bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan‐Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles Improves Oxidative Stability of Encapsulated Shrimp Oil throughout the Extended Storage
Authors: Gulzar Saqib , Raju Navaneethan , Prodpran Thummanoon , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: October 2021

Shrimp oil is encapsulated in chitosan‐tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (CSNPs) prepared by a dual‐step process involving emulsification of oil followed by entrapment in the chitosan‐tripolyphosphate matrix. CSNPs loaded with shrimp oil at varied levels show different encapsulation efficiencies (32.34–67.54%), mean particle diameters (110.29–278.11 nm), and zeta potential (18.93–33.77 mV). Scanning electron micrographs reveal that CSNPs are spherical or ellipsoidal in shape without flocculation. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results further substantiate the entrapment of shrimp oil within the CSNPs. Shrimp oil loaded in CSNPs have better oxidative stability and quality, compared to the free oil plausibly due to the synergistic effect between enclosure of oil by CSNPs and antioxidative property of chitosan. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and astaxanthin are more retained in CSNP encapsulated oil than the free oil over the storage of 8 weeks, indicating high potency of CSNPs in preventing the losses in the nutritional value and active component of shrimp oil.

Practical Applications: Shrimp oil is an exemplary source of astaxanthin and n‐3 fatty acids with potential health benefits. Shrimp oil encapsulation in chitosan nanoparticles is a simple and promising technique to protect the oil from oxidation and rancidity with no significant loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids or astaxanthin. Shrimp oil loaded‐chitosan nanoparticles are thermodynamically stable and disperse readily in water, making it highly favorable for fortification in variety of foods, particularly beverages. This technique is cost effective, since chitosan is abundantly available at low cost.
A transient, perched aquifer model for banana hole formation: Evidence from San Salvador Island, Bahamas
Authors: Breithaupt Charles I. , Gulley Jason D. , Bunge Eric M. , Moore Paul J. , Kerans Charles , Fernandez‐Ibanez Fermin , Fullmer Shawn M.
Published: October 2021

Banana holes are karst depressions that have primarily been reported from strandplains within the Bahamian archipelago. Banana holes have been hypothesized to form by downward dissolution in the vadose zone and in the phreatic zone by mixing dissolution and/or spatial variability in organic carbon inputs to the water table. While vadose models have been unable to explain overhanging roofs common in banana holes, phreatic models require anomalously high dissolution rates. In this study, we develop a new model for banana hole formation based on field observations, an airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) survey, and published geochemical data on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. We detected 3356 depressions in LiDAR data consistent with banana hole morphologies in Marine isotope substage (MIS) 5e and MIS 9/11 strandplains. No banana holes were detected in Holocene strandplains. All banana holes were found in swales between ridges. Of the banana holes found in MIS 5e strandplains, 109 had floor elevations between 6 and 19 m above sea level. These banana holes could not have formed in the phreatic zone because the MIS 5e freshwater lens reached a maximum elevation of 6 m above modern sea level. We also observed banana holes filled with water during wet seasons. While wells next to banana holes were tidal, pools in the banana holes were not, indicating pools were perched. Our observations, supported by hydrological models, suggest banana holes may form in the vadose zone in transient, perched aquifers on exposure zones. Runoff from ridges infiltrates through vadose fast‐flow routes until encountering low permeability exposure zones, where flow is directed laterally. Dissolution by perching on exposure zones would create thin, laterally‐extensive chambers radiating from injection points. Subsequent roof collapse results in their surface expression. Because dissolution occurs when waters become perched, chambers could form throughout low stands and may therefore not reflect rapid phreatic dissolution.
Shear stress–induced cellular senescence blunts liver regeneration through Notch–sirtuin 1–P21/P16 axis
Authors: Duan Juan‐Li , Ruan Bai , Song Ping , Fang Zhi‐Qiang , Yue Zhen‐Sheng , Liu Jing‐Jing , Dou Guo‐Rui , Han Hua , Wang Lin
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

The mechanisms involved in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (pHx) are complicated. Cellular senescence, once linked to aging, plays a pivotal role in wound repair. However, the regulatory effects of cellular senescence on liver regeneration have not been fully elucidated.

Approach and Results

Mice subjected to pHx were analyzed 14 days after surgery. The incomplete remodeling of liver sinusoids affected shear stress–induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling on day 14, resulting in the accumulation of senescent LSECs. Removing macrophages to augment LSEC senescence led to a malfunction of the regenerating liver. A dynamic fluctuation in Notch activity accompanied senescent LSEC accumulation during liver regeneration. Endothelial Notch activation by using Cdh5‐CreERT NICeCA mice triggered LSEC senescence and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, which disrupted liver regeneration. Blocking the Notch by γ‐secretase inhibitor (GSI) diminished senescence and promoted LSEC expansion. Mechanically, Notch–hairy and enhancer of split 1 signaling inhibited sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) transcription by binding to its promoter region. Activation of Sirt1 by SRT1720 neutralized the up‐regulation of P53, P21, and P16 caused by Notch activation and eliminated Notch‐driven LSEC senescence. Finally, Sirt1 activator promoted liver regeneration by abrogating LSEC senescence and improving sinusoid remodeling.

Conclusions

Shear stress–induced LSEC senescence driven by Notch interferes with liver regeneration after pHx. Sirt1 inhibition accelerates liver regeneration by abrogating Notch‐driven senescence, providing a potential opportunity to target senescent cells and facilitate liver repair after injury.
Huangjinsan ameliorates adenine‐induced chronic kidney disease by regulating metabolic profiling
Authors: Guo Yuejiao , Liu Fang , Chen MingCang , Tian Qiang , Tian Xiaoting , Xiong Qiang , Huang Chenggang
Published: October 2021

Chronic kidney disease is an increasingly serious public health problem worldwide. Our recent studies have shown that Huangjinsan has a renal protective effect on chronic kidney disease, but the specific mechanism by which this effect occurs is not clear. To study the therapeutic effect of Huangjinsan on chronic kidney disease and to explore its possible mechanism of action through nontargeted metabolomics methods, a chronic kidney disease rat model was induced by adenine, and the Huangjinsan extract was given by oral gavage. Body weight, the kidney index, pathological sections, and a series of biochemical indicators were measured. High‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the changes in the plasma metabolome. Huangjinsan significantly reduced indicators of kidney damage, including total protein, albumin, the total protein to creatinine ratio, and the albumin to creatinine ratio in urine, as well as IL‐2, MCP‐1α, and blood urea levels in plasma. Based on nontargeted metabolomics, 13 metabolites related to chronic kidney disease were discovered. These metabolites are closely related to glycerophospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. We found that Huangjinsan can restore the renal function of adenine‐induced chronic kidney disease by regulating the metabolic profile.
Extraction and determination of tussilagone from Farfarae Flos with online solid‐phase extraction–high‐performance liquid chromatography using a homemade monolithic cartridge doped with porous organic cage material
Authors: Wang Laisen , Liu Miaomiao , Sun Fanrong , Liu Haiyan , Yan Hongyuan , Bai Ligai
Published: October 2021

A solid‐phase extraction cartridge was fabricated using diallyl isophthalate as the monomer with the addition of porous organic cage material via in situ free‐radical polymerization in a stainless‐steel column. The resulting monolithic adsorbent exhibited a relatively uniform porous structure, a high specific surface area of 113.98 m2/g, and multiple functional chemical groups according to the characterization results. An online solid‐phase extraction–high‐performance liquid chromatography procedure was fabricated to extract and determine tussilagone from Farfarae Flos. The results show that the complex sample matrices can be removed in the solid‐phase extraction procedure. Simultaneously, tussilagone can remain, which can be subsequently switched to an octadecylsilane bonded analytical column. The methodological validation showed that the correlation coefficient was 0.9999 with a linear range of 0.6–200.0 µg/mL, the limit of detection was 0.2 µg/mL, the limit of quantification was 0.6 µg/mL, accuracy was 100.3–100.6%, and relative standard deviation of precision was ≤1.9%. The present monolithic cartridge exhibits good reusability of not more than 100 times. The real sample of Farfarae Flos was determined with a tussilagone content of 0.74 mg/g.
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis and Aggressiveness of Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Yeker Richard M. , Shaffer Amber D. , Viswanathan Pushpa , Witchel Selma F. , Mollen Kevin , Yip Linwah , Monaco Sara E. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Simons Jeffrey P.
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) is a common cause of hypothyroidism. Among adults with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), HT appears to be associated with less severe disease burden. In the absence of information regarding HT and disease burden among children with DTC, we assessed the relationship between pediatric DTC severity and HT.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

Charts from 90 pediatric patients who underwent surgical removal of DTC from 2002 to 2017 at tertiary‐care children's hospital were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, surgical, pathology, and outcome details were compared between patients with and without HT. Consistency among diagnostic modalities of HT was also evaluated.

Results

Median age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 4.2–18.9 years). Twenty‐two patients were male (24%). Forty‐five patients (50%) had HT based on presence of thyroid autoantibodies and/or surgical pathology findings and 45 patients did not have HT. Patients with HT had increased odds of microcalcifications (odds ratio [OR]: 3.01, P = .031) and decreased odds of palpable nodules (OR: 0.212, P = .024) and T2 lesions (vs. T1) (OR: 0.261, P = .015) compared with non‐HT. No significant differences in demographics and the incidence of multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node or pulmonary metastases, disease recurrence, or radioactive iodine treatment were found between the two groups. Thyroglobulin/thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies and surgical pathology indicative of HT were concordant in 82.4% (κ = 0.635, P < .001).

Conclusion

HT was present in 50% of children with DTC. Patients with DTC and HT presented with smaller tumors compared to non‐HT patients. No significant differences in other markers of disease aggressiveness were found between the two groups.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1668–1674, 2022
Kinetic features of polymerization of epoxy resin modified by silicon‐containing additives and mineral fillers
Authors: Kovaleva Ekaterina G. , Savotchenko Sergey E.
Published: October 2021

In this article, we study the process of polymerization of a modified ED‐20 epoxy binder under conditions of highly filled systems. It is found that modifying additives affect the process of polymerization of the binder, increasing the degree of conversion of epoxy groups of ED‐20 resin, speeding up the process of polymerization, and increasing the exothermic effect of the reaction. Curing in the presence of a modifying silicon‐containing additive takes place in a mode that promotes the formation of a more ordered structure, creating opportunities for relaxation of internal stresses and favorable conditions for the formation of an ordered microstructure. The equations sufficiently fitting the measured points of the concentration of epoxy groups are calculated. We obtain the kinetic curves of curing, which illustrate the process of heat release of the ED‐20 binder and the same system modified with mineral fillers. It is found that the heat release occurs more intensively when modifiers are introduced into the epoxy binder. It is derived that the experimental data of kinetics of heat release at considered time range can be sufficiently described by a parabolic equation.
Investigating the utility of hyperspectral sounders in the 9.6 μm band to improve ozone analyses
Authors: Karpowicz Bryan M. , McCarty Will , Wargan Krzysztof
Published: October 2021

Hyperspectral sounder brightness temperatures assimilated in the Global Earth Observing System Atmospheric Data Assimilation System (GEOS‐ADAS) were previously limited to assimilating temperature and moisture. The ozone‐sensitive 9.6 m region is sensed by several hyperspectral sounders including AIRS (Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder), IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer), and CrIS (Cross‐track Infrared Sounder). Direct assimilation of brightness temperatures in the 9.6 m region have been operational at ECMWF for several years. With this study, similar improvements using the GEOS‐ADAS are presented. Channels were selected from available operational subsets evaluating information content and minimizing inter‐channel correlation. Additionally, information such as channel selections made by other studies, and vertical sensitivities of ozone and temperature were considered. The analyses produced show improvements verified against ozonesondes taken from SHADOZ (Southern Hemisphere Additional Ozonesondes) and WOUDC (World Ozone and Ultraviolet Data Center). This work will be added to the GEOS‐ADAS and will provide an improved source of ozone data in NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office products.
A field efficacy trial of a trivalent vaccine containing porcine circovirus type 2a and 2b, andMycoplasma hyopneumoniaein three herds
Authors: Um Hyungmin , Yang Siyeon , Oh Taehwan , Cho Hyejean , Park Kee Hwan , Suh Jeongmin , Chae Chanhee
Published: October 2021

Background

This field trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a new trivalent vaccine containing porcine circovirus type 2a and 2b (PCV2a/b), andMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeat three independent locations.

Methods

Three farms were selected based on their history of PCV2 andM. hyopneumoniaeco‐infection. Each farm housed a total of 60, 3‐day‐old pigs that were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups. Pigs were administered the trivalent vaccine intramuscularly with either a 1.0 ml dose at 3 and 24 days of age or a 2.0 ml dose at 21 days of age in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Results

Clinically, the average daily weight gain of the one‐dose and two‐dose vaccinated groups within all three farms was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of unvaccinated animals during the growing (70–112 days of age), finishing (112–175 days of age) and overall (3–175 days of age) stages of production. One‐dose and two‐dose vaccinated animals elicited neutralizing antibodies and interferon‐γ‐secreting cells (IFN‐γ‐SC), which reduced the amount of PCV2 in terms of blood load and reduced the severity of lymphoid lesions when compared with unvaccinated animals. Similarly, one‐dose and two‐dose vaccinated animals elicited IFN‐γ‐SC, which reduced the amount ofM. hyopneumoniaein terms of laryngeal load and reduced the severity of lung lesions.

Conclusions

The intramuscular administration of either one or two doses of trivalent vaccine was not significantly different in any of the evaluated parameters. The results of field trial demonstrated that the trivalent vaccine was efficacious in the protection of swine herds where PCV2d andM. hyopneumoniaewere in active circulation.
Meta‐analysis of uniform scaling factors for harmonic frequency calculations
Authors: Zapata Trujillo Juan C. , McKemmish Laura K.
Published: October 2021

Vibrational frequency calculations performed under the harmonic approximation are widespread across chemistry. However, it is well‐known that the calculated harmonic frequencies tend to systematically overestimate experimental fundamental frequencies; a limitation commonly overcome with multiplicative scaling factors. In practice, multiplicative scaling factors are derived for each individual model chemistry choice (i.e., a level of theory and basis set pair), where performance is judged by, for example, the root‐mean square error (RMSE) between the predicted scaled and experimental frequencies. However, despite the overwhelming number of scaling factors reported in the literature and model chemistry approximations available, there is little guidance for users on appropriate model chemistry choices for harmonic frequency calculations. Here, we compile and analyze the data for 1495 scaling factors calculated using 141 levels of theory and 109 basis sets. Our meta‐analysis of this data shows that scaling factors and RMSE approach convergence with only hybrid functionals and double‐zeta basis sets, with anharmonicity error already dominating model chemistry errors. Noting inconsistent data and the lack of independent testing, we can nevertheless conclude that a minimum error of 25 cm−1—arising from insufficiently accurate treatment of anharmonicity—is persistent regardless of the model chemistry choice. Based on the data we compiled and cautioning the need for a future systematic benchmarking study, we recommend ωB97X‐D/def2‐TZVP for most applications and B2PLYP/def2‐TZVPD for superior intensity predictions. With a smaller benchmark set, direct comparison prefers ωB97X‐D/6‐31G* to B3LYP/6‐31G*.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
Writing the Research Proposal: The Art and the Science
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

A research proposal is a document containing details about the research which is to be undertaken. It should be self-contained and start with a fundamental enquiry related to the research questions(s) and the hypothesis (es) on which it is based. The objectives and key questions are the fundamental pillars of a research proposal and formal grant application.
Ethics in Research
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Ethics is a set of moral principles of ‘what is right?’ and ‘what is wrong?’ or, in simple words, ‘what is good and what is bad?’ When the same principles are applied to medicine, the subject is called medical ethics. It is expected that a doctor should act in a particular way and follow certain rules. Medical ethics are professional standards for physicians. Bioethics is a branch of medical ethics and deals with complex issues like euthanasia, transplant medicine, genetic medicine, assisted reproduction therapy, human cloning, and medical genomics. Medical ethics and bioethics concepts are guides for physicians and to ensure patient safety.
How to Check for Plagiarism?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

The word ‘Plagiarism’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘Plagiare’ which means ‘to kidnap or abduct’. In scientific literature, it means the ‘wrongful appropriation’ and ‘stealing and publication’ of another author’s ‘language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions’ and depicting it as one’s own creative work. Plagiarism amounts to academic untruthfulness and a breach of journalistic integrity [1].
The Why and How of Problem-Based Learning?
Authors: Humayun Khadija , Saeed Sana , Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

In 1966, the faculty of medicine at McMaster University started conceptualizing medical education, which subsequently led to the evolution of what is known as ‘The McMaster Philosophy’ [1]. Strong emphasis was placed on the discrete capacities of the student physician rather than having a store of knowledge. Dr. Burrows, at McMaster, explored the reasoning capabilities of both medical students and expert practitioners and found that students learned more effectively through problem situations. In 1969, the learning experiences were transformed from traditional, i.e., fact memorization, to problem-based learning at McMaster University [2].
How to Calculate an Adequate Sample Size?
Authors: Sapra R. L.
Published: October 2021

The determination of an adequate sample size is a prerequisite for any research programme. A study concluded on the basis of a smaller sample size than required is termed an ‘underpowered study’ and its reliability is questionable. Such a study may lead to faulty conclusions and consequent waste of resources. On the other hand, a study with a larger sample size than required may enhance its reliability but unnecessarily consumes expensive resources, takes a long time, and may even put the subjects to various health hazards. Thus, the researcher should look for an adequate sample size that can serve the purpose of this study.
Assessment of factual recall and higher-order cognitive domains in an open-book medical school examination
Authors: Davies D. J. , McLean P. F. , Kemp P. R. , Liddle A. D. , Morrell M. J. , Halse O. , Martin N. M. , Sam A. H.
Published: October 2021

Open-book examinations (OBEs) will likely become increasingly important assessment tools. We investigated how access to open-book resources affected questions testing factual recall, which might be easy to look-up, versus questions testing higher-order cognitive domains. Few studies have investigated OBEs using modern Internet resources or as summative assessments. We compared performance on an examination conducted as a traditional closed-book exam (CBE) in 2019 (N = 320) and a remote OBE with free access to Internet resources in 2020 (N = 337) due to COVID-19. This summative, end-of-year assessment focused on basic science for second-year medical students. We categorized questions by Bloom’s taxonomy (‘Remember’, versus ‘Understand/Apply’). We predicted higher performance on the OBE, driven by higher performance on ‘Remember’ questions. We used an item-centric analysis by using performance per item over all examinees as the outcome variable in logistic regression, with terms ‘Open-Book, ‘Bloom Category’ and their interaction. Performance was higher on OBE questions than CBE questions (OR 2.2, 95% CI: 2.14–2.39), and higher on ‘Remember’ than ‘Understand/Apply’ questions (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09–1.19). The difference in performance between ‘Remember’ and ‘Understand/Apply’ questions was greater in the OBE than the CBE (‘Open-Book’ * ‘Bloom Category’ interaction: OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.19–1.37). Access to open-book resources had a greater effect on performance on factual recall questions than higher-order questions, though performance was higher in the OBE overall. OBE design must consider how searching for information affects performance, particularly on questions measuring different domains of knowledge.
Glioma: molecular signature and crossroads with tumor microenvironment
Authors: Barthel Lennart , Hadamitzky Martin , Dammann Philipp , Schedlowski Manfred , Sure Ulrich , Thakur Basant Kumar , Hetze Susann
Published: October 2021

In patients with glioblastoma, the average survival time with current treatments is short, mainly due to recurrences and resistance to therapy. This insufficient treatment success is, in large parts, due to the tremendous molecular heterogeneity of gliomas, which affects the overall prognosis and response to therapies and plays a vital role in gliomas’ grading. In addition, the tumor microenvironment is a major player for glioma development and resistance to therapy. Active communication between glioma cells and local or neighboring healthy cells and the immune environment promotes the cancerogenic processes and contributes to establishing glioma stem cells, which drives therapy resistance. Besides genetic alterations in the primary tumor, tumor-released factors, cytokines, proteins, extracellular vesicles, and environmental influences like hypoxia provide tumor cells the ability to evade host tumor surveillance machinery and promote disease progression. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that these players affect the molecular biological properties of gliomas and enable inter-cell communication that supports pro-cancerogenic cell properties. Identifying and characterizing these complex mechanisms are inevitably necessary to adapt therapeutic strategies and to develop novel measures. Here we provide an update about these junctions where constant traffic of biomolecules adds complexity in the management of glioblastoma.

Graphical abstract
Low prevalence of neuropathic-like pain symptoms in long-term controlled acromegaly
Authors: van Trigt Victoria R. , Pelsma Iris C. M. , Kroon Herman M. , Pereira Alberto M. , van der Meulen Coen , Kloppenburg Margreet , Biermasz Nienke R. , Claessen Kim M. J. A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Pain is a common symptom of acromegaly, impairing health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) significantly despite long-term disease remission. Neuropathic-like pain (NP-like) symptoms are invalidating, with great impact on HR-QoL. Studies characterizing or investigating the etiology of pain in acromegaly are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess NP-like symptoms in a cohort of controlled acromegaly patients.

Methods

Forty-four long-term controlled acromegaly patients (aged 62.6 ± 12.6 years; 56.8% female) were included in this cross-sectional study. NP-like symptoms were assessed using the validated painDETECT questionnaire. Patients were divided in three probability-based NP-like symptoms categories based on the total score (range 0–35): unlikely (≤ 12), indeterminate (13–18) and likely (≥ 19). HR-QoL (physical component score (PCS), and mental component score (MCS)), and self-reported pain were assessed using Short Form-36 (SF-36). Potential risk factors were determined using linear regression analyses.

Results

Self-reported pain was reported by 35 patients (79.5%). Likely NP-like symptoms were present in 4/44 patients (9.1%), and indeterminate NP-like symptoms in 6/44 patients (13.6%). All patients with likely NP-like symptoms were female. Higher painDETECT scores were negatively associated with HR-QoL (PCS: r = − 0.46, P = 0.003; MCS: r = − 0.37, P = 0.018), and SF-36 pain scores (r = − 0.63, P < 0.0001). Female sex was a risk factor for NP-like symptoms.

Conclusions

Pain was prevalent in controlled acromegaly patients, whereas NP-like symptoms were relatively infrequent, and only observed in females. NP-like symptoms were associated with lower HR-QoL in acromegaly. Since specific analgesic therapy is available, awareness for characterization, increased understanding, and clinical trials regarding neuropathic pain identification and treatment in acromegaly patients are warranted.
External validation of Machine Learning models for COVID-19 detection based on Complete Blood Count
Authors: Campagner Andrea , Carobene Anna , Cabitza Federico
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The rRT-PCR for COVID-19 diagnosis is affected by long turnaround time, potential shortage of reagents, high false-negative rates and high costs. Routine hematochemical tests are a faster and less expensive alternative for diagnosis. Thus, Machine Learning (ML) has been applied to hematological parameters to develop diagnostic tools and help clinicians in promptly managing positive patients. However, few ML models have been externally validated, making their real-world applicability unclear.

Methods

We externally validate 6 state-of-the-art diagnostic ML models, based on Complete Blood Count (CBC) and trained on a dataset encompassing 816 COVID-19 positive cases. The external validation was performed based on two datasets, collected at two different hospitals in northern Italy and encompassing 163 and 104 COVID-19 positive cases, in terms of both error rate and calibration.

Results and Conclusion

We report an average AUC of 95% and average Brier score of 0.11, out-performing existing ML methods, and showing good cross-site transportability. The best performing model (SVM) reported an average AUC of 97.5% (Sensitivity: 87.5%, Specificity: 94%), comparable with the performance of RT-PCR, and was also the best calibrated. The validated models can be useful in the early identification of potential COVID-19 patients, due to the rapid availability of CBC exams, and in multiple test settings.
Industrial Transitions in the Black: US Government-Business Relations in the Mobilization of Carbon during World War II
Authors: Foord David
Published: October 2021

This article examines government–business relations in the context of World War II mobilization of the US carbon black industry. The topic contributes to the ongoing debates about whether this relationship laid the foundation for postwar US prosperity. The primary research question is: What role did wartime mobilization and the US government play in carbon black industrial transitions and changes in technology and productivity? The evidence from wartime records of the carbon black program shows that industry dominated the government–business relations during the period. The War Production Board was unable to effectively resolve or even report on disputes between synthetic rubber and carbon black industry factions or resist carbon black industry control over product prices and specifications and approval of government-financed plant construction projects. Behind the transition was prewar and wartime carbon black industrial research and development. Through the federal government’s cooperative research, procurement, and sponsored construction contracts, the carbon black industry applied its industrial research discoveries to transform its business model to high-efficiency production in the context of postwar expansions of transportation infrastructure, economic growth, and natural gas pipelines.
Rewarding Female Commanders in Medieval China: Official Documents, Rhetorical Strategies, and Gender Order
Authors: Yin Shoufu
Published: October 2021

Much of our knowledge of women and warfare in medieval China comes from biographical/narrative genres of a retrospective nature. This article shifts the focus to an underutilized corpus: imperial documents conferring titles and rewards on women who commanded troops. I examine how the court described these women when it came to honor them, or even when it sought their support through real-time negotiation. In these cases, the recognition of women's achievements was conditioned not only by deep cultural/literary traditions but also by immediate political/military goals of the regime. As a result of the concrete political need to engage with female commanders, medieval Chinese courts deployed different approaches to eulogize them. My investigation shows that closer dialogue between gender studies and official document studies will lead to a more dynamic picture of how a patriarchal regime actually functioned in premodern China.
Husbands and Wives in Qin and Han-Dynasty Bamboo Legal Texts
Authors: Kinney Anne Behnke
Published: October 2021

In Qin and Han times, the establishment of a complex legal system that applied to every member of the empire brought about an unprecedented transformation of the husband–wife relationship, changing it from a bond largely determined by custom, ritual, and family concerns to one regulated by law. Laws recorded in the Zhangjiashan bamboo legal texts reveal that women's legal status in Qin and Han times was far higher and allowed for greater autonomy than previously imagined. Their increased legal standing may be traced to reduced household size, a policy set to counteract the mounting death toll and social chaos that followed Qin expansion and the transition from Qin to Han rule. I analyze exemplary cases to demonstrate how the small family system in conjunction with a legal order that empowered women as household heads created a new space for widows and wives to exercise their autonomy.
R2P and Empire: On Dan Kovalik's No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using ‘Humanitarian’ Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interests, and How Principled Realism Will Reduce Domination Around the World
Authors: Kabala Boleslaw Z , Hallgarth Matthew
Published: October 2021

In his impassioned No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using ‘Humanitarian’ Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interests, human rights lawyer Dan Kovalik makes the case that the recently considered responsibility to protect (R2P) doctrine, which allows for humanitarian intervention in narrowly defined circumstances, is legally and morally untenable. Humanitarian interventions of this kind, Kovalik argues, mask the true imperial interests of those who intervene and perpetuate a colonial legacy of northern domination of the global south. No More War bridges academic and popular discourse, making it an informative read for those involved in the theoretical and legal study of international relations and for policymakers in the field. Nevertheless, Kovalik's book would benefit from a sharper distinction between international norms and laws. Although the impact of the R2P documents on international law is debatable, there is little controversy that the norm surrounding humanitarian intervention has changed. Moreover, as we show, there are reasons to believe that the law has changed as well. Kovalik's book would also have benefited from omitting a number of polemical points, which may alienate readers who might otherwise agree with his core theses.
Reconstruction of ear canal wall with superior pedicled composite multi-fractured osteoperiosteal flap: a new technique and preliminary outcomes
Authors: Özgür A , Yemiş T , Turgut N F , Özdemir D , Mehel D M , Akgül G , Çelebi M
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study evaluated the functional results of the superior pedicled composite multi-fractured osteoperiosteal flap technique. This method is a novel technique for the reconstruction of the external auditory canal. The study also examined the effect of the superior pedicled composite multi-fractured osteoperiosteal flap technique on patients’ disease-related quality of life.

Method

A total of 37 patients who underwent the superior pedicled composite multi-fractured osteoperiosteal flap technique were enrolled in the study. Their functional hearing results and disease-related quality of life scores were evaluated.

Results

A significant improvement was observed in the patients’ hearing scores at the post-operative sixth month relative to the pre-operative period, and the patients’ disease-related quality of life increased significantly.

Conclusion

The superior pedicled composite multi-fractured osteoperiosteal flap method can be safely used, especially in patients undergoing retrograde mastoidectomy because of limited cholesteatoma. This method contributes to improving patients’ hearing levels and disease-related quality of life.
Why Donald Trump Should Be a Fervent Advocate of Using Ranked-Choice Voting in 2024
Authors: Cervas Jonathan , Grofman Bernard
Published: October 2021

This article builds on work by Devine and Kopko (2021) and Lacy and Burden (1999) who estimated a probit model of candidate choice from nationally representative survey data to determine the second choice of third-party voters. Using this model on 2020 election data, we show that the Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgenson probably cost Donald Trump victory in at least two states: Arizona and Georgia. Additionally, the popular-vote margin enjoyed by Joe Biden could have been between 260,000 and 525,000 fewer votes, using conservative estimates. The motivation for this article is to provide contrary evidence for two main misconceptions. First, that third-party candidates are “spoiling” elections for the Democrats. Our evidence clearly shows that third parties have the potential to hurt either of the two main parties; however, in 2020, it was Donald Trump who was hurt the most, although not consequentially. Second, some reformers believe that ranked-choice voting benefits the Democrats; again, we show that—all else being equal—in the 2020 presidential election, it was the Republicans who would have benefited by the change in rules because the majority of third-party votes went to the Libertarian candidate, whose voters prefer Republicans over Democrats 60% to 32%.
Disparities in end-of-life outcomes among advanced cancer patients in Sri Lanka: Results from the APPROACH study
Authors: Hapuarachchi Thushari , Fernando GVMC , Weerasingha Sujeeva , Ozdemir Semra , Teo Irene , Vishwanath Padmini , Priyanthi Alexina , Finkelstein Eric , Malhotra Chetna
Published: October 2021

Objective

A Universal Health Coverage goal is to provide access to affordable palliative care to reduce disparities in end-of-life (EOL) outcomes. To assess progress toward this goal in Sri Lanka, our primary aim was to systematically assess differences in patients’ physical, psychological, social and spiritual outcomes, and their perceived quality of care by their socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods

As part of the multi-country APPROACH (Asian Patient Perspectives Regarding Oncology Awareness, Care and Health) study, we surveyed 199 patients with a stage IV solid malignant tumor and aged >21 years from the largest government cancer hospital in Sri Lanka. We assessed their physical (physical and functional well-being, symptom burden), psychological (anxiety, depression, emotional well-being), social (social well-being), and spiritual outcomes and perceived quality of care (physician communication, nursing care, and coordination/responsiveness).

Results

Low SES patients reported significantly lower physical and functional well-being, emotional well-being, spiritual well-being including meaning/peace and faith; and significantly higher symptom burden, anxiety and depressive symptoms compared with patients from high SES (p < 0.05 for all outcomes).

Significance of results

Results have implications regarding reducing barriers in access to appropriate palliative care and EOL care services to stage IV cancer patients from low SES in Sri Lanka.
Suffering from Suffrage: Welfare State Development and the Politics of Citizenship Disqualification
Authors: Andersen David , Jensen Carsten , Rasmussen Magnus B.
Published: October 2021

Following the landmark essay of T. H. Marshall,Citizenship and the Social Class(1949), it has conventionally been assumed that the introduction and expansion of social rights in Europe happened as the final stage of a long process of democratization that included the granting of first civil and then political rights. We present a radically different perspective on the relationship between the extension of suffrage (under meaningful competition for government power) and social rights, that is state-financed entitlements that make citizens’ livelihood independent from the labor market in the instance of events such as unemployment or sickness. First, some countries institutionalized a state-financed poor relief system much before mass democratization. In these countries, the primary effect of suffrage extension was to reduce public social spending, not expand it. Second, the way this retrenchment occurred was partly by creating a negative link between social rights, on the one hand, and civil and political rights, on the other. We test our argument with case studies of nineteenth- to early-twentieth-century England, Denmark, Norway, and Prussia, all of which are paradigmatic cases that represent the variation in welfare state types.
The Lake Ice Continuum Concept: Influence of Winter Conditions on Energy and Ecosystem Dynamics
Authors: Cavaliere E. , Fournier I. B. , Hazuková V. , Rue G. P. , Sadro S. , Berger S. A. , Cotner J. B. , Dugan H. A. , Hampton S. E. , Lottig N. R. , McMeans B. C. , Ozersky T. , Powers S. M. , Rautio M. , O'Reilly C. M.
Published: October 2021

Millions of lakes worldwide are distributed at latitudes or elevations resulting in the formation of lake ice during winter. Lake ice affects the transfer of energy, heat, light, and material between lakes and their surroundings creating an environment dramatically different from open‐water conditions. While this fundamental restructuring leads to distinct gradients in ions, dissolved gases, and nutrients throughout the water column, surprisingly little is known about the resulting effects on ecosystem processes and food webs, highlighting the lack of a general limnological framework that characterizes the structure and function of lakes under a gradient of ice cover. Drawing from the literature and three novel case studies, we present the Lake Ice Continuum Concept (LICC) as a model for understanding how key aspects of the physical, chemical, and ecological structure and function of lakes vary along a continuum of winter climate conditions mediated by ice and snow cover. We examine key differences in energy, redox, and ecological community structure and describe how they vary in response to shifts in physical mixing dynamics and light availability for lakes with ice and snow cover, lakes with clear ice alone, and lakes lacking winter ice altogether. Global change is driving ice covered lakes toward not only warmer annual average temperatures but also reduced, intermittent or no ice cover. The LICC highlights the wide range of responses of lakes to ongoing climate‐driven changes in ice cover and serves as a reminder of the need to understand the role of winter in the annual aquatic cycle.
Gas–solid phase flow synthesis of Cu–Co-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Fan Hongliang , Zhao Jun , Wei Xijun , Liu Huiqiang , Xiong Ying , Peng Rufang , Wang Bing , Chu Sheng
Published: October 2021

The bimetallic metal–organic framework copper–cobalt 1, 3, 5-benzenetricarboxylate was successfully fabricated by using a novel and scalable gas–solid two-phase flow synthetic route, and exhibited excellent OER performance.
Voneinander lernen und miteinander arbeiten
Authors: Kley-Kling Claudia
Published: October 2021

Der Generationswechsel im OP-Dienst wird in naher Zukunft immer mehr im Fokus stehen, da die geburtenstarken Jahrgänge aus dem Arbeitsleben ausscheiden und die nachrückende Generation den Fachkräftemangel nicht ausreichend kompensieren kann. Welche Strategien gibt es, um dem entgegenzuwirken? Wie gelingt es, die jüngere Generation in den OP zu integrieren? Und welche Konflikte aber auch Vorteile ergeben sich aus altersgemischten Teams? Antworten liefert unser Schwerpunkt.
Schwerpunkt: Väter
Authors: Klotzsch Anne-Katrin , Heidi Bernard , Garten Daniela , Kainer Franz , Klotzsch Anne-Katrin , Krahl Astrid , Lange Ute
Published: October 2021

Wertvolle Protagonisten in Schwangerschaft, Geburt und Wochenbett

Selbst wenn Väter in der Hebammenbetreuung nicht im Mittelpunkt stehen und obwohl sie all die Veränderungen der Schwangerschaft oder den Geburtsschmerz nicht am eigenen Körper erleben: Die Geburt des eigenen Kindes ist für viele eine unvergessliche Erfahrung und die Zeit insgesamt eine prägende Phase im Leben. Vater zu werden und Vater zu sein – dies ist verbunden mit vielen Themen, Gedanken und offenen Fragen.
Die Befunderhebung der ulnaren Handgelenkseite
Authors: Rebsamen Amisha , Pasternak Itai
Published: October 2021

Schmerzen des ulnaren Handgelenks können mit chronischen
Rückenschmerzen verglichen werden: Sie fangen oft heimtückisch
an und werden chronisch, sie sind diffus und weisen wechselnde Symptome auf. Die
Untersuchung ist dementsprechend schwierig. Eine systematische Reihenfolge hilft
die mögliche Pathologie zu finden und einen differenzierten Therapieplan
zu gestalten.
Software-Based Evaluation of Optimization Potential for Clinical MRI Scanners in Radiology
Authors: Meyl Tobias Philipp , Berghöfer Anne , Blatter Tobias , Heverhagen Johannes T. , de Bucourt Maximilian , Maurer Martin H.
Published: October 2021

Objective The aim of the study was to use a software application to analyze the examination times and changeover times of two clinically highly applied MRI scanners at a university hospital for radiology and to evaluate whether this could result in optimization potential for examination planning in the daily clinical routine of MRI diagnostics.

Materials and Methods Based on the newly developed software application “Teamplay Usage” (Siemens Healthineers, Germany), the examinations carried out on two MRI scanners (1.5 T and 3 T) were investigated within an analysis period of 12 months with regard to the type of examination and its duration. In addition, compliance with the previously defined planning time (30, 45, 60 min.) was checked and deviations were analyzed. In addition, the changeover times between the examinations were determined and a possible influence due to the exchange of MRI coils was investigated for a selection of change combinations.

Results For the total of 7184 (1.5 T: 3740; 3 T: 3444) examinations included in the study, the median examination time was 43:02 minutes (1.5 T: 43:17 min.; 3 T: 42:45 min.). The ten most frequent types of examinations per MRI scanner were completed within the predefined plan time of 54.5 % (1.5 T) and 51.9 % (3 T), taking into account a previously defined preparation and post-processing time of 9 minutes per examination. Overall, more time was spent on examinations with a planned time of 30 minutes, whereas the majority of the examinations planned with 45 minutes were also completed within this time. Examinations with a planned time of 60 minutes usually took less time. A comparison between the planned time and the determined examination duration of the most common types of examinations showed overall a slight potential for optimization. Coil exchanges between two examinations had a small, but statistically not significant effect on the median changeover time (p = 0.062).

Conclusion Utilizing a software-based analysis, a detailed overview of the type of examination, examination duration, and changeover times of frequently used clinical MRI scanners could be obtained. In the clinic examined, there was little potential for optimization of examination planning. An exchange of MRI coils necessary for different types of examination only had a small effect on the changeover times.

Key Points: 

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