bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bias correction of temperature and precipitation over China for RCM simulations using the QM and QDM methods
Authors: Tong Yao , Gao Xuejie , Han Zhenyu , Xu Yaqi , Xu Ying , Giorgi Filippo
Published: September 2020

Two different bias correction methods, the quantile mapping (QM) and quantile delta mapping (QDM), are applied to simulated daily temperature and precipitation over China from a set of 21st century regional climate model (the ICTP RegCM4) projections. The RegCM4 is driven by five different general circulation models (GCMs) under the representative concentration pathway RCP4.5 at a grid spacing of 25 km using the CORDEX East Asia domain. The focus is on mean temperature and precipitation in December–January–February (DJF) and June–July–August (JJA). The impacts of the two methods on the present day biases and future change signals are investigated. Results show that both the QM and QDM methods are effective in removing the systematic model biases during the validation period. For the future changes, the QDM preserves the temperature change signals well, in both magnitude and spatial distribution, while the QM artificially modifies the change signal by decreasing the warming and modifying the patterns of change. For precipitation, both methods preserve the change signals well but they produce greater magnitude of the projected increase, especially the QDM. We also show that the effects of bias correction are variable- and season-dependent. Our results show that different bias correction methods can affect in different way the simulated change signals, and therefore care has to be taken in carrying out the bias correction process.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Shuxia , Yuan Bo , Wang Yun , Li Mingyang , Liu Xibo , Cao Jing , Li Changtian , Hu Jihong
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To systematically evaluate the correlation between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CBM, Wanfang, and CNKI) were searched through May 2020. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed by using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS), and meta-analysis was carried out by using the Review Manager 5.3 software on the studies with the quality evaluation scores ≥ 6. Meta-regression analysis was used to determine the independent role of PD-L1 expression on CRC prognosis after adjusting clinicopathological features and treatment methods.

Results

A total of 8823 CRC patients in 32 eligible studies. PD-L1 expression was correlated with lymphatic metastasis (yes/no; OR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.11, 1.38)), diameter of tumor (≥ 5 cm/< 5 cm; OR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.06, 1.70)), differentiation (high–middle/low; OR = 0.68, 95% CI (0.53, 0.87)), and vascular invasion (yes/no; OR = 0.80, 95% CI (0.69, 0.92)). PD-L1 expression shortened the overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.93, 95% CI (1.66, 2.25)), disease-free survival (HR = 1.76, 95% CI (1.50, 2.07)), and progression-free survival (HR = 1.93, 95% CI (1.55, 2.41)). Meta-regression showed that PD-L1 expression played a significant role on poor CRC OS (HR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.92, 3.98)) and disease-free survival (HR = 2.14, 95% CI (0.73, 4.52)).

Conclusion

PD-L1 expression independently predicted a poor prognosis of CRC.
Vinyl ethers and epoxides photoinduced copolymerization with perfluoropolyalkylether monomers
Authors: Trusiano Giuseppe , Vitale Alessandra , Bonneaud Céline , Pugliese Diego , Dalle Vacche Sara , Joly-Duhamel Christine , Friesen Chadron M. , Bongiovanni Roberta
Published: September 2020

New perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPAE) monomers, chain extended with different alkyl groups and functionalized with vinyl ether or epoxide end-groups, were employed, together with trimethylolpropane trivinyl ether or trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, to produce fluorinated copolymers. The photoinduced cationic polymerization was investigated, and the PFPAE-based copolymer properties were thoroughly characterized. Interesting surface properties and two different values of refractive index were observed: thus, these fluorinated copolymers can be suitable materials for the manufacture of self-cleaning coatings and optical waveguides.
First prospective outcome data for the second-generation multigene test Endopredict in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Ettl Johannes , Anders Sophie-Isabelle , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Paepke Stefan , Noske Aurelia , Weichert Wilko , Klein Evelyn , Kiechle Marion
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Prospectively collected outcome data of patients (pts) whose adjuvant systemic therapy recommendation was based on the clinico-molecular test EndoPredict® (EP) are presented.

Methods

Pts with ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer with 0–3 positive lymph nodes were enrolled. The EP was carried out on all tumor samples. Pts were evaluated for treatment compliance, local recurrence, distant metastases and overall survival. Censored time-to-event outcomes were analysed by Cox proportional hazards models. Additional estimates of the event-free-survival were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Hypothesis testing was conducted on two-sided exploratory 5% significance levels.

Results

373 consecutive pts were enrolled. EP classified 238 pts (63.8%) as low risk and 135 pts (36.2%) as high risk. Median follow-up was 41.6 months. Risk for disease recurrence or death in EPclin high-risk patients was twofold higher in comparison with EPclin low-risk patients (hazard ratio (HR) 2.05 (95% CI 0.85–4.96; p = 0.110). Patients with EPclin high risk were at significant higher risk of distant metastases than patients with EPclin low risk (HR 5.18; 95% CI 1.04–25.74; p = 0.0443). EPclin high-risk patients who actually underwent adjuvant CTX had a 3-year-DFS of 96.3% (95% CI 92.2–100) in contrast to EPclin high-risk patients without CTX (3-year-DFS: 91.5% (95% CI 82.7–100%); HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.10–1.05; p = 0.061).

Conclusion

These first prospective outcome results show that EP, in clinical routine, is a valid clinico-molecular test, to predict DFS and to guide decision of adjuvant CTX use in ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer pts with 0–3 positive lymph nodes. Adjuvant CTX seems to be beneficial for EPclin high-risk patients.
CANVAS: a late onset ataxia due to biallelic intronic AAGGG expansions
Authors: Dominik Natalia , Galassi Deforie Valentina , Cortese Andrea , Houlden Henry
Published: September 2020

The ataxias are a group of disorders that manifest with balance, movement, speech and visual problems. They can arise due to dysfunction of the cerebellum, the vestibular system and/or the sensory neurons. Genetic defects are a common cause of chronic ataxia, particularly common are repeat expansions in this group of conditions. Co-occurrence of cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome has been termed CANVAS. Although CANVAS is a rare syndrome, on discovery of biallelic expansions in the second intron of replication factor C subunit 1 (RFC1) gene, we and others have found the phenotype is broad and RFC1 expansions are a common cause of late-onset progressive ataxia.

We aim to provide a review and update on recent developments in CANVAS and populations, where the disorder has been reported. We have also optimised a protocol for RFC1 expansion screening which is described herein and expanded phenotype after analysing late-onset ataxia patients from around the world.
Run up simulation of a full-floating ring supported Jeffcott-rotor considering two-phase flow cavitation
Authors: Ziese Christian , Nitzschke Steffen , Woschke Elmar
Published: September 2020

Hydrodynamic bearings are commonly used to support fast rotating rotors. Due to their nonlinear bearing properties, they strongly influence the rotor response behaviour, which can be observed by the occurrence of sub-harmonic oscillations. The appearance of sub-synchronous vibrations depends on the operating bearing conditions, which are determined by the kinematics of bearing partners, the thermodynamic processes and especially the occurrence of cavitation. In this contribution, the rotor response behaviour of a full-floating ring supported Jeffcott-rotor is investigated under the consideration of lubricant film cavitation. The two-phase model is applied as a mass-conserving cavitation theory and compared with the assumptions of Half-Sommerfeld.
COVID-19 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children and adolescents: a systematic review of critically unwell children and the association with underlying comorbidities
Authors: Williams Nia , Radia Trisha , Harman Katharine , Agrawal Pankaj , Cook James , Gupta Atul
Published: September 2020

Data show that children are less severely affected with SARS-Covid-19 than adults; however, there have been a small proportion of children who have been critically unwell. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify and describe which underlying comorbidities may be associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 disease and death. The study protocol was in keeping with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 1726 articles were identified of which 28 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The 28 studies included 5686 participants with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection ranging from mild to severe disease. We focused on the 108 patients who suffered from severe/critical illness requiring ventilation, which included 17 deaths. Of the 108 children who were ventilated, the medical history was available for 48 patients. Thirty-six of the 48 patients (75%) had documented comorbidities of which 11/48 (23%) had pre-existing cardiac disease. Of the 17 patients who died, the past medical history was reported in 12 cases. Of those, 8/12 (75%) had comorbidities.

Conclusion: Whilst only a small number of children suffer from COVID-19 disease compared to adults, children with comorbidities, particularly pre-existing cardiac conditions, represent a large proportion of those that became critically unwell.

What is Known:• Children are less severely affected by SARS-CoV-2 than adults.• There are reports of children becoming critically unwell with SARS-CoV-2 and requiring intensive care.

What is New:• The majority of children who required ventilation for SARS-CoV-2 infection had underlying comorbidities.• The commonest category of comorbidity in these patients was underlying cardiac disease.
Randomized Incremental Construction of Delaunay Triangulations of Nice Point Sets
Authors: Boissonnat Jean-Daniel , Devillers Olivier , Dutta Kunal , Glisse Marc
Published: September 2020

Randomized incremental construction (RIC) is one of the most important paradigms for building geometric data structures. Clarkson and Shor developed a general theory that led to numerous algorithms which are both simple and efficient in theory and in practice. Randomized incremental constructions are usually space-optimal and time-optimal in the worst case, as exemplified by the construction of convex hulls, Delaunay triangulations, and arrangements of line segments. However, the worst-case scenario occurs rarely in practice and we would like to understand how RIC behaves when the input is nice in the sense that the associated output is significantly smaller than in the worst case. For example, it is known that the Delaunay triangulation of nicely distributed points in $${\mathbb {E}}^d$$

E

d

or on polyhedral surfaces in $${\mathbb {E}}^3$$

E

3

has linear complexity, as opposed to a worst-case complexity of $$\Theta (n^{\lfloor d/2\rfloor })$$

Θ
(

n

⌊
d
/
2
⌋

)

in the first case and quadratic in the second. The standard analysis does not provide accurate bounds on the complexity of such cases and we aim at establishing such bounds in this paper. More precisely, we will show that, in the two cases above and variants of them, the complexity of the usual RIC is $$O(n\log n)$$

O
(
n
log
n
)

, which is optimal. In other words, without any modification, RIC nicely adapts to good cases of practical value. At the heart of our proof is a bound on the complexity of the Delaunay triangulation of random subsets of $${\varepsilon }$$
ε
-nets. Along the way, we prove a probabilistic lemma for sampling without replacement, which may be of independent interest.
Surprise at Adjoining an Identity to an Algebra
Authors: Andruszkiewicz Ryszard R.
Published: September 2020

This note contains an example of two non-isomorphic algebras A and B over an arbitrary field K such that the algebras $\widetilde {A}$

A

~

and $\widetilde {B}$

B

~

obtained form A and B, respectively, by the standard process of adjoining an identity, are isomorphic. In addition, the dimension of A may be arbitrary ≥ 2.
Anomaly detection in facial skin temperature using variational autoencoder
Authors: Masaki Ayaka , Nagumo Kent , Lamsal Bikash , Oiwa Kosuke , Nozawa Akio
Published: September 2020

Facial skin temperature is a physiological index that varies with skin blood flow controlled by autonomic nervous system activity. The facial skin temperature can be remotely measured using infrared thermography, and it has recently attracted attention as a remote biomarker. For example, studies have been reported to estimate human emotions, drowsiness, and mental stress on facial skin temperature. However, it is impossible to make a machine that can discriminate all infinite physiological and psychological states. Considering the practicality of skin temperature, a machine that can determine the normal state of facial skin temperature may be sufficient. In this study, we propose a completely new approach to incorporate the concept of anomaly detection into the analysis of physiological and psychological states by facial skin temperature. In this paper, the method for separating normal and anomaly facial thermal images using an anomaly detection model was investigated to evaluate the applicability of variational autoencoder (VAE) to facial thermal images.
Revision by S2-alar-iliac instrumentation reduces caudal screw loosening while improving sacroiliac joint pain—a group comparison study
Authors: Krieg Sandro M. , Sollmann Nico , Ille Sebastian , Albers Lucia , Meyer Bernhard
Published: September 2020

Lumbosacral instrumentation continues to be challenging due to complex biomechanical force distributions and poor sacral bone quality. Various techniques have therefore been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of patients treated with S2-alar-iliac (S2AI), S2-alar (S2A), and iliac (I) instrumentation as the most caudal level. Sixty patients underwent one of the 3 techniques between January 2012 and June 2017 (S2AI 18 patients, S2A 20 patients, I 22 patients). Mean age was 70.4 ± 8.5 years. Screw loosening (SL) and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain were evaluated during the course at 3-month and maximum follow-up (FU). All patients completed 3-month FU, the mean FU period was 2.5 ± 1.5 years (p = 0.38), and a median of 5 segments was operated on (p = 0.26), respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD), derived opportunistically from computed tomography (CT), did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.66), but cages were more frequently implanted in patients of the S2A group (p = 0.04). SL of sacral or iliac screws was more common in patients of the S2A and I groups compared with the S2AI group (S2AI 16.7%, S2A 55.0%, I 27.3% of patients; p = 0.03). SIJ pain was more often improved in the S2AI group not only after 3 months but also at maximum FU (S2AI 61.1%, S2A 25.0%, I 22.7% of patients showing improvement; p = 0.02). Even in shorter or mid-length lumbar or thoracolumbar constructs, S2AI might be considered superior to S2A and I instrumentation due to showing lower incidences of caudal SL and SIJ pain.
Improving ADMMs for solving doubly nonnegative programs through dual factorization
Authors: Cerulli Martina , De Santis Marianna , Gaar Elisabeth , Wiegele Angelika
Published: September 2020

Alternating direction methods of multipliers (ADMMs) are popular approaches to handle large scale semidefinite programs that gained attention during the past decade. In this paper, we focus on solving doubly nonnegative programs (DNN), which are semidefinite programs where the elements of the matrix variable are constrained to be nonnegative. Starting from two algorithms already proposed in the literature on conic programming, we introduce two new ADMMs by employing a factorization of the dual variable. It is well known that first order methods are not suitable to compute high precision optimal solutions, however an optimal solution of moderate precision often suffices to get high quality lower bounds on the primal optimal objective function value. We present methods to obtain such bounds by either perturbing the dual objective function value or by constructing a dual feasible solution from a dual approximate optimal solution. Both procedures can be used as a post-processing phase in our ADMMs. Numerical results for DNNs that are relaxations of the stable set problem are presented. They show the impact of using the factorization of the dual variable in order to improve the progress towards the optimal solution within an iteration of the ADMM. This decreases the number of iterations as well as the CPU time to solve the DNN to a given precision. The experiments also demonstrate that within a computationally cheap post-processing, we can compute bounds that are close to the optimal value even if the DNN was solved to moderate precision only. This makes ADMMs applicable also within a branch-and-bound algorithm.
Probing hepatic metabolism of [2-13C]dihydroxyacetone in vivo with 1H-decoupled hyperpolarized 13C-MR
Authors: Marco-Rius Irene , Wright Alan J. , Hu De-en , Savic Dragana , Miller Jack J. , Timm Kerstin N. , Tyler Damian , Brindle Kevin M. , Comment Arnaud
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To enhance detection of the products of hyperpolarized [2-13C]dihydroxyacetone metabolism for assessment of three metabolic pathways in the liver in vivo. Hyperpolarized [2-13C]DHAc emerged as a promising substrate to follow gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and the glycerol pathways. However, the use of [2-13C]DHAc in vivo has not taken off because (i) the chemical shift range of [2-13C]DHAc and its metabolic products span over 144 ppm, and (ii) 1H decoupling is required to increase spectral resolution and sensitivity. While these issues are trivial for high-field vertical-bore NMR spectrometers, horizontal-bore small-animal MR scanners are seldom equipped for such experiments.

Methods

Real-time hepatic metabolism of three fed mice was probed by 1H-decoupled 13C-MR following injection of hyperpolarized [2-13C]DHAc. The spectra of [2-13C]DHAc and its metabolic products were acquired in a 7 T small-animal MR scanner using three purpose-designed spectral-spatial radiofrequency pulses that excited a spatial bandwidth of 8 mm with varying spectral bandwidths and central frequencies (chemical shifts).

Results

The metabolic products detected in vivo include glycerol 3-phosphate, glycerol, phosphoenolpyruvate, lactate, alanine, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and glucose 6-phosphate. The metabolite-to-substrate ratios were comparable to those reported previously in perfused liver.

Discussion

Three metabolic pathways can be probed simultaneously in the mouse liver in vivo, in real time,  using hyperpolarized DHAc.
The “critical view of safety (CVS)” cannot be applied—What to do? Strategies to avoid bile duct injuries
Authors: Mischinger Hans-Jörg , Wagner Doris , Kornprat Peter , Bacher Heinz , Werkgartner Georg
Published: September 2020

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard procedure worldwide since the early 1990s for those patients whose gallbladder has to be removed as part of their underlying disease (NIH Consensus Statement 1992). The most common complication is iatrogenic bile duct injury, which has not improved significantly since the introduction of open laparoscopic cholecystectomy as compared with open cholecystectomy. The intraoperative injuries are mostly the result of a misinterpretation of anatomical structures due to severe inflammation or topographical variations. In order to minimize this risk, a number of improved operative techniques and behavioral measures have been formulated. Here, we present methodological and operative possibilities as well as techniques that in unclear situations can help to minimize the risk of intraoperative injuries of the biliary tract and the accompanying vascular system.
An Interactive Layers Model of Self-Regulated Learning and Cognitive Load
Authors: Wirth Joachim , Stebner Ferdinand , Trypke Melanie , Schuster Corinna , Leutner Detlev
Published: September 2020

Models of self-regulated learning emphasize the active and intentional role of learners and, thereby, focus mainly on conscious processes in working memory and long-term memory. Cognitive load theory supports this view on learning. As a result, both fields of research ignore the potential role of unconscious processes for learning. In this review paper, we propose an interactive layers model on self-regulated learning and cognitive load that considers sensory memory, working memory, and long-term memory. The model distinguishes between (a) unconscious self-regulated learning initiated by so-called resonant states in sensory memory and (b) conscious self-regulated learning of scheme construction in working memory. In contrast with conscious self-regulation, unconscious self-regulation induces no cognitive load. The model describes conscious and unconscious self-regulation in three different layers: a content layer, a learning strategy layer, and a metacognitive layer. Interactions of the three layers reflect processes of monitoring and control. We first substantiate the model based on a narrative review. Afterwards, we illustrate how the model contributes to re-interpretation of inconsistent empirical findings reported in the existing literature.
Extreme value theory for anomaly detection – the GPD classifier
Authors: Vignotto Edoardo , Engelke Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Classification tasks usually assume that all possible classes are present during the training phase. This is restrictive if the algorithm is used over a long time and possibly encounters samples from unknown new classes. It is therefore fundamental to develop algorithms able to distinguish between normal and abnormal test data. In the last few years, extreme value theory has become an important tool in multivariate statistics and machine learning. The recently introduced extreme value machine, a classifier motivated by extreme value theory, addresses this problem and achieves competitive performance in specific cases. We show that this algorithm has some theoretical and practical drawbacks and can fail even if the recognition task is fairly simple. To overcome these limitations, we propose two new algorithms for anomaly detection relying on approximations from extreme value theory that are more robust in such cases. We exploit the intuition that test points that are extremely far from the training classes are more likely to be abnormal objects. We derive asymptotic results motivated by univariate extreme value theory that make this intuition precise. We show the effectiveness of our classifiers in simulations and on real data sets.
A Tool for Comparing Mathematics Tasks from Paper-Based and Digital Environments
Authors: Lemmo Alice
Published: September 2020

Comparative studies on paper and pencil– and computer-based tests principally focus on statistical analysis of students’ performances. In educational assessment, comparing students’ performance (in terms of right or wrong results) does not imply a comparison of problem-solving processes followed by students. In this paper, we present a theoretical tool for task analysis that allows us to highlight how students’ problem-solving processes could change in switching from paper to computer format and how these changes could be affected by the use of one environment rather than another. In particular, the aim of our study lies in identifying a set of indexes to highlight possible consequences that specific changes in task formulation have, in terms of task comparability. Therefore, we propose an example of the use of the tool for comparing paper-based and computer-based tasks.
Diel vertical migration promotes zooplankton horizontal patchiness
Authors: Chen Bingzhang , Masunaga Eiji , Smith Sherwood Lan , Yamazaki Hidekatsu
Published: September 2020

Spatial patchiness of plankton enhances fishery production and carbon export in the ocean. While diel vertical migration (DVM) has been identified as an important factor contributing to vertical patchiness, its effect on horizontal patchiness has never been investigated. We use a simple individual-based zooplankton model to examine the effect of DVM on the horizontal patchiness of four zooplankton groups with differing DVM patterns in a two-dimensional ocean circulation model. We find that zooplankton horizontal patchiness can be induced by two mechanisms: (1) in stratified waters, DVM can synchronize zooplankton vertical positions with the horizontal current velocities that drive them, resulting in horizontal patchiness; and (2) migrating zooplankton tend to aggregate in deep waters when they encounter sea bottom. Due to these mechanisms, zooplankton horizontal patchiness may be ubiquitous in the ocean, enhancing secondary production and fisheries.
Student-Generated Stop-Motion Animation in Science Classes: a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Farrokhnia Mohammadreza , Meulenbroeks Ralph F. G. , van Joolingen Wouter R.
Published: September 2020

In recent years, student-generated stop-motion animations (SMAs) have been employed to support sharing, constructing, and representing knowledge in different science domains and across age groups from pre-school to university students. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of research in this field and to synthesize the findings. For this review, 42 publications on student-generated SMA dating from 2005 to 2019 were studied. The publications were systematically categorized on learning outcomes, learning processes, learning environment, and student prerequisites. Most studies were of a qualitative nature, and a significant portion (24 out of 42) pertained to student teachers. The findings show that SMA can promote deep learning if appropriate scaffolding is provided, for example, in terms of presenting general strategies, asking questions, and using expert representations. Also, the science concept that is to be presented as a SMA should be self-contained, dynamic in nature, and not too difficult to represent. Comparative quantitative studies are needed in order to judge the effectiveness of SMA in terms of both cognitive and non-cognitive learning outcomes.
The development and validation of the CARe Burn Scale: Child Form: a parent-proxy-reported outcome measure assessing quality of life for children aged 8 years and under living with a burn injury
Authors: Griffiths Catrin , Guest Ella , Pickles Timothy , Hollèn Linda , Grzeda Mariusz , Tollow Philippa , Harcourt Diana
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) identify patient needs and therapeutic progress. This paper outlines the development and validation of the CARe Burn Scale: Child Form, a parent-proxy-reported outcome measure that assesses quality of life in children aged 8 and under living with a burn injury.

Methods

A literature review and interviews with 12 parents of children with a burn and seven health professionals informed the development of a conceptual framework and draft PROM. Cognitive debriefing interviews with 18 parents and eight health professionals provided feedback to ascertain content validity, and 311 parents took part in field testing. Rasch and traditional psychometric analyses were conducted to create a shortened version. Further psychometric analyses with 133 parents tested the shortened CARe Burn Scale in relation to other parent-proxy measures.

Results

The final conceptual framework included 5 domains: Social and Emotional Difficulties, Social and Emotional Well-Being, Wound/Scar Discomfort, Wound/Scar Treatment and Physical Abilities. Two scales fulfilled Rasch and traditional psychometric analyses, providing evidence of construct validity, acceptability, and reliability. Three scales did not fulfil the Rasch criteria and were retained as checklists. Compared to other parent-proxy measures, individual CARe Burn Scales correlated moderately with similar constructs and had low correlations with dissimilar constructs, indicating evidence of criterion validity (concurrent and discriminant).

Conclusions

The CARe Burn Scale: Child Form can be used to measure children’s quality of life after having a burn injury which can inform rehabilitation and surgical decision-making.
The Actis and Corail Femoral Stems Provide for Similar Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kaszuba Stephanie V. , Cipparrone Nancy , Gordon Alexander C.
Published: September 2020

Background

The introduction of new devices for total hip arthroplasty (THA) offers surgeons the ability to address deficits in the portfolio. However, once introduced, data regarding the performance of devices is not publicly available until their use is widespread.

Purpose/Questions

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic performance, including patient reported outcomes and radiographic evidence of osseointegration, subsidence, and stress shielding, of the newer Actis femoral component to the Corail stem (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA), which has an extensive clinical history.

Methods

This short-term, retrospective cohort study was a single surgeon series of 330 anterior approach THAs, consisting of 165 cases using the Actis stem and 165 cases using the Corail stem. Both devices were cementless, titanium, tapered, hydroxyapatite–coated stems. They differed in geometry, neck choices, broach philosophy, and collar availability. Data was obtained for 1 year following THA. Functional outcomes were measured with the Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR.) survey. Complications were recorded from patient charts, and radiographic analysis was performed for signs of osseointegration, subsidence, and stress shielding.

Results

The groups shared similar demographic characteristics except the Actis population was younger with fewer women. The complication rate did not significantly vary, and no patient required revision within the first year. Radiographically, one patient in each group demonstrated subsidence. No cases exhibited radiolucent lines, and the prevalence of stress shielding at 1 year was comparable. HOOS, JR. scores did not significantly vary at 8 weeks or 1 year.

Conclusion

The Actis stem does not carry an increased risk of device-related complications compared with the Corail implant. Although aspects of bone remodeling differed between groups, Actis achieved radiographic signs of bone ingrowth at the 1-year mark and performed well clinically, with equivalent patient reported outcome scores to the Corail stem.
Personalising Outcome Measurement in Substance Misuse Treatment: the Feasibility and Psychometrics of Two Individualised Outcome Measures
Authors: Alves Paula , Faísca Luís , Sales Célia M. D. , Ashworth Mark
Published: September 2020

Individualised information in substance misuse treatment complements standardised outcome measures. However, few studies investigate the use of individualised measures and their robustness in terms of quantifying outcomes. In this study, we analysed the psychometrics and feasibility of two individualised outcome measures (PQ and PSYCHLOPS). We followed a cross-sectional methodology, administering the individualised measures and three additional standardised measures (TOP, a measure of psychological health within addiction services; PHQ-9; CORE-OM) to a sample of 93 patients entering substance misuse treatment in four clinical services. The results showed high levels of patient acceptability of the two individualised measures (response rates > 95%). The internal reliability was good for both PQ and PSYCHLOPS (Cronbach’s alpha, .79 and .72, respectively). Convergent validity of PQ with standardised measures was weak: Pearson’s r values for TOP (psychological health), PHQ-9 and CORE-OM were .21, .22 and .27, respectively. In contrast, convergent validity of PSYCHLOPS was moderate: r = .40, .39 and .50, respectively. Convergence between PQ and PSYCHLOPS was weak (r = .28). Experience of previous treatment episodes was associated with higher PQ and PSYCHLOPS scores; PSYCHLOPS but not PQ scores were higher among those opting to complete the questionnaires in written rather than verbal format. Our findings demonstrated that PQ and PSYCHLOPS are reliable and feasible individualised outcome measures for use in substance misuse treatment units, although the lack of strong convergent validity indicates that they may be measuring different underlying constructs. Optimal outcome measurement may involve combining individualised and standardised measures.
Generative multi-adversarial network for striking the right balance in abdominal image segmentation
Authors: Rezaei Mina , Näppi Janne J. , Lippert Christoph , Meinel Christoph , Yoshida Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

Purpose The identification of abnormalities that are relatively rare within otherwise normal anatomy is a major challenge for deep learning in the semantic segmentation of medical images. The small number of samples of the minority classes in the training data makes the learning of optimal classification challenging, while the more frequently occurring samples of the majority class hamper the generalization of the classification boundary between infrequently occurring target objects and classes. In this paper, we developed a novel generative multi-adversarial network, called Ensemble-GAN, for mitigating this class imbalance problem in the semantic segmentation of abdominal images.

Method The Ensemble-GAN framework is composed of a single-generator and a multi-discriminator variant for handling the class imbalance problem to provide a better generalization than existing approaches. The ensemble model aggregates the estimates of multiple models by training from different initializations and losses from various subsets of the training data. The single generator network analyzes the input image as a condition to predict a corresponding semantic segmentation image by use of feedback from the ensemble of discriminator networks. To evaluate the framework, we trained our framework on two public datasets, with different imbalance ratios and imaging modalities: the Chaos 2019 and the LiTS 2017.

Result In terms of the F1 score, the accuracies of the semantic segmentation of healthy spleen, liver, and left and right kidneys were 0.93, 0.96, 0.90 and 0.94, respectively. The overall F1 scores for simultaneous segmentation of the lesions and liver were 0.83 and 0.94, respectively.

Conclusion The proposed Ensemble-GAN framework demonstrated outstanding performance in the semantic segmentation of medical images in comparison with other approaches on popular abdominal imaging benchmarks. The Ensemble-GAN has the potential to segment abdominal images more accurately than human experts.
Stichwort: Lernzentriertes Leitungshandeln an Schulen – Leadership for Learning
Authors: Tulowitzki Pierre , Pietsch Marcus
Published: September 2020

Führung gilt als wichtiger Aspekt effektiver Schulen. Im internationalen Raum hat sich in diesem Zusammenhang in den vergangenen Jahren das Konzept des lernzentrierten Leitungshandelns an Schulen,Leadership for Learning, etabliert.Leadership for Learningwird hier stets ergebnisorientiert gedacht und rückt den Kompetenzerwerb von Schüler*innen in den Fokus des Leitungshandelns. Lernzentriertes Leitungshandeln zielt dabei nicht ausschließlich auf die Unterrichtsebene ab, auch das Lernen von Lehrkräften und das Organisationale Lernen sollen, im Sinne eines Capacity Building, gefördert werden. Entsprechend geht der Ansatz über klassische Annahmen zur unterrichtsbezogenen Führung (Instructional Leadership) hinaus, indem es deren Einschränkungen, nämlich eine Verengung der Perspektive auf die Person der Schulleitung sowie den Unterricht, überwindet. Im deutschsprachigen Raum ist dieses Konzept, obwohl z. B. in internationalen Schulvergleichsuntersuchungen genutzt, anders als in den anglophonen Ländern, bislang kaum bekannt. Daher werden im vorliegenden Stichwortbeitrag das Konzept des Lernzentrierten Leitungshandelns sowie dessen theoretische Grundannahmen vorgestellt. Darüber hinaus werden Forschungsbefunde zum Thema berichtet und abschließend eine Agenda für die zukünftige Forschung zumLeadership for Learningim deutschsprachigen Raum erarbeitet.
Effectiveness and postoperative pain level of single-port versus two-port thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Cheng-guang , Zheng Kang , Liu Guan-hua , Li Zhi-long , Zhao Yan-li , Lian Jian-hong , Guo Shi-ping
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Single-port thoracoscopic lobectomy is a new therapeutic technique for patients with lung cancer; however, insufficient data are available regarding its clinical outcomes. We therefore compared the clinical outcomes of single-port and two-port thoracoscopic lobectomies for lung cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed and compared the data of 204 and 368 patients with lung cancer who underwent single-port or two-port thoracoscopic lobectomy, respectively, between October 2014 and October 2017 at our institution. Patients in both groups underwent 1:1 propensity score matching, and 400 patients (200 patients in each group) were included. Perioperative clinical indicators were analyzed, including operation time, lymph node dissection stations and numbers, incidence of postoperative complications, and pain scores at 24 h, 72 h, and 1 week after surgery.

Results

No perioperative deaths occurred in either group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, chest drainage duration, duration of postoperative hospital stay, lymph node dissection station and number, rate of conversion to open surgery, number of ruptured intraoperative pulmonary vessel, and incidence of postoperative complications were not significantly different between the groups (all P > 0.05). However, analysis of the 24-h (P = 0.005), 72-h (P = 0.011), and 1-week (P = 0.034) visual analog scale score after surgery revealed that the postoperative pain levels were significantly lower in the single-port than in the two-port group.

Conclusions

Single-port and two-port thoracoscopic lobectomies had similar perioperative outcomes, although the postoperative pain was lower after single-port than two-port thoracoscopic lobectomy. Hence, we concluded that single-port thoracoscopic lobectomy is an effective, minimally invasive, and promising surgical procedure.
Microtubule Stabilization Promotes Microcirculation Reconstruction After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Duan Yang-Yang , Chai Yong , Zhang Nai-Li , Zhao Dong-Mei , Yang Cheng
Published: September 2020

Spinal cord microcirculation plays an important role in maintaining the function of spinal cord neurons and other cells. Previous studies have largely focused on the ability of microtubule stabilization to inhibit the fibroblast migration and promote axon regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the effect of microtubule stabilization treatment on microcirculation reconstruction after SCI remains unclear. By using immunofluorescence, we found that microtubule stabilization treatment improved microcirculation reconstruction via increasing the number of microvessels, pericytes, and the perfused microvessels after SCI. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, rat brain microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes were subjected to glucose oxygen deprivation. By using flow cytometry and western blotting, we found that microtubule stabilization treatment inhibited apoptosis and migration of endothelial cells and pericytes but promoted proliferation and survival of endothelial cells and pericytes through upregulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), VEGF receptor 2, platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGFB), PDGF receptor β, and angiopoietin-1 after SCI. Taken together, this study provides evidence for the mechanisms underlying the promotion of microcirculation reconstruction after SCI by microtubule stabilization treatment. Importantly, this study suggests the potential of microtubule stabilization as a therapeutic target to reduce microcirculation dysfunction after SCI in the clinic.
Definition and Characteristics of Behavioral Medicine, and Main Tasks and Goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine—an International Delphi Study
Authors: Dekker Joost , Amitami Marie , Berman Anne H. , Brown Helen , Cleal Bryan , Figueiras Maria João , Finney Rutten Lila J. , Fors Egil A. , Griva Konstadina , Gu Jing , Keyworth Chris , Kleinstäuber Maria , Lahmann Claas , Lau Joseph T. F. , Leplow Bernd , Li Li , Malmberg Gavelin Hanna , Mewes Ricarda , Mo Phoenix K. H. , Mullan Barbara , Penedo Frank J. , Prins Judith , Rodríguez Rodríguez Teresa , Simpson Sharon A. , Stauder Adrienne , Tuomisto Martti T. , Weiss Deborah Jones , Nater Urs M.
Published: September 2020

Background

In the past decades, behavioral medicine has attained global recognition. Due to its global reach, a critical need has emerged to consider whether the original definition of behavioral medicine is still valid, comprehensive, and inclusive, and to reconsider the main tasks and goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM), as the umbrella organization in the field. The purpose of the present study was to (i) update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine and its defining characteristics; and (ii) develop a proposal on ISBM’s main tasks and goals.

Method

Our study used the Delphi method. A core group prepared a discussion paper. An international Delphi panel rated questions and provided comments. The panel intended to reach an a priori defined level of consensus (i.e., 70%).

Results

The international panel reached consensus on an updated definition and scope of behavioral medicine as a field of research and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines. These disciplines are concerned with development and application of behavioral and biomedical evidence across the disease continuum in clinical and public health domains. Consensus was reached on a proposal for ISBM’s main tasks and goals focused on supporting communication and collaboration across disciplines and participating organizations; stimulating research, education, and practice; and supporting individuals and organizations in the field.

Conclusion

The consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM’s tasks and goals provides a foundational step toward achieving these goals.
Sodium sulfite (SoS) as decontamination strategy for Fusarium-toxin contaminated maize and its impact on immunological traits in pigs challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Authors: Tran Anh-Tuan , Kluess Jeannette , Kersten Susanne , Berk Andreas , Paulick Marleen , Schatzmayr Dian , Dänicke Sven , Frahm Jana
Published: September 2020

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium sulfite (SoS) treatment of maize and its impact on the porcine immune system in the presence of an LPS-induced systemic inflammation. Control maize (CON) and Fusarium-toxin contaminated maize (FUS) were wet-preserved (20% moisture) for 79 days with (+) or without (−) SoS and then included at 10% in a diet, resulting in four experimental groups: CON−, CON+, FUS−, and FUS+ with deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations of 0.09, 0.05, 5.36, and 0.83 mg DON/kg feed, respectively. After 42-day feeding trial (weaned barrows, n = 20/group), ten pigs per group were challenged intraperitoneally with either 7.5 μg LPS/kg BW or placebo (0.9% NaCl), observed for 2 h, and then sacrificed. Blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen were collected for phenotyping of different T cell subsets, B cells, and monocytes. Phagocytic activity and intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed in both polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using flow cytometry. Our results revealed that the impact of DON was more notable on CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cells in lymphoid tissues rather than in blood T cells. In contrast, SoS treatment of maize altered leukocyte subpopulations in blood, e.g., reduced the percentage and fluorescence signal of CD8high T cells. Interestingly, SoS treatment reduced the amount of free radicals in basal ROS-producing PMNs only in LPS-challenged animals, suggesting a decrease in basal cellular ROS production (pSoS*LPS = 0.022).
Performance of signal processing techniques for anomaly detection using a temperature-based measurement interpretation approach
Authors: Kromanis Rolands , Kripakaran Prakash
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the effectiveness of four signal processing techniques in supporting a data-driven strategy for anomaly detection that relies on correlations between measurements of bridge response and temperature distributions. The strategy builds upon the regression-based thermal response prediction methodology which was developed by the authors to accurately predict thermal response from distributed temperature measurements. The four techniques that are investigated as part of the strategy are moving fast Fourier transform, moving principal component analysis, signal subtraction method and cointegration method. The techniques are compared on measurement time histories from a laboratory structure and a footbridge at the National Physical Laboratory. Results demonstrate that anomaly events can be detected successfully depending on the magnitude and duration of the event and the choice of an appropriate anomaly detection technique.
Direct antivirals and cognitive impairment in hepatitis C: a clinical-neurophysiologic study
Authors: Vaghi Gloria , Gori Benedetta , Strigaro Gionata , Burlone Michela , Minisini Rosalba , Barbaglia Matteo N. , Brigatti Elena , Varrasi Claudia , Pirisi Mario , Cantello Roberto
Published: September 2020

Cognition was assessed in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, who did not meet the criteria for a minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Their liver function was compensated. We then disentangled potential cognitive changes associated with a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR-12), following treatment with direct antiviral agents (DAAs). We studied 23 selected HCV patients with a battery of standard neuropsychological tests, and with recordings of the P300 wave, a cerebral potential of “cognitive” significance. There was a baseline evaluation (T0) and a second one 6 months later (T1). We had 2 control groups of comparable age and sex, i.e., 15 patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 15 healthy subjects. At T0, we detected a significant (p < 0.05) cognitive impairment in the HCV group, which involved episodic and working memory, attention, visuospatial and verbal abilities, executive functions, and logic reasoning. The P300 latency was significantly (p < 0.05) delayed in the group. At T1, we observed some significant (p < 0.05) HCV recovery in given test domains, e.g., memory, executive functions, and reasoning. Accordingly, the P300 latency shortened significantly (p < 0.05). HCV patients exhibited subtle cognitive defects, somehow independent of their liver condition, possibly linked to direct or indirect brain involvement by the virus. These defects partly recovered following the SVR-12, as achieved through DAAs. The P300 wave was a valid neurophysiologic counterpart of these changes. DAAs can have a role in the early preservation of cognition in HCVs.