bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing Zinc Anode Reactions by Polyethylene Oxide Polymer in Mild Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Jin Yan , Han Kee Sung , Shao Yuyan , Sushko Maria L. , Xiao Jie , Pan Huilin , Liu Jun
Published: September 2020

Zn dendrites growth and poor cycling stability are significant challenges for rechargeable aqueous Zn batteries. Zn metal deposition‐dissolution in aqueous electrolytes is typically determined by Zn anode–electrolyte interfaces. In this work, the role of a long‐chain polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer as a multifunctional electrolyte additive in stabilizing Zn metal anodes is reported. PEO molecules suppress Zn2+ ion transfer kinetics and regulate Zn2+ ion concentration in the vicinity of Zn anodes through interactions between ether groups of PEO and Zn2+ ions. The suppressed Zn2+ ion transfer kinetics and homogeneous Zn2+ ion distribution at the interface promotes dendrite‐free homogeneous Zn deposition. In addition, electrochemically inert PEO molecules adsorbed onto Zn anodes can protect the anode surfaces from H2 generation and, thereby, enhance their electrochemical stability. Stable cycling over 3000 h and high reversibility (Coulombic efficiency > 99.5%) of Zn anodes is demonstrated in 1 m ZnSO4 electrolyte with 0.5 wt% PEO. This finding provides helpful insights into the mechanism of Zn metal anodes stabilization by low‐cost multifunctional polymer electrolyte additives that stabilize interfacial reactions.
Unnatural Amino‐Acid‐Based Star‐Shaped Poly(l‐Ornithine)s as Emerging Long‐Term and Biofilm‐Disrupting Antimicrobial Peptides to Treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐Infected Burn Wounds
Authors: Pan Miao , Lu Chao , Zheng Maochao , Zhou Wen , Song Fuling , Chen Weidong , Yao Fen , Liu Daojun , Cai Jianfeng
Published: September 2020

Peptide‐based antimicrobial materials are recognized as promising alternatives to antibiotics to circumvent the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria or to combat multiple resistant bacteria by targeting the bacterial cell membrane. The components and conformations of antimicrobial peptides are extensively explored to achieve broad‐spectrum and effective antimicrobial activity. Here, star‐shaped antimicrobial polypeptides are fabricated by employing homologs of poly(l‐lysine)s (i.e., poly(l‐ornithine)s, poly(l‐lysine)s, and poly(l‐α,ζ‐diaminoheptylic acid)s) with the aim of modulating their charge/hydrophobicity balance and rationalizing their structure–antimicrobial property relationships. The in vitro antibacterial investigation reveals that unnatural amino‐acid‐based star‐shaped poly(l‐ornithine)s have remarkable proteolytic stability, excellent biofilm‐disrupting capacity, and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity, even against difficult‐to‐kill Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, star‐shaped poly(l‐ornithine)s significantly reduce the microbial burden and improve the burn wound healing of mouse skin infected with P. aeruginosa. These results demonstrate that unnatural amino‐acid‐based star‐shaped poly(l‐ornithine)s can serve as emerging long‐term and biofilm‐disrupting antimicrobial agents to treat biofilm‐related infections in burn, especially caused by notorious P. aeruginosa.
Mechanical and Non‐Mechanical Functions of Filamentous and Non‐Filamentous Vimentin
Authors: Patteson Alison E. , Vahabikashi Amir , Goldman Robert D. , Janmey Paul A.
Published: September 2020

Intermediate filaments (IFs) formed by vimentin are less understood than their cytoskeletal partners, microtubules and F‐actin, but the unique physical properties of IFs, especially their resistance to large deformations, initially suggest a mechanical function. Indeed, vimentin IFs help regulate cell mechanics and contractility, and in crowded 3D environments they protect the nucleus during cell migration. Recently, a multitude of studies, often using genetic or proteomic screenings show that vimentin has many non‐mechanical functions within and outside of cells. These include signaling roles in wound healing, lipogenesis, sterol processing, and various functions related to extracellular and cell surface vimentin. Extracellular vimentin is implicated in marking circulating tumor cells, promoting neural repair, and mediating the invasion of host cells by viruses, including SARS‐CoV, or bacteria such as Listeria and Streptococcus. These findings underscore the fundamental role of vimentin in not only cell mechanics but also a range of physiological functions. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/YPfoddqvz-g.
Functional coronary angiography in symptomatic patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Kumar Sonali , Mehta Puja K. , Eshtehardi Parham , Hung Olivia Y. , Koh Jin‐Sin , Kumar Arnav , Al‐Badri Ahmed , Rabah Rani , D'Souza Melroy , Gupta Sonu , McDaniel Michael , Vaccarino Viola , Douglas John , Mavromatis Kreton , Lee Joo Myung , Quyyumi Arshed , Samady Habib
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) may have epicardial or microvascular dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to characterize patterns of epicardial and microvascular dysfunction in men and women with stable and unstable angina undergoing functional coronary angiography to inform medical therapy.

Methods

163 symptomatic patients with ≤50% diameter stenosis and fractional flow reserve (FFR) > 0.8 underwent endothelium‐dependent epicardial and microvascular function after intracoronary acetylcholine (10−4 M, 81 mcg over 3 minutes). Endothelium‐independent function was assessed using coronary flow reserve (CFR) and hyperemic microvascular resistance (HMR) after intravenous adenosine (140 ug/kg/min). Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) was defined as CFR < 2.5, HMR ≥2, or ≤50% change in coronary blood flow with acetylcholine (CBFACH).

Results

Seventy‐two percent had endothelial‐dependent epicardial dysfunction (response to ACH: % ∆ in coronary artery diameter and ∆%CBFACH) and 92% had CMD. Among CMD patients, 65% had CFR < 2.5, 35% had HMR ≥2, and 60% had CBFACH change ≤50%. CFR modestly correlated with HMR (r = −0.38, p < .0001). Among patients with normal CFR, 26% had abnormal epicardial and 20% had abnormal microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Women had a lower CFR (p = .02), higher FFR (p = .03) compared to men. There were no differences in epicardial and microvascular function between patients with stable and unstable angina.

Conclusion

In patients with no obstructive CAD: CMD is prevalent, abnormal CFR does not correlate with epicardial or microvascular endothelial dysfunction, women have lower CFR, higher FFR but similar endothelial function compared to men.
Reactions of Schiff Base‐Substituted Diselenides and ‐tellurides with Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) Phosphine Complexes
Authors: Roca Jungfer Maximilian , Lang Ernesto Schulz , Abram Ulrich
Published: September 2020

The salicylidene Schiff bases of bis(2‐aminophenyl)diselenide and ‐ditelluride react with [MIICl2(PPh3)2] (M = Ni, Pt) or [PdII(OAc)2(PPh3)2] with formation of square‐planar complexes with the general formulae [MII(LY)(PPh3)] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt, Y = Se, Te). The ligands coordinate to the metals as tridentate {O,N,Se/Te} chelates. The reduction of the dichalcogenides and the formation of the chalcogenolato ligands occurs in situ by released PPh3 ligands. A mechanism for such reactions has been derived from the experimental data with the aid of DFT calculations. It suggests a higher polarization of the dichalcogenide bond with partial charge separation upon coordination to a metal centre, which therefore facilitates the cleavage of the dichalcogenide bond with PPh3. In accordance with the proposed mechanism, best yields are obtained with a strict exclusion of oxygen, but in the presence of water.
Cutting forces and crater wear prediction in orthogonal cutting using two approaches of finite element modeling
Authors: Soliman Hatem A. , Shash Ahmed Y. , El‐Hossainy Tarek M. , Abd‐Rabou Mahmoud
Published: September 2020

This work deals with plane strain finite element modeling for orthogonal cutting process of carbon steel. The experimental work conducted on a center lathe machine using carbide tools. The main objective was to simulate the cutting process by applying finite element method using computer software (Abaqus/CAE) to predict the cutting forces and crater wear. A comparative study was held between two modeling approaches; Lagrangian approach and Arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian (ALE) approach in terms of force prediction, reading stability and chip form. The results demonstrate that ALE model is more accurate and stable than Lagrangian model, as well ALE chip form is smoother and more reliable. Johnson‐Cook (J‐C) models were utilized to define the plastic and damage properties for the tool and workpiece materials in the finite element program. Finally, this work adopted a methodology to predict crater wear experimentally by using profilometer device. On the other side, the crater wear was predicted from simulation by measuring the contact pressure on tool face. The agreement between the simulation and experimental wear results proves that the ALE model is capable to predict tool wear.
Maintaining SmartX multi‐view visibility for OF@TEIN+ distributed cloud‐native edge boxes
Authors: Rathore Muhammad Ahmad , Usman Muhammad , Kim JongWon
Published: September 2020

Maintaining knowledge of infrastructure has always been a key element to ensure the performance of complex distributed systems, being the first step to control quality of service, identify key performance bottlenecks, or make decisions about resource allocation and job scheduling, to name a few. In cloud‐native edge boxes, edge computing leverages cloud‐native applications to process/analyze some of their computing/storage own close to the location where the data is generated by a large number of heterogeneous devices. Some of the differences between this approach and more conventional architecture, like cloud are that in a distributed environment, these resources/applications have varying running conditions depending on resource availability, quality of network connection, and being geo‐distributed. These aforementioned challenges in operations, however, contribute to a requirement toward identifying efficient methods for monitoring operational environment with continuity in order to maintain and sustain services. In this article, we present setup and configuration of distributed resources with cloud‐native edge capabilities and having centralized connectivity in a specialized multi‐site cloud testbed. Second, we propose a solution to persistently maintain multi‐view (ie, resource‐layer and flow layer) visibility data (monitoring) collection under varying situations and environments. Third, we present verification results on a prototype implementation and interactive visualization support. This solution allows maintaining monitoring visibility data that conform to the specific demands of cloud‐native edge computing resources. We evaluate the research by maintaining visibility data of multi‐site cloud at 14 research institutes for several months and we demonstrate that it fulfills the requirements we previously enumerated.
Responses to the primary health care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing violence: A scoping review of policy and practice guidelines
Authors: Walker Natasha , Mackean Tamara , Longbottom Marlene , Coombes Julieann , Bennett‐Brook Keziah , Clapham Kathleen , Ivers Rebecca , Hackett Maree , Redfern Julie , Cullen Patricia
Published: September 2020

Issue addressed

It is demonstrated that primary health care (PHC) providers are sought out by women who experience violence. Given the disproportionate burden of violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, it is essential there is equitable access to appropriate PHC services. This review aimed to analyse whether Australian PHC policy accounts for the complex needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing violence and the importance of PHC providers responding to violence in culturally safe ways.

Methods

Using the Arskey and O’Malley framework, an iterative scoping review determined the policies for analysis. The selected policies were analysed against concepts identified as key components in responding to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing violence. The key components are Family Violence, Violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women, Social Determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing, Cultural Safety, Holistic Health, Trauma, Patient‐Centred Care and Trauma‐and‐Violence‐Informed Care.

Results

Following a search of Australian government websites, seven policies were selected for analysis. Principally, no policy embedded or described best practice across all key components.

Conclusion

The review demonstrates the need for a specific National framework supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who seek support from PHC services, as well as further policy analysis and review.

So what?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women disproportionately experience more severe violence, with complex impact, than other Australian women. PHC policy and practice frameworks must account for this, together with the intersection of contemporary manifestations of colonialism and historical and intergenerational trauma.
Prevention of noncommunicable diseases by interventions in the preconception period: A FIGO position paper for action by healthcare practitioners
Authors: Jacob Chandni Maria , Killeen Sarah Louise , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Stephenson Judith , Hod Moshe , Diaz Yamal Ivonne , Malhotra Jaideep , Mocanu Edgar , McIntyre H. David , Kihara Anne B. , Ma Ronald C. , Divakar Hema , Kapur Anil , Ferriani Rui , Ng Ernest , Henry Laurie , Van Der Spuy Zephne , Rosenwaks Zev , Hanson Mark A.
Published: September 2020

With the increase in obesity prevalence among women of reproductive age globally, the risks of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, pre‐eclampsia, and other conditions are rising, with detrimental effects on maternal and newborn health. The period before pregnancy is increasingly recognized as crucial for addressing weight management and reducing malnutrition (both under‐ and overnutrition) in both parents to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the mother as well as the passage of risk to her offspring. Healthcare practitioners, including obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, and general practitioners, have an important role to play in supporting women in planning a pregnancy and achieving healthy nutrition and weight before pregnancy. In this position paper, the FIGO Pregnancy Obesity and Nutrition Initiative provides an overview of the evidence for preconception clinical guidelines to reduce the risk of NCDs in mothers and their offspring. It encourages healthcare practitioners to initiate a dialogue on women’s health, nutrition, and weight management before conception. While acknowledging the fundamental importance of the wider social and environmental determinants of health, this paper focuses on a simple set of recommendations for clinical practice that can be used even in short consultations. The recommendations can be contextualized based on local cultural and dietary practices as part of a system‐wide public health approach to influence the wider determinants as well as individual factors influencing preconception health.
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Spermatozoa Are Sensitive to Alkaline pH, But Motility In Vitro Is Not Influenced by Protein or Energy Supplements
Authors: Roth Terri L. , Swanson William F. , Collins Darin , Burton Michael , Garell Della M. , Wildt David E.
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT: To better understand the biology of snow leopard spermatozoa and to facilitate developing assisted reproduction, a series of studies was conducted to: 1) identify the component(s) of complex culture media responsible for the detrimental effect on sperm survival in vitro, 2) optimize medium for supporting sperm viability, and 3) evaluate sperm capacitation in vitro. Constituents of complex media were added systematically to phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) to isolate the factor(s) influencing snow leopard sperm motility in vitro. Sperm capacitation was also assessed following incubation in PBS with bovine serum albumin (BSA), fetal calf serum (FCS), or heparin. For maintaining sperm motility, there was no benefit (P ≥ 0.05) to supplementing PBS with low (5%) or high (20%) concentrations of snow leopard serum (SLS) versus FCS or BSA. Likewise, adding supplemental energy substrates (pyruvate, glucose, lactate, or glutamine) did not enhance or hinder (P ≥ 0.05) sperm motility. However, motility rapidly decreased (P < 0.05) with the addition of NaHCO, to PBS or Ham's F10 nutrient mixture. Surprisingly, Ham's F10 with no buffering component or with both NaHC03 and N‐Z‐hydroxyethylpiperazine‐N′‐2‐ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) maintained sperm motility at levels similar (P ≥ 0.05) to PBS. Although sperm motility in all treatments decreased with time, there was a strong inverse relationship (P < 0.01; r = 0.90) between motility and sample pH at 6 hours. Spermatozoa incubated in PBS containing FCS, BSA, or heparin did not undergo the acrosome reaction when exposed to calcium ionophore. In summary, alkaline pH has a profound detrimental effect on snow leopard sperm motility, and capacitation does not occur under conditions that normally promote this event in other felid species. These results clearly demonstrate a high degree of interspecific variation among felids in fundamental sperm function, and they provide evidence for the necessity of basic research when developing assisted reproduction in little‐studied nondomestic species.
Modulation of antioxidant enzymes, SIRT1 and NF‐κB by resveratrol and nicotinamide in alcohol‐aflatoxin B1‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Rawat Divya , Chhonker Saurabh Kumar , Naik Rayees Ahmad , Koiri Raj Kumar
Published: September 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and is associated with poor prognosis. The current study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol when administered alone and in combination with nicotinamide against alcohol‐aflatoxin B1‐induced HCC. Results reveal that during the development and progression of cancer, there was a decline in the level of antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR), antioxidant glutathione, and glutathione S‐transferase, which is an enzyme of detoxification pathways. Treatment of resveratrol restored the level of catalase and glutathione peroxidase toward normal in alcohol‐aflatoxin B1‐induced HCC; however, nicotinamide worked in concert with resveratrol only in upregulating the activity of glutathione reductase, glutathione level, and glutathione S‐transferase. SIRT1 agonist resveratrol was observed to modulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes by negatively regulating the expression of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in alcohol‐aflatoxin B1‐induced HCC, thereby suggesting a cross‐talk between antioxidant enzymes SIRT1 and NF‐κB during the development and progression of HCC and its therapeutics by resveratrol and nicotinamide.
Predictive criteria of severe cases in COVID‐19 patients of early stage: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Gao Jinrui , Huang Xiu , Gu Haibo , Lou Lingyun , Xu Zhihao
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) often suffer sudden deterioration of disease around 1‐2 weeks after onset. Once the disease progressed to severe phase, clinical prognosis of patients will significantly deteriorate.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study on patients of all adult inpatients (≥18 years old) from Tianyou Hospital (Wuhan, China) and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. All 139 patients had laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 in their early stage, which is defined as within 7 days of clinical symptoms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the predictive factors in the early detection of patients who may subsequently develop into severe cases.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the higher level of hypersensitivity C‐reactive protein (OR = 4.77, 95% CI:1.92‐11.87, P = .001), elevated alanine aminotransferase (OR = 6.87, 95%CI:1.56‐30.21, P = .011), and chronic comorbidities (OR = 11.48, 95% CI:4.44‐29.66, P < .001) are the determining risk factors for the progression into severe pneumonia in COVID‐19 patients.

Conclusion

Early COVID‐19 patients with chronic comorbidities, elevated hs‐CRP or elevated ALT are significantly more likely to develop severe pneumonia as the disease progresses. These risk factors may facilitate the early diagnosis of critical patients in clinical practice.
The effect of various asthma medications on surface roughness of pediatric dental restorative materials: An atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Candan Merve , Ünal Murat
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study is to examine and compare the effects of various inhaled asthma medications (IAMs) on the surface roughness of dental restorative materials (DRMs). In total, 192 samples were prepared including 32 samples for the each material group from six different DRMs [Nanohybrid composite (Filtek Z550), Nanofilled flowable composite (Filtek Ultimate), Compomer (Dyract XP), Conventional glass ionomer (Fuji IX Fast), Resin‐modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC), Self‐adhering flowable composite (Fusio Liquid Dentin)]. Each group, were divided into four subgroups (n = 8) according to four different IAMs. Surface roughness values (Ra) were obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM). After the initial roughness of DRMs was analyzed by using AFM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), each samples were exposed to the same IAMs for 21 days and all analysis were repeated on the 7th and 21st day. Ras increased in all DRMs and higher Ras were recorded through the long‐term IAMs administrations. For all IAMs, Fuji II LC had the highest Ra and Filtek Z550 had the lowest Ra. The combined IAM created the highest roughness change on the 7th and 21st day compared to other IAMs. As a result, in in vitro conditions IAMs significantly increased the surface roughness of DRMs.
Lychee seed polyphenol protects theblood–brainbarrier through inhibiting Aβ(25–35)‐inducedNLRP3inflammasome activation via theAMPK/mTOR/ULK1‐mediatedautophagy inbEnd.3 cells andAPP/PS1mice
Authors: Xiong Rui , Zhou Xiao‐Gang , Tang Yong , Wu Jian‐Ming , Sun Yue‐Shan , Teng Jin‐Feng , Pan Rong , Law Betty Yuen‐Kwan , Zhao Ya , Qiu Wen‐Qiao , Wang Xiu‐Ling , Liu Sha , Wang Yi‐Ling , Yu Lu , Yu Chong‐Lin , Mei Qi‐Bing , Qin Da‐Lian , Wu An‐Guo
Published: September 2020

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is closely linked to the release of proinflammatory cytokines in brain capillary endothelial cells. We have previously reported that lychee seed polyphenols (LSP) exerted anti‐neuroinflammatory effect. In this study, we aimed to explore the protective effect of LSP on BBB integrity. The monolayer permeability of bEnd.3 cells, and the mRNA level and protein expression of tight junction proteins (TJs), including Claudin 5, Occludin, and ZO‐1, were examined. In addition, the inhibition of Aβ(25–35)‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and the autophagy induced by LSP were investigated by detecting the expression of NLRP3, caspase‐1, ASC, LC3, AMPK, mTOR, and ULK1. Furthermore, the cognitive function and the expression of TJs, NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐1β, and p62 were determined in APP/PS1 mice. The results showed that LSP significantly decreased the monolayer permeability and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome in Aβ(25–35)‐induced bEnd3 cells. In addition, LSP induced autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway in bEnd.3 cells, and improved the spatial learning and memory function, increased the TJs expression, and inhibited the expression of NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐1β, and p62 in APP/PS1 mice. Therefore, LSP protects BBB integrity in AD through inhibiting Aβ(25–35)‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1‐mediated autophagy.
Outcomes of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with interventional education for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Liem , Nguyen Hoang-Phuong , Ngo Minh Duy , Bui Viet Anh , Dam Phuong T. M. , Bui Hoa Thi Phuong , Ngo Doan Van , Tran Kien Trung , Dang Tung Thi Thanh , Duong Binh Duc , Nguyen Phuong Anh Thi , Forsyth Nicholas , Heke Michael
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with educational intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. An open-label clinical trial was performed from July 2017 to August 2019 at Vinmec International Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. Thirty children who fulfilled the autism criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and had Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores >37 were selected. Bone marrow was harvested by anterior iliac crest puncture under general anesthesia. The volume collected was as follows: 8 mL/kg for patients under 10 kg (80 mL + [body weight in kg − 10] × 7 mL) for patients above 10 kg. Mononuclear cells were isolated with a Ficoll gradient and then infused intrathecally. The same procedure was repeated 6 months later. After the first transplantation, all patients underwent 8 weeks of educational intervention based on the Early Start Denver Model. There were no severe adverse events associated with transplantation. The severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was significantly reduced, with the median CARS score decreasing from 50 (range 40-55.5) to 46.5 (range 33.5-53.5) (P < .05). Adaptive capacity increased, with the median Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales score rising from 53.5 to 60.5. Social communication, language, and daily skills improved markedly within 18 months after transplantation. Conversely, repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity decreased remarkably. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in combination with behavioral intervention was safe and well tolerated in children with ASD (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03225651).
Pointing Gesture Based User Interaction of Tool Supported Brainstorming Meetings
Authors: Dhingra Naina , Koutny Reinhard , Günther Sebastian , Miesenberger Klaus , Mühlhäuser Max , Kunz Andreas
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a brainstorming tool combined with pointing gestures to improve the brainstorming meeting experience for blind and visually impaired people (BVIP). In brainstorming meetings, BVIPs are not able to participate in the conversation as well as sighted users because of the unavailability of supporting tools for understanding the explicit and implicit meaning of the non-verbal communication (NVC). Therefore, the proposed system assists BVIP in interpreting pointing gestures which play an important role in non-verbal communication. Our system will help BVIP to access the contents of a Metaplan card, a team member in the brainstorming meeting is referring to by pointing. The prototype of our system shows that targets on the screen a user is pointing at can be detected with 80% accuracy.
Designing Nostalgic Tangible User Interface Application for Elderly People
Authors: Bong Way Kiat , Maußer Florian , van Eck Margot , De Araujo Diogo , Tibosch Jorg , Glaum Tobias , Chen Weiqin
Published: September 2020

Our elderly population faces challenges in accepting and using new digital technology, and tangible user interface (TUI) can contribute as a more intuitive user interface in addressing these challenges. Studies have shown that nostalgic memories trigger positive emotions, which can provide better experiences for elderly people in learning and using new technology. However, the use of nostalgia in TUI for elderly people has been little and therefore the understanding on how nostalgia can contribute in TUI promoting technology acceptance among elderly people is limited. In order to address this knowledge gap, in this study we have created a nostalgic TUI application for elderly people through three iterations of design, development and evaluation. The results show that by adopting the element of nostalgia into the TUI application, elderly people could learn to use new technology in a more intuitive way. They could relate the new technology to their old positive memories. However, they had expectations that the TUI application would work exactly like the old fashioned way. Through the research process, we gathered and reflected on the lessons learned, which can serve as guidelines for using the concept of nostalgia in designing TUI application for elderly people’s technology acceptance.
Erratum to: Inverse anisotropic catalysis in holographic QCD
Authors: Gürsoy Umut , Järvinen Matti , Nijs Govert , Pedraza Juan F.
Published: September 2020

We point out minor errors appearing in the published version of our paper [1].
On the UV completion of the O(N) model in 6 − ϵ dimensions: a stable large-charge sector
Authors: Arias-Tamargo G. , Rodriguez-Gomez D. , Russo J. G.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We study large charge sectors in the O(N) model in 6 − ϵ dimensions. For 4 < d < 6, in perturbation theory, the quartic O(N) theory has a UV stable fixed point at large N . It was recently argued that this fixed point can be described in terms of an IR fixed point of a cubic O(N) model. By considering a double scaling limit of large charge and weak couplings, we compute two-point and all “extremal” higher-point correlation functions for large charge operators and find a precise equivalence between both pictures. Instanton instabilities are found to be exponentially suppressed at large charge. We also consider correlation function of U(1)-invariant meson operators in the O(2N) ⊃ U(1) × SU(N) theory, as a first step towards tests of (higher spin) AdS/CFT.
Improving the understanding of jet grooming in perturbation theory
Authors: Larkoski Andrew J.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Jet grooming has emerged as a necessary and powerful tool in a precision jet physics program. In this paper, we present three results on jet grooming in perturbation theory, focusing on heavy jet mass in e+e−→ hadrons collisions, groomed with the modified mass drop tagger. First, we calculate the analytic cross section at leading-order. Second, using the leading-order result and numerical results through next-to-next-to-leading order, we show that cusps in the distribution on the interior of phase space at leading-order are softened at higher orders. Finally, using analytic and numerical results, we show that terms that violate the assumptions of the factorization theorem for groomed jet mass are numerically much smaller than expected from power counting. These results provide important information regarding the convergence of perturbation theory for groomed jet observables and reliable estimates for residual uncertainties in a precision calculation.
Impression material accuracy for palatal orthodontic miniscrews
Authors: Schenz Natalie , Schwarz Vincent , Hörmann Romed , Crismani Adriano G.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the accuracy of abutment transfer with current impression materials and provides a concise overview, including other relevant factors, in order to enable clinicians to make an informed decision about the optimal impression for this treatment procedure.

Methods

In all, 96 impressions of a cadaver head with two orthodontic miniscrews in place were taken with four common impression materials by two observers and using two methods of application. After pouring with a standard type IV stone and abutment transfer, all models and the upper jaw (which had been separated from the head) were scanned in a standard model scanner (Zirkonzahn® [Zirkohnzahn GmbH, Gais, Italy] S600 ARTI) and evaluated using a computer-aided design (CAD) program (GOM-Inspect [Gesellschaft für optische Messtechnik m.b.H., Braunschweig, Germany]). The deviations were measured at six points per screw and statistically evaluated with SPSS® (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

Optimal values were obtained with biphasic polyvinylsiloxane, while monophasic polyvinylsiloxane, alginate and polyether also resulted in acceptable accuracy. Observer experience showed no effect and the method of application had only a minor effect on accuracy.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it seems that all impression materials are suitable for miniscrew abutment transfer, provided that methods of intraoral adaptation of the orthodontic appliance can be employed. If higher accuracy is needed or for clinicians with less experienced, a biphasic polyvinylsiloxane impression with the putty-wash technique should be used as this combination reduces setting time. The most cost-effective version, alginate, can be used if the consequences of greater deviations can be handled. Caution is advised with polyether if undercuts are present.
Akute partielle Okulomotoriusparese
Authors: Münden M. , Leivaditis V. , Comeau C. , Möllers M. , Hamelmann E. , Classen G.
Published: September 2020

Präsentiert wird der Fall eines 8 Jahre alten Mädchens mit Schielen, Doppelbildern und Nystagmus bei akuter partieller Okulomotoriusparese. Auffällige MRT-Untersuchung mit zahlreichen intrakraniellen Veränderungen mit Dissemination in Raum und Zeit. In der Liquordiagnostik Nachweis intrathekaler Antikörpersynthese mit oligoklonalen Banden. Bei hochaktiver multipler Sklerose Beginn mit einer Steroidtherapie und darauffolgendem schnellen Symptomrückgang. Progress nach 3 Monaten bei Nichtbeginn der empfohlenen immunmodulierenden Therapie.
Befragung von Medizinstudierenden zu der ärztlichen Aufklärung und zu den ärztlichen Informationspflichten sowie zur medizinrechtlichen Ausbildung im Studium
Authors: Kern N. , Holz F. , Verhoff M. A. , Parzeller M.
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Mit dem Masterplan 2020 und den an mehreren Universitäten eingeführten Modellstudiengängen befindet sich das Medizinstudium aktuell im Umbruch. Sowohl im Regel- als auch im Modellstudiengang werden medizinrechtliche Aspekte überwiegend im Rahmen rechtsmedizinischer Ausbildungsabschnitte unterrichtet. Allerdings werden Studierende bereits während Famulaturen oder im praktischen Jahr mit juristischen Fragen konfrontiert.

Ziel der Studie war es herauszufinden, ob und in welchem Umfang Studierende der Humanmedizin insbesondere zur ärztlichen Aufklärung und zu den ärztlichen Informationspflichten bis zum Beginn des 4. bzw. 5. klinischen Semesters auf medizinrechtliche Aspekte vorbereitet wurden, und ob Verbesserungen bei der medizinrechtlichen Lehre gewünscht werden.

Material und Methoden

Zwischen den Sommersemestern 2017 und 2019 wurde zu Beginn des Kurses für Rechtsmedizin eine quantitative, standardisierte Umfrage mit insgesamt 373 Studierenden durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Wenngleich 98,8 % der Studierenden angaben, Aufklärungsgespräche bereits (mehrfach) praktisch ausgeübt zu haben, bestanden deutliche Defizite in Bezug auf die juristischen Anforderungen an das ärztliche Aufklärungsgespräch und dessen Delegation. So gaben lediglich 5,1 % der Studierenden an, die rechtlichen Grundlagen der ärztlichen Aufklärung sowie die entsprechende Norm aus dem Zivilrecht zu kennen. Über 80 % der Befragten fühlten sich unzureichend auf die rechtlichen Aspekte des praktischen Jahres vorbereitet. Über 90 % der Studierenden wünschten sich eine bessere medizinrechtliche Ausbildung.

Diskussion

Eine fächerübergreifende Etablierung sowie eine über das gesamte Studium verteilte Lehre von Medizinrecht könnte die Vorbereitung auf das praktische Jahr verbessern und das Verständnis für die rechtlichen Anforderungen an die ärztliche Berufstätigkeit fördern. Nach dem derzeitigen Stand der Umsetzung des Masterplans 2020 soll das Medizinrecht in der Learning Opportunities, Objectives and Outcomes Platform (LOOOP) als verbindlicher Ausbildungs- und Lehrinhalt etabliert werden.
Energy of sections of the Deligne–Hitchin twistor space
Authors: Beck Florian , Heller Sebastian , Röser Markus
Published: September 2020

We study a natural functional on the space of holomorphic sections of the Deligne–Hitchin moduli space of a compact Riemann surface, generalizing the energy of equivariant harmonic maps corresponding to twistor lines. We show that the energy is the residue of the pull-back along the section of a natural meromorphic connection on the hyperholomorphic line bundle recently constructed by Hitchin. As a byproduct, we show the existence of a hyper-Kähler potentials for new components of real holomorphic sections of twistor spaces of hyper-Kähler manifolds with rotating $$S^1$$

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-action. Additionally, we prove that for a certain class of real holomorphic sections of the Deligne–Hitchin moduli space, the energy functional is basically given by the Willmore energy of corresponding equivariant conformal map to the 3-sphere. As an application we use the functional to distinguish new components of real holomorphic sections of the Deligne–Hitchin moduli space from the space of twistor lines.
The Moss Biomonitoring Method and Neutron Activation Analysis in Assessing Pollution by Trace Elements in Selected Polish National Parks
Authors: Kosior Grzegorz , Frontasyeva Marina , Ziembik Zbigniew , Zincovscaia Inga , Dołhańczuk-Śródka Agnieszka , Godzik Barbara
Published: September 2020

The concentrations of trace elements in feather mossPleurozium schreberi(Brid.) Mitt. were used to indicate the relative levels of air pollution by trace elements in Polish national parks.Pleurozium schreberiwas collected from nine national parks. The highest concentrations were recorded in the moss samples from the southern and most industrialised part of the country; the lowest from northern and north-eastern Poland. A comparison of data obtained from Polish national parks in the 1970s and 1990s showed a significant decrease in the concentrations of heavy metals. In the linear covariability estimation, thetquantile approach was used for multi-element comparison. A number of positive covariabilities were observed. This is a result of anthropogenic activity and the geochemical characteristics of the local environment, including crust composition to which soil composition is related. The statistical approach oftquantile to study common relationships between element concentrations can be used in the interpretation of biomonitoring research results in similar studies.
Immune checkpoint-related serum proteins and genetic variants predict outcomes of localized prostate cancer, a cohort study
Authors: Wang Qinchuan , Ye Yuanqing , Yu Hao , Lin Shu-Hong , Tu Huakang , Liang Dong , Chang David W. , Huang Maosheng , Wu Xifeng
Published: September 2020

Background

The clinical predictors and biological mechanisms for localized prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes remain mostly unknown. We aim to evaluate the role of serum immune-checkpoint-related (ICK) proteins and genetic variations in predicting outcomes of localized PCa.

Methods

We profiled the serum levels of 14 ICK-related proteins (BTLA, GITR, HVEM, IDO, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, Tim-3, CD28, CD80, 4-1BB, CD27, and CTLA-4) in 190 patients with localized PCa. The genotypes of 97 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 19 ICK-related genes were analyzed in an extended population (N = 1762). Meta-data from ArrayExpress and TCGA was employed to validate and to probe functional data. Patients were enrolled and tumor aggressiveness, biochemical recurrence (BCR), and progression information were obtained. Statistical analyses were performed analyzing associations between serum biomarkers, genotypes, mRNA and outcomes.

Results

We showed that serum (s)BTLA and sTIM3 levels were associated with PCa aggressiveness (P < 0.05). sCD28, sCD80, sCTLA4, sGITR, sHVEM and sIDO correlated with both BCR and progression risks (all P < 0.05). We further identified ICK variants were significantly associated with aggressiveness, BCR and progression. Among them, 4 SNPs located in CD80 (rs7628626, rs12695388, rs491407, rs6804441) were not only associated with BCR and progression risk, but also correlated with sCD80 level (P < 0.01). rs491407 was further validated in an independent cohort. The CD80 mRNA expression was associated with BCR (HR, 1.85, 95% CI 1.06–3.22, P = 0.03) in meta-analysis of validation cohorts.

Conclusion

We highlight the prognostic value of serum ICK-related proteins for predicting aggressiveness, BCR and progression of PCa. The genetic variations and mRNA expression in CD80 could be predictors and potential targets of localized PCa.
Prospectively Randomized Controlled Trial on Damage Control Surgery for Perforated Diverticulitis with Generalized Peritonitis
Authors: Kafka‐Ritsch Reinhold , Zitt Matthias , Perathoner Alexander , Gasser Elisabeth , Kaufman Claudia , Czipin Sasha , Aigner Felix , Öfner Dietmar
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Damage control surgery (DCS) with abdominal negative pressure therapy and delayed anastomosis creation in patients with perforated diverticulitis and generalized peritonitis was established at our Institution in 2006 and has been published. The concept was adopted in other hospitals and published as a case series. This is the first prospectively controlled randomized study comparing DCS and conventional treatment (Group C) in this setting.

Methods

All consecutive patients from 2013 to 2018 with indication for surgery were screened and randomized to Group DCS or Group C. The primary outcome was the rate of reconstructed bowel at discharge and at 6 month. Informed consent was obtained. The trial was approved by the local ethics committee and registered at CinicalTrials.gov: NCT04034407.

Results

A total of 56 patients were screened; 41 patients gave informed consent to participate and ultimately 21 patients (9 female) with intraoperatively confirmed Hinchey III (n = 14, 67%) or IV (n = 7, 33%), and a median (range) age of 66 (42–92), Mannheim Peritonitis Index of 25 (12–37) and Charlson Comorbidity Index of 3 (0–10) were intraoperatively randomized and treated as Group DCS (n = 13) or Group C (n = 8). Per protocol analysis: A primary anastomosis without ileostomy (PA) was performed in 92% (11/12) patients in Group DCS at the second‐look operation, one patient died before second look, and one underwent a Hartmann procedure (HP). In Group C 63% (5/8) patients received a PA and 38% (3/8) patients a HP. Two patients in Group C, but none in Group DCS experienced anastomotic leakage (AI). ICU and hospital stay was median (range) 2 (1–10) and 17.5 (12–43) in DCS and 2 (1–62) and 22 (13–65) days in group C. In Group DCS 8% (1/12) patients was discharged with a stoma versus 57% (4/7) in Group C (p = 0.038, n.s., α = 0.025); one patient died before discharge. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for discharge with a stoma is 0.068 (0.005–0.861). Intent to treat analysis: A PA was performed in 90% (9/10) of patients randomized to DCS, one patient died before the second look, and one patient received a HP. In group C, 70% (7/10) were treated with PA and 30% (3/10) with HP. 29% (2/7) experienced AI treated with protective ileostomy. In group DCS, 9% (1/11) were discharged with a stoma versus 40% (4/10) in group C (p = 0.14, n.s.). The odds ratio for discharge with a stoma is 0.139 (0.012–1.608).

Conclusion

This is the first prospectively randomized controlled study showing that damage control surgery in perforated diverticulitis Hinchey III and IV enhances reconstruction of bowel continuity and can reduce the stoma rate at discharge.
The Policies for the Disclosure of Funding and Conflict of Interest in Surgery Journals: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: El Moheb Mohamad , Karam Basil S. , Assi Lama , Armache Maria , Khamis Assem M. , Akl Elie A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Industry through its funding of research and through its relationships with study authors can influence the results of research. Most journals have policies for reporting funding and disclosing conflict of interest (COI) to mitigate the influence of industry on research. The objective of this study is to assess the policies of surgery journals for the reporting of funding and the disclosure of COI.

Methods

We described the prevalence and characteristics of funding and COI policies of journals indexed under “Surgery” in the Journal Citation Reports. We extracted data from publicly available information and through simulation of manuscript submission.

Results

Of the 186 eligible journals, 171 (92%) had policies for reporting of funding. None of the policies described procedures to deal with non‐reporting or underreporting of funding. Of the 186 journals, 183 (99%) had a policy for disclosure of COI. All journals with a COI policy required disclosure of financial interest, while 96 (52%) required the disclosure of non‐financial interests. Only 24 (13%) policies described how non‐disclosure of COI affects the editorial process, and none described procedures to verify COI disclosure. Of the policies that required disclosing COI, 94 (51%) also required reporting the source of financial COI.

Conclusions

Most journals have policies for reporting of funding and disclosure of financial COI. However, many do not have clear policies for disclosing non‐financial COI. Major limitations in the policies include the lack of processes for the verification of disclosed interests and for dealing with underreporting of funding and of COI.
On‐Site Monitoring of Postoperative Bile Leakage Using Bilirubin‐Inducible Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Kono Yoshiharu , Ishizawa Takeaki , Kokudo Norihiro , Kuriki Yugo , Iwatate Ryu J. , Kamiya Mako , Urano Yasuteru , Kumagai Akiko , Kurokawa Hiroshi , Miyawaki Atsushi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: September 2020

Background

Bile leakage is the most common postoperative complication associated with hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. Until now, however, a rapid, accurate diagnostic method for monitoring intraoperative and postoperative bile leakage had not been established.

Method

Bilirubin levels in drained abdominal fluids collected from 23 patients who had undergone hepatectomy (n = 22) or liver transplantation (n = 1) were measured using a microplate reader with excitation/emission wavelengths of 497/527 nm after applying 5 µM of UnaG to the samples. UnaG was also sprayed directly on hepatic raw surfaces in swine hepatectomy models to identify bile leaks by fluorescence imaging.

Results

The bilirubin levels measured by UnaG fluorescence imaging showed favorable correlations with the results of the conventional light‐absorptiometric methods (indirect bilirubin: rs = 0.939, p < 0.001; direct bilirubin: rs = 0.929, p < 0.001). Approximate time required for bilirubin measurements with UnaG was 15 min, whereas it took about 40 min with the conventional method at a hospital laboratory. Following administration of UnaG on hepatic surfaces, the fluorescence imaging identified bile leaks not only on the resected specimens but also in the abdominal cavity of the swine hepatectomy models.

Conclusion

Fluorescence imaging techniques using UnaG may enable real‐time identification of bile leaks during hepatectomy and on‐site rapid diagnosis of bile leaks after surgery.