bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pairwise model discrimination with applications in lifetime distributions and degradation processes
Authors: Chen Piao , Ye Zhi‐Sheng , Xiao Xun
Published: November 2019

Reliability data obtained from life tests and degradation tests have been extensively used for purposes such as estimating product reliability and predicting warranty costs. When there is more than one candidate model, an important task is to discriminate between the models. In the literature, the model discrimination was often treated as a hypothesis test and a pairwise model discrimination procedure was carried out. Because the null distribution of the test statistic is unavailable in most cases, the large sample approximation and the bootstrap were frequently used to find the acceptance region of the test. Although these two methods are asymptotically accurate, their performance in terms of size and power is not satisfactory in small sample size. To enhance the small‐sample performance, we propose a new method to approximate the null distribution, which builds on the idea of generalized pivots. Conventionally, the generalized pivots were often used for interval estimation of a certain parameter or function of parameters in presence of nuisance parameters. In this study, we further extend the idea of generalized pivots to find the acceptance region of the model discrimination test. Through extensive simulations, we show that the proposed method performs better than the existing methods in discriminating between two lifetime distributions or two degradation models over a wide range of sample sizes. Two real examples are used to illustrate the proposed methods.
Synergistic effect of graphene oxide nanoplatelets and cellulose nanofibers on mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of thermoplastic starch
Authors: Ramezani Hessam , Behzad Tayebeh , Bagheri Ruhollah
Published: November 2019

In recent years, because of the limited availability of oil resources and the increasing concerns regarding environment protection, much attention has been drawn to produce packaging films based on degradable biopolymers instead of synthetic polymers. On the other hand, because of the high costs of oil extraction, raw materials and film production, and disposing of the waste products of synthetic films, the need to replace these films with less pollutant and more cost‐effective films is growing globally. In this study, to answer the need for replacing synthetic polymer films, nanocomposite films based on thermoplastic starch reinforced with cellulose nanofibers and graphene oxide nanoplatelets were produced and characterized. The results implied that the synergistic effect of cellulose nanofibers and graphene oxide nanoplatelets has played an important role in improving the mechanical properties of the films. The results showed that with the addition of cellulose nanofibers and graphene oxide nanoplatelets, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of starch film were increased from 3 and 32 MPa to 13 and 436 MPa, which corresponds to 438% and 1435% improvement, respectively. In addition, the oxygen permeability resistance and the water vapor transmission for samples containing 3 wt% of graphene oxide nanoplatelets was decreased by 78% and 30% compared with the thermoplastic starch film, respectively. The permeability coefficient of the samples containing 3 wt% graphene oxide nanoplatelets for oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide have proved to be 0.051, 0.054, and 0.047 barrer, which shows that these films can perform well as packaging films.
Teacher–student relationship quality and math achievement: The mediating role of teacher self‐efficacy
Authors: Hajovsky Daniel B. , Oyen Kari A. , Chesnut Steven R. , Curtin Susan J.
Published: November 2019

The relation between social dyadic variables such as teacher–student relationship quality (TSRQ) and student achievement have been well‐documented within prior work; however, less research has focused on how TSRQ associates with achievement. We used longitudinal structural equation modeling to investigate the extent that teacher self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between TSRQ and math achievement for 881 children in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study. Teacher–student closeness had moderate to large positive effects on teacher self‐efficacy, whereas teacher–student conflict had small to moderate negative effects on teacher self‐efficacy, which then had small positive effects on math achievement. Closeness only had indirect effects on math achievement via teacher self‐efficacy, whereas conflict had direct and indirect effects on math achievement. The results were consistent across grades, lending strength to the findings. This study provides researchers and practitioners evidence of an area that can be developed to potentially enhance student success in math.
Targeted and Untargeted Proteomics Approaches in Biomarker Development
Authors: Sobsey Constance A. , Ibrahim Sahar , Richard Vincent R. , Gaspar Vanessa , Mitsa Georgia , Lacasse Vincent , Zahedi René P. , Batist Gerald , Borchers Christoph H.
Published: November 2019

An enormous amount of research effort has been devoted to biomarker discovery and validation. With the completion of the human genome, proteomics is now playing an increasing role in this search for new and better biomarkers. Here, what leads to successful biomarker development is reviewed and how these features may be applied in the context of proteomic biomarker research is considered. The “fit‐for‐purpose” approach to biomarker development suggests that untargeted proteomic approaches may be better suited for early stages of biomarker discovery, while targeted approaches are preferred for validation and implementation. A systematic screening of published biomarker articles using MS‐based proteomics reveals that while both targeted and untargeted technologies are used in proteomic biomarker development, most researchers do not combine these approaches. i) The reasons for this discrepancy, (ii) how proteomic technologies can overcome technical challenges that seem to limit their translation into the clinic, and (iii) how MS can improve, complement, or replace existing clinically important assays in the future are discussed.
On the mirror symmetry between the absorption and emission of complex molecules in solution
Authors: Catalán Javier
Published: November 2019

The mirror‐symmetry phenomenon between the absorption and the molecular emission discovered by Levshin for molecular systems in solution, known as Levshin's law, is a powerful tool to investigate how different or similar the molecular structure responsible for the emission is with respect to the structure responsible for absorption. The three existing procedures in the literature (Stepanov's, Birks', and Kasha's models) for the evaluation of the behavior of Levshin's law for complex molecules in solution are based on the application of the Einstein coefficients that describe the radiation‐matter interaction in a system formed by two stationary states in the vacuum. None of the three procedures proposed is adequately supported for a molecular system in solution; therefore, a procedure is proposed and spectroscopically regarded as the most appropriate procedure to evaluate the existence or not of mirror‐image symmetry between absorption and emission.
Janus kinase inhibitors for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis demonstrate similar profiles of in vitro cytokine receptor inhibition
Authors: Dowty Martin E. , Lin Tsung H. , Jesson Michael I. , Hegen Martin , Martin David A. , Katkade Vaibhav , Menon Sujatha , Telliez Jean‐Baptiste
Published: November 2019

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as an effective class of therapies for various inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). JAK inhibitors function intracellularly by modulating the catalytic activity of JAKs and disrupting the receptor‐mediated signaling of multiple cytokines and growth factors, including those with pro‐inflammatory activity. Understanding the inhibition profiles of different JAK inhibitors, based on the associated cytokine receptors and downstream inflammatory pathways affected, is important to identify the potential mechanisms for observed differences in efficacy and safety. This study applied an integrated modeling approach, using in vitro whole blood cytokine inhibition potencies and plasma pharmacokinetics, to determine JAK‐dependent cytokine receptor inhibition profiles, in the context of doses estimated to provide a similar clinical response in RA clinical trials. The calculated profiles of cytokine receptor inhibition for the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib and its metabolite, were generally similar when clinically efficacious doses for RA were considered. Only minor numerical differences in percentage cytokine receptor inhibition were observed, suggesting limited differentiation of these inhibitors based on JAK pharmacology, with each showing a differential selectivity for JAK1 heterodimer inhibition. Nevertheless, only robust clinical testing involving head‐to‐head studies will ultimately determine whether there are clinically meaningful differences between these JAK inhibitors. Furthermore, ongoing and future research into inhibitors with alternative JAK selectivity remains of clinical importance. Thus, all JAK inhibitors should be characterized via thorough preclinical, metabolic and pharmacological evaluation, adequate long‐term clinical data, and when available, real‐world experience.
Empowering phase II clinical trials to reduce phase III failures
Authors: De Martini Daniele
Published: November 2019

The large number of failures in phase III clinical trials, which occur at a rate of approximately 45%, is studied herein relative to possible countermeasures. First, the phenomenon of failures is numerically described. Second, the main reasons for failures are reported, together with some generic improvements suggested in the related literature. This study shows how statistics explain, but do not justify, the high failure rate observed. The rate of failures due to a lack of efficacy that are not expected, is considered to be at least 10%. Expanding phase II is the simplest and most intuitive way to reduce phase III failures since it can reduce phase III false negative findings and launches of phase III trials when the treatment is positive but suboptimal. Moreover, phase II enlargement is discussed using an economic profile. As resources for research are often limited, enlarging phase II should be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis. Alternative strategies, such as biomarker‐based enrichments and adaptive designs, may aid in reducing failures. However, these strategies also have very low application rates with little likelihood of rapid growth.
The detailed dynamics of the June–August Hadley Cell
Authors: Hoskins B. J. , Yang G.‐Y. , Fonseca R. M.
Published: November 2019

The seminal theory for the Hadley Cells has demonstrated that their existence is necessary for the reduction of tropical temperature gradients to a value such that the implied zonal winds are realisable. At the heart of the theory is the notion of angular momentum conservation in the upper branch of the Hadley Cells. Eddy mixing associated with extratropical systems is invoked to give continuity at the edge of the Hadley Cell and to reduce the subtropical jet by a factor of three or more to those observed. In this article a detailed view is presented of the dynamics of the June–August Hadley Cell, as given by ERA data for the period 1981–2010, with an emphasis on the dynamics of the upper branch. The steady and transient northward fluxes of angular momentum have a very similar structure, both having a maximum on the Equator and a reversal in sign near 12°S, with the transient flux merging into that associated with eddies on the winter subtropical jet. In the northward absolute vorticity flux, the Coriolis torque is balanced by both the steady and transient fluxes. The overturning circulations that average to give the Hadley Cell are confined to specific longitudinal regions, as are the steady and transient momentum fluxes. In these regions, both intraseasonal and synoptic variations are important. The dominant contributor to the Hadley Cell is from the Indian Ocean and west Pacific regions, and the maxima in OLR variability and meridional wind in these regions have a characteristic structure associated with the Westward‐moving Mixed Rossby–Gravity wave. Much of the upper tropospheric motion into the winter hemisphere occurs in filaments of air from the summer equatorial region. These filaments can reach the winter subtropical jet, leading to the strengthening of it and of the eddies on it, implying strong tropical–extratropical interaction.
Influence of ring position on the temporal dependence of charge movement in a switchable [2]rotaxane
Authors: Bazargan Gloria , Sohlberg Karl
Published: November 2019

Switchable mechanically interlocked molecular architectures (MIMAs) are promising candidates for the components of nanoscale devices. An example of a MIMA‐based switch used in nanoscale devices is the electrochemically switchable Stoddart‐Heath‐type [2]rotaxane. This system's two coconformations differ in electrical conductance, a feature that has been harnessed for electronic and information storage applications. Herein we study the flow of charge in two coconformations of a bistable Stoddart‐Heath‐type [2]rotaxane and report statistical predictions of electron transfer times using a probabilistic approach for characterizing the timescale of quantum particle transit. The ratio of predicted transfer times for the two coconformations is consistent with the experimentally reported difference in electrical conductance. Path information offered by the probabilistic method gives insight into the influence of ring position on the mechanism of electron transit in this mechanically interlocked assembly.
Neural adaptive prescribed performance control for interconnected nonlinear systems with output dead zone
Authors: Du Peihao , Zhou Qi , Liang Hongjing
Published: November 2019

This paper is concerned with the neural‐based decentralized adaptive control for interconnected nonlinear systems with prescribed performance and unknown dead zone outputs. In the controller design procedure, neural networks are employed to identify unknown auxiliary functions, and the control design obstacle caused by the output nonlinearity is resolved via introducing Nussbaum function. Then, a reliable neural decentralized adaptive control is developed through incorporating the backstepping method and the prescribed performance technique. In the light of Lyapunov stability theory, it is verified that the proposed control scheme can ensure that all the closed‐loop signals are bounded, and can also guarantee that the tracking errors remain within a small enough compact set with the prescribed performance bounds. Finally, some simulation results are given to illustrate the feasibility of the devised control strategy.
Configurations of sustainable development goals that promote sustainable entrepreneurship over time
Authors: Moya‐Clemente Ismael , Ribes‐Giner Gabriela , Pantoja‐Díaz Odette
Published: November 2019

This paper examines sustainable entrepreneurship over time by focusing on the identification of the combinations of environmental factors (clean water and sanitation, affordable clean energy, urgent action to combat climate change, and life on land) and economic development factors (decent work and economic growth). Based on data from 50 countries, it examines the causal configurations behind the manifestations of these factors using fuzzy‐set qualitative comparison analysis. The variables and data were derived from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and the Sustainable Development Goals Index. Our key finding is that protecting and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems always have a sufficiently positive effect to ensure a high level of sustainable entrepreneurship. Also, high levels of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and sustainable growth and decent work, plus good access to affordable and sustainable energy and clean water are related to promote sustainable entrepreneurship.
Defects‐Induced In‐Plane Heterophase in Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Zhijuan , Xiao Zhaohui , Luo Gan , Chen Ru , Dong Chung‐Li , Chen Xiaobo , Cen Jiajie , Yang Haotian , Wang Yanyong , Su Dong , Li Yafei , Wang Shuangyin
Published: November 2019

Cobalt oxides as efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts have received much attention because of their rich reserves and cheap cost. There are two common cobalt oxides, Co3O4 (spinel phase, stable but poor intrinsic activity) and CoO (rocksalt phase, active but easily be oxidatized). Constructing Co3O4/CoO heterophase can inherit both characteristic features of each component and form a heterophase interface facilitating charge transfer, which is believed to be an effective strategy in designing excellent electrocatalysts. Herein, an atomic arrangement engineering strategy is applied to improve electrocatalytic activity of Co3O4 for the OER. With the presence of oxygen vacancies, cobalt atoms at tetrahedral sites in Co3O4 can more easily diffuse into interstitial octahedral sites to form CoO phase structure as revealed by periodic density functional theory computations. The Co3O4/CoO spinel/rocksalt heterophase can be in situ fabricated at the atomic scale in plane. The overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2 of Co3O4/CoO is 1.532 V, which is 92 mV smaller than that of Co3O4. Theoretical calculations confirm that the excellent electrochemical activity is corresponding to a decline in average p‐state energy of adsorbed‐O on the Co3O4/CoO heterophase interface. The reaction Gibbs energy barrier has been significantly decreased with the construction of the heterophase interface.
Enzyme and AIEgens Modulated Solid‐State Nanochannels: In Situ and Noninvasive Monitoring of H2O2 Released from Living Cells
Authors: Lou Xiaoding , Song Yongjun , Liu Rui , Cheng Yong , Dai Jun , Chen Qing , Gao Pengcheng , Zhao Zujin , Xia Fan
Published: November 2019

Solid‐state nanochannels have revealed great abilities in the sensing of ions, small biomolecules, and biological macromolecules. However, the current platform requires pretreatment of real samples to extract targets, which may induce false signals due to complicated collection and addition processes. Although nanopore electrodes or nanopipettes have been successfully utilized in the detection of intracellular redox‐active species without sample preparation processes, the insertion of nanoprobes to living cells is inevitable. Here, a strategy is reported to monitor H2O2 released from living cells based on functionalized solid‐state nanochannels without an insertion procedure. In this strategy, aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with enzyme‐responsive linkage properties are combined in solid‐state nanochannels. When H2O2 released from cervical cancer cells (HeLa), Tyr‐containing AIEgens (TT) will form horseradish peroxidase‐modulated (HRP‐modulated) linkages in the nanochannels. The formation of linkages can result in the effective blockade of nanochannels, hence via transmembrane ionic current. Owing to the aggregation of linkage products, a fluorescence signal can be observed. By using these dual‐signal‐output nanochannels, in situ and noninvasive detection of H2O2 is able to be achieved. Together with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations results, solid surface zeta potential and contact angle experiments, it is concluded that the blockage of nanochannels is the dominate factor for ionic currents as well as fluorescence change.
Medical social network content analysis for medical image retrieval purpose
Authors: Gaith Ayadi Mouhamed , Bouslimi Riadh , Akaichi Jalel
Published: November 2019

Background and objective: Medical social networking platforms provide virtual spaces ensuring the interaction between different healthcare participants. As a part of the exchange, these spaces allow subscribers to upload medical images, describing different medical cases for an analysis or an interpretation proposal. Facing this expected huge amount of uploaded images generated daily, it is needed to engage new mechanisms to effectively deal with this circumstance, for enhancing the search function process of medical images, based on what is uploaded. To overcome this issue, setting up of images visual searching based on a content‐based medical image retrieval scheme is the solution. More clearly, such mechanism will help and motivate medical social networking subscribers to find visually similar stored images.

Methods: To ensure this task, the development of this mechanism, technically, is based mainly on a fusion of three visual features, which offers a flexible and more precision. It is reinforced by a weighted distance approach through attributing weights for feature vectors to scale up the performance. Indeed, the displayed results of this system can be updated based on user's intention by a user interactive feedback mechanism to indicate the truly relevant images.

Results: We provide the theoretical performance of our scheme. Extensive experiments were conducted on a categorically classified collection containing 500 images. We conduct a practical evaluation on this dataset classes, putting returned results in a comparative study with other models results, existing in the literature.

Conclusions: The proposed scheme preserves the efficiency of the search task. As theoretically and experimentally established, our scheme offers an effective image retrieval model that can support different subscribers' expectations. The relevance feedback mechanism can keep the dynamism of the system, thus offering a continuous searching result evolution. Experimentation outcomes indicate better findings compared with the other models.
Fine tuning the circumscription ofFridericia(Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Kaehler Miriam , Michelangeli Fabián A. , Lohmann Lúcia G.
Published: November 2019

The plant family Bignoniaceae has a complicated history of supra‐specific level systematics. In the past decade, molecular phylogenetic studies have contributed substantially to an improved circumscription of clades at all taxonomic levels, especially at the generic and tribal levels. For instance, a molecular phylogeny of the tribe Bignonieae reconstructed a polyphyleticArrabidaea, and proposed a new circumscription for members of the Arrabidaea & Allies clade. Within this new classification, most species previously included inArrabidaeawere distributed among four genera:Cuspidaria(19 spp.),Fridericia(67 spp.),Tanaecium(17 spp.), andXylophragma(7 spp.). The taxonomy ofFridericia, the genus that received most species ofArrabidaea, remains complicated due to the high morphological variability and broad distribution of its species. Here, we used molecular data and a broad sampling of taxa within the Arrabidaea & Allies clade to reconstruct the phylogeny ofFridericia. We then studied the morphology of all species ofFridericiaand identified morphological synapomorphies that characterize major clades that represent meaningful units for future taxonomic studies. Most genera included in the Arrabidaea & Allies clade were retrieved as monophyletic; however, two species ofFridericiawere reconstructed withinCuspidaria, while three species ofFridericiawere placed withinTanaecium. The molecular phylogenetic placements received additional support from morphology, and the necessary taxonomic changes are proposed. We combine three species ofFridericiaintoTanaecium(T. dichotomumcomb. nov.,T. paradoxumcomb. nov.,T. parviflorumcomb. nov.), two species intoXylophragma(X. clausseniicomb. nov.,X. corchoroidescomb. nov.), two species intoCuspidaria(C. bracteolatacomb. nov.,C. monophyllacomb. nov.), and one species ofAdenocalymmaintoFridericia(F. trichocladacomb. nov.). We also synonymizeFridericia whiteiintoCuspidaria pulchra. We present a key for the seven main clades identified within the genus, as well as a detailed morphological description forFridericiaand its major lineages.
Evaluating the efficacy of using sentence frames for learning new vocabulary in science
Authors: Block Nicholas C.
Published: November 2019

Science students are increasingly challenged to use technical language related to the topics that they are studying, and therefore, science teachers benefit from knowing which tools are effective to support students in learning to use new terms. This study examined the impact of using one such tool—sentences frames—to teach science vocabulary, as measured through a science‐writing task. Using an experimental approach with extant middle school science classes that offered a sample of 75 mainly Latino school students from grades six through eight, the researcher together with participating teachers identified 10 essential terms per science unit. The teachers used vocabulary‐focused sentence frames for teaching the terms in one science unit, and a more traditional science text‐based approach for teaching vocabulary in another unit. The writing task required at the end of the units consisted of essays in response to science‐based prompts that directed students to use as many target science words as possible; matching/cloze format quizzes were also used to measure pretest and posttest receptive vocabulary knowledge. Findings indicated that there were advantages for teaching new science vocabulary via sentence frames as measured by use of the words in writing, but there were no advantages for sentence frames on quizzes measuring receptive vocabulary. Advantages of sentence frames for writing approached but did not reach statistical significance. There was some evidence that current and previous English language learners benefited more than initial English speakers from sentence frames, implying that utilizing sentence frames to teach science vocabulary might offer needed support especially for these subgroups. Limitations of the study included the sample size and the possibility that the strategy utilized in the comparison group might have offered some of the same advantages in producing language with technical vocabulary that the sentence frames unit offered.
Aggregation kinetics and mechanisms of silver nanoparticles in simulated pollution water under UV light irradiation
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Wu Qi‐Tang , Shang Enxiang , Wang Xinjie , Wang Kaixuan , Zhao Jian , Duan Jiajun , Liu Yuan , Li Yang
Published: November 2019

This paper investigated the effect mechanism of complex components (fulvic acid [FA], sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate [SDBS], and sodium nitrate [NaNO3]) on the aggregation kinetics of polyvinylpyrrolidone‐modified silver nanoparticles (PVP‐AgNPs) under UV irradiation. The results showed that FA and NaNO3 alone did not cause aggregation due to the high steric hindrance and/or electrostatic repulsive forces. In high concentration of SDBS solution (20–50 mM), the stability of PVP‐AgNPs was reduced by adsorbing SDBS on nanoparticle surface and replacing their PVP coatings. A mixed system of two pollutants had a synergistic effect on PVP‐AgNPs aggregation. In the mixed system of SDBS and FA, the interaction of SDBS and PVP‐AgNPs dominated the aggregation of PVP‐AgNPs. NaNO3 significantly improved the aggregation rate of PVP‐AgNPs in SDBS solution due to the charge neutralization effect of electrolyte. In 20 mg/L FA solution, the aggregation rate increased slightly with increasing NaNO3 concentration from 50 to 200 mM due to the charge neutralization effect, while the hydrodynamic diameters of PVP‐AgNPs increased linearly and rapidly to micrometer size because the spatial conformation of adsorbed FA became compact in high‐salinity solution. The calculation results of eDLVO theory were basically consistent with most of the experimental results.

Practitioner points

PVP‐AgNPs was uniformly dispersed in NaNO3 or FA solution under UV irradiation.

PVP‐AgNPs formed aggregates in SDBS solutions under UV irradiation.

A system with two mixed pollutants had a synergistic effect on promoting aggregation of PVP‐AgNPs.

eDLVO theory could explain the aggregation results in different chemical conditions except in NaNO3 solution.
Superstring amplitudes, unitarily, and Hankel determinants of multiple zeta values
Authors: Green Michael B. , Wen Congkao
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The interplay of unitarity and analyticity has long been known to impose strong constraints on scattering amplitudes in quantum field theory and string theory. This has been highlighted in recent times in a number of papers and lecture notes. Here we examine such conditions in the context of superstring tree-level scattering amplitudes, leading to positivity constraints on determinants of Hankel matrices involving polynomials of multiple zeta values. These generalise certain constraints on polynomials of single zeta values in the mathematics literature.
Sensitivity analysis of free torsional vibration frequencies of thin-walled laminated beams under axial load
Authors: Szymczak Czesław , Kujawa Marcin
Published: November 2019

The paper addresses sensitivity analysis of free torsional vibration frequencies of thin-walled beams of bisymmetric open cross section made of unidirectional fibre-reinforced laminate. The warping effect and the axial end load are taken into account. The consideration is based upon the classical theory of thin-walled beams of non-deformable cross section. The first-order sensitivity variation of the frequencies is derived with respect to the design variable variations. The beam cross-sectional dimensions and the material properties are assumed the design variables undergoing variations. The paper includes a numerical example related to simply supported I-beams and the distributions of sensitivity functions of frequencies along the beam axis. Accuracy is discussed of the first-order sensitivity analysis in the assessment of frequency changes due to the fibre volume fraction variable variations, and the effect of axial loads is discussed too.
The Use of Serratus Anterior Fascial Flap in Integrated Mastectomy and Implant Reconstruction
Authors: Chan Yolanda Ho‐Yan , Yue Ivan Kai‐Hong , Ho Chiu‐Ming , Cheung Polly Suk‐Yee
Published: November 2019

Background

Tissue reinforcement with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in implant‐based breast reconstruction contributes to the coverage of the implant and avoids its direct exposure to skin incision, yet not without risk of infection. Our integrated technique makes use of the in situ serratus anterior fascia as a support of the implant following mastectomy, which serves the same purpose of ADM in terms of aesthetic outcomes, but minimizes the hazard of infective complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all the nipple‐sparing mastectomies with direct‐to‐implant immediate reconstruction in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital from 2012 to 2016. The authors made use of the serratus anterior fascial flap as inferolateral coverage for the subpectoral implant. Consequently, the implant would be completely covered by autologous tissues.

Results

Among the 51 women included, primary breast cancers account for 91.8% of our indications for these 61 procedures of integrated mastectomy and implant reconstruction. The remaining five (8.2%) were performed as contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Almost three quarters of the patients had a bra cup size of B or below. After a mean follow‐up of 28.9 months, there was no reported post‐operative complication of skin flap or nipple–areolar complex necrosis, or infection or extrusion of the implant.

Conclusions

Our series support that the serratus anterior fascial flap could provide autologous coverage in integrated mastectomy and implant breast reconstruction, especially in small‐ and medium‐sized breasts. Appropriate patient selection, as well as meticulous surgical technique, is critical for its success.
Butyric acid, a gut bacteria metabolite, lowers arterial blood pressure via colon-vagus nerve signaling and GPR41/43 receptors
Authors: Onyszkiewicz Maksymilian , Gawrys-Kopczynska Marta , Konopelski Piotr , Aleksandrowicz Marta , Sawicka Aneta , Koźniewska Ewa , Samborowska Emilia , Ufnal Marcin
Published: November 2019

Butyric acid (BA) is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut bacteria in the colon. We hypothesized that colon-derived BA may affect hemodynamics. Arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded in anesthetized, male, 14-week-old Wistar rats. A vehicle, BA, or 3-hydroxybutyrate, an antagonist of SCFA receptors GPR41/43 (ANT) were administered intravenously (IV) or into the colon (IC). Reactivity of mesenteric (MA) and gracilis muscle (GMA) arteries was tested ex vivo. The concentration of BA in stools, urine, portal, and systemic blood was measured with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. BA administered IV decreased BP with no significant effect on HR. The ANT reduced, whereas L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, did not affect the hypotensive effect of BA. In comparison to BA administered intravenously, BA administered into the colon produced a significantly longer decrease in BP and a decrease in HR, which was associated with a 2–3-fold increase in BA colon content. Subphrenic vagotomy and IC pretreatment with the ANT significantly reduced the hypotensive effect. Ex vivo, BA dilated MA and GMA. In conclusion, an increase in the concentration of BA in the colon produces a significant hypotensive effect which depends on the afferent colonic vagus nerve signaling and GPR41/43 receptors. BA seems to be one of mediators between gut microbiota and the circulatory system.
Progress against inequalities in mortality: register-based study of 15 European countries between 1990 and 2015
Authors: Mackenbach Johan P. , Rubio Valverde José , Bopp Matthias , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik , Costa Giuseppe , Deboosere Patrick , Kalediene Ramune , Kovács Katalin , Leinsalu Mall , Martikainen Pekka , Menvielle Gwenn , Rodriguez-Sanz Maica , Nusselder Wilma J.
Published: November 2019

Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality are a challenge for public health around the world, but appear to be resistant to policy-making. We aimed to identify European countries which have been more successful than others in narrowing inequalities in mortality, and the factors associated with narrowing inequalities. We collected and harmonised mortality data by educational level in 15 European countries over the last 25 years, and quantified changes in inequalities in mortality using a range of measures capturing different perspectives on inequality (e.g., ‘relative’ and ‘absolute’ inequalities, inequalities in ‘attainment’ and ‘shortfall’). We determined which causes of death contributed to narrowing of inequalities, and conducted country- and period-fixed effects analyses to assess which country-level factors were associated with narrowing of inequalities in mortality. Mortality among the low educated has declined rapidly in all European countries, and a narrowing of absolute, but not relative inequalities was seen in many countries. Best performers were Austria, Italy (Turin) and Switzerland among men, and Spain (Barcelona), England and Wales, and Austria among women. Ischemic heart disease, smoking-related causes (men) and amenable causes often contributed to narrowing inequalities. Trends in income inequality, level of democracy and smoking were associated with widening inequalities, but rising health care expenditure was associated with narrowing inequalities. Trends in inequalities in mortality have not been as unfavourable as often claimed. Our results suggest that health care expansion has counteracted the inequalities widening effect of other influences.
Resilience of planktonic bacterial community structure in response to short-term weather deterioration during the growing season in an alpine lake
Authors: Ma Tianli , Jiang Yiming , Elbehery Ali H. A. , Blank Stephan , Kurmayer Rainer , Deng Li
Published: November 2019

The disturbing effect of a short-term cooling period during summer on planktonic bacterial community structure of an alpine lake was investigated using 16S rDNA pyrosequencing. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes constituted the most abundant phyla. During the sampling period (from July to August 2010), a sudden cooling period with high precipitation occurred, as indicated by a decrease in conductivity, calcium, and dissolved organic carbon concentration resulting from increased runoff. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria decreased during this short-term cooling period. Instead, a rapid shift from Betaproteobacteria to Gammaproteobacteria occurred, which was mainly caused by an increase of Acinetobacter rhizosphaerae. Soon after the short-term cooling period, warmer weather conditions got re-established and Betaproteobacteria recovered and became again dominant. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling analysis and Venn diagrams revealed a planktonic bacterial community composition with high similarity at the beginning and the end of the growing season. Air temperature and precipitation were significantly correlated with the observed variation in operational taxonomic unit (OTU) relative abundance. It is concluded that, in response to the short-term cooling period, a distinct planktonic bacterial OTU community developed. It rapidly diminished, however, as summer conditions became re-established, implying the recovery of the original bacterial community structure.
Direct Aggression and the Balance between Status and Affection Goals in Adolescence
Authors: Sijtsema Jelle J. , Lindenberg Siegwart M. , Ojanen Tiina J. , Salmivalli Christina
Published: November 2019

Previous studies have shown that status goals motivate direct forms of interpersonal aggression. However, status goals have been studied mostly in isolation from affection goals. It is theorized that the means by which status and affection goals are satisfied change during adolescence, which can affect aggression. This is tested in a pooled sample of (pre)adolescents (N = 1536; 49% girls; ages 10–15), by examining associations between status goals and direct aggression and the moderating role of affection goals. As hypothesized, with increasing age, status goals were more strongly associated with direct aggression. Moreover, for older adolescents, status goals were only associated with aggression when affection goals were weak. These findings support the changing relationship between status goals and direct aggression during adolescence.
Do articles in open access journals have more frequent altmetric activity than articles in subscription-based journals? An investigation of the research output of Finnish universities
Authors: Holmberg Kim , Hedman Juha , Bowman Timothy D. , Didegah Fereshteh , Laakso Mikael
Published: November 2019

Scientific articles available in Open Access (OA) have been found to attract more citations and online attention to the extent that it has become common to speak about OA Altmetrics Advantage. This research investigates how the OA Altmetrics Advantage holds for a specific case of research articles, namely the research outputs from universities in Finland. Furthermore, this research examines disciplinary and platform specific differences in that (dis)advantage. The new methodological approaches developed in this research focus on relative visibility, i.e. how often articles in OA journals receive at least one mention on the investigated online platforms, and relative receptivity, i.e. how frequently articles in OA journals gain mentions in comparison to articles in subscription-based journals. The results show significant disciplinary and platform specific differences in the OA advantage, with articles in OA journals within for instance veterinary sciences, social and economic geography and psychology receiving more citations and attention on social media platforms, while the opposite was found for articles in OA journals within medicine and health sciences. The results strongly support field- and platform-specific considerations when assessing the influence of journal OA status on altmetrics. The new methodological approaches used in this research will serve future comparative research into OA advantage of scientific articles over time and between countries.
Risk Factors for Dysphagia and the Impact on Outcome After Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Keser Tobias , Kofler Mario , Katzmayr Mariella , Schiefecker Alois J. , Rass Verena , Ianosi Bogdan A. , Lindner Anna , Gaasch Maxime , Beer Ronny , Rhomberg Paul , Schmutzhard Erich , Pfausler Bettina , Helbok Raimund
Published: November 2019

Background

Despite the tremendous impact of swallowing disorders on outcome following ischemic stroke, little is known about the incidence of dysphagia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its contribution to hospital complications, length of intensive care unit stay, and functional outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of an ongoing prospective cohort study. Swallowing ability was assessed in consecutive non-traumatic SAH patients admitted to our neurological intensive care unit using the Bogenhausen Dysphagia Score (BODS). A BODS > 2 points indicated dysphagia. Functional outcome was assessed 3 months after the SAH using the modified Rankin Scale with a score > 2 defined as poor functional outcome.

Results

Two-hundred and fifty consecutive SAH patients comprising all clinical severity grades with a median age of 57 years (interquartile range 47–67) were eligible for analysis. Dysphagia was diagnosed in 86 patients (34.4%). Factors independently associated with the development of dysphagia were poor clinical grade on admission (Hunt & Hess grades 4–5), SAH-associated parenchymal hematoma, hydrocephalus, detection of an aneurysm, and prolonged mechanical ventilation (> 48 h). Dysphagia was independently associated with a higher rate of pneumonia (OR = 4.32, 95% CI = 2.35–7.93), blood stream infection (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 2.0–9.4), longer ICU stay [14 (8–21) days versus 29.5 (23–45) days, p < 0.001], and poor functional outcome after 3 months (OR = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.49–6.39).

Conclusions

Dysphagia is a frequent complication of non-traumatic SAH and associated with poor functional outcome, infectious complications, and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. Early identification of high-risk patients is needed to timely stratify individual patients for dysphagia treatment.
No Justice, No Health: the Black Panther Party’s Fight for Health in Boston and Beyond
Authors: Bassett Mary T.
Published: November 2019

The Black Panther Party (BPP) evolved from an organization focused on armed self-defense against police brutality to one that framed police violence as part of broader social violence. Protection meant advocating for a wide range of social and economic rights, including the right to health. In this view, the BPP aligned with a broader tradition of community health from the civil rights movement, women’s movement, and other progressive movements. Fred Hampton articulated a radical view that saw the inadequate government social services as a form of oppression. Central to better health was the promotion of social justice and human dignity, incorporated into the BPP “survival programs.” In a few short years, the BPP established more than a dozen clinics across the country and a national sickle cell screening program. Its legacy remains relevant today.
Effect of two digestive enzymes and pH on the dsRNA of endornaviruses of bell pepper and melon under in vitro conditions
Authors: McCanless Adair , Hultgren Allison , Escalante Cesar , Ardt Alyssa , Valverde Rodrigo A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The objective of this investigation was to determine the in vitro effect of two common digestive enzymes, amylase and pepsin, and pH on the integrity of the RI dsRNA of bell pepper endornavirus (BPEV) and Cucumis melo endornavirus (CmEV) evaluated by gel electrophoresis and reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR).

Methods

We conducted experiments on the in vitro effect of two common digestive enzymes, amylase and pepsin, and pH on the structural integrity of the replicative intermediate (RI) dsRNA of bell pepper endornavirus (BPEV) and Cucumis melo endornavirus (CmEV), evaluated by gel electrophoresis and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Result

The effect of the amylase, pepsin, and pH treatments on the dsRNA of both viruses was similar. Amylase did not appear to affect the structural integrity of the dsRNA. In contrast, gel electrophoresis analysis of pepsin-treated dsRNA samples showed an abnormal electrophoretic migration and evidence of partial dsRNA degradation. DsRNAs from both fruits were partially degraded when exposed to a pH value of 2.0 and completely degraded at a pH value of 1.0.

Conclusion

The results of this investigation suggest that when exposed to pepsin and pH values lower than 2.0, the RI of BPEV and CmEV lose their structural integrity. Therefore, when consuming endornavirus-infected bell pepper or melon, our digestive organs are exposed to both fragmented and full RI dsRNA of these two viruses.
Current Status of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing and Counselling Considerations: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Massa James D. , Arora Veronica , Lallar Meenakshi , Bijarnia Sunita , Puri Ratna Dua , Verma Ishwar C.
Published: November 2019

Uptake of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is rapidly expanding around the world. Here, we provide an overview of the current global state of NIPT, describe the expansion of the test menu, highlight alternative prenatal test service delivery, and discuss NIPT counseling considerations. We also provide a perspective on utilisation of NIPT in India, which has unique challenges for implementing NIPT given its large population, vast territory, and diverse ethnic groups. The barriers to implementation of NIPT in India are also discussed. Current recommendations regarding use of NIPT made by professional societies vary in different regions and such recommendations for NIPT in India will be helpful to provide general guidance to the health care providers, but will likely require modifications for implementation in India.
Comparison of Phospholipid-Based Particles for Sustained Release of Ciprofloxacin Following Pulmonary Administration to Bronchiectasis Patients
Authors: Weers Jeffry
Published: November 2019

The rapid clearance of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride from the lungs following administration as an aerosol leads to poor efficacy in the treatment of pulmonary infections. The development of formulations capable of sustaining ciprofloxacin concentrations in the lungs has the potential to significantly improve antibacterial activity. The present review compares two approaches for sustaining levels of ciprofloxacin in the lungs, a liposomal formulation where ciprofloxacin is encapsulated in small unilamellar vesicles, and a dry powder formulation of the practically insoluble zwitterionic form of the drug. These two formulations recently completed large multicenter, phase 3 clinical studies in bronchiectasis patients. As such, they present a unique opportunity to examine the chemistry, manufacturing, and control of the dosage forms in addition to their tolerability and efficacy in more than 1000 bronchiectasis patients. Both formulations were generally well tolerated with most adverse events found to be mild to moderate in intensity. While the formulations were effective in reducing and/or eradicating infections, this did not lead to reductions in pulmonary exacerbations, the primary endpoint. The failures speak more to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and the difficulty in identifying bronchiectasis patients likely to exacerbate, rather than an inherent limitation of the formulations. While the formulations are similar in many respects, they also present some interesting differences. This review explores the implications of these differences on the treatment of respiratory infections.