bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pragmatic Language in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Do Theory of Mind and Executive Functions Have a Mediating Role?
Authors: Cardillo Ramona , Mammarella Irene C. , Demurie Ellen , Giofrè David , Roeyers Herbert
Published: October 2020

Pragmatic language (PL) is defined as the ability to use language effectively in communicative exchanges. Previous findings showed that deficits in PL are a core characteristic of the communicative profile of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While different lines of research have revealed a close link between PL and theory of mind (ToM), and between PL and executive functions (EFs), to our knowledge, few studies have explored the relationship between these three domains in children with ASD, and their results have been contradictory. The present study thus aimed to contribute to our understanding of PL in children with ASD and to analyze the underlying mediating role of ToM and EFs. PL is a complex and multifaceted construct. In the present study, we focused on two specific aspects, such as the comprehension of nonliteral language, and the ability to make inferences. After testing 143 participants (73 with ASD), our results confirmed that impairments in PL are a crucial feature of the ASD profile. Children with ASD were also more impaired than their typically developing peers in both ToM and EFs. When the mediating role of ToM and EFs on PL was considered, it emerged that only ToM contributed significantly to the relationship between group and PL. We discussed the potential importance of interventions not focused exclusively on PL, but also involving ToM.

Lay Summary

In everyday life, we use pragmatic language to interact successfully with others. Individuals with autism experience significant difficulty in pragmatic language, showing consequent impairments in communication. This study compared the comprehension of nonliteral language, and the ability to make inferences of children with autism and children with typical development, focusing on the role of social and cognitive abilities. Children with autism had difficulties in pragmatic language compared to children with typical development. In addition, the capacity to consider the perspective, intentions and beliefs of other people contributed significantly to the pragmatic language. Autism Res 2021, 14: 932–945. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Vibrational Spectroscopic Estimation of Semivolatile Organic Compound Evaporation From Glass Surfaces
Authors: Ly Nguyễn Hoàng , Lee Cheolmin , Jang Soonmin , Lee Jung Il , Joo Sang‐Woo
Published: October 2020

The evaporation of the semivolatile organic compound (SVOC) benzothiazole (BZT) from glass surfaces has been estimated by means of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and gas‐phase Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR spectrum in the gas cell indicates the presence of BZT in the air. The density functional theory (DFT) of the vibrational spectra of BZT was tested using the B3LYP/6‐311G++(d,p) basis sets with potential energy distribution (PED) analysis. The BZT thin film could be investigated using SERS by dropping a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) solution on glass surfaces. The intensified modes in the SERS spectra suggest the plausible binding modes of BZT via its N11 atom on AuNPs. A decrease in the SERS spectra indicate a substantial evaporation of BZT. The concentration of BZT in the air could be estimated as low as ~0.8% according to the infrared spectra after 24 h.
Preoperative botulinum toxin type A: A case report of a proposed new strategy for giant hiatal hernia management
Authors: Tustumi Francisco , Bianchi Edno Tales , Szachnowicz Sérgio , Cedro Rider May , de Miranda Neto Antonio Afonso , Morrell André Luiz Gioia , Abdalla Ricardo Zugaib , Sallum Rubens Antonio Aissar , Cecconello Ivan
Published: October 2020

The use of preoperative ventral botulinum toxin for giant hiatal hernia management.
A Photoelectrochemical Fuel Cell Based on a CuO Photocathode for Sustainable Resources Utilization
Authors: Hao Shuai , Zhang He , Sun Xiaoxuan , Zhai Junfeng , Dong Shaojun
Published: October 2020

New techniques for sustainable energy resources utilization are highly desirable to meet the continuously increasing energy demand and address growing environmental concerns. Herein, we report the fabrication of a CuO photocathode through a simple and scalable two‐step method and, by combining it with a glucose oxidase (GOD) bioanode, a photoelectrochemical fuel cell (PFC) has also been further developed. In the presence of 60 mM glucose and under visible‐light illumination, the PFC gives maximum power output densities of 14.4 μW cm−2 and 8.9 μW cm−2 at 0.1 V in air‐ and nitrogen‐saturated solutions together with open‐circuit potentials of 0.34 V and 0.38 V, respectively, demonstrating the capability of sourcing energy from visible light and glucose. The PFC shows promise as an efficient, user‐friendly option for sustainable energy resources utilization, and the CuO photocathode can be used for the development of other PFCs in the future.
Rural‐urban and racial/ethnic trends and disparities in early‐onset and average‐onset colorectal cancer
Authors: Zahnd Whitney E. , Gomez Scarlett L. , Steck Susan E. , Brown Monique J. , Ganai Sabha , Zhang Jiajia , Arp Adams Swann , Berger Franklin G. , Eberth Jan M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Incidence rates (IRs) of early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) are increasing, whereas average‐onset colorectal cancer (AOCRC) rates are decreasing. However, rural‐urban and racial/ethnic differences in trends by age have not been explored. The objective of this study was to examine joint rural‐urban and racial/ethnic trends and disparities in EOCRC and AOCRC IRs.

Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data on the incidence of EOCRC (age, 20‐49 years) and AOCRC (age, ≥50 years) were analyzed. Annual percent changes (APCs) in trends between 2000 and 2016 were calculated jointly by rurality and race/ethnicity. IRs and rate ratios were calculated for 2012‐2016 by rurality, race/ethnicity, sex, and subsite.

Results

EOCRC IRs increased 35% from 10.44 to 14.09 per 100,000 in rural populations (APC, 2.09; P < .05) and nearly 20% from 9.37 to 11.20 per 100,000 in urban populations (APC, 1.26; P < .05). AOCRC rates decreased among both rural and urban populations, but the magnitude of improvement was greater in urban populations. EOCRC increased among non‐Hispanic White (NHW) populations, although rural non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) trends were stable. Between 2012 and 2016, EOCRC IRs were higher among all rural populations in comparison with urban populations, including NHW, NHB, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. By sex, rural NHB women had the highest EOCRC IRs across subgroup comparisons, and this was driven primarily by colon cancer IRs 62% higher than those of their urban peers.

Conclusions

EOCRC IRs increased in rural and urban populations, but the increase was greater in rural populations. NHB and American Indian/Alaska Native populations had particularly notable rural‐urban disparities. Future research should examine the etiology of these trends.
Depletion of LAG‐3+ T Cells Translated to Pharmacology and Improvement in Psoriasis Disease Activity: A Phase I Randomized Study of mAb GSK2831781
Authors: Ellis Joanne , J.B. Marks Daniel , Srinivasan Naren , Barrett Christine , Hopkins Thomas G. , Richards Anna , Fuhr Rainard , Albayaty Muna , Coenen Martin , Liefaard Lia , Leavens Karen , Nevin Katherine L. , Tang Shuo , Hughes Stephen A. , Fortunato Léa , Edwards Ken , Cui Yi , Anselm Rabia , Delves Christopher J. , Charles Emilie , Feeney Maria , Webb Thomas M. , Brett Sara J. , Schmidt Tim S. , Stone John , Savage Caroline O.S. , Wisniacki Nicolas , Tarzi Ruth M.
Published: October 2020

Activated T cells drive a range of immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases. LAG‐3 is transiently expressed on recently activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We describe the engineering and first‐in‐human clinical study (NCT02195349) of GSK2831781 (an afucosylated humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody enhanced with high affinity for Fc receptors and LAG‐3 and antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity capabilities), which depletes LAG‐3 expressing cells. GSK2831781 was tested in a phase I/Ib, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study, which randomized 40 healthy participants (part A) and 27 patients with psoriasis (part B) to single doses of GSK2831781 (up to 0.15 and 5 mg/kg, respectively) or placebo. Adverse events were generally balanced across groups, with no safety or tolerability concern identified. LAG‐3+ cell depletion in peripheral blood was observed at doses ≥ 0.15 mg/kg and was dose‐dependent. In biopsies of psoriasis plaques, a reduction in mean group LAG‐3+ and CD3+ T‐cell counts was observed following treatment. Downregulation of proinflammatory genes (IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IFNγ, and S100A12) and upregulation of the epithelial barrier integrity gene, CDHR1, was observed with the 5 mg/kg dose of GSK2831781. Psoriasis disease activity improved up to day 43 at all GSK2831781 doses (0.5, 1.5, and 5 mg/kg) compared with placebo. Depletion of LAG‐3‐expressing activated T cells is a novel approach, and this first clinical study shows that GSK2831781 is pharmacologically active and provides encouraging early evidence of clinical effects in psoriasis, which warrants further investigation in T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory diseases.
Comparison of native and non‐native predator consumption rates and prey avoidance behavior in North America and Europe
Authors: Ünlü Ayse Gül , Obrycki John J. , Bucher Roman
Published: October 2020

Novel predator–prey interactions can contribute to the invasion success of non‐native predators. For example, native prey can fail to recognize and avoid non‐native predators due to a lack of co‐evolutionary history and cue dissimilarity with native predators. This might result in a competitive advantage for non‐native predators. Numerous lady beetle species were globally redistributed as biological control agents against aphids, resulting in novel predator–prey interactions. Here, we investigated the strength of avoidance behavior of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) toward chemical cues of native lady beetles and non‐native Asian Harmonia axyridis and European Coccinella septempunctata and Hippodamia variegata in North America, hypothesizing that cues of non‐native lady beetles induce weaker avoidance behavior than cues of co‐evolved native lady beetles. Additionally, we compared aphid consumption of lady beetles, examining potential predation advantages of non‐native lady beetles. Finally, we compared cue avoidance behavior between North American and European pea aphid populations and aphid consumption of native and non‐native lady beetles in North America and Europe. In North America, pea aphids avoided chemical cues of all ladybeetle species tested, regardless of their origin. In contrast to pea aphids in North America, European pea aphids did not avoid cues of the non‐native H. axyridis. The non‐native H. axyridis and C. septempunctata were among the largest and most voracious lady beetle species tested, on both continents. Consequently, in North America non‐native lady beetle species might have a competitive advantage on shared food resources due to their relatively large body size, compared to several native American lady beetle species. In Europe, however, non‐native H. axyridis might benefit from missing aphid cue avoidance as well as a large body size. The co‐evolutionary time gap between the European and North American invasion of H. axyridis likely explains the intercontinental differences in cue avoidance behavior and might indicate evolution in aphids toward non‐native predators.
Measuring physical activity with activity monitors in patients with heart failure: from literature to practice. A position paper from the Committee on Exercise Physiology and Training of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Klompstra Leonie , Kyriakou Martha , Lambrinou Ekaterini , Piepoli Massimo F. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Cornelis Justien , Gellen Barnabas , Marques‐Sule Elena , Niederseer David , Orso Francesco , Piotrowicz Ewa , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M. , Simonenko Maria , Witte Klaus K. , Wozniak Anna , Volterrani Maurizio , Jaarsma Tiny
Published: October 2020

The aims of this paper were to provide an overview of available activity monitors used in research in patients with heart failure and to identify the key criteria in the selection of the most appropriate activity monitor for collecting, reporting, and analysing physical activity in heart failure research. This study was conducted in three parts. First, the literature was systematically reviewed to identify physical activity concepts and activity monitors used in heart failure research. Second, an additional scoping literature search for validation of these activity monitors was conducted. Third, the most appropriate criteria in the selection of activity monitors were identified. Nine activity monitors were evaluated in terms of size, weight, placement, costs, data storage, water resistance, outcomes and validation, and cut‐off points for physical activity intensity levels were discussed. The choice of a monitor should depend on the research aims, study population and design regarding physical activity. If the aim is to motivate patients to be active or set goals, a less rigorously tested tool can be considered. On the other hand, if the aim is to measure physical activity and its changes over time or following treatment adjustment, it is important to choose a valid activity monitor with a storage and battery longevity of at least one week. The device should provide raw data and valid cut‐off points should be chosen for analysing physical activity intensity levels. Other considerations in choosing an activity monitor should include data storage location and ownership and the upfront costs of the device.
Electrochemical behavior of a spinel zinc ferrite alloy obtained by a simple sol‐gel route for Ni‐MH battery applications
Authors: Zayani Wissem , Azizi Samir , El‐Nasser Karam S. , Othman Ali Ibraheem , Molière Michel , Fenineche Nouredine , Mathlouthi Hamadi , Lamloumi Jilani
Published: October 2020

The hydrogen storage properties of zinc ferrite spinel (ZnFe2O4) alloy were studied, in this work. This alloy, formed applying the sol‐gel technique, was employed as anode in Ni‐MH accumulators. X‐ray diffractogram analysis showed the appearance of the compound spinel with cubic structure. In fact, the crystallite size, specified by the TEM technique, was equal to 30 nm. The hydrogen storage properties of zinc ferrite spinel alloy were examined applying various electromechanical methods (chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry) at the C/10 rate and at room temperature. The maximum discharge capacity value was almost equal to 145 mAh/g. After 100 cycles, a good cycling stability was attained and correlation between the (DH/a2) ratio and the discharge capacity as noticed. The electrolyte/ZnFe2O4 anode interface prior to and following activation was studied utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Role of SEI layer growth in fracture probability in lithium‐ion battery electrodes
Authors: Ali Yasir , Iqbal Noman , Lee Seungjun
Published: October 2020

Understanding of degradation mechanisms in batteries is essential for the widespread use of eco‐friendly vehicles. Degradation mechanisms affect battery performance not only individually but also in a coupled manner. Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation deteriorates battery capacity through consuming available lithium ions. On the other hand, as the SEI layer grows over multiple cycles, the level of mechanical constraints is changed, which can affect the fracture behavior of the active particles. We investigate the effect of the SEI layer growth on the fracture probability of the electrode particles. The simulations show that as the SEI layer grows, tensile stress inside the active particles turns into compressive stress, reducing the probability of particle fracture. Once the SEI layer is fractured, the particle fracture is sequentially more likely to happen because the SEI constraint is removed. The study emphasizes that the stability of SEI layers is important because it helps in alleviating electrochemical performance fade as well as mechanical failure probability. In addition, the SEI layer on small particles tends to be more fractured than that on large particles, suggesting that the particle size uniformity is essential for reducing the fracture probability of the SEI layers at the electrode.
The malate–aspartate shuttle (Borst cycle): How it started and developed into a major metabolic pathway
Authors: Borst Piet
Published: October 2020

This article presents a personal and critical review of the history of the malate–aspartate shuttle (MAS), starting in 1962 and ending in 2020. The MAS was initially proposed as a route for the oxidation of cytosolic NADH by the mitochondria in Ehrlich ascites cell tumor lacking other routes, and to explain the need for a mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase 2 [GOT2]). The MAS was soon adopted in the field as a major pathway for NADH oxidation in mammalian tissues, such as liver and heart, even though the energetics of the MAS remained a mystery. Only in the 1970s, LaNoue and coworkers discovered that the efflux of aspartate from mitochondria, an essential step in the MAS, is dependent on the proton‐motive force generated by the respiratory chain: for every aspartate effluxed, mitochondria take up one glutamate and one proton. This makes the MAS in practice uni‐directional toward oxidation of cytosolic NADH, and explains why the free NADH/NAD ratio is much higher in the mitochondria than in the cytosol. The MAS is still a very active field of research. Most recently, the focus has been on the role of the MAS in tumors, on cells with defects in mitochondria and on inborn errors in the MAS. The year 2019 saw the discovery of two new inborn errors in the MAS, deficiencies in malate dehydrogenase 1 and in aspartate transaminase 2 (GOT2). This illustrates the vitality of ongoing MAS research.
Seasonal and temporal factors leading to urea‐nitrogen accumulation in surface waters of agricultural drainage ditches
Authors: Klick Sabrina A. , Pitula Joseph S. , Bryant Ray B. , Collick Amy S. , Hashem Fawzy M. , Allen Arthur L. , May Eric B.
Published: October 2020

Urea‐nitrogen (N) is commonly applied to crop fields, yet it is not routinely monitored despite its association with reduced water quality and its ability to increase toxicity of certain phytoplankton species. The purpose of this work was to characterize temporal fluctuations in urea‐N concentrations and associated environmental conditions to infer sources of urea‐N in agricultural drainage ditches. Physicochemical properties and N forms in ditch waters were measured weekly during the growing seasons of 2015–2018. Fertilizer application was only associated with spring peaks of urea‐N concentrations in ditches next to cornfields, whereas summer peaks in ditches adjacent to corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields were not associated with fertilizer applications. Environmental conditions of warmer temperatures, lower dissolved oxygen concentrations, and lower redox potentials were correlated with higher urea‐N concentrations. In 2018, peaks of urea‐N and ammonium‐N during the summer co‐occurred with peaks of dissolved organic N and total dissolved N, suggesting they might be associated with the breakdown of organic matter and with the turnover of the organic N pool. Although the highest urea‐N concentrations occurred when ditch surface waters were hydrologically disconnected from nearby streams, heavy rainfalls can potentially flush accumulated urea‐N into coastal waters, where it may affect algal bloom toxicity. Therefore, implementation of available drainage ditch management practices is recommended, but these strategies need to be optimized for targeting periods with high rainfall that coincide with fertilizer additions as well as for periods with low rainfall that promote stagnant water conditions.
Repeated delivery of chlorhexidine chips for the treatment of peri‐implantitis: A multicenter, randomized, comparative clinical trial
Authors: Machtei Eli E. , Romanos Georgios , Kang Philip , Travan Suncica , Schmidt Stephan , Papathanasiou Evangelos , Tatarakis Nikolaos , Tandlich Moshik , Liberman Leila H. , Horwitz Jacob , Bassir Seyed Hossein , Myneni Srinivas , Shiau Harlan J. , Shapira Lior , Donos Nikos , Papas Athena , Meyle Joerg , Giannobile William V. , Papapanou Panos N. , Kim David M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Peri‐implantitis is a challenging condition to manage and is frequently treated using non‐surgical debridement. The local delivery of antimicrobial agents has demonstrated benefit in mild to moderate cases of peri‐implantitis. This study compared the safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate 2.5 mg chip (CHX chips) as an adjunctive treatment to subgingival debridement in patients afflicted with peri‐implantitis.

Methods

A multicenter, randomized, single‐blind, two‐arm, parallel Phase‐3 study was conducted. Peri‐implantitis patients with implant pocket depths (IPD) of 5‐8 mm underwent subgingival implant surface debridement followed by repeated bi‐weekly supragingival plaque removal and chlorhexidine chips application (ChxC group) for 12 weeks, or similar therapy but without application of ChxC (control group). All patients were followed for 24 weeks. Plaque and gingival indices were measured at every visit whereas IPD, recession, and bleeding on probing were assessed at 8, 12, 16, 24 week.

Results

A total of 290 patients were included: 146 in the ChxC group and 144 in the control. At 24 weeks, a significant reduction in IPD (P = 0.01) was measured in the ChxC group (1.76 ± 1.13 mm) compared with the control group (1.54 ± 1.13 mm). IPD reduction of ≥2 mm was found in 59% and 47.2% of the implants in the ChxC and control groups, respectively (P = 0.03). Changes in gingival recession (0.29 ± 0.68 mm versus 0.15 ± 0.55 mm, P = 0.015) and relative attachment gain (1.47 ± 1.32 mm and 1.39 ± 1.27 mm, P = 0.0017) were significantly larger in the ChxC group. Patients in the ChxC group that were < 65 years exhibited significantly better responses (P < 0.02); likewise, non‐smokers had similarly better response (P < 0.02). Both protocols were well tolerated, and no severe treatment‐related adverse events were recorded throughout the study.

Conclusions

Patients with peri‐implantitis that were treated with an intensive treatment protocol of bi‐weekly supragingival plaque removal and local application of chlorhexidine chips had greater mean IPD reduction and greater percentile of sites with IPD reduction of ≥2 mm as compared with bi‐weekly supra‐gingival plaque removal.
Dramatic Changes in Oncology Care Pathways During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The French ONCOCARE-COV Study
Authors: Brugel Mathias , Carlier Claire , Essner Christine , Debreuve-Theresette Adeline , Beck Marie-Françoise , Merrouche Yacine , Bouché Olivier
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected cancer management. We aimed to evaluate changes in every oncology care pathway essential step, from screening to treatment, during the pandemic.

Monthly oncological activity differences between 2019 and 2020 (screening tests, histopathological analyzes, multidisciplinary tumor board meetings (MTBMs), diagnostic announcement procedures (DAPs), and treatments were calculated in two French areas experiencing different pandemic intensity (Reims and Colmar).

COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact in terms of screening (−86% to −100%), diagnosis (−39%), and surgical treatment (−30%). This global decrease in all essential oncology care pathway steps contrasted with the relative stability of chemotherapy (−9%) and radiotherapy use (−16%). Outbreak occurred earlier and with more intensity in Colmar but had a comparable impact in both areas regarding MTMBs and DAPs.

The current ONCOCARE-COV study is still in progress and with a longer follow-up to analyze postlockdown situation.
Digital anthropometry for body circumference measurements: Toward the development of universal three‐dimensional optical system analysis software
Authors: Sobhiyeh Sima , Kennedy Samantha , Dunkel Alexander , Dechenaud Marcelline E. , Weston Jerome A. , Shepherd John , Wolenski Peter , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: October 2020

Background/Objective

Digital anthropometric (DA) assessments are increasingly being administered with three‐dimensional (3D) optical devices in clinical settings that manage patients with obesity and related metabolic disorders. However, anatomic measurement sites are not standardized across manufacturers, precluding use of published reference values and pooling of data across research centers.

Subjects/Methods

This study aimed to develop universal 3D analysis software by applying novel programming strategies capable of producing device‐independent DA estimates that agree with conventional anthropometric (CA) measurements made at well‐defined anatomic sites. A series of technical issues related to proprietary methods of 3D geometrical reconstruction and image analysis were addressed in developing major software components. To evaluate software accuracy, comparisons were made to CA circumference measurements made with a flexible tape at eleven standard anatomic sites in up to 35 adults scanned with three different commercial 3D optical devices.

Results

Overall, group mean CA and DA values across the three systems were in good agreement, with ∼2 cm systematic differences; CA and DA estimates were highly correlated (all p‐values <0.01); root‐mean square errors were low (0.51–3.27 cm); and CA‐DA bias tended to be small, but significant depending on anatomic site and device.

Conclusions

Availability of this software, with future refinements, has the potential to facilitate clinical applications and creation of large pooled uniform anthropometric databases.
Investigation of the synergy influence of KSiCB and POE‐g‐MAH on mechanical properties of basalt fiber‐reinforced PA6 composites
Authors: Yu Kaifeng , Li Zhichao , Liang Jicai , Li Yi , Liang Ce
Published: October 2020

Silicon carbon black (SiCB), a kind of biomass carbon material, is a kind of pyrolysis ash prepared by anoxic pyrolysis of rice husk. When filled as an inorganic reinforcement in the composite material basalt fiber (BF) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6), it has synergetic effect with the POE‐g‐MAH elastomer. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows that KSiCB plays a role of heterogeneous nucleation in the composite material, accelerates the nucleation and crystallization speed of PA6, and can increase the strength and rigidity of the composite material. Scanning electron microscope observation of the fracture surface of the composite material shows that the addition of KSiCB can effectively “pin” and inhibit crack propagation. When the content of KSiCB is 2.5 phr, the tensile strength of the composite material KSiCB/POE‐g‐MAH/PA6(BF) reaches a maximum of 125.194 MPa, the tensile modulus is 2791.257 MPa, the bending strength reaches 192.034 MPa, and the impact toughness reaches 23.42 kJ/m2.
Thermo‐erosional valleys in Siberian ice‐rich permafrost
Authors: Morgenstern Anne , Overduin Pier Paul , Günther Frank , Stettner Samuel , Ramage Justine , Schirrmeister Lutz , Grigoriev Mikhail N. , Grosse Guido
Published: October 2020

Thermal erosion is a major mechanism of permafrost degradation, resulting in characteristic landforms. We inventory thermo‐erosional valleys in ice‐rich coastal lowlands adjacent to the Siberian Laptev Sea based on remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and field investigations for a first regional assessment of their spatial distribution and characteristics. Three study areas with similar geological (Yedoma Ice Complex) but diverse geomorphological conditions vary in valley areal extent, incision depth, and branching geometry. The most extensive valley networks are incised deeply (up to 35 m) into the broad inclined lowland around Mamontov Klyk. The flat, low‐lying plain forming the Buor Khaya Peninsula is more degraded by thermokarst and characterized by long valleys of lower depth with short tributaries. Small, isolated Yedoma Ice Complex remnants in the Lena River Delta predominantly exhibit shorter but deep valleys. Based on these hydrographical network and topography assessments, we discuss geomorphological and hydrological connections to erosion processes. Relative catchment size along with regional slope interact with other Holocene relief‐forming processes such as thermokarst and neotectonics. Our findings suggest that thermo‐erosional valleys are prominent, hitherto overlooked permafrost degradation landforms that add to impacts on biogeochemical cycling, sediment transport, and hydrology in the degrading Siberian Yedoma Ice Complex.
Systemic anticancer therapies and the role of primary care
Authors: Merriel Samuel W D , Hamilton Willie
Published: October 2020

Supporting cancer patients receiving systemic cancer therapies requires a multidisciplinary approach, and primary care plays a key role in identifying and managing the physical effects of treatment, providing psychosocial support and arranging specialist review. This article discusses the management of patients receiving systemic cancer therapies from a primary care perspective.
Experimental validation of manipulability optimization control of a 7‐DoF serial manipulator for robot‐assisted surgery
Authors: Su Hang , Danioni Andrea , Mira Robert Mihai , Ungari Matteo , Zhou Xuanyi , Li Jiehao , Hu Yingbai , Ferrigno Giancarlo , De Momi Elena
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Both safety and accuracy are of vital importance for surgical operation procedures. An efficient way to avoid the singularity of the surgical robot concerning safety issues is to maximize its manipulability in robot‐assisted surgery. The goal of this work was to validate a dynamic neural network optimization method for manipulability optimization control of a 7‐degree of freedom (DoF) robot in a surgical operation.

Methods

Three different paths, a circle, a sinusoid and a spiral were chosen to simulate typical surgical tasks. The dynamic neural network‐based manipulability optimization control was implemented on a 7‐DoF robot manipulator. During the surgical operation procedures, the manipulability of the robot manipulator and the accuracy of the surgical operation are recorded for performance validation.

Results

By comparison, the dynamic neural network‐based manipulability optimization control achieved optimized manipulability but with a loss of the accuracy of trajectory tracking (the global error was 1 mm compare to the 0.5 mm error of non‐optimized method).

Conclusions

The method validated in this work achieved optimized manipulability with a loss of error. Future works should be introduced to improve the accuracy of the surgical operation.
Modeling and visualizing two‐way contingency tables using compositional data analysis: A case‐study on individual self‐prediction of migraine days
Authors: Vives‐Mestres Marina , Casanova Amparo
Published: October 2020

Two‐way contingency tables arise in many fields, such as in medical studies, where the relation between two discrete random variables or responses is to be assessed. We propose to analyze and visualize a sample of 2 × 2 tables in the context of single‐subject repeated measurements design by means of compositional data (CoDa) methods. First, we propose to visualize the tables in a quaternary diagram. Second, we show how to represent these tables by means of logratios indicating the relationship between the two variables as well as their strength and direction of dependency. Finally, we describe a technique to model those tables with a simplicial regression model. Data from a real‐world study of self‐prediction of migraine attack onset is used to illustrate this methodology. For each individual, the 2 × 2 table of their migraine expectation vs next day migraine occurrence is computed, generating a sample of tables. Then we visualize and interpret the prediction ability of individuals both in the simplex and in terms of logratios of components. Finally, we model the self‐prediction ability with respect to demographic variables, days tracked and disease characteristics. Our application demonstrates that CoDa can be a useful tool for visualizing, modeling, and interpreting the components of 2 × 2 tables.
Fe1/TiO2 Hollow Microspheres: Fe and Ti Dual Active Sites Boosting the Photocatalytic Oxidation of NO
Authors: Hu Zhao , Li Xiaofang , Zhang Sushu , Li Qin , Fan Jiajie , Qu Xianlin , Lv Kangle
Published: October 2020

Recently, single‐atom catalysts have aroused extensive attention in fields of clean energy and environmental protection due to their unique activity and efficient utilization of the active atoms. It is of great importance but still remains a great challenge to unveil the effect of single atoms on precise catalysis. Herein, it is reported that doping TiO2 hollow microspheres (TiO2‐HMSs) with single atomic Fe can boost the photoreactivity of TiO2‐HMSs towards NO oxidation due to the synergistic effects of atomically dispersed Fe and bonded Ti atom which act as dual active sites. The atomically dispersed Fe atoms occupy the subsurface Ti vacancies, and the interaction between Ti 3d and Fe 3d orbitals result in the formation of FeTi bond. Single atomic Fe modulates the electronic structure of the bonded Ti atoms by electron transfer, which facilitates the adsorption and activation of NO and O2 at Fe and bonded Ti sites, respectively. In addition, the introduction of single atomic Fe sharply suppresses the production of toxic NO2 byproduct. The synergistic effects of the dual active sites then cause a drastic promotion in photocatalytic oxidation of NO.
Software reuse analytics using integrated random forest and gradient boosting machine learning algorithm
Authors: Sandhu Amandeep Kaur , Batth Ranbir Singh
Published: October 2020

The term Cleaner Production (CP) for Production Companies is contemplated as influential to get sustainable production. CP mainly deals with three R's that is, reuse, reduce, and recycle. For software enterprise, the software reuse plays a pivotal role. Software reuse is a process of producing new products or software from the existing software by updating it. To extract useful information from the existing software data mining comes into light. The algorithms used for software reuse face issues related to maintenance cost, accuracy, and performance. Also, the currently used algorithm does not give accurate results on whether the component of software can be reused. Machine Learning gives the best results to predicate if the given software component is reusable or not. This paper introduces an integrated Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Machine Learning Algorithm (RFGBM) which test the reusability of the given software code considering the object‐oriented parameters such as cohesion, coupling, cyclomatic complexity, bugs, number of children, and depth inheritance tree. Further, the proposed algorithm is compared with J48, AdaBoostM1, LogitBoost, Part, One R, LMT, JRip, DecisionStump algorithms. Performance metrices like accuracy, error rate, Relative Absolute Error, and Mean Absolute Error are improved using RFGBM. This algorithm also utilizes data preprocessing with the help of an unsupervised filter to remove the missing value for efficiency improvement. Proposed algorithm outperforms existing in term of performance parameters.
Dressing bulk fields in AdS3
Authors: Kabat Daniel , Lifschytz Gilad
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study a set of CFT operators suitable for reconstructing a charged bulk scalar field ϕ in AdS3 (dual to an operator $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
of dimension ∆ in the CFT) in the presence of a conserved spin-n current in the CFT. One has to sum a tower of smeared non-primary scalars $$ {\partial}_{+}^m{J}^{(m)} $$

∂
+
m

J

m

, where J(m) are primaries with twist ∆ and spin m built from $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
and the current. The coefficients of these operators can be fixed by demanding that bulk correlators are well-defined: with a simple ansatz this requirement allows us to calculate bulk correlators directly from the CFT. They are built from specific polynomials of the kinematic invariants up to a freedom to make field redefinitions. To order 1/N this procedure captures the dressing of the bulk scalar field by a radial generalized Wilson line.
Risikostratifizierung von Notfällen während der COVID-19-Pandemie in der Zentralen Notaufnahme
Authors: Wieckenberg M. , Meier V. , Pfeiffer S. , Blaschke S.
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie stellt für das Personal der Zentralen Notaufnahme (ZNA) eine sehr komplexe Herausforderung dar. Neben der regulären Notfallversorgung ist die frühzeitige Detektion und Isolation von COVID-19-Fällen erforderlich, um eine hausinterne Transmission der Infektion zu verhindern und den Schutz des Personals zu gewährleisten.

Methoden

Es wurde ein Modell zur Risikostratifizierung von SARS-CoV-2-Verdachts- und COVID-19-Fällen mit 5 Risikokategorien (RK) auf Basis der Kriterien des Robert-Koch Instituts (RKI) entwickelt und in der ZNA implementiert. Durch Verknüpfung der COVID-19-Risikokategorien mit spezifischen Isolations‑, Hygiene- und Personalschutzmaßnahmen wurden alle Bereiche der ZNA neu strukturiert. Retrospektiv erfolgte die statistische Auswertung aller stationären Fälle (n = 491) innerhalb eines vierwöchigen Zeitraums.

Ergebnisse

Im Patientenkollektiv wurdenn = 25 (5,1 %) SARS-CoV-2-positive Fälle identifiziert. Diese verteilten sich prozentual auf die Risikokategorien wie folgt: RK I – bestätigte SARS-CoV-2-Infektion 36 % (n = 9), RK II – begründete Verdachtsfälle 32 % (n = 8), RK III – differenzialdiagnostische Abklärung 12 % (n = 3), RK IV – geringe Wahrscheinlichkeit 8 % (n = 2) und RK V – kein Verdacht 12 % (n = 3). Bis dato ist keine Transmission der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion bei Mitarbeitern oder Patienten in der ZNA aufgetreten.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Einführung der COVID-19-Risikokategorien ermöglicht die zentrale Steuerung der krankenhaushygienisch relevanten Prozesse einer ZNA im Kontext der COVID-19-Pandemie. Durch eine stetige Reevaluation der Falldefinitionen können lokale Ausbruchssituationen berücksichtigt werden. Die COVID-19-Risikostratifizierung ermöglicht eine strikte Trennung von COVID-19/Non-COVID-19-Notfällen und stellt so die nosokomiale Infektionsprävention für Personal und Patienten sicher.
Identifying types in contest experiments
Authors: Fallucchi Francesco , Mercatanti Andrea , Niederreiter Jan
Published: October 2020

We apply the classifier-Lasso (Su et al. 2016) to detect the presence of latent types in two data sets of previous contest experiments, one that keeps the grouping of contestants fixed over the experiment and one that randomly regroups contestants after each round. Our results suggest that there exist three distinct types of players in both contest regimes. The majority of contestants in fixed groups behaves reciprocal to opponents’ previous choices. A higher share of reciprocators per group is associated to lower average overspending which hints at cooperative attempts. For experiments in which contestants are regrouped, we find a significantly lower share of ‘reciprocators’ and no significant association between the share of reciprocators and average efforts.
Use of tramadol and other analgesics following media attention and risk minimization actions from regulators: a Danish nationwide drug utilization study
Authors: Sørensen Anne Mette Skov , Rasmussen Lotte , Ernst Martin Thomsen , Mogensen Stine Hasling , Laursen Mona Vestergaard , Jimenez-Solem Espen , Pottegård Anton
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To describe the use of tramadol and other analgesics in Denmark focusing on the impact of media attention (June and December 2017) and regulatory actions (September 2017 and January 2018) on the use of tramadol.

Methods

Using nationwide registries, we identified all adults who filled a prescription for tramadol and other analgesics from 2014 to 2019. We described incidence rates, prevalence proportions, and total use of tramadol and other analgesics over time. We also described switching between analgesics, treatment duration, skewness in drug use, and doctor-shopping.

Results

From early 2017 until the end of 2019, total tramadol use decreased markedly while the use of morphine and oxycodone decreased slightly. The quarterly prevalence of tramadol use decreased from 32/1000 individuals in 2014 to 18/1000 at the end of 2019, dropping mainly at the time of media attention. Concomitantly, the quarterly prevalence increased for oxycodone (from 5.1 to 8.2) and morphine (from 8.5 to 9.8), mainly due to more short-term and sporadic users, and decreased for codeine (14 to 9.6). From 2014 to mid-2017, the incidence of tramadol use was stable (around 2.2/1000 person-months) but dropped in June 2017 to 1.7/1000, coinciding with the media attention. The incidence of tramadol use continued to decrease (to 1.1/1000 at the end of 2019).

Conclusion

We identified a decline in tramadol use coinciding with the media attention in 2017 and continuing during regulatory actions. There was generally no evidence of unintended effects on the utilization of opioids related to the media attention and regulatory actions.
Increased sagittal diameter of the vertebral arch aids in diagnosis of lumbar spondylolysis
Authors: Chen Shi-Zheng , Tong An-Ni , Tang He-Hu , Lv Zhen , Liu Shu-Jia , Liu Jie-Sheng , Zhang Jun-Wei
Published: October 2020

Objective

To identify a diagnostic indicator of lumbar spondylolysis visible in plain X-ray films.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-two patients with low back pain who received X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) examinations were identified and studied. They were divided into three groups: the spondylosis without spondylolisthesis (SWS) group, comprising 67 patients with bilateral pars interarticularis defects at L5 and without spondylolisthesis, the isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) group, comprising 74 patients with L5/S1 spondylolisthesis and bilateral L5 pars interarticularis defects, and the control group, comprising 31 patients with low back pain but without spondylolysis. The sagittal diameters of the vertebral arch (SDVAs) of L4 and L5 were measured in lateral X-ray image, and the differences in SDVA between L4 and L5 (DSL4-5) in each case were calculated and analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics among the three groups. In the SWS and IS groups, the SDVA of L5 was significantly longer than the SDVA of L4 (p < 0.001), whereas no significant difference found in the control group (p > 0.05). DSL4-5, in which the SDVA of L4 was subtracted from the SDVA of L5, significantly differed among the three groups (p < 0.001), and the normal threshold was provisionally determined to be 1.55 mm.

Conclusions

In bilateral L5 spondylolysis, the SDVA of L5 is wider than the SDVA of L4, and this difference is greater in isthmic spondylolisthesis. This sign in lateral X-rays may provide a simple and convenient aid for the diagnosis of spondylolysis.
Haploidentical transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma making use of natural killer cell alloreactive donors
Authors: Van Elssen Catharina , van Gorkom Gwendolyn , Voorter Christine , von dem Borne Peter , Meijer Ellen , Wieten Lotte , Bos Gerard
Published: October 2020

Disease relapse is an important problem after allogeneic stem cell transplantations in multiple myeloma (MM). To test the hypothesis that natural killer (NK) cell alloreactivity in the setting of a haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haploSCT) can reduce the risk of myeloma relapse, we performed a small prospective phase 2 study in which we transplanted poor-risk MM patients using a killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-ligand mismatched haploidentical donor. Patients received bone marrow grafts after reduced-intensity conditioning, with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCY) graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was 1.5-year progression-free survival (PFS); stopping rules were installed in case interim results made a benefit of 50% PFS at 1.5 years unlikely. After inclusion of 12 patients, of which 9 were evaluable for the primary endpoint, all patients relapsed within a median time of 90 days. All except 1 patient showed engraftment, with a median time to neutrophil recovery of 18 (12–30) days. The study was prematurely terminated based on the predefined stopping rules after the inclusion of 12 patients. With this small study, we show that in chemo-resistant myeloma patients, NK cell KIR-mismatch is not superior to conventional alloSCT. This strategy, however, can serve as a platform for new treatment concepts.

Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02519114
Unveiling asexual reproductive traits in black corals: polyp bail-out in Antipathella subpinnata
Authors: Coppari Martina , Fumarola Lara , Bramanti Lorenzo , Romans Pascal , Pillot Rémi , Bavestrello Giorgio , Bo Marzia
Published: October 2020

Cnidarians are known to undergo reverse development as a survival mechanism against adverse environmental conditions. Polyp bail-out consists in the polyps’ detachment from the mother colony due to stressful conditions, followed by a complete tissue and cells rearrangement and in some cases in a regression into a simple, ciliated form. Here we describe a massive polyp bail-out event occurred in the mesophotic black coral Antipathella subpinnata in reared conditions. This is the first report of a bail-out event in this species providing new insights into the life cycle and ecology of black corals.
Pacific variability reconciles observed and modelled global mean temperature increase since 1950
Authors: Stolpe Martin B. , Cowtan Kevin , Medhaug Iselin , Knutti Reto
Published: October 2020

Global mean temperature change simulated by climate models deviates from the observed temperature increase during decadal-scale periods in the past. In particular, warming during the ‘global warming hiatus’ in the early twenty-first century appears overestimated in CMIP5 and CMIP6 multi-model means. We examine the role of equatorial Pacific variability in these divergences since 1950 by comparing 18 studies that quantify the Pacific contribution to the ‘hiatus’ and earlier periods and by investigating the reasons for differing results. During the ‘global warming hiatus’ from 1992 to 2012, the estimated contributions differ by a factor of five, with multiple linear regression approaches generally indicating a smaller contribution of Pacific variability to global temperature than climate model experiments where the simulated tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) or wind stress anomalies are nudged towards observations. These so-called pacemaker experiments suggest that the ‘hiatus’ is fully explained and possibly over-explained by Pacific variability. Most of the spread across the studies can be attributed to two factors: neglecting the forced signal in tropical Pacific SST, which is often the case in multiple regression studies but not in pacemaker experiments, underestimates the Pacific contribution to global temperature change by a factor of two during the ‘hiatus’; the sensitivity with which the global temperature responds to Pacific variability varies by a factor of two between models on a decadal time scale, questioning the robustness of single model pacemaker experiments. Once we have accounted for these factors, the CMIP5 mean warming adjusted for Pacific variability reproduces the observed annual global mean temperature closely, with a correlation coefficient of 0.985 from 1950 to 2018. The CMIP6 ensemble performs less favourably but improves if the models with the highest transient climate response are omitted from the ensemble mean.