bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Touch Hand 4.5: low-cost additive manufacturing prosthetic hand participated in Cybathlon 2020 ARM discipline
Authors: Moodley Kashreya , Fourie Jode , Imran Zaahid , Hands Clive , Rall William , Stopforth Riaan
Published: December 2022

Background

The Touch Hand 4.5 is a highly customisable prosthetic hand, which features an optimised modular design of the Touch Hand 4. The Touch Hand team has developed a low-cost prosthetic hand, which has been built using an additive manufacturing process. The functionality and features are discussed that are crucial for amputees.

Methods

This paper documents the design and integration of the Touch Hand 4.5 to be used in the Cybathlon 2020 event as well as the development of the mechanical structure of the hand, socket, electronics and control system utilized. The Touch Hand 4.5 was designed and continuously optimized, with the goal to achieve the tasks in the Cybathlon 2020 event.

Results

The performance and functionality of the Touch Hand 4.5 was tested on a global scale at the Cybathlon 2020. The device and technology were evaluated against the leading prosthetics and prototypes from around the world. A series of everyday tasks, as set by the Cybathlon event, were performed to determine the capabilities of the device, with the pinch grip, full grip, half grip, and a thumb grip. The Touch Hand team was the only team to complete the Haptic Box task in all three races, which comprised of the identification of objects without the aid of visual input or perception, with a duration between 100 and 120 s. The Breakfast task entailed completing a series of everyday breakfast tasks, such as cutting a loaf of bread, lighting a candle, opening a sugar packet, opening a plastic bottle and a jar, as well as opening a tin can with a can opener. This task was only completed in Race 3, with a duration of 132 s, due to a faulty equipment that was supplied.

Conclusion

The first contribution that was achieved was the design and development of an additive manufactured hand and socket, considering the socket to have comfort, breathability and decreased irritability. The second contribution was the design optimisation with the linear actuator integration, for a multi-grip hand, which allowed for the pinch grip, full grip, half grip, and a thumb grip. Slippage prevention with grip force control system integration was also implemented.

Trial registration number: Ethical clearance certificate HCC/0161/011.
Biodefense and emergency use authorization: different originations, purposes, and evolutionary paths of institutions in the United States and South Korea
Authors: Kim HyunJung
Published: December 2022

Background

Emergency-use-authorization (EUA) is the representative biodefense policy that allows the use of unlicensed medical countermeasures or off-label use of approved medical countermeasures in response to public health emergencies. This article aims to determine why the EUA policies of the United States and South Korea produced drastically different outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these outcomes were determined by the originations and evolutionary paths of the two policies.

Method

Historical institutionalism (HI) explains institutional changes—that is, how the institution is born and how it evolves—based on the concept of path dependency. However, the HI analytical narratives remain at the meso level of analysis in the context of structure and agency. This article discusses domestic and policy-level factors related to the origination of the biodefense institutions in the United States and South Korea using policy-learning concepts with the Event-related Policy Change Model.

Results

The 2001 anthrax letter attack (Amerithrax) and the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak prompted the establishment of biodefense institutions in the United States and South Korea, respectively. Due to the different departure points and the mechanism of path dependency, the two countries’ EUAs evolved in different ways—the United States EUA reinforced the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) function, while the South Korea EUA strengthened the Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI) function.

Conclusions

The evolution and outcomes of the two EUAs are different because both policies were born out of different needs. The United States EUA is primarily oriented toward protecting homeland security against CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) threats, whereas the South Korea EUA is specifically designed for disease prevention against infectious disease outbreak.
Small regions as key sources of traditional knowledge: a quantitative ethnobotanical survey in the central Balkans
Authors: Janaćković Pedja , Gavrilović Milan , Miletić Milica , Radulović Maja , Kolašinac Stefan , Stevanović Zora Dajić
Published: December 2022

Background

Starting from the idea that unexplored areas may yield new and different ethnobotanical information, we performed a survey of traditional uses of plants in two neighboring districts situated in east Serbia (Bor and Aleksinac), both lacking in previous ethnobotanical reports, but characterized by an interesting history and culture, together with some specific features. In this study, we hypothesized that such small and specific areas could be of high ethnobotanical importance.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were used with 155 informants. Relative cultural importance (RCI) indices, such as the frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance index (RI), informant consensus factor (ICF-FIC), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and Jaccard index (JI), were calculated, and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) was performed.

Results

In this study, 2333 use-reports and 114 plants were recorded. Of the 101 medical herbs, 33 are included in the European Pharmacopoeia Edition 8.0. The most frequently used mode of preparation was as an infusion (50.0%), while leaf (44.7%) was the most used plant part. The highest FC and RFC values were recorded forHypericum perforatumL. (13.1 and 0.2, respectively), while the highest RI was documented forUrtica dioicaL. (1.0). ICF and FL indices showed important differences among selected groups of informants. The PCoA showed three homogeneous plant groups. Plants were mostly used for the treatment of digestive (49.1%), circulatory (41.2%) and respiratory system disorders (35.1%). Thirty-seven (32.5%) herbs were used for human nutrition, 14 (12.3%) in veterinary medicine, 17 (14.9%) in rituals and ethnoculture, while 24 (21.0%) for miscellaneous purposes. The highest degree of similarity was determined with studies conducted in close proximity. Four species are new to Balkan ethnobotany. New uses for some well-known plants are highlighted.

Conclusion

The study indicated that small and specific areas in the Balkans may be an important reservoir of ethnobotanical knowledge.
Proteins secreted by brain arteriolar smooth muscle cells are instructive for neural development
Authors: Li Xuzhao , Zhou Lili , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Jin Yuxiao , Zhao Bingrui , Zhang Dongdong , Xi Chengjie , Ruan Jiayu , Zhu Zhu , Jia Jie-Min
Published: December 2022

Intercellular communication between vascular and nerve cells mediated by diffusible proteins has recently emerged as a critical intrinsic program for neural development. However, whether the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) secretome regulates the connectivity of neural circuits remains unknown. Here, we show that conditioned medium from brain VSMC cultures enhances multiple neuronal functions, such as neuritogenesis, neuronal maturation, and survival, thereby improving circuit connectivity. However, protein denaturation by heating compromised these effects. Combined omics analyses of donor VSMC secretomes and recipient neuron transcriptomes revealed that overlapping pathways of extracellular matrix receptor signaling and adhesion molecule integrin binding mediate VSMC-dependent neuronal development. Furthermore, we found that human arterial VSMCs promote neuronal development in multiple ways, including expanding the time window for nascent neurite initiation, increasing neuronal density, and promoting synchronized firing, whereas human umbilical vein VSMCs lack this capability. These in vitro data indicate that brain arteriolar VSMCs may carry direct instructive information for neural development through intercellular communication in vivo.
Parameters associated with successful weaning of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review
Authors: Charbonneau Francis , Chahinian Karina , Bebawi Emmanuel , Lavigueur Olivier , Lévesque Émilie , Lamarche Yoan , Serri Karim , Albert Martin , Noly Pierre-Emmanuel , Cournoyer Alexis , Cavayas Yiorgos Alexandros
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used to restore organ perfusion in patients with cardiogenic shock until native heart recovery occurs. It may be challenging, however, to determine when patients can be weaned successfully from ECMO—surviving without requiring further mechanical support or heart transplant. We aimed to systematically review the medical literature to determine the biomarkers, hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters associated with successful weaning of VA-ECMO in adults with cardiogenic shock and to present an evidence-based weaning algorithm incorporating key findings.

Method

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Google Scholars, Web of Science and the Grey literature for pertinent original research reports. We excluded studies limited to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) as the neurological prognosis may significantly alter the decision-making process surrounding the device removal in this patient population. Studies with a mixed population of VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest were included. We excluded studies limited to patients in which ECMO was only used as a bridge to VAD or heart transplant, as such patients are, by definition, never “successfully weaned.” We used the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-Randomized Studies. The study was registered on the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO CRD42020178641).

Results

We screened 14,578 records and included 47 that met our pre-specified criteria. Signs of lower initial severity of shock and myocardial injury, early recovery of systemic perfusion, left and right ventricular recovery, hemodynamic and echocardiographic stability during flow reduction trial and/or pump-controlled retrograde trial off predicted successful weaning. The most widely used parameter was the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, an indicator of stroke volume. Most studies had a moderate or high risk of bias. Heterogeneity in methods, timing, and conditions of measurements precluded any meta-analysis.

Conclusions

In adult patients on VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock, multiple biomarkers, hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters may be used to track resolution of systemic hypoperfusion and myocardial recovery in order to identify patients that can be successfully weaned.

Graphical Abstract
Blood–brain barrier penetrating neprilysin degrades monomeric amyloid-beta in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rofo Fadi , Metzendorf Nicole G. , Saubi Cristina , Suominen Laura , Godec Ana , Sehlin Dag , Syvänen Stina , Hultqvist Greta
Published: December 2022

Background

Aggregation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the brain is one of the key pathological events in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Reducing Aβ levels in the brain by enhancing its degradation is one possible strategy to develop new therapies for AD. Neprilysin (NEP) is a membrane-bound metallopeptidase and one of the major Aβ-degrading enzymes. The secreted soluble form of NEP (sNEP) has been previously suggested as a potential protein-therapy degrading Aβ in AD. However, similar to other large molecules, peripherally administered sNEP is unable to reach the brain due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

Methods

To provide transcytosis across the BBB, we recombinantly fused the TfR binding moiety (scFv8D3) to either sNEP or a previously described variant of NEP (muNEP) suggested to have higher degradation efficiency of Aβ compared to other NEP substrates, but not per se to degrade Aβ more efficiently. To provide long blood half-life, an Fc-based antibody fragment (scFc) was added to the designs, forming sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3. The ability of the mentioned recombinant proteins to degrade Aβ was first evaluated in vitro using synthetic Aβ peptides followed by sandwich ELISA. For the in vivo studies, a single injection of 125-iodine-labelled sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 was intravenously administered to a tg-ArcSwe mouse model of AD, using scFc-scFv8D3 protein that lacks NEP as a negative control. Different ELISA setups were applied to quantify Aβ concentration of different conformations, both in brain tissues and blood samples.

Results

When tested in vitro, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 retained sNEP enzymatic activity in degrading Aβ and both constructs efficiently degraded arctic Aβ.When intravenously injected, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 demonstrated 20 times higher brain uptake compared to sNEP. Both scFv8D3-fused NEP proteins significantly reduced aggregated Aβ levels in the blood of tg-ArcSwe mice, a transgenic mouse model of AD, following a single intravenous injection. In the brain, monomeric and oligomeric Aβ were significantly reduced. Both scFv8D3-fused NEP proteins displayed a fast clearance from the brain.

Conclusion

A one-time injection of a BBB-penetrating NEP shows the potential to reduce, the likely most toxic, Aβ oligomers in the brain in addition to monomers. Also, Aβ aggregates in the blood were reduced.
ATG spectrum analysis and interference mitigation for intelligent UAV IoT
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Chaofei , Zhao Yikun
Published: December 2022

As UAV Internet of things applications continue to grow, so does interest in the development of air-to-ground (ATG) systems, which can effectively expand communication system coverage. To maximize utilization of frequency resources, the ATG system adopts frequency reuse with the 5G system on the ground. This research studies the co-channel interference between ATG and 5G at 3.5 GHz as well as the neighboring channel interference with C-band fixed satellite service. We do research on various ATG aircraft flying altitudes and horizontal distances, which yields multiple potential interference reduction strategies. Finally, numerical results are shown to demonstrate the efficacy and productivity of our proposed methods.
Positive ground states for nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff equations with periodic potential or potential well in $\mathbf{R}^{3}$
Authors: Chen Wei , Fu Zunwei , Wu Yue
Published: December 2022

This work is devoted to the nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff-type equation $$ - \biggl( a+b \int _{\mathbb{R}^{3}} \vert \nabla u \vert ^{2} \,\text{d}x \biggr) \Delta u+V(x)u=f(x,u), \quad \text{in } \mathbb{R}^{3}, $$
−

(
a
+
b

∫

R
3

|
∇
u

|
2

d
x
)

Δ
u
+
V
(
x
)
u
=
f
(
x
,
u
)
,

in 

R
3

,
where $a>0$
a
>
0
, $b\geq 0$
b
≥
0
, the nonlinearity $f(x,\cdot )$
f
(
x
,
⋅
)
is 3-superlinear and the potential V is either periodic or exhibits a finite potential well. By the mountain pass theorem, Lions’ concentration-compactness principle, and the energy comparison argument, we obtain the existence of positive ground state for this problem without proving the Palais–Smale compactness condition.
The mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation on the half-line
Authors: Hwang Guenbo
Published: December 2022

We analyze the initial-boundary value problem for the mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation posed on the half-line by using the Fokas method. Assuming that a smooth solution exists, we show that the solution can be represented in term of the solution of a matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem formulated in the complex plane. The jump matrix is defined in terms of the spectral functions obtained from the initial and boundary values. We derive a certain relation, the so-called global relation that involves all initial and boundary values. Furthermore, it can be shown that the solution for the mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation posed on the half-line exists, which can be determined by the unique solution of the associated Riemann–Hilbert problem, as long as the spectral functions satisfy the above global relation.
Effect of shrub encroachment on leaf nutrient resorption in temperate wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China
Authors: Yu Le-Lin , Zhang Xin-Hou , Shi Fu-Xi , Mao Rong
Published: December 2022

Background

Nutrient resorption is an important plant nutrient conservation strategy in wetlands. However, how shrub encroachment alters plant nutrient resorption processes is unclear in temperate wetlands. Here, we collected green and senesced leaves of common sedge, grass, and shrub species in wetlands with high (50–65%) and low (20–35%) shrub covers in the Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China, and assessed the impact of shrub encroachment on leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption efficiency and proficiency at both plant growth form and community levels.

Results

The effects of shrub cover on leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency were identical among shrubs, grasses, and sedges. Irrespective of plant growth forms, increased shrub cover reduced leaf N resorption efficiency and proficiency, but did not alter leaf P resorption efficiency and proficiency. However, the effect of shrub cover on leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency differed between plant growth form and community levels. At the community level, leaf N and P resorption efficiency decreased with increasing shrub cover because of increased dominance of shrubs with lower leaf nutrient resorption efficiency over grasses and sedges. Accordingly, community-level senesced leaf N and P concentrations increased with elevating shrub cover, showing a decline in leaf N and P resorption proficiency. Moreover, the significant relationships between leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency indicate that shrub encroachment increased senesced leaf nutrient concentrations by decreasing nutrient resorption efficiency.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that shrub encroachment reduces community-level leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency and highlight that the effect of altered plant composition on leaf nutrient resorption should be assessed at the community level in temperate wetlands.
Methodology for assessing the effectiveness of regional infrastructure facilities to support scientific, technical and innovation activities in the context of the synergy effect: analysis, formation and study
Authors: Byvshev Vladimir , Parfenteva Kristina , Panteleeva Irina , Uskov Danil , Demin Vadim
Published: December 2022

The objective of the study is to develop a method for the evaluation of efficiency of the regional infrastructure facilities for the support of scientific, research, technical and innovation activities. This paper presents an analysis of the methods currently used in Russia and abroad, identifying their advantages and disadvantages. Based on the analysis, the author suggests a list of parameters characterizing the given domain, and develops a system for the integrated parameter calculation; a list of the regions is provided with the potential for the most objective efficiency evaluation and testing of the developed method; conclusions are made based on the demonstrated calculations. As a result, the developed method is considered effective and promising. Regardless of the composite index currently being in the stability zone, some of its components may lie in the catastrophic risk zone, posing potential threats to the further innovative development of the subject. At the same time, it is found out that an important role in the efficient functioning of the infrastructure supporting the scientific, research, technical and innovation activities belongs to the legislative environment and the closed innovative cycle (synergy effect).
Experimental Study on Dynamic Tensile Properties of Macro-Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Authors: Yang Guoliang , Bi Jingjiu , Dong Zhiwen , Li Ying , Liu Yi
Published: December 2022

Using a high-speed photography system and a split Hopkinson pressure bar, macro-polypropylene fiber reinforced cementitious composites are tested to reveal the effects of the macro-polypropylene fiber volume fraction and loading rate on the dynamic tensile strength and failure mode. We also analyze the functional relationship between the dynamic tensile strength, loading rate, and fiber volume fraction, and study the splitting failure process using digital image correlation technology. The evolution law of the strain and displacement fields of the specimens is obtained, and the effect of the fiber volume fraction on the crack initiation strain value is quantitatively studied. The results show that the appropriate fiber content (1.5–2%) can significantly improve the dynamic tensile strength, while a higher fiber content (2.5%) leads to deterioration of the specimen. Adding macro-polypropylene fiber prevents the specimen from undergoing central tensile fracturing under dynamic loading, and distributes the impact load more evenly, thus improving the ability of the specimen to resist cracking.
A new mechanical perspective on a shallow megathrust near-trench slip from the high-resolution fault model of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake
Authors: Kubota Tatsuya , Saito Tatsuhiko , Hino Ryota
Published: December 2022

The 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake generated a surprisingly large near-trench slip, and earth scientists have devoted significant attention to understanding why. Some studies proposed special rupture mechanisms, such as extensive dynamic frictional weakening; others simulated this near-trench slip behavior without supposing the extensive dynamic weakening. However, we have not reached a decisive conclusion for this question due to limited spatial near-trench slip resolution. Hence, in this study we use new tsunami data recorded just above the large slip area in addition to offshore and onshore geodetic data to improve the spatial resolution of stress release in the Tohoku-Oki earthquake and quantitatively examine the mechanical state of the plate interface. A maximum slip of 53 m reaching the trench and an insignificant stress drop (< 3 MPa) at the shallowest portion of the fault were estimated. Based on our modeling results and the past experimental studies, it is suggested that friction at the shallow near-trench portion should be inherently low both before and during the earthquake. This result provides perspectives on the shallow slip behavior along the plate boundary, in which the strain energy accumulation at the deep portion of the fault accounts for the anomalous large shallow slip, but shallow mechanical coupling does not. A large shallow slip has been considered as a result of the release of sufficiently large strain energy at the shallow portion of the plate interface, but we suggest that shallow slips similar to that during the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake may occur in any subduction zones where the energy sufficiently accumulates only in the deeper portion.
Cloth face mask fit and function for children part two: Material Selection
Authors: Goodge Katarina , Du Puis Jenny Leigh , Maher Mona , Frey Margaret W. , Baytar Fatma , Park Heeju
Published: December 2022

The second component of this three-paper series studying cloth face masks for children ages 4 to 6 years old concentrates on optimizing aerosol capture and air permeability through fabric selection. Material choices were evaluated in two modes: Flat Filter (FF) and Head Form (HF). FF isolates material factors while HF simulates the performance of the constructed masks on a 3D printed child head form. In FF mode, higher filtration efficiency correlated to lower air permeability in both reusable commercial and experimental face masks regardless of fiber contents, fabric structures, and number of layers. Our prototype face mask developed in design exploration successfully captured 37 ± 12% of 0.3 μm, 87 ± 3% of 0.5 μm, and 87 ± 2% of 1.0 μm particles while maintaining good air permeability, moisture capture, and aerosolized salt capture in HF mode. Sealing masks to minimize outward leakage reduced particle capture up to 64%. Particle leakage data captured at the eye level of the head form illuminated the synergy between mask design, material choice, and fit.
Collection of biospecimens from parent-child dyads in a community garden-based nutrition intervention: protocol and feasibility
Authors: Khalsa Amrik Singh , Burton Jonathan , Bailey Michael T. , Zhu Jiangjiang , Kelleher Kelly J. , Maltz Ross M. , Loman Brett R. , Spees Colleen K.
Published: December 2022

Background

Non-invasive human biospecimens, including stool, urine, and hair, are important in understanding the relationship between diet and changes in human physiologic processes that affect chronic disease outcomes. However, biospecimen collection can be difficult when collecting samples for research studies that occur away from a centralized location. We describe the protocol and feasibility in collecting stool, urine, and hair biospecimens from parents and their children at a remote location as a part of a summer community garden-based intervention.

Methods

Stool, urine, and hair were collected as a part of the Summer Harvest Adventure (SHA) study, a randomized controlled, community garden-based intervention targeting children (ages 8–11 years) and their parents from low-resource neighborhoods. Biospecimens were collected from willing children and/or their parent/adult caregivers at baseline and post-intervention for evaluation of microbiome, metabolomics, and hair analyses among both intervention and control groups at a location distant from the academic laboratories conducting the analysis. The protocol used to assemble, deliver, collect, and process biospecimens are presented along with the frequencies with which specimens were successfully obtained.

Results

One hundred forty six participants (73 parent-child dyads) were part of the larger SHA study and thus eligible to provide a biospecimen. A total of 126 participants, 115 participants, and 127 participants consented to provide their hair, stool and urine samples, respectively. Of the participants that consented to provide a sample, 44 children (69.8%) and 38 parents (60.3%) provided at least one hair sample, 27 children (48.2%) and 37 parents (62.7%) provided at least one stool sample, and 36 children (57.1%) and 42 parents (65.6%) provided at least one urine sample. Sample collection at the offsite location, transport, and handling at the academic center were successful and all biospecimens were deemed adequate for analyses. DNA and metabolomics yield on a subset of stool samples obtained provided excellent results in terms of an abundance of species and metabolities, as would be predicted. Urine and hair analyses are underway.

Conclusion

Our work is one of the first to describe the feasibility of collecting human biospecimens, specifically stool, urine, and hair, from both parents and their children from low-resourced neighborhoods in a non-traditional garden research setting. Future work will report findings related to mechanisms between diet, microbiome, metabolites, and clinical outcomes.
Neutralizing and enhancing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Liu Yafei , Arase Hisashi
Published: December 2022

The high transmissibility and rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 since 2019 has led to a huge burden on healthcare worldwide. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies play an important role in not only protecting against infection but also in clearing the virus and are essential to providing long-term immunity. On the other hand, antibodies against the virus are not always protective. With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 immune escape variants, vaccine design strategies as well as antibody-mediated therapeutic approaches have become more important. We review some of the findings on SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, focusing on both basic research and clinical applications.
A modified two-step technique for the retrieval of a chemoport catheter fragment with inaccesible ends
Authors: Sokwalla Naushad K , Sagoo Ravjit , Moussa Alel , Mansour Manel Haj
Published: December 2022

Background

Migration of central venous catheters is a rare but serious complication. The endovascular approach has been widely used for the retrieval of such fragment, with the two-step technique used for removal of catheter fragments with inaccessible ends. In this case report, we describe a modification of this technique that was used after first attempting the two-step technique unsuccessfully.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old female with
breast cancer had a chemoport inserted for chemotherapy. After 6 cycles of
chemotherapy the port could not be flushed and a chest radiograph demonstrated
a migrated catheter fragment. CT scan demonstrated that one end of the fragment
was in the liver in the middle hepatic vein and the other in the right atrial
appendage. A modified 2 step technique, using a pigtail catheter, hydrophilic
wire and snare was used to remove this fragment.

Conclusion

In this case report we
highlight a new modification of the 2-step technique that can be employed when
the conventional 2 step technique does not work.
Resilience of Mediterranean communities to fire depends on burn severity and type of ecosystem
Authors: Huerta Sara , Marcos Elena , Fernández-García Víctor , Calvo Leonor
Published: December 2022

Background

Burn severity plays an important role in shaping vegetation recovery in Mediterranean ecosystems. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of burn severity on short-term vegetation resilience in different ecosystems. We selected the Cabrera wildfire (northwest Iberian Peninsula), which affected shrubland, heathland, broomland, and oak woodland ecosystems in 2017. Immediately after the fire, we established 249 field plots within the burned area, in which burn severity was quantified by the application of the Composite Burn Index, differentiating three burn severity categories: low, moderate, and high. Moreover, we fixed 136 plots in unburned areas at two different maturity stages: young (unburned for the last 10 years) and old (unburned for the last 20 years) vegetation. Two years after the wildfire, we evaluated the total percentage cover of vegetation in four vertical strata ranging from 0 to > 4 m, as well as the cover of each woody species and total herbaceous vegetation in the lowest stratum (0–0.5 m). Resilience of the 2017 burned areas was interpreted in terms of the difference in vegetation cover and species composition in relation to the two different maturity stages.

Results

The results showed that the lowest stratum was the most resilient in the short term. In fact, all ecosystems presented high resilience of this stratum in low-severity areas. In shrublands and heathlands, this was mainly the consequence of the regeneration of herbaceous vegetation, as the dominant woody species did not fully recover in any of the burned situations (at least 21% and 11% less cover in shrubland and heathland burned plots compared to areas of young vegetation). Specifically, the resilience of this stratum was higher in broomlands and oak woodlands, mainly under moderate and high severities. In these ecosystems, woody dominant species recovered with respect to young vegetation at the 0–0.5-m level. Despite this, burn severity had a negative impact on the short-term resilience of the uppermost strata in broomlands and oak woodlands (cover values close to 0%).

Conclusions

The effects of burn severity on short-term vegetation resilience differed among type of ecosystems and vertical strata, so these results may constitute a starting point for the evaluation of the influence of burn severity and vegetation composition and structure on ecosystem resilience.
A systematic review of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced heart failure and its management
Authors: AlShatnawi Mohammad Nawaf , Shawashreh Rzan Atef , Sunoqrot Mohammed Ashraf , Yaghi Ali Rezeq
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple case reports and case series have been published on heart failure due to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs), yet the management and outcome of the said disease have been scarcely discussed in sufficient details. This review is aimed at characterizing the signs, symptoms, laboratory parameters, and outcomes of this entity by analyzing recent published case reports and case series reporting new-onset heart failure in non-small cell lung cancer tumor (NSCLC) patients who are being treated with EGFR TKIs.

Methods

This is a systematic review of case reports and case series for cases of EGFR TKI-induced heart failure. A systematic search was conducted across a number of databases starting with PubMed databases utilizing its MeSH database; after that, a complementary search through Google Scholar was conducted.

Results

In total, 23 cases of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced heart failure were included. The majority of the reported case were females (20 females and three males) with a male-to-female ratio of 1:6.6. Ages ranged from 47 to 91 years of age with a mean age of 70.73 and a median of 71 years of age. Symptom improvement and being symptom-free from a heart failure perspective after treatment from the acute event were observed in 18 cases (78.26%) while heart failure progressively worsened and led to the death of the patient in only one case (4.3%).

Conclusion

The utilization of EGFR TKIs in NSCLCs has been associated with a better outcome and fewer side effects when compared to classical chemotherapeutic agents. However, cardiotoxic effects, such as heart failure, could be significant for a small proportion of patients. Recent papers have reported heart failure in younger and cardiac risk-free patients. Still, it is only advised to monitor for heart failure in the high-risk group. Treatment should be individualized and based on a case-by-case basis.
Progressive multitask learning for high-resolution prediction of reservoir elastic parameters
Authors: Li Dong , Peng Suping , Guo Yinling , Lu Yongxu , Cui Xiaoqin , Du Wenfeng
Published: December 2022

Reservoir elastic parameters play an important role in resource exploration; however, the band-limited characteristics of seismic data and the ill-posed nature of seismic inversion significantly affect inversion accuracy. To alleviate this problem, a high-resolution prediction method for reservoir elastic parameters based on the progressive multitask learning network (PMLN) is proposed. Our network consists of three parts: network 1 for low-frequency extension (LFE), network 2 for reservoir parameter inversion, and network 3 for image superresolution (SR). Taking the seismic frequency band as the link, network 1 is first used to predict the low-frequency information of seismic data. Then, the nonlinear mapping relationship between the high-pass-filtered seismic data (and its envelope) and full-frequency seismic data is established. Second, network 2 directly predicts the reservoir elastic parameters using the seismic data after LFE. Finally, the SR of the inversion results is achieved from the image perspective based on network 3. The three networks have a progressive relationship and can share network features, which is beneficial for improving computing efficiency. As the features extracted by the network represent different contributions to the prediction target, a channel attention mechanism is introduced. Furthermore, the loss function of network 2 is improved using dip constraints to obtain high-precision reservoir parameters. Synthetic and field data analyses find that all three networks are competent for their respective tasks, and the PMLN can obtain high-resolution prediction results of reservoir elastic parameters. Compared with traditional full-waveform inversion, the PMLN effectively improves prediction accuracy. Therefore, the PMLN is expected to become a powerful tool for predicting the elastic parameters of reservoirs.
Multicenter Phase II Trial of the WEE1 Inhibitor Adavosertib in Refractory Solid Tumors Harboring CCNE1 Amplification
Authors: Fu Siqing , Yao Shuyang , Yuan Yuan , Previs Rebecca A. , Elias Anthony D. , Carvajal Richard D. , George Thomas J. , Yuan Ying , Yu Lihou , Westin Shannon N. , Xing Yan , Dumbrava Ecaterina E. , Karp Daniel D. , Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Ahnert Jordi Rodon , Takebe Naoko , Lu Karen , Keyomarsi Khandan , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

Preclinical cancer models harboring CCNE1 amplification were more sensitive to adavosertib treatment, a WEE1 kinase inhibitor, than models without amplification. Thus, we conducted this phase II study to assess the antitumor activity of adavosertib in patients with CCNE1-amplified, advanced refractory solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 18 years with measurable disease and refractory solid tumors harboring CCNE1 amplification, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, and adequate organ function were studied. Patients received 300 mg of adavosertib once daily on days 1 through 5 and 8 through 12 of a 21-day cycle. The trial followed Bayesian optimal phase II design. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 9.9 months. Eight patients had partial responses (PRs), and three had stable disease (SD) ≥ 6 months, with an ORR of 27% (95% CI, 12 to 46), a SD ≥ 6 months/PR rate of 37% (95% CI, 20 to 56), a median progression-free survival duration of 4.1 months (95% CI, 1.8 to 6.4), and a median overall survival duration of 9.9 months (95% CI, 4.8 to 15). Fourteen patients with epithelial ovarian cancer showed an ORR of 36% (95% CI, 13 to 65) and SD ≥ 6 months/PR of 57% (95% CI, 29 to 82), a median progression-free survival duration of 6.3 months (95% CI, 2.4 to 10.2), and a median overall survival duration of 14.9 months (95% CI, 8.9 to 20.9). Common treatment-related toxicities were GI, hematologic toxicities, and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

Adavosertib monotherapy demonstrates a manageable toxicity profile and promising clinical activity in refractory solid tumors harboring CCNE1 amplification, especially in epithelial ovarian cancer. Further study of adavosertib, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, in CCNE1-amplified epithelial ovarian cancer is warranted.
Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance Is Not Associated With Changes in the Degree of Obesity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Halloun Rana , Galderisi Alfonso , Caprio Sonia , Weiss Ram
Published: December 2022

Context

The “carbohydrate-insulin model” claims that adipose tissue insulin sensitivity explains development of obesity via adipocyte energy storage and/or low postprandial metabolic fuel levels.

Objective

We tested whether adipose tissue insulin sensitivity predicts changes in the degree of obesity over time.

Methods

This secondary analysis of an observational study of youth with obesity included 213 youths at a pediatric weight management clinic. Adipose tissue insulin sensitivity/resistance and whole-body insulin sensitivity were evaluated using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived surrogates in the face of changes in the degree of obesity over time. The main outcome measure was change in body mass index (BMI) z score.

Results

Mean BMI z change was 0.05 ± 0.28 (range, −1.15 to 1.19), representing a broad distribution of changes in the degree of obesity over a follow-up period of 1.88 ± 1.27 years. Adipose tissue insulin resistance was not associated with changes in the degree of obesity in univariate or multivariate analyses (adjusted for baseline age, BMI z score, sex, ethnicity, and time of follow-up). Low postprandial free fatty acid concentrations or their suppression during the OGTT were not associated with changes in the degree of obesity in univariate or multivariate analyses. Whole-body insulin sensitivity was not associated with changes in the degree of obesity in univariate or multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

In this secondary analysis, in youth with obesity, adipose tissue insulin resistance is not protective from increases of the degree of obesity and skeletal muscle insulin resistance is not associated with increases of the degree of obesity.

The analysis was performed using data derived from NCT00000112 and NCT00536250.
Invited to Witness
Authors: Kelly Jennifer Lynn
Published: December 2022

In Invited to Witness, Jennifer Lynn Kelly explores the significance of contemporary solidarity tourism across Occupied Palestine. Examining the relationships among race, colonialism, and movement-building in spaces where tourism and military occupation operate in tandem, Kelly argues that solidarity tourism in Palestine functions as both political strategy and emergent industry. She draws from fieldwork on solidarity tours in Palestine/Israel and interviews with guides, organizers, community members, and tourists, asking what happens when tourism is marketed as activism and when anticolonial work functions through tourism. Palestinian organizers, she demonstrates, have refashioned the conventions of tourism by extending invitations to tourists to witness Palestinian resistance and the effects of Israeli state practice on Palestinian land and lives. In so doing, Kelly shows how Palestinian guides and organizers wrest from Israeli control the capacity to invite and the permission to narrate both their oppression and their liberation.
Large Heterogeneity Observed in Single Molecule Measurements of Intramolecular Electron Transfer Rates through DNA
Authors: Fan Shuya , Takada Tadao , Maruyama Atsushi , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Kawai Kiyohiko
Published: December 2022

Current understanding of electron transfer (ET) kinetics is largely based on ensemble measurements that obscure the underlying single-molecule behavior. We previously reported systematic distance-dependent single molecule ET measurements that show a large heterogeneity. Here we study and discuss this heterogeneity in more detail and suggest that it is a rather fundamental phenomenon that is difficult to explain solely by the distribution of DNA conformations. This heterogeneity may arise from the uniqueness of each molecule, or it may reflect the uncertainty of ET kinetics.
Σώμα κειμένων και ηλεκτρονικό μορφολογικό-σημασιολογικό λεξικό της ελληνικής ειδικής γλώσσας των τραπεζικών συμβάσεων
Authors: Βαδάση Κωνσταντία
Published: December 2022

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή με τίτλο: «Σώμα κειμένων και ηλεκτρονικό μορφολογικό-σημασιολογικό λεξικό της ελληνικής ειδικής γλώσσας των τραπεζικών συμβάσεων. Θέματα εναρμόνισης της γλώσσας και εφαρμογές στην εκμάθησή της και στη μετάφραση» έχει ως αντικείμενο τη μελέτη της ειδικής γλώσσας των τραπεζικών συμβάσεων στον βαθμό που αυτή η ειδική γλώσσα εναρμονίζεται με τους κανόνες που υπαγορεύουν οι γραμματικές, τα λεξικά και οι σχετικοί οδηγοί που αφορούν τη νομική κυρίως γλώσσα. Η μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσα από ένα σώμα κειμένων το οποίο συστάθηκε από γνήσια τραπεζικά κείμενα που αφορούν συμβάσεις κάθε είδους (δανείου, leasing, ασφάλειας, έκδοσης πιστωτικών καρτών κ.ά.). Ωστόσο, πρέπει να σημειωθεί, ότι, ενώ η πρόθεση αρχικά ήταν να συλλεχθεί υλικό των συμβάσεων από όλες τις ελληνικές συστημικές τράπεζες, προβλήματα διαδικαστικά εμπόδισαν αυτήν την πρόθεση και γι’ αυτό το μέγεθος σώματος κειμένου δεν υπήρξε τόσο μεγάλο όσο επιδιώκαμε εξαρχής. Για να ξεπεράσουμε το εμπόδιο του απαιτούμενου όγκου του σώματος κειμένου, αποφασίσαμε να το εμπλουτίσουμε με άρθρα από το Σύνταγμα, τον Αστικό Κώδικα, τους νόμους και τους Γενικούς Όρους Συναλλαγών που πλαισιώνουν τις συμβάσεις. Το γεγονός αυτό σημαίνει πως η γλώσσα του σώματος κειμένων σχετίζεται κατά πολύ με τη νομική γλώσσα. Παράλληλα, η διατριβή αυτή αποτελεί συμβολή στην κατασκευή ενός ηλεκτρονικού μορφολογικού και σημασιολογικού λεξικού για την ειδική αυτή γλώσσα. Στόχος είναι η κατασκευή ενός ηλεκτρονικού λεξικού που αφορά τη γλώσσα αυτή. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι η γλώσσα των τραπεζικών συμβάσεων εξετάσθηκε κυρίως υπό το πρίσμα της υπολογιστικής γλωσσολογίας.Ωστόσο, στην παρούσα διατριβή κατασκευάστηκε μόνο ένα μέρος του λεξικού αυτού και συγκεκριμένα εκείνο που αφορά τους όρους που μας απασχόλησαν στα θέματα εναρμόνισης με τους ορθογραφικούς οδηγούς. Το λεξικό αυτό περιορίστηκε μόνο στη μορφολογική και τη σημασιολογική πληροφορία, αφήνοντας περιθώρια για μελλοντική εργασία που θα αφορά τόσο τη συντακτική ανάλυση, όσο και τους υπόλοιπους όρους, οι οποίοι δε συμπεριλήφθηκαν στην παρούσα εργασία. Απώτερος σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι να εφαρμοστούν τα αποτελέσματά της σε συστήματα αυτόματης επεξεργασίας της ελληνικής γλώσσας, στα πεδία της λεξικογραφίας, της αυτόματης ή μη μετάφρασης, καθώς και της διδασκαλίας της ειδικής αυτής γλώσσας σε σπουδαστές σχετικών με το αντικείμενο σχολών (νομικής, χρηματοοικονομικής, οικονομικής σχολής, ή διοίκησης κ.ά.) ή μετάφρασης. Επιπλέον, το ειδικό σώμα κειμένων που συστάθηκε καθώς και το λεξικό στα επίπεδα που αυτό μελετήθηκε αποτελούν γλωσσικούς πόρους για περαιτέρω μελέτες στον χώρο της γλωσσολογίας γενικά, αλλά και της ορολογίας γενικότερα.
Implementation and assessment of an end-to-end Open Science & Data Collaborations program
Authors: Wang Huajin , Gainey Melanie , Campbell Patrick , Young Sarah , Behrman Katie
Published: December 2022

As research becomes more interdisciplinary, fast-paced, data-intensive, and collaborative, there is an increasing need to share data and other research products in accordance with Open Science principles. In response to this need, we created an Open Science & Data Collaborations (OSDC) program at the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries that provides Open Science tools, training, collaboration opportunities, and community-building events to support Open Research and Open Science adoption. This program presents a unique end-to-end model for Open Science programs because it extends open science support beyond open repositories and open access publishing to the entire research lifecycle. We developed a logic model and a preliminary assessment metrics framework to evaluate the impact of the program activities based on existing data collected through event and workshop registrations and platform usage. The combination of these evaluation instruments has provided initial insight into our service productivity and impact. It will further help to answer more in-depth questions regarding the program impact, launch targeted surveys, and identify priority service areas and interesting Open Science projects.
Moral judgement among university students in Ica: A view from the perspective of Lawrence Kohlberg
Authors: Pozo Enciso Rosmery Sabina , Arbieto Mamani Oscar , Mendoza Vargas Miguel Gerardo
Published: December 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to identify moral judgement at the preconventional level, the conventional level, and the post-conventional level in university students in the tenth semester in Ica, in 2022.

Method: The research methodology was descriptive-observational, quantitative and cross-sectional. The population consisted of university students in the tenth semester and the sample consisted of 157 university students. A survey was used as a data collection tool and a questionnaire was used to measure the stages of moral judgement according to Lawrence Kholberg.  

Results: It was found that 12.75% of the study sample was in the instructional relativism stage, 23.10% were in interpersonal agreement, 35.76% were in social order and authority, 11.95% were in social contract and finally 3.80% were in universal ethical principles.

Conclusion: It was concluded and identified that the stages of moral judgement among the study sample indicate that interpersonal agreement, social order and authority are the most developed among university students.