bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community‐delivered infant–parent psychotherapy improves maternal sensitive caregiving: Evaluation of the Michigan model of infant mental health home visiting
Authors: Rosenblum Katherine L. , Muzik Maria , Jester Jennifer M. , Huth‐Bocks Alissa , Erickson Nora , Ludtke Mary , Weatherston Debbie , Brophy‐Herb Holly , Tableman Betty , Alfafara Emily , Waddell Rachel ,   & the Michigan Collaborative for Infant Mental Health Research
Published: April 2020

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a home‐based psychotherapeutic Infant Mental Health Home Visiting (IMH‐HV) intervention for enhancing parenting sensitivity; a secondary aim was to evaluate whether the use of video feedback was associated with greater treatment response. Participants were N = 78 mothers and their children (age at entry ranged from prebirth to 24‐month old (M = 9.8, SD = 8.4), who were initiating IMH‐HV services with community mental health‐based therapists (N = 51). Dyads were assessed during extended home visits via standardized interviews and observational and questionnaire methods within the first month of treatment (baseline), and again 6 and 12 months thereafter. Following each of these extended home visits, study evaluators completed a standard Q‐sort to capture observations of maternal sensitivity during the visit. Therapists completed fidelity checklists used to derive the total number of IMH‐HV sessions received (i.e., dosage) and frequency with which therapists provided video feedback. Results indicated a dose–response relationship between number of sessions and maternal sensitivity, and that video review with parents independently contributed to improved maternal sensitivity. Discussion focuses on the effectiveness of this community‐based psychotherapeutic home visiting model for enhancing parenting, as well as the value of video feedback as a specific therapeutic strategy.
Microirrigation in China: History, current situation and future*
Authors: Li Jiusheng
Published: April 2020

The commercial use of microirrigation in China was first introduced in the 1970s, and it has been more than 40 years since microirrigation was initially implemented. Through continuous demonstration, extension and technical innovations, almost all the production of the facilities and equipment for microirrigation installations, including emitters, filtrators, injectors, regulators, pipelines and other ancillary devices, has been industrialized domestically. Extensive technical issues regarding the design, operation and maintenance of microirrigation systems have been studied. Many application modes for typical crops have been established in different regions through demonstrations and extensions. Microirrigation has become one of the water‐saving irrigation technologies used in China that is able to increase crop production. Chemigation, which is beneficial to crop production and environmental conservation, is currently being successfully and popularly used in microirrigation systems. These achievements have made microirrigation an important landmark of agricultural modernization in China. After reviewing the introduction, demonstration, extension and related research works on microirrigation, possible further research topics are presented in this paper. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographicdetectionof a metastatic lingual lymph node in a patient with tongue cancer
Authors: Bang Jooin , Jung Won‐Sang , Cho Jung‐Hae
Published: April 2020

A 41‐year‐old male was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Preoperative imaging revealed no metastatic lymph nodes. Intraoperative sonography detected a minute hypoechoic lesion in the sublingual space. A pea‐sized mass was found during dissection of that space and histopathology revealed a metastatic lymph node. The lingual lymph node should routinely be evaluated sonographically prior to surgical resection of tongue cancer.
The definition of neuronopathic Gaucher disease
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael , Sevigny Jeff , Rolfs Arndt , Davies Elin Haf , Goker‐Alpan Ozlem , Abdelwahab Magy , Vellodi Ashok , Mengel Eugen , Lukina Elena , Yoo Han‐Wook , Collin‐Histed Tanya , Narita Aya , Dinur Tama , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Arkadir David , Szer Jeff , Wajnrajch Michael , Ramaswami Uma , Sidransky Ellen , Donald Aimee , Zimran Ari
Published: April 2020

Neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD) has a very wide clinical and genotypic spectrum. However, there is no consensus definition of nGD, including no description of how best to diagnostically separate the acute form—Gaucher type 2—from the subacute or chronic form—Gaucher type 3. In this article, we define the various forms of Gaucher disease with particular emphasis on the presence of gaze palsy in all patients with nGD. This consensus definition will help in both clinical diagnosis and appropriate patient recruitment to upcoming clinical trials.
Chirped polarization volume grating for wide FOV and high‐efficiency waveguide‐based AR displays
Authors: Yin Kun , Lin Hung‐Yuan , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate a reflective chirped polarization volume grating as a strong contender for wide field‐of‐view augmented reality display systems. By introducing gradient pitch along the beam propagation direction, the angular bandwidth extends dramatically from 18° to 54° while keeping over 80% average efficiency and 95% peak efficiency.
Visual comfort evaluated by hue asymmetries in stereoscopic images
Authors: Chen Kai , Chen Zaiqing , Zhou Dongming , Tai Yonghang , Shi Junsheng
Published: April 2020

Stereoscopic three‐dimensional (S3D) displays can present a different image to each eye and therefore can convey depth cues and enhance image appearance. However, many people often feel discomfort when the difference between two retinas exceeds a certain amount. There are many factors that affect the visual comfort of S3D displays, and there is no standard for evaluating the visual comfort of 3D contents. In this paper, we conduct an experiment to evaluate the visual discomfort caused by hue asymmetries in 3D images. In particular, it examines how the hue difference factor affects the visual comfort in two types of 3D images: natural images and computer‐generated images. By manipulating the hue asymmetries of 3D images in the CIE LAB color space, the visual comfort was measured subjectively at nine different hue levels. The results of the experiment showed that the visual comfort decreases as the hue difference increases on both image types. We found that natural images are more discomfortable than computer‐generated images at the same hue difference level. It may be due to the fact that natural images have more detailed features. Based on Weber–Fechner's Law, an objective mathematical model was fitted out. The model predicts that the maximum value of hue difference for comfortable watching is about 76.3°. This is a large tolerance range, and it provides the basis for the application that the surface appearance of an object can be simulated easily by using binocular color difference on 3D display devices.
Adjuvant Migraine Medications in the Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Abouzari Mehdi , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Chua Janice T. , Tan Donald , Sarna Brooke , Saber Tina , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: April 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the hearing outcomes of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) treated with oral and intratympanic (IT) steroid only or a combination of steroid and migraine treatment. Our hypothesis was that adjuvant migraine medications may improve outcomes in SSNHL.

Methods

A retrospective chart review at a tertiary otology center was conducted to identify patients with SSNHL who received oral steroid and IT dexamethasone injection(s) with or without migraine medications (a combination of nortriptyline and topiramate).

Results

A total of 47 patients received oral steroid and IT dexamethasone injection(s) only, and 46 patients received oral steroid and IT dexamethasone injection(s) as well as migraine lifestyle changes plus a combination of nortriptyline and topiramate. There were no significant differences in demographics and baseline audiometric data between the two groups. Both groups demonstrated improvements in pure tone average (PTA) and hearing thresholds at 250 Hz and 8000 Hz posttreatment. However, compared to steroid‐only group, the adjuvant migraine medications group had significantly greater improvements in hearing thresholds at the lower frequencies (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz). Patients in the latter cohort also had greater improvement in PTA (P = .01) and received fewer IT injections (P = .04) PTA improvement of ≥ 10 dB was observed in 36 patients (78%) in the adjuvant migraine medications group and 22 patients (46%) in the control group (P < .001).

Conclusion

In multimodal treatment of SSNHL, supplementing oral and IT steroid with migraine medications may result in greater improvements in lower frequency hearing thresholds and PTA. Furthermore, adjuvant migraine treatment can lead to decrease in number of IT injections, thus reducing procedure‐related risks and complications.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E283–E288, 2021
Impact of Paranasal Sinus Surgery in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Longitudinal Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Holme Sigrun S. , Moen Jon M. , Kilian Karin , Eggesbø Heidi B. , Molberg Øyvind
Published: April 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Severe chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) failing medical therapies can be treated with paranasal sinus surgery. Whether this surgery protects from progressive sinonasal damage remains unknown. Here, we aimed to analyze time‐dependent relations between sinus surgeries and computed tomography (CT) imaging features in the CRS of GPA.

Study Design

Longitudinal observational study.

Methods

We assessed CRS features including bone thickening by global osteitis scoring scale, bone erosions, and mucosal thickening by Lund‐Mackay scores in serial paranasal sinus CT scans (742 CT scans in total) from a cohort of 127 well‐characterized GPA patients. Data on sinonasal surgical procedures were from a mandatory national registry and from chart review. We defined the time from baseline CT to last CT as the study observation period in each patient. Datasets were analyzed by linear mixed models.

Results

We found that 23/127 cohort patients had one or more paranasal sinus surgical procedures, and 96% of these (22/23) had osteitis by CT after surgery. In patients with nasal surgery alone or no surgery, we identified osteitis in 7/11 (64%) and 45/93 (48%), respectively. During the observation period of a median of 5 years, 38 patients had progression of their sinus osteitis, with the highest annual osteitis progression rates observed around the time of surgery.

Conclusions

In this cohort, paranasal sinus surgery was associated with prevalence, severity, and progression rate of sinus osteitis, indicating that sinus surgery does not reduce the bone damage development in the CRS of GPA.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130: E460–E468, 2020
Chip‐Based Optical Isolator and Nonreciprocal Parity‐Time Symmetry Induced by Stimulated Brillouin Scattering
Authors: Ma Jiyang , Wen Jianming , Ding Shulin , Li Shengjun , Hu Yong , Jiang Xiaoshun , Jiang Liang , Xiao Min
Published: April 2020

Realization of chip‐scale nonreciprocal optics such as isolators and circulators is highly demanding for all‐optical signal routing and protection with standard photonics foundry process. Owing to the significant challenge for incorporating magneto‐optical materials on chip, the exploration of magnetic‐free alternatives has become exceedingly imperative in integrated photonics. Here, a chip‐based, tunable all‐optical isolator at the telecommunication band is demonstrated, which is based upon bulk stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a high‐Q silica microtoroid resonator. This device exhibits remarkable characteristics over most state‐of‐the‐art implements, including high isolation ratio, no insertion loss, and large working power range. Thanks to the guided acoustic wave and accompanying momentum‐conservation condition, bulk SBS also assist in realizing the nonreciprocal parity‐time symmetry in two directly coupled microresonators. The breach of time‐reversal symmetry further makes the design a versatile arena for developing many formidable ultra‐compact devices such as unidirectional single‐mode Brillouin lasers and supersensitive photonic sensors.
Impact of genetic variants of ABCB1, APOB, CAV1, and NAMPT on susceptibility to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in Chinese patients
Authors: Li Baohuan , Zhang Chuanzhen , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Meijuan , Liu Changhong , Chen Ziping
Published: April 2020

Background

Among the different types of cancer, pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is the most lethal malignancy, with poor early detection rates and prognosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential genetic effects of the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1 (rs1045642, rs3789243, rs4148737), APOB (rs693, rs1042031), CAV1 (rs12672038, rs1997623, rs3807987, rs7804372), and NAMPT (rs9034, rs2505568, rs61330082) on PDAC.

Methods

A total of 273 patients with PDAC and 263 healthy controls were genotyped using PCR and direct Sanger sequencing. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the potential effects of the genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes on the risk of developing PDAC.

Results

Patients with PDAC possessed a considerably lower frequency of genotypes AG, GG, and allele G at ABCB1 rs4148737 compared with controls. Based on age, sex, smoking status, drinking status, diabetes, and family history of cancer, stratified analyses showed a significant correlation between SNPs at rs4148737 and PDAC. According to specific SNPs, eight haplotypes were constructed along with ABCB1 rs4148737, rs1045642, and rs3789243. Carriers with haplotypes ACC and ATC were more susceptible to developing PDAC, whereas haplotypes GCC and GTC were associated with a reduced likelihood of developing PDAC. The distributions of the other SNPs in each group were not significantly associated with PDAC risk.

Conclusions

These results suggested that genetic polymorphisms of ABCB1 rs4148737 may influence an individual's risk of developing PDAC.
Terahertz signal generation based on a microwave photonic system with add‐drop microring resonator
Authors: Katti Rohan , Prince Shanthi
Published: April 2020

A microwave photonic system based on a silicon add‐drop microring resonator is proposed and analyzed in simulation environment. It is observed that when a pulsed laser source (PLS) of repetition rate of 100 Gbps is fed to input port of MRR and a PLS with repetition rate of 50 Gbps is fed at the add port of the MRR, THz signals in the frequency band of 0.1‐1.5 THz are generated with a spacing of 0.05 THz. The power of the highest frequency component (1.5 THz) is ‐65.1 dBm when the pulse width of PLS is 0.1 ps. This generation of THz signals is a result of interference between two optical signals of different repetition rates which are evanescently coupled into the ring cavity at the input ports of MRR. It is found that power of THz signal is higher when the pulse width of PLS is smaller.
Relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement sensitivity to membrane Cho phospholipids
Authors: Zu Zhongliang , Lin Eugene C. , Louie Elizabeth A. , Xu Junzhong , Li Hua , Xie Jingping , Lankford Christopher L. , Chekmenev Eduard Y. , Swanson Scott D. , Does Mark D. , Gore John C. , Gochberg Daniel F.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Phospholipids are key constituents of cell membranes and serve vital functions in the regulation of cellular processes; thus, a method for in vivo detection and characterization could be valuable for detecting changes in cell membranes that are consequences of either normal or pathological processes. Here, we describe a new method to map the distribution of partially restricted phospholipids in tissues.

Methods

The phospholipids were measured by signal changes caused by relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement‐mediated CEST between the phospholipid Cho headgroup methyl protons and water at around −1.6 ppm from the water resonance. The biophysical basis of this effect was examined by controlled manipulation of head group, chain length, temperature, degree of saturation, and presence of cholesterol. Additional experiments were performed on animal tumor models to evaluate potential applications of this novel signal while correcting for confounding contributions.

Results

Negative relayed nuclear Overhauser dips in Z‐spectra were measured from reconstituted Cho phospholipids with cholesterol but not for other Cho‐containing metabolites or proteins. Significant contrast was found between tumor and contralateral normal tissue signals in animals when comparing both the measured saturation transfer signal and a more specific imaging metric.

Conclusion

We demonstrated specific relayed nuclear Overhauser effects in partially restricted phospholipid phantoms and similar effects in solid brain tumors after correcting for confounding signal contributions, suggesting possible translational applications of this novel molecular imaging method, which we name restricted phospholipid transfer.
Motion‐robust, high‐SNR liver fat quantification using a 2D sequential acquisition with a variable flip angle approach
Authors: Zhao Ruiyang , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Xiaoke , Colgan Timothy J. , Rehm Jennifer L. , Reeder Scott B. , Johnson Kevin M. , Hernando Diego
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Chemical shift encoded (CSE)‐MRI enables quantification of proton‐density fat fraction (PDFF) as a biomarker of liver fat content. However, conventional 3D Cartesian CSE‐MRI methods require breath‐holding. A motion‐robust 2D Cartesian sequential method addresses this limitation but suffers from low SNR. In this work, a novel free breathing 2D Cartesian sequential CSE‐MRI method using a variable flip angle approach with centric phase encoding (VFA‐centric) is developed to achieve fat quantification with low bias, high SNR, and minimal blurring.

Methods

Numerical simulation was performed for variable flip angle schedule design and preliminary evaluation of VFA‐centric method, along with several alternative flip angle designs. Phantom, adults (n = 8), and children (n = 27) were imaged at 3T. Multi‐echo images were acquired and PDFF maps were estimated. PDFF standard deviation was used as a surrogate for SNR.

Results

In both simulation and phantom experiments, the VFA‐centric method enabled higher SNR imaging with minimal bias and blurring artifacts. High correlation (slope = 1.00, intercept = 0.04, = 0.998) was observed in vivo between the proposed VFA‐centric method obtained PDFF and reference PDFF (free breathing low‐flip angle 2D sequential acquisition). Further, the proposed VFA‐centric method (PDFF standard deviation = 1.5%) had a better SNR performance than the reference acquisition (PDFF standard deviation = 3.3%) with P < .001.

Conclusions

The proposed free breathing 2D Cartesian sequential CSE‐MRI method with variable flip angle approach and centric‐ordered phase encoding achieved motion robustness, low bias, high SNR compared to previous 2D sequential methods, and low blurring in liver fat quantification.
Prevalence of female urinary incontinence in the developing world: A systematic review and meta‐analysis—A Report from the Developing World Committee of the International Continence Society and Iranian Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine
Authors: Mostafaei Hadi , Sadeghi‐Bazargani Homayoun , Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Onur Rahmi , Al Mousa Riyad T. , Oelke Matthias
Published: April 2020

Aims

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in the developing world varies widely. Factors influencing prevalence rates are a key area of interest, and knowledge of these would provide appropriate planning for preventive primary and secondary health care programs. The objective of this report was to synthesize the best available evidence to determine UI prevalence rates in adult women in a population setting.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was employed to find published and unpublished studies. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We used the standardized Joanna Briggs Institute Meta‐Analysis of Statistics, Assessment, and Review Instrument to appraise the included studies.

Results

In total, 54 studies with 138,722 women aged 10 to 90 years were included in this meta‐analysis. Prevalence of UI ranged from 2.8% in Nigeria to 57.7% in Iran. The total prevalence of UI was 25.7% (95% CI: 22.3‐29.5) and the prevalence rates for stress, urgency, and mixed UI were 12.6% (95% CI: 10.3‐15.4), 5.3% (95% CI: 3.4‐8.3), and 9.1% (95% CI: 7.0‐11.8), respectively. When we excluded the elderly population, UI prevalence only slightly changed (26.2%; 95% CI: 22.6‐30.2). Prevalence rates varied considerably during different recall periods, ranging from 15.6% for UI during the last 12 months to 41.2% for UI during the last 3 months. However, the study quality and use of validated vs nonvalidated questionnaires only had a minor impact on the prevalence rates.

Conclusions

The prevalence, methodology, and definition of UI vary widely. A large‐scale multinational study with a homogeneous methodology is necessary to correctly calculate and compare the prevalence rates to improve health policies in the developing world.
Salts of Picramic Acid – Nearly Forgotten Temperature‐Resistant Energetic Materials
Authors: Wurzenberger Maximilian H. H. , Lechner Jasmin T. , Lommel Marcus , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: April 2020

Thermally stable explosives are becoming more and more important nowadays due to their important role in the oil and mining industry. The requirements of these explosives are constantly changing. Picramate‐based compounds are poorly investigated towards their energetic properties as well as sensitivities. In this work, 13 different salts of picramic acid were synthesized as potential energetic materials with high thermal stability in a simple one‐step reaction and compared with commercially used lead picramate. The obtained compounds were extensively characterized by e. g. XRD, IR, EA, DTA, and TGA. In addition, the sensitivities towards impact and friction were determined with the BAM drop hammer and the BAM friction tester. Also, the electrostatic discharge sensitivity was explored. Calculations of the energetic performance of selected compounds were carried out with the current version of EXPLO5 code. Therefore, heats of formation were computed and X‐ray densities were converted to room temperature. Some of the synthesized salts show promising characteristics with high exothermic decomposition temperatures. Especially, the water‐free rubidium, cesium, and barium salts 5, 6 and 10 with decomposition temperatures of almost 300 °C could be promising candidates for future applications.
Preparation of Desensitizing CL‐20/rGO Composites by in‐situ Reduction
Authors: Song Xiaomin , Huang Qi , Jin Bo , Peng Rufang
Published: April 2020

To improve the safety of CL‐20, rGO was integrated into CL‐20 (CL‐20/rGO) by in‐situ reduction. The prepared composites were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, High‐performance liquid chromatography and Power X‐ray diffraction, which proves that the presence/encapsulation of rGO on CL‐20 surface would not change the molecular structure, amount and crystal form of raw CL‐20. In addition, the thermal stability of the composites has improved, while the mechanical sensitivity was desensitized compared to raw CL‐20, suggesting this in‐situ reduction could be utilized to improve the safety of CL‐20.
Magnetoelectric Properties of Co1−xNixFe2O4/BaTiO3 Heterostructures with 3–3 Connectivity Obtained by Eutectic Crystallization
Authors: Breitenbach Martin , Dörr Kathrin , Ebbinghaus Stefan G.
Published: April 2020

Multiferroic composites consisting of 62 mol% ferroelectric Ba0.97Sr0.03TiO3 and 38 mol% ferrimagnetic Co1–xNixFe2O4 with Ni substitution levels of x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 are obtained from eutectic crystallization in a floating zone furnace. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the self‐organized formation of a 3–3 network. Epitaxy of the two phases is confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. All samples, except the one containing pure NiFe2O4, are free of impurity phases. The influence of the substitution level x on the unit cell parameters of both materials is investigated by Rietveld refinement before and after a reoxidation process in flowing oxygen at 1173 K. The amount of oxide defects is determined by thermal analysis, showing a nearly constant value throughout the whole Co1–xNixFe2O4 series. The effect of Ni substitution on the magnetic properties (saturation magnetization and magnetic transition temperature) of the eutectics is investigated. The magnetoelectric (ME) properties of the samples are studied in dependence on the DC field (HDC), the frequency of the AC field (HAC), and temperature. The Ni content has a strong influence on the absolute value of the ME coefficient (αME), but only a slight effect on the general behavior of the ME properties.
Nuclear Mechanics within Intact Cells Is Regulated by Cytoskeletal Network and Internal Nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Jitao , Alisafaei Farid , Nikolić Miloš , Nou Xuefei A. , Kim Hanyoup , Shenoy Vivek B. , Scarcelli Giuliano
Published: April 2020

The mechanical properties of the cellular nucleus are extensively studied as they play a critical role in important processes, such as cell migration, gene transcription, and stem cell differentiation. While the mechanical properties of the isolated nucleus have been tested, there is a lack of measurements about the mechanical behavior of the nucleus within intact cells and specifically about the interplay of internal nuclear components with the intracellular microenvironment, because current testing methods are based on contact and only allow studying the nucleus after isolation from a cell or disruption of cytoskeleton. Here, all‐optical Brillouin microscopy and 3D chemomechanical modeling are used to investigate the regulation of nuclear mechanics in physiological conditions. It is observed that the nuclear modulus can be modulated by epigenetic regulation targeting internal nuclear nanostructures such as lamin A/C and chromatin. It is also found that nuclear modulus is strongly regulated by cytoskeletal behavior through a robust mechanism conserved in different culturing conditions. Given the active role of cytoskeletal modulation in nearly all cell functions, this work will enable to reveal highly relevant mechanisms of nuclear mechanical regulations in physiological and pathological conditions.
Absolute measurement of photon flux using ionization chamber in (6~20) keV synchrotron radiation X‐rays
Authors: Guo Siming , Wang Peiwei , Wang Ji , Li Fan , Wu Jinjie , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2020

Absolute measurement of photon flux under high‐fluence rate X‐rays was required in photon diagnostics for X‐ray lasers. A free‐air ionization chamber used for the reproducibility of air‐kerma in high‐fluence rate X‐ray was designed, and the monoenergetic X‐rays flux of (6–20) keV were absolutely measured on Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The energy spectrum of the monoenergetic X‐rays was measured using a silicon drift detector, and the proportion of higher harmonics was determined. The saturation curve, air attenuation correction factor, and composite loss correction factor of the free‐air ionization chamber were obtained experimentally. The air‐kerma rate for the (6~20) keV monoenergetic X‐ray was measured accurately, and the relative combined standard uncertainty of the air‐kerma is 0.61%.
Generalised conformal higher-spin fields in curved backgrounds
Authors: Kuzenko Sergei M. , Ponds Michael
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The problem of constructing gauge-invariant actions for conformal higher-spin fields in curved backgrounds is known to be notoriously difficult. In this paper we present gauge-invariant models for conformal maximal depth fields with spin s = 5/2 and s = 3 in four-dimensional Bach-flat backgrounds. We find that certain lower-spin fields must be introduced to ensure gauge invariance when s > 2, which is analogous to a conjecture made earlier in the literature for conformal higher-spin fields of minimal depth.
Post-operative monitoring of free flaps using a low-cost thermal camera: a pilot study
Authors: Hummelink S. , Kruit A. S. , van Vlaenderen A. R. W. , Schreinemachers M. J. M. , Steenbergen W. , Ulrich D. J. O.
Published: April 2020

Background

Careful post-operative monitoring of free flaps is important in flap survival; immediate action increases flap salvage rate. Although various methods are available, room for improvement remains. Thermal cameras have proven their value in medicine and are nowadays readily available at low costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of an affordable infrared thermal camera and software in the detection of failing free flaps during post-operative monitoring.

Methods

Free myocutaneous rectus abdominis flaps were harvested in 16 female landrace pigs and replanted after several hours of storage. All flaps were assessed with indocyanine green fluorescence angiography as well as hourly clinical assessment of skin colour, turgor and capillary refill. Furthermore, thermal photographs were taken simultaneously with the FLIR One thermal camera smartphone module. These photographs were processed in MATLAB and evaluated on their additional value as an indicator for flap failure.

Results

Out of 16 flaps, three flaps failed due to arterial failure and one flap developed venous congestion. The mean flap temperature compared to adjacent control skin proved to be most indicative for flap failure. All unsuccessful flaps showed lower temperatures after failure compared to the uncompromised free flaps.

Conclusions

An affordable thermal camera module can potentially contribute to post-operative free flap monitoring. Vascular compromise in free flaps can be distinguished by investigating relative temperature differences between the flap and reference skin. Until the FLIR One camera has been extensively investigated in a human population, it should be used in conjunction with conventional monitoring techniques.

Level of evidence: Level IV, diagnostic study
Key processes regulating the early life history of Barents Sea polar cod
Authors: Gjøsæter Harald , Huserbråten Mats , Vikebø Frode , Eriksen Elena
Published: April 2020

The polar cod (Boreogadus saida) in the Barents Sea is one of the main stocks of this species in the Arctic, reaching a total biomass of almost 2 million tonnes in some years. It has been fluctuating considerably in abundance, and in recent years, it has been at a low level. Only small catches have been taken from the stock over the last four decades, and consequently, the observed variation in abundance must be caused by natural (environmental and/or biological) changes in the ecosystem. Sea temperatures have been rising in the Barents Sea in recent years, possibly causing changes to the living conditions of this true Arctic stock. Consequently, there is a need for investigating how the observed changes might affect polar cod in this area. One important aspect of the environmental impact on the stock is possible effect on the recruitment, which has been varying considerably from year to year. In this modelling study, we thus recreate and analyse the environmental and developmental histories of the observed 0-group individuals in the Barents Sea (young of the year), with emphasis on the importance of ice cover, ice breakup time, maximum temperature, and spawning stock biomass. Our simulations indicate that the environmental conditions experienced by individuals successfully “recruited” to the 0-group are characterized by high ice concentration well into summer, and low temperatures throughout the pelagic juvenile phase, and any perturbations from the Arctic ocean climate typically found in the northern and eastern Barents Sea appears to be detrimental to stock recruitment. In light of the projected warming of the Barents Sea in the next decades and the potential reduction in ice cover, this will entail, the mechanisms investigated herein might lead to future marginalization of polar cod in the Barents Sea.
Oral therapies for treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis in Austria: a 2-year comparison using an inverse probability weighting method
Authors:   the Austrian MS Treatment Registry (AMSTR), Guger Michael , Enzinger Christian , Leutmezer Fritz , Kraus Jörg , Kalcher Stefan , Kvas Erich , Berger Thomas
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To compare the efficacies, frequencies and reasons for treatment interruption of fingolimod (FTY), dimethyl fumarate (DMF) or teriflunomide (TERI) in a nationwide observational cohort.

Materials and methods

Two cohorts of patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) having started treatment with FTY, DMF or TERI documented in the Austrian MS Treatment Registry (AMSTR) since 2014 and either staying on therapy for at least 24 months (24 m cohort) or with at least one follow-up visit after start of treatment (total cohort). The 24 m cohort included 629 RRMS patients: 295 in the FTY, 227 in the DMF and 107 in the TERI group. We used multinomial propensity scores for inverse probability weighting in generalized linear and Cox proportional hazards models to correct for the bias of this non-randomised registry study.

Results

Estimated mean annualized relapse rates (ARR) over 24 months were 0.13 for FTY, 0.09 for DMF and 0.11 for TERI treatment. For TERI in comparison with DMF, we observed higher probability for treatment interruption (p = 0.023) and reduced sustained EDSS regression for 12 (p = 0.016) and 24 weeks (p = 0.031) and, for the comparison of DMF versus FTY, a reduced sustained EDSS progression for 12 weeks (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Relapse rates with treatment with FTY, DMF and TERI were similar. Patients treated with DMF showed less sustained disability progression for 12 weeks than FTY-treated patients. However, FTY and DMF treatment was associated with more likely EDSS regression for 12 and 24 weeks and a lower probability for treatment interruption as compared to TERI-treated patients.
Compression of Dynamic Graphs Generated by a Duplication Model
Authors: Turowski Krzysztof , Magner Abram , Szpankowski Wojciech
Published: April 2020

We continue building up the information theory of non-sequential data structures such as trees, sets, and graphs. In this paper, we consider dynamic graphs generated by a full duplication model in which a new vertex selects an existing vertex and copies all of its neighbors. We ask how many bits are needed to describe the labeled and unlabeled versions of such graphs. We first estimate entropies of both versions and then present asymptotically optimal compression algorithms up to two bits. Interestingly, for the full duplication model the labeled version needs$$\Theta (n)$$Θ(n)bits while its unlabeled version (structure) can be described by$$\Theta (\log n)$$Θ(logn)bits due to significant amount of symmetry (i.e. large average size of the automorphism group of sample graphs).
A traffic light enzyme: acetate binding reversibly switches chlorite dismutase from a red- to a green-colored heme protein
Authors: Mahor Durga , Püschmann Julia , van den Haak Menno , Kooij Pepijn J. , van den Ouden David L. J. , Strampraad Marc J. F. , Srour Batoul , Hagedoorn Peter-Leon
Published: April 2020

Chlorite dismutase is a unique heme enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of chlorite to chloride and molecular oxygen. The enzyme is highly specific for chlorite but has been known to bind several anionic and neutral ligands to the heme iron. In a pH study, the enzyme changed color from red to green in acetate buffer pH 5.0. The cause of this color change was uncovered using UV–visible and EPR spectroscopy. Chlorite dismutase in the presence of acetate showed a change of the UV–visible spectrum: a redshift and hyperchromicity of the Soret band from 391 to 404 nm and a blueshift of the charge transfer band CT1 from 647 to 626 nm. Equilibrium binding titrations with acetate resulted in a dissociation constant of circa 20 mM at pH 5.0 and 5.8. EPR spectroscopy showed that the acetate bound form of the enzyme remained high spin S = 5/2, however with an apparent change of the rhombicity and line broadening of the spectrum. Mutagenesis of the proximal arginine Arg183 to alanine resulted in the loss of the ability to bind acetate. Acetate was discovered as a novel ligand to chlorite dismutase, with evidence of direct binding to the heme iron. The green color is caused by a blueshift of the CT1 band that is characteristic of the high spin ferric state of the enzyme. Any weak field ligand that binds directly to the heme center may show the red to green color change, as was indeed the case for fluoride.

Graphic abstract
Associations between road traffic noise exposure at home and school and ADHD in school-aged children: the TRAILS study
Authors: Zijlema W. L. , de Kluizenaar Y. , van Kamp I. , Hartman C. A.
Published: April 2020

Environmental noise may play a role in the manifestation and severity of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but evidence is limited. We investigated the cross-sectional associations between residential and school road traffic noise exposure and ADHD symptoms and diagnosis. The sample included n = 1710, 10–12-year-old children from the TRAILS study in The Netherlands. ADHD symptoms were measured using a DSM-IV based subscale from the Child Behavior Checklist. Children with diagnosed ADHD originated from the clinic-referred cohort. Road traffic noise (Lden) was estimated at the residence and school level, by model calculation. Risk ratios for ADHD symptoms and ADHD diagnoses, and regression coefficients for symptom severity were estimated separately and simultaneously for residential and school road traffic noise. Adjusted multinomial models with residential road traffic noise showed that residential noise was not associated with ADHD symptoms, but was associated with lower risks for ADHD diagnosis (RR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.89, 0.97). Similar associations were observed for models including school road traffic noise and models including both exposures. No clear exposure response relationship was observed for associations between residential or school noise and ADHD symptom severity. We found no evidence for a harmful association between road traffic noise and ADHD. Associations between noise and lower risks for ADHD were observed only in referred cases with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis and may be due to residual confounding or selection bias. Future studies should focus on residential and school noise exposure, and study associations with ADHD symptoms and diagnosis over time.
A randomized, phase 2 study of deoxyuridine triphosphatase inhibitor, TAS-114, in combination with S-1 versus S-1 alone in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Planchard David , Morán Teresa , Gregorc Vanesa , Dowell Jonathan , Sakai Hiroshi , Yoh Kiyotaka , Nishio Makoto , Cortot Alexis B. , Benhadji Karim A. , Soni Nital , Huang Jinhong , Makris Lukas , Cedres Susana
Published: April 2020

Introduction TAS-114 is a potent inhibitor of deoxyuridine triphosphatase, which is a gatekeeper protein preventing uracil and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) misincorporation into DNA. TAS-114 has been suggested to enhance the antitumor activity of 5-FU. This randomized, phase 2 study investigated TAS-114 plus S-1 (TAS-114/S-1) vs. S-1 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients with advanced NSCLC, previously treated with ≥ 2 regimens, were randomized 1:1 to receive TAS-114 (400 mg)/S-1 (30 mg/m2) or S-1 (30 mg/m2). Progression-free survival (PFS, independent central review) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety. Results In total, 127 patients received treatment. Median PFS was 3.65 and 4.17 months in the TAS-114/S-1 and S-1 groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–1.88; P = 0.2744). DCR was similar between groups (TAS-114/S-1 80.3%, S-1 75.9%) and median OS was 7.92 and 9.82 months for the TAS-114/S-1 and S-1 groups, respectively (HR 1.31, 95% CI 0.80–2.14; P = 0.1431). The ORR was higher in the TAS-114/S-1 group than the S-1 group (19.7% vs. 10.3%), and more patients with tumor shrinkage were observed in the TAS-114/S-1 group. Incidence rates of anemia, skin toxicities, and Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were higher in the TAS-114/S-1 group compared with the monotherapy group. Conclusions Although the TAS-114/S-1 combination improved the response rate, this did not translate into improvements in PFS. Clinical Trial Registration No. NCT02855125 (ClinicalTrials.gov) registered on 4 August 2016.
Wavelet-based discrimination of isolated singularities masquerading as multifractals in detrended fluctuation analyses
Authors: Oświȩcimka Paweł , Drożdż Stanisław , Frasca Mattia , Gȩbarowski Robert , Yoshimura Natsue , Zunino Luciano , Minati Ludovico
Published: April 2020

The robustness of two widespread multifractal analysis methods, one based on detrended fluctuation analysis and one on wavelet leaders, is discussed in the context of time-series containing non-uniform structures with only isolated singularities. Signals generated by simulated and experimentally-realized chaos generators, together with synthetic data addressing particular aspects, are taken into consideration. The results reveal essential limitations affecting the ability of both methods to correctly infer the non-multifractal nature of signals devoid of a cascade-like hierarchy of singularities. Namely, signals harboring only isolated singularities are found to artefactually give rise to broad multifractal spectra, resembling those expected in the presence of a well-developed underlying multifractal structure. Hence, there is a real risk of incorrectly inferring multifractality due to isolated singularities. The careful consideration of local scaling properties and the distribution of Hölder exponent obtained, for example, through wavelet analysis, is indispensable for rigorously assessing the presence or absence of multifractality.
Automatic intraoperative optical coherence tomography positioning
Authors: Grimm Matthias , Roodaki Hessam , Eslami Abouzar , Navab Nassir
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) was recently introduced as a new modality for ophthalmic surgeries. It provides real-time cross-sectional information at a very high resolution. However, properly positioning the scan location during surgery is cumbersome and time-consuming, as a surgeon needs both his hands for surgery. The goal of the present study is to present a method to automatically position an iOCT scan on an anatomy of interest in the context of anterior segment surgeries.

Methods

First, a voice recognition algorithm using a context-free grammar is used to obtain the desired pose from the surgeon. Then, the limbus circle is detected in the microscope image and the iOCT scan is placed accordingly in the X–Y plane. Next, an iOCT sweep in Z direction is conducted and the scan is placed to centre the topmost structure. Finally, the position is fine-tuned using semantic segmentation and a rule-based system.

Results

The logic to position the scan location on various anatomies was evaluated on ex vivo porcine eyes (10 eyes for corneal apex and 7 eyes for cornea, sclera and iris). The mean euclidean distances (± standard deviation) was 76.7 (± 59.2) pixels and 0.298 (± 0.229) mm. The mean execution time (± standard deviation) in seconds for the four anatomies was 15 (± 1.2). The scans have a size of 1024 by 1024 pixels. The method was implemented on a Carl Zeiss OPMI LUMERA 700 with RESCAN 700.

Conclusion

The present study introduces a method to fully automatically position an iOCT scanner. Providing the possibility of changing the OCT scan location via voice commands removes the burden of manual device manipulation from surgeons. This in turn allows them to keep their focus on the surgical task at hand and therefore increase the acceptance of iOCT in the operating room.
Tensile and compressive behaviour of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg samples
Authors: Sert Enes , Hitzler L. , Hafenstein S. , Merkel M. , Werner E. , Öchsner A.
Published: April 2020

Laser powder-bed fusion has become one of the most important techniques in additive manufacturing. For guaranteeing the possibility of manufacturing highly specialized and advanced components, currently intensive research is carried out in this field. One area of this research is the material-specific macroscopic anisotropy, which is investigated in our work by comprehensive static mechanical experiments. The material which was tested within this study was the precipitation-hardenable AlSi10Mg alloy, with the focus on installation space orientation. Tensile and compression tests were performed, the results for the Young's modulus in compressive loading exceeded the previously known values of this material in tensile loading and achieved values of up to 79.8 GPa. As a result of this investigation, a chemical spectroscopic analysis was undertaken and from the actual chemical composition, a relative density of 99.86% of the samples was determined.
Vibrio harveyi: a serious pathogen of fish and invertebrates in mariculture
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Hua , He Xinxin , Austin Brian
Published: April 2020

Vibrio harveyi, which belongs to family Vibrionaceae of class Gammaproteobacteria, includes the species V. carchariae and V. trachuri as its junior synonyms. The organism is a well-recognized and serious bacterial pathogen of marine fish and invertebrates, including penaeid shrimp, in aquaculture. Diseased fish may exhibit a range of lesions, including eye lesions/blindness, gastro-enteritis, muscle necrosis, skin ulcers, and tail rot disease. In shrimp, V. harveyi is regarded as the etiological agent of luminous vibriosis in which affected animals glow in the dark. There is a second condition of shrimp known as Bolitas negricans where the digestive tract is filled with spheres of sloughed-off tissue. It is recognized that the pathogenicity mechanisms of V. harveyi may be different in fish and penaeid shrimp. In shrimp, the pathogenicity mechanisms involved the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, and extracellular proteases, and interaction with bacteriophages. In fish, the pathogenicity mechanisms involved extracellular hemolysin (encoded by duplicate hemolysin genes), which was identified as a phospholipase B and could inactivate fish cells by apoptosis, via the caspase activation pathway. V. harveyi may enter the so-called viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, and resuscitation of the VBNC cells may be an important reason for vibriosis outbreaks in aquaculture. Disease control measures center on dietary supplements (including probiotics), nonspecific immunostimulants, and vaccines and to a lesser extent antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds.
New strategic market segment and follow-on orders continue to strengthen Aspiral's position in China
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2020

As reported previously in this newsletter, Fluence Corp Ltd's Aspiral™ family of decentralised, smart packaged wastewater treatment systems is being used worldwide, including countries such as China, where it is already being employed in numerous applications. Here, we briefly look at some recent developments in this country, where interest in this technology continues to grow. As an aside, the company has also provided an update regarding its operations in China and how they are potentially affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus.