bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of obesity and association between body mass index and different aspects of lifestyle in medical sciences students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Aslani Armin , Faraji AmirReza , Allahverdizadeh Bager , Fathnezhad‐Kazemi Azita
Published: October 2020

Aim

The global obesity pandemic is a major health problem with adverse effects on physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of obesity and the association between BMI and different aspects of lifestyle.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data collected from 380 medical sciences students using demographic characteristics and Eating Behavior, Physical Activity and Perceived Stress Questionnaires were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, namely analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test, Pearson's test and multivariate linear regression model.

Results

The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 3.2% and 25.3%, respectively. There was a positive and significant statistical association between emotional eating (r = .542), extrinsic eating (r = .488) and perceived stress (r = .489) with BMI, also significant and an inverse association was obtained between emotional eating (r = −.488) and total physical activity score (r = −.394) with BMI. Factors such as sex, total physical activity score and leisure time activity, external eating behaviours, emotional eating, restricted eating and perceived stress had a significant role in explaining BMI changes.

Conclusion

There is a need to develop interventions to improve dietary behaviours, management stress and access to sports facilities by health‐promoting activities and the provision of online health resources.
Striving to reduce suffering: A Phenomenological Study of nurses experience in caring for children with cancer in Ghana
Authors: Nukpezah Ruth Nimota , Khoshnavay Fatemeh Fomani , Hasanpour Marzieh , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht
Published: October 2020

Aim

To provide insights into nurses lived experiences in caring for children with cancer.

Background

Little is known about the paediatric oncology nurses shared practices of caring for children with cancer in Ghana.

Design

A hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview with 14 purposely sampled Ghanaian paediatric oncology nurses. Findings were analysed using Diekelman, Allen and Tanner's approach.

Results

The theme "Striving to reduce suffering" and three relational subthemes: "knowing children's needs," “Rendering a hopeful fight” and “Ensuring continuity and coordination of care” emerged. Increased awareness of this phenomenon for the nurses who care for these children is vital to ensure quality and holistic care that is meaningful and satisfying by nurses for children with cancer. Paediatric oncology nurses can use the result of the study to evaluate their caring practice and as an avenue to develop better caring practice.
Dermatologic Adverse Events Associated with Selective Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors: Overview, Prevention, and Management Guidelines
Authors: Lacouture Mario E. , Sibaud Vincent , Anadkat Milan J. , Kaffenberger Benjamin , Leventhal Jonathan , Guindon Kathleen , Abou-Alfa Ghassan
Published: October 2020

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinases, which are expressed on the cell membrane, are involved in a wide range of biological functions such as cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation. The identification of FGFR fusions and other alterations in a wide range of solid tumors, including cholangiocarcinoma and bladder cancer, has resulted in the development of several selective FGFR inhibitors for use in these indications, for example, infigratinib, erdafitinib, derazantinib, pemigatinib, and futibatinib. In addition to the typical adverse events associated with tyrosine kinases, the FGFR inhibitors appear to give rise to a number of adverse events affecting the skin. Here we describe these skin events, which include the more common nail adverse events (e.g., onycholysis), palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, and stomatitis, as well as less common reactions such as calciphylaxis. This review aims to provide oncologists with an understanding of these dermatologic events and proposes guidelines for the management of treatment-emergent dermatologic adverse events. Awareness of possible adverse events associated with specific drugs should allow physicians to educate patients as to what to expect and implement effective management plans at the earliest possible opportunity, thereby preventing premature discontinuation while maintaining patient quality of life.

Implications for Practice

Identification of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) aberrations in cholangiocarcinoma and bladder cancer led to development of selective FGFR inhibitors for these indications, based on clinical benefit and safety profiles. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) include those affecting skin, hair, and nails, a unique class effect of these agents. These are usually mild to moderate in severity. This work reviewed skin AEs reported with FGFR inhibitors and provides management guidelines for physicians, aiming to increase awareness of skin events and provide effective treatment strategies. Early intervention and effective management may improve treatment adherence, optimize outcomes, and improve quality of life.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Triangular Rh2Au Cluster Compound Inspired by the Isolobality Concept
Authors: Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Graf Marion , Mayer Peter , Scheer Manfred
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of [Rh2(η5‐Cp)2(μ‐H)(μ‐PPh2)2]BF4 (2) by protonation reaction of the metal basic complex [Rh2(η5‐Cp)2(μ‐PPh2)2] (1) with tetrafluoroboric acid in diethyl ether is described. Complex salt 2 was obtained in high yield and fully characterized by spectroscopic means and X‐ray crystal diffraction. Applying the isolobal analogy between H and the fragment Au(PPh3) as a synthetic strategy on the reaction of compound 2 with equimolar amounts of [Au(CH3)(PPh3)] in refluxing acetone resulted in the formation of the expected triangular cluster compound [Rh2{μ‐Au(PPh3)}(η5‐Cp)2(μ‐PPh2)2]BF4 (3) in good yield. Metal cluster salt 3 was fully characterized by spectroscopic data and its molecular structure in the crystal was determined by X‐ray diffraction. The structural comparison of the protonated dirhodium core in the cationic complex of 2 with the Rh2Au framework in 3 is in good accordance with the isolobal relation between H+ and Au+ because they share the respective same position in these closely related molecular structures.
How Los Angeles County Waterworks Switched to AMI
Authors: Jang Joon Young , Kim TJ , Motamedi Ashkan
Published: October 2020

With proper implementation, advanced metering infrastructure can maximize water use efficiency, help identify leaks, surmount topographical challenges, and foster relations with customers and neighboring utilities.
Preparation of polyurethane composites reinforced with halloysite and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pourmohammadi‐Mahunaki Mohammadali , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Koosha Mojtaba , Yazdi Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Polyurethane composites were synthesized using carbon nanotube (CNT) and CNT‐halloysite (HNT) hybrid in different amounts. Thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the composites were studied using thermogravimetric analysis, rheometrics mechanical spectrometry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, stress‐strain analysis, and hardness measurement. In this context, phase separation, elastic modulus, the Young's modulus, damping, tensile strength, ductility, thermal degradation, hardness, and conductivity were measured and discussed in detail. Modulus, tensile strength, and hardness were increased by 69%, 29%, and 1%, respectively, with incorporation of CNT, while tensile strength was reduced in the hybrid composites containing CNT‐HNT hybrid. In addition, hard and soft segment phase separation and melting points were increased up to 0.8% and 21%, respectively, by the addition of CNT. However, these characteristics were reduced with the addition of CNT‐HNT hybrid in the related composites. Uniform dispersion of HNT and CNT in the polyurethane matrix is clearly shown in the transmission electron microscopy images.
de Sitter Bubbles and the Swampland
Authors: Bedroya Alek , Montero Miguel , Vafa Cumrun , Valenzuela Irene
Published: October 2020

A number of Swampland conjectures and in particular the Trans‐Planckian Censorship Conjecture (TCC) suggest that de Sitter space is highly unstable if it exists at all. In this paper we construct effective theories of scalars rolling on potentials which are dual to a chain of short‐lived dS spaces decaying from one to the next through a cascade of non‐perturbative nucleation of bubbles. We find constraints on the effective potential resulting from various swampland criteria, including TCC, Weak Gravity Conjecture and Distance Conjecture. Surprisingly we find that TCC essentially incorporates all the other ones, and leads to a subclass of possible dual effective potentials. These results marginally rule out emergence of eternal inflation in the dual effective theory. We discuss some cosmological implications of our observations.
Lessons learned—How to make them stick
Authors: Chosnek Jack
Published: October 2020

After an incident investigation we gather the facts, assign causes and compile a set of lessons that should, if learned well, prevent a similar incident from occurring. Unfortunately, too often we see the same type of incident happening, sometimes in the same company that had the original incident, although not necessarily in the same facility, or in a company using the same process technology as the company that had the incident. What happened? We do not learn by listening to a talk or reading a bulletin, at least not for the long term. Our memory fades with time. Even if not, we still need to relate the incident findings to the planning and execution of our work. Thus, the way to remember those lessons is by making them vivid when training, incorporating them in our technology and daily operations, and periodically reinforcing them. If we manage to do that, there is a good chance that the lessons will be woven into the fabric of the company and incidents will not be repeated.
Twin Boundary and Fivefold Twins in Nickel Oxide
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Xing Wandong , Xu Xing , Meng Fanyan , Ma Xingqiao , Yu Rong
Published: October 2020

Twinning is a common phenomenon in crystal growth and mechanical deformation. It plays a key role in tuning the mechanical and transport properties of metals. In transition metal oxides, the twinning may give additional changes related to magnetism. Herein, the atomic configuration and the electronic structure of the twin boundaries (TBs) in rock‐salt‐type NiO are studied, combining aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy and first‐principles calculations. For NiO, the twinning occurs on the (111) plane, with oxygen atoms located at the TB and antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling between the mirroring Ni atomic planes near the TB. The configuration gives the TB energy of 0.26 J m−2. Atomic and magnetic structures of fivefold twins in NiO are also investigated. In the structure of fivefold twins with the lowest energy, ferromagnetic coupling is formed in the AFM TBs due to the competing exchange interaction at the core of fivefold twins.
Olanzapine and lithium interaction
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: October 2020

Atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine are commonly used as augmentation therapy to mood stabilizers in the management of bipolar disorder. Although atypicals have less potential to cause extrapyramidal side effects than first‐generation antipsychotics, other adverse effects are associated with their use, including glucose intolerance, weight gain, and diabetes.
Clotting disorder in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Pujhari Sujit , Paul Sanjeeta , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: October 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a novel human respiratory viral infection that has rapidly progressed into a pandemic, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Blood clotting disorders and acute respiratory failure have surfaced as the major complications among the severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Remarkably, more than 70% of deaths related to COVID‐19 are attributed to clotting‐associated complications such as pulmonary embolism, strokes and multi‐organ failure. These vascular complications have been confirmed by autopsy. This study summarizes the current understanding and explains the possible mechanisms of the blood clotting disorder, emphasizing the role of (1) hypoxia‐related activation of coagulation factors like tissue factor, a significant player in triggering coagulation cascade, (2) cytokine storm and activation of neutrophils and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps and (3) immobility and ICU related risk factors.
On the moment dynamics of stochastically delayed linear control systems
Authors: Sykora Henrik T. , Sadeghpour Mehdi , Ge Jin I. , Bachrathy Dániel , Orosz Gábor
Published: October 2020

In this article, the dynamics and stability of a linear system with stochastic delay and additive noise are investigated. It is assumed that the delay value is sampled periodically from a stationary distribution. A semi‐discretization technique is used to time‐discretize the system and derive the mean and second‐moment dynamics. These dynamics are used to obtain the stationary moments and the corresponding necessary and sufficient stability conditions. The application of the proposed method is illustrated through the analysis of the Hayes equation with stochastic delay and additive noise. The method is also applied to the control design of a connected automated vehicle. These examples illuminate the effects of stochastic delays on the robustness of dynamical systems.
Toward a better integration of requirements and model‐based specifications
Authors: Lebeaupin Benoît , Rauzy Antoine
Published: October 2020

As of today, most specifications of technical systems still rely on requirements written in natural language. However, this approach is known to be problem‐prone, due to the inherent ambiguity of natural languages. On the other hand, fully formal or model‐based approaches seem to be out of reach in many practical cases, especially in early design phases of systems. In this article, we study how to combine in a pragmatic way natural language requirements with models. We propose to keep both formats and to link pieces of text in requirements with elements of models. In other words, corpuses of requirements are managed as hypertexts with links to models. For this approach to be fully efficient, the text of requirements is not free, but relies on controlled natural language techniques leading to a partial structuring of the text. We show that this makes it possible to design (semi)automatic verifications on requirements and models, which would be impossible with unconstrained natural language. We illustrate here our approach on a small illustrative example and we report results obtained on a full size industrial application.
Life‐cycle cost optimization of semiactive magnetorheological dampers for the seismic control of steel frames
Authors: Salajegheh Soheil , Asadi Payam
Published: October 2020

This paper aims to achieve minimum life‐cycle cost, by applying a seismic design optimization of the steel frames with semiactive magnetorheological (MR) dampers. The total life‐cycle cost, which includes the initial constructional and expected damage costs, is an adequate goal to satisfy both employer and users. For optimal performance of the dampers, two fuzzy control systems are suggested, each having two different inputs. Results of numerical analysis for an 11‐story steel structure show that using MR dampers decreases the interstory drift ratios to a permissible limit. It also reduces life‐cycle cost when the design is optimum and when the dampers are evenly distributed by 23% and 14%, respectively. In the case where the objective function was to minimize the total life‐cycle cost, the expected injury and fatality, as the most crucial financial parameters, had the highest decrease rate. There was also a 17% drop in comparison to the state that the dampers are evenly distributed. The fuzzy control with drift and velocity as inputs had better performance in minimizing the total life‐cycle cost than the other fuzzy control, which used acceleration instead of velocity.
Development of Thermal Conductive tpPI/Oriented h‐BN Insulating Composite Material Using the Electrostatic Adsorption Method
Authors: Murakami Yoshinobu , Hamasaki Norikazu , Kikuike Akio , Kawashima Tomohiro , Hozumi Naohiro
Published: October 2020

A thermal conductive plate in a device like a power module for an automobile requires materials with high thermal conductivity, acceptable electric breakdown strength, and high thermal stability. Thermoplastic polyimide (tpPI)/oriented hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) composite materials are produced by an electrostatic adsorption method. The tpPI/oriented h‐BN composite shows high thermal properties (glass transition temperature of about 240 °C and a thermal conductivity of 10 W/mK or more, so on.) In addition, the direct current breakdown strength exceeds 150 kV/mm. It is cleared that the tpPI/oriented h‐BN composite exhibits an acceptable breakdown strength, high thermal conductivity, and high thermal stability. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Mitigation of current transformer saturation on medium voltage switchgears in APR1400 of Nuclear power plants
Authors: Opana Samwel , Chang Choong‐koo
Published: October 2020

Selection of current transformers (CTs) must be done carefully to ensure protection, control, and measuring systems function correctly. Some of the conventional CTs on medium voltage (MV) switchgear in nuclear power plants (NPPs) perform poorly due to accuracy errors and saturation. This paper suggests the use of electronic current transformers (ECTs) as a solution. Simulations were done on a 13.8 kV switchgear using electromagnetic transient program restructured version (EMTP‐RV) software to compare the performance of conventional CTs and ECTs under high fault currents. It was found that ECTs show significant improvement in performance with the secondary current output of 97.37% and eliminate saturation even in systems with high symmetrical and asymmetrical short‐circuit currents. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Enhanced omega‐3 index after long‐ versus short‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation in dogs
Authors: Dominguez Tonje E. , Kaur Kiranpreet , Burri Lena
Published: October 2020

Background

The Omega‐3 Index is a test that measures the amount of the long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in red blood cell membranes, which is expressed as a percentage of all fatty acids. However, alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) from flaxseed oil, which is a short‐chain n‐3 PUFA, is often promoted in pet feed as a n‐3 source, implicitly assuming it is an effective precursor of EPA and DHA.

Objective

This study was aimed to compare the effect of supplementation with a plant‐based short‐chain n‐3 PUFA source (flaxseed oil, FSO) with a marine long‐chain n‐3 PUFA source (astaxanthin krill oil, AKO) to increase the Omega‐3 Index in dogs.

Methods

Ten adult Alaskan Huskies of both genders were supplemented daily with 1,155 mg of EPA/DHA from AKO, whereas another 10 dogs received 1,068 mg ALA from flaxseed oil for 6 weeks. Fatty acid and Omega‐3 Index measurements of the two groups were taken after 0, 3 and 6 weeks for comparison.

Results

The EPA and DHA concentrations increased significantly only in the dogs fed with AKO resulting in a significant increase in mean Omega‐3 Index, from 1.68% at baseline to 2.7% after 6 weeks of supplementation (p < .0001). On the contrary, both EPA and DHA concentrations decreased significantly in the dogs fed with FSO, which led to a significant decrease in mean Omega‐3 Index from 1.6% at baseline to 0.96% at study end (p < .0001).

Conclusions

The results showed that supplementation of AKO from Antarctic krill led to a significant increase in the Omega‐3 Index in comparison to FSO in dogs. This suggests that preformed marine EPA and DHA sources are needed in dog feeds, as the dietary requirements proposed by feed industry organizations are not met with conversion from short‐chain n‐3 fatty acids.
Analysis of Naturally Occurring Radioisotopes in Peat moss Greenhouse Soils and Agriculture Mud in Egypt
Authors: Elzahraa Fatma , Aly Hanan A. S. , Abdel‐Rahman Mohamed A. E.
Published: October 2020

In this work, the activity concentrations (radioactivity) and distributions of natural radionuclides in peat moss samples were investigated. The measurements were performed using HP‐Ge detector and XRD technique. The samples represent six types of soils. The concentrations of radionuclides of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are ranged from 17.14 to 130.83, 13.19 to 26.09, 5.33 to 25.2 and 143.26 to 600.31 Bq·kg–1 (dry weight), respectively, for the different samples. This work also highlights that no correlation has been observed between radionuclides present in the samples, which in turn reflects the random method behind the preparation of the samples. The obtained results from the XRD analysis were in good agreement with radiometry measurements. The safety of peat moss uses was limited for certain agricultural crops due to the presence of high percent of sulphur in some types of soil. The radon concentration calculated using the empirical formula is more accurate than those obtained from the manual measurements and significant values were expected to emanate from the samples under investigation.
Exact results and Schur expansions in quiver Chern-Simons-matter theories
Authors: Santilli Leonardo , Tierz Miguel
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study several quiver Chern-Simons-matter theories on the three-sphere, combining the matrix model formulation with a systematic use of Mordell’s integral, computing partition functions and checking dualities. We also consider Wilson loops in ABJ(M) theories, distinguishing between typical (long) and atypical (short) representations and focusing on the former. Using the Berele-Regev factorization of supersymmetric Schur polynomials, we express the expectation value of the Wilson loops in terms of sums of observables of two factorized copies of U(N) pure Chern-Simons theory on the sphere. Then, we use the Cauchy identity to study the partition functions of a number of quiver Chern-Simons-matter models and the result is interpreted as a perturbative expansion in the parameterstj=−e2πmj, wheremjare the masses. Through the paper, we incorporate different generalizations, such as deformations by real masses and/or Fayet-Iliopoulos parameters, the consideration of a Romans mass in the gravity dual, and adjoint matter.
Transverse momentum broadening of a jet in quark-gluon plasma: an open quantum system EFT
Authors: Vaidya Varun , Yao Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We utilize the technology of open quantum systems in conjunction with the recently developed effective field theory for forward scattering to address the question of massless jet propagation through a weakly-coupled quark-gluon plasma in thermal equilibrium. We discuss various possible hierarchies of scales that may appear in this problem, by comparing thermal scales of the plasma with relevant scales in the effective field theory. Starting from the Lindblad equation, we derive and solve a master equation for the trans- verse momentum distribution of a massless quark jet, at leading orders both in the strong coupling and in the power counting of the effective field theory. Markovian approximation is justified in the weak coupling limit. Using the solution to the master equation, we study the transverse momentum broadening of a jet as a function of the plasma temperature and the time of propagation. We discuss the physical origin of infrared sensitivity that arises in the solution and a way to handle it in the effective field theory formulation. We suspect that the final measurement constraint can only cut-off leading infrared singularities and the solution to the Markovian master equation resums a logarithmic series. This work is a stepping stone towards understanding jet quenching and jet substructure observables on both light and heavy quark jets as probes of the quark-gluon plasma.
Chimäre Antigenrezeptoren (CARs) in der Onkologie: eine Übersicht zu klinischer Anwendung und neuen Entwicklungen
Authors: Michels Alexander , Hartmann Jessica , Buchholz Christian J.
Published: October 2020

2018 erhielten 2 neuartige Krebstherapien auf Basis chimärer Antigenrezeptoren (CARs) die Marktzulassung in der Europäischen Union. Die Produkte, zunächst zugelassen für die Bekämpfung weit fortgeschrittener Leukämien bzw. Lymphome, erhielten nicht nur wegen ihrer neuen Wirkungsweise und Behandlungserfolge viel Aufmerksamkeit, sondern auch wegen ihrer teilweise gravierenden Nebenwirkungen sowie der wirtschaftlichen und logistischen Herausforderungen, die mit ihrer Herstellung verknüpft sind. Nun, fast 2 Jahre später, belegen Hunderte laufende klinische Studien das weltweite Bestreben, das Potenzial der CAR-Technologie voll zu erschließen. Dazu gilt es, die Effektivität der Behandlung bei verschiedenen Krankheitsbildern sicherzustellen, das Nebenwirkungsprofil zu verstehen und zu verbessern und die Herstellung des Zellpräparats robuster zu gestalten.

In diesem Artikel beschreiben wir die Studienlage sowie das Wirkprinzip von CAR-T- und -NK-Zellen. In jüngster Zeit hat eine Reihe von Studien in fortgeschrittenen Tiermodellen Einblicke in die potenziellen Ursachen schwerer Nebenwirkungen der CAR-Therapie ermöglicht. Wir fassen diese Ergebnisse zusammen und erläutern die Funktionsweise verfügbarer Tiermodelle. Zusätzlich zeigen wir mögliche weitere Ansätze auf, die momentanen Limitationen der Technologie zu umgehen und sie breit und sicher einsetzbar zu machen. Bisher als letztes Mittel bei sehr schweren Krankheitsverläufen eingesetzt, scheint die CAR-Therapie am Beginn einer Entwicklung hin zu einem neuen Konzept bei der Behandlung eines breiten Spektrums von hämatologischen und soliden Tumorerkrankungen zu stehen.
TFA: an efficient and precise virtual methodcall resolution for Java
Authors: Zhuo Xilong , Zhang Chenyi
Published: October 2020

The problem of statically resolving virtual method calls in object-oriented (OO) programming languages has been a long standing challenge, often due to the overly complicated class hierarchy structures in modern OO programming languages such as Java, C# and C++. Traditional ways of dealing with this problem include class hierarchy analysis (CHA), variable type analysis (VTA), and retrieval of type information after a sophisticated points-to analysis. In this paper, we tackle this problem by proposing a new approach called type flow analysis (TFA) which propagates type information as well as field access information through the syntactic structure of a program. Our methodology is purely algebraic and there is no need to explicitly construct a heap abstraction. We have assessed our methodology from two perspectives. Regarding its theoretical foundation, we have proved that in the context insensitive setting, our method is as precise as the standard Andersen’s subset based points-to analysis regarding the derived types for variables. For an experimental evaluation of TFA, we have implemented the algorithm in the Soot framework and used it to analyze the SPECjvm2008 benchmark suite. During the experiment, we have shown that our method is usually 30–100 times faster than the standard points-to analysis. We further conduct a range of detailed analysis based on the baseline data obtained by running a dynamic profiler, which is also implemented by us, on the SPECjvm2008. The experiment results confirm that TFA can achieve outstanding performance with acceptable accuracy when applied on real-world Java programs.
Influence of fibre orientation on cutting force in up and down milling of UD-CFRP composites
Authors: Geier Norbert
Published: October 2020

Machining of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is extremely difficult, mainly due to their inhomogeneous and anisotropic properties. Predicting of cutting force during machining of CFRP is also difficult because the machinability properties of the composite are significantly orientation-dependent (fibre and machining directions). The main objective of the present study is to analyse the influence of fibre orientation on cutting force in milling of unidirectional CFRP. Up and down milling experiences were conducted based on a full factorial design. Experimental data were processed by fast Fourier transformation, regression analysis, and graphical adequate analysis. Multiple-order polynomial models were developed in order to minimise cutting force. Experimental results show that fibre orientation angle significantly influences the cutting force; furthermore, it does not have a significant effect on the passive force component, while the radial force component is more sensitive to the fibre orientation at up milling, than at down milling. An optimal condition is recommended for zig-zag milling of unidirectional CFRPs.
Cancer potencies and margin of exposure used for comparative risk assessment of heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes aerosols with cigarette smoke
Authors: Rodrigo Gregory , Jaccard Guy , Tafin Djoko Donatien , Korneliou Alexandra , Esposito Marco , Belushkin Maxim
Published: October 2020

Health risk associated with the use of combustible cigarettes is well characterized and numerous epidemiological studies have been published for many years. Since more than a decade, innovative non-combusted tobacco products have emerged like heated tobacco products (HTP) or electronic cigarettes (EC). Long-term effects of these new products on health remain, however, unknown and there is a need to characterize associated potential health risks. The time dedicated to epidemiological data generation (at least 20 to 40 years for cancer endpoint), though, is not compatible with innovative development. Surrogates need, therefore, to be developed. In this work, non-cancer and cancer risks were estimated in a range of HTP and commercial combustible cigarettes based upon their harmful and potentially harmful constituent yields in aerosols and smoke, respectively. It appears that mean lifetime cancer risk values were decreased by more than one order of magnitude when comparing HTPs and commercial cigarettes, and significantly higher margin of exposure for non-cancer risk was observed for HTPs when compared to commercial cigarettes. The same approach was applied to two commercial ECs. Similar results were also found for this category of products. Despite uncertainties related to the factors used for the calculations and methodological limitations, this approach is valuable to estimate health risks associated to the use of innovative products. Moreover, it acts as predictive tool in absence of long-term epidemiological data. Furthermore, both cancer and non-cancer risks estimated for HTPs and ECs highlight the potential of reduced risk for non-combusted products when compared to cigarette smoking.
Ripples in Graphene: A Variational Approach
Authors: Friedrich Manuel , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: October 2020

Suspended graphene samples are observed to be gently rippled rather than being flat. In Friedrich et al. (Z Angew Math Phys 69:70, 2018), we have checked that this nonplanarity can be rigorously described within the classical molecular-mechanical frame of configurational-energy minimization. There, we have identified all ground-state configurations with graphene topology with respect to classes of next-to-nearest neighbor interaction energies and classified their fine nonflat geometries. In this second paper on graphene nonflatness, we refine the analysis further and prove the emergence of wave patterning. Moving within the frame of Friedrich et al. (2018), rippling formation in graphene is reduced to a two-dimensional problem for one-dimensional chains. Specifically, we show that almost minimizers of the configurational energy develop waves with specific wavelength, independently of the size of the sample. This corresponds remarkably to experiments and simulations.
Intensity dependent effect of cognitive training on motor cortical plasticity and cognitive performance in humans
Authors: Berns Christina , Brüchle Wanja , Scho Sebastian , Schneefeld Jessica , Schneider Udo , Rosenkranz Karin
Published: October 2020

Intervention-induced neuroplastic changes within the motor or cognitive system have been shown in the human brain. While cognitive and motor brain areas are densely interconnected, it is unclear whether this interconnectivity allows for a shared susceptibility to neuroplastic changes. Using the preparation for a theoretical exam as training intervention that primarily engages the cognitive system, we tested the hypothesis whether neuroplasticity acts across interconnected brain areas by investigating the effect on excitability and synaptic plasticity in the motor cortex. 39 healthy students (23 female) underwent 4 weeks of cognitive training while revision time, physical activity, concentration, fatigue, sleep quality and stress were monitored. Before and after cognitive training, cognitive performance was evaluated, as well as motor excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation and long-term-potentiation-like (LTP-like) plasticity using paired-associative-stimulation (PAS). Cognitive training ranged individually from 1 to 7 h/day and enhanced attention and verbal working memory. While motor excitability did not change, LTP-like plasticity increased in an intensity-depending manner: the longer the daily revision time, the smaller the increase of neuroplasticity, and vice versa. This effect was not influenced by physical activity, concentration, fatigue, sleep quality or stress. Motor cortical plasticity is strengthened by a behavioural intervention that primarily engages cognitive brain areas. We suggest that this effect is due to an enhanced susceptibility to LTP-like plasticity, probably induced by heterosynaptic activity that modulates postsynaptic excitability in motorcortical neurones. The smaller increase of PAS efficiency with higher cognitive training intensity suggests a mechanism that balances and stabilises the susceptibility for synaptic potentiation.
Intraoperative OCT bei Netzhautablösung mit Makulabeteiligung
Authors: Degenhardt V. , Khoramnia R. , Storr J. , Mayer C. S.
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Seit wenigen Jahren ermöglicht die intraoperative optische Kohärenztomographie (iOCT) die Darstellung retinaler Strukturen im Operationsmikroskop.

Ziel

Das Ziel dieser Studie ist die Analyse des Verhaltens der Netzhaut und die morphologische Befundung während Operationen bei Ablatio retinae mit Makulabeteiligung.

Methoden

Retrospektive Analyse von 41 konsekutiven Augen mit Makula-off-Ablatio, welche mittels Pars-plana-Vitrektomie (ppV) unter Verwendung von iOCT behandelt wurden, durch qualitative Beurteilung der Netzhautmorphologie zu definierten Zeitpunkten im OP-Ablauf.

Ergebnisse

In 63 % der Fälle gelang die iOCT-Darstellung der abgehobenen Makula, in den anderen Fällen überstieg die Netzhautabhebung die maximale Scantiefe der iOCT. Unter Perfluorodecalin zeigten 53,7 % der Augen noch subretinale Flüssigkeit, und 22 % der Augen zeigten eine Falte der äußeren Netzhautschichten. In 61 % der Augen konnte persistierende subretinale Flüssigkeit unter der endgültigen Tamponade festgestellt werden. Die subretinale Flüssigkeit konnte intraoperativ in dieser Menge mit bloßem Auge nicht festgestellt werden. In einem Fall konnte intraoperativ ein Makulaformen neu erkannt werden, in 3 Fällen zeigte sich zum Operationszeitpunkt eine wieder anliegende Makula.

Diskussion

Die Informationen der iOCT führen eher selten zu einer Änderung oder Erweiterung des Eingriffs. Sie liefert jedoch in Echtzeit neue Informationen über intra- und subretinale Flüssigkeitsverteilung, die nicht immer der klinischen Einschätzung entsprechen. Die Bedeutung von persistierender subretinaler Flüssigkeit und die Falten der äußeren Netzhautschichten am Ende der Operation sind noch unklar. Sie könnten möglicherweise als prognostischer Faktor für das postoperative Outcome dienen.
Non-idiopathic peripheral facial palsy: prognostic factors for outcome
Authors: Geißler Katharina , Urban Elisabeth , Volk Gerd F. , Klingner Carsten M. , Witte Otto W. , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: October 2020

Objectives

There is a lack of data on patients’ and diagnostic factors for prognostication of complete recovery in patients with non-idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (FP).

Methods

Cohort register-based study of 264 patients with non-idiopathic peripheral FP and uniform diagnostics and standardized treatment in a university hospital from 2007 to 2017 (47% female, median age: 57 years). Clinical data, facial grading, electrodiagnostics, motor function tests, non-motor function tests, and onset of prednisolone therapy were assessed for their impact on the probability of complete recovery using univariable and multivariable statistics.

Results

The most frequent reason for a non-idiopathic peripheral FP was a reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV; 36.4%). Traumatic origin had a higher proportion of complete FP (52.9%). Furthermore, in traumatic FP, the mean interval between onset and start of prednisolone therapy was longer than in other cases (5.6 ± 6.2 days). Patients with reactivation of VZV, Lyme disease or otogenic FP had a significant higher recovery rate (p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, p = 0.018, respectively), whereas patients with post-surgery FP and other reasons had a significant lower recovery rate (p < 0.0001). After multivariate analyses voluntary activity in first EMG, Lyme disease and post-surgery cause were identified as independent diagnostic and prognostic factors on the probability of complete recovery (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Infectious causes for non-idiopathic FP like VZV reactivation and Lyme disease had best probability for complete recovery. Post-surgery FP had a worse prognosis.

Level of evidence

2
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Lyu Yingchen , Ni Mengshan , Zhai Ruiping , Kong Fangfang , Du Chengrun , Hu Chaosu , Ying Hongmei
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods

From June 2008 to October 2014, 148 newly diagnosed non-metastatic elderly NPC patients (aged ≥ 70 years) receiving IMRT were recruited. Comorbid condition was evaluated using the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI). Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival rates and the differences were compared using log-rank test. Hazard ratio (HR) and the associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard model by means of multivariate analysis.

Results

The median follow-up time was 66.35 months. Estimated OS rate at 5 years for the entire group was 61.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.542–0.703). The 5-year OS rate of RT alone group was 58.4% (95% [CI] 0.490–0.696) compared with 65.2% (95% [CI] 0.534–0.796) in CRT group (p = 0.45).

In patients receiving IMRT only, ACCI score equal to 3 was correlated with superior 5-year OS rate in comparison with higher ACCI score 62.1% (95% [CI] 0.510–0.766) to 48.5% (95% [CI] 0.341–0.689), respectively; p = 0.024). A 5-year OS rate of 63.1% (95% [CI] 0.537–0.741) was observed in patients younger than 75 years old compared with 57.5% (95% [CI] 0.457–0.723) in patients older (p = 0.026). Patients with early-stage disease (I–II) showed better prognosis than patients with advanced-stage (III–IV) disease (5-year OS, 72.3–55.4%, respectively; p = 0.0073). The Cox proportional hazards model suggested that age independently predicted poorer OS (HR, 1.07; 95%CI 1.00–1.15, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The survival outcome of patients aged ≥ 70 years receiving IMRT only was similar to chemoradiotherapy with significantly less acute toxicities. Among the population, age is significantly prognostic for survival outcomes.
Use of barbed suture without fashioning the “classical” Wirsung-jejunostomy in a modified end-to-side robotic pancreatojejunostomy
Authors: Morelli Luca , Furbetta Niccolò , Gianardi Desirée , Guadagni Simone , Di Franco Gregorio , Bianchini Matteo , Palmeri Matteo , Masoni Caterina , Di Candio Giulio , Cuschieri Alfred
Published: October 2020

Background

The treatment of the pancreatic stump is a critical step of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) can facilitate minimally invasive challenging abdominal procedures, including pancreatojejunostomy. However, one of the major limitations of RAS stems from its lack of tactile feedback that can lead to pancreatic parenchyma laceration during knot tying or during traction on the suture. Moreover, a Wirsung-jejunostomy is not always easy to execute, especially in cases with small diameter duct. Herein, we describe and video-report the technical details of a robotic modified end-to-side invaginated robotic pancreatojejunostomy (RmPJ) with the use of barbed suture instead of the “classical” Wirsung-jejunostomy.

Methods

The RmPJ technique consists of a double layer of absorbable monofilament running barbed suture (3–0 V-Loc), the outer layer is used to invaginate the pancreatic stump. Thereafter, a small enterotomy is made in the jejunum exactly opposite to the location of the pancreatic duct for stent insertion (usually 5 Fr) inside the duct. The internal layer provides a second barbed running suture placed between the pancreatic capsule/parenchyma and the jejunal seromuscular layer.

Results

A total of 14 patients underwent robotic PD with RmPJ at our Institution. The mean console time was (281.36 ± 31.50 min), while the mean operative time for fashioning the RmPJ was 37.31 ± 7.80 min. Ten out of 14 patients were discharged within postoperative day 8. No clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas were encountered, while two patients developed biochemical leaks.

Conclusions

RmPJ is feasible and reproducible irrespective of pancreatic duct size and parenchyma, and can enhance the surgical workflow of this operation. Specifically, the use of barbed sutures allows the exploitation of the potential advantages of the RAS, while minimizing the negative effect caused by the main disadvantage of the robotic approach, its absence of tactile feedback, by ensuring uniform tension on the continuous suture lines used, especially during the reconstructive phase of the operation.
Different retinopathy phenotypes in type 2 diabetes predict retinopathy progression
Authors: Marques Inês P. , Madeira Maria H. , Messias Ana L. , Martinho António C.-V. , Santos Torcato , Sousa David C. , Figueira João , Cunha-Vaz José
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To characterize the progression in retinopathy severity of different phenotypes of mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design and methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes and mild NPDR (ETDRS 20 or 35) were followed in a 5-year longitudinal study. Examinations, including color fundus photography (CFP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT and OCTA), were performed at baseline, 6 months and then annually. Phenotype classification was performed based on microaneurysm turnover (MAT, on CFP) and central retinal thickness (CRT, on OCT). Phenotype A is characterized by low MAT (< 6) and normal CRT; Phenotype B by low MAT (< 6) and increased CRT; and Phenotype C by higher MAT (≥ 6) with or without increased CRT. ETDRS grading of seven fields CFP was performed at the initial and last visits.

Results

Analysis of ETDRS grade step changes showed significant differences in diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression between the different phenotypes (p < 0.001). Of the 66 participants with phenotype A only 2 eyes (3%) presented 2-or-more-step worsening. None of the 50 participants characterized as phenotype B developed 2-step worsening, whereas 13 eyes (23.2%) characterized as phenotype C had 2-or-more-steps worsening. Phenotype C presents the higher risk for 2-or-more step worsening (OR: 15.94 95% CI: 3.45–73.71; p < 0.001) and higher sensitivity, correctly identifying 86.7% of cases at risk (AUC: 0.84 95% CI: 0.72–0.96; p < 0.001). Diabetic retinopathy severity progression was associated with HbA1c (p = 0.019), LDL levels (p = 0.043), and ocular factors as MAT (p = 0.010), MA formation rate (p = 0.014) and MA disappearance rate (p = 0.005). Capillary closure at 5-year follow-up, identified by lower vessel density (VD) on OCTA, was also associated with diabetic DR severity progression (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

Different DR phenotypes in type 2 diabetes show different risks of retinopathy progression. Phenotype C is associated with increased HbA1c values and presents a higher risk of a 2-or-more-step worsening of the ETDRS severity score.
The Use of Single-Sided NMR to Study Moisture Behaviour in an Activated Carbon Fibre/Phenolic Composite
Authors: Alston Sue , Arnold Cris , Swan Martin , Stone Corinne
Published: October 2020

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) has been shown to be a useful technique to study the form and content of water in polymer composites. Composites using activated carbon fibres with phenolic resin have complex water absorption behaviour which would benefit from such investigation; however, the presence of the conductive fibres can make NMR problematic. In this study, single-sided NMR has been successfully used on such material by developing a method for sample-to-sample compensation for the effect of conductivity. Transverse relaxation curves showed water to be primarily in two states in the resin, corresponding to "bound" and "mobile" molecules. In addition, two much less bound states were identified in the composite, associated firstly with water adsorbed on to the fibre surface and secondly with clusters of water molecules moving more freely within the fibre pores.