bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It was a dark and stormy night—Investigation of acrylate storage tank explosions
Authors: Kas Kathleen , Morrison Delmar “Trey”
Published: September 2021

In the early morning hours of May 16, 2012, a thunderstorm rolled into the Bristol, PA, plant that produced acrylic polymers. Lightning struck in the tank farm area. Within seconds, an ethyl acrylate tank exploded and was followed a few minutes later by a butyl acrylate tank explosion. The explosions and ensuing fire led to a lengthy shutdown; fortunately, there were no injuries. This article details the investigation into the complex sequence of events that led to the two explosions. The tank installations complied with the industry lightning standards, but if the tanks met industry standards, why did the explosion happen? While the exact mechanism could not be determined with certainty, the ignition of the atmosphere in the ethyl acrylate tank most likely occurred from a spark discharge inside the tank's headspace, likely between internal components at different electrical voltage potentials. This type of mechanism could invalidate the Faraday Cage assumption inherent in current industry guidance and may represent a hazard that is not currently well‐recognized. It should also be noted that, while lightning cannot be prevented, the outcome of a lightning strike can be mitigated by the use of safeguards such as inertion, flame arresters, diking, and foam systems.
Deviation probabilities for arithmetic progressions and other regular discrete structures
Authors: Fiz Pontiveros Gonzalo , Griffiths Simon , Secco Matheus , Serra Oriol
Published: September 2021

Let the random variable count the number of edges of a hypergraph induced by a random m element subset B of its vertex set. Focussing on the case that satisfies some regularity condition we prove bounds on the probability that X is far from its mean. It is possible to apply these results to discrete structures such as the set of k‐term arithmetic progressions in the cyclic group . Furthermore, we show that our main theorem is essentially best possible and we deduce results for the case is generated by including each vertex independently with probability p.
Improved fire severity mapping in the North American boreal forest using a hybrid composite method
Authors: Holsinger Lisa M. , Parks Sean A. , Saperstein Lisa B. , Loehman Rachel A. , Whitman Ellen , Barnes Jennifer , Parisien Marc‐André
Published: September 2021

Fire severity is a key driver shaping the ecological structure and function of North American boreal ecosystems, a biome dominated by large, high‐intensity wildfires. Satellite‐derived burn severity maps have been an important tool in these remote landscapes for both fire and resource management. The conventional methodology to produce satellite‐inferred fire severity maps generally involves comparing imagery from 1 year before and 1 year after a fire, yet environmental conditions unique to the boreal have limited the accuracy of resulting products. We introduce an alternative method – the ‘hybrid composite’ – based on deriving mean severity over time on a per‐pixel basis within the cloud‐computing environment of Google Earth Engine. It constructs the post‐fire image from satellite data composited from all valid images (i.e., clear‐sky and snow‐free) acquired in the time period immediately after fire through the early growing season of the following year. We compare this approach to paired‐scene and composite approaches where the post‐fire time period is from the growing season 1 year after fire. Validation statistics based on field‐derived data for 52 fires across Alaska and Canada indicate that the hybrid composite method outperforms the other approaches. This approach presents an efficient and cost‐effective means to monitor and explore trends and patterns across broad spatial domains, and could be applied to fires in other regions, especially those with frequent cloud cover or rapid vegetation recovery.
Pharmacological Effects of Ex Vivo Mesenchymal Stem Cell Immunotherapy in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury and Underlying Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Swaminathan Madhav , Kopyt Nelson , Atta Mohamed G. , Radhakrishnan Jai , Umanath Kausik , Nguyen Sunny , O'Rourke Brian , Allen Ashley , Vaninov Natalie , Tilles Arno , LaPointe Elizabeth , Blair Andrew , Gemmiti Chris , Miller Brian , Parekkadan Biju , Barcia Rita N.
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have natural immunoregulatory functions that have been explored for medicinal use as a cell therapy with limited success. A phase Ib study was conducted to evaluate the safety and immunoregulatory mechanism of action of MSCs using a novel ex vivo product (SBI-101) to preserve cell activity in patients with severe acute kidney injury. Pharmacological data demonstrated MSC-secreted factor activity that was associated with anti-inflammatory signatures in the molecular and cellular profiling of patient blood. Systems biology analysis captured multicompartment effects consistent with immune reprogramming and kidney tissue repair. Although the study was not powered for clinical efficacy, these results are supportive of the therapeutic hypothesis, namely, that treatment with SBI-101 elicits an immunotherapeutic response that triggers an accelerated phenotypic switch from tissue injury to tissue repair. Ex vivo administration of MSCs, with increased power of testing, is a potential new biological delivery paradigm that assures sustained MSC activity and immunomodulation.
On a new piecewise regression model with cure rate: Diagnostics and application to medical data
Authors: Gómez Yolanda M. , Gallardo Diego I. , Leão Jeremias , Calsavara Vinicius F.
Published: September 2021

In this article, we discuss an extension of the classical negative binomial cure rate model with piecewise exponential distribution of the time to event for concurrent causes, which enables the modeling of monotonic and non‐monotonic hazard functions (ie, the shape of the hazard function is not assumed as in traditional parametric models). This approach produces a flexible cure rate model, depending on the choice of time partition. We discuss local influence on this negative binomial power piecewise exponential model. We report on Monte Carlo simulation studies and application of the model to real melanoma and leukemia datasets.
The Thermal Stability of Quenched and Partitioned Steel Microstructures
Authors: Koopmans Tjerk , Sietsma Jilt , Zhao Lie , Santofimia Maria J.
Published: September 2021

The quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process is a heat treatment process, aiming at the creation of steel microstructures composed of martensite and retained austenite. Herein, the thermal stability of the microstructure is investigated upon reheating steel microstructures, created with different Q&P settings, in different thermal routes, using dilatometry and thermomagnetometry to quantitatively monitor phase fractions. Analysis of the derivative of dilatometry curves and thermomagnetic data reveals that upon reheating the retained austenite decomposes. The decomposition occurs in two stages when the heating rate is relatively low. The retained austenite completely transforms to ferrite and cementite upon reheating to 550 °C, followed by isothermal holding for 1800 s. Increasing the partitioning time from 50 to 300 s at 400 °C after quenching to 260 °C significantly increases the thermal stability of retained austenite. In all conditions, both carbon‐depleted martensite (formed in the initial quenching step) and fresh martensite (formed in final Q&P quenching) are found to be partially tempered during the reheating experiments.
Modulating Mechanical Properties of Fe–0.35C–3.2Al–5Mn Hot‐Rolled Steel by Combining Twinning‐Induced Plasticity plus Transformation‐Induced Plasticity Effect
Authors: Lv Chao , Huang Xingmin , Wang Yanhua , Fu Qinqin , Zhang Juan , Wu Min
Published: September 2021

The microstructures and mechanical properties of Fe–0.35C–3.2Al–5Mn (in wt%, same later) hot‐rolled medium‐manganese steels are systematically investigated. The results show that ultrafine‐grained duplex phases with bimodal morphologies of lath and equiaxed are obtained with intercritical annealing at 750 °C for 1 h, along with ultimate tensile strength of 950 MPa and total elongation of 71.2%, attributed to the dislocation slip and deformation of ferrite matrix, accompanied by the synergetic twinning of retained austenite plus transformation of retained austenite to martensite. The newly developed medium‐manganese steels, which exhibit an excellent product of ultimate tensile strength and total elongation of 67.6 GPa·%, demonstrate great practical applications.
Analysis and Design of a Single‐Stage IsolatedDC/ACConverter for a High‐Power‐Density OnboardACInverter
Authors: Itoh Kenichi , Barrera‐Cardenas Rene , Ishigaki Masanori , Sugiyama Takahide , Isobe Takanori , Tadano Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes a single‐stage DC/AC converter for the implementation of a high‐power‐density onboard AC inverter. The proposed circuit integrates a non‐isolated DC/AC converter into an isolated DC/DC converter using only simple duty control and phase‐shift modulation, which reduces the required number of semiconductor switches. Additionally, a coupling inductor and center‐tapped transformer can be shared by the two converter functions, so they can be integrated without additional circuit components. This paper describes the operating principles of the proposed converter and design solutions are extracted using multi‐objective optimization to achieve optimal performance in terms of power density and efficiency. Based on the design solution extracted through optimization, a prototype with a volume of 0.5 l was fabricated and a power density of 3.0 kW/l with an efficiency of 94.7% was achieved at a rated power of 1.5 kW. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Evidence of possible SARS‐CoV‐2 vertical transmission according to World Health Organization criteria in asymptomatic pregnant women
Authors: Sevilla‐Montoya R. , Hidalgo‐Bravo A. , Estrada‐Gutiérrez G. , Villavicencio‐Carrisoza O. , Leon‐Juarez M. , Villegas‐Mota I. , Espino‐y‐Sosa S. , Monroy‐Muñoz I. E. , Martinez‐Portilla R. J. , Poon L. C. , Cardona‐Pérez J. A. , Helguera‐Repetto A. C. ,   Collaborators
Published: September 2021

Objective

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vertical transmission has been investigated extensively. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) published strict criteria to classify the timing of mother‐to‐child transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 into different categories. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of vertical transmission in asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive women.

Methods

Pregnant women attending for delivery at a perinatology center in Mexico City, Mexico, who had a SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive nasopharyngeal swab 24–48 h before delivery, were asymptomatic at the time of the test and had an obstetric indication for Cesarean section were eligible for inclusion in this study. Amniotic fluid was collected during Cesarean delivery, and neonatal oral and rectal swabs were collected at birth and at 24 h after birth. SARS‐CoV‐2 detection was carried out using real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction in all samples. Relevant medical information was retrieved from clinical records. The WHO criteria for classifying the timing of mother‐to‐child transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 were applied to the study population.

Results

Forty‐two SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive asymptomatic pregnant women fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐five (59%) women developed mild disease after discharge. Neonatal death occurred in three (7%) cases, of which one had a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test at birth and none had coronavirus disease 2019‐related symptoms. There were five (12%) cases with strong evidence of intrauterine transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2, according to the WHO criteria, as amniotic fluid samples and neonatal samples at birth and at 24 h after birth were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. Our results also showed that 40–60% of infected neonates would have been undetected if only one swab (oral or rectal) was tested.

Conclusion

This study contributes evidence to reinforce the potential for vertical transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 even in asymptomatic women and highlights the importance of testing more than one neonatal sample in order to increase the detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 in affected cases. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Deltas in dialogue: Imagining policy transfer from the Netherlands to Vietnam and Bangladesh as a symmetrical conversation
Authors: Hasan Shahnoor , Evers Jaap , Verzijl Andres , Zwarteveen Margreet
Published: September 2021

Based on the in‐depth study of the travels of the Dutch Delta Plan—a water‐centered strategic long‐term plan to help prepare for the effects of climate change—to Vietnam and Bangladesh, this article reflects on ways to conceptualize processes of policy transfer. Such processes involve a range of actors and actions, and hinges on the quality of the interactions and (historic) relations between them. All involved contribute experience and knowledge, working in collaboration with each other to somehow—through translation and mutual learning—create a version of the transferred policy that fits its new context. We use the article to imagine policy transfer processes in less hierarchical and more reciprocal terms, not a priori positioning those originating the transfer as superior or more advanced than those on the receiving end. To do this, the article proposes a conceptualization of policy transfer processes as symmetrical conversations: conversations in which many knowers and knowledges are mixed together to co‐produce plans and policies that are relevant and specific. Beyond better acknowledging the importance of the receivers, we hope that this conceptualization will also open up the discussion about what “good” policies (or policy knowledges) are, as well as allow for more explicit reflection about how different knowledges and knowers relate to each other in policy transfer processes.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance
Deciphering the mechanical properties of B‐DNA duplex
Authors: Dohnalová Hana , Lankaš Filip
Published: September 2021

Structure and deformability of the DNA double helix play a key role in protein and small ligand binding, in genome regulation via looping, or in nanotechnology applications. Here we review some of the recent developments in modeling mechanical properties of DNA in its most common B‐form. We proceed from atomic‐resolution molecular dynamics (MD) simulations through rigid base and base‐pair models, both harmonic and multistate, to rod‐like descriptions in terms of persistence length and elastic constants. The reviewed models are illustrated and critically examined using MD data for which the two current Amber force fields, bsc1 and OL15, were employed.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods
Synthesis and crystal structure of Pb14.66Sn7.34Br26(CN2)7O2, a complex member of group 14 carbodiimides
Authors: Löber Manuel , Ströbele Markus , Meyer Hans‐Jürgen
Published: September 2021

A mixed lead/tin bromide carbodiimide oxide was synthesized by solid‐state reaction between Pb(CN2), PbBr2, SnBr2 and SnO at 400 °C. Its monoclinic crystal structure was solved and refined in the space group C2/m by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction from a yellow single crystal. One crystallographic site was found to be occupied by both tin and lead, in agreement with the results of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The crystal structure comprises a complex network of tin/lead tetrahedra and tin/lead trigonal bipyramids linked by NCN units. In contrast to Pb(CN2), where the NCN ion is present as a cyanamide moiety, IR‐spectroscopy of the title compound revealed the carbodiimide character of the NCN ion.
Fighting Digital Fires
Authors: Schrijvers Erik , Prins Corien , Passchier Reijer
Published: September 2021

Suppose a ‘fire’ breaks out in the digital realm. Which fire brigade would we call? Do we sufficiently understand the vulnerabilities? What should we prioritize in our fire-fighting efforts? What powers do the authorities have to minimize the number of victims and to limit the damage? Are their powers commensurate for our digital world? These questions take on renewed urgency when the ‘fire’ in question is not limited to the digital domain but, left unchecked, has the ability to disrupt the ‘real world’ and undermine confidence in public institutions. Answering these questions inevitably leads to fundamental questions about the role of government, citizens and businesses. These themes are the subject of this report.
Societal Disruption
Authors: Schrijvers Erik , Prins Corien , Passchier Reijer
Published: September 2021

This section first explains the concept of ‘societal disruption’ to clarify what type of events we are addressing in this report. If events have a significant digital component, we speak of ‘digital disruption’. Because societal disruption in policy practice is often linked to national security and ‘critical assets’, we also consider the classification of critical processes and critical infrastructure.
Digitization and Societal Disruption
Authors: Schrijvers Erik , Prins Corien , Passchier Reijer
Published: September 2021

Digitization is placing new demands on how we deal with incidents that threaten to undermine core societal functions and processes. Societal disruption will almost inevitably flow from the disruption or failure of digital infrastructure given the interdependence of the digital and physical realms. Digitization also poses new challenges for policy makers as the use of digital technology leads to complex, cross-border networks with geopolitical implications.
Preparing for Digital Disruption
Authors: Schrijvers Erik , Prins Corien , Passchier Reijer
Published: September 2021

Prevention is better than cure, goes the adage. There is much to be said for prevention, especially when there is a chance to avoid the consequences of disruption altogether. But even if we take every preventive measure under the sun, we can never entirely exclude the possibility of serious disruption to the normal functioning of society. We therefore need to be prepared and to have early-warning mechanisms that can alert us when things are going awry. If disruption does occur, adequate follow-up action is vital. Recovery and reconstruction are key if society is to resume its normal functioning as rapidly as possible.
Development of the Arterial Supply of the Spinal Cord Tissue Based on Radioanatomical and Histological Studies in Cattle
Authors: Thron Armin , Stoeter Peter , Schiessl Jasmin , Prescher Andreas
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Angiographic techniques have gained increasing importance in suspected vascular disease of the spinal cord. This demands an advanced understanding of spinal cord blood vessel anatomy and its embryologically founded broad spectrum of variations. The aim of this study was to improve knowledge on contentious issues concerning the development of spinal cord arterial supply in higher mammals and to offer visual information of high didactic value.

Methods

The prenatal development was examined in cattle, using multiplanar high-resolution microangiography of injected specimens and microscopic sections. The gestational ages of the 15 specimens were between the late embryonic and the early fetal period (5–11 weeks). Microangiography of the human spinal cord from an earlier published study were used to envisage an adult arterial vascularization pattern in higher mammals.

Results

Establishment of the unpaired anterior spinal artery (ASA) goes through two procedures of reconfiguration until achieving its final design. Regression of the primarily established anteromedian tract is observed in cattle fetuses of 9–10 weeks. Return to the ontogenetic disposition of bilateral symmetry and a burst of vascularization from all parts of the spinal meninges follow and include the anterior median fissure as a preferred vascular pathway. Large sulcal/central arteries longitudinally anastomosing between each other emerge on both sides of the midline. The embryological pattern of exclusive peripheral medullary supply must have been converted into a combined system of predominant central (centrifugal) supply of the enlargements before a final unpaired ASA can be reconstructed.

Conclusion

Previous investigators focused on the early embryonic development of spinal cord arteries and missed the profound remodeling of the vascular architecture in the early fetal period.
On the Parabolic and Hyperbolic Liouville Equations
Authors: Oh Tadahiro , Robert Tristan , Wang Yuzhao
Published: September 2021

We study the two-dimensional stochastic nonlinear heat equation (SNLH) and stochastic damped nonlinear wave equation (SdNLW) with an exponential nonlinearity $$\lambda \beta e^{\beta u }$$

λ
β

e

β
u

, forced by an additive space-time white noise. (i) We first study SNLH for general $$\lambda \in {\mathbb {R}}$$

λ
∈
R

. By establishing higher moment bounds of the relevant Gaussian multiplicative chaos and exploiting the positivity of the Gaussian multiplicative chaos, we prove local well-posedness of SNLH for the range $$0< \beta ^2 < \frac{8 \pi }{3 + 2 \sqrt{2}} \simeq 1.37 \pi $$

0
<

β
2

<

8
π

3
+
2

2

≃
1.37
π

. Our argument yields stability under the noise perturbation, thus improving Garban’s local well-posedness result (2020). (ii) In the defocusing case $$\lambda >0$$

λ
>
0

, we exploit a certain sign-definite structure in the equation and the positivity of the Gaussian multiplicative chaos. This allows us to prove global well-posedness of SNLH for the range: $$0< \beta ^2 < 4\pi $$

0
<

β
2

<
4
π

. (iii) As for SdNLW in the defocusing case $$\lambda > 0$$

λ
>
0

, we go beyond the Da Prato-Debussche argument and introduce a decomposition of the nonlinear component, allowing us to recover a sign-definite structure for a rough part of the unknown, while the other part enjoys a stronger smoothing property. As a result, we reduce SdNLW into a system of equations (as in the paracontrolled approach for the dynamical $$\Phi ^4_3$$

Φ
3
4

-model) and prove local well-posedness of SdNLW for the range: $$0< \beta ^2 < \frac{32 - 16\sqrt{3}}{5}\pi \simeq 0.86\pi $$

0
<

β
2

<

32
-
16

3

5

π
≃
0.86
π

. This result (translated to the context of random data well-posedness for the deterministic nonlinear wave equation with an exponential nonlinearity) solves an open question posed by Sun and Tzvetkov (2020). (iv) When $$\lambda > 0$$

λ
>
0

, these models formally preserve the associated Gibbs measures with the exponential nonlinearity. Under the same assumption on $$\beta $$
β
as in (ii) and (iii) above, we prove almost sure global well-posedness (in particular for SdNLW) and invariance of the Gibbs measures in both the parabolic and hyperbolic settings. (v) In Appendix, we present an argument for proving local well-posedness of SNLH for general $$\lambda \in {\mathbb {R}}$$

λ
∈
R

without using the positivity of the Gaussian multiplicative chaos. This proves local well-posedness of SNLH for the range $$0< \beta ^2 < \frac{4}{3} \pi \simeq 1.33 \pi $$

0
<

β
2

<

4
3

π
≃
1.33
π

, slightly smaller than that in (i), but provides Lipschitz continuity of the solution map in initial data as well as the noise.
Aktuelles zur antirheumatischen Therapie bei Kinderwunsch, Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit
Authors: Häfeli Celine , Förger Frauke
Published: September 2021

Eine aktive chronisch entzündliche Rheumaerkrankung birgt in der Schwangerschaft Risiken für Mutter und Kind. Remission oder inaktive Erkrankung sind somit das Ziel, das im Hinblick auf die mütterliche Gesundheit und auf den Schwangerschaftsausgang zu verfolgen ist. Die antirheumatische Therapie sollte gemäß internationalen Empfehlungen bereits bei geplanter Schwangerschaft angepasst werden. Zu den erwiesenen teratogenen Antirheumatika zählen Mycophenolat, Methotrexat, Cyclophosphamid und Thalidomid, diese müssen ca. 3 Monate vor der Konzeption abgesetzt werden. Leflunomid ist ein schwaches humanes Teratogen, das vor einer Schwangerschaft abgesetzt und medikamentös ausgewaschen werden soll. Aufgrund einer unzureichenden Datenlage sollten Apremilast und JAK(Januskinase)-Inhibitoren sowie neuere Biologika in der Schwangerschaft vermieden werden. Als kompatibel mit einer Schwangerschaft gelten die Antirheumatika Hydroxychloroquin, Sulfasalazin, Azathioprin, Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus, Colchicum, nichtselektive NSAR (nichtsteroidale Antirheumatika), niedrig dosiertes Prednison/Prednisolon sowie TNF(Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor)-Hemmer. Auch in der Stillzeit sind diese Antirheumatika möglich, darüber hinaus auch andere Biologika wie Rituximab. In einem Beratungsgespräch bei Schwangerschaftsplanung sollten mit der Patientin der Nutzen sowie die internationalen Empfehlungen zur schwangerschaftskompatiblen Antirheumatikatherapie gegenüber den fetomaternalen Risiken einer aktiven Erkrankung besprochen werden, um eine gemeinsame Entscheidungsfindung zu ermöglichen.
Distribution of preoperative angle alpha and angle kappa values in patients undergoing multifocal refractive lens surgery based on a positive contact lens test
Authors: Baenninger Philipp B. , Rinert Janosch , Bachmann Lucas M. , Iselin Katja C. , Sanak Frantisek , Pfaeffli Oliver , Kaufmann Claude , Thiel Michael A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To assess the preoperative objective angle alpha and angle kappa measurements of patients deciding to undergo multifocal refractive lens surgery based on a subjective positive multifocal contact lens test (MCLT).

Methods

Retrospective, consecutive case series. Alpha and kappa angles were measured using the iTrace aberrometer. All patients also performed a 1-week MCLT. Only patients with a positive MCLT underwent surgery. Visual outcome (UCVA) was obtained in the 1-year follow-up. We assessed the preoperative distribution of angle values within MCLT positive and negative patient groups.

Results

Two hundred seventeen eyes (111 patients) were included. Mean age was 56.4 years (SD 5.6) and 46.9% were female. In 71 eyes (38 patients), MCLT was positive. Of them, 12 eyes (17%) had an angle alpha and angle kappa ≥ 0.5mm. Of 146 eyes (73 patients) who refrained from surgery due to a negative MCLT, 71 eyes (48.6%) had both angles small (<0.5mm). In the 1-year follow-up, UCVA improved by 0.68 logMAR (SD 0.51; p<0.001) from baseline. Eyes with both small angle alpha and kappa sizes improved by 0.78 logMAR (SD 0.56), as did eyes with high (≥0.5mm) angle sizes (0.82 logMAR (SD 0.53). UCVA of eyes (n=24) with high alpha but low kappa sizes improved less (−0.31 logMAR (SD 0.13; p=0.019)).

Conclusion

Four out of five patients with a positive MCLT also had correspondingly small angle values. One-half of patients with low preoperative angle values refrained from surgery due to a negative MCLT result. One-year visual acuity improvement was substantial and independent from angle sizes.
Analysis of medication-induced xerostomia in elderly Japanese patients
Authors: Minagi Hitomi Ono , Yamanaka Yoshie , Nohara Kanji , Ikai Kazuki , Sakai Takayoshi
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To determine the general condition of elderly xerostomia patients, we collected their background and medication data in order to potentially treat their xerostomia. It is critical to identify the drugs causing xerostomia in elderly patients. A total of 521 patients who were examined at the Xerostomia Clinic of Osaka University Dental Hospital were included in the study. We obtained patients’ data on age, sex, number of primary illnesses, Saxon test scores, oral moisture test, subjective symptoms, and drug types from their clinical records.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 65.2 ± 13.3 years. Although all patients exhibited xerostomia symptoms, there were a lot of patients without hyposalivation. With respect to medication, each elderly xerostomia patient took an average of 6.8 ± 4.4 medicines. A total of 26.1% of patients in their 70 s took more than ten number of drugs. In addition, the number of frequently used medication medicine was different between elderly and young patients. Most of the medicines had xerostomia as a side effect in medical package inserts. Moreover, the quantity of salivation significantly decreased in patients who took more than seven drugs in comparison with the patients who did not take medicine.

Conclusions

As patients age, the number of medications they take tends to increase, subsequently increasing their risk of xerostomia. For the health of the patients, it is critical that an accurate diagnosis is made.

Clinical relevance

To establish therapeutic strategies for treatment of xerostomia, this study provides new and important information that will help in the development of xerostomia medical treatment.
Clinical outcome and prognostic factors in recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma after primary surgical treatment: a retrospective study
Authors: Zittel Sven , Moratin Julius , Horn Dominik , Metzger Karl , Ristow Oliver , Engel Michael , Mrosek Jan , Freier Kolja , Hoffmann Jürgen , Freudlsperger Christian
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Survival for patients with recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma is usually poor, and the most effective treatment has not yet been clearly defined. The present study evaluates the outcome in radiotherapy-naïve patients after recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma with respect to different treatment modalities including surgery, radiation, chemoradiation, and palliative treatment.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective study, we included all patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma who received exclusively surgical therapy between 2010 and 2020 and who suffered from locoregional recurrence in their follow-up. Patients with previous adjuvant therapy were excluded from this protocol. Clinical and pathological parameters were collected and statistically evaluated. Survival analysis was performed according to Kaplan–Meier. The primary endpoints were overall and progression-free survival in dependance of treatment strategy for recurrent tumors.

Results

Out of a total of 538 patients with surgically treated primary oral squamous cell carcinoma, 76 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 38 ± 32 months. Patients who received surgically based therapy had a significantly better outcome in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (DFSp < 0.001; OSp < 0.001). The presence of regional metastases and a short disease-free interval (DFI) between primary and recurrent cancer were significant predictors for adverse outcomes (DFIp < 0.001).

Conclusion

We recommend primary surgical therapy for radiotherapy-naïve patients with recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma, supplemented by risk-adapted adjuvant therapy.

Clinical relevance

Surgical therapy continues to play a central role in the treatment of radiotherapy-naïve patients with recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Risk Assessment for Key Socio-Economic and Ecological Species in a Sub-Arctic Marine Ecosystem Under Combined Ocean Acidification and Warming
Authors: Oostdijk Maartje , Sturludóttir Erla , Santos Maria J.
Published: September 2021

The Arctic may be particularly vulnerable to the consequences of both ocean acidification (OA) and global warming, given the faster pace of these processes in comparison with global average speeds. Here, we use the Atlantis ecosystem model to assess how the trophic network of marine fishes and invertebrates in the Icelandic waters is responding to the combined pressures of OA and warming. We develop an approach where we first identify species by their economic (catch value), social (number of participants in fisheries), or ecological (keystone species) importance. We then use literature-determined ranges of sensitivity to OA and warming for different species and functional groups in the Icelandic waters to parametrize model runs for different scenarios of warming and OA. We found divergent species responses to warming and acidification levels; (mainly) planktonic groups and forage fish benefited while (mainly) benthic groups and predatory fish decreased under warming and acidification scenarios. Assuming conservative harvest rates for the largest catch-value species, Atlantic cod, we see that the population is projected to remain stable under even the harshest acidification and warming scenario. Further, for the scenarios where the model projects reductions in biomass of Atlantic cod, other species in the ecosystem increase, likely due to a reduction in competition and predation. These results highlight the interdependencies of multiple global change drivers and their cascading effects on trophic organization, and the continued high abundance of an important species from a socio-economic perspective in the Icelandic fisheries.
CO2 laser colposcopic guided surgery for the see and treat management of VHSIL: a preliminary experience
Authors: Bianchi C. , Auzzi N. , Turrini I. , De Magnis A. , Fallani M. G. , Fambrini M. , Pieralli A.
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of CO2 laser colposcopic guided surgery performed in an outpatient see and treat setting in the management of VHSIL. Women with a suspected diagnosis of VHSIL and no vulvoscopic suspicion of vSCC were enrolled. An electronic register of CO2 laser treatment was created where description of performing parameters (excision or ablation) was specified and personal history was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher’s exact test. Relative risks (RR) of risk factor were calculated and expressed in odds. From September 2014 to September 2018, we enrolled a total of 63 patients who underwent CO2 laser procedure and had a minimum follow-up time of 2 years at Careggi University Hospital in Florence. Forty-eight (76.2%) patients underwent laser excision and 15 (23.8%) patients underwent ablative treatment without histological results. Undertreatment was performed in 3 cases (6.3%) with definitive histology of vSCC. Therapeutical appropriateness of CO2 laser excision was reached in 85.4% of the cases (41/48). No volunteer loss to follow-up was registered; thus, fidelity to treatment was assess at 100%. Recurrence rate within 2 years attested in 8/60 followed patients (13.3%). No personal factor was found to influence the VHSIL course. CO2 laser excision may represent an excellent therapeutic option to VHSIL because it provides adequate oncological purpose with good cosmetic and functional results and high patients’ loyalty to treatment. An expert team could allow to undergo patients with VHSIL suspicion to unique diagnostic and therapeutic procedure with significant benefits.
Investigating Cortical Responses to Noise-Vocoded Speech in Children with Normal Hearing Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Authors: Mushtaq Faizah , Wiggins Ian M. , Kitterick Pádraig T. , Anderson Carly A. , Hartley Douglas E. H.
Published: September 2021

Whilst functional neuroimaging has been used to investigate cortical processing of degraded speech in adults, much less is known about how these signals are processed in children. An enhanced understanding of cortical correlates of poor speech perception in children would be highly valuable to oral communication applications, including hearing devices. We utilised vocoded speech stimuli to investigate brain responses to degraded speech in 29 normally hearing children aged 6–12 years. Intelligibility of the speech stimuli was altered in two ways by (i) reducing the number of spectral channels and (ii) reducing the amplitude modulation depth of the signal. A total of five different noise-vocoded conditions (with zero, partial or high intelligibility) were presented in an event-related format whilst participants underwent functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging. Participants completed a word recognition task during imaging, as well as a separate behavioural speech perception assessment. fNIRS recordings revealed statistically significant sensitivity to stimulus intelligibility across several brain regions. More intelligible stimuli elicited stronger responses in temporal regions, predominantly within the left hemisphere, while right inferior parietal regions showed an opposite, negative relationship. Although there was some evidence that partially intelligible stimuli elicited the strongest responses in the left inferior frontal cortex, a region previous studies have suggested is associated with effortful listening in adults, this effect did not reach statistical significance. These results further our understanding of cortical mechanisms underlying successful speech perception in children. Furthermore, fNIRS holds promise as a clinical technique to help assess speech intelligibility in paediatric populations.
Akut symptomatische Anfälle bei Neonaten und Einsatz des amplitudenintegrierten EEGs (aEEG)
Authors: Klebermass-Schrehof Katrin
Published: September 2021

Hintergrund

Anfälle beim Neugeborenen sind in den allermeisten Fällen Symptom einer zugrunde liegenden neurologischen Störung im Sinne von „akut symptomatischen Anfällen“. Die Diagnose von neonatalen Anfällen erfolgt laut ILAE (International Liga Against Epilepsy) nur über die Elektroenzephalografie, und erst dann wird beschrieben, ob die Anfälle von klinischen Symptomen begleitet werden oder nicht. Somit hat sich in den letzten Jahren die vereinfachte Methode des amplitudenintegrierten EEGs (aEEG) als direkt am Krankenbett einsetzbare Methode zum Langzeitmonitoring als hilfreich erwiesen und stellt nicht nur eine „kompensatorische Maßnahme“ bis zur Verfügbarkeit eines konventionellen EEGs dar.

Ziel der Arbeit

In diesem Artikel wird der Einsatz des aEEGs bei neonatalen Anfällen diskutiert.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Zur genaueren Erfassung der „seizure burden“ (Anfallsdauer über einen definierten Zeitraum) und zur Therapiesteuerung stellt das aEEG neben dem konventionellen Video-EEG eine hilfreiche zusätzliche Methode dar. Die Dauer und Häufigkeit der Anfälle, die Hintergrundaktivität und die Erfahrung des Befunders spielen bei der Erkennung von Anfällen im aEEG eine entscheidende Rolle. Nur kurz dauernde, fokale oder sich nur wenig von der Grundaktivität unterscheidende Anfälle können weniger gut erfasst werden, wobei länger dauernde Anfälle, die sich regional ausbreiten von einem erfahrenen Befunder in bis zu 85 % auch mittels aEEG erkannt werden können. Da es zunehmend Daten gibt, dass die „seizure burden“ mit dem entwicklungsneurologischen Outcome korreliert, ist eine möglichst kontinuierliche elektrophysiologische Überwachung dieser Patienten anzustreben. Hier kann das aEEG einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten.
Loss in macronutrient pools in bilberry and lingonberry in mesic Scots pine forests after Northern red oak introduction
Authors: Woziwoda Beata , Dyderski Marcin K. , Parzych Agnieszka , Jonczak Jerzy , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: September 2021

Forest transformation from coniferous monocultures to mixed stands is being promoted worldwide, including the introduction of fast-growing broadleaved tree species within native stands. Here, we studied how enrichment of temperate European Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest by North-American northern red oak Quercus rubra impacted macronutrient concentrations in two long-lived and dominant components of the forest understory: bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus and lingonberry V. vitis-idaea. Study sites were located in forest complexes (central Poland) which occupy continuously reforested lands (hereafter ancient forests) as well as post-agricultural lands (recent forests), all suitable for mesic pine forests. Samples of bilberry and lingonberry leaves, stems, and fruits were collected in pine stands and in adjacent Scots pine-red oak stands, in both ancient and recent forests. Concentrations of macronutrients (C, N, P, K, Ca, S, and Mg) in aboveground biomass components were analysed using standardized chemical procedures. The study revealed intra- and interspecific (bilberry vs. lingonberry) differences in concentrations of all nutrients in leaves, stems, and fruits, except for invariable C concentrations. Macronutrient accumulations in plants were decreased by land-use discontinuity and favoured by enrichment of tree stands by Q. rubra. The estimated macronutrient pools were much higher for V. myrtillus than V. vitis-idaea in all forest types studied. They were lower in forests enriched with Q. rubra, both ancient (up to 25.5% for bilberry and 99.9% for lingonberry) and recent (46.9% and 99.9%, respectively), as well as in recent pine forest (46.6% and 81.1%, respectively) than in ancient pine forest. Higher K and S pools (39.3% and 6.5%, respectively) noted for bilberry in an ancient forest with Q. rubra were exceptions. Despite more effective accumulations of elements at the species level, macronutrient pools of Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis-idaea decreased significantly in the presence of introduced Q. rubra due to negative impacts of this broadleaved tree on bilberry and lingonberry cover and biomass. Therefore, the limitation of alien Q. rubra planting in sites of mesic pine forest with the abundant occurrence of V. myrtillus and/or V. vitis-idaea is recommended.

Graphic abstract
Correction to: Anaphoric Strategies Across Language Modalities: A Comparison Between Catalan and Catalan Sign Language (LSC)
Authors: Mayol Laia , Barberà Gemma
Published: September 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Injustice Without Evidence: The Unique Role of Conspiracy Theories in Social Justice Research
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem
Published: September 2021

Conspiracy theories are widespread and have a profound impact on society. The present contribution proposes that conspiracy theories are explanatory narratives that necessarily contain justice judgments, as they include attributions of blame and accusations of unethical or criminal conduct. Conspiratorial narratives also are mental simulations, however, and may elicit genuine feelings of injustice also without evidence of actual malpractice. Indeed, conspiracy theories sometimes describe unfair events that are unlikely to have occurred, unethical authorities that might not actually exist, and so on. Here I propose two complementary processes that stimulate belief in evidence-free conspiracy theories: (1) Existential threats instigate biased mental processing and motivated reasoning, that jointly promote an alternative perception of reality; and (2) group allegiances shape how people perceive, interpret, and remember facts to highlight the immoral qualities of competing outgroups. Due to these processes, conspiracy theories elicit a set of distinct reactions such as poor health choices and rejection of science. Moreover, evidence-free conspiracy theories require interventions beyond traditional approaches to install justice principles, such as debunking falsehoods and reducing polarized intergroup distinctions. I conclude that the scientific study of conspiracy theories is part of, and has a unique place in, social justice research.
Case Studies in Social Death: The Criminalization and Dehumanization of Six Black and Latino Boys
Authors: Medina Falzone Gabby
Published: September 2021

To fully grasp the systems of oppression youth of color must navigate, educators must consider their experiences outside as well as inside the classroom. This paper adds to the small but growing body of literature across fields highlighting how Black and Latinx youth are simultaneously positioned by schools and the justice system as criminals that must be contained and removed from school and society. This paper argues that the concept of social death, which refers to social suffering as a result of criminalization and dehumanization, helps contextualize the process by which carceral oppression manifests in students’ lives. Based on an interview study with thirty adults who were first incarcerated as adolescents, this paper focuses on three Black and three Latino male participants’ experiences with social death in schools and their neighborhoods.
Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on regional pollution in Ireland
Authors: Spohn Teresa K. , Martin Damien , Geever Michael , O’Dowd Colin
Published: September 2021

This study examines the regional impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on pollution in Ireland by comparing the 2020 measurements of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM) from monitoring stations around the country to the previous 3-year average. Results indicate that O3 was 5.6% lower and 13.7% higher than previous years during the lockdown at rural and suburban sites, respectively. NO2 decreased by 50.7% in urban areas, but increased slightly in agricultural regions, consistent with satellite observations. PM concentrations did not change significantly compared to previous years; however, a reduction in the signal variability in the smaller size particle measurements may be the result of different emission sources. The reduction in NO2 likely increased the ratio of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to NOx (nitrogen oxides), creating a NOx limited environment, which resulted in an initial increase in O3 in suburban areas, and the lower than usual levels observed at rural sites. Meteorology showed higher than average wind speeds prior to lockdown, which likely acted to disperse PM and NO2.
Live cell molecular analysis of primary prostate cancer organoids identifies persistent androgen receptor signaling
Authors: Heninger Erika , Kosoff David , Rodems Tamara S. , Sethakorn Nan , Singh Anupama , Gungurthi Harshitha , Carlson Kristin N. , Yang Bing , Gilsdorf Cole , Pasch Cheri A. , Deming Dustin A. , Ellis Leigh , Beebe David J. , Jarrard David F. , Lang Joshua M.
Published: September 2021

Prostate Cancer (PC) is a disease with remarkable tumor heterogeneity that often manifests in significant intra-patient variability with regards to clinical outcomes and treatment response. Commonly available PC cell lines do not accurately reflect the complexity of this disease and there is critical need for development of new models to recapitulate the intricate hierarchy of tumor pathogenesis. In current study, we established ex vivo primary patient-derived cancer organoid (PDCO) cultures from prostatectomy specimens of patients with locally advanced PC. We then performed a comprehensive multi-parameter characterization of the cellular composition utilizing a novel approach for live-cell staining and direct imaging in the integrated microfluidic Stacks device. Using orthogonal flow cytometry analysis, we demonstrate that primary PDCOs maintain distinct subsets of epithelial cells throughout culture and that these cells conserve expression of androgen receptor (AR)-related elements. Furthermore, to confirm the tumor-origin of the PDCOs we have analyzed the expression of PC-associated epigenetic biomarkers including promoter methylation of the GSTP1, RASSF1 and APC and RARb genes by employing a novel microfluidic rare-event screening protocol. These results demonstrate that this ex vivo PDCO model recapitulates the complexity of the epithelial tumor microenvironment of multifocal PC using orthogonal analyses. Furthermore, we propose to leverage the Stacks microfluidic device as a high-throughput, translational platform to interrogate phenotypic and molecular endpoints with the capacity to incorporate a complex tumor microenvironment.