bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying lung and diaphragm morphology using radiographs in normative pediatric subjects, and predicting CT‐derived lung volume
Authors: Orbach Mattan R. , Servaes Sabah E. , Mayer Oscar H. , Cahill Patrick J. , Balasubramanian Sriram
Published: April 2021

Objective

To quantify the effect of age on two‐dimensional (2D) radiographic lung and diaphragm morphology and determine if 2D radiographic lung measurements can be used to estimate computer tomography (CT)‐derived lung volume in normative pediatric subjects.

Materials and Methods

Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) were created using retrospective chest CT scans from 77 pediatric male and female subjects aged birth to 19 years. 2D lung and diaphragm measurements were made on the DRRs using custom MATLAB code, and Spearman correlations and exponential regression equations were used to relate 2D measurements with age. In addition, 3D lung volumes were segmented using CT scans, and power regression equations were fitted to predict each lung's CT‐derived volume from 2D lung measurements. The coefficient of determination (R2) and standard error of the estimate (SEE) were used to assess the precision of the predictive equations with p < .05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

All 2D radiographic lung and diaphragm measurements showed statistically significant positive correlations with age (p < .01), including lung major axis (Spearman rho ≥  0.90). Precise estimations of CT‐derived lung volumes can be made using 2D lung measurements (R2 ≥ 0.95), including lung major axis (R2 ≥ 0.97).

Interpretations

The reported pediatric age‐specific reference data on 2D lung and diaphragm morphology and growth rates could be clinically used to identify lung and diaphragm pathologies during chest X‐ray evaluations. The simple, precise, and clinically adaptable radiographic method for estimating CT‐derived lung volumes may be used when pulmonary function tests are not readily available or difficult to perform.
Correlation of prostatic morphological parameters and clinical progression in aging Chinese men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Qian Subo , Zhang Shun , Xia Weimin , Xu Ding , Qi Jun , Shen Haibo , Wu Yu
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Our study aimed to investigate the correlation of prostatic morphological parameters and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) clinical progression in aging Chinese men.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 1038 patients were reviewed. Prostatic morphology was measured by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Detailed medical history of all candidates was recorded and analyzed after being classified by specific prostatic measurements. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the correlation between variables.

Results

The cumulative incidence of BPH clinical progression was 63.68% (661/1038) in the study population. Prostate volume (PV), transitional zone volume (TZV), transitional zone index (TZI), and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) were all positively associated with BPH progression (all p < .001). Patients with a PV > 60 ml, TZV > 15 ml, TZI > 0.5, or IPP > 5 mm had a significantly higher possibility of overall BPH clinical progression (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.485, 1.678, 1.886, and 1.924, respectively; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.559–3.960, 1.131–2.489, 1.379–2.579, and 1.357–2.728, correspondingly).

Conclusion

Prostatic morphological parameters are significantly associated with BPH clinical progression. Patients with larger prostatic morphological parameters are more easily prone to clinical progress. As a result, reasonable managements should be timely considered for those patients before clinical progression occurs.
The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic syndrome parameters, insulin resistance and inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients: An open‐labeled randomized controlled trial
Authors: Morshedzadeh Nava , Rahimlou Mehran , Shahrokh Shabnam , Karimi Soheila , Mirmiran Parvin , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of flaxseed supplementation in the management of metabolic syndrome (MetS)‐related parameters among the patients with mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients with UC. Participants were randomized in the intervention group, which received 30 g/day ground flaxseed powder or control group. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed at the beginning and end of 12 weeks of intervention. Of the 70 patients enrolled in this study, 64 subjects were included in the final analysis. From baseline to 12 weeks' intervention, flaxseed supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in the serum concentration of insulin (p < .001), HOMA‐IR (p < .001), triglyceride (p = .001), total cholesterol (p < .001), and significant increase in the serum levels of HDL (p = .008). Also, we found a significant improvement in the SCCAI score (p < .001), TNF‐α (p = .03), and CRP (p < .001) following the flaxseed supplementation. However, we not observed any significant differences between two groups regarding the body weight, BMI, waist circumferences, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure (p > .05). Overall, 12 weeks of flaxseed supplementation resulted in greater improvement in the some MetS‐related parameters.
On developing sensitive nonparametric mixed control charts with application to manufacturing industry
Authors: Ali Saber , Abbas Zameer , Nazir Hafiz Zafar , Riaz Muhammad , Zhang Xingfa , Li Yuan
Published: April 2021

Control charts are designed under the normality assumption of the quality characteristic of the process. However, the normality assumption rarely holds in practice. In non‐normal conditions, parametric charts tend to display more false alarm rates and invalid out‐of‐control comparisons. The exponentially weighted moving average chart is a frequently used memory‐type control chart for monitoring the process target that only performs effectively under the smoothing parameter's small choices. This study proposes a nonparametric mixed exponentially weighted moving average‐progressive mean chart based on sign statistic (NPMEPSN) under simple and ranked set sampling schemes to address this said drawback. Normal and non‐normal distributions are included in this study to observe the proposed chart's in‐control behavior and out‐of‐control efficacy. The prominent feature of the proposed schemes is that it works efficiently in detecting small and persistent shifts in the process location corresponding to the given values of the smoothing parameter. The proposed scheme is also tested under the ranked set sampling scheme to enhance the NPMEPSN chart's performance (hereafter named “NPMEPRSN”). The performance of the proposed charts is investigated through simulations using run‐length profiles. The proposed schemes were seen to outperform other alternatives, specifically under the ranked set sampling scheme. A real data‐set related to the diameter of a piston ring is included as a demonstration of the proposal.
Antioxidant Nanomedicine Significantly Enhances the Survival Benefit of Radiation Cancer Therapy by Mitigating Oxidative Stress‐Induced Side Effects
Authors: Kim Ahram , Yonemoto Chiaki , Feliciano Chitho P. , Shashni Babita , Nagasaki Yukio
Published: April 2021

Oxidative stress‐induced off‐target effects limit the therapeutic window of radiation therapy. Although many antioxidants have been evaluated as radioprotective agents, none of them are in widespread clinical use, owing to the side effects of the antioxidants themselves and the lack of apparent benefit. Aiming for a truly effective radioprotective agent in radiation cancer therapy, the performance of a self‐assembling antioxidant nanoparticle (herein denoted as redox nanoparticle; RNP) is evaluated in the local irradiation of a subcutaneous tumor‐bearing mouse model. Since RNP is covered with a biocompatible shell layer and possesses a core–shell type structure of several tens of nanometers in size, its lifetime in the systemic circulation is prolonged. Moreover, since 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO), one of the most potent antioxidants, is covalently encapsulated in the core of RNP, it exerts intense antioxidant activity and induces fewer adverse effects by avoiding leakage of the TEMPO molecules. Preadministration of RNP to the mouse model effectively mitigates side effects in normal tissues and significantly extends the survival benefit of radiation cancer therapy. Moreover, RNP pretreatment noticeably increases the apoptosis/necrosis ratio of radiation‐induced cell death, a highly desirable property to reduce the chronic side effects of ionizing irradiation.
Epigenetic Quantification of DNA 5‐Hydroxymethylcytosine Using DNA Hybridization‐Based Single‐Molecule Immunofluorescent Imaging
Authors: Du Yang , Lai Ying , Liu Ji‐Yan , Diao Jiajie
Published: April 2021

5‐Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) epigenetic modification that has an important function in embryonic development and human diseases. However, the numerous methods that have been developed to detect and quantify 5hmC, require large amounts of DNA sample to be modified via chemical reactions, which considerably limits their application with cell‐free DNA (cfDNA). Meanwhile, other antibody‐based methods of detecting 5hmC do not offer information about the DNA sequence. Here, in this article DNA hybridization‐based single‐molecule immunofluorescent imaging is presented, an ultrasensitive method of detecting 5hmC modification in DNA. Via using the probe DNA to capture the DNA fragment of interest and the 5hmC antibody to detect the 5hmC modification in DNA, the fluorescent response signal of the 5hmC modification from the secondary antibody at the single‐molecule level is successfully detected. Using the method, one could determine the quantity of 5hmC in the gene of interest within 6 h. In addition, it requires only 3 pg of the DNA sample and minimal experience and training for operation and analysis.
Phylogenetic affinities and morphology of the Pliocene cathartiform Dryornis pampeanus Moreno & Mercerat
Authors: Degrange Federico J. , Tambussi Claudia P. , Taglioretti Matías L. , Scaglia Fernando A.
Published: April 2021

The fossil bird Dryornis pampeanus Moreno & Mercerat, is reinterpreted after examination of new referred material (humerus, coracoid, fragments of ulna, radius, scapula, sternum and tibiotarsus) from the Pliocene Chapadmalal Formation of Argentina. The current diagnosis is emended in the light of important considerations that cast doubt on the previous attribution of the taxon to condors. The phylogenetic position of D. pampeanus was tested in a series of maximum parsimony analyses that included all seven living Cathartiformes and 207 osteological characters. The phylogenetic analyses placed D. pampeanus as the sister taxon of extant vultures. An estimation of 26 kg for the mass, positions D. pampeanus as the largest cathartiform to have ever lived. The presence of this taxon in both the Monte Hermoso and Chapadmalal Formations not only extends the stratigraphic range of the species, but also supports the idea that they were partially contemporaneous during the early Pliocene. The dependence of the vultures on ephemeral carrion suggests that they have especially large ranges. The sites from which the lectotype and new material were recovered (Monte Hermoso and Chapadmalal, respectively) are only 400 km apart, suggesting that the two sites were at least partly contemporaneous.
Effect of Rolling and Heat Treatment Process Tempering on the Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of Cr–Ni–Mo High‐Strength Ship Steel
Authors: Meng Fanxia , Tian Yong , Ye Qibin , Wang Zhaodong , Wu Di
Published: April 2021

The effects of rolling process and tempering temperature on microstructure and mechanical performance of experimental steel are studied. The results show that the yield ratio and elongation of the experimental steel are lower under noncontrolled rolling; under off‐line tempering after controlled rolling, the tensile and yield strength decrease slightly with the increase in quenching temperature, the yield ratio decreases and the elongation increases; under the condition of controlled rolling, ultrafast cooling (UFC), and off‐line tempering, the microstructure is fine martensite lath and a large number of fine precipitates, the steel has the highest strength and elongation. With the increase in tempering temperature, the tensile strength of the experimental steel decreases gradually, the elongation increases monotonously, the yield ratio and impact energy increase first, and then decrease. After comparison and analysis, it is found that the best performance can be obtained by direct online UFC after controlled rolling, and then tempering at 630 °C, that is, tensile strength 908 MPa, yield strength 863 MPa, yield ratio 0.95, elongation 21.41%, and impact energy 94 J at −100 °C.
The identity of Utricularia trinervia (Lentibulariaceae): Taxonomic re‐establishment and unpublished descriptions of trap morphology
Authors: Guedes Felipe Martins , Coan Alessandra Ike , Araújo Giselle Bezerra , Alves Marccus
Published: April 2021

Previous morphometric and molecular studies indicate that Utricularia amethystina is a species complex distributed in the warmer zones of the Neotropical region. It includes 31 names accepted as synonyms, mainly based on morphological characteristics of bracts and bracteoles, traps and capsule dehiscence. Despite previous efforts and evidence suggesting that at least four names should be reconsidered at species level, this taxonomic complex still needs improved resolution and recircumscription for each species. Therefore, this contribution presents macro‐ and micromorphological evidence for the re‐establishment of U. trinervia, including its detailed taxonomic description, unprecedented characterization of its traps, habitat and distribution, conservation status and comparative discussion with U. amethystina s.str.
The control of polycomb repressive complexes by long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Trotman Jackson B. , Braceros Keean C. A. , Cherney Rachel E. , Murvin McKenzie M. , Calabrese J. Mauro
Published: April 2021

The polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 (PRCs; PRC1 and PRC2) are conserved histone‐modifying enzymes that often function cooperatively to repress gene expression. The PRCs are regulated by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in complex ways. On the one hand, specific lncRNAs cause the PRCs to engage with chromatin and repress gene expression over genomic regions that can span megabases. On the other hand, the PRCs bind RNA with seemingly little sequence specificity, and at least in the case of PRC2, direct RNA‐binding has the effect of inhibiting the enzyme. Thus, some RNAs appear to promote PRC activity, while others may inhibit it. The reasons behind this apparent dichotomy are unclear. The most potent PRC‐activating lncRNAs associate with chromatin and are predominantly unspliced or harbor unusually long exons. Emerging data imply that these lncRNAs promote PRC activity through internal RNA sequence elements that arise and disappear rapidly in evolutionary time. These sequence elements may function by interacting with common subsets of RNA‐binding proteins that recruit or stabilize PRCs on chromatin.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Recognition

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
A three-point form factor through five loops
Authors: Dixon Lance J. , McLeod Andrew J. , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We bootstrap the three-point form factor of the chiral part of the stress­tensor supermultiplet in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory, obtaining new results at three, four, and five loops. Our construction employs known conditions on the first, second, and final entries of the symbol, combined with new multiple-final-entry conditions, “extended-Steinmann-like” conditions, and near-collinear data from the recently-developed form factor operator product expansion. Our results are expected to give the maximally transcendental parts of the gg → Hg and H → ggg amplitudes in the heavy-top limit of QCD. At two loops, the extended-Steinmann-like space of functions we describe contains all transcendental functions required for four-point amplitudes with one massive and three massless external legs, and all massless internal lines, including processes such as gg → Hg and γ* → $$ q\overline{q}g $$
q

q
¯

g
. We expect the extended-Steinmann-like space to contain these amplitudes at higher loops as well, although not to arbitrarily high loop order. We present evidence that the planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 three-point form factor can be placed in an even smaller space of functions, with no independent ζ values at weights two and three.
Thermalization in different phases of charged SYK model
Authors: Samui Tousik , Sorokhaibam Nilakash
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We study thermalization of charged SYK model in two different phases. We show that both the highly chaotic liquid phase and the dilute gas phase thermalize. Surprisingly the dilute gas state thermalizes instantaneously. We argue that this phenomenon arises because the system in this phase consists of only long-lived quasi-particles at very low density. The liquid state thermalizes exponentially fast. We also show that the additional introduction of random mass deformation (q = 2 SYK term) slows down thermalization but the system thermalizes exponentially fast. This is observed despite the fact that the addition of large q = 2 SYK interaction forces spectral statistics to obey Poisson statistics. An interesting new observation is that the effective temperature is non-monotonic during thermalization in the liquid state. It has a bump at relatively long time before settling down to the final value. With non-zero chemical potential, the effective temperature oscillates noticeably before settling down to the final value.
Generalized Derivations and Rota-Baxter Operators of $$\varvec{n}$$-ary Hom-Nambu Superalgebras
Authors: Mabrouk Sami , Ncib Othmen , Silvestrov Sergei
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to generalise the construction of n-ary Hom-Lie bracket by means of an $$(n-2)$$

(
n
-
2
)

-cochain of given Hom-Lie algebra to super case inducing n-Hom-Lie superalgebras. We study the notion of generalized derivations and Rota-Baxter operators of n-ary Hom-Nambu and n-Hom-Lie superalgebras and their relation with generalized derivations and Rota-Baxter operators of Hom-Lie superalgebras. We also introduce the notion of 3-Hom-pre-Lie superalgebras which is the generalization of 3-Hom-pre-Lie algebras.
Peripoperative Mortalität nach ICD-Implantation
Authors: Bogossian Harilaos , Panteloglou Dimitrios , Karosiene Zana , Macher-Heidrich Susanne , Adomeit Heinz Jürgen , Lemke Bernd , Israel Carsten W.
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Implantierbare Kardioverter-Defibrillatoren (ICD) sind zum Schutz vor plötzlichem Herztod bei Patienten mit primär- oder sekundärprophylaktischer Indikation etabliert. Wie bei allen komplexen operativen Verfahren verbleibt auch bei der ICD-Implantation ein Risiko für Komplikationen bis hin zum Tod. Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, anhand der Datensätze zur obligaten Qualitätssicherung in Nordrhein-Westfalen die prozedurbezogene Mortalität nach ICD-Implantation zu analysieren.

Methoden

Aus den Datensätzen erfolgte eine Analyse der stationären Todesfälle bei allen 18.625 ICD-Implantationen der Jahre 2010 bis 2012.

Ergebnisse

Während des stationären Aufenthalts verstarben 118 Patienten (0,6 %) nach ICD-Implantation. Patienten im Alter über 80 Jahre (7 %) zeigten eine höhere Mortalität (1,9 % vs. 0,5 % bei < 80-jährigen Patienten, p > 0,001), ebenso Frauen (0,95 % vs. 0,54 % bei Männern; p = 0,004) und Patienten mit hoher NYHA(New York Heart Association)-Klasse (0,3 % bei NYHA II, 0,7 % bei NYHA III, 3,4 % bei NYHA IV; p < 0,001 für alle Vergleiche). Das Vorliegen von Diabetes mellitus (23 % des Kollektivs) beeinflusste die perioperative Letalität nicht, während eine dialysepflichtige Niereninsuffizienz eine signifikant erhöhte Mortalität aufwies (p < 0,001 gegenüber Patienten mit Kreatinin ≤ 1,5 mg/dl; p = 0,002 gegenüber nicht dialysepflichtigen Patienten mit Kreatinin > 1,5 mg/dl). Patienten mit sekundärprophylaktischer ICD-Indikation wiesen eine signifikant höhere Mortalität auf (1,2 % vs. 0,4 %; p < 0,001), die sich beim Auftreten von Komplikationen von 0,6 % auf 3,7 % erhöhte (p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerung

Die operationsbezogene Mortalität bei ICD-Implantation ist bei Patienten über 80 Jahre, hoher NYHA-Klasse, Dialysepflicht, sekundärprophylaktischer Indikation und nach Auftreten von Komplikationen erhöht.
Neuroprotective and antioxidative effects of pioglitazone in brain tissue adjacent to the ischemic core are mediated by PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/ARE pathways
Authors: Zhao Yi , Lützen Ulf , Gohlke Peter , Jiang Ping , Herdegen Thomas , Culman Juraj
Published: April 2021

The present study elucidates the neuroprotective mechanisms of the PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) agonist pioglitazone in survival of ischemic neurons following middle cerebral artery occlusion with reperfusion (MCAO). Intracerebroventricular infusion of pioglitazone over 5 days before and 24 or 48 h after MCAO alleviated neurological impairments, inhibited apoptosis 24 h, and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway along with increased phosphorylation of Akt (ser473) and GSK-3β (ser9) in the peri-infarct cortical areas 48 h after MCAO. In primary cortical neurons, pioglitazone suppressed the glutamate-induced release of lactate dehydrogenase by a PPARγ-dependent mechanism. This protective effect was reversed after co-treatment with PI3K and Akt inhibitors, LY294002 and SH-6, respectively. Pioglitazone enhanced the expression of the antioxidative transcription factor Nrf2 and its target gene protein, heme oxidase-1, in the peri-infarct area. Pioglitazone also increased activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE) in neuronal PC12 cells transfected with the pNQO1-rARE plasmid. We demonstrate in primary cortical neurons from Nrf2 knockout mice that the lack of Nrf2 completely abolished the neuroprotective effects of pioglitazone against oxidative and excitotoxic damage. Our results strongly suggest that the neuroprotective effects of PPARγ in peri-infarct brain tissues comprise the concomitant activation of the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/ARE pathways.

Key messages

Pioglitazone inhibits apoptosis in ischemic brain tissue. 

Pioglitazone acting on PPARγ activates PI3K/Akt pathway in ischemic brain tissue.

Pioglitazone activates via Nrf2 the antioxidant defense pathway in injured neurons.

Pioglitazone activates the antioxidant response element in neuronal PC12 cells.

Pioglitazone fails to protect primary neurons lacking Nrf2 against oxidative damage.

Activation of PPARγ supports the survival of viable neurons in peri-infarct regions.
A systematic review evaluating the clinimetric properties of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) questionnaires for lower limb tendinopathy shows moderate to high-quality evidence for sufficient reliability, validity and responsiveness—part II
Authors: Korakakis Vasileios , Whiteley Rod , Kotsifaki Argyro , Stefanakis Manos , Sotiralis Yiannis , Thorborg Kristian
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The evaluation of measurement properties such as reliability, measurement error, construct validity, and responsiveness provides information on the quality of the scale as a whole, rather than on an item level. We aimed to synthesize the measurement properties referring to reliability, measurement error, construct validity, and responsiveness of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment questionnaires (Achilles tendon—VISA-A, greater trochanteric pain syndrome—VISA-G, proximal hamstring tendinopathy—VISA-H, patellar tendon—VISA-P).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments methodology (COSMIN). PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, SportsDiscus, grey literature, and reference lists were searched. Studies assessing the measurement properties concerning reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the VISA questionnaires in patients with lower limb tendinopathies were included. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality of studies assessing reliability, validity, and responsiveness using the COSMIN guidelines and the evidence for these measurement properties. A modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was applied to the evidence synthesis.

Results

There is moderate-quality evidence for sufficient VISA-A, VISA-G, and VISA-P reliability. There is moderate-quality evidence for sufficient VISA-G and VISA-P measurement error, and high-quality evidence for sufficient construct validity for all the VISA questionnaires. Furthermore, high-quality evidence exists with regard to VISA-A for sufficient responsiveness in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy following conservative interventions.

Conclusions

Sufficient reliability, measurement error, construct validity and responsiveness were found for the VISA questionnaires with variable quality of evidence except for VISA-A which displayed insufficient measurement error.

Level of evidence

IV.

Registration details

Prospero (CRD42018107671); PROSPERO reference—CRD42019126595.
MR imaging of the quadriceps femoris tendon: distal tear characterization and clinical significance of rupture types
Authors: Falkowski Anna L. , Jacobson Jon A. , Hirschmann Michael T. , Kalia Vivek
Published: April 2021

Objective

To characterize quadriceps femoris tendon tears on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging regarding tear extent, location, and presence of bony avulsion.

Materials and methods

IRB approval was obtained and informed consent was waived for this retrospective case series. Electronic medical records from all patients in our hospital system were searched for keywords: knee MR imaging, and quadriceps tendon rupture or tear. MRI studies were randomized and independently evaluated by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. MR imaging was used to characterize each individual quadriceps tendon as having tendinosis, tear (location, partial versus complete, size, and retraction distance), and bony avulsion. Knee radiographs were reviewed for presence or absence of bony avulsion. Descriptive statistics and inter-reader reliability (Cohen’s Kappa and Wilcoxon-signed-rank test) were calculated.

Results

Fifty-two patients with 53 quadriceps tears were evaluated (45 males, 7 females; mean age: 51 ± 13 years). The vastus intermedius (VI) tendon more often incurred a partial rather than a complete tear (39.6% vs. 37.7%), while the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis (VL) incurred complete tears more commonly (64.2–66%). Subjects with bony avulsion on radiographs had higher-grade tears of the RF, VM, and VL tears (p = 0.020–0.043) but not the VI. Most tendons tore at or immediately proximal to the patella (84.8–93.6%). Gaps in retracted torn tendons measured between 2.3 and 2.7 cm. Inter-reader reliability was substantial to almost perfect (κ = 0.624–0.953).

Conclusion

Quadriceps femoris tendon tears most commonly involve the RF or VL/VM layers usually in proximity to the patella. A bony avulsion correlates with a more extensive tear.

Key Points

• Quadriceps femoris tendon tears most commonly involve the rectus femoris or vastus lateralis/vastus medialis layers.

• A rupture of the quadriceps femoris tendon usually occurs in proximity to the patella.

• A bony avulsion of the patella correlates with a more extensive tear of the superficial and middle layers of the quadriceps tendon.
Unmet support needs in teenage and young adult childhood brain tumour survivors and their caregivers: “it’s all the aftermath, and then you’re forgotten about”
Authors: Nicklin Emma , Pointon Lucy , Glaser Adam , Sarwar Naseem , Kwok-Williams Michelle , Debono Miguel , Velikova Galina , Boele Florien W.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Teenage and young adult (TYA) survivors of childhood brain tumours and their family caregivers can experience many late effects of treatment that can hamper the transition to living independent lives. Yet, their long-term supportive care needs are largely unknown. We investigated the supportive care needs of TYA survivors and their caregivers and explored the role and perceived use of support.

Methods

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with survivors aged 16–30 (n = 11) who were ≥ 5 years after diagnosis and caregivers (n = 11). Interviews were recorded and transcriptions thematically analysed.

Results

Four themes emerged: (1) preferences for support and support services (unmet needs). Concerns regarding mental health, employment and financial uncertainty, the desire to live independently, and lack of support were emphasised. (2) Decline in support. Caregivers noted a drop-off in support available when transitioning to adult services. (3) Reasons for not obtaining adequate support. Several barriers to accessing support were raised, including distance and aging out of services. (4) The role of long-term hospital-based follow-up care. Participants highlighted the importance of, and reassurance from, long-term follow-up care but noted a more all-inclusive approach is required.

Conclusions

Even many years after diagnosis, TYA childhood brain tumour survivors and their caregivers continue to have unmet supportive care needs. Both TYA survivors and their caregivers can benefit from support to meet their unique needs and improve long-term quality of life. Understanding unmet needs and recognising what services are required due to the late effects of treatment is critical to improving long-term quality of survival.
Assessing local daily temperatures by means of novel analog approaches: a case study based on the city of Augsburg, Germany
Authors: Merkenschlager Christian , Koller Stephanie , Beck Christoph , Hertig Elke
Published: April 2021

Within the scope of urban climate modeling, weather analogs are used to downscale large-scale reanalysis-based information to station time series. Two novel approaches of weather analogs are introduced which allow a day-by-day comparison with observations within the validation period and which are easily adaptable to future periods for projections. Both methods affect the first level of analogy which is usually based on selection of circulation patterns. First, the time series were bias corrected and detrended before subsamples were determined for each specific day of interest. Subsequently, the normal vector of the standardized regression planes (NVEC) or the center of gravity (COG) of the normalized absolute circulation patterns was used to determine a point within an artificial coordinate system for each day. The day(s) which exhibit(s) the least absolute distance(s) between the artificial points of the day of interest and the days of the subsample is/are used as analog or subsample for the second level of analogy, respectively. Here, the second level of analogy is a second selection process based on the comparison of gridded temperature data between the analog subsample and the day of interest. After the analog selection process, the trends of the observation were added to the analog time series. With respect to air temperature and the exceedance of the 90th temperature quantile, the present study compares the performance of both analog methods with an already existing analog method and a multiple linear regression. Results show that both novel analog approaches can keep up with existing methods. One shortcoming of the methods presented here is that they are limited to local or small regional applications. In contrast, less pre-processing and the small domain size of the circulation patterns lead to low computational costs.
Orbitofrontal control of conduct problems? Evidence from healthy adolescents processing negative facial affect
Authors: Böttinger Boris William , Baumeister Sarah , Millenet Sabina , Barker Gareth J. , Bokde Arun L. W. , Büchel Christian , Quinlan Erin Burke , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Jean-Luc , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Artiges Eric , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Banaschewski Tobias , Brandeis Daniel , Nees Frauke ,   IMAGEN Consortium
Published: April 2021

Conduct problems (CP) in patients with disruptive behavior disorders have been linked to impaired prefrontal processing of negative facial affect compared to controls. However, it is unknown whether associations with prefrontal activity during affective face processing hold along the CP dimension in a healthy population sample, and how subcortical processing is affected. We measured functional brain responses during negative affective face processing in 1444 healthy adolescents [M = 14.39 years (SD = 0.40), 51.5% female] from the European IMAGEN multicenter study. To determine the effects of CP, we applied a two-step approach: (a) testing matched subgroups of low versus high CP, extending into the clinical range [N = 182 per group, M = 14.44 years, (SD = 0.41), 47.3% female] using analysis of variance, and (b) considering (non)linear effects along the CP dimension in the full sample and in the high CP group using multiple regression. We observed no significant cortical or subcortical effect of CP group on brain responses to negative facial affect. In the full sample, regression analyses revealed a significant linear increase of left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activity with increasing CP up to the clinical range. In the high CP group, a significant inverted u-shaped effect indicated that left OFC responses decreased again in individuals with high CP. Left OFC activity during negative affective processing which is increasing with CP and decreasing in the highest CP range may reflect on the importance of frontal control mechanisms that counteract the consequences of severe CP by facilitating higher social engagement and better evaluation of social content in adolescents.
Ideal, non-extended formulations for disjunctive constraints admitting a network representation
Authors: Kis Tamás , Horváth Markó
Published: April 2021

In this paper we reconsider a known technique for constructing strong MIP formulations for disjunctive constraints of the form $$x \in \bigcup _{i=1}^m P_i$$

x
∈

⋃

i
=
1

m

P
i

, where the $$P_i$$

P
i

are polytopes. The formulation is based on the Cayley Embedding of the union of polytopes, namely, $$Q := \mathrm {conv}(\bigcup _{i=1}^m P_i\times \{\epsilon ^i\})$$

Q
:
=
conv
(

⋃

i
=
1

m

P
i

×

{

ϵ
i

}

)

, where $$\epsilon ^i$$

ϵ
i

is the ith unit vector in $${\mathbb {R}}^m$$

R

m

. Our main contribution is a full characterization of the facets of Q, provided it has a certain network representation. In the second half of the paper, we work-out a number of applications from the literature, e.g., special ordered sets of type 2, logical constraints, the cardinality indicating polytope, union of simplicies, etc., along with a more complex recent example. Furthermore, we describe a new formulation for piecewise linear functions defined on a grid triangulation of a rectangular region $$D \subset {\mathbb {R}}^d$$

D
⊂

R

d

using a logarithmic number of auxilirary variables in the number of gridpoints in D for any fixed d. The series of applications demonstrates the richness of the class of disjunctive constraints for which our method can be applied.
Students’ attitudes towards performance heterogeneity and their relation to contextual factors
Authors: Dotzel Stefanie , Bonefeld Meike , Karst Karina
Published: April 2021

Previous studies examining attitudes towards performance heterogeneity have focused on attitudes among teachers. However, positive attitudes towards the school environment are also assumed to be conducive for students. The aim of this paper is to examine students’ attitudes towards performance heterogeneity with a sample of 784 5th-grade students. Based on the three-component theory of attitudes (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993), we investigated whether students’ attitudes towards performance heterogeneity are positive or negative. Furthermore, we analyzed contextual relations, focusing on whether students’ attitudes are linked to performance heterogeneity in the classroom and to a teachers’ behavior to manage performance heterogeneity. Descriptive statistics show that students’ attitudes towards performance heterogeneity are rather positive. Multi-level structural equation models reveal that contextual rather than individual characteristics relate to students’ attitudes towards performance heterogeneity. Accordingly, students in heterogeneous classes show a more positive attitude towards performance heterogeneity than students in less heterogeneous classes. In addition, a teachers’ capability of professionally managing heterogeneity is positively associated with students’ attitudes towards performance heterogeneity. Accordingly, students’ show more positive attitudes if teachers implement rules, effectively manage disruptions, orient themselves towards temporal reference norms, cultivate a positive error culture, and differentiate instruction in the classroom. We will discuss our results and consider implications for psychological aspects of education and learning.
Unravelling the process of petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation in different filter materials of constructed wetlands by stable isotope fractionation and labelling studies
Authors: Watzinger Andrea , Hager Melanie , Reichenauer Thomas , Soja Gerhard , Kinner Paul
Published: April 2021

Maintaining and supporting complete biodegradation during remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater in constructed wetlands is vital for the final destruction and removal of contaminants. We aimed to compare and gain insight into biodegradation and explore possible limitations in different filter materials (sand, sand amended with biochar, expanded clay). These filters were collected from constructed wetlands after two years of operation and batch experiments were conducted using two stable isotope techniques; (i) carbon isotope labelling of hexadecane and (ii) hydrogen isotope fractionation of decane. Both hydrocarbon compounds hexadecane and decane were biodegraded. The mineralization rate of hexadecane was higher in the sandy filter material (3.6 µg CO2 g−1 day−1) than in the expanded clay (1.0 µg CO2 g−1 day−1). The microbial community of the constructed wetland microcosms was dominated by Gram negative bacteria and fungi and was specific for the different filter materials while hexadecane was primarily anabolized by bacteria. Adsorption / desorption of petroleum hydrocarbons in expanded clay was observed, which might not hinder but delay biodegradation. Very few cases of hydrogen isotope fractionation were recorded in expanded clay and sand & biochar filters during decane biodegradation. In sand filters, decane was biodegraded more slowly and hydrogen isotope fractionation was visible. Still, the range of observed apparent kinetic hydrogen isotope effects (AKIEH = 1.072–1.500) and apparent decane biodegradation rates (k = − 0.017 to − 0.067 day−1) of the sand filter were low. To conclude, low biodegradation rates, small hydrogen isotope fractionation, zero order mineralization kinetics and lack of microbial biomass growth indicated that mass transfer controlled biodegradation.
The effects of China’s cross-border e-commerce on its exports: a comparative analysis of goods and services trade
Authors: Yin Zi Hui , Choi Chang Hwan
Published: April 2021

This study examines the effects of China’s cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) on its goods and services exports to ‘Belt and Road’ (B&R) countries for the period 2000–2018 using a gravity model. We find that CBEC has a greater positive impact on trade in services than on trade in goods, especially after the implementation of the B&R initiative. Furthermore, as the level of CBEC rises, distance tends to have a lower (higher) impact on services (goods) trade, whereas the impact on services (goods) trade increased (decreased) annually. Hence, promoting the sustainable development of CBEC can lead to increased export volumes.
Induction of Exaggerated Cytokine Production in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by a Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein S1 and Its Inhibition by Dexamethasone
Authors: Olajide Olumayokun A. , Iwuanyanwu Victoria U. , Lepiarz-Raba Izabela , Al-Hindawi Alaa A.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

An understanding of the pathological inflammatory mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is necessary in order to discover new molecular pharmacological targets for SARS-CoV-2 cytokine storm. In this study, the effects of a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein S1 was investigated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Stimulation of PBMCs with spike glycoprotein S1 (100 ng/mL) resulted in significant elevation in the production of TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8. However, pre-treatment with dexamethasone (100 nM) caused significant reduction in the release of these cytokines. Further experiments revealed that S1 stimulation of PBMCs increased phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα, and IκBα degradation. DNA binding of NF-κB p65 was also significantly increased following stimulation with spike glycoprotein S1. Treatment of PBMCs with dexamethasone (100 nM) or BAY11-7082 (1 μM) resulted in inhibition of spike glycoprotein S1-induced NF-κB activation. Activation of p38 MAPK by S1 was blocked in the presence of dexamethasone and SKF 86002. CRID3, but not dexamethasone pre-treatment, produced significant inhibition of S1-induced activation of NLRP3/caspase-1. Further experiments revealed that S1-induced increase in the production of TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 was reduced in the presence of BAY11-7082 and SKF 86002, while CRID3 pre-treatment resulted in the reduction of IL-1β production. These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein S1 stimulated PBMCs to release pro-inflammatory cytokines through mechanisms involving activation of NF-κB, p38 MAPK and NLRP3 inflammasome. It is proposed that the clinical benefits of dexamethasone in COVID-19 are possibly due to its anti-inflammatory activity in reducing SARS-CoV-2 cytokine storm.
Dynamic spectrum access in terrestrial TV band: assessment of prospects in Kenya
Authors: Kryszkiewicz Pawel , Kokkinen Heikki , Ojaniemi Jaakko , Sonoiya Dennis
Published: April 2021

Wireless connectivity has become a significant part of human life all over the world, both in developing and developed countries. In order to provide sufficient coverage without the densification of cellular networks, relatively low carrier frequencies should be used. This paper considers the reuse of the digital terrestrial television (DTT) band for cellular system operation in Kenya, while protecting incumbent TV signal reception according to the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSAL) rules. A state of the art model for DTT coverage and allowed cellular system power calculation is tested using real data for Kenya. Suggestions regarding future DSAL rules amendments are provided. Moreover, the amount of spectrum resources available for cellular system operation in the DTT band in Kenya is estimated against varying system parameters.
Influencer und das Problem mit dem Sixpack
Authors: Pilgrim Katharina , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Kinder und Jugendliche nutzen zum Austausch sowie zur Informationsgewinnung täglich intensiv soziale Netzwerke und lassen sich von Influencern maßgeblich beeinflussen. Dabei werden verstärkt gesundheitsrelevante Inhalte, die Ernährung und Bewegung umfassen, thematisiert.

Ziel

Die Studie soll zu einem besseren Verständnis der Merkmale gesundheitsbezogener Bildsprache von deutschen Fitnessinfluencern auf Instagram beitragen. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt auf dem dargestellten Körperbild.

Material und Methoden

In einem quantitativen Ansatz werden 1000 nicht-kampagnengesteuerte Beiträge zu Ernährung und Bewegung ausgewählter Fitnessinfluencer auf Instagram analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Zentral bei der Influencerkommunikation ist die Inszenierung der eigenen Person. Das dargestellte Körperbild spielt hier eine entscheidende Rolle. Hauptsächlich zu den Themen Ernährung und Bewegung kommunizierende (und werbende) Influencer positionieren ihren gesamten Körper in figurbetonender oder hautentblößender Form.

Schlussfolgerung

Soziale Medien sind Settings, in welchen gesundheitsrelevante Themen intensiv kommuniziert werden. Das Werben für Sportbekleidung und Nahrungsergänzungsmittel steht hier speziell auf Kanälen von deutschen Fitnessinfluencern im Fokus. Strategien zur Prävention und Förderung der Gesundheit sollten junge Menschen in dieser digitalen Lebenswelt abholen und dem durch Influencer beworbenem Körperideal entgegenwirken.
Gruppe – Eine systemtheoretische Bestimmung
Authors: Kühl Stefan
Published: April 2021

In diesem Artikel wird eine Bestimmung von Gruppe als soziales System vorgenommen. Dabei werden die neuerdings zugänglichen frühen Überlegungen Niklas Luhmanns mit der bisherigen systemtheoretischen Diskussion über die Gruppe zusammengeführt und um eigene Vorschläge erweitert. In Gruppen kann erwartet werden, dass sich Mitglieder als Person darstellen und die Darstellung anderer als Personen unterstützen. Im Gegensatz zu Familien ist dabei die Mitgliedschaft in Gruppen in einem hohen Maße kontingent, sodass die Akzeptanz personenbezogener Kommunikation für die Mitgliedschaft maßgeblich ist. Aufgrund der personalen Orientierung als Mitgliedschaftserwartung in Gruppen lässt sich die Ausbildung und Durchsetzung der Normen und die Differenzierung in Rollen genauer spezifizieren.
On the proximal point algorithm and its Halpern-type variant for generalized monotone operators in Hilbert space
Authors: Kohlenbach Ulrich
Published: April 2021

In a recent paper, Bauschke et al. study $$\rho $$
ρ
-comonotonicity as a generalized notion of monotonicity of set-valued operators A in Hilbert space and characterize this condition on A in terms of the averagedness of its resolvent $$J_A.$$

J
A

.

In this note we show that this result makes it possible to adapt many proofs of properties of the proximal point algorithm PPA and its strongly convergent Halpern-type variant HPPA to this more general class of operators. This also applies to quantitative results on the rates of convergence or metastability (in the sense of T. Tao). E.g. using this approach we get a simple proof for the convergence of the PPA in the boundedly compact case for $$\rho $$
ρ
-comonotone operators and obtain an effective rate of metastability. If A has a modulus of regularity w.r.t. $$zer\, A$$

z
e
r

A

we also get a rate of convergence to some zero of A even without any compactness assumption. We also study a Halpern-type variant HPPA of the PPA for $$\rho $$
ρ
-comonotone operators, prove its strong convergence (without any compactness or regularity assumption) and give a rate of metastability.
Mehrebenen-Ansätze – Komplexe Projektarchitekturen in der Organisationsentwicklung
Authors: Kunert S. , Bedenk S.
Published: April 2021

Dieser Artikel widmet sich beraterischen Prinzipien für die Konstruktion von komplexen Projektarchitekturen zur Organisationsentwicklung. Anhand der Gestaltungsgebote Spezifität und Symmetrie, Oszillation, Integration, Choreographie, Phasen, Kaskadierung, Agilität und Adaptivität sowie Anschlussfähigkeit und Irritation werden systemische Grundsätze der Prozessberatung auf die Planung, Supervision und Evaluation von größeren Veränderungsvorhaben übertragen. An einer Fallstudie wird die Anwendung dieser Prinzipien exemplarisch demonstriert.