bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoughts of death and suicidality among patients with cancer: Examining subtypes and their association with mental disorders
Authors: Vehling Sigrun , Mehnert‐Theuerkauf Anja , Glaesmer Heide , Bokemeyer Carsten , Oechsle Karin , Härter Martin , Koch Uwe
Published: April 2021

Objective

Cancer is associated with an increased risk for completed suicide. We explored subtypes of thoughts of death, death wishes, suicidal ideation and behavior and their association with mental disorders and demographic and disease‐related characteristics.

Methods

We studied 2,141 cancer patients with the standardized Composite International Diagnostic Interview‐Oncology (CIDI‐O). Assessment included 4‐weeks‐prevalences of thoughts of death, wish to die, suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and lifetime suicide attempts. We further assessed 4‐weeks‐prevalences of mood, anxiety, adjustment, somatoform, substance use, and disorders due to general medical condition. We conducted latent class analyses (LCA).

Results

The LCA identified three classes with distinct patterns of suicidality. Class 1 (89.0% of the sample) showed no suicidality. Class 2 (6.9%) was characterized by thoughts of death without suicidal ideation. Class 3 (4.1%) was characterized by thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, and suicide plans. Death wishes occurred in both classes 2 and 3. Classes 2 and 3 were associated with a significantly higher risk for any mental disorder (OR from 4.22, adjustment disorder, to 10.20, mood disorders, p < 0.001) compared to class 1. Patients with mental disorders were equally likely in classes 2 and 3. Patients with incurable cancer were significantly more likely in class 2, and less likely in class 3.

Conclusions

Cancer patients with suicidal ideation are not distinctly characterized by mental disorders. Further study of concepts that consider problematic adjustment to the cancer stressor such as death anxiety and demoralization may contribute to understand psychological distress underlying subtypes of thoughts of death and suicidality in cancer.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone): A potential polymer for biodegradable food packaging applications
Authors: Thakur Mamta , Majid Ishrat , Hussain Shafat , Nanda Vikas
Published: April 2021

Due to the increased pollution generated from traditional petroleum‐based plastics and consistent fluctuations in fuel prices, the scientists are focusing on developing the biodegradable polymers which decompose into water and carbon dioxide thereby reducing the litter. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) is the emerging biodegradable polymers, ideal to replace the conventional polymers due to its perfect compatibility with other polymers and miscible nature. The present chapter discusses about the chemical synthesis and characteristics of PCL in addition to focusing on the biodegradation mechanism. The potential of PCL for developing biodegradable films and bags in food processing is also highlighted in association with natural fibre, nanotechnology and active packing. This chapter provides an updated information about recent scientific reports on PCL to increase its exploration as a promising biodegradable packaging material.
Establishment of the tandem mass spectrometric fingerprints of taxane‐based anticancer compounds
Authors: Khajavinia Amir , Haddadi Azita , El‐Aneed Anas
Published: April 2021

Rationale

Compounds in the taxane drug family are among the most successful and effective chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of solid tumors, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. The tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragmentation behavior of these compounds is described in detail, and a generalized MS/MS fingerprint is established for the first time.

Methods

Five compounds, namely paclitaxel, docetaxel, cabazitaxel, cephalomannine, and baccatin III, were evaluated. A hybrid quadrupole orthogonal time‐of‐flight (Q‐TOF) mass spectrometer was used to obtain accurate mass measurements, whereas MS/MS and second‐generation MS/MS (MS3) analyses were performed using a triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Both instruments were equipped with an electrospray ionization source operated in the positive ion mode.

Results

All taxanes showed an abundant singly charged [M + H]+ species in the single‐stage analysis with mass accuracies less than 3 ppm. The evaluated compounds exhibited common fragmentation behavior in their MS/MS analysis, which allowed for the production of a universal fragmentation pattern. MS3 experiments confirmed the genesis of the various product ions proposed in the fragmentation pathway. In addition, diagnostic product ions were originated from a cleavage in the ester bond between the core diterpene ring structure and the side chain.

Conclusions

Varying functional groups present in these compounds resulted in unique product ions that are specific to each structure. The established MS/MS fingerprints will be used in the near future for identification and for the development of multiple reaction monitoring liquid chromatography–MS/MS quantification methods.
Unmodified Green Silver Nanoparticles as Multisensor for Zn2+ and Catalyst for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Punnoose Mamatha Susan , Mathew Beena
Published: April 2021

This paper details the selective optical, fluorescent and electrochemical detection of Zn2+ among various divalent metal ions in aqueous solution by the green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using the fresh extract of Myristica fragrans (MF) with the aid of microwave energy. The synthesized silver nanoparticles stabilized with MF were analysed using UV‐vis., Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Due to the effective complexation between silver nanoparticles and metal ions, absorbance of AgNP‐MF diminished with increasing concentration of Zn2+. This is visually identified through the color changes. Fluorescent sensing studies involved the changes in fluorescent intensity of AgNP‐MF in the presence of Zn2+. Electrochemical sensing of Zn2+ was carried through cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric techniques using AgNP‐MF modified platinum electrode (AgNP‐MF−Pt). The developed electrochemical sensor showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.6148 μM and its good sensing ability was checked for the detection of Zn2+ in environmental water samples. Recoveries of Zn2+ in the various real water samples were obtained in the range from 100.2 % to 100.6 %. The multi‐functional utility of the AgNP‐MF as a catalyst towards the reduction of two environmentally toxic contaminants such as o/p‐nitroanilines through NaBH4 was also evaluated. The complete degradations were achieved within few minutes and the reactions followed pseudo first order kinetics. The effect of catalytic dosage on the rate of reduction reactions was also studied.
Free‐Standing and High‐Sensitive Electrodes with Hierarchical Nanostructures of Bimetallic Hydroxides M(OH)x/Cu(OH)2/CF (M=Ni, Co, Fe and Zn) for Glucose Detection
Authors: Wang Lili , Duan Cunpeng , Miao Xueli , Liu Jianping , Qu Yuning , Gao Jian , Wang Bing , Yin Zhen
Published: April 2021

Precise detection of glucose plays a vital role in the prevention and diagnosis of diabetes in the human body. In our present work, an efficient, high‐sensitive and free‐standing non‐enzymatic glucose sensor has been developed via in situ loading of hierarchical nanostructures of bimetallic hydroxides M(OH)x/Cu(OH)2 (M=Ni, Co, Fe and Zn) on the three‐dimensional (3D) copper foam (CF) to construct the self‐supported and binder‐free electrode (M(OH)x/Cu(OH)2/CF), in which the two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets of M(OH)x can be anchored on the 1D Cu(OH)2 nanowires. The as‐prepared M(OH)x/Cu(OH)2/CF electrodes exhibit superior glucose detecting performances in an alkaline medium. Especially, the Ni(OH)2/Cu(OH)2/CF electrode displays an ultrahigh sensitivity of 9351 μA mM−1 cm−2, a detection limit of 0.045 μM (S/N=3), a response time within 5 s, a linear range from 0.001 to 1 mM, good selectivity, favorable stability and excellent repeatability for glucose detection. Our experimental results indicate that in situ formations of hierarchical nanostructures with 1D nanowires and 2D nanosheets and the synergistic effect of bimetallic hydroxides can effectively improve the interface and enhance interaction between hydroxides and substrate, promote the diffusion of ions and accelerate the charge transfer. Moreover, the 3D conductive substrate of CF provides a high active surface area and enhances structural stability. The present work paves the way for designing efficient and facile non‐enzymatic glucose sensors or electrocatalysts via the construction of multi‐component and hierarchical nanostructures.
A Synergistic Combination of P‐doped Zn0.5Cd0.5S and CoP for Dual‐Stage Electron Trapping and Its Application in Seawater Splitting
Authors: Chew Yi-Hao , Ng Boon-Junn , Tang Jie-Yinn , Tan Lling-Lling , Chai Siang-Piao
Published: April 2021

Over the years, researchers have placed increasing focus on extending the application of photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution to seawater. Herein, a photocatalytic system with a unique combination of P‐doped Zn0.5Cd0.5S (pZCS) and noble‐metal‐free CoP is first fabricated to evaluate the synergy between them. The resultant sample achieves a significantly boosted photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction (HER) with a rate of 5488.8 μmol g−1 h−1, which is an almost 50‐fold enhancement from its pristine ZCS counterpart. Impressively, the CoP–pZCS composite also demonstrates overall water splitting where no sacrificial reagent is used, with an H2 evolution rate of 154.6 μmol g−1 h−1. The sample is then tested for its HER activity in seawater, and 3956.0 μmol g−1 h−1 of H2 is acquired. The main factor that contributes to its high performance in seawater despite various distractions coming from the abundance of ions present is the synergistic relation between pZCS and CoP. The midgap state procured through the introduction of the P dopant has excellent electron–hole separating ability, and CoP further serves as an electron sink where the photogenerated electrons can rapidly assemble. Ultimately, the charge carrier recombination within the resultant composite is greatly hindered, thus a spectacular photocatalytic HER in seawater is enabled.
Construction of a 3D porous Zn(II) compound with (3,4)‐connected topology: luminescent and gas sorption properties
Authors: Li Wen‐hong , Cao Jin‐jin , Guo Li‐da , Wang Bing , Song Ying , Zhou Chang‐Li , Zhao Jie‐lin , Liu Yi
Published: April 2021

A new 3D porous Zn(II) compound [Zn2(L)2(C2O4)]n ⋅ 2(DMA) (1, HL=4‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐2,2′ : 4′,4′′‐terpyridine, DMA=N, N’‐dimethylacetamide) was successfully synthesized with carboxyphenyl‐terpyridine ligand. X‐ray structural analysis revealed that compound 1 features a 2‐fold interpenetrated framework with (3,4)‐connected network topology. Despite interpenetration, compound 1 still contains high solvent‐accessible free volume owing to the existence of large 1D nanotube channels. Gas adsorption properties investigation of the activated 1 a confirms its high BET surface area, high CO2 uptake capacity and excellent adsorption selectivity of CO2 over CH4. Luminescent properties investigation indicate that compound 1 displays intense luminescence at room temperature.
Sex‐specific actuarial and reproductive senescence in zoo‐housed tiger (Panthera tigris): The importance of sub‐species for conservation
Authors: Tidière Morgane , Müller Peter , Sliwa Alexander , Siberchicot Aurélie , Douay Guillaume
Published: April 2021

A fifth of all known species are currently classified as threatened in the wild: the rate of biodiversity loss is rapid, continuous, and mostly due to anthropogenic activities. To slow down this decline, the accurate estimation of demographic parameters for threatened species is critical. With this aim, zoo institutions play an important role, giving access to data on zoo‐housed animals, which aids researchers working on species life‐history traits and intrinsic factors influencing the fitness of both sexes, such as age. While tigers (Panthera tigris) are particularly threatened in their natural environment, few of their demographic parameters have been determined because of their solitary and elusive nature as well as low population density. Using individual‐based information for more than 9200 tigers (from 1938 to 2018) recorded in the International Tiger Studbook 2018, we aimed to determine sub‐species and sex‐specific variability of survival and reproductive parameters with age. No significant sex‐difference in actuarial senescence (i.e., decline of survival probabilities with age) was observed but males tended to have a higher juvenile mortality and a faster senescence than females. Reproductive senescence (i.e., decline of reproductive parameters with age) was more pronounced in females than males. Moreover, we observed sub‐species‐specific variation in mortality and reproductive patterns, pointing out the necessity to consider them independently for conservation goals. Our findings can provide meaningful improvements to the husbandry of zoo‐housed tigers, emphasizing the importance of adult breeding females of 7–9 years‐old to control zoo‐housed population size, but also providing accurate demographic estimates, crucial to set up effective conservation plans.
Symmetries and strings of adjoint QCD2
Authors: Komargodski Zohar , Ohmori Kantaro , Roumpedakis Konstantinos , Seifnashri Sahand
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We revisit the symmetries of massless two-dimensional adjoint QCD with gauge group SU(N). The dynamics is not sufficiently constrained by the ordinary symmetries and anomalies. Here we show that the theory in fact admits ∼ 22N non-invertible symmetries which severely constrain the possible infrared phases and massive excitations. We prove that for all N these new symmetries enforce deconfinement of the fundamental quark. When the adjoint quark has a small mass, m ≪ gYM, the theory confines and the non-invertible symmetries are softly broken. We use them to compute analytically the k-string tension for N ≤ 5. Our results suggest that the k-string tension, Tk, is Tk ∼ |m| sin(πk/N) for all N. We also consider the dynamics of adjoint QCD deformed by symmetric quartic fermion interactions. These operators are not generated by the RG flow due to the non-invertible symmetries, thus violating the ordinary notion of naturalness. We conjecture partial confinement for the deformed theory by these four-fermion interactions, and prove it for SU(N ≤ 5) gauge theory. Comparing the topological phases at zero and large mass, we find that a massless particle ought to appear on the string for some intermediate nonzero mass, consistent with an emergent supersymmetry at nonzero mass. We also study the possible infrared phases of adjoint QCD allowed by the non-invertible symmetries, which we are able to do exhaustively for small values of N. The paper contains detailed reviews of ideas from fusion category theory that are essential for the results we prove.
New heavenly double copies
Authors: Chacón Erick , García-Compeán Hugo , Luna Andrés , Monteiro Ricardo , White Chris D.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The double copy relates scattering amplitudes and classical solutions in Yang-Mills theory, gravity, and related field theories. Previous work has shown that this has an explicit realisation in self-dual YM theory, where the equation of motion can be written in a form that maps directly to Plebański’s heavenly equation for self-dual gravity. The self-dual YM equation involves an area-preserving diffeomorphism algebra, two copies of which appear in the heavenly equation. In this paper, we show that this construction is a special case of a wider family of heavenly-type examples, by (i) performing Moyal deformations, and (ii) replacing the area-preserving diffeomorphisms with a less restricted algebra. As a result, we obtain a double-copy interpretation for hyper-Hermitian manifolds, extending the previously known hyper-Kähler case. We also introduce a double-Moyal deformation of the heavenly equation. The examples where the construction of Lax pairs is possible are manifestly consistent with Ward’s conjecture, and suggest that the classical integrability of the gravity-type theory may be guaranteed in general by the integrability of at least one of two gauge-theory-type single copies.
Tumor morphology and location associate with immune cell composition in pleomorphic sarcoma
Authors: Wustrack Rosanna L. , Shao Evans , Sheridan Joey , Zimel Melissa , Cho Soo-Jin , Horvai Andrew E. , Luong Diamond , Kwek Serena S. , Fong Lawrence , Okimoto Ross A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare group of mesenchymal malignancies that account for approximately 1% of adult human cancer. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is one of the most common subtypes of adult STS. Clinical stratification of UPS patients has not evolved for decades and continues to rely on tumor-centric metrics including tumor size and depth. Our understanding of how the tumor microenvironment correlates to these clinicopathologic parameters remains limited.

Methods

Here, we performed single-cell flow cytometric immune-based profiling of 15 freshly resected UPS tumors and integrated this analysis with clinical, histopathologic, and outcomes data using both a prospective and retrospective cohort of UPS patients.

Results

We uncovered a correlation between physiologic and anatomic properties of UPS tumors and the composition of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, we identified an inverse correlation between tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T cells and UPS tumor size; and a positive correlation between tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T cells and overall survival. Moreover, we demonstrate an association between anatomical location (deep or superficial) and frequency of CD4 + PD1hi infiltrating T cells in UPS tumors.

Conclusions

Our study provides an immune-based analysis of the tumor microenvironment in UPS patients and describes the different composition of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes based on size and tumor depth.
Delayed Postoperative Hemorrhage Complicating Major Supramesocolic Surgery Management and Outcomes
Authors: Devant Emmanuel , Girard Edouard , Abba Julio , Ghelfi Julien , Sage Pierre‐Yves , Sengel Christian , Risse Olivier , Bricault Ivan , Trilling Bertrand , Chirica Mircea
Published: April 2021

Background

The place of surgery and interventional radiology in the management of delayed (> 24 h) hemorrhage (DHR) complicating supramesocolic surgery is still to define. The aim of the study was to evaluate outcomes of DHR using a combined multimodal strategy.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2019, 57 patients (median age 64 years) experienced 86 DHR episodes after pancreatic resection (n = 26), liver transplantation (n = 24) and other (n = 7). Hemodynamically stable patients underwent computed tomography evaluation followed by interventional radiology (IR) treatment (stenting and/or embolization) or surveillance. Hemodynamically unstable patients were offered upfront surgery. Failure to identify the leak was managed by either prophylactic stenting/embolization of the most likely bleeding source or surveillance.

Results

Mortality was 32% (n = 18). Bleeding recurrence occurred in 22 patients (39%) and was multiple in 7 (12%). Sentinel bleeding was recorded in 77 (81%) of episodes, and the bleeding source could not be identified in 26 (30%). Failure to control bleeding was recorded in 9 (28%) of 32 episodes managed by surgery and 4 (11%) of 41 episodes managed by IR (p = 0.14). Recurrence was similar after stenting and embolization (n = 4/18, 22% vs n = 8/26, 31%, p = 0.75) of the bleeding source. Recurrence was significantly lower after prophylactic IR management than surveillance of an unidentified bleeding source (n = 2/10, 20% vs. n = 11/16, 69%, p = 0.042).

Conclusion

IR management should be favored for the treatment of DHR in hemodynamically stable patients. Prophylactic IR management of an unidentified leak decreases recurrence risks.
Prediction of tumor response via a pretreatment MRI radiomics-based nomogram in HCC treated with TACE
Authors: Kong Chunli , Zhao Zhongwei , Chen Weiyue , Lv Xiuling , Shu Gaofeng , Ye Miaoqing , Song Jingjing , Ying Xihui , Weng Qiaoyou , Weng Wei , Fang Shiji , Chen Minjiang , Tu Jianfei , Ji Jiansong
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To develop and validate a pre-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) MRI-based radiomics model for predicting tumor response in intermediate-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Materials

Ninety-nine intermediate-advanced HCC patients (69 for training, 30 for validation) treated with TACE were enrolled. MRI examinations were performed before TACE, and the efficacy was evaluated according to the mRECIST criterion 3 months after TACE. A total of 396 radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted pre-TACE images, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to feature selection and model construction. The performance of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curves.

Results

The AFP value, Child-Pugh score, and BCLC stage showed a significant difference between the TACE response (TR) and non-TACE response (nTR) patients. Six radiomics features were selected by LASSO and the radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated as the sum of each feature multiplied by the non-zero coefficient from LASSO. The AUCs of the ROC curve based on Rad-score were 0.812 and 0.866 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. To improve the diagnostic efficiency, the Rad-score was further integrated with the above clinical indicators to form a novel predictive nomogram. Results suggested that the AUC increased to 0.861 and 0.884 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed that the radiomics nomogram was clinically useful.

Conclusion

The radiomics and clinical indicator-based predictive nomogram can well predict TR in intermediate-advanced HCC and can further be applied for auxiliary diagnosis of clinical prognosis.

Key Points

• The therapeutic outcome of TACE varies greatly even for patients with the same clinicopathologic features.

• Radiomics showed excellent performance in predicting the TACE response.

• Decision curves demonstrated that the novel predictive model based on the radiomics signature and clinical indicators has great clinical utility.
Influence of angled dispersion gas on coaxial atomization, spray and flame formation in the context of spray-flame synthesis of nanoparticles
Authors: Bieber M. , Al-Khatib M. , Fröde F. , Pitsch H. , Reddemann M. A. , Schmid H-J. , Tischendorf R. , Kneer R.
Published: April 2021

Liquid atomization determines the initial conditions for flame formation and particle synthesis. Without a stable flame, high droplet velocities and thus short droplet residence time in the flame may lead to droplets being injected into an extinguished flame, which influences synthesis and final particle output. An experimental investigation of spray formation and flame stability is performed through high-speed visualization. Targeted variation of nozzle geometry is applied to improve spray-flame interaction and compared to a standardized burner. Timescales of spray density and flame fluctuations are quantified and compared, where the latter were significantly larger and hence not correlated. Instead, dispersion gas forms a barrier between spray phase and pilot flame; hence, ignition depends on large liquid lumps with high radial momentum to break through the dispersion gas for spray ignition. Angling of dispersion gas flow increases radial shear and turbulence and leads to refined atomization and improved flame stability. To investigate the nozzle influence on particle formation, particle characteristics are examined by online and offline analytics with focus on particle structures and product purity. The modified nozzle produced smaller primary particle sizes, thus indicating a sensitivity of sintering dominance on the nozzle geometry. Impurities impact the examination of particle structures and general particle functionality. Carbon contamination was apparent in synthesized particles and also indicated sensitivity to nozzle geometry. Discrepancies to literature data are discussed regarding differences in flame activity and droplet characteristics. The report highlights, how product characteristics can differ crucially due to changes in nozzle geometry despite comparable operating conditions.

Graphic abstract
Benthic Foraminifera of the Agulhas Bank coastal shelf in the vicinity of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa: a reconnaissance survey
Authors: Hempel Susanne , Flemming Burg
Published: April 2021

The study area is located on the inner Agulhas Bank around Plettenberg Bay, southern Cape Province, South Africa (Fig. 1). The Agulhas Bank is a transitional environment between the cold-temperate Benguela Current regime of the south-eastern South Atlantic and the warm-temperate Agulhas Current regime of the south-western Indian Ocean. Three distinct faunal assemblages (A, B and C) were identified in the study area. These are aligned in three consecutive, coast-parallel belts, assemblage A forming the inshore belt, assemblage C the offshore belt and assemblage B the in-between belt. Assemblage A is composed ofTextularia-group individuals andPararotaliasp.,Cibicides lobatulusandPlanorbulina mediterranensis. It occupies the nearshore belt up to 50 m water depth in sediments composed of very fine, fine and medium sands, with some coarse and very coarse sands. Assemblage B is composed ofBolivinacf.pseudopunctata,Cassidulina laevigata,Ammonia beccarii,Bolivina tortuosaandBulimina elongata. It occupies water depths from 50–70 m, but may locally extend down to 90 m and, within the bay itself, upward to 20 m in fine and very fine sands containing some medium sand and mud. Assemblage C is dominated byCassidulina laevigata,Bolivinacf.pseudopunctata,Bulimina elongataandAmmonia beccarii. In contrast to assemblage B which is dominated byB.cf.pseudopunctata, assemblage C is dominated byC. laevigata. Assemblage C is mainly confined to water depths of 70–100 m in sediments dominated by very fine sand (0.063–0.125 mm) containing some coarser sediment and mud. The distribution of the forams with respect to water depth, sediment composition and other environmental parameters suggests that it is mainly controlled by a combination of environmental parameters. No tangible relationship was found between the open shelf foraminifer communities and those of estuaries and lagoons along the South African coast.
Proposition of a simple binary grading of estimated blood loss during colon surgery
Authors: Teixeira Farinha Hugo , Martin David , Ramó Audrey , Hübner Martin , Demartines Nicolas , Hahnloser Dieter
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) is often reported in nearly all surgical papers; however, there is no consensus regarding its measurement. The aim of this study was to determine whether EBL (ml) is as reliable and reproducible in predicting complications as a simple binary grading of EBL.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing colectomies between January 2015 and December 2018 were included. EBL was assessed prospectively by the surgeon and anaesthesiologist in ml and with a binary scale: bleeding “as usual” versus “more than usual” by the surgeon. Differences between pre- and post-operative haemoglobin levels (ΔHb g/dl) were correlated to EBL. Blood loss impact on 30-day postoperative morbidity was analysed.

Results

A total of 270 patients were included, with a mean age of 65 years (SD 17). Mean EBL documented by surgeons correlated to EBL by anaesthesiologists (79.5 ml, SD 99 vs. 84.5 ml, SD 118, ϱ = 0.926, p < 0.001). Surgeons and anaesthesiologists’ EBL correlated also with ΔHb (ϱ = − 0.273, p = 0.01 and ϱ = − 0.344, p = 0.01, respectively). Patient with surgeon EBL ≥ 250 ml or graded as “more than usual” bleeding had significantly more severe complications (8% vs. 20%, p = 0.02 and 8% vs. 27%, p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Anaesthesiologist and surgeon’s EBL correlated with ΔHb. Simple grading of blood loss as “usual” and “more than usual” predicted severe complications and higher mortality rates. This simple binary grading of blood loss in colon surgery could be an alternative to the estimation of blood loss in ml as it is easy to apply but needs to be validated externally.
Application of Bayesian statistics for radiation dose assessment in mixed beta-gamma fields
Authors: Słonecka I. , Krasowska J. , Baranowska Z. , Fornalski K. W.
Published: April 2021

The present paper proposes a novel method, based on Bayesian statistics, as a new approach in the field of thermoluminescence dosimetry for the assessment of personal doses in mixed beta-gamma radiation fields. The method can be utilized in situations when the classical way of dose calculation is insufficient or impossible. The proposed method uses a prior function which can be assigned to the unknown parameter and the likelihood function obtained from an experiment, which together can be transformed into the posterior probability distribution of the sought parameter. Finally, the distribution is converted to the value of the dose. The proposed method is supported by analytical and Monte Carlo calculations, which confirmed the results obtained through the Bayesian approach.
Blastability and Ore Grade Assessment from Drill Monitoring for Open Pit Applications
Authors: Navarro Juan , Seidl Thomas , Hartlieb Philipp , Sanchidrián José A. , Segarra Pablo , Couceiro Paulo , Schimek Peter , Godoy Clara
Published: April 2021

Blasting performance is influenced by mechanical and structural properties of the rock, on one side, and blast design parameters on the other. This paper describes a new methodology to assess rock mass quality from drill-monitoring data to guide blasting in open pit operations. Principal component analysis has been used to combine measurement while drilling (MWD) information from two drill rigs; corrections of the MWD parameters to minimize external influences other than the rock mass have been applied. First, a Structural factor has been developed to classify the rock condition in three classes (massive, fractured and heavily fractured). From it, a structural block model has been developed to simplify the recognition of rock classes. Video recording of the inner wall of 256 blastholes has been used to calibrate the results obtained. Secondly, a combined strength-grade factor has been obtained based on the analysis of the rock type description and strength properties from geology reports, assaying of drilling chips (ore/waste identification) and 3D unmanned aerial vehicle reconstructions of the post-blast bench face. Data from 302 blastholes, comprised of 26 blasts, have been used for this analysis. From the results, four categories have been identified: soft-waste, hard-waste, transition zone and hard-ore. The model determines zones of soft and hard waste rock (schisted sandstone and limestone, respectively), and hard ore zones (siderite rock type). Finally, the structural block model has been combined with the strength-grade factor in an overall rock factor. This factor, exclusively obtained from drill monitoring data, can provide an automatic assessment of rock structure, strength, and waste/ore identification.
Comparing health-related quality of life in modified Rankin Scale grades: 15D results from 323 patients with brain arteriovenous malformation and population controls
Authors: Pohjola Anni , Oulasvirta Elias , Roine Risto P. , Sintonen Harri P. , Hafez Ahmad , Koroknay-Pál Päivi , Lehto Hanna , Niemelä Mika , Laakso Aki
Published: April 2021

Background

We wanted to understand how patients with different modified Rankin Scale (mRS) grades differ regarding their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and how this affects the interpretation and dichotomization of the grade.

Methods

In 2016, all adult patients in our brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) database (n = 432) were asked to fill in mailed letters including a questionnaire about self-sufficiency and lifestyle and the 15D HRQoL questionnaire. The follow-up mRS was defined in 2016 using the electronic patient registry and the questionnaire data. The 15D profiles of each mRS grade were compared to those of the general population and to each other, using ANCOVA with age and sex standardization.

Results

Patients in mRS 0 (mean 15D score = 0.954 ± 0.060) had significantly better HRQoL than the general population (mean = 0.927 ± 0.028), p < 0.0001, whereas patients in mRS 1–4 had worse HRQoL than the general population, p < 0.0001. Patients in mRS 1 (mean = 0.844 ± 0.100) and mRS 2 (mean = 0.838 ± 0.107) had a similar HRQoL. In the recently published AVM research, the most commonly used cut points for mRS dichotomization were between mRS 1 and 2 and between mRS 2 and 3.

Conclusions

Using 15D, we were able to find significant differences in the HRQoL between mRS 0 and mRS 1 AVM patients, against the recent findings on stroke patients using EQ-5D in their analyses. Although the dichotomization cut point is commonly set between mRS 1 and 2, patients in these grades had a similar HRQoL and a decreased ability to continue their premorbid lifestyle, in contrast to patients in mRS 0.
Impffortschritt in Deutschland und der Welt: Chancen und Risiken
Authors: Grimm Veronika , Lembcke Franziska K. , Schwarz Milena
Published: April 2021

Deutschland hat sich das Ziel gesetzt, bis zum 21. September 2021 70 % der erwachsenen Bevölkerung ein Impfangebot zu unterbreiten. Der Fortschritt der Impfkampagne hängt dabei wesentlich von drei Determinanten ab: der Impfstoffverfügbarkeit, den Impfkapazitäten sowie der Impfbereitschaft. Auf Basis von Szenarienrechnungen wird aufgezeigt, wie das Ziel der Bundesregierung zu erreichen ist und welche Anforderungen an die Organisation der Impfkampagne dabei gestellt werden müssen. Abschließend werden langfristige Perspektiven und Herausforderungen angesprochen, etwa mit Blick auf die Impfung von Kindern und Jugendlichen oder den weltweiten Impffortschritt.
Identifying the sensitivity of GPS to non-tidal loadings at various time resolutions: examining vertical displacements from continental Eurasia
Authors: Klos Anna , Dobslaw Henryk , Dill Robert , Bogusz Janusz
Published: April 2021

We examine the sensitivity of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to non-tidal loading for a set of continental Eurasia permanent stations. We utilized daily vertical displacements available from the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory (NGL) at stations located at least 100 km away from the coast. Loading-induced predictions of displacements of earth’s crust are provided by the Earth-System-Modeling Group of the GFZ (ESMGFZ). We demonstrate that the hydrological loading, supported by barystatic sea-level changes to close the global mass budget (HYDL + SLEL), contributes to GPS displacements only in the seasonal band. Non-tidal atmospheric loading, supported by non-tidal oceanic loading (NTAL + NTOL), correlates positively with GPS displacements for almost all time resolutions, including non-seasonal changes from 2 days to 5 months, which are often considered as noise, intra-seasonal and seasonal changes with periods between 4 months and 1.4 years, and, also, inter-annual signals between 1.1 and 3.0 years. Correcting the GPS vertical displacements by NTAL leads to a reduction in the time series variances, evoking a whitening of the GPS stochastic character and a decrease in the standard deviation of noise. Both lead, on average, to an improvement in the uncertainty of the GPS vertical velocity by a factor of 2. To reduce its impact on the GPS displacement time series, we recommend that NTAL is applied at the observation level during the processing of GPS observations. HYDL might be corrected at the observation level or remain in the data and be applied at the stage of time series analysis.
Activated p53 in the anti-apoptotic milieu of tuberous sclerosis gene mutation induced diseases leads to cell death if thioredoxin reductase is inhibited
Authors: Abdelwahab ElHusseiny M. M. , Bovari-Biri Judit , Smuk Gabor , Fillinger Janos , McPhail Donald , Krymskaya Vera P. , Pongracz Judit E.
Published: April 2021

Tuberous sclerosis, angiomyolipoma and lymphangioleiomyomatosis are a group of diseases characterized by mutation in tuberous sclerosis genes (TSC 1-2). TSC mutation leads to continuous activation of the mTOR pathway that requires adaptation to increased ATP requirement. With limited treatment options, there is an increasing demand to identify novel therapeutic targets and to understand the correlations between mTOR pathway activation and the lack of cell death in the presence of TSC mutation. In the current study, we demonstrate deregulation of p53 controlled and mitochondria associated cell death processes. The study also reveals that treatment of TSC mutant cells with the drug candidate Proxison combined with reduced concentration of rapamycin can increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), can modify miRNA expression pattern associated with p53 regulation and can reduce cell viability.
Ecotoxicity testing of airborne particulate matter—comparison of sample preparation techniques for the Vibrio fischeri assay
Authors: Kováts Nora , Hubai Katalin , Sainnokhoi Tsend-Ayush , Hoffer András , Teke Gábor
Published: April 2021

The bioassay based on the bioluminescence inhibition of the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri has been the most widely used test for the assessment of airborne particulate matter ecotoxicity. Most studies available use an extract of the solid sample, either made with water or organic solvents. As an alternative, a whole-aerosol test is also available where test bacteria are in actual contact with contaminated particles. In our study, different extraction procedures were compared to this direct contact test based on the V. fischeri assay and analytical measurements. The lowest PAH content and the highest EC50 were determined in water extract, while the highest PAH amount and lowest EC50 were measured in dichloromethane, hexane, and dimethyl-sulphoxide extracts. EC50 of the direct contact test was comparable to that of the methanol extract. Our results suggest that the sensitivity of the direct contact test equals to that of extraction procedures using organic solvents, moreover, it is mimicking an environmentally realistic exposure route.
Operationalism: An Interpretation of the Philosophy of Ancient Greek Geometry
Authors: Blåsjö Viktor
Published: April 2021

I present a systematic interpretation of the foundational purpose of constructions in ancient Greek geometry. I argue that Greek geometers were committed to an operationalist foundational program, according to which all of mathematics—including its entire ontology and epistemology—is based entirely on concrete physical constructions. On this reading, key foundational aspects of Greek geometry are analogous to core tenets of 20th-century operationalist/positivist/constructivist/intuitionist philosophy of science and mathematics. Operationalism provides coherent answers to a range of traditional philosophical problems regarding classical mathematics, such as the epistemic warrant and generality of diagrammatic reasoning, superposition, and the relation between constructivism and proof by contradiction. Alleged logical flaws in Euclid (implicit diagrammatic reasoning, superposition) can be interpreted as sound operationalist reasoning. Operationalism also provides a compelling philosophical motivation for the otherwise inexplicable Greek obsession with cube duplication, angle trisection, and circle quadrature. Operationalism makes coherent sense of numerous specific choices made in this tradition, and suggests new interpretations of several solutions to these problems. In particular, I argue that: Archytas’s cube duplication was originally a single-motion machine; Diocles’s cissoid was originally traced by a linkage device; Greek conic section theory was thoroughly constructive, based on the conic compass; in a few cases, string-based constructions of conic sections were used instead; pointwise constructions of curves were rejected in foundational contexts by Greek mathematicians, with good reason. Operationalism enables us to view the classical geometrical tradition as a more unified and philosophically aware enterprise than has hitherto been recognised.
Buffer Stock Operations and Well-Being: The Case of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana
Authors: Abokyi Emmanuel , Strijker Dirk , Asiedu Kofi Fred , Daams Michiel N.
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the possible causal relationship between buffer stock operations in Ghanaian agriculture and the well-being of smallholder farmers in a developing world setting. We analyze the differences in the objective and subjective well-being of smallholder farmers who do or do not participate in a buffer stock price stabilization policy initiative, using self-reported assessments of 507 farmers. We adopt a two-stage least square instrumental variable estimation to account for possible endogeneity. Our results provide evidence that participation in buffer stock operations improves the objective and subjective well-being of smallholder farmers by 20% and 15%, respectively. Also, with estimated coefficient of 1.033, we find a significant and robust relationship between objective well-being and subjective well-being among smallholder farmers. This relationship implies that improving objective well-being enhances the subjective well-being of the farmers. We also find that the activities of intermediaries decrease both the objective and subjective well-being of farmers. This study demonstrates that economic, social, and environmental aspects of agricultural life could constitute priorities for public policy in improving well-being, given their strong correlation with the well-being of farmers. Based on the results of this study, we provide a better understanding, which may aid policy-makers, that public buffer stockholding operations policy is a viable tool for improving the well-being of smallholder farmers in a developing country.
Matching Temporal Signatures of Solar Features to Their Corresponding Solar-Wind Outflows
Authors: de Pablos D. , Long D. M. , Owen C. J. , Valori G. , Nicolaou G. , Harra L. K.
Published: April 2021

The role of small-scale coronal eruptive phenomena in the generation and heating of the solar wind remains an open question. Here, we investigate the role played by coronal jets in forming the solar wind by testing whether temporal variations associated with jetting in EUV intensity can be identified in the outflowing solar-wind plasma. This type of comparison is challenging due to inherent differences between remote-sensing observations of the source and in-situ observations of the outflowing plasma, as well as travel time and evolution of the solar wind throughout the heliosphere. To overcome these, we propose a novel algorithm combining signal filtering, two-step solar-wind ballistic back-mapping, window shifting, and Empirical Mode Decomposition. We first validate the method using synthetic data, before applying it to measurements from the Solar Dynamics Observatory and Wind spacecraft. The algorithm enables the direct comparison of remote-sensing observations of eruptive phenomena in the corona to in-situ measurements of solar-wind parameters, among other potential uses. After application to these datasets, we find several time windows where signatures of dynamics found in the corona are embedded in the solar-wind stream, at a time significantly earlier than expected from simple ballistic back-mapping, with the best-performing in-situ parameter being the solar-wind mass flux.
Implications of component size and calibration error on digital templating for total hip arthroplasty. A visual matrix from a simple mathematical model
Authors: Boese Christoph Kolja , Rolvien Tim , Trost Matthias , Frink Michael , Hubert Jan , Beil Frank Timo , Ries Christian
Published: April 2021

Objective

Preoperative digital templating is a standard procedure in total hip arthroplasty. Deviations between template size and final implant size may result from inaccurate calibration, templating as well as intraoperative decisions. So far, the explicit effect of calibration errors on templating has not been addressed adequately.

Materials and Methods

A mathematical simulation of calibration errors up to ± 24% was applied to the templating of acetabular cups (38 to 72 mm diameter). The effect of calibration errors on template component size as deviation from optimal size was calculated.

Results

The relationship between calibration error and component size deviation is inverse and linear. Calibration errors have a more pronounced effect on larger component sizes. Calibration errors of 2–6% result in templating errors of up to two component sizes. Common errors of up to 12% may result in templating errors of 3–4 sizes for common implant sizes. A tabular matrix visualizes the effect.

Conclusion

Calibration errors play a significant role in component size selection during digital templating. Orthopedic surgeons should be aware of this effect and try to identify and address this source of error.
Effect of Chemical Potential and Atomic-Scale Vibration of Nucleant Surface on Liquid Layering and Heterogeneous Nucleation
Authors: Ma Sida , Dong Zihui , Zong Nanfu , Jing Tao , Dong Hongbiao
Published: April 2021

This study reveals the key role of chemical potential and atomic-scale vibration of the nucleant surface in dictating pre-nucleation liquid-layering and heterogenous nucleation. The effect of potential-well depth D
w and vibration strength

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β
¯

std

of the nucleant surface on the layering and nucleation was examined. We found that nucleants with larger D
w and smaller

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β
¯

std

induce more ordered pre-nucleation layers to enhance nucleation, and proposed that D
w and

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β
¯

std

shall be considered when searching for effective nucleants.
The Gut Microbiome: a New Frontier in Musculoskeletal Research
Authors: Li R. , Boer C. G. , Oei L. , Medina-Gomez Carolina
Published: April 2021

Purpose of the review

The human gut harbors a complex community of microbes that influence many processes regulating musculoskeletal development and homeostasis. This review gives an update on the current knowledge surrounding the impact of the gut microbiota on musculoskeletal health, with an emphasis on research conducted over the last three years.

Recent findings

The gut microbiota and their metabolites are associated with sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The field is moving fast from describing simple correlations to pursue establishing causation through clinical trials.

The gut microbiota and their microbial-synthesized metabolites hold promise for offering new potential alternatives for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases given its malleability and response to environmental stimuli.