bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodality treatment including surgery for primary pulmonary sarcoma: Size does matter
Authors: Collaud Stéphane , Stork Theresa , Schildhaus Hans‐Ulrich , Pöttgen Christoph , Plönes Till , Valdivia Daniel , Zaatar Mohamed , Dirksen Uta , Bauer Sebastian , Aigner Clemens
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

Primary pulmonary sarcoma (PPS) accounts for less than 1.1% of all pulmonary tumors. Few outcome data are reported. We evaluated outcome and prognostic factors in our series.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent resection for PPS in our center from 2002 to 2018. Survival was calculated from the date of surgery until last follow‐up. Impact on survival of gender, type of lung resection, completeness of resection, grade, size, and TNM staging for lung cancer and soft tissue sarcoma (STS) was assessed.

Results

Thirteen patients were included. Eight (61.5%) patients received neoadjuvant treatment. Median tumor size at diagnosis was 11.5 cm (1‐30 cm). Type of lung resection was wedge (n = 2, 15%), lobectomy (n = 4, 31%), intrapericardial (n = 3, 23%), and extrapleural pneumonectomies (n = 4, 31%). In‐hospital mortality was 8%. Overall 5‐year survival was 60%. Median disease‐free survival was 17 months. Tumor size was a predictor for survival (P = .02) and recurrence (P = .05). Gender (P = .04) and type of lung resection (P = .04) were predictors of survival. T stage for STS of trunk and extremity, and TNM stage for lung cancer were predictors for recurrence (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively).

Conclusion

Surgical resection within a multimodality therapy concept in highly selected patients can offer good long‐term outcome.
Clinical and genetic analysis of five Chinese patients with urea cycle disorders
Authors: Zheng Zhenzhu , Lin Yiming , Lin Weihua , Zhu Lin , Jiang Mengyi , Wang Wenjun , Fu Qingliu
Published: May 2020

Background

The urea cycle plays a key role in preventing the accumulation of toxic nitrogenous waste products, including two essential enzymes: ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL). Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) results from mutations in the OTC. Meanwhile, argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASLD) is caused by mutations in the ASL.

Methods

Blood tandem mass spectrometric analysis and urea organic acidemia screening were performed on five Chinese cases, including three OTCD and two ASLD patients. Next‐generation sequencing was then used to make a definite diagnosis, and the related variants were validated by Sanger sequencing.

Results

The five patients exhibited severe clinical symptoms, with abnormal biochemical analysis and amino acids profile. Genetic analysis revealed two variants [c.77G>A (p.Arg26Gln); c.116G>T (p.Gly39Val)] in the OTC, as well as two variants [c.1311T>G (p.Tyr437*); c.961T>A (p.Tyr321Asn)] in the ASL. Conservation analysis showed that the amino acids of the two novel mutations were highly conserved in different species and were predicted to be possibly damaging with several in silico prediction programs. 3D‐modeling analysis indicated that the two novel missense variants might result in modest distortions of the OTC and ASL protein structures, respectively.

Conclusions

Two novel variants expand the mutational spectrums of the OTC and ASL. All the results may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical course and genetic characteristics of patients with urea cycle disorders.
Hosoya and Harary polynomials of TUC4 nanotube
Authors: Wang Dejun , Ahmad Haseeb , Nazeer Waqas
Published: May 2020

A well‐known vertex distance–based polynomial is called the Hosoya polynomial and is closely related to the hyper‐Wiener index and Wiener index, which are widely used molecular structure descriptors. Nanomaterials are the materials or compound substances that can be produced and utilized at an exceptionally little scale and created to display novel attributes without nanoscale highlights contrasted with a similarity, such as expanded quality, conductivity, or synthetic reactivity. We have computed the Hosoya and Harary polynomials for nanotube TUC4 in this paper. We also computed some distance‐based topological indices, such as Harary index, Wiener index, and multiplicative version of Wiener index.
Promote an unexpected online experience through richer content
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: May 2020

Remote learning isn't a new concept, but it's been thrust into the spotlight as colleges and universities moved their traditionally face‐to‐face campus programs to online platforms in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. It's too early to know for sure if this format of learning will continue to temporarily replace on‐the‐ground classes into the fall 2020 semester.
Implement success strategies for supervising staff members working remotely
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2020

As more staff members find themselves having to adapt to working from home, supervisors also need to tweak strategies for keeping staff connected, motivated, and productive, while also promoting well‐being.
The empirical relationship between carbon emission and energy use of BRICS nations
Authors: Dalei Narendra N. , Roy Hiranmoy
Published: May 2020

In literature, there has been a large number of empirical research to examine the impact of CO2 emission on economic activity popularly known as the Environmental Kuznets curve having an inverted U shape relationship. The increasing environmental problem and environmental degradation are global phenomena due to increasing economic activities. In order to verify this relationship empirically in the context of BRICS nations, the present study intends to investigate the importance of energy use in the estimation of carbon emission while controlling GDP, industry value added and trade openness using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Fixed Effect (FE) Models. Our findings have confirmed that the relationship between CO2 emission and GDP confirmed inverted U‐shaped of the EKC. The direction of the relationship between squared LNIVA and LNCO2P further reinforce the inverted U‐shaped EKC. The relationship between LNEU and CO2P also satisfied the inverted U‐shape of the EKC. This may be due to the practice of energy efficiency and energy conservation measures in industrial sectors in BRICS nations. However, BRICS nations should also emphasize renewables and policies need to be aligned accordingly to keep CO2 emission at a lower level so that global warming could be kept to below 1.50°C, which is the target given by Paris Agreements.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs use in patients with chronic kidney disease are often prescribed from different clinicians than those who diagnosed them
Authors: Imai Shungo , Momo Kenji , Kashiwagi Hitoshi , Miyai Takayuki , Sugawara Mitsuru , Takekuma Yoh
Published: May 2020

Purpose

When prescribing nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients' pathology and concomitant medications should be considered. In our pharmaceutical experience, NSAIDs are often prescribed by departments that are different from those that diagnosed CKD. That is, NSAIDs may be prescribed for patients without the advice of the clinicians who diagnosed them. In this study, we aimed to elucidate how frequently such cases occur.

Methods

We used the large health insurance claims database constructed by JMDC Inc., Tokyo. We evaluated the proportions of CKD diagnosis and NSAID prescription by different clinical departments and institutions.

Results

A total of 224 014 out‐patients were included in the analysis; they were divided into CKD (n = 1501) and non‐CKD groups (n = 222 513). The internal medicine departments diagnosed CKD most frequently (74.8% of the patients) and surgical departments rarely diagnosed CKD. However, the proportion of prescribed NSAIDs was high in other departments, especially surgical departments. In the CKD group, 50.4% of the patients received CKD diagnosis and NSAID prescription from different clinical departments; 72.8% of the patients received a diagnosis and prescription from different medical institutions.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that NSAIDs are often prescribed to patients with CKD from different clinicians than those who diagnosed them.
Registration of KUWNSr, a wheat stem rust nested association mapping population
Authors: Bajgain Prabin , Jin Yue , Tsilo Toi J. , Macharia Godwin K. , Reynolds Susan E. , Wanyera Ruth , Anderson James A.
Published: May 2020

A spring wheat nested associated mapping (NAM) population, KUWNSr (Kenyan and U.S. wheat nested association mapping population for stem rust resistance), was developed at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA. KUWNSr (Reg. no. MP‐12, NSL 533796 MAP, experimental designation SrNAM) was primarily developed to genetically characterize stem rust resistance as the 10 male parents—nine Kenyan and one University of Minnesota wheat cultivars—exhibited medium to high adult plant resistance to African and North American races of the stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici). Each parent was crossed to the stem rust susceptible line LMPG‐6, and populations were developed via single‐seed descent. Aggregately, the resulting 10 populations, consisting of 852 recombinant inbred lines, formed the KUWNSr population. KUWNSr was evaluated in four environments: two in the United States and one each in Kenya and South Africa. A high‐density genetic map was developed using genotyping‐by‐sequencing, resulting in 11,221 single nucleotide polymorphism markers mapped to all 21 chromosomes. In addition to stem rust resistance, the population segregates for other disease resistance traits such as leaf and stripe rust and agronomic traits such as plant height, spike morphology, and days to heading. As one of the first wheat NAM populations developed, KUWNSr is a valuable resource for understanding the genetic architecture of wheat growth and development, morphology, and resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Psychometric Properties of the Walking Impact Scale (Walk‐12) in Persons with Late Effects of Polio
Authors: Brogårdh Christina , Lexell Jan , Westergren Albert
Published: May 2020

Background

Many persons with late effects of polio (LEoP) perceive walking limitations in everyday life. A common rating scale to assess walking limitations is the Walking Impact Scale (Walk‐12). However, there is limited knowledge about its psychometric properties.

Objective

To investigate the psychometric properties of Walk‐12 in persons with LEoP.

Design

Rasch model analysis of cross‐sectional data.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

A total of 325 persons with LEoP (175 women; mean age 70 ± 10 years).

Main Outcome Measurement

The Walk‐12, comprising 12 items with five response categories ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely).

Methods

Data of Walk‐12 were collected by a postal survey. The Rasch model analysis was used to analyze unidimensionality of the scale, local dependency, targeting, hierarchical order of items, Differential Item Functioning (DIF), response category functioning, and reliability (Person Separation Index, PSI). Raw score transformation to interval measurements was also performed.

Results

The analysis revealed that Walk‐12 was multidimensional and suffered from some local dependency. Targeting was compromised among persons with less and more walking limitations. Hierarchically, the most difficult item to perform was “running” and the easiest was “walking indoors with support”. There was a minor DIF for gender in one item (“support when walking outdoors”). Reliability was high (PSI = 0.94). Disordered response category thresholds were found for three items; when merging the middle response categories for these items model fit slightly improved and unidimensionality was achieved.

Conclusions

The Walk‐12, in its current version, does not fully meet the rigorous psychometric Rasch measurement standards in persons with LEoP. Further development of the scale is warranted, including merging response categories and complementing Walk‐12 with objective measures of gait in order to improve targeting. As these limitations can be considered minor, the current version of Walk‐12 can still be useful for research and clinical practice.
Cover Image
Authors: Yang Yongliang , Vamvoudakis Kyriakos G. , Modares Hamidreza
Published: May 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Safe reinforcement learning for dynamical games by Yongliang Yang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/rnc.4962.

image
Surface modification of clay‐coated paper by atmospheric‐pressure plasma in air
Authors: Štěpánová Vlasta , Kováčik Dušan , Zemánek Miroslav , Stupavská Monika , Kelar Tučeková Zlata , Černák Mirko
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work was the wettability improvement of clay‐coated paper by ambient air plasma exposure. Industrial corona with a volume dielectric barrier discharge in cylindrical configuration was used as a plasma source; the exposure times varied from 0.25 up to 5 s. Water contact angle (WCA) measurement and surface free energy (SFE) evaluation were carried out for the estimation of wettability changes. Plasma treatment in the duration of 0.25 s was sufficient to decrease the WCA almost to the half of the original value, which was 76°. SFE of paper has increased by 40%–50% after plasma treatment. Long‐term ageing effect study of treated samples was carried out up to 3 months after the treatment. WCA did not reach the original value even after 3 months, and it was still 20%–30% lower. O/C ratio increased from 0.7 to 1.8 in case of 5‐s plasma treatment, and the new chemical bonds (C=O, O–C=O) were created on the surface.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Substituent Controlled Photoluminescence and Chemosensing Properties of a Series of 2,2′‐(Arylenedivinylene)bis‐8‐hydroxyquinolines
Authors: Sehlangia Suman , Devi Manisha , Nayak Namyashree , Garg Neha , Dhir Abhimanew , Pradeep Chullikkattil P.
Published: May 2020

A series of new π‐conjugated oligomeric compounds, 2,2′‐(arylenedivinylene)bis‐8‐hydroxyquinolines, having two vinylene‐8‐hydroxyquinoline moieties structured around a phenol ring, have been synthesized by the reaction of 8‐hydroxyquinaldine with aromatic dialdehydes. Crystal structure of one of the compounds has been described, which shows a twisted molecular geometry and interesting supramolecular interactions leading to a 2‐D sheet‐like structure in the crystal lattice. The photo‐luminescence properties analyses revealed that the fluorescence emission wavelengths of these compounds vary in the range 480–638 nm depending on the electronic effects of the substituents on the central phenol ring. These compounds were found to act as selective and sensitive fluorescence turn‐off chemosensors for Co2+ ions and the detection limits exhibited by these chemosensors varied in the range 15.00‐23.09 nM. Analytical application of these compounds for sensing cobalt from tap water in nanomolar levels is demonstrated. Preliminary investigations conducted using HeLa cells revealed their potential for sensing cobalt in biological systems.
Influence of sequential inoculum of Starmerella bacillaris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on flavonoid composition of monovarietal Sangiovese wines
Authors: Mangani Silvia , Buscioni Giacomo , Guerrini Simona , Granchi Lisa
Published: May 2020

The selection of Starmerella bacillaris strains to be used with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as mixed cultures has been recently suggested in order to produce wines containing lower ethanol and higher glycerol concentrations and to promote fructose degradation due to their fructophilic character. However, studies about effects of such mixed starter cultures on phenolic compounds, which are responsible for the colour and health‐enhancing properties in red wines, are currently lacking. Therefore, in this work, the influence of sequential inoculated fermentation (SIF) with Starm. bacillaris and S. cerevisiae on phenolic content of monovarietal Sangiovese wine was evaluated by fermentations at laboratory scale. Axenic fermentations (AXFs) with S. cerevisiae were performed as control. S. cerevisiae attained higher cell densities in AXF compared with SIF. The experimental wines obtained by SIF showed significant lower ethanol and higher glycerol concentrations, whereas no significant difference was detected in colour intensity. The total phenol index reached significantly lower values in SIF. Furthermore, the wines produced by SIF contained higher concentrations of vitisin A that has a greater colour stability than the anthocyanin monomer. Finally, a lower content of both free anthocyanins and flavan‐3‐ols, key compounds for wine quality possessing also health‐enhancing properties, was found in wines obtained by SIF. On the contrary, no significant difference was detected on flavonol concentration between SIF and AXF. This study highlighted that the use of sequential inoculum of Starm. bacillaris and S. cerevisiae can contribute to increasing the colour stability of red wines, even if at the expense of compounds with health properties.
Prediction models for development of retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and external validation in a Dutch primary care setting
Authors: van der Heijden Amber A. , Nijpels Giel , Badloe Fariza , Lovejoy Heidi L. , Peelen Linda M. , Feenstra Talitha L. , Moons Karel G. M. , Slieker Roderick C. , Herings Ron M. C. , Elders Petra J. M. , Beulens Joline W.
Published: May 2020

Aims/hypothesis

The aims of this study were to identify all published prognostic models predicting retinopathy risk applicable to people with type 2 diabetes, to assess their quality and accuracy, and to validate their predictive accuracy in a head-to-head comparison using an independent type 2 diabetes cohort.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase in December 2019. Studies that met the following criteria were included: (1) the model was applicable in type 2 diabetes; (2) the outcome was retinopathy; and (3) follow-up was more than 1 year. Screening, data extraction (using the checklist for critical appraisal and data extraction for systemic reviews of prediction modelling studies [CHARMS]) and risk of bias assessment (by prediction model risk of bias assessment tool [PROBAST]) were performed independently by two reviewers. Selected models were externally validated in the large Hoorn Diabetes Care System (DCS) cohort in the Netherlands. Retinopathy risk was calculated using baseline data and compared with retinopathy incidence over 5 years. Calibration after intercept adjustment and discrimination (Harrell’s C statistic) were assessed.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, reporting on 16 models. Outcomes ranged from referable retinopathy to blindness. Discrimination was reported in seven studies with C statistics ranging from 0.55 (95% CI 0.54, 0.56) to 0.84 (95% CI 0.78, 0.88). Five studies reported on calibration. Eight models could be compared head-to-head in the DCS cohort (N = 10,715). Most of the models underestimated retinopathy risk. Validating the models against different severities of retinopathy, C statistics ranged from 0.51 (95% CI 0.49, 0.53) to 0.89 (95% CI 0.88, 0.91).

Conclusions/interpretation

Several prognostic models can accurately predict retinopathy risk in a population-based type 2 diabetes cohort. Most of the models include easy-to-measure predictors enhancing their applicability. Tailoring retinopathy screening frequency based on accurate risk predictions may increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of diabetic retinopathy care.

Registration

PROSPERO registration ID CRD42018089122
A molecular dynamics based digital twin for ultrafast laser material removal processes
Authors: Stavropoulos Panagiotis , Papacharalampopoulos Alexios , Athanasopoulou Lydia
Published: May 2020

Within the latest years, digital twins have become one of the most promising concepts that can be applied to complex manufacturing processes, due to their accuracy and adaptiveness in real-time what-if scenarios. In the current study, the process of material removal utilizing femtolasers has been examined both theoretically, with the use of molecular dynamics based simulations, and experimentally. The simulation responses are integrated into a digital twin utilizing machine learning techniques, physics and decision-making algorithms. The experimental data from the femtolaser ablation have been compared with the simulation results and the applicability of the digital twin model has been evaluated.
Human variability in isoform-specific UDP-glucuronosyltransferases: markers of acute and chronic exposure, polymorphisms and uncertainty factors
Authors: Kasteel E. E. J. , Darney K. , Kramer N. I. , Dorne J. L. C. M. , Lautz L. S.
Published: May 2020

UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are involved in phase II conjugation reactions of xenobiotics and differences in their isoform activities result in interindividual kinetic differences of UGT probe substrates. Here, extensive literature searches were performed to identify probe substrates (14) for various UGT isoforms (UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, UGT2B7 and UGT2B15) and frequencies of human polymorphisms. Chemical-specific pharmacokinetic data were collected in a database to quantify interindividual differences in markers of acute (Cmax) and chronic (area under the curve, clearance) exposure. Using this database, UGT-related uncertainty factors were derived and compared to the default factor (i.e. 3.16) allowing for interindividual differences in kinetics. Overall, results show that pharmacokinetic data are predominantly available for Caucasian populations and scarce for other populations of different geographical ancestry. Furthermore, the relationships between UGT polymorphisms and pharmacokinetic parameters are rarely addressed in the included studies. The data show that UGT-related uncertainty factors were mostly below the default toxicokinetic uncertainty factor of 3.16, with the exception of five probe substrates (1-OH-midazolam, ezetimibe, raltegravir, SN38 and trifluoperazine), with three of these substrates being metabolised by the polymorphic isoform 1A1. Data gaps and future work to integrate UGT-related variability distributions with in vitro data to develop quantitative in vitro–in vivo extrapolations in chemical risk assessment are discussed.
Safe Strategy to Initiate Total Laparoscopic Donor Right Hepatectomy: A Stepwise Approach From a Laparoscopy‐Assisted Method
Authors: Lei Hao‐Jan , Lin Niang‐Cheng , Chen Cheng‐Yen , Chou Shu‐Cheng , Chung Meng‐Hsuan , Shyr Bor‐Uei , Tsai Hsin‐Lin , Hsia Cheng‐Yuan , Liu Chin‐Su , Loong Che‐Chuan
Published: May 2020

Background

Total laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (TLDRH) for adult living liver donors has been reported by a few experienced centers, but with limited cases, its safety and feasibility remain controversial. We report our experience initiating TLDRH using a stepwise approach to gradually convert laparoscopy‐assisted donor right hepatectomy (LADRH) to TLDRH.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 61 LADRHs, 56 conventional open donor right hepatectomies (CODRHs), and 3 TLDRHs performed between March 2014 and June 2018.

Results

There were no significant differences in perioperative outcomes between donors undergoing LADRH and CODRH, except for a slight elevations in the operative time (436.5 vs 392.9 min, p < 0.001) and the graft warm ischemic time (5.4 vs 4.0 min, p < 0.001) in the LADRH group. The recipients' posttransplant one‐year survival rates in the LADRH and CODRH groups were also similar (93.2% and 94.6%, p = 0.384). For three donors in whom TLDRH was converted from LADRH in a stepwise manner, the average operative time and blood loss were 570 min and 316.7 ml, respectively. Donors were discharged on postoperative day 10 without any surgical complications.

Conclusions

LADRH can be performed routinely on liver living donors. A stepwise approach could be adopted to “covert” suitable donors from LADRH to a total laparoscopic procedure to maximize donor safety. This strategy is reliable and could be reproduced in most LDLT centers.
Efficacy of a standardized tube weaning program in pediatric patients with feeding difficulties after successful repair of their esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Marinschek Sabine , Pahsini Karoline , Aguiriano-Moser Victor , Russell Marion , Plecko Barbara , Reininghaus Eva Z. , Till Holger , Dunitz-Scheer Marguerite
Published: May 2020

Children born with esophageal atresia (EA) might suffer from significant oral feeding problems which could evolve into tube dependency. The primary aim of the study was to define the outcome of tube weaning in children after successful EA repair and to compare outcomes in children with short gap/TEF (tracheoesophageal fistula) and long-gap EA. Data of 64 children (28 with short-gap EA/TEF with primary anastomosis and 36 with long-gap EA with delayed surgical repair) who participated in a standardized tube weaning program based on the “Graz model of tube weaning” (in/outpatients in an intensive 3-week program, online coaching (Netcoaching) only, or a combined 2-week intensive onsite followed by online treatment “Eating School”) from 2009 to 2019 was evaluated. Sixty-one patients completed the program by transitioning to exclusive oral intake (95.3%). Three children (4.7%) were left partially weaned at the time of discharge. No significant differences could be found between short gap/TEF and long-gap EA group regarding outcomes.

Conclusions: The study’s findings support the efficacy of tube weaning based on the published “Graz model of tube weaning” for children born with EA/TEF and indicate the necessity of specialized tube weaning programs for these patients.

What is Known:• Children with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula often suffer from feeding problems and tube dependency.• Different tube weaning programs and outcomes have been published, but not specifically for children with EA.

What is New:• Evaluation of a large sample of children referred for tube weaning after EA repair.• Most children with EA can be weaned off their feeding tubes successfully after attending a specialized tube weaning program.
Resistance exercise and breast cancer–related lymphedema—a systematic review update and meta-analysis
Authors: Hasenoehrl Timothy , Palma Stefano , Ramazanova Dariga , Kölbl Heinz , Dorner Thomas E. , Keilani Mohammad , Crevenna Richard
Published: May 2020

Background

The purpose of this systematic review update and meta-analysis was to analyze resistance exercise (RE) intervention trials in breast cancer survivors (BCS) regarding their effect on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) status and upper and lower extremity strength.

Methods

Systematic literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases. Any exercise intervention studies—both randomized controlled and uncontrolled—which assessed the effects of RE on BCRL in BCS in at least one intervention group published between 1966 and 31st January 2020 were included. Included articles were analyzed regarding their level of evidence and their methodological quality using respective tools for randomized and nonrandomized trials of the Cochrane collaboration. Meta-analysis for bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) values as well as upper and lower extremity strength was conducted.

Results

Altogether, 29 studies were included in the systematic review. Results of six studies with altogether twelve RE intervention groups could be pooled for meta-analysis of the BCRL. A significant reduction of BCRL after RE was seen in BIS values (95% CI − 1.10 [− 2.19, − 0.01] L-Dex score). Furthermore, strength results of six studies could be pooled and meta-analysis showed significant improvements of muscular strength in the upper and lower extremities (95% CI 8.96 [3.42, 14.51] kg and 95% CI 23.42 [11.95, 34.88] kg, respectively).

Conclusion

RE does not have a systematic negative effect on BCRL and, on the contrary, potentially decreases it.
A theoretical study of chemical bonding and topological and electrostatic properties of the anti-leprosy drug dapsone
Authors: Rajendran Niranjana Devi , Mookan Natarajan , Samuel Israel , Mookan Sarath Babu , Munusamy Govindarajan , Gurudeeban Selvaraj , Kaliamurthi Satyavani
Published: May 2020

The theoretical charge density study for the gas phase of anti-leprosy drug Dapsone has been carried out in the light of the theory of atoms in molecules using density functional theory employing B3LYP(6-311G++(d, p) hybrid functional completed with dispersion corrections. The Hirshfeld surface analysis as well as fingerprint plots has been utilized to visualize and quantify the intermolecular contacts present in the molecule. The topological properties such as electron density and its Laplacian, delocalization index have been elucidated to throw light into the chemical bonding and atomic and molecular details. The electron localization function has been used to visualize and deduce information on the lone pair and the subshells of the Cl atom. The electrostatic potential visualizes the positive and negative electrostatic potential regions which are susceptible to nucleophilic and electrophilic attack. On the whole, this study provides an exact mechanism, interaction, and topological and electrostatic properties of the drug through theoretical insights which all will be a platform for our further investigation of the interaction between dapsone and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS).
Environmental Inequality and Economic Valuation
Authors: Meya Jasper N.
Published: May 2020

I study how the economic value of a heterogeneously distributed environmental public good depends on how the endowment with this good and income are distributed. I find that the effect of environmental inequality on the societal willingness to pay (WTP) for the environmental good is determined both by its substitutability and by the correlation of its provision with income. Specifically, environmental inequality decreases societal WTP for substitutes, but this effect is reversed if the environmental good is a complement or distributed strongly in favour of richer households. Moreover, I show that richer households living in places where environmental good endowment is high increases (decreases) societal WTP if and only if the environmental good is a substitute for (complement to) consumption goods. I propose novel adjustment factors for structural benefit transfer to control for differences in the spatial distribution of environmental goods. Using forest preservation in Poland as an empirical example, I find that societal WTP is up to 4% higher for equal access to forests and up to 8% higher for an equal distribution of both income and access to forests.
Antipsychotic use in dementia: the relationship between neuropsychiatric symptom profiles and adverse outcomes
Authors: Mueller Christoph , John Christeena , Perera Gayan , Aarsland Dag , Ballard Clive , Stewart Robert
Published: May 2020

Antipsychotic treatments are associated with safety concerns in people with dementia. The authors aimed to investigate whether risk of adverse outcomes related to antipsychotic prescribing differed according to major neuropsychiatric syndromes—specifically psychosis, agitation, or a combination. A cohort of 10,106 patients with a diagnosis of dementia was assembled from a large dementia care database in South East London. Neuropsychiatric symptoms closest to first dementia diagnosis were determined according to the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales’ mental and behavioural problem scores and the sample was divided into four groups: ‘agitation and psychosis’, ‘agitation, but no psychosis’, ‘psychosis, but no agitation’, and ‘neither psychosis nor agitation’. Antipsychotic prescription in a one-year window around first dementia diagnosis was ascertained as exposure variable through natural language processing from free text. Cox regression models were used to analyse associations of antipsychotic prescription with all-cause and stroke-specific mortality, emergency hospitalisation and hospitalised stroke adjusting for sixteen potential confounders including demographics, cognition, functioning, as well as physical and mental health. Only in the group ‘psychosis, but no agitation’ (n = 579), 30% of whom were prescribed an antipsychotic, a significant antipsychotic-associated increased risk of hospitalised stroke was present after adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–4.25). An increased antipsychotic-related all-cause (adjusted HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04–1.24) and stroke-specific mortality risk (adjusted HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.01–1.63) was detected in the whole sample, but no interaction between the strata and antipsychotic-related mortality. In conclusion, the adverse effects of antipsychotics in dementia are complex. Stroke risk may be highest when used in patients presenting with psychosis without agitation, indicating the need for novel interventions for this group.
Semiempirical identification of nonlinear dynamics of a two-degree-of-freedom real torsion pendulum with a nonuniform planar stick–slip friction and elastic barriers
Authors: Lisowski Bartłomiej , Retiere Clement , Moreno José Pablo Garcia , Olejnik Paweł
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the nonlinear dynamics of the double torsion pendulum with planar friction and elastic barriers. The original experimental stand consists of a disk-shaped body that rotates freely on top of a forced column with a system of barriers limiting the torsional vibrations of the pendulum bodies that create an nonuniform planar rotational friction contact. Two beam springs form soft barriers modeled by Voigt elements that limit the angular displacement of one of the pendulum bodies—the disk, while the second limiting system, made of a much more rigid barrier, limits the movement of the pendulum’s second body. The dynamic behavior of the asymmetrical system of two degrees of freedom with discontinuities is identified with the use of the described strategy, numerical solutions of the derived mathematical model and the Nelder–Mead simplex algorithm. The actual measurement series and numerical solutions show a good similarity of the dynamical reaction of the mechanical system and its virtual analog.
Is there a golden age in publication activity?—an analysis of age-related scholarly performance across all scientific disciplines
Authors: Győrffy Balázs , Csuka Gyöngyi , Herman Péter , Török Ádám
Published: May 2020

We examined whether the publication characteristics of various scientific disciplines exhibit age-related trends. Our analysis was based on two large data sets comprising all major scientific disciplines. Citation data for European Research Council grant holders (ERC,n = 756) were obtained from Google Scholar. Publication data for Hungarian researchers (HUN,n = 2469) were obtained from the Hungarian Scientific Work Archive. The evaluated performance parameters include the number of citations received and the number of high quality first/last author papers published in the last five years. We designated the time between maximum growth and the achieved maximal annual value of total citations as the Golden Age of a researcher. Regarding citation growth, the mean age at the highest growth was 41.75 and 41.53 years for ERC grantees and Hungarian researchers, respectively. Each discipline had different values, with mathematics (38.5 years, ERC) and biology (34.7 years, HUN) having the youngest mean age of highest citation growth and agriculture (45.2 years, ERC) and language sciences (49.9 years, HUN) having the oldest mean age. The maximal growth of publications occurred at 44.5 years, with physics starting first (40.5 years, HUN) and language sciences as last (51.4 years, HUN). Most academic careers require decades to reach their peak and the length of the period of maximum performance varies across disciplines. The most creative time period is rising and is currently in the second half of the forties. Identifying the Golden Age in diverse research careers may be of substantial help in the distribution of grants and tenure positions.
Sophistry about symmetries?
Authors: Martens Niels C. M. , Read James
Published: May 2020

A common adage runs that, given a theory manifesting symmetries, the syntax of that theory should be modified in order to construct a new theory, from which symmetry-variant structure of the original theory has been excised. Call this strategy for explicating the underlying ontology of symmetry-related models reduction. Recently, Dewar has proposed an alternative to reduction as a means of articulating the ontology of symmetry-related models—what he calls (external) sophistication, in which the semantics of the original theory is modified, and symmetry-related models of that theory are treated as if they are isomorphic. In this paper, we undertake a critical evaluation of sophistication about symmetries—we find the programme underdeveloped in a number of regards. In addition, we clarify the interplay between sophistication about symmetries, and a separate debate to which Dewar has contributed—viz., that between interpretational versus motivational approaches to symmetry transformations.
Exploring Elimination Kinetics of Four 5-Nitrofuran Derivatives by Microbes Present in Rural and Municipal Activated Sludge
Authors: Pacholak Amanda , Zdarta Agata , Frankowski Robert , Cybulski Zefiryn , Kaczorek Ewa
Published: May 2020

The wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the biggest reservoirs of pharmaceutical residues discharged into the environment. Among many pharmaceuticals, derivatives of 5-nitrofuran, whose cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity have been proved, are widely used. The ability of such compounds to accumulate in water and sediments motivated us to analyze the ability of microbial communities of rural and municipal WWTPs to eliminate nitrofurantoin (NFT), nitrofurazone (NFZ), furaltadone (FTD), and furazolidone (FZD). Metagenomic analysis of microbial communities in rural and municipal activated sludge has provided information about the bacterial biodiversity in the WWTPs. In both samples, the most dominant phylum in terms of abundance was Proteobacteria followed by Bacteroidetes; however, microbial community of the municipal WWTP exhibited greater biodiversity than the one of the rural WWTP. The results of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis of the samples and elimination kinetic calculations allowed the determination of FZD, FTD, NFT, and NFZ elimination half-time varying from 104 to 327 h and test system first-order half-lives in the examined WWTP samples (from 31 to 231 h). Moreover, a comparison of the effectiveness of the microbials from two treatment plants, a rural one and a municipal one, revealed the poorer performance of the microbial communities from the smaller, rural WWTP in disposal of the analyzed pharmaceuticals, as after 24 days, the rural WWTP community was able to eliminate from 20 to 62% of 5-nitrofuran derivatives, while the municipal consortium removed over 85% of the compounds from the cultures.
Ceramic water filter for point-of-use water treatment in developing countries: Principles, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Xu Shangping , Chitwood Derek E. , Wang Yin
Published: May 2020

Drinking water source contamination poses a great threat to human health in developing countries. Point-of-use (POU) water treatment techniques, which improve drinking water quality at the household level, offer an affordable and convenient way to obtain safe drinking water and thus can reduce the outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Ceramic water filters (CWFs), fabricated from locally sourced materials and manufactured by local labor, are one of the most socially acceptable POU water treatment technologies because of their effectiveness, low-cost and ease of use. This review concisely summarizes the critical factors that influence the performance of CWFs, including (1) CWF manufacturing process (raw material selection, firing process, silver impregnation), and (2) source water quality. Then, an in-depth discussion is presented with emphasis on key research efforts to address two major challenges of conventional CWFs, including (1) simultaneous increase of filter flow rate and bacterial removal efficiency, and (2) removal of various concerning pollutants, such as viruses and metal(loid)s. To promote the application of CWFs, future research directions can focus on: (1) investigation of pore size distribution and pore structure to achieve higher flow rates and effective pathogen removal by elucidating pathogen transport in porous ceramic and adjusting manufacture parameters; and (2) exploration of new surface modification approaches with enhanced interaction between a variety of contaminants and ceramic surfaces.
Daytime concentrations of minor and trace elements in atmospheric aerosols at four sampling sites of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mmari Albert Geoffrey , Hassan Hassan Ali , Bencs László
Published: May 2020

Tropospheric aerosols (total suspended particulate, TSP) were sampled at four sampling sites of various anthropogenic impact (industrial, commercial, heavy trafficked, and mixed urban influence), located in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital of Tanzania. Air concentrations of minor and trace elements (Al, As, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, S, Si, Sb, and Zn) in TSP were determined by means of wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). From these data, the main ionic composition of particulate matter was inferred by means of a species correlation/ratio-derived approach, based on former studies of the region. Enrichment factors, bivariate correlations, diagnostic ratios, and chemical mass closures were calculated utilizing the concentration data of TSP constituents for each site in order to reveal the emission sources. A couple of diagnostic ratios (Ni/Cd, Zn/Cd, Br/Ni, Ni/Sb) were useful for source identification, e.g., motor vehicle exhaust and non-exhaust emissions. Significant increases in concentrations of As, Br, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were observed, as compared to results for the city before 2010. Moreover, first-time air levels are reported for Cd and Sb, which are important markers of non-exhaust emissions. Air quality indices and calculations with the AIRQ+ model have foreseen increases in the negative health effects of the sensitive groups of the local population at the study areas, especially those with heavy traffic, industrial, and/or mixed urban influence.
1H, 13C and 15N assignment of the paramagnetic high potential iron–sulfur protein (HiPIP) PioC from Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1
Authors: Trindade Inês B. , Invernici Michele , Cantini Francesca , Louro Ricardo O. , Piccioli Mario
Published: May 2020

High potential iron–sulfur proteins (HiPIPs) are a class of small proteins (50–100 aa residues), containing a 4Fe–4S iron–sulfur cluster. The 4Fe–4S cluster shuttles between the oxidation states [Fe4S4]3+/2+, with a positive redox potential in the range (500–50 mV) throughout the different known HiPIPs. Both oxidation states are paramagnetic at room temperature. HiPIPs are electron transfer proteins, isolated from photosynthetic bacteria and usually provide electrons to the photosynthetic reaction-center. PioC, the HIPIP isolated from Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1, is the smallest among all known HiPIPs. Despite their small dimensions, an extensive NMR assignment is only available for two of them, because paramagnetism prevents the straightforward assignment of all resonances. We report here the complete NMR assignment of 1H, 13C and 15N signals for the reduced [Fe4S4]2+ state of the protein. A set of double and triple resonance experiments performed with standardized parameters/datasets provided the assignment of about 72% of the residues. The almost complete resonance assignment (99.5% of backbone and ca. 90% of side chain resonances) was achieved by combining the above information with those obtained using a second set of NMR experiments, in which acquisition and processing parameters, as well as pulse sequences design, were optimized to account for the peculiar features of this paramagnetic protein.
Linking aviation security failures to human-mediated error. A review of the related literatures with directions for policy and research
Authors: McFarlane Paul
Published: May 2020

Given the continued growth of air traffic demand and the importance of preventing aviation security failures in this increasingly complex system, this paper offers a review of the relevant literatures relating to the linkages between aviation security failures and human-mediated error. It argues that academics, security professionals and policymakers have given very little consideration to the complexity of these linkages; understanding how human errors can create hidden modes of failure that can be exploited by terrorists and other threat groups. This paper discusses how the literatures in other related fields can be used to explain how human-mediated errors are created and incubated, and how these error types can evolve to become system vulnerabilities and exploitable modes of aviation security failure. The paper concludes by identifying a significant gap in the current theoretical discourse. Implications for actionable policy and research recommendations include taking a fresh approach to proactively mitigating risk; implementing an over-arching risk management strategy which includes analysing data relating to aviation security failures and developing predictive models to detect abnormal and sub-optimal security performance.
External Mindfulness
Authors: Anālayo Bhikkhu
Published: May 2020

Descriptions of the formal cultivation of mindfulness in theSatipaṭṭhāna-suttaand its parallels highlight that such practice has “internal” and “external” dimensions. Later traditions reflect a variety of viewpoints on the implications of these dimensions of establishing mindfulness. Perhaps due to the resultant uncertainty, contemporary research on the potential applicability and benefits of mindfulness has so far predominantly focused on the internal aspects. An examination of theSatipaṭṭhāna-suttaand its parallels from the historical viewpoint of their gradual evolution can help to clarify that the chief concern of such external cultivation is directing mindfulness to others.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of hydrothermally synthesized n-type Se&Lu-codoped Bi2Te3
Authors: Shi Xiaolei , Ai Xin , Zhang Qihao , Lu Xiaofang , Gu Shijia , Su Li , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Wan
Published: May 2020

N-type Se&Lu-codoped Bi2Te3nanopowders were prepared by hydrothermal method and sintered by spark plasma sintering technology to form dense samples. By further doping Se element into Lu-doped Bi2Te3samples, the thickness of the nanosheets has the tendency to become thinner. The electrical conductivity of Lu0.1Bi1.9Te3−xSexmaterial is reduced with the increasing Se content due to the reduced carrier concentration, while the Seeback coefficient values are enhanced. The lattice thermal conductivity of the Lu0.1Bi1.9Te3−xSexis greatly reduced due to the introduced point defects and atomic mass fluctuation. Finally, the Lu0.1Bi1.9Te2.7Se0.3sample obtained a maximumZTvalue of 0.85 at 420 K. This study provides a low-cost and simple low-temperature method to mass production of Se&Lu-codoped Bi2Te3with high thermoelectric performance for practical applications.