bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of patient‐specific MR distortion correction schemes for improved target localization accuracy in SRS
Authors: Dellios Dimitrios , Pappas Eleftherios P. , Seimenis Ioannis , Paraskevopoulou Chryssa , Lampropoulos Kostas I. , Lymperopoulou Georgia , Karaiskos Pantelis
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This work aims at promoting target localization accuracy in cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) applications by focusing on the correction of sequence‐dependent (also patient induced) magnetic resonance (MR) distortions at the lesion locations. A phantom‐based quality assurance (QA) methodology was developed and implemented for the evaluation of three distortion correction techniques. The same approach was also adapted to cranial MR images used for SRS treatment planning purposes in single or multiple brain metastases cases.

Methods

A three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed head phantom was filled with a 3D polymer gel dosimeter. Following treatment planning and dose delivery, volumes of radiation‐induced polymerization served as hypothetical lesions, offering adequate MR contrast with respect to the surrounding unirradiated areas. T1‐weighted (T1w) MR imaging was performed at 1.5 T using the clinical scanning protocol for SRS. Additional images were acquired to implement three distortion correction methods; the field mapping (FM), mean image (MI) and signal integration (SI) techniques. Reference lesion locations were calculated as the averaged centroid positions of each target identified in the forward and reverse read gradient polarity MRI scans. The same techniques and workflows were implemented for the correction of contrast‐enhanced T1w MR images of 10 patients with a total of 27 brain metastases.

Results

All methods employed in the phantom study diminished spatial distortion. Median and maximum distortion magnitude decreased from 0.7 mm (2.10 ppm) and 0.8 mm (2.36 ppm), respectively, to <0.2 mm (0.61 ppm) at all target locations, using any of the three techniques. Image quality of the corrected images was acceptable, while contrast‐to‐noise ratio slightly increased. Results of the patient study were in accordance with the findings of the phantom study. Residual distortion in corrected patient images was found to be <0.3 mm in the vast majority of targets. Overall, the MI approach appears to be the most efficient correction method from the three investigated.

Conclusions

In cranial SRS applications, patient‐specific distortion correction at the target location(s) is feasible and effective, despite the expense of longer imaging time since additional MRI scan(s) need to be performed. A phantom‐based QA methodology was developed and presented to reassure efficient implementation of correction techniques for sequence‐dependent spatial distortion.
Ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with BODIPY derivatives as potential bimodal probes for MRI and optical imaging
Authors: Harris Michael , Ceulemans Matthias , Verstraete Charlotte , Bloemen Maarten , Manshian Bella , Soenen Stefaan J. , Himmelreich Uwe , Verbiest Thierry , De Borggraeve Wim M. , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: November 2020

The synthesis and characterization of small monodisperse multimodal iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), functionalized with boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives is described. Optical and relaxometric properties of the nanoparticles have been evaluated, suggesting a potential applicability of the particles as bimodal contrast agent for magnetic resonance and optical imaging. The BODIPY funcionalized IONPs showed bright fluorescence and high transverse relaxivity r2 which was in the range 47‐49 mM−1 s−1. Two‐photon fluorescence microscopy experiments performed at 1100 nm revealed that BODIPY‐functionalized IONPs showed significant increase in two‐photon fluorescence compared to the bare nanoparticles, suggesting their potential for applications in multimodal imaging. Cell viability studies on rat tumor (AR42J) and human ovarian cancer (SKOV3) cells showed no significant cytotoxicity at any of the tested concentrations, while greater sensitivity was observed for human hepatic stellate (GRX), human umbilical vein (HUVEC) and rat insulinoma (INS1) cells at higher nanoparticle concentrations.
Fluorescence Intensity Ratio‐based temperature sensor with single Nd3 + :Y2O3 nanoparticles: Experiment and theoretical modeling
Authors: Galvão Rodrigo , Santos Luiz F. dos , Gonçalves Rogéria R. , Menezes Leonardo de S.
Published: November 2020

A thermometer based on single Nd3 + :Y2O3 nanoparticles is reported. The nanothermometer relies on the ratio of thermally coupled Nd3 + emission lines accessible by either continuous‐wave upconversion under 880 nm or downconversion under 532 nm excitation wavelengths. Both processes are modeled through rate equation systems based on multiphonon interactions between excited luminescent states, which led to excellent agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the Y2O3 effective phonon mode energy was determined, showing the appropriateness of the theoretical approach used. The system presented a relative sensitivity up to 1.36% at 300 K while working within the first biological window, thus particularly useful for biological sensing applications.
The correlation of metacognitive ability, self‐directed learning ability and critical thinking in nursing students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jin Meijuan , Ji Cheng
Published: November 2020

Aim

To understand the status quo of metacognitive ability (MA), Self‐directed learning (SDL) ability and critical thinking (CT) ability of five‐year higher vocational nursing students as well as the correlation among them.

Background

MA, SDL ability and CT are the core abilities that nursing students must have and they are the important factors to improve students’ nursing service quality and lifelong learning ability.

Design

A quantitative and cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Method

The survey collected data from 3,047 five‐year vocational nursing students with questionnaires April–May in 2020.

Results

The total score of MA was 81.18 (SD 13.51), SDL ability score was 220.28 (SD 35.09), and CT ability score was 271.96 (SD 26.08). The positive correlations were found between those three (p < .01).

Conclusions

The overall metacognitive ability of nursing students was not high, SDL ability and CT ability were both at a medium level. Health educators need pay attention to cultivation and development of the core competencies.
Camelid consumption at the Inca ceremonial site Maucallacta–Pampacolca. Zooarchaeological analysis of the “Basural 2” deposit
Authors: Kłaput Jan
Published: November 2020

The site of Maucallacta (Pampacolca district, department of Arequipa, Peru), identified with the Inca oracle of the sacred mountain Coropuna, was probably an important religious centre in this region during the Late Horizon. The zooarchaeological examination, the results of which are presented in this article, covered the finds from the largest deposit containing animal bones discovered in Maucallacta (Basural 2). Although the presence of shell and—probably—bird offerings has been observed, the vast majority of animal remains belong to Andean camelids. The anatomical selection of camelid remains in Maucallacta, as well as numerous traces of cooking and tool marks, corresponding to butchering methods known from ethnographic observations, indicate that the animals were consumed. The article considers the possibility of the ritual nature of this consumption, such as ceremonial feasts, mentioned in written ethnohistorical sources regarding Inca customs.
Effectiveness and Safety of Bariatric Surgery in Patients with End‐Stage Chronic Kidney Disease or Kidney Transplant
Authors: Guggino Jessica , Coumes Sandrine , Wion Nelly , Reche Fabian , Arvieux Catherine , Borel Anne‐Laure
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate (1) the effectiveness, complications, and postoperative access to transplantation in end‐stage chronic kidney disease (ECKD) and (2) the effectiveness and complications of bariatric surgery in patients who had already undergone kidney transplant.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of mortality and complications rates were performed. Thirty studies were reviewed.

Results

After bariatric surgery, patients with ECKD had similar postoperative weight loss to patients from the general population. Meta‐analysis showed post–bariatric surgery rates of 2% (95% CI: 0%‐3%) for mortality and 7% (95% CI: 2%‐14%) for complications. Approximately one‐fifth of the patients had access to a transplant. This rate may be underestimated because of the short duration of follow‐up. The lack of control groups did not allow for a conclusion on the role of bariatric surgery in facilitating access to kidney transplantation. In patients who had received a kidney transplant, bariatric surgery seemed to improve renal function but increased graft‐rejection risk, possibly because of changes in the bioavailability of immunosuppressant drugs.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery yields significant weight loss in patients with ECKD that improves patients’ chances of accessing a transplant but does not guarantee it; however, the risk for complications and death is higher than in other patients. After transplantation, bariatric surgery‐induced weight loss appeared to positively impact the function of the grafted kidney, but careful monitoring of immunosuppressant medications is required.
Wild-typeAPCIs Associated with Poor Survival in Metastatic Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Chongkai , Ouyang Ching , Cho May , Ji Jingran , Sandhu Jaideep , Goel Ajay , Kahn Michael , Fakih Marwan
Published: November 2020

Background

The prognostic implication of wild-type APC (APC-WT) in microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is not well defined.

Materials and Methods

APC prognostic value was evaluated retrospectively in two independent cohorts of patient with MSS mCRC with a confirmatory analysis from a public data set from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).

Results

In comparison with the APC-mutant (APC-MT) population (n = 255), APC-WT patients (n = 86) tended to be younger (59% of age < 40 vs. 26% of age > 50), right-sided (41.7% vs. 27%), BRAFV600E mutated (23.3% vs. 0.8%), and KRAS wild type (65.1% vs. 49.8%). Alternative WNT pathway alterations, RNF43 and CTNNB1, were over-represented in the APC-WT versus APC-MT population (7% vs. 0.4% and 4.7% vs. 0.4%, respectively). APC-WT patients had a worse overall survival (OS) than APC-MT patients (22.6 vs. 45.6 months, p < .0001). Using a multivariate model correcting for primary tumor location, RAS and BRAF status, APC-WT was predictive of poor survival (APC-MT vs. APC-WT, hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–0.86, p = .0037). The prognostic implication of APC-WT on OS was confirmed further in a similar multivariate model of 934 stage IV patients from MSKCC public database (APC-MT vs. APC-WT, HR, 0.63, 95% CI, 0.49–0.81, p < .0001).

Conclusion

APC-WT is associated with poor OS in MSS mCRC regardless of RAS and BRAF status. Compared with APC-MT mCRC tumors, APC-WT tumors were associated with other Wnt activating alterations, including RNF43 and CTNBB1. Our data suggest alternative therapy needs to be investigated in APC-WT patients.

Implications for Practice

Patients with microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer with wild-type APC had a worse overall survival than patients with mutated APC regardless of RAS/RAF status. APC status should be considered as a stratification factor in prospective trials, and novel therapeutic strategies need to be developed for this subgroup of patients.
Outcomes following limited‐volume proton therapy for multifocal spinal myxopapillary ependymoma
Authors: Looi Wen Shen , Indelicato Daniel J. , Mailhot Vega Raymond B. , Morris Christopher G. , Sandler Eric , Aldana Philipp R. , Bradley Julie A.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Spinal myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) often presents with a multifocal distribution, complicating attempts at resection. There remains no standard approach to irradiating these patients. We report disease control and toxicity in pediatric patients with multifocal spinal MPE treated with limited‐volume proton therapy.

Materials/methods

Twelve patients (≤21 years old) with multifocal spinal MPE were treated between 2009 and 2018 with limited‐volume brain‐sparing proton therapy. Median age was 13.5 years (range, 7‐21). Radiotherapy was given as adjuvant therapy after primary surgery in five patients (42%) and for recurrence in seven (58%). No patient received prior radiation. Eleven patients (92%) had evidence of gross disease at radiotherapy. Eleven patients received 54 GyRBE; one received 50.4 GyRBE. Treatment toxicity was graded per the CTCAEv4.0. We estimated disease control and survival using the Kaplan‐Meier product‐limit method.

Results

The median follow‐up was 3.6 years (range, 1.8‐10.6). The five‐year actuarial rates of local control, progression‐free survival, and overall survival were 100%, 92%, and 100%, respectively. One patient experienced an out‐of‐field recurrence in the spine superior to the irradiated region. No patients developed in‐field recurrences. Following surgery and irradiation, one patient developed grade three spinal kyphosis and one patient developed grade 2 unilateral L5 neuropathy.

Conclusion

54 GyRBE to a limited volume appears effective for disseminated spinal MPE in both the primary and salvage settings, sparing children the toxicity of full craniospinal irradiation. Compared with historical reports, this approach using proton therapy improves the therapeutic ratio, resulting in minimal side effects and high rates of disease control.
Central tearing behavior of PVDF coated fabrics with multiple initial notches
Authors: Li Xiaocheng , Zhang Yingying , Xu Junhao , Zhang Lanlan , Wu Meng , Zhao Qichong
Published: November 2020

Tear failure is an essential issue for membrane structures, but always ignored in the current design specifications or codes. This paper presents the central tearing behaviors of PVDF coated fabrics with initial notches. Then, the influence of notches number, notches length, and notches orientation were considered. Finally, the tearing mechanisms under multiple initial notches were systematically studied. The results show that the strength of PVDF coated fabrics is significantly affected by the parameters of initial notches, which is significantly related to the failure modes. Among all the factors, the initial notches' length has the greatest influence on specimens' failure strength. With the initial notch length increases, the tear strength decreases, and the elongation at break remains almost unchanged. As the distance between multiple notches increases, the tear strength decreases, and the elongation at break increases. As the notch angle of inclination increases, the tear strength increases, and the elongation at break increases. It can provide important references to the design and analysis of membrane structures.
Internal migration and housing costs—A panel analysis for Germany
Authors: Stawarz Nico , Sander Nikola , Sulak Harun
Published: November 2020

The emergent crisis of affordable urban housing coupled with a sustained decline in internal migration rates in many Western countries warrants a thorough exploration of the relation between housing costs and internal migration. Although it is well established that housing is an important contextual determinant of migration flows, little attention has thus far been paid to the ways in which rising housing costs shape internal migration. In this paper, we use a time‐series of annual intercounty migration in Germany for the period 2004–2017 to examine the association between increasing housing prices and changes in internal migration flows. For this, we apply fixed effects Poisson panel regression models to migration flow tables. Our results show that regions with rising housing costs experience declining inflows. In larger cities, rising housing costs are also associated with increasing outflows. Our study provides new insights into the relationship between house price dynamics and internal migration.
Structural, ferroelectric, and optical properties of Bi3+ doped YFeO3: A first‐principles study
Authors: Martínez‐Aguilar Espiridión , Hmŏk H'Linh , Ribas‐Ariño Jordi , Siqueiros Beltrones Jesús María , Lozada‐Morales Rosendo
Published: November 2020

The orthoferrites with the general formula RFeO3 (R = Ho, Er, Lu, Sc, and Y) have recently attracted a great deal of attention because they are promising candidates for a second generation of multiferroic materials. In this computational work, the structural, ferroelectric and optical properties of the YFeO3 perovskite oxide (YFO) and a Bi‐doped YFeO3 were analyzed. Bi‐substitution in YFO leads to an increase of its lattice parameters by virtue of the larger ionic radius of Bi3+. Both compounds exhibit a G‐type antiferromagnetic ground state. The calculations disclose a significant spontaneous polarization along the [101] direction of YFO‐Bi, which originates in the asymmetric distribution of the charges around the Bi3+ ions, as a result of the Bi‐6s electrons. The electric polarizability of YFO is increased upon Bi3+‐doping and the more significant components of the real permittivity tensor of YFO‐Bi are those associated with the direction along which the maximum value of spontaneous polarization is observed. The spontaneous polarization of YFO‐Bi found in this work reveals that this compound holds the potential for the next generation of multi ferroic materials.
The Track One Pilot Program: Who benefits from prioritized patent examination?
Authors: Kuhn Jeffrey M. , Teodorescu Mike H. M.
Published: November 2020

Research Summary

Speed is often critical for successful commercialization of a new technology, and patents help entrepreneurs secure funding, enter the market, and avoid expropriation of their ideas. In this article, we employ a recent change to U.S. patent law—the introduction of an elective program accelerating patent examination—to investigate the role of patent examination speed in strategic entrepreneurship. We find that small firms with limited patent portfolios are the most likely to expedite their patent applications. Moreover, accelerated patents are cited and litigated at higher rates than other patents, and these outcomes are more sensitive to exogenous changes to patent scope. Our results suggest that providing the option to accelerate patent examination may help increase incentives for innovation by strategic entrepreneurs.

Managerial Summary

Patents are essential to high‐tech businesses, helping them to secure funding and exclude competitors from the marketplace. We evaluate a USPTO pilot program that allowed patent applicants to accelerate patent examination, yielding a patent in less than 1 year when typically 3 or more years are required. We find that entrepreneurs are more likely to use the program than large firms. Moreover, patents examined under the program tend to be strategically important. They are litigated and cited at higher rates than other patents, and the scope of the patents' claims plays a key role in these outcomes. Collectively our results suggest that multi‐track patent examination programs are likely to have a positive effect on generating new ideas, increasing value capture for entrepreneurs, and facilitating the growth of small businesses. Our results also suggest that the USPTO has implemented the program successfully by accelerating examination without sacrificing quality.
Effects of Ultrasound‐Assisted Alkaline Extraction on Antioxidant Activity and Functional Characteristics of Chicken Feather Keratin Peptides
Authors: Alahyaribeik Samira , Ullah Aman
Published: November 2020

In this research, we focus on enzymatic hydrolysis of chicken feathers, after chemical or chemical and ultrasound pretreatment. Our result illustrated that ultrasound pretreatment preserved the main structure and amino acid composition of extracted keratin as confirmed by the Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gel‐electrophoresis analysis. In addition, investigation showed that ultrasound‐assisted chemical treatment was more effective on enzymatic hydrolysis and bioactivity as compared to only the chemical treatment. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) characterization of hydrolyzed products, using Alcalase enzyme at different times, showed that decomposition temperature was decreased during enzymatic hydrolysis and the best antioxidant activity was achieved after 30 min of hydrolysis with the value of 90.43±4.03 % (5 mg/ml concentration). Also, it was found that hydrolyzed product indicated no cytotoxicity to SK‐N‐MC cells when the concentration is less than 0.312 mg/ml. In this paper, the results demonstrated that the ultrasonic‐assisted enzymolysis processing seems to be effective for producing keratin antioxidant hydrolysate.
Synthesis of Selenium Based DII‐A‐DI‐A‐DII Type Small Molecular e‐Donors Employing Stille Coupling and Their Thermal, Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Appalanaidu Ejjurothu , Busireddy Manohar Reddy , Srikanth Katta Eswar , Reddy B. V. Subba , Rao Vaidya Jayathirtha , Thomas Renjith
Published: November 2020

High power conversion efficiency (PCE) organic solar cells (OSC) with planar DII‐A‐DI‐A‐DII structured organic molecule with alkylthiophene‐bezodithiophene (SBDT) a midway donor unit DI with varied number of fluorine atoms like benzoselenadiazole (SBTSe and SFBTSe) a acceptor unit and alkyl‐bithiophene a end group and donor unit DII, SFBTSe and SBTSe, were designed and synthesized for the appliance as donor moieties in OSC. It showed an intense absorption in visible expanse (582, 577 nm) and frontier orbital levels of HOMO (−5.49 and−5.50 eV), and LUMO level of (−3.57 and−3.59 eV), for SBTSe and SFBTSe respectively. The acceptor units were assigned using the results obtained from experiments and DFT/TD‐DFT simulations. This study reveals that all the acceptors are not identical in influencing the energy levels. Besides acceptors, molecular framework also plays a significant role in this regard. In addition, we have found that the acceptor's performance depends on its electron withdrawing ability. This manuscript provides a better understanding about the acceptor‘s property relationship and vital insights on the design of novel terminal acceptor units with greater number of hetero‐functionalities to developing the PCE of the OSC.
Strong Promoting Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on the CO Abatement Catalytic Activity of CoOx/Clay‐Bonded SiC Catalysts Produced by AA‐MOCVD Method Using Co(acac)2 as Precursor
Authors: MirMoghtadaei Golnoosh , Ghosalya Manoj K. , Artiglia Luca , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Falamaki Cavus
Published: November 2020

Clay‐bonded SiC supported cobalt oxide catalysts were produced by the aerosol‐assisted metal organic chemical vapor deposition method (AA‐MOCVD) using Co(acac)2 as precursor. Deposition temperatures 270 and 300 °C were the most appropriate for the synthesis of a composite catalyst of high activity for the CO conversion reaction. A cone‐shaped crystal habit is the dominant morphology. The catalysts were decorated with Au nanoparticles (NPs) of sizes in the range of 5–10 nm. This substantially improved the activity of the catalysts, lowering the onset temperature of activity by about 50 °C. Ambient‐pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) was used to investigate in situ the electronic state of cobalt and gold during CO oxidation. APXPS results show that while Au remains in the metallic state during the reaction, it enhances the reduction of Co3+ to Co2+. Au NPs adsorb CO molecules from the gas phase and supply them to the neighbor cobalt oxide particles.
Report on Recently (2017–20) Designed Quinoline‐Based Human Cancer Cell Growth Inhibitors
Authors: Dorababu Atukuri
Published: November 2020

Quinoline has been a most essential pharmacophore, derivatization of which led to enticing pharmacological properties. Quinoline is responsible for a wide range of biological potencies such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti‐leishmanial, antimalarial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Out of these clinical importances, the anticancer property of heterocycles is of greatest concern as cancer has become a major threat globally. Since some natural products containing quinoline moiety have displayed cancer inhibition potency, quinoline has been given highest priority in the anticancer drug design and development. In addition, quinoline has got eight positions including nitrogen for substitution which may result in some potential anticancer properties. Ever since, this extraordinary potential is being utilized in anticancer drug discovery. In this review, the various trends in drug design of quinoline moiety anticipating finest anticancer properties through cancer cell growth inhibition are collated comprehensively. The review work is classified based on type of quinoline derivatives. Besides this, with the aid of structure‐activity relationship discussion, the importance of structural units that contributed to strongest activity towards cancer inhibition is emphasized. The particular activity would help to bring further advanced anticancer agents in the future.
Terence Millin (1903–1980)
Authors: Goddard Jonathan Charles , Dinneen Michael D.
Published: November 2020

Terence Millin is an acknowledged pioneer in prostate surgery. Here the authors trace his life and achievements, and consider his legacy.
Group IV Metal Dimethylamido Complexes of the Chiral Cyclopentadienyl‐type Ligand (CpC)–1
Authors: Nährig Florian , Lauk Sergej , Sun Yu , Sitzmann Helmut , Thiel Werner. R.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Trisdimethylamido complexes of the Group IV elements titanium, zirconium and hafnium bearing the chiral Cp‐type ligand (CpC)–1 were synthesized and characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐rax diffraction.
Two-loop integrals for planar five-point one-mass processes
Authors: Abreu Samuel , Ita Harald , Moriello Francesco , Page Ben , Tschernow Wladimir , Zeng Mao
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We present the computation of a full set of planar five-point two-loop master integrals with one external mass. These integrals are an important ingredient for two-loop scattering amplitudes for two-jet-associated W-boson production at leading color in QCD. We provide a set of pure integrals together with differential equations in canonical form. We obtain analytic differential equations efficiently from numerical samples over finite fields, fitting an ansatz built from symbol letters. The symbol alphabet itself is constructed from cut differential equations and we find that it can be written in a remarkably compact form. We comment on the analytic properties of the integrals and confirm the extended Steinmann relations, which govern the double discontinuities of Feynman integrals, to all orders inϵ. We solve the differential equations in terms of generalized power series on single-parameter contours in the space of Mandelstam invariants. This form of the solution trivializes the analytic continuation and the integrals can be evaluated in all kinematic regions with arbitrary numerical precision.
Can $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$ parton distributions be negative?
Authors: Candido Alessandro , Forte Stefano , Hekhorn Felix
Published: November 2020

Abstract

It is common lore that Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) in the $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

factorization scheme can become negative beyond leading order due to the collinear subtraction which is needed in order to define partonic cross sections. We show that this is in fact not the case and next-to-leading order (NLO) $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

PDFs are actually positive in the perturbative regime. In order to prove this, we modify the subtraction prescription, and perform the collinear subtraction in such a way that partonic cross sections remain positive. This defines a factorization scheme in which PDFs are positive. We then show that positivity of the PDFs is preserved when transforming from this scheme to $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

, provided only the strong coupling is in the perturbative regime, such that the NLO scheme change is smaller than the LO term.
Wood-cement-composite behaviour of beech circular hollow sections
Authors: Hirschmüller Sebastian , Unterberger Seraphin Hubert , Marte Roman , van de Kuilen Jan-Willem
Published: November 2020

Beech laminated veneer lumber (LVL) circular hollow sections for use as nails in temporary geotechnical soil nailing systems were developed within this research. For the soil wall stability, beside a sufficient load carrying capacity of the nail cross section, a load carrying connection between the cement annulus and the nail is necessary. As cement grout ensures the bond between the nails and soil for the mobilisation of a soil reinforcement effect, a reliable connection between cement and wood surface is required. Occurring shear forces must be transferred from the nail into the soil through the wood-cement interface similar to reinforced concrete. Pull-off tests on clear LVL specimens with different cement and wood surface modifications as well as the results of large-scale push-out tests are presented. The results reveal a sufficient short-term bonding strength between the cement annulus and the wooden member to transfer the geotechnical loads, but also highlight the necessity of further research on long-term behaviour.
Diabetes mellitus als mögliche Spätmanifestation eines hämolytisch-urämischen Syndroms
Authors: Horch Lea , Weber L. T. , Rehberg M. , Schäuble J. , Habbig S. , Ludwig Karl-Heinz
Published: November 2020

Ein 13-jähriger Junge erkrankte 10 Jahre nach einem hämolytisch-urämischen Syndrom durch Shigatoxin bildende enterohämorrhagische E. coli (STEC-HUS) an einem insulinpflichtigen Diabetes mellitus.

Die Diagnostik ergab keine Hinweise auf eine Insulinresistenz, sondern auf einen Insulinmangel ohne Nachweis von diabetesspezifischen Autoantikörpern. Ein „maturity-onset diabetes of the young“ (MODY), Typen 1–13, war molekulargenetisch nicht nachweisbar.

In der Literatur findet sich eine Reihe von Berichten über das Auftreten eines Diabetes mellitus viele Jahre nach Manifestation eines STEC-HUS mit insulinpflichtigen Hyperglykämien in der Akutphase. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Fall eines Patienten mit insulinpflichtigem Diabetes mellitus nach STEC-HUS ohne insulinpflichtige Hyperglykämien in der Akutphase des HUS. Dies unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit einer langfristigen Nachsorge aller Patienten nach HUS.
Blood serum amyloid A as potential biomarker of pembrolizumab efficacy for patients affected by advanced non-small cell lung cancer overexpressing PD-L1: results of the exploratory “FoRECATT” study
Authors: Di Noia Vincenzo , D’Argento Ettore , Pilotto Sara , Vita Emanuele , Ferrara Miriam Grazia , Damiano Paola , Ribelli Marta , Cannella Antonella , Virtuoso Antonella , Fattorossi Andrea , Ceresoli Giovanni Luca , Milella Michele , Beretta Giordano Domenico , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio
Published: November 2020

Background

Identifying the patients who may benefit the most from immune checkpoints inhibitors remains a great challenge for clinicians. Here we investigate on blood serum amyloid A (SAA) as biomarker of response to upfront pembrolizumab in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Patients with PD-L1 ≥ 50% receiving upfront pembrolizumab (P cohort) and with PD-L1 0–49% treated with chemotherapy (CT cohort) were evaluated for blood SAA and radiological response at baseline and every 9 weeks. Endpoints were response rate (RR) according to RECIST1.1, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The most accurate SAA cut-off to predict response was established with ROC analysis in the P cohort.

Results

In the P Cohort (n = 42), the overall RR was 38%. After a median follow-up of 18.5 months (mo), baseline SAA ≤ the ROC-derived cut-off (29.9 mg/L;n = 28/42.67%) was significantly associated with higher RR (53.6 versus 7.1%; OR15, 95% CI 1.72–130.7,p = 0.009), longer PFS (17.4 versus 2.1 mo;p < 0.0001) and OS (not reached versus 7.2mo;p < 0.0001) compared with SAA > 29.9 mg/L. In multivariate analysis, low SAA positively affects PFS (p = 0.001) and OS (p = 0.048) irrespective of ECOG PS, number of metastatic sites and pleural effusion. SAA monitoring (n = 40) was also significantly associated with survival endpoints: median PFS 17.4 versus 2.1 mo and median OS not reached versus 7.2 mo when SAA remained low (n = 14) and high (n = 12), respectively. In the CT Cohort (n = 30), RR was not affected by SAA level (p > 0.05) while low SAA at baseline (n = 17) was associated with better PFS (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16–0.90,p = 0.006) and OS (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09–0.67,p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Low SAA predicts good survival outcomes irrespective of treatment for advanced NSCLC patients and higher likelihood of response to upfront pembrolizumab only. The strong prognostic value might be exploited to easily identify patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. A further study (FoRECATT-2) is ongoing to confirm results in a larger sample size and to investigate the effect of SAA on immune response in vitro assays.
Validity and Utility Testing of a Criteria‐led Discharge Checklist to Determine Post‐operative Recovery after Abdominal Surgery: an International Multicentre Prospective Cohort Trial
Authors: Boden Ianthe , Peng Calvin , Lockstone Jane , Reeve Julie , Hackett Claire , Anderson Lesley , Hill Cat , Winzer Brooke , Gurusinghe Nishanthi , Denehy Linda
Published: November 2020

Background

Criteria‐led discharge (CLD) has promising potential to reduce unnecessary hospital stay after abdominal surgery; however, the validity and utility of CLD is uncertain as studies are limited to small single‐centre studies involving predominantly elective colorectal surgery.

Methods

This prospective international multicentre cohort study explored the relationship between a CLD checklist, post‐operative recovery, and hospital length of stay using patient‐level data from four clinical trials involving 1071 adults undergoing all types of emergency and elective abdominal surgery at five hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. Patients were assessed daily for 21 post‐operative days using a standardised CLD checklist. Surgeons and hospital clinicians were masked to findings. Criterion, construct, and content validity of the checklist to accurately reflect discharge decisions by surgical teams, assess physiological recovery, and encompass parameters signalling physiological readiness to discharge were tested. Potential utility of CLD to minimise unnecessary hospital stay was assessed by comparing day of readiness to discharge to actual day of discharge.

Results

The CLD checklist had concordance with existing discharge planning practices and accurately measured a longer post‐operative recovery in more complex clinical situations. The CLD checklist in its current format did not detect all legitimate medical and surgical reasons necessitating a continued stay in hospital. Day of readiness to discharge was 0.8 days (95% CI 0.7 to 0.9, p < 0.001) less than actual day of discharge.

Conclusion

A CLD checklist has excellent criterion and construct validity in measuring physiological recovery following all types of major elective and emergency abdominal surgery. Content validity could be improved. The use of CLD has the potential to reduce unnecessary hospital stay although the safety of discharging patients according to the criteria requires investigation prior to implementation.

Trial registration

Trials were prospectively registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (LIPPSMAck POP 12613000664741, ICEAGE 12615000318583, PLASTIC 12619001344189, NIPPER PLUS 12617000269336).
Explaining the dependence of M-site diffusion in forsterite on silica activity: a density functional theory approach
Authors: Muir Joshua M. R. , Jollands Michael , Zhang Feiwu , Walker Andrew M.
Published: November 2020

Experimentally, silica activity (aSiO2) has been shown to have an effect on Mg diffusion in forsterite, but no fully satisfactory mechanism has yet been proposed. We calculated the effects of aSiO2 and aluminium content (the main contaminant in some recent experimental studies), and their co-effect, on Mg diffusion in forsterite, using thermodynamic minimisations of defect formation energies [calculated using density functional theory (DFT)] and a Monte-Carlo diffusion model. These two variables, in isolation, do not appreciably change the defect concentrations of forsterite and thus do not affect the diffusivity of Mg. However, when elevated together, they cause large increases in the Mg vacancy content and thus can increase the Mg diffusivity by one to six orders of magnitude depending on temperature, with little pressure dependence. This effect is largely independent of Al2O3 concentration above ~ 1 wt. ppm, and thus, for all practical purposes, should occur wherever forsterite is in the presence of enstatite. It is also largely dependent upon configurational entropy and is thus highly sensitive to the chemistry of the crystal. A low concentration of structurally bound hydroxyl groups at low temperatures (1000 K) suppresses this effect in pure forsterite, but it is likely robust in the presence of water either when alternative water sinks (such as Ti or Fe) are present, or at high temperatures (> 1500 K). This effect is also robust in the presence of ferrous iron (or other substitutional Mg defects) at all temperatures. Fe2O3 can operate like Al2O3 in this reaction and should enhance its effect. These findings explain the experimentally observed dependency of Mg diffusion of aSiO2, and elucidate how chemical activity variations in both experiments and natural settings could affect not only the diffusivity of Mg in forsterite, but of olivine-hosted cations in general.
Histological quantification of decomposed human livers: a potential aid for estimation of the post-mortem interval?
Authors: Ceciliason Ann-Sofie , Andersson M. Gunnar , Nyberg Sofia , Sandler Håkan
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determine if a novel scoring-based model for histological quantification of decomposed human livers could improve the precision of post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation for bodies from an indoor setting. The hepatic decomposition score (HDS) system created consists of five liver scores (HDS markers): cell nuclei and cell structure of hepatocytes, bile ducts, portal triad, and architecture. A total of 236 forensic autopsy cases were divided into a training dataset (n = 158) and a validation dataset (n = 78). All cases were also scored using the total body score (TBS) method. We specified a stochastic relationship between the log-transformed accumulated degree-days (log10ADD) and the taphonomic findings, using a multivariate regression model to compute the likelihood function. Three models were applied, based on (i) five HDS markers, (ii) three partial body scores (head, trunk, limbs), or (iii) a combination of the two. The predicted log10ADD was compared with the true log10ADD for each case. The fitted models performed equally well in the training dataset and the validation dataset. The model comprising both scoring methods had somewhat better precision than either method separately. Our results indicated that the HDS system was statistically robust. Combining the HDS markers with the partial body scores resulted in a better representation of the decomposition process and might improve PMI estimation of decomposed human remains.
Risk of lung cancer and renin–angiotensin blockade: a concise review
Authors: Rachow Tobias , Schiffl Helmut , Lang Susanne M.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The blockade of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is one of the most common treatments for hypertension, heart failure and renal diseases. However, concerns have been raised about a possible link between RAAS-blockers and an increased risk of cancer, particularly of lung cancer. This narrative review aims to give a critical appraisal of current evidence and to help physicians understand potential links between RAAS blockade and de novo lung cancer development.

Methods

Numerous pharmaco-epidemiologic studies, mostly retrospective cohort analyses, evaluated the association of RAAS blockade with lung cancer incidence and reported inconsistent findings. Meta-analyses could not further clarify a possible link between RAAS blockade and the risk of lung cancer.

Results

International regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA) have concluded that the use of RAAS blockers is not associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Co-administration of RAAS blockers to systemic therapy of advanced non-small cell lung cancer seems to have positive effects on the outcome.

Conclusion

Until more comprehensive analyses have been completed, there is no need to change clinical practise. Additional prospective randomized trials with long-term follow-up are needed to investigate the effects of these drugs on the development and progression of lung cancer.
Jaw exercise therapy for the treatment of trismus in head and neck Cancer: a prospective three-year follow-up study
Authors: Karlsson Ove , Karlsson Therese , Pauli Nina , Andréll Paulin , Finizia Caterina
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine effects of jaw exercise on trismus 3 years following completion of a post-radiotherapy jaw exercise intervention.

Methods

Prospective study including 50 patients with head-and-neck cancer receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, plus a matched control group. The intervention group underwent 10 weeks of jaw exercise training. Patients were followed pre-and postintervention and 3 years postintervention completion. Outcome measures were maximal interincisal opening (MIO), trismus-related symptoms, and health-related quality-of-life as measured by Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC QLQ-H&N35.

Results

The intervention group had a statistically significantly higher mean MIO compared with the control group (40.1 mm and 33.9 mm, respectively, p < 0.001), reported less trismus-related problems and had an improved health-related quality-of-life when compared with the control group at the 3-year follow-up. These differences were all statistically significant.

Conclusion

Jaw exercise therapy resulted in increased MIO, less trismus-related symptoms, and improved health-related quality-of-life. Jaw exercise therapy should be initiated early, in a structured manner and continued long-term.
Calc-alkaline volcanic rocks and zircon ages of the late Tonian: early Cryogenian arc-related Big Naryn Complex in the Eastern Djetim-Too Range, Middle Tianshan block, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Terbishalieva Baiansuluu , Timmerman Martin Jan , Mikolaichuk Alexander , Altenberger Uwe , Sláma Jiří , Schleicher Anja Maria , Sudo Masafumi , Sobel Edward R. , Cichy Sarah B.
Published: November 2020

The Big Naryn Complex (BNC) in the East Djetim-Too Range of the Kyrgyz Middle Tianshan block is a tectonized, at least 2 km thick sequence of predominantly felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks intruded by porphyric rhyolite sills. It overlies a basement of metamorphic rocks and is overlain by late Neoproterozoic Djetim-Too Formation sediments; these also occur as tectonic intercalations in the BNC. The up to ca. 1100 m thick Lower Member is composed of predominantly rhyolites-to-dacites and minor basalts, while the at least 900 m thick pyroclastic Upper Member is dominated by rhyolitic-to-dacitic ignimbrites. Porphyric rhyolite sills are concentrated at the top of the Lower Member. A Lower Member rhyolite and a sill sample have LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon crystallization ages of 726.1 ± 2.2 Ma and 720.3 ± 6.5 Ma, respectively, showing that most of the magmatism occurred within a short time span in the late Tonian–early Cryogenian. Inherited zircons in the sill sample have Neoarchean (2.63, 2.64 Ga), Paleo- (2.33–1.81 Ga), Meso- (1.55 Ga), and Neoproterozoic (ca. 815 Ma) ages, and were derived from a heterogeneous Kuilyu Complex basement. A 1751 ± 7 Ma40Ar/39Ar age for amphibole from metagabbro is the age of cooling subsequent to Paleoproterozoic metamorphism of the Kuilyu Complex. The large amount of pyroclastic rocks, and their major and trace element compositions, the presence of Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic inherited zircons and a depositional basement of metamorphic rocks point to formation of the BNC in a continental magmatic arc setting.
Validation of a surgical invasiveness index in patients with lumbar spinal disorders registered in the Spine Tango registry
Authors: Holzer Erik M. , Aghayev Emin , O’Riordan Dave , Fekete Tamas F. , Jeszenszky Dezső J. , Haschtmann Daniel , Porchet Francois , Kleinstueck Frank S. , Pigott Tim , Munting Everard , Luca Andrea , Mannion Anne F.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Being able to quantify the invasiveness of a surgical procedure is important to weigh up its associated risks, since invasiveness governs the blood loss, operative time and likelihood of complications. Mirza et al. (Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 33:2651–2661, 2008) published an invasiveness index for spinal surgery. We evaluated the validity of a modified version of the Mirza invasiveness index (mMII), adapted for use with registry data.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed with data acquired from the Spine Tango registry including 21,634 patients. The mMII was calculated as the sum of six possible interventions on each vertebral level: decompression, fusion and stabilization either on anterior or posterior structures. The association between the mMII and blood loss, operative time and complications was evaluated using multiple regression, adjusting for possible confounders.

Results

The mean (± SD) mMII was 3.9 ± 5.0 (range 0–40). A 1-point increase in the mMII was associated with an additional blood loss of 12.8% (95% CI 12.6–13.0; p < 0.001) and an increase of operative time of 10.4 min (95% CI 10.20–10.53; p < 0.001). The R2 for the blood loss model was of 43% and for operative time, 47%. The mean mMII was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in patients with surgical complications (4.5 ± 5.6) and general medical complications (6.5 ± 7.0) compared to those without (3.8 ± 4.9). Our results were comparable to those reported in the original publication of Mirza et al.

Conclusion

The mMII appeared to be a valid measure of surgical invasiveness in our study population. It can be used in predictor models and to adjust for surgical case-mix when comparing outcomes in different studies or different hospitals/surgeons in a registry.
Erratum to: Phase portraits, Lyapunov functions, and projective geometry
Authors: Naiwert Lilija , Spindler Karlheinz
Published: November 2020

An Erratum to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00591-020-00288-y