bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural and linguistic adaptation of psychosocial measurements for latinx participants—Leveraging community‐engaged research methods
Authors: Nagy Gabriela A. , Solorzano Rosa , Stafford Allison M. , Mercado Emerson Maralis , Gonzalez‐Guarda Rosa
Published: April 2021

Predominantly Spanish‐speaking Latinx individuals are underrepresented in research, and one primary barrier is the lack of infrastructure to effectively engage, among them, adequate cultural and linguistic adaptation of research measures. Capitalizing on existing recommendations for appropriate and ethical engagement of Latinx individuals in research, we present a comprehensive approach to cultural and linguistic adaptation, and describe the application of this approach in the context of an ongoing longitudinal, observational, community‐engaged study that follows a cohort of young adult Latinx immigrants (ages 18–44) in the Southeastern region of the United States who were predominantly Spanish‐speakers (N = 391). We describe barriers that researchers may face in their pursuit of cultural and linguistic adaptation and offset these challenges with tangible solutions. We discuss lessons learned through our application to a research study. This approach holds promise for reducing barriers to participation in research and health disparities in predominantly Spanish‐speaking Latinx individuals, who represent a population that is growing in size in the United States yet is still underrepresented as research participants and in the research workforce.
Synergistic effects of strontium carbonate on a novel intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene system
Authors: Chen Kui , Cheng Jingwei , Wu Bin , Liu Chengjuan , Guo Jianing
Published: April 2021

The effect of a synergistic flame‐retardant system with epoxy resin microcapsule modified ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) as the primary flame retardant, and strontium carbonate (SrCO3) as the synergistic agent on the flame retardancy of polypropylene (PP) were studied. The flame‐retardant performance of the prepared PP composite samples was analyzed by vertical combustion test (UL94), limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, cone calorimeter test, infrared chromatography (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and other technical means. The results showed that when the addition amount of SrCO3 was 1.5 wt%, the LOI reached 36.1%, and the UL‐94 test reached V‐0. Compared with no SrCO3 added sample, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) dropped from 395 to 378 kW/m2. The SEM data showed that the addition of SrCO3 enabled the flame‐retardant system to form a firmer char layer. The TGA data showed that SrCO3 catalyzes the MAPP reaction to form a cross‐linked structure and forms a bridge bond between the two phosphate groups to promote a stable carbon layer. Compared with no SrCO3 added sample, PP composite's tensile strength was increased from 26.78 to 29.42 MPa. Thus, a suitable amount of SrCO3 had a synergistic effect on the flame retardancy of the PP composite and had improved the system's mechanical properties.
Preparation of phytic acid‐based green intumescent flame retardant and its application in PLA nonwovens
Authors: Yang Yufan , Wang Xingguo , Fei Bin , Li Hongfei , Gu Xiaoyu , Sun Jun , Zhang Sheng
Published: April 2021

As a bio‐based and biodegradable textile, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nonwovens are an important supplement for nature cotton, flax, and silk. This work concentrated on improving the flame retardancy of PLA nonwovens by introducing a novel eco‐friendly flame retardant (TPA), which was synthesized from phytic acid and tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl aminomethane. The structure, composition, and properties of TPA were fully characterized, and the results showed that TPA owned excellent thermal expansion performance. The flame retardancy of PLA nonwovens was efficiently improved by the presence of TPA. For PLA/23%TPA sample, the molten droplet was inhibited and the damaged area was decreased by 71.8%. The LOI value was increased from 18.0% of control PLA to 26.5%, and the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) were decreased by 30.2% and 29.0%, respectively. Besides, TG analysis confirmed a great char‐forming capability of the treated fabrics with the residue amount increasing from 1.8 to 11.6 wt% at 800°C. TPA released vapor, phosphorus radicals into the gas phase, and also promoted to form a compact char barrier in the condensed phase, which enhanced the carbonization and flame retardancy of PLA nonwovens. To our best knowledge, our work is one of the few studies focused on the flame retardancy of bio‐based PLA nonwovens.
On the kinetic theory of fracture based on thermomechanical properties for fatigue life prediction of filament wound carbon fiber/epoxy composite cylindrical shell
Authors: Nikpourian Hediyeh , Bahramian Ahmad Reza , Molaee Morteza
Published: April 2021

This work presents a model of kinetic theory of fracture for predicting the fatigue life of carbon fiber/epoxy composite ring from a combination of thermogravimetric analyses and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of mechanical tests under different loading strains and investigates the effect of environmental exposure on the surface morphology, thermal, and fatigue properties of the composite ring. Three kinetic parameters of the model are first calibrated by means of experimental data. Then, the model is capable of predicting the fatigue life of the composite ring under ambient condition. Eventually, the influence of material constant on the fatigue life of the composite ring is studied. The main result of this work is the arrangement of theory and tests to fatigue life prediction, and it is found that the acetone solution has more devastating effect on reduction in the fatigue strength and thermal degradation of the composite ring in comparison to KMnO4 solution.
A conceptual model of fertility concerns among adolescents and young adults with cancer
Authors: Canzona Mollie R. , Victorson David E. , Murphy Karly , Clayman Marla L. , Patel Bonnie , Puccinelli‐Ortega Nicole , McLean Thomas W. , Harry Onengiya , Little‐Greene Denisha , Salsman John M.
Published: April 2021

Objective

For adolescents and young adults (AYAs), cancer‐related fertility concerns (FC) are salient, disruptive, and complex. Clinical communication about FC and fertility preservation options are suboptimal, increasing patient distress. The purpose of this study is to construct a conceptual model of FC among AYAs with cancer to inform future measurement development.

Methods

Concept elicitation interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of stakeholders: 36 AYAs (10 adolescents, 12 emerging adults, and 14 young adults), 36 AYA oncology health care providers, and 12 content experts in cancer‐related infertility. The constant comparative method was used to identify themes and properties that illustrate AYAs' conceptualization and/or experience of FC.

Results

Thirteen themes characterized FC among AYAs with cancer, varying by stakeholder group and domain affiliations. Themes were grouped by four domains (e.g., affective, information, coping, and logistical), which organized the conceptual model. Affective experiences were further determined to be an important component within the other three domains. AYAs' fertility and fertility preservation experiences were shaped by communication factors and timing factors including placement along the lifespan/cancer continuum.

Conclusions

AYA FC are characterized by uncertainty and confusion that may contribute to future decisional regret or magnify feelings of loss. Results add to previous research by examining individual, relational, and health care factors that fluctuate to inform fertility preservation perceptions and decision‐making across the AYA age spectrum. Findings will be used to develop and test new self‐report measures of FC among AYAs with cancer and survivors using classic and modern measurement theory approaches.
Insecticide resistance trait may contribute to genetic cluster change in Bemisia tabaci MED (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) as a potential driving force
Authors: Park Yujeong , Kim Sanghyeon , Lee Si Hyeock , Lee Joon‐Ho
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Previously, we reported that the majority of the Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) populations converged from two dominant genetic clusters (cluster 1 and 2) to one (cluster 2) during 1 year in greenhouse tomatoes in Korea. To find possible mechanisms for this phenomenon, we investigated the concurrent changes in resistance traits of the two clusters for three insecticide classes (organophosphate, pyrethroid, and neonicotinoid).

RESULTS

Since the resistance mutation frequencies in regional samples were either high (i.e. the voltage‐sensitive sodium channel L925I/T929V mutations and the F392 acetylcholinesterase 1 mutation) or zero (the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor R81T mutation), no meaningful correlation between the resistance allele frequency and genetic cluster was deduced. However, the actual resistance levels to all three insecticide classes were significantly higher in cluster 2 than in cluster 1, suggesting that cluster 2 has a higher resistance potential. Furthermore, thiamethoxam treatment to the mixed population of clusters 1 and 2 over three generations exhibited a strong tendency of population change from cluster 1 to cluster 2.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the insecticide resistance trait is one of the driving forces for rapid genetic cluster change in B. tabaci MED populations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hidden mover‐stayer model for disease progression accounting for misclassified and partially observed diagnostic tests: Application to the natural history of human papillomavirus and cervical precancer
Authors: Aron Jordan , Albert Paul S. , Wentzensen Nicolas , Cheung Li C.
Published: April 2021

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) have been proposed to model the natural history of diseases while accounting for misclassification in state identification. We introduce a discrete time HMM for human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical precancer/cancer where the hidden and observed state spaces are defined by all possible combinations of HPV, cytology, and colposcopy results. Because the population of women undergoing cervical cancer screening is heterogeneous with respect to sexual behavior, and therefore risk of HPV acquisition and subsequent precancers, we use a mover‐stayer mixture model that assumes a proportion of the population will stay in the healthy state and are not subject to disease progression. As each state is a combination of three distinct tests that characterize the cervix, partially observed data arise when at least one but not every test is observed. The standard forward‐backward algorithm, used for evaluating the E‐step within the E‐M algorithm for maximum‐likelihood estimation of HMMs, cannot incorporate time points with partially observed data. We propose a new forward‐backward algorithm that considers all possible fully observed states that could have occurred across a participant's follow‐up visits. We apply our method to data from a large management trial for women with low‐grade cervical abnormalities. Our simulation study found that our method has relatively little bias and out preforms simpler methods that resulted in larger bias.
Triazine Based MOFs with Abundant N Sites for Selective Nitrobenzene Detection
Authors: Chen Jingan , Chen Ting , Xiang Shengchang , Zhang Jindan , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: April 2021

High sensitivity and selectivity detection of nitrobenzene based on luminescence technology requires high density of functional sites. Due to the abundant functional N sites and good solubility in solvents, triazine derivative ligands are potential to construct frameworks as luminescence detection agent. Herein, a Pt3O4 topology Zn‐MOF (FJU‐120) based on 2‐amino‐4,6‐bis(4‐pyridine)‐1,3,5‐triazine(DAPT) and 1,3,5‐Tris‐(p‐carboxyphenyl)benzene (H3BTB) as dual‐ligands was synthesized for selective detection of nitrobenzene. FJU‐120 crystallizes in the cubic system and Pm
n space group with a=27.5191(9), b=27.5191(9), c=27.5191(9) Å, β=90°, V=20840(2) Å3, Z=90, Mr=448.72, Dc=0.429 g/cm3, F(000)=2736. FJU‐120 shows selective fluorescence quenching behavior with nitrobenzene existing, and the corresponding
constant is 1124.65 L mol−1. This work reports a new potential crystalline porous material for toxic organic molecular fluorescence detection.
Ultrasonography: Sports Injuries
Authors: Allen Gina M. , Jacobson Jon A.
Published: April 2021

Ultrasonography is a valuable imaging method to evaluate for sports injuries. In the upper extremity, rotator cuff evaluation is most common. Other applications include examination of the biceps and subacromial-subdeltoid bursa in the shoulder, biceps, triceps, common extensor tendon and ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow and tendon tear, pulley injury and skier’s thumb in the wrist and hand. In the lower extremity, ankle sprains, muscle injury and groin pain are the most common problems benefiting from imaging, and ultrasound plays a vital role. Tendinopathy, tendon injury and ligament injury are well visualised in the hip, knee, ankle and foot by diagnostic ultrasound.
Peripheral Nerve Imaging
Authors: Griffith James F. , Guggenberger Roman
Published: April 2021

This chapter reviews the basics and practicalities of imaging the peripheral nerves with ultrasound and MRI. Nerve entrapment, tumours, trauma, and inflammation are covered. The complimentary role of ultrasound and MRI in imaging peripheral nerve disorders is stressed.
Real scalar phase transitions: a nonperturbative analysis
Authors: Gould Oliver
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We study the thermal phase transitions of a generic real scalar field, without a Z2-symmetry, referred to variously as an inert, sterile or singlet scalar, or ϕ3 + ϕ4 theory. Such a scalar field arises in a wide range of models, including as the inflaton, or as a portal to the dark sector. At high temperatures, we perform dimensional reduction, matching to an effective theory in three dimensions, which we then study both perturbatively to three-loop order and on the lattice. For strong first-order transitions, with large tree-level cubic couplings, our lattice Monte-Carlo simulations agree with perturbation theory within error. However, as the size of the cubic coupling decreases, relative to the quartic coupling, perturbation theory becomes less and less reliable, breaking down completely in the approach to the Z2-symmetric limit, in which the transition is of second order. Notwithstanding, the renormalisation group is shown to significantly extend the validity of perturbation theory. Throughout, our calculations are made as explicit as possible so that this article may serve as a guide for similar calculations in other theories.
Misaligned supersymmetry and open strings
Authors: Cribiori Niccolò , Parameswaran Susha , Tonioni Flavio , Wrase Timm
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The study of non-supersymmetric string theories is shedding light on an important corner of the string landscape and might ultimately explain why, so far, we did not observe supersymmetry in our universe. We review how misaligned supersymmetry in closed-string theories leads to a cancellation between bosons and fermions even in non-supersymmetric string theories. We then show that the same cancellation takes place for open strings by studying an anti-Dp-brane placed on top of an Op-plane in type II string theory. Misaligned supersymmetry consists in cancellations between bosons and fermions atdifferentenergy levels, in such a way that the averaged number of states grows at a rate dominated by a factor$$ {\mathrm{e}}^{C_{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{ff}}\sqrt{n}} $$eCeffn, withCeff< Ctot, whereCtotis the inverse Hagedorn temperature. We prove the previously conjectured complete cancellation, i.e. we prove thatCeff= 0, for a vast class of models.
Combined subleading high-energy logarithms and NLO accuracy for W production in association with multiple jets
Authors: Andersen Jeppe R. , Black James A. , Brooks Helen M. , Byrne Emmet P. , Maier Andreas , Smillie Jennifer M.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Large logarithmic corrections in $$ \hat{s}/{p}_t^2 $$

s
̂

/

p
t
2

lead to substantial variations in the perturbative predictions for inclusive W-plus-dijet processes at the Large Hadron Collider. This instability can be cured by summing the leading-logarithmic contributions in $$ \hat{s}/{p}_t^2 $$

s
̂

/

p
t
2

to all orders in αs. As expected though, leading logarithmic accuracy is insufficient to guarantee a suitable description in regions of phase space away from the high energy limit.

We present (i) the first calculation of all partonic channels contributing at next-to-leading logarithmic order in W-boson production in association with at least two jets, and (ii) bin-by-bin matching to next-to-leading fixed-order accuracy. This new perturbative input is implemented in High Energy Jets, and systematically improves the description of available experimental data in regions of phase space which are formally subleading with respect to $$ \hat{s}/{p}_t^2 $$

s
̂

/

p
t
2

.
Flashover discharges dynamic with continuous and discontinuous pollution layer under lightning impulse stress
Authors: Slama Mohammed El Amine , Beroual Abderrahmane
Published: April 2021

The paper is aimed at the study of the dynamic of discharges propagating at the surface of flat PVC insulator (i) with uniform continuous pollution layer and (ii) with uniform discontinuous pollution layer of different conductivities, under lightning impulse voltage for both polarities. It is shown that the morphology of discharges, the current and the voltage as well as the discharge velocity depend on the polarity of voltage, the configuration and the conductivity of the pollution layer; and the behavior of discharges is similar to that of discharges in long air gaps.
Finiteness and infiniteness results for Torelli groups of (hyper-)Kähler manifolds
Authors: Kreck Matthias , Su Yang
Published: April 2021

The Torelli group $$\mathcal T(X)$$

T
(
X
)

of a closed smooth manifold X is the subgroup of the mapping class group $$\pi _0(\mathrm {Diff}^+(X))$$

π
0

(

Diff

+

(
X
)

)

consisting of elements which act trivially on the integral cohomology of X. In this note we give counterexamples to Theorem 3.4 by Verbitsky (Duke Math J 162(15):2929–2986, 2013) which states that the Torelli group of simply connected Kähler manifolds of complex dimension $$\ge 3$$

≥
3

is finite. This is done by constructing under some mild conditions homomorphisms $$J: \mathcal T(X) \rightarrow H^3(X;\mathbb Q)$$

J
:
T

(
X
)

→

H
3

(
X
;
Q
)

and showing that for certain Kähler manifolds this map is non-trivial. We also give a counterexample to Theorem 3.5 (iv) in (Verbitsky in Duke Math J 162(15):2929–2986, 2013) where Verbitsky claims that the Torelli group of hyperkähler manifolds are finite. These examples are detected by the action of diffeomorphsims on $$\pi _4(X)$$

π
4

(
X
)

. Finally we confirm the finiteness result for the special case of the hyperkähler manifold $$K^{[2]}$$

K

[
2
]

.
A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with an implanted vagus nerve stimulation system
Authors: Fetzer S. , Dibué M. , Nagel A. M. , Trollmann R.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective adjunctive treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and difficult-to-treat depression (DTD). More than 125.000 patients have been implanted with VNS Therapy® System (LivaNova PLC) since initial approval. Patients with DRE often require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain during the course of their disease. VNS Therapy System devices are labeled to allow MRI under certain conditions; however, there are no published comprehensive articles about the real-world experience using MRI in patients with implanted VNS devices.

Methods

A systematic review in accordance with PRISMA statement was performed using PubMed database. Full-length articles reporting MRI (1.5 T or 3 T scanner) of patients with implanted VNS for DRE or DTD and published since 2000 were included. The primary endpoint was a positive outcome that was defined as a technically uneventful MRI scan performed in accordance with the VNS Therapy System manufacturer guidelines and completed according to the researchers’ planned scanning protocol without harm to the patient.

Results

Twenty-six articles were eligible with 25 articles referring to the VNS Therapy System, and 216 patients were included in the analysis. No serious adverse events or serious device-related adverse events were reported. MRI scan was prematurely terminated in one patient due to a panic attack.

Conclusion

This systematic review indicates that cranial MRI of patients with an implanted VNS Therapy System can be completed satisfactorily and is tolerable and safe using 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners when performed in adherence to the VNS manufacturer’s guidelines.
Is it possible to not perform salivary gland biopsy in targeted patients according to unstimulated salivary flow results in patients with suspected Sjögren's syndrome?
Authors: Sebastian Agata , Woytala Patryk , Madej Marta , Proc Krzysztof , Czesak-Woytala Katarzyna , Sebastian Maciej , Zub Krzysztof , Wiland Piotr
Published: April 2021

Introduction/objective

Xerostomia is one of the main symptoms of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The unstimulated salivary flow (UWS) test is one of the objective Sjögren's syndrome classification criteria used to assess xerostomia's severity. The study’s objective was to evaluate UWS rate measurements (with a threshold rate of 0.1 mL/min) in the screening of patients suspected with pSS, presenting with xerostomia in whom labial salivary gland biopsy (LSGB) should be performed. We will try to answer whether it is possible not to perform LSGB in targeted patients according to UWS results? We analyze the correlation between UWS value and focus score (FS) and anti-SSA antibodies.

Methods

The study group consisted of subjects above 18 years of age with a subjective feeling of oral dryness.

Results

A total of 105 subjects were qualified for the study. The final diagnosis of pSS was made in 44 patients according to the classification criteria from 2016. No age differences were identified between pSS patients and control group subjects (patients with dry mouth without autoimmune background). UWS rates were significantly lower in pSS patients than in the control group. No association was identified between UWS and focus score (FS) ≥ 1 in LSGB. No differences were observed between anti-SSA-positive and anti-SSA-negative patients in terms of age, UWS rates, FS.

Conclusion

LSGB should be performed in all suspected pSS cases regardless of the UWS rate value, particularly in subjects without specific anti-SSA antibodies. In patients with suspected pSS, only less than one-half of the UWS measurements are below the value of 0.1 mL/min adopted as the threshold in the classification criteria for pSS.
Nitrogen enrichment in macroalgae following mass coral mortality
Authors: Vaughan Eleanor J. , Wilson Shaun K. , Howlett Samantha J. , Parravicini Valeriano , Williams Gareth J. , Graham Nicholas A. J.
Published: April 2021

Scleractinian corals are engineers on coral reefs that provide both structural complexity as habitat and sustenance for other reef-associated organisms via the release of organic and inorganic matter. However, coral reefs are facing multiple pressures from climate change and other stressors, which can result in mass coral bleaching and mortality events. Mass mortality of corals results in enhanced release of organic matter, which can cause significant alterations to reef biochemical and recycling processes. There is little known about how long these nutrients are retained within the system, for instance, within the tissues of other benthic organisms. We investigated changes in nitrogen isotopic signatures (δ15N) of macroalgal tissues (a) ~ 1 year after a bleaching event in the Seychelles and (b) ~ 3 months after the peak of a bleaching event in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. In the Seychelles, there was a strong association between absolute loss in both total coral cover and branching coral cover and absolute increase in macroalgal δ15N between 2014 and 2017 (adjusted r2 = 0.79, p = 0.004 and adjusted r2 = 0.86, p = 0.002, respectively). In Mo’orea, a short-term transplant experiment found a significant increase in δ15N in Sargassum mangarevense after specimens were deployed on a reef with high coral mortality for ~ 3 weeks (p < 0.05). We suggest that coral-derived nutrients can be retained within reef nutrient cycles, and that this can affect other reef-associated organisms over both short- and long-term periods, especially opportunistic species such as macroalgae. These species could therefore proliferate on reefs that have experienced mass mortality events, because they have been provided with both space and nutrient subsidies by the death and decay of corals.
Omecamtiv mecarbil evokes diastolic dysfunction and leads to periodic electromechanical alternans
Authors: Fülöp Gábor Á. , Oláh Attila , Csipo Tamas , Kovács Árpád , Pórszász Róbert , Veress Roland , Horváth Balázs , Nagy László , Bódi Beáta , Fagyas Miklós , Helgadottir Solveig Lind , Bánhegyi Viktor , Juhász Béla , Bombicz Mariann , Priksz Daniel , Nanasi Peter , Merkely Béla , Édes István , Csanádi Zoltán , Papp Zoltán , Radovits Tamás , Tóth Attila
Published: April 2021

Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a promising novel drug for improving cardiac contractility. We tested the therapeutic range of OM and identified previously unrecognized side effects. The Ca2+ sensitivity of isometric force production (pCa50) and force at low Ca2+ levels increased with OM concentration in human permeabilized cardiomyocytes. OM (1 µM) slowed the kinetics of contractions and relaxations and evoked an oscillation between normal and reduced intracellular Ca2+ transients, action potential lengths and contractions in isolated canine cardiomyocytes. Echocardiographic studies and left ventricular pressure–volume analyses demonstrated concentration-dependent improvements in cardiac systolic function at OM concentrations of 600–1200 µg/kg in rats. Administration of OM at a concentration of 1200 µg/kg was associated with hypotension, while doses of 600–1200 µg/kg were associated with the following aspects of diastolic dysfunction: decreases in E/A ratio and the maximal rate of diastolic pressure decrement (dP/dtmin) and increases in isovolumic relaxation time, left atrial diameter, the isovolumic relaxation constant Tau, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the slope of the end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship. Moreover, OM 1200 µg/kg frequently evoked transient electromechanical alternans in the rat in vivo in which normal systoles were followed by smaller contractions (and T-wave amplitudes) without major differences on the QRS complexes. Besides improving systolic function, OM evoked diastolic dysfunction and pulsus alternans. The narrow therapeutic window for OM may necessitate the monitoring of additional clinical safety parameters in clinical application.
Identification and biochemical characterisation of tyrosine aminotransferase from Anthoceros agrestis unveils the conceivable entry point into rosmarinic acid biosynthesis in hornworts
Authors: Busch Tobias , Petersen Maike
Published: April 2021

Main conclusion

Tyrosine aminotransferase (AaTAT) from the hornwort Anthoceros agrestis Paton (Anthocerotaceae) was amplified and expressed in E. coli. The active enzyme is able to accept a wide range of substrates with distinct preference for l-tyrosine, therefore, possibly catalysing the initial step in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis.

The presence of rosmarinic acid (RA) in the hornwort A. agrestis is well known, and some attempts have been made to clarify the biosynthesis of this caffeic acid ester in lower plants. Parallel to the biosynthesis in vascular plants, the involvement of tyrosine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.5; TAT) as the initial step was assumed. The amplification of a nucleotide sequence putatively encoding AaTAT (Genbank MN922307) and expression in E. coli were successful. The enzyme proved to have a high acceptance of l-tyrosine (Km 0.53 mM) whilst slightly preferring 2-oxoglutarate over phenylpyruvate as co-substrate. Applying l-phenylalanine as a potential amino donor or using oxaloacetate or pyruvate as a replacement for 2-oxoglutarate as amino acceptor resulted in significantly lower catalytic efficiencies in each of these cases. To facilitate further substrate search, two methods were introduced, one using ninhydrin after thin-layer chromatography and the other using derivatisation with o-phthalaldehyde followed by HPLC or LC–MS analysis. Both methods proved to be well applicable and helped to confirm the acceptance of further aromatic and aliphatic amino acids. This work presents the first description of a heterologously expressed TAT from a hornwort (A. agrestis) and describes the possible entry into the biosynthesis of RA and other specialised compounds in a so far neglected representative of terrestrial plants and upcoming new model organism.
Refining the ITBCC tumor budding scoring system with a “zero-budding” category in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zlobec Inti , Bächli Melanie , Galuppini Francesca , Berger Martin D. , Dawson Heather E. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Lugli Alessandro
Published: April 2021

Tumor budding scoring guidelines from the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) for colorectal cancer propose three groups: BD1 (0–4 buds/0.785 mm2), BD2 (5–9 buds/0.785 mm2), and BD3 (10 or more buds/0.785 mm2). Here, we investigate whether a fourth scoring category, namely zero buds, may have additional clinical relevance. The number of tumor buds/0.785 mm2 was scored in 959 cases. Those with zero tumor buds were considered BD0, while a new BD1 category of 1–4 buds was proposed. Associations of both scoring approaches with clinicopathological features were analyzed. Conventional ITBCC scoring showed expected associations with unfavorable histopathological prognostic factors. In total, 111/959 (11.6%) were BD0. A significant difference was found when BD0 was compared statistically to BD1 (1–4 buds) for pT, TNM, tumor grade, and lymphatic, venous, and perineural invasion (p < 0.01, all). Tumors with BD0 occur relatively frequently and contribute additional information on tumor behavior. BD0 should be considered for subsequent ITBCC guidelines.
Neuroplastin expression is essential for hearing and hair cell PMCA expression
Authors: Lin Xiao , Brunk Michael G. K. , Yuanxiang Pingan , Curran Andrew W. , Zhang Enqi , Stöber Franziska , Goldschmidt Jürgen , Gundelfinger Eckart D. , Vollmer Maike , Happel Max F. K. , Herrera-Molina Rodrigo , Montag Dirk
Published: April 2021

Hearing deficits impact on the communication with the external world and severely compromise perception of the surrounding. Deafness can be caused by particular mutations in the neuroplastin (Nptn) gene, which encodes a transmembrane recognition molecule of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and plasma membrane Calcium ATPase (PMCA) accessory subunit. This study investigates whether the complete absence of neuroplastin or the loss of neuroplastin in the adult after normal development lead to hearing impairment in mice analyzed by behavioral, electrophysiological, and in vivo imaging measurements. Auditory brainstem recordings from adult neuroplastin-deficient mice (Nptn−/−) show that these mice are deaf. With age, hair cells and spiral ganglion cells degenerate in Nptn−/− mice. Adult Nptn−/− mice fail to behaviorally respond to white noise and show reduced baseline blood flow in the auditory cortex (AC) as revealed by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In adult Nptn−/− mice, tone-evoked cortical activity was not detectable within the primary auditory field (A1) of the AC, although we observed non-persistent tone-like evoked activities in electrophysiological recordings of some young Nptn−/− mice. Conditional ablation of neuroplastin in Nptnlox/loxEmx1Cre mice reveals that behavioral responses to simple tones or white noise do not require neuroplastin expression by central glutamatergic neurons. Loss of neuroplastin from hair cells in adult NptnΔlox/loxPrCreERT mice after normal development is correlated with increased hearing thresholds and only high prepulse intensities result in effective prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response. Furthermore, we show that neuroplastin is required for the expression of PMCA 2 in outer hair cells. This suggests that altered Ca2+ homeostasis underlies the observed hearing impairments and leads to hair cell degeneration. Our results underline the importance of neuroplastin for the development and the maintenance of the auditory system.
Functional morphology of the raptorial forelegs in Mantispa styriaca (Insecta: Neuroptera)
Authors: Büsse Sebastian , Bäumler Fabian , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: April 2021

The insect leg is a multifunctional device, varying tremendously in form and function within Insecta: from a common walking leg, to burrowing, swimming or jumping devices, up to spinning apparatuses or tools for prey capturing. Raptorial forelegs, as predatory striking and grasping devices, represent a prominent example for convergent evolution within insects showing strong morphological and behavioural adaptations for a lifestyle as an ambush predator. However, apart from praying mantises (Mantodea)—the most prominent example of this lifestyle—the knowledge on morphology, anatomy, and the functionality of insect raptorial forelegs, in general, is scarce. Here, we show a detailed morphological description of raptorial forelegs of Mantispa styriaca (Neuroptera), including musculature and the material composition in their cuticle; further, we will discuss the mechanism of the predatory strike. We could confirm all 15 muscles previously described for mantis lacewings, regarding extrinsic and intrinsic musculature, expanding it for one important new muscle—M24c. Combining the information from all of our results, we were able to identify a possible catapult mechanism (latch-mediated spring actuation system) as a driving force of the predatory strike, never proposed for mantis lacewings before. Our results lead to a better understanding of the biomechanical aspects of the predatory strike in Mantispidae. This study further represents a starting point for a comprehensive biomechanical investigation of the convergently evolved raptorial forelegs in insects.
Miseren des Krankenhauses, institutionelle Pathologien und klinische Organisationsethik
Authors: Kettner Matthias
Published: April 2021

Personal und Patienten in Einrichtungen organisierter Krankenbehandlung erfahren und bekunden vielfältige miserable Zustände dieser Organisationen. Einige „Miseren“ lassen sich im Rahmen einer Theorie institutioneller Pathologien als störende Auswirkungen der Aktivitäten und Strukturen von Organisationen des Politiksystems (Gesundheitspolitik) und des Wirtschaftssystems (Gesundheitswirtschaft) erklären. Deshalb können Klinische Ethik-Komitees (KEKs) solchen Miseren nicht wirksam begegnen oder sie sogar nicht einmal thematisieren. Organisationsethik kann sie thematisieren, aber ihnen nicht wirksam begegnen. Vorgeschlagen wird die Verstärkung von Organisationethik durch eine Theorie institutioneller Pathologie. Institutionspathologisch aufgeklärte, „klinische“ Organisationsethik kann helfen, in Ethiktheorie und Praxis, etwa für Mitglieder von KEKs und Organisationethikberater, die Möglichkeiten der Beobachtung, Bewertung und ggf. Besserung von gestörten Verantwortungsverhältnissen erheblich zu erweitern.
Sinonasal mucosal melanoma: treatment strategies and survival rates for a rare disease entity
Authors: Andrianakis Alexandros , Kiss Peter , Pomberger Markus , Wolf Axel , Thurnher Dietmar , Tomazic Peter Valentin
Published: April 2021

Background

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a rare disease entity comprising 0.4–1.3% of all melanomas. Surgery with free margins has been the primary treatment over decades. Neither the addition of radiotherapy nor chemotherapy could significantly improve outcome rates of this devastating malignancy. This study presents our clinical experience with SNMM over a 19-year period and summarizes the current body of literature on SNMM.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 12 patients with SNMM treated from 2001 to 2019 at an academic center. Additionally, a literature review of the last 29 years on treatment and survival data of SNMM was conducted.

Results

Main initial symptoms were epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Of the patients 9 underwent endoscopic surgery, 6 received adjuvant therapy. 3 patients who did not undergo surgery, received chemoradiotherapy, radiotherapy alone, and chemotherapy alone, respectively. At the time of diagnosis 2 patients had distant metastases and 4 patients developed distant metastases during the course of the disease. Mean overall survival (OS) was 30.6 months, 3‑year and 5‑year OS were 25%, and 18.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

Unspecific symptoms and hidden anatomic locations lead to delayed diagnosis and increased rates of metastatic dissemination. Distant metastasis is the main treatment failure in SNMM. Surgery with free margins remains the primary treatment for SNMM. Adjuvant radiotherapy might improve local control in individual cases but efficient systemic therapy is needed to improve outcome rates. To evaluate and define more effective targeted treatment options and improve outcome rates, homogeneous data and prospective multicentric analysis are needed.
Infinitely many positive solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Molle Riccardo , Passaseo Donato
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with the equation $$-\Delta u+a(x) u =|u|^{p-1}u $$

-
Δ
u
+
a

(
x
)

u
=

|
u
|

p
-
1

u

, $$u \in H^1({\mathbb {R}}^N)$$

u
∈

H
1

(

R

N

)

, with $$N\ge 2$$

N
≥
2

, $$p> 1,\ p< {N+2\over N-2}$$

p
>
1
,

p
<

N
+
2

N
-
2

if $$N\ge 3$$

N
≥
3

, $$a\in L^{N/2}_{loc}({\mathbb {R}}^N)$$

a
∈

L

loc

N
/
2

(

R

N

)

, $$\inf a> 0$$

inf
a
>
0

, $$\lim _{|x| \rightarrow \infty } a(x)= a_\infty $$

lim

|
x
|
→
∞

a

(
x
)

=

a
∞

. Assuming that the potential a(x) satisfies $$\lim _{|x| \rightarrow \infty }[a(x)-a_\infty ] e^{\eta |x|}= \infty \ \ \forall \eta > 0$$

lim

|
x
|
→
∞

[
a

(
x
)

-

a
∞

]

e

η
|
x
|

=
∞

∀
η
>
0

, $$ \lim _{\rho \rightarrow \infty } \sup \left\{ a(\rho \theta _1) - a(\rho \theta _2) \ :\ \theta _1, \theta _2 \in {\mathbb {R}}^N,\ |\theta _1|= |\theta _2|=1 \right\} e^{\tilde{\eta }\rho } = 0 \quad \text{ for } \text{ some } \ \tilde{\eta }> 0$$

lim

ρ
→
∞

sup

a

(
ρ

θ
1

)

-
a

(
ρ

θ
2

)

:

θ
1

,

θ
2

∈

R

N

,

|

θ
1

|
=
|

θ
2

|
=
1

e

η
~

ρ

=
0

for

some

η
~

>
0

and other technical conditions, but not requiring any symmetry, the existence of infinitely many positive multi-bump solutions is proved. This result considerably improves those of previous papers because we do not require that a(x) has radial symmetry, or that $$N=2$$

N
=
2

, or that $$|a(x)-a_\infty |$$

|
a

(
x
)

-

a
∞

|

is uniformly small in $${\mathbb {R}}^N$$

R

N

, etc. ....
Clinical and radiographic effects of ascorbic acid-augmented platelet-rich fibrin versus platelet-rich fibrin alone in intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Elbehwashy Mohamed Talaat , Hosny Manal Mohamed , Elfana Ahmed , Nawar Alaa , Fawzy El-Sayed Karim
Published: April 2021

Aim

To assess platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with ascorbic acid (AA) versus PRF in intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients.

Methodology

Twenty stage-III/grade C periodontitis patients, with ≥ 3 mm intra-osseous defects, were randomized into test (open flap debridement (OFD)+AA/PRF; n = 10) and control (OFD+PRF; n = 10). Clinical attachment level (CAL; primary outcome), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession depth (RD), full-mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS), radiographic linear defect depth (RLDD) and radiographic defect bone density (RDBD) (secondary-outcomes) were examined at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-surgically.

Results

OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF demonstrated significant intragroup CAL gain and PPD reduction at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001). OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF showed no differences regarding FMBS or FMPS (p > 0.05). OFD+AA/PRF demonstrated significant RD reduction of 0.90 ± 0.50 mm and 0.80 ± 0.71 mm at 3 and 6 months, while OFD+PRF showed RD reduction of 0.10 ± 0.77 mm at 3 months, with an RD-increase of 0.20 ± 0.82 mm at 6 months (p < 0.05). OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF demonstrated significant RLDD reduction (2.29 ± 0.61 mm and 1.63 ± 0.46 mm; p < 0.05) and RDBD-increase (14.61 ± 5.39% and 12.58 ± 5.03%; p > 0.05). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that baseline RLDD and FMBS at 6 months were significant predictors of CAL reduction (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

OFD+PRF with/without AA significantly improved periodontal parameters 6 months post-surgically. Augmenting PRF with AA additionally enhanced gingival tissue gain and radiographic defect fill.

Clinical relevance

PRF, with or without AA, could significantly improve periodontal parameters. Supplementing PRF with AA could additionally augment radiographic linear defect fill and reduce gingival recession depth.
Cooling after shearing: three possible fates for dense granular materials
Authors: Berzi Diego , Vescovi Dalila
Published: April 2021

We perform discrete element simulations of freely cooling, dense granular materials, previously sheared at a constant rate. Particles are identical, frictional spheres interacting via linear springs and dashpots and the solid volume fraction is constant and equal to 60% during both shearing and cooling. We measure the average and the distributions of contacts per particle and the anisotropy of the contact network. We observe that the granular material, at the beginning of cooling, can be shear-jammed, fragile or unjammed. The initial state determines the subsequent evolution of the dense assembly into either an anisotropic solid, an isotropic or an anisotropic fluid, respectively. While anisotropic solids and isotropic fluids rapidly reach an apparent final steady configuration, the microstructure continues to evolve for anisotropic fluids. We explain this with the presence of vortices in the flow field that counteract the randomizing and structure-annihilating effect of collisions. We notice, in accordance with previous findings, that the initial fraction of mechanically stable particles permits to distinguish between shear-jammed, fragile or unjammed states and, therefore, determine beforehand the fate of the freely evolving granular materials. We also find that the fraction of mechanically stable particles is in a one-to-one relation with the average number of contacts per particle. The latter is, therefore, a variable that must be incorporated in continuum models of granular materials, even in the case of unjammed states, where it was widely accepted that the solid volume fraction was sufficient to describe the geometry of the system.
Nutritional status and risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wei Xiaoqi , Chen Hanchuan , You Zhebin , Yang Jie , He Haoming , He Chen , Zheng Weiping , Lin Kaiyang , Jiang Feng
Published: April 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the connection between malnutrition evaluated by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in elderly patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A total of 1308 patients aged over 75 years undergoing PCI was included. Based on the CONUT score, patients were assigned to normal (0–1), mild malnutrition (2–4), moderate-severe malnutrition group (≥ 5). The primary outcome was CA-AKI (an absolute increase in ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or ≥ 50% relative serum creatinine increase 48 h after contrast medium exposure).

Results

Overall, the incidence of CA-AKI in normal, mild, moderate-severe malnutrition group was 10.8%, 11.0%, and 27.2%, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared with moderate-severe malnutrition group, the normal group and the mild malnutrition group showed significant lower risk of CA-AKI in models adjusting for risk factors for CA-AKI and variables in univariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.89, p = 0.02; OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.26–0.82, p = 0.009, respectively). Furthermore, the relationship were consistent across the subgroups classified by risk factors for CA-AKI except anemia. The risk of CA-AKI related with CONUT score was stronger in patients with anemia. (overall interaction p by CONUT score = 0.012).

Conclusion

Moderate-severe malnutrition is associated with higher risk of CA-AKI in elderly patients undergoing PCI.
Solving the nuclear dismantling project scheduling problem by combining mixed-integer and constraint programming techniques and metaheuristics
Authors: Hübner Felix , Gerhards Patrick , Stürck Christian , Volk Rebekka
Published: April 2021

Scheduling of megaprojects is very challenging because of typical characteristics, such as expected long project durations, many activities with multiple modes, scarce resources, and investment decisions. Furthermore, each megaproject has additional specific characteristics to be considered. Since the number of nuclear dismantling projects is expected to increase considerably worldwide in the coming decades, we use this type of megaproject as an application case in this paper. Therefore, we consider the specific characteristics of constrained renewable and non-renewable resources, multiple modes, precedence relations with and without no-wait condition, and a cost minimisation objective. To reliably plan at minimum costs considering all relevant characteristics, scheduling methods can be applied. But the extensive literature review conducted did not reveal a scheduling method considering the special characteristics of nuclear dismantling projects. Consequently, we introduce a novel scheduling problem referred to as the nuclear dismantling project scheduling problem. Furthermore, we developed and implemented an effective metaheuristic to obtain feasible schedules for projects with about 300 activities. We tested our approach with real-life data of three different nuclear dismantling projects in Germany. On average, it took less than a second to find an initial feasible solution for our samples. This solution could be further improved using metaheuristic procedures and exact optimisation techniques such as mixed-integer programming and constraint programming. The computational study shows that utilising exact optimisation techniques is beneficial compared to standard metaheuristics. The main result is the development of an initial solution finding procedure and an adaptive large neighbourhood search with iterative destroy and recreate operations that is competitive with state-of-the-art methods of related problems. The described problem and findings can be transferred to other megaprojects.