bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fine‐tuning of cell membrane lipid bilayers accentuates their compositional complexity
Authors: Dingjan Tamir , Futerman Anthony H.
Published: March 2021

Cell membranes are now emerging as finely tuned molecular systems, signifying that re‐evaluation of our understanding of their structure is essential. Although the idea that cell membrane lipid bilayers do little more than give shape and form to cells and limit diffusion between cells and their environment is totally passé, the structural, compositional, and functional complexity of lipid bilayers often catches cell and molecular biologists by surprise. Models of lipid bilayer structure have developed considerably since the heyday of the fluid mosaic model, principally by the discovery of the restricted diffusion of membrane proteins and lipids within the plane of the bilayer. In reviewing this field, we now suggest that further refinement of current models is necessary and propose that describing lipid bilayers as “finely‐tuned molecular assemblies” best portrays their complexity and function. Also see the video abstract here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddkP-QRZTl8
Experimental verification for improved phase‐disposition PWM of three‐phase five‐level diode‐clamped inverter
Authors: Suleiman Mohammad , Elnady A. , Osman Ahmed
Published: February 2021

This paper focuses on the design and practical implementation of the effective and improved switching modulation and filter circuits for a three‐phase five‐level diode‐clamped inverter. The proposed switching modulation circuits illustrate the three‐phase control signals, carrier signals, and signals for drive circuits. The paper presents also an efficient control and drive circuits, which are used to operate the power switches (power MOSFETs). An improved analog dead‐band circuit is practically analyzed and implemented to minimize the overlapping periods of any two complement power switches and consequently reduce the noise/spikes caused by those overlapping periods. The proposed improved switching modulation circuit is verified by simulation results along with their analogous experimental results for the switching modulation, control circuits, and power circuits.
Robust correlations across six SARS‐CoV‐2 serology assays detecting distinct antibody features
Authors: Rowntree Louise C , Chua Brendon Y , Nicholson Suellen , Koutsakos Marios , Hensen Luca , Douros Celia , Selva Kevin , Mordant Francesca L , Wong Chinn Yi , Habel Jennifer R , Zhang Wuji , Jia Xiaoxiao , Allen Lily , Doolan Denise L , Jackson David C , Wheatley Adam K , Kent Stephen J , Amanat Fatima , Krammer Florian , Subbarao Kanta , Cheng Allen C , Chung Amy W , Catton Mike , Nguyen Thi HO , van de Sandt Carolien E , Kedzierska Katherine
Published: February 2021

Objectives

As the world transitions into a new era of the COVID‐19 pandemic in which vaccines become available, there is an increasing demand for rapid reliable serological testing to identify individuals with levels of immunity considered protective by infection or vaccination.

Methods

We used 34 SARS‐CoV‐2 samples to perform a rapid surrogate virus neutralisation test (sVNT), applicable to many laboratories as it circumvents the need for biosafety level‐3 containment. We correlated results from the sVNT with five additional commonly used SARS‐CoV‐2 serology techniques: the microneutralisation test (MNT), in‐house ELISAs, commercial Euroimmun‐ and Wantai‐based ELISAs (RBD, spike and nucleoprotein; IgG, IgA and IgM), antigen‐binding avidity, and high‐throughput multiplex analyses to profile isotype, subclass and Fc effector binding potential. We correlated antibody levels with antibody‐secreting cell (ASC) and circulatory T follicular helper (cTfh) cell numbers.

Results

Antibody data obtained with commercial ELISAs closely reflected results using in‐house ELISAs against RBD and spike. A correlation matrix across ten measured ELISA parameters revealed positive correlations for all factors. The frequency of inhibition by rapid sVNT strongly correlated with spike‐specific IgG and IgA titres detected by both commercial and in‐house ELISAs, and MNT titres. Multiplex analyses revealed strongest correlations between IgG, IgG1, FcR and C1q specific to spike and RBD. Acute cTfh‐type 1 cell numbers correlated with spike and RBD‐specific IgG antibodies measured by ELISAs and sVNT.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive analyses provide important insights into SARS‐CoV‐2 humoral immunity across distinct serology assays and their applicability for specific research and/or diagnostic questions to assess SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific humoral responses.
RETRACTED: Implementation of deep neural networks for classifying electroencephalogram signal using fractional S‐transform for epileptic seizure detection
Authors: Ashokkumar S. R. , Anupallavi S. , Premkumar M. , Jeevanantham V.
Published: March 2021

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases of the human brain. It affects the nervous system of brain which shows the impact on an individual's life because of its repetitious occurrences of seizure. Epileptic detection using automatic learning is essential to reduce the substantial work on reviewing continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) signal in spatial and temporal dimensions. A novel methodology is implemented on EEG signals for the detection of epileptic seizure with the combination of fractional S‐transform (FST) and entropies along with deep convolutional neural networks (CNN). The original EEG signals are preprocessed with discrete wavelet transform to generate Daubechies‐4 (Db4) wavelets. FST is enacted on every segment of the preprocessed signal for time‐frequency representation and the features are obtained through entropies. Afterwards, a 15‐layer deep CNN with dropout layer and soft‐max is used for classification. The experimental results showed that the singular value decomposition entropy are more stable and deep CNN models always performed better for this entropy. A specificity of 98.70%, sensitivity of 97.71%, and accuracy of 99.70% are achieved for the multichannel segment.
Impact of military culture and experiences on eating and weight‐related behavior
Authors: Ferrell Emily L. , Braden Abby , Redondo Rachel
Published: March 2021

Disordered eating behaviors and obesity are becoming increasingly common among United States military personnel. However, little research has explored the role of the military environment as it may influence the development of disordered eating among personnel. The present qualitative analysis examined beliefs about how military experiences affected eating and weight‐related behaviors. Military personnel who served within the last year and a year or more ago (n = 250) were recruited using Amazon's Mechanical Turk (mTurk). Data included in the present study consisted of participant responses to three open‐ended questions, analyzed by means of content and thematic analysis. Analyses yielded eight themes: eating extremely quickly, strict mealtime regimens, the pressure to “make weight,” food insecurity, difficulty after military, food quality/content, overeating behavior, and military superior maltreatment. The current study provides a preliminary examination of the role of the military culture and experiences in the development of unhealthy eating and weight‐related behaviors and offers suggestions for future research and interventions.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Double Aortic Arch: Associated Findings and Postnatal Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Bornaun Helen , Süzen Çaypınar Sema , Gedik Özköse Zeynep , Topbaş Nura Fitnat , Behram Mustafa
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study is to share our experience in the prenatal diagnosis and characteristics of double aortic arc and neonatal consequences.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 2153 fetal echocardiography reports between 2014 and 2019 years. Records of 14 fetuses with double aortic arc were examined. Prenatal and postnatal medical records, sonographic images, genetic reports, associated cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, and neonatal clinical results of affected fetuses were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

DAA was isolated in 9 of 14 (64.2%) cases, while the other five cases had cardiac or extracardiac accompanying ultrasound findings. Three of cases (21.4%) were associated with other heart pathologies, including ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, and persistent left superior vena cava. In 10 cases (71.43%), the right aortic arch diameter was dominant. The left aortic arc was dominant in two cases and both arcs were symmetrical in the remaining two cases. 22q11 microdeletion was the only chromosomal abnormality and was detected in two of nine patients who accepted genetic analysis. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in two of the cases. After birth, in 58.3% (7/12) of the live born cases various degrees of symptoms. Surgical repair was performed with the division of the aorta to all symptomatic cases at different times according to severity of the complaints.

Conclusions

Since it can cause severe respiratory distress in the postnatal period and may accompany chromosomal anomalies, it is important to provide antenatal diagnosis of double aortic arc and adequate counseling to the family.
Subjective and Objective Measures in Assessing Neck Disability and Pain in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Magaña Linda C. , Murati Sebastian , Riffitts Michelle , Harrison Christine , Harris Alexandria , Sowa Gwendolyn , Johnson Jonas T. , Bell Kevin , Nilsen Marci
Published: March 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

The intensification of treatment for head and neck cancers (HNCs) has created a cohort of patients living with short‐ and long‐term comorbidities and functional deficits. This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and objective measures of neck function in survivors of HNCs.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Thirty‐one subjects (aged 64 ± 8.7 years; 28 males and three females) were recruited and completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and a numeric pain scale. At the same visit, subjects were fitted with two portable motion sensors to collect range of motion (ROM) and velocity data. Differences between ROM, velocity, and PRO subgroups were assessed using a one‐tailed t test (*P < .05). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was calculated between the NDI values and the ROM and velocity values for each motion.

Results

A moderate correlation (r = 0.507) was observed between NDI and neck pain. Patients with no disability according to the NDI had significantly higher ROM and velocity than patients with mild to moderate disability. Velocity in all degrees of freedom (axial rotation, flexion and extension, and lateral bending) was significantly lower for patients who perceived higher levels of neck pain and neck disability.

Conclusions

This study notes that patients who report neck disability and pain have more limited ROM and velocity following HNC treatment. These data may improve treatment planning and care delivery by facilitating an understanding of the experiences of HNC survivors and the pathophysiology that must be targeted to address their psychosocial and functional deficits.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2015–2022, 2021
RETRACTED: Fabrication of a superhydrophobic surface on Al alloy 5052 via combined anodic oxidation and fluorination treatment
Authors: Telmenbayar Lkhagvaa , Erdenebat Tumur‐Ochir , Song Minjung , Yang Daejeong , Adam Gopal Ramu , Choi Dongjin
Published: March 2021

In this study, a superhydrophobic surface was successfully prepared on Al alloy 5052 using a simple anodic oxidation method followed by fluorination treatment. This study demonstrates the construction of rough structure of Al oxide by an anodic oxidation reaction, which improves the superhydrophobicity of the alloy. The top, tilt, and cross‐views of the samples were characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam. The chemical composition of the samples was analyzed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The structure of the surface was effectively modified as the anodization time increased. The optimum anodic oxidation reaction was carried out for 4 min in a 0.2‐M H3PO4 aqueous electrolyte at 50°C under a constant voltage of 120 V to create a pore‐and‐dendrite hybrid nanostructure. The water contact angle values were maximized in the hybrid nanostructure because their solid fraction area was smaller than that in the porous structure. Corrosion measurements proved that the superhydrophobic surface can significantly inhibit the corrosion of the substrate alloy with an inhibition efficiency of 99.99%. In addition, the prepared superhydrophobic sample exhibited good self‐cleaning properties.
Enrichment of novel Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes, and Krumholzibacteria in an oxygen‐limited methane‐ and iron‐fed bioreactor inoculated with Bothnian Sea sediments
Authors: Dalcin Martins Paula , de Jong Anniek , Lenstra Wytze K. , van Helmond Niels A. G. M. , Slomp Caroline P. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Welte Cornelia U. , Rasigraf Olivia
Published: February 2021

Microbial methane oxidation is a major biofilter preventing larger emissions of this powerful greenhouse gas from marine coastal areas into the atmosphere. In these zones, various electron acceptors such as sulfate, metal oxides, nitrate, or oxygen can be used. However, the key microbial players and mechanisms of methane oxidation are poorly understood. In this study, we inoculated a bioreactor with methane‐ and iron‐rich sediments from the Bothnian Sea to investigate microbial methane and iron cycling under low oxygen concentrations. Using metagenomics, we investigated shifts in microbial community composition after approximately 2.5 years of bioreactor operation. Marker genes for methane and iron cycling, as well as respiratory and fermentative metabolism, were identified and used to infer putative microbial metabolism. Metagenome‐assembled genomes representing novel Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes, and Krumholzibacteria were recovered and revealed a potential for methane oxidation, organic matter degradation, and iron cycling, respectively. This work brings new hypotheses on the identity and metabolic versatility of microorganisms that may be members of such functional guilds in coastal marine sediments and highlights that microorganisms potentially composing the methane biofilter in these sediments may be more diverse than previously appreciated.
Phase Ib Study of the Oral Proteasome Inhibitor Ixazomib (MLN9708) and Fulvestrant in Advanced ER+ Breast Cancer Progressing on Fulvestrant
Authors: Schwartz Gary , Shee Kevin , Romo Bianca , Marotti Jonathan , Kisselev Alexei , Lewis Lionel , Miller Todd
Published: February 2021

Lessons Learned

Background

Fulvestrant is a selective estrogen receptor (ER)-downregulating antiestrogen that blocks ER transcriptional activity and is approved for ER-positive (+) breast cancer. Fulvestrant also induces accumulation of insoluble ER and activates an unfolded protein response; proteasome inhibitors have been shown to enhance these effects in preclinical models.

Methods

This is a single-center phase Ib study with a 3+3 design of fulvestrant and the proteasome inhibitor ixazomib (MLN9708) in patients with advanced ER+ breast cancer that was progressing on fulvestrant. A dose-escalation design allowed establishment of the ixazomib maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included progression-free survival, pharmacokinetics, and tumor molecular analyses.

Results

Among nine evaluable subjects, treatment was well-tolerated without dose-limiting toxicities The MTD of ixazomib was 4 mg in combination with fulvestrant. Plasma concentrations of the active form of ixazomib (MLN2238) in the 4-mg dose cohort had a median (range) maximal concentration (Cmax) of 155 (122–171) ng/mL, time of maximal concentration (Tmax) of 1 (1–1.5) hour, terminal elimination half-life of 66.6 (57.3–102.6) hour after initial dose, and area under the curve (AUC) of 5,025 (4,160–5,345) ng*h/mL. One partial response was observed, and median progression-free survival was 51 days (range, 47–137).

Conclusion

This drug combination has a favorable safety profile and antitumor activity in patients with fulvestrant-resistant advanced ER+ breast cancer that justifies future testing.
Conflict or Conversation? Media Portrayals of the Science of Reading
Authors: MacPhee Deborah , Handsfield Lara J. , Paugh Patricia
Published: March 2021

In this article, we contend that in media stories on the science of reading, journalists have relied on strategic metaphorical framing to present reading education as a public crisis with a narrow and settled solution. Drawing on data from a critical metaphor analysis of 37 media stories, we demonstrate how frames used in recent media reporting have intensified the reading wars, promoting conflict and hampering conversation among stakeholders and across research paradigms and methodologies. The media have asserted a direct connection between basic research and instructional practice that, without sufficient translational research that attends to a variety of instructional contexts and student populations, may perpetuate inequities. We end with an example of collaboration and a challenge to reframe reading education in ways that center collaboration and conversation rather than conflict.
Research Progress in Organic Synthesis by Means of Photoelectrocatalysis
Authors: Li Pengyan , Zhang Tingting , Mushtaq Muhammad Asim , Wu Siqin , Xiang Xu , Yan Dongpeng
Published: March 2021

The rapid development of radical chemistry has spurred several innovative strategies for organic synthesis. The novel approaches for organic synthesis play a critical role in promoting and regulating the single‐electron redox activity. Among them, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) has attained considerable attention as the most promising strategy to convert organic compounds into fine chemicals. This review highlights the current progress in organic synthesis through PEC, including various catalytic reactions, catalyst systems and practical applications. The numerous catalytic reactions suffer the high overpotential and poor conversion efficiency, depending on the design of electrolyzers and the reaction mechanisms. We also considered the recent developments with special emphasis on scientific problems and efficient solutions, which enhance accessibility to utilize and further develop the photoelectrocatalytic technology for the specific chemical bonds formation and the fabrication of numerous catalytic systems.
Performance‐based IADL evaluation of older adults with cognitive impairment within a smart home: A feasibility study
Authors: Rawtaer Iris , Abdul Jabbar Khalid , Liu Xiao , Ying Thit Thit Htat , Giang Anh Thuy , Yap Philip Lin Kiat , Cheong Rachael Chin Yee , Tan Hwee Pink , Lee Pius , Wee Shiou Liang , Ng Tze Pin
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by subtle deficits that functional assessment via informant‐report measures may not detect. Sensors can potentially detect deficits in everyday functioning in MCI. This study aims to establish feasibility and acceptability of using sensors in a smart home for performance‐based assessments of two instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Methods

Thirty‐five older adults (>65 years) performed two IADL tasks in a smart home laboratory equipped with sensors and a web camera. Participants’ cognitive states were determined using published criteria including measures of global cognition and comprehensive neuropsychological test batteries. Selected subtasks of the IADL assessment were autonomously captured by the sensors. Total time taken for each task and subtask were computed. A point scoring system captured accuracy and number of attempts. Acceptability of the smart home setup was assessed.

Results

Participants with MCI (n = 21) took longer to complete both tasks than participants with healthy cognition (HC; n = 14), with significant time differences observed only in "Cost calculation." Completion time for IADL tasks and scores correlated in the expected direction with global cognition. Over 95% of the participants found the smart home assessment acceptable and a positive experience.

Discussion

We demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the use of unobtrusive commercially available sensors in a smart home for facilitating parts of the objective assessment of IADL in older adults. Future studies need to identify more IADLs that are suitable for semi‐automated or automated assessments through the use of simple, low‐cost sensors.
Voices That Shape Investment Treaties: Inside, Outside and Among States
Authors: Mavromati Chrysoula , Spottiswood Sarah
Published: March 2021

Investment arbitration awards often give the impression that investment treaties are designed to reflect the interests of two actors: “investors” and “states”. There are in fact a myriad of actors, or “voices”, behind each word in an investment agreement. This chapter identifies three broad categories of voices: voices inside, outside and among states. It explores the range of voices that influence investment treaty text by reference to those three categories. The chapter argues that modern investment treaties are multifaceted texts that are influenced by a range of voices from within and outside of government.
Screening of Foreign Direct Investment and the States’ Security Interests in Light of the OECD, UNCTAD and Other International Guidelines
Authors: Accaoui Lorfing Pascale
Published: March 2021

This chapter analyses the concept of the “national security interest”, which is widely recognised as allowing a state to determine which areas of its economy are restricted or prohibited to foreign investors. This chapter seeks to identify what constitutes a threat for a state and how that threat is managed both domestically and internationally. Despite the recognition of a state’s right to take measures it considers essential to its security, there are limits. The rules established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and other international instruments are non-binding but can serve as a guide for states in determining the limits of the national security approach. International investment agreements can restrict the right of states to take security-related measures. Finally, customary international law, in light of the good faith obligation, can serve as a basis for assessing measures taken by a state and pave the way for a better balance between the rights of a state and those of foreign investors.
Rodier type theorem for generalized principal series
Authors: Luo Caihua
Published: March 2021

Given a regular supercuspidal representation $$\rho $$
ρ
of the Levi subgroup M of a standard parabolic subgroup $$P=MN$$

P
=
M
N

in a connected reductive group G defined over a non-archimedean local field F, we serve you a Rodier type structure theorem which provides us a geometrical parametrization of the set $$JH(Ind^G_P(\rho ))$$

J
H
(
I
n

d
P
G

(
ρ
)

)

of Jordan–Hölder constituents of the Harish-Chandra parabolic induction representation $$Ind^G_P(\rho )$$

I
n

d
P
G

(
ρ
)

, vastly generalizing Rodier structure theorem for $$P=B=TU$$

P
=
B
=
T
U

Borel subgroup of a connected split reductive group about 40 years ago. Our novel contribution is to overcome the essential difficulty that the relative Weyl group $$W_M=N_G(M)/M$$

W
M

=

N
G

(
M
)

/
M

is not a coxeter group in general, as opposed to the well-known fact that the Weyl group $$W_T=N_G(T)/T$$

W
T

=

N
G

(
T
)

/
T

is a coxeter group. Along the way, we sort out all regular discrete series/tempered/generic representations for arbitrary G, generalizing Tadić’s work on regular discrete series representation for split $$(G)Sp_{2n}$$

(
G
)

S

p

2
n

and $$SO_{2n+1}$$

S

O

2
n
+
1

, and also providing a new simple proof of Casselman–Shahidi’s theorem on generalized injectivity conjecture for regular generalized principal series. Indeed, such a beautiful structure theorem also holds for finite central covering groups.
How to Measure/Calculate Radiation Dose in Patients?
Authors: Loose Reinhard , Wucherer Michael
Published: March 2021

Patients in fluoroscopically guided interventions (FGI) may be exposed to substantial radiation dose levels (SRDL). The most commonly reported adverse reactions are skin injuries with erythema or necrosis. It is therefore important for the interventional radiologist to know deterministic effects with their threshold doses. If possible all relevant modality parameters should be displayed on the interventionalists screen. Dosimetric parameters should be displayed in digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) units and stored as DICOM Radiation Dose Structured Report (RDSR). The peak skin dose (PSD) is the most relevant risk parameter for skin injuries. Dose management systems (DMS) help optimising radiation exposure of patients. However, their calculation of skin dose maps is only available after a FGI. Therefore, dose maps and PSD should preferably be calculated and displayed in real time by the modality.
Factors associated with emotional exhaustion in healthcare professionals involved in the COVID-19 pandemic: an application of the job demands-resources model
Authors: Barello Serena , Caruso Rosario , Palamenghi Lorenzo , Nania Tiziana , Dellafiore Federica , Bonetti Loris , Silenzi Andrea , Marotta Claudia , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the present cross-sectional study is to investigate the role of perceived COVID-19-related organizational demands and threats in predicting emotional exhaustion, and the role of organizational support in reducing the negative influence of perceived COVID-19 work-related stressors on burnout. Moreover, the present study aims to add to the understanding of the role of personal resources in the Job Demands-Resources model (JD-R) by examining whether personal resources—such as the professionals’ orientation towards patient engagement—may also strengthen the impact of job resources and mitigate the impact of job demands.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 532 healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. It adopted the Job-Demands-Resource Model to study the determinants of professional’s burnout. An integrative model describing how increasing job demands experienced by this specific population are related to burnout and in particular to emotional exhaustion symptoms was developed.

Results

The results of the logistic regression models provided strong support for the proposed model, as both Job Demands and Resources are significant predictors (OR = 2.359 and 0.563 respectively, with p < 0.001). Moreover, healthcare professionals’ orientation towards patient engagement appears as a significant moderator of this relationship, as it reduces Demands’ effect (OR = 1.188) and increases Resources’ effect (OR = 0.501).

Conclusions

These findings integrate previous findings on the JD-R Model and suggest the relevance of personal resources and of relational factors in affecting professionals’ experience of burnout.
Continuous recording of vital signs with a wearable device in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer—an operational feasibility study
Authors: Koenig Christa , Ammann Roland A. , Kuehni Claudia E. , Roessler Jochen , Brack Eva
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Pediatric patients with cancer are at high risk for severe infections. Infections can trigger changes of vital signs long before clinical symptoms arise. Continuous recording may detect such changes earlier than discrete measurements. We aimed to assess the feasibility of continuous recording of vital signs by a wearable device (WD) in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

Methods

In this prospective, observational single-center study, pediatric patients under chemotherapy wore the Everion® WD for 14 days. The predefined patient-specific goal was heart rate recorded in good quality during ≥18/24 h per day, on ≥7 consecutive days. The predefined criterion to claim feasibility was ≥15/20 patients fulfilling this patient-specific goal.

Results

Twenty patients were included (median age, 6 years; range, 2–16). Six patients aged 3–16 years fulfilled the patient-specific goal. Quality of heart rate recording was good during 3992 of 6576 (61%) hours studied and poor during 300 (5%) hours, and no data was recorded during 2284 (35%) hours. Eighteen of 20 participants indicated that this WD is acceptable to measure vital signs in children under chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The predefined feasibility criterion was not fulfilled. This was mainly due to important compliance problems and independent of the WD itself. However, continuous recording of vital signs was possible across a very wide age range in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. We recommend to study feasibility in the Everion® again, plus in further WDs, applying measures to enhance compliance.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04134429) on October 22, 2019.
Upscaling of LATP synthesis: Stoichiometric screening of phase purity and microstructure to ionic conductivity maps
Authors: Schiffmann Nikolas , Bucharsky Ethel C. , Schell Karl G. , Fritsch Charlotte A. , Knapp Michael , Hoffmann Michael J.
Published: March 2021

Lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) is known to have a high Li-ion conductivity and is therefore a potential candidate as a solid electrolyte. Via sol-gel route, it is already possible to prepare the material at laboratory scale in high purity and with a maximum Li-ion conductivity in the order of 1·10−3 s/cm at room temperature. However, for potential use in a commercial, battery-cell upscaling of the synthesis is required. As a first step towards this goal, we investigated whether the sol-gel route is tolerant against possible deviations in the concentration of the precursors. In order to establish a possible process window for sintering, the temperature interval from 800 °C to 1100 °C and holding times of 10 to 480 min were evaluated. The resulting phase compositions and crystal structures were examined by X-ray diffraction. Impedance spectroscopy was performed to determine the electrical properties. The microstructure of sintered pellets was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and correlated to both density and ionic conductivity. It is shown that the initial concentration of the precursors strongly influences the formation of secondary phases like AlPO4 and LiTiOPO4, which in turn have an influence on ionic conductivity, densification behavior, and microstructure evolution.
Poisoned Partnership: The International Mercury Cartel and Spanish–Italian Relations, 1945–1954
Authors: DEL HIERRO PABLO , STORLI ESPEN
Published: March 2021

This article investigates the development of the Spanish–Italian mercury cartel from the end of World War II to the mid-1950s. Previous literature has singled out the cartel as one of the most robust international cartels of the twentieth century, but as this article shows, the cartel broke down toward the end of the 1940s, and although briefly reestablished in 1954, it quickly dissolved again. Building on access to original source material from archives in Spain, Italy, the United States, and United Kingdom, we investigate the underlying reasons why the cartel broke down, and how and why it was eventually reestablished. Because both the main Italian and the Spanish mercury producers were state-owned, this article pays special attention to the influence of the political relations between Spain and Italy on the development of the cartel. The study of the mercury cartel is used as a prism to investigate the point where industry strategies meet government strategies. This article thus contributes to two major strands of literature, both to the business history literature on international cartels in the post-1945 world and to the diplomatic history literature on the intricate relationship between Spain and Italy in the early phase of the Cold War.
Combination of lymphocyte count and albumin concentration as a new prognostic biomarker for rectal cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Takehito , Kawada Kenji , Hida Koya , Matsusue Ryo , Itatani Yoshiro , Mizuno Rei , Yamaguchi Takashi , Ikai Iwao , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: March 2021

Although numerous studies have highlighted the prognostic values of various inflammation-related markers, clinical significance remains to be elucidated. The prognostic values of inflammation-related biomarkers for rectal cancer were investigated in this study. A total of 448 patients with stage II/III rectal cancer undergoing curative resection were enrolled from the discovery cohort (n = 240) and validation cohort (n = 208). We comprehensively compared the prognostic values of 11 inflammation-related markers-derived from neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, monocyte, albumin, and C-reactive protein for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Among 11 inflammation-related markers, only “lymphocyte × albumin (LA)” was significantly associated with both OS and RFS in the discovery cohort (P = 0.007 and 0.015, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that low LA was significantly associated with poor OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–4.58, P = 0.025), and poor RFS (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.01–2.80, P = 0.048). Furthermore, using the discovery cohort, we confirmed that low LA was significantly associated with poor OS (HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.42–6.00, P = 0.002), and poor RFS (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.04–2.95, P = 0.034). LA can be a novel prognostic biomarker for stage II/III rectal cancer.
Hyperreflective foci in predicting the treatment outcomes of diabetic macular oedema after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy
Authors: Huang Chu-Hsuan , Yang Chang-Hao , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Yang Chung-May , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Lai Tso-Ting
Published: March 2021

This retrospective study evaluated the association of hyperreflective foci (HRF) with treatment response in diabetic macular oedema (DME) after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. The medical records, including of ophthalmologic examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, of 106 patients with DME treated with either intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept were reviewed. The correlations between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes and HRF along with other OCT biomarkers were analysed. The mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.696 to 0.461 after an average of 6.2 injections in 1 year under real-world conditions. Greater visual-acuity gain was noted in patients with a greater number of HRF in the outer retina at baseline (p = 0.037), along with other factors such as poor baseline vision (p < 0.001), absence of epiretinal membrane (p = 0.048), and presence of subretinal fluid at baseline (p = 0.001). The number of HRF after treatment was correlated with the presence of hard exudate (p < 0.001) and baseline haemoglobin A1C (p = 0.001). Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy had greater HRF reduction after treatment (p = 0.018). The number of HRF in the outer retina, in addition to other baseline OCT biomarkers, could be used to predict the treatment response in DME after anti-VEGF treatment.
High-dimensional hepatopath data analysis by machine learning for predicting HBV-related fibrosis
Authors: Pu Xiangke , Deng Danni , Chu Chaoyi , Zhou Tianle , Liu Jianhong
Published: March 2021

Chronic HBV infection, the main cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, has become a global health concern. Machine learning algorithms are particularly adept at analyzing medical phenomenon by capturing complex and nonlinear relationships in clinical data. Our study proposed a predictive model on the basis of 55 routine laboratory and clinical parameters by machine learning algorithms as a novel non-invasive method for liver fibrosis diagnosis. The model was further evaluated on the accuracy and rationality and proved to be highly accurate and efficient for the prediction of HBV-related fibrosis. In conclusion, we suggested a potential combination of high-dimensional clinical data and machine learning predictive algorithms for the liver fibrosis diagnosis.
Index theory for scalar curvature on manifolds with boundary
Authors: Lott John
Published: March 2021

We extend results of Llarull and Goette-Semmelmann to manifolds with boundary.
Use and misuse of instant messaging in clinical data sharing: the EHRA-SMS survey
Authors: Guerra Federico , Linz Dominik , Garcia Rodrigue , Kommata Varvara , Kosiuk Jedrzej , Chun Julian , Boveda Serge , Duncker David
Published: February 2021

Instant messaging (IM) enables medical professionals to quickly share clinical data to their peers for counselling. Purpose of this survey is to assess the habits related to IM, their application in clinical practice and the perceived pros and cons. An online survey was distributed to the medical community via newsletters, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The survey consisted of 22 questions made on an individual-basis and collected anonymously on SurveyMonkey. A total of 287 subjects from 33 countries responded to the survey (mean age 43 years, 74.8% male). Of all respondents, 88.3% routinely send and 90.3% receive clinical data through IM which was second only to face-to-face contact as the preferred method for sharing clinical data. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms (88.6%), medical history (61.4%), and echo loops (55.7%) were the data shared most often. Nearly half of the clinical data that are sent (43%) or received (44%) are not anonymized. In the same way, 29.3% of the respondents were not aware of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at the time of the survey. IM apps are used by medical professionals worldwide to share and discuss clinical data and are preferred to many other methods of data sharing, being second only to face-to-face contact. IM are often used to share many different types of clinical data, being perceived as a fast and easy way of communication. Medical professionals should be aware of the appropriate use of IM to prevent legal and privacy issues.
Trading off retained daily catch for longer seasons to maximize angler benefits in recreational fisheries management
Authors: Melnychuk Michael C , Young Erik G , Anderson Leif E , Hilborn Ray
Published: March 2021

Recreational fishing benefits associated with angling opportunity, such as fishing season duration and certainty of season duration, may outweigh trip-based benefits, such as retained catch, in measures of angler utility. We developed an age-structured population dynamics model to predict how these three beneficial attributes are affected by four recreational management parameters: minimum size limit; bag limit; inter-season quota transfer limits; and in-season adjustment of season duration. We incorporated results of stated-preference angler surveys to produce a bioeconomic model for two case studies: Atlantic Florida red snapper, and central Oregon Pacific halibut. In maximizing long-term total utility, a strong trade-off between season length and retained daily catch was observed in both fisheries, arising from increased minimum size limits which lengthened fishing seasons but reduced daily retained catch. The optimal management policy across the combination of beneficial attributes was sensitive to assumptions of the curvature of utility functions, i.e. to the degree to which anglers value those attributes with diminishing marginal returns, but generally involved satisfying the strong stated preferences for increased angling opportunity.
Understanding intake on pastures: how, why, and a way forward
Authors: Smith William B , Galyean Michael L , Kallenbach Robert L , Greenwood Paul L , Scholljegerdes Eric J
Published: February 2021

An assessment of dietary intake is a critical component of animal nutrition. Consumption of feed resources is the basis upon which feeding strategies and grazing management are based. Yet, as far back as 1948, researchers have lauded the trials and tribulations of estimation of the phenomenon, especially when focused on grazing animals and pasture resources. The grazing environment presents a unique situation in which the feed resource is not provided to the animal but, rather, the animal operates as the mechanism of harvest. Therefore, tools for estimation must be developed, validated, and applied to the scenario. There are a plethora of methods currently in use for the estimation of intake, ranging from manual measurement of herbage disappearance to digital technologies and sensors, each of which come with its share of advantages and disadvantages. In order to more firmly grasp these concepts and provide a discussion on the future of this estimation, the Forages and Pastures Symposium at the 2020 ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting was dedicated to this topic. This review summarizes the presentations in that symposium and offers further insight into where we have come from and where we are going in the estimation of intake for grazing livestock.
Real-world validity of randomized controlled phase III trials in newly diagnosed glioblastoma: to whom do the results of the trials apply?
Authors: Skaga Erlend , Skretteberg Marthe Andrea , Johannesen Tom Børge , Brandal Petter , Vik-Mo Einar O , Helseth Eirik , Langmoen Iver A
Published: February 2021

Background

The survival rates in population-based series of glioblastoma (GBM) differ substantially from those reported in clinical trials. This discrepancy may be attributed to that patients recruited to trials tend to be younger with better performance status. However, the proportion and characteristics of the patients in a population considered either eligible or ineligible for trials is unknown. The generalizability of trial results is therefore also uncertain.

Methods

Using the Cancer Registry of Norway and the Brain Tumor Database at Oslo University Hospital, we tracked all patients within a well-defined geographical area with newly diagnosed GBM during the years 2012–2017. Based on data from these registries and the medical records, the patients were evaluated for trial eligibility according to criteria employed in recent phase III trials for GBM.

Results

We identified 512 patients. The median survival was 11.7 months. When we selected a potential trial population at the start of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (radiotherapy [RT]/ temozolomide [TMZ]) by the parameters age (18–70 y), passed surgery for a supratentorial GBM, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) ≤2, normal hematologic, hepatic and renal function, and lack of severe comorbidity, 57% of the patients were excluded. Further filtering the patients who progressed during RT/TMZ and never completed RT/TMZ resulted in exclusion of 59% and 63% of the patients, respectively. The survival of patients potentially eligible for trials was significantly higher than of the patients not fulfilling trial eligibility criteria (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Patients considered eligible for phase III clinical trials represent a highly selected minority of patients in a real-world GBM population.
The evolution ofBolbites onitoides(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Phanaeini): its phylogenetic significance, geographical polychromatism and the subspecies problem
Authors: Cupello Mario , Ribeiro-Costa Cibele S , Vaz-De-Mello Fernando Z
Published: March 2021

The distribution of the iridescent dung beetle Bolbites onitoides can be divided, based on dorsal colouration, into a blue western-half and a red eastern-half. This has raised the question, in 1959, of whether the two colour variants could represent distinct subspecies. Having examined ~1200 specimens and evaluated the proposal under both an ontological and an operational subspecies concept, we conclude that B. onitoides should continue to be treated as a single monotypic species because: (1) two kinds of colour intermediates were found living among populations of the two main variants; (2) the distribution of the variants overlaps; (3) no other characters were seen to vary consistently in accordance with the colour variants; (4) the overall geographical pattern can be explained by phenomena other than (incipient) speciation, such as phenotypic plasticity and distinct selective regimes; and (5) colour has been extensively shown not to be a reliable indicator of speciation processes among dung beetles. By comparing our findings with other cases of polychromatism among scarabaeines, we discuss publications proposing subspecies taxa relying uniquely upon colour variants. We contend that, due to the often continuous, populational, polytopic and, several times, clinal nature of the intraspecific geographical variation, subspecies classification schemes should not be established simply to classify variation across a species range without a commitment to the reality as evolutionary entities of the taxa being proposed. The alternative stance championed by many contemporary authors to give trinomina to conspecific (meta)population lineages, in turn, may eventually prove to be adequate, but we express some of our concerns as to the feasibility of this practice. Whether these intraspecific taxa should be ranked in a Linnaean hierarchy – e.g. as subspecies – is equally an open question. We also elaborate on an evolutionary scenario where the role of the iridescence in sexual selection, as hypothesized in a previous work, may be an exaptation, not an adaptation, among the horned Phanaeina.
Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic liver resection
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Kim Jong Man , Choi Gyu-Seong , Heo Gunyoung , Kim Gaab Soo , Jeong Ji Seon
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been reported to manage postoperative pain effectively after various types of surgery. However, there has been a lack of study on the effect of ESPB after liver resection.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the analgesic effects of ESPB on pain control after laparoscopic liver resection compared with conventional pain management.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised controlled study.

SETTING

A single tertiary care centre from February 2019 to February 2020.

PATIENTS

A total of 70 patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic liver resection.

INTERVENTIONS

In the control group (n = 35), no procedure was performed. In the ESPB group (n = 35), ESPB was performed after induction of general anaesthesia. A total of 40 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% was injected at the T9 level bilaterally. After surgery, intravenous fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia was initiated. Fentanyl and hydromorphone were administered as rescue analgesics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the cumulative postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h (morphine equivalent). The secondary outcomes were rescue opioid (fentanyl) dose in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) and pain severity at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS) score.

RESULTS

The median [IQR] postoperative opioid consumption during 24 hours following surgery was 48.2 [17.1] mg in the control group and 45.5 [35.8] mg in the ESPB group (median difference, 4.2 mg; 95% CI, −4.2 to 13.3 mg; P = 0.259). Conversely, rescue opioid in PACU was 5.3 [5.0] mg in the control group and 3.0 [1.5] mg in the ESPB group (median difference, 2.5 mg; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.0 mg; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in NRS scores point between the groups at any time.

CONCLUSION

ESPB does not provide analgesic effect within 24 h after laparoscopic liver resection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry of Korea (https://cris.nih.go.kr.), identifier: KCT0003549)