bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface/Interface Engineering of Carbon‐Based Materials for Constructing Multidimensional Functional Hybrids
Authors: Han Chuang , Li Yue-Hua , Qi Ming-Yu , Zhang Fan , Tang Zi-Rong , Xu Yi-Jun
Published: March 2020

Carbonaceous materials (CMs), such as carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, graphene, carbon quantum dots, graphdiyne, and their derivatives, have sparked enormous excitement because of their attractive properties and great potential for solar energy conversion applications. Although pristine CMs are known for their unique electronic structure, optical properties, and thermal conductivity, many research fields and applications require functionalized CMs with integrated physicochemical properties and tunable dimensionality. Structurally modifying CMs through various surface/interface engineering reveals the numerous possibilities for tuning their architectures and properties. This Review mainly focuses on the basic surface/interface engineering issues of diverse CMs. The effects of surface/interfacial engineering in versatile systems as well as the excellent mechanical, electronic, optical properties and applications of the functionalized CMs‐based composites are highlighted. Some ongoing challenges and possible solutions for future exploration of CMs‐based functional composites are critically discussed.
Response of soil bacterial community and geochemical parameters to cyclic groundwater‐level oscillations in laboratory columns
Authors: Xia Xuefeng , Cheng Lirong , Zhu Yi , Liu Yueqiao , Wang Kai , Ding Aizhong , Cai Zuansi , Shi Huansheng , Zuo Lili
Published: March 2020

Groundwater‐level oscillations change geochemical conditions, C cycling processes, and bacterial community composition, and these changes may vary vertically with depth in a soil. In this study, soil column experiments were conducted to explore variations in soil bacterial community composition and its associated geochemical parameters to rapid short‐term cyclic groundwater‐level oscillations driven by natural fluctuations (NF) and rainfall infiltration (RI), and the results are compared with a quasistatic (QS) column. Water saturation patterns in vadose and oscillated zones, and O2 level patterns, soil total organic C (TOC) removal rates, and soil bacterial community composition in vadose, oscillated, and saturated zones were evaluated. Results showed that water saturation and O2 level oscillated with groundwater level in NF and RI columns. Total organic C removal rates in RI column were the highest across vadose (∼38.4%), oscillated (∼35.8%), and saturated (∼35.2%) zones. Deltaproteobacteria, which were significantly correlated with TOC removal (p < .05), were found in higher abundance in the vadose and oscillated zones of the RI column than in the QS and NF columns. Soil bacterial community structure was dynamic at the class level due to water saturation, O2 level, and TOC removal. Total organic C removal was the driver to separate the distribution of bacterial community structure in the vadose and oscillated zones of the RI column from those of the QS and NF columns. This study suggests that RI induced rapid, short‐term, cyclic, groundwater‐level oscillations could significantly influence both the soil C cycle and bacterial community structure in the vadose and oscillated zones.
Why and How to Study Trade Union Cooperation in Europe?
Authors: Furåker Bengt , Larsson Bengt
Published: March 2020

This chapter gives a general background to the issue of transnational union cooperation in Europe and presents the aim, outline and delimitations of the book. It also pays attention to a number of concepts that can be relevant in the analysis of European trade unions and industrial relations. In this way, a theoretical context is provided for the analyses to come. There is moreover a rather detailed description of the empirical materials and methods used in the following chapters.
Diffusion-weighted imaging as a follow-up modality for evaluation of major salivary gland function in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Fan Wen-jun , Teng Feng , Luo Yan-rong , Yu Wei , Zhang Qian , Lu Yi-ping , Ma Lin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To investigate the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in assessing dynamic changes of major salivary gland function during follow-up post radiotherapy (RT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Materials and methods

31 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed NPC scheduled for RT underwent six routine follow-up MRI examinations including DWI sequence prior to (pre-RT) and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post RT. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of bilateral parotid glands (PGs) and submandibular glands (SMGs) were measured. Objective measurement of salivary flow rate (SFR) under unstimulated (uSFR) and stimulated conditions (sSFR) as well as subjective xerostomia assessment according to a patient-rated questionnaire were conducted before each MRI. Variance analysis was used to evaluate dynamic changes of ADC, SFR and xerostomia questionnaire summary scores (XQ-sum) at different timepoints and the correlation between ADC and XQ-sum. Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate the correlations between pre- and post-RT changes of ADC (ΔADC) and SFR (ΔSFR) or mean RT dose.

Results

At each timepoint, ADCs of PGs were significantly lower than of SMGs, uSFR was significantly lower than sSFR. For both PGs and SMGs, ADCpost-RT were all higher than ADCpre-RT, with significant differences. ADC1m-post-RT initially increased and changed little to ADC3m-post-RT, ADC6m-post-RT, ADC9m-post-RT, and ADC12m-post-RT, then gradually declined over time. The dynamic change trends of SFR were negatively paralleled to those of ADC, while that of XQ-sum was similar. Dose–response relationships were detected between salivary gland mean RT dose and ΔADC. In PGs, negative correlations between ΔsSFR9m-post-RT and ΔADC9m-post-RT, and ΔsSFR12m-post-RT and ΔADC12m-post-RT were detected. In SMGs, negative correlations between ΔsSFR12m-post-RT and ΔADC12m-post-RT, and ΔuSFR12m-post-RT and ΔADC12m-post-RT were also detected. The ADCs of patients with severe subjective xerostomia were significantly higher, while patients with moderate subjective xerostomia presented a tendency toward higher ADCs compared to those with mild xerostomia from 6 to 12 months post RT.

Conclusion

As part of routine follow-up MRI in NPC patients, DWI might be a promising modality for follow-up assessing the dynamic changes of major salivary gland function and might be more powerful in the late post-RT period.
Dystonia Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (DNMSQuest) zur Erhebung nichtmotorischer Symptome bei Dystonie
Authors: Klingelhoefer L. , Jost W. , Odin P. , Storch A. , Ray Chaudhuri K. , Reichmann H.
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Nichtmotorische Symptome (NMS) bei Patienten mit Dystonie haben einen relevanten Einfluss auf die Lebensqualität. Ein rein auf NMS bei Dystonie bezogenes Messinstrument existiert nicht.

Ziel

Die validierte deutsche Version des Dystonia Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (DNMSQuest) zur Erhebung von NMS bei kraniozervikaler Dystonie wird hier vorgestellt.

Methoden

Der DNMSQuest in deutscher Sprache wurde nach international anerkannten Standards zum Vorgehen der interkulturellen Adaptation selbst auszufüllender Patientenfragebögen erstellt. So erfolgte die Übersetzung des englischen Originalfragebogens ins Deutsche sowie die Rückübersetzung unabhängig voneinander durch insgesamt vier bilinguale Neurologen mit Schwerpunkt Bewegungsstörungen. Von einem weiteren Neurologen wurde jeweils eine von den Übersetzern akzeptierte Konsensusfassung erstellt. Der englische Originalfragebogen wurde mit der rückübersetzten englischen Version von einem Neurologen mit maßgeblicher Beteiligung an der Entwicklung des Originalfragebogens auf sprachliche und inhaltliche Abweichungen kontrolliert. Die finale deutsche Version wurde bei 130 Patienten mit zervikaler Dystonie sowie 48 gesunden Kontrollen bei der internationalen, multizentrischen Validierungsstudie angewendet.

Ergebnisse

Es entstand eine interkulturell adaptierte, in deutscher und englischer Sprache validierte Fassung des DNMSQuest.

Diskussion

Der DNMSQuest kann die aktuell bestehende Lücke eines validierten, krankheitsspezifischen, durch die Patienten selbst auszufüllenden, kurzen, umfassenden Fragebogen zur Erhebung von NMS bei zervikaler Dystonie schließen. Er kann einfach in den klinischen Alltag integriert werden und empfiehlt sich für die klinische Praxis sowie zur Anwendung in klinischen Studien.
There is no general use of thromboprophylaxis and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a nation-wide survey of ACL surgeons in Sweden
Authors: Ekdahl Victor , Stålman Anders , Forssblad Magnus , Samuelsson Kristian , Edman Gunnar , Kraus Schmitz Jesper
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The use of prophylaxis for thromboembolism and infection in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is not well documented and no general guidelines have been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ACL surgeons’ individual strategies of thromboprophylaxis, use of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis and vancomycin-soaked ACL grafts, and if its use is supported in the current literature. Additionally, the rationale for use of tourniquet was analysed.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to all Swedish ACL surgeons who are registered in the Swedish Knee Ligament Register (SKLR), asking about prescription of thromboprophylaxis, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis, the use of vancomycin-soaked graft and the use of a tourniquet during surgery. The responses were assessed for agreement and the thromboprophylaxis data were analysed in relation to the 2016 SKLR data.

Results

115 (75%) ACL surgeons responded to the survey. 81.7% prescribed thromboprophylaxis only when risk factors, such as history of thrombosis and the use of oral contraceptives, were present. Female gender, older age and admitted patient were considered the risk factors with the lowest impact. The respondents were generally restrictive regarding the use of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis. The use of vancomycin-soaked graft was used by only nine (8%) surgeons representing 406 (13%) of the surgeries.

Conclusion

Swedish ACL surgeons are generally restrictive using thromboprophylaxis and only when risk factors are present. However, there is a lack of consensus in how to weigh the different risk factors and it does not completely adhere to the existing literature.Prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is rarely used and the use of vancomycin soaking of graft is very limited and applies only to a small number of surgeons. The use of tourniquet is common. There is a need for ACL-specific guidelines regarding the use of thromboprophylaxis.

Level of evidence

IV.
Correction to: Vancomycin-soaked autografts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post-operative infection without affecting return to sport or knee function
Authors: Bohu Yoann , Klouche Shahnaz , Sezer Hasan Basri , Herman Serge , Grimaud Olivier , Gerometta Antoine , Meyer Alain , Lefevre Nicolas
Published: March 2020

The article Vancomycin‑soaked autografts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post‑operative infection without affecting return to sport or knee function, written by Yoann Bohu.
Generic regularity of differentiated product oligopolies
Authors: Zierhut Michael
Published: March 2020

In oligopoly models with differentiated products, producers face a market demand function that reflects the preferences of consumers. However, typical assumptions on preferences place only weak restrictions on the shape of aggregate demand. This may result in profit functions that are not strictly quasiconcave, in best-reply correspondences that are not differentiable, and in equilibria that are not robust to perturbations. This paper establishes differentiability and robustness as a generic property: for an open, dense set of economies, best replies are differentiable in a neighborhood of equilibria, which is a precondition for comparative statics. All these economies have a finite number of equilibria in pure strategies.
Theorems and rules connecting bond energy and bond order with electronegativity equalization and hardness maximization
Authors: von Szentpály László
Published: March 2020

Bond orders are attributed a new role in rationalizing the electronegativity equalization (ENE) and maximum hardness (MH) rules. The following rules and theorems are formulated for chemical species (atoms, groups, molecules), X, Y, XY, their ionization energies, I, electron affinities, A, electronegativity, χ = ½(I + A), and chemical hardness, η = ½ (I − A). Rule 1 Sanderson’s principle of electronegativity equalization is supported (individual deviations < 10%) by association reactions, X + Y → XY, if the ionic bond dissociation energies are equal, D (XY+) = D (XY−), or, equivalently, if the relative bond orders are equal, BOrel (XY+) = BOrel (XY−). Rule 2 Sanderson’s principle of electronegativity equalization is supported (individual deviations < 10%) by association reactions, X + Y → XY, if the formal bond orders, FBO, of the ions are equal, FBO (XY+) = FBO (XY−). Theorem 1 The electronegativity is not equalized by association reactions, X + Y → XY, if the formal bond orders of the ions differ, FBO (XY+) − FBO (XY−) ≠ 0. Theorem 2 The chemical hardness is increased by nonpolar bond formation, 2X → X2, if (and for atomic X: if and only if) the sum BOrel (X2+) + BOrel (X2−) < 2. Rule 3 The chemical hardness is decreased, thus the “maximum hardness principle” violated by association reactions, X + Y → XY, if (but not only if) BOrel (XY+) + BOrel (XY−) > 2. The theorems are proved, and the rules corroborated with the help of elementary thermochemical cycles according to the first law of thermodynamics. They place new conditions on the “structural principles” ENE and MH. The performances of different electronegativities and hardness scales are compared with respect to ENE and MH. The scales based on valence-state energies perform consistently better than scales based on ground-state energies. The present work provides the explanation for the order of magnitude better performance of valence-state ENE compared to that of the ground-state ENE. We here show by a new approach that the combination of several fuzzy concepts clarifies the situation and helps in defining the range of validity of rules and principles derived from such concepts.
Wood-water relationships and their role for wood susceptibility to fungal decay
Authors: Brischke Christian , Alfredsen Gry
Published: March 2020

Wood in service is sequestering carbon, but it is principally prone to deterioration where different fungi metabolize wood, and carbon dioxide is released back to the atmosphere. A key prerequisite for fungal degradation of wood is the presence of moisture. Conversely, keeping wood dry is the most effective way to protect wood from wood degradation and for long-term binding of carbon. Wood is porous and hygroscopic; it can take up water in liquid and gaseous form, and water is released from wood through evaporation following a given water vapour pressure gradient. During the last decades, the perception of wood-water relationships changed significantly and so did the view on moisture-affected properties of wood. Among the latter is its susceptibility to fungal decay. This paper reviews findings related to wood-water relationships and their role for fungal wood decomposition. These are complex interrelationships not yet fully understood, and current knowledge gaps are therefore identified. Studies with chemically and thermally modified wood are included as examples of fungal wood substrates with altered moisture properties. Quantification and localization of capillary and cell wall water – especially in the over-hygroscopic range – is considered crucial for determining minimum moisture thresholds (MMThr) of wood-decay fungi. The limitations of the various methods and experimental set-ups to investigate wood-water relationships and their role for fungal decay are manifold. Hence, combining techniques from wood science, mycology, biotechnology and advanced analytics is expected to provide new insights and eventually a breakthrough in understanding the intricate balance between fungal decay and wood-water relations.

Key points

• Susceptibility to wood-decay fungi is closely linked to their physiological needs.

• Content, state and distribution of moisture in wood are keys for fungal activity.

• Quantification and localization of capillary and cell wall water in wood is needed.

• New methodological approaches are expected to provide new insights
Mixed 20-peptide cancer vaccine in combination with docetaxel and dexamethasone for castration-resistant prostate cancer: a randomized phase II trial
Authors: Noguchi Masanori , Arai Gaku , Egawa Shin , Ohyama Chikara , Naito Seiji , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Uemura Hirotsugu , Nakagawa Masayuki , Nasu Yasutomo , Eto Masatoshi , Suekane Shigetaka , Sasada Tetsuro , Shichijo Shigeki , Yamada Akira , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Itoh Kyogo
Published: March 2020

A novel cancer vaccine consisting of 20 mixed peptides (KRM-20) was designed to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against twelve different tumor-associated antigens. The aim of this phase II trial was to examine whether KRM-20 in combination with docetaxel and dexamethasone enhances the antitumor effects in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase II study, we enrolled chemotherapy-naïve patients with CRPC from ten medical centers in Japan. Eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 centrally to receive either KRM-20 combined with docetaxel and dexamethasone (n = 25) or placebo with docetaxel and dexamethasone (n = 26). The primary endpoint was the difference in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline between each treatment. The rates of > 50% PSA decline in the two arms were similar (56.5% versus 53.8%; P = 0.851). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched peptide-specific immunoglobulin G (P = 0.018) and CTL (P = 0.007) responses in the KRM-20 arm significantly increased after treatment. The addition of KRM-20 did not increase toxicity. There were no between-group differences in progression-free or overall survival (OS). The addition of KRM-20 was safe, and similar PSA decline and HLA-matched peptide-specific CTL and IgG responses increased in combination with docetaxel and dexamethasone in CRPC patients. Subgroup analysis suggested that this treatment is favorable for CRPC patients with ≥ 26% lymphocytes or PSA levels of < 11.2 ng/ml, but further clinical trials comparing OS are required.
The State of Surgical Task Sharing for Inguinal Hernia Repair in Limited‐Resource Countries
Authors: Schroeder Alexander D. , Tubre Dustin J. , Voigt Charles , Filipi Charles J.
Published: March 2020

Background

In limited‐resource countries, the morbidity and mortality related to inguinal hernias is unacceptably high. This review addresses the issue by identifying capacity‐building education of non‐surgeons performing inguinal hernia repairs in developing countries and analyzing the outcomes.

Methods

PubMed was searched and included are studies that reported on task sharing and surgical outcomes for inguinal hernia surgery. Educational methods with quantitative and qualitative effects of the capacity‐building methods have been recorded. Excluded were papers without records of outcome data.

Results

Seven studies from African countries reported 14,108 elective inguinal hernia repairs performed by 230 non‐surgeons with a mortality rate of 0.36%. Complications were reported in 4 of the 7 studies with a morbidity rate of 14.2%. Two studies reported on follow‐up: one with no recurrences in 408 patients at 7.4 months and the other one with 0.9% recurrences in 119 patients at 12 months. Direct comparison of outcomes from trained non‐surgeons to surgeons or surgically trained medical doctors is limited but suggests no difference in outcomes. Quantitative capacity‐building effects include increase in surgical workforce, case volume, elective procedures, mesh utilization, and decreased referrals to higher level of care institutions. Qualitative capacity‐building effects include feasibility of prospective research in limited‐resource settings, improved access to surgical care, and change in practice pattern of local physicians after training for mesh repair.

Conclusion

Systematic training of non‐surgeons in inguinal hernia repair is potentially a high‐impact capacity‐building strategy. High‐risk patients should be referred to a fully trained surgeon whenever possible. Randomized study designs and long‐term outcomes beyond 1 year are needed.
Optimal Prediction of the Central Venous Catheter Insertion Depth Targeting the Cavoatrial Junction
Authors: Mo Hyejin , Ahn Sanghyun , Lee Joongyub , Cho Sungsin , Min Seung‐Kee
Published: March 2020

Background

Central venous catheters should be positioned at the cavoatrial junction or the right atrium. If catheters are inserted to a depth derived by adding the length between the needle insertion point and the clavicular notch and the length between the clavicular notch and the carina, the catheter tip can be placed near the carina. Based on this, we aim to make a formula to place a catheter tip near the cavoatrial junction.

Methods

This prospective nonrandomized interventional study included patients who needed a central venous catheter from June 2017 to July 2018. The location of the cavoatrial junction was identified using a fluoroscopic technique. The following variables were measured: L1, the length between the needle insertion point and the clavicular notch; L2, the length between the clavicular notch and the carina; and α, the length between the carina and the cavoatrial junction.

Results

A total of 70 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 65.5 ± 11.6 years, and 62.9% were male. The mean L1 and L2 were 7.6 ± 1.4 and 7.0 ± 1.4 cm, respectively. The mean α was 4.4 ± 1.5 cm (95% CI 4.1–4.8), and it was not affected by demographic factors, such as sex, age, height or weight.

Conclusions

Central venous catheters in adult patients can be placed near the cavoatrial junction using a simple formula: the distance between the insertion point and the clavicular notch + the distance between the clavicular notch to the carina + 4.4 cm.
Single‐Center Retrospective Analysis of the Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Staged Peritoneal Lavage for Secondary Peritonitis
Authors: Daskalopoulou D. , Kankam J. , Ambe P. C. , Zarras K.
Published: March 2020

Background

Secondary peritonitis is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Data on the effect of staged re‐laparotomy or re‐laparoscopy as a surgical option in the management of abdominal sepsis due to secondary peritonitis are limited and conflicting. Herein, we report the outcomes of patients undergoing staged peritoneal lavage (SPL) for secondary peritonitis in our department.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective analysis of the data of patients undergoing SPL for secondary peritonitis. SPL was performed via either re‐laparotomy or re‐laparoscopy. The simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) was calculated at the time of the initial operation and for each SPL. The end points of interest included: the evolution of sepsis characterized by the SAPS II score, the mortality rate and the rate of definitive abdominal wall closure.

Results

The data of 74 patients with a median age of 73 years requiring at least one SPL between 2012 and 2019 were analyzed. The median number of SPL performed was three (range 1–12). A sequential drop of SAPS II score from 41 at the initial procedure to 32 at the third SPL was documented. The overall mortality rate was 16.2%, definitive abdominal closure was achieved in all surviving patients and the median length of stay was 17.5d

Conclusion

Staged re‐laparotomy or re‐laparoscopy with peritoneal lavage may reduce the severity of peritonitis and reduce the risk of mortality in patients with abdominal sepsis. Maintaining the abdominal wall under constant retraction using a rigid mesh while creating an open abdomen is a crucial step in achieving definite abdominal wall closure. Thus, staged peritoneal lavage may be a good surgical option for selected patients with peritonitis.
Applying machine intelligence in practice
Authors: Humm Bernhard , Bense Hermann , Bock Jürgen , Classen Mario , Halvani Oren , Herta Christian , Hoppe Thomas , Juwig Oliver , Siegel Melanie
Published: March 2020

The relevance of Machine Intelligence, a.k.a. Artificial Intelligence (AI), is undisputed at the present time. This is not only due to AI successes in research but, more prominently, its use in day-to-day practice. In 2014, we started a series of annual workshops at the Leibniz Zentrum für Informatik, Schloss Dagstuhl, Germany, initially focussing on Corporate Semantic Web and later widening the scope to Applied Machine Intelligence. This article presents a number of AI applications from various application domains, including medicine, industrial manufacturing and the insurance sector. Best practices, current trends, possibilities and limitations of new AI approaches for developing AI applications are also presented. Focus is put on the areas of natural language processing, ontologies and machine learning. The article concludes with a summary and outlook.
Mastoid cavity obliteration leads to a clinically significant improvement in health-related quality of life
Authors: Weiss Nora M. , Bächinger David , Botzen Jannik , Großmann Wilma , Mlynski Robert
Published: March 2020

Objective

To assess the change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients undergoing mastoid cavity obliteration.

Methods

Patients who had undergone canal wall-down mastoidectomy for chronic otitis media with creation of a persistent mastoid cavity and underwent revision tympanomastoid surgery including mastoid cavity obliteration using autologous material were included. Audiological measurements including air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) pure-tone averages (PTA) and the air–bone gap (ABG) were assessed. Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed by the Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory (ZCMEI-21) pre- and postoperatively.

Results

A total of 25 patients (16 females and 9 males; mean age 51.6 years, 14 right and 11 left ears) were included. Patients were reexamined after a mean follow-up period of 9.2 months (SD = 6.5) after obliteration of the mastoid cavity. Compared to the preoperative visit, patients showed a significantly reduced AC PTA at the postoperative visit (mean difference: − 4.1; SD = 10.4,p = 0.045). The mean ZCMEI-21 score changed from 31.7 (SD = 14.5) preoperatively to 17.4 (SD = 15.1) postoperatively (mean difference: − 14.3; SD = 19.1;p = 0.0002). The mean ZCMEI-21 score changes were neither correlated to the AC PTA shift (p = 0.60) nor to the ABG shift (p = 0.66).

Conclusions

This is the first study reporting a highly significant and clinically important improvement in HRQoL after mastoid cavity obliteration in a prospective setting. The improvement in HRQoL was not correlated to the hearing improvement. As a clinical implication, we provide evidence for a substantial subjective benefit of the surgical obliteration of a symptomatic mastoid cavity and, therefore, encourage this surgical procedure.
Correction to: Safety of the “Saxophone®” electrode in parotid surgery for continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring of the facial nerve: results of a pro- and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Stankovic Petar , Wittlinger Jan , Georgiew Robert , Dominas Nina , Reimann Katrin , Hoch Stephan , Wilhelm Thomas , Günzel Thomas
Published: March 2020

In the original publication of the article, first name and last names of all authors were swapped.
Relative blood loss in forensic medicine—do we need a change in doctrine?
Authors: Potente Stefan , Ramsthaler Frank , Kettner Mattias , Sauer Patrick , Schmidt Peter
Published: March 2020

In forensic medicine, blood loss is encountered frequently, either as a cause of death or as a contributing factor. Here, risk to life and lethality assessment is based on the concept of relative blood loss (absolute loss out of total volume). In emergency medicine, the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLSⓇ) classification also refers to relative blood loss. We tested the validity of relative blood loss benchmarks with reference to lethality. Depending on the quality of the total blood volume (TBV) estimation formula, relative blood loss rates should be reflected in the case cohort as significantly higher absolute blood loss in heavier individuals since all TBV estimation formulas positively correlate body weight with TBV. Method: 80 autopsy cases with sudden, quantifiable, exclusively internal blood loss were retrospectively analyzed and a total of 8 different formulas for TBV estimation were applied. Results: No statistical correlation between body weight and absolute blood loss was found for any of the tested TBV estimation algorithms. All cases showed a wide spread of both absolute and relative blood loss. Discussion: The principle of relative blood loss is of very limited use in casework. It opens the forensic expert opinion to unnecessary criticism and possible negative legal implications. Conclusion: We challenge the use of relative blood loss benchmarks in textbooks and practical casework and advocate for its elimination from the ATLSⓇ ’s grading system. If necessary, we recommend the use of BMI-adjusted algorithms for TBV estimation.
Explanation of the self-adaptive dynamics of a harmonically forced beam with a sliding mass
Authors: Müller Florian , Krack Malte
Published: March 2020

The self-adaptive behavior of a clamped–clamped beam with an attached slider has been experimentally demonstrated by several research groups. In a wide range of excitation frequencies, the system shows its signature move: The slider first slowly moves away from the beam’s center, at a certain point the vibrations jump to a high level, then the slider slowly moves back toward the center and stops at some point, while the system further increases its high vibration level. In our previous work, we explained the unexpected movement of the slider away from the beam’s vibration antinode at the center by the unilateral and frictional contact interactions permitted via a small clearance between slider and beam. However, this model did not predict the signature move correctly. In simulations, the vibration level did not increase significantly and the slider did not turn around. In the present work, we explain, for the first time, the complete signature move. We show that the timescales of vibration and slider movement along the beam are well separated, such that the adaptive system closely follows the periodic vibration response obtained for axially fixed slider. We demonstrate that the beam’s geometric stiffening nonlinearity, which we neglected in our previous work, is of utmost importance for the vibration levels encountered in the experiments. This stiffening nonlinearity leads to coexisting periodic vibration responses and to a turning point bifurcation with respect to the slider position. We associate the experimentally observed jump phenomenon to this turning point and explain why the slider moves back toward the center and stops at some point.
Enhanced robustness of convolutional networks with a push–pull inhibition layer
Authors: Strisciuglio Nicola , Lopez-Antequera Manuel , Petkov Nicolai
Published: March 2020

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) lack robustness to test image corruptions that are not seen during training. In this paper, we propose a new layer for CNNs that increases their robustness to several types of corruptions of the input images. We call it a ‘push–pull’ layer and compute its response as the combination of two half-wave rectified convolutions, with kernels of different size and opposite polarity. Its implementation is based on a biologically motivated model of certain neurons in the visual system that exhibit response suppression, known as push–pull inhibition. We validate our method by replacing the first convolutional layer of the LeNet, ResNet and DenseNet architectures with our push–pull layer. We train the networks on original training images from the MNIST and CIFAR data sets and test them on images with several corruptions, of different types and severities, that are unseen by the training process. We experiment with various configurations of the ResNet and DenseNet models on a benchmark test set with typical image corruptions constructed on the CIFAR test images. We demonstrate that our push–pull layer contributes to a considerable improvement in robustness of classification of corrupted images, while maintaining state-of-the-art performance on the original image classification task. We released the code and trained models at the url http://github.com/nicstrisc/Push-Pull-CNN-layer.
Expanding the phenotype of hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta due to a novel SLC24A4 variant
Authors: Lepperdinger Ulrike , Maurer Elisabeth , Witsch-Baumgartner Martina , Stigler Robert , Zschocke Johannes , Lussi Adrian , Kapferer-Seebacher Ines
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Biallelic variants in solute carrier family 24 member 4 (SLC24A4) have been previously reported to cause non-syndromic autosomal recessive amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) of the pigmented hypomaturation type (MIM #615887). We here describe a novel variant in SLC24A4 causing mild enamel hypomaturation defects also in heterozygous individuals.

Materials and methods

In the present pedigree analysis, a large consanguineous Syrian family with AI of the hypomaturation type was investigated by clinical and dental evaluation, and exome and Sanger sequencing. Dental histological investigations of seven primary and two permanent teeth were performed.

Results

Homozygous variants in SLC24A4 (c.1604G>A; p.Gly535Asp) were identified in five individuals with brown discolorations and irregular pits and grooves of the teeth. Severe attritions, occlusal abfractions, and the radiological lack of contrast between enamel and dentin point out a mineralization defect. Histological dental investigations confirmed the clinical diagnosis of AI of the hypomaturation type. In two heterozygous individuals, a mild hypomaturation defect was present with white and light brown enamel discolorations.

Conclusions

This is the first report of heterozygous SLC24A4 variants causing mild hypomaturation defects, providing confirmatory evidence that the function of SLC24A4 in calcium transport has a crucial role in the maturation stage of amelogenesis.

Clinical relevance

The present report is expanding the clinical phenotype of SLC24A4 variants to more severe forms of amelogenesis imperfecta. An autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern with mild clinical phenotypes in heterozygotes has to be considered.
Research on the economic risk of diseases in middle-aged and elderly patients with diabetes—evidence from China
Authors: Leng Yao , Luo Dian , Liu Li , Ma YingJie , Deng Jing
Published: March 2020

Objective

To measure the economic risk of diseases in Chinese middle-aged and elderly patients with diabetes.

Methods

The economic risk of diseases in Chinese middle-aged and elderly patients with diabetes was comprehensively analyzed using the family economic risk of diseases, catastrophic health expenditure, and relative risk of the disease.

Results

The proportions of families with low, medium, and high family economic risk of diseases were 64.73%, 8.56%, and 26.71%, respectively. When the defining criteria are 15%, 25%, and 40%, the incidences of catastrophic health expenditure were 66.71%, 60.07%, and 54.59%, respectively. The health expenditure of diabetic patients was 1.80 times that of non-diabetic patients when the difference in patients’ income was eliminated.

Conclusion

In general, Chinese middle-aged and elderly patients with diabetes face a large economic risk of diseases, which will seriously hinder the improvement of their family life quality. The sociodemographic characteristics related to diabetics will aggravate the patient’s economic risk, such as smoking, drinking, and low household income. Moreover, diabetes patients with different basic medical insurance have different economic risk of diseases.
Shonen Kurabu and the Japanese Attitude Toward War
Authors: Seo Gijae
Published: March 2020

The Japanese people’s understanding of the Fifteen Years War (1931–1945) is still problematic. The problem of the war was commonly solved by transferring responsibility for the war to an obscure subject called the State, and by offering financial compensation to those who were directly affected. However, there has been no in-depth discussion of how the Japanese public’s understanding of the war in the period before defeat was modified in the post-war period. This article is a study of the children’s magazine Shonen Kurabu, which gained wide popularity by featuring articles related to war during the early modern era of Japan, including the wartime period, and continued to be published until 1962. By focusing on Shonen Kurabu, this paper explores the close relationship between the mass media and the public attitude toward war, and the handling of the theme of war by both the media and the public.
Homogeneous MMR Deficiency Throughout the Entire Tumor Mass Occurs in a Subset of Colorectal Neuroendocrine Carcinomas
Authors: Fraune Christoph , Simon Ronald , Hube-Magg Claudia , Makrypidi-Fraune Georgia , Kluth Martina , Büscheck Franziska , Amin Tania , Viol Fabrice , Fehrle Wilfrid , Dum David , Höflmayer Doris , Burandt Eike , Clauditz Till Sebastian , Perez Daniel , Izbicki Jakob , Wilczak Waldemar , Sauter Guido , Steurer Stefan , Schrader Jörg
Published: March 2020

Neuroendocrine neoplasms comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors, categorized into neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) depending on tumor differentiation. NECs and high-grade NETs (G3) confer a poor prognosis, demanding novel treatment strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibition in tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI). To study any possible intratumoral heterogeneity of MSI, a tissue microarray (TMA) containing 199 NETs and 40 NECs was constructed to screen for MSI using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the mismatch repair (MMR) proteins MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6. Four cases suspicious for MSI were identified. Validation of MSI by repeated IHC on large sections and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based analysis using the “Bethesda Panel” confirmed MSI in 3 cecal NECs. One pancreatic NET G3 with MSI-compatible TMA results was MMR intact on large section IHC and microsatellite stable (MSS). The remaining 235 tumors exhibited intact MMR. Protein loss of MLH1/PMS2 was found in two and MSH6 loss in one cancer with MSI. Large section IHC on all available tumor-containing tissue blocks in NECs with MSI did not identify aberrant tumor areas with intact MMR. Our data indicate that MSI is common in colorectal NECs (3 out of 10) but highly infrequent in neuroendocrine neoplasms from many other sites. The lack of intratumoral heterogeneity of MMR deficiency suggests early development of MSI during tumorigenesis in a subset of colorectal NECs and indicates that microsatellite status obtained from small biopsies may be representative for the entire cancer mass.
An Ultra-microporous Carbon Material Boosting Integrated Capacitance for Cellulose-Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Ding Chenfeng , Liu Tianyi , Yan Xiaodong , Huang Lingbo , Ryu Seungkon , Lan Jinle , Yu Yunhua , Zhong Wei-Hong , Yang Xiaoping
Published: March 2020

A breakthrough in advancing power density and stability of carbon-based supercapacitors is trapped by inefficient pore structures of electrode materials. Herein, an ultra-microporous carbon with ultrahigh integrated capacitance fabricated via one-step carbonization/activation of dense bacterial cellulose (BC) precursor followed by nitrogen/sulfur dual doping is reported. The microporous carbon possesses highly concentrated micropores (~ 2 nm) and a considerable amount of sub-micropores (< 1 nm). The unique porous structure provides high specific surface area (1554 m2 g−1) and packing density (1.18 g cm−3). The synergistic effects from the particular porous structure and optimal doping effectively enhance ion storage and ion/electron transport. As a result, the remarkable specific capacitances, including ultrahigh gravimetric and volumetric capacitances (430 F g−1 and 507 F cm−3 at 0.5 A g−1), and excellent cycling and rate stability even at a high current density of 10 A g−1 (327 F g−1 and 385 F cm−3) are realized. Via compositing the porous carbon and BC skeleton, a robust all-solid-state cellulose-based supercapacitor presents super high areal energy density (~ 0.77 mWh cm−2), volumetric energy density (~ 17.8 W L−1), and excellent cyclic stability.
Association Between Prostate Zonal Volume and Erectile Dysfunction in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Qalawena Muhammed M. , Al-Shatouri Mohammad A. , Motawaa Mokhtar A. , El-Sakka Ahmed I.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The impact of prostate zonal volume on erectile function and penile Doppler parameters is not yet settled.

Aim

To assess the association between prostate zonal volume and erectile dysfunction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

This cross-sectional analytical study included 70 men (aged ≥ 40 years). Of them, 60 patients were assigned to 3 study groups (n = 20/each): group (A) patients who had lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and erectile dysfunction (ED), group (B) patients who had LUTSs with no ED, group (C) patients who had ED with no LUTS, and other 10 age-matched patients who had no LUTS or ED acted as a control group (D). All patients were subjected to detailed medical and sexual history. International prostate symptom score (IPSS) was used to assess LUTSs, and international index of erectile function (IIEF) was used to assess ED.

Main Outcome Measure

Transrectal ultrasound and penile Doppler ultrasound were used to assess zonal anatomy of the prostate and the vascular pattern of erection.

Results

There was a significant difference in IPSS between group A (26) and B (19) (P < .05). Each of groups A and C had significant lower peak systolic velocity (PSV) than each of groups B and D (P < .001/each). There was a significant positive correlation between transitional zone index (TZI) and IPSS (r = 0.71, P < .01), and significant negative correlation between TZI and both of IIEF (r = -0.48, P < .05) and PSV (r = -0.606, P < .05).

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrated that there were significant correlations between increased transitional zone volume, TZI, and decreased both of IIEF score and PSV.
Satisfaction and perceptions of research participants in clinical and translational studies: An urban multi-institution with CTSA
Authors: Adler Priscilla , Otado Jane , Kwagyan John
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

To examine research participants’ levels of satisfaction and perceptions and aid researchers to better engage research volunteers from all racial and ethnic populations in clinical trials. A participant satisfaction survey was developed that focused on three domains to reflect satisfaction with delivery of care, environment, and center operations. In addition, the survey contained open-ended questions to reflect overall experiences and perceptions. Two hundred and seventy-eight participants (55% African American and 29% non-Hispanic Whites) with an average age of 52 years completed the survey.

Results:

The results indicated that the majority of the participants rated their satisfaction very highly across all domains. Ninety percent stated they were very satisfied/satisfied or very strongly agreed/agreed in the three domains. Obtaining high-quality care/access to health care professionals (60%), learning more about their illness/disease (60%), and helping others (57%) were noted as important factors in choosing to participate in a trial. Regarding overall experience, majority of respondents stated that friendliness, expertise of staff, learning more about their disease, and contributing to science were important. Further, financial compensation was not a primary motivation for participation. A majority of participants stated that they would participate in future studies and would recommend a friend or a family member to participate in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that the degree of satisfaction with the research staff and with the specific trial itself are important determinants for enrolling, completing a study, and for participating in future trials.
The Burden of Risk: Early Modern Maritime Enterprise and Varieties of Capitalism
Authors: Fusaro Maria
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the complex issues behind the relation between national and global economic histories and the challenges of a comparative approach. On examining different national approaches (Italian and English) to the management of the early modern maritime sector, it will argue that this comparison allows a privileged view into different varieties of capitalism, highlighting fundamental differences in attitudes toward wage labor and risk management that still influence different approaches to economic activities today.
Velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients without a cleft palate: important considerations for the ENT surgeon
Authors: Mushi E , Mahdi N , Upile N , Hevican C , McKernon S , van Eeden S , De S
Published: March 2020

Background

Velopharyngeal insufficiency is the inability to close the velopharyngeal port during speech and swallowing, leading to hypernasal speech and food regurgitation.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the aetiological factors contributing to the development of velopharyngeal insufficiency in a non-cleft paediatric population, especially following adenoidectomy.

Methods

A retrospective case review was conducted of all children without a known cleft palate, born between 2000 and 2013, who were referred to a tertiary cleft centre with possible velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Results

The data for 139 children diagnosed with velopharyngeal insufficiency following referral to the cleft centre were analysed. Thirteen patients developed the condition following adenoidectomy; only 3 of these 13 had a contributing aetiological factor.

Conclusion

Velopharyngeal insufficiency is a rare but significant complication of adenoidectomy. The majority of patients who developed velopharyngeal insufficiency following adenoidectomy did not have an identifiable predisposing factor. This has important implications for the consent process and when planning adenoidectomy.
Feeding ecology of black scorpion fish (Scorpaena porcusLinnaeus, 1758) in SE Black Sea region, (Ordu) Turkey
Authors: Aydin Mehmet , Mazlum Rahşan Evren
Published: March 2020

Black scorpion fish (Scorpaena porcus) is an important species for both artisanal and industrial fisheries in the Turkish Black Sea, with 306 tonnes landed in 2017. The diet composition of this species was investigated through the examination of their stomach contents. A total of 621S. porcus(ranging from 12.79–765.5 g) were caught by trammel net in the south-eastern Black Sea (Turkish waters) from December 2015 to November 2016. The importance of prey items in the diet ofS. porcuswas assessed using the Index of Relative Importance (%IRI). Overall, the dominant species was the isopodIdotea balthica(52.8%IRI) followed by decapods (38.5%IRI) and teleosts (8.7%IRI). Seasonal variations in the diets were observed, with isopods predominant in autumn (>85%IRI), teleosts in winter (>77%IRI) and decapod crustaceans (>78%IRI) in spring and summer. The modified Costello's graphical analysis evinced a specialist feeding strategy forS. porcusduring winter, spring and autumn while a shift to generalistic feeding strategy was exhibited in summer by a limited number ofS. porcusindividuals.