bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow‐Induced Coalescence Involving Attractive Interparticle Forces
Authors: Jůza Josef , Fortelný Ivan
Published: April 2019

Coalescence is one of mechanisms of increasing average size of droplets dispersed in a matrix. Extensional‐flow‐induced coalescence where the motion can be described using two coordinates, distance and angle, and shear‐flow‐coalescence described in three dimensions have been studied. Unlike approaches in most of our previous papers where trajectories are solved as dependence of distance on angle or of distance and polar angle on azimuth, parallel integration of all spatial coordinates with respect to time is employed here, which allowed also more correct solution of coalescence including attractive forces. In contrast to previous studies, where interdroplet interaction is neglected till their close approach, this paper is based on the switch between equations describing hydrodynamic interactions between droplets at their moderate distance and equations for matrix drainage between close droplets. The results have been compared for zero and finite critical distance with and without considering van der Waals forces. For droplets keeping spherical shape during coalescence, non‐zero critical distance plays qualitatively the same role as attractive forces in calculation of collision. On the other hand, the critical distance cannot be omitted in models considering droplets flattening where the motion equations diverge for zero intersurface distance.
Influence of Particle Size and Phase Connectivity on the Fracture Behavior of PA6/EOR Blends
Authors: Heyn Johannes , Bonten Christian
Published: April 2019

Structure–property relations between the blend morphology and the fracture mechanical behavior of immiscible polyamide 6/ethylene‐octene copolymer (PA6/EOR) blends are investigated. The influence of a moisture uptake of the PA6 on the blend behavior is also demonstrated. Different blend formulations lead to different blend morphologies, which vary in particle sizes, interparticle spacing, and intensity of the phase connectivity between the blend partners. The intensity of the phase connectivity is described by the rheological behavior. The morphology, defined by the particle size and the calculated interparticle spacing, is analyzed optically by a scanning electron microscope. The shift of the glass transition temperature of the blends due to moisture uptake is demonstrated via dynamical mechanical analyses. All parameters are linked to the fracture mechanical properties determined by the method of the essential work of fracture. By means of the method of the essential work of fracture it is shown that the toughness increase by a given material combination and a constant soft phase amount depends only on the particle size. However, a basic requirement is always strong phase connectivity between the blend partners. Thus, by a given material combination the smaller the soft phase particles within the matrix, the higher the increase in toughness. A moisture uptake does influence the blend properties in many ways and also leads to a change in the fracture behavior. Therefore, it is not possible to predict the fracture mechanical behavior of hydrophilic blends from one condition state to another.
Genome‐wide expression profiling‐based copy number variations and colorectal cancer risk in Chinese
Authors: Wang Ke , Yu Xingchen , Jiang Hongwei , Huang Jiao , Wang Huanzhuo , Jiang Hongyu , Wei Sheng , Liu Li
Published: April 2019

Genetic factors play important roles in colorectal carcinogenesis. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of gene expression‐related copy number variations (CNVs) on the risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese. Expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTL) mapping was conducted to explore the most regulatable gene expressions by CNVs among the whole genome based on publicly available data. Then a case‐control study was performed to evaluate the associations between copy numbers of the most regulatable genes and colorectal cancer. The influence of the target CNVs on the expression of corresponding gene and protein was verified in colorectal tissue, and the biological effects of these CNVs on cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis of colon cancer cell lines were further detected. The eQTL revealed the most significant association between CNV of HM3_CNP_342 and gene expressions of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQA1 and HLA‐DQB1 among the whole genome. The later case‐control study found that amplified HLA‐DQB1 was inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk (odds ratio = 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.58‐0.93), especially among those with a family history of cancer. The positive association between amplified HLA‐DQB1 and upregulation of gene and protein was validated in colorectal tissue. In addition, overexpression of HLA‐DQB1 in dendritic cells promoted cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis of cocultured SW480 and HCT116 cell lines, and vice versa. Our study suggests that the amplified copy number of HLA‐DQB1 is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer and able to induce the apoptosis of colon cancer cells, which implies the potential of HLA class II in cancer predisposition and immunotherapy.
miR‐197‐5p inhibits sarcomagenesis and induces cellular senescence via repression of KIAA0101
Authors: Jain Neha , Roy Jyoti , Das Basudeb , Mallick Bibekanand
Published: April 2019

The abnormal expressions of microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be associated with various pathophysiological processes that lead to the development of a plethora of diseases including cancer. Among several miRNAs studied so far, miR‐197 has been reported to play a vital role either as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in different cancers. However, its role in carcinogenesis of fibrosarcoma has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of miR‐197‐5p, which is significantly downregulated in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells compared to IMR90‐tert fibroblast cells. The transient overexpression of miR‐197‐5p causes a significant decrease in viability and proliferation of fibrosarcoma cells in both concentration‐ and time‐dependent manners. Interestingly, we did not observe any significant changes in cell cycle pattern or apoptotic cell populations, but rather noticed cellular senescence of fibrosarcoma cells upon overexpression of miR‐197‐5p. Further, this miRNA suppresses the metastatic properties, such as migration, invasion, and anchorage‐independent growth of fibrosarcoma possibly through targeting KIAA0101, which is a proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐associated factor and overexpressed in the malignancy. In nutshell, our result revealed that miR‐197‐5p acts as an oncosuppressor miRNA in fibrosarcoma through target regulation of KIAA0101, which can be exploited for developing RNA‐based therapeutic strategies for the cure of this malignancy.
Soft tissue free flap for reconstruction of upper extremities: A meta‐analysis on outcome and safety
Authors: Zhang Ying , Gazyakan Emre , Bigdeli Amir K. , Will‐Marks Patrick , Kneser Ulrich , Hirche Christoph
Published: April 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome and safety of free flaps to the upper extremity by pooled, summarized rates, compared with the existing pooled results of the lower extremity from literature, and to improve the level of evidence in a meta‐analysis.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed and Embase was conducted addressing publications between January 2000 and April 2018. Publications were selected by inclusion/exclusion criteria on safety and outcome. Postoperative complications were statistically analyzed: flap loss, vessel thrombosis; recipient‐site infection, hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, dysesthesia; donor‐site morbidity.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐nine patients with 283 free flaps from 23 publications were extracted and eligible for this meta‐analysis. The predominant donor site was the lower extremity (56%), with the anterolateral thigh flap as the major workhorse (30%). The summarized rate of total and partial flap loss was 6.0% (95% CI = 3.0–9.0%, PQ = 1.0000) and 8.0% (95% CI = 6.0–13.0%, PQ = 0.9973), respectively. The rate of arterial and venous thrombosis was 5.0% (95% CI = 3.0–9.0%, PQ = 0.9999) and 8.0% (95% CI = 9.0–37.0%, PQ = 0.9804), respectively. Complication rates of recipient site were: early infection with 7.0% (95% CI = 4.0–11.0%, PQ = 0.9788), hematoma with 6.0% (95% CI = 3.0–8.0%, PQ = 1.0000), seroma with 6.0% (95% CI = 4.0–10.0%, PQ = 0.9948), dehiscence with 7.0% (95% CI = 4.0–11.0%, PQ = 0.9988), and dysesthesia with 6% (95% CI = 4.0–10.0%, PQ = 0.9988). The rate of donor‐site morbidity was 14% (95% CI = 8.0–21.0%, PQ = 0.0895).

Conclusions

Soft tissue free flaps to the upper extremity have comparable success rates, but higher perioperative complication rates (e.g., partial flap loss, infection, and wound dehiscence) compared to the pooled data of lower extremity reconstruction from existing meta‐analysis.
4D flow imaging with 2D‐selective excitation
Authors: Wink Clarissa , Ferrazzi Giulio , Bassenge Jean Pierre , Flassbeck Sebastian , Schmidt Simon , Schaeffter Tobias , Schmitter Sebastian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

4D flow MRI permits to quantify non‐invasively time‐dependent velocity vector fields, but it demands long acquisition times. 2D‐selective excitation allows to accelerate the acquisition by reducing the FOV in both phase encoding directions. In this study, we investigate 2D‐selective excitation with reduced FOV imaging for fast 4D flow imaging while obtaining correct velocity quantification.

Methods

Two different 2D‐selective excitation pulses were designed using spiral k‐space trajectories. Further, their isophase time point was analyzed using simulations that considered both stationary and moving spins. On this basis, the 2D‐selective RF pulses were implemented into a 4D flow sequence. A flow phantom study and seven 4D flow in vivo measurements were performed to assess the accuracy of velocity quantification by comparing the proposed technique to non‐selective and conventional 1D slab‐selective excitation.

Results

The isophase time point for spiral 2D‐selective RF pulses was found to be located at the end of excitation for both stationary and moving spins. Based on that, 2D‐selective excitation with reduced FOV allowed us to successfully quantify velocities both in a flow phantom and in vivo. In a flow phantom, the velocity difference between the smaller reduced FOV and the reference scan was similar to the inter‐scan variability of . In vivo, the differences in flow (P = 0.995) and flow volume (P = 0.469) between the larger reduced FOV and the reference scan were non‐significant. By reducing the FOV by two‐thirds, acquisition time was halved.

Conclusion

A reduced field‐of‐excitation allows to limit the FOV and therefore shorten 4D flow acquisition times while preserving successful velocity quantification.
Mental health professionals' perceived clinical utility of the ICD‐10 vs. ICD‐11 classification of personality disorders
Authors: Hansen Signe Joost , Christensen Sune , Kongerslev Mickey T. , First Michael B. , Widiger Thomas A. , Simonsen Erik , Bach Bo
Published: April 2019

Aim

The ICD‐11 classification of personality disorders (PDs) has adopted a dimensional approach which includes three levels of severity (mild, moderate and severe) with the option of specifying five trait qualifiers (negative affectivity, detachment, dissociality, disinhibition and anankastia) and one borderline pattern qualifier. This study examined mental health professionals' perceived clinical utility of the ICD‐11 PD framework compared with the ICD‐10 categorical PD framework.

Method

A sample of 163 mental health professionals (primarily psychologists, nurses and medical doctors) completed a survey in which they were asked to apply the ICD‐10 and ICD‐11 PD classifications on one of their patients followed by judgement of their clinical utility.

Results

The ICD‐11 PD framework was generally rated as being slightly more useful than the ICD‐10 framework even when accounting for educational background and years of experience. This advantage particularly involved the utility for treatment planning, communicating with patients, comprehensiveness and ease of use. The two frameworks showed no significant differences with respect to utility for communicating with other professionals and describing global personality.

Conclusion

This study provided initial evidence that mental health professionals perceive the ICD‐11 PD classification as slightly more useful for clinical practice than the ICD‐10 classification. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatically catalyzed CO2‐H2O equilibration for oxygen isotope analyses of aqueous samples
Authors: Randazzo Nicolas , Kim Sang‐Tae , Knyf Martin
Published: April 2019

Rationale

The classic CO2‐H2O equilibration method is a very popular technique for the measurement of the oxygen isotope composition of aqueous samples in stable isotope geochemistry. This study examined whether enzymatically controlled CO2‐H2O equilibration by carbonic anhydrase (CA) could reduce the time for oxygen isotope equilibrium between CO2 and H2O at 25°C.

Methods

Four types of aqueous samples containing CA were equilibrated with CO2 gases using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer equipped with an automated gas sample collection device. We examined the effect of CA concentration in an aqueous sample, the influence of drying technique for the preparation of sample vials containing dried CA, the age of CA stock solution, and the ionic strength and the oxygen isotope composition of aqueous samples.

Results

CA rapidly catalyzed the oxygen isotope exchange between CO2 and H2O and was unaffected by drying technique or stock solution age. Compared with aqueous samples with no CA or 0.2 μmolal CA, samples containing 4 μmolal CA significantly reduced the CO2‐H2O equilibration time for deionized water and artificial seawater (ionic strength = ~0.6) from ~19 h and ~23 h to ~0.30 h and ~0.77 h, respectively at 25°C.

Conclusions

This enzymatically catalyzed CO2‐H2O equilibration method is time‐efficient, cost‐effective, requires no additional data correction procedure, and can be used for most commercially available CO2‐H2O equilibration devices without any modification.
Precise Patterning of Organic Semiconductor Crystals for Integrated Device Applications
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Deng Wei , Jia Ruofei , Zhang Xiaohong , Jie Jiansheng
Published: April 2019

Development of high‐performance organic electronic and optoelectronic devices relies on high‐quality semiconducting crystals that have outstanding charge transport properties and long exciton diffusion length and lifetime. To achieve integrated device applications, it is a prerequisite to precisely locate the organic semiconductor crystals (OSCCs) to form a specifically patterned structure. Well‐patterned OSCCs can not only reduce leakage current and cross‐talk between neighboring devices, but also facilely integrate with other device elements and their corresponding interconnects. In this Review, general strategies for the patterning of OSCCs are summarized, and the advantages and limitations of different patterning methods are discussed. Discussion is focused on an advanced strategy for the high‐resolution and wafer‐scale patterning of OSCC by a surface microstructure‐assisted patterning method. Furthermore, the recent progress on OSCC pattern‐based integrated circuities is highlighted. Finally, the research challenges and directions of this young field are also presented.
The Challenge of Lithium Metal Anodes for Practical Applications
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Luo Yang , Zhang Hongzhang , Qu Chao , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: April 2019

Lithium metal anodes are considered as the “Holy Grail” to achieve high energy density of rechargeable batteries. In the past 50 years, enormous progress has been made to solve the long‐term disturbing issues of poor safety and cyclic stability for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, there is still a long distance to realize the application of LMBs. In this review, the mechanisms of dendrite growth and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) properties are first summarized to figure out the impact factors of the two issues. Advanced strategies are subsequently discussed by regulating different impact factors like current density, overpotential, and interfacial properties. To promote the practical application of LMBs, it is concluded that future research should focus on constructing robust SEI layers, either in liquid electrolytes or solid‐state electrolytes. Moreover, promising research directions and development suggestions are also provided in this review.
Optimizing process parameters for the adsorption of phosphorus from synthetic wastewater on coconut shell based activated carbon
Authors: Babayemi Akinpelu K , Onukwuli Okechukwu D , Okewale Akindele O , Adesina Olusola A
Published: April 2019

Activated carbon was prepared from coconut shell, an agricultural waste, for the removal of phosphorus from synthetic phosphorus‐containing wastewater. The activated carbon obtained from the coconut shell was characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Batch mode experiments were conducted to study the effects of pH, particle size, adsorbent dosage, and sorption time on the adsorptive potential of the prepared activated carbon. Response surface methodology was employed to study the interactions among the variables and to optimize the process conditions for the maximum removal of phosphorus using the coconut shell–based activated carbon (CNS). The characterization results from the FTIR showed the presence of variety of functional groups, such as −OH, −NH, C=O, C−H, C−N, CH3, and CH2, which explains the CNS's improved adsorption behavior on the colloidal particles. A maximum performance of 95.22% was obtained for CNS at the optimum conditions of adsorbent dosage = 1,000 milligrams (local variable), pH 2 (local variable), particle size = 0.2 millimeters (local variable), and sorption time = 4.2 hours (global variable).
The effects of test scores and truancy on youth unemployment and inactivity: a simultaneous equations approach
Authors: Bradley Steve , Crouchley Rob
Published: April 2019

We analyse the relationships between test scores, truancy and labour market outcomes for youths. Our econometric approach enables us to disentangle the observable direct and indirect effects of truancy and test scores on the risk of unemployment or ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’ (NEET) from their unobserved effects. Using data for England and Wales, we show that models of youth unemployment and NEET that ignore the correlation between the unobservable determinants of test scores and truancy will lead to misleading inference about the strength of their effects. Truancy has an indirect observed effect on labour market outcomes via its effect on test scores, and a weak direct effect. The unobserved component of truancy has a direct effect on labour market outcomes. Test scores have a direct effect on those outcomes, but also mitigate the detrimental effects of truancy. Our analysis raises important implications for education policy.
The Clinical Implications of Peripancreatic Fluid Collection After Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Yoshino Jun , Ban Daisuke , Ogura Toshiro , Ogawa Kosuke , Ono Hiroaki , Mitsunori Yusuke , Kudo Atsushi , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy (DP) remains an unsolved problem, and postoperative CT imaging often demonstrates fluid collection (FC) around the pancreatic remnant. This study sought to clarify the clinical implications of FC.

Methods

This study enrolled 146 patients who underwent DP. FC was defined as a cyst‐like lesion ≥ 10 mm in diameter on CT imaging at postoperative day (POD) 7. FC size, irregularity of FC margin, and air bubbles in FC were investigated. In addition, clinical data were retrospectively collected, and useful predictive factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were analyzed.

Results

Clinically relevant POPF was observed in 26 patients (17.8%), and FC was detected in 136 patients (94.4%). Multivariate analysis identified FC size and drain amylase levels on POD3 as significant risk factors for POPF. Cutoff values were determined by ROC analyses, and the levels of the FC size and drain amylase on POD3 were determined as 41 mm and 1026 IU/L, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of FC diameters > 41 mm were 76.9% and 75.0%, respectively, while those of drain amylase levels > 1026 IU on POD3 were 73.1% and 75.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

While treating some FCs after DP was necessary for the management of POPF, others did not require any intervention since most of them spontaneously disappeared. FC size and drain amylase levels on POD3 were found to be significantly associated with POPF and could potentially help to determine appropriate treatment.
The treatment gap for mental disorders and associated factors in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kagstrom Anna , Alexova Aneta , Tuskova Eva , Csajbók Zsófia , Schomerus Georg , Formanek Tomas , Mladá Karolína , Winkler Petr , Cermakova Pavla
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

To assess the extent of the treatment gap for mental disorders in the Czech Republic, determine factors associated with the utilization of mental health services and explore what influences willingness to seek mental health care.

Methods:

Data from the CZEch Mental health Study, a nationally representative study of community-dwelling adults in the Czech Republic were used. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview assessed the presence of mental disorders. 659 participants with current affective, anxiety, alcohol use and substance use disorders were studied.

Results:

The treatment gap for mental disorders ranged from 61% for affective to 93% for alcohol use disorders. Mental health service use was associated with greater disability (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.05; p < 0.001), female gender (OR 3.31; 95% CI 1.97–5.57; p < 0.001), urban residence (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.12–3.04; p < 0.05) and a higher number of somatic diseases (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.03–1.67; p < 0.05). Self-identification as having a mental illness was associated with greater willingness to seek a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

Conclusions:

The treatment gap for mental disorders is alarmingly high in the Czech Republic. Interventions to decrease it should target in particular rural areas, men and people with low self-identification as having a mental illness.
The social studies teacher-coach: A quantitative analysis comparing coaches and non-coaches across how/what they teach
Authors: Knowles Ryan T. , Hawkman Andrea M. , Nielsen Sarah R.
Published: April 2019

This quantitative study of 3557 high school teachers from 44 states assesses the implications of the social studies teacher-coach. The study compares social studies teacher-coaches and non-coaches in terms of teacher demographics and school contexts, disciplines taught, and instructional preferences. Substantial differences between coaches and non-coaches were found across gender, community type, and teaching experiences. Teacher-coaches disproportionately taught general classes such as government, Economics, and Geography, while non-coaches are more likely to teach Advanced Placement courses. Finally, self-report data measuring teacher's instructional preferences indicates that teacher-coaches were more likely to indicate implementation of lectures, textbooks, worksheets, and videos, while non-coaches were more likely to indicate preference for examining photographs, artifacts, or primary materials.
Vaginal Diazepam for Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Pharmacokinetic Profile
Authors: Larish Alyssa M. , Dickson Rozalin R. , Kudgus Rachel A. , McGovern Renee M. , Reid Joel M. , Hooten W. Michael , Nicholson Wayne T. , Vaughan Lisa E. , Burnett Tatnai L. , Laughlin-Tommaso Shannon K. , Faubion Stephanie S. , Green Isabel C.
Published: April 2019

Background

Vaginal diazepam is frequently used to treat pelvic floor tension myalgia and pelvic pain despite limited knowledge of systemic absorption.

Aim

To determine the pharmacokinetic and adverse event profile of diazepam vaginal suppositories.

Methods

We used a prospective pharmacokinetic design with repeated assessments of diazepam levels. Eight healthy volunteers were administered a 10-mg compounded vaginal diazepam suppository in the outpatient gynecologic clinic. Serum samples were collected at 0, 45, 90, 120, and 180 minutes; 8, 24, and 72 hours; and 1 week following administration of a 10-mg vaginal suppository. The occurrence of adverse events was assessed using the alternate step and tandem walk tests, the Brief Confusion Assessment Method, and numerical ratings. Plasma concentrations of diazepam and active long-acting metabolites were measured. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by standard noncompartmental methods.

Results

The mean peak diazepam concentration (Cmax) of 31.0 ng/mL was detected at a mean time (Tmax) of 3.1 hours after suppository placement. The bioavailability was found to be 70.5%, and the mean terminal elimination half-life was 82 hours. The plasma levels of temazepam and nordiazepam peaked at 0.8 ng/mL at 29 hours and 6.4 ng/mL at 132 hours, respectively. Fatigue was reported by 3 of 8 participants.

Clinical Implications

Serum plasma concentrations of vaginally administered diazepam are low; however the half-life is prolonged.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths include use of inclusion and exclusion criteria aimed at mitigating clinical factors that could adversely impact diazepam absorption and metabolism, and the use of an ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS assay. Limitations included the lack of addressing the efficacy of vaginal diazepam in lieu of performing a pure pharmacokinetic study with healthy participants.

Conclusion

Vaginal administration of diazepam results in lower peak serum plasma concentration, longer time to peak concentration, and lower bioavailability than standard oral use. Providers should be aware that with diazepam’s long half-life, accumulating levels would occur with chronic daily doses, and steady-state levels would not be reached for up to 1 week. This profile would favor intermittent use to allow participation in physical therapy and intimacy.
Dietary Modification is Associated with Normalization of Penile Hemodynamics in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Huang Yun-Ching , Ho Dong-Ru , Lin Jian-Hui , Huang Kuo-Tsai , Chen Chih-Shou , Shi Chung-Sheng
Published: April 2019

Background

Diet is associated with self-reported indices of sexual health. The mechanisms responsible for these changes remain poorly understood.

Aim

To investigate the hemodynamic and histological impact of dietary change in a rat model of hyperlipidemia-associated erectile dysfunction.

Methods

40 2-month old male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. 10 rats were fed a diet of standard chow and served as negative controls (N group). The remaining 30 age-matched rats were divided at random into 3 groups: (i) high-fat diet for 5 months starting at age 5 months (H group); (ii) high-fat diet for 5 months starting at age 4 months followed by 1 month of standard chow (H+N1M group); and (iii) high-fat diet for 5 months starting at age 2 months followed by 3 months of standard chow (H+N3M group). All rats underwent erectile function testing and sacrifice at age 10 months.

Outcomes

Intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured to evaluate erectile function. Blood samples were collected to measure serum testosterone and lipid levels, and penile tissue specimens were obtained for histological examination.

Results

Total body weight, low-density lipoprotein, and serum glucose were significantly higher in the H group compared with the N and H+N3M groups. Serum high-density lipoprotein level was significantly lower in the H group compared with the N and H+N3M groups. The mean ICP/MAP ratio was significantly lower in the H group compared with the N and H+N3M groups (0.33 ± 0.05 vs 0.79 ± 0.07 vs 0.73 ± 0.13; P < .05 for both). Markers for intracorporal neuronal nitric oxide synthase and endothelial cells were more weakly expressed in the H group compared with the N and H+N3M groups. There was no significant difference in smooth muscle content among the groups. Mean cavernosal oxidative stress and the apoptotic index were significantly higher in the H group compared with the N and H+N3M groups. No significant between-group differences were noted with respect to serum testosterone; the H group had significantly higher serum glucose and low-density lipoprotein levels, effects that were partially mitigated in the H +N1M and H+N3M groups.

Clinical Translation

Administration of a healthy diet is associated with normalization of functional and histological penile defects associated with a high-fat diet.

Strengths & Limitations

Metabolic changes were clearly linked to functional improvements in penile blood flow. Differences between rat and human lipoprotein metabolism are a limitation of this study.

Conclusion

Dietary changes may have positive effects on penile hemodynamics in a rat model of hyperlipidemia-associated erectile dysfunction.
Challenges of Remote Medical Care in South Sudan: Centipede Bites
Authors: Pallett Scott J.C. , Dickson Nicola , Moles Iain
Published: April 2019

Centipede bites are a constant risk throughout tropical regions and have the rare potential for systemic side effects. We report a case of multiple centipede bites in South Sudan that was complicated by severe pain refractory to opioid analgesia and an unusual association with acute involuntary muscle contractions. Treatment with local anesthetic, antihistamines, and corticosteroids was effective. This report aims to add to the local literature; because of decades of internal conflict and poor infrastructure, reporting of health data from South Sudan is severely lacking. Further investigation into the pharmacological variation and activity of toxic peptides in centipede venom is recommended. As it stands, this case provides additional information on potential effects of centipede envenomation that should be useful to any healthcare providers preparing for the delivery of remote medical care throughout the Great Upper Nile region.
BASE Jumping Injuries Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States: an Assessment of Morbidity, Emergency Department, and Inpatient Costs
Authors: Forrester Joseph D. , Yelorda Kirbi , Tennakoon Lakshika , Spain David A. , Staudenmayer Kristan
Published: April 2019

Background

BASE (building, antenna, span, earth) jumping involves jumping from fixed objects with specialized parachutes. BASE jumping is associated with less aerodynamic control and flight stability than skydiving because of the lower altitude of jumps. Injuries and fatalities are often attributed to bad landings and object collision.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2010–2014 National Emergency Department Sample database, a nationally representative sample of all visits to US emergency departments (EDs). BASE jumping-associated injuries were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes [E004.0]. Outcomes evaluated included morbidity, mortality, inpatient admission, and costs. Adjusted analyses accounting for survey methodology were performed.

Results

After weighting, 1790 BASE-associated ED presentations were identified with 358±28 injuries annually. A total of 1313 patients (73%) were aged 18 to 44 y, and 1277 (71%) were male. Nine hundred seventy-six (55%) multiple body system injuries and 677 (38%) isolated extremity injuries were reported. There were 1588 (89%) patients discharged home from the ED; only 144 (7%) were admitted as inpatients. On multivariate logistic regression, only anatomic site of injury was associated with inpatient admission (odds ratio=0.6, P<0.001, 95% CI 0.5–0.8). Including ED and inpatient costs, BASE injuries cost the US healthcare system approximately $1.7 million annually. No deaths were identified within the limitations of the survey design.

Conclusions

Although deemed one of the most dangerous extreme sports, many patients with BASE injuries surviving to arrival at definitive medical care do not require inpatient admission.
TeaH (Turn ‘em around Healing): a therapeutic model for working with traumatised children on Aboriginal communities
Authors: Moss Michelle , Lee Anthony Duwun
Published: April 2019

Aboriginal children in Australia are over-represented in both the child protection and juvenile justice systems. Using Western therapeutic models of practice with Aboriginal people who live in remote communities can be highly problematic. Moreover, the historical legacy of past and present legislation, government interventions and racist service provision needs to be acknowledged and addressed prior to any service implementation. This paper presents a therapeutic model of practice that incorporates Aboriginal concepts of healing and spirit within a creative therapeutic framework. It will demonstrate how the model works through principles of community engagement and capacity building, enabling the provision of a culturally derived therapeutic intervention that involves a synergy of both Aboriginal- and Western-based healing practices. The findings from the implementation of the TeaH model affirm the need to incorporate Aboriginal concepts of healing, spirit and creative therapies into mainstream practice with Aboriginal people.
Perinçek v. Switzerland (Eur. Ct. H.R.)
Authors: Belavusau Uladzislau
Published: April 2019

On October 15, 2015, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights delivered its judgment in the case of Perinçek v. Switzerland. The judgment contested a criminal provision applied in Switzerland against a Turkish politician who had publicly denied a historical fact of the Armenian genocide. Notwithstanding variations in reasoning, the outcome in the Grand Chamber is similar to the previous decision of the Chamber on this case in 2013. The Swiss criminal provision applied in the context of the denial of the Armenian genocide was again found irreconcilable with freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Quasilinear perturbed equilibria of resistively unstable current carrying plasma
Authors: Hu Di , Zakharov Leonid E.
Published: April 2019

A formalism for consideration of island formation is presented using a model of a cylindrical resistively unstable plasma. Both current and pressure driven island formation at resonant surfaces are considered. The proposed formalism of perturbed equilibria avoids problems typical for linear analysis of resistive magneto-hydrodynamic instabilities related to extraction of the so-called small solution near the resonant surfaces. The matching technique of this paper is not sensitive to configuration parameters near the resonant surfaces. The comparison of the perturbed equilibrium method with the frequently used quasilinear mode analysis based on a perturbed averaged current density profile shows that the latter is limited in its applicability and underestimates the stability. Presented here for a cylindrical case, the perturbed equilibrium technique can be used in toroidal perturbed equilibrium codes with minor modifications.
Drift Instabilities in Thin Current Sheets Using a Two‐Fluid Model With Pressure Tensor Effects
Authors: Ng Jonathan , Hakim Ammar , Juno J. , Bhattacharjee A.
Published: April 2019

The integration of kinetic effects in fluid models is important for global simulations of the Earth's magnetosphere. We use a two‐fluid 10‐moment model, which includes the pressure tensor and has been used to study reconnection, to study the drift kink and lower hybrid drift instabilities. Using a nonlocal linear eigenmode analysis, we find that for the kink mode, the 10‐moment model shows good agreement with kinetic calculations with the same closure model used in reconnection simulations, while the electromagnetic and electrostatic lower hybrid instabilities require modeling the effects of the ion resonance using a Landau fluid closure. Comparisons with kinetic simulations and the implications of the results for global magnetospheric simulations are discussed.
Solar Flares Increase Radiation Risk on Commercial Aircraft
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: April 2019

A new study quantifies how space weather may affect polar transcontinental flight.
Initial experience of dedicated breast PET imaging of ER+ breast cancers using [F-18]fluoroestradiol
Authors: Jones Ella F. , Ray Kimberly M. , Li Wen , Chien Amy J. , Mukhtar Rita A. , Esserman Laura J. , Franc Benjamin L. , Seo Youngho , Pampaloni Miguel H. , Joe Bonnie N. , Hylton Nola M.
Published: April 2019

Dedicated breast positron emission tomography (dbPET) is an emerging technology with high sensitivity and spatial resolution that enables detection of sub-centimeter lesions and depiction of intratumoral heterogeneity. In this study, we report our initial experience with dbPET using [F-18]fluoroestradiol (FES) in assessing ER+ primary breast cancers. Six patients with >90% ER+ and HER2− breast cancers were imaged with dbPET and breast MRI. Two patients had ILC, three had IDC, and one had an unknown primary tumor. One ILC patient was treated with letrozole, and another patient with IDC was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy without endocrine treatment. In this small cohort, we observed FES uptake in ER+ primary breast tumors with specificity to ER demonstrated in a case with tamoxifen blockade. FES uptake in ILC had a diffused pattern compared to the distinct circumscribed pattern in IDC. In evaluating treatment response, the reduction of SUVmax was observed with residual disease in an ILC patient treated with letrozole, and an IDC patient treated with chemotherapy. Future study is critical to understand the change in FES SUVmax after endocrine therapy and to consider other tracer uptake metrics with SUVmax to describe ER-rich breast cancer. Limitations include variations of FES uptake in different ER+ breast cancer diseases and exclusion of posterior tissues and axillary regions. However, FES-dbPET has a high potential for clinical utility, especially in measuring response to neoadjuvant endocrine treatment. Further development to improve the field of view and studies with a larger cohort of ER+ breast cancer patients are warranted.
Selective HDAC6 inhibitors improve anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy by decreasing the anti-inflammatory phenotype of macrophages and down-regulation of immunosuppressive proteins in tumor cells
Authors: Knox Tessa , Sahakian Eva , Banik Debarati , Hadley Melissa , Palmer Erica , Noonepalle Satish , Kim Jennifer , Powers John , Gracia-Hernandez Maria , Oliveira Vasco , Cheng Fengdong , Chen Jie , Barinka Cyril , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier , Lee Norman H. , Kozikowski Alan , Villagra Alejandro
Published: April 2019

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved in diverse cellular regulatory mechanisms including non-canonical functions outside the chromatin environment. Several publications have demonstrated that selective HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) can influence tumor immunogenicity and the functional activity of specific immune cells. In particular, the selective inhibition of HDAC6 has been reported to decrease tumor growth in several malignancies. However, there is still no clarity about the cellular components mediating this effect. In this study, we evaluated the HDAC6i Nexturastat A as a priming agent to facilitate the transition of the tumor microenvironment from “cold” to “hot”, and potentially augment immune check-point blockade therapies. This combination modality demonstrated to significantly reduce tumor growth in syngeneic melanoma tumor models. Additionally, we observed a complete neutralization of the up-regulation of PD-L1 and other immunosuppressive pathways induced by the treatment with anti-PD-1 blockade. This combination also showed profound changes in the tumor microenvironment such as enhanced infiltration of immune cells, increased central and effector T cell memory, and a significant reduction of pro-tumorigenic M2 macrophages. The evaluation of individual components of the tumor microenvironment suggested that the in vivo anti-tumor activity of HDAC6i is mediated by its effect on tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages, and not directly over T cells. Overall, our results indicate that selective HDAC6i could be used as immunological priming agents to sensitize immunologically “cold” tumors and subsequently improve ongoing immune check-point blockade therapies.
Systematic assessment of the clinicopathological prognostic significance of tissue cytokine expression for lung adenocarcinoma based on integrative analysis of TCGA data
Authors: Dong Yuanmei , Liu Yang , Bai Hui , Jiao Shunchang
Published: April 2019

Dysregulated intratumoral immune reactions are shaped by complex networks of cytokines, which coordinate with tumor cells to determine tumor progression and aggressiveness. In lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the role of intratumoral cytokine gene expression for stratifying prognosis has not been systematically investigated. Using high-dimensional datasets of cancer specimens from clinical patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we explored the transcript abundance and prognostic impact of 27 clinically evaluable cytokines in 500 LUAD tumor samples according to clinicopathological features and two common driver mutations (EGFR and KRAS). We found that reduced expression of IL12B presented as the single prognostic factor for both poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) with high hazard ratios. Moreover, we identified that elevated expression of IL6, CXCL8 and CSF3 were additional independent predictors of poor RFS in LUAD patients. Their prognostic significance was further strengthened by their ability to stratify within clinicopathological factors. Notably, we prioritized high risk cytokines for patients with or without mutations in EGFR and KRAS. Our results provide integrative associations of cytokine gene expression with patient survival and tumor recurrence and demonstrate the necessity and validity of relating clinicopathological and genetic disposition factors for precise and personalized disease prognosis.
Simple fluorometric-based assay of antibiotic effectiveness for Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms
Authors: Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Hurst Cameron , Pearson Lachlan , Saethang Thammakorn , Singkham-in Uthaibhorn , Luk-in Sirirat , Storer Robin James , Chatsuwan Tanittha
Published: April 2019

Despite strengthened antimicrobial therapy, biofilm infections of Acinetobacter baumannii are associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Assessing antibiotics on planktonic bacteria can result in failure against biofilm infections. Currently, antibiotics to treat biofilm infections are administered empirically, usually without considering the susceptibility of the biofilm objectively before beginning treatment. For effective therapy to resolve biofilm infections it is essential to assess the efficacy of commonly used antibiotics against biofilms. Here, we offer a robust and simple assay to assess the efficacy of antibiotics against biofilms. In the present work, we carefully optimized the incubation time, detection range, and fluorescence reading mode for resazurin-based viability staining of biofilms in 96-well-plates and determined minimal biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) for A. baumannii isolates from patients with chronic infection. By applying this assay, we demonstrated that antibiotic response patterns varied uniquely within the biofilm formation of various clinical samples. MBEC-50 and 75 have significant discriminatory power over minimum inhibitory concentrations for planktonic suspensions to differentiate the overall efficiency of an antibiotic to eradicate a biofilm. The present assay is an ideal platform on which to assess the efficacy of antibiotics against biofilms in vitro to pave the way for more effective therapy.
Risks of hydroclimatic regime shifts across the western United States
Authors: Gangopadhyay Subhrendu , McCabe Gregory , Pederson Gregory , Martin Justin , Littell Jeremy S.
Published: April 2019

Paleohydrologic reconstructions of water-year streamflow for 105 sites across the western United States (West) were used to compute the likelihood (risk) of regime (wet/dry state) shifts given the length of time in a specific regime and for a specified time in the future. The spatial variability of risks was examined and indicates that regime shift risks are variable across the West. The Pacific-Northwest region is associated with low risks of regime shifts, indicating persistence controlled by prevalent low frequency variability in flow (periods above 64 years). Other areas in the West indicate higher risks compared to the Pacific-Northwest due to flow variability in the mid-to-high frequencies (periods of 32 to 16 years). Understanding risks of regime shifts provides critical information for improved management of water supplies, particularly during periods of extended low flows. The method presented here has global applicability as a decision-making framework for risk-based planning and management.
On Behind the Physics of the Thermoelectricity of Topological Insulators
Authors: Baldomir Daniel , Faílde Daniel
Published: April 2019

Topological Insulators are the best thermoelectric materials involving a sophisticated physics beyond their solid state and electronic structure. We show that exists a topological contribution to the thermoelectric effect that arises between topological and thermal quantum field theories applied at very low energies. This formalism provides us with a quantized topological mass proportional to the temperature T leading, through an electric potential V, to a Seebeck coefficient where we identify an anomalous contribution that can be associated to the creation of real electron-hole Schwinger’s pairs close to the topological bands. Finally, we find a general expression for the dimensionless figure of merit of these topological materials, considering only the electronic contribution, getting a value of 2.73 that is applicable to the Bi2Te3, for which it was reported a value of 2.4 after reducing its phononic contribution, using only the most basic topological numbers (0 or 1).
Line-Field Optical Coherence Tomography as a tool for In vitro characterization of corneal biomechanics under physiological pressures
Authors: Kazaili Ahmed , Lawman Samuel , Geraghty Brendan , Eliasy Ashkan , Zheng Yalin , Shen Yaochun , Akhtar Riaz
Published: April 2019

There has been a lot of interest in accurately characterising corneal biomechanical properties under intraocular pressure (IOP) to help better understand ocular pathologies that are associated with elevated IOP. This study investigates the novel use of Line-Field Optical Coherence Tomography (LF-OCT) as an elastographic tool for accurately measuring mechanical properties of porcine corneas based on volumetric deformation following varying IOPs. A custom-built LF-OCT was used to measure geometrical and corneal surface displacement changes in porcine corneas under a range of IOPs, from 0–60 mmHg. Corneal thickness, elastic properties and hysteresis were calculated as a function of pressure. In addition, the effects of hydration were explored. We found that the elastic modulus increased in a linear fashion with IOP. Corneal thickness was found to reduce with IOP, decreasing 14% from 0 to 60 mmHg. Prolonged hydration in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was found to significantly increase the elastic modulus and corneal hysteresis. Our study demonstrates that LF-OCT can be used to accurately measure the elastic properties based on volumetric deformation following physiological pressures. Furthermore, we show that prolonged hydration in PBS has a significant effect on the measured corneal properties.