bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial evaluation of a convolutional neural network used for noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease severity from coronary computed tomography angiography data
Authors: Podgorsak Alexander R. , Sommer Kelsey N. , Reddy Abhinay , Iyer Vijay , Wilson Michael F. , Rybicki Frank J. , Mitsouras Dimitrios , Sharma Umesh , Fujimoto Shinchiro , Kumamaru Kanako K. , Angel Erin , Ionita Ciprian N.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has one of the highest diagnostic sensitivities for detection of the significance of coronary artery disease (CAD); however, sensitivity is moderate and may result in increased catheterization rates. We performed an efficacy study to determine whether a trained machine learning algorithm that uses coronary CTA data may improve CAD diagnosis accuracy.

Methods

Sixty‐four‐patient image datasets based on coronary CTA were retrospectively collected to generate eight views considering 45° increments around the coronary artery centerline. The dataset was randomly split into training and testing cohorts. Invasive FFR measurements were used as ground truth labels. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained and the model’s capacity to predict severity of CAD was assessed on the testing cohort. Classification accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis were performed. Similar CAD severity classification accuracy and AUROC analyses were performed using only percent diameter stenosis (%DS) and CT‐derived FFR performed by 13 operators with various levels of expertise.

Results

Classification accuracy over the test cohort was 80.9% using the trained network and 72.4% using the user‐operated CT‐derived FFR software. AUROC over the test cohort was 0.862 using the trained network, 0.807 using %DS, and 0.758 using the human‐operated CT‐derived FFR software.

Conclusions

A trained neural network compared noninferiorly in‐terms of classification accuracy and AUROC with human operators of a CT‐derived FFR software, and in‐terms of AUROC with clinical decision‐making using %DS.
A straightforward catalytic approach to obtain deuterated chloroform at room temperature
Authors: Higuera‐Padilla Angel Ruben , Kock Flávio Vinícius Crizóstomo , Batista Alzir Azevedo , Colnago Luiz Alberto
Published: June 2020

We report the catalytic activity for the complexes—cis‐[RuCl2(dppb)(bipy)] (A), and [η6‐(p‐cymene)Ru (dppb)Cl]PF6 (B), wherein dppb = 1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphine)butane, and bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine—for the synthesis of CDCl3 from CHCl3 using D2O as deuterium source. H/D exchange reactions were performed using a chloroform/D2O, 1:2 molar ratio, vigorously stirred, at room temperature. One mole of KOH was dissolved in D2O fraction and catalytic complexes from 0.002 to 0.05 mmol were dissolved in chloroform. The H/D exchange reactions were monitored using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance sequences without proton decoupling. The reaction using 0.01 mmol of compound A reached approximately 55% of H/D conversion in 1 h. In the same time, the reactions with 0.002 mmol of compound A and without catalyst show approximately 28% and 3% H/D exchange, respectively. Without the catalysts, the H/D exchange was only 12.0% in 5 h. For compound B, 55% H/D conversion was observed in 1 h, only when 0.05 mmol was used, which is much higher catalyst concentration. After the isolation of the chloroform fraction and two more addition of D2O, it was possible to obtain 95.0% H/D exchange in approximately 3 h, using 0.01 mmol of the compound A. Therefore, compound A is an efficient catalyst for a rapid and straightforward synthesis of CDCl3 from CHCl3 at room temperature and using D2O as deuterium source.
Columnwise neighborhood search: A novel set partitioning matheuristic and its application to the VeRoLog Solver Challenge 2019
Authors: Jagtenberg Caroline J. , Maclaren Oliver J. , Mason Andrew J. , Raith Andrea , Shen Kevin , Sundvick Michael
Published: June 2020

This article reports on an approach for the VeRoLog Solver Challenge 2019: the fourth solver challenge facilitated by VeRoLog, the EURO Working Group on Vehicle Routing and Logistics Optimization. The authors were awarded third place in this challenge. The routing challenge involved solving two interlinked vehicle routing problems for equipment: one for distribution (using trucks) and one for installation (using technicians). We describe our solution method, based on a matheuristics approach in which the overall problem is heuristically decomposed into components that can then be solved by formulating them as set partitioning problems. To solve these set partitioning problems we introduce a novel method we call “columnwise neighborhood search,” which allows us to explore a large neighborhood of the current solution in an exact manner. By iteratively applying mixed‐integer programming methods, we obtain good quality solutions to our subproblems. We then use a simple local search “fusion” heuristic to further improve the solution to the overall problem. Besides introducing and discussing this solution method, we highlight the problem instances for which our approach was particularly successful in order to obtain general insights about our methodology.
Implementation of a new strain split to model unilateral contact within the phase field method
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Tung , Yvonnet Julien , Waldmann Danièle , He Qi‐Chang
Published: June 2020

A new orthogonal split of strain tensor into compressive and tensile parts is implemented within the phase field model to mimic unilateral contact condition with which any existing cracks and any crack propagation have to comply. The resulting phase field model offers several advantages as compared to other available schemes. First, it involves rigorous orthogonality between traction and compression parts. Second, it yields remarkably simple, new analytical expressions of the projectors which provide computational saving during the crack propagation simulation. Finally, it can be applied to arbitrary initial elastic anisotropic media, which is not the case of other available strain tensor split operators. A detailed comparison of the fracture responses predicted by the present model and other approaches is provided. It is shown that the present orthogonal decomposition is able to accurately predict experimental results and removes spurious effects found in other schemes for specific loads like compression.
Fundraising through the F2F: When the smile implies a rejection of the interaction
Authors: Pinazo Daniel , Arahuete Lorena
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study is to explore the effect of the intentional smile on social rejection in the F2F communication strategy of NGOs. Two studies analyze the effect of smiling on passerby conduct, as well as related influence mechanisms. First, 1,298 passersby were approached by two fundraisers, one male and one female; in half of their attempts to engage the passersby, the fundraisers approached with a friendly smile, whereas in the other half, they did not smile. Data were collected on the frequency of rejections and acceptances of contact with the fundraiser. Second, 1,157 approaches were made to analyze the effect of smiling on types of rejection. Results suggest that the likelihood of the interaction being accepted is greater with a smiling than a non‐smiling approach. Hostile rejections appear to be an effect of the positive impression smiling gives in a self‐interested setting. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Tourist arrivals, international tourist expenditure, and economic growth inBRICcountries
Authors: Usmani Gulnawaz , Akram Vaseem , Praveen Bushra
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of tourism arrivals and tourist expenditure on economic growth in case of four developing countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) using annual data from 1995 to 2016. To achieve this objective, we apply Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality test and panel data models. The results indicate that tourist expenditure has a positive impact on economic growth. Further, the results show that tourist arrivals do not have any significant effect on economic growth. The direction of causality shows that tourist expenditure has bidirectional causality with economic growth. The policy suggests that the investment environment must be upgraded through appropriate measures such as deregulation in economic activity; developing the port facilities, road network, railways, and telecommunication facilities; achieving clarity in trade policy and flexibility in labor markets; and setting a suitable regulatory framework and tariff structure and the country must grow in terms of better facilities and infrastructure for tourists.
Enhancement in isothermal crystallization and thermomechanical properties of poly(L‐lactic acid) filled with carbon fiber powder
Authors: Chen Li , Pang Xiujiang , Yu Guangshui , Liu Jiwen , Hu Haiqing , Zhao Jian
Published: June 2020

Carbon fiber (CF) is one good carbon filler for polymer modification. The aspect ratio of CF is supposed to affect the modification. In this research, the dependence of the crystallization behavior and thermomechanical properties of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) upon the aspect ratio of CF was investigated systematically by utilizing various characterizations, including polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity. Results indicated that carbon fiber powder (CFP) with smaller aspect ratio displayed more obvious heterogeneous nucleation and accelerating effect on the isothermally melt crystallization of PLLA matrix than normal CF with bigger aspect ratio. In the meanwhile, CFP had less adverse effect on the perfection of α crystal of PLLA than CF. Compared with PLLA or PLLA/CF composite, the tensile strength or the elongation at break of PLLA/CFP composite could be enhanced through proper annealing treatment. The bigger upshift of Tg determined by dynamic mechanical analysis indicated superior adhesion between PLLA and CFP in PLLA/CFP composites to that in PLLA/CF composites. Besides, CFP improved the thermal stability and thermal conductivity of PLLA composites more efficiently than CF.
Effect of magnesium hydroxide as a multifunctional additive on high solar reflectance, thermal emissivity, and flame retardancy properties of PP/SEBS/oil composites
Authors: Sun Haoxuan , Qi Yanli , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2020

Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) as a traditional environmentally friendly flame‐retardant is widely used in polymer matrix to fabricate engineering materials. Cooling performance is important for engineering materials and can be characterized by solar reflectance and emissivity. However, solar reflectance and emissivity of Mg(OH)2 are rarely reported. In this work, cooling properties of Mg(OH)2 were investigated and the samples were prepared by blending a series weight ratios of Mg(OH)2 with polymer elastomer matrix (styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene copolymer [SEBS], polypropylene [PP], and processing oil). With the introduction of 150 phr Mg(OH)2, the solar reflectance enhanced to 47.23%, which is 31.19% higher than the polymer matrix. Simultaneously, the cooling effect of 15°C can be obtained in comparison with the polymer matrix and emissivity enhanced to 0.86. Meanwhile, an introduction of 150 phr Mg(OH)2 increased the limit oxygen index from 17 to 26 and vertical burning test (UL‐94) attained to V‐0 rating. Thermal behaviors indicate that the composites exist multiple phase structure, where the glass transition temperature of SEBS is −55°C and melt temperature of PP is 153°C. The results show the composites can be used from −30°C to 80°C and satisfy the outdoor use conditions.
Novel waterborne poly(urethane‐urea)/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Špírková Milena , Pavličević Jelena , Aguilar Costumbre Yareni , Hodan Jiří , Krejčíková Sabina , Brožová Libuše
Published: June 2020

A series of novel transparent mechanically strong waterborne poly(urethane‐urea)/silica nanocomposites were prepared by mixing a waterborne poly(urethane‐urea) dispersion with aqueous nanosilica, followed by slow water evaporation. This procedure is simple, environmentally friendly and energetically undemanding. The silica content in the nanocomposite film varied from 0 to 50 wt%. Based on changes of tensile characteristics, for example, Young's modulus values, three types of behavior were observed: typical elastic (0‐10 wt%), plastic (30 wt%) and ceramic‐like (50 wt% silica) materials can be prepared. However, some films feature both elastic and plastic (material with 20 wt% silica) or plastic and ceramic‐like characteristics (material with 40 wt% silica). The Young's modulus varied from 6 to 705 MPa, and the maximal tensile strength and elongation‐at‐break were 17.3 MPa and 1270%, respectively. The maximum energy‐to‐break, 60 mJ mm−3, was achieved for the film containing 30 wt% silica. All these materials can potentially be used as soft‐to‐hard topcoats, depending on the specific demands.
Refinement of pairwise potentials via logistic regression to score protein‐protein interactions
Authors: Tanemura Kiyoto A. , Pei Jun , Merz Kenneth M.
Published: June 2020

Protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) are ubiquitous and functionally of great importance in biological systems. Hence, the accurate prediction of PPIs by protein‐protein docking and scoring tools is highly desirable in order to characterize their structure and biological function. Ab initio docking protocols are divided into the sampling of docking poses to produce at least one near‐native structure, and then to evaluate the vast candidate structures by scoring. Concurrent development in both sampling and scoring is crucial for the deployment of protein‐protein docking software. In the present work, we apply a machine learning model on pairwise potentials to refine the task of protein quaternary structure native structure detection among decoys. A decoy set was featurized using the Knowledge and Empirical Combined Scoring Algorithm 2 (KECSA2) pairwise potential. The highly unbalanced decoy set was then balanced using a comparison concept between native and decoy structures. The resultant comparison descriptors were used to train a logistic regression (LR) classifier. The LR model yielded the optimal performance for native detection among decoys compared with conventional scoring functions, while exhibiting lesser performance for the detection of low root mean square deviation decoy structures. Its deployment on an independent benchmark set confirms that the scoring function performs competitively relative to other scoring functions. The scripts used are available at https://github.com/TanemuraKiyoto/PPI-native-detection-via-LR.
Mini‐Review: Comprehensive Drug Disposition Knowledge Generated in the Modern Human Radiolabeled ADME Study
Authors: Spracklin Douglas K. , Chen Danny , Bergman Arthur J. , Callegari Ernesto , Obach R. Scott
Published: June 2020

The human radiolabeled absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) study offers a quantitative and comprehensive overall picture of the disposition of a drug, including excretion pattern and metabolite profiles in circulation and excreta. The data gathered from the ADME study are highly informative for developing a cohesive strategy for clinical pharmacology studies. Elements of standard ADME study designs are described. An exciting new development in human ADME studies is the application of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) as the detection technique for carbon‐14, in replacement of radioactivity measurements. This technology permits administration of 100‐fold to 1,000‐fold lower amounts of carbon‐14, and thus opens the door to the application of new study designs. A new ADME study design, termed the AMS‐Enabled Human ADME study, is described. In this design, both oral and intravenous administration are assessed in a single clinical study with a two‐period crossover. In addition to all of the standard ADME study end points (e.g., mass balance and quantitative metabolite profiles), the AMS‐Enabled ADME study can provide the fundamental pharmacokinetic parameters of clearance, volume of distribution, absolute oral bioavailability, and even estimates of the fraction of the dose absorbed. Thus, we have entered a new era of human ADME study design that can yield vastly more informative and complete data sets enabling a superior understanding of overall drug disposition.
Differences between the 2018 and 2019 stratospheric polar vortex split events
Authors: Butler Amy H. , Lawrence Zachary D. , Lee Simon H. , Lillo Samuel P. , Long Craig S.
Published: June 2020

Two recent occurrences in February 2018 and January 2019 of a dynamic split in the Northern Hemisphere stratospheric polar vortex are compared in terms of their evolution and predictability. The 2018 split vortex was associated with primarily wavenumber‐2 wave forcing that was not well predicted more than 7–10 days ahead of time, and was followed by persistent coupling to the surface with strong weather impacts. In 2019 the vortex was first displaced by slow wavenumber‐1 amplification into the stratosphere, which was predictable at longer lead times and then split; the surface impacts following the event were weaker. Here we examine the role of large‐scale climate influences, such as the phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Quasi‐biennial Oscillation and the Madden–Julian Oscillation, on the wave forcing, surface impacts and predictability of these two events. Linkages between the forecast error in the stratospheric polar vortex winds with the forecast error in the Quasi‐biennial Oscillation and Madden–Julian Oscillation are examined.
Following moist intrusions into the Arctic using SHEBA observations in a Lagrangian perspective
Authors: Ali S. Mubashshir , Pithan Felix
Published: June 2020

Warm and moist air masses are transported into the Arctic from lower latitudes throughout the year. Especially in winter, such moist intrusions (MIs) can trigger cloud formation and surface warming. While a typical cloudy state of the Arctic winter boundary layer has been linked to the advection of moist air masses, direct observations of the transformation from moist midlatitude to dry Arctic air are lacking. Here, we have used observations from the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) project to compile Eulerian observations along the trajectories of warm and cold air masses in a Lagrangian sense, showing the cooling and drying of air masses over sea ice and moistening over the open ocean. Air masses originating mostly over open water generate cloudy conditions over the observation site, whereas air masses originating over continents or sea ice generate radiatively clear conditions. We recommend using our case‐studies and the method of linking expeditions to station soundings via back‐trajectories for modelling work in future campaigns.
The antifibrotic adipose-derived stromal cell: Grafted fat enriched with CD74+ adipose-derived stromal cells reduces chronic radiation-induced skin fibrosis
Authors: Borrelli Mimi R. , Patel Ronak A. , Adem Sandeep , Diaz Deleon Nestor M. , Shen Abra H. , Sokol Jan , Yen Sara , Chang Erin Y. , Nazerali Rahim , Nguyen Dung , Momeni Arash , Wang Kevin C. , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C.
Published: June 2020

Fat grafting can reduce radiation-induced fibrosis. Improved outcomes are found when fat grafts are enriched with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs), implicating ASCs as key drivers of soft tissue regeneration. We have identified a subpopulation of ASCs positive for CD74 with enhanced antifibrotic effects. Compared to CD74− and unsorted (US) ASCs, CD74+ ASCs have increased expression of hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, and transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) and decreased levels of TGF-β1. Dermal fibroblasts incubated with conditioned media from CD74+ ASCs produced less collagen upon stimulation, compared to fibroblasts incubated with media from CD74− or US ASCs. Upon transplantation, fat grafts enriched with CD74+ ASCs reduced the stiffness, dermal thickness, and collagen content of overlying skin, and decreased the relative proportions of more fibrotic dermal fibroblasts. Improvements in several extracellular matrix components were also appreciated on immunofluorescent staining. Together these findings indicate CD74+ ASCs have antifibrotic qualities and may play an important role in future strategies to address fibrotic remodeling following radiation-induced fibrosis.
The contribution of systems science to Industry 4.0
Authors: Xu Li Da
Published: June 2020

Industrie 4.0, also called Industry 4.0, represents the current trend of manufacturing industry characterized by high level of automation, industrial integration, and industrial information integration. It mainly includes enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber‐physical systems (CPS), cloud computing, industrial integration, industrial information integration, and other technologies. Systems science has been emerged and well developed since the second half of the twentieth century. From 1940s until now, systems science has been called systems science, systems engineering, systems theory, cybernetics, systems analysis, systems methodology, systems approach, and systems thinking. Since its emergence, a wealth of research has produced an astonishing array of theoretical results and empirical insights, and a large suite of methods and techniques. Systems science has been continuously, widely, and successfully applied to many subjects in natural science and social sciences. This paper aims at discussing the potential contribution of systems science to Industry 4.0. As we approach the era of Fourth Industrial Revolution, this paper points out that systems science is a necessity to deal with the overwhelming systems complexity in Industry 4.0 and the surrounding industrial ecosystem.
Super typhoons Hato and Mangkhut, part II: challenges in forecasting and early warnings
Authors: Choy Chun Wing , Lau Dick Shum , He Yuheng
Published: June 2020

This is the second paper of a two‐part series about Super Typhoons Hato (1713) and Mangkhut (1822), which hit Hong Kong successively in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and necessitated the issuance of the highest tropical cyclone warning signal. While their maximum intensity and wind structure are analysed in Part I, this paper covers the challenges in forecasting and early warning of the storms. The actual and predicted tropical cyclone track, intensity and storm surge in Hong Kong and their associated storm surge risk are reviewed. Experience in early warning and disaster risk reduction is also shared in this paper.
N = 3 SCFTs in 4 dimensions and non-simply laced groups
Authors: Evtikhiev Mikhail
Published: June 2020

Abstract

In this paper we discuss various N = 3 SCFTs in 4 dimensions and in particular those which can be obtained as a discrete gauging of an N = 4 SYM theories with non- simply laced groups. The main goal of the project was to compute the Coulomb branch superconformal index and moduli space Hilbert series for the N = 3 SCFTs that are obtained from gauging a discrete subgroup of the global symmetry group of N = 4 Super Yang-Mills theory. The discrete subgroup contains elements of both SU(4) R-symmetry group and the S-duality group of N = 4 SYM. This computation was done for the simply laced groups (where the S-duality groups is SL(2, ℤ) and Langlands dual of the algebra

$$ {}^L\mathfrak{g} $$

L

g

is simply

$$ \mathfrak{g} $$

g

) by Bourton et al. [1], and we extended it to the non-simply laced groups. We also considered the orbifolding groups of the Coulomb branch for the cases when Coulomb branch is relatively simple; in particular, we compared them with the results of Argyres et al. [2], who classified all N
≥ 3 moduli space orbifold geometries at rank 2 and with the results of Bonetti et al. [3], who listed all possible orbifolding groups for the freely generated Coulomb branches of N
≥ 3 SCFTs. Finally, we have considered sporadic complex crystallographic reflection groups with rank greater than 2 and analyzed, which of them can correspond to an N = 3 SCFT with a principal Dirac pairing.
New insights into anti-Müllerian hormone role in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and neuroendocrine development
Authors: Silva Mauro S. B. , Giacobini Paolo
Published: June 2020

Research into the physiological actions of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has rapidly expanded from its classical role in male sexual differentiation to the regulation of ovarian function, routine clinical use in reproductive health and potential use as a biomarker in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). During the past 10 years, the notion that AMH could act exclusively at gonadal levels has undergone another paradigm shift as several exciting studies reported unforeseen AMH actions throughout the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal (HPG) axis. In this review, we will focus on these findings reporting novel AMH actions across the HPG axis and we will discuss their potential impact and significance to better understand human reproductive disorders characterized by either developmental alterations of neuroendocrine circuits regulating fertility and/or alterations of their function in adult life. Finally, we will summarize recent preclinical studies suggesting that elevated levels of AMH may potentially be a contributing factor to the central pathophysiology of PCOS and other reproductive diseases.
Self-Adjoint Dirac Operators on Domains in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$
Authors: Behrndt Jussi , Holzmann Markus , Mas Albert
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the spectral and scattering properties of a family of self-adjoint Dirac operators in$$L^2(\Omega ; \mathbb {C}^4)$$L2(Ω;C4), where$$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^3$$Ω⊂R3is either a bounded or an unbounded domain with a compact$$C^2$$C2-smooth boundary, are studied in a systematic way. These operators can be viewed as the natural relativistic counterpart of Laplacians with boundary conditions as of Robin type. Our approach is based on abstract boundary triple techniques from extension theory of symmetric operators and a thorough study of certain classes of (boundary) integral operators, that appear in a Krein-type resolvent formula. The analysis of the perturbation term in this formula leads to a description of the spectrum and a Birman–Schwinger principle, a qualitative understanding of the scattering properties in the case that$$\Omega $$Ωis an exterior domain, and corresponding trace formulas.
Health care needs among recently arrived refugees in Germany: a cross-sectional, epidemiological study
Authors: Nesterko Yuriy , Jäckle David , Friedrich Michael , Holzapfel Laura , Glaesmer Heide
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The purpose of the present study is to investigate current needs for physical and/or mental health treatment in recently arrived refugees’ by considering socio-demographic, flight, and mental health-related characteristics as well as different social care needs based on epidemiological data.

Methods

The study was conducted in a reception facility for asylum-seekers in Leipzig, where 569 newly arrived adult residents participated. The questionnaire included socio-demographic and flight-related questions as well as standardized instruments for assessing mental health symptoms. Logistic regression models were conducted to predict current needs for treatment of self-rated physical and mental health status.

Results

Greater numbers of traumatic events, positive screening results for at least one mental disorder, and a current need for assistance navigating the health care system were found to be significant predictors for current mental and physical health treatment needs. In addition, males are more likely to report current treatment needs for mental health symptoms.

Conclusions

Health-related characteristics do predict newly arrived refugees’ treatment needs, and socio-demographic and flight-related characteristics do not. The results provide both academia and policy makers with first implications for improving health care for refugees in need as quickly as possible.
The conditioning regime in industrial drying of Scots pine sawn timber studied by X-ray computed tomography: a case-study
Authors: Couceiro José , Hansson Lars , Sehlstedt-Persson Margot , Vikberg Tommy , Sandberg Dick
Published: June 2020

Industrial drying of sawn timber is a process driven by a difference in moisture content (MC) between the core and the surface as moisture moves from the wet inner region towards the drier surface. After drying, the timber surface is always drier than its core, and stresses have developed within the wood volume. If the timber is to be further processed, these stresses and the moisture gradient need to be reduced to avoid unwanted distortion, i.e. the timber needs to be conditioned. Conditioning is usually accomplished by exposing the timber to a hot and humid climate after the drying regime. The conditioning regime is essential for timber quality, and it is energy and time consuming; therefore of interest for optimisation. This research was a case study where for the first time the MC during conditioning was studied in an X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner. The aim was to test a previously developed algorithm and investigate the influence of MC and heartwood-sapwood proportion on the effectivity of the moisture equalisation in 30 mm thick Scots pine boards. The MC was estimated from CT data acquired during the drying and conditioning of the boards in a lab-scale kiln adapted to a medical CT scanner. Results show that the algorithm can provide relevant data of internal MC distribution of sawn timber at the pixel level. Furthermore, for the drying schedules studied, the conditioning at low MC (8%) does not need to be longer than 3 h, while higher MC (18%) requires a longer conditioning.
Expectation and variance of the estimator of the maximized selection response of linear selection indices with normal distribution
Authors: Cerón-Rojas J. Jesus , Crossa Jose
Published: June 2020

Key message

The expectation and variance of the estimator of the maximized index selection response allow the breeders to construct confidence intervals and to complete the analysis of a selection process.

The maximized selection response and the correlation of the linear selection index (LSI) with the net genetic merit are the main criterion to compare the efficiency of any LSI. The estimator of the maximized selection response is the square root of the variance of the estimated LSI values multiplied by the selection intensity. The expectation and variance of this estimator allow the breeder to construct confidence intervals and determine the appropriate sample size to complete the analysis of a selection process. Assuming that the estimated LSI values have normal distribution, we obtained those two parameters as follows. First, with the Fourier transform, we found the distribution of the variance of the estimated LSI values, which was a Gamma distribution; therefore, the expectation and variance of this distribution were the expectation and variance of the variance of the estimated LSI values. Second, with these results, we obtained the expectation and the variance of the estimator of the selection response using the Delta method. We validated the theoretical results in the phenotypic selection context using real and simulated dataset. With the simulated dataset, we compared the LSI efficiency when the genotypic covariance matrix is knownversuswhen this matrix is estimated; the differences were not significant. We concluded that our results are valid for any LSI with normal distribution and that the method described in this work is useful for finding the expectation and variance of the estimator of any LSI response in the phenotypic or genomic selection context.
Sphingomyelin and progression of renal and coronary heart disease in individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pongrac Barlovic Drazenka , Harjutsalo Valma , Sandholm Niina , Forsblom Carol , Groop Per-Henrik ,   on behalf of the FinnDiane Study Group
Published: June 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Lipid abnormalities are associated with diabetic kidney disease and CHD, although their exact role has not yet been fully explained. Sphingomyelin, the predominant sphingolipid in humans, is crucial for intact glomerular and endothelial function. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate whether sphingomyelin impacts kidney disease and CHD progression in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Individuals (n = 1087) from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) prospective cohort study with serum sphingomyelin measured using a proton NMR metabolomics platform were included. Kidney disease progression was defined as change in eGFR or albuminuria stratum. Data on incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and CHD were retrieved from national registries. HRs from Cox regression models and regression coefficients from the logistic or linear regression analyses were reported per 1 SD increase in sphingomyelin level. In addition, receiver operating curves were used to assess whether sphingomyelin improves eGFR decline prediction compared with albuminuria.

Results

During a median (IQR) 10.7 (6.4, 13.5) years of follow-up, sphingomyelin was independently associated with the fastest eGFR decline (lowest 25%; median [IQR] for eGFR change: <−4.4 [−6.8, −3.1] ml min−1 [1.73 m−2] year−1), even after adjustment for classical lipid variables such as HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols (OR [95% CI]: 1.36 [1.15, 1.61], p < 0.001). Similarly, sphingomyelin increased the risk of progression to ESRD (HR [95% CI]: 1.53 [1.19, 1.97], p = 0.001). Moreover, sphingomyelin increased the risk of CHD (HR [95% CI]: 1.24 [1.01, 1.52], p = 0.038). However, sphingomyelin did not perform better than albuminuria in the prediction of eGFR decline.

Conclusions/interpretation

This study demonstrates for the first time in a prospective setting that sphingomyelin is associated with the fastest eGFR decline and progression to ESRD in type 1 diabetes. In addition, sphingomyelin is a risk factor for CHD. These data suggest that high sphingomyelin level, independently of classical lipid risk factors, may contribute not only to the initiation and progression of kidney disease but also to CHD.
A Unified Model for Stress-Driven Rearrangement Instabilities
Authors: Kholmatov Shokhrukh Yu. , Piovano Paolo
Published: June 2020

A variational model to simultaneously treat Stress-Driven Rearrangement Instabilities, such as boundary discontinuities, internal cracks, external filaments, edge delamination, wetting, and brittle fractures, is introduced. The model is characterized by an energy displaying both elastic and surface terms, and allows for a unified treatment of a wide range of settings, from epitaxially-strained thin films to crystalline cavities, and from capillarity problems to fracture models. The existence of minimizing configurations is established by adopting the direct method of the Calculus of Variations. The compactness of energy-equibounded sequences and energy lower semicontinuity are shown with respect to a proper selected topology in a class of admissible configurations that extends the classes previously considered in the literature. In particular, graph-like constraints previously considered for the setting of thin films and crystalline cavities are substituted by the more general assumption that the free crystalline interface is the boundary, consisting of an at most fixed finite numbermof connected components, of sets of finite perimeter. Finally, it is shown that, as$$m\rightarrow \infty $$m→∞, the energy of minimal admissible configurations tends to the minimum energy in the general class of configurations without the bound on the number of connected components for the free interface.
A survey about label enhancement methods for parenteral medication in European hospital pharmacies
Authors: Larmené-Beld K. H. M. , Keers R. N. , Taxis K.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Unclear labeling has been recognized as an important cause of look-alike medication errors. Little is known about which labeling practices are currently used in European hospitals. The aim of this article is to obtain an overview of the labeling practices for parenteral medications, in relation to national guidelines, in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.

Methods

An online survey was conducted using the Qualtrics® software. The survey was distributed to hospital pharmacists in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. The results were downloaded from Qualtrics and exported to Microsoft Excel. Data were categorized into groups and analyzed descriptively.

Results

In total, 104 responses were received. The response rate was 63% (n = 48) in the Netherlands and 11% (n = 41) for Germany; for the UK, 15 responses were received. In general almost 90% of the respondents followed the National guidelines concerning labeling of pharmacy-prepared parenteral products. The use of label enhancement techniques was relatively low in all countries. On average, the use of “Tall Man” lettering was 19%, the use of color coding was 29%, and the use of a barcode on the label was 27%.

Conclusion

Label-enhancement methods for parenteral medication in hospital pharmacies do not seem to be widely implemented and acknowledged in European hospitals, but response rates were limited for two countries. Greater standardization in conjunction with research for evidence-based enhancement techniques is needed to guide improvement in labeling practices across Europe.
Specific amino acid patterns define split specificities of HLA-B15 antigens enabling conversion from DNA-based typing to serological equivalents
Authors: Duygu Burcu , Matern Benedict M. , Wieten Lotte , Voorter Christina E.M. , Tilanus Marcel G.J.
Published: June 2020

The HLA-B15 typing by serological approaches defined the serological subgroups (or splits) B62, B63, B75, B76, B77 and B70 (B71 and B72). The scarcity of sera with specific anti-HLA antibodies makes the serological typing method difficult to discriminate a high variety of HLA antigens, especially between the B15 antigen subgroups. Advancements in DNA-based technologies have led to a switch from serological typing to high-resolution DNA typing methods. DNA sequencing techniques assign B15 specificity to all alleles in the HLA-B*15 allele group, without distinction of the serological split equivalents. However, the presence of antibodies in the patient defined as split B15 antigens urges the identification of HLA-B*15 allele subtypes of the donor, since the presence of donor-specific antibodies is an important contraindication for organ transplantation. Although the HLA dictionary comprises information regarding the serological subtypes of HLA alleles, there are currently 394 B15 antigens out of 516 in the IPD-IMGT/HLA database (3.38.0) without any assigned serological subtype. In this regard, we aimed to identify specific amino acid patterns for each B*15 serological split, in order to facilitate the assignment of B*15 alleles to serological equivalents after high-resolution molecular typing. As a result, serological specificities of 372/394 not yet assigned alleles could be predicted based on amino acid motifs. Furthermore, two new serological types were identified and added, B62-Bw4 and B71-Bw4.
Acrophyseal growth arrest in a long-term survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: de Rooy Jacky , Buckens Stan , Brons Paul M. , van der Geest Ingrid , Vanhoenacker Filip
Published: June 2020

Growth arrest at the secondary growth plate, also known as the acrophysis, is a rare phenomenon with only very few known published case reports. We report on a case of formation of ghost secondary ossification centers at the acrophyses of the knee joint in a 14-year-old female, who survived early childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient suffered from severe side effects from both disease and subsequent treatment strategies with a 10-month immobilization period as a consequence at the age of 3 years. The ghost secondary ossification centers were encountered on radiographs and MRI 10 years later, when she presented for evaluation of chronic pain in her left knee related to sports activities, due to a meniscal cyst. Awareness of this phenomenon is nevertheless important, because it seems that endochondral bone growth recovery at the acrophyses might be different from recovery in physes, because we found no concomitant sequelae of growth arrest in the metaphyses.
Renal biopsies performed before versus during ablation of T1 renal tumors: implications for prevention of overtreatment and follow-up
Authors: Widdershoven Christiaan V. , Aarts Brigitte M. , Zondervan Patricia J. , Henderickx Michaël M. E. L. , Klompenhouwer Elisabeth G. , van Delden Otto M. , Prevoo Warner , Montauban van Swijndregt Alexander D. , van Moorselaar Reindert J. A. , Bex Axel , Lagerveld Brunolf W.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To assess the difference between renal mass biopsy (RMB) performed either before or during the ablation procedure.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study was performed in patients with a cT1 renal mass treated with ablation between January 2007 and July 2019, including a search in the national pathology database for patients with a RMB planned for ablation. Patient and tumor characteristics and information on malignant, benign, and non-diagnostic biopsy results were collected to establish rates of overtreatment and number of ablations avoided in case of benign or non-diagnostic histology.

Results

RMB was performed in 714 patients, of which 231 patients received biopsy before planned ablation, and 483 patients at the time of ablation. Pathology results before ablation were malignant in 63% (145/231), benign in 20% (46/231) and non-diagnostic in 17% (40/231). Pathology results at the time of ablation were malignant in 67.5% (326/483), benign in 16.8% (81/483) and non-diagnostic in 15.7% (76/483), leading to a total of 32.5% of ablation of benign or non-diagnostic lesions. Of the patients with a benign biopsy obtained before ablation, 80.4% (37/46) chose not to undergo ablation. Patients with inconclusive biopsy before planned ablation chose an informed individualized approach including ablation, repeated biopsy, or no intervention in 56%, 34% and 10%.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the importance of obtaining a biopsy prior to the ablation procedure in a separate session to lower the rate of potentially unnecessary ablations.
Impact of Personal Protective Equipment on Surgical Performance During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Yánez Benítez Carlos , Güemes Antonio , Aranda José , Ribeiro Marcelo , Ottolino Pablo , Di Saverio Salomone , Alexandrino Henrique , Ponchietti Luca , Blas Juan L. ,   International Cooperation Group on PPE and Emergency Surgery, Ramos Juan Pablo , Rangelova Elena , Muñoz Mercedes , Yánez Carlos
Published: June 2020

Background

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 pandemic has exposed surgeons to hazardous working conditions, imposing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) use during surgery. The use of such equipment may affect their non‐technical skills, augment fatigue, and affect performance. This study aimed to assess the surgeons’ perceptions of the impact of wearing PPE during emergency surgery throughout the pandemic.

Methods

An international cooperation group conducted an anonymous online survey among surgeons from over 30 countries, to assess perceptions about the impact of PPE use on non‐technical skills, overall comfort, decision making, and surgical performance during emergency surgery on COVID‐19 patients.

Results

Responses to the survey (134) were received from surgeons based on 26 countries. The vast majority (72%) were males. More than half of the respondents (54%) felt that their surgical performance was hampered with PPE. Visual impairment was reported by 63%, whereas 54% had communication impediments. Less than half (48%) felt protected with the use of PPE, and the same proportion perceived that the use of such equipment influenced their decision making. Decreased overall comfort was cited by 66%, and 82% experienced increased surgical fatigue.

Conclusions

Surgeons perceived impediment for both visibility and communication, and other non‐technical skills while using PPE on emergency surgery in COVID‐19 patients. Their perceived lack of protection and comfort and increased fatigue may have inhibited their optimal surgical performance. More attention should be placed in the design of more user‐friendly equipment, given the possibility of a second wave of the pandemic.
Comparison of sheep and human middle-ear ossicles: anatomy and inertial properties
Authors: Péus Dominik , Dobrev Ivo , Pfiffner Flurin , Sim Jae Hoon
Published: June 2020

The sheep middle ear has been used in training to prepare physicians to perform surgeries and to test new ways of surgical access. This study aimed to (1) collect anatomical data and inertial properties of the sheep middle-ear ossicles and (2) explore effects of these features on sound transmission, in comparison to those of the human. Characteristic dimensions and inertial properties of the middle-ear ossicles of White-Alpine sheep (n = 11) were measured from high-resolution micro-CT data, and were assessed in comparison with the corresponding values of the human middle ear. The sheep middle-ear ossicles differed from those of human in several ways: anteroinferior orientation of the malleus handle, relatively small size of the incus with a relatively short distance to the lenticular process, a large area of the articular surfaces at the incudostapedial joint, and a relatively small moment of inertia along the anterior–posterior axis. Analysis in this study suggests that structure and orientation of the middle-ear ossicles in the sheep are conducive to an increase in the hinge-like ossicular-lever-action around the anterior–posterior axis. Considering the substantial anatomical differences, outcomes of middle-ear surgeries would presumably be difficult to assess from experiments using the sheep middle ear.
On the glass transition and correlation functions
Authors: Frielinghaus Henrich
Published: June 2020

Correlation functions are the basis for the understanding of many thermodynamic systems that can be directly observed by scattering experiments. In this manuscript, the correlation functions include the steric repulsion of atoms that also leads to distinct shells of neighbors. A free energy is derived on the basis of these assumptions, and in the following the temperature dependence of the density (or specific volume), the typical time scale of the α-relaxation, and the heat capacity. From this, I argue that the glass transition is dominated by the vicinity of a first-order phase transition. While the correlation length stays rather constant in the vicinity of the glass transition, the intensity of the fluctuations is considerably increasing. The scattering amplitude is connected to the cluster size, also introduced in the cooperativity argument. Additionally, correlations of loops are discussed. The additional correlations describe rather small structures. Applying this to scattering intensities, a correlation peak was described that may be connected to the “Boson Peak” or a “cooperativity length.” The new concept of correlation functions on sterically repulsive atoms may find more attention in the wider field of physics.