bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole‐joint magnetic resonance imaging to assess osteonecrosis in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Varechtchouk Olga , Neel Michael D. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Metzger Monika L. , Karol Seth E. , Ness Kirsten K. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Relling Mary V. , Sandlund John T. , Kaste Sue C.
Published: May 2020

Background

Osteonecrosis is a debilitating complication in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (LLy). An objective screening test to identify patients at risk for symptomatic, extensive joint involvement will help manage osteonecrosis.

Methods

We performed a prospective, longitudinal pilot study with whole‐joint magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and hindfeet to evaluate the incidence and timing of osteonecrosis involving multiple joints in 15 patients with LLy aged 9‐21 years at diagnosis.

Results

Osteonecrosis affecting ≥30% of the epiphysis occurred in eight of 15 patients, with a high prevalence in hips (12 of 26 examined [46%]) and knees (10 of 26 [38%]) post reinduction I and in shoulders (seven of 20 [35%]) post reinduction II. Most osteonecrotic hips and knees with ≥30% epiphyseal involvement became symptomatic and/or underwent surgery (100% and 82%, respectively). All eight patients with ≥30% epiphyseal involvement had multijoint involvement. Seven of these patients had hip or knee osteonecrosis by the end of remission induction, and only these patients developed osteonecrosis that became symptomatic and/or underwent surgery in their hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, and/or feet; all of these joints were associated with epiphyseal abnormalities on post reinduction I imaging.

Conclusions

MRI screening in adolescent patients with LLy revealed osteonecrosis in multiple joints. Initial screening with hip and knee MRI at the end of induction may identify susceptible patients who could benefit from referrals to subspecialties, more extensive follow‐up imaging of other joints, and early medical and surgical interventions.
Wear characteristics of glass‐polyester‐based hybrid composites: A parametric analysis using response surface method and fuzzy logic
Authors: Nayak Sandip Kumar , Satapathy Alok , Mantry Sisir
Published: May 2020

Marble dust generated during processing of the marble producing rocks is a major solid waste with a detrimental impact on environment. Analysis shows that this waste has constituents having compounds like SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, etc., in different proportions. This paper explores on the possible use of waste marble dust as secondary filler in glass‐polyester composites and reports on its dry sliding wear characteristics. Such hybrid composites with unsaturated polyester as the matrix are fabricated by keeping the woven glass fibre loading fixed and by varying the weight fraction of the particulate filler, that is, marble dust through a simple hand layup route. Dry sliding wear trials are conducted under different test conditions as per ASTM G 99‐05 following the L30 model of response surface method (RSM). A parametric appraisal of the wear process is made using RSM and the significant control factors and their interactions influencing the specific wear rates are identified. Scanning electron microscopy of the worn composite surfaces is done to ascertain the wear mechanism. It is found that the presence of marble dust improves the wear resistance of unfilled glass‐polyester composites substantially. Further, prediction of wear rate of the composites for a wide range of filler content and sliding velocities is conducted using RSM and another prediction model based on fuzzy logic and the outcomes are compared.
Tobacco smoke exposure in pediatric cystic fibrosis: A qualitative study of clinician and caregiver perspectives on smoking cessation
Authors: Oates Gabriela R. , Harris William T. , Gutierrez Hector H. , Mims Cathy , Rutland Sarah B. , Ott Corilyn , Niranjan Soumya J. , Scarinci Isabel C. , Walley Susan C.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Tobacco smoke exposure has negative impacts on the lung health of children with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet evidence‐based strategies for smoking cessation have not been tested with or tailored to CF caregivers. This qualitative study identified barriers and facilitators of smoking cessation in this population and outlined potential interventional approaches.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with CF familial caregivers who were current or former smokers, and with members of the CF care team. We asked about experiences, practices, and prerequisites for a successful program. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two investigators. Analysis used a thematic approach guided by the PRECEDE model, which identifies predisposing (intrapersonal), reinforcing (interpersonal), and enabling (structural) factors relevant to health behaviors and programs.

Results

Seventeen interviews were conducted—eight with familial caregivers and nine with CF team members. Whereas caregivers provided greater insight into internal difficulties and motivators to quit smoking, clinicians offered more extensive input on barriers and solutions related to the clinical environment. Based on study recommendations, a successful tobacco cessation program should include (a) family education about the harms of smoke exposure for children with CF; (b) screening for exposure, ideally with biochemical verification; (c) access to trained tobacco counselors; (d) affordable pharmacotherapy; and (e) outpatient follow‐up of those undergoing tobacco treatment.

Conclusion

This qualitative study revealed intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural barriers to eliminating tobacco smoke exposure in children with CF, outlined opportunities to address these barriers, and made recommendations for a comprehensive tobacco cessation strategy.
Mechanisms of Thermal Quenching of Defect‐Related Luminescence in Semiconductors
Authors: Reshchikov Michael A.
Published: May 2020

The intensity of defect‐related photoluminescence (PL) in semiconductors changes with temperature, and it usually decreases exponentially above some critical temperature, a process called the PL quenching. Herein, main mechanisms of PL quenching are reviewed. Most examples are given for defects in GaN as the most studied modern semiconductor, which has important applications in technology. Peculiarities of defect‐related PL in I–VII, II–VI, and III–V compounds are also reviewed. Three basic mechanisms of PL quenching are distinguished. Most examples of PL quenching can be explained by the Schön–Klasens mechanism, whereas very few or even no confirmed cases can be found in support of the Seitz–Mott mechanism. Third mechanism, the abrupt and tunable quenching, is common for high‐resistivity semiconductors. Temperature dependence of capture coefficients and a number of other reasons may affect the temperature dependence of PL intensity. The “negative quenching” or a significant rise in PL intensity with temperature is explained by a competition between recombination channels for minority carriers.
Compositional Dependence of Infrared Transmission in Ge‐Based Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Kim Hyun , Lee Jun Ho , Lee Ji In , Ko Se Young , Choi Yong Gyu
Published: May 2020

As for an optically homogeneous glass with thickness tantamount to a few millimeters, the longer wavelength side of its optical transmission window normally takes shape as a result of multiphonon absorption. Mainly due to the complexity inherent in glass structures, a quantitative numerical assessment of the vibrational spectrum of a given glass composition is normally not a simple task. The conspicuously dissimilar infrared transmission edges between oxide and halide glasses, for example, can be understood qualitatively in terms of the Szigeti relation; however, the relatively insignificant but clearly distinguishable changes in infrared transmission edge resulting from compositional modification in a glass‐forming system are lacking a numerical assessment. Herein, it is experimentally verified that the infrared transmission edge of Ge‐based chalcogenide glasses can be correlated in a quantitative manner with their chemical composition through combining their average bond energy and molar mass. Ternary or quaternary chalcogenide glasses exceeding 100 different compositions are used to justify this numerical correlation.
Cytokine storm in COVID‐19 and parthenolide: Preclinical evidence
Authors: Bahrami Mohsen , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Latifi Seied Amirhossein , Seif Farhad , Dadmehr Majid
Published: May 2020

A group of patients with pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) were reported from China in December 2019. Although several antiviral drugs are widely tested, none of them has been approved as specific antiviral therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Accumulating evidence established a hyperinflammatory states or cytokine storm in COVID‐19. Among these cytokines, IL‐6 plays a key role in cytokine storm and can predict the adverse clinical outcomes and fatality in these patients. Based on the evidence of the significant role of IL‐6 in cytokine storm, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases as principal comorbidities, it seems that anti‐cytokine therapy may be useful in patients with severe COVID‐19 to reduce mortality. Recent studies demonstrated that herbal‐derived natural products had immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory properties and exhibited exceptional act on mediators of inflammation. Parthenolide is the principal sesquiterpene lactones and the main biologically active constituent Tanacetum parthenium (commonly known as feverfew) which has could significantly reduce IL‐1, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α production pathways established in several human cell line models in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, parthenolide may be one of the herbal candidates for clinical evaluation.
X‐ray computed tomography–measured soil pore parameters as influenced by crop rotations and cover crops
Authors: Singh Jasdeep , Singh Navdeep , Kumar Sandeep
Published: May 2020

This study examined the effect of crop rotations and winter cover crops (CCs) on near‐surface pore characteristics of a silty clay loam soil in a 27‐yr no‐till field experiment. The crop rotation treatments included a 2‐yr corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)] (CS) rotation and a 4‐yr corn–soybean–oat (Avena sativa L.)–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (CSOW) rotation. The subplot treatment was CC and no‐CC (fallow). Intact soil cores (7.62 by 7.62 cm) were extracted from each treatment in July 2018 from soybean plots and examined for X‐ray computed tomography (CT)‐measured pore parameters and other soil physical and hydrological properties. Data showed that, compared with fallow, the CC reduced bulk density (ρb) by 6% and increased saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and water infiltration rate (qs) by 1.5 times. Soils under CSOW rotation had 16, 14, and 4% higher values of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and wet aggregate stability (WAS) compared with those under CS rotation, respectively. The CSOW rotation significantly (P < .05) increased number of CT‐measured pores, number of macropores (>1,000 μm diameter), coarse mesopores (226–1,000 μm diameter), macroporosity, and mesoporosity compared with the CS system. The CT‐measured total porosity, number of macropores, and macroporosity were 43, 34, and 60%, respectively, higher with CC as compared to the fallow plots. The CT‐measured pore parameters were well correlated with soil ρb, Ksat, qs, SOC, TN, and WAS. This study emphasizes that cropping systems that include diverse crop rotations (CSOW) and CC has potential to enhance SOC, pore characteristics, and associated physical and hydrological properties.
Affective recovery from stress and its associations with sleep
Authors: Leger Kate A. , Charles Susan T.
Published: May 2020

Good sleep habits are important for emotional well‐being. Studies have linked sleep with people's ability to regulate their emotions in response to stressful events, yet little is known specifically about how sleep is related to a person's ability to recover affectively from a stressful experience. The current study examined self‐reported sleep habits and their associations with both positive and negative affective recovery from a laboratory‐induced stressor. Participants (N = 120) reported their sleep habits over the previous month and then engaged in a laboratory psychosocial stress task. Affect was measured before, during, and 6 minutes after the task. Different aspects of sleep were related to poorer positive and negative affective recovery. Worse sleep quality was associated with higher post‐recovery negative affect, whereas worse sleep efficiency was associated with lower post‐recovery positive affect. Findings suggest that poor sleep is associated with prolonged affective recovery from a stressful event. Implications for health and well‐being are discussed.
Norepinephrine is a negative regulator of the adult periventricular neural stem cell niche
Authors: Weselek Grit , Keiner Silke , Fauser Mareike , Wagenführ Lisa , Müller Julia , Kaltschmidt Barbara , Brandt Moritz D. , Gerlach Manfred , Redecker Christoph , Hermann Andreas , Storch Alexander
Published: May 2020

The limited proliferative capacity of neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs) within the periventricular germinal niches (PGNs) located caudal of the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles together with their high proliferation capacity after isolation strongly implicates cell-extrinsic humoral factors restricting NPC proliferation in the hypothalamic and midbrain PGNs. We comparatively examined the effects of norepinephrine (NE) as an endogenous candidate regulator of PGN neurogenesis in the SVZ as well as the periventricular hypothalamus and the periaqueductal midbrain. Histological and neurochemical analyses revealed that the pattern of NE innervation of the adult PGNs is inversely associated with their in vivo NPC proliferation capacity with low NE levels coupled to high NPC proliferation in the SVZ but high NE levels coupled to low NPC proliferation in hypothalamic and midbrain PGNs. Intraventricular infusion of NE decreased NPC proliferation and neurogenesis in the SVZ-olfactory bulb system, while pharmacological NE inhibition increased NPC proliferation and early neurogenesis events in the caudal PGNs. Neurotoxic ablation of NE neurons using the Dsp4-fluoxetine protocol confirmed its inhibitory effects on NPC proliferation. Contrarily, NE depletion largely impairs NPC proliferation within the hippocampus in the same animals. Our data indicate that norepinephrine has opposite effects on the two fundamental neurogenic niches of the adult brain with norepinephrine being a negative regulator of adult periventricular neurogenesis. This knowledge might ultimately lead to new therapeutic approaches to influence neurogenesis in hypothalamus-related metabolic diseases or to stimulate endogenous regenerative potential in neurodegenerative processes such as Parkinson's disease.
Impact of low‐level wind maxima below hub height on wind turbine sound propagation
Authors: Conrady Kristina , Bolin Karl , Sjöblom Anna , Rutgersson Anna
Published: May 2020

An analysis of the effect of low‐level wind maxima (LLWM) below hub height on sound propagating from wind turbines has been performed at a site in northern Sweden. The stably stratified boundary layer, which is typical for cold climates, commonly features LLWM. The simplified concept for the effects of refraction, based on the logarithmic wind profile or other approaches where the wind speed is continuously increasing with height, is often not applicable there. Long‐term meteorological measurements in the vicinity of a wind farm were therefore used to identify LLWM. Sound measurements were conducted simultaneously to the meteorological measurements. LLWM below hub height decrease the sound level close to the surface downwind of the wind farm. This effect increases with increasing strength of the LLWM. The occurrence of LLWM as well as strength and height of the LLWM are dependent on the wind direction.
Supersymmetric J $$ \overline{T} $$ and T $$ \overline{J} $$ deformations
Authors: Jiang Hongliang , Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli Gabriele
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We explore the J

$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

and T

$$ \overline{J} $$

J
¯

deformations of two-dimensional field theories possessing

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= (0, 1), (1, 1) and (0, 2) supersymmetry. Based on the stress-tensor and flavor current multiplets, we construct various bilinear supersymmetric primary operators that induce the J

$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

/T

$$ \overline{J} $$

J
¯

deformation in a manifestly supersymmetric way. Moreover, their supersymmetric descendants are shown to agree with the conventional J

$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

/T

$$ \overline{J} $$

J
¯

operator on-shell. We also present some examples of J

$$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

/T

$$ \overline{J} $$

J
¯

flows arising from the supersymmetric deformation of free theories. Finally, we observe that all the deformation operators fit into a general pattern which generalizes the Smirnov-Zamolodchikov type composite operators.
Moonshine, superconformal symmetry, and quantum error correction
Authors: Harvey Jeffrey A. , Moore Gregory W.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Special conformal field theories can have symmetry groups which are interesting sporadic finite simple groups. Famous examples include the Monster symmetry group of a c = 24 two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT) constructed by Frenkel, Lepowsky and Meurman, and the Conway symmetry group of a c = 12 CFT explored in detail by Duncan and Mack-Crane. The Mathieu moonshine connection between the K3 elliptic genus and the Mathieu group M
24 has led to the study of K3 sigma models with large symmetry groups. A particular K3 CFT with a maximal symmetry group preserving (4, 4) superconformal symmetry was studied in beautiful work by Gaberdiel, Taormina, Volpato, and Wendland [41]. The present paper shows that in both the GTVW and c = 12 theories the construction of superconformal generators can be understood via the theory of quantum error correcting codes. The automorphism groups of these codes lift to symmetry groups in the CFT preserving the superconformal generators. In the case of the N = 1 supercurrent of the GTVW model our result, combined with a result of T. Johnson-Freyd implies the symmetry group is the maximal subgroup of M
24 known as the sextet group. (The sextet group is also known as the holomorph of the hexacode.) Building on [41] the Ramond-Ramond sector of the GTVW model is related to the Miracle Octad Generator which in turn leads to a role for the Golay code as a group of symmetries of RR states. Moreover, (4, 1) superconformal symmetry suffices to define and decompose the elliptic genus of a K3 sigma model into characters of the N = 4 superconformal algebra. The symmetry group preserving (4, 1) is larger than that preserving (4, 4).
A predictive mirror twin Higgs with small Z2 breaking
Authors: Harigaya Keisuke , McGehee Robert , Murayama Hitoshi , Schutz Katelin
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The twin Higgs mechanism is a solution to the little hierarchy problem in which the top partner is neutral under the Standard Model (SM) gauge group. The simplest mirror twin Higgs (MTH) model — where a Z
2 symmetry copies each SM particle — has too many relativistic degrees of freedom to be consistent with cosmological observations. We demonstrate that MTH models can have an observationally viable cosmology if the twin mass spectrum leads to twin neutrino decoupling before the SM and twin QCD phase transitions. Our solution requires the twin photon to have a mass of ∼ 20 MeV and kinetically mix with the SM photon to mediate entropy transfer from the twin sector to the SM. This twin photon can be robustly discovered or excluded by future experiments. Additionally, the residual twin degrees of freedom present in the early Universe in this scenario would be detectable by future observations of the cosmic microwave background.
Almost all trees have quantum symmetry
Authors: Junk Luca , Schmidt Simon , Weber Moritz
Published: May 2020

From the work of Erdős and Rényi from 1963, it is known that almost all graphs have no symmetry. In 2017, Lupini, Mančinska, and Roberson proved a quantum counterpart: Almost all graphs have no quantum symmetry. Here, the notion of quantum symmetry is phrased in terms of Banica’s definition of quantum automorphism groups of finite graphs from 2005, in the framework of Woronowicz’s compact quantum groups. Now, Erdős and Rényi also proved a complementary result in 1963: Almost all trees do have symmetry. The crucial point is the almost sure existence of a cherry in a tree. But even more is true: We almost surely have two cherries in a tree—and we derive that almost all trees have quantum symmetry. We give an explicit proof of this quantum counterpart of Erdős and Rényi’s result on trees.
Osteophytenbedingtes Impingement verringert die Beweglichkeit bei in „Humpback“-Deformität fehlverheilter Skaphoidrekonstruktion
Authors: Moog P. , Cerny M. K. , Schmauss D. , Betzl J. , Löw S. , Erne H.
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund

Der Goldstandard in der Therapie der skaphoidalen Pseudarthrose ist die Reduktion und Versorgung mit Beckenkamminterponat und Herbert-Schraube, um die häufig beobachtete Humpback-Deformität zu reduzieren. Diese Studie korreliert das Ausmaß der Humpback-Deformität nach Skaphoidrekonstruktion mit postoperativen klinischen und radiologischen Parametern.

Material und Methoden

Zwischen 2008 und 2010 wurden 56 Patienten mit skaphoidaler Pseudarthrose operiert. Davon konnten 34 in diese retrospektive Studie eingeschlossen werden. Das durchschnittliche Nachuntersuchungsintervall betrug 7,3 Monate. Die Humpback-Deformität wurde entlang der Skaphoidlängsachse mittels Computertomographie (CT) beurteilt, während für das klinische Ergebnis der Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score sowie die Handkraft (Jamar), der Bewegungsumfang (RoM), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) und andere Parameter verwendet wurden.

Die Patienten wurden in 2 Gruppen eingeteilt: 1. keine oder nur geringe Humpback-Deformität (<25°), 2. schwere Humpback-Deformität (>45°).

Ergebnisse

Der Bewegungsumfang und die DASH Scores waren für die erste Gruppe etwas besser, während die zweite eine signifikant erhöhte Inzidenz für Osteophytenbildung (p < 0,05) und verringerten Bewegungsumfang (−16°) aufwies.

Diskussion

Wir postulieren, dass der größte Nachteil einer nichtreduzierten Humpback-Deformität das häufigere Auftreten von Osteophyten im dorsalen Aspekt des Skaphoids ist. Dies kann in der Extension eine Einklemmung hervorrufen und somit signifikanten Einfluss auf den Bewegungsumfang des Handgelenks nehmen.

Grad der Evidenz

III
Adequate union rates for the treatment of acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures
Authors: Rikken Q. G. H. , Dahmen J. , Hagemeijer N. C. , Sierevelt I. N. , Kerkhoffs G. M. M. J. , DiGiovanni C. W.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To compare the bone healing, clinical, and return to daily activity outcomes after either surgical or conservative management of acute zone 1, 2, and 3 fifth metatarsal fractures.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify studies published from the earliest record to January 2019 using EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. All articles assessing clinical outcomes of acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures were included. Bone healing and clinical outcomes were thereafter calculated using a simplified pooling method.

Results

Thirty-two articles comprising of a total of 1,239 fractures were included, of which one was a randomized controlled trial, seven were prospective studies, and 24 were retrospective studies. 627 zone 1 fractures demonstrated union rates of 93.2% following conservative treatment and 95.1% following surgical treatment. Conservatively managed zone 1 fractures were displaced 49.5% of the time, compared to a rate of 92.8% for the surgically treated cases. For Jones’ (zone 2) fractures, bone healing outcomes of conservative versus surgical treatment showed union rates of 77.4% versus 96.3%, refracture rates of 2.4% versus 2.1%, and mean time to union of 11.0 weeks versus 9.4 weeks, respectively. Only ten proximal diaphyseal (zone 3) fractures were reported, with a mean return to work of 8.2 weeks.

Conclusion

Acute zone 1 fractures are preferably treated conservatively as similar union rates were found after both conservative and surgical management. In contradistinction, acute zone 2 fractures demonstrate higher union rates and faster time to union when treated surgically. The outcomes of acute zone 3 fractures are rarely reported in the literature, so treatment recommendations remain unclear. Further research of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures is warranted to provide more definitive conclusions, but current findings can aid surgeons during the shared clinical decision making process.

Level of evidence

IV.
Additive manufacturing of WC-Co hardmetals: a review
Authors: Yang Yankun , Zhang Chaoqun , Wang Dayong , Nie Liping , Wellmann Daniel , Tian Yingtao
Published: May 2020

WC-Co hardmetals are widely used in wear-resistant parts, cutting tools, molds, and mining parts, owing to the combination of high hardness and high toughness. WC-Co hardmetal parts are usually produced by casting and powder metallurgy, which cannot manufacture parts with complex geometries and often require post-processing such as machining. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are able to fabricate parts with high geometric complexity and reduce post-processing. Therefore, additive manufacturing of WC-Co hardmetals has been widely studied in recent years. In this article, the current status of additive manufacturing of WC-Co hardmetals is reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of different AM processes used for producing WC-Co parts, including selective laser melting (SLM), selective electron beam melting (SEBM), binder jet additive manufacturing (BJAM), 3D gel-printing (3DGP), and fused filament fabrication (FFF) are discussed. The studies on microstructures, defects, and mechanical properties of WC-Co parts manufactured by different AM processes are reviewed. Finally, the remaining challenges in additive manufacturing of WC-Co hardmetals are pointed out and suggestions on future research are discussed.
Childhood nocturnal enuresis—a marker for pelvic floor disorders and urinary tract symptoms in women?
Authors: Othman Jwan Al-Mukhtar , Åkervall Sigvard , Molin Mattias , Gyhagen Maria
Published: May 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

A systematic survey on the association between childhood nocturnal enuresis (CNE) and adult pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) has not been presented previously. The aim was to describe the prevalence of PFDs and lower urinary tract symptoms in nulliparous women, with or without a history of CNE, at the age of ≥ 5 years.

Methods

This national survey of urinary (UI) and fecal incontinence (FI) and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (sPOP) was a random sample of 20,000 nulliparous women aged 25–64 years conducted in 2014. Women ≥ 5 years of age having CNE were compared with those without the condition. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression adjusted for BMI and age were used to analyze differences between groups.

Results

The response rate was 52% and 10.2% of adult women reporting CNE. One or more PFDs occurred in 38.3% of women with CNE compared to 23.8% in those without CNE (p < 0.0001). Mixed UI had the strongest association with CNE, odds ratio (OR) 2.63 (95% CI 2.03–3.40). The rate of FI was 11.2% in the non-CNE group and 16.8% in those with CNE (p < 0.0001) and sPOP 2.6% in the non-CNE and 4.8% in the CNE group (p = 0.0004), respectively. The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms was consistently higher in women with a history of CNE: overactive bladder 32.6% versus 18.4% (OR 2.34 95% CI 2.03–3.40), daytime micturition ≥ 8/day 29.6% versus 24.0% (p < 0.0001), and nocturia ≥ 2/night 12.4% versus 7.8% (p < 0.0001) in the CNE group.

Conclusion

PFDs and lower urinary tract symptoms in nulliparous women were approximately doubled in women with a history of CNE and could therefore act as a strong confounding factor.
Draft genome sequence of Streptomyces tunisialbus DSM 105760T
Authors: Ayed Ameni , Wibberg Daniel , Zendah el Euch Imène , Frese Marcel , Limam Ferid , Sewald Norbert
Published: May 2020

Streptomyces strains are well known as promising source of bioactive secondary metabolites, important in ecology, biotechnology and medicine. In this study, we present the draft genome of the new type strain Streptomyces tunisialbus DSM 105760T (= JCM 32165T), a rhizospheric bacterium with antimicrobial activity. The genome is 6,880,753 bp in size (average GC content, 71.85%) and encodes 5802 protein-coding genes. Preliminary analysis with antiSMASH 5.1.2. reveals 34 predicted gene clusters for the synthesis of potential secondary metabolites, which was compared with those of Streptomyces varsoviensis NRRL ISP-5346.
Site use and connectivity of female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) around Wales
Authors: Langley Izzy , Rosas da Costa Oliver Tobias , Hiby Lex , Stringell Thomas B. , Morris Ceri W. , O’Cadhla Oliver , Morgan Lisa , Lock Kate , Perry Sarah , Westcott Stephen , Boyle Dave , Büche Birgitta I. , Stubbings Edward M. , Boys Rebecca M. , Self Holly , Lindenbaum Charlie , Strong Powell , Baines Mick , Pomeroy Patrick P.
Published: May 2020

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are a qualifying feature of three special areas of conservation (SACs) in Wales, yet relatively little is known of their site use along this coastline. Since 1992, many individuals and organisations have contributed to a grey seal photographic identification database held by Natural Resources Wales, which is one of the largest and oldest of its kind, providing key information from grey seal haul-out sites around the Celtic and Irish Seas. Here, we investigated spatial connectivity of haul-out sites and fidelity of adult females to breeding sites. The minimum number of adult female grey seals using the area between 1992 and 2016 was 2688. Individual capture histories and relative spatial transition probabilities (Pij) between pairs of location groups were calculated. Adjacent locations were highly connected (e.g. Lleyn Peninsula and Bardsey, Pij = 0.7) but connections spanned the entire region, up to 230 km apart (e.g. Skomer and Dee Estuary, Pij = 0.004). Resights were recorded within SACs (e.g. Lleyn Peninsula and Bardsey [Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC], Pij = 0.7), between SACs (e.g. Bardsey and Skomer [Pembrokeshire Marine], Pij = 0.03), between SACs and non-designated areas (e.g. Skerries and Bardsey, Pij = 0.09) and between sites outside any protected area (e.g. Dee Estuary and Anglesey, Pij = 0.5). While inter-annual fidelity to breeding sites was high (Pij = 0.82–1), individual female grey seals moved throughout the region. This evidence of extensive site use beyond protected areas is important for the management and conservation of grey seals around Wales.
Foraging ecology of masked boobies (Sula dactylatra) in the world’s largest “oceanic desert”
Authors: Lerma Miriam , Serratosa Juan , Luna-Jorquera Guillermo , Garthe Stefan
Published: May 2020

The South Pacific Gyre has the most hyper-oligotrophic waters in the world and is considered the largest “oceanic desert.” Rapa Nui (Easter Island), located within the South Pacific Gyre, is a breeding ground for masked boobies (Sula dactylatra), which are seabirds with a foraging range that effectively confines them within the gyre. The foraging ecology of this species in the gyre was examined by attaching GPS and time-depth devices to chick-rearing adult birds (9 and 14 birds in 2016 and 2017, respectively) and by collecting regurgitates (18 and 15 samples in 2016 and 2017, respectively). In addition, the birds’ foraging ecology between years was compared. Masked boobies traveled in various directions, dived at unspecific locations, and explored areas < 110 km from the colony. Local environmental conditions were not significantly different between years, and differences in foraging parameters (maximum foraging range, trip duration, and dive depth) were greater among individuals than between years. The foraging characteristics of masked boobies suggest that resources were ephemerally distributed around the colony, with similar abundances across years. Under these conditions, traveling to unspecific locations may increase the area covered and the probability of prey encounter. The spatial and temporal consistencies in environmental conditions explain the uniformity of foraging parameters between years. The ability of masked boobies to exploit ephemerally distributed resources in seascapes like Rapa Nui may help explain its pantropical distribution.
Vascular Anatomy of Mesopancreas in Pancreatoduodenectomy Using an Intestinal Derotation Procedure
Authors: Sugiyama Masanori , Suzuki Yutaka , Nakazato Tetsuya , Yokoyama Masaaki , Kogure Masaharu , Matsuki Ryota , Abe Nobutsugu
Published: May 2020

Background

Mesopancreas excision in pancreatoduodenectomy is technically complicated because of the anatomical complexity of the mesopancreas with the inferior peripancreatic blood vessels which is caused by intestinal rotation in fetal life. We have developed a novel artery‐first approach (the intestinal derotation procedure) for facilitating mesopancreas excision. The aim of this study was to clarify the vascular anatomy of the mesopancreas after derotation.

Methods

The right‐sided colon and small intestine are mobilized from the retroperitoneum, and the intestinal loop is then derotated. In 136 cases of pancreatoduodenectomy employing the derotation procedure, we analyzed the vascular anatomy of the mesopancreas.

Results

After derotation, the anatomy was simplified. The mesopancreas extended from the right aspect of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), forming a horizontal plane. The first jejunal trunk (FJT) was situated in parallel with the second jejunal artery and was anterior (91%) or posterior (9%) to the SMA. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein (IPDV) entered the right side of the FJT (83%) or the superior mesenteric vein (17%). Besides the IPDV, 1–4 tributaries entered the right wall of the FJT, in 89% of cases. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery was observed to originate from the right wall of the SMA, sharing a common stem with the first jejunal artery (70%) or branching directly from the SMA (29%).

Conclusions

Intestinal derotation simplifies the mesopancreas anatomy and reveals the anatomical details of the inferior peripancreatic blood vessels in pancreatoduodenectomy.
Phase Transitions and Macroscopic Limits in a BGK Model of Body-Attitude Coordination
Authors: Degond P. , Diez A. , Frouvelle A. , Merino-Aceituno S.
Published: May 2020

In this article we investigate the phase transition phenomena that occur in a model of self-organisation through body-attitude coordination. Here, the body attitude of an agent is modelled by a rotation matrix in $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

as in Degond et al. (Math Models Methods Appl Sci 27(6):1005–1049, 2017). The starting point of this study is a BGK equation modelling the evolution of the distribution function of the system at a kinetic level. The main novelty of this work is to show that in the spatially homogeneous case, self-organisation may appear or not depending on the local density of agents involved. We first exhibit a connection between body-orientation models and models of nematic alignment of polymers in higher-dimensional space from which we deduce the complete description of the possible equilibria. Then, thanks to a gradient-flow structure specific to this BGK model, we are able to prove the stability and the convergence towards the equilibria in the different regimes. We then derive the macroscopic models associated with the stable equilibria in the spirit of Degond et al. (Arch Ration Mech Anal 216(1):63–115, 2015, Math Models Methods Appl Sci 27(6):1005–1049, 2017).
Ependymomas in infancy: underlying genetic alterations, histological features, and clinical outcome
Authors: Jünger Stephanie T. , Andreiuolo Felipe , Mynarek Martin , Dörner Evelyn , zur Mühlen Anja , Rutkowski Stefan , von Bueren Andre O. , Pietsch Torsten
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Young age is an adverse prognostic factor in children with ependymomas. Treatment of these infants is challenging since beneficial therapeutic options are limited. As ependymomas are considered a biologically heterogeneous group, we aimed to characterize infant ependymomas with regard to their histological and genetic features.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 28 ependymomas occurring in children younger than 18 months at diagnosis enrolled into the HIT2000-E protocols with the aim to postpone irradiation until the age of 18 months if possible. All cases underwent neuropathological review, including immunohistochemical characterization. Genome-wide copy number alterations (CNA) were assessed by molecular inversion probe assays, and RELA and YAP1 fusions were detected by RT-PCR and sequencing.

Results

All infant ependymomas were anaplastic (WHO grade III). Twenty-one (75%) cases were located in the posterior fossa. Gross total resection was accomplished in 12 (57%) of these cases. All posterior fossa tumors showed loss of H3-K27me3 characteristic of PFA ependymomas. CNA analysis showed a stable genome in all cases with lack of chromosome 1q gain, an adverse prognostic marker in PFA ependymomas of older children. However, after a median follow-up of 5.4 years, 15 (71%) relapsed, and 9 (43%) died. Seven ependymomas (25%) occurred in the supratentorial region. Gross total resection could be achieved in only two of these cases. Four tumors carried C11orf95-RELA fusions, and two cases had typical YAP1-MAMLD1 fusions (one case was not analyzable). The RELA-fused cases did not display CDKN2A loss as an adverse indicator of prognosis in this disease entity. Although three infants (43%) with supratentorial ependymomas relapsed, all patients survived (median follow-up, 8.0 years).

Conclusion

Infant ependymomas seem to fall into three biological entities, with supratentorial tumors carrying RELA or YAP fusions and PFA posterior fossa ependymomas. The latter showed a poor outcome even though chromosome 1q gain was absent.
The impact of performance filtering on climate feedbacks in a perturbed parameter ensemble
Authors: Rostron John W. , Sexton David M. H. , McSweeney Carol F. , Yamazaki Kuniko , Andrews Timothy , Furtado Kalli , Ringer Mark A. , Tsushima Yoko
Published: May 2020

A key contribution to the latest generation of climate projections for the UK (UKCP18) was a perturbed parameter ensemble (PPE) of global coupled models based on HadGEM3-GC3.05. Together with 13 CMIP5 simulations, this PPE provides users with a dataset that samples modelling uncertainty and is ideal for use in impacts studies. Evaluations of global mean surface temperatures for this PPE have shown twenty-first century warming rates consistently at the top end of the CMIP5 range. Here we investigate one potential contributory factor to this lack of spread: that the methodology to select plausible members from a larger, related PPE of atmosphere-only experiments preferentially ruled out those predicted to have more negative climate feedbacks (i.e. lower climate sensitivities). We confirm that this is indeed the case. We show that performance in extratropical long-wave cloud forcing played a key role in this by constraining ice cloud parameters, which in turn constrained the feedback distribution (though causal links are not established). The relatively weak relationship driving this constraint is shown to arise from stronger relationships for the long-wave and short-wave cloud feedback components, which largely cancel out due to changes in tropical high clouds. Moreover, we show that the strength of these constraints is due to a structural bias in extratropical long-wave cloud forcing across the PPE. We discuss how choices made in the methodology to pick the plausible PPE members may result in an overly strong constraint when there is a structural bias and possible improvements to this methodology for the future.
Breast cancer: are long-term and intermittent endocrine therapies equally effective?
Authors: Engel Jutta , Schubert-Fritschle Gabriele , Emeny Rebecca , Hölzel Dieter
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In breast cancer (BC), the duration of endocrine adjuvant therapies (AT) has been extended continuously up to 10 years. We present an alternative explanation for the effect, which could enable shorter treatments.

Method

The relevant literature on chemoprevention and (neo-)adjuvant therapy was reviewed. Data for initiation and growth of primary and contralateral BCs and their metastases (MET) were considered. Also, population-based data from the Munich Cancer Registry for MET-free survival, time trends of MET patterns, and survival achieved by improved ATs are used to estimate all events in the long-term follow-up.

Results

Extended ATs (EAT) that continue after 1, 2, or 5 years reduce mortality only slightly. The effect is delayed, occurring more than 5 years after extension. EATs does not affect the prognosis of 1stBCs, they preventively eradicate contralateral 2ndBCs and thus their future life-threatening METs. Because chemoprevention can eradicate BCs from the smallest clusters to almost detectable BCs, ATs can be temporarily suspended without imposing harm. Results equal to EATs can be achieved by short-term ATs of the 1stBC and by repeated neo-ATs targeted at the indefinitely developing 2ndBCs. Considering this potential in de-escalation, a 70–80% reduction of overtreatment seems possible.

Conclusion

Knowledge of initiation and growth of tumors with known effects of neo-ATs suggest that intermittent endocrine ATs may achieve the same results as EATs but with improved quality of life and survival because of fewer side effects and better compliance. The challenge for developments of repeated ATs becomes: how short is short enough.
Evaluation of a systematic digitized training program on the effectivity of subgingival instrumentation with curettes and sonic scalers in vitro
Authors: Graetz Christian , Fecke Paula , Seidel Miriam , Engel Anne Sophie , Schorr Susanne , Sentker Johanna , Dörfer Christof E. , Sälzer Sonja
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Whereas the key role of subgingival instrumentation in periodontal therapy is well known, the influence of operators’ experience/training with different devices on treatment results is yet uncertain. Therefore, we assessed untrained undergraduate students, working on manikins, as to how effectively they learn to use curettes (GRA) and sonic scalers (AIR); hypothesizing that AIR will result in higher relative cleaning efficacy (RCE) than GRA.

Material and methods

Before baseline evaluation (T0), 30 operators (9 males, 21 females) received a 2-h theoretical lesson for both instruments, followed by a 12-week period with a weekly digitized training program for 45 min. During three sessions (T1–T3), the operators had to instrument six equivalent test teeth with GRA and AIR. At T0–T3, treatment time, proportion of removed simulated biofilm (RCE-b), and hard deposits (RCE-d) were measured.

Results

At T0, RCE-b was in mean(SD) 64.18(25.74) % for GRA, 62.25(26.69) % for AIR; (p = 0.172) and RCE-d 85.48(12.32) %/ 65.71(15.27) % (p < 0.001). At T3, operators reached highest RCE-b in both groups (GRA/AIR 71.54(23.90) %/71.75(23.05)%; p = 0.864); RCE-d GRA/AIR: 84.68(16.84) %/77.85(13.98) %; p < 0.001). Both groups achieved shorter treatment times after training. At T3, using curettes was faster (GRA/AIR 16.67(3.31) min/19.80(4.52) min; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

After systematic digitized training, untrained operators were able to clean 70% of the root surfaces with curettes and sonic scalers.

Clinical relevance

It can be concluded that a systematic digitized and interactive training program in manikin heads is helpful in the training of root surface debridement.
Twisting and constriction of a HeartMate II driveline in the area of a repair site
Authors: Maier Sven , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Benk Christoph
Published: May 2020

The driveline’s durability is crucial for optimal long-term support with a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD). The incidence of percutaneous driveline fracture after HeartMate II LVAD implantation is low. For the first time, we describe a patient with an already repaired driveline and a massive constriction and twisting of the driveline in the area of the repair site. This dramatic finding necessitates a renewed exchange of the external part of the driveline by the manufacturer. Due to the increasing number of patients with elongated LVAD support, the stability of the driveline and possible repairs including the replacement of the driveline are becoming more and more important. Our case report describes a possible serious late complication after replacement of the driveline, shows possible risks for this development, and describes the necessity of a prophylactic X-ray examination of repaired drivelines to detect such complications as early as possible.
Bi-perspective functions for mixed-integer fractional programs with indicator variables
Authors: Letchford Adam N. , Ni Qiang , Zhong Zhaoyu
Published: May 2020

Perspective functions have long been used to convert fractional programs into convex programs. More recently, they have been used to form tight relaxations of mixed-integer nonlinear programs with so-called indicator variables. Motivated by a practical application (maximising energy efficiency in an OFDMA system), we consider problems that have a fractional objective and indicator variables simultaneously. To obtain a tight relaxation of such problems, one must consider what we call a “bi-perspective” (Bi-P) function. An analysis of Bi-P functions leads to the derivation of a new kind of cutting planes, which we call “Bi-P-cuts”. Computational results indicate that Bi-P-cuts typically close a substantial proportion of the integrality gap.
Artifacts in fluoroscopy and changes in radiation dose caused by heating blankets and insulating covers during simulated endovascular treatment
Authors: Podsiadło Paweł , Liszka Grzegorz , Popiela Tadeusz , Sanak Tomasz , Kosiński Sylweriusz , Darocha Tomasz
Published: May 2020

Purpose

We aimed to assess whether insulating covers and warming systems cause artifacts in fluoroscopy, and whether they alter the radiation dose.

Methods

Eight insulating and warming systems were wrapped around the phantom in order to obtain images in fluoroscopy, and to measure the absorbed and scattered radiation dose. A dosimeter, endovascular catheters, and stents were placed into a phantom. The other dosimeter was placed outside of a C-arm table, at the operator’s and anesthesiologist’s locations.

Results

Most of the insulating covers did not cause artifacts in the fluoroscopy and led to a significant decrease in both the absorbed and scattered radiation dose. The highest decrease in the absorbed dose was observed with metalized foil (− 2.09%; p = 0.001) and in the scattered dose with Helios cover (− 55%; p < 0.001). Only one heating system (Ready Heat combined with Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit cover) caused significant artifacts and increased radiation up to 99% (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Thermal insulation may be maintained during X-ray-guided emergency endovascular procedures in trauma victims. Self-heating blankets should be replaced with another warming system.
On the use of the terminal-value approach in risk-value models
Authors: Dorfleitner Gregor
Published: May 2020

We extend risk-value models for valuing streams of risky cash flows by establishing the well-known concept of terminal value in this context. For a constant growth assumption we are able to derive upper and lower bounds for the terminal value in the case of a translation-invariant and in the case of a position-invariant risk measure. For both cases we also obtain an exact formula under a special growth assumption for the future cash flows. Furthermore, we provide results on the applicability of the general findings for the case that the log-return of the risky investment follows a Brownian motion.