bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual planning and navigational technology in reconstructive surgery
Authors: Shenaq Deana S. , Matros Evan
Published: October 2018

Reconstructive technologies have expanded to include the use of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and computer‐aided design and manufacturing (CAD‐CAM), and 3‐Dimensional printing. The advantages of VSP over traditional techniques are highlighted in many scenarios: (a) delayed reconstruction, (b) maxillary reconstruction, (c) placement of dental implants, and (d) precision guided oncology. Microsurgery is undergoing a paradigm shift with virtual planning at its foreground. Herein, we describe the versatile uses for CAD‐CAM and key operative steps.
Accuracy of actual resected liver volume in anatomical liver resections guided by 3‐dimensional parenchymal staining using fusion indocyanine green fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yang Jian , Tao Hai‐Su , Cai Wei , Zhu Wen , Zhao Dong , Hu Hao‐Yu , Liu Jun , Fang Chi‐Hua
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of actual resected liver volume (ARLV) in anatomical liver resections (ALRs) guided by 3‐dimensional parenchymal staining using fusion indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (IGFI).

Methods

Patients eligible for hepatic resection were enrolled in the current study from January 2016 to November 2017. All patients underwent surgery planning based on Medical Image Three‐Dimensional Visualization System (MI‐3DVS) before the operation, in which predicted resected liver volumes (PRLVs) were calculated. Under 3‐dimensional guidance by fusion IGFI, ALRs were performed and ARLVs were measured. Simple linear regression, intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman analysis were used to evaluate the relationship and agreement between PRLV and ARLV.

Results

Of the 27 patients who achieved valid demarcation by fusion IGFI, 12 (44.4%) received hemihepatectomy, while 10 (37.0%) and five (18.5%) underwent sectionectomy and segmentectomy, respectively. The relationship and agreement between PRLV (481.37 ± 189.47 cm³) and ARLV (450.57 ± 205.19 cm³) were then evaluated. The simple regression equation obtained was PRLV = 0.874 × ARLV + 87.75 (R = 0.946;
P = 0.000). Meanwhile, ARLV (ICC = 0.943) achieved an excellent agreement with PRLV (
P < 0.001); 25 of 27 dots were in the range of 95% confidence interval in Bland‐Altman analysis.

Conclusions

In the study, these findings validated the consistency between PRLV calculated by MI‐3DVS and ARLV guided by fusion IGFI, which proved that IGFI can accurately guide anatomical hepatectomy. Generally, fusion IGFI can provide a valid, feasible and accurate demarcation line, which can confer precision to hepatic resection.
Short‐term outcomes of pleurectomy decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy in mesothelioma
Authors: van Gerwen Maaike , Wolf Andrea , Liu Bian , Flores Raja , Taioli Emanuela
Published: October 2018

Background/Objectives

We evaluated postoperative mortality and complications after extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy decortication (P/D) to better understand their effectiveness in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Methods

A meta‐analysis was done to evaluate 30‐day mortality and postoperative complications. In addition, in‐patients data of 500 eligible patients with MPM who underwent EPP or P/D was extracted from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS). Multivariate analyses and propensity matching were used to compare in‐hospital mortality and postoperative complications in EPP vs P/D.

Results

The meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant difference in 30‐day mortality (5% [95% CI: 4‐6] vs P/D 2% [95% CI: 1‐3]), proportion of complications (46% [95% CI: 36‐56] vs 24% [95% CI: 15‐34]) and postoperative arrhythmias (20% [95% CI: 12‐31] vs 5% [95% CI: 2‐8]) for EPP vs P/D. In‐hospital mortality (OR
adj: 2.6; 95% CI: 0.86‐7.75) and postoperative complications (OR
adj: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.68‐1.86) were not different in EPP compared with P/D while supraventricular arrhythmia was significantly more frequent after EPP vs P/D (OR
adj: 5.2; 95% CI: 2.34‐11.33).

Conclusions

Postoperative mortality, postoperative complications, and particularly supraventricular arrhythmia are less frequent after P/D vs EPP. P/D, a less invasive surgery, may provide a better option when technically feasible for patients with MPM.
Ex vivo indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for the detection of lymph node involvement in advanced‐stage ovarian cancer
Authors: Pop Catalin‐Florin , Veys Isabelle , Gomez Galdon Maria , Moreau Michel , Larsimont Denis , Donckier Vincent , Bourgeois Pierre , Liberale Gabriel
Published: October 2018

Background and objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging (FI) for the ex vivo detection of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in advanced stage ovarian cancer (AOC).

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded LNs from patients included in a previous ICG‐FI study (Protocol NCT01834469) were further assessed for fluorescence. Intravenous injection of ICG was delivered intraoperatively. Tumor‐to‐background ratios (TBRs) were calculated.

Results

A total of 675 LNs from 19 patients were analyzed. The mean LN number per patient was 29.3 (median: 24; range 2‐77). Seventy‐three LNs were malignant (10.8%), 602 were benign (89.2%). The mean TBR of all LNs was 1.5 (SD 0.8). With a cut‐off TBR of 1.3, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of ICG‐FI for retroperitoneal LNs were 80%, 41%, 2.8%, and 99%, respectively. On univariate analysis, only the fluorescence ratio (TBR ≥ 1.3) was correlated with malignancy at pathology (P = 0.03). No predictive factors of pathological LN status were found on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Ex vivo ICG‐FI of retroperitoneal LNs in AOC had good sensitivity but poor specificity. However, its high negative predictive value could make it an appropriate complementary tool to focus pathological analysis on fluorescent LNs.
Role of the general practitioner in the care of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: General practitioner and patient perspectives
Authors: Vande Perre Pierre , Toledano Daniel , Corsini Carole , Escriba Elsa , Laporte Marine , Bertet Helena , Yauy Kevin , Toledano Alain , Galibert Virginie , Baudry Karen , Clotet Lucie , Million Elodie , Picot Marie‐Christine , Geneviève David , Pujol Pascal
Published: October 2018

Background

General practitioners (GPs) have an increasing role in referring patients with putative mutation in BRCA1/2 genes for genetics consultation and for long‐term follow‐up of mutation carriers.

Methods

We compared the expectations of the GPs’ role according to BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and to GPs themselves.

Results

Overall, 38% (58/152) of eligible GPs and 70% (176/252) of eligible patients were surveyed. Although 81% of GPs collected the family history, only 24% considered that they know criteria indicating genetics consultation and 39% sufficient knowledge of BRCA1/2 guidelines to answer patients’ questions. Twelve% of GPs were aware of the French national guidelines. Among unsatisfied patients, 40% felt that their GP was able to answer (moderately, sufficiently, or completely) specific questions about BRCA1/2 care as compared with 81% in satisfied patients. Only 33% of GPs reported being informed directly by the geneticist about the patients’ results. GPs’ main expectations for their role in BRCA1/2 carrier care were psychological support and informing relatives about screening (72% and 71%, respectively), which contrasts with the perceptions of patients, who mainly requested medical advice for BRCA1/2‐related care (51%).

Conclusion

There is an important need for GP training and enhancing interactions between GPs and geneticists to improve the GP's role in BRCA1/2 screening and management.
Contribution of next generation sequencing in pediatric practice in Lebanon. A Study on 213 cases
Authors: Nair Pratibha , Sabbagh Sandra , Mansour Hicham , Fawaz Ali , Hmaimess Ghassan , Noun Peter , Dagher Rawane , Megarbane Hala , Hana Sayeeda , Alame Saada , Lamaa Maher , Hasbini Dana , Farah Roula , Rajab Mariam , Stora Samantha , El‐Tourjuman Oulfat , Abou Jaoude Pauline , Chalouhi Gihad , Sayad Rony , Gillart Anne‐Celine , Al‐Ali Mahmoud , Delague Valerie , El‐Hayek Stephany , Mégarbané André
Published: October 2018

Background

According to the Catalogue of Transmission Genetics in Arabs, less than half of diseases reported in Lebanese patients are mapped. In the recent years, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques have significantly improved clinical diagnosis, compared to traditional sequencing methods.

Methods

A total of 213 analyses by NGS (167 by whole exome sequencing (WES) and 46 by multigene panels tests) were performed on pediatric patients across different regions of Lebanon over a period of two years (December 2015–December 2017).

Results

Neurological disorders were the most frequent referral demand for both WES and gene panels (122/213). Pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or variants of unknown significance were identified in 69.5% of the WES and panel patients combined. Over half of the patients with such variants had an autosomal recessive disorder. A definite molecular diagnosis (pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants) was achieved in 34.1% and 47.8% of the patients studied by WES and the multigene panels, respectively. Thirty‐three novel variants were found in the cases that were molecularly solved; 26 of these being identified by WES and seven by the multigene panels. In three consanguineous families, autosomal recessive inheritance of genes previously reported as showing dominant inheritance patterns were found. Biallelism was found in six cases, digenism in four cases, and one case was trigenic.

Conclusion

Our study thus suggests that NGS tools are valuable for an improved clinical diagnosis, and highlights that the increased adoption of such techniques will significantly further improve our understanding of the genetic basis of inherited diseases in Lebanon.
Reconfigurable antenna with multiple linear and circular polarization diversity for WLAN applications
Authors: Li Qiu Yu , Tran Huy Hung , Park Hyun Chang
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the principle and experimental validation of a multipolarization reconfigurable antenna is presented. The antenna is composed of four straight dipoles as radiating elements and six pairs of PIN diodes are used to adjust the antenna's polarization. By turning these PIN diodes on or off, the proposed design is able to realize linear polarization in horizontal, vertical, and two diagonal directions. In addition, dual‐sense circular polarization (CP) radiations are also achieved based on the method of using two orthogonal dipoles with different lengths. An antenna prototype is designed for wireless LAN applications and fabricated for validation. Measurements demonstrate that the proposed design achieves overlapped impedance and axial‐ratio bandwidths from 2.34 to 2.48 GHz and from 2.42 to 2.48 GHz, respectively. Measured broadside gains for all polarization states are from 6.2 to 6.7 dBi.
Technical Note: Clustering‐based motion compensation scheme for multishot diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Xu Zhongbiao , Huang Feng , Wu Zhigang , Mei Yingjie , Jeong Ha‐kyu , Fang Wenxing , Chen Zhifeng , Wang Yishi , Dong Zijing , Guo Hua , Zhang Xinyuan , Chen Wufan , Feng Qianjin , Feng Yanqiu
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To extend image reconstruction using image‐space sampling function (IRIS) to address large‐scale motion in multishot diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Methods

A clustered IRIS (CIRIS) algorithm that would extend IRIS was proposed to correct for large‐scale motion. For DWI, CIRIS initially groups the shots into clusters without intracluster large‐scale motion and reconstructs each cluster by using IRIS. Then, CIRIS registers these cluster images and combines the registered images by using a weighted average to correct for voxel mismatch caused by intercluster large‐scale motion. For diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), CIRIS further reduces the effect of motion on diffusion directions by treating motion‐induced direction changes as additional diffusion directions. CIRIS also introduces the detection and rejection of motion‐corrupted data to avoid corresponding image degradation. The proposed method was evaluated by simulation and in vivo diffusion datasets.

Results

Experiments demonstrated that CIRIS can reduce motion‐induced blurring and artifacts in DWI and provide more accurate DTI estimations in the presence of large‐scale motion, compared with IRIS.

Conclusion

The proposed method presents a novel approach to correct for large‐scale in‐plane motion for multishot DWI and is expected to benefit the practical application of high‐resolution diffusion imaging.
Unsupervised learning‐based flexible framework for surveillance planning with aerial vehicles
Authors: Faigl Jan , Váňa Petr , Pěnička Robert , Saska Martin
Published: October 2018

The herein studied problem is motivated by practical needs of our participation in the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) 2017 in which a team of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is requested to collect objects in the given area as quickly as possible and score according to the rewards associated with the objects. The mission time is limited, and the most time‐consuming operation is the collection of the objects themselves. Therefore, we address the problem to quickly identify the most valuable objects as surveillance planning with curvature‐constrained trajectories. The problem is formulated as a multivehicle variant of the Dubins traveling salesman problem with neighborhoods (DTSPN). Based on the evaluation of existing approaches to the DTSPN, we propose to use unsupervised learning to find satisfiable solutions with low computational requirements. Moreover, the flexibility of unsupervised learning allows considering trajectory parametrization that better fits the motion constraints of the utilized hexacopters that are not limited by the minimal turning radius as the Dubins vehicle. We propose to use Bézier curves to exploit the maximal vehicle velocity and acceleration limits. Besides, we further generalize the proposed approach to 3D surveillance planning. We report on evaluation results of the developed algorithms and experimental verification of the planned trajectories using the real UAVs utilized in our participation in MBZIRC 2017.
Exploring the affective underpinnings of dynamic managerial capabilities: How managers' emotion regulation behaviors mobilize resources for their firms
Authors: Huy Quy , Zott Christoph
Published: October 2018

Research Summary

Our inductive field study identifies specific emotion regulation (ER) actions as affective underpinnings of dynamic managerial capabilities. ER refers to the management and modification of one's own and other people's emotions for a specific purpose. Our study shows how differences in managers' attention to ER influence the extent to which they can mobilize resources to pursue market opportunities. We show how their ER of the self helps them mobilize human capital resources by creating psychic benefits, whereas their ER of others helps mobilize social capital by facilitating legitimacy judgments. Our emerging theory explains how the capacity for ER constitutes an important foundation of dynamic managerial capabilities and how it is linked with other key conceptual underpinnings of the construct, namely managerial human and social capital.

Managerial Summary

Strategic change processes can be full of ups and downs and have been likened to an emotional roller coaster. In this context, senior managers do not only to have to cope with their own emotions to deal with challenging situations; they also have to pay attention to the emotions of other stakeholders such as employees and investors to maintain or gain these stakeholders' support. Our field study identifies and explains the systematic behaviors that senior managers can use in strategic change contexts to regulate their own emotions as well as those of other stakeholders in order to productively address and overcome difficult business conditions.
Perfluorocarbon Nanoparticles Mediated Platelet Blocking Disrupt Vascular Barriers to Improve the Efficacy of Oxygen‐Sensitive Antitumor Drugs
Authors: Zhou Zaigang , Zhang Baoli , Wang Shushan , Zai Wenjing , Yuan Ahu , Hu Yiqiao , Wu Jinhui
Published: October 2018

Currently, limited tumor drug permeation and poor oxygen perfusion are two major bottlenecks that significantly impair the efficacy of existing antitumor drugs, especially oxygen‐sensitive antitumor drugs. One vital cause of these major bottlenecks is the abnormal tumor vessel barrier. To the best knowledge of the authors, platelets play a vital role in the maintenance of an abnormal tumor blood barrier through platelet–tumor interaction. Thus, platelet inhibition may present a new way to enhance drug delivery. In this study, it is originally discovered that perfluorotributylamine‐based albumin nanoparticles (PFTBA@HSA) possess excellent platelet inhibiting abilities, which then selectively disrupt the tumor vessel barrier, resulting in a remarkably enhanced intratumoral drug accumulation. Interestingly enough, the tumor hypoxia is also obviously relieved by enhanced oxygen carrier red blood cell distribution and PFTBA@HSA infiltration in the tumors. Finally, the efficacy of oxygen‐sensitive antitumor drugs is significantly amplified by PFTBA@HSA owing to enhanced drug permeation and relieved tumor hypoxia. Therefore, for the first time, it is demonstrated that PFTBA@HSA could be used as an effective way to improve the efficacy of existing tumor therapies by disrupting tumor vessel barriers through targeted platelet inhibition.
Enhanced Light–Matter Interactions in Self‐Assembled Plasmonic Nanoparticles on 2D Semiconductors
Authors: Luong Dinh Hoa , Lee Hyun Seok , Ghimire Ganesh , Lee Jubok , Kim Hyun , Yun Seok Joon , An Gwang Hwi , Lee Young Hee
Published: October 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) transition‐metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers of versatile material library are spotlighted for numerous unexplored research fields. While monolayer TMDs exhibit an efficient excitonic emission, the weak light absorption arising from their low dimensionality limits potential applications. To enhance the light–matter interactions of TMDs, while various plasmonic hybridization methods have been intensively studied, controlling plasmonic nanostructures via self‐assembly processes remains challenging. Herein, strong light–matter interactions are reported in plasmonic Ag nanoparticles (NPs) hybridized on TMDs via an aging‐based self‐assembly process at room temperature. This hybridization is implemented by transferring MoS2 monolayers grown via chemical vapor deposition onto thin‐spacer–covered Ag films. After a few weeks of aging in a vacuum desiccator, the Ag atoms in the heterolayered film diffuse to the MoS2 layers through a SiO2 spacer and self‐cluster onto MoS2 point defects, resulting in the formation of Ag‐NPs with an estimated diameter of ≈50 nm. The photoluminescence intensities for the Ag‐NP/MoS2 hybrids are enhanced up to 35‐fold compared with bare MoS2 owing to the local field enhancement near the plasmonic Ag‐NPs. The localized surface plasmon resonances modes of this hybrid are systematically investigated via numerical simulations and dark‐field scattering microscopy.
Conductive Molybdenum Sulfide for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Gao Xueqing , Qi Jing , Wan Shanhong , Zhang Wei , Wang Qiang , Cao Rui
Published: October 2018

Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) is a layered material with high activity for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In conventional MoS2, the high electrical resistance between the layers hampers the bulk charge transfer and therefore greatly limits its performance in electrolysis. Herein, ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets with bent layers on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) are reported. In sharp contrast to the bulk MoS2, the resulting MoS2 has mostly 1 or 2 layers, and the layer distance is significantly expanded to ≈1 nm. From computational studies, the prepared MoS2 with limited layer numbers and expanded layer distances has similar physical and chemical features with single‐layer MoS2. Importantly, the bent single layer is electrically conductive and is intrinsically more active than a normal flat single layer. In addition, the unusual features of confined sizes and distorted lattices in the prepared MoS2 can bring about plentiful active sites and are beneficial for mass diffusion during electrocatalysis. The hybrid material exhibits high activity for electrocatalytic HER, affording a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 66 mV.
Facile catalytic ring opening polymerization of lactic acid: Comparing the performance of Fe and Zn metal species
Authors: Yaghobinia Zahra , Ahmadi Zahed , Abdouss Majid
Published: October 2018

As a bio‐compatible/degradable polymer, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been widely noticed in tissue engineering and medical applications. Proper catalytic ring‐opening polymerization of lactic acid is pertinent to development of active metal species capable of producing high‐molecular‐weight polymers. In this work, ligand catalyst (2,4‐di‐tertio‐butyl‐6‐{[(2‐di‐methyl‐amino ethyl) methyl amino] methyl} phenol) was synthesized and then attached to Fe‐based and Zn‐based metal substitutes, and performance of metal species toward ring opening polymerization of lactic acid has been investigated. Regulation of reaction condition at 180°C for 36 h with Zn‐based catalyst allowed for late‐stage production of a high‐molecular‐weight PLA, while Fe‐based facilitated polymerization at early stages leading to PLAs with comparatively twofold higher molecular weight at lower time, monomer‐to‐initiator ratio, and temperature (at 170°C). A ratio of monomer to initiator of 5000 with Fe catalyst resulted in the highest molecular weight. Thus, polymerization has been facilitated by the use of Fe‐based catalyst. For this class of catalyst with Fe substitute, the product was characterized by means of 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:215–224, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The essential work of fracture characterization of PVC pipes and its correlation to the degree of gelation
Authors: Rodolfo Antonio
Published: October 2018

PVC pipes (ABNT NBR 5647) were characterized by its essential work of fracture (EWF), using test specimens prepared from flattened sections and directly from rings cut from the pipes. These pipe samples were also characterized for the degree of processing by immersion in dichloromethane and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained for the essential work of fracture show statistically identical values, independently of the type of test specimen, demonstrating that this test can be carried out directly on test specimens prepared from pipe rings, without changes in their actual state of processing. The evaluation of the processing quality through immersion in dichloromethane does not apply to ABNT NBR 5647 pipes, since the results show that, despite the strong attack after immersion, the pipes are well processed, taking into account these new evaluation parameters. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:3–8, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improvement of the magnesium battery electrolyte properties through gamma irradiation of nano polymer electrolytes doped with magnesium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Zaky Magdy M. , Eyssa Hanan M. , Sadek Rawia F.
Published: October 2018

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPE) were prepared using nano polyethylene oxide PEO doped with Magnesium (Mg) salts. Gamma irradiation was utilized to improve the PEO‐Mg salts particle sizes. Consequently, Magnesium Oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were prepared by green synthesis and incorporated into PEO‐Mg salts to improve their properties toward magnesium battery electrolyte applications. The prepared samples were examined before and after exposures to the radiation doses. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated the particles size of the synthesized nano polymer‐Mg salts and MgO nanoparticles. Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrical conductivity, electrochemical properties, and thermal stability of the samples were determined. FTIR indicated the interaction between PEO with Mg salts and MgO nanoparticles which confirmed the structure. The TEM results showed a spherical nanoparticles of MgO and a good dispersion of MgO in PEO matrix. It was found that the irradiation dose 70 kGy gave the best results for the nano polymer‐Mg salts (13 nm). The electrical conductivity (σ) evaluated for NCPE, was more than three orders of magnitude of pure PEO. The liquid NCPE of 20 mL MgO NPs at 100 kGy exhibited a maximum conductivity of 3.63 × 10–3 Scm−1 at room temperature. The increase in temperature caused a slight effect on conductivity, 4.85 × 10–3 Scm−1 at temperature 250°C, at the same concentration. While un‐irradiated sample of 30 mL MgO NPs (σ) reached to 3.8 × 10−3 Scm−1 then became 5.03 × 10−3 Scm−1 by increasing temperature. From the cyclic voltammetry results, the polymer electrolytes containing MgO filler, 20 and 30 mL, for irradiated and un‐irradiated samples, respectively exhibited wider electrochemical stability window than the others due to the appearance of Mg deposition/desolution peak in CV curve showed that magnesium effectively migrating through electrolytes. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was enhanced by adding Mg salts electrolyte and also MgO nanoparticles to PEO. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:243–254, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cover Image, Volume 8, Issue 6
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Haokui , Xue Xizhe , Jiang Yenan , Shen Qiang
Published: October 2018

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Deep learning for remote sensing image classification: A survey, DOI: 10.1002/widm.1264.

image
Entanglement content of quantum particle excitations. Part I. Free field theory
Authors: Castro-Alvaredo Olalla A. , De Fazio Cecilia , Doyon Benjamin , Szécsényi István M.
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We evaluate the entanglement entropy of a single connected region in excited states of one-dimensional massive free theories with finite numbers of particles, in the limit of large volume and region length. For this purpose, we use finite-volume form factor expansions of branch-point twist field two-point functions. We find that the additive contribution to the entanglement due to the presence of particles has a simple “qubit” interpretation, and is largely independent of momenta: it only depends on the numbers of groups of particles with equal momenta. We conjecture that at large momenta, the same result holds for any volume and region lengths, including at small scales. We provide accurate numerical verifications.
Heart toxicity from breast cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Piroth Marc D. , Baumann René , Budach Wilfried , Dunst Jürgen , Feyer Petra , Fietkau Rainer , Haase Wulf , Harms Wolfgang , Hehr Thomas , Krug David , Röser Arnd , Sedlmayer Felix , Souchon Rainer , Wenz Frederik , Sauer Rolf
Published: October 2018

Background

Late cardiac toxicities caused by (particularly left-sided) breast radiotherapy (RT) are now recognized as rare but relevant sequelae, which has prompted research on risk structure identification and definition of threshold doses to heart subvolumes. The aim of the present review was to critically discuss the clinical evidence on late cardiac reactions based on dose-dependent outcome reports for mean heart doses as well as doses to cardiac substructures.

Methods

A literature review was performed to examine clinical evidence on radiation-induced heart toxicities. Mean heart doses and doses to cardiac substructures were focused upon based on dose-dependent outcome reports. Furthermore, an overview of radiation techniques for heart protection is given and non-radiotherapeutic aspects of cardiotoxicity in the multimodal setting of breast cancer treatment are discussed.

Results

Based on available findings, the DEGRO breast cancer expert panel recommends the following constraints: mean heart dose <2.5 Gy; DmeanLV (mean dose left ventricle) < 3 Gy; V5LV (volume of LV receiving ≥5 Gy) < 17%; V23LV (volume of LV receiving ≥23 Gy) < 5%; DmeanLAD (mean dose left descending artery) < 10 Gy; V30LAD (volume of LAD receiving ≥30 Gy) < 2%; V40LAD (volume of LAD receiving ≥40 Gy) < 1%.

Conclusion

In addition to mean heart dose, breast cancer RT treatment planning should also include constraints for cardiac subvolumes such as LV and LAD. The given constraints serve as a clinicians’ aid for ensuring adequate heart protection. The individual decision between sufficient protection of cardiac structures versus optimal target volume coverage remains in the physician’s hand. The risk of breast cancer-specific mortality and a patient’s cardiac risk factors must be individually weighed up against the risk of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity.
3D Cf/SiBCN composites prepared by an improved polymer infiltration and pyrolysis
Authors: Ding Qi , Ni Dewei , Wang Zhen , Zhong Hao , Wang Hongda , Zhou Haijun , Kan Yanmei , Dong Shaoming
Published: October 2018

Using liquid poly(methylvinyl)borosilazanes (PMVBSZ) as precursor, carbon fiber reinforced SiBCN matrix composites (Cf/SiBCN) were fabricated by a modified polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process. With dicumyl peroxide added as cross-linking agent, the PMVBSZ could be solidified at a low temperature of 120 °C, leading to a high ceramic yield of ~70%. The cross-linking mechanism and ceramization processes of the precursor were investigated in detail. Moreover, a modified infiltration technology was developed, which improved the efficiency and protected the precursor against moist air during PIP. Consequently, the obtained Cf/SiBCN composites had an oxygen content of around 1.22 wt%. Benefiting from the high ceramic yield and high efficiency of the modified PIP, Cf/SiBCN composites with an open porosity of ~10% and uniform microstructure were obtained after only 7 cycles of PIP. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of the derived Cf/SiBCN composites were 371 MPa and 12.9 MPa·m1/2, respectively. This work provides a potential route for the fabrication of high performance Cf/SiBCN composites.
Advanced prediction of functional outcomes in hip fracture patients using premorbid functional assessments
Authors: Hung Leong-Pan , Lam Hoi-Yee , Fung Wai-Ha , Samuel Ngan Kam-Tim , Yip Chiu-Tai , Fung Yim-Kwan
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

This historical cohort study aims to determine the relationship between premorbid functional status and functional decline in hip fracture patients.

Methods:

Eighty-two hip fracture patients were divided into Group A (good rehabilitation potential) and Group B (fair rehabilitation potential) based on four premorbid functional assessments: Modified Functional Ambulation Category (MFAC), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-Minute and functional prognosis predictive score. Declines in MFAC and MBI after rehabilitation were compared.

Results:

Sixty-seven percent of patients in Group A had up to one category decline in final MFAC, whereas 66% in Group B had more than one category decline. Similarly, median decline in final MBI was seven in Group A versus 22 in Group B.

Conclusion:

Hip fracture patients with good rehabilitation potential have significantly fewer functional declines. It is possible for them to be directly discharged from acute hospital for outpatient rehabilitation.
The gold-standard genome of Aspergillus niger NRRL 3 enables a detailed view of the diversity of sugar catabolism in fungi
Authors: Aguilar-Pontes M.V. , Brandl J. , McDonnell E. , Strasser K. , Nguyen T.T.M. , Riley R. , Mondo S. , Salamov A. , Nybo J.L. , Vesth T.C. , Grigoriev I.V. , Andersen M.R. , Tsang A. , de Vries R.P.
Published: October 2018

The fungal kingdom is too large to be discovered exclusively by classical genetics. The access to omics data opens a new opportunity to study the diversity within the fungal kingdom and how adaptation to new environments shapes fungal metabolism. Genomes are the foundation of modern
science but their quality is crucial when analysing omics data. In this study, we demonstrate how one gold-standard genome can improve functional prediction across closely related species to be able to identify key enzymes, reactions and pathways with the focus on primary carbon metabolism.
Based on this approach we identified alternative genes encoding various steps of the different sugar catabolic pathways, and as such provided leads for functional studies into this topic. We also revealed significant diversity with respect to genome content, although this did not always correlate
to the ability of the species to use the corresponding sugar as a carbon source.
Sediment budget and morphological development of the Dutch Wadden Sea: impact of accelerated sea-level rise and subsidence until 2100
Authors: Wang Zheng Bing , Elias Edwin P.L. , van der Spek Ad J.F. , Lodder Quirijn J.
Published: October 2018

The Wadden Sea is a unique coastal wetland containing an uninterrupted stretch of tidal flats that span a distance of nearly 500km along the North Sea coast from the Netherlands to Denmark. The development of this system is under pressure of climate change and especially the associated acceleration in sea-level rise (SLR). Sustainable management of the system to ensure safety against flooding of the hinterland, to protect the environmental value and to optimise the economic activities in the area requires predictions of the future morphological development.

The Dutch Wadden Sea has been accreting by importing sediment from the ebb-tidal deltas and the North Sea coasts of the barrier islands. The average accretion rate since 1926 has been higher than that of the local relative SLR. The large sediment imports are predominantly caused by the damming of the Zuiderzee and Lauwerszee rather than due to response to this rise in sea level. The intertidal flats in all tidal basins increased in height to compensate for SLR.

The barrier islands, the ebb-tidal deltas and the tidal basins that comprise tidal channels and flats together form a sediment-sharing system. The residual sediment transport between a tidal basin and its ebb-tidal delta through the tidal inlet is influenced by different processes and mechanisms. In the Dutch Wadden Sea, residual flow, tidal asymmetry and dispersion are dominant. The interaction between tidal channels and tidal flats is governed by both tides and waves. The height of the tidal flats is the result of the balance between sand supply by the tide and resuspension by waves.

At present, long-term modelling for evaluating the effects of accelerated SLR mainly relies on aggregated models. These models are used to evaluate the maximum rates of sediment import into the tidal basins in the Dutch Wadden Sea. These maximum rates are compared to the combined scenarios of SLR and extraction-induced subsidence, in order to explore the future state of the Dutch Wadden Sea.

For the near future, up to 2030, the effect of accelerated SLR will be limited and hardly noticeable. Over the long term, by the year 2100, the effect depends on the SLR scenarios. According to the low-end scenario, there will be hardly any effect due to SLR until 2100, whereas according to the high-end scenario the effect will be noticeable already in 2050.
Subsidence in the Dutch Wadden Sea
Authors: Fokker Peter.A. , van Leijen Freek.J. , Orlic Bogdan , van der Marel Hans , Hanssen Ramon.F.
Published: October 2018

Ground surface dynamics is one of the processes influencing the future of the Wadden Sea area. Vertical land movement, both subsidence and heave, is a direct contributor to changes in the relative sea level. It is defined as the change of height of the Earth's surface with respect to a vertical datum. In the Netherlands, the Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP) is the official height datum, but its realisation via reference benchmarks is not time-dependent. Consequently, NAP benchmarks are not optimal for monitoring physical processes such as land subsidence. However, surface subsidence can be regarded as a differential signal: the vertical motion of one location relative to the vertical motion of another location. In this case, the actual geodetic height datum is superfluous.

In the present paper, we highlight the processes that cause subsidence, with specific focus on the Wadden Sea area. The focus will be toward anthropogenic causes of subsidence, and how to understand them; how to measure and monitor and use these measurements for better characterisation and forecasting; with some details on the activities in the Wadden Sea that are relevant in this respect. This naturally leads to the identification of knowledge gaps and to the formulation of notions for future research.
Glacial history reflected by geochemically constrained stratigraphic sections in the Chaudière River drainage basin of the Canadian Appalachians
Authors: Shilts William W. , Caron Olivier J.
Published: October 2018

The Chaudière River region in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Canada is approximately 700 km north of the southernmost Pleistocene glacial deposits in New York and New Jersey. Detailed compositional analyses of glacial and non-glacial sediments from stratigraphic exposures and more than 40 boreholes drilled to bedrock provide a compositionally constrained record of glacial events, which include deposits of one Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 and two post-MIS 5 glaciations. The glacial and associated proglacial deposits rest on compositionally distinctive, preglacial saprolite that is preserved in deeper valleys. These observations constrain interpretations of the glacial/Pleistocene history of the eastern United States and Canada. The fact that there is no unequivocal evidence of pre-MIS 6 till in the Chaudière River region, while there are well-documented pre-MIS 6 glacial deposits south of there and in the American Midwest, also has major climatic implications. The Laurentide Ice Sheet and its ancestors must have been more robust in the west in the early Pleistocene and in the east most recently.
Comparative syntax of argument ellipsis in languages without agreement: A case study with Mandarin Chinese
Authors: SATO YOSUKE
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the cross-linguistic distribution of argument ellipsis (AE) with an emphasis on Chinese, an Asian language well-known for its lack of overt morphological agreement. It is observed in the literature that Japanese permits AE in both null subject and null object positions whereas Chinese permits it in null object positions, but not in null subject positions. Adopting Saito’s (2007) hypothesis that the presence of$\unicode[STIX]{x03C6}$-feature agreement associated withvor T blocks AE, Miyagawa (2013) and Takahashi (2014) argue that the absence of subject AE in Chinese follows from abstract subject agreement. After presenting three empirical arguments against this analysis from the Chinese literature, I propose that the distribution of AE is better predicted by topichood and link this proposal to Saito’s (2017) recent analysis of AE developed for Japanese, whereby AE, analyzed as LF Copy, cannot apply to an operator–variable configuration. My analysis is supported by the novel observation that the null subject position in Chinese actually allows AE when it is not linked to the topic position, as in hanging topics, relative clauses and conditional clauses.
Modern Architecture in Post-Colonial Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Roux Hannah Le
Published: October 2018

… an architecture and form of urbanism will emerge closely connected with the set of ideas that have international validity but reflecting the conditions of climate, the habits of the people and the aspirations of the countries lying under the cloudy belt of the equatorial world.

Max Fry and Jane Drew, architects, 1956

The concept of architecture, even in its widest traditional sense, is foreign to Africa.

John Lloyd, architect, 1966

Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew, who had been in and out of West Africa since the 1940s as planners and architects, were optimistic about the role of architecture in the tropics on the eve of independence. In the text of Tropical Architecture in the Humid Zones they championed the development in Africa of the tropical modernism they had pioneered in their own work. In sharp contrast, John Lloyd, writing from Ghana just ten years later, conveyed a sense of the discipline’s estrangement from the context.
Reversal of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Symptoms by Subdural Collections
Authors: Fisher C. M.
Published: October 2018

Background:

The pathogenesis of symptoms in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is unclear. One theory is that in the presence of enlarged lateral ventricles, the ventricular fluid exerts increased force on the ventricular walls, the cerebrospinal fluid pressure remaining normal. This is in accordance with Pascal’s principle of F = PxA. It has not been possible to obtain direct evidence for this view.

Method:

The opportunity to gain insight into the matter arose when it was observed that two patients with symptomatic NPH were relieved of their symptoms when they developed bilateral subdural collections, one after head trauma, the other after ventriculo-peritoneal shunting for NPH.

Result:

In each case, concomitant with the subdural collections and the reversal of symptoms, the ventricular system became smaller. In the first patient, symptoms returned when the subdural collections were resorbed. In the second patient, symptoms returned when the subdural collections became excessive.

Conclusion:

Although documentation was less thorough than desired, it was concluded that relief of symptoms was related to the decrease in the ventricular size rather than lowering of the intraventricular pressure, thus providing evidence for operation of the principle F = PxA as the mechanism of symptoms in NPH.
Observation Impact in a Regional Reanalysis of the East Australian Current System
Authors: Kerry Colette , Roughan Moninya , Powell Brian
Published: October 2018

The East Australia Current dominates the circulation along the east coast of Australia; therefore, identifying observations that best constrain its transport and eddies may help improve circulation estimates. Observational data sets are sparse in time and space and numerical models are unable to predict the timing and location of eddies due to their chaotic nature. Data assimilation combines observations with a numerical model such that the model better represents the observations and provides the dynamic context. This study uses variational methods to quantify how oceanic observations from various platforms impact model estimates of transport and eddy kinetic energy in the East Australia Current. The most influential observations are, in this order, satellite‐derived sea surface temperature; radial components of sea surface velocity from an high‐frequency radar array midway along the coast; satellite‐derived sea surface height, temperature, salinity, and velocity observations from a full‐depth mooring array in the upstream portion of the domain; and subsurface hydrographic data measured by ocean gliders. Not only do the high‐frequency radar observations have high impact on transport estimates at the array location, but also they have significant impact both upstream and downstream. Likewise, the impact of the mooring array observations is far reaching, contributing to transport estimates hundreds of kilometers downstream. The observation impact of deep gliders deployed into eddies is particularly high. Significantly, we find that observations taken in regions with greater natural variability contribute most to constraining the model estimates.
Observability of Callisto's Inductive Signature During the JUpiter ICy Moons Explorer Mission
Authors: Liuzzo Lucas , Simon Sven , Feyerabend Moritz
Published: October 2018

Using hybrid simulations and analytical calculations, we investigate the observable magnetic perturbations during the 12 planned Callisto flybys of the JUpiter ICy moons Explorer mission. During four of these encounters, Callisto will be embedded within Jupiter's magnetospheric current sheet. In these cases, Callisto's Alfvén wings and ramside magnetic field pileup will partially obscure any magnetic signatures associated with induction in a conducting layer at the moon, thereby severely complicating attempts to further constrain properties of a possible subsurface ocean. During one of these flybys, the plasma interaction will even generate magnetic signatures that are qualitatively similar to an induced field from the moon's interior. In this case, highly accurate measurements of the upstream flow parameters and Callisto's ionosphere are required to disentangle the induction signal from plasma effects. For the remaining eight encounters, Callisto's plasma interaction is expected to be sufficiently weak for an unobstructed observation of the moon's inductive signature.
Crustal Azimuthal Anisotropy Beneath the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau and its Geodynamic Implications
Authors: Zheng Tuo , Ding Zhifeng , Ning Jieyuan , Chang Lijun , Wang Xingchen , Kong Fansheng , Liu Kelly H. , Gao Stephen S.
Published: October 2018

The fast orientation and magnitude of crustal azimuthal anisotropy beneath the southeastern Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas are measured by analyzing the sinusoidal moveout of the P to S converted phase from the Moho. Beneath the tectonically active plateau, the mean magnitude is 0.48 ± 0.13 s, which is about twice as large as that observed in the stable Sichuan Basin (0.23 ± 0.10 s). The two areas are separated by the Longmenshan fault zone, a zone of devastating earthquakes including the 12 May 2008 MW 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. Fault orthogonal fast orientations observed in the southern Longmenshan fault zone, where previous studies have revealed high crustal Vp/Vs and suggested the presence of mid‐lower crustal flow, may reflect flow‐induced lattice preferred orientation of anisotropic minerals. Fault parallel anisotropy in the central segment of the fault zone is most likely related to fluid filled fractures, and fault perpendicular extensional cracks are probably responsible for the observed anisotropy in the northern segment. The crustal anisotropy measurements, when combined with results from previous studies, suggest the existence of mid‐lower crustal flow beneath the southeastern margin of the plateau. Comparison of crustal anisotropy obtained before and after the Wenchuan earthquake suggests that the earthquake has limited influence on whole crustal anisotropy, although temporal changes of anisotropy associated with the earthquake have been reported using splitting of shear waves from local earthquakes occurred in the upper crust.