bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The M1/M2 spectrum and plasticity of malignant pleural effusion-macrophage in advanced lung cancer
Authors: Wu Ming-Fang , Lin Chih-An , Yuan Tzu-Hang , Yeh Hsiang-Yuan , Su Sheng-Fang , Guo Chin-Lin , Chang Gee-Chen , Li Ker-Chau , Ho Chao-Chi , Chen Huei-Wen
Published: November 2020

Background

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE)-macrophage (Mφ) of lung cancer patients within unique M1/M2 spectrum showed plasticity in M1–M2 transition. The M1/M2 features of MPE-Mφ and their significance to patient outcomes need to be clarified; furthermore, whether M1-repolarization could benefit treatment remains unclear.

Methods

Total 147 stage-IV lung adenocarcinoma patients undergoing MPE drainage were enrolled for profiling and validation of their M1/M2 spectrum. In addition, the MPE-Mφ signature on overall patient survival was analyzed. The impact of the M1-polarization strategy of patient-derived MPE-Mφ on anti-cancer activity was examined.

Results

We found that MPE-Mφ expressed both traditional M1 (HLA-DRA) and M2 (CD163) markers and showed a wide range of M1/M2 spectrum. Most of the MPE-Mφ displayed diverse PD-L1 expression patterns, while the low PD-L1 expression group was correlated with higher levels of IL-10. Among these markers, we identified a novel two-gene MPE-Mφ signature, IL-1β and TGF-β1, representing the M1/M2 tendency, which showed a strong predictive power in patient outcomes in our MPE-Mφ patient cohort (N = 60, p = 0.013) and The Cancer Genome Atlas Lung Adenocarcinoma dataset (N = 478, p < 0.0001). Significantly, β-glucan worked synergistically with IFN-γ to reverse the risk signature by repolarizing the MPE-Mφ toward the M1 pattern, enhancing anti-cancer activity.

Conclusions

We identified MPE-Mφ on the M1/M2 spectrum and plasticity and described a two-gene M1/M2 signature that could predict the outcome of late-stage lung cancer patients. In addition, we found that “re-education” of these MPE-Mφ toward anti-cancer M1 macrophages using clinically applicable strategies may overcome tumor immune escape and benefit anti-cancer therapies.
Erarbeitung eines neuen Verfahrenskonzeptes zur Erzeugung innovativer Mineralprodukte aus sekundären Rohstoffquellen
Authors: Spieß Valentin , Theiss Johannes , Flachberger Helmut
Published: November 2020

Die in der Vergangenheit angefallenen und in der Zukunft anfallenden Aufbereitungsabgänge der KAMIG Österreichische Kaolin- und Montanindustrie Aktiengesellschaft Nfg. Komm. Ges. sollen nutzbar gemacht werden. Dazu wurde das strategische Forschungsprojekt „Erarbeitung eines neuen Verfahrenskonzeptes zur Erzeugung innovativer Mineralprodukte aus sekundären Rohstoffquellen“ mit dem Lehrstuhl für Aufbereitung und Veredlung der Montanuniversität Leoben initiiert. Die Entwicklung eines Verfahrens zur vollständigen Nutzung der Minerale aus den unterschiedlichen Halden und Schlickerteichen der KAMIG ist das Ziel. Konkret sollen neben marktfähigen Kaolinprodukten auch hochqualitative Quarzprodukte für beispielsweise die Glasindustrie, Feldspatprodukte sowie Seltene-Erden-(Vor‑)Konzentrate hergestellt werden können.
Energy balance closure and advective fluxes at ADVEX sites
Authors: Moderow Uta , Grünwald Thomas , Queck Ronald , Spank Uwe , Bernhofer Christian
Published: November 2020

When measuring the energy balance at the earth’s surface using the Eddy covariance technique, the obtained budgets seldom produce a closed energy balance. The measurements often miss some of the energy fluxes. A possible reason is the neglect of non-turbulent surface fluxes of latent heat and sensible heat, i.e. advective fluxes of these quantities. We present estimates of advective latent and sensible heat fluxes for three different sites across Europe based on the ADVEX dataset. The obtained horizontal and vertical advective fluxes were site-specific and characterized by large scatter. In relative terms, the data indicated that the sensible heat budget was less affected by advection than the latent heat budget during nighttime; this is because vertical turbulent latent heat fluxes were very small or close to zero during the night. The results further showed that the additional energy gain by sensible heat advection might have triggered enhanced evaporation for two sites during nighttime. Accounting for advective fluxes improved the energy balance closure for one of the three ADVEX sites. However, the energy balance closure of the other two sites did not improve overall. A comparison with energy balance residuals (energy missed by the measurements without accounting for advection) indicated a large influence of systematic errors. An inspection of the energy balance for the sloped site of the ADVEX dataset underlined the necessity of slope-parallel measurement of radiation.
The clinical usage of liposomal amphotericin B in patients receiving renal replacement therapy in Japan: a nationwide observational study
Authors: Obata Yoko , Takazono Takahiro , Tashiro Masato , Ota Yuki , Wakamura Tomotaro , Takahashi Akinori , Sato Kumiko , Miyazaki Taiga , Nishino Tomoya , Izumikawa Koichi
Published: November 2020

Background

Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB), a broad-spectrum antifungicidal drug, is often used to treat fungal infections. However, clinical evidence of its use in patients with renal dysfunction, especially those receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT), is limited. Therefore, we evaluated the usage and occurrence of adverse reactions during L-AMB therapy in patients undergoing RRT.

Methods

Using claims data and laboratory data, we retrospectively evaluated patients who were administered L-AMB. The presence of comorbidities, mortality rate, treatment with L-AMB and other anti-infective agents, and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between patients receiving RRT, including continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and maintenance hemodialysis (HD), and those that did not receive RRT.

Results

In total, 900 cases met the eligibility criteria: 24, 19, and 842 cases in the maintenance HD, CRRT, and non-RRT groups, respectively. Of the patients administered L-AMB, mortality at discharge was higher for those undergoing either CRRT (15/19; 79%) or maintenance HD (16/24; 67%) than for those not receiving RRT (353/842; 42%). After propensity score matching, the average daily and cumulative dose, treatment duration, and dosing interval for L-AMB were not significantly different between patients receiving and not receiving RRT. L-AMB was used as the first-line antifungal agent for patients undergoing CRRT in most cases (12/19; 63%). Although the number of subjects was limited, the incidence of adverse events did not markedly differ among the groups.

Conclusion

L-AMB may be used for patients undergoing maintenance HD or CRRT without any dosing, duration, or interval adjustments.
Are teachers techno-optimists or techno-pessimists? A pilot comparative among teachers in Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Poland, Turkey, and Uruguay
Authors: Tomczyk Łukasz , Jáuregui Vladimir Costas , de La Higuera Amato Cibelle Albuquerque , Muñoz Darwin , Arteaga Magali , Oyelere Solomon Sunday , Akyar Özgür Yaşar , Porta Mariana
Published: November 2020

The aim of the article is to highlight the key elements related to the implementation of new technologies in education from the perspective of the opinions and experiences of educators in the field in Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Poland, Turkey, and Uruguay. The text compares issues related to attitudes towards the use of new media in education, experiences with different forms of e-learning, and the level of restrictions on the use of smartphones in school. These variables are juxtaposed with the self-assessment of digital competence and how cyberspace is used. The survey was conducted using a standardised survey questionnaire translated into the relevant national languages in the first half of 2019, and involved a sample of 873 teachers representing eight countries. On the basis of the pilot studies it was noted that: 1) Teachers from LAC and EU like to use digital media - this is a constant trend independent of geographical location; 2) Teachers note that new technologies are not always better than analogue didactic aids; 3) Teachers from selected countries (the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Turkey, and Uruguay) have much greater techno-optimism in themselves than teachers from Bolivia, Poland, Finland and Turkey in terms of the impact of ICT on student motivation and engagement; 4) In all countries teachers prefer free online courses (the different forms of e-learning are used most often by those in the Dominican Republic, and the least often in Bolivia and Poland); 5) In each country teachers who highly value their own digital competences and have a positive attitude towards new media use ICT much more actively; 6) There is also a global trend in that the extensive use of cyberspace (typical e-services) appears in combination with the extensive use of various forms of e-learning; 7) Teachers from Ecuador are most likely to want to ban the use of smartphones in schools. The most liberal approach in this respect is taken by the Uruguayans; 8) The knowledge of the conditions related to restricting the use of smartphones goes beyond the analyses related to the style of use and attitude towards new media. This article is the result of pilot studies conducted within the framework of the SMART ECOSYSTEM FOR LEARNING AND INCLUSION project carried out in selected Latin American, Caribbean (LAC) and European (EU) countries.
We need to talk about deception in social robotics!
Authors: Sharkey Amanda , Sharkey Noel
Published: November 2020

Although some authors claim that deception requires intention, we argue that there can be deception in social robotics, whether or not it is intended. By focusing on the deceived rather than the deceiver, we propose that false beliefs can be created in the absence of intention. Supporting evidence is found in both human and animal examples. Instead of assuming that deception is wrong only when carried out to benefit the deceiver, we propose that deception in social robotics is wrong when it leads to harmful impacts on individuals and society. The appearance and behaviour of a robot can lead to an overestimation of its functionality or to an illusion of sentience or cognition that can promote misplaced trust and inappropriate uses such as care and companionship of the vulnerable. We consider the allocation of responsibility for harmful deception. Finally, we make the suggestion that harmful impacts could be prevented by legislation, and by the development of an assessment framework for sensitive robot applications.
Pre-radiosurgery leucocyte ratios and modified glasgow prognostic score predict survival in non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases patients
Authors: Cho Anna , Untersteiner Helena , Hirschmann Dorian , Fitschek Fabian , Dorfer Christian , Rössler Karl , Zöchbauer-Müller Sabine , Gatterbauer Brigitte , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Frischer Josa M.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The predictive value of the pre-radiosurgery Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) was assessed for the first time in a homogenous group of NSCLC brain metastaes (BM) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 185 NSCLC-BM patients, who were treated with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS). Patients with immunotherapy or targeted therapy were excluded. Routine laboratory parameters were reviewed within 14 days before GKRS1.

Results

Median survival after GKRS1 was significantly longer in patients with NLR < 5 (p < 0.001), PLR < 180 (p = 0.003) and LMR ≥ 4 (p = 0.023). The Cox regression model for the continuous metric values revealed that each increase in the NLR of 1 equaled an increase of 4.3% in risk of death (HR: 1.043; 95%CI = 1.020–1.067, p < 0.001); each increase in the PLR of 10 caused an increase of 1.3% in risk of death (HR: 1.013; 95%CI = 1.004–1.021; p = 0.003) and each increase in the LMR of 1 equaled a decrease of 20.5% in risk of death (HR: 0.795; 95%CI = 0.697–0.907; p = 0.001). Moreover, the mGPS group was a highly significant predictor for survival after GKRS1 (p < 0.001) with a HR of 2.501 (95%CI = 1.582–3.954; p < 0.001). NLR, PLR, LMR values and mGPS groups were validated as independent prognostic factors for risk of death after adjusting for sex, KPS, age and presence of extracranial metastases.

Conclusion

NLR, PLR, LMR and mGPS represent effective and simple tools to predict survival in NSCLC patients prior to radiosurgery for brain metastases.
Overexpression of AtBBX29 Improves Drought Tolerance by Maintaining Photosynthesis and Enhancing the Antioxidant and Osmolyte Capacity of Sugarcane Plants
Authors: Mbambalala Nelisa , Panda Sanjib K. , van der Vyver Christell
Published: November 2020

B-box proteins have emerged as prominent mechanisms for controlling growth and developmental processes and in some instances responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. These proteins mediate transcriptional regulations and protein–protein interactions in cellular signalling processes. B-box proteins thereby play an important role in coordinating physiological and biochemical pathway flux and are therefore ideal targets for controlling stress responses in plants. In this study, the overexpression of anArabidopsis thalianaB-box gene(BBX29)in sugarcane (Saccharumspp. hybrid) has led to enhanced drought tolerance and delayed senescence under water-deficit conditions when compared to the wild-type plants. Transgenic plants maintained a higher relative water content and better protected its photosynthetic machinery. These plants accumulated more proline and displayed enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activity under drought conditions. Overexpression ofAtBBX29further alleviated the build-up of reactive oxygen species and curtailed oxidative damage, resulting in transgenic plants with improved health and higher survival rates during dehydration. Our results suggested that theAtBBX29gene influenced an array of physiological and biochemical mechanisms in sugarcane to the advantage of the crop and might be a target to genetically engineer drought tolerance into sugarcane. This is the first report to elucidate B-box protein functionality in a polyploid crop such as sugarcane.
Labor Market Conditions and Partisan Voting: How Unemployment Hurts the Left
Authors: Brännlund Anton
Published: November 2020

Fluctuations in the labor market are a natural part of the business cycle, and they have attracted attention from political scientists for decades. Some scholars argue that left-wing parties benefit from rising rates of unemployment while others claim that voters rally behind conservative parties when the labor market weakens. I argue that the heterogeneous response of voters to a rise in the unemployment rate is due to differences in asset wealth. Put simply, the well-off have less need for social insurance, so they vote for conservative parties in order to put a cap on social spending when the unemployment rate rises; by contrast, asset-less voter opt for the left, with an eye to preserving their entitlements. I show with panel data from Swedish electoral districts that left-wing parties gain an electoral advantage when the local unemployment rate rises in less well-off areas, but they lose support when unemployment rises in wealthier districts.
Ecotoxicity of oil sludges and residuals from their washing with surfactants: soil dehydrogenase and ryegrass germination tests
Authors: Ramirez Diego , Shaw Liz J. , Collins Chris D.
Published: November 2020

Oil sludge washing (OSW) with surfactants and co-solvents is used to recover the oil, and this process leaves some residuals (sediments and surfactant solution). Currently, there are no data on the ecotoxicological effects of these OSW residuals from different sludges. This study evaluated the toxicity of OSW residuals from washing four types of oil sludges with five surfactants (Triton X-100 and X-114, Tween 80, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and rhamnolipid) and a co-solvent (cyclohexane). The toxicity of the residuals was evaluated with the impact on the soil microbial dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seed germination. There was a high DHA detected directly in the sludges and all OSW residual combinations, but this activity could not be attributed to the DHA itself but to some chemical interferences. The DHA was then tested in the soils amended with the OSW residuals to simulate a bioremediation scenario. There were no chemical interferences in this case. In general, the INTF concentrations were significantly higher at low concentrations, 1 and 5% (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the DHA at high concentrations of OSW residuals (10, 25 and 50%) which implied that the concentration of the contaminants is not directly proportional to the levels of ecotoxicity. Unexpectedly, the INTF values of the 10, 25 and 50% rhamnolipid-OSW residuals were significantly lower than the Triton X-100 residuals. The ryegrass germination rates were higher than 70% with no apparent phytotoxicity symptoms in the seedlings. Particularly, there was a highly significant negative effect of the residuals on the germination rates at high concentrations (p < 0.01). Given that the extractable petroleum hydrocarbon (EPH) concentrations in the OSW residual-amended soils in both DHA and germination tests were very low (13–21 ppm), other co-contaminants could be contributing to the toxicity. These findings implied that biotreatment techniques can be applied to treat the OSW residuals if necessary.
Effect of Surface Roughness on Oxidation Resistance of Stainless Steel AISI 316Ti During Exposure at High Temperature
Authors: Nowak Wojciech J.
Published: November 2020

In the present work, the influence of surface roughness on oxidation kinetics of AISI 316Ti stainless steel and its consequences in term of oxidation resistance were investigated. Namely, the effect of surface roughness on oxidation resistance was evaluated during different types of cyclic oxidation tests at 900 and 1000 °C. The obtained results revealed that alloy possessing higher surface roughness showed longer lifetime compared to that with lower surface roughness. It was also found that more severe cyclic conditions suppressed the positive effect of surface roughness on sample’s lifetime. The better oxidation resistance of rougher alloy was correlated with suppressed formation of Fe-rich nodules on ground surfaces and explained by the combined effect of introduced defects in the near-surface region and possible increase in residual stresses caused by mechanical surface preparation.
Treatment of SUNCT/SUNA, Paroxysmal Hemicrania, and Hemicrania Continua: An Update Including Single-Arm Meta-analyses
Authors: Stubberud Anker , Tronvik Erling , Matharu Manjit
Published: November 2020

Purpose of Review

This review presents a critical appraisal of the treatment strategies for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA), paroxysmal hemicrania (PH), and hemicrania continua (HC). We assess the available, though sparse, evidence on both medical and surgical treatments. In addition, we present estimated pooled analyses of the most common treatments and emphasize recent promising findings.

Recent Findings

The majority of literature available on the treatment of these rare trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias are small open-label observational studies and case reports. Pooled analyses reveal that lamotrigine for SUNHA and indomethacin for PH and HC are the preventative treatments of choice. Second-line choices include topiramate, gabapentin, and carbamazepine for SUNHA; verapamil for PH; and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and gabapentin for HC. Parenteral lidocaine is highly effective as a transitional treatment for SUNHA. Novel therapeutic strategies such as non-invasive neurostimulation, targeted nerve and ganglion blockades, and invasive neurostimulation, including implanted occipital nerve stimulators and deep brain stimulation, appears to be promising options.

At present, lamotrigine as a prophylactic and parenteral lidocaine as transitional treatment remain the therapies of choice for SUNHA. While, by definition, both PH and CH respond exquisitely to indomethacin, evidence for other prophylactics is less convincing. Evidence for the novel emerging therapies is limited, though promising.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism, acrodysostosis, progressive osseous heteroplasia: different names for the same spectrum of diseases?
Authors: Elli Francesca Marta , Mantovani Giovanna
Published: November 2020

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP), the first known post-receptorial hormone resistance, derives from a partial deficiency of the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα), a key component of the PTH/PTHrP signaling pathway. Since its first description, different studies unveiled, beside the molecular basis for PHP, the existence of different subtypes and of diseases in differential diagnosis associated with genetic alterations in other genes of the PTH/PTHrP pathway. The clinical and molecular overlap among PHP subtypes and with different but related disorders make both differential diagnosis and genetic counseling challenging. Recently, a proposal to group all these conditions under the novel term “inactivating PTH/PTHrP signaling disorders (iPPSD)” was promoted and, soon afterwards, the first international consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of these disorders has been published. This review will focus on the major and minor features characterizing PHP/iPPSDs as a group and on the specificities as well as the overlap associated with the most frequent subtypes.
APASL practical recommendations for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Shiina Shuichiro , Gani Rino A. , Yokosuka Osamu , Maruyama Hitoshi , Nagamatsu Hiroaki , Payawal Diana Alcantara , Dokmeci A. Kadir , Lesmana Laurentius A. , Tanwandee Tawesak , Lau George , Sarin Shiv Kumar , Omata Masao
Published: November 2020

Background

COVID-19 has been giving the devastating impact on the current medical care system. There are quite many guidelines on COVID-19, but only a few on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims

We develop these recommendations to preserve adequate clinical practice for the management of HCC.

Methods

Experts of HCC in the Asia–Pacific region exchanged opinions via webinar, and these recommendations were formed.

Results

Close contact should be minimized to reduce possible exposure of both medical staff and patients to the novel coronavirus. To prevent transmission of the virus, meticulous hygiene measures are important. With the decrease in regular medical service, the medical staff may be mobilized to provide COVID-19-related patient care. However, diagnosis and treatment of HCC should not be delayed because of COVID-19 pandemic. The management of HCC should be the same as in non-pandemic circumstances. HCC is highly malignant, thus it is recommended not to delay curative treatment such as surgery and ablation. However, a kind of triage is necessary even among patients with HCC when resources are insufficient for all to be treated. Curative treatments should be periodized and cytoreductive or non-curative treatment such as vascular interventions and systemic therapy may be postponed until it can be performed safely with sufficient resources. For patients with confirmed or suspected to be infected with the novel coronavirus, diagnosis and treatment should be postponed until the virus is eliminated or they are confirmed as not being infected with it.

Conclusions

These are collection of measures implemented by front-line medical professionals. We would evolve these recommendations over time as more real-world data becomes available.
The role of host phenology for parasite transmission
Authors: MacDonald Hannelore , Akçay Erol , Brisson Dustin
Published: November 2020

Phenology is a fundamental determinant of species distributions, abundances, and interactions. In host–parasite interactions, host phenology can affect parasite fitness due to the temporal constraints it imposes on host contact rates. However, it remains unclear how parasite transmission is shaped by the wide range of phenological patterns observed in nature. We develop a mathematical model of the Lyme disease system to study the consequences of differential tick developmental-stage phenology for the transmission ofB. burgdorferi. Incorporating seasonal tick activity can increaseB. burgdorferifitness compared to continuous tick activity but can also prevent transmission completely.B. burgdorferifitness is greatest when the activity period of the infectious nymphal stage slightly precedes the larval activity period. Surprisingly,B. burgdorferiis eradicated if the larval activity period begins long after the end of nymphal activity due to a feedback with mouse population dynamics. These results highlight the importance of phenology, a common driver of species interactions, for the fitness of a parasite.
NMR resonance assignments of the FinO-domain of the RNA chaperone RocC
Authors: Eidelpes Reiner , Kim Hyeong Jin , Glover J. N. Mark , Tollinger Martin
Published: November 2020

In prokaryotic species, gene expression is commonly regulated by small, non-coding RNAs (sRNAs). In the gram-negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila, the regulatory, trans-acting sRNA molecule RocR base pairs with a complementary sequence in the 5’-untranslated region of mRNAs encoding for proteins in the bacterial DNA uptake system, thereby controlling natural competence. Sense-antisense duplexing of RocR with targeted mRNAs is mediated by the recently described RNA chaperone RocC. RocC contains a 12 kDa FinO-domain, which acts as sRNA binding platform, along with an extended C-terminal segment that is predicted to be mostly disordered but appears to be required for repression of bacterial competence. In this work we assigned backbone and side chain 1H, 13C, and 15N chemical shifts of RocC’s FinO-domain by solution NMR spectroscopy. The chemical shift data for this protein indicate a mixed α/β fold that is reminiscent of FinO from Escherichia coli. Our NMR resonance assignments provide the basis for a comprehensive analysis of RocC’s chaperoning mechanism on a structural level.
Current status of radioligand therapy and positron-emission tomography with prostate-specific membrane antigen
Authors: Inubushi Masayuki , Miura Hiroyuki , Kuji Ichiei , Ito Kimiteru , Minamimoto Ryogo
Published: November 2020

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed by prostate cancer cells. PSMA-based radioligand therapy (RLT) emerged as a promising therapeutic option for prostate cancer in the early 2000s, and has been clinically validated with great enthusiasm during these past two decades. Last year, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) published the procedure guidelines for the safe clinical practice of Lutetium-177 (177Lu)-labelled PSMA RLT. In addition, PSMA RLT with alpha-ray-emitting radioisotopes has been also developed recently. Following the clinical use of 177Lu-PSMA RLT, PSMA-targeted positron-emission tomography (PET) with Gallium-68 (68Ga) has been performed inevitably for “theranostics” for the last decade; prostate cancer is going to be treated with PSMA-RLT based on the diagnosis by PSMA-PET. Furthermore, the diagnostic usefulness of 68Ga-PSMA PET has been documented in various diseases beyond prostate cancer more recently. Regrettably, Japan is behind European countries and the United States in this field, and has just made a belated start of their clinical trials. In this review article, we briefly overviewed the current status of PSMA RLT and PSMA PET. We hope that this topic will be a particular focus of attention for most ANM readers in Japan, and that our efforts will help to facilitate the early approval of PSMA RLT and PSMA PET by the Japanese government even if only slightly.
Third-order nonlocal elasticity in buckling and vibration of functionally graded nanoplates on Winkler-Pasternak media
Authors: Cutolo A. , Mallardo V. , Fraldi M. , Ruocco E.
Published: November 2020

The focus of the present work is to present an analytical approach for buckling and free vibrations analysis of thick functionally graded nanoplates embedded in a Winkler-Pasternak medium. The equations of motion are derived according to both the third-order shear deformation theory, proposed by Reddy, and the nonlocal elasticity Eringen's model. For the first time, the equations are solved analytically for plates with two simply supported opposite edges, the solutions also turning helpful as shape functions in the analysis of structures with more complex geometries and boundary conditions. Sensitivity analyses are finally performed to highlight the role of nonlocal parameters, aspect and side-to-thickness ratios, boundary conditions, and functionally graded material properties in the overall response of plates and cylindrical shells. It is felt that the proposed strategy could be usefully adopted as benchmark solutions in numerical routines as well as for predicting some unexpected behaviors, for instance, in terms of buckling load, in thick nanoplates on elastic foundations.
Two decades of aortic coarctation treatment in children; evaluating techniques
Authors: Dijkema E. J. , Dik L. , Breur J. M. P. , Sieswerda G. T. , Haas F. , Slieker M. G. , Schoof P. H.
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study focuses on the evolution of treatment techniques for aortic coarctation in children and assesses long-term morbidity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluates patients treated for native aortic coarctation, with at least 7 years of follow-up. To assess time-related changes, three time periods were distinguished according to year of primary intervention (era 1, 2 and 3). Operative and long-term follow-up data were collected by patient record reviews.

Results

The study population consisted of 206 patients (177 surgical and 29 catheter-based interventions), with a median follow-up of 151 months. Anterior approach with simultaneous repair of aortic arch and associated cardiac lesions was more common in the most recent era. Median age at intervention did not change over time. Reintervention was necessary in one third of the cohort with an event-free survival of 74% at 5‑year and 68% at 10-year follow-up. Reintervention rates were significantly higher after catheter-based interventions compared with surgical interventions (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–3.00, p = 0.04) and in patients treated before 3 months of age (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.27–3.55, p = 0.003). Hypertension was present in one out of five patients.

Conclusion

Nowadays, complex patients with associated cardiac defects and arch hypoplasia are being treated surgically on bypass, whereas catheter-based intervention is introduced for non-complex patients. Reintervention is common and more frequent after catheter-based intervention and in surgery under 3 months of age. One fifth of the 206 patients remained hypertensive.
Plants Used as Antihypertensive
Authors: Verma Tarawanti , Sinha Manish , Bansal Nitin , Yadav Shyam Raj , Shah Kamal , Chauhan Nagendra Singh
Published: November 2020

Hypertension is a critical health problem and worse other cardiovascular diseases. It is mainly of two types: Primary or essential hypertension and Secondary hypertension. Hypertension is the primary possibility feature for coronary heart disease, stroke and renal vascular disease. Herbal medicines have been used for millions of years for the management and treatment of hypertension with minimum side effects. Over aim to write this review is to collect information on the anti-hypertensive effects of natural herbs in animal studies and human involvement as well as to recapitulate the underlying mechanisms, from the bottom of cell culture andex-vivotissue data. According to WHO, natural herbs/shrubs are widely used in increasing order to treat almost all the ailments of the human body. Plants are the regular industrial units for the invention of chemical constituents, they used as immunity booster to enhance the natural capacity of the body to fight against different health problems as well as herbal medicines and food products also. Eighty percent population of the world (around 5.6 billion people) consume medicines from natural plants for major health concerns. This review provides a bird’s eye analysis primarily on the traditional utilization, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological values of medicinal herbs used to normalize hypertensioni.e. Hibiscus sabdariffa,Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Apium graveolens, Bidenspilosa, Camellia sinensis, Coptis chinensis, Coriandrum sativum, Crataegusspp.,Crocus sativus, Cymbopogon citrates, Nigella sativa, Panax ginseng,Salviaemiltiorrhizae, Zingiber officinale, Tribulus terrestris, Rauwolfiaserpentina, Terminalia arjunaetc.

Graphic Abstract
Polyarteritis nodosa with perirenal hematoma due to the rupture of a renal artery aneurysm
Authors: Miyagawa Taro , Iwata Yasunori , Oshima Megumi , Ogura Hisayuki , Sato Koichi , Nakagawa Shiori , Yamamura Yuta , Kitajima Shinji , Toyama Tadashi , Hara Akinori , Kokubo Satoshi , Sakai Norihiko , Shimizu Miho , Furuichi Kengo , Wada Takashi
Published: November 2020

We present the case of a 67-year-old man in good health with perirenal hematoma due to a ruptured arterial aneurysm in the kidney. The patient developed weight loss, muscle weakness, multiple mononeuropathy, hypertension, anemia, renal insufficiency, and multiple lacuna infarctions about a month ago. He was admitted to the hospital due to worsening of his symptom. After admission, severe right-flank pain suddenly occurred; he was then transferred to our hospital. Renal angiography revealed bilateral multiple microaneurysms, and the patient was diagnosed with polyarteritis nodosa based on the clinical, radiographic, and histological findings. We performed selective coil embolization to the ruptured aneurysm and administered oral prednisolone along with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was also given. The treatment improved clinical and laboratory findings and achieved clinical remission. Selective coil embolization to the bleeding aneurysm of polyarteritis nodosa was minimally invasive and promptly effective. Immunosuppressants proved useful in the regulation of disease activity and the aneurysm.
Evolution of real area of contact due to combined normal load and sub-surface straining in sheet metal
Authors: Shisode Meghshyam , Hazrati Javad , Mishra Tanmaya , de Rooij Matthijn , van den Boogaard Ton
Published: November 2020

Understanding asperity flattening is vital for a reliable macro-scale modeling of friction and wear. In sheet metal forming processes, sheet surface asperities are deformed due to contact forces between the tools and the workpiece. In addition, as the sheet metal is strained while retaining the normal load, the asperity deformation increases significantly. Deformation of the asperities determines the real area of contact which influences the friction and wear at the tool-sheet metal contact. The real area of contact between two contacting rough surfaces depends on type of loading, material behavior, and topography of the contacting surfaces. In this study, an experimental setup is developed to investigate the effect of a combined normal load and sub-surface strain on real area of contact. Uncoated and zinc coated steel sheets (GI) with different coating thicknesses, surface topographies, and substrate materials are used in the experimental study. Finite element (FE) analyses are performed on measured surface profiles to further analyze the behavior observed in the experiments and to understand the effect of surface topography, and coating thickness on the evolution of the real area of contact. Finally, an analytical model is presented to determine the real area contact under combined normal load and sub-surface strain. The results show that accounting for combined normal load and sub-surface straining effects is necessary for accurate predictions of the real area of contact.
Academic integrity and the implementation of the honour code in the clinical training of undergraduate dental students
Authors: Raman Vidya , Ramlogan Shaun
Published: November 2020

Educational pressures such as challenging workload, demanding deadlines and competitiveness among undergraduate dental students erode academic integrity in clinical training. The implementation of honour codes have been associated with the reduction in academic dishonesty.

An action research was undertaken to investigate and foster academic integrity through creative pedagogical strategies and the implementation of an honour code within the undergraduate dental programme.

Students reported the honour code as relevant (86.3%) and it encouraged (> 92%) the five investigated fundamental values of academic integrity (International Centre of Academic Integrity). The students also favoured (86.3%) the annual implementation of the honour code. The creative pedagogical strategy facilitated a change in perception on academic integrity in the clinical scenarios sessions. Most students (85.7%) showed changes in perception of academic integrity. The majority of students’ narratives/responses were positive and the emerging subthemes also espoused the five out of the six ICAI fundamental values of academic integrity. Students indicated the need for inclusion of academic integrity education within the curriculum. They felt that staff also should be guided by an academic integrity policy.

Implementation of an honour code coupled with creative pedagogical strategies helped to foster understanding and appreciation for academic integrity. Conversely the honour code implementation was more effective due to the use of supportive creative pedagogical strategies on academic integrity. It is still undetermined whether these change in perception impacted on clinical practice during training and post-graduation.
Prestress state evolution during thermal activation of memory effect in concrete beams strengthened with external SMA wires
Authors: Debska A. , Gwozdziewicz Piotr , Seruga A. , Balandraud X. , Destrebecq J. F.
Published: November 2020

The memory effect of shape-memory alloys (SMAs) has opened interesting perspectives to create prestress states in concrete elements. However, the procedure has not been yet fully resolved due to the complex thermomechanical behavior of these alloys, in addition to the practical difficulties of mechanical coupling between SMA and concrete elements. The present study deals with tests on the development of prestressing forces in concrete beams during the thermal cycle required in the procedure. Pre-stretched nickel–titanium wires were externally placed on concrete prismatic beams equipped with strain gauges. As concrete rupture may occur during the heating by the Joule effect, a compromise must be found between the SMA pre-stretch level and the maximum temperature to be applied before returning to ambient temperature. A macroscopic model was developed to analyze this compromise. The complex thermomechanical response of SMAs implies a particular attention in the definition of the ambient temperature and heating conditions for the creation of prestress states in concrete components.
Results of a World Health Organization Scoping of Sexual Dysfunction–Related Guidelines: What Exists and What Is Needed
Authors: Gonsalves Lianne , Cottler-Casanova Sara , VanTreeck Kelly , Say Lale
Published: November 2020

Background

Sexual dysfunction has long been overlooked in the broader context of sexual and reproductive health services. As a result, and in the absence of international sexual dysfunction treatment guidelines, recommendations have instead been developed by a variety of professional associations, worldwide.

Aim

We conducted a mapping of existing recommendations addressing a wide array of conditions related to sexual function/dysfunction.

Methods

We contacted 25 professional associations from around the world and held an online open call for guidelines.

Outcomes

Eligible submissions had to provide recommendations on treatment related to male or female sexual dysfunction.

Results

Twelve guidelines from 11 associations were included. Of the 195 recommendations extracted, 61% were related to men, 53% were related specifically to treatment, and 48% did some form of evidence assessment.

Conclusion

Recommendations from this exercise are provided for WHO, international and national research institutions, ministries of health, and professional associations.
Deep learning model to reconstruct 3D cityscapes by generating depth maps from omnidirectional images and its application to visual preference prediction
Authors: Takizawa Atsushi , Kinugawa Hina
Published: November 2020

We developed a method to generate omnidirectional depth maps from corresponding omnidirectional images of cityscapes by learning each pair of an omnidirectional and a depth map, created by computer graphics, using pix2pix. Models trained with different series of images, shot under different site and sky conditions, were applied to street view images to generate depth maps. The validity of the generated depth maps was then evaluated quantitatively and visually. In addition, we conducted experiments to evaluate Google Street View images using multiple participants. We constructed a model that predicts the preference label of these images with and without the generated depth maps using the classification method with deep convolutional neural networks for general rectangular images and omnidirectional images. The results demonstrate the extent to which the generalization performance of the cityscape preference prediction model changes depending on the type of convolutional models and the presence or absence of generated depth maps.
Single-frequency and free-running operation of a single-pass pulsed Ho:YLF amplifier
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Ju Youlun , Dai Tongyu , Yan Dong , Yao Baoquan
Published: November 2020

A single-frequency pulsed holmium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Ho:YLF) amplifier pumped by a Tm-doped fiber laser was demonstrated. The seed was an injection-seeded Q-switched Ho:YLF laser. The output energy from the single-frequency pulsed amplifier was 24.2 mJ, with a pulse width of 250 ns at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 100 Hz. The energy stability during 30 min was improved to 1% after the single-frequency pulsed Ho:YLF laser was amplified. The line width of the single-frequency pulsed spectrum of the Ho:YLF amplifier was 2.81 MHz. The single-frequency pulsed Ho:YLF amplifier can be applied to differential absorption lidar (DIAL), since its output spectrum is around the P12 CO2 absorption line.
How to Get Better Survey Data More Efficiently
Authors: Cohen Mollie J. , Warner Zach
Published: November 2020

A key challenge facing many large, in-person public opinion surveys is ensuring that enumerators follow fieldwork protocols. Implementing “quality control” processes can improve data quality and help ensure the representativeness of the final sample. Yet while public opinion researchers have demonstrated the utility of quality control procedures such as audio capture and geo-tracking, there is little research assessing the relative merits of such tools. In this paper, we present new evidence on this question using data from the 2016/17 wave of the AmericasBarometer study. Results from a large classification task demonstrate that a small set of automated and human-coded variables, available across popular survey platforms, can recover the final sample of interviews that results when a full suite of quality control procedures is implemented. Taken as a whole, our results indicate that implementing and automating just a few of the many quality control procedures available can streamline survey researchers’ quality control processes while substantially improving the quality of their data.
Using Motion Detection to Measure Social Polarization in the U.S. House of Representatives
Authors: Dietrich Bryce J.
Published: November 2020

Although previous scholars have used image data to answer important political science questions, less attention has been paid to video-based measures. In this study, I use motion detection to understand the extent to which members of Congress (MCs) literally cross the aisle, but motion detection can be used to study a wide range of political phenomena, like protests, political speeches, campaign events, or oral arguments. I find not only are Democrats and Republicans less willing to literally cross the aisle, but this behavior is also predictive of future party voting, even when previous party voting is included as a control. However, this is one of the many ways motion detection can be used by social scientists. In this way, the present study is not the end, but the beginning of an important new line of research in which video data is more actively used in social science research.
Machine Learning Predictions as Regression Covariates
Authors: Fong Christian , Tyler Matthew
Published: November 2020

In text, images, merged surveys, voter files, and elsewhere, data sets are often missing important covariates, either because they are latent features of observations (such as sentiment in text) or because they are not collected (such as race in voter files). One promising approach for coping with this missing data is to find the true values of the missing covariates for a subset of the observations and then train a machine learning algorithm to predict the values of those covariates for the rest. However, plugging in these predictions without regard for prediction error renders regression analyses biased, inconsistent, and overconfident. We characterize the severity of the problem posed by prediction error, describe a procedure to avoid these inconsistencies under comparatively general assumptions, and demonstrate the performance of our estimators through simulations and a study of hostile political dialogue on the Internet. We provide software implementing our approach.
A revision of species of theParmelia saxatiliscomplex in the Iberian Peninsula with the description ofP. rojoi, a new potentially relict species
Authors: Crespo Ana , Rico Víctor J. , Garrido Elisa , Lumbsch H. Thorsten , Divakar Pradeep K.
Published: November 2020

The species of theParmelia saxatiliscomplex occurring in the Iberian Peninsula were revised. Eight species are accepted, including a new species found in southern Spain, described asP. rojoiA. Crespo, V. J. Rico & Divakar. The new species, which forms a sister-group relationship withP. saxatiliss. str., is rare in the Iberian Peninsula and is restricted to higher altitudes of northern and central Spain.Parmelia rojoidiffers fromP. saxatilisby generally narrower isidia and a more fragile thallus. The segregation of the new species is also supported by ITS (rDNA) andMcm7(MS456) phylogeny and multispecies coalescent-based approaches, including StarBEAST and BP&P. Furthermore, the divergence ofP. rojoiis dated back to the Pleistocene,c. 2.13 Ma. A key to the identification of species from theP. saxatiliscomplex with their diagnostic features is provided. All species of the complex known from Europe are also found in the Iberian Peninsula. We hypothesize thatP. rojoiis a relict species that survived the Pleistocene glaciations in refugia in Spain and has been unable to extend its distributional range in postglacial periods.