bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective functional outcomes in oropharyngeal cancer treated with induction chemotherapy using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI)
Authors: Mott Frank E. , Sacks Ruth , Johnson Faye , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Gallagher Natalie , Varghese Susan , Zaveri Jhankruti
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Evaluate the use of induction chemotherapy (IC) in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and its impact on subjective functional outcomes using a validated MD Anderson Symptom Inventory‐Head and Neck (MDASI‐HN) survey tool.

Methods

A single institution retrospective review of OPC patients who received IC, including reasons given for using IC, regimens employed, responses, and patient‐reported outcomes (PRO). The latter included pain, distress, dysphagia, xerostomia, and feeding tube placement and dependency. PRO's were assessed using the validated MD Anderson Symptom Inventory‐Head and Neck (MDASI‐HN) conducted at baseline, during treatment, and at six‐month follow up.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐five patients were evaluable. They were more likely to have large primary and/or bulky or low neck nodal disease as a reason for IC. A taxane‐containing regimen was most common. Primary tumor response was seen in 83.2% and the nodal response in 81.6%. Pain and xerostomia improved with IC, dysphagia was not adversely affected with IC. These symptoms all increased with consolidation chemoradiotherapy (CRT) but returned to baseline by 6 months post treatment. Feeding tube placement did not increase with IC but did with CRT, most patients were no longer feeding tube dependent at 6 months.

Conclusion

This retrospective review of subjective functional outcomes, especially swallowing and feeding tube dependency, using the MDASI survey tool in 125 oropharyngeal cancer patients with large primary tumors and/or bulky adenopathy treated predominantly with platinum‐taxane based induction chemotherapy showed that such outcomes were not adversely impacted. While not standard, such approach may be beneficial in such patients.

Level of Evidence

2.
Molecular Dynamics of Synthetic Flagelliform Silk Fiber Assembly
Authors: de C. Bittencourt Daniela M. , Oliveira Paula F. , Souto Betulia M. , de Freitas Sonia M. , Silva Luciano P. , Murad Andre M. , Michalczechen‐Lacerda Valquiria A. , Lewis Randolph V. , Rech Elibio L.
Published: November 2020

In order to better understand the relationship between flagelliform (Flag) spider silk molecular structural organization and the mechanisms of fiber assembly, the Nephilengys cruentata Flag spidroin analogue rNcFlag2222 is designed and produced. The recombinant proteins are composed by the elastic repetitive glycine‐rich motifs (GPGGX/GGX) and the spacer region, rich in hydrophilic charged amino acids, present at the native silk spidroin. Using different approaches for nanomolecular protein analysis, the structural data of rNcFlag2222 recombinant proteins are compared in their fibrillar and fully solvated states. Based on the results, it is possible to identify the molecular structural dynamics of NcFlag2222 prior to and after fiber formation. Overall rNcFlag2222 shows a mixture of semiflexible and rigid conformations, characterized mostly by the presence of polyproline type II helix (PPII), β‐turn, and β‐sheet. These results agree with previous studies and bring insights about the molecular mechanisms that might drive Flag silk fibers assembly and elastomeric behavior.
Carter Center discusses 2020 changes in MH conversation, access to care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2020

In a year that has been extra‐challenging for a number of people, including those experiencing grief over separation from loved ones and people of color continuing to be traumatized by systemic racism, perhaps one positive outcome has been the willingness of many to talk openly about mental needs and mental health care, says the CEO of the Carter Center.
Combined use of ipsilateral latissimus dorsi flap and anterolateral thigh flap to reconstruct extensive trunk defects
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Kageyama Daisuke , Arikawa Masaki , Kagaya Yu , Fukunaga Yutaka
Published: November 2020

Reconstruction of a full‐thickness trunk defect is challenging because of the complex nature of such defects, which include the chest wall, abdominal wall, and diaphragm. We herein describe three patients in whom extensive trunk defects after sarcoma resection were reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi flap and an anterolateral thigh flap. In two patients, the defect included both the chest wall and the abdominal wall. The other patient had an extensive full‐thickness chest wall defect. The size of the anterolateral thigh flap for each patient was 34 × 10 cm, 26 × 15 cm, and 23 × 5 cm, respectively. Although one patient required take‐back for additional venous drainage, all wounds healed with no other complications. No respiratory dysfunction or abdominal wall hernia occurred in any patients. The combined use of a latissimus dorsi flap and an anterolateral thigh flap may provide reliable coverage of an extensive trunk defect and robust support of the chest and abdominal walls. Additionally, the availability of a two‐team approach without a positional change makes this combination a versatile reconstructive option.
Effect of the Hall currents and thermal radiation on the flow of a nanofluid through a vertical rotating channel
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Habib M. Bilal , Dahari Mahidzal , Akram Javaria
Published: November 2020

The present article is intended to focus on the combined influence of Hall currents and thermal radiation on the magnetohydrodynamic flow of a nanofluid through a vertical rotating channel. The nanofluid is prepared by choosing the copper nanoparticles and water as a base fluid. The impact of mixed convection is also considered. The solution to the formulated problem is computed through a mathematical software Matlab. The physical interpretation of the problem is performed by preparing the graphical results. Consequences manifest that a decline in both primary and secondary velocity is produced via a rise in the strength of Lorentz forces. However, the disparate impact of the Hall parameter on primary and secondary velocity is noticed. Increasing the angular velocity of the vertical channel raises both velocity profiles. The tangent phase of the rate of heat transfer at the left vertical wall significantly decays for increment in the radiation parameter; however, it is directly related to the Prandtl number and the frequency parameter. Further, the temperature is intensified for a rise in the Prandtl number and the frequency parameter, and it decays for an increase in radiation parameters.
Testing spatial interactions in Kaldor's growth laws: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Sofi Arfat Ahmad , Bhat Mohammad Younus , Mishra Aswini Kumar
Published: November 2020

This study tests spatial interactions in Kaldor's growth laws in a cross‐country perspective during 2000–2001 to 2014–2015. In particular, we examine the interactive hypothesis through spatial proximity using a spatial panel data framework. The results reveal that ordinary least square estimates undermine the relationship defined through standard Kaldorian setting, besides an inconsequential relationship in some cases. Spatial estimates support the Kaldorian growth strategy with a strong spatial interaction across the countries chosen. The first and third law show significantly positive spatial interactions in lag as well as error component. While as Verdon's law reflects similar as well as dissimilar spatial patterns in error and lag components respectively. The results reflect the fact that manufacturing labor productivity and output growth are more spatially interactive which is imperative for sustained higher economic growth. Therefore, highlighting the significant role of the manufacturing sector in attaining the higher steady state. The empirical findings suggest that the relationship between economic growth, manufacturing output, and labor productivity is global and spatially interactive. Considering these interactions may lead to narrowing down the disparities across the countries.
Implementing high‐dimensional propensity score principles to improve confounder adjustment in UK electronic health records
Authors: Tazare John , Smeeth Liam , Evans Stephen J. W. , Williamson Elizabeth , Douglas Ian J.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Recent evidence from US claims data suggests use of high‐dimensional propensity score (hd‐PS) methods improve adjustment for confounding in non‐randomised studies of interventions. However, it is unclear how best to apply hd‐PS principles outside their original setting, given important differences between claims data and electronic health records (EHRs). We aimed to implement the hd‐PS in the setting of United Kingdom (UK) EHRs.

Methods

We studied the interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Whilst previous observational studies suggested an interaction (with reduced effect of clopidogrel), case‐only, genetic and randomised trial approaches showed no interaction, strongly suggesting the original observational findings were subject to confounding. We derived a cohort of clopidogrel users from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked with the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project. Analyses estimated the hazard ratio (HR) for myocardial infarction (MI) comparing PPI users with non‐users using a Cox model adjusting for confounders. To reflect unique characteristics of UK EHRs, we varied the application of hd‐PS principles including the level of grouping within coding systems and adapting the assessment of code recurrence. Results were compared with traditional analyses.

Results

Twenty‐four thousand four hundred and seventy‐one patients took clopidogrel, of whom 9111 were prescribed a PPI. Traditional PS approaches obtained a HR for the association between PPI use and MI of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.00‐1.35). Applying hd‐PS modifications resulted in estimates closer to the expected null (HR 1.00; 95% CI: 0.78‐1.28).

Conclusions

hd‐PS provided improved adjustment for confounding compared with other approaches, suggesting hd‐PS can be usefully applied in UK EHRs.
Smart Line Scan Measurement Systems
Authors: Halbach Guido , Oechsner Ulrich
Published: November 2020

Current industrial machine vision applications mostly rely on PC‐based image processing. Smart camera systems, which incorporate an image sensor and computing capabilities, were initially restricted to very simple tasks like barcode reading and interpretation. But as the computing capabilities of embedded systems have increased, smart cameras are now able to handle a wide range of applications.
Improving Semiconductor Wafer Inspection
Authors: Valluru Siva Hemanth
Published: November 2020

In semiconductor manufacturing, yield is a critical parameter that drives operating cost. Improving yield in semiconductor fabs depends on in‐line inspection systems. These systems are often deployed at every process step in semiconductor device manufacturing – from raw wafers to complete packaged ICs. The goal is to capture defects at a very early stage to reduce costly waste.
The Power of Light in Quantum Technology
Authors: Hempler Nils , Malcolm Graeme
Published: November 2020

Many of the new generation of quantum technologies rely on the precise control of light. Quantum information is carried by photons, and lasers are used to manipulate matter in quantum computers, sensors, cameras, clocks and cryptography. This has become possible through the ability to generate and work with very pure light, with precise frequencies and low phase noise, thanks to advanced laser systems. The field is now being driven in two directions – towards higher power with low noise to enable full‐scale quantum computers, and towards miniature, low cost systems for commercial clocks and sensors.
Thin Films for the Future
Authors: Delmdahl Ralph
Published: November 2020

From having the hardness of diamond to carrying currents several hundred times that of copper, thin films make a difference in today's high‐tech systems and solutions. Pulsed laser deposition as a layer by layer growth technology excels in growing the most complex oxides and even produces epitaxial films with high crystal orientation. Powered by UV excimer lasers, it has long reached 24/7 production maturity and is successfully applied to industrial thin film manufacturing on large substrate wafers, panels and tapes.
Quantum Photonics Industry
Authors: Amairi‐Pyka Sana
Published: November 2020

EPIC held the Online Technology Meeting on Atomic Clocks and Quantum Sensors on the 3rd of April 2020. The event was moderated by EPIC's director of technology Jose Pozo and EPIC project manager Sana Amairi‐Pyka and broadcast live on YouTube. The speakers represented the entire supply chain, including the European Space Agency ESA as end‐user, system integrators such as BAE Systems, Spectratime Orolia, PLX and Muquans and components manufacturers of photonic integrated circuits such as Ligentec and CSEM as well as lasers and optics manufacturers such as Toptica and Osram.
Quantum Technologies Are Speeding to Commercialization
Authors: Mounier Eric
Published: November 2020

We are now commencing the second quantum revolution when engineering is needed to develop future quantum systems! With multiple 2019 announcements related to quantum computing, the path to a universal quantum computer has become a bit easier. But the question is still the same: when will universal quantum computers be available?
Anisotropic cellular structures from semi‐crystalline polymer templates
Authors: Kanbargi Nihal , van Erp Marco J. , Lesser Alan J.
Published: November 2020

We report an investigation to determine the effect of an anisotropic semi‐crystalline template on the resulting cell morphology of microcellular polymeric foams generated in these materials. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)‐polystyrene (PS) composite foams are prepared by using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) not only as a foaming agent but also as a transport medium of styrene and initiator into a biaxially‐oriented PET templating film. The composite foam so obtained demonstrates a highly interpenetrating network verified by a single Tg of 98°C. Substrate orientation is observed not to dictate the cell formation; however highly anisotropic swelling and a shape‐templating phenomenon is observed, with the most significant dimension change in the thickness of the film. Introducing confinement in the direction of maximum dimension change is found to introduce a highly anisotropic lamellar cell architecture.
Effects of Domain Wall Proximity on Nanoscale Polarization Switching in Relaxor‐Ferroelectric Single Crystals
Authors: Griffin Lee A. , Williams Samuel , Zhang Shujun , Bassiri-Gharb Nazanin
Published: November 2020

Domain walls’ vibration and motion contribute significantly to the exceptionally large dielectric and piezoelectric response of ferroelectric materials. Yet, the specific length scales at which domain walls impact characteristic parameters remain largely unprobed. Previous studies examining correlation of domain wall proximity and functional response at the micrometer or submicrometer scales are often based on (locally or globally) “written” domains. The stability of such domains can be affected by many factors, resulting in convoluted effects of domain wall proximity and their stability when studying the local functional response. Herein, the effects of preexisting domain walls on the nanoscale polarization switching in a [001]‐cut relaxor‐ferroelectric single crystal are probed by piezoresponse force microscopy. It is found that domain wall proximity has limited impact on polarization switching for locations ⪝300 nm away. While a transition from a growth‐ to nucleation‐limited regime and/or change in dimensionality of domain growth is possibly observed, the effective impact on nucleation voltage does not exceed 25% variation. These results are consistent with the well‐documented pervasive chemical, polar, and structural heterogeneities present in relaxor‐ ferroelectrics and the resulting “soft” piezoelectric behavior.
General cut method for computing Szeged‐like topological indices with applications to molecular graphs
Authors: Brezovnik Simon , Tratnik Niko
Published: November 2020

Szeged, PI and Mostar indices are some of the most investigated distance‐based molecular descriptors. Recently, many different variations of these topological indices appeared in the literature and sometimes they are all together called Szeged‐like topological indices. In this paper, we formally introduce the concept of a general Szeged‐like topological index, which includes all mentioned indices and also infinitely many other topological indices that can be defined in a similar way. As the main result of the paper, we provide a cut method for computing a general Szeged‐like topological index for any strength‐weighted graph. This greatly generalizes various methods known for some of the mentioned indices and therefore rounds off such investigations. Moreover, we provide applications of our main result to benzenoid systems, phenylenes, and coronoid systems, which are well‐known families of molecular graphs. In particular, closed‐form formulas for some subfamilies of these graphs are deduced.
Paraneoplastic acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia from lymphoma completely responding to bendamustine‐rituximab
Authors: Crowhurst Thomas , Giri Pratyush , Smith Caroline , Nguyen Phan , Reynolds Paul
Published: November 2020

Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) is a rare histopathological pattern of lung injury characterized by prominent fibrin deposition in alveolar spaces. It may be idiopathic or associated with medications, connective tissue disease, infection, environmental exposures, transplantation, and malignancy. There is no proven treatment but multiple reports describe response to corticosteroids. We report the case of a 65‐year‐old male never‐smoker with a 15‐month history of dry cough, dyspnoea, anorexia, and night sweats only partially responsive to doxycycline and oral prednisolone. Computed tomography chest demonstrated adenopathy on both sides of the diaphragm and patchy consolidation in a peribronchovascular and subpleural distribution with lower zone predominance. Axillary node biopsy revealed low‐grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lung biopsy showed AFOP but no lymphoma. Complete pulmonary and neoplastic responses were achieved with bendamustine‐rituximab. We report a compelling instance of paraneoplastic AFOP responding to chemotherapy for lymphoma with very limited use of corticosteroids.
Uncertainties associated with environmental flow metrics
Authors: Goguen Gabriel , Caissie Daniel , El‐Jabi Nassir
Published: November 2020

The demand for water withdrawal from rivers continues to increase world‐wide, and these water withdrawals can affect fish habitat and aquatic life in general. The study of river hydrology and environmental flows often require the calculation of flow metrics (e.g., mean annual flow, flow duration statistics, low flow frequency analyses, etc.); however, uncertainties in these flow metrics have not been fully studied in the literature. The present study looks at uncertainties related to four flow metrics used in environmental flow studies using bootstrapping techniques for five hydrometric stations (located in the Miramichi River basin, Canada). The objectives of the study are: (a) to calculate and compare different flow metrics, (b) to carry out bootstrap samples in order to assess uncertainties as a function of sample size and (c) to determine which flow metrics are associated with the least uncertainty when calculating environmental flows using hydrological based methods. Results showed that uncertainties rapidly decreased from a 5‐ to a 15‐year sample size for each flow metric. The uncertainties from a 15‐ to a 50‐year sample size decreased, but not as rapidly as from a 5‐ to a 15‐year sample. The mean annual flow metric showed the least variability. For monthly flow metrics, sample sizes of 25–30 years were needed to obtain similar coefficients of variation as the 5‐year sample size of the mean annual flow. Drainage area did not impact the mean annual flow metric; however, uncertainty was observed to vary more significantly for smaller rivers on a monthly basis.
Quantitative relation between thickness and grafting density of temperature‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) thin film using synchrotron‐source ATR‐FTIR and spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Sakulaue Phongphot , Lertvanithphol Tossaporn , Eiamchai Pitak , Siriwatwechakul Wanwipa
Published: November 2020

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) (PNIAM‐co‐AM) grafted onto tissue culture polystyrene surfaces (TCPSs) with different thicknesses and grafting densities were prepared by varying the spin‐coating speed and UV irradiation time for use in cell sheet engineering. The thickness of the PNIAM grafted surface, less than 30 nm, was believed to influence protein adhesion and cell attachment. However, methods for determining the thicknesses of a thin surface (nanometer scale) are still a challenge. In this study, a model was developed to relate the thickness of the PNIAM‐co‐AM film to its grafting density. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) with synchrotron radiation were used to quantify the thickness and the grafting density, respectively. The amount of the grafted copolymer was determined from quantitative ATR‐FTIR by relating the signals at wavenumber 1,654 to 1,600 cm−1 (A1,654/A1,600) to the known grafting density. A combination of SE and ATR‐FTIR was used to construct a linear model (h = 6.29σ + 2.24), to obtain the grafting density (σ) from the film thickness (h) with R2 = 0.93. To validate the model, random samples were prepared with different thicknesses and grafting densities. The linear model was used to predict the grafting density, which was nearly equal to the measured values.
Incorporation of Active Metal Species in Crystalline Porous Materials for Highly Efficient Synergetic Catalysis
Authors: Cui Wen‐Gang , Hu Tong‐Liang
Published: November 2020

The design and development of efficient catalytic materials with synergistic catalytic sites always has long been known to be a thrilling and very dynamic research field. Crystalline porous materials (CPMs) mainly including metal–organic frameworks and zeolites with high scientific and industrial impact have recently been the subject of extensive research due to their essential role in modern chemical industrial processes. The rational incorporation of guest species in CPMs can synergize the respective strengths of these components and allow them to collaborate with each other for synergistic catalysis, leading to enhanced catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability in a broad range of catalytic processes. In this review, the recent advances in the development of CPMs‐confined active metal species, including metal nanoparticles, metal/metal oxides heteroparticles, metal oxide, subnanometric metal clusters, and polyoxometalates, for heterogeneous catalysis, with a particular focus on synergistic effects between active components that result in an enhanced performance are highlighted. Insights into catalysts design strategies, host–guest interactions, and structure–property relationships have been illustrated in detail. Finally, the existing challenges and possible development directions in CPMs‐based encapsulation‐structured synergistic catalysts are discussed.
Endoscopic papillectomy; a retrospective international multicenter cohort study with long-term follow-up
Authors: Fritzsche Jeska A. , Klein Amir , Beekman Maarten J. , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Sidhu Mayenaaz , Schoeman Scott , Fockens Paul , Bourke Michael J. , Voermans Rogier P.
Published: November 2020

Background

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is considered a relatively safe and minimally invasive treatment for papillary adenomas. In the literature a significant risk for local recurrence is described. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term recurrence rates and time-to-recurrence. Additionally, risk factors for recurrence, malignancy and adverse events were studied.

Methods

This is a retrospective study in consecutive patients with papillary adenomas who underwent EP in two tertiary referral hospitals between 2001 and 2018. Primary outcome was recurrence in patients with at least 1-year endoscopic follow-up. Secondary outcomes were surgery free survival, adverse events, and mortality within 30 days after the index procedure.

Results

A total of 259 patients were found eligible [median age 66 years, 130 male (50.2%)]. Forty-three patients were known with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) (16.6%). At least 1-year endoscopic follow-up was available in 154 patients with a total follow-up of 586 person-years and median of 40 months [interquartile range (IQR) 25–75]. Recurrence occurred in 24 cases (15.6%) of which 8 were known with FAP, leading to a recurrence incidence rate of 4.1 per 100 person-years with a median time-to-recurrence of 29 months (IQR 14.75–59.5). Fifty-three patients underwent at least 5-year follow-up, in 6 (11.3%) of them recurrence was encountered after 5 years of which four were known with FAP. No risk factors for recurrence could be identified. Adverse events occurred in 50/259 patients (19.3%). One patient died within 30 days after the procedure. Papillary stenosis occurred in 19/259 (7.3%) of the patients. There were no cases of malignant degeneration during follow-up.

Conclusions

Recurrence after EP occurs in a significant proportion of patients and occurs even 5 years after EP. This emphasizes the need for long-term follow-up. We advise to consider at least 5-year follow-up in case of a sporadic adenoma, unless comorbidity makes follow-up clinically irrelevant.
EPR of Compound I: An Illustrated Revision of the Theoretical Model
Authors: Bracci Maruan , Van Doorslaer Sabine , García-Rubio Inés
Published: November 2020

Compound I has been postulated to be the reactive species in many heme catalysts, which performs different chemistry and shows different properties in different enzymes. The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive model which has been successfully used to interpret the EPR spectra of various Compound I species. The theoretical approach established by seminal articles will be revisited and its ability to explain experimental results will be illustrated by simulating selected spectra from the literature. Compound I stores two oxidizing equivalents, one in the paramagnetic iron(IV)-oxo moiety, and another one as a free radical on the porphyrin ligand or an amino acid in the protein. To describe the interactions of the two paramagnetic species with each other and with their local environment, the spin Hamiltonian of the system is built step by step. The Fe(IV) center is described using a two-hole model. The effect of the crystal-field and spin–orbit coupling on the energy levels is calculated with this simple approach, which allows to obtain spin Hamiltonian parameters like zero-field splitting and effectiveg-values for the iron. The magnetic interaction between the Fe(IV) center and the free radical is considered and allowed to vary in sign (ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic) and magnitude to interpret the EPR of Compound I species in different systems. Since orbital overlap is crucial for exchange interaction, special emphasis is made in obtaining the orientation of Fe semi-occupied orbitals by extending the counter-rotation concept, which relates the directions of magnetic, electronic, and molecular axes.
Investigating the effects of structural pounding on the seismic performance of adjacent RC and steel MRFs
Authors: Kazemi F. , Miari M. , Jankowski R.
Published: November 2020

An insufficient separation distance between adjacent buildings is the main reason for structural pounding during severe earthquakes. The lateral load resistance system, fundamental natural period, mass, and stiffness are important factors having the influence on collisions between two adjacent structures. In this study, 3-, 5- and 9-story adjacent reinforced concrete and steel moment resisting frames (MRFs) were considered to investigate the collision effects and to determine modification factors for new and already existing buildings. For this purpose, incremental dynamic analysis was used to assess the seismic limit state capacity of the structures using a developed algorithm in OpenSees software including two near-field record subsets suggested by FEMA-P695. The results of this paper can help engineers to approximately estimate the performance levels of MRFs due to pounding phenomenon. The results confirm that collisions can lead to the changes in performance levels, which are difficult to be considered during the design process. In addition, the results of the analyses illustrate that providing a fluid viscous damper between adjacent reinforced concrete and steel structures can be effective to eliminate the sudden changes in the lateral force during collision. This approach can be successfully used for retrofitting adjacent structures with insufficient in-between separation distances.
Drug use disorder and risk of incident and fatal breast cancer: a nationwide epidemiological study
Authors: Dahlman Disa , Magnusson Hedvig , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer forms in women and it is often detected by screening. However, women with drug use disorders (DUD) are less likely to be reached by screening programs. In this study, we aimed to investigate breast cancer incidence, mortality and stage at time of diagnosis among women with DUD compared to the general female population in Sweden.

Methods

We performed a follow-up study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997–December 2015. The study was based on 3,838,248 women aged 15–75 years, of whom 50,858 were registered with DUD. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal breast cancer, and cancer stage at time of diagnosis, were calculated for women with and without DUD using Cox regression analysis.

Results

DUD was associated with incident breast cancer (HR 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.14, p = 0.0069), fatal breast cancer (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.42–1.82, p < 0.001), and stage IV breast cancer, i.e. metastasis at diagnosis (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.44–2.95, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Women with DUD were identified as a risk group for incident, fatal and metastasized breast cancer, which calls for attention from clinicians and policy makers. Cancer screening attendance and other healthcare seeking barriers are likely to affect the risk increase among women who use drugs; however, more research is needed on the underlying mechanisms.
Polygenic Risk Score: Clinically Useful Tool for Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease and Benefit from Lipid-Lowering Therapy?
Authors: Arnold Natalie , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Improvement in risk prediction of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) using information on the genetic predisposition at an individual level might offer new possibilities for the successful management of such complex trait. Latest developments in genetic research with the conduction of genome-wide association studies have facilitated a broader utility of polygenic risk score (PRS) as a potent risk prognosticator, being strongly associated with future cardiovascular events. Although its discriminative ability beyond traditional risk factors is still a matter of controversy, PRS possesses at least comparable risk information to that provided by traditional risk tools. More importantly, increased genetic risk for ASCVD might be discovered at younger ages, much longer before conventional risk factors become manifest, thereby providing a potent instrument for aggressive primordial and primary prevention in those at high risk. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that inherited risk may be successfully modulated by a healthy lifestyle or medication use (e.g., statins or PCSK-9 inhibitors). Here, we provide a short overview of the current research related to the possible application of PRS in clinical routine and critically discuss existing pitfalls, which still limit a widespread utility of PRS outside a research setting.
Characterization of a novel bacterial cellulose producer for the production of eco-friendly piezoelectric-responsive films from a minimal medium containing waste carbon
Authors: Mangayil Rahul , Rissanen Antti J. , Pammo Arno , Guizelini Dieval , Losoi Pauli , Sarlin Essi , Tuukkanen Sampo , Santala Ville
Published: November 2020

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biodegradable polymer that benefits in purity, crystallinity and superior optical, structural and mechanical properties. Such properties facilitate BC to replace the conventional non-biodegradable materials used, for instance, in sensing applications. However, BC production is largely conducted in conventional medium containing model substrates and complex carbon-containing compounds. Aiming towards the production of eco-friendly piezoelectric-responsive BC films, we isolated and characterized a novel bacterial strain affiliated to Komagataeibacter rhaeticus. The K. rhaeticus ENS9a strain synthesized BC in minimal medium containing crude glycerol, generating a titer of 2.9 ± 0.3 g/L BC. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest BC titer reported from an unoptimized minimal medium containing crude glycerol. Interestingly, the films prepared from crude glycerol showed normal force and bending mode sensitivities of 6–11 pC/N and 40–71 pC/N, respectively, demonstrating a green platform to address both bioprocess waste valorization and implementation of cellulose-based alternatives for the non-sustainable and non-biodegradable materials, such as fluoropolymers or lead containing piezoceramics, used in sensing applications. In silico genome analysis predicted genes partaking in carbohydrate metabolism, BC biogenesis, and nitrogen fixation/regulation.

Graphic abstract
Nitrogen stocks and flows in an acid sulfate soil
Authors: Yli-Halla Markku , Virtanen Seija , Regina Kristiina , Österholm Peter , Ehnvall Betty , Uusi-Kämppä Jaana
Published: November 2020

Besides causing acidification, acid sulfate (AS) soils contain large nitrogen (N) stocks and are a potential source of N loading to waters and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. We quantified the stocks and flows of N, including crop yields, N leaching, and N2O emissions, in a cultivated AS soil in western Finland. We also investigated whether controlled drainage (CD) and sub-irrigation (CDI) to keep the sulfidic horizons inundated can alleviate N losses. Total N stock at 0–100 cm (19.5 Mg ha−1) was smaller than at 100–200 cm (26.6 Mg ha−1), and the mineral N stock was largest below 170 cm. Annual N leaching (31–91 kg N ha−1) plus N in harvested grain (74–122 kg N ha−1) was 148% (range 118–189%) of N applied in fertilizers (90–125 kg N ha−1) in 2011–2017, suggesting substantial N supply from soil reserves. Annual emissions of N2O measured during 2 years were 8–28 kg N ha−1. The most probable reasons for high N2O emission rates in AS soils are concomitant large mineral N pools with fluctuating redox conditions and low pH in the oxidized subsoil, all favoring formation of N2O in nitrification and denitrification. Although the groundwater level was higher in CD and CDI than in conventional drainage, N load and crop offtake did not differ between the drainage methods, but there were differences in emissions. Nitrogen flows to the atmosphere and drainage water were clearly larger than those in non-AS mineral soils indicating that AS soils are potential hotspots of environmental impacts.
Determination and ecological risk assessment of two endocrine disruptors from River Buffalo, South Africa
Authors: Olaniyan Lamidi W. B. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: November 2020

4-tert-Octylphenol (4-tOP) and triclosan (TCS) are endocrine disruptors which have been detected in environmental matrices such as air, soil and water at ultra-low levels. Exposure to endocrine disruptors may account at least in part, for the global increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases like cancers and diabetes and may also lead to an imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem. River Buffalo is an important natural resource in the Eastern Cape of South Africa serving more than half a million people. The presence of the two compounds in the river water hitherto unknown was investigated during winter seasons using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometric techniques. The sampling points differed by some physicochemical parameters. The concentration of 4-tOP ranged 0–755 ng/L, median value 88.1 ng/L while that of TCS ranged 0–1264.2 ng/L and the median value was 82.1 ng/L. Hazard quotient as an index of exposure risk varied according to daphnids ˃ fish ˃ algae for 4-tOP exposure while HQ for TCS exposure was algae > daphnids = fish showing that both compounds were capable of causing imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem.
Placing precarity: access and belonging in the shifting landscape of UK mental health care
Authors: Brenman Natassia F.
Published: November 2020

This paper engages with the notion of ‘embodied belonging’ through an ethnography of the social and material aspects of accessing mental health care in the UK. I focus on moments of access and transition in a voluntary sector organisation in London: an intercultural psychotherapy centre, serving a range of im/migrant communities. Whilst both ‘belonging’ and ‘place’ are often invoked to imply stability, I explore how material contexts of access and inclusion can paradoxically be implicated in the ongoing production of precarity—of unstable, uncertain, and vulnerable ways of being. A sociomaterial analysis of ethnographic material and visual data from two creative mapping interviews attends to material and spatial aspects of the centre and its transitory place in the urban environment. It demonstrates how these aspects of place became entangled in client experiences of access: uncertainties of waiting, ambivalence towards belonging to a particular client group, and questions around deservingness of care. This engendered an embodied and situated experience of ‘precarious belonging’. I therefore argue that precarity should be ‘placed’, both within the concept of embodied belonging, and ethnographically, within the material constraints, impermanence, and spatial politics of projects to include the excluded in UK mental health care.
Quantified Temporal Alethic Boulesic Doxastic Logic
Authors: Rönnedal Daniel
Published: November 2020

The paper develops a set of quantified temporal alethic boulesic doxastic systems. Every system in this set consists of five parts: a ‘quantified’ part, a temporal part, a modal (alethic) part, a boulesic part and a doxastic part. There are no systems in the literature that combine all of these branches of logic. Hence, all systems in this paper are new. Every system is defined both semantically and proof-theoretically. The semantic apparatus consists of a kind of$$T \times W$$T×Wmodels, and the proof-theoretical apparatus of semantic tableaux. The ‘quantified part’ of the systems includes relational predicates and the identity symbol. The quantifiers are, in effect, a kind of possibilist quantifiers that vary over every object in the domain. The tableaux rules are classical. The alethic part contains two types of modal operators for absolute and historical necessity and possibility. According to ‘boulesic logic’ (the logic of the will), ‘willing’ (‘consenting’, ‘rejecting’, ‘indifference’ and ‘non-indifference’) is a kind of modal operator. Doxastic logic is the logic of beliefs; it treats ‘believing’ (and ‘conceiving’) as a kind of modal operator. I will explore some possible relationships between these different parts, and investigate some principles that include more than one type of logical expression. I will show that every tableau system in the paper is sound and complete with respect to its semantics. Finally, I consider an example of a valid argument and an example of an invalid sentence. I show how one can use semantic tableaux to establish validity and invalidity and read off countermodels. These examples illustrate the philosophical usefulness of the systems that are introduced in this paper.
Local administration of submicron particle paclitaxel to solid carcinomas induces direct cytotoxicity and immune-mediated tumoricidal effects without local or systemic toxicity: preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Verco Shelagh , Maulhardt Holly , Baltezor Michael , Williams Emily , Iacobucci Marc , Wendt Alison , Verco James , Marin Alyson , Campbell Sam , Dorman Paul , diZerega Gere
Published: November 2020

This report describes local administration of submicron particle paclitaxel (SPP) (NanoPac®: ~ 800-nm-sized particles with high relative surface area with each particle containing ~ 2 billion molecules of paclitaxel) in preclinical models and clinical trials evaluating treatment of carcinomas. Paclitaxel is active in the treatment of epithelial solid tumors including ovarian, peritoneal, pancreatic, breast, esophageal, prostate, and non-small cell lung cancer. SPP has been delivered directly to solid tumors, where the particles are retained and continuously release the drug, exposing primary tumors to high, therapeutic levels of paclitaxel for several weeks. As a result, tumor cell death shifts from primarily apoptosis to both apoptosis and necroptosis. Direct local tumoricidal effects of paclitaxel, as well as stimulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, contribute to antineoplastic effects. Local administration of SPP may facilitate tumor response to systemically administered chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy without contributing to systemic toxicity. Results of preclinical and clinical investigations described here suggest that local administration of SPP achieves clinical benefit with negligible toxicity and may complement standard treatments for metastatic disease.

Graphical abstract
Correction to: Ripretinib: First Approval
Authors: Dhillon Sohita
Published: November 2020

The original article can be found online.
Generation and Use of Hints and Feedback in a Hilbert-Style Axiomatic Proof Tutor
Authors: Lodder Josje , Heeren Bastiaan , Jeuring Johan , Neijenhuis Wendy
Published: November 2020

This paper describeslogax, an interactive tutoring tool that gives hints and feedback to a student who stepwise constructs a Hilbert-style axiomatic proof in propositional logic.logaxgenerates proofs to calculate hints and feedback. We compare these generated proofs with expert proofs and student solutions, and conclude that the quality of the generated proofs is comparable to that of expert proofs.logaxrecognizes most steps that students take when constructing a proof. Even if a student diverges from the generated solution,logaxstill provides hints, including next steps or reachable subgoals, and feedback. With a few improvements in the design of the set of buggy rules,logaxwill cover about 80% of the mistakes made by students by buggy rules. The hints help students to complete the exercises.
Die Logistik im Fokus empirischer Analysen: Arbeitsbedingungen und Arbeitsfähigkeit in der Lagerwirtschaft sowie den Post- und Zustelldiensten
Authors: Certa Mathias , Schröder Tim
Published: November 2020

Die zunehmende Digitalisierung führt zu veränderten Arbeitsbedingungen in verschiedenen Bereichen der Logistik, wie der Intralogistik und den Post- und Zustelldiensten. Für beide Berufsgruppen gelten die Arbeitsbedingungen als äußerst belastend. Allerdings sind die Zusammenhänge mit der Arbeitsfähigkeit bislang nicht hinreichend untersucht. Ziel ist es deshalb, diese Zusammenhänge anhand empirischer Analysen und auf theoretischer Basis eines erweiterten Anforderungs-Ressourcen-Modells zu erklären und somit Ansatzpunkte für eine menschengerechte Arbeitsgestaltung aufzuzeigen. Datengrundlage ist die von der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin durchgeführte Arbeitszeitbefragung. Anhand von Gruppenvergleichen und Regressionsmodellen werden beide Berufsgruppen miteinander verglichen. Ansätze für eine menschengerechte Gestaltung von Arbeitssystemen können für beide Berufsgruppen vor allem bei organisatorischen Arbeitsbedingungen wie der sozialen Unterstützung oder eines auf Anerkennung und Rollenklarheit basierenden Betriebsklimas ausgemacht werden.

Praktische Relevanz Die vorliegenden Analysen können als Grundlage für eine menschengerechte Gestaltung von Arbeitssystemen je nach den spezifischen Bedingungen in der jeweiligen Berufsgruppe dienen. Sie verdeutlichen besonders das Bedingungsverhältnis von technischen und sozialen Aspekten und zeigen darüber hinaus für beide untersuchten Berufsgruppen sowohl bei der technischen Gestaltung der Arbeitssysteme als auch mit Blick auf organisationale Ressourcen Ansatzpunkte für Interventionen auf.
Exhaust system piping made by hydroforming: relations between stresses, microstructure, mechanical properties and surface
Authors: Kucharska Barbara , Moraczyński Oskar
Published: November 2020

The subject of research is car exhaust system piping made of chromium–nickel steel of grade AISI304L with a unique, complex shape that was obtained by hydroforming technology. The purpose of the research was to determine the relation between the microstructure features, surface condition, hardness and the stresses on the external surface as determined by the sin2ψ X-ray method. We found that the stresses were tensile and correlated with the steel hardness, i.e. they were greater where the hardness was higher. Moreover, longitudinal stresses showed a relationship with pipe wall thickness, while circumferential stresses did so only partially. According to our data, the greatest value of stress determined in the pipe amounted to 290 MPa, and was close to the yield point of the strain hardened 304L steel. As depicted via XRD and SEM examination, the pipe stress level and hardness were influenced by the transition γ→α’. Furthermore, in the region of higher stress and hardness, the amount of martensite was 10 vol.%. We also noted that the pipe’s outer surface when subjected to friction against the die shows lesser roughness compared to its inner surface upon exposure to water under pressure.
Free Speech in the Balance
Authors: Tsesis Alexander
Published: November 2020

Free Speech in the Balance is the first comprehensive study of proportional analysis in free speech theory. This book challenges the US Supreme Court's categorical approach and explains the importance of understanding the breadth of concerns arising from regulations directly and indirectly impacting expression. The author provides in-depth analysis of some of the important social and political principles governing topics of vital concern, including campaign financing, university speech codes, secondary school rules, incitement, and threats. This book should be read by students and scholars of free speech theory and anyone interested in learning more about the history of existing law, the issues of current importance, and trends in expressive significance.
England Re-Oriented
Authors: Garcia Humberto
Published: November 2020

What does the love between British imperialists and their Asian male partners reveal about orientalism's social origins? To answer this question, Humberto Garcia focuses on westward-bound Central and South Asian travel writers who have long been forgotten or  dismissed by scholars. This bias has obscured how Joseph Emin, Sake Dean Mahomet, Shaykh I'tesamuddin, Abu Talib Khan, Abul Hassan Khan, Yusuf Khan Kambalposh, and Lutfullah Khan found in their conviviality with Englishwomen and men a strategy for inhabiting a critical agency that appropriated various media to make Europe commensurate with Asia. Drama, dance, masquerades, visual art, museum exhibits, music, postal letters, and newsprint inspired these genteel men to recalibrate Persianate ways of behaving and knowing. Their cosmopolitanisms offer a unique window on an enchanted third space between empires in which Europe was peripheral to Islamic Indo-Eurasia. Encrypted in their mediated homosocial intimacies is a queer history of orientalist mimic men under the spell of a powerful Persian manhood.