bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial toxicity of childhood cancer and changes to parents’ employment after treatment completion
Authors: Kelada Lauren , Wakefield Claire E. , Vetsch Janine , Schofield Deborah , Sansom‐Daly Ursula M. , Hetherington Kate , O'Brien Tracey , Cohn Richard J. , Anazodo Antoinette , Viney Rosalie , Zeppel Melanie J.B.
Published: April 2020

Objective

Childhood cancer can have short‐ and long‐term impacts on parents’ finances and employment. It is important to understand how families adjust to the financial and employment changes caused by childhood cancer, the ongoing impacts after treatment completion, and which families need more targeted support. Qualitative research is necessary to facilitate an in‐depth understanding of the employment and financial impacts on families and to capture parents’ complex and nuanced experiences and perspectives.

Methods

We interviewed 56 parents of childhood cancer survivors (M = 2.13 years after treatment completion; 89% mothers) using the vocational and financial impact section of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale–Carer Interview Form. We analyzed interviews using content analysis.

Results

Parents reported multiple sources of financial toxicity including travel to and from the hospital and needing to reduce their working hours during their child's cancer treatment. Workplace flexibility was an important factor to protect against unwanted vocational changes. After treatment completion, families living in low socioeconomic areas commonly reported ongoing financial difficulties. Mothers, particularly those who were on maternity leave when their child was diagnosed with cancer, reported ongoing employment impacts including unemployment.

Conclusions

Clinical staff including social workers could more consistently assess families’ financial distress and refer to professional services who can offer guidance for financial decision‐making as standard care. Flexible workplace agreements appear important for parents of children with cancer. Our findings can assist organizations to understand that cancer‐related disruptions are likely to continue after treatment completion, and therefore should offer benefits to parents where possible.
Rapid whole exome sequencing in pregnancies to identify the underlying genetic cause in fetuses with congenital anomalies detected by ultrasound imaging
Authors: Deden Chantal , Neveling Kornelia , Zafeiropopoulou Dimitra , Gilissen Christian , Pfundt Rolph , Rinne Tuula , de Leeuw Nicole , Faas Brigitte , Gardeitchik Thatjana , Sallevelt Suzanne C. E. H. , Paulussen Aimee , Stevens Servi J. C. , Sikkel Esther , Elting Mariet W. , van Maarle Merel C. , Diderich Karin E. M. , Corsten‐Janssen Nicole , Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , Lachmeijer Guus , Vissers Lisenka E. L. M. , Yntema Helger G. , Nelen Marcel , Feenstra Ilse , van Zelst‐Stams Wendy A. G.
Published: April 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnostic yield and clinical utility of trio‐based rapid whole exome sequencing (rWES) in pregnancies of fetuses with a wide range of congenital anomalies detected by ultrasound imaging.

Methods

In this observational study, we analyzed the first 54 cases referred to our laboratory for prenatal rWES to support clinical decision making, after the sonographic detection of fetal congenital anomalies. The most common identified congenital anomalies were skeletal dysplasia (n = 20), multiple major fetal congenital anomalies (n = 17) and intracerebral structural anomalies (n = 7).

Results

A conclusive diagnosis was identified in 18 of the 54 cases (33%). Pathogenic variants were detected most often in fetuses with skeletal dysplasia (n = 11) followed by fetuses with multiple major fetal congenital anomalies (n = 4) and intracerebral structural anomalies (n = 3). A survey, completed by the physicians for 37 of 54 cases, indicated that the rWES results impacted clinical decision making in 68% of cases.

Conclusions

These results suggest that rWES improves prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with congenital anomalies, and has an important impact on prenatal and peripartum parental and clinical decision making.
Micro‐computed tomography of isolated fetal hearts following termination of pregnancy: A feasibility study at 8 to 12 weeks' gestation
Authors: Sandaite Inga , Lombardi Claudio , Cook Andrew C , Fabietti Isabella , Deprest Jan , Boito Simona
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of retrieval of intact human fetal hearts after first trimester surgical termination of pregnancy (TOP) and subsequent anatomical assessment by postmortem micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT).

Methods

In a cohort of consenting women undergoing surgical TOP between 8 and 13 weeks' gestation, we attempted the retrieval of the fetal heart from the suction material. Specimens were immersion fixed in 10% formaldehyde, scanned by iodine‐enhanced micro‐CT and cardiac anatomy assessed by a multidisciplinary team using 3D‐multiplanar analysis.

Results

The median gestational age at TOP was 10.7 weeks (range 8.3‐12.9). In 57 (95.0%) out of 60 suction specimens, the heart could be retrieved. The median cardiac length was 5 mm (range 2‐8 mm), in three (5.3%), the heart was too damaged to assess cardiac anatomy and in five (8.7%) only the four chambers could be examined. In the remaining 49 (86.0%) cases, a detailed assessment of cardiac anatomy was possible, showing a major defect in two (4.1%) and a minor defect in four (8.2%).

Conclusions

Fetal hearts can be retrieved after first trimester TOP being intact in the vast majority of cases. Iodine‐enhanced, postmortem micro‐CT can be used to assess cardiac anatomy from as early as 8 weeks and to describe heart abnormalities.
Effect of dose and adjuvant on uptake of triclopyr and dicamba into Pinus contorta needles
Authors: Rolando Carol A. , Gaskin Robyn E. , Horgan David B. , Richardson Brian
Published: April 2020

Why this research Matters

Management of dense infestations of wilding Pinus contorta in New Zealand requires high doses of herbicides; 18 kg active ingredient (a.i.) ha−1 triclopyr and 5 kg a.i. ha−1 dicamba are used in combination with a complex mix of adjuvants (methylated seed oil, non‐ionic surfactant and ammonium sulfate) and other active ingredients. From the perspective of cost and environmental impact there is a need to reduce the complexity of this tank mix and the rates of active ingredients. Using radiolabelled herbicides, this study evaluated the effect of dose and adjuvants (crop oils, non‐ionic surfactants, and organosilicones) on needle injury and uptake of triclopyr and dicamba into P. contorta needles at 24 hr or 7 days after treatment (DAT). The uptake of triclopyr decreased significantly with increasing concentration (0.75%–6%) resulting in the highest uptake dose at the equivalent of 18 kg a.i. ha−1 triclopyr at 7 DAT. When applied at 18 kg a.i. ha−1, none of the adjuvants tested significantly increased the uptake of triclopyr (applied as Grazon®), with ~50% uptake occurring at 7 DAT. The uptake of dicamba (applied as Kamba® at 5 kg a.i. and 10 kg a.i. ha−1) was significantly affected by dose and adjuvants. The uptake of dicamba applied at 5 kg a.i. ha−1 was low at 7 DAT with no adjuvant (31%); however, use of a methylated seed oil doubled the uptake. When triclopyr and dicamba were applied together, there was no evidence that either active ingredient negatively affected uptake of the other, with triclopyr enhancing uptake of dicamba. These results show potential to reduce the amount of herbicide used for conifer control without compromising efficacy.
Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels containing redox‐responsive 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy methacrylate and thermoresponsive N‐isopropylacrylamide
Authors: Khodeir Miriam , Jia He , Antoun Sayed , Friebe Christian , Schubert Ulrich S. , Lu Yan , Van Ruymbeke Evelyne , Gohy Jean‐François
Published: April 2020

Smart hydrogels containing 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinoxy methacrylate (TEMPO) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) that undergo reversible redox behavior are prepared and investigated. Several polymer networks are first prepared by free‐radical copolymerization of varying amounts of TEMPO, NIPAM, and a crosslinker (diethylene glycol diacrylate) and subsequently swelled with water to lead to hydrogels. In order to investigate the effects of the redox activity of TEMPO units and of the lower critical solution temperature of NIPAM on the hydrogel properties, a study of the swelling ratio of the polymer networks in distilled water at different temperatures is performed for the two forms of TEMPO, the reduced (TEMPO) and oxidized (TEMPO+) one. Moreover, the rheological properties are also measured for both hydrogel forms. Finally, the encapsulation abilities of the oxidized hydrogels are demonstrated via electrostatic interactions between positively charged TEMPO+ units and negatively charged guest molecules, supporting future application of our system in the biomedical and environmental fields.
Managing process safety during difficult economic times
Authors: Herber John W.
Published: April 2020

A number of economic factors have collided recently: the step drop in the price of oil, uncertainty in the United States and global economies, and mixed signals from economic and political leaders of many countries. All of these conditions have placed companies, especially those affected by oil prices under difficult economic stress. Companies are taking radical actions to, reduce capital and operational spending and in general, reduce cost. These economic pressures can be onerous on all areas of a business, but especially on the production floor‐level operations. Cost‐cutting dicta come from the executive levels, demanding a significant reduction in operating expenses or capital expenditures even when production levels are stable or increasing. While all areas of a company feel the impacts, key process safety impacts are felt on the shop floor; by the exact people, process safety is meant to protect, the operators, maintenance personnel and their supervisors. During these times of extreme economic pressure, it is imperative that process safety systems are not allowed to lose effectiveness. This article is intended to serve as a reminder of some impacts of cost cutting and to present tools to combat the loss of process safety effectiveness.
Heavy Elements Revealed in Jejunum of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Monkeys by Microparticle Induced X‐Ray Emission
Authors: Whitlow Harry J. , Deoli Naresh T. , de Vera Armin , Morgan Karen , Villinger Francois
Published: April 2020

Archived jejunum tissue block specimens from control and simian immunodeficiency virus‐infected rhesus macaques are characterized using particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) in a MeV ion microprobe with 2 MeV protons. The results show considerable variance in the concentration of some elements (Ti, Mn, and Fe) between viremic and control tissue. Ti, Mn, and Fe are present at levels 50‐fold lower in samples from viremic versus control monkeys, a difference markedly higher than previously reported for infections. Pb and Ti are observed particularly in the crypts of both viremic and control jejunum samples. This is likely to be caused by ingestion of paint fragments picked from the cages used to house the animals.
The Push Drill Mechanism as a Novel Method to Create 3D Mechanical Metamaterial Structures
Authors: Farrugia Pierre-Sandre , Gatt Ruben , Grima Joseph N.
Published: April 2020

Two of the most prominent 2D auxetic mechanisms, namely, the rotating rigid unit and the chiral systems, work, at least partly, by converting linear to rotational motion. This property can be harnessed by introducing a system that can convert back the rotational motion to a linear displacement so as to induce an expansion or a compression in the out‐of‐plane direction. The push drill mechanism offers an effective way of providing this capability. It is, hence, possible to couple 2D rotating rigid unit or chiral structures to the push drill mechanism to create novel 3D auxetic structures. The resultant Poisson's ratio in the out‐of‐plane direction can be both negative and positive depending on the connectivity. Herein, the concept is illustrated with the use of rotating squares. An analytical model is derived to determine the parameters on which Poisson's ratio and Young's moduli depend. Subsequently, the analytical results are compared with those obtained from experimental testing of different sample structures with the two showing good agreement. Further considerations indicate that it is possible to design 2D and 3D auxetic systems with the push drill as the only deformation mechanism.
A Dopant‐Free Hole Transporting Layer for Efficient and Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Si Huayan , Yadav Pankaj , Prochowicz Daniel , Tavakoli Rouhollah
Published: April 2020

Herein, a new dopant‐free organic material, PV2000, as a stable hole transporting layer (HTL) for the fabrication of stable and efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is introduced. For this purpose, planar PSCs using a triple‐A cation perovskite composition are fabricated and the commonly used 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) HTL is replaced by dopant‐free PV2000 polymer. The characterization results disclose that the PV2000 has a great thermal stability, good hole mobility, and suitable band alignment that matches well with the valence band of triple‐A cation perovskite. After proper optimization of PV2000 film thickness, a planar PSC with maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.93% is achieved, which is comparable with the spiro‐based device (19.62%). Moreover, the PCE of the PV2000‐based device is further improved up to 20.5% using a band alignment engineering by deposition of thin layer of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at perovskite/HTL interface. More importantly, it is found that the thermal, moisture, and operational stabilities of the PSCs with PV2000 HTL are improved drastically compared with the spiro‐based devices, where the PSC with PV2000 retains ≈88% of its initial PCE value under continuous illumination for 250 h compared with the spiro‐based one (39%).
Effect of oligonucleotide structural difference on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization in‐source decay in comparison with collision‐induced dissociation fragmentation
Authors: Kimura Satoshi , Obika Satoshi
Published: April 2020

Rationale

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an effective tool for the structural analysis of oligonucleotides. Currently, various modifications of oligonucleotides have been proposed to increase the efficacy and safety of oligonucleotide therapeutics. For MS‐based structural characterization, the fragmentation behavior of modified oligonucleotides by MS must first be determined.

Methods

The impact of the oligonucleotide structure on the in‐source decay (ISD) of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) was examined using a new matrix and compared with collision‐induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation behavior.

Results

When a part of the oligonucleotide structure was replaced, an impact was observed at the 3′ side of the replaced structure. Among the oligonucleotide components considered herein, nucleobases most significantly impacted both ISD and CID fragmentation patterns.

Conclusions

Compared with CID, ISD was less sensitive to structural differences. Because ISD fragmentation was less affected by various oligonucleotide modifications, MALDI is a useful and applicable method for the structural characterization or identification of various modified oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Selection of elite Bradyrhizobium strains by biometric techniques for inoculation in cowpea
Authors: Oliveira Dâmiany Pádua , Soares Bruno Lima , Ferreira Paulo Ademar Avelar , Passos Thiago Ribeiro , da Silva Jacqueline Savana , Ferreira Daniel Furtado , de Andrade Messias José Bastos , Moreira Fatima Maria de Souza
Published: April 2020

Plant breeding programs seek to obtain genotypes with high yield, yield stability, and wide adaptability to environments. Selection of strains (genotypes) for adoption as crop inoculants has a similar aim. However, in both cases, the genotype × environment interaction hinders selection of materials adapted to the most diverse edaphic and climatic conditions. Nevertheless, with adequate biometric techniques, the variation in the response of each strain in the environments can be analyzed, allowing selection of those with the type of response and standard desired. In the present pioneering field study, the Toler and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis models and the Annicchiarico method were used in a complementary manner with strains of nitrogen‐fixing bacteria that are symbionts with cowpea to determine their adaptabilities and phenotypic stabilities. The adaptability and phenotypic stabilities of strains INPA 03‐11B and UFLA 03‐164 were confirmed by these techniques. These strains have the most stable behavior regardless of the environment. The reliability of adopting these strains exceeded 85%. The good response of strain UFLA03‐164, still in the selection phase, is surprising, with results equivalent to application of mineral N, allowing it to be included among the strains approved as inoculants for cowpea.
Thermal Behavior and Densification Mechanism during Selective Laser Melting Additive Manufacturing of Metal Powder
Authors: Duan Chenghong , Zhao Minghuang , Luo Xiangpeng
Published: April 2020

Herein, based on the ABAQUS commercial finite‐element analysis (FEA) software, a set of user subroutines is designed, and then a 3D FEA model is proposed to systematically and quantitatively investigate the effects of laser processing parameters on the evolution of molten pool structure and complicated thermal behavior during the selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing of H13 die steel. The SLM experiments are conducted to verify the accuracy and reliability of simulation and reveal the densification behavior of SLM‐fabricated H13 die steel parts. The underlying thermal mechanism is revealed, and the relationship among laser processing parameters, thermal behavior, and densification is established. It is found that the densification behavior is highly sensitive to the applied volume energy density (VED). The densification level is effectively controlled by adjusting VED, hence obtaining the parts with excellent performance. The SLM‐fabricated specimens with nearly full dense cross sections are obtained, as the applied VED increases to 111 J mm−3. Research results found herein lie a foundation for the actual SLM processing of H13 die steel and provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the laser rapid prototyping of other die steels or even complete die parts.
Revealing Austenite Stability in Fe–30Mn–5Al–0.5C Twinning‐Induced Plasticity Steel Using Differential Thermal Analysis
Authors: Bastidas David M. , Medina Sebastián F. , Ress Jacob , Jiménez José A. , Bastidas José M.
Published: April 2020

The thermal stability of austenite in as‐cast high‐alloyed Fe–30Mn–5Al–0.5C twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP) steel has been studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA). TWIP steels are subjected to austenization treatments in the temperature range between 800 and 1200 ºC and holding times between 3 and 100 min. Different heating and cooling rate conditions are applied, including cooling rates between 0.1 and 1.0 K s−1 and three heating rates 0.08, 0.33, and 0.83 K s−1. The DTA results show that austenite is stable for all of the heat treatments applied. Microstructural analysis reveals a strong dendritic segregation due to the high percentages of Mn and Al in the composition of the TWIP steel. Finally, the austenitization temperature significantly influences the austenite grain size, unlike the cooling and heating rates that have an insignificant effect. The DTA results are confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction analysis, revealing a single‐phase γ‐austenite crystal structure.
Physicochemical Properties and Structure of Annealed Sweet Potato Starch: Effects of Enzyme and Ultrasound
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Hu Aijun , Zheng Jie , Li Lu , Li Li , Li Yang
Published: April 2020

Three annealing (ANN) treatments on the physicochemical properties and structure of sweet potato starch are investigated in this work, including pure ANN (PA), enzymatical ANN (EA), and ultrasonically enzymatic ANN (UEA). Experimental results indicated the effects of different treatments on the starch are in the order: UEA > EA > PA, which are reflected by the decrease of the relative crystallinity, short‐range molecular order, enthalpy (ΔH), and the increase of peak viscosity and swelling power. X‐ray diffraction showed that the reduction of relative crystallinity of starch after UEA is up to 9.25%, however, this decrease after EA is 4.9%. Thermal analysis suggested that the ΔH of starch with UEA is reduced up to 8.27%, and after EA it is 6.34%. The oil absorption rate of starch after UEA increases by a maximum of 23.35%, whereas with EA treatment it increases by only a maximum of 21.75%. Ultrasound and enzyme make tiny holes on starch granules. ANN does not change the appearance of granules suspended in deionized water, however it brings out tiny holes on some starches in phosphate buffer solution. In conclusion, EA is more effective than PA for modifying starch, and ultrasound promotes the EA process.
Histone demethylase KDM6A promotes somatic cell reprogramming by epigenetically regulating the PTEN and IL-6 signal pathways
Authors: Jiang Qi , Huang Xingwei , Hu Xinglin , Shan Zhiyan , Wu Yanshuang , Wu Guangming , Lei Lei
Published: April 2020

Aberrant epigenetic reprogramming is one of the major barriers for somatic cell reprogramming. Although our previous study has indicated that H3K27me3 demethylase KDM6A can improve the nuclear reprogramming efficiency, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the overexpression of Kdm6a may improve induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming efficiency in a demethylase enzymatic activity-dependent manner. KDM6A erased H3K27me3 on pluripotency- and metabolism-related genes, and consequently facilitated changing the gene expression profile and metabolic pattern to an intermediate state. Furthermore, KDM6A may promote IL-6 expression, and the secreted IL-6 may further improve iPSC reprogramming efficiency. In addition, KDM6A may promote PTEN expression to decrease p-AKT and p-mTOR levels, which in turn facilitates reprogramming. Overall, our results reveal that KDM6A may promote iPSC reprogramming efficiency by accelerating changes in the gene expression profile and the metabolic pattern in a demethylation-activity-dependent manner. These results may provide an insight into the relationship between epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and reprogramming.
Glioma stem cell (GSC)-derived autoschizis-like products confer GSC niche properties involving M1-like tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Tabu Kouichi , Liu Wenyu , Kosaku Akina , Terashima Kazuo , Murota Yoshitaka , Aimaitijiang Alapati , Nobuhisa Ikuo , Hide Takuichiro , Taga Tetsuya
Published: April 2020

Spontaneous necrosis is a defining feature of glioblastomas (GBMs), the most malignant glioma. Despite its strong correlations with poor prognosis, it remains unclear whether necrosis could be a possible cause or mere consequence of glioma progression. Here we isolated a particular fraction of necrotic products spontaneously arising from glioma cells, morphologically and biochemically defined as autoschizis-like products (ALPs). When administered to granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-primed bone marrow-derived macrophage/dendritic cells (Mφ/DCs), ALPs were found to be specifically engulfed by Mφs expressing a tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) marker CD204. ALPs from glioma stem cells (GSCs) had higher activity for the TAM development than those from non-GSCs. Of note, expression of the Il12b gene encoding a common subunit of IL-12/23 was upregulated in ALPs-educated Mφs. Furthermore, IL-12 protein evidently enhanced the sphere-forming activity of GBM patient-derived cells, although interestingly IL-12 is generally recognized as an antitumoral M1-Mφ marker. Finally, in silico analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) transcriptome data of primary and recurrent GBMs revealed that higher expression of these IL-12 family genes was well correlated with more infiltration of M1-type TAMs and closely associated with poorer prognosis in recurrent GBMs. Our results highlight a role of necrosis in GSC-driven self-beneficial niche construction and glioma progression, providing important clues for developing new therapeutic strategies against gliomas.
The top 5 FERPA sections: Practical applications, Part 5
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: April 2020

I didn't want you to think that, from the previous three columns, all of your Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act questions can be solved by using the three‐question approach. Although those three questions can help you determine the proper path for disclosing education records, that approach doesn't cover all the situations where you need to make FERPA‐compliant decisions. This is especially true when the human element is involved. And in most cases, the decision to be made boils down to your knowledge of FERPA and professional judgment.
Working from home? Follow these tips for successful remote work
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2020

So you're asked to work from home as COVID‐19 cases spread. Some jobs lend themselves to remote work better than others, but if your college or university says it's time to head home, you can accomplish a lot, no matter what your job responsibilities entail.
Bovine coronavirus in neonatal calf diarrhoea in Iran
Authors: Lotfollahzadeh Samad , Madadgar Omid , Reza Mohebbi Mohammad , Reza Mokhber Dezfouli Mohammad , George Watson David
Published: April 2020

Partial gene sequencing for the bovine coronavirus at the World Genebank is available for many countries, which are distributed unevenly in five continents, but so far, no sequencing of strains has been recorded in Iran. One hundred ninety‐four stool samples from calves with diarrhoea less than one‐month old were collected from five different geographical regions of country in order to detect coronavirus and characterize it if coronavirus was found. Samples were screened for the presence of BCoV by using a commercially available ELISA kit. Furthermore, RT‐PCR was carried out on positive samples for confirmation of the presence of N and S specific genes. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis was carried out following RT‐PCR tests. 7.2% of samples, were positive for BCoV and all stool samples from the South‐West, Northeast and West regions of Iran were negative. The results showed that all the strains of coronavirus identified in Iran were completely in independent clusters and that they did not stand in the same cluster as any of the strains identified in other parts of the world. The strains from Iran were quite different from strains in other parts of the world but from the point of similarity these viruses showed some similarities to the European strains, such as those found in France, Croatia, Denmark and Sweden.
A gentleman from Hampstead: statistical weather forecasting in 1750s London
Authors: Tinkler Keith J
Published: April 2020

The London Chronicle published between 1758 and 1763 contains a weather record of daily data for temperature, pressure and wind direction published every fortnight and a temperature forecast for the coming fortnight, together with summary statistics of pressure and temperature (1762 excepted). Comparisons with contemporary daily records in Gentleman's and Universal Magazines show that the data are statistically sound within the context of the period. The average temperature forecast for the forthcoming fortnight was made by averaging the mean of all previous corresponding fortnights. It is believed to be the first time a statistical method was used to forecast future temperature. A comparison of the London and Hampstead data with the Central England Temperature record (CET) demonstrates that London was very slightly warmer than CET by 0.15°C, primarily during the October to April period, which suggests domestic and commercial heating. In contrast, Hampstead was systematically cooler by 0.85°C. The contributor is styled as a gentleman from Hampstead and is tentatively identified as Francis Bateman, who died in Hampstead on 23 June 1764, and who may have been born in Clerkenwell (Central London) in 1697. Nothing else is known about him.
Neutral Hexacoordinate Tin(IV) Halide Complexes with 4,4'‐Dimethy‐2,2'‐bipyridine
Authors: Gómez‐Alcocer Fátima , Castro Abril C. , Jimenez‐Halla J. Oscar C. , Saldaña‐Piña Noe , Basavanag Murali V. , Báez‐García J. Eduardo , Bonilla‐Cruz José , López Jorge A. , González‐García Gerardo
Published: April 2020

A series of three neutral, hexacoordinate tin(IV) complexes were synthesized by the reaction of 4,4'‐dimethyl‐2,2'‐bipyridine (DMB) with SnX4, X = Cl, Br, and I, as starting materials. The complexes (DMB)SnX4 were characterized in solution by 1H, 13C, and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid‐state by 119Sn MAS NMR spectroscopy. In addition, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and elemental analysis were used to confirm the molecular structures. In these complexes, the tin atom adopts a distorted octahedral arrangement and the DMB acts as a bidentate N,N'‐chelate ligand. Computational DFT methods were also employed to gain more insight into the nature of the bonding in these complexes, including the hypothetical complexes (DMB)SnX4 (X = F, At). Additionally, the validity and reliability of the 119Sn NMR chemical shifts were examined. The calculated values were compared with the experimental signals and the effects of structure and solvent are discussed. Finally, all of the complexes (DMB)SnX4 were successfully tested for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of bulk ε‐caprolactone under non‐dried and aerobic conditions as precatalyst.
Thermal loop effects on large-scale curvature perturbation in the Higgs inflation
Authors: Chang Po-Wen , Chiang Cheng-Wei , Ng Kin-Wang
Published: April 2020

Abstract

It is known that the Higgs potential in the Standard Model can drive a successful inflation as long as the Higgs field couples non-minimally to gravity. It is then inevitable to take into account the loop corrections of the Standard Model particles to the Higgs potential in the Higgs inflation. In this paper, we discuss the one-loop corrections at finite temperature to the curvature perturbation generated during the Higgs inflation. We find that the thermal loop effects can suppress the power of the curvature perturbation at large scales, thus resulting in a low quadrupole of the temperature anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background.
Constructing d-log integrands and computing master integrals for three-loop four-particle scattering
Authors: Henn Johannes , Mistlberger Bernhard , Smirnov Vladimir A. , Wasser Pascal
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We compute all master integrals for massless three-loop four-particle scattering amplitudes required for processes like di-jet or di-photon production at the LHC. We present our result in terms of a Laurent expansion of the integrals in the dimensional regulator up to 8th power, with coefficients expressed in terms of harmonic polylogarithms. As a basis of master integrals we choose integrals with integrands that only have logarithmic poles — called dlog forms. This choice greatly facilitates the subsequent computation via the method of differential equations. We detail how this basis is obtained via an improved algorithm originally developed by one of the authors. We provide a public implementation of this algorithm. We explain how the algorithm is naturally applied in the context of unitarity. In addition, we classify our dlog forms according to their soft and collinear properties.
Dual-room twin-CT scanner in multiple trauma care: first results after implementation in a level one trauma centre
Authors: Kippnich Maximilian , Schorscher Nora , Kredel Markus , Markus Christian , Eden Lars , Gassenmaier Tobias , Lock Johann , Wurmb Thomas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The trauma centre of the Wuerzburg University Hospital has integrated a pioneering dual-room twin-CT scanner in a multiple trauma pathway. For concurrent treatment of two trauma patients, two carbon CT examination and intervention tables are positioned head to head with one sliding CT-Gantry in the middle. The focus of this study is the process of trauma care with the time to CT (tCT) and the time to operation (tOR) as quality indicator.

Methods

All patients with suspected multiple trauma, who required emergency surgery and who were initially diagnosed by the CT trauma protocol between 05/2018 and 12/2018 were included. Data relating to time spans (tCT and tOR), severity of injury and outcome was obtained.

Results

110 of the 589 screened trauma patients had surgery immediately after finishing primary assessment in the ER. The ISS was 17 (9–34) (median and interquartile range, IQR). tCT was 15 (11–19) minutes (median and IQR) and tOR was 96.5 (75–119) minutes (median and IQR). In the first 30 days, seven patients died (6.4%) including two within the first 24 h (2%). There were two ICU days (1–6) (median and IQR) and one (0–1) (median and IQR) ventilator day.

Conclusion

The twin-CT technology is a fascinating tool to organize high-quality trauma care for two multiple trauma patients simultaneously.
Combining results from hip impingement and range of motion tests can increase diagnostic accuracy in patients with FAI syndrome
Authors: Pålsson Anders , Kostogiannis Ioannis , Ageberg Eva
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Clinical examination is an important part in the diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. However, knowledge on reliability and validity of clinical diagnostic tests is scarce. The aims were to evaluate the inter-rater agreement and diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests to detect patients with FAI syndrome.

Methods

Eighty-one patients (49% women) were recruited. Two experienced raters performed impingement and range of motion (ROM) tests. Three criteria had to be fulfilled for the diagnosis of FAI syndrome: (1) symptoms; (2) CAM and/or Pincer morphology; and (3) being responder to intra-articular block injection. For inter-rater agreement, the Cohen’s kappa statistics were used (0.41–0.60 = moderate, 0.61–0.80 = substantial agreement). For diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results

Anterior impingement test (AIMT), FADIR test and FABER test showed kappa values above 0.6. All passive hip ROM, except extension, had kappa values above 0.4. AIMT and FADIR showed the highest sensitivity, i.e., 80%, with a specificity of 26% and 25%, respectively. Passive hip ROM in internal rotation with neutral hip position had a sensitivity of 29% and a specificity of 94%.

Conclusion

The AIMT, FADIR and FABER tests were reliable between two experienced raters, while results from different raters for hip ROM should be interpreted with caution. The AIMT and FADIR test can only be used to rule out patients with FAI syndrome, while evaluation of ROM in internal rotation with neutral position may be more suitable to rule in patients with FAI syndrome.

Level of evidence

II.
Influence of complex geometries on the properties of laser-hardened surfaces
Authors: Volpp Joerg , Dewi Handika Sandra , Fischer Andreas , Niendorf Thomas
Published: April 2020

Laser surface hardening provides for many advantages in terms of flexible production due to very localized and controlled energy input into the material. Laser processing offers the possibility to treat surfaces in order to locally strengthen the areas that are prone to fatigue cracking. It is well known that laser energy absorption depends on many parameters, e.g., the surface structure and the surface orientation. The incident angle of the laser beam plays a key role in this regard. When complex geometries like crankshaft fillets are treated, the surface cannot be considered a series of flat surfaces. Obviously, this leads to locally varying degrees of energy absorption. In the present work, curved surface structures were chosen in order to analyze the impact of the geometrical characteristics on surface and subsurface material properties after laser treatment. Microstructure evolution generally was found to be similar for flat and curved geometries. However, even if higher absorption in the groove due to the illumination at larger incident angles was expected, the outer parts of the curved geometry were not fully hardened. Thus, the increased effective length of the complex geometry-treated and the larger heat-affected volume are expected to have a more dominant influence on the final appearance of the subsurface microstructure. Eventually, for austenitization of the complete illuminated surface volume, the energy density needs to be increased.
Establishing spectrochemical changes in the natural history of oesophageal adenocarcinoma from tissue Raman mapping analysis
Authors: Maitra Ishaan , Morais Camilo L. M. , Lima Kássio M. G. , Ashton Katherine M. , Bury Danielle , Date Ravindra S. , Martin Francis L.
Published: April 2020

Raman spectroscopy is a fast and sensitive technique able to identify molecular changes in biological specimens. Herein, we report on three cases where Raman microspectroscopy was used to distinguish normal vs. oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) (case 1) and Barrett’s oesophagus vs. OAC (cases 2 and 3) in a non-destructive and highly accurate fashion. Normal and OAC tissues were discriminated using principal component analysis plus linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) with 97% accuracy (94% sensitivity and 100% specificity) (case 1); Barrett’s oesophagus vs. OAC tissues were discriminated with accuracies ranging from 98 to 100% (97–100% sensitivity and 100% specificity). Spectral markers responsible for class differentiation were obtained through the difference-between-mean spectrum for each group and the PCA loadings, where C–O–C skeletal mode in β-glucose (900 cm−1), lipids (967 cm−1), phosphodioxy (1296 cm−1), deoxyribose (1456 cm−1) and collagen (1445, 1665 cm−1) were associated with normal and OAC tissue differences. Phenylalanine (1003 cm−1), proline/collagen (1066, 1445 cm−1), phospholipids (1130 cm−1), CH2 angular deformation (1295 cm−1), disaccharides (1462 cm−1) and proteins (amide I, 1672/5 cm−1) were associated with Barrett’s oesophagus and OAC tissue differences. These findings show the potential of using Raman microspectroscopy imaging for fast and accurate diagnoses of oesophageal pathologies and establishing subtle molecular changes predisposing to adenocarcinoma in a clinical setting.
Radiological findings of denosumab treatment for giant cell tumours of bone
Authors: van Langevelde Kirsten , McCarthy Catherine L.
Published: April 2020

Giant cell tumours of bone (GCTB) are benign giant cell-rich tumours typically occurring in the epi-metaphysis of skeletally mature patients. Despite their benign classification, GCTB may be locally aggressive with local recurrence as a challenging issue. Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits osteolysis via the RANK-RANK ligand pathway. There is currently no consensus on optimal treatment duration or imaging modality for monitoring patients on denosumab therapy. This review illustrates the radiological findings of GCTB on denosumab treatment seen on plain radiographs, CT, MRI, PET-CT and DEXA, with reference to the current literature. Recognizing imaging features indicative of a positive response to denosumab is important for therapeutic decision-making. Imaging findings with respect to duration of denosumab treatment, tumour upregulation during treatment, tumour recurrence and malignant transformation are discussed. The development of a sclerotic neocortex and varying degrees of matrix osteosclerosis are seen on plain radiographs. Reconstitution of subarticular bone and articular surface irregularity are optimally evaluated on CT which can also quantify tumour density. MRI demonstrates heterogeneous low signal matrix and is useful to assess decrease in size of cystic and/or soft tissue components of GCTB. A fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive MR sequence is important to detect tumour reactivation. Reduction in 18F-FDG-PET avidity represents an early sensitive sign of response to denosumab treatment. Regardless of imaging modality, close follow-up in a specialist centre and careful evaluation of nonresponders is necessary as local recurrence after cessation of denosumab treatment and malignant transformation of GCTB have been described.
Optic chiasm measurements may be useful markers of anterior optic pathway degeneration in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Juenger Valentin , Cooper Graham , Chien Claudia , Chikermane Meera , Oertel Frederike Cosima , Zimmermann Hanna , Ruprecht Klemens , Jarius Sven , Siebert Nadja , Kuchling Joseph , Papadopoulou Athina , Asseyer Susanna , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Paul Friedemann , Brandt Alexander U. , Scheel Michael
Published: April 2020

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate optic chiasm (OC) measures as potential imaging marker for anterior optic pathway damage assessment in the context of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Materials and method

This cross-sectional study included 39 patients exclusively with aquaporin 4-IgG seropositive NMOSD of which 25 patients had a history of optic neuritis (NMOSD-ON) and 37 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). OC heights, width, and area were measured using standard 3D T1-weighted MRI. Sensitivity of these measures to detect neurodegeneration in the anterior optic pathway was assessed in receiver operating characteristics analyses. Correlation coefficients were used to assess associations with structural measures of the anterior optic pathway (optic nerve dimensions, retinal ganglion cell loss) and clinical measures (visual function and disease duration).

Results

OC heights and area were significantly smaller in NMOSD-ON compared to HC (NMOSD-ON vs. HC p < 0.0001). An OC area smaller than 22.5 mm2 yielded a sensitivity of 0.92 and a specificity of 0.92 in separating chiasms of NMOSD-ON from HC. OC area correlated well with structural and clinical measures in NMOSD-ON: optic nerve diameter (r = 0.4, p = 0.047), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r = 0.59, p = 0.003), global visual acuity (r = − 0.57, p = 0.013), and diseases duration (r = − 0.5, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that OC measures are promising and easily accessible imaging markers for the assessment of anterior optic pathway damage.

Key Points

• Optic chiasm dimensions were smaller in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients compared to healthy controls.

• Optic chiasm dimensions are associated with retinal measures and visual dysfunction.

• The optic chiasm might be used as an easily accessible imaging marker of neurodegeneration in the anterior optic pathway with potential functional relevance.
Variation in mobility and exercise adaptations between Drosophila species
Authors: Cobb Tyler , Sujkowski Alyson , Morton Courtney , Ramesh Divya , Wessells Robert
Published: April 2020

Locomotion and mobility have been studied extensively in Drosophila melanogaster but less is known about the locomotor capacity of other Drosophila species, while the response to chronic exercise in other species has yet to be examined. We have shown that adult male D. melanogaster adapt to exercise training with improved running endurance, climbing speed, and flight ability compared to unexercised flies. Here, we examine baseline mobility of D. sechellia, D. simulans, and D. virilis, and their response to chronic exercise training. We found significant interspecific differences in mobility and in the response to exercise. Although there is a significant sex difference in exercise adaptations in D. melanogaster, intraspecific analysis reveals few sex differences in other Drosophila species. As octopamine has been shown to be important for exercise adaptations in D. melanogaster, we also asked if any observed differences could be attributed to baseline octopamine levels. We find that octopamine and tyramine levels have the same rank order as baseline climbing speed and endurance in males, but do not predict the response to chronic exercise in males or females. Future research should focus on determining the mechanisms responsible for the inter- and intraspecific differences in mobility and the response to exercise.
Erfassung der Mundgesundheit von ambulant betreuten Senioren durch Hausärzte
Authors: Barbe Anna Greta , Spiritus Sabine , Hagemeier Anna , Noack Michael J. , Röhrig Gabriele
Published: April 2020

Hintergrund

Einschränkungen der Mundgesundheit ambulant betreuter Senioren in Deutschland werden trotz hoher Prävalenz im hausärztlich-geriatrischen Bereich nicht routinemäßig erfasst. Da Senioren Hausärzte mit höherem Alter häufiger aufsuchen als Zahnärzte, stellt sich die Frage, ob reduzierte Mundgesundheit im Praxisalltag mit einem interdisziplinären Screeninginstrument identifiziert werden kann.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der Arbeit ist, ein Screeninginstrument für reduzierte Mundgesundheit für Hausärzte zu entwickeln und dieses durch zahnmedizinische Befunde zu validieren.

Material und Methoden

Das geriatrische ambulante Mundgesundheits-Screening (GAMS) als subjektives Screeninginstrument wurde entwickelt, um für geriatrische Patienten relevante zahnmedizinische Aspekte wie Kauprobleme, Schmerzen, Parodontitis, Mundgeruch oder Mundtrockenheit in dichotomen Fragen abzubilden. Zudem erfolgt die Einschätzung der Dringlichkeit eines Zahnarztbesuches durch den Behandler. Es wurden n = 75 Patienten eingeschlossen und der GAMS sowie eine zahnärztliche Untersuchung zur Validierung durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Bei subjektiver Einschätzung als auch im zahnmedizinischen Befund zeigte sich reduzierte Mundgesundheit, insbesondere bei Risikofaktoren für die Entwicklung systemischer Komorbiditäten wie Dysphagie und Mangelernährung, wobei Mundgesundheitsprobleme durch die Patienten unterschätzt wurden. Einbisse, Kauschwierigkeiten und Mundtrockenheit zeigten ausreichende Übereinstimmung zwischen oralem Befund und subjektiver Einschätzung.

Diskussion

Der GAMS könnte beitragen, die Erwägung und Berücksichtigung von Mundgesundheitsproblemen bei geriatrischen Patienten im hausärztlichen Setting zu erleichtern und die Zusammenarbeit mit Zahnmedizinern im Sinne europäischer Handlungsempfehlungen fördern.