bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aluminum Oxide at the Monolayer Limit via Oxidant‐Free Plasma‐Assisted Atomic Layer Deposition on GaN
Authors: Henning Alex , Bartl Johannes D. , Zeidler Andreas , Qian Simon , Bienek Oliver , Jiang Chang‐Ming , Paulus Claudia , Rieger Bernhard , Stutzmann Martin , Sharp Ian D.
Published: June 2021

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an essential tool in semiconductor device fabrication that allows the growth of ultrathin and conformal films to precisely form heterostructures and tune interface properties. The self‐limiting nature of the chemical reactions during ALD provides excellent control over the layer thickness. However, in contrast to idealized growth models, it is challenging to create continuous monolayers by ALD because surface inhomogeneities and precursor steric interactions result in island growth. Thus, the ability to create closed monolayers by ALD would offer new opportunities for controlling interfacial charge and mass transport in semiconductor devices, as well as for tailoring surface chemistry. Here, encapsulation of c‐plane gallium nitride (GaN) with ultimately thin (≈3 Å) aluminum oxide (AlOx) is reported, which is enabled by the partial conversion of the GaN surface oxide into AlOx using sequential exposure to trimethylaluminum (TMA) and hydrogen plasma. Introduction of monolayer AlOx decreases the work function and enhances reactivity with phosphonic acids under standard conditions, which results in self‐assembled monolayers with densities approaching the theoretical limit. Given the high reactivity of TMA with surface oxides, the presented approach likely can be extended to other dielectrics and III–V‐based semiconductors, with relevance for applications in optoelectronics, chemical sensing, and (photo)electrocatalysis.
Eco‐friendly foams of castor oil based‐polyurethane with Artemisia residue fillers for discarded vegetable oil sorption
Authors: Maia Lana S. , Zanini Noelle C. , Claro Amanda Maria , do Amaral Nayara Cavichiolli , Barud Hernane S. , Mulinari Daniella R.
Published: June 2021

In this article, a new approach is applied to reuse Artemisia residue (AR) as filler in polyurethane (PU) foam for vegetable oil sorption for discarded cooking oil applications. The pristine PU and PU/X%AR foams (X stands for AR content of 5–20%wt/wt) were characterized by SEM, density, contact angle (CA), thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of two experimental factors, such as contact time (30–180 s) and initial vegetable oil concentration (20–200 g/L), was investigated in vegetable oil and vegetable oil/mineral water systems. The AR loading of the foams increased the foams' density and influenced the morphological, physical, thermal, and sorption properties. The PU/20%AR sample presented the highest CA (122.5°) and the best sorption capacity and efficiency in both systems due to the small pores size and higher frequency of pores. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models well defined the sorption mechanisms. The Langmuir model represented the best fit of experimental data for PU/20%AR with a maximum adsorption capacity of 16.86 g/g. The PU/20%AR presented reusability of 7 cycles, conserving their hydrophobicity after the process. Therefore, AR is an innovative route as fillers in PU foams for discarded vegetable oil sorption, and the circular economy can benefit from the reuse of discarded vegetable cooking oil.
Effect of poly(ε‐caprolactone) and titanium (IV) dioxide content on the UV and hydrolytic degradation of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends
Authors: Luyt Adriaan Stephanus , Antunes Ana , Popelka Anton , Mahmoud Abdelrahman , Hassan Mohammad Korany , Kasak Peter
Published: June 2021

The effect of accelerated weathering degradation on the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) blends and PLA/PCL/titanium (IV) dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites are presented in this paper. The results show that both polymers are susceptible to weathering degradation, but their degradation rates are different and are also influenced by the presence of TiO2 in the samples. Visual, microscopic and atomic force microsocpy observations of the surface after accelerated weathering tests confirmed that degradation occurred faster in the PLA/PCL blends than in the PLA/PCL/TiO2 nanocomposites. The X‐ray diffraction results showed the degradation of PCL in the disappearance of its characteristic peaks over weathering time, and also confirmed that PLA lost its amorphous character and developed crystals from the shorter chains formed as a result of degradative chain scission. It was further observed that the presence of TiO2 retarded the degradation of both PLA and PCL. These results were supported by the differential scanning calorimetry results. The thermogravimetric analysis results confirmed that that PLA and PCL respectively influenced each other's thermal degradation, and that TiO2 played a role in the thermal degradation of both PLA and PCL. The tensile properties of both PLA/PCL and PLA/PCL/TiO2 were significantly reduced through weathering exposure and the incorporation of TiO2.
A model transformation approach for multiscale modeling of software architectures applied to smart cities
Authors: Khlif Ilhem , Hadj Kacem Mohamed , Eichler Cédric , Drira Khalil , Hadj Kacem Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Modeling and specifying correct software systems is a challenging task that can be supported by providing appropriate modeling abstractions. This article proposes an approach for graphical multiscale modeling of such systems using model transformation techniques. The approach is founded on a guided rule‐based iterative modeling process ensuring controlled transition from a coarse‐grained description to a fine‐grained description. It provides also user‐friendly graphical descriptions by extension of UML notations, hence preserving the common practices from software architectures design. The iterative design process is supported by a set of model transformation rules. The rules manage the refinement process (by adding or removing subsystems or by adding or removing details on a given subsystem) as a model transformation. Our approach is supported by a rule‐based generator that implements the automatic transformation of UML diagrams into Event‐B specifications allowing formal verification of their correctness properties, and relieving software architects of mastering formal techniques. To experiment and validate our approach, we consider a case study dedicated to the smart cities.
Repeated influenza vaccination provides cumulative protection from distinct H3N2 viruses
Authors: Kavian Niloufar , Hachim Asmaa , Cowling Benjamin J , Valkenburg Sophie A
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Current inactivated influenza vaccines provide suboptimal protection against antigenic drift, and repeated annual vaccinations shape antibody specificity but the effect on protection from infection is not well understood.

Methods

We studied the effects of cumulative and staggered vaccinations in mice to determine the effect of influenza vaccination on protection from infection and immune quality.

Results

We found that the timing of vaccination and antigenic change impacted the quality of immune responses. When mice received two different H3N2 strains (A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 and A/Singapore/INFIMH‐16‐0019/2016) by staggered timing of vaccination, there were higher H3HA antibody and B‐cell memory responses than four cumulative vaccinations or when two vaccinations were successive. Interestingly, after challenge with a lethal‐drifted H3N2 virus (A/Hong Kong/1/1968), mice with staggered vaccination were unable to produce high titres of antibodies specific to the challenge strain compared to other vaccination regimens because of high levels of vaccine‐specific cross‐reactive antibodies. All vaccination regimens resulted in protection, in terms of viral loads and survival, from lethal challenge, while lung IL‐6 and inflammation were lowest in staggered or cumulative vaccination groups, indicating further advantage.

Conclusion

Our findings help justify influenza vaccination policies that currently recommend repeat vaccination in infants and annual seasonal vaccination, with no evidence for impaired immunity by repeated seasonal vaccination.
Curriculum making and knowledge conceptions in classrooms in the context of standards‐based curricula
Authors: Alvunger Daniel
Published: June 2021

This paper explores the knowledge conceptions in teachers’ curriculum making within a classroom perspective through a lens of social realist theory. Curriculum making is conceptualised as a process that occurs between students, teachers, knowledge content and contextual factors, in which teachers must balance various priorities and knowledge boundaries. The analytical distinctions between knowledge conceptions, boundaries and structures are based on Young and Muller's three future curriculum scenarios and applied to empirical data retrieved from two eighth‐grade (14–15 year olds) classrooms in Sweden regarding lessons on Swedish and the natural sciences. The findings show that the curriculum knowledge requirements impede the agency of teachers and shape the conditions for curriculum making. Teachers seek to balance priorities in terms of the aim and content of subject knowledge, teaching activities and their knowledge of the students. Conceptions of knowledge and boundaries are constructed in complex ways as teachers try to build bridges and engage in disciplinary boundary crossing between subject‐specific knowledge and knowledge from the world of students’ subjective experience. These movements and epistemic transactions in curriculum making are ways of integrating different knowledge structures, and they have the potential to encourage exploration and moving beyond social contexts and everyday experience.
Climate change lifestyle narratives among Norwegian citizens: A linguistic analysis of survey discourse
Authors: Gjerstad Øyvind , Fløttum Kjersti
Published: June 2021

The present study proposes an analysis of climate change (CC) narratives in answers to an open‐ended survey question, where we ask what a climate‐friendly lifestyle may imply. The representative survey has been conducted online by the Norwegian Citizen Panel/DIGSSCORE, located at the University of Bergen. The survey provided 1,149 answers from respondents across Norway. The analysis combines a lexical and a text linguistic approach (Fløttum & Gjerstad, 2017), based on Adam's (2008) analysis of the narrative text sequence (initial situation–complication–(re)action–resolution–final situation), and inspired by the Narrative Policy Framework's (NPF) notions of plot and narrative characters (Jones et al., 2014). Our analysis identified four main topics: consumption, transportation, politics, and energy, while the cast of characters is dominated by the first‐person singular, frequently portrayed as hero, and the first‐person plural in a predominantly villainous role. The frequent use of negation and argumentative connectives reflects the contentious nature of the issue.
Inclusive Quantification Assay of Serum Des‐γ‐Carboxyprothrombin Proteoforms for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance by Targeted Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lee Jihyeon , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Do Misol , Yeo Injoon , Shin Dongyoon , Han Dohyun , Park Taesung , Kim Youngsoo
Published: June 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant cancer with one of the highest mortality rates. Des‐γ‐carboxyprothrombin (DCP) is an HCC serologic surveillance marker that can complement the low sensitivity of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). DCP exists in the blood as a mixture of proteoforms from an impaired carboxylation process at glutamic acid (Glu) residues within the N‐terminal domain. The heterogeneity of DCP may affect the accuracy of measurements because DCP levels are commonly determined using an immunoassay that relies on antibody reactivity to an epitope in the DCP molecule. In this study, we aimed to improve the DCP measurement assay by applying a mass spectrometry (MS)‐based approach for a more inclusive quantification of various DCP proteoforms. We developed a multiple‐reaction monitoring–MS (MRM‐MS) assay to quantify multiple noncarboxylated peptides included in the various des‐carboxylation states of DCP. We performed the MRM‐MS assay in 300 patients and constructed a robust diagnostic model that simultaneously monitored three noncarboxylated peptides. The MS‐based quantitative assay for DCP had reliable surveillance power, which was evident from the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of 0.874 and 0.844 for the training and test sets, respectively. It was equivalent to conventional antibody‐based quantification, which had AUROC values at the optimal cutoff (40 mAU/mL) of 0.743 and 0.704 for the training and test sets, respectively. The surveillance performance of the MS‐based DCP assay was validated using an independent validation set consisting of 318 patients from an external cohort, resulting in an AUROC value of 0.793. Conclusion: Due to cost effectiveness and high reproducibility, the quantitative DCP assay using the MRM‐MS method is superior to antibody‐based quantification and has equivalent performance.
An electrospray ionization study on complexes of amylin with Cu(II) and Cu(I)
Authors: Moracci Laura , Crotti Sara , Traldi Pietro , Cosma Chiara , Lapolla Annunziata , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Agostini Marco
Published: June 2021

Human amylin (hIAPP) is one of a number of different peptides known to be responsible for the formation of amyloid fibrils in the pancreas of subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was recognized that metal ions such as Cu(II) are implicated in the aggregation process of amyloidogenic peptides. However, the role of Cu(II) ions in the aggregation and dyshomeostasis of amylin has been controversial. Considering that most of the research reported in the literature pertain to the interactions between Cu(II) and amylin, we thought of interest to compare the interactions of Cu(II) and Cu(I) ions with amylin by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry and collisional experiments, to elucidate possible differences in structural aspects of the complexes so formed. The ESI mass spectra of solutions containing hIAPP and Cu(I) or Cu(II) ions show the formation of hIAPP–Cu complexes. In both cases, M + Cu ions with three and four positive charges are detected. However, a series of fragment ions, absent in the ESI spectrum of untreated hIAPP, become detectable. Some of them are common for both Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes, whereas others are specific for the complexes containing Cu in different oxidation states. Some fragments imply the involvement of residues His18, Ser19, Ser20, Asn21, and Asn22 in the complex formation, but the detection of the fragment b223+ indicates the presence of copper ions in a different position. This suggests different interaction sites between Cu(II) and Cu(I) and hIAPP. In contrast to Cu(II) complex, in the Cu(I) complex, some peculiar structures are present, corresponding to the cleavage of Asn–Asn peptidic bond and to [b30 + Cu(I)]4+ and [b28 + Cu(I)]4+ species. These results are in agreement with the coordination vacancy in [Cu(I)–(peptide)] species, which promotes Cu(I) interaction with additional neighboring donors (mainly N‐histidine, and also S‐methionine or other groups depending on the peptide conformation) through formation of trigonal T‐shaped intermediates.
Accuracy of cytopathology evaluation for resected benign and malignant pancreatic disease
Authors: Nerwal Teena , Goetz Austin , Nevler Avinoam , Barmettler Gabi , Solomides Charalambos , Kowalski Thomas , Loren David , Lavu Harish , Yeo Charles J. , HooKim Kim , Winter Jordan M.
Published: June 2021

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is the preferred method for diagnosing pancreatic masses. While the diagnostic success of EUS‐FNA is widely accepted, the actual performance of EUS‐FNA is not known. This study sought to define the EUS‐FNA accuracy compared with the gold standard, surgically resected specimens. The study was a single institution, retrospective, and chart review of patients with surgically resected pancreatic specimens from 2005 to 2015 with a preoperative EUS‐FNA or biliary brushing. Cytological reports were organized from least concerning (i.e., low chance of malignancy) to most concerning (high chance of malignancy) into eight cytologic categories. We identified 741 cytologic cases: 530 EUS‐FNA and 211 endoscopic brushings. For EUS‐FNA samples, 62.5% of “benign” samples proved to be “benign” on surgical pathology. A cytologic diagnosis of “suspicious for malignancy” or “positive for malignancy” were concordant with a cancer diagnosis on surgical pathology 93.3% and 98.0% of cases, respectively. EUS‐FNA proved to be highly reliable at diagnosing malignancy for cytologic samples that were “suspicious” or “positive” for malignancy. Paired with supportive clinical data, these interpretations may be used to justify cancer treatment.
Feasibility study of 3D time‐reversal reconstruction of proton‐induced acoustic signals for dose verification in the head and the liver: A simulation study
Authors: Yu Yajun , Qi Pengyuan , Peng Hao
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In vivo range and dose verification based on proton‐induced acoustics (protoacoustics) is potentially a useful tool for proton therapy. Built upon our previous study with two‐dimensional reconstruction, the time reversal (TR) method was extended to three‐dimensional (3D) and evaluated at two treatment sites (head and liver) through simulation, with the emphasis on a number of aspects such as increased spatial coverage, computational workload, and signal interference among slices.

Methods

Two mono‐energetic pencil beams were modeled in each site. The k‐Wave toolbox was used to investigate the propagation and TR reconstruction of acoustic waves. The performance was quantitatively assessed based on mean square error (MSE) for dose verification and Bragg peak localization error (ΔBP) for range verification, with regard to five parameters: number of sensors, sampling duration, sampling timestep, spill time, and noise level.

Results

The respective impacts of five parameters are examined. Under the optimum setting, the achievable ΔBP can be limited within 1 voxel (voxel size: 3 × 3 × 3 mm3) and the achievable MSE can be limited below 0.02, for the head case (56 sensors) and the liver case (204 sensors), respectively.

Conclusions

The feasibility of range and dose verification utilizing the 3D TR method is demonstrated, as the very first step. In spite of several challenges unique to the 3D case (spatial coverage, computational workload, and signal interference among slices, etc.), promising performance is found and can be further improved through optimizing the deployment of sensors. The proposed approach may find potential use in several applications: beam diagnostics, in vivo dosimetry, and treatment monitoring.
Benefit‐finding experiences of cervical cancer survivors in rural Yunnan province, China: A qualitative study
Authors: Sun Liyuan , Liu Ke , Li Xilin , Zhang Yao , Huang Zhilan
Published: June 2021

Aim

To explore and describe cervical cancer patients’ benefit‐finding experiences in rural China.

Design

The phenomenological approach was used in this qualitative study.

Methods

In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients, from July to August of 2019. The data, which were collected, were analysed using the Colaizzi analysis procedure.

Results

According to the analysis results, the four benefit‐finding experience themes of the cervical cancer patients were, respectively, determined to be as follows: Health cognition and behaviour changes; reshaping of personal strength; focussing on relationships with others; and facing life positively.

Conclusions

The individual's cognition of health and their own strong qualities, and their external social support systems and information obtained and transmitted through interpersonal interactions, can promote the benefit finding. The findings suggest that medical staff should understand the traditional concepts of their patients, use their positive psychological potential, and build targeted nursing measures.
Development and initial validation of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease self‐management questionnaire
Authors: Kwon Oh Young , Jang Yeonsoo , Lee Ji Yea , Kim Seung Up , Ahn Sang Hoon
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing, and self‐management is essential to improve health outcomes in this population. Despite the importance of self‐management, there is no instrument to assess it in patients with NAFLD. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an initial version of a self‐management questionnaire for patients with NAFLD. This was a methodological and psychometric study conducted between April and November 2019. The NAFLD self‐management questionnaire was developed after a theoretical and literature review and focus group interviews in three phases: (1) item generation, (2) item evaluation, and (3) psychometric evaluation. Participants (N = 155) were recruited from a hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Items were generated based on clinical NAFLD guidelines and the individual and family self‐management theory. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis. Six‐factors were extracted from 22 items: lifestyle management, medical treatment compliance, management of medication and dietary supplements, alcohol consumption management, sleep management, and family support. These factors accounted for 67.4% of the total variance; each factor had an eigenvalue greater than 1, and Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.87. The NAFLD self‐management questionnaire showed acceptable initial validity and reliability. The instrument can prove useful in the formulation of tailored interventions based on individual patients' care needs. Furthermore, it may be used as an indicator of health outcomes in this population.
Dual event‐triggered control for linear systems with consecutive packet losses
Authors: Cui Yanliang , Xu Lanlan
Published: June 2021

This article investigates an event‐triggered control for linear continuous‐time systems by tolerating consecutive packet losses. Two event‐triggers are, respectively, employed in the sensor‐to‐controller and controller‐to‐actuator channels in order to reduce the data transmission pressures. A simple discrete‐time state feedback control law is proposed and the control command is only updated when the actuator successfully receives the command information. By the proposed method, the event‐triggers are proved to be maintained or violated consecutively. The appropriate data sampling period and the maximal allowable packet loss numbers can be quantitatively determined. In addition, it is also proved that the event‐trigger in controller‐to‐actuator may not be violated immediately with the event‐trigger in sensor‐to‐actuator. The uniform ultimate bound of the closed‐loop system can be achieved. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Exact sequential test for clinical trials and post‐market drug and vaccine safety surveillance with Poisson and binary data
Authors: R. Silva Ivair , Maro Judith , Kulldorff Martin
Published: June 2021

In sequential analysis, hypothesis testing is performed repeatedly in a prospective manner as data accrue over time to quickly arrive at an accurate conclusion or decision. In this tutorial paper, detailed explanations are given for both designing and operating sequential testing. We describe the calculation of exact thresholds for stopping or signaling, statistical power, expected time to signal, and expected sample sizes for sequential analysis with Poisson and binary type data. The calculations are run using the packageSequential, constructed inRlanguage. Real data examples are inspired on clinical trials practice, such as the current efforts to develop treatments to face the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the comparison of treatments of osteoporosis. In addition, we mimic the monitoring of adverse events following influenza vaccination and Pediarix vaccination.
First known case of canine focal metatarsal fistulation in a Shikoku dog
Authors: Sobashima Elina , Haraguchi Noeru , Kondo Hirotaka , Watari Toshihiro , Kanou Rui
Published: June 2021

This report is the first to describe a case of canine metatarsal fistulation in a Shikoku dog. A male Japanese Shikoku (9 years old; weight, 18 kg) presented with an ulcer and hemorrhagic discharge from a fistula on the metatarsal region of the left hind leg. X‐ray examination showed a normal foot structure and the absence of shadows that might suggest the presence of a foreign body in the metatarsal region of the left hind leg. Histological examination of a biopsy of the lesion revealed granulation tissue; with mild infiltration by lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes, but no apparent infectious microorganisms. Oral administration of prednisolone with cyclosporin was effective in treating this disease, which might have been immune mediated.
Multiple complications in a dog infected withBabesia gibsoni
Authors: Almendros Angel , Burchell Richard
Published: June 2021

Complexities in the diagnosis and management ofBabesia gibsoniinfection in dogs are discussed in this case report. A dog presented with an acute onset of anorexia, weakness, severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia. An initial improvement was observed after treatment with atovaquone and azithromycin. The dog developed complications including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and a bicavitary effusion. Blood and plasma transfusions were required to stabilize the severe anaemia and coagulopathy. An additional novel antiprotozoal therapy resulted in a complete recovery and clearance ofB. gibsoniDNA as detected by a PCR test. This report describes a range of complications that to our knowledge have not previously been reported in dogs infected withB. gibsoni.
Fatal congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) calf
Authors: Nel Rudolf , Henning Alischa , O'Dell Nicolize
Published: June 2021

Congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed in a 2‐week‐old sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) calf with subsequent fatal acute heart failure. Histopathological examination of the lung, liver and heart revealed lesions supportive of acute heart failure that consisted of pulmonary oedema, periacinar hepatocellular necrosis and myocardial degeneration and necrosis. The external pressure on the coronary arteries by the liver and abomasum most likely resulted in ischaemic injury of the cardiomyocytes and the resultant acute heart failure.
Virtual reality relaxation for the general population: a systematic review
Authors: Riches Simon , Azevedo Lisa , Bird Leanne , Pisani Sara , Valmaggia Lucia
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Relaxation has significant restorative properties and implications for public health. However, modern, busy lives leave limiting time for relaxation. Virtual reality (VR) experiences of pleasant and calming virtual environments, accessed with a head-mounted display (HMD), appear to promote relaxation. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of studies that use VR to promote relaxation in the general population (PROSPERO 195,804).

Methods

Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched until 29th June 2020. Studies were included in the review if they used HMD technology to present virtual environments that aimed to promote or measure relaxation, or relaxation-related variables. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool was used to assess methodological quality of studies.

Results

6403 articles were identified through database searching. Nineteen studies published between 2007 and 2020, with 1278 participants, were included in the review. Of these, thirteen were controlled studies. Studies predominantly used natural audio-visual stimuli to promote relaxation. Findings indicate feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effectiveness of VR to increase relaxation and reduce stress. Six studies received an EPHPP rating of ‘strong’, seven were ‘moderate’, and six were ‘weak’.

Conclusions

VR may be a useful tool to promote relaxation in the general population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when stress is increasing worldwide. However, methodological limitations, such as limited randomised controlled trials and longer-term evidence, mean that these conclusions should be drawn with caution. More robust studies are needed to support this promising area of VR relaxation.
Does parental permissiveness toward cigarette smoking and alcohol use influence illicit drug use among adolescents? A longitudinal study in seven European countries
Authors: Mehanović Emina , Vigna-Taglianti Federica , Faggiano Fabrizio , Galanti Maria Rosaria ,   The EU-Dap Study Group, Zunino Barbara , Vigna-Taglianti Federica , Cuomo Gian Luca , Vadrucci Serena , Salmaso Silena , Bohrn Karl , Bohrn Sebastian , Coppens Erwin , Weyts Yannick , van der Kreeft Peer , Jongbloet Johan , Melero Juan Carlos , Perez Tatiana , Varona Laura , Rementeria Oihana , Wiborg Gudrun , Vassara Maro , Kyriakidou Maria , Terzopoulou Gabriela , Sanchez Sara , Jansson Charlotte , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Faggiano Fabrizio , Fabiani Leila , Scatigna Maria
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Adolescents’ perceptions of parental norms may influence their substance use. The relationship between parental norms toward cigarette and alcohol use, and the use of illicit substances among their adolescent children is not sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze this relationship, including gender differences, using longitudinal data from a large population-based study.

Methods

The present study analyzed longitudinal data from 3171 12- to 14-year-old students in 7 European countries allocated to the control arm of the European Drug Addiction Prevention trial. The impact of parental permissiveness toward cigarettes and alcohol use reported by the students at baseline on illicit drug use at 6-month follow-up was analyzed through multilevel logistic regression models, stratified by gender. Whether adolescents’ own use of cigarette and alcohol mediated the association between parental norms and illicit drug use was tested through mediation models.

Results

Parental permissive norms toward cigarette smoking and alcohol use at baseline predicted adolescents’ illicit drug use at follow-up. The association was stronger among boys than among girls and was mediated by adolescents’ own cigarette and alcohol use.

Conclusion

Perceived parental permissiveness toward the use of legal drugs predicted adolescents’ use of illicit drugs, especially among boys. Parents should be made aware of the importance of norm setting, and supported in conveying clear messages of disapproval of all substances.
Influence of Kaolin particulate and Luffa cylindrica fiber on the mechanical properties polyester matrix
Authors: Yaro Aliyu , Kuburi Laminu , Moshood Musa Abiodun
Published: June 2021

Polymeric materials are used in different industrial applications because they retain good environmental properties, low-cost, and easy to produce compared to conventional materials. This study investigated the effect of adding Kaolin particulate (KFP) and Luffa cylindrica fiber (LCF) on the mechanical properties of polyester resin. Luffa cylindrica fiber was treated with 5% NaOH, varied in weight fraction (5, 10, and 15%wt), and was used to reinforce unsaturated polyester resin using the hand lay-up method, whereas, for the hybrid composite, Kaolin particulates were kept constant at 6wt% fraction while the fibers varied as in the mono-reinforced composite. The samples were machined for mechanical analysis. Analysis of the result revealed that the reinforcement has enhanced greatly the mechanical properties of polyester composites.
Multisensory contribution in visuospatial orientation: an interaction between neck and trunk proprioception
Authors: McCarthy Jason , Castro Patricia , Cottier Rachael , Buttell Joseph , Arshad Qadeer , Kheradmand Amir , Kaski Diego
Published: June 2021

A coherent perception of spatial orientation is key in maintaining postural control. To achieve this the brain must access sensory inputs encoding both the body and the head position and integrate them with incoming visual information. Here we isolated the contribution of proprioception to verticality perception and further investigated whether changing the body position without moving the head can modulate visual dependence—the extent to which an individual relies on visual cues for spatial orientation. Spatial orientation was measured in ten healthy individuals [6 female; 25–47 years (SD 7.8 years)] using a virtual reality based subjective visual vertical (SVV) task. Individuals aligned an arrow to their perceived gravitational vertical, initially against a static black background (10 trials), and then in other conditions with clockwise and counterclockwise background rotations (each 10 trials). In all conditions, subjects were seated first in the upright position, then with trunk tilted 20° to the right, followed by 20° to the left while the head was always aligned vertically. The SVV error was modulated by the trunk position, and it was greater when the trunk was tilted to the left compared to right or upright trunk positions (p < 0.001). Likewise, background rotation had an effect on SVV errors as these were greater with counterclockwise visual rotation compared to static background and clockwise roll motion (p < 0.001). Our results show that the interaction between neck and trunk proprioception can modulate how visual inputs affect spatial orientation.
The role of physical cues in the development of stem cell-derived organoids
Authors: Tortorella Ilaria , Argentati Chiara , Emiliani Carla , Martino Sabata , Morena Francesco
Published: June 2021

Organoids are a novel three-dimensional stem cells’ culture system that allows the in vitro recapitulation of organs/tissues structure complexity. Pluripotent and adult stem cells are included in a peculiar microenvironment consisting of a supporting structure (an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like component) and a cocktail of soluble bioactive molecules that, together, mimic the stem cell niche organization. It is noteworthy that the balance of all microenvironmental components is the most critical step for obtaining the successful development of an accurate organoid instead of an organoid with heterogeneous morphology, size, and cellular composition. Within this system, mechanical forces exerted on stem cells are collected by cellular proteins and transduced via mechanosensing—mechanotransduction mechanisms in biochemical signaling that dictate the stem cell specification process toward the formation of organoids. This review discusses the role of the environment in organoids formation and focuses on the effect of physical components on the developmental system. The work starts with a biological description of organoids and continues with the relevance of physical forces in the organoid environment formation. In this context, the methods used to generate organoids and some relevant published reports are discussed as examples showing the key role of mechanosensing–mechanotransduction mechanisms in stem cell-derived organoids.
Focal unspecific bone uptake on [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET: a multicenter retrospective evaluation of the distribution, frequency, and quantitative parameters of a potential pitfall in prostate cancer imaging
Authors: Grünig Hannes , Maurer Alexander , Thali Yannick , Kovacs Zsofia , Strobel Klaus , Burger Irene A. , Müller Joachim
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Improved logistics and availability led to a rapid increase in the use of [18F]-PSMA-1007 for prostate cancer PET imaging. Initial data suggests increased uptake in benign lesions compared to [68 Ga]-PSMA-11, and clinical observations found increased unspecific bone uptake (UBU). We therefore investigate the frequency and characteristics of UBU in [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET scans from four centers for the presence of UBU, defined as a focal mild-to-moderate uptake (SUVmax < 10.0) not obviously related to a benign or malignant cause. If present, up to three leading UBUs were quantified (SUVmax), localized, and correlated to clinical parameters, such as age, PSA, injected dose, Gleason score, tumor size (T1–T4), and type of PET scanner (analog vs. digital). Additionally, clinical and imaging follow-up results and therapeutic impact were evaluated.

Results

UBUs were identified in 179 out of 348 patients (51.4%). The most frequent localizations were ribs (57.5%) and pelvis (24.8%). The frequency of UBUs was not associated with PSA, Gleason score, tumor size, age, or the injected [18F]-PSMA-1007 dose. UBUs were significantly more frequent in images obtained with digital PET/CT scans (n = 74, 82%) than analog PET/CT scans (n = 221, 40.3%) (p = .0001) but not in digital PET/MR (n = 53, 51%) (p = .1599). In 80 out of 179 patients (44.7%), the interpretation of UBUs was critical for therapeutic management and therefore considered clinically relevant. For 65 UBUs, follow-ups were available: three biopsies, three radiotherapies with PSA follow-up, and 59 cases with imaging. After follow-up, UBUs were still considered unclear in 28 of 65 patients (43%), benign in 28 (43%), and malignant in nine (14%) patients.

Conclusion

UBUs occur in two-thirds of patients imaged with [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and are significantly more frequent on digital PET scanners than analog scanners. UBUs should be interpreted carefully to avoid over-staging.
Impact of Preoperative Time Interval on Survival in Patients With Gastric Cancer
Authors: Okuno Keisuke , Tokunaga Masanori , Yamashita Yamato , Umebayashi Yuya , Saito Toshifumi , Fukuyo Ryosuke , Sato Yuya , Saito Katsumasa , Fujiwara Naoto , Hoshino Akihiro , Kawada Kenro , Matsuyama Takatoshi , Kinugasa Yusuke
Published: June 2021

Background

A time interval between diagnosis and surgery for gastric cancer is necessary, although its impact on survival remains controversial. We evaluated the impact of preoperative time interval on survival in gastric cancer patients.

Methods

We enrolled 332 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for clinical stage (cStage) I–III gastric cancer between 2012 and 2015. We separately analyzed early‐ (cStage I) and advanced‐stage (cStages II and III) patients. Early‐stage patients were divided according to preoperative time interval: short (≤ 42 days) and long (> 42 days) groups. Advanced‐stage patients were also divided into short (≤ 21 days) and long (> 21 days) groups. We compared the survival between the short and long groups in early‐ and advanced‐stage patients.

Results

The median preoperative time interval was 29 days, and no significant differences were found in patient characteristics between the short and long groups in early‐ and advanced‐stage patients. In early‐stage patients, the 5‐year survival rates of the short and long groups were 86.5% and 88.4%, respectively (P = 0.917). In advanced‐stage patients, the 5‐year survival rates were 72.1% and 70.0%, respectively (P = 0.552). In multivariate analysis, a longer time interval was not selected as an independent prognostic factor in early‐ and advanced‐stage patients.

Conclusions

In this study, survival difference was not found based upon preoperative time interval. The results do not affirm the delay of treatment without reason, however, imperative extension of preoperative time interval may be justified from the standpoint of long‐term survival.
Finger abduction as a novel function of the extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle
Authors: Vaghela Kalpesh R. , Brownlie Craig , Edwards Dafydd S.
Published: June 2021

A 25-year-old female presented with a chronic scapho-lunate ligament injury with development of carpal instability requiring reconstruction. During a standard dorsal longitudinal mid-line approach to the carpus, an extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) muscle was found taking its origin from the dorsal wrist capsule overlying the lunate with innervation from the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). Electrical stimulation of the muscle belly demonstrated abduction of the middle finger. The EDBM is a rare anatomical variant of the extensor compartment of the wrist and may be encountered during surgical approaches. Where possible these variant muscles should be carefully dissected off underlying structures, preserved and repaired at the conclusion of a procedure to ensure no perceived functional deficit to the patient. We present a case of a previously undescribed EDBM muscle function of pure finger abduction with no extension and a surgical technique of preserving its origin. We propose that the middle finger variant of the EDBM should be re-named the extensor digitorum brevis medius to reflect our findings.
A minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for high-dose methotrexate
Authors: Pesenti Giuseppe , Foppoli Marco , Manca Davide
Published: June 2021

Purpose

High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is administered for the treatment of a variety of malignant tumors. Wide intra- and inter-individual variabilities characterize the pharmacokinetics of MTX, which is mostly excreted renally. HDMTX dosages are prescribed as a function of body surface area whereas dose adjustments depending on renal function are not well defined. We develop a population pharmacokinetic model with a physiological description of renal excretion as the basis for clinical tools able to suggest model-informed dosages and support therapeutic monitoring.

Methods

This article presents a minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for HDMTX, which specifically accounts for individual characteristics such as body weight, height, gender, age, hematocrit, and serum creatinine to provide individualized predictions. The model supplies a detailed and mechanistic description of capillary and cellular exchanges between plasma, interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid compartments, and focuses on an individualized description of renal excretion.

Results

The minimal PBPK model is identified and validated with a literature dataset based on Chinese patients suffering from primary central nervous system lymphoma. A comparison with a pharmacokinetic model from the literature suggests that the proposed model provides improved predictions. Remarkably, the model does not present any significant bias in a wide range of degrees of renal function.

Conclusion

Results show that model predictions can capture the wide intra- and inter-individual variability of HDMTX, and highlight the role played by the individual degree of renal function. The proposed model can be the basis for the development of clinical decision-support systems for individualized dosages and therapeutic monitoring.
Voltage rise anemometry in turbulent flows applied to internal combustion engines
Authors: Wörner Michael , Rottenkolber Gregor
Published: June 2021

In an experimental procedure, a voltage rise anemometry is developed as a measurement technique for turbulent flows. Initially, fundamental investigations on a specific wind tunnel were performed for basic understanding and calibration purpose. Thus, a mathematical correlation is derived for calculating flow from measured secondary voltage of an ignition system under different thermodynamic conditions. Subsequently, the derived method was applied on a spark-ignited engine to measure in-cylinder flow. Therefore, no changes on combustion chamber were necessary avoiding any interferences of the examined flow field. Comparing four different engine configurations, a study of mean flow and turbulence was performed. Moreover, the results show a clear correlation between measured turbulence and analysed combustion parameters.

Graphic abstract
Seasonal prediction of European summer heatwaves
Authors: Prodhomme Chloé , Materia Stefano , Ardilouze Constantin , White Rachel H. , Batté Lauriane , Guemas Virginie , Fragkoulidis Georgios , García-Serrano Javier
Published: June 2021

Under the influence of global warming, heatwaves are becoming a major threat in many parts of the world, affecting human health and mortality, food security, forest fires, biodiversity, energy consumption, as well as the production and transportation networks. Seasonal forecasting is a promising tool to help mitigate these impacts on society. Previous studies have highlighted some predictive capacity of seasonal forecast systems for specific strong heatwaves such as those of 2003 and 2010. To our knowledge, this study is thus the first of its kind to systematically assess the prediction skill of heatwaves over Europe in a state-of-the-art seasonal forecast system. One major prerequisite to do so is to appropriately define heatwaves. Existing heatwave indices, built to measure heatwave duration and severity, are often designed for specific impacts and thus have limited robustness for an analysis of heatwave variability. In this study, we investigate the seasonal prediction skill of European summer heatwaves in the ECMWF System 5 operational forecast system by means of several dedicated metrics, as well as its added-value compared to a simple statistical model based on the linear trend. We are able to show, for the first time, that seasonal forecasts initialized in early May can provide potentially useful information of summer heatwave propensity, which is the tendency of a season to be predisposed to the occurrence of heatwaves.
Global heat balance and heat uptake in potential temperature coordinates
Authors: Hochet Antoine , Tailleux Rémi , Kuhlbrodt Till , Ferreira David
Published: June 2021

The representation of ocean heat uptake in Simple Climate Models used for policy advice on climate change mitigation strategies is often based on variants of the one-dimensional Vertical Advection/Diffusion equation (VAD) for some averaged form of potential temperature. In such models, the effective advection and turbulent diffusion are usually tuned to emulate the behaviour of a given target climate model. However, because the statistical nature of such a “behavioural” calibration usually obscures the exact dependence of the effective diffusion and advection on the actual physical processes responsible for ocean heat uptake, it is difficult to understand its limitations and how to go about improving VADs. This paper proposes a physical calibration of the VAD that aims to provide explicit traceability of effective diffusion and advection to the processes responsible for ocean heat uptake. This construction relies on the coarse-graining of the full three-dimensional advection diffusion for potential temperature using potential temperature coordinates. The main advantage of this formulation is that the temporal evolution of the reference temperature profile is entirely due to the competition between effective diffusivity that is always positive definite, and the water mass transformation taking place at the surface, as in classical water mass analyses literature. These quantities are evaluated in numerical simulations of present day climate and global warming experiments. In this framework, the heat uptake in the global warming experiment is attributed to the increase of surface heat flux at low latitudes, its decrease at high latitudes and to the redistribution of heat toward cold temperatures made by diffusive flux.