bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionic Liquid‐Directed Nanoporous TiNb2O7 Anodes with Superior Performance for Fast‐Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tao Runming , Yang Guang , Self Ethan C. , Liang Jiyuan , Dunlap John R. , Men Shuang , Do‐Thanh Chi‐Linh , Liu Jixing , Zhang Yiman , Zhao Sheng , Lyu Hailong , Sokolov Alexei P. , Nanda Jagjit , Sun Xiao‐Guang , Dai Sheng
Published: June 2020

Nanoporous TiNb2O7 (NPTNO) material is synthesized by a sol–gel method with an ionic liquid (IL) as the nanoporous structure directing template. NPTNO exhibits a high reversible capacity of 210 mAh g–1 even at the charging rate of 50 C and an excellent cyclability of half‐cell capacity retention of 74% for 1000 cycles at 5 C and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐coupled full‐cell capacity retentions of 81% and 87% for 1000 cycles at 1 C and 2 C, respectively. The studies of the 1000 cycled NPTNO electrode illustrate that the IL‐directed mesoporous structure can enhance the cyclability of NPTNO cells due to the alleviation of repetitive mechanical stress and volume fluctuation induced by the repetitive Li+ insertion‐extraction processes. The measured Li+ diffusion coefficients from the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique suggest that the IL‐templating strategy indeed ensures the fast rechargeability of NPTNO cells based on the fast Li+ diffusion kinetics. Benefitting from the nanoporous structure, NPTNO with unhindered Li+ diffusion pathways achieves a superior rate capability in the titanium‐based oxide materials and the best full‐cell cyclability in the TNO materials. Therefore, the templating potential of IL is demonstrated, and the superb electrochemical performance establishes the IL‐directed NPTNO as a promising anode candidate for fast‐rechargeable LIBs.
Deriving secondary traits of industry 4.0: A comparative analysis of significant maturity models
Authors: Simetinger František , Zhang Zuopeng (Justin)
Published: June 2020

The potential of Industry 4.0 concept is represented by increased productivity, improved cost efficiency, or higher product attractiveness. The adoption of this concept is related to a high number of challenges and risks. A possible solution to address these challenges and risks is the adoption or implementation of this concept using the maturity models. The maturity models use various approaches to Industry 4.0 with concepts and procedures varying in every maturity model. However, there still exist divergences in terms of their impact on the organizational units. This research conducts the comparative analysis of significant maturity models to identify generally shared traits of Industry 4.0 that are common to the majority of the analyzed maturity models. In addition, it discusses the impact of Industry 4.0 on the business informatics unit in organizations.
Neuartige Bemessungsmethode für Hohlprofilquerschnitte und ‐stäbe
Authors: Taras Andreas , Toffolon Andrea
Published: June 2020

Der Wunsch nach einem vermehrten Einsatz von hochfesten, besonders dünnwandigen und/oder speziell geformten Hohlprofilen führte in den letzten Jahren zur Überprüfung und Revision bestehender, traditioneller Bemessungsregeln, u. a. für den Querschnitts‐ und Bauteilnachweis. Für die – nun deutlich häufiger auftretenden – schlanken Querschnitte der Klassen 3 und 4 stellen die als konservativ erkannten Bemessungsregeln teilweise ein Hindernis für die weitere Verbreitung der neuen Bauweisen dar. Das EU‐RFCS‐geförderte Projekt HOLLOSSTAB (2016–2019) setzte sich das Ziel, durch den spezifischen Einsatz der Kombination von einfachen numerischen Berechnungsroutinen mit experimentell validierten, analytischen Bemessungsformeln eine deutliche Verbesserung der Bemessungsverfahren zu erzielen. Das Ergebnis dieser Arbeiten ist die Generalised Slenderness‐based Resistance Method für die Bemessung von Hohlprofilen unter allgemeiner Druck‐ und Biegebeanspruchung; sie wird in diesem Übersichtsaufsatz zum Projekt vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Molecular characterization of Brucella species detected in humans and domestic ruminants of pastoral areas in Kagera ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Ntirandekura Jean‐Bosco , Makene Victor A. , Kasanga Christopher J. , Matemba Lucas E. , Kimera Sharadhuli I. , Muma John B. , Karimuribo Esron D.
Published: June 2020

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of importance to both public health and the livestock industry. The disease is likely to be endemic in Tanzania and little is reported on molecular characterization of Brucella species in pastoral settings. This study aimed at characterizing Brucella species (targeting genus Brucella) infecting humans, cattle and goat in Kagera region (Ngara and Karagwe districts) using real‐time PCR, PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes and Sanger sequencing. Brucella spp. were detected in 47 samples (19 sera and 28 milk) out of 125 samples (77 sera, 35 milk and 13 aborted materials) using real‐time PCR. All aborted materials (13 samples) were negative to real‐time PCR. Out of the 47 real‐time PCR positive samples (28 milk and 19 sera), 20 samples (10 milk and 10 sera) showed an expected 16S rRNA gene PCR product. Sequence analysis and blasting confirmed the presence of Brucella spp. in pastoral areas of Kagera region. The Brucella spp. from Kagera were phylogenetically grouped in two clades and three branches all closer to B. melitensis, B. abortus and B. suis from USA, Sudan and Iran. However, they were distinct from other species isolated also in USA, New Zealand, Germany and Egypt. This was expected based on the distance between the geographical regions from which the data (nucleotides sequences from 16S gene sequencing) for the phylogeny reconstruction were obtained. This is the first study to report Brucella species identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in East and Central Africa. A livestock vaccination program re‐inforced with a high index of Brucella diagnosis is needed to eradicate brucellosis in animals and minimize suffering from Brucella infections in humans in Tanzania.
Cover Image, Volume 7, Issue 4
Authors: Wang Chaozi , Wang Ruoyu , Huo Zailin , Xie En , Dahlke Helen E.
Published: June 2020

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Colloid transport through soil and other porous media under transient flow conditions—A review by Chaozi Wang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1439.

image
A Comparison of the Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) Analysis of the Two‐Particle Density‐Matrices of MP4SDQ and CCSD
Authors: Vincent Mark A. , Silva Arnaldo F. , Popelier Paul L. A.
Published: June 2020

Within the quantum topological energy partitioning method called Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) we transition from Møller‐Plesset (MP4SDQ) to CCSD in calculating intra‐ and interatomic electron correlation energies for a set of hydrides, diatomics, a few simple molecules and non‐covalently bonded complexes, using the uncontracted basis set 6‐31++G(2d,2p). CCSD‐IQA allows a more rigorous analysis of atomic electron correlation than that offered by Møller‐Plesset, which returns IQA contributions that are identical to Hartree–Fock counterparts except for two‐electron terms. The CCSD‐IQA analysis returns bond and other interatomic correlation energies that are typically much larger in magnitude than the MP4SDQ values. Crisp patterns of energy transferability are detected in water clusters, both for intra‐atomic and interatomic correlation energies. CCSD determines that the intra‐atomic correlation energy of an oxygen drops by 15 kJ·mol–1for donating a hydrogen and by 25 kJ·mol–1for accepting a hydrogen.
The Use of Remote Sensing to Enhance Biodiversity Monitoring and Detection: A Critical Challenge for the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Gamon John A. , Townsend Philip A.
Published: June 2020

Improved detection and monitoring of biodiversity is critical at a time when the Earth’s biodiversity loss due to human activities is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. We face the largest loss of biodiversity in human history, a loss which has been called the “sixth mass extinction” (Leakey 1996; Kolbert 2014), given that its magnitude is in proportion to past extinction episodes in Earth history detectable from the fossil record. International efforts to conserve biodiversity (United Nations 2011) and to develop an assessment process to document changes in the status and trends of biodiversity globally through the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Díaz et al. 2015) have raised awareness about the critical need for continuous monitoring of biodiversity at multiple spatial scales across the globe. Biodiversity itself—the variation in life found among ecosystems and organisms at any level of biological organization—cannot practically be observed everywhere. However, if habitats, functional traits, trait diversity, and the spatial turnover of plant functions can be remotely sensed, the potential exists to globally inventory the diversity of habitats and traits associated with terrestrial biodiversity. To face this challenge, there have been recent calls for a global biodiversity monitoring system (Jetz et al. 2016; Proença et al. 2017; The National Academy of Sciences 2017). A central theme of this volume is that remote sensing (RS) will play a key role in such a system.
Consideration of Scale in Remote Sensing of Biodiversity
Authors: Gamon John A. , Wang Ran , Gholizadeh Hamed , Zutta Brian , Townsend Phil A. , Cavender-Bares Jeannine
Published: June 2020

A coherent and effective remote sensing (RS) contribution to biodiversity monitoring requires careful consideration of scale in all its dimensions, including spatial, temporal, spectral, and angular, along with biodiversity at different levels of biological organization. Recent studies of the relationship between optical diversity (spectral diversity) and biodiversity reveal a scale dependence that can be influenced by the RS methods used, vegetation type, and degree and nature of disturbance. To better understand these issues, we call for multi-scale field campaigns that test the effect of sampling scale, vegetation type, and degree of disturbance on the ability to detect different kinds of biodiversity, along with the development of improved models that incorporate both physical and biological principles as well as ecological and evolutionary theory. One goal of these studies would be to more closely match instrumentation and sampling scales to biological definitions of biodiversity and so improve optical diversity (spectral diversity) as a proxy for biodiversity. The ultimate goal would be to design and implement a truly effective, “scale-aware” global biodiversity monitoring system employing RS methods. Such a system could improve our understanding of the distribution and functional importance of biodiversity and enhance our ability to manage ecosystems for resilience and sustainability in a changing world.
Essential Biodiversity Variables: Integrating In-Situ Observations and Remote Sensing Through Modeling
Authors: Fernández Néstor , Ferrier Simon , Navarro Laetitia M. , Pereira Henrique M.
Published: June 2020

Essential biodiversity variables (EBVs) are designed to support the detection and quantification of biodiversity change and to define priorities in biodiversity monitoring. Unlike most primary observations of biodiversity phenomena, EBV products should provide information readily available to produce policy-relevant biodiversity indicators, ideally at multiple spatial scales, from global to subnational. This information is typically complex to produce from a single set of data or type of observation, thus requiring approaches that integrate multiple sources of in situ and remote sensing (RS) data. Here we present an up-to-date EBV concept for biodiversity data integration and discuss the critical components of workflows for EBV production. We argue that open and reproducible workflows for data integration are critical to ensure traceability and reproducibility so that each EBV endures and can be updated as novel biodiversity models are adopted, new observation systems become available, and new data sets are incorporated. Fulfilling the EBV vision requires strengthening efforts to mobilize massive amounts of in situ biodiversity data that are not yet publicly available and taking full advantage of emerging RS technologies, novel biodiversity models, and informatics infrastructures, in alignment with the development of a globally coordinated system for biodiversity monitoring.
Remote Sensing for Early, Detailed, and Accurate Detection of Forest Disturbance and Decline for Protection of Biodiversity
Authors: Pontius Jennifer , Schaberg Paul , Hanavan Ryan
Published: June 2020

Many ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain are currently faced with increasing disturbance frequency and intensity, concurrent with converging stress agents such as climate change, invasive species, and pollutant loads. Research has shown that the earlier decline can be detected, the more successful efforts will be in sustaining critical natural resources. While historically remote sensing (RS) has been successfully used to assess and monitor vegetation condition on a relative, coarse scale, advances in RS technologies and new modeling approaches now enable the identification and tracking of early and more subtle changes in vegetation condition, function, and structure. Here we review the current techniques used to assess and monitor forest ecosystem condition and disturbance and outline a general approach for earlier, more detailed, and accurate decline assessment. We also discuss the importance of engaging land managers, practitioners, and decision-makers in these efforts to ensure that the final products developed can be utilized by stakeholders to maximize the impact of these technologies moving forward.
Formal Verification of Robotic Cell Injection systems up to 4-DOF using HOL Light
Authors: Rashid Adnan , Hasan Osman
Published: June 2020

Cell injection is an approach used for the delivery of small sample substances into a biological cell and is widely used in drug development, gene injection, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in-vitro fertilization. Robotic cell injection systems provide the automation of the process as opposed to the manual and semi-automated cell injection systems, which require expert operators and involve time consuming processes and also have lower success rates. The automation of the cell injection process is obtained by controlling the orientation and movement of its various components, like injection manipulator, microscope etc., and planning the motion of the injection pipette by controlling the force of the injection. The conventional techniques to analyze the cell injection process include paper-and-pencil proof and computer simulation methods. However, both these techniques suffer from their inherent limitations, such as, proneness to human error for the former and the approximation of the mathematical expressions involved in the numerical algorithms for the latter. Formal methods have the capability to overcome these limitations and can provide an accurate analysis of these cell injection systems. Model checking, i.e., a state-based formal method, has been recently used for analyzing these systems. However, it involves the discretization of the differential equations capturing the continuous dynamics of the system and thus compromises on the completeness of the analysis of these safety-critical systems. In this paper, we propose a higher-order-logic theorem proving (a deductive-reasoning based formal method) based framework for analyzing the dynamical behavior of the robotic cell injection systems upto 4-DOF. The proposed analysis, based on the HOL Light theorem prover, enabled us to identify some discrepancies in the simulation and model checking based analysis of the same robotic cell injection system.
Influence of breast cancer risk factors and intramammary biotransformation on estrogen homeostasis in the human breast
Authors: Pemp Daniela , Geppert Leo N. , Wigmann Claudia , Kleider Carolin , Hauptstein René , Schmalbach Katja , Ickstadt Katja , Esch Harald L. , Lehmann Leane
Published: June 2020

Understanding intramammary estrogen homeostasis constitutes the basis of understanding the role of lifestyle factors in breast cancer etiology. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify variables influencing levels of the estrogens present in normal breast glandular and adipose tissues (GLT and ADT, i.e., 17β-estradiol, estrone, estrone-3-sulfate, and 2-methoxy-estrone) by multiple linear regression models. Explanatory variables (exVARs) considered were (a) levels of metabolic precursors as well as levels of transcripts encoding proteins involved in estrogen (biotrans)formation, (b) data on breast cancer risk factors (i.e., body mass index, BMI, intake of estrogen-active drugs, and smoking) collected by questionnaire, and (c) tissue characteristics (i.e., mass percentage of oil, oil%, and lobule type of the GLT). Levels of estrogens in GLT and ADT were influenced by both extramammary production (menopausal status, intake of estrogen-active drugs, and BMI) thus showing that variables known to affect levels of circulating estrogens influence estrogen levels in breast tissues as well for the first time. Moreover, intratissue (biotrans)formation (by aromatase, hydroxysteroid-17beta-dehydrogenase 2, and beta-glucuronidase) influenced intratissue estrogen levels, as well. Distinct differences were observed between the exVARs exhibiting significant influence on (a) levels of specific estrogens and (b) the same dependent variables in GLT and ADT. Since oil% and lobule type of GLT influenced levels of some estrogens, these variables may be included in tissue characterization to prevent sample bias. In conclusion, evidence for the intracrine activity of the human breast supports biotransformation-based strategies for breast cancer prevention. The susceptibility of estrogen homeostasis to systemic and tissue-specific modulation renders both beneficial and adverse effects of further variables associated with lifestyle and the environment possible.
Short‐ to Midterm Results After Posterior Component Separation with Transversus Abdominis Release: Initial Experience from India
Authors: Priya Pallawi , Kantharia Nimisha , Agrawal Jugal B. , Agrawal Abhay , Agrawal Laksh , Afaque Md Yusuf , Rizvi Amjad Syed Ali , Baig Sarfaraz J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release is a new procedure and is quickly gaining popularity. It has shown promising results in terms of low recurrence rates for large and complex hernias. However, there are very little Indian data available on this to date. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of the technique at three centers in India.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data. Patients with a minimum follow‐up of 3 months who underwent open or minimal access posterior component separation were included.

Results

A total of 72 patients (open = 44, minimal access = 25, and hybrid = 3) were included in the analysis. At a follow‐up ranging from 3 months to 35 months, there were two recurrences (2.78%). Surgical site occurrences were seen in 23/72 (31.9%), and surgical site infection was seen in 7/72 (9.7%). Surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention was 3/72 (4.2%). There were two (2.78%) mortalities in the open group due to myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release may have advantages in terms of low recurrence in large hernias in the Indian population and can be used in carefully selected patients.
Perioperative Management and Outcomes of Hyperthyroid Patients Unable to Tolerate Antithyroid Drugs
Authors: Hsieh Lily B. , Yen Tina W. F. , Dream Sophie , Patel Dhaval , Evans Douglas B. , Wang Tracy S.
Published: June 2020

Background

Prior to thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, it is recommended that patients are managed with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) and rendered euthyroid to decrease the risk of thyroid storm. However, not all patients tolerate ATD and the risk of thyroid storm during thyroidectomy in these patients is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the management and outcomes of hyperthyroid patients that were on ATDs prior to surgery to those who were not.

Study design

A prospectively maintained, single‐institution database was queried for all hyperthyroid patients who were initially treated with ATDs and underwent thyroidectomy from January 1, 2012, to June 18, 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) those on ATDs at surgery (ATD group) and (2) those who could not tolerate and stopped ATDs prior to surgery (no‐ATD group). Demographic and clinical data were collected. Primary outcomes were readmissions/emergency department visits and postoperative complications within 30 days of thyroidectomy.

Results

Of the 248 patients, 231 were in the ATD group and 17 (7%) were in the no‐ATD group. There were no mortalities or thyroid storm events in either group. There was no difference in Clavien–Dindo Grade 2 or 3 complications between the two groups. There were no ED visits or 30‐day readmissions in the no‐ATD group compared to 17 (7%) events in the ATD group (p = 1.0).

Conclusion

While it is preferable to render patients euthyroid prior to thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, results of this study suggest that when patients cannot tolerate ATDs, it is possible to perform thyroidectomy without increased risk of thyroid storm or intra‐ and postoperative complications.
Comparison of short-stem with conventional-stem prostheses in total hip arthroplasty: an 8-year follow-up study
Authors: Zimmerer Alexander , Slouka Stefanie , Kinkel Stefan , Fritz Thomas , Weiss Stefan , Sobau Christian , Miehlke Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Coxarthrosis is a common disease of the adult hip joint. Elderly patients have mainly been treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, younger patients are increasingly affected. Short-stem prostheses were developed for this special patient group. There have been few studies on the clinical outcomes of this type of prosthesis. This study compared the mid-term results of a short-stem prosthesis and a standard-stem prosthesis 8 years after implantation.

Methods

According to our clinical registry, patients who received a short-stem prosthesis before 2011 were identified. Patients in the standard-stem prosthesis group were matched based on the sex, age, height, weight, and degree of arthrosis. At the follow-up time, the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were collected and compared with the preoperative values.

Results

Fifty-five patients could be matched and analyzed for both groups. No patients needed revision surgery. In both groups, there were significant improvements at the follow-up time. The pre- and postoperative mHHSs, UCLA scores, and VAS scores were 41.9 and 95 (p < 0.0001), 3.75 and 7.9 (p < 0.0001), and 7.6 and 0.9 (p < 0.0001), respectively, in the short-stem group and 44.8 and 96.25 (p < 0.0001), 3.6 and 7.7 (p < 0.0001), and 7.7 and 0.9 (p < 0.0001), respectively, in the control group, with no significant differences between the groups at the follow-up time.

Conclusion

The short-stem prosthesis provides mid-term results comparable to those of a standard-stem prosthesis. In both groups, excellent patient-reported outcomes were achieved after an average of 8 years.

Level of evidence

IV.
Thyroxine restores severely impaired cutaneous re-epithelialisation and angiogenesis in a novel preclinical assay for studying human skin wound healing under “pathological” conditions ex vivo
Authors: Post H. , Hundt J. E. , Zhang G. , Depping R. , Rose C. , Langan E. A. , Paus R.
Published: June 2020

Impaired cutaneous wound healing remains a major healthcare challenge. The enormity of this challenge is compounded by the lack of preclinical human skin wound healing models that recapitulate selected key factors underlying impaired healing, namely hypoxia/poor tissue perfusion, oxidative damage, defective innervation, and hyperglycaemia. Since organ-cultured human skin already represents a denervated and impaired perfusion state, we sought to further mimic “pathological” wound healing conditions by culturing experimentally wounded, healthy full-thickness frontotemporal skin from three healthy female subjects for three days in either serum-free supplemented Williams’ E medium or in unsupplemented medium under “pathological” conditions (i.e. hypoxia [5% O2], oxidative damage [10 mM H2O2], absence of insulin, excess glucose). Under these “pathological” conditions, dermal–epidermal split formation and dyskeratosis were prominent in organ-cultured human skin, and epidermal reepithelialisation was significantly impaired (p < 0.001), associated with reduced keratinocyte proliferation (p < 0.001), cytokeratin 6 expression (p < 0.001) and increased apoptosis (p < 0.001). Moreover, markers of intracutaneous angiogenesis (CD31 immunoreactivity and the number of of CD31 positive cells and CD31 positive vessel lumina) were significantly reduced. Since we had previously shown that thyroxine promotes wound healing in healthy human skin ex vivo, we tested whether this in principle also occurs under “pathological” wound healing conditions. Indeed, thyroxine administration sufficed to rescue re-epithelialisation (p < 0.001) and promoted both epidermal keratinocyte proliferation (p < 0.01) and angiogenesis in terms of CD31 immunoreactivity and CD31 positive cells under “pathological” conditions (p < 0.001) ex vivo. This demonstrates the utility of this pragmatic short-term ex vivo model, which recapitulates some key parameters of impaired human skin wound healing, for the preclinical identification of promising wound healing promoters.
Systematic review: non-adherence and non-persistence in intravitreal treatment
Authors: Ehlken Christoph , Ziemssen Focke , Eter Nicole , Lanzl Ines , Kaymak Hakan , Lommatzsch Albrecht , Schuster Alexander K.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors has become the standard of care for different macular diseases within the last years resulting in improved visual outcomes. Under real-life conditions, however, the necessity for frequent retreatments and reexaminations poses a burden for patients and treatment centers. Non-adherence and non-persistence to intravitreal treatment may lead to inferior clinical outcomes, and knowledge of contributing factors is crucial to improve adherence. This systematic review analyzes current literature for potential factors involved in non-adherence and non-persistence.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase including three different aspects of intravitreal injection therapy: (1) diseases with intravitreal injections as treatment, (2) intravitreal injection, and (3) aspects of therapy adherence or therapy persistence. Data from identified quantitative studies were further extracted and grouped according to WHO criteria (condition, socio-economy, therapy, patient, and health system). The methodological quality of identified studies was graded. Identified qualitative studies (i.e., interviews) were descriptively analyzed and their findings narratively reported.

Results

Twenty-four publications were included. In 16 of those publications, a quantitative data analysis was conducted, analyzing factors associated with non-adherence. Worse visual acuity at baseline and unfavorable development of visual acuity, higher age, and greater distance to the treatment center were associated with non-adherence, while there was inconsistent evidence for an association of comorbidity. In qualitative studies, high follow-up/treatment burden, fear and anxiety, disappointed patient expectations, and lack of motivation to continue treatment were reported as reasons for non-persistence.

Conclusions

Knowledge of potential barriers in IVT treatment may improve adherence and potentially clinical results. Improvements can be achieved particularly in the healthcare complex (organizational improvements) and the “patient” complex by establishing realistic expectations. Recurrent education of the patient may be necessary.
Poor sleep quality among newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Santoso Angelina M. M. , Jansen Femke , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Langendijk Johannes A. , Leemans C. René , Smit Johannes H. , Takes Robert P. , Terhaard Chris H. J. , van Straten Annemieke , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. ,   the NET-QUBIC consortium
Published: June 2020

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often suffer from distress attributed to their cancer diagnosis which may disturb their sleep. However, there is lack of research about poor sleep quality among newly diagnosed HNC patients. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the prevalence and the associated factors of poor sleep quality among HNC patients before starting treatment.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the baseline data from NET-QUBIC study, an ongoing multi-center cohort of HNC patients in the Netherlands. Poor sleep quality was defined as a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score of > 5. Risk factors examined were sociodemographic factors (age, sex, education level, living situation), clinical characteristics (HNC subsite, tumor stage, comorbidity, performance status), lifestyle factors, coping styles, and HNC symptoms.

Results

Among 560 HNC patients, 246 (44%) had poor sleep quality before start of treatment. Several factors were found to be significantly associated with poor sleep: younger age (odds ratio [OR] for each additional year 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00), being female (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7–4.1), higher passive coping style (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09–1.28), more oral pain (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.19), and less sexual interest and enjoyment (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.20).

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among HNC patients before start of treatment. Early evaluation and tailored intervention to improve sleep quality are necessary to prepare these patients for HNC treatment and its consequences.
Bugscope: A Practical Approach to Providing Remote Microscopy for Science Education Outreach
Authors: Potter Clinton S. , Carragher Bridget , Carroll Liana , Conway Charles , Grosser Benjamin , Hanlon Janet , Kisseberth Nick , Robinson Scott , Thakkar Umesh , Weber Daniel
Published: June 2020

The Bugscope project is an educational outreach program for kindergarten to grade 12 (K–12) classrooms. The project provides a resource to classrooms so that they may remotely operate a scanning electron microscope to image insects at high magnification. The microscope is remotely controlled in real time from a classroom computer over the Internet using a Web browser. Bugscope provides a state-of-the-art microscope resource for teachers that can be readily integrated into classroom activities. The Bugscope project provides a low-cost, sustainable model for research groups to support K–12 education outreach projects.
Atomic-focuser Imaging by Graphite Crystals in Carbon Nanoshells
Authors: Cowley J.M. , Hudis J.B.
Published: June 2020

One of the atomic-focuser modes for ultra-high resolution electron microscopy is described theoretically and illustrated by the observation of images formed within the diffraction spots of nanodiffraction patterns of carbon nanoshells. In this mode, the specimen is illuminated by the focused probe of a scanning transmission electron microscope and is followed by a thin crystal at a Fourier-image distance. The theory shows that each diffraction spot of the crystal contains a magnified image of the illuminated area of the specimen, having a resolution depending on the width of the intensity peak of electrons channeled along atomic rows in the crystal. A thin graphite crystal, contained within one wall of a carbon nanoshell, can act as an atomic focuser to image part of the other wall of the nanoshell, or tungsten atoms deposited on this wall. Simulations of the transmission of electrons through graphite crystals show that the images formed should have a resolution of about 0.06 nm. Experimental images suggest that this resolution has been attained in the imaging of tungsten atoms or clusters of tungsten atoms.
Nonlinear Dynamics in the Progression of Atherosclerotic Fatty Streaks: Morphometric Analysis
Authors: Bugelski Peter J. , Maleeff Beverly E. , Klinkner Anne M. , Louden Calvert S. , Hart Timothy K.
Published: June 2020

Atherosclerotic lesions are heterogeneous in terms of their cellular and lipid composition. While heterogeneity can be the result of stochastic noise, an alternate hypothesis is that the differences observed among individual lesions arise from deterministic chaos. Five New Zealand white rabbits were fed a diet containing 0.15% cholesterol for 6 months. Segments of the aorta were fixed in formalin, stained en bloc with Nile red (NR) and filipin (F), and en face fluorescence microscopy was used to map the distribution of lipids in fatty streaks (FS). The smallest lesions detected stained only with filipin. Larger lesions stained with both Nile red and filipin and two distinct regions of Nile red staining, NR-orange (rich in polar lipids) and NR-yellow (rich in neutral lipids) were observed. Digital overlays revealed a “nested” arrangement of F, NR-orange, and NR-yellow. The lesions also showed marked heterogeneity in their lipid composition. Thus, although initially similar, as FS increased in size, their composition became divergent, suggesting that the ultimate composition of a FS was highly sensitive to its initial composition. Sensitivity to initial condition is one of the hallmarks of deterministic systems. To determine if FS were self-similar, another hallmark of deterministic chaos, the borders of the different regions defined by NR and F staining were subjected to fractal analysis. For each lesion, the borders of the F, NR-orange, and NR-yellow regions were found to be fractal. Return maps were constructed for the differently stained regions. Analysis of the entire 104-lesion data set showed that although the data could be described by a four-parameter logistic model, the population was not chaotic. However, return maps drawn for the maxima of the NR-orange stained regions demonstrated chaos. Taken together, the data suggest that deterministic chaos plays a role in the evolution of atheromatous disease but, in common with most biologic systems, as the lesions progress, chaotic behavior is dampened.
Development of Electron Probe Instrumentation during Those Early Days
When Professor Castaing Visited Japan
Authors: Shimizu Ryuichi
Published: June 2020

The development of the electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) in Japan in
the early 1960s, when Prof. R. Castaing visited Japan, is briefly outlined.
In 1955, a review article was published by Prof. G. Shinoda in
Oyobutsuri, the most popular journal in
Japan, in which the EPMA was introduced. In 1957, a research group at the
University of Tokyo started to develop an EPMA with a Grant-in-Aid for
Developmental Research. Their research results led to the funding of a
2-year Grant-in-Aid for Cooperative Research Project (April 1960 to March
1962), which was chaired by Prof. Y. Sakaki. Prof. G. Shinoda who became the
chairman of that project in April of 1962 led that group for another year
until March of 1963. It was just after the start of the project that Prof.
R. Castaing visited Japan in September of 1960 as a representative of the
French Mission Culturelle. This visit gave a great push forward for the
commercial development of EPMA instruments in Japan. The first three
commercial EPMA instruments from Hitachi, JEOL, and Akashi Ltds. were
installed in Tohoku, Osaka, and Waseda Universities in 1962, 1963, and 1964,
respectively. Photographs of those first commercial EPMA systems, together
with a brief description of the activities of the cooperative research
projects, are presented.
Biological X-ray Microanalysis: The Past, Present Practices, and Future
Prospects
Authors: Echlin Patrick
Published: June 2020

A brief description is given of the events surrounding the development
of biological X-ray microanalysis during the last 30 years, with particular
emphasis on the contribution made by research workers in Cambridge, UK.
There then follows a broad review of some applications of biological X-ray
microanalysis. A more detailed consideration is given to the main thrust of
current procedures and applications that are, for convenience, considered as
four different kinds of samples. Thin frozen dried sections which are
analyzed at ambient temperatures in a transmission electron microscope
(TEM); semithin frozen dried sections which are analyzed at low temperature
in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM); thick frozen hydrated
sections which are analyzed at low temperature in a scanning electron
microscope (SEM), and bulk samples which are analyzed at low temperature in
the same type of instrument. A brief outline is given of the advantages and
disadvantages of performing low-voltage, low-temperature X-ray microanalysis
on frozen hydrated bulk biological material. The article concludes with a
consideration of alternative approaches to in situ analysis using either
high-energy beams or visible and near-visible photons.
Fundamental Constants for Quantitative X-ray Microanalysis
Authors: Joy David C.
Published: June 2020

Quantitative X-ray microanalysis requires the use of many fundamental
constants related to the interaction of the electron beam with the sample.
The current state of our knowledge of such constants in the particular areas
of electron stopping power, X-ray ionization cross-sections, X-ray
fluorescence yield, and the electron backscattering yield, is examined. It
is found that, in every case, the quality and quantity of data available is
poor, and that there are major gaps remaining to be filled.
Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometer and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer
Automation: Past and Future Development
Authors: McCarthy Jon J. , Friel John J.
Published: June 2020

As part of the Microbeam Analysis Society (MAS) symposium marking 50
years of electron microprobe analysis, this article reviews the important
advances made over the decades to the automation of data collection and
computerized analysis of data from the electron microprobe. Out of many
innovations that contributed to the advance of microprobe automation, we
have chosen to focus on a few developments that the authors feel represent
the major trends in advancement of the “state of the art” of this
instrumentation. After providing brief summaries of the three generations of
advances in the hardware and software of automation systems, several key
applications developments are described, followed by our prediction of which
current developments may impact the future automation of the
microprobe.
Minimizing Errors in Electron Microprobe Analysis
Authors: Lifshin Eric , Gauvin Raynald
Published: June 2020

Errors in quantitative electron microprobe analysis arise from many
sources including those associated with sampling, specimen preparation,
instrument operation, data collection, and analysis. The relative magnitudes
of some of these factors are assessed for a sample of NiAl used to
demonstrate important concerns in the analysis of even a relatively simple
system measured under standard operating conditions. The results presented
are intended to serve more as a guideline for developing an analytical
strategy than as a detailed error propagation model that includes all
possible sources of variability and inaccuracy. The use of a variety of
tools to assess errors is demonstrated. It is also shown that, as sample
characteristics depart from those under which many of the quantitative
methods were developed, errors can increase significantly.
Characterization of High Resolution Resists and Metal Shims by Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Sexton B. A. , Marnock R. J.
Published: June 2020

Technologies such as compact disc (CD) manufacturing, hologram embossing, and security printing
rely on the reproduction of micro-patterns generated on surfaces by optical or electron-beam lithographic
writing onto electron-beam or photoresists. The periodicity of such patterns varies from sub-micron to several
microns, with depths up to 0.5 μm. The scanning probe microscope (SPM) is becoming a routine tool for
analysis of these micro-patterns, to check on depths and lateral dimensions of features. Direct scanning of
resist-covered plates is now possible, without damage, using resonant low-contact force SPM with etched silicon
cantilevers. Metal shims produced from the master resist plates can also be scanned and checked for defects
prior to production of embossed foils. The present article discusses examples of the use of a Digital Instruments
3100 microscope in analysis of production electron-beam lithography plates with a 0.5 μm resist thickness. We
also examine features of nickel replicas (father and mother shims) produced by electroforming from the
original plate. With SPM measurements of the development profile of a particular plate, corrections can be
made to exposures and development times during production to correct errors. An example is given of such
a feedback process.
Approaches to Standardless Wavelength Dispersive Analysis
Authors: Reed S. B. J.
Published: June 2020

In truly standardless electron microprobe analysis, generated X-ray intensities calculated from first
principles are combined with a detector efficiency model. Though already used for energy dispersive (ED)
analysis, the application of this concept to wavelength dispersive (WD) analysis is problematic, mainly because
the reflectivity of spectrometer crystals is not well known. However, the need to carry out standard measurements
with every batch of WD analyses can be avoided by using stored intensity data, and interpolation may
be used when no standard is available. An empirical adjustment factor allowing for changes in spectrometer
efficiency with time can be applied as necessitated by the variability of the spectrometer characteristics and the
accuracy required. A similar approach to background corrections, based on measured continuum intensities,
can be used. While the convenience of standardless WD analysis is attainable only at the expense of reduced
accuracy, it can have a useful role where high accuracy is not needed or as a preliminary to applying a more
rigorous routine using standards.
Similar risk of cardiovascular events in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and rheumatoid arthritis in the first 5 years after diagnosis
Authors: Párraga Prieto Cristina , Ibrahim Fowzia , Campbell Richard , Chinoy Hector , Galloway James , Gordon Patrick
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) compared to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the general population. To explore the contribution of traditional CV risk factors to any difference observed.

Methods

A retrospective matched population-based cohort study was conducted using UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) from 1987 to 2013. The incidence of CV events was calculated for each cohort over time and compared using Cox proportional hazards models. Multivariable analyses were used to adjust for traditional CV risk factors.

Results

A total of 603 patients with IIM 4047 RA and 4061 healthy controls were included. The rate of CV events in IIM was significantly greater than healthy controls [hazard ratio (HR) 1.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.83)] and remained significant after adjustment for CV risk factors [HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.11–1.72)]. Risk was similar between IIM and RA [HR 1.01 (95% CI 0.78–1.31)]. The rate of myocardial infarction [HR 1.61 (95% CI 1.27–2.04)] but not stroke [HR 0.92 (95% CI 0.59–1.44)] was significantly greater in IIM compared to healthy controls. After the first 5 years, the rate of CV events for RA remained significantly greater compared to the control group, but appeared to return to that of the healthy controls in the IIM group.

Conclusion

IIM is associated with an increased risk of CV events in the first 5 years after diagnosis similar to that of RA. Beyond 5 years, the risk appears to return to that of the general population in IIM but not RA.

Key Points• The excess risk of cardiovascular events in IIM is similar to that found in RA.• The excess risk of cardiovascular events is greatest in the first 5 years after diagnosis.
Hormone replacement therapy and mammographic density: a systematic literature review
Authors: Azam Shadi , Jacobsen Katja Kemp , Aro Arja R. , Lynge Elsebeth , Andersen Zorana Jovanovic
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to reduce climacteric symptoms of menopause and prevent osteoporosis; however, it increases risk of breast cancer. Mammographic density (MD) is also a strong risk factor for breast cancer. We conducted this review to investigate the association between HRT use and MD and to assess the effect of different HRT regimens on MD.

Methods

Two of authors examined articles published between 2002 and 2019 from PubMed, Embase, and OVID using Covidence systematic review platform. Any disagreements were discussed until consensus was reached. The protocol used in this review was created in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Quality of each eligible study was assessed using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) hierarchy.

Results

Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies showed that using estrogen plus progestin (E + P) HRT was associated with higher MD than estrogen alone. Four studies reported that continuous estrogen plus progestin (CEP) users had higher MD than sequential estrogen plus progestin (SEP) and estrogen alone users. However, two studies showed that SEP users had slightly higher MD than CEP users and estrogen alone users.

Conclusions

Epidemiological evidence is rather consistent suggesting that there is a positive association between HRT use and MD with the highest increase in MD among current users, and CEP users. Our results suggest that due to increase in MD and masking effect, current E + P users may require additional screening procedures, shorter screening intervals, or using advanced imaging techniques.