bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exhaled breath condensate pH determinants in school‐aged children: A population‐based study
Authors: Rama Tiago Azenha , Paciência Inês , Cavaleiro Rufo João , Silva Diana , Cunha Pedro , Severo Milton , Padrão Patrícia , Moreira Pedro , Delgado Luís , Moreira André
Published: May 2021

Background

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH is a promising biomarker of airway inflammation. Lack of method standardization and interstudy variability precludes its use in clinical practice. While endogenous determinants have been described, underlying mechanisms for variability are mostly unknown. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between asthma and EBC pH in children, while studying potential environmental factors for interstudy variability.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of exhaled breath condensates from 613 children, aged 7–12 years, was conducted. Assessments included lung function and airway reversibility, exhaled nitric oxide, allergic sensitization, and body mass index (BMI). Indoor air quality (IAQ) was assessed in children's classrooms during 5 school days. Post‐deaeration EBC pH showed a bimodal distribution, and the sample was split into acidic and alkaline groups. Regression models were constructed to assess the effects of asthma and asthma adjusted to IAQ parameters on EBC pH.

Results

Following adjustment to gender and BMI, asthma was significantly associated with a lower EBC pH in the acidic group. The effect of asthma on EBC pH was independent of IAQ, in both groups. In the acidic group, EBC pH was significantly affected by temperature [β = −0.09 (−0.15, −0.02)] and PM 2.5 concentration [β = −0.16 (−0.32, −0.01)], and in the alkaline group by relative humidity [β = 0.07 (0.02, 0.13)] and concentration of endotoxins [β = −0.06 (−0.1, −0.01)].

Conclusion

Our study shows that in addition to individual determinants such as asthma, environmental factors may influence and should be taken into consideration when interpreting EBC pH level in children.
Interpreting conversion in antiquity (and beyond)
Authors: Jacobs Andrew S.
Published: May 2021

This essay explores the persistent scholarly desires and motivations that structure the historical study of conversion in religious studies. Most “conversion studies” take a phenomenological approach, which acknowledges the diverse processes, contexts, and meanings of conversion but nonetheless sees the phenomenon as a way to access the contours of global religion. Phenomenology of conversion reveals a desire for bounded religions arranged in a comparable system, “religion.” A hermeneutical approach to conversion does not seek to access a stable phenomenon but asks why conversion as a discourse is deployed. This form of narrative interpretation can open up new possibilities in what we think the study of religion can, and should, do. The specific examples of Jewish conversion to Christianity in late antiquity act as case studies.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*06:317 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Gatouillat Grégory , Tabary Thierry , Tonye‐Libyh Marcelle , Pham Bach Nga , Giusti Delphine
Published: May 2021

HLA‐C*06:317 differs from HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 921 in exon 3.
The critical period for weed seed control: A proposed framework to limit weed seed return
Authors: Geddes Charles M. , Davis Adam S.
Published: May 2021

Proliferation of herbicide‐resistant weeds demands re‐evaluation of fundamental weed control objectives. Yield loss mitigation remains a priority, but limiting weed seed return (WSR) to the soil seedbank is key to preventing herbicide‐resistant annual weeds from multiplying. The critical period for weed seed control (CPWSC) is the period of the growing season during which weed control can minimise weed seed production. The CPWSC provides a framework to limit WSR by targeting weeds during phenological stages critical for seed development. We aim to (a) introduce the CPWSC concept, (b) provide an example using Bassia scoparia as a model species and (c) offer a framework for future research.
Using the Theoretical Domains Framework to Identify Barriers and Facilitators to Elder‐Friendly Care Implementation Within a Multi‐Site Academic Health Centre
Authors: Dakin Lena , Valdron‐Nguyen Sabrina , Castiglione Sonia , Briand Anaïck , Oliver Catherine , Kusaian Tina
Published: May 2021

Background

Societal demographic shifts are occurring globally. Within Quebec, Canada, the percentage of adults over 65 (older adults) is predicted to increase from 19.3% to >25.9% by the year 2036. Older adults (OAs) experience hospitalizations more frequently than persons aged 15–64 years old, and hospitalizations for OAs can be detrimental due to naturally occurring physiological changes. To address the needs of this population, the Quebec government mandated that all acute care hospitals implement OA‐friendly care standards called AAPA (“l’Approche Adaptée à la Personne Âgée”).

Aims

To describe an approach for identifying barriers and facilitators (BFs) to AAPA implementation at the McGill University Health Centre, an academic healthcare centre in Montreal that provides tertiary and quaternary care.

Methods

Our approach included an organizational quality improvement (QI) model based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement QI approach and the use of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to guide the assessment of BFs to AAPA implementation. To identify the BFs of AAPA implementation, themes were generated from the raw data.

Results

In total, 32 barriers and 88 facilitators were identified. Each BF was linked to one or more corresponding domain from the TDF. Seven of the most frequently occurring domains were: (1) knowledge, (2) beliefs about consequences, (3) social/professional role and identity, (4) social influences, (5) environmental context and resources, (6) intentions, and (7) goals.

Linking Evidence to Action

A theory‐informed approach, such as the TDF, can be used to facilitate the implementation of evidence‐based guidelines.
The diversity of Campylobacter spp. throughout the poultry processing plant
Authors: Mohamed Hamdin Abasher A. , Williams Lisa K. , van Klink Ed
Published: May 2021

Campylobacteriosis is the leading food‐borne disease in developed countries, and poultry are a major source for human infection. The diversity of Campylobacter on chicken carcasses during processing may lead to isolates that are able to survive abattoir processing. This has important implications for public health and adds a further layer to the complexity of the epidemiology of campylobacteriosis. The diversity of the Campylobacter spp. populations on broiler carcasses was studied at three different stages of processing (post‐bleed, post‐scald and post‐chill) in three UK processing plants, using the pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) KpnI enzyme. One hundred and sixty Campylobacter strains from 3 processing plants were identified as C. jejuni (92.3%) with 27 PFGE subtype profiles recovered from carcasses at the post‐bleed point. Change in populations was identified when carcasses move towards the end of poultry processing. Seven C. jejuni genotypes were able to survive the scalding tank stage process, and 5 genotypes surviving the entire poultry process. Confirmation by PFGE gives information on the genotypic profiles of C. jejuni on chicken carcasses and how they change according to the temperatures exposed to during processing. Diversity within C. jejuni populations produces genotypes that adapt to tolerate the processing environment, and these may be capable of causing human disease. Understanding more about the genotypes that survive the processing will have important implications for public health.
Oil–Water Relative Permeability in Shale Considering the Effect of Kerogen: Modeling and Analysis
Authors: Cui Jiangfeng
Published: May 2021

Nontrivial initial water and the indispensable hydraulic fracturing technique for enhanced recovery result in the prevalence of oil–water two-phase flow in shale oil reservoirs. However, limited research has focused on their presumably unique flow characteristics so far. In this paper, based on assumptions about the two-phase distribution pattern, the relative permeability models for organic/inorganic pores are established. Then, the two models are combined by an upscaling model to arrive at the expression for the relative permeability of shale rocks. Effects of total organic carbon (TOC), pore size, and slip length are considered. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates their impacts on the relative permeability of inorganic/organic media and the shale rock. This is the very first work that provides an analytical relative permeability model for the oil/water two-phase flow in shale matrix considering the effect of kerogen, and it is important for understanding the performance of shale oil reservoirs and other kinds of nanoporous media.
Fréedericksz transition on air
Authors: Plo Juliette , Sadi Dihya , Thellier Elio , Pieranski Pawel , Zeghal Mehdi , Judeinstein Patrick
Published: May 2021

The operational principle of twisted nematic displays involves the dielectric anisotropy of nematics. This crucial property was discovered about a hundred years ago by Jeżewski and Kast who used a so-called resonance method in which the frequency of an LC tank circuit was set by the capacitance of a capacitor filled with a nematic liquid crystal. Jeżewski and Kast observed that the resonance frequency changed upon application of a magnetic field to the capacitor. They interpreted the corresponding change in the dielectric permittivity as being due to reorientation of molecules by the magnetic field. Here, we describe a modern, simple, and low-cost version of this experiment. Instead of the LC oscillator working with vacuum lamps, we use an op-amp RC oscillator in which a twisted nematic display plays the role of the capacitor. For the purpose of classroom demonstrations, the oscillator frequency fRC is detected by a software-defined radio operating in the double-side band mode (DSB). Upon an appropriate tuning of the reception frequency fo, even small changes of Δf=fRC−fo become audible. This setup is very convenient for demonstration and measurements of all characteristics of the Fréedericksz transition driven by magnetic or electric fields.
Algorithm to visualize a 3D normal surface in anisotropic crystals and the polarization states of the o- and e-waves in uniaxial crystals
Authors: González-Siu Luis Oscar , Rosete-Aguilar Martha , Bruce Neil C.
Published: May 2021

Of the many topics generally taught in undergraduate or graduate optics courses, the propagation of light through crystals with electrical anisotropy is one of the most difficult topics for students and for teachers who do not work in this field. In particular, the mathematics and equations are complex vectorial equations, and this complicates the visualization of the implications of the theory. Also, the standard textbooks and papers on the subject have led to some misconceptions on this problem by presenting results only for specific cases of the theory in graphical form. For example, it is a general belief that after refraction of an incident wave on the crystal, the polarization state of the two waves propagating inside the crystal, given by their displacement vectors D, are always orthogonal to each other. However, this is not the case, as explained and illustrated for uniaxial crystals by Alemán-Castañeda and Rosete-Aguilar [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 33(4), 677–682 (2016)]. The purpose of this paper is to help students and teachers visualize the solution to Maxwell's equations in electrical anisotropic crystals. An algorithm has been written in mathematica so the reader can use it to visualize the normal surface in uniaxial and biaxial crystals. This algorithm can be used as the basis of computational projects for students to better understand the equations involved, or as a visualization tool for teachers in class.
Soil analysis using a 2″ NaI gamma detector
Authors: Aguilar Rebekah , Powers Patrick , Abramzon Nina , Siegel P. B.
Published: May 2021

We describe an undergraduate physics laboratory experiment that uses a 2-inch diameter NaI gamma detector to measure natural radiation in soils. Students first calibrate the detector for the source-detector geometry, energy-dependent detection efficiency, and sample self-absorption. Then, the activity of the 238U and 232Th decay series, as well as the activity of 40K in the soil, are measured. The results are comparable in accuracy to those obtained using a high-resolution germanium gamma detector.
Gravitational waves physics using Fermi coordinates: A new teaching perspective
Authors: Ruggiero Matteo Luca
Published: May 2021

The detection of gravitational waves is possible thanks to a multidisciplinary approach involving different disciplines such as astrophysics, physics, engineering, and quantum optics. Consequently, it is important today for teachers to introduce the basic features of gravitational waves science in the undergraduate curriculum. The usual approach to gravitational wave physics is based on the use of traceless and transverse coordinates, which do not have a direct physical meaning and, in a teaching perspective, may cause misconceptions. In this paper, using Fermi coordinates, which are simply related to observable quantities, we show that it is possible to introduce a gravitoelectromagnetic analogy that describes the action of gravitational waves on test masses in terms of electric-like and magnetic-like forces. We suggest that this approach could be more suitable when introducing the basic principles of gravitational waves physics to students.
Energy loss and jerk on the loop-the-loop
Authors: Mamola Karl C. , Dittrich William A. (Toby)
Published: May 2021

In its usual form, the loop-the-loop (LtL) problem involves a uniform solid sphere rolling from rest down a linear ramp that transitions into a circular loop. The task is to find the minimum height from which the ball must be released in order to roll completely around the loop without breaking contact. The answer, found using the conservation of mechanical energy and Newton's second law, is invariably less than the actual measured height. The difference, attributed to non-conservative forces, is consistently larger than the experimental uncertainty. To get a more detailed understanding of the effects of dissipative forces on the loop-the-loop, we made high speed video recordings of balls moving on the commercial LtL apparatus and used video analysis to study their motion in detail. We present our results along with a simple model to predict the motion of the ball on an LtL track taking energy losses into account. Calculations based on the model are in excellent agreement with our measurements.
On viewing the Himalayas from the plains
Authors: Singh Vijay A. , Singh Arnav
Published: May 2021

The pandemic-induced lock-down has resulted in better air quality and visibility, with reported sightings of Himalayan peaks from hundreds of kilometers away. During the 18th and 19th centuries, good visibility was commonplace and there exist many such accounts by reputable Orientalists such as Henry Colebrooke and Sir William Jones. These sightings invite two questions. Is a line of sight to the peak even possible from the location? Is the location close enough and the intensity of visible light sufficient for the peak to be seen? The present work explores both these aspects in the context of the Himalayan peaks. The effects of the curvature of the Earth and refraction on the perceived heights of several mountains in the eastern Himalayas are considered. The effects of Rayleigh scattering by the atmosphere on the visibility of these peaks are also considered as an extension of the work done by Weisskopf. Some historically significant details and a possible inaccuracy in an account by Sir William Jones are discussed. The approach is pedagogical and is not specialized to the eastern Himalayas, so it can be applied readily to other locations, for example, the Andes in South America.
Optical switching of topological phase in a perovskite polariton lattice
Authors: Su Rui , Ghosh Sanjib , Liew Timothy C. H. , Xiong Qihua
Published: May 2021

A perovskite exciton polariton topological insulator allows polarization-dependent topological phases at room temperature.
Metasurface-based key for computational imaging encryption
Authors: Zheng Peixia , Dai Qi , Li Zile , Ye Zhiyuan , Xiong Jun , Liu Hong-Chao , Zheng Guoxing , Zhang Shuang
Published: May 2021

A single metasurface operates as a reusable generator of different keys to encode various secret images in a computational way.
Myasthenia gravis and prostatic neoplasia: a rare association
Authors: Pereira Mafalda Sá , Escarigo Maria Conceição , Correia Azevedo Pedro , Delerue Francisca
Published: May 2021

An 88-year-old male patient presented with left ptosis, diplopia, muscle weakness of the lower limbs, dysphagia for solids, dysphonia and constipation. On investigation, he was found to have myasthenia gravis (MG). Further evaluation for the possible cause of MG, with CT scan, revealed that the patient had concomitant prostatic cancer. The patient was given steroids and pyridostigmine, with consequent resolution of his neurological symptoms. This is a rare case of MG associated with prostatic cancer.
Association between socioeconomic status and dental caries among Chinese preschool children: a cross-sectional national study
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Hong Jialan , Yu Xueting , Liu Qiulin , Li Andi , Wu Zhijing , Zeng Xiaojuan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Socioeconomic inequalities in oral health are often neglected in oral health promotion. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between dental caries and socioeconomic status (SES) among preschool children in China.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey of China (2015), comprising of 40 360 children aged 3–5 years was used.

Methods

Dental caries indicators including prevalence of dental caries, dental pain experience and number of decayed, missing and filling teeth (dmft). SES indicators included parental education and household income. The associations between SES and dental caries were analysed by using negative binomial regression or Poisson regression models according to data distribution. Relative and absolute inequalities in dental caries were quantified by using the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and Slope Index of Inequality (SII), respectively.

Results

There were significant associations between SES and prevalence of dental caries and dmft (p<0.001). Children from lower educated (RII 1.36, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.43; SII 0.97, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.13) and lower household income (RII 1.17, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.24; SII 0.55, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.75) families had higher dmft than those from well-educated and most affluent families. Relative and absolute inequalities in dental caries were larger in urban areas by household income, and in rural areas by parental education.

Conclusions

Association between dental caries and SES was demonstrated and socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries existed among Chinese preschool children.
VALUE study: a protocol for a qualitative semi-structured interview study of IVF add-ons use by patients, clinicians and embryologists in the UK and Australia
Authors: Armstrong Sarah C , Lensen Sarah , Vaughan Emily , Wainwright Elaine , Peate Michelle , Balen Adam H , Farquhar Cynthia M , Pacey Allan
Published: May 2021

Introduction

For couples undergoing assisted reproduction, a plethora of adjuncts are available; these are known as ‘add-ons’. Most add-ons are not supported by good quality randomised trial evidence of efficacy, with some proven to be ineffective. However, estimates suggest that over 70% of fertility clinics provide at least one add-on, often at extra cost to the patient. This study has three aims. First, to undertake a survey of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinics in the UK to ascertain which add-ons are being offered and at what cost. Second, to undertake qualitative semi-structured interviews of patients, clinicians and embryologists, to explore their opinions and beliefs surrounding add-ons. Third, to review the interpretation of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority traffic light system, to better understand the information required by IVF patients, clinicians and embryologists when making decisions about add-ons.

Methods and analysis

All UK IVF clinics will be contacted by email and invited to complete an online survey. The survey will ask them which add-ons they offer, at what cost per cycle and how information is shared with patients. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted in the UK and Australia with three groups of participants: (i) fertility patients; (ii) clinicians and (iii) embryologists. Participants for the interviews will be recruited via social media channels, website adverts, email and snowball sampling. Up to 20 participants will be recruited for each group in each country. Following an online consent process, interviews will be conducted via video-conferencing software, transcribed verbatim and data subjected to inductive thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Universities of Sheffield, Bath Spa and Melbourne. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated to regulatory bodies in the UK and Australia. A lay summary of findings will be shared via Fertility Network, UK.
Interaction of physical activity on the association of obesity-related measures with multimorbidity among older adults: a population-based cross-sectional study in India
Authors: Srivastava Shobhit , Joseph K J Vinod , Dristhi Drishti , Muhammad T
Published: May 2021

Objective

To explore the associations between obesity-related measures and multimorbidity among older Indian adults and the interactive effects of physical activity in those associations.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using large representative survey data.

Setting and participants

The present study used data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) conducted during 2017–2018. Participants included 15 098 male and 16 366 female older adults aged 60 years and above in India.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome variable was multimorbidity among older adults coded as no and yes. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis are presented in the paper. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was used to fulfil the study objectives.

Results

About 24% of older adults in the LASI cohort suffered from multimorbidity. Older adults who were overweight/obese (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.61, CI 1.48 to 1.74), had high-risk waist circumference (AOR: 1.66, CI 1.52 to 1.80) and had high-risk waist to hip ratio (AOR: 1.45, CI 1.33 to 1.59) were significantly more likely to suffer from multimorbidity compared with their counterparts. Older adults who were obese and physically inactive had significantly increased odds of suffering from multimorbidity compared with older adults who were obese and physically active. Similarly, older adults with high-risk waist circumference (AOR: 1.30, CI 1.11 to 1.53) and high-risk waist to hip ratio (AOR: 1.32, CI 1.20 to 1.46) along with being physically inactive had significantly higher odds of suffering from multimorbidity in comparison with older adults with high-risk waist circumference and waist to hip ratio along with being physically active.

Conclusion

While developing health strategies for older adults, physical activity needs to be recognised as a way of minimising comorbidities. Further, the study highlights the importance of using multiple obesity-related measures to predict chronic conditions in the older population.
3.0 T MRI findings of 104 hips of asymptomatic adults: from non-runners to ultra-distance runners
Authors: Horga Laura Maria , Henckel Johann , Fotiadou Anastasia , Di Laura Anna , Hirschmann Anna , Hart Alister
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To determine and compare the health status of hip joints of individuals undertaking various lengths of long-distance running and of those who are not running.

Methods

Fifty-two asymptomatic volunteers underwent bilateral hip 3.0 Tesla MRI: (1) 8 inactive non-runners; (2) 28 moderately active runners (average half a marathon (21 km)/week) and (3) 16 highly active runners (≥ marathon (42 km)/week). Two musculoskeletal radiologists reported the hip MRI findings using validated scoring systems. Study participants completed a Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) questionnaire to indicate their perceived hip function.

Results

The MRI findings show that there were no significant differences among inactive non-runners, moderately active runners and highly active runners in the amount of labral abnormalities (p=0.327), articular cartilage lesions (p=0.270), tendon abnormalities (p=0.141), ligament abnormalities (p=0.519). Bone marrow oedema was significantly more common in moderately active runners than in non-runners and highly active runners (p=0.025), while small subchondral cysts were more common in runners than in non-runners (p=0.017), but these were minor/of small size, asymptomatic and did not indicate specific exercise-related strain. Articular cartilage lesions and bone marrow oedema were not found in highly active runners. HOOS scores indicate no hip symptoms or functional problems among the three groups.

Conclusion

The imaging findings were not significantly different among inactive non-runners, moderately active runners and highly active runners, in most hip structures, suggesting that long-distance running may not add further damage to the hip joints.
Precision exercise medicine: predicting unfavourable status and development in the 20-m shuttle run test performance in adolescence with machine learning
Authors: Joensuu Laura , Rautiainen Ilkka , Äyrämö Sami , Syväoja Heidi J , Kauppi Jukka-Pekka , Kujala Urho M , Tammelin Tuija H
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To assess the ability to predict individual unfavourable future status and development in the 20m shuttle run test (20MSRT) during adolescence with machine learning (random forest (RF) classifier).

Methods

Data from a 2-year observational study (2013‒2015, 12.4±1.3 years, n=633, 50% girls), with 48 baseline characteristics (questionnaires (demographics, physical, psychological, social and lifestyle factors), objective measurements (anthropometrics, fitness characteristics, physical activity, body composition and academic scores)) were used to predict: (Task 1) unfavourable future 20MSRT status (identification of individuals in the lowest 20MSRT tertile after 2 years), and (Task 2) unfavourable 20MSRT development (identification of individuals with 20MSRT development in the lowest tertile among adolescents with baseline 20MSRT below median level).

Results

Prediction performance for future 20MSRT status (Task 1) was (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC) 83% and 76%, sensitivity 80% and 60%, and specificity 78% and 79% in girls and boys, respectively. Twenty variables showed predictive power in boys, 14 in girls, including fitness characteristics, physical activity, academic scores, adiposity, life enjoyment, parental support, social status in school and perceived fitness.

Prediction performance for future development (Task 2) was lower and differed statistically from random level only in girls (AUC 68% and 40% in girls and boys).

Conclusion

RF classifier predicted future unfavourable status in 20MSRT and identified potential individuals for interventions based on a holistic profile (14‒20 baseline characteristics). The MATLAB script and functions employing the RF classifier of this study are available for future precision exercise medicine research.
Cardiovascular consequences of discontinuing low-dose rivaroxaban in people with chronic coronary or peripheral artery disease
Authors: Dagenais Gilles R , Dyal Leanne , Bosch Jacqueline J , Leong Darryl P , Aboyans Victor , Berkowitz Scott D , Bhatt Deepak L , Connolly Stuart J , Fox Keith A A , Muehlhofer Eva , Probstfield Jeffrey L , Widimsky Petr , Winkelmann Bernhard R , Yusuf Salim , Eikelboom John W
Published: May 2021

Objective

In patients with chronic coronary or peripheral artery disease enrolled in the Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies trial, randomised antithrombotic treatments were stopped after a median follow-up of 23 months because of benefits of the combination of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg two times per day and aspirin 100 mg once daily compared with aspirin 100 mg once daily. We assessed the effect of switching to non-study aspirin at the time of early stopping.

Methods

Incident composite of myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death was estimated per 100 person-years (py) during randomised treatment (n=18 278) and after study treatment discontinuation to non-study aspirin (n=14 068).

Results

During randomised treatment, the combination compared with aspirin reduced the composite (2.2 vs 2.9/100 py, HR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.86), stroke (0.5 vs 0.8/100 py, HR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.76) and cardiovascular death (0.9 vs 1.2/100 py, HR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.96). During 1.02 years after early stopping, participants originally randomised to the combination compared with those randomised to aspirin had similar rates of the composite (2.1 vs 2.0/100 py, HR: 1.08, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.39) and cardiovascular death (1.0 vs 0.8/100 py, HR: 1.26, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.86) but higher stroke rate (0.7 vs 0.4/100 py, HR: 1.74, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.87) including a significant increase in ischaemic stroke during the first 6 months after switching to non-study aspirin.

Conclusion

Discontinuing study rivaroxaban and aspirin to non-study aspirin was associated with the loss of cardiovascular benefits and a stroke excess.

Trial registration number

NCT01776424.
Risk and predictors of heart failure in sarcoidosis in a population-based cohort study from Sweden
Authors: Rossides Marios , Kullberg Susanna , Grunewald Johan , Eklund Anders , Di Giuseppe Daniela , Askling Johan , Arkema Elizabeth V
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Previous studies showed a strong association between sarcoidosis and heart failure (HF) but did not consider risk stratification or risk factors to identify useful aetiological insights. We estimated overall and stratified HRs and identified risk factors for HF in sarcoidosis.

Methods

Sarcoidosis cases were identified from the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR; ≥2 International Classification of Diseases-coded visits, 2003–2013) and matched to general population comparators. They were followed for HF in the NPR. Treated were cases who were dispensed ≥1 immunosuppressant ±3 months from the first sarcoidosis visit (2006–2013). Using Cox models, we estimated HRs adjusted for demographics and comorbidity and identified independent risk factors of HF together with their attributable fractions (AFs).

Results

During follow-up, 204 of 8574 sarcoidosis cases and 721 of 84 192 comparators were diagnosed with HF (rate 2.2 vs 0.7/1000 person-years, respectively). The HR associated with sarcoidosis was 2.43 (95% CI 2.06 to 2.86) and did not vary by age, sex or treatment status. It was higher during the first 2 years after diagnosis (HR 3.7 vs 1.9) and in individuals without a history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD; HR 2.7 vs 1.7). Diabetes, atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias were the strongest independent clinical predictors of HF (HR 2.5 each, 2-year AF 20%, 16% and 12%, respectively).

Conclusions

Although low, the HF rate was more than twofold increased in sarcoidosis compared with the general population, particularly right after diagnosis. IHD history cannot solely explain these risks, whereas ventricular arrhythmias indicating cardiac sarcoidosis appear to be a strong predictor of HF in sarcoidosis.
Randomized phase II trial of lymphodepletion plus adoptive cell transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, with or without dendritic cell vaccination, in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Saberian Chantal , Amaria Rodabe N. , Najjar Amer M. , Radvanyi Laszlo G. , Haymaker Cara L. , Forget Marie-Andrée , Bassett Roland L. , Faria Silvana C. , Glitza Isabella C. , Alvarez Enrique , Parshottam Sapna , Prieto Victor , Lizée Gregory , Wong Michael K. , McQuade Jennifer L. , Diab Adi , Yee Cassian , Tawbi Hussein A. , Patel Sapna , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Davies Michael A. , Hwu Patrick , Bernatchez Chantale
Published: May 2021

Background

The adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has demonstrated robust efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients. Tumor antigen–loaded dendritic cells (DCs) are believed to optimally activate antigen-specific T lymphocytes. We hypothesized that the combined transfer of TIL, containing a melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1) specific population, with MART-1-pulsed DC will result in enhanced proliferation and prolonged survival of transferred MART-1 specific T cells in vivo ultimately leading to improved clinical responses.

Design

We tested the combination of TIL and DC in a phase II clinical trial of patients with advanced stage IV melanoma. HLA-A0201 patients whose early TIL cultures demonstrated reactivity to MART-1 peptide were randomly assigned to receive TIL alone or TIL +DC pulsed with MART-1 peptide. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the persistence of MART-1 TIL in the two arms. Secondary endpoints were to evaluate clinical response and survival.

Results

Ten patients were given TIL alone while eight patients received TIL+DC vaccine. Infused MART-1 reactive CD8+ TIL were tracked in the blood over time by flow cytometry and results show good persistence in both arms, with no difference in the persistence of MART-1 between the two arms. The objective response rate was 30% (3/10) in the TIL arm and 50% (4/8) in the TIL+DC arm. All treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusions

The combination of TIL +DC showed no difference in the persistence of MART-1 TIL compared with TIL therapy alone. Although more patients showed a clinical response to TIL+DC therapy, this study was not powered to resolve differences between groups.

Trial registration number

NCT00338377.
Measuring tibial hemodynamics and metabolism at rest and after exercise using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Modlesky Christopher M. , McCully Kevin K.
Published: May 2021

The bone vascular system is important, yet evaluation of bone hemodynamics is difficult and expensive. This study evaluated the utility and reliability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a portable and relatively inexpensive device, in measuring tibial hemodynamics and metabolic rate. Eleven participants were tested twice using post-occlusive reactive hyperemia technique with the NIRS probes placed on the tibia and the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle. Measurements were made at rest and after 2 levels of plantarflexion exercise. The difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin signal could be reliably measured with small coefficients of variation (CV; range 5.7–9.8%) and high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; range 0.73–0.91). Deoxygenated hemoglobin rate of change, a potential marker for bone metabolism, also showed good reliability (CV range 7.5–9.8%, ICC range 0.90–0.93). The tibia was characterized with a much slower metabolic rate compared with MG (p < 0.001). While exercise significantly increased MG metabolic rate in a dose-dependent manner (all p < 0.05), no changes were observed for the tibia after exercise compared with rest (all p > 0.05). NIRS is a suitable tool for monitoring hemodynamics and metabolism in the tibia. However, the local muscle exercise protocol utilized in the current study did not influence bone hemodynamics or metabolic rate.

Novelty: NIRS can be used to monitor tibial hemodynamics and metabolism with good reliability. Short-duration local muscle exercise increased metabolic rate in muscle but not in bone. High level of loading and exercise volume may be needed to elicit measurable metabolic changes in bone.
Erratum to: Interplay between Swampland and Bayesian Machine Learning in constraining cosmological models
Authors: Elizalde Emilio , Khurshudyan Martiros
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-021-09130-8
On the Quasiconcave Multilevel Programming Problems
Authors: Sadeghi H. , Esmaeili M.
Published: May 2021

Multilevel programming appears in many decision-making situations. Investigation of the main properties of quasiconcave multilevel programming (QCMP) problems, to date, is limited to bilevel programming (only two levels). In this paper, first, we present an extension of the properties of quasiconcave bilevel programming (QCBP) problems for the case when three levels exist. Then, by induction on n (the number of levels), we prove the existence of an extreme point of the polyhedral constraint region that solves the QCMP problem under given conditions. Ultimately, a number of numerical examples are illustrated to verify the results.
Optimizing Ontology Alignment Through an Interactive Compact Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xue Xingsi , Wu Xiaojing , Chen Junfeng
Published: May 2021

Ontology provides a shared vocabulary of a domain by formally representing the meaning of its concepts, the properties they possess, and the relations among them, which is the state-of-the-art knowledge modeling technique. However, the ontologies in the same domain could differ in conceptual modeling and granularity level, which yields the ontology heterogeneity problem. To enable data and knowledge transfer, share, and reuse between two intelligent systems, it is important to bridge the semantic gap between the ontologies through the ontology matching technique. To optimize the ontology alignment’s quality, this article proposes an Interactive Compact Genetic Algorithm (ICGA)-based ontology matching technique, which consists of an automatic ontology matching process based on a Compact Genetic Algorithm (CGA) and a collaborative user validating process based on an argumentation framework. First, CGA is used to automatically match the ontologies, and when it gets stuck in the local optima, the collaborative validation based on the multi-relationship argumentation framework is activated to help CGA jump out of the local optima. In addition, we construct a discrete optimization model to define the ontology matching problem and propose a hybrid similarity measure to calculate two concepts’ similarity value. In the experiment, we test the performance of ICGA with the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative’s interactive track, and the experimental results show that ICGA can effectively determine the ontology alignments with high quality.
Deliberative Breakdowns in the Social Representation Process
Authors: Purao Sandeep , Murungi David M. , Yates David
Published: May 2021

This article examines breakdowns that occur when readers at partisan news websites attempt to understand a challenging news event. We conduct the work with the 2017 Alabama senate race as the empirical context marked by the nomination of Republican Roy Moore (a challenging news event for the left-leaning readers), and the story of his alleged sexual misconduct (a challenging news event for the right-leaning readers). To examine how readers attempt to understand these events, we scrape reader comments from two partisan news websites. Our analysis relies on and further elaborates the social representation theory and argumentation theory to identify obstacles that prevent successful progression of social representation processes: rhetorical, epistemological, and emotional breakdowns. The findings from our data reveal indicators of rhetorical breakdowns (greater occurrence of fallacious and non-argumentative reader comments) and epistemological breakdowns (greater use of doxastic comments) both tied to how challenging the news event is as well as indicators of emotional breakdowns (greater occurrence of attack posture) tied to the emotionally charged nature of the news event. We interpret the findings as a balancing act between protecting pre-existing representations and acknowledging the challenging news event. The indicators of potential breakdowns we find enhance our understanding of partisan political discourse viewed through the lens of social representation processes. The article discusses these contributions, including elaborations to social representation theory, and discusses implications of the work.
From the Editor: New or Improved?
Authors: Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: May 2021

Given that this issue of the magazine spotlights the New Technology Subcommittee (NTS), it seems appropriate to explore the term “new technology.” Consider two R&D developments that have grabbed media headlines in recent months (other than, of course, DNA and the genetic code!): fuel cells and fiber optics.
From the Editor: And the Winner Is…
Authors: Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: May 2021

Recently the Swedish Academy announced this year’s Nobel prizes. The chemistry prize went to Alan MacDiarmid, Alan Heeger, and Hideki Shirakawa for their work on conducting polymers. The physics prize was shared by Jack Kilby, Herbert Kroemer, and Zhores Alferov in recognition of their contributions to microelectronics. The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine went to three pioneers in neurophysiology: Arvid Carlsson, Paul Greengard, and Eric Kandel. It is worth noting that recent meetings of the Society have featured symposia in nearly all of these research topics.
From the President: Are We Ready?
Authors: Osburn Carlton M.
Published: May 2021

Now that the hype associated with the year 2000 has subsided and we have another few months before the official start of the new millennium, it is a good time to ask if The Electrochemical Society is ready for the challenges that lie ahead. The popular press frequently refers to the ever increasing rate of change that we are experiencing.
Tech Watch - Spring 2000
Authors: Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: May 2021

This column looks at news on Japan’s Silicon Valley, global climate change, and transition metals.
Free Radicals: Iz
Authors: Hall Dale
Published: May 2021

I have seen the face of the future, and it looks like an Hawaiian singer named Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
Electronics, Optoelectronics, and Photonics are the Foundation of the Information Revolution
Authors: Celler George
Published: May 2021

How many lasers are in your house? Do you live in a gigatransistor household yet? How many microprocessors and digital signal processors (DSPs) are installed in your car? Not so long ago, questions like these would have been ridiculous.
A Conduit for Emerging Technologies: The Role of the ECS New Technology Subcommittee
Authors: Van Schalkwijk Walter A.
Published: May 2021

In the nearly one hundred years since its founding, The Electrochemical Society has been the dominant forum for those who control and observe electron movement in chemical and solid-state systems. Its membership and divisional structure has moved with agility as new technologies have emerged. This agility has been tested over the past few decades with the advent of many competing professional societies with their associated publications and meetings all trying to compete for ideas, time, and money. In part, ECS has met this challenge through the New Technology Subcommittee (NTS) of the Technical Affairs Committee. In a way, the NTS is the guardian for ECS in matters of emerging technology.
Looking at Another Century of Society Success
Authors: Yess Mary , Hall Dale , Calvo Roque
Published: May 2021

There’s a lot of talk about the 21st century, but regardless of when it really begins, the Society will reach soon its very own century mark in the year 2002. To prepare the Society for its next century of success, an ad hoc long range planning committee was established in 1996 by then-president Dennis Hess. This Long-Range Planning Committee (LPRC) was chaired by Wayne L. Worrell, and its work has been accomplished primarily through three subcommittees. This past fall, these various subcommittees submitted their final reports. In keeping with our “crystal ball” theme, we thought we’d take a look at their work, with a view to what might be in store for the Society in the near future.
Photons to the Rescue: Microelectronics Becomes Microphotonics
Authors: Kimerling L. C.
Published: May 2021

The evolution of the information age is being paced by the introduction of new materials and components more than by the design of systems, software, and networks. A rebuilding of the world’s information infrastructure is taking place to give instantaneous availability of data, voice, and video. Electrons transmitted through metal wires have an information carrying capacity that is limited by the resistance and capacitance of the cable and the terminating electronic circuits. Photons transmitted through fiber are capacity-limited only by the dispersion of the medium. Each network node that requires transduction from photonics to electronics limits the performance and affordability of the network. A key frontier is the large scale integration and manufacturing of photonic components to enable the distribution of high bit rate optical streams to the individual information appliance.
The Physical Electrochemistry Division
Authors: Leddy Johna
Published: May 2021

The most irresistible question in science is why. And why is the domain of physical electrochemistry. Physical electrochemistry pervades and buttresses all thoughtful evolution of ideas, methods, and theory in electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. Unlike other ECS Divisions, Physical Electrochemistry is not focused on a particular technology or class of materials, but on the fundamental ideas of why nature works as it does and how those ideas can be applied to electrochemical systems.
Recent Developments in Double Layer Studies
Authors: Ronald Fawcett W.
Published: May 2021

David Grahame established double layer studies in the United States. At the time of his famous review in 1947, experimental work was limited to ther modynamic studies at liquid mercury. In 1997, Grahame’s pioneering work was honored by a symposium of The Electrochemical Society, where three distinct advances over the last 50 years became apparent.
Electrochemical Surface Spectroscopy
Authors: Weaver Michael J. , Wasileski Sally A.
Published: May 2021

One of the most notable broad-based developments in surface electrochemical research in recent years involves the capability of probing molecular-level properties of electrode-solution interfaces by means of spectroscopic techniques. The original purview of surface spectroscopy lay almost exclusively in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV)-based systems.
Electrochemistry in Self-Organized Dynamical States: Current Oscillations and Potential Patterns in Electrocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Strasser Peter
Published: May 2021

Self-organized spatiotemporal periodicities of chemical origin are prominent features of all living systems. Although to date no one has ever provided a clear reason as to why biochemical systems generally prefer operating in periodic or even more complex dynamical regimes, there is agreement that non-stationary regimes far from equilibrium could offer significant evolutionary advantages to regulatory chemical mechanisms when it comes to robustness and flexibility to external perturbations. Intrigued by the idea of unraveling the mechanisms of spatiotemporal dynamics in nature, researchers have been looking for simpler chemical model systems where certain dynamic aspects could be studied in more detail.
On the Lattice Properties of Almost L-Weakly and Almost M-Weakly Compact Operators
Authors: Akay Barış , Gök Ömer
Published: May 2021

We establish the domination property and some lattice approximation properties for almost L-weakly and almost M-weakly compact operators. Then, we consider the linear span of positive almost L-weakly (resp., almost M-weakly) compact operators and give results about when they form a Banach lattice and have an order continuous norm.