bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing a parameter‐free Kullback‐Leibler information control chart for monitoring process mean shift
Authors: Chang Yu‐Ching , Li Ting‐Wei , Mastrangelo Christina
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a parameter‐free Kullback‐Leibler information control chart for monitoring sustained shifts in the process mean of a normally distributed process in phase II. Two plotted statistics are provided. One is based on our backward empirical sequential test, the other is based on the maximum log‐likelihood ratio change point method. These two achieve similar performances for the control chart. The performance of the proposed chart is compared with those of the cumulative sum chart, the exponentially weighted moving average chart, and the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) chart. The results show that our proposed chart and the GLR chart have similar performances. Both can detect a wide range of shifts in the process mean, and neither requires design parameters other than the control limits. The proposed chart outperforms GLR when the size of the shift is below 1.24 standard deviations, while GLR outperforms the proposed chart when the size of the shift is above 1.24 standard deviations.
The exponentiated power Lomax distribution and its applications
Authors: El‐Monsef Mohamed Mohamed Ezzat Abd , Sweilam Nasser Hassan , Sabry Mariam Atta
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a new extension of Lomax distribution called the exponentiated power Lomax (EPOLO) distribution is proposed. The proposed model accommodates monotonically increasing, decreasing, and unimodal hazard rates. A full study of the proposed model parameters using four techniques is introduced and a simulation study is performed to examine the performance of the four methods of estimation for both complete and censored data. EPOLO distribution is utilized to fit the number of revolutions of ball bearings, the tumor size of lung cancer patients, and the confirmed total deaths of the COVID‐19 in Egypt and it provides better fits than some well‐known distributions.
Successful prone positioning after recent caesarean section in severe ARDS with postpartum pulmonary haemorrhage
Authors: Phoophiboon Vorakamol , Sriprasart Thitiwat
Published: October 2020

A 35‐year‐old Thai women (gravida 3, para 0) at 36 weeks and five days of gestation was admitted to a delivery room due to premature rupture of membrane. She was diagnosed with Escherichia coli with extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) chorioamnionitis and septic shock leading to signs of fetal distress. She underwent emergency caesarean section. Post‐operatively, the patient developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), massive pulmonary haemorrhage, and intra‐abdominal bleeding. Lung protective strategy and recruitment manoeuvres were applied; however, her oxygenation and haemodynamic parameters worsened. Twenty consecutive hours of prone positioning was performed as a rescue procedure to improve patient's oxygenation and allow the patient to undertake surgical re‐exploration for abdominal compartment syndrome management safely. Neither high ventilator setting nor re‐positioning was needed after the second operation.
End‐user evaluation of software‐generated intervention planning environment for transrectal magnetic resonance‐guided prostate biopsies
Authors: Velazco‐Garcia Jose D. , Navkar Nikhil V. , Balakrishnan Shidin , Abi‐Nahed Julien , Al‐Rumaihi Khalid , Darweesh Adham , Al‐Ansari Abdulla , Christoforou Eftychios G. , Karkoub Mansour , Leiss Ernst L. , Tsiamyrtzis Panagiotis , Tsekos Nikolaos V.
Published: October 2020

Background

This study presents user evaluation studies to assess the effect of information rendered by an interventional planning software on the operator's ability to plan transrectal magnetic resonance (MR)‐guided prostate biopsies using actuated robotic manipulators.

Methods

An intervention planning software was developed based on the clinical workflow followed for MR‐guided transrectal prostate biopsies. The software was designed to interface with a generic virtual manipulator and simulate an intervention environment using 2D and 3D scenes. User studies were conducted with urologists using the developed software to plan virtual biopsies.

Results

User studies demonstrated that urologists with prior experience in using 3D software completed the planning less time. 3D scenes were required to control all degrees‐of‐freedom of the manipulator, while 2D scenes were sufficient for planar motion of the manipulator.

Conclusions

The study provides insights on using 2D versus 3D environment from a urologist's perspective for different operational modes of MR‐guided prostate biopsy systems.
Review of remedial options for the Boat Harbour remediation project in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Eichinger Lyndsay , Walker Tony R.
Published: October 2020

Boat Harbour, located in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada has been receiving industrial effluent wastewater from a nearby kraft pulp mill and chlor‐alkali plant for over 50 years. Before receiving industrial effluent wastewater, the tidal estuary was culturally significant to the nearby Pictou Landing First Nation community. The tidal estuary was known for its medicinal, recreational, ceremonial, and subsistence functions. Formally a 140‐ha natural tidal estuary, raw industrial wastewater was discharged into Boat Harbour beginning in 1967. Since inception, effluent treatment has undergone several upgrades in aeration capacity within the Boat Harbour Effluent Treatment Facility (BHETF) until the cessation of effluent discharge in 2020. Fifty years of industrial wastewater effluent discharge has resulted in widespread inorganic and organic contamination of unconsolidated sediments and surface water. Primary contaminants of concern include metals, dioxins and furans, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The province of Nova Scotia has committed to the remediation of the BHETF, estimated to cost over $292 million CAD. The goal of the remediation program is to return Boat Harbour to its natural state as a tidal estuary to restore the historical, traditional, and recreational uses of the land. Remediation components and alternatives were rated based on technical (26%), environmental (24%), economic (22%), social (14%), and regulatory (14%) weighted indicators. Criteria weighting for the five indicator categories was determined collaboratively with stakeholders. For each design component of remediation, a list of approaches was developed along with subsequent alternatives. Approaches and alternatives were screened to eliminate options that were not technically feasible or did not align with remediation goals. The remaining feasible concepts underwent detailed review and evaluation to select Qualified Remedial Options to be shared with stakeholders for input.
Sector bounds in stability analysis and control design
Authors: Xia Meng , Gahinet Pascal , Abroug Neil , Buhr Craig , Laroche Edouard
Published: October 2020

The sector stability theorem is an intuitive condition for the stability of feedback loops that unifies many lines of research including robust control and the theory of passive and dissipative systems. Applying this theorem typically requires checking or enforcing sector bounds on linear time‐invariant systems. This article discusses practical and efficient numerical methods for performing these tasks. We derive a frequency‐domain test for sector boundedness and use it to develop O(n3) numerical algorithms for computing the relative or directional indices of sector bounds. We also discuss how such algorithms can be combined with nonsmooth optimization techniques to enforce sector bounds while designing and tuning controllers. Several application examples illustrate the potential of these tools and techniques.
K2CO3‐Promoted Pyrazoles Synthesis from 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of N‐Tosylhydrazones with Acetylene Gas
Authors: Li Dongying , Qiu Shanguang , Chen Yuxue , Wu Luyong
Published: October 2020

1,3‐Dipolar cycloaddition of N‐tosylhydrazones with acetylene gas on balloon was investigated. Bases and solvents were screened and K2CO3 was verified to be an efficient base to promote this process. DMSO gave the better result in the reaction of N‐tosylhydrazones derived from aldehyde, and NMP was a better suitable solvent in the reaction of ketone N‐tosylhydrazones. And a series of pyrazoles were provided in mediate to good yields. This process was easy to handle and suitable to the industrial application.
Microstructure Evolution and Kinetics of Static Recrystallization of Medium Mn Steel in the Two‐Hit Isothermal Compression
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Zhang Mei , Wang Yang , Liu Jin
Published: October 2020

The thermal deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of medium Mn steel (0.15C–7Mn) are investigated by the two‐hit compression tests. The results reveal that different static softening dynamics are the functions of deformation temperature, interval time, and strain rate. The short static softening plateaus are exhibited in the static softening curves during post‐deformation holding at 950 °C and 0.1, 1 s−1. Based on the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis, the progresses of static recovery (SRV) and static recrystallization (SRX) are enhanced by the increment of deformation temperature. The frequencies of medium angle boundaries (MAGBs) and high angle boundaries (HAGBs) increase gradually with an increased interval time at 1000 °C and 0.1 s−1, which suggests that both SRV and SRX contribute to static softening, but the predominant softening mechanism is SRV. In addition, the influence of temperature, interval time, and strain rate on the distribution and average magnitude of grain size is investigated. The deformation temperature and strain rate have a significant influence not only on average grain dimension, but also on the distribution of grain size. Interval time has great influence on average grain size, but has slight effect on distribution of grain size.
Operationalizing digital twins through model‐based systems engineering methods
Authors: Bickford Jason , Van Bossuyt Douglas L. , Beery Paul , Pollman Anthony
Published: October 2020

In recent years there has been increased demand for readiness and availability metrics across many industries and especially in national defense to enable data‐driven decision making at all levels of planning, maintenance, and operations, and in leveraging integrated models that inform stakeholders of current operational system health and performance metrics. The digital twin (DT) has been identified as a promising approach for deploying these models to fielded systems although several challenges exist in wide adoption and implementation. Two challenges examined in this article are that the nature of DT development is a system‐specific endeavor, and the development is usually an additional effort that begins after initial system fielding. A fundamental challenge with DT development, which sets it apart from traditional models, is the DT itself is treated as a separate system, and therefore the physical asset/DT construct becomes a system‐of‐systems problem. This article explores how objectives in DT development align with those of model‐based systems engineering (MBSE), and how the MBSE process can answer questions necessary to define the DT. The key benefits to the approach are leveraging work already being performed during system synthesis and DT development is pushed earlier in a system's lifecycle. This article contributes to the definition and development processes for DTs by proposing a DT development model and path, a method for scoping and defining requirements for a DT, and an approach to integrate DT and system development. An example case study of a Naval unmanned system is presented to illustrate the contributions.
The top 5 FERPA sections: Practical applications, what happens when someone really messes up, part 4
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: October 2020

We've identified many of the best practices when an illegal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act disclosure occurs. Now let's look at what happens if and when a student files a complaint with the Student Privacy Policy Office.
A registrar's creed: Simplify, simplify, simplify
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: October 2020

Grant McMillan sees the role of a university registrar primarily as one of cutting through red tape, making the institution's pathways to teaching and learning as clear as possible. As Registrar at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, McMillan organizes his office's everyday operations around the theme “Are we making it easier to get an education?”
First‐trimester fetal neurosonography: technique and diagnostic potential
Authors: Volpe N. , Dall'Asta A. , Di Pasquo E. , Frusca T. , Ghi T.
Published: October 2020

Most brain abnormalities are present in the first trimester, but only a few are detected so early in gestation. According to current recommendations for first‐trimester ultrasound, the fetal head structures that should be visualized are limited to the cranial bones, the midline falx and the choroid‐plexus‐filled ventricles. Using this basic approach, almost all cases of acrania, alobar holoprosencephaly and cephalocele are detected. However, the majority of other fetal brain abnormalities remain undiagnosed until the midtrimester. Such anomalies would be potentially detectable if the sonographic study were to be extended to include additional anatomic details not currently included in existing guidelines. The aim of this review article is to describe how best to assess the normal fetal brain by first‐trimester expert multiplanar neurosonography and to demonstrate the early sonographic findings that characterize some major fetal brain abnormalities. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Identification of a novel gene controlling homothallism in the yeast Kazachstania naganishii isolated in Japan
Authors: Toyomura Kousuke , Hisatomi Taisuke , Yokoyama Nanami , Miyamoto Akira
Published: October 2020

A novel gene controlling homothallic life cycle was identified in the yeast Kazachstania naganishii isolated in Japan. This gene was isolated by means of complementing a mutation, mti1, which had led to heterothallism from original homothallism in the yeast. The configuration of original mutation in MTI1 gene revealed that a truncated product is formed due to occurrence of a stop codon by a nucleotide insertion. When the gene was disrupted with a marker, the disruptant spore clone was haploid and stably heterothallic. Disfunction of the gene caused inability to self‐diploidize due to defect of mating‐type interconversion. The gene MTI1 (for Mating Type Interconversion) is a weak homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae VID22/ENV11, which has been reported to function in vacuolar protein processing. K. naganishii has a gene representing significant homology with the HO gene of S. cerevisiae on chromosome V, which has not been clarified to be involved in regulation of life cycle in K. naganishii. The MTI1 gene defined in this study is located on K. naganishii chromosome IV and does not represent significant homology to the above ScHO‐like gene and any other genes concerning life cycles of yeasts. From the viewpoint of gene evolution, it is extremely interesting that the MTI1 gene is a new type of gene controlling homothallism in addition to an HO‐type gene, leading to discovery of an unknown mechanism regulating life cycles in yeasts.
On build‐up of epidemiologic models—Development of a SEI3RSD model for the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Wolff Michael
Published: October 2020

The present study investigates essential steps in build‐up of models for description of the spread of infectious diseases. Combining these modules, a SEI3RSD model will be developed, which can take into account a possible passive immunisation by vaccination as well as different durations of latent and incubation periods. Besides, infectious persons with and without symptoms can be distinguished. Due to the current world‐wide SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic (COVID‐19 pandemic) models for description of the spread of infectious diseases and their application for forecasts have become into the focus of the scientific community as well as of broad public more than usual. Currently, many papers and studies have appeared and appear dealing with the virus SARS‐CoV‐2 and the COVID‐19 disease caused by it. This occurs under medical, virological, economic, sociological and further aspects as well as under mathematical points of view. Concerning the last‐mentioned point, the main focus lies on the application of existing models and their adaptation to data about the course of infection available at the current time. Clearly, the aim is to predict the possible further development, for instance in Germany. It is of particular interest to investigate how will be the influence of political and administrative measures like contact restrictions, closing or rather re‐opening of schools, restaurants, hotels etc. on the course of infection. The steps considered here for building up suitable models are well‐known for long time. However, understandably they will not be dealt with in an extended way in current application‐oriented works. Therefore, it is the aim of this study to present some existing steps of modelling without any pretension of completeness. Thus, on the one hand we give assistance and, on the other hand, we develop a model capable to take already known properties of COVID‐19 as well as a later possible passive immunisation by vaccination and a possible loss of immunity of recovered persons into account.
Bootstrap bounds on closed Einstein manifolds
Authors: Bonifacio James , Hinterbichler Kurt
Published: October 2020

Abstract

A compact Riemannian manifold is associated with geometric data given by the eigenvalues of various Laplacian operators on the manifold and the triple overlap integrals of the corresponding eigenmodes. This geometric data must satisfy certain consistency conditions that follow from associativity and the completeness of eigenmodes. We show that it is possible to obtain nontrivial bounds on the geometric data of closed Einstein manifolds by using semidefinite programming to study these consistency conditions, in analogy to the conformal bootstrap bounds on conformal field theories. These bootstrap bounds translate to constraints on the tree-level masses and cubic couplings of Kaluza-Klein modes in theories with compact extra dimensions. We show that in some cases the bounds are saturated by known manifolds.
Propagators, BCFW recursion and new scattering equations at one loop
Authors: Farrow Joseph A. , Geyer Yvonne , Lipstein Arthur E. , Monteiro Ricardo , Stark-Muchão Ricardo
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We investigate how loop-level propagators arise from tree level via a forward-limit procedure in two modern approaches to scattering amplitudes, namely the BCFW recursion relations and the scattering equations formalism. In the first part of the paper, we revisit the BCFW construction of one-loop integrands in momentum space, using a convenient parametrisation of the D-dimensional loop momentum. We work out explicit examples with and without supersymmetry, and discuss the non-planar case in both gauge theory and gravity. In the second part of the paper, we study an alternative approach to one-loop integrands, where these are written as worldsheet formulas based on new one-loop scattering equations. These equations, which are inspired by BCFW, lead to standard Feynman-type propagators, instead of the ‘linear’-type loop-level propagators that first arose from the formalism of ambitwistor strings. We exploit the analogies between the two approaches, and present a proof of an all-multiplicity worldsheet formula using the BCFW recursion.
A new certified reference material for size and shape analysis of nanorods using electron microscopy
Authors: Kestens Vikram , Gerganova Tsvetelina , Roebben Gert , Held Andrea
Published: October 2020

A new certified reference material (CRM) for size and shape analysis of elongated nanoparticles has been developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The CRM consists of titanium dioxide nanorods dispersed in 1-butanol, was coded ERM-FD103 and has been certified for different electron microscopy–based operationally defined measurands such as the modal and median values of the particle number-weighted distributions of the minimum and maximum Feret diameter, the maximum inscribed circle diameter, the area-equivalent circular diameter and the aspect ratio. The nanorods have nominal dimensions of 15 nm in width and 55 nm in length. Homogeneity and stability measurements were performed using transmission electron microscopy. The relative standard uncertainty for homogeneity ranged from 0.3 to 1.7%. No significant instability was detected for a shelf life of 18 months and a storage temperature of 18 °C. The certified values have been determined from the results of an interlaboratory comparison in which qualified expert laboratories participated with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The certified values are traceable to the unit of length in the International System of Units, the metre, and the relative expanded uncertainties (confidence level of approximately 95%) range from 4 to 6%. These properties allow the CRM to be used for quality assurance and calibration of electron microscopy methods for nanoparticle size and shape analysis in ranges relevant for the implementation of EU legislation related to nanomaterials. The presented study discusses the purpose and results of the different steps that were followed to turn an industrially relevant raw titanium dioxide nanorod material into a fit-for-purpose CRM.

Graphical abstract
Preventing action slows down performance in perceptual judgment
Authors: Quarona D. , Raffuzzi M. , Costantini M. , Sinigaglia C.
Published: October 2020

Action and vision are known to be tightly coupled with each other. In a previous study, we found that repeatedly grasping an object without any visual feedback might result in a perceptual aftereffect when the object was visually presented in the context of a perceptual judgement task. In this study, we explored whether and how such an effect could be modulated by presenting the object behind a transparent barrier. Our conjecture was that if perceptual judgment relies, in part at least, on the same processes and representations as those involved in action, then one should expect to find a slowdown in judgment performance when the target object looks to be out of reach. And this was what we actually found. This indicates that not only acting upon an object but also being prevented from acting upon it can affect how the object is perceptually judged.
Determinants of Breast‐Conserving Therapy in the Asian Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Galeano Machuca Maria Paz , Cheng Shelly Chien‐Chien , Jou Tony Hong‐Ting , Cheng Chih‐Tao
Published: October 2020

Background

Treatment guidelines recommend breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) for patients with early‐stage breast cancer. However, Asian patients choose mastectomy over BCT, and the factors influencing this choice are unknown. This review aimed to identify the factors most frequently reported in the Eastern and Southeastern Asian population influencing the choice of BCT for treatment of early‐stage breast cancer.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed, and PubMed and EMBASE databases were used. The literature search initially identified 4619 articles; abstract screening and full‐text screening were performed on 150 and 19 articles, respectively, and 9 articles were finally included in the study.

Results

Selection of BCT was associated with sociodemographic factors, such as high socioeconomic status and education level and young age at diagnosis; clinicopathological factors, such as small tumor size and mammographically detected tumors; and healthcare provider factors, such as treatment from a female doctor or from a breast specialist. However, not selecting BCT was associated with personal factors, such as fear of recurrence and avoidance of further treatment.

Conclusions

The process of making a treatment decision is complicated and involves many factors influencing patients’ choice of surgery type. Exploring these factors helps to elucidate why patients do not choose BCT as their treatment option.
European Laryngological Society position paper on laryngeal dysplasia Part I: aetiology and pathological classification
Authors: Odell Edward , Eckel Hans Edmund , Simo Ricard , Quer Miquel , Paleri Vinidh , Klussmann Jens Peter , Remacle Marc , Sjögren Elisabeth , Piazza Cesare
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review

To give an overview of the current knowledge regarding the aetiology, epidemiology, and classification of laryngeal dysplasia (LD) and to highlight the contributions of recent literature. As most cases of dysplasia occur at the glottic level and data on diagnosis and management are almost exclusively from this location, laryngeal dysplasia in this position paper is taken to be synonymous with dysplasia of the vocal folds.

LD has long been recognized as a precursor lesion to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Tobacco and alcohol consumption are the two single most important etiological factors for the development of LD. There is currently insufficient evidence to support a role of reflux. Although varying levels of human papillomavirus have been identified in LD, its causal role is still uncertain, and there are data suggesting that it may be limited. Dysplasia has a varying presentation including leukoplakia, erythroleukoplakia, mucosal reddening or thickening with exophytic, “tumor-like” alterations. About 50% of leukoplakic lesions will contain some form of dysplasia. It has become clear that the traditionally accepted molecular pathways to cancer, involving accumulated mutations in a specific order, do not apply to LD. Although the molecular nature of the progression of LD to SCC is still unclear, it can be concluded that the risk of malignant transformation does rise with increasing grade of dysplasia, but not predictably so. Consequently, grading systems are inherently troubled by the weak correlation between the degree of the dysplasia and the risk of malignant transformation. The best data on LD grading and outcomes come from the Ljubljana group, forming the basis for the World Health Organization classification published in 2017.
Co-existence of lung carcinoma metastasis and enchondroma in the femur of a patient with Ollier disease
Authors: Wang Xudong , Zhang Xiaohui , Pan Wenling , Han Yuedong , Li Yanwei , Sun Haibin , Hogendoorn Pancras C. W. , Cheng Hong
Published: October 2020

Tumour-to-tumour metastasis is very unusual and has been defined as a tumour metastasis into another histologically different tumour. It is extremely rare in bone. We report a case of lung squamous cell carcinoma metastasized to an enchondroma in the femur of a patient with Ollier disease. A 60-year-old female had a history of a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. She underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, and a follow-up MRI scan showed three lesions in the left distal femur and proximal tibia, which were initially interpreted as metastasis on radiology. Resection of the left proximal tibial lesion was performed, and the pathological findings were consistent with enchondroma with no evidence of metastasis. Subsequent curettage of lesions in the distal left femur revealed metastatic poorly differentiated carcinoma with foci of hyaline cartilage, which was most consistent with metastatic carcinoma in a pre-existing enchondroma. The MRI films were re-reviewed. Characteristic MRI features of enchondroma were found in the lesion in the left proximal tibia and one of the lesions in the left distal femur, while the features of the other lesion in the left distal femur included cortical destruction and extensive oedema in surrounding soft tissue, which were consistent with a malignant tumour. In addition, the enchondroma in the lateral condyle showed blurring and irregular inner margin and adjacent bone oedema, which likely represents a co-existing metastatic tumour and enchondroma. The difference in lineage was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The final diagnosis was metastatic poorly differentiated carcinoma of the lung into a co-existent enchondroma. The diagnosis can be challenging and could be easily overlooked both radiologically and histologically. Thorough clinical and radiological information is critical for the diagnosis, and despite a very unusual event, awareness of the tumour-to-tumour metastasis phenomenon can avoid an inaccurate diagnosis by the pathologist, therefore preventing inappropriate clinical intervention.
EGFR and BRAF mutations in inverted sinonasal papilloma — a more complex landscape?
Authors: Zonnur Sarah , Erbersdobler Andreas , Schneider Björn
Published: October 2020

Inverted (Schneiderian) sinonasal papilloma (ISP) is a neoplasm derived from mucosa of the sinonasal tract characterized by local aggressive growth, a tendency to recur and an association with sinonasal carcinoma. The etiology of ISP remains unclear. Recently, identical mutations in exons 19 and 20 of the oncogeneEGFRwere reported in ISP and ISP-associated sinonasal carcinoma. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether recurring ISPs show identicalEGFRmutations at different time points or whether these mutations are identical throughout the respective ISP sample. We used Sanger sequencing to test 60 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded ISP samples from 40 patients regarding mutations in exons 19 and 20 ofEGFR—together with exon 15 ofBRAF. Overall, 32 samples of 22 patients showed a mutation inEGFRexon 20, whereas 28 samples of 18 patients showed none. No mutation inEGFRexon 19 was found in any sample. Four samples of four patients showed aBRAFexon 15 mutation. Interestingly, samples of four patients exhibited genetic heterogeneity, enabling us to report this in ISP for the first time.
Lymphatic malformations in children: treatment outcomes of sclerotherapy in a large cohort
Authors: Bouwman Frédérique C. M. , Kooijman Silje S. , Verhoeven Bas H. , Schultze Kool Leo J. , van der Vleuten Carine J. M. , Botden Sanne M. B. I. , de Blaauw Ivo
Published: October 2020

This retrospective study examines the outcomes of sclerotherapy in children with (veno)lymphatic malformations who received sclerotherapy between 2011 and 2016 (116 children, 234 procedures). Complication severity was classified using the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. Clinical response was rated on a scale of 0 (no change) to 3 (good improvement). The sclerosants used were bleomycin (n = 132; 56%), lauromacrogol (n = 42; 18%), doxycycline (n = 15; 6%), ethanol (n = 12; 5%), or a combination (n = 33; 14%). Four major and 25 minor complications occurred without significant differences between the agents. The median response rate per procedure was 2—some improvement—for all sclerosants. However, in pure LMs (67%), bleomycin and a combination of agents resulted in the best clinical response. On patient level, all had some or good clinical response. Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions showed a significantly lower clinical response (median 2 versus 3; p = 0.023 and p = 0.036, respectively) and required significantly more procedures (median 2 versus 1; p = 0.043 and p = 0.044, respectively) compared with lesions with one component.

Conclusion: Sclerotherapy for (V)LMs in children is safe and effective. Bleomycin is the most frequently used agent in this clinic and seemed most effective for pure LMs. Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions are most difficult to treat effectively.

What is Known:• A variety of agents can be used for sclerotherapy of lymphatic malformations in children.• Macrocystic lesions have favorable outcomes compared with microcystic and mixed lesions.

What is New:• Bleomycin and a combination of agents seem to be most effective to treat lymphatic malformations in children.• Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions are more difficult to treat effectively compared with lesions with either one of these components.
The long-acting C5 inhibitor, ravulizumab, is efficacious and safe in pediatric patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome previously treated with eculizumab
Authors: Tanaka Kazuki , Adams Brigitte , Aris Alvaro Madrid , Fujita Naoya , Ogawa Masayo , Ortiz Stephan , Vallee Marc , Greenbaum Larry A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, complement-mediated disease associated with poor outcomes if untreated. Ravulizumab, a long-acting C5 inhibitor developed through minimal, targeted modifications to eculizumab was recently approved for the treatment of aHUS. Here, we report outcomes from a pediatric patient cohort from the ravulizumab clinical trial (NCT03131219) who were switched from chronic eculizumab to ravulizumab treatment.

Methods

Ten patients received a loading dose of ravulizumab on Day 1, followed by maintenance doses administered initially on Day 15, and then, every 4–8 weeks thereafter, depending on body weight. All patients completed the initial evaluation period of 26 weeks and entered the extension period.

Results

No patients required dialysis at any point throughout the study. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate values remained stable during the trial: 99.8 mL/min/1.73m2 at baseline, 93.5 mL/min/1.73m2 at 26 weeks, and 104 mL/min/1.73m2 at 52 weeks. At last available follow-up, all patients were in the same chronic kidney disease stage as recorded at baseline. Hematologic variables (platelets, lactate dehydrogenase, and hemoglobin) also remained stable throughout the initial evaluation period and up to the last available follow-up. All patients experienced adverse events; the most common were upper respiratory tract infection (40%) and oropharyngeal pain (30%). There were no meningococcal infections reported, no deaths occurred, and no patients discontinued during the study.

Conclusions

Overall, treatment with ravulizumab in pediatric patients with aHUS who were previously treated with eculizumab resulted in stable kidney and hematologic parameters, with no unexpected safety concerns when administered every 4–8 weeks.

Trial registration

Trial identifiers:

Trial ID: ALXN1210-aHUS-312

Clinical trials.gov: NCT03131219

EudraCT number: 2016-002499-29
Laboratory evaluation of the Sigma Transwab® transport system for the recovery of Candida species using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document M40-A2
Authors: Elcocks E. , Adukwu E.C.
Published: October 2020

Rising healthcare complications due to fungal infections increase the importance of efficient specimen collection and maintenance systems for correct identification and diagnosis. The CLSI M40-A2 protocol provides guidelines for laboratories assessing quality of medical transport devices, including swab transport systems (STS). This study assessed the efficiency of the Sigma Transwab® foam and flock swab in recovering and maintaining viability of different Candida spp. including C. auris, in different test conditions. Both swab types recovered and maintained viability of all Candida spp. with greater CFU at room temperature after incubation (24 and 48 h) in comparison with swabs maintained at 4 °C.
Microsites and early litter decomposition patterns in the soil and forest canopy at regional scale
Authors: Aguilar-Cruz Yonatan , García-Franco José G. , Zotz Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Plant litter decomposition is a key ecological process that is mostly studied at the forest floor. However, decomposition generally starts in the canopy. In this study, we evaluated the effect of litter composition and climate on the initial phase of decomposition in the soil and two contrasting types of canopy microsites along an elevational gradient (0–2200 m a.s.l.). To this end, we incubated standard material composed by green (fast decomposing) and rooibos (slow decomposing) tea bags for three months. Tea bags were placed in soil (buried at 5 cm) and in the canopy at ca. 5 m above the ground in “micro-wetlands” (tank bromeliads) and dry crown microsites (branches). Along the elevational gradient, green tea decomposed faster than rooibos tea in all microsites and forests. Mass loss for both tea types was lowest on branches at all sites, except for green tea in a wet forest where decomposition did not significantly differ among microsites. In wet forests, decomposition did not differ between bromeliads and soil, while in a dry forest, decomposition was faster in bromeliads. We found that the effects of climatic variables [monthly average temperature (TEMP) and total precipitation (PREC) for the incubation months] on decomposition differed between microsites. Along the elevational gradient, the mass loss in soil was positively correlated with TEMP but not with PREC, whereas on branches, mass loss was negatively correlated with TEMP and positively correlated with PREC. Unlike on branches, mass loss in bromeliads slightly decreased with PREC and increased with TEMP. Our study shows that microsite conditions interact with climate (TEMP and PREC) leading to differences in the general decomposition patterns in the forest canopy.
Investigating spatiotemporal dynamics and trade-off/synergy of multiple ecosystem services in response to land cover change: a case study of Nanjing city, China
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Cheng
Published: October 2020

Investigating the spatiotemporal trends and trade-off/synergy relationships among ecosystem services can provide effective support for urban planning and decision making toward sustainable development. With Nanjing city in China as a case study, this study assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics of six key ecosystem services from 2005 to 2030. Integration of Markov-cellular automata and ecosystem services models was realized to analyze the potential impacts of future urbanization on ecosystem services by simulating business-as-usual (BAU), cropland protection (CP), and ecological restoration (ER) scenarios. Furthermore, an innovative trade-off/synergy degree was developed to quantify the magnitude of the complex relationship among the multiple ecosystem services under the different scenarios. Due to the rapid expansion of built-up land, carbon storage, habitat quality, and air purification decreased 2.92%, 5.80%, and 7.91%, respectively. The CP scenario exhibited the highest crop production values, and the ER scenario was a better urban development strategy that enhanced the regulating ecosystem services at the expense of crop production. To promote urban ecosystem services and minimize trade-offs, we proposed certain future urban development strategies, including ecological corridor construction and compact development. The study could provide a scientific reference for the effective ecosystem management of Nanjing and other rapidly urbanized regions.
Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Questionnaire to Assess Mental Health and Concerning Behaviors in Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB) Scale
Authors: Tarver Joanne , Vitoratou Silia , Mastroianni Mathilde , Heaney Natalie , Bennett Eleanor , Gibbons Felicity , Fiori Federico , Absoud Michael , Ramasubramanian Lakshmi , Simonoff Emily , Santosh Paramala
Published: October 2020

Although 70% of autistic children and young people meet criteria for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, there are few screening measures specifically for autistic individuals. We describe the development and validation of the Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB), an instrument co-developed with the autistic community to assess mental health and problematic/risky behaviors. Items include descriptions to facilitate symptom recognition by autistic people, and carers/professionals. The ACB was completed by 255 parents, 149 autistic children and young people and 30 teachers. Internal consistency, stability and validity was assessed. The ACB parent-version fit a two-factor model (internalizing and externalizing problems) and showed adequate test–retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. The ACB is a promising new measure for research and clinical use in autism.
“Andrà tutto bene”: Associations Between Character Strengths, Psychological Distress and Self-efficacy During Covid-19 Lockdown
Authors: Casali Nicole , Feraco Tommaso , Ghisi Marta , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: October 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic obliged people around the world to stay home and self-isolate, with a number of negative psychological consequences. This study focuses on the protective role of character strengths in sustaining mental health and self-efficacy during lockdown. Data were collected from 944 Italian respondents (mean age = 37.24 years, SD = 14.50) by means of an online survey investigating character strengths, psychological distress and Covid-19-related self-efficacy one month after lockdown began. Using principal component analysis, four strengths factors were extracted, namely transcendence, interpersonal, openness and restraint. Regression models with second-order factors showed that transcendence strengths had a strong inverse association with psychological distress, and a positive association with self-efficacy. Regression models with single strengths identified hope, zest, prudence, love and forgiveness as the strengths most associated with distress, love and zest as the most related to self-efficacy and zest to general mental health. Openness factor and appreciation of beauty showed an unexpected direct relation with psychological distress. These results provide original evidence of the association of character strengths, and transcendence strengths in particular, with mental health and self-efficacy in a pandemic and are discussed within the field of positive psychology.
How Extreme Is the Precautionary Principle?
Authors: Hansson Sven Ove
Published: October 2020

The precautionary principle has often been described as an extreme principle that neglects science and stifles innovation. However, such an interpretation has no support in the official definitions of the principle that have been adopted by the European Union and by the signatories of international treaties on environmental protection. In these documents, the precautionary principle is a guideline specifying how to deal with certain types of scientific uncertainty. In this contribution, this approach to the precautionary principle is explicated with the help of concepts from the philosophy of science and comparisons with general notions of practical rationality. Three major problems in its application are discussed, and it is concluded that to serve its purpose, the precautionary principle has to (1) be combined with other decision principles in cases with competing top priorities, (2) be based on the current state of science, which requires procedures for scientific updates, and (3) exclude potential dangers whose plausibility is too low to trigger meaningful precautionary action.
Ethical Decision Making in Autonomous Vehicles: The AV Ethics Project
Authors: Evans Katherine , de Moura Nelson , Chauvier Stéphane , Chatila Raja , Dogan Ebru
Published: October 2020

The ethics of autonomous vehicles (AV) has received a great amount of attention in recent years, specifically in regard to their decisional policies in accident situations in which human harm is a likely consequence. Starting from the assumption that human harm is unavoidable, many authors have developed differing accounts of what morality requires in these situations. In this article, a strategy for AV decision-making is proposed, the Ethical Valence Theory, which paints AV decision-making as a type of claim mitigation: different road users hold different moral claims on the vehicle’s behavior, and the vehicle must mitigate these claims as it makes decisions about its environment. Using the context of autonomous vehicles, the harm produced by an action and the uncertainties connected to it are quantified and accounted for through deliberation, resulting in an ethical implementation coherent with reality. The goal of this approach is not to define how moral theory requires vehicles to behave, but rather to provide a computational approach that is flexible enough to accommodate a number of ‘moral positions’ concerning what morality demands and what road users may expect, offering an evaluation tool for the social acceptability of an autonomous vehicle’s ethical decision making.
„Clankriminalität“ und die „German Angst“
Authors: Feltes Thomas , Rauls Felix
Published: October 2020

Die Autoren üben Kritik an der Definition der „Clankriminalität“, beleuchten den administrativen Ansatz und stellen dies in Zusammenhang zur „German Angst“ und Kriminalitätsfurcht.
Aristotle’s lobster: the image in the text
Authors: Fürst von Lieven Alexander , Humar Marcel , Scholtz Gerhard
Published: October 2020

The Anatomai, a lost work written by Aristotle, must have contained a collection of various drawings and figures of species as well as their organs. In his texts (mainly the Historia animalium), Aristotle is often referring to the drawings after the description of species. Our study applies the method of the comparative view (‘Vergleichendes Sehen’) to provide an access to and reconstruction of Aristotle’s lost illustrations based on his textual descriptions. As an example, we chose the treatment of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus L., 1758) in the Aristotelian corpus as a case study. First, we analyse the etymology of the Greek term astakós referring to the lobster and provide an overview on the putative synonyms. Second, we confront the textual basis of the description with several questions concerning the degree of abstraction, the relation between text and image, and the spatial orientation of the image. Finally, we present a step-by-step reconstruction of Aristotle’s illustrations of the lobster based on the various passages dealing with its anatomy in the text of the Historia animalium. The problems which arise by a confrontation of the textual basis with hypothetical images are discussed at a more general level. We conclude that this kind of a text-based image reconstruction is only possible if the object described by Aristotle is unambiguously identifiable and still visually accessible.
Vorstellungen legitimen Regierens: Legitimationspolitik in der Großen Regierungserklärung der 19. Wahlperiode im Vergleich
Authors: Barnickel Christiane
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag rekonstruiert die Legitimationsvorstellungen politischer Akteure, wie sie in der Großen Regierungserklärung und der parlamentarischen Aussprache der 19. Wahlperiode diskursiv artikuliert werden und tastet sie auf den (post-)demokratischen Gehalt der Legitimationsargumente ab. Mit der Postdemokratiedebatte wird an eine der prominentesten aktuellen Krisendiagnosen der Demokratie angeknüpft, die auf ihren empirischen Gehalt hinsichtlich ideationaler Wandlungsprozesse, gefasst als legitimatorische Leitideen, befragt wird. Mittels einer diskursnetzwerkanalytischen Betrachtung der legitimatorischen Kerngehalte und über einen Vergleich mit den früheren Regierungserklärungen seit 1949 wird ermittelt, inwieweit die öffentlich vermittelten legitimatorischen Vorstellungen in Tradition oder Opposition zu längerfristigen Entwicklungslinien stehen.

Es wird gezeigt, wie Legitimationsargumente zusammenspielen und letztlich Begründungsmuster dominant sind, die demokratische Kernnormen eher randständig verhandeln und insbesondere die legitimatorische Inputdimension vernachlässigen. Damit setzt sich im legitimationspolitischen Diskurs eine bereits seit Längerem andauernde Entwicklung fort, die sich zudem dadurch auszeichnet, dass es kaum mehr gemeinsame legitimatorische Kernnormen gibt, gleichzeitig aber nur in wenigen Fällen ein offener Konflikt über den legitimatorischen Gehalt von Legitimationsargumenten besteht. Im Vergleich zu Vorgängerdebatten vollzieht sich nun allerdings ein Wandel hinsichtlich einzelner Legitimationsargumente. Insbesondere bricht die Verwendung von Ökonomisierungs- und Freiheitsargumenten sowie ein Konflikt über die legitimatorische Bedeutung von ‚Nationalismus‘ mit bislang bestehenden Kontinuitäten.