bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband photonic structures for quantum light sources
Authors: He Zhe , Yang Jiawei , Zhou Lidan , Chen Yan , Zhao Tianming , Yu Ying , Liu Jin
Published: July 2019

Quantum light sources serve as one of the key elements in quantum photonic technologies. Such sources made from semiconductor material, e.g., quantum dots (QDs), are particularly appealing because of their great potential of scalability enabled by the modern planar nanofabrication technologies. So far, non-classic light sources based on semiconductor QDs are currently outperforming their counterparts using nonlinear optical process, for instance, parametric down conversion and four-wave mixing. To fully exploring the potential of semiconductor QDs, it is highly desirable to integrate QDs with a variety of photonic nanostructures for better device performance due to the improved light-matter interaction. Among different designs, the photonic nanostructures exhibiting broad operation spectral range is particularly interesting to overcome the QD spectral inhomogeneity and exciton fine structure splitting for the generations of single-photon and entangled photon pair respectively. In this review, we focus on recent progress on high-performance semiconductor quantum light sources that is achieved by integrating single QDs with a variety of broadband photonic nanostructures i.e. waveguide, lens and low-Q cavity.
Analysis of the Key Structures of RV Reducer Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Song Lei , Shunke Liang , Zheng Zhenxing , Chen Feixin
Published: July 2019

In this paper, key structures of the RV reducer were calculated by finite element method respectively, including the stress and deformation of cycloidal-pin wheel and eccentric shaft. The results show that the contact stress and equivalent stress of cycloidal-pin wheel and eccentric shaft are far less than the strength of materials. It means the strength is not the main consideration of design and manufacture. The stiffness of eccentric shaft is less than the cycloidal-pin wheel, which had a great influence on the transmission accuracy of the machine. In order to improve the rigidity so as to improve the transmission accuracy of gear reducer machine, the modification methods and modification should be chosen to design by the deformation.
Quasi-static Characters for UHMWPE Composites after Hygrothermal Aging
Authors: Zhong Luo , Libao Zhu
Published: July 2019

This paper studied the Moisture absorption behaviors, DMTA temperature spectrum, Infra-red spectrogram, Quasi-static characters of the dry and hygrothermal UHMWPE composites. The material was UHMWPE fiber reinforced polyurethane matrix composite manufactured by hot press method, which was firstly kept in a heating oven, and then put in a beaker of distilled 70°C water bath for 24 days and 60 days. The results show that there were two plateaus for the moisture absorption curve of the UHMWPE composites. The coupled effects of moisture and temperature reduce the composite glass transition temperature(Tg) by matrix plasticization and degrades the fiber/matrix interface. The storage modulus and loss modulus of dry and 24 days hygrothermal were gradually decreased in the initiatory calefaction, which drop sharply in Tg. The tensile strength was lossing in the beginning, and comeback to the initial at last in the hygrothermal environment. The quasi-static compressive strength is reduced by about 8% after 24 days treatment. Hygrothermal treatment has no effects on the quasi-static characters.
Response surface modeling and optimizing conditions for anthocyanins extraction from Hibiscussabdariffa L. (Roselle) grown in Lam Dong, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Tri Nhut , Phu Nguyen Thuong Nhan , Duc Lam Tri , Nguyen Minh Tien , Toan Tran Quoc , Hong Nhan Le Thi , N-Vo Dai Viet , Vo Thanh Sang , Bui Le Minh
Published: July 2019

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Hs, roselle; Malvaceae) is a common ingredient used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for color and health benefits. Anthocyanins along with protocatechuic acid and quercetin have been recognized as bioactive compounds in Hibiscussabdariffa L. aqueous extracts. In this work, Response Surface Methodology was implemented together with Box-Behnken experimental design to investigate the impacts of process variables on anthocyanin extraction yields from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) grown in Lam Dong, Vietnam. The effects of three independent variables; namely the extraction temperatures of solvent ethanol (X1); the duration of extraction (X2); solid-liquid ratios (X3) on the total anthocyanins content (Y1) were explored. The optimization model showed that with the solid liquid ratio 7.7:1, extraction time 33.29 min, and temperature 56.9°C, the highest anthocyanin concentration of 186.006 mg/L was obtained. Hibiscussabdariffa L. anthocyanin yield detailed significant correlation with high F values, low P values (<0.0001), and desirable determination coefficient (R2 = 0.9770). The resulting quadratic model could be used to predict yields with given conditions. Actual experimental verification and residual testing revealed that the actual anthocyanin yields could be accurately predicted by the model.
Simulation of fabric drying based on heat and mass transfer theory in porous media
Authors: Wang Shuangqing , Chen Huimin , Zhang Huile , Yue Xiaoli
Published: July 2019

Nowdays, the process of fabric drying inside the drying equipment is critical in practical production, this process affect the quality of dried fabric and energy utilization rate directly. There is a problem that the distribution of the percentage of water in fabric is uneven in drying process in practical production. In order to provide a method to solve this problem, this paper develop an finite element model(FE) on the platform of FLUENT by combining heat and mass transfer theory in porous media and transport theory of gas species organically, On the base of Mathis DHe steaming machine, the FE model is verified by carrying out an experiment.After that, this numerical model is used to study the process of fabric drying and the distribution of the percentage of water. The results indicate that the change of the weight of water in the fabric is nearly linear relationship with time and the percentage of water is low in the margin of fabric in the process of drying. In the later analysis, there have enough confidence that this finite element model can be used to analyse the structure and technological parameters of drying device.
Essential oil from fresh and dried Rosemary cultivated in Lam Dong province, Vietnam
Authors: Anh Trieu Tuan , Thu Ngan Lam Thi , Lam Tri Duc
Published: July 2019

Rosemary essential oil has been widely used in folk medicine for treatment of anxiety, memory deficit and cancer thanks to its high antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties. Composition of rosemary essential oil largely depends on the geographical position of the cultivated plant and conditions of the extraction process. In this study, fresh and dried rosemary leaves were used for extraction of essential oil using hydrodistillation method. The extraction performance, composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil were measured. The oil yield for dried leaves (1.2 ml/g) is significantly lower than that for fresh leaves (3.16 ml/g). However, the difference on chemical profile and antioxidation activity of the two oil samples was indistinguishable. The most remarkable finding was the presence of Levoverbenone at very high concentration in rosemary essential oil, accounting for 10.87% and 12.12% of the oil sample extracted from fresh and dried leaves respectively.
Effect of extracting process on saponin content and antioxidant activity of Gleditschia fera (Lour.) Merr dried fruit extract
Authors: Anh Trieu Tuan , Thanh Huyen Nguyen Thi , Lam Tri Duc
Published: July 2019

Gleditschia fera (Lour.) Merr (GfL) was a traditional herbal used for treatment of diabetes mellitus and for arresting and/or slowing down hair loss. In this study, powder of GfL dried fruit was immersed in the pure water to extract saponin and other components atdifferent material/solvent ratios, extraction time (hours) and extraction temperature (°C). Saponin content of the final product (extract) was evaluated by Oleanolic acid-H2SO4 assay. The antioxidants activity of the extract was determined by DPPH method. High extraction yield (74g/100 g) was obtained at the material/solvent ratio 1:15 (w/v), 50°C and 4 hours extraction time. Under these optimized conditions, the highest saponin content of was 37.06 mg/g. The extract can harvest 45.30 % of DPPH at 10000 μg/ml concentration
A finite element analysis on compressive properties of ECC with PVA fibers
Authors: Jin C Y , Li Y Q , Zhu J C , Li Y
Published: July 2019

In order to analyze the compressive performance of ECC with PVA by finite element method, in this paper the three-dimensional distribution model of PVA fiber was established by compiling the random sequence program of Matlab considering the random distribution of PVA in matrix ECC. On this basis, the finite element model of ECC was established by ABAQUS software to study the stress and deformation properties of ECC with different PVA fiber content under axial compression.
A Design Method of Chaotic Synchronous Multi-stable Manifold
Authors: Zuo Z L , Yu X
Published: July 2019

Line spectra in the low frequency band of the underwater radiated noise are the main factors affecting the acoustic stealth performance of submarines. The chaotification technique for line spectra reduction can realize spectra reconstruction and reduce line spectra intensity by converting line spectra in the low frequency band into chaotic spectra in the broadband frequency. Previous studies have shown that the method of the generalized synchronization of chaos can generate continuous chaos of the system under variable operating conditions, and can reduce the amplitude significantly in some cases, which provides a new idea for the theory of the chaotification technique for line spectra reduction. However, this method can only select the appropriate synchronization control strategy of chaos through “trial and error” method to achieve chaos with small amplitude. Therefore, a design method of multiple stable synchronous manifolds including stable chaotic attractors with small amplitude is proposed. This method is verified and illustrated by the coupled Duffing system, and applied to the two degree-of-freedom (DOF) nonlinear vibration isolation system(VIS).
A Newman property for BLD-mappings
Authors: Luisto Rami
Published: July 2019

We define a Newman property for BLD-mappings and prove that for a BLD-mapping between generalized manifolds equipped with complete path-metrics, this property is equivalent to the branch set being porous when the codomain is LLC.
Validation of the Oxford WebQ Online 24-Hour Dietary Questionnaire Using Biomarkers
Authors: Greenwood Darren C , Hardie Laura J , Frost Gary S , Alwan Nisreen A , Bradbury Kathryn E , Carter Michelle , Elliott Paul , Evans Charlotte E L , Ford Heather E , Hancock Neil , Key Timothy J , Liu Bette , Morris Michelle A , Mulla Umme Z , Petropoulou Katerina , Potter Gregory D M , Riboli Elio , Young Heather , Wark Petra A , Cade Janet E
Published: July 2019

The Oxford WebQ is an online 24-hour dietary questionnaire that is appropriate for repeated administration in large-scale prospective studies, including the UK Biobank study and the Million Women Study. We compared the performance of the Oxford WebQ and a traditional interviewer-administered multiple-pass 24-hour dietary recall against biomarkers for protein, potassium, and total sugar intake and total energy expenditure estimated by accelerometry. We recruited 160 participants in London, United Kingdom, between 2014 and 2016 and measured their biomarker levels at 3 nonconsecutive time points. The measurement error model simultaneously compared all 3 methods. Attenuation factors for protein, potassium, total sugar, and total energy intakes estimated as the mean of 2 applications of the Oxford WebQ were 0.37, 0.42, 0.45, and 0.31, respectively, with performance improving incrementally for the mean of more measures. Correlation between the mean value from 2 Oxford WebQs and estimated true intakes, reflecting attenuation when intake is categorized or ranked, was 0.47, 0.39, 0.40, and 0.38, respectively, also improving with repeated administration. These correlations were similar to those of the more administratively burdensome interviewer-based recall. Using objective biomarkers as the standard, the Oxford WebQ performs well across key nutrients in comparison with more administratively burdensome interviewer-based 24-hour recalls. Attenuation improves when the average value is taken over repeated administrations, reducing measurement error bias in assessment of diet-disease associations.
QuanTest2: benchmarking multiple sequence alignments using secondary structure prediction
Authors: Sievers Fabian , Higgins Desmond G
Published: July 2019

Motivation

Secondary structure prediction accuracy (SSPA) in the QuanTest benchmark can be used to measure accuracy of a multiple sequence alignment. SSPA correlates well with the sum-of-pairs score, if the results are averaged over many alignments but not on an alignment-by-alignment basis. This is due to a sub-optimal selection of reference and non-reference sequences in QuanTest.

Results

We develop an improved strategy for selecting reference and non-reference sequences for a new benchmark, QuanTest2. In QuanTest2, SSPA and SP correlate better on an alignment-by-alignment basis than in QuanTest. Guide-trees for QuanTest2 are more balanced with respect to reference sequences than in QuanTest. QuanTest2 scores correlate well with other well-established benchmarks.

Availability and implementation

QuanTest2 is available at http://bioinf.ucd.ie/quantest2.tar, comprises of reference and non-reference sequence sets and a scoring script.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online
Transcervical mediastinoscopy in patients with a permanent tracheostomy: is it feasible?
Authors: Cansever Levent , Seyrek Yunus , Kutluk Ali Cevat , Akin Hasan , Kocaturk Celalettin Ibrahim , Bedirhan Mehmet Ali
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVES

Cervical mediastinoscopy may become essential in patients with pathological lymph nodes at mediastinum after laryngectomy. However, having had a previous tracheostomy has been reported to be a contraindication for cervical mediastinoscopy.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2017, cervical mediastinoscopy was performed for lung cancer staging in 1985 patients at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Eighteen of these patients (1%) had a permanent tracheostomy after total laryngectomy and cervical radiotherapy due to laryngeal carcinoma.

RESULTS

Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed in 18 patients with a permanent tracheostomy after total laryngectomy. The negative predictive value of cervical mediastinoscopy was 13/14 (93%). The average operative time was 63 min (SD 12.0, range 50–90 min). The negative predictive value of endobronchial ultrasonography was 4/7 (57%). Positron emission tomography–computed tomography had a positive predictive value of 3/15 (20%) and a negative predictive value of 2/3 (67%).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to the claims of 2 textbooks, cervical mediastinoscopy is a viable method for patients with a tracheostomy after laryngectomy. The negative predictive values of standard cervical mediastinoscopy and mediastinoscopy for patients with a tracheostomy after total laryngectomy are approximately equivalent. Our results indicate that cervical mediastinoscopy is a feasible method in patients with a permanent tracheostomy when applied by experienced thoracic surgeons in specialized hospitals.
Spectrality of Polytopes and Equidecomposability by Translations
Authors: Lev Nir , Liu Bochen
Published: July 2019

Let $A$ be a polytope in ${\mathbb{R}}^d$ (not necessarily convex or connected). We say that $A$ is spectral if the space $L^2(A)$ has an orthogonal basis consisting of exponential functions. A result due to Kolountzakis and Papadimitrakis (2002) asserts that if $A$ is a spectral polytope, then the total area of the $(d-1)$-dimensional faces of $A$ on which the outward normal is pointing at a given direction, must coincide with the total area of those $(d-1)$-dimensional faces on which the outward normal is pointing at the opposite direction. In this paper, we prove an extension of this result to faces of all dimensions between $1$ and $d-1$. As a consequence we obtain that any spectral polytope $A$ can be dissected into a finite number of smaller polytopes, which can be rearranged using translations to form a cube.
Rebuilding Life after Burn Injuries in Korea: Using Photovoice
Authors: Kim Kyung Mee , Ban Mi So
Published: July 2019

This study analyzed life after injury for burn survivors using the photovoice research method. Study participants were six burn survivors who lived in the community after being discharged from the hospital. These six participants engaged in a series of photovoice workshops and activities that took place over a period of 4 months. The study results were as follows: burn survivors were able to achieve a positive body image during their physical recovery. They overcame many psychological difficulties that accompanied their burn injuries. Their attitudes toward their lives changed positively. The greatest influence in bringing out these changes was support from family, friends, and other burn survivors. They were better able to fight against social oppression with their recovered self-esteem. The participants had experienced a disconnect from the activities and interpersonal relationships they had prior to their injury owing to long-term hospital stays and time away from work. However, as they began new social activities, they were able to establish new interpersonal relationships. Based on the research results, this study suggests that medical, psychological, and social approaches as well as positive changes in social attitude are necessary to support burn survivors’ recovery.
WASP-166b: a bloated super-Neptune transiting a V = 9 star
Authors: Hellier Coel , Anderson D R , Triaud A H M J , Bouchy F , Burdanov A , Collier Cameron A , Delrez L , Ehrenreich D , Gillon M , Jehin E , Lendl M , Linder E , Nielsen L D , Maxted P F L , Pepe F , Pollacco D , Queloz D , Ségransan D , Smalley B , Spake J J , Temple L Y , Udry S , West R G , Wyttenbach A
Published: July 2019

We report the discovery of WASP-166b, a super-Neptune planet with a mass of 0.1 MJup (1.9 MNep) and a bloated radius of 0.63 RJup. It transits a V = 9.36, F9V star in a 5.44-d orbit that is aligned with the stellar rotation axis (sky-projected obliquity angle λ = 3 ± 5 deg). Variations in the radial-velocity measurements are likely the result of magnetic activity over a 12-d stellar rotation period. WASP-166b appears to be a rare object within the ‘Neptune desert’.
Remembering John Steele and his models for understanding the structure and function of marine ecosystems
Authors: Anderson Thomas R , Gentleman Wendy C
Published: July 2019

John Steele (1926–2013) is remembered for his ecosystem modelling studies on the role of biological interactions and environment on the structure and function of marine ecosystems, including consequences for fish production and fisheries management. Here, we provide a scientific tribute to Steele focusing on, by means of example, his modelling of plankton predation [Steele and Henderson (1992) The role of predation in plankton models. J. Plankton Res., 14, 157–172] that showed that differences in ecosystem dynamics between the subarctic Pacific and North Atlantic oceans can be explained solely on the basis of zooplankton mortality. The study highlights Steele’s artistry in simplifying the system to a tractable minimal model while paying great attention to the precise functional forms used to parameterize mortality, grazing and other biological processes. The success of this and other works by Steele was in large part due to his effective communication with the rest of the scientific community (especially non-modellers) resulting from his enthusiasm, use of an experiment-like (hypothesis driven) approach to applying his models and by describing simplifications and assumptions in scrupulous detail. We also intend our contribution to remember Steele as the consummate gentleman, notably his humble, behind-the-scenes attitude, his humour and his dedication to enhancing the careers of others.
12Modern European Philosophy
Authors: Tomlinson George
Published: July 2019

This chapter reviews four books published in 2018 which are not readily categorized as works in ‘modern European philosophy’: Gurminder K. Bhambra, Kerem Nişancloğlu, and Dalia Gebrial’s edited volume Decolonising the University, Chantal Mouffe’s For a Left Populism, Cinzia Arruzza, Tithi Bhattacharya, and Nancy Fraser’s Feminism for the 99%, and Andreas Malm’s The Progress of this Storm. Yet their uneasy relationship to this philosophy is precisely the reason they constitute a significant contribution to it. The philosophical originality and critical purchase of these books proceed from the fact that each is a singular case of philosophy’s dependence on ‘non-philosophy’; each exposes the impossibility of viewing philosophy as a self-sufficient discipline. In particular, they are a timely reminder that the best political philosophy is produced through actually existing social movements to change (which ecologically now means simply saving) the world. The chapter is divided into six sections: 1. Introduction; 2. Decolonizing Philosophy: Decolonising the University; 3. Anti-Post-Politics: For a Left Populism; 4. Anti-Post-Marxism: Feminism for the 99%; 5. Anti-Postmodernism: The Progress of This Storm; 6. Conclusion.
“Yes, I’m the Doctor”: One Department’s Approach to Assessing and Addressing Gender-Based Discrimination in the Modern Medical Training Era
Authors: McKinley Sophia K. , Wang Linda J. , Gartland Rajshri M. , Westfal Maggie L. , Costantino Christina L. , Schwartz Dana , Merrill Andrea L. , Petrusa Emil , Lillemoe Keith , Phitayakorn Roy
Published: July 2019

While gender-based bias and discrimination (GBD) is known to exist in medical training, there is limited guidance for training programs on how to understand and combat this issue locally. The Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Surgery established the Gender Equity Task Force (GETF) to address GBD in the local training environment. In 2017, members of the GETF surveyed residents in surgery, anesthesia, and internal medicine at 2 academic hospitals to better understand perceived sources, frequency, forms, and effects of GBD. Overall, 371 residents completed the survey (60% response rate, 197 women). Women trainees were more likely to endorse personal experience of GBD and sexual harassment than men (P < .0001), with no effect of specialty on rates of GBD or sexual harassment. Patients and nursing staff were the most frequently identified groups as sources of GBD. While an overwhelming majority of both men (86%) and women (96%) respondents either experienced or observed GBD in the training environment, less than 5% of respondents formally reported such experiences, most frequently citing a belief that nothing would happen. Survey results served as the basis for a variety of interventions addressing nursing staff and patients as sources of GBD, low confidence in formal reporting mechanisms, and the pervasiveness of GBD, including sexual harassment, across specialties. These results reproduce other studies’ findings that GBD and sexual harassment disproportionately affect women trainees while demonstrating how individual training programs can incorporate local GBD data when planning interventions to address GBD.
Professionalism as the Bedrock of High-Value Care
Authors: Marcotte Leah M. , Moriates Christopher , Wolfson Daniel B. , Frankel Richard M.
Published: July 2019

“High-value care” has become a popular mantra and a call to action among health system leaders, policymakers, and educators who are advocating widespread practice changes to reduce costs, minimize overuse, and optimize outcomes in the United States. Regrettably, current research does not demonstrate significant progress in improving high-value care. Many investigators have looked to payment models, benefit design, and policy changes as the main levers to reduce low-value care delivery; thus, the prevailing approach to ensuring high-value care has been to identify and limit low-value services. This approach has a clear limitation: The number of identified low-value services has become too high for individual physicians to track. Using professionalism as a key driver of practice change presents an important opportunity to shift from a deficit-based reactive model to one that is proactive and uses the concepts of intrinsic motivation and medical stewardship to effect high-value care. Transforming aspirational values such as professionalism into actions that engage all physician stakeholders regardless of their position or influence, and regardless of system agility or payment structure, has the potential for bringing about real change. These concepts can be integrated into medical education, introduced early in training, and modeled by educators to drive long-term sustainable change. Physicians can, and should, embrace professionalism as the motivation for redesigning care. Payment reform incentives that align with their professional values should follow and encourage these efforts; that is, payment reform should not be the impetus for redesigning care.
Better Patient-Reported Experiences with Health Care Are Associated with Improved Clinical Outcome after Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Authors: Schrier Verena J. M. M. , Poelstra Ralph , Selles Ruud W. , Slijper Harm P. , Amadio Peter C. , Hovius Steven E. R. , Porsius Jarry T.
Published: July 2019

Background:

In hand surgery, and specifically carpal tunnel syndrome, it is currently unknown whether experiences with health care influence surgical outcome. To investigate whether there is an association between patient-reported experience measures and symptom relief, data were gathered using a cohort of patients undergoing surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods:

Patient-reported experience measures and patient-reported outcome measures were registered in a national database of 16 hand surgery practices. The experience measure data were gathered at 3 months after surgery and included six subscales on different health care delivery aspects (e.g., provided information, communication, facility, operative care). The outcome measure data were acquired before and 3 months after surgery with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Assessment Questionnaire. The association was tested using linear regression analyses.

Results:

A total of 1607 patients were included in the analysis. The experience measure scores were good to excellent, with a median value between 8.0 and 8.5 on a 10-point scale. Regression analyses showed a significant (p < 0.001) association with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Assessment Questionnaire for all individual patient-reported experience measure subscales. The greatest effects were found in physician communication and treatment information. Patient-reported experience measures accounted for more than 5 percent of the explained variance, with patient characteristics explaining an approximately additional 3 percent.

Conclusions:

In this large data set of carpal tunnel syndrome patients who underwent surgical release, a significant impact of health care experiences on self-reported clinical outcome was found. This is relevant information, not only for directing care providers in improving health care experiences as a quality-of–health care measure but now also potentially to achieve better clinical outcome.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Effective Rejuvenation with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Current Advanced Concepts
Authors: Mckee Daniel , Remington Kent , Swift Arthur , Lambros Val , Comstock Jody , Lalonde Don
Published: July 2019

Learning Objectives:

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Process several patient-specific factors before reaching an optimal treatment strategy with appreciation for facial balance. 2. Define the advantages and disadvantages of various hyaluronic acid preparations and delivery techniques, to achieve a specific goal. 3. Perform advanced facial rejuvenation techniques adapted to each facial zone, combining safety considerations. 4. Prevent and treat complications caused by inadvertent intraarterial injections of hyaluronic acid.

The growing sophistication and diversity of modern hyaluronic acid fillers combined with an increased understanding of various delivery techniques has allowed injectable filler rejuvenation to become a customizable instrument offering a variety of different ways to improve the face: volume restoration, contouring, balancing, and feature positioning/shaping—beyond simply fading skin creases. As more advanced applications for hyaluronic acid facial rejuvenation are incorporated into practice, an increased understanding of injection anatomy is important to optimize patient safety.
Protective Effect of Extract of Ginkgo biloba 761 against Frostbite Injury in Rats
Authors: Aizawa Tetsushi , Kuwabara Masahiro , Kubo Satoshi , Aoki Shimpo , Azuma Ryuichi , Kiyosawa Tomoharu
Published: July 2019

Background:

When frostbite thaws, reperfusion injury has a crucial impact on tissue injury, and production of free radicals induces further tissue damage. This study examined whether extract of Ginkgo biloba 761 could ameliorate frostbite injury as a free radical scavenger.

Methods:

Seventy-five Fisher 344 rats were divided into five groups of 15, and frostbite injury was created in each animal by sandwiching the left hind foot between a frozen magnet (−78.5°C) and a room-temperature magnet. Group I received saline; groups II, III, and IV received extract of Ginkgo biloba 761 (200, 100, and 50 mg/kg, respectively); and group V received superoxide dismutase (12 mg/kg). All drugs were injected intraperitoneally three times at 24-hour intervals. The wound surface area was measured throughout the wound healing period. Wounds were also harvested at various times to count cells stained by monoclonal antibodies for 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine.

Results:

Compared to group I, the wound surface area was significantly smaller in groups II and III on days 1 and 3 after wound creation. Histologic examination revealed significantly more 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal–stained cells and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine–stained cells in group I compared to other groups on day 1. However, there was no difference in the total healing period among the groups. A higher dose test of extract of Ginkgo biloba 761 (300 mg/kg daily) induced animal death, probably because of toxicity.

Conclusion:

Extract of Ginkgo biloba 761 demonstrated a protective effect against frostbite in the present model and probably alleviated reperfusion injury by reducing tissue peroxidation.
Risk Factors for Perioperative Respiratory Failure following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Micrognathia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Rosaline S. , Lin Lawrence O. , Hoppe Ian C. , Bartlett Scott P. , Taylor Jesse A. , Swanson Jordan W.
Published: July 2019

Background:

The frequency of respiratory events in the perioperative period, and optimal duration of intubation during early mandibular distraction osteogenesis activation, are poorly understood. This study assesses potential risk factors associated with perioperative respiratory events, particularly the need for reintubation, following mandibular distraction osteogenesis surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted for infants (younger than 1 year) undergoing mandibular distraction osteogenesis for tongue-based airway obstruction between November of 2010 and December of 2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses of sentinel events and outcomes were performed.

Results:

Ninety infants (median age, 35 days) were included (50 percent were syndromic). Twenty-seven subjects (30 percent) experienced a respiratory event requiring intervention before discharge, including 14 subjects who failed initial extubation. Subjects extubated earlier than postoperative day 5 failed extubation more frequently (33%) compared to those extubated later (9%; p = 0.005). Respiratory events occurred more frequently when extubation was attempted at distraction lengths of 5 mm or less (42 percent) compared to greater than 5 mm (21 percent; p = 0.032). Logistic regression modeling showed that syndromic status (OR, 14.8) and secondary airway anomaly (OR, 6.1) were significant predictors for respiratory events, whereas greater length of distraction at the time of extubation was protective (OR, 0.8; p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Postoperative intubation of at least 5 days with associated mean distraction of 5 mm appears to be associated with successful extubation trial following mandibular distraction osteogenesis surgery. Patients with congenital syndromes and secondary airway anomalies are more likely to experience perioperative respiratory events.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Tissue-Based Planning and Technique for Breast Augmentation with Anatomical Implants
Authors: Adams William P. , Afrooz Paul N. , Stuzin James M.
Published: July 2019

Breast augmentation with anatomical implants offers several potential advantages. Tissue-based planning is patient specific and essential in choosing the correct dimensions of an implant, thereby providing greater control in breast shape following augmentation. This video vignette demonstrates tissue-based planning in a patient with a constricted breast, allowing the surgeon to accurately choose the proper implant dimensions, which correct the constriction while providing aesthetic control of breast shape. Operative techniques of precise pocket formation, prospective hemostasis, and judging the aesthetic contour following implant insertion are demonstrated.
genBaRcode – a comprehensive R package for genetic barcode analysis
Authors: Thielecke Lars , Cornils Kerstin , Glauche Ingmar
Published: July 2019

Motivation

Genetic barcodes have been established as an efficient method to trace clonal progeny of uniquely labeled cells by introducing artificial genetic sequences into the corresponding genomes. The assessment of those sequences, relies on next generation sequencing and the subsequent analysis aiming to identify sequences of interest and correctly quantifying their abundance.

Results

We developed thegenBaRcodepackage as a toolbox combining the flexibility of digesting next generation sequencing reads with or without a sophisticated barcode structure, with a variety of error correction approaches and the availability of several types of visualization routines. Furthermore, a graphical user interface was incorporated to allow also less experienced R users package-based analyses. Finally, the provided tool is intended to bridge the gap between generating and analyzing barcode data and thereby supporting the establishment of standardized and reproducible analysis strategies.

Availability

ThegenBaRcodepackage is available at CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/pack-age=genBaRcode).

Contact

lars.thielecke@tu-dresden.de
ReCappable Seq: Comprehensive Determination of Transcription Start Sites derived from all RNA polymerases
Authors: Yan Bo , Tzertzinis George , Schildkraut Ira , Ettwiller Laurence
Published: July 2019

Determination of eukaryotic Transcription Start Sites (TSS) has been based on methods that require the cap structure at the 5’ end of transcripts derived from Pol-II RNA polymerase. Consequently, these methods do not reveal TSS derived from the other RNA polymerases which also play critical roles in various cell functions. To address this limitation, we developed ReCappable-seq which comprehensively identifies TSS for both Pol-lI and non-Pol-II transcripts at single-nucleotide resolution. The method relies on specific enzymatic exchange of 5’ m7G caps and 5’ triphosphates with a selectable tag. When applied to human transcriptomes, ReCappable-seq identifies Pol-II TSS that are in agreement with orthogonal methods such as CAGE. Additionally, ReCappable-seq reveals a rich landscape of TSS associated with Pol-III transcripts which have not previously been amenable to study at genome-wide scale. Novel TSS from non-Pol-II transcription can be located in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. ReCappable-seq interrogates the regulatory landscape of coding and non-coding RNA concurrently and enables the classification of epigenetic profiles associated with Pol-lI and non-Pol-II TSS.
Stochasticity of replication fork speed plays a key role in the dynamics of DNA replication
Authors: Yousefi Razie , Rowicka Maga
Published: July 2019

Eukaryotic DNA replication is elaborately orchestrated to duplicate the genome timely and faithfully. Replication initiates at multiple origins from which replication forks emanate and travel bi-directionally. The complex spatio-temporal regulation of DNA replication remains incompletely understood. To study it, computational models of DNA replication have been developed in S. cerevisiae. However, in spite of the experimental evidence of replication speed stochasticity, all models assumed that replication fork speed is constant or varies only with genomic coordinates. Here, we present the first model of DNA replication assuming stochastic speed of the replication fork. Utilizing data from both wild-type and hydroxyurea-treated yeast cells, we show that our model is more accurate than models assuming constant fork speed and reconstructs dynamics of DNA replication faithfully starting both from population-wide data and data reflecting fork movement in individual cells. Completion of replication in a timely manner is a challenge due to its stochasticity; we propose an empirically derived modification to replication speed based on the distance to the approaching fork, which promotes timely completion of replication. In summary, our work discovers a key role that stochasticity of the fork speed plays in the dynamics of DNA replication. We show that without including stochasticity of fork speed it is not possible to accurately reconstruct movement of individual replication forks, measured by DNA combing.

Author summary

DNA replication in eukaryotes starts from multiple sites termed replication origins. Replication timing at individual sites is stochastic, but reproducible population-wide. Complex and not yet completely understood mechanisms ensure that genome is replicated exactly once and that replication is finished in time. This complex spatio-temporal organization of DNA replication makes computational modeling a useful tool to study replication mechanisms. For simplicity, all previous models assumed constant replication fork speed. Here, we show that such models are incapable of accurately reconstructing distances travelled by individual replication forks. Therefore, we propose a model with a stochastic replication fork speed. We show that such model reproduces faithfully distances travelled by individual replication forks. Moreover, our model is simpler than previous model and thus avoids over-learning (fitting noise). We also discover how replication speed may be attuned to timely complete replication. We propose that fork speed exponentially increases with diminishing distance to the approaching fork, which we show promotes timely completion of replication. Such speed up can be e.g. explained by a synergy effect of chromatin unwinding by both forks. Our model can be used to simulate phenomena beyond replication, e.g. DNA double-strand breaks resulting from broken replication forks.
Reconstructing temporal and spatial dynamics in single-cell experiments
Authors: Kuritz Karsten , Stöhr Daniela , Maichl Daniela , Pollak Nadine , Rehm Markus , Allgöwer Frank
Published: July 2019

Modern cytometry methods allow collecting complex, multi-dimensional data sets from heterogeneous cell populations at single-cell resolution. While methods exist to describe the progression and order of cellular processes from snapshots of such populations, these descriptions are limited to arbitrary pseudotime scales. Here we describe MAPiT, an universal transformation method that recovers real-time dynamics of cellular processes from pseudotime scales. As use cases, we applied MAPiT to two prominent problems in the flow-cytometric analysis of heterogeneous cell populations: (1) recovering the kinetics of cell cycle progression in unsynchronized and thus unperturbed cell populations, and (2) recovering the spatial arrangement of cells within multi-cellular spheroids prior to spheroid dissociation for cytometric analysis. Since MAPiT provides a theoretic basis for the relation of pseudotime values to real temporal and spatial scales, it can be used broadly in the analysis of cellular processes with snapshot data from heterogeneous cell populations.
Application of principles of supply chain management to the pharmaceutical good transportation practices
Authors: Kumar Nirmal , Jha Ajeya
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Pharmaceuticals supply chain management (SCM) requires special expertise to transport the medicinal products because of weird features of their demand, supply and sensitivity towards quality. The purpose of this study is to establish the linkage of pharmaceutical quality system requirements with the SCM principles. The study enables the collaborative approach of technical, transport, logistics and supply chain teams within the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology followed for this study is literature review and survey. The study is supplemented with data obtained through the structured questionnaire.

Findings

Through this study, an exclusive perspective for pharmaceutical good transportation practice (GTP) has been propagated in alignment with seven principles of SCM by Anderson. This study offers guidance to pharmaceutical industry for transportation of products by conceptualizing basic supply chain features such as segmentation, customization of requirement, market signals, differentiation, technology orientation and channel spanning performance.

Research limitations/implications

Here is limited information available about the transportation failures in the pharmaceutical industry. Application of supply chain principles to pharmaceutical transportation is sometimes affected by technical knowledge bias of the researcher.

Practical implications

The study has successfully expounded the practical aspects of pharmaceutical GTP for supply chain professionals.

Social implications

The study facilitates the patients and pharmaceutical consumers to get quality products in a timely manner across the globe.

Originality/value

The application of SCM principles to the pharmaceutical GTP is the result of novel research and has not been studied earlier.
Turnaround leaders’ shifting gears in chronos and kairos time
Authors: Yoon Irene H. , Barton Annie
Published: July 2019

Purpose

In empirical research and practitioner guides, turnaround processes tend to be described in terms of discrete stages and strategies. Though necessary, this characterization belies the twists and turns of turnaround leadership. The purpose of this paper is to expand the assumptions of how turnaround proceeds in linear chronos time with the sensibilities of kairos time or the “right” time for turnaround leadership moves.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an exploratory qualitative multi-case study with principals and their key supports (assistant principals, district leaders, teacher leaders) in four public turnaround schools. The grounded theory analysis conceptualizes the experiences of turnaround principals in flexible, complex ways.

Findings

The findings begin with a metaphor and definition of “shifting gears” at chronos and kairos times that emphasizes how turnaround principals make adaptive, agentic adjustments when moving forward through changing terrain. The second half of findings describes each principal’s experiences and reflections on their discernment of the right times for change within a chronological trajectory of turnaround. In addition, the leaders described shifting gears as strategic and responsive to contexts, sometimes taking a psychological toll.

Originality/value

Expanding notions of time in turnaround re-centers turnaround leaders as engaging in intellectually and emotionally demanding work. Such recognition challenges future research to address experiences and emotions in dynamic contexts. Hence, with this study, preparation programs and state and local systems may adjust holistic supports and leadership pipelines to sustain turnaround leaders.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis of over 90 000 patients. Does fast‐track review diagnose colorectal cancer earlier?
Authors: Mozdiak Ella , Weldeselassie Yonas , McFarlane Michael , Tabuso Maria , Widlak Monika M. , Dunlop Amber , Tsertsvadze Alexander , Arasaradnam Ramesh P.
Published: July 2019

Background

National UK data on colorectal cancer (CRC) stage at diagnosis is incomplete. Site‐specific fast‐track (2‐week wait) cancer data are not collected directly by NHS England. Policy making based on these data alone can lead to inaccuracy.

Aims

To review available data on key outcomes (cancer conversion rate and stage at diagnosis) for the UK's lower gastrointestinal 2‐week wait pathway.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted between 2000 and 2017. Primary outcomes were cancer conversion rate and cancer stage at diagnosis. Results were expressed as proportions with 95% CIs. A random effects model was used for meta‐analysis; heterogeneity was assessed by I2.

Results

Of 95 papers reviewed, 49 were included in analysis with a total study population of 93,655. Cancer conversion rate was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.9‐8.5). The proportion presenting at Dukes A = 11.2% (95% CI 7.4‐15.6), B = 36.7% (95% CI 30.8‐42.8), C = 35.7% (95% CI: 30.8‐40.8) and D = 11.1% (95% CI 7.3‐15.5). No colonic pathology was diagnosed in 54.6% (95% CI: 46.2‐62.8).

Conclusions

Only 7.7% of patients referred by the 2‐week wait pathway were found to have CRC. No beneficial effect on stage at diagnosis was found compared to non‐2‐week wait referral pathways. Over half of patients had no colonic pathology and detection of adenomas was very low. These results should prompt a reconsideration of the benefits of the 2‐week wait pathway in CRC diagnosis and outcomes, with more focus on strategies to improve patient selection.