bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An order parameter without magic angle effect (OPTIMA) derived from dispersion in ordered tissue
Authors: Pang Yuxi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

MR R2 imaging of ordered tissue exhibits the magic angle effect, potentially masking subtle pathological changes in cartilage. This work aimed to develop an orientation‐independent order parameter (S) exclusively sensitive to collagen degeneration.

Methods

A theory was developed based on dispersion coupled with a simplified molecular motion model in which anisotropic became directly proportional to correlation time and S could be derived. This new parameter was validated with ex vivo dispersion reported on orientated (n = 4), enzymatically depleted bovine cartilage (n = 6), and osteoarthritic human knee specimens (n = 14) at 9.4 Tesla, which was further demonstrated on 1 healthy human knee in vivo at 3 Tesla.

Results

from orientation‐dependent dispersion revealed a significantly high average correlation (r = 0.89 ± 0.05, P < 0.05) with (θ) on cartilage samples and a moderate correlation (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) for the human knee in vivo. The derived S (10−3) significantly decreased in advanced osteoarthritis (1.64 ± 0.03 vs. 2.30 ± 0.11, P < 0.001) and collagen‐depleted samples (1.30 ± 0.11 vs. 2.12 ± 0.12, P < 0.001) when compared with early osteoarthritis and the control, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed order parameter could be a potentially useful orientation‐independent MR biomarker for collagen alterations in cartilage and other highly structured tissues.
How well do published randomized controlled trials on pelvic floor muscle training interventions for urinary incontinence describe the details of the intervention? A review
Authors: Charette Marylène , Bérubé Marie‐Ève , Brooks Kaylee , O'Neil Jennifer , Brosseau Lucie , McLean Linda
Published: November 2019

Context

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is strongly recommended for the management of mild to moderate urinary incontinence (UI) in women, yet the specific elements of PFMT that lead to improvement have not been identified. This gap in knowledge may be related, at least in part, to the lack of detail provided on intervention parameters reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

Objective

Using three different instruments: the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT), the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist, and the Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training (CONTENT) scale, the purpose of this study was to assess the completeness of exercise reporting among moderate to high quality RCTs on PFMT for women with UI.

Methods

Two raters independently scored all 65 RCTs (n = 65) retrieved by the most up‐to‐date Cochrane Systematic Review on PFMT for women with UI, and only those of moderate to high quality (>6 on the PEDro scale) were retained. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were scored by two independent reviewers using the CERT, TIDieR, and CONTENT instruments. The completeness of intervention reporting was evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Results

Over half of the items on each instrument were reported less than 50% of the time. Overall, completeness of exercise reporting was 31% (5.8/16 ± 2.4) on CERT, 47% (5.6/12 ± 1.5) on TIDieR, and 46% (4.1/9 ± 1) on CONTENT. The least frequently reported items were the provider of the intervention, the equipment used, the tailoring of exercises, the rationale behind the intervention, and adherence to the intervention.

Conclusion

PFMT parameters are not adequately reported in the primary RCTs that currently guide clinical practice.
A stochastic air combat logistics decision model for Blue versus Red opposition
Authors: Seagren Chad W. , Gaver Donald P. , Jacobs Patricia A.
Published: November 2019

Technologically advanced aircraft rely on robust and responsive logistics systems to ensure a high state of operational readiness. This paper fills a critical gap in the literature for combat models by closely relating effectiveness of the logistics system to determinants of success in combat. We present a stochastic diffusion model of an aerial battle between Blue and Red forces. The number of aircraft of Blue forces aloft and ready to be aloft on combat missions is limited by the maximum number of assigned aircraft, the reliability of aircraft subsystems, and the logistic system's ability to repair and replenish those subsystems. Our parsimonious model can illustrate important trade‐offs between logistics decision variables and operational success.
Approximate solutions to large nonsymmetric differential Riccati problems with applications to transport theory
Authors: Angelova V. , Hached M. , Jbilou K.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider large‐scale nonsymmetric differential matrix Riccati equations with low‐rank right‐hand sides. These matrix equations appear in many applications such as control theory, transport theory, applied probability, and others. We show how to apply Krylov‐type methods such as the extended block Arnoldi algorithm to get low‐rank approximate solutions. The initial problem is projected onto small subspaces to get low dimensional nonsymmetric differential equations that are solved using the exponential approximation or via other integration schemes such as backward differentiation formula (BDF) or Rosenbrock method. We also show how these techniques can be easily used to solve some problems from the well‐known transport equation. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the application of the proposed methods to large‐scale problems.
Gap between college education and clinical practice: Experience of newly graduated nurses
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Sim In Ok
Published: November 2019

Aims

To examine the experience of new nurses working in the neurology ward and the differences between their training and hospital practice.

Design

Qualitative.

Methods

The interviews were conducted from 15 July–28 August 2017, in a quiet and comfortable meeting room at the hospital. Data were collected through interviews with 12 newly graduated nurses working at a neurology ward.

Results

The results yielded four themes: “ineffective learning of nervous system theory in college,” “difference between learning theory and practical application,” “difficulty in nursing intervention for various clinical symptoms” and “need for teaching method based on actual cases.”

Conclusion

The findings can be used for the development of effective nursing education programmes to reduce the gap between theory and practice.
Reliability and validity of the self‐report version of the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire – Revised (EATQ‐R) Short Form in a Turkish sample
Authors: Demirpence Dilara , Putnam Samuel
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the first study to examine the psychometric qualities of a Turkish translation and adaptation of the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire – Revised (EATQ‐R). Participants included 1,109 Turkish adolescents (48.7% females) aged 11 to 15 years. Results showed that internal consistency of the broad EATQ‐R factors ranged from .65 to .74, internal consistency of the 11 fine‐grained scales was comparable to that reported for the original English instrument, and test–retest stability of EATQ‐R scales ranged from .60 to .70. Principal axis factoring of the scales revealed a three‐factor structure (Effortful Control, Surgency, and Affiliativeness) that roughly reflected the structure obtained in U.S. samples. Item‐level factor analysis revealed and confirmed eight factors consistent with a priori scales. Concurrent validity, assessed through correlations between EATQ‐R and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) subscales, found that Effortful Control was negatively correlated with Total Difficulties and Hyperactivity‐Inattention Problems; Effortful Control, Affiliativeness, and Surgency were positively correlated with Prosocial Behaviors; and Frustration was linked to Emotional, Conduct, Hyperactivity‐Inattention, and Total Difficulties. Our results suggest that the EATQ‐R is a useful questionnaire to measure reactive and regulative temperamental traits in Turkish children and adolescents.
Features of anticholinergic prescriptions and predictors of high use in the elderly: Population‐based study
Authors: Joung Kyung‐in , Shin Ju‐Young , Cho Sung‐il
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Older people are especially vulnerable to negative anticholinergic effects. Although anticholinergic drugs are commonly used among older people, drugs with potent antimuscarinic properties are considered as potentially inappropriate medications for older people. Here, we examined features of anticholinergic use and investigated predictors for the high use of strong anticholinergic agents (ACs) in the elderly.

Methods

A total of 388,629 Korean elderly aged ≥70 years were recruited from the 2012 National Health Insurance Service Elderly cohort database. The use of ACs in 2012 was quantitatively assessed by calculating standardized prescribed doses. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of the high use of strong ACs (≥90 doses).

Results

Almost half of the subjects (47.2%) used more than 15 doses of strong ACs during 2012. 17.0% of the subjects had an annual cumulative use of strong ACs over 90 doses. Morbidities such as depression (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.56, 2.48–2.63), Parkinson's disease (2.41, 2.26–2.56), genitourinary diseases (2.12, 2.07–2.16), polypharmacy (3.28, 3.21–3.36), and low income (1.29, 1.25–1.33) were strong predictors of their high use. Antihistamines (chlorpheniramine) and antidepressants (amitriptyline) greatly contributed to the total prescription of strong ACs.

Conclusions

Despite the vulnerability of older people to the adverse reactions of strong ACs, their use seems to be at a high level in terms of cumulative usage among some elderly. More attention should be paid to older people with predictive factors of high use of strong ACs.

Key points

Despite the susceptibility of older people to negative anticholinergic effects, high use of strong anticholinergic agents was is quite frequent; 17.0% of the elderly had an annual cumulative use of these drugs ≥90 doses.

Parkinson's disease, depression, genitourinary diseases, low income, and polypharmacy strongly predicted the high use of strong anticholinergic agents.

A few strong anticholinergic agents, including antihistamines (chlorpheniramine) and antidepressants (amitriptyline), accounted for the majority of medications prescribed.

Understanding the predictors of their high use by medical practitioners may result as more appropriate anticholinergic medications.
Spiegelmeric 4R/S‐hydroxy/amino‐L/D‐prolyl collagen peptides: conformation and morphology of self‐assembled structures
Authors: More Shahaji H , Ganesh Krishna N
Published: November 2019

The primary structure of collagen, the major protein in connective tissue of mammals, comprises of repeating triads [(LPro‐LHyp‐Gly)n, P1, LHyp being 4R‐hydroxy‐lProline)] in a single strand that adopts left‐handed polyproline II type helix. Three such single stranded helices wind around each another and held together by interchain H‐bonds to form right‐handed triple helix. This manuscript reports on collagen derived from its mirror image triad [(DPro‐DHyp‐Gly)n, P2, DHyp being 4S‐hydroxy‐DProline) and its 4‐amino analogue (DPro‐DAmp‐Gly)n P4, DAmp being 4S‐amino‐DProline that form corresponding spiegelmeric triplexes. The amino L‐collagen peptide (LPro‐LAmp‐Gly)n P3 and its D‐analogue P4 show higher thermal stabilities compared to 4‐hydroxy‐lProline collagen peptides P1 and P2. The enantiomeric peptide pairs show mirror image CD profiles and identical thermal stability, with ionizable 4‐amino group in P3 and P4 imparting pH dependent triplex stability. Upon cold mixing of the L‐ and D‐collagen peptides, different morphological nanostructures arise from inter triplex peptide association. When the peptides are hot mixed (annealed), the inter peptide association occurs via interaction of single stranded peptide chains of opposite handedness leading to networked gel formation in P1 and P2, while the charged peptides P3 and P4 show more ordered nanofibers, different from the enantiomerically pure peptides. The nanocomposites of such chiral hybrid peptides may have not only interesting physicomorphology, but also biological properties that need exploration.
For none, one, or two polarities—How do POLO junctions fit best into industrial Si solar cells?
Authors: Peibst Robby , Kruse Christian , Schäfer Sören , Mertens Verena , Bordihn Stefan , Dullweber Thorsten , Haase Felix , Hollemann Christina , Lim Bianca , Min Byungsul , Niepelt Raphael , Schulte‐Huxel Henning , Brendel Rolf
Published: November 2019

We present a systematic study on the benefit of the implementation of poly‐Si on oxide (POLO) or related junctions into p‐type industrial Si solar cells as compared with the benchmark of Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC). We assess three aspects: (a) the simulated efficiency potential of representative structures with POLO junctions for none (=PERC+), one, and for two polarities; (b) possible lean process flows for their fabrication; and (c) experimental results on major building blocks. Synergistic efficiency gain analysis reveals that the exclusive suppression of the contact recombination for one polarity by POLO only yields moderate efficiency improvements between 0.23%abs and 0.41%abs as compared with PERC+ because of the remaining recombination paths. This problem is solved in a structure that includes POLO junctions for both polarities (POLO2), for whose realization we propose a lean process flow, and for which we experimentally demonstrate the most important building blocks. However, two experimental challenges—alignment tolerances and screen‐print metallization of p+ poly‐Si—are unsolved so far and reduced the efficiency of the “real” POLO2 cell as compared with an idealized scenario. As an intermediate step, we therefore work on a POLO IBC cell with POLO junctions for one polarity. It avoids the abovementioned challenges of the POLO2 structure, can be realized within a lean process flow, and has an efficiency benefit of 1.59%abs as compared with PERC—because not only contact recombination is suppressed but also the entire phosphorus emitter is replaced by an n+ POLO junction.
High‐resolution episcopic microscopy enables three‐dimensional visualization of plant morphology and development
Authors: Cinnamon Yuval , Genin Olga , Yitzhak Yiftah , Riov Joseph , David Israel , Shaya Felix , Izhaki Anat
Published: November 2019

The study of plant anatomy, which can be traced back to the seventeenth century, advanced hand in hand with light microscopy technology and relies on traditional histologic techniques, which are based on serial two‐dimensional (2D) sections. However, these valuable techniques lack spatial arrangement of the tissue and hence provide only partial information. A new technique of whole‐mount three‐dimensional (3D) imaging termed high‐resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) can overcome this obstacle and generate a 3D model of the specimen at a near‐histological resolution. Here, we describe the application of HREM technique in plants by analyzing two plant developmental processes in woody plants: oil secretory cavity development in citrus fruit and adventitious root formation in persimmon rootstock cuttings. HREM 3D models of citrus fruit peel showed that oil cavities were initiated schizogenously during the early stages of fruitlet development. Citrus secretory cavity formation, shape, volume, and distribution were analyzed, and new insights are presented. HREM 3D model comparison of persimmon rootstock clones, which differ in their rooting ability, revealed that difficult‐to‐root clones failed to develop adventitious roots due to their inability to initiate root primordia.
Capillary breakup extensional rheometry of sodium carboxymethylcellulose solutions in water and propylene glycol/water mixtures
Authors: Różańska Sylwia , Verbeke Karel , Różański Jacek , Clasen Christian , Wagner Patrycja
Published: November 2019

This article presents the results of capillary break‐up extensional rheometer experiments conducted for semidilute solutions of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (Na‐CMC) with degrees of substitution (DS) ranging from 0.62 to 1.04 in distilled water and propylene glycol (PG)/water mixtures. The partial aggregation of Na‐CMC chains with DS < 1 observed in aqueous solutions triggers an increase in apparent extensional viscosity and extension of break‐up time. The rheological properties of Na‐CMC solutions in propylene glycol/water mixture are determined by the solubility of the polymer and the physical crosslinking of chains. The disappearance of the elasto‐capillary regime during the filament thinning of Na‐CMC solutions with DS < 1 in propylene glycol/water mixture was linked to the physical crosslinking of polymer chains. The shape of the extensional viscosity curve for Na‐CMC solutions with DS = 1.04 in PG/water mixture was characteristic for semidilute polymer solutions with a low number of entanglements. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1537–1547
Application of a pulsed atmospheric arc plasma jet for low‐density polyethylene coating
Authors: Korzec Dariusz , Nettesheim Stefan
Published: November 2019

The development of a method for deposition of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) on rotating three‐dimensional aluminum alloy substrates is presented. LDPE powder with an average diameter of 50 m is dispersed with nitrogen as a carrier gas. This suspension is injected into a plasma plume generated by a pulsed atmospheric arc plasma jet (PAA‐PJ). The optimized PAA‐PJ operating parameters are a pulse frequency of 63 kHz, a power of 1,500 W, a plasma gas (mixture of nitrogen with 3.3% hydrogen) flow of 54 SLM (standard litre per minute), a carrier gas flow of 9 SLM, and a powder rate of up to 5 g/min. The plasma head is moved at 200 mm/s, and the substrate is rotated at 10 rev/min. The net deposition rate reaches 2.5 g/min. A homogeneous, high‐quality film with 1‐mm thickness is deposited on an approximately 100 cm2 substrate surface.
Cover Image, Volume 75, Issue 12
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Yu Linhua , Hsiang Tom , Huang Di , Xu Zhihong , Wu Qinglai , Du Xiaoying , Li Junkai
Published: November 2019

The cover image is based on the Original Article The influence of steric configuration of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid‐amino acid conjugates on fungicidal activity and systemicity by Xiang Zhu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5455.

image
Canopy spray deposition and related mortality impacts of commonly used insecticides on Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) populations in blueberry
Authors: Mermer Serhan , Pfab Ferdinand , Hoheisel Gwen A , Bahlol Haitham Y , Khot Lav , Dalton Daniel T , Brewer Linda J , Rossi Stacconi Marco V , Zhang Chengzhu , Xue Lan , Walton Vaughn M
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Insecticide applications in blueberry production systems play a crucial role in the control of Drosophila suzukii populations. Here, quantitative spray deposition patterns were obtained under replicated field experiments in blueberry during two field seasons with three sprayers, i.e. cannon, electrostatic, and air‐blast. Seven insecticides were tested (at 6 hours using a Potter spray tower) to determine the mortality data for adult D. suzukii. Spray deposition and mortality data for adult D. suzukii were used to create model simulations for insect populations. Model simulations included field deposition rates of sprayers and insecticide mortality as factors. Simulations were applied in different combinations with five applications over a 6‐week period.

RESULTS

Relative deposition rates for the cannon sprayer were elevated in the upper zones of the canopy, whereas for the air‐blast sprayer, deposition was greater in the bottom zones. Electrostatic spray deposition was relatively uniform within the six canopy zones. Clear trends in D. suzukii laboratory mortality were found with lowest to highest mortality recorded for phosmet, spinetoram, spinosad, malathion, cyantraniliprole, zeta‐cypermethrin, and methomyl respectively. Maximum D. suzukii population impacts, as shown by model outputs, were observed with air‐blast sprayers together with zeta‐cypermethrin.

CONCLUSION

The electrostatic sprayer had the least variable canopy deposition among the three types of spray equipment, and the air‐blast sprayer had the highest overall deposition rates. This study provides new hypotheses that can be used for field verification with these spray technologies and insecticides as key factors. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Pinning synchronization of complex delayed dynamical networks via generalized intermittent adaptive control strategy
Authors: Liu Mei , Jiang Haijun , Hu Cheng , Yu Zhiyong , Li Zhanfeng
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the problem of pinning synchronization for delayed complex directed networks via generalized intermittent adaptive control strategy is considered. First, a dynamical mode of delayed network is investigated. Second, a generalized intermittent adaptive control strategy which unified the traditional periodic intermittent control and the aperiodic case is introduced. Additionally, by constructing a piecewise Lyapunov auxiliary function and making use of piecewise analysis technique, some effective and novel criteria to ensure the global synchronization of delayed complex networks based on the designed control protocols are obtained. Finally, an example with numerical simulations is provided to demonstrate the validness of the theoretical results proposed scheme.
When empowered nurses are under stress: Understanding the impact on attitudes and behaviours
Authors: Heron Laura , Bruk‐Lee Valentina
Published: November 2019

The present study examined the role of stress as a moderator on the indirect effect of structural empowerment, through psychological empowerment, on three important nurse‐related outcomes: affective organizational commitment, nursing workarounds, and safety performance. The results demonstrated that structural empowerment and psychological empowerment were positively related to affective organizational commitment and safety performance, whereas neither were significantly related to nursing workarounds. Consistent with previous findings, structural empowerment was also positively correlated with psychological empowerment. Mediation models were predominantly supported, providing evidence for the expanded model of empowerment. Finally, all three moderated mediation models were significant, although the impact of stress on the nursing workaround process was contrary to what was proposed. Findings offer significant implications for both researchers and practitioners, particularly in relation to the importance of workplace empowerment, the role of stress, and the nature of the nursing workarounds construct.
Development and initial validation of the Perceived Scarcity Scale
Authors: DeSousa Maysa , Reeve Charlie L. , Peterman Amy H.
Published: November 2019

Though socio‐economic status (SES) partially explains the experience of stress and health outcomes, most research to date has relied on a small number of traditional indicators that fail to capture the full domain of socioeconomic factors. The recent reconceptualization of perceived scarcity is proposed as a subjective indicator of SES when attempting to predict both stress and health outcomes. Although a conceptualization of perceived scarcity has been advanced, a psychometrically sound scale is needed to assess the utility and scientific import of this concept. No such scale exists. Therefore, the current paper describes the development, psychometric properties, and initial validation of the Perceived Scarcity Scale (PScS). Four studies using traditional scale development processes were employed to develop (Studies 1 and 2) and provide an initial validation (Studies 3 and 4) for the PScS. Results support the existing model of perceived scarcity and indicate that the measure is valid. Moreover, the scale predicted concurrent perceived stress, as well as longitudinal ratings of perceived stress, global health, quality of life, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The development of the new scale provides clinicians and researchers with a brief, validated measure that can assess the level of perceived scarcity individuals currently experience.
Partial factor methods for existing structures according to fib Bulletin 80: Assessment of an existing prestressed concrete bridge
Authors: Gino Diego , Castaldo Paolo , Bertagnoli Gabriele , Giordano Luca , Mancini Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

The assessment of existing reinforced concrete structures is one of the major aspects for engineers and practitioners. In particular, existing infrastructures, as bridges and viaducts, are extensively exposed to environmental actions, materials aging, degradation, and variation of magnitude of traffic loads during their service life. Hence, the assessment of existing structural systems assuming the same criteria conceived for the design (i.e., partial factor method—EN 1990) can be too conservative and, sometimes, may lead to unnecessary and expensive structural interventions. In this context, fib Bulletin 80 defines the partial factor methods suitable for the assessment of existing reinforced concrete structures accounting for their residual service life, information from in situ and laboratory tests, measurements of variable actions and reduced target reliability levels according to both economical and human safety criteria. The methodologies proposed in fib Bulletin 80 have been applied to assess the safety of an existing prestressed reinforced concrete bridge built in 90s and located in Italy. The results are compared to the outcomes from the assessment performed according to EN1990 and, finally, limits and advantages of the methodologies proposed by fib Bulletin 80 are discussed.
Nanocarriers in photodynamic therapy—in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Sztandera Krzysztof , Gorzkiewicz Michał , Klajnert‐Maculewicz Barbara
Published: November 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive technique which has proven to be successful in the treatment of several types of tumors. This relatively simple method exploits three inseparable elements: phototoxic compound (photosensitizer [PS]), light source, and oxygen. Upon irradiation by light with specified wavelength, PS generates reactive oxygen species, which starts the cascade of reactions leading to cell death. The positive therapeutic outcome of PDT may be limited due to several aspects, including low water solubility of PSs, hampering their effective administration and blood circulation, as well as low tumor specificity, inefficient cellular uptake and activation energies requiring prolonged illumination times. One of the promising approaches to overcome these obstacles involves the use of carrier systems modulating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the PSs. In the present review, we summarized current in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the use of nanoparticles as potential delivery devices for PSs to enhance their cellular uptake and cytotoxic properties, and thus—the therapeutic outcome of PDT.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Mitochondrial genetics revisited
Authors: Dujon Bernard
Published: November 2019

Mitochondrial genetics started decades ago with the discovery of yeast mutants that ignored the Mendelian rules of inheritance. Today, the many known DNA sequences of this second eukaryotic genome illustrate its eccentricity in terms of informational content and functional organisation, suggesting a yet incomplete understanding of its evolution. The hereditary transmission of mitochondrial alleles relies on complex mixes of molecular and cellular mechanisms in which recombination and limited sampling, two sources of rapid genetic changes, play central roles. It is also under the influence of invasive genetic elements whose inconstant distribution in mitochondrial genomes suggests rapid turnovers in evolving populations. This susceptibility to changes contrasts with the development of specific functional interactions between the mitochondrial and nuclear genetic compartments, a trend that is prone to limit the genetic exchanges between distinct lineages. It is perhaps this opposition and the discordant inheritance between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes that best explain the maintenance of a second genome and a second independent protein synthesising machinery in eukaryotic cells.
Einleitung
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

Die Idee, mich mit den Auswirkungen der Finanzkrise 2008 und ihren Folgen auf Individuum und Gesellschaft auseinanderzusetzen, reifte in den letzten Jahren. Mir fiel auf, dass selbst bei Menschen mit scheinbar fehlender persönlicher Betroffenheit das Interesse für wirtschaftliche Umgestaltungen stieg und die Suche nach Ursachen, nach Schuldzuschreibungen und Lösungsansätzen nicht mehr allein im Bereich der Ökonomie abgehandelt wurde.
Die Finanzkrise und ihre Folgen: Manifestationen und Repräsentationen der Krise
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

Die WHO (2011) hat darauf hingewiesen, dass die Gefahr von psychischen Krankheiten infolge der Wirtschaftskrise, die in vielen europäischen Ländern mit einem Anstieg der Arbeitslosigkeit, einer Zunahme der in Armut lebenden Menschen und Kürzungen von staatlichen Ausgaben einherging, steigt. Von einem wirtschaftlichen Standpunkt aus gesehen, führt eine erhöhte Zahl an Erkrankungen volkswirtschaftlich zu Produktionsausfällen, die auf durchschnittlich drei bis vier Prozent des Bruttosozialprodukts in der Europäischen Union geschätzt werden (vgl. World Health Organization, 2011, S. 1).
Interviews
Authors: Klug Helga
Published: November 2019

Für die Untersuchung der Forschungsfrage „Inwiefern spiegelt sich die ökonomische Krise mit ihren Folgen in den Repräsentationen des Unbewussten?“ wurde ein qualitativ-empirisches Forschungsdesign gewählt. Im Zeitraum zwischen Jänner und Dezember 2016 habe ich zwölf Interviews geführt, wobei eine Interviewpartnerin ihr Interview nach einem Jahr zurückzog, sodass letztlich elf wörtlich transkribierte Texte in einem Umfang von 303 Seiten für eine Inhaltsanalyse zur Verfügung standen. Die entnommenen Textpassagen wurden im Sinne einer besseren Lesbarkeit im Fließtext von Füllwörtern befreit.
The scales of black holes with nAdS2 geometry
Authors: Hong Junho , Larsen Finn , Liu James T.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We study nearly extreme black holes with nearly AdS2 horizon geometry in various settings inspired by string theory. Our focus is on the scales of the nAdS2 region and their relation to microscopic theory. These scales are determined by a generalization of the attractor mechanism for extremal black holes and realized geometrically as the normal derivatives along the extremal attractor flow. In some cases the scales are equivalently determined by the charge dependence of the extremal attractor by itself. Our examples include near extreme black holes in D ≥ 4 dimensions, AdS boundary conditions, rotation, and 5D black holes on the non-BPS branch.
Classifying 5d SCFTs via 6d SCFTs: arbitrary rank
Authors: Bhardwaj Lakshya , Jefferson Patrick
Published: November 2019

Abstract

According to a conjecture, all 5d SCFTs should be obtainable by rank- preserving RG flows of 6d SCFTs compactified on a circle possibly twisted by a background for the discrete global symmetries around the circle. For a 6d SCFT admitting an F-theory construction, its untwisted compactification admits a dual M-theory description in terms of a “parent” Calabi-Yau threefold which captures the Coulomb branch of the compacti- fied 6d SCFT. The RG flows to 5d SCFTs can then be identified with a sequence of flop transitions and blowdowns of the parent Calabi-Yau leading to “descendant” Calabi-Yau threefolds which describe the Coulomb branches of the resulting 5d SCFTs. An explicit description of parent Calabi-Yaus is known for untwisted compactifications of rank one 6d SCFTs. In this paper, we provide a description of parent Calabi-Yaus for untwisted compactifications of arbitrary rank 6d SCFTs. Since 6d SCFTs of arbitrary rank can be viewed as being constructed out of rank one SCFTs, we accomplish the extension to arbi- trary rank by identifying a prescription for gluing together Calabi-Yaus associated to rank one 6d SCFTs.
Fracture functions in different kinematic regions and their factorizations
Authors: Chai X. P. , Chen K. B. , Ma J. P. , Tong X. B.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Fracture functions are parton distributions of an initial hadron in the presence of an almost collinear particle observed in the final state. They are important ingredients in QCD factorization for processes where a particle is produced diffractively. There are different fracture functions for a process in different kinematic regions. We take the production of a lepton pair combined with a diffractively produced particle in hadron collisions to discuss this. Those fracture functions can be factorized further if there are large energy scales involved. We perform one-loop calculations to illustrate the factorization in the case with the diffractively produced particle as a real photon. Evolution equations of different fracture functions are derived from our explicit calculations. They agree with expectations. These equations can be used for resummations of large log terms in perturbative expansions.
Tumor angiogenesis: causes, consequences, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Lugano Roberta , Ramachandran Mohanraj , Dimberg Anna
Published: November 2019

Tumor vascularization occurs through several distinct biological processes, which not only vary between tumor type and anatomic location, but also occur simultaneously within the same cancer tissue. These processes are orchestrated by a range of secreted factors and signaling pathways and can involve participation of non-endothelial cells, such as progenitors or cancer stem cells. Anti-angiogenic therapies using either antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been approved to treat several types of cancer. However, the benefit of treatment has so far been modest, some patients not responding at all and others acquiring resistance. It is becoming increasingly clear that blocking tumors from accessing the circulation is not an easy task to accomplish. Tumor vessel functionality and gene expression often differ vastly when comparing different cancer subtypes, and vessel phenotype can be markedly heterogeneous within a single tumor. Here, we summarize the current understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and discuss challenges and opportunities associated with vascular targeting.
A class of linear quadratic dynamic optimization problems with state dependent constraints
Authors: Singh Rajani , Wiszniewska-Matyszkiel Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we analyse a wide class of discrete time one-dimensional dynamic optimization problems—with strictly concave current payoffs and linear state dependent constraints on the control parameter as well as non-negativity constraint on the state variable and control. This model suits well economic problems like extraction of a renewable resource (e.g. a fishery or forest harvesting). The class of sub-problems considered encompasses a linear quadratic optimal control problem as well as models with maximal carrying capacity of the environment (saturation). This problem is also interesting from theoretical point of view—although it seems simple in its linear quadratic form, calculation of the optimal control is nontrivial because of constraints and the solutions has a complicated form. We consider both the infinite time horizon problem and its finite horizon truncations.
Two-dimensional ultrasound measurements vs. magnetic resonance imaging-derived ventricular volume of preterm infants with germinal matrix intraventricular haemorrhage
Authors: Beijst Casper , Dudink Jeroen , Wientjes Rens , Benavente-Fernandez Isabel , Groenendaal Floris , Brouwer Margaretha J. , Išgum Ivana , de Jong Hugo W. A. M. , de Vries Linda S.
Published: November 2019

Background

Post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation can be measured accurately by MRI. However, two-dimensional (2-D) cranial US can be used at the bedside on a daily basis.

Objective

To assess whether the ventricular volume can be determined accurately using US.

Materials and methods

We included 31 preterm infants with germinal matrix intraventricular haemorrhage. Two-dimensional cranial US images were acquired and the ventricular index, anterior horn width and thalamo-occipital distance were measured. In addition, cranial MRI was performed. The ventricular volume on MRI was determined using a previously validated automatic segmentation algorithm. We obtained the correlation and created a linear model between MRI-derived ventricular volume and 2-D cranial US measurements.

Results

The ventricular index, anterior horn width and thalamo-occipital distance as measured on 2-D cranial US were significantly associated with the volume of the ventricles as determined with MRI. A general linear model fitted the data best: ∛ventricular volume (ml) = 1.096 + 0.094 × anterior horn width (mm) + 0.020 × thalamo-occipital distance (mm) with R2 = 0.831.

Conclusion

The volume of the lateral ventricles of infants with germinal matrix intraventricular haemorrhage can be estimated using 2-D cranial US images by application of a model.
The bZIP transcription factor FpAda1 is essential for fungal growth and conidiation in Fusarium pseudograminearum
Authors: Chen Linlin , Ma Yuming , Zhao Jingya , Geng Xuejing , Chen Wenbo , Ding Shengli , Li Haiyang , Li Honglian
Published: November 2019

Fusarium pseudograminearum is an important pathogen of Fusarium crown rot and Fusarium head blight, which is able to infect wheat and barley worldwide, causing great economic losses. Transcription factors (TFs) of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein family control important processes in all eukaryotes. In this study, we identified a gene, designated FpAda1, encoding a bZIP TF in F. pseudograminearum. The homolog of FpAda1 is also known to affect hyphal growth in Neurospora crassa. Deletion of FpAda1 in F. pseudograminearum resulted in defects in hyphal growth, mycelial branching and conidia formation. Pathogenicity assays showed that virulence of the Δfpada1 mutant was dramatically decreased on wheat coleoptiles and barley leaves. However, wheat coleoptile inoculation assay showed that Δfpada1 could penetrate and proliferate in wheat cells. Moreover, the FpAda1 was required for abnormal nuclear morphology in conidia and transcription of FpCdc2 and FpCdc42. Taken together, these results indicate that FpAda1 is an important transcription factor involved in growth and development in F. pseudograminearum.
Facetten von „moral distress“ im Pflegeheim
Authors: Kada Olivia , Lesnik Tanja
Published: November 2019

Obwohl das Setting Pflegeheim einige Besonderheiten aufweist, die im Hinblick auf die Entstehung von „moral distress“ (MD) bedeutsam sind, wurde MD bislang primär im Akutbereich untersucht. Die dabei zugrunde liegende klassische Definition von MD wird zunehmend kritisiert und die Erweiterung um Stress durch moralische Unsicherheit gefordert. In der vorliegenden qualitativen Studie wurde daher explorieret, in welcher Form MD von Pflegekräften in Pflegeheimen erlebt wird.

Es wurden Leitfadeninterviews mit 21 Pflegekräften aus 5 Pflegeheimen geführt. Die vollständig transkribierten Interviews wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet, unter Anwendung deduktiver (skalierende und inhaltliche Strukturierung) und induktiver Techniken.

Ein skalierender Analyseschritt ergab, dass MD zumeist in mäßiger Ausprägung erlebt wurde. Die Befragten schilderten Situationen, in denen sie moralischen Stress erlebten, da sie durch Barrieren am moralisch korrekten Handeln gehindert worden waren. Diese Situationen ließen sich induktiv in die Kategorien „unnötige/falsche Therapie am Lebensende“, „falscher Umgang mit herausforderndem Verhalten“, „schlechte Pflege allgemein“ und „unnötige Krankenhaustransporte“ zusammenfassen. Entscheidungen durch Angehörige und Ärzte zählten zu den meist genannten externen Barrieren; mangelnde Courage war die meist genannte interne Barriere. Die Befragten schilderten jedoch auch Stressreaktionen der Kategorie „moralische Unsicherheit“, insbesondere in der „end of life care“ und bei Krankenhaustransportentscheidungen, v. a., wenn der Wille des Bewohners nicht bekannt war, oder aufgrund mangelnder ärztlicher Erreichbarkeit.

Die Befunde unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit einer breiten Konzeption von MD auf theoretischer und Interventionsebene.
Structural and functional conservation of non-lumenized lymphatic endothelial cells in the mammalian leptomeninges
Authors: Shibata-Germanos Shannon , Goodman James R. , Grieg Alan , Trivedi Chintan A. , Benson Bridget C. , Foti Sandrine C. , Faro Ana , Castellan Raphael F. P. , Correra Rosa Maria , Barber Melissa , Ruhrberg Christiana , Weller Roy O. , Lashley Tammaryn , Iliff Jeffrey J. , Hawkins Thomas A. , Rihel Jason
Published: November 2019

The vertebrate CNS is surrounded by the meninges, a protective barrier comprised of the outer dura mater and the inner leptomeninges, which includes the arachnoid and pial layers. While the dura mater contains lymphatic vessels, no conventional lymphatics have been found within the brain or leptomeninges. However, non-lumenized cells called Brain/Mural Lymphatic Endothelial Cells or Fluorescent Granule Perithelial cells (muLECs/BLECs/FGPs) that share a developmental program and gene expression with peripheral lymphatic vessels have been described in the meninges of zebrafish. Here we identify a structurally and functionally similar cell type in the mammalian leptomeninges that we name Leptomeningeal Lymphatic Endothelial Cells (LLEC). As in zebrafish, LLECs express multiple lymphatic markers, containing very large, spherical inclusions, and develop independently from the meningeal macrophage lineage. Mouse LLECs also internalize macromolecules from the cerebrospinal fluid, including Amyloid-β, the toxic driver of Alzheimer’s disease progression. Finally, we identify morphologically similar cells co-expressing LLEC markers in human post-mortem leptomeninges. Given that LLECs share molecular, morphological, and functional characteristics with both lymphatics and macrophages, we propose they represent a novel, evolutionary conserved cell type with potential roles in homeostasis and immune organization of the meninges.
Treatment of opioid withdrawal in neonates with morphine, phenobarbital, or chlorpromazine: a randomized double-blind trial
Authors:   On behalf of the Swiss neonatal abstinence syndrome study group, Zimmermann Urs , Rudin Christoph , Duò Angelo , Held Leonhard , Bucher Hans Ulrich
Published: November 2019

Three suitable compounds (morphine, chlorpromazine, and phenobarbital) to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome were compared in a prospective multicenter, double-blind trial. Neonates exposed to opioids in utero were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups. When a predefined threshold of a modified Finnegan score was reached, treatment started and increased stepwise until symptoms were controlled. If symptoms could not be controlled with the predefined maximal dose of a single drug, a second drug was added. Among 143 infants recruited, 120 needed pharmacological treatment. Median length of treatment for morphine was 22 days (95% CI 18 to 33), for chlorpromazine 25 days (95% CI 21 to 34), and for phenobarbital 32 days (95% CI 27 to 38) (p = ns). In the morphine group, only 3% of infants (1/33) needed a second drug; in the chlorpromazine group, this proportion was 56% (24/43), and in the phenobarbital group 30% (13/44).

Conclusion: None of the drugs tested for treating neonatal abstinence syndrome resulted in a significantly shorter treatment length than the others. As morphine alone was able to control symptoms in almost all infants, it may be preferred to the two other drugs but should still be tested against more potent opioids such as buprenorphine.

Trial registration: At ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02810782 (registered retrospectively).What is Known:• Neonates exposed to opiates in utero and presenting with withdrawal symptoms should first be treated by non-pharmacological supportive measures.• In those who fail, drugs have to be given, but there is controversy which drug is best.What is New:• Among three candidates, morphine, chlorpromazine and phenobarbital, none resulted in significantly shorter treatment time.• As morphine alone was able to control symptoms in almost all infants, it may be preferred to the two other drugs.
The clinical significance of long non-coding RNA ANRIL level in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Chen ShuZe , Zhong HuiMin , Wang Yan , Wang ZiHong , Liang XiaoQian , Li SiQi , Li ZhenHao , Yu ZhengTong , Li LiYing , Yi GuoGuo , Fu Min
Published: November 2019

Aim

To analyse the expression of lncRNA-ANRIL and other related factors in different human body fluids, explore the clinical significance of ANRIL and validate whether ANRIL is interrelated with the renin–angiotensin system and NF-κB signalling pathway.

Methods

Ninety-one patients were included in this cross-sectional study and were divided into the NDM group (20 patients), DM group (25 patients), NPDR group (21 patients) and PDR group (25 patients). Basic information and samples of serum, aqueous fluid and vitreous fluid were collected before vitrectomy or intravitreal injection. The transcription and levels of ANRIL and other related factors were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

ANRIL expression varied among different groups and body fluids. There was no difference in ANRIL expression between the NDM and DM groups, but the level of ANRIL was significantly lower in the DM group than in the NPDR and PDR group. In vitreous fluid, ANRIL expression was positively correlated with Ang II, p65 and VEGF expression in the PDR group. The expression of ANRIL in serum was not significantly correlated with age or the random blood sugar but was positively correlated with diabetic duration and HbAc1 level.

Conclusions

Levels of lncRNA-ANRIL are higher in DR patient and correlated with the progression of DR that may be used as an indicator to predict the development of DR. The activation of the RAS and the NF-κB pathway may be closely related to the upregulation of ANRIL.

Clinical trial number ChiCTR1800017500. Registry Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.
Decisions on pricing, capacity investment, and introduction timing of new product generations in a durable-good monopoly
Authors: Hartl Richard F. , Kort Peter M. , Seidl Andrea
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present paper is to analyze how firms that sell durable goods should optimally combine continuous-time operational level planning with discrete decision making. In particular, a firm has to continuously adapt its capacity investments and sales strategy, but only at certain times it will introduce a new version of the durable good to the market. The launch of a new generation of the product attracts new customers. However, in order to be able to produce the new version, production facilities need to be adapted leading to a decrease of available production capacities. We find that the price of a given generation of a product decreases over time. A firm should increase its production capacity most upon introduction of a new product. The stock of potential consumers is largest then so that the market is most profitable. The extent to which existing capacity can still be used in the production process for the next generation has a non-monotonic effect on the time when a new version of the product is introduced as well as on the capital stock level at that time.