bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a targetable KRAS-mutant epithelial population in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Maroni Giorgia , Bassal Mahmoud A. , Krishnan Indira , Fhu Chee Wai , Savova Virginia , Zilionis Rapolas , Maymi Valerie A. , Pandell Nicole , Csizmadia Eva , Zhang Junyan , Storti Barbara , Castaño Julio , Panella Riccardo , Li Jia , Gustafson Corinne E. , Fox Sam , Levy Rachel D. , Meyerovitz Claire V. , Tramontozzi Peter J. , Vermilya Kimberly , De Rienzo Assunta , Crucitta Stefania , Bassères Daniela S. , Weetall Marla , Branstrom Art , Giorgetti Alessandra , Ciampi Raffaele , Del Re Marzia , Danesi Romano , Bizzarri Ranieri , Yang Henry , Kocher Olivier , Klein Allon M. , Welner Robert S. , Bueno Raphael , Magli Maria Cristina , Clohessy John G. , Ali Azhar , Tenen Daniel G. , Levantini Elena
Published: April 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Tumor heterogeneity, which hampers development of targeted therapies, was herein deconvoluted via single cell RNA sequencing in aggressive human adenocarcinomas (carrying Kras-mutations) and comparable murine model. We identified a tumor-specific, mutant-KRAS-associated subpopulation which is conserved in both human and murine lung cancer. We previously reported a key role for the oncogene BMI-1 in adenocarcinomas. We therefore investigated the effects of in vivo PTC596 treatment, which affects BMI-1 activity, in our murine model. Post-treatment, MRI analysis showed decreased tumor size, while single cell transcriptomics concomitantly detected near complete ablation of the mutant-KRAS-associated subpopulation, signifying the presence of a pharmacologically targetable, tumor-associated subpopulation. Our findings therefore hold promise for the development of a targeted therapy for KRAS-mutant adenocarcinomas.
Host-specific symbioses and the microbial prey of a pelagic tunicate (Pyrosoma atlanticum)
Authors: Thompson Anne W , Ward Anna C , Sweeney Carey P , Sutherland Kelly R
Published: April 2021

Pyrosomes are widely distributed pelagic tunicates that have the potential to reshape marine food webs when they bloom. However, their grazing preferences and interactions with the background microbial community are poorly understood. This is the first study of the marine microorganisms associated with pyrosomes undertaken to improve the understanding of pyrosome biology, the impact of pyrosome blooms on marine microbial systems, and microbial symbioses with marine animals. The diversity, relative abundance, and taxonomy of pyrosome-associated microorganisms were compared to seawater during a Pyrosoma atlanticum bloom in the Northern California Current System using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, microscopy, and flow cytometry. We found that pyrosomes harbor a microbiome distinct from the surrounding seawater, which was dominated by a few novel taxa. In addition to the dominant taxa, numerous more rare pyrosome-specific microbial taxa were recovered. Multiple bioluminescent taxa were present in pyrosomes, which may be a source of the iconic pyrosome luminescence. We also discovered free-living marine microorganisms in association with pyrosomes, suggesting that pyrosome feeding impacts all microbial size classes but preferentially removes larger eukaryotic taxa. This study demonstrates that microbial symbionts and microbial prey are central to pyrosome biology. In addition to pyrosome impacts on higher trophic level marine food webs, the work suggests that pyrosomes also alter marine food webs at the microbial level through feeding and seeding of the marine microbial communities with their symbionts. Future efforts to predict pyrosome blooms, and account for their ecosystem impacts, should consider pyrosome interactions with marine microbial communities.
Biotic and abiotic factors distinctly drive contrasting biogeographic patterns between phyllosphere and soil resistomes in natural ecosystems
Authors: Yan Zhen-Zhen , Chen Qing-Lin , Li Chao-Yu , Thi Nguyen Bao-Anh , Zhu Yong-Guan , He Ji-Zheng , Hu Hang-Wei
Published: April 2021

The phyllosphere and soil are two of the most important reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in terrestrial ecosystems. However, comparative studies on the biogeographic patterns of ARGs in these two habitats are lacking. Based on the construction of ARG abundance atlas across a > 4,000 km transect in eastern and northern Australia, we found contrasting biogeographic patterns of the phyllosphere and soil resistomes, which showed their distinct responses to the biotic and abiotic stresses. The similarity of ARG compositions in soil, but not in the phyllosphere, exhibited significant distance-decay patterns. ARG abundance in the phyllosphere was mainly correlated with the compositions of co-occurring bacterial, fungal and protistan communities, indicating that biotic stresses were the main drivers shaping the phyllosphere resistome. Soil ARG abundance was mainly associated with abiotic factors including mean annual temperature and precipitation as well as soil total carbon and nitrogen. Our findings demonstrated the distinct roles of biotic and abiotic factors in shaping resistomes in different environmental habitats. These findings constitute a major advance in our understanding of the current environmental resistomes and contribute to better predictions of the evolution of environmental ARGs by highlighting the importance of habitat difference in shaping environmental resistomes.
Synthesis of double core chromophore-functionalized nanothreads by compressing azobenzene in a diamond anvil cell
Authors: Romi Sebastiano , Fanetti Samuele , Alabarse Frederico , Mio Antonio M. , Bini Roberto
Published: April 2021

One-step high-pressure synthesis of 2D crystalline double nanothreads linked by azo groups.
A non-ionic surfactant based catalyst tablet: a reusable gold–NHC catalyst system for alkyne hydration reactions
Authors: Durmuş Burcu , Tunalı Zeynep , Öztürk Bengi Özgün
Published: April 2021

Herein, we report the encapsulation of IPrAuCl (Au-1) in Synperonic®F108 (Syn), acting as both a catalyst tablet medium and surfactant for dispersion of hydrophobic alkyne substrates and gold–NHC complexes in aqueous media.
Correction: A framework ensemble facilitates high Pt utilization in a low Pt loading fuel cell
Authors: Wang Jian , Wu Guangping , Xuan Wenhui , Peng Lishan , Feng Yong , Ding Wei , Li Li , Liao Qiang , Wei Zidong
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘A framework ensemble facilitates high Pt utilization in a low Pt loading fuel cell’ by Jian Wang et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1cy00028d.
The role and effectiveness of monoculture and polyculture phytoremediation systems in fish farm wastewater
Authors: Ng Yin Sim , Chan Derek Juinn Chieh
Published: April 2021

Monoculture outperformed polyculture in terms of phytoremediation capabilities, indicating the importance of macrophyte selection. The species-wise pollutant removal abilities and their proportional densities dictate the treatment performance.
Gold-carbonaceous materials based heterostructures for gas sensing applications
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Suneel , Sengar Manisha , Kumari Pratibha
Published: April 2021

The carbon nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes and graphene decorated with gold nanoparticles exhibit promising gas sensing applications with enhanced sensitivity.
Efficient removal of heavy metals from polluted water with high selectivity for Hg(ii) and Pb(ii) by a 2-imino-4-thiobiuret chemically modified MIL-125 metal–organic framework
Authors: Adly Mina Shawky , El-Dafrawy S. M. , Ibrahim Amr A. , El-Hakam S. A. , El-Shall M. Samy
Published: April 2021

A highly porous adsorbent based on a metal–organic framework was successfully designed and applied as an innovative adsorbent in the solid phase for the heavy metal removal.
A facile preparation of superhydrophobic L-CNC-coated meshes for oil–water separation
Authors: Huang Jingda , Li Mengmeng , Lu Youwei , Ren Changying , Wang Siqun , Wu Qiang , Li Qian , Zhang Wenbiao , Liu Xianmiao
Published: April 2021

A superhydrophobic stainless steel mesh (called “mesh” in short) is an ideal device to solve oil pollution accidents by oil–water separation.
Direction of arrival estimation of partial sound sources of vehicles with a two-microphone array
Authors: Rocha Gabriela Dantas , Torres Julio Cesar B. , Petraglia Mariane Rembold , Vorländer Michael
Published: April 2021

The generalized cross-correlation with phase transform (GCC-PHAT) algorithm has proved to be useful for blindly estimating the direction of arrival of compact sound sources from microphone array recordings. In applications with distributions of partial sources, such as the tires of vehicles in urban environments, the GCC-PHAT needs to be improved, otherwise the detected sound directions change values between directions of the main sources or correspond to an intermediate value between these directions. This paper presents an extension of the GCC-PHAT, based on post-processing of the output delay matrix and on image processing techniques, in order to separately identify directions of the sound produced by the front and rear tires of moving vehicles. The proposed approach can be extended to identify the tire noise directions produced by vehicles with multiple axles. The algorithm performance is analyzed using pass-by measurements of two-axle vehicles, acquired by a two-microphone array. The experiments were conducted with passenger vehicles of four distinct models, running at different speeds. The experimental results show that the proposed method is able to estimate the vehicle speed with an average error of 10.8 km/h and the vehicle wheelbase with 26 cm on average. A possible application is multiple source characterization for parametric vehicle sound synthesis in auralization.
AGP und Ernährung – Mit CGM postprandiale Glukoseverläufe analysieren
Authors: Kroeger Jens , Siegmund Thorsten , Schubert Oliver , Keuthage Winfried , Lettmann Melanie , Richert Katja , Pfeiffer Andreas
Published: April 2021

Ernährungstherapien zählen zu den Grundlagen eines effektiven Diabetesmanagements bei Menschen sowohl mit Typ-1-, als auch mit Typ-2-Diabetes. Auch für Menschen mit Prädiabetes oder Adipositas sind Lebensstilinterventionen, einschließlich Ernährungsempfehlungen, Bestandteil der grundlegenden Therapie. Es wird empfohlen, die Ernährung individuell an die persönlichen Umstände, Präferenzen und metabolischen Ziele anzupassen. Im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung finden mHealth-Interventionen, beispielsweise in Form von kontinuierlich Glukose messenden Systemen (CGM), vermehrt Einzug in die Ernährungstherapie. Das ambulante Glukoseprofil (AGP) zeigt eine strukturierte und grafische Zusammenstellung der durch CGM gewonnenen Daten. Nach einer Bewertung der glykämischen Situation (Hypoglykämien, Variabilität und Stabilität der Glukosewerte) kann das AGP auch als Unterstützung bezüglich einer Ernährungsanpassung dienen. Ziel dieser Publikation ist es, eine allgemeine Übersicht über die Ernährungsempfehlungen, speziell in Deutschland, zu ermöglichen und den Nutzen kontinuierlicher Glukosemessungen in Bezug auf Ernährung zu beschreiben.
Nachexzision eines Basalzellkarzinoms an der falschen Lokalisation
Authors: Elsner P. , Meyer J.
Published: April 2021

Eine Patientin stellte sich in der Sprechstunde einer dermatologischen Klinik wegen zweier Hautveränderungen im Bereich der Nase vor. Der behandelnde Dermatologe entfernte diese in Form tangentialer Abtragungen; die histologische Untersuchung ergab das Vorliegen eines Angiofibroms sowie eines Basalzellkarzinoms, welches nicht im Gesunden entfernt worden war. In Absprache mit der Patientin erfolgte eine Nachexzision. Diese wurde von einem zweiten Dermatologen der Klinik auf der Basis einer unklaren Dokumentation der Primärexzision an einer falschen Stelle durchgeführt.

Die Patientin bemängelte die operative Behandlung; deshalb sei eine weitere Operation an der Nase erforderlich geworden. Die Schlichtungsstelle bestätigte, dass es fehlerbedingt zu einer nicht notwendigen Exzision an falscher Stelle mit entsprechender Narbenbildung sowie zu einem ohne den Fehler nicht erforderlichen weiteren Eingriff gekommen sei.

Der an der falschen Lokalisation durchgeführte dermatochirurgische Eingriff („wrong site surgery“) ist ein in der Dermatochirurgie bekanntes Fehlergeschehen. Als Präventionsmaßnahme hat sich eine sog. „Time-out“ („Auszeit“) bewährt, wobei vor und ggf. während einer Operation diese unterbrochen wird zur Bestätigung des richtigen Patienten, Eingriffs und Ortes. Im vorliegenden Fall wurde die Wahl des falschen Nachexzisionsortes gefördert durch eine unklare Dokumentation der Primärexzision und eine fehlende Kommunikation zwischen den behandelnden Dermatologen über die korrekte Exzisionsstelle. Gemäß § 630 h BGB tritt eine Beweislastumkehr bei der Haftung für Behandlungs- und Aufklärungsfehler ein, wenn es sich um ein sog. „voll beherrschbares Risiko“ handelt; um ein solches handelt es sich bei einer Exzisionsstellenverwechslung. Der berichtete Fall beleuchtet gleichzeitig die Probleme der ärztlichen Arbeitsteilung; nach der sog. „horizontalen Arbeitsteilung“ darf jeder Facharzt zunächst darauf vertrauen, dass ein anderer an der Behandlung beteiligter Facharzt seine Pflichten aus dem Behandlungsvertrag korrekt erfüllt. Entstehen jedoch Zweifel, wie im vorliegenden Fall bzgl. der Dokumentation der korrekten Exzisionsstelle, darf der zweitbehandelnde Arzt nicht unbesehen handeln, sondern muss sich selbstverantwortlich der richtigen Diagnose, in diesem Fall bzgl. der Lokalisation des Basalzellkarzinoms, vergewissern. Durch eine Nachfrage beim erstbehandelnden Dermatologen wäre der Behandlungsfehler zu vermeiden gewesen.
Feasibility of ultrathin endoscope for esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Kikuchi Daisuke , Tanaka Masami , Nakamura Satoshi , Nomura Kosuke , Hayasaka Junnosuke , Ochiai Yorinari , Odagiri Hiroyuki , Yamashita Satoshi , Matsui Akira , Hoteya Shu
Published: April 2021

Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely performed for superficial esophageal cancer, but stricture after extensive resection is a major clinical problem. Using an ultrathin endoscope would enable endoscopists to approach lesions beyond the stricture. We evaluated the feasibility of an ultrathin endoscope for esophageal ESD.

Methods To perform ESD with an ultrathin endoscope, we developed a transparent hood and ESD knife. A total of 24 esophageal ESDs were performed by two endoscopists with excised and live porcine esophaguses. A GIF-Q260 J and Dual knife were used in the conventional group and the GIF-XP260NS and a newly developed knife were used in the ultrathin group. En bloc resection rates, perforation rates, and procedure times were compared.

Results All 24 lesions were resected en bloc without perforation. The mean procedure time was longer in the ultrathin group, although not significantly so (274.3 ± 81.8 s vs 435.8 ± 313.9 s, respectively; P = 0.22).

Conclusion Although the procedure time was longer in the ultrathin group, en bloc resection was performed without any perforation. The findings indicate that esophageal ESD with an ultrathin endoscope is feasible.
Das richtige Maß an Information – Gesunde Informationskultur
Authors: Holtmeier Lisa
Published: April 2021

Zu viele Informationen führen zu Stress und Überlastung, zu wenig Informationen können verunsichern und sind der Ursprung für Gerüchte. Mit ein paar Tricks gelingt es Ihnen, Informationsfluten zu reduzieren und Defizite zu verhindern.
Evaluation der Effektivität einer Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) zur perioperativen Therapie bei kolorektalen Operationen
Authors: Willis Maria A. , Engel Felix M. , Wiedemann Charlotte , van Beekum Cornelius , Coburn Mark , Thudium Marcus , Kalff Jörg C. , Vilz Tim O.
Published: April 2021

Einleitung Die perioperative Betreuung kolorektalchirurgischer Patienten nach dem Fast-Track-Konzept wurde in den letzten Jahren zunehmend standardisiert und ist als strukturierte Betreuungsmethode zur Reduktion perioperativer Komplikationen weithin akzeptiert. Erste Untersuchungen lassen sogar einen langfristigen positiven Effekt auf das onkologische Outcome vermuten, sofern eine Adhärenz der Einzelmaßnahmen von mindestens 70% besteht. Trotz eindeutiger Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit des modernen perioperativen Behandlungskonzeptes bleibt die Einhaltung des Protokolls im klinischen Alltag, insbesondere in Deutschland, eine Herausforderung. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Adhärenzrate vor und nach Einführung einer SOP zu erfassen und deren Wirksamkeit zu evaluieren.

Methoden Es erfolgte eine retrospektive Analyse der Patientendaten aller elektiven kolorektalchirurgischen Operationen der Bonner Universitätsklinik von 2017 bis 2020. 153 Patienten wurden vor der Implementierung der SOP im Januar 2019 operiert (Gruppe I), die restlichen 153 Patienten wurden nach der Implementierung der SOP operiert und entsprechend betreut (Gruppe II). Die Protokolladhärenz wurde sowohl für die einzelnen Schlüsselinterventionen als auch für das Gesamtkonzept analysiert.

Ergebnisse Zwar konnte sowohl für verschiedene Einzelmaßnahmen (Prähabilitation Gruppe I: 5,9%, Gruppe II: 42,5%, p < 0,001; Darmvorbereitung I: 16,5%, II: 73,9%, p < 0,001; intraoperatives Volumenmanagement I: 14,00 ml/kgKG/h [KG: Körpergewicht], II: 9,12 ml/kgKG/h, p < 0,001; minimalinvasive Operationstechnik I: 53,6%, II: 73,9%, p < 0,001 etc.) als auch für das gesamte perioperative Behandlungskonzept (I: 39%, II: 54%, p = 0,02) eine signifikante Verbesserung der Compliance gezeigt werden, eine Adhärenz von mindestens 70% wurde jedoch bei Weitem nicht erreicht. Dennoch zeigt sich nach Einführung der SOP eine frühzeitigere Patientenautonomie (I: Tag 15, II: Tag 9, p < 0,001) und eine Verkürzung der postoperativen Krankenhausverweildauer (I: 14 [6 – 99] Tage, II: 11 [4 – 64]; p = 0,007).

Fazit Obwohl die Implementierung der SOP zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Umsetzungsrate geführt hat, besteht noch weiterer Optimierungsbedarf, um die empfohlene Protokolladhärenz von 70% zu erreichen. Klinikintern kann hierbei neben der Gründung interdisziplinärer Fast-Track-Teams eine spezialisierte Fast-Track-Pflegekraft als Bindeglied zwischen Patienten, Pflege und Ärzten hilfreich sein. Für eine flächendeckende, deutschlandweite Implementierung hingegen sind Maßnahmen mit größerer Hebelkraft notwendig. Eine Hilfestellung wird hierbei die in Arbeit befindliche S3-Leitlinie zum perioperativen Management gastrointestinaler Tumoren geben, insbesondere als Argumentationsgrundlage gegenüber Kostenträgern.
Colocalization of Erythrocytes and Vascular Calcification in Human Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Histomorphometric Analysis
Authors: Böhm Elsa Wilma , Pavlaki Maria , Chalikias Georgios , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Georgiadis George S. , Tziakas Dimitrios N. , Konstantinides Stavros , Schäfer Katrin
Published: April 2021

Background Intimal calcification typically develops in advanced atherosclerosis, and microcalcification may promote plaque progression and instability. Conversely, intraplaque hemorrhage and erythrocyte extravasation may stimulate osteoblastic differentiation and intralesional calcium phosphate deposition. The presence of erythrocytes and their main cellular components (membranes, hemoglobin, and iron) and colocalization with calcification has never been systematically studied.

Methods and Results We examined three types of diseased vascular tissue specimens, namely, degenerative aortic valve stenosis (n = 46), atherosclerotic carotid artery plaques (n = 9), and abdominal aortic aneurysms (n = 14). Biomaterial was obtained from symptomatic patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement, carotid artery endatherectomy, or aortic aneurysm repair, respectively. Serial sections were stained using Masson–Goldner trichrome, Alizarin red S, and Perl's iron stain to visualize erythrocytes, extracelluar matrix and osteoid, calcium phosphate deposition, or the presence of iron and hemosiderin, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect erythrocyte membranes (CD235a), hemoglobin or the hemoglobin scavenger receptor (CD163), endothelial cells (CD31), myofibroblasts (SMA), mesenchymal cells (osteopontin), or osteoblasts (periostin). Our analyses revealed a varying degree of intraplaque hemorrhage and that the majority of extravasated erythrocytes were lysed. Osteoid and calcifications also were frequently present, and erythrocyte membranes were significantly more prevalent in areas with calcification. Areas with extravasated erythrocytes frequently contained CD163-positive cells, although calcification also occurred in areas without CD163 immunosignals.

Conclusion Our findings underline the presence of extravasated erythrocytes and their membranes in different types of vascular lesions, and their association with areas of calcification suggests an active role of erythrocytes in vascular disease processes.
Antithrombotic Therapy Recommendations in the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines: How Robust Are the Randomized Controlled Trials Underpinning Them?
Authors: Santos Catarina M. dos , Prada Luísa , David Cláudio , Costa João , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Pinto Fausto J. , Caldeira Daniel
Published: April 2021

Introduction Criticisms have been raised against the sole use of p-value in interpreting results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Additional tools have been suggested, like the fragility index (FI), a measure of a trial's robustness/fragility, and derivative measures. The FI is the minimum number of patients who would have to be converted from nonevents to events, in the group with the least events, for a result to lose statistical significance.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate RCT supporting European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines regarding antithrombotics, using the FI and FI-related measures.

Methods FI, fragility quotient (FQ), and FI minus LTF lost to follow-up (FI − LTF) were calculated for the RCT underpinning recommendations regarding antithrombotic therapy from the updated ESC guidelines. LTF was compared with FI. Results were calculated for the total group of studies, as per guideline and as per recommendation type.

Results Overall, 61 studies were included. The median FI was 24.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.0–60.0) and median FQ was 0.0035 (IQR: 0.0019–0.0056). Median FI − LTF was 2.0 (IQR: 0.0–38.0). Twenty (32.8%) of the studies had one primary or main safety outcome with LTF exceeding FI. Peripheral arterial disease guideline and chronic coronary syndrome guideline had the lowest (2.5; IQR: 1.8–3.3) and the highest (48.5; IQR: 23.8–73.0) FI, respectively.

Conclusion The median FI suggests robustness of clinical trials evaluating antithrombotic drugs cited in the guidelines, but about one-third of them had LTF larger than FI. This emphasizes the need for assessing trials' robustness when constructing guidelines.
Short Stature Syndromes: Case Series from India
Authors: Panigrahi Inusha , Kaur Parminder , Chaudhry Chakshu , Shariq Mohd , Naorem Devika D. , Gowtham B.C. , Kaur Anupriya , Dayal Devi
Published: April 2021

Syndromes causing short stature include Noonan syndrome (NS), Williams syndrome, and Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS). SRS is a primordial dwarfism with genetic heterogeneity. The SRS children present with prenatal growth retardation, neonatal hypoglycemia, feeding difficulties, physical asymmetry, with scoliosis and cardiac defect in some cases. The incidence is up to 1 in 100,000. Uniparental disomy, methylation abnormalities, and variants in some genes have been found underlying such phenotype. Growth hormone therapy has been used to improve the height gain in these patients. NS has genetic heterogeneity and most patients present with short stature with or without cardiac defect. Multiple genetic variants, mostly autosomal dominant, contribute to the phenotype. With the availability of next-generation sequencing, more and more genetic disorders causing short stature are being identified in different ethnic populations like Kabuki syndrome and Nance–Horan syndrome. Here, we present some cases of SRS and other additional syndromes with dysmorphism seen in past 5 years.
Robotic-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Reduces Components' Positioning Differences among High- and Low-Volume Surgeons
Authors: Matassi Fabrizio , Innocenti Matteo , Giabbani Niccolò , Sani Giacomo , Cozzi Lepri Andrea , Piolanti Nicola , Civinini Roberto
Published: April 2021

Robotic-assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA) has been introduced to improve accuracy in implant positioning and limb alignment, overcoming the reported high failure rates of conventional UKA. Indeed, mUKA is a technically challenging procedure strongly related to surgeons' skills and expertise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the likelihood of robotic-assisted surgery in reducing the variability of coronal and sagittal component positioning between high- and low-volume surgeons. We evaluated a prospective cohort of 161 robotic mUKA implanted between May 2018 and December 2019 at two high-volume robotic centers. Patients were divided into two groups: patients operated by “high-volume” (group A) or “low-volume” (group B) surgeons. We recorded intraoperative lower-limb alignment, component positioning, and surgical timing. Postoperatively, every patient underwent a radiographical protocol to assess coronal and sagittal femoral/tibial component alignment. Range of motion and other clinical outcomes were assessed pre- and 12 months postoperatively by using oxford knee score, forgotten joint score, and visual analog scale. Of 161 recruited knees, 149 (A: 101; B: 48) were available for radiographic analysis at 1 month, and clinical evaluation at 12 months. No clinical difference neither difference in mechanical alignment nor coronal/sagittal component positioning were found (p > 0.05). A significant difference was recorded in surgical timing (A: 57 minutes; B: 86 minutes; p < 0.05). No superficial or deep infections or other major complications have been developed during the follow-up. Robotics surgery in mUKA confirmed its value in improving the reproducibility of such technical procedure, with satisfactory clinical outcomes. Moreover, it almost eliminates any possible differences in component positioning, and lower limb alignment among low-and high- volume knee surgeons.
Do Patient Expectations of Discharge Affect Length of Stay after Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction?
Authors: Bamba Ravinder , Wiebe Jordan E. , Ingersol Christopher A. , Dawson Steven , Sinha Mithun , Cohen Adam C. , Hartman Brett C. , Lester Mary E. , Hassanein Aladdin H.
Published: April 2021

Background Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a common method of breast reconstruction. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) postoperative protocols have been used to optimize patient outcomes and facilitate shorter hospital stays. The effect of patient expectations on length of stay (LOS) after DIEP has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patient expectations affect LOS.

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction from 2017 to 2020. All patients were managed with the same ERAS protocol. Patients were divided in Group I (early expectations) and Group II (standard expectations). Group I patients had expectations set for discharge postoperative day (POD) 2 for unilateral DIEP and POD 3 for bilateral DIEP. Group II patients were given expectations for POD 3 to 4 for unilateral DIEP and POD 4 to 5 for bilateral. The primary outcome variable was LOS.

Results The study included 215 DIEP flaps (45 unilateral and 85 bilateral). The average age was 49.8 years old, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 31.4. Group I (early expectations) included 56 patients (24 unilateral DIEPs, 32 bilateral). Group II (standard expectations) had 74 patients (21 unilateral, 53 bilateral). LOS for unilateral DIEP was 2.9 days for Group I compared with 3.7 days for Group II (p = 0.004). Group I bilateral DIEP patients had LOS of 3.5 days compared with 3.9 days for Group II (p = 0.02). Immediate timing of DIEP (Group I 42.9 vs. Group II 52.7%) and BMI (Group I 32.1 vs. Group II 30.8) were similar (p = 0.25).

Conclusion Our study found significantly shorter hospital stay after DIEP flap for patients who expected an earlier discharge date despite similar patient characteristics and uniform ERAS protocol. Patient expectations should be considered during patient counseling and as a confounding variable when analyzing ERAS protocols.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Genes and Their Related Epilepsies
Authors: Brafa Musicoro Viviana , Sortino Vincenzo , Pecora Giulia , Tosto Monica , Lo Bianco Manuela , Soma Rachele , Romano Catia , Falsaperla Raffaele , Praticò Andrea D.
Published: April 2021

Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor subunit gene mutations, which include GABRA1, GABRB3, GABRD, and GABRG2, are often involved in several genetic epilepsy syndromes and other neuropsychiatric diseases like autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety. GABA-A are ligand-gated ionic channels, and are involved firstly in the fast inhibitory synaptic transmission of the central nervous system. The GABA receptors include the ionotropic GABA-A and GABA-C receptors and the metabotropic GABA-B receptors. According to the site in which mutations occur, they cause disorders in channel opening, “lock-and-pull” receptor system functioning, and capable of causing a specific epilepsy phenotype. The aim of this article is to summarize the most recent literature findings, considering genetic mutations, clinical features, genotype/phenotype correlation, and therapy about neurodevelopment diseases correlated to GABA receptors dysfunction, in particular epilepsy. According to our findings, we conclude that further mutation analysis could permit genotype–phenotype correlation and give more information about the best efficient treatment, even if—at present—more clinical and genetic studies are necessary.
The effects of harvest frequency on coarse woody debris and its use by fauna
Authors: Threlfall C. G. , Law B. , Colman N.
Published: April 2021

Abstract Context Forest harvest practices have the potential to alter habitat available to forest fauna. One aspect of harvesting practice that has received little research attention is the effect of multiple rotations on available habitat, and its use by fauna. Aims We examined one component of habitat that is critical to many taxa, coarse woody debris (CWD). In forests of north-eastern New South Wales, Australia, we aimed to assess whether harvest (moderate intensity for saw-logs) frequency influences CWD levels, and whether fauna activity on CWD varies with harvest frequency and with CWD attributes. Methods Using habitat surveys and camera trapping, we compared CWD quantity and quality in unharvested sites with those that had been harvested once, twice and three times, and assessed fauna use of CWD. Key results We found significantly greater volume of non-hollow CWD, and of medium-sized pieces (15–30 cm diameter), in sites harvested three times versus unharvested sites. Camera trapping showed that the activity and composition of fauna were similar across these harvest treatments. Our results also found that a broad range of fauna used a variety of logs, including large and small logs in various states of decay. Conclusions Consistent with other Australian studies, our results suggested that there are no detectable impacts of harvesting on hollow or large CWD. Further studies using radio-tracking or similar methods are needed to more comprehensively assess how CWD is used by fauna. Implications CWD was used broadly by a range of species and should be targeted for retention under ecologically sustainable forest management practices to ensure that it continues to be present in harvested landscapes. This is particularly important in places where an intensification of practices is being considered.
Analytic results for scalar-mediated Higgs boson production in association with two jets
Authors: Budge Lucy , Campbell John M , Ellis R Keith , Seth Satyajit
Published: April 2021

We present compact analytic formulae for all one-loop amplitudes representing the production of a Higgs boson in association with two jets, mediated by a colour triplet scalar particle. Many of the integral coefficients present for scalar mediators are identical to the case when a massive fermion circulates in the loop, reflecting a close relationship between the two theories. The calculation is used to study Higgs boson production in association with two jets in a simplified supersymmetry (SUSY) scenario in which the dominant additional contributions arise from loops of top squarks. The results presented here facilitate an indirect search for top squarks in this channel, by a precision measurement of the corresponding cross section. However, we find that the potential for improved discrimination between the Standard Model and SUSY cases suggested by the pattern of results in the one- and two-jet samples is unlikely to be realized due to the loss in statistical power compared to an inclusive analysis.
The kinks in charge radii across N = 82 and 126 revisited
Authors: Bhuyan M , Maheshwari B , Kassim H A , Yusof N , Patra S K , Carlson B V , Stevenson P D
Published: April 2021

We revisit the studies of the isotopic shift in the charge radii of even–even isotopes of Sn and Pb nuclei at N = 82, and 126, respectively, within the relativistic mean-field (RMF) and relativistic-Hartree–Bogoliubov (RHB) approach. The shell model is also used to estimate isotopic shift in these nuclei, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The ground state single-particle energies (SPEs) are calculated for non-linear NL3 and NL3* and density-dependent DD-ME2 parameter sets compared with the experimental data, wherever available. We establish a correlation between the filling of single-particle levels and the isotopic shift in occupation probabilities. The obtained SPE from the RMF and RHB approaches are in line with those used in the shell model and experimental data for both the Sn and Pb isotopic chains. The shell model calculated isotopic shift agrees with RMF and RHB approaches that explain the experimental data quite well in case the of Pb nuclei beyond N=126.
A dilated inception CNN-LSTM network for fetal heart rate estimation
Authors: Fotiadou E , van Sloun R J G , van Laar J O E H , Vullings R
Published: April 2021

Objective. Fetal heart rate (HR) monitoring is routinely used during pregnancy and labor to assess fetal well-being. The noninvasive fetal electrocardiogram (ECG), obtained by electrodes on the maternal abdomen, is a promising alternative to standard fetal monitoring. Subtraction of the maternal ECG from the abdominal measurements results in fetal ECG signals, in which the fetal HR can be determined typically through R-peak detection. However, the low signal-to-noise ratio and the nonstationary nature of the fetal ECG make R-peak detection a challenging task. Approach. We propose an alternative approach that instead of performing R-peak detection employs deep learning to directly determine the fetal HR from the extracted fetal ECG signals. We introduce a combination of dilated inception convolutional neural networks (CNN) with long short-term memory networks to capture both short-term and long-term temporal dynamics of the fetal HR. The robustness of the method is reinforced by a separate CNN-based classifier that estimates the reliability of the outcome. Main results. Our method achieved a positive percent agreement (within 10% of the actual fetal HR value) of 97.3% on a dataset recorded during labor and 99.6% on set-A of the 2013 Physionet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge exceeding top-performing state-of-the-art algorithms from the literature. Significance. The proposed method can potentially improve the accuracy and robustness of fetal HR extraction in clinical practice.
Design of model-free reinforcement learning control for tunable vibration absorber system based on magnetorheological elastomer
Authors: Park Jae-Eun , Lee Jaeyoung , Kim Young-Keun
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a novel model-free reinforcement learning (RL) for vibration control of a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE)-based application. Because the modeling of the MRE stiffness is nonlinear and time-varying depending on various environmental factors, this paper approached the MRE control issue via a model-free learning based method. In this study, an RL model is designed for the MRE-based tunable vibration absorber (TVA) which can control the optimal stiffness of MRE to maximize the vibration suppression. The designed RL algorithm continuously learns and updates the optimal control input of the MRE stiffness adaptively to the dynamic environment without using any prior knowledge of the MRE modeling. From analyzing the mechanism of MRE TVA, the RL algorithm and parameters are carefully designed for a high vibration performance. Also, this study proposed several ideas to make the RL model simpler and converge at a high rate. The experiments confirmed that the proposed RL model showed a rapid convergence to the optimal policy which could minimize the vibration level with respect to the dynamic excitation disturbance. Results showed that the RL model had a similar performance as the conventional tuning method and suppressed the vibration level as much as 57% compared to the one without the controller. Also, the proposed RL algorithm was able to estimate the actual dynamics of the MRE TVA by learning from the environment. Thus, this study showed the feasibility of implementing a model-free RL model to realize an adaptive controller for applications based on highly nonlinear MRE.
Diffusiophoresis driven colloidal manipulation and shortcuts to adiabaticity
Authors: Bayati Parvin , Trizac Emmanuel
Published: April 2021

While compressing a colloidal state by optical means alone has been previously achieved through a specific time-dependence of the trap stiffness, realizing quickly the reverse transformation stumbles upon the necessity of a transiently expulsive trap. To circumvent this difficulty, we propose to drive the colloids by a combination of optical trapping and diffusiophoretic forces, both time-dependent. Forcing via diffusiophoresis is enforced by controlling the salt concentration at the boundary of the domain where the colloids are confined. The method takes advantage of the separation of time scales between salt and colloidal dynamics, and realizes a fast decompression in an optical trap that remains confining at all times. We thereby obtain a so-called shortcut to adiabaticity protocol where colloidal dynamics, enslaved to salt dynamics, can nevertheless be controlled as desired.
Systematic studies on a decay half-lives of neptunium isotopes
Authors: Zou You-Tian , Pan Xiao , Liu Hong-Ming , Wu Xi-Jun , He Biao , Li Xiao-Hua
Published: April 2021

In the present work, we systematically study the α decay half-lives of neptunium (Z = 93) isotopes within a one-parameter model (OPM). The calculated results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Noticeably, the recently measured α decay half-life value of

380

−
110

+
260

ns for 222Np [Phys. Rev. Lett.
125, 032 502 (2020)] has been fairly reproduced by the OPM as 780 ns within a factor of ≈2. In addition, we extend this model to predict α decay half-lives of neptunium isotopes whose α decay is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in NUBASE2016. Meanwhile, it is found that the half-life between the neutron number N = 126 and N = 128 in Np drop sharply, this result shows that the N = 126 shell closure is still very robust at Z = 93. At last, α particle preformation probability

P

α

extd

are extracted in two cases with α transition orbital angular momentum l = 0 and l = 1, we find a amazing phenomenon that the

P

α

extd

are basically the same for α transition with the same orbital angular momentum l.
Baryon isocurvature constraints on the primordial hypermagnetic fields
Authors: Kamada Kohei , Uchida Fumio , Yokoyama Jun'ichi
Published: April 2021

It has been pointed out that hypermagnetic helicity decay at the electroweak symmetry breaking may have produced the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe through the chiral anomaly in the standard model of particle physics. Although fully helical magnetic field that can adequately produce the observed baryon asymmetry is not strong enough to explain the origin of the intergalactic magnetic field inferred by the Fermi satellite, the mixture of helical and nonhelical primordial magnetic fields may explain both baryogenesis and the intergalactic magnetic fields simultaneously. We first show that such a scenario is ruled out by the constraint on the amplitude of baryon isocurvature perturbations produced by the primordial magnetic fields to avoid overproduction of deuterium at the big bang nucleosynthesis. Then we show that any attempt to explain the origin of intergalactic magnetic field by primordial magnetogenesis before the electroweak symmetry breaking does not work due to the above constraint irrespective of the helicity and baryogenesis mechanism.
Bumblebee gravity and particle motion in Snyder noncommutative spacetime structures
Authors: Kumar Jha Sohan , Barman Himangshu , Rahaman Anisur
Published: April 2021

A metric with a Lorentz violating parameter is associated with the
bumblebee gravity model. We study the motion of a particle in this
bumblebee background where the dynamical variables satisfy
non-canonical Snyder algebra along with some critical survey on
the classical observations in the bumblebee background to see how
these would likely differ from Schwarzschild background. It has
been found that the perihelion shift acquires a generalized
expression with two independent parameters. One of these two is
connected with the Lorentz violating factor and the other is
involved in the Snyder algebraic formulation. We also observe that
the time period of revolution, in general, acquires a Lorentz
violating factor in the bumblebee background, however, for the
circular orbit, it remains unchanged even in the presence of the
Lorentz violating factor in the bumblebee background. The
parameters used here can be constrained with the same type of
conjecture used earlier.
Half-cycle waveform control for producing a broad and intense harmonic spectral continuum and an isolated attosecond pulse
Authors: Feng Liqiang , Mccain John , Qiao Yan
Published: April 2021

An effective method to control the half-cycle harmonic emission process through the combination of multiple laser beams is proposed. The control process can be separated into three steps. In the first step, by properly choosing the chirp and the chirp delay of the fundamental pulse the relevant negative and positive half-cycle waveform for extending the harmonic cutoff can be obtained. In the second step, using either an asymmetric inhomogeneous field or a half-cycle unipolar pulse, the harmonic cutoff from the negative or the positive half-cycle waveform can be further extended. In the third step, by properly adding an ultraviolet pulse, the harmonic yield can be enhanced due to ultraviolet resonance ionization. Finally, by superposing some harmonics on the harmonic spectra, a number of isolated attosecond pulses shorter than 70 as can be obtained.
Brillouin gain spectrum characterization in Ge-doped large-mode-area fibers*
Authors: Niu Xia-Xia , Yang Yi-Feng , Quan Zhao , Yu Chun-Lei , Zhou Qin-Ling , Shen Hui , He Bing , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2021

The dependence of Brillouin gain spectrum (BGS) characteristics, including the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) and the BGS bandwidth, on germanium concentration in large-mode-area Ge-doped passive fibers is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The simulation results show that the BFS is inversely proportional to GeO2 concentration, and the BGS bandwidth initially increases with the augment of GeO2 concentration, and then decreases. The BGSs of four fibers with core diameters of 10μm and 20μm for different GeO2 concentrations are compared experimentally. Experimental results demonstrate that with the same core diameter, the variations of BFS and BGS bandwidths with GeO2 concentration accord with the simulation results. Additionally, the BGS characteristics of three large-mode-area passive fibers with diameters of 10μm, 25μm, and 30μm are measured, which confirm that the increasing of the fiber diameters will cause the BGS bandwidth to broaden. We believe that these results can provide valuable references for modulating the high-power narrow-linewidth fiber lasers and Brillouin fiber amplifiers.
Multi-objective data-driven optimization for improving deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Connolly Mark J , Cole Eric R , Isbaine Faical , de Hemptinne Coralie , Starr Phillip A , Willie Jon T , Gross Robert E , Miocinovic Svjetlana
Published: April 2021

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) but its success depends on a time-consuming process of trial-and-error to identify the optimal stimulation settings for each individual patient. Data-driven optimization algorithms have been proposed to efficiently find the stimulation setting that maximizes a quantitative biomarker of symptom relief. However, these algorithms cannot efficiently take into account stimulation settings that may control symptoms but also cause side effects. Here we demonstrate how multi-objective data-driven optimization can be used to find the optimal trade-off between maximizing symptom relief and minimizing side effects. Approach. Cortical and motor evoked potential data collected from PD patients during intraoperative stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus were used to construct a framework for designing and prototyping data-driven multi-objective optimization algorithms. Using this framework, we explored how these techniques can be applied clinically, and characterized the design features critical for solving this optimization problem. Our two optimization objectives were to maximize cortical evoked potentials, a putative biomarker of therapeutic benefit, and to minimize motor potentials, a biomarker of motor side effects. Main Results. Using this in silico design framework, we demonstrated how the optimal trade-off between two objectives can substantially reduce the stimulation parameter space by 61 ± 19%. The best algorithm for identifying the optimal trade-off between the two objectives was a Bayesian optimization approach with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of up to 0.94 ± 0.02, which was possible with the use of a surrogate model and a well-tuned acquisition function to efficiently select which stimulation settings to sample. Significance. These findings show that multi-objective optimization is a promising approach for identifying the optimal trade-off between symptom relief and side effects in DBS. Moreover, these approaches can be readily extended to newly discovered biomarkers, adapted to DBS for disorders beyond PD, and can scale with the development of more complex DBS devices.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of Zn-doped GaP
Authors: Uvarov A V , Gudovskikh A S , Baranov A I , Morozov I A , Kudryashov D A
Published: April 2021

The formation of p-type GaP by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition at a temperature of 380 °C has been studied. The incorporation of Zn impurity was detected by the method of glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES). Strong band bending was confirmed by electrical measurements performed for the p-n homojunctions formed by deposition of p-GaP on the surface of n-type GaP substrates, which indicates the acceptor behavior of the impurity. It has been shown that p-type GaP deposited by PE-ALD can be used to form photovoltaic converters.