bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface osteosarcoma: Predictors of outcomes
Authors: Lee Stella J. , Lans Jonathan , Cook Samuel D. , Chebib Ivan , Schwab Joseph H. , Raskin Kevin A. , Lozano‐Calderón Santiago
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

The subtypes of surface osteosarcomas include well‐differentiated, low‐grade parosteal osteosarcoma (POS), intermediate‐grade periosteal osteosarcoma (PerOS), high‐grade surface osteosarcoma (HGSO), and high‐grade, dedifferentiated POS (dPOS). We aimed to determine disease progression, defined as local recurrence and metastatic disease, and overall (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). We identify outcome predictive factors and report functional results.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated patients with primary surface osteosarcoma at our hospital from 1992 to 2019. Fifty‐one patients had a median follow‐up of 6.1 years (range: 0.1–25.2). Histologic subtypes included 32 POS, 11 PerOS, 4 HGSO, and 3 dPOS. Bone and soft tissue margins were classified using the American Joint Committee on Cancer residual tumor classification (Rx = Not evaluable; R0 = negative margin; R1 = microscopic positive margin; and R2 = macroscopic positive margin) and the modified R classification (mRx = not evaluable; mR0 = negative margin >1 mm; mR1 = negative margin ≤1 mm; mR1‐dir: Positive microscopic margin locally; mR2a: Positive macroscopic margin locally; mR2b: positive macroscopic margin distally; and mR2C: positive macroscopic margin locally and distally). Forty‐one patients had functional outcomes.

Results

Three POS patients developed recurrence: two had R0 margins and one an intralesional resection. Five patients developed lung metastases (POS: 3, dPOS: 2). Four patients died. The only significant disease progression predictor was age. OS at 10 years was 97%. 48 patients had negative bone margins (R0 or mR0 and mR1) and 47 patients had negative soft‐tissue margins (R0 or mR0 and mR1). The average MSTS score was 88.43 (range: 34.29–100).

Conclusions

We advocate surgery for POS and believe R0 (mR0 and mR1 resections) or planned R1 (mR1‐dir) to preserve function are acceptable. We favor chemotherapy and surgery for PerOS, though a chemotherapeutic response is highly variable. High‐grade tumors are the most infrequent subtype, but HGSO and dPOS seem to portend a poorer prognosis. Good function can be obtained.
MiR‐128‐3p alleviates TNBS‐induced colitis through inactivating TRAF6/NF‐κB signaling pathway in rats
Authors: Huo Ling‐Ling , Sun Zhao‐Rui
Published: May 2021

miR‐128‐3p is reported to involve in pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, yet the role of miR‐128‐3p in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown. To investigate miR‐128‐3p in IBD, experimental colitis animal model was generated by 2,4,6‐Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS). miR‐128‐3p agomir was used to overexpress miR‐128‐3p in rats. Histological assessment and myeloperoxidase activity were conducted to evaluate the TNBS‐induced colitis. Effect of miR‐128‐3p overexpression on levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, ICAM‐1, and MCP‐1 was tested by ELISA assay. The target of miR‐128‐3p was predicted and further confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of TRAF6, p‐NF‐κB, and NF‐κB were determined by western blot. The miR‐128‐3p level was significantly decreased in rats with TNBS‐induced colitis. miR‐128‐3p could alleviate TNBS‐induced colitis and inhibit production of inflammatory factors. We found TRAF6 was a direct target of miR‐128‐3p using bioinformatics and luciferase assay. By western blot, we discovered miR‐128‐3p activates NF‐κB by targeting TRAF6. Our data reveal a novel mechanism that a decreased miR‐128‐3p level in TNBS‐induced colitis could inhibit production of inflammatory factors, which activates NF‐κB signaling by targeting TRAF6. Our findings might provide a novel therapeutic target for drug design and development for IBD therapeutics.
A De Novo case of autosomal dominant mitochondrial membrane protein‐associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Fraser Stuart , Koenig Mary , Farach Laura , Mancias Pedro , Mowrey Kate
Published: May 2021

Background

Mitochondrial membrane protein‐associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) is a genetic neurodegenerative condition previously thought to be inherited only in an autosomal recessive pattern through biallelic pathogenic variants in C19orf12. Recent evidence has proposed that MPAN can also follow autosomal dominant forms of inheritance. We present a case of a de novo pathogenic variant in C19orf12 identified in a female with clinical features consistent with a diagnosis of MPAN, adding further evidence that the disease can be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.

Methods

A 17‐year‐old Hispanic female was born to non‐consanguineous healthy parents. She developed progressive muscle weakness and dystonia beginning when she was 12 years old. Trio, whole‐exome sequencing with mitochondrial genome sequencing, and deletion/duplication analysis of both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes was performed in December 2019.

Results

Whole‐exome sequencing analysis revealed a single de novo variant in C19orf12. The specific variant is c.256C>T (p.Q86X) located in exon 3.

Conclusion

Our clinical report provides further clinical evidence that MPAN can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive fashion. The patient's age of onset and clinical symptoms are very similar to the previous patient published with this specific variant as well as others with heterozygous pathogenic variants in C19orf12 in Gregory et al. 2019. Our case report highlights the importance of considering both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive version of MPAN with all patients demonstrating clinical features suggestive of MPAN.
Mechanical and durability properties of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete containing coarse recycled concrete aggregate
Authors: Kaplan Gokhan , Bayraktar Oguzhan Yavuz , Gholampour Aliakbar , Gencel Osman , Koksal Fuat , Ozbakkaloglu Togay
Published: May 2021

The focus of this study is to investigate the effect of using coarse recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as an alternative material to natural coarse aggregate on the fresh, mechanical and durability behavior of concrete reinforced with steel fiber. Eighteen unique concrete mixes with RCA content of 0%, 50%, and 100% and steel fiber content of 0%, 1%, and 2% were prepared, and tests were performed to study slump, density, compressive and splitting tensile strengths, flexural behavior, surface hardness, surface abrasion resistance, water absorption, and sorptivity of each mix. It is shown that concrete containing RCA has a lower unit weight, compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strength, flexural toughness, surface hardness, and abrasion resistance, and a higher water absorption and sorptivity in comparison with conventional concrete. An increased compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strength, flexural toughness, surface hardness, and abrasion resistance, and a decreased water absorption and sorptivity of concrete with an increased steel fiber content from 1% to 2% is less significant compared to those from 0% to 1%. The results also show that, at RCA content of 50%, incorporating 1% steel fiber develops a concrete mix with similar or even better properties compared to unreinforced conventional concrete. At 100% RCA content, incorporating 2% steel fiber develops a concrete mix with similar properties to unreinforced conventional concrete having water to cement ratio of 0.3, but inferior properties to unreinforced conventional concrete having water to cement ratio of 0.5. These findings indicate that recycled aggregate concrete with similar or even better properties compared to concrete with natural aggregate can be developed through properly designing mixes, providing a great avenue toward the production of green construction material for structural applications.
Methodological Principles for Researching Multilingually: Reflections on Linguistic Ethnography
Authors: Costley Tracey , Reilly Colin
Published: May 2021

Linguistic ethnography provides insight into how communication occurs between individuals and institutions, while situating these local actions within wider social, political and historical contexts (Copland & Creese, 2015) and has proven to be a particularly effective tool for developing our understanding of individuals’ lived multilingual realities (see Unamuno, 2014) and societal multilingualism. Turning the ‘reflexive gaze’ that is central to ethnography (Clifford & Marcus, 1986) back onto linguistic ethnography itself, we argue that where complex multilingual interactions are the object of study, more attention must be given to how multilingualism affects each aspect of the process of actually doing linguistic ethnography. In this paper we outline the development of three principles that we put forward as being essential in developing and conducting contemporary linguistic ethnography in multilingual settings. The principles are: 1) Researching multilingually; 2) Researching collaboratively; and 3) Researching responsively.
Successful management of hypoxaemia in a mule during general anaesthesia
Authors: Hoeberg Emma , Levionnois Olivier , Andréïs Sabrina
Published: May 2021

An 8‐year‐old, 167 kg mule was scheduled for surgical treatment of a hip luxation in lateral recumbency. During general anaesthesia, after a short phase of spontaneous breathing followed by mechanical ventilation at standard settings, the mule developed hypoxaemia (arterial oxygen partial pressure [PaO2] 8.3 kPa). First, respiratory rate, tidal volume and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) were increased; 5 cmH20 of positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) and nebulized salbutamol were administered. Second, three vital capacity manoeuvres were executed (tidal volume of 20 ml kg−1). No immediate improvement in PaO2(8.0 kPa) was observed. A further recruitment manoeuvre with increased peak inspiratory pressure (up to 44 cmH2O) and PEEP (25 cmH2O) was performed. Over the following 120 minutes, PaO2increased progressively. The mule recovered without complications. This case reports that mules can develop hypoxaemia during general anaesthesia that can be treated with recruitment manoeuvres. However, the effect may not be immediate.
Maternal and fetal incidental findings on antenatal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Story Lisa , Knight Caroline L. , Ho Alison , Arulkumaran Sophie , Matthews Jacqueline , Lovell Holly , McCabe Laura , Byrne Megan , Egloff Alexia , Jacques Audrey E. T. , Carmichael Jim , Hajnal Jo , Shennan Andrew , Rutherford Mary
Published: May 2021

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are increasingly used in antenatal clinical practice. Incidental findings are a recognized association with imaging and although in some circumstances their identification can alter management, they are often associated with increased anxiety, for both patient and clinician, as well as increased health care costs.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of unexpected findings in both the mother and fetus during antenatal MRI examinations.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was undertaken over a five-year period at St.. Thomas’ Hospital in London. Maternal incidental findings were recorded from all clinical reports of all fetal MRIs performed (for clinical reasons and in healthy volunteers) during this period. Fetal incidental findings were recorded only in cases where women with uncomplicated pregnancies were participating as healthy volunteers.

Results

A total of 2,569 MRIs were included; 17% of women had maternal incidental findings. Of these, 1,099 were women with uncomplicated pregnancies who undertook research MRIs as healthy volunteers; fetal incidental findings were identified in 12.3%.

Conclusion

Incidental findings are a common occurrence in antenatal MRI. Consideration should be given to counseling women appropriately before imaging and ensuring that robust local protocols are in place for follow-up and further management of such cases.
Cultural landscape and plant use at the Phoenician site of Motya (Western Sicily, Italy) inferred from a disposal pit
Authors: Moricca Claudia , Nigro Lorenzo , Masci Lucrezia , Pasta Salvatore , Cappella Federico , Spagnoli Federica , Sadori Laura
Published: May 2021

The present study concerns the Phoenician-Punic site of Motya, a small island set in Western Sicily (Italy), in the Marsala Lagoon (Stagnone di Marsala), between Trapani and Marsala. A big disposal pit, datable to between the first half of the 8th and the mid-6th centurybc, was identified in Area D. This context was sampled for plant macro-remains through bucket flotation. Palynological treatment and analysis were also performed on soil samples collected from each of the identified filling layers. The combination of the study of macro- and micro-remains has shown to be effective in answering questions concerning introduced food plants and agricultural practices, and native plants, including timber use. Here we investigate if a waste context can provide information about Phoenicians at Motya and their impact on the local plant communities. We found that human diet included cereals (mostly naked wheat), pulses and fruits. A focus was placed on weeds (includingLolium temulentumandPhalarisspp.) referable to different stages of crop processing. This aspect was enriched by the finding of cereal pollen, which suggests that threshing (if not even cultivation) was carried out on site. Palynology also indicates an open environment, with little to no forest cover, characterized by complex anthropogenic activities. Anthracology suggests the presence of typical Mediterranean plant taxa, including not only the shrubsPistacia lentiscusandErica multiflora, but also evergreen oaks. The presence of a stone pine nut and ofPinus pinea/pinasterin the pollen rain is noteworthy, suggesting the local occurrence of these Mediterranean pines outside their native distribution range. This represents the first such find in the central Mediterranean. Finally, the present study allows us to compare Motya’s past environment with the present one. The disappearance ofJuniperussp. andErica arboreafrom the present-day surroundings of the Marsala lagoon appears to be related to land-overexploitation, aridification or a combination of both processes.
Litigations in orthopedics and trauma surgery: reasons, dynamics, and profiles
Authors: Gathen Martin , Jaenisch M. , Fuchs F. , Weinhold L. , Schmid M. , Koob S. , Wirtz D. C. , Wimmer M. D.
Published: May 2021

Background

In recent literature, the increasing number of medical litigations, both in terms of the number of cases being filed and the substantive costs associated with lawsuits, has been described. This study aims to provide an overview of the profile of litigation for orthopedic and trauma surgery to describe the differences and the development of the number of cases over time.

Patients and Materials

A retrospective review of all litigations between 2000 and 2017 was conducted using the institutional legal database. The causes of litigation were documented and classified into seven major categories. In addition to plaintiff characteristics, the litigation outcomes and the differences between emergency and elective surgery were analyzed.

Results

A total of 230 cases were evaluated. The mean age of the plaintiffs was 44.6 ± 20.1 years, and 56.8% were female. The main reasons for litigation were claimed inappropriate management (46.1%), misdiagnosis (22.6), and poor nursing care (8.3%). Significantly more litigations were filed against surgeons of the orthopedic subspecialty compared with trauma surgeons (78%; p ≤ 0.0001). There were significantly fewer litigations per 1000 cases filed overall in 2009–2017 (65% less; p = 0.003) than in 2000–2008.

Conclusion

Our results could not confirm the often-stated trend of having more litigations against orthopedic and trauma surgeons. Although the absolute numbers increased, the number of litigations per 1000 patients treated declined. Patients who underwent elective surgery were more likely to file complaints than emergency patients.
Elucidating distinct clinico-radiologic signatures in the borderland between neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Juryńczyk Maciej , Klimiec-Moskal Elżbieta , Kong Yazhuo , Hurley Samuel , Messina Silvia , Yeo Tianrong , Jenkinson Mark , Leite Maria Isabel , Palace Jacqueline
Published: May 2021

Background

Separating antibody-negative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) from multiple sclerosis (MS) in borderline cases is extremely challenging due to lack of biomarkers. Elucidating different pathologies within the likely heterogenous antibody-negative NMOSD/MS overlap syndrome is, therefore, a major unmet need which would help avoid disability from inappropriate treatment.

Objective

In this study we aimed to identify distinct subgroups within the antibody-negative NMOSD/MS overlap syndrome.

Methods

Twenty-five relapsing antibody-negative patients with NMOSD features underwent a prospective brain and spinal cord MRI. Subgroups were identified by an unsupervised algorithm based on pre-selected NMOSD/MS discriminators.

Results

Four subgroups were identified. Patients from Group 1 termed “MS-like” (n = 6) often had central vein sign and cortical lesions (83% and 67%, respectively). All patients from Group 2 (“spinal MS-like”, 8) had short-segment myelitis and no MS-like brain lesions. Group 3 (“classic NMO-like”, 6) had high percentage of bilateral optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM, 80% and 60%, respectively) and normal brain appearance (100%). Group 4 (“NMO-like with brain involvement”, 5) typically had a history of NMOSD-like brain lesions and LETM. When compared with other groups, Group 4 had significantly decreased fractional anisotropy in non-lesioned tracts (0.46 vs. 0.49,p = 0.003) and decreased thalamus volume (0.84 vs. 0.98,p = 0.04).

Conclusions

NMOSD/MS cohort contains distinct subgroups likely corresponding to different pathologies and requiring tailored treatment. We propose that non-conventional MRI might help optimise diagnosis in these challenging patients.
Establishing the twig method for investigations on pollen characteristics of allergenic tree species
Authors: Jung Stephan , Zhao Feng , Menzel Annette
Published: May 2021

The twig method in climate chambers has been shown to successfully work as a proxy for outdoor manipulations in various experimental setups. This study was conducted to further establish this method for the investigation of allergenic pollen from tree species (hazel, alder, and birch). Direct comparison under outdoor conditions revealed that the cut twigs compared to donor trees were similar in the timing of flowering and the amount of pollen produced. Cut twigs were able to flower in climate chambers and produced a sufficient amount of pollen for subsequent laboratory analysis. The addition of different plant or tissue fertilizers in the irrigation of the twigs did not have any influence; rather, the regular exchange of water and the usage of fungicide were sufficient for reaching the stage of flowering. In the experimental setup, the twigs were cut in different intervals before the actual flowering and were put under warming conditions in the climate chamber. An impact of warming on the timing of flowering/pollen characteristics could be seen for the investigated species. Therefore, the twig method is well applicable for experimental settings in pollen research simulating, e.g., accelerated warming under climate change.
Deep learning for cephalometric landmark detection: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schwendicke Falk , Chaurasia Akhilanand , Arsiwala Lubaina , Lee Jae-Hong , Elhennawy Karim , Jost-Brinkmann Paul-Georg , Demarco Flavio , Krois Joachim
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Deep learning (DL) has been increasingly employed for automated landmark detection, e.g., for cephalometric purposes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the accuracy and underlying evidence for DL for cephalometric landmark detection on 2-D and 3-D radiographs.

Methods

Diagnostic accuracy studies published in 2015-2020 in Medline/Embase/IEEE/arXiv and employing DL for cephalometric landmark detection were identified and extracted by two independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis, subgroup, and meta-regression were performed, and study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2. The review was registered (PROSPERO no. 227498).

Data

From 321 identified records, 19 studies (published 2017–2020), all employing convolutional neural networks, mainly on 2-D lateral radiographs (n=15), using data from publicly available datasets (n=12) and testing the detection of a mean of 30 (SD: 25; range.: 7–93) landmarks, were included. The reference test was established by two experts (n=11), 1 expert (n=4), 3 experts (n=3), and a set of annotators (n=1). Risk of bias was high, and applicability concerns were detected for most studies, mainly regarding the data selection and reference test conduct. Landmark prediction error centered around a 2-mm error threshold (mean; 95% confidence interval: (–0.581; 95 CI: –1.264 to 0.102 mm)). The proportion of landmarks detected within this 2-mm threshold was 0.799 (0.770 to 0.824).

Conclusions

DL shows relatively high accuracy for detecting landmarks on cephalometric imagery. The overall body of evidence is consistent but suffers from high risk of bias. Demonstrating robustness and generalizability of DL for landmark detection is needed.

Clinical significance

Existing DL models show consistent and largely high accuracy for automated detection of cephalometric landmarks. The majority of studies so far focused on 2-D imagery; data on 3-D imagery are sparse, but promising. Future studies should focus on demonstrating generalizability, robustness, and clinical usefulness of DL for this objective.
A note on super Koszul complex and the Berezinian
Authors: Noja Simone , Re Riccardo
Published: May 2021

We construct the super Koszul complex of a free supercommutative A-module V of rank p|q and prove that its homology is concentrated in a single degree and it yields an exact resolution of A. We then study the dual of the super Koszul complex and show that its homology is concentrated in a single degree as well and isomorphic to $$\Pi ^{p+q} A$$

Π

p
+
q

A

, with $$\Pi $$
Π
the parity changing functor. Finally, we show that, given an automorphism of V, the induced transformation on the only non-trivial homology class of the dual of the super Koszul complex is given by the multiplication by the Berezinian of the automorphism, thus relating this homology group with the Berezinian module of V.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Austenitic and Martensitic NiTi: Modeling and Experiments
Authors: Sgambitterra E. , Magarò P. , Niccoli F. , Furgiuele F. , Maletta C.
Published: May 2021

Fatigue crack growth of austenitic and martensitic NiTi shape memory alloys was analyzed, with the purpose of capturing the effects of distinct stress-induced transformation mechanics in the two crystal structures. Mode I crack growth experiments were carried out, and near-crack-tip displacements were captured by in-situ digital image correlation (DIC). A special fitting procedure, based on the William’s solution, was used to estimate the effective stress intensity factor (SIF). The SIF was also computed by linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) as well as by a special analytical model that takes into account the unique thermomechanical response of SMAs. A significant difference in the crack growth rate for the two alloys was observed, and it has been attributed to dissimilar dissipative phenomena and different crack-tip stress–strain fields, as also directly observed by DIC. Finally, it was shown that the predictions of the analytical method are in good agreement with effective results obtained by DIC, whereas a very large mismatch was observed with LEFM. Therefore, the proposed analytical model can be actually used to analyze fatigue crack propagation in both martensitic and austenitic NiTi.
Effect of sex hormones on human voice physiology: from childhood to senescence
Authors: Zamponi Virginia , Mazzilli Rossella , Mazzilli Fernando , Fantini Marco
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present literature review is to describe the influence of sex hormones on the human voice in physiological conditions. As a secondary sexual organ, the larynx is affected by sex hormones and may change considerably over the lifespan. In the current review, sex hormone-related voice modifications occurring during childhood, puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and senescence are described. The roles of sex hormones (including gonadotropins, testosterone, estrogen, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate) underlying physiological voice changes are discussed, the main differences between males and females are explained and clinical implications are taken into account.
A trade-off methodology for micro-launchers
Authors: Governale G. , Rimani J. , Viola N. , Villace V. Fernandez
Published: May 2021

The trend of cost-effective access to space and satellite technologies’ evolution is increasing the small satellite market. However, small payloads usually ride as piggyback, being a secondary passenger of a space vector, with very low flexibility in target orbit and launch schedule. The micro-launchers are designed to answer the needs of the small satellite missions, with a payload capacity up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit, aiming to low turn-over time and competitive prices. This paper explains the work performed by Politecnico di Torino in support of the ESA–ESTEC activities on micro-launchers. The aim is to provide preliminary guidelines for choosing and evaluating new innovative micro-launcher flight vehicle engineering processes. A trade-off methodology is proposed and defined based on the Analytically Hierarchical Process (AHP). This methodology considers, among other features, the flight profile, maximum payload, and physical characteristics. To support the trade-off analysis, a software tool is built for the automatic generation of the aerodynamics and propulsion parameters needed for the completion of the preliminary designs, enabling the performance estimation. The launcher’s performance models, with an analysis of the take-off sites and target orbits, are also produced. This allows the definition of performance maps where the maximum payload is graphed as a function of the orbit altitude and inclination. A set of innovative micro-launchers exploiting different technologies is also assessed as a case study.
A Survey on Variational Autoencoders from a Green AI Perspective
Authors: Asperti Andrea , Evangelista Davide , Loli Piccolomini Elena
Published: May 2021

Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) are powerful generative models that merge elements from statistics and information theory with the flexibility offered by deep neural networks to efficiently solve the generation problem for high-dimensional data. The key insight of VAEs is to learn the latent distribution of data in such a way that new meaningful samples can be generated from it. This approach led to tremendous research and variations in the architectural design of VAEs, nourishing the recent field of research known as unsupervised representation learning. In this article, we provide a comparative evaluation of some of the most successful, recent variations of VAEs. We particularly focus the analysis on the energetic efficiency of the different models, in the spirit of the so-called Green AI, aiming both to reduce the carbon footprint and the financial cost of generative techniques. For each architecture, we provide its mathematical formulation, the ideas underlying its design, a detailed model description, a running implementation and quantitative results.
Solid-state welding of ultrafine grained copper rods
Authors: Morawiński Łukasz , Jasiński Cezary , Ciemiorek Marta , Chmielewski Tomasz , Olejnik Lech , Lewandowska Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

The article focuses on the Direct Drive Rotary Friction Welding of ultrafine-grained copper rods, which feature increased mechanical properties and good electrical properties, yet are limited in size. The use of UFG metals is often limited by the too small dimensions of semi-finished elements produced by SPD methods. Therefore, the production of finished machine parts from UFG metals is currently economically unjustified. Dismissal of dimensional limitations can be done by introducing joining to technological processes. The proposed joining method does not lead to a melting of the material in the joining zone or excessive degradation of the UFG microstructure. To obtain the best results, the research used the method of low-energy welding of two kinds of specimens: with a flat or a conical contact surface. In the article, the authors present, by means of metallographic microsections and microhardness measurements, the influence of rotational speed, welding pressure and conical shape contact surface on the quality of the obtained joints. The conducted research made it possible to obtain good quality joints whose microhardness is reduced only by about 10% in comparison with the base material and the tensile strength dropped from only 397–358 MPa.
Film Phenomenology and Adaptation
Authors: Richard David Evan
Published: May 2021

Film Phenomenology and Adaptation: Sensuous Elaboration argues that in order to make sense of film adaptation, we must first apprehend their sensual form. Across its chapters, this book brings the philosophy and research methodology of phenomenology into contact with adaptation studies, examining how vision, hearing, touch, and the structures of the embodied imagination and memory thicken and make tangible an adaptation's source. In doing so, this book not only conceives adaptation as an intertextual layering of source material and adaptation, but also an intersubjective and textural experience that includes the materiality of the body.
Urinary sodium excretion and the risk of CVD: a community-based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yi-Jie , Chien Kuo-Liong , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Lin Hung-Ju , Su Ta-Chen , Chen Ming-Fong , Lee Yuan-Teh
Published: May 2021

Urinary Na excretion is a potential risk factor for CVD. However, the underlying biological mechanisms and effects of salt sensitivity are unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterise the relative contribution of biological factors to the Na–CVD association. A total of 2112 participants were enrolled in this study. Structured questionnaires and blood and urine samples were obtained. Twenty-four-hour Na excretion was estimated using a single overnight urine sample. Hypertension, the metabolic syndrome and overweight status were considered to indicate salt sensitivity. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the effects of salt sensitivity on urinary Na excretion and CVD risk. The traditional mediation approach was used to calculate the proportion of mediation. The mean age (sd) of the 2112 participants was 54·5 (sd12·2) years, and they were followed up for a mean of 14·1 (sd8·1) years. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, the highest baseline urinary Na excretion (>4·2 g/24 h) was associated with a 43 % higher CVD risk (hazard ratio, 1·43; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·99). Participants with high urinary Na excretion, hypertension or the metabolic syndrome had a significantly high risk of CVD. The carotid intima-media thickness had the largest mediating effect (accounting for 35 % of the Na–CVD association), followed by systolic blood pressure (BP) (33 %), left ventricular mass (28 %) and diastolic BP (14 %). Higher urinary Na excretion increased the risk of CVD, which was explained largely by carotid media-thickness and systolic BP.
Cassius Dio's figures for the demographic consequences of the Bar Kokhba War: Exaggeration or reliable account?
Authors: Raviv Dvir , Ben David Chaim
Published: May 2021

Scholars have long doubted the historical accuracy of Cassius Dio's account of the consequences of the Bar Kokhba War (Roman History69.14). According to this text, considered the most reliable literary source for the Second Jewish Revolt, the war encompassed all of Judea: the Romans destroyed 985 villages and 50 fortresses, and killed 580,000 rebels. This article reassesses Cassius Dio's figures by drawing on new evidence from excavations and surveys in Judea, Transjordan, and the Galilee. Three research methods are combined: an ethno-archaeological comparison with the settlement picture in the Ottoman Period, comparison with similar settlement studies in the Galilee, and an evaluation of settled sites from the Middle Roman Period (70–136 CE). The study demonstrates the potential contribution of the archaeological record to this issue and supports the view of Cassius Dio's demographic data as a reliable account, which he based on contemporaneous documentation.
A pathway phenotype linking metabolic, immune, oxidative, and opioid pathways with comorbid depression, atherosclerosis, and unstable angina
Authors: Mousa Rana Fadhil , Smesam Hasan Najah , Qazmooz Hasan Abbas , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Maes Michael
Published: May 2021

Background

There is strong comorbidity between atherosclerosis (ATS) and depression which is attributed to increased atherogenicity, insulin resistance (IR), and immune and oxidative stress.

Aim of the study

To examine the role of the above pathways and mu-opioid receptor (MOR), β-endorphin levels, zinc, copper, vitamin D3, calcium, and magnesium in depression due to ATS/unstable angina (UA).

Methods

Biomarkers were assayed in 58 controls and 120 ATS patients divided into those with moderate and severe depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores >19 and >29, respectively.

Results

Neural network and logistic regression models showed that severe depression due to ATS/UA was best predicted by interleukin-6 (IL-6), UA, MOR, zinc, β-endorphin, calcium and magnesium, and that moderate depression was associated with IL-6, zinc, MOR, β-endorphin, UA, atherogenicity, IR, and calcium. Neural networks yielded a significant discrimination of severe and moderate depression with an area under the receiver operating curves of 0.831 and 0.931, respectively. Using Partial Least Squares path analysis, we found that 66.2% of the variance in a latent vector extracted from ATS/UA clinical features, and the BDI-II scores, atherogenicity, and IR could be explained by the regression on IL-6, IL-10, zinc, copper, calcium, MOR, and age. The BDI-II scores increased from controls to ATS to UA class III to UA class IV.

Conclusions

Immune activation, the endogenous opioid system, antioxidants, trace elements, and macrominerals modulate a common core shared by increased depressive symptoms, ATS, UA, atherogenicity, and IR.
Acquisition of the Significant Wave Height From CFOSAT SWIM Spectra Through a Deep Neural Network and Its Impact on Wave Model Assimilation
Authors: Wang J. K. , Aouf L. , Dalphinet A. , Li B.X. , Xu Y. , Liu J. Q.
Published: May 2021

The wave numerical simulation accuracy can be improved by assimilating remotely sensed wave observations. In addition to the nadir, significant wave height (SWH), the Surface Waves Investigation and Monitoring (SWIM) onboard Chinese‐French Oceanic SATellite (CFOSAT) provides two additional columns of wave spectra observations within wavelengths from 70 to 500 m. A model based on a deep neural network (DNN) is developed to retrieve the total SWH from the partially wave spectra observed by SWIM. The DNN model uses the parameters from both the SWIM spectra and the nearest nadir as the inputs, and the DNN is trained on the SWH from cross‐matched altimeter observations. The DNN‐based acquisition of the SWH is verified to achieve a high accuracy. A set of assimilation experiments are performed based on MFWAM and show promising results. Compared to the assimilation of SWIM nadir SWHs only, the addition of the newly obtained SWIM SWH notably enhances the positive impacts of assimilation, not only proving the effectiveness and accuracy of the DNN model but also demonstrating the unique potential of SWIM in wave assimilation.
Estimating the Acute Health Impacts of Fire‐Originated PM2.5 Exposure During the 2017 California Wildfires: Sensitivity to Choices of Inputs
Authors: Cleland Stephanie E. , Serre Marc L. , Rappold Ana G. , West J. Jason
Published: May 2021

Exposure to wildfire smoke increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions. Health impact assessments, used to inform decision‐making processes, characterize the health impacts of environmental exposures by combining preexisting epidemiological concentration–response functions (CRFs) with estimates of exposure. These two key inputs influence the magnitude and uncertainty of the health impacts estimated, but for wildfire‐related impact assessments the extent of their impact is largely unknown. We first estimated the number of respiratory, cardiovascular, and asthma hospital admissions attributable to fire‐originated PM2.5 exposure in central California during the October 2017 wildfires, using Monte Carlo simulations to quantify uncertainty with respect to the exposure and epidemiological inputs. We next conducted sensitivity analyses, comparing four estimates of fire‐originated PM2.5 and two CRFs, wildfire and nonwildfire specific, to understand their impact on the estimation of excess admissions and sources of uncertainty. We estimate the fires accounted for an excess 240 (95% CI: 114, 404) respiratory, 68 (95% CI: −10, 159) cardiovascular, and 45 (95% CI: 18, 81) asthma hospital admissions, with 56% of admissions occurring in the Bay Area. Although differences between impact assessment methods are not statistically significant, the admissions estimates' magnitude is particularly sensitive to the CRF specified while the uncertainty is most sensitive to estimates of fire‐originated PM2.5. Not accounting for the exposure surface's uncertainty leads to an underestimation of the uncertainty of the health impacts estimated. Employing context‐specific CRFs and using accurate exposure estimates that combine multiple data sets generates more certain estimates of the acute health impacts of wildfires.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a translational biomarker for AMPA receptor modulation
Authors: O’Donnell Patricio , Dijkstra Francis M. , Damar Ugur , Quanhong Lei , de Goede Annika A. , Xu Lin , Pascual-Leone Andres , Buhl Derek L. , Zuiker Rob , Ruijs Titia Q. , Heuberger Jules A. A. C. , MacMullin Paul , Lubell Martin , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Murthy Venkatesha , Rotenberg Alexander , Jacobs Gabriel E. , Rosen Laura
Published: May 2021

TAK-653 is a novel α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-positive allosteric modulator being developed as a potential therapeutic for major depressive disorder (MDD). Currently, there are no translational biomarkers that evaluate physiological responses to the activation of glutamatergic brain circuits available. Here, we tested whether noninvasive neurostimulation, specifically single-pulse or paired-pulse motor cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation (spTMS and ppTMS, respectively), coupled with measures of evoked motor response captures the pharmacodynamic effects of TAK-653 in rats and healthy humans. In the rat study, five escalating TAK-653 doses (0.1–50 mg/kg) or vehicle were administered to 31 adult male rats, while measures of cortical excitability were obtained by spTMS coupled with mechanomyography. Twenty additional rats were used to measure brain and plasma TAK-653 concentrations. The human study was conducted in 24 healthy volunteers (23 males, 1 female) to assess the impact on cortical excitability of 0.5 and 6 mg TAK-653 compared with placebo, measured by spTMS and ppTMS coupled with electromyography in a double-blind crossover design. Plasma TAK-653 levels were also measured. TAK-653 increased both the mechanomyographic response to spTMS in rats and the amplitude of motor-evoked potentials in humans at doses yielding similar plasma concentrations. TAK-653 did not affect resting motor threshold or paired-pulse responses in humans. This is the first report of a translational functional biomarker for AMPA receptor potentiation and indicates that TMS may be a useful translational platform to assess the pharmacodynamic profile of glutamate receptor modulators.
Balance response to levodopa predicts balance improvement after bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yin Zixiao , Bai Yutong , Zou Liangying , Zhang Xin , Wang Huimin , Gao Dongmei , Qin Guofan , Ma Ruoyu , Zhang Kai , Meng Fangang , Jiang Yin , Yang Anchao , Zhang Jianguo
Published: May 2021

Abstract

The effect of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on balance function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the potential outcome predictive factors remains unclear. We retrospectively included 261 PD patients who underwent STN-DBS and finished the 1-month follow-up (M1) assessment in the explorative set for identifying postoperative balance change predictors, and 111 patients who finished both the M1 and 12-month follow-up (M12) assessment in the validation set for verifying the identified factors. Motor and balance improvement were evaluated through the UPDRS-III and the Berg balance scale (BBS) and pull test (PT), respectively. Candidate predictors of balance improvement included age, disease duration, motor subtypes, baseline severity of PD, cognitive status, motor and balance response to levodopa, and stimulation parameters. In the off-medication condition, STN-DBS significantly improved BBS and PT performance in both the M1 and M12, in both datasets. While in the on-medication condition, no significant balance improvement was observed. Higher preoperative BBS response to levodopa was significantly associated with larger postoperative off-medication, but not on-medication, BBS (p < 0.001) and PT (p < 0.001) improvement in both the M1 and M12. BBS subitems 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14 were the major contributors to the prediction of balance improvement after STN-DBS. STN-DBS improves short-term off-medication, but not on-medication, balance function assessed through BBS and PT. Preoperative BBS response to levodopa best predicts postoperative off-medication balance improvement. For patients who manifested severe balance problems, a levodopa challenge test on BBS or the short version of BBS is recommended.
Mechanically reconfigurable multi-functional meta-optics studied at microwave frequencies
Authors: Ballew Conner , Roberts Gregory , Camayd-Muñoz Sarah , Debbas Maximilien F. , Faraon Andrei
Published: May 2021

Metasurfaces advanced the field of optics by reducing the thickness of optical components and merging multiple functionalities into a single layer device. However, this generally comes with a reduction in performance, especially for multi-functional and broadband applications. Three-dimensional metastructures can provide the necessary degrees of freedom for advanced applications, while maintaining minimal thickness. This work explores mechanically reconfigurable devices that perform focusing, spectral demultiplexing, and polarization sorting based on mechanical configuration. As proof of concept, a rotatable device, a device based on rotating squares, and a shearing-based device are designed with adjoint-based topology optimization, 3D-printed, and measured at microwave frequencies (7.6–11.6 GHz) in an anechoic chamber.
Expression of the miR-302/367 microRNA cluster is regulated by a conserved long non-coding host-gene
Authors: Rahimi Karim , Füchtbauer Annette Christine , Fathi Fardin , Mowla Seyed Javad , Füchtbauer Ernst-Martin
Published: May 2021

MicroRNAs are important regulators of cellular functions. MiR-302/367 is a polycistronic miRNA cluster that can induce and maintain pluripotency. Here we investigate the transcriptional control and the processing of the miR-302 host-gene in mice. Our results indicate that the mmu-miR-302 host-gene is alternatively spliced, polyadenylated and exported from the nucleus. The regulatory sequences extend at least 2 kb upstream of the transcription start site and contain several conserved binding sites for both transcriptional activators and repressors. The gene structure and regulatory elements are highly conserved between mouse and human. So far, regulating miR-302 expression is the only known function of the miR-302 host-gene. Even though we here only provide one example, regulation of microRNA transcription might be a so far little recognized function of long non-coding RNA genes.
Macrophages rely on extracellular serine to suppress aberrant cytokine production
Authors: Kurita Kento , Ohta Hiroya , Shirakawa Ibuki , Tanaka Miyako , Kitaura Yasuyuki , Iwasaki Yorihiro , Matsuzaka Takashi , Shimano Hitoshi , Aoe Seiichiro , Arima Hiroshi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Ito Ayaka , Suganami Takayoshi
Published: May 2021

A growing body of evidence indicates that cellular metabolism is involved in immune cell functions, including cytokine production. Serine is a nutritionally non-essential amino acid that can be generated by de novo synthesis and conversion from glycine. Serine contributes to various cellular responses, but the role in inflammatory responses remains poorly understood. Here, we show that macrophages rely on extracellular serine to suppress aberrant cytokine production. Depleting serine from the culture media reduced the cellular serine content in macrophages markedly, suggesting that macrophages depend largely on extracellular serine rather than cellular synthesis. Under serine deprivation, macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide showed aberrant cytokine expression patterns, including a marked reduction of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 expression and sustained expression of interleukine-6. Transcriptomic and metabolomics analyses revealed that serine deprivation causes mitochondrial dysfunction: reduction in the pyruvate content, the NADH/NAD+ ratio, the oxygen consumption rate, and the mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also found the role of mitochondrial ROS in appropriate cytokine production. Thus, our results indicate that cytokine production in macrophages is tightly regulated by the nutritional microenvironment.
Metabolomics study of fibroblasts damaged by UVB and BaP
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Wang Jiateng , Wang Hecong , Li Xueying , He Congfen , Liu Lei
Published: May 2021

We have recently shown that both UVB and BaP can induce the production of ROS, apoptosis and even cancer. However, the differences in the metabolic profiles of skin damaged by UVB, BaP or UVB combined with BaP have not been studied. Therefore, we examined the metabolic changes in the human foreskin fibroblast injured by UVB or BaP or the combination of the two, using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (qTOF-MS). 24 metabolites were altered in the UVB damage group, 25 in the BaP damage group, and 33 in the UVB combined with BaP group. These alterations indicated that the metabolic mechanisms of HFF-1 cells treated with UVB or BaP are related to multiple main metabolites including glycerophosphocholine (PC), lactosylceramide (LacCer), guanidinosuccinic acid (GSA), glutathione(GSH), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and the main mechanisms involved glycerophospholipid and glutathione metabolism. Thus, our report provided useful insight into the underlying mechanisms of UVB and BaP damage to skin cells.