bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground‐penetrating radar reflections and their archaeological significances at two ancient necropolis tombs in Kharga Oasis, Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim Hamza A. , Ebraheem Mohamed O.
Published: October 2020

This study presents results of ground‐penetrating radar surveys conducted for the exploration of unexcavated tombs at the Kharga Oasis. These surveys were carried out on two ancient tombs. The first site, located in Labakha, is already excavated, while the second site, located in Gebel El‐Siwa, is still unexcavated. The goal of this study was to investigate the possibility of the existence of unexcavated tombs in Labakha, as well as the depth, extension and constituents of an unexcavated tomb in Gebel El‐Siwa. Ground‐penetrating radar measurements were carried out using a single‐channel system and the common offset approach. Based on the results obtained from our measurements using 200‐ and 400‐MHz antennae in Labakha, a detailed survey was carried out on the unexcavated tomb in Gebel El‐Siwa using a cart‐mounted 400‐MHz antenna system. 2D ground‐penetrating radar profiles were acquired and subsequently processed and interpreted. Isolated reflections could be identified. Lateral continuity of the reflections could be observed only through comparative analyses of the adjacent scans. By doing so, the remnants of the two tombs became easier to correlate. Two ground‐penetrating radar anomalies could be detected in the archaeological site of Gebel El‐Siwa; these anomalies are probably caused by a nearby tomb. By correlating the obtained data with the archaeological knowledge of the discoveries made in the surrounding areas, it was possible to interpret the linear reflectors as to be caused by the tomb. This study has been useful in providing archaeologists with information on the expression of this type of ancient Egyptian necropolis tombs at Kharga.
New onset diabetes presenting with DKA, spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema: a case series
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Khan Shaila , Chicco Maria , Peters Christopher , Oliver Nicholas , Reddy Monika
Published: October 2020

Hamman's syndrome, first described by Dr Louis Hamman in 1939, is a syndrome of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. It is a rare complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and self‐resolves within days with conservative management. Limited awareness about this condition may lead to an initial misdiagnosis of secondary pneumomediastinum due to spontaneous oesophageal perforation (Boerhaave's syndrome), which is associated with high mortality and often requires invasive management. It is important to distinguish between the two conditions to avoid unnecessary investigations, procedures and delays to hospital discharge.

We hereby present our experience, between the years 2017–2019, of managing three cases of Hamman's syndrome, in young men aged 18–22 years, with no previous history of diabetes, presenting with severe vomiting, osmotic symptoms and a diagnosis of DKA. In all three cases the admission chest radiograph showed pneumomediastinum and in two of the cases surgical emphysema was also noted. The presentation with vomiting in association with the chest X‐ray findings raised a high index of suspicion for spontaneous oesophageal perforation. Consequently, they were kept nil‐by‐mouth for several days and cared for in high dependency settings. Total parenteral nutrition was initiated in two cases. Each individual underwent computer tomography of the chest, and sequential water‐soluble oral contrast swallow tests with no evidence of an oesophageal defect. The individuals were conservatively managed and discharged following a length of stay ranging from five to 14 days. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Depression and anxiety in mothers of home ventilated children before and during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ergenekon Almala Pinar , Yilmaz Yegit Cansu , Cenk Muruvvet , Bas Ikizoglu Nilay , Atag Emine , Gokdemir Yasemin , Erdem Eralp Ela , Karadag Bulent
Published: October 2020

Background

Due to advances in technology, home ventilation in children has increased in recent years. The provision of proper care for a home‐ventilated (HV) child can have a strong impact on the lifestyle of caregivers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depression and anxiety levels of the mothers of HV children during the current COVID‐19 pandemic and compare them to those of mothers of healthy peers.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on HV children (n = 21) and a control group of healthy peers (n = 32) by means of a questionnaire completed by the mothers of the children of both groups. Psychometric scales, such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State (STAI‐S), and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐Trait (STAI‐T), were used to assess participants.

Results

During the pandemic signs of depression were present in 8 (38.1%) of the case group and 8 (25%) of the healthy control group. Comparison of the BDI scores from before and during the pandemic showed no difference between mothers of the HV children (p = .09). Scores for BDI and STAI‐T were higher in the case group than in the control group, whereas there was no significant difference in STAI‐S scores.

Conclusion

Depression and anxiety levels of mothers of HV children were found to be higher during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Economic, medical, and social support resources are needed to reduce levels of depression and anxiety and help mothers of those children dependent on technology.
Atomic Fisher information and entanglement forecasting for quantum system based on artificial neural network and time series model
Authors: Abdel‐khalek S. , Alhag Azhri , Ragab Mahmoud , Abo‐Dahab S. M. , Algarni Ali , Ahmad Hijaz
Published: October 2020

In this article, we apply a statistical model for forecasting the quantum entanglement between a two‐qubit and optical field in binomial distribution. We explore the link between the atomic Fisher information, quantum entropy, and the statistical properties of the field. The qubit‐qubit entanglement is investigated through concurrence during the interaction time. The dynamics of the statistical quantities will be forecasted using the time series and neural network models. The effect of the field distribution parameter (number of successes) is examined by the time series models and artificial neural network. We compare the accuracy of both modes from the perspective of the dynamic of the quantum entropy and atomic Fisher information. A statistical description for the data has been obtained and is discussed to show the statistical technique analysis the data of statistical quantities. The results obtained have several applications and are related with quantum statistics and quantum information processing.
Robust model predictive control for multirate systems with model uncertainties and circular scheduling
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Song Yan , Wei Guoliang
Published: October 2020

In this article, the robust model predictive control (RMPC) problem on the basis of output feedback (OF) is dealt with for a class of multirate time‐varying systems with polyhedral uncertainties and limited‐bandwidth channels. For alleviating the communication burden caused by the limited transmission capacity, the Round‐Robin (RR) protocol is exploited to allocate transmission permissions in a pre‐scheduled order. Meanwhile, in order to reduce the communication cost while ensuring the system performance, the multirate mechanism is presented to govern the update rate of the plant and the sampling rate of the sensors. By means of the lifting technique, given a uniform sampling rate, a comprehensive augmentation system is established on the fixed moving horizon. The objective of the addressed RMPC problem is to design a set of OF‐based RMPC controllers such that, in the presence of the multirate scheme and the RR transmission protocol, the desirable performance is guaranteed. Then, the desired RMPC gains are directly obtained, with the help of inequality analysis technique and RR‐dependent Lyapunov‐like approach, to ensure the asymptotic convergence of system states. Two illustrative examples are given, which include a DC motor system and a numerical simulation example, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol‐based RMPC controller design strategy.
High‐order sliding‐mode control design homogeneous in the bi‐limit
Authors: Cruz‐Zavala Emmanuel , Moreno Jaime A.
Published: October 2020

We provide a new Lyapunov‐based design of high‐order sliding‐mode (HOSM) controllers for a class of single‐input‐single‐output uncertain nonlinear systems. In contrast to the classical homogeneous HOSM controllers, the proposed design is based on approximating a system by homogeneous ones near the origin and far from it, that is, systems homogeneous in the bi‐limit, or bl‐homogeneous systems, for short. Based on this idea, and using appropriate control Lyapunov functions, a family of bl‐homogeneous HOSM controllers is designed. They are capable of establishing a sliding‐mode of arbitrary order in finite‐time. The proposed novel HOSM controllers improve robustness against persistently acting matched perturbations and enhance the convergence velocity of the controllers, allowing for fixed‐time convergence.
Integration of close‐range underwater photogrammetry with inspection and mesh processing software: a novel approach for quantifying ecological dynamics of temperate biogenic reefs
Authors: Ventura Daniele , Dubois Stanislas F. , Bonifazi Andrea , Jona Lasinio Giovanna , Seminara Marco , Gravina Maria F. , Ardizzone Giandomenico
Published: October 2020

Characterizing and monitoring changes in biogenic 3‐dimensional (3D) structures at multiple scales over time is challenging within the practical constraints of conventional ecological tools. Therefore, we developed a structure‐from‐motion (SfM)‐based photogrammetry method, coupled with inspection and mesh processing software, to estimate important ecological parameters of underwater worm colonies (hummocks) constructed by the sabellariid polychaete Sabellaria alveolata, using non‐destructive, 3D modeling and mesh analysis. High resolution digital images of bioconstructions (hummocks) were taken in situ under natural conditions to generate digital 3D models over different sampling periods to analyse the morphological evolution of four targeted hummocks. 3D models were analysed in GOM Inspect software, a powerful and freely available mesh processing software to follow growth as well as morphology changes over time of each hummock. Linear regressions showed 3D models only slightly overestimated the real dimensions of the reference objects with an average error < 5% between measured and model‐estimated dimensions for both length and volume. Manual inspection of models and semi‐automated surface‐to‐surface comparison allowed the computation of important metrics linked to the ecology of temperate reefs such as volume, surface area, surface complexity/rugosity, number and size of holes and creeks and the mean density of living worms per colony. Moreover we demonstrated the reliability of 3D surface complexity estimates against two linear rugosity measures: a traditional and a virtual variant of the ‘chain‐and‐tape’ method. Finally, besides 3D models deviation analysis via surface comparison, a Bayesian latent variable model approach was adopted to highlight the significative effects of sea state conditions on S. alveolata hummocks metrics. We demonstrated without damaging the benthic organisms that SfM approach allow continuous study of temperate bioconstruction leading to a fine description of short‐term structural modification mediated by hydrodynamics, making this technique accessible and repeatable to many other areas of ecological research.
Application methods influence biochar–fertilizer interactive effects on soil nitrogen dynamics
Authors: Li Xiuwen , Neupane Avishesh , Xu Sutie , Abdoulmoumine Nourredine , DeBruyn Jennifer M. , Walker Forbes , Jagadamma Sindhu
Published: October 2020

The potential nitrogen (N) losses from soils with fertilizer addition can be reduced when biochar is co‐applied, but this effect is influenced by the methods of biochar and fertilizer application. In a 60‐d laboratory incubation experiment, we investigated how two fertilizer application methods (surface placement and soil incorporation) affected N transformation in soils under the following treatments: control (soil with no biochar and urea [C]), biochar (150 mg N g−1 soil [B]), urea (150 mg N g−1 soil [U]), and the combination of B + U (75 mg N g−1 soil each B and U). Our results showed that at Day 30, the concentrations of soil NH4+–N and NO3−–N remained significantly higher for U but were relatively similar to control for biochar‐included treatments, indicating that the presence of biochar slowed the mineralization of urea during that period. The concentration of soil NO3−–N and cumulative N2O production under B + U treatment at 60 d was around two times higher for incorporation treatment compared with the surface treatment, indicative of a longer‐term N regulatory effect of biochar with the surface application method. Additionally, we observed a higher number of amoA gene transcripts when B + U was incorporated in the soil compared with applied to the surface at the later stage of incubation, indicative of higher potential nitrification activity. These results suggest that the surface application of B + U can be used as a slow release N source that can provide long‐term N supply to the crops, while the soil incorporation method could be used for crops that need low N at the beginning of the growth but require a substantial amount of it later. Surface co‐application of B + U can also be a good strategy to reduce soil N losses by slowing down ammonification, nitrification, N2O emission, and ammonia oxidizing bacteria activity.
“Saving lives or harming the healthy?” Overuse and fluctuations in routine medical screening
Authors: Karanfil Özge , Sterman John
Published: October 2020

Tests to screen for certain diseases—for example, thyroid cancer screening, screening mammography, and screening of high blood pressure for hypertension—are increasingly common in medical practice. However, guidelines for routine screening are contentious for many disorders and often fluctuate over time. Some tests are over‐ or underused compared to available evidence that justifies their use, with clinical practice persistently deviating from evidence‐based guidelines. Here we develop an integrated, broad boundary feedback theory and formal model to explain the dynamics of routine population screening including fluctuations in policy‐decision thresholds and the expansion of selection criteria which may lead to inappropriate use. We present a behaviorally realistic, boundedly rational model of detection and selection for medical screening that explains the potential of endogenous oscillations in practice guidelines as decision‐makers—including epidemiologists, clinicians, and patients, or policymakers from guideline issuing organizations, perceive harms and benefits from potential outcomes and make trade‐offs between sensitivity and specificity by altering the existing guidelines and actual practice. The model endogenously generates fluctuations in screening indications, test thresholds, test efficiency, and the target screening population, leading to long periods during which practice guidelines are suboptimal even if the underlying evidence base is constant. We use cancer screening as a motivating example, but the model is generic with a wide range of potential applications for important managerial problems in medical contexts, such as screening for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementia. It also applies to other managerial problems in nonmedical contexts, such as airport screening, background checks, tax audits, automotive emission tests, contentious jurisdiction, or to consumers of other kinds of information who need to make a decision—on behalf of an individual, or for the whole population. © 2020 System Dynamics Society
When young soldiers drink: The impact of legal access to alcohol among U.S. Army soldiers
Authors: Bacolod Marigee , Cunha Jesse M. , Shen Yu‐Chu
Published: October 2020

We study the impacts of legal access to alcohol on young U.S. Army soldiers. Regression discontinuity estimates reveal that soldiers report a large and significant increase in alcohol consumption after their 21st birthday; however, we precisely estimate that there are no meaningful impacts of legal access on any of the short‐term outcomes we observe, including suicidal tendencies, depression, tobacco use, physical fitness, psychological health, fitness for combat deployment, and job‐related infractions. Novel data on soldier's cognitive ability, psychological health, and family history allow us to explore whether the impacts of legal access vary by risk factors for alcohol abuse. While the increases in alcohol consumption were largest among those who had a family history of mental health problems, had better coping ability, and had higher cognitive ability, these subgroups did not uniformly experience adverse behavioral and physical outcomes upon gaining legal access to alcohol.
Hochuekkito comprising Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma prevents pulmonary infection of Streptococcus pneumoniae in cyclophosphamide‐treated mice through acceleration of anti‐bacterial protein production
Authors: Ideno Satoshi , Tanaka Yosuke , Sasou Kayako , Hosaka Haruna , Matsui Hidenori , Maruyama Hiroko , Tonooka Miki , Endo Mari , Nagai Takayuki , Seki Hiroyuki , Hanawa Toshihiko , Ito Go , Odaguchi Hiroshi , Morisaki Hiroshi , Kiyohara Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

Aim

Few pharmacological prophylactics have been developed to prevent lower respiratory tract infection before the onset. Because hochuekkito formula containing Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma (ALR formula) has been shown to enhance the adaptive mucosal immune system of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the effect of the formula was investigated on pulmonary infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and productions of anti‐bacterial proteins as innate protective immunity in lung of immuno‐compromised mice.

Methods

Cyclophosphamide (CY)‐treated BALB/c mice were intranasally infected with S. pneumoniae, and effects of hochuekkito formula comprising Hedysari radix and ALR (HR/ALR formula) were evaluated on bacterial counts in lung and lung damage. CY‐treated and untreated mice were stimulated by intranasal inoculation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the effect of administrating HR/ALR‐hochuekkito on the production of anti‐bacterial proteins in the lung was also analyzed.

Results

Oral administration of HR/ALR‐hochuekkito (1.5 g/kg) reduced cell counts of S. pneumoniae in bronchoalveolar fluids (BALF) of CY‐treated mice. Bactericidal activity of BALF and mRNA expression of surfactant protein D gene (Sftpd) in the lung were significantly increased by HR/ALR‐hochuekkito prior to S. pneumoniae infection. Intestinal manipulation decreased mRNA expression of surfactant protein A gene (Sftpa1) in the lung, and HR/ALR formula improved this impairment. The formula enhanced the production of surfactant protein D and chitinase‐3‐like‐1 in both CY‐treated and untreated mice under LPS stimulation. ALR‐hochuekkito containing Astragali radix (ASR) (ASR/ALR formula) also increased the production of these anti‐bacterial proteins.

Conclusion

Prophylactic treatment with ALR‐hochuekkito formula protected immuno‐compromised mice from bacterial pneumonia by enhancing the production of anti‐bacterial proteins such as surfactant protein A/D and chitinase‐3‐like‐1 in the lung.
Graduate Student Instructors, the Courses They Teach, and the Support They Value
Authors: BrckaLorenz Allison , Wang Rong , Nelson Laird Thomas F.
Published: October 2020

This chapter presents a study exploring the diverse characteristics of Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) employed at eight research universities in the United States and investigates the ways in which these characteristics impact the value GSIs place on types of professional development and support in teaching.
Preparing Future Faculty: Pedagogical Practice in Graduate School
Authors: Rozaitis Bill , Baepler Paul , Gonzalez Anita , Ching Paul , Wingert Deb , Alexander Ilene D.
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes the University of Minnesota Preparing Future Faculty program, focusing on pedagogical approaches and assignments that have made the program relevant for over 20 years. It concludes with a look at the future facing graduate student professional development.
Growing Digital Roots: A Community of Practice Approach to Technology‐Infused Graduate Student Development
Authors: Silva Steve , Vyn Reuben , Gatewood Rachel , Colombo Mariana , Saichaie Kem
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes a program where graduate students serve as instructional technology consultants on educational projects that enhance the student‐learning experience. In the process, they develop skills to prepare them for a variety of academic and professional settings.
Integrating Scholarly Teacher Training with Discipline‐Specific Research Training in STEM
Authors: Crowder Marina E. , Monfared Mona M.
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes the rationale for a discipline‐specific graduate pedagogical certificate program intended to develop future faculty who practice evidence‐based teaching with both teaching and research integrated in their professional identities.
Peer Teaching Consultants: Design Principles for Instructional Development and Program Alignment
Authors: Theisen Cara H. , Modell Amanda , Muñoz Yvonne , Saichaie Kem
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes a cross‐disciplinary peer teaching consulting program and how graduate student programs and consultant training activities are integrated and aligned around core areas of practice.
Weights, recursion relations and projective triangulations for positive geometry of scalar theories
Authors: John Renjan Rajan , Kojima Ryota , Mahato Sujoy
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The story of positive geometry of massless scalar theories was pioneered in [1] in the context of bi-adjoint ϕ3 theories. Further study proposed that the positive geometry for a generic massless scalar theory with polynomial interaction is a class of polytopes called accordiohedra [2]. Tree-level planar scattering amplitudes of the theory can be obtained from a weighted sum of the canonical forms of the accordiohedra. In this paper, using results of the recent work [3], we show that in theories with polynomial interactions all the weights can be determined from the factorization property of the accordiohedron. We also extend the projective recursion relations introduced in [4, 5] to these theories. We then give a detailed analysis of how the recursion relations in ϕp theories and theories with polynomial interaction correspond to projective triangulations of accordiohedra. Following the very recent development [6] we also extend our analysis to one-loop integrands in the quartic theory.
Formulation for renormalon-free perturbative predictions beyond large-β0 approximation
Authors: Takaura Hiromasa
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We present a formulation to give renormalon-free predictions consistently with fixed order perturbative results. The formulation has a similarity to Lee’s method in that the renormalon-free part consists of two parts: one is given by a series expansion which does not contain renormalons and the other is the real part of the Borel integral of a singular Borel transform. The main novel aspect is to evaluate the latter object using a dispersion relation technique, which was possible only in the large-β0 approximation. Here, we introduce an “ ambiguity function,” which is defined by inverse Mellin transform of the singular Borel transform. With the ambiguity function, we can rewrite the Borel integral in an alternative formula, which allows us to obtain the real part using analytic techniques similarly to the case of the large-β0 approximation. We also present detailed studies of renormalization group properties of the formulation. As an example, we apply our formulation to the fixed-order result of the static QCD potential, whose closest renormalon is already visible.
Association between family history, early growth and the risk of beta cell autoimmunity in children at risk for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pacaud Danièle , Nucci Anita M. , Cuthbertson David , Becker Dorothy J. , Virtanen Suvi M. , Ludvigsson Johnny , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael ,   the TRIGR investigators
Published: October 2020

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between family history of type 1 diabetes, birthweight, growth during the first 2 years and development of multiple beta cell autoantibodies in children with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes and HLA-conferred disease susceptibility.

Methods

In a secondary analysis of the Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR), clinical characteristics and development of beta cell autoantibodies were compared in relation to family history of type 1 diabetes (mother vs father vs sibling) in 2074 children from families with a single affected family member.

Results

Multiple autoantibodies (≥2 of 5 measured) developed in 277 (13%) children: 107 (10%), 114 (16%) and 56 (18%) born with a mother, father or sibling with type 1 diabetes, respectively (p < 0.001). The HR for time to multiple autoimmunity was 0.54 (95% CI 0.39, 0.75) in offspring of affected mothers (n = 107/1046, p < 0.001) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.59, 1.11) (n = 114/722, p = 0.19) in offspring of affected fathers, compared with participants with a sibling with type 1 diabetes (comparator group n = 56/306). The time to the first autoantibody present (to insulin, GAD, tyrosine phosphatase-related insulinoma-associated 2 molecules, islet cell or zinc transporter 8) was similar in the three groups. Height velocity (z score/year) in the first 24 months was independently associated with developing multiple antibodies in the total cohort (HR 1.31 [95% CI 1.01, 1.70], p = 0.04). A higher birthweight in children born to an affected mother vs affected father or an affected sibling was not related to the risk of multiple autoimmunity.

Conclusions/interpretation

The risk of developing multiple autoantibodies was lower in children with maternal type 1 diabetes. For the whole group, this risk of developing multiple autoantibodies was independent of birthweight but was greater in those with increased height velocity during the first 2 years of life. However, the risk associated with paternal type 1 diabetes was not linked to differences in birthweight or early growth.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00179777

Graphical abstract
Impact of overproduced heterologous protein characteristics on physiological response in Yarrowia lipolytica steady-state-maintained continuous cultures
Authors: Korpys-Woźniak Paulina , Kubiak Piotr , Białas Wojciech , Celińska Ewelina
Published: October 2020

Overproduction of recombinant secretory proteins triggers numerous physiological perturbations. Depending on a given heterologous protein characteristics, the producer cell is faced with different challenges which lead to varying responses in terms of its physiology and the target protein production rate. In the present study, we used steady-state-maintained Yarrowia lipolytica cells to investigate the impact of different heterologous proteins on the physiological behavior of the host cells. Such an approach allowed to uncouple the impact of the overproduction of a particular protein from the phenomena that result from growth phase or are caused by the heterogeneity of the analyzed populations. Altogether, eight variants of recombinant strains, individually overproducing heterologous proteins of varying molecular weight (27–65 kDa) and reporting activity (enzymatic and fluorescent) were subjected to chemostat cultivations. The steady-state-maintained cells were analyzed in terms of the substrate utilization, biomass and metabolites production, as well as the reporter protein synthesis. Simplified distribution of carbon and nitrogen between the respective products, as well as expression analysis of the heterologous genes were conducted. The here-obtained data suggest that using a more transcriptionally active promoter results in channeling more C flux towards the target protein, giving significantly higher specific amounts and production rates of the target polypeptide, at the cost of biomass accumulation, and with no significant impact on the polyols production. The extent of the reporter protein’s post-translational modifications, i.e., the number of disulfide bonds and glycosylation pattern, strongly impacts the synthesis process. Specific responses in terms of the protein formation kinetics, the gene expression levels, and transcript-to-protein linearity were observed.

Key Points

• Eight expression systems, producing different reporter proteins were analyzed.

• The cells were maintained in steady-state by continuous chemostat culturing.

• Protein- and promoter-specific effects were observed.
Edema-like marrow signal intensity: a narrative review with a pictorial essay
Authors: Maraghelli Davide , Brandi Maria Luisa , Matucci Cerinic Marco , Peired Anna Julie , Colagrande Stefano
Published: October 2020

The term edema-like marrow signal intensity (ELMSI) represents a general term describing an area of abnormal signal intensity at MRI. Its appearance includes absence of clear margins and the possibility of exceeding well-defined anatomical borders (for example, physeal scars). We can define “ELMSI with unknown cause” an entity where the characteristic MR appearance is associated with the absence of specific signs of an underlying condition. However, it is more often an important finding indicating the presence of an underlying disease, and we describe this case as “ELMSI with known cause.” It presents a dynamic behavior and its evolution can largely vary. It initially corresponds to an acute inflammatory response with edema, before being variably replaced by more permanent marrow remodeling changes such as fibrosis or myxomatous connective tissue that can occur over time. It is important to study ELMSI variations over time in order to evaluate the activity state and therapeutic response of an inflammatory chronic joint disease, the resolution of a trauma, and the severity of an osteoarthritis. We propose a narrative review of the literature dealing with various subjects about this challenging topic that is imaging, temporal evolution, etiology, differential diagnoses, and possible organization, together with a pictorial essay.
Evaluation of a Managed Surgical Consultation Network in Malawi
Authors: Mwapasa Gerald , Pittalis Chiara , Clarke Morgane , Bijlmakers Leon , Le Grace , Mkandawire Nyengo , Brugha Ruairi , Borgstein Eric , Gajewski Jakub
Published: October 2020

Background

Access to surgery is a challenge for low‐income countries like Malawi due to shortages of specialists, especially in rural areas. District hospitals (DH) cater for the immediate surgical needs of rural patients, sending difficult cases to central hospitals (CH), usually with no prior communication.

Methods

In 2018, a secure surgical managed consultation network (MCN) was established to improve communication between specialist surgeons and anaesthetists at Queen Elizabeth and Zomba Central Hospitals, and surgical providers from nine DHs referring to these facilities.

Results

From May to December 2018, DHs requested specialist advice on 249 surgical cases through the MCN, including anonymised images (52% of cases). Ninety six percent of cases received advice, with a median of two specialists answering. For 74% of cases, a first response was received within an hour, and in 68% of the cases, a decision was taken within an hour from posting the case on MCN. In 60% of the cases, the advice was to refer immediately, in 26% not to refer and 11% to possibly refer at a later stage.

Conclusion

The MCN facilitated quick access to consultations with specialists on how to manage surgical patients in remote rural areas. It also helped to prevent unnecessary referrals, saving costs for patients, their guardians, referring hospitals and the health system as a whole. With time, the network has had spillover benefits, allowing the Ministry of Health closer monitoring of surgical activities in the districts and to respond faster to shortages of essential surgical resources.
Prediction Model for Freedom from TLR from a Multi-study Analysis of Long-Term Results with the Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Peripheral Stent
Authors: Dake Michael D. , Fanelli Fabrizio , Lottes Aaron E. , O’Leary Erin E. , Reichert Heidi , Jiang Xiaohui , Fu Weiguo , Iida Osamu , Zen Kan , Schermerhorn Marc , Zeller Thomas , Ansel Gary M.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Develop a prediction model to determine the impact of patient and lesion factors on freedom from target lesion revascularization (ffTLR) for patients who are candidates for Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment for femoropopliteal lesions.

Methods

Patient factors, lesion characteristics, and TLR results from five global studies were utilized for model development. Factors potentially associated with TLR (sex, age, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, renal disease, smoking status, Rutherford classification, lesion length, reference vessel diameter (RVD), popliteal involvement, total occlusion, calcification severity, prior interventions, and number of runoff vessels) were analyzed in a Cox proportional hazards model. Probability of ffTLR was generated for three example patient profiles via combinations of patient and lesion factors. TLR was defined as reintervention performed for ≥ 50% diameter stenosis after recurrent clinical symptoms.

Results

The model used records from 2227 patients. The median follow-up time was 23.9 months (range: 0.03–60.8). The Kaplan–Meier estimates for ffTLR were 90.5% through 1 year and 75.2% through 5 years. In a multivariate analysis, sex, age, Rutherford classification, lesion length, RVD, total occlusion, and prior interventions were significant factors. The example patient profiles have predicted 1-year ffTLRs of 97.4, 92.3, and 86.0% and 5-year predicted ffTLRs of 92.8, 79.5, and 64.8%. The prediction model is available as an interactive web-based tool (https://cooksfa.z13.web.core.windows.net).

Conclusions

This is the first prediction model that uses an extensive dataset to determine the impact of patient and lesion factors on ffTLR through 5 years and provides an interactive web-based tool for expected patient outcomes with the Zilver PTX DES.

Clinical Trial Registrations

Zilver PTX RCT unique identifier: NCT00120406; Zilver PTX single-arm study unique identifier: NCT01094678; Zilver PTX China study unique identifier: NCT02171962; Zilver PTX US post-approval study unique identifier: NCT01901289; Zilver PTX Japan post-market surveillance study unique identifier: NCT02254837.

Levels of Evidence

Zilver PTX RCT: Level 2, randomized controlled trial; Single-arm study: Level 4, large case series; China study: Level 4, case series; US post-approval study: Level 4, case series Japan PMS study: Level 4, large case series.
The co-occurrence of mental disorders among Dutch adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication
Authors: de Veld Loes , van Hoof Joris J. , Wolberink Inge M. , van der Lely Nicolaas
Published: October 2020

Adolescents with substance use disorders are often diagnosed with co-occurring mental disorders. However, it is unknown if adolescent hospital admission for acute alcohol intoxication is also associated with co-occurring mental disorders. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of co-occurring mental disorders among Dutch adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication. Secondly, this study aims to explore the cross-sectional relationship between the co-occurrence of mental disorders and patient characteristics, such as sex, age and blood alcohol concentration at admittance. Data were retrospectively collected from 726 adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication. Overall, 245 (34%) of the 726 adolescents treated for acute alcohol intoxication were diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (13%) or autism spectrum disorder (2.1%). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in particular seems to be more prevalent in the study population than in the general Dutch adolescent population.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that among adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication, the prevalence of co-occurring mental disorders is a common and a relevant issue for treatment and prevention strategies.What is Known:• Alcohol consumption among adolescents has been associated with negative psychosocial effect.• Among adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication, risk factors for psychological dysfunction appear to be inadequately assessed, documented and followed up.What is New:• The current study reports on the prevalence of co-occurring mental disorders among a substantial sample of adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication.• Understanding the prevalence of co-occurring mental disorders is clinically relevant for the outpatient follow-up of adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication.
EM modelling of arbitrary shaped dispersive chiral dielectric objects using a 3D leapfrog scheme on unstructured meshes
Authors: Gansen A. , El Hachemi M. , Belouettar S. , Hassan O. , Morgan K.
Published: October 2020

The standard Yee FDTD algorithm is widely used in computational electromagnetics because of its simplicity and divergence free nature. A generalization of this classical scheme to 3D unstructured co-volume meshes is adopted, based on the use of a Delaunay primal mesh and its high quality Voronoi dual. This circumvents the problem of accuracy losses, which are normally associated with the use of a staircased representation of curved material interfaces in the standard Yee scheme. The procedure has been successfully employed for modelling problems involving both isotropic and anisotropic lossy materials. Here, we consider the novel extension of this approach to allow for the challenging modelling of chiral materials, where the material parameters are frequency dependent. To adequately model the dispersive behaviour, the Z-transform is employed, using second order Padé approximations to maintain the accuracy of the basic scheme. To validate the implementation, the numerical results produced are compared with available analytical solutions. The stability of the chiral algorithm is also studied.
Betrachtung mikrobieller Veränderungen in österreichischen Uferfiltraten mittels High-Throughput-Sequencing und Durchflusszytometrie
Authors: Fiedler C. J. , Schönher C. , Proksch P. , Kerschbaumer D. J. , Mayr E. , Zunabovic-Pichler M. , Perfler R.
Published: October 2020

Trinkwassergewinnung mittels Uferfiltration gewinnt weltweit und auch in Österreich zunehmend an Bedeutung. Entlang der Donau existieren verschiedene Uferfiltratstandorte, deren Brunnen zu verschiedenen saisonalen Zeitpunkten 2016 und 2017 mittels High-Throughput-Sequencing (Ermittlung der mikrobiellen Zusammensetzung bzw. des Mikrobioms) und mittels Durchflusszytometrie (Gesamtzellzahl) untersucht wurden. Dabei konnten räumliche Unterschiede zwischen den Brunnenfeldern, saisonale Änderungen sowie insbesondere Einflüsse durch Hochwasserereignisse festgestellt werden. Die Erweiterung der Datenbasis durch die Hinzunahme von Sequenzierungsdaten einer Donau-Studie zeigt interessante Möglichkeiten, vorhandenes Wissen mit bioinformatischen Mitteln einzubinden und neue Erkenntnisse zu generieren.
The potential of spring distraction to dynamically correct complex spinal deformities in the growing child
Authors: Wijdicks Sebastiaan P. J. , Lemans Justin V. C. , Verkerke Gijsbertus J. , Noordmans Herke Jan , Castelein René M. , Kruyt Moyo C.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Current treatment of progressive early onset scoliosis involves growth-friendly instrumentation if conservative treatment fails. These implants guide growth by passive sliding or repeated lengthenings. None of these techniques provide dynamic correction after implantation. We developed the spring distraction system (SDS), by using one or multiple compressed springs positioned around a standard sliding rod, to provide active continuous distraction of the spine to stimulate growth and further correction. The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility and proof of concept of the SDS.

Methods

We developed a versatile, dynamic spring distraction system for patients who would benefit from active continuous distraction. This prospective case series evaluates four patients with exceptional and progressive congenital spine deformities.

Results

Four patients had a mean age of 6.8 years at surgery with a mean follow-up of 36 months (range 25–45). The mean progressive thoracic lordosis, which was the reason for initiating surgical treatment in two patients, changed from 32° lordosis preoperatively to 1° kyphosis post-operatively. During follow-up, this further improved to 32° thoracic kyphosis. In the two other patients, with cervicothorcacic scoliosis, the main coronal curve improved from 79° pre-operatively to 56° post-operatively and further improved to 42°. The mean T1-S1 spine growth during follow-up for all patients was 1.3 cm/year. There was one reoperation because of skin problems and no device-failures.

Conclusion

These early results show the feasibility and the proof of concept of spring-based distraction as a dynamic growth-enhancing system with the potential of further correction of the deformity after implantation.
Radiographic cervical spine degenerative findings: a study on a large population from age 18 to 97 years
Authors: Tao Youping , Galbusera Fabio , Niemeyer Frank , Samartzis Dino , Vogele Daniel , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aims of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of radiographic cervical disc degeneration in a large population of patients aged from 18 to 97 years; (2) to investigate individually the prevalence and distribution of height loss, osteophyte formation, endplate sclerosis and spondylolisthesis; and (3) to describe the patterns of cervical disc degeneration.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed. Standard lateral cervical spine radiographs in standing, neutral position of 1581 consecutive patients (723 males, 858 females) with an average age of 41.2 ± 18.2 years were evaluated. Cervical disc degeneration was graded from C2/C3 to C6/C7 based on a validated quantitative grading system. The prevalence and distribution of radiographic findings were evaluated and associations with age were investigated.

Results

53.9% of individuals had radiographic disc degeneration and the most affected level was C5/C6. The presence and severity of disc degeneration were found to be significantly associated with age both in male and female subjects. The most frequent and severe occurrences of height loss, osteophyte formation, and endplate sclerosis were at C5/C6, whereas spondylolisthesis was most observed at C4/C5. Age was significantly correlated with radiographic degenerative findings. Contiguous levels degeneration pattern was more likely found than skipped level degeneration. The number of degenerated levels was also associated with age.

Conclusions

The presence and severity of radiographic disc degeneration increased with aging in the cervical spine. Older age was associated with greater number of degenerated disc levels. Furthermore, the correlations between age and the degree of degenerative findings were stronger at C5/C6 and C6/C7 than at other cervical spinal levels.
Is the high-performance thermoplastic polyetheretherketone indicated as a clasp material for removable dental prostheses?
Authors: Micovic Danka , Mayinger Felicitas , Bauer Sebastian , Roos Malgorzata , Eichberger Marlis , Stawarczyk Bogna
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To investigate the retention force of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) removable dental prosthesis clasps in comparison with a cobalt-chrome-molybdenum control group after storage in artificial saliva.

Materials and Methods

Clasps were milled (Dentokeep (PEEKmilled1), NT digital implant technology; breCAM BioHPP Blank (PEEKmilled2), bredent), pressed (BioHPP Granulat for 2 press (PEEKpressed), bredent), or cast (remanium GM 800+ (cobalt-chrome-molybdenum), Dentaurum); N = 60, n = 15/subgroup. Retention force was examined 50 times/specimen in a pull-off test using the universal testing machine (Zwick 1445), where pull-off force was applied with a crosshead speed of 5 mm/minute until the maximum force dropped by 10%, at different aging levels: (1) initial, after storage in artificial saliva for (2) 90 and (3) 180 days. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Scheffé-test and mixed models (p < 0.05).

Results

Cobalt-chrome-molybdenum presented the highest retention force. No differences were observed between polyetheretherketone materials. Cobalt-chrome-molybdenum showed a significant decrease of its values after artificial aging, while polyetheretherketone materials presented similar results over the course of aging. Regarding a repetitive insertion and removal, even though PEEKmilled2 and cobalt-chrome-molybdenum showed an initial increase, ultimately, a decrease in retention force was observed for all tested groups.

Conclusions

Although the control group showed significantly higher results, the retention force of polyetheretherketone materials indicate a potential clinical application. Neither the manufacturing process nor artificial aging showed an impact on the retention force of polyetheretherketone clasps.

Clinical relevance

Mechanical properties of novel removable dental prosthesis clasp materials devised to meet the growing esthetic demands of patients need to be investigated to ensure a successful long-term clinical application.
Geocenter coordinates derived from multi-GNSS: a look into the role of solar radiation pressure modeling
Authors: Zajdel Radosław , Sośnica Krzysztof , Bury Grzegorz
Published: October 2020

The Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) technique is naturally sensitive to the geocenter motion, similar to all satellite techniques. However, the GNSS-based estimates of the geocenter used to contain more orbital artifacts than the geophysical signals, especially for the Z component of the geocenter coordinates. This contribution conveys a discussion on the impact of solar radiation pressure (SRP) modeling on the geocenter motion estimates. To that end, we process 3 years of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo observations (2017–2019), collected by a globally distributed network of the ground stations. All possible individual system-specific solutions, as well as combinations of the available constellations, are tested in search of characteristic patterns in geocenter coordinates. We show that the addition of a priori information about the SRP-based forces acting on the satellites using a box-wing model mitigates a great majority of the spurious signals in the spectra of the geocenter coordinates. The amplitude of the 3 cpy (about 121 days) signal for GLONASS has been reduced by a factor of 8.5. Moreover, the amplitude of the spurious 7 cpy (about 52 days) signal has been reduced by a factor of 5.8 and 3.1 for Galileo and GPS, respectively. Conversely, the box-wing solutions indicate increased amplitudes of the annual variations in the geocenter signal. The latter reaches the level of 10–11 mm compared to 4.4 and 6.0 mm from the satellite laser ranging observations of LAGEOS satellites and the corresponding GNSS series applying extended empirical CODE orbit model (ECOM2), respectively. Despite the possible improvement in the GLONASS-based Z component of the geocenter coordinates, we show that some significant power can still be found at periods other than annual. The GPS- and Galileo-based estimates are less affected; thus, a combination of GPS and Galileo leads to the best geocenter estimates.