bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fringe Benefits and Chinese Import Competition
Authors: Tempesti Tommaso
Published: March 2020

While many studies have quantified the impact of Chinese import competition on U.S. wages, to my knowledge this is the first study to also estimate the effect on fringe benefits. This is important because in the United States, fringe benefits are now more than 30% of compensation. I first argue that if trade affects the share of benefits in compensation, focusing on wages and ignoring fringe benefits may give us misleading estimates of the effect of trade on workers' total compensation. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, I track the subsequent outcomes of workers who were working in manufacturing in 1996. Similar to Autor et al. (2014), I find that exposure to Chinese competition negatively affects wage income. As to fringe benefits, the effect on participation in a defined benefit retirement plan and the availability of vacation days is negative and significant. The effects on other benefits are usually negative but imprecisely estimated. The effect on the overall dollar value of benefits is negative and significant. However, in percentage terms, the effect on benefits is smaller than the effect on wages. This suggests that, in percentage terms, the impact of Chinese import competition on overall compensation is less severe than the one found in Autor et al. (2014) for wages.
Regular Film Property Changes of Konjac Glucomannan/Mung Bean Starch Blend Films
Authors: Fang Ying , Wang Weiling , Qian Hong , Wu Kao , Xiao Man , Ni Xuewen , Jiang Fatang , Chen Sheng
Published: March 2020

A series of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and mung bean starch (MBS) blend films with different mixing ratios are prepared, and their microstructure, molecular interactions, and film properties are evaluated. Results indicate that increased KGM content can contribute to the smoother and denser microstructure of the cross section of the KGM/MBS blend films, especially when it is >50%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis indicate the existence of molecular interactions among the film components. A mixing ratio of KGM:MBS = 7:3 is suggested to have the optimum mechanical property, but other physical properties such as water contact angle, water vapor permeability (WVP), swelling and solubility, differential scanning calorimetry endothermic peak temperatures, and thermal gravimetric onset temperatures exhibit different change tendencies. These properties could be more impacted by the film's structure and intrinsic molecular properties than the molecular interactions. Moreover, high linearity against component ratio is observed for mechanical properties, water contact angle, swelling and solubility, and WVP, which may offer suggestions for film property predictions. The obtained results may offer suggestions to prepare edible films with desired properties based on KGM and MBS.
Effect of Different Heat Treatments on Physicochemical Properties and Structural and Digestibility of Water Caltrop Starch
Authors: Wei Hai‐Xiang , Liang Bao‐Dong , Chai Ya‐Ru , Xue Li‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Qiang , Yin Xu‐Min
Published: March 2020

Water caltrop has a high starch content and is a promising resource of starch in Asia. Starch can be divided into rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), and resistant starch (RS). Here, the effects of physical modification by microwave treatments, heat–moisture treatments, and pressure–heat treatments on the physiochemical and structural properties and on the in vitro digestibility of water caltrop starch is studied. The results show that, compared with native starch (NS), the solubility and swelling power of modified starch samples decrease with prolonged microwave and heat–moisture treatment. The infrared absorbance ratio at 1047 cm−1/1022 cm−1 is decreased in starch samples modified by microwave treatment and pressure–heat treatment, the NS samples present a C‐type crystalline pattern which changes into an A‐type pattern upon microwave treatment. Water caltrop starch subjected to 50 s of microwave treatment has the highest amylose (48.78%), the highest crystallinity (42.95%), and the highest RS content (67.41%, uncooked and 48.91%, cooked). Water caltrop starch subjected to 3 h of heat–moisture treatment contains the highest SDS content (54.33%, uncooked and 60.11%, cooked).
Role of microRNA‐122 in microcystin‐leucine arginine‐induced dysregulation of hepatic iron homeostasis in mice
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Xiaohui , Wu Jinxia , Liu Haohao , Wang Wenjun , Chen Xinghai , Yuan Le , Wang Yueqin , Du Xingde , Ma Ya , Losiewicz Michael D. , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Huizhen
Published: March 2020

Microcystin‐leucine arginine (MC‐LR) is a cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxin produced by cyanobacteria. MicroRNA‐122 (miR‐122) is specifically expressed in the liver. This study focuses on the role of miR‐122 in MC‐LR‐induced dysregulation of hepatic iron homeostasis in C57BL/6 mice. The thirty mice were randomly divided into five groups (Control, 12.5 μg/kg·BW MC‐LR, 25 μg/kg·BW MC‐LR, Negative control agomir and 25 μg/kg·BW MC‐LR + miR‐122 agomir). The results show that MC‐LR decreases the expressions of miR‐122, Hamp, and its related regulators, while increasing the content of hepatic iron and the expressions of FPN1 and Tmprss6. Furthermore, miR‐122 agomir pretreatment improves MC‐LR induced dysregulation of hepatic iron homeostasis by arousing the related regulators and reducing the expression of Tmprss6. These results suggest that miR‐122 agomir can prevent the accumulation of hepatic iron induced by MC‐LR, which may be related to the regulation of hepcidin by BMP/SMAD and IL‐6/STAT signaling pathways.
Proteomics analysis of zebrafish larvae exposed to 3,4‐dichloroaniline using the fish embryo acute toxicity test
Authors: Vieira Leonardo R. , Hissa Denise C. , de Souza Terezinha Maria , Sá Chayenne A. , Evaristo Joseph A. M. , Nogueira Fábio C. S. , Carvalho Ana F. U. , Farias Davi F.
Published: March 2020

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a small teleost fish that is becoming increasingly popular in laboratories worldwide and several attributes have also placed the zebrafish under the spotlight of (eco)toxicological studies. Since the 1990s, international organizations such as ISO and OECD have published guidelines for the use of zebrafish in ecotoxicological assessment of environmental toxicants such as the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) test, OECD n° 236 guideline. This protocol uses 3,4‐dichloroaniline (DCA), an aniline pesticide whose toxicity to fish species at early life stages is well known, as a positive control. Despite its use, little is known about its molecular mechanisms, especially in the context of the FET test. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate such changes in zebrafish larvae exposed to DCA (4 mg/L) for 96 hours using gel‐free proteomics. Twenty‐four proteins detected in both groups were identified as significantly affected by DCA exposure, and, when considering group‐specific entities, 48 proteins were exclusive to DCA (group‐specific proteins) while 248 were only detected in the control group. Proteins modulated by DCA treatment were found to be involved in metabolic processes, especially lipids and hormone metabolism (eg, Apoa1 and Apoa1b and vitelogenins), as well as proteins important for developmental processes and organogenesis (eg, Myhc4, Acta2, Sncb, and Marcksb). The results presented here may therefore provide a better understanding of the relationships between molecular changes and phenotype in zebrafish larvae treated with DCA, the reference compound of the FET test.
Microscopic entropy of rotating electrically charged AdS4 black holes from field theory localization
Authors: Nian Jun , Pando Zayas Leopolda A.
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We employ supersymmetric localization to determine the exact partition function of 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauge theories on a background given by a round S2 fibered over a circle and certain complexified background fields. The Coulomb branch localization locus includes monopole configurations, and the partition function reduces to a matrix model. We consider the partition function of the ABJM theory on this background as an explicit case. We verify that the large-N limit of the ABJM theory partition function produces, in the Cardy limit, the entropy function of the dual rotating, electrically charged asymptotically AdS4 supersymmetric black holes and thus provides a microscopic explanation for the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy.
Circular Wilson loops in defect $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM: phase transitions, double-scaling limits and OPE expansions
Authors: Bonansea Sara , Davoli Silvia , Griguolo Luca , Seminara Domenico
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We consider circular Wilson loops in a defect version of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang- Mills theory which is dual to the D3-D5 brane system with k units of flux. When the loops are parallel to the defect, we can construct both BPS and non-BPS operators, depending on the orientation of the scalar couplings in the R-symmetry directions. At strong ’t Hooft coupling we observe, in the non supersymmetric case, a Gross-Ooguri-like phase transition in the dual gravitational theory: the familiar disk solution dominates, as expected, when the operator is far from the defect while a cylindrical string worldsheet, connecting the boundary loop with the probe D5-brane, is favourite below a certain distance (or equivalently for large radii of the circles). In the BPS case, instead, the cylindrical solution does not exist for any choice of the physical parameters, suggesting that the exchange of light supergravity modes always saturate the expectation value at strong coupling. We study the double-scaling limit for large k and large ’t Hooft coupling, finding full consistency in the non-BPS case between the string solution and the one-loop perturbative result. Finally we discuss, in the BPS case, the failure of the double-scaling limit and the OPE expansion of the Wilson loop, finding consistency with the known results for the one-point functions of scalar composite operators.
Trigonometric Approximation of Functions from $$L_{2\pi }^{p(x)}$$
Authors: Łenski Włodzimierz , Szal Bogdan
Published: March 2020

We generalize and improve the results of A. Guven, D. Israfilov, Xh. Z. Krasniqi and T. N. Shakh-Emirov. We consider the general methods of summability of Fourier series of functions from $$L_{2\pi }^{p(x)}$$L2πp(x) with $$ p\left( x\right) \ge 1$$px≥1. For estimate of the error of approximation of functions by the matrix means we use a modulus of continuity constructed by the Steklov functions of the increments of considered functions without of absolute values.
Consumption of psychotropic drugs among disability pension applicants with mental disorders: comparing awarded and rejected applicants in Finland
Authors: Perhoniemi Riku , Tuulio-Henriksson Annamari , Blomgren Jenni , Laaksonen Mikko
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Psychotropic drug consumption as a proxy measure of mental health problems during a disability pension process has only been studied among awarded applicants. This study examined psychotropic drug purchase trajectories among awarded and rejected disability pension applicants. Analyses were conducted in different diagnostic and sociodemographic groups.

Methods

A representative 70% sample of Finnish adults applying for disability pension due to a mental disorder in 2009–2011 (N = 18,087) was followed for 4 years in 3-month periods both before and after the pension decision. Register data on purchased drugs measured in defined daily doses (DDDs), gender, age, occupational class, unemployment history, and diagnostic group were used. The DDD levels and trends were analyzed using growth curve models.

Results

Psychotropic drug purchases increased before the pension decision and decreased gradually thereafter among both awarded and rejected applicants. The average DDD level was higher for rejected than awarded applicants before the decision but lower thereafter. The high pre-decision level for rejected applicants was explicit with a lower socioeconomic status. The pre-decision increase in DDDs was steeper for awarded applicants. Changes in DDDs before and after the decision were most prominent for depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.

Conclusion

Awarded and rejected disability pension applicants differed partly in their trajectories of psychotropic drug consumption. For awarded applicants, the steep rise of consumption prior to the award possibly reflects worsening occupational capacity. Early high consumption for rejected applicants signals long running mental health problems and calls for earlier support.
Analytical model to estimate the performance of shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems with class-based storage policy
Authors: Eder Michael
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a method to determine the performance of shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems (SBS/RS) with tier-captive single-aisle shuttles and class-based storage policy. The use of this approach takes place both in the design process of SBS/RS and in the redesign process of SBS/RS. With this approach, it is possible to evaluate performance improvement by applying a class-based storage policy. Another beneficial scope of application of this approach is the evaluation of the placement of different classes throughout the rack to achieve the maximum throughput. The basis of this calculation method was a continuous-time open-queueing model with limited capacity. The cycle times of lifts and shuttles, as determined by a spatial value approach combined with a probability-based approach to mention the storage policy, could be directly used in the presented method with their time distributions. The data used herein were provided by a European material handling provider. An example was presented to outline how this calculation model can be used for optimizing the already existing SBS/RS via the application of a class-based storage policy. Through the example, depending on the configuration of the policy, applying the class-based storage to an existing SBS/RS would increase the throughput by up to twice the throughput without class-based storage policy.
Rapid detection of the aspergillosis biomarker triacetylfusarinine C using interference-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Pahlow Susanne , Orasch Thomas , Žukovskaja Olga , Bocklitz Thomas , Haas Hubertus , Weber Karina
Published: March 2020

Triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC) is a siderophore produced by certain fungal species and might serve as a highly useful biomarker for the fast diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Due to its renal elimination, the biomarker is found in urine samples of patients suffering from Aspergillus infections. Accordingly, non-invasive diagnosis from this easily obtainable body fluid is possible. Within our contribution, we demonstrate how Raman microspectroscopy enables a sensitive and specific detection of TAFC. We characterized the TAFC iron complex and its iron-free form using conventional and interference-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (IERS) and compared the spectra with the related compound ferrioxamine B, which is produced by bacterial species. Even though IERS only offers a moderate enhancement of the Raman signal, the employment of respective substrates allowed lowering the detection limit to reach the clinically relevant range. The achieved limit of detection using IERS was 0.5 ng of TAFC, which is already well within the clinically relevant range. By using an extraction protocol, we were able to detect 1.4 μg/mL TAFC via IERS from urine within less than 3 h including sample preparation and data analysis. We could further show that TAFC and ferrioxamine B can be clearly distinguished by means of their Raman spectra even in very low concentrations.
Peripheral neuropathy and health-related quality of life in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a preliminary report
Authors: Jaskólska Marta , Chylińska Magdalena , Masiak Anna , Nowicka-Sauer Katarzyna , Siemiński Mariusz , Ziętkiewicz Marcin , Czuszyńska Zenobia , Zdrojewski Zbigniew
Published: March 2020

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a wide spectrum of possible organ involvement. Peripheral (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS)-related symptoms may occur in the course of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in SS patients with and without peripheral neuropathy. The study involved 50 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). All patients underwent neurological clinical examination followed by nerve conduction studies (NCS) and rheumatological examination. Thirty-six-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used for evaluating HR-QOL. To assess pSS activity, the EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) were used. For the assessment of clinical disability due to peripheral neuropathy, the Overall Disability Sum Score scale (ODSS) was used. Additional evaluation of pain was performed with the use of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a semistructured interview. Twenty-three (46%) patients were diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. The most common PNS manifestation was sensorimotor neuropathy (47%). Neurological symptoms preceded the diagnosis of pSS in eight patients. The following domains of the SF-36 form were significantly lower scored by patients with peripheral nervous system involvement: role-physical [0 (0–100) vs. 75 (0–100)], role-emotional [67 (0–100) vs. 100 (0–100)], vitality [40 (10–70) vs. 50 (20–75)], bodily pain [45 (10–75) vs. 55 (0–100)], and general health [20 (5–50) vs. 30 (0–50)] (p ≤ 0.05). Our study showed that peripheral neuropathy was a common organ-specific complication in SS patients. In pSS patients, coexisting neurological involvement with symptoms such as pain and physical disability may be responsible for diminished HR-QOL.
The influence of postoperative complications on long-term prognosis in patients with colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Beck Clemens , Weber Klaus , Brunner Maximilian , Agaimy Abbas , Semrau Sabine , Grützmann Robert , Schellerer Vera , Merkel Susanne
Published: March 2020

Background

The impact of postoperative complications (POCs) on the long-term prognosis of patients with colorectal carcinoma was analysed with respect to their severity according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC).

Methods

The prospectively collected data of 2158 patients who underwent curative resection of a colorectal carcinoma (1168 rectal carcinomas, 990 colon carcinomas) without distant metastases from 1995 to 2014 were analysed. The POCs were documented in a standardized form and graded with the CDC. Patients who died postoperatively (CDC grade V, 1.7%) were excluded.

Results

In total, 467 patients (21.6%) had POCs: CDC I, 141 (6.5%); CDC II, 162 (7.5%); CDC III, 112 (5.2%); and CDC IV, 52 (2.4%). More POCs and higher CDC grades were found in men, ASA III-IV patients, rectal carcinoma patients, and patients who underwent abdominoperineal excisions or multivisceral resections. The 5-year locoregional recurrence rate was 5.3% in patients without POCs and 6.6% in patients with POCs. It was highest in CDC III patients (12.9%), which was confirmed in multivariate analysis (HR 2.2; p = 0.005). The 5-year distant metastasis rate was 15.9% in CDC 0 patients and 19.5% in CDC I–IV patients. In multivariate analysis, distant metastasis was highest in CDC III patients (HR 1.7; p = 0.020). The 5-year overall survival rate was 83.5% in patients without POCs and 73.5% in patients with POCs. It was worst in CDC IV patients (63.1%), which was confirmed by multivariate analysis (HR 1.9; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with POCs after colorectal surgery have a poor long-term prognosis. As the CDC grade increases, survival deteriorates.
Factors influencing the time to surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Müller Carolin , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf , Schmidt Gilda , Jungmann Peter , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Breitbach Georg-Peter , Juhasz-Böss Stephanie
Published: March 2020

Purpose

It is suspected that delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) leads to a worse outcome in breast cancer patients. We therefore evaluated possible influencing factors of the time interval between the end of NACT and surgery.

Methods

All patients receiving NACT due to newly diagnosed breast cancer from 2015 to 2017 at the Department of Gynecology, Saarland University Medical Center, were included. The time interval between end of NACT and surgery was defined as primary endpoint. Possible delaying factors were investigated: age, study participation, outpatient and inpatient presentations, implants/expander, MRI preoperatively, discontinuation of chemotherapy, and genetic mutations.

Results

Data of 139 patients was analyzed. Median age was 53 years (22–78). The time interval between end of NACT and surgery was 28 days (9–57). Additional clinical presentations on outpatient basis added 2 days (p = 0.002) and on inpatient basis added 7 days to time to surgery (p < 0.001). Discontinuation of NACT due to chemotherapy side effects prolonged time to surgery by 8 days (p < 0.001), whereas discontinuation due to disease progress did not delay surgery (p = 0.6). In contrast, a proven genetic mutation shortened time to surgery by 7 days (p < 0.001). Patient’s age, participation in clinical studies, oncoplastic surgery, and preoperative MRI scans did not delay surgery.

Conclusion

Breast care centers should emphasize a reduction of clinical presentations and a good control of chemotherapy side effects for breast cancer patients to avoid delays of surgery after NACT.
Comparison of microscopic and endoscopic views in cadaveric ears
Authors: Guy John , Muzaffar Jameel , Coulson Christopher
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The advent of endoscopic otosurgery provides reduced tissue destruction with theoretically improved views, yet a quantification of the difference of exposure between microscopic and endoscopic approaches has not yet been performed in human specimens. The objective of this study was to assess the difference in views of cadaveric tympanic membranes when inspected with operating microscopes or endoscopes.

Methods

A circular graduated disc was inserted into eight cadaveric external ear canals to rest against the tympanic membrane. Three independent observers assessed the maximum possible observable radius of the graduated disc in each ear using a 0° endoscope and a surgical microscope in superior, inferior, posterior, and anterior directions.

Results

The endoscope was able to view a significantly larger mean maximum visible radius than the microscope in posterior, superior, anterior, and inferior directions. This represented a mean gain in observable distance of 19.18%. There was a smaller variation in mean maximum visible radius than the microscope.

Conclusion

The wider field of view in an endoscope compared to a microscope implies reduced surgical tissue damage is needed to provide sufficient operative exposure. Enhanced views of the attic were demonstrated by the endoscope, further indicating utility in cholesteatoma observation and surgery.
Blood volume expansion does not explain the increase in peak oxygen uptake induced by 10 weeks of endurance training
Authors: Skattebo Øyvind , Bjerring Anders Wold , Auensen Marius , Sarvari Sebastian Imre , Cumming Kristoffer Toldnes , Capelli Carlo , Hallén Jostein
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The endurance training (ET)-induced increases in peak oxygen uptake ($$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak) and cardiac output ($$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak) during upright cycling are reversed to pre-ET levels after removing the training-induced increase in blood volume (BV). We hypothesised that ET-induced improvements in $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak and $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak are preserved following phlebotomy of the BV gained with ET during supine but not during upright cycling. Arteriovenous O2 difference (a-$$\bar{\text{v}}$$v¯O2diff; $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2/$$\dot{Q}$$Q˙), cardiac dimensions and muscle morphology were studied to assess their role for the $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak improvement.

Methods

Twelve untrained subjects ($$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak: 44 ± 6 ml kg−1 min−1) completed 10 weeks of supervised ET (3 sessions/week). Echocardiography, muscle biopsies, haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and BV were assessed pre- and post-ET. $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak and $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak during upright and supine cycling were measured pre-ET, post-ET and immediately after Hbmass was reversed to the individual pre-ET level by phlebotomy.

Results

ET increased the Hbmass (3.3 ± 2.9%; P = 0.005), BV (3.7 ± 5.6%; P = 0.044) and $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak during upright and supine cycling (11 ± 6% and 10 ± 8%, respectively; P ≤ 0.003). After phlebotomy, improvements in $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak compared with pre-ET were preserved in both postures (11 ± 4% and 11 ± 9%; P ≤ 0.005), as was $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak (9 ± 14% and 9 ± 10%; P ≤ 0.081). The increased $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak and a-$$\bar{\text{v}}$$v¯O2diff accounted for 70% and 30% of the $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak improvements, respectively. Markers of mitochondrial density (CS and COX-IV; P ≤ 0.007) and left ventricular mass (P = 0.027) increased.

Conclusion

The ET-induced increase in $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak was preserved despite removing the increases in Hbmass and BV by phlebotomy, independent of posture. $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak increased primarily through elevated $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak but also through a widened a-$$\bar{\text{v}}$$v¯O2diff, potentially mediated by cardiac remodelling and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Coping with opponents: multi-objective evolutionary neural networks for fighting games
Authors: Künzel Steven , Meyer-Nieberg Silja
Published: March 2020

Fighting games represent a challenging problem for computer-controlled characters. Therefore, they have attracted considerable research interest. This paper investigates novel multi-objective neuroevolutionary approaches for fighting games focusing on the Fighting Game AI Competition. Considering several objectives shall improve the AI’s generalization capabilities when confronted with new opponents.
To this end, novel combinations of neuroevolution and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms are explored. Since the variants proposed employ the well-known R2 indicator, we derived a novel faster algorithm for determining the exact R2 contribution. An experimental comparison of the novel variants to existing multi-objective neuroevolutionary algorithms demonstrates clear performance benefits on the test case considered. The best performing algorithm is then used to evolve controllers for the fighting game. Comparing the results with state-of-the-art AI opponents shows very promising results; the novel bot is able to outperform several competitors.
Finite element analysis (FEA) modelling and experimental verification to optimise flexible electronic packaging for e-textiles
Authors: Li Menglong , Torah Russel , Liu Jingqi , Tudor John , Beeby Steve
Published: March 2020

In this paper a three-dimensional model of a novel electronic package has been developed using Finite element analysis to evaluate the shear load, tensile, bending and thermal stresses. Simulations of a complete flexible flip chip electronic packaging method are performed to minimize stresses on the packaged electronic device to improve robustness and reliability. Three component under-fill adhesives (Loctite 4860, Loctite 480 and Loctite 4902) and three circuit substrate materials (Kapton, Mylar and PEEK) are compared and the optimal thickness of each is found by shear load, tensile load, bending test and thermal expansion simulations. A fixed die size of 3.5 mm × 8 mm × 0.53 mm has been simulated and evaluated experimentally under shear and bending load. The shear and bending experimental results show good agreement with the simulation results and verify the simulated optimal thickness of the adhesive layer. The Kapton substrate together with the Loctite 4902 adhesive were identified as the optimum in the simulation. The simulation of under-fill adhesive and substrate thickness identified an optimum configuration of a 0.045–0.052 mm thick substrate layer and a 0.042–0.045 mm thickness of the Loctite 4902 adhesive. The bending simulation has also been used to determine the neutral axis of the encapsulated electronic package in this paper, thus identifying the optimal material and thickness for the encapsulation layer of the package.
Beta-blockers and glioma: a systematic review of preclinical studies and clinical results
Authors: Tewarie Ishaan Ashwini , Senders Joeky T. , Hulsbergen Alexander F. C. , Kremer Stijn , Broekman Marike L. D.
Published: March 2020

Given the median survival of 15 months after diagnosis, novel treatment strategies are needed for glioblastoma. Beta-blockers have been demonstrated to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation in various cancer types. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the effect of beta-blockers on glioma growth. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central to identify all relevant studies. Preclinical studies concerning the pharmacodynamic effects of beta-blockers on glioma growth and proliferation were included, as well as clinical studies that studied the effect of beta-blockers on patient outcomes according to PRISMA guidelines. Among the 980 citations, 10 preclinical studies and 1 clinical study were included after title/abstract and full-text screening. The following potential mechanisms were identified: reduction of glioma cell proliferation (n = 9), decrease of glioma cell migration (n = 2), increase of drug sensitivity (n = 1), induction of glioma cell death (n = 1). Beta-blockers affect glioma proliferation by inducing a brief reduction of cAMP and a temporary cell cycle arrest in vitro. Contrasting results were observed concerning glioma cell migration. The identified clinical study did not find an association between beta-blockers and survival in glioma patients. Although preclinical studies provide scarce evidence for the use of beta-blockers in glioma, they identified potential pathways for targeting glioma. Future studies are needed to clarify the effect of beta-blockers on clinical endpoints including survival outcomes in glioma patients to scrutinize the value of beta-blockers in glioma care.
The roles of teacher–student relationship quality and self-concept of ability in adolescents’ achievement emotions: temperament as a moderator
Authors: Clem Anna-Leena , Rudasill Kathleen M. , Hirvonen Riikka , Aunola Kaisa , Kiuru Noona
Published: March 2020

This study examined to what extent teacher–student conflict and closeness, on the one hand, and students’ self-concepts of ability in literacy and mathematics, on the other, are related to students’ achievement emotions (enjoyment, anxiety and boredom) in mathematics and literacy among Finnish early adolescents (N = 854). We also investigated the extent to which these associations are moderated by student temperament (surgency/extraversion, negative affectivity and effortful control). The results showed, after accounting for relevant covariates, that in both school subjects, teacher–student conflict was negatively related to enjoyment and positively to anxiety and boredom, whereas teacher–student closeness was positively related to enjoyment and negatively to boredom. Self-concepts of ability in both school subjects were positively related to enjoyment and negatively to anxiety, whereas the self-concept of ability was only negatively related to boredom in mathematics. Student temperament also moderated some of the associations in the literacy domain. Lower levels of conflict in the teacher–student relationship were related to higher levels of enjoyment in literacy, particularly among students who had lower levels of surgency/extraversion. Also, a closer relationship with the teacher or a lower self-concept of ability in literacy was related to higher levels of anxiety, particularly among students who had low effortful control. In the mathematics domain, the associations between the self-concept of ability and achievement emotions were somewhat stronger than in literacy, and the domain-specific associations were not dependent on student temperament.
Experimental nest replacement suggests that the bacterial load of nests may mediate nestling physiological condition in cavity nesting Great Tits (Parus major)
Authors: Zabłotni Agnieszka , Kaliński Adam , Bańbura Mirosława , Glądalski Michał , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: March 2020

Nests of secondary-cavity breeding birds are structures constructed to lay and incubate eggs and raise nestlings to fledging. These nests are characterized by relatively stable conditions, which makes them a suitable habitat for various microorganisms. It has been suggested that bacteria inhabiting nests and nestling skin may affect nestlings both positively and negatively. In this study, nests of Great Tits Parus major were replaced with artificial nests on the fifth day of the nestling phase in two different study sites to create two categories of nests: (i) natural and (ii) artificial with a reduced bacterial load. Four days later, bacterial samples were collected from the nestling skin and from the edge of the nest to assess skin and nest bacterial loads, expressed as colony forming units (CFUs). It was predicted that (i) the previous season occupancy of nest boxes would influence bacterial loads, (ii) the experimental treatment would reduce nest and skin bacterial loads, and (iii) that nest and skin bacterial loads would affect the condition of the nestlings, assessed as the hemoglobin concentration in blood when nestlings were 14 days old. Occupancy in the previous season did not affect the bacterial load. The skin bacterial load was significantly lower in artificial nests, although the nest bacterial load did not differ between natural and artificial nests. Nestlings from artificial nests had higher hemoglobin, and hemoglobin concentration was negatively associated with the nest but not the skin bacterial load. Our results suggest that the bacterial load in nests may negatively affect the physiological condition of avian hosts.
Phase I dose escalation study of BI 836826 (CD37 antibody) in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Kroschinsky Frank , Middeke Jan Moritz , Janz Martin , Lenz Georg , Witzens-Harig Mathias , Bouabdallah Reda , La Rosée Paul , Viardot Andreas , Salles Gilles , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Tae Min , Ottmann Oliver , Chromik Joerg , Quinson Anne-Marie , von Wangenheim Ute , Burkard Ute , Berk Andreas , Schmitz Norbert
Published: March 2020

BI 836826 is a chimeric immunoglobulin G1 antibody targeting CD37, a tetraspanin transmembrane protein predominantly expressed on normal and malignant B cells. This phase I, open-label study used a modified 3 + 3 design to evaluate the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary activity of BI 836826 in patients with relapsed/refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; NCT01403948). Eligible patients received up to three courses comprising an intravenous infusion (starting dose: 1 mg) once weekly for 4 weeks followed by an observation period of 27 (Course 1, 2) or 55 days (Course 3). Patients had to demonstrate clinical benefit before commencing treatment beyond course 2. Forty-eight patients were treated. In the dose escalation phase (1–200 mg) involving 37 Caucasian patients, the MTD was 100 mg. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in four patients during the MTD evaluation period, and included stomatitis, febrile neutropenia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. The most common adverse events were neutropenia (57%), leukopenia (57%), and thrombocytopenia (41%), and were commonly of grade 3 or 4. Overall, 18 (38%) patients experienced infusion-related reactions, which were mostly grade 1 or 2. Preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity was seen; three patients responded to treatment, including one complete remission in a Korean patient with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. BI 836826 plasma exposure increased more than proportionally with increasing doses. BI 836826 demonstrated preliminary activity; the most frequent adverse events were hematotoxicity and infusion-related reactions which were manageable after amending the infusion schedule. Although BI 856826 will not undergo further clinical development, these results confirm CD37 as a valid therapeutic target in B cell NHL.
Some Other “No Hole” Spacetimes Properties Are Unstable Too
Authors: Doboszewski Juliusz
Published: March 2020

Two interesting “no hole” spacetime properties (being epistemically hole free (g), not being future nakedly singular) are unstable in the fine topology.
Clinical course of sinus node dysfunction after thoracoscopic surgery for atrial fibrillation—analysis of the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT) study
Authors: Neefs Jolien , Ons Shaëlle A. , Berger Wouter R. , Krul Sébastien P. J. , van den Berg Nicoline W. E , Piersma Femke R. , Beijk Marcel A. M. , van Boven WimJan P. , Driessen Antoine H. G. , de Groot Joris R.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Sinus node dysfunction (SND) may complicate thoracoscopic surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Identifying patients at risk is important, as SND may require temporary or permanent pacing. To determine the incidence of postoperative SND and duration of symptoms in patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgical ablation.

Methods

Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF included in the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT) study underwent pulmonary vein isolation and additional left atrial ablations on indication. Patients were randomized to ganglion plexus ablation or control. SND was defined as symptomatic or asymptomatic junctional rhythm exceeding sinus rate within 30 days postoperatively. The SND risk was assessed by using a univariable logistic regression model. The rate of pacemaker implantation was determined.

Results

The AFACT study included 240 patients. SND developed in 17 (7.1%) patients, not affected by randomized treatment, p = 0.18. SND patients more often had persistent AF (88.2%) than patients without SND (57.4%), p = 0.01. After univariable testing, persistent AF (OR 5.57 CI 1.52–35.90, p = 0.02) and additional left atrial ablations (OR 12.10 CI 2.40–220.20, p = 0.02) were associated with postoperative SND. Six (35.3%) patients needed temporary pacing for 1–7 days; permanent pacemakers (PMs) were implanted for SND in five (29.4%) patients.

Conclusion

Additional left atrial ablations strongly increase the SND risk. The majority of SND was temporary, and sinus rhythm resolved within days, which indicates that a conservative approach with regard to pacemaker implantation should be considered.
The Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity on the Attachment of Fungal Conidia to Substrates of Polyvinyl Acetate and Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Liauw Christopher M. , Slate Anthony J. , Butler Jonathan A. , Wilson-Nieuwenhuis Joels S. T. , Deisenroth Ted , Preuss Andrea , Verran Joanna , Whitehead Kathryn A.
Published: March 2020

Biofouling of PVAc and PVOH surfaces by fungal conidia can result in surface discolouration and subsequent biodeterioration. In order to understand the interactions of fungal conidia on polymer surfaces, the surface properties of PVAc and PVOH and the hydrophobicity, size and shape of three type of fungal conidia was determined (Aspergillus niger 1957, Aspergillus niger 1988 and Aureobasidium pullulans). Fungal conidia were used in a range of binding assays (attachment, adhesion and retention). The PVAc and PVOH demonstrated different surface topographies and the PVAc demonstrated a higher maximum height (300.6 nm) when compared to the PVOH (434.2 nm). The PVAc surfaces was less wettable (75°) than the PVOH surface (62°). The FTIR demonstrated differences in the chemistries of the two surfaces, whereby the PVOH confirmed the presence of polar moieties. Hydrophobicity assays demonstrated that both A. niger species’ were more non-wettable than the A. pullulans. Following the attachment assays, the more hydrophobic Aspergillus spp. conidia attached in greater numbers to the more wettable surface and the A. pullulans was retained in greater numbers to the less wettable PVAc surface. The adhesion and retention assays demonstrated that the more polar surface retained all the types of conidia, regardless of their surface hydrophobicities. This study demonstrated that conidial binding to the surfaces were influenced by the chemistry and physicochemistry of the surfaces and spores. However, the inclusion of a washing stage influenced the adhesion of conidia to surfaces. In environments that were indicative of a attachment or retention assay a PVAc surface would reduce the number of A. niger spp. spores whilst a PVOH surface would reduce the number of A. pullulans spores. However, in an environment similar to a adhesion assay, a PVAc surface would be most beneficial to reduce spore retention. Thus, the use of the correct methodology that reflects the environment in which the surface is to be used is important in order to accurately inform hygienic surface development.
Order-Disorder Transition in the Half-Filled Two-Component Lattice Fermion Model with Nearest-Neighbor Repulsion
Authors: Kapcia Konrad Jerzy , Majewska-Albrzykowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2020

In this work, we study a model of asymmetric two-component lattice fermion system at half-filling, where particles of both species (distinguishable by, e.g., spin) can interact only via nearest-neighbor repulsion W. The analysis is performed on the Bethe lattice using the Hartree-Fock-type mean-field approximation, which is rigorous in the limit of high dimensions. At sufficiently low temperatures, both antiferromagnetic and charge orders (related to inhomogeneous distribution of particles with both spins) coexist in the system. We find that an order-disorder continuous transition occurs with increasing temperature. The transition temperature depends on the ratio t↑/t↓ of the hopping amplitudes of both fermion species (i.e., the asymmetry of the model). For fixed W, it is the biggest if one component is localized (e.g., t↑ = 0), and it decreases to its minimal value for the same hopping amplitudes (t↑ = t↓). Moreover, it increases with W for fixed t↑/t↓. Dependencies of order parameters with model parameters and temperature are also presented.
Healthcare utilization and productivity loss in glioma patients and family caregivers: the impact of treatable psychological symptoms
Authors: Boele Florien W. , Meads David , Jansen Femke , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Heimans Jan J. , Reijneveld Jaap C. , Short Susan C. , Klein Martin
Published: March 2020

Background

Gliomas are associated with significant healthcare burden, yet reports of costs are scarce. While many costs are unavoidable there may be treatable symptoms contributing to higher costs. We describe healthcare and societal costs in glioma patients at high risk for depression and their family caregivers, and explore relationships between costs and treatable symptoms.

Methods

Data from a multicenter randomized trial on effects of internet-based therapy for depressive symptoms were used (NTR3223). Costs of self-reported healthcare utilization, medication use, and productivity loss were calculated for patients and caregivers separately. We used generalized linear regression models to predict costs with depressive symptoms, fatigue, cognitive complaints, tumor grade (low-/high-grade), disease status (stable or active/progression), and intervention (use/non-use) as predictors.

Results

Multiple assessments from baseline through 12 months from 91 glioma patients and 46 caregivers were used. Mean overall costs per year were M = €20,587.53 (sd = €30,910.53) for patients and M = €5,581.49 (sd = €13,102.82) for caregivers. In patients, higher healthcare utilization costs were associated with more depressive symptoms; higher medication costs were associated with active/progressive disease. In caregivers, higher overall costs were linked with increased caregiver fatigue, cognitive complaints, and lower patient tumor grade. Higher healthcare utilization costs were related to more cognitive complaints and lower tumor grade. More productivity loss costs were associated with increased fatigue (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

There are substantial healthcare and societal costs for glioma patients and caregivers. Associations between costs and treatable psychological symptoms indicate that possibly, adequate support could decrease costs.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register NTR3223.
Pramipexole Reduces zif-268 mRNA Expression in Brain Structures involved in the Generation of Harmaline-Induced Tremor
Authors: Kosmowska Barbara , Ossowska Krystyna , Wardas Jadwiga
Published: March 2020

Essential tremor is one of the most common neurological disorders, however, it is not sufficiently controlled with currently available pharmacotherapy. Our recent study has shown that pramipexole, a drug efficient in inhibiting parkinsonian tremor, reduced the harmaline-induced tremor in rats, generally accepted to be a model of essential tremor. The aim of the present study was to investigate brain targets for the tremorolytic effect of pramipexole by determination of the early activity-dependent gene zif-268 mRNA expression. Tremor in rats was induced by harmaline administered at a dose of 15 mg/kg ip. Pramipexole was administered at a low dose of 0.1 mg/kg sc. Tremor was measured by Force Plate Actimeters where four force transducers located below the corners of the plate tracked the animal’s position on a Cartesian plane. The zif-268 mRNA expression was analyzed by in situ hybridization in brain slices. Harmaline induced tremor and increased zif-268 mRNA levels in the inferior olive, cerebellar cortex, ventroanterior/ventrolateral thalamic nuclei and motor cortex. Pramipexole reversed both the harmaline-induced tremor and the increase in zif-268 mRNA expression in the inferior olive, cerebellar cortex and motor cortex. Moreover, the tremor intensity correlated positively with zif-268 mRNA expression in the above structures. The present results seem to suggest that the tremorolytic effect of pramipexole is related to the modulation of the harmaline-increased neuronal activity in the tremor network which includes the inferior olive, cerebellar cortex and motor cortex. Potential mechanisms underlying the above pramipexole action are discussed.