bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive manufacturing and biomechanical validation of a patient‐specific diabetic insole
Authors: Peker Ayfer , Aydin Levent , Kucuk Serdar , Ozkoc Guralp , Cetinarslan Berrin , Canturk Zeynep , Selek Alev
Published: February 2020

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that lower extremity amputation (LEA) rate of per 1000 diabetic patients is 18.4 because of the complications that first appeared in the foot. A second amputation is also required for 9% to 17% of these patients within the same year although LEA may be preventable. Most of the diabetic foot conditions may be prevented and treated by a therapeutic footwear or a medical device such as an insole or an orthotic shoe. Traditional insole manufacturing is a laborious work that requires specific skills. Moreover, traditional approaches contain harmful material particles that may cause respiratory failure. Unfortunately, manufactured insoles may not be suitable for any mass‐produced footwear in all cases. Therefore, patient requires to get insole‐specific footwear. In this study, a diabetic insole was manufactured by means of a fused deposition modeling‐(FDM) based system and a thermoplastic polymer. Biomechanical functionality was determined according to the applied polymer analysis on each produced sample and foam material. Subsequently, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to target insole geometry to ensure the quality of the final medical product. Additive and traditional manufactured insoles are compared according to the cost and function. As a result, fabrication of an insole, based on the FDM method, was improved down to 8 h and 9 m. The weight of an insole prototype was 74.74 g, and the material cost was $3.44 while total cost of the traditional foam casting was determined as $35.37 and weight of the insole was 72.6 g for this study. Consequently, benefits of the applied method are evaluated.
Polyethyleneoxide‐b‐poly(isopropyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers as novel material for ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Gaalken Janina , Ulbricht Mathias
Published: February 2020

Amphiphilic polyethyleneoxide‐b‐poly(isopropyl methacrylate) (PEO‐b‐PiPMA) diblock copolymers (BCP) with different molar masses are synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). For that functionalized PEO monomethyl ether with two different molar masses, 10 and 20 kDa, are used as macroinitiator to obtain BCP in a molar mass range relevant for membrane fabrication. The BCP are used in the nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) with the aim to obtain isoporous ultrafiltration membranes due to combination with its self‐assembling properties (SNIPS). In various experiments, a strong effect of PEO homopolymer (hPEO) on the membrane formation process can be proven in which fractions of BCP with low molar mass might also play a role. These impurities are left in the BCP after ATRP due to incomplete purification. Under specific conditions, they induce formation of void‐like superstructures on the membrane surface and in the cross section by a templating mechanism. Probably, large compound micelles play a key role in this scenario hindering the favored SNIPS process. The superstructure formation can be avoided by extensive purification of the BCP via dialysis or extraction. From the purified polymers, self‐supported ultrafiltration membranes with an integrated hydrophilic component are successfully fabricated. Although they do not lead to isoporous surfaces after semiempirical determination of suitable solvent systems for the SNIPS process, there are convincing indications that the trade‐off relation between selectivity and permeability can be overcome. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. , 2020, 58, 2561–2574
Preparation of Ta(Ph)‐Fe/AP Composite Microspheres by Ultrasonic Spray Drying and Characterization of Their Catalytic Properties
Authors: Song Naimeng , Yang Li , Liu Pingan
Published: February 2020

In this study, the ultrasonic spray drying technology was applied to prepare composite microspheres of catalyst (Ta−Fe, Ph−Fe) and AP. The surface morphology of the two composite microspheres was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their particle size distribution characteristics were tested by a nano laser particle size analyzer. The results showed that the spray drying technology can uniformly compound the AP and the catalyst into spherical particles. The thermal decomposition process of Ta(Ph)‐Fe/AP composite microspheres were tested by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC data demonstrated that Ta(Ph)‐Fe/AP composite microsphere had a very good catalytic effect and significantly promoted the thermal decomposition process of AP. In addition, the catalytic mechanism was discussed by calculating the change in activation energy. Compared with the raw AP, the activation energies of the Ta−Fe/AP and Ph−Fe/AP composite microspheres were reduced by 18.5 kJ/mol and 28.1 kJ/mol, respectively.
Quantum Simulation of Non‐Perturbative Cavity QED with Trapped Ions
Authors: Jaako Tuomas , Garcia‐Ripoll Juan José , Rabl Peter
Published: February 2020

The simulation of non‐perturbative cavity‐QED effects is discussed using systems of trapped ions. Specifically, the implementation of extended Dicke models with both collective dipole‐field and direct dipole–dipole interactions is addressed, which represent a minimal set of models for describing light–matter interactions in the ultrastrong and deep‐strong coupling regime. It is shown that this approach can be used in state‐of‐the‐art trapped ion setups to investigate excitation spectra or the transition between sub‐ and superradiant ground states, which are currently not accessible in any other physical system. The analysis also reveals the intrinsic difficulty of accessing this non‐perturbative regime with larger numbers of dipoles, which makes the simulation of many‐dipole cavity QED a particularly challenging test case for future quantum simulation platforms.
Structural elucidation of hydroxy fatty acids by photodissociation mass spectrometry with photolabile derivatives
Authors: Narreddula Venkateswara R. , Sadowski Pawel , Boase Nathan R.B. , Marshall David L. , Poad Berwyck L.J. , Trevitt Adam J. , Mitchell Todd W. , Blanksby Stephen J.
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Eicosanoids are short‐lived bio‐responsive lipids produced locally from oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) via a cascade of enzymatic or free radical reactions. Alterations in the composition and concentration of eicosanoids are indicative of inflammation responses and there is strong interest in developing analytical methods for the sensitive and selective detection of these lipids in biological mixtures. Most eicosanoids are hydroxy FAs (HFAs), which present a particular analytical challenge due to the presence of regioisomers arising from differing locations of hydroxylation and unsaturation within their structures.

Methods

In this study, the recently developed derivatization reagent 1‐(3‐(aminomethyl)‐4‐iodophenyl)pyridin‐1‐ium (4‐I‐AMPP+) was applied to a representative set of HFAs including bioactive eicosanoids. Photodissociation (PD) mass spectra obtained at 266 nm of 4‐I‐AMPP+‐modified HFAs exhibit abundant product ions arising from photolysis of the aryl–iodide bond within the derivative with subsequent migration of the radical to the hydroxyl group promoting fragmentation of the FA chain and facilitating structural assignment.

Results

Representative polyunsaturated HFAs (from the hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid families) were derivatized with 4‐I‐AMPP+ and subjected to a reversed‐phase liquid chromatography workflow that afforded chromatographic resolution of isomers in conjunction with structurally diagnostic PD mass spectra.

Conclusions

PD of these complex HFAs was found to be sensitive to the locations of hydroxyl groups and carbon–carbon double bonds, which are structural properties strongly associated with the biosynthetic origins of these lipid mediators.
Full robotic ALPPS for HCC with intrahepatic portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Assirati Giacomo , Magistri Paolo
Published: February 2020

Background

The associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) technique can induce a greater degree of hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) in a shorter time compared with other procedures. A robotic approach may reduce the complication rate, increasing the ability to perform classic ALPPS.

Methods

We report technical and clinical considerations on the first full robotic ALPPS (stages 1 and 2) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein intrahepatic tumor thrombus.

Results

The patient was a 38‐year‐old man with Milan‐out HCC and FLR volume of 19.6%. On postoperative day (POD) 8, FLR increased to 37%; therefore, he underwent completion of ALPPS on POD 10. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in good general conditions on POD 3.

Conclusion

Robotic ALPPS is safe and feasible for selected patients with initially unresectable HCC or requiring extended resections, with good postoperative outcomes.
Stereochemistry and Antioxidant Activity of 1,3‐Diol Derivatives of Diacetylcurcumin‐4H: A Joint NMR, X‐Ray, and Biological Approach
Authors: Alvarez‐Ricardo Yair F. , Sánchez‐López Dylan M. , Meza‐Morales William E. , Obregón‐Mendoza Marco A. , Arias‐Olguín Imilla I. , Nieto‐Camacho Antonio , Toscano Rubén A. , Enríquez Raúl G.
Published: February 2020

The stereochemistry of two new 1,3‐diol curcuminoid derivatives, ((3R*,5R*)‐3,5‐dihydroxyheptane‐1,7‐diyl) bis (2‐methoxy‐4,1‐phenylene) diacetate namely rac‐6, its acetylated derivative, (3R*,5R*)‐1,7‐bis(4‐acetoxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl) heptane‐3,5‐diyl diacetate (rac‐7) and the diastereomeric model compound 1,3‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,3‐propanediol (rac‐2) were investigated through their X‐ray crystal structures and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Achiral compounds diacetylcurcumin (4) and diacetylcurcumin‐4H (5), crystallized in the Sohncke space group P21 allowed its unambiguous stereochemical assignment. The unit cell of tetraacetylated compound rac‐7 consists of a co‐crystal of two conformers and constitute a rare case of conformational isomorphism composed by TTTTTT and TTTTGT conformers in a 1:1 stoichiometric proportions. The antioxidant activity of each pair of derivatives was investigated and a significant difference in activity was found for tetraacetylated pairs rac‐7/(3R,5 S)‐1,7‐bis(4‐acetoxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl) heptane‐3,5‐diyl diacetate (meso‐7) and cyclic sulfites (((4R*,6R*)‐2‐oxido‐1,3,2‐dioxathiane‐4,6‐diyl) bis (ethane‐2,1‐diyl)) bis (2‐methoxy‐4,1‐phenylene) diacetate (rac‐8)/(((4 S,6R)‐2‐oxido‐1,3,2‐dioxathiane‐4,6‐diyl) bis (ethane‐2,1‐diyl)) bis (2‐methoxy‐4,1‐phenylene) diacetate (meso‐8). The present study addresses the stereochemistry and biological activity of these types of compounds.
Analysis of Charge Storage Behavior in Redox‐electrolyte Based Battery‐like‐systems: A Case Study on Zr‐doped Ceria
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Rao G. Ranga , Thomas Tiju
Published: February 2020

Redox‐additives are used as a cost‐effective means to improve low‐temperature charge‐storage capacity for aqueous‐supercapacitors. From a technology‐development standpoint, there are challenges associated with a lack of standard techniques to measure the redox‐additive based device‐parameters. This, in turn, yields a relatively poor understanding of the charge‐storage processes, especially in battery‐like supercapacitors. With this as a backdrop, this work undertakes an analysis of Ce0.9Zr0.1O2@Ni‐foam/KOH‐K3Fe(CN)6 electrode/electrolyte system. Here, a method is presented that enables the delineation of the contribution of the effective‐mass of the redox‐additive on the electrode‐surface. This method demonstrates that the effective electrolyte‐mass has a ∼38.5 to ∼15% contribution toward charge‐storage with increasing scan rates (1 to 80 mV s−1). The diffusion‐controlled trends are duly analyzed using the well‐established Trasatti analysis; these also serve as a reasonable benchmark for the method reported here. Hence the method is expected to be of use for other hybrid‐supercapacitor systems as well.
Nanopore‐Based Protein Sequencing Using Biopores: Current Achievements and Open Challenges
Authors: Asandei Alina , Di Muccio Giovanni , Schiopu Irina , Mereuta Loredana , Dragomir Isabela S. , Chinappi Mauro , Luchian Tudor
Published: February 2020

The synergy of life sciences discoveries, biomolecular and protein engineering advances, and groundbreaking nanofabrication technologies, has introduced over the past years the wide use of the nanopore‐based investigations of matter at the molecular level. This review focuses on the fundamental principles of α‐hemolysin (α‐HL) protein‐based nanopores, as sensitive investigative tools that combine single‐molecule detection with the ability to simultaneously manipulate single molecules, in otherwise complex samples. Herein, there are presented some of the efforts directed to control the capture dynamics and translocation speed of tailored polypeptides through the α‐HL nanopore, by harnessing the electro‐osmotic flow and nanopore‐tweezing influence on individual molecules, which are engineered to resemble macrodipoles. The reported applications of this approach suggest a solution to enhance the temporal resolution of nanopore detection, prove the capability of the system in distinguishing between groups of distinct amino acids from the studied polypeptides, and propose a strategy to translate such single‐molecule sensors in devices suitable for polypeptide sequencing at unimolecular level.
Numerical Simulation of the Magneto‐Hydrodynamic Two‐Phase Flow and Heat Transfer during Electroslag Remelting Hollow Ingot Process
Authors: Liu Fu-Bin , Yu Jia , Li Hua-Bing , Jiang Zhou-Hua , Geng Xin
Published: February 2020

The electroslag remelting hollow ingot process is a new technology, which is considered a promising method to manufacture the superior hollow ingot. Herein, a coupling multiphysical fields mathematical model is developed to investigate the magneto‐hydrodynamic two‐phase flow and heat transfer phenomena. A laboratory scale experiment is conducted to validate the model. The results indicate that the molten slag flows around the electrodes at the edge of slag bath. Under the electrode tip, the flow of molten slag is dominated by the dropping of metal droplets, with a maximum velocity of 0.12 m−1 s−1. The temperature is not uniform in the circumference direction due to the nonuniform arrangement of the electrodes. The behavior of metal droplets is similar to that in a traditional electroslag remelting process, with a final velocity of 0.44 m−1 s−1 and a final temperature of 1858 K. In addition, the heat flow at the ingot/external mold interface is 3–5 times larger than that at the ingot/inner mold interface. The heat flow at the slag/metal pool interface takes 42.6% of total power input, and the heat of metal droplets takes 28.6% of that, both of which are the main heat resources for metal pool.
Nitrite‐shunt and biological phosphorus removal at low dissolved oxygen in a full‐scale high‐rate system at warm temperatures
Authors: Jimenez Jose , Wise George , Regmi Pusker , Burger Gillian , Conidi Daniela , Du Weiwei , Dold Peter
Published: February 2020

This study presents results from the City of St. Petersburg's (Florida) Southwest Water Reclamation Facility. This high‐rate BNR plant (SRT ~ 5 days; HRT < 8 hr) achieves combined bioP and shortcut simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) via nitrite in a simple BNR configuration—an anaerobic–aerobic (A/O) process without mixed liquor recycle and a 25% unaerated fraction. N removal to low effluent and nitrate and nitrite (

 + 

) concentrations occurs mainly via SND by operating the aerated zone at low DO, but still achieving near‐complete ammonium (

) removal. Despite the low DO operation, very good bioP performance is achieved. Full‐scale performance data and detailed bench‐scale testing were conducted to assess the nitrogen and phosphorus removal at low DO conditions. Full‐scale results showed that the plant achieves effluent total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations of approximately 2.0 mgN/L and 0.5 mgP/L, respectively, at an average influent C:N ratio of 7:1 mgCOD:mgN.

Practitioner points

Simple anaerobic–aerobic (A/O) process demonstrated combined N and P removal

Ammonia oxidation was not hampered by low DO (<0.5 mg/L) operation

Low DO (<0.5 mg/L) operation sustained SND via nitrite pathway in a high‐rate process (HRT < 6 hr)

P uptake was demonstrated at low DO which counters to the widely held understanding that high DO (>1.5 mg/L) is necessary

Heterotrophic consumption of nitrite at low DO was the key to the out‐selection of nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria
Stimuli‐activatable nanomedicines for chemodynamic therapy of cancer
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Jin Yilan , Xu Zhiai , Liu Xiao , Bajwa Sadia Z. , Khan Waheed S. , Yu Haijun
Published: February 2020

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) takes the advantages of Fenton‐type reactions triggered by endogenous chemical energy to generate highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals. As a novel modality for cancer treatment, CDT shows minimal invasiveness and high tumor specificity by responding to the acidic and the highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide microenvironment of tumor. The CDT approach for spatiotemporal controllable reactive oxygen species generation exhibits preferable therapeutic performance and satisfying biosafety. In this review article, we summarized the recent advances of stimuli‐activatable nanomedicines for CDT. We also overviewed the strategies for augmenting CDT performance, including increasing the catalytic efficacy through rational design of the nanomaterials, modulating the reaction condition, inputting external energy field, and regulating the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discussed the potential and challenges of stimuli‐activatable nanomedicine for clinical translation and future development of CDT.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Introduction
Authors: Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: February 2020

This book gathers studies from across Europe and Israel. It present the latest insights in studies on family dynamics from a European perspective. The book covers both macro and micro level studies and deals with causes and consequences of uncoupling. The long-term research agenda for divorce researchers is promising and bursting with new opportunities, new challenges and new exciting discoveries to be made. This book is a first step in this direction showing the newest developments collected in one volume.
Post-Divorce Dual-Household Living Arrangements and Adolescent Wellbeing
Authors: Fallesen Peter , Gähler Michael
Published: February 2020

Adolescents are increasingly living in two households, alternating between family contexts. It is timely to consider how these contexts may affect adolescent’s psychological wellbeing. We use data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries (CILS4EU), England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, including data on occurrence and extent of dual-household residency, to correlate 15 family types with adolescent’s internalizing problems, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Analyses show that (i) adolescents in intact families exhibit better wellbeing than peers in different types of dissolved families, (ii) adolescents in reconstituted families exhibit less wellbeing than adolescents living with a single parent only, (iii) living in two households, where both parents are single or either of them is repartnered, is not associated with better wellbeing than living with a single parent only, (iv) adolescents in alternate living generally seem to do as well as their peers in intact families, but (v) there is a tendency that alternate living in a symmetrical family context, i.e., where both parents are either single or living with a new partner, is more positive for the adolescent than if one parent is in a new relationship and the other is not.
Gray Divorce and Social and Emotional Loneliness
Authors: Högnäs Robin S.
Published: February 2020

Research consistently shows an association between marriage and divorce and long-term health, including mental health outcomes linked to loneliness and depression. And, recent evidence suggests that divorce at midlife and older, or so-called “gray divorce” has increased while divorce at younger ages has decreased. Using data from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (NKPS), this chapter explores the association between marital status and social and emotional loneliness, emphasizing gray divorce. Contrary to expectations, compared to those continuously married (e.g., never divorced), gray divorce is not associated significantly with social loneliness, but divorce prior to midlife is. On the other hand, those who divorced prior to and after midlife were emotionally lonelier than those continuously married, regardless of birth cohort and remarriage. In addition, compared to their married counterparts of the same age, there was no association between divorce and social loneliness for women, but there was for men who divorced both before and after midlife. Among only the divorced group, gray divorce (versus younger divorce) was not associated significantly with social nor emotional loneliness for women or men. Also among only those who divorced, gray divorced men (versus younger divorced men) were less emotionally lonely, but this finding was not statistically significant.
Finite family groups for fermionic and leptoquark mixing patterns
Authors: Bernigaud Jordan , de Medeiros Varzielas Ivo , Talbert Jim
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We employ a bottom-up and model-independent technique to search for non-Abelian discrete flavour symmetries capable of predicting viable CKM and PMNS matrices alongside of special patterns of leptoquark couplings. In particular, we analyze patterns de- rived when an ultra-violet flavour theory is assumed to break to global Abelian symmetries in Standard Model fermion masses and new Yukawa-like terms sourced by the leptoquark representation. The phenomenology of different classes of these ‘simplified models’ can be explored without reference to explicit model-building assumptions, e.g. the nature of flavour symmetry breaking or any additional field content associated to it, and are also capable of explaining hints of lepton non-universality in

$$ {\mathcal{R}}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

K

∗

. Assuming experimentally interesting CKM and PMNS matrix elements, our algorithm finds an abundance of predictive non-Abelian flavour groups and therefore provides promising directions for future model building in the flavoured leptoquark space, regardless of whether the anomalous

$$ {\mathcal{R}}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

K

∗

measurements withstand further experimental scrutiny.
Dosimetric comparison of organs at risk using different contouring guidelines for definition of the clinical target volume in anal cancer
Authors: Dapper Hendrik , Oechsner Markus , Münch Stefan , Diehl Christian , Peeken Jan C. , Borm Kai , Combs Stephanie E.
Published: February 2020

Background

There are different contouring guidelines for definition of the clinical target volume (CTV) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) of anal cancer (AC). We conducted a planning comparison study to evaluate and compare the dose to relevant organs at risk (OARs) while using different CTV definitions.

Methods

Twelve patients with a primary diagnosis of anal cancer, who were treated with primary chemoradiation (CRT), were selected. We generated four guideline-specific CTVs and subsequently planned target volumes (PTVs) on the planning CT scan of each patient. An IMRT plan for volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) was set up for each PTV. Dose parameters of the planned target volume (PTV) and OARs were evaluated and compared, too.

Results

The mean volume of the four PTVs ranged from 2138 cc to 2433 cc. The target volumes contoured by the authors based on the recommendations of each group were similar in the pelvis, while they differed significantly in the inguinal region. There were no significant differences between the four target volumes with regard to the dose parameters of the cranially located OARs. Conversely, some dose parameters concerning the genitals and the skin varied significantly among the different guidelines.

Conclusion

The four contouring guidelines differ significantly concerning the inguinal region. In order to avoid inguinal recurrence and to protect relevant OARs, further investigations are needed to generate uniform standards for definition of the elective clinical target volume in the inguinal region.
Conformal equivalence of visual metrics in pseudoconvex domains
Authors: Capogna Luca , Le Donne Enrico
Published: February 2020

We refine estimates introduced by Balogh and Bonk, to show that the boundary extensions of isometries between bounded, smooth strongly pseudoconvex domains in $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

are conformal with respect to the sub-Riemannian metric induced by the Levi form. As a corollary we obtain an alternative proof of a result of Fefferman on smooth extensions of biholomorphic mappings between bounded smooth pseudoconvex domains. The proofs are inspired by Mostow’s proof of his rigidity theorem and are based on the asymptotic hyperbolic character of the Kobayashi or Bergman metrics and on the Bonk-Schramm hyperbolic fillings.
The radiosensitizer Onalespib increases complete remission in 177Lu-DOTATATE-treated mice bearing neuroendocrine tumor xenografts
Authors: Lundsten Sara , Spiegelberg Diana , Raval Nakul R. , Nestor Marika
Published: February 2020

Purpose

177Lu-DOTATATE targeting the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) is utilized for treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Onalespib, a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor, has demonstrated radiosensitizing properties and may thus enhance the effect of177Lu-DOTATATE. Consequently, the aim of this study was to assess the potential of Onalespib in combination with177Lu-DOTATATE in vivo and to examine the toxicity profiles of the treatments.

Methods

177Lu-DOTATATE selectivity and distribution in NET xenografts were studied using biodistribution and autoradiography. Therapeutic effects of Onalespib in combination with177Lu-DOTATATE were studied in NET xenografts. Histological analyses were used to assess molecular effects from treatment and to establish toxicity profiles.

Results

Biodistribution and autoradiography confirmed the SSTR-selective tumor uptake of177Lu-DOTATATE, which was unaffected by Onalespib treatment. Immunohistochemistry verified molecular responses to Onalespib therapy in the tumors. While Onalespib and177Lu-DOTATATE monotherapies resulted in a 10% and 33% delay in tumor doubling time compared with control, the combination treatment resulted in a 73% delayed tumor doubling time. Moreover, combination treatment increased complete remissions threefold from177Lu-DOTATATE monotherapy, resulting in 29% complete remissions. In addition, histological analyses demonstrated radiation-induced glomerular injury in the177Lu-DOTATATE monotherapy group. The damage was decreased tenfold in the combination group, potentially due to Onalespib-induced HSP70 upregulation in the kidneys.

Conclusion

Treatment with Onalespib potentiated177Lu-DOTATATE therapy of NET xenografts with a favorable toxicity profile. Utilizing Onalespib’s radiosensitizing properties with177Lu-DOTATATE may lead to better therapeutic results in the future and may reduce unwanted side effects in dose-limiting organs.
Everyone has Their Role to Play During the World Health Organisation Surgical Safety Checklist in Australia: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Taplin Christina , Romano Linda , Tacey Mark , Hodgson Russell
Published: February 2020

Background

The World Health Organisation Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) is a mandated part of surgical practice. Adherence to the SSC has been shown to result in improved patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the current adherence to the timeout section of the SSC and, in particular, the function of individual team members.

Methods

A prospective pre‐ and post‐intervention observational audit was conducted on the timeout section. The intervention involved an in‐hospital display of interim results and distribution to theatre staff. Data were collected on participants, duration and compliance with checklist items for 400 theatre cases. There were 200 cases before and after the intervention.

Results

There were no cases in which the timeout section was completed correctly in its entirety. Post‐intervention, there was a significant improvement in participation of theatre staff (excluding surgeons) as well as a significant improvement in items discussed and documented. Discussion of items such as anticipated critical events, pressure areas and the team introduction remained low. Some items on the checklist were discussed significantly more when a particular staff member participated.

Conclusion

Observed completion rates of the timeout section of the SSC were poor. Individual team members positively influenced checklist items more aligned to their role, highlighting the importance of timeout being performed by the entire theatre team. Improved performance was seen following audit and feedback.
Surgical Repair of Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and safety of Suprarenal Aortic Clamping
Authors: Jeong Seonjeong , Kwon Tae‐Won , Han Youngjin , Cho Yong‐Pil
Published: February 2020

Background

Juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) comprises 15–20% of all AAAs and often requires open surgical repair (OSR) due to anatomical limitations associated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), particularly in the case of hostile proximal necks. This study aimed to evaluate short‐ and long‐term outcomes of suprarenal clamping during OSR of juxtarenal AAAs and compare the outcomes of this technique with those of infrarenal clamping for AAAs.

Methods

Between January 1 2014, and December 31 2016, 289 consecutive patients aged ≥40 years underwent primary repair for infrarenal AAAs, including 141 OSRs and 148 EVARs. Of the 141 patients, 20 were excluded and totally, 121 patients were included.

Results

All patients had fusiform‐type AAAs and were divided into infrarenal (N = 98) or suprarenal (N=23) clamp groups. The mean follow‐up period was 51.4 months (95% CI: 48.6–54.2). Mean survival time was 51.4 months (95% CI: 48.6–54.2). Thirty‐day mortality was 0.8%, and there was no significant difference between two groups (P >. 999). Renal complication in infrarenal clamp group was 4.1% and suprarenal clamp group was 4.3% (P >. 999). Old age (HR: 1.084; 95% CI: 1.025–1.147; P=.005) and high ASA score (HR: 2.361; 95% CI: 1.225–4.553; P =. 010) were substantially associated with in‐hospital complications.

Conclusions

Although endovascular procedures for repairing juxtarenal AAAs, such as fenestrated EVAR, have been developed, surgical repair is the standard treatment for juxtarenal AAAs. Morbidity and mortality due to open surgery were not higher in the juxtarenal AAA group than in the infrarenal AAA group. Therefore, need for suprarenal clamp should not preclude OSR and also there is continued need for training in surgical exposure of juxtarenal AAA and OSR.
Amplitude and Frequency Variation in Nonlinear Glucose Dynamics with Multiple Delays via Periodic Perturbation
Authors: Bridgewater Adam , Huard Benoit , Angelova Maia
Published: February 2020

Characterising the glycemic response to a glucose stimulus is an essential tool for detecting deficiencies in humans such as diabetes. In the presence of a constant glucose infusion in healthy individuals, it is known that this control leads to slow oscillations as a result of feedback mechanisms at the organ and tissue level. In this paper, we provide a novel quantitative description of the dependence of this oscillatory response on the physiological functions. This is achieved through the study of a model of the ultradian oscillations in glucose-insulin regulation which takes the form of a nonlinear system of equations with two discrete delays. While studying the behaviour of solutions in such systems can be mathematically challenging due to their nonlinear structure and non-local nature, a particular attention is given to the periodic solutions of the model. These arise from a Hopf bifurcation which is induced by an external glucose stimulus and the joint contributions of delays in pancreatic insulin release and hepatic glycogenesis. The effect of each physiological subsystem on the amplitude and period of the oscillations is exhibited by performing a perturbative analysis of its periodic solutions. It is shown that assuming the commensurateness of delays enables the Hopf bifurcation curve to be characterised by studying roots of linear combinations of Chebyshev polynomials. The resulting expressions provide an invaluable tool for studying the interplay between physiological functions and delays in producing an oscillatory regime, as well as relevant information for glycemic control strategies.
Severely restricting energy intake for 24 h does not affect markers of bone metabolism at rest or in response to re-feeding
Authors: Clayton David J. , James Lewis J. , Sale Craig , Templeman Iain , Betts James A. , Varley Ian
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Intermittent energy restriction commonly refers to ad libitum energy intake punctuated with 24 h periods of severe energy restriction. This can improve markers of metabolic health but the effects on bone metabolism are unknown. This study assessed how 24 h severe energy restriction and subsequent refeeding affected markers of bone turnover.

Methods

In a randomised order, 16 lean men and women completed 2, 48 h trials over 3 days. On day 1, participants consumed a 24 h diet providing 100% [EB: 9.27 (1.43) MJ] or 25% [ER: 2.33 (0.34) MJ] of estimated energy requirements. On day 2, participants consumed a standardised breakfast (08:00), followed by an ad libitum lunch (12:00) and dinner (19:30). Participants then fasted overnight, returning on day 3. Plasma concentrations of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were assessed as indices of bone metabolism after an overnight fast on days 1–3, and for 4 h after breakfast on day 2.

Results

There were no differences between trials in fasting concentrations of CTX, P1NP or PTH on days 1–3 (P > 0.512). During both trials, consuming breakfast reduced CTX between 1 and 4 h (P < 0.001) and PTH between 1 and 2 h (P < 0.05), but did not affect P1NP (P = 0.773) Postprandial responses for CTX (P = 0.157), P1NP (P = 0.148) and PTH (P = 0.575) were not different between trials. Ad libitum energy intake on day 2 was greater on ER [12.62 (2.46) MJ] than EB [11.91 (2.49) MJ].

Conclusions

Twenty-four hour severe energy restriction does not affect markers of bone metabolism.
Common and distinct brain functional alterations in pharmacotherapy treatment-naïve female borderline personality disorder patients with and without auditory verbal hallucinations: a pilot study
Authors: Zhuo Chuanjun , Ji Feng , Lin Xiao , Tian Hongjun , Wang Lina , Xu Yong , Wang Wenqiang , Zhong Baoliang , Lin Xiaodong
Published: February 2020

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are experienced by approximately 25% of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Despite the high incidence, the pathological features of AVH in BPD remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whole-brain functional connectivity (FC), as measured by functional connectivity density (FCD), and its relationship with AVH in BPD. 65 pharmacotherapy treatment-naïve female BPD patients (30 with AVH and 35 without AVH), and 35 female healthy controls were investigated. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected to assess whole-brain FC and functional connectivity density mapping (FCDM) was applied to the fMRI data to compute FCD features. Compared to the healthy controls, both BPD groups (BPD–AVH and BPD without AVH) exhibited significantly higher gFCD values in the bilateral prefrontal lobe, bilateral orbital lobule, and bilateral insula, and significantly lower gFCD values in the SMA, right anterior temporal lobule, and the ACC. These altered regions were significantly associated with AVH in the BPD subjects. Moreover, higher gFCD values were observed in the left posterior temporal lobule and posterior frontal lobule. Aberrant alterations also emerged in the left posterior temporal lobule and posterior frontal lobule, mainly in Broca and Wernicke regions. Nevertheless, there was no significant correlation between gFCD values and the severity of AVH as measured by the AVH scores. In summary, we have identified aberrations in the FC and brain metabolism of the aforementioned neural circuits/networks, which may provide new insights into BPD–AVH and facilitate the development of therapeutic approaches for treating AVH in BPD patients.
Enhancing geological and hydrogeological understanding of the Precipice Sandstone aquifer of the Surat Basin, Great Artesian Basin, Australia, through model inversion of managed aquifer recharge datasets
Authors: Hayes Phil , Nicol Chris , La Croix Andrew D. , Pearce Julie , Gonzalez Sebastian , Wang Jiahao , Harfoush Ahmed , He Jianhua , Moser Andrew , Helm Lauren , Morris Ryan , Gornall David
Published: February 2020

The Precipice Sandstone is a major Great Artesian Basin aquifer in the Surat Basin, Queensland, Australia, which is used for water supply and production of oil and gas. This report describes use of observed groundwater pressure responses to managed aquifer recharge (MAR) at a regional scale to test recent geological descriptions of Precipice Sandstone extent, and to inform its hydrogeological conceptualisation. Since 2015, two MAR schemes have injected over 20 GL of treated water from coal seam gas production into the Precipice Sandstone, with pressure responses rapidly propagating over 100 km, indicating high aquifer diffusivity. Groundwater modelling of injection and inversion of pressure signals using PEST software shows the spatial variability of aquifer properties, and indicates that basin in-situ stresses and faulting exert control on permeability. Extremely high permeability, up to 200 m/day, occurs in heavily fractured regions with a dual-porosity flow regime. The broader-scale estimates of permeability approach an order of magnitude higher than previous studies, which has implications for the management of water resources in the Precipice Sandstone. Results also show the Precipice Sandstone to have broadly isotropic permeability. The results also support a recent geological interpretation of the Precipice Sandstone as having more limited lateral extent than initially considered. The study shows the effective use of MAR injection data to improve geological and hydrogeological understanding through groundwater model inversion. It also demonstrates the utility of combining hydrogeological and reservoir-engineer datasets in areas explored and developed for both groundwater resources and oil and gas resources.
Investigation and assessment of pre-grouted rock mass
Authors: Strømsvik Helene , Gammelsæter Bjørnar
Published: February 2020

Pre-grouting is a technique for reducing water ingress into tunnels and caverns by grouting fractures and joints prior to excavation. This study investigates pre-grouted rock mass to evaluate grout penetration in fractures and transmissivity of water in the rock mass surrounding the built tunnel, with the use for core drilling, OTV, high-precision water injection tests and core logging. The study was performed in three tunnel localities, in tunnels excavated in connection with the Follo Line project in Norway, where pre-grouting was performed using cement-based grouts. It was found less cement than expected in fractures with small apertures, compared with results of grout penetrability in laboratory studies of similar grouts. Further, it was found that fractures in coarse-grained rock types had rougher fracture surfaces and higher hydraulic apertures, than fractures in fine-grained rock types. It was also found that fractures with smoother surfaces had smaller hydraulic apertures in general. Hydraulic jacking was evidenced during the pre-grouting in this area, which is likely to have contributed to unnecessary high grout consumption.
From high- to one-dimensional dynamics of decision making: testing simplifications in attractor models
Authors: Schoemann Martin , Scherbaum Stefan
Published: February 2020

Computational models introduce simplifications that need to be understood and validated. For attractor models of decision making, the main simplification is the high-level representation of different sub-processes of the complex decision system in one dynamic description of the overall process dynamics. This simplification implies that the overall process dynamics of the decision system are independent from specific values handled in different sub-processes. Here, we test the validity of this simplification empirically by investigating choice perseveration in a nonverbal, value-based decision task. Specifically, we tested whether choice perseveration occurred irrespectively of the attribute dimension as suggested by a simulation of the computational model. We find evidence supporting the validity of the simplification. We conclude that the simplification might capture mechanistic aspects of decision-making processes, and that the summation of the overall process dynamics of decision systems into one single variable is a valid approach in computational modeling. Supplement materials such as empirical data, analysis scripts, and the computational model are publicly available at the Open Science Framework (osf.io/7fb5q).
Using the visitor-employed photography method to analyse deadwood perceptions of forest visitors: a case study from Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
Authors: Rathmann Joachim , Sacher Philipp , Volkmann Norman , Mayer Marius
Published: February 2020

This study investigates visitors’ perceptions and preferences regarding the characteristics of deadwood in the Bavarian Forest National Park (SE-Germany). Visitor-employed photography has been used to collect information about visitors’ preferences. Deadwood is the second most photographed forest element which underlines its important role in forest perception. Even though deadwood photographs are evaluated significantly worse than most other forest elements, most visitors nevertheless associate deadwood photographs with a positively rated forest image. Based on the relationship between aesthetics and recreation revealed in the interviews, it can be concluded that the forest path during the hike was both pleasant and restful. This is confirmed by the post-trip interviews, showing that a higher proportion of deadwood is associated with more aesthetics or recreational value. Regarding deadwood structure results show that deadwood fragments and debris are perceived negatively, while root stocks were assessed more positively. We also found a gradient with positive evaluations increasing with progressing decomposition.
Synergistic China–US Ecological Research is Essential for Global Emerging Infectious Disease Preparedness
Authors: Smiley Evans Tierra , Shi Zhengli , Boots Michael , Liu Wenjun , Olival Kevin J. , Xiao Xiangming , Vandewoude Sue , Brown Heidi , Chen Ji-Long , Civitello David J. , Escobar Luis , Grohn Yrjo , Li Hongying , Lips Karen , Liu Qiyoung , Lu Jiahai , Martínez-López Beatriz , Shi Jishu , Shi Xiaolu , Xu Biao , Yuan Lihong , Zhu Guoqiang , Getz Wayne M.
Published: February 2020

The risk of a zoonotic pandemic disease threatens hundreds of millions of people. Emerging infectious diseases also threaten livestock and wildlife populations around the world and can lead to devastating economic damages. China and the USA—due to their unparalleled resources, widespread engagement in activities driving emerging infectious diseases and national as well as geopolitical imperatives to contribute to global health security—play an essential role in our understanding of pandemic threats. Critical to efforts to mitigate risk is building upon existing investments in global capacity to develop training and research focused on the ecological factors driving infectious disease spillover from animals to humans. International cooperation, particularly between China and the USA, is essential to fully engage the resources and scientific strengths necessary to add this ecological emphasis to the pandemic preparedness strategy. Here, we review the world’s current state of emerging infectious disease preparedness, the ecological and evolutionary knowledge needed to anticipate disease emergence, the roles that China and the USA currently play as sources and solutions to mitigating risk, and the next steps needed to better protect the global community from zoonotic disease.
Monotone Smoothing Splines with Bounds
Authors: Maad Sasane Sara
Published: February 2020

The problem of monotone smoothing splines with bounds is formulated as a constrained minimization problem of the calculus of variations. Existence and uniqueness of solutions of this problem is proved, as well as the equivalence of it to a finite dimensional but nonlinear optimization problem. A new algorithm for computing the solution which is a spline curve, using a branch and bound technique, is presented. The method is applied to examples in neuroscience and for fitting cumulative distribution functions from data.
Left ventricular mechanical dispersion in flow-gradient patterns of severe aortic stenosis with narrow QRS complex
Authors: Lavall Daniel , Kuprat Linn Kristin , Kandels Joscha , Stöbe Stephan , Hagendorff Andreas , Laufs Ulrich
Published: February 2020

Patients with severe aortic stenosis are classified according to flow-gradient patterns. We investigated whether left ventricular (LV) mechanical dispersion, a marker of dyssynchrony and predictor of mortality, is associated with low-flow status in aortic stenosis. 316 consecutive patients with aortic stenosis and QRS duration < 120 ms were included in the retrospective analysis. Patients with severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area ≤ 1.0 cm2) were classified as normal-flow (NF; stroke volume index > 35 ml/m2) high-gradient (HG; mean transvalvular gradient ≥ 40 mmHg) (n = 79), NF low-gradient (LG) (n = 62), low-flow (LF) LG ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50% (n = 57), and LF LG EF < 50% (n = 23). Patients with moderate aortic stenosis (aortic valve area 1.5–1.0 cm2; n = 95) served as comparison group. Mechanical dispersion (calculated as standard deviation of time from Q/S onset on electrocardiogram to peak longitudinal strain in 17 left ventricular segments) was similar in patients with NF HG (49.4 ± 14.7 ms), NF LG (43.5 ± 12.9 ms), LF LG EF ≥ 50% (47.2 ± 16.3 ms) and moderate aortic stenosis (44.2 ± 15.7 ms). In patients with LF LG EF < 50%, mechanical dispersion was increased (60.8 ± 20.7 ms, p < 0.05 vs. NF HG, NF LG, LF LG EF ≥ 50% and moderate AS). Mechanical dispersion correlated with global longitudinal strain (r = 0.1354, p = 0.0160) and heart rate (r = 0.1587, p = 0.0047), but not with parameters of aortic stenosis. Mechanical dispersion was similar among flow-gradient subgroups of severe aortic stenosis with preserved LVEF, but increased in patients with low-flow low-gradient and reduced LVEF. These findings indicate that mechanical dispersion is rather a marker of systolic myocardial dysfunction than of aortic stenosis.