bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Immediate versus delayed autologous breast reconstruction in patients undergoing post‐mastectomy radiation therapy: A paradigm shift”
Authors: Wu Young Mimi Y. , Garza Rebecca M. , Chang David W.
Published: July 2022

Background

While negative impacts of radiation on breast reconstruction have been well accepted, timing of autologous breast reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is still evolving. This study aims to address the dilemma of breast reconstruction timing in patients receiving PMRT.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed evaluating patients who underwent PMRT and autologous breast reconstruction. Postoperative complication and revision rates were compared.

Results

Thirty‐six immediate (immediate breast reconstruction [IBR]) and 89 delayed reconstructions (delayed breast reconstruction [DBR]) were included with comparable patient characteristics between groups. Overall complication rates were not significantly different, or when separately assessing for surgical site infections, wound dehiscence, fat necrosis, or substantial volume loss. No free flaps were lost in either group. Revision rates were significantly lower in the IBR group (p = 0.02). DBR resulted in appreciably larger volumes of fat grafting to the therapeutically reconstructed breast (p = 0.01) and more contralateral mastopexies (p = 0.02). No significant difference was observed in fat necrosis excision, breast reduction, or need for secondary flap reconstruction or prosthetic use for volume loss.

Conclusions

IBR in the setting of PMRT does not result in higher rates of complications and requires fewer overall revisions, making it a compelling option for patients undergoing PMRT.
EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 and SKINDEX‐29 measurement of health‐related quality of life in patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: Real‐world data in Spanish patients (MICADOS Study)
Authors: Navarro Matilla Belén , Onteniente Gomis Mª del Mar , Pujol Vallverdú Ramon M. , Combalia Escudero Andrea , Zapata Paz Irma , Muniesa Montserrat Cristina , González Barca Eva , Morillo Andújar Mercedes , Pérez Ferriols Amparo , Román Curto Mª Concepción , Fernández de Misa Cabrera Ricardo , Hospital Gil Mercedes , Marín Niebla Ana , Rios Rull Pablo J. , de la Cruz Vicente Fátima , Izu Belloso Rosa M. , Martín García‐Sancho Alejandro , Parera Amer M. Elisabet , Córdoba Mascuñano Raúl , Ramón Quiles María Dolores , Saus Carreres Ana , del Campo García Raquel , Machan Salma , Viguera Ester Pablo , Blanco Garnelo Julia , Soler López Begoña , Ortiz Romero Pablo L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Few studies have explored the impact of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and compared it to other patients with cancer.

Objectives

The primary objective of the study was to assess the QoL of patients diagnosed with the mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) types of CTCL in Spain.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was completed recruiting adult patients with MF and SS, exploring the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Core Quality of Life Questionnaire, version 3 (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30v3) and Skindex‐29 HRQoL and itching intensity.

Results

A total of 141 patients [81 males (57.4%) and mean age of 63.6 years (95% CI: 61.4–65.7)], were included. EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 global health status showed worse scores in CTCL patients compared to healthy population (p < 0.05) and did not differ from other patients with cancer. The physical and role functioning of CTCL patients were better than other patients with cancer (p < 0.05) but worse than healthy population (p < 0.05). The social functioning was similar to other patients with cancer but worse than healthy (p < 0.05). In the global health status, better scores were observed with aging (p = 0.023) and worse scores in patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)‐1 versus ECOG‐0 (p = 0.01). The Skindex‐29 global score was 28.5 (95% CI: 24.8–32.3), being worst at higher clinical stage (p < 0.05) and at higher pruritus intensity (p < 0.001) and better for older patients (p < 0.001). More itching was related to female sex (p = 0.016), younger patients (p = 0.035), higher ECOG (p < 0.05) and higher m‐SWAT scores (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

These results allow mapping HRQoL affectation in CTCL patients. Global health status in MF/SS was like other patients with cancer and worse than the age‐matched healthy population. The highest impact in Skindex‐29 and EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 was associated with young age, ECOG, pruritus and disease stage.
A global meta‐analysis of indicators for assessing forest soil quality through comparison between paired plantations versus natural forests
Authors: Yang Kai , Diao Mengmeng , Zhu Jiaojun , Lu Deling , Zhang Weidong
Published: July 2022

Soil quality is defined as the capacity of soil to sustain biological productivity and healthy environments. More than 30 physical, chemical, and microbial properties have been used to assess soil quality status. However, using specific properties to represent forest soil quality remains ambiguous. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis of paired natural and plantation forests using 104 articles and 26 soil indices to evaluate soil quality indicators. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis were used to choose a minimum dataset (MDS) of soil quality indicators. Significant differences in 16 indices of soil properties, including 1 physical, 5 chemical and 10 microbial properties, were found between soils in natural versus plantation forests. The PCA and correlation analysis indicated that 7 indices, including total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN), fungal biomass, bacterial biomass, and hydrolytic enzymes, can be used to establish an MDS that explains 76.8% of the data variation. Based on the MDS, total C and N, MBC, MBN, fungal biomass, bacterial biomass and hydrolytic enzymes contribute 17.9%, 14.9%, 22.2%, 16.7%, 15.2%, 8.3%, and 4.8% to the soil quality, respectively. The climate, stand age and tree species affect the intensity of variation in these 7 soil indicators, not the variation direction of these soil indicators. Our study indicates that soil C and N values and microbial properties are important forest soil quality indicators and that the intensity of variation in these soil indicators depends on the climate, stand age and tree species planted.
Crystalline Carbosilane‐Based Block Copolymers: Synthesis by Anionic Polymerization and Morphology Evaluation in the Bulk State
Authors: Hübner Hanna , Niebuur Bart‐Jan , Janka Oliver , Gemmer Lea , Koch Marcus , Kraus Tobias , Kickelbick Guido , Stühn Bernd , Gallei Markus
Published: July 2022

Block copolymers (BCPs) in the bulk state are known to self‐assemble into different morphologies depending on their polymer segment ratio. For polymers with amorphous and crystalline BCP segments, the crystallization process can be influenced significantly by the corresponding bulk morphology. Herein, the synthesis of the amorphous‐crystalline BCP poly(dimethyl silacyclobutane)‐block‐poly(2vinyl pyridine), (PDMSB‐b‐P2VP), by living anionic polymerization is reported. Polymers with overall molar masses ranging from 17 400 g to 592 200 g mol−1 and PDMSB contents of 4.8–83.9 vol% are synthesized and characterized by size‐exclusion chromatography and NMR spectroscopy. The bulk morphology of the obtained polymers is investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering, revealing a plethora of self‐assembled structures, providing confined and nonconfined conditions. Subsequently, the influence of the previously determined morphologies and their resulting confinement on the crystallinity and crystallization behavior of PDMSB is analyzed via differential scanning calorimetry and powder X‐ray diffraction. Here, fractionated crystallization and supercooling effects are observable as well as different diffraction patterns of the PDMSB crystallites for confined and nonconfined domains.
Ultrafast phonon‐driven charge transfer in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Meneghini Giuseppe , Brem Samuel , Malic Ermin
Published: July 2022

Van der Waals heterostructures built by vertically stacked transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit a rich energy landscape, including interlayer and intervalley excitons. Recent experiments demonstrated an ultrafast charge transfer in TMD heterostructures. However, the nature of the charge transfer process has remained elusive. Based on a microscopic and material‐realistic exciton theory, we reveal that phonon‐mediated scattering via strongly hybridized intervalley excitons governs the charge transfer process that occurs on a sub‐100fs timescale. We track the time‐, momentum‐, and energy‐resolved relaxation dynamics of optically excited excitons and determine the temperature‐ and stacking‐dependent charge transfer time for different TMD bilayers. The provided insights present a major step in microscopic understanding of the technologically important charge transfer process in van der Waals heterostructures.

Key Points

Microscopic and fully quantum‐mechanic model is developed to calculate exciton dynamics in van der Waals heterostructures

Charge transfer occurs on a femtosecond timescale and is a phonon‐mediated two‐step process

Strongly hybridized dark exciton states play a crucial role for the charge transfer
The reinforcing effect of lignin‐containing cellulose nanofibrils in the methacrylate composites produced by stereolithography
Authors: Feng Xinhao , Yang Zhaozhe , Wang Siqun , Wu Zhihui
Published: July 2022

Lignin‐containing nanocellulose has been used as a potential reinforcement in the three‐dimensional (3D) printed materials due to its high aspect ratio and favorable compatibility with 3D printed polymer matrix. However, lignin‐containing cellulose nanocrystal (L‐CNC) only performed its reinforcement at elevated temperature during postcure process. This not only complicates the 3D printing process, but also increases the energy consumption of 3D printing. Therefore, in this study, we applied the lignin‐containing cellulose nanofibrils (L‐CNF) to reinforce the 3D printed methacrylate (MA) resin and the reinforcing mechanism of L‐CNF with a simple material process was investigated. Mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the 3D printed composites were systematically analyzed. It was observed that the mechanical and thermal properties of 3D printed composites were enhanced with the addition of L‐CNF due to its distinguished characters of surfacial‐coated lignin and high aspect ratio, which increase the mechanical interaction between L‐CNF and MA matrix.
UV‐induced degradation of high‐efficiency silicon PV modules with different cell architectures
Authors: Sinha Archana , Qian Jiadong , Moffitt Stephanie L. , Hurst Katherine , Terwilliger Kent , Miller David C. , Schelhas Laura T. , Hacke Peter
Published: July 2022

Degradation from ultraviolet (UV) radiation has become prevalent in the front of solar cells due to the introduction of UV‐transmitting encapsulants in photovoltaic (PV) module construction. Here, we examine UV‐induced degradation (UVID) in various commercial, unencapsulated crystalline silicon cell technologies, including bifacial silicon heterojunction (HJ), interdigitated back contact (IBC), passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC), and passivated emitter rear totally diffused (PERT) solar cells. We performed UV exposure tests using UVA‐340 fluorescent lamps at 1.24 W·m−2 (at 340 nm) and 45°C through 4.02 MJ·m−2 (2000 h). Our results showed that modern cell architectures are more vulnerable to UVID, leading to a significant power decrease (−3.6% on average; −11.8% maximum) compared with the conventional aluminum back surface field (Al‐BSF) cells (<−1% on average). The power degradation is largely caused by the decrease in short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage. A greater power decrease is observed in bifacial cells with rear‐side exposure compared with those with front‐side exposure, indicating that the rear side is more susceptible to UV damage. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) confirmed an increase in hydrogen concentration near the Si/passivation interface in HJ and IBC cells after UV exposure; the excess of hydrogen could result in hydrogen‐induced degradation and subsequently cause higher recombination losses. Additionally, surface oxidation and hot‐carrier damage were identified in PERT cells. Using a spectral‐based analysis, we obtained an acceleration factor of 5× between unpackaged cells (containing a silicon nitride antireflective coating on the front) in the UV test and an encapsulated module (with the front glass and encapsulant blocking 90% of the UV at 294 nm and 353 nm, respectively) in outdoor conditions. From the analytical calculations, we show that a UV‐blocking encapsulant can reduce UV transmission in the module by an additional factor of ~50.
Lung ultrasound findings in asymptomatic healthy children with asthma
Authors: Marzook Noah , Gagnon Francois , Deragon Alexandre , Zielinski David , Shapiro Adam J. , Lands Larry C. , Dubrovsky Alexander S.
Published: July 2022

Background

Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been shown to be an effective tool to rapidly diagnose certain causes of pediatric respiratory distress. However, very little is known about LUS findings in pediatric asthma.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to characterize LUS findings in a cohort of pediatric patients with a definitive diagnosis of asthma, outside of an asthma exacerbation.

Methods

Eligible patients, aged 6−17 years old and diagnosed with asthma, underwent LUS during an outpatient visit. LUS was conducted using a six‐zone scanning protocol. Presence of a LUS artifact was defined by one or more of the following: ≥3 B‐lines per intercostal space, pulmonary consolidation, and/or pleural abnormality. Images were interpreted by an expert sonographer blinded to patient clinical characteristics.

Results

Fifty‐two patients were included. 10/52 (19.2%) patients demonstrated the presence of LUS artifacts: 8 with ≥3 B‐lines, 1 with consolidation >1 cm, and 7 with subpleural consolidations <1 cm, 1 with a pleural line abnormality. Artifacts were seen in the right anterior and lateral zones in 60% of participants and were limited to 1−2 intercostal space(s) within one lung zone in all participants. No association was found between presence of LUS artifacts and asthma control or severity.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of LUS findings in outpatient pediatric asthma. LUS artifacts in asthmatic children can be seen outside of acute exacerbations. Such baseline findings need to be taken into consideration when using LUS for the acute evaluation of a pediatric patient with asthma.
Effect of Ingredients Ratio on the Friction Sensitivity and Burning Performances of Mg/Ba(NO3)2/Novolac Resin Pyrotechnic Compositions
Authors: Zare Akbar , Zhiani Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Each pyrotechnic composition has specific sensitivity such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity and friction sensitivity (FS), and it also has specific ignition performance, including luminous intensity (LI) and burning rate (BR). These parameters depend on the concentration of pyrotechnic composition ingredients. In this study, Mg/Ba(NO3)2/novolac resin compositions were prepared using different weight ratios (wt.%) of Mg, Ba(NO3)2, and novolac resin. Then, they were investigated by their FS, LI, and BR. The results showed that by increasing Ba(NO3)2 concentration from 33.76 to 84.54 wt.% Ba(NO3)2, the FS increases from 343 N to 65.5 N. However, the LI and BR of this composition increased by increasing Ba(NO3)2 concentration until a 3/1 stoichiometric ratio of Mg/Ba(NO3)2 (from 13086 to 20588 cd (candela) and 11.25 to 13.71 cm/s, respectively for 33.76 to 64.92 wt.% Ba(NO3)2) and decreased afterward (from 20488 to 53.24 cd and 13.71 to 6.45 cm/s, respectively). For Mg/Ba(NO3)2/novolac resin containing 3 to 12 wt.% novolac resin FS increased from 56 to above 360 N. LI and BR decreased from 20057 to 1203 cd and 17.3 to 1.2 cm/s, respectively. The stoichiometric ratio of Mg/Ba(NO3)2 has the highest enthalpy of reaction. Therefore, it can be concluded that it has the highest LI and BR.
Magneto‐Optical Properties of Oxidized Co Nanowires on Pt Substrate
Authors: Tsysar Kseniya , Smelova Ekaterina , Bazhanov Dmitry
Published: July 2022

This work presents the results of the first‐principals study of magneto‐optical properties of oxidized Co nanowires on vicinal Pt surfaces. Two types of vicinal platinum surface (Pt(332) and Pt(322)) are studied to analyze the effect of surface structure on oxidation process and on the magneto‐optical properties of oxidized Co nanowires. The study reveals the change of magnetic coupling in Co nanowire under oxidation, which is sensitive to step edge geometry of vicinal surface. The dielectric tensor and reflectivity are calculated for oxide structures in order to find their main features in optical characteristic. Besides, the reflectance difference spectra are constructed for pure and oxidized nanowires in order to reveal the effect of interplay between magnetic state and oxidation on the optical properties of magnetic nanowires, which can be useful for tailoring their magnetic properties in spintronic devices.
Deciles‐based EWMA‐type sign charts for process dispersion
Authors: Godase Dadasaheb G. , Rakitzis Athanasios C. , Mahadik Shashibhushan B. , Khoo Michael B. C.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we propose and study nonparametric exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts based on the sign statistic, which are suitable for detecting changes in process dispersion. The sign statistic is defined by using appropriate deciles of the in‐control process distribution. The statistical performances of the proposed charts are determined through Monte Carlo simulation. Practical guidelines are provided for the statistical designs of these charts. We evaluate the statistical performances of the proposed charts by comparing them with that of the deciles‐based CUSUM sign chart and the EWMA lnS2 chart. The comparisons show that the proposed charts are viable nonparametric methods for monitoring the process dispersion. Finally, we provide an illustrative example to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed charts in practice.
Quantum Biotechnology
Authors: Mauranyapin Nicolas P. , Terrasson Alex , Bowen Warwick P.
Published: July 2022

Quantum technologies leverage the laws of quantum physics to achieve performance advantages in applications ranging from computing to communications and sensing. They have been proposed to have a range of applications in biological science. This includes better microscopes and biosensors, improved simulations of molecular processes, and new capabilities to control the behavior of biomolecules and chemical reactions. Quantum effects are also predicted, with much debate, to have functional benefits in biology, for instance, allowing more efficient energy transport and improving the rate of enzyme catalysis. Conversely, the robustness of biological systems to disorder from their environment has led to proposals to use them as components within quantum technologies, for instance as light sources for quantum communication systems. Together, this breadth of prospective applications at the interface of quantum and biological science suggests that quantum physics will play an important role in stimulating future biotechnological advances. This review aims to provide an overview of this emerging field of quantum biotechnology, introducing current capabilities, future prospects, and potential areas of impact. The review is written to be accessible to the non‐expert and focuses on the four key areas of quantum‐enabled sensing, quantum‐enabled imaging, quantum biomolecular control, and quantum effects in biology.
Online embedding and clustering of evolving data streams
Authors: Zubaroğlu Alaettin , Atalay Volkan
Published: July 2022

Number of connected devices is steadily increasing and this trend is expected to continue in the near future. Connected devices continuously generate data streams and the data streams may often be high dimensional and contain concept drift. Clustering is one of the most suitable methods for real‐time data stream processing, since clustering can be applied with less prior information about the data. Also, data embedding makes the visualization of high dimensional data possible and may simplify clustering process. There exist several data stream clustering algorithms in the literature; however, no data stream embedding method exists. Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) is a data embedding algorithm that is suitable to be applied on stationary (stable) data streams, though it cannot adapt concept drift. In this study, we describe a novel method EmCStream, to apply UMAP on evolving (nonstationary) data streams, to detect and adapt concept drift and to cluster embedded data instances using a distance or partitioning‐based clustering algorithm. We have evaluated EmCStream against the state‐of‐the‐art stream clustering algorithms using both synthetic and real data streams containing concept drift. EmCStream outperforms DenStream and CluStream, in terms of clustering quality, on both synthetic and real evolving data streams. Datasets and code of this study are available online athttps://gitlab.com/alaettinzubaroglu/emcstream.
General Practitioners' Explanation and Advice on Childhood Eczema and Factors Influencing Their Treatment Strategy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: van Halewijn Karlijn F. , Warendorff Tessa , Bohnen Arthur M. , Veen Mario , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A. , Bindels Patrick J. E. , Elshout Gijs
Published: July 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in children and the majority of children can be treated by the general practitioner (GP). Various factors can influence the GP's treatment strategy and may lead to less effective treatment. The objective is to gain insight into the treatment goal, treatment strategy, explanation and advice given by GPs when dealing with AD in children and to explore which factors play a role in the choice of pharmacological treatment.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews in primary care in the Netherlands were audio-recorded and transcribed. All data were analysed according to the six-steps approach of inductive thematic analysis.

Results

We interviewed 16 GPs. Treatment goals mainly focussed on the short term. GPs discussed the importance of emollient use and emphasised emollients as the basis of treatment. We found that several factors played a role in prescribing topical corticosteroids (TCS); severity of the AD, age of the child, skin type, corticophobia among parents and GPs, experience of side effects and dermatological experience. GPs reported giving limited advice about the use of TCS and prescribed medication that is not recommended by the guideline.

Conclusion

Various factors seem to influence GPs' treatment strategy for AD in children. More attention and education about the use and safety of TCS in children during GP training, continuous medical education, probably improve treatment in line with guidelines and can lead to more confidence and knowledge about TCS among GPs, which ultimately may improve the education and self-management of patients.
Associations Between Psoriatic Arthritis and Mental Health Among Patients with Psoriasis: A Replication and Extension Study Using the British Association of Dermatologists Biologics and Immunomodulators Register (BADBIR)
Authors: Lada Georgia , Chinoy Hector , Talbot Peter S. , Warren Richard B. , Kleyn C. Elise ,   BADBIR Study Group
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite some evidence that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may increase psychological burden in psoriasis, the mental health of this subpopulation is under-investigated.

Objectives

To investigate whether PsA is associated with higher depression and anxiety in moderate-to-severe psoriasis; explore whether pain mediates these associations; and estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated depression.

Methods

Baseline data from British Association of Dermatologists Biologic and Immunomodulators Register (BADBIR) participants completing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were analysed.

Results

707 patients (n = 540 with psoriasis only; n = 167 with PsA) were included. Depression prevalence was higher in patients with than without PsA, when a HADS-depression subscale cut-off ≥8 was used (33% vs. 23%, adjusted Odds Ratio [OR] (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]) = 1.64 (1.09–2.45)), but did not differ using the HADS cut-off ≥ 11. Anxiety prevalence was higher among PsA patients, regardless of HADS cut-off (cut-off ≥11: adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.62 (1.07–2.45)). Pain fully mediated the effect of PsA on depression and anxiety in psoriasis. 53.6% of participants identified as depressed did not have a known psychiatric disorder; two thirds of depressed participants were not treated.

Conclusions

PsA comorbidity in psoriasis is associated with higher anxiety; its association with depression appears to be robust when milder depressive syndromes are included, but less consistent for higher-threshold depression definitions. Depression remains unrecognized and untreated in over half of moderately-to-severe psoriasis patients. Routine depression and anxiety screening is recommended in psoriasis and PsA. PsA comorbidity may increase depression and anxiety in psoriasis through pain experience.
Human Endometrium‐Derived Adventitial Cell Spheroid‐Loaded Antimicrobial Microneedles for Uterine Regeneration
Authors: Li Shiyuan , Li Yifan , Yu Fei , Li Ning , Liu Chuanming , Mao Jialian , Sun Haixiang , Hu Yali , Zhu Yujuan , Zhou Min , Ding Lijun
Published: July 2022

Asherman's syndrome (AS) occurs as a consequence of severe damage to the endometrial basalis, usually leading to menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and recurrent miscarriage in women. Currently, human endometrium‐derived adventitial cells (En‐ADVs) are considered ideal seed cells with high pluripotency for regenerative medicine. However, critical issues such as noninvasive repair of tissues, targeting of native stem cells, and continuous action in the injured sites are not well resolved. Herein, En‐ADV spheroid‐loaded hierarchical microneedles (MN/En‐ADV) for in situ intrauterine repair are developed. The flexible microneedles are fabricated with gelatin methacryloyl and lactoferrin, imparting the characteristics of rapid degradation and antimicrobial activity. Benefiting from an array of microwells on microneedles, En‐ADVs can rapidly form 3D cell spheroids, which display higher potential for cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration than dissociated cells. With the application of MN/En‐ADV, the repaired uteri show well‐defined myometrial regeneration, angiogenesis, and an increase of endometrial receptivity in a rat AS model. Notably, embryos are able to implant in the reconstructed sites and remain viable, indicating that this system promotes the restoration of both normal morphology and reproductive function in the injured uterus. It is anticipated that multifunctional MN/En‐ADV can be an ideal candidate for versatile in situ tissue regeneration.
Application of a Calculation Formula for the Self‐Inductance of an Arbitrary‐Shaped Single‐Layer Coil (Derivation of Shape Functions and Inductance Caluculations for Regular Polygonal Coils)
Authors: Itaya Toshiya , Ishida Koichi , Tanaka Akio , Takehira Nobuo
Published: July 2022

In the design and production of electrical and electronic devices and circuits, it is desirable to have a calculation formula for obtaining exact inductance values, which are generally fundamental for coils. In this paper, a formula that can be applied to the exact calculations of the self‐inductance of arbitrary‐shaped single‐layer coils is presented, and its application to the several types of coils that are technologically valuable is reported. Specifically, the formula employs a new coefficient corresponding to the Nagaoka coefficient and the shape function determined by the coil. Moreover, it realizes a versatile and convenient inductance calculation method. In addition, as the formula is derived via an analytical method, it has the advantage that it can be calculated with a short‐time numerical integration. As examples of the application of the formula, rhombic, race‐track, elliptic, and regular polygonal coils were discussed, and the process and result of deriving the shape function and new coefficient for each coil were presented. Furthermore, regarding the calculation formula for regular polygonal coils, we made a regular pentagonal coil and conducted an experiment, and the validity of the calculation formula was confirmed. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Barrett Esophagus: Quality of life and factors associated with illness perception
Authors: van der Ende‐van Loon Mirjam C. M. , Nieuwkerk Pythia T. , van Stiphout Stephan H. C. , Scheffer Robert C. H. , de Ridder Rogier J. J. , Pouw Roos E. , Alkhalaf Alaa , Weusten Bas L. A. M. , Curvers Wouter L. , Schoon Erik J.
Published: July 2022

Background

Health‐related Quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE), a premalignant condition, may be influenced by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We aim to investigate HRQoL in non‐dysplastic Barrett Esophagus (NDBE) patients, identify factors associated with a negative illness perception of the diagnosis BE and compare outcomes between patients treated in a specialized BE center with non‐expert centers. In this multi‐center cross‐sectional study, HRQoL of NDBE patients were assessed using the Short Form 36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer worry Scale, and Reflux Disease Questionnaire. A multivariable, linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with illness perception (Illness perception scale) of the BE diagnosis. Outcome parameters of patients from expert centers were compared to non‐expert centers.

Results

A total of 859 NDBE patients (mean age 63.6% and 74.5% male), of which 640 from BE expert centers were included. BE patients scored similar or higher means (i.e. better) on generic HRQoL in comparison with a Dutch norm population. The multivariable regression model showed that cancer worry, GERD symptoms, signs of anxiety and depression, and female gender were associated with a negative illness perception of BE. GERD symptoms were reported in the minority (22.4%) of BE patients. Levels of anxiety symptoms were comparable to a Dutch norm population (mean 3.7 vs. 3.9 p 0.183) and lower for depression symptoms (mean 6.8 vs. 7.6 p < 0.001). Overall, there were no differences found on outcomes between expert centers and non‐expert centers.

Conclusion

NDBE patients scored similar or better on generic HRQoL, anxiety and depression than an age and gender matched norm population. The presence of cancer worry, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety and depression, and female gender are factors associated with a negative illness perception of the diagnosis BE.
Trends and periodicities of annual rainfall over Ibadan region, Nigeria
Authors: Adejuwon Joseph Omoniyi
Published: July 2022

Discovering trends and periodicities in the rainfall of a region provides essential information for understanding the climate especially the cyclic, periodic, persistent, or oscillatory patterns in rainfall. However, inadequate literature, lack of detailed research work, and data restriction to the 20th century necessitate the research. The research examines the trends and periodicities of rainfall over the Ibadan region from 1972 to 2020, Nigeria, using the Kendall tau correlation, the Spearman (rho) rank correlation, and the smoothed power spectral analysis. The results revealed upward trends in rainfall in all the stations, but only Idi‐Ayunre showed a significant trend (r = 0.034, 0.045) at p ≤ 0.05. Rainfall periodicities show that prominent short‐term periodicity of between 2.8 and 7.0 years and less prominent periodicity of 14.0 years were discovered in the rainfall series. The result provides a climatic shift toward increased rainfall and a wetter period. Thus, this study explains the trend and cyclic state of rainfall to water management for the Ibadan region and is important for agriculture and water resource planning.
Mapping of the Chemical Modifications of rRNAs
Authors: Yang Jun , Watzinger Peter , Sharma Sunny
Published: July 2022

Cellular RNAs, both coding and noncoding, contain several chemical modifications. Both ribose sugars and nitrogenous bases are targeted for these chemical additions. These modifications are believed to expand the topological potential of RNA molecules by bringing chemical diversity to otherwise limited repertoire. Here, using ribosomal RNA of yeast as an example, a detailed protocol for systematically mapping various chemical modifications to a single nucleotide resolution by a combination of Mung bean nuclease protection assay and RP-HPLC is provided. Molar levels are also calculated for each modification using their UV (254 nm) molar response factors that can be used for determining the amount of modifications at different residues in other RNA molecules. The chemical nature, their precise location and quantification of modifications will facilitate understanding the precise role of these chemical modifications in cellular physiology.
In Vitro Assembly of a Fully Reconstituted Yeast Translation System for Studies of Initiation and Elongation Phases of Protein Synthesis
Authors: Blanchet Sandra , Ranjan Namit
Published: July 2022

Protein synthesis is an essential and highly regulated cellular process. To facilitate the understanding of eukaryotic translation, we have assembled an in vitro translation system from yeast using purified components to recapitulate the initiation and elongation phases of protein synthesis. Here, we describe methods to express and purify the components of the translation system and the assays for their functional characterization.
The Rights and Responsibilities of the Physician to Uphold Bioethical Values in Society
Authors: Fernandes Ashley K.
Published: July 2022

In this chapter, I will reflect on medical ethics after the Holocaust by focusing on the rights and responsibilities of the physician to uphold bioethical values in society—which must transcend cultural, professional, and institutional mores. Physicians can do so only if: (a) They are called back to the value of the human person and the physician’s primary duty to uphold his or her good. (b) They acknowledge the hierarchical structure of medical education and resist reflexively the temptation to succumb to its moral dictates. (c) They promote a vigorous right of conscientious objection (CO), so that, if the time comes, they can defend their call to heal even against external pressures from the state, scientific establishment, and/or culture. (d) Finally, they remember those who suffered in the Holocaust both to honor them, and to remind physicians of what the power of medicine has done to degrade dignity, and what it has the potential to do to advance the dignity of all human persons.
The Physician at War
Authors: Eagan Sheena M. , Lederman Zohar
Published: July 2022

When examining bioethics and the Holocaust, the role of physicians is often shocking. As a society, we expect more of physicians. Learning about physician participation in the atrocities of the Holocaust prompts many questions: How did caregivers and healers become killers? How did physicians end up so intimately involved in war time atrocities? But the involvement of physicians in war atrocities is not unique to the Holocaust. Throughout history, medical professionals operating together with and in the name of the governing power and particularly the military, have played key roles in genocides, wars, and human rights violations. This chapter will explore the ethics of physician participation in war. We focus on the foundational and recurring issue known as “the problem of dual- loyalty”—the ethical tension of a single moral agent with two competing interests or sets of moral obligations. The underlying assumptions of this debate will be explored to examine how both the professions of medicine and the military involve a set of professional moral obligations that sometimes conflicts.
Bioethics and the Krankenmorde: Disability and Diversity
Authors: Light Edwina , Robertson Michael , Lipworth Wendy , Walter Garry , Little Miles
Published: July 2022

Between 1933 and 1945, almost 300,000 people were murdered and 360,000 sterilized by the National Socialist (Nazi) regime under a group of crimes now collectively known as the Krankenmorde, the murder of the sick and disabled. Founded in narrow-minded and inconsistent accounts of a good and valuable life, the Nazi eugenic and “euthanasia” crimes were brutal and violent acts organized and executed by doctors, nurses and other professionals. Acknowledgement of this group of victims was delayed and obscured due to historical events as well as prevailing political and social attitudes toward mental illness and disability. As a result, the breadth of the Krankemorde crimes and its victims, its relationship to the Holocaust and its contemporary significance–to bioethics and society more broadly–is less recognized or understood than that of other Nazi medical crimes, such as the infamous experiments on prisoners. First presenting a history of the Krankenmorde and its aftermath in Germany and Nazi occupied territories, this chapter goes on to examine the value of bioethics having better knowledge of this part of its history and, in particular, engaging with its own epistemic constraints in relation to disability and ableism. These ideas are explored further in the context of contemporary bioethical issues related to the rights and treatment of people with disabilities, specifically the allocation of health resources. Throughout the chapter we seek to highlight the lives of Krankenmorde victims–those who survived and those who did not–all of whom have been historically overlooked and marginalized.
Employment trajectories until midlife in schizophrenia and other psychoses: the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Authors: Majuri Tuomas , Alakokkare Anni-Emilia , Haapea Marianne , Nordström Tanja , Miettunen Jouko , Jääskeläinen Erika , Ala-Mursula Leena
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Psychoses are associated with poor labour market attachment, but few studies have compared schizophrenia (SZ) and other psychoses (OP). Moreover, studies on long-term employment trajectories over individuals’ working life courses are lacking. We compared 30 year employment trajectory patterns in a general population sample among individuals with SZ, OP, and those with no psychosis (NP).

Methods

Utilising the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, we collected survey data on employment from ages 16 to 45 and detected individuals with register-based history of SZ (n = 62), OP (n = 87), or NP (n = 6464) until age 46. Through gender-specific latent class analyses on annual employment roles, we identified traditional, highly educated, self-employed, delayed and floundering employment trajectories with distinct socioeconomic characteristics. We addressed attrition by conducting weighted analyses.

Results

Floundering trajectories were common among individuals with SZ (79% of men, 73% of women) and OP (52% of men, 51% of women). In NP, a traditional employee trajectory was most common in men (31%), and a highly educated trajectory in women (28%). A history of psychosis was associated with heightened odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) for floundering trajectories in both men (SZ: 32.9 (13.3–81.4); OP: 7.4 (4.0–13.9)) and women (SZ: 9.9 (4.6–21.5); OP: 3.9 (2.1–7.1)) compared to NP. Weighted analyses produced similar results.

Conclusion

Most individuals with SZ or OP have floundering employee trajectories reflecting an elevated risk of unemployment and part-time work until midlife. These results indicate the importance of improving labour market attachment during the early phases of psychoses.
Konservative Therapie von Verletzungen des Akromioklavikulargelenks
Authors: Bouaicha Samy
Published: July 2022

Niedriggradige Verletzungen (Grad I und II nach Rockwood) des Akromioklavikulargelenks (ACG) können in den meisten Fällen mit gutem Outcome konservativ behandelt werden. Hierbei gibt es keine Methode der Immobilisation, welche sich als Überlegen herausgestellt hätte. Höhergradige Verletzungen (Grad IV und V), welche eine relevante Instabilität und konsekutiv häufig eine Dyskinesie des skapulothorakalen Rhythmus zur Folge haben, profitieren von einer chirurgischen Rekonstruktion. Kein Konsens trotz breiter akademischer Diskussion besteht bei Grad-III-Verletzungen. In Langzeitstudien und im Rahmen von Metaanalysen zeigten sich keine Vorteile eines operativen Vorgehens gegenüber der konservativen Behandlung nach 1 bis 2 Jahren, während einzelne Fallserien Vorteile in der anatomischen Rekonstruktion aufzeigten, insbesondere wenn für das ACG spezifische Outcome-Scores verwendet wurden. In Grenzfällen sollte das individuelle Arbeits- und Sportprofil, insbesondere regelmäßige Überkopfaktivität, in die therapeutische Entscheidungsfindung einfließen. Sowohl bei niedrig- wie auch hochgradigen Verletzungen des ACG kann durch eine fokussierte Therapie zur Verbesserung der skapulothorakalen Mobilität und Stabilität eine Skapuladyskinesie in vielen Fällen (gelegentlich auch ≥ Grad III nach Rockwood) vermieden oder erfolgreich behandelt werden.
Approaches for assessing performance of high-resolution mass spectrometry–based non-targeted analysis methods
Authors: Fisher Christine M. , Peter Katherine T. , Newton Seth R. , Schaub Andrew J. , Sobus Jon R.
Published: July 2022

Non-targeted analysis (NTA) using high-resolution mass spectrometry has enabled the detection and identification of unknown and unexpected compounds of interest in a wide range of sample matrices. Despite these benefits of NTA methods, standardized procedures do not yet exist for assessing performance, limiting stakeholders’ abilities to suitably interpret and utilize NTA results. Herein, we first summarize existing performance assessment metrics for targeted analyses to provide context and clarify terminology that may be shared between targeted and NTA methods (e.g., terms such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and selectivity). We then discuss promising approaches for assessing NTA method performance, listing strengths and key caveats for each approach, and highlighting areas in need of further development. To structure the discussion, we define three types of NTA study objectives: sample classification, chemical identification, and chemical quantitation. Qualitative study performance (i.e., focusing on sample classification and/or chemical identification) can be assessed using the traditional confusion matrix, with some challenges and limitations. Quantitative study performance can be assessed using estimation procedures developed for targeted methods with consideration for additional sources of uncontrolled experimental error. This article is intended to stimulate discussion and further efforts to develop and improve procedures for assessing NTA method performance. Ultimately, improved performance assessments will enable accurate communication and effective utilization of NTA results by stakeholders.

Graphical abstract
Dry-cured loin characterization by ultrasound physicochemical and sensory parameters
Authors: Jiménez Antonio , González-Mohino Alberto , Rufo Montaña , Paniagua Jesús M. , Antequera Teresa , Perez-Palacios Trinidad
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of ultrasound inspection and quality determinations to characterize two commercial categories of dry-cured pork loin, labelled as green (GL) and red (RL). For this objective, ultrasound inspection was carried out for two different frequencies (500 and 1000 kHz), considering parameters of ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), frequency components related to the fast Fourier transform (FFT), and variables related to the attenuation. Physicochemical (moisture and fat content, water activity, instrumental color), instrumental texture (TPA) and sensory analyses (QDA) were also carried out. Moreover, quality and ultrasonic parameters were subjected to a correlation analysis (Pearson). Several physicochemical, instrumental texture and sensory parameters allowed to discriminate the dry-cured loin category. Moreover, high significant correlations were found among quality and acoustics parameters. Thus, ultrasound inspection can determine quality parameters indirectly without the limitations of traditional methodologies, postulating as a tool for characterizing dry-cured loin samples of different category with a promising predictive nature. This work has showed new findings for dry-cured meat products that may be of interest to the meat industry.
Spinors and mass on weighted manifolds
Authors: Baldauf Julius , Ozuch Tristan
Published: July 2022

This paper generalizes classical spin geometry to the setting of weighted manifolds (manifolds with density) and provides applications to the Ricci flow. Spectral properties of the naturally associated weighted Dirac operator, introduced by Perelman, and its relationship with the weighted scalar curvature are investigated. Further, a generalization of the ADM mass for weighted asymptotically Euclidean (AE) manifolds is defined; on manifolds with nonnegative weighted scalar curvature, it satisfies a weighted Witten formula and thereby a positive weighted mass theorem. Finally, on such manifolds, Ricci flow is the gradient flow of said weighted ADM mass, for a natural choice of weight function. This yields a monotonicity formula for the weighted spinorial Dirichlet energy of a weighted Witten spinor along Ricci flow.
The Galois action on symplectic K-theory
Authors: Feng Tony , Galatius Soren , Venkatesh Akshay
Published: July 2022

We study a symplectic variant of algebraic K-theory of the integers, which comes equipped with a canonical action of the absolute Galois group of $${\mathbf {Q}}$$
Q
. We compute this action explicitly. The representations we see are extensions of Tate twists $${\mathbf {Z}}_p(2k-1)$$

Z
p

(
2
k
-
1
)

by a trivial representation, and we characterize them by a universal property among such extensions. The key tool in the proof is the theory of complex multiplication for abelian varieties.