bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meeting the guidelines: Implementing a distress screening intervention for veterans with cancer
Authors: Azizoddin Desiree R. , Lakin Joshua R. , Hauser Joshua , Rynar Lauren Z. , Weldon Christine , Molokie Robert , Enzinger Andrea C. , Payvar Susan , Martin Joanna L.
Published: October 2020

Background

Guidelines recommend systematic evaluation of distress screening and referral for cancer patients. Implementation remains a notable gap for cancer centers serving disadvantaged communities. We present the implementation of a distress screening program within a Veterans Affairs hospital oncology clinic, serving a majority African American (AA) male population of low socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods

The Coleman Foundation funded this program supporting a palliative care physician and psychologist to implement screening in a phased approach as follows: (1) Organizing key stakeholders, (2) educating clinical staff, (3) delivering distress screening, (4) generating documentation, and (5) implementing clinical action and referral pathways. We utilized validated measures in the “Patient Screening Questions for Supportive Care” screening tool.

Results

This program was unsuccessful in screening all veterans with cancer; however, we were able to implement 3 years of longitudinal screening. In distress screens from the initial program period (n = 253), patients were primarily males (95.6%) of older age (m = 70, standard deviation = 9.45), AA (76.4%), with various cancers of advanced disease (69%). Males reported moderate psychosocial distress and elevated financial needs. For males with elevated psychosocial distress (n = 63, PHQ‐4 ≥3), 36% were previously connected with psychosocial services. Following screening, engagement increased as the majority (77%) established psychosocial care.

Conclusions

This screening program had mixed success. Centralized program staff and available supportive care referrals were critical for program implementation. Screening may have increased engagement in social work/mental health services for males of low SES. Screening programs should be tailored to the needs of underserved communities with accessible housing/food subsidies.
Plant awareness disparity: A case for renaming plant blindness
Authors: Parsley Kathryn M.
Published: October 2020

Societal Impact Statement

“Plant blindness” is the cause of several problems that have plagued botany outreach and education for over a hundred years. The general public largely does not notice plants in their environment and therefore do not appreciate how important they are to the biosphere and society. Recently, concerns have been raised that the term “plant blindness” is problematic due to the fact that it is a disability metaphor and equates a disability with a negative trait. In this Brief Report, I place the term “plant blindness” into historical context through a short literature review on the subject and follow this with why the term has been criticized for its ableism. I then propose a more appropriate term to replace plant blindness: plant awareness disparity (PAD) and explain why it both addresses the problems with “plant blindness” while keeping the original reasoning behind the term intact.
A new pest management strategy: transforming a non‐host plant into a dead‐end trap crop for the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L.
Authors: Zhu Jing‐Yun , Xiang Zhong‐Wen , Zhang Shi‐Ze , Kang Zhi‐Wei , Fan Yong‐Liang , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The use of trap crops can reduce the egg production of female Plutella xylostella in cruciferous vegetables and is an effective method for controlling this pest. To date, most of the trap plants that have been studied are cruciferous plants containing high concentrations of glucosinolates, which are more attractive to P. xylostella female adults. However, the application of these trap plants also has some limitations. Studies have shown that aqueous extracts of cruciferous plants can attract P. xylostella to lay eggs. In this study, we utilized the extract of Chinese kale to treat a non‐host plant, the faba bean, and evaluated the possibility of using it as a dead‐end trap plant for P. xylostella control.

RESULTS

Plutella xylostella females laid significantly more eggs on faba beans that had been sprayed with the extract of Chinese kale rather than on Chinese kale itself. The first instar larvae of P. xylostella failed to survive on faba beans. Notably, the faba beans with the Chinese kale extract had the strongest attraction effect on P. xylostella females when placed 3 m away from the Chinese kale. Moreover, this attraction effect of faba beans on P. xylostella for oviposition lasted for up to 15 days.

CONCLUSION

Faba bean plants sprayed with the aqueous extract of Chinese kale represent a potential dead‐end trap plant for P. xylostella adults and their oviposition while being invariably deadly for their offspring. The present study provides a new proof of concept of using a non‐cruciferous trap plant for P. xylostella management.
A Poly(vinyl alcohol) Coating Method for a Tilted‐Fiber Bragg‐Grating‐Assisted Fiber Hygrometer
Authors: Dolzhenko Egor I. , Tomyshev Kirill , Butov Oleg V.
Published: October 2020

A new technique of depositing a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) coating with an airbrush on the cylindrical surface of an optical fiber with real‐time spectral monitoring is presented. The method is applied for creating hygroscopic PVA coating as a part of the tilted‐fiber Bragg‐grating (TFBG)‐assisted fiber hygrometer samples. By monitoring the transmission spectra of the samples placed in a climatic chamber with variable relative humidity, the performance of the resulting coating is evaluated. Experimental data are presented, demonstrating the effectiveness of the described technique for humidity‐sensing purposes.
Systematic Enumeration of Low‐Energy Graphyne Allotropes Based on a Coordination‐Constrained Searching Strategy
Authors: Ouyang Tao , Cui Chunfeng , Shi Xizhi , He Chaoyu , Li Jin , Zhang Chunxiao , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin
Published: October 2020

Based on a coordination‐constrained searching strategy, 48 new graphyne allotropes are discovered and systematically optimized by first‐principles calculations. Among these newly discovered 2D carbons, 127‐E20Y16‐0, 191‐E24Y24‐0, 191‐E18Y18‐0, and 191‐E24Y36‐0 with energies lower than those of the experimentally synthesized γ‐graphdiyne, β‐graphdiyne, and carbon ene‐yne are further confirmed to be dynamically, mechanically, and also thermally stable phases. Their fundamental electronic and mechanical properties are systematically studied and compared with those of γ‐graphdiyne and γ‐graphyne. The Heyd−Scuseria−Ernzerhof (HSE06)‐based electronic band structures reveal that 127‐E20Y16‐0, 191‐E24Y24‐0, 191‐E18Y18‐0, and 191‐E24Y36‐0 are semiconductors with bandgaps of 0.489, 0.994, 0.012, and 0.167 eV, respectively. Their narrow or tiny bandgap features suggest that they are potential materials for photodetecting in the ultra‐infrared region. The calculated mechanical properties of the hexagonal 191‐E24Y24‐0, 191‐E18Y18‐0, and 191‐E24Y36‐0 are just slightly dependent on the crystalline direction, and are similar to those of γ‐graphdiyne and γ‐graphyne. However, the tetragonal 127‐E20Y16‐0 shows obvious anisotropic features in both Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. The results presented herein further enrich the structures of the family of graphyne allotropes. In view of their remarkable stability and potential applications in photoelectronics and nanomechanics, the newly discovered 127‐E20Y16‐0, 191‐E24Y24‐0, 191‐E18Y18‐0, and 191‐E24Y36‐0 are expectable targets for future experiments.
Quality loss prediction of mechanical system life considering linear degeneration and random error
Authors: Qian Kangfeng , Liu Xintian , Mao Kui , Wang Xiaolan , Wang Xu
Published: October 2020

To accurately predict quality loss of high reliability and long‐life product in service, a dynamic quality characteristics model is established based on linear degeneration and random error. According to this model, the expectation and variance of dynamic quality characteristics can be figured out. Moreover, assuming that the quality characteristics follow the normal distribution at the initial stage, the expectation of quality loss and the life distribution of dynamic quality characteristics follow three types are derived, such as L‐type (Larger is better), S‐type (Smaller is better), and N‐type (Nominal is better). According to the discount theory of quality loss, the present value model of dynamic quality loss based on the life is derived by combining life and the present value of dynamic quality loss. Then, this model is used to evaluate the quality loss of a GaAs laser and the rationality of the model is analyzed.
PRiSM: A prototype for exhaustive, restriction‐free database searching for mass spectrometry–based identification
Authors: Van Houtven Joris , Boonen Kurt , Baggerman Geert , Askenazi Manor , Laukens Kris , Hooyberghs Jef , Valkenborg Dirk
Published: October 2020

Rationale: The current methods for identifying peptides in mass spectral product ion data still struggle to do so for the majority of spectra. Based on the experimental setup and other assumptions, such methods restrict the search space to speed up computations, but at the cost of creating blind spots. The proteomics community would greatly benefit from a method that is capable of covering the entire search space without using any restrictions, thus establishing a baseline for identification.

Methods: We conceived the “mass pattern paradigm” (MPP) that enables the creation of such an identification method, and we implemented it into a prototype database search engine “PRiSM” (PRotein‐Spectrum Matching). We then assessed its operational characteristics by applying it to publicly available high‐precision mass spectra of low and high identification difficulty. We used those characteristics to gain theoretical insights into trade‐offs between sensitivity and speed when trying to establish a baseline for identification.

Results: Of 100 low difficulty spectra, PRiSM and SEQUEST agree on 84 identifications (of which 75 are statistically significant). Of 15 of 100 spectra not identified in a previous study (using SEQUEST), 13 are considered reliable after visual inspection and represent 3 proteins (out of 9 in total) not detected previously.

Conclusions: Despite leaving noise intact, the simple PRiSM prototype can make statistically reliable identifications, while controlling the false discovery rate by fitting a null distribution. It also identifies some spectra previously unidentifiable in an “extremely open” SEQUEST search, paving the way to establishing a baseline for identification in proteomics.
Feedback‐based cooperative ramp metering for highway traffic flow control: A model predictive sliding mode control approach
Authors: Tabadkani Aval Seyed Soroush , Eghbal Najmeh
Published: October 2020

In this article, the authors proposed a model predictive based sliding mode control (MPSMC) based ramp metering (RM) strategy for highway traffic control. The strategy includes sliding mode control (SMC) which makes it immune to uncertainties and provides fast responses while the addition of model predictive Control (MPC) will provide optimality. Therefore, the RM strategy will simultaneously present real‐time applicability, robustness, and optimality. To provide optimality, a new quadratic objective function homogeneous to total time spent (TTS) is proposed, and for both the SMC and MPSMC based RM the authors will prove the closed‐loop asymptotic global stability of the strategy in the presence of disturbance and uncertainties with the help of the proposed cost function. This objective function is based on minimizing traffic dynamic deviations from desired values. The proposed RM control strategy was applied to M62 smart highway in England and results are compared with existing control measures in the highway, ALINEA and SMC‐based RM. The simulations show that MPSMC will approach optimal behavior and thus, outperforms ALINEA and SMC regarding queue length and average speed. Moreover, the SMC and MPSMC based RMs are innately robust against disturbances, therefore, both will provide better performance regarding congestion reduction compared with ALINEA. Finally, it will be shown that MPSMC can improve TTS performance by 39% with respect to ALINEA while presenting global asymptotic stability.
Character Problems as Collective Behavior
Authors: McLuhan Arthur
Published: October 2020

This article presents a theory of character problems as collective behavior grounded in the empirical case of ministry formation in two Protestant Christian seminaries. An interactionist approach to character begins with some standard theoretical openings that dislodge the evaluative core of character from the putative dispositions that inhere in persons and focus analytical attention on the attribution of character in situations. One of the challenges of pursuing this theoretical strategy is the tendency in interactionism to overemphasize situations as self‐contained sites of continually emergent meaning and action, which would neglect important aspects of character that extend beyond the immediate situation. Recent directions in interactionist theorizing that tie the situations of interaction to small group cultures and temporal coordinations aim to redress this moment‐by‐moment bias, and the inter‐situational dimensions of character attributions offer the empirical purchase to apply, assess, and extend those theoretical projects.
Ursolic acid reduces Adriamycin resistance of human ovarian cancer cells through promoting the HuR translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus
Authors: Li Wei , Luo Lanlan , Shi Wenyin , Yin Yujun , Gao Shan
Published: October 2020

Ursolic acid (UA) has been shown to suppress various tumor progression, however, its roles in Adriamycin resistance of human ovarian cancer (OC) cells are still unclear. This work aims to investigate the effects of UA on the Adriamycin resistance of human OC cells. Here, we constructed Adriamycin‐resistant OC SKOV3‐Adr cells and found that UA attenuated Adriamycin resistance in SKOV3‐Adr cells. Additionally, UA enhanced Adriamycin sensitivity in the parental SKOV3 and another OC cell line A2780 cells. Mechanistic studies showed that HuR mRNA level was similar between SKOV3 and SKOV3‐Adr cells, but the cytoplasmic expression of HuR protein was increased in SKOV3‐Adr cells compared with that in SKOV3 cells, and subsequently enhancing the mRNA stability of multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1). Moreover, UA had no effects on HuR expression, but promoted the cytoplasm‐nucleus translocation of HuR protein, decreased MDR1 mRNA stability and thus reduced MDR1 expression. Furthermore, overexpression of MDR1 rescued the effects of UA on Adriamycin resistance and sensitivity. This work reveals a novel HuR/MDR1 axis responsible for UA‐mediated attenuation on Adriamycin resistance in OC cells.
Steel sheets partnered with quenchable sheet in hot stamping of tailor-welded blanks and its application to separation prevention of fractured components
Authors: Mori Ken-ichiro , Suzuki Yasutaka , Yokoo Daisuke , Nishikata Michiya , Abe Yohei
Published: October 2020

The phase transformation and mechanical properties of non-quenchable steels partnered with the quenchable boron steel in hot stamping of tailor-welded blanks were evaluated to produce tailored components with partially balanced strength and ductility. The effect of the forming start temperature after natural air cooling on the phase transformation and mechanical properties for 270 MPa mild steel, non-quenchable steel, 440 MPa high strength steel, and 22MnB5 steel sheets was examined, and the 270 MPa and non-quenchable sheets had enough ductility after hot stamping. Tailored components having a hardness of about 500 HV1 in the high strength zone and a total elongation of about 30% in the high ductility zone were hot-stamped from a tailor-welded blank composed of 22MnB5 and 270 MPa sheets. It was found that the 270 MPa mild steel sheet is sufficient as a partner sheet of tailor-welded blanks. In addition, the safety of hot-stamped components was heightened by welding a 22MnB5 main blank with a 270 MPa steel patch. Even if the main blank is fractured by a collision, the hot-stamped component is not separated by the 270 MPa patch having high ductility.
Decay of Hamiltonian Breathers Under Dissipation
Authors: Eckmann Jean-Pierre , Wayne C. Eugene
Published: October 2020

We study metastable behavior in a discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation from the viewpoint of Hamiltonian systems theory. When there are $$n<\infty $$

n
<
∞

sites in this equation, we consider initial conditions in which almost all the energy is concentrated in one end of the system. We are interested in understanding how energy flows through the system, so we add a dissipation of size $$\gamma $$
γ
at the opposite end of the chain, and we show that the energy decreases extremely slowly. Furthermore, the motion is localized in the phase space near a family of breather solutions for the undamped system. We give rigorous, asymptotic estimates for the rate of evolution along the family of breathers and the width of the neighborhood within which the trajectory is confined.
Early posterior negativity in humans to pictures of snakes and spiders: effects of proximity
Authors: Beligiannis Nick , Van Strien Jan W.
Published: October 2020

Snakes have proven to drive early attentional capture due to their evolutionary importance, as reflected by the early posterior negativity (EPN). The EPN snake effect might be partly driven by the proximity of the animal. In this study, by employing full-body (medium shot) and head-focused (close-up) pictures, we investigated whether the relative nearness (proximity) of the animal on the picture affects the snake EPN effect. We presented thirty participants with medium shot and close-up snake, spider and bird pictures in a rapid serial presentation paradigm at a presentation rate of three frames per second. We extracted the mean EPN activity from the 225–330 ms time frame after stimulus onset at the parietal–occipital cluster (PO3, O1, Oz, O2, PO4). The results indicate enhanced EPN for snake pictures as compared to spider and bird pictures. In addition, medium-shot snake pictures elicited higher EPN amplitudes than close-up snake pictures, suggesting that the EPN is higher when local, high spatial frequency attributes are visible. Spatial frequency analysis of the stimuli indicated that medium-shot snake pictures possess more power in the high spatial frequency bands, compared to medium-shot spider and bird pictures.
Quality of anticholinergic burden scales and their impact on clinical outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Lisibach Angela , Benelli Valérie , Ceppi Marco Giacomo , Waldner-Knogler Karin , Csajka Chantal , Lutters Monika
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Older people are at risk of anticholinergic side effects due to changes affecting drug elimination and higher sensitivity to drug’s side effects. Anticholinergic burden scales (ABS) were developed to quantify the anticholinergic drug burden (ADB). We aim to identify all published ABS, to compare them systematically and to evaluate their associations with clinical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify all published ABS and a Web of Science citation (WoS) analysis to track validation studies implying clinical outcomes. Quality of the ABS was assessed using an adapted AGREE II tool. For the validation studies, we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane tool Rob2.0. The validation studies were categorized into six evidence levels based on the propositions of the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine with respect to their quality. At least two researchers independently performed screening and quality assessments.

Results

Out of 1297 records, we identified 19 ABS and 104 validations studies. Despite differences in quality, all ABS were recommended for use. The anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scale and the German anticholinergic burden scale (GABS) achieved the highest percentage in quality. Most ABS are validated, yet validation studies for newer scales are lacking. Only two studies compared eight ABS simultaneously. The four most investigated clinical outcomes delirium, cognition, mortality and falls showed contradicting results.

Conclusion

There is need for good quality validation studies comparing multiple scales to define the best scale and to conduct a meta-analysis for the assessment of their clinical impact.
Short- and Long-term Outcome After Interventional VSD Closure: A Single-Center Experience in Pediatric and Adult Patients
Authors: Bergmann M. , Germann C. P. , Nordmeyer J. , Peters B. , Berger F. , Schubert S.
Published: October 2020

Interventional closure of congenital ventricular septal defects (VSD) is recording a continuous rise in acceptance. Complete atrioventricular block (cAVB) and residual shunting are major concerns during follow-up, but long-term data for both are still limited. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of patients with interventional VSD closure and focused on long-term results (> 1 year follow-up). Transcatheter VSD closures were performed between 1993 and 2015, in 149 patients requiring 155 procedures (104 perimembranous, 29 muscular, 19 residual post-surgical VSDs, and 3 with multiple defects). The following devices were used: 65 × Amplatzer™Membranous VSD Occluder, 33 × Duct Occluder II, 27 × Muscular VSD Occluder, 3 × Duct Occluder I, 24 × PFM-Nit-Occlud®, and 3 × Rashkind-Occluder. The median age at time of implantation was 6.2 (0.01–66.1) years, median height 117 (49–188) cm, and median weight 20.9 (3.2–117) kg. Median follow-up time was 6.2 (1.1–21.3) years and closure rate was 86.2% at last follow-up. Complications resulting in device explantation include one case of cAVB with a Membranous VSD occluder 7 days after implantation and four cases due to residual shunt/malposition. Six (4%) deaths occurred during follow-up with only one procedural related death from a hybrid VSD closure. Overall, our reported results of interventional VSD closure show favorable outcomes with only one (0.7%) episode of cAVB. Interventional closure offers a good alternative to surgical closure and shows improved performance by using softer devices. However, prospective long-term data in the current era with different devices are still mandatory to assess the effectiveness and safety of this procedure.
Increased pulmonary serotonin transporter in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who developed pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Frille Armin , Rullmann Michael , Becker Georg-Alexander , Patt Marianne , Luthardt Julia , Tiepolt Solveig , Wirtz Hubert , Sabri Osama , Hesse Swen , Seyfarth Hans-Juergen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by a progressive remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature resulting in right heart failure and eventually death. The serotonin transporter (SERT) may be involved in the pathogenesis of PH in patients with chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study investigated for the first time the SERT in vivo availability in the lungs of patients with COPD and PH (COPD+PH).

Methods

SERT availability was assessed using SERT-selective [11C]DASB and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with dynamic acquisition over 30 min in 4 groups of 5 participants each: COPD, COPD+PH, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and a healthy control (HC). Time activity curves were generated based on a volume of interest within the middle lobe. Tissue-to-blood concentration ratios after 25 to 30 min (TTBR25–30) served as receptor parameter for group comparison and were corrected for lung tissue attenuation. Participants underwent comprehensive pulmonary workup. Statistical analysis included group comparisons and correlation analysis.

Results

[11C]DASB uptake peak values did not differ among the cohorts after adjusting for lung tissue attenuation, suggesting equal radiotracer delivery. Both the COPD and COPD+PH cohort showed significantly lower TTBR25–30 values after correction for lung attenuation than HC. Attenuation corrected TTBR25–30 values were significantly higher in the COPD+PH cohort than those in the COPD cohort and higher in non-smokers than in smokers. They positively correlated with invasively measured severity of PH and inversely with airflow limitation and emphysema. Considering all COPD patients ± PH, they positively correlated with right heart strain (NT-proBNP).

Conclusion

By applying [11C]DASB and PET/CT, semiquantitative measures of SERT availability are demonstrated in the lung vasculature of patients with COPD and/or PH. COPD patients who developed PH show increased pulmonary [11C]DASB uptake compared to COPD patients without PH indicating an implication of pulmonary SERT in the development of PH in COPD patients.
Successful management of hyperammonemia with
hemodialysis on day 2 during 5-fluorouracil treatment in a patient with gastric cancer: a
case report with 5-fluorouracil metabolite analyses
Authors: Ozaki Yoshinao , Imamaki Hirotaka , Ikeda Aki , Oura Mitsuaki , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Funakoshi Taro , Kataoka Shigeki , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Horimatsu Takahiro , Yonezawa Atsushi , Matsubara Takeshi , Yanagita Motoko , Muto Manabu , Watanabe Norihiko
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Hyperammonemia is an important adverse event associated with
5-fluorouracil (5FU) from 5FU metabolite accumulation. We present a case of an
advanced gastric cancer patient with chronic renal failure, who was treated with
5FU/leucovorin (LV) infusion chemotherapy (2-h infusion of LV and 5FU bolus followed
by 46-h 5FU continuous infusion on day 1; repeated every 2 weeks) and developed
hyperammonemia, with the aim of exploring an appropriate hemodialysis (HD) schedule
to resolve its symptoms.

Methods

The blood concentrations of 5FU and its metabolites, α-fluoro-β-alanine
(FBAL), and monofluoroacetate (FA) of a patient who had hyperammonemia from seven
courses of palliative 5FU/LV therapy for gastric cancer were measured by liquid
chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

On the third day of the first cycle, the patient presented with
symptomatic hyperammonemia relieved by emergency HD. Thereafter, the 5FU dose was
reduced; however, in cycles 2–4, the patient developed symptomatic hyperammonemia and
underwent HD on day 3 for hyperammonemia management. In cycles 5–7, the timing of
scheduled HD administration was changed from day 3 to day 2, preventing symptomatic
hyperammonemia. The maximum ammonia and 5FU metabolite levels were significantly
lower in cycles 5–7 than in cycles 2–4 (NH3 75 ± 38 vs 303 ± 119 μg/dL, FBAL
13.7 ± 2.5 vs 19.7 ± 2.0 μg/mL, FA 204.0 ± 91.6 vs 395.9 ± 12.6 ng/mL,
mean ± standard deviation, all p < 0.05). After
seven cycles, partial response was confirmed.

Conclusion

HD on day 2 instead of 3 may prevent hyperammonemia in 5FU/LV
therapy.
Impact of depressive disorders on quality of life after middle ear surgery in patients with chronic otitis media
Authors: Lailach Susen , Langanke Theresa , Zahnert Thomas , Garthus-Niegel Susan , Neudert Marcus
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative depressive symptoms influence health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after middle ear surgery in patients with chronic otitis media (COM).

Methods

This prospective clinical case study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. All 102 patients who had undergone middle ear surgery for COM were assessed clinically and by audiometric testing (pure tone audiometry) in pre- and postoperative settings. Disease-specific HRQOL was assessed by the validated chronic otitis media outcome test 15 (COMOT-15) and the Zurich chronic middle ear inventory (ZCMEI-21). General HRQOL was measured using the short form 36 (SF-36). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-D). The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was used to classify comorbidities. The middle ear status was determined using the ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging (OOPS) index.

Results

After middle ear surgery, the total COMOT-15 and ZCMEI-21 scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). General HRQOL (total SF-36 score) was unaffected by surgery (p < 0.05). Patients without elevated depressive symptoms had significantly better total scores for the COMOT-15 (p < 0.01), ZCMEI-21 (p < 0.001), and for SF-36 (p < 0.001) postoperatively. The results of the multiple regression analyses show that, after adjusting for the OOPS, CCI, and hearing improvement, preoperative depressiveness was significantly associated with worse postoperative COMOT-15 and ZCMEI-21 outcome scores (β = 0.425 and β = 0.362, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative depressiveness was an essential predictive factor for HRQOL in patients with COM. This should be considered during patient selection to provide more suitable preoperative counseling.
Variant analysis of the sporozoite surface antigen gene reveals that asymptomatic cattle from wildlife-livestock interface areas in northern Tanzania harbour buffalo-derived T. parva
Authors: Mwamuye Micky M. , Odongo David , Kazungu Yvette , Kindoro Fatuma , Gwakisa Paul , Bishop Richard P. , Nijhof Ard M. , Obara Isaiah
Published: October 2020

Buffalo-derived Theileria parva can ‘break through’ the immunity induced by the infection and treatment vaccination method (ITM) in cattle. However, no such ‘breakthroughs’ have been reported in northern Tanzania where there has been long and widespread ITM use in pastoralist cattle, and the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is also present. We studied the exposure of vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle in northern Tanzania to buffalo-derived T. parva using p67 gene polymorphisms and compared this to its distribution in vaccinated cattle exposed to buffalo-derived T. parva in central Kenya, where vaccine ‘breakthroughs’ have been reported. Additionally, we analysed the CD8+ T cell target antigen Tp2 for positive selection. Our results showed that 10% of the p67 sequences from Tanzanian cattle (n = 39) had a buffalo type p67 (allele 4), an allele that is rare among East African isolates studied so far. The percentage of buffalo-derived p67 alleles observed in Kenyan cattle comprised 19% of the parasites (n = 36), with two different p67 alleles (2 and 3) of presumptive buffalo origin. The Tp2 protein was generally conserved with only three Tp2 variants from Tanzania (n = 33) and five from Kenya (n = 40). Two Tanzanian Tp2 variants and two Kenyan Tp2 variants were identical to variants present in the trivalent Muguga vaccine. Tp2 evolutionary analysis did not show evidence for positive selection within previously mapped epitope coding sites. The p67 data indicates that some ITM-vaccinated cattle are protected against disease induced by a buffalo-derived T. parva challenge in northern Tanzania and suggests that the parasite genotype may represent one factor explaining this.
A Flow Perspective on Nonlinear Least-Squares Problems
Authors: Bock Hans Georg , Gutekunst Jürgen , Potschka Andreas , Garcés María Elena Suaréz
Published: October 2020

Just as the damped Newton method for the numerical solution of nonlinear algebraic problems can be interpreted as a forward Euler timestepping on the Newton flow equations, the damped Gauß–Newton method for nonlinear least squares problems is equivalent to forward Euler timestepping on the corresponding Gauß–Newton flow equations. We highlight the advantages of the Gauß–Newton flow and the Gauß–Newton method from a statistical and a numerical perspective in comparison with the Newton method, steepest descent, and the Levenberg–Marquardt method, which are respectively equivalent to Newton flow forward Euler, gradient flow forward Euler, and gradient flow backward Euler. We finally show an unconditional descent property for a generalized Gauß–Newton flow, which is linked to Krylov–Gauß–Newton methods for large-scale nonlinear least squares problems. We provide numerical results for large-scale problems: An academic generalized Rosenbrock function and a real-world bundle adjustment problem from 3D reconstruction based on 2D images.
Depletion of groundwater resources under rapid urbanisation in Africa: recent and future trends in the Nairobi Aquifer System, Kenya
Authors: Oiro Samson , Comte Jean-Christophe , Soulsby Chris , MacDonald Alan , Mwakamba Canute
Published: October 2020

The Nairobi volcano-sedimentary regional aquifer system (NAS) of Kenya hosts >6 M people, including 4.7 M people in the city of Nairobi. This work combines analysis of multi-decadal in-situ water-level data with numerical groundwater modelling to provide an assessment of the past and likely future evolution of Nairobi’s groundwater resources. Since the mid-1970s, groundwater abstraction has increased 10-fold at a rate similar to urban population growth, groundwater levels have declined at a median rate of 6 m/decade underneath Nairobi since 1950, whilst built-up areas have increased by 70% since 2000. Despite the absence of significant trends in climatic data since the 1970s, more recently, drought conditions have resulted in increased applications for borehole licences. Based on a new conceptual understanding of the NAS (including insights from geophysics and stable isotopes), numerical simulations provide further quantitative estimates of the accelerating negative impact of abstraction and capture the historical groundwater levels quite well. Analysis suggests a groundwater-level decline of 4 m on average over the entire aquifer area and up to 46 m below Nairobi, net groundwater storage loss of 1.5 billion m3and 9% river baseflow reduction since 1950. Given current practices and trajectories, these figures are predicted to increase six-fold by 2120. Modelled future management scenarios suggest that future groundwater abstraction required to meet Nairobi projected water demand is unsustainable and that the regional anthropogenically-driven depletion trend can be partially mitigated through conjunctive water use. The presented approach can inform groundwater assessment for other major African cities undergoing similar rapid groundwater development.
Comparing navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping and “gold standard” direct cortical stimulation mapping in neurosurgery: a systematic review
Authors: Jeltema Hanne-Rinck , Ohlerth Ann-Katrin , de Wit Aranka , Wagemakers Michiel , Rofes Adrià , Bastiaanse Roelien , Drost Gea
Published: October 2020

The objective of this systematic review is to create an overview of the literature on the comparison of navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) as a mapping tool to the current gold standard, which is (intraoperative) direct cortical stimulation (DCS) mapping. A search in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and recommendations were used. Thirty-five publications were included in the review, describing a total of 552 patients. All studies concerned either mapping of motor or language function. No comparative data for nTMS and DCS for other neurological functions were found. For motor mapping, the distances between the cortical representation of the different muscle groups identified by nTMS and DCS varied between 2 and 16 mm. Regarding mapping of language function, solely an object naming task was performed in the comparative studies on nTMS and DCS. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 10 to 100% and 13.3–98%, respectively, when nTMS language mapping was compared with DCS mapping. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) ranged from 17 to 75% and 57–100% respectively. The available evidence for nTMS as a mapping modality for motor and language function is discussed.
Feasibility of Co-Treating Olive Mill Wastewater and Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Carlier Jorge Dias , Luís Ana Teresa , Alexandre Luís Miguel , Costa Maria Clara
Published: October 2020

Previous tests using a growth medium and olive mill wastewater (OMWW) have shown that it supplies carbon and electron donors suitable for sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB). We assessed the co-treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) and OMWW using SRB-enriched bioreactors and identified the most abundant bacterial populations present under optimized conditions. The process requires a neutralizing agent to create optimal pH conditions for successful removal of the AMD’s main contaminants. Concentrations of SO42−, Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn decreased to below Portugal’s maximum admissible values for irrigation waters, and all but Mn were reduced to less than Portugal’s emission limit values (ELVs) for wastewater discharges. Phenol concentrations—the main pollutants in OMWW—dropped to values between 1/10 and 1/5 their initial concentrations in batch tests using mixtures of AMD and OMWW, and to 1/2 their initial concentrations in flow-through tests. The final total phenol concentrations were still above the ELV for wastewater discharges, but phenols are not regulated in irrigation waters, and OMWW is used by some producers to irrigate soils. Six main SRB groups were identified as likely having a fundamental role in the bioremediation process: the genera Desulfovibrio, Sulfurospirillum, and Acetobacter and the families Sphingomonadaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Deferribacteraceae.
Biology and biotechnology of microbial pilus nanowires
Authors: Clark Morgen M , Reguera Gemma
Published: October 2020

Type IV pili (T4P) are bacterial appendages used for cell adhesion and surface motility. In metal-reducing bacteria in the genus Geobacter, they have the unique property of being conductive and essential to wire cells to extracellular electron acceptors and other cells within biofilms. These electroactive bacteria use a conserved pathway for biological assembly and disassembly of a short and aromatic dense peptide subunit (pilin). The polymerization of the pilins clusters aromatic residues optimally for charge transport and exposes ligands for metal immobilization and reduction. The simple design yet unique functionalities of conductive T4P afford opportunities for the scaled-up production of recombinant pilins and their in vitro assembly into electronic biomaterials of biotechnological interest. This review summarizes current knowledge of conductive T4P biogenesis and functions critical to actualize applications in bioelectronics, bioremediation, and nanotechnology.
Multi-scale mammal responses to agroforestry landscapes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: the conservation value of forest and traditional shade plantations
Authors: Ferreira Aluane Silva , Peres Carlos A. , Dodonov Pavel , Cassano Camila Righetto
Published: October 2020

The future of tropical forest biodiversity will largely depend on human-modified landscapes. We investigated how medium- to large-bodied mammals respond to factors at local (habitat type), intermediate (land use heterogeneity, forest cover and human population density) and large spatial scales (overall forest cover) in agroforestry landscapes. We surveyed mammals using camera traps in traditional cacao agroforests (cabrucas), intensified cacao agroforests, and forest remnants within two large Atlantic Forest landscapes of southern Bahia, Brazil, representing both high and low forest cover. At the local scale, habitat types differed in their potential to harbour mammal species, with forest remnants and cabrucas showing high conservation value, mainly under contexts of high forest cover, whereas intensified cacao agroforests contained less diversified species assemblages in both landscapes. At intermediate scales, species richness increased with increasing forest cover around forest remnants and intensified cacao agroforests, but the opposite was observed in cabrucas. The effects of human population density were ubiquitous but species-dependent. At the largest scale, species richness was higher in the most forested landscape, highlighting the imperative of maintaining forest remnants to retain forest-dwelling mammals in human-dominated landscapes. We claim that mammal conservation strategies require a multi-scale approach and that no single strategy is likely to maximize persistence of all species. Some species can routinely use traditional agroforests, and a large fraction of mammal diversity can be maintained even if high canopy-cover agroforestry dominates the landscape. Nevertheless, forest patches and highly forested landscapes are essential to ensure the persistence of forest-dwelling and game species.
Numerical Investigation of Remote Ignition in Shock Tubes
Authors: Lipkowicz Jonathan Timo , Nativel Damien , Cooper Sean , Wlokas Irenäus , Fikri Mustapha , Petersen Eric , Schulz Christof , Kempf Andreas Markus
Published: October 2020

Highly resolved two- and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are presented for shock-tube experiments containing hydrogen/oxygen (H2/O2) mixtures, to investigate mechanisms leading to remote ignition. The results of the reactive cases are compared against experimental results from Meyer and Oppenheim (Proc Combust Inst 13(1): 1153–1164, 1971. 10.1016/s0082-0784(71)80112-1) and Hanson et al. (Combust Flame 160(9): 1550–1558, 2013. 10.1016/j.combustflame.2013.03.026). The results of the non-reactive case are compared against shock tube experiments, recently carried out in Duisburg and Texas. The computational domain covers the end-wall region of the shock tube and applies high order numerics featuring an all-speed approximate Riemann scheme, combined with a 5th order interpolation scheme. Direct chemistry is employed using detailed reaction mechanisms with 11 species and up to 40 reactions, on a grid with up to 2.2 billion cells. Additional two-dimensional simulations are performed for non-reactive conditions to validate the treatment of boundary-layer effects at the inlet of the computational domain. The computational domain covers a region at the end part of the shock tube. The ignition process is analyzed by fields of localized, expected ignition times. Instantaneous fields of temperature, pressure, entropy, and dissipation rate are presented to explain the flow dynamics, specifically in the case of a bifurcated reflected shock. In all cases regions with locally increased temperatures were observed, reducing the local ignition-delay time in areas away from the end wall significantly, thus compensating for the late compression by the reflected shock and therefore leading for first ignition at a remote location, i.e., away from the end wall where the ignition would occur under ideal conditions. In cases without a bifurcated reflected shock, the temperature increase results from shock attenuation. In cases with a bifurcated reflected shock, the formation of a second normal shock and shear near the slip line is found to be crucial for the remote ignition to take place. Overall, the two- and three-dimensional simulations were found to qualitatively explain the occurrence of remote ignition and to be quantitatively correct, implying that they include the correct physics.
Components of School-Based Interventions Stimulating Students’ Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Domains: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Mertens Esther , Deković Maja , Leijten Patty , Van Londen Monique , Reitz Ellen
Published: October 2020

Many universal school-based interventions aim to stimulate students’ intrapersonal (e.g., self-esteem) and interpersonal (e.g., school climate) domains. To improve our understanding of why some of these interventions yield stronger effects than others, we identified intervention components that are related to stronger or weaker intervention effects. We systematically searched four databases (i.e., PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC, CENTRAL) for controlled evaluations of universal school-based interventions. In total, 104 included studies (529 included effect sizes) reported on 99 unique interventions. Interventions showed small positive effects on the intrapersonal (d = 0.19) and interpersonal (d = 0.15) domains. Focusing on self-awareness and problem solving, using more active learning approaches, and using more extensive interventions predicted stronger intervention effects on aspects of both domains. In contrast, efforts to improve emotion regulation, assertiveness, cognitive coping, and using group discussions predicted weaker intervention effects. Furthermore, commonly implemented components were not necessarily related to stronger intervention effects and components that were related to stronger effects were not necessarily often implemented. Our findings highlight the need to carefully select components for inclusion in interventions.

PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42019137981.
Alternative Splicing of Opioid Receptor Genes Shows a Conserved Pattern for 6TM Receptor Variants
Authors: Piltonen Marjo , Krokhotin Andrey , Parisien Marc , Bérubé Pierre , Djambazian Haig , Sladek Rob , Dokholyan Nikolay V. , Shabalina Svetlana A. , Diatchenko Luda
Published: October 2020

The opioid receptor (OPR) family comprises the mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid, and nociceptin receptors that belong to the superfamily of 7-transmembrane spanning G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The mu-opioid receptor is the main target for clinically used opioid analgesics, and its biology has been extensively studied. The N-terminally truncated 6TM receptors isoform produced through alternative splicing of theOPRM1gene displays unique signaling and analgesic properties, but it is unclear if other OPRs have the same ability. In this study, we have built a comprehensive map of alternative splicing events that produce 6TM receptor variants in all the OPRs and demonstrated their evolutionary conservation. We then obtained evidence for their translation through ribosomal footprint analysis. We discovered that N-terminally truncated 6TM GPCRs are rare in the human genome and OPRs are overrepresented in this group. Finally, we also observed a significant enrichment of 6TM GPCR genes among genes associated with pain, psychiatric disorders, and addiction. Understanding the biology of 6TM receptors and leveraging this knowledge for drug development should pave the way for novel therapies.
The Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case: What Scars did it Leave? Long-Term Course of Psychological Problems for Children Who have been Sexually Abused at a Very Young Age, and their Parents
Authors: Tsang Vionna M. W. , Verlinden Eva , van Duin Esther M. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Brilleslijper-Kater Sonja N. , Gigengack Maj R. , Verhoeff Arnoud P. , Lindauer Ramón J. L.
Published: October 2020

Longitudinal research of CSA in infancy and early childhood is scarce. The current study examined the long-term course of psychological outcomes (PTSD, dissociation and internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems) in children who were sexually abused in the early childhood. Additionally, we looked into the outcomes for their parents by assessing PTSD symptoms and negative emotional reactions towards the sexual abuse of their child. We examined the outcomes for five consecutive years in a sample of children (n = 45) who were sexually abused at a very young age (0–3) and their parents (n = 42), included in the Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case-study. We found that outcomes following CSA in early childhood go beyond PTSD symptoms and can manifest in atypical symptoms such as behavioral problems. Parents experienced persistent PTSD in the years following CSA disclosure. CSA in very young children warrants long-term monitoring, as negative outcomes still present 8 years later.