bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface conformal anomalies
Authors: Herzog Christopher P. , Huang Kuo-Wei , Vassilevich Dmitri V.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We consider two d ≥ 2 conformal field theories (CFTs) glued together along a codimension one conformal interface. The conformal anomaly of such a system contains both bulk and interface contributions. In a curved-space setup, we compute the heat kernel coefficients and interface central charges in free theories. The results are consistent with the known boundary CFT data via the folding trick. In d = 4, two interface invariants generally allowed as anomalies turn out to have vanishing interface charges. These missing invariants are constructed from components with odd parity with respect to flipping the orientation of the defect. We conjecture that all invariants constructed from components with odd parity may have vanishing coefficient for symmetric interfaces, even in the case of interacting interface CFT.
Vanishing viscosity limit for the compressible Navier–Stokes system via measure-valued solutions
Authors: Basarić Danica
Published: October 2020

We identify a class of measure-valued solutions of the barotropic Euler system on a general (unbounded) spatial domain as a vanishing viscosity limit for the compressible Navier–Stokes system. Then we establish the weak (measure-valued)–strong uniqueness principle, and, as a corollary, we obtain strong convergence to the Euler system on the lifespan of the strong solution.
Presumption of guilt for T cells in type 1 diabetes: lead culprits or partners in crime depending on age of onset?
Authors: Carré Alexia , Richardson Sarah J. , Larger Etienne , Mallone Roberto
Published: October 2020

Available evidence provides arguments both for and against a primary pathogenic role for T cells in human type 1 diabetes. Genetic susceptibility linked to HLA Class II lends strong support. Histopathology documents HLA Class I hyperexpression and islet infiltrates dominated by CD8+T cells. While both hallmarks are near absent in autoantibody-positive donors, the variable insulitis and residual beta cells of recent-onset donors suggests the existence of a younger-onset endotype with more aggressive autoimmunity and an older-onset endotype with more vulnerable beta cells. Functional arguments from ex vivo and in vitro human studies and in vivo ‘humanised’ mouse models are instead neutral or against a T cell role. Clinical support is provided by the appearance of islet autoantibodies before disease onset. The faster C-peptide loss and superior benefits of immunotherapies in individuals with younger-onset type 1 diabetes reinforce the view of age-related endotypes. Clarifying the relative role of T cells will require technical advances in the identification of their target antigens, in their detection and phenotyping in the blood and pancreas, and in the study of the T cell/beta cell crosstalk. Critical steps toward this goal include the understanding of the link with environmental triggers, the description of T cell changes along the natural history of disease, and their relationship with age and the ‘benign’ islet autoimmunity of healthy individuals.
Association of cardiac autonomic dysfunction with higher levels of plasma lipid metabolites in recent-onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ziegler Dan , Strom Alexander , Straßburger Klaus , Knebel Birgit , Bönhof Gidon J. , Kotzka Jörg , Szendroedi Julia , Roden Michael ,   for the German Diabetes Study group
Published: October 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Emerging evidence suggests that in addition to hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia could represent a contributing pathogenetic factor to diabetic neuropathy, while obesity and insulin resistance play a role in the development of diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) characterised by reduced heart rate variability (HRV), particularly in type 2 diabetes. We hypothesised that distinct lipid metabolites are associated with diminished HRV in recent-onset type 2 diabetes rather than type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We analysed 127 plasma lipid metabolites (11 acylcarnitines, 39 NEFA, 12 sphingomyelins (SMs), 56 phosphatidylcholines and nine lysophosphatidylcholines) using MS in participants from the German Diabetes Study baseline cohort recently diagnosed with type 1 (n = 100) and type 2 diabetes (n = 206). Four time-domain HRV indices (number of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals >50 ms divided by the number of all NN intervals [pNN50]; root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]; SD of NN intervals [SDNN]; and SD of differences between adjacent NN intervals) and three frequency-domain HRV indices (very-low-frequency [VLF], low-frequency [LF] and high-frequency [HF] power spectrum) were computed from NN intervals recorded during a 3 h hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp at baseline and in subsets of participants with type 1 (n = 60) and type 2 diabetes (n = 95) after 5 years.

Results

In participants with type 2 diabetes, after Bonferroni correction and rigorous adjustment, SDNN was inversely associated with higher levels of diacyl-phosphatidylcholine (PCaa) C32:0, PCaa C34:1, acyl-alkyl-phosphatidylcholine (PCae) C36:0, SM C16:0 and SM C16:1. SD of differences between NN intervals was inversely associated with PCaa C32:0, PCaa C34:1, PCaa C34:2, PCae C36:0 and SM C16:1, and RMSSD with PCae C36:0. For VLF power, inverse associations were found with PCaa C30:0, PCaa C32:0, PCaa C32:1, PCaa C34:2 and SM C16:1, and for LF power inverse associations were found with PCaa C32:0 and SM C16:1 (r = −0.242 to r = −0.349; p ≤ 0.0005 for all correlations). In contrast, no associations of lipid metabolites with measures of cardiac autonomic function were noted in participants recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. After 5 years, HRV declined due to ageing rather than diabetes, whereby prediction analyses for lipid metabolites were hampered.

Conclusions/interpretation

Higher plasma levels of specific lipid metabolites are closely linked to cardiac autonomic dysfunction in recent-onset type 2 diabetes but not type 1 diabetes, suggesting a role for perturbed lipid metabolism in the early development of CAN in type 2 diabetes.
Can a better informed listener be easier to persuade?
Authors: Bizzotto Jacopo , Vigier Adrien
Published: October 2020

We study the impact of exogenous news on the classic Bayesian persuasion problem. The sender supplies information over multiple periods, but is unable to commit at the onset to the information that she will supply in periods ahead. A tension then emerges between the sender and her future self. We show that by resolving this tension, more informative news can make the sender better off.
The biologically functional identification of a novel TIM3-binding peptide P26 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhong Tangwu , Zhao Chuanke , Wang Shuntao , Tao Deshuang , Ma Shuxia , Shou Chengchao
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Recent studies have shown that TIM3 plays an important role in T-cell failure, which is closely related to the resistance to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment. However, there have been no reports on the application of peptide blockers to TIM3. In this study, we endeavored to identify the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activities of a TIM3-targeting peptide screened from the phage peptide library.

Methods

Phage display peptide library technology, surface plasmon resonance, flow cytometry, and mixed lymphocyte reaction were utilized to screen and demonstrate the bioactivities of P26, a TIM3-targeting peptide. Meanwhile, tumor growth assay was performed to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of P26.

Results

In terms of affinity, we demonstrated that P26 specifically binds to TIM3 at the cellular and molecular levels, which therefore blocks the interaction between TIM3 and Galectin-9 (Gal-9) and competes with Gal-9 to bind TIM3. Additionally, P26 significantly increases T-cell activity and elevates IFN-γ and IL-2 levels in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, P26 also counteracts Gal-9-mediated T-cell suppression. More importantly, P26 can inhibit growth of MC38-hPD-L1 tumor in mice.

Conclusions

P26, as a novel TIM3-binding peptide, has the ideal bioactivity connecting to TIM3 and the potential prospect of application in immunotherapy as an alternative or adjuvant to existing agents.
Relationship between salt consumption and iodine intake in a pediatric population
Authors: Iacone Roberto , Iaccarino Idelson Paola , Campanozzi Angelo , Rutigliano Irene , Russo Ornella , Formisano Pietro , Galeone Daniela , Macchia Paolo Emidio , Strazzullo Pasquale ,   The MINISAL-GIRCSI Study Group
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The World Health Organization recommends reduction of salt intake to < 5 g/day and the use of iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency states. A high prevalence of excess salt consumption and an inadequate iodine intake has been previously shown in an Italian pediatric population. It was appropriate, therefore, to analyse in the same population the relationship occurring between salt consumption and iodine intake.

Methods

The study population was made of 1270 children and adolescents. Estimates of salt consumption and iodine intake were obtained by measuring 24 h urinary sodium and iodine excretion.

Results

The iodine intake increased gradually across quartiles of salt consumption independently of sex, age and body weight (p < 0.001). Median iodine intake met the European Food Safety Authority adequacy level only in teenagers in the highest quartile of salt consumption (salt intake > 10.2 g/day). We estimated that approximately 65–73% of the total iodine intake was derived from food and 27–35% from iodized salt and that iodized salt made actually only 20% of the total salt intake.

Conclusion

In this pediatric population, in face of an elevated average salt consumption, the use of iodized salt was still insufficient to ensure an adequate iodine intake, in particular among teenagers. In the perspective of a progressive reduction of total salt intake, the health institutions should continue to support iodoprophylaxis, in the context of the national strategies for salt reduction. In order for these policies to be successful, in addition to educational campaigns, it is needed that the prescriptions contained in the current legislation on iodoprophylaxis are made compelling through specific enforcement measures for all the involved stakeholders.
Intraoral ultrasonography in the assessment of DOI in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: a comparison with magnetic resonance and histopathology
Authors: Filauro Marta , Missale Francesco , Marchi Filippo , Iandelli Andrea , Carobbio Andrea Luigi Camillo , Mazzola Francesco , Parrinello Giampiero , Barabino Emanuele , Cittadini Giuseppe , Farina Davide , Piazza Cesare , Peretti Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Objective

The first-line therapeutic approach for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is complete surgical resection. Preoperative assessment of depth of invasion (cDOI) is crucial to plan the surgery. Magnetic resonance (MR) and intraoral ultrasonography (IOUS) have been shown to be useful tools for assessment of DOI. The present analysis investigates the accuracy of MR and IOUS in evaluating DOI in OCSCC compared to histological evaluation (pDOI).

Materials and methods

Forty-nine previously untreated patients with cT1-T3 OCSCC were reviewed. Nine patients were staged with MR alone, 10 with IOUS alone, and 30 with both MR and IOUS.

Results

Mean difference between cDOIMR and pDOI values of 0.2 mm (95% CI − 1.0–1.3 mm) and between cDOIIOUS and pDOI of 0.3 mm (95% CI − 1.0–1.6 mm). Spearman R between cDOIMR and pDOI was R = 0.83 and between cDOIIOUS and pDOI was R = 0.76. Both radiological techniques showed high performance for the correct identification, with the optimum cut-off of 5 mm, of patients with a pDOI ≥ 4 mm and amenable to a neck dissection, with an AUC of 0.92 and 0.82 for MR and IOUS, respectively.

Conclusion

Both examinations were valid approaches for preoperative determination of DOI in OCSCC, although with different cost-effectiveness profiles and indications.
The Power of Cut-Based Parameters for Computing Edge-Disjoint Paths
Authors: Ganian Robert , Ordyniak Sebastian
Published: October 2020

This paper revisits the classical edge-disjoint paths (EDP) problem, where one is given an undirected graph G and a set of terminal pairs P and asks whether G contains a set of pairwise edge-disjoint paths connecting every terminal pair in P. Our aim is to identify structural properties (parameters) of graphs which allow the efficient solution of EDP without restricting the placement of terminals in P in any way. In this setting, EDP is known to remain NP-hard even on extremely restricted graph classes, such as graphs with a vertex cover of size 3. We present three results which use edge-separator based parameters to chart new islands of tractability in the complexity landscape of EDP. Our first and main result utilizes the fairly recent structural parameter tree-cut width (a parameter with fundamental ties to graph immersions and graph cuts): we obtain a polynomial-time algorithm for EDP on every graph class of bounded tree-cut width. Our second result shows that EDP parameterized by tree-cut width is unlikely to be fixed-parameter tractable. Our final, third result is a polynomial kernel for EDP parameterized by the size of a minimum feedback edge set in the graph.
Thromboprophylaxis in congenital nephrotic syndrome: 15-year experience from a national cohort
Authors: Dobbie Laurence J. , Lamb Angela , Eskell Lucy , Ramage Ian J. , Reynolds Ben C.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is an ultra-rare disease associated with a pro-thrombotic state and venous thromboembolisms (VTE). There is very limited evidence evaluating thromboprophylaxis in patients with CNS. This study aimed to determine the doses and duration of treatment required to achieve adequate thromboprophylaxis in patients with CNS.

Methods

From 2005 to 2018 children in Scotland with a confirmed genetic or histological diagnosis of CNS were included if commenced on thromboprophylaxis. The primary study endpoint was stable drug monitoring. Secondary outcomes included VTE or significant haemorrhage.

Results

Eight patients were included; all initially were commenced on low-molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin). Four patients maintained therapeutic anti-Factor Xa levels (time 3–26 weeks, dose 3.2–5.07 mg/kg/day), and one patient developed a thrombosis (Anti-Factor Xa: 0.27 IU/ml). Four patients were subsequently treated with warfarin. Two patients maintained therapeutic INRs (time 6–11 weeks, dose 0.22–0.25 mg/kg/day), and one patient had two bleeding events (Bleed 1: INR 6, Bleed 2: INR 5.5).

Conclusions

Achieving thromboprophylaxis in CNS is challenging. Similar numbers of patients achieved stable anticoagulation on warfarin and enoxaparin. Enoxaparin dosing was nearly double the recommended starting doses for secondary thromboprophylaxis. Bleeding events were all associated with supra-therapeutic anticoagulation.
Biopsy-proven Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis: a single center experience
Authors: Kurt-Şükür Eda Didem , Sekar Thivya , Tullus Kjell
Published: October 2020

Background

Knowledge on normal progress and treatment of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is limited. This study reviews outcome, clinical, pathological, and therapeutic factors affecting the prognosis of HSPN patients.

Methods

Forty-nine children with biopsy-confirmed HSPN diagnosed between September 2008 and 2018 were included. Demographics, clinical and laboratory data, treatment, and outcome were recorded at the time of biopsy, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months and at last visit. Clinical outcome was graded according to Meadow’s criteria.

Results

The median age at time of biopsy was 10.1 years (IQR:5.7) and female/male ratio 24/25. At presentation, 40.8% of patients had nonnephrotic proteinuria, 18.4% nephrotic syndrome (NS), 4.1% nephritic syndrome (NephrS), and 36.7% NephrS+NS. There were 11 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate below 90 ml/min/1.73 m2. Biopsy specimens were classified according to International Study of Kidney Diseases in Children (ISKDC) and Oxford Classification MEST-C scoring systems. Forty-one patients received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, 37 patients steroids, and 35 patients other immunosuppressive medications. At last visit, 24 patients had stage 1 chronic kidney disease (CKD), three stage 2 CKD, and two had stage 5 CKD. Neither clinical parameters nor ISKDC biopsy grade or treatment modalities effected the final outcome. The Oxford classification showed significantly increased segmental glomerulosclerosis in patients with unfavorable outcome. Favorable outcome was associated with shorter time from kidney involvement to biopsy and start of treatment.

Conclusion

A large proportion of patients continued to show signs of CKD at last follow-up while only a small proportion developed stage 5 CKD.
Long-term impact of olfactory dysfunction on daily life
Authors: Auinger Alice B. , Besser Gerold , Liu David T. , Renner Bertold , Mueller Christian A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common in the general population, affects the quality of life (QoL), and is suspected to cause depression. Long-term outcome data are lacking and there is a need to improve patient counselling regarding prognosis. We aimed to assess subjective long-term recovery rates, the QoL, and mood disturbance in a group of 65 patients, who were affected with OD.

Methods

Out of 325 patients treated for OD between 2003 and 2009  at a smell and taste clinic, 65 patients were included for a follow-up after an average of 8.6 years. A total of 28 patients answered questionnaires only and 37 patients were provided with an additional smell identification test. Among others, questionnaires included a short form of the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Beck’s depression inventory.

Results

In the long run, subjective improvement was stated in 33.8% of all patients, with the highest rate of 42.3% in patients with postinfectious OD. The subjective rating of olfactory function on a visual analogue scale was significantly higher at study follow-up compared to first clinical contact (median 1.25 vs. 4.5; U = 469.5, p = 0.001), as were mean identification scores (6.0 ± 3.0 vs. 8.0 ± 4.0, t(18) = 2.51, p = 0.021). The QoL in general was considered reduced in 40% of all patients at follow-up. Furthermore, participants exhibited only minor, if any, depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Despite negative effects of OD on certain activities in daily life, such as cooking, detecting spoiled food, or personal hygiene, it seems that the patients included in this study adapted to the OD in the long-term. The current findings should aid clinicians in patient counselling.
The histological representativeness of glioblastoma tissue samples
Authors: Mikkelsen Vilde Elisabeth , Solheim Ole , Salvesen Øyvind , Torp Sverre Helge
Published: October 2020

Background

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are known for having a vastly heterogenous histopathology. Several studies have shown that GBMs can be histologically undergraded due to sampling errors of small tissue samples. We sought to explore to what extent histological features in GBMs are dependent on the amount of viable tissue on routine slides from both biopsied and resected tumors.

Methods

In 106 newly diagnosed GBM patients, we investigated associations between the presence or degree of 24 histopathological and two immunohistochemical features and the tissue amount on hematoxylin-eosin (HE) slides. The amount of viable tissue was semiquantitatively categorized as “sparse,” “medium,” or “substantial” for each case. Tissue amount was also assessed for associations with MRI volumetrics and the type of surgical procedure.

Results

About half (46%) of the assessed histological and immunohistochemical features were significantly associated with tissue amount. The significant features were less present or of a lesser degree when the tissue amount was smaller. Among the significant features were most of the features relevant for diffuse astrocytic tumor grading, i.e., small necroses, palisades, microvascular proliferation, atypia, mitotic count, and Ki-67/MIB-1 proliferative index (PI).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of the assessed histological features were at risk of being underrepresented when the amount of viable tissue on HE slides was limited. Most of the grading features were dependent on tissue amount, which underlines the importance of considering sampling errors in diffuse astrocytic tumor grading. Our findings also highlight the importance of adequate tissue collection to increase the quality of diagnostics and histological research.
Exploring sensorimotor performance and user experience within a virtual reality golf putting simulator
Authors: Harris David J. , Buckingham Gavin , Wilson Mark R. , Brookes Jack , Mushtaq Faisal , Mon-Williams Mark , Vine Samuel J.
Published: October 2020

In light of recent advances in technology, there has been growing interest in virtual reality (VR) simulations for training purposes in a range of high-performance environments, from sport to nuclear decommissioning. For a VR simulation to elicit effective transfer of training to the real-world, it must provide a sufficient level of validity, that is, it must be representative of the real-world skill. In order to develop the most effective simulations, assessments of validity should be carried out prior to implementing simulations in training. The aim of this work was to test elements of the physical fidelity, psychological fidelity and construct validity of a VR golf putting simulation. Self-report measures of task load and presence in the simulation were taken following real and simulated golf putting to assess psychological and physical fidelity. The performance of novice and expert golfers in the simulation was also compared as an initial test of construct validity. Participants reported a high degree of presence in the simulation, and there was little difference between real and virtual putting in terms of task demands. Experts performed significantly better in the simulation than novices (p = .001, d = 1.23), and there was a significant relationship between performance on the real and virtual tasks (r = .46, p = .004). The results indicated that the simulation exhibited an acceptable degree of construct validity and psychological fidelity. However, some differences between the real and virtual tasks emerged, suggesting further validation work is required.
Multiseasonal probabilistic slope stability analysis of a large area of unsaturated pyroclastic soils
Authors: Cuomo Sabatino , Masi Elena Benedetta , Tofani Veronica , Moscariello Mariagiovanna , Rossi Guglielmo , Matano Fabio
Published: October 2020

The analysis of slope stability over large areas is a demanding task for several reasons, such as the need for extensive datasets, the uncertainty of collected data, the difficulty of accounting for site-specific factors, and the considerable computation time required due to the size of investigated areas, which can pose major barriers, particularly in civil protection contexts where rapid analysis and forecasts are essential. However, as the identification of zones of higher failure probability is very useful for stakeholders and decision-makers, the scientific community has attempted to improve capabilities to provide physically based assessments. This study combined a transient seepage analysis of an unsaturated-saturated condition with an infinite slope stability model and probabilistic analysis through the use of a high-computing capacity parallelized platform. Both short- and long-term analyses were performed for a study area, and roles of evapotranspiration, vegetation interception, and the root increment of soil strength were considered. A model was first calibrated based on hourly rainfall data recorded over a 4-day event (December 14–17, 1999) causing destructive landslides to compare the results of model simulations to actual landslide events. Then, the calibrated model was applied for a long-term simulation where daily rainfall data recorded over a 4-year period (January 1, 2005–December 31, 2008) were considered to study the behavior of the area in response to a long period of rainfall. The calibration shows that the model can correctly identify higher failure probability within the time range of the observed landslides as well as the extents and locations of zones computed as the most prone ones. The long-term analysis allowed for the identification of a number of days (9) when the slope factor of safety was lower than 1.2 over a significant number of cells. In all of these cases, zones approaching slope instability were concentrated in specific sectors and catchments of the study area. In addition, some subbasins were found to be the most recurrently prone to possible slope instability. Interestingly, the application of the adopted methodology provided clear indications of both weekly and seasonal fluctuations of overall slope stability conditions. Limitations of the present study and future developments are finally discussed.
The Subject-Dependency of Perceptual Objects
Authors: Skrzypulec Błażej
Published: October 2020

Entities that are, in ordinary perceptual situations, veridically presented as objects can be called ‘perceptual objects’. In the philosophical literature, one can find various approaches to the crucial features that distinguish the class of perceptual objects. While these positions differ in many respects, they share an important general feature: they all characterize perceptual objects as largely subject-independent. More specifically, they do not attribute a significant constitutive role to the perceptual relation connecting a fragment of the environment with a perceiving subject. Fragments of the environment are perceptual objects no matter whether they stand in a perceptual relation to any subject, mainly by virtue of having a certain physical structure. I question this common assumption, relying on Green’s (2019) definition of perceptual objects, arguing that a proper theory of perceptual objects should accommodate the constitutive role of perceptual relations. This is because there exist fragments of the environment that are perceptual objects only when they stand in a perceptual relation to a subject.
Housing stratification in Romania: mapping a decade of change
Authors: Soaita Adriana Mihaela , Dewilde Caroline
Published: October 2020

Given increasing economic affluence, improvement in housing conditions and population decline in the last three decades, Romanians should be more likely to experience better housing than ever before, particularly in terms of the availability and affordability of space. But substantial improvement alongside numerous people still suffering poor conditions begs the important question of who has benefited and who has been excluded. Engaging the theoretical framework of diverse economies and drawing on 2007 and 2018 Eurostat-SILC micro-data, we examine the realignment between housing and income stratification across a proposed housing typology that reflects historically enduring arrangements of housing provisions and economic hierarchies. We find that residents’ socioeconomic profiles differ significantly by type of housing (e.g. showing surprising economic prosperity in urban flats and extreme poverty in some rural houses), which positions our typology as an expression of housing stratification. Furthermore, multivariate analyses highlight the increasingly stronger relationship between income and housing consumption over the decade. Of concern, a large share of the population (the bottom 40% of the income distribution) has fallen further into housing disadvantage after controlling for overall improvements in housing conditions. Conversely, the relative distance between middle- and higher-income households has decreased; given the dominance of small dwellings in the housing stock, higher-income groups seem unable to transfer their financial gains into space in their main residence except a minority engaged in the self-provision of ‘villas’. These patterns of housing stratification indicate a move towards a 40%/60% ‘hour-glass’ society if housing continues to remain outside the political agenda.
A method for determining the suitability of schools as evacuation shelters and aid distribution hubs following disasters: case study from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Authors: Tsioulou Alexandra , Faure Walker Joanna , Lo Dexter Sumaylo , Yore Rebekah
Published: October 2020

Despite the controversy regarding their use, school buildings are often assigned as emergency evacuation shelters, temporary accommodation and aid distribution hubs following disasters. This paper presents a methodology to compare the relative suitability of different school buildings for these purposes by using the analytical hierarchy process to weight criteria based on the combined opinions of relevant experts and combine these with descriptive scores from surveyed buildings. The aggregated weights show that approximately equal weighting should be given to the hard characteristics (hazard at location and physical vulnerability) and soft characteristics (accessibility, communications, living environment, access to supplies). As well as immediate safety, conditions for inhabitation are important so that displaced persons are not discouraged from evacuating to shelters and shelter life is not detrimental to health and well-being. The study allows an optimal selection of school buildings used as shelters before and after a disaster and highlights where most improvement could be made with relatively little time and resources for both individual buildings and the whole study area. This method was applied to Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, an area exposed to floods, windstorms and earthquakes, but can be adapted for other local contexts and building types. Among the 38 school buildings surveyed, we identified key areas for improvement as being insufficient pedestrian access for evacuation at night and for those with mobility constraints, and a lack of alternate spaces for evacuee activities leading to interference with education.
Why do patients go off track? Examining potential influencing factors for being at risk of psychotherapy treatment failure
Authors: Schilling Viola N. L. S. , Zimmermann Dirk , Rubel Julian A. , Boyle Kaitlyn S. , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Background

Routine outcome monitoring can support clinicians to detect patients who deteriorate [not-on-track (NOT)] early in psychotherapy. Implemented Clinical Support Tools can direct clinicians’ attention towards potential obstacles to a positive treatment outcome and provide suggestions for suitable interventions. However, few studies have compared NOT patients to patients showing expected progress [on-track (OT)] regarding such obstacles. This study aimed to identify domains that have predictive value for NOT trajectories and to compare OT and NOT patients regarding these domains and the items of the underlying scales.

Methods

During treatment, 413 outpatients filled in the Hopkins-Symptom-Checklist-11 (depressive and anxious symptom distress) before every therapy session as a routine outcome measure. Further, the Assessment for Signal Clients, Affective Style Questionnaire, and Outcome Questionnaire-30 were applied every fifth session. These questionnaires measure the following domains, which were investigated as potential obstacles to treatment success: risk/suicidality, therapeutic alliance, motivation, social support and life events, as well as emotion regulation. Two groups (OT and NOT patients) were formed by defining a cut-off (failure boundary) as the 90% confidence interval (upper bound) of the respective patients’ expected recovery curves. In order to differentiate group membership based on the respective problem areas, multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed. Further, OT and NOT patients were compared with regard to the domains’ and items’ cut-offs by performing Pearson chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests.

Results

The life events and motivation scale as well as the risk/suicidality scale proved to be significant predictors of being not-on-track. NOT patients also crossed the cut-off significantly more often on the domains risk/suicidality, social support, and life events. For both OT and NOT patients, the emotion regulation domain’s cut-off was most commonly exceeded.

Conclusion

Life events, motivation, and risk/suicidality seem to be directly linked to treatment failure and should be further investigated for the use in clinical support tools.
Characterisation of road-dust sediment in urban systems: a review of a global challenge
Authors: Haynes Haydn M. , Taylor Kevin G. , Rothwell James , Byrne Patrick
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The proportion of people living in urbanised areas is predicted to rise to > 65% by 2050, and therefore, more humans than ever will be exposed to urban environmental pollution. Accumulation of organic and inorganic substances on street and road surfaces is a major global challenge requiring scientifically robust methods of establishing risk that inform management strategies. This aim of this contribution is to critically review the global literature on urban road–deposited sediment contamination with a specific focus on variability in sampling and analytical methods.

Materials and methods

In order to assess the concentration of contaminants in global road-deposited sediment (RDS), a comprehensive search of published RDS studies was completed. We review methodological approaches used in RDS studies to highlight the variability in datasets as a result of sampling technique, grain size fractionation, geochemical and mineralogical characterisation methods and establishing the influence of local geology on contaminant concentrations. We also consider emerging contaminants in RDS, and we provide a workflow diagram which promotes a standardised sampling and analysis regime that we believe can reduce data variability and promote collaboration when it comes to tackling the important issue of RDS contamination.

Results and discussion

Across the literature, Asia (except China) and Africa are underrepresented in RDS studies despite these continents having the largest and fastest growing populations, respectively. The removal of tetraethyl lead from gasoline produced a noticeable decrease in lead concentrations in global RDS, and platinum group element (PGE) concentrations in RDS were consistent with catalytic converter usage. Research into the impact of electric vehicles on non-exhaust emissions suggests other contaminants such as zinc may become more prominent in the future. Most RDS studies consider grain size fractions larger than > 20 μm due to sampling constraints despite RDS < 20 μm being most relevant to human health. The use of chemical extraction methods to establish contaminant geochemistry is popular; however, most extraction procedures are not relevant or specific to minerals identified in RDS through microscopic and spectroscopic investigations.

Conclusions

This review highlights considerable variability in sampling and analytical approach which makes it difficult to identify broad global patterns in RDS contamination. To remove this variability from future RDS research, this review suggests a workflow plan which attempts to improve the comparability between RDS studies. Such comparability is crucial in identifying more discrete RDS trends and informing future emission policy.
Estimation of gender-specific connectional brain templates using joint multi-view cortical morphological network integration
Authors: Chaari Nada , Akdağ Hatice Camgöz , Rekik Islem
Published: October 2020

The estimation of a connectional brain template (CBT) integrating a population of brain networks while capturing shared and differential connectional patterns across individuals remains unexplored in gender fingerprinting. This paper presents the first study to estimate gender-specific CBTs using multi-view cortical morphological networks (CMNs) estimated from conventional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Specifically, each CMN view is derived from a specific cortical attribute (e.g. thickness), encoded in a network quantifying the dissimilarity in morphology between pairs of cortical brain regions. To this aim, we propose Multi-View Clustering and Fusion Network (MVCF-Net), a novel multi-view network fusion method, which can jointly identify consistent and differential clusters of multi-view datasets in order to capture simultaneously similar and distinct connectional traits of samples. Our MVCF-Net method estimates a representative and well-centered CBTs for male and female populations, independently, to eventually identify their fingerprinting regions of interest (ROIs) in four main steps. First, we perform multi-view network clustering model based on manifold optimization which groups CMNs into shared and differential clusters while preserving their alignment across views. Second, for each view, we linearly fuse CMNs belonging to each cluster, producing local CBTs. Third, for each cluster, we non-linearly integrate the local CBTs across views, producing a cluster-specific CBT. Finally, by linearly fusing the cluster-specific centers we estimate a final CBT of the input population. MVCF-Net produced the most centered and representative CBTs for male and female populations and identified the most discriminative ROIs marking gender differences. The most two gender-discriminative ROIs involved the lateral occipital cortex and pars opercularis in the left hemisphere and the middle temporal gyrus and lingual gyrus in the right hemisphere.
Low-density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Lowering Strategies for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Focus on siRNA Treatment Targeting PCSK9 (Inclisiran)
Authors: Sinning David , Landmesser Ulf
Published: October 2020

Purpose of Review

The aim of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies is to safely achieve a consistent and long-term reduction in exposure of the vasculature to atherogenic lipoproteins in order to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease and the associated CV events, such as myocardial infarctions and ischemic strokes. This review summarizes the concept and clinical development of a novel molecular approach to efficiently lower LDL-C, a synthetic small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)—inclisiran—directed against proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9).

Recent Findings

The understanding of genes regulating atherogenic lipoproteins and their causal role in the development of atherosclerotic CV disease has substantially advanced over the past years. This has opened the possibility for development of molecular therapies targeting these atherogenic lipoproteins, in particular by RNA-targeted treatment approaches. The most advanced clinical development program is the siRNA-treatment targeting PCSK9 (inclisiran), involving more than 4000 patients in clinical studies. Phase 1 and 2 studies have identified the dose of 300 mg inclisiran for efficient LDL-C lowering. Most recently, three phase 3 studies demonstrated that a regimen of inclisiran every 6 months was feasible and reduced LDL-C by approximately 50% in patients at high or very high CV risk or with familial hypercholesterolemia. Adverse events were similar in the inclisiran and the placebo groups, except for more frequent transient injection site reactions with inclisiran than with placebo.

siRNA therapy targeting PCSK9 (inclisiran) applied twice a year efficiently reduced LDL-C by approximately 50% and was safe in recent phase 3 studies. The effects of this treatment on CV outcome are currently further assessed in a large ongoing CV outcome trial.
Clinical Characteristics and Management of 50 Patients with Anti-GAD Ataxia: Gluten-Free Diet Has a Major Impact
Authors: Hadjivassiliou M. , Sarrigiannis P. G. , Shanmugarajah P. D. , Sanders D. S. , Grünewald R. A. , Zis P. , Hoggard N.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study is to report the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with progressive cerebellar ataxia associated with anti-GAD antibodies. We performed a retrospective review of all patients with anti-GAD ataxia managed at the Sheffield Ataxia Centre over the last 25 years. We identified 50 patients (62% females) with anti-GAD ataxia. The prevalence was 2.5% amongst 2000 patients with progressive ataxia of various causes. Mean age at onset was 55 and mean duration 8 years. Gaze-evoked nystagmus was present in 26%, cerebellar dysarthria in 26%, limb ataxia in 44% and gait ataxia in 100%. Nine patients (18%) had severe, 12 (24%) moderate and 29 (58%) mild ataxia. Ninety percent of patients had a history of additional autoimmune diseases. Family history of autoimmune diseases was seen in 52%. Baseline MR spectroscopy of the vermis was abnormal at presentation in 72%. Thirty-five patients (70%) had serological evidence of gluten sensitivity. All 35 went on gluten-free diet (GFD). Eighteen (51%) improved, 13 (37%) stabilised, 3 have started the GFD too recently to draw conclusions and one deteriorated. Mycophenolate was used in 16 patients, 7 (44%) improved, 2 stabilised, 6 have started the medication too recently to draw conclusions and one did not tolerate the drug. There is considerable overlap between anti-GAD ataxia and gluten ataxia. For those patients with both, strict GFD alone can be an effective treatment. Patients with anti-GAD ataxia and no gluten sensitivity respond well to immunosuppression.
Integrated Phenotypic-Genotypic Analysis of Candidate Probiotic Weissella Cibaria Strains Isolated from Dairy Cows in Kuwait
Authors: Patrone Vania , Al-Surrayai Tahani , Romaniello Francesco , Fontana Alessandra , Milani Giovanni , Sagheddu Valeria , Puglisi Edoardo , Callegari Maria Luisa , Al-Mansour Hamad , Kishk Mohamed Waheed , Morelli Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

Probiotics represent a possible strategy for controlling intestinal infections in livestock. Members of the Weissella genus are increasingly being studied for health-related applications in animals and humans. Here we investigated the functional properties of two Weissella cibaria strains isolated from cows reared in Kuwait breeding facilities by combining phenotypic with genomic analyses. W. cibaria SP7 and SP19 exhibited good growth in vitro under acidic conditions and in the presence of bile salts compared to the reference probiotic Lacticaseibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) rhamnosus GG. Both strains were able to adhere to Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines, as well as to mucin. The cell-free supernatants of the two isolates exhibited inhibitory activity towards Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922 and Salmonella enterica UC3605, which was ultimately due to the low pH of supernatants. W. cibaria SP19 showed a co-aggregation ability similar to that of L. rhamnosus GG when incubated with S. enterica. Whole genome sequencing and analysis revealed that both strains harbored several genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and general stress responses, indicating bacterial adaptation to the gastrointestinal environment. We also detected genes involved in the adhesion to host epithelial cells or extracellular matrix. No evidence of acquired antibiotic resistance or hemolytic activity was found in either strain. These findings shed light on the potential of W. cibaria for probiotic use in livestock and on the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interaction in the gut. W. cibaria` strain SP19 exhibited the best combination of in vitro probiotic properties and genetic markers, and is a promising candidate for further investigation.
Risk assessment for chemical pollution of dairy effluents from a milk processing plant located in Bechar (Southwest of Algeria)
Authors: Nabbou Nouria , Benyagoub Elhassan , Mellouk Abdelkarim , Benmoussa Youcef
Published: October 2020

Milk and dairy products’ production lines generate pollution in the form of food waste. The management of this waste concerns professionals that fit the purpose of this study to assess the chemical risk of the raw liquid effluents that are discharged from a milk processing plant located in Bechar (Southwest of Algeria) by analyzing the main chemical indicator parameters of water pollution following official analytical methods. A total of ten samples were analyzed during the months of February, March and April of the year 2019. The obtained results were interpreted according to the regulatory requirements recommended by the Algerian standard related to threshold limit of physicochemical parameters’ values. The obtained results showed pollution signs revealed by high levels of the organic matters, expressed by significant means related to the following parameters: chemical oxygen demand (COD: 810.33 mg/L), 5 days-biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5: 797.91 mg/L), total suspended solids (TSS: 47.3 mg/L) and turbidity (174.014 NTU) exceeding those required by the national standard, except other physicochemical parameters, such as pH, conductivity, sulfate, nitrate and nitrite contents that did not exceed the threshold of acceptable values. Although these raw effluents present a high organic load expressed by average BOD5/COD ratio equal to 0.985, they constitute organic matters in a dissolved form (average value of the TSS/BOD5 ratio = 0.076). Furthermore, The COD/BOD5 ratio that had an average value equal to 1.015 underlines the biodegradability character of discharged dairy effluents. The high pollution levels which are aggravated by the lack of wastewater treatment can hurt the environment  and the biological diversity and, therefore the humans' health. This requires an immediate intervention for a solution, where it is very important that proper wastewater treatment systems should be installed for the environment protection and for the ecological balance. Otherwise, it may constitute a risk to the public health on medium- to long-term by affecting the quality of the underground reservoir known as the main source of supply for the inhabitants of arid and semi-arid areas.
Design of a synthetic jet actuator for flow separation control
Authors: Weigel Perez , Schüller Martin , Gratias André , Lipowski Mathias , ter Meer Theo , Bardet Michiel
Published: October 2020

This paper describes the development of a piezo-electric synthetic jet actuator (SJA) of the AFLoNext project. Active flow—loads and noise control on next generation wing (AFLoNext) is a project within European Union’s 7th Framework Program. One of the main project goals is the application of active flow control (AFC) techniques, such as SJAs and pulsed jet actuators (PJAs) in two different application scenarios to evaluate the potential benefit for retrofit of current aircraft and also for future aircraft designs. This paper is focusing on the SJAs. For large-scale wind tunnel testing, an actuator panel with 84 SJAs including the drive electronics system was designed and pre-tested in a laboratory environment. The performance exceeds 100 m/s with outlet nozzles of 2.5 mm diameter and a span wise clearance of 10 mm. A second actuator design was prepared for the application on the outer wing region and was investigated in a harsh environmental test campaign. Two span wise rows of five actuators were integrated in a panel with 10 × 0.5 mm2 slotted outlet nozzles. With this design also velocities exceeding 100 m/s were measured. The actuators withstand different harsh environmental conditions including extreme temperature, rain, mechanical vibration and shock. With the results of the project, a technology readiness level (TRL) evaluation will conclude the maturity of the technology. Depending on the final test and evaluation results, achievement of TRL4 is expected.