bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of using Clinical Practice Research Datalink data to identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to enrol into real‐world trials
Authors: Requena Gema , Wolf Achim , Williams Rachael , Dedman Daniel , Quint Jennifer K. , Murray‐Thomas Tarita , Pimenta Jeanne M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of using Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) data for identifying populations of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) eligible for a hypothetical pragmatic trial.

Methods

A retrospective multidatabase cohort study using CPRD primary care and linked secondary care data to describe the characteristics of populations of patients with COPD. Patients' demographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidity profile, spirometry measurements and treatment changes were evaluated, as was the distribution of follow‐up time and types of losses during follow‐up. Characteristics were evaluated using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 322 991 patients from 1148 primary care practices in the United Kingdom across two CPRD primary care databases, CPRD GOLD and CPRD Aurum, were potentially eligible to participate in a hypothetical trial using CPRD, starting on 31 December 2017. Patients with COPD in CPRD GOLD and CPRD Aurum were comparable in terms of age (median age 70 vs. 68 years), gender (50% vs. 52% male), disease severity (e.g., 25% vs. 24% Medical Research Council [MRC] dyspnoea score grades 3–5) and history of respiratory conditions (e.g., 43% vs. 38% asthma). High proportions of patients with COPD in CPRD GOLD and CPRD Aurum were available on 31 December 2012 for follow‐up at 1, 2, and 5 years (92%, 85% and 67%, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients and data from CPRD GOLD and CPRD Aurum were comparable across key aspects relevant to COPD trials. A pragmatic trial using CPRD to recruit patients with COPD is scientifically feasible.
Genetic modification of the flavonoid pathway alters growth and reveals flexible responses to enhanced UVB – Role of foliar condensed tannins
Authors: Thitz Paula , Hagerman Ann E. , Randriamanana Tendry R. , Virjamo Virpi , Kosonen Minna , Lännenpää Mika , Nyman Tommi , Mehtätalo Lauri , Kontunen‐Soppela Sari , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta
Published: December 2020

Accumulation of certain phenolics is a well‐known response of plants to enhanced UVB radiation (280–315 nm), but few experiments have compared the relative importance of different phenolic groups for UVB resilience. To study how an altered phenolic profile affects the responses and resilience of silver birch (Betula pendula) to enhanced UVB, we used RNA interference (RNAi) targeting dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), or anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) to change the accumulation of phenolics. The unmodified control line and RNAi‐modified plants were grown for 51 days under ambient or +32% enhanced UVB dose in a greenhouse. RNAi greatly affected phenolic profile and plant growth. There were no interactive effects of RNAi and UVB on growth or photosynthesis, which indicates that the RNAi and unmodified control plants were equally resilient. UVB enhancement led to an accumulation of foliar flavonoids and condensed tannins, and an increase in the density of stem glands and glandular trichomes on upper leaf surfaces in both the control and RNAi‐modified plants. Our results do not indicate a photoprotective role for condensed tannins. However, decreased growth of high‐flavonoid low‐tannin DFRi and ANRi plants implies that the balance of flavonoids and condensed tannins might be important for normal plant growth.
Possible role of radiotherapy in the management of orbital solitary fibrous tumors
Authors: Cereno Reno Eufemon , Cañal Johanna Patricia , Ranche Felice Katrina
Published: December 2020

As solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are rare orbital neoplasms, the role of radiotherapy in their management remains unclear. We report three SFT cases who underwent radiotherapy for different clinical scenarios. Case 1 was a 20‐year‐old woman who presented with a 2‐year history of worsening left eye proptosis, eventually leading to its enucleation. A histopathological diagnosis of SFT was established. Recurrence was noted after 3 months and was partially resected, as limited by its location and extent. The residual tumor was given 60 Gy through three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Case 2 was a 23‐year‐old man who had been experiencing painless right eye proptosis for 8 months before undergoing excision, which revealed a diagnosis of SFT. With no residual mass detected on imaging, 54 Gy was delivered to the postoperative bed through intensity‐modulated radiotherapy. Case 3 was a 49‐year‐old man with a 3‐year history of blurred vision and left eye proptosis who underwent subtotal resection, which revealed a diagnosis of malignant SFT. A dose of 64 Gy was delivered to the residual tumor through intensity‐modulated radiotherapy.

Grade 2 dermatitis was noted. No worsening in vision was observed. The patients remained recurrence‐free after 18, 12, and 5 months, respectively.

Radiotherapy might provide a high tumor control probability in orbital SFT.
Consolidation chemotherapy might improve pathological complete response for locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Jin , Yue Jinbo
Published: December 2020

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) have an improved prognosis. The need for surgery in these patients has been questioned; however, the proportion of patients who achieve pCR and receive a wait‐and‐watch strategy is small. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate whether neoadjuvant consolidation chemotherapy leads to a higher rate of pCR than standard CRT alone in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. To this end, we carried out a meta‐analysis of three clinical controlled trials, consisting of 466 patients who were divided into the CRT group (n = 211) and the consolidation chemotherapy group (n = 255). The results showed that consolidation chemotherapy could significantly improve the pCR rate compared with neoadjuvant CRT alone (pooled odds ratio for pCR 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.09–3.57, P = 0.03) and did not increase the adverse events (odds ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval 0.77–2.50, P = 0.28 for grades 1–2; odds ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.14–6.13, P = 0.93 for grades 3–4). The findings of our study showed that adding consolidation chemotherapy after CRT is a safe approach that could lead to a higher pCR rate in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Gas flare systems—Last line defense
Authors: Vallavanatt Rimon , Self Freeman
Published: December 2020

Process gas flares are considered a key equipment in a refinery, chemical, production, or LNG plant for controlled high‐efficiency combustion of unwanted gases during malfunction, startup, shutdown, and maintenance, but gas flaring also produces some undesirable by‐products such as noise, smoke, heat radiation, light, and pollutants. This paper will focus on combustion aspects. It will cover details for gas flares including burners, structures, as well as operational factors, flaring regulations, and flaring reduction. On the other hand, it will not discuss details well covered in complementary American Petroleum Institute standards such as flare headers, collection of liquids and knock‐out drums, mitigation of air ingress and seals, flare pilots, and flame monitoring.
An efficient method for identifying the chemical hazards of exception‐handling tasks and processes derived from abnormal process conditions
Authors: Liaw Horng‐Jang
Published: December 2020

Hazards that result from inappropriate exception‐handling tasks and processes performed in response to abnormal process conditions are not easily identified or cannot be identified at all, using only traditional hazard identification methods, such as normal hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies, failure mode and effects analysis, what‐if analysis, procedural HAZOP, and job safety analysis. This study thus proposes an efficient chemical hazard‐based method for identifying such potential hazards. The method comprises a checklist for identifying intrinsic chemical hazards and the exception tasks and processes which may initiate such hazards and a worksheet for performing the chemical hazard assessment of the identified exception tasks and processes. The checklist provides management with a useful tool for identifying the exception tasks and processes which may result in chemical hazards. Meanwhile, the hazard assessment worksheet provides an effective tool for evaluating the potential chemical hazards of the identified exception‐handling tasks and processes, assessing the effectiveness of existing safeguards for preventing and reducing such hazards, and drawing up additional recommendations if required. The operation of the proposed method is demonstrated through two case studies.
Strontium isotope ratios related to childhood mobility: Revisiting sampling strategies of the calcined human pars petrosa ossis temporalis
Authors: Veselka Barbara , Locher Heiko , de Groot John C.M.J. , Davies Gareth R. , Snoeck Christophe , Kootker Lisette M.
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Strontium isotope analysis can be applied to the calcined human otic capsule in the petrous part (pars petrosa ossis temporalis; PP) to gain information on childhood mobility in archaeological and forensic contexts. However, only a thin layer of the otic capsule, the inner cortex, demonstrates virtually no remodelling. This paper proposes an improved sampling method for the accurate sampling of the inner cortex of the otic capsule to ensure that87Sr/86Sr ratios related to early childhood are obtained.

Methods

Calcined rib and diaphyseal fragments and PP from ten cremation deposits are sampled for strontium isotope analysis, whereby our improved sampling strategy is applied to sample the inner cortex of the otic capsule. This allows inter‐ and intraskeletal87Sr/86Sr comparison within an Iron Age collection from Oss, The Netherlands.

Results

Forty percent (4/10) of the calcined PP that were evaluated for this study show marked differences in87Sr/86Sr (0.00035–0.00065) between the inner cortex and the bone sample surrounding this layer, the external cortex that has higher remodelling rates. Differences in87Sr/86Sr between various skeletal elements also aided in the identification of the minimum number of individuals.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the problematic nature of the external cortex and stresses the need for a precise sampling method of the correct areas of the otic capsule. This can only be obtained by cutting the calcined PP midmodiolarly to enable adequate combustion degree assessment, and the correct identification and sampling of the inner cortex of the otic capsule.
SSUE: Simultaneous state and uncertainty estimation for dynamical systems
Authors: Geng Hang , Haile Mulugeta A. , Fang Huazhen
Published: December 2020

Parameters of the mathematical model describing many practical dynamical systems are prone to vary due to aging or renewal, wear and tear, as well as changes in environmental or service conditions. These variabilities will adversely affect the accuracy of state estimation. In this article, we introduce SSUE: simultaneous state and uncertainty estimation for quantifying parameter uncertainty while simultaneously estimating the internal state of a system. Our approach involves the development of a Bayesian framework that recursively updates the posterior joint density of the unknown state vector and parameter uncertainty. To execute the framework for practical implementation, we develop a computational algorithm based on maximum a posteriori estimation and the numerical Newton's method. Observability analysis is conducted for linear systems, and its relation with the consistency of the estimation of the uncertainty's location is unveiled. Additional simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed SSUE approach.
A delay‐independent output feedback law for discrete‐time linear systems with bounded unknown input delay
Authors: Wei Yusheng , Lin Zongli
Published: December 2020

Bounded input delay frequently arises in discrete‐time linear systems. The standard predictor feedback design requires the exact knowledge of the delay. Such a requirement on the availability of the delay knowledge poses challenges in the design of robust control laws when only the knowledge of an upper bound of the delay is known. We propose such a design in this article. Based on the delay‐independent truncated predictor state feedback design, an observer‐based output feedback law is constructed that does not contain any explicit information of the delay. For a general, possibly exponentially unstable, discrete‐time linear system, the proposed output feedback law stabilizes the system as long as the delay does not exceed a certain amount. For the special case of systems with all the open‐loop poles on or inside the unit circle, a low gain feedback design is presented. This low gain design allows us to establish that, when all the open‐loop poles of a system are at z = 1 or inside the unit circle, stabilization can be achieved for an arbitrarily large bounded delay as long as the value of the low gain parameter is chosen small enough.
Stabilization of semi‐Markovian jump systems by a stochastically scheduled controller
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Fan Qiang
Published: December 2020

This article considers the stabilization problem of continuous‐time semi‐Markovian jump systems. A kind of stochastically scheduled controller is proposed to realize the aim. It could also suffer a case that no controller is added to subsystems during some time slices. Based on a Lyapunov approach, sufficient conditions for such a controller are presented with LMI forms. Both sojourn times of jump signal and distribution properties of stochastic scheduling are involved and have positive roles in getting better performances. Two special cases about mode‐dependent and mode‐independent controllers are directly obtained. A practical example is given to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.
Thiopyrimidine‐5‐carbonitrile Derivatives as VEGFR‐2 Inhibitors: Synthesis, Anticancer Evaluation, Molecular Docking, ADME Predictions and QSAR Studies
Authors: El‐serwy Walaa S. , Mohamed Hanaa S. , El‐serwy Weam S. , Mohamed Neama A. , Kassem Emad M. M. , Mahmoud Khaled , Nossier Eman S.
Published: December 2020

In this study, several novel thiopyrimidine‐5‐carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized and antitumor activity was investigated. Among them, N‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐2‐cyanoacetyl hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide 6 revealed that the most potent cytotoxic activity against all tested cell lines, that it is why; it was subjected to in vitro kinase inhibitory assay. Molecular docking simulation was done to verify the binding mode towards VEGFR‐2 and afforded clear evidence on the observed anticancer behavior. Prediction of ADME properties and QSAR study of compounds was carried out, respectively.
A Fluorogenic Triphenyl‐Amine‐Naphthyl‐Hydrazide Probe Selective for Cu2+ and Cysteine Detection via an ON‐OFF‐ON Logic path with Real Applications
Authors: Paul Sukanya , Dey Sunanda , Pal Kunal , Maity Suvendu , Jana Kuladip , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: December 2020

1,1′‐((1E,1′E)‐((2E,2′E)(((phenylazanediyl)bis(4,1‐phenylene))bis‐(methanylylidene))bis‐ (hydrazine‐2,1‐diylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(naphthalen‐2‐ol), H2L shows high fluorescence emission (λem, 550 nm; λabs, 420 nm) which is selectively quenched by Cu2+ in presence of many other biologically important ions. The limit of detection (LOD), 7.3 nM is much lower than WHO recommended maximum permissible limit (20 μM) of Cu2+consumption in human body. The binding fashion of the probe to Cu2+ ion is 1 : 2 mole ratio and has been confirmed by Job's plot and ESI‐MS spectral data. The binding constant for Cu2+ is 4.93×1010 M−2 which also indicates sufficient stability and 1 : 2 complexation. On addition of cysteine to L‐Cu2+ensemble,the emission intensity (550 nm) enhances which accounts the release of Cu2+ from the non‐emissive complex and restores the total fluorogenic efficiency of probe, H2L (LOD (Cysteine), 36 nM). Thus, ON‐OFF‐ON mechanism of H2L has been utilized for selective and specific detection of Cu2+ and Cysteine over several other amino acids. In addition to this, the probe is treated on WI‐38 cell line to check cytotoxicity. This chemosensor, H2L has been successfully applied to examine intracellular trace quantity of Cu2+ and Cysteine concentration in Hep G2 Cell lines.
A Flexible DNA Biosensor for Breast Cancer Marker BRCA1 Detection
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Huanyu , Shen Xiaohui , Wang Fenghe , Mao Chun
Published: December 2020

Early detection of breast cancer is of great significance to improve the prognosis and survival rate of breast cancer. However, how to detect breast cancer 1 gene mutation (BRCA1) efficiently in early stage is still a great challenge. In the past few decades, more and more attention has been paid to the design of a biosensor. In this work, A method for rapid detection of specific BRCA1 using silver nanowires modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film as a disposable electrode was proposed. With a high aspect ratio, AgNWs distributed in the PET film were easy to form a conductive network as a flexible electrode. A well‐conductive gold sputtering layer can prevent AgNW from falling off to provide a conductive and stable electrode substrate. The Au‐HRP can effectively reflect the hybridization matching phenomenon of target. Results indicated this strategy we proposed had a low detection limit with different concentrations of complementary DNA with limit of detection of 5.3×10−15 M in the range from 5.0×10−10 M to 5.0×10−7 M. Due to the high sensitivity, simplicity and cheap price, arbitrary cut, AgNWs/PET film becomes a promising electrode material for quantification of low concentration biological component in early diagnosis.
Ecofriendly and Facile One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of 5‐Phenyl‐5,10‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐d : 6,5‐d′]dipyrimidine‐2,4,6,8(1H,3H,7H,9H)‐tetraone Derivatives Catalyzed by CuII Immobilized on Functionalized Magnetic Mesoporous MCM‐41 (Fe3O4@MCM‐41‐GPTMS‐Gu‐CuII)
Authors: Baf Mozhgan Mazloum Farsi , Akhlaghinia Batool , Zarei Zeinab , Ghodsinia Sara S. E.
Published: December 2020

In the present study, CuII immobilized on functionalized magnetic mesoporous MCM‐41 (Fe3O4@MCM‐41‐GPTMS‐Gu‐CuII) was prepared as a new, versatile, and magnetically nanocatalyst and characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, small‐angle XRD, BET, TEM, SEM, EDX, EDX‐mapping, TGA, VSM, XPS, and ICP techniques. The characterizations show the presence of MCM‐41 with a hexagonal structure, superparamagnetic behavior, and an average particle size of 8–25 nm. The catalytic activity of the nanocatalyst was evaluated towards the synthesis of structurally different 5‐phenyl‐5,10‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐d : 6,5‐d′]dipyrimidine‐2,4,6,8(1H,3H,7H,9H) tetraone derivatives through one‐pot multicomponent condensation under green conditions. Fe3O4@MCM‐41‐GPTMS‐Gu‐CuII catalyzed many consecutive trials at least five runs. High to excellent yields in short reaction times, simple procedure, environmental friendliness, less toxic solvents, high stability, and reusability of the catalyst are considerable advantages of the prepared catalytic system.
Syntheses and Applications of Malonamide Derivatives – A Minireview
Authors: Aderibigbe Abiodun D. , Day David P.
Published: December 2020

Malonamide derivatives are an important class of organic compounds utilized in an array of applications. As such, numerous research efforts have focused on ways to synthesize and decorate these molecules. This minireview is separated into sections focusing on syntheses of malonamide derivatives from key starting materials. Throughout this report, critical analysis of the routes to and applications of malonamide derivatives are documented, highlighting the adaptability across scientific fields.
(Arylsulfinyl)difluoromethylation of Alkyl Halides: Facile Access to Diverse Fluorinated Compounds
Authors: Liu Hefu , Wang Zhongyi , Li Xiangye , Diao Zhengzhen , Liu Hui , Sun Fenggang , Li Yueyun , Dong Yunhui , Li Xinjin
Published: December 2020

A facile and efficient (arylsulfinyl)difluoromethylation of alkyl halides with aryl difluoromethyl sulfoxide (ArSOCF2H) has been developed. The reaction tolerates a variety of functional groups and afford the (arylsulfinyl)difluoromethylated products in moderate to good yields. Reduction of the sulfoxide products can conveniently afford aromatic difluoroalkylsulfides in good yields and the transformation of phenylsulfinyl group to other useful moieties is also accomplished. It is noted that the difluoromethyl heteroaryl sulfoxides (2‐PySOCF2H and BTSOCF2H) give heteroaryl thioethers rather than difluoroalkyled sulfoxides by removal of carbonylfluoride (COF2).
Synthetic route to vanadium(III) dichalcogenidophosphinate complexes, V(S2PPh2)3 and V(Se2PPh2)3: A spectroscopic and structural comparative study with analogous complexes of chromium(III), Cr(E2PPh2)3 (E=S, Se)
Authors: Phipps Christine A. , Rosenberger Joanna M. , Miller McKenzie M. , Parkin Sean R. , Brown Jessie L.
Published: December 2020

Addition of the potassium dichalcogenidodiphenylphosphinate salts, KE2PPh2 (E=S, Se), to either the THF solvate of vanadium(III) chloride or unsolvated chromium(III) chloride results in rapid ligand substitution and the formation of a series of closely‐related trivalent, neutral mononuclear complexes, M(E2PPh2)3 (M=V, Cr; E=S, Se), isolated in modest to good yield. The metal dichalcogenidophosphinate complexes reported herein were characterized by IR, UV‐vis, and 1H NMR spectroscopies, and their solid‐state molecular structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Importantly, the comparative analysis includes the structural and spectroscopic studies of two rare V(III) dithio‐ and diseleno‐phosphinate VE6 cores, as well as, two previously known CrE6 analogues. In the solid‐state the title complexes exhibit trigonal distortion from octahedral with torsion angles ranging from 43(2) to 50.3(6)° and structural parameters consistent with ligation of progressively ‘softer’ chalcogen‐donors.
Charakteristika und Outcome von 70 beatmeten COVID-19-Patienten
Authors: Schroeder Ines , Scharf Christina , Zoller Michael , Wassilowsky Dietmar , Frank Sandra , Stecher Stephanie-Susanne , Stemmler Joachim , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Peterß Sven , Zwißler Bernhard , Irlbeck Michael
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Eine aktuelle, deutschlandweite Datenerhebung zeigte bei beatmeten Patienten mit COVID-19 eine Letalität von über 50 %. Auch am LMU Klinikum wurde eine große Anzahl an Patienten mit COVID-19 mit teils erheblicher Erkrankungsschwere intensivmedizinisch behandelt.

Fragestellung

Die Daten der am LMU-Klinikum behandelten COVID-19-Patienten wurden systematisch ausgewertet und mit den deutschlandweiten Daten verglichen.

Methodik

Für die vorliegende Studie wurden die Daten aller Patienten, die bis zum 31.07.2020 am LMU-Klinikum aufgrund von COVID-19 invasiv und nichtinvasiv beatmet wurden und deren Krankenhausaufenthalt zum Zeitpunkt der Auswertung bereits abgeschlossen war, analysiert und mittels deskriptiver Statistik aufgearbeitet.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 70 kritisch kranke, beatmete Patienten (SAPS-II-Median: 62 Punkte) analysiert (Altersmedian: 66 Jahre, 81 % männlich). Über 90 % wurden wegen eines akuten Lungenversagens (ARDS) unterschiedlicher Schweregrade behandelt. Eine Therapie mittels extrakorporaler Membranoxygenierung (ECMO) war bei 10 % erforderlich. Die Übernahme von externen Kliniken im Rahmen einer ARDS/ECMO-Anfrage erfolgte bei 27,1 % der Patienten. Häufig eingesetzte immunmodulatorische Therapien waren die Behandlung mit Cytosorb® (18,6 %) und die prolongierte Gabe von Methylprednisolon (25,7 %). Die krankenhausinterne Letalität betrug 28,6 %.

Fazit

Trotz erheblicher Erkrankungsschwere lag die Letalität bei beatmeten COVID-19-Intensivpatienten im LMU-Kollektiv deutlich unter der deutschlandweit erhobenen Letalität. Ein möglicher Faktor ist die Behandlung in einem Zentrum für ARDS.
What is the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in the management of oral cancer in 2020?
Authors: de Bree Remco , de Keizer Bart , Civantos Francisco J. , Takes Robert P. , Rodrigo Juan P. , Hernandez-Prera Juan C. , Halmos Gyorgy B. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: December 2020

Approximately 70–80% of patients with cT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ultimately prove to have no cancer in the cervical lymphatics on final pathology after selective neck dissection. As a result, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been adopted during the last decade as a diagnostic staging method to intelligently identify patients who would benefit from formal selective lymphadenectomy or neck irradiation. While not yet universally accepted, SLNB is now incorporated in many national guidelines. SLNB offers a less invasive alternative to elective neck dissection (END), and has some advantages and disadvantages. SLNB can assess the individual drainage pattern and, with step serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry (IHC), can enable the accurate detection of micrometastases and isolated tumor cells (ITCs). Staging of the neck is improved relative to END with routine histopathological examination. The improvements in staging are particularly notable for the contralateral neck and the pretreated neck. However, for floor of mouth (FOM) tumors, occult metastases are frequently missed by SLNB due to the proximity of activity from the primary site to the lymphatics (the shine through phenomenon). For FOM cancers, it is advised to perform either elective neck dissection or superselective neck dissection of the preglandular triangle of level I. New tracers and techniques under development may improve the diagnostic accuracy of SLNB for early-stage OSCC, particularly for FOM tumors. Treatment of the neck (either neck dissection or radiotherapy), although limited to levels I–IV, remains mandatory for any positive category of metastasis (macrometastasis, micrometastasis, or ITCs). Recently, the updated EANM practical guidelines for SLN localization in OSCC and the surgical consensus guidelines on SLNB in patients with OSCC were published. In this review, the current evidence and results of SLNB in early OSCC are presented.
Can Migrants’ Emigration Intentions Predict Their Actual Behaviors? Evidence from a Swiss Survey
Authors: Wanner Philippe
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we use original linked data to better understand the relationship between remigration intentions and actual behaviors and, more specifically, to verify whether remigration intentions can predict migrants’ actual behaviors. To do so, we compare self-declared remigration intentions with actual departures during the 2 years following a survey. Then, we analyze to what extent the factors associated with both dimensions are similar. The results show that 96% of migrants who wanted to stay in Switzerland actually stayed and that 71% of those who wanted to leave the country actually left. Overall, intentions were a good predictor of behaviors, and the factors associated with remigration intentions and actual behaviors were almost the same. However, intentions reflected migrants’ personal feelings at the time of the survey and sometimes reflected their potential to remain in Switzerland from a legal point of view. Behaviors were more rational than intentions in that migrants’ reflections on their actual situations were more profound, and their choices to stay in Switzerland or to leave were thus influenced by rational elements such as their labor market situations or family constraints.
Is Training with the N-Back Task More Effective Than with Other Tasks? N-Back vs. Dichotic Listening vs. Simple Listening
Authors: Studer-Luethi Barbara , Meier Beat
Published: December 2020

Cognitive training most commonly uses computerized tasks that stimulate simultaneous cognitive processing in two modalities, such as a dual n-back task with visual and auditive stimuli, or on two receptive channels, such as a listening task with dichotically presented stimuli. The present study was designed to compare a dual n-back task and a dichotic listening (DL) task with an active control condition (a simple listening task) and a no-training control condition for their impact on cognitive performance, daily life memory, and mindfulness. One hundred thirty healthy adults aged 18–55 years were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions. The training consisted of twenty 15-min sessions spread across 4 weeks. The results indicated some improvement on episodic memory tasks and a trend for enhanced performance in an untrained working memory (WM) span task following cognitive training relative to the no-training control group. However, the only differential training effects were found for the DL training in increasing choice reaction performance and a trend for self-reported mindfulness. Transfer to measures of fluid intelligence and memory in daily life did not emerge. Additionally, we found links between self-efficacy and n-back training performance and between emotion regulation and training motivation. Our results contribute to the field of WM training by demonstrating that our listening tasks are comparable in effect to a dual n-back task in slightly improving memory. The possibility of improving attentional control and mindfulness through dichotic listening training is promising and deserves further consideration.
The analysis of freshwater pearl mussel shells using µ-XRF (micro-x-ray fluorescence) and the applicability for environmental reconstruction
Authors: Leppänen J. J. , Saarinen T. , Jilbert T. , Oulasvirta P.
Published: December 2020

Freshwater pearl mussel is a highly threatened species, and many populations are currently on the brink of local extinction. For example, in south Finland, only two populations are currently viable. Even though the reasons for the mussels’ demise are relatively well known, the long-term impacts of water quality are not completely resolved. Here, µ-XRF analysis and historical records were used to evaluate whether the differences in water chemistry or past environmental changes in three rivers in southern Finland are visible in mussel shell chemistry. The results show that the cracks inside mussel shells, invisible to the naked eye, may greatly affect the elemental composition results. Further, anomalies which could be related to inclusion of detrital matter inside the shells were detected. Manganese (Mn) seems to be related to mussel growth dynamics, especially in the nacreous layer, while high values of iron (Fe) and Mn are also present at the top sections of the prismatic layer. Line scan analysis revealed high variation between replicates. The µ-XRF method could be used as prescreening method in mussel sclerochemistry studies, but more studies are needed to clarify the ability of FPM shells to reliably record the environmental conditions.
On unique continuation principles for some elliptic systems
Authors: Moreira dos Santos Ederson , Nornberg Gabrielle , Soave Nicola
Published: December 2020

In this paper we prove unique continuation principles for some systems of elliptic partial differential equations satisfying a suitable superlinearity condition. As an application, we obtain nonexistence of nontrivial (not necessarily positive) radial solutions for the Lane-Emden system posed in a ball, in the critical and supercritical regimes. Some of our results also apply to general fully nonlinear operators, such as Pucci's extremal operators, being new even for scalar equations.
The Global Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes, Variants, and Haplotypes in 2019nCoVR
Authors: Song Shuhui , Ma Lina , Zou Dong , Tian Dongmei , Li Cuiping , Zhu Junwei , Chen Meili , Wang Anke , Ma Yingke , Li Mengwei , Teng Xufei , Cui Ying , Duan Guangya , Zhang Mochen , Jin Tong , Shi Chengmin , Du Zhenglin , Zhang Yadong , Liu Chuandong , Li Rujiao , Zeng Jingyao , Hao Lili , Jiang Shuai , Chen Hua , Han Dali , Xiao Jingfa , Zhang Zhang , Zhao Wenming , Xue Yongbiao , Bao Yiming
Published: December 2020

On January 22, 2020, China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB) released the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Resource (2019nCoVR), an open-access information resource for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 2019nCoVR features a comprehensive integration of sequence and clinical information for all publicly available SARS-CoV-2 isolates, which are manually curated with value-added annotations and quality evaluated by an automated in-house pipeline. Of particular note, 2019nCoVR offers systematic analyses to generate a dynamic landscape of SARS-CoV-2 genomic variations at a global scale. It provides all identified variants and their detailed statistics for each virus isolate, and congregates the quality score, functional annotation, and population frequency for each variant. Spatiotemporal change for each variant can be visualized and historical viral haplotype network maps for the course of the outbreak are also generated based on all complete and high-quality genomes available. Moreover, 2019nCoVR provides a full collection of SARS-CoV-2 relevant literature on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including published papers from PubMed as well as preprints from services such as bioRxiv and medRxiv through Europe PMC. Furthermore, by linking with relevant databases in CNCB, 2019nCoVR offers data submission services for raw sequence reads and assembled genomes, and data sharing with NCBI. Collectively, SARS-CoV-2 is updated daily to collect the latest information on genome sequences, variants, haplotypes, and literature for a timely reflection, making 2019nCoVR a valuable resource for the global research community. 2019nCoVR is accessible at https://bigd.big.ac.cn/ncov/.
Generation of geometric interpolations of building types with deep variational autoencoders
Authors: de Miguel Rodríguez Jaime , Villafañe Maria Eugenia , Piškorec Luka , Sancho Caparrini Fernando
Published: December 2020

This work presents a methodology for the generation of novel 3D objects resembling wireframes of building types. These result from the reconstruction of interpolated locations within the learnt distribution of variational autoencoders (VAEs), a deep generative machine learning model based on neural networks. The data set used features a scheme for geometry representation based on a ‘connectivity map’ that is especially suited to express the wireframe objects that compose it. Additionally, the input samples are generated through ‘parametric augmentation’, a strategy proposed in this study that creates coherent variations among data by enabling a set of parameters to alter representative features on a given building type. In the experiments that are described in this paper, more than 150 k input samples belonging to two building types have been processed during the training of a VAE model. The main contribution of this paper has been to explore parametric augmentation for the generation of large data sets of 3D geometries, showcasing its problems and limitations in the context of neural networks and VAEs. Results show that the generation of interpolated hybrid geometries is a challenging task. Despite the difficulty of the endeavour, promising advances are presented.
Chaos and frequent hypercyclicity for weighted shifts
Authors: CHARPENTIER STÉPHANE , GROSSE-ERDMANN KARL , MENET QUENTIN
Published: December 2020

Bayart and Ruzsa [Difference sets and frequently hypercyclic weighted shifts.Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.35(2015), 691–709] have recently shown that every frequently hypercyclic weighted shift on$\ell ^p$is chaotic. This contrasts with an earlier result of Bayart and Grivaux [Frequently hypercyclic operators.Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.358(2006), 5083–5117], who constructed a non-chaotic frequently hypercyclic weighted shift on$c_0$. We first generalize the Bayart–Ruzsa theorem to all Banach sequence spaces in which the unit sequences form a boundedly complete unconditional basis. We then study the relationship between frequent hypercyclicity and chaos for weighted shifts on Fréchet sequence spaces, in particular, on Köthe sequence spaces, and then on the special class of power series spaces. We obtain, rather curiously, that every frequently hypercyclic weighted shift on$H(\mathbb {D})$is chaotic, while$H(\mathbb {C})$admits a non-chaotic frequently hypercyclic weighted shift.
Diffeomorphism cocycles over partially hyperbolic systems
Authors: SADOVSKAYA VICTORIA
Published: December 2020

We consider Hölder continuous cocycles over an accessible partially hyperbolic system with values in the group of diffeomorphisms of a compact manifold
$\mathcal {M}$
. We obtain several results for this setting. If a cocycle is bounded in
$C^{1+\gamma }$
, we show that it has a continuous invariant family of
$\gamma $
-Hölder Riemannian metrics on
$\mathcal {M}$
. We establish continuity of a measurable conjugacy between two cocycles assuming bunching or existence of holonomies for both and pre-compactness in
$C^0$
for one of them. We give conditions for existence of a continuous conjugacy between two cocycles in terms of their cycle weights. We also study the relation between the conjugacy and holonomies of the cocycles. Our results give arbitrarily small loss of regularity of the conjugacy along the fiber compared to that of the holonomies and of the cocycle.
Gaslighting, First- and Second-Order
Authors: Catapang Podosky Paul-Mikhail
Published: December 2020

In what sense do people doubt their understanding of reality when subject to gaslighting? I suggest that an answer to this question depends on the linguistic order at which a gaslighting exchange takes place. This marks a distinction between first-order and second-order gaslighting. The former occurs when there is disagreement over whether a shared concept applies to some aspect of the world, and where the use of words by a speaker is apt to cause hearers to doubt their interpretive abilities without doubting the accuracy of their concepts. The latter occurs when there is disagreement over which concept should be used in a context, and where the use of words by a speaker is apt to cause hearers to doubt their interpretive abilities in virtue of doubting the accuracy of their concepts. Many cases of second-order gaslighting are unintentional: its occurrence often depends on contingent environmental facts. I end the article by focusing on the distinctive epistemic injustices of second-order gaslighting: (1) metalinguistic deprivation, (2) conceptual obscuration, and (3) perspectival subversion. I show how each reliably has sequelae in terms of psychological and practical control.
Higher Education Financing in Lesotho: Regulation to Realize Its Sustainability and Increase Inclusiveness
Authors: Nkisi Morongoe
Published: December 2020

Higher education plays a central role in countries’ realization of their socio-economic development and in establishing a competitive, skilled workforce globally. The need for a skilled workforce, combined with scarcity in financial resources pertaining to higher education, has resulted in governments resolving to finance higher education. This article seeks to encourage adequate regulation to realize the sustainability of higher education financing in Lesotho, to achieve greater inclusiveness in institutions of higher learning. Through the National Manpower Power Development Council Act 8 of 1978, the Lesotho government established the National Manpower Development Council, which is aimed at facilitating the granting of loan bursaries from a fund administered by the National Manpower Development Secretariat. However, these efforts have faced challenges due to the increased cost of financing higher education. Poor management of the loan recovery function, increasing default by graduates on their repayment obligations and a lack of concerted efforts between the respective government departments threaten its sustainability.
OP178 Assessing Digitally Enabled Therapies: Challenges And Opportunities
Authors: Rowark Shaun , Stephens Heather
Published: December 2020

Introduction

In 2017, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the National Health Service England established a program to identify Digitally Enabled Therapies (DET) that increase access to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. The aim was to determine whether DETs could improve service efficiency, and whether outcomes are at least as good as those achieved by NICE-recommended non-digital therapies.

Methods

An IAPT assessment briefing (IAB) was developed for each eligible DET. IABs included an assessment of content, technical standards, clinical effectiveness, and cost and resource impact. IABs were reviewed by the NICE IAPT expert panel to decide whether a DET is suitable for evaluation in IAPT services, needs further development, or is not suitable. Suitable DETs were evaluated for up to two years.

Results

Of 154 DETs reviewed by the program, fourteen had IAB assessments. The high dropout rate was due to ineligible products or developer withdrawal. Of the fourteen IABs, five were recommended for evaluation, one was recommended for development, and eight were not recommended.

Conclusions

DETs can provide an alternative for patients who may not be able to access treatment. When establishing programs to review DETs, centers must consider the quality of the products submitted and, where necessary, make pragmatic decisions about assessment criteria.
OP179 Nationwide Electroencephalographic Screening Using Telemedicine Apps
Authors: Galvan Pedro , Rivas Ronald , Arbo Carlos , Cabrera Marta , Abente Silvia , Portillo Juan , Mazzoleni Julio , Hilario Enrique
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Disruptive telemedicine tools can help overcome the lack of specialized care and electroencephalographic (EEG) support for diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders such as epilepsy in remote communities. However, evidence on how such cloud-based platforms could enhance data-driven health care is limited. The utility of telemedicine-based apps to achieve EEG screening of communities in rural areas of Paraguay was investigated.

Methods

This descriptive study was carried out by the Telemedicine Unit of the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging of the Health Science Research Institute in Paraguay and the Basque Country University in Spain to evaluate the utility of telediagnostic apps for EEG screening. For this purpose, the results obtained by tele-EEG apps implemented in nineteen public community hospitals were analyzed to determine the utility of the apps as epidemiological surveillance tools.

Results

Among the 10,791 remote EEG studies performed, the most common reasons for the test included epileptic seizure (44%), headache (22%), seizure disorder (8%), follow up (6%), attention deficits in children (5%), cognitive impairment (4%), cranioencephalic trauma (3%), brain death (1%), history of seizure (0.9%), abnormal movements (0.7%), and behavioral disorders (0.5%).

Conclusions

The results showed that telemedicine apps can significantly enhance nationwide EEG screening by freeing up professional time and increasing productivity, improving access and equity, and reducing costs. However, before their systematic implementation a contextualization of the apps using the regional epidemiological profile must be performed.
OP283 A Pipeline Analysis Of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) In Late-Stage Clinical Development
Authors: Woltmann James , Teague Rhiannon , Ogunbayo Dapo , Craig Dawn
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are innovative biologics (gene, cells and tissue-based products) with the potential to treat diseases with significant unmet clinical need. ATMPs pose distinct regulatory, health technology assessment (HTA) and patient access challenges, hence early identification and prioritization of ATMPs is now recognized as a key concern in England. The National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory (NIHRIO) uses a robust methodology to identify and monitor health technologies, including ATMPs that meet the remit of key HTA stakeholders in England. This analysis provides a global overview of the current ATMPs pipeline to administer useful insights for policymakers, funders and innovators.

Methods

NIHRIO's database tracks pharmaceuticals from phase I/II onwards, but this analysis focuses on late-stage development. The database (N > 12,000 records) was filtered to identify potential ATMPs using a predefined criteria based on the European Medicine's Agency's classification. Each record is categorized by stage: ‘Active’, (with an estimated three years to European licence); ‘Monitoring’ (in development with no licence date); and ‘Finished’, (output produced/discontinued and no longer tracked). Subsequently, records in ‘Active’ and ‘Monitoring’ were examined further.

Results

Analysis identified 636 ATMPs: five percent ‘Active’, 40 percent ‘Monitoring’ and 55 percent ‘Finished’. ATMPs in the Active/Monitoring stages included: gene therapies (52%), somatic cells (43%) and tissue-engineered products (5%). Of these, 40 percent were oncological with the majority targeting hematological cancers (lymphomas). Prevalent non-oncology areas included musculoskeletal (10%) and ophthalmology (8%). Over one-third of trials were phase IIs, with almost half of all trials were based in the US.

Conclusions

The overarching findings here indicate increasing development of the ATMP pipeline towards indications with significant unmet clinical need. In oncology, the high prevalence of hematological ATMPs is largely due to recent chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) innovation. In non-oncology areas, ATMP development is increasing due to advances in regenerative medicine. With a significant number of ATMPs projected to be licenced within three years, and many more in active late-stage trials, HTA bodies and health systems are challenged to prepare for the entry of these innovative therapies.