bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WFH – RTO und Gewusst wie!
Authors: Böck Barbara
Published: May 2020

No abstract.
Contrasting the seasonal and elevational prevalence of generalist avian haemosporidia in co‐occurring host species
Authors: Lynton‐Jenkins Joshua G. , Bründl Aisha C. , Cauchoix Maxime , Lejeune Léa A. , Sallé Louis , Thiney Alice C. , Russell Andrew F. , Chaine Alexis S. , Bonneaud Camille
Published: May 2020

Understanding the ecology and evolution of parasites is contingent on identifying the selection pressures they face across their infection landscape. Such a task is made challenging by the fact that these pressures will likely vary across time and space, as a result of seasonal and geographical differences in host susceptibility or transmission opportunities. Avian haemosporidian blood parasites are capable of infecting multiple co‐occurring hosts within their ranges, yet whether their distribution across time and space varies similarly in their different host species remains unclear. Here, we applied a new PCR method to detect avian haemosporidia (genera Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium) and to determine parasite prevalence in two closely related and co‐occurring host species, blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus, N = 529) and great tits (Parus major, N = 443). Our samples were collected between autumn and spring, along an elevational gradient in the French Pyrenees and over a three‐year period. Most parasites were found to infect both host species, and while these generalist parasites displayed similar elevational patterns of prevalence in the two host species, this was not always the case for seasonal prevalence patterns. For example, Leucocytozoon group A parasites showed inverse seasonal prevalence when comparing between the two host species, being highest in winter and spring in blue tits but higher in autumn in great tits. While Plasmodium relictum prevalence was overall lower in spring relative to winter or autumn in both species, spring prevalence was also lower in blue tits than in great tits. Together, these results reveal how generalist parasites can exhibit host‐specific epidemiology, which is likely to complicate predictions of host–parasite co‐evolution.
Clinical course after a first episode of heart failure: insights from the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Velagaleti Raghava S. , Larson Martin G. , Enserro Danielle , Song Rebecca J. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: May 2020

Aims

We sought to describe the frequency, type and timing of clinical events, and delineate patterns in their transitions, after a first episode of heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

In 1036 Framingham participants with new‐onset HF (mean age 79 years; 53% women), we used mixture models to estimate probabilities of, and time to cardiac death, other cardiovascular disease (CVD) death, recurrent HF, cardiac events and other CVD events, accounting for age, sex, HF type (preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction), and prevalent cardiac/CVD events. The most common first events after new‐onset HF were cardiac (36%), recurrent HF (28%) and death (29%). Compared with recurrent HF (referent transition state), prevalent cardiac events were associated with higher odds of fatal [odds ratio (OR) 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–3.23] and non‐fatal (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.52–3.00) cardiac events; prevalent CVD increased odds of other CVD death (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04–3.47). Among 715 participants without a fatal initial event, there were 3337 distinct epochs (inter‐event time periods), with median 3.0 epochs/participant [49% cardiac (n = 1639); 27% recurrent HF (n = 912)]. Median inter‐event times varied between 12 to 285 days (recurrent HF to other CVD death and non‐fatal other CVD, respectively). Prior HF, cardiac and other CVD events significantly increased odds of developing the same event‐type (OR ∼ 5‐7‐fold), with shortened time to recurrence, indicating ‘rapid cycling loops’ of the same event type. HF type did not impact the nature or timing of future events.

Conclusions

Comorbidities but not HF type impact clinical course of HF by influencing the type and timing of subsequent events, denoting ‘natural history loops’ within the overall HF population.
Hybrid datasets: Incorporating experimental data into Lattice‐Boltzmann simulations
Authors: Morrison Helen E. , Lintermann Andreas , Grundmann Sven
Published: May 2020

A novel method, which combines both fluid‐mechanical experimental and numerical data from magnetic resonance velocimetry and Lattice‐Boltzmann (LB) simulations is presented. The LB method offers a unique and simple way of integrating the experimental data into the simulation by means of its equilibrium term. The simulation is guided by the experimental data, while at the same time potential outliers or noisy data are physically smoothed. In addition, the simulation allows to increase the resolution and to obtain further physical quantities, which are not measurable in the experiment. For a benchmark case, temporally averaged velocity data is included into the simulation. The proposed model creates a hybrid dataset, which satisfies the Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations, including the correctly deduced contribution from the Reynolds stress tensor.
Prussian Blue Analogues–Derived CoFe–B Nanocubes with Increased Specific Surface Area and Modulated Electronic Structure as Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Yang Yu Xian , Li Bang Lin , Zhang Qing , Guo Wan Hui , Wang Xiao Hu , Li Ling Jie , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: May 2020

Questing for efficient and inexpensive catalysts for electrochemical water splitting is vital for energy conversion and storage. Herein, Prussian blue analogues (PBA)‐derived CoFe‐based nanomaterials with increased specific surface area and abundant catalytic active sites are utilized as efficient and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Due to the adjustable chemical conformation and controllable 3D morphology, CoFe–B nanocubes exhibit an ultrathin nanosheets–wrapped nanocube structure with excellent electrocatalytic performance and remarkable reaction kinetics in 1.0 m KOH aqueous solution. In addition, CoFe–B nanocubes cost overpotentials of 261 and 338 mV at corresponding current densities of 10 and 200 mA cm−2, respectively, with small Tafel slope of 61 mV dec−1 for OER, which displays higher catalytic capability than the reported commercial RuO2. The outstanding electrocatalytic performance can be mainly attributed to the unique ultrathin nanosheets–wrapped nanocube structure which is generated from calcination. This work not only provides a new way for the application of PBA but also obtains an alternative for efficient electrocatalysis.
Reactive Metals as Energy Storage and Carrier Media: Use of Aluminum for Power Generation in Fuel Cell‐Based Power Plants
Authors: Barelli Linda , Baumann Manuel , Bidini Gianni , Ottaviano Panfilo A. , Schneider Rebekka V. , Passerini Stefano , Trombetti Lorenzo
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the energy production sector has experienced a growing interest in new energy vectors enabling energy storage and, at the same time, intersectoral energy applications among users. Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy storage and carrier media featuring a very high gravimetric energy density, but a rather low volumetric energy density. To this regard, this study focuses on the use of aluminum as energy storage and carrier medium, offering high volumetric energy density (23.5 kWh L−1), ease to transport and stock (e.g., as ingots), and is neither toxic nor dangerous when stored. In addition, mature production and recycling technologies exist for aluminum. Herein, the performance of power systems driven by aluminum powder in terms of electrical efficiency (η(I)) and round‐trip efficiency (RTE) is analyzed. Along with the additional advantages relating to high volumetric energy density, and safety and management aspects, the aluminum‐based technology appears to outperform the power‐to‐power systems based on hydrogen and liquid fuels.
An Artificial Protective Coating toward Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Metal Anodes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Luo Liu , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: May 2020

Metallic lithium (Li) has attracted considerable interest as a high‐capacity anode material for the next‐generation Li‐metal batteries, yet its commercial availability is still challenged by its strong reactivity with electrolyte and uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites. Herein, a tuned Li anode is fabricated through a facile surface modification strategy. The LiF‐dominant artificial coating layer, due to its low surface‐diffusion energy barrier and excellent chemical stability against Li and electrolyte, is efficient in stabilizing the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and directing homogeneous Li stripping/plating upon repeated cycling. Therefore, it significantly mitigates the corrosion reaction on the anode side and restrains the Li dendrite growth, contributing to suppressed anode degradation. As a result, the tuned Li metal achieves high symmetric cell performance, delivering a substantially decreased voltage overpotential of 37 mV over 3000 h of cycling (>4 months) at high current density (up to 8 mA cm−2). Moreover, the assembled high‐loading Li–S pouch cells (200 mg of sulfur) using the tuned Li anode approach a high capacity (up to 189 mA h) together with good electrochemical cyclability. This work presents a viable route to regulate the Li surface chemistry and interface property for dendrite‐free Li‐metal anodes.
Driving a motor vehicle and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: ILAE Report by the Task Force on Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures
Authors: Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Nicholson Timothy R. , Pick Susannah , Baslet Gaston , Benbadis Selim R. , Beghi Massimiliano , Brigo Francesco , Buchhalter Jeffrey , D'Alessio Luciana , Dworetzky Barbara , Gigineishvili David , Kanaan Richard A. , Kozlowska Kasia , LaFrance W. Curt , Lehn Alexander , Perez David L. , Popkirov Stoyan , Pretorius Chrisma , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Tolchin Benjamin , Valente Kette , Stone Jon , Reuber Markus
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Report: (a) summarizes the literature about “driving and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)”; (b) presents the views of international experts; and (c) proposes an approach to assessing the ability of persons with PNES (PwPNES) to drive.

Methods

Phase 1: Systematic literature review. Phase 2: Collection of international expert opinion using SurveyMonkey®. Experts included the members of the ILAE PNES Task Force and individuals with relevant publications since 2000. Phase 3: Joint analysis of the findings and refinement of conclusions by all participants using email. As an ILAE Report, the resulting text was reviewed by the Psychiatry Commission, the ILAE Task Force on Driving Guidelines, and Executive Committee.

Results

Eight studies identified by the systematic review process failed to provide a firm evidence base for PNES‐related driving regulations, but suggest that most health professionals think restrictions are appropriate. Twenty‐six experts responded to the survey. Most held the view that decisions about driving privileges should consider individual patient and PNES characteristics and take account of whether permits are sought for private or commercial driving. Most felt that those with active PNES should not be allowed to drive unless certain criteria were met and that PNES should be thought of as “active” if the last psychogenic seizure had occurred within 6 months.

Significance

Recommendations on whether PwPNES can drive should be made at the individual patient level. Until future research has determined the risk of accidents in PwPNES a proposed algorithm may guide decisions about driving advice.
Rapid local adaptation linked with phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Sun Syuan-Jyun , Catherall Andrew M. , Pascoal Sonia , Jarrett Benjamin J. M. , Miller Sara E. , Sheehan Michael J. , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: May 2020

Models of “plasticity-first” evolution are attractive because they explain the rapid evolution of new complex adaptations. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether plasticity can facilitate rapid microevolutionary change between diverging populations. Here, we show how plasticity may have generated adaptive differences in fecundity between neighboring wild populations of burying beetles Nicrophorus vespilloides. These populations occupy distinct Cambridgeshire woodlands that are just 2.5 km apart and that probably originated from a common ancestral population about 1000-4000 years ago. We find that populations are divergently adapted to breed on differently sized carrion. Adaptive differences in clutch size and egg size are associated with divergence at loci connected with oogenesis. The populations differ specifically in the elevation of the reaction norm linking clutch size to carrion size (i.e., genetic accommodation), and in the likelihood that surplus offspring will be lost after hatching. We suggest that these two processes may have facilitated rapid local adaptation on a fine-grained spatial scale.
Intra‐anal swabbing for GBS in pregnancy did not improve detection rate, but increased the detection of ESBL‐producing E.coli
Authors: Naruse Katsuhiko , Okada Itsuko , Ogawa Masahiko , Kitamura Takajiro , Tsunemi Taihei
Published: May 2020

Intra‐anal swabbing for GBS in pregnant women did not improve the detection rate compared to perianal swabbing, but increased the detection of ESBL‐producing E.coli.
Lipids status and copper in a single astrocyte of the rat model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Correlative synchrotron‐based X‐ray and infrared imaging
Authors: Kreuzer Martin , Stamenković Stefan , Chen Si , Andjus Pavle , Dučić Tanja
Published: May 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, causing death of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscles. The pathological mechanisms of the disease are only partially understood. The hSOD1‐G93A ALS rat model is characterized by an overexpression of human mutated SOD1, causing increased vulnerability by forming intracellular protein aggregates, inducing excitotoxicity, affecting oxidative balance and disturbing axonal transport. In this study we followed the bio‐macromolecular organic composition and compartmentalization together with trace metal distribution in situ in single astrocytes from the ALS rat model and compared them to the control astrocytes from nontransgenic littermates by simultaneous use of two synchrotron radiation‐based methods: Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (SR‐FTIR) and hard X‐ray fluorescence microscopy (XRF). We show that ALS cells contained more Cu, which colocalized with total lipids, increased carbonyl groups and oxidized lipids, thus implying direct involvement of Cu in oxidative stress of lipidic components without direct connection to protein aggregation in situ.
Modeling of phosphorus loss from field to watershed: A review
Authors: Wang Zhaozhi , Zhang Tiequan , Tan Chin S. , Qi Zhiming
Published: May 2020

Phosphorus (P) losses from nonpoint sources into surface water resources through surface runoff and tile drainage play a significant role in eutrophication. Accordingly, the number of studies involving the modeling of agricultural P losses, the uncertainties of such models, and the best management practices (BMPs) supported by the modeling of hypothetical P loss reduction scenarios has increased significantly around the world. Many improvements have been made to these models: separate manure P pools, variable source areas allowing the determination of critical source areas of P loss, analyses of modeling uncertainties, and understanding of legacy P. However, several elements are still missing or have yet to be sufficiently addressed: the incorporation of preferential flow into models, the modification of P sorption–desorption processes considering recent research data (e.g., pedotransfer functions for labile, active, or stable P, along with P sorption coefficients), BMP parameterization, and scale‐up issues, as well as stakeholder–scientist and experimentalist–modeler interactions. The accuracy of P loss modeling can be improved by (a) incorporating dynamic P sorption–desorption processes and new P subroutines for direct P loss from manure, fertilizer, and dung, (b) modeling preferential flow, connectivity between field and adjacent water bodies, and P in‐stream processes, (c) including an assessment of model uncertainty, (d) integrating field and watershed models for BMP calibration and scaling field results up to larger areas, and (e) building a holistic interaction between stakeholders, experimentalists, and modelers.
High‐mobility group protein B1: A predictive biomarker for hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Chen Quan , Zhang Yu , Yue Zhen‐Dong , Zhao Hong‐Wei , Wang Lei , Fan Zhen‐Hua , Liu Fu‐Quan
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether portal level of high‐mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) is associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

Methods

We enrolled 127 consecutive patients who underwent TIPS and collected portal and peripheral blood samples in our department from December 2017 to May 2019. HMGB1 levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. HMGB1 and other HE related parameters were estimated by competing risk analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Patients with HE after TIPS were older (P = .019) and had higher portal HMGB1 level (P = .038) than those without. Univariate competing risk analysis: age (sHR 1.025, P = .026), hepatorenal syndrome (sHR 3.149, P = .010), model for end‐of‐stage liver disease (MELD) score (sHR 1.055, P = .024), prior HE (sHR 4.029, P = .0005), portal HMGB1 before TIPS (sHR 1.177, P = .001) reached statistical significance. Multivariate analysis: age (sHR 1.025, P = .037), MELD score (sHR 1.062, P = .011), prior HE (sHR 2.492, P = .030) and portal HMGB1 level before TIPS (sHR 1.217, P = .0002) were significantly different. ROC analyses and Kaplan–Meier curve showed portal HMGB1 level changes before and after TIPS (ΔHMGB1) had good predictive value in the cut‐off 0.012 ng/mL (AUC = 0.748, P < .001, Sensitivity = 0.743, Specificity = 0.655).

Conclusions

Portal HMGB1 may be a therapeutic target for post‐TIPS HE.
Metal organic frameworks enhanced dispersive solid phase microextraction of malathion before detection by UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Habila Mohamed , Alhenaki Bushra , El‐Marghany Adel , Sheikh Mohamed , Ghfar Ayman , ALOthman Zeid , Soylak Mustafa
Published: May 2020

Metal organic frameworks are considered as an efficient and promised adsorbent for separation of several ions and compounds from solutions due to its unique geometric structure. Herein, copper‐benzyl tricarboxylic acid based metal organic frameworks have showed a high efficiency in enrichment and microextraction of malathion from food and water samples. The microextraction procedures were followed by determination of malathion by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The optimum recoveries for malathion were obtained at pH 6, and with using 2 mL of ethyl acetate as the eluent. The microextraction procedures showed a detection limits and the quantification limits of 4.0 and 10.0 µg/L, respectively. The intra‐ and interday precision showed a relative standard deviation% less than 10. The feasibility of the proposed procedure was determined by evaluating the addition/recovery studies of malathion from the real samples. The absolute recovery% was ≥92%. Furthermore, some ions were tested as cointerfering ions, and the recovery% was 93‐100%. These results confirm that the developed microextraction procedure based on copper‐benzyl tricarboxylic acid based metal organic frameworks as extractor for dispersive solid phase microextraction is matrix‐independent, and can be applied for various real samples including different matrix or various malathion content.
Asymptotic behavior of reaction–advection–diffusion population models with Allee effect
Authors: Jerez Silvia , Verdugo Jonathan
Published: May 2020

In this work, a qualitative analysis is carried out for reaction–advection–diffusion (RAD) systems modeling the interactions between two species with Allee effect. In particular, we study different scenarios: mutualism, competition, and a predator–prey relationship in order to investigate the survival or extinction of both populations. Global existence and uniqueness of positive solutions of the proposed RAD problems are demonstrated. Equilibrium states and asymptotic behavior of solutions are obtained using the monotone method and the upper and lower solutions technique. Numerical simulations by a Crank–Nicolson monotone iterative method of the different asymptotic solution dynamics are shown to illustrate our theoretical results.
Existence and convergence of solutions to periodic boundary value problems for Kirchhoff equations via coincidence degree method
Authors: Shen Tengfei , Liu Wenbin , Zhang Wei , Ye Tiefeng
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to investigate the existence and convergence of solutions to periodic boundary value problems for one‐dimensional Kirchhoff equation. By employing analytical skills and the coincidence degree method, some new results are obtained, which enrich and generalize the previous results.
The penalty algorithm method for the resolution of Darcy problem
Authors: Abdelwahed Mohamed , Chorfi Nejmeddine , Ouertani Henda
Published: May 2020

The penalty method used to solve Darcy equations permits the decoupling of the velocity and the pressure. In this work, we propose the spectral element discretization to implement an algorithm based on the optimization of the penalty parameter. We present some numerical results that confirm the adequation of the used penalty method.
A method to compute mixed‐mode stress intensity factors for nonplanar cracks in three dimensions
Authors: Grossman‐Ponemon Benjamin E. , Keer Leon M. , Lew Adrian J.
Published: May 2020

Methods to compute the stress intensity factors along a three‐dimensional (3D) crack front often display a tenuous rate of convergence under mesh refinement or, worse, do not converge, particularly when applied on unstructured meshes. In this work, we propose an alternative formulation of the interaction integral functional and a method to compute stress intensity factors along the crack front which can be shown to converge. The novelty of our method is the decoupling of the two discretizations: the bulk mesh for the finite element solution and the mesh along the crack front for the numerical stress intensity factors, and hence we term it the multiple mesh interaction integral (MMII) method. Through analysis of the convergence of the functional and method, we find scalings of these two mesh sizes to guarantee convergence of the computed stress intensity factors in a variety of norms, including maximum pointwise error and total variation. We demonstrate the MMII on four examples: a semiinfinite straight crack with the asymptotic displacement fields, the same geometry with a nonuniform stress intensity factor along the crack front, a spherical cap crack in a cylinder under tension, and the elliptical crack under far‐field tension and shear.
Obesity and COVID‐19: An Italian Snapshot
Authors: Busetto Luca , Bettini Silvia , Fabris Roberto , Serra Roberto , Dal Pra Chiara , Maffei Pietro , Rossato Marco , Fioretto Paola , Vettor Roberto
Published: May 2020

Objective

The clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) run from asymptomatic disease to severe acute respiratory syndrome. Older age and comorbidities are associated to more severe disease. A role of obesity is suspected.

Methods

Patients hospitalized in the medical COVID‐19 ward with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–related pneumonia were enrolled. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the relationship between the severity of COVID‐19 and obesity classes according to BMI.

Results

A total of 92 patients (61.9% males; age 70.5 [13.3] years) were enrolled. Patients with overweight and obesity were younger than patients with normal weight (68.0 [12.6] and 67.0 [12.6] years vs. 76.1 [13.0] years, P < 0.01). A higher need for assisted ventilation beyond pure oxygen support (invasive mechanical ventilation or noninvasive ventilation) and a higher admission to intensive or semi‐intensive care units were observed in patients with overweight and obesity (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) even after adjusting for sex, age, and comorbidities (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) or when patients with dementia or advanced cancer were removed from the analysis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with overweight and obesity admitted in a medical ward for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–related pneumonia, despite their younger age, required more frequently assisted ventilation and access to intensive or semi‐intensive care units than normal weight patients.
Superior Antibacterial Activity of Integral Lemon Pectin Extracted via Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Presentato Alessandro , Scurria Antonino , Albanese Lorenzo , Lino Claudia , Sciortino Marzia , Pagliaro Mario , Zabini Federica , Meneguzzo Francesco , Alduina Rosa , Nuzzo Domenico , Ciriminna Rosaria
Published: May 2020

Pectin extracted via hydrodynamic cavitation in water only from waste lemon peel and further isolated via freeze drying displays significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram positive pathogen which easily contaminates food. The antibacterial effect of the new IntegroPectin is largely superior to that of commercial citrus pectin, opening the way to advanced applications of a new bioproduct now obtainable in large amounts and at low cost from citrus juice industry's waste.
A case of mandibular peripheral osteoma on the inferior border of the mandible
Authors: Kamimura Ryouta , Fukumoto Chonji , Hasegawa Tomonori , Komiyama Yuske , Fujita Atsushi , Kawamata Hitoshi
Published: May 2020

Reactive bone growth is often clinically difficult to distinguish from true tumors, and both types of lesion are frequently lumped together as “osteomas.” We carried out surgical resection of an osteoma on the inferior border of the mandible of a patient with no history of mechanical stimulus or trauma that showed autonomous growth over time on imaging assessments. We were therefore considered this lesion as a true tumor, and report this case with a discussion of the literature. It is important to resect lesions with a sufficient safety margin when the lesions were classified as “true osteomas” on the basis of appropriate diagnosis. If the lesion were finally diagnosed as tumors, careful follow‐up is required.
Rapid monitoring of health services utilization following a shift in coverage from brand name to biosimilar drugs in British Columbia—An interim report
Authors: Fisher Anat , Kim Jason D. , Dormuth Colin R.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

We explored changes in health services utilization associated with the Biosimilars Initiative introduced in British Columbia on May 27, 2019. To maintain drug coverage, the policy requires users of originator infliximab or etanercept to transition to biosimilar versions. We present a three‐month interim analysis of this initiative.

Methods

We conducted a rapid monitoring analysis to evaluate changes in health services utilization three months after the policy was introduced compared with a three‐year period before the policy's introduction. Using the administrative claims data of the British Columbia Ministry of Health, we assembled three historical cohorts and one policy cohort of users of each originator drug (8 cohorts in total). Cumulative incidences of medication refills, switching, and visits to physicians were the outcome measures used to compare policy and historical cohorts. Likelihood ratios were used to quantify statistical differences between each policy cohort and its respective historical controls. Likelihood ratios above 7.1 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The four infliximab cohorts included 436 patients on average, mean age 56 to 59, 53% to 55% females. The four etanercept cohorts included 1826 patients on average, mean age 57 to 58, 60% to 63% females. Three months after the policy's introduction, 21% of patients treated in the policy cohorts transitioned to the biosimilar versions. Health services utilization in the policy cohorts were consistent with the historical cohorts.

Conclusions

An increase in visits to physicians was expected but not detected in the first three months of the Biosimilars Initiative. The impacts of the policy will continue to be monitored.
X‐Ray Protection in an Industrial Production Environment
Authors: Freitag Christian , Giedl‐Wagner Roswitha
Published: May 2020

With the classification of ultrashort‐pulse laser processing systems as “systems for the generation of ionizing radiation” in the German Strahlenschutzgesetz (Radiation Protection Act), their operation is usually no longer possible without a license and without notification of the authorities. This article deals with the implementation of the legal requirements resulting from this classification in an industrial production environment.
Process Monitoring in E‐Mobility Applications
Authors: Franz Christoph , Bruchwald Oliver
Published: May 2020

With an increasing demand for laser welding applications related to e‐mobility, the range of material combinations, system setups, wavelengths used, beam qualities and frequencies has risen drastically. There is a multitude of different processes and parameters that all aim at the same goal: hundreds of connectors in batteries, electric drives, and cable connections must be functional for years in each car. Not a single one may fail or increase its electrical resistance and all of them need to be welded and inspected in the shortest time. Online process monitoring systems contribute to achieve these ambitious goals, so their capabilities and limitations as well as some vivid examples are discussed in this article.
The Future of Micro‐Optics in Europe
Authors: Amairi‐Pyka Sana
Published: May 2020

Micro‐optics is set to become one of the main technology platforms in Europe for photonics with the potential to reach the same manufacturing maturity level of micro‐electronics. These ambitions, together with good profit margins and the predicted exponential growth in business opportunities, make micro‐optics a very attractive proposition for investment.
Association between Patient‐Reported Health Status and Physical Activity Six Months after Upper and Lower Limb Fractures in Working‐Aged Adults
Authors: Ekegren Christina L. , Ashe Maureen C. , Gabbe Belinda J.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Physical activity limitations are common following upper and lower limb fractures in adults of working age. There is a lack of research investigating the factors associated with these limitations, such as pain, mental health problems, and mobility impairments.

Objectives

To report health status (EQ‐5D) 6 months after upper and lower limb fracture in adults of working age (ages 18‐69 years), and to determine the association between sedentary behavior (sitting time) and physical activity (steps, moderate‐intensity physical activity [MPA]) 2 weeks and 6 months post‐fracture with health status 6 months post‐fracture.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Major (level I) trauma center.

Participants

Sixty‐three adults 18‐69 years of age with upper or lower limb fractures who were recruited consecutively.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants wore ActiGraph and activPAL accelerometers for 10 days, 2 weeks and 6 months post‐fracture. At 6 months, participants completed the EQ‐5D. We used linear mixed‐effects multivariable regression analyses to explore associations between EQ‐5D domains and sitting time, steps, or physical activity.

Results

Participants with mobility problems (compared to participants without) were highly sedentary at 2 weeks (β = 0.86, P = .04), took fewer steps/d (Ratio of Geometric Means [RGM] = 0.62, P = .02) and engaged in less MPA (RGM = 0.32, P = .01). In addition, they engaged in less MPA at 6 months (RGM = 0.52, P = .02). Participants with self‐care problems (compared with participants without) took fewer steps per day at 6 months (RGM = 0.78, P = .04), and engaged in less MPA at 2 weeks (RGM = 0.31, P = .01) and 6 months (RGM = 0.48, P = .02).

Conclusions

Adults with mobility and self‐care problems 6 months post‐fracture engaged in high levels of sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity. These findings can guide clinicians on health problems to target in order to maximize recovery of physical activity following fracture.
Identification of aberrantly expressed long non‐coding RNAs in ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma cells
Authors: Nakashima Kengo , Sato Shun , Tamura Isao , Hayashi‐Okada Maki , Tamehisa Tetsuro , Kajimura Takuya , Sueoka Kotaro , Sugino Norihiro
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To identify the aberrantly expressed long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC).

Methods

Total RNA was isolated in HGSC cell lines, ovarian surface epithelial cells, and normal ovaries. Aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in HGSC were identified by PCR array, which analyzes 84 kinds of lncRNAs. To infer their functions, HGSC cell lines with different levels of expression of the identified lncRNAs were established, and then, activities of proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were examined. Expression levels of the identified lncRNAs were also examined in multiple ovarian HGSC tissues.

Results

Ten aberrantly expressed lncRNAs, six upregulated and four downregulated, were identified in the HGSC cell lines. The authors established four HGSC cell lines: in two of the cell lines, one of the upregulated lncRNAs was knocked down, and in two other cell lines, one of the downregulated lncRNAs (MEG3 and POU5F1P5) was overexpressed. Migration activities were inhibited in the HGSC cell lines overexpressing MEG3 or POU5F1P5 while there were no differences in proliferation and apoptosis between the established and control cell lines. The four lncRNAs downregulated in the HGSC cell lines were also observed to be downregulated in ovarian HGSC tissues.

Conclusion

The authors identified four downregulated lncRNAs in ovarian HGSC.
Definitive Screening Design Optimization of Chemoenzymatic Process for (R)‐3‐(Carbamoylmethyl)‐5‐methylhexanoicacid: A Key Intermediate of Pregabalin
Authors: Vinigiri Krishna , Kammari Bal Raju , Balaswamy Madanu , Mohammed Noorjahan , Kotu Girija Mangatayaru
Published: May 2020

A practical scalable chemoenzymatic process was developed for the synthesis of (R)‐3‐(carbamoylmethyl)‐5‐methylhexanoic acid (2) (R‐CMHA) and achieved 98.5%eeand 99% HPLC purity at pilot scale. The systematic statistical design of experimentation (DOE) of esterification, enzymatic desymmetrization and CaCl2assisted amidation led to the robust design space.
Two Cathodes in One for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Voltammetric Study of a Composite Cathode of Sulfur and LiFePO4
Authors: David Garay‐Marín Juan , Quiroga‐González Enrique , Leticia Garza‐Tovar Lorena
Published: May 2020

In order to satisfy the growing energy demand of large‐scale applications such as energy storage for renewable sources and for electromobility, advanced electroactive materials are required for energy storage technologies. The aim of this work is to develop a new cathode concept for Li‐ion batteries, which allows high charging/discharging rates as well as high gravimetric capacities. The composite cathode consisting of LiFePO4 (high rates) and S (high capacity), takes advantage of the benefits of both materials. However, it is a challenge considering the reactivity of both materials, and the electrolytes needed for each of them. This paper deals with some strategies to make the composite work; the problems encountered when having two materials with different electrochemical behavior in the same electrode in a battery have been partially solved. The voltammetric studies of this work show promising results for the development of the new concept of lithium‐ion batteries.
Optimal vaccination strategy against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and porcine circovirus type 2 in case of early M. hyopneumoniae infection
Authors: Yang Siyeon , Oh Taehwan , Mago Josuke , Iwakuma Akihiro , Chae Chanhee
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal vaccination strategies for the control of porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in case of early mycoplasmal infection.

Methods

A total of 120 pigs were randomly divided into 6 groups (20 pigs per group). Four separate vaccine regimen groups were selected. Pigs from the four vaccinated groups were challenged with M. hyopneumoniae at 28 days old followed by a challenge of PRRSV or PCV2 at 49 days old.

Results

Regardless of PRRSV or PCV2 vaccination, pigs vaccinated with one of the M. hyopneumoniae vaccines at 7 days old had a significantly better growth performance over the whole length of the study compared to pigs vaccinated with a second M. hyopneumoniae vaccine at 21 days old. Vaccination of pigs with M. hyopneumoniae at 7 days and PRRSV at either 7, 14 or 21 days old resulted in significantly reduced PRRSV viremia and lung lesions compared to vaccination of pigs with M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV at 21 days old.

Conclusions

The efficacy of the PRRSV MLV vaccine is influenced by the different timing of M. hyopneumoniae vaccination whereas the efficacy of the PCV2 vaccine is not. This experiment study demonstrated that early vaccination with a M. hyopneumoniae vaccine should be the highest priority in order to control M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV infection in cases of early M. hyopneumoniae infection.
MiNNLOPS: a new method to match NNLO QCD to parton showers
Authors: Monni Pier Francesco , Nason Paolo , Re Emanuele , Wiesemann Marius , Zanderighi Giulia
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We present a novel method to combine QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) with parton shower (PS) simulations, that can be applied to the production of heavy systems in hadronic collisions, such as colour singlets or a

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

pair. The NNLO corrections are included by connecting the MiNLO′ method with transverse- momentum resummation, and they are calculated at generation time without any additional reweighting, making the algorithm considerably efficient. Moreover, the combination of different jet multiplicities does not require any unphysical merging scale, and the matching preserves the structure of the leading logarithmic corrections of the Monte Carlo simulation for parton showers ordered in transverse momentum. We present proof-of-concept applications to hadronic Higgs production and the Drell-Yan process at the LHC.
Cylinder transition amplitudes in pure AdS3 gravity
Authors: Garbarz Alan , Kim Jayme , Porrati Massimo
Published: May 2020

Abstract

A spacelike surface with cylinder topology can be described by various sets of canonical variables within pure AdS3 gravity. Each is made of one real coordinate and one real momentum. The Hamiltonian can be either H = 0 or it can be nonzero and we display the canonical transformations that map one into the other, in two relevant cases. In a choice of canonical coordinates, one of them is the cylinder aspect q, which evolves nontrivially in time. The time dependence of the aspect is an analytic function of time t and an “angular momentum” J . By analytic continuation in both t and J we obtain a Euclidean evolution that can be described geometrically as the motion of a cylinder inside the region of the 3D hyperbolic space bounded by two “domes” (i.e. half spheres), which is topologically a solid torus. We find that for a given J the Euclidean evolution cannot connect an initial aspect to an arbitrary final aspect; moreover, there are infinitely many Euclidean trajectories that connect any two allowed initial and final aspects. We compute the transition amplitude in two independent ways; first by solving exactly the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, then by summing in a sensible way all the saddle contributions, and we discuss why both approaches are mutually consistent.
Association of dynamic susceptibility magnetic resonance imaging at initial tumor diagnosis with the prognosis of different molecular glioma subtypes
Authors: Brendle Cornelia , Klose Uwe , Hempel Johann-Martin , Schittenhelm Jens , Skardelly Marco , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Ernemann Ulrike , Bender Benjamin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The updated 2016 CNS World Health Organization classification differentiates three main groups of diffuse glioma according to their molecular characteristics: astrocytic tumors with and without isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and 1p/19q co-deleted oligodendrogliomas. The present study aimed to determine whether dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) is an independent prognostic marker within the molecular subgroups of diffuse glioma.

Methods

Fifty-six patients with treatment-naive gliomas and advanced preoperative MRI examination were assessed retrospectively. The mean and maximal normalized cerebral blood volume values from DSC-MRI within the tumors were measured. Optimal cutoff values for the 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) were defined, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed separately for the three glioma subgroups.

Results

IDH wild-type astrocytic tumors had a higher mean and maximal perfusion than IDH-mutant astrocytic tumors and oligodendrogliomas. Patients with IDH wild-type astrocytic tumors and a low mean or maximal perfusion had a significantly shorter PFS than patients of the same group with high perfusion (p = 0.0159/0.0112). Furthermore, they had a significantly higher risk for early progression (hazard ratio = 5.6/5.1). This finding was independent of the methylation status of O6-methylguanin-DNA-methyltransferase and variations of the therapy. Within the groups of IDH-mutant astrocytic tumors and oligodendrogliomas, the PFS of low and highly perfused tumors did not differ.

Conclusion

High perfusion upon initial diagnosis is not compellingly associated with worse short-term prognosis within the different molecular subgroups of diffuse glioma. Particularly, the overall highly perfused group of IDH wild-type astrocytic tumors contains tumors with low perfusion but unfavorable prognosis.
On the strength improvement of lightweight fibre networks by polymers, fibrils and fines
Authors: Pöhler Tiina , Ketoja Jukka A. , Lappalainen Timo , Luukkainen Veli-Matti , Nurminen Ilkka , Lahtinen Panu , Torvinen Katariina
Published: May 2020

Novel lightweight cellulose fibre materials containing various strength enhancing polymeric and fibrillar components were formed with the help of foam technology. Increasing inter-fibre bond strength and local material density was attempted with unique lignin-containing wood fines (V-fines), cellulose microfibrils (CMF), TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF), and macromolecules such as cationic starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and locust bean gum (LBG). The investigated fibres included both long hemp bast fibres and northern bleached softwood Kraft pulp. In the low-density range of 38–52 kg/m3, the compression stress and modulus were highly sensitive to inter-fibre bond properties, the multi-scale features of the fibre network, and the foaming agent employed. Still, the compression-stress behaviour in most cases approached the same theoretical curve, derived earlier by using a mean-field theory to describe the deformation behaviour. At 10% addition level of fine components, the specific compression stress and compression modulus increased in the order of V-fines < CMF < TCNF. A tremendous increase in the compression modulus was obtained with LBG, leading to a material surface that was very hard. In general, the foams made with PVA, which acts both as foaming agent and reinforcing macromolecule, led to better strength than what was obtained with a typical anionic sodium dodecyl sulphate surfactant. Strength could be also improved by refining the softwood pulp.

Graphic abstract
Constitutional mosaicism for a BRCA2 mutation as a cause of early-onset breast cancer
Authors: Alhopuro Pia , Vainionpää Reetta , Anttonen Anna-Kaisa , Aittomäki Kristiina , Nevanlinna Heli , Pöyhönen Minna
Published: May 2020

Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). Mutations in these genes are usually inherited, and reports of de novo BRCA1/2 mutations are rare. To date, only one patient with low-level BRCA1 mutation mosaicism has been published. We report on a breast cancer patient with constitutional somatic mosaicism of a BRCA2 mutation. BRCA2 mutation c.9294C>G, p.(Tyr3098Ter) was detected in 20% of reads in DNA extracted from peripheral blood using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The BRCA2 mutation was subsequently observed at similar levels in normal breast tissue, adipose tissue, normal right fallopian tube tissue and ovaries of the patient, suggesting that this mutation occurred early in embryonic development. This is the first case to report constitutional mosaicism for a BRCA2 mutation and shows that BRCA2 mosaicism can underlie early-onset breast cancer. NGS for BRCA1/2 should be considered for patients whose tumors harbor a BRCA1/2 mutation and for individuals suggestive of genetic predisposition but without a family history of HBO.
Determination of Yield Surfaces in Accordance With ISO 16842 Using an Optimized Cruciform Test Specimen
Authors: Nasdala L. , Husni A. H.
Published: May 2020

Background: For the standard ISO 16842 cruciform test specimen, stresses obtained from the gauge area are far below the ultimate tensile strength due to high stress concentrations at the slit ends which lead to premature failure. Objective: To introduce a new cruciform specimen design which has been optimized with respect to the determination of yield surfaces. Methods: The proposed design differs from the ISO standard by an additional thinning of the gauge area and wider slits in the arms to avoid stress singularities. Compared to other cruciform test piece designs found in the literature, the stress distribution is still homogeneous and there is no need to reduce the size of the gauge area, thanks to the specimen’s well-balanced proportions. Results: Biaxial tensile tests have been conducted with aluminium 5754 alloy samples of different thicknesses. For the standard cruciform test piece, the maximum strain achieved at the gauge area is only 25% of the fracture strain. The optimized cruciform test piece can attain about 66% of the fracture strain before breaking. Conclusions: The optimized specimen design enables the measurement of yield surfaces at higher stress levels. In case of other materials such as elastomers, the slit length has be to adjusted accordingly.