bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the short‐term operative, Oncological, and Functional Outcomes between two types of robot‐assisted total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: Da Vinci versus Micro Hand S surgical robot
Authors: Jiang Juan , Zhu Shaihong , Yi Bo , Li Jianmin
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the difference of two various robotic technology applied in R‐ Total mesorectal excision (TME).

Methods

From May 2017 to December 2018, consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent da Vinci R‐TME or Micro Hand S R‐TME were enrolled. The comparative study was conducted on Short‐term Operative, Oncological, and Functional Outcomes between two type of R‐TME.

Results

47 patients underwent da Vinci R‐TME, and 43 patients underwent Micro Hand S R‐TME. No difference occured between two groups in TME completeness, CRM, DRM, CRM involvement and DRM involvement, operative time, blood loss, protective ileostomy, conversion rate, number of retrieved lymph nodes, Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) or Wexner scores. However, the setup time in the Micro Hand S group was longer.

Conclusions

In the present study, both da Vinci R‐TME and Micro Hand S R‐TME achieve excellent TME quality with acceptable morbidity and postoperative function.
The effect of corporate environmental responsibility and religiosity on corporate cash holding decisions and profitability: Evidence from the United States' policies for sustainable development
Authors: Tsendsuren Chuluunbat , Yadav Prayag L. , Han Seung Hun , Mun Seongjae
Published: April 2021

We use religious background as a proxy for local risk‐taking attitudes and investigate whether geographical variation in religion affects corporate environmental responsibility (CER) with regards to corporate cash policies and profitability. We conjecture that the presence of environmentally conscious firms would be higher in areas with more Catholics relative to Protestants. Study data comprises of the largest publicly traded U.S.‐listed firms of Newsweek's green rankings of 2015–2016. We use green scores and the concentration of Catholic to Protestant population ratio as proxies for CER and religiosity, respectively. We provide robust evidence that corporate environmental practices attenuate the demand for precautionary cash reserves to protect firms from unforeseeable risks. Furthermore, environmentally conscious firms located in high risk‐taking areas gain financial stability and improve profitability, strengthening their CER. The findings provide contributions to risk management literature and document the importance of firms' efforts to harmonize social behavior for sustainable financial policies.
Predictability of Localized Plasmonic Responses in Nanoparticle Assemblies
Authors: Roccapriore Kevin M. , Ziatdinov Maxim , Cho Shin Hum , Hachtel Jordan A. , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: April 2021

Design of nanoscale structures with desired optical properties is a key task for nanophotonics. Here, the correlative relationship between local nanoparticle geometries and their plasmonic responses is established using encoder‐decoder neural networks. In the im2spec network, the relationship between local particle geometries and local spectra is established via encoding the observed geometries to a small number of latent variables and subsequently decoding into plasmonic spectra; in the spec2im network, the relationship is reversed. Surprisingly, these reduced descriptions allow high‐veracity predictions of local responses based on geometries for fixed compositions and surface chemical states. Analysis of the latent space distributions and the corresponding decoded and closest (in latent space) encoded images yields insight into the generative mechanisms of plasmonic interactions in the nanoparticle arrays. Ultimately, this approach creates a path toward determining configurations that yield the spectrum closest to the desired one, paving the way for stochastic design of nanoplasmonic structures.
Microstructural Characterizations and Kinetics Model of Isothermal Bainite Formation with the Presence of Prior Martensite in High‐Carbon Nanostructured Bainitic Steel
Authors: Guo Hui , Li Qiang , Su Jianmin , Feng Xianying
Published: April 2021

Quenching and subsequent isothermal bainite transformation (QBT) and direct isothermal transformation (DIT) procedures are performed to comparatively evaluate the impact of the introduced prior martensite on bainite transformation behaviors and microstructural characterizations in a high‐carbon nanostructured bainitic steel. A thermodynamic model under a QBT process based on displacive theory is also developed to expound the bainite formation kinetics. The results indicate that the modified kinetics model, by considering austenite/martensite interface nucleation, austenite grain boundary nucleation, and autocatalytic nucleation, evolved here can be used to accurately describe the bainite formation behavior in the presence of prior martensite. A certain fraction of prior austenite/martensite interface can serve as the preferential nucleation site for the bainite transformation and assist in an acceleration of transformation rate. The bainite nucleation event initially takes place at prior martensite plate boundary in the QBT process instead of austenite grain boundary in the DIT process and subsequently continues through autocatalytic nucleation at austenite/bainite interface generated at either austenite/martensite interface or austenite/austenite interface. The introduced prior martensite slightly refines bainite sheaves and lessens the blocky retained austenite size, presenting a feasible approach to shorten the required time for producing a nanosized bainitic microstructure.
Chiral hydrodynamics in strong external magnetic fields
Authors: Ammon Martin , Grieninger Sebastian , Hernandez Juan , Kaminski Matthias , Koirala Roshan , Leiber Julian , Wu Jackson
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We construct the general hydrodynamic description of (3+1)-dimensional chiral charged (quantum) fluids subject to a strong external magnetic field with effective field theory methods. We determine the constitutive equations for the energy-momentum tensor and the axial charge current, in part from a generating functional. Furthermore, we derive the Kubo formulas which relate two-point functions of the energy-momentum tensor and charge current to 27 transport coefficients: 8 independent thermodynamic, 4 independent non-dissipative hydrodynamic, and 10 independent dissipative hydrodynamic transport coefficients. Five Onsager relations render 5 more transport coefficients dependent. We uncover four novel transport effects, which are encoded in what we call the shear-induced conductivity, the two expansion-induced longitudinal conductivities and the shear-induced Hall conductivity. Remarkably, the shear-induced Hall conductivity constitutes a novel non-dissipative transport effect. As a demonstration, we compute all transport coefficients explicitly in a strongly coupled quantum fluid via holography.
Traversability of multi-boundary wormholes
Authors: Al Balushi Abdulrahim , Wang Zhencheng , Marolf Donald
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We generalize the Gao-Jafferis-Wall construction of traversable two-sided wormholes to multi-boundary wormholes. In our construction, we take the background spacetime to be multi-boundary black holes in AdS3. We work in the hot limit where the dual CFT state in certain regions locally resembles the thermofield double state. Furthermore, in these regions, the hot limit makes the causal shadow exponentially small. Based on these two features of the hot limit, and with the three-boundary wormhole as our main example, we show that traversability between any two asymptotic regions in a multi-boundary wormhole can be triggered using a double-trace deformation. In particular, the two boundary regions need not have the same temperature and angular momentum. We discuss the non-trivial angular dependence of traversability in our construction, as well as the effect of the causal shadow region.
Fusion of conformal defects in four dimensions
Authors: Söderberg Alexander
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We consider two conformal defects close to each other in a free theory, and study what happens as the distance between them goes to zero. This limit is the same as zooming out, and the two defects have fused to another defect. As we zoom in we find a non-conformal effective action for the fused defect. Among other things this means that we cannot in general decompose the two-point correlator of two defects in terms of other conformal defects. We prove the fusion using the path integral formalism by treating the defects as sources for a scalar in the bulk.
Immune cells lacking Y chromosome show dysregulation of autosomal gene expression
Authors: Dumanski Jan P. , Halvardson Jonatan , Davies Hanna , Rychlicka-Buniowska Edyta , Mattisson Jonas , Moghadam Behrooz Torabi , Nagy Noemi , Węglarczyk Kazimierz , Bukowska-Strakova Karolina , Danielsson Marcus , Olszewski Paweł , Piotrowski Arkadiusz , Oerton Erin , Ambicka Aleksandra , Przewoźnik Marcin , Bełch Łukasz , Grodzicki Tomasz , Chłosta Piotr L. , Imreh Stefan , Giedraitis Vilmantas , Kilander Lena , Nordlund Jessica , Ameur Adam , Gyllensten Ulf , Johansson Åsa , Józkowicz Alicja , Siedlar Maciej , Klich-Rączka Alicja , Jaszczyński Janusz , Enroth Stefan , Baran Jarosław , Ingelsson Martin , Perry John R. B. , Ryś Janusz , Forsberg Lars A.
Published: April 2021

Epidemiological investigations show that mosaic loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in leukocytes is associated with earlier mortality and morbidity from many diseases in men. LOY is the most common acquired mutation and is associated with aberrant clonal expansion of cells, yet it remains unclear whether this mosaicism exerts a direct physiological effect. We studied DNA and RNA from leukocytes in sorted- and single-cells in vivo and in vitro. DNA analyses of sorted cells showed that men diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease was primarily affected with LOY in NK cells whereas prostate cancer patients more frequently displayed LOY in CD4 + T cells and granulocytes. Moreover, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing in leukocytes allowed scoring of LOY from mRNA data and confirmed considerable variation in the rate of LOY across individuals and cell types. LOY-associated transcriptional effect (LATE) was observed in ~ 500 autosomal genes showing dysregulation in leukocytes with LOY. The fraction of LATE genes within specific cell types was substantially larger than the fraction of LATE genes shared between different subsets of leukocytes, suggesting that LOY might have pleiotropic effects. LATE genes are involved in immune functions but also encode proteins with roles in other diverse biological processes. Our findings highlight a surprisingly broad role for chromosome Y, challenging the view of it as a “genetic wasteland”, and support the hypothesis that altered immune function in leukocytes could be a mechanism linking LOY to increased risk for disease.
Can seafood from marine sites of dumped World War relicts be eaten?
Authors: Maser Edmund , Strehse Jennifer S.
Published: April 2021

Since World War I, considerable amounts of warfare materials have been dumped at seas worldwide. After more than 70 years of resting on the seabed, reports suggest that the metal shells of these munitions are corroding, such that explosive chemicals leak out and distribute in the marine environment. Explosives such as TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) and its derivatives are known for their toxicity and carcinogenicity, thereby posing a threat to the marine environment. Toxicity studies suggest that chemical components of munitions are unlikely to cause acute toxicity to marine organisms. However, there is increasing evidence that they can have sublethal and chronic effects in aquatic biota, especially in organisms that live directly on the sea floor or in subsurface substrates. Moreover, munition-dumping sites could serve as nursery habitats for young biota species, demanding special emphasis on all kinds of developing juvenile marine animals. Unfortunately, these chemicals may also enter the marine food chain and directly affect human health upon consuming contaminated seafood. While uptake and accumulation of toxic munition compounds in marine seafood species such as mussels and fish have already been shown, a reliable risk assessment for the human seafood consumer and the marine ecosphere is lacking and has not been performed until now. In this review, we compile the first data and landmarks for a reliable risk assessment for humans who consume seafood contaminated with munition compounds. We hereby follow the general guidelines for a toxicological risk assessment of food as suggested by authorities.
Nitrogen monoxide as dopant for enhanced selectivity of isomeric monoterpenes in drift tube ion mobility spectrometry with 3H ionization
Authors: Brendel Rebecca , Rohn Sascha , Weller Philipp
Published: April 2021

The ion mobility spectra of the isomeric monoterpenes α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, and limonene in drift tube ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) with 3H radioactive ionization are highly similar and difficult to distinguish. The aim of this work was to enhance the selectivity of IMS by the addition of nitrogen monoxide (NO) as dopant and to investigate the underlying changes in ion formation responsible for the modified ion signals observed in the ion mobility spectra. Even though 3H-based-IMS systems have been used in hyphenation with gas chromatography (GC) for profiling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the investigation of ion formation still remains challenging and was exemplified by the investigated monoterpenes. Nonetheless, the formation of monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric ion clusters could be tentatively confirmed by a mass-to-mobility correlation and the highly similar pattern of ion signals in the monomer region was attributed to isomerization mechanisms potentially occurring after proton transfer reactions. The addition of NO as dopant could finally lead to the formation of additional product ions and increased the selectivity of IMS for the investigated monoterpenes as confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). The discrimination of monoterpenes in the volatile profile is highly relevant in the quality control of hops and was given as the example for application. The results indicate that additional product ions were obtained by the formation of NO+ adduct ions, next to hydride abstraction, charge transfer, or fragmentation reactions. This approach can potentially leverage selectivity issues in VOC profiling of complex matrices, such as food matrices or raw materials in combination with chemometric pattern recognition techniques.

Graphical abstract
Changes in Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability During Surgical Stages to Completed Fontan Circulation
Authors: Dahlqvist Jenny Alenius , Wiklund Urban , Karlsson Marcus , Hanséus Katarina , Strömvall Larsson Eva , Johansson Ramgren Jens , Berggren Håkan , Rydberg Annika
Published: April 2021

Arrhythmia is related to heart rate variability (HRV), which reflects the autonomic nervous regulation of the heart. We hypothesized that autonomic nervous ganglia, located at the junction of the superior vena cava’s entrance to the heart, may be affected during the bidirectional Glenn procedure (BDG), resulting in reduced HRV. We aimed to investigate changes in heart rate and HRV in a cohort of children with univentricular heart defects, undergoing stepwise surgery towards total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC), and compare these results with healthy controls. Twenty four hours Holter-ECG recordings were obtained before BDG (n = 47), after BDG (n = 47), and after total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) (n = 45) in patients and in 38 healthy controls. HRV was analyzed by spectral and Poincaré methods. Age-related z scores were calculated and compared using linear mixed effects modeling. Total HRV was significantly lower in patients before BDG when compared to healthy controls. The mean heart rate was significantly reduced in patients after BDG compared to before BDG. Compared to healthy controls, patients operated with BDG had significantly reduced heart rate and reduced total HRV. Patients with TCPC showed reduced heart rate and HRV compared with healthy controls. In patients after TCPC, total HRV was decreased compared to before TCPC. Heart rate was reduced after BDG procedure, and further reductions of HRV were seen post-TCPC. Our results indicate that autonomic regulation of cardiac rhythm is affected both after BDG and again after TCPC. This may be reflected as, and contribute to, postoperative arrhythmic events.
Non-radiologist-performed abdominal point-of-care ultrasonography in paediatrics — a scoping review
Authors: van Wassenaer Elsa A. , Daams Joost G. , Benninga Marc A. , Rosendahl Karen , Koot Bart G. P. , Stafrace Samuel , Arthurs Owen J. , van Rijn Rick R.
Published: April 2021

Background

Historically, US in the paediatric setting has mostly been the domain of radiologists. However, in the last decade, there has been an uptake of non-radiologist point-of-care US.

Objective

To gain an overview of abdominal non-radiologist point-of-care US in paediatrics.

Materials and methods

We conducted a scoping review regarding the uses of abdominal non-radiologist point-of-care US, quality of examinations and training, patient perspective, financial costs and legal consequences following the use of non-radiologist point-of-care US. We conducted an advanced search of the following databases: Medline, Embase and Web of Science Conference Proceedings. We included published original research studies describing abdominal non-radiologist point-of-care US in children. We limited studies to English-language articles from Western countries.

Results

We found a total of 5,092 publications and selected 106 publications for inclusion: 39 studies and 51 case reports or case series on the state-of-art of abdominal non-radiologist point-of-care US, 14 on training of non-radiologists, and 1 each on possible harms following non-radiologist point-of-care US and patient satisfaction. According to included studies, non-radiologist point-of-care US is increasingly used, but no standardised training guidelines exist. We found no studies regarding the financial consequences of non-radiologist point-of-care US.

Conclusion

This scoping review supports the further development of non-radiologist point-of-care US and underlines the need for consensus on who can do which examination after which level of training among US performers. More research is needed on training non-radiologists and on the costs-to-benefits of non-radiologist point-of-care US.
FDG-PET/CT in colorectal cancer: potential for vascular-metabolic imaging to provide markers of prognosis
Authors: Chen Shih-hsin , Miles Kenneth , Taylor Stuart A. , Ganeshan Balaji , Rodriquez Manuel , Fraioli Francesco , Wan Simon , Afaq Asim , Shortman Robert , Walls Darren , Hoy Luke , Endozo Raymond , Bhargava Aman , Hanson Matthew , Huang Joseph , Raouf Sherif , Francis Daren , Siddiqi Shahab , Arulampalam Tan , Sizer Bruce , Machesney Michael , Reay-Jones Nicholas , Dindyal Sanjay , Ng Tony , Groves Ashley M
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study assesses the potential for vascular-metabolic imaging with FluoroDeoxyGlucose (FDG)–Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) perfusion to provide markers of prognosis specific to the site and stage of colorectal cancer.

Methods

This prospective observational study comprised of participants with suspected colorectal cancer categorized as either (a) non-metastatic colon cancer (M0colon), (b) non-metastatic rectal cancer (M0rectum), or (c) metastatic colorectal cancer (M+). Combined FDG-PET/CT perfusion imaging was successfully performed in 286 participants (184 males, 102 females, age: 69.60 ± 10 years) deriving vascular and metabolic imaging parameters. Vascular and metabolic imaging parameters alone and in combination were investigated with respect to overall survival.

Results

A vascular-metabolic signature that was significantly associated with poorer survival was identified for each patient group: M0colon – high Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG) with increased Permeability Surface Area Product/Blood Flow (PS/BF), Hazard Ratio (HR) 3.472 (95% CI: 1.441–8.333), p = 0.006; M0rectum – high Metabolic Tumour Volume (MTV) with increased PS/BF, HR 4.567 (95% CI: 1.901–10.970), p = 0.001; M+ participants, high MTV with longer Time To Peak (TTP) enhancement, HR 2.421 (95% CI: 1.162–5.045), p = 0.018. In participants with stage 2 colon cancer as well as those with stage 3 rectal cancer, the vascular-metabolic signature could stratify the prognosis of these participants.

Conclusion

Vascular and metabolic imaging using FDG-PET/CT can be used to synergise prognostic markers. The hazard ratios suggest that the technique may have clinical utility.
The EANM practice guidelines for parathyroid imaging
Authors: Petranović Ovčariček Petra , Giovanella Luca , Carrió Gasset Ignasi , Hindié Elif , Huellner Martin W. , Luster Markus , Piccardo Arnoldo , Weber Theresia , Talbot Jean-Noël , Verburg Frederik Anton
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Nuclear medicine parathyroid imaging is important in the identification of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), but it may be also valuable before surgical treatment in secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT). Parathyroid radionuclide imaging with scintigraphy or positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive procedure for the assessment of the presence and number of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, located either at typical sites or ectopically. The treatment of pHPT is mostly directed toward minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, especially in cases with a single adenoma. In experienced hands, successful surgery depends mainly on the exact preoperative localization of one or more hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas. Failure to preoperatively identify the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland challenges minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and might require bilateral open neck exploration.

Methods

Over a decade has now passed since the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) issued the first edition of the guideline on parathyroid imaging, and a number of new insights and techniques have been developed since. The aim of the present document is to provide state-of-the-art guidelines for nuclear medicine physicians performing parathyroid scintigraphy, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in patients with pHPT, as well as in those with sHPT.

Conclusion

These guidelines are written and authorized by the EANM to promote optimal parathyroid imaging. They will assist nuclear medicine physicians in the detection and correct localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions.
To 1000 Gy and back again: a systematic review on dose-response evaluation in selective internal radiation therapy for primary and secondary liver cancer
Authors: Roosen Joey , Klaassen Nienke J. M. , Westlund Gotby Lovisa E. L. , Overduin Christiaan G. , Verheij Marcel , Konijnenberg Mark W. , Nijsen J. Frank W.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To systematically review all current evidence into the dose-response relation of yttrium-90 and holmium-166 selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in primary and secondary liver cancer.

Methods

A standardized search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and the Cochrane Library in order to identify all published articles on dose-response evaluation in SIRT. In order to limit the results, all articles that investigated SIRT in combination with other therapy modalities (such as chemotherapy) were excluded.

Results

A total of 3038 records were identified of which 487 were screened based on the full text. Ultimately, 37 studies were included for narrative analysis. Meta-analysis could not be performed due to the large heterogeneity in study and reporting designs. Out of 37 studies, 30 reported a ‘mean dose threshold’ that needs to be achieved in order to expect a response. This threshold appears to be higher for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 100–250 Gy) than for colorectal cancer metastases (CRC, 40–60 Gy). Reported thresholds tend to be lower for resin microspheres than when glass microspheres are used.

Conclusion

Although the existing evidence demonstrates a dose-response relationship in SIRT for both primary liver tumours and liver metastases, many pieces of the puzzle are still missing, hampering the definition of standardized dose thresholds. Nonetheless, most current evidence points towards a target mean dose of 100–250 Gy for HCC and 40–60 Gy for CRC. The field would greatly benefit from a reporting standard and prospective studies designed to elucidate the dose-response relation in different tumour types.
Digestive enzyme replacement relieves growth failure in preterm infants with poor exocrine pancreatic function: a retrospective case series
Authors: Münch Annette , Bührer Christoph , Longardt Ann Carolin
Published: April 2021

In orally fed preterm infants, poor weight gain may be linked to low fecal pancreatic elastase-1 (FPE-1) activity, indicative of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The objective of this study was the retrospective assessment of the effect of exogenous digestive enzyme replacement by gavage in preterm infants with growth failure and low FPE-1 (<200 μg/g). We analyzed weight gain relative to baseline and caloric intake during 14-day periods before and after institution of digestive enzyme replacement containing 6000 U lipase and 240 U protease kg−1 d−1. Among 46 of 132 preterm infants < 1250g birth weight surviving to at least 14 days in whom FPE-1 was determined, 38 infants had low FPE-1 (< 200 μg/g), and 33 infants received exogenous digestive enzyme replacement. Average daily weight gain significantly increased from 14.4 [range 2.6–22.4] g kg−1 d−1 to 17.4 [8.4–29.0] g kg−1 d−1 (P = 0.001), as did weight gain per kcal, from 0.08 [0.02–0.13] g kcal−1 d−1 to 0.11 [0.05–0.18] g kcal−1 d−1.

Conclusion: In preterm infants with signs and symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, exogenous digestive enzyme replacement is associated with improved growth.

What is Known:• Very preterm infants on full enteral nutrition may display growth failure linked to transient poor exocrine pancreatic function.• Porcine pancreatic enzymes covered with an acid-resistant coating are too large to pass the internal diameter of most gavage tubes used in very preterm infants.What is New:• Administration of a liquid formulation of acid-resistant microbial digestive enzymes in preterm infants with growth failure and low fecal pancreatic elastase-1 values was associated with improved weight gain.• Response to exogenous digestive enzyme replacement was associated with the prior extent of growth failure.
Inflammatory markers in autoimmunity induced by checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Husain Beate , Kirchberger Michael Constantin , Erdmann Michael , Schüpferling Sabine , Abolhassani Amir-Reza , Fröhlich Waltraud , Berking Carola , Heinzerling Lucie
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are highly effective in several cancer entities, but also invoke a variety of immune-related adverse events (irAE). These are mostly reversible, but can be life-threatening or even fatal. Currently, the pathogenesis is not fully understood, but crucial for effective treatment. Prediction and early detection of irAE could be facilitated and treatment optimized if relevant biomarkers and effector mechanisms were better characterized.

Methods

This study included a total of 45 irAE in patients with metastatic melanoma who were treated with ICI. All patients underwent a complete work-up with exclusion of other causes. Longitudinal blood samples were analyzed for a panel of soluble markers and compared to baseline and to patients who did not experience any irAE. Measurements included LDH, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-17, C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha as well as tumor markers S100 and melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA).

Results

During the early onset of irAE increases in serum IL-6 (from mean 24.4 pg/ml at baseline to 51.0 pg/ml; p = 0.003) and CRP (from mean 7.0 mg/l at baseline to 17.7 mg/l; p = 0.001) and a decrease in MIA (from mean 5.4 pg/ml at baseline to 4.8 pg/ml; p = 0.035) were detected. No changes in IL-17 were noted. These effects were observed for irAE of different organ systems.

Conclusion

Increases of a combination of IL-6 and CRP serum levels can be used for the early detection of irAE and tailored management. Interestingly, changes in MIA serum levels also correlate with irAE onset.
Thiazole–amino acids: influence of thiazole ring on conformational properties of amino acid residues
Authors: Staś Monika , Broda Małgorzata A. , Siodłak Dawid
Published: April 2021

Post-translational modified thiazole–amino acid (Xaa–Tzl) residues have been found in macrocyclic peptides (e.g., thiopeptides and cyanobactins), which mostly inhibit protein synthesis in Gram + bacteria. Conformational study of the series of model compounds containing this structural motif with alanine, dehydroalanine, dehydrobutyrine and dehydrophenylalanine were performed using DFT method in various environments. The solid-state crystal structure conformations of thiazole–amino acid residues retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database were also analysed. The studied structural units tend to adopt the unique semi-extended β2 conformation; which is stabilised mainly by N–H⋯NTzl hydrogen bond, and for dehydroamino acids also by π-electron conjugation. The conformational preferences of amino acids with a thiazole ring were compared with oxazole analogues and the role of the sulfur atom in stabilising the conformations of studied peptides was discussed.
Corporate Accountability Towards Species Extinction Protection: Insights from Ecologically Forward-Thinking Companies
Authors: Roberts Lee , Nandy Monomita , Hassan Abeer , Lodh Suman , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: April 2021

This paper contributes to biodiversity and species extinction literature by examining the relationship between corporate accountability in terms of species protection and factors affecting such accountability from forward-thinking companies. We use triangulation of theories, namely deep ecology, legitimacy, and we introduce a new perspective to the stakeholder theory that considers species as a ‘stakeholder’. Using Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) regression, we examine a sample of 200 Fortune Global companies over 3 years. Our results indicate significant positive relations between ecologically conscious companies that are accountable for the protection of biodiversity and species extinction and external assurance, environmental performance, partnerships with socially responsible organizations and awards for sustainable activities. Our empirical results appear to be robust in controlling for possible endogeneities. Our findings contribute to the discussion on the concern of species loss and habitat destruction in the context of corporate accountability, especially in responding to the sixth mass extinction event and COVID-19 crisis. Our results can also guide the policymakers and stakeholders of the financial market in better decision making.
Overview of the Neuroprotective Effects of the MAO-Inhibiting Antidepressant Phenelzine
Authors: Matveychuk Dmitriy , MacKenzie Erin M. , Kumpula David , Song Mee-Sook , Holt Andrew , Kar Satyabrata , Todd Kathryn G. , Wood Paul L. , Baker Glen B.
Published: April 2021

Phenelzine (PLZ) is a monoamine oxidase (MAO)-inhibiting antidepressant with anxiolytic properties. This multifaceted drug has a number of pharmacological and neurochemical effects in addition to inhibition of MAO, and findings on these effects have contributed to a body of evidence indicating that PLZ also has neuroprotective/neurorescue properties. These attributes are reviewed in this paper and include catabolism to the active metabolite β-phenylethylidenehydrazine (PEH) and effects of PLZ and PEH on the GABA-glutamate balance in brain, sequestration of reactive aldehydes, and inhibition of primary amine oxidase. Also discussed are the encouraging findings of the effects of PLZ in animal models of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis, as well other actions such as reduction of nitrative stress, reduction of the effects of a toxin on dopaminergic neurons, potential anticonvulsant actions, and effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neural cell adhesion molecules, an anti-apoptotic factor, and brain levels of ornithine and N-acetylamino acids.
A performance-based tabular approach for joint systematic improvement of risk control and resilience applied to telecommunication grid, gas network, and ultrasound localization system
Authors: Häring Ivo , Fehling-Kaschek Mirjam , Miller Natalie , Faist Katja , Ganter Sebastian , Srivastava Kushal , Jain Aishvarya Kumar , Fischer Georg , Fischer Kai , Finger Jörg , Stolz Alexander , Leismann Tobias , Hiermaier Stefan , Carli Marco , Battisti Federica , Makri Rodoula , Celozzi Giuseppe , Belesioti Maria , Sfakianakis Evangelos , Agrafioti Evita , Chalkidou Anastasia , Papadakis George , Fuggini Clemente , Bolletta Fabio , Neri Alberto , Giunta Guiseppe , Scheithauer Hermann , Höflinger Fabian , Schott Dominik J. , Schindelhauer Christian , Köhler Sven , Linkov Igor
Published: April 2021

Organizational and technical approaches have proven successful in increasing the performance and preventing risks at socio-technical systems at all scales. Nevertheless, damaging events are often unavoidable due to a wide and dynamic threat landscape and enabled by the increasing complexity of modern systems. For overall performance and risk control at the system level, resilience can be a versatile option, in particular for reducing resources needed for system development, maintenance, reuse, or disposal. This paper presents a framework for a resilience assessment and management process that builds on existing risk management practice before, during, and after potential and real events. It leverages tabular and matrix correlation methods similar as standardized in the field of risk analysis to fulfill the step-wise resilience assessment and management for critical functions of complex systems. We present data needs for the method implementation and output generation, in particular regarding the assessment of threats and the effects of counter measures. Also included is a discussion of how the results contribute to the advancement of functional risk control and resilience enhancement at system level as well as related practical implications for its efficient implementation. The approach is applied in the domains telecommunication, gas networks, and indoor localization systems. Results and implications are further discussed.
Mendeleyev revisited
Authors: Marks E. G. , Marks J. A.
Published: April 2021

Despite the periodic table having been discovered by chemists half a century before the discovery of electronic structure, modern designs are invariably based on physicists’ definition of periods. This table is a chemists’ table, reverting to the phenomenal periods that led to the table’s discovery. In doing so, the position of hydrogen is clarified.
Influence of diagram layout and scrolling on understandability of BPMN processes: an eye tracking experiment with BPMN diagrams
Authors: Lübke Daniel , Ahrens Maike , Schneider Kurt
Published: April 2021

Business process modeling is an important activity for developing software systems—especially within digitization projects and when realizing digital business models. Specifying requirements and building executable workflows is often done by using BPMN 2.0 process models. Although there are several style guides available for BPMN, e.g., by Silver and Richard (BPMN method and style, vol 2, Cody-Cassidy Press, Aptos, 2009), there has not been much empirical research done into the consequences of the diagram layout. In particular, layouts that require scrolling have not been investigated yet. The aim of this research is to establish layout guidelines for business process modeling that help business process modelers to create more understandable business process diagrams. For establishing benefits and penalties of different layouts, a controlled eye tracking experiment was conducted, in which data of 21 professional software developers was used. Our results show that horizontal layouts are less demanding and that as many diagram elements as possible should be put on the initially visible screen area because such diagram elements are viewed more often and longer. Additionally, diagram elements related to the reader’s task are read more often than those not relevant to the task. BPMN modelers should favor a horizontal layout and use a more complex snake or multi-line layout whenever the diagrams are too large to fit on one page in order to support BPMN model comprehension.
Real-time edge framework (RTEF): task scheduling and realisation
Authors: Gezer Volkan , Wagner Achim
Published: April 2021

With the big success of the Cloud Computing, or the Cloud, new research areas appeared. Edge Computing (EC) is one of the recent paradigms that is expected to overcome the Quality of Service (QoS) and latency issues caused by the best-effort behaviour of the Cloud. EC aims to bring the computation power close to the end devices as much as possible and reduce the dependency to the Cloud. Bringing computing power close to the source also enables real-time applications. In this paper, we propose a novel software reference architecture for Edge Servers, which is operating system (OS) and hardware-agnostic. Edge Servers can collaborate and execute (near) real-time tasks on time, either by downscaling or scheduling them according to their deadlines or offloading them to other Edge Servers in the network. Decision making for offloading, resource planning, and task scheduling are challenging problems in decentralized systems. The paper explains how resource planning and task scheduling can be overcome with software approach. Finally, the article realises the architecture as a framework, called Real-Time Edge Framework (RTEF) and validates its correctness with a use case.
Application of microwave radiation in the grafting of acidic sites on SBA-15 type material
Authors: Trejda Maciej , Drobnik Magdalena , Nurwita Ardian
Published: April 2021

Mesoporous silica of SBA-15 type was modified for the first time with 3-(trihydroxysiyl)-1-propanesulfonic acid (TPS) by post-synthesis modification involving microwave or conventional heating in order to generate the Brønsted acidic centers on the material surface. The samples structure and composition were examined by low temperature N2 adsorption/desorption, XRD, HRTEM, elemental and thermal analyses. The surface properties were evaluated by esterification of acetic acid with n-hexanol used as the test reaction. A much higher efficiency of TPS species incorporation was reached with the application of microwave radiation for 1 h than conventional modification for 24 h. It was found that the structure of mesoporous support was preserved after modification using both methods applied in this study. Materials obtained with the use of microwave radiation showed a superior catalytic activity and high stability.
Dynamical similarity of multi-block catenary arches and rocking blocks subjected to horizontal base excitation
Authors: Ther Tamás , Kollár László P.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the dynamical similarity of multi-block catenary arches and columns is discussed, which can be used for the simplified design of rocking arches. The basic hypothesis is that the dynamic response of multi-block arches and columns is similar when the shape of the arch follows the thrust line, i.e. it is a catenary arch. It is validated numerically that the responses of slender catenary arches are safe and reliable approximations of those of not slender arches and then that the overturning acceleration (response) spectra of rigid, slender monolithic blocks can be directly applied for catenary arches. The similarity is based on two parameters, on the limit peak ground acceleration (under which the structure will not move at all) and on the frequency parameter (defined by Housner for rigid blocks).
Loss sensitive investors and positively biased analysts in Hong Kong stock market
Authors: Choudhry Taufiq , Dissanaike Gishan , Jayasekera Ranadeva , Kang Woo-Young , Nnadi Matthias
Published: April 2021

The Hong Kong stock market is known to be highly volatile. Professional investors have a strong demand for timely information because of the infrequent nature of Hong Kong analysts’ interim reports (Cheng et al., 2003). Our paper provides a comprehensive study of investor reactions to analysts’ recommendations in the Hong Kong stock market from 2009 to 2014 under different sentiment scenarios. We find that analysts’ recommendation upgrades and downgrades deliver significant information to the Hong Kong stock market. However, analysts’ initiation coverages convey little information and bring about limited impact to the stock market. In addition, analysts’ upgrades and downgrades result in significant differential price impacts in bullish and the bearish phases.
Improving Institutional Evaluation Methods: Comparing Three Evaluations Using PSM, Exact and Coarsened Exact Matching
Authors: Blankenberger Bob , Gehlhausen Anderson Sophia , Lichtenberger Eric
Published: April 2021

Policymakers and institutional leaders in higher education too often make decisions based on descriptive data analyses or even anecdote when better analysis options could produce more nuanced and more valuable results. Employing the setting of higher education program evaluation at a midwestern regional public university, for this study we compared analysis approaches using basic descriptive analyses, regression, standard propensity score matching (PSM), and a mixture of PSM with continuous variables, coarsened exact matching, and exact matching on categorical variables. We used three examples of program evaluations: a freshman seminar, an upper division general education program intended to improve cultural awareness and respect for diverse groups, and multiple living learning communities. We describe how these evaluations were conducted, compare the different results for each type of method employed, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each in the context of program evaluation.
A radical relationist solution to the problem of intentional inexistence
Authors: Marchesi Andrea
Published: April 2021

The problem of intentional inexistence arises because the following (alleged) intuitions are mutually conflicting: it seems that sometimes we think about things that do not exist; it seems that intentionality is a relation between a thinker and what such a thinker thinks about; it seems that relations entail the existence of what they relate. In this paper, I argue for what I call a radical relationist solution. First, I contend that the extant arguments for the view that relations entail the existence of their relata are wanting. In this regard, I defend a kind of pluralism about relations according to which more than one kind of relation involves non-existents. Second, I contend that there are reasons to maintain that all thoughts are relations between thinkers and the things they are about. More accurately, I contend that the radical relationist solution is to be preferred to both the intentional content solution (as developed by Crane) and the adverbial property solution (as developed by Kriegel). Finally, I argue that once the distinction between thinking “X” and thinking about X has been drawn, the radical relationist solution can handle issues like ontological commitment, substitutivity failure, scrutability, and non-specificity.
Blame as performance
Authors: Simion Mona
Published: April 2021

This paper develops a novel account of the nature of blame: on this account, blame is a species of performance with a constitutive aim. The argument for the claim that blame is an action is speech-act theoretic: it relies on the nature of performatives and the parallelism between mental and spoken blame. I argue that the view scores well on prior plausibility and theoretical fruitfulness, in that: it rests on claims that are widely accepted across sub-disciplines, it explains the normativity of blaming and it accounts for associated psychological phenomena.
Results of a hospitalization policy of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic COVID-19-positive long-term care facility residents in the province of Salzburg—a report from the AGMT COVID-19 Registry
Authors: Huemer Florian , Rinnerthaler Gabriel , Jörg Benedikt , Morre Patrick , Stegbuchner Birgit , Proksch Elisabeth , Fleimisch Stefanie , Oberkofler Hannes , Kremser Iris , Greil Richard , Egle Alexander
Published: April 2021

COVID-19-associated case fatality rates up to 48% were reported among nursing facility residents. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, routine SARS-CoV-2 testing in long-term care facilities in the Province of Salzburg and centralized hospitalization in the COVID-19 unit of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria) irrespective of symptoms was implemented. Baseline characteristics and the course of COVID-19 disease were assessed among hospitalized long-term care facility residents within the COVID-19 Registry of the Austrian Group Medical Tumor Therapy (AGMT; NCT04351529). Between the 24thof March and the 20thof April 2020, 50 COVID-19-positive residents were hospitalized. The median age was 84.5 years (range: 79–88) and the median number of comorbidities and baseline medication classes was 6 (IQR: 4–7) and 5 (IQR: 3–6), respectively. At admission, 31 residents (62%) were symptomatic, nine residents (18%) pre-symptomatic whereas ten residents (20%) remained asymptomatic. The 30-day mortality rate from hospitalization was 32% and significantly higher in symptomatic residents at admission when compared to asymptomatic residents including pre-symptomatic residents (48% [95% CI: 27–63%] versus 5% [95% CI: 0–15%],p=0.006). The Early Warning Score (EWS) at admission was associated with 30-day mortality: high risk: 100%, intermediate risk: 50% (95% CI: 0–78%), and low risk: 21% (95% CI: 7-32%) (p<0.001). In light of comparably low mortality rates between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic hospitalized COVID-19-positive residents, we suggest the supply of comparable intensity and quality of monitoring and care in long-term care facilities as an alternative to immediate hospitalization upon a positive COVID-19 test in asymptomatic residents.
Analytical Sociology and Symbolic Interactionism: Bridging the Intra-disciplinary Divide
Authors: Azarian Reza
Published: April 2021

The aim of the present article is to contribute to the development of the Desire-Belief-Opportunity-model from a symbolic interactionist perspective. The main argument is that this model needs to incorporate the classical notion ofdefinition of the situationto be able to account for the formative impact of interaction on the formation of actor’s beliefs, as well as the complex interdependency between two of its key components, namely the beliefs and the action opportunities of the actor. It is argued that the theoretical advancement of the DBO-model in this particular direction is not only feasible but also brings it considerably closer to the analytical refinement and the empirical validation it currently lacks.