bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental analysis of the end-notched flexure composite laminates beams with elastic couplings
Authors: Rzeczkowski Jakub
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an experimental study of the composite beams with elastic couplings subjected to the end-notched flexure (ENF) test. The object of research were carbon/epoxy composite laminates with specific stacking sequences exhibiting the bending–extension and the bending–twisting couplings. In addition, multidirectional laminates with different delamination interfaces were tested. Influence of elastic coupling phenomena on behavior of laminates subjected to the bending moment as well as on fracture toughness and delamination surfaces after the ENF tests was discussed. All experiments were performed according to the ASTM D7905 Standard. Determination of crack initiation was supported by the acoustic emission technique. Data analysis of the ENF test was performed by using both the direct beam theory and the corrected beam theory. Results obtained by using the classical data reduction schemes were compared with the compliance-based beam method (CBBM). Greater values of the fracture toughness obtained by using the non-standardized methods can be explained by the effect of the fracture process zone which was taken into account in the CBBM calculation scheme. Delamination surfaces of coupled laminates after the ENF tests were investigated by using the scanning electron microscopy. Results revealed that the effect of elastic couplings might influenced on intense bridging phenomena, more extensive fracture process zone and contribution of the mode III in total delamination resistance. Nevertheless, application of the standardized ENF procedure to determination of the fracture toughness of laminates exhibiting elastic couplings is still possible, provided assistance of additional data reduction schemes and techniques or numerical analysis.
A priori tests of eddy viscosity models in square duct flow
Authors: Modesti Davide
Published: July 2020

We carry out a priori tests of linear and nonlinear eddy viscosity models using direct numerical simulation (DNS) data of square duct flow up to friction Reynolds number$${\text {Re}}_\tau =1055$$Reτ=1055. We focus on the ability of eddy viscosity models to reproduce the anisotropic Reynolds stress tensor components$$a_{ij}$$aijresponsible for turbulent secondary flows, namely the normal stress$$a_{22}$$a22and the secondary shear stress$$a_{23}$$a23. A priori tests on constitutive relations for$$a_{ij}$$aijare performed using the tensor polynomial expansion of Pope (J Fluid Mech 72:331–340, 1975), whereby one tensor base corresponds to the linear eddy viscosity hypothesis and five bases return exact representation of$$a_{ij}$$aij. We show that the bases subset has an important effect on the accuracy of the stresses and the best results are obtained when using tensor bases which contain both the strain rate and the rotation rate. Models performance is quantified using the mean correlation coefficient with respect to DNS data$${\widetilde{C}}_{ij}$$C~ij, which shows that the linear eddy viscosity hypothesis always returns very accurate values of the primary shear stress$$a_{12}$$a12($${\widetilde{C}}_{12}>0.99$$C~12>0.99), whereas two bases are sufficient to achieve good accuracy of the normal stress and secondary shear stress ($${\widetilde{C}}_{22}=0.911$$C~22=0.911,$${\widetilde{C}}_{23}=0.743$$C~23=0.743). Unfortunately, RANS models rely on additional assumptions and a priori analysis carried out on popular models, includingk–$$\varepsilon $$εand$$v^2$$v2–f, reveals that none of them achieves ideal accuracy. The only model based on Pope’s expansion which approaches ideal performance is the quadratic correction of Spalart (Int J Heat Fluid Flow 21:252–263, 2000), which has similar accuracy to models using four or more tensor bases. Nevertheless, the best results are obtained when using the linear correction to the$$v^2$$v2–fmodel developed by Pecnik and Iaccarino (AIAA Paper 2008-3852, 2008), although this is not built on the canonical tensor polynomial as the other models.
Higher satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty using restricted inverse kinematic alignment compared to adjusted mechanical alignment
Authors: Winnock de Grave Philip , Luyckx Thomas , Claeys Kurt , Tampere Thomas , Kellens Jonas , Müller Jacobus , Gunst Paul
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Various alignment philosophies for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been described, all striving to achieve excellent long-term implant survival and good functional outcomes. In recent years, in search of higher functionality and patient satisfaction, a shift towards more tailored and patient-specific alignment is seen. The purpose of this study was to describe a restricted ‘inverse kinematic alignment’ (iKA) technique, and to compare clinical outcomes of patients that underwent robotic-assisted TKA performed by restricted iKA vs. adjusted mechanical alignment (aMA).

Methods

The authors reviewed the records of a consecutive series of patients that received robotic-assisted TKA with restricted iKA (n = 40) and with aMA (n = 40). Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and satisfaction on a visual analogue scale (VAS) were collected at a follow-up of 12 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed according to patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds, and uni- and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine associations of OKS and satisfaction with six variables (age, sex, body mass index (BMI), preoperative hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle, preoperative OKS, alignment technique).

Results

The restricted iKA and aMA techniques yielded comparable outcome scores (p = 0.069), with OKS, respectively, 44.6 ± 3.5 and 42.2 ± 6.3. VAS Satisfaction was better (p = 0.012) with restricted iKA (9.2 ± 0.8) compared to aMA (8.5 ± 1.3). The number of patients that achieved OKS and satisfaction PASS thresholds was significantly higher (p = 0.049 and p = 0.003, respectively) using restricted iKA (98% and 80%) compared to aMA (85% and 48%). Knees with preoperative varus deformity, achieved significantly (p = 0.025) better OKS using restricted iKA (45.4 ± 2.0) compared to aMA (41.4 ± 6.8). Multivariable analyses confirmed better OKS (β = 3.1; p = 0.007) and satisfaction (β = 0.73; p = 0.005) with restricted iKA.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that restricted iKA and aMA grant comparable clinical outcomes at 12-month follow-up, though a greater proportion of knees operated by restricted iKA achieved the PASS thresholds for OKS and satisfaction. Notably. in knees with preoperative varus deformity, restricted iKA yielded significantly better OKS and satisfaction than aMA.

Level of evidence

Level III, comparative study.
Risk Factors for Prolonged Length of Stay and Readmission After Parathyroidectomy for Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Stefanova Dessislava , Ullmann Timothy M. , Limberg Jessica , Moore Maureen , Beninato Toni , Zarnegar Rasa , Fahey Thomas J. , Finnerty Brendan M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Population‐based analyses of 30‐day outcomes after parathyroidectomy for renal secondary hyperparathyroidism are limited. We sought to identify risk factors associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) and readmission in this patient population.

Methods

Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy were reviewed in the ACS‐NSQIP database (2011–2016). Patients were identified by ICD codes specific to secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal origin and the ACS‐NSQIP variable for current preoperative dialysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with prolonged LOS and 30‐day readmission after parathyroidectomy.

Results

The cohort included 1846 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism on dialysis who underwent parathyroidectomy. There were 416 (22.5%) patients classified under the prolonged LOS group. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with prolonged LOS included elevated preoperative alkaline phosphatase [OR 3.13 (95%‐CI 2.09–4.70), p < 0.001], decreased preoperative hematocrit [OR 1.83 (95%‐CI 1.25–2.68), p = 0.002], unplanned reoperation (OR 5.02 [95%‐CI 2.22–11.3], p < 0.001) and any postoperative complication [OR 6.12 (95%‐CI 3.31–11.3), p < 0.001]. The overall 30‐day readmission rate was 15.0%. Hypocalcemia and hungry bone syndrome accounted for 47.0% (n = 93/198) of readmissions. On multivariable analysis, patients with a history of hypertension and those undergoing unplanned reoperation were at risk of readmission [2.16 (95%‐CI 1.21–3.87), p = 0.009, and 2.40 (95%‐CI 1.15–5.02), p = 0.020, respectively], whereas reoperative parathyroidectomy was inversely associated with readmission (OR 0.24, 95%‐CI 0.07–0.80, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for renal secondary hyperparathyroidism, several readily available preoperative biochemical markers, including those of increased bone turnover and anemia, are associated with prolonged postoperative LOS. Unplanned reoperation was predictive of both increased LOS and readmission.
Multicomponent diffusion in ionic crystals: theoretical model and application to combined tracer- and interdiffusion in alkali feldspar
Authors: Petrishcheva E. , Tiede L. , Heuser D. , Hutter H. , Giester G. , Abart R.
Published: July 2020

We present a model for multicomponent diffusion in ionic crystals. The model accounts for vacancy-mediated diffusion on a sub-lattice and for diffusion due to binary exchange of different ionic species without involvement of vacancies on the same sub-lattice. The diffusive flux of a specific ionic species depends on the self-diffusion coefficients, on the diffusion coefficients related to the binary exchanges, and on the site fractions of all ionic species. The model delivers explicit expressions for these dependencies, which lead to a set of coupled non-linear diffusion equations. We applied the model to diffusion of $$^{23}$$

23

Na, $$^{39}$$

39

K, and $$^{41}$$

41

K in alkali feldspar. To this end, gem-quality crystals of alkali feldspar were used together with $$^{41}$$

41

K doped KCl salt as diffusion couples, which were annealed at temperatures between 800$$^\circ$$

∘

and 950$$^\circ$$

∘

C. Concentration-distance data for $$^{23}$$

23

Na, $$^{39}$$

39

K, and $$^{41}$$

41

K were obtained by Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. Over the entire investigated temperature range the Na self-diffusion coefficient is by a factor of $$\ge 500$$

≥
500

higher than the K self-diffusion coefficient. Diffusion mediated by binary $$^{39}$$

39

K–$$^{41}$$

41

K exchange is required for obtaining satisfactory fits of the model curves to the experimental data, and the respective kinetic coefficient is well constrained.
Audio–visual object removal in 360-degree videos
Authors: Shimamura Ryo , Feng Qi , Koyama Yuki , Nakatsuka Takayuki , Fukayama Satoru , Hamasaki Masahiro , Goto Masataka , Morishima Shigeo
Published: July 2020

We present a novel conceptaudio–visual object removalin 360-degree videos, in which a target object in a 360-degree video is removed in both the visual and auditory domains synchronously. Previous methods have solely focused on the visual aspect of object removal using video inpainting techniques, resulting in videos with unreasonable remaining sounds corresponding to the removed objects. We propose a solution which incorporates direction acquired during the video inpainting process into the audio removal process. More specifically, our method identifies the sound corresponding to the visually tracked target object and then synthesizes a three-dimensional sound field by subtracting the identified sound from the input 360-degree video. We conducted a user study showing that our multi-modal object removal supporting both visual and auditory domains could significantly improve the virtual reality experience, and our method could generate sufficiently synchronous, natural and satisfactory 360-degree videos.
Innovations in pancreatic anastomosis technique during pancreatoduodenectomies
Authors: Ferencz S. , Bíró Zs. , Vereczkei A. , Kelemen D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Pancreatic fistula following pancreatic resections is still a relevant complication. The present work shows the efforts of a single institute to decrease this problem.

Methods

A total of 130 patients (63 men, 67 women) with a mean age of 60 (range: 23–81) years were operated on between January 2013 and March 2020. The most frequent type of pancreatic resection was a Whipple procedure with partial antrectomy. During all operations, an innovative method was used, namely a modification of the purse-string suture pancreatojejunostomy. Moreover, an early drain removal policy was applied, based on the drain amylase level on the first and subsequent postoperative days.

Results

Mean postoperative hospital stay was 13 days (range: 7–75). The overall morbidity rate was 43.8%; the clinically relevant (grade B/C) pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) rate was 6.9%. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was observed in 4% of the patients. The ratio of operative mortality was 0.7%; the reoperation rate was 5.3%. Based on the drain amylase level on the first postoperative day, two groups could be established. In the first one, the drain was removed early, on the fourth day in average (range: 2–6). In the other group, the drain was left in situ protractedly or reinserted later on.

Conclusion

A single center’s experience proves that the refinement of the technique can improve the results of pancreatic surgery.
Effects of state anxiety on gait: a 7.5% carbon dioxide challenge study
Authors: Attwood Angela S. , Ludwig Casimir J. H. , Penton-Voak Ian S. , Poh Jade , Kwong Alex S. F. , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: July 2020

We used the 7.5% carbon dioxide (CO2) model of anxiety induction to investigate the effects of state anxiety on normal gait and gait when navigating an obstacle. Healthy volunteers (n = 22) completed a walking task during inhalations of 7.5% CO2 and medical air (placebo) in a within-subjects design. The order of inhalation was counterbalanced across participants and the gas was administered double-blind. Over a series of trials, participants walked the length of the laboratory, with each trial requiring participants to navigate through an aperture (width adjusted to participant size), with gait parameters measured via a motion capture system. The main findings were that walking speed was slower, but the adjustment in body orientation was greater, during 7.5% CO2 inhalation compared to air. These findings indicate changes in locomotor behaviour during heightened state anxiety that may reflect greater caution when moving in an agitated state. Advances in sensing technology offer the opportunity to monitor locomotor behaviour, and these findings suggest that in doing so, we may be able to infer emotional states from movement in naturalistic settings.
RET-independent signaling by GDNF ligands and GFRα receptors
Authors: Ibáñez Carlos F. , Paratcha Gustavo , Ledda Fernanda
Published: July 2020

The discovery in the late 1990s of the partnership between the RET receptor tyrosine kinase and the GFRα family of GPI-anchored co-receptors as mediators of the effects of GDNF family ligands galvanized the field of neurotrophic factors, firmly establishing a new molecular framework besides the ubiquitous neurotrophins. Soon after, however, it was realized that many neurons and brain areas expressed GFRα receptors without expressing RET. These observations led to the formulation of two new concepts in GDNF family signaling, namely, the non-cell-autonomous functions of GFRα molecules, so-called trans signaling, as well as cell-autonomous functions mediated by signaling receptors distinct from RET, which became known as RET-independent signaling. To date, the best studied RET-independent signaling pathway for GDNF family ligands involves the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM and its association with GFRα co-receptors. Among the many functions attributed to this signaling system are neuronal migration, neurite outgrowth, dendrite branching, spine formation, and synaptogenesis. This review summarizes our current understanding of this and other mechanisms of RET-independent signaling by GDNF family ligands and GFRα receptors, as well as their physiological importance.
Subexponential-Time Algorithms for Finding Large Induced Sparse Subgraphs
Authors: Novotná Jana , Okrasa Karolina , Pilipczuk Michał , Rzążewski Paweł , van Leeuwen Erik Jan , Walczak Bartosz
Published: July 2020

Let$${\mathcal {C}}$$Cand$${\mathcal {D}}$$Dbe hereditary graph classes. Consider the following problem: given a graph$$G\in {\mathcal {D}}$$G∈D, find a largest, in terms of the number of vertices, induced subgraph ofGthat belongs to$${\mathcal {C}}$$C. We prove that it can be solved in$$2^{o(n)}$$2o(n)time, wherenis the number of vertices ofG, if the following conditions are satisfied:

the graphs in$${\mathcal {C}}$$Care sparse, i.e., they have linearly many edges in terms of the number of vertices;

the graphs in$${\mathcal {D}}$$Dadmit balanced separators of size governed by their density, e.g.,$${\mathcal {O}}(\varDelta )$$O(Δ)or$${\mathcal {O}}(\sqrt{m})$$O(m), where$$\varDelta$$Δandmdenote the maximum degree and the number of edges, respectively; and

the considered problem admits a single-exponential fixed-parameter algorithm when parameterized by the treewidth of the input graph.

This leads, for example, to the following corollaries for specific classes$${\mathcal {C}}$$Cand$${\mathcal {D}}$$D:

a largest induced forest in a$$P_t$$Pt-free graph can be found in$$2^{\tilde{{\mathcal {O}}}(n^{2/3})}$$2O~(n2/3)time, for every fixedt; and

a largest induced planar graph in a string graph can be found in$$2^{\tilde{{\mathcal {O}}}(n^{2/3})}$$2O~(n2/3)time.
The effect of the elongation of the proximal aorta on the estimation of the aortic wall distensibility
Authors: Pagoulatou Stamatia Z. , Ferraro Mauro , Trachet Bram , Bikia Vasiliki , Rovas Georgios , Crowe Lindsey A. , Vallée Jean-Paul , Adamopoulos Dionysios , Stergiopulos Nikolaos
Published: July 2020

The compliance of the proximal aortic wall is a major determinant of cardiac afterload. Aortic compliance is often estimated based on cross-sectional area changes over the pulse pressure, under the assumption of a negligible longitudinal stretch during the pulse. However, the proximal aorta is subjected to significant axial stretch during cardiac contraction. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the importance of axial stretch on compliance estimation by undertaking both an in silico and an in vivo approach. In the computational analysis, we developed a 3-D finite element model of the proximal aorta and investigated the discrepancy between the actual wall compliance to the value estimated after neglecting the longitudinal stretch of the aorta. A parameter sensitivity analysis was further conducted to show how increased material stiffness and increased aortic root motion might amplify the estimation errors (discrepancies between actual and estimated distensibility ranging from − 20 to − 62%). Axial and circumferential aortic deformation during ventricular contraction was also evaluated in vivo based on MR images of the aorta of 3 healthy young volunteers. The in vivo results were in good qualitative agreement with the computational analysis (underestimation errors ranging from − 26 to − 44%, with increased errors reflecting higher aortic root displacement). Both the in silico and in vivo findings suggest that neglecting the longitudinal strain during contraction might lead to severe underestimation of local aortic compliance, particularly in the case of women who tend to have higher aortic root motion or in subjects with stiff aortas.
Measuring Fidelity to Evidence-Based Practices: Psychometrics
Authors: Ruud T. , Drake R. E. , Bond G. R.
Published: July 2020

This special section presents the psychometric properties of fidelity scales used in a national mental health services project in Norway to improve the quality of care of people with psychoses. Across Norway, 39 clinical units in six health trusts participated. The project provided education, implementation support and fidelity assessments. The papers in the section address the psychometrics of fidelity measurement for the specific evidence-based practices: illness management and recovery, family psychoeducation, physical healthcare and antipsychotic medication management. Another paper analyzes the psychometrics of a scale measuring individualization and quality improvement that may be used in conjunction with fidelity scales for specific evidence-based practices. The first paper in the section presents the development and field of fidelity scales, and the two final papers with comments add some additional perspectives and discuss fidelity scales in a wider context. The psychometrics of the five scales were good to excellent. Fidelity assessment is a necessary and effective strategy for quality improvement.
Prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction and prognostic significance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Kanagala Prathap , Arnold Jayanth R. , Singh Anvesha , Khan Jamal N. , Gulsin Gaurav S. , Gupta Pankaj , Squire Iain B. , Ng Leong L. , McCann Gerry P.
Published: July 2020

There is a paucity of data characterizing right ventricular performance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using the gold standard of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). We aimed to assess the proportion of right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVD) in HFpEF and the relation to clinical outcomes. As part of a single-centre, prospective, observational study, 183 subjects (135 HFpEF, and 48 age- and sex-matched controls) underwent extensive characterization with CMR. transthoracic echocardiography, blood sampling and six-minute walk testing. Patients were followed for the composite endpoint of death or HF hospitalization. RVD (defined as right ventricular ejection fraction < 47%) controls was present in 19% of HFpEF. Patients with RVD presented more frequently with lower systolic blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, radiographic evidence of pulmonary congestion and raised cardiothoracic ratio and larger right ventricular volumes. During median follow-up of 1429 days, 47% (n = 64) of HFpEF subjects experienced the composite endpoint of death (n = 22) or HF hospitalization (n = 42). RVD was associated with an increased risk of composite events (Log-Rank p = 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, RVD was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes (adjusted Hazard Ratio [HR] 3.946, 95% CI 1.878–8.290, p = 0.0001) along with indexed extracellular volume (HR 1.742, CI 1.176–2.579, p = 0.006) and E/E’ (HR 1.745, CI 1.230–2.477, p = 0.002). RVD as assessed by CMR is prevalent in nearly one-fifth of HFpEF patients and is independently associated with death and/or hospitalization with HF.

The trial was registered retrospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03050593). The date of registration was February 06, 2017.
Effect of methoxy stilbenes—analogs of resveratrol—on the viability and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Zielińska-Przyjemska Małgorzata , Kaczmarek Mariusz , Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta , Wierzchowski Marcin , Baer-Dubowska Wanda
Published: July 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and its mechanism of five synthetic methoxy stilbenes, namely 3,4,4ʹ-trimethoxy, 3,4,2ʹ-trimethoxy, 3,4,2ʹ,4ʹ-tetramethoxy, 3,4,2ʹ,6ʹ-tetramethoxy, and 3,4,2ʹ,4ʹ,6ʹ-pentamethoxy-trans-stilbenes (MS), in comparison with resveratrol (RSV). Human promyelocytic (HL-60) and monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cells were treated with the tested compounds for 24 h, and cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated. Significant differences were found in the susceptibility of these cell lines to all stilbenes, including RSV. The THP-1 cells were more resistant to cytotoxic activity of these compounds than HL-60 cells. Among the tested stilbenes, 3,4,4ʹ-tri-MS and 3,4,2ʹ,4ʹ-tetra-MS exhibited higher cytotoxicity toward both cell lines than RSV and the other methoxy stilbenes. This activity might be related to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and induction of apoptosis. In this regard, 3,4,4ʹ-tri-MS and 3,4,2ʹ,4ʹ-tetra-MS at highest concentrations increased the p53 protein level particularly in HL-60 cells. Moreover, treatment with these derivatives increased the ratio of the proapoptotic Bax protein to the antiapoptotic Bcl-xl protein, suggesting the induction of apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in both cell lines. Further studies are required to fully elucidate the mechanism of these activities.
Emerging viral threats and the simultaneity of the non-simultaneous: zooming out in times of Corona
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: July 2020

This paper addresses global bioethical challenges entailed in emerging viral diseases, focussing on their socio-cultural dimension and seeing them as symptomatic of the current era of globalisation. Emerging viral threats exemplify the extent to which humans evolved into a global species, with a pervasive and irreversible impact on the planetary ecosystem. To effectively address these disruptive threats, an attitude of preparedness seems called for, not only on the viroscientific, but also on bioethical, regulatory and governance levels. This paper analyses the global bioethical challenges of emerging viral threats from a dialectical materialist (Marxist) perspective, focussing on three collisions: (1) the collision of expanding networks of globalisation with local husbandry practices; (2) the collision of global networks of mobility with disrupted ecosystems; and (3) the collision of viroscience as a globalised research field with existing regulatory frameworks. These collisions emerge in a force field defined by the simultaneity of the non-simultaneous. Evidence-based health policies invoke discontent as they reflect the normative logic of a globalised knowledge regime. The development of a global bioethics or macro-ethics requires us to envision these collisions not primarily as issues of benefits and risks, but first and foremost as normative tensions closely entangled with broader socio-economic and socio-cultural developments.
A Cellular Automata Model of Oncolytic Virotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chen J. , Weihs D. , Vermolen F. J.
Published: July 2020

Oncolytic virotherapy is known as a new treatment to employ less virulent viruses to specifically target and damage cancer cells. This work presents a cellular automata model of oncolytic virotherapy with an application to pancreatic cancer. The fundamental biomedical processes (like cell proliferation, mutation, apoptosis) are modeled by the use of probabilistic principles. The migration of injected viruses (as therapy) is modeled by diffusion through the tissue. The resulting diffusion–reaction equation with smoothed point viral sources is discretized by the finite difference method and integrated by the IMEX approach. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations are done to quantitatively evaluate the correlations between various input parameters and numerical results. As we expected, our model is able to simulate the pancreatic cancer growth at early stages, which is calibrated with experimental results. In addition, the model can be used to predict and evaluate the therapeutic effect of oncolytic virotherapy.
Diversity and surge in abundance of native parasitoid communities prior to the onset of Torymus sinensis on the Asian chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus) in Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary
Authors: Kos Katarina , Lacković Nikola , Melika George , Matošević Dinka
Published: July 2020

Since the rapid spread of the Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) throughout south-east Europe in the last few years, the possibilities of its control have been increasingly investigated. Due to constraints in available suppression measures in forest stands, biological control is recognized as the most suitable action to lower the abundance of the new invasive pest. Torymus sinensis, as a specialized parasitoid chalcid wasp of ACGW, was introduced to suppress the pest in Italy in 2005, and later in Croatia, Hungary (2014) and Slovenia (2015). We investigated the native parasitoid complex associated with ACGW in Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary over 8 years of sampling. We found 41 species of native parasitoids, eight of which are the first records on ACGW in Europe, adding up to a total of 51 species known to parasitize ACGW. These findings represent a large complex of cynipid-parasitoid fauna. Moreover, the abundance of native parasitoid populations on ACGW have demonstrated a temporal surge between the invasion of a new alien host (ACGW) and the onset of its specialized parasitoid, T. sinensis. Our results indicate that the introduced parasitoid acts as a very successful biocontrol of ACGW, outcompeting native parasitoids. This outcome should be considered as beneficial through the maintenance of ecological balance in affected forest ecosystems.
Active multiview recognition with hidden Markov temporal support
Authors: Nagy Amr M. , Rashad Metwally , Czúni László
Published: July 2020

Our paper deals with active multiview object recognition focusing on the directional support of sequential multiple shots. Since inertial sensors are easily available nowadays, we propose the use of them to estimate the orientation change of the camera and thus to estimate the probability of relative poses. With the help of relative orientation change, we can compute transition probabilities between possible poses and can use a hidden Markov model to evaluate state (pose) sequences and can thus increase the recognition rate. Furthermore, we can plan our next viewing position to minimize the risk of misclassification, resulting in higher overall recognition rates. Besides giving the theoretical details, we use two datasets to illustrate the performance of our model through several tests including occlusion, blur, Gaussian noise, and to compare to a solution with a long short-term memory network.
Community-Led Monitoring: When Community Data Drives Implementation Strategies
Authors: Baptiste Solange , Manouan Alain , Garcia Pedro , Etya’ale Helen , Swan Tracy , Jallow Wame
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Communities occupy a central position in effective health systems, notably through monitoring of health service quality and by giving recipients of care a voice. Our review identifies community-led monitoring mechanisms and best practices.

Recent Findings

Implementation of community-led monitoring mechanisms improved service delivery at facility-level, health system-wide infrastructure and health outcomes among recipients of care. Successful models were community-led, collaborative, continuous and systematic, and incorporated advocacy and community education.

Identifying and replicating successful community-led monitoring practices is a key pathway to equitable access to HIV and health services overall.
Can Schools and Education Policy Make Children Happier? A Comparative Study in 33 Countries
Authors: Marquez Jose , Main Gill
Published: July 2020

Our understanding of child subjective well-being and how to promote it has improved substantially over the last decade. In relation to the role of education policy in shaping subjective well-being, although valuable research has been conducted, many questions remain unanswered. This paper aims to fill this gap by studying the links between education policy and students’ life satisfaction. We use linear and multilevel regression to analyse PISA 2015 data on 15-year-old students in 33 countries. Our interest is in within society differences and how these vary across societies. We find that (1) there is an association between multiple education policy-relevant factors and students’ life satisfaction, which is particularly prominent –and observed in a larger number of countries- in the domains of family relationships, schoolwork-related anxiety and bullying. Our models explain between one-fifth and one-third of the variation in students’ life satisfaction. Results also indicate that (2) schools may play an important role in shaping students’ life satisfaction. This is supported by evidence that these associations tend to vary by school; by evidence on the existence of school effects in all countries but two; and by the finding that a proportion - substantial in some countries- of the variation in students’ life satisfaction is explained by differences between schools. Finally, we find that (3) in relation to both questions, there are important differences across societies. Overall, these results provide evidence that an association between education policy and children’s subjective well-being seems to exist but is of a complex nature.
Is there an indication left for gastric band? A single center experience on 178 patients with a follow-up of 10 years
Authors: Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Velotti Nunzio , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Musella Mario
Published: July 2020

Background

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) has been widely performed in the past at our university bariatric center. Aim of this study was to retrospectively assess long term outcomes of LAGB at our university hospital, with special regard to non-response (EWL < 25%) and rate of band removal.

Methods

Retrospective search of prospectively maintained database of our university bariatric center was carried out to find all consecutive patients that had undergone LAGB at our department with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Collected data were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), obesity related diseases remission, complications and weight loss.

Results

After 10 years, patients with the band (n = 144) in place had a BMI of 35.2 ± 7.5 kg/m2, while %EWL and % TWL were 40.8 ± 52.4 and 18.9 ± 20.7. Seventy-four (41.6%) achieved a success (%EWL > 50), while 38 (21.3%) were non-responders (%EWL < 25), 32 (18%) had an insufficient weight loss (25 < %EWL < 50) and 34 (19.1%) underwent band removal. Among these, 6 (3.4%) were removed for complications and 28 (15.7%) for insufficient weight loss. Weight regain occurred in 38 out of 144 (26.4%) subjects with the band in place at 10 years. Only one case of early vomiting with readmission for medical treatment was recorded. Slippage, erosion/migration and port/tube complications occurred in 4 (2.2%), 2(1.1%) and 9(5%) cases respectively.

Conclusion

LAGB is a safe and moderately effective bariatric procedure but it showed disappointing rates of removal, non-response and remission from comorbidities. However, LAGB could still be proposed for selected/motivated patients.
Fatigue assessment in welded joints based on geometrical variations measured by laser scanning
Authors: Hultgren Gustav , Barsoum Zuheir
Published: July 2020

In the current study a method to determine the location of fracture initiation for non-load carrying fillet welds based on continuous geometry measurements is proposed. Measurements and weld quality evaluation were carried out on welded specimens using the Winteria® software qWeld. One hundred nineteen specimens were produced, scanned, and fatigue tested until failure. The fracture surfaces have been investigated in order to find the location(s) for most probable point(s) of initiation. These data were then used to fit the proposed model parameters used to predict the point of initiation. Local weld geometry measurements were extracted from the predicted fracture initiation location(s) to analyse the correlation between local weld geometry and fatigue life. It was observed that fatigue life and leg length were positively correlated and that strong correlations exist between the individual geometrical parameters with regard to location of the fatigue crack initiation.
Germline genomes have a dominant‐heritable contribution to cancer immune evasion and immunotherapy response
Authors: Jiang Xue , Asad Mohammad , Li Lin , Sun Zhanpeng , Milanese Jean‐Sébastien , Liao Bo , Wang Edwin
Published: July 2020

Background

Immune evasion is a fundamental hallmark for cancer. At the early stages of tumor development, immune evasion strategies must be implemented by tumors to prevent attacks from the host immune systems. Blocking tumors’ immune evasion will re‐activate the host immune systems to eliminate tumors. Immune‐checkpoint therapy (ICT) which applies anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 or anti‐CTLA4 treatment has been a remarkable success in the past few years. However, ~70% of patients cannot gain any clinical benefits from ICT treatment due to the tumor‐immunity system’s complexity. In the past, germline pathogenic variants have been thought to have only minor‐heritable contributions to cancer.

Results

Emerging evidence has shown that germline genomes play a dominant‐heritable contribution to cancer via encoding the host immune system. The functional components of the immune system are encoded by the host genome, thus the germline genome might have a profound impact on cancer immune evasion and immunotherapy response. Indeed, recent studies showed that germline pathogenic variants can influence immune capacity in cancer patients at a population level by (i) shaping tumor somatic mutations, altering methylation patterns and antigen‐presentation capacity or (ii) influencing NK cell’s function to modulate lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, the HLA (types A, B or C) genotypes also shape the landscape of tumor somatic mutations.

Conclusion

These results highlight the indispensable roles of germline genome in immunity and cancer development and suggest that germline genomics should be integrated into the research field of cancer biology and cancer immunotherapy.
Electroadhesion between a flat touchscreen and the human finger with randomly self-affine fractal surface
Authors: Feshanjerdi M.
Published: July 2020

In this study, the effects of finger roughness on the electrostatic potential, electrostatic field, and average effective squeezing pressure between a human finger and a touchscreen are calculated by the perturbation method. This theory is an extension of an earlier work by Persson. It is found that an additional potential <ϕ(2)> will appear between the solids when the roughness effect is considered in calculating the perturbation potential. This additional potential is still proportional to the distance ū from the bottom surface. Therefore, the effect of the roughness increases the effective potential <ϕ> between the two solids. As a result, the average electrostatic field and average effective squeezing pressure increase. Using the increased effective squeezing pressure, we obtain the contact area, average surface separation, and friction between a human finger and the surface of a touchscreen. The effect of the roughness of the finger skin on the increased average effective squeezing pressure (electroadhesion) increases the contact area and reduces the average surface separation between the finger skin and touchscreen. Therefore, the finger-touchscreen friction increases. The surface topography for the forefinger skin is also measured by atomic force microscopy to obtain more realistic results. The auto spectral density function for the forefinger skin surface is calculated as well.
Effect of Cooling Rate and Slag Modification on the Copper Matte in Smelting Slag
Authors: Gao Xiang , Chen Zhuo , Shi Junjie , Taskinen Pekka , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: July 2020

The amount of copper flash smelting slag has increased during the recent years along with an increasing slag-to-metal ratio. During slag tapping, some copper sulfide is mechanically entrained. As a result, it is necessary to recover copper matte from the slag by suitable methods. At present, the most common way is slow, controlled cooling in a transfer ladle. However, research on the detailed effects of slow cooling and the function of slag modification is rare. This paper described experiments that were performed at different cooling rates (0.5, 1.5, 3, and 7 °C/min), with and without additive. A detailed characterization of the copper-rich phase and its particle size was subsequently made using SEM-EDS micrographs and image analysis software. With a decrease in cooling rate, the particle size of the copper-rich matte phase became larger. The addition of gypsum and carbon as a slag modifier affected the size of the copper-rich phase slightly, and its chemical composition was modified compared with the experiments without additive.
Balloon purpura
Authors: Madray Victoria M. , Liner Kendall R. , Davis Loretta S.
Published: July 2020

Valsalva maneuvers have the potential to cause dermal capillary rupture manifesting as purpura and petechiae. We present a unique case of Valsalva purpura occurring in a 12-year-old girl after blowing up multiple balloons at a birthday party. Obtaining a detailed history proved essential to the diagnosis and curtailed any unnecessary workup or concern.
Case Syncretism, Animacy, and Word Order in Continental West Germanic: Neurolinguistic Evidence from a Comparative Study on Standard German, Zurich German, and Fering (North Frisian)
Authors: Dröge Alexander , Rabs Elisabeth , Fleischer Jürg , Billion Sara K. H. , Meyer Martin , Schmid Stephan , Schlesewsky Matthias , Bornkessel-Schlesewsky Ina
Published: July 2020

To understand a sentence, it is crucial to understand who is doing what. The interplay of morphological case marking, argument serialization, and animacy provides linguistic cues for the processing system to rapidly identify the thematic roles of the arguments. The present event-related brain potential (ERP) study investigates on-line brain responses during argument identification in Zurich German, a High Alemannic dialect, and in Fering, a North Frisian variety, which both exhibit reduced case systems as compared to Standard German. Like Standard German, Zurich German and Fering are Continental West Germanic varieties, and indeed argument processing in sentences with an object-before-subject order engenders a qualitatively similar ERP pattern of a scrambling negativity followed by a P600 in all tested varieties. However, the P600 component—a late positive ERP response, which has been linked to the categorization of task-relevant stimuli—is selectively affected by the most prominent cue for argument identification in each variety, which is case marking in Standard German, but animacy in Zurich German and Fering. Thus, even closely related varieties may employ different processing strategies based on the language-specific availability of syntactic and semantic cues for argument identification.*
Kooperative Beobachtung und Förderung kindlicher Interessen im Kontext des Early Excellence-Ansatzes im Übergang Kita-Schule
Authors: Lichtblau Michael , Hartmann Magdalena , Schenk Andreas
Published: July 2020

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag stellt qualitative Evaluationsergebnisse des Praxistransferprojektes „Interessenbasierter Übergang Kita-Schule im Kontext des Early Excellence-Ansatzes“ vor. Im Zentrum des Übergangskonzeptes stand die gemeinsame Beobachtung und Förderung der kindlichen Interessen durch frühpädagogische Fachkräfte und Lehrkräfte unter Einbindung der Familien. Zur Anwendung kam dabei ein Beobachtungsverfahren, das auf dem Early Excellence-Ansatz ( Hebenstreit-Müller & Kühnel, 2004 ) aufbaut und um Beobachtungskategorien zu kindlichen Interessen ( Lichtblau & Werning, 2012 ) erweitert wurde. Der Beitrag referiert nach einer Einführung in die Thematik und der Darstellung des Praxistransferprojektes anhand explorativer Fallstudien Teilergebnisse in Hinblick auf die Gestaltung kooperativer Beobachtung und Förderung der kindlichen Interessen im Übergang und Veränderungen der Kooperationsbeziehung zwischen Kita und Schule infolge der Projektteilnahme.
Projecting Changes in Mean and Extreme Precipitation Over Eastern China During 2041–2060
Authors: Dong Guangtao , Jiang Zhiyu , Tian Zhan , Buonomo Erasmo , Sun Laixiang , Fan Dongli
Published: July 2020

This report summarizes the preliminary analysis of the PRECIS 2.0 simulation results, with an emphasis on the priority concerns of Shanghai municipal government and other local governments in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) Region, and research gaps in the literature. This study employs two regional climate models (RCMs) that are the Providing REgional Climate Impacts for Studies (PRECIS) and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF), being driven by HadGEM2‐ES and IPSL‐CM5A, two global circulation models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), to investigate the impact of global warming on the characteristics of mean and extreme precipitation over Eastern China. The capacity of two RCMs and its driving GCMs in reproducing the historical climate during the baseline period (1981–2000) are first evaluated, and then the projections of mean and extreme precipitation over future warming climate period (2041–2060) under the scenarios of the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 are carried out. Our analysis shows that with the improved resolution and better representation of finer‐scale physical processes, WRF and PRECIS downscaling displays obvious advantages over their driving GCMs (IPSL and HadGEM, respectively) in the validation runs. In particular, the two RCMs are able to capture the observed features of spatial distributions of extreme precipitation indices including V95p, R95t, and SDII. The future projections indicate that increased radiative forcing from RCP4.5 to RCP8.5 emission scenarios would add further strength to the daily precipitation intensity by 2041–2060.
Age-dependent effects of protein restriction on dopamine release
Authors: Naneix Fabien , Peters Kate Z. , Young Andrew M. J. , McCutcheon James E.
Published: July 2020

Despite the essential role of protein intake for health and development, very little is known about the impact of protein restriction on neurobiological functions, especially at different stages of the lifespan. The dopamine system is a central actor in the integration of food-related processes and is influenced by physiological state and food-related signals. Moreover, it is highly sensitive to dietary effects during early life periods such as adolescence due to its late maturation. In the present study, we investigated the impact of protein restriction either during adolescence or adulthood on the function of the mesolimbic (nucleus accumbens) and nigrostriatal (dorsal striatum) dopamine pathways using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in rat brain slices. In the nucleus accumbens, protein restriction in adults increased dopamine release in response to low and high frequency trains of stimulation (1–20 Hz). By contrast, protein restriction during adolescence decreased nucleus accumbens dopamine release. In the dorsal striatum, protein restriction at adulthood has no impact on dopamine release but the same diet during adolescence induced a frequency-dependent increase in stimulated dopamine release. Taken together, our results highlight the sensitivity of the different dopamine pathways to the effect of protein restriction, as well as their vulnerability to deleterious diet effects at different life stages.