bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Street Fighters with Insurance Coverage: The Insurance System of the Nazi Storm Section (Sturmabteilung)
Authors: Casquete Jesus
Published: August 2021

The Storm Section (Sturmabteilung, or SA) was organized throughout the Weimar Republic as a paramilitary force entrusted with the ‘fight for the streets’ during the so‐called ‘time of struggle’ (Kampfzeit). To offset the potentially paralyzing effects of activism entailing risks of injury or death, the leaders of the movement devised and implemented an insurance system, which was retained throughout the following years. This insurance system smoothed the way for the most radical uncivility to hold sway without restriction during the final years of the Republic. Starting from late 1926, the National Socialist mechanism for overcoming the barriers to participation in violent activities that could potentially involve a high cost was to introduce an insurance system to facilitate their activists' willingness to ‘sacrifice’ themselves. The visceral anti‐Semitism of the Nazis was central to the negotiations and agreements reached with different insurers. The Nazis introduced an insurance policy for their activists that would cover them while carrying out their obligations as militants in the ‘fight’ against Social Democrats and, more often, Communists. By lowering the potential costs of participation in a high‐risk instance of activism, the insurance system contributed to stoking a ‘latent civil war’ in the German streets during the final years of the Republic. Relaying on archival and other primary sources and looking at them from a collective action perspective, this paper delves into the history of the SA insurance system, as well as on its functions.
The vector beam assisted “hot‐spot” optimization in tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Rong , Chen Li , Kong Ting , Chen Huan , Zhang Zhenglong , Shen Hao , Zheng Hairong
Published: August 2021

Tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy has already promised extremely high plasmonic enhancement due to the successful optical confinement inside the nanocavity or sub‐nanocavity between the tip apex and substrate. Yet the dipole‐like charge oscillation enabled the gap enhancement, and hence, only the vertical polarization component could match and contribute to the overall efficiency. To avoid the noise and pursuit the mode purity, we chose the vector beam to form a tightly focused vertical electric field to generate such a “hot‐spot.” For the bottom illuminated method, taking the opaqueness and absorption characteristics of the beam by the metal substrate into consideration, the substrate thickness becomes the critical factor concerning gap plasmons coupling effect and incident light transmittance. Here, the spatial resolution lines of the vector beam excited from the bottom were compared with that of side method excited by linearly polarized beam, which shows that the vector beam presents greater symmetric characteristics. In addition to better elucidating the mechanism of tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, our results can be applied to a rational reference and guidance for later experiments.
Determination of asphaltene structural parameters by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: AlHumaidan Faisal S. , Rana Mohan S.
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study is to determine the aromatic sheet diameter (La) and the number of aromatic sheets per stack (n) for asphaltene molecules from Raman spectra by investigating and optimizing empirical equations proposed in the literature for both crystalline and amorphous carbon materials. The results clearly indicated that the best empirical equation for determining the aromatic sheet diameter for asphaltene was the equation proposed by Tuinstra and Koenig, but only when the graphitization indicator ID/IG would have been determined from the peak integrated ratio, rather than from the peak intensity ratio. The best results of La were obtained when the Raman spectra were deconvoluted and fitted with three peaks using Gaussian function. The number of aromatic sheets per stack for asphaltene was also determined by examining various empirical equations proposed for crystalline carbon materials. The results indicated that these equations could be applied on asphaltene if the first‐order region of Raman spectrum were to be fitted with two peaks, representing the G and D bands. Fitting the spectra with more peaks could result in splitting the G band into two bands (i.e., G and D2 bands), which would shift the G‐band position to a wavenumber below 1581.6 cm−1, and, subsequently, prevent the utilization of these empirical equations.
Organ Preservation Strategies in Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Rüller Karina , Sittel Christian , Kölmel Jan‐Constantin , Burghartz Marc , Steimer Johannes , Fiz Francesco , Piazza Cesare , Peretti Giorgio , Fiz Ivana
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma (LC) is a rare, slowly growing malignancy. The preferred treatment is laryngeal preservation surgery (LPS). Some patients may require multiple interventions or total laryngectomy (TL). We investigated risk factors for retreatment and TL, and assessed the impact of LPS on oncological and functional outcomes.

Study Design

Case series

Methods

We searched our institution database for LC. Tumor grading, localization, and margin status were tested as predictors of recurrence and organ preservation.

Results

We included 21 patients (seven females, mean age 58 ± 12 years). LPS was applied in 20 (95.2%) of them as a primary procedure. Six patients were treated by transoral approach and 14 received “open‐neck” LPS. Fifteen (71.4%) were operated only once, while six patients underwent a total of 15 adjunctive procedures. Additional operations were always performed for recurrence of tumors localized within the cricoid plate. The histological grading was G1 in 81% and G2 in 19%. However, two patients with a primary G1 LC showed a G2 recurrence. Reoperations for recurrence were more frequent among patients with G2 in respect to G1 histology (83% vs. 7%, P < .001). Fifty percent of G2 LC and 8% of G1 underwent TL (P < .05). Margin status had no influence on recurrence rate.

Conclusions

Patients with G2 LC have more recurrences requiring surgery and a higher incidence of TL. Cricoid plate localization is relevant for organ preservation. Margin status signals possible disease persistence, without influencing the need for future surgeries. Need for reoperation entails a risk of not being able to maintain organ functionality.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:838–843, 2022
Components of plant diversity as ecological indicators reflecting the effects of conservation management and degradation in different climatic conditions
Authors: Heydari Mehdi , Aazami Fatemeh , Omidipour Reza , Borja Manuel Esteban Lucas , Faramarzi Marzban
Published: August 2021

Additive partitioning of species diversity is a valuable approach for quantifying the spatial patterns of biodiversity sampled in hierarchically scaled studies. This approach may provide key insights into vegetation community restoration following terrestrial ecosystems degradation in different climatic conditions. The scale‐dependence of plant diversity in relation to different plant functional groups (e.g., herbaceous and woody) is still little understood. This research aims to investigate the influence of management options (protected vs. non‐protected) and climatic conditions (semiarid vs. Mediterranean) on different components of diversity in both herbaceous and woody species derived from local and regional scales (i.e., plot and site, respectively). In the studied areas, a total of 64 plots (1000 m2) at local scale and 128 micro‐plots (1 m2) among 16 sites at regional scale were selected for sampling the woody and herbaceous species data, respectively, by using a hierarchical sampling design. Diversity components of local (α1, β1) and regional (α2, β2) scales were extracted according to additive partitioning method. Differences in diversity component (α1, α21, β1 and β2) and floristic composition between management options and climatic conditions were evaluated using GLMM and DCA. The results indicate that all components of total species (both herbaceous and woody) diversity (α1, α2, β1 and β2) were significantly influenced by management options (p < 0.05) with greater values in the protected areas than the non‐protected areas. However, the climatic conditions only had significant effects on β2, with greater values in the Mediterranean compared to semi‐arid areas. Moreover, the separate analysis of herbaceous and woody species indicated that management options have a greater significant effect on different diversity components compared to the climatic condition. Detrended correspondence analysis showed that floristic variations along the axes are strongly affected by management in both climatic conditions. This indicates that protection measures mostly increased plant species diversity at the local and regional scales, which is independent of the climatic condition.
Going Above and Beyond: A Tenfold Gain in the Performance of Luminescence Thermometers Joining Multiparametric Sensing and Multiple Regression
Authors: Maturi Fernando E. , Brites Carlos D. S. , Ximendes Erving C. , Mills Carolyn , Olsen Bradley , Jaque Daniel , Ribeiro Sidney J. L. , Carlos Luís D.
Published: August 2021

Luminescence thermometry has substantially progressed in the last decade, rapidly approaching the performance of concurrent technologies. Performance is usually assessed through the relative thermal sensitivity, Sr, and temperature uncertainty, δT. Until now, the state‐of‐the‐art values at ambient conditions do not exceed maximum Sr of 12.5% K−1 and minimum δT of 0.1 K. Although these numbers are satisfactory for most applications, they are insufficient for fields that require lower thermal uncertainties, such as biomedicine. This has motivated the development of materials with an improved thermal response, many of them responding to the temperature through distinct photophysical properties. This paper demonstrates how the performance of multiparametric luminescent thermometers can be further improved by simply applying new analysis routes. The synergy between multiparametric readouts and multiple linear regression makes possible a tenfold improvement in Sr and δT, reaching a world record of 50% K−1 and 0.05 K, respectively. This is achieved without requiring the development of new materials or upgrading the detection system as illustrated by using the green fluorescent protein and Ag2S nanoparticles. These results open a new era in biomedicine thanks to the development of new diagnosis tools based on the detection of super‐small temperature fluctuations in living specimens.
A New Route to Highly Stretchable and Soft Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Elastomers Using Polydimethylsiloxane as Crosslinker of Epoxidized Natural Rubber
Authors: Banerjee Shib Shankar , Banerjee Susanta , Wießner Sven , Janke Andreas , Heinrich Gert , Das Amit
Published: August 2021

Sulfur or peroxide crosslinking is the most common and conventional method to develop elastomeric materials. A new approach to crosslink epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) by aminopropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (AT‐PDMS) is described, intending to develop a new kind of hybrid organic–inorganic elastomers. The curing reaction is accelerated by using hydroquinone as a catalyst. The formation of the hybrid structure is evident from the appearance of two glass transition temperatures, at −1 and −120 °C, for the ENR and PDMS phases, respectively. The curing reaction is found to be of first order with respect to amine concentration with the estimated activation energy of ≈62 kJ mol−1. Comparing the mechanical properties to a typical ENR‐sulfur system leads to the conclusion that the ENR/AT‐PDMS hybrid structure is highly stretchable and soft, as demonstrated by its relatively higher strain at failure (up to ≈630%), and lower hardness and modulus values. The higher stretchability and soft nature of the material are achieved by introducing flexible PDMS chains during the curing process resulting to a hybrid elastomer networks. This kind of soft but robust materials can find several applications in diverse fields, such as soft robotics, flexible, and stretchable electronics.
Natural Polysaccharides as Multifunctional Components for One‐Step 3D Printing Tough Hydrogels
Authors: Luo Zhonglong , Zhou Jiulong , Lu Zhe , Wei Hongqiu , Yu You
Published: August 2021

Natural polysaccharides (NPS) are regarded as biomolecular and structural components for preparing high‐performance tough hydrogels. But the one‐step fabrication of NPS‐containing hydrogels in seconds and the template‐free design of complicated high‐resolution structures are still significant challenges in this field. To meet these requirements, various NPS‐containing tough hydrogels are fabricated and processed into 2D/3D structures via the combination of Ru(bpy)32+‐mediated photochemistry and extrusion 3D printing technique. The whole fabrication process is one‐step, completed in tens of seconds under visible light irradiation. It is found that the used NPS plays a key role in achieving the fabrication of high‐performance structured tough hydrogels. The high reactivity of functional groups in the used NPS can shorten their gelation times. Long rigid chains of the used NPS, their hierarchical assemblies, and contrasting multinetworks benefit from the efficient dissipation of mechanical energy and enhancement of its operational stability. Strong supramolecular interactions enable hydrogel precursors to have high viscosities, therefore providing good controllability to design high‐resolution and complicated tough hydrogel structures via extrusion 3D printing. It is anticipated that this straightforward fabrication strategy and findings will open new horizons for NPS‐containing materials.
Grand Lebesgue Spaces are really Banach algebras relative to the convolution on unimodular locally compact groups equipped with Haar measure
Authors: Formica Maria Rosaria , Ostrovsky Eugeny , Sirota Leonid
Published: August 2021

We prove that the Grand Lebesgue Space built on a unimodular locally compact topological group, equipped with bi‐invariant Haar measure, forms a Banach algebra relative to the convolution.
On the uniqueness of entire functions having Dirichlet series representations
Authors: Lü Feng , Lü Weiran
Published: August 2021

It is proved that two entire functions of finite order having Dirichlet series representation in some right‐half plane are identically equal if they have sufficiently many common a‐points. In addition, based on the idea of Li in [15], we give a slightly briefer proof of a question posed by Bombieri and Perelli in [3].
Antibiofilm Activity of Gallium(III) Complexed Anionic Polymers in Combination with Antibiotics
Authors: Ma Jielin , Hou Shuai , Chan‐Park Mary B. , Duan Hongwei
Published: August 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a life‐threatening pathogen associated with multiantibiotic resistance, which is largely caused by its strong ability to form biofilms. Recent research has revealed that gallium (III) shows an activity against the biofilm of P. aeruginosa by interfering with Fe metabolism. The antibacterial activity of the combination of Ga3+ ion and antibiotic rifampicin (RMP) against P. aeruginosa PAO1 is investigated. An anionic polymer poly{{2‐[(2‐methylprop‐2‐enoyl)oxy]ethyl}phosphonic acid} (PDMPOH) is exploited to form complexes (GaPD) with Ga3+. The GaPD complexes act as a carrier of Ga3+ and release Ga3+ via enzymatic degradation by bacterial lipases. GaPD is found to damage the outer membrane, leading to enhanced cellular uptake of RMP and Ga3+ due to increased outer membrane permeability, which inhibits the RNA polymerase and interferes with Fe metabolism. The antibiofilm activity and biocompatibility of the GaPD system offer a promising treatment option for P. aeruginosa biofilm‐related infections.
Polyglycerol‐Based Mucus‐Inspired Hydrogels
Authors: Sharma Antara , Thongrom Boonya , Bhatia Sumati , von Lospichl Benjamin , Addante Annalisa , Graeber Simon Y. , Lauster Daniel , Mall Marcus A. , Gradzielski Michael , Haag Rainer
Published: August 2021

The mucus layer is a hydrogel network that covers mucosal surfaces of the human body. Mucus has important protective properties that are related to its unique rheological properties, which are based on mucins being the main glycoprotein constituents. Mucin macromolecules entangle with one another and form a physical network that is instrumental for many important defense functions. Mucus derived from various human or animal sources is poorly defined and thus not suitable for many application purposes. Herein, a synthetic route is fabricated to afford a library of compositionally defined mucus‐inspired hydrogels (MIHs). MIHs are synthesized by thiol oxidation to render disulfide bonds between the crosslinker ethoxylated trimethylolpropane tri(3‐mercaptopropionate) (THIOCURE ETTMP 1300) and the linear precursors, dithiolated linear polyglycerol (LPG(SH)2) or polyethylene glycol (PEG(SH)2) of different molecular weights. The mixing ratio of linear polymers versus crosslinker and the length of the linear polymer are varied, thus delivering a library of compositionally defined mucin‐inspired constructs. Their viscoelastic properties are determined by frequency sweeps at 25 and 37 °C and compared to the corresponding behavior of native human mucus. Here, MIHs composed of a 10:1 ratio of LPG(SH)2 and ETTMP 1300 are proved to be the best comparable to human airway mucus rheology.
Drosera‐Inspired Dual‐Actuating Double‐Layer Hydrogel Actuator
Authors: Kong Xin , Li Yuanze , Xu Wenlong , Liang Haiqing , Xue Zhongxin , Niu Yuzhong , Pang Maofu , Ren Chunguang
Published: August 2021

Drosera is a small insectivorous plant whose antennae can fold up, encircle, and prey. The rapid movement of the antennae is achieved by the synergistic effect of a double‐layer structure with the antennae contracts on the front and expands on the back. In this work, a drosera‐inspired dual‐actuating double‐layer hydrogel actuator is proposed, in which the temperature‐responsive poly(N, N‐diethyl acrylamide) (PDEAAm) layer acts as the main actuation layer and a moisture‐responsive poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) layer acts as the auxiliary actuation layer. In a water environment with low temperature, both the PAAm and PDEAAm layers absorb water and expand with a swelling property. When the temperature exceeds the lower critical solution temperature of PDEAAm, the PDEAAm layer undergoes a hydrophilic–hydrophobic transition and shrinks rapidly. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the double‐layer hydrogel enables the double‐layer hydrogel to achieve a large bending angle at high temperature. In addition, when designing and fabricating shape‐patterned double‐layer hydrogels, complex shape changes can be achieved. Due to the physical and chemical properties, the actuator can be used to grab, transport, and release objects. This drosera‐inspired double‐layer hydrogel actuator has high practical value, which may provide new insights for the design and manufacture of artificial intelligence materials.
Expanding the Scope of Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly: Recent Advances and New Horizons
Authors: Cao Junpeng , Tan Yingxin , Chen Ying , Zhang Li , Tan Jianbo
Published: August 2021

Over the past decade or so, polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) has become a versatile method for rational preparation of concentrated block copolymer nanoparticles with a diverse set of morphologies. Much of the PISA literature has focused on the preparation of well‐defined linear block copolymers by using linear macromolecular chain transfer agents (macro‐CTAs) with high chain transfer constants. In this review, a recent process is highlighted from an unusual angle that has expanded the scope of PISA including i) synthesis of block copolymers with nonlinear architectures (e.g., star block copolymer, branched block copolymer) by PISA, ii) in situ synthesis of blends of polymers by PISA, and iii) utilization of macro‐CTAs with low chain transfer constants in PISA. By highlighting these important examples, new insights into the research of PISA and future impact these methods will have on polymer and colloid synthesis are provided.
A circularly polarized, high aperture efficiency metasurface antenna
Authors: Khanjarian Mostafa , Soleimani Mohammad , Nayyeri Vahid , El Badawe Mohamed , Babazadeh Seyyedeh‐Fahimeh , Ramahi Omar M.
Published: August 2021

A circularly polarized, high aperture efficiency antenna based on metasurface (MTS), inexpensively fabricated using a standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology, is presented. An array of 8 8 cross‐shaped resonators was designed to operate at 3.1 GHz with a 12 cm 12 cm (i.e., 1.24 1.24 ) footprint size. Each resonator was double fed (by two lines) with appropriate phases to achieve circular polarization. Full characterization of the designed antenna was achieved using full‐wave simulations. The MTS antenna was fabricated using a multilayer PCB technology and experimentally tested. A good agreement between the simulation results and measurements was observed. According to the measurements, with a realized gain of 11.1 dBi, the antenna has an aperture efficiency of 66.7%, which is high compared to many other antennas.
Design of trisection filter with reconfigurable center frequency and transmission zeros using evanescent‐mode cavity resonators
Authors: Lai Junchen , Yang Tao , Chi Pei‐Ling , Xu Ruimin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a trisection filter with reconfigurable transmission zeros based on the evanescent‐mode cavity (EVA) resonators is proposed. The design incorporates three EVA resonators. The varactors are set between two EVA resonators. By controlling the varactor capacitance value, couplings can be switched between electrical coupling and magnetic coupling. Based on this technique, the resulting two zeros can be designed to the desired position. Furthermore, a novel method by analyzing the magnitude and phase of trisection filters is proposed. Using this method, the transmission zeros position can be determined quickly. Measurement shows that the filter covers a frequency range of 2.11–2.83 GHz. Two transmission zeros can be arbitrarily designed to the left or right sides of the passband. Good agreement is obtained between simulated and measured results.
Generating pseudo‐computerized tomography (P‐CT) scan images from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images using machine learning algorithms based on fuzzy theory for radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Yousefi Moteghaed Niloofar , Mostaar Ahmad , Azadeh Payam
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The substitution of computerized tomography (CT) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been investigated for external radiotherapy treatment planning. The present study aims to use pseudo‐CT (P‐CT) images created by MRI images to calculate the dose distribution for facilitating the treatment planning process.

Methods

In this work, following image segmentation with a fuzzy clustering algorithm, an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy algorithm was utilized to design the Hounsfield unit (HU) conversion model based on the features vector of MRI images. The model was generated on the set of extracted features from the gray‐level co‐occurrence matrices and the gray‐level run‐length matrices for 14 arbitrarily selected patients with brain malady. The performance of the algorithm was investigated on blind datasets through dose‐volume histogram and isodose curve evaluations, using the RayPlan treatment planning system (TPS), along with the gamma analysis and statistical indices.

Results

In the proposed approach, the mean absolute error within the range of 45.4 HU was found among the test data. Also, the relative dose difference between the planning target volume region of the CT and the P‐CT was 0.5%, and the best gamma pass rate for 3%/3 mm was 97.2%.

Conclusion

The proposed method provides a satisfactory average error rate for the generation of P‐CT data in the different parts of the brain region from a collection of MRI series. Also, dosimetric parameters evaluation shows good agreement between reference CT and related P‐CT images.
Fully automated detection of prostate transition zone tumors on T2‐weighted and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map MR images using U‐Net ensemble
Authors: Wong Timothy , Schieda Nicola , Sathiadoss Paul , Haroon Mohammad , Abreu‐Gomez Jorge , Ukwatta Eranga
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Accurate detection of transition zone (TZ) prostate cancer (PCa) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains challenging using clinical subjective assessment due to overlap between PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The objective of this paper is to describe a deep‐learning‐based framework for fully automated detection of PCa in the TZ using T2‐weighted (T2W) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map MR images.

Method

This was a single‐center IRB‐approved cross‐sectional study of men undergoing 3T MRI on two systems. The dataset consisted of 196 patients (103 with and 93 without clinically significant [Grade Group 2 or higher] TZ PCa) to train and test our proposed methodology, with an additional 168 patients with peripheral zone PCa used only for training. We proposed an ensemble of classifiers in which multiple U‐Net‐based models are designed for prediction of TZ PCa location on ADC map MR images, with initial automated segmentation of the prostate to guide detection. We compared accuracy of ADC alone to T2W and combined ADC+T2W MRI for input images, and investigated improvements using ensembles over their constituent models with different methods of diversity in individual models by hyperparameter configuration, loss function and model architecture.

Results

Our developed algorithm reported sensitivity and precision of 0.829 and 0.617 in 56 test cases containing 31 instances of TZ PCa and in 25 patients without clinically significant TZ tumors. Patient‐wise classification accuracy had an area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.974. Single U‐Net models using ADC alone (sensitivity 0.829, precision 0.534) outperformed assessment using T2W (sensitivity 0.086, precision 0.081) and assessment using combined ADC+T2W (sensitivity 0.687, precision 0.489). While the ensemble of U‐Nets with varying hyperparameters demonstrated the highest performance, all ensembles improved PCa detection compared to individual models, with sensitivities and precisions close to the collective best of constituent models.

Conclusion

We describe a deep‐learning‐based method for fully automated TZ PCa detection using ADC map MR images that outperformed assessment by T2W and ADC+T2W.
Improvement of megavoltage computed tomography image quality for adaptive helical tomotherapy using cycleGAN‐based image synthesis with small datasets
Authors: Lee Dongyeon , Jeong Sang Woon , Kim Sung Jin , Cho Hyosung , Park Won , Han Youngyih
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) offers an opportunity for adaptive helical tomotherapy. However, high noise and reduced contrast in the MVCT images due to a decrease in the imaging dose to patients limits its usability. Therefore, we propose an algorithm to improve the image quality of MVCT.

Methods

The proposed algorithm generates kilovoltage CT (kVCT)‐like images from MVCT images using a cycle‐consistency generative adversarial network (cycleGAN)‐based image synthesis model. Data augmentation using an affine transformation was applied to the training data to overcome the lack of data diversity in the network training. The mean absolute error (MAE), root‐mean‐square error (RMSE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) were used to quantify the correction accuracy of the images generated by the proposed algorithm. The proposed method was validated by comparing the images generated with those obtained from conventional and deep learning‐based image processing method through non‐augmented datasets.

Results

The average MAE, RMSE, PSNR, and SSIM values were 18.91 HU, 69.35 HU, 32.73 dB, and 95.48 using the proposed method, respectively, whereas cycleGAN with non‐augmented data showed inferior results (19.88 HU, 70.55 HU, 32.62 dB, 95.19, respectively). The voxel values of the image obtained by the proposed method also indicated similar distributions to those of the kVCT image. The dose‐volume histogram of the proposed method was also similar to that of electron density corrected MVCT.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm generates synthetic kVCT images from MVCT images using cycleGAN with small patient datasets. The image quality achieved by the proposed method was correspondingly improved to the level of a kVCT image while maintaining the anatomical structure of an MVCT image. The evaluation of dosimetric effectiveness of the proposed method indicates the applicability of accurate treatment planning in adaptive radiation therapy.
Ultrahigh‐b diffusion‐weighted imaging for quantitative evaluation of myelination in shiverer mouse spinal cord
Authors: Jeong Kyle E. , Lee Sophie YouJung , Yeom Suk‐Keu , Carlson Noel , Shah Lubdha M. , Rose John , Jeong Eun‐Kee
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To perform a quantitative evaluation of myelination on WT and myelin‐deficient (shiverer) mouse spinal cords using ultrahigh‐b diffusion‐weighted imaging (UHb‐DWI).

Methods

UHb‐DWI of ex vivo on spinal cord specimens of two shiverer (C3HeB/FeJ‐shiverer, homozygous genotype for MbPshi) and six WT (Black Six, C3HeB/FeJ) mice were acquired using 3D multishot diffusion‐weighted stimulated‐echo EPI, a homemade RF coil, and a small‐bore 7T MRI system. Imaging was performed in transaxial plane with 75 × 75 μm2 in‐plane resolution, 1‐mm‐slice thickness, and radial DWI using bmax = 42,890 s/mm2. Histological evaluation was performed on upper thoracic sections using optical and transmission electron microscopy. Numerical Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) of water diffusion were performed to facilitate interpretation of UHb‐DWI signal‐b curves.

Results

The white matter ultrahigh‐b radial DWI (UHb‐rDWI) signal‐b curves of WT mouse cords behaved biexponentially with high‐b diffusion coefficient DH < 0.020 × 10−3 mm2/s. However, as expected with less myelination, the signal‐b of shiverer mouse cords behaved monoexponentially with significantly greater DH = 0.162 × 10−3, 0.142 × 10−3, and 0.164 × 10−3 mm2/s at anterodorsal, posterodorsal, and lateral columns, respectively. The axial DWI signals of all mouse cords behaved monoexponentially with D = (0.718‐1.124) × 10−3 mm2/s. MCS suggests that these elevated DH are mainly induced by increased water exchange at the myelin sheath. Microscopic results were consistent with the UHb‐rDWI findings.

Conclusion

UHb‐DWI provides quantitative differences in myelination of spinal cords from myelin‐deficit shiverer and WT mice. UHb‐DWI may become a powerful tool to evaluate myelination in demyelinating disease models that may translate to human diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Evaluation of Hormonal Agents for Artificial Propagation of Largemouth Bass
Authors: Sharma Amit , Semmens Kenneth , Gomelsky Boris
Published: August 2021

A synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone, cGnRH IIa (D-Arg6, Pro9-NHet), was evaluated versus commercially available hormones as a spawning aid for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides with two trials each season for two seasons. In season one, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was applied at a rate of 4,000 IU/kg for females and 2,000 IU/kg for males. Ovaprim (Western Chemical, Ferndale, Washington) and cGnRH IIa was applied at 0.5 mL/kg and 0.1 mg/kg in a single injection. The respective response rate for HCG, Ovaprim, and cGnRH IIa among females was 88.9, 77.8, and 50%. Mean latent period for HCG, Ovaprim, and cGnRH IIa among females was 33.4, 34.4, and 34.7 h. In season two, four treatments were used: saline, HCG, cGnRH IIa, and cGnRH IIa with the dopamine inhibitor domperidone (cGnRH IIa+D). Males did not express milt in either season, so they were euthanized to collect testes and prepare a fertilization solution. Spawns were segregated by spawning agent and incubated in hatching jars. Response rates of females to saline, HCG, cGnRH IIa, and cGnRH IIa+D were 0, 75, 90, and 75%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the treatments for response, eggs per kg of female body weight, number of eggs/g, or latent period. Hatched larvae yield from hatching jars ranged from 0.5% to 19.5%. The spawning agent cGnRH IIa had similar efficacy as commercially available HCG. This investigation also examined the efficacy of a fertilization solution generated following extraction and maceration of testes. Testes of mean weight 6.6 g yielded spermatozoa at a mean density of 6.0 × 109 spermatozoa/mL. There was no significant effect of inducing agent on sperm density of solution. Spermatozoa were characterized in three groups regarding motility: nonmotile, progressively motile (desired), and non-progressively motile. Sperm motility videos revealed a mean progressive motility of 7.9%. Mean values for nonmotile and non-progressively motile spermatozoa were 75.5% and 16.6%, respectively. Mean duration of motility was 116 s.
Effects of Baffles on Raceway Cleaning, Fin Erosion, In-Hatchery Survival, and Postrelease Angler Catch of Catchable-Sized Hatchery Rainbow Trout
Authors: Meyer Kevin A. , Branigan Philip R. , Cassinelli John D.
Published: August 2021

Hatchery fish exposed to exercise training often exhibit physiological and behavioral benefits compared with unexercised fish, but results from previous studies have been equivocal and have rarely examined postrelease performance of stocked fish. We evaluated various in-hatchery and postrelease consequences of rearing catchable-sized (~254-mm) Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in a raceway installed with baffles, the intent being to self-clean the raceway and exercise fish. Installing baffles increased water velocities experienced by fish, with some velocities exceeding 0.26 m/s (1.0 body length per second). In contrast, the maximum velocity experienced by fish in the control raceway was 0.07 m/s (0.27 body lengths per second). Prior to stocking, fin erosion (as measured by relative dorsal and pectoral fin lengths) did not differ between the baffled and unbaffled raceways, but surprisingly, survival was reduced for baffled fish. Catch by anglers and mean time to capture did not differ between raceways but did differ by water type (i.e., lentic, lotic, and community pond waters). While the augmented velocities along the bottom of the baffled raceway assisted with clearing some fish waste, they were not entirely effective and raceways still required some sweeping. Taken collectively, our results suggest that installing baffles in production-scale raceways rearing catchable-sized Rainbow Trout is not advantageous.
Facile synthesis of a novel transparent melt‐spinnable polysilazane
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Li Hailong , Kao Kechen , Lin Wenxin , Xiong Yilian , Huang Zhengren
Published: August 2021

In this study, a novel colorless and transparent polysilazane (PSZ) with excellent spinnability was facilely synthesized via the thermal polymerization of silazane oligomer at 330℃. The silazane precursor was fabricated by one‐step copolycondensation of methyldichlorosilane (CH3SiHCl2) and dimethyldichlorosilane ((CH3)2SiCl2) in various ratios at 0℃ without catalyst during the reaction. The chemical composition, molecule structure, molecular weight and ceramic yield of PSZ were investigated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysis chromatography‐mass spectrometry (PY‐GC/MS). The optimized novel transparent melt‐spinnable PSZ was a colorless and transparent brittle solid with a Mw = 14,231 and a melting point of 100℃, which was prepared with an optimal molar ratio of raw materials at 1.9:1 (CH3SiHCl2: (CH3)2SiCl2). Fibers with various diameters were spun using a homemade melt spinning setup at 90–120°C. The obtained PSZ showed outstanding spinnability, and the prepared continuous fibers exhibited a uniform diameter (10–80 microns) and a smooth surface up to 1000 meters long. In addition, possible polymerization mechanisms of PSZ were also discussed. The PSZ showed the excellent rheological properties in melt‐spinning as a potential precursor for Si3N4fibers. The novel optically transparent polysilazane material also have great potential applications in optical technology and engineering.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Vascular Adverse Events in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Population-Based, Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Mei-Tsen , Huang Shih-Tsung , Lin Chih-Wan , Ko Bor-Sheng , Chen Wen-Jone , Huang Huai-Hsuan , Hsiao Fei-Yuan
Published: August 2021

Background

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown long-term survival benefits in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Nevertheless, significant concern has been raised regarding long-term TKI-associated vascular adverse events (VAEs). The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of VAEs in Taiwanese patients with CML treated with different TKIs (imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib) as well as potential risk factors.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database and National Health Insurance Research Database. Adult patients diagnosed with CML from 2008 to 2016 were identified and categorized into three groups according to their first-line TKI treatment (imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib). Propensity score matching was performed to control for potential confounders. Cox regressions were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of VAEs in different TKI groups.

Results

In total, 1,111 patients with CML were included in our study. We found that the risk of VAEs in nilotinib users was significantly higher than that in imatinib users, with an HR of 3.13 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30–7.51), whereas dasatinib users also showed a nonsignificant trend for developing VAEs, with an HR of 1.71 (95% CI, 0.71–4.26). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, only nilotinib usage, older age, and history of cerebrovascular diseases were identified as significant risk factors. The annual incidence rate of VAEs was highest within the first year after the initiation of TKIs.

Conclusion

These findings can support clinicians in making treatment decisions and monitoring VAEs in patients with CML in Taiwan.

Implications for Practice

This study found that patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with nilotinib and dasatinib may be exposed to a higher risk of developing vascular adverse events (VAEs) compared with those treated with imatinib. Thus, this study suggests that patients with CML who are older or have a history of cerebrovascular diseases should be under close monitoring of VAEs, particularly within the first year after the initiation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Implications of Research Biopsies in Clinical Trials
Authors: Dermody Sarah M. , Shuman Andrew G.
Published: August 2021

The advancing field of precision medicine and the increasing number of requests for research biopsies in clinical trials pose challenges for patients and providers. This commentary explores requests and consent for research biopsies in clinical trials in light of the recently developed ASCO Ethical Framework.
Community‐level bureaucrats conserving the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Biffi Isla Valeria
Published: August 2021

This paper explores to what extend Lipsky's street‐level bureaucrat (SLB) model fits forest‐level bureaucrats implementing environmental policy. Based on the research of a state‐led payment for an ecosystem services scheme in the Peruvian Amazon, the common features of SLBs – discretion, distance from power, and closeness to public policy users – are key analytical tools to understand the work of SLBs in rural contexts, where the presence of the state is usually precarious. Results suggest that, for this case study, SLBs use their discretion to reshape formal regulation and procedures and even relegate the accomplishment of environmental activities to cope with the burden of bureaucracy and accountability reporting. The political but also geographical distance from the center of power is fundamental for SLBs to use their discretion. However, applying the SLB model to the margins also requires paying attention to alternative elements. SLBs are better understood as brokers rather than gatekeepers since they assume responsibilities to close the bureaucratic and administrative gaps between the state as provider of public services and the real capacities of indigenous peoples as policy users. It also demands paying better attention to the role of public accountability and the effect they produce on bureaucratizing the communities where they work.
Acute kidney injury identification for pharmacoepidemiologic studies: Use of laboratory electronic acute kidney injury alerts versus electronic health records in Hospital Episode Statistics
Authors: Savino Manuela , Plumb Lucy , Casula Anna , Evans Katharine , Wong Esther , Kolhe Nitin , Medcalf James F. , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A laboratory‐based acute kidney injury (AKI) electronic‐alert (e‐alert) system, with e‐alerts sent to the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) and collated in a master patient index (MPI), has recently been implemented in England. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of correspondence between the UKRR‐MPI and AKI International Classification Disease‐10 (ICD‐10) N17 coding in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and whether hospital N17 coding correlated with 30‐day mortality and emergency re‐admission after AKI.

Methods

AKI e‐alerts in people aged ≥18 years, collated in the UKRR‐MPI during 2017, were linked to HES data to identify a hospitalised AKI population. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse associations between absence/presence of N17 codes and clinicodemographic features. Correlation of the percentage coded with N17 and 30‐day mortality and emergency re‐admission after AKI were calculated at hospital level.

Results

In 2017, there were 301 540 adult episodes of hospitalised AKI in England. AKI severity was positively associated with coding in HES, with a high degree of inter‐hospital variability—AKI stage 1 mean of 48.2% [SD 14.0], versus AKI stage 3 mean of 83.3% [SD 7.3]. N17 coding in HES depended on demographic features, especially age (18–29 years vs. ≥85 years OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.21–0.23), as well as sex and ethnicity. There was no evidence of association between the proportion of episodes coded for AKI with short‐term AKI outcomes.

Conclusion

Coding of AKI in HES is influenced by many factors that result in an underestimation of AKI. Using e‐alerts to triangulate the true incidence of AKI could provide a better understanding of the factors that affect hospital coding, potentially leading to improved coding, patient care and pharmacoepidemiologic research.
Validity of hospital ICD‐10‐GM codes to identify anaphylaxis
Authors: de Sordi Dominik , Kappen Sanny , Otto‐Sobotka Fabian , Kulschewski Anke , Weyland Andreas , Gutierrez Lia , Fortuny Joan , Reinold Jonas , Schink Tania , Timmer Antje
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Anaphylaxis (ANA) is an important adverse drug reaction. We examined positive predictive values (PPV) and other test characteristics of ICD‐10‐GM code algorithms for detecting ANA as used in a multinational safety study (PASS).

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study on routine data from a German academic hospital (2004–2019, age ≥ 18). Chart review was used for case verification. Potential cases were identified from the hospital administration system. The main outcome required at least one of the following: any type of specific in‐hospital code (T78.2, T88.6, and T80.5) OR specific outpatient code in combination with a symptom code OR in‐hospital non‐specific code (T78.4, T88.7, and Y57.9) in combination with two symptom codes. PPV were calculated with 95% confidence interval. Sensitivity analyses modified type of codes, unit of analysis, verification criteria and time period. The most specific algorithm used only primary codes for ANA (numbers added in brackets).

Results

Four hundred and sixteen eligible cases were evaluated, and 78 (37) potential ANA cases were identified. PPV were 62.8% (95% CI 51.1–73.5) (main) and 77.4% (58.9–90.4) (most specific). PPV from all modifications ranged from 12.9% to 80.6%. The sensitivity of the main algorithm was 66.2%, specificity 91.5%, and negative predictive value 92.6%. Corresponding figures for the most specific algorithm were 32.4%, 98.0%, and 87.0%.

Conclusions

The PPV of the main algorithm seems of acceptable validity for use in comparative safety research but will underestimate absolute risks by about a third. Restriction to primary discharge codes markedly improves PPV to the expense of reducing sensitivity.
Associations between LMO1 gene polymorphisms and central nervous system tumor susceptibility
Authors: Lin Huiran , Chen Huitong , Lin Ao , Liu Xiaoping , Huang Xiaokai , Zhou Jingying , Yuan Li , Zhuo Zhenjian
Published: August 2021

Importance

LIM domain only 1 (LMO1) gene polymorphisms were previously found to be implicated in the risk of several cancers. No available studies were performed regarding the predisposing effect of LMO1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on central nervous system (CNS) tumor risk.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether the LMO1 gene SNPs were associated with the risk of CNS tumor by applying a case‐control study with 191 cases and 248 controls in China.

Methods

The contributions of LMO1 gene SNPs to the risk of CNS tumor was evaluated by multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Based on the calculations of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), we failed to detect a significant relationship between each LMO1 gene SNP (rs110419 A>G, rs4758051 G>A, rs10840002 A>G, rs204938 A>G, and rs2168101 G>T) and CNS tumor risk, respectively. A negative association was also found in the combined effects on these five SNPs and CNS tumor risk. The stratification analysis further demonstrated the individuals with rs204938 AG/GG genotype confer to increased risk of CNS tumor compared with those with an AA genotype in males (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.01–2.98, P = 0.046).

Interpretation

We concluded that LMO1 gene SNPs may not strong enough to influence the risk of CNS tumor in Chinese children. More studies are required to verify this association.
Toughening of a dicyandiamide‐cured epoxy resin: Influence of cure conditions on different rubber modifications
Authors: Schneider Jan‐Pierre , Lengsfeld Hauke
Published: August 2021

Cure kinetics of modified epoxy resins cured with dicyandiamide are studied. The influence of different heating rates in the curing process, such as curing behavior, morphology, and thermo‐mechanical properties, is studied. Additionally, three different post‐cure cycles at 180°C are employed. Two butadiene‐based toughening agents are used, a carboxyl‐terminated polybutadiene‐co‐acrylonitril (CTBN) prepolymer and a functionalized block copolymer of polytetrahydrofuran and hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene. The amphiphilic block copolymer enables investigations with a bimodal particle size morphology. All results are contrasted with those of the neat resin and butadiene‐free block polymer. Faster curing processes result in smaller average particle sizes and better fracture toughness of the modified epoxy resins. Further improvements are achieved with additional post‐cure cycles at 180°C. An increased interfacial adhesion between the particles and the epoxy matrix is considered to be the main mechanism. Optimized lengths of the post‐cure process can be determined with the butadiene‐based toughening agents indicating a competing thermal degradation. Longer post‐cures than 40 min lead to lower fracture toughness in the butadiene‐based modified materials. In general, similar influences of the curing and post‐curing process on the bimodal and unimodal distributed system can be observed differing in more intense dependencies of the bimodal system.