bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A first‐in‐human oral dose study of mesdopetam (IRL790) to assess its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Sjöberg Folke , Waters Susanna , Löfberg Boel , Sonesson Clas , Waters Nicholas , Tedroff Joakim
Published: May 2021

The management of Parkinson's disease (PD) is frequently compromised by complications induced by dopaminergic treatment such as involuntary movements (dyskinesias) and psychosis. Mesdopetam (IRL790) is a novel dopamine D3 receptor antagonist developed for the management of complications of therapy in PD. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of escalating single and multiple doses of mesdopetam. We conducted a prospective, single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase I, and first‐in‐human (FIH) study with mesdopetam administered to healthy male subjects. Overall, mesdopetam was well‐tolerated up to a 120 mg single dose and up to 80 mg upon multiple dosing. Adverse events (AEs) were mainly related to the nervous system and were dose‐dependent. No serious adverse events occurred and no AEs led to withdrawal. The results of the single‐ascending‐dose and multiple‐ascending‐dose parts indicated dose‐ and time‐independent pharmacokinetics with rapid absorption and maximum plasma levels that were generally reached within 2 h after dosing. No accumulation was observed upon multiple dosing. It is concluded that mesdopetam was safe and well‐tolerated in healthy male volunteers. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated rapid absorption and dose‐linear pharmacokinetics of mesdopetam, with a plasma half‐life of around 7 h, upon single and repeated dosing. The pharmacokinetics of mesdopetam supports twice‐daily use in patients.
Design of PID control for planar uncertain nonlinear systems with input delay
Authors: Lyu Xujun , Lin Zongli
Published: May 2021

This article presents a PID control design for a class of planar uncertain nonlinear systems with bounded time‐varying input delay. The delay is unknown with a known bound. The class of systems is characterized by the bounds on the growth rates of the nonlinear function in the system model. Based on these bounds on the growth rates, the system is placed in a linear differential inclusion, a convex hull with four linear systems as vertices. For a given set of PID control coefficients, a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is constructed that leads to sufficient conditions, in the form of linear matrix inequalities in the bound on the time delay, a positive scalar and two positive definite matrices, under which the equilibrium solution corresponding to the desired set point of the outputs of all vertex linear systems and, hence, that of the original uncertain nonlinear system, is globally uniformly asymptotically stable. With the bound on the time delay as a variable, an optimization problem with linear matrix inequalities as constraints can be formulated to determine the largest admissible bound on the time delay for the closed‐loop system under the given PID controller. By viewing the PID control coefficients as additional free variables, the optimization problem is then adapted for the design of the PID coefficients for the largest admissible bound on the time delay. The design is then applied to a magnetic suspension system. Simulation results illustrate the design algorithm and the performance of the resulting PID controller.
Recent Advances of Nanospheres Lithography in Organic Electronics
Authors: Li Jie , Hu Yongxu , Yu Li , Li Lin , Ji Deyang , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping , Fuchs Harald
Published: May 2021

Nanospheres lithography (NSL) is an economical technique, which makes use of highly monodispersed nanospheres such as deposition or etch masks for generating patterns with nanoscale features. Embedding nanostructures into organic electronic devices can endow them with unique capabilities and enhanced performance, which have greatly advanced the development of organic electronics. In this review, a brief summary of the methods for the preparation of monodispersed nanospheres is presented. Afterward, the authors highlight the recent advances of a wide variety of applications of nanospheres lithography in organic electronic devices. Finally, the challenges in this field are pointed out, and the future development of this field is discussed.
Rapid In Situ Ligand‐Exchange Process Used to Prepare 3D PbSe Nanocrystal Superlattice Infrared Photodetectors
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Kweon Kyoung E. , Keuleyan Sean , Sawvel April , Cho En Ju , Orme Christine
Published: May 2021

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are important building blocks for low‐cost, solution‐processed electronic devices with tunable functionalities. Considerable progress is made in improving charge transport through nanocrystal films by exchanging long insulating ligands with shorter passivating ligands. To take full advantage of this strategy, it is equally important to fabricate close‐packed structures that reduce the average interparticle spacing. Yet it remains a challenge to retain long‐range, close‐packed order after ligand exchange. Here, a novel one‐step in situ ligand‐exchange method is demonstrated that enables rapid (5 min) ligand exchange of nanocrystal films, which are more than 50 layers thick. Using this simple and efficient method, it is shown that the face‐centered cubic ordering of 500 nm thick PbSe nanocrystal films is retained after ligand exchange from oleic acid to benzoic acid. Moreover, it is demonstrated that PbSe nanocrystal photodetectors with a well‐ordered structure have superior optoelectronic properties compared to disordered films; ordered films have a 16× higher responsivity of ≈0.25 A W−1 at 1 V and a 2× faster response time. As far as it is known, this is the first report to realize a rapid one‐step ligand exchange through a thick superlattice film with retention of long‐range order.
All‐Conjugated Polymer Core–Shell and Core–Shell–Shell Particles with Tunable Emission Profiles and White Light Emission
Authors: Haehnle Bastian , Schuster Philipp A. , Chen Lisa , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: May 2021

Future applications of conjugated polymer particles (CPP) in medicine, organic photonics, and optoelectronics greatly depend on high performance and precisely adjustable optical properties of the particles. To meet these criteria, current particle systems often combine conjugated polymers with inorganic particles in core–shell geometries, extending the possible optical characteristics of CPP. However, current conjugated polymer particles are restricted to a single polymer phase composed of a distinct polymer or a polymer blend. Here, a synthetic toolbox is presented that enables the synthesis of monodisperse core–shell and core–shell–shell particles, which consist entirely of conjugated polymers but of different types in the core and the shells. Seeded and fed‐batch dispersion polymerizations based on Suzuki–Miyaura‐type cross‐coupling are investigated. The different approaches allow accurate control over the created interface between the conjugated polymer phases and thus also over the energy transfer phenomena between them. This approach opens up completely new synthetic freedom for fine tuning of the optical properties of CPP, enabling, for example, the synthesis of individual white light‐emitting particles.
Experimental study of wind pressure fluctuating characteristics and wind load shape factor of long‐span cylinder roof structure
Authors: Wu Yanru , Wu Xiaohong , Wei Sitong , Sun Qing , Wang Jiantao
Published: May 2021

This paper comprehensively presents the results of a wind tunnel experiment of the wind pressure fluctuating characteristics of a long‐span roof structure, namely the fluctuating wind pressure coefficient (FWPC), wind pressure power spectrum, and wind pressure coherence. The variation trend of FWPCs in the wind directions of 0°, 45°, and 90° were analyzed in sealed and open conditions, as well as the fluctuating wind pressure coefficients of lateral and longitudinal profiles of roof. Subsequently, the models of wind pressure spectrum in different zones and the spatial coherence of fluctuating wind pressure at different wind angles were discussed. The zone values of wind load shape factors of envelope structure with sealed, open, and pile of coal in open were calculated by area weighted averaging. The results indicate that the sealed condition significantly influences the fluctuating characteristics on the roof surface more than the open condition, suggesting that the maximum varied gradient of FWPCs is achieved in the 45° wind direction. Further, different forms and peak frequencies of the wind pressure spectrum in the roof region developed three zones, revealing that the peak frequency in energy‐preserved, inertia, and energy‐dissipated regions show an increasing trend for the different directions. The spatial correlations of wind pressure between measurement taps decrease with the increase in the frequency and spatial distance. Moreover, the correlation coefficients are lower than 0.2 when the frequency was higher than 35 Hz, and a modified three‐dimensional spatial coherence function of wind pressure is proposed. In contrast to the sealed case, the zone values of wind load shape factors of envelope structure with open and pile of coal in open are alleviated due to the separation flows.
Stakeholders’ environmental preferences based corporate environmental information influencing factors research
Authors: Yi Liqi , Li Tao
Published: May 2021

Attracted widespread attention from stakeholders, environmental information disclosed by companies can show the situations that corporates fulfill their environmental obligations. Different corporate stakeholders usually pay diverse attention to key environmental information factors due to their various industries, investment levels, identity characteristics, etc. However, the previous researches are not scientific enough due to the lack of reflecting the importance of environmental information according to the preferences of stakeholders. To fill this gap, this paper applies a fuzzy analysis model as the internal type‐2 trapezoidal fuzzy numbers —analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based ordinary least square regression to comprehensively reflect the preferences of stakeholders. Following that, this paper utilizes the data from 62 Chinese power companies as an example, and the results show that environmental information disclosed (EID) quality is positively correlated with regional economic development level and executive salary incentives. Moreover, the corporate political connection weakens the interaction between salary incentives and EID, which can be further confirmed by robustness analysis. Finally, this paper contributes to the literature on the research methods on EID by considering stakeholders’ preferences in the fuzzy environment.
Evaluation of the incorporation of charcoal residues in cement mortars
Authors: Reis Marielza Corrêa dos , Serra Sheyla Mara Baptista , Zampieron João Vicente
Published: May 2021

Incorporating agroindustrial waste into cementitious composites can minimize natural resource consumption and decrease the construction industry's environmental impact. This paper aims to evaluate the potential of using charcoal residues (CR) to partially replace fine sand (by volume) on cementitious mortars’ properties. The microstructure and corresponding physicochemical compositions were determined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence, and X‐ray diffraction without prior processing. Test specimens were produced with CR in the contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% concerning fine sand. After the test specimens curing period, the axial compression strength, tensile strength by diametrical compression, and the SEM were combined with X‐ray dispersion spectrometry. The results showed that although the CR does not present themselves as pozzolanic materials, their incorporation around 20% showed mechanical resistance of 28 MPa, which is confirmed by the analysis of variance. Such results corroborate with research that confirms the feasibility of including these residues in cementitious matrices, adding value to the material.
What conditions lead to euthanasia in dogs?
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: May 2021

Georgina Mills reports on new research that looks into the risk factors for euthanasing dogs
Volunteering in India rekindled my career
Authors: Hills Holly
Published: May 2021

Holly Hills had always planned to be a vet volunteer in India. Disillusioned by practice, she took the plunge and found that going back to basics helped her gain a fresh perspective on her career.
Trophic state in a tropical lake based on Chlorophyll‐a profiler data and Sentinel‐2 images: The onset of an algal bloom event
Authors: Pantoja Diego A. , Vega‐Álvarez Néstor A. , Gasca‐Ortiz Tzitlali
Published: May 2021

The condition of Lake Zirahuén was evaluated before and after a significant algal bloom took place. The state of the lake was tracked using measurements of chlorophyll‐a concentration from a fluorometer attached to a conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiler and complemented with the use of satellite images from Sentinel‐2. It was found that the current state of the lake is in transition from an oligotrophic to a mesotrophic level with some evidence of deterioration, but still being considered as a clear lake. With the use of empirical algorithms to retrieve chlorophyll‐a from satellite data it was found that the images presented an acceptable feasibility (R2 = 0.64). The observed algal bloom was detected one month before the algae reached its major extent, being the reflectiveness of the green band a good indicator of the onset of the algal bloom event. Favorable conditions for the algal bloom were also recorded two months before its major extend through a chain of thermistors.

Practitioner Points

The trophic state of Lake Zirahuén was evaluated before and after a significant algal bloom took place.

The lake is classified as being in transition from oligotrophic to mesotrophic. Nonetheless, it continues to have good clarity.

Satellite images improve in the description of the spatial‐temporal variability of the lake. In particular, the green band reflectiveness.
The r-Dowling–Lah Polynomials
Authors: Gyimesi Eszter
Published: May 2021

The notions of r-Bell polynomials and their generalization, the r-Dowling polynomials are due to Mező and Cheon, Jung. Recently, Nyul and Rácz defined the r-Lah polynomials, which are close relatives of r-Bell polynomials. In the present paper, we introduce the Dowling type generalization of r-Lah polynomials, the r-Dowling–Lah polynomials. We give a comprehensive study of them using the results of the author and Nyul on r-Whitney–Lah numbers, which are the coefficients of these polynomials.
Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis—a personal experience reevaluating complications, pouch survival, and quality of life
Authors: Ecker Nils Karl Josef , Woywod Ann-Christin , Ecker Karl-Wilhelm
Published: May 2021

Background

Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard for proctocolectomy. The present study evaluates surgical outcomes of the authors’ operations over a 30-year period, including pouch survival and quality of life (QOL).

Methods

Records of patients undergoing IPAA between 1986 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed regarding early and late complications and pouch survival. An online survey assessed QOL.

Results

Of 119 patients, 84 had chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 35 non-inflammatory bowel disease (non-IBD). Pouch construction was simultaneous with proctocolectomy in 69% and metachronous in 31%. Double-stapler anastomosis with purse string suture was performed in 100 patients. With temporary transanal decompression by catheter insertion in all patients, loop ileostomy (LIS) was selectively omitted in 68%. Three anastomotic insufficiencies occurred both without (4.4%) and with LIS (9.4%). Perioperative morbidity for LIS closure was substantial (33.3%). In the long-term course, 36 patients (30.5%) required revision (cumulative probability after 15 years: 59.1%). IPAA was discontinued in 16 patients (13.6%), reducing cumulative continence preservation to 72.9% after 15 years. By converting the pouch to a continent ileostomy (CI) in 6 patients with uncorrectable functional complications, cumulative pouch survival reached 81.8% after 27 years. The online survey revealed significant improvements in occupation, sports, and travel vs. before proctocolectomy, but no change in sexual life. Physical, psychological, and social scores were still below the age-matched norm values. Whereas >90% were satisfied with the surgical outcome, only 3/25 had no functional improvement requests.

Conclusion

IPAA in double-stapler technique is safe, even without protective LIS. However, short- and long-term morbidity is considerable, with a non-negligible risk of continence loss. Conversion to CI for purely functional complications can significantly reduce definite pouch failure. Despite patients’ high subjective satisfaction, QOL remains objectively compromised.
Correction to: Effect of the caries-protective self-assembling peptide P11-4 on shear bond strength of metal brackets
Authors: Knaup Thomas , Korbmacher-Steiner Heike , Jablonski-Momeni Anahita
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00056-020-00247-1
Perivascular spaces and brain waste clearance systems: relevance for neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular pathology
Authors: Gouveia-Freitas Kaylene , Bastos-Leite António J.
Published: May 2021

Perivascular spaces (PVS) of the brain, often called Virchow-Robin spaces, comprise fluid, cells and connective tissue, and are externally limited by astrocytic endfeet. PVS are involved in clearing brain waste and belong to the “glymphatic” system and/or the “intramural periarterial drainage” pathway through the basement membranes of the arteries. Related brain waste clearance systems include the blood–brain barrier, scavenger cells, cerebrospinal fluid, perineural lymphatic drainage pathways and the newly characterised meningeal lymphatic vessels. Any functional abnormality of PVS or related clearance systems might lead to accumulation of brain waste. It has been postulated that PVS enlargement can be secondary to accumulation of β-amyloid. Lack of integrity of the vascular wall, microbleeds, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and enlarged PVS often occur in the preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease, preceding substantial brain atrophy. PVS enlargement in the form of état criblé at the basal ganglia has also been considered to reflect focal atrophy, most probably secondary to ischaemic injury, based upon both pathological and imaging arguments. In addition, distinct topographic patterns of enlarged PVS are related to different types of microangiopathy: CAA is linked to enlarged juxtacortical PVS, whereas subjects with vascular risk factors tend to have enlarged PVS in the basal ganglia. Therefore, enlarged PVS are progressively being regarded as a marker of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular pathology. The present review addresses the evolving concept of PVS and brain waste clearance systems, the potential relevance of their dysfunction to neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular pathology, and potential therapeutic approaches of interest.
Optimisation of xylanases production by two Cellulomonas strains and their use for biomass deconstruction
Authors: Ontañon Ornella M , Bedő Soma , Ghio Silvina , Garrido Mercedes M , Topalian Juliana , Jahola Dóra , Fehér Anikó , Valacco Maria Pia , Campos Eleonora , Fehér Csaba
Published: May 2021

One of the main distinguishing features of bacteria belonging to the Cellulomonas genus is their ability to secrete multiple polysaccharide degrading enzymes. However, their application in biomass deconstruction still constitutes a challenge. We addressed the optimisation of the xylanolytic activities in extracellular enzymatic extracts of Cellulomonas sp. B6 and Cellulomonas fimi B-402 for their subsequent application in lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis by culture in several substrates. As demonstrated by secretomic profiling, wheat bran and waste paper resulted to be suitable inducers for the secretion of xylanases of Cellulomonas sp. B6 and C. fimi B-402, respectively. Both strains showed high xylanolytic activity in culture supernatant although Cellulomonas sp. B6 was the most efficient xylanolytic strain. Upscaling from flasks to fermentation in a bench scale bioreactor resulted in equivalent production of extracellular xylanolytic enzymatic extracts and freeze drying was a successful method for concentration and conservation of the extracellular enzymes, retaining 80% activity. Moreover, enzymatic cocktails composed of combined extra and intracellular extracts effectively hydrolysed the hemicellulose fraction of extruded barley straw into xylose and xylooligosaccharides.

Key points

• Secreted xylanase activity of Cellulomonas sp. B6 and C. fimi was maximised.

• Biomass-induced extracellular enzymes were identified by proteomic profiling.

• Combinations of extra and intracellular extracts were used for barley straw hydrolysis.
Transarterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Radiopaque Drug-Eluting Embolics: Impact of Embolic Density and Residual Tumor Perfusion on Tumor Recurrence and Survival
Authors: Ruff Christer , Artzner Christoph , Syha Roland , Grosse Ulrich , Hoffmann Rüdiger , Bitzer Michael , Partovi Sasan , Horger Marius , Nikolaou Konstantin , Grözinger Gerd
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the value of dual-phase parenchymal blood volume (PBV) C-arm mounted cone-beam-CT (CBCT) to enable assessment of radiopaque, doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting embolics (rDEE) based on the visual degree of embolization, embolic density and residual tumor perfusion as early predictors for tumor recurrence after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Material and Methods

Thirty patients (50 HCCs) were prospectively enrolled, underwent cross-sectional imaging before and after TACE using 100–300 µm rDEE and had regular follow-up examinations. Directly before and after the TACE procedure, PBV-CBCT was acquired. The response was evaluated and compared to visual degree of embolization (DE) and embolic density (ED) of rDEE deposits, as well as the presence of residual tumor perfusion (RTP) derived from PBV-CBCT. Outcome was assessed by mid-term tumor response applying mRECIST and patient survival after 12 months.

Results

RTP was detected in 16 HCCs and correlated negatively with DE (p = .03*) and ED (p = .0009*). The absence of RTP significantly improved lesion-based mid-term response rates regarding complete response (CR, 30/34 (88%) vs 2/16 (12.5%), p = .0002*), lesion-based complete response rate was 75% (21/28) for DE ≥ 50% vs. 50% (11/22) for DE < 50% (p =  .08) and 82% (27/33) for ED ≥ 2 vs. 29% for ED < 2 (5/17), p =  .005*). Thirteen patients were treated with re-TACE within 12 months, 11 of which had shown RTP. 12-month survival rate was 93%.

Conclusion

Residual tumor perfusions as assessed by PBV-CBCT during rDEE-TACE proved to be the best parameter to predict mid-term response.

“Level of Evidence: Level 3”
Regulation of eosinophil functions by autophagy
Authors: Germic Nina , Hosseini Aref , Yousefi Shida , Karaulov Alexander , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: May 2021

Eosinophils are granule-containing leukocytes which develop in the bone marrow. For many years, eosinophils have been recognized as cytotoxic effector cells, but recent studies suggest that they perform additional immunomodulatory and homeostatic functions. Autophagy is a conserved intracellular process which preserves cellular homeostasis. Autophagy defects have been linked to the pathogenesis of many human disorders. Evidence for abnormal regulation of autophagy, including decreased or increased expression of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins, has been reported in several eosinophilic inflammatory disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, bronchial asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Despite the increasing extent of research using preclinical models of immune cell-specific autophagy deficiency, the physiological relevance of autophagic pathway in eosinophils has remained unknown until recently. Owing to the increasing evidence that eosinophils play a role in keeping organismal homeostasis, the regulation of eosinophil functions is of considerable interest. Here, we discuss the most recent advances on the role of autophagy in eosinophils, placing particular emphasis on insights obtained in mouse models of infections and malignant diseases in which autophagy has genetically dismantled in the eosinophil lineage. These studies pointed to the possibility that autophagy-deficient eosinophils exaggerate inflammation. Therefore, the pharmacological modulation of the autophagic pathway in these cells could be used for therapeutic interventions.
Performance of machine learning algorithms for glioma segmentation of brain MRI: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Kempen Evi J. , Post Max , Mannil Manoj , Witkam Richard L. , ter Laan Mark , Patel Ajay , Meijer Frederick J. A. , Henssen Dylan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Different machine learning algorithms (MLAs) for automated segmentation of gliomas have been reported in the literature. Automated segmentation of different tumor characteristics can be of added value for the diagnostic work-up and treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview and meta-analysis of different MLA methods.

Methods

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed on the eligible studies describing the segmentation of gliomas. Meta-analysis of the performance was conducted on the reported dice similarity coefficient (DSC) score of both the aggregated results as two subgroups (i.e., high-grade and low-grade gliomas). This study was registered in PROSPERO prior to initiation (CRD42020191033).

Results

After the literature search (n = 734), 42 studies were included in the systematic literature review. Ten studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall, the MLAs from the included studies showed an overall DSC score of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.82–0.86). In addition, a DSC score of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.80–0.87) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78–0.87) was observed for the automated glioma segmentation of the high-grade and low-grade gliomas, respectively. However, heterogeneity was considerably high between included studies, and publication bias was observed.

Conclusion

MLAs facilitating automated segmentation of gliomas show good accuracy, which is promising for future implementation in neuroradiology. However, before actual implementation, a few hurdles are yet to be overcome. It is crucial that quality guidelines are followed when reporting on MLAs, which includes validation on an external test set.

Key Points

• MLAs from the included studies showed an overall DSC score of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.82–0.86), indicating a good performance.

• MLA performance was comparable when comparing the segmentation results of the high-grade gliomas and the low-grade gliomas.

• For future studies using MLAs, it is crucial that quality guidelines are followed when reporting on MLAs, which includes validation on an external test set.
Differences in femoral component subsidence rate after THA using an uncemented collarless femoral stem: full weight-bearing with an enhanced recovery rehabilitation versus partial weight-bearing
Authors: Leiss Franziska , Götz Julia Sabrina , Meyer Matthias , Maderbacher Günther , Reinhard Jan , Parik Lukas , Grifka Joachim , Greimel Felix
Published: May 2021

Background

Femoral component subsidence is a known risk factor for early failure of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using cementless stems. The aim of the study was to compare an enhanced recovery concept with early full weight-bearing rehabilitation and partial weight-bearing on stem subsidence. In addition, the influence of patient-related and anatomical risk factors on subsidence shall be assessed.

Methods

One hundred and fourteen patients underwent primary cementless THA and were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-three patients had an enhanced recovery rehabilitation with early full weight-bearing and 51 patients had rehabilitation with partial weight-bearing (20 kg) for 6 weeks. Postoperative subsidence was analyzed on standing pelvic anterior–posterior radiographs after 4 weeks and 1 year. Subsidence was measured in mm. Anatomical and prosthetic risk factors (stem size, canal flare index, canal fill ratio as well as BMI and demographic data) were correlated.

Results

Femoral stem subsidence rate was significantly higher for the group with an enhanced recovery concept compared to the group with partial weight-bearing at the first radiological follow up after 4 weeks [2.54 mm (SD ± 1.86) vs. 1.55 mm (SD ± 1.80)] and the second radiological follow up after 1 year [3.43 mm (SD ± 2.24) vs. 1.94 (SD ± 2.16)] (p < 0.001, respectively). Stem angulation > 3° had a significant influence on subsidence. Canal flare index and canal fill ratio showed no significant correlation with subsidence as well as BMI and age.

Conclusion

In the present study, cementless stem subsidence was significantly higher in the group with enhanced recovery rehabilitation compared to partial weight-bearing. Small absolute values and differences were demonstrated and therefore possibly below clinical relevance. Anatomical radiological parameters and anthropometric data did not appear to be risk factors for stem subsidence.
Occurrence of status epilepticus in persons with epilepsy is determined by sex, epilepsy classification, and etiology: a single center cohort study
Authors: Langenbruch Lisa , Strippel Christine , Görlich Dennis , Elger Christian E. , Möddel Gabriel , Meuth Sven G. , Kellinghaus Christoph , Wiendl Heinz , Kovac Stjepana
Published: May 2021

Background

Status epilepticus (SE) can occur in persons with or without epilepsy and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This survey aimed to record self-reported frequency of SE in persons with epilepsy, its association with clinical characteristics and patient level of information on SE and rescue medication. 251 persons with epilepsy at a tertiary epilepsy center were included in the study.

Results

87 (35%) had a history of SE defined as seizure duration of more than 5 min. These patients were less likely to be seizure-free, and had a higher number of present and past anti-seizure medication. Female sex, cognitive disability, younger age at epilepsy onset, defined epilepsy etiology, and focal epilepsy were associated with a history of SE. On Cox regression analysis, female sex, defined etiology and focal classification remained significant. 67% stated that they had information about prolonged seizures, and 75% knew about rescue medication. 85% found it desirable to receive information about SE at the time of initial diagnosis of epilepsy, but only 16% had been offered such information at the time.

Conclusion

SE is frequent among persons with epilepsy and there remain unmet needs regarding patient education.
Feasibility of a community-based cancer awareness initiative: views of those delivering and managing the intervention
Authors: Mueller Julia , Parry-Harries Emily , Clough Gary , Verma Arpana
Published: May 2021

Aim

Many people delay presenting to health services with cancer symptoms due to lack of awareness, particularly in areas of high socio-economic deprivation. A three-year community-based intervention was launched in Northwest England to improve public awareness of cancer symptoms. In this study, we aimed to evaluate this intervention by exploring the views of those involved in its management and delivery.

Methods

Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers as well as members of the project management and steering group. Interviews were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants felt they succeeded in raising awareness, influencing behaviour, connecting with local communities and engaging with vulnerable people. Participants perceived some weaknesses in the delivery of the intervention, including limited engagement of stakeholders, particularly general practitioners (GPs), and socially excluded groups.

Conclusions

Future public health interventions should pay particular attention to engagement of socially excluded individuals who do not interact with community events or groups, and to the engagement of stakeholders in early planning stages of the intervention. This should involve a specific GP engagement plan.
Significance of flow rule for the passive earth pressure problem
Authors: Schmüdderich Christoph , Tschuchnigg Franz , Schweiger Helmut F.
Published: May 2021

Determination of earth pressures is one of the fundamental tasks in geotechnical engineering. Although many different methods have been utilized to present passive earth pressure coefficients, the influence of non-associated plasticity on the passive earth pressure problem has not been discussed intensively. In this study, finite-element limit analysis and displacement finite-element analysis are applied for frictional materials. Results are compared with selected data from literature in terms of passive earth pressure coefficients, shape of failure mechanism and robustness of the numerical simulation. The results of this study show that passive earth pressure coefficients determined with an associated flow rule are comparable to the Sokolovski solution. However, comparison with a non-associated flow rule reveals that passive earth pressure coefficients are significantly over predicted when following an associated flow rule. Moreover, this study reveals that computational costs for determination of passive earth pressure are considerably larger following a non-associated flow rule. Additionally, the study shows that numerical instabilities arise and failure surfaces become non-unique. It is shown that this problem may be overcome by applying the approach suggested by Davis (Soil Mech 341–354, 1968).
Over 50 Years of Potato Parental Line Breeding Programme at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute in Poland
Authors: Zimnoch-Guzowska Ewa , Flis Bogdan
Published: May 2021

The paper describes the potato parental line breeding programme developed in Poland from the 1960s. The aim of the programme was to create parental forms useful for speeding up the breeding of new potato varieties and getting higher efficiency in directed selection for desired traits. The programme introduced new sources of resistance and quality traits into the Polish breeding pool by conducting research and breeding of tetraploid and diploid parental lines. The programme had significant impact on potato breeding, with 72 Polish potato varieties originating from crossings involving parental lines. These varieties show higher levels of resistance to major pathogens of potato crops, including resistance to Potato virus Y and late blight in starch group. Besides the direct impact on potato breeding, the programme was the stimulus for developing studies focused on potato genotype.
Simultaneously Efficient Solar Light Harvesting and Charge Transfer of Hollow Octahedral Cu2S/CdS p–n Heterostructures for Remarkable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Ran Lei , Li Zhuwei , Zhai Panlong , Zhang Bo , Fan Zhaozhong , Wang Chen , Zhang Xiaomeng , Hou Jungang , Sun Licheng
Published: May 2021

Solar-driven water splitting is a promising alternative to industrial hydrogen production. This study reports an elaborate design and synthesis of the integration of cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots and cuprous sulfide (Cu2S) nanosheets as three-dimensional (3D) hollow octahedral Cu2S/CdS p–n heterostructured architectures by a versatile template and one-pot sulfidation strategy. 3D hierarchical hollow nanostructures can strengthen multiple reflections of solar light and provide a large specific surface area and abundant reaction sites for photocatalytic water splitting. Owing to the construction of the p–n heterostructure as an ideal catalytic model with highly matched band alignment at Cu2S/CdS interfaces, the emerging internal electric field can facilitate the space separation and transfer of photoexcited charges between CdS and Cu2S and also enhance charge dynamics and prolong charge lifetimes. Notably, the unique hollow Cu2S/CdS architectures deliver a largely enhanced visible-light-driven hydrogen generation rate of 4.76 mmol/(g·h), which is nearly 8.5 and 476 times larger than that of pristine CdS and Cu2S catalysts, respectively. This work not only paves the way for the rational design and fabrication of hollow photocatalysts but also clarifies the crucial role of unique heterostructure in photocatalysis for solar energy conversion.
Targeting the CCL2-CCR2 axis in depressive disorders
Authors: Curzytek Katarzyna , Leśkiewicz Monika
Published: May 2021

Since affective disorders are considered to be underlain by the immune system malfunction, an important role in their pathophysiology is assigned to the proinflammatory mediators. Recently, chemokines, the group of chemotactic cytokines, have become a focus for basic and clinical scientists in the context of the development and treatment of brain diseases. Among them, chemokine CCL2 and its main receptor CCR2 have become candidate mediators of abnormal brain-immune system dialogue in depression. Besides the chemotactic activity, the CCL2-CCR2 axis is involved in various neurobiological processes, neurogenesis, neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, as well as neuroregeneration. Given the range of immunomodulatory possibilities that the CCL2-CCR2 pair can exert on the nervous system, its proinflammatory properties were initially thought to be a major contributor to the development of depressive disorders. However, further research suggests that the malfunctions of the nervous system are rather associated with impaired homeostatic properties manifested by the CCL2-CCR2 dyad dysfunctions. This review aims to present literature data on the action of the CCL2-CCR2 axis in the central nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions, as well as the contribution of this ligand-receptor system to the processes underlying affective disorders. Additionally, this article draws attention to the importance of the CCL2-CRR2 pathway as a potential pharmacological target with antidepressant potential.
Timing of Complication and Failure to Rescue after Hepatectomy: Single-Institution Analysis of 28 Years of Hepatic Surgery
Authors: Saadat Lily V. , Goldman Debra A. , Gonen Mithat , Soares Kevin C. , Wei Alice C. , Balachandran Vinod P. , Kingham Peter T , Drebin Jeffrey , Jarnagin William R. , D'Angelica Michael I.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

Morbidity after hepatectomy remains a significant, potentially preventable, outcome. Understanding the pattern of complications and rescue pathways is critical for the development of targeted initiatives intended to salvage patients after operative morbidity.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients undergoing liver resection from 1991 to 2018 at a single institution were analyzed. Failure to rescue (FTR) was defined as percentage of deaths in patients with a complication within 30 days. Generalized estimating equations with log-link function assessed associations between clinical characteristics and major complications and between complications at fewer than 30 days and 30 to 90 days. Logistic regression assessed associations between complications and FTR.

RESULTS:

A total of 6,191 patients and 6,668 operations were identified, of which 55.6% were performed for management of metastatic colorectal cancer. Major complications (grade ≥3) occurred in 20.2% of operations (1,346 of 6,668). Ninety-day mortality was 2.2%. The most common complication was intra-abdominal abscess at 9.0% (95% CI, 8.3% to 9.7%). Ten percent of patients with a complication at 30 days had another complication between 30 and 90 days compared with 2% without an early complication (odds ratio [OR] 5.09; 95% CI, 3.97 to 6.54; p < 0.001). FTR for liver failure, cardiac arrest, abscess, and hemorrhage was 36%, 56%, 3%, and 6%, respectively. Risk of 90-day mortality was higher in patients with liver failure (53% vs 2%; OR 61.42; 95% CI, 37.47 to 100.67; p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (69% vs 2%; OR 96.95; 95% CI, 33.23 to 283.80; p < 0.001), hemorrhage (11% vs 2%; OR 5.51; 95% CI, 2.59 to 11.73; p < 0.001), and abscess (7% vs 2%; OR 4.05; 95% CI, 2.76 to 5.94; p < 0.001) compared with those without these complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

Morbidity after hepatectomy is frequent despite low mortality. This study identifies targets for improvement in morbidity and failure to rescue after hepatectomy. Efforts to improve recognition and intervention for infections and early complications are needed to improve outcomes.
The Strategic Analysis of Judicial Behavior
Authors: Epstein Lee , Weinshall Keren
Published: May 2021

The past decade has witnessed a worldwide explosion of work aimed at illuminating judicial-behavior: the choices judges make and the consequences of their choices. We focus on strategic accounts of judicial-behavior. As in other approaches to judging, preferences and institutions play a central role but strategic accounts are unique in one important respect: They draw attention to the interdependent - i.e., the strategic - nature of judicial decisions. On strategic accounts, judges do not make decisions in a vacuum, but rather attend to the preferences and likely actions of other actors, including their colleagues, superiors, politicians, and the public. We survey the major methodological approaches for conducting strategic analysis and consider how scholars have used them to provide insight into the effect of internal and external actors on the judges' choices. As far as these studies have traveled in illuminating judicial-behavior, many opportunities for forward movement remain. We flag four in the conclusion.
Darfur
Authors: Vaughan Chris
Published: May 2021

This work engages with a fundamental question in the study of African history and politics: to what extent did the colonial state re-define the character of local politics in the societies it governed? Existing scholarship on Darfur under the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium (1916-1956) has suggested that colonial governance here represented either straightforward continuity or utterly transformative change from the region's deep history of independent statehood under the Darfur Sultanate. This book argues that neither view is adequate: it shows that British rule bequeathed a culture of governance to Darfur which often rested on state coercion and violence, but which was also influenced by enduring local conceptions of the relationship between ruler and ruled, and the agendas of local actors. The state was perceived as a resource as well as a threat by local peoples. Although the British did introduce significant changes to the character of governance in Darfur, local populations negotiated the significance of these innovations, challenging the authority of state-appointed chiefs, defying official attempts to police the boundaries of ethnic territories, and competing for the resources of political support and development that the state represented. Even the violence of the state was shaped and channelled by the initiative of local elites. Finally, the author suggests that contemporary conflict and politics in the region must be understood in the context of this deeper history of interaction between state and local agendas in shaping everyday realities of power and governance. Chris Vaughan is Lecturer in African History at Liverpool John Moores University. Previously, he taught at the Universities of Durham, Leeds, Liverpool and Edinburgh. His articles have appeared in the Journal of African Historyand the Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History. He is co-editor (with Lotje De Vries and Mareike Schomerus) of The Borderlands of South Sudan.
Higher-order statistical moments to analyse Arctic sea-ice drift patterns
Authors: Kaur Satwant , Lukovich Jennifer V. , Ehn Jens K. , Barber David G.
Published: May 2021

Geophysical systems are often assumed to follow Gaussian probability density functions; however, deviations from Gaussian behaviour can shed light on the underlying dynamics. For the large-scale motion of the Arctic sea ice, such deviations have been interpreted as signatures of structure in dynamic flow fields. In this study, we use higher-order moments (skewness and kurtosis) to identify spatiotemporal changes in the Beaufort Gyre (BG) and the Transpolar Drift (TPD) sea-ice drift patterns. Higher-order moments of satellite-derived ice drift speeds are examined over the winter period of 2006–2017 to describe the persistence of features like the BG and TPD, and their variation over time. Index patterns indicate that the periphery of the BG can be identified by a combination of high positive skewness and high kurtosis in the ice drift time series on an annual basis.
The Future of Tort Litigation against Transnational Corporations in the English Courts: Is Forum [Non] Conveniens Back?
Authors: ARISTOVA Ekaterina
Published: May 2021

This article examines private international law issues raised by civil liability cases commenced in the courts of home states against transnational corporations concerning their alleged involvement in the overseas human rights violations. These claims have been particularly successful in the United Kingdom, where in the last several years the framework of Brussels I Regulation (recast) and English common law rules made it appropriate for the English courts to assert jurisdiction over corporate defendants without the possibility of subjecting claims against the parent companies to forum non conveniens control. In 2019, however, the Supreme Court in a high-profile case Lungowe v Vedanta Resources plc expressed doubts as to whether England should always constitute a proper forum for litigating overseas wrongs arising from the operations of British multinationals. The article aims to assess how the search of the most appropriate forum to litigate the dispute might impact victims of business-related human rights abuses in the post-Brexit environment and propose avenues for legal change.
Can alternative anatomical sites and environmental surveillance replace perianal screening for multidrug-resistant organisms in nursing homes?
Authors: Gontjes Kyle J. , Gibson Kristen E. , Lansing Bonnie , Cassone Marco , Mody Lona
Published: May 2021

Perianal screening can be intrusive. The sensitivities of multianatomical, nonperianal surveillance were 92.3% for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 58.7% for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and 54.9% for resistant Gram-negative bacilli (R-GNB). Sensitivities improved upon adding environmental surveillance (95.5%, 82.9%, and 67.9%, respectively). Multianatomical, nonperianal screening and room environment surveillance may replace perianal screening and reduce healthy participant bias in nursing homes.
Estimating the excess bed days and economic burden of healthcare-associated infections in Singapore public acute-care hospitals
Authors: Cai Yiying , Venkatachalam Indumathi , Kwa Andrea L. , Tambyah Paul A. , Hsu Li Yang , Marimuthu Kalisvar , Graves Nicholas
Published: May 2021

We estimated the annual bed days lost and economic burden of healthcare-associated infections to Singapore hospitals using Monte Carlo simulation. The mean (standard deviation) cost of a single healthcare-associated infection was S$1,809 (S$440) [or US$1,362 (US$331)]. This translated to annual lost bed days and economic burden of 55,978 (20,506) days and S$152.0 million (S$37.1 million) [or US$114.4 million (US$27.9 million)], respectively.