bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption of UK members of parliament: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rao Rahul , Bakolis Ioannis , Das-Munshi Jayati , Poulter Daniel , Votruba Nicole , Thornicroft Graham
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This study examined the prevalence of risky drinking by members of parliament (MPs), as well as the relationship between risky drinking and age, years spent as an MP, working outside parliament, awareness of the Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service, and probable mental ill health.

Design

A survey questionnaire assessed alcohol consumption using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Risky drinking was identified by combining categories of increasing (hazardous), higher (harmful) and probable dependent drinking for those with a total score of 8 or more. Comparator groups from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) were used as controls.

Setting

UK House of Commons.

Participants

650 MPs.

Results

Compared with all 650 MPs, participants (n=146) were more likely to be female (p<0.05) or have an educational qualification (p<0.05). Weighted proportions on AUDIT items were higher than the APMS comparator group for participants who had a drink four or more times a week, 10 or more drinks on a typical drinking day, six or more drinks in one occasion, or felt guilty because of drinking (p<0.01). Weighted percentages for risky drinking were higher in MPs compared with the whole English population (p<0.05), but similar when compared with socioeconomic comparator groups. The odds of risky drinking were 2.74 times greater for MPs who had an additional work role outside parliament compared with those who did not (95% CI 0.98 to 7.65) and 2.4 times greater for MPs with probable mental ill health compared with those with no evidence of probable mental ill health (95% CI 0.78 to 7.43).

Conclusions

A low level of awareness of the Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service has implications for improving the detection of risky drinking and improving access to this service by MPs. Possible increased likelihood of risky drinking in MPs who also had an additional work role outside Parliament and among those with probable mental ill health requires further exploration.
openQ*D code: a versatile tool for QCD+QED simulations
Authors: Campos Isabel , Fritzsch Patrick , Hansen Martin , Marinkovic Marina Krstic , Patella Agostino , Ramos Alberto , Tantalo Nazario
Published: March 2020

We present the open-source package (. GitLab: https://gitlab.com/rcstar/openQxD. CSIC: https://dx.doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/8591. https://hdl.handle.net/10261/173334, 2019), which has been primarily, but not uniquely, designed to perform lattice simulations of QCD+QED and QCD, with and without $$\mathrm {C}^*$$C∗ boundary conditions, and O(a) improved Wilson fermions. The use of $$\mathrm {C}^*$$C∗ boundary conditions in the spatial direction allows for a local and gauge-invariant formulation of QCD+QED in finite volume, and provides a theoretically clean setup to calculate isospin-breaking and radiative corrections to hadronic observables from first principles. The code is based on (Simulation program for lattice QCD ( code). https://cern.ch/luscher/openQCD, 2016) and (Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory ( code). https://cern.ch/luscher/NSPT, 2017). In particular it inherits from several core features, e.g. the highly optimized Dirac operator, the locally deflated solver, the frequency splitting for the RHMC, or the 4th order OMF integrator.
Asymptotic behavior of cutoff effects in Yang–Mills theory and in Wilson’s lattice QCD
Authors: Husung Nikolai , Marquard Peter , Sommer Rainer
Published: March 2020

Discretization effects of lattice QCD are described by Symanzik’s effective theory when the lattice spacing, a, is small. Asymptotic freedom predicts that the leading asymptotic behavior is $$\sim a^{n_{\mathrm{min}}}[{\bar{g}}^2(a^{-1})]^{\hat{\gamma }_1} \sim a^{n_{\mathrm{min}}}\left[ \frac{1}{-\log (a\Lambda )}\right] ^{\hat{\gamma }_1}$$∼anmin[g¯2(a-1)]γ^1∼anmin1-log(aΛ)γ^1. For spectral quantities, $${n_{\mathrm{min}}}=d$$nmin=d is given in terms of the (lowest) canonical dimension, $$d+4$$d+4, of the operators in the local effective Lagrangian and $$\hat{\gamma }_1$$γ^1 is proportional to the leading eigenvalue of their one-loop anomalous dimension matrix $$\gamma ^{(0)}$$γ(0). We determine $$\gamma ^{(0)}$$γ(0) for Yang–Mills theory ($${n_{\mathrm{min}}}=2$$nmin=2) and discuss consequences in general and for perturbatively improved short distance observables. With the help of results from the literature, we also discuss the $${n_{\mathrm{min}}}=1$$nmin=1 case of Wilson fermions with perturbative $$\mathrm{O}(a)$$O(a) improvement and the discretization effects specific to the flavor currents. In all cases known so far, the discretization effects are found to vanish faster than the naive $$\sim a^{n_{\mathrm{min}}}$$∼anmin behavior with rather small logarithmic corrections – in contrast to the two-dimensional O(3) sigma model.
Vicsek model of self-propelled particles with hybrid noise
Authors: Cambui Dorílson S.
Published: March 2020

In self-propelled particle models, the interactions are generally subject to some type of noise, which is introduced either during or after the interactions between the particles. Here, self-propelled particles are subject to two different types of noise. If the orientation between them is less than a certain rate [Formula: see text], a vectorial noise is introduced in each particle–particle interaction, otherwise, an angular noise is introduced in the average direction of motion, already calculated, of neighboring particles. We vary the rate [Formula: see text] over a wide range ([Formula: see text]) and study the change in the nature of the phase transition. The product-moment correlation coefficient between the order parameter and the hybrid noise, is calculated. We found that in the combination of the two types of noise, the critical noise decreases with increasing the parameter [Formula: see text], and by analysis of the Binder cumulant we estimate the value of [Formula: see text] as from which begins to appear the effects of the vectorial noise on the phase transition.
THE CASH USE OF THE MALAYSIAN RINGGIT: CAN IT BE MORE EFFICIENT?
Authors: FRANSES PHILIP HANS , WELZ MAX
Published: March 2020

The current (as of 2012) denominational range of the Malaysian ringgit has banknotes of RM1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100, but no RM2. The previous range (1996) carried RM1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100, but no RM20. We compare the efficiency of these two ranges with a full range like the Euro has, that is, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. We estimate that if the Bank Negara Malaysia would reintroduce an RM2 banknote, the efficiency of the payment system in Malaysia would increase substantially.
Accessible web dev
Authors: Kearney-Volpe Claire
Published: March 2020

This Doctoral Consortium submission outlines my planned dissertation work, in which I aim to develop and evaluate a web development course designed specifically for people that are blind. Here I introduce the issue of low participation in development and previous attempts to make coding more accessible. My proposed dissertation activities include the refinement of curriculum and tactile learning tools, as well as an evaluation of a two-week course in web development.
Accessibility and acceptability of voice assistants for people with acquired brain injury
Authors: Malapaschas Aris
Published: March 2020

Acquired Brain Injury can cause cognitive impairments, such as problems with memory and scheduling, and executive dysfunction. Assistive Technologies (AT), usually in the form of prompting and reminding systems, can improve remembering and task completion in people with ABI. Studies, however, show that the use of AT in this context is rather low, and that there are several factors that impact their uptake and effectiveness, indicating there is room for better design. Voice Assistants (VA), i.e. smart speakers with integrated virtual assistants, offer a versatile set of tools to provide support to cognitively impaired users, through a more accessible and pervasive interaction. Research however shows that there are several obstacles that can prevent the uptake and effective use of VAs by people with ABI.

This research aims to explore how the conversational interfaces of VAs can be designed to become more accessible and acceptable by people with ABI. An online survey (n=114) and several focus groups (n=29) were conducted to gather requirements for the design of such a system in a user-centred way. Additionally, the key design considerations of a conversational UI for calendar management were investigated in a user study with students (n=16).

This paper outlines the background and motivation behind the research, gives a brief overview of the planned course of action, and presents the results up to this point. The envisioned contributions of this research to the field of HCI are also addressed.
The Colors of Health: Chemistry, Bioactivity, and Market Demand for Colorful Foods and Natural Food Sources of Colorants
Authors: de Mejia Elvira Gonzalez , Zhang Qiaozhi , Penta Kayla , Eroglu Abdulkerim , Lila Mary Ann
Published: March 2020

There is an increasing consumer demand for natural colors in foods. However, there is a limited number of available natural food sources for use by the food industry because of technical and regulatory limitations. Natural colors are less stable and have less vibrant hues compared to their synthetic color counterparts. Natural pigments also have known health benefits that are seldom leveraged by the food industry. Betalains, carotenoids, phycocyanins, and anthocyanins are major food colorants used in the food industry that have documented biological effects, particularly in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The color industry needs new sources of stable, functional, and safe natural food colorants. New opportunities include sourcing new colors from microbial sources and via the use of genetic biotechnology. In all cases, there is an imperative need for toxicological evaluation to pave the way for their regulatory approval.
Primary Atopic Disorders
Authors: Milner Joshua D.
Published: March 2020

Primary atopic disorders describes a series of monogenic diseases that have allergy- or atopic effector–related symptoms as a substantial feature. The underlying pathogenic genetic lesions help illustrate fundamental pathways in atopy, opening up diagnostic and therapeutic options for further study in those patients, but ultimately for common allergic diseases as well. Key pathways affected in these disorders include T cell receptor and B cell receptor signaling, cytokine signaling, skin barrier function, and mast cell function, as well as pathways that have not yet been elucidated. While comorbidities such as classically syndromic presentation or immune deficiency are often present, in some cases allergy alone is the presenting symptom, suggesting that commonly encountered allergic diseases exist on a spectrum of monogenic and complex genetic etiologies that are impacted by environmental risk factors.
Return Migration Around the World: An Integrated Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Hagan Jacqueline Maria , Thomas Wassink Joshua
Published: March 2020

Currently, two distinct bodies of scholarship address the increased volume and diversity of global return migration since the mid-1990s. The economic sociology of return, which assumes that return is voluntary, investigates how time living and working abroad affects returnees’ labor market opportunities and the resulting implications for economic development. A second scholarship, the political sociology of return, recognizing the increasing role of both emigration and immigration states in controlling and managing migration, examines how state and institutional actors in countries of origin shape the reintegration experiences of deportees, rejected asylum seekers, and nonadmitted migrants forced home. We review these literatures independently, examining their research questions, methodologies, and findings, while also noting limitations and areas where additional research is needed. We then engage these literatures to provide an integrated path forward for researching and theorizing return migration—a synergized resource mobilization framework.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy versus Conventional Open Lumbar Discectomy for Upper Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Li Ziquan , Zhang Cong , Chen Weisheng , Li Shugang , Yu Bin , Zhao Hong , Shen Jianxiong , Zhang Jianguo , Wang Yipeng , Yu Keyi
Published: March 2020

Background. Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) is regarded as a viable alternative option for upper lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, few studies have evaluated PETD for upper LDH, and no study has compared the advantages of endoscopic procedures versus conventional surgery. The present study was aimed at comparing the surgical outcome and safety of PETD versus conventional open lumbar discectomy in the treatment of upper LDH. Methods. Data from 42 patients treated for upper LDH from July 2015 to July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 21 patients treated with PETD (PETD group) and 21 patients treated with conventional posterior lumbar discectomy (open group). The two groups were compared regarding demographic information, physical examination, radiological evaluations, and perioperative indicators. The clinical outcomes were assessed in accordance with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and modified MacNab criteria. Results. The postoperative ODI and VAS scores were significantly improved in both groups compared with the preoperative baseline values (P < 0.001), and the satisfactory rate was 90.5% in both groups in accordance with the modified MacNab criteria. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the clinical outcomes and complication rate (P > 0.05); however, compared with the open group, the PETD group had significantly less blood loss, less postoperative drainage, shorter operation time, and shorter postoperative hospitalization (P < 0.001). Conclusions. PETD has a similar outcome to the conventional surgical method for the treatment of upper LDH but provides the typical advantages of minimally invasive procedures such as reduced iatrogenic injury, minimal activity restrictions, and accelerated ambulation recovery postoperatively.
Identification of Potential Serum Metabolic Biomarkers of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Widely Targeted Metabolomics Study
Authors: Zhang Hang , Zuo Jing-jing , Dong Si-si , Lan Yuan , Wu Chen-wei , Mao Guang-yun , Zheng Chao
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives. Diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease across the world. Early identification of DKD is vitally important for the effective prevention and control of it. However, the available indicators are doubtful in the early diagnosis of DKD. This study is aimed at determining novel sensitive and specific biomarkers to distinguish DKD from their counterparts effectively based on the widely targeted metabolomics approach. Materials and Method. This case-control study involved 44 T2DM patients. Among them, 24 participants with DKD were defined as the cases and another 20 without DKD were defined as the controls. The ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry system was applied for the assessment of the serum metabolic profiles. Comprehensive analysis of metabolomics characteristics was conducted to detect the candidate metabolic biomarkers and assess their capability and feasibility. Result. A total of 11 differential metabolites, including Hexadecanoic Acid (C16:0), Linolelaidic Acid (C18:2N6T), Linoleic Acid (C18:2N6C), Trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline, 6-Aminocaproic Acid, L-Dihydroorotic Acid, 6-Methylmercaptopurine, Piperidine, Azoxystrobin Acid, Lysopc 20:4, and Cuminaldehyde, were determined as the potential biomarkers for the DKD early identification, based on the multivariable generalized linear regression model and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Conclusion. Serum metabolites might act as sensitive and specific biomarkers for DKD early detection. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Hepatic Subcapsular Flow as a Significant Diagnostic Marker for Biliary Atresia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Chao , Wu Bin , Pan Jiang , Chen Lulu , Zhi Wenxian , Tang Ruze , Zhao Dongliang , Guo Wanliang , Wang Jian , Huang Shungen
Published: March 2020

Aim. Increasing evidence indicates that hepatic subcapsular flow (HSF) can serve as a noninvasive ultrasonographic marker for the early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA). However, results regarding its diagnostic accuracy are inconsistent and inconclusive. We conducted this meta-analysis with an aim to systematically evaluate the diagnostic value of HSF in predicting BA. Methods. A comprehensive literature search of four databases was conducted to identify the eligible studies. All analyses were performed using STATA 12.0. Results. Nine studies from eight articles containing 368 patients and 469 controls were included in our meta-analysis. Briefly, the values for pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were 0.95 (95% CI 0.88-0.98), 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.96), 11.6 (95% CI 6.3-21.5), 0.06 (95% CI 0.02-0.14), 201 (95% CI 59-689), and 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99), respectively. Additionally, metaregression along with subgroup analysis based on various covariates revealed the potential sources of heterogeneity and the detailed diagnostic value in each subgroup. Conclusion. Our meta-analysis showed that HSF assay could provide high accuracy in predicting BA patients and non-BA individuals. However, further studies with better design and larger sample size are required to support the results of the present study.
Maternal Separation Early in Life Alters the Expression of Genes Npas4 and Nr1d1 in Adult Female Mice: Correlation with Social Behavior
Authors: Ryabushkina Yuliya A. , Reshetnikov Vasiliy V. , Bondar Natalya P.
Published: March 2020

Early-life stress affects neuronal plasticity of the brain regions participating in the implementation of social behavior. Our previous studies have shown that brief and prolonged separation of pups from their mothers leads to enhanced social behavior in adult female mice. The goal of the present study was to characterize the expression of genes (which are engaged in synaptic plasticity) Egr1, Npas4, Arc, and Homer1 in the prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of adult female mice with a history of early-life stress. In addition, we evaluated the expression of stress-related genes: glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (Nr3c1 and Nr3c2) and Nr1d1, which encodes a transcription factor (also known as REVERBα) modulating sociability and anxiety-related behavior. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to either maternal separation (MS, 3 h once a day) or handling (HD, 15 min once a day) on postnatal days 2 through 14. In adulthood, the behavior of female mice was analyzed by some behavioral tests, and on the day after the testing of social behavior, we measured the gene expression. We found increased Npas4 expression only in the prefrontal cortex and higher Nr1d1 expression in both the prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of adult female mice with a history of MS. The expression of the studied genes did not change in HD female mice. The expression of stress-related genes Nr3c1 and Nr3c2 was unaltered in both groups. We propose that the upregulation of Npas4 and Nr1d1 in females with a history of early-life stress and the corresponding enhancement of social behavior may be regarded as an adaptation mechanism reversing possible aberrations caused by early-life stress.
Baseline Levels of Serum Progesterone and the First Trimester Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Threatened Abortion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Deng Yongshi , Chen Chi , Chen Siyun , Mai Guanyan , Liao Xiuping , Tian He , Liu Wenli , Ji Shuling , Liu Ying , Gao Jie , Luo Songping
Published: March 2020

Objective. The relationship between serum progesterone and the first trimester pregnancy outcome of threatened abortion is still controversial. Therefore, we aimed to further study the association between these two parameters. Methods. The present study is an observational retrospective cohort study. A total of 726 participants who had threatened abortion from a hospital in Guangdong, China, were included in this study from 17th August 2011 to 30th October 2018. The exposure variable and the outcome variable were serum progesterone measured at baseline and early pregnancy outcome, respectively. Covariates involved in this study included patients’ basic demographics, obstetric history, and clinical information. Results. A negative association and a saturation effect were detected between serum progesterone and the first trimester pregnancy outcome. When progesterone <90.62 nmol/L, an increase in 1 nmol/L of serum progesterone was associated with 3% decrease of the risk of miscarriage (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95‐0.98). Conclusion. There was a greater risk of abortion when the serum progesterone level was less than 90.62 nmol/L. Our findings can better assist the clinician in understanding patients’ conditions and making medical decisions.
Intratumoral Delivery of a PD-1–Blocking scFv Encoded in Oncolytic HSV-1 Promotes Antitumor Immunity and Synergizes with TIGIT Blockade
Authors: Lin Chaolong , Ren Wenfeng , Luo Yong , Li Shaopeng , Chang Yating , Li Lu , Xiong Dan , Huang Xiaoxuan , Xu Zilong , Yu Zeng , Wang Yingbin , Zhang Jun , Huang Chenghao , Xia Ningshao
Published: March 2020

Oncolytic virotherapy can lead to systemic antitumor immunity, but the therapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses in humans is limited due to their insufficient ability to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we showed that locoregional oncolytic virotherapy upregulated the expression of PD-L1 in the TME, which was mediated by virus-induced type I and type II IFNs. To explore PD-1/PD-L1 signaling as a direct target in tumor tissue, we developed a novel immunotherapeutic herpes simplex virus (HSV), OVH-aMPD-1, that expressed a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against PD-1 (aMPD-1 scFv). The virus was designed to locally deliver aMPD-1 scFv in the TME to achieve enhanced antitumor effects. This virus effectively modified the TME by releasing damage-associated molecular patterns, promoting antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells, and enhancing the infiltration of activated T cells; these alterations resulted in antitumor T-cell activity that led to reduced tumor burdens in a liver cancer model. Compared with OVH, OVH-aMPD-1 promoted the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), resulting in significantly higher percentages of CD155+ granulocytic-MDSCs (G-MDSC) and monocytic-MDSCs (M-MDSC) in tumors. In combination with TIGIT blockade, this virus enhanced tumor-specific immune responses in mice with implanted subcutaneous tumors or invasive tumors. These findings highlighted that intratumoral immunomodulation with an OV expressing aMPD-1 scFv could be an effective stand-alone strategy to treat cancers or drive maximal efficacy of a combination therapy with other immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Salt-Inducible Kinase 3 Haplotypes Associated with Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Chinese Workers
Authors: Yin Haoyang , Guo Jiadi , Ding Enmin , Zhang Hengdong , Han Lei , Zhu Baoli
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common occupational disease that represents an irreversible hearing damage to the auditory system. It has been identified as a complicated disease involving both environmental and genetic factors. More efforts need to be made to explore the genes associated with susceptibility to NIHL. The main aim of this research is to detect the associations between SIK3 polymorphisms and NIHL susceptibility in Han people in China. Methods: A case-control study was performed in 586 cases and 639 controls in a textile factory matched for sex, age, smoking, drinking, work time with noise, and intensity of noise exposure. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs493134, rs6589574, and rs7121898) of SIK3 were genotyped in the participants. Then, the main influences of the SNPs on and their interactions with NIHL were assessed. Results: Under the allelic model, distributions of rs493134 T, rs6589574 G, and rs7121898 A in the NIHL group are statistically different from those of the normal group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.019, respectively). The following haplotype analysis shows that TAA (rs493134-rs6589574-rs7121898) may have a protective effect, while TGA (rs493134-rs6589574-rs7121898) (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.25–1.79) may be a risk factor for NIHL. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis shows that the interaction of the 3 selected SNPs is associated with NIHL susceptibility (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.50–2.36). Conclusion: The results suggest that 3 SNPs (rs493134, rs6589574, and rs7121898) of SIK3 may be an important part of NIHL susceptibility and can be applied in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of NIHL in noise-exposed Chinese workers.
Immuntherapie des Bronchialkarzinoms: Mehr als PD-L1-Marker
Authors: Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Kalinka Ewa , Grenda Anna , Krawcyk Pawel , Milanowksi Janusz
Published: March 2020

Immuntherapien mit Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren haben sich als Standardoption der Erst- und Zweitlinientherapie bei Patienten mit nicht-kleinzelligem Bronchialkarzinom (NSCLC) etabliert. Adäquate prädiktive Faktoren, die eine präzise Qualifizierung von NSCLC-Patienten für eine solche Immuntherapie ermöglichen, sind jedoch bisher nicht definiert. Die Expression von PD-L1 auf Tumorzellen und die Tumormutationslast werden in prospektiven klinischen Studien zur Qualifizierung von Patienten für die Erstlinientherapie mit Pembrolizumab oder Atezolizumab plus Ipilimumab verwendet. Doch nicht alle Patienten, bei denen diese prädiktiven Faktoren vorliegen, profitieren auch tatsächlich von der Immuntherapie. Und es bestehen weiterhin erhebliche methodische Schwierigkeiten bei der Untersuchung dieser Faktoren und bei der Interpretation der Testergebnisse. Deshalb wird nach weiteren prädiktiven Faktoren gesucht. An der Charakterisierung des tumoralen Immunphänotyps und des intestinalen Mikrobioms von NSCLC-Patienten wird intensiv geforscht. Erste Beschreibungen von Korrelationen zwischen der Wirksamkeit einer Immuntherapie und der Intensität der Entzündungsreaktion im Tumor, der Artenvielfalt des Mikrobioms sowie dem Vorliegen bestimmter Bakterienarten im Darm liegen bereits vor. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, ein Schlaglicht auf die verschiedenen Faktoren zu werfen, die die Wirksamkeit einer Immuntherapie mit Antikörpern gegen PD-L1 bei NSCLC-Patienten beeinflussen. Zusätzliche Marker wie zum Beispiel die Mutationslast des Tumors (TMB; tumor mutational burden) oder das Mikrobiomprofil werden benötigt, um präziser zu ermitteln, welche Patienten von einer Immuntherapie profitieren werden.
Interleukin‐1 Blockade Inhibits the Acute Inflammatory Response in Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Abbate Antonio , Trankle Cory R. , Buckley Leo F. , Lipinski Michael J. , Appleton Darryn , Kadariya Dinesh , Canada Justin M. , Carbone Salvatore , Roberts Charlotte S. , Abouzaki Nayef , Melchior Ryan , Christopher Sanah , Turlington Jeremy , Mueller George , Garnett James , Thomas Christopher , Markley Roshanak , Wohlford George F. , Puckett Laura , Medina de Chazal Horacio , Chiabrando Juan G. , Bressi Edoardo , Del Buono Marco Giuseppe , Schatz Aaron , Vo Chau , Dixon Dave L. , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe G. , Kontos Michael C. , Van Tassell Benjamin W.
Published: March 2020

Background

ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction is associated with an intense acute inflammatory response and risk of heart failure. We tested whether interleukin‐1 blockade with anakinra significantly reduced the area under the curve for hsCRP (high sensitivity C‐reactive protein) levels during the first 14 days in patients with
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (VCUART3 [Virginia Commonwealth University Anakinra Remodeling Trial 3]).

Methods and Results

We conducted a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, clinical trial in 99 patients with
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction in which patients were assigned to 2 weeks treatment with anakinra once daily (N=33), anakinra twice daily (N=31), or placebo (N=35). hsCRP area under the curve was significantly lower in patients receiving anakinra versus placebo (median, 67 [interquartile range, 39–120] versus 214 [interquartile range, 131–394] mg·day/L;
P
<0.001), without significant differences between the anakinra arms. No significant differences were found between anakinra and placebo groups in the interval changes in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (median, 1.4 [interquartile range, −9.8 to 9.8] versus −3.9 [interquartile range, −15.4 to 1.4] mL;
P
=0.21) or left ventricular ejection fraction (median, 3.9% [interquartile range, −1.6% to 10.2%] versus 2.7% [interquartile range, −1.8% to 9.3%];
P
=0.61) at 12 months. The incidence of death or new‐onset heart failure or of death and hospitalization for heart failure was significantly lower with anakinra versus placebo (9.4% versus 25.7% [
P
=0.046] and 0% versus 11.4% [
P
=0.011], respectively), without difference between the anakinra arms. The incidence of serious infection was not different between anakinra and placebo groups (14% versus 14%;
P
=0.98). Injection site reactions occurred more frequently in patients receiving anakinra (22%) versus placebo (3%;
P
=0.016).

Conclusions

In patients presenting with
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, interleukin‐1 blockade with anakinra significantly reduces the systemic inflammatory response compared with placebo.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01950299.
Family and Fortune: Louisa May Alcott, Inheritance, and the Legacy of Aunts
Authors: Williams Susan S.
Published: March 2020

This article examines Louisa May Alcott's The Inheritance and Little Women in the context of mid-nineteenth century inheritance laws and Alcott's biography. Focusing in particular on Alcott's depiction of widowed aunts, it argues that these works expand definitions of family while also advocating using wealth for social good within and across generations.
Reform, Renewal and Revival: Lamin O. Sanneh and the Place of Africa in World Christianity
Authors: Asamoah-Gyadu J. Kwabena
Published: March 2020

Lamin O. Sanneh of the Yale Divinity School passed on in January 2019 at the age of seventy-six years. He would go down in history as one of the pioneering authors in the field of World Christianity. Sanneh’s impressive legacy of Christian scholarship includes his being a co-founder with Andrew F. Walls of the Yale-Edinburgh Conference that is held annually, alternating between the Yale and Edinburgh schools of divinity. Lamin Sanneh wrote a lot on both Christianity and Islam and this reflection on his legacy focuses on how Africa is presented in his works. The translation of the Scriptures, Lamin Sanneh noted, enhanced the place of Christianity in Africa and contributed directly to the reform, renewal and revival of the faith on the continent. He celebrated western missionaries for their work in promoting translation, but what purpose would that have served without indigenous assimilation of Christianity? In this work, we discuss the place of Africa in World Christianity as the continent and her Christians appear in Sanneh’s writings on World Christianity.
Improved Performance of Ge Solar Cell Using Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Yun Yeojun , Kim Kangho , Moon Sunghyun , Lee Minhyung , Lee Jaejin
Published: March 2020

We investigated the effect of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on performance of single-junction Ge solar cell grown on (100) substrate by low pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (LP-MOCVD). Isobutylgermane (IBuGe) is used as a Ge precursor for the Ge solar cell growth. By employing
GQDs, the power conversion efficiency of the Ge solar cell is improved up to 3.90% (Voc of 0.22 V, Jsc of 28.52 mA/cm2, and FF of 63.83%) through effective photon management as compared to bare Ge solar cells of 3.24% under AM 1.5G illumination.
Computational Study of Extreme Ultraviolet Vote-Taking Lithography for Defect Repair
Authors: Kim Sang-Kon
Published: March 2020

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is a prospective technology for the fabrication of integrated chips with critical dimensions (CDs) under 10-nm. However, since chips with similar CDs have similar defect sizes, one of the most critical problems in extreme ultraviolet lithography
(EUVL) is mask defect and repair. Defects cause local areas of undesired absorption, reflectivity, or phase change, which ultimately lead to imperfections in the printed image. For example, phase defects may cause substantial changes in image anomalies with different focuses. In this paper,
the results of EUV vote-taking lithography are calculated and compared with other repair methods using the scattering matrix (S-matrix) method. Vote-taking lithography with the assumed perfect defect-free masks (N = 4) can maximize 90% and 91% repair improvements at pit defect and dump
defect, respectively.
The Surface Morphology Effects on Liquid Crystal Alignment After Photo-Agitation and Crosslinking of Polyimide
Authors: Shin Dong Myung
Published: March 2020

The photo-reactive activators are highly reactive radical generators upon the ultraviolet (UV) light illumination. The photo-reactive initiators produced nitrogen radical and alkyl radical after releasing carbon dioxide. The radicals could react with polyimide (PI) main chains. These
reactions enforced the alignment layers and exhibited high azimuthal anchoring energy. The thickness of photo-irradiated PI alignment layers were reduced dramatically by photo-induced crosslinking, which induced surface wrinkling and roughness. The carbon dioxide gases released from the thin
films produced many micro-pores, which provides tight anchoring of liquid crystal (LC) molecules. The azimuthal anchoring energy obtain by photo-alignment was better than that obtain by rubbing method with the same PI. The maximum value was 6.92×10−5 J/m2.
Small aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as methane and propene, were released during photo-decomposition reaction from the PI surface. The polarity of film surface became more hydrophilic. The photo-alignment of LC was perpendicular to the polarization axis of UV light. On the basis of high anchoring
energy, the rough surface, hydrophilic surface, and rapid photo-reactions, the photo-alignment mechanism is proposed.
Effect of Different Salt Concentrations on Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Nanocluster Structures by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Xie Peng , Jin Shubin , Sun Chenggang , Xie Yushu
Published: March 2020

We performed MD simulations to examine dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) nanocluster structures in NaCl aqueous solution with different concentrations (0.45 g/100 mL, 0.9 g/100 mL, 1.8 g/100 mL, 2.7 g/100 mL, and 3.6 g/100 mL). Results showed that interaction between Na+ and DMSO
at the first solvation shells was weakened due to acceleration rotational influence of ion driven by NaCl concentration. We investigated the tetrahedral order parameter and average H-B number of water molecules. These results indicated that NaCl influenced the solvation structure of water
cluster, but that of DMSO was not affected by NaCl. We also found that Na+ was prior solvated by water solution in these mixture systems, and Cl− only existed in the water cluster in our simulation systems. Consequently, we herein proposed a decentralized model that depicts
microphysical structure images of DMSO in NaCl aqueous solution systems.
Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Enhanced the Performance of Epoxy Asphalt Pavement Binder
Authors: Chen Chuansheng , Wang Chen , Qian Guoping , Zhang Bowen , Liang Bo , Liu Qicheng
Published: March 2020

Modifying epoxy asphalt with nanomaterials is an effective method to enhance the performance of epoxy asphalt binder. The carbon nanotubes were modified and carbon nanotubes/epoxy asphalt (CNTs-EA) was fabricated by mechanical stirring. The performanceof CNTs-EA pavement binder (CNTs-EAPB)
was analyzed by immersion marshall’s, freeze-thaw splitting and dynamic stability tests. Experimental results showed that the dynamic stability and freeze-thaw splitting intensity of matrix asphalt binder (MAB) were improved by 118.6% and 85%, respectively. While the dynamic stability
of CNTs-EAPB remained 90.8% under soaking water which was more than 77.44% of matrix asphalt and reached 5801 times per mm. This enhancement is mainly attributed to excellent characteristics of CNTs as well as the effective synergistic effect between CNTs and epoxy resin.
Preferential Sites for Adsorption of CO on Au6 Clusters Using Density Functional Theory Based Reactivity Descriptors
Authors: Deka Ajanta
Published: March 2020

Nanoarchitectonics of neutral Au6 cluster upon addition and removal of one electron have been studied using density functional based reactivity descriptors. We studied the response of various sites of cationic, neutral and anionic Au6 clusters towards impending
electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks using DFT based local reactivity descriptors, viz, Fukui function for nucleophilic attack f+. Fukui function for electrophilic attack f−, relative nucleophilicity f+/f− and relative
electrophilicity f+/f−. Based on these parameters different types of unique atoms have been identified for each cluster. Reactivity predictions for the unique atoms of the minimum energy planar triangular Au6 structure have been verified by using
CO as a probe molecule. It has been found adsorption of CO molecules on gold cluster brings about structural changes in the cluster and that the CO molecule prefers the apex site for adsorption onto the triangular Au6 cluster as compared to the mid site.
Montmorillonite Intercalated Norfloxacin and Tobramycin for New Drug-Delivery Systems
Authors: Kenawy El-Refaie , Shaker Nehal O. , Azaam Mohamed , Lasheen Aya S. , Lin Jianjian , Zakaria Mohamed B.
Published: March 2020

The urgent need of safe, therapeutically and patient-compliant drug delivery systems (DDSs) continuously stimulates researchers to explore novel tools and strategies to monitor the loading and release of drugs. In this context, this study demonstrates that montmorillonite clay (MMT)
is an appropriate material for changing the release behavior of Tobramycin and Norfloxacin drugs into medium. The DDSs were prepared by the intercalation of Tobramycin or Norfloxacin between MMT layers. The MMT-drug systems were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron
microscope (SEM), and Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR). After insertion of the drugs between the layers of MMT, the periodicity in c-axis changed because of the formation of layered hybrid structures. The release of drugs was investigated using UV-spectrophotometer. The release rates are
found to be dependent on pH of the medium. Moreover, we found that the percentage of release increases as the pH increases, however the release rate is low. These findings would be beneficial for controlled release of drugs for prolonged time in the future.
An Investigation of Spiral Gravity Waves Radiating from Tropical Cyclones Using a Linear, Nonhydrostatic Model
Authors: Nolan David S.
Published: March 2020

A recent study showed observational and numerical evidence for small-scale gravity waves that radiate outward from tropical cyclones. These waves are wrapped into tight spirals by the radial and vertical shears of the tangential wind field. Reexamination of the previously studied tropical cyclone simulations suggests that the dominant source for these waves are convective asymmetries rotating along the eyewall, modulated in intensity by the preferred convection region on the left side of the environmental wind shear vector. A linearized, nonhydrostatic model for perturbations to a balanced vortex is used to study the waves. Forcing the linear model with rotating and pulsing asymmetric heat sources generates radiating gravity waves with multiple vertical and horizontal structures. The pulsation of the rotating heat source generates two types of waves: fast, deep waves with larger radial wavelengths, and slower, secondary waves with shorter radial and vertical wavelengths. The deeper waves produce surface pressure oscillations that have time scales consistent with surface observations, whereas the shorter waves have little surface indication but produce oscillations in vertical velocity with shorter radial wavelengths that are consistent with aircraft observations. Convective forcing that is either not pulsing or not rotating produces gravity waves but they are not as similar to the observed or simulated waves. The effects of varying the intensity of the cyclone, the asymmetry of the forcing, and the static stability of the surrounding atmosphere are explored.
Putting Technology in Its Place: Design Thinking’s Social Technology at Work
Authors: Liedtka Jeanne
Published: March 2020

Design thinking can be a critical facilitator of new technologies, but it is also a technology in its own right—a social technology that encourages more productive innovation conversations that are strategically valuable for dynamic capability building. By overcoming social and psychological barriers in innovation processes, design thinking accelerates progress on critical imperatives: allowing innovators at all levels to sense new opportunities; seize them by overcoming cognitive biases and aligning stakeholders; and transform and reconfigure resources. It accomplishes this through a set of well-recognized practices.
To Frame or Reframe: Where Might Design Thinking Research Go Next?
Authors: Beckman Sara L.
Published: March 2020

Design thinking is gaining widespread attention in the practitioner and academic literature. Successful implementation has been documented, and its value shown in empirical studies. There is little examination, however, of how design thinking practices fit with other approaches from which firms might choose to frame and solve problems such as agile, lean startup, scientific method, Six Sigma, critical thinking, and systems thinking. By digging into the basic capabilities underlying design thinking, academic researchers might better understand problem framing and solving in general and provide insight for practitioners as to where alternative approaches might be applied.
Predicting self-harm in an ethnically diverse sample of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rehman Zaqia , Lopes Barbara , Jaspal Rusi
Published: March 2020

Background:

Poor mental health is prevalent in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people due in part to social stigma. The social, psychological and clinical risk factors for self-harm among LGB people are unclear, which limits our ability to predict when and how this will occur and, crucially, how to prevent it.

Aims:

Drawing on the cognitive-behavioral approach in clinical psychology, this study identifies the predictors of self-harm in LGB people in the United Kingdom.

Results:

Women, lesbians, those with lower income and younger people were more likely to engage in self-harm. Self-harmers exhibited much more discrimination, LGB victimization and, thus, internalized homophobia and depressive symptomatology than non-self-harmers. The structural equation model showed direct effects of age and gender, and indirect effects of income and sexual orientation, on self-harm, through the mediating variables of discrimination, LGB victimization and internalized homophobia.

Conclusions:

Consistent with the cognitive-behavioral model, the results indicate that exposure to situational stressors can increase the risk of developing a self-hatred and depressive psychological self-schema, resulting in greater risk of self-harm as a maladaptive coping strategy. An integrative clinical intervention for enhancing psychological wellbeing in LGB people is proposed to mitigate the risk of self-harm in this population.
Survey of Dental Researchers’ Perceptions of Sexual Harassment at AADR Conferences: 2015 to 2018
Authors: Heaton B. , Streszoff D. , Fox C.H. , Kaye E.A. , Gebel C.M. , Quintiliani L.M. , Garcia R.I.
Published: March 2020

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is committed to providing a collegial, safe, and welcoming environment for all. As part of this effort, we assessed perceptions and experiences related to sexual, gender-based, and non–gender-based harassment among registrants at AADR annual meetings from 2015 to 2018 ( n = 10,495); examined demographic factors associated with reported experiences; and identified facilitators and potential solutions concerning these types of harassment. Registrants were emailed an invitation to an anonymous online survey. Demographics were assessed categorically, and response distributions to close-ended survey items were evaluated by these variables. Bivariate analyses of participant demographics were conducted with 8 types of perceived harassment. To determine the demographic distribution of reporters, along with bivariate associations among them, restricted analyses were performed among individuals reporting any type of harassment. Qualitative data analysts conducted content analysis of the open-ended responses to questions asking participants to reflect on the topic. Peer debriefing was used to refine the coding schema. A total of 824 responses were received, of which 172 individuals reported experiencing ≥1 of the 8 types of harassment surveyed. Among those, reports of condescending remarks occurred most frequently (70%). Reported harassment of a more sexual nature was less common by comparison. Reporters of harassment were more likely to be women, members of the AADR/CADR (Canadian Association for Dental Research) divisions, and/or frequent meeting attendees. A total of 229 respondents answered at least 1 of the open-ended questions. While the majority of survey respondents reported no personal experience with harassment at AADR meetings, the fact that 1 in 5 did should be cause for concern. In 2018, AADR introduced a “Professional Conduct at Meetings Policy” delineating unacceptable behaviors, including intimidating or harassing speech and actions. Results of this survey form an important baseline from which its impact may be monitored to ensure that future AADR meetings are respectful, supportive, and safe environments for all.
Inside the Math Trap: Chronic Math Tracking From High School to Community College
Authors: Ngo Federick J. , Velasquez David
Published: March 2020

Examining linked academic transcripts from urban community colleges and their feeder high schools, we identify math course-taking patterns that span sectors. We highlight stifled mobility and chronic repetition of math coursework in the transition to college, and we identify “math traps” from which students do not escape. Math mobility was limited, math repetition was rampant, and nearly half of students found themselves in math traps. All else equal, being trapped in math was significantly linked to race/ethnicity, suggesting that these forms of chronic math tracking across sectors expose previously undocumented forms of inequality in educational experiences.