bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of periorbital wrinkles using thermo‐mechanical fractional injury therapy versus fractional non‐ablative 1565 nm laser: A comparative prospective, randomized, double‐arm, controlled study
Authors: Salameh Fares , Daniely Danny , Kauvar Arielle , Carasso Rafael L. , Mehrabi Joseph N. , Artzi Ofir
Published: November 2021

Background

Non‐ablative fractional laser is an effective modality for the treatment of periorbital wrinkling, one of the earliest signs of skin aging. Thermo‐mechanical fractional injury (TMFI) therapy (Tixel®, Novoxel®, Israel) is an innovative technology that is now being used for facial skin rejuvenation. Our study compares the clinical results, side effects, and downtime profile between TMFI treatment and non‐ablative fractional 1565 nm laser (ResurFX®, Lumenis, Israel).

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 68 patients (64 women, 4 men) with skin types I–VI in two medical centers (34 from Israel, 34 from the USA) that were randomized to receive either TMFI or NAFL treatment for periorbital wrinkling. Patients received 3–5 treatments, 3–5 weeks apart. Six months after the last treatment, the change in Fitzpatrick Wrinkling Classification System (FWCS) was calculated by three non‐involved physicians and compared to pretreatment results. Side effects and downtime profiles were assessed in each group (including VAS pain assessment, time required to refrain from work and social activity, and time required for the resolution of redness, edema, and crusts.)

RESULTS

A moderate improvement in periorbital wrinkling was demonstrated in both groups, with an average improvement of 1.6 ± 0.6 in FWCS in the TMFI group and an average improvement of 1.7 ± 0.8 in the NAFL group (p < 0.001). Postprocedural VAS score was 5.86 ± 2.3 in the NAFL group and 4.01 ± 2.6 in the Tixel® group. Approximately 80% of subjects returned to both work and social activities two days postprocedure. Crusts were reported by 52% of patients in the TMFI group, compared to 16% of patients in the NAFL group more than 48 hours postprocedure (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the other parameters between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TMFI is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of periorbital wrinkling, with comparable results to the 1565 nm NAFL.
Chemically Activated SS Metathesis for Adhesive‐Free Bonding of Polysulfide Surfaces
Authors: Mann Maximilian , Pauling Paris J. , Tonkin Samuel J. , Campbell Jonathan A. , Chalker Justin M.
Published: November 2021

A polysulfide terpolymer made from canola oil, dicyclopentadiene, and elemental sulfur is synthesized and evaluated as bulk structural material. The unique polysulfide structure in this material allows the two polymer blocks to be bonded together through amine‐catalyzed SS metathesis. No exogenous adhesive is required: the polysulfide is both the bulk material and the mortar. The strength of the joined polymers is evaluated by a series of shear tests and compared to the bond strength obtained with commercially available superglue. The adhesion obtained via the SS metathesis is stronger in all tests. To improve the mechanical properties of the terpolymer, carbon nanorods and carbon fibers are embedded in the polymer, with the latter leading to nearly a 16‐fold increase in flexural strength. Prospects in sustainable construction are discussed.
Challenging Reverse Screening: A Benchmark Study for Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Li Mingna , Hu Jianxing , Wang Yanxing , Li Yibo , Zhang Liangren , Liu Zhenming
Published: November 2021

As an efficient way of computational target prediction, reverse docking can find not only potential targets but also binding modes for a query ligand. Though the number of available docking tools keeps expanding, there is still not a comprehensive evaluation study which can uncover the advantages and limitations of these strategies in the research field of computational target‐fishing. In this study, we propose a brand‐new evaluation dataset tailor‐made for reverse docking, which is composed of a true positive set (the core set) and two negative sets (the similar decoy set and the dissimilar decoy set). The proposed evaluation dataset can assess the prediction performance of docking tools as various values affected by varying degrees of inter‐target ranking bias. The performance of four classical docking programs (AutoDock, AutoDock Vina, Glide and GOLD) was evaluated utilizing our dataset, and a biased prediction performance was observed regarding binding site properties. The results demonstrated that Glide (SP) and Glide(XP) had the best capacity to find true targets whether there was inter‐target ranking bias or not.
Oxidized Pork Induces Hepatic Steatosis by Impairing Thyroid Hormone Function in Mice
Authors: Ge Yueting , Yang Yuhui , Jiang Yuge , Feng Chuanxing , Li Bowen , Sun Jin , Tang Xue , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei
Published: November 2021

Scope

Recent studies have linked high consumption of red and processed meats to an increased risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cooking‐induced oxidation of proteins and amino acids might be contributing factors. Herein, this study investigates the influence of oxidized pork and the protein oxidation biomarker dityrosine (Dityr) on hepatic steatosis in mice.

Methods and Results

Low‐ and high‐oxidative injury pork (LOP and HOP) are freeze‐dried to prepare mouse diets. Mice are fed a diet of either the control, LOP, HOP, LOP+Dityr, or Dityr for 12 weeks. HOP and Dityr intake induced oxidative stress and inflammation that impaired thyroid function and peripheral metabolism (reduced type 1 deiodinase activity) of thyroid hormones (THs). These lead to a decrease in the circulating as well as liver THs and induced hepatic steatosis. This process might be regulated through reduced TH levels and altered TH target genes and proteins related to hepatic lipid metabolism that ultimately inhibited hepatic energy metabolism, as indicated by increased hepatic lipid synthesis, decreased hepatic lipid catabolism, and fatty acid oxidation.

Conclusion

HOP intake could induce hepatic steatosis by impairing TH function. Dityr plays an important role in the HOP‐induced harmful effects.
A γ‐conical position error representation method considering high‐order position relevance of array elements
Authors: Guo Fang , Liu Zhenyu , Sa Guodong , Tan Jianrong
Published: November 2021

The position errors of array elements, which include systematic and random errors, are inevitable and could lead to the degradation of the radiation performance. For an array antenna, the systematic errors come from the continuous deformation of the reflector while the random errors come from the manufacturing and assembly of array elements. The accurate representation of position errors is important to evaluate the effects of position errors on performance in the design of an array antenna. In previous studies, many methods have been proposed to represent the systematic and random errors. However, few studies have considered the high‐order position relevance of array elements resulting from the systematic errors, which could lead to the inaccurate representation of position errors. Here, a γ‐conical representation method is proposed to consider the γ‐order position relevance of successive array elements. The existing conical representation method and the proposed γ‐conical representation method are used as comparisons to generate simulation data of position errors. The corresponding electrical performance of position errors is calculated with antenna theories and Feko. Prediction models are built based on a linear programming support vector regression algorithm to evaluate the ability of different representation methods. Finally, experiments are conducted on a platform with 8 × 8 array elements to demonstrate the superiority of the γ‐conical representation method.
Accelerating Monte Carlo simulation of light propagation in tissue mimicking turbid medium based on generative adversarial networks
Authors: Wang Shiyuan , Chen Jiaming , Zhang Fengdi , Zhao Mingyang , Cui Xiaoyu , Chen Shuo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is the most frequently used method to numerically model the light propagation in biological tissues because of its high flexibility and precision. Although MC simulation is assumed to be capable of achieving any desired precision, larger number of photons are always necessary for more precise simulation, leading to its major limitation of intensive computation. In this work, the authors present a way to adapt generative adversarial networks (GAN) to accelerate MC simulation.

Methods

The pix2pix network, a variant of GAN, was investigated to reconstruct precise MC simulation results from the results roughly modeled by small amount of photons, thus the computation time was expected to be significantly saved. The proposed method was tested on single‐layer embedded tumor models to derive the absorption distribution maps.

Results

The results demonstrate that the absorption distribution maps reconstructed from the simulation of only 10 000 photons were very similar to those modeled by using 1 000 000 photons, based on the criterion of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and percentage difference of power coupling efficiencies, and the simulation process was proved to be accelerated by approximately 102 times.

Conclusions

For the first time, GAN was adapted to save computation time of MC simulation of light propagation. By achieving MC simulation with acceptable quality, the proposed method can speed up the computation by hundreds of times.
Fundamentals of turbulent flow spectrum imaging
Authors: Dillinger Hannes , McGrath Charles , Guenthner Christian , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To introduce a mathematical framework and in‐silico validation of turbulent flow spectrum imaging (TFSI) of stenotic flow using phase‐contrast MRI, evaluate systematic errors in quantitative turbulence parameter estimation, and propose a novel method for probing the Lagrangian velocity spectra of turbulent flows.

Theory and Methods

The spectral response of velocity‐encoding gradients is derived theoretically and linked to turbulence parameter estimation including the velocity autocorrelation function spectrum. Using a phase‐contrast MRI simulation framework, the encoding properties of bipolar gradient waveforms with identical first gradient moments but different duration are investigated on turbulent flow data of defined characteristics as derived from computational fluid dynamics. Based on theoretical insights, an approach using velocity‐compensated gradient waveforms is proposed to specifically probe desired ranges of the velocity autocorrelation function spectrum with increased accuracy.

Results

Practical velocity‐encoding gradients exhibit limited encoding power of typical turbulent flow spectra, resulting in up to 50% systematic underestimation of intravoxel SD values. Depending on the turbulence level in fluids, the error due to a single encoding gradient spectral response can vary by 20%. When using tailored velocity‐compensated gradients, improved quantification of the Lagrangian velocity spectrum on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis is achieved and used for quantitative correction of intravoxel SD values estimated with velocity‐encoding gradients.

Conclusion

To address systematic underestimation of turbulence parameters using bipolar velocity‐encoding gradients in phase‐contrast MRI of stenotic flows with short correlation times, tailored velocity‐compensated gradients are proposed to improve quantitative mapping of turbulent blood flow characteristics.
Pediatric pneumonia (PedPne) lung ultrasound score and inflammatory markers: A pilot study
Authors: Ciuca Ioana M. , Dediu Mihaela , Pop Liviu L.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Pneumonia is the principal cause of death among children worldwide. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a reliable tool for the diagnosis and assessment of community‐acquired pneumonia in children. Furthermore, objective parameters, including the pneumonia LUS score, might be useful for pneumonia monitoring. Thus, our aim was to present a newly developed LUS score for pediatric pneumonia (PedPne) and evaluate its relationship with commonly assessed inflammatory markers.

Methods

Children referred to the Pediatric Pneumology Clinic between September 2017 and February 2018 with suspected pneumonia were screened for eligibility for inclusion in the study and informed consent was obtained. In addition to clinical assessment, LUS was performed during consultation, and inflammatory biomarkers, including C‐reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and leukocyte count, were measured in all inpatients. An LUS score for pneumonia and pleurisy in children (pediatric pneumonia lung ultrasound score [PedPne LUS]) was subsequently developed. Chest radiography (CXR) was also performed according to local guidelines for pneumonia diagnosis. Spearman's correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between the PedPne score and inflammatory markers.

Results

A total of 217 patients were screened, of which 64 patients diagnosed with consolidated pneumonia were included in this study. The median PedPne LUS score of the included patients was 8.02, which was consistent with the consolidations detected on LUS and confirmed by CXR. A very strong positive correlation was found between the LUS PedPne score and C‐reactive protein and ESR, and a good correlation was found with the leukocyte count.

Conclusion

The LUS pneumonia score is a reliable parameter for the evaluation of pneumonia, and shows a strong correlation with inflammatory biomarkers. The PedPne LUS score is a potential noninvasive surrogate parameter of inflammation in pediatric pneumonia.
Catastrophic Optical Damage in Semiconductor Lasers: Physics and New Results on InGaN High‐Power Diode Lasers
Authors: Hempel Martin , Dadgostar Shabnam , Jiménez Juan , Kernke Robert , Gollhardt Astrid , Tomm Jens W.
Published: November 2021

Among the limitations known from semiconductor lasers, catastrophic optical damage (COD) is perhaps the most spectacular power‐limiting mechanism. Here, absorption and temperature build up in a positive feedback loop that eventually leads to material destruction. Thus, this is truly an ultimate mechanism, and its continued suppression is a manifestation of progress in device design and manufacturing. After an overview of the current state of knowledge, new investigations of COD using artificially micrometer‐sized starting points created within the active zone in the cavity of 450 nm GaN semiconductor lasers are reported on. Defect growth mechanisms and characteristics are studied during 800 ns current pulses. The defect growth follows the highest light intensity. Secondary defect patterns are studied: complete destruction of the active zone and generation of a point defect cloud at least ≈10 μm into the remaining surrounding material. Extremely large angles (>90°) of damage growth are traced back to the material properties and the aging scenario. The results are compared with former experiments with GaAs‐based lasers.
Patient specific Polymethyl methacrylate customised cranioplasty using 3D printed silicone moulds: Technical note
Authors: Scerrati Alba , Travaglini Francesco , Gelmi Clarissa Ann Elisabeth , Lombardo Andrea , De Bonis Pasquale , Cavallo Michele Alessandro , Zamboni Paolo
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy can be performed with several techniques and materials. With the common use of 3D printing, custom cranioplasty can be produced at affordable cost. Aim of this technical note is to describe our technique for producing patient specific Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty using 3D printed silicone moulds.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled seven patients from January 2020 to June 2021 who required surgery for cranioplasty. The 3D printing was used to produce silicone moulds for defining the exact shape of the PMMA cranioplasty, according to the CT scan of the patient.

Results

We performed seven procedures. The mean time of the surgery was 80 min. All cranioplasties perfectly matched the patient specific anatomy. No complications occurred.

Conclusions

Using 3D printed patient specific silicone moulds and PMMA resulted to be effective, with affordable costs and ensuring a good cosmetic result.
Physical characterization of glacial rock flours from fjord deposits in South Greenland–Toward soil amendment
Authors: Pesch Charles , Weber Peter Lystbæk , Moldrup Per , de Jonge Lis Wollesen , Arthur Emmanuel , Greve Mogens Humlekrog
Published: November 2021

Greenlandic fjords contain vast amounts of glacially derived mineral material (glacial rock flour [GRF]), which may be used to amend structureless, low‐clay, and water‐repellent agricultural soils in South Greenland and elsewhere. In this study, we investigate key physical amendment properties of GRF from 16 different deposits in South Greenland. The clay‐sized fraction varied largely (range, 0.11–0.57 kg kg−1), and the particles were mostly angular. The specific surface area (SSA) determined by either ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME, polar liquid) (range, 13.32–88.06 m2 g−1) or water‐vapor adsorption (range, 10.62–63.82 m2 g−1) agreed well (r = .90) and were comparable to kaolinitic‐clay dominated cultivated soils (KA‐soils) with clay content similar to the GRFs. The cation exchange capacities (CECs) (range, 4.25–21.91 cmol kg−1) were similar to or higher than those of the KA‐soils. The water content at the permanent wilting point (PWP) for the GRFs were considerably lower than those of the KA‐soils. The addition of 5% GRF to a sandy soil from Greenland showed a tendency (although not statistically significant) to increase plant available water (PAW). However, very high GRF addition (10 and 15%) significantly decreased the PAW. The specific surface charge (CEC/SSA) of the GRFs were higher than for comparable KA‐soils, suggesting a good soil amendment potential. The results from this study are valuable toward designing sustainable GRF amendment strategies, matching a given cultivated soil with the right amount and type of GRF.
Effect of Third Component on Efficiency and Stability in Ternary Organic Solar Cells: More than a Simple Superposition
Authors: Jung Sungwoo , Cho Yongjoon , Kang So-Huei , Yoon Seong-Jun , Yang Changduk
Published: November 2021

Ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted much attention due to them being high‐performance solar cells. Ternary OSCs represent an efficient strategy to gain both the benefits of enhanced photon energy harvesting using multiple organic materials, similar to that in tandem OSCs, and the easy fabrication of simple single‐junction device structures. The properties of ternary OSCs are closely related to their complex energy/charge dynamics mechanisms and unique thermodynamic features of blend morphology and crystallinity. Hence, there is much more to introducing a third component into a binary blend than the simple superposition of individual components. Herein, the role of the third component is mainly discussed to provide in‐depth insights into ternary OSCs. This review categorizes and describes the effects that the role and function of the third component have on the efficiency and stability of ternary OSCs. Finally, in addition to a summary on the current research progress, outlooks for future research directions are also addressed.
A ketogenic supplement improves white matter energy supply and processing speed in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Roy Maggie , Fortier Mélanie , Rheault François , Edde Manon , Croteau Etienne , Castellano Christian‐Alexandre , Langlois Francis , St‐Pierre Valérie , Cuenoud Bernard , Bocti Christian , Fulop Tamas , Descoteaux Maxime , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

White matter (WM) energy supply is crucial for axonal function and myelin maintenance. An exogenous source of ketones, the brain's alternative fuel to glucose, bypasses the brain's glucose‐specific energy deficit and improves cognitive outcomes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). How an additional supply of ketones affects glucose or ketone uptake in specific WM fascicles in MCI has not previously been reported.

Methods

This 6‐month interventional study included MCI participants randomized to a placebo (n = 16) or ketogenic medium chain triglyceride (kMCT; n = 17) drink. A neurocognitive battery and brain imaging were performed pre‐ and post‐intervention. WM fascicle uptake of ketone and glucose and structural properties were assessed using positron emission tomography and diffusion imaging, respectively.

Results

Ketone uptake was increased in the kMCT group by 2.5‐ to 3.2‐fold in all nine WM fascicles of interest (P < .001), an effect seen both in deep WM and in fascicle cortical endpoints. Improvement in processing speed was positively associated with WM ketone uptake globally and in individual fascicles, most importantly the fornix (r = +0.61; P = .014).

Discussion

A 6‐month kMCT supplement improved WM energy supply in MCI by increasing ketone uptake in WM fascicles. The significant positive association with processing speed suggests that ketones may have a role in myelin integrity in MCI.
The weak-gravity bound and the need for spin in asymptotically safe matter-gravity models
Authors: de Brito Gustavo P. , Eichhorn Astrid , dos Santos Rafael Robson Lino
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We discover a weak-gravity bound in scalar-gravity systems in the asymptotic-safety paradigm. The weak-gravity bound arises in these systems under the approximations we make, when gravitational fluctuations exceed a critical strength. Beyond this critical strength, gravitational fluctuations can generate complex fixed-point values in higher-order scalar interactions. Asymptotic safety can thus only be realized at sufficiently weak gravitational interactions. We find that within truncations of the matter-gravity dynamics, the fixed point lies beyond the critical strength, unless spinning matter, i.e., fermions and vectors, is also included in the model.
Erratum to: Non-standard neutrino interactions and low energy experiments
Authors: Altmannshofer Wolfgang , Tammaro Michele , Zupan Jure
Published: November 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP09(2019)083
Awakening sleeper cells: a narrative review on bacterial magic spot synthetases as potential drug targets to overcome persistence
Authors: Veetilvalappil Vimal Venu , Aranjani Jesil Mathew , Mahammad Fayaz Shaik , Joseph Alex
Published: November 2021

Magic spot synthetases are emerging targets to overcome persistence caused by stringent response. The ‘stringent response’ is a bacterial stress survival mechanism, which results in the accumulation of alarmones (also called Magic spots) leading to the formation of dormant persister cells. These ‘sleeper cells’ evade antibiotic treatment and could result in relapse of infection. This review broadly investigates the phenomenon of stringent response and persistence, and specifically discusses the distribution, classification, and nomenclature of proteins such as Rel/SpoT homologs (RSH), responsible for alarmone synthesis. The authors further explain the relevance of RSH as potential drug targets to break the dormancy of persister cells commonly seen in biofilms. One of the significant factors that initiate alarmone synthesis is nutrient deficiency. In a starved condition, ribosome-associated RSH detects deacylated tRNA and initiates alarmone synthesis. Accumulation of alarmones has a considerable effect on bacterial physiology, virulence, biofilm formation, and persister cell formation. Preventing alarmone synthesis by inhibiting RSH responsible for alarmone synthesis will prevent or reduce persister cells’ formation. Magic spot synthetases are thus potential targets that could be explored to overcome persistence seen in biofilms.
Activation of bimetallic PtFe nanoparticles with zeolite-type cesium salts of vanadium-substituted polyoxometallates toward electroreduction of oxygen at low Pt loadings for fuel cells
Authors: Renzi Marco , Nobili Francesco , Miecznikowski Krzysztof , Kostuch Aldona , Wadas Anna , Rutkowska Iwona A. , Kulesza Pawel J.
Published: November 2021

The catalytic activity of commercial carbon-supported PtFe (PtFe/C) nanoparticles admixed with mesoporous polyoxometalate Cs3H3PMo9V3O40, (POM3-3–9), has been evaluated towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid medium. The polyoxometalate cesium salt co-catalyst/co-support has been prepared by titration using the aqueous solution of phosphovanadomolibdic acid. The synthesized material has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results confirm formation of the polyoxometalate salt with the characteristic Keggin-type structure. The composite catalyst has been prepared by mixing the POM3-3–9 sample with the commercial PtFe/C by sonication. The diagnostic rotating ring-disk voltammetric studies are consistent with good performance of the system with low Pt loading during ORR. The fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) utilizing the PtFe/POM-based cathode has exhibited comparable or better performance (at relative humidity on the level of 100, 62, and 17%), in comparison to the commercial MEA with higher Pt loading at the cathode. Furthermore, based on the cell potential and power density polarization curves, noticeable improvements in the fuel cell behavior have been observed at the low relative humidity (17%). Finally, the accelerated stress test, which uses the potential square wave between 0.4 V and 0.8 V, has been performed to evaluate MEA stability for at least 100 h. It has been demonstrated that, after initial losses, the proposed catalytic system seems to retain stable performance and good morphological rigidity.
How is COVID-19 altering the manufacturing landscape? A literature review of imminent challenges and management interventions
Authors: Kapoor Kawaljeet , Bigdeli Ali Ziaee , Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Raman Ramakrishnan
Published: November 2021

Disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major upheavals for manufacturing, and has severe implications for production networks, and the demand and supply chains underpinning manufacturing operations. This paper is the first of its kind to pull together research on both—the pandemic-related challenges and the management interventions in a manufacturing context. This systematic literature review reveals the frailty of supply chains and production networks in withstanding the pressures of lockdowns and other safety protocols, including product and workforce shortages. These, altogether, have led to closed facilities, reduced capacities, increased costs, and severe economic uncertainty for manufacturing businesses. In managing these challenges and stabilising their operations, manufacturers are urgently intervening by—investing in digital technologies, undertaking resource redistribution and repurposing, regionalizing and localizing, servitizing, and targeting policies that can help them survive in this altered economy. Based on holistic analysis of these challenges and interventions, this review proposes an extensive research agenda for future studies to pursue.
Extensive Interspecific Gene Flow Shaped Complex Evolutionary History and Underestimated Species Diversity in Rapidly Radiated Dolphins
Authors: Guo Weijian , Sun Di , Cao Yang , Xiao Linlin , Huang Xin , Ren Wenhua , Xu Shixia , Yang Guang
Published: November 2021

Recently diverged taxa are often characterized by high rates of hybridization, which can complicate phylogenetic reconstruction. For this reason, the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of dolphins are still not very well resolved; the question of whether the generaTursiopsandStenellaare monophyletic is especially controversial. Here, we performed re-sequencing of six dolphin genomes and combined them with eight previously published dolphin SRA datasets and six whole-genome datasets to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of dolphins and test the monophyly hypothesis ofTursiopsandStenella. Phylogenetic reconstruction with the maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods of concatenated loci, as well as with coalescence analyses of sliding window trees, produced a concordant and well-supported tree. Our studies support the non-monophyletic status ofTursiopsandStenellabecause the species referred these genera do not form exclusive monophyletic clades. This suggests that the current taxonomy of both genera might not reflect their evolutionary history and may underestimate their diversity. A four-taxonD-statistic (ABBA-BABA) test, five-taxonDFOILtest, and tree-based PhyloNet analyses all showed extensive gene flow across dolphin species, which could explain the instability in resolving phylogenetic relationship of oceanic dolphins with different and limited markers.This study could be a good case to demonstrate how genomic data can reveal complex speciation and phylogeny in rapidly radiating animal groups.
Afatinib and radiotherapy, with or without temozolomide, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma: results of a phase I trial
Authors: Saran Frank , Welsh Liam , James Allan , McBain Catherine , Gattamaneni Rao , Jefferies Sarah , Harris Fiona , Pemberton Karine , Schaible Jennifer , Bender Shaun , Cseh Agnieszka , Brada Michael
Published: November 2021

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Amplification or overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, part of the ErbB family, occur in approximately 40% and 60% of patients with GBM, respectively. We present data from a dose-finding study of the ErbB inhibitor afatinib in combination with radiotherapy (RT), with or without temozolomide (TMZ), in patients with GBM.

Methods

This was a phase I, open-label, 3 + 3 dose-escalation trial in patients with newly-diagnosed, histologically-confirmed grade 4 malignant glioma and proven O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene promoter methylation status. The primary endpoint was the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of continuous daily afatinib when given in combination with RT, with (regimen M) or without (regimen U) concomitant TMZ treatment.

Results

Fifty-five patients were enrolled; 36 received ≥ 1 dose of trial medication (regimen M, n = 20, regimen U, n = 16). Afatinib was discontinued by all patients during the study. Reasons for afatinib discontinuation (regimen M/U) included disease progression (45%/50%), dose-limiting toxicity (10%/0%), and other adverse events (AEs; 35%/38%). The most frequently reported AEs with either regimen were diarrhea and rash, with no new safety signals identified. The MTD was determined as afatinib 30 mg in combination with daily TMZ and RT, and afatinib 40 mg in combination with RT alone.

Conclusions

This study identified the MTD for afatinib in combination with RT, with and without TMZ, in patients with GBM. Further studies of afatinib in patients with GBM are warranted and should be based on appropriate biomarker-based preselection.

Trial registration

NCT00977431 (first posted September 15, 2009).
Morphology, morphometry and some aspects of clinical anatomy in the skull and mandible of Sharri sheep
Authors: Jashari Tefik , Duro Sokol , Gündemir Ozan , Szara Tomasz , Ilieski Vlatko , Mamuti Dashmir , Choudhary Om Prakash
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate and record data on the morphometrical parameters of the skull and mandible in Sharri sheep. We have evaluated 34 skulls (24 females and 10 males) of Sharri sheep (Ovis aries), a local breed of sheep from Northern Macedonia. Fifty-one measurements were evaluated in total: 37 parameters on the skull and 14 parameters on the mandible. The results of the study show that, in general, the morphology and morphometric parameters of the skull and mandible, of Sharri sheep are similar to those of other sheep breeds with few differences. The mean skull length (SL), skull height (SH), distance between two supraorbital foramina (DBTSF), orbital length (OL), mandible length (ML) and Sharri sheep diastema (D) were 247.47 ± 13.12 mm, 104.71 ± 6.21 mm, 50.73 ± 3.44 mm, 41.21 ± 1.99 mm, 185.91 ± 13.33 mm and 45.81 ± 3.73 mm, respectively. The results also show that out of 51 parameters, only 13 show a statistically significant difference between females and males, particularly the distance of akrokranion to opisthion (AO), articular surface length of mandibular condyle (ASL) and anterior limit of the mandibular foramen to cranial border of ramus mandible (RBMFRMRM). The findings of this study are important in many aspects: morphologically, morphometrically and especially clinically, during surgical interventions in the head region. With a lack of information in current literature on the investigated parameters in this sheep breed, the present data are a solid basis for further studies in comparative anatomy with other ruminants and in other areas such as zooarchaeology and animal welfare.
Antecedents to cognitive business model evaluation: a dynamic managerial capabilities perspective
Authors: Heubeck Tim , Meckl Reinhard
Published: November 2021

The increasing misalignment between the technological and economic domains in today’s digitalized global economy puts managers under constant pressure to redesign firms’ business models. Business model innovation has thus become a critical managerial challenge to develop and sustain competitive advantages. Building on the dynamic managerial capabilities perspective, we argue that managers are at the heart of strategic change through business model innovation. We hypothesize that decision-making regarding business model innovation is the outcome of how managers cognitively process information. We further reason that while managerial human capital and social capital reinforce each other, they also promote managers’ ability to consciously evaluate options for business model innovation. Our empirical study builds on a sample of firms operating primarily within the Industry 4.0 sector. The results significantly confirm managerial human and social capital as two crucial antecedents to cognitive business model innovation. Contrary to the literature, the data set does not show a significant positive relationship between managerial human and social capital. Our main contributions to the literature are twofold; from a methodological perspective, we are one of the first to construct a multidimensional measurement of dynamic managerial capabilities, while from a theoretical and practical perspective, our findings further underline the relevance of dynamic managerial capabilities for business model innovation. Finally, we discuss theoretical and practical implications and propose future avenues for research.
Exposure to negative acts at work and self-labelling as a victim of workplace bullying: The role of prior victimization from bullying
Authors: Hoprekstad Øystein Løvik , Hetland Jørn , Einarsen Ståle Valvatne
Published: November 2021

The present study examines employees’ prior victimization from bullying in school or at work as a predictor of 1) their current exposure to negative social acts at work and 2) the likelihood of labelling as a victim of workplace bullying, and 3) whether the link between exposure to negative acts at work and the perception of being bullied is stronger among those who have been bullied in the past. We tested our hypotheses using a probability sample of the Norwegian working population in a prospective design with a 5-year time lag (N = 1228). As hypothesized, prior victimization positively predicted subsequent exposure to negative acts, which in turn was related to a higher likelihood of developing a perception of being a victim of workplace bullying. However, contrary to our expectations, prior victimization from bullying did not affect the relationship between current exposure to negative acts at work and the likelihood of self-labelling as a victim. Taken together, the results suggest that employees’ prior victimization is a risk factor for future victimization, yet overall plays a rather modest role in understanding current exposure to negative acts and self-labelled victimization from bullying at work.
Cost–benefit analysis of beach-cast harvest: Closing land-marine nutrient loops in the Baltic Sea region
Authors: Söderqvist Tore , Nathaniel Hanna , Franzén Daniel , Franzén Frida , Hasselström Linus , Gröndahl Fredrik , Sinha Rajib , Stadmark Johanna , Strand Åsa , Ingmansson Ida , Lingegård Sofia , Thomas Jean-Baptiste
Published: November 2021

Harvesting beach-cast can help mitigate marine eutrophication by closing land-marine nutrient loops and provide a blue biomass raw material for the bioeconomy. Cost–benefit analysis was applied to harvest activities during 2009–2018 on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, highlighting benefits such as nutrient removal from the marine system and improved recreational opportunities as well as costs of using inputs necessary for harvest. The results indicate that the activities entailed a net gain to society, lending substance to continued funding for harvests on Gotland and assessments of upscaling of harvest activities to other areas in Sweden and elsewhere. The lessons learnt from the considerable harvest experience on Gotland should be utilized for developing concrete guidelines for carrying out sustainable harvest practice, paying due attention to local conditions but also to what can be generalized to a wider national and international context.
The effect of a lack of uncapped brood on social interactions between honey bee workers and the queen
Authors: Łopuch Sylwia , Tofilski Adam
Published: November 2021

Vibro-acoustic communication is used by honey bees in many different social contexts. Our previous research showed that workers interact with their queen outside of the swarming period by means of wing-beating behaviour. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that the wing-beating behaviour of workers attending the queen stimulates her to lay eggs. The behaviour of workers and the queen was recorded using a high-speed camera, at first in the presence of uncapped brood in the nest and then without one. None of the queens performed wing-beating behaviour. On the other hand, the workers attending the queen demonstrated this behaviour two times per minute, on average, even in the presence of uncapped brood in the nest. After removing the combs with the uncapped brood, the incidence of wing-beating behaviour increased significantly to an average of four times per minute. Wing-beating behaviour did not differ significantly in its characteristics when uncapped brood was present or absent in the nest. During 3 days after removing the combs with the uncapped brood, there was no significant increase in the rate of egg lying by the queen. Therefore, the results presented here do not convincingly confirm that the wing-beating behaviour of workers affects the rate of queen's egg-lying. This negative result can be related to colony disturbance and longer time required by the queen to increase egg production.
Philia: the biological foundations of Aristotle’s ethics
Authors: Torres Jorge
Published: November 2021

This article is the first one to offer an investigation, from a biological perspective, of “naturalphilia” or “kin-based”philia(commonly translated as “friendship”) in Aristotle’s practical philosophy. After some preliminary considerations about its place in Aristotle’s ethical treatises, the discussion focuses on Aristotle’s biology. Here we learn that naturalphilia, couched in terms of a biologicalpraxisrather than a trait of character, is widespread in the animal kingdom, although in different ways and to varying degrees. To account for such differences, Aristotle establishes aScala Philiaein two different biological texts—Historia AnimaliumandGeneration of Animals—where natural bonds in animals are classified in view of their strength and duration. Each level of Aristotle’sScalais examined. Finally, the argument returns to Aristotle’s ethical and political texts, drawing greater attention to the biological mechanisms that underlie naturalphiliain human beings. I conclude that naturalphiliaprovides one fundamental biological building-block of Aristotle’s ethics and politics.
Mikrobiomanalysen: Welchen Sinn haben sie für die Praxis?
Authors: Gorkiewicz Gregor
Published: November 2021

Das Mikrobiom ist ein essenzieller Faktor für die Gesunderhaltung des Menschen, aber auch in der Krankheitsentstehung involviert. Bei vielen Erkrankungen können Mikrobiomveränderungen festgestellt werden, der klare Beweis einer Krankheitskausalität dieser Veränderungen mit den Erkrankungen fehlt aber zumeist. In letzter Zeit werden kommerziell angebotene Mikrobiomanalysen immer populärer und Mediziner*Innen sehen sich zusehends mit diesen „Befunden“ konfrontiert, die oftmals in Eigenregie von ihren Patienten durchgeführt werden. Es stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit diese „Ergebnisse“ einen medizinischen Nutzen für den individuellen Patienten darstellen. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit wird das derzeitige Wissen über Prinzipien und die Wertigkeit dieser Analysen zusammengefasst und ein Ausblick in die Zukunft von Mikrobiomanalysen als ein Teil einer individualisierten Medizin gegeben.
Extending assistive devices: using the existing interface versus using a new interface
Authors: Yuviler-Gavish Nirit , Kribu Eitan , Weiss Avi , Ben-Hanan Uri
Published: November 2021

The current research examined whether or not the interface of an extender attached to an assistive device should be identical to the interface of the assistive device. Given the profile of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and the need to extend them in special cases such when maneuvering over rough terrain or obstacles such as stairs and steep inclines, the interface design of these extenders (attached to existing assistive devices) should be evaluated. We have simulated a carrying platform for a wheelchair that is larger than the user’s regular wheelchair. We have examined whether participants used to handling their wheelchair, when asked to operate the carrying platform, handle the latter’s interface better or worse than their wheelchair’s interface. Participants (61) were assigned to one of two between-participants groups. Both groups were trained to navigate a wheelchair using the wheelchair’s interface and then operated the carrying platform. The Familiar Interface group navigated the carrying platform using the wheelchair’s interface, and the New Interface group navigated it with a new interface. The results demonstrated that the Familiar Interface group took longer to perform the task and collided more often with obstacles, compared to the New Interface group. The greater number of collisions can be linked directly to an erroneous mental model of the carrying platform’s size. The insights we reach can be linked to both extenders attached to an assistive device and other technological extenders.
Neighborhood racial composition, income, and distance to grocery retailers in Seattle
Authors: Ware Brandon O. , Amin Modhurima Dey , Jessup Eric L. , McCluskey Jill J.
Published: November 2021

This article examines whether racial disparities exist in travel distances and travel times to grocery stores in Seattle, WA. In contrast to the findings of studies conducted in other metropolitan cities, Seattle, WA, has few food deserts. We find that disparities in travel distance and travel time to supermarkets vary with the percentage of specific racial and ethnic populations. Greater Asian populations in a census tract are associated with shorter travel distance to the grocery, low income, and low vehicle access. For the Hispanic population, a greater percentage in a census tract increases the predicted travel distances and travel times to grocery stores. Greater income in tracts with more Hispanic population is associated with a shorter distance, and those tracts with more Asian population are associated with a longer distance, possibly due to cultural differences in diet.
Masculine Power? A Gendered Look at the Frontispiece of Hobbes'sLeviathan
Authors: Boucher Joanne
Published: November 2021

The frontispiece of Hobbes'sLeviathanis justly renowned as a powerful visual advertisement for his political philosophy. Consequently, its rich imagery has been the subject of extensive scholarly commentary. Surprisingly, then, its gendered dimensions have received relatively limited attention. This essay explores this neglected facet of the frontispiece. I argue that the image initially appears to present a hypermasculine sovereign. However, upon closer inspection, and considered alongside Hobbes's economic theory, it yields to a reading of the sovereign as an ambiguously gendered figure. Reading the frontispiece through the prism of gender and the economy reveals not a static image of unwavering male power but rather one of an equivocally-sexed creature teeming with life, contradictions, and complexities worthy of continued examination.
Societal activities associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case-control study in Denmark, November 2020
Authors: Munch Pernille Kold , Espenhain Laura , Hansen Christian Holm , Müller Luise , Krause Tyra Grove , Ethelberg Steen
Published: November 2021

Identification of societal activities associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection may provide an evidence base for implementing preventive measures. Here, we investigated potential determinants for infection in Denmark in a situation where society was only partially open. We conducted a national matched case-control study. Cases were recent RT-PCR test-positives, while controls, individually matched on age, sex and residence, had not previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Questions concerned person contact and community exposures. Telephone interviews were performed over a 7-day period in December 2020. We included 300 cases and 317 controls and determined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) by conditional logistical regression with adjustment for household size and country of origin. Contact (OR 4.9, 95% CI 2.4–10) and close contact (OR 13, 95% CI 6.7–25) with a person with a known SARS-CoV-2 infection were main determinants. Contact most often took place in the household or work place. Community determinants included events with singing (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.1), attending fitness centres (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.8) and consumption of alcohol in a bar (OR 10, 95% CI 1.5–65). Other community exposures appeared not to be associated with infection, these included shopping at supermarkets, travel by public transport, dining at restaurants and private social events with few participants. Overall, the restrictions in place at the time of the study appeared to be sufficient to reduce transmission of disease in the public space, which instead largely took place following direct exposures to people with known SARS-CoV-2 infections.
New coaxial low-pass filters with ultra-wide and spurious free stopband
Authors: Goulouev Rousslan , McLaren Colin , Padilla Pardo Marta
Published: November 2021

Modern space communication systems often need high-power low-frequency (UHF, L-, S-, and C-band) low-pass filters (LPFs) with wide stopbands extending to Ka-band and beyond. Current design approaches frequently fail to meet these requirements completely. This paper proposes a new coaxial LPF concept and design methodology. The LPF consists of an array of cavity elements, which operate with transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM) and transverse magnetic (TM)-coupled resonances, and thus achieve a frequency response with a reflection zero at DC and transmission zeroes at targeted stopband locations. The design method is based on positioning the cavities in a quasi-periodic order, which efficiently spreads the transmission zeroes over the stopband, while keeping the characteristic impedance matched to the input/output interfaces over the passband. This design concept yields an ultra-wide, continuous and modal spurious-free stopband, while maintaining a low insertion loss, high peak power capacity, and low sensitivity to production tolerances.