bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptor antibody time‐resolved A2 phospholipase bead immunochromatography and its application in idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Huang Biao , Yang Xue , Zhang Wenchen , Wu Jian , Liu Pengfei , Hu Zhigang , Wang Tingting
Published: August 2020

Objective

To detect phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody by established time‐resolved fluorescent bead immunochromatographic assay.

Methods

The reaction time of coupling, pH of the reaction, and coupling ratio of the label to PLA2R were determined. The EDC method was used to covalently couple PLA2R to time‐resolved fluorescent beads, which were sprayed onto a bonding pad. PLA2R and rabbit anti‐PLA2R antibody sprayed onto a nitrocellulose membrane were used as detection and quality control lines, respectively. Immunochromatographic test strips were prepared to enable rapid detection of PLA2R antibodies. Various technical indicators were evaluated, and the correlation among this method, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum analysis was examined.

Results

The pH suitable for labeling was 6.5. The optimal mass ratio of PLA2R protein to fluorescent beads was 0.08:1, and the reaction time of coupling was at least 1.5 hours. The appropriate spray film size of the coupled fluorescent bead was 5 μL/cm, and the appropriate staining concentration of the test line was 0.28 mg/mL. Further, 80 µL of sample was required for the test, and the result was obtained in only 15 minutes. The measurable range of this method was 5‐1500 RU/mL. Intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation were 7.61% and 11.07%, respectively, with an average recovery rate of 93.77%. The method showed a good correlation with ELISA, with a correlation coefficient of 0.936.

Conclusions

This method could better meet the clinical demand for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) detection.
Muscle wasting as an independent predictor of survival in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Garfias Macedo Tania , Valentova Miroslava , Anker Markus S. , Ebner Nicole , Bekfani Tarek , Haarmann Helge , Schefold Joerg C. , Lainscak Mitja , Cleland John G. F. , Doehner Wolfram , Hasenfuss Gerd , Anker Stefan D.
Published: August 2020

Background

Skeletal muscle wasting is an extremely common feature in patients with heart failure, affecting approximately 20% of ambulatory patients with even higher values during acute decompensation. Its occurrence is associated with reduced exercise capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life. We sought to investigate if the presence of muscle wasting carries prognostic information.

Methods

Two hundred sixty‐eight ambulatory patients with heart failure (age 67.1 ± 10.9 years, New York Heart Association class 2.3 ± 0.6, left ventricular ejection fraction 39 ± 13.3%, and 21% female) were prospectively enrolled as part of the Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure. Muscle wasting as assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was present in 47 patients (17.5%).

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 67.2 ± 28.02 months, 95 patients (35.4%) died from any cause. After adjusting for age, New York Heart Association class, left ventricular ejection fraction, creatinine, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, and iron deficiency, muscle wasting remained an independent predictor of death (hazard ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.01–3.19, P = 0.04). This effect was more pronounced in patients with heart failure with reduced than in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Muscle wasting is an independent predictor of death in ambulatory patients with heart failure. Clinical trials are needed to identify treatment approaches to this co‐morbidity.
Human parechovirus are emerging pathogens with broad spectrum of clinical syndromes in adults
Authors: Kabuga Auwal Idris , Nejati Ahmad , Soheili Parastoo , Shahmahmoodi Shohreh
Published: August 2020

Parechoviruses are emerging pathogens of humans often affecting the pediatric age group, with a growing line of evidence implicating them as agents of a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes in adults. However, because many clinicians are not familiar with the manifestation of the infections, they are not included in the list of diagnostic pathogens. Furthermore, due to the indistinguishable feature of the infection compared with other common pathogens, a large number of cases are likely to go unchecked. Some may develop asymptomatic infection and recover without overt clinical disease. In this manuscript, we reviewed available literature on parechovirus infection in adult and summarized information relating to epidemiology, clinical manifestation, laboratory diagnosis, and therapeutics. The information provided should help in early case detection and support an evidence‐based clinical decision.
Analytical modeling of subthreshold current and swing of strained‐Si graded channel dual material double gate MOSFET with interface charges and analysis of circuit performance
Authors: Suddapalli Subba Rao , Nistala Bheema Rao
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a two‐dimensional (2‐D) center channel potential based subthreshold current (SC) and subthreshold swing (SS) are developed analytically for strained‐Si (s‐Si) graded‐channel dual‐material double gate (GC‐DMDG) MOSFET with interface charges. The proposed analytical model is extracted by solving 2‐D Poisson equation in s‐Si graded‐channel using appropriate boundary conditions. The analytical 2‐D model includes effects of various MOSFET parameters such as s‐Si channel length, strain in the silicon substrate, and oxide interface charge density with damaged length by extensively analyzing channel potential, SC, and SS. Also, the subthreshold characteristics of the proposed s‐Si GC‐DMDG MOSFET demonstrate superior performance over s‐Si graded channel double gate MOSFET. The numerical results obtained using TCAD of the proposed DG MOSFET are validated with the results attained from proposed analytical model. Moreover, the performance of CMOS inverter using s‐Si GC‐DMDG MOSFET is evaluated for different device parameters. It is investigated that the proposed s‐Si GC‐DMDG MOSFET has better noise margin than s‐Si GC‐DG MOSFET.
Effects of human articular cartilage constituents on simultaneous diffusion of cationic and nonionic contrast agents
Authors: Bhattarai Abhisek , Mäkelä Janne T. A. , Pouran Behdad , Kröger Heikki , Weinans Harrie , Grinstaff Mark W. , Töyräs Juha , Turunen Mikael J.
Published: August 2020

Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography is an emerging diagnostic technique for osteoarthritis. However, the effects of increased water content, as well as decreased collagen and proteoglycan concentrations due to cartilage degeneration, on the diffusion of cationic and nonionic agents, are not fully understood. We hypothesize that for a cationic agent, these variations increase the diffusion rate while decreasing partition, whereas, for a nonionic agent, these changes increase both the rate of diffusion and partition. Thus, we examine the diffusion of cationic and nonionic contrast agents within degraded tissue in time‐ and depth‐dependent manners. Osteochondral plugs (N = 15, d = 8 mm) were extracted from human cadaver knee joints, immersed in a mixture of cationic CA4+ and nonionic gadoteridol contrast agents, and imaged at multiple time‐points, using the dual‐contrast method. Water content, and collagen and proteoglycan concentrations were determined using lyophilization, infrared spectroscopy, and digital densitometry, respectively. Superficial to mid (0%‐60% depth) cartilage CA4+ partitions correlated with water content (R < −0.521, P < .05), whereas in deeper (40%‐100%) cartilage, CA4+ correlated only with proteoglycans (R > 0.671, P < .01). Gadoteridol partition correlated inversely with collagen concentration (0%‐100%, R < −0.514, P < .05). Cartilage degeneration substantially increased the time for CA4+ compared with healthy tissue (248 ± 171 vs 175 ± 95 minute) to reach the bone‐cartilage interface, whereas for gadoteridol the time (111 ± 63 vs 179 ± 163 minute) decreased. The work clarifies the diffusion mechanisms of two different contrast agents and presents depth and time‐dependent effects resulting from articular cartilage constituents. The results will inform the development of new contrast agents and optimal timing between agent administration and joint imaging.
Effects of Moro orange juice (Citrus sinensis(l.) Osbeck) on some metabolic and morphological parameters in obese and diabetic rats
Authors: Magalhães Maísa Lamounier , de Sousa Raimundo Vicente , Miranda José Rafael , Konig Isaac Filipe Moreira , Wouters Flademir , Souza Fernanda Rezende , Simão Sergio Domingos , da Silva Lunguinho Allan , Nelson David Lee , das Graças Cardoso Maria
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Nutritional intervention with the use of phytochemicals is an important method for the treatment and prevention of a metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to chemically characterize Moro orange juice. The influence of juice intake on metabolic parameters of rats that were obese, diabetic or both by means of body mass management after the activation of anthocyanins during refrigerated storage was also assessed.

RESULTS

Juice intake reversed most of the metabolic abnormalities exhibited by obese rats, including reduction of body mass and improvement of the biochemical profile. The loss of body mass by diabetic animals and obese and diabetic animals was not attributed to juice intake, but to type I diabetes mellitus. In these animals, no improvement was observed in the biochemical profile, liver enzymes and glycemia, so this treatment model was deemed unfeasible.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects cannot be explained only by the anthocyanin C3G present in the juice, but rather, by the synergism between all the components. Studies in humans are needed to determine whether the ingestion of this orange can be recommended as an effective strategy to prevent or ameliorate complications of obesity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free jejunum or radial forearm flap as diversionary conduit: Functional outcomes of patients with persistent dysphagia and aspiration
Authors: Losco Luigi , Aksoyler Dicle , Chen Shih‐Heng , Bolletta Alberto , Velazquez‐Mujica Jonathan , Di Taranto Giuseppe , Lo Torto Federico , Marcasciano Marco , Cigna Emanuele , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: August 2020

Background

A diversion loop provides an alternative pathway for food intake from the bucco‐gingival sulcus into the thoracic esophagus. Therefore, the bolus does not pass via pharynx where choking may occur in case of severe dysphagia. The data about outcomes and complications of the diversionary procedure are short and they refer to small cohort with brief follow‐up.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data of 48 patients, mean aged 34.3 years (range, 22–58 years), undergoing the creation of a diversion loop in two stages. Patients complained of aspiration, choking, and dysphagia. Swallowing disorders were caused by corrosive injury, radiation damage, or neurologic injury, and were investigated through laryngoscopy and esophagography. A diversion loop was created in 45 cases with free jejunal flap and in 3 cases with radial forearm flap. Complications, functional outcomes, and revision rate were reviewed. The mean follow‐up was 26.3 months.

Results

We reported one failure (2%) and one partial necrosis of the free flaps. The most frequent complication was hematoma (8%). One case of esophagocutaneous fistula (2%) and two cases of stricture (4%) were also observed. Forty‐two patients (87%) took all of the daily diet from their mouths through the diversionary conduit. A poor functional outcome was significantly associated with pre‐operative radiotherapy (p < .0001).

Conclusions

The diversion loop offers an alternative route for alimentation. Patients are freed from their choking obsession; moreover, they are rehabilitated into society without the drawbacks of permanent jejunostomy feeding. The technique was upgraded with caudal marginal mandibulectomy to improve the outcomes. Patients undergoing a diversionary procedure due to radiation damage should be carefully informed about the expected functional results.
Use of Angling Gear to Evaluate the Potential Benefits of Minimum Length Limits on a Highly Mobile Midwestern Blue Catfish Population
Authors: Michaletz Paul H. , Dames H. Ross , Abel Steffanie L.
Published: August 2020

Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus provide a popular sport fishery in Mark Twain Lake, Missouri, but little is known about their population demographics or exploitation by anglers. Our objectives were to (1) determine population demographics of Blue Catfish, (2) determine exploitation of Blue Catfish, and (3) determine whether new harvest regulations would improve the quality (e.g., size structure and abundance) of the fishery in Mark Twain Lake. We sampled Blue Catfish by using jug lines baited with pieces of Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, the gear used by the majority of anglers in this reservoir. Blue Catfish grew slowly, reaching a preferred size (762 mm TL) in about 12 years. Annual mortality was estimated at 24.8% using a weighted catch curve. Using reward tags, we estimated exploitation to be between 8% and 12%, and we modeled the effects of 508-, 610-, and 660-mm minimum TL limits on yield and size structure of the Blue Catfish population relative to a baseline of 381 mm TL, the smallest fish usually harvested by anglers. All three length limits increased the proportion of larger fish (≥762 mm TL) in the population without reducing yield, except for slight decreases (6% and 10%) under the 610- and 660-mm limits at the highest modeled natural mortality rate. We recommend the 610-mm limit instead of the 660-mm limit because it allows more harvest and higher yields with increases in natural mortality and still doubles the proportion of larger fish relative to the 508-mm limit.
Two‐agent scheduling with linear resource‐dependent processing times
Authors: Wang Dujuan , Yu Yugang , Qiu Huaxin , Yin Yunqiang , Cheng T. C. E.
Published: August 2020

This paper considers a two‐agent scheduling problem with linear resource‐dependent processing times, in which each agent has a set of jobs that compete with that of the other agent for the use of a common processing machine, and each agent aims to minimize the weighted number of its tardy jobs. To meet the due date requirements of the jobs of the two agents, additional amounts of a common resource, which may be in discrete or continuous quantities, can be allocated to the processing of the jobs to compress their processing durations. The actual processing time of a job is a linear function of the amount of the resource allocated to it. The objective is to determine the optimal job sequence and resource allocation strategy so as to minimize the weighted number of tardy jobs of one agent, while keeping the weighted number of tardy jobs of the other agent, and the total resource consumption cost within their respective predetermined limits. It is shown that the problem is ‐hard in the ordinary sense, and there does not exist a polynomial‐time approximation algorithm with performance ratio unless ; however it admits a relaxed fully polynomial time approximation scheme. A proximal bundle algorithm based on Lagrangian relaxation is also presented to solve the problem approximately. To speed up convergence and produce sharp bounds, enhancement strategies including the design of a Tabu search algorithm and integration of a Lagrangian recovery heuristic into the algorithm are devised. Extensive numerical studies are conducted to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Modulus‐based synchronous multisplitting methods for solving horizontal linear complementarity problems on parallel computers
Authors: Mezzadri Francesco
Published: August 2020

In this article, we generalize modulus‐based synchronous multisplitting methods to horizontal linear complementarity problems. In particular, first we define the methods of our concern and prove their convergence under suitable smoothness assumptions. Particular attention is devoted also to modulus‐based multisplitting accelerated overrelaxation methods. Then, as multisplitting methods are well‐suited for parallel computations, we analyze the parallel behavior of the proposed procedures. In particular, we do so by solving various test problems by a parallel implementation of our multisplitting methods. In this context, we carry out parallel computations on GPU with CUDA.
Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Childhood Self‐Regulation and Adolescent Adiposity
Authors: Javaras Kristin N. , Armstrong Jeffrey M. , Klein Marjorie H. , Essex Marilyn J. , Davidson Richard J. , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: August 2020

Objective

Research suggests that higher childhood self‐regulation (CSR) predicts lower adiposity in adolescence. However, it is unclear whether this relationship differs by sex or by baseline weight status. Thus, this study investigated these questions in a longitudinal, community‐based cohort.

Methods

The cohort included 221 girls and 214 boys. At age 9, CSR was assessed via parent/teacher reports of effortful control, and childhood BMI z scores (BMIz) were calculated from staff measurements. Late‐adolescent waist‐to‐height ratio was based on staff measurements at age 18.

Results

CSR has a small inverse correlation with concurrent childhood BMIz in girls, but not in boys. Prospectively, however, CSR has a small inverse association with late‐adolescent weight‐to‐height ratio in both sexes, after adjusting for childhood BMIz and other childhood predictors. This prospective association is marginally stronger for girls with higher (vs. lower) childhood BMIz.

Conclusions

CSR inversely predicts changes in adiposity across adolescence in both sexes, with some evidence that this association is stronger for girls with higher (vs. lower) childhood adiposity. However, this inverse association between CSR and adiposity may emerge earlier in girls. Future research should examine the causal status of CSR and its relationship to behaviors (e.g., diet).
The roles of a pediatric pulmonologist during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kazachkov Mikhail , Noah Terry L. , Murphy Thomas M.
Published: August 2020

Pediatric pulmonologists have been involved in the care of adult COVID‐19 patients in a variety of ways, particularly in areas with a high concentration of cases. This invited commentary is a series of questions to Dr Mikhail Kazachkov, a pediatric pulmonologist at New York University, about his experiences to date in a major COVID‐19 “hotspot” and his thoughts about how other pediatric pulmonologists facing this situation can best support their colleagues.
Bronchoscopy in children with COVID‐19: A case series
Authors: Goussard Pierre , Van Wyk Lizelle , Burke Jonathan , Malherbe Annemie , Retief Francois , Andronikou Savvas , Mfingwana Lunga , Ruttens Dries , Van der Zalm Marieke , Dramowski Angela , Da Costa Aishah , Rabie Helena
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) era is a challenging time for respiratory teams to protect their patients and staff. COVID‐19 is predominantly transmitted by respiratory droplets; in the clinical setting, aerosol generating procedures pose the greatest risk for COVID‐19 transmission. Bronchoscopy is associated with increased risk of patient‐to‐health care worker transmission, owing to aerosolized viral particles which may be inhaled and also result in environmental contamination of surfaces.

Methods

We describe our experience with the use of modified full‐face snorkeling masks for pediatric bronchoscopy procedures in four COVID‐19 infected children when filtering facepieces/respirators were in limited supply.

Results

Bronchoscopy was urgently required in four children, and could not be delayed until COVID‐19 test results were available. During the pandemic peak, when respirators were in short supply, modified full‐face snorkel masks (SEAC Libera, SEAC, Italy) were worn by the bronchoscopy team. Each mask was fitted with an O‐ring, adapter, and heat and moisture exchanger filter. To date, there have been no COVID‐19 infections among the bronchoscopy team staff, whereas the overall Hospital staff COVID‐19 prevalence rate has exceeded 13.5% (667/4949).

Conclusion

Emergency bronchoscopy procedures on COVID‐19 infected patients or patients with unknown infection status can be safely performed using modified full‐face snorkel masks.
Prior distributions for variance parameters in a sparse‐event meta‐analysis of a few small trials
Authors: Pateras Konstantinos , Nikolakopoulos Stavros , Roes Kit C. B.
Published: August 2020

In rare diseases, typically only a small number of patients are available for a randomized clinical trial. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon that more than one study is performed to evaluate a (new) treatment. Scarcity of available evidence makes it particularly valuable to pool the data in a meta‐analysis. When the primary outcome is binary, the small sample sizes increase the chance of observing zero events. The frequentist random‐effects model is known to induce bias and to result in improper interval estimation of the overall treatment effect in a meta‐analysis with zero events. Bayesian hierarchical modeling could be a promising alternative. Bayesian models are known for being sensitive to the choice of prior distributions for between‐study variance (heterogeneity) in sparse settings. In a rare disease setting, only limited data will be available to base the prior on, therefore, robustness of estimation is desirable. We performed an extensive and diverse simulation study, aiming to provide practitioners with advice on the choice of a sufficiently robust prior distribution shape for the heterogeneity parameter. Our results show that priors that place some concentrated mass on small τ values but do not restrict the density for example, the Uniform(−10, 10) heterogeneity prior on the log(τ2) scale, show robust 95% coverage combined with less overestimation of the overall treatment effect, across varying degrees of heterogeneity. We illustrate the results with meta‐analyzes of a few small trials.
Identification and characterization of novel metabolites of nintedanib by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry with in silico toxicological assessment
Authors: Tiwari Shristy S. , Dhiman Vivek , Mukesh Sumit , Sangamwar Abhay T. , Srinivas Ragampeta , Talluri M.V.N. Kumar
Published: August 2020

Rationale

Nintedanib, an oral, triple angiokinase inhibitor, is used alongside docetaxel in the management of locally recurrent non‐small‐cell lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The present study deals with the identification and characterization of in vitro and in vivo stable and reactive (if any) metabolites of nintedanib and sheds light on some novel metabolites of the drug which have not been reported previously.

Methods

The study involved an oral administration of the drug to male Wistar rats, followed by collection of the biological matrices (urine, plasma and feces) at specific intervals for determination of in vivo metabolites. In addition, in vitro studies were performed on human and rat liver microsomes in the presence of appropriate co‐factors. The samples were subjected to protein precipitation and nitrogen evaporation prior to ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The toxicities of all the metabolites were assessed in silico, employing ADMET Predictor™.

Results

A total of 18 metabolites of nintedanib were identified in all the matrices, of which nine were found to be novel and unreported previously. The unreported metabolites were elucidated as oxidative, demethylated and glucuronide conjugates of nintedanib. Interestingly, acetonitrile adducts of a few metabolites (low concentration) were also observed. No reactive metabolites were observed in this study.

Conclusions

Characterization of hitherto unknown in vitro and in vivo metabolites of nintedanib adds to the existing knowledge on the metabolism of the drug. Identification on the basis of the solvated adducts can be a useful approach for characterization of minor metabolites, which remain undetected owing to sensitivity issues.
The regulation of trophoblast invasion and decidual reaction by matrix metalloproteinase‐2, metalloproteinase‐7, and metalloproteinase‐9 expressions in the rat endometrium
Authors: Hamutoğlu Rasim , Bulut Hüseyin Eray , Kaloğlu Celal , Önder Ozan , Dağdeviren Tuğba , Aydemir Merve Nur , Korkmaz Ertan Mahir
Published: August 2020

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate how matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulate the trophoblast invasion and placentation.

Methods

Female rats were divided into the estrous cycle and early pregnancy day groups. Obtained uterine tissues and implantation sites were processed for immunofluorescence and real‐time PCR examinations.

Results

The mRNA expression of MMP‐7 was higher than MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Immunofluorescence findings confirmed that MMP‐2, MMP‐7, and MMP‐9 were localized in the endometrial stroma, while MMP‐7 was high in glandular and lining epithelial cells throughout the entire estrous cycle. However, their immunolocalizations and mRNA expressions were dramatically changed with the early pregnancy days. The MMP‐7 reached very strong immunostaining in the giant trophoblast cells (GTCs), and the cytoplasm of mature and differentiating decidual cells, whereas MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were mostly seen in the primary decidual zone (PDZ), GTCs, and the endothelium of blood vessels.

Conclusions

All three MMPs seemed likely to be a key mediator of trophoblast invasion into the decidual region as well as angiogenesis during the placentation process. Due to the strong and wide expression of MMP‐7 in the mature decidua, it could be suggested that MMP‐7 is important for decidual ECM remodeling and it might be used as a new marker of decidual reaction.
A pilot study: Can shear wave elastography predict fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus muscle?
Authors: Mackintosh Stephen , Young Adrienne , Muirhead Jill , Lee Arier , Sim Jenny Hiow Hui
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Significant fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus muscle is an important prognostic indicator for the likelihood of supraspinatus tendon repair failure. Two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) has the ability to quantitatively assess muscle stiffness. Presented is a pilot study comparing 2D‐SWE with the gold standard of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fatty infiltration grading.

Methods

2D‐SWE measurements were prospectively obtained in 152 shoulders of participants presenting for shoulder MRI examinations. 2D‐SWE measurements were obtained in the anterior and posterior aspects in the superficial half of the supraspinatus muscle and compared to MRI Goutallier grading of fatty infiltration as assessed by three observers. Region of interest measurements were placed within the elastogram (a) randomly, (b) at the highest colour‐coded region, and (c) within the most common colour code.

Results

t‐test reveals a statistically significant difference (P = .002) between the mean of eight randomly placed 2D‐SWE samples with Goutallier 1 (mean shear wave speed [SWS] = 2.49) and 2 (mean SWS = 2.24). Although the difference was statistically significant, the large overlap of the SWS distributions between Goutallier grades 1 and 2 indicates that SWS is a poor predictor of Goutallier grading.

Conclusion

Random SWS sampling throughout the superficial supraspinatus muscle highly correlates with MRI Goutallier grading but lacks accuracy.
The enterprise complexity model: An extension of the viable system model for emerging organizational forms
Authors: Espejo Raul
Published: August 2020

An enterprise complexity model (ECM) is offered as a methodological tool for the actors of an enterprise to overcome complex environmental problems. The heuristic for this purpose is the viable system model, which guides an enterprise's self‐organization towards policies creating, regulating and producing sustainable development goals. Self‐organization is grounded in correcting imbalanced interactions between an enterprise's actors and their environmental agents, to increase their requisite variety to achieve sustainability, that is, to overcome environmental problems. The interactions between actors and agents are facilitated by current and emergent digital technologies, which support the structuring of collaborative networks. Reflexive interactions between the enterprise's actors and agents in the problematic environment help their branching into all kinds of innovative organizational forms. The Viplan methodology is used to achieve this branching, which accounts for the enterprise's complexity with the support of the Viplan method. Respect for the environment and quality of interactions are values driving this ecology of enterprises towards a deeper and wider appreciation of the issues besetting future generations.
Below the surface of the coffin lid of Neskhonsuennekhy in the Museo Egizio collection
Authors: Cavaleri Tiziana , Buscaglia Paola , Caliri Claudia , Ferraris Enrico , Nervo Marco , Romano Francesco Paolo
Published: August 2020

The multidisciplinary and multi‐technical study of the coffin lid of Neskhonsuennekhy (Turin, Museo Egizio, inventory number S.05245) datable to the 26th dynasty (664–525 BC) was launched in 2015 at the Centro Conservazione e Restauro La Venaria Reale during the conservation activities required by the Museo Egizio, as part of wider research on the so‐called red coffins. Widespread abrasions and gaps in the pictorial stratigraphy strongly impeded the reading of the decoration, and a reddish and locally blackened material was covering many areas. Integrating multispectral imaging (UV fluorescence, VIL, IR reflectography), MA‐XRF, radiography, and analyses on micro‐samplings (OM, SEM‐EDX, FT‐IR) allowed deepening the state of preservation, detecting previous intervention, and characterizing the blackened surface, necessary to define the cleaning intervention objectives. In particular, the IR reflectography allowed recovering the readability of the beautiful drawings and the ancient hieroglyphs hidden beneath the reddish blackened surface. Based on the analytical data and compatibility with the pigments known in ancient Egypt, it was possible to return to the public the original lost decoration with a descriptive and virtual reconstruction. The new LANDIS‐X scanning station equipped with a real‐time macro XRF was fundamental for studying pigments, glazes, and mixtures besides the presence of lead impurities in the copper source used to make the Egyptian blue pigment, encouraging the research on the sources of mineral supply. Finally, this study allowed understanding the technique of execution of the find, from the assembly of the wooden elements to the reddish finish, noticing analogies with the other red coffins.
Evading the Grossman-Nir bound with ∆I = 3/2 new physics
Authors: He Xiao-Gang , Ma Xiao-Dong , Tandean Jusak , Valencia German
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Rare kaon decays with missing energy, K → π+E
miss, have received considerable attention because their rates can be calculated quite precisely within the standard model (SM), where the missing energy is carried away by an undetected neutrino- antineutrino pair. Beyond the SM, clean theoretical predictions can also be made regarding these processes. One such prediction is the so-called Grossman-Nir (GN) bound, which states that the branching fractions of the K

L
and K
+ modes must satisfy the relation

$$ \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({K}_L\to {\pi}^0+{E}_{\mathrm{miss}}\right)\underset{\sim }{<}4.3\mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}+{E}_{\mathrm{miss}}\right) $$

ℬ

K
L

→

π
0

+

E
miss

<
∼

4.3
ℬ

K
+

→

π
+

+

E
miss

and applies within and beyond the SM, as long as the hadronic transitions change isospin by ∆I = 1/2. In this paper we extend the study of these modes to include new-physics scenarios where the missing energy is due to unobserved lepton-number-violating neutrino pairs, invisible light new scalars, or pairs of such scalars. The new interactions are assumed to arise above the electroweak scale and described by an effective field theory. We explore the possibility of violating the GN bound through ∆I = 3/2 contributions to the K → π transitions within these scenarios and find that large violations are only possible in the case where the missing energy is due to an invisible light new scalar.
Multi-stress tensors and next-to-leading singularities in the Regge limit
Authors: Karlsson Robin
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The stress tensor sector of a heavy-heavy-light-light scalar correlator in CFTs with a large central charge and a large gap is defined by the exchange of multi-stress tensor operators. The Regge limit of this correlator is determined by the phase shift of a highly energetic particle propagating in a dual black hole background. Assuming Einstein gravity in the bulk, the phase shift is known perturbatively to all orders in the ratio of the heavy scaling dimension over the central charge. In the CFT, the order counts the number of stress tensors in the multi-stress tensor operator. By Fourier transforming the correlator to position space, the multi-stress tensor contributions to the leading and next-to-leading singularities in the Regge limit are found to all orders in four dimensions. The leading singularity at each order agrees with known results obtained by considering a particle in a dual shockwave background. Moreover, the leading and next-to-leading singularities due to double- and triple-stress tensors with minimal twist are known from lightcone bootstrap and agree with the results derived from the phase shift.
Birational sheets in reductive groups
Authors: Ambrosio Filippo
Published: August 2020

We define the group analogue of birational sheets, a construction performed by Losev for reductive Lie algebras. For G semisimple simply connected, we describe birational sheets in terms of Lusztig–Spaltenstein induction and we prove that they form a partition of G, and that they are unibranch varieties with smooth normalization by means of a local study.
Sensorimotor performance and haptic support in simulated weightlessness
Authors: Weber Bernhard , Panzirsch Michael , Stulp Freek , Schneider Stefan
Published: August 2020

The success of many space missions critically depends on human capabilities and performance. Yet, it is known that sensorimotor performance is degraded under conditions of weightlessness. Therefore, astronauts prepare for their missions in simulated weightlessness under water. In the present study, we investigated sensorimotor performance in simulated weightlessness (induced by shallow water immersion) and whether performance can be improved by choosing appropriate haptic settings of the human–machine interface (e.g., motion damping). Twenty-two participants performed basic aiming and tracking tasks with a force feedback joystick under water and on land and with different haptic settings of the joystick (no haptics, three spring stiffnesses, and two motion dampings). While higher resistive forces should be avoided for rapid aiming tasks in simulated weightlessness, tracking performance is best with higher motions damping in both land and water setups, although the performance losses due to water immersion cannot be compensated. The overall result pattern also provides insights into the causal mechanism behind the slowing effect during aiming motions and decreased accuracy of tracking motions in simulated weightlessness. Findings provide evidence that distorted proprioception due to altered muscle spindle activity seemingly is the main trigger of impaired sensorimotor performance in simulated weightlessness.
Chemotherapy negatively impacts the tumor immune microenvironment in NSCLC: an analysis of pre- and post-treatment biopsies in the multi-center SAKK19/09 study
Authors: Amrein M. A. , Bührer E. D. , Amrein M. L. , Li Q. , Rothschild S. , Riether C. , Jaggi R. , Savic-Prince S. , Bubendorf L. , Gautschi O. , Ochsenbein A. F.
Published: August 2020

Background

Over the past few years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have changed the therapeutic landscape of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Response to immune checkpoint inhibitors correlates with a pre-existing anti-tumoral immune response. Checkpoint inhibitors have been introduced as second-line therapy and are only very recently used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy as first-line treatment of NSCLC. However, the effect of conventional first-line platinum-based chemotherapy on the immune infiltrate in the tumor is largely unknown.

Methods

We measured the gene expression of a custom set of 201 cancer- and immune-related genes in 100 NSCLC tumor biopsies collected before chemotherapy and 33 re-biopsies after platinum-based chemotherapy at the time point of progression. For 29 patients matched pre- and post-chemotherapy samples could be evaluated.

Results

We identified a cluster of 47 co-expressed immune genes, including PDCD1 (PD1) and CD274 (PD-L1), along with three other co-expression clusters. Chemotherapy decreased the average gene expression of the immune cluster while no effect was observed on the other three cluster. Within this immune cluster, CTLA4, LAG3, TNFRSF18, CD80 and FOXP3 were found to be significantly decreased in patient-matched samples after chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that conventional platinum-based chemotherapy negatively impacts the immune microenvironment at the time point of secondary progression.
A decade of radiomics research: are images really data or just patterns in the noise?
Authors: Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Dietzel Matthias , Baessler Bettina
Published: August 2020

Key Points

• Although radiomics is potentially a promising approach to analyze medical image data, many pitfalls need to be considered to avoid a reproducibility crisis.

• There is a translation gap in radiomics research, with many studies being published but so far little to no translation into clinical practice.

• Going forward, more studies with higher levels of evidence are needed, ideally also focusing on prospective studies with relevant clinical impact.
Characterization of active matter in dense suspensions with heterodyne laser Doppler velocimetry
Authors: Sachs Johannes , Kottapalli S. Nikhilesh , Fischer Peer , Botin Denis , Palberg Thomas
Published: August 2020

We present a novel approach for characterizing the properties and performance of active matter in dilute suspension as well as in crowded environments. We use Super-Heterodyne Laser-Doppler-Velocimetry (SH-LDV) to study large ensembles of catalytically active Janus particles moving under UV illumination. SH-LDV facilitates a model-free determination of the swimming speed and direction, with excellent ensemble averaging. In addition, we obtain information on the distribution of the catalytic activity. Moreover, SH-LDV operates away from walls and permits a facile correction for multiple scattering contributions. It thus allows for studies of concentrated suspensions of swimmers or of systems where swimmers propel actively in an environment crowded by passive particles. We demonstrate the versatility and the scope of the method with a few selected examples. We anticipate that SH-LDV complements established methods and paves the way for systematic measurements at previously inaccessible boundary conditions.
Risk factors for adverse outcomes in vaginal preterm breech labor
Authors: Toijonen Anna , Heinonen Seppo , Gissler Mika , Macharey Georg
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To assess the risk factors for adverse outcomes in attempted vaginal preterm breech deliveries.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study, including 2312 preterm breech deliveries (24 + 0 to 36 + 6 gestational weeks) from 2004 to 2018 in Finland. The preterm breech fetuses with adverse outcomes born vaginally or by emergency cesarean section were compared with the fetuses without adverse outcomes with the same gestational age. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the risk factors for adverse outcomes (umbilical arterial pH below 7, 5-min Apgar score below 4, intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death < 28 days of age).

Results

Adverse outcome in vaginal preterm breech delivery was associated with maternal obesity (aOR 32.19, CI 2.97–348.65), smoking (aOR 2.29, CI 1.12–4.72), congenital anomalies (aOR 4.50, 1.56–12.96), preterm premature rupture of membranes (aOR 1.87, CI 1.00–3.49), oligohydramnios (28–32 weeks of gestation: aOR 6.50, CI 2.00–21.11, 33–36 weeks of gestation: aOR 19.06, CI 7.15–50.85), epidural anesthesia in vaginal birth (aOR 2.44, CI 1.19–5.01), and fetal growth below the second standard deviation (28–32 weeks of gestation: aOR 5.89, CI 1.00–34.74, 33–36 weeks of gestation: aOR 12.27, CI 2.81–53.66).

Conclusion

The study shows that for each subcategory of preterm birth, there are different risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes in planned vaginal breech delivery. Due to the extraordinary increased risk of adverse outcomes, we would recommend a planned cesarean section in very preterm breech presentation (28 + 0 to 32 + 6 weeks) with severe maternal obesity, oligohydramnios, or fetal growth restriction and in moderate to late preterm breech presentation (33 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks) with oligohydramnios or fetal growth restriction.
Caregivers’ absence from work before and after tonsil surgery in children with sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Johanna , Lindgren Josefine , Thorpö Malin , Johansson Helena , Hellgren Johan , Gudnadottir Gunnhildur
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Sleep-disordered breathing, SDB, in children is associated with morbidity that can result in caregivers having to stay at home from work. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the number of days when caregivers are reimbursed, temporary parental benefit (TPB) to stay at home from work to care for their sick child is increased among children with SDB before and after tonsil surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of children (n = 440), aged 2–11 years, that underwent tonsil surgery for SDB in day surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in 2014 and 2015. TPB, was provided by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. The expected days of TPB in the general population of the region were calculated. The number of days with TPB was compared 2 years before and 2 years after surgery and compared with the expected days of TPB.

Results

Two years before surgery, the children had no more days of TPB than expected. Two years after surgery, the children with SDB had 4.8 more days with TPB (p < 0.001) than expected, but, when the 1st month after surgery was excluded from the analysis, there was no difference in days of TPB compared with the general population.

Conclusion

Children with SDB who had tonsil surgery had no more days of parental benefits 2 years before and 2 years after surgery than expected. SDB is associated with increased morbidity, but it does not appear to cause caregivers to stay at home in the majority of children.
Diagnosing vestibular hypofunction: an update
Authors: Starkov Dmitrii , Strupp Michael , Pleshkov Maksim , Kingma Herman , van de Berg Raymond
Published: August 2020

Unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction presents most commonly with symptoms of dizziness or postural imbalance and affects a large population. However, it is often missed because no quantitative testing of vestibular function is performed, or misdiagnosed due to a lack of standardization of vestibular testing. Therefore, this article reviews the current status of the most frequently used vestibular tests for canal and otolith function. This information can also be used to reach a consensus about the systematic diagnosis of vestibular hypofunction.
Krankenhausinzidenz, stationäre Versorgung und Outcome der peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit und arteriellen Thrombose/Embolie in Deutschland von 2005 bis 2018
Authors: Kühnl A. , Knipfer E. , Lang T. , Bohmann B. , Trenner M. , Eckstein H.-H.
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

Akute und chronische Durchblutungsstörungen der unteren Extremitäten sind häufig und treten mit zunehmendem Lebensalter vermehrt auf. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Erfassung der Krankenhausinzidenz peripherer Durchblutungsstörungen in Deutschland sowie der Behandlungsverfahren und der behandelnden Fachabteilungen.

Methoden

Zur Analyse wurde die DRG-Statistik des gesamten Bundesgebiets der Jahre 2005 bis 2018 verwendet. Zur Analyse der Krankenhausmortalität, der versorgenden Fachabteilung, der Belegungstage sowie der bundeslandspezifischen Krankenhausinzidenz wurde der aktuellste verfügbare Berichtsjahrgang 2017 der „Tiefgegliederten Diagnosedaten“ analysiert. Die Einteilung der klinischen Stadien orientierte sich an den administrativen ICD-10 Codes für die pAVK-Stadien I-IV.

Ergebnisse

Die altersstandardisierte Krankenhausinzidenz der PAVK I-IV betrug zuletzt 231 pro 100.000 Einwohner (EW), die der arteriellen Embolie/Thrombose 23 pro 100.000 EW. Die absolute Anzahl an offenen und endovaskulären Prozeduren sowie Prozeduren bei arterieller Embolie/Thrombose und Amputation stieg stetig von 2005 (ca. 260.000) bis 2018 (ca. 620.000) an. Offen-chirurgische Eingriffe bei pAVK stiegen um 35 %, bei arterieller Embolie/Thrombose um 56 % und endovaskuläre Verfahren um 141 %. Majoramputationen nahmen um 30 % von 25.902 auf 17.237 ab, die der Minoramputationen von 37.102 auf 46.193 um +21 % zu. Die Krankenhausmortalität der pAVK I–IV betrug in 2017 im Mittel für Männer 2,3 % und für Frauen 2,8 %, bei der arteriellen Embolie/Thrombose waren dies 6,8 und 12,0 %.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Krankenhausinzidenz von Männern ist höher als die von Frauen; eine Altersabhängigkeit ist bei beiden Geschlechtern vorhanden. Deutliche Unterschiede in der Krankenhausinzidenz zeigen sich zwischen den Bundesländern. Die Anzahl an endovaskulären Prozeduren zur Behandlung einer pAVK oder arteriellen Embolie nehmen weiterhin stetig zu, während die Rate an Majoramputationen abnimmt.
Light and nutrient limitations for tree growth on young versus old soils in a Bornean tropical montane forest
Authors: Aiba Shin-ichiro , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: August 2020

We examined forest and tree responses to decreasing nutrient availability with soil aging in a species-rich tropical montane rain forest on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo. Community composition and structure and tree growth rates were compared between two 1 ha plots on nutrient-rich young soil versus nutrient-deficient old soil. Myrtaceae and Fagaceae dominated both plots. With soil aging, the dominance of Lauraceae, stem density, basal area and aboveground biomass decreased, and the forest understory became brighter. Some dominant taxa on the old soil (Podocarpaceae and the genus Tristaniopsis in Myrtaceae) were virtually absent on the young soil; this was attributed to light limitation in the understory. Growth rates of understory trees were lower on the young soil, whereas those of canopy trees were lower on the old soil. This suggested that the growth of understory trees was limited by light on the young soil, whereas that of canopy trees was limited by nutrients on the old soil. Of the eight species that were abundant in both plots, the dominance of five species was considerably lower on the old soil, four of which also exhibited decreased maximum sizes and lower growth rates. The remaining three species showed similar dominance across plots without a decline in growth rates, although they exhibited decreased maximum sizes on the old soil. These analyses demonstrated divergent responses of species to the soil-age gradient. We suggest that the differential responses of species to decreasing nutrient availability with a concomitant increase in understory light levels explain floristic turnover with soil aging.