bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concerning an approach to identifying the Lamé parameters of an elastic functionally graded cylinder
Authors: Dudarev Vladimir V. , Vatulyan Alexander O. , Mnukhin Roman M. , Nedin Rostislav D.
Published: April 2020

Based on the general linear elasticity relations, an axisymmetric problem on the steady‐state oscillations of a functionally graded hollow cylinder is formulated. The Lamé parameters are considered variable in radial coordinate. Oscillations are caused by the distributed load applied to the outer part of the cylinder boundary. Using the variable separation method, the direct problem on determining the radial and longitudinal components of the displacement field is investigated. The influence of the laws of variation for the Lamé parameters on acoustic characteristics is analysed. The inverse coefficient problem on the identification of the variable Lamé parameters from the data on the amplitude‐frequency characteristic is stated. Based on the weak formulation of the problem for an elastic inhomogeneous body, a general linearised relation for the desired and given characteristics is obtained. A system of the Fredholm integral equations of the first kind is formulated with respect to two unknown corrections to the restored laws of the Lamé parameters change. The solution is built by means of an iterative process. A reconstruction of various laws of changing the Lamé parameters is carried out. The accuracy of the presented algorithm is estimated, and recommendations for the most efficient implementation of the reconstruction procedure are proposed.
Characterization of free space optical data center channel
Authors: Darwesh Laialy , Arnon Shlomi , Kopeika Natan
Published: April 2020

The existing wired intra data center (DC) networks suffer from traffic congestion, low scalability, low flexibility, and increasing power consumption. To solve this problem there is a need to move from wired to wireless intra DC connections. One of the technologies that could provide a solution for the next generation intra DC communication is the use of free space optical (FSO) communication. However, in DC networks there is turbulence that can affect performance of FSO communication. In this letter, we present a DC experiment that we performed to characterize the performance of the FSO intra DC turbulent channel. We found that the pdf of the received signal is lognormally distributed according to the theoretical predictions, and we received values of bit error rate less than 10−16 in all the areas of the DC, which is better than the desired minimum of 10−14 for DC communication. This means that the realization of FSO communication within a turbulence channel DC is possible with good performance. If the turbulence is strong, we can improve the performance by using different mitigation techniques or by using hybrid wired and FSO connections.
Investigating the impact of alpha/beta and LETd on relative biological effectiveness in scanned proton beams: An in vitro study based on human cell lines
Authors: Mara Elisabeth , Clausen Monika , Khachonkham Suphalak , Deycmar Simon , Pessy Clara , Dörr Wolfgang , Kuess Peter , Georg Dietmar , Gruber Sylvia
Published: April 2020

Purpose

A relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 is commonly used in clinical proton therapy, irrespective of tissue type and depth. This in vitro study was conducted to quantify the RBE of scanned protons as a function of the dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) and the sensitivity factor (α/ß)X. Additionally, three phenomenological models (McNamara, Rørvik, and Jones) and one mechanistic model (repair‐misrepair‐fixation, RMF) were applied to the experimentally derived data.

Methods

Four human cell lines (FaDu, HaCat, Du145, SKMel) with differential (α/ß)X ratios were irradiated in a custom‐designed irradiation setup with doses between 0 and 6 Gy at proximal, central, and distal positions of a 80 mm spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) centered at 80 mm (setup A: proton energies 66.5–135.6 MeV) and 155 mm (setup B: proton energies 127.2–185.9 MeV) depth, respectively. LETd values at the respective cell positions were derived from Monte Carlo simulations performed with the treatment planning system (TPS, RayStation). Dosimetric measurements were conducted to verify dose homogeneity and dose delivery accuracy. RBE values were derived for doses that resulted in 90 % (RBE90) and 10 % (RBE10) of cell survival, and survival after a 0.5 Gy dose (RBE0.5Gy), 2 Gy dose (RBE2Gy), and 6 Gy dose (RBE6Gy).

Results

LETd values at sample positions were 1.9, 2.1, 2.5, 2.8, 4.1, and 4.5 keV/µm. For the cell lines with high (α/ß)X ratios (FaDu, HaCat), the LETd did not impact on the RBE. For low (α/ß)X cell lines (Du145, SKMel), LQ‐derived survival curves indicated a clear correlation of LETd and RBE. RBE90 values up to 2.9 and RBE10 values between 1.4 and 1.8 were obtained. Model‐derived RBE predictions slightly overestimated the RBE for the high (α/ß)X cell lines, although all models except the Jones model provided RBE values within the experimental uncertainty. For low (α/ß)X cell lines, no agreement was found between experiments and model predictions, that is, all models underestimated the measured RBE.

Conclusions

The sensitivity parameter (α/ß)X was observed to be a major influencing factor for the RBE of protons and its sensitivity toward LETd changes. RBE prediction models are applicable for high (α/ß)X cell lines but do not estimate RBE values with sufficient accuracy in low (α/ß)X cell lines.
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of the postoperative spine with metallic implants
Authors: Yang Lian , Liu Yuan , Kong Xiangchuang , Guo Xiaodong , Liu Xiaoming , Qi Qian , Wang Jiazheng
Published: April 2020

There has been a growing need to understand the mechanism of development of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and to optimize treatment. The paramagnetic nature of metallic implants has hampered the application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in postsurgical SCI monitoring. We describe here a successful implementation of spinal DTI in postsurgical SCI patients. Data were acquired using a single‐shot turbo‐spin‐echo sequence, where an extra gradient is applied before the refocusing pulse train to eliminate contributions from the non‐Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill components following a diffusion preparation block where a single‐spin echo scheme is deployed. The DTI images were acquired in axial orientation with a 2 x 2 x 4 mm3 resolution and a total of 18 slices. Diffusion gradients were applied in six directions with b values of 0 and 600 seconds/mm2. The whole scan took ~10 minutes. The sequence was compared with SENSE‐DW‐EPI and ZOOM‐DW‐EPI on a phantom, eight patients with either anterior or posterior titanium alloy implants, and a pork loin with a similar implant. The protocol resulted in dramatically reduced geometric distortions compared with routine imaging sequences, however, the SNR efficiency was compromised. The spinal cord signal displacement was 0.68±1.00 mm (mean±SD, n = 8) for the proposed protocol, and 5.14±3.07 and 2.82±1.60 mm for the SENSE‐DW‐EPI and ZOOM‐DW‐EPI sequences, respectively. Fiber tracking was achieved in the presence of implants, which in one case was accompanied by central spinal cord caviation. Mathematical analysis concluded that the proposed protocol would be generally applicable in the spinal cord when the titanium alloy implant is ~15 mm away (<0.5 kHz B0 field drift). The protocol described is capable of DTI in postsurgery SCI patients with metallic implants at sufficient resolution and SNR.
Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Kisspeptin Expression in the Hypothalamus of Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Wen Lingying , Lin Wei , Li Qian , Chen Gang , Wen Junping
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in the expression levels of kisspeptin‐1 (Kiss1) in the hypothalamus during the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and after treatment with sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods

This study used chronic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) alone and DHEA plus a high‐fat diet (HFD) to generate a PCOS rat model. Subsequently, SG was performed in the animals with PCOS and the effects on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, sex hormones, estrous cyclicity, adiponectin, and Kiss1 expression in the hypothalamus were investigated.

Results

Impaired glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, reduced adiponectin levels, disrupted estrous cyclicity, and elevated sex hormone levels associated with PCOS models were restored to normal following SG. In addition, SG was able to restore the increase in the expression of Kiss1 mRNA and Kiss1‐positive neurons in the arcuate nucleus of rats with PCOS. Interestingly, although SG did not result in a significant loss of body weight in rats administered DHEA under a chow diet, it resulted in comparable metabolic improvements and Kiss1 expression in rats that had been administered DHEA along with an HFD.

Conclusions

The recovery of normal levels of Kiss1 expression in the hypothalamus after SG in this study suggests that Kiss1 might play an important role in the development of PCOS and its improvement by SG.
Recent Advances in Pathology: the 2020 Annual Review Issue of The Journal of Pathology
Authors: Herrington C Simon , Poulsom Richard , Coates Philip J
Published: April 2020

This year's Annual Review Issue of The Journal of Pathology contains 18 invited reviews on current research areas in pathology. The subject areas reflect the broad range of topics covered by the journal and this year encompass the development and application of software in digital histopathology, implementation of biomarkers in pathology practice; genetics and epigenetics, and stromal influences in disease. The reviews are authored by experts in their field and provide comprehensive updates in the chosen areas, in which there has been considerable recent progress in our understanding of disease. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modifying the surface of peptide nanofibers utilizing a thiol‐thioester exchange
Authors: Haddad Ramiz , Ferraro Elizabeth , Halmans Ashley , Smith‐Carpenter Jillian E.
Published: April 2020

Herein, we report on the incorporation of a dithioester modification to a self‐assembling peptide and characterize a thiol‐thioester exchange on the nanofiber's surface with respect to amount of soluble exogenous thiol present and pH of the reaction. The ratios of all peptide species throughout the exchange reaction were reproducibly monitored by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry, highlighting the utility of MALDI to characterize heterogeneous and dynamic supramolecular systems. The tuneable revealing of thiols through a dynamic covalent chemical reaction presents a new strategy for labeling supramolecular surfaces. This strategy of combining reversible peptide self‐assembly and dynamic covalent chemistry opens another route for the post‐assembly modification of amyloid‐based supramolecular structures and the design of functional biomaterials.
Redefining Pathways into Acute Rehabilitation during the COVID‐19 Crisis
Authors: Gitkind Andrew I. , Levin Sheryl , Dohle Carolin , Herbold Janet , Thomas Mark , Oh‐Park Mooyeon , Bartels Matthew N.
Published: April 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has necessitated drastic changes across the spectrum of health care, all of which have occurred with unprecedented rapidity. The need to accommodate change on such a large scale has required ingenuity and decisive thinking. The field of physical medicine and rehabilitation has been faced with many of these challenges. Healthcare practitioners in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States, were among the first to encounter many of these challenges. One of the largest lessons included learning how to streamline admissions and transfer process into an acute rehabilitation hospital as part of a concerted effort to make acute care hospital beds available as quickly as possible.
The emerging role of cold atmospheric plasma in glioblastoma therapy
Authors: Zandsalimi Farshid , Aghamiri Shahin , Roshanzamiri Soheil , Shahmohamadnejad Shiva , Ghanbarian Hossein
Published: April 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor in adults. In spite of substantial progress in the understanding of gliomas biology, there has been only a slight change in the treatment of these types of tumors in the past few years. Moreover, chemotherapeutic strategies for GBM are accompanied by a lack of selectivity, serious side effects, and drug resistance. Recently, the emergence of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), a quasi‐neutral highly reactive (partially) ionized gas at close to room temperature, technology has heralded a new exciting era in cancer therapy. CAP generates a unique, rich environment of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, photons, charged ions, and an electric field, which makes it a promising robust tool for the treatment of different types of cancers. In this review, we present recent progress of CAP in the treatment of GBM. Most importantly, the combination of CAP‐based therapeutic systems and other cancer therapies including chemotherapy and nanotherapy that offer great potential for GBM therapy is covered.
Study on the Viscoelastic Damage Properties of NEPE Solid Propellant
Authors: Hu Qinwei , Fang Qin‐Zhi , Sha Baolin , Xu Qiang
Published: April 2020

Viscoelastic damage properties of Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether (NEPE) solid propellant have been studied in cyclic loading tests. Both viscoelasticity and damage evolution of the material are considered. Based on the cyclic loading experiment results, a modified model containing a damageable spring is developed to characterize the viscoelasticity and damage evolution of NEPE propellant. With the material parameters obtained, a damage parameter D is defined, and the damage evolution curves for different loading conditions are predicted. It is shown that the critical damage parameter Dcr at the fracture points can be used to predict the fracture points at other loading conditions from the damage evolution curves with the material parameters obtained.
Canine prostatic cancer cell line (LuMa) with osteoblastic bone metastasis
Authors: Elshafae Said M. , Dirksen Wessel P. , Alasonyalilar‐Demirer Aylin , Breitbach Justin , Yuan Shiyu , Kantake Noriko , Supsavhad Wachiraphan , Hassan Bardes B. , Attia Zayed , Alstadt Lucas B. , Rosol Thomas J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Osteoblastic bone metastasis represents the most common complication in men with prostate cancer (PCa). During progression and bone metastasis, PCa cells acquire properties similar to bone cells in a phenomenon called osteomimicry, which promotes their ability to metastasize, proliferate, and survive in the bone microenvironment. The mechanism of osteomimicry resulting in osteoblastic bone metastasis is unclear.

Methods

We developed and characterized a novel canine prostatic cancer cell line (LuMa) that will be useful to investigate the relationship between osteoblastic bone metastasis and osteomimicry in PCa. The LuMa cell line was established from a primary prostate carcinoma of a 13‐year old mixed breed castrated male dog. Cell proliferation and gene expression of LuMa were measured and compared to three other canine prostatic cancer cell lines (Probasco, Ace‐1, and Leo) in vitro. The effect of LuMa cells on calvaria and murine preosteoblastic (MC3T3‐E1) cells was measured by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and alkaline phosphatase assay. LuMa cells were transduced with luciferase for monitoring in vivo tumor growth and metastasis using different inoculation routes (subcutaneous, intratibial [IT], and intracardiac [IC]). Xenograft tumors and metastases were evaluated using radiography and histopathology.

Results

After left ventricular injection, LuMa cells metastasized to bone, brain, and adrenal glands. IT injections induced tumors with intramedullary new bone formation. LuMa cells had the highest messenger RNA levels of osteomimicry genes (RUNX2, RANKL, andOsteopontin[OPN]),CD44, E‐cadherin, andMYOFcompared to Ace‐1, Probasco, and Leo cells. LuMa cells induced growth in calvaria defects and modulated gene expression in MC3T3‐E1 cells.

Conclusions

LuMa is a novel canine PCa cell line with osteomimicry and stemness properties. LuMa cells induced osteoblastic bone formation in vitro and in vivo. LuMa PCa cells will serve as an excellent model for studying the mechanisms of osteomimicry and osteoblastic bone and brain metastasis in prostate cancer.
Long noncoding RNA mediates stroke-induced neurogenesis
Authors: Fan Baoyan , Pan Wanlong , Wang Xinli , Wei Min , He Annie , Zhao Anna , Chopp Michael , Zhang Zheng Gang , Liu Xian Shuang
Published: April 2020

Neurogenesis contributes to poststroke recovery. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. However, the role of lncRNAs in stroke-induced neurogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we found that H19 was the most highly upregulated lncRNA in neural stem cells (NSCs) of the subventricular zone (SVZ) of rats subjected to focal cerebral ischemia. Deletion of H19 suppressed cell proliferation, promoted cell death, and blocked NSC differentiation. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that genes deregulated by H19 knockdown were those that are involved in transcription, apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, and response to hypoxia. H19 knockdown significantly increased the transcription of cell cycle-related genes including p27, whereas overexpression of H19 substantially reduced expression of these genes through the interaction with chromatin remodeling proteins EZH2 and SUZ12. Moreover, H19 regulated neurogenesis-related miRNAs. Inactivation of H19 in NSCs of ischemic rats attenuated spontaneous functional recovery after stroke. Collectively, our data provide novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of lncRNAs in stroke-induced neurogenesis.
Zinc transporter 3 modulates cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the adult hippocampus
Authors: Choi Bo Young , Hong Dae Ki , Jeong Jeong Hyun , Lee Bo Eun , Koh Jae-Young , Suh Sang Won
Published: April 2020

The subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus is a subregion of the hippocampus that has two uniquely defining features; it is one of the most active sites of adult neurogenesis as well as the location where the highest concentrations of synaptic zinc are found, the mossy fiber terminals. Therefore, we sought to investigate the idea that vesicular zinc plays a role as a modulator of hippocampal adult neurogenesis. Here, we used ZnT3−/− mice, which are depleted of synaptic-vesicle zinc, to test the effect of targeted deletion of this transporter on adult neurogenesis. We found that this manipulation reduced progenitor cell turnover as well as led to a marked defect in the maturation of newborn cells that survive in the DG toward a neuronal phenotype. We also investigated the effects of zinc (ZnCl2), n-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and ZnCl2 plus 2NAC (ZN) supplement on adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Compared with ZnCl2 or NAC, administration of ZN resulted in an increase in proliferation of progenitor cells and neuroblast. ZN also rescued the ZnT3 loss-associated reduction of neurogenesis via elevation of insulin-like growth factor-1 and ERK/CREB activation. Together, these findings reveal that ZnT3 plays a highly important role in maintaining adult hippocampal neurogenesis and supplementation by ZN has a beneficial effect on hippocampal neurogenesis, as well as providing a therapeutic target for enhanced neuroprotection and repair after injury as demonstrated by its ability to prevent aging-dependent cognitive decline in ZnT3−/− mice. Therefore, the present study suggests that ZnT3 and vesicular zinc are essential for adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Non‐homology‐based prediction of gene functions in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays)
Authors: Dai Xiuru , Xu Zheng , Liang Zhikai , Tu Xiaoyu , Zhong Silin , Schnable James C. , Li Pinghua
Published: April 2020

Advances in genome sequencing and annotation have eased the difficulty of identifying new gene sequences. Predicting the functions of these newly identified genes remains challenging. Genes descended from a common ancestral sequence are likely to have common functions. As a result, homology is widely used for gene function prediction. This means functional annotation errors also propagate from one species to another. Several approaches based on machine learning classification algorithms were evaluated for their ability to accurately predict gene function from non‐homology gene features. Among the eight supervised classification algorithms evaluated, random‐forest‐based prediction consistently provided the most accurate gene function prediction. Non‐homology‐based functional annotation provides complementary strengths to homology‐based annotation, with higher average performance in Biological Process GO terms, the domain where homology‐based functional annotation performs the worst, and weaker performance in Molecular Function GO terms, the domain where the accuracy of homology‐based functional annotation is highest. GO prediction models trained with homology‐based annotations were able to successfully predict annotations from a manually curated “gold standard” GO annotation set. Non‐homology‐based functional annotation based on machine learning may ultimately prove useful both as a method to assign predicted functions to orphan genes which lack functionally characterized homologs, and to identify and correct functional annotation errors which were propagated through homology‐based functional annotations.
One Scottish snow patch survives until winter 2019/2020
Authors: Cameron Iain , Fyffe Blair
Published: April 2020

Only one patch of snow survived on the hills of Scotland from the winter of 2018/2019 to the winter of 2019/2020.
A novel method for captive rearing and translocation of juvenile common loons
Authors: Kneeland Michelle R. , Spagnuolo Vincent A. , Evers David C. , Paruk James D. , Attix Lee , Schoch Nina , Pokras Mark A. , Stout Virginia , Dalton Alex , Silber Katy
Published: April 2020

Common loons (Gavia immer) are diving waterbirds that are particularly challenging to keep in captivity due to their specific behavioral and physiologic needs, special housing requirements, and susceptibility to stress‐related disease. We report a novel method for housing and captive rearing common loon chicks that was developed as part of the first‐ever loon translocation effort in southeast Massachusetts, from 2015 to 2017. Thirteen loon chicks were reared in aquatic pens in a natural lake environment, utilizing noninvasive feeding and monitoring techniques that avoided human habituation. Chicks were reared in aquatic pens for 16–28 days before being released onto the lake. All chicks remained clinically normal and were monitored on the lake for up to 4 months following release. At least four of the chicks were subsequently confirmed to have survived to adulthood when they returned to the area in breeding plumage two to 3 years following release. Two of these confirmed adults displayed prolonged territorial pair behavior together, and this is an encouraging early sign that captive‐reared individuals may form successful breeding pairs in the future. Because most immature loons remain on the ocean until at least 3 years of age, we expect additional captive‐reared loons to return to the release area in subsequent years. These husbandry techniques could be applied to other loon and diving bird species that are notoriously difficult to house in captivity. The novel feeding techniques described here could also be adapted for loon chicks being reared in pools or other traditional captive settings.
Signatures of microscopic black holes and extra dimensions at future neutrino telescopes
Authors: Mack Katherine J. , Song Ningqiang , Vincent Aaron C.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In scenarios with large extra dimensions (LEDs), the fundamental Planck scale can be low enough that collisions between high-energy particles may produce microscopic black holes. High-energy cosmic neutrinos can carry energies much larger than a PeV, opening the door to a higher energy range than Earth-based colliders. Here, for the first time, we identify a number of unique signatures of microscopic black holes as they would appear in the next generation of large-scale neutrino observatories such as IceCube-Gen2 and the Pacific Ocean Neutrino Explorer. These signatures include new event topologies, energy distributions, and unusual ratios of hadronic-to-electronic energy deposition, visible through Cherenkov light echos due to delayed neutron recombination. We find that the next generation of neutrino telescopes can probe LEDs with a Planck scale up to 6 TeV, though the identification of unique topologies could push their reach even further.
Large effects from small QCD instantons: making soft bombs at hadron colliders
Authors: Khoze Valentin V. , Krauss Frank , Schott Matthias
Published: April 2020

Abstract

It is a common belief that the last missing piece of the Standard Model of particles physics was found with the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider. However, there remains a major prediction of quantum tunnelling processes mediated by instanton solutions in the Yang-Mills theory, that is still untested in the Standard Model. The direct experimental observation of instanton-induced processes, which are a consequence of the non-trivial vacuum structure of the Standard Model and of quantum tunnelling in QFT, would be a major breakthrough in modern particle physics. In this paper, we present for the first time a full calculation of QCD instanton-induced processes in proton-proton collisions accounting for quantum corrections due to both initial and final state gluon interactions, a first implementation in an MC event generator as well as a basic strategy how to observe these effects experimentally.
Interdisziplinäre Tumorkonferenzen in der radiologischen Routine
Authors: Schreyer Andreas G. , Dendl L. M. , Antoch G. , Layer G. , Beyer L. , Schleder S.
Published: April 2020

Ziel

Interdisziplinäre Tumorkonferenzen (Boards) sind regelmäßig stattfindende Konferenzen, bei denen unter medizinischen Experten verschiedener Fachrichtungen versucht wird, einen für den Patienten optimierten Behandlungsplan zu erstellen. Die Anwesenheit eines radiologischen Facharztes ist in nahezu allen relevanten Boards medizinisch unumgänglich. Um die aktuelle Beanspruchung der Radiologie durch derartige Boards systematisch zu evaluieren und auch um aktuelle Zahlen zur möglichen zukünftigen Personalplanung zu liefern, haben wir eine aktuelle Standortbestimmung in der Radiologie in Deutschland durchgeführt.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte eine Online-Umfrage. Zur Teilnahme aufgefordert waren alle 33 Lehrstuhlinhaber in der Radiologie sowie nach dem Zufallsprinzip weitere 50 ausgewählte Chefärzte für Radiologie an Krankenhäusern der Schwerpunkt-, oder Maximalversorgung (im Folgenden „Schwerpunktkliniken“ genannt).

Ergebnisse

Es nahmen 26 von 33 radiologischen Instituten (79 %) der Universitätskliniken und 28 von 50 Instituten (56 %) der Schwerpunktkliniken teil. Die Gesamtzahl der durchgeführten Tumorboards beträgt im Durchschnitt 3,3 pro Tag bzw. 16,7 pro Woche an Universitätskliniken und 2,6 pro Tag bzw. 13 pro Woche an Schwerpunktkliniken. Es ergibt sich ein durchschnittlicher zeitlicher Aufwand unter Berücksichtigung der Vorbereitungs- und Durchführungszeit sowie der Durchführungshäufigkeiten von 33,1 h/Woche an Universitätskliniken und 18,2 h/Woche an Schwerpunktkliniken. Dies entspricht bei einer 42-Stunden-Woche an Universitätskliniken 78,8 % und bei einer 40-Stunden-Woche an Schwerpunktkliniken 45,5 % einer Facharztstelle, die für interdisziplinäre Tumorboards notwendig sind.

Schlussfolgerung

Die „sprechende“ Radiologie mit ihren interdisziplinären Tumorboards stellt ein klinisches Selbstverständnis unter aktiver Teilnahme und Moderation durch die Radiologie dar, welches die Patientenversorgung evidenzbasiert verbessert. Dennoch muss bei der in der Medizin vorherrschenden Ressourcenknappheit für künftige Diskussionen bezüglich einer personellen Kompensation die hier erhobene Datengrundlage bzgl. des Personalaufwands der klinischen Radiologie für die Teilnahme an Tumorboards bedacht werden.
The pore-forming subunit MCU of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter is required for normal glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo in mice
Authors: Georgiadou Eleni , Haythorne Elizabeth , Dickerson Matthew T. , Lopez-Noriega Livia , Pullen Timothy J. , da Silva Xavier Gabriela , Davis Samuel P. X. , Martinez-Sanchez Aida , Semplici Francesca , Rizzuto Rosario , McGinty James A. , French Paul M. , Cane Matthew C. , Jacobson David A. , Leclerc Isabelle , Rutter Guy A.
Published: April 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is central to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Whether Ca2+ uptake into pancreatic beta cell mitochondria potentiates or antagonises this process is still a matter of debate. Although the mitochondrial Ca2+ importer (MCU) complex is thought to represent the main route for Ca2+ transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane, its role in beta cells has not previously been examined in vivo.

Methods

Here, we inactivated the pore-forming subunit of the MCU, encoded by Mcu, selectively in mouse beta cells using Ins1Cre-mediated recombination. Whole or dissociated pancreatic islets were isolated and used for live beta cell fluorescence imaging of cytosolic or mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and ATP production in response to increasing glucose concentrations. Electrophysiological recordings were also performed on whole islets. Serum and blood samples were collected to examine oral and i.p. glucose tolerance.

Results

Glucose-stimulated mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation (p< 0.05), ATP production (p< 0.05) and insulin secretion (p< 0.01) were strongly inhibited in beta cell-specific Mcu-null (βMcu-KO) animals, in vitro, as compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations increased (p< 0.001), whereas mitochondrial membrane depolarisation improved in βMcu-KO animals. βMcu-KO mice displayed impaired in vivo insulin secretion at 5 min (p< 0.001) but not 15 min post-i.p. injection of glucose, whilst the opposite phenomenon was observed following an oral gavage at 5 min. Unexpectedly, glucose tolerance was improved (p< 0.05) in young βMcu-KO (<12 weeks), but not in older animals vs WT mice.

Conclusions/interpretation

MCU is crucial for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in pancreatic beta cells and is required for normal GSIS. The apparent compensatory mechanisms that maintain glucose tolerance in βMcu-KO mice remain to be established.
Peripheral blood markers predictive of outcome and immune-related adverse events in advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1 inhibitors
Authors: Peng Lihong , Wang Yong , Liu Fen , Qiu Xiaotong , Zhang Xinwei , Fang Chen , Qian Xiaoyin , Li Yong
Published: April 2020

Background

Selected patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) benefit from immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) inhibitor. Peripheral blood biomarkers would be most convenient to predict treatment outcome and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in candidate patients. This study explored associations between inflammation-related peripheral blood markers and onset of irAEs and outcome in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving PD-1 inhibitors.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 102 patients with advanced NSCLC receiving PD-1 inhibitors from January 2017 to May 2019. Cox regression models were employed to assess the prognostic effect of low/high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation between peripheral blood markers and the onset of irAEs.

Result

NLR < 5, LDH < 240 U/L, or PNI ≥ 45 was favorably associated with significantly better outcomes compared with higher, higher, or lower values, respectively. The multivariate analysis determined that these parameters were independently associated with both better PFS (p = 0.049, 0.046, 0.014, respectively) and longer OS (p = 0.007, 0.031, < 0.001, respectively). Patients with three favorable factors among NLR, LDH, and PNI had better PFS and OS than did those with two, one, or none. PNI and NLR were associated with the onset of irAEs.

Conclusion

In patients with advanced NSCLC treated with PD-1 inhibitors, pretreatment NLR, LDH, and PNI may be useful predictive markers of clinical outcome and irAEs.
Draf III frontal sinus surgery for the treatment of Pott’s puffy tumour in adults: our case series and a review of frontal sinus anatomy risk factors
Authors: Pendolino Alfonso Luca , Koumpa Foteini Stefania , Zhang Henry , Leong Samuel C. , Andrews Peter J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

We present our case series of four adult patients with Pott’s puffy tumour (PPT), successfully treated with Draf III over a mean period of 11 months. A critical review of the literature is also provided.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing Draf III for PPT from January 2018 to January 2019 was performed.

Results

Four consecutive male patients ranging from 26 to 62 years, with a mean age of 49.5 ± 16.3 years, undergoing Draf III for Pott’s puffy tumour were included. Two patients had a Kuhn type IV frontal cell narrowing the frontonasal pathway and presented without previous sinus surgery, whereas the other two had previous sinus surgery. The success rate of the operation was 100% with an average length of follow-up of 11 months (range 5–18).

Conclusion

In our experience, the Draf III procedure is a highly effective treatment of PPT. In particular, we have demonstrated it to be very effective in accessing highly positioned Kuhn type IV cells.
Boundary behaviour of $$\lambda $$-polyharmonic functions on regular trees
Authors: Sava-Huss Ecaterina , Woess Wolfgang
Published: April 2020

This paper studies the boundary behaviour of $$\lambda $$
λ
-polyharmonic functions for the simple random walk operator on a regular tree, where $$\lambda $$
λ
is complex and $$|\lambda |> \rho $$

|
λ
|
>
ρ

, the $$\ell ^2$$

ℓ
2

-spectral radius of the random walk. In particular, subject to normalisation by spherical, resp. polyspherical functions, Dirichlet and Riquier problems at infinity are solved, and a non-tangential Fatou theorem is proved.
An Institutional Self-Study of Text-Matching Software in a Canadian Graduate-Level Engineering Program
Authors: Eaton Sarah Elaine , Crossman Katherine , Behjat Laleh , Yates Robin Michael , Fear Elise , Trifkovic Milana
Published: April 2020

This institutional self-study investigated the use of text-matching software (TMS) to prevent plagiarism by students in a Canadian university that did not have an institutional license for TMS at the time of the study. Assignments from a graduate-level engineering course were analyzed using iThenticate®. During the initial phase of the study, similarity scores from the first student assignments (N = 132) were collected to determine a baseline level of textual similarity. Students were then offered an educational intervention workshop on academic integrity. Another set of similarity scores from consenting participants’ second assignments (n = 106) were then collected, and a statistically significant assignment effect (p < 0.05) was found between the similarity scores of the two assignments. The results of this study indicate that TMS, when used in conjunction with educational interventions about academic integrity, can be useful to students and educators to prevent and identify academic misconduct. This study adds to the growing body of empirical research about academic integrity in Canadian higher education and, in particular, in engineering fields.
The Multicriterial Approach to the Problem of Demarcation
Authors: Fernandez-Beanato Damian
Published: April 2020

The problem of demarcating science from nonscience remains unsolved. This article executes an analytical process of elimination of different demarcation proposals put forward since the professionalization of the philosophy of science, explaining why each of those proposals is unsatisfactory or incomplete. Then, it elaborates on how to execute an alternative multicriterial scientific demarcation project put forward by Mahner (2007, 521–522; 2013, 29–43). This project allows for the demarcation not only of science from non-science and from pseudoscience, but also of different types of sciences and of scientific fields (e.g., formal sciences, natural sciences, social sciences) from each other. This article also offers arguments in favor of accepting two types of scientific demarcations, namely epistemic-warrant scientific demarcations and territorial scientific demarcations, and argues in favor of accepting a territorially broad scientific demarcation.
Melt stabilization of polyethylene with natural antioxidants: comparison of a natural extract and its main component
Authors: Kirschweng Balázs , Vörös Benedek , Arroussi Mohammed , Tátraaljai Dóra , Zsuga Miklós , Pukánszky Béla
Published: April 2020

The efficiency of the natural extract, silymarin, was compared to its main component, silybin in the processing stabilization of polyethylene. The two compounds were applied as primary antioxidants in the concentration range of 0–500 ppm in combination with 1000 ppm Sandostab PEPQ phosphorous secondary stabilizer. The efficiency of the stabilizers was determined by the measurement of the concentration of unsaturated groups, the amount of residual PEPQ, melt flow rate (MFR), oxidation induction time and color of polymer samples taken after consecutive extrusion steps. The comparison showed that at large concentrations, the extract is more efficient than the pure compound; the vinyl group content and MFR of the polymer are preserved more in the presence on the extract than with silybin. The residual stability of the polymer containing silymarin is also slightly better at the same additive content than that prepared with silybin. Larger efficiency is explained by the smaller bond dissociation enthalpies of the most active phenolic hydroxyl groups of some of the components of the extract. The larger solubility of silymarin resulting from its amorphous character and the presence of the accompanying components of the extract also contributes to its better efficiency. At small concentrations, silymarin proved to be inferior to silybin, which was explained by the interaction of the components. The use of the extract seems to be more advantageous because it is more efficient and significantly cheaper than its pure main component. On the other hand, the stabilizing efficiency of silymarin and the related compounds is inferior to other flavonoids like quercetin, dihydromyricetin or rutin.
Simulating White-Light Images of Coronal Structures for Parker Solar Probe/WISPR: Study of the Total Brightness Profiles
Authors: Nisticò Giuseppe , Bothmer Volker , Vourlidas Angelos , Liewer Paulett C. , Thernisien Arnaud F. , Stenborg Guillermo , Howard Russell A.
Published: April 2020

The Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe (WISPR) captures unprecedented white-light images of the solar corona and inner heliosphere. Thanks to the uniqueness of the Parker Solar Probe’s (PSP) orbit, WISPR is able to image “locally” coronal structures at high spatial and time resolutions. The observed plane of sky, however, rapidly changes because of the PSP’s high orbital speed. Therefore, the interpretation of the dynamics of the coronal structures recorded by WISPR is not straightforward. A first study, undertaken by Liewer et al. (Solar Phys.294, 93, 2019), shows how different coronal features (e.g., streamers, flux ropes) appear in the field-of-view of WISPR by means of raytracing simulations. In particular, they analyze the effects of the spatial resolution changes on both the images and the associated height–time maps, and introduce the fundamentals for geometric triangulation. In this follow-up paper, we focus on the study of the total brightness of a simple, spherical, plasma density structure, to understand how the analysis of Thomson-scattered emission by the electrons in a coronal feature can shed light into the determination of its kinematic properties. We investigate two cases: (i) a density sphere at a constant distance from the Sun for different heliographic longitudes; (ii) a density sphere moving outwardly with constant speed. The study allows us to characterize the effects of the varying heliocentric distance of the observer and scattering angle on the total brightness observed, which we exploit to contribute to a better determination of the position and speed of the coronal features observed by WISPR.
The Rādhāsoāmī Theory of Subtle Body as an Expression of Religious Inclusivism
Authors: Zapart Jarosław
Published: April 2020

This article looks at the yogic theory of subtle body as a hermeneutical and pedagogical tool used by the Rādhāsoāmī (rādhāsvāmī) tradition to construct an inclusivist strategy for appropriating other religious systems. When constructing the theory ofsurat-śabd-yoga, the Rādhāsoāmīs took thehaṭha yogaof the Nāths as a vital reference point. While rejecting the corporeal techniques ofhaṭha yoga, they remained influenced by the Nāth theory of subtle body. A thorough modification and expansion of this theory enabled the Rādhāsoāmīs to construct a historiosophy based on a hierarchy of religious paths. The article discloses various manifestations of the inclusivist strategy in Rādhāsoāmī thought, establishes its historical and structural determinants, and examines the process of development of the theory of subtle body into a hermeneutical tool for interpreting rival paradigms ofyogain a manner that portrays them as inferior.
„Wem sag ich’s? Und vor allem wie?“ – Partner*innenbenachrichtigung bei STI
Authors: Enders Kristina , Schu Martina , Cannizzaro Gianna
Published: April 2020

Hintergrund

Die Wirksamkeit der Benachrichtigung von Sexualpartner*innen über die Diagnose von sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen (STI), um Übertragungsketten zu unterbrechen, ist durch den internationalen Forschungsstand gut belegt. Verschiedene empirische Arbeiten verweisen auf die Bedeutung struktureller und individueller Faktoren für die Bereitschaft, Partner*innen zu benachrichtigen.

Methoden

Über quantitative und qualitative Befragungen von Nutzer*innen anonymer Teststellen konnten erstmals belastbare Daten dazu für Deutschland gewonnen werden. Im Erhebungszeitraum (Juli bis September 2019) wurden bundesweit insgesamt 845 Nutzer*innen anonymer Teststellen befragt: 721 füllten einen schriftlichen Fragebogen aus, mit 169 Befragungsteilnehmenden konnte zusätzlich ein etwa 30-minütiges leitfadengestütztes Interview realisiert werden.

Ergebnisse

Wie unsere Erhebungen zeigen, wurde etwa ein Drittel aller befragten Klient*innen bisher schon mindestens einmal von einem Sexualkontakt informiert, dass die Möglichkeit einer STI besteht. Generell wären die Klient*innen selbst dankbar über eine Benachrichtigung – am liebsten durch den infizierten Sexualkontakt persönlich. Das Thema Partner*innenbenachrichtigung (PB) bewegt die Nutzer*innen, viele empfinden Verantwortung für ihre Sexualpartner*innen und fast alle wollen sie informieren. Doch fällt es vielen schwer, ihre Sexualkontakte auf eine mögliche Infektion hinzuweisen. Deshalb wünschen sich vier Fünftel der 721 befragten Klient*innen, zu Möglichkeiten von PB beraten zu werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Klient*innen wünschen sich Informationsmaterial (analog und digital) sowie Beratung und Hilfen zur Gesprächsführung bzgl. PB (wie, wann und wo Sexualkontakte informieren?) und schließlich tatsächlich verfügbare Test- und Behandlungsangebote.
Ecotourism development and the heterogeneity of tourists
Authors: Lee Joung Hun , Iwasa Yoh
Published: April 2020

Ecotourism is potentially capable of making biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management economically feasible. Here, we propose a simple model for ecotourism development considering the heterogeneity of tourists, motivated by the case of Jeju Island, South Korea. We analyze the optimal investment in accommodation capacity (i.e., hotels, restaurants, and transportation) and in improving the quality of the environment (i.e., biodiversity, landscape, and cultural activities). “General tourists” are abundant but will not return to the focal site, and their future number is unpredictable, while “loyal tourists” may return to the site if they are attracted by its environmental and/or cultural assets. The analysis shows that the economically profitable policy is either the one with a large investment in accommodation capacity targeting general tourists or the one with a large investment to environmental quality targeting loyal tourists, but an intermediate mixture of these extremes cannot be the optimal. We also discuss “zoning,” in which a site is separated to two areas, and many visitors stay in the first area and visit the second area to enjoy the high-quality environment.
Implications of next-generation sequencing for the systematics and evolution of the terrestrial orchid genus Epipactis, with particular reference to the British Isles
Authors: Bateman Richard M.
Published: April 2020

Recent application of next-generation sequencing technology to Eurasian taxa of the primitive epidendroid orchid cladeEpipactissectionEpipactishas further advanced our knowledge of what has become a model system for studying the origins of numerous autogamous taxa from within arguably only one allogamous ancestral species,E. helleborines.s. Current understanding of evolutionary pattern, species re-circumscription and speciation process withinEpipactisis critically reviewed, emphasising the relevance of recent research based on next-generation sequencing and aiming to better understand taxa native to the British Isles. Conclusions include recognition that (1) the majority of named taxa currently widely viewed as species do not pass rigorous tests of species status, (2) two of the six unequivocal species native to Britain extend further east in Eurasia than was previously supposed, and none is endemic, (3) all scientifically defensible species ofEpipactishave high frequencies of self-pollination (although autogamy is significantly less frequent in the ancestral speciesE. helleborinethan in any of the remaining species derived from it), and (4) fully understanding the speciation process (including substantial increases in autogamy) will require us to further investigate not only pollinator behaviour and the diverse factors determining gynostemium morphology but also the equally diverse factors (including mycorrhizal specificity) likely to influence the invasion of novel, challenging habitat types.
Jung stirbt, wen die Götter lieben?
Authors: Thieme Lutz
Published: April 2020

Während moderate sportliche Bewegung die Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit einer Risikogruppe positiv beeinflusst, sind die Befunde im Leistungssport international gemischt. Für Deutschland liegt dazu nur eine Studie zu Fußball-Nationalspielern vor. Daher wurden mit Hilfe der Daten der Mitglieder der deutschen Olympiamannschaften 1956 bis 2016 (n = 6066) Hypothesen zu Effekten im Vergleich zur Gesamtbevölkerung, zum metabolischen Stoffwechsel, zu Einzel‑, Mix- und Mannschaftssportarten, zu Doping, zum olympischen Erfolg und zum Geschlecht getestet und dabei auch die Mitgliedschaft in den Olympiamannschaften der Bundesrepublik, der DDR sowie dem wiedervereinigten Deutschland berücksichtigt. Es zeigt sich, dass die Mitglieder der deutschen Olympiamannschaften bislang eine im Vergleich mit der Gesamtbevölkerung höhere Mortalitätsrate aufweisen, es keine höheren Überlebensraten für die Mitglieder der Olympiamannschaften der alten Bundesrepublik gibt, sich keine Differenzen zwischen Sportarten finden lassen, aber steigende olympische Erfolge zu höheren Mortalitätsraten führen.