bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A stabilized cell‐based smoothed finite element method against severe mesh distortion in non‐Newtonian fluid–structure interaction
Authors: He Tao
Published: January 2022

Failure is an inevitability for the finite element method (FEM) to be performed on seriously degenerated four‐node quadrilateral (Q4) elements whose Jacobians become negative. This article proposes a stabilized selective integration formulation of the cell‐based smoothed FEM (CSFEM) for modeling non‐Newtonian fluid–structure interaction (NNFSI) where that acute mesh distortion arises. The Carreau–Yasuda and Oldroyd‐B fluids, respectively, interact with a geometrically nonlinear solid in NNFSI. The CSFEM is applied to discretize both the fluid and solid media in space. As the fluid mesh accounts for a substantial part of the discretized NNFSI system, seriously distorted Q4 elements are specified exclusively for the fluid field. In this case, each convex Q4 element is subdivided into four smoothing cells (SCs) whereas its concave counterpart is regarded as one single SC. In the meantime, the solid elements are treated as usual. To stabilize the one‐SC integral in smoothed Galerkin weak form, an hourglass control is subsequently introduced into the fluid momentum equations as well as the viscoelastic constitutive equation. The transient non‐Newtonian fluid equations are advanced with dual time steps of the characteristic‐based split scheme in time to further enhance the numerical stability and accuracy. After discussing other aspects of computational NNFSI, two benchmark problems are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the developed methodology under the harsh environment.
A fast local nonlinear solution technique based on the partitioned finite element and interface element method
Authors: Qi Huijun , Li Tongchun , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhao Lanhao , He Jinwen , Li Xiaona
Published: January 2022

In this study, a fast partitioned solution method that considers contact nonlinearity and local material nonlinearity based on the partitioned finite element and interface element method is proposed. Combined with the local failure characteristics of hydraulic structures such as arch dams, the stiffness matrices of the linear and nonlinear regions of the structure are decomposed to reduce the size of the overall stiffness matrix. Furthermore, in the nonlinear iteration, only the stiffness matrix of the nonlinear partition is modified, thereby reducing the calculation amount of the overall solution and improving the solution efficiency. The results show that our proposed method exhibits improved solution speed and stability while achieving the same solution accuracy.
Dendritic core derived unimolecular micelles with poly(lactic acid) arms: Synthesis and application as a phase transfer agent
Authors: Shikha  , Jacob Josemon
Published: January 2022

Unimolecular micelles refer to amphiphilic hyperbranched molecules, which exhibit micellar characteristics in a single molecule. In the present study, starting with pentaerythritol, three new dendrimers D1, D2, and D3 were synthesized in good yields bearing 9, 12, and 18 peripheral hydroxyl groups, respectively, using alkyne‐azide Husigen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction. The structural integrity and purity of the dendrimers were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and FE‐SEM studies established their near‐spherical morphology. Using D2 as a macroinitiator, hyperbranched 12‐arm star polymers were synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide. The star polymer is found to be an efficient sequestering agent for water‐soluble dyes like congo red, bromophenol blue, and methyl orange from aqueous phase due to its amphiphilic nature demonstrating the application of unimolecular micelles in dye removal from aqueous waste.
GPNMB expression identifies TSC1/2/mTOR‐associated and MiT family translocation‐driven renal neoplasms
Authors: Salles Daniela C , Asrani Kaushal , Woo Juhyung , Vidotto Thiago , Liu Hans B , Vidal Igor , Matoso Andres , Netto George J , Argani Pedram , Lotan Tamara L
Published: January 2022

GPNMB (glycoprotein nonmetastatic B) and other TFE3/TFEB transcriptional targets have been proposed as markers for microphthalmia (MiT) translocation renal cell carcinomas (tRCCs). We recently demonstrated that constitutive mTORC1 activation via TSC1/2 loss leads to increased activity of TFE3/TFEB, suggesting that the pathogenesis and molecular markers for tRCCs and TSC1/2‐associated tumors may be overlapping. We examined GPNMB expression in human kidney and angiomyolipoma (AML) cell lines with TSC2 and/or TFE3/TFEB loss produced using CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing as well as in a mouse model of Tsc2 inactivation‐driven renal tumorigenesis. Using an automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay for GPNMB, digital image analysis was employed to quantitatively score expression in clear cell RCC (ccRCC, n = 87), papillary RCC (papRCC, n = 53), chromophobe RCC (chRCC, n = 34), oncocytoma (n = 4), TFE3‐ or TFEB‐driven tRCC (n = 56), eosinophilic solid and cystic RCC (ESC, n = 6), eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT, n = 4), and low‐grade oncocytic tumor (LOT, n = 3), as well as AML (n = 29) and perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas, n = 8). In cell lines, GPNMB was upregulated following TSC2 loss in a MiT/TFE‐ and mTORC1‐dependent fashion. Renal tumors in Tsc2+/− A/J mice showed upregulation of GPNMB compared with normal kidney. Mean GPNMB expression was significantly higher in tRCC than in ccRCC (p < 0.0001), papRCC (p < 0.0001), and chRCC (p < 0.0001). GPNMB expression in TSC1/2/MTOR alteration‐associated renal tumors (including ESC, LOT, AML, and PEComa) was comparable to that in tRCC. The immunophenotype of tRCC and TSC1/2/MTOR alteration‐associated renal tumors is highly overlapping, likely due to the increased activity of TFE3/TFEB in both, revealing an important caveat regarding the use of TFE3/TFEB‐transcriptional targets as diagnostic markers. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Adolescent e‐cigarette or vaping product use‐associated lung injury: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Singh Alvin
Published: January 2022

Background

Adolescent e‐cigarette or vaping product use‐associated lung injury (EVALI) has increased in prevalence, and while cases describing various pulmonary manifestations have been reported, reports on the presentations and outcomes in teenage patients are sparse.

Methods

We retrospectively describe eight EVALI patients with different presentations, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment, and concomitant diagnoses. We review the literature and describe how our analysis adds to the literature.

Findings

Eight males, aged 15−18 years of age presented with various symptoms. Four patients were Caucasian while four were of Hispanic origin. All patients presented with respiratory symptoms; six also had GI symptoms; five were hypoxemic; all but one patient admitted to using products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). All patients had changes on imaging with ground‐glass opacities. One patient underwent lung biopsy and bronchoscopy showing eosinophilic pneumonia. All patients received antimicrobial therapies without improvement until systemic steroids were administered. Six patients underwent pulmonary function testing, and five required medications for newly diagnosed persistent asthma. One patient developed pulmonary hypertension, which resolved after treatment. One patient required noninvasive ventilation. No patients were positive for SARS‐CoV2. Two had coinfections with other microbes. Five patients required escalation of asthma therapies at follow‐up with pulmonology.

Conclusion

This analysis of eight adolescent males hospitalized for EVALI highlights the unpredictable spectrum of disease presentation and management. These patients can be misdiagnosed without proper screening and may have residual respiratory complications necessitating outpatient management by a pulmonologist.
Successful use of veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute chest syndrome in a child with sickle cell disease and SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Koh Wonshill , Malik Punam , Whitehead Jason , Morales David Luis Simon , Hayes Don
Published: January 2022

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for severe illness due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). We describe the successful native lung recovery of a child with SCD referred for lung transplant (LTx) evaluation who was on prolonged veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV‐ECMO). He initially presented with acute chest syndrome complicated by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection that ultimately required dual‐lumen, single bicaval VV‐ECMO cannulation for respiratory support. Despite the increased risk of hemolysis and thrombosis from SCD and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, he was successfully supported on VV‐ECMO for 71 days without complications leading to native lung recovery with meticulous management of his SCD therapy. This report provides new insight on our approach to VV‐ECMO support in a child with SCD and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. With a successful outcome, the patient has returned home but still on mechanical ventilation with LTx still an option if he is not eventually liberated from invasive respiratory support.
Incidence investigation of accidents in chemical industries: A comprehensive study based on factor analysis
Authors: Soltanzadeh Ahmad , Yarandi Mohsen Sadeghi , Jazari Milad Derakhshan , Mahdinia Mohsen
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to identify factors affecting the incidence of chemical accidents in chemical process industries. The present study investigated 840 accidents in 42 chemical process industries over 11 years (2008–2018). Data analysis was conducted using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS AMOS v. 22. Moreover, χ2/df, RMSEA, CFI, NFI, and NNFA (TLI) indices were used as model fit indices. The descriptive results showed that 45.3% and 32.14% of the accidents were related to transportation and the release of chemicals, respectively. Factor analysis showed that 6 latent factors and 37 indicator variables affected the accidents. SEM findings showed that latent factors, including individual and occupational training, risk management, and their indicator variables, had indirect effects on the chemical accidents (P < 0.05). In contrast, unsafe conditions and unsafe acts latent factors with their indicator variables had a direct impact on the incidence of chemical accidents (P < 0.05). The findings confirmed that chemical accidents are affected by different causal layers. Using different methods of accident analysis and combining them with scientific and updated techniques of other sciences, that is, mathematics, as well as statistics, can improve accident analysis and controlling methodologies.
Propolis add‐on therapy alleviates depressive symptoms; A randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Varzaghani Vahdad , Sharifi Masoomeh , Hajiaghaee Reza , Bagheri Sara , Momtaz Saeideh , Tarassoli Zahra , Razmi Ali
Published: January 2022

Almost half of the treatments with common antidepressants are failed or result in a relapse of symptoms after cessation. Moreover, the antidepressants side effects rationalize the use of complementary medicine as an adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propolis in complementary therapy of depressive disorder. Chromatography technics were used to detect propolis components. A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was designed, and 54 participants were randomly assigned to receive either propolis or Placebo for 6 weeks. Treatment was defined as a decrease in 17‐item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD‐17) and Beck depression inventory (BDI). On D42, there was a significant reduction in HAMD score in the propolis group compared with the placebo group (p < .0001). HAMD score significantly decreased in the propolis group from 20.92 ± 3.77 on D0 to 10.03 ± 5.55 on D42, and BDI score was improved from 29.25 ± 3.06 on D0 to 14.17 ± 4.86 on D42. Our findings confirmed that complementary treatment of propolis with SSRIs could safely attenuate symptoms of moderate–severe MDD. These antidepressant effects might result from the rich phenolic acids and flavonoids content of Azerbaijan propolis.
A new method for the prediction of diffusion coefficients in poly(ethylene terephthalate)—Validation data
Authors: Ewender Johann , Welle Frank
Published: January 2022

Prediction of the migration is a useful tool in compliance evaluation of food contact materials. In our previous work, such a prediction model had been established for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is widely used as packaging material for beverages as well as for meat and cheese. Within the actual study, 263 diffusion coefficients in PET for 66 substances at temperatures between 40°C and 120°C were determined from permeation kinetic experiments. The diffusion coefficients DP were compared with the predicted values by use of a log/log plot as well as in direct comparison of the diffusion coefficients. When applying the migration prediction model for compliance evaluation of food packaging materials, it is mandatory that the migration prediction is over‐estimative in any case. As a result, the predicted values are in good agreement with the experimental results. The prediction model slightly over‐estimates the real migration by a factor of 1.3 in average. Reduction of the molecular volume of 20% results in an average over‐estimation of 3 of the migration (worst‐case). Another finding of this study is that the diffusion behaviour at the glass transition temperature not significantly change. The prediction model is applicable below and above the glass transition temperature.
On sparsity‐inducing methods in system identification and state estimation
Authors: Bako Laurent
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this article is to survey some sparsity‐inducing methods in system identification and state estimation. Such methods can be divided into two main categories: methods inducing sparsity in the parameters and those sparsifying the prediction error. In the last class we discuss in particular the least absolute deviation estimator and its robustness properties with respect to sparse noise in both cases of univariate and multivariate measurements. We also discuss the application of sparsity‐inducing methods to switched system identification and to state estimation for linear systems in the presence sparse and dense measurement noises. While the presentation focuses essentially on bridging some existing results, some technical refinements, and new features are also provided.
Adaptive prescribed performance asymptotic tracking control for nonlinear systems with time‐varying parameters
Authors: Wang Le , Sun Wei , Su Shun‐Feng , Wu Yuqiang
Published: January 2022

This study considers the problem of prescribed performance adaptive asymptotic tracking control for a class of nonlinear systems with time‐varying parameters. A novel adaptive tracking control scheme is constructed by using the congelation of variables method and the backstepping method, in which the adaptive laws are designed to approximate the averages of the time‐varying parameters. The normalized function transformation is introduced to achieve the prescribed performance control; meanwhile, the issue of the explosion of complexity is avoided by using the command filtered technique. In addition, the proposed approach guarantees that all signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded and the tracking error can asymptotically converge to zero, while staying within prescribed boundaries. Finally, the effectiveness of the control strategy is shown by two simulation examples.
Observer‐based adaptive controller design for chaos synchronization using Bernstein‐type operators
Authors: Izadbakhsh Alireza , Gholizade‐Narm Hossein , Deylami Ali
Published: January 2022

This article uses the Bernstein‐type operators as the universal approximator to present an observer‐based robust adaptive controller for chaos synchronization. The lumped uncertainties including, un‐modeled dynamics and external disturbances, are modeled with this potent mathematic tool. It is shown that using the Bernstein‐type operators as basis functions and tuning the polynomial coefficients by the adaptive laws calculated in the stability analysis, uniform ultimate boundedness of the observer estimation error and synchronization error can be assured. To analyze the performance of the proposed controller scheme in terms of transient response behavior and robustness, the Duffing–Holmes oscillator is considered as the simulation testbed. A set of two different experiments are conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the introduced control approach. The performance of the proposed approach is also compared with RBFNN as a powerful approximation method. Unlike neural network/fuzzy methods, which require system states as inputs to estimate functions and construct a regressor vector, the proposed method is not dependent on the system states. Furthermore, there are more adjustable parameters in the regressor vector of the RBFNN (such as the width and center of the Gaussian units), and assigning the best values for these parameters is tedious and time‐consuming work due to the repeated trial and error.
Approximate profile likelihood estimation for Cox regression with covariate measurement error
Authors: Cao Zhiqiang , Wong Man Yu
Published: January 2022

In nutritional epidemiology, measurement error in covariates is a well‐known problem since dietary intakes are usually assessed through self‐reporting. In this article, we consider an additive error model in which error variables are highly correlated, and propose a new method called approximate profile likelihood estimation (APLE) for covariates measured with error in the Cox regression. Asymptotic normality of this estimator is established under regularity conditions, and simulation studies are conducted to examine the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator empirically. Moreover, the popular correction method called regression calibration is shown to be a special case of APLE. We then apply APLE to deal with measurement error in some nutrients of interest in the EPIC‐InterAct Study under a sensitivity analysis framework.
Dissecting the 2015 Chinese stock market crash
Authors: Shu Min , Zhu Wei
Published: January 2022

We perform a novel analysis of the 2015 Chinese stock market crash by calibrating the log‐periodic power law singularity (LPPLS) model to two important Chinese stock indices, SSEC and SZSC, from early 2014 to June 2015. Our analysis indicates that the LPPLS model can readily detect the bubble behaviour of the faster‐than‐exponential increase corrected by the accelerating logarithm‐periodic oscillations in the crash. The existence of the log‐periodicity is identified by applying the Lomb spectral analysis on the detrended residuals. The Ornstein–Uhlenbeck property and the stationarity of the LPPLS fitting residuals are confirmed by the Phillips–Perron test and the Dickey–Fuller test. We find that the actual critical day of bubble crash can be well predicted by the LPPLS model as far back as 2 months before the actual crash. We have shown that the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA‐ES) can be used as an alternative optimization algorithm for the LPPLS model fit. Furthermore, the change rate of the prediction end time gap ( ) can be used as an additional indicator along with the key indicator to improve the prediction of bubble burst.
From Tranquebar to Madras and back again, again: Typification of the plant names published in Rottler's account of an Indian journey in 1799–1800
Authors: Turner I.M.
Published: January 2022

The typification of names validated in a paper of 1803 concerning the plants encountered on a journey through what is now Tamil Nadu in southern India is reviewed. A number of name changes are necessitated. Psilotrichum patulum becomes the correct name for P. elliotii, Euphorbia glaucescens is the correct name for E. corrigioloides, Oldenlandia pusilla is the correct name for O. attenuata and Kohautia attenuata is the correct name for K. aspera.
Mapping Global Crop Exposure to Extremely High Temperature
Authors: Yue Yaojie , Su Peng , Gao Yuan , Zhang Puying , Wang Ran , Zhang Anyu , Jiang Qinghua , Ma Weidong , Zhou Yuantao , Wang Jing’ai
Published: January 2022

The increasing temperature with global warming will have great impacts on major cereal crop cultivation (Peng et al. 2004; Fahad et al. 2019). Among various impacts, the crop exposure to extremely high temperature, which is based on the land suitability for crop cultivation, may ultimately pose a great threat to food security.
Mapping Global Risk of River Flood Mortality
Authors: Zhang Junlin , Liao Xinli , Xu Wei
Published: January 2022

Globally, river flooding induced by heavy rainfall frequently causes fatalities every year (Jongman et al. 2015; CERD and UNISDR 2018; CRED 2019). Particularly, heavy rainfall will increase in the future with climate warming (Liao et al. 2019).
Mapping Global Risk of Crop Yield Under Climate Change
Authors: Liu Weihang , Chen Shuo , Mu Qingyang , Ye Tao , Shi Peijun
Published: January 2022

Risk of crop yield under climate change refers to the potential changes in crop yield (mean yield, interannual yield variability, and lower extreme yield) caused by climate change.
Mapping Temperature Changes
Authors: Qi Xin , Gao Miaoni , Zhu Tao , Li Siyu , He Sicheng , Yang Jing
Published: January 2022

Under the background of global warming, extreme temperature events have significantly increased and hit various parts of the globe (Alexander et al. 2006; Piao et al. 2010; Fischer and Knutti 2014; Gao et al. 2019; Qi et al. 2019)—for example, extreme high temperature occurred during the summer of 2010 over Central Europe-Russia (Grumm 2011) and the super cold surge swept across China at the end of 2020 (Zheng et al. 2021). As a serious worldwide challenge, extreme temperature events bring severe damages to public health, agricultural production, and socioeconomic systems (Easterling et al. 2000; Sun et al. 2018; Wang et al. 2019). Therefore, assessing future global temperature changes is crucial for tackling climate change and disaster mitigation and prevention.
Mapping Precipitation Changes
Authors: Kong Xianghui , Wang Xiaoxin , Chen Huopo , Wang Aihui , Wan Dan , Xu Lianlian , Miao Yue , Huang Ju , Liu Yang , Xie Ruiheng , Chen Yue , Lang Xianmei
Published: January 2022

Compared to the observed changes in temperature, the changes in precipitation show more uncertainty (Hartmann et al. 2013). The IPCC AR5 indicated that anthropogenic forcing has contributed to a global-scale intensification of heavy precipitation since the second half of the twentieth century (IPCC 2013) and the intensity of daily precipitation increases more under the higher warming scenarios (Weber et al. 2018).
Mapping Global Population Changes
Authors: Liu Yujie , Chen Jie
Published: January 2022

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities is considered as the main cause of global warming (Stocker et al. 2013). The rapid growth of population and economic activities in the twentieth century has brought unprecedented pressure on climate and the environment, and population has become an important topic in climate change research (Min et al. 2011; Diaz and Moore 2017; Forzieri et al. 2017). Accurate and robust predictions of population size and spatial distribution will help to assess the impact of climate change on socioeconomic development, human health, and resource demand and distribution, and provide a scientific basis for designing strategies to control greenhouse gas emissions and developing mitigation and adaptation policies (Lutz and Kc 2011; Field et al. 2014; Gerland et al. 2014).
Aquaporin-4 expression in the human choroid plexus
Authors: Deffner Felix , Gleiser Corinna , Mattheus Ulrich , Wagner Andreas , Neckel Peter H. , Fallier-Becker Petra , Hirt Bernhard , Mack Andreas F.
Published: January 2022

The choroid plexus (CP) consists of specialized ependymal cells and underlying blood vessels and stroma producing the bulk of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CP epithelial cells are considered the site of the internal blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, show epithelial characteristics (basal lamina, tight junctions), and express aquaporin-1 (AQP1) apically. In this study, we analyzed the expression of aquaporins in the human CP using immunofluorescence and qPCR. As previously reported, AQP1 was expressed apically in CP epithelial cells. Surprisingly, and previously unknown, many cells in the CP epithelium were also positive for aquaporin-4 (AQP4), normally restricted to ventricle-lining ependymal cells and astrocytes in the brain. Expression of AQP1 and AQP4 was found in the CP of all eight body donors investigated (3 males, 5 females; age 74–91). These results were confirmed by qPCR, and by electron microscopy detecting orthogonal arrays of particles. To find out whether AQP4 expression correlated with the expression pattern of relevant transport-related proteins we also investigated expression of NKCC1, and Na/K-ATPase. Immunostaining with NKCC1 was similar to AQP1 and revealed no particular pattern related to AQP4. Co-staining of AQP4 and Na/K-ATPase indicated a trend for an inverse correlation of their expression. We hypothesized that AQP4 expression in the CP was caused by age-related changes. To address this, we investigated mouse brains from young (2 months), adult (12 months) and old (30 months) mice. We found a significant increase of AQP4 on the mRNA level in old mice compared to young and adult animals. Taken together, we provide evidence for AQP4 expression in the CP of the aging brain which likely contributes to the water flow through the CP epithelium and CSF production. In two alternative hypotheses, we discuss this as a beneficial compensatory, or a detrimental mechanism influencing the previously observed CSF changes during aging.
Rule and optimization-based selection of car body parts for the application of tailor rolled blank technology
Authors: Klinke Niklas , Kobelev Vladimir , Schumacher Axel
Published: January 2022

The majority of parts in modern car bodies is manufactured from sheet metal. Rarely these parts are fully stressed due to design space restrictions and complex requirements. The usage of tailor rolled blanks (TRB) enables the reduction of sheet thickness in areas less loaded and thus reduces part weight. Technically most sheet metal parts are potentially suited for the application of TRB. Economic circumstances like the additional flexible rolling process and technology-specific nesting constraints limit the application to a subset of parts. The search for the best candidate parts taking mass and cost into account is currently challenging. This article presents an optimization strategy for the selection of the parts in a vehicle structure that are best suited for the application of TRB. As a first step, a priori preferencing is performed to select parts based on engineering rules. Using a reduced number of candidate parts, high quality metamodels are trained to perform multiobjective optimizations of all possible combinations of remaining parts, revealing the most efficient part selection under consideration of mass and cost.
On the linearization stability of the Chern-scalar curvature
Authors: Angella Daniele , Pediconi Francesco
Published: January 2022

In this note, we study the local properties of the Chern-scalar curvature function by looking at its linearization. In particular, we study its linearization stability and the structure of the space of Hermitian metrics with prescribed Chern-scalar curvature.
Divergent prognostic effects of pre-existing and treatment-emergent thyroid dysfunction in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: von Itzstein Mitchell S. , Gonugunta Amrit S. , Wang Yiqing , Sheffield Thomas , Lu Rong , Ali Sadia , Fattah Farjana J. , Xie Donglu , Cai Jennifer , Xie Yang , Gerber David E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Thyroid dysfunction is among the most common autoimmune diseases and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced immune-related adverse events (irAE). We determined the association between longitudinal thyroid function and clinical outcomes in patients treated with ICI.

Methods

We identified all patients treated with ICI at UT Southwestern Medical Center from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2020. We defined normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels according to institutional reference range. We defined clinical thyroid dysfunction using established criteria incorporating labs and treatment. We determined the association between thyroid function and overall survival (OS) using Kaplan–Meier curves, log-rank tests, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

A total of 1781 patients were included in analyses, of whom 381 (21%) had abnormal baseline TSH. Patients with abnormal baseline TSH were more likely to be female, have kidney cancer, and initiate levothyroxine after ICI initiation (all P < 0.001). Patients with abnormal baseline TSH had inferior OS (median 16 vs 27 months; P < 0.001). Among patients with normal baseline TSH, those who had abnormal TSH after ICI initiation had improved OS (median 41 vs 22 months; P < 0.001). In a multivariate Cox model, abnormal baseline TSH was associated with worse OS (HR 1.62; 95% CI, 1.30–2.02; P < 0.001), while initiation of levothyroxine after ICI initiation was associated with improved OS (HR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44–0.88; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

ICI-induced thyroid dysfunction is associated with improved survival, although abnormal TSH prior to ICI initiation is associated with inferior survival.

Precis

Thyroid abnormalities occur commonly in the general population and as immunotherapy toxicities. We found that immunotherapy-induced thyroid dysfunction is associated with better survival, but pre-existing thyroid abnormalities convey worse outcomes.
Effects of Regional and General Anesthesia on the Therapeutic Outcome of Benign Thyroid Nodules Treated with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
Authors: Vorländer Christian , Fischer Anne , Korkusuz Hüdayi
Published: January 2022

Background

The study investigated whether anesthesia performed during high‐intensity‐focused‐ultrasound treatment (HIFU) of benign thyroid nodules influenced the therapy outcome, based on volume reduction and the amount of energy delivered.

Methods

Thirty patients with benign thyroid nodules were treated with HIFU under general or regional anesthesia at two centers from 2014 to 2019. During HIFU, a therapeutic ultrasound probe, EchoPulse (Teraclion, Malakoff, France), heats the focus to 80–90 degrees Celsius. Nodal volumes were measured by ultrasound before and 3 months after therapy. For statistical analysis, the total population was divided into two groups according to the anesthesia performed. In a retrospective long‐term multicenter study, volume reduction and the energy delivered were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

At three months follow‐up, the total study population had an average volume reduction of 39.26% (range 4.03–91.16%, p < 0.001, n = 30), the general anesthesia group of 47.46% (range 13.64–91.16%, p = 0.001, n = 15) and the regional anesthesia group of 31.06% (range 4.03—68.63%, p = 0.001, n = 15). Under regional anesthesia a median energy of 3.16 kJ/cm3 (range: 0.96 – 8.2 kJ/cm3) and under general anesthesia a median energy of 0.88 kJ/cm3 (range: 0.18 – 1.63 kJ/cm3) were delivered. All results were significant with p < 0.05. The complication rate was 6.67%.

Conclusion

HIFU is an effective method to treat benign thyroid nodules. Comparing anesthesia methods, volume reduction is higher in patients treated under general anesthesia and less energy has to be delivered under general anesthesia.

Trial registration number

2020–1728‐evBO.

Agency

Ethik‐Kommission bei der Landesäztekammer Hessen.
Prognostic value of beta-blocker doses in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Schupp Tobias , Ziyadova Sevil , Reinhardt Julius , Sag Yusuf Ugur , von Zworowsky Max , Reiser Linda , Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Weidner Kathrin , Saleh Ahmad , Mashayekhi Kambis , Bertsch Thomas , Abba Mohammed L. , Akin Ibrahim , Behnes Michael
Published: January 2022

The study investigates the prognostic significance of beta-blocker (BB) dose in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Limited data regarding the prognostic impact of BB dose in ventricular tachyarrhythmias is available. A large retrospective registry was used including consecutive patients on BB treatment with episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF) from 2002 to 2015. Discharge BB doses were grouped as > 0–12.5%, > 12.5–25%, > 25–50%, and > 50% according to doses used in randomized trials. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at three years. Secondary endpoints comprised of a composite arrhythmic endpoint (i.e., recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and appropriate ICD therapies) and cardiac rehospitalization. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied for statistics. A total of 1313 patients with BB were included; most patients were discharged with > 25–50% of BB target dose (59%). At three years, > 12.5–25% of BB target dose was associated with improved long-term mortality as compared to the > 0–12.5% group (HR = 0.489; 95% CI 0.297–0.806; p = 0.005), whereas higher BB doses did not improve survival (> 25–50%: HR = 0.849; p = 0.434; > 50%: HR = 0.735; p = 0.285). In contrast, the composite endpoint and risk of rehospitalization were not affected by BB target dose. In conclusion, > 12.5–25% of BB target dose is associated with best long-term survival among patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In contrast, risk of the composite arrhythmic endpoint and risk of cardiac rehospitalization were not affected by BB dose.
Erratic Asian summer monsoon 2020: COVID-19 lockdown initiatives possible cause for these episodes?
Authors: Kripalani Ramesh , Ha Kyung-Ja , Ho Chang-Hoi , Oh Jai-Ho , Preethi B. , Mujumdar Milind , Prabhu Amita
Published: January 2022

The summer (June through September) monsoon 2020 has been very erratic with episodes of heavy and devastating rains, landslides and catastrophic winds over South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh), East Asia (China, Korea, and Japan), and Southeast Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia). The withdrawal of the summer monsoon over India was delayed by 2 weeks. The monsoon season over East Asia has been the longest. China recorded a Dam burst in the twentieth century. Furthermore, the Korean Peninsula has experienced back-to-back severe tropical cyclones. Could the lockdown activities initiate to control the COVID-19 spread a possible cause for these major episodes? The strict enforcement of the lockdown regulations has led to a considerable reduction of air pollutants—dust and aerosols throughout the world. A recent study based on satellites and merged products has documented a statistically significant mean reduction of about 20, 8, and 50% in nitrogen dioxide, Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and PM2.5 concentrations, respectively over the megacities across the globe. Our analysis reveals a considerable reduction of about 20% in AOD over South as well as over East Asia, more-over East Asia than over South Asia. The reduced aerosols have impacted the strength of the incoming solar radiation as evidenced by enhanced warming, more-over the land than the oceans. The differential warming over the land and the ocean has resulted in the amplification of the meridional ocean-land thermal contrast and strengthening of the monsoon flow. These intense features have supported the surplus transport of moisture from the oceans towards the main lands. Some similarity between the anomalous rainfall pattern and the anomalous AOD pattern is discernable. In particular, the enhancement of rainfall, the reduction in AOD and the surface temperature warming match very well over two regions one over West-Central India and the other over the Yangzte River Valley. Results further reveal that the heavy rains over the Yangzte River Valley could be associated with the preceding reduced aerosols, while the heavy rains over West-Central India could be associated with reduced aerosols and also due to the surface temperature warming.
Experiences and perceptions of social eating for patients living with and beyond head and neck cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Dornan Mark , Semple Cherith , Moorhead Anne
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) describe eating as more than a physical activity for nutrition and calories. After treatment for HNC, patients report a changed social experience around food, with eating and drinking in front of family and friends depicted as a challenge. However, there is limited research exploring how patients with HNC adapt and cope with social eating difficulties. This study aims to explore patients’ experiences and perceptions of social eating and drinking following treatment for HNC.

Methods

A qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was employed to understand the experiences of social eating of patients living with and beyond HNC. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to inductively develop key themes from the data.

Results

Fourteen interviews were conducted with patients, and two key themes were identified: (1) “Social eating became a conscious process” and (2) “Strategies to maximise social eating participation”. To maximise social eating enjoyment, patients attempted to minimise the attention on their eating function and the fuss created around food. Patients with HNC established psychological and cognitive adaptations to manage expectations and promote positive participation in social eating.

Conclusion

This paper identifies key barriers limiting or diminishing social eating for patients with HNC; including being self-conscious, lack of understanding from others and functional issues with eating and drinking. This research highlights the need to raise awareness of social eating challenges and for the social dimensions of eating to be addressed through family-centred, supportive holistic interventions implemented early in the patient’s cancer journey.
Overweight and smoking promote recurrent lumbar disk herniation after discectomy
Authors: Siccoli Alessandro , Staartjes Victor E. , Klukowska Anita M. , Muizelaar J. Paul , Schröder Marc L.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Recurrent lumbar disk herniation (rLDH) following lumbar microdiscectomy is common. While several risk factors for primary LDH have been described, risk factors for rLDH have only sparsely been investigated. We evaluate the effect of Body mass index (BMI) and smoking on the incidence and timing of rLDH.

Methods

From a prospective registry, we identified all patients undergoing primary tubular microdiscectomy (tMD), with complete BMI and smoking data, and a minimum 12-month follow-up. We defined rLDH as reherniation at the same level and side requiring surgery. Overweight was defined as BMI > 25, and obesity as BMI > 30. Intergroup comparisons and age- and gender-adjusted multivariable regression were carried out. We conducted a survival analysis to assess the influence of BMI and smoking on time to reoperation.

Results

Of 3012 patients, 166 (5.5%) underwent re-microdiscectomy for rLDH. Smokers were reoperated more frequently (6.4% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.007). Similarly, rLDH was more frequent in obese (7.5%) and overweight (5.9%) than in normal-weight patients (3.3%, p = 0.017). Overweight smokers had the highest rLDH rate (7.6%). This effect of smoking (Odds ratio: 1.63, 96% CI: 1.12–2.36, p = 0.010) and BMI (Odds ratio: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17, p = 0.010) persisted after controlling for age and gender. Survival analysis demonstrated that rLDH did not occur earlier in overweight patients and/or smokers.

Conclusions

BMI and smoking may directly contribute to a higher risk of rLDH, but do not accelerate rLDH development. Smoking cessation and weight loss in overweight or obese patients ought to be recommended with discectomy to reduce the risk for rLDH.
Serum neurofilament light chain and postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD) subtypes of Parkinson’s disease in the MARK-PD study
Authors: Pötter-Nerger Monika , Dutke Janina , Lezius Susanne , Buhmann Carsten , Schulz Robert , Gerloff Christian , Kuhle Jens , Choe Chi-un
Published: January 2022

The PIGD (postural instability / gait difficulty) subtype of Parkinson´s disease (PD) is associated with faster cognitive and motor decline. So far, there are no quantifiable biomarkers to aid clinical subtyping. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a highly specific marker of neuro-axonal damage and can be assessed in blood. Here, we investigated if serum NfL concentrations are associated with PIGD subtype and PIGD scores in PD patients at advanced disease stages. Furthermore, we evaluated if serum NfL is associated with motor and cognitive function assessed with MDS-UPDRS part III and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Serum NfL levels were analyzed with Single Molecule Assays (Simoa) in blood of 223 PD patients from the bioMARKers in Parkinson’s Disease (MARK-PD) study. Serum NfL concentrations were higher in PIGD patients independent of age, sex and disease duration. In linear regression analysis, serum NfL levels were associated with MoCA, MDS-UPDRS III and PIGD scores in unadjusted models, but remained significant after adjustment only with PIGD scores. In conclusion, increased serum NfL levels were associated with PIGD subtype and PIGD scores in patients with advanced PD.
A new evolutionary time series model for streamflow forecasting in boreal lake-river systems
Authors: Danandeh Mehr Ali , Ghadimi Sahand , Marttila Hannu , Torabi Haghighi Ali
Published: January 2022

Genetic programming (GP) is an evolutionary regression method that has received considerable interest to model hydro-environmental phenomena recently. Considering the sparseness of hydro-meteorological stations on northern areas, this study investigates the benefits and downfalls of univariate streamflow modeling at high latitudes using GP and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA). Furthermore, a new evolutionary time series model, called GP-SARIMA, is introduced to enhance streamflow forecasting accuracy at long-term horizons in a lake-river system. The paper includes testing the new model for one-step-ahead forecasts of daily mean, weekly mean, and monthly mean streamflow in the headwaters of the Oulujoki River, Finland. The results showed that a combination of correlogram and average mutual information (AMI) analysis might yield in the selection of the optimum lags that are needed to be used as the predictors of streamflow models. With Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency values of more than 99%, both GP and SARIMA models exhibited good performance for daily streamflow prediction. However, they were not able to precisely model the intramonthly snow water equivalent in the long-term forecast. The proposed ensemble model, which integrates the best GP and SARIMA models with the most efficient predictor, may eliminate one-fourth of root mean squared errors of standalone models. The GP-SARIMA also showed up to three times improvement in the accuracy of the standalone models based on the Nash-Sutcliff efficiency measure.
Pedicled buccal flaps as a backup procedure for intraoral reconstruction
Authors: Frohwitter Gesche , Kesting Marco R. , Rau Andrea , Weber Manuel , Baran Christoph , Nobis Christopher-Philipp , Buentemeyer Tjark-Ole , Preidl Raimund , Lutz Rainer
Published: January 2022

Background

Intraoral soft tissue deficiency and impaired wound beds are common problems after cleft and tumour surgery or after dental trauma. Frequently, limited defects are overtreated with extensive microvascular reconstruction procedures, but pedicled flaps remain useful, as they are simple to harvest, and they provide a reliable outcome. The buccal flap, first described in the 1970s, has been used for palatine lengthening in cleft patients over decades. In the following, we present an expanded indication in cases of palatal fistula, complex vestibulum, exposed bone in orthognathic surgery, and osteoradionecrosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review and report on all buccal flaps harvested in our department within the last 3 years with a follow-up period of at least half a year after flap surgery. Patients of all age groups and treatment indications in which a buccal flap was used were implicated in the evaluation.

Results

Sixteen buccal flaps were performed in 10 patients. The median age at the time of surgery was 42 years, reaching from 12 up to 66 years. Fourteen buccal flaps were used for upper jaw or palatal coverage; two buccal flaps were used in the mandible. In terms of complications (four flaps; 25%), there were two partial flap failures, one wound dehiscence and one wound dehiscence. There were no failures of the remaining mucosal flap islands after pedicle dissection.

Conclusion

The buccal flap is a reliable and straightforward approach to challenging intraoral wound beds with soft tissue deficiency. We thoroughly discuss the additional indications for buccal flap surgery, describe the harvest technique, and provide strategies to prevent intra- and postoperative complications.
Collective transport of arbitrarily shaped objects using robot swarms
Authors: Jurt Marius , Milner Emma , Sooriyabandara Mahesh , Hauert Sabine
Published: January 2022

Out-of-the-box swarm solutions powering industrial logistics will need to adapt to the tasks at hand, coordinating in a distributed manner to transport objects of different sizes. This work designs and evaluates a collective transport strategy to move large and arbitrarily shaped objects in warehouse environments. The strategy uses a decentralized recruitment and decision-making process, ensuring that sufficient robots are in place for a coordinated, safe lift and transport of the object. Results show robots having no prior knowledge about the object’s size and shape were successfully able to transport them in simulation.
An arrayed-window microfluidic device for observation of mixed nanoparticles with an X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Matsumoto Yutaka , Takeo Yoko , Egawa Satoru , Yamaguchi Gota , Yokomae Shunya , Takei Masashi , Yumoto Hirokatsu , Koyama Takahisa , Ohashi Haruhiko , Tono Kensuke , Yabashi Makina , Mimura Hidekazu , Kimura Takashi
Published: January 2022

A microfluidic device was developed for coherent diffraction imaging using an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL-CDI). Liquid samples, which are separately packed in reservoirs of the device, are mixed in a flow channel after an XFEL irradiation as a trigger. An XFEL-CDI experiment was conducted and images of gold nanoparticles in solution were obtained with a resolution of several nanometers from single-shot coherent diffraction patterns. We were able to capture the images of various structures of mixed nanoparticles in the flow channel, clearly demonstrating the function of the microfluidic device. The direct observation of structural changes in liquids will contribute to development of chemistry and biology.