bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Area Law Saturation of Entropy Bound from Perturbative Unitarity in Renormalizable Theories
Authors: Dvali Gia
Published: October 2020

We study the quantum information storage capacity of solitons and baryons in renormalizable quantum field theories that do not include gravity. We observe that a 't Hooft‐Polyakov magnetic monopole saturates the Bekenstein bound on information when the theory saturates the bound on perturbative unitarity. In this very limit the monopole entropy assumes the form of an area‐law, strikingly similar to a black hole entropy in gravity. The phenomenon appears universal and takes place for other solitons and non‐perturbative objects. We observe the same behaviour of entropy of a baryon in QCD with large number of colors. These observations indicate that the area‐law form of the entropy bound extends beyond gravity and is deeply rooted in concepts of weak coupling and perturbative unitarity. One provoked idea is that confinement in QCD may be understood as a prevention mechanism against violation of Bekenstein entropy bound by colored states.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for the Prediction of a Drug–Drug Interaction of Combined Effects on P‐glycoprotein and Cytochrome P450 3A
Authors: Otsuka Yukio , Choules Mary P. , Bonate Peter L. , Komatsu Kanji
Published: October 2020

Direct oral anticoagulants, such as apixaban and rivaroxaban, are important for the treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism and to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Because apixaban and rivaroxaban are predominantly eliminated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), concomitant use of combined P‐gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers should be avoided. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models for apixaban and rivaroxaban were developed to estimate the net effect of CYP3A induction, P‐gp inhibition, and P‐gp induction by rifampicin. The disposition of rivaroxaban is more complex compared with apixaban because both hepatic and renal P‐gp is considered to contribute to rivaroxaban elimination. Furthermore, organic anion transporter‐3, a renal uptake transporter, may also contribute the elimination of rivaroxaban from systemic circulation. The models were verified with observed clinical drug–drug interactions with CYP3A and P‐gp inhibitors. With the developed models, the predicted area under the concentration time curve and maximum concentration ratios were 0.43 and 0.48, respectively, for apixaban, and 0.50–0.52 and 0.72–0.73, respectively, for rivaroxaban when coadministered with 600 mg multiple doses of rifampicin and that were very close to observed data. The impact of each of the elimination pathways was assessed for rivaroxaban, and inhibition of CYP3A led to a larger impact over intestinal and hepatic P‐gp. Inhibition of renal organic anion transporter‐3 or P‐gp led to an overall modest interaction. The developed apixaban and rivaroxaban models can be further applied to the investigation of interactions with other P‐gp and/or CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers.
Grazing Emission X‐Ray Fluorescence: Novel Concepts and Applications for Nano‐Analytics
Authors: Baumann Jonas , Kayser Yves , Kanngießer Birgit
Published: October 2020

Angle‐resolved X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy gives access to elemental analysis of nanoscaled materials. The two main techniques of this method are grazing incidence X‐ray fluorescence (GIXRF) and grazing emission X‐ray fluorescence (GEXRF) spectroscopy. Principles of both techniques including main applications are discussed in this Review. The main focus lies on the description of GEXRF technique and its new analytical possibilities in the nano‐world.
The current state of Bayesian methods in nonclinical pharmaceutical statistics: Survey results and recommendations from the DIA/ASA‐BIOP Nonclinical Bayesian Working Group
Authors: Faya Paul , Sondag Perceval , Novick Steven , Banton Dwaine , Seaman, Jr John W. , Stamey James D. , Boulanger Bruno
Published: October 2020

The use of Bayesian methods to support pharmaceutical product development has grown in recent years. In clinical statistics, the drive to provide faster access for patients to medical treatments has led to a heightened focus by industry and regulatory authorities on innovative clinical trial designs, including those that apply Bayesian methods. In nonclinical statistics, Bayesian applications have also made advances. However, they have been embraced far more slowly in the nonclinical area than in the clinical counterpart. In this article, we explore some of the reasons for this slower rate of adoption. We also present the results of a survey conducted for the purpose of understanding the current state of Bayesian application in nonclinical areas and for identifying areas of priority for the DIA/ASA‐BIOP Nonclinical Bayesian Working Group. The survey explored current usage, hurdles, perceptions, and training needs for Bayesian methods among nonclinical statisticians. Based on the survey results, a set of recommendations is provided to help guide the future advancement of Bayesian applications in nonclinical pharmaceutical statistics.
TransSynW: A single-cell RNA-sequencing based web application to guide cell conversion experiments
Authors: Ribeiro Mariana Messias , Okawa Satoshi , del Sol Antonio
Published: October 2020

Generation of desired cell types by cell conversion remains a challenge. In particular, derivation of novel cell subtypes identified by single-cell technologies will open up new strategies for cell therapies. The recent increase in the generation of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and the concomitant increase in the interest expressed by researchers in generating a wide range of functional cells prompted us to develop a computational tool for tackling this challenge. Here we introduce a web application, TransSynW, which uses scRNA-seq data for predicting cell conversion transcription factors (TFs) for user-specified cell populations. TransSynW prioritizes pioneer factors among predicted conversion TFs to facilitate chromatin opening often required for cell conversion. In addition, it predicts marker genes for assessing the performance of cell conversion experiments. Furthermore, TransSynW does not require users' knowledge of computer programming and computational resources. We applied TransSynW to different levels of cell conversion specificity, which recapitulated known conversion TFs at each level. We foresee that TransSynW will be a valuable tool for guiding experimentalists to design novel protocols for cell conversion in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
In‐Plane Assembled Single‐Crystalline T‐Nb2O5 Nanorods Derived from Few‐Layered Nb2CTx MXene Nanosheets for Advanced Li‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Qin Li , Liu Yang , Xu Senyang , Wang Shichao , Sun Xuan , Zhu Shuhao , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: October 2020

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) have attracted enormous interest thanks to their competitive power/energy densities and long‐duration lifespan. However, the sluggish insertion kinetics of battery‐type anodes seriously limits comprehensive performance of LICs. It is therefore imperative yet significant to develop advanced anodes with high‐rate Li+ intercalation. Herein, first the in‐plane assembled single‐crystalline orthorhombic Nb2O5 nanorods (T‐Nb2O5 NRs) are designed and constructed via efficient hydrothermal and subsequent annealing treatment by employing few‐layered Nb2CTx nanosheets as a niobium‐based precursor. The inherent formation mechanism of single‐crystalline T‐Nb2O5 NRs is tentatively proposed. When evaluated as anode material for LICs, the T‐Nb2O5 NRs are endowed with robust crystalline skeletons and high diffusion dynamics benefiting from their appealing structure merits, and they exhibit a high‐rate capacity of ≈147 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1. The lithium storage process of the resultant single‐crystalline T‐Nb2O5 is unveiled as well with in situ X‐ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the T‐Nb2O5 NR‐based LICs display a large energy density of ≈35.6 Wh kg−1 at 8 kW kg−1, along with exceptional capacity retention of ≈95% over 4000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. More significantly, the devised synthetic methodology and in‐depth insights here will stimulate extensive development of single‐crystalline T‐Nb2O5 NRs for next‐generation LICs and beyond.
Food Security Concerns, Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in Coastal Cameroon
Authors: Abia Wilfred A. , Onya Comfort A. , Shum Conalius E. , Amba Williette E. , Niba Kareen L. , Abia Eucharia A.
Published: October 2020

Food security is a major public health priority in Cameroon, amidst climate change and sea level rise (CC/SLR), vis-à-vis the ever-increasing population growth with associated challenges. CC/SLR, singly or combine, is well known to have severe impacts on agricultural productivity, food security, socioeconomic activities and ecosystem (environment, plant and animal) health systems in coastal areas. They contribute to natural disasters including erosion, flooding, inundation of coastal lowlands, and saltwater intrusion, altogether reducing agricultural productivity. Additionally, these disasters provoke adverse animal, human, and environmental health implications; reduction in tourism; and potential close of some socioeconomic activities that constitute secondary (after agriculture), or main source of livelihood/income for many coastal indigents. Although there are inadequate reports on the impacts of CC/SLR, preliminary reports point to negative effects on crop production and socioeconomic activities in coastal Cameroon. This chapter highlights the susceptibility of coastal Cameroon agriculture and socioeconomic activities to CC/SLR. Furthermore, it has propose agricultural (CC/SLR and non-climatic) and educational intervention socioeconomic strategies for the mitigation and adaptation to CC/SLR and for sustainable agricultural productivity in coastal Cameroon. The proposed strategies may provide a small contribution toward a wider multi-stakeholder pool of strategies and which, when applied, may enhance food security in coastal Cameroon amidst CC/SLR and promote socioeconomic and touristic activities while reducing negative implications on animal, plant, human, and environmental health.
Productivity in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Steensland Ann , Zeigler Margaret
Published: October 2020

The Malthusian predictions of the future have not come to pass due largely to innovative agricultural technologies and practices that stimulated significant gains in agricultural productivity. This chapter examines the linkages between innovation, productivity, and sustainability. The definition of agricultural productivity, measured as total factor productivity (TFP), will be explained, as well as the contribution of innovation to global TFP growth and the contribution of TFP to sustainable food and agriculture systems. To illustrate these connections, this chapter highlights innovative technologies and practices used by crop and livestock producers in the United States, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. These cases demonstrate how advanced seed technologies, improvements in soil health and nutrient management, mechanization, and an emphasis on animal health drive productivity growth around the world. Many of these cases feature partnerships between the public sector, private sector, and producers where innovations and new practices are used to increase productivity, incomes, food security, and nutrition. Creating an enabling policy environment is essential for agricultural innovation, productivity, and sustainability; the chapter gives examples of public policies that stimulate such productivity: investing in public sector research and development (R&D), embracing science-based technologies, and establishing smart regulatory environments. The chapter includes a discussion of innovation, productivity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Innovation and the Quest to Feed the World
Authors: Donnan David
Published: October 2020

While global levels of hunger and malnutrition have dropped significantly in the last few decades, there are concerns that agricultural advancements and R&D spending are not enough to unlock the true agricultural innovation needed to feed the burgeoning 10 billion people. Government spending on agricultural R&D has decreased in the last decade and many of the large-scale NGO activities are now focusing on environmental and sustainability issues. With the evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, coupled with the growth of agricultural startups and venture funds, the role of agriculture and hunger relief has dramatically changed in the last several decades. A new focus on sustainable growth, capabilities development, and innovative approaches for smallholder farmers has created an environment of continuous innovation that has replaced many of the donation-based hunger relief initiatives of the past. Large corporations are working with local NGOs and support groups to tackle global hunger on a local basis. In the next decade, we should see more socially minded entrepreneurs that will work with NGOs and private businesses to solve the issues of smallholder farming and provide the opportunity to introduce both digital and agricultural innovations at the local level to further the quest to feed the world.
The Determinants of Social Connectedness in Europe
Authors: Bailey Michael , Johnston Drew , Kuchler Theresa , Russel Dominic , State Bogdan , Stroebel Johannes
Published: October 2020

We use de-identified and aggregated data from Facebook to study the structure of social networks across European regions. Social connectedness declines strongly in geographic distance and at country borders. Historical borders and unions—such as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia, and East/West Germany—shape present-day social connectedness over and above today’s political boundaries and other controls. All else equal, social connectedness is stronger between regions with residents of similar ages and education levels, as well as between regions that share a language and religion. In contrast, region-pairs with dissimilar incomes tend to be more connected, likely due to increased migration from poorer to richer regions.
Discovering Daily POI Exploitation Using LTE Cell Tower Access Traces in Urban Environment
Authors: Han Sumin , Park Kinam , Lee Dongman
Published: October 2020

Point of interest (POI) in an urban space represents the perception of city dwellers and visitors of a certain place. LTE cell tower access trace data is one of the promising data sources which has the potential to show real-time POI exploitation analysis. However, there is not much discussion on how it is correlated to diachronic POIs and their exploitation pattern. In this paper, we first show that the access trace pattern from the LTE cell tower can be used to discover which types of POIs exist in a certain area. Then, we propose a daily POI exploitation discovery scheme which can extract patterns of how POIs are daily used. Our analysis can provide a good insight into future urban space-based services such as urban planning and tourism.
Scale and quality of Peccei-Quinn symmetry and weak gravity conjectures
Authors: Yin Wen
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The promising solution to the strong CP problem by a Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry may introduce quality and hierarchy problems, which are both relevant to Planck physics. In this paper, we study whether both problems can be explained by introducing a simple hidden gauge group which satisfies the WGC or its variant. As a concrete example, we point out that a weakly-coupled hidden SU(N ) gauge symmetry, which is broken down to SO(N ), can do this job in the context of a Tower/sub-Lattice WGC. Cosmology is discussed.
Space regularity for evolution operators modeled on Hörmander vector fields with time dependent measurable coefficients
Authors: Bramanti Marco
Published: October 2020

We consider a heat-type operator $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
structured on the left invariant 1-homogeneous vector fields which are generators of a Carnot group, with a uniformly positive matrix of bounded measurable coefficients depending only on time. We prove that if $$\mathcal {L}u$$

L
u

is smooth with respect to the space variables, the same is true for u, with quantitative regularity estimates in the scale of Sobolev spaces defined by right invariant vector fields. Moreover, the solution and its space derivatives of every order satisfy a 1/2-Hölder continuity estimate with respect to time. The result is proved both for weak solutions and for distributional solutions, in a suitable sense.
Outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in older patients
Authors: Kara Kaffer , Kloppe Axel , Ewers Aydan , Bösche Leif , Aweimer Assem , Erdogan Habib , Schöne Dominik , Schiedat Fabian , Patsalis Nikolaos , Haldenwang Peter Lukas , Strauch Justus Thomas , Mügge Andreas , Patsalis Polykarpos C.
Published: October 2020

Background

The prevalence of aortic valve stenosis is increasing due to the continuously growing geriatric population. Data on procedural success and mortality of very old patients are sparse, raising the question of when this population may be deemed as “too old even for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).” We, therefore, sought to evaluate the influence of age on outcome after TAVR and the impact of direct implantation.

Methods

The data of 394 consecutive patients undergoing TF-TAVR were analyzed. Patients were divided into four age groups: ≤75 (group 1, n = 28), 76–80 (group 2, n = 107), 81–85 (group 3, n = 148), and >85 (group 4, n = 111) years. Direct implantation was performed when possible according to current recommendations. Survival was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Mortality at 30 days and 1 year was not significantly different between the four age groups (3.6 vs. 6.7 vs. 5.4 vs. 2.7% and 7.6 vs. 17 vs. 14.5 vs. 13%m respectively, log-rank p = 0.59). Direct implantation without balloon aortic valvuloplasty was more frequently performed on patients aged >85 vs. ≤85 years (33.3 vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001). the incidence of procedural complications frequently associated with advanced age (stroke, vascular complications) was not significantly increased in group 4.

Conclusion

Outcome after TF-TAVR is comparable among different age cohorts, even in very old patients. Direct implantation simplifies the procedure and could therefore play a role in reducing the incidence of peri-interventional complications in patients of advanced age.
Ist eine Verbesserung der Behandlungssicherheit in der Korsettversorgung von Skoliosepatienten durch Anwendung standardisierter CAD-Algorithmen möglich?
Authors: Weiss Hans-Rudolf , Lay Manuel , Seibel Sarah , Kleban Alexander
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Die Versorgung von Skoliosepatienten mit korrigierenden Rumpforthesen führt auch heutzutage noch zu recht unterschiedlichen Ergebnissen. Publizierte Erfolgsquoten zwischen 50 und 90 % führen zwangsläufig zu der Frage, wie sich die Erfolgsquoten der Korsettversorgung steigern und vereinheitlichen lassen. Die Ergebnisse einer mit dieser Zielsetzung weiterentwickelten computerunterstützen (CAD/„Computer Aided Design“) Chêneau-Versorgung werden dargestellt.

Methodik

Am Stichtag (08.12.2019) wurde die prospektiv angelegte Datenbank unserer Abteilung retrospektiv ausgewertet. Es waren ausschließlich unreife Mädchen mit einer Adoleszentenskoliose, Alter 10–14 Jahre, Risser 0–2 in die Datenbank aufgenommen worden.

Ergebnisse

Sowohl die Gesamtgruppe mit einem Beobachtungszeitraum von mindestens 18 Monaten als auch die Patientinnengruppen mit bereits erreichtem Behandlungsabschluss zeigten Erfolgsraten zwischen 86 und 88 %. Die Ergebnisse insgesamt waren signifikant besser als die Erfolgsrate der Boston-Brace-Kontrollgruppe (BRAIST) von 72 %. Auch im Vergleich mit den Ergebnissen anderer Chêneau-Derivate war die Erfolgsrate unserer Serie teils deutlich besser.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Behandlungssicherheit für die Patienten mit Skoliosen sollte verbessert werden. Ein Ansatz hierzu kann die Verwendung standardisierter CAD-Bibliotheken sein. Weitere Untersuchungen mit Studiendesigns höherer Evidenz sind notwendig, um die in unserer Untersuchung gefundenen Ergebnisse zu untermauern.
Adaptive thermodynamic topology optimization
Authors: Vogel Andreas , Junker Philipp
Published: October 2020

The benefit of adaptive meshing strategies for a recently introduced thermodynamic topology optimization is presented. Employing an elementwise gradient penalization, stability is obtained and checkerboarding prevented while very fine structures can be resolved sharply using adaptive meshing at material-void interfaces. The usage of coarse elements and thereby smaller design space does not restrict the obtainable structures if a proper adaptive remeshing is considered during the optimization. Qualitatively equal structures and quantitatively the same stiffness as for uniform meshing are obtained with less degrees of freedom, memory requirement and overall optimization runtime. In addition, the adaptivity can be used to zoom into coarse global structures to better resolve details of interesting spots such as truss nodes.
A pilot study to assess manufacturing processes using selected point measures of vibroacoustic signals generated on a multitasking machine
Authors: Deja Mariusz , Licow Roksana
Published: October 2020

The article presents the method for the evaluation of selected manufacturing processes using the analysis of vibration and sound signals. This method is based on the use of sensors installed outside the machining zone, allowing to be used quickly and reliably in real production conditions. The article contains a developed measurement methodology based on the specific location of microphones and vibration transducers mounted on the tested object, in this case on a four-axis CNC ST20Y Haas lathe. A mobile phone was integrated into the measuring system and used to control the measurement process. The results from the analysis of vibration and sound signals recorded during different machining operations are presented. They refer to selected working conditions of a machine tool depending on switching the coolant supply on or off and different machine loads caused by various technological processing as well as the various speed of the positioning movements. The analysis was carried out using selected point measures describing the vibroacoustic signals. The synthesis conducted on the basis of results from the experiments indicates the validity of using vibration and acoustic signals, recorded outside the machining area, to evaluate material removal processes that are diverse in terms of kinematics and processing conditions. It indicates the possibility of using proposed point measures of vibroacoustic signals in the diagnostic aspects of the machine tools to achieve high dimension and shape accuracy and to evaluate the condition of the technological devices in terms of their optimal efficiency. Presented methodology can be used as a supporting tool in the CAD/CAM software for a better selection of appropriate cutting parameters and for a wireless control of manufacturing systems consisting of several machine tools.
Interplay of non-convex quadratically constrained problems with adjustable robust optimization
Authors: Bomze Immanuel , Gabl Markus
Published: October 2020

In this paper we explore convex reformulation strategies for non-convex quadratically constrained optimization problems (QCQPs). First we investigate such reformulations using Pataki’s rank theorem iteratively. We show that the result can be used in conjunction with conic optimization duality in order to obtain a geometric condition for the S-procedure to be exact. Based upon known results on the S-procedure, this approach allows for some insight into the geometry of the joint numerical range of the quadratic forms. Then we investigate a reformulation strategy introduced in recent literature for bilinear optimization problems which is based on adjustable robust optimization theory. We show that, via a similar strategy, one can leverage exact reformulation results of QCQPs in order to derive lower bounds for more complicated quadratic optimization problems. Finally, we investigate the use of reformulation strategies in order to derive characterizations of set-copositive matrix cones. Empirical evidence based upon first numerical experiments shows encouraging results.
Extending Landau-Ginzburg Models to the Point
Authors: Carqueville Nils , Montoya Flavio Montiel
Published: October 2020

We classify framed and oriented 2-1-0-extended TQFTs with values in the bicategories of Landau-Ginzburg models, whose objects and 1-morphisms are isolated singularities and (either $$\mathbb {Z}_2$$

Z
2

- or $$(\mathbb {Z}_2 \times \mathbb {Q})$$

(

Z
2

×
Q
)

-graded) matrix factorisations, respectively. For this we present the relevant symmetric monoidal structures and find that every object $$W\in \mathbb {k}[x_1,\dots ,x_n]$$

W
∈
k
[

x
1

,
⋯
,

x
n

]

determines a framed extended TQFT. We then compute the Serre automorphisms $$S_W$$

S
W

to show that W determines an oriented extended TQFT if the associated category of matrix factorisations is $$(n-2)$$

(
n
-
2
)

-Calabi-Yau. The extended TQFTs we construct from W assign the non-separable Jacobi algebra of W to a circle. This illustrates how non-separable algebras can appear in 2-1-0-extended TQFTs, and more generally that the question of extendability depends on the choice of target category. As another application, we show how the construction of the extended TQFT based on $$W=x^{N+1}$$

W
=

x

N
+
1

given by Khovanov and Rozansky can be derived directly from the cobordism hypothesis.
Experimental and simulation of C45 steel bar heat treatment with the GTAW method application
Authors: Kulawik Adam , Wróbel Joanna , Sobiepański Michał
Published: October 2020

The motivation of the paper is an attempt to indicate the relationship between the selected Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) technology and the parameters of the boundary conditions for the simulation of the heat treatment process of elements made of medium-carbon steel. The authors of the paper prepared and described a series of numerical simulations and experimental studies concerning this problem. Simulations often use previously-developed analytical equations to describe the relationships between process parameters. The results obtained for the input data for determining the heat source power (voltage) from the analytical equation and experimental measurements were compared. Several cases of the size of the areas of direct influence of the GTAW arc (various radius of a simulation heat source) were analysed. All computations were performed in the author’s software based on Finite Element Method (FEM) solving the heat transfer equation with the convection term. In this paper, the GTAW heating parameters (boundary condition) for a current intensity equal 30 A were identified. With the assumed arc efficiency coefficient, the arc voltage set on the device and the measured value of the arc current, the optimum radius of the heat source was determined. The identification of parameters was confirmed by the convergence of the results of numerical simulation in three-dimensional space (3D) with the results of the experiment. Unfortunately, the applied methodology did not give good results for current equal to 50A.
Thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke patients with isolated distal internal carotid artery occlusion: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Hoving Jan W. , Kappelhof Manon , Schembri Mark , Emmer Bart J. , Berkhemer Olvert A. , Groot Adrien E. D. , Dippel Diederik W. J. , van Zwam Wim H. , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Marquering Henk A. , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , van den Berg René ,   for the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Acute stroke patients presenting with a distal internal carotid artery occlusion and patent carotid terminus, allowing for collateral flow via the circle of Willis, may have a more favorable natural history. Therefore, benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) is less evident. We performed an exploratory analysis of EVT results compared to conservative treatment in patients with ‘carotid-I’ occlusions.

Methods

We report on EVT-treated and non-EVT-treated patients with carotid-I occlusions from the MR CLEAN Registry, MR CLEAN trial, and our comprehensive stroke center. CT-angiography was reviewed on primary collateral patency and choroid plexus enhancement. Perfusion deficits were assessed on CT-perfusion (CTP). Clot migration was assessed by comparing clot location on baseline CTA to its location on periprocedural digital subtraction angiography. Outcomes included 90-day functional independence (mRS 0–2), successful reperfusion and mortality.

Results

We included 51 patients. Forty-one patients received EVT, ten patients did not. Intravenous thrombolysis was administered in 32 (78%) EVT-treated patients and 6 (60%) non-EVT-treated patients. CTP, available for 17 patients, showed hypoperfusion on cerebral blood flow maps in 13 (76%) patients. Successful reperfusion after EVT occurred in 23 (56%), and clot migration in 8 patients (20%). Functional independence was achieved in 54% (21/39) of EVT-treated and in 10% (1/10) of non-EVT-treated patients. Mortality was 26% (10/39) and 30% (3/10), respectively. Anterior choroidal artery patency and choroid plexus enhancement were positively associated with functional independence.

Conclusion

In our population, data suggest improved outcomes after EVT in carotid-I occlusion patients and provide no arguments to withhold EVT in these patients.
Characterization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens PPKs reveals the formation of oligophosphorylated products up to nucleoside nona-phosphates
Authors: Frank Celina , Teleki Attila , Jendrossek Dieter
Published: October 2020

Agrobacterium tumefaciens synthesizes polyphosphate (polyP) in the form of one or two polyP granules per cell during growth. The A. tumefaciens genome codes for two polyphosphate kinase genes, ppk1AT and ppk2AT, of which only ppk1AT is essential for polyP granule formation in vivo. Biochemical characterization of the purified PPK1AT and PPK2AT proteins revealed a higher substrate specificity of PPK1AT (in particular for adenine nucleotides) than for PPK2AT. In contrast, PPK2AT accepted all nucleotides at comparable rates. Most interestingly, PPK2AT catalyzed also the formation of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, and octa-phosphorylated nucleosides from guanine, cytosine, desoxy-thymidine, and uridine nucleotides and even nona-phosphorylated adenosine. Our data—in combination with in vivo results—suggest that PPK1AT is important for the formation of polyP whereas PPK2AT has the function to replenish nucleoside triphosphate pools during times of enhanced demand. The potential physiological function(s) of the detected oligophosphorylated nucleotides await clarification.

Key points

•PPK1ATand PPK2AThave different substrate specificities,

•PPK2ATis a subgroup 1 member of PPK2s,

•PPK2ATcatalyzes the formation of polyphosphorylated nucleosides
Esophageal Lipoma and Liposarcoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferrari Davide , Bernardi Daniele , Siboni Stefano , Lazzari Veronica , Asti Emanuele , Bonavina Luigi
Published: October 2020

Background

Esophageal lipomatous tumors, also reported as fibrovascular polyp, fibrolipoma, angiolipoma, and liposarcoma, account for less than 1% of all benign mesenchymal submucosal tumors of the esophagus. Clinical presentation and therapy may differ based on location, size, and morphology. A comprehensive and updated systematic review of the literature is lacking.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and Medline databases were consulted using MESH keywords. Non‐English written articles and abstracts were excluded. Sex, age, symptoms at presentation, diagnosis, tumor location and size, surgical approach and technique of excision, pathology, and morphology were extracted and recorded in an electronic database.

Results

Sixty‐seven studies for a total of 239 patients with esophageal lipoma or liposarcoma were included in the qualitative analysis. Among 176 patients with benign lipoma, the median age was 55. The main symptoms were dysphagia (64.2%), transoral polyp regurgitation (32.4%), and globus sensation (22.7%). The majority of lipomas (85.7%) were intraluminal polyps, with a stalk originating from the upper esophagus. Overall, 165 patients underwent excision of the mass through open surgery (65.5%), endoscopy (27.9%), or laparoscopy/thoracoscopy (3.6%). Only 5 (3%) of patients required esophagectomy. Of the 11 untreated patients with an intraluminal polyp, 7 died from asphyxia. Overall, liposarcoma was diagnosed in 63 patients, and 12 (19%) underwent esophagectomy.

Conclusion

Esophageal lipomatous tumors are rare but potentially lethal when are intraluminal and originate from the cervical esophagus. Modern radiological imaging has improved diagnostic accuracy. Minimally invasive transoral and laparoscopic/thoracoscopic techniques represent the therapeutic approach of choice.
A Snapshot of the International Views of the Treatment of Rectal Cancer Patients, a Multi‐regional Survey: International Tendencies in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Caycedo‐Marulanda Antonio , Patel Sunil V. , Verschoor Chris P. , Uscategui Johanna P. , Chadi Sami A. , Moeslein Gabriela , Chand Manish , Maeda Yasuko , Monson John R. T. , Wexner Steven D. , Mayol Julio
Published: October 2020

Background

Management of rectal cancer has a number of potentially appropriate alternatives for each patient. Despite acceptance of standards, practices may vary among regions. There is significant paucity of data in this area. The objective was to create a snapshot of the regional differences.

Design

This online survey included 10 questions. Enquiries focused on controversial topics, on surgeon and hospital volume, surgical margins, appropriateness of surgical approaches and techniques, watch‐and‐wait strategies, and total neoadjuvant therapy. Major colorectal surgery societies around the world were asked to invite their members to complete the survey.

Outcome Measures

Frequency of responses across regions within each question was compared by Fisher's exact test.

Results

Seven hundred and fifty‐three participants from 60 countries responded. Eight regions were identified, and four had sufficient representation for comparisons. Similarities and differences in the therapies among these regions were identified. Robotic surgery penetrance is higher in North America, and watch and wait is more accepted in South America. Patients in Oceania are more likely to be diverted; Europe has more usage of taTME.

Discussion

This online survey was practical as a mean to provide a rapid assessment of the international picture on consistency and variability of rectal cancer patients’ care, and to potentially identify opportunities to standardized care to patients. Medical surveys have inherent limitations; pertinence to our study is selection bias.

Conclusions

The management of rectal cancer varies among different regions. Identification of differences is important when considering global efforts to improve management and interpret data.
Werbung oder Information in der Ophthalmologie?
Authors: Schrenk Kilian , Khoramnia Ramin , Feltgen Nicolas , Bachmann Werner , Ziemssen Focke , Rohrbach Jens Martin , Dimopoulos Spyridon
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Trotz der Liberalisierung des Heilmittelwerbegesetzes ist anpreisende, irreführende oder vergleichende Werbung nach wie vor berufswidrig. Angesichts des zunehmenden Engagements von Finanzinvestoren und der Ökonomisierung in der Augenheilkunde sollte diese Arbeit prüfen, welche Aussagen in offen zugänglichen Videos der YouTube-Plattform getroffen werden.

Methode

Mit den Suchbegriffen „Augenarzt“, „Augenärztin“ und „Augenzentrum“ sowie vordefinierten Kriterien (deutsche Herkunft, Audiospur mit Text, Dauer >1 min) wurden Videos identifiziert und in eine anonymisierte Textform transkribiert. Mittels eines eigens entwickelten Fragebogens wurden die Einzelaussagen daraufhin einer kritischen Prüfung durch jeweils 3 Experten unterzogen sowie Klarheit, Relevanz und Vollständigkeit bewertet. Parallel wurden Laien abgefragt, wie überzeugend, verständlich und vollständig sie die Informationen bewerten und ob sie sich von den Ärzten behandeln lassen würden.

Ergebnisse

Von 68 Videos erfüllten 30 die definierten Einschlusskriterien; 46 % der Videos thematisierten Verfahren der refraktiven Chirurgie. Aus Sicht der Experten waren mindestens 11,8 % der Einzelaussagen vollständig falsch oder wenig korrekt. Über 80 % der Filme stellten Informationen unvollständig dar. So wurden z. B. peri- und postoperative Komplikationen nur von 3 Filmen angesprochen. Laien bewerteten die Texte recht uneinheitlich und konnten nicht die Videos identifizieren, die aus Sicht der ophthalmologischen Fachärzte problematische Aussagen enthielten. Es wurden Konflikte mit den rechtlichen Anforderungen an Werbung z. B. in der Verwendung entsprechender Superlative festgestellt. Eine ausgewogene Darstellung wie Alternativen zu den Behandlungsverfahren war kaum enthalten, die Verständlichkeit für Laien war verbesserungswürdig.

Schlussfolgerungen

Nur eine geringe Anzahl frei zugänglicher Videos bot aktuelle, wissenschaftlich fundierte und korrekte Informationen. Bisher berücksichtigen nur wenige Augenärzte die juristischen und moralischen Anforderungen an werbende Aussagen. Daher ergeben sich möglicherweise negative Auswirkungen auf das Berufsbild in der Öffentlichkeit, und Chancen zur Gesundheitsförderung bleiben ungenutzt.
Bisociative Literature-Based Discovery: Lessons Learned and New Word Embedding Approach
Authors: Lavrač Nada , Martinc Matej , Pollak Senja , Pompe Novak Maruša , Cestnik Bojan
Published: October 2020

The field of bisociative literature-based discovery aims at mining scientific literature to reveal yet uncovered connections between different fields of specialization. This paper outlines several outlier-based literature mining approaches to bridging term detection and the lessons learned from selected biomedical literature-based discovery applications. The paper addresses also new prospects in bisociative literature-based discovery, proposing an advanced embeddings-based technology for cross-domain literature mining.
Partial ex-post verifiability and unique implementation of social choice functions
Authors: Matsushima Hitoshi
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the unique implementation of a social choice function in iterative dominance in the ex-post term. We assume partial ex-post verifiability; that is, after determining an allocation, the central planner can observe partial information about the state as verifiable. We demonstrate a condition of the state space, termed “full detection,” and show that with full detection, any social choice function is uniquely implementable even if the information that can be verified ex-post is very limited. To prove this, we construct a dynamic mechanism according to which each player announces his (or her) private signal, before the other players observe this signal, at an earlier stage, and each player also announces the state at a later stage. In this construction, we can impose several severe restrictions such as boundedness, permission of only tiny transfers off the equilibrium path, and no permission of transfers on the equilibrium path. This study does not assume either expected utility or quasi-linearity.
Daily and meal-based assessment of dairy and corresponding protein intake in Switzerland: results from the National Nutrition Survey menuCH
Authors: Inanir Dilara , Kaelin Ivo , Pestoni Giulia , Faeh David , Mueller Nadina , Rohrmann Sabine , Sych Janice
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Dairy contributes to daily protein and provides important minerals and vitamins. Using data of the National Nutrition Survey in Switzerland (menuCH), we aimed to describe intakes of dairy and its subcategories, to compare daily and per-meal dairy protein with total protein intake, and to investigate associations between energy-standardized dairy intake and sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors.

Methods

From two 24-h dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements, and a lifestyle questionnaire from a representative sample (n = 2057, 18–75 years), we calculated daily and energy-standardized means and standard error of the means for dairy, its subcategories (milk, yoghurt and cheese), and compared daily and per-meal dairy protein with total protein intake. Associations were investigated between dairy intake (g/1000 kcal) and sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors by multivariable linear regression.

Results

Dairy intake provided 16.3 g/day protein with cheese contributing highest amounts (9.9 g/day). Dairy protein intake was highest at dinner (6.3 g/day) followed by breakfast, lunch and snacks (4.3, 3.3 and 2.4 g/day, respectively). Per meal, total protein reached the amounts suggested for improving protein synthesis only at dinner and lunch (33.1 and 28.3 g/day, respectively). Energy-standardized dairy intake was 20.7 g/1000 kcal higher for women than men (95% CI 13.2; 28.1), 24.3 g/1000 kcal lower in the French than German-speaking region (95% CI − 32.4; − 16.1), and also significantly associated with nationality, household type and smoking status.

Conclusion

This first description of dairy consumption is an important basis for developing meal-specific recommendations, aimed to optimize dairy and protein intake especially for older adults.
Microbial neoformation of volatiles: implications for the estimation of post-mortem interval in decomposed human remains in an indoor setting
Authors: Ceciliason Ann-Sofie , Andersson M. Gunnar , Lundin Emma , Sandler Håkan
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to determine if a relationship between microbial neoformation of volatiles and the post-mortem interval (PMI) exists, and if the volatiles could be used as a tool to improve the precision of PMI estimation in decomposed human remains found in an indoor setting. Chromatograms from alcohol analysis (femoral vein blood) of 412 cases were retrospectively assessed for the presence of ethanol, N-propanol, 1-butanol, and acetaldehyde. The most common finding was acetaldehyde (83% of the cases), followed by ethanol (37%), N-propanol (21%), and 1-butanol (4%). A direct link between the volatiles and the PMI or the degree of decomposition was not observed. However, the decomposition had progressed faster in cases with microbial neoformation than in cases without signs of neoformation. Microbial neoformation may therefore act as an indicator of the decomposition rate within the early decomposition to bloating stages. This may be used in PMI estimation based on the total body score (TBS) and accumulated degree days (ADD) model, to potentially improve the model’s precision.
Minimally invasive esophagectomy: clinical evidence and surgical techniques
Authors: Mann C. , Berlth F. , Hadzijusufovic E. , Lang H. , Grimminger P. P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Surgical esophagectomy plays a crucial role in the curative and palliative treatment of esophageal cancer. Thereby, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is increasingly applied all over the world. Combining minimal invasiveness with improved possibilities for meticulous dissection, robot-assisted minimal invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has been implemented in many centers.

Purpose

This review focuses on the development of MIE as well as RAMIE and their value based on evidence in current literature.

Conclusion

Although MIE and RAMIE are highly complex procedures, they can be performed safely with improved postoperative outcome and equal oncological results compared with open esophagectomy (OE). RAMIE offers additional advantages regarding surgical dissection, lymphadenectomy, and extended indications for advanced tumors.
Spatial–numerical associations in the presence of an avatar
Authors: Böffel C. , Herbst C. , Lindemann O. , Müsseler J.
Published: October 2020

When we interact with other people or avatars, they often provide an alternative spatial frame of reference compared to our own. Previous studies introduced avatars into stimulus–response compatibility tasks and demonstrated compatibility effects as if the participant was viewing the task from the avatar’s point of view. However, the origin of this effect of perspective taking remained unclear. To distinguish changes in stimulus coding from changes in response coding, caused by the avatar, two experiments were conducted that combined a SNARC task and a spontaneous visual perspective taking task to specify the role of response coding. We observed compatibility effects that were based on the avatar’s perspective rather than the participants’ own. Because number magnitude was independent of the avatar’s perspective, the observed changes in compatibility caused by different perspectives indicate changes in response coding. These changes in response coding are only significant when they are accompanied by visual action effects.
Four-Quark States from Functional Methods
Authors: Eichmann Gernot , Fischer Christian S. , Heupel Walter , Santowsky Nico , Wallbott Paul C.
Published: October 2020

In this feature article we summarise and highlight aspects of the treatment of four-quark states with functional methods. Model approaches to those exotic mesons almost inevitably have to assume certain internal structures, e.g. by grouping quarks and antiquarks into (anti-)diquark clusters or heavy-light $$q{\bar{q}}$$

q

q

¯

pairs. Functional methods using Dyson–Schwinger and Bethe–Salpeter equations can be formulated without such prejudice and therefore have the potential to put these assumptions to test and discriminate between such models. So far, functional methods have been used to study the light scalar-meson sector and the heavy-light sector with a pair of charmed and a pair of light quarks in different quantum number channels. For all these states, the dominant components in terms of internal two-body clustering have been identified. It turns out that chiral symmetry breaking plays an important role for the dominant clusters in the light meson sector (in particular for the scalar mesons) and that this property is carried over to the heavy-light sector. Diquark-antidiquark components, on the other hand, turn out to be almost negligible for most states with the exception of open-charm heavy-light exotics.
Comment on “On the Difficulties and Pitfalls with the Analysis of Solid‑State 13C NMR Spectra in Graphitic Materials”
Authors: Vyalikh Anastasia , Okotrub Alexander V. , Koroteev Victor O. , Bulusheva Lyubov G.
Published: October 2020

A recent paper on solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance in graphitic materials reports on the difficulties with the interpretation of the spectra and presents alternative methods to obtain informative experimental data. Therein, special emphasis is placed on the role of dipole–dipole interactions in the case of 13C-enriched samples and on the assignment of the 13C spectral components beyond the common “graphitic range”. Here, we show that the consideration of the experimental conditions, namely, the speed of magic angle spinning, plays a more important role in the data interpretation. Further, we provide the experimental and theoretical evidences that the appearance of the 13C resonances shifted upfield from the typical sp2-hybridized carbon range is not surprising, but rather exhibits a characteristic feature of the graphitic materials with specific morphology. Finally, we show that analysis of the anisotropy of the chemical shift tensor is informative even in the case of very broad 13C spectra and supports the microscopy observations.