bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective field theory of black hole quasinormal modes in scalar-tensor theories
Authors: Franciolini Gabriele , Hui Lam , Penco Riccardo , Santoni Luca , Trincherini Enrico 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe final ringdown phase in a coalescence process is a valuable laboratory to test General Relativity and potentially constrain additional degrees of freedom in the gravitational sector. We introduce here an effective description for perturbations around spherically symmetric spacetimes in the context of scalar-tensor theories, which we apply to study quasi-normal modes for black holes with scalar hair. We derive the equations of motion governing the dynamics of both the polar and the axial modes in terms of the coefficients of the effective theory. Assuming the deviation of the background from Schwarzschild is small, we use the WKB method to introduce the notion of “light ring expansion”. This approximation is analogous to the slow-roll expansion used for inflation, and it allows us to express the quasinormal mode spectrum in terms of a small number of parameters. This work is a first step in describing, in a model independent way, how the scalar hair can affect the ringdown stage and leave signatures on the emitted gravitational wave signal. Potential signatures include the shifting of the quasi-normal spectrum, the breaking of isospectrality between polar and axial modes, and the existence of scalar radiation.
Feynman integrals and intersection theory
Authors: Mastrolia Pierpaolo , Mizera Sebastian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe introduce the tools of intersection theory to the study of Feynman integrals, which allows for a new way of projecting integrals onto a basis. In order to illustrate this technique, we consider the Baikov representation of maximal cuts in arbitrary space-time dimension. We introduce a minimal basis of differential forms with logarithmic singularities on the boundaries of the corresponding integration cycles. We give an algorithm for computing a basis decomposition of an arbitrary maximal cut using so-calledintersection numbersand describe two alternative ways of computing them. Furthermore, we show how to obtain Pfaffian systems of differential equations for the basis integrals using the same technique. All the steps are illustrated on the example of a two-loop non-planar triangle diagram with a massive loop.
Pseudonocardia strain improvement for stimulation of the di-sugar heptaene Nystatin-like Pseudonocardia polyene B1 biosynthesis
Authors: Han Chi-Young , Jang Jin-Young , Kim Hye-Jin , Choi Sisun , Kim Eung-Soo 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Pseudonocardia autotrophica was previously identified to produce a toxicity-reduced and solubility-improved disaccharide-containing anti-fungal compound belonging to the tetraene-family, Nystatin-like Pseudonocardia Polyene A1 (NPP A1). Subsequently NPP B1, a novel derivative harboring a heptaene core structure, was produced by a pathway-engineered Pseudonocardia strain through inactivation of the specific enoly reductase gene domain in the NPP biosynthetic gene cluster. Although in vitro and in vivo efficacy and toxicity studies indicate that NPP B1 is a promising lead antifungal compound, further improvement is required to increase the extremely low production yield in the pathway-engineered strain. To overcome this challenge, we performed the N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) iterative random mutagenesis, followed by zone-of-inhibition agar plug assay. After three rounds of the mutagenesis-and-screening protocol, the production yield of NPP B1 increased to 6.25 mg/L, which is more than an eightfold increase compared to the parental strain. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that transcripts of the NPP B1 biosynthetic genes were increased in the mutant strain. Interestingly, an endogenous 125-kb plasmid was found to be eliminated through this mutagenesis. To further improve the NPP B1 production yield, the 32-kb NPP-specific regulatory gene cluster was cloned and overexpressed in the mutant strain. The chromosomal integration of the extra copy of the six NPP-specific regulatory genes led to an additional increase of NPP B1 yield to 31.6 mg/L, which is the highest production level of NPP B1 ever achieved by P. autotrophica strains. These results suggest that a synergistic combination of both the traditional and genetic strain improvement approaches is a very efficient strategy to stimulate the production of an extremely low-level metabolite (such as NPP B1) in a pathway-engineered rare actinomycetes strain.
Short–term outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery in elderly patients. -Is it really safe in elderly patients with severe comorbidities?-
Authors: Inoue Koetsu , Ueno Tatsuya , Akishige Naoki , Soeta Toshihiro , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Nakayama Shun , Shima Kentaro , Goto Shinji , Takahashi Michinaga , Naito Hiroo 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
We aimed to assess the safety and validity of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) in elderly patients focusing on severe postoperative complications.In addition, we compared multiple preoperative risk scoring tools to identify the optimal tool forpredicting postoperative complications.

Methods:
Medical records of 493 patients who underwent LCS or open colorectal surgery (OCS) were retrospectively reviewed and they were divided into four groups based on their age and procedure: group E/LCS (age ≥ 80 years and LCS), group Y/LCS (age < 80 years and LCS), group E/OCS (age ≥ 80 years and OCS), and group Y/OCS (age < 80 years and OCS). Preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Furthermore, patients were divided into two groups based on the incidence of postoperative complication. Physiological score and Operative severity score from POSSUM, Physiological score and Operative severity score from CR-POSSUM, Preoperative risk score, Surgical stress score, and comprehensive risk score from E-PASS, SAS, and PNI were compared.

Results:
The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower in group E/LCS than in groups E/OCS and Y/OCS. Respiratory and cardiovascular complications were not observed in E/LCS, even though patients had severe cardiovascular comorbidities. Regarding the comparison of risk scoring tools, all of the risk scoring tools did not differ between two groups except SSS.

Conclusion:
There is a possibility that the severity of heart failure does not affect postoperative complications in LCS. Regarding risk scoring tools, there was no suitable preoperative risk scoring tool which gives an advice on if we can perform LCS safely.

Highlights:
Male Sexual Desire: An Overview of Biological, Psychological, Sexual, Relational, and Cultural Factors Influencing Desire
Authors: Nimbi Filippo Maria , Tripodi Francesca , Rossi Roberta , Navarro-Cremades Felipe , Simonelli Chiara 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe literature showed the need for a better understanding of the male sexual response, which has historically been considered as simpler and more mechanistic compared with that in women.AimTo examine the literature on biopsychosocial factors associated with the level of sexual desire in men and discuss some interesting directions for future research.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted.Main outcome measures169 articles published in Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library about male sexual desire and related biopsychosocial factors.ResultsWe found a lack of multidimensional studies on male sexual desire. Most existing research has focused on hypoactive sexual desire disorder in coupled heterosexual men. Biological factors play important roles in the level of sexual desire, but they are insufficient to explain the male sexual response. Psychological, relational, and sexual factors (eg depression, anxiety, emotions, attraction, conflicts, communication, sexual functioning, distress, satisfaction) are involved in the development/maintenance of lack of sexual interest in men. Cultural influence is also relevant, with cognitive factors linked to gender roles and sexual scripts of masculinity identified as important predictors of low sexual desire.ConclusionMale sexual desire is characterized by an interplay among biological, psychological, sexual, relational, and cultural elements. This interplay merits further study to better understand how sexual desire works and how treatments for low sexual interest could be improved.
The reduction of cis-platinum(iv) complexes by ascorbate and in whole human blood models using 1H NMR and XANES spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Catherine K J , Kappen Peter , Hambley Trevor W 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The efficacy of platinum(iv) prodrugs depends on their relative resistance to reduction in the extra- and intra-cellular environments. In the study reported here we investigated the influence of the nature of the axial and equatorial ligands on the pathway of reduction of the platinum(iv) complexes by the endogenous reductant, ascorbate, and their relative resistance to reduction in human blood serum and in a whole human blood model. The pathway of reduction of platinum(iv) complexes in the presence of excess ascorbate was found to be dependent on the nature of their axial and equatorial ligands in that complexes with chloride in the equatorial sites lost either both axial ligands or combinations of axial and equatorial ligands while those with oxalate occupying the equatorial sites lost both axial ligands only. Using XANES spectroscopy, complexes with axial hydroxide ligands were found to be highly resistant to reduction in blood serum and were only slowly and incompletely reduced in whole blood. The dihydroxide complex with an oxalate ligand occupying the equatorial leaving group sites was more resistant to reduction, both in serum and in whole blood, than the complex with chloride ligands in these sites. cis, trans-[PtCl2(OAc)2(en)] and trans-[Pt(OAc)2(ox)(en)] were observed to be reduced rapidly and almost completely in whole blood but the latter was substantially resistant to reduction in human blood serum, and consequently demonstrates many of the features of an optimal platinum(iv) anticancer agent.
Combined asteroseismology, spectroscopy, and astrometry of the CoRoT B2V target HD 170580
Authors: Aerts C. , Pedersen M. G. , Vermeyen E. , Hendriks L. , Johnston C. , Tkachenko A. , Pápics P. I. , Debosscher J. , Briquet M. , Thoul A. , Rainer M. , Poretti E. 
Published: February 2019

Context. Space asteroseismology reveals that stellar structure and evolution models of intermediate- and high-mass stars are in need of improvement in terms of angular momentum and chemical element transport.
Aims. We aim to probe the interior structure of a hot, massive star in the core-hydrogen-burning phase of its evolution.
Methods. We analysed CoRoT space photometry, Gaia DR2 space astrometry, and high-resolution high signal-to-noise HERMES and HARPS time-series spectroscopy of the slowly rotating B2V star HD 170580.
Results. From the time-series spectroscopy, we derive v sin i = 4 ± 2 km s−1, where the uncertainty results from the complex pulsational line-profile variability that has been so far ignored in the literature. We detect 42 frequencies with amplitudes above five times the local noise level. Amongst these we identify five rotationally split triplets and one quintuplet. Asteroseismic modelling based on CoRoT, Gaia DR2, and spectroscopic data leads to a star of M ∼ 8 M⊙ near core-hydrogen exhaustion and an extended overshoot zone. The detected low-order pressure-mode frequencies cannot be fit within the uncertainties of the CoRoT data by models without atomic diffusion. Irrespective of this limitation, the low-order gravity modes reveal HD 170580 to be a slow rotator with an average rotation period between 73 and 98 d and a hint of small differential rotation.
Conclusions. Future Gaia DR3 data taking into account the multiplicity of the star, along with long-term TESS photometry would allow us to put better observational constraints on the asteroseismic models of this blue evolved massive star. Improved modelling with atomic diffusion, including radiative levitation, is needed to achieve compliance with the low helium surface abundance of the star. This poses immense computational challenges but is required to derive the interior rotation and mixing profiles of this star.
Chylothorax: eine Übersicht über aktuelle therapeutische Möglichkeiten
Authors: Schild Hans Heinz , Pieper Claus 
Published: February 2019

ZusammenfassungDie Möglichkeiten der Chylothoraxbehandlung sind in den letzten Jahren durch interventionell-radiologische Möglichkeiten erweitert worden. Insbesondere mit der perkutanen Ductus-thoracicus-Embolisation bestehen mittlerweile größere Erfahrungen. Dennoch sind diese Therapieoptionen nur wenig bekannt und werden auch in aktuellen Veröffentlichungen über den Chylothorax nur wenig oder gar nicht dargestellt. Dies war Anlass, die aktuellen Therapieoptionen einmal vergleichend darzulegen. Das Für und Wider der verschiedenen Behandlungsmöglichkeiten wird anhand der aktuellen Literatur diskutiert. Nach derzeitigem Erfahrungsstand ist das interventionell-radiologische Vorgehen mit geringerer Morbidität und Mortalität belastet als operative Maßnahmen. Die interventionelle Behandlung sollte daher heute in die differenzialtherapeutischen Überlegungen einbezogen werden. Unstrittig indiziert ist ein interventionelles Vorgehen bei operativen Therapieversagern, da diese interventionell sehr häufig erfolgreich behandelt werden können, sowie bei nicht operablen Patienten.
Risikofaktoren für den permanenten postoperativen Hypoparathyreoidismus
Authors: Allemeyer Erik H. , Kossow Marielle S. , Riemann Burkhard , Hoffmann Matthias W. 
Published: February 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Der permanente postoperative Hypoparathyreoidismus ist die häufigste Komplikation nach einer totalen Thyreoidektomie mit erheblichen möglichen Folgeerkrankungen, Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität und hoher sozioökonomischer Bedeutung.
Zielsetzung Identifikation von Risikofaktoren für den permanenten postoperativen Hypoparathyreoidismus.
Material und Methoden 420 Patienten unseres Schilddrüsenzentrums erhielten zwischen 08/2012 und 08/2014 eine totale Thyreoidektomie. 382 gingen in die Studie ein. An einer Follow-up-Untersuchung zwischen 8 und 32 Monaten nach der Operation nahmen 117 teil.
Ergebnisse Mit einem permanenten postoperativen Hypoparathyreoidismus waren assoziiert: erniedrigter PTH-Wert am 1. postoperativen Tag, Verzicht bzw. Nichterfordernis einer Redon-Drainage und eine lange Krankenhausverweildauer. Die Assoziationen waren ausgeprägt, jedoch nicht signifikant.
Diskussion Wir ermittelten Hinweise auf Prädiktoren für den permanenten postoperativen Hypoparathyreoidismus. Eine Validierung als relevante Risikofaktoren sollte in größeren Multicenterstudien erfolgen. Die Kenntnis von Risikofaktoren könnte zur Vermeidung dieser Komplikation und zur gezielten Nachsorgebetreuung gefährdeter Patienten dienen.
(r)Alpha Lipoic Acid Is a Safe, Effective Pharmacologic Therapy of Chronic Orthostatic Hypotension Associated with Low Sympathetic Tone
Authors: Murray Gary L. , Colombo Joseph 
Published: February 2019

Chronic orthostatic hypotension (OH), affecting 10 to 30% of the elderly, is associated with falls, and increased morbidity and mortality. Current pharmacologic therapy can cause or worsen hypertension and fluid retention. (r)α lipoic acid (ALA), a powerful natural antioxidant, avoids those complications and may assist management of chronic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate improvement in the symptoms of orthostatic dysfunction with r-ALA, including improved sympathetic (S) and blood pressure (BP) responses to head-up postural change (standing).A cohort of 109 patients with low S tone upon standing was detected using the ANX −3.0, Autonomic Monitor, ANSAR Medical Technologies, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. From the cohort, 29 patients demonstrated NOH (change in (∆) standing BP ≥ −20/–10 mm Hg); 60 patients demonstrated orthostatic intolerance (OI, ∆ standing systolic BP between –6 and –19 mm Hg). These 89 were given ALA orally: either 590 to 788 mg (r)ALA or 867 to 1,500 mg of the less expensive 50 to 50% mixture (r)ALA and inactive (s)ALA. Changes in their S and parasympathetic (P) tone, and BPs, were compared with 20 control patients during mean follow-up of 2.28 years.Nineteen of 29 (66%) NOH patients responded with a ∆ standing BP from –28/–6 mm Hg to 0/+2 mm Hg. Forty of 60 (67%) of patients with OI responded with a ∆ standing BP of –9/+1 mm Hg to +6/+2 mm Hg. Although all patients treated with ALA increased S tone, the ∆ BP depended upon the pretreatment of S tone. Those with the lowest S tone responded the least well. The only treatment side effects were nausea, intolerable in only 5%. Nausea improved with routine gastrointestinal medications. Glucose levels improved in the 28% of patients who were diabetic. Also, resting hypertension improved. Control patients had no ∆ BP and no increase in S tone.(r)ALA improves S-, and BP, responses to head-up postural change, and thereby NOH/OI, in a majority of patients without causing harmful side effects.
Importance of Flaxseed and its Components in the Management of Hypertension
Authors: Prasad Kailash 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis review paper describes the effects of flaxseed and its components (flax oil, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside [SDG], flax lignan complex [FLC], and flaxseed protein hydrolysate [FPH]) on blood pressure (BP) in Sprague Dawley rats (SDR), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and humans. Flaxseed, flax oil, and FLC had variable effects on BP in humans, while SDG and FPH significantly reduced the BP in SDR and SHR. The effect of SDG was dose-dependent and long lasting. The lowering of BP is mediated through inhibition of soluble epoxide by α-linolenic acid in flax oil, stimulation of guanylate cyclase and inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) by SDG, and inhibition of renin and ACE activity by FPH. Flaxseed, flax oil, and FLC have variable effects on BP (none, slight, and significant). They are effective in lowering BP in individuals with hypertension and metabolic syndrome but ineffective in healthy individuals' ineffectiveness of flaxseed and its compounds in lowering BP may be due to their low doses, long interval of dosing, short duration of consumption, and patient status. In conclusion, the data at present suggest that flaxseed, flax oil, and FLC cannot serve as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension. However, they can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of hypertension. A clinical trial should be conducted of these agents with higher doses which would be given twice daily for long duration. Pure SDG and FPS may serve as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension but they have not been tried in humans.
Phosphate graphene as an intrinsically osteoinductive scaffold for stem cell-driven bone regeneration
Authors: Arnold Anne M. , Holt Brian D. , Daneshmandi Leila , Laurencin Cato T. , Sydlik Stefanie A. 
Published: February 2019

SignificanceTraumatic bone injuries or deformities are among the most common conditions that require surgical intervention affecting patients in the United States today. Current treatment options suffer shortcomings, clearly demonstrating a clinical need for tissue replacement techniques. An ideal treatment consists of a scaffold that promotes regeneration, matches the chemical and mechanical properties of bone, and degrades with a timeline matching the healing process. However, this ideal scaffold has not been realized. Here, we present a degradable, graphene-based material that mimics the chemical and mechanical composition of bone, promotes differentiation of stem cells, and leads to the formation of new bone in an animal model.
Invited Commentary: Examining Sex/Gender Differences in Risk of Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias—Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Mayeda Elizabeth Rose 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The majority of people living with Alzheimer disease (AD) and related dementias are women. Longer life expectancy is one factor thought to contribute to this observation, but possible sex-specific biological mechanisms have received considerable attention from the research community. In the current issue of the Journal, Buckley et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2019;188(7):1213–1223) use death certificate information on all deaths occurring among adults aged ≥60 years in Australia between 2006 and 2014 to evaluate sex/gender differences in rates of death with dementia (all types), AD dementia, and vascular dementia listed on the death certificate. The paper by Buckley et al. highlights several important methodological challenges for research examining sex/gender differences in risk of AD and related dementias, including challenges in measurement, survival bias and competing risks, and selection bias arising from sample selection. The current evidence on possible sex-specific biological risk factors for AD is intriguing, but there are numerous alternative explanations for differences in AD dementia and AD biomarkers between women and men. Triangulation of evidence from study designs with different strengths and weaknesses and transdisciplinary collaboration will be vital to generating conclusive evidence about sex/gender differences in risk of AD and related dementias.
Monitoring temperature-sensitive vaccines and immunologic drugs, including anthrax vaccine
Authors: Frank Kirk J. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The experience of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center, Europe (USAMMCE), in monitoring temperature-sensitive vaccines and immunologic drugs, including anthrax vaccine, during storage and shipment is discussed.
USAMMCE uses an electronic monitoring device to monitor and archive the time-temperature history of shipments of various vaccines, immunoglobulins, and other drugs requiring refrigeration. Using these monitors, USAMMCE can track its carriers’ performance, reduce product loss, and validate quality. USAMMCE trains people to pack refrigerated items and to activate and place the monitoring device inside the packing container. Over 1200 temperature-monitor readings from 44 U.S. military logistical depots, hospitals, and clinics located outside the United States are evaluated annually by the USAMMCE pharmacist; each reading represents one shipment or packed box. When deactivated during unpacking, the device flashes green for a successful shipment (all temperature readings within the ideal range) or red for a potentially problematic shipment. From January through October 1998, the device was used in 750 temperature-sensitive shipments; 72% of the devices were returned to USAMMCE in green condition and the remainder in red. Of the red-flashing monitors, 15% were determined to signal that the drugs were received in unacceptable condition. USAMMCE successfully shipped more than 26,000 vials of anthrax vaccine from February through October 1998 within the manufacturer’s guidelines for storage temperature.
Temperature monitoring is essential for proper storage and transport of vaccines and immunologic drugs.