bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity to Pulse Phase Duration as a Marker of Neural Health Across Cochlear Implant Recipients and Electrodes
Authors: Zhou Ning , Zhu Zhen , Dong Lixue , Galvin John
Published: February 2021

In cochlear implants, loudness has been shown to grow more slowly with increasing pulse phase duration (PPD) than with pulse amplitude (PA), possibly due to “leaky” charge integration. This leakiness has been recently quantified in terms of “charge integration efficiency,” defined as the log difference between the PPD dynamic range and PA dynamic range (both expressed in charge units), relative to a common threshold anchor. Such leakiness may differ across electrodes and/or test ears, and may reflect underlying neural health. In this study, we examined the across-site variation of charge integration in recipients of Cochlear© devices. PPD and PA dynamic ranges were measured relative to two threshold anchors with either a 25- or 50-microsecond PPD. Strength-duration functions, previously shown to relate to survival of spiral ganglion cells and peripheral processes, were compared to charge integration efficiency on selected electrodes. Results showed no significant or systematic relationship between the across-site variation in charge integration efficiency and electrode position or threshold levels. Charge integration efficiency was poorer with the 50-μs threshold anchor, suggesting that greater leakiness was associated with larger PPD dynamic ranges. Poorer and more variable charge integration efficiency across electrodes was associated with longer duration of any hearing loss, consistent with the idea that poor integration is related to neural degeneration. More variable integration efficiency was also associated with poorer speech recognition performance across test ears. The slopes of the strength-duration functions at maximum acceptable loudness were significantly correlated with charge integration efficiency. However, the strength-duration slopes were not predictive of duration of any hearing loss or speech recognition performance in our participants. As such, charge integration efficiency may be a better candidate to measure leakiness in neural populations across the electrode array, as well as the general health of the auditory nerve in human cochlear implant recipients.
Iron metabolism is disturbed and anti-copper treatment improves but does not normalize iron metabolism in Wilson’s disease
Authors: Gromadzka Grażyna , Wierzbicka Diana , Litwin Tomasz , Przybyłkowski Adam
Published: February 2021

Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare hereditary disorder of copper metabolism. Some data suggest that iron metabolism is disturbed in WD and this may affect the course of the disease. The current study aimed to determine whether anti-copper treatment could affect iron metabolism in WD. One hundred thirty-eight WD patients and 102 controls were examined. Serum ceruloplasmin and copper were measured by colorimetric enzyme assay or atomic adsorption spectroscopy, respectively. Routine and non-routine parameters of iron metabolism were measured by standard laboratory methods or enzyme immunoassay, respectively. WD patients, both newly diagnosed and treated, had less serum copper and ceruloplasmin than controls (90.0, 63.0, 22.0 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.001); in the treated patients blood copper and ceruloplasmin were lower than in untreated patients (p < 0.001). Untreated patients (n = 39) had a higher median blood iron (126.0 vs 103.5 ug/dL, p < 0.05), ferritin (158.9 vs 47.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001), hepcidin (32, 6 vs 12.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and sTfR (0.8 vs. 0.7 ug/mL, p < 0.001) and lower blood transferrin (2.4 vs. 2.7 g/L, p < 0.001), TIBC (303.0 vs 338.0 ug/dL, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (13.1 vs 13.9 g/dL, p < 0.01) and RBC (4.3 vs. 4.6, p < 0.002) than controls. Treated patients (n = 99) had a significantly lower median iron (88.0 vs. 126.0 ug/dL, p < 0.001), ferritin (77.0 vs. 158.9 ng/mL, p < 0.005) and hepcidin (16.7 vs. 32.6 ng/mL, p < 001) and higher transferrin (2.8 vs. 2.4 g/L, p < 0.005), TIBC (336.0 vs 303.0 ug/dL, p < 0.001), RBC (4.8 vs. 4.3 M/L, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin (14.4 vs. 13.1 g/dL, p < 0.001) than untreated; the median iron (p < 0.005) was lower, and ferritin (p < 0.005), RBC (p < 0.005) and hepcidin (p < 0.002) were higher in them than in the control group. Changes in copper metabolism are accompanied by changes in iron metabolism in WD. Anti-copper treatment improves but does not normalize iron metabolism.
The impact of high-intensity interval exercise training on NK-cell function and circulating myokines for breast cancer prevention among women at high risk for breast cancer
Authors: Coletta Adriana M. , Agha Nadia H. , Baker Forrest L. , Niemiro Grace M. , Mylabathula Preteesh L. , Brewster Abenaa M. , Bevers Therese B. , Fuentes-Mattei Enrique , Basen-Engquist Karen , Gilchrist Susan C. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Preclinical evidence suggests that natural killer cell (NK-cell) function and myokines facilitate the protective effects of exercise for breast cancer prevention. Since higher-intensity exercise acutely promotes greater mobilization and larger changes in NK-cell cytotoxicity than lower-intensity, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) might offer increased immune protection compared to moderate-intensity continuous-training (MICT). This study compared a 12-week HIIT program to a 12-week MICT program and usual care on changes in resting NK-cell function and circulating myokines among women at high risk for breast cancer.

Methods

Thirty-three women were randomized to HIIT, MICT, or usual care, for a supervised exercise intervention. Blood was collected at baseline and end-of-study. The cytotoxic activity of CD3−/CD56+ NK-cells against the K562 target cell line in vitro was determined by flow cytometry. Circulating myokines (IL-15, IL-6, irisin, OSM, osteonectin, IL-7) were assessed with luminex multiplex assays and ELISA. One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-tests assessed between- and within-group differences, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients determined relationships between baseline fitness and change variables.

Results

Significant differences were not observed between groups for change in NK-cell function or circulating myokines (p > 0.05). Significant correlations were only observed for baseline peak aerobic capacity (ml/kg/min) and change in NK-cell-specific lysis (r = − 0.43, p = 0.02) and hemacytotoxicity for the total sample (r = − 0.46, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that exercise intensity may not significantly impact change in resting NK-cell function and circulating myokines among women at high risk for breast cancer. Structured exercise training may have a larger impact on NK-cell function in those with lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Clinical trial registration: NCT02923401; Registered on October 4, 2016
Beyond Individual Triage: Regional Allocation of Life-Saving Resources such as Ventilators in Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Pugh Jonathan , Wilkinson Dominic , Palacios-Gonzalez Cesar , Savulescu Julian
Published: February 2021

In the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers in some countries were forced to make distressing triaging decisions about which individual patients should receive potentially life-saving treatment. Much of the ethical discussion prompted by the pandemic has concerned which moral principles should ground our response to these individual triage questions. In this paper we aim to broaden the scope of this discussion by considering the ethics of broader structural allocation decisions raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, we consider how nations ought to distribute a scarce life-saving resource across healthcare regions in a public health emergency, particularly in view of regional differences in projected need and existing capacity. We call this the regional triage question.
Using the case study of ventilators in the COVID-19 pandemic, we show how the moral frameworks that we might adopt in response to individual triage decisions do not translate straightforwardly to this regional-level triage question. Having outlined what we take to be a plausible egalitarian approach to the regional triage question, we go on to propose a novel way of operationalising the ‘save the most lives’ principle in this context. We claim that the latter principle ought to take some precedence in the regional triage question, but also note important limitations to the extent of the influence that it should have in regional allocation decisions.
Monte Carlo simulations of electron transport in 4H-SiC using the DFT-calculated density of states
Authors: Wozny Janusz , Kovalchuk Andrii , Lisik Zbigniew , Podgorski Jacek , Bugalski Piotr , Kubiak Andrzej , Ruta Łukasz
Published: February 2021

We carry out Monte Carlo simulations of electron transport in 4H-silicon carbide (4H-SiC) based on the numerically calculated density of states (DOS) to obtain the electron mobility at low electric fields. From the results, it can be concluded that a correct calculation of the DOS requires a very dense wavevector k-mesh when low electron kinetic energies are considered. The crucial issue is the numerical efficiency of the DOS calculation. We investigate the scaling efficiency when different numbers of cores are used.
On the role of complexity in machining time estimation
Authors: Armillotta Antonio
Published: February 2021

Early cost estimation of machined parts is difficult as it requires detailed process information that is not usually available during product design. Parametric methods address this issue by estimating machining time from predictors related to design choices. One of them is complexity, defined as a function of dimensions and tolerances from an analogy with information theory. However, complexity has only a limited correlation with machining time unless restrictive assumptions are made on part types and machining processes. The objective of the paper is to improve the estimation of machining time by combining complexity with additional parameters. For this purpose, it is first shown that three factors that influence machining time (part size, area of machined features, work material) are not fully captured by complexity alone. Then an optimal set of predictors is selected by regression analysis of time estimates made on sample parts using an existing feature-based method. The proposed parametric model is shown to predict machining time with an average percentage error of 25% compared to the baseline method, over a wide range of part geometries and machining processes. Therefore, the model is accurate enough to support comparison of design alternatives as well as bidding and make-or-buy decisions.
Two notions of fusion and the landscape of extensionality
Authors: Loss Roberto
Published: February 2021

There are two main ways in which the notion of mereological fusion is usually defined in the current literature in mereology which have been labelled ‘Leśniewski fusion’ and ‘Goodman fusion’. It is well-known that, with Minimal Mereology as the background theory, every Leśniewski fusion also qualifies as a Goodman fusion. However, the converse does not hold unless stronger mereological principles are assumed. In this paper I will discuss how the gap between the two notions can be filled, focussing in particular on two specific sets of principles that appear to be of particular philosophical interest. The first way to make the two notions equivalent can be used to shed some interesting light on the kind of intuition both notions seem to articulate. The second shows the importance of a little-known mereological principle which I will call ‘Mild Supplementation’. As I will show, the mereology obtained by adding Mild Supplementation to Minimal Mereology occupies an interesting position in the landscape of theories that are stronger than Minimal Mereology but weaker than what Achille Varzi and Roberto Casati have labelled ‘Extensional Mereology’.
Propaganda, Presumed Influence, and Collective Protest
Authors: Huang Haifeng , Cruz Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Political propaganda can reduce citizens’ inclinations to protest by directly influencing their preferences or beliefs about the government. However, given that protest is risky in authoritarian societies and requires collective participation, propaganda can also reduce citizens’ inclination to protest by making them think that other citizens, rather than themselves, may have been influenced by propaganda and are, as a result, unwilling to protest. We test this indirect mechanism of propaganda using a survey experiment with Chinese internet users from diverse backgrounds and find that they do believe propaganda affects other citizens’ support for and beliefs about the government more than their own support and beliefs. Moreover, they believe that propaganda reduces other citizens’ willingness to protest, which in turn reduces their own willingness to protest. Therefore, the power of propaganda may sometimes lie more in the social perceptions and uncertainty it creates than in its direct individual effects.
Psycholinguistic features, design attributes, and respondent-reported cognition predict response time to patient-reported outcome measure items
Authors: Cohen Matthew L. , Boulton Aaron J. , Lanzi Alyssa M. , Sutherland Elyse , Hunting Pompon Rebecca
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) vary in their psycholinguistic complexity. This study examined whether response time to PROM items is related to psycholinguistic attributes of the item and/or the self-reported cognitive ability of the respondent.

Methods

Baseline data from Wave 2 of the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) development study were reanalyzed. That sample contained 581 adults with neurological disorders and whose self-reported cognitive abilities were quantified by the Neuro-QoL v2.0 Cognitive Function Item Bank. 185 Neuro-QoL items were coded for several psycholinguistic variables and design attributes: number of words and syllables, mean imageability of words, mean word frequency, mean age of word acquisition, and response format (e.g., about symptom frequency or task difficulty). Data were analyzed with linear and generalized linear mixed models.

Results

Main effects models revealed that slower response times were associated with respondents with lower self-reported cognitive abilities and with PROM items that contained more syllables, less imageable (e.g., more abstract) words, and that asked about task difficulty rather than symptom frequency. Interaction effects were found between self-reported cognition and those same PROM attributes such that people with worse self-reported cognitive abilities were disproportionately slow when responding to items that were longer (more syllables), contained less imageable words, and asked about task difficulty.

Conclusion

Completing a PROM requires multiple cognitive skills (e.g., memory, executive functioning) and appraisal processes. Response time is a means of operationalizing the amount or difficulty of cognitive processing, and this report indicates several aspects of PROM design that relate to a measure’s cognitive burden. However, future research with better experimental control is needed.
Ex Ante Impact Assessment of Reservoir Construction Projects for Different Stakeholders Using Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Singto Chakaphon , de Vries Martijn , Hofstede Gert Jan , Fleskens Luuk
Published: February 2021

Reservoir construction projects are frequently met with fierce opposition. Consequently, to mitigate any potential negative impacts, environmental and social impact assessments are usually mandatory. Stakeholder perspectives are often only implicit in such assessments, and the medium-term effects of mitigating actions are assessed at the aggregate level, which fails to take into account unequal disaggregated impacts. In this paper, we design and apply an agent-based model (ABM) built on stakeholder information to conduct an ex ante assessment of the impact of a reservoir construction project in southern Thailand over a 30-year period for individual agents. We incorporate stakeholders’ knowledge into the ABM on the basis of primary data collected during the 2016–2018 period, including workshops with affected farmers to assess their interests and concerns, in-depth interviews with farmers in nearby districts to assess farming behaviors, and the expert opinions of policymakers to assess the relevant regulations and processes. In a case study for which the model was established, the results predict that, overall, farmers will have more farm income if the dam is built. We find that affected people require a standard of living similar to that provided by their previous livelihood as soon as possible after resettlement. By simulating the impacts on individual agents, we conclude that the compensation for relocation offered to affected farmers is not sufficient for sustainable resettlements. Facilitating compensation may increase the speed of project implementation and lead to better outcomes for everyone, including affected communities, whereas failure to reshape the current compensation policy leaves everyone more disadvantaged.
Machine learning for image-based detection of patients with obstructive sleep apnea: an exploratory study
Authors: Tsuiki Satoru , Nagaoka Takuya , Fukuda Tatsuya , Sakamoto Yuki , Almeida Fernanda R. , Nakayama Hideaki , Inoue Yuichi , Enno Hiroki
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In 2-dimensional lateral cephalometric radiographs, patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit a more crowded oropharynx in comparison with non-OSA. We tested the hypothesis that machine learning, an application of artificial intelligence (AI), could be used to detect patients with severe OSA based on 2-dimensional images.

Methods

A deep convolutional neural network was developed (n = 1258; 90%) and tested (n = 131; 10%) using data from 1389 (100%) lateral cephalometric radiographs obtained from individuals diagnosed with severe OSA (n = 867; apnea hypopnea index > 30 events/h sleep) or non-OSA (n = 522; apnea hypopnea index < 5 events/h sleep) at a single center for sleep disorders. Three kinds of data sets were prepared by changing the area of interest using a single image: the original image without any modification (full image), an image containing a facial profile, upper airway, and craniofacial soft/hard tissues (main region), and an image containing part of the occipital region (head only). A radiologist also performed a conventional manual cephalometric analysis of the full image for comparison.

Results

The sensitivity/specificity was 0.87/0.82 for full image, 0.88/0.75 for main region, 0.71/0.63 for head only, and 0.54/0.80 for the manual analysis. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was the highest for main region 0.92, for full image 0.89, for head only 0.70, and for manual cephalometric analysis 0.75.

Conclusions

A deep convolutional neural network identified individuals with severe OSA with high accuracy. Future research on this concept using AI and images can be further encouraged when discussing triage of OSA.
Utilization of apnea-hypopnea index as a novel predictive factor for difficult mask ventilation in the Chinese population under general anesthesia
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Li Jingjie , Zhao Pengcheng , Pu Xuan , Hu Rong , Jiang Hong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Difficult mask ventilation (DMV) is a potentially life-threatening situation that can arise during anesthesia. However, most clinical predictors of DMV are based on European and US populations. On the other hand, most predictive models consist of multiple factors and complicated assessments. Since obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is among the most important risk factors associated with DMV, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) may play an important role in determining patient risk.The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between DMV and AHI, and to determine preoperative risk factors for DMV in Chinese patients.

Methods

A prospective cohort trial enrolled patients scheduled for elective surgery. After obtaining informed consent, patient demographic information was collected, and patients were tested with pre-operative polysomnography. The anesthesiologist who managed the airway graded the mask ventilation. The difficult mask ventilation was defined as the mask ventilation provided by an unassisted anesthesiologist without oral airway or other adjuvant. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between AHI and DMV.

Results

A total of 159 patients were analyzed. For both primary and secondary outcomes, the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio for DMV showed significant increases by 5 AHI units. AHI, age, and the Mallampati classification were found to be independent predictive factors for DMV.

Conclusions

AHI is associated with DMV as a novel independent risk factor in Chinese patients. Along with age and Mallampati classification, AHI should be included in establishing a superior predictive strategy for DMV screening.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-DDD-17013076
Is there Such a Thing as a Good Profit? Taking Conventional Ethics Seriously
Authors: Svanberg Marja K. , Svanberg Carl F. C.
Published: February 2021

This paper will show that if we take conventional ethics seriously, then there is no moral justification for business profits. To show this, we explore three conventional ethical theories, namely Christian ethics, Kantian ethics and Utilitarian ethics. Since they essentially reject self-interest,they also reject the essence of business: the profit motive. To illustrate the relationship, we will concretize how the anti-egoist perspective expresses itself in business and business ethics. In business, we look at what many businesses regard as proof of their virtue. In business ethics, we look at what many business ethicists say about the relationship between morality and self-interest and, thus, the profit motive. Ultimately, we will argue that conventional ethics can, at most, only justify the means of business (i.e., aspects of running a business), but not the end of business (i.e., profits).
The assessment of the optimal time window for prediction of seismic hazard for longwall coal mining: the case study
Authors: Małkowski Piotr , Niedbalski Zbigniew , Sojka Wojciech
Published: February 2021

The dynamic nature of rock mass damage during mining activity generates seismic events. This article shows, how the time window for the database influences on the actual status of seismic hazard for the longwall mining area in one of Polish coal mines using Gutenberg–Richter law. A time window of 10–90 days was assumed with similar or shorter prediction times forecast on its basis. Additionally, for each seismic database the hazard prediction accuracy was determined. The analysis shows that the 10- and 20-day base periods are too short for prediction purposes. The higher-energy seismic events sometimes do not occur within such a short period of time, preventing regression analysis and parameter b determination. The best time window for the seismic hazard prognosis in given geological and mining conditions seems to be 30–50 days. The shorter periods cause the underestimation of the seismic hazard prognosis. Low range of tremor energies and the relatively low number of seismic events with high energy cause the low probability of prediction of the seismic mining events (10–40%) of the energy of min. 106 J, even for longer day base periods. The accuracy of hazard prediction, obtained from each seismic database period, was determined, using the developed coefficient of hazard autoregression CN. The analysis of the Gutenberg–Richter distribution should serve as complementary tool of seismic hazard prediction only.
Discrepancy between measured dynamic poroelastic parameters and predicted values from Wyllie’s equation for water-saturated Istebna sandstone
Authors: Knez Dariusz , Rajaoalison Herimitsinjo
Published: February 2021

The drilling-related geomechanics requires a better understanding of the encountered formation properties such as poroelastic parameters. This paper shows set of laboratory results of the dynamic Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Biot’s coefficient for dry and water-saturated Istebna sandstone samples under a series of confining pressure conditions at two different temperatures. The predicted results from Wyllie’s equation were compared to the measured ones in order to show the effect of saturation on the rock weakening. A negative correlation has been identified between Poisson’s ratio, Biot’s coefficient and confining pressure, while a positive correlation between confining pressure and Young’s modulus. The predicted dynamic poroelastic rock properties using the P-wave value from Wyllie’s equation are different from measured ones. It shows the important influence of water saturation on rock strength, which is confirmed by unconfined compressive strength measurement. Linear equations have been fitted for the laboratory data and are useful for the analysis of coupled stress and pore pressure effects in geomechanical problems. Such results are useful for many drilling applications especially in evaluation of such cases as wellbore instability and many other drilling problems.
Chasing the Other “Populist Zeitgeist”? Mainstream Parties and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism
Authors: Bayerlein Michael
Published: February 2021

This article answers the question of why certain European mainstream parties have changed their policy positions on the GAL-TAN (Green/Alternative/Libertarian vs. Traditional/Authoritarian/Nationalist) dimension in recent years. I argue that these changes can be explained through the electoral success of new right-wing populist parties and the ideological proximity of conservative mainstream parties towards these parties. These arguments were tested with econometric models of mainstream parties’ policy positions in 11 Western European democracies between 2002 and 2019. The results indicate that mainstream parties chase the other “populist zeitgeist” by changing their policy positions on the GAL–TAN dimension in response to the electoral success of right-wing populist parties. Mainstream parties respond to this threat by closing the distance to these parties on the GAL–TAN dimension. However, this responsiveness is largely constrained to conservative mainstream parties. The findings have important implications for understanding mainstream party responsiveness towards rivalling right-wing populist parties.
Metallurgical and Statistical Approaches to the Study of Cast Iron Street Furniture
Authors: Soffritti C. , Calzolari L. , Pepi S. , Fortini A. , Merlin M. , Garagnani G. L.
Published: February 2021

The evolution of microstructure in relation to dating and nationality of origin was investigated in twenty-four cast iron objects of street furniture produced between XIX and XX centuries in United Kingdom, France, and Italy. Chemical composition of the metalworks was evaluated by glow-discharge optical emission spectrometry. Fragments from the cast irons were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Form, distribution, and size of graphite were evaluated in the microstructure according to standard EN ISO 945-1:2008. An image analysis software was employed to quantify the area fraction of graphite in the matrix, major axis, and shape factor of graphite lamellae, area fraction of manganese sulfides (ψ
S), area fraction of steadite, and number of eutectic cells per area unit. All data were grouped and linear discrimination analysis (LDA) was applied to assess the group assignment and the probability of correct classification for each metalwork. The results showed that the microstructural features were compatible with those of cast irons produced in the XIX and XX centuries. Values of ψ
S also suggested re-melting of cast irons, associated with recycling of cast iron and/or steel scraps. The high values of steadite found in the metalworks are probably due to the excellent castability required for complex shape castings in these centuries. The LDA multivariate analysis allowed to discriminate cast irons based on the year of manufacturing and the nationality of origin.
Weight Regain and Insufficient Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: Definitions, Prevalence, Mechanisms, Predictors, Prevention and Management Strategies, and Knowledge Gaps—a Scoping Review
Authors: El Ansari Walid , Elhag Wahiba
Published: February 2021

Some patients experience weight regain (WR) or insufficient weight loss (IWL) after bariatric surgery (BS). We undertook a scoping review of WR and IWL after BS. We searched electronic databases for studies addressing the definitions, prevalence, mechanisms, clinical significance, preoperative predictors, and preventive and treatment approaches including behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical management strategies of WR and IWL. Many definitions exist for WR, less so for IWL, resulting in inconsistencies in the reported prevalence of these two conditions. Mechanisms and preoperative predictors contributing to WR are complex and multifactorial. A range of the current knowledge gaps are identified and questions that need to be addressed are outlined. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address these knowledge gaps for a better evidence base that would guide patient counseling, selection, and lead to improved outcomes.
Characterization and leaching of mechanically activated zinc residue
Authors: Turan M. Deniz
Published: February 2021

Zinc extraction from zinc-containing residual (ZCR) was examined with the leach of sulfuric acid of original materials and the materials milled in two different mill systems. For this purpose, vibrating ball mill (VBM) and ring mill (RM) were used. In chemical analysis of ZCR, it was determined that it contains a significant amount of zinc, lead, iron and silver and consisted of mostly CaSO4.2H2O, PbO, SiO2, Fe2O3, ZnFe2O4, Al2FeO4 and PbSO4 mineral phases. It was determined in XRD analysis of samples milled at both mills that peak intensity dramatically decreased when compared to original sample.

According to comparative characterization analyses of the milled samples, it was determined that through the increasing grinding time, the particles became agglomerated and an increase in grain size occurred. This situation was also supported by N2-BET and SEM analyses.

While zinc extraction value of the sample milled for 1 min, which was obtained at 0.5 M H2SO4 at leach temperature of 25 °C, at the solid–liquid rate of 100:1 and during the leach time of 30 min, was 90% and 60% for, respectively, VBM and RM, zinc of 54% was determined to be extracted in the leach of the original sample, under the same conditions.
Impact of network performance on remote robotic-assisted endovascular interventions in porcine model
Authors: Legeza Peter , Britz Gavin W. , Shah Alpesh , Sconzert Kalyna , Sungur John-Michael , Chinnadurai Ponraj , Sinha Kavya , Lumsden Alan B.
Published: February 2021

Remote robotic-assisted endovascular interventions require real-time control of the robotic system to conduct precise device navigation. The delay (latency) between the input command and the catheter response can be affected by factors such as network speed and distance. This study evaluated the effect of network latency on robotic-assisted endovascular navigation in three vascular beds using in-vivo experimental model. Three operators performed femoral, carotid, and coronary endovascular robotic navigation blinded from the hybrid room with the prototype remote-enabled CorPath GRX system in a porcine model. Navigation was performed to different targets with randomly assigned network latencies from 0 to 1000 ms. Outcome measurements included navigation success, navigation time, perceived lag (1 = imperceptible, 5 = too long), and procedural impact scored by the operators (1 = no impact, 5 = unacceptable). Robotic-assisted remote endovascular navigation was successful in all 65 cases (9 femoral, 38 external carotid, 18 coronary). Guidewire times were not significantly different across the simulated network latency times. Compared to 0 ms added latency, both the procedural impact and perceived lag scores were significantly higher when the added latency was 400 ms or greater (< 0.01). Remote endovascular intervention was feasible in all studied anatomic regions. Network latency of 400 ms or above is perceptible, although acceptable to operators, which suggests that remote robotic-assisted femoral, carotid or coronary arterial interventions should be performed with network latency below 400 ms to provide seamless remote device control.
Immediate post-operative PDE5i therapy improves early erectile function outcomes after robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)
Authors: Nathan Arjun , Shukla Shivani , Sinha Amil , Sivathasan Sailantra , Rashid Amir , Rassam Joseph , Smart Sonny , Patel Keval , Shah Nimish , Lamb Benjamin W.
Published: February 2021

To assess whether the timing of post-operative Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor (PDE5i) therapy after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) is associated with a change in early erectile function (EF) outcomes, continence or safety outcomes. Data were prospectively collected from a single surgeon in one tertiary centre. 158 patients were treated with PDE5i therapy post RARP over a 2-year period. PDE5i therapy was started: immediately (day 1–2) post-op in 29%, early (day 3–14) post-op in 37% and late (after day 14) post-op in 34%. EPIC-26 EF scores were collected pre-op and post-op. There were no significant differences in pre-operative characteristics between the therapy groups. Drop in EF scores and percentage return to baseline for unilateral nerve sparing was, respectively, 9 and 11.1% of immediate therapy, 7 and 14.8% of early therapy and 9.7 and 9.5% of late therapy (p = 0.9 and p = 0.6). For bilateral nerve sparing, this was, respectively, 3.5 and 42.9% immediate therapy, 5.5 and 35.5% early therapy and 7.3 and 25% late therapy (p = 0.017 and p = 0.045). Pad free and social continence were achieved in 54% and 37% of those receiving immediate therapy, 60% and 33% for early therapy and 26% and 54% for late therapy. There were no differences in compliance, complication or readmission outcomes. In patients with bilateral nerve sparing RARP, immediate post-operative PDE5i therapy can protect EF and improve early continence outcomes. Therefore, immediate PDE5i therapy should be considered in patients following nerve sparing RARP to maximise functional outcomes.
Our experience of lung resection in patients who decline blood transfusion for religious reasons
Authors: Takagi Hironori , Muto Satoshi , Yamaguchi Hikaru , Mine Hayato , Ozaki Yuki , Okabe Naoyuki , Matsumura Yuki , Shio Yutaka , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Objective

Surgical treatment for patients who refuse blood transfusion due to religious beliefs is an important issue related to medical safety. Few reports have examined pulmonary surgery for these patients, and we analyzed clinical characteristics in such cases.

Methods

Ten Jehovah’s Witness (JW) patients with lung tumor resection who declined blood transfusion for religious reasons between December 2013 and February 2020 at the Fukushima Medical University Hospital were included. Median total intraoperative blood loss was 17.5 mL (range 5–150 mL). Fibrin glue was used intraoperatively for 8 patients. Final pathological examination revealed pulmonary adenocarcinoma in 9 cases and metastasis of bladder cancer in 1 case. In 8 patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma examined for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation, 6 cases showed mutation. No patients had serious complications, but 1 patient displayed temporary anemia due to postoperative hemorrhagic gastrointestinal ulcer.

Result and conclusions

Our findings confirm that pulmonary resection is feasible and safe for JW patients if performed by experienced medical staff. However, awareness of complications associated with perioperative bleeding is important. Each JW patient should be interviewed individually and every available perioperative option aimed at blood-sparing management, including use of blood coagulation factors and fibrinogen concentrates, should be carefully discussed and clarified. In this study, the EGFR gene mutation rate was higher than usual for cases of lung adenocarcinoma. Further studies are necessary to assess clinical features in JW patients with lung cancer.
Social networks in coworking spaces and individual coworker’s creativity
Authors: Rese Alexandra , Görmar Lars , Herbig Alena
Published: February 2021

Coworking spaces (CWS) are open creative labs that provide a community-like environment and the necessary surroundings for their users to build and maintain networks with different actors inside and outside the CWS. With a wide variety of knowledge and skills available in trusted surroundings as well as similar value orientations, coworkers enjoy favorable conditions to establish their network-style. However, research has not investigated the benefit of coworkers’ social networks as far as their individual creativity is concerned so far. This paper takes several network characteristics into account: structure in terms of network size and centrality in the CWS, but also trusted and reciprocal relationships, supportiveness, diversity of knowledge exchanged, and the individual openness to core coworking values. Based on the literature on social networks and small group research, we developed a research model. We tested it to get deeper insights into the phenomenon by relying on 113 coworkers in 33 private German coworking spaces. The results show that a central position in the CWS allowing for direct exchange and high individual openness to core coworking values positively affects social involvement and the diversity of knowledge exchanged, and finally, a coworker’s individual creativity. Managerial implications include the vital role of a central position in the CWS for creativity and a somewhat balanced composition of coworkers working alone or in a team.
How Do Geological Structure and Biological Diversity Relate? Benthic Communities in Boulder Fields of the Southwestern Baltic Sea
Authors: Franz Markus , von Rönn Gitta Ann , Barboza Francisco Rafael , Karez Rolf , Reimers Hans-Christian , Schwarzer Klaus , Wahl Martin
Published: February 2021

Environmental factors shape the structure and functioning of benthic communities. In coastal zones of the southwestern Baltic Sea, boulder fields represent one of the most productive habitats, supporting diverse benthic communities that provide many ecosystem services. In this study, the influence of the geological characteristics of boulder fields on the biodiversity of associated hard-bottom communities was investigated at two different spatial scales (few kilometers and tens of kilometers). The analyses on overall richness (taxonomic and functional) and community composition revealed how: (i) locally the size of boulders and (ii) regionally site-specific factors like the boulder density distribution and the sediment distribution can act as environmental driving forces. The overall richness of assemblages was shown to increase with increasing surface area of boulders, by up to 60% for species and up to 40% for functional richness. At both investigated scales, differences in compositional variability (β diversity) of the communities were detected. Locally, smallest boulders hosted more variable communities (β diversity up to 2 times higher), while at the regional level, indications of a larger habitat heterogeneity featuring the highest β diversity were observed. This study exemplifies how geological habitat characteristics shape the biodiversity of boulder field communities. The obtained information could be considered in assessment strategies, in order to avoid misclassifications of habitats naturally limited in biodiversity, making a step forward to the desired objective of protecting, conserving, and managing boulder field communities in the study area and at other comparable sites.
Impact of selected baking and vacuum cooling parameters on the quality of toast bread
Authors: Kinner Mathias , Rüegg Ramona , Weber Claudia A. , Buchli Jürg , Durrer Ludwig , Müller Nadina
Published: February 2021

Vacuum cooling of baked goods can deliver many advantages in terms of product quality and productivity, such as higher volumes and shorter cooling times. However, the associated high costs and the need to adjust baking protocols are of relevance and more information is needed. This paper examines the influence of two main baking protocol parameters on the quality of toast bread, i.e. oven temperature and baking time reduction. Resulting toast bread characteristics including specific bread volume, concavity, browning index, crust and crumb hardness and aw-value were analysed as well as process-dependent core temperature and water loss. In order to compensate for water loss during vacuum cooling and still achieve optimal toast bread quality, a final bread core temperature of 98 °C at the end of baking gave best results, regardless of oven temperature. It was further shown that cooling time can be reduced by a factor of 10 if the baking protocol is optimally adjusted, hinting at a huge potential to increase productivity for industrial applications. In summary, it can be stated that vacuum cooling requires a tailored reduction in baking time in order to compensate for water loss from vacuum cooling while retaining sufficient structural cohesion to resist deformation of the bread.
Co-design of experimental nature-based solutions for decentralized dry-weather runoff treatment retrofitted in a densely urbanized area in Central America
Authors: Pérez Rubi Maria , Hack Jochen
Published: February 2021

The quality of water in many urban rivers in Latin America is increasingly degrading due to wastewater and runoff discharges from urban sprawl. Due to deficits in sanitary drainage systems, greywater is discharged to the stormwater drainage network generating a continuous dry-weather runoff that reaches rivers without treatment. One of the main challenges in the region is to achieve sustainable management of urban runoff for the recovery of rivers ecosystem integrity. However, retrofitting conventional centralized wastewater drainage networks into the existing urban grid represents important social, economic and technical challenges. This paper presents an alternative adaptive methodology for the design of Nature-based Solutions for decentralized urban runoff treatment. Through this study, technical solutions commonly used for stormwater management were adapted for dry-weather runoff treatment and co-designed for the particular conditions of a representative study area, considering space availability as the main constraining factor for retrofitting in urban areas. The application of a co-design process in a dense neighbourhood of the Great Metropolitan area of Costa Rica brought to light valuable insights about conditions that could be hindering the implementation of NBS infrastructures in Latin America.
Gene flow and reproductive success in ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) in the face of ash dieback: restoration and conservation
Authors: Semizer-Cuming Devrim , Chybicki Igor Jerzy , Finkeldey Reiner , Kjær Erik Dahl
Published: February 2021

• Key message

Ash dieback decreases individual reproductive success of ash trees leaving healthy ash overrepresented as seed and pollen parents for next-generation seedlings. Substantial gene flow over hundreds of meters combined with superior fertility of healthy trees creates optimism for the species’ future in European forests.

• Context

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is causing high mortality in European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). Due to inheritable resistance to the pathogen, natural selection is likely to act in favour of improved resistance in ash forests following natural regeneration. Still, the frequency of healthy trees is low, and the effect of natural selection will depend on survival, reproductive success and the dispersal capacity of healthy trees under natural conditions.

• Aims

We aim to test whether healthy trees contribute more to the next generation and to infer their potential for dispersing progenies across the forested landscape.

• Methods

Using parentage modelling, we estimate mating parameters and dispersal distances of seeds and pollen and compare realised reproductive success of healthy trees to that of unhealthy ones.

• Results

Healthy trees are overrepresented as the parents of randomly sampled seeds and seedlings in the forest, although that is more pronounced on the female side. We observe long dispersal events and estimate the mean seed and pollen dispersal distances as 67 m and 347 m, respectively.

• Conclusion

Variation in reproductive success results in selection in favour of lowered susceptibility to ash dieback. The large dispersal capacity decreases the risk of genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding and allows resistant trees to disperse their genes into the neighbourhoods of substantial sizes.
Pictorial essay: incidental findings on 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT scan
Authors: Romagnolo Cinzia , Cottignoli Chiara , Palucci Andrea , Biscontini Giuseppina , Fringuelli Fabio Massimo , Burroni Luca
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Fluorine-18 (18F) Fluciclovine (anti-1-amino-3-18F-fluorocyclobutane- 1-carboxylic acid [FACBC]) is a synthetic amino acid labeled with 18F, currently used as PET radiopharmaceutical to investigating prostate cancer, namely in the recurrent setting.

Fluciclovine is transported to cell membranes by amino acid transporters, such as LAT1 and ASCT2. The upregulation of LAT-1 and ASCT2 activities is typical of prostate cancer but is also present in other pathological conditions such as non-prostatic neoplasms (e.g., lung cancer) and in benign inflammatory process (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic prostatitis, high-grade prostatic hyperplasia intraepithelial).

Methods

In this short essay we present a retrospective FACBC PET/CT analysis consisting of a selection of the five most relevant cases of patients referred in our centre to FACBC PET/CT for prostate cancer, with concomitant FACBC uptake in sites atyipical for prostate cancer.

Results

These five selected cases demonstrate FACBC uptake at the level of the pancreatic head, adrenal incidentalomas, pulmonary nodules, mediastinal lymph nodes and neoformative tissue of the rectal wall.

Discussion

Clinical cases selected in this pictorial essay have demonstrated that Fluciclovine is not an exclusive and specific radiotracer for prostate cancer and, therefore, can induce misdiagnosis. In fact, incidental benign and malignant uptake might occur and should be further evaluated with clinical correlation or other imaging.
‘TRAP-ped with an Acardius’: Case Series of Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence and Review of Literature
Authors: Quaas Philipp , Markfeld-Erol Filiz
Published: February 2021

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare but severe condition that affects monochorionic (MC) multifetal pregnancies. In twin pregnancies, it is characterized by a normally developed twin and another twin with missing heart function (acardiac twin or TRAP twin). A variety of risks and complications may affect the normal twin. Management of such pregnancies can be either expectant or interventional. We report four cases of TRAP sequence treated in our institutions and supply an overview on currently existing literature. This case series demonstrates the heterogeneity in manifestations and clinical course of patients affected by this condition. Furthermore, it includes an acardius amorphous of considerable size delivered at 35.6 weeks of gestation.