bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of new methodologies for teaching preparations in fixed partial prosthesis
Authors: Gomes Michelle S. S. , Rossi Natália R. , Uemura Eduardo S. , Mesquita Alfredo M. M. , Nishioka Renato S. , Andreatta‐Filho Osvaldo D. , Paes‐Junior Tarcísio J. A. , Kojima Alberto N.
Published: July 2020

Context

Students can have some issues in the comprehension and execution of coronal preparations in fixed partial prosthesis (FPP). Some issues pertain to the amount of reduction, the inclination, and the positioning, all of which are important for the execution of an ideal preparation while respecting the required biomechanical principles.

Objective

The present study's aim was to evaluate the main problems experienced by graduation students regarding coronal preparation in FPP and to suggest teaching skills to help students and professors.

Design

A total of 87 students, who were enrolled in the 3rd year of Dentistry at the FPP course ‐ in the Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, between 2017 and 2018, participated in the study. Two methodologies were developed, applied, and validated: first, a mannequin with a scheme of colors to help students visualize the coronal preparation; second, a comparison of different didactic methods.

Results

Only 54.02% of the students answered the questionnaire, and the main problem identified by the respondents was the amount of reduction required (78.2%). In the second place, 50.9% of the students stated that they had problems with the inclination and angle of the preparation. The mannequin method with color schemes was approved by 91.5%. The favorite didactic method was a live demonstration (face to face), with 61.8%. In the second place, 47.3% of the students stated that live projection was also adequate.

Conclusions

Both auxiliary didactic methods were approved by the students and they reported that it helped them to visualize the amount of reduction necessary and the sequence of the preparation. Hence, it was concluded that the mannequin with color schemes and the live projection were approved as auxiliary didactic resources for teaching FPP.
Accuracy of hiatal hernia diagnosis in bariatric patients: Preoperative endoscopy versus intraoperative reference
Authors: Chan Daniel L , Wong Simon K‐H , Lok Hon Ting , Iliopoulos Jim , Talbot Michael L , Hennessy Annemarie , Ng Enders K‐W
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in Asia. Bariatric surgery in the region is growing in popularity to reflect increasing demand. Hiatal hernia (HH) is common among the obese population. There is a lack of evidence comparing preoperative endoscopy against intraoperative findings as a standard of reference for HH diagnosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of a bariatric procedure database from a single tertiary teaching hospital and high‐volume endoscopy center. Electronic medical records were reviewed. Endoscopy results were compared to intraoperative findings, and subgroup analysis of >2 cm hernias was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and global diagnostic test accuracy were calculated.

Results

A total of 434 patients were eligible for this study, of which HH was detected in 37 patients (prevalence rate 8.55%). Mean age was 41.51 ± 11.07 years, and body mass index was 39.37 ± 5.67 kg/m2. Endoscopy sensitivity was 75.68% (95% confidence interval, 58.80–88.23%) and specificity 91.44% (88.24–94.00%). Positive likelihood ratio was 8.53 (6.11–12.79) and negative likelihood ratio 0.27 (0.15–0.47). Positive predictive value was 45.16% (36.27–54.38%) and negative predictive value 97.58% (95.80–98.62%). Accuracy of endoscopy for preoperative HH diagnosis was 90.09% (86.89–92.74%).

Conclusion

Endoscopy can have a high diagnostic accuracy of preoperative HH diagnosis in obese Asian patients using intraoperative diagnosis as the reference standard.
3D‐pharmacophore study molecular docking and synthesis of pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐4(1H) dione derivatives with in vitro potential anticancer and antioxidant activities
Authors: Gouda Mustafa A. S. , Salem Mounir A. I. , Mahmoud Naglaa F. H.
Published: July 2020

Some poly functionalized heterocyclic‐compounds containing pyridine‐moieties were readily assembled by combining differently functionalized pyridopyrimidine‐6‐carbonitrile derivatives 1a,b with different electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents via short synthetic routes. The structures of the prepared derivatives were ascertained from their‐spectral‐and elemental analyses. Some of the synthesized compounds were tested as plausible antitumor agents. Most of those tested compounds likes 7, 9, 10, 11a showed cytotoxic potencies against different tumor cell lines. In addition, the assessments for their antioxidant activities have also been done and compound 9 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity while compounds 7 and 10 showed moderate activities. Finally, molecular docking studies were carried out which favorably indicated a high support for the experimental‐results.
Human adenoviruses associated with respiratory illness in neonates, infants, and children in the Sousse area of Tunisia
Authors: Brini Ines , Guerrero Aida , Ezzine Issaad‐Kawther , Orth‐Höller Dorothea , Hetzer Benjamin , Würzner Reinhard , Hazgui Olfa , Handous Imene , Nouri‐Merchaoui Sonia , Bouguila Jihene , Mahdhaoui Nabiha , Boughamoura Lamia , Malekshahi Zahra , von‐Laer Dorothee , Hannachi Naila , Boukadida Jalel , Stoiber Heribert
Published: July 2020

Background

The human Adenovirus (HAdV) is a common agent of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Its clinical impact in immunocompetent children and in the context of coinfections remains unclear in Tunisia.

Material and methods

HAdV‐ARIs were studied in hospitalized patients from birth to the age of 5 years from 2013 to 2014. Clinical and demographic characteristics, coinfections, and molecular characterization of HAdV were established.

Results

HAdV‐positivity was detected in 114/583 specimens (19.6%) including 6.1% single infections and 93.9% coinfections. Adenoviral coinfections mostly comprised human Rhinovirus (50.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (34.2%), human Respiratory Syncytial virus A/B (29.8%), and human Coronaviruses (21.9%). HAdV infection was predominant in the pediatric population (25.0% vs 10.0% in neonates, P < .001) and peaked in February 2014 (21.1%). HAdV severity of pediatric cases is characterized by low saturation of oxygen (<94%, 33.8%, P = .05) and long duration of oxygen support (≥5 days, 32.7%, P = .02). Severe HAdV infections were described with S. pneumoniae coinfection, which seemed to increase the risk of death. HAdV genotyping identified HAdV‐C as the most common species. Severe ARIs were observed in all HAdV‐identified types. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that sequences were variable suggesting the circulation of different HAdV strains sharing more similarities to strains circulating in Europe or Asia than those from Africa.

Conclusion

This first molecular study of HAdV in Tunisia demonstrated that it has an important role in severe ARIs with HAdV‐C being the most common species. S. pneumoniae codetection seems to increase the severity of HAdV‐ARIs.
Missed opportunities to use rapid influenza testing and severity assessment to avoid hospital admission: A cohort study from an East London District General Hospital
Authors: Dominic Catherine , Welch Catherine , Melzer Mark
Published: July 2020

Annual outbreaks of seasonal influenza cause a substantial health burden. The aim of this study was to compare patient demographic/clinical data in two influenza patient groups presenting to hospital; those requiring O2 or critical care admission and those requiring less intensive treatment. The study was conducted from 1 December 2017 until 1 April 2019 at a district general hospital in East London. Patient demographic and clinical information was collected for all patients who had tested influenza positive by near‐patient testing. χ2 test was used for categorical variables to see if there were significant differences for those admitted and the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to compare the length of inpatient stay. Of 127 patients, 56 (44.1%) required oxygen or critical care. There were significant increases in National Early Warning Score (NEWS) observations (P %3C .001), Charlson comorbidity index (P = .049), length of inpatient stay (P %3C .001), and a strong association with increasing age (P = .066) when the more intensive treatment group was compared with the less intensive treatment group. A total of 13 (18.3%) of 71 patients not requiring oxygen or critical care were not admitted to the hospital. Following rapid influenza testing, NEWS scores, comorbidities, and age should be incorporated into a decision tool in Accident and Emergency to aid hospital admission or discharge decisions.
Sex differences in kappa opioid receptor antinociception is influenced by the number of X chromosomes in mouse
Authors: Taylor Anna M. W. , Chadwick Caylin I. , Mehrabani Sadaf , Hrncir Haley , Arnold Arthur P. , Evans Christopher J.
Published: July 2020

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists produce robust analgesia with minimal abuse liability and are considered promising pharmacological agents to manage chronic pain and itch. The KOR system is also notable for robust differences between the sexes, with females exhibiting lower analgesic response than males. Sexually dimorphic traits can be due to either the influence of gonadal hormones during development or adulthood, or due to the complement of genes expressed on the X or Y chromosome. Previous studies examining sex differences in KOR antinociception have relied on surgical or pharmacological manipulation of the gonads to determine whether sex hormones influence KOR function. While there are conflicting reports whether gonadal hormones influence KOR function, no study has examined these effects in context with sex chromosomes. Here, we use two genetic mouse models, the four core genotypes and XY*, to isolate the chromosomal and hormonal contributions to sex differences in KOR analgesia. Mice were treated with systemic KOR agonist (U50,488H) and thermal analgesia measured in the tail withdrawal assay. We found that KOR antinociception was influenced predominantly by the number of the X chromosomes. These data suggest that the dose and/or parental imprint on X gene(s) contribute significantly to the sexually dimorphism in KOR analgesia.
Academic and Gender Differences Among U.S. Otolaryngology Board Members
Authors: Hill Robert G. , Boeckermann Lauren M. , Huwyler Camille , Jiang Nancy
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To determine the representation of women in leadership positions within otolaryngology societies and to compare their academic rank and research productivity to men.

Methods

The leadership positions of all U.S. otolaryngology societies were compiled. The Medicare Physician Compare database was used to obtain gender and medical school graduation year for all otolaryngologists. An online search was used to determine board member's academic faculty rank. The Scopus database was used to determine an individual's number of publications, citations, and h‐index. All websites were accessed from July 2019 to October 2019.

Results

Of the 200 leadership positions, there were 160 unique individuals available for analysis. Of those, 23% were female. In comparison, 18% of all otolaryngologists in the United States are female. The average medical school graduation year was significantly more recent for female leaders (1997 vs. 1990, P < .001) than males, which is similar to all otolaryngologists (2001 vs. 1993, P < .001). Stratifying by gender alone, women averaged significantly fewer publications, citations, and h‐indices compared to men (P < .05), and were also less likely to be professors (P < .01). When considering both gender and graduation year, significant differences among academic productivity were only noted for those graduating between 1990 to 1999. Among all board members who graduated after 2000, women comprised a majority of those in leadership positions (52%).

Conclusion

Leadership positions in otolaryngology societies reflect the changing demographic of otolaryngologists in the United States. There is proportionate representation, and the more recently graduated female physicians show the same research productivity as their male counterparts.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:731–736, 2021
Stem Cell Seeded and Silver Nanoparticles Loaded Bilayer PLGA/PVA Dressings for Wound Healing
Authors: Gao Tianlin , Tian Chunyan , Ma Zepeng , Chu Zunyan , Wang Zongliang , Zhang Peibiao
Published: July 2020

Antibacterial activity and promoting wound healing are two important characteristics of ideal dressings. The previous work has successfully prepared a stem cell seeded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel dressing, which could promote wound healing by active factors secreted from the dressing. However, a lack of antibacterial activity might limit its better application. In this study, a photo‐active gelatin (Az‐Gel) modified stem cell seeded bilayer PVA hydrogel dressings with silver nanoparticles loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospinning films (Ag‐PLGA) in it is prepared. The physical properties of the dressings show the dressings are mechanically enhanced by the addition of Ag‐PLGA film. The addition of Ag‐PLGA film does not alter the moisture content of PVA, but extends the moisture of the dressing. Obviously, antibacterial activity is observed and Ag‐PLGA/PVA scaffold is biocompatible and low toxic to murine dermal fibroblasts (NIH‐3T3). When seeded with Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs), bioactive factors secreted by ADSCs could penetrate the dressing and promote cell growth and wound healing. It is speculated that the stem cells seeded bilayer dressing would be of great potential for skin tissue engineering, because of its antibacterial activity and safe application of stem cells.
Outcomes of microvascular bone flaps versus osteocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Crystal Dustin T. , Curiel Daniel A. , Abdul‐Hamed Senan , Blankensteijn Louise L. , Ibrahim Ahmed M.S. , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Surgical resection of head and neck (H&N) neoplasms requiring osseous reconstruction have underdefined complication profiles. This study aimed to characterize postoperative outcomes of patients with H&N neoplasia undergoing osteocutaneous flap (OCF) or bare bone flap (BBF) reconstructions.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) 2005–2017 databases. Queried for diagnosis and procedural codes extracted patients with H&N neoplasms undergoing BBF or OCF reconstruction. Postoperative complications were evaluated. Multivariable regression generated adjusted odds ratios.

Results

A cohort of 746 patients were identified. Of reconstructions, 24.9% (n = 186/746) were BBFs while 75.1% (n = 560/746) were OCFs. 58.1% of the BBF cohort and 59.9% of the OCF cohort experienced an all‐cause complication (p = .654). Sub‐stratified, 24.2% of BBF and 17.5% of OCF patients experienced a wound complication (p = .045). Regression analysis demonstrated no difference in risk for medical complications between cohorts. However, patients receiving OCFs had a decreased likelihood of developing a wound complication (OR 0.652; 95%CI 0.430–0.989; p = .044) compared to patients receiving BBFs.

Conclusion

The incidence of complications following osseous reconstruction of the H&N is considerable. Although several complication outcomes do not seem to differ between BBF or OCF reconstructions, OCFs is associated with a decreased likelihood of wound complications.
Some orthogonal polynomials on the finite interval and Gaussian quadrature rules for fractional Riemann‐Liouville integrals
Authors: Milovanović Gradimir V.
Published: July 2020

Inspired with papers by Bokhari, Qadir, and Al‐Attas (2010) and by Rapaić, Šekara, and Govedarica (2014), in this paper we investigate a few types of orthogonal polynomials on finite intervals and derive the corresponding quadrature formulas of Gaussian type for efficient numerical computation of the left and right fractional Riemann‐Liouville integrals. Several numerical examples are included to demonstrate the numerical efficiency of the proposed procedure.
A new deep convolutional neural network design with efficient learning capability: Application to CT image synthesis from MRI
Authors: Bahrami Abass , Karimian Alireza , Fatemizadeh Emad , Arabi Hossein , Zaidi Habib
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Despite the proven utility of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in radiation therapy, MRI‐guided radiation treatment planning is limited by the fact that MRI does not directly provide the electron density map required for absorbed dose calculation. In this work, a new deep convolutional neural network model with efficient learning capability, suitable for applications where the number of training subjects is limited, is proposed to generate accurate synthetic computed tomography (sCT) images from MRI.

Methods

This efficient convolutional neural network (eCNN) is built upon a combination of the SegNet architecture (a 13‐layer encoder‐decoder structure similar to the U‐Net network) without softmax layers and the residual network. Moreover, maxpooling indices and high resolution features from the encoding network were incorporated into the corresponding decoding layers. A dataset containing 15 co‐registered MRI‐CT pairs of male pelvis (1861 two‐dimensional images) were used for training and evaluation of MRI to CT synthesis process using a fivefold cross‐validation scheme. The performance of the eCNN model was compared to an atlas‐based sCT generation technique as well as the original U‐Net model considering CT images as reference. The mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), structural similarity index (SSIM), and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) metrics were calculated between sCT and ground truth CT images.

Results

The eCNN model exhibited effective learning capability using only 12 training subjects. The model achieved a ME and MAE of 2.8 ± 10.3 and 30.0 ± 10.4 HU, respectively, which is substantially lower than values achieved by the atlas‐based (−0.8 ± 35.4 and 64.6 ± 21.2) and U‐Net (7.4 ± 11.9 and 44.0 ± 8.8) methods, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed eCNN model exhibited efficient convergence rate with a low number of training subjects, while providing accurate synthetic CT images. The eCNN model outperformed the original U‐Net model and showed superior performance to the atlas‐based technique.
Mouse Sertoli cells isolation by lineage tracing and sorting
Authors: Zomer Helena D. , Reddi Prabhakara P.
Published: July 2020

Sertoli cells play a key role in spermatogenesis by supporting the germ cells throughout differentiation. The isolation of Sertoli cells is essential to study their functions. However, the close contact of Sertoli cells with other testicular cell types and the high proliferation of contaminating cells are obstacles to obtain pure primary cultures. Current rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols result in enriched, rather than pure Sertoli cells. Therefore, novel approaches are necessary to improve the purity of Sertoli cell primary cultures. The goal of this study is to obtain pure mouse Sertoli cells using lineage tracing and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). We bred the Amh‐Cre mouse line with tdTomato line to generate mice constitutively expressing red fluorescence specifically in Sertoli cells. Primary cultures of Sertoli cells isolated from prepubertal mice showed that 79% of cells expressed tdTomato, as evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry; however, nearly all adherent cells were positive for vimentin. Most of the tomato‐negative cells expressed α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), a peritubular myoid cell marker, but double‐negative populations were also present. These findings suggest that vimentin lacks Sertoli cell‐specificity and that α‐SMA is not adequate to identify all of the contaminating cells. Upon FACS sorting; however, virtually 100% of the cells were tdTomato positive, expressed vimentin, but not α‐SMA. Prepubertal mice yielded a higher number of Sertoli cells compared to adults, but both could be adequately sorted. In conclusion, our study shows that lineage tracing and sorting is an efficient strategy for acquiring pure populations of murine Sertoli cells.
Access to Healthcare and Criminal Behavior: Evidence from the ACA Medicaid Expansions
Authors: Vogler Jacob
Published: July 2020

I investigate the causal relationship between access to healthcare and crime following state decisions to expand Medicaid coverage after the Affordable Care Act. I combine state‐level crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports for the years 2009 through 2018 with variation in insurance eligibility generated by the Medicaid expansion. Using a difference‐in‐differences design, my findings indicate that states that expanded Medicaid have experienced a 5.3 percent reduction in annual reported violent crime rates relative to nonexpansion states. This effect is explained by decreases in aggravated assaults and corresponds to 17 fewer incidents per 100,000 people. The estimated decrease in reported crime amounts to an annual cost savings of approximately $4 billion.
A novel approach for development of printed circuit board from biofiber based composites
Authors: Bharath Kurki N. , Madhu Puttegowda , Gowda Thyavihalli G. Y. , Verma Akarsh , Sanjay Mavinkere R. , Siengchin Suchart
Published: July 2020

Over past few decades, the electronic boards density and performance are enhanced by entrenching the components in the interior surfaces of the printed circuit boards (PCBs).The worthiness of this novel innovation has to be probed to warranty the functioning of electronic boards acquiesced to callous environments. In this study, a novel advancement concentrating on the development of bio‐based materials for the PCB applications has been documented. The bio‐based composite from rice husk‐epoxy resin could impendingly substitute the conventional synthetic fiber reinforced epoxy composites in PCB applications. The essential properties of biocomposites were assessed such as tensile and bending properties, dielectric property, thermal properties, moisture absorption, microdrilling, biodegradability, and flammability. Results obtained found that, these biocomposites were promising for PCB application.
Facile dispersion of aramid pulp by matrix sizing agent and reinforced rubber composites
Authors: Teng Cuiqing , Wang Tao , Qin Minglin , Kong Haijuan , Zhang Jingwei , Yu Muhuo
Published: July 2020

The properties of Kevlar fiber‐reinforced composites strongly depend on the dispersion homogeneity of the fiber in matrix and their adhesion. Dispersing fibers into a rubber is more challenging than using traditional fillers, especially for aramid pulp (AP) with a highly branched structure. Herein, we reported a facile pre‐dispersion method to disperse AP in rubber and to enable efficient reinforcement. AP was firstly modified using dopamine to enhance the surface characteristics, and then the modified AP was dispersed in a solution of nitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) in ethanol, followed by drying to obtain the AP pre‐dispersion. This pre‐dispersion was incorporated into NBR by a traditional rubber processing method to produce composites. The measurements of Fourier transform infrared, optical and electric microscopies, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis on the composites demonstrate that surface modification using dopamine and the pre‐dispersion method obviously improved the AP dispersabiligy and the interfacial interaction between the pulp and NBR, resulting in the enhanced mechanical and oil‐resistance properties of the composites.
Right ventricular dysfunction identified by abnormal strain values precedes evident growth restriction in small for gestational age fetuses
Authors: van Oostrum Noortje H. M. , van der Woude Daisy A. A , Clur Sally‐Ann B. , Oei S. Guid , van Laar Judith O. E. H.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses have an increased risk for adverse outcome. Placental insufficiency leads to changes in the circulation, with secondary adaptation of the fetal heart resulting in changed cardiac deformation. This deformation can be measured with 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE). SGA is antenatally often undiagnosed. The measurement of deformation changes in the fetal heart might help in the prediction of SGA and identify fetuses in need of more intensive surveillance.

Methods

In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate (GLSR), measured before 23 weeks gestational age were compared between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses, based on birthweight corrected for gestational age at birth.

Results

The fetal heart rate was significantly increased in SGA; 158 beats per minute (146‐163) vs 148 (134‐156); P = 0.035 in AGA. Right ventricle GLS (RV‐GLS) values were significantly increased in SGA; −15.87% (−11.69% to −20.55%) vs −20.24% (−16.29% to −24.28%); p = 0.024, respectively.

Conclusion

RV‐GLS values, measured with 2D‐STE, were significantly increased in SGA, indicating systolic RV dysfunction before 23 weeks gestational age in fetuses who will become SGA later in pregnancy. A large longitudinal prospective cohort study is needed to confirm these findings.
Steam disinfection of toothbrushes from patients with cystic fibrosis: Evidence‐based recommendations
Authors: Millar Beverley C. , Maguire Mollie , Moore Rachel E. , Murphy Alan , McCaughan John , Stirling Jonathan , Moore John E.
Published: July 2020

Background

Patients with cystic fibrosis have increased morbidity/mortality due to chronic respiratory infections, which primarily originate from the environment. Infection prevention and control emphasize the importance of cleaning and disinfection of respiratory devices, however, there is a paucity of guidance on toothbrush hygiene, which have been shown to be a source of cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens.

Methods

This study examined steam disinfection of toothbrushes contaminated with clinically significant CF isolates (n = 80; Gram positive = 33; Gram negative = 32, and non‐tuberculous mycobacteria = 6) and yeasts (n = 9), as well as oral streptococci (n = 26) and environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 12).

Results

Steam disinfection eradicated all organisms tested, as well as all organisms in CF sputum applied to toothbrushes.

Conclusions

Steam disinfection offers a relatively simple, cheap and available method of eliminating non‐spore‐forming CF pathogens on toothbrushes. Toothbrushes should be thoroughly rinsed after each use before steam disinfection, to remove plaque, epithelial cells, and residual toothpaste. Toothbrushes should be steam disinfected after each use employing a baby bottle steam disinfector, adhering to manufacturers' operating instructions and stored in the disinfector until next used within 12 to 24 hours. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles look worn out, as well as every time a pulmonary exacerbation occurs or every time the patient is treated for a pulmonary/throat infection. Steam disinfection of toothbrushes is crucial when the patient is undergoing eradication regimes for P. aeruginosa and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, so that the patient does not become reinfected from this source, thereby aiding eradication and enhancing patient safety.
Pulmonary growth abnormalities as etiologies for pediatric pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Mallory George B. , Spielberg David R. , Silva‐Carmona Manuel
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary growth abnormality (PGA) is a common type of diffuse lung disease in infants. Although the histologic and radiographic features of PGA have been described in the literature in varying detail, the clinical spectrum of disease has not. The array of case series and case reports has led to a clinical picture that could be confusing to clinicians. We describe three subsets of PGA, including its association with the histologic marker of pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis, and its common association with pulmonary hypertension. We propose a new approach to what we consider an increasingly broad array of different disease entities.
Measuring Crack Growth and Rise in Temperature around a Cylindrical Defect in Explosive Simulants under Low‐Pressure and Long‐Pulse Loadings
Authors: Ma Xiao , Zhang Kun , Shang Hailin , Li Jianling , Li Tao , Fu Hua , Zheng Xianxu
Published: July 2020

Low‐pressure and long‐pulse loadings are critical loading modes in research on non‐shock ignition. Under such loadings, viscoplastic deformation, fracture, and a local rise in temperature may occur around inherent defects in condensed explosives to cause non‐shock ignition. In this study, transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) was chosen as an explosive simulant to elucidate the processes of crack growth, pore collapse, and rise in temperature at a cylindrical defect by using a set of modified split Hopkinson pressure bars. A recently developed optical temperature‐sensing technique that uses the multiphonon‐assisted anti‐Stokes‐to‐Stokes fluorescence intensity ratio was used to monitor the rise in temperature in the cracks. By combining the work here with our previous research, two significant conclusions are arrived at: 1) Around the cylindrical defect, the opening‐mode crack initiated earlier than the shearing‐mode crack did but its rate of propagation was considerably lower. Moreover, the smaller the cylindrical defect was, the lower was the rate of propagation of the cracks. 2) The rise in temperature in shearing‐mode cracks was higher than that of the opening‐mode cracks. It can be inferred that the local rise in temperature caused by shearing was the major factor leading to the non‐shock ignition of condensed explosives
Large cell carcinoma of the lung presenting as diffuse pulmonary infiltrates with haemoptysis
Authors: Seong Gil Myeong , Hyun Chang Lim , Lee Jonggeun , Kim Changhwan
Published: July 2020

Due to rapid advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) classification has defined large cell carcinoma (LCC) as a subtype that is lacking glandular or squamous cells, and any neuroendocrine differentiation. Accordingly, LCC is one of the rarest subtypes of NSCLC. LCC usually presents as a large peripheral tumour with prominent necrosis and its specific characteristics are not well known. Here, we report a case of LCC identified during differential diagnosis of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage in a patient with haemoptysis.
The expanding arms of Zika virus: An updated review with recent Indian outbreaks
Authors: Agarwal Ankita , Chaurasia Deepti
Published: July 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks and their adverse clinical consequences have raised concerns throughout the world. ZIKV was little known during the initial outbreaks in Yap islands and French Polynesia, but it came to attention after the series of Brazil outbreaks in which severe complications like microcephaly in newborn babies was detected. During 2018, outbreaks of ZIKV occurred in two states of India which, being a tropical country, has congenial climatic conditions, abundance of highly competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and an immunologically naïve population. In this review, we will briefly discuss the history, epidemiology, evolution, transmission (vector‐borne and non‐vector borne), pathogenesis, clinical signs and unusual presentations, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of ZIKV. Finally, we suggest priorities for urgent research required to address unanswered questions about Zika infections and help bring this virus under control.
Job insecurity and subjective sleep quality: The role of spillover and gender
Authors: Kim Yun‐Kyoung , Kramer Amit , Pak Sunjin
Published: July 2020

Perceived job insecurity is a critical job stressor that creates the conditions for negative health and performance outcomes for workers while potentially increasing health‐related costs for employers. Sleep quality, an important proxy of health, has been understudied in relation to the impact of perceived job insecurity. Using job stress concepts and a perseverative cognition model, this study examines the association between perceived job insecurity and subjective sleep quality while considering negative work spillover as a mediator. We expand our analysis to consider gender as a moderator of the job insecurity–sleep quality relationship, predicting the relationship will be stronger for men than for women. Study 1 uses a nationally representative sample from the Midlife Development in the United States National Survey Refresher study consisting of 1031 working adults and a multi‐group path analysis to test our hypotheses. Results show that negative work spillover mediates the relationship between perceived job insecurity and subjective sleep quality. Study 2 uses a sample of 152 working adults who participated in three biweekly surveys. The mediating role of negative work spillover is replicated in Study 2. In both studies, no gender moderation is found. Theoretical and methodological contributions, limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Effect of Zr on Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior of Ti‐Microalloyed Low Carbon Steels
Authors: Zeng Min , Cao Jian-Chun
Published: July 2020

The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of Ti‐ and Ti–Zr‐microalloyed steels are systematically investigated on a Gleeble‐3800 thermomechanical simulator at the deformation temperatures from 900 to 1100 °C and strain rates from 0.001 to 10 s−1. The hot deformation activation energies of the two tested steels are obtained by regression method, and the hot working equations are also established. From the strain hardening rate and stress curve, the critical strains are obtained, and the recrystallization volume fraction model is established. The results show that DRX occurred in both tested steels at high temperature and low strain rate. The activation energy of Ti‐microalloyed steel increased 56.6 kJ mol−1 by adding Zr. When the strain rate is low, the flow stress and critical strains for Ti–Zr‐microalloyed steel are higher than that of Ti‐microalloyed steel.
Influence of flange dimensions and geometrical imperfections on stress concentrations at welded flange necks
Authors: Seidel Marc , Wegener Filip , van Dijk Ingmar
Published: July 2020

Ring flange connections for tubular towers, like those for wind turbines or chimneys, are subjected to significant fatigue loading. Next to the bolts, the weld connecting the flange to the tower shell also needs to be checked against fatigue failure. The flange causes local bending moments in the shell, which increase the meridional stress, i. e. stress concentrations occur. In this paper, the influence of geometrical imperfections on such stress concentrations is quantified and the influence of flange geometry on resulting stress is investigated. Recommendations are given for flange dimensions and the design procedure.
Automated Text Analysis for Intelligence Purposes: A Psychological Operations Case Study
Authors: Varga Stefan , Brynielsson Joel , Horndahl Andreas , Rosell Magnus
Published: July 2020

With the availability of an abundance of data through the Internet, the premises to solve some intelligence analysis tasks have changed for the better. The study presented herein sets out to examine whether and how a data-driven approach can contribute to solve intelligence tasks. During a full day observational study, an ordinary military intelligence unit was divided into two uniform teams. Each team was independently asked to solve the same realistic intelligence analysis task. Both teams were allowed to use their ordinary set of tools, but in addition one team was also given access to a novel text analysis prototype tool specifically designed to support data-driven intelligence analysis of social media data. The results, obtained from the case study with a high ecological validity, suggest that the prototype tool provided valuable insights by bringing forth information from a more diverse set of sources, specifically from private citizens that would not have been easily discovered otherwise. Also, regardless of its objective contribution, the capabilities and the usage of the tool were embraced and subjectively perceived as useful by all involved analysts.
Vernetzt, flexibel und gesund?
Authors: Daum Mario , Zanker Claus
Published: July 2020

Der Wandel der Erwerbsarbeit infolge der Digitalisierung eröffnet neue Optionen aber birgt auch einige Gefahren. Die Autoren verfolgen in diesem Beitrag einen interdisziplinären Zugang zu orts- und zeitflexiblen Arbeitsformen, die durch den digitalen Wandel verstärkt möglich sind. Sie stellen die gegenwärtigen Forderungen nach Deregulierung bzw. Regulierung des Arbeitsrechts dar und ordnen diese auf Grundlage von Erkenntnissen der Arbeits- und Rechtswissenschaft ein. Auf ihren Ergebnissen basierend, geben sie Handlungsempfehlungen für Akteure aus Politik und Wirtschaft zur Gestaltung und Regulierung von orts- und zeitflexiblem Arbeiten.
Rollen und Verantwortlichkeiten für erfolgreiche Social-Business-Anwendungen
Authors: Schiller Christian , Meiren Thomas
Published: July 2020

Der Einsatz von Social Business bietet große Potenziale für Unternehmen, ist jedoch kein Selbstläufer. Um auf Dauer von Social Business profitieren zu können, müssen deshalb von Beginn an erfolgskritische Fragestellungen adressiert und geeignete Lösungen gefunden werden. So ergab eine Studie, die im Rahmen des vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) geförderten Projekts SB:Digital durchgeführt wurde, dass die dort befragten Unternehmen klar definierte Rollen und Verantwortlichkeiten sowie die Sicherstellung der Akzeptanz der Mitarbeitenden als die wichtigsten Erfolgsfaktoren für Social Business ansehen. Innerhalb des Projekts SB:Digital wurde deshalb ein Referenzmodell entwickelt, das Unternehmen bei der Entwicklung und Umsetzung von Social-Business-Anwendungen unterstützt und dabei methodische und praktische Hilfestellungen bietet. Eine wichtige Funktion innerhalb des Referenzmodells nehmen klar definierte Rollen und Verantwortlichkeiten ein, welche im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgestellt werden.
Formal Global AKSZ Gauge Observables and Generalized Wilson Surfaces
Authors: Moshayedi Nima
Published: July 2020

We consider a construction of observables by using methods of supersymmetric field theories. In particular, we give an extension of AKSZ-type observables constructed in Mnev (Lett Math Phys 105:1735–1783, 2015) using the Batalin–Vilkovisky structure of AKSZ theories to a formal global version with methods of formal geometry. We will consider the case where the AKSZ theory is “split” which will give an explicit construction for formal vector fields on base and fiber within the formal global action. Moreover, we consider the example of formal global generalized Wilson surface observables whose expectation values are invariants of higher-dimensional knots by using BF field theory. These constructions give rise to interesting global gauge conditions such as the differential quantum master equation and further extensions.
Machine learning-based analysis of [18F]DCFPyL PET radiomics for risk stratification in primary prostate cancer
Authors: Cysouw Matthijs C. F. , Jansen Bernard H. E. , van de Brug Tim , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Pfaehler Elisabeth , de Vries Bart M. , van Moorselaar Reindert J. A. , Hoekstra Otto S. , Vis André N. , Boellaard Ronald
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Quantitative prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET analysis may provide for non-invasive and objective risk stratification of primary prostate cancer (PCa) patients. We determined the ability of machine learning-based analysis of quantitative [18F]DCFPyL PET metrics to predict metastatic disease or high-risk pathological tumor features.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, 76 patients with intermediate- to high-risk PCa scheduled for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection underwent pre-operative [18F]DCFPyL PET-CT. Primary tumors were delineated using 50–70% peak isocontour thresholds on images with and without partial-volume correction (PVC). Four hundred and eighty standardized radiomic features were extracted per tumor. Random forest models were trained to predict lymph node involvement (LNI), presence of any metastasis, Gleason score ≥ 8, and presence of extracapsular extension (ECE). For comparison, models were also trained using standard PET features (SUVs, volume, total PSMA uptake). Model performance was validated using 50 times repeated 5-fold cross-validation yielding the mean receiver-operator characteristic curve AUC.

Results

The radiomics-based machine learning models predicted LNI (AUC 0.86 ± 0.15, p < 0.01), nodal or distant metastasis (AUC 0.86 ± 0.14, p < 0.01), Gleason score (0.81 ± 0.16, p < 0.01), and ECE (0.76 ± 0.12, p < 0.01). The highest AUCs reached using standard PET metrics were lower than those of radiomics-based models. For LNI and metastasis prediction, PVC and a higher delineation threshold improved model stability. Machine learning pre-processing methods had a minor impact on model performance.

Conclusion

Machine learning-based analysis of quantitative [18F]DCFPyL PET metrics can predict LNI and high-risk pathological tumor features in primary PCa patients. These findings indicate that PSMA expression detected on PET is related to both primary tumor histopathology and metastatic tendency. Multicenter external validation is needed to determine the benefits of using radiomics versus standard PET metrics in clinical practice.
Informatik – eine eigenständige Wissenschaft?
Authors: Reisig Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

In diesem Beitrag frage ich nach einem Rahmen für eine umfassende Theorie der Informatik als eine formale Theorie der diskreten dynamischen Systeme, nach dem Vorbild der Theoriebildung in den Naturwissenschaften. An zahlreichen Beispielen zeige ich, dass dieses Unterfangen durchaus aussichtsreich ist und in isolierten Teilen schon vorliegt. Auf lange Sicht könnte die Informatik damit eine eigenständige Wissenschaft herausbilden, in Ergänzung zu ihren starken technologischen Aspekten, mit eigener theoretischer, mathematischer Basis, und auf Augenhöhe mit den Naturwissenschaften.
Informatik-Fachbereiche an deutschen Universitäten
Authors: Claus Volker , Ritter Norbert
Published: July 2020

Die sich gegenwärtig vollziehende digitale Transformation belegt die Entwicklung der Informatik hin zu einer wissenschaftlichen Schlüsseldisziplin. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine rasante Entwicklung; vor etwa 50 Jahren wurde noch diskutiert, ob es sich bei der Informatik überhaupt um eine eigenständige wissenschaftliche Disziplin oder vielmehr um ein Teilgebiet der Mathematik oder der Elektrotechnik handelt. Der Begriff „Informatik“ wurde – so nehmen die Autoren an – erstmals 1968 im Zusammenhang mit den allerersten Empfehlungen für einen Studiengang im Bereich der Datenverarbeitung verwendet; die erste Informatikdiplomprüfungsordnung der Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) wurde am 01.02.1973 beschlossen. Die Überzeugungen und die Überzeugungskraft der Pioniere der Informatik, die Gründungen der Gesellschaft für Informatik (1969) und des Fakultätentags Informatik (1973), die Einsetzung eines Fachausschusses Informatik in der DFG (1970) sowie frühe Aktivitäten des Wissenschaftsrats förderten die Entstehung von Informatikfachbereichen an deutschen Universitäten. Dieser Beitrag zeigt die Entwicklung der Lehre/Lehrinhalte sowie der Forschung in diesen Fachbereichen in den letzten 50 Jahren aus der Sicht des Fakultätentags Informatik auf. Während diese Entwicklung zunächst Informatik als eigenständige wissenschaftliche Disziplin etablierte, ist heutzutage ein immer stärker werdendes Zusammenwirken der Informatik mit wissenschaftlichen Partnerdisziplinen aller Bereiche zu beobachten (Data Science/Künstliche Intelligenz). Es muss verstärkt darüber nachgedacht und miteinander darüber gesprochen werden, was diese steigende Verantwortung für die Informatik als wissenschaftliche Disziplin bedeutet und wie sie dieser gerecht werden kann.
Presentation outside office hours does not negatively influence treatment times for reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Groot A. E. , de Bruin H. , Nguyen T. T. M. , Kappelhof M. , de Beer F. , Visser M. C. , Zwetsloot C. P. , Halkes P. H. A. , de Kruijk J. , van der Meulen W. D. M. , van der Ree T. C. , Kwa V. I. H. , van Schaik S. M. , Hani L. , van den Berg R. , Sprengers M. E. S. , Roosendaal S. D. , Emmer B. J. , Nederkoorn P. J. , Majoie C. B. L. M. , Roos Y. B. W. E. M. , Coutinho J. M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Treatment outside office hours has been associated with increased workflow times for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Limited data suggest that this “off-hours effect” also exists for endovascular treatment (EVT). We investigated this phenomenon in a well-organized acute stroke care region in the Netherlands.

Methods

Retrospective, observational cohort study of consecutive patients with AIS who received reperfusion therapy in the Greater Amsterdam Area, consisting of 14 primary stroke centers and 1 comprehensive stroke center (IVT: 2009–2015, EVT: 2014–2017). Office hours were defined as presentation during weekdays between 8 AM and 5 PM, excluding National Festive days. Primary outcome was door-to-treatment time (door-to-needle [DNT] for IVT, door-to-groin [DGT] for EVT). For DGT, we used the door time of the first hospital. Other outcomes were in-hospital mortality, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). We performed multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses and used multiple imputation to account for missing values.

Results

In total, 59% (2450/4161) and 61% (239/395) of patients treated with IVT and EVT, respectively, presented outside office hours. Median DNT was minimally longer outside office hours (32 vs. 30 min, p = 0.024, adjusted difference 2.5 min, 95% CI 0.7–4.2). Presentation outside office hours was not associated with a longer DGT (median 130 min for both groups, adjusted difference 7.0 min, 95% CI − 4.2 to 18.1). Clinical outcome and sICH rate also did not differ.

Conclusion

Presentation outside office hours did not lead to clinically relevant treatment delays for reperfusion therapy in patients with AIS.