bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic assisted insetting of free flaps in anterior skull base reconstruction: A preliminary report of five cases
Authors: Rodriguez‐Lorenzo Andres , Driessen Caroline , Mani Maria , Lidian Adnan , Gudjonsson Olafur , Stigare Erik 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionFree vascularized tissue may provide a robust reconstruction after anterior skull base surgery. We report our technique and outcomes of the endoscopic inset of free flaps in anterior skull base reconstructions.MethodsBetween 2016 and 2018, endoscopic tumor removal and reconstruction of anterior skull base pathology was performed in five patients aged 20–72 years old (four male, one female). The tumors included three neuroblastomas, a carcinoma, an adenoma, and a melanoma. The median size of the defect was 3.7 × 6.6 cm. Transmaxillary access was gained through the upper sulcus and an anterior and medial maxillectomy. The flap inset was facilitated by the endoscope. The donor vessels were tunneled through the sinus and through the cheek to the facial vessels without the use of the endoscope.ResultsIn three cases a vastus lateralis flap was used, in one case an adipofascial ALT flap and in one case an adipofascial radial forearm flap. Separation of intracranial and sinonasal spaces was confirmed by radiological and endoscopic examinations. There was no flap failure and one case with partial necrosis. One of the flaps needed to be trimmed as it obliterated the nasal cavity and in one of the cases the flap was repositioned postoperatively. Two cases had infectious complications. The mean follow‐up of the patients was 13.8 months.ConclusionsEndoscopic assisted inset of a free flap in the anterior skull base was feasible in the five cases we present. A dedicated, multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for surgical innovation like this.
The use of mindfulness to promote ethical decision making and behavior: Empirical evidence from the public sector in Thailand
Authors: Sutamchai Kunkanit , Rowlands Kate E. , Rees Christopher J. 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThe study has two main purposes. First, the study explores core ethical values and behaviors from the perspective of Thai public service organizational leaders. Second, the study investigates the extent to which public sector leaders in Thailand consider Buddhist‐based mindfulness practice to be a potentially effective mechanism for reinforcing core ethical values and behaviors in the public sector in Thailand. Using interview data derived from in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 12 senior public sector officials in Thailand, the analysis elicits four dimensions of core ethical values and behaviors that are perceived by Thai public service organizational leaders as central to ethical behavior in the public sector. The study also sheds light on the interviewees' positive perceptions towards mindfulness and the role its associated practices can play in promoting ethical decision making and behavior in the public sector in Thailand.
Photovoltaic operation in the lower atmosphere and at the surface of Venus
Authors: Grandidier Jonathan , Kirk Alexander P. , Jahelka Phillip , Stevens Margaret A. , Gogna Pawan K. , Crisp David , Osowski Mark L. , Vandervelde Thomas E. , Atwater Harry A. , Cutts James A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLow‐intensity high‐temperature (LIHT) solar cells are needed for extended photovoltaic power generation in both the lower atmosphere as well as at the surface of Venus. Double‐junction GaInP/GaAs solar cells that may be able to operate and survive, with suitable encapsulation, for several weeks on the 465°C Venus surface have been developed. These solar cells have been optimized for operation under the Venus solar spectrum, which is different from that of the Earth.
No evidence for interactions of dimethylfumarate (DMF) and its main metabolite monomethylfumarate (MMF) with human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) drug transporter
Authors: Aubets Jordi , Jansat Josep‐Maria , Salva Miquel , Birks Vicky M. , Cole Richard J. , Lewis Jenny , Pitcher Annabell , Hall Michael 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDimethylfumarate (DMF) has long been used as part of a fixed combination of fumaric acid esters (FAE) in some European countries and is now available as an oral monotherapy for psoriasis. The present investigation determined whether DMF and its main metabolite monomethylfumarate (MMF) interact with hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) transporter, and was performed as part of DMF's regulatory commitments. Although referred to in the available product labels/summary of product characteristics, the actual data have not yet been made publicly available. In vitro inhibition experiments using CYP‐selective substrates with human liver microsomes showed 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of >666 µmol/L for DMF and >750 µmol/L for MMF. MMF (≤250 μmol/L; 72 hours) was not cytotoxic in cultured human hepatocyte experiments and mRNA expression data indicated no CYP induction by MMF (1‐250 µmol/L). DMF (≤6.66 mmol/L) showed moderate‐to‐high absorption (apparent permeability [Papp] ≥2.3‐29.7 x 10−6 cm/s) across a Caucasian colon adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2) cell monolayer, while MMF (≤7.38 mmol/L) demonstrated low‐to‐moderate permeability (Papp 1.2‐8.9 × 10−6 cm/s). DMF was not a substrate for P‐gp (net efflux ratios ≤1.22) but was a weak inhibitor of P‐gp at supratherapeutic concentrations (estimated IC50 relative to solvent control of 1.5 mmol/L; [3H]digoxin efflux in Caco‐2 cells). This inhibition is unlikely to be clinically relevant. MMF was not a substrate or inhibitor of P‐gp. Thus, DMF and MMF should not affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of coadministered drugs that are CYP and P‐gp substrates.
Sampling strategies in the assessment of long‐term exposures to toxic substances in air
Authors: Nocetti Diego , Crimi Michelle , Rossner Alan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe decision to mitigate exposures from vapor intrusion (VI) is typically based on limited data from 24‐hour air samples. It is well documented that these data do not accurately represent long‐term average exposures linked to adverse health effects. Limited decision guidance is currently available to determine the most appropriate sampling strategy, considering the cost of sampling alternatives along with the economic consequences of exposure‐related health effects. We present a decision model that introduces economic and statistical considerations in evaluating alternative VI sampling methods. The model characterizes the best sampling method by factoring economic and health consequences of exposure, the variability of exposure, the cost of sampling and mitigation, and the likelihood of false‐negatives and false‐positives. Decision‐makers can use results to select the sample size that maximizes net benefit. Conceptual and mathematical models are presented linking biological, statistical, and economic considerations to assess the cost and effectiveness of different sampling strategies. The model relates an average exposure concentration, determined statistically, to abatement costs and to the monetary value of health deterioration. The value of the information provided by different strategies is calculated and used to select the optimum sampling method. Simulations show that longer‐term sampling methods tend to be more accurate and cost‐effective than short‐term samples. The ideal sampling strategy shows significant seasonal variation (it is typically optimal to use longer samples in the winter) and also varies significantly with the stringency of regulatory standards. Longer‐term sample collection provides a more accurate representation of average VI exposure and reduces the likelihood of type I and type II errors. This reduces expected costs of mitigation and exposure (e.g., health consequences, legal and regulatory penalties), which in some cases can be quite significant. The model herein shows how these savings are balanced against the additional costs of longer‐term sampling.
An Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Derivative That Enables Selective and Sequential Sensing of Cu2+ and CN− Ions in Aqueous and Biological Samples
Authors: Mala Ramanjaneyulu , Nandhagopal Manivannan , Narayanasamy Mathivanan , Thennarasu Sathiah 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe report a triazole appended imidazopyridine based chemosensor (probe 1) for sequential detection of Cu2+ and CN− ions using fluorometry. Probe 1 is fluorescent in aqueous acetonitrile (H2O‐CH3CN, 1:1, v/v) when common metal ions are present, but the fluorescence is quenched when Cu2+ is present. The binding mechanism, quantitative determination and the mode of interaction of Cu2+ with probe 1 are explained using fluorescence spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The observed detection limit for Cu2+ is found to be (18.17×10−6 M) and it is comparable with those reported for other Cu2+ chemosensors. Further, the 1–Cu2+ complex formation is found to be reversible, and this property has been successfully exploited for the quantitative determination of CN− ions in aqueous acetonitrile. Addition of CN– leads to a complete recovery of fluorescence from 1–Cu2+ complex, permitting the real time detection with the lower limit of detection of CN− being 33.57×10−6 M. The observed experimental results are supported by DFT calculations. A possible application of 1–Cu2+ in fluorescence imaging of Rhizoctonia solani mycelia cells, contaminated with CN− ions, is also represented.
Practitioner's view of barriers to software outsourcing partnership formation: An empirical exploration
Authors: Ali Sikandar , Li Hongqi , Khan Siffat Ullah , Abrar Muhammad Faisal , Zhao Yanhong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSoftware Outsourcing Partnership (SOP) is considered as a kind of risk and reward sharing client‐vendor relationship. Generally, a fruitful outsourcing association might be converted to an outsourcing partnership. The objective of this research is to identify and analyse barriers that are hurdles to vendors in renewing or promoting their ongoing client‐vendor relationship to outsourcing partnership. A questionnaire survey based on the findings of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was performed with 50 experts. The study identifies five critical barriers such as “insufficient quality of technical capability,” “poor infrastructure,” “poor quality of service,” “communication gap and poor coordination,” and “relational risk.” The results indicate that barriers' insufficient quality of technical capability, poor infrastructure, and poor quality of service were common in four types of experts while insufficient quality of technical capability is common in three levels of experts. Furthermore, barriers were classified based on their criticality from client‐vendor perspective. The results of Spearman correlation test (rs = 0.714 and ρ = 0.000) confirmed that the participant strongly agrees with the outcomes of the SLR. The results suggest that for successful renewal or promotion of their existing outsourcing association, vendor organizations should address all the identified barriers in general and the most common barriers in particular.
Model‐based testing of Apache ZooKeeper: Fundamental API usage and watchers
Authors: Artho Cyrille , Banzai Kazuaki , Gros Quentin , Rousset Guillaume , Ma Lei , Kitamura Takashi , Hagiya Masami , Tanabe Yoshinori , Yamamoto Mitsuharu 
Published: December 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we extend work on model‐based testing for Apache ZooKeeper, to handle watchers (triggers) and improve scalability. In a distributed asynchronous shared storage like ZooKeeper, watchers deliver notifications on state changes. They are difficult to test because watcher notifications involve an initial action that sets the watcher, followed by another action that changes the previously seen state.We show how to generate test cases for concurrent client sessions executing against ZooKeeper with the tool Modbat. The tests are verified against an oracle that takes into account all possible timings of network communication. The oracle has to verify that there exists a chain of events that triggers both the initial callback and the subsequent watcher notification. We show in detail how the oracle computes whether watch triggers are correct and how the model was adapted and improved to handle these features. Together with a new search improvement that increases both speed and accuracy, we are able to verify large test setups and confirm several defects with our model.
Microplastics in the sediment of Lake Ulansuhai of Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Qin Yiming , Wang Zhichao , Li Weiping , Chang Xin , Yang Jianlin , Yang Fan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAs an emerging organic pollutant, microplastics in the ocean have been the subject of much study. However, there is a lack of research on freshwater environments, notably in sediment, China. Microplastics contamination in sediment of Lake Ulansuhai has been investigated in the study, and its concentration range was from 24 ± 7 to 14 ± 3 n/kg. Further, it exhibited a difference in spatial distribution with high content in the north zone of the lake far from the entrance of the drainage canal and it has a decreasing tendency with the flow from north to south in lake. Colored plastic particles acted as the dominated pollution type, and more than 79.69% of microplastics were smaller than 2 mm in size, existed as the form of fibers. FTIR results mirrored that the main types of microplastics were polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Results obtained from SEM/EDS showed that there were cracks, holes, and irregular curls on the surface of it, and these microplastics may provide attachment sites for other pollutants. The appearance of metallic elements such as Al, Ni, and Fe showed that microplastics and other pollutants in Lake Ulansuhai have a combined effect, which may aggravate the degree of pollution in the lake.Practitioner points

Microplastics were found in the sediment of Lake Ulansuhai with a spatial distribution characteristic.

Abundance and morphological characteristics such as shape, color, and size have been analyzed in the paper.

Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride were the main types of microplastics in the sediment detected by FTIR.

There were metallic elements combined on the surface of microplastics increased risk of combined pollution.
Strategies for nonviral nanoparticle‐based delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutics
Authors: Chen Fengqian , Alphonse Martin , Liu Qi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCRISPR‐based genome editing technology has become an important potential therapeutic tool for various diseases. A vital challenge is to reach a safe, efficient, and clinically suitable delivery of a CRISPR‐associated protein and a single‐guide RNA. A possible translational approach to applying CRISPR‐based technology is the use of viral vectors such as adeno‐associated virus. However, such vectors give long‐term exposure in vivo that may increase potential off‐target effects as well as the risk of immunogenicity. Therefore, limitations to clinical applications are addressed using nonviral delivery systems such as nanoparticle‐based delivery strategies. Today, the nanoparticle‐based delivery approach is becoming more and more attractive in gene therapeutics because of its specific targeting, scale‐up efficiency, efficacy of customization, minor stimulation of immune response, and minimal exposure to nucleases. In this review, we will present the most recent advances in developing innovations and potential advantages of the nanoparticle delivery system in CRISPR genome editing. We will also propose potential strategies of CRISPR‐based technology for therapeutic and industrial applications. Our review will differ in focus from previous reviews and advance the literature on the subject by (a) focusing on the challenges of the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system; (b) focusing on the application of nanoparticle‐based delivery of CRISPR components (Cas9 and sgRNA), such as lipids and polymeric vectors; (c) discussing the potential nanoparticle‐based delivery approaches for CRISPR/Cas9 application.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Exploring cardiac form and function: A length‐scale computational biology approach
Authors: Sherman William F. , Grosberg Anna 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe ability to adequately pump blood throughout the body is the result of tightly regulated feedback mechanisms that exist across many spatial scales in the heart. Diseases which impede the function at any one of the spatial scales can cause detrimental cardiac remodeling and eventual heart failure. An overarching goal of cardiac research is to use engineered heart tissue in vitro to study the physiology of diseased heart tissue, develop cell replacement therapies, and explore drug testing applications. A commonality within the field is to manipulate the flow of mechanical signals across the various spatial scales to direct self‐organization and build functional tissue. Doing so requires an understanding of how chemical, electrical, and mechanical cues can be used to alter the cellular microenvironment. We discuss how mathematical models have been used in conjunction with experimental techniques to explore various structure–function relations that exist across numerous spatial scales. We highlight how a systems biology approach can be employed to recapitulate in vivo characteristics in vitro at the tissue, cell, and subcellular scales. Specific focus is placed on the interplay between experimental and theoretical approaches. Various modeling methods are showcased to demonstrate the breadth and power afforded to the systems biology approach. An overview of modeling methodologies exemplifies how the strengths of different scientific disciplines can be used to supplement and/or inspire new avenues of experimental exploration.This article is categorized under:
Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models
Zu Depression und transgenerational weitergegebenem Trauma: ein psychoanalytischer Kommentar
Authors: Lenherr Mariia 
Published: December 2019

ZusammenfassungDieses Paper behandelt die mögliche Interrelation von Depression mit generationsübergreifend weitergegebenen Traumata aus der Sicht der Psychoanalyse. Die Autorin unternimmt den Versuch, Trauern und Melancholie voneinander abzugrenzen soweit es das aktuelle Verständnis von Depression betrifft. Das Phänomen der verschiedenen depressiven States auf einem individuellem Level wird untersucht, so wie Freud und nachfolgende PsychoanalytikerInnen es vorgeschlagen haben, einschließlich produktiver und unproduktiver Depression (Gut). Zum Verständnis generationsübergreifend weitergegebener Traumata wird eine kurze Analyse der diesbezüglichen Schriften, besonders den Holocaust betreffend, vorgestellt. Die Autorin bespricht die Auswirkungen und Mechanismen von generationenübergreifend weitergegebenen Traumata, wie sie in den einflussreichen Schriften von Laub, Salberg, Bromberg, Faimberg und anderen behandelt werden. In Bezug auf Gruppenlevel wird Depression als Konsequenz von Verlusten und Traumatisierung besprochen denen jeder von uns als Teil der Gesellschaft ausgesetzt ist. Das Paper endet mit Schlussfolgerungen innerhalb derer Anwendungen in der Psychoanalyse thematisiert werden.
Prevalence of Sexual Orientation Across 28 Nations and Its Association with Gender Equality, Economic Development, and Individualism
Authors: Rahman Qazi , Xu Yin , Lippa Richard A. , Vasey Paul L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe prevalence of women’s and men’s heterosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality was assessed in 28 nations using data from 191,088 participants from a 2005 BBC Internet survey. Sexual orientation was measured in terms of both self-reported sexual identity and self-reported degree of same-sex attraction. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that nations’ degrees of gender equality, economic development, and individualism were not significantly associated with men’s or women’s sexual orientation rates across nations. These models controlled for individual-level covariates including age and education level, and nation-level covariates including religion and national sex ratios. Robustness checks included inspecting the confidence intervals for meaningful associations, and further analyses using complete-cases and summary scores of the national indices. These analyses produced the same non-significant results. The relatively stable rates of heterosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality observed across nations for both women and men suggest that non-social factors likely may underlie much variation in human sexual orientation. These results do not support frequently offered hypotheses that sexual orientation differences are related to gendered social norms across societies.
UK landscape ecology: trends and perspectives from the first 25 years of ialeUK
Authors: Young Christopher , Bellamy Chloe , Burton Vanessa , Griffiths Geoff , Metzger Marc J. , Neumann Jessica , Porter Jonathan , Millington James D. A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Context
The 25th anniversary of the founding of the UK chapter of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (ialeUK) was marked in 2017.

Objectives
To assess trends in UK landscape ecology research over ialeUK’s first 25 years, to compare these trends to changes elsewhere in the world, and to consider how ialeUK can continue to support landscape ecology research and practice.

Methods
A database of conference abstracts was compiled and examined in combination with a questionnaire that surveyed existing and former active members of ialeUK.

Results
Across 1992–2017 we observe noticeable trends including the declining roles of statutory bodies, the development of the ecosystem services concept, and a decrease in use of empirical methods. Analysis of questionnaire results highlighted four key areas: Developing new researchers; Facilitating conferences for networking, learning and discussion; Linking policy with practice; and Driving the continued growth of landscape ecology as a discipline. Challenges were also noted, especially regarding the adoption of a wider understanding of landscape ecological principles in management.

Conclusions
Increases in qualitative research, decreases in studies explicitly examining connectivity/fragmentation and an absence of landscape genetics studies in the UK are seemingly distinct from US landscape ecology and elsewhere around the world, based on published accounts. ialeUK has had success in increasing the role of landscape ecology in policy and practice, but needs to continue to aim for improved collaboration with other landscape-related professional bodies and contributions to wider sustainability agendas.