bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Worldviews at Bank and Securities Market Regulators
Authors: Flannery Mark J.
Published: November 2020

Bank and securities regulators operate with different attitudes about the appropriate regulation of financial institutions and markets. Bank regulators’ prudential oversight protects depositors from worrying about the repayment of their bank claims. In contrast, securities market regulators tend to presume that security markets (almost) always clear quickly at prices close to the asset's fundamental value. These regulators seek to assure full disclosure of information, which facilitates active securities trading. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) investor protection duties are tailored to the financial sophistication of individual investors.
TC10, a Rho family GTPase, is required for efficient axon regeneration in a neuron‐autonomous manner
Authors: Koinuma Shingo , Negishi Ryota , Nomura Riko , Sato Kazuki , Kojima Takuya , Segi‐Nishida Eri , Goitsuka Ryo , Iwakura Yoichiro , Wada Naoyuki , Koriyama Yoshiki , Kiryu‐Seo Sumiko , Kiyama Hiroshi , Nakamura Takeshi
Published: November 2020

Intracellular signaling pathways that promote axon regeneration are closely linked to the mechanism of neurite outgrowth. TC10, a signaling molecule that acts on neurite outgrowth through membrane transport, is a member of the Rho family G proteins. Axon injury increases the TC10 levels in motor neurons, suggesting that TC10 may be involved in axon regeneration. In this study, we tried to understand the roles of TC10 in the nervous system using TC10 knock‐out mice. In cultured hippocampal neurons, TC10 ablation significantly reduced axon elongation without affecting ordinary polarization. We determined a role of TC10 in microtubule stabilization at the growth cone neck; therefore, we assume that TC10 limits axon retraction and promotes in vitro axon outgrowth. In addition, there were no notable differences in the size and structure of brains during prenatal and postnatal development between wild‐type and TC10 knock‐out mice. In motor neurons, axon regeneration after injury was strongly suppressed in mice lacking TC10 (both in conventional and injured nerve specific deletion). In retinal ganglion cells, TC10 ablation suppressed the axon regeneration stimulated by intraocular inflammation and cAMP after optic nerve crush. These results show that TC10 plays an important role in axon regeneration in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, and the role of TC10 in peripheral axon regeneration is neuron‐intrinsic.

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Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging Findings in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Gultekin Mehmet Ali , Cesme Dilek Hacer , Karaman Ozcan , Yurtsever Ismail , Tasan Ertugrul , Yilmaz Temel Fatih , Alkan Alpay
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can evaluate microstructural brain involvement in various diseases. We aimed to investigate whether there were any DTI differences in patients with HT, and the relationship between DTI values and disease duration time and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) levels.

METHODS

We prospectively included 36 patients with HT (mean age 41.6 ± 13.8 years, range 18‐64 years) and 18 age and sex‐matched healthy control subjects (mean age 41.6 ± 13.1 years, range 18‐63 years). All patients were euthyroid at the time of imaging. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) values of 15 distinct neuroanatomical locations were measured and compared.

RESULTS

FA values of the patients with HT were lower in cingulum, globus pallidus (GP), cerebellar white matter (CWM) than the control (P = .019, .002, and <.001, respectively). MD values of the CWM in patients were higher than the control (P = .008). AD values of patients with HT were lower in the cingulum, posterior limbs of the internal capsule, GP, and putamen (P = .038, .038, .030, and .045, respectively). RD values of cingulum and CWM in HT were higher than controls (P <.001 and P = .011, respectively). There was a negative relationship between the FA values of PLIC and a positive relationship between the MD values of the corona radiata and TPOAb levels were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The current DTI study presented microstructural changes in the neurocognitive‐related areas that may be related to accompanying neurological findings in HT.
Monofocal hepatocellular carcinoma: How much does size matter?
Authors: Pelizzaro Filippo , Penzo Barbara , Peserico Giulia , Imondi Angela , Sartori Anna , Vitale Alessandro , Cillo Umberto , Giannini Edoardo G. , Forgione Antonella , Ludovico Rapaccini Gian , Di Marco Maria , Caturelli Eugenio , Zoli Marco , Sacco Rodolfo , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Marra Fabio , Mega Andrea , Morisco Filomena , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati‐Baroni Gianluca , Giuseppe Foschi Francesco , Olivani Andrea , Masotto Alberto , Nardone Gerardo , Raimondo Giovanni , Azzaroli Francesco , Vidili Gianpaolo , Oliveri Filippo , Trevisani Franco , Farinati Fabio ,   Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) group
Published: November 2020

Background & Aims

According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, monofocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is classified as early (BCLC A) irrespective of its size, even though controversies still exist regarding staging and treatment of large tumours. We aimed at evaluating the appropriate staging and treatment for large (>5 cm) monofocal (HCC).

Methods

From the Italian Liver Cancer database, we selected 924 patients with small early monofocal HCC (2‐5 cm; SEM‐HCC), 163 patients with larger tumours (>5 cm; LEM‐HCC) and 1048 intermediate stage patients (BCLC B).

Results

LEM‐HCC patients had a worse overall survival (OS) than SEM‐HCC (31.0 vs 49.0 months; P < .0001), and this was confirmed at multivariate analysis (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.29‐2.05; P < .0001). The small difference in OS between LEM‐HCC and BCLC B patients (31.0 vs 27.0 months; P = .03) disappeared in the multivariate model (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.77‐1.25; P = .89). In all monofocal tumours, treatment was the strongest independent predictor of survival, with a progressively decreasing survival benefit moving from “curative” to “palliative” therapies. The survival of resected patients with LEM‐HCC was significantly shorter than that of SEM‐HCC (44.0 vs 78.0 months; P = .002), but liver resection provided the highest survival benefit in both groups compared to other treatments.

Conclusions

Monofocal HCC larger than 5 cm should not be staged as BCLC A and either a different staging system or a different subgrouping of patients (e.g. BCLC AB) should be used. Liver resection, if feasible, remains the recommended treatment for all these patients.
Alanine metabolism in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Sidiq Karzan R. , Chow Man W. , Zhao Zhao , Daniel Richard A.
Published: November 2020

Both isomeric forms of alanine play a crucial role in bacterial growth and viability; the L‐isomer of this amino acid is one of the building blocks for protein synthesis, and the D‐isomer is incorporated into the bacterial cell wall. Despite a long history of genetic manipulation of Bacillus subtilis using auxotrophic markers, the genes involved in alanine metabolism have not been characterized fully. In this work, we genetically characterized the major enzymes involved in B. subtilis alanine biosynthesis and identified an alanine permease, AlaP (YtnA), which we show has a major role in the assimilation of D‐alanine from the environment. Our results provide explanations for the puzzling fact that growth of B. subtilis does not result in the significant accumulation of extracellular D‐alanine. Interestingly, we find that in B. subtilis, unlike E. coli where multiple enzymes have a biochemical activity that can generate alanine, the primary synthetic enzyme for alanine is encoded by alaT, although a second gene, dat, can support slow growth of an L‐alanine auxotroph. However, our results also show that Dat mediates the synthesis of D‐alanine and its activity is influenced by the abundance of L‐alanine. This work provides valuable insights into alanine metabolism that suggests that the relative abundance of D‐ and L‐alanine might be linked with cytosolic pool of D and L‐glutamate, thereby coupling protein and cell envelope synthesis with the metabolic status of the cell. The results also suggest that, although some of the purified enzymes involved in alanine biosynthesis have been shown to catalyze reversible reactions in vitro, most of them function unidirectionally in vivo.
Pandemic diseases preparedness and response in the age of COVID‐19—a symposium report
Authors: Cable Jennifer , Heymann David L. , Uzicanin Amra , Tomori Oyewale , Marinissen Maria Julia , Katz Rebecca , Kerr Larry , Lurie Nicole , Parker Gerald W. , Madad Syra , Maldin Morgenthau Beth , Osterholm Michael T. , Borio Luciana
Published: November 2020

For years, experts have warned that a global pandemic was only a matter of time. Indeed, over the past two decades, several outbreaks and pandemics, from SARS to Ebola, have tested our ability to respond to a disease threat and provided the opportunity to refine our preparedness systems. However, when a novel coronavirus with human‐to‐human transmissibility emerged in China in 2019, many of these systems were found lacking. From international disputes over data and resources to individual disagreements over the effectiveness of facemasks, the COVID‐19 pandemic has revealed several vulnerabilities. As of early November 2020, the WHO has confirmed over 46 million cases and 1.2 million deaths worldwide. While the world will likely be reeling from the effects of COVID‐19 for months, and perhaps years, to come, one key question must be asked, How can we do better next time? This report summarizes views of experts from around the world on how lessons from past pandemics have shaped our current disease preparedness and response efforts, and how the COVID‐19 pandemic may offer an opportunity to reinvent public health and healthcare systems to be more robust the next time a major challenge appears.
Secondary chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible: A resistant disease successfully treated with bisphosphonate therapy
Authors: Cheng Hilary , Wali Rana , Sproat Chris , Patel Vinod
Published: November 2020

Management of secondary chronic osteomyelitis (SCO) of the mandible is complex and challenging condition. Antibiotics are often first line treatment but have difficulty penetrating the infected bone and surgical intervention can be extensive, disfiguring and may not provide cure. With increasing reports of successful management of primary chronic osteomyelitis with bisphosphonate therapy, it was considered a viable last line trial medication in a refractory SCO patient for whom surgery was not appropriate. The current case is the first in the literature to report successful management of SCO with oral bisphosphonates.
Modeling upstream socioeconomic inequities and syndemic conditions among mothers over time
Authors: Caiola Courtney , McCoy Thomas P. , Kneipp Shawn M.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Mothers in lower social locations are particularly vulnerable to the syndemic conditions of substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS (SAVA), yet few studies have examined the impact of upstream socioeconomic inequities as salient determinants of syndemic conditions in their lives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) receipt, TANF sanctions, and economic hardship (EH) on SAVA syndemic conditions that included indicators of substance use, HIV risk‐taking behaviors, and intimate partner violence among mothers over time.

Methods

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n = 4,898), we investigated the longitudinal measurement invariance of a proposed measure of syndemic conditions among mothers over five waves and performed path analysis to investigate the relationships between TANF use, TANF sanctions, and EH with syndemic conditions.

Results

Analyses revealed the presence of SAVA syndemic conditions and EH predicted increased SAVA in subsequent waves. Relationships between reported race of the mother and the sanctioning of TANF benefits and increased SAVA were also noted.

Conclusions

This study has implications regarding race, welfare policy and sanctioning practices, and the socioeconomic determinants of health that drive syndemic conditions among mothers in the United States.
SNP‐based genotyping and whole‐genome sequencing reveal previously unknown genetic diversity in Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum, causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt, in its presumed Ethiopian origin
Authors: Nakato Gloria V. , Studholme David J. , Blomme Guy , Grant Murray , Coutinho Teresa A. , Were Evans M. , Wicker Emmanuel , Mahuku George
Published: November 2020

For decades, Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum (Xvm) has been an economically important bacterial pathogen on enset in Ethiopia. Since 2001, Xvm has also been responsible for significant losses to banana crops in several East and Central African countries, with devastating consequences for smallholder farmers. Understanding the genetic diversity within Xvm populations is essential for the smart design of transnationally reasoned, durable, and effective management practices. Previous studies have revealed limited genetic diversity in Xvm, with East African isolates from banana each falling into one of two closely related clades previously designated as sublineages SL 1 and SL 2, the former of which had also been detected on banana and enset in Ethiopia. Given the presumed origin of Xvm in Ethiopia, we hypothesized that both clades might be found in that country, along with additional genotypes not seen in Central and East African bananas. Genotyping of 97 isolates and whole‐genome sequencing of 15 isolates revealed not only the presence of SL 2 in Ethiopia, but additional diversity beyond SL 1 and SL 2 in four new clades. Moreover, SL 2 was detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where previously SL 1 was the only clade reported. These results demonstrate a greater range of genetic diversity among Xvm isolates than previously reported, especially in Ethiopia, and further support the hypothesis that the East/Central Africa xanthomonas wilt epidemic has been caused by a restricted set of genotypes drawn from a highly diverse pathogen pool in Ethiopia.
Dynamic Model-Based Identification of Cavitation Compliance and Mass Flow Gain Factor in Rocket Engine Turbopump Inducers
Authors: Wan Y. , Manfredi M. , Pasini A. , Spakovszky Z.
Published: November 2020

Cavitation dynamics continue to pose a significant risk in the development and operation of launch vehicle (LV) propulsion systems. In addition to generating unsteady loads that can directly damage turbopump hardware, cavitation dynamics often couple with LV fluid feed systems, producing system wide POGO instability that can cause catastrophic failures. Despite its importance, the current understanding of cavitation dynamics, and especially pump transfer matrices, is limited. Given the relatively sparse amount of inducer transfer matrix data available, there is a critical need for more in-depth characterization of the cavitation dynamics in turbopump inducers to avoid POGO instability. This paper defines and validates a new reduced-order approach to infer key parameters such as cavitation compliance, K, and mass flow gain factor, M, from simple, single sensor unsteady pressure measurements during inducer inlet pressure ramps. The utility of this approach is demonstrated for a range of inducer geometries reported in the literature. The results are in agreement with experimental data and the paper provides a new capability supporting the assessment of LV POGO instability.
Design and Optimization of Control Strategy to Reduce Pumping Power in Dynamic Liquid Cooling
Authors: Kasukurthy Rajesh , Rachakonda Amruthavalli , Agonafer Dereje
Published: November 2020

Data centers are a large group of networked servers used by organizations for computational and storage purposes. In 2014, data centers consumed an estimated 70 billion kWh in the United States alone. It is incumbent on thermal engineers to develop efficient methods in order to minimize the expenditure at least toward cooling considering the limited available power resources. One of the key areas where electronic cooling research has been focusing, is addressing the issue of nonuniform power distribution at the rack, server and even at package levels. Nonuniform heating at the chip level creates hotspots and temperature gradients across the chip which in turn significantly increases the cost of cooling, as cooling cost is a function of the maximum junction temperature. This challenge has increased the use of temperature sensing mechanisms to help in finding ways to mitigate the gradients. A very effective way to conserve pumping power and address hotspots on the single or multichip modules is by targeted delivery of liquid coolant. One way to enable such targeted delivery of coolant is by using dynamic cold plates coupled with self-regulating flow control device that can control flow rate based on temperature. This novel technology will have more effective implementation coupled with a good control strategy. This paper addresses the development and testing of such control strategy with minimal sensors along with less latency and optimization of the same.
How Should We Measure Creativity in Engineering Design? A Comparison Between Social Science and Engineering Approaches
Authors: Miller Scarlett R. , Hunter Samuel T. , Starkey Elizabeth , Ramachandran Sharath , Ahmed Faez , Fuge Mark
Published: November 2020

Design researchers have long sought to understand the mechanisms that support creative idea development. However, one of the key challenges faced by the design community is how to effectively measure the nebulous construct of creativity. The social science and engineering communities have adopted two vastly different approaches to solving this problem, both of which have been deployed throughout engineering design research. The goal of this paper was to compare and contrast these two approaches using design ratings of nearly 1000 engineering design ideas. The results of this study identify that while these two methods provide similar ratings of idea quality, there was a statistically significant negative relationship between these methods for ratings of idea novelty. In addition, the results show discrepancies in the reliability and consistency of global ratings of creativity. The results of this study guide the deployment of idea ratings in engineering design research and evidence.
The 6-m Timed Hop Is Not a Suitable Clinical Assessment Tool for Use Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Read Paul J. , Palli Theodosia , Oliver Jon L.
Published: November 2020

Context: Single-leg hop tests are used to assess functional performance following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Recording 6-m timed hop scores using a stopwatch increases the potential for misclassification of patient status due to the number of error sources present. Objective: To examine the consistency of pass/fail (>90% limb symmetry index [LSI]) decisions in athletes tested at discharge following ACL reconstruction during the 6-m timed hop and the agreement between different human raters using a stopwatch and an electronic timing system. Setting: Clinic, rehabilitation. Participants: A total of 20 professional soccer players (age 24.6 [4.2] y; height 175.3 [10.2] cm; mass 73.6 [14.5] kg; 36 [10.5] wk following ACL reconstruction) volunteered to take part in this study. Main Outcome Measures: Two individual raters recorded each trial of the 6-m timed hop test on each limb with a stopwatch and an electronic timing system acted as the criterion measure. LSI scores were also computed with a pass score >90% LSI. Results: No significant differences were observed between limbs for any scoring method (P > .05). Mean differences indicated the electronic timing system was slower than both human raters (P < .05). Five participants failed the test (<90% LSI) but on each occasion this was only recorded by one method of rating. Kappa statistics showed no agreement in LSI scores across all 3 methods of scoring (κ = −.13) and no agreement when comparing the light gates to individual raters and rater 1 versus 2 (κ < 0). 95% limits of agreement in LSI scores recorded values of approximately ±20%. Conclusions: The 6-m timed hop test recorded using a stopwatch is not a valid measure to make clinical decisions following ACL reconstruction. Systematic bias between methods also suggests that a stopwatch and electronic timing system cannot be used interchangeably.
Survival and causes of death in extremely preterm infants in the Netherlands
Authors: Beek Pauline van , Groenendaal Floris , Broeders Lisa , Dijk Peter H , Dijkman Koen P , van den Dungen Frank A M , van Heijst Arno F J , van Hillegersberg Jacqueline L , Kornelisse René F , Onland Wes , Schuerman Frank A B A , van Westering-Kroon Elke , Witlox Ruben S G M , Andriessen Peter
Published: November 2020

Objective

In the Netherlands, the threshold for offering active treatment for spontaneous birth was lowered from 25+0 to 24+0 weeks’ gestation in 2010. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of guideline implementation on survival and causes and timing of death in the years following implementation.

Design

National cohort study, using data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry.

Patients

The study population included all 3312 stillborn and live born infants with a gestational age (GA) between 240/7 and 266/7 weeks born between January 2011 and December 2017. Infants with the same GA born between January 2007 and December 2009 (N=1400) were used as the reference group.

Main outcome measures

Survival to discharge, as well as cause and timing of death.

Results

After guideline implementation, there was a significant increase in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rate for live born infants born at 24 weeks’ GA (27%–69%, p<0.001), resulting in increased survival to discharge in 24-week live born infants (13%–34%, p<0.001). Top three causes of in-hospital mortality were necrotising enterocolitis (28%), respiratory distress syndrome (19%) and intraventricular haemorrhage (17%). A significant decrease in cause of death either complicated or caused by respiratory insufficiency was seen over time (34% in 2011–2014 to 23% in 2015–2017, p=0.006).

Conclusions

Implementation of the 2010 guideline resulted as expected in increased NICU admissions rate and postnatal survival of infants born at 24 weeks’ GA. In the years after implementation, a shift in cause of death was seen from respiratory insufficiency towards necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis.
COVID-19 risk for patients undergoing anticancer treatment at the outpatient clinic of the National Cancer Institute of Milan: the COVINT study
Authors: Nichetti Federico , Bini Marta , Ambrosini Margherita , Ottini Arianna , Rametta Alessandro , Leporati Rita , Polastri Daniela , Pircher Chiara , Dotti Katia , Ferrari Laura , de Braud Filippo
Published: November 2020

Background

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cancer are regarded as a highly vulnerable population. Overall, those requiring hospital admission for treatment administration are potentially exposed to a higher risk of infection and worse outcome given the multiple in-hospital exposures and the treatment immunosuppressive effects.

Methods

COVINT is an observational study assessing COVID-19 incidence among patients receiving anticancer treatment in the outpatient clinic of the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano. All consecutive patients with non-haematological malignancies treated with intravenous or subcutaneous/intramuscular anticancer therapy in the outpatient clinic were enrolled. The primary endpoint is the rate of occurrence of COVID-19. Secondary endpoints included the rate of COVID-19-related deaths and treatment interruptions. The association between clinical and biological characteristics and COVID-19 occurrence is also evaluated. COVID-19 diagnosis is defined as (1) certain if confirmed by reverse transcriptase PCR assay of nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS); (2) suspected in case of new symptoms or CT scan evidence of interstitial pneumonia with negative/not performed NPS; (3) negative in case of neither symptoms nor radiological evidence.

Results

In the first 2 months (16 February–10 April 2020) of observation, 1081 patients were included. Of these, 11 (1%) were confirmed and 73 (6.7%) suspected for COVID-19. No significant differences in terms of cancer and treatment type emerged between the three subgroups. Prophylactic use of myeloid growth factors was adopted in 5.3%, 2.7% and 0% of COVID-19-free, COVID-19-suspected and COVID-19-confirmed patients (p=0.003). Overall, 96 (8.9%) patients delayed treatment as a precaution for the pandemic. Among the 11 confirmed cases, 6 (55%) died of COVID-19 complications, and anticancer treatment was restarted in only one.

Conclusions

During the pandemic peak, accurate protective measures successfully resulted in low rates of COVID-19 diagnosis, although with high lethality. Prospective patients’ surveillance will continue with NPS and serology testing to provide a more comprehensive epidemiological picture, a biological insight on the impact of cytotoxic treatments on the immune response, and to protect patients and healthcare workers.
Quality of labor epidural analgesia at a high-volume tertiary care obstetric unit: a before-and-after study
Authors: Easther Robert G , Downey Kristi , Watts Nancy , Ye Xiang Y , Carvalho Jose C A
Published: November 2020

Introduction

We wanted to better understand the quality of our labor epidural practice at a large urban academic medical center. Several practice changes were implemented between 2011 and 2017, namely a more uniform epidural loading dose of local anesthetic that includes fentanyl, an increase in both the hourly baseline offer and maximum allowed hourly amount of bupivacaine, and the change from a continuous epidural infusion to a programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) regimen. We aimed to assess the impact of those changes on the quality of labor analgesia.

Methods

We performed two separate audits representing before-and-after groups. The audits were performed in November 2011 (before group) and November–December 2017 (after group). The data for 2011 were extracted from a previously published study. Hence, we conducted a similar audit in 2017, including only outcomes that were included in the previous audit. The primary outcome was the presence of pain >3 (Numerical Rating Scale 0–10) at any time during first or second stage of labor. Secondary outcomes included top-up requirements, and women’s pain perception during the first and second stage of labor according to a postpartum questionnaire.

Results

We studied 294 and 247 women in the before-and-after groups, respectively. The proportion of women reporting pain >3/10 at any time during labor and delivery significantly decreased in the after group (30% vs 41%; p<0.01). In an adjusted analysis, there was a 35% reduction in the likelihood of pain scores>3 for the after group (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46, 0.94). Women in the after group received fewer top-ups by nurses (3% vs 24%, p<0.001). Most women in both cohorts (85% before and 87% after) were satisfied with the overall quality of analgesia.

Discussion

A bundle of practice changes implemented in our clinical practice, including the PIEB regimen, has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of labor analgesia. However, despite all the implemented changes, 30% of women still experience pain during labor and further optimization of our practice is warranted.
Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures for myofascial trigger points: a systematic review
Authors: Diep Dion , Chen Kevin Jia Qi , Kumbhare Dinesh
Published: November 2020

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is characterized by the presence of clinically detected myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Diagnostic ultrasound (US) has been proposed as a method to strengthen the reliability of MTrP localization, thus potentially improving the efficacy and safety profile of interventional procedures. The objective is to evaluate the benefit and safety profile of any US-guided interventional procedure for MPS. Medline, Embase, PubMed, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), and Web of Science were systematically searched from their inception to May 2020 for any randomized controlled trial that evaluated treatment benefit and safety of any US-guided interventional procedure for MPS. The primary outcome of interest was pain severity. Additional outcomes of interest were function and adverse effects. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias V.2.0 tool. eleven studies met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two studies (n=174) with a high risk of bias revealed some evidence supporting US guidance over blinded interventions for improvement in pain and function. Eight studies (n=483) with varying risks of bias were of head-to-head comparisons of different US modalities. These studies revealed that US-guided local anesthetic injections were inferior to US-guided pulse radiofrequency and US-guided dry needling (DN). US-guided DN was also found to be superior to US-guided platelet-rich-plasma injections but inferior to US-guided miniscalpel. Meanwhile, one study (n=21) with some concerns of bias found that US-guided local anesthetic injections were superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain outcomes and fewer adverse events. All US-guided procedures resulted in zero or minimal self-limited adverse events. Issues with clinical relevance, limited sample sizes, and small point estimates warrant more high-quality research to better characterize the possible value of US-guided injections.
Examination of the confounding effect of subcutaneous fat on muscle echo intensity utilizing exogenous fat
Authors: Neto Müller Jonathan , Lanferdini Fabio J. , Passos Karam Juliana Y. , de Brito Fontana Heiliane
Published: November 2020

We aimed to provide an unbiased estimate of the confounding effect of subcutaneous fat thickness on ultrasound echo intensity (EI) measures of muscle quality. The effect of fat thickness on EI was verified for an approximate range of 0 to 3 cm of fat using exogeneous layers of pork fat over the human tibialis anterior muscle. Sonograms were obtained (i) with focus constant across fat thickness conditions, and (ii) with focus position adjusted to the muscle region of interest (ROI) position for each fat thickness level. In agreement with our hypothesis, increasing fat between the probe and the ROI resulted in a decrease in EI. This overestimating effect of fat on muscle quality differs between sonograms with constant focus and sonograms with focus position adjusted to the vertical displacement in ROI position that occurs for different levels of fat thickness. Correcting equations to account for the overestimating effect of fat on muscle quality are provided for both focus conditions. This is the first study to systematically analyze the confounding effect of fat thickness as an independent factor and the provided equations can be used for improved accuracy in estimates of muscle quality in obese/overweight subjects/patients.

Novelty: The independent confounding effect of subcutaneous fat thickness on ultrasound (US) estimates of muscle quality was quantified. US estimates of muscle quality depend on whether focus is adjusted to the muscle region of interest or not. Equations for correcting muscle quality estimates are provided.
Long-term effects on soil-water chemistry of wood ash and nitrogen application in a conifer forest
Authors: Ring E. , Jansson G. , Högbom L. , Jacobson S.
Published: November 2020

Wood-ash application to forestland has been proposed as a means to compensate for increased nutrient removal when harvesting logging residue in addition to stems. A study-plot experiment was established on a mineral soil site in Sweden to investigate how this measure affects soil-water chemistry. In 1995, 10 treatments were applied. Here, we present results from 9 to 17 years after application for eight of the treatments: control; 3 × 103, 6 × 103, and 9 × 103 kg·ha−1 of self-hardened and crushed wood ash (WA); 150 kg N·ha−1 supplied as ammonium nitrate; 3 × 103 kg WA and 150 kg N·ha−1 applied simultaneously; 3 × 103 kg WA with 150 kg N·ha−1 applied 1 month before the ash; and 3 × 103 kg·ha−1 of pelleted ash. Soil-water samples were collected from a depth of 50 cm. Treatment effects (p < 0.05) were detected in the electrical conductivity, pH, and concentrations of K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Al, SO42−-S, and B. Elevation of K+ and SO42−-S concentrations tended to cease toward the end of the study period. Effects were generally more pronounced with increasing ash dosage. No difference was detected between the 150 kg N·ha−1 treatment and the control. Despite the high solubility of the ash, its effects on soil-water chemistry could still be detected 9–17 years after application.
Control of amplitude death by coupling range in a network of fractional-order oscillators
Authors: Xiao Rui , Sun Zhongkui
Published: November 2020

We investigate the oscillating dynamics in a ring of network of nonlocally delay-coupled fractional-order Stuart-Landau oscillators. It is concluded that with the increasing of coupling range, the structures of death islands go from richness to simplistic, nevertheless, the area of amplitude death (AD) state is expanded along coupling delay and coupling strength directions. The increased coupling range can prompt the coupled systems with low frequency to occur AD. When system size varies, the area of death islands changes periodically, and the linear function relationship between periodic length and coupling range can be deduced. Thus, one can modulate the oscillating dynamics by adjusting the relationship between coupling range and system size. Furthermore, the results of numerical simulations are consistent with theoretical analysis.
Bandgap engineering in Si1−xCx by substitutional doping: First-principle calculations
Authors: Wang Yulong , Duan Baoxing , Yang Yintang
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a novel approach is presented for the first time to increase the energy gap of Si-based material by doping carbon atoms into Si-based material structures. The structural electronic properties and mechanical properties of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4) are investigated using a first-principles calculation method. Bandgaps of the [Formula: see text] shells were found to have, respectively, quadratic relationships with the Carbon content [Formula: see text]. Meanwhile, the electronic bandgap of Si-based material can be increased by 0.334 eV due to the carbon substitutions. The optimal structure is [Formula: see text] and the elastic constants and phono calculations reveal that [Formula: see text] is mechanically and dynamically stable. Finally, two different heavy doped [Formula: see text] have been investigated and the results indicate that the [Formula: see text]-type and [Formula: see text]-type doped [Formula: see text] do produce shallow levels. This study can be a theoretical guidance to improve the bandgap of Si-based semiconductors. In addition, [Formula: see text] show superior bandgap and material properties enabling [Formula: see text] power device operation at higher temperatures, voltages than current Si-based power semiconductor device.
New exact solitary waves solutions to the fractional Fokas-Lenells equation via Atangana-Baleanu derivative operator
Authors: Rezazadeh Hadi , Souleymanou Abbagari , Korkmaz Alper , Khater Mostafa M. A. , Mukam Serge P. T. , Kuetche Victor K.
Published: November 2020

In this research, a particular attention has been given on the fractional Fokas-Lenells equation via Atangana-Baleanu derivative operator that describe the propagation of short pulses in optical fibers. The integrability properties has been investigated while using the modified Khater method that we present in details. As a result, number of new soliton solutions are obtained along with constraints on some parameters that are introduced accordingly. For further details about our obtained solutions, some distinct types of solutions have been illustrated to explain more physical and dynamical behavior of the short wave pulses in the optical fibers.
Resonance behavior for a generalized Mittag-Leffler fractional Langevin equation with hydrodynamic interactions
Authors: He Guitian , Liu Heng , Tang Guoji , Cao Jinde
Published: November 2020

The phenomenological model for the heavy tracers in viscoelastic media modeled by a generalized Mittag-Leffler fractional Langevin equation with the generalized Stokes force, the Basset force, the Hookean force, and the thermal force has been revisited. Under the fluctuation-dissipation relation, the generalized Stokes force describes the viscoelastic media by a Mittag-Leffler (ML) memory kernel. Furthermore, based on the background of ML function, the generalized Mittag-Leffler fractional derivative is introduced. Moreover, the exact expression of stationary first moment and the expression of spectral amplification (SPA) of a tracer model have been deserved by the generalized form of Shapiro-Loginov formula. The generalized stochastic resonance (GSR) phenomena has been systematically studied. Moreover, the GSR, reverse stochastic resonance (SR) phenomenon, bona fide SR, stochastic multi-resonance (SMR) phenomena, increasing multi-resonance and decreasing multi-resonance have been found. Especially, the periodic resonance phenomenon could be induced by the generalized Mittag-Leffler (GML) noise, which has been few observed in the previous literatures.
The role of the spectral matrix effect in the element analysis of biological fluids in ICP-MS
Authors: Nurubeyli T. K. , Ahmadova Kh. N.
Published: November 2020

Elements in whole blood and urine were determined, and the influence of matrix spectral interference on the analysis results was evaluated in search of optimal measurement conditions on the quadrupole mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma Agilent 7700 that did not require correction when determining the varied elements in physical properties. The study showed that when using a quadrupole mass spectrometer, the detection limit of gallium in the studied biological fluids (both whole blood and urine) will be determined not by the background content of the element, but by the interfering effect of ions formed by the matrix components of the analyzed samples.
Twenty-four hour ex-vivo normothermic machine perfusion in rat livers
Authors: Haque Omar , Pendexter Casie A. , Cronin Stephanie E. J. , Raigani Siavash , de Vries Reiner J. , Yeh Heidi , Markmann James F. , Uygun Korkut
Published: November 2020

Ex-vivo liver perfusion (EVLP) is an ideal platform to study liver disease, therapeutic interventions, and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs without any patient risk. Rat livers are an ideal model for EVLP due to less organ quality variability, ease of hepatectomy, well-defined molecular pathways, and relatively low costs compared to large animal or human perfusions. However, the major limitation with rat liver normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is maintaining physiologic liver function on an ex-vivo machine perfusion system. To address this need, our research demonstrates 24-hour EVLP in rats under normothermic conditions. Early (6 hour) perfusate transaminase levels and oxygen consumption of the liver graft are shown to be good markers of perfusion success and correlate with viable 24-hour post-perfusion histology. Finally, we address overcoming challenges in long-term rat liver perfusions such as rising intrahepatic pressures and contamination, and offer future directions necessary to build upon our work.
Global Pandemic and Rapid New Product Development of Medical Products
Authors: Kumari Moothedath Chandran , Sagar Biradar
Published: November 2020

New product development is a strenuous and long process for companies. When the COVID-19 disease turned into a global pandemic, governments announced the need for various medical products that were scarce and at the same time imposed lockdowns and trade restrictions. During this period, rapid new product development of medical products was attempted by many companies worldwide using their existing supply chains. Data of 240 companies from non-medical product-segment background launching new medical products were collected and analyzed. Two case studies of Indian companies responding to shortages of ventilators and PPE are presented. A critical reflection of a new way of new product development and cooperation across firms is discussed.
High Efficiency Electrochemical Degradation of Phenol Using a Ti/PbO2-Bi-PTh Composite Electrode
Authors: Zhou Qian , Yuan Guoyuan , Liu Derong , Gu Jianshan , Jiang Songshan , Xia Yongde , Xiong Wei
Published: November 2020

A novel Ti/PbO2-Bi-PTh composite electrode was successfully prepared by electrodeposition and applied in electrochemical degradation of phenol. The Ti/PbO2-Bi-PTh electrode was characterized by XRD, SEM, AFM, LSV, CV and EIS. Results showd that the electrode has a fine and compact surface structure, higher oxygen evolution potential (OEP, 2.42 V) and low charge transfer resistance (51.00 Ω). The electrode also exhibited excellent electrochemical oxidation activity on the degradation of phenol (1000 mg l−1) with degradation efficiency of 100% and TOC removal rate of 93.58% achieved in 60 min and 180 min, respectively. In addition, possible mechanism of phenol degradation on the electrode was proposed by analyzing the intermediate products with GC-MS. Noticeably, the Ti/PbO2-Bi-PTh electrode displayed excellent stability and high electrocatalytic performance after 10 cycles, indicating its promising application in the phenolic wastewater treatment.
Self-Assembled Monolayers Assisted all Wet Metallization of SU-8 Negative Tone Photoresist
Authors: Kołczyk-Siedlecka K. , Bernasconi R. , Lucotti A. , Zabinski P. , Magagnin L.
Published: November 2020

The present work investigates the application of a Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) on the widely used negative photoresist SU-8. (3-Aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) is employed to form SAMs on the surface of the polymer through wet silanization in ethanol. The treatment process of SU-8 resin surface is optimized to achieve a well-formed, high quality SAM. Wettability measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy are employed to follow and optimize the silanization process. Following silanization, the resulting SAMs are employed as adhesion layers for electroless plated metallic layers. For this purpose, the superior affinity of APTMS amine terminal groups towards Pd2+ ions is exploited to activate the surface. Metallic coatings such as Cu, Ni–P or Co–Ni–P are thus deposited by mean of autocatalytic deposition. The surface of metallized samples is analyzed using AFM, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES). Finally, Ni–P is deposited on a micropatterned SU-8 surface to demonstrate the potential of the presented metallization approach for microfabrication.
Giant Primary Scrotal Lipoma: A Rare Entity with Diagnostic Pitfalls
Authors: Vignot Louis , Saad Elie , Peyromaure Michael , Barry Delongchamps Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Primary scrotal lipomas are rare. We describe the case of a 47-year-old male with a giant scrotal lipoma who underwent a surgical excision. We report the clinical and radiological approach as well as the treatment of this atypical benign tumor.
Fuzzy Logic Systems-Based Optimization and Control of Complicated High-Pressure Fuel Line with Double Fuel Injectors and One Pressure Reducing Valve
Authors: Cao Dunqian , Zhang Xue , Xue Haoran , Xu Conglin
Published: November 2020

High-pressure fuel line is a basic component of many modern industrial devices, and its pressure stability affects operating efficiency and safety. In this paper, the working mechanism of high-pressure fuel line with double fuel injectors and pressure reducing valve is studied as the main object, the differential equation for changes in pressure with time is established, and the rotating speed of high-pressure fuel pump cam, fuel injection time of fuel injector, and the threshold of pressure reducing valve are optimized using fuzzy logic systems to control the pressure in high-pressure fuel line within a safe range and improve the operating efficiency and safety of high-pressure fuel line. The results of numerical simulation show that the pressure reducing valve can effectively control the pressure in high-pressure fuel line.
Uncommon Pathogen, Lactobacillus, Causing Infective Endocarditis: Case Report and Review
Authors: Antoun Muhannad , Hattab Yousef , Akhrass Fadi-Al , Hamilton Leigh Danielle
Published: November 2020

Lactobacillus is not a common pathogen; however, it can contribute to opportunistic infections such as infective endocarditis (IE). Nonetheless, it has been reported as case reports in correlation with increased probiotic use, dental caries, and intravenous drug abuse.
Experimental Study on Structural Mechanics of Asphalt Pavement by Digital Speckle Correlation Methods
Authors: Xu Hailiang , Ren Hehuan , Qin Jining , Guo Xu
Published: November 2020

The experiments on the structural mechanics of asphalt pavement were carried out by the digital speckle correlation method (DSCM). The digital speckle correlation method is used to collect experimental data. The displacement and strain values of each layer of the asphalt pavement structure are analyzed. The research showed that (1) the digital speckle correlation methods could accurately observe the displacement value and the strain value of the pavement structure. (2) The stress state of the pavement structure was greatly influenced by the interlayer effect. The vertical displacement changed suddenly between layers. The concentration phenomenon of the tension-compression strain and the shear strain appeared between layers. (3) The overloading situation seriously worsened the overall stress state of the pavement structure, especially at the bottom of the asphalt top layer and lower layer and at the top of the cement-stabilized crushed stone. The research results are of great significance to the structural design of heavy-duty roads.
Morphological and Thermal Properties of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Layered Double Hydroxide Hybrid Nanocomposite Fibers
Authors: Al Naim A. F. , Mazher J. , Ibrahim S. S.
Published: November 2020

Nanolayered particulate of Zn-based layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by a low temperature greener sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were performed on the particles annealed at different temperatures. Hexagonal crystal structure of the as-grown LDH particulates was observed. The crystal structure was modified to tetragonal structure of layered double oxide (LDO) on annealing at 250°C. Rietveld fittings showed a collapse of interlayer separation distance along the preferred orientation of the LDH particles as a result of heat treatment. Further, LDH particles were used as fillers of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fibers. Heat treatment of the polymer fibers was also performed at different temperatures, and thermal changes were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Improved interaction of fibers with LDH nanoparticles was observed and ascribed to LDH-related LDO phase transformation at higher temperature. Thermal mechanisms of the rapid weight loss in filled fibers were discussed in comparison to the pure PVA fiber losses. Experimental Raman frequencies of the composite fibers were compared with the calculated Raman modes of the enol and ZnO monomers. The molecular vibration frequencies were found to differ significantly due to heat treatment. Finally, the role filler in the faster and greener thermal decomposition of polymeric fibers was also discussed in the present work.