bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmet needs in basic and translational research in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Cadamuro Massimiliano , Macias Rocio I.R. , Strain Alastair J. , Strazzabosco Mario , Simioni Paolo , Marin Jose J.G. , Fabris Luca
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Despite the impact of cutting‐edge technologies in providing deep molecular phenotyping of many tumours, management of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and insufficiently studied cancer with marked heterogeneity (including intrahepatic and extrahepatic variants), has remained limited and it has poor prognosis. Renewed interest in this enigmatic disease has been fostered in the last decade. Here, we will give an overview of the most important gaps in knowledge of the basic and translational research of CCA that must be prioritized to improve the CCA management in the future.

Methods

Exploration was initially conducted on the Consensus Statement on Cholangiocarcinoma 2020, where after careful discussion of priorities, basic/translational research were selected and approved. Then, systematic literature searches using PubMed were performed by authors from different disciplines to highlight the most relevant areas requiring further study.

Results

Genetic and molecular characterization studies have identified the presence of actionable mutations in both intrahepatic (50%‐60%) and extrahepatic CCA (25%), but efficacy of targeted interventions is still hindered by several factors. They include a limited understanding of the intricate mechanisms of pharmacoresistance, the lack of accurate biomarkers enabling early detection of the disease, the complex role of the tumour microenvironment exerting both tumour‐promoting and tumour‐restraining functions, and the inadequacy of experimental models to recapitulate the wide heterogeneity of these tumours.

Conclusions

Promoting international collaborations among scientists with multidisciplinary skills, and creation of platforms to collect data and biological samples of patients from different countries are the actions needed to understand better in this still challenging disease.
Impact of salinization on lake stratification and spring mixing
Authors: Ladwig Robert , Rock Linnea A. , Dugan Hilary A.
Published: October 2021

Anthropogenic freshwater salinization affects thousands of lakes worldwide, and yet little is known about how salt loading may shift timing of lake stratification and spring mixing in dimictic lakes. Here, we investigate the impact of salinization on mixing in Lakes Mendota and Monona, Wisconsin, by deploying under‐ice buoys to record salinity gradients, using an analytical approach to quantify salinity thresholds that prevent spring mixing, and running an ensemble of vertical one‐dimensional hydrodynamic lake models (GLM, GOTM, and Simstrat) to investigate the long‐term impact of winter salt loading on mixing and stratification. We found that spring salinity gradients between surface and bottom waters persist up to a month after ice‐off, and that theory predicts a salinity gradient of 1.3–1.4 g kg−1 would prevent spring mixing. Numerical models project that salt loading delays spring mixing and increases water column stability, with ramifications for oxygenation of bottom waters, biogeochemistry, and lake habitability.
Strategies for successful personal branding of celebrities on social media platforms: Involvement or information sharing?
Authors: Lo Fang‐Yi , Peng Jing‐Xiang
Published: October 2021

This study explores Internet celebrities’ personal brand development motivations and their strategies for successful personal branding practices. It divides the motivations of Internet celebrities to build their personal brands into internal and external factors as a basic framework to explore the establishment of a personal brand. We collect empirical data on 280 Internet celebrities from Taiwan through online and paper‐based questionnaires and conduct structure equation modeling to examine any causal relationships. Statistical results support the main hypothesis that both internal and external motivations push them to adopt involvement and information sharing as their main activities when building a personal brand. However, only involvement is able to create a successful personal brand, as information sharing alone fails to demonstrate the expected effects. We employ the mixed‐method approach to collect data through qualitative and quantitative sources. In‐depth qualitative interviews of successful Internet celebrities also corroborate the empirical results. This study suggests that future Internet celebrities should focus on involvement activities, rather than just sharing information, if they want to create a successful personal brand.
Generalized low‐rank nonrigid motion‐corrected reconstruction for MR fingerprinting
Authors: Cruz Gastao , Qi Haikun , Jaubert Olivier , Kuestner Thomas , Schneider Torben , Botnar Rene Michael , Prieto Claudia
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Develop a novel low‐rank motion‐corrected (LRMC) reconstruction for nonrigid motion‐corrected MR fingerprinting (MRF).

Methods

Generalized motion‐corrected (MC) reconstructions have been developed for steady‐state imaging. Here we extend this framework to enable nonrigid MC for transient imaging applications with varying contrast, such as MRF. This is achieved by integrating low‐rank dictionary‐based compression into the generalized MC model to reconstruct MC singular images, reducing motion artifacts in the resulting parametric maps. The proposed LRMC reconstruction was applied for cardiac motion correction in 2D myocardial MRF (T1 and T2) with extended cardiac acquisition window (~450 ms) and for respiratory MC in free‐breathing 3D myocardial and 3D liver MRF. Experiments were performed in phantom and 22 healthy subjects. The proposed approach was compared with reference spin echo (phantom) and with 2D electrocardiogram‐triggered/breath‐hold MOLLI and T2 gradient‐and–spin echo conventional maps (in vivo 2D and 3D myocardial MRF).

Results

Phantom results were in general agreement with reference spin‐echo measurements, presenting relative errors of approximately 5.4% and 5.5% for T1 and short T2 (<100 ms), respectively. The proposed LRMC MRF reduced residual blurring artifacts with respect to no MC for cardiac or respiratory motion in all cases (2D and 3D myocardial, 3D abdominal). In 2D myocardial MRF, left‐ventricle T1 values were 1150 ± 41 ms for LRMC MRF and 1010 ± 56 ms for MOLLI; T2 values were 43.8 ± 2.3 ms for LRMC MRF and 49.5 ± 4.5 ms for T2 gradient and spin echo. Corresponding measurements for 3D myocardial MRF were 1085 ± 30 ms and 1062 ± 29 ms for T1, and 43.5 ± 1.9 ms and 51.7 ± 1.7 ms for T2. For 3D liver, LRMC MRF measured liver T1 at 565 ± 44 ms and liver T2 at 35.4 ± 2.4 ms.

Conclusion

The proposed LRMC reconstruction enabled generalized (nonrigid) MC for 2D and 3D MRF, both for cardiac and respiratory motion. The proposed approach reduced motion artifacts in the MRF maps with respect to no motion compensation and achieved good agreement with reference measurements.
Modified constitutive relation error for field identification: Theoretical and experimental assessments on fiber orientation identification in a composite material
Authors: Ferrier Renaud , Cocchi Aldo , Hochard Christian
Published: October 2021

This article addresses the application of the modified constitutive relation error to field identification problems in the framework of elastostatics. We show how relevant is the addition of a gradient‐penalizing regularization term (in norm or ), and emphasize the role played by unreliable boundary conditions. This leads to the proposition of a method using two parameters, for which automatic determination is addressed. All theoretical assessments are illustrated on experimental data. The test‐problem consists in the identification of the heterogeneous fiber‐orientation in a woven fabric composite from a unique quasi‐static tensile test with digital image correlation.
optimal control of unknown continuous time linear periodic systems by adaptive dynamic programming with applications to magnetic attitude control
Authors: Jiang Huaiyuan , Zhou Bin
Published: October 2021

This article studies the data‐drivencontroller design of continuous‐time linear periodic systems. By treating theoptimal control problem as a two‐player zero‐sum game problem, the adaptive dynamic programming technique is utilized. Based on the Newton's method, a one‐loop model‐based policy‐iteration (PI) method is introduced. Since the initial matrix for starting the proposed model‐based PI method is not easy to choose, a data‐driven value iteration method without requiring the knowledge of the initial matrix is then proposed. The convergence of the proposed methods is analyzed and the numerical simulation verifies the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Magneto‐sensitive and enzymatic hydrolysis‐resistant systems for the targeted delivery of paclitaxel based on polylactide micelles with an external polyethylene oxide corona
Authors: Pigareva Vladislava A , Alekhina Yulia A , Grozdova Irina D , Zhu Xiaomin , Spiridonov Vasiliy V , Sybachin Andrey V
Published: October 2021

Poly(d,l‐lactide)‐b‐(ethylene glycol) micelles with a mean diameter of 20 nm and a narrow size distribution were obtained by film rehydration. The incorporation of a hydrophobic drug, paclitaxel, into the micelles was studied via various physicochemical methods – dynamic and static light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The loading of the hydrophobic drug did not change the morphology of the micelles. By means of MTT tests it was found that, encapsulated in the micelles, paclitaxel retained its activity towards MCF7 cancer cells with cytotoxicity equal to that of commercial drug Taxol®. Modification of the micelles with maghemite nanoparticles resulted in the formation of magneto‐sensitive micelles with fast response to an external magnetic field: saturation magnetization, 0.6 emu g−1; residual magnetization, 0.1 emu g−1; coercive force, 67.5 Oe. The obtained micelles demonstrated high colloidal stability in a wide range of pH during a long period. A study of the behavior of the empty micelles and micelles loaded with paclitaxel and maghemite in the presence of a specific enzyme – proteinase K – showed that micelles underwent hydrolysis only after a long induction period. The obtained results indicate that maghemite‐modified poly(d,l‐lactide)‐b‐(ethylene oxide) micelles are promising for controlled delivery of hydrophobic drugs. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Heterogeneous photoredox catalysis using fluorescein polymer brush functionalized glass beads
Authors: Bell Kirsten , Freeburne Sarah , Fromel Michele , Oh Hee Jeung , Pester Christian W.
Published: October 2021

Photocatalysis is a valuable and versatile method to perform a variety of chemical transformations under ambient temperatures and pressures using mild visible light. This work showcases an example of fluorescein‐functionalized polymers grafted to micro‐scale glass beads as heterogeneous photoredox catalysts. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to analyze the resulting functional glass beads. Model reactions that are demonstrated include a cyclic condensation and a radical dehalogenation that can both be performed to high yields. Successful recyclability of the fluorescein polymer brush beads is demonstrated with detailed characterization confirming that photocatalytic polymer brushes remain tethered to the surface. As such, this allows for purification and reuse of the heterogeneous photocatalyst beads after simple filtration.
Chemically specific coarse‐graining of polymers: Methods and prospects
Authors: Dhamankar Satyen , Webb Michael A.
Published: October 2021

Coarse‐grained (CG) modeling is an invaluable tool for the study of polymers and other soft matter systems due to the span of spatiotemporal scales that typify their physics and behavior. Given continuing advancements in experimental synthesis and characterization of such systems, there is ever greater need to leverage and expand CG capabilities to simulate diverse soft matter systems with chemical specificity. In this review, we discuss essential modeling techniques, bottom‐up coarse‐graining methodologies, and outstanding challenges for the chemically specific CG modeling of polymer‐based systems. This methodologically oriented discussion is complemented by representative literature examples for polymer simulation; we also offer some advisory practical considerations that should be useful for new researchers. Given its growing importance in the modeling and polymer science community, we further highlight some recent applications of machine learning that enhance CG modeling strategies. Overall, this review provides comprehensive discussion of methods and prospects for the chemically specific coarse‐graining of polymers.
Consideration of the target area of radiotherapy for lung cancer with 4DPET
Authors: Yanlan Zhang , Xianfeng Li , Lingjun Hu
Published: October 2021

Objective

Through the study of 4‐dimensional (4D) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for lung tumor, the delineation of the lung tumor target area was analyzed, the accurate target area was received, and the radiation dose of normal tissue was compared .

Methods

The average 4DPET volume, 3DPET volume, average 4DCT volume, and 3DCT volume of 10 tumors were compared. Taking the relative difference between the average 4D volume and the 3D volume as the difference of the volumes, the influence of the tumor size and the range of motion for 4D volume and 3D volume were studied respectively, then the target areas were delineated respectively, and the radiation doses of the normal tissues associated with the respective target areas were compared after the intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plan was formulated.

Results

The PET volumes of all tumors were smaller than those of CT, no matter 4D or 3D, from small to large, the volume sizes were 3DPET volume, average 4DPET volume, 3DCT volume and average 4DCT volume. The relative volume difference was related to the respiratory movement and the size of the tumors. The average 4DPET volume was 22.8% larger than the average 3DPET volume, and the volume ratio was 1.23. The volume of the average 4DCT was 15.4% larger than that of the average 3DCT, and the volume ratio was 1.16. The average volume of 4DCT was 59.5% larger than that of 4DPET. When the movement amplitude of the tumor was greater than 3 mm and less than 5 mm, the larger the tumor volume, the larger the volume ratio of the average 4DCT volume to the average 4DPET volume, with the maximum value being 1.54. When the tumor movement amplitude was greater than 5 mm, the ratio was about 1.4. When the volume of conventional 3DCT was larger than 5 cm3, the ratio of the average 4DCT volume to the average 4DPET volume was 1.9. The planning target area internal target volume (ITV)3DCT was much larger than that of ITV3DPET, intersected ITV4DCTave and ITV4DPETave, the dose V20 and V5 of normal lung tissue, and the dose V30 of heart were increased accordingly. Of these, the dose of lung and heart of ITV4DPETave was the lowest. The V20 and V5 of lung of ITV4DPETave was about 2% lower than ITV4DCTave.

Conclusion

To delineate lung tumor targets at various positions, particular attention should be paid to the effect of breathing exercises on large movements and large volumes. The target volume seemed to be overestimated by 4DCT, and the average multiphased 4DPET volume was more accurate for delineating the target area while reducing the radiation dose of the lung.
DisCovER: distance‐ and orientation‐based covariational threading for weakly homologous proteins
Authors: Bhattacharya Sutanu , Roche Rahmatullah , Moussad Bernard , Bhattacharya Debswapna
Published: October 2021

Threading a query protein sequence onto a library of weakly homologous structural templates remains challenging, even when sequence‐based predicted contact or distance information is used. Contact‐assisted or distance‐assisted threading methods utilize only the spatial proximity of the interacting residue pairs for template selection and alignment, ignoring their orientation. Moreover, existing threading methods fail to consider the neighborhood effect induced by the query–template alignment. We present a new distance‐ and orientation‐based covariational threading method called DisCovER by effectively integrating information from inter‐residue distance and orientation along with the topological network neighborhood of a query–template alignment. Our method first selects a subset of templates using standard profile‐based threading coupled with topological network similarity terms to account for the neighborhood effect and subsequently performs distance‐ and orientation‐based query–template alignment using an iterative double dynamic programming framework. Multiple large‐scale benchmarking results on query proteins classified as weakly homologous from the continuous automated model evaluation experiment and from the current literature show that our method outperforms several existing state‐of‐the‐art threading approaches, and that the integration of the neighborhood effect with the inter‐residue distance and orientation information synergistically contributes to the improved performance of DisCovER. DisCovER is freely available at https://github.com/Bhattacharya-Lab/DisCovER.
Modified SILAR Grown ZnO Films on p‐Si(100) with Enhanced Charge Separation for UV Light Sensing Application
Authors: Ontolan Jose Presiphil B. , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Yamakata Akira , Vequizo Reynaldo M.
Published: October 2021

Herein, the growth of pristine ZnO nanostructures thin film on p‐Si(100) by modified successive ionic layer adsorption‐reduction method, revealing significant improvement in the charge collection for ultraviolet light detection, is reported. The deposited ZnO exhibits spindle‐like and hexagonal structure that grows preferentially along the c‐axis. Two‐probe electrical measurements validate the rectifying nature of the constructed n‐ZnO/p‐Si(100), revealing a substantial 11.3‐fold increase in photocurrent at room temperature under 375 nm irradiation at +3 V working voltage. The drastic increase in photocurrent is linked to efficient charge separation caused by charge transfer and band bending effects, as indicated by microsecond time‐resolved absorption measurements, providing useful information for device development.
Bayesian Estimation of Equivalent Circuit Parameters of Photovoltaic Cell with S‐Shaped Current–Voltage Characteristic
Authors: Tada Kazuya
Published: October 2021

An S‐shaped current–voltage characteristic is frequently observed in a photovoltaic cell using emerging materials such as organic semiconductors and organic–inorganic perovskite materials. The opposed two‐diode equivalent circuit model, whose explicit analytical solution is known, can reproduce the S‐shaped characteristic. However, since the number of parameters is as high as eight, it is not easy to extract the equivalent circuit parameters from experimental data by curve fitting. Herein, the Bayesian estimation in extracting the equivalent circuit parameters of the opposed two‐diode model is demonstrated. Unlike the traditional nonlinear least‐squares method, the Bayesian estimation practically does not require any tuning of the initial values and gives the information on the error of the estimates.
ITO/SnO2 Interface Defect Passivation via Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3 for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Liu Weiqing , Sun Jingsong , Shou Chunhui , Yu Gang , Yang Qing , Yang Weichuang , Yan Baojie , Sheng Jiang , Ye Jichun
Published: October 2021

Indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate is widely used as a transparent electrode in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the intrinsic defects, especially on the ITO surface, are one of the most key factors to restrict the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs. Herein, a facile method to passivate the defects of the ITO/SnO2 interface using an ultrathin aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer through atomic layer deposition, of which the film thickness is exactly regulated, is first demonstrated. With the optimized film thickness, carrier recombination at the ITO/SnO2 interface is effectively suppressed within the three‐cycle Al2O3 layer, which results in an improved charge carrier collection efficiency from the SnO2 electron transporting layer to the ITO electrode. Furthermore, a thinner Al2O3 film (one cycle) does not passivate the interface defect effectively, and a thicker Al2O3 film (five cycles) retards the charge carrier extraction at the ITO/SnO2 interface. The average PCE of the three‐cycle Al2O3‐based PSC is 19.43%, among which the champion PCE is 20.24%, showing a significant improvement compared with the counterpart with an average PCE of 18.50%.
Novel Dopant Tailored Fibers Using Vapor Phase Chelate Delivery Technique
Authors: Choudhury Nilotpal , Chowdhury Sajib , Das Chowdhury Sourav , Kumar Shekhar Nishant , Jain Deepak , Sen Ranjan , Dhar Anirban
Published: October 2021

The vapor phase chelate delivery (VPCD) technique in conjunction with the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process is adopted to fabricate fibers with customized doping profiles. The three large‐mode area (LMA) step‐index fibers with different rare‐earth doping profiles in the core region, such as uniform doping, centralized doping, and circumferential doping, are fabricated by optimizing the fabrication parameters. The fibers are tested in a cladding‐pumped amplifier configuration and their output beam qualities and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are characterized. The investigation reveals that the fiber with centralized doping in the core region exhibits lowerM2compared with the fibers with uniform and circumferential doping, as it has a lower overlap of the higher‐order modes with the doped region. The experimental result is further affirmed through theoretically simulated results. The developed fabrication technique shows potential to fabricate specialty fibers of varied designs, where customized doping profiles are required.
Industrial High Throughput Emitter Formation and Thermal Oxidation for Silicon Solar Cells by the High Temperature Stack Oxidation Approach
Authors: Meßmer Marius , Lohmüller Sabrina , Weber Julian , Wolf Andreas
Published: October 2021

Herein, the high temperature stack oxidation (HiTSOx) approach for the fabrication of passivated emitter and rear cells (PERCs) is investigated. This approach features a combination of phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) diffusion shortened to the phosphosilicate glass (PSG) deposition phase as well as high temperature thermal oxidation using stacked wafers. During the latter thermal oxidation, the incorporated phosphorus is redistributed and diffuses deeper into the silicon wafer. The simultaneously growing thermal dioxide serves as a passivation layer. Due to the use of stacked wafers, the throughput of the HiTSOx approach is three times higher in comparison to state‐of‐the‐art oxidation at moderate temperature. Applying a busbarless metallization layout, a median energy conversion efficiency of η = 22.2% is achieved for the HiTSOx approach, being similar to the performance of the reference group with state‐of‐the‐art PERC processing also with η = 22.2%. Despite stacking of the wafers during the thermal oxidation, an excellent homogeneity of the oxide layer thickness of ±1 nm over the wafer surface is found, whereas the passivation quality features dark saturation current densities j0e as low as j0e = (30 ± 3) fA cm−2 at emitter sheet resistances Rsh = (199 ± 6) Ω sq−1.
Investigation of the Persistence Conductivity and Photoelectric Characteristics in Detectors with Interdigital Electrodes Based on β‐Ga2O3
Authors: Kalygina Vera , Tsymbalov Alexander , Almaev Aleksei , Petrova Julianna , Podzyvalov Sergey
Published: October 2021

Herein, the electrical and photoelectric characteristics of solar‐blind UV detectors based on β‐Ga2O3 films with interdigital electrodes are presented. The sensors with interdigital electrodes have interelectrode spacing d = 5, 10, 30, and 50 μm. The structures exhibit high sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of λ = 254 nm. The detectors with the smallest interelectrode spacing (5 μm) demonstrate the highest photocurrent value. The detectors have a saturation region on the current–voltage characteristics under UV irradiation, which shifts to the region of lower voltages with decreasing interelectrode spacing. A mechanism to explain the presence of the saturation region on the I–V characteristic is proposed. The sensors exhibit high value of a persistence photoconductivity, which decreases exponentially with an estimated value of the time constant t
1 = 59–63 s.
Classical observables from coherent-spin amplitudes
Authors: Aoude Rafael , Ochirov Alexander
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The quantum field-theoretic approach to classical observables due to Kosower, Maybee and O’Connell provides a rigorous pathway from on-shell scattering amplitudes to classical perturbation theory. In this paper, we promote this formalism to describe general classical spinning objects by using coherent spin states. Our approach is fully covariant with respect to the massive little group SU(2) and is therefore completely synergistic with the massive spinor-helicity formalism. We apply this approach to classical two-body scattering due gravitational interaction. Starting from the coherent-spin elastic-scattering amplitude, we derive the classical impulse and spin kick observables to first post-Minkowskian order but to all orders in the angular momenta of the massive spinning objects. From the same amplitude, we also extract an effective two-body Hamiltonian, which can be used beyond the scattering setting. As a cross-check, we rederive the classical observables in the center-of-mass frame by integrating the Hamiltonian equations of motion to the leading order in Newton’s constant.
Evaluating the impact of climate change on extreme temperature and precipitation events over the Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Ahsan Shafkat , Bhat M. Sultan , Alam Akhtar , Farooq Hakim , Shiekh Hilal Ahmad
Published: October 2021

The frequency and severity of climatic extremes is expected to escalate in the future primarily because of the increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. This study aims to assess the impact of climate change on the extreme temperature and precipitation scenarios using climate indices in the Kashmir Himalaya. The analysis has been carried out for the twenty-first century under different representative concentration pathways (RCPs) through the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) and ClimPACT2. The simulation reveals that the climate in the region will get progressively warmer in the future by increments of 0.36–1.48 °C and 0.65–1.07 °C in mean maximum and minimum temperatures respectively, during 2080s (2071–2100) relative to 1980–2010 under RCP8.5. The annual precipitation is likely to decrease by a maximum of 2.09–6.61% (2080s) under RCP8.5. The seasonal distribution of precipitation is expected to alter significantly with winter, spring, and summer seasons marking reductions of 9%, 5.7%, and 1.7%, respectively during 2080s under RCP8.5. The results of extreme climate evaluation show significant increasing trends for warm temperature-based indices and decreasing trends for cold temperature-based indices. Precipitation indices on the other hand show weaker and spatially incoherent trends with a general tendency towards dry regimes. The projected scenarios of extreme climate indices may result in large-scale adverse impacts on the environment and ecological resource base of the Kashmir Himalaya.
Transcutaneous vagal nerve simulation to reduce a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the associated intestinal failure: study protocol of a prospective, two-armed, sham-controlled, double-blinded trial in healthy subjects (the NeuroSIRS-Study)
Authors: van Beekum Cornelius J. , von Websky Martin W. , Willis Maria A. , Panknin Christina , Coenen Martin , Fimmers Rolf , Kalff Jörg C. , Wehner Sven , Vilz Tim O.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Surgery initiates pro-inflammatory mediator cascades leading to a variably pronounced sterile inflammation (SIRS). SIRS is associated with intestinal paralysis and breakdown of intestinal barrier and might result in abdominal sepsis. Technological progress led to the development of a neurostimulator for transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS), which is associated with a decline in inflammatory parameters and peristalsis improvement in rodents and healthy subjects via activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Therefore, taVNS might be a strategy for SIRS prophylaxis.

Methods

The NeuroSIRS-Study is a prospective, randomized two-armed, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. The study is registered at DRKS00016892 (09.07.2020). A controlled endotoxemia is used as a SIRS-mimicking model. 2 ng/kg bodyweight lipopolysaccharide (LPS) will be administered after taVNS or sham stimulation. The primary objective is a reduction of clinical symptoms of SIRS after taVNS compared to sham stimulation. Effects of taVNS on release of inflammatory cytokines, intestinal function, and vital parameters will be analyzed.

Discussion

TaVNS is well-tolerated, with little to no side effects. Despite not fully mimicking postoperative inflammation, LPS challenge is the most used experimental tool to imitate SIRS and offers standardization and reproducibility. The restriction to healthy male volunteers exerts a certain bias limiting generalizability to the surgical population. Still, this pilot study aims to give first insights into taVNS as a prophylactic treatment in postoperative inflammation to pave the way for further clinical trials in patients at risk for SIRS. This would have major implications for future therapeutic approaches.
No evidence of spatial representation of age, but “own-age bias” like face processing found in chimpanzees
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuri , Tomonaga Masaki , Adachi Ikuma
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have revealed that non-human primates can differentiate the age category of faces. However, the knowledge about age recognition in non-human primates is very limited and whether non-human primates can process facial age information in a similar way to humans is unknown. As humans have an association between time and space (e.g., a person in an earlier life stage to the left and a person in a later life stage to the right), we investigated whether chimpanzees spatially represent conspecifics’ adult and infant faces. Chimpanzees were tested using an identical matching-to-sample task with conspecific adult and infant face stimuli. Two comparison images were presented vertically (Experiment 1) or horizontally (Experiment 2). We analyzed whether the response time was influenced by the position and age category of the target stimuli, but there was no evidence of correspondence between space and adult/infant faces. Thus, evidence of the spatial representation of the age category was not found. However, we did find that the response time was consistently faster when they discriminated between adult faces than when they discriminated between infant faces in both experiments. This result is in line with a series of human face studies that suggest the existence of an “own-age bias.” As far as we know, this is the first report of asymmetric face processing efficiency between infant and adult faces in non-human primates.
Baseline characteristics and outcome for aneurysmal versus non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Conzen Catharina , Weiss Miriam , Albanna Walid , Seyfried Katharina , Schmidt Tobias P. , Nikoubashman Omid , Stoppe Christian , Clusmann Hans , Schubert Gerrit A.
Published: October 2021

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of patients with mild aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal perimesencephalic and non-perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH, pmSAH, npmSAH) with emphasis on admission biomarkers, clinical course, and outcome. A prospective cohort of 115 patients with aSAH (Hunt and Hess 1–3) and of 35 patients without aneurysms (16 pmSAH and 19 npmSAH) admitted between January 2014 and January 2020 was included. Demographic data, blood samples on admission, complications (hydrocephalus, shunt dependency, delayed cerebral ischemia DCI, DCI-related infarction, and mortality), and outcome after 6 months were analyzed. Demographic data was comparable between all groups except for age (aSAH 55 [48–65] vs. npmSAH 60 [56–68] vs. pmSAH 52 [42–60], p = 0.032) and loss of consciousness (33% vs. 0% vs. 0%, p = 0.0004). Admission biomarkers showed poorer renal function and highest glucose levels for npmSAH patients. Complication rate in npmSAH was high and comparable to that of aSAH patients (hydrocephalus, shunt dependency, DCI, DCI-related infarction, mortality), but nearly absent in patients with pmSAH. Favorable outcome after 6 months was seen in 92.9% of pmSAH, 83.3% of npmSAH, and 62.7% of aSAH (p = 0.0264). In this prospective cohort of SAH patients, npmSAH was associated with a complicated clinical course, comparable to that of patients with aSAH. In contrast, such complications were nearly absent in pmSAH patients, suggesting fundamental differences in the pathophysiology of patients with different types of non-aneurysmal hemorrhage. Our findings underline the importance for a precise terminology according the hemorrhage etiology as a basis for more vigilant management of npmSAH patients. NCT02142166, 05/20/2014, retrospectively registered.
A phase 2, open-label, multicenter study of ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in adult Japanese patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Iida Shinsuke , Izumi Tohru , Komeno Takuya , Terui Yasuhito , Chou Takaaki , Ikeda Takashi , Berg Deborah , Fukunaga Shinichi , Sugiura Kenkichi , Sasaki Makoto
Published: October 2021

Background

TOURMALINE-MM1 was a global study that demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival with ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone compared with placebo plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone, in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. The current study was conducted to evaluate further the efficacy and safety of ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in Japanese patients.

Methods

This phase 2, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study enrolled patients aged ≥ 20 years with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma at 16 sites in Japan. Patients refractory to lenalidomide or proteasome inhibitor-based therapy at any line were excluded. The primary endpoint was the rate of very good partial response or better in the response-evaluable analysis set. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, overall response rate, duration of response, time to progression, overall survival and safety.

Results

In total, 34 patients were enrolled. The rate of very good partial response or better was 50.0% (95% confidence interval 31.9–68.1) and the overall response rate was 84.4% (95% confidence interval 67.2–94.7). Median progression-free survival was 22.0 months (95% confidence interval 17.3–not evaluable) and median overall survival was not estimable. The safety profile of ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in this study was similar to that in the TOURMALINE-MM1 study.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in Japanese patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma are comparable with reported TOURMALINE-MM1 study results.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT02917941; date of registration September 28, 2016.
Calcium hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as a reinforcement filler in dental resin nanocomposite
Authors: Akhtar Khalida , Pervez Cynthia , Zubair Naila , Khalid Hina
Published: October 2021

The current study focuses on the fabrication of calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) (HA) in a nanorange having whiskers- and cubic-shaped uniform particle morphology. The synthesized HA particles hold a promising feature as reinforcement fillers in dental acrylic resin composite. They increase the efficacy of reinforcement by length and aspect ratio, uniformity, and monodispersity. Therefore, the acrylic resin was reinforced with the as-synthesized monodispersed HA filler particles (0.2–1 Wt%). The presence of filler particles in the composite had a noticeable effect on the tribological and mechanical properties of the dental material. The morphological effect of HA particles on these properties was also investigated, revealing that cubic-shaped particles showed better results than whiskers. The as-fabricated composite (0.4 Wt%) of the cubic-shaped filler particles showed maximum hardness and improved antiwear/antifriction properties. Particle loading played its part in determining the optimum condition, whereas particle size also influenced the reinforcement efficiency. The current study revealed that particle morphology, particle size, uniformity, etc., of HA fillers, greatly influenced the tribological and mechanical properties of the acrylic resin-based nanocomposite. Improvement in the tribological properties of HA particle-reinforced acrylic resin composites (HA–acrylic resin) followed the trend as AR < CmC < WC < CC.
DNA metabarcoding dietary analyses of the wood mouse Apodemus speciosus on Innoshima Island, Japan, and implications for primer choice
Authors: Sato Jun J. , Ohtsuki Yuya , Nishiura Naoki , Mouri Kumi
Published: October 2021

We used DNA metabarcoding to assess the seasonal diets of the large Japanese wood mouse, Apodemus speciosus (Muridae, Rodentia), in forest edges adjacent to citrus orchards on Innoshima Island, Japan. We used one chloroplast and three mitochondrial DNA barcoding markers to determine mouse diets. Among the various plant and invertebrate diets, A. speciosus typically consumed Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis) in early spring (likely acorns preserved during winter) and gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar, a forest pest) in late spring and summer. In addition, we found that A. speciosus also preyed on orchard pests, including the gutta stink bug and other potentially harmful invertebrates. The season during which A. speciosus preyed on stink bugs corresponded with the harvest of orchard products. This study revealed several of the ecological roles of A. speciosus within the boundary zone between forest and human ecosystems. Furthermore, based on the performance of various mitochondrial markers in dietary profiling of invertebrate food items, we recommend the multi-locus DNA metabarcoding method to comprehensively assess the diet of A. speciosus.
Regularity of the Donaldson Geometric Flow
Authors: Krom Robin S.
Published: October 2021

We prove a regularity theorem for the solutions of the Donaldson geometric flow equation on the space of symplectic forms on a closed smooth four-manifold, representing a fixed cohomology class. The minimal initial conditions lay in the Besov space$B^{1,p}_{2}(M, {\varLambda }^{2})$B21,p(M,Λ2)forp> 4. The Donaldson geometric flow was introduced by Simon Donaldson in Donaldson (Asian J. Math.3, 1–16 1999). For a detailed exposition see Krom and Salamon (J. Symplectic Geom.17, 381–417 2019).
Ultrasonic Diagnosis of Lissencephaly: Literature Review and A Case Report
Authors: Peng Shu-Wang , Peng Ke-Ping , Tian Gui-Xiang , Cao Xue-Ying , Liu Ming-Hui , Dong Qing-Yi
Published: October 2021

Lissencephaly is a malformation of cortical development associated with deficient neuronal migration and abnormal formation of gyri. The natural course includes developmental delay, mental retardation, epileptic seizures, and microcephaly. Early diagnosis of lissencephaly is very important to give couples reproductive choices. Cranial ultrasonography is often used for the initial evaluation of intracranial abnormalities in fetuses and infants, and we believe that it is a safe and cost-efficient alternative to MRI and CT in many cases. This study combines a case of lissencephaly in our hospital and related literature review, to explore the clinical manifestations, epileptic seizures and ultrasonographic features of the disease, in order to improve the understanding of the disease.
The way towards food sustainability: some insights for pasta supply chain
Authors: Faggini Marisa , Cosimato Silvia , Parziale Anna
Published: October 2021

Over the last decades, circular economy and its implications for sustainability have gained momentum in several socio-economic domains (e.g., academia, industry, politics, society), even though the relationship between them remains poorly understood. This situation has blurred the conceptual definition of both terms, limiting their research and practice effectiveness. To counteract this situation, scholars and policymakers are approaching Circular Economy as able to inspire the development of sustainable development strategies and to increase the sustainability of the current economic system, balancing the need for economic development and the importance of protecting environmental resources and people wellbeing. Drawing on the previous considerations, this study aims to contribute to address this gap, better understanding how a circular economy approach can contribute to challenge the number of sustainability issues that currently affect supply chains. In doing so, the analysis has been focused on the investigation of a specific supply chain, the pasta supply chain. To this end, after a brief theoretical recognition, an interpretative model has been proposed for better recognizing and describing the enhancing actions that—at each supply chain’s stages—can improve process efficiency, output effectiveness and, therefore, the overall sector sustainability. However, it is worth noting that the inherently theoretical nature of the study somewhat limits it; therefore, future empirical research is needed to further test the proposed model, applying it to other real applicative sets.
Anonymization of German financial documents using neural network-based language models with contextual word representations
Authors: Biesner David , Ramamurthy Rajkumar , Stenzel Robin , Lübbering Max , Hillebrand Lars , Ladi Anna , Pielka Maren , Loitz Rüdiger , Bauckhage Christian , Sifa Rafet
Published: October 2021

The automatization and digitalization of business processes have led to an increase in the need for efficient information extraction from business documents. However, financial and legal documents are often not utilized effectively by text processing or machine learning systems, partly due to the presence of sensitive information in these documents, which restrict their usage beyond authorized parties and purposes. To overcome this limitation, we develop an anonymization method for German financial and legal documents using state-of-the-art natural language processing methods based on recurrent neural nets and transformer architectures. We present a web-based application to anonymize financial documents and a large-scale evaluation of different deep learning techniques.
On the use of paper to facilitate recyclability of suspension packaging
Authors: Nica W. , Roman J. , Slaets P. , Juwet M.
Published: October 2021

Background of this research is suspension packaging: fragile goods are attached to a panel of cardboard by wrapping it in stretch film. The panel is then appropriately folded, and the whole thing is placed in a cardboard box of corresponding dimensions. The primary objective of this study is to identify paper types that might be used in future as a more sustainable alternative for stretch wrap film. The experimental methods that are utilized are basically variants of mechanical pulling tests on paper samples. Sample preparation and sample size are adopted from international standards, but displacement control is adopted to detect relevant stretchability properties. Some kraft papers show a high ultimate tensile stress and a moderate stretchability, mainly permanent stretch as expected. Although the ultimate tensile stress of paper from recycled fibers is lower, some of these paper grades show a considerable higher stretchability including a higher elastic stretch. It is concluded that both kraft paper and paper grades from recycled fibers may be applicable as a wrapping material for suspension packaging. Further experimental research is needed to identify appropriate wrapping parameters for each paper type.
Enhancing design method training with insights from educational research–improving and evaluating a training course for a qualitative modelling method
Authors: Grauberger Patric , Eisenmann Matthias , Stoitzner Julian , Matthiesen Sven
Published: October 2021

This study presents an approach for identification and elimination of challenges in modelling in embodiment design. These challenges can be caused either by the modelling method or the corresponding training course. To investigate the efficacy of a modelling method, first challenges of the corresponding training course need to be addressed. The study is conducted at a training course of the modelling method of the Contact and Channel Approach. A situation analysis of the training course is conducted in three application with 45 participants. Based on the findings, the training course is improved through application of insights from educational research that correspond to the identified challenges. A concluding evaluation takes place with 20 participants. The improvement of the training course takes place based on identification of challenges in the four areas of didactic elements, content structure, visualization and practical modelling in evaluations. Modularization is needed for purposeful training of different target groups. An issue regarding the practical modelling indicates a clearer view on the efficacy of the modelling method.

Article highlights

Identification of challenges in a training course for qualitative modelling in embodiment design through free text evaluation in three applications.

Clustering of the evaluation results enabled identification of suitable findings from educational research to eliminate challenges in the training course.

Conflicts of objectives regarding content and time can be addressed by modularization, however, this increases the effort needed for investigations.
Environmental life cycle assessment of supercapacitor electrode production using algae derived biochar aerogel
Authors: Jiang Zhixiang , Zou Yihui , Li Yue , Kong Fanlong , Yang Dongjiang
Published: October 2021

Porous carbon aerogel material has gained an increasing attraction for developing supercapacitor electrodes due to its cost-effective synthesis process and relatively high electrochemical performance. However, the environmental performances of supercapacitor electrodes produced from different carbon aerogel materials are never comparatively studied, hindering our knowledge of supercapacitor electrode production in a sustainable pattern. In this study, nitrogen-doped biochar aerogel-based electrode (BA-electrode) produced from Entermorpha prolifera was simulated to investigate the environmental performance by using life cycle assessment method. For comparison, the assessment of graphene oxide aerogel-based electrode (GOA-electrode) was also carried out. It can be observed that the life cycle global warming potential for the BA-electrode was lower than that of GOA-electrode with a reduction of 53.1‒68.1%. In comparison with GOA-electrode, the BA-electrodes endowed smaller impacts on environment in majority of impact categories. Moreover, in comparison with GOA-electrode, the environmental damages of BA-electrode were greatly decreased by 35.8‒56.4% (human health), 44.9‒62.6% (ecosystems), and 87.0‒91.2% (resources), respectively. The production stages of GOA and graphene oxide and stages of nitrogen-doped biochar aerogel production and Entermorpha prolifera drying were identified as the hotspots of environmental impact/damage for the GOA-electrode and BA-electrode, respectively. Overall, this finding highlights the efficient utilization of algae feedstock to construct a green and sustainable technical route of supercapacitor electrode production.