bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise capacity and its relationship with body composition and nutrition status in patients with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Rinaldi Sylvia , Gilliland Jason , O'Connor Colleen , Seabrook Jamie A. , Mura Marco , Madill Janet
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are known to have diminished exercise ability. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nutrition status and body composition parameters with exercise capacity in ILD patients. A second aim focused on assessing the appropriateness of surrogate markers of nutrition status in ILD patients.

Methods

Disease severity was determined by the percentage of predicted forced vital capacity. Exercise capacity was determined using 6‐minute walk distance. Nutrition status was assessed using the subjective global assessment (SGA), standardized phase angle (SPhA), and impedance ratio z‐score (z‐IR). Bioelectrical impedance analysis estimated body composition parameters.

Results

45 of 79 participants (57%) were malnourished according to the SGA. FFM index z‐score (z‐FFMI) (r = 0.42, P = .02) and SGA (r = 0.49, P < .01) were significant predictors of exercise capacity independent of disease severity. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.01–1.25; P = .04), low body mass index (OR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57–0.92; P = .01), z‐FFMI (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17–0.68; P < .01), and body fat mass index z‐score (OR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.17–0.91; P = .03) were significantly associated with severe malnutrition. There was no significant difference in SPhA across SGA groups; however, a higher z‐IR (poorer cell health) significantly increased the odds of severe malnutrition (OR = 2.75; 95% CI, 1.27–6.03; P = .02).

Conclusion

In ILD patients, malnutrition and loss of FFM negatively impact the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Malnourished lung cancer patients have poor baseline functional capacity but show greatest improvements with multimodal prehabilitation
Authors: Ferreira Vanessa , Lawson Claire , Gillis Chelsia , Scheede‐Bergdahl Celena , Chevalier Stéphanie , Carli Francesco
Published: March 2021

Objective

The objective is to characterize the presence of malnutrition, examine the association between malnutrition and baseline functional capacity (FC), and the extent to which patients benefit from preoperative multimodal prehabilitation in patients undergoing lung resection for cancer.

Methods

Data from 162 participants enrolled in multimodal prehabilitation or control before lung cancer surgery were analyzed. Malnutrition was measured using the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA) according to triage levels: low‐nutrition‐risk (PG‐SGA 0‐3), moderate‐nutrition‐risk (4–8) and high‐nutrition‐risk (≥9). Baseline differences in FC, measured by the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), were compared. Factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to examine the effect of nutrition status and intervention on mean change in 6MWT preoperatively.

Results

51.2% patients were considered low‐nutrition‐risk, 37.7% moderate‐nutrition‐risk, and 11.1% high‐nutrition‐risk. Low‐nutrition‐risk patients had significantly higher 6MWT at baseline (mean of 484 m [standard deviation (SD) = 88]) compared with moderate‐nutrition‐risk (432 m [SD = 107], P = .005) and high‐nutrition‐risk groups (416 m [SD = 90], P = .022). The adjusted mean change in 6MWT between prehabilitation vs control was 18.1 (95% confidence interval, 3.8 to 32.3) vs 5.6 m (–14.1 to 25.4) in low‐nutrition‐risk (P = .309), 28.5 (11 to 46) vs –4 m (–31.3 to 23.4) in moderate‐nutrition‐risk (P = .053), and 58.9 (16.7 to 101.2) vs –39.7 m (–80.2 to 0.826) in high‐nutrition‐risk group (P = .001).

Conclusions

Lung cancer patients at high‐nutrition‐risk awaiting surgery had significantly lower baseline FC compared with low‐nutrition‐risk patients but experienced significant improvements in preoperative FC upon receiving multimodal prehabilitation.
An algorithm for two‐variable rational interpolation suitable for matrix manipulations with the evaluation–interpolation method
Authors: Hadjifotinou Katerina G. , Karampetakis Nicholas P.
Published: March 2021

An algorithm for two‐variable rational interpolation is developed. The algorithm is suitable for interpolation cases where neither the number of interpolation points nor the final degrees of the rational interpolant are known a priori. Instead, a maximum degree for the interpolant's numerator and denominator is assumed. By testing the condition number of the interpolation system's matrix at each step, the necessary reductions are made in order to cope with nonnormality and unattainability occasions. The algorithm can be used for applications of the Evaluation–Interpolation technique in matrix manipulations, such as finding the inverse of a matrix with elements rational functions of two variables. Symbolic calculations are completely avoided, thus keeping the execution time very low even if the system size is large. Most importantly, the algorithm achieves accurate function recoveries for greater polynomial degrees than other bivariate rational interpolation methods.
Mesh refinement method for solving optimal control problems with nonsmooth solutions using jump function approximations
Authors: Miller Alexander T. , Hager William W. , Rao Anil V.
Published: March 2021

A mesh refinement method is described for solving optimal control problems using Legendre‐Gauss‐Radau collocation. The method detects discontinuities in the control solution by employing an edge detection scheme based on jump function approximations. When discontinuities are identified, the mesh is refined with a targeted h‐refinement approach whereby the discontinuity locations are bracketed with mesh points. The remaining smooth portions of the mesh are refined using previously developed techniques. The method is demonstrated on two examples, and results indicate that the method solves optimal control problems with discontinuous control solutions using fewer mesh refinement iterations and less computation time when compared with previously developed methods.
Adherence to Guideline-Concordant Care and Its Effect on Survival in Black Patients with Head and Neck Cancers: A SEER-Medicare Analysis
Authors: Vyfhuis Melissa A.L. , Suzuki Ikumi , Bentzen Soren M. , Cullen Kevin J. , Goloubeva Olga G.
Published: March 2021

Background

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), Black patients continue to have worse survival when compared with White patients. The cause of this disparity is multifaceted and cannot be explained by one etiology alone. To investigate this disparity, we used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database to examine adherence to guideline-concordant care (GCC) as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective study, Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with nonmetastatic HNSCC as their first cancer between 1992 and 2011 and a random sample of Medicare controls matched to cases (2:1) diagnosed between 2004 and 2011 (n = 16,378), were included in this analysis.

Results

Black patients were less likely to receive GCC in advanced-stage oropharyngeal (66% vs. 74%; p = .007) and oral cavity (56% vs. 71%; p = .002) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). On multivariate analysis, Black patients demonstrated an increased risk of death in advanced oropharyngeal (p < .001), oral cavity (p = .01), and hypopharyngeal (p = .01) SCC.

Conclusion

Black patients did not consistently receive GCC across HNSCC subsites, contributing to the poorer outcomes seen when compared with White patients. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms behind the non-GCC given to Black patients with HNSCC and other factors that may contribute to this disparity such as tumor biology.

Implications for Practice

Black patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) continue to have worse survival than White patients. This study examined if the racial disparity in survival from curable HNC is affected by adherence to guideline-concordant care (GCC). It was discovered that Black patients were less likely to receive appropriate treatment in certain HNCs. Although adherence to proper therapy was associated with improved survival in patients with HNC, the difference in survival, where Black patients had inferior outcomes, remained. This analysis uncovered a major contributor to the disparity seen in patients with HNC. As such, cancer centers serving a predominantly Black population with HNC can design specific clinical interventions to ensure GCC for all patients, potentially improving outcomes for everyone.
Hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell disease in a resource‐poor setting: Monitoring and effects of therapy. A practical perspective
Authors: Nnebe‐Agumadu Uche , Adebayo Innocent , Erigbuem Ifeanyi , James Esther , Kumode Evelyn , Nnodu Obiageli , Adekile Adekunle
Published: March 2021

Background

Although effectiveness of hydroxyurea (HU) in sickle cell disease is well established, unanswered questions persist about its use in African children. We determined real‐life issues of acceptability, availability, and monitoring of HU use in Nigeria.

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal review of laboratory data of patients on HU was done from case files, followed by a cross‐sectional survey that captured families’ perception of medication and clinic adherence, laboratory tests, benefits, side effects, and acceptability.

Results

One hundred sixteen patients (1.2–17 years) received HU (mean ± SD = 18.5 ± 4.3 mg/kg/day) in 33 months. Eighty‐nine had laboratory analysis. Dose escalation was the initial goal, but only 80% of patients had some form of it. Parents reported improvement in general well‐being and reduction in bone pain episodes, hospital admissions, and blood transfusion. While most parents (89.5%) reported satisfaction with HU, 61% reported dissatisfaction with daily drug use, and the frequency and cost of monitoring. Sixteen percent voluntarily stopped therapy. Adherence to daily HU was 88.8%, doctor's appointments 24.5%, hematology tests 18.9%, and organ function tests 37.4%. There were no significant toxicities. Significant increases in hemoglobin, hemoglobin F and mean corpuscular volume, and reduction in absolute neutrophil count occurred despite inconsistent dose escalation.

Conclusion

HU (10–15 mg/kg/day starting dose) is safe and seems effective and acceptable to parents. Parental commitment to therapy, pre‐HU education (that continues during therapy), provision of affordable HU, and subsidized laboratory tests are important considerations for initiating therapy. Special HU clinics may facilitate dose escalation and reduce frequency of monitoring. Studies are needed on feasibility of maximum tolerable dose HU protocols in sub‐Saharan Africa without compromising safety.
Cumulative burden of chronic health conditions among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer: Identification of vulnerable groups at key medical transitions
Authors: Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Williams AnnaLynn M. , Liu Qi , Hudson Scholle Sarah , Bhakta Nickhill , Yasui Yutaka , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: March 2021

The cumulative burden of chronic health conditions as childhood cancer survivors transition to adult health care and insurance systems is unknown. We estimated the cumulative burden (N = 4612 survivors, 625 controls) in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. At 18 and 26 years old, survivors experienced (per 100 individuals) an average of 22.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.2–27.4) and 40.3 (95% CI: 34.8–45.8) disabling conditions versus 3.5 (95% CI: 2.0–5.0) and 5.7 (95% CI: 3.7–7.7) in controls, and 128.7 (95% CI: 119.5–137.8) and 240.5 (95% CI: 229.9–251.0) lower severity conditions versus 12.4 (95% CI: 8.9–16.0) and 51.3 (95% CI: 43.1–59.4) in controls. Survivors experience a high cumulative burden at key health care transition ages, underscoring the need to optimize access to care.
Compositional variation of atranorin‐related components of lichen Myelochroa leucotyliza dependent on extraction solvent and their quantitative analysis by qHNMR
Authors: Ojha Manju , Kil Yun‐Seo , Youn Ui Joung , Ok Young Jun , Choi Hyukjae , Nam Joo‐Won
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) is one of the effective and reliable quantification tools for natural product research. Myelochroa leucotyliza belongs to the genus Myelochroa, a common foliose lichen genus found in the Korean Peninsula, and has not been quantitatively analysed using NMR. Previous chemical studies on M. leucotyliza have been limited to the main components by traditional thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) experiments.

Objective

We explored the stability of atranorin, a major component of M. leucotyliza, in methanol and acetone using NMR and characterised the changes in the chemical profiles of the lichen extracts in methanol and acetone using qNMR.

Methodology

Atranorin transformation in the presence of methanol was analysed using time‐dependent proton (1H)‐NMR analysis (600 MHz NMR spectrometer). A 1H qNMR (qHNMR) method was established using dimethyl sulfone as the internal standard for quantifying the selected components isolated from M. leucotyliza. Homogenous mixtures of the samples were dissolved in deuterated chloroform.

Results

Time‐dependent 1H‐NMR experiments revealed that atranorin (5) from lichen M. leucotyliza decomposed into atraric acid (1) and methyl haemmatommate (2) in methanol. Four components were identified from M. leucotyliza: 1, 2, usnic acid (4), and 5, and their respective contents were determined using qHNMR. The percentages (w/w) of 1, 2, and 4 in the methanol extract were calculated as 5.66%, 0.69%, and 0.90%, while those of 1, 4, and 5 in the acetone extract were 1.70%, 1.68%, and 19.11%, respectively.

Conclusion

We used qHNMR to effectively analyse quantitative compositional variations in two different M. leucotyliza extracts and reliably determined the chemical conversion of the unstable compound atranorin.
Incidence and patterns of abnormal corpus callosum in fetuses with isolated spina bifida aperta
Authors: Kunpalin Yada , Deprest Jan , Papastefanou Ioannis , Bredaki Emma , Sacco Adalina , Russo Francesca , Richter Jute , Jansen Katrien , Ourselin Sebastien , De Coppi Paolo , David Anna L. , Ushakov Fred , De Catte Luc
Published: March 2021

Objective

To determine the incidence and characterise corpus callosum (CC) abnormalities in fetuses with spina bifida aperta (SBA) between 18 and 26 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on fetuses with isolated SBA and who were assessed for fetal surgery. Digitally stored ultrasound images of the brain were reviewed for the presence/absence of the CC, and the length and diameter of its constituent parts (rostrum, genu, body and splenium). We used regression analysis to determine the relationship between CC abnormalities and gestational age, head circumference, ventricle size, lesion level and lesion type.

Results

Nearly three‐quarters of fetuses with isolated SBA had an abnormal CC (71.7%, 76/106). Partial agenesis was most common in the splenium (18.9%, 20/106) and the rostrum (13.2%, 14/106). The most common abnormal pattern was of a short CC with normal diameter throughout. Of note, 20.8% (22/106) had a hypoplastic genu and 28.3% (30/106) had a thick body part. Larger lateral ventricle size was associated with partial agenesis of the CC (odds ratio [OR]: 0.14, p < 0.001) and inversely associated with a shorter CC (OR: 2.60, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

An abnormal CC is common in fetuses with isolated SBA who are referred for fetal surgery.
Risk of antibiotic treatment failure in premenopausal women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection
Authors: Butler Anne M. , Durkin Michael J. , Keller Matthew R. , Ma Yinjiao , Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Powderly William G. , Olsen Margaret A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common indications for antibiotic prescriptions in otherwise healthy women. We compared the risk of treatment failure of antibiotic regimens for outpatient treatment of UTI in real‐world practice.

Methods

We identified non‐pregnant, premenopausal women diagnosed with uncomplicated, lower tract UTI and prescribed an oral antibiotic with activity against common uropathogens. We used propensity score‐weighted Kaplan–Meier functions to estimate 30‐day risks and risk differences (RD) for pyelonephritis and UTI‐related antibiotic prescription switch.

Results

Of 1 140 602 patients, the distribution of index prescriptions was 44% fluoroquinolones (non‐first‐line), 28% trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (first‐line), 24% nitrofurantoin (first‐line), 3% narrow‐spectrum β‐lactams (non‐first‐line), 1% broad‐spectrum β‐lactams (non‐first‐line), and 1% amoxicillin/ampicillin (non‐recommended). Compared to the risk of pyelonephritis for nitrofurantoin (0.3%), risks were higher for TMP/SMX (RD, 0.2%; 95% CI, 0.2%–0.2%) and broad‐spectrum β‐lactams (RD, 0.2%; 95% CI, 0.1%–0.4%). Compared to the risk of prescription switch for nitrofurantoin (12.7%), the risk was higher for TMP/SMX (RD 1.6%; 95% CI 1.3%–1.7%) but similar for broad‐spectrum β‐lactams (RD −0.7%; 95% CI −1.4%‐0.1%) and narrow‐spectrum β‐lactams (RD −0.3%; 95% CI −0.8%–0.2%). Subgroup analyses suggest TMP/SMX treatment failure may be due in part to increasing uropathogen resistance over time.

Conclusions

The risk of treatment failure differed by antibiotic agent, with higher risk associated with TMP/SMX versus nitrofurantoin, and lower or similar risk associated with broad‐ versus narrow‐spectrum β‐lactams. Given serious safety warnings for fluoroquinolones, these results suggest that nitrofurantoin may be preferable as the first‐line agent for outpatient treatment of uncomplicated UTI.
Increased photovoltaic utilisation from direct current distribution: Quantification of geographical location impact
Authors: Ollas Patrik , Thiringer Torbjörn , Chen Huijuan , Markusson Caroline
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the performance of a direct current (DC) distribution system is modelled for a single‐family residential building and compared with a conventional alternating current (AC) system to quantify the potential energy savings and gains in photovoltaic (PV) utilisation. The modelling is made for two different climates to quantify the impact of the geographical location. Results show that the system losses are reduced by 19–46% and the PV utilisation increased by 3.9–7.4% when using a DC distribution system compared to an AC equivalent, resulting in system efficiency gains in the range of 1.3–8.8%. Furthermore, it is shown that the geographical location has some effect on the system's performance and PV utilisation, but most importantly, the grid interaction is paramount for the performance of the DC topology.
Prokaryote toxin–antitoxin modules: Complex regulation of an unclear function
Authors: De Bruyn Pieter , Girardin Yana , Loris Remy
Published: March 2021

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) modules are small operons in bacteria and archaea that encode a metabolic inhibitor (toxin) and a matching regulatory protein (antitoxin). While their biochemical activities are often well defined, their biological functions remain unclear. In Type II TA modules, the most common class, both toxin and antitoxin are proteins, and the antitoxin inhibits the biochemical activity of the toxin via complex formation with the toxin. The different TA modules vary significantly regarding structure and biochemical activity. Both regulation of protein activity by the antitoxin and regulation of transcription can be highly complex and sometimes show striking parallels between otherwise unrelated TA modules. Interplay between the multiple levels of regulation in the broader context of the cell as a whole is most likely required for optimum fine‐tuning of these systems. Thus, TA modules can go through great lengths to prevent activation and to reverse accidental activation, in agreement with recent in vivo data. These complex mechanisms seem at odds with the lack of a clear biological function.
Trehalase inhibition by validamycin A may be a promising target to design new fungicides and insecticides
Authors: García María‐Dolores , Argüelles Juan‐Carlos
Published: March 2021

The introduction of insecticides and fungicides in agriculture has improved crop yields and, consequently, the quality of life for many people, especially in what is widely considered as the ‘first world’. However, the indiscriminate use of dangerous chemical insecticides has led to pest resistance, human and animal poisoning and environmental pollution. Biochemical and genetic evidence concludes that the non‐reducing disaccharide trehalose plays an essential role in the pathobiology of many insects and fungi. Both organisms share identical pathway for trehalose biosynthesis (the TPS/TPP pathway), while a high degree of homology in their trehalose hydrolysis capacity (trehalase activities) has also been demonstrated. In the search for new, effective and environmentally sustainable compounds, a set of trehalase inhibitors has emerged as a potentially interesting antifungal and insecticidal target. In particular, the trehalose analogue, Validamycin A, which has a strong inhibitory effect on several trehalases, has been successfully introduced for the treatment of various diseases caused by insects and fungi. Herein, we review the main features of the specific interaction between Validamycin A and trehalase as well as the expected advantages of the applications based on trehalase inhibition as insecticides and fungicides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An intelligent identification system combining image and DNA sequence methods for fruit flies with economic importance (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Wang Jiangning , Chen Yingying , Hou Xinwen , Wang Yong , Zhou Libing , Chen Xiaolin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Images and DNA sequences are two important methods for identifying fruit fly species. In addition, the identification of insect species complexes is highly problematic when attempting to utilize automatic identification methods in an actual environment. We integrated the image and DNA sequence identification methods into a single system for the first time and explored an open interactive multi‐image comparison function for solving the problem of species complexes. The Automated Fruit Fly Identification System 1.0 (AFIS1.0) was updated to AFIS2.0 by employing different models and developing the system under a novel framework.

RESULTS

AFIS2.0 was developed using 83 species belonging to eight genera in the Tephritidae, which includes most pests of this family. The system applies the Mask Region Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R‐CNN) and discriminative deep metric learning (AlexNet based) methods for image identification, integrates Blast+ for DNA sequence comparison and specific weighting for the fusion result. At the species level, the best classification success rate for wing images (as the Top 1 species in the species list of outcomes) reached 90%, and the average classification success rate for wing, thorax, and abdomen images (as the Top 5 species in the species list of outcomes) was 94%.

CONCLUSION

AFIS2.0 is more accurate and convenient than AFIS1.0 and can be beneficial for users with or without specific expertise regarding Tephritidae. It also provides a more compact and fluent computer system for fruit fly identification, and can be easily applied in practice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sequence sensitivity and pH dependence of maleimide conjugated N‐terminal cysteine peptides to thiazine rearrangement
Authors: Gober Isaiah N. , Riemen Alexander J. , Villain Matteo
Published: March 2021

Thiazine formation during the conjugation of N‐terminal cysteine peptides to maleimides is an underreported side reaction in the peptide literature. When the conjugation was performed at neutral and basic pH, we observed the thiazine isomer as a significant by‐product. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the structure of the six‐membered thiazine and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) allowed for facile, unambiguous detection due to a unique thiazine mass fragment. Furthermore, substitution of various amino acids adjacent to the N‐terminal cysteine in a tripeptide model system resulted in different rates of thiazine formation, albeit within the same order of magnitude. We also determined that varying the N‐substitution of the maleimide affects the thiazine conversion rate. Altogether, our findings suggest that thiazine rearrangement for N‐terminal cysteine‐maleimide adducts is a general side reaction that is applicable to other peptide or protein systems. Performing the conjugation reaction under acidic conditions or avoiding the use of an N‐terminal cysteine with a free amino group prevents the formation of the thiazine impurity.
Implementation of an enclosed ionization interface for the analysis of liquid sample streams with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry
Authors: Kloth Ricarda , Khanipour Peyman , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Katsounaros Ioannis
Published: March 2021

Rationale

The development of an interface to analyze liquid sample streams with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) is of great interest for coupling various analytical techniques, using non‐volatile salts, with MS. Therefore, we devised an enclosed ionization interface and a sample introduction system for the versatile analysis of liquid samples with DART‐MS.

Methods

The sample introduction system consists of a nebulizer, a spray chamber and a transfer line, while the confined ionization interface is created by implementing a cross‐shaped housing between ion source outlet and mass spectrometer inlet. Methodical studies of the effects of various setup parameters on signal intensity and peak shape were conducted, while its diverse applicability was demonstrated by coupling with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of alcohols, organic acids and furanic compounds.

Results

The confinement of the ionization interface results in a robust setup design with a well‐defined ionization region for focusing of the sprayed sample mist. Thereby, an increase in analyte signal intensity by three orders of magnitude and improved signal stability and reproducibility were obtained in comparison with a similar open ionization interface configuration. Additionally, the successful quantification of alcohols could be demonstrated as well as the compatibility of the setup with HPLC gradient elution.

Conclusions

A versatile setup design for the analysis of liquid sample streams with DART‐MS was devised for monitoring reactions or hyphenating analytics with MS. The design minimizes interferences from the laboratory surroundings as well as allows for safe handling of hazardous and toxic chemicals, which renders it suitable for a broad range of applications.
Semiparametric regression analysis of case‐cohort studies with multiple interval‐censored disease outcomes
Authors: Zhou Qingning , Cai Jianwen , Zhou Haibo
Published: March 2021

Interval‐censored failure time data commonly arise in epidemiological and biomedical studies where the occurrence of an event or a disease is determined via periodic examinations. Subject to interval‐censoring, available information on the failure time can be quite limited. Cost‐effective sampling designs are desirable to enhance the study power, especially when the disease rate is low and the covariates are expensive to obtain. In this work, we formulate the case‐cohort design with multiple interval‐censored disease outcomes and also generalize it to nonrare diseases where only a portion of diseased subjects are sampled. We develop a marginal sieve weighted likelihood approach, which assumes that the failure times marginally follow the proportional hazards model. We consider two types of weights to account for the sampling bias, and adopt a sieve method with Bernstein polynomials to handle the unknown baseline functions. We employ a weighted bootstrap procedure to obtain a variance estimate that is robust to the dependence structure between failure times. The proposed method is examined via simulation studies and illustrated with a dataset on incident diabetes and hypertension from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.
Seeking Safety and Humanity in the Harshest Immigration Climate in a Generation: A Review of the Literature on the Effects of Separation and Detention on Migrant and Asylum‐Seeking Children and Families in the United States during the Trump Administration
Authors: Edyburn Kelly L. , Meek Shantel
Published: March 2021

In recent years, families with children from the Northern Triangle countries of Central America constitute a large and growing proportion of migrants and overall filed asylum claims. In an effort to deter overall immigration through the U.S.–Mexico border, the executive branch under the Trump administration has made substantial changes to federal immigration and asylum policy in recent years. Given the sensitive nature of early development and the hardship and trauma that many migrant children have experienced, immigration policies that do not prioritize child wellbeing, and in fact, neglect or harm it, can have lifelong negative consequences on physical and psychological wellbeing. In light of the scope of children and families affected by these policies and potential magnitude of their effects, the present review aimed to: 1) outline federal immigration policies under the Trump administration that primarily impacted migrant children and families; 2) review the research base regarding the effects of these policies on physical safety and health, development, mental health, family wellbeing, and education; and 3) provide policy recommendations to prevent further harm, mitigate the great harm already done, and prioritize child wellness moving forward. Findings from the review indicate that even short experiences of detention, particularly when children are separated from parents and caregivers, are associated with serious, lasting negative effects across every domain of functioning. The practices of separation, detention, and removal to temporary encampments compound traumatic experiences that migrant families are often fleeing, which in turn may set up already vulnerable children for a trajectory of continued marginalization. Future directions for research and implications for policy and practice are discussed.
The late Oligocene xenarthran fauna of Quebrada Fiera (Mendoza, Argentina) and its implications for sloth origins and the diversity of Palaeogene cingulates
Authors: Pujos François , Ciancio Martin R. , Forasiepi Analía M. , Pujos Michel , Candela Adriana M. , Vera Bárbara , Reguero Marcelo A. , Combina Ana María , Cerdeño Esperanza
Published: March 2021

The late Oligocene mammalian fauna of Quebrada Fiera is one of the most diverse of the Deseadan SALMA (South American Land Mammal Age). We describe its endemic xenarthran assemblage, represented by 13 species, consisting of 2 stem sloths and 11 armoured cingulates. The rare folivoran material confirms the presence of Octodontotherium, one of the early known mylodontids, and suggests the existence of a new, small, non‐megalonychid megatherioid, Similhapalops nivis. The lumbar vertebrae of Octodontotherium sp. provide the oldest evidence of xenarthry for the order. The presence at the knee joint of an ossified meniscus and cyamo‐fabella strongly suggests a plantigrade ancestral condition in Mylodontidae. Armoured xenarthrans are represented by the armadillos Eutatini (Meteutatus sp., M. lagenaformis, and Stenotatus ornatus), an undetermined Euphractinii, the ‘horned’ peltephilids Peltephilus sp. and P. undulatus, and the palaeopeltid Palaeopeltis inornatus; an undetermined Glyptodontidae, the glyptatelines Glyptatelus cf. tatusinus and Clypeotherium sp., and an undetermined propalaehoplophorine. The xenarthrans represent one‐third of the mammals of the Quebrada Fiera fauna, one of the most varied at the end of the Palaeogene in South America. This vertebrate fauna is represented by a mix of endemic taxa and other species of high latitude (Patagonian) origin, but few from low latitude faunas. A detailed study of this mammalian assemblage, complemented by detailed geological and petrographical studies, suggests the existence of strong volcanic activity, and the presence of braided rivers and lagoonal environments in open habitats under a temperate or hot climate, with savannas and/or grasslands and isolated forests during the late Oligocene at the foot of the proto‐Andes.
Fachwerkbrücken – Bewertung der dynamischen Antwort des Brückendecks bei Zugüberfahrten
Authors: Vospernig Michael , Glatz Bernhard , Reiterer Michael , Fink Josef
Published: March 2021

Im Zuge von Streckenausbauprojekten der ÖBB wurden im Zeitraum von 2013 bis 2019 drei einfeldrige Stahlfachwerkbrücken mit Spannweiten von 42 bis 68 m in ähnlicher Bauweise errichtet. Nach den derzeitigen Normen sowie Regelwerken sind dynamische Berechnungen zum Nachweis der Gebrauchstauglichkeit erforderlich. Im ersten Untersuchungsschritt wird die Berechnung der Zugüberfahrten mit den normativen Lastmodellen als Folge von Einzelkräften durchgeführt. Bei allen drei untersuchten Tragwerken kann gezeigt werden, dass Oberschwingungen des Fahrbahndecks zu signifikanten Überschreitungen der normativ zulässigen vertikalen Überbaubeschleunigung führen. Im nächsten Untersuchungsschritt werden die tatsächlichen Lehr'schen Dämpfungen, Eigenfrequenzen und Eigenformen mittels In‐situ‐Systemidentifikationen ermittelt. Des Weiteren werden zur Bewertung des Lastmodells aus Einzelkräften zusätzliche Berechnungen zur Fahrzeugbrückeninteraktion durchgeführt, und die Anwendung von Schwingungsdämpfern im Rechenmodell zur Dämpfung der Oberschwingungen wird ebenfalls untersucht. Im abschließenden Untersuchungsschritt werden zur Validierung Zugüberfahrten mit unterschiedlichen Geschwindigkeiten an den realen Tragwerken durchgeführt. Aus dem Vergleich der unter Ansatz der Zugüberfahrten berechneten und gemessenen vertikalen Tragwerksbeschleunigungen zeigt sich, dass die im Rechenmodell maßgebenden Oberschwingungen des Fahrbahndecks bei den realen Tragwerken nicht in gleichem Maße angeregt werden.
Review of the first 20 years of the Evidence‐Based Medicine Committee of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine
Authors: Motoo Yoshiharu , Arai Ichiro , Kogure Toshiaki , Tsutani Kiichiro
Published: March 2021

Objective/background

The Evidence‐Based Medicine Special Committee of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine was launched in 2001. We summarize the task force‐specific activities of this committee over the past 20 years.

Task forces

The Evidence Reports Task Force compiles randomized controlled trials and meta‐analyses on Kampo extract products. Since 2007, the collated list is available on the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine website. As of 1 February 2021, there are 478 trials and three meta‐analyses.

The Clinical Practice Guidelines Task Force identifies descriptions of Kampo medicines in such guidelines. As of 1 February 2021, there are 135 guidelines (9.6%) on Kampo extract products among 1411 guidelines published in Japan. These guidelines can be classified into three types: type A (n = 40), references, evidence grades, and recommendation gradings; type B (n = 51), only references; and type C (n = 44), no references.

The Standards of Reporting Kampo Products Task Force manages the website (http://mpdb.nibiohn.go.jp/stork/) and provides information on the characteristics of 148 Kampo products marketed in Japan, acting as a simple, comprehensive reference for Kampo formulae, and promoting uniform understanding among authors, reviewers, and readers.

The Best‐Case Task Force compiled remarkably effective cases as evidence of Kampo treatment in 2006. The “Kakkonto Project” collected best‐case series of kakkonto. The project ended in 2011 because of the number of cases was limited.

Conclusion

The committee established significant landmarks for evidence‐based Kampo medicine and collected a reliable information resource. The guidelines repository is continuously updated with new information. A standard platform for referencing Kampo formulae in research articles is also well established.
Effective learning strategies for Japanese Kampo medicine using problem‐based learning and simulator training for medical students: A questionnaire survey
Authors: Amitani Marie , Amitani Haruka , Suzuki Hajime , Kawazu Suguru , Fukumoto Takamasa , Yamaguchi Kojiro , Oki Toshimichi , Nitta Hideaki , Sonoda Takuro , Uto Nanami , Numata Mayumi , Mizuma Kimiko , Ibusuki Rie , Takezaki Toshiro , Owaki Tetsuhiro , Asakawa Akihiro
Published: March 2021

Background

Kampo medicine was introduced into the core curriculum model of medical education in Japan in 2007, and has been taught at all 80 medical universities across the country. However, as there are differences in terms of content and between universities, Kampo medicine education needs to be standardized. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of combining multiple strategies, including lectures, problem‐based learning (PBL), and simulator training for the development of a standardized educational curriculum for Kampo medicine.

Methods

We offered a lectures‐only class (Kampo strategy‐lectures [Ks‐L]), a class with lectures and decoction (Ks‐LD), a class with lectures, decoction, and PBL (Ks‐LDP), and a class with lectures, decoction, PBL, and simulator training (Ks‐LDPS). We analyzed the data from a 12‐item questionnaire conducted by the Faculty Development Committee of Kagoshima University Faculty of Medicine to evaluate the curriculum.

Results

Ks‐LDPS was rated significantly higher than the other modules in active learning, and overall satisfaction.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that combining multiple strategies rather than offering classes with lectures promoted a positive attitude to Kampo medicine and deep self‐learning among students, thereby improving the educational effects of Kampo medicine education.
Theoretical modeling for interfacial catalysis
Authors: Zhou Lingyun , Zhuo Lingshu , Yuan Ruming , Fu Gang
Published: March 2021

Heterogeneous catalysis is vital in modern chemical industry. The development of next‐generation heterogeneous catalysts demands methodological shift from trial‐and‐error to theory‐guided design. However, heterogeneous catalysis usually involves complex surfaces/interfaces, which make it difficult to establish a reasonable model. Herein, we reviewed the recent progress in our group, and demonstrated a new research paradigm to successfully bridge the material gap between theory and experiment. Accordingly, three important interfacial effects of heterogeneous catalysts have been discussed in detail, that is, the support effect of oxide‐on‐metal catalysts, the coordination effect of atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADCs) and the ligand effect of molecular modification. We addressed that the close cooperation of theory and experiment is essential to gain deep mechanistic insights and help to optimize heterogeneous catalysts in a more rational way.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
Domain walls in 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 SYM
Authors: Delmastro Diego , Gomis Jaume
Published: March 2021

Abstract

4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 super Yang-Mills (SYM) with simply connected gauge group G has h gapped vacua arising from the spontaneously broken discrete R-symmetry, where h is the dual Coxeter number of G. Therefore, the theory admits stable domain walls interpolating between any two vacua, but it is a nonperturbative problem to determine the low energy theory on the domain wall. We put forward an explicit answer to this question for all the domain walls for G = SU(N), Sp(N), Spin(N) and G2, and for the minimal domain wall connecting neighboring vacua for arbitrary G. We propose that the domain wall theories support specific nontrivial topological quantum field theories (TQFTs), which include the Chern-Simons theory proposed long ago by Acharya-Vafa for SU(N). We provide nontrivial evidence for our proposals by exactly matching renormalization group invariant partition functions twisted by global symmetries of SYM computed in the ultraviolet with those computed in our proposed infrared TQFTs. A crucial element in this matching is constructing the Hilbert space of spin TQFTs, that is, theories that depend on the spin structure of spacetime and admit fermionic states — a subject we delve into in some detail.
Trace anomaly for Weyl fermions using the Breitenlohner-Maison scheme for γ*
Authors: Abdallah S. , Franchino-Viñas S. A. , Fröb M. B.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We revisit the computation of the trace anomaly for Weyl fermions using dimensional regularization. For a consistent treatment of the chiral gamma matrixγ*in dimensional regularization, we work inndimensions from the very beginning and use the Breitenlohner-Maison scheme to defineγ*. We show that the parity-odd contribution to the trace anomaly vanishes (for which the use of dimension-dependent identities is crucial), and that the parity-even contribution is half the one of a Dirac fermion. To arrive at this result, we compute the full renormalized expectation value of the fermion stress tensor to second order in perturbations around Minkowski spacetime, and also show that it is conserved.
Lepton-quark fusion at Hadron colliders, precisely
Authors: Greljo Admir , Selimović Nudžeim
Published: March 2021

Abstract

When a TeV-scale leptoquark has a sizeable Yukawa coupling, its dominant production mechanism at hadron colliders is the partonic-level lepton-quark fusion. Even though the parton distribution functions for leptons inside the proton are minuscule, they get compensated by the resonant enhancement. We present the first computation of higher order radiative corrections to the resonant leptoquark production cross section at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Next-to-leading (NLO) QCD and QED corrections are similar in size but come with the opposite sign. We compute NLO K-factors for a wide range of scalar leptoquark masses, as well as, all possible combinations of quark and lepton flavors and leptoquark charges. Theoretical uncertainties due to the renormalisation and factorisation scale variations and the limited knowledge of parton distribution functions are quantified. We finally discuss how to disentangle the flavor structure of leptoquark interactions by exploiting the interplay between different production channels.
Matter-antimatter asymmetry and non-inertial effects
Authors: Silveira V. M. G. , Vasconcellos C. A. Z. , Luna E. G. S. , Hadjimichef D.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We investigate non-inertial effects on CP-violating processes using a model, based on the framework of quantum field theory in curved spacetimes, devised to account for the decay of accelerated particles. We show that the CP violation parameter for the decay of accelerated kaons into two pions decreases very slightly as very high accelerations are achieved, implying decreased asymmetry between matter and antimatter in this regime. We discuss the relationship between these results and cosmological processes surrounding matter-antimatter asymmetry and argue that, due to the connection between non-inertial and thermal phenomena established by the Unruh effect, this kind of computation may prove useful in furthering the understanding of thermodynamical effects in curved spacetimes.
On the variance of squarefree integers in short intervals and arithmetic progressions
Authors: Gorodetsky Ofir , Matomäki Kaisa , Radziwiłł Maksym , Rodgers Brad
Published: March 2021

We evaluate asymptotically the variance of the number of squarefree integers up toxin short intervals of length$$H < x^{6/11 - \varepsilon }$$H x^{5/11 + \varepsilon }$$q>x5/11+ε. On the assumption of respectively the Lindelöf Hypothesis and the Generalized Lindelöf Hypothesis we show that these ranges can be improved to respectively$$H < x^{2/3 - \varepsilon }$$H x^{1/3 + \varepsilon }$$q>x1/3+ε. Furthermore we show that obtaining a bound sharp up to factors of$$H^{\varepsilon }$$Hεin the full range$$H < x^{1 - \varepsilon }$$H<x1-εis equivalent to the Riemann Hypothesis. These results improve on a result of Hall (Mathematika 29(1):7–17, 1982) for short intervals, and earlier results of Warlimont, Vaughan, Blomer, Nunes and Le Boudec in the case of arithmetic progressions.
Ovarielle Stimulation bei unerfülltem Kinderwunsch
Authors: Findeklee Sebastian , Grewe Sebastian , Diedrich Klaus
Published: March 2021

Dieser Reviewartikel gibt einen Überblick über die verschiedenen in der Reproduktionsmedizin zum Einsatz kommenden Arten der hormonellen Stimulation der Eierstöcke. Der Artikel ist in 3 Teile gegliedert: Zunächst werden prognostische und prädiktive Parameter für den Erfolg einer hormonellen Stimulationstherapie aufgelistet, die es erlauben sollen, ein zu geringes („low response“) oder ein zu starkes Ansprechen der Ovarien („high response“) zu antizipieren. Anschließend werden die Formen der ovariellen Stimulation mit den verfügbaren Stimulationsmedikamenten und -protokollen dargestellt. Den Abschluss bildet ein Fazit für die reproduktionsmedizinische Praxis. Der Beitrag soll einen kompakten Überblick über die Thematik geben und praktisch tätigen Reproduktionsmediziner(inne)n eine schnelle Orientierung im klinischen Alltag ermöglichen.
„Skelettfund“ im Keller
Authors: Verhoff M. A. , Klinger M. F. , Kettner M. , Birngruber C. G.
Published: March 2021

Bei der Identifizierung einer unbekannten, stark verwesten Leiche oder eines Skelettes ohne Hinweise auf die Identität durch die Auffindesituation spielt die Erstellung des sog. biologischen Profils eine entscheidende Rolle. Vorgestellt wird ein Leichenfund in einem mehr oder weniger frei zugänglichen Kellerabteil eines Mehrfamilienhauses. Der Leichnam war weitgehend skelettiert, das Skelett jedoch durch mumifizierte Weichteilreste noch nahezu vollständig zusammengehalten. Bei den Hinweisen auf die Identität ergaben sich insbesondere in der Altersschätzung scheinbare Widersprüche, die jedoch zufällig eine relativ genau zutreffende Schätzung lieferten. Die Überreste konnten mittels forensischer DNA-Analyse einer seit 4 Jahren vermissten 49-Jährigen zugeordnet werden. Als Todesursache wurde ein Kältetod diskutiert.

Der Fall wies eine außergewöhnliche Auffindesituation auf, die an Bilder von „Skelettfunden“ in Kriminalverfilmungen erinnerte. Derartige Befunde dürften jedoch in der Realität wohl nur sehr selten vorkommen. Darüber hinaus werden die Wichtigkeit und die Probleme der forensisch-osteologischen Untersuchungen bei der Identifizierung eines stark verwesten, unbekannten Leichnams demonstriert.