bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the salt leaching method for the production of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber foams
Authors: Zonta Edoardo , Valentini Francesco , Dorigato Andrea , Fambri Luca , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: October 2020

The thermomechanical behavior of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) foams produced with the salt leaching method has been investigated and compared with the behavior of EPDM foams obtained from conventional blowing agents. Moreover, the salt‐leaching process has been optimized to minimize salt residues and the influence of different parameters (such as average particle size and particle size distribution) has been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and density measurements highlighted that salt‐leaching leads to the formation of open‐cell porosity with cell dimensions of around 60 to 80 μm, while foams obtained with the two traditional foaming agents lead to closed‐cell porosity. Compression set values indicate that the behavior of the foams produced with salt leaching are more similar to the unfoamed rubber, characterized by higher elasticity and low residual deformation. Two theoretical models were successfully applied to the compression curves (Mooney‐Rivlin and Exponential‐Logarithmic) and they highlighted the effect of foaming on the properties of EPDM rubber and in particular the higher chain extensibility obtained through the salt leaching foaming method.
The respiratory impact of novel therapies for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Paul Grace R. , Gushue Courtney , Kotha Kavitha , Shell Richard
Published: October 2020

The phenotype of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been changing with the recent availability of three FDA‐approved treatments: intrathecal nusinersen, intravenous onasemnogene abeparvovec‐xioi, and enteral risdiplam. The degree of improvement in muscle strength and respiratory health varies with SMA genotype, severity of baseline neuromuscular and pulmonary impairment, medication used, and timing of the first dose. A spectrum of pulmonary outcomes has been reported with these novel medications when used early and in conjunction with proactive multidisciplinary management of comorbidities. In this review, we summarize the reported impact of these novel therapies on pulmonary well‐being and the improving trajectory of pulmonary morbidity, compared to the natural history of SMA. The importance of ongoing clinical monitoring albeit the improved phenotype is reiterated. We also discuss the limitations of the current SMA‐therapy trials and offer suggestions for future clinical‐outcome studies and long‐term monitoring.
A p‐Type Ferroelectric Field‐Effect Transistor Using Ultrathin Hafnium Aluminum Oxide
Authors: Cheng Chun-Hu , Liu Chien , Tung Yi-Chun , Chen Hsuan-Han , Liao Ruo-Yin , Chou Wu-Ching
Published: October 2020

Herein, the electrical characteristics of a p‐type negative‐capacitance field‐effect transistor are investigated using an ultrathin 2.5 nm‐thick HfAlOx. The optimized performance exhibits a steep subthreshold slope of 35 mV dec−1, a negligible hysteresis of 4 mV, and a low off‐state current of 3 × 10−13 A μm−1. Appropriate aluminum doping into HfAlOx film can not only improve the leakage current but also stabilize the negative‐capacitance matching. The prominent improvement on the capacitance matching and ferroelectricity can be ascribed to the reduced defect traps and less dielectric crystalline phase during annealing, which is important for the practical application of energy‐efficient logic devices.
Function‐on‐function regression for assessing production quality in industrial manufacturing
Authors: Palumbo Biagio , Centofanti Fabio , Del Re Francesco
Published: October 2020

Key responses of manufacturing processes are often represented by spatially or time‐ordered data known as functional data. In practice, these are usually treated by extracting one or few representative scalar features from them to be used in the following analysis, with the risk of discarding relevant information available in the whole profile and of drawing only partial conclusions. To avoid that, new and more sophisticated methods can be retrieved from the functional data analysis (FDA) literature. In this work, that represents a contribution in the direction of integrating FDA methods into the manufacturing field, the use of function‐on‐function linear regression modelling is proposed. The approach is based on a finite‐dimensional approximation of the regression coefficient function by means of two sets of basis functions, and two roughness penalties to control the degree of smoothness of the final estimator. The potential of the proposed method is demonstrated by applying it to a real‐life case study in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing for metals to predict the mechanical properties of an additively manufactured artefact, given the particle size distribution of the powder used for its production.
Anomaly detection of aircraft lead‐acid battery
Authors: Zhao Wenjie , Zhang Yushu , Zhu Ye , Xu Peng
Published: October 2020

The lead‐acid battery has been widely used in various fields. In civil aviation aircraft, it plays a vital role in the power system to maintain normal operation during the flight mission. Thus, an effective abnormal detection system for monitoring and diagnosing the status of aircraft lead‐acid battery is essential to ensure its safety and reliability. This paper aims to effectively identify aircraft battery faulty using unsupervised anomaly detection techniques. It introduces state‐of‐the‐art anomaly detection algorithms and evaluates their performance on a large real civil aviation battery data. The experimental results show that the latest isolation‐based anomaly detectors, iForest and iNNE, have outstanding performance on this task and have promising applicability as efficient methods for guaranteeing the lead‐acid battery quality and reliability in civil aviation aircraft.
World assumptions and post‐traumatic growth among older adults: The case of Holocaust survivors
Authors: Greenblatt‐Kimron Lee
Published: October 2020

Traumatic events may lead to post‐traumatic growth (PTG). Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms leading to PTG, especially among older adults. This study sought to examine the direct relationship between world assumptions and PTG and the indirect relationship between them via two possible mediation pathways: post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and meaning in life. One hundred fifty‐nine Holocaust survivors participated in the study (mean age = 82.34, SD = 5.81). Participants completed questionnaires of world assumptions, meaning in life, PTSS and PTG. The findings showed that world assumptions were positive and were positively associated with meaning in life and PTG and negatively associated with PTSS. The results of the multiple mediation model suggest that meaning in life and PTSS partially mediated the relations between world assumptions and PTG. Positive world assumptions were associated with higher meaning in life, which was associated with higher PTG. In contrast, despite the direct association between PTSS and PTG, the mediating effect of PTSS was negative, thus the more positive the world assumptions, the higher the PTG mediated by lower PTSS. The results suggest that the relationship between world assumptions and PTG may be direct and indirect. These findings suggest possible mechanisms underlying PTG, especially in old age.
Dual Buffering Inverse Design of Three‐Dimensional Graphene‐Supported Sn‐TiO2 Anodes for Durable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ryu Jaegeon , Kim Hyunji , Kang Jieun , Bark Hyunwoo , Park Soojin , Lee Hyunjung
Published: October 2020

Stable battery operation involving high‐capacity electrode materials such as tin (Sn) has been plagued by dimensional instability‐driven battery degradation despite the potentially accessible high energy density of batteries. Rational design of Sn‐based electrodes inevitably requires buffering or passivation layers mostly in a multi‐stacked manner with sufficient void inside the shells. However, undesirable void engineering incurs energy loss and shell fracture during the strong calendaring process. Here, this study reports an inverse design of freestanding 3D graphene electrodes sequentially passivated by capacity‐contributing Sn and protective/buffering TiO2. Monodisperse polymer bead templates coated with inner TiO2 and outer SnO2 layers generate regular macropores and 3D interconnected graphene framework while the inner TiO2 shell turns inside out to fully passivate the surface of Sn nanoparticles during the thermal annealing process. The prepared 3D freestanding electrodes are simultaneously buffered by electronically conductive and flexible graphene support and ion‐permeable/mechanically stable TiO2 nanoshells, thus greatly extending the cycle life of batteries more than 5000 cycles at 5 C with a reversible capacity of ≈520 mAh g−1 with a high volumetric energy density.
Piezocatalytic Foam for Highly Efficient Degradation of Aqueous Organics
Authors: Shi Jidong , Zeng Wei , Dai Zhaohe , Wang Liu , Wang Qi , Lin Shuping , Xiong Ying , Yang Su , Shang Songmin , Chen Wei , Zhao Lingyu , Ding Xujiao , Tao Xiaoming , Chai Yang
Published: October 2020

Piezoelectric catalysis (piezocatalysis) is a physical/chemical process that utilizes piezoelectric potential for accelerating chemical reactions, in which ubiquitous mechanical energies in nature are used for various catalysis applications, e.g., treating organic water pollutants. Despite the high efficiency achieved by piezocatalytic powders, the particles used tend to diffuse in water systems and are hard to be separated, thus causing secondary pollution. Herein, a free‐standing piezocatalytic foam is designed and fabricated, which is composed of BaTiO3 nanoparticles embedded in the PVDF scaffold. The as‐prepared PVDF–BaTiO3 composite foam demonstrates outstanding piezocatalytic efficiency in removing aqueous organics among state‐of‐the‐art integral piezocatalytic platforms, which lie in the synergy of piezoelectric materials and abundant interconnected pores within the foam. Significantly, PVDF–BaTiO3 foam is further applied for purifying natural water samples, by which the permanganate index of the water sample reduces by nearly 30% after 2 h of treatment. In addition, as a monolithic platform, PVDF–BaTiO3 foam is easy to be collected, with high reuse stability and applicability for treating various pollutants, resulting in dominant advantages over powder‐based systems for practical high‐flux wastewater treatment. Herein, a piezocatalytic platform is provided for the effective degradation of organic pollutants in water, with minimal environmental side effects.
Investigation of Water‐Stable Perovskite DMASnIxBr3−x for Photoenzyme Catalysis in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ju Dianxing , Lin Gang , Xiao Hang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Su Shigang , Liu Jian
Published: October 2020

The impressive optoelectronic performances of hybrid perovskites have attracted enormous interests. However, the moisture sensitivity of these materials hampers their practical applications. Herein, the lead‐free perovskites of DMASnIxBr3−x (DMA = CH3NH2CH3+) crystals as photocatalysts for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) regeneration in aqueous solution are engineered. The very high NADH yield (≈100%) is achieved for all the DMASnIxBr3−x crystals with tunable bandgaps, which is further coupled with formate dehydrogenase for the production of 320 μM formic acid from CO2. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations further shed light on the intrinsic water‐stable mechanism of DMASnI3 perovskite, which is ascribed to the higher water surface adsorption energy, the higher water osmotic energy barrier, and the smaller intralayer spacing inside DMASnI3 structures by comparing with Pb‐based counterpart. The work can provide new prospects for designing water‐stable hybrid perovskites and further broaden their photocatalytic and optoelectronic applications.
Hydrophobic 2D Perovskite‐Modified Layer with Polyfunctional Groups for Enhanced Performance and High Moisture Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Huifen , Liu Guozhen , Xu Xiaoxiao , Xu Shendong , Zhang Liying , Chen Xiaojing , Zheng Haiying , Pan Xu
Published: October 2020

The charges stuck in trap sites hinder charge transport and lead to Voc below the radiative limit, which seriously restrict the performance and stability of organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Chemical passivation is an effective method to reduce defects and suppress nonradiative recombination. Herein, a new passivation molecule l‐cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride (CME) with thiol and ester groups is designed to modify the interface between the perovskite layer and hole transport layer (HTL). It reveals that thiol possesses outstanding moisture resistance and ester suppresses nonradiative recombination by coordinating with undercoordinated Pb2+. Furthermore, the 2D modified layer at the grain boundaries and surface passivates surface defects and promotes hole extraction. As a result, the CME device achieves the highest PCE of 20.33% with an enhanced open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.11 V. Due to the barrier of highly hydrophobic 2D perovskites, the modified devices show excellent stability while exposed to humidity and high‐temperature environment. A facile and effective strategy to design organic molecular structures with polyfunctional groups to passivate trap‐assisted nonradiative recombination at the surface and grain boundaries is provided.
Molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative damage in the mouse testis induced by LaCl3
Authors: Ji Jianhui , Hong Fashui , Zhou Yingjun , Liu Tingwu , Fan Dongxue , Zhang Xingxiang , Lu Yutian , Jiang Lingling , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Chen
Published: October 2020

China is the world's largest rare earth producer and exporter, previous studies have shown that rare earth elements can cause oxidative damage in animal testis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these observations have yet to be elucidated. In this paper, male mice were fed with different doses (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW) of LaCl3 for 90 consecutive days, regulatory role of nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor 2 (Nrf‐2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway in testicular oxidative stress induced by LaCl3 were investigated. Analysis showed that LaCl3 exposure could lead to severe testicular pathological changes and apoptosis in spermatogenic cells, it up‐regulated the peroxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA, and induced the excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in mouse testis, reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and glutathione S epoxide transferase (GST) as well as the glutathione (GSH) content. Furthermore, exposure to LaCl3 also downregulated the expression of Nrf2 and its target gene products, including heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinine] 1(NQO1), protein kinase C (PKC), and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), but upregulated the expression of Kelch‐like ECH‐related protein 1 (Keap1) in damaged mouse testes. Collectively, our data imply that the oxidative damage induced by LaCl3 in testis was related to inhibition of the Nrf‐2/AREs pathway activation.
Introduction: Gender, Space, and Affects in Film
Authors: Ceuterick Maud
Published: October 2020

The way mobility and gender are perceived and analysed in the cinema needs to change. As this chapter retraces the scholarship on gender and space, it draws attention to the binaries, starting with the figure of theflâneur,that have portrayed women as being restricted in their movement and in their wilfulness. A transformation of women’s spatial imaginaries beyond patriarchal boundaries requires the consideration of space as fluid, practised, and affective rather than conceived and fixed. Placing feminist geographer Doreen Massey’s concepts of space-time and power-geometries in dialogue with feminist film theory and affect theory shows how cinema may act as a ‘way of thinking’ towards the world and contribute to transforming negative affects into productive forces, as advocated by Rosi Braidotti.
Effects of non-conformal boundary on entanglement entropy
Authors: Loveridge Andrew
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Spacetime boundaries with canonical Neuman or Dirichlet conditions preserve conformal invarience, but “mixed” boundary conditions which interpolate linearly between them can break conformal symmetry and generate interesting Renormalization Group flows even when a theory is free, providing soluble models with nontrivial scale dependence. We compute the (Rindler) entanglement entropy for a free scalar field with mixed boundary conditions in half Minkowski space and in Anti-de Sitter space. In the latter case we also compute an additional geometric contribution, which according to a recent proposal then collectively give the 1/N corrections to the entanglement entropy of the conformal field theory dual. We obtain some perturbatively exact results in both cases which illustrate monotonic interpolation between ultraviolet and infrared fixed points. This is consistent with recent work on the irreversibility of renormalization group, allowing some assessment of the aforementioned proposal for holographic entanglement entropy and illustrating the generalization of the g-theorem for boundary conformal field theory.
Seismic and Aseismic Preparatory Processes Before Large Stick–Slip Failure
Authors: Dresen Georg , Kwiatek Grzegorz , Goebel Thomas , Ben-Zion Yehuda
Published: October 2020

Natural earthquakes often have very few observable foreshocks which significantly complicates tracking potential preparatory processes. To better characterize expected preparatory processes before failures, we study stick-slip events in a series of triaxial compression tests on faulted Westerly granite samples. We focus on the influence of fault roughness on the duration and magnitude of recordable precursors before large stick–slip failure. Rupture preparation in the experiments is detectable over long time scales and involves acoustic emission (AE) and aseismic deformation events. Preparatory fault slip is found to be accelerating during the entire pre-failure loading period, and is accompanied by increasing AE rates punctuated by distinct activity spikes associated with large slip events. Damage evolution across the fault zones and surrounding wall rocks is manifested by precursory decrease of seismic b-values and spatial correlation dimensions. Peaks in spatial event correlation suggest that large slip initiation occurs by failure of multiple asperities. Shear strain estimated from AE data represents only a small fraction (< 1%) of total shear strain accumulated during the preparation phase, implying that most precursory deformation is aseismic. The relative contribution of aseismic deformation is amplified by larger fault roughness. Similarly, seismic coupling is larger for smooth saw-cut faults compared to rough faults. The laboratory observations point towards a long-lasting and continuous preparation process leading to failure and large seismic events. The strain partitioning between aseismic and observable seismic signatures depends on fault structure and instrument resolution.
Corona Immunitas: study protocol of a nationwide program of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and seroepidemiologic studies in Switzerland
Authors:   the Corona Immunitas Research Group, West Erin A. , Anker Daniela , Amati Rebecca , Richard Aude , Wisniak Ania , Butty Audrey , Albanese Emiliano , Bochud Murielle , Chiolero Arnaud , Crivelli Luca , Cullati Stéphane , d’Acremont Valérie , Epure Adina Mihaela , Fehr Jan , Flahault Antoine , Fornerod Luc , Frank Irène , Frei Anja , Michel Gisela , Gonseth Semira , Guessous Idris , Imboden Medea , Kahlert Christian R. , Kaufmann Laurent , Kohler Philipp , Mösli Nicolai , Paris Daniel , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Rodondi Nicolas , Stringhini Silvia , Vermes Thomas , Vollrath Fabian , Puhan Milo A.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Seroprevalence studies to assess the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population and subgroups are key for evaluating mitigation and vaccination policies and for understanding the spread of the disease both on the national level and for comparison with the international community.

Methods

Corona Immunitas is a research program of coordinated, population-based, seroprevalence studies implemented by Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+). Over 28,340 participants, randomly selected and age-stratified, with some regional specificities will be included. Additional studies in vulnerable and highly exposed subpopulations are also planned. The studies will assess population immunological status during the pandemic.

Results

Phase one (first wave of pandemic) estimates from Geneva showed a steady increase in seroprevalence up to 10.8% (95% CI 8.2–13.9, n = 775) by May 9, 2020. Since June, Zurich, Lausanne, Basel City/Land, Ticino, and Fribourg recruited a total of 5973 participants for phase two thus far.

Conclusions

Corona Immunitas will generate reliable, comparable, and high-quality serological and epidemiological data with extensive coverage of Switzerland and of several subpopulations, informing health policies and decision making in both economic and societal sectors.

ISRCTN Registry: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18181860.
Two-sided strategy-proofness in many-to-many matching markets
Authors: Romero-Medina Antonio , Triossi Matteo
Published: October 2020

We study the existence of group strategy-proof stable rules in many-to-many matching markets under responsiveness of agents’ preferences. We show that when firms have acyclical preferences over workers the set of stable matchings is a singleton, and the worker-optimal stable mechanism is a stable and group strategy-proof rule for firms and workers. Furthermore, acyclicity is the minimal condition guaranteeing the existence of stable and strategy-proof mechanisms in many-to-many matching markets.
Gynecologists’ perspectives on two types of uterus-preserving surgical repair of uterine descent; sacrospinous hysteropexy versus modified Manchester
Authors: Enklaar Rosa A. , Essers Brigitte A. B. , ter Horst Leanne , Kluivers Kirsten B. , Weemhoff Mirjam
Published: October 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

The modified Manchester (MM) and sacrospinous hysteropexy (SSH) are the most common uterus-preserving surgical procedures for uterine descent. Little is known about gynecologists’ preferences regarding the two interventions. The study’s aim was to identify which factors influence Dutch (uro)gynecologists when choosing one of these techniques.

Methods

This qualitative study consists of ten semi-structured interviews with Dutch (uro)gynecologists using predetermined, open explorative questions, based on a structured topic list. An inductive content analysis was performed using Atlas.ti.

Results

For SSH, the majority (6/10 gynecologists) reported the more dorsal change of direction of the vaginal axis as a disadvantage and expected more cystocele recurrences (7/10). The most reported disadvantage of MM was the risk of cervical stenosis (7/10). Four gynecologists found MM not to be appropriate for patients with higher stage uterine prolapse. The quality of the uterosacral ligaments was related to the chance of recurrence according to five gynecologists. Patient counseling was biased toward one of the uterus-preserving operations (7/10). Four gynecologists stated they make the final decision while two let patient-preference lead the final decision.

Conclusions

Preference for one of the uterus-preserving interventions is mainly based on the gynecologist’s own experience and background. The lack of information regarding these two uterus-preserving procedures hampers evidence-based decision making, which explains the practice pattern variation. In conclusion, further research is needed to improve evidence-based counseling and shared decision making regarding the choice of procedure.
‘But you don’t look sick’: a qualitative analysis of the LUPUS UK online forum
Authors: Sloan Melanie , Bosley Michael , Blane Moira , Holloway Lynn , Barrere Colette , D’Cruz David , Walia Chanpreet , Naughton Felix , Howard Paul , Sutton Stephen , Gordon Caroline
Published: October 2020

Lupus is a multi-system autoimmune rheumatic disease with increased morbidity and mortality. Some manifestations are life-threatening with many aspects of living with the disease, difficulties in diagnosis and accessing appropriate medical care, having an impact on quality of life. The disease itself, and these patients’ perspectives, are currently poorly understood and under-researched. The LUPUS UK forum of conversations between over 25,000 members provides a rich environment to explore the views of these patients. Conversations on the LUPUS UK online forum were qualitatively explored using virtual ethnography and thematic analysis. The forum itself and positive medical relationships were widely considered to provide a means of support, understanding and validation. Forum members expressed difficulties in diagnosis, disease management, and the psychological and physical impact of living with an unpredictable, poorly understood disease, often with life-changing symptoms. Invalidating personal, social and medical environments were perceived as exacerbating these difficulties. Delays in diagnosis and misdiagnoses were frequently discussed as causing significant damage, especially when symptoms were disbelieved or dismissed. Invalidation was the key theme with further themes of: Uncertainty, Medical (mis)communications and misunderstandings, Navigating health systems and Resilience and support. Although effective care and support was reported by some members, the negative impact of living with an incurable, life-changing disease was often exacerbated by perceived invalidation, uncertainty, and difficulties in multiple areas of members’ lives. Improved knowledge of the disease and greater support at all stages of the diagnostic journey could improve outcomes and quality of life for these patients.
PolyQ-expanded ataxin-3 protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlate with clinical parameters in SCA3: a pilot study
Authors: Gonsior Kathrin , Kaucher Gabriele Anna , Pelz Patrik , Schumann Dorothea , Gansel Melanie , Kuhs Sandra , Klockgether Thomas , Forlani Sylvie , Durr Alexandra , Hauser Stefan , Rattay Tim W. , Synofzik Matthis , Hengel Holger , Schöls Ludger , Rieß Olaf H. , Hübener-Schmid Jeannette
Published: October 2020

In view of upcoming clinical trials, quantitative molecular markers accessible in peripheral blood are of critical importance as prognostic or pharmacodynamic markers in genetic neurodegenerative diseases such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3), in particular for signaling target engagement. In this pilot study, we focused on the quantification of ataxin-3, the protein altered in SCA3, in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) acquired from preataxic and ataxic SCA3 mutation carriers as well as healthy controls, as a molecular marker directly related to SCA3 pathophysiology. We established two different highly sensitive TR-FRET-based immunoassays to measure the protein levels of either total full-length, non-expanded and expanded, ataxin-3 or specifically polyQ-expanded ataxin-3. In PBMCs, a clear discrimination between SCA3 mutation carrier and controls were seen measuring polyQ-expanded ataxin-3 protein level. Additionally, polyQ-expanded ataxin-3 protein levels correlated with disease progression and clinical severity as assessed by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. Total full-length ataxin-3 protein levels were directly influenced by the expression levels of the polyQ-expanded ataxin-3 protein, but were not correlated with clinical parameters. Assessment of ataxin-3 levels in fibroblasts or induced pluripotent stem cells allowed to distinguish mutation carriers from controls, thus providing proof-of-principle validation of our PBMC findings across cell lines. Total full-length or polyQ-expanded ataxin-3 protein was not detectable by TR-FRET assays in other biofluids like plasma or cerebrospinal fluid, indicating the need for ultra-sensitive assays for these biofluids. Standardization studies revealed that tube systems, blood sampling, and PBMC preparation may influence ataxin-3 protein levels indicating a high demand for standardized protocols in biomarker studies. In conclusion, the polyQ-expanded ataxin-3 protein is a promising candidate as a molecular target engagement marker in SCA3 in future clinical trials, determinable even in—easily accessible—peripheral blood biomaterials. These results, however, require validation in a larger cohort and further standardization of modifying conditions.
Health and motivation as mediators of the effects of job demands, job control, job support, and role conflicts at work and home on sickness presenteeism and absenteeism
Authors: Aronsson G. , Hagberg J. , Björklund C. , Aboagye E. , Marklund S. , Leineweber C. , Bergström G.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The first objective was to contribute to a better understanding of the contrasting and paradoxical results in studies of work environment factors and sickness presence and sickness absence. A second objective was to examine if, and under what conditions, employees choose to replace sickness absence with sickness presence, i.e., so-called substitution.

Methods

The study utilizes a large body of cross-sectional questionnaire data (n = 130,161) gathered in Sweden from 2002 to 2007 in connection with a comprehensive health promotion initiative. Health and motivation were analyzed as mediators of the effects of five job factors, job control, job support, job demand, role conflict and “work to family conflict” on sickness presence and absence.

Results

The results concerning job demands indicate substitution in that increased job demands are associated with increased presenteeism and reduced absenteeism. The direct effect of higher job support was increased absenteeism, but via the health and motivation paths, the total effect of more social support was health-promoting and associated with a reduction in sickness absence and sickness presence. High job control emerged as the most pronounced health-promoting factor, reducing sickness presenteeism as well as absenteeism. More role conflicts and work-to-family conflicts were directly and indirectly associated with decreased health and increased absenteeism as well as presenteeism. earlier research.

Conclusion

The mediation analyzes shed light on some of the paradoxes in research on sickness presenteeism and sickness absenteeism, especially regarding job demands and job support. The substitution effect is important for workplace policy and occupational health practice.
Implementing a tracking system for confirmatory diagnostic results after positive newborn screening for cystic fibrosis—implications for process quality and patient care
Authors: Gramer Gwendolyn , Brockow Inken , Labitzke Christiane , Fang-Hoffmann Junmin , Beivers Andreas , Feyh Patrik , Hoffmann Georg F. , Nennstiel Uta , Sommerburg Olaf
Published: October 2020

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF-NBS) was introduced in Germany in 2016. Currently, systematic follow-up of positive CF-NBS results is not implemented or reimbursed in the NBS program. We investigated results of confirmatory testing over 24 months after implementation of CF-NBS for a large German NBS center before and after introduction of an active tracking system and performed a cost calculation for tracking. Results are compared with the federal state of Bavaria, where a centralized tracking system has been in place for many years. At the NBS center, 244 of 281,907 children had a positive CF-NBS result requiring diagnostic confirmation. Before implementation of a telephone tracking system, only 43% of confirmatory results were returned despite repeated written requests. The consecutive strategy including telephone tracking led to an increase of resolved cases to 84%. However, the centralized tracking system in Bavaria, assigning children with positive CF-NBS directly to a responsible CF-center, resolved 99% of cases. The calculated additional cost for a tracking system in Germany including telephone tracking is 1.20€ per newborn screened.

Conclusion: The implementation of a tracking system achieves a distinct improvement in CF-NBS with justifiable costs. The effect can be limited by absence of centralized organization of confirmatory testing.

What is Known:• Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF-NBS) has been performed for many years in several countries worldwide• While many studies have focused on different CF-NBS strategies, the organization of confirmatory testing and process quality concerning returned information to the NBS center has so far received less attention.

What is New:• The implementation of an active tracking system achieves a distinct improvement of clarified cases after positive CF-NBS with justifiable costs.• The effect of a tracking system can be limited by the absence of a centralized organization of confirmatory testing.
The clinical relevance of the Hippo pathway in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Drexler Richard , Küchler Mirco , Wagner Kim C. , Reese Tim , Feyerabend Bernd , Kleine Moritz , Oldhafer Karl J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The Hippo pathway has broadened in cancer research in the past decade and revealed itself to be an important driver for tumorigenesis and metastatic spread. In this study, we investigated the clinical relevance of the Hippo pathway with regard to metastatic invasion, patients’ outcome and histopathological features.

Methods

Protein expression of components of the Hippo pathway were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using paraffin-embedded tissue from 103 patients who had been diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and had undergone surgery. Results were correlated with clinicopathological data, disease-free and overall survival.

Results

Immunohistochemistry studies in pancreatic tumour tissues revealed a significant upregulation of MST1, MST2, pLATS, pYAP and 14-3-3, representing the active Hippo pathway, in non-metastasized patients (p < 0.01). In turn, the pathway is more inactive in metastasized patients and relating liver metastases as LATS1, LATS2, YAP, transcriptional factors TEAD2 and TEAD3 were upregulated in these patients (p < 0.01). A higher pYAP expression was associated with a favorable OS and DFS.

Conclusion

The Hippo pathway is inactive in metastasized patients releasing the pro-metastatic and proliferative potential of the pathway. Furthermore, our study underlines the prognostic relevance of the Hippo pathway as a shift in the balance towards the inactive pathway predicts an unfavorable OS and DFS.
Intraspecific dental variations in the deep-sea shark Etmopterus spinax and their significance in the fossil record
Authors: Straube Nicolas , Pollerspöck Jürgen
Published: October 2020

An important character on several taxonomic levels for shark identification is the tooth morphology. Sharks show a variety of highly specialized dentitions reflecting adaptations to their feeding habits. Intraspecific variation of tooth morphology such as sexual or ontogenetic dimorphism is poorly known in many species, even though tooth morphology plays a decisive role in the characterization of the fossil record of sharks, which comprises mostly fossil teeth. Here we analyzed the dentition of 40 jaws of the Velvet Belly Lantern Shark Etmopterus spinax and identified ontogenetic and sexual dimorphic characters such as total number of teeth, number of upper teeth, cusplet numbers in upper jaw teeth and width of lower jaw teeth. Dimorphic characters may reduce intraspecific competition for food, as E. spinax segregates by sex and size and may allow for identifying the male sex. The lower jaw tooth height, a sexually non-dimorphic character, was used to re-calculate the total length of specimens, which represents the first such approach for a squaliform shark. Results derived from the extant E. spinax are subsequently applied to fossil Etmopterus sp. teeth (Miocene) to gain individual information such as sex or size, but also characterize the extinct population from the excavation site by a size distribution profile in comparison to data from extant populations. This approach indicates the presence of multiple ontogenetic stages in the extinct population.
Occurrence of Alaria alata in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Poland and detection of genetic variability between isolates
Authors: Bilska-Zając Ewa , Marucci Gianluca , Piróg-Komorowska Anna , Cichocka Małgorzata , Różycki Mirosław , Karamon Jacek , Sroka Jacek , Bełcik Aneta , Mizak Iwona , Cencek Tomasz
Published: October 2020

Alaria alata is a trematode included among several emerging zoonotic parasites. The mesocercarial larval stage of A. alata named Distomum musculorum suis (DMS) may potentially be infective for humans. In the past, DMS was often observed in wild boar meat during the official Trichinella inspection by artificial digestion before a more specific and effective detection method, the A. alata mesocercariae migration technique (AMT), was introduced. In the present study, the AMT method was used to screen 3589 tissue samples collected from wild boars hunted in Poland during the 2015–2019 period. The survey mainly focused on the southern part of Poland with the majority of samples coming from Małopolskie, Świętokrzyskie, and Dolnoślaskie provinces; samples from ten additional provinces were also included. The total prevalence was 4.2% with mean abundance of 4.7 DMS. Occurrence was dependent upon environmental conditions (i.e., wetland habitats and water reservoirs) rather than on sex of the host or season in which they were hunted. The recovered trematodes were identified as Alaria spp. according to their morphological features. Molecular analysis of 18S rDNA and COI genes confirmed the species identification to be A. alata and documented genetic variability among the isolates.
Molecular detection and clinicopathological characteristics of advanced/recurrent biliary tract carcinomas harboring the FGFR2 rearrangements: a prospective observational study (PRELUDE Study)
Authors: Maruki Yuta , Morizane Chigusa , Arai Yasuhito , Ikeda Masafumi , Ueno Makoto , Ioka Tatsuya , Naganuma Atsushi , Furukawa Masayuki , Mizuno Nobumasa , Uwagawa Tadashi , Takahara Naminatsu , Kanai Masashi , Asagi Akinori , Shimizu Satoshi , Miyamoto Atsushi , Yukisawa Seigo , Kadokura Makoto , Kojima Yasushi , Furuse Junji , Nakajima Takako Eguchi , Sudo Kentaro , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Hama Natsuko , Yamanaka Takeharu , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Okusaka Takuji
Published: October 2020

Background

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2(FGFR2) rearrangement is expected to be a novel therapeutic target in advanced/recurrent biliary tract cancer (BTC). However, efficient detection and the exact frequency ofFGFR2rearrangements among patients with advanced/recurrent BTC have not been determined, and the clinical characteristics ofFGFR2rearrangement-positive patients have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to determine the frequency ofFGFR2rearrangement-positive patients among those with advanced/recurrent BTC and elucidate their clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

Paraffin-embedded tumor samples from formalin-fixed surgical or biopsy specimens of patients with advanced/recurrent BTC were analyzed for positivity ofFGFR2rearrangement by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). RNA sequencing was performed on samples from all FISH-positive and part of FISH-negative patients.

Results

A total of 445 patients were enrolled. FISH was performed on 423 patients (272 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), 83 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCC), and 68 patients with other BTC). Twenty-one patients with ICC and four patients with PCC were diagnosed asFGFR2-FISH positive. Twenty-three of the 25 FISH-positive patients (20 ICC and 3 PCC) were recognized asFGFR2rearrangement positive by targeted RNA sequencing. Younger age (≤ 65 years;p = 0.018) and HCV Ab- and/or HBs Ag-positivity (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with the presence ofFGFR2rearrangement (logistic regression).

Conclusions

FGFR2rearrangement was identified in ICC and PCC patients, and was associated with younger age and history of hepatitis viral infection.
Arterial collateral anatomy predicts the risk for intra-operative changes in somatosensory evoked potentials in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Müller Mandy D. , Seidel Kathleen , Peschi Giovanni , Piechowiak Eike , Mosimann Pascal J. , Schucht Philippe , Raabe Andreas , Bervini David
Published: October 2020

Background

During carotid endarterectomy (CEA), significant amplitude decrement of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) is associated with post-operative neurological deficits.

Objective

To investigate the association between an incomplete circle of Willis and/or contralateral ICA occlusion and subsequent changes in intra-operatively monitored SEPs.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a single center, prospective cohort of consecutive patients undergoing CEA over a 42-month period after reviewing the collateral arterial anatomy on pre-operative radiological imaging. The primary endpoint was an intra-operative decline in SEPs > 50% compared to the baseline value during arterial cross-clamping. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate a potential association between contralateral ICA occlusion, incomplete circle of Willis, and subsequent alteration in SEPs.

Results

A total of 140 consecutive patients were included, of which 116 patients (82.9%) had symptomatic carotid stenosis of at least 50% according to the classification used in the North American Carotid Surgery Trial (NASCET) (Stroke 22:711–720, 1991). Six patients (4.3%) showed contralateral ICA occlusion, 22 patients (16%) a missing/hypoplastic anterior communicating artery (Acom) or A1 segment, and 79 patients (56%) a missing ipsilateral posterior communicating artery (Pcom) or P1 segment. ICA occlusion and missing segments of the anterior circulation (missing A1 and/or missing Acom) were associated with the primary endpoint (p = 0.003 and p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusion

Contralateral ICA occlusion and missing anterior collaterals of the circle of Willis increase the risk of intra-operative SEP changes during CEA. Pre-operative assessment of collateral arterial anatomy might help identifying patients with an increased intra-operative risk.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus and CSF tap test response: the gait phenotype matters
Authors: Morel Eric , Armand Stéphane , Assal Frédéric , Allali Gilles
Published: October 2020

This study compared gait speed changes after CSF tap test in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus presenting with various gait phenotypes (frontal, parkinsonian, normal, or other). All patients improved, except those with parkinsonian gait.
Revision of 116 orthognathic surgery patients operated on with the high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO): a retrospective case series (PROCESS-compliant article)
Authors: Herrera-Vizcaino C. , Seifert L. , Berdan M. , Ghanaati S. , Klos M. , Landes C. , Sader Robert
Published: October 2020

Background

The high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO) is an alternative to a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Due to its novelty, there are no long-term studies which have focused on describing the incidence and type of complications encountered in the post-operative follow-up. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze patients operated on with this surgical technique and the post-operative complications encountered.

Patient and methods

The electronic medical records of all patients treated with orthognathic surgery at the Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, between the years 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

A total of 116 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The cases operated on with the standard osteosynthesis (X, Y, and straight) showed a complication rate of 36.37% (n = 4/11). The cases operated on with the HOSO-dedicated plates (HOSO-DP) showed, in total, a complication rate of 6.67% (n = 7/105). The most common post-operative complication resulting from both fixation methods was a reduction in mouth opening and TMJ pain for 4.3%. During the first years of performing the surgery (2009–211), a variety of standard plates had material failure causing non-union or pseudarthrosis. No cases of material failure were observed in the cases operated on with the HOSO-DP. The statistical results showed a highly significant dependence of a reduction in OP-time over the years, when the HOSO was performed without additional procedures (R2 > 0.83, P < 0.0015).

Conclusion

The rate of complications in the HOSO were shown to be comparable to the rate of complications from the BSSO reported in the literature. Moreover, the use of the ramus dedicated plate appears to provide enough stability to the bone segments, making the surgery safer.

Clinical relevance

The HOSO needs to be considered by surgeons as an alternative to BSSO. Once the use of the HOSO-DP was established, the rate of complications and the operation time reduced considerably.
Wetter is Better: Rewetting of Minerotrophic Peatlands Increases Plant Production and Moves Them Towards Carbon Sinks in a Dry Year
Authors: Schwieger Sarah , Kreyling Juergen , Couwenberg John , Smiljanić Marko , Weigel Robert , Wilmking Martin , Blume-Werry Gesche
Published: October 2020

Peatlands are effective carbon sinks as more biomass is produced than decomposed under the prevalent anoxic conditions. Draining peatlands coupled with warming releases stored carbon, and subsequent rewetting may or may not restore the original carbon sink. Yet, patterns of plant production and decomposition in rewetted peatlands and how they compare to drained conditions remain largely unexplored. Here, we measured annual above- and belowground biomass production and decomposition in three different drained and rewetted peatland types: alder forest, percolation fen and coastal fen during an exceptionally dry year. We also used standard plant material to compare decomposition between the sites, regardless of the decomposability of the local plant material. Rewetted sites showed higher root and shoot production in the percolation fen and higher root production in the coastal fen, but similar root and leaf production in the alder forest. Decomposition rates were generally similar in drained and rewetted sites, only in the percolation fen and alder forest did aboveground litter decompose faster in the drained sites. The rewetted percolation fen and the two coastal sites had the highest projected potential for organic matter accumulation. Roots accounted for 23–66% of total biomass production, and belowground biomass, rather than aboveground biomass, was particularly important for organic matter accumulation in the coastal fens. This highlights the significance of roots as main peat-forming element in these graminoid-dominated fen peatlands and their crucial role in carbon cycling, and shows that high biomass production supported the peatlands’ function as carbon sink even during a dry year.