bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrodeposition of poly‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐graphene oxide nanocomposite in a stainless steel tube for solid‐phase microextraction of letrozole in plasma samples
Authors: Ramezani Amir M. , Yamini Yadollah
Published: September 2020

Coated stainless steel was used as an in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction for the extraction of letrozole from plasma samples. The coating process on the inner surface of the stainless steel was conducted by a simple electrodeposition process. The coated composite was prepared from 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene and graphene oxide. In this composite, graphene oxide acts as an anion dopant and sorbent. The coated nanostructured polymer was characterized using different techniques. The operational factors affecting the extraction process, including pH, adsorption, and desorption time, the recycling flow rate of the sample solution, sample volume, desorption solvent type and its volume, and ionic strength were optimized to achieve the best extraction efficiency of the analyte. The total extraction time including adsorption and desorption steps was about 15.0 min. The developed method demonstrated a linear range of 5.0–1500.0 μg/L with a limit of detection of 1.0 μg/L. The repeatability of the developed extraction approach in terms of intraday, interday, and fiber to fiber was attained in the range of 4.9–8.3%. After finding the optimal conditions, the potential of the described approach for letrozole quantitation was investigated in plasma samples, and satisfactory results were obtained.
Soil organic carbon stocks in an investigated watershed transect linked to ecological restoration practices on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Huang Yanzhang , Xin Zhongbao , Hou Jian , Li Zongshan , Yang Lei , Yuan Hedi , Majid Abdul
Published: September 2020

Lager scale ecological restoration practices are increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. Meta‐analysis is by far the most widely applied technique for describing SOC at large spatial scales, but there is a lack of field‐based investigations on a series of individual watersheds. In this study, a watershed transect of six watersheds distributed in a hilly and gully area of the Loess Plateau was investigated in order to achieve sustainable practices. The results indicate that ecological restoration practices significantly increased SOC stocks to varying degrees (p < 0.05). Grasslands were associated with the largest SOC stocks (39.42 ± 22.21 t hm−2), which were larger than the SOC stocks of artificial immature forest (<20 years) (26.58 ± 14.32 t hm−2) in the 50 cm soil profile. However, in the long term, afforestation seems to increase SOC stocks to the level of secondary forest, 81.15 ± 4.69 t hm−2, in a suitable environment. Appropriate land use management is also an effective approach to improving soil C sequestration capacity. SOC stocks were measured as 34.11 ± 7.66 t hm−2 in abandoned terraced farmland, which was similar to the grassland SOC stocks. Soil and plant factors contributed approximately 60% to the variation in the spatial distribution of SOC stocks at 0–50 cm; their contributions increased and diminished with increasing soil depth, respectively. This study indicates naturally restored grassland and engineering practices are suitable on the Loess Plateau by investigating a watershed transect and enhances our understanding of the comprehensive contributions of environmental factors to the spatial distribution of SOC stocks on a large spatial scale.
Topical Delivery of Nivolumab, a Therapeutic Antibody, by Fractional Laser and Pneumatic Injection
Authors: Christensen Rikke L. , Omland Silje H. , Persson Daniel P. , Husted Søren , Hædersdal Merete , Olesen Uffe H.
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

PD‐L1 is a tumor ligand that binds to the PD‐1 receptor on immune cells, thereby inhibiting the antitumor immune response. The antibody nivolumab is a PD‐1 inhibitor, Food and Drug Administration approved for systemic treatment of several aggressive cancer types. Topically applied nivolumab may hold potential as a future strategy to treat keratinocyte cancer, but its molecular properties preclude unassisted topical uptake. The aim of this study was to investigate uptake and biodistribution of topically delivered nivolumab, assisted by two physical enhancement techniques with different delivery kinetics; ablative fractional laser (AFL) and electronically controlled pneumatic injection (EPI).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In vitro porcine skin was exposed to CO2AFL (20 mJ/mb, 5% density), followed by passive diffusion of nivolumab in a Franz cell (1 mg/ml, 18 hours,n = 6) or treated with EPI (4 bar) for immediate delivery of nivolumab (1 mg/ml, 10 minutes,n = 6). The resulting nivolumab skin concentrations were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at three skin depths (100, 500, and 1500 µm), comparing the uptake from assisted delivery with intact skin. Biodistribution of nivolumab in the skin for all interventions was visualized by laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) and fluorescence microscopy.

Results

Delivery of nivolumab by AFL‐assisted passive diffusion and immediate EPI both resulted in significantly enhanced uptake of nivolumab in all skin depths compared with intact skin (P < 0.05). With AFL, nivolumab concentrations reached 86.3 µg/cm3(100 µm), 105.8 µg/cm3(500 µm), and 19.3 µg/cm3(1500 µm), corresponding to 2–10% of the applied concentration, with the highest deposition in the mid dermis. Immediate EPI delivered 429.4 µg/cm3(100 µm), 584.9 µg/cm3(500 µm), and 295.9 µg/cm3(1500 µm) into the skin, corresponding to 29–58% of the applied nivolumab concentration. From qualitative visualization of the biodistribution, it appeared that nivolumab distributed in a horizontal and continuous homogenous band in the upper and mid dermis through AFL‐exposed skin, whereas EPI‐delivery showed a deep focal deposition extending into the deep dermis.

Conclusions

AFL‐assisted passive diffusion and immediate EPI‐assisted delivery show the potential to deliver therapeutic antibodies locally. Futurein vivoand pharmacokinetic studies would reveal the full potential for topical antibody delivery by energy‐based devices. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Feeling red lucky? The interplay between color and luck in gambling settings
Authors: Pontes Nicolas , Williams Laura Kai
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the effect of the color red on gambling behavior, as influenced by feeling lucky and cultural background. Four experiments examine how risk‐taking choices and gambling behaviors are affected. Study 1A and 1B establish the red risk‐aversion effect in gambling decision making and responses to a gambling app advert. Studies 2 and 3 test the moderating effect of feeling lucky and cultural background, respectively. The authors provide empirical evidence to the effect of red color on risk aversion. In general, people make more risk averse choices, gambling less and less often when primed with the color red over other colors. Boundary conditions are identified in feeling lucky and cultural backgrounds, such that when participants feel lucky or are from Asian Chinese backgrounds the effect is reversed and they take more risks when primed with the color red. This study highlights the importance of color in managing the interaction between consumers and gambling contexts.
Photosensitive Epilepsy Syndromes Mimicking Motor Tics
Authors: Longardner Katherine , Desai Soaham , Nespeca Mark , Bainbridge Matthew , Friedman Jennifer
Published: September 2020

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Straight from the Horse's Mouth
Authors: Malaty Irene A.
Published: September 2020

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Oro‐Bucco‐Lingual Dyskinesia, Weight Loss, and Cognitive Decline in Anti‐DPPX Antibody‐Mediated Encephalitis
Authors: Deuel Lisa M. , Yu Cherry H. , Vaughan Christina L. , Piquet Amanda L.
Published: September 2020

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High‐Frequency Palatal Tremor and Stimulus‐Sensitive Leg Myoclonus with Degeneration of Inferior Olivary Nuclei in Celiac Disease
Authors: Gupta Deepak K. , Viñuela Angel , Green Peter H.R. , Pitman Michael J. , Vonsattel Jean P. , Fahn Stanley
Published: September 2020

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Eigenfunctions of the time‐fractional diffusion‐wave operator
Authors: Ferreira Milton , Luchko Yury , Rodrigues M. Manuela , Vieira Nelson
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we present some new integral and series representations for the eigenfunctions of the multidimensional time‐fractional diffusion‐wave operator with the time‐fractional derivative of orderβ ∈]1, 2[ defined in the Caputo sense. The integral representations are obtained in form of the inverse Fourier–Bessel transform and as a double contour integrals of the Mellin–Barnes type. Concerning series expansions, the eigenfunctions are expressed as the double generalized hypergeometric series for anyβ ∈]1, 2[ and as Kampé de Fériet and Lauricella series in two variables for the rational values ofβ. The limit cases (diffusion operator) and (wave operator) as well as an intermediate case are studied in detail. Finally, we provide several plots of the eigenfunctions to some selected eigenvalues for different particular values of the fractional derivative orderβand the spatial dimensionn.
Comparison of efficiency among different techniques to avoid order reduction with Strang splitting
Authors: Alonso‐Mallo Isaías , Cano Begoña , Reguera Nuria
Published: September 2020

In this article, we offer a comparison in terms of computational efficiency between two techniques to avoid order reduction when using Strang method to integrate nonlinear initial boundary value problems with time‐dependent boundary conditions. We see that it is important to consider an exponential method for the integration of the linear nonhomogeneous and stiff part in the technique by Einkemmer et al. so that the latter is comparable in efficiency with that suggested by Alonso et al. Some other advantages of the technique suggested by Alonso et al. are stated in the conclusions.
Synthesis of a hyperbranched polyamide oligomer containing DOPO for simultaneously enhancing the flame retardance and glass transition temperature of epoxy resin
Authors: Luo Qinqin , Sun Yulin , Yu Biao , Song Jiangli , Tan Dexin , Zhao Jianqing , Yan Shijing
Published: September 2020

Flame retardants endow epoxy resins (EP) with flame retardance, however, their introduction often lead to the decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg), which is an important property for EP. Therefore, it is significant to design and synthesize a high‐efficiency flame retardant that enhances flame retardance and Tg of EP. To achieve this goal, a hyperbranched polyamide oligomer containing DOPO (HPD) was successfully synthesized by A4 + B2 polymerization and its structure was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 30P NMR spectra and GPC. HPD was used as an additive flame retardant in epoxy resin, and its effect on the flame retardance and thermal properties of epoxy resin was studied. The epoxy resin with 7.5 wt% HPD reached UL‐94V‐0 rating and a higher LOI value of 29.6%, and its Tg was 176.2°C, which is higher than the pure epoxy resin. Moreover, the results of cone calorimetry testing (CCT) and TG‐FTIR analysis suggested that the gas‐phase and condensed‐phase flame‐retarded roles of HPD delayed the time to ignition, and reduced the value of relevant combustion parameters, including the peak of heat release rate, average of heat release rate, total heat release, smoke production rate, and total smoke production. The analysis results of Py‐GC/MS test of HPD further confirmed that HPD was able to play the flame‐retarded role in the gaseous and condensed phases.
Comparison of conventional chest physiotherapy and oscillatory positive expiratory pressure therapy in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Bingol Ibrahim , Gokdemir Yasemin , Yilmaz‐Yegit Cansu , Ergenekon Pinar , Atag Emine , Bas Ikizoglu Nilay , Erdem Eralp Ela , Evkaya Ayca , Gencer Kardelen , Saygi Evrim K. , Karakoc Fazilet , Ersu Refika , Karadag Bulent
Published: September 2020

Background

Chest physiotherapy (CP) is a recommended treatment modality in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).

Objective

Primary aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of the conventional chest physiotherapy (CCP) and oscillatory positive expiratory pressure therapy (OPEPT). Secondary aims were to compare the exacerbation rate, time until the first exacerbation, patient compliance and comfort between the two CP methods.

Methods

This is a 6 month randomized, controlled crossover trial. Patients >6 years of age with PCD were randomized into two groups, first group was assigned to OPEPT (Acapella®) for 3 months while second group was assigned to CCP. Groups were crossed over to the other modality after a 15‐day washout period. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and compliance were monitored by monthly clinic visits.

Results

There was a significant increase in FEV1, FEF25–75, and PEF values (p = .018, p = .020, and p = .016, respectively) in the OPEPT group and in FVC values (p = .007) in CCP group compared to baseline. However PFT increase at 3rd month was not superior to each other with both physiotherapy methods. Median acute pulmonary exacerbation rate and time period until the first exacerbation were similar in both groups (p = .821, p = .092, respectively). Comfort and effectiveness of OPEPT was higher than CCP according to patients (p = .029 and p = .042, respectively). There were no adverse effects with either therapy.

Conclusions

OPEPT was as effective as CCP in PCD patients. OPEPT was more comfortable and effective than CCP according to patients. OPEPT might be an efficient alternative method for airway cleareance in PCD patients.
The effect of a stable boundary layer on orographic gravity‐wave drag
Authors: Turner H. V. , Teixeira M. A. C. , Methven J.
Published: September 2020

Numerical simulations are carried out using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model to calculate explicitly the ratio of orographic gravity‐wave drag (GWD) in the presence of a stable boundary layer (BL) to the inviscid drag in its absence, either obtained from inviscid WRF simulations or estimated using an analytical linear model. This ratio is represented as a function of three scaling variables, defined as ratios of the BL depth to the orography width, height, and stability height scale of the atmosphere. All results suggest that the GWD affected by the stable BL, DBL, is inversely proportional to the BL depth hBL, roughly following . The scaling relations are calibrated and tested using a multilinear regression applied to data from the WRF simulations, for idealised orography and inflow atmospheric profiles derived from reanalysis, representative of Antarctica in austral winter, where GWD is expected to be especially strong. These comparisons show that the scaling relations where the drag is normalised by the analytical inviscid estimate work best. This happens because stable BL effects reduce the amplitude of the waves above the BL, making their dynamics more linear. Knowledge of the BL depth and orography parameters is sufficient to obtain a reasonable correction to the inviscid drag without needing additional information about the wind and stability profiles. Since the drag currently available from numerical weather prediction model parametrizations comes from linear theory uncorrected for BL effects, the results reported here may be applied straightforwardly to improve those parametrizations.
Partial validation of a lossy compression approach to computing radiative transfer in cloud system‐resolving models
Authors: Barker Howard W. , Qu Zhipeng , Dhanraj Varun , Cole Jason N. S.
Published: September 2020

Cloud system‐resolving models (CSRMs) routinely calculate radiative flux profiles via the Independent Column Approximation (ICA). The ICA applies 1D radiative transfer models (RTMs) to all columns in a CSRM's domain. For this study, the Partitioned Gauss–Legendre Quadrature (PGLQ) method replaced the ICA in a CSRM. The PGLQ applies RTMs to columns, identified with GLQ rules, and distributes their flux profiles to the other columns. The PGLQ approach is likened to a lossy compression algorithm that trades information for efficiency. While verification and validation of an audio compression algorithm rest, respectively, on file size reduction and sound quality according to listeners, for the PGLQ they rest on increasing while maintaining, according to experimenters, the integrity of CSRM simulations. A CSRM was run for 80 days in radiative‐convective equilibrium (1,024 × 1,024 columns and horizontal grid‐spacing of 0.25 km) for sea‐surface temperature SST = 295 and 300 K; the last 40 days were analysed. Simulations using the ICA represent the control; experiments used the PGLQ calling the RTMs fRT = 200, 5,000 and 50,000 fewer times than the control. For fRT = 50,000, several key variables spanning time/domain‐averaged cloud and radiation properties, a measure of cloud (convection) aggregation, and horizontal fluctuations of cloud and radiation fields, differ significantly from the control. In contrast, corresponding differences between the control and PGLQ with fRT ≤ 5,000, for both a given SST and differences between SSTs, are often minor, in all respects, and appear to be drawn from a single population. While these results partially validate the PGLQ method for fRT ≤ 5,000, they also indicate that overly large reductions in radiative information are detrimental.
Masserstein: Linear regression of mass spectra by optimal transport
Authors: Ciach Michał Aleksander , Miasojedow Błażej , Skoraczyński Grzegorz , Majewski Szymon , Startek Michał , Valkenborg Dirk , Gambin Anna
Published: September 2020

Rationale

The linear regression of mass spectra is a computational problem defined as fitting a linear combination of reference spectra to an experimental one. It is typically used to estimate the relative quantities of selected ions. In this work, we study this problem in an abstract setting to develop new approaches applicable to a diverse range of experiments.

Methods

To overcome the sensitivity of the ordinary least‐squares regression to measurement inaccuracies, we base our methods on a non‐conventional spectral dissimilarity measure, known as the Wasserstein or the Earth Mover's distance. This distance is based on the notion of the cost of transporting signal between mass spectra, which renders it naturally robust to measurement inaccuracies in the mass domain.

Results

Using a data set of 200 mass spectra, we show that our approach is capable of estimating ion proportions accurately without extensive preprocessing of spectra required by other methods. The conclusions are further substantiated using data sets simulated in a way that mimics most of the measurement inaccuracies occurring in real experiments.

Conclusions

We have developed a linear regression algorithm based on the notion of the cost of transporting signal between spectra. Our implementation is available in a Python 3 package called masserstein, which is freely available at https://github.com/mciach/masserstein.
Model‐assisted estimators for time‐to‐event data from complex surveys
Authors: Reist Benjamin M. , Valliant Richard
Published: September 2020

We develop model‐assisted estimators for complex survey data for the proportion of a population that experienced some event by a specified timet. Theory for the new estimators uses time‐to‐event models as the underlying framework but have both good model‐based and design‐based properties. The estimators are compared in a simulation to traditional survey estimation methods and are also applied to a study of nurses' health. The new estimators take advantage of covariates predictive of the event and reduce standard errors compared to conventional alternatives.
Simple and Selective Synthesis of Copper‐Containing Metal Nanoclusters Using (PPh3)2CuBH4 as Reducing Agent
Authors: Shen Hui , Han Ying‐Zi , Wu Qingyuan , Peng Jian , Teo Boon K. , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: September 2020

A simple and selective synthetic protocol, using (PPh3)2CuBH4 as reducing agent, for Cu‐containing mixed metal nanoclusters (NCs) is reported. Representative NCs include alkynyl‐protected [Ag25Cu4(PhCC)12(PPh3)12Cl6H8]3+ (1), thiolate‐capped [AuCu14(SR)12(PPh3)6]+ (R = 4‐flurothiophenol) (2), and phosphine‐stabilized [Au9Cu2(PPh3)8Cl2]+ (3), which are fully characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, electrospray ionization mass, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 2H, 13C, and 31P NMR), and optical measurements, respectively. This work demonstrates the advantages of using (PPh3)2CuBH4 as a reducing agent in the synthesis of Cu‐containing heterometallic NCs in terms of versatility as well as high yield and high purity of the products. This work may open the door to utilizing functional metal borohydride, as a new generation of reducing agent for the simple and selective synthesis of metal NCs.
In Situ Quantification of the Local Electrocatalytic Activity via Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Haid Richard W. , Kluge Regina M. , Liang Yunchang , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: September 2020

Identification of catalytically active sites at solid/liquid interfaces under reaction conditions is an essential task to improve the catalyst design for sustainable energy devices. Electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC‐STM) combines the control of the surface reactions with imaging on a nanoscale. When performing EC‐STM under reaction conditions, the recorded analytical signal shows higher fluctuations (noise) at active sites compared to non‐active sites (noise‐EC‐STM or n‐EC‐STM). In the past, this approach has been proven as a valid tool to identify the location of active sites. In this work, the authors show that this method can be extended to obtain quantitative information of the local activity. For the platinum(111) surface under oxygen reduction reaction conditions, a linear relationship between the STM noise level and a measure of reactivity, the turn‐over frequency is found. Since it is known that the most active sites for this system are located at concave sites, the method has been applied to quantify the activity at steps. The obtained activity enhancement factors appeared to be in good agreement with the literature. Thus, n‐EC‐STM is a powerful method not only to in situ identify the location of active sites but also to determine and compare local reactivity.
Methods to Classify Bainite in Wire Rod Steel
Authors: Ackermann Marc , Resiak Bernard , Buessler Pascal , Michaut Bertrand , Hell Jean-Christophe , Richter Silvia , Gibson James , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

The microstructural description in bainitic steel is commonly ambiguous, and the interpretations of results that originate from applied methods are usually user dependent. In consequence, a manifold description of bainite makes it difficult to reveal structure–property relationships. This is why a novel classification and quantification routine for bainitic microstructures in wire rod steel is presented. The classification is based on electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and nanohardness of the same local area. Microstructural constituents with different characteristics (carbon concentration, misorientation, and nanohardness) are classified into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐temperature morphologies. After the classification, quantification is conducted by combining scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, dilatometry, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The bainite quantification reveals a homogeneous microstructure for cooling along the lower bainite regime. Increasing the manganese content causes a lower sensitivity to change in the cooling parameters. Combining nanohardness and EBSD is suitable to describe microscopic microstructural properties, whereas the quantification of bainite is eligible to explain differences in the microscopic microstructural properties. The used approach avoids overcomplexity and manifold terminologies of bainitic microstructures that are commonly found in the literature.
The Changing Relation Between Sexual and Gender Minorities and Religion in Finland: Some Observations in the Light of Postsecularity
Authors: Nynäs Peter , Kejonen Eetu , Vullers Pieter
Published: September 2020

This chapter addresses some relevant issues regarding religion and sexual and gender diversity in Finland. Starting from the notion of a postsecular condition and making use of three complementary lenses, the chapter first provides an overview of recent developments in both legislative equality and changing attitudes in Finland. Second, it provides additional depth with an interview study including professionals from organizations working with issues of relevance to sexual and gender minorities. The chapter identifies some remaining challenges in the nexus of religion and gender and/or sexual diversity in Finland, an aspect that is emphasized when the chapter finally turns to public discussions in the media where different positions and views tend to clash today. The discussion in this chapter exemplifies the need to critically account for recent changes in the religious landscape.
Magnetic quivers for rank 1 theories
Authors: Bourget Antoine , Grimminger Julius F. , Hanany Amihay , Sperling Marcus , Zafrir Gabi , Zhong Zhenghao
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Magnetic quivers and Hasse diagrams for Higgs branches of rank 1 4d N = 2 SCFTs are provided. These rank 1 theories fit naturally into families of higher rank theories, originating from higher dimensions, which are addressed.
Agreement between patients and mental healthcare providers on unmet care needs in child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: Vijverberg Richard , Ferdinand Robert , Beekman Aartjan , van Meijel Berno
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In mental health care, patients and their care providers may conceptualize the nature of the disorder and appropriate action in profoundly different ways. This may lead to dropout and lack of compliance with the treatments being provided, in particular in young patients with more severe disorders. This study provides detailed information about patient–provider (dis)agreement regarding the care needs of children and adolescents.

Methods

We used the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CANSAS) to assess the met and unmet needs of 244 patients aged between 6 and 18 years. These needs were assessed from the perspectives of both patients and their care providers. Our primary outcome measure was agreement between the patient and care provider on unmet need. By comparing a general outpatient sample (n = 123) with a youth-ACT sample (n = 121), we were able to assess the influence of severity of psychiatric and psychosocial problems on the extent of agreement on patient’s unmet care needs.

Results

In general, patients reported unmet care needs less often than care providers did. Patients and care providers had the lowest extents of agreement on unmet needs with regard to “mental health problems” (k = 0.113) and “information regarding diagnosis/treatment” (k = 0.171). Comparison of the two mental healthcare settings highlighted differences for three-quarters of the unmet care needs that were examined. Agreement was lower in the youth-ACT setting.

Conclusions

Clarification of different views on patients’ unmet needs may help reduce nonattendance of appointments, noncompliance, or dropout. Routine assessment of patients’ and care providers’ perceptions of patients’ unmet care needs may also help provide information on areas of disagreement.
Coexistency on Hilbert Space Effect Algebras and a Characterisation of Its Symmetry Transformations
Authors: Gehér György Pál , Šemrl Peter
Published: September 2020

The Hilbert space effect algebra is a fundamental mathematical structure which is used to describe unsharp quantum measurements in Ludwig’s formulation of quantum mechanics. Each effect represents a quantum (fuzzy) event. The relation of coexistence plays an important role in this theory, as it expresses when two quantum events can be measured together by applying a suitable apparatus. This paper’s first goal is to answer a very natural question about this relation, namely, when two effects are coexistent with exactly the same effects? The other main aim is to describe all automorphisms of the effect algebra with respect to the relation of coexistence. In particular, we will see that they can differ quite a lot from usual standard automorphisms, which appear for instance in Ludwig’s theorem. As a byproduct of our methods we also strengthen a theorem of Molnár.
Central venous catheter–related infections in hematology and oncology: 2020 updated guidelines on diagnosis, management, and prevention by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)
Authors: Böll Boris , Schalk Enrico , Buchheidt Dieter , Hasenkamp Justin , Kiehl Michael , Kiderlen Til Ramon , Kochanek Matthias , Koldehoff Michael , Kostrewa Philippe , Claßen Annika Y. , Mellinghoff Sibylle C. , Metzner Bernd , Penack Olaf , Ruhnke Markus , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Weissinger Florian , Wolf Hans-Heinrich , Karthaus Meinolf , Hentrich Marcus
Published: September 2020

Cancer patients frequently require central venous catheters for therapy and parenteral nutrition and are at high risk of central venous catheter–related infections (CRIs). Moreover, CRIs prolong hospitalization, cause an excess in resource utilization and treatment cost, often delay anti-cancer treatment, and are associated with a significant increase in mortality in cancer patients. We therefore summoned a panel of experts by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) and updated our previous guideline on CRIs in cancer patients. After conducting systematic literature searches on PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases, video- and meeting-based consensus discussions were held. In the presented guideline, we summarize recommendations on definition, diagnosis, management, and prevention of CRIs in cancer patients including the grading of strength of recommendations and the respective levels of evidence. This guideline supports clinicians and researchers alike in the evidence-based decision-making in the management of CRIs in cancer patients.
An analysis of screen-detected invasive cancers by grade in the English breast cancer screening programme: are we failing to detect sufficient small grade 3 cancers?
Authors: Blanks R. G. , Wallis M. G. , Alison R. J. , Given-Wilson R. M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Randomised controlled trials have shown a reduction in breast cancer mortality from mammography screening and it is the detection of high-grade invasive cancers that is responsible for much of this effect. We determined the detection rates of invasive cancers by grade, size and type of screen and estimated relative sensitivities with emphasis on grade 3 detection.

Methods

This observational study analysed data from over 11 million screening episodes (67,681 invasive cancers) from the English NHS breast screening programme over seven screening years 2009/2010 to 2015/2016 for women aged 45–70.

Results

At prevalent (first) screens (which are unaffected by screening interval), the detection rate of small (< 15 mm) invasive cancers was 0.95 per 1000 for grade 1, but for grade 3 only 0.30 per 1000. The ratio of small (< 15 mm) to large (≥ 15 mm) cancers was 1.8:1 for grade 1 but reversed to 0.5:1 for grade 3. We estimated that the relative sensitivity for grade 3 invasive cancers was 52% of that for grade 1 and the relative sensitivity for small (< 15 mm) grade 3 only 26% of that for small (< 15 mm) grade 1 invasive cancers.

Conclusions

Sensitivity for small grade 3 invasive cancers is poor compared with that for grade 1 and 2 invasive cancers and larger grade 3 malignancies. This observation is likely a limitation of the current technology related to the absence of identifiable mammographic features for small high-grade cancers. Future work should focus on technologies and strategies to improve detection of these clinically most significant cancers.

Key Points

• The detection of small high-grade invasive cancers is vital to reduce breast cancer mortality.

• We estimate the sensitivity for small grade 3 invasive cancers may be only 26% of that of small grade 1 invasive cancers. This is likely to be associated with the non-specific mammographic features for these cancers.

• New technologies and appropriate strategies using current technology are required to maximise the detection of small grade 3 invasive cancers.
Revealing the most common reporting errors through data mining of the report proofreading process
Authors: Vosshenrich Jan , Nesic Ivan , Cyriac Joshy , Boll Daniel T. , Merkle Elmar M. , Heye Tobias
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To investigate the most common errors in residents’ preliminary reports, if structured reporting impacts error types and frequencies, and to identify possible implications for resident education and patient safety.

Material and methods

Changes in report content were tracked by a report comparison tool on a word level and extracted for 78,625 radiology reports dictated from September 2017 to December 2018 in our department. Following data aggregation according to word stems and stratification by subspecialty (e.g., neuroradiology) and imaging modality, frequencies of additions/deletions were analyzed for findings and impression report section separately and compared between subgroups.

Results

Overall modifications per report averaged 4.1 words, with demonstrably higher amounts of changes for cross-sectional imaging (CT: 6.4; MRI: 6.7) than non-cross-sectional imaging (radiographs: 0.2; ultrasound: 2.8). The four most frequently changed words (right, left, one, and none) remained almost similar among all subgroups (range: 0.072–0.117 per report; once every 9–14 reports). Albeit representing only 0.02% of analyzed words, they accounted for up to 9.7% of all observed changes. Subspecialties solely using structured reporting had substantially lower change ratios in the findings report section (mean: 0.2 per report) compared with prose-style reporting subspecialties (mean: 2.0). Relative frequencies of the most changed words remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Residents’ most common reporting errors in all subspecialties and modalities are laterality discriminator confusions (left/right) and unnoticed descriptor misregistration by speech recognition (one/none). Structured reporting reduces overall error rates, but does not affect occurrence of the most common errors. Increased error awareness and measures improving report correctness and ensuring patient safety are required.

Key Points

• The two most common reporting errors in residents’ preliminary reports are laterality discriminator confusions (left/right) and unnoticed descriptor misregistration by speech recognition (one/none).

• Structured reporting reduces the overall the error frequency in the findings report section by a factor of 10 (structured reporting: mean 0.2 per report; prose-style reporting: 2.0) but does not affect the occurrence of the two major errors.

• Staff radiologist review behavior noticeably differs between radiology subspecialties.
Radiation-induced toxicities and outcomes after radiotherapy are independent of patient age in elderly salivary gland cancer patients: results from a matched-pair analysis of a rare disease
Authors: Rühle Alexander , Rothhaar Sofie , Haehl Erik , Kalckreuth Tobias , Sprave Tanja , Stoian Raluca , Zamboglou Constantinos , Gkika Eleni , Knopf Andreas , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Nicolay Nils H.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study analyzed survival and toxicity after (chemo)radiotherapy for primary salivary gland cancer patients aged ≥ 65 years and compared these results with younger patients using a matched-pair analysis.

Methods

Twenty-nine elderly patients with primary salivary gland carcinomas treated with (chemo)radiotherapy from 2008 to 2020 at University of Freiburg Medical Center were analyzed for oncological outcomes and therapy-associated toxicities. Local/locoregional control (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the influence of clinical parameters on patient outcomes was assessed. A matched-pair analysis was performed after matching with patients < 65 years.

Results

Nine patients (31.0%) received definitive (chemo)radiotherapy, and 20 patients (69.0%) were treated in the adjuvant setting. 2-year LRC, PFS and OS ranged at 82.4%, 53.7% and 71.8%, respectively. Smoking (HR 3.980, p = 0.020), reduced performance status (HR 3.735, p = 0.016) and higher comorbidity burden (HR 4.601, p = 0.005) correlated with inferior OS. Using a matched-pair analysis with younger patients, elderly patients exhibited a trend towards reduced OS (HR 3.015, p = 0.065), but not PFS (HR 1.474, p = 0.371) or LRC (HR 1.324, p = 0.633). Acute and chronic grade 3 toxicities occurred in 31.0% and 12.5% of elderly patients, respectively, and the matched-pair analysis revealed no significant differences between age groups regarding treatment-related toxicities.

Conclusion

Treatment-related toxicities as well as LRC and PFS were comparable for salivary gland cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Therefore, concerns for more pronounced toxicities or reduced local/locoregional response rates should not guide treatment decisions in affected elderly patients.
Sentinel lymph node mapping with indocyanine green in cervical cancer patients undergoing open radical hysterectomy: a single-institution series
Authors: Bizzarri Nicolò , Luigi Pedone Anchora , Ferrandina Gabriella , Zannoni Gian Franco , Carbone Maria Vittoria , Fedele Camilla , Teodorico Elena , Gallotta Valerio , Gueli Alletti Salvatore , Chiantera Vito , Fagotti Anna , Scambia Giovanni , Fanfani Francesco
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To assess the rate of bilateral sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection with indocyanine green (ICG), to evaluate the sensitivity and the negative predictive value of cervical cancer patients undergoing open radical hysterectomy; to compare open versus minimally invasive SLN biopsy performance and to assess factors related to no/unilateral SLN mapping.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with FIGO 2018 stage IA1 with lymph-vascular space involvement to IIB and IIIC1p cervical carcinoma who underwent SLN mapping with ICG followed by systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy between 05/2017 and 06/2020. Patients were divided according to surgical approach for statistical analysis.

Results

Eighty-five patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven (31.8%) underwent open and 58 (68.2%) underwent minimally invasive SLN mapping. No difference in any SLN mapping (laparotomy 92.6% and minimally invasive 91.4%) or in SLN bilateral detection (laparotomy 72.0% and minimally invasive 84.9%) (p = 0.850 and p = 0.222, respectively), in median number of SLNs mapped and retrieved (2 in both groups, p = 0.165) and in site of SLN mapping per hemi-pelvis (right side, p = 0273 and left side, p = 0.618) was evident between open and minimally invasive approach. Per-patient sensitivity of SLN biopsy in laparotomy was 83.3% (95% CI 35.9–99.6%) and the negative predictive value was 95.0% (95% CI 76.0–99.1%). No difference in per-patient sensitivity was noted between two approaches (p = 0.300). None of the analyzed variables was associated with no/unilateral SLN mapping.

Conclusion

The use of ICG to detect SLN in cervical cancer treated with open surgery allows a bilateral detection, sensitivity and negative predictive value comparable to minimally invasive surgery with potential advantages of ICG compared to other tracers.
Systematic review of modifiable risk factors shows little evidential support for most current practices in Cryptosporidium management in bovine calves
Authors: Brainard Julii , Hooper Lee , McFarlane Savannah , Hammer Charlotte C. , Hunter Paul R. , Tyler Kevin
Published: September 2020

Cryptosporidiosis is common in young calves, causing diarrhoea, delayed growth, poor condition and excess mortality. No vaccine or cure exists, although symptomatic onset may be delayed with some chemoprophylactics. Other response and management strategies have focused on nutritional status, cleanliness and biosecurity. We undertook a systematic review of observational studies to identify risk or protective factors that could prevent Cryptosporidium parvum infection in calves. Included studies used multivariate analysis within cohort, cross-sectional or case-control designs, of risk factors among young calves, assessing C. parvum specifically. We tabulated data on characteristics and study quality and present narrative synthesis. Fourteen eligible studies were found; three of which were higher quality. The most consistent evidence suggested that risk of C. parvum infection increased when calves had more contact with other calves, were in larger herds or in organic production. Hard flooring reduced risk of infection and calves tended to have more cryptosporidiosis during warm and wet weather. While many other factors were not found to be associated with C. parvum infection, analyses were usually badly underpowered, due to clustering of management factors. Trials are needed to assess effects of manipulating calf contact, herd size, organic methods, hard flooring and temperature. Other factors need to be assessed in larger observational studies with improved disaggregation of potential risk factors.
Generalized disconnection exponents
Authors: Qian Wei
Published: September 2020

We introduce and compute the generalized disconnection exponents$$\eta _\kappa (\beta )$$

η
κ

(
β
)

which depend on $$\kappa \in (0,4]$$

κ
∈
(
0
,
4
]

and another real parameter $$\beta $$
β
, extending the Brownian disconnection exponents (corresponding to $$\kappa =8/3$$

κ
=
8
/
3

) computed by Lawler, Schramm and Werner (Acta Math 187(2):275–308, 2001; Acta Math 189(2):179–201, 2002) [conjectured by Duplantier and Kwon (Phys Rev Lett 61:2514–2517, 1988)]. For $$\kappa \in (8/3,4]$$

κ
∈
(
8
/
3
,
4
]

, the generalized disconnection exponents have a physical interpretation in terms of planar Brownian loop-soups with intensity $$c\in (0,1]$$

c
∈
(
0
,
1
]

, which allows us to obtain the first prediction of the dimension of multiple points on the cluster boundaries of these loop-soups. In particular, according to our prediction, the dimension of double points on the cluster boundaries is strictly positive for $$c\in (0,1)$$

c
∈
(
0
,
1
)

and equal to zero for the critical intensity $$c=1$$

c
=
1

, leading to an interesting open question of whether such points exist for the critical loop-soup. Our definition of the exponents is based on a certain general version of radial restriction measures that we construct and study. As an important tool, we introduce a new family of radial SLEs depending on $$\kappa $$
κ
and two additional parameters $$\mu , \nu $$

μ
,
ν

, that we call radial hypergeometric SLEs. This is a natural but substantial extension of the family of radial $$\hbox {SLE}_\kappa (\rho )s$$

SLE
κ

(
ρ
)

s

.
The value of mammography in women with focal breast complaints in addition to initial targeted ultrasound
Authors: Appelman L. , Appelman P. T. M. , Siebers C. C. N. , Bult P. , Go H. L. S. , Schlooz M. , Mann R. M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To determine the added value of mammography in women with focal breast complaints and the utility of initial targeted ultrasound in this setting.

Methods

Women with symptomatic breast disease who were evaluated by breast imaging (mammography/digital breast tomosynthesis and ultrasound) between January 2016 and December 2016 in the Radboud University Medical Centre were included. We retrospectively collected the following data: date of birth, indication of imaging, visibility on mammography/ultrasound, whether biopsy was taken, additional findings, BI-RADS-classification, pathology and follow-up results.

Results

A total of 494 women were included (mean age 46.5, range 30 to 93). In 49 women (9.9%), symptomatic breast cancer was diagnosed, all visible during targeted ultrasound. The negative predictive value of targeted ultrasound was very high (99.8%). Additional findings on mammography were significantly more often malignant when the symptomatic lesion was also malignant (3.8% vs 70%, P < 0.05). In only one patient with symptoms caused by a benign finding, an incidental malignancy was detected on mammography outside the area of complaint (detection rate 2.2/1000 examinations).

Conclusions

The contribution of mammography for cancer detection in women with focal breast complaints is very low when targeted ultrasound is performed. Additional findings are most common in patients with symptomatic breast cancer. Our results suggest that initial targeted ultrasound is a more appropriate initial tool for the evaluation of focal breast complaints. Mammography could be performed on indication only.
miR-194-5p negatively regulates the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit skeletal muscle satellite cells
Authors: Shi Yu , Mao Xudong , Cai Mingcheng , Hu Shenqiang , Lai Xiulan , Chen Shiyi , Jia Xianbo , Wang Jie , Lai Songjia
Published: September 2020

Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs), also known as a multipotential stem cell population, play a crucial role during muscle growth and regeneration. In recent years, numerous miRNAs have been associated with the proliferation and differentiation of SMSCs in a number of mammalian species; however, the regulatory mechanisms of miR-194-5p in rabbit SMSCs still remain scarce. In this study, miR-194-5p was first observed to be highly expressed in the rabbit leg muscle. Furthermore, both the mimics and inhibitor of miR-194-5p were used to explore its role in the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit SMSCs cultured in vitro. Results from both EdU and CCK8 assays showed that miR-194-5p inhibited the proliferation of SMSCs. Meanwhile, Mef2c was identified as a target gene of miR-194-5p based on the dual-luciferase reporter assay results. In addition, upregulation of miR-194-5p decreased the expression levels of Mef2c and MyoG during rabbit SMSCs differentiation on Days 3 and 7 of in vitro culture. Taken together, these data demonstrated that miR-194-5p negatively regulates the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit SMSCs by targeting Mef2c.
Specialization in Hierarchical Learning Systems
Authors: Hihn Heinke , Braun Daniel A.
Published: September 2020

Joining multiple decision-makers together is a powerful way to obtain more sophisticated decision-making systems, but requires to address the questions of division of labor and specialization. We investigate in how far information constraints in hierarchies of experts not only provide a principled method for regularization but also to enforce specialization. In particular, we devise an information-theoretically motivated on-line learning rule that allows partitioning of the problem space into multiple sub-problems that can be solved by the individual experts. We demonstrate two different ways to apply our method: (i) partitioning problems based on individual data samples and (ii) based on sets of data samples representing tasks. Approach (i) equips the system with the ability to solve complex decision-making problems by finding an optimal combination of local expert decision-makers. Approach (ii) leads to decision-makers specialized in solving families of tasks, which equips the system with the ability to solve meta-learning problems. We show the broad applicability of our approach on a range of problems including classification, regression, density estimation, and reinforcement learning problems, both in the standard machine learning setup and in a meta-learning setting.