Opportunities through “-Omics”
Authors: Paul Valerie J , Freeman Christopher J , Agarwal Vinayak
Published: April 2019

The chemical ecology and chemical defenses of sponges have been investigated for decades; consequently, sponges are among the best understood marine organisms in terms of their chemical ecology, from the level of molecules to ecosystems. Thousands of natural products have been isolated and characterized from sponges, and although relatively few of these compounds have been studied for their ecological functions, some are known to serve as chemical defenses against predators, microorganisms, fouling organisms, and other competitors. Sponges are hosts to an exceptional diversity of microorganisms, with almost 40 microbial phyla found in these associations to date. Microbial community composition and abundance are highly variable across host taxa, with a continuum from diverse assemblages of many microbial taxa to those that are dominated by a single microbial group. Microbial communities expand the nutritional repertoire of their hosts by providing access to inorganic and dissolved sources of nutrients. Not only does this continuum of microorganism–sponge associations lead to divergent nutritional characteristics in sponges, these associated microorganisms and symbionts have long been suspected, and are now known, to biosynthesize some of the natural products found in sponges. Modern “omics” tools provide ways to study these sponge–microbe associations that would have been difficult even a decade ago. Metabolomics facilitate comparisons of sponge compounds produced within and among taxa, and metagenomics and metatranscriptomics provide tools to understand the biology of host–microbe associations and the biosynthesis of ecologically relevant natural products. These combinations of ecological, microbiological, metabolomic and genomics tools, and techniques provide unprecedented opportunities to advance sponge biology and chemical ecology across many marine ecosystems.
Secession and post-sovereign constitution-making after 1989: Catalonia, Kosovo, and Quebec
Authors: Choudhry Sujit
Published: April 2019

The year 1989 marked the return of the right to self-determination to center stage in constitutional politics. It was at the root of demands for constitutional democracy; it was also invoked by minority nations to make claims for secession and independent states. That year also marked the emergence of a new model of “post-sovereign” constitution-making that rejects the idea of a sovereign people who can act unilaterally with unlimited power. While this new model was developed in the context of transitions to constitutional democracy, before and after 1989, minority nations have relied on the unilateral declaration of independence as a foundational act of constitution-making, which is firmly rooted in the pre-1989 sovereign mindset. Drawing on the example of the Supreme Court of Canada’s judgment in the Quebec Secession Reference, I sketch how we might complete the legacy of 1989 by extending the project of post-sovereign constitution-making to secession.
DynaCT-guided thoracic endovascular aortic repair in a patient with para-aortic malignant lymphoma
Authors: Masada Kenta , Kuratani Toru , Shimamura Kazuo , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: April 2019

Para-aortic malignant lymphoma invading the thoracic aorta can cause aortic rupture. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a good option to treat aortic rupture associated with para-aortic malignancies. It is essential to detect the exact tumour location during TEVAR; however, it is often difficult to confirm the location with conventional 2-dimensional fluoroscopic or angiographic images. We describe successful TEVAR using syngo DynaCT (Siemens AG, Forchheim, Germany) in a 64-year-old man with para-aortic malignant lymphoma invading the descending aorta.