bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and optimization of radiomics features stability to respiratory motion in 18F‐FDG 3D PET imaging
Authors: Xu Hui , Lv Wenbing , Zhang Hongyan , Ma Jianhua , Zhao Peng , Lu Lijun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of respiratory motion on radiomics features in 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose three dimensional positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG 3D PET) imaging and optimize feature stability by combining preprocessing configurations and aggregation strategies.

Methods

An in‐house developed respiratory motion phantom was imaged in 3D PET scanner under nine respiratory patterns including one reference pattern. In total, 487 radiomics features were extracted for each respiratory pattern. Feature stability to respiratory motion was first evaluated by metrics of coefficient of variation (COV) and relative difference (RD) in a fixed preprocessing configuration. Further, one‐way ANOVA and trend analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of preprocessing configuration (voxel size, discretization scheme) and aggregation strategy on feature stability. Finally, an optimization framework was proposed by selected feature‐specific configurations with minimum COV value, and the diagnostic performance was validated in stable versus unstable features and fixed versus optimal features by a set of 46 patients with lung disease.

Results

PET radiomics features were sensitive to respiratory motion, only 79/487 (16%) features were identified to be very stable in the fixed configuration. Preprocessing configuration and aggregation strategy had an impact on feature stability. For different voxel size, bin number, bin size and aggregation strategy, 188/487 (39%), 70/487 (15%), 148/487 (30%), and 38/95 (29%) features appeared significant changes in feature stability. The optimized configuration had the potential to improve feature stability compared to fixed configuration, with the COV decreased from 22% ±24% to 16% ±20%. Regarding the diagnostic performance, the stable and optimal configuration features outperformed the unstable and fixed configuration features, respectively (AUC 0.88, 0.87 vs. 0.83, 0.85).

Conclusions

Respiratory motion shows considerable impact on feature stability in 3D PET imaging, while optimizing preprocessing configuration may improve feature stability and diagnostic performance.
Biomass derived carbon materials: Synthesis and application towards CO2 and H2S adsorption
Authors: Nicolae Sabina A. , Louis‐Therese Julian , Gaspard Sarra , Szilágyi Petra Ágota , Titirici Maria Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Porous carbon materials derived from palm date seeds, guava seeds and winged beans are proposed as environmentally friendly and efficient adsorbents for CO2 and H2S adsorption. The feedstock is converted into hydrochar via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), at 200°C, for several hours, and the textural properties are tuned using the chemical activation approach with KOH. The activated carbons (ACs) prepared in here are characterized by high surface areas, more than 2000 m2 g‐1, and large pore volumes (1.23 cm3 g‐1). It is observed that a lower concentration of KOH results in a larger number of micropores, leading to improved gas uptake properties. The carbons obtained in here present sponge‐like structure with particle sizes in the range of 5–100 µm. Their morphology is characterized by irregular particle shape with large conchoidal cavities and smooth surfaces. The samples display significant gas adsorption capacity, with 5.47 mmol g‐1 CO2 uptake at 0°C, 1 bar and 4.36 mmol g‐1 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. H2S adsorption is achieved with more than 50% adsorption efficiency in 1 hour exposure time. Through this study we aim to add up to the eco‐friendly and cost‐effective materials, derived from biomass, suitable and efficient in CO2 and H2S adsorption.
Use of decision‐support tools by students to link crop management practices with greenhouse gas emissions: A case study
Authors: Jabbour Randa , McClelland Shelby C. , Schipanski Meagan E.
Published: June 2021

Global food systems contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and the mitigation of these emissions is a critical component of addressing the challenge of climate change. A variety of decision‐support tools are available for agricultural producers to use to estimate how their management decisions affect emissions. These tools, often free and online, can be incorporated into agriculture and natural sciences courses, providing an engaging and interactive way for students to learn about climate change mitigation in online courses. Here, we focus on three tools: COMET‐Planner, COMET‐Farm, and Cool Farm Tool. Each of these tools link agricultural management with estimated emissions but differ according to the scope of analysis and type of functionality. Our case study navigates how to best incorporate each tool into undergraduate courses ‐ providing detailed examples focused on crop production. Teaching notes provide guidance on pairing these activities with lessons related to agricultural policy, science communication, and farm nutrient budgets. Instructors have considerable opportunity to incorporate agricultural decision‐support tools into courses to support students connecting scientific concepts to real‐world application.
Consider the Pros and Cons of Corrosion Testing Methods
Authors: Roth Damon K. , Baribeau Hélène , Brandhuber Phil
Published: June 2021

Corrosion control studies help water utilities identify best treatment technologies for their water distribution systems and comply with the new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
Texas Utility Pilots Water Meters That Listen for Unseen Leaks
Authors: Franke Regina , Vaerum Martin Moeller
Published: June 2021

As a way to proactively reduce nonrevenue water, Crystal Clear Special Utility District field‐tested new technology that directly integrates “listening” sensors in meters.
Poly(glycerol citrate)‐polylactide nonwovens toward tissue engineering applications
Authors: Wrzecionek Michał , Bandzerewicz Aleksandra , Dutkowska Ewa , Dulnik Judyta , Denis Piotr , Gadomska‐Gajadhur Agnieszka
Published: June 2021

In 2002, Robert Langer proposed that new polyester for tissue engineering should have good mechanical properties followed by: covalent bonding (as crosslinking) and hydrogen‐bonding interactions; and should be elastic like rubber materials due to three‐dimensional network structure. Considering these hypotheses, a polyester made of glycerol and citric acid was designed in this work. Poly(glycerol citrate) should be attractive for tissue engineering because both glycerol and citric acid, taking part in natural human metabolic pathways; and due to the reactant's functionality, 3D networks should be produced easily. Moreover, the reagents are cheap, available, and often used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this work, poly(glycerol citrate) was synthesized and then used with PLA for creating porous nonwovens by electrospinning. Produced materials were tested for possible application in the field of tissue engineering. The obtained materials have properties similar to collagen fibers, but still, require refinement for medical applications.
Boron phenolic resin/silica sol coating gives rigid polyurethane foam excellent and long‐lasting flame‐retardant properties
Authors: Xu Wenzong , Zhong Di , Chen Rui , Cheng Zihao , Qiao Mengxia
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a boron phenolic (BPR)/silica sol (Si‐sol) coated flame retardant was prepared, and the flame retardant was coated on the surface of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) to make it have excellent flame‐retardant effects. The molecular structure of BPR and Si‐sol was analyzed by FTIR, and the influence of the coating on the cells was observed with an optical microscope. It was evident from the test results of the cone calorimeter that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of RPUF were reduced by 45% and 37.7%, respectively. The limit oxygen index and vertical combustion test results indicated that the LOI reached 35%, and UL‐94 reached the V‐0 level. The aging experiment was conducted on the coated RPUF material, and the results showed that the material has long‐lasting flame‐retardant properties. The possible flame‐retardant mechanism was analyzed.
Genomic analysis and preclinical xenograft model development identify potential therapeutic targets for MYOD1‐mutant soft‐tissue sarcoma of childhood
Authors: Ting Michelle A , Reuther Jacquelyn , Chandramohan Raghu , Voicu Horatiu , Gandhi Ilavarasi , Liu Meng , Cortes‐Santiago Nahir , Foster Jennifer H , Hicks John , Nuchtern Jed , Scollon Sarah , Plon Sharon E , Chintagumpala Murali , Rainusso Nino , Roy Angshumoy , Parsons D Williams
Published: June 2021

The myogenic differentiation 1 gene (MYOD1) p.L122R somatic mutation was first discovered in a subset of clinically aggressive embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas and has since been described in both pediatric and adult spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcomas. Relatively little is known about the clinical, molecular, and histopathological features of these tumors in children. In order to further characterize the genomic and clinical features of pediatric MYOD1‐mutant sarcomas, we evaluated a cohort of soft‐tissue sarcoma patients treated at Texas Children's Hospital. Tumor DNA was subjected to next‐generation panel sequencing and/or Sanger sequencing of the MYOD1 hotspot mutation. The MYOD1 p.L122R mutation was identified in six tumors, with a variant allele fraction greater than 0.8 in three cases, suggestive of loss of heterozygosity. One sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma lacking the MYOD1 hotspot mutation was observed to have a MYOD1 copy number gain, also with evidence of loss of heterozygosity. Cancer gene panel sequencing revealed potentially targetable alterations in six of seven (86%) patients with MYOD1 alterations, including four patients with an alteration in the PI3K‐AKT pathway: two hotspot PIK3CA mutations and deletions in PTEN and TSC2. On histopathologic review, MYOD1‐altered tumors exhibited spindle and/or round cells and varying degrees of hyaline sclerosis. At last follow‐up, six patients had died of disease and the seventh progressed early and was subsequently lost to follow‐up. Both pre‐ and post‐therapy patient‐derived xenograft models were generated from one patient's tumor. These models were confirmed to harbor the MYOD1 and PIK3CA mutations seen in the primary tumor and were shown to be sensitive to PI3K/mTOR inhibition in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, this study adds to recent reports describing the clinicopathologic and genomic features of MYOD1‐altered soft‐tissue sarcomas in children, including dismal prognosis and potential molecular targets for therapy. The novel preclinical models developed will facilitate further biological and preclinical study of this rare and aggressive tumor. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of small ubiquitin‐related modifier 2 (SUMO2) by phosphoubiquitin in HEK293T cells
Authors: Dongdem Julius T. , Dawson Simon P. , Layfield Robert
Published: June 2021

Additional complexity in the post‐translational modification of proteins by ubiquitin is achieved by ubiquitin phosphorylation, for example within PINK1‐parkin mediated mitophagy. We performed a preliminary proteomic analysis to identify proteins differentially modified by ubiquitin in HEK293T, compared to phosphomimetic ubiquitin (Ser65Asp), and identified small ubiquitin‐related modifier 2 (SUMO2) as a candidate. By transfecting SUMO2 and its C‐terminal–GG deletion mutant, along with phosphomimetic ubiquitin, we confirm that ubiquitin modifies SUMO2, rather than vice versa. Further investigations revealed that transfected SUMO2 can also be conjugated by endogenous phospho‐Ser65‐(poly)ubiquitin in HEK293T cells, pointing to a previously unappreciated level of complexity in SUMO2 modification, and that unanchored (substrate‐free) polyubiquitin chains may also be subject to phosphorylation.
The incidence and nature of adverse events in rehabilitation inpatients with acquired brain injuries
Authors: Guo Meiqi , Mandurah Rouaa , Tam Alan , Bayley Mark , Kam Alice
Published: June 2021

Background

Patient safety is important in all healthcare settings. Few studies have examined the state of patient safety in rehabilitation and none have examined patient safety in the setting of acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation.

Objectives

To determine the incidence, most common types, and severities of adverse events among inpatients undergoing ABI rehabilitation.

Design

Retrospective case series descriptive study.

Setting

The inpatient ABI rehabilitation program at an academic, tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Canada.

Participants

One hundred eight consecutive inpatients with acquired brain injuries.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient charts and incident reports from the hospital's voluntary reporting system were reviewed by three board‐certified physiatrists to determine the incidence, type, severity and preventability of adverse events. Adverse events were identified and classified for severity and type using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification for Patient Safety. Preventability was rated on a six‐point Likert scale.

Results

During the study period, the incidence of adverse events was 17.42 ± 3.86 per 1000 patient days. Adverse events affected 52.8% of patients. Most adverse events identified were mild in severity (81.6%) and the rest were of moderate severity. The two most common types of adverse events were (1) patient incidents (50%) such as falls, pressure ulcers and skin tears and (2) patient behaviors such as missing patient, assault, or sexual behaviors (14.5%). Of the 76 adverse events identified in the study, 44.8% were preventable. The hospital's voluntary reporting system did not capture 57.9% of the adverse events identified.

Conclusions

Future efforts to improve patient safety in ABI rehabilitation should focus on reducing falls, skin injuries and behaviors, and removing barriers to voluntary incident reporting. Detection of adverse events through chart reviews provides a more complete understanding of patient safety risks in ABI rehab than relying on incident reporting alone.
Anticholinergic drugs and risk of dementia: Time for action?
Authors: Bell Brian , Avery Anthony , Bishara Delia , Coupland Carol , Ashcroft Darren , Orrell Martin
Published: June 2021

Evidence suggests that the prescription of bladder anticholinergics is increasing. Recent studies have accentuated concerns about whether certain prescribed medications could increase risk of dementia, including anticholinergic drugs, and specifically anticholinergics used for bladder symptoms. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to draw together the evidence to review the case for possible causation. Recognising this issue in 1965, Bradford‐Hill set out nine criteria to help assess whether evidence of a causal relationship could be inferred between a presumed cause and an observed effect. In this commentary, we explore the extent to which associations between anticholinergics and dementia satisfy the Bradford‐Hill criteria and examine the potential implications. First, we look at studies that have examined the relationship between anticholinergic drugs with urological properties (bladder drugs) and the onset of dementia, and then present those studies which specifically focus on the cognitive effects of bladder drugs that affect muscarinic receptors in the brain versus the bladder on older people along with suggestions for future research. We also discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs for treating overactive bladder. If it can be shown that certain medications carry a specific risk of dementia, it is possible that initiatives to change prescribing could become a key tool in reducing the risk of dementia and may be easier to implement than some lifestyle changes.
Exploring the Food and Drug Administration’s review and approval of Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan)
Authors: Eadie Ashley L. , Brunt Keith R. , Herder Matthew
Published: June 2021

Federal regulatory agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration review pharmacological evidence to ensure the safety and efficacy of new and repurposed pharmaceuticals prior to market approval. The discussions, disagreements and procedural decisions contained within such reviews offer unique insight into a pharmaceutical's strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, yet are often overlooked as a significant source of pharmacological information for research and development. To highlight the value of such resources, we present a case study on Entresto, a first‐in‐class angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and explore the regulatory rationale underlying its market approval. Using information extracted from Entresto's online approval package at Drugs@FDA, we explore some of the procedural complexities underlying market approval of new pharmaceuticals, discuss the broad pharmacological implications contained within regulatory agency grey literature, and highlight opportunities for future therapeutic development.
Adult damselflies as possible regulators of mosquito populations in urban areas
Authors: Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex , San Miguel‐Rodríguez Monserrat , Rocha‐Ortega Maya , Lanz‐Mendoza Humberto , Cime‐Castillo Jorge , Benelli Giovanni
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Dragonfly and damselfly larvae have been considered as possible biocontrol agents against young instars of mosquito vectors in urban environments. Yet our knowledge about adult odonate predation against mosquito adults is scarce. We quantified daily and annual predation rates, consumption rates and prey preferences of adult Hetaerina vulnerata male damselflies in an urban park. A focus on predation of mosquito species was provided, quantified their arbovirus (dengue, chikungunya and Zika) infection rates and biting activity.

RESULTS

Foraging times of H. vulnerata overlapped with those of the maximum activity of hematophagous mosquitoes. The most consumed preys were Diptera and Hymenoptera and, in lower quantities, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera, Psocoptera and Neuroptera. Of note, 7% of the diet was represented by hematophagous dipterans, with 2.4% being Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Prey abundance in the diet coincided with that of the same species in the environment. The arboviral infection rate (dengue, chikungunya and Zika) was 1.6% for A. aegypti and A. albopictus. The total biting rate of these mosquito vectors was 16 bites per person per day, while the annual rate of infectious bites was 93.4.

CONCLUSION

Although 2.4% for both Aedes species seems a low consumption, considering the presence of 12 odonate species at the park, it can be argued that adult odonates may play a relevant role as mosquito vector regulators, therefore impacting the spread of mosquito‐borne diseases. Our study outlines the need for further research on the topic of the possible role of adult odonates for mosquito biocontrol. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Transmembrane β‐peptide helices as molecular rulers at the membrane surface
Authors: Kloos Martin , Sharma Akshita , Enderlein Jörg , Diederichsen Ulf
Published: June 2021

β‐Peptides are known to form 14‐helices with high conformational rigidity, helical persistence length, and well‐defined spacing and orientation regularity of amino acid side chains. Therefore, β‐peptides are well suited to serve as backbone structures for molecular rulers. On the one hand, they can be functionalized in a site‐specific manner with molecular probes or fluorophores, and on the other hand, the β‐peptide helices can be recognized and anchored in a biological environment of interest. In this study, the β‐peptide helices were anchored in lipid bilayer membranes, and the helices were elongated in the outer membrane environment. The distances of the covalently bound probes to the membrane surface were determined using graphene‐induced energy transfer (GIET) spectroscopy, a method based on the distance‐dependent quenching of a fluorescent molecule by a nearby single graphene sheet. As a proof of principle, the predicted distances were determined for two fluorophores bound to the membrane‐anchored β‐peptide molecular ruler.
The perils of pandemic psychopharmacology
Authors: Price Lawrence H.
Published: June 2021

Throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic we've heard story after story in the lay media about the terrible toll this worldwide catastrophe has exacted on our collective mental health. Some of these stories have focused on specific age groups (children, teens, the elderly), others on specific ethnic groups (indigenous peoples, minorities), still others on impacts for just folks in general (loneliness, existential despair). There's been no shortage of reporting on specific professions, either. Near the very beginning of the pandemic last year, the resident‐selected topic of one of my monthly seminars with our Brown psychiatry residents was “The COVID‐19 pandemic and psychiatry — Impacts on healthcare providers.”
Automatic synthesis of feedforward elements in quantitative feedback theory
Authors: Elso Jorge , Ostolaza J. Xabier
Published: June 2021

Recent developments in quantitative feedback theory (QFT) lead to feedforward design problems with both magnitude and phase constraints. In these cases, manual feedforward tuning becomes much more challenging and time consuming than the traditional prefilter shaping taking place on the Bode plot. This article presents a general procedure for the automatic synthesis of such elements. Feedforward bounds in the complex plane are expressed as constraints of a linear programming problem in which the Bode real‐complex relation is implicitly considered, ensuring a stable rational solution. The methodology is successfully tested in a well‐known benchmark problem.
Modeling and inference for mixtures of simple symmetric exponential families of ‐dimensional distributions for vectors with binary coordinates
Authors: Chakraborty Abhishek , Vardeman Stephen B.
Published: June 2021

We propose tractable symmetric exponential families of distributions for multivariate vectors of 0's and 1's in dimensions, or what are referred to in this paper as binary vectors, that allow for nontrivial amounts of variation around some central value . We note that more or less standard asymptotics provides likelihood‐based inference in the one‐sample problem. We then consider mixture models where component distributions are of this form. Bayes analysis based on Dirichlet processes and Jeffreys priors for the exponential family parameters prove tractable and informative in problems where relevant distributions for a vector of binary variables are clearly not symmetric. We also extend our proposed Bayesian mixture model analysis to datasets with missing entries. Performance is illustrated through simulation studies and application to real datasets.
High‐performer mobility to entrepreneurship and parent‐firm performance
Authors: Gjerløv‐Juel Pernille , Dahl Michael S.
Published: June 2021

Research Summary

We investigate the effect of high‐performer employee mobility to same‐industry startups on parent‐firm performance. High‐performer mobility induces a loss of human assets but might also enable competition by transferring human and complementary assets from the parent firm to a competitor. Only when such transfer occurs is mobility to same‐industry startups more harmful than other types of high‐performer mobility. Human and complementary asset transfer is conditional on the departing high performer's ability to accumulate (and hence transfer) knowledge from the parent firm and the recipient firm's ability to absorb such knowledge. In support of this hypothesis, we show that the high performer's tenure and the startup's resources (size) moderate the performance effect of high‐performer mobility on same‐industry startups.

Managerial Summary

Industry experience is critical for new venture performance, and spinoff entrepreneurs (former employees from the same industry) perform better than other start‐ups. However, studies have found that high performers' mobility to spinoffs harms the performance of their former employers. This paper asks when do spinoffs result in increasing competition and when is spinoff entrepreneurship more harmful compared to other types of high performer mobility? We show that additional detrimental performance effects on former employers depend on employee tenure and the spinoffs' start‐up size. We argue that longer tenure increases competition because it allows the employee to form and strengthen personal relations, for example, to customers, and to accumulate more knowledge on products and processes. Start‐up size is important for the recreation and appropriation of this knowledge.
Fabrication of Chiral M13 Bacteriophage Film by Evaporation‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Park Soon Mo , Kim Won‐Geun , Kim Junkyu , Choi Eun‐Jung , Kim Hyoungsoo , Oh Jin‐Woo , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: June 2021

Biomacromolecules are likely to undergo self‐assembly and show specific collective behavior concentrated in the medium. Although the assembly procedures have been studied for unraveling their mysteries, there are few cases to directly demonstrate the collective behavior and phase transition process in dynamic systems. In the contribution, the drying process of M13 droplet is investigated, and can be successfully simulated by a doctor blade coating method. The morphologies in the deposited film are measured by atomic force microscopy and the liquid crystal phase development is captured in real time using polarized optical microscope. Collective behaviors near the contact line are characterized by the shape of meniscus curve and particle movement velocity. With considering rheological properties and flow, the resultant chiral film is used to align gold nanorods, and this approach can suggest a way to use M13 bacteriophage as a scaffold for the multi‐functional chiral structures.
Atomic Structural Evolution of Single‐Layer Pt Clusters as Efficient Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Bin‐Wei , Ren Long , Xu Zhong‐Fei , Cheng Ning‐Yan , Lai Wei‐Hong , Zhang Lei , Hao Weichang , Chu Sheng‐Qi , Wang Yun‐Xiao , Du Yi , Jiang Lei , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue
Published: June 2021

The rational synthesis of single‐layer noble metal directly anchored on support materials is an elusive target to accomplish for a long time. This paper reports well‐defined single‐layer Pt (Pt‐SL) clusters anchored on ultrathin TiO2 nanosheets—as a new frontier in electrocatalysis. The structural evolution of Pt‐SL/TiO2 via self‐assembly of single Pt atoms (Pt‐SA) is systematically recorded. Significantly, the Pt atoms of Pt‐SL/TiO2 possess a unique electronic configuration with PtPt covalent bonds surrounded by abundant unpaired electrons. This Pt‐SL/TiO2 catalyst presents enhanced electrochemical performance toward diverse electrocatalytic reactions (such as the hydrogen evolution reaction and the oxygen reduction reaction) compared with Pt‐SA, multilayer Pt nanoclusters, and Pt nanoparticles, suggesting an efficient new type of catalyst that can be achieved by constructing single‐layer atomic clusters on supports.
Supporting vet students
Authors: Blakemore Katharine
Published: June 2021

BVA membership marketing manager Katharine Blakemore describes how BVA has been supporting veterinary students during the pandemic.
Marginal deformations of a class of AdS3 $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (0, 4) holographic backgrounds
Authors: Zacarías Salomon
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We discuss marginal deformations of warped AdS3×S2 solutions preserving small $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 4) supersymmetry in massive IIA and eleven-dimensional supergravity and obtain a whole family of new solutions. We characterise these new backgrounds by studying some observables like the quantised charges, associated Hannany-Witten brane set-ups and the holographic central charge, the latter is shown to be invariant under the deformation. The study of the preservation of supersymmetry shows that the new backgrounds support a dynamical SU(2) structure on the internal five-dimensional space.
Spectral Invariance of $$*$$-Representations of Twisted Convolution Algebras with Applications in Gabor Analysis
Authors: Austad Are
Published: June 2021

We show spectral invariance for faithful $$*$$

∗

-representations for a class of twisted convolution algebras. More precisely, if G is a locally compact group with a continuous 2-cocycle c for which the corresponding Mackey group $$G_c$$

G
c

is $$C^*$$

C
∗

-unique and symmetric, then the twisted convolution algebra $$L^1 (G,c)$$

L
1

(
G
,
c
)

is spectrally invariant in $${\mathbb {B}}({\mathcal {H}})$$

B
(
H
)

for any faithful $$*$$

∗

-representation of $$L^1 (G,c)$$

L
1

(
G
,
c
)

as bounded operators on a Hilbert space $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
. As an application of this result we give a proof of the statement that if $$\Delta $$
Δ
is a closed cocompact subgroup of the phase space of a locally compact abelian group $$G'$$

G
′

, and if g is some function in the Feichtinger algebra $$S_0 (G')$$

S
0

(

G
′

)

that generates a Gabor frame for $$L^2 (G')$$

L
2

(

G
′

)

over $$\Delta $$
Δ
, then both the canonical dual atom and the canonical tight atom associated to g are also in $$S_0 (G')$$

S
0

(

G
′

)

. We do this without the use of periodization techniques from Gabor analysis.
The DRD2 Taq1A polymorphism moderates the effect of PTSD symptom severity on the left hippocampal CA3 volume: a pilot study
Authors: Yuan Minlan , Zhu Hongru , Li Yuchen , Ge Fenfen , Lui Su , Gong Qiyong , Qiu Changjian , Song Huan , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2021

Rationale and objectives

The hippocampus, especially the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) subfields, is reported to be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after trauma. However, neuroimaging studies of the associations between PTSD and hippocampal subfield volumes have failed to yield consistent findings. The aim of this study is to examine whether the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) Taq1A polymorphism, which is associated with both hippocampal function and PTSD, moderated the association between PTSD severity and hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG volumes.

Methods

T1-weighted images were acquired from 142 trauma survivors from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake using a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging system. Hippocampal subfield segmentations were performed with FreeSurfer v6.0. We used the simple moderation model from the PROCESS v3.4 tool for SPSS 23.0 to examine the association between the rs1800497 polymorphism, PTSD severity, and hippocampal CA3 and DG volumes.

Results

A significant genotype × PTSD symptom severity interaction was found for the left CA3 volume (ΔF = 5.01, p = 0.008, ΔR2 = 0.05). Post hoc, exploratory analyses deconstructing the interaction revealed that severe PTSD symptomatology were associated with reduced left CA3 volume among TC heterozygotes (t =  − 2.86, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

This study suggests that DRD2 Taq1A polymorphism moderates the association between PTSD symptomatology and left CA3 volume, which promotes an etiological understanding of the hippocampal atrophy at the subfield level. This highlights the complex effect of environmental stress, and provides possible mechanism for the relationship between the dopaminergic system and hippocampal function in PTSD.
Erasure decoding of convolutional codes using first-order representations
Authors: Lieb Julia , Rosenthal Joachim
Published: June 2021

It is well known that there is a correspondence between convolutional codes and discrete-time linear systems over finite fields. In this paper, we employ the linear systems representation of a convolutional code to develop a decoding algorithm for convolutional codes over the erasure channel. In this kind of channel, which is important due to its use for data transmission over the Internet, the receiver knows if a received symbol is correct. We study the decoding problem using the state space description of a convolutional code, and this provides in a natural way additional information. With respect to previously known decoding algorithms, our new algorithm has the advantage that it is able to reduce the decoding delay as well as the computational effort in the erasure recovery process. We describe which properties a convolutional code should have in order to obtain a good decoding performance and illustrate it with an example.
The smartphone as a tool to screen for scoliosis, applicable by everyone
Authors: van West H. M. , Herfkens J. , Rutges J. P. H. J. , Reijman M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose (main purposes and research question)

The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy and precision of the smartphone with application and casing (Scolioscreen) compared to the Scoliometer.

Methods

The Axial Trunk Rotation (ATR) was measured in adolescent scoliosis patients visiting the outpatient clinic while performing the Adam Forward Bending Test. The Scolioscreen measurements were performed by the orthopedic surgeon and a parent. They were compared to the measurement with the Scoliometer by the orthopedic surgeon, the gold standard. The accuracy was determined with the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and precision was determined by assessing the intra- and inter-variability with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Fifty patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (44 girls) were included with a mean age of 14.1 years and a mean Cobb angle of 38.5°. The accuracy of both the parents and orthopedic surgeon was excellent with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.92 and 0.97, respectively. All the ICC’s, both intra- and inter-observer, were over 0.92 demonstrating excellent precision.

Conclusion

This study confirms the accuracy and precision of the Scolioscreen when measuring the ATR on patients with AIS. Therefore, the Scoliometer can be replaced by the more easily available Scolioscreen which can be used by both physician and parents.
Comparison of spatial orientation skill between real and virtual environment
Authors: Pastel S. , Bürger D. , Chen C. H. , Petri K. , Witte K.
Published: June 2021

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool and is increasingly used in many different fields, in which virtual walking can be generalized through detailed modeling of the physical environment such as in sports science, medicine and furthermore. However, the visualization of a virtual environment using a head-mounted display (HMD) differs compared to reality, and it is still not clear whether the visual perception works equally within VR. The purpose of the current study is to compare the spatial orientation between real world (RW) and VR. Therefore, the participants had to walk blindfolded to different placed objects in a real and virtual environment, which did not differ in physical properties. They were equipped with passive markers to track the position of the back of their hand, which was used to specify each object’s location. The first task was to walk blindfolded from one starting position to different placed sport-specific objects requiring different degrees of rotation after observing them for 15 s (0°, 45°, 180°, and 225°). The three-way ANOVA with repeated measurements indicated no significant difference between RW and VR within the different degrees of rotation (p > 0.05). In addition, the participants were asked to walk blindfolded three times from a new starting position to two objects, which were ordered differently during the conditions. Except for one case, no significant differences in the pathways between RW and VR were found (p > 0.05). This study supports that the use of VR ensures similar behavior of the participants compared to real-world interactions and its authorization of use.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus detection in ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Cherif Soumia , Amine Abdessamad , Thies Sarah , Taube Eliane T. , Braicu Elena Ioana , Sehouli Jalid , Kaufmann Andreas M.
Published: June 2021

We conducted a meta-analysis of published data to update and estimate the prevalence of HPV in ovarian cancer. A comprehensive literature search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible articles published from 1989 until 2020 by searching Web of Sciences, Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library Central databases were gathered. A pooled estimation of HPV prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated based on a random effect model. Quantitative assessment of heterogeneity was explored using Cochrane test and I2. Additionally, publication bias, sensitivity, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were also performed. Twenty-nine studies involving 2280 patients with ovarian cancer were included. The statistical heterogeneity was high (I2 = 88%, P<0.0001). The pooled prevalence of HPV in ovarian cancer cases was 15.9% (95% CI, 11–22). In subgroup analyses, the highest prevalence of HPV was reported by studies from Asia (30.9%; 95% CI, 20–44) and Eastern Europe (29.3%; 95% CI, 4.4–78). Furthermore, the most frequently detected HPV genotype was HPV16 (54%; 95% CI, 27.9–55), followed by HPV18 (23.2%; 95% CI, 18.8–28.2). Our meta-analysis suggests a great difference in the prevalence of HPV detected in ovarian cancer by different studies, which is not seen in strongly HPV-associated cancers such as cervical cancer. However, the prevalence varied markedly by geographic region. Considering the substantial heterogeneity found, more studies with control groups and precise assays measuring HPV mRNA expression are needed to further evaluate the link and causative aetiology between HPV and ovarian cancer.
The EU Health Union in Search of a Definition and an Open Discussion
Authors: Sipiczki Agnes , Lannoo Karel
Published: June 2021

More than other EU ‘Unions’, the proposed Health Union requires proper definition because the EU’s competences are limited in this domain.
Country-by-Country Reporting: A Step Towards Unitary Taxation?
Authors: Viegas Miguel , Dias António
Published: June 2021

Multinational companies are now obliged to deliver an annual report to the tax authorities with information disaggregated by country (country-by-country reporting) in order to show where the assets and workers are allocated, how profits are distributed and to whom taxes are paid. Unfortunately, these reports are not made public in the European Union, thus preventing public scrutiny about the strategies used by multinational companies to displace profits to tax havens. This article applies the Unitary Taxation regime proposed by the European Commission to US multinational companies. The results confirm a strong bias among the profits distribution towards countries with lower corporate tax rates. Likewise, they confirm the capacity of the Unitary Taxation to promote a fairer distribution of tax revenues. These results can be a good contribution to the current Portuguese presidency of the European Union, which managed to gather important support to move forward with the European public country-by-country reporting directive.
Stress level effect on mobility of dry granular flows of angular rock fragments
Authors: Cagnoli B.
Published: June 2021

Granular flows of angular rock fragments such as rock avalanches and dense pyroclastic flows are simulated numerically by means of the discrete element method. Since large-scale flows generate stresses that are larger than those generated by small-scale flows, the purpose of these simulations is to understand the effect that the stress level has on flow mobility. The results show that granular flows that slide en mass have a flow mobility that is not influenced by the stress level. On the contrary, the stress level governs flow mobility when granular flow dynamics is affected by clast agitation and collisions. This second case occurs on a relatively rougher subsurface where an increase of the stress level causes an increase of flow mobility. The results show also that as the stress level increases, the effect that an increase of flow volume has on flow mobility switches sign from causing a decrease of mobility at low stress level to causing an increase of mobility at high stress level. This latter volume effect corresponds to the famous Heim’s mobility increase with the increase of the volume of large rock avalanches detected so far only in the field and for this reason considered inexplicable without resorting to extraordinary mechanisms. Granular flow dynamics is described in terms of dimensionless scaling parameters in three different granular flow regimes. This paper illustrates for each regime the functional relationship of flow mobility with stress level, flow volume, grain size, channel width, and basal friction.
Evolution of the seismic vulnerability of masonry buildings based on the damage data from L'Aquila 2009 event
Authors: Del Gaudio Carlo , Scala Santa Anna , Ricci Paolo , Verderame Gerardo M.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is the analysis of vulnerability trends, with particular emphasis to the evolution of the seismic behaviour of masonry buildings over the years due to the improvements in construction practices and to the enhancement of building materials over the years, also related to the subsequent enactment of seismic prescriptions. To this aim, residential masonry buildings damaged after the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake are considered, coming from the online platform Da.D.O. (Database di Danno Osservato, Database of Observed Damage) recently released from the Italian Department of Civil Protection. General features of all the parameters available from the original database are thoroughly analysed, a selection of which is used for vulnerability analysis, namely the period of construction and the design type, the presence of structural interventions, the type of horizontal structure. Vulnerability curves are obtained through an optimization technique, minimizing the deviation between observed and predicted damage. PGA from ShakeMap is used for ground motion characterization. Damage levels defined according to the European Macroseismic Scale are considered, obtained from the observed damage for vertical structures collected during the inspections. Vulnerability curves are firstly obtained as a function of period of construction and horizontal structural types, limited to the irregular layout and bad quality vertical type only, highlighting their clear influence on seismic behaviour. Lastly, the effectiveness of retrofit intervention is evaluated comparing the vulnerability curves for strengthened masonry buildings compared to those not subjected to any retrofit interventions.
Rate constants of dichloride radical anion reactions with molecules of environmental interest in aqueous solution: a review
Authors: Wojnárovits László , Takács Erzsébet
Published: June 2021

Natural waters, water droplets in the air at coastal regions and wastewaters usually contain chloride ions (Cl-) in relatively high concentrations in the milimolar range. In the reactions of highly oxidizing radicals (e.g.,•OH,•NO3, or SO4•-) in the nature or during wastewater treatment in advanced oxidation processes the chloride ions easily transform to chlorine containing radicals, such as Cl•, Cl2•-, and ClO•. This transformation basically affects the degradation of organic molecules. In this review about 400 rate constants of the dichloride radical anion (Cl2•-) with about 300 organic molecules is discussed together with the reaction mechanisms. The reactions with phenols, anilines, sulfur compounds (with sulfur atom in lower oxidation state), and molecules with conjugated electron systems are suggested to take place with electron transfer mechanism. The rate constant is high (107–109M-1s-1) when the reduction potential the one-electron oxidized species/molecule couple is well below that of the Cl2•-/2Cl-couple.
Approximating the product knapsack problem
Authors: Pferschy Ulrich , Schauer Joachim , Thielen Clemens
Published: June 2021

We consider the product knapsack problem, which is the variant of the classical 0-1 knapsack problem where the objective consists of maximizing the product of the profits of the selected items. These profits are allowed to be positive or negative. We present the first fully polynomial-time approximation scheme for the product knapsack problem, which is known to be weakly -hard. Moreover, we analyze the approximation quality achieved by a natural extension of the classical knapsack greedy procedure to the product knapsack problem.
Workforce participation in relation to cancer diagnosis, type and stage: Australian population-based study of 163,556 middle-aged people
Authors: Thandrayen Joanne , Joshy Grace , Stubbs John , Bailey Louise , Butow Phyllis , Koczwara Bogda , Laidsaar-Powell Rebekah , Rankin Nicole M. , Beckwith Katie , Soga Kay , Yazidjoglou Amelia , Bin Sayeed Muhammad Shahdaat , Canfell Karen , Banks Emily
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To quantify the relationship of cancer diagnosis to workforce participation in Australia, according to cancer type, clinical features and personal characteristics.

Methods

Questionnaire data (2006–2009) from participants aged 45–64 years (n=163,556) from the population-based 45 and Up Study (n=267,153) in New South Wales, Australia, were linked to cancer registrations to ascertain cancer diagnoses up to enrolment. Modified Poisson regression estimated age- and sex-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for non-participation in the paid workforce—in participants with cancer (n=8,333) versus without (n=155,223), for 13 cancer types.

Results

Overall, 42% of cancer survivors and 29% of people without cancer were out of the workforce (PR=1.18; 95%CI=1.15–1.21). Workforce non-participation varied substantively by cancer type, being greatest for multiple myeloma (1.83; 1.53–2.18), oesophageal (1.70; 1.13–2.58) and lung cancer (1.68; 1.45–1.93) and moderate for colorectal (1.23; 1.15–1.33), breast (1.11; 1.06–1.16) and prostate cancer (1.06; 0.99–1.13). Long-term survivors, 5 or more years post-diagnosis, had 12% (7–16%) greater non-participation than people without cancer, and non-participation was greater with recent diagnosis, treatment or advanced stage. Physical disability contributed substantively to reduced workforce participation, regardless of cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors aged 45–64 continue to participate in the workforce. However, participation is lower than in people without cancer, varying by cancer type, and is reduced particularly around the time of diagnosis and treatment and with advanced disease.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

While many cancer survivors continue with paid work, participation is reduced. Workforce retention support should be tailored to survivor preferences, cancer type and cancer journey stage.