bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An agent‐based model of insect resistance management and mitigation for Bt maize: a social science perspective
Authors: Saikai Yuji , Hurley Terrance M , Mitchell Paul D
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Farmers around the world have used Bt maize for more than two decades, delaying resistance using a high‐dose/refuge strategy. Nevertheless, field‐evolved resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins has been documented. This paper describes a spatially explicit population genetics model of resistance to Bt toxins by the insect Ostrinia nubilalis and an agent‐based model of farmer adoption of Bt maize incorporating social networks. The model was used to evaluate multiple resistance mitigation policies, including combinations of increased refuges for all farms, localized bans on Bt maize where resistance develops, area‐wide sprays of insecticides on fields with resistance and taxes on Bt maize seed for all farms. Evaluation metrics included resistance allele frequency, pest population density, farmer adoption of Bt maize and economic surplus.

RESULTS

The most effective mitigation policies for maintaining a low resistance allele frequency were 50% refuge and localized bans. Area‐wide sprays were the most effective for maintaining low pest populations. Based on economic surplus, refuge requirements were the recommended policy for mitigating resistance to high‐dose Bt maize. Social networks further enhanced the benefits of refuges relative to other mitigation policies but accelerated the emergence of resistance.

CONCLUSION

These results support using refuges as the foundation of resistance mitigation for high‐dose Bt maize, just as for resistance management. Other mitigation policies examined were more effective but more costly. Social factors had substantial effects on the recommended management and mitigation of insect resistance, suggesting that agent‐based models can make useful contributions for policy analysis.
Self‐legitimation and sense‐making of Southern European parents' migration to Norway: The role of family aspirations
Authors: Herrero‐Arias Raquel , Hollekim Ragnhild , Haukanes Haldis
Published: July 2020

This article explores the migration narratives of Southern European parents living in Norway, where family projects emerged as a central theme. Migrant parents told stories not only of disillusionment and sacrifice but also of satisfaction, which they articulated around their aspiration to have a family life after migration. We analysed the informants' storytelling and explored the ways that family aspirations manifested. By articulating their migration experiences through their aspirations to grow their family, the migrant parents claimed a position as subjects in Norwegian discourses on parenting and citizenship and distanced themselves from discourses on labour immigration and immigrant parenting. The article aims to contribute to the scholarship on motivations for post‐2008 intra‐European migration and on narrative legitimation by drawing attention to the way migrants use their family projects as a vehicle for self‐legitimation, for claiming rightful membership to the host society and for justifying this position to themselves and others.
A Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model for the Prediction of “Half‐Life Extension” and “Catch and Release” Monoclonal Antibody Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Jones Hannah M. , Tolsma John , Zhang Zhiwei , Jasper Paul , Luo Haobin , Weber Gregory L. , Wright Katherine , Bard Joel , Bell Robert , Messing Dean , Kelleher Kerry , Piche‐Nicholas Nicole , Webster Robert
Published: July 2020

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be engineered to have “extended half‐life” and “catch and release” properties to improve target coverage. We have developed a mAb physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model that describes intracellular trafficking, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) recycling, and nonspecific clearance of mAbs. We extended this model to capture target binding as a function of target affinity, expression, and turnover. For mAbs engineered to have an extended half‐life, the model was able to accurately predict the terminal half‐life (82% within 2‐fold error of the observed value) in the human FcRn transgenic (Tg32) homozygous mouse and human. The model also accurately captures the trend in pharmacokinetic and target coverage data for a set of mAbs with differing catch and release properties in the Tg32 mouse. The mechanistic nature of this model allows us to explore different engineering techniques early in drug discovery, potentially expanding the number of “druggable” targets.
Algal biomass and macroinvertebrate dynamics in intermittent braided rivers: new perspectives from instream pools
Authors: Burgazzi Gemma , Bolpagni Rossano , Laini Alex , Racchetti Erica , Viaroli Pierluigi
Published: July 2020

Perennial streams and rivers are now largely subjected to fragmentation and lentification processes due to flow reduction, which creates a number of lateral habitats with different degrees of hydrological connectivity. These habitats have environmental conditions and biotic interactions that can be far divergent than those of main channel habitats. However, they remain largely unexplored, especially in temperate regions. We here focused on studying algal dynamics and their interactions with aquatic invertebrates across mesohabitats (i.e., main channel, secondary channel, pools) in streambeds under both normal and low flow conditions. We selected four watercourses in the Po Plain (northern Italy), where we detected the main dynamics and drivers of algal and invertebrate communities by applying mixed effect modelling. A clear algal growth trend was detected in summer, and was similar for all mesohabitats, but with temporal decoupling and doubled values in pools. Mesohabitat and time were central factors in driving benthic algae dynamics that, in turn, negatively affected aquatic invertebrates. Hydrology and algae seemed to have a mutually reinforcing effect on macroinvertebrates by reducing almost all the investigated metrics. By considering future projections on further regime shifts in lotic systems, loss of biodiversity driven by algal blooms could become a major concern, and also for potential cascade impacts on other biotic compartments of river networks.
Investigating underrepresented and first‐generation college students' science and math motivational beliefs: A nationally representative study using latent profile analysis
Authors: Snodgrass Rangel Virginia , Vaval Luronne , Bowers Alex
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the math and science beliefs of underrepresented students, with a focus on first‐generation college (FGC) students. We do so by estimating a typology of high school students based on their mathematics and science beliefs and examining which group(s) students were more likely to be in. We used latent profile analysis and a nationally representative sample of high school students from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009. We identified four groups, low‐all, medium‐low science/medium‐high math, medium‐high science/medium‐low math, and high‐all. Among these four groups, FGC students were overrepresented among students in the low‐all group, which had negative math and science beliefs and the worst math, science, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) outcomes. Our findings have for research on FGC students as well as for practitioners who work with them.
The rationale of using mesenchymal stem cells in patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: What to expect
Authors: Can Alp , Coskun Hakan
Published: July 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global health crisis with an extremely rapid progress resulting in thousands of patients who may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. So far, no specific antiviral therapeutic agent has been demonstrated to be effective for COVID-19; therefore, the clinical management is largely supportive and depends on the patients’ immune response leading to a cytokine storm followed by lung edema, dysfunction of air exchange, and ARDS, which could lead to multiorgan failure and death. Given that human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various tissue sources have revealed successful clinical outcomes in many immunocompromised disorders by inhibiting the overactivation of the immune system and promoting endogenous repair by improving the microenvironment, there is a growing demand for MSC infusions in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS in the ICU. In this review, we have documented the rationale and possible outcomes of compassionate use of MSCs, particularly in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections, toward proving or disproving the efficacy of this approach in the near future. Many centers have registered and approved, and some already started, single-case or phase I/II trials primarily aiming to rescue their critical patients when no other therapeutic approach responds. On the other hand, it is also very important to mention that there is a good deal of concern about clinics offering unproven stem cell treatments for COVID-19. The reviewers and oversight bodies will be looking for a balanced but critical appraisal of current trials.
Ownership competence
Authors: Foss Nicolai J. , Klein Peter G. , Lien Lasse B. , Zellweger Thomas , Zenger Todd
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

Ownership is fundamental to firm strategy, organization, and governance. Standard ownership concepts—mainly derived from agency and incomplete contracting theories—focus on its incentive effects. However, these concepts and theories neglect ownership's role as an instrument to match judgment about resource use and governance with the firm's evolving environment under uncertainty. We develop the concept of ownership competence—the skill with which ownership is used as an instrument to create value—and decompose it into matching competence (whatto own), governance competence (howto own), and timing competence (whento own). We describe how property rights of use, appropriation, and transfer relate to the three ownership competences and show how our theory offers a fresh perspective into the role of ownership for value generation.

Managerial Summary

Business owners own with different levels of competence, and differences in ownership competence matter for value creation. We argue that ownership competence consists of competence aboutwhatto own (matching competence), competence abouthowto own (governance competence), and competence aboutwhento own (timing competence). We clarify the role played by each of the three competences for value creation. We also show how the importance of ownership competence for value creation alters depending on ownership concentration, life cycle effects, uncertainty of the environment, and the efficiency of resource markets. With our paper, we prepare the ground for a fuller understanding of the strategic role of owners for value creation.
Nanotoxicology: The Need for a Human Touch?
Authors: Miller Mark R. , Poland Craig A.
Published: July 2020

With the ever‐expanding number of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) under development there is a vital need for nanotoxicology studies that test the potential for MNMs to cause harm to health. An extensive body of work in cell cultures and animal models is vital to understanding the physicochemical characteristics of MNMs and the biological mechanisms that underlie any detrimental actions to cells and organs. In human subjects, exposure monitoring is combined with measurement of selected health parameters in small panel studies, especially in occupational settings. However, the availability of further in vivo human data would greatly assist the risk assessment of MNMs. Here, the potential for controlled inhalation exposures of MNMs in human subjects is discussed. Controlled exposures to carbon, gold, aluminum, and zinc nanoparticles in humans have already set a precedence to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. These studies have provided considerable insight into the potential (or not) of nanoparticles to induce inflammation, alter lung function, affect the vasculature, reach the systemic circulation, and accumulate in other organs. The need for further controlled exposures of MNMs in human volunteers ‐ to establish no‐effect limits, biological mechanisms, and provide vital data for the risk assessment of MNMs ‐ is advocated.
Flexible Photothermal Assemblies with Tunable Gold Patterns for Improved Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Therapy
Authors: Zheng Di , Zhang Kai , Chen Beibei , Zhao Nana , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: July 2020

Self‐assembly of gold nanoparticles demonstrates a promising approach to realize enhanced photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) for accurate diagnosis and efficient cancer therapy. Herein, unique photothermal assemblies with tunable patterns of gold nanoparticles (including arcs, rings, ribbons, and vesicles) on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) spheres are constructed taking advantage of emulsion‐confined and polymer‐directed self‐assembly strategies. The influencing factors and formation mechanism to produce the assemblies are investigated in details. Both the emulsion structure and migration behaviors of amphiphilic block copolymer tethered gold nanoparticles are found to contribute to the formation of versatile photothermal assemblies. Hyaluronic acid‐modified R‐PLGA‐Au (RPA) exhibits outstanding photothermal performances under NIR laser irradiation, which is induced by strong plasmonic coupling between adjacent gold nanoparticles. It is interesting that secondary assembly of RPA can be triggered by NIR laser irradiation. Prolonged residence time in tumors is achieved after RPA assemblies are fused into superstructures with larger sizes, realizing real‐time monitoring of the therapeutic processes via PAI with enhanced photoacoustic signals. Notably, synergistic effect resulting from PTT‐enhanced chemotherapy is realized to demonstrate high antitumor performance. This work provides a facile strategy to construct flexible photothermal assemblies with favorable properties for imaging‐guided synergistic therapy.
Quasi‐Heteroface Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ren Ningyu , Chen Bingbing , Shi Biao , Wang Pengyang , Xu Qiaojing , Li Yucheng , Li Renjie , Cui Xinghua , Hou Fuhua , Li Tiantian , Huang Qian , Li Yuelong , Ding Yi , Hou Guofu , Chen Xinliang , Zhu Chengjun , Zhao Ying , Hagfeldt Anders , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: July 2020

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted unprecedented attention due to their rapidly rising photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE). In order to further improve the PCE of PSCs, new possible optimization path needs to be found. Here, quasi‐heteroface PSCs (QHF‐PSCs) is designed by a double‐layer perovskite film. Such brand new PSCs have good carrier separation capabilities, effectively suppress the nonradiative recombination of the PSCs, and thus greatly improve the open‐circuit voltage and PCE. The root cause of the performance improvement is the benefit from the additional built‐in electric field, which is confirmed by measuring the external quantum efficiency under applied electric field and Kelvin probe force microscope. Meanwhile, an intermediate band gap perovskite layer can be obtained simply by combining a wide band gap perovskite layer with a narrow band gap perovskite layer. Tunability of the band gap is obtained by varying the film thicknesses of the narrow and wide band gap layers. This phenomenon is quite different from traditional inorganic solar cells, whose band gap is determined only by the narrowest band gap layer. It is believed that these QHF‐PSCs will be an effective strategy to further enhance PCE in PSCs and provide basis to further understand and develop the perovskite materials platform.
Inulooligosaccharides in Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma and Atractylodis rhizoma of hochuekkito formula are essential for regulation of the pulmonary immune system of immuno‐compromised mice
Authors: Idehara Mayu , Tanaka Yosuke , Hosaka Haruna , Saso Kayako , Ideno Satoshi , Nakamura Yuki , Sekiya Michiko , Nagai Takayuki , Kiyohara Hiroaki
Published: July 2020

Aim

Hochuekkito formula includes four kinds of prescriptions in Japan. It is not known whether all the formulas express the same stimulating effect on the mucosal immune systems of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Methods

By using influenza virus‐sensitized BALB/c mice, which are immuno‐compromised with cyclophosphamide, effects of administration of decocted extracts of four kinds of hochuekkito formulas were compared on anti‐influenza antibody titers in nasal cavity and bronchoalveolar fluids. The contribution of inulooligosaccharides to immuno‐modualting effects on T lymphocyes in Peyer's patches and pulmonary immune responses in poly(I:C)‐induced pneumonia mice was also analyzed.

Results

Hochuekkito formulas with either Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma (ALR‐hochuekkito) or Atractylodis rhizoma (AtR‐hochuekkito) stimulated anti‐influenza virus‐specific antibody titers in the nasal cavity; however, ALR‐hochuekkito stimulated the production of the antibody titer in lung but AtR‐hochuekkito did not. Longer‐size inulooligosaccharides in ALR‐hochuekkito induced more IFN‐γ‐producing T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches whereas the intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharides in AtR‐hochuekkito induced more IL‐10‐producing T lymphocytes. Oral administration of the intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharides reduced pulmonary inflammation in poly(I:C)‐inoculated mice but not the longer‐size inulooligosaccharides.

Conclusions

All the hochuekkito formulas stimulate the mucosal immune system in upper respiratory tracts whereas the formula with Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma up‐regulates the pulmonary immune system, and inulooligosaccharides from Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma and Atractylodis rhizoma play a crucial role in regulating the pulmonary immune system with the hochuekkito formula.
Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Composites Based on Waste Polyethylene: Impact of Ethylene‐Vinyl Acetate and Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Elnaggar Mona Y. , Mazied Nabila A. , Hassan Medhat M. , Fathy E. S.
Published: July 2020

In this article, we discuss the radiation effects and ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) as compatibilizing agent on waste polyethylene (WPE)/virgin polyethylene (VPE), 80/20 wt%, reinforced by Kevlar fiber (Aramid). Hence, by melt mixing the compatibility between WPE and VPE will be performed by adding 10 phr fixed weight of EVA. After that various weights of Kevlar fiber at phr 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 were reinforced into prepared polymer blend. The composites mechanical properties and the thermal stability were predicted. Furthermore, infrared and X‐ray diffraction used to characterize the composites structure. Improvements of both tensile strength and elastic modulus of prepared composites at 1.5 phr of Kevlar was observed and decreased in their values were noticed after that. Also, thermal stability has been enhanced with EVA and Kevlar fiber. Remarked improvements in studied parameters were generally determined by formation of crosslinking networks via gamma irradiation.
On the decaying-sterile-neutrino solution to the electron (anti)neutrino appearance anomalies
Authors: de Gouvêa André , Peres O. L. G. , Prakash Suprabh , Stenico G. V.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We explore the hypothesis that the unexplained data from Liquid Scintillator Neutrino Detector (LSND) and MiniBooNE experiments are evidence for a new, heavy neutrino mass-eigenstate that mixes with the muon-type neutrino and decays into an electron-type neutrino and a new, very light scalar particle. We consider two different decay scenarios, one with Majorana neutrinos, one with Dirac neutrinos; both fit the data equally well. We find a reasonable, albeit not excellent, fit to the data of MiniBooNE and LSND. The decaying-sterile-neutrino hypothesis, however, cleanly evades constraints from disappearance searches and precision measurements of leptonic meson decays, as long as 1 MeV ≳ m4 ≳ 10 keV. The Short-Baseline Neutrino Program (SBN) at Fermilab should be able to definitively test the decaying-sterile-neutrino hypothesis.
Retrospective analysis of 15 years of horse-related maxillofacial fracture data at a major German trauma center
Authors: Stier Rebecca , Tavassol Frank , Dupke Claudia , Rüter Maria , Jehn Philipp , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Spalthoff Simon
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of the mechanism of trauma (fall versus kick), rider demographics, equestrian experience, protective equipment, and whether or not a horse was shod on the anatomic site of a horse-related maxillofacial fracture, operating time, postoperative complication rate, and length of hospital stay.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients treated for horse-related maxillofacial fractures at a single institution in Germany between January 2000 and March 2015. We used linear and logistic regression to test the above-mentioned variables for statistical correlations.

Results

During the study period, we treated 138 horse-related facial fractures in 71 patients. The mean patient age was 34.5 years, and 80.3% of the injuries occurred in women. Most of the maxillofacial fractures were the result of a horse kick (71.8%) when unmounted and the majority occurred in more experienced riders (70.4%). There was a significant association of wearing of protective equipment with a shorter hospital stay and lower risk of postoperative complications.

Conclusion

More education is needed in the equestrian community regarding the use of protective equipment when unmounted. Safety helmets should be redesigned to include a faceguard and be worn at all times.
A novel human pluripotent stem cell-based assay to predict developmental toxicity
Authors: Lauschke Karin , Rosenmai Anna Kjerstine , Meiser Ina , Neubauer Julia Christiane , Schmidt Katharina , Rasmussen Mikkel Aabech , Holst Bjørn , Taxvig Camilla , Emnéus Jenny Katarina , Vinggaard Anne Marie
Published: July 2020

There is a great need for novel in vitro methods to predict human developmental toxicity to comply with the 3R principles and to improve human safety. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) are ideal for the development of such methods, because they are easy to retrieve by conversion of adult somatic cells and can differentiate into most cell types of the body. Advanced three-dimensional (3D) cultures of these cells, so-called embryoid bodies (EBs), moreover mimic the early developing embryo. We took advantage of this to develop a novel human toxicity assay to predict chemically induced developmental toxicity, which we termed the PluriBeat assay. We employed three different hiPSC lines from male and female donors and a robust microtiter plate-based method to produce EBs. We differentiated the cells into cardiomyocytes and introduced a scoring system for a quantitative readout of the assay—cardiomyocyte contractions in the EBs observed on day 7. Finally, we tested the three compounds thalidomide (2.3–36 µM), valproic acid (25–300 µM), and epoxiconazole (1.3–20 µM) on beating and size of the EBs. We were able to detect the human-specific teratogenicity of thalidomide and found the rodent toxicant epoxiconazole as more potent than thalidomide in our assay. We conclude that the PluriBeat assay is a novel method for predicting chemicals’ adverse effects on embryonic development.
Pollicott-Ruelle Resonant States and Betti Numbers
Authors: Küster Benjamin , Weich Tobias
Published: July 2020

Given a closed orientable hyperbolic manifold of dimension $$\ne 3$$

≠
3

we prove that the multiplicity of the Pollicott-Ruelle resonance of the geodesic flow on perpendicular one-forms at zero agrees with the first Betti number of the manifold. Additionally, we prove that this equality is stable under small perturbations of the Riemannian metric and simultaneous small perturbations of the geodesic vector field within the class of contact vector fields. For more general perturbations we get bounds on the multiplicity of the resonance zero on all one-forms in terms of the first and zeroth Betti numbers. Furthermore, we identify for hyperbolic manifolds further resonance spaces whose multiplicities are given by higher Betti numbers.
On the characteristics and climate effects of HV-WCP events over the Kuroshio SST front during wintertime
Authors: Bai Haokun , Hu Haibo , Perrie William , Zhang Ning
Published: July 2020

Neglected High-frequency Variability events of the sea surface Wind Coupled with Precipitation (HV-WCP) events are revealed over the Kuroshio Sea Surface Temperature (SST) front in the East China Sea (ECS) during wintertime. This phenomenon is characterized as modulation events of the surface wind directions, whereby the southerly anomaly changes into a northwest anomaly, accompanied with increasing wind speed, and coupled with decreasing precipitation from morning to night on the day with the peak variability. The events are associated with significant climate effects on the rainfall anomaly over southeastern China and adjacent ocean areas of the ECS. To sustain these events, the large-scale circulation needs to exhibit declines in the upstream monsoon and weakening vertical mixing in the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The Kuroshio thermal effect on the underlying atmosphere becomes prominent due to weakening vertical mixing, which results in pronounced PBL height gradient over the Kuroshio SST front. More plentiful moisture transported from PBL to the free atmosphere, generates the initialization of rainfall and the cyclone anomaly. Meanwhile, the latent heat releasing caused by this precipitation forces positive vorticity anomaly within the PBL, which again strengthens the cyclone and the upward moisture transport. Therefore, a complement between local circulation and rainfall is developed over the Kuroshio region. Due to the significant effect of the Kuroshio SST front on the PBL structure, the HV-WCP intensity is able to maintain its strength over the Kuroshio region. However, because of the northwestern background monsoon, the HV-WCP events vanish quickly when the coupled system moves out of Kuroshio SST frontal region.
The effect of a split portion of flaxseed on 24-h blood glucose response
Authors: Almehmadi Awatif , Lightowler Helen , Chohan Magali , Clegg Miriam E.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Flaxseed can be effective at lowering and stabilising blood glucose responses. The aim of this study was to determine whether flaxseed could lower blood glucose response more effectively when consumed as a single portion of 30 g, or a split portion consumed three times per day (10 g flaxseed per portion).

Methods

The study was a randomised, repeated measures, cross-over design. Fifteen healthy participants consumed either (1) three flaxseed muffins containing a total of 30 g of flaxseed once in the morning, (2) three flaxseed muffins consumed at three different timepoints across the day (10 g flaxseed per muffin) or (3) three control muffins consumed at three different timepoints across the day (0 g flaxseed). The 24-h blood glucose response was measured using a continuous glucose monitor.

Results

The results of this study demonstrated that flaxseed muffins given three times a day were effective at lowering and maintaining blood glucose levels over 24 h, compared to the control muffins and that both flaxseed treatments resulting in a lower blood glucose iAUC during the night.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that adding flaxseed to a daily diet produced a lower glucose profile over 24 h in a free-living context compared to the control muffins.
Systematic review of incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment of post-laryngectomy hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Edafe Ovie , Sandler Luke M. , Beasley Nigel , Balasubramanian Sabapathy P.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Post-laryngectomy hypoparathyroidism is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidities. This systematic review aimed to determine incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment of post-laryngectomy hypoparathyroidism.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were searched for relevant articles on hypocalcaemia and/or hypoparathyroidism after laryngectomy or pharyngectomy. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts from the search. Data from individual studies were collated and presented (without meta-analysis). Quality assessment of included studies was undertaken. The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019133879).

Results

Twenty-three observational studies were included. The rates of transient and long-term hypoparathyroidism following laryngectomy with concomitant hemi- or total thyroidectomy ranged from 5.6 to 57.1% (n = 13 studies) and 0 to 12.8% (n = 5 studies), respectively. Higher transient (62.1–100%) and long-term (12.5–91.6%) rates were reported in patients who had concomitant oesophagectomy and total thyroidectomy (n = 4 studies). Other risk factors included bilateral selective lateral neck dissection, salvage laryngectomy and total pharyngectomy. There is a lack of data on prevention and management.

Conclusion

Hypoparathyroidism occurs in a significant number of patients after laryngectomy. Patients who underwent laryngectomy with concomitant hemithyroidectomy may still develop hypoparathyroidism. Research on prevention and treatment is lacking and needs to be encouraged.
Empirical ratio of the combined use of S-ketamine and propofol in electroconvulsive therapy and its impact on seizure quality
Authors: Sartorius Alexander , Beuschlein Juliane , Remennik Dmitry , Pfeifer Anna-Maria , Karl Sebastian , Bumb Jan Malte , Aksay Suna Su , Kranaster Laura , Janke Christoph
Published: July 2020

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depressive disorders. In certain cases, ECT-associated anaesthesia can be improved by the use of ketofol (i.e., S-ketamine + propofol). We aimed to evaluate the empirical mixing ratio of ketofol in these cases for better clinical implementation. We retrospectively investigated n = 52 patients who received 919 ECT sessions with S-ketamine plus propofol as anaesthetic agents. Several anaesthesia and ECT-related parameters including doses of S-ketamine and propofol were analysed. The mean empirically determined S-ketamine/propofol ratio was 1.38 (SD ± 0.57) for 919 individual ECT sessions and 1.52 (SD ± 0.62) for 52 patients, respectively. The mean relative dose was 0.72 (± 0.18) mg/kg S-ketamine and 0.54 (± 0.21) mg/kg propofol. Higher propofol dose was associated with poorer seizure quality. Seizure quality and time in recovery room were significantly influenced by age. Ketofol could be an option to exploit the advantageous qualities of S-ketamine and propofol, if both doses are reduced compared with single use of S-ketamine or propofol. Patients with poor seizure quality may benefit from lower propofol doses, which are applicable by the addition of ketamine. An empirically determined mixing ratio in favour of ketamine turned out to be preferable in a clinical setting. Recovery time was primarily prolonged by higher age rather than by ketamine dose, which had previously often been associated with a prolonged monitoring time in the recovery room. These new findings could improve electroconvulsive therapy and should be replicated in a prospective manner.
The relevance of body mass index in forensic age assessment of living individuals: an age-adjusted linear regression analysis using multivariable fractional polynomials
Authors: Timme Maximilian , Karch André , Shay Denys , Ottow Christian , Schmeling Andreas
Published: July 2020

In forensic age assessment of living individuals, developmental stages of skeletal maturation and tooth mineralization are examined and compared with a reference population. It is of interest which factors can affect the development of these features. We investigated the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the developmental stages of the medial epiphysis of the clavicle, the distal epiphysis of the radius, the distal epiphysis of the femur, the proximal epiphysis of the tibia, and the left lower third molar in a total of 581 volunteers, 294 females and 287 males aged 12–24 years, using 3 T MRI. BMI values in the cohort ranged from 13.71 kg/m2in a 12-year-old female to 35.15 kg/m2in an 18-year-old female. The effect of BMI on the development of the characteristics was investigated using linear regression models with multivariable fractional polynomials. In the univariable analysis, BMI was associated with all feature systems (beta between 0.10 and 0.44;p < 0.001). When accounting for the physiological increase of BMI with increasing age, the effect of BMI was lower and in the majority of the models no longer clinically relevant. Betas decreased to values between 0.00 and 0.05. When adding feature variables to a model already including age,r2values increased only minimally. For an overall bone ossification score combining all characteristics, the adjustedßwas 0.11 (p = 0.021) and 0.08 (p = 0.23) for females and males, respectively. Lowßandr2values (0.00 (adjusted)–0.16 (crude)) were present in both models for third molar development already in the unadjusted analyses. In conclusion, our study found no to little effect of BMI on osseous development in young adults. Teeth development in both sexes was completely independent of BMI. Therefore, dental methods should be part of every age assessment.
An ARFIMA-based model for daily precipitation amounts with direct access to fluctuations
Authors: Polotzek Katja , Kantz Holger
Published: July 2020

Correlations in models for daily precipitation are often generated by elaborate numerics that employ a high number of hidden parameters. We propose a parsimonious and parametric stochastic model for European mid-latitude daily precipitation amounts with focus on the influence of correlations on the statistics. Our method is meta-Gaussian by applying a truncated-Gaussian-power (tGp) transformation to a Gaussian ARFIMA model. The speciality of this approach is that ARFIMA(1, d, 0) processes provide synthetic time series with long- (LRC), meaning the sum of all autocorrelations is infinite, and short-range (SRC) correlations by only one parameter each. Our model requires the fit of only five parameters overall that have a clear interpretation. For model time series of finite length we deduce an effective sample size for the sample mean, whose variance is increased due to correlations. For example the statistical uncertainty of the mean daily amount of 103 years of daily records at the Fichtelberg mountain in Germany equals the one of about 14 years of independent daily data. Our effective sample size approach also yields theoretical confidence intervals for annual total amounts and allows for proper model validation in terms of the empirical mean and fluctuations of annual totals. We evaluate probability plots for the daily amounts, confidence intervals based on the effective sample size for the daily mean and annual totals, and the Mahalanobis distance for the annual maxima distribution. For reproducing annual maxima the way of fitting the marginal distribution is more crucial than the presence of correlations, which is the other way round for annual totals. Our alternative to rainfall simulation proves capable of modeling daily precipitation amounts as the statistics of a random selection of 20 data sets is well reproduced.
Pediatric use of prescribed melatonin in Sweden 2006–2017: a register based study
Authors: Kimland Elin E. , Bardage Carola , Collin Julius , Järleborg Anders , Ljung Rickard , Iliadou Anastasia N.
Published: July 2020

Sleep disturbances are common in the pediatric population and should primarily be treated non-pharmacologically. Most medicines for sleep disturbances are not approved for pediatric use and data on long-term safety is scarce. In Sweden, melatonin is classified as a prescription medicine. The aim of the present study was to characterize the prevalence and incidence of dispensed melatonin prescriptions, long-term treatment, concomitant dispensation of psychotropic medication, and psychiatric comorbidity, in children and adolescents aged 0–17 years living in Sweden during 2006–2017. Data was retrieved by linking the national population-based registers, the Swedish Prescribed Drug register and the National Patient register. In 2017, nearly 2% of the pediatric population 0–17 years was dispensed at least one prescription of melatonin, which was more than a 15-fold increase for girls and a 20-fold increase for boys, when compared to 2006. Among the children in the age group 5–9 who initiated a melatonin treatment in 2009, 15% of girls and 17% of boys were found to be continuously prescribed melatonin 8 years later. Nearly 80% of all children with dispensed melatonin had concomitant dispensations of psychotropic medications. The most common combination was melatonin together with centrally acting sympathomimetic medicines (23% of girls and 43% of boys). About half of the children (47% of girls and 50% of boys) had at least one registered diagnosis of mental or behavioral disorders. The most common diagnosis was attention deficit hyperactive disorder, across all age groups and genders. The continuous increase of use of melatonin in children, often concomitant with other psychotropic medications, together with a high proportion of younger children with prescriptions of melatonin on a long-term basis, suggests the need for further structured follow up studies, in particular of long-term use.
High Resolution Measurements of Two-dimensional Dopant Diffusion in
Silicon
Authors: D’Arrigo G. , Spinella C.
Published: July 2020

We report detailed experimental results on the electrochemical selective
etching of doped Si. By using transmission electron microscopy analyses and
spreading resistance measurements we investigated the dependence of the
etching selectivity on the different parameters of the electrochemical cell,
i.e., bias voltage and chemical solution. In B-doped samples immersed in
buffered HF, the increase of bias voltage from 0.5 to 1 V produces a slight
improvement of the etching selectivity and a B concentration as low as 1 ×
1017 cm−3 can be successfully
delineated at 1 V. A further improvement is achieved by using
HF:HNO3:CH3COOH or HF:HCl
chemical mixtures for which the delineation sensitivity approaches the value
of 1 × 1016 cm−3. In buffered HF
As-doped regions can be delineated to a concentration of 2 ×
1017 cm−3, independently of
the bias voltage, in the range 2–4 V. These results were used to measure the
2D doping diffusion profiles in silicon wafers patterned with
polycrystalline Si strips and implanted with As or B, by using different
tilt and twist angles. The high resolution of the electrochemical
delineation allowed us to evaluate very accurately the effects of the
implant angles on the lateral doping distribution.
Electron Crystallography of Room Temperature Charge Ordering in
Fe3O4
Authors: Rudee M.L. , Smith David J. , Margulies D.T.
Published: July 2020

A previously unknown form of charge ordering has been observed in
dislocation free thin films of magnetite,
Fe3O4. This charge ordering
exists on tetrahedral sites and is unrelated to the well known low
temperature ordering on octahedral sites that occurs below 120K. From
modeling of electron diffraction patterns we deduce that the best fit to the
observed diffraction patterns was obtained by reducing the scattering power
on one tetrahedral site per unit cell by about 80%.
In Situ Real-time Environmental High Resolution Electron Microscopy of
Nanometer Size Novel Xerogel Catalysts for Hydrogenation Reactions in Nylon
6,6
Authors: Gai Pratibha L. , Kourtakis Kostantinos , Ziemecki Stanislav
Published: July 2020

In situ real-time environmental high resolution electron microscopy
(EHREM) under controlled reaction environments permits direct atomic
resolution imaging of dynamic surface and sub-surface microstructures of
reacting catalysts. Using the EHREM and complementary microscopy methods, we
have investigated selective hydrogenation reaction mechanisms over novel
xerogel catalysts of ruthenium and Ru with Co and Au promoters on titania
supports, and report an alternative heterogeneous catalytic process for the
hydrogenation of adiponitrile (ADN) in the manufacture of Nylon 6,6. The
direct EHREM observations are supported by ultra-high resolution low voltage
scanning electron microscope (SEM) of spatial distributions of the highly
dispersed nanometer-size catalyst particles and parallel chemical studies.
The results demonstrate the important role of in situ EHREM in the design of
heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation processes on the nanoscale.
Taxonomically Important Features on the Surface of Floatoblasts in
Plumatella (Bryozoa)
Authors: Reynolds Kevin T.
Published: July 2020

At the species level, bryozoans (class Phylactolaemata) in the family
Plumatellidae are difficult to organize taxonomically. Of principal concern
is the absence of consistent distinguishing features due mainly to
plasticity of the group, a common problem with soft-bodied invertebrates.
Yet, within the last three decades, analysis of distinctive chitinous
statoblasts—using scanning electron microscopy—has resolved certain
taxonomic questions. I examined statoblasts from 30 similar collections, the
majority from the midwestern United States, and identified four distinct
subgroups. Also, nine new statoblast surface features were identified: fold,
polar grooves, bead, cave, demarcation, parasutural zone, ridge, sutural
band, and sutural knob. The surface features of floating statoblasts
(floatoblasts) provide useful data for species identification. Most
consistently useful in plumatellids is a suture which varies from one
species to the next. Mound-like tubercles and net-like ridges are next in
the extent of variability. Finally, folds and polar grooves are present but
vary even within floatoblasts from the same colony. Analysis of the suture
in Plumatella fungosa, over a 5-day germination
period, reveals all features at the site remain intact regardless of the
initial age of the floatoblast. Only the suture line itself splits
lengthwise to permit emergence of the new animal.
Cyst infection in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: our experience at Toranomon Hospital and future issues
Authors: Suwabe Tatsuya
Published: July 2020

Cyst infection is a frequent and serious complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) that is often difficult to treat and can be fatal. However, much is still unknown about cyst infection. Positron emission tomography (PET) is generally recommended for detecting infected cysts, but it has the disadvantages of limited availability, high cost, and radiation exposure. We have devised magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic criteria for cyst infection. Lipid-soluble antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones show good penetration into cysts and are recommended for cyst infection. However, we reported that fluoroquinolone-resistant microorganisms showed a high prevalence in cyst infection. We should, therefore, reconsider the empirical use of fluoroquinolones for ADPKD patients with cyst infection. We have suggested a new antibiotic strategy according to the severity of cyst infection. It may be important to consider the drug half-life in serum in addition to the drug susceptibility when selecting antibiotics Cyst drainage is necessary for some patients with refractory cyst infection; however, cyst drainage can be associated with severe adverse events. We suggest adaptation criteria for cyst drainage in patients with cyst infection in ADPKD. Most causative bacteria of cyst infection are enterobacteria, and hematogenous spread via bacterial translocation in the intestine is considered the main cause of cyst infection. Therefore, intestinal flora may be important for cyst infection. The role of the intestinal flora in cyst infection in ADPKD is unknown and should be explored in future research.
Expanding the host range: infection of a reptilian host (Furcifer pardalis) by an atypical Brucella strain
Authors: Eisenberg Tobias , Schlez Karen , Fawzy Ahmad , Völker Iris , Hechinger Silke , Curić Mersiha , Schauerte Nicole , Geiger Christina , Blom Jochen , Scholz Holger C.
Published: July 2020

Atypical brucellae show deviant phenotypes and/or genotypes. Besides Brucella inopinata, B. microti and B. vulpis, atypical strains have been described infecting humans, rodents, amphibians and fish. They represent potential zoonotic agents. Here, we provide evidence that reptiles as the remaining poikilothermic vertebrate class also represent susceptible hosts for atypical Brucella.
Physiological Capacity During Simulated Stair Climbing Evacuation at Maximum Speed Until Exhaustion
Authors: Halder Amitava , Kuklane Kalev , Miller Michael , Nordin Axel , Unge Jeannette , Gao Chuansi
Published: July 2020

Stair-ascending at maximum ability is required during emergency evacuations to reach a safe refuge from deep underground structures. We hypothesized that an ascent can last maximum 5 min at the individual’s maximum step rate (SR), and oxygen uptake $$ ( {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{2} ) $$

(

V
˙

O
2

)

would not reach a stable state. This study explored stair-ascending endurance and some physiological constraints of performance. Eighteen healthy volunteers with mean (standard deviation, SD) age 26.7 (4.0) years, height 172.2 (10.7) cm, weight 68.0 (11.3) kg, BSA 1.8 (0.2) m−2, $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2max} $$

V
˙

O

2
max

48.5 (5.4) mL min−1 kg−1, and HRmax 192 (9) b min−1 ascended on a stair machine at a SR equivalent to their 100% $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2max} $$

V
˙

O

2
max

. The mean (SD) ascending duration was 3.47 (1.18) min, supporting the hypothesis. The calculated vertical height covered was 85.5 (32.1) m. The $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2highest} $$

V
˙

O

2
highest

reached 44.8 (7.3) mL min−1 kg−1, which was 92.3 (9.7)% of $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2max} $$

V
˙

O

2
max

when the HRhighest peaked at 174 (11) b min−1. However, the mean $$ ( {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{2} ) $$

(

V
˙

O
2

)

reached a relatively steady state after the sharp rise. The post-ascent blood lactate, respiratory exchange ratio, and perceived exertion values recorded were high, 14.4 (4.0) mmol l−1, 1.20 (0.09), and 18.2 (0.7), respectively, indicated that exhaustion was reached. The ascending SR rate was above the lactate threshold; therefore, the attainment of $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2} $$

V
˙

O
2

steady state was slowly reached. EMG amplitudes of four major leg muscles increased and the median frequencies of two muscles decreased significantly (p < .01) indicating local muscle fatigue (LMF). Leg LMF and hyperventilation resulted in speedy exhaustion leading to termination. These results infer that stair ascending at maximum ability (122 steps min−1) is possible to sustain 2–6 min. These overall results offer useful and vital information to consider when designing underground emergency evacuation facilities.