bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine for cancer‐related fatigue in lung cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kwon Chan‐Young , Lee Boram , Kong Moonkyo , Lee Seung Hyeun , Jung Hee‐Jae , Kim Kwan‐Il , Lee Beom‐Joon
Published: September 2020

Approximately half of lung cancer patients (LCP) receiving chemotherapy are experiencing cancer‐related fatigue (CRF). In East Asia, herbal medicines (HMs) have been used as tonics due to their anti‐fatigue effect. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of HMs for CRF in LCP. We comprehensively searched 12 electronic medical databases to search randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs investigating HMs for CRF in LCP, published up to September 2019. The primary outcome was the fatigue severity. Secondary outcomes included patients' quality of life (QOL), activities of daily life (ADL), and incidence of adverse events. Cochrane's risk of bias tool assessed the methodological quality of included RCTs. The risk ratio or mean difference was estimated with 95% confidence intervals by performing a meta‐analysis. Twelve RCTs with 861 participants were included. Compared to conventional medicine alone, HM combined with conventional medicine significantly improved fatigue level, QOL, and ADL. As monotherapy, HM significantly improved ADL compared with megestrol. No serious HM‐related adverse events were reported. Limited evidence suggests that HM could be effective and safe for CRF in LCP. However, further high‐quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings owing to the small number and low methodological quality of the included studies.
The generation, stability, and connectivity of small‐sized carbon cages
Authors: Gan Li‐Hua , Wang Chun‐Ru
Published: September 2020

Small‐sized cages of Cn are possible intermediate species for the formation of fullerene molecules in the discharge or laser vaporization reaction of graphite, but the studies on them are scattered mainly owing to their high reactivity and unavailability. Here, the coordinates of small‐sized carbon cages of Cn (n = 4‐30) are generated by our developed codes, and their stability and structural connectivity are studied using density functional theory. The interesting findings include the following: (a) Cage‐shaped isomers of Cn are favored with increasing size; (b) the ground state of cage‐shaped C4, C8, C26, and C30 are open‐shelled, and cage‐shaped D3h‐C6 is a second saddle point; (c) small‐sized cages welcome strained square(s); and (d) the most favored cages of Cn from C16 to C30 are structurally related to direct C2 insertion without the rearrangement process.
Primary CD20‐positive mediastinal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Rajabto Wulyo , Priantono Dimas
Published: September 2020

Primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a rare tumour with different characteristics from other type of lymphomas. Clinical manifestations may vary and cause delay in diagnosis and management. We present a 22‐year‐old patient with symptoms of shortness of breath, weight loss, and night sweats. Laboratory studies only showed a markedly high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and thoracic computed tomography (CT)scan revealed a large mediastinal mass. Core biopsy‐guided CT scan was performed and the pathological and immunohistochemistry established a PMBCL diagnosis. We administered Rituximab Dose‐Adjusted Etoposide Prednisolone Vincristine Cyclophosphamide Doxorubicin (R‐DA‐EPOCH) chemotherapy regimen and the patient responded well to treatment. This is an example of rare case of mediastinal lymphoma with challenges to overcome to achieve diagnostic and therapeutic success. Failure to differentiate PMBCL with other systemic diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) could skew treatment algorithm and prevent optimal response. Administration of proper systemic therapy, especially in young, low‐risk patients could yield excellent outcome.
Control of systems with time varying unilateral constraints using robust and optimal controllers: A homogeneity framework
Authors: Oza Harshal B. , Orlov Yury
Published: September 2020

A tracking problem is studied in this article where a time‐varying unilateral constraint and disturbances are present. An extension to the method of nonsmooth state transformation is developed. The proposed framework enables synthesis and analysis of control of a rigid body colliding with a time‐varying unilateral constraint. Both the translational and rotational dynamics in three dimensions are covered. The control problem encompasses continuous and discontinuous controllers in the presence of impacts and discontinuous disturbances. This leads to new results in the area of control of systems with impacts and dry friction, a well‐known challenging direction in nonsmooth mechanics. Major contribution of the article is in achieving finite‐time tracking for a class of unilaterally constrained systems where the system dynamics with impacts are converted into one without impacts. Stability results are obtained via the homogeneity of differential inclusions. Numerical simulations are shown to demonstrate specific examples of the theoretical development.
Twenty‐seven years of Sustainable Development Journal: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Meng Fanchen , Raza Ali , Tahir Muhammad Sohail
Published: September 2020

This study aims to analyse 27 years' bibliometric data of the Sustainable Development Journal (SD). The analysis of 874 publications exhibits multi‐folded growth, rising from 22 articles in 1993 to 121 articles by 2019. Moreover, the analysis of publication structure, as well as the mapping of bibliographic data based on co‐citation, bibliographic coupling (BC), and co‐occurrence (CC), showed the intellectual structure and the connection among the contributing universities, countries, and authors. As the first retrospection of the Journal, this study not only educates and enriches SD's global readers and aspiring contributors but also may be useful to its editorial board, as it provides several inputs to navigate for future research.
Out of character: CEO political ideology, peer influence, and adoption of CSR executive position by Fortune 500 firms
Authors: Gupta Abhinav , Fung Anna , Murphy Chad
Published: September 2020

Research Summary

We consider the link between firms' decisions to adopt a CSR executive position and the political ideology of prior adopter CEOs. We theorize that firms are more likely to adopt a CSR executive position when it has been previously adopted by conservative‐leaning CEOs at other firms, as opposed to liberal‐leaning CEOs. This effect is due, we argue, to the increased perceptual salience and situational attributions associated with ideologically incongruent actions (i.e., actions that appear inconsistent with known political values). We further posit that these effects are stronger when the observing firms experience increased salience of CSR issues due to shareholder pressure and institutional equivalence between the referent and the observing firms. We find support for these ideas in a longitudinal sample of Fortune 500 companies.

Managerial Summary

How do CEOs' values affect industry‐wide appointments of senior executives in charge of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? Prior research suggests that liberal political beliefs of CEOs predict their CSR commitments. Our study explores how the political beliefs of CEOs—in this case, CEOs who have created a new CSR executive position in their companies—influence the likelihood that peer CEOs will imitate their decisions. Specifically, we find that when conservative CEOs adopt a CSR executive position, other companies are more likely to follow than when liberal‐leaning CEOs do so. These effects are even stronger when companies are experiencing CSR‐related pressure from shareholders and when they belong to the same industry and community as the firms of the CEOs they are observing.
Vacancies in Self‐Assembled Crystals: An Archetype for Clusters Statistics at the Nanoscale
Authors: Pariente Jose Angel , Caselli Niccolò , Pecharromán Carlos , Blanco Alvaro , López Cefe
Published: September 2020

Complex systems involving networks have attracted strong multidisciplinary attention since they are predicted to sustain fascinating phase transitions in the proximity of the percolation threshold. Developing stable and compact archetypes that allow one to experimentally study physical properties around the percolation threshold remains a major challenge. In nanoscale systems, this achievement is rare since it is tied to the ability to control the intentional disorder and perform a vast statistical analysis of cluster configurations. Here, a self‐assembly method to fabricate perfectly ordered structures where random defects can be introduced is presented. Building binary crystals from two types of dielectric nanospheres and selectively removing one of them creates vacancies at random lattice positions that form a complex network of clusters. Vacancy content can be easily controlled and raised even beyond the percolation threshold. In these structures, the distribution of cluster sizes as a function of vacancy density is analyzed. For moderate concentrations, it is found to be homogeneous throughout the structure and in good agreement with the assumption of a random vacancy distribution.
Controllable Heterogeneous Nucleation for Patterning High‐Quality Vertical and Horizontal ZnO Microstructures toward Photodetectors
Authors: Li Haohao , Liu Meilin , Zhao Jinjin , Gao Hanfei , Feng Jiangang , Jiang Lei , Wu Yuchen
Published: September 2020

High‐quality crystalline micro‐ and nanostructures based on inorganic semiconductors including zinc oxide (ZnO) have attracted considerable interest in electronic and optoelectronic applications due to their outstanding properties. ZnO micro‐ and nanocrystals can be fabricated by the moderate and high throughput hydrothermal synthesis. Yet it is restricted by patterning large‐area ZnO crystals with high‐quality and programmable geometries through the hydrothermal process for the optoelectronic integration. Here, a capillary‐bridge manipulation approach is demonstrated to control the dewetting process of ZnO precursor solution for patterning precursor arrays. Based on precursor arrays, vertically aligned high‐quality ZnO microrod arrays with homogeneous morphology and pure crystallographic orientation are fabricated via a hydrothermal epitaxial method. Statistical results and crystallization theories guide the experimental optimization and discussion of the crystallization mechanism, dominated by the competition between homogeneous nucleation and heterogeneous nucleation. High‐quality ZnO microbelt arrays are achieved through a surfactant‐mediated hydrothermal method after ZnO microrod arrays are transferred to a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. Photodetectors based on ZnO microbelts exhibit a high responsivity of 2.3 × 104 A W−1, a light on–off ratio exceeding 105, and stable recyclability. It is anticipated that this work provides new insights into patterning inorganic high‐quality micro‐ and nanostructures for multi‐functional integrated devices.
Construction of Smart Manganese Dioxide‐Based All‐in‐One Nanoplatform for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Liu Xiangmei , Zhou Yanli , Xie Wangwang , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang , Huang Wei
Published: September 2020

Manganese dioxide (MnO2)‐based functional nanomaterials have attracted great attention in the fields of nanoscience, biosensors, bioimaging, drug/gene delivery, and cancer therapy. Especially, all‐in‐one tumor microenvironment (TME) responsive MnO2‐based nanoagents have become a research hotspot due to their simple fabrication procedure, high specific surface area, controllable size and morphologies, easy surface modification, TME response, and oxygen generation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of strategies for construction of MnO2‐based all‐in‐one nanoplatforms for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Major highlighted topics in this paper focus on the controllable fabrication of MnO2 nanobuilding blocks, tumor targeting accumulation, working mechanisms of enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and the necessary considerations for construction of all‐in‐one nanoplatform. Finally, the current challenges and future directions in this rapidly growing research field are also discussed, which will provide guidance on the future works about the clinical translation of MnO2‐based all‐in‐one nanoplatform.
Junction Engineering for Photocatalytic and Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Zhang Yihe , Huang Hongwei
Published: September 2020

Artificial photosynthesis of clean fuels shows fascinating prospects for solving the energy crisis and environmental pollution. However, the solar conversion efficiency is too low to fulfill industrialization requirements, which is confined by the poor photon utilization, severe recombination of electrons and holes, and insufficient reactive sites. Fortunately, junction engineering displays outstanding performance in conquering the aforementioned problems. Herein, an updated fundamental understanding of various junction engineering for enhancing the efficiency, selectivity, and stability of solar‐driven CO2 reduction is provided. The recent progresses of heterojunctions, homojunctions, and multijunctions for photocatalytic (PC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2 reduction are focused on, especially their essential roles in facilitating the key PC or PEC processes, including charge separation and transfer, adsorption and activation of CO2, and desorption of products, which may provide an interactively referential development pathway for CO2 photoreduction. Finally, an outlook on the current challenges and perspectives of junction engineering design of photocatalysts for solar‐driven CO2 reduction is provided.
Per‐6‐Thiol‐Cyclodextrin Engineered [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Mimic/CdSe Quantum Dot Assembly for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Li Xu-Bing , Jian Jing-Xin , Wang Xu-Zhe , Wang Yang , Xia Shu-Guang , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: September 2020

[FeFe]‐hydrogenase ([FeFe]‐H2ase) mimics, inspired by hydrogenases in nature, have emerged as an important class of molecular catalysts toward hydrogen (H2) evolution. Herein, a per‐6‐thiol‐cyclodextrin (CDSH) engineered [FeFe]‐H2ase mimic/CdSe quantum dot (QD) assembly is established for effective photocatalytic H2 evolution. In the assembly, CDSH is first anchored on CdSe QDs via the strong multidentate Cd‐thiol coordination. Then, [FeFe]‐H2ase mimic is assembled on the QD surface via the host–guest supramolecular interaction between the hydrophobic cavity of cyclodextrin (CD) and the adamantyl (AD) group of [FeFe]‐H2ase mimic. In neutral aqueous solution of isopropanol, the Fe2S2‐AD/CDSH/CdSe assembly exhibits a turnover number (TON) of 1.12 × 105 (based on Fe2S2‐AD) under visible light, which is about 12‐fold to the corresponding system without CDSH. Mechanistic insights indicate that the CDSH can not only prevent the aggregation of QDs in acidic conditions, but also balance the interfacial charge (electron and hole) transfer to avoid the photocorrosion of QDs, thereby giving the highest TON of H2 photogeneration based on [FeFe]‐H2ase mimics up to date.
Solving Boolean polynomial systems by parallelizing characteristic set method for cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Zhao Juan , Zhu Min , Li Xiaoyong , Huang Zhenyu , Li Jincai , Song Junqiang
Published: September 2020

Many cyber‐attach schemes and coding models established by algebra tools are build to address the problem of security of cyber‐pysical systems (CPS). As an important field of algebra computing, Boolean Polynomial System Solving (PoSSo) problem plays a very important role in many algebra applications. In this article, we propose an efficient Parallel Boolean Characteristic Set method (PBCS) under the high‐performance computing environment to improve the efficiency of solving Boolean polynomial systems. The PBCS is implemented based on the state‐of‐the‐art Boolean Characteristic Set method (BCS). It adopts a master‐slave parallel pattern, and distributes tasks based on the polynomial sets after initial zero decomposition. We design a strategy of dynamically reallocating tasks to ameliorate load imbalance, which is caused by dynamical zero decomposition of polynomials. Furthermore, we improve its performance by optimizing the parameter settings of PBCS, including the maximum number of polynomial branches that trigger the dynamic allocation policy and the scheduling time. Experimental results with solving several Boolean polynomial systems confirm that PBCS is efficient and scalable, especially for the equations generating from stream ciphers that have block triangular structure. Moreover, the method also has good scalability. It shows a stable speedup as well even extending to the size of thousands of CPU cores.
Behavior of RC stepped beams with different configurations: An experimental and numerical study
Authors: Fayed Sabry , Basha Ali , Elsamak Galal
Published: September 2020

In the current research, an experimental program, consisting of one straight beam and seven stepped beams (SBs), is to be carried out. Furthermore, a numerical validation is to be applied using finite element analysis. The effect of the additional vertical and horizontal stirrups, the diagonal bars, the configuration of the tension bars, and the inclination angle of the stepped joint on the behavior of the SB is to be examined. Moreover, the influence of the width and the drop of the stepped joint on the behavior of the SB is to be induced. Compared with the straight beam, the ratios of the ultimate load decrease of the SB ranged from −64.23% to 0.00%. On the one hand, as the joint drop increases, the ultimate load of the SB decreases. On the other hand, when the joint width increases, the ultimate load of the SB increases. Many proposed techniques in reinforcing and dimensions of the stepped part have increased the flexural capacity. Proposed equations of the flexural capacity of the SB are to be induced after examination, taking into consideration the required parameters of the stepped beams, such as the compressive strength of the concrete, the tension and the compression steel, the dimension of the beam section, the horizontal stirrups, the diagonal bars, or the width and the drop of the stepped joint.
Organic Design of Biomorphic Superstructures
Authors: Huynh Tan‐Phat
Published: September 2020

Nature has endowed extraordinary beauty and functional significance in the form of biological morphology. Inspired by nature, biomorphic superstructures have been designed and synthesized from organic precursors in a laboratory. Although the complexity of synthetic superstructures is lower compared to natural forms, from an engineering point of view they possess competitive advantages such as low cost, ease of fabrication, and, occasionally, unexpected characteristics. Thus, there are still plenty of excitingly biomorphic superstructures waiting to be discovered.
1+1≥2? Norbornadiene‐Azobenzene Molecules as Multistate Photoswitches
Authors: Kunz Anne , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: September 2020

By combination of two photochromic molecules as multistate photoswitches new properties regarding to molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage systems and information storage capacity of smart materials are expected. By fusing the azobenzene with the norbornadiene system, new multinary photoswitches were designed. A successful synthesis towards different analogues was developed via Suzuki coupling reaction as key step. The isomerization behaviour of these norbornadiene‐azobenzene fusions was studied by UV‐Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy in different solvents investigating the electronic communication within these multinary‐photochromic systems.
Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Fan Jianuo , Cheng Yuqing , Sun Mengtao
Published: September 2020

Gold nanoparticles have excellent optical and plasmon properties and have enormous research potential when they combine with different ligands. Functionalized gold nanoparticles are widely used in drug delivery, biological detection, sensors, and even clinical treatment. At present, with the rapid development of functionalized gold nanoparticles, we think it is necessary to sort out the recent research results. In this paper, the synthesis, characteristics, and biological applications of the three aspects are introduced. Firstly, the synthetic methods of functionalized gold nanoparticles are reviewed, and the improvement of the commonly used synthetic methods is summarized. Then, the catalytic properties, oxidation resistance, and chirality optical properties are summarized in detail. Finally, we summarize the research progress in the field of biology in recent years.
Utilization of windowing effect and accumulated autocorrelation function and power spectrum for pitch detection in noisy environments
Authors: Rahman Md. Saifur , Sugiura Yosuke , Shimamura Tetsuya
Published: September 2020

In this paper, considering a progressing trend of recent techniques for pitch detection of speech in noisy environments, windowing effects are discussed analytically, and it is insisted that the Rectangular window should be proactively used instead of the popular Hanning or Hamming window. In a variety of noise environments, a performance comparison of the conventional pitch detection methods is conducted, and as a result, we take a standpoint to support the autocorrelation (ACF) method. Incorporating accumulation techniques, three types of pitch detection approaches are developed. Through experiments, it is shown that the three accumulation based approaches have the potential to provide better performance than recent state‐of‐the art methods for pitch detection without relying on a complicated post processing technique. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Investigation of Collision Position and Orientation of Elderly Cyclist for Car‐Bicycle Collision Simulation: Factors Causing Accidents on the Side of a Cyclist when Turning Right on Two Lane Straight Road
Authors: Handa Naoto , Mitobe Kazutaka
Published: September 2020

In car‐bicycle collision simulations, it is often the case that conditions are set so that the direction of travel of the bicycle is orthogonal to that of the car. However, in actual traffic accidents, the position and posture of the bicycle at the time of the collision are not always constant. In this paper, we reproduced a two‐lane straight road with frequent traffic using a cycling simulator constructed using Virtual Reality technology. Then, we collected information on the position and orientation of the collision with a car when the elderly crossed a right turn while cycling. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Assessment of Lead‐Free .22 LR Bullets for Shooting European Rabbits
Authors: Hampton Jordan O. , DeNicola Anthony J. , Forsyth David M.
Published: September 2020

In response to health threats posed by toxic lead to humans and scavenging wildlife, there is currently a focus on transitioning from lead‐based to lead‐free bullets for shooting (harvesting, culling, or recreational hunting) of wild animals. However, the efficacy of lead‐free bullets for shooting small mammals has seldom been evaluated. We compared the animal welfare outcomes and costs of using lead‐based and lead‐free bullets in the world's most popular cartridge, the rimfire .22 LR, for shooting wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Australia, during August 2019. Ballistic testing revealed that lead‐free bullets were less precise than one type of commonly used lead‐based bullet when shot from one rifle. We shot at 53 and 115 rabbits with lead‐based and lead‐free bullets, respectively. A substantially lower percentage of rabbits that were hit were wounded (2%) with lead‐based bullets compared with lead‐free bullets (20%). Hence, fewer shots were needed to kill rabbits with lead‐based (1.27) than lead‐free (3.98) bullets. Radiographic examination of 28 rabbits shot with lead‐based bullets and 27 rabbits shot with lead‐free bullets revealed metallic fragments present in 82% and 41% of carcasses, respectively. In 52% of rabbits shot with lead‐free bullets, there was no radiographic evidence of bullets or fragments, indicating pass‐through shots. The greater cost per bullet and larger number of bullets required to kill a rabbit meant that using lead‐free bullets cost 6 times more per rabbit killed than using lead‐based bullets. The only commercially available lead‐free .22 LR bullets in Australia at the time of our study produced substantially poorer animal welfare outcomes, and were more expensive per killed rabbit, than lead‐based bullets. Lead‐free bullets designed to reduce lead exposure to scavenging wildlife and humans and should be assessed in terms of animal welfare outcomes and costs prior to being considered for widespread use. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Structure and Properties of Fumaryl Fluoride
Authors: Bayer Marie C. , Jessen Christoph , Kornath Andreas J.
Published: September 2020

The molecular structure and the conformational composition of fumaryl fluoride were determined by low‐temperature vibrational spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. Three planar rotational isomers, trans‐trans‐, cis‐cis‐ and cis‐trans‐fumaryl fluoride were identified. C4H2F2O2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with four formula units per unit cell. Besides, Lewis acid‐base adducts between fumaryl fluoride and arsenic pentafluoride were synthesized. These adducts, which contain O–As bonding interactions, were found to crystallize as the monoadducts trans‐cis‐C4H2F2O2·AsF5 and cis‐trans‐C4H2F2O2·AsF5. Moreover, the diadduct trans‐trans‐C4H2F2O2·2 AsF5 was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The experimental data are discussed together with quantum chemical calculations of trans‐trans‐, cis‐cis‐, and cis‐trans‐fumaryl fluoride.
Public Health Emergencies and Constitutionalism Before COVID-19: Between the National and the International
Authors: Villarreal Pedro A.
Published: September 2020

The current chapter deals with public health emergencies and their linkages to constitutional law and theory. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic poses myriad challenges to constitutional regimes around the world. However, it is by no means the first time that public health emergencies have led to questions of constitutionalism. Past instances of disease outbreaks had already highlighted how emergency legal frameworks unfold when facing the challenge of containing their spread. Against this backdrop, the chapter focuses on pre-COVID-19  instances of cross-border epidemics and pandemics, such as A(H1N1) Influenza, Ebola and Zika, and some of their implications for constitutionalism. These examples of infectious disease outbreaks are assessed by resorting to three models-archetypes of constitutional emergencies as a theoretical background. As they show a coupling between the international and national levels, a brief glimpse at applicable international law regimes is put forward. Ultimately, public health emergencies are not taken as a new genus within already existing classifications. Nevertheless, this contribution shows how they do warrant more detailed analysis, given how their technical features put theories related to constitutionalism under extreme conditions to the test. The contribution was initially drafted before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Thus, it is a mostly retrospective analysis. Nevertheless, insights taken from outbreaks preceding COVID-19 can help build a broader outlook of the puzzle related to how the intertwinement between constitutionalism and public health emergencies can be addressed through a broader perspective not limited to one disease.
Lacunarity of Han–Nekrasov–Okounkov q-Series
Authors: Gallagher Katherine , Li Lucia , Vassilev Katja
Published: September 2020

A power series is called lacunary if “almost all” of its coefficients are zero. Integer partitions have motivated the classification of lacunary specializations of Han’s extension of the Nekrasov–Okounkov formula. More precisely, we consider the modular forms $$\begin{aligned}F_{a,b,c}(z) :=\frac{\eta (24az)^a \eta (24acz)^{b-a}}{\eta (24z)},\end{aligned}$$

F

a
,
b
,
c

(
z
)

:
=

η

(
24
a
z
)

a

η

(
24
a
c
z
)

b
-
a

η
(
24
z
)

,

defined in terms of the Dedekind $$\eta $$
η
-function, for integers $$a,c \ge 1$$

a
,
c
≥
1

, where $$b \ge 1$$

b
≥
1

is odd throughout. Serre (Publications Mathématiques de l’IHÉS 123–201:2959–2968, 1981) determined the lacunarity of the series when $$a = c = 1$$

a
=
c
=
1

. Later, Clader et al. (Am Math Soc 137(9):2959–2968, 2009) extended this result by allowing a to be general and completely classified the $$F_{a,b,1}(z)$$

F

a
,
b
,
1

(
z
)

which are lacunary. Here, we consider all c and show that for $${a \in \{1,2,3\}}$$

a
∈
{
1
,
2
,
3
}

, there are infinite families of lacunary series. However, for $$a \ge 4$$

a
≥
4

, we show that there are finitely many triples (a, b, c) such that $$F_{a,b,c}(z)$$

F

a
,
b
,
c

(
z
)

is lacunary. In particular, if $$a \ge 4$$

a
≥
4

, $$b \ge 7$$

b
≥
7

, and $$c \ge 2$$

c
≥
2

, then $$F_{a,b,c}(z)$$

F

a
,
b
,
c

(
z
)

is not lacunary. Underlying this result is the proof the t-core partition conjecture proved by Granville and Ono (Trans Am Math Soc 348(1):331–347, 1996).
Sepsis-assoziierte Enzephalopathie
Authors: Klawitter F. , Jager M. , Klinkmann G. , Saller T. , Söhle M. , von Möllendorff F. , Reuter D. A , Ehler J.
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Die Sepsis-assoziierte Enzephalopathie (SAE) stellt eine der häufigsten Ursachen für eine neurokognitive Störung beim Intensivpatienten dar. Bisher existieren keine einheitlichen, evidenzbasierten Empfehlungen zum diagnostischen Vorgehen bei SAE.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der Studie ist die Evaluation des derzeitigen Vorgehens bei der Diagnostik und dem Neuromonitoring bei Patienten mit SAE auf deutschen Intensivstationen.

Material und Methoden

In einer Online-Umfrage wurden 438 Mitglieder des Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitskreises Intensivmedizin (WAKI) und des Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitskreises Neuroanästhesie (WAKNA) befragt.

Ergebnisse

Es konnten die Fragebögen von insgesamt 12,6 % aller Befragten ausgewertet werden (55/438). Ein standardisiertes diagnostisches Vorgehen bei SAE wurde von 21,8 % (12/55) der Befragten angegeben. Zur Detektion der SAE werden hauptsächlich Delir-Assessments (50/55; 90,9 %) und die klinische Untersuchung (49/55; 89,1 %) angewendet. Seltener werden die zerebrale Bildgebung (26/55; 47,3 %), Labor‑/Biomarkerbestimmungen (15/55; 27,3 %), elektrophysiologische Verfahren (14/55; 25,5 %) und Liquoruntersuchungen (12/55; 21,8 %) eingesetzt. Zur Verlaufskontrolle werden ebenfalls klinische Untersuchungen (45/55; 81,8 %) von den Befragten präferiert. Bei apparativen Neuromonitoring-Verfahren zeigen sich signifikante Unterschiede in theoretisch beigemessener Bedeutung und klinischer Anwendungspraxis. Die Mehrheit der Befragten (48/55; 87,3 %) befürwortet die Erstellung einheitlicher Empfehlungen für die Diagnostik und das Neuromonitoring bei SAE.

Diskussion

Diese explorative Umfrage zeigt, dass bisher kein einheitliches Konzept im Hinblick auf Diagnostik und Neuromonitoring bei SAE auf deutschen Intensivstationen vorliegt. Innovative Biomarker der Hirnschädigung und apparative Neuromonitoring-Verfahren könnten in Zukunft die Diagnostik erleichtern und wertvolle prognostische Informationen zum neurokognitiven Outcome der Patienten mit SAE liefern.
The CIREL Cohort: A Prospective Controlled Registry Studying the Real-Life Use of Irinotecan-Loaded Chemoembolisation in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Interim Analysis
Authors: Pereira Philippe L. , Iezzi Roberto , Manfredi Riccardo , Carchesio Francesca , Bánsághi Zoltan , Brountzos Elias , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Echevarria-Uraga Javier J. , Gonçalves Belarmino , Inchingolo Riccardo , Nardella Michele , Pellerin Olivier , Sousa Maria , Arnold Dirk , de Baère Thierry , Gomez Fernando , Helmberger Thomas , Maleux Geert , Prenen Hans , Sangro Bruno , Zeka Bleranda , Kaufmann Nathalie , Taieb Julien
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) using irinotecan-eluting beads is an additional treatment option for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) patients that are not eligible for curative treatment approaches. This interim analysis focuses on feasibility of the planned statistical analysis regarding data distribution and completeness, treatment intention, safety and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the first 50 patients prospectively enrolled in the CIrse REgistry for LifePearl™ microspheres (CIREL), an observational multicentre study conducted across Europe.

Methods

In total, 50 patients ≥ 18 years diagnosed with CRLM and decided to be treated with irinotecan-eluting LifePearl™ microspheres TACE (LP-irinotecan TACE) by a multidisciplinary tumour board. There were no further inclusion or exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint is the categorisation of treatment intention, and secondary endpoints presented in this interim analysis are safety, treatment considerations and HRQOL.

Results

LP-irinotecan TACE was conducted in 42% of patients as salvage therapy, 20% as an intensification treatment, 16% as a first-line treatment, 14% a consolidation treatment and 8% combination treatment with ablation with curative intent. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were reported by 4% of patients during procedure and by 10% within 30 days. While 38% reported a worse, 62% reported a stable or better global health score, and 54% of patients with worse global health score were treated as salvage therapy patients.

Conclusion

This interim analysis confirms in a prospective analysis the feasibility of the study, with an acceptable toxicity profile. More patients reported a stable or improved HRQOL than deterioration. Deterioration of HRQOL was seen especially in salvage therapy patients.

Trial Registration

NCT03086096.
Use of carbapenems and glycopeptides increases risk for Clostridioides difficile infections in acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy
Authors: Ballo Olivier , Kreisel Eva-Maria , Eladly Fagr , Brunnberg Uta , Stratmann Jan , Hunyady Peter , Hogardt Michael , Wichelhaus Thomas A. , Kempf Volkhard A. J. , Steffen Björn , Vehreschild Joerg J. , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Finkelmeier Fabian , Serve Hubert , Brandts Christian H.
Published: September 2020

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are often exposed to broad-spectrum antibiotics and thus at high risk of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). As bacterial infections are a common cause for treatment-related mortality in these patients, we conducted a retrospective study to analyze the incidence of CDI and to evaluate risk factors for CDI in a large uniformly treated AML cohort. A total of 415 AML patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy between 2007 and 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients presenting with diarrhea and positive stool testing for toxin-producing Clostridioides difficile were defined to have CDI. CDI was diagnosed in 37 (8.9%) of 415 AML patients with decreasing CDI rates between 2013 and 2019 versus 2007 to 2012. Days with fever, exposition to carbapenems, and glycopeptides were significantly associated with CDI in AML patients. Clinical endpoints such as length of hospital stay, admission to ICU, response rates, and survival were not adversely affected. We identified febrile episodes and exposition to carbapenems and glycopeptides as risk factors for CDI in AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy, thereby highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary antibiotic stewardship programs guiding treatment strategies in AML patients with infectious complications to carefully balance risks and benefits of anti-infective agents.
Direct comparison of two extended half-life PEGylated recombinant FVIII products: a randomized, crossover pharmacokinetic study in patients with severe hemophilia A
Authors: Solms Alexander , Shah Anita , Berntorp Erik , Tiede Andreas , Iorio Alfonso , Linardi Camila , Ahsman Maurice , Mancuso Maria Elisa , Zhivkov Tihomir , Lissitchkov Toshko
Published: September 2020

An open-label, crossover randomized study was performed to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of damoctocog alfa pegol and rurioctocog alfa pegol, two recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) products indicated in patients with hemophilia A, both conjugated to polyethylene glycol to reduce clearance and extend time in circulation. Adult patients (N = 18) with severe hemophilia A (FVIII < 1 IU/dL), previously treated with any FVIII product for ≥ 150 exposure days, were randomized to receive a single 50 IU/kg infusion of damoctocog alfa pegol followed by rurioctocog alfa pegol, or vice versa, with ≥ 7-day washout between doses. FVIII activity was measured using the one-stage clotting assay. PK parameters, including area under the curve from time 0 to the last data point (AUC0–tlast, primary parameter), dose-normalized AUC (AUCnorm), and time to threshold, were calculated based on 11 time points between 0.25 and 120 h post-dose and evaluated using a noncompartmental model. Due to differences in batch-specific vial content used for the study, actual administered median doses were 54.3 IU/kg for damoctocog alfa pegol and 61.4 IU/kg for rurioctocog alfa pegol. Based on actual dosing, a significantly higher geometric mean (coefficient of variation [%CV]) AUCnorm was observed for damoctocog alfa pegol (43.8 h kg/dL [44.0]) versus rurioctocog alfa pegol (36.0 h kg/dL [40.1, P < 0.001]). Based on population PK modeling, median time to reach 1 IU/dL was 16 h longer for damoctocog alfa pegol compared with rurioctocog alfa pegol. No adverse events or any immunogenicity signals were observed. Overall, damoctocog alfa pegol had a superior PK profile versus rurioctocog alfa pegol. Trial registration number: NCT04015492 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). Date of registration: July 9, 2019
Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during totally robot-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Staubitz J. I. , van der Sluis P. C. , Berlth F. , Watzka F. , Dette F. , Läßig A. , Lang H. , Musholt T. J. , Grimminger P. P.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The robot-assisted approach for Ivor Lewis esophagectomy offers an enlarged, three-dimensional overview of the intraoperative situs. The vagal nerve (VN) can easily be detected, preserved, and intentionally resected below the separation point of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). However, postoperative vocal cord paresis can result from vagal or RLN injury during radical lymph node dissection, presenting a challenge to the operating surgeon.

Methods

From May to August 2019, 10 cases of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) with extended 2-field lymphadenectomy, performed at the University Medical Center Mainz, were included in a prospective cohort study. Bilateral intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) of the RLN and VN was performed, including pre- and postoperative laryngoscopy assessment.

Results

Reliable mean signals of the right VN (2.57 mV/4.50 ms) and the RLN (left 1.24 mV/3.71 ms, right 0.85 mV/3.56 ms) were obtained. IONM facilitated the identification of the exact height of separation of the right RLN from the VN. There were no cases of permanent postoperative vocal paresis. Median lymph node count from the paratracheal stations was 5 lymph nodes.

Conclusion

IONM was feasible during RAMIE. The intraoperative identification of the RLN location contributed to the accuracy of lymph node dissection of the paratracheal lymph node stations. RLN damage and subsequent postoperative vocal cord paresis can potentially be prevented by IONM.
Bank-Laine Functions with Real Zeros
Authors: Langley J. K.
Published: September 2020

Suppose that E is a real entire function of finite order with zeros which are all real but neither bounded above nor bounded below, such that $$E'(z) = \pm 1$$

E
′

(
z
)

=
±
1

whenever $$E(z) = 0$$

E
(
z
)
=
0

. Then either E has an explicit representation in terms of trigonometric functions or the zeros of E have exponent of convergence at least 3. An example constructed via quasiconformal surgery demonstrates the sharpness of this result.
Development of an Ethnic Identity Measure for Americans of Middle Eastern and North African Descent: Initial Psychometric Properties, Sociodemographic, and Health Correlates
Authors: Resnicow Ken , Patel Minal R. , Green Molly , Smith Alyssa , Bacon Elizabeth , Goodell Stefanie , Tariq Madiha , Alhawli Asraa , Syed Nadia , Van Horn M. Lee , Stiffler Matthew
Published: September 2020

Background

Southeast Michigan is home to the second largest Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) US population. There is increasing interest in understanding correlates of psychosocial outcomes and health behaviors in this growing population. One potentially important health correlate is ethnic identity (EI). This paper reports the development, validity, and initial correlates of a new measure of MENA identity named the MENA-IM.

Methods

We used convenience sampling at locations frequented by individuals of MENA descent in southeast Michigan. We also measured EI centrality, religiosity, cultural mistrust, substance use, and health status to assess convergent and divergent validity. Exloratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis identified three subscales, which were valid for both Arab and Chaldean respondents and were named (1) MENA cultural affiliation, (2) MENA media use, and (3) multicultural affiliation. We also created and tested a 20-item, single-factor version.

Results

We obtained data from 378 adults, 73% of whom identified as Arab and 27% as Chaldean. MENA-IM scores were higher among older, lower-educated, lower-income, non-US born, and Arabic-speaking respondents. Arab respondents reported significantly higher scores than Chaldeans. MENA-IM scores were positively associated with EI centrality and religiosity. Higher MENA-IM scores were found among those not reporting use of marijuana, alcohol, and opiates. Higher MENA-IM scores were also found among those without a self-reported history of heart disease and among those with better mental health status.

Discussion

The MENA-IM has strong psychometric properties and demonstrated initial evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. In general, values on the measure were associated with better psychosocial and health status. How the measure performs with MENA populations outside of Michigan and how it may relate to other health outcomes merit investigation.
Regulierung des Pflegemarktes: Räumliche Fehlentwicklungen werden verstärkt
Authors: Just Tobias , Plößl Franziska
Published: September 2020

Angesichts der Alterung der deutschen Gesellschaft wird der Bedarf an Pflegedienstleistungen künftig zunehmen, und dies erzwingt, adäquate und bezahlbare Pflegekonzepte dort zu ermöglichen, wo der Bedarf entsteht. Drei idealtypische Pflegeheiminvestitionsbeispiele illustrieren, dass positive Projektgewinne in (sehr) zentralen Lagen schwerer zu erzielen sind als in der Peripherie. Dabei werden die Auswirkungen kritischer oder gesetzlich reglementierter Parameter, wie die maximale Heimgröße, auf die Rentabilität von Neubauvorhaben untersucht. Um diesen asymmetrisch wirkenden Anreizstrukturen entgegen zu wirken, könnte zum einen die Zugänglichkeit von Grundstücken in Ballungsräumen, z. B. durch städtebauliche oder erbbaurechtliche Verträge, erleichtert werden. Zum anderen könnten neben einheitlichen Mindeststandards die länderspezifischen Regelungen durch regionale Anpassungsfaktoren, zur Berücksichtigung der unterschiedlichen Preisniveaus für Bauland, flexibler ausgestaltet werden.
A Comparative Study of Rock Art in Later Prehistoric Europe
Authors: Bradley Richard
Published: September 2020

The Element summarises the state of knowledge about four styles of prehistoric rock art in Europe current between the late Mesolithic period and the Iron Age. They are the Levantine, Macroschematic and Schematic traditions in the Iberian Peninsula; the Atlantic style that extended between Portugal, Spain, Britain and Ireland; Alpine rock art; and the pecked and painted images found in Fennoscandia. They are interpreted in relation to the landscapes in which they were made. Their production is related to monument building, the decoration of portable objects, trade and long distance travel, burial rites, and warfare. A final discussion considers possible connections between these separate traditions and the changing subject matter of rock art in relation to wider developments in European prehistoric societies.
Upholding heightened expectations of Indigenous children? Parents do, teachers do not
Authors: Peacock Huw , Prehn Jacob , Guerzoni Michael A. , Aitken Wendy , Andersen Clair
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This paper argues that a component of increasing the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youths completing their secondary education is having parents and teachers maintain heightened expectations of these children in achieving this goal. To understand this phenomenon, we investigate the importance of, and discrepancies between, primary caregiver and teacher outlooks regarding Indigenous youths completing year 12. For the purpose of this paper, we adopt the term ‘primary caregiver’ in place of parent. This is because the majority (87.7%) of P1s analysed are the biological mothers with the remainder being close female relatives. P2s analysed are all male, 93.3% are biological fathers; remainder are step-fathers or adoptive fathers. This paper uses quantitative data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children to measure expectations from parents and teachers of Indigenous children. Results suggest that parents maintain exceptionally high expectations of their children, while teacher's expectations significantly decline over the course of Indigenous children's primary and secondary schooling years. We suggest that relationships and communication between parents and teachers, regarding expectations of students, are important to establishing an equilibrium in expectations of children, and that teachers may benefit from further training to address any underlying biases towards Indigenous children.
Theory of Allosteric Regulation in Hsp70 Molecular Chaperones
Authors: Hendrickson Wayne A.
Published: September 2020

Heat-shock proteins of 70 kDa (Hsp70s) are ubiquitous molecular chaperones that function in protein folding as well as other vital cellular processes. They bind and hydrolyze ATP in a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) to control the binding and release of client polypeptides in a substrate-binding domain (SBD). However, the molecular mechanism for this allosteric action has remained unclear. Here, we develop and experimentally quantify a theoretical model for Hsp70 allostery based on equilibria among Hsp70 conformational states. We postulate that, when bound to ATP, Hsp70 is in equilibrium between a restraining state (R) that restricts ATP hydrolysis and binds peptides poorly, if at all, and a stimulating state (S) that hydrolyzes ATP relatively rapidly and has high intrinsic substrate affinity but rapid binding kinetics; after the hydrolysis to ADP, NBD and SBD disengage into an uncoupled state (U) that binds peptide substrates tightly, but now with slow kinetics of exchange.