bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Normative Underpinnings of Population-Level Alcohol Use: An Individual-Level Simulation Model
Authors: Probst Charlotte , Vu Tuong Manh , Epstein Joshua M. , Nielsen Alexandra E. , Buckley Charlotte , Brennan Alan , Rehm Jürgen , Purshouse Robin C.
Published: February 2020

Background. By defining what is “normal,” appropriate, expected, and unacceptable, social norms shape human behavior. However, the individual-level mechanisms through which social norms impact population-level trends in health-relevant behaviors are not well understood. Aims. To test the ability of social norms mechanisms to predict changes in population-level drinking patterns. Method. An individual-level model was developed to simulate dynamic normative mechanisms and behavioral rules underlying drinking behavior over time. The model encompassed descriptive and injunctive drinking norms and their impact on frequency and quantity of alcohol use. A microsynthesis initialized in 1979 was used as a demographically representative synthetic U.S. population. Three experiments were performed in order to test the modelled normative mechanisms. Results. Overall, the experiments showed limited influence of normative interventions on population-level alcohol use. An increase in the desire to drink led to the most meaningful changes in the population’s drinking behavior. The findings of the experiments underline the importance of autonomy, that is, the degree to which an individual is susceptible to normative influence. Conclusion. The model was able to predict theoretically plausible changes in drinking patterns at the population level through the impact of social mechanisms. Future applications of the model could be used to plan norms interventions pertaining to alcohol use as well as other health behaviors.
Antibacterial wound dressing electrospun nanofibrous material from polyvinyl alcohol, honey and Curcumin longa extract
Authors: Shahid Md. Abdus , Ali Ayub , Uddin Md. Nur , Miah Sumon , Islam Syed Maminul , Mohebbullah Md. , Jamal Mohammad Salman Ibna
Published: February 2020

In the recent years, the medical sector is getting increasingly interested in the wound dressing materials that contain medicinal herb instead of metal nanoparticles to impart antibacterial or other desirable properties. Herein, a novel multicomponent nanofibrous mat has been successfully prepared by electrospinning technique from a blended solution of polyvinyl alcohol, honey and Curcumin longa (turmeric) extract for potential application as the wound dressing material. Ethyl acetate extraction was followed to obtain the restorative components of turmeric. The fabricated nanofibrous materials were characterized by scanning electron microscope, moisture management tester, bacterial assay and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate their morphological, moisture, antibacterial and chemical behavior, respectively. Nanofibers of fabricated mat show an average diameter of 340 nm with better moisture management properties compared to polyvinyl alcohol nanomat alone. The agar diffusion method has been used to evaluate the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria showing the formation of inhibition zone with a value of 29 mm and 38 mm. The presence of characteristic peaks in Fourier-transform infrared spectra reveals that all the desired components are present in the developed nanofibrous mats.
Status of dyslipidemia management and statin undertreatment in Korean cancer survivors: A Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study
Authors: Shin Sujeong , Wook Shin Dong , Young Cho In , Jeong Su-Min , Jung Hyein
Published: February 2020

Aims

Due to improving cancer treatment results, non-cancer mortality is an important issue for cancer survivors. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in Korea and globally. In addition to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, the use of statins has led to an overall reduction in cancer mortality in recent observational studies. We investigated the status of current dyslipidemia management in cancer survivors with reference to 2018 guidelines.

Methods

The study is a cross-sectional analysis of 1460 cancer survivors aged from 40 to 75 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2016. Dyslipidemia management status among cancer survivors was assessed according to 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and Korean Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score guidelines.

Results

The rate of treatment for dyslipidemia was 8.5% for males, 13.8% for females, and 11.9% overall. Among cancer survivors who were not receiving treatment for dyslipidemia, 59.6% of males, 34.2% of females and 43.9% of total cancer survivors would have been eligible for statin therapy under the 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and Korean Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score guidelines. The rate of undertreatment of dyslipidemia increased with age and length of time since cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

Nearly 50% of cancer survivors remain untreated although they are eligible for statin therapy. This emphasizes the need for more attention to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among cancer survivors.
Sagittal alignment based on inflection point and its differences according to age groups
Authors: Park Moon Soo , Moon Seong-Hwan , Kim Tae-Hwan , Oh Jae Keun , Lee Seung Jin , Lee Jeong Hwan , Sung Paul S. , Chang Ho Guen
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

We have always used the standard anatomical landmark vertebrae to measure the sagittal alignment. Instead, scoliosis has been evaluated by the end vertebrae in the coronal plane. There have been clinical studies to investigate sagittal alignment on the end vertebrae of inflection points (IPs). The purpose is to determine sagittal alignment based on IPs and to elucidate the changes while considering age groups.

Methods:

We identified the most titled vertebrae in the sagittal plane to define the end vertebrae of S1, thoracolumbar and cervicothoracic IPs and to measure the Cobb angles of sacral slope, functional lumbar, thoracic, cervical segment between them, and the McGregor’s line, and the IP distances from the C2 plumb line to the point bisecting the upper end plate of the IPs, in addition to S1.

Results:

The most common thoracolumbar and cervicothoracic IPs were L2 and T1, respectively. However, the next most common cervicothoracic IP changed from T2 in the youngest to C7 in the oldest age group. The sagittal angles decreased at the sacral slope and functional lumbar segment but not the functional thoracic segment and functional cervical segment. Similarly, the distance increased at the C2 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) distance to S1 and thoracolumbar IP distance but not at the cervicothoracic IP distance. There was no difference in the pelvic incidence among age groups.

Conclusion:

The sagittal Cobb angles based on the IPs decreased at the sacral slope and functional lumbar segment in the older adults. Consequently, the C2 SVA distance to S1 and thoracolumbar IP distance increased.
Responsibility as a field: The circular economy of water, waste, and energy
Authors: Savini Federico , Giezen Mendel
Published: February 2020

Responsibilities are a central matter of concern of environmental politics because they underpin regulatory frameworks of utility services. Yet, in scholarship concerned with sustainability transitions and governance, responsibility is reductively understood as a legal obligation or allotted task. Building on an institutionalist perspective, this paper conceptualized responsibility as a field of contention where actors negotiate, contest, and articulate what we define as subjectivist and collectivist responsibilities. Defining and using the concept of ‘fields of responsibility’, the paper analyzes how responsibilities (mis)match and contradict in controversial policymaking around the ‘circular economy’: a wide policy program for restructuring water, energy, and waste utility services and infrastructures in Amsterdam region. In so doing, it reveals the logic of contemporary environmental governance: in approaching climate targets, actors actively take on responsibilities while at the same time maintaining a conservative view of their role and responsibilities. We call these phenomena over-stretching and under-reaching.
Investigation of sumatriptan and ketorolac trometamol in the human experimental model of headache
Authors: Ghanizada Hashmat , Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , Arngrim Nanna , Mørch-Rasmussen Mette , Metcalf-Clausen Matias , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Messoud
Published: February 2020

Background

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38) induces headache in healthy volunteers but the precise mechanisms by which PACAP38 leads to headache are unclear. We investigated the headache preventive effect of sumatriptan and ketorolac on PACAP38-induced headache in healthy volunteers. In addition, we explored contribution of vascular mechanisms to PACAP38-induced headache using high resolution magnetic resonance angiography.

Methods

Thirty-four healthy volunteers were divided in two groups (A and B) and received infusion of PACAP38 (10 picomol/kg/min) over 20 min. Group A was pretreated with intravenous sumatriptan (4 mg) or ketorolac (30 mg) 20 min before infusion of PACAP38. Group B received infusion of sumatriptan or ketorolac as post-treatment 90 min after infusion of PACAP38. In both experiments, we used a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. We recorded headache characteristics and circumference of extra-intracerebral arteries.

Results

We found no difference in AUC (0–6 h) of PACAP38-induced headache in group A, pretreated with sumatriptan or ketorolac (p = 0.297). There was no difference between sumatriptan and ketorolac in PACAP38-induced circumference change (AUCBaseline-110 min) of MMA (p = 0.227), STA (p = 0.795) and MCA (p = 0.356). In group B, post-treatment with ketorolac reduced PACAP38-headache compared to sumatriptan (p < 0.001). Post-treatment with sumatriptan significantly reduced the circumference of STA (p = 0.039) and MMA (p = 0.015) but not of MCA (p = 0.981) compared to ketorolac. In an explorative analysis, we found that pre-treatment with sumatriptan reduced PACAP38-induced headache compared to no treatment (AUC0-90min).

Conclusions

Post-treatment with ketorolac was more effective in attenuating PACAP38-induced headache compared to sumatriptan. Ketorolac exerted its effect without affecting PACAP38-induced arterial dilation, whereas sumatriptan post-treatment attenuated PACAP38-induced dilation of MMA and STA. Pre-treatment with sumatriptan attenuated PACAP38-induced headache without affecting PACAP38-induced arterial dilation. Our findings suggest that ketorolac and sumatriptan attenuated PACAP38-induced headache in healthy volunteers without vascular effects.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03585894). Registered 13 July 2018,
The impact of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy on exercise capacity in fibrotic interstitial lung disease: a proof-of-concept randomized controlled crossover trial
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi , Ando Masahiko , Kimura Tomoki , Kataoka Kensuke , Yokoyama Toshiki , Shiroshita Eiichi , Kondoh Yasuhiro
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (FILD) often experience gas exchange abnormalities and ventilatory limitations, resulting in reduced exercise capacity. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is a novel treatment, whose physiological beneficial effects have been demonstrated in various clinical settings. We hypothesized that HFNC oxygen therapy might be superior to conventional oxygen therapy for improving exercise capacity in FILD patients.

Methods

We performed a prospective randomized controlled crossover trial with a high-intensity constant work-rate endurance test (CWRET) using HFNC (50 L/min, FiO2 0.5) and a venturi mask (VM) (15 L/min, FiO2 0.5) for oxygen delivery in FILD patients. The primary outcome variable was endurance time. The secondary outcome variables were SpO2, heart rate, Borg scale (dyspnea and leg fatigue), and patient’s comfort.

Results

Seven hundred and eleven patients were screened and 20 eligible patients were randomized. All patients completed the trial. The majority of patients were good responders to VM and HFNC compared with the baseline test (VM 75%; HFNC 65%). There was no significant difference in endurance time between HFNC and VM (HFNC 6.8 [95% CI 4.3–9.3] min vs VM 7.6 [95% CI 5.0–10.1] min, p = 0.669). No significant differences were found in other secondary endpoints. Subgroup analysis with HFNC good responders revealed that HFNC significantly extended the endurance time compared with VM (VM 6.4 [95%CI 4.5–8.3] min vs HFNC 7.8 [95%CI 5.8–9.7] min, p = 0.046), while no similar effect was observed in the VM good responders.

Conclusions

HFNC did not exceed the efficacy of VM on exercise capacity in FILD, but it may be beneficial if the settings match. Further large studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial registration

UMIN-CTR: UMIN000021901.
Vertebral intraosseous plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF-Endoret) infiltrations as a novel strategy for the treatment of degenerative lesions of endplate in lumbar pathology: description of technique and case presentation
Authors: Kirchner Fernando , Pinar Ariadna , Milani Isidro , Prado Roberto , Padilla Sabino , Anitua Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Background

Motivation and necessity to adopt minimally invasive therapies in the field of spinal regenerative medicine is increasing. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has recently been used as an effective technological and biological approach to tissue repair and has shown to improve multiple conditions including back pain and degenerative disc pathology. In addition, it is well established that the anatomic elements of the spinal system affected by degenerative pathology include the intervertebral disc (IVD) and vertebral subchondral bone (VSB), which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy spinal column. Both elements are the target of a novel biological approach to the treatment of low back pain.

Methods

A novel minimally invasive regenerative therapeutic approach is presented herein with a protocol based on combining vertebral intraosseous (VIO) and intradiscal (ID) infiltrations of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret), a type of leukocyte-free PRP, for the treatment of disc degeneration pathology.

Results

We describe a novel technique applied in a patient treated for IVD degeneration and VSB damage, showing significant improvement on magnetic resonance imaging, including partial regression of protruded disc and significant resorption of intravertebral herniations (Schmörl’s nodes), after PRGF therapy.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, we present the first reported case description of the utilization of VIO and ID PRP infiltrations to treat protruded discs and intravertebral herniations with a successful clinical outcome.
Whose knowledge, whose values? An empirical analysis of power in transdisciplinary sustainability research
Authors: Fritz Livia , Binder Claudia R.
Published: February 2020

The participation of practitioners in transdisciplinary sustainability research has been heralded as a promising tool for producing ‘robust’ knowledge and engendering societal transformations. Although transdisciplinary approaches have been advanced as an effective avenue for generating knowledge positioned to question and transform an unsustainable status quo, the political and power dimensions inherent to such research have hardly been discussed. In this article, we scrutinise the constitution of participation in transdisciplinary research through a power lens. Guided by social theories of power and a relational understanding of participation, we analyse how diverse actors equipped with a variety of material and ideational sources wield power over the subjects, objects, and procedures of participation. We applied a qualitative meta-analysis of five transdisciplinary projects from a major German research funding programme in the field of sustainability to unveil the ways in which the funding body, researchers, and practitioners exercise instrumental, structural, and discursive power over (i) actor selection and (re-)positioning, (ii) agenda setting, and (iii) rule setting. We found that researchers primarily exert instrumental power over these three elements of participation, whereas practitioners as well as the funding body wield primarily structural and discursive power. By elucidating tacit and hidden power dynamics shaping participation in transdisciplinary research, this article provides a basis for improving process design and implementation as well as developing targeted funding instruments. The conclusions also provide insights into barriers of participatory agenda setting in research practice and governance.
Comments on the NEMA NU 4-2008 Standard on Performance Measurement of Small Animal Positron Emission Tomographs
Authors: Hallen Patrick , Schug David , Schulz Volkmar
Published: February 2020

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s (NEMA) NU 4-2008 standard specifies methodology for evaluating the performance of small-animal PET scanners. The standard’s goal is to enable comparison of different PET scanners over a wide range of technologies and geometries used. In this work, we discuss if the NEMA standard meets these goals and we point out potential flaws and improvements to the standard.For the evaluation of spatial resolution, the NEMA standard mandates the use of filtered backprojection reconstruction. This reconstruction method can introduce star-like artifacts for detectors with an anisotropic spatial resolution, usually caused by parallax error. These artifacts can then cause a strong dependence of the resulting spatial resolution on the size of the projection window in image space, whose size is not fully specified in the NEMA standard. If the PET ring has detectors which are perpendicular to a Cartesian axis, then the resolution along this axis will typically improve with larger projection windows.We show that the standard’s equations for the estimation of the random rate for PET systems with intrinsic radioactivity are circular and not satisfiable. However, a modified version can still be used to determine an approximation of the random rates under the assumption of negligible random rates for small activities and a constant scatter fraction. We compare the resulting estimated random rates to random rates obtained using a delayed coincidence window and two methods based on the singles rates. While these methods give similar estimates, the estimation method based on the NEMA equations overestimates the random rates.In the NEMA standard’s protocol for the evaluation of the sensitivity, the standard specifies to axially step a point source through the scanner and to take a different scan for each source position. Later, in the data analysis section, the standard does not specify clearly how the different scans have to be incorporated into the analysis, which can lead to unclear interpretations of publicized results.The standard’s definition of the recovery coefficients in the image quality phantom includes the maximum activity in a region of interest, which causes a positive correlation of noise and recovery coefficients. This leads to an unintended trade-off between desired uniformity, which is negatively correlated with variance (i.e., noise), and recovery.With this work, we want to start a discussion on possible improvements in a next version of the NEMA NU-4 standard.
Sebaceous carcinoma of the breast predominantly characterized by intraductal growth: a case report
Authors: Ohno Koichi , Okada Toshihiro , Nakamura Toshitsugu , Koyama Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Background

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is frequently classified as periocular or extraocular. Extraocular SC is rare and mainly occurs in the head and neck, the major salivary glands, or oral mucosa. SC of the breast, lung, and ovary is particularly rare, and the few cases of SC of the breast predominantly exhibit intraductal growth.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with accumulated polymorphic calcification in the left breast which was detected using mammography. Ultrasonography revealed an irregular 13-mm mass in the left breast, and analysis of a core needle biopsy revealed noninvasive ductal carcinoma. Total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy were performed. Histopathology demonstrated that carcinoma in situ (CIS) represented a significant lesion, and the cytoplasm of tumor cells was clear with numerous minute vacuoles. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that most tumor cells expressed adipophilin. Together, these findings led to a diagnosis of SC, mainly comprising CIS.

Conclusions

We encountered a rare case of SC of the breast with predominant CIS.
Comparison of traditional anesthesia method and jet injector anesthesia method (MadaJet XL®) for Nexplanon® insertion and removal
Authors: Wilson G. Anthony , Jeter Julie W. , Dabbs William S. , Stevens Amy Barger , Heidel Robert E. , Chamberlin Shaunta’ M.
Published: February 2020

Background

This study compared a needle-free anesthesia method with traditional local anesthesia for insertion and removal of Nexplanon® long-acting removable contraceptive device. In our clinic, patients often avoid this highly effective form of contraception due to fear of needles. We sought to determine if patients perceived a difference in pain with the injection, anxiety level or pain with the procedure when local anesthesia was given with a needle v/s a needle-free jet injector device.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: jet injector or needle lidocaine delivery. Outcomes were ease of use, patient anxiety level, painfulness, and efficacy of anesthesia method.

Results

Patient pain perception with administration of jet injector lidocaine was statistically lower than traditional needle with no difference in anxiety or ease of use, or efficacy of the anesthesia.

Conclusion

The jet injector device is a reasonable alternative to needle injection delivery of anesthesia prior to insertion/removal of Nexplanon® device. Further studies may determine whether this needle-free alternative for administration of local anesthetic would result in more women choosing Nexplanon® as a contraceptive method.
Associations of psychotic-like experiences, related symptoms, and working memory with functioning
Authors: Chun Charlotte A. , Cooper Shanna , Ellman Lauren M.
Published: February 2020

This study examined the association of spatial working memory and attenuated psychotic-like experiences and related symptoms with social and role functioning. Findings from this study suggest that symptom dimensions and working memory impairment were associated with diminished functioning across a variety of domains. Specifically, negative symptoms and working memory impairment were inversely associated with both social and role functioning, whereas positive and disorganized symptoms showed inverse associations with social functioning only. Symptom dimensions did not moderate cognitive and functional variables, although working memory and attenuated clinical symptoms had an additive effect on functioning. Post-hoc analyses examining symptom dimensions simultaneously showed negative symptoms to be the variable most strongly predictive of overall functioning. These findings suggest that even in a non-clinical sample, sub-threshold psychosis symptoms and cognition may influence people’s social and role functioning.
Inferior survival after microbiota injury: A multicenter allo-HCT study.
Authors: Peled Jonathan U. , Gomes Antonio L.C. , Devlin Sean M. , Littmann Eric R. , Taur Ying , Sung Anthony Derek , Weber Daniela , Hashimoto Daigo , Wright Roberta J. , Amoretti Luigi , Fontana Emily , Perales Miguel-Angel , Giralt Sergio , Jenq Robert R. , Teshima Takanori , Chao Nelson J. , Holler Ernst , Xavier Joao B. , Pamer Eric G. , Van Den Brink Marcel R. M.
Published: February 2020

7015

Background: Relationships between microbiota composition and clinical outcomes following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) have been described in single-center studies. Geographic variations in human microbial communities and differences in clinical practices across institutions raise the question of whether these associations are generalizable. We report the first multi-center study of the intestinal microbiota in allo-HCT. Methods: Intestinal communities in 8,768 fecal samples from 1,362 allo-HCT patients at 4 centers on 3 continents were profiled by 16S sequencing. Associations between microbiota composition and clinical outcomes were analyzed with proportional-hazards analysis in an observational study. Results: We observed reproducible patterns of microbiota injury characterized by loss of diversity and domination by single taxa. Low diversity in the neutrophil engraftment period was reproducibly associated with increased risk of death (multivariate HR 0.48 [0.30-0.77] p = 0.002 in the largest cohort). These reductions in OS were in part due to an increased risk of transplant-related mortality and graft-vs-host disease. Baseline pre-HCT samples already bore evidence of microbiome disruption; low diversity prior to transplantation was associated with poor survival. A bacterial-composition risk score that was trained in one cohort predicted mortality in the other three cohorts (multivariate HR 1.42 [1.04-1.93] p = 0.03), indicating that not only a diversity metric but also a signature of specific bacterial abundances is informative about post-HCT mortality risk across independent institutions. Conclusions: We demonstrate a relationship between microbiota and survival after allo-HCT that is independent of transplant center and geographic location. The diversity of clinical practices across institutions imposed significant heterogeneity in the study, yet we observed reproducible microbiota injury patterns and associations with outcomes. This concordance suggests that approaches to manipulate the intestinal microbiota in allo-HCT may be generalizable.
Phase II study of tepotinib in NSCLC patients with METex14 mutations.
Authors: Paik Paul K. , Veillon Remi , Cortot Alexis B. , Felip Enriqueta , Sakai Hiroshi , Mazieres Julien , Griesinger Frank , Horn Leora , Senellart Helene , Van Meerbeeck Jan P. , de Castro Carpeño Javier , Patel Jyoti D. , Garassino Marina Chiara , Morise Masahiro , Reinmuth Niels , Viteri Santiago , Tokito Takaaki , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Scheele Jürgen , Le Xiuning
Published: February 2020

9005

Background: MET exon 14 skipping ( METex14) mutations - reported in 3~4% of NSCLC patients (pts) - are activating, sensitive to MET inhibition and can be conveniently detected using liquid biopsy (LBx). We report data from an ongoing single-arm phase II study of tepotinib, a highly selective MET inhibitor, in NSCLC pts with METex14 mutations identified by LBx or tumor biopsy (TBx) (NCT02864992). Methods: Pts with advanced WT EGFR/ALK NSCLC, prospectively enrolled via either LBx (≥60 pts) or TBx (≥60 pts, overlap anticipated) central RNA-based METex14 mutation testing, receive tepotinib 500 mg QD until progression, intolerable toxicity or withdrawal. Primary endpoint: objective response rate (ORR) by independent review (IRC). Secondary endpoints: ORR by investigator assessment (INV) and safety. Results: To date, 85 pts have been enrolled (55 LBx pts and 52 TBx pts). At data cut-off (16 Oct 2018), in 35 evaluable LBx pts (≥2 post-baseline assessments or discontinuation for any reason), ORR was 51.4% by IRC and 63.9% by INV. In 41 evaluable TBx pts, ORR was 41.5% by IRC and 58.5% by INV. Median duration of response (mDoR) and ORR by line of treatment are shown in the table. Any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) reported by ≥10% of 69 pts evaluable for safety were peripheral edema (47.8%), diarrhea (18.8%), nausea (15.9%), asthenia (10.1%). No TRAEs were grade 4 or led to death. TRAEs led to permanent discontinuation in 2 (2.9%) pts (1 ILD, 1 diarrhea & nausea). Conclusions: Tepotinib has promising activity with a long DoR across treatment lines in NSCLC pts with METex14 mutations detected by LBx or TBx. The safety profile was favorable. Recruitment is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02864992. [Table: see text]
Molecular correlates of PD-L1 expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Rizvi Hira , Bandlamudi Chaitanya , Schoenfeld Adam Jacob , Sauter Jennifer L. , Arbour Kathryn Cecilia , Beras Amanda , Egger Jacklynn V. , Ladanyi Marc , Donoghue Mark , Rudin Charles M. , Taylor Barry S. , Hellmann Matthew David
Published: February 2020

9018

Background: PD-L1 expression is the only FDA-approved predictive biomarker for patients with NSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The impact of tumor molecular profiling on tumor PD-L1 expression is not known. We hypothesized that somatic mutations and copy number alterations may be associated with distinct patterns of PD-L1 expression in patients with NSCLC. Methods: We examined patients with NSCLC in whom PD-L1 testing and targeted next-generation sequencing (MSK-IMPACT) were performed on the same tissue sample. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC using the E1L3N antibody clone and categorized as PD-L1 high (≥ 50%), intermediate (1-49%), or negative ( < 1%) expression. The association of PD-L1 with individual genes, pathways, tumor mutation burden, whole genome duplication (WGD), and aneuploidy (fraction of genome altered (FGA)) were evaluated. P-values < 0.05 and q-values < 0.15 were considered significant for individual genes. Results: 1023 patients with NSCLC had PD-L1 testing and MSK-IMPACT performed on the same tissue sample, 18% (n = 180) had high, 21% (n = 218) had intermediate, and 61% (n = 625) had negative PD-L1 expression. High PD-L1 expression was significantly enriched in metastatic vs primary lesions (p < 0.001). There was a minor correlation between PD-L1 and TMB (spearman rho = 0.195) and PD-L1 and FGA (spearman rho = 0.11). Similar rates of WGD were found among patients with high, intermediate, and negative PD-L1 expression (p = 0.38). Mutations in KRAS and TERT were significantly enriched in PD-L1 high compared to other groups (p = 0.001, q = 0.14; p < 0.001, q = 0.003). By contrast, mutations in EGFR and STK11 were associated with PD-L1 negativity (p < 0.001, q = 0.001; p = 0.001, q = 0.14). Pathway analysis showed DNA repair (p < 0.001), TP53 (p < 0.001), and SWI/SNF (p = 0.04) pathways significantly associated with PD-L1 high compared to PD-L1 negative expression. Conclusions: The genetic features of NSCLC are associated with distinct patterns of PD-L1 expression. This data may provide insight to how the molecular phenotype can interact with the immunologic phenotype of tumors.
Casting a wide net: use of diverse model organisms to advance toxicology
Authors: Hahn Mark E. , Sadler Kirsten C.
Published: February 2020

Toxicology – the study of how chemicals interact with biological systems – has clear relevance to human health and disease. Persistent exposure to natural and synthetic chemicals is an unavoidable part of living on our planet; yet, we understand very little about the effects of exposure to the vast majority of chemicals. While epidemiological studies can provide strong statistical inference linking chemical exposure to disease, research in model systems is essential to elucidate the mechanisms of action and to predict outcomes. Most research in toxicology utilizes a handful of mammalian models that represent a few distinct branches of the evolutionary tree. This narrow focus constrains the understanding of chemical-induced disease processes and systems that have evolved in response to exposures. We advocate for casting a wider net in environmental toxicology research to utilize diverse model systems, including zebrafish, and perform more mechanistic studies of cellular responses to chemical exposures to shift the perception of toxicology as an applied science to that of a basic science. This more-inclusive perspective will enrich the field and should remain central to research on chemical-induced disease.
Станути і стати ся зас. Ревіталізацийны процесы серед Лемків по 1989 р.
Authors: Дуць-Файфер Олена
Published: February 2020

To Rise and Become Again: Revitalization Processes Among Lemkos After 1989 The paper aims to assess the nature and effects of the changes in socio-cultural life of Lemkos after 1989. It suggests three critical dates relevant to these changes, which are related to political transformations in Poland and the emerging ethnic policy in the country. The characteristics and assessment of the changes are presented in three parts, which discuss organizations and identity; language, literature, and culture; research and education. Each part substantiates multidirectional quality of the changes, various antinomies and ambivalences in their assessment, and their close relationship with inconsistencies in Polish ethnic policy as well as with global cultural phenomena of the contemporary world. Apart from denoting negative consequences of these factors attention is also brought to notable achievements made in the last thirty years in all areas of cultural and social functioning of the Lemko ethnic minority. However the most important development is the fact there has arisen a Lemko elite of professionals who are fully aware of the endangered status of their ethnic culture and identity and strive to devise and successfully implement revitalization strategies. Opening a cognitive perspective sets the stage for self-reflection about one’s own ethnic positioning.
Русинськый язык у Мадярщинї по 1989 рокови
Authors: Капраль Михаил
Published: February 2020

The Rusyn Language in Hungary After 1989

The paper discusses the current situation of the language of Rusyns in Hungary. There are evidences of progressive disappearance of Rusyn dialects in villages of Komloska (Комловшка) and Mucsony (Мучонь); of language assimilation of the younger inhabitants of these places in North-Eastern Hungary in recent decades. The author also describes endeavors of Rusyns’ central and local, state subsidized self-government bodies to stop language assimilation and bring lessons of the Rusyn language to local schools in the two villages, as well as attempts of politicians and linguists to codify their variant of the literary Rusyn language (as Rusyns from the former Yugoslavia, Slovakia, and Poland did).
Сучасна русиньска література по роцї 1989 на Словакії
Authors: Павліч Міхал
Published: February 2020

Contemporary Rusyn Literature in Slovakia after 1989

The turbulent history of European nations in the 20th century culminates in 1989, the year of the Velvet Revolution, which has resulted in many positive changes for big as well as for small nations on the continent. In the history of Rusyn literature this period is called the Literature of the Third National Revival as it sees a significant increase in the number of writers, literary works and various publishing activities. The first part of the paper presents the socio-cultural situation of Rusyns in this period and possibilities of publishing literary texts in their language. The second part contains thematic and genre characteristics of the Rusyn literature in Slovakia after 1989. The last part is an interpretation of a poetry collection by Daniela Kapraľová which belongs to the most interesting works in the contemporary Rusyn literature in Slovakia.
Photonic-technique-based highly steerable beamforming system incorporating a prism of super Gaussian apodized tunable chirped fiber Bragg grating for X-band applications
Authors: Srivastava Nimish Kumar , Raghuwanshi Sanjeev Kumar
Published: February 2020

Conventional phased arrays operate over bandwidths that are inversely proportional to the array size. The use of true-time delays (TTDs) instead of phase shifts would eliminate the bandwidth restrictions due to beam squint. Photonic techniques for dynamically controlling the delay at the input of a phased array antenna opens an area of new powerful methods for remarkably precisely increasing the speed of beamsteering of an antenna in a desired direction. In this paper, we demonstrate a photonic-based wideband TTD beamforming network employing super-Gaussian apodized chirped fiber Bragg gratings (SGFBGs) of different lengths such as 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, and many more, as well as different chirp rates, which can be used as variable TTD lines for controlling the radiation angle of the phased array antenna (the main lobe radiated by the phased array antenna can be steered squint-free between 0° and

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), suitable for continuous beamforming at microwave frequencies in the X-band (8–12 GHz). The main purpose of using SGFBGs in a TTD module is the reduction of ripples in delay with respect to wavelength, which results in reduction in ambiguity while tuning the laser wavelength to any particular value within spectral width of FBG. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration that shows the impact of tuning wavelength on delay change due to SGFBGs in the RF signal fed to the respective element of the antenna array.
Evaluation of transfer learning of pre-trained CNNs applied to breast cancer detection on infrared images
Authors: Chaves Esdras , Gonçalves Caroline B. , Albertini Marcelo K. , Lee Soojeong , Jeon Gwanggil , Fernandes Henrique C.
Published: February 2020

Breast cancer accounts for the highest number of female deaths worldwide. Early detection of the disease is essential to increase the chances of treatment and cure of patients. Infrared thermography has emerged as a promising technique for diagnosis of the disease due to its low cost and that it does not emit harmful radiation, and it gives good results when applied in young women. This work uses convolutional neural networks in a database of 440 infrared images of 88 patients, classifying them into two classes: normal and pathology. During the training of the networks, we use transfer learning of the following convolutional neural network architectures: AlexNet, GoogLeNet, ResNet-18, VGG-16, and VGG-19. Our results show the great potential of using deep learning techniques combined with infrared images in the aid of breast cancer diagnosis.
2D denoising technique for the linearization of interferometric fiber sensors
Authors: Silva Luís C. B. , Silva Rodolpho L. , Castellani Carlos E. S.
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes and experimentally demonstrates a linearization technique for interferometric fiber sensors. From a 2D reconstruction of the interference spectra and subsequent denoising process, relevant improvements in linearity and range are obtained for both angle and liquid level sensors. This linearization technique can be easily implemented on any graphical interface of different types of interferometric sensors without requiring modification of the sensor physical structure, which makes it a low-cost solution. In this regard, this approach finds a wide field of applications. With the appropriate modifications, it can potentially be applied to other non-interferometric sensors that have moderate linearity and operating range.
Simple quantum key distribution with qubit-based synchronization and a self-compensating polarization encoder
Authors: Agnesi Costantino , Avesani Marco , Calderaro Luca , Stanco Andrea , Foletto Giulio , Zahidy Mujtaba , Scriminich Alessia , Vedovato Francesco , Vallone Giuseppe , Villoresi Paolo
Published: February 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) relies on quantum communication to allow distant parties to share a secure cryptographic key. Widespread adoption of QKD in current telecommunication networks will require the development of simple, low-cost, and stable systems. However, current QKD implementations usually include additional hardware that perform auxiliary tasks such as temporal synchronization and polarization basis tracking. Here we present a polarization-based QKD system operating at 1550 nm that performs synchronization and polarization compensation by exploiting only the hardware already needed for the quantum communication task. Polarization encoding is performed by a self-compensating Sagnac loop modulator that exhibits high temporal stability and the lowest intrinsic quantum bit error rate reported so far. The QKD system was tested over a fiber-optic link, demonstrating tolerance up to about 40 dB of channel losses. Due to its reduced hardware requirements and the quality of the source, this work represents an important step towards technologically mature QKD systems.
Ciudadanos reemplazados por algoritmos
Authors: García Canclini Néstor
Published: February 2020

¿A quién le importamos los ciudadanos? Muchos partidos y sindicatos parecen reducirse a cúpulas que se distribuyen prebendas. Desde la expansión de la videopolítica, la televisión canaliza quejas y críticas sociales a los gobernantes tratándonos como espectadores. Las redes prometen horizontalidad y participación, pero suelen generar movimientos de alta intensidad y corta duración. Nuestras opiniones y comportamientos, capturados por algoritmos, quedan subordinados a corporaciones globalizadas. El espacio público se vuelve opaco y lejano. La desciudadanización se radicaliza, mientras algunos sectores se reinventan y ganan batallas parciales. Pero los usos neoliberales de las tecnologías mantienen y ahondan las desigualdades mayores. ¿Qué alternativas tenemos ante esta desposesión? ¿Disidencias, hackeos? ¿Cuál es el lugar del voto, esa relación entre Estado y sociedad reprogramada por las tecnologías y el mercado?
Effect of Altitude on the Phenology and Fruit Quality Attributes of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Fruits
Authors: Naryal Avilekh , Dolkar Diskit , Bhardwaj Ashwani Kumar , Kant Anil , Chaurasia O. P. , Stobdan Tsering
Published: February 2020

Consumer concern about poor taste of fresh apricots is increasing and knowledge about the more suitable production requirement is essential. Genetic component influencing apricots quality is well known. However, there is limited information on environmental effect on fruit quality. This study aims to evaluate influence of altitude on phenological and fruit quality characters of apricot genotypes. Fruits from 162 genotype were collected from nine locations from 3006-3346 m asl in trans-Himalaya. The altitude had a marked influence on date of flowering, fruit weight, moisture and TSS content. For every 100 m increase in altitude, flowering and fruit ripening delayed by 3.3 and 7.1 day, respectively. Inverse relationship between altitude and fruit weight (R2=0.310) was observed. For every 100 m increase in altitude the fruit weight decrease by 0.5 g. Fruit moisture content decreased significantly with increase in elevation (R2=0.585). Decrease in moisture content was 1.9% for every 100 m increase in elevation. Altitude showed linear relationship with fruit TSS content (R2=0.726). For every 100 m increase in altitude, the fruit TSS increased by 1.2ºBrix. Knowledge from the present study on the impact of altitude on fruit quality characters provides a useful guide for selecting orchard location towards improving fruit quality
Effect of Compatible and Incompatible Endophytic Bacteria on Growth of Chickpea Plant
Authors: Batra Priyanka , Barkodia Monika , Ahlawat Umang , Sansanwal Rekha , Wati Leela
Published: February 2020

Chickpea is one of the important pulse crops among legumes due to its high protein content. During the last few decades chickpea production has declined because of various biotic and abiotic factors. To increase its production farmers are relying on the traditional methods (using chemical fertilizers) that pollute the environment. An alternative to chemical fertilizers is the eco-friendly process of endophytic inoculation. Compatible endophytic coinoculations improve plant growth as compared to single inoculation due to the synergistic performance of the constituent bacteria. In the current study, the compatibility of six bacterial inoculants (BM5 (rhizobial), BP2 and P36 (phosphate solubiliser), RE2, HE8, and ME9 (other endophytes) was tested. Among these bacterial inoculants, endophyte ME9 was found to be compatible with phosphate solubilising bacteria (P36) and rhizobial culture BM5. However, the endophytic bacteria RE2 and HE8 were found to be incompatible with phosphate solubilising bacteria and rhizobial bacteria. Further, individual inoculation, combined compatible and combined incompatible inoculants were applied to chickpea seeds in the pot house experiment. The results revealed that among all the inoculations, compatible bacterial consortia (ME9, P36 and BM5) produced highest increase in shoot (225%) and root dry weight (600 %) and grain weight (250 % ) compared to the control group. The incompatible inoculations were ineffective in improving the root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and grain weight in comparison to the respective individual inoculations.
Comparative Analysis of Static Loading Performance of Rigid and Flexible Road Wheel based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Deng Yaoji , Zhao Youqun , Zhu Mingmin , Xiao Zhen , Wang Qiuwei
Published: February 2020

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional rigid road wheel, such as poor damping effect and low load-bearing efficiency, a new type of flexible road wheel, having a unique suspension-bearing mode, was introduced. The three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of rigid and flexible road wheel, considering the triple nonlinear characteristics of geometry, material and contact, is established for numerical investigation of static loading performance. The accuracy of the finite element model of the rigid and flexible road wheel is verified by static loading experiment. The static loading performance of the rigid and flexible road wheels is numerically analyzed. The influence of vertical load on maximum stress and deformation of the rigid and flexible wheels is also studied. The results show that the contact pressure uniformity of the flexible road wheel is better than that of the rigid road wheel under the static vertical load, but the maximum stress and deformation of the flexible road wheel are greater than that of the rigid road wheel. However, this problem can be solved by increasing the number of hinge sets and optimising the joints. The research results provide theoretical basis for replacing rigid road wheel with flexible road wheel, and also provide reference for structural optimisation of flexible road wheel.
Estimation of an Object Trajectory in an Intake Duct using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Aravinth L. , Vidhyashankar N. , Abbas Reza , Sudharsan Natteri M.
Published: February 2020

This research aims to study the trajectory of an object inside a serpentine duct of a gas turbine engine using computational fluid dynamics. The coupled implicit solver with 6-degree of freedom (6-DOF) and chimera mesh (Overset mesh) is used to track the object’s trajectory. Various object orientation and aircraft angle of attack (AoA) at a speed of Mach 0.3 is studied. This provides an understanding of the bird’s movement inside the duct that might cause damage to the engine components during takeoff and landing. It was observed that the combination of AoA and object orientation decide the length of the trajectory before impact. The object is found to travel the farther when the AoA is at -20o with object oriented at 0o and 45o.The object tends pitch and yield to the flow irrespective of its initial orientation and hence the aircraft angle of attack is a more predominant factor. The effect of pressure recovery due to AoA and object orientation is also presented. The recovery is found to be at its best for AoA of 0o irrespective of object orientation. This approach could be utilised for designing an intake duct that can limit the damage to engine components due to bird ingestion and simultaneously maintain good pressure recovery.