bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pixel‐based drug release system: Achieving accurate dosage and prolonged activity for personalized medicine
Authors: Shafiee Ashkan , Ghadiri Elham , Atala Anthony
Published: May 2020

We have developed a pixel‐based drug release system that consists of several miniature drug cartridges capable of releasing accurate dosages and maintaining the drug within a therapeutic window. To achieve the goal of personalized medicine that takes into account targeted dosages, single or multiple miniature cartridges can be used to release the drug. Moreover, a release cascade with individual pixels in a time‐lag fashion can maintain the drug within the therapeutic window while prolonging its duration of activity. For high quality, dosage control, and precise administration, the amount of drug released from each miniature cartridge needs to be predicted accurately. As such, the total released amount over a specific time and the number of involved miniature cartridges can be optimized. We established a model based on analogizing our voltage‐triggered drug release system to capacitors, and mathematically determined the amount of release from every miniature cartridge. The model predicted that the procedure can be fitted using an exponential function. The characteristic time for the exponential fit was used to derive the predicting formula to be calibrated for each drug. We have shown that after calibration, the release of each miniature cartridge with different drugs and various initial loads can be predicted; therefore, a dosage release can be achieved based on each patient's need.
Compact broadband multi‐input multi‐output antenna covering 3300 to 6000 MHz band for 5G mobile terminal applications
Authors: Deng Changjiang
Published: May 2020

In this letter, a compact multi‐input multi‐output antenna operating at 3300 to 6000 MHz band is presented for 5G mobile terminals. The antenna includes four vertically placed blocks. Each block consists of two driven monopole elements and one parasitic ground branch. The parasitic branch is shared by both elements. It not only serves as radiator, but also is helpful to improve the port isolation in the lower band. By merging the multiple resonances provided by the driven monopole and the parasitic branch, wideband performance is achieved with a small block size of 28 × 4.2 mm2. A prototype is fabricated and measured. The measured −6 dB bandwidth covers 3340 to 6360 MHz band, with port isolation higher than 10 dB. The radiation efficiency of all the ports is higher than 45% across the band.
A novel design of energy efficient bidirectional passive optical green networks using reduced buffer with small packet size technique
Authors: Goyal Rakesh , Kaler Rajinder Singh , Rani Monika
Published: May 2020

Energy saving and reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide, sulfur, etc. have become one of the prime focus for the deployment of next generation networks. Due to less power consuming, passive optical networks are the best promising solution for such networks. We have proposed different aggressive schemes to reduce the energy consumption viz. no buffer, with buffer, reduced buffer, and reduced buffer with small packet. We evaluated the performance of proposed schemes for downstream and upstream by exploring the relationship between power consumption, delay, and average traffic load. The “reduced buffer with small packet” scheme has shown a reduction of more than 35% of total leakage power at the central office with the compromise of delay in packets receiving.
X‐ray‐induced acoustic computed tomography for guiding prone stereotactic partial breast irradiation: a simulation study
Authors: Zheng Yue , Samant Pratik , Merill Jack , Chen Yong , Ahmad Salahuddin , Li Dengwang , Xiang Liangzhong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of x‐ray‐induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) as an image guidance tool for tracking x‐ray beam location and monitoring radiation dose delivered to the patient during stereotactic partial breast irradiation (SPBI).

Methods

An in‐house simulation workflow was developed to assess the ability of XACT to act as an in vivo dosimetry tool for SPBI. To evaluate this simulation workflow, a three‐dimensional (3D) digital breast phantom was created by a series of two‐dimensional (2D) breast CT slices from a patient. Three different tissue types (skin, adipose tissue, and glandular tissue) were segmented and the postlumpectomy seroma was simulated inside the digital breast phantom. A treatment plan was made with three beam angles to deliver radiation dose to the seroma in breast to simulate SPBI. The three beam angles for 2D simulations were 17°, 90° and 159° (couch angles were 0 degrees) while the angles were 90 degrees (couch angles were 0°, 27°, 90°) in 3D simulation. A multi‐step simulation platform capable of modelling XACT was developed. First, the dose distribution was converted to an initial pressure distribution. The propagation of this pressure disturbance in the form of induced acoustic waves was then modeled using the k‐wave MATLAB toolbox. The waves were then detected by a hemispherical‐shaped ultrasound transducer array (6320 transducer locations distributed on the surface of the breast). Finally, the time‐varying pressure signals detected at each transducer location were used to reconstruct an image of the initial pressure distribution using a 3D time‐reversal reconstruction algorithm. Finally, the reconstructed XACT images of the radiation beams were overlaid onto the structure breast CT.

Results

It was found that XACT was able to reconstruct the dose distribution of SPBI in 3D. In the reconstructed 3D volumetric dose distribution, the average doses in the GTV (Gross Target Volume) and PTV (Planning Target Volume) were 86.15% and 80.89%, respectively. When compared to the treatment plan, the XACT reconstructed dose distribution in the GTV and PTV had a RMSE (root mean square error) of 2.408 % and 2.299 % over all pixels. The 3D breast XACT imaging reconstruction with time‐reversal reconstruction algorithm can be finished within several minutes.

Conclusions

This work explores the feasibility of using the novel imaging modality of XACT as an in vivo dosimeter for SPBI radiotherapy. It shows that XACT imaging can provide the x‐ray beam location and dose information in deep tissue during the treatment in real time in 3D. This study lays the groundwork for a variety of future studies related to the use of XACT as a dosimeter at different cancer sites.
Increased ACE2 Expression in Bronchial Epithelium of COPD Patients who are Overweight
Authors: Higham Andrew , Singh Dave
Published: May 2020

Objective

Mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, higher BMI is related to severe disease. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 utilizes angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to gain cellular entry.

Methods

Whether ACE2 bronchial epithelial expression is increased in COPD patients who have overweight compared with those who do not was investigated by RNA sequencing.

Results

Increased ACE2 expression was observed in patients with COPD with overweight (mean BMI, 29 kg/m2) compared with those without overweight (mean BMI, 21 kg/m2) (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Increased ACE2 expression may cause increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection of the respiratory tract. Overweight COPD patients may be at greater risk for developing severe COVID‐19.
The choice of inflation targeting regimes for inclusive growth: Lessons from southern countries
Authors: Moosavi Mohseni Reza , Gharleghi Behrooz
Published: May 2020

This study tries to shed light on whether the inflation targeting framework behaves as a growth enhancing strategy in some selected southern countries. The study also investigates the best choice of inflation targeting regimes. Using panel data regression model for a growth regression, we found that this monetary policy framework has a relatively significant positive effect on economic growth. This means that even in terms of economic growth, using inflation as a nominal anchor is a better framework to conduct monetary policy than using exchange rate or money aggregate. The results also revealed that among different types of inflation targeting frameworks, full‐fledged can be the best choice for the selected southern countries.
Telemedicine During COVID‐19 for Outpatient Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine Physicians
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Iaccarino Mary A. , Borgstrom Haylee , Hefner Jaye E. , Silver Julie , Ahmed Marwa , Babu Ashwin N. , Blauwet Cheri A. , Elson Lauren , Eng Christine , Kotler Dana , Homer Scott , Makovitch Steven , McInnis Kelly C. , Vora Ariana , Borg‐Stein Joanne
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The global pandemic due to SARS‐CoV‐2 has resulted in an expansion of telemedicine. Measures of quality and barriers for rapid use by patients and physicians are not well described.

Objective

To describe results from a quality improvement initiative during a rapid adoptive phase of telemedicine during the pandemic.

Design

Patient and physician satisfaction with synchronous audiovisual telemedicine visits was measured during the early adoptive phase (6 April 2020‐17 April 2020) within the division of sports medicine in an academic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) department. Patients were invited to participate in a quality improvement initiative by completing an online survey at the end of a telemedicine visit. Physicians completed a separate survey.

Primary Outcome Measures

Patient measures included visit type, duration of encounter, quality, and satisfaction. Physicians reported on experiences performed telemedicine.

Results

Surveys were completed by 119 patients (293 telemedicine encounters, response rate 40.6%) and 14 physiatrists. Telemedicine was utilized primarily for follow‐up visits (n = 74, 70.6%), and the most common duration was 15 to 29 minutes. Patients rated their telemedicine visit as “excellent” or “very good” across measures (91.6%‐95.0%) including addressing concerns, communication, developing a treatment plan, convenience, and satisfaction. Value of completing a future telemedicine visit was measured at 84.9%. Most reported estimated travel time saved was in excess of 30 minutes. Rate of no‐show was 2.7%. Most physicians (57.1%) had no prior experience with telemedicine visits, and most were comfortable performing these visits after completing 1 to 4 sessions (71%). Nearly all physicians (92.9%) rated their telemedicine experience as very good or excellent. The key barrier identified for telemedicine was technical issues. All physicians reported plans to perform telemedicine visits if reimbursement continues.

Conclusions

In summary, rapid expansion of telemedicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic was well‐received by a majority of patients and physicians. This suggests feasibility in rapid expansion of telemedicine for other outpatient sports medicine practices.
Terbutaline and aminophylline as second‐line therapies for status asthmaticus in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Stulce Casey , Gouda Suzanne , Said Sana J. , Kane Jason M.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Although asthma admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are increasing, there are no evidence‐based guidelines on preferred escalation of therapies for patients with status asthmaticus who fail to respond to inhaled bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of PICU patients receiving aminophylline versus terbutaline as second‐tier therapies for status asthmaticus.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using Pediatric Health Information System from 2016‐2019.

Setting

Fifty‐three tertiary children's hospitals.

Subjects

Children aged 2 to 18 years admitted to the PICU in children's hospitals contributing data to the Pediatric Health Information System with a primary diagnosis of status asthmaticus.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Of 11 133 pediatric patients treated for status asthmaticus in the PICU during the study period, 1144 received either terbutaline or aminophylline. There was no difference in intubation and mechanical ventilation between patients who received aminophylline and those who received terbutaline. However, in African American patients, those who received terbutaline had a significantly higher odds of intubation and mechanical ventilation compared to those who received aminophylline (OR, 12.41; 95%CI, 1.61,95).

Conclusions

The use of aminophylline is associated with lower odds of intubation and mechanical ventilation in African American patients with status asthmaticus as compared to terbutaline.
Antitumor efficacy of interferon‐γ‐modified exosomal vaccine in prostate cancer
Authors: Shi Xiaojun , Sun Jie , Li Haoran , Lin Hao , Xie Weiwei , Li Jinlong , Tan Wanlong
Published: May 2020

Background

Exosomes secreted by tumor cells can be regarded as carriers of tumor‐associated antigens and have potential value in tumor immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of a novel exosomal vaccine (interferon‐γ [IFN‐γ]‐modified exosomal vaccine) in prostate cancer.

Methods

Prostate cancer cell‐derived exosomes were used to prepare the exosomal vaccine using our protein‐anchoring technique. The immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of the exosomes was evaluated by measuring the effects of the exosomal vaccine on M1 macrophage differentiation, the ability of macrophages to engulf the exosomes, the production of antibodies against exosomes, and tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and tumor growth.

Results

The IFN‐γ fusion protein was efficiently anchored on the surface of prostate cancer cell‐derived exosomes and retained its bioactivity. The IFN‐γ‐exosomal vaccine increased the number of M1 macrophages, enhanced the ability of M1 macrophages to engulf RM‐1 cell‐derived exosomes, and induced the production of specific antibodies against exosomes. The exosomal vaccine downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and attenuated the effect of exosomes in promoting tumor metastasis. The proportions of CD4+, CD8+, and IFN‐γ+CD8+ T cells in the exosomal vaccine group were the highest among the four groups. Interestingly, the IFN‐γ‐exosomal vaccine decreased the percentage of Tregs and downregulated the expression of programed death‐ligand 1 and indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase 1 in the tumor environment. The exosomal vaccine significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of mice with prostate cancer. The exosomal and tumor cell vaccines had a good synergistic effect in promoting tumor immunity.

Conclusions

The novel exosomal vaccine induced an immune response that cleared prostate cancer cell‐derived exosomes, thereby eliminating the regulatory effect of the exosomes. This study may provide experimental evidence for the use of exosomes as a therapeutic tool or target in immunotherapy for human prostate cancer.
Electronic perturbation effects in the presence of electric field for π‐conjugated systems: An electron‐correlation study
Authors: Zakharov Anton B. , Ivanov Vladimir V. , Adamowicz Ludwik
Published: May 2020

In this work, the Coulson‐Longuet‐Higgins response function (atom‐atomic polarizabilities [AAPs]) is used to describe the transfer of an electron perturbation in π‐conjugated systems in the presence of a static electric field. Computations are performed using different many‐electron approaches to study the effect. An accurate account of the electron correlation is shown to play a key role in the description of the interaction of a π‐shell with the external electrostatic field. Studies in this work reveal that the Hückel theory widely used in calculations of electron‐perturbation transfer is not reliable even at the qualitative level to describe the effects studies in this work. However, the π‐electron coupled cluster theory has been proven capable of providing a reliable electronic structure (among them, AAPs and excitation energies) that agree with the results obtained with the π‐electron full configuration‐interaction approach. The calculations also show that these properties have an essentially nonlinear character in terms of the strength of the applied electric field. The results obtained in the present work can provide useful information relevant to the application of π‐conjugated systems in molecular electronics.
Highly improved carbon dioxide sensitivity and selectivity of black phosphorene sensor by vacancy doping: A quantum chemical perspective
Authors: Ghashghaee Mohammad , Ghambarian Mehdi
Published: May 2020

The adsorption and sensing properties of a carbon dioxide (CO2) molecule on the pristine (BP) and vacancy‐doped (DP) black phosphorusmono layers have been investigated using the periodic density functional theory at Heyd‐Scuseria‐Ernzerhof (HSE06)/triple‐zeta valence polarization (TZVP). For both sensors, the most stable structures among the recognized possibilities preferred a linear configuration for carbon dioxide, with a shorter equilibrium distance (2.13 Å) on the defect‐containing surface. Although carbon dioxide was weakly physiosorbed on both phosphorene sensors (up to −2.52 kcal/mol), the defect‐engineered material presented highly improved sensitivity (by a factor of 6.6) to CO2 compared to the pristine layer. The former was also a (2.6 times) better work function sensor of carbon dioxide. At the same time, recovery was extremely fast (lasting for 70 ps at most) at room temperature. The selectivity coefficient of carbon dioxide was also strikingly high (64.0). The improved nanosensor would be a step forward in the rational design of highly sensitive and reusable detectors of carbon dioxide.
Relating four‐day soil respiration to corn nitrogen fertilizer needs across 49 U.S. Midwest fields
Authors: Bean G. Mac , Kitchen Newell R. , Veum Kristen S. , Camberato James J. , Ferguson Richard B. , Fernandez Fabian G. , Franzen David W. , Laboski Carrie A.M. , Nafziger Emerson D. , Sawyer John E. , Yost Matt
Published: May 2020

Soil microbes drive biological functions that mediate chemical and physical processes necessary for plants to sustain growth. Laboratory soil respiration has been proposed as one universal soil health indicator representing these functions, potentially informing crop and soil management decisions. Research is needed to test the premise that soil respiration is helpful for profitable in‐season nitrogen (N) rate management decisions in corn (Zea mays L.). The objective of this research was two‐fold: (i) determine if the amount of N applied at the time of planting effected soil respiration, and (ii) evaluate the relationship of soil respiration to corn yield response to fertilizer N application. A total of 49 N response trials were conducted across eight states over three growing seasons (2014–2016). The 4‐day Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) soil respiration method was used to quantify soil respiration. Averaged over all sites, N fertilization did not impact soil respiration, but at four sites soil respiration decreased as N fertilizer rate applied at‐planting increased. Across all site‐years, soil respiration was moderately related to the economical optimum N rate (EONR) (r2 = 0.21). However, when analyzed by year, soil respiration was more strongly related to EONR in 2016 (r2 = 0.50) and poorly related for the first two years (r2 < 0.20). These results illustrate the factors influencing the ability of laboratory soil respiration to estimate corn N response, including growing‐season weather, and the potential of fusing soil respiration with other soil and weather measurements for improved N fertilizer recommendations.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Iridium(I) Fluorido Complexes: Oxidative Addition of SF4 at trans‐[Ir(F)(CO)(PEt3)2]
Authors: Pfister Nils , Bui Minh , Braun Thomas , Wittwer Philipp , Ahrens Mike
Published: May 2020

The facile access to the Vaska type fluorido complexes trans‐[Ir(F)(CO)(PR3)2] [6: R = Et, 7: R = Ph, 8: R = iPr, 9: R = Cy, 10: R = tBu] was achieved by halide exchange at trans‐[Ir(Cl)(CO)(PR3)2] (1–5) with Me4NF. Furthermore, the reaction of complex 6 with SF4 gave cis,trans‐[Ir(F)2(SF3)(CO)(PEt3)2] (11), whereas 8–10 did not react. Reactivity studies revealed that 11 can selectively be manipulated at the sulfur atom by hydrolysis or fluoride abstraction to give cis,trans‐[Ir(F)2(SOF)(CO)(PEt3)2] (12) and cis,trans‐[Ir(F)2(SF2)(CO)(PEt3)2][AsF6] (13), respectively.
What Does It Means to be Truly “Interdisciplinary”?
Authors: Akabayashi Akira
Published: May 2020

Before concluding this work, let us return to some bioethical theories. The theme of the present chapter is integral to bioethics. My main intent is for each reader to revisit his or her definition of the meaning of “interdisciplinary,” a core term in discussions of bioethics. The manner in which this term is used varies widely. At the simplest level, “interdisciplinary” is used to indicate that researchers and others from multiple academic fields have collected together their own individual theories on a particular topic. However, it is worth wondering how much each researcher actually understands the writings and thoughts of those in other fields. In the present chapter, I first ask what is required to be truly “interdisciplinary” and present a sport ethics article my colleagues and I wrote as an experiment to demonstrate these points. My hope is that my readers will consider how this article could be changed in order for it to be understood better by as many readers as possible.
Rebirthing Bioethics: Going Global
Authors: Akabayashi Akira
Published: May 2020

This final chapter and the epilogue to follow revisit the idea of global bioethics. I begin by describing my experiences both as a member of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee and in the field of international healthcare, challenging the current practices and academic discussion surrounding global bioethics, including that of global health. I cite the formative article by Van Rensselaer Potter as a way to question further the current state of the discussion concerning both the academic field and practice of global bioethics, arguing that the terms and the use therein all originate in the West. I explain my dissatisfaction with the discussion among researchers about the ongoing debate concerning universalism versus relativism. I then propose to discard the overarching term, “global bioethics,” suggesting instead the use of a more challenging term that will fit future discussion. However, discarding the current terminology alone is insufficient. Therefore, I discuss what Japan could contribute to the establishment of new terminology. I conclude by reiterating the purpose of this book, calling for others worldwide to write their own versions, in order to facilitate a true international dialogue in bioethics.
Gravitational waves from supercool axions
Authors: Rose Luigi Delle , Panico Giuliano , Redi Michele , Tesi Andrea
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We study the dynamics of the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) phase transition for the QCD axion. In weakly coupled models the transition is typically second order except in the region of parameters where the PQ symmetry is broken through the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism. In strongly coupled realizations the transition is often first order. We show examples where the phase transition leads to strong supercooling lowering the nucleation temperature and enhancing the stochastic gravitational wave signals. The models predict a frequency peak in the range 100–1000 Hz with an amplitude that is already within the sensitivity of LIGO and can be thoroughly tested with future gravitational wave interferometers.
The Dimension of the Boundary of a Liouville Quantum Gravity Metric Ball
Authors: Gwynne Ewain
Published: May 2020

Let $$\gamma \in (0,2)$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
2
)

, let h be the planar Gaussian free field, and consider the $$\gamma $$
γ
-Liouville quantum gravity (LQG) metric associated with h. We show that the essential supremum of the Hausdorff dimension of the boundary of a $$\gamma $$
γ
-LQG metric ball with respect to the Euclidean (resp. $$\gamma $$
γ
-LQG) metric is $$2 - \frac{\gamma }{d_\gamma }\left( \frac{2}{\gamma } + \frac{\gamma }{2} \right) + \frac{\gamma ^2}{2d_\gamma ^2}$$

2
-

γ

d
γ

2
γ

+

γ
2

+

γ
2

2

d
γ
2

(resp. $$d_\gamma -1$$

d
γ

-
1

), where $$d_\gamma $$

d
γ

is the Hausdorff dimension of the whole plane with respect to the $$\gamma $$
γ
-LQG metric. For $$\gamma = \sqrt{8/3}$$

γ
=

8
/
3

, in which case $$d_{\sqrt{8/3}}=4$$

d

8
/
3

=
4

, we get that the essential supremum of Euclidean (resp. $$\sqrt{8/3}$$

8
/
3

-LQG) dimension of a $$\sqrt{8/3}$$

8
/
3

-LQG ball boundary is 5/4 (resp. 3). We also compute the essential suprema of the Euclidean and $$\gamma $$
γ
-LQG Hausdorff dimensions of the intersection of a $$\gamma $$
γ
-LQG ball boundary with the set of metric $$\alpha $$
α
-thick points of the field h for each $$\alpha \in \mathbb R$$

α
∈
R

. Our results show that the set of $$\gamma /d_\gamma $$

γ
/

d
γ

-thick points on the ball boundary has full Euclidean dimension and the set of $$\gamma $$
γ
-thick points on the ball boundary has full $$\gamma $$
γ
-LQG dimension.
Disparities in Adult and Pediatric Trauma Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sanchez Carol , Shaikh Saamia , Dowd Brianna , Santos Radleigh , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: May 2020

Background

Although safeguards requiring emergency care are provided regardless of a patient's payor status, disparate outcomes have been reported in trauma populations. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine whether race/ethnicity or insurance status had an effect on mortality and to systematically present the literature in the adult and pediatric trauma populations during the last decade.

Methods

An online search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and SAGE Journals was performed for publications from January 2009 to March 2019. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used. The GRADE Working Group criteria were utilized to assess the evidence quality. A meta‐analysis was conducted to compare mortality between insured/uninsured and Caucasian/non‐Caucasian patients.

Results

Our search revealed 680 publications that qualified for evaluation. Of these, 41 were included in the final analysis. Twenty‐six studies included adults only, nine studies included pediatric patients only, and six studies evaluated both. Twelve studies evaluated the effects of race/ethnicity, 18 examined insurance status, and 11 investigated both. Uninsured patients had 22% greater odds of death than insured patients (OR 1.22; CI 1.21–1.24). Non‐Caucasian patients had 18% greater risk of death than Caucasian patients (OR 1.18; CI 1.17–1.20).

Conclusion

Both the adult and pediatric trauma populations suffer outcome disparities based on race/ethnicity and insurance status. Overall, patients without insurance coverage and minority groups (i.e., non‐Caucasians) had worse outcomes, as measured by odds of death and all‐cause mortality.
LPS-induced expression and release of monocyte tissue factor in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Holstein Katharina , Matysiak Anna , Witt Leonora , Sievers Bianca , Beckmann Lennart , Haddad Munif , Renné Thomas , Voigtlaender Minna , Langer Florian
Published: May 2020

In haemophilia, thrombin generation and fibrin deposition upon vascular injury critically depend on the tissue factor (TF)-driven coagulation pathway. TF expression by monocytes/macrophages and circulating microvesicles contributes to haemostasis, thrombosis and inflammation. Inflammation is a hallmark of blood-induced joint disease. The aim of this study is to correlate TF production by whole-blood monocytes with inflammatory markers and clinical parameters in patients with moderate-to-severe haemophilia A or B (n = 43) in comparison to healthy males (n = 23). Monocyte TF antigen and microvesicle-associated TF procoagulant activity (MV TF PCA) were measured immediately after blood draw (baseline) and following incubation of whole blood with buffer or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using two-colour flow cytometry and chromogenic FXa generation assay, respectively. Patients with HIV or uncontrolled HBV/HCV infections were excluded. TF was hardly detectable and not different in baseline and buffer-treaded samples from both groups. Stimulation with LPS, however, induced monocyte TF production, with increased TF-specific mean fluorescence intensity (P = 0.08) and MV TF PCA (P < 0.05) in patients compared to controls. Patients also had elevated hs-CRP and IL-6 serum levels (P < 0.001), which correlated with LPS-induced TF parameters. Further exploratory analyses revealed that the presence of systemic (low-grade) inflammation and boosted LPS-induced monocyte TF production were mainly restricted to patients with clinically controlled HBV and/or HCV infection (n = 16), who were older and also had a significantly worse orthopaedic joint score than patients with no history of viral hepatitis (P < 0.01). Our study delineates a previously unrecognised link between systemic inflammation and inducible monocyte TF production in patients with haemophilia A or B.
Age at surgery and recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after conservative surgery: a meta-analysis including 3125 patients
Authors: Yang Fang , Liu Baoqin , Xu Lin , Liu Hong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the association between age at surgery and recurrence rate of endometrioma. Data sources PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to October 2019.

Methods

We determined the pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationship between age at surgery and the recurrence rate of endometrioma after surgery. Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s linear regression was used to assess any publication bias.

Results

A total of 3125 patients from 10 studies were finally enrolled in this meta-analysis. The recurrence rate decreased with increasing age (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91–0.95, P = 0.451). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the pooled RR was 0.926 (95% CI 0.906–0.947, P < 0.001) for a cut-off < 35, and 0.886 (95% CI 0.775–1.040, P = 0.14) for a cut-off ≥ 35. Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s linear regression test showed no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that younger age might be a high-risk factor for the recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after conservative surgery.
Particular findings on lung CT in patients undergoing immunotherapy for bronchogenic carcinoma
Authors: Beer Lucian , Hochmair Maximilian , Kifjak Daria , Haug Alexander R. , Prayer Florian , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Herold Christian , Prosch Helmut
Published: May 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become a valuable tool in the therapeutic strategy against metastasized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as they represent an effective and safe treatment option for many patients; however, the treatment response and side effects of this class of drugs can considerably differ compared to classical chemotherapeutics. The aim of this study was to highlight specific radiological pulmonary findings of NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Methods and results

Medical records and images of prospectively collected data from 70 patients with advanced NSCLC, treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, were reviewed. Of the patients two experienced an initial increase in tumor size, followed by a decrease in tumor size that was described as pseudoprogression. Another patient developed a sarcoid-like reaction accompanied by clinical improvements and radiological treatment response. A further two patients developed immune checkpoint-associated pulmonary injury that was clinically and radiologically classified as pneumonitis, which responded well to anti-inflammatory treatment.

Conclusion

Management of patients with NSCLC using immune checkpoint inhibitors requires a knowledge of specific clinical and radiological findings. Both oncologists and radiologists have to be aware of the most common types, including atypical response patterns, such as a sarcoid-like reaction and pseudoprogression as well as of the pulmonary side effects that can encompass pneumonitis.
The Impact of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Cognitive Behavioural Instructions on Safety Learning
Authors: Wake Shannon , van Reekum Carien M. , Dodd Helen , Morriss Jayne
Published: May 2020

Background

Difficulty updating threat associations to safe associations has been observed in individuals who score high in self-reported Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU). Here we sought to determine whether an instruction based on fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy could promote safety learning in individuals with higher levels of IU, whilst controlling for self-reported trait anxiety (STICSA).

Methods

We measured skin conductance response, pupil dilation and expectancy ratings during an associative threat learning task in which participants either received a cognitive behavioural instruction or no instruction prior to threat extinction (n = 92).

Results

Analyses revealed that both self-reported IU and STICSA similarly predicted differences in skin conductance response. Only individuals with lower IU/STICSA in the cognitive behavioural instruction condition displayed successful safety learning via skin conductance response.

Conclusions

These initial results provide some insight into how simple cognitive behavioural instructions combined with exposure are applied differently in individuals with varying levels of self-reported anxiety. The results further our understanding of the role of basic cognitive behavioural principles and self-reported anxiety in safety learning.
Judges and court performance: a case study of district commercial courts in Poland
Authors: Bełdowski Jarosław , Dąbroś Łukasz , Wojciechowski Wiktor
Published: May 2020

The goal of this paper is to analyse determinants of the performance of commercial district courts in Poland in the period 2009–2016 in terms of the number of resolved cases. To this end we apply a panel data approach to identify factors affecting court output (i.e. the number of cases adjudicated) and stochastic frontier analysis to investigate determinants of court efficiency in resolving cases. Although we found that the judicial system in Poland is mostly driven by the demand for justice, the results indicate that an increase in the number of judges can significantly enhance the number of resolved cases that require a full court trial. We also found that court efficiency is significantly associated with some auxiliary court staff members and variables capturing economic development of court jurisdiction. Specifically, we found that judge assistants increase court efficiency in resolving commercial cases requiring a full trial and court clerks boost court efficiency in resolving writ-of-payment cases.
Impacts of a deep reactive layer on sedimentary phosphorus dynamics in a boreal lake recovering from eutrophication
Authors: Jilbert Tom , Jokinen Sami , Saarinen Timo , Mattus-Kumpunen Ulpu , Simojoki Asko , Saarni Saija , Salminen Sarianna , Niemistö Juha , Horppila Jukka
Published: May 2020

Using biogeochemical analyses of sediments and porewaters, we investigate the legacy of a brief, intense period of eutrophication on sedimentary phosphorus (P) cycling in a boreal lake (Enonselkä basin, Lake Vesijärvi, Finland). Point-source sewage inputs in the twentieth century caused deoxygenation of the lake and accelerated the focusing of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxides into deeper areas. Early diagenesis under Fe–Mn-rich conditions now favors rapid burial of P in these areas, likely as a combination of both oxide-bound P phases and authigenic manganous vivianite. A new P budget for Enonselkä basin shows that P burial causes an annual drawdown of 1.2% (± 0.2%) of the surface sediment P inventory, supporting a long-term trend towards recovery since the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in the mid-1970s. However, remineralization of organic matter and associated dissolution of Fe–Mn oxides continues to regenerate P from a deep reactive layer (20–60 cm depth) deposited at the height of past eutrophication, leading to an upwards diffusive flux of dissolved phosphate towards the surface sediments. The magnitude of this flux is similar to that of external P loading to the lake. The combined incoming fluxes of P are likely to retard the complete recovery from eutrophication by decades, despite ongoing restoration actions.
In-house genetic counseling increases the detection of abnormal karyotypes—a 26-year experience in prenatal diagnosis in a single tertiary referral hospital in Poland
Authors: Bijok Julia , Kucińska–Chahwan Anna , Massalska Diana , Ilnicka Alicja , Panek Grzegorz , Roszkowski Tomasz
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the trends in prenatal diagnosis over 26 years in a tertiary referral hospital.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of invasive prenatal procedures performed between 1991 and 2016. Maternal characteristics, indications for invasive diagnosis, and percentage of abnormal karyotypes were compared between periods according to guidelines implemented nationally and locally.

Results

A total of 14,302 invasive prenatal procedures were performed. The proportion of invasive procedures performed for advanced maternal age, abnormal karyotype in a previous pregnancy, and maternal anxiety decreased from 71.1%, 17.8%, 8.9% in 1991 to 23.9%, 1.3%, and 2.3% in 2016 (OR 0.6, 0.8, and 0.9 for each 5 years, respectively;p< 0.001), while the proportion of invasive procedures performed for abnormal ultrasound increased from 2.2% in 1991 to 51.6% in 2016 (OR 1.9 for each 5 years;p< 0.001). Abnormal karyotype was found in 9.7%. The proportion of abnormal karyotypes increased significantly from 0.0% in 1991 to 15.7% in 2016 (OR 1.35 for each 5-year period;p< 0.001). The odds of abnormal karyotype increased after the implementation of the Ordinance of the Minister of Health in 2003 (OR 1.6), the National Prenatal Screening Program in 2007 (OR 2.2), and the in-house genetic counseling with combined first trimester screening in 2015 (OR 3.1).

Conclusions

Significant changes in prenatal diagnosis led to a better selection of patients undergoing invasive prenatal procedures. The implementation of in-house genetic counseling was associated with an increased rate of the detection of abnormal karyotypes.
Higher Order Time Stepping Methods for Subdiffusion Problems Based on Weighted and Shifted Grünwald–Letnikov Formulae with Nonsmooth Data
Authors: Wang Yanyong , Yan Yuyuan , Yan Yubin , Pani Amiya K.
Published: May 2020

Two higher order time stepping methods for solving subdiffusion problems are studied in this paper. The Caputo time fractional derivatives are approximated by using the weighted and shifted Grünwald–Letnikov formulae introduced in Tian et al. (Math Comput 84:2703–2727, 2015). After correcting a few starting steps, the proposed time stepping methods have the optimal convergence orders $$O(k^2)$$O(k2) and $$ O(k^3)$$O(k3), respectively for any fixed time t for both smooth and nonsmooth data. The error estimates are proved by directly bounding the approximation errors of the kernel functions. Moreover, we also present briefly the applicabilities of our time stepping schemes to various other fractional evolution equations. Finally, some numerical examples are given to show that the numerical results are consistent with the proven theoretical results.
A Normative Approach to Artificial Moral Agency
Authors: Behdadi Dorna , Munthe Christian
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes a methodological redirection of the philosophical debate on artificial moral agency (AMA) in view of increasingly pressing practical needs due to technological development. This “normative approach” suggests abandoning theoretical discussions about what conditions may hold for moral agency and to what extent these may be met by artificial entities such as AI systems and robots. Instead, the debate should focus on how and to what extent such entities should be included in human practices normally assuming moral agency and responsibility of participants. The proposal is backed up by an analysis of the AMA debate, which is found to be overly caught in the opposition between so-called standard and functionalist conceptions of moral agency, conceptually confused and practically inert. Additionally, we outline some main themes of research in need of attention in light of the suggested normative approach to AMA.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake: Will emergency managers be willing and able to report to work?
Authors: Swick Zachary D. , Baker Elizabeth A. , Elliott Michael , Zelicoff Alan
Published: May 2020

This study examines the factors that are likely to influence emergency managers’ willingness and ability to report to work after a catastrophic event using the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake threat as an example. The population approached for participation in this study was state-level emergency managers in Oregon and Washington, the areas anticipated to be the most impacted by the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Concept mapping was utilized to elucidate factors influencing emergency managers’ ability and willingness to report to work following a catastrophic earthquake, as well as to identify specific strategies for addressing these factors to facilitate reporting to work. The six-step concept mapping process (i.e., preparation, generation, structuring, representation, interpretation, and utilization) is a structured and integrated mixed-method process that employs both qualitative and quantitative components to gather ideas and concepts of participants, and subsequently produces visual representation of these ideas and concepts through multivariate statistical methods (Caracelli and Green in Eval Program Plan 12(1):45–52, 1993; Kane and Trochim in Concept mapping for planning and evaluation, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, 2007). Results influence across a wide range of the levels of the ecological framework for both ability (transit barriers and infrastructure impacts, family/pet health and safety, social support and preparedness, work-related influences, personal health and resources, professional obligations, and location) and willingness (family/community preparedness and safety, emergency management responsibility and professionalism, motivation to come to work, transit barriers and infrastructure impacts, professional contribution, physical and mental health, worksite operations: structure and process, family first, personal contribution and history).
Correction to: Impacts of hydrological restoration on lowland river floodplain plant communities
Authors: Richards Daniel R. , Moggridge Helen L. , Warren Philip H. , Maltby Lorraine
Published: May 2020

The article “Impacts of hydrological restoration on lowland river floodplain plant communities”, written by Daniel R. Richards. Helen L. Moggridge. Philip H. Warren. Lorraine Maltby, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 10 March 2020 without open access.With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 30 April 2020 to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made.
Deterioration of an infrastructure cutting subjected to climate change
Authors: Rouainia M. , Helm P. , Davies O. , Glendinning S.
Published: May 2020

Observations show that many soils in linear geotechnical infrastructure including embankments and cuttings undergo seasonal volume changes, and different studies confirm that this is due to cycles in climatic and hydrological conditions. These cycles can give rise to progressive failure of the soil mass, which in turn may lead to deterioration of performance and ultimately slope failure. It is expected that the magnitude of the seasonal cycles of pore pressure will be increased by more extreme and more frequent events of wet and dry periods predicted by future climate scenarios. In this paper, numerical modelling has been undertaken to simulate a continuous time series pore water pressure within a representative cutting in London Clay. The approach uses synthetic control and future climate scenarios from a weather generator to investigate the potential impacts of climate change on cutting stability. Surface pore water pressures are obtained by a hydrological model, which are then applied to a coupled fluid-mechanical model. These models are able to capture the significant soil–vegetation–atmospheric interaction processes allowing the induced unsaturated hydro-mechanical response to be investigated. The chosen hydraulic conductivity variables in the model are shown to affect the total magnitude of pore pressure fluctuation and hence the rate of progressive failure. The results demonstrate for the first time that higher total magnitude of annual variation in pore pressures caused by future climate scenarios can have a significant effect on deformations in cuttings. This in turn leads to increased rates of deterioration and reduces time to failure.
Clinical applications of digital angiography with the harmonization function in body interventional radiology
Authors: Tateishi Hidekatsu , Kuroki Kazunori , Machida Haruhiko , Iwamoto Toshihiko , Kariyasu Toshiya , Kinoshita Yuusuke , Watanabe Masanaka , Shiga Hisae , Yuda Saori , Yokoyama Kenichi
Published: May 2020

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is frequently applied in interventional radiology (IR). When DSA is not useful due to misregistration, digital angiography (DA) as an alternative option is used. In DA, the harmonization function (HF) works in real time by harmonizing the distribution of gray steps or reducing the dynamic range; thus, it can compress image gradations, decrease image contrast, and suppress halation artifacts. DA with HF as a good alternative to DSA is clinically advantageous in body IR for generating DSA-like images and simultaneously reducing various motion artifacts and misregistrations caused by patient body motion, poor breath-holding, bowel and ureter peristalsis, and cardiac pulsation as well as halation artifacts often stemming from the lung field. Free-breath DA with HF can improve body IR workflow and decrease the procedure time by reducing the risk of catheter dislocation and using background structures as anatomical landmarks, demonstrating reduced radiation exposure relative to DSA. Thus, HF should be more widely and effectively utilized for appropriate purposes in body IR. This article illustrates the basic facts and principles of HF in DA, and demonstrates clinical advantages and limitations of this function in body IR.