bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles: Degradation strategies and application in tumor therapy
Authors: Guan Lei , Chen Jiajie , Tian Zhengfang , Zhu Min , Bian Yuhai , Zhu Yufang
Published: May 2021

Biodegradation is a crucial issue for silica‐based mesoporous nanoparticles that is related to the biosafety in tumor therapy. Nowadays, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been intensively developed to construct multifunctional nanosystems for tumor therapy due to their biocompatibility, high drug loading capacity and easy functionalization; however, their biodegradation is relatively slow and still under debate. To improve the biodegradability of silica‐based mesoporous nanoparticles, a simple organic‐inorganic hybridization strategy to synthesize mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONs) has been successfully developed. By hybridizing the silica framework (–Si–O–Si–) with stimuli‐sensitive organic moieties to form organic‐inorganic network (–Si–R–Si–, R: organic moiety), when exposed to the stimuli environment, the breakdown of the organic‐inorganic network could accelerate the degradation of MONs, which is great promising for MONs as a multifunctional therapeutic nanoplatform in tumor therapy. This review aims to summarize the degradation strategies for MONs to improve biodegradability in recent years, and highlight the potential applications of MONs in tumor therapy. Finally, we also discuss the challenges of MONs for tumor therapy in future clinical translation.
Automatic segmentation to characterize anthropometric parameters and cardiovascular indicators in children
Authors: Goroso Daniel Gustavo , Fraga Alvaro , Macedo Michel , Fernanda de Miranda Rodrigues Carla , Mendes de Oliveira Silva Bruno , Watanabe William Tsutomu , Pereira da Silva Diego , Rodrigues da Silva Robson , Puglisi José Luis , Marcin James , Dharmar Madan
Published: May 2021

A new predictive model to classify childhood obesity was implemented using machine learning techniques. The first step was to calculate the most relevant anthropomorphic and cardiovascular parameters of 187 children through principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster classification. Then Naïve‐Bayes method classified these children into six groups using anthropometric Z Score, measurements of abdominal obesity, and arterial pressure: Group I (20.32% of total): composed mainly by accentuated malnutrition and malnutrition children; Group II (36.36%): composed primarily by eutrophic children; Group III (21.4%): constituted by eutrophic plus overweight children; Group IV (14.97%): comprised mainly by overweight and obese children; Group V (5.34%): Obese and overweight children; and Group VI (1.6%): obese at risk children. From Group II to VI, the proportion of pre‐hypertensive and hypertensive children increased monotonically from 5 to 33%. This classification modes was tested on 66 children that were not originally included with a success rate of 97%. This predictive model will facilitate future longitudinal studies of obesity in children and will help plan interventions and evaluations of their results.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Biological Data Mining
Structural and Electronic Properties of Iron(0) PNP Pincer Complexes
Authors: Glatz Mathias , Gorgas Nikolaus , Stöger Berthold , Pittenauer Ernst , Ferreira Liliana , Veiros Luis F. , Calhorda Maria José , Kirchner Karl
Published: May 2021

In the present work we have prepared and fully characterized several Fe(0) complexes of the type [Fe(PNP)(CO)2] treating Fe(II) complexes [Fe(PNP)(Cl)2] with KC8 in the presence of carbon monoxide. While complexes [Fe(PNPNMe‐iPr)(CO)2], [Fe(PNPNEt‐iPr)(CO)2] adopt a trigonal bipyramidal geometry, the bulkier and more electron rich [Fe(PNPNH‐tBu)(CO)2] is closer to a square pyramidal geometry. Mössbauer spectra showed isomer shifts very close to 0 and similar to those reported for Fe(I) systems. Quadrupole splitting values range between 2.2 and 2.7 mm s−1 both in experiments and DFT calculations, while those of Fe(I) complexes are much smaller (∼0.6 mm s−1).
Mud Volcanoes
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

The eruption of mud and magma can be influenced by earthquakes and reports date back more than 2000 years. Dozens of examples of eruptions have now been documented in response to both static and dynamic stresses from earthquakes. Already erupting systems are most sensitive to earthquakes compared to initiating new eruptions. Multiple plausible mechanisms have been proposed for triggering eruptions including disrupting particle-rich materials, mobilizing bubbles, or changing permeability—changes may occur both within and outside the reservoir hosting the materials that ultimately erupt. Using historical examples of triggered mud eruptions, we explain why it is unlikely that the Sidoarjo mud flow (sometimes nicknamed “Lusi”) was initiated by an earthquake. As multiparameter monitoring of volcanoes expands, it may eventually be possible to identify triggering mechanisms and how seismic waves influence magma and mud mobility in field settings.
Groundwater Level
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

Groundwater level has long been known to respond to earthquakes; several types of response have been documented. Advances in the last decade were made largely through the studies of water-level response to Earth tides and barometric pressure. These studies have demonstrated that the hydraulic properties of groundwater systems are dynamic and change with time in response to disturbances such as earthquakes. This approach has been applied to estimate the permeability of several drilled active fault zones, to identify leakage from deep aquifers used for the storage of hazardous wastewater, and to reveal the potential importance of soil water and capillary tension in the unsaturated zone. Enhanced permeability is the most cited mechanism for the sustained changes of groundwater level in the intermediate and far fields, while undrained consolidation remains the most cited mechanism for the step-like coseismic changes in the near field. A new mechanism has emerged that suggests that coseismic release of pore water from unsaturated soils may also cause step-like increases of water level. Laboratory experiments show that both  the undrained consolidation and the release of water from unsaturated zone may occur to explain the step-like water-level changes in the near field.
Building tensor networks for holographic states
Authors: Caputa Pawel , Kruthoff Jorrit , Parrikar Onkar
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We discuss a one-parameter family of states in two-dimensional holographic conformal field theories which are constructed via the Euclidean path integral of an effective theory on a family of hyperbolic slices in the dual bulk geometry. The effective theory in question is the CFT flowed under a $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation, which “folds” the boundary CFT towards the bulk time-reflection symmetric slice. We propose that these novel Euclidean path integral states in the CFT can be interpreted as continuous tensor network (CTN) states. We argue that these CTN states satisfy a Ryu-Takayanagi-like minimal area upper bound on the entanglement entropies of boundary intervals, with the coefficient being equal to $$ \frac{1}{4{G}_N} $$

1

4

G
N

; the CTN corresponding to the bulk time-reflection symmetric slice saturates this bound. We also argue that the original state of the CFT can be written as a superposition of such CTN states, with the corresponding wavefunction being the bulk Hartle-Hawking wavefunction.
On the universality of AdS2 diffusion bounds and the breakdown of linearized hydrodynamics
Authors: Wu Ning , Baggioli Matteo , Li Wei-Jia
Published: May 2021

Abstract

The chase of universal bounds on diffusivities in strongly coupled systems and holographic models has a long track record. The identification of a universal velocity scale, independent of the presence of well-defined quasiparticle excitations, is one of the major challenges of this program. A recent analysis, valid for emergent IR fixed points exhibiting local quantum criticality, and dual to IR AdS2 geometries, suggests to identify such a velocity using the time and length scales at which hydrodynamics breaks down — the equilibration velocity. The latter relates to the radius of convergence of the hydrodynamic expansion and it is extracted from a collision between a hydrodynamic diffusive mode and a non-hydrodynamic mode associated to the IR AdS2 region. In this short note, we confirm this picture for holographic systems displaying the spontaneous breaking of translational invariance. Moreover, we find that, at zero temperature, the lower bound set by quantum chaos and the upper one defined by causality and hydrodynamics exactly coincide, determining uniquely the diffusion constant. Finally, we comment on the meaning and universality of this newly proposed prescription.
Two-dimensional lattice SU(Nc) gauge theories with multiflavor adjoint scalar fields
Authors: Bonati Claudio , Franchi Alessio , Pelissetto Andrea , Vicari Ettore
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We consider two-dimensional lattice SU(Nc) gauge theories with Nf real scalar fields transforming in the adjoint representation of the gauge group and with a global O(Nf) invariance. Focusing on systems with Nf≥ 3, we study their zero-temperature limit, to understand under which conditions a continuum limit exists, and to investigate the nature of the associated quantum field theory. Extending previous analyses, we address the role that the gauge-group representation and the quartic scalar potential play in determining the nature of the continuum limit (when it exists). Our results further corroborate the conjecture that the continuum limit of two-dimensional lattice gauge models with multiflavor scalar fields, when it exists, is associated with a σ model defined on a symmetric space that has the same global symmetry as the lattice model.
Die multiplanare v-förmige distalisierende Tuberositasosteotomie mit proximalem Widerlager („sargförmige“ Osteotomie)
Authors: Riechelmann F. , Wurm A. , Putzer D. , Ban M. , Dammerer D. , Liebensteiner M. C.
Published: May 2021

Das Operationsziel des hier dargestellten Verfahrens ist eine Distalisierung der Tuberositas tibiae. Dieser Eingriff ist bei Patienten mit einer symptomatischen Patella alta indiziert, zum Beispiel bei Kniescheibeninstabilität. Die Osteotomie erfolgt v‑förmig. Der bei der Distalisierung gewonnene Knochenblock wird als proximales Widerlager eingebracht. Dadurch wird die mediolaterale und proximale Stabilität verbessert. Außerdem wird die Oberfläche vergrößert, was eine bessere Knochenheilung ermöglicht. Bei dem vom Operateur behandelten Patientenkollektiv von 10 Patienten ist es bei dieser Technik zu keiner sekundären Dislokation gekommen.
Extrusion-based additive manufacturing of forming and molding tools
Authors: Strano Matteo , Rane Kedarnath , Farid Muhammad Asad , Mussi Valerio , Zaragoza Veronica , Monno Michele
Published: May 2021

The production of rapid tools for plastic molding, sheet metal forming, and blanking has always been a critical and important goal for applied research, and a very large number of alternative methods have been proposed over the decades for their production. Among these methods, the use of extrusion-based additive manufacturing (EAM), such as fused filament fabrication (FFF) or similar technologies, has not been frequently considered and needs to be explored extensively. EAM is generally considered a low-cost, low-quality, low-performance class of AM and not suited to produce real functional parts, but only for aesthetical prototypes. However, the capabilities of EAM technologies have greatly evolved and now it is possible to extrude a wide range of materials such as polymeric materials including both the low strength polymeric materials (such as nylon or PLA) and the high strength polymeric materials (such as PEI and PEEK), metals (such as tool steel), and even ceramics (such as zirconia). Starting from an extensive literature review, the purpose of the present paper is to further demonstrate the potential applicability and versatility of EAM as a rapid tool manufacturing technology for different applications in shearing, bending, deep drawing, and injection molding.
Radiologic Response Combined with Dermatologic Toxicities is the Most Robust Predictor of Survival Benefits in Patients with Inoperable Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Transarterial Chemoembolization Plus Sorafenib Therapy
Authors: Ye Zhiqiu , Deng Zhizhen , Jiang Suxiang , Wang Tang , Liu Long , Jiang Kuiming , Zhang Yingqiang
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The survival benefits of patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who undergo transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and receive sorafenib therapy remain controversial. We aimed to identify clinical predictors in patients with inoperable HCC undergoing TACE and receiving sorafenib.

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2017, 148 consecutive patients with inoperable HCC who were treated with TACE plus sorafenib were retrospectively analyzed. Critical clinical factors associated with overall survival (OS) were identified by Cox regression model analysis. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to calculate the survival times, which were compared with the log-rank test.

Results

Macrovascular invasion (MVI), radiologic response and sorafenib-related dermatologic toxicities were identified as independent factors associated with OS. MVI is a known prognostic factor before treatment. The median OS of patients with either radiologic response or dermatologic toxicities was significantly improved compared with that of patients without it (both 23.0 vs. 7.0 months, P < 0.001). The median OS of patients with a combination of radiologic response and dermatologic toxicities was significantly longer than that of patients with either radiologic response or dermatologic toxicities, as well as no response (25.0 vs. 14.0 vs. 6.0 months, respectively, P < 0.001), and the predictive value was confirmed across patients with different baseline characteristics in terms of MVI, α-fetoprotein level, performance status and liver function.

Conclusion

The combination of radiologic response and sorafenib-related dermatologic toxicities is the most robust predictor of survival benefits for HCC patients after TACE plus sorafenib therapy.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Safety and efficacy of lenvatinib by starting dose based on body weight in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in REFLECT
Authors: Okusaka Takuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kudo Masatoshi , Finn Richard , Qin Shukui , Han Kwang-Hyub , Cheng Ann-Lii , Piscaglia Fabio , Kobayashi Masahiro , Sung Max , Chen Minshan , Wyrwicz Lucjan , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Ren Zhenggang , Mody Kalgi , Dutcus Corina , Tamai Toshiyuki , Ren Min , Hayato Seiichi , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: May 2021

Background

REFLECT was an open-label, phase 3 study comparing the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib versus sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). Based on phase 2 study (Study 202) results, body weight-based dosing for lenvatinib was used in REFLECT to minimize dose disruptions and modifications needed to address dose-related adverse events. This post hoc analysis of REFLECT data assessed lenvatinib efficacy and safety by body weight group.

Methods

The study randomly administered lenvatinib (n = 476) or sorafenib (n = 475) to patients with untreated (no prior systemic therapy) uHCC. Lenvatinib starting-dose data were stratified by body weight: patients weighing < 60 kg received 8 mg/day; patients weighing ≥ 60 kg received 12 mg/day. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate, and safety were assessed.

Results

Survival outcomes and safety profiles appeared similar between the two body-weight-based lenvatinib starting-dose groups. Median OS for patients in the < 60 kg body weight group (n = 153) was 13.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.5–15.7] compared to 13.7 months (95% CI 12.0–15.6) in the ≥ 60 kg body weight group (n = 325). In both lenvatinib groups, PFS was 7.4 months (< 60 kg group: 95% CI 5.4–9.2; ≥ 60 kg group: 95% CI 6.9–9.0). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) required dose modifications in 43.0% in the < 60 kg body weight group and 57.5% in the ≥ 60 kg body weight group.

Conclusions

This exploratory analysis of data from REFLECT indicated that body weight-based lenvatinib dosing in patients with uHCC was successful in maintaining efficacy, with comparable rates of TEAEs and dose modifications in the two body weight groups.

Clinincal trial

Trial registration ID: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT01761266
Profinite groups with an automorphism of prime order whose fixed points have finite Engel sinks
Authors: Khukhro E. I. , Shumyatsky P.
Published: May 2021

A right Engel sink of an elementgof a groupGis a set$${{\mathscr {R}}}(g)$$R(g)such that for every$$x\in G$$x∈Gall sufficiently long commutators$$[...[[g,x],x],\dots ,x]$$[...[[g,x],x],⋯,x]belong to$${\mathscr {R}}(g)$$R(g). (Thus,gis a right Engel element precisely when we can choose$${{\mathscr {R}}}(g)=\{ 1\}$$R(g)={1}.) We prove that if a profinite groupGadmits a coprime automorphism$$\varphi $$φof prime order such that every fixed point of$$\varphi $$φhas a finite right Engel sink, thenGhas an open locally nilpotent subgroup. A left Engel sink of an elementgof a groupGis a set$${{\mathscr {E}}}(g)$$E(g)such that for every$$x\in G$$x∈Gall sufficiently long commutators$$[...[[x,g],g],\dots ,g]$$[...[[x,g],g],⋯,g]belong to$${{\mathscr {E}}}(g)$$E(g). (Thus,gis a left Engel element precisely when we can choose$${\mathscr {E}}(g)=\{ 1\}$$E(g)={1}.) We prove that if a profinite groupGadmits a coprime automorphism$$\varphi $$φof prime order such that every fixed point of$$\varphi $$φhas a finite left Engel sink, thenGhas an open pronilpotent-by-nilpotent subgroup.
Exploring digital support for the student transition to university through questionable concepts
Authors: Thomas Lisa , Vines John , Briggs Pam
Published: May 2021

New students face challenges when they make the transition from school to university. Existing digital technologies used during this transition can sometimes increase the stressors associated with change. In order to explore ways forward for technology design in this space, we developed a brochure of questionable concepts. The concepts were grounded in findings of our prior research, yet were also intended to act as provocations to promote discussion in workshops involving 32 first year university students. Our analysis of workshop discussions documents the diverse issues students face around social bonding, their home environment, and their academic performance. Our findings challenge assumptions made in prior work about the ease of transition to university. We demonstrate how questionable concepts can play an important role in prompting ‘safe’ conversations around stressful life events for adolescents.
Correction to: Stronger MIP formulations for the Steiner forest problem
Authors: Schmidt Daniel , Zey Bernd , Margot François
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10107-021-01648-9
Sparse representation of vectors in lattices and semigroups
Authors: Aliev Iskander , Averkov Gennadiy , De Loera Jesús A. , Oertel Timm
Published: May 2021

We study the sparsity of the solutions to systems of linear Diophantine equations with and without non-negativity constraints. The sparsity of a solution vector is the number of its nonzero entries, which is referred to as the$$\ell _0$$ℓ0-norm of the vector. Our main results are new improved bounds on the minimal$$\ell _0$$ℓ0-norm of solutions to systems$$A\varvec{x}=\varvec{b}$$Ax=b, where$$A\in \mathbb {Z}^{m\times n}$$A∈Zm×n,$${\varvec{b}}\in \mathbb {Z}^m$$b∈Zmand$$\varvec{x}$$xis either a general integer vector (lattice case) or a non-negative integer vector (semigroup case). In certain cases, we give polynomial time algorithms for computing solutions with$$\ell _0$$ℓ0-norm satisfying the obtained bounds. We show that our bounds are tight. Our bounds can be seen as functions naturally generalizing the rank of a matrix over$$\mathbb {R}$$R, to other subdomains such as$$\mathbb {Z}$$Z. We show that these new rank-like functions are all NP-hard to compute in general, but polynomial-time computable for fixed number of variables.
Phase I study of the recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody–MMAE conjugate RC48-ADC in patients with HER2-positive advanced solid tumors
Authors: Xu Yingying , Wang Yakun , Gong Jifang , Zhang Xiaotian , Peng Zhi , Sheng Xinan , Mao Chenyu , Fan Qingxia , Bai Yuxian , Ba Yi , Jiang Da , Yang Fen , Qi Changsong , Li Jian , Wang Xicheng , Zhou Jun , Lu Ming , Cao Yanshuo , Yuan Jiajia , Liu Dan , Wang Zhenghang , Fang Jianmin , Shen Lin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

RC48 contains the novel humanized anti-HER2 antibody hertuzumab conjugated to MMAE via a cleavable linker. A phase I study was initiated to evaluate the toxicity, MTD, PK, and antitumor activity of RC48 in patients with HER2-overexpressing locally advanced or metastatic solid carcinomas, particularly gastric cancer.

Patients and methods

This was a 2-part phase I study. Successive cohorts of patients received escalating doses of RC48 (0.1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, and 3.0 mg/kg). Dose expansion proceeded at the dose of 2.0 mg/kg Q2W. The efficacy and safety set included all patients who received at least one dose of RC48.

Results

Fifty-seven patients were enrolled, the MTD was unavailable due to termination of 3.0 mg/kg cohort; 2.5 mg/kg Q2W was declared the RP2D. RC48 was well tolerated, the most frequent grade 3 or worse TRAEs included neutropenia (19.3%), leukopenia (17.5%), hypoesthesia (14.0%), and increased conjugated blood bilirubin (8.8%). Four deaths occurred during the whole study, three of which were believed to be related to RC48. Overall, ORR and DCR were 21.0% (12/57) and 49.1% (28/57). Notably, patients who were HER2 IHC2+/FISH- responded similarly to those who were IHC2+/FISH+ and IHC3+, with ORRs of 35.7% (5/14), 20% (2/10), and 13.6% (3/22), respectively. In patients who were pretreated with HER2-targeted drugs, RC48 also showed promising efficacy, with ORR of 15.0% (3/20) and DCR of 45.0% (9/20).

Conclusion

RC48 was well tolerated and showed promising antitumor activity in HER2-positive solid tumors, including gastric cancer with HER2 IHC 2+/FISH- status.

Clinical trial information

NCT02881190.
The impact of ground-ice thaw on landslide geomorphology and dynamics: two case studies in northern Iceland
Authors: Morino Costanza , Conway Susan J. , Balme Matthew R. , Helgason Jón Kristinn , Sæmundsson Þorsteinn , Jordan Colm , Hillier John , Argles Tom
Published: May 2021

As consequence of ongoing climate change, permafrost degradation is thought to be increasingly affecting slope stability in periglacial environments. This is of growing concern in Iceland, where in the last decade, permafrost degradation has been identified among the triggering factors of landslides. The role of ground ice in conditioning the morphology and dynamics of landslides involving loose deposits is poorly understood. We show the geomorphological impact of the Móafellshyrna and Árnesfjall landslides that recently occurred in ice-cemented talus deposits in northern Iceland. Using field and aerial remote-sensing measurements of the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the landslides, we assess the influence of thawing ground ice on their propagation style and dynamics. The two mass movements are complex and are similar to rock- and debris-ice avalanches, changing trajectory and exhibiting evidence of transitioning their style of motion from a dry granular mass to a debris flow-like movement via multiple pulses. We infer that the thawing of ground ice together with the entrainment of saturated material provided the extra fluid causing this change in dynamics. The hazardous consequences of permafrost degradation will increasingly affect mountain regions in the future, and ground-ice thaw in steep terrain is a particularly hazardous phenomenon, as it may induce unexpected long-runout failures and can cause slope instability to continue even after the landslide event. Our study expands our knowledge of how landslides develop in unstable ice-cemented deposits and will aid assessment and mitigation of the hazard that they pose in Iceland and other mountainous periglacial areas.
Correction to: Patterns and consequences of life history diversity in salinity exposure of an estuarine dependent fish
Authors: Nelson T. Reid , Hightower Crystal L. , Coogan Jeff , Walther Benjamin D. , Powers Sean P.
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s10641-021-01096-6
Big Observation – Ein Vergleich moderner Beobachtungsformate am Beispiel von amtlicher Statistik und Recommendersystemen
Authors: Heintz Bettina
Published: May 2021

Der Beitrag verortet digitale Technologien in der Geschichte moderner Beobachtungsformate. Das Konzept des Beobachtungsformats verhilft dazu, Einrichtungen in einen Zusammenhang zu bringen, die auf den ersten Blick wenig miteinander zu tun haben: die amtliche Statistik, die Meinungs- und Marktforschung, Monitoringsysteme und digitale Beobachtungsinstrumente wie Suchmaschinen, soziale Netzwerke oder Recommendersysteme. Die Gemeinsamkeit liegt darin, dass es sich in allen Fällen um Instanzen handelt, die regelmäßig Daten erheben und in diesen Daten nach Ordnungsmustern suchen. Sie sind markante Beispiele des Quantifizierungsschubs, der die (westlichen) Gesellschaften seit dem 18. Jahrhundert erfasst hat. Der Beitrag greift zwei Beispiele heraus – die Bevölkerungsstatistik als historisch erstes modernes Beobachtungsformat und personalisierte Recommendersysteme als prototypischen Fall digitaler Beobachtungsinstrumente – und vergleicht sie in Hinblick auf ihre Beobachtungstechnik: Wie werden die Zahlen fabriziert, mit deren Hilfe die amtliche Statistik die Gesellschaft beobachtet, und welche Beobachtungsverfahren setzen Recommendersysteme ein, um zu personalisierten Empfehlungen zu gelangen, und welche Rolle spielen dabei Vergleich, Bewertung, Kategorisierung und Quantifizierung? Der Vergleich macht nicht nur sichtbar, wie Statistiken und digitale Technologien beobachten und worin sich ihre Beobachtungstechnik unterscheidet, sondern er gibt auch Aufschluss darüber, wie sich die Praktiken und Prämissen sozialer Beobachtung in den letzten 200 Jahren verändert haben.
Aberrantly low STAT3 and STAT5 responses are associated with poor outcome and an inflammatory gene expression signature in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Narayanan P. , Man T.-K. , Gerbing R. B. , Ries R. , Stevens A. M. , Wang Y.-C. , Long X. , Gamis A. S. , Cooper T. , Meshinchi S. , Alonzo T. A. , Redell M. S.
Published: May 2021

The relapse rate for children with acute myeloid leukemia is nearly 40% despite aggressive chemotherapy and often stem cell transplant. We sought to understand how environment-induced signaling responses are associated with clinical response to treatment. We previously reported that patients whose AML cells showed low G-CSF-induced STAT3 activation had inferior event-free survival compared to patients with stronger STAT3 responses. Here, we expanded the paradigm to evaluate multiple signaling parameters induced by a more physiological stimulus. We measured STAT3, STAT5 and ERK1/2 responses to G-CSF and to stromal cell-conditioned medium for 113 patients enrolled on COG trials AAML03P1 and AAML0531. Low inducible STAT3 activity was independently associated with inferior event-free survival in multivariate analyses. For inducible STAT5 activity, those with the lowest and highest responses had inferior event-free survival, compared to patients with intermediate STAT5 responses. Using existing RNA-sequencing data, we compared gene expression profiles for patients with low inducible STAT3/5 activation with those for patients with higher inducible STAT3/5 signaling. Genes encoding hematopoietic factors and mitochondrial respiratory chain subunits were overexpressed in the low STAT3/5 response groups, implicating inflammatory and metabolic pathways as potential mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance. We validated the prognostic relevance of individual genes from the low STAT3/5 response signature in a large independent cohort of pediatric AML patients. These findings provide novel insights into interactions between AML cells and the microenvironment that are associated with treatment failure and could be targeted for therapeutic interventions.
On the Uniqueness Problem for Quadrature Domains
Authors: Ameur Yacin , Helmer Martin , Tellander Felix
Published: May 2021

We study questions of existence and uniqueness of quadrature domains using computational tools from real algebraic geometry. These problems are transformed into questions about the number of solutions to an associated real semi-algebraic system, which is analyzed using the method of real comprehensive triangular decomposition.
Understanding Sulfur Redox Mechanisms in Different Electrolytes for Room-Temperature Na–S Batteries
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Lai Wei-Hong , Yang Qiuran , Lei Yaojie , Wu Can , Wang Nana , Wang Yun-Xiao , Chou Shu-Lei , Liu Hua Kun , Dou Shi Xue
Published: May 2021

This work reports influence of two different electrolytes, carbonate ester and ether electrolytes, on the sulfur redox reactions in room-temperature Na–S batteries. Two sulfur cathodes with different S loading ratio and status are investigated. A sulfur-rich composite with most sulfur dispersed on the surface of a carbon host can realize a high loading ratio (72% S). In contrast, a confined sulfur sample can encapsulate S into the pores of the carbon host with a low loading ratio (44% S). In carbonate ester electrolyte, only the sulfur trapped in porous structures is active via ‘solid–solid’ behavior during cycling. The S cathode with high surface sulfur shows poor reversible capacity because of the severe side reactions between the surface polysulfides and the carbonate ester solvents. To improve the capacity of the sulfur-rich cathode, ether electrolyte with NaNO3 additive is explored to realize a ‘solid–liquid’ sulfur redox process and confine the shuttle effect of the dissolved polysulfides. As a result, the sulfur-rich cathode achieved high reversible capacity (483 mAh g−1), corresponding to a specific energy of 362 Wh kg−1 after 200 cycles, shedding light on the use of ether electrolyte for high-loading sulfur cathode.
Refined Geometric Modeling of Laser Pulse Propagation in Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry
Authors: Richter Katja , Mader David , Westfeld Patrick , Maas Hans-Gerd
Published: May 2021

To achieve a geometrically accurate representation of the water bottom, airborne LiDAR bathymetry (ALB) requires the correction of the raw 3D point coordinates due to refraction at the air–water interface, different signal velocity in air and water, and further propagation induced effects. The processing of bathymetric LiDAR data is based on a geometric model of the laser bathymetry pulse propagation describing the complex interactions of laser radiation with the water medium and the water bottom. The model comprises the geometric description of laser ray, water surface, refraction, scattering in the water column, and diffuse bottom reflection. Conventional geometric modeling approaches introduce certain simplifications concerning the water surface, the laser ray, and the bottom reflection. Usually, the local curvature of the water surface and the beam divergence are neglected and the travel path of the outgoing and the returned pulse is assumed to be identical. The deviations between the applied geometric model and the actual laser beam path cause a coordinate offset at the water bottom, which affects the accuracy potential of the measuring method. The paper presents enhanced approaches to geometric modeling which are based on a more accurate representation of water surface geometry and laser ray geometry and take into account the diffuse reflection at the water bottom. The refined geometric modeling results in an improved coordinate accuracy at the water bottom. The impact of the geometric modeling methods on the accuracy of the water bottom points is analyzed in a controlled manner using a laser bathymetry simulator. The findings will contribute to increase the accuracy potential of modern ALB systems.
Factors Influencing Student STEM Learning: Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectancy, 21st Century Skills, and Career Awareness
Authors: Han Jung , Kelley Todd , Knowles J. Geoff
Published: May 2021

Social, motivational, and instructional factors impact students’ outcomes in STEM learning and their career paths. Based on prior research and expectancy-value theory, the study further explored how multiple factors affect students in the context of integrated STEM learning. High school STEM teachers participated in summer professional development and taught integrated STEM to students during the following school year, where scientific inquiry, biomimicry, 3D printing technology, and engineering design were integrated as instructional strategies. Surveys were conducted to measure teacher self-efficacy and outcome expectancy. Student STEM attitudes (self-efficacy and expectancy-value beliefs), 21st century skills, STEM career awareness, and STEM knowledge achievement were also measured using a survey and a custom-made knowledge test. Based on expectancy-value theory and literature, a path model was developed and tested to investigate causal relationships between these factors. The results revealed direct and indirect effects of teacher self-efficacy and outcome expectancy on students’ STEM knowledge achievements. Student STEM attitudes (self-efficacy and expectancy-value beliefs), 21st century skills, and STEM career awareness also significantly influenced STEM knowledge achievement directly or indirectly.
Evaluating Metrics Applied to the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Role: A Survey-Based Study of Canadian MSL Leaders
Authors: Saleem Munaza , Cesario Lisa , Wilcox Lisa , Haynes Marsha , Collin Simon , Langlois Peter , Kenyon Stevie , Chilelli Andrew
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Metrics utilized within the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role are plentiful and traditionally quantitative. We sought to understand the current use and value of metrics applied to the MSL role, including the use of qualitative metrics.

Methods

We developed a list of 70 MSL leaders working in Canada, spanning 29 companies. Invitations were emailed Jun 16, 2020 and the 25-question online survey was open for 3 weeks. Questions were designed to assess demographics as well as how and why metrics are applied to the MSL role. Data analyses were descriptive.

Results

Responses were received from 44 leaders (63%). Of the 42 eligible, 45% had ≤ 2 years of experience as MSL leaders and 86% supported specialty care products over many phases of the product lifecycle. A majority (69%) agreed or strongly agreed that metrics are critical to understanding whether an MSL is delivering value, and 98% had used metrics in the past year. The most common reason to use metrics was ‘to show value/impact of MSLs to leadership’ (66%). The most frequently used metric was ‘number of health-care professional (HCP) interactions’, despite this being seen as having moderate value. Quantitative metrics were used more often than qualitative, although qualitative were more often highly valued.

Conclusion

The data collected show a lack of agreement between the frequency of use for some metrics and their value in demonstrating the contribution of an MSL. Overall, MSL leaders in our study felt qualitative metrics were a better means of showing the true impact of MSLs.
The Reasoning Structure in Legal Disputes on the International Trade of Biotechnology: From a Judicial Balance by Chance to a Judicial Balance by Design
Authors: GUIDA Alessandra
Published: May 2021

The international trade in biotech products boosts national economies and advances scientific as well as technology innovation. However, while trading these products increases the spread of benefits on a global scale, it also increases risks to human health and the environment (ie biosafety). This is because the effects of this technology on biosafety are still highly uncertain. Against this background, the judicial bodies under the World Trade Organization (WTO) find themselves in the middle of an intricate and polarised debate in which a proper judicial balance between free trade and biosafety becomes fundamental in order to determine whether requests for ensuring human and environmental health justify trade restrictions. This paper aims to highlight that the WTO is institutionally unready for balancing economic and non-economic values. In suggesting how to rationalise the judicial balance between the competing interests in the context of biotechnology, this paper demonstrates that the judicial adoption of a well-structured proportionality analysis can turn the current balance by chance into a balance by structure.
Geodesic planes in geometrically finite acylindrical -manifolds
Authors: BENOIST YVES , OH HEE
Published: May 2021

LetMbe a geometrically finite acylindrical hyperbolic$3$-manifold and let$M^*$denote the interior of the convex core ofM. We show that any geodesic plane in$M^*$is either closed or dense, and that there are only countably many closed geodesic planes in$M^*$. These results were obtained by McMullen, Mohammadi and Oh [Geodesic planes in hyperbolic 3-manifolds.Invent. Math.209(2017), 425–461; Geodesic planes in the convex core of an acylindrical 3-manifold.Duke Math. J., to appear,Preprint, 2018, arXiv:1802.03853] whenMis convex cocompact. As a corollary, we obtain that whenMcovers an arithmetic hyperbolic$3$-manifold$M_0$, the topological behavior of a geodesic plane in$M^*$is governed by that of the corresponding plane in$M_0$. We construct a counterexample of this phenomenon when$M_0$is non-arithmetic.
Use of whole-genome sequencing to investigate a cluster of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in emergency department personnel
Authors: Chan Ernest R. , Jones Lucas D. , Redmond Sarah N. , Navas Maria E. , Kachaluba Nataliya M. , Zabarsky Trina F. , Bhullar Davinder , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Zimmerman Peter A. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: May 2021

Several recent reports have raised concern that infected coworkers may be an important source of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) acquisition by healthcare personnel. In a suspected outbreak among emergency department personnel, sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed transmission among coworkers. The suspected 6-person outbreak included 2 distinct transmission clusters and 1 unrelated infection.
Description of the metoposauridAnaschisma brownifrom the New Oxford Formation of Pennsylvania
Authors: Gee Bryan M. , Jasinski Steven E.
Published: May 2021

Metoposaurids are a widespread and ubiquitous constituent of Late Triassic non-marine paleoenvironments. In North America, this group is practically the only large-bodied temnospondyl clade, and is particularly well documented from the American southwest and south-central regions (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas). However, metoposaurids are poorly documented from eastern North America, with fragmentary, doubtfully diagnostic historical material such as “Dictyocephalus elegans” Leidy, 1856 and “Eupelor durus” Cope, 1866. The Zions View (early Norian?) locality in Pennsylvania preserves more-complete material, which previous workers noted as belonging to “Buettneria perfecta” Case, 1922 (=Anaschisma browniBranson, 1905). However, the material has never been described in a fashion that characterizes the anatomy or that justifies the taxonomic assignment, yet it would represent the most complete material in eastern North America and a substantial expansion of this taxon's geographic range. Here we redescribe the Zions View metoposaurid material in detail, differentiating it fromCalamops paludosusSinclair, 1917, the only other Late Triassic temnospondyl from the eastern seaboard, and demonstrating confident affinities withA.browni. Our study is the first to properly justify the taxonomic referral, underscoring the broader importance of proper documentation of voucher specimens, especially for potential geographic outliers.Anaschisma browniis thus the most widely dispersed metoposaurid. Its easternmost documentation underscores the importance of the undersampled and understudied metoposaurid record on the eastern seaboard for understanding the development of a metoposaurid zone of exclusivity in North America and demonstrates the need for further exploration to refine conceptualizations of Late Triassic tetrapod evolution.
The on-axis magnetic well and Mercier's criterion for arbitrary stellarator geometries
Authors: Kim P. , Jorge R. , Dorland W.
Published: May 2021

A simplified analytical form of the on-axis magnetic well and Mercier's criterion for interchange instabilities for arbitrary three-dimensional magnetic field geometries is derived. For this purpose, a near-axis expansion based on a direct coordinate approach is used by expressing the toroidal magnetic flux in terms of powers of the radial distance to the magnetic axis. For the first time, the magnetic well and Mercier's criterion are then written as a one-dimensional integral with respect to the axis arclength. When compared with the original work of Mercier, the derivation here is presented using modern notation and in a more streamlined manner that highlights essential steps. Finally, these expressions are verified numerically using several quasisymmetric and non-quasisymmetric stellarator configurations including Wendelstein 7-X.
PERSECUTION AND THE ART OF FREEDOM: ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE PRESS AND FREE SPEECH IN DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
Authors: Habib Khalil M.
Published: May 2021

According to Tocqueville, the freedom of the press, which he treats as an extension of the freedom of speech, is a primary constituent element of liberty. Tocqueville treats the freedom of the press in relation to and as an extension of the right to assemble and govern one’s own affairs, both of which he argues are essential to preserving liberty in a free society. Although scholars acknowledge the importance of civil associations to liberty in Tocqueville’s political thought, they routinely ignore the importance he places on the freedom of the press and speech. His reflections on the importance of the free press and speech may help to shed light on the dangers of recent attempts to censor the press and speech.
A bionic point-source polarisation sensor applied to underwater orientation
Authors: Zhang Teng , Yang Jian , Guo Lei , Hu Pengwei , Liu Xin , Huang Panpan , Wang Chenliang
Published: May 2021

With the characteristics of full autonomy and no accumulated errors, polarisation navigation shows tremendous prospects in underwater scenarios. In this paper, inspired by the polarisation vision of aquatic organisms, a novel point-source polarisation sensor with high spectral adaptability (400 nm–760 nm) is designed for underwater orientation. To enhance the environmental applicability of the underwater polarisation sensor, a novel sensor model based on the underwater light intensity attenuation coefficient and optical coupling coefficient is established. In addition, concerned with the influence of light intensity uncertainty on sensor performance underwater, an antagonistic polarisation algorithm is adopted for the first time, to improve the accuracy of angle of polarisation and degree of polarisation in the low signal-to-noise ratio environment underwater. Finally, indoor and outdoor experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the designed polarisation sensor. The results show that the designed point-source polarisation sensor can acquire polarised light and be used for heading determination underwater.
Cyanosis in a patient after Fontan palliation due to unrecognised hepatic vein to coronary sinus communication
Authors: Oshiro Kristin T. , Thanjan Maria T. , Holzer Ralf J.
Published: May 2021

A 6-year-old male with heterotaxia, abnormal systemic and pulmonary venous drainage, and a history of Fontan completion presented with desaturations and was found by cardiac catheterisation to have a hepatic vein to coronary sinus connection. This was successfully occluded using an Amplatzer Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder.
STEENROD OPERATIONS ON THE DE RHAM COHOMOLOGY OF ALGEBRAIC STACKS
Authors: Scavia Federico
Published: May 2021

Building upon work of Epstein, May and Drury, we define and investigate the mod p Steenrod operations on the de Rham cohomology of smooth algebraic stacks over a field of characteristic

$p>0$
. We then compute the action of the operations on the de Rham cohomology of classifying stacks for finite groups, connected reductive groups for which p is not a torsion prime and (special) orthogonal groups when

$p=2$
.
Self-Stigma and Its Relationship With Rates of Depression Diagnosis
Authors: Li Feng , Jia Haipeng , Liu Jinchen , Liu Sihai , Lu Xuesong , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Background: Self-stigma about suicide might impede people seeking help from mental health professionals. There is little research about self-stigma expressed by suicide decedents. Aims: We aimed to explore (a) self-stigma about suicide through examination of suicide notes; and (b) whether the expression of self-stigma was associated with the formal diagnoses of depression. Method: Data were extracted from notes left by people who died by suicide in two major Chinese cities (Shanghai, 2004–2017; Wuhan, 2005–2019). Note content was examined and self-stigma items were coded. Demographics associated with self-stigma were reported. Rates of depression were compared between note-leavers who expressed self-stigma, and those who did not. Results: Notes were left by 567 suicide decedents (representing about 19% all suicides). Approximately 25% notes contained at least one self-stigma item. Older people made fewer self-stigma references, as did people from Wuhan. Depression was not associated with self-stigma. Limitations: Not all people dying from suicide leave notes, and suicide notes variably report self-stigma, thus self-stigma about suicide may be underestimated. Conclusion: Self-stigma items varied across regions and age groups, but not with depression. Therefore, self-stigma expressed by suicide decedents may not reflect help-seeking behaviours from professional mental health services.