bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specifying and Executing User Agents in an Environment of Reasoning and RESTful Systems Using the Guard-Stage-Milestone Approach
Authors: Käfer Tobias , Jochum Benjamin , Aßfalg Nico , Nürnberg Leonard
Published: April 2021

For Read-Write Linked Data, an environment of reasoning and RESTful interaction, we investigate the use of the Guard-Stage-Milestone approach for specifying and executing user agents. We present an ontology to specify user agents. Moreover, we give operational semantics to the ontology in a rule language that allows for executing user agents on Read-Write Linked Data. We evaluate our approach formally and regarding performance. Our work shows that despite different assumptions of this environment in contrast to the traditional environment of workflow management systems, the Guard-Stage-Milestone approach can be transferred and successfully applied on the web of Read-Write Linked Data.
Tunnel elasticity enhancement effect of 3D submicron ceramics (Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2) fiber on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
Authors: Hao Yuxiu , Xie Junwei , Xu Bingqing , Hu Bingkun , Zheng Yunpeng , Shen Yang
Published: April 2021

Some polymers are flexible, foldable, and wearable. Structural—functional composite is fabricated by adding inorganic fillers with functional properties. Up to date, compared with the polymer matrix, the composite prepared by polymer-inorganic fillers has lower flexibility, higher brittleness, and higher modulus of elasticity. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) net-shaped submicron α-Al2O3, orthorhombic ZrO2, and rutile TiO2 fiber were fabricated by solution blowing spinning on a large scale. On the contrary, the elastic modulus (E) of the composite prepared by this 3D ceramic fiber was greatly reduced, and the flexibility of the composite was higher than that of the polymer matrix. When the strain was 75%, the E of the 3D net-shaped Al2O3 fiber-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite was 20% lower than that of PDMS. When the strain was 78%, the E of the 3D net-shaped TiO2 fiber-PDMS and 3D net-shaped ZrO2 fiber-PDMS composites decreased by 20% and 25%, respectively. This abnormal effect, namely the tunnel elastic enhancement effect, has great practical significance. In all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, the composite inhibits lithium dendrite growth and the 3D inorganic network contributes to lithium ion transport. It is possible to promote the industrial production of low-cost and large-scale flexible solid-state lithium-ion batteries and it can enhance the energy storage density of energy storage materials. This novel idea also has bright prospects in flexible electronic materials.
A deep-learning model to continuously predict severe acute kidney injury based on urine output changes in critically ill patients
Authors: Alfieri Francesca , Ancona Andrea , Tripepi Giovanni , Crosetto Dario , Randazzo Vincenzo , Paviglianiti Annunziata , Pasero Eros , Vecchi Luigi , Cauda Valentina , Fagugli Riccardo Maria
Published: April 2021

Background

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a frequent complication of pateints in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is associated with a high mortality rate. Early prediction of AKI is essential in order to trigger the use of preventive care actions.

Methods

The aim of this study was to ascertain the accuracy of two mathematical analysis models in obtaining a predictive score for AKI development. A deep learning model based on a urine output trends was compared with a logistic regression analysis for AKI prediction in stages 2 and 3 (defined as the simultaneous increase of serum creatinine and decrease of urine output, according to  the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) guidelines). Two retrospective datasets including 35,573 ICU patients were analyzed. Urine output data were used to train and test the logistic regression and the deep learning model.

Results

The deep learning model defined an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 (± 0.01), sensitivity = 0.8 and specificity = 0.84, which was higher than the logistic regression analysis. The deep learning model was able to predict 88% of AKI cases more than 12 h before their onset: for every 6 patients identified as being at risk of AKI by the deep learning model, 5 experienced the event. On the contrary, for every 12 patients not considered to be at risk by the model, 2 developed AKI.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by using urine output trends, deep learning analysis was able to predict AKI episodes more than 12 h in advance, and with a higher accuracy than the classical urine output thresholds. We suggest that this algorithm could be integrated in the ICU setting to better manage, and potentially prevent, AKI episodes.

Graphic abstract
First record of the occurrence of sea ice in the Cordillera Darwin fjords (54°S), Chile
Authors: Salame Charles , Gonzalez Inti , Gomez-Fell Rodrigo , Jaña Ricardo , Arigony-Neto Jorge
Published: April 2021

This paper provides the first evidence for sea-ice formation in the Cordillera Darwin (CD) fjords in southern Chile, which is farther north than sea ice has previously been reported for the Southern Hemisphere. Initially observed from a passenger plane in September 2015, the presence of sea ice was then confirmed by aerial reconnaissance and subsequently identified in satellite imagery. A time series of Sentinel-1 and Landsat-8 images during austral winter 2015 was used to examine the chronology of sea-ice formation in the Cuevas fjord. A longer time series of imagery across the CD was analyzed from 2000 to 2017 and revealed that sea ice had formed in each of the 13 fjords during at least one winter and was present in some fjords during a majority of the years. Sea ice is more common in the northern end of the CD, compared to the south where sea ice is not typically present. Is suggested that surface freshening from melting glaciers and high precipitation reduces surface salinity and promotes sea-ice formation within the semi-enclosed fjord system during prolonged periods of cold air temperatures. This is a unique set of initial observations that identify questions for future research in this remote area.
The Abraham Accords: Normalization Agreements Signed by Israel with the U.A.E., Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco
Authors: Singer Joel
Published: April 2021

On September 15, 2020, in a ceremony that took place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain) Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani signed a trilateral document, called the “Abraham Accords Declaration,” a political declaration that called for the promotion of peace and cooperation in the Middle East. As referenced in the declaration, it was titled after the common patriarch Abraham, from whom the three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, have descended. U.S. President Donald Trump added his signature as a witness to the Abraham Accords Declaration, as well as to two other, bilateral documents also signed in Washington on the same day, which are discussed below.
“Why Did It Take So Long?” Exploring Greek Public Opinion as an Obstacle to the Settlement of the Macedonia Name Dispute
Authors: Armakolas Ioannis , Siakas George
Published: April 2021

The Macedonia name dispute was resolved in 2018 with the signing of the Prespa Agreement. Ambassador Nimetz – one of the key players in the solution efforts – queried recently “Why did it take us so long?”, echoing the confusion of foreign observers about what has routinely been seen as an incomprehensible spat. This article provides more context about the past intractability of the dispute by focusing on the role of Greek public opinion. Taking stock of the literature on the relationship between foreign policy-making and public opinion, our analysis identifies key parameters for investigating the influence of Greek public opinion on policy. We test these parameters against empirical data from a comprehensive poll on the name dispute that was conducted in 2016, only a few months before the start of the negotiations that led to the Prespa Agreement. Our analysis demonstrates the extent and depth of the Greek public’s opposition to any compromise, as well as the emotional involvement in the Macedonia name dispute. The findings have implications for our understanding of the process that led to the settlement of the dispute as well as the challenges of implementing the agreement.
The association between the metabolic syndrome and iron status in pre- and postmenopausal women: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in 2012
Authors: Yun Seonhye , Nguyen Hai Duc , Park Jong Seon , Oh Chorong , Kim Min-Sun
Published: April 2021

We aim to determine the association between Fe status and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) during menopause. Records of 1069 premenopausal and 703 postmenopausal Korean women were retrieved from the database of the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V 2012) and analysed. The association between the MetS and Fe status was performed using multivariable-adjusted analyses, subsequently develop a prediction model for the MetS by margin effects. We found that the risk of Fe depletion among postmenopausal women was lower than premenopausal women (PR = 0·813, 95 % CI 0·668, 0·998,P= 0·038). The risk of the MetS was 2·562-fold lower among premenopausal women with than without Fe depletion (PR = 0·390, 95 % CI 0·266, 0·571,P< 0·001). In contrast, the risk of the MetS tended to be higher among postmenopausal women with than without Fe depletion (PR = 1·849, 95 % CI 1·406, 2·432,P< 0·001). When the serum ferritin levels increased, the risk of the MetS increased in both premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. The margin effects showed that an increase in serum Hb and ferritin was associated with an increase in the risk of the MetS according to menopausal status and age group. Therefore, ferritin is the most validated and widely used Fe marker, could be a potential clinical value in predicting and monitoring the MetS during menopause. Further prospective or longitudinal studies, especially, clinically related studies on menopause and Fe status, are needed to clarify the causality between serum ferritin levels and the MetS that could offer novel treatments for the MetS.
Increasing resolution in the mechanisms of resolve
Authors: Bulley Adam , Schacter Daniel L.
Published: April 2021

Ainslie offers an encompassing and compelling account of willpower, although his big-picture view comes occasionally at the cost of low resolution. We comment on ambiguity in the metacognitive and prospective mechanisms of resolve implicated in recursive self-prediction. We hope to show both the necessity and promise of specifying testable cognitive mechanisms of willpower.
Willpower without risk?
Authors: Hofmeyr Andre
Published: April 2021

Ainslie does not formally incorporate risk and uncertainty in his framework for modelling impulses and willpower. To provide a complete account of the motivational bases of choice behaviour, Ainslie should extend his framework to incorporate risk attitudes and subjective beliefs.
Evolving resolve
Authors: Veit Walter , Spurrett David
Published: April 2021

The broad spectrum revolution brought greater dependence on skill and knowledge, and more demanding, often social, choices. We adopt Sterelny's account of how cooperative foraging paid the costs associated with longer dependency, and transformed the problem of skill learning. Scaffolded learning can facilitate cognitive control including suppression, whereas scaffolded exchange and trade, including inter-temporal exchange, can help develop resolve.
When will's wont wants wanting
Authors: Dayan Peter
Published: April 2021

We use neural reinforcement learning concepts including Pavlovian versus instrumental control, liking versus wanting, model-based versus model-free control, online versus offline learning and planning, and internal versus external actions and control to reflect on putative conflicts between short-term temptations and long-term goals.
Suppression, resolve, and habit in everyday financial behaviour
Authors: Lea Stephen E. G.
Published: April 2021

Everyday financial behaviour involves inter-temporal choices, between saving, spending, and debt. Consumers do not always take these decisions to their best advantage. Ainslie's analysis of the means to willpower as suppression, resolve, and habit is potentially applicable to understanding and improving the decisions that consumers make. Some relevant research on these topics exists, and it is briefly reviewed here.
Do existing real-world data sources generate suitable evidence for the HTA of medical devices in Europe? Mapping and critical appraisal
Authors: Pongiglione Benedetta , Torbica Aleksandra , Blommestein Hedwig , de Groot Saskia , Ciani Oriana , Walker Sarah , Dams Florian , Blankart Rudolf , Mollenkamp Meilin , Kovács Sándor , Tarricone Rosanna , Drummond Mike
Published: April 2021

Aim

Technological and computational advancements offer new tools for the collection and analysis of real-world data (RWD). Considering the substantial effort and resources devoted to collecting RWD, a greater return would be achieved if real-world evidence (RWE) was effectively used to support Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and decision making on medical technologies. A useful question is: To what extent are RWD suitable for generating RWE?

Methods

We mapped existing RWD sources in Europe for three case studies: hip and knee arthroplasty, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and mitral valve repair (TMVR), and robotic surgery procedures. We provided a comprehensive assessment of their content and appropriateness for conducting the HTA of medical devices. The identification of RWD sources was performed combining a systematic search on PubMed with gray literature scoping, covering fifteen European countries.

Results

We identified seventy-one RWD sources on arthroplasties; ninety-five on TAVI and TMVR; and seventy-seven on robotic procedures. The number, content, and integrity of the sources varied dramatically across countries. Most sources included at least one health outcome (97.5%), with mortality and rehospitalization/reoperation the most common; 80% of sources included resource outcomes, with length of stay the most common, and comparators were available in almost 70% of sources.

Conclusions

RWD sources bear the potential for the HTA of medical devices. The main challenges are data accessibility, a lack of standardization of health and economic outcomes, and inadequate comparators. These findings are crucial to enabling the incorporation of RWD into decision making and represent a readily available tool for getting acquainted with existing information sources.
Transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus by exclusive venous access under echocardiographic guidance without angiography
Authors: Deraz Salem , Tawfik Mohamed , Kotit Susy , Elafifi Abdelrahman
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

The standard transcatheter technique to profile the patent ductus arteriosus requires arterial access through the femoral artery and is associated with arterial complications, longer fluoroscopic time, contrast volume, and longer hospital stay.

Aim of the study:

To compare exclusive transvenous access with the standard procedures for patent ductus arteriosus closure and evaluate whether exclusive venous approach is a safe and effective alternative.

Methods:

A total of 320 patients were included. A detailed echocardiographic evaluation of the duct morphology was performed. Patients were classified into group 1 included patients who underwent exclusive femoral venous access, without any injections of contrast media and group 2 included patients who underwent arterial and venous access.

Results:

Arterial access was achieved in 210 (65.6%). Successful closure of patent ductus arteriosus was achieved in 109 (99.1%) patients in group 1 and in 203 (96.7%) patients in group 2. The patent ductus arteriosus was large and was referred for surgical closure in one patient from group 1 and 7 patients from group 2. Residual patent ductus arteriosus was seen in 6 cases from group 1 (5.4%) and 12 patients from group 2 (5.7%). None of the cases in group 1 had vascular complications, while vascular complications were seen in 20 cases, all of them in group 2 (9.5%). Nonvascular complications were seen in one patient from group 1 (0.9%) and 15 patients in group 2 (7.1%). The procedure time and fluoroscopy times were less in patients with exclusive transvenous access.

Conclusion:

Patent ductus arteriosus device closure without arterial access can be accomplished safely and effectively.
Cross-linguistic transfer in bilingual reading is item specific
Authors: Lallier Marie , Martin Clara D. , Acha Joana , Carreiras Manuel
Published: April 2021

The grain size of orthographic representations prompted by a consistent orthography (like Spanish or Basque) increases if reading is simultaneously learned in another language with an inconsistent orthography (like French). Here, we aimed to identify item properties that trigger this grain-size accommodation in bilingual reading. Twenty-five French–Basque and 25 Spanish–Basque bilingual children attending Grade 3 read Basque words and pseudowords containing “complex” letter clusters mapping to one sound in French but several sounds in Basque or Spanish, and “simple” letter clusters mapping to the same sound structure in all three languages. Only French speaking children read “complex” Basque words faster than “simple” ones, suggesting that they accessed multi-letter “French” units to boost lexical processing. A negative complexity effect was found for pseudowords across groups. We discuss the existence of flexible cross-linguistic transfer in bilingual reading, proposing that the grain size of orthographic representations adjusts to item-specific characteristics during reading.
THE SMOOTHNESS OF ORBITAL MEASURES ON NONCOMPACT SYMMETRIC SPACES
Authors: GUPTA SANJIV KUMAR , HARE KATHRYN E.
Published: April 2021

Let
$G/K$
be an irreducible symmetric space, where G is a noncompact, connected Lie group and K is a compact, connected subgroup. We use decay properties of the spherical functions to show that the convolution product of any
$r=r(G/K)$
continuous orbital measures has its density function in
$L^{2}(G)$
and hence is an absolutely continuous measure with respect to the Haar measure. The number r is approximately the rank of
$G/K$
. For the special case of the orbital measures,
$\nu _{a_{i}}$
, supported on the double cosets
$Ka_{i}K$
, where
$a_{i}$
belongs to the dense set of regular elements, we prove the sharp result that
$\nu _{a_{1}}\ast \nu _{a_{2}}\in L^{2},$
except for the symmetric space of Cartan class
$AI$
when the convolution of three orbital measures is needed (even though
$\nu _{a_{1}}\ast \nu _{a_{2}}$
is absolutely continuous).
Distress experienced by lung cancer patients and their family caregivers in the first year of their cancer journey
Authors: Aubin Michèle , Vézina Lucie , Verreault René , Simard Sébastien , Hudon Éveline , Desbiens Jean-François , Fillion Lise , Dumont Serge , Tourigny André , Daneault Serge
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Diagnosis of cancer is emotionally threatening not only for patients but also for their family caregivers (FC) who witness and share much of the illness experience. This study compares distress experienced by lung cancer patients and their FC during the year following the diagnosis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 206 patients recently diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer (participation rate 79.5%) and 131 FC (participation rate 63.6%) was conducted in an ambulatory oncology clinic in Quebec City (Canada). They completed validated questionnaires regarding their personal and psychological characteristics (Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale—HADS), in the first months after the diagnosis of lung cancer and after 6 and 12 months. Univariate, bivariate, and linear mixed models were conducted to compare patient and FC distress.

Results

At baseline, 7.8% of patients reported distress (HADS total score >15) and their mean distress score was 7.0 ± 4.9 (range 0–42). In contrast, 33.6% of FC presented significant distress and their mean distress score was 12.0 ± 7.2 (P < 0.0001). Proportions of patients and FC with distress remained relatively stable at 6 and 12 months, and at every time point, FC reported higher levels of distress compared to their relative with cancer (P < 0.0001). Comparable trends were found when looking at the mean scores of distress, anxiety, and depression throughout the study.

Significance of results

Being diagnosed with lung cancer and going through its different phases seems to affect more FC than patients. The psychological impact of such diagnosis appears early after the diagnosis and does not significantly change over time. These findings reinforce the importance for oncology teams, to include FC in their systematic distress screening program, in order to help them cope with their own feelings and be able to play their role in patient support and care throughout the cancer journey.
Morpho-agronomic traits variability, allelic polymorphism and diversity analysis of African yam bean: towards improving utilization and germplasm conservation
Authors: Animasaun David Adedayo , Adikwu Vincent Ochos , Alex Gabriel Ameh , Akinsunlola Tomi Philips , Adekola Olabisi Fatimo , Krishnamurthy Ramar
Published: April 2021

This study assessed the genetic diversity of African yam bean (AYB) accessions using morphological and molecular markers. The accessions were grown, and morphological data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and multivariate analyses. Genomic DNA extracted from the accessions were amplified with inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The diversity analysis was conducted using MEGA4 software. The accessions varied significantly (P < 0.05) in growth, flowering and seed-related parameters. Flowering commenced early in most accessions. Weight of 100-seed range from 15.01 to 21.15 g with the mean value of 18.30 g. Significant correlations existed between stem height, the number of leaves and leaf dimensions. Also, days to flowering correlated with pod formation; likewise, seed dimension had a positive association with seed weight. The principal biplot revealed that two components accounted for 41.77% of the observed variation. Analysis of the electropherogram showed 95 loci comprising 1351 alleles were detected by the ISSR markers with 65.26% polymorphism and combined polymorphic information content of 0.85. The principal coordinate analysis placed accessions together on a plane based on their spatial relationship. The dendrogram showed accession pairs (TSs-77, TSs-95) and (TSs-111, TSs-84) are closely related. The phylogram identified three kinships with a total length of 454. Accession TSs-115 is likely the progenitor while TSs-82 and TSs-86 are the most recent. The study concluded that a combination of morphological and ISSR markers is effective for the diversity study of AYB and the existing, genetic diversity in the accessions could be harnessed for its improvement, conservation and utilization.
Meta-heuristic optimization algorithms for synthesis of reconfigurable hexagonal array antenna in two principle vertical planes
Authors: Misra Bitan , Mahanti Gautam Kumar
Published: April 2021

This study illustrates the dynamical reconfiguration of a concentric hexagonal antenna array radiation to generate a pencil beam and flat-top beam simultaneously by electronic control in two principle vertical planes under consideration. Both the beams share a common normalized optimal current excitation amplitude distribution while the optimal sets of phase excitation coefficients are varied radically across the hexagons to generate a flat-top beam. The proposed approach is able to solve the underlying multi-objective problem and flexible enough to the efficient implementation of additional design constraints in the considered φ-planes. In this paper, a set of simulation-based examples are presented in an integrated way. The outcomes validate the effectiveness of the stated optimization using meta-heuristic optimization algorithms (teaching–learning-based optimization, symbiotic organism search, multi-verse optimization) to reach the solution globally and prove actual relevance to the concerned applications.
Associations of Obesity Measurements with Serum Metabolomic Profile: A Chinese Twin Study
Authors: Liao Chunxiao , Wang Biqi , Gao Wenjing , Cao Weihua , Lv Jun , Yu Canqing , Huang Tao , Sun Dianjianyi , Wang Shengfeng , Pang Zengchang , Cong Liming , Wang Hua , Wu Xianping , Li Liming
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate how different obesity measures link to circulating metabolites, and whether the connections are due to genetic or environmental factors. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on follow-up survey data at the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), which was conducted in four areas of China (Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Sichuan) in 2013. The survey collected detailed questionnaire information and conducted physical examinations, fasting blood sampling and untargeted metabolomic measurements among 439 adult twins. Linear regression models and bioinformatics analysis were used to examine the relation of obesity measures, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with serum metabolite levels and related pathways. A co-twin control study was additionally conducted among 15 obesity-discordant monozygotic (MZ) pairs (intrapair BMI difference >3 kg/m2) to examine any differences in metabolites controlling for genetic factors. Eleven metabolites were associated with BMI, WC and WHR after controlling for genetic and shared environmental factors. Pathway analysis identified pathways such as phenylalanine metabolism, purine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis that were associated with obesity. A wide range of unfavorable alterations in the serum metabolome was associated with obesity. Obesity-discordant twin analysis suggests that these associations are independent of genetic liability.
Husten aus kardiologischer Sicht
Authors: Pavlicek-Bahlo Maryam , Hunziker Lukas
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Husten steht am efferenten Ende eines komplexen Reflexbogens und führt durch seine allgemeinbekannte Funktion der mechanischen Reinigung des Respirationstrakts in der Regel als Erstes zu einer Abklärung durch Pneumologen beziehungsweise ORL-Spezialisten. Die chemischen und mechanischen afferenten neuronalen Anteile des Reflexes, die Hustenrezeptoren, sind allerdings auf eine Vielzahl Organsysteme verteilt, von denen einige direkt und indirekt das Herz betreffen. Bei den kardiologischen Krankheitsbildern steht die akute und chronische Herzinsuffizienz im Vordergrund, aber nicht allein. Interessant ist der Zusammenhang von Husten und Herzrhythmusstörungen, wobei Husten Ursache, Folge und Therapie sein kann. Nicht zuletzt können fast alle in der Kardiologie häufig verordneten Medikamente auf die eine oder andere Art Husten verursachen. Hinzu kommt, dass Husten das aktuelle Warnsignal Nummer 1 der COVID-19-Pandemie darstellt, einerseits von kardiologisch bedingtem Husten differenziert werden muss, andererseits auch eng mit ihm in Zusammenhang stehen kann.
Intensification of Westerly Wind Bursts Caused by the Coupling of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation to SST During El Niño Onset and Development
Authors: Liang Yu , Fedorov Alexey V. , Haertel Patrick
Published: April 2021

The Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) plays an important role in El Niño dynamics in connection with westerly wind bursts (WWBs) that occur in the equatorial Pacific; however, our understanding of the relationship between these climate phenomena remains incomplete. Here, we use a Lagrangian Atmospheric Model (LAM) to examine the response of the MJO and resulting WWBs to sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies similar to those observed during the onset and development of El Niño. We find that when a localized SST anomaly (≤1°C) is imposed in the western‐central equatorial Pacific between December and April (mimicking El Niño onset), the MJO convective envelope shifts from the southern hemisphere toward the equator. When an SST anomaly (≤1.5°C) is imposed in the central‐eastern equatorial Pacific between May and November (mimicking El Niño development), the MJO weakens in the northwestern Pacific, but strengthens in the central equatorial Pacific. In both experiments, the ensuing changes enhance MJO activity along the equator, facilitating WWBs.
Effects of Water Retention Curves and Permeability Equations on the Prediction of Relative Air Permeability
Authors: Yang Zhenlei , Mohanty Binayak P. , Tong Xin , Kuang Xingxing , Li Ling
Published: April 2021

Appropriate simulation of air flow in porous media needs an accurate estimate of relative air permeability (RAP). Combining 2 traditional and 2 fractal water retention curves (WRCs) respectively with 6 permeability equations, we obtained 12 statistical and 12 fractal RAP models. All these models were subsequently tested with 31 experimental datasets of disturbed soils to examine their predictive ability for RAP. Results showed that irrespective of using traditional or fractal WRCs, the six permeability equations exhibit consistent performances for RAP prediction. The modified Burdine (Yang & Mohanty, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014wr016190) permeability equation best fits the published soil data. In addition, the selection of a proper permeability equation is critical for accurately predicting the RAP, whereas the choice of WRCs has little effect on RAP prediction. This finding suggests that for disturbed soils, air permeability is primarily dictated by the pore tortuosity‐connectivity but not the pore size distribution inferred from the WRCs.
Identifying challenges in neurofibromatosis: a modified Delphi procedure
Authors: Dhaenens Britt A. E. , Ferner Rosalie E. , Bakker Annette , Nievo Marco , Evans D. Gareth , Wolkenstein Pierre , Potratz Cornelia , Plotkin Scott R. , Heimann Guenter , Legius Eric , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: April 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis (SWN) are rare conditions with pronounced variability of clinical expression. We aimed to reach consensus on the most important manifestations meriting the development of drug trials. The five-staged modified Delphi procedure consisted of two questionnaires and a consensus meeting for 40 NF experts, a survey for 63 patient representatives, and a final workshop. In the questionnaires, manifestations were scored on multiple items on a 4-point Likert scale. The highest average scores for NF experts deciding the ‘need for new treatment’ were for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) (4,0) and high grade glioma (HGG) (3,9) for NF1; meningioma (3,9) for NF2 and pain (3,9) for SWN. The patient representatives assigned high scores to all manifestations, with plexiform neurofibroma being highest in NF1 (4,0), vestibular schwannoma in NF2 (4,0), and pain in SWN (3,9). Twelve experts participated in the consensus meeting and prioritised manifestations. MPNST was ranked the highest for NF1, followed by benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Tumour manifestations received highest ranking in NF2, and pain was the most prominent problem for SWN. Patient representative ratings for NF1 were similar to the experts’ opinions, except that they ranked HGG as the most important manifestation. For NF2 and SWN, the patient representatives agreed with the experts. We conclude that NF experts and patient representatives consent to prioritise development of drug trials for MPNST, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours, cutaneous manifestations and HGG for NF1; tumours for NF2; and pain for SWN.
A simple and effective method for the accurate extraction of kinetic parameters using differential Tafel plots
Authors: Khadke Prashant , Tichter Tim , Boettcher Tim , Muench Falk , Ensinger Wolfgang , Roth Christina
Published: April 2021

The practice of estimating the transfer coefficient ($$\alpha$$
α
) and the exchange current ($${i}_{0}$$

i
0

) by arbitrarily placing a straight line on Tafel plots has led to high variance in these parameters between different research groups. Generating Tafel plots by finding kinetic current, $${i}_{k}$$

i
k

from the conventional mass transfer correction method does not guarantee an accurate estimation of the $$\alpha$$
α
and $${i}_{0}$$

i
0

. This is because a substantial difference in values of $$\alpha$$
α
and $${i}_{0}$$

i
0

can arise from only minor deviations in the calculated values of $${i}_{k}$$

i
k

. These minor deviations are often not easy to recognise in polarisation curves and Tafel plots. Recalling the IUPAC definition of $$\alpha$$
α
, the Tafel plots can be alternatively represented as differential Tafel plots (DTPs) by taking the first order differential of Tafel plots with respect to overpotential. Without further complex processing of the existing raw data, many crucial observations can be made from DTP which is otherwise very difficult to observe from Tafel plots. These for example include a) many perfectly looking experimental linear Tafel plots (R2 > 0.999) can give rise to incorrect kinetic parameters b) substantial differences in values of $$\alpha$$
α
and $${i}_{0}$$

i
0

can arise when the limiting current ($${i}_{L}$$

i
L

) is just off by 5% while performing the mass transfer correction c) irrespective of the magnitude of the double layer charging current ($${i}_{\mathrm{c}}$$

i
c

), the Tafel plots can still get significantly skewed when the ratio of $${i}_{0}/{i}_{c}$$

i
0

/

i
c

is small. Hence, in order to determine accurate values of $$\alpha$$
α
and $${i}_{0}$$

i
0

, we show how the DTP approach can be applied to experimental polarisation curves having well defined $${i}_{L}$$

i
L

, poorly defined $${i}_{L}$$

i
L

and no $${i}_{L}$$

i
L

at all.
Enhanced generation of influenza-specific tissue resident memory CD8 T cells in NK-depleted mice
Authors: Rose David L. , Reagin Katie L. , Oliva Kimberly E. , Tompkins S. Mark , Klonowski Kimberly D.
Published: April 2021

Natural Killer (NK) cells are among the first effectors to directly contact influenza and influenza-infected cells and their activation affects not only their intrinsic functions, but also subsequent CD8+ T cell responses. We utilized a NK cell depletion model to interrogate the contribution of NK cells to the development of anti-influenza CD8+ T cell memory. NK cell ablation increased the number of influenza-specific memory CD8+ T cells in the respiratory tract and lung-draining lymph node. Interestingly, animals depleted of NK cells during primary influenza infection were protected as well as their NK-intact counterparts despite significantly fewer reactivated CD8+ T cells infiltrating the respiratory tract after lethal, heterosubtypic challenge. Instead, protection in NK-deficient animals seems to be conferred by rapid reactivation of an enlarged pool of lung tissue-resident (TRM) memory cells within two days post challenge. Further interrogation of how NK cell ablation enhances respiratory TRM indicated that TRM development is independent of global and NK cell derived IFN-γ. These data suggest that reduction in NK cell activation after vaccination with live, non-lethal influenza virus increases compartmentalized, broadly protective memory CD8+ T cell generation and decreases the risk of CD8+ T cell-mediated pathology following subsequent influenza infections.
Detection and quantification of γ-H2AX using a dissociation enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay
Authors: Noubissi Felicite K. , McBride Amber A. , Leppert Hannah G. , Millet Larry J. , Wang Xiaofei , Davern Sandra M.
Published: April 2021

Phosphorylation of the histone protein H2AX to form γ-H2AX foci directly represents DNA double-strand break formation. Traditional γ-H2AX detection involves counting individual foci within individual nuclei. The novelty of this work is the application of a time-resolved fluorescence assay using dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay for quantitative measurements of γ-H2AX. For comparison, standard fluorescence detection was employed and analyzed either by bulk fluorescent measurements or by direct foci counting using BioTek Spot Count algorithm and Gen 5 software. Etoposide induced DNA damage in A549 carcinoma cells was compared across all test platforms. Time resolved fluorescence detection of europium as a chelated complex enabled quantitative measurement of γ-H2AX foci with nanomolar resolution. Comparative bulk fluorescent signals achieved only micromolar sensitivity. Lanthanide based immunodetection of γ-H2AX offers superior detection and a user-friendly workflow. These approaches have the potential to improve screening of compounds that either enhance DNA damage or protect against its deleterious effects.
Use of omeprazole, the proton pump inhibitor, as a potential therapy for the capecitabine-induced hand-foot syndrome
Authors: Hiromoto Shiori , Kawashiri Takehiro , Yamanaka Natsumi , Kobayashi Daisuke , Mine Keisuke , Inoue Mizuki , Uchida Mayako , Shimazoe Takao
Published: April 2021

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), is a major side effect of capecitabine. Although the pathogenesis of HFS remains unknown, some studies suggested a potential involvement of inflammation in its pathogenesis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of omeprazole, a PPI on capecitabine-related HFS in mice model, and a real-world database. Repeated administration of capecitabine (200 mg/kg, p.o., five times a week for 3 weeks) increased fluid content, redness, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α substance of the mice hind paw. Co-administration of omeprazole (20 mg/kg, p.o., at the same schedule) significantly inhibited these changes induced by capecitabine. Moreover, based on the clinical database analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, the group that has used any PPIs had a lower reporting rate of capecitabine-related PPE than the group that has not used any PPIs. (6.25% vs. 8.31%, p < 0.0001, reporting odds ratio (ROR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.83). Our results suggest that omeprazole may be a potential prophylactic agent for capecitabine-induced HFS.
Overcoming the limitations of patch-based learning to detect cancer in whole slide images
Authors: Ciga Ozan , Xu Tony , Nofech-Mozes Sharon , Noy Shawna , Lu Fang-I , Martel Anne L.
Published: April 2021

Whole slide images (WSIs) pose unique challenges when training deep learning models. They are very large which makes it necessary to break each image down into smaller patches for analysis, image features have to be extracted at multiple scales in order to capture both detail and context, and extreme class imbalances may exist. Significant progress has been made in the analysis of these images, thanks largely due to the availability of public annotated datasets. We postulate, however, that even if a method scores well on a challenge task, this success may not translate to good performance in a more clinically relevant workflow. Many datasets consist of image patches which may suffer from data curation bias; other datasets are only labelled at the whole slide level and the lack of annotations across an image may mask erroneous local predictions so long as the final decision is correct. In this paper, we outline the differences between patch or slide-level classification versus methods that need to localize or segment cancer accurately across the whole slide, and we experimentally verify that best practices differ in both cases. We apply a binary cancer detection network on post neoadjuvant therapy breast cancer WSIs to find the tumor bed outlining the extent of cancer, a task which requires sensitivity and precision across the whole slide. We extensively study multiple design choices and their effects on the outcome, including architectures and augmentations. We propose a negative data sampling strategy, which drastically reduces the false positive rate (25% of false positives versus 62.5%) and improves each metric pertinent to our problem, with a 53% reduction in the error of tumor extent. Our results indicate classification performances of image patches versus WSIs are inversely related when the same negative data sampling strategy is used. Specifically, injection of negatives into training data for image patch classification degrades the performance, whereas the performance is improved for slide and pixel-level WSI classification tasks. Furthermore, we find applying extensive augmentations helps more in WSI-based tasks compared to patch-level image classification.
A new magnetic melt spinning device for patterned nanofiber
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhao Wu , Liu Qingjie , Yu Miao
Published: April 2021

The size and morphology of nanofibers directly determine their application scope and performance, while regular patterned fibers further demonstrate their superior performance in the field of sensors and biomaterials. Melt electrospinning enables controlled deposition of fibers and is currently one of the most important means of preparing patterned fibers. However, due to the existence of high-voltage electric field, melt electrospinning has safety problems such as partial discharge and electric field breakdown, coupled with the charge rejection on the fiber surface, which seriously affects the positioning deposition of fibers and makes it difficult to obtain regular patterned fibers, greatly limiting the application areas and application effects of patterned fibers. Therefore, the improvement and innovation of the spinning process is particularly urgent. Based on material-field model and contradiction matrix of TRIZ theory, the problems of melt electrospinning device are systematically analyzed. The technical conflicts are solved by the inventive principles. A three-dimensional mobile magnetic melt spinning device model is constructed, a magnetic spinning test prototype is developed, and the prototype performance and influencing factors are studied by fiber morphology. The results show the following: (1) Replacing electrostatic fields with permanent magnetic fields can fundamentally avoid safety hazards such as electric field breakdown. (2) The magnetic field force on the molten polymer fluid can generate enough stretching force to overcome the surface tension and form fibers. (3) The fibers are deposited without a whipping instability phase similar to the electrospinning process, allowing easy preparation of regular patterned fibers. (4) The planar motion of the collector creates additional stretching effect on the fibers, which can further reduce the fiber diameter. (5) In magnetic spinning, no external high-voltage power supply is required, enabling the portability of the device. The results of this paper can provide a new method for preparing nanofibers with patterned morphology.
Surveillance of respiratory syncytial virus infections in adults, Austria, 2017 to 2019
Authors: Schubert Lorenz , Steininger Johanna , Lötsch Felix , Herdina Anna Nele , Redlberger-Fritz Monika , Tobudic Selma , Kundi Michael , Strassl Robert , Steininger Christoph
Published: April 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) testing is generally available in most care centres, but it is rarely performed because clinicians’ seldom suspect RSV to be the underlying pathogen in adults with respiratory disease. Here, we evaluate the impact of broad combined influenza/RSV testing on the clinical practice. Overall, 103 patients were tested positively for RSV. Our study indicates that positively tested patients were mostly of advanced age and suffered from chronic diseases. Mortality was significant in our cohort and higher in patients with advanced age. Further, we report a significant increase in detected RSV cases but also in detection rate. Together, these findings suggest that implementation of a combined influenza/RSV testing led to a significant increase in detection rate, supported clinicians establishing the correct diagnosis and allowed a safe and controlled handling of RSV patients.
None sharp corner localized surface plasmons resonance based ultrathin metasurface single layer quarter wave plate
Authors: Qian Qinyu , Liu Pengfei , Fan Li , Zhao Liang , Wang Chinhua
Published: April 2021

We report on a non-sharp-corner quarter wave plate (NCQW) within the single layer of only 8 nm thickness structured by the Ag hollow elliptical ring array, where the strong localized surface plasmons (LSP) resonances are excited. By manipulating the parameters of the hollow elliptical ring, the transmitted amplitude and phase of the two orthogonal components are well controlled. The phase difference of π/2 and amplitude ratio of 1 is realized simultaneously at the wavelength of 834 nm with the transmission of 0.46. The proposed NCQW also works well in an ultrawide wavelength band of 110 nm, which suggests an efficient way of exciting LSP resonances and designing wave plates, and provides a great potential for advanced nanophotonic devices and integrated photonic systems.
Restoration and risk reduction of lead mining waste by phosphate-enriched biosolid amendments
Authors: Li Na , Tang Xi , Yang John , Sun Zhanxiang
Published: April 2021

Lead (Pb) contamination in environment has been identified as a threat to human health and ecosystems. In an effort to reduce the health and ecological risks associated with Pb mining wastes, a field study was conducted to stabilize Pb using phosphate (P)-enriched biosolid amendments in the contaminated mining wastes (average of 1004 mg Pb kg−1) located within the Jasper County Superfund Site, southwest Missouri. Experiments consisted of six biosolid amendment treatments, including Mizzou Doo compost (MD); Spent mushroom compost (SMC); Turkey litter compost (TLC); Composted chicken litter (CCL); Composted sewage sludge (CSS); and Triple superphosphate (TSP). Kentucky tall fescue seeds were planted following the treatments, and soil and plant samples were collected and analyzed 8–10 years post treatment. Results indicated that, in all cases, the biosolid treatments resulted in significant reductions in bioaccessible Pb (96.5 to 97.5%), leachable Pb (95.0 to 97.1%) and plant tissue Pb (45.5 to 90.1%) in the treated wastes, as compared with the control. The treatments had no significantly toxicological effect to soil microbial community. Analysis of the Pb fractionation revealed that the Pb risk reduction was accomplished by transforming labile Pb fractions to relatively stable species through the chemical stabilization reactions as induced by the treatments. The solid-phase microprobe analysis confirmed the formation of pyromorphite or pyromorphite-like minerals after the treatment. Among the six biosolid amendments examined, SMC and MD treatments were shown most effective in the context of Pb stabilization and risk reduction. This field study demonstrated that the treatment effectiveness of Pb stabilization and risk reduction in mining wastes by P-enriched biosolid amendments was long-term and environmental-sound, which could be potentially applied as a cost-effective remedial technology to restore contaminated mining site and safeguard human health and ecosystems from Pb contamination.