bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative degradation analysis of different photovoltaic technologies on experimentally simulated water bodies and estimation of evaporation loss reduction
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kumar Arun , Gupta Rajesh
Published: November 2020

Degradation of photovoltaic (PV) systems on water bodies can be matter of serious concern due to high humid environmental conditions above water surface as compared with land surface. The primary objective of this study is to assess the reliability of various PV technologies for megawatt‐scale installations by analyzing their degradation on water bodies. An experimental study has been performed for 13 months on three commercially available PV technologies, namely, multicrystalline‐Si (m‐Si), heterojunction intrinsic thin layer (HIT), and cadmium telluride (CdTe). Degradation of these PV technologies on water and comparison of their degradation with respective land‐mounted PV technologies have been presented. Various approaches have been implemented for degradation analysis. The degradation in electrical parameters of all PV modules has been measured. Also, a mathematical PV model has been developed to analyze the internal parameters degradation in different PV technologies. Moreover, thermal imaging has been conducted to distinguish various defects in all PV modules. Evaporation reduction is a significant aspect of water‐mounted PV systems, and thus, analytical model to estimate evaporation has been developed and experimentally validated in this study. The HIT PV technology is observed to be degrading almost at the same rate of about 0.50% on both water and land surfaces, whereas degradation of water‐mounted m‐Si module has been found 1.32% which is significantly higher than the corresponding land‐mounted module which has degradation of 0.93%. Degradation in CdTe modules is 1.68% on water, which is marginally higher than corresponding land‐based module that has degradation of 1.41%.
Increasing joint attention and social play through peer‐mediated intervention: A single case design
Authors: Krier Jessie , Lambros Katina M.
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a peer‐mediated intervention on joint attention (JA) and social play skills for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a multiple baseline design. Peer‐mediated interventions are an evidence‐based practice, but there is limited research on using peers outside of the target student's classroom and using them with severely impacted students. In this study, the research team trained third‐grade peers to work with preschoolers with ASD in one‐on‐one play sessions. JA, parallel play, and common focus play were increased during intervention, while solitary and unoccupied play were decreased. Social validity was high as reported by participants. This study provides promising data for increased inclusion of severely impacted students, with benefits for all students involved.
Is there a future for the use of left ventricular assist devices in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Authors: Hayes Emily A. , Nandi Deipanjan
Published: November 2020

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy resulting in progressive muscle wasting and weakness. With advancements in respiratory care and the use of glucocorticoids, cardiomyopathy has surpassed respiratory compromise as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. As muscular dystrophy remains a relative contraindication to heart transplantation, end‐stage heart failure management represents a major therapeutic challenge. Long‐term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy has emerged as a promising management strategy to improve the survival and quality of life in DMD cardiomyopathy. Preoperative planning, optimal patient selection, aggressive postoperative rehabilitation, and continued discussion of goals of care are critical considerations for the appropriate use of LVAD in DMD patients with cardiomyopathy.
Predicting cryptic ligand binding sites based on normal modes guided conformational sampling
Authors: Zheng Wenjun
Published: November 2020

To greatly expand the druggable genome, fast and accurate predictions of cryptic sites for small molecules binding in target proteins are in high demand. In this study, we have developed a fast and simple conformational sampling scheme guided by normal modes solved from the coarse‐grained elastic models followed by atomistic backbone refinement and side‐chain repacking. Despite the observations of complex and diverse conformational changes associated with ligand binding, we found that simply sampling along each of the lowest 30 modes is near optimal for adequately restructuring cryptic sites so they can be detected by existing pocket finding programs like fpocket and concavity. We further trained machine‐learning protocols to optimize the combination of the sampling‐enhanced pocket scores with other dynamic and conservation scores, which only slightly improved the performance. As assessed based on a training set of 84 known cryptic sites and a test set of 14 proteins, our method achieved high accuracy of prediction (with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve >0.8) comparable to the CryptoSite server. Compared with CryptoSite and other methods based on extensive molecular dynamics simulation, our method is much faster (1‐2 hours for an average‐size protein) and simpler (using only pocket scores), so it is suitable for high‐throughput processing of large datasets of protein structures at the genome scale.
Generalized unitary coupled cluster excitations for multireference molecular states optimized by the variational quantum eigensolver
Authors: Greene‐Diniz Gabriel , Muñoz Ramo David
Published: November 2020

The variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithm, designed to calculate the energy of molecular ground states on near‐term quantum computers, requires specification of symmetries that describe the system, for example, spin state and number of electrons. This opens the possibility of using VQE to obtain excited states as the lowest‐energy solutions of a given set of symmetries. In this paper, the performances of various unitary coupled cluster (UCC) ansätze applied to VQE calculations on excited states are investigated using quantum circuits designed to represent single reference and multireference wavefunctions to calculate energy curves with respect to variations in the molecular geometry. These ansätze include standard Unitary Coupled Cluster Singles and Doubles (UCCSD), as well as modified versions of Unitary Coupled Cluster Generalized Singles and Doubles (UCCGSD) and k‐UpCCGSD, which are engineered to tackle excited states without undesired spin symmetry crossover to lower states during VQE optimization. These studies are carried out on a range of systems, including H2, H3, H4, NH, OH+, CH2, and , covering examples of spin singlet, doublet, and triplet molecular ground states with single and multireference excited states. In most cases, our calculations are in excellent agreement with results from full‐configuration interaction calculations on classical machines, thus showing that the VQE algorithm is capable of calculating the lowest excited state at a certain symmetry, including multireference closed‐ and open‐shell states, by setting appropriate restrictions on the excitations considered in the cluster operator and appropriate constraints in the qubit register encoding the starting mean field state.
Ecosystem dynamics of crop–pasture rotations in a fifty‐year field experiment in southern South America: Century model and field results
Authors: Baethgen Walter E. , Parton William J. , Rubio Valentina , Kelly Robin H. , M. Lutz Susan
Published: November 2020

The Century model was used to simulate soil C and N cycling and crop production dynamics in an ongoing field experiment in Uruguay (started in 1963). The model was calibrated using observed data from three treatments (crop or crop–pasture rotations) and validated with a fourth treatment. The model correctly predicted the impact of different treatments on microbial biomass, N mineralization, soil respiration, and crop yields. The model and observed data show that soil respiration, N mineralization, soil C, and crop yields increase with increasing plant‐derived C inputs caused by increasing the frequency of pastures in the rotations. This is one of the first papers that show the strong positive correlation of observed soil C with plant C soil inputs to field‐observed microbial biomass, soil respiration, and N mineralization. The results also showed that reducing tillage and transitioning to a no‐till system increased soil C and reduced soil erosion. The main path of soil C losses was heterotrophic microbial respiration, which accounted for 66% of the total C lost in a continuous crop rotation and no fertilizers, 71% in a continuous crop rotation with fertilizers, and 86% in a crop–pasture rotation with fertilizers. Model results from a degraded cropping system showed that adding grass–clover (Trifoliumspp.) pastures greatly increased plant production and soil C, whereas reducing the frequency of grass–clover pastures in high‐fertility cropping systems from 50% of the time to 25% reduces crop yields and soil C. Including cover crops substantially increases crop production and maintains soil C in high‐fertility and degraded cropping systems.
Design and Development of Cholinesterase Dual Inhibitors towards Alzheimer's Disease Treatment: A Focus on Recent Contributions from Computational and Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Adeowo Fatima Y. , Lawal Monsurat M. , Kumalo Hezekiel M.
Published: November 2020

In recent times, review topics on Alzheimer's disease (AD) have received massive attention, especially on drug design and development of potent inhibitors targeting specific pathway(s) of this multifaceted disease. Drug design and development through the use of computer has taken an intriguing dimension over the last two decades, and AD drug design is not an exception. Computational approaches have found usage in identifying potentially active molecules targeting specific enzyme or gene in the pathological pathway of a disease such as AD. Herein, we present an overview of research contributions over the last ten years from different authors who had used computational approaches to explore potent dual inhibitors of the cholinesterase enzymes linked with AD pathogenesis. We gave an introductory background of the disease, highlight challenges of in silico approach to drug design, and discuss its pros and cons. The overview also covers previously reported review works which are related to the topic. We proposed that continued research efforts to unravel more effective dual acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors through computational tools could plausibly be a successful approach to AD cure. Computational researchers should leverage on the available cost‐effective resources to identify lead compounds and work in collaboration with experimental personnel to push their discovery forward.
Development of Mango Peel Derived Activated Carbon‐Nickel Nanocomposite as an Adsorbent towards Removal of Heavy Metal and Organic Dye Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Bose Saswata , Ghosh Anirban , Das Arit , Rahaman Mehabub
Published: November 2020

In this study activated carbon has been prepared using waste mango fruit peels as the precursor in a facile manner (MAC). In order to increase the efficiency and regenerability of activated carbon, nickel nanoparticles were impregnated. Morphological and crystalline structures of the prepared composite were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. MAC/Ni as an adsorbent was found to remove 98 % and 93 % of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye and manganese ions (Mn2+) from their aqueous solutions. The regeneration study demonstrated that after the completion of five adsorption cycles, the removal efficiency for RhB and Mn2+ was 88.7 % and 85.2 %, respectively, corroborating the reusability of the prepared adsorbent. The kinetics of the adsorption of RhB and Mn2+ ions on the surface of nanocomposite was found to follow the pseudo‐second order model with a great degree of accuracy (R2∼0.99). The value of the equilibrium parameter RL was found to be 0.015 and 0.003 respectively for RhB and Mn2+ at 303 K which suggested that the Langmuir isotherm could be used to describe the favorable adsorption of the RhB dye and Mn2+ ions on the adsorbent under the conditions used in the study.
Neptunium(V) Complexes with Lipophilic N‐Donor Extractant Ligands
Authors: Andreev Grigory , Budantseva Nina
Published: November 2020

Neptunium(V) complexes with N‐donor lipophilic extractants, 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (Terpy), 2,4,6‐tri‐2‐pyridyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (TPTZ), and 6,6’‐bis(5,6‐diethyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)‐2,2’bipyridine (C2‐BTBP), have been synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography as well as vis‐NIR and IR spectroscopy. The structures display coordination of one N‐donor ligand to the NpO2+group. In all cases, the Np atom is found in a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination environment. The structures exhibit 0D topologies, except the neptunium formate complex with terpyridine, where the anion acts as a bridging ligand and forms an infinite chain structure. The complex with C2‐BTBP is the first example of a structurally characterized Np complex with this ligand. Vis‐NIR and IR spectra of the compounds correlate with their crystal structures.
Analysis of the Stable Interphase Responsible for the Excellent Electrochemical Performance of Graphite Electrodes in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Yang Haoyi , Liu Yiran , Bai Ying , Chen Guanghai , Li Ying , Wang Xinran , Xu Huajie , Wu Chuan , Lu Jun
Published: November 2020

Considerable efforts have been exerted to understand the formation and properties of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in sodium ion batteries. However, the puzzling existence and role of SEI behind the huge volume changes of the graphite electrodes need to be answered. Herein, the reason of how ether‐derived SEI maintains excellent reversibility despite the huge volume changes during cycling is unraveled. Theoretical simulations and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrate the formation mechanism of an SEI between the graphite anode and electrolyte. Furthermore, the high mechanical tolerance of the ether‐derived SEI is confirmed in atomic force microscopy. A depth profile of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy points to a multilayer structure of the ether‐derived SEI. The outer layer comprises organics (sodium alkoxide), while the inorganics (Na2CO3, NaF) in interior region are mixed with some organics. Notably, the presence of organics ensures the adaptability of the SEI to the volume expansion of graphite during cycling, and the concentrated distribution of inorganics improves the Young's modulus (resistance to deformation). Therefore, the graphite anode exhibits high cycle stability (96.6% capacity retention ratio at 1 A g–1 over 860 cycles) and efficiency (≈99.5%).
Beaver: Nature's ecosystem engineers
Authors: Brazier Richard E. , Puttock Alan , Graham Hugh A. , Auster Roger E. , Davies Kye H. , Brown Chryssa M. L.
Published: November 2020

Beavers have the ability to modify ecosystems profoundly to meet their ecological needs, with significant associated hydrological, geomorphological, ecological, and societal impacts. To bring together understanding of the role that beavers may play in the management of water resources, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, this article reviews the state‐of‐the‐art scientific understanding of the beaver as the quintessential ecosystem engineer. This review has a European focus but examines key research considering both Castor fiber—the Eurasian beaver and Castor canadensis—its North American counterpart. In recent decades species reintroductions across Europe, concurrent with natural expansion of refugia populations has led to the return of C. fiber to much of its European range with recent reviews estimating that the C. fiber population in Europe numbers over 1.5 million individuals. As such, there is an increasing need for understanding of the impacts of beaver in intensively populated and managed, contemporary European landscapes. This review summarizes how beaver impact: (a) ecosystem structure and geomorphology, (b) hydrology and water resources, (c) water quality, (d) freshwater ecology, and (e) humans and society. It concludes by examining future considerations that may need to be resolved as beavers further expand in the northern hemisphere with an emphasis upon the ecosystem services that they can provide and the associated management that will be necessary to maximize the benefits and minimize conflicts.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Panel Analysis of the Relationship Between Weather Variability and Sectoral Output in Kenya
Authors: Mulama Olga Nekesa , Kariuki Caroline Wanjiru
Published: November 2020

Climate change and economic growth are closely connected. Climate change has the potential to reduce economic growth in developing countries due to their limited ability to respond to the negative impacts of a changing climate. A better understanding of weather variability can enhance climate change policies, which would help to support economic growth in these countries. As such, this research sought to examine if there is a long-run relationship between sectoral output and weather variables (temperature and rainfall) and to analyze the effect of weather variability on sectoral output using a panel of 13 sectors in Kenya.

A Pedroni cointegration test was carried out to find out if there exists a long-run relationship among the variables and thereafter, a fully modified ordinary least squares regression was conducted to establish the effect of weather variability on sectoral output. The results indicate that there is a long-run relationship between temperature and sectoral output. Moreover, temperature has a larger effect on sectoral output compared to rainfall. With the evidence gathered from this research, it can be concluded that weather variability has an economic effect on sectoral output in Kenya. Given this, the Kenyan government needs to take a keen interest in understanding the effect of weather variability on the economy and in the broader picture, take steps to mitigate climate change.
Scattering equations in AdS: scalar correlators in arbitrary dimensions
Authors: Eberhardt Lorenz , Komatsu Shota , Mizera Sebastian
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We introduce a bosonic ambitwistor string theory in AdS space. Even though the theory is anomalous at the quantum level, one can nevertheless use it in the classical limit to derive a novel formula for correlation functions of boundary CFT operators in arbitrary space-time dimensions. The resulting construction can be treated as a natural extension of the CHY formalism for the flat-space S-matrix, as it similarly expresses tree-level amplitudes in AdS as integrals over the moduli space of Riemann spheres with punctures. These integrals localize on an operator-valued version of scattering equations, which we derive directly from the ambitwistor string action on a coset manifold. As a testing ground for this formalism we focus on the simplest case of ambitwistor string coupled to two cur- rent algebras, which gives bi-adjoint scalar correlators in AdS. In order to evaluate them directly, we make use of a series of contour deformations on the moduli space of punctured Riemann spheres and check that the result agrees with tree level Witten diagram computations to all multiplicity. We also initiate the study of eigenfunctions of scattering equations in AdS, which interpolate between conformal partial waves in different OPE channels, and point out a connection to an elliptic deformation of the Calogero-Sutherland model.
COVID-19-Stresstest für die Sicherstellung der Notfallversorgung: Strategie und Maßnahmen der Notfallrettung in Berlin
Authors: Dahmen Janosch , Bäker Linnart , Breuer Florian , Homrighausen Karsten , Pommerenke Christopher , Stiepak Jan-Karl , Poloczek Stefan
Published: November 2020

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie stellt die Notfallversorgung in Deutschland vor eine beispiellose Belastungsprobe. Neben der klinischen Notfallversorgung in den Notaufnahmen der Krankenhäuser kommt der präklinischen Notfallrettung die entscheidende Sicherstellungsaufgabe notfallmedizinischer Gesundheitsversorgung zu. Die Berliner Feuerwehr zeigt in dem vorliegenden Beitrag für die Notfallrettung im Land Berlin neue Wege auf, dieser gewachsenen Verantwortung in der prähospitalen Patientenversorgung gerecht zu werden.

Methode

Es erfolgte eine systematische Darstellung der Herausforderungen und konzeptionellen Antworten der präklinischen Notfallmedizin auf die COVID-19-Pandemie am Beispiel der Notfallrettung im Land Berlin.

Ergebnisse

Die Berliner Feuerwehr koordiniert in einer zentralen Leitstelle für das Land Berlin alle Hilfeersuchen des Notrufs 112. Je 24 h gehen im Mittel 2565 Notrufe ein, aus denen 1271 Einsätze generiert werden. Im Rahmen der Pandemie kam es zu einer deutlichen Zunahme an Einsätzen zu Patienten mit akuten respiratorischen Erkrankungen (ARE). So erfolgten 11 % der Einsätze zu Patienten mit dem Verdacht einer COVID-19-Erkrankung. Die Notrufdauer verlängerte sich bei ergänzender Abfrage des „Pandemie-Protokolls“ im Schnitt um 1:36 min, die Einsatzdauer bei Einsätzen mit Alarmstichwort-Zusatz „akute respiratorische Erkrankung [ARE.]“ im Mittel um 17 min.

Schlussfolgerung

Die andauernde Pandemie macht deutlich, dass Aufgaben und Verantwortung der öffentlichen Träger der Notfallrettung über die unmittelbare, medizinische Gefahrenabwehr für Leib und Leben hinausgehen. Neben einer Lotsen- und Triage-Funktion in der integrierten Leitstelle der Berliner Feuerwehr (112) konnte durch umfassende Maßnahmen der Lageüberwachung, Lagedarstellung und Lagebewältigung trotz Ausfall alternativer, ambulanter Versorgungsangebote u. a. im Bereich der Haus- und Facharztpraxen die Notfall- resp. Gesundheitsversorgung sichergestellt werden.
Mental health of clinical staff working in high-risk epidemic and pandemic health emergencies a rapid review of the evidence and living meta-analysis
Authors: Bell Vaughan , Wade Dorothy
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the potential mental health impact on frontline clinical staff. However, given that poor mental health is common in acute medical staff, we aimed to estimate the additional burden of work involving high exposure to infected patients.

Methods

We report a rapid review, meta-analysis, and living meta-analysis of studies using validated measures from outbreaks of COVID-19, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Results

A random effects meta-analysis found that high-exposure work is not associated with an increased prevalence of above cut-off scoring (anxiety: RR = 1.30, 95% CI 0.87–1.93, Total N = 12,473; PTSD symptoms: RR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.75–1.78, Total N = 6604; depression: RR = 1.50, 95% CI 0.57–3.95, Total N = 12,224). For continuous scoring, high-exposure work was associated with only a small additional burden of acute mental health problems compared to low-exposure work (anxiety: SMD = 0.16, 95% CI 0.02–0.31, Total N = 6493; PTSD symptoms: SMD = 0.20, 95% CI 0.01–0.40, Total N = 5122; depression: SMD = 0.13, 95% CI -0.04–0.31, Total N = 4022). There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

Although epidemic and pandemic response work may add only a small additional burden, improving mental health through service management and provision of mental health services should be a priority given that baseline rates of poor mental health are already very high. As new studies emerge, they are being added to a living meta-analysis where all analysis code and data have been made freely available: https://osf.io/zs7ne/.
Medial stabilised total knee arthroplasty achieves comparable clinical outcomes when compared to other TKA designs: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature
Authors: Nisar Sohail , Ahmad Kashif , Palan Jeya , Pandit Hemant , van Duren Bernard
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare clinical and patient-reported outcome measures of medially stabilised (MS) TKA when compared to other TKA designs.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses algorithm was used. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMCARE databases were searched to June 2020. Studies with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up comparing an MS TKA design to any other TKA design were included. The statistical analysis was completed using Review Manager (RevMan), Version 5.3.

Results

The 22 studies meeting the inclusion criteria included 3011 patients and 4102 TKAs. Overall Oxford Knee Scores were significantly better (p = 0.0007) for MS TKA, but there was no difference in the Forgotten Joint Scores (FJS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS)-Knee, KSS-Function, and range of motion between MS and non-MS TKA designs. Significant differences were noted for sub-group analyses; MS TKA showed significantly worse KSS-Knee (p = 0.02) and WOMAC (p = 0.03) scores when compared to Rotating Platform (RP) TKA while significantly better FJS (p = 0.002) and KSS-knee scores (p = 0.0001) when compared to cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA.

Conclusion

This review and meta-analysis show that MS TKA designs result in both patient and clinical outcomes that are comparable to non-MS implants. These results suggest implant design alone may not provide further improvement in patient outcome following TKA, surgeons must consider other factors, such as alignment to achieve superior outcomes.

Level of evidence

III.
Determining the efficiency of residential electricity consumption
Authors: Andor Mark A. , Bernstein David H. , Sommer Stephan
Published: November 2020

Increasing energy efficiency is a key global policy goal for climate protection. An important step toward an optimal reduction of energy consumption is the identification of energy saving potentials in different sectors and the best strategies for increasing efficiency. This paper analyzes these potentials in the household sector by estimating the degree of inefficiency in the use of electricity and its determinants. Using stochastic frontier analysis and disaggregated household data, we estimate an input requirement function and inefficiency on a sample of 2000 German households. Our results suggest that the mean inefficiency amounts to around 20%, indicating a notable potential for energy savings. Moreover, we find that household size and income are among the main determinants of individual inefficiency. This information can be used to increase the cost-efficiency of programs aimed to enhance energy efficiency.
Inferior performance of established and novel serum inflammatory markers in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections
Authors: Sigmund Irene Katharina , Holinka Johannes , Staats Kevin , Sevelda Florian , Lass Richard , Kubista Bernd , Giurea Alexander , Windhager Reinhard
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Besides other diagnostic test methods, established serum inflammatory markers such as serum C-reactive protein or leukocyte count are widely used preoperatively to aid in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Although low accuracies were reported, these parameters are easily accessible and routinely available. Novel biomarkers with promising results in diagnosing PJI (platelet count to mean platelet volume ratio) or other infectious conditions (percentage of neutrophils, neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio) were described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of established and novel serum inflammatory biomarkers for the diagnosis of PJI so as to compare the results to find the serum inflammatory marker with the best performance.

Methods

In 177 patients with a previous total hip (n = 91) or knee (n = 86) arthroplasty and indicated revision surgery, the diagnostic value of the routinely available serum inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), percentage of neutrophils (%N), neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR), fibrinogen and platelet count to mean platelet volume ratio (PC/mPV) were examined retrospectively via receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUC). The curves were compared using the z-test.

Results

Sensitivities of serum CRP, WBC, %N, NLR, fibrinogen and PC/mPV were calculated with 68%, 36%, 66%, 63%, 69% and 43%, respectively. Specificities were 87%, 89%, 67%, 73%, 89% and 81%, respectively. Serum CRP (0.78) and fibrinogen (0.79) showed significantly better AUCs compared with serum WBC (0.63), %N (0.67), NLR (0.68) and PC/mPV (0.62) (p < 0.0001). Patients with PJI caused by a low-virulent microorganism (median CRP: 17.6 mg/L) obtained lower CRP levels compared with infections caused by high-virulent microorganisms (median CRP: 49.2 mg/L; p = 0.044). The combination of CRP and fibrinogen showed a better sensitivity (77%) with similar specificity (83%) than one method alone but not at a significant level (CRP (p = 0.200); fibrinogen (p = 0.437)).

Conclusion

Serum CRP and fibrinogen showed the best accuracies among these widely available serum inflammatory parameters. However, due to the insufficient performance, these biomarkers can only be recommended as suggestive criteria in diagnosing PJI. The preoperative workup should always be complemented by more specific tests such as synovial fluid analysis.
Overcoming the Arduous Transition for Robotic Hepatopancreatobiliary Cases: A Multi‐Procedure Learning Curve Study Utilizing CUSUM Analysis
Authors: Lim Joseph S. , Jackson Terence , Kurtz James , Cho Edward E. , Vedantam Shyam , Nagatomo Kei , Osman Houssam , Jeyarajah Dhiresh Rohan
Published: November 2020

Background/objective

Quick optimization and mastery of a new technique is an important part of procedural medicine, especially in the field of minimally invasive surgery. Complex surgeries such as robotic pancreaticoduodenectomies (RPD) and robotic distal pancreatectomies (RDP) have a steep learning curve; therefore, findings that can help expedite the burdensome learning process are extremely beneficial. This single‐surgeon study aims to report the learning curves of RDP, RPD, and robotic Heller myotomy (RHM) and to review the results’ implications for the current state of robotic hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery.

Study design

This is a retrospective case series of a prospectively maintained database at a non‐university tertiary care center. Total of 175 patients underwent either RDP, RPD, or RHM with the surgeon (DRJ) from January 2014 to January 2020.

Results

Statistical significance of operating room time (ORT) was noted after 47 cases for RDP (p < 0.05), 51 cases for RPD (p < 0.0001), and 18 cases for RHM (p < 0.05). Mean ORT after the statistical mastery of the procedure for RDP, RPD, and RHM was 124, 232, 93 min, respectively. No statistical significance was noted for estimated blood loss or length of stay.

Conclusions

Robotic HPB procedures have significantly higher learning curves compared to non‐HPB procedures, even for an experienced HPB surgeon with extensive laparoscopic experience. Our RPD curve, however, is quicker than the literature average. We suggest that this is because of the simultaneous implementation of HPB (RDP and RPD) and non‐HPB robotic surgeries with a shorter learning curve—especially foregut procedures such as RHM—into an experienced surgeon's practice. This may accelerate the learning process without compromising patient safety and outcomes.
Correction to: Fully automated body composition analysis in routine CT imaging using 3D semantic segmentation convolutional neural networks
Authors: Koitka Sven , Kroll Lennard , Malamutmann Eugen , Oezcelik Arzu , Nensa Felix
Published: November 2020

The original version of this article, published on 18 September 2020, unfortunately contained a mistake.
On the potential and challenges of laser-induced thermal acoustics for experimental investigation of macroscopic fluid phenomena
Authors: Steinhausen Christoph , Gerber Valerie , Preusche Andreas , Weigand Bernhard , Dreizler Andreas , Lamanna Grazia
Published: November 2020

Mixing and evaporation processes play an important role in fluid injection and disintegration. Laser-induced thermal acoustics (LITA) also known as laser-induced grating spectroscopy (LIGS) is a promising four-wave mixing technique capable to acquire speed of sound and transport properties of fluids. Since the signal intensity scales with pressure, LITA is effective in high-pressure environments. By analysing the frequency of LITA signals using a direct Fourier analysis, speed of sound data can be directly determined using only geometrical parameters of the optical arrangement no equation of state or additional modelling is needed at this point. Furthermore, transport properties, like acoustic damping rate and thermal diffusivity, are acquired using an analytical expression for LITA signals with finite beam sizes. By combining both evaluations in one LITA signal, we can estimate mixing parameters, such as the mixture temperature and composition, using suitable models for speed of sound and the acquired transport properties. Finally, direct measurements of the acoustic damping rate can provide important insights on the physics of supercritical fluid behaviour.

Graphic Abstract
A mendelian randomization study on causal effects of 25(OH)vitamin D levels on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Libuda Lars , Naaresh Roaa , Ludwig Christine , Laabs Björn-Hergen , Antel Jochen , Föcker Manuel , Hebebrand Johannes , Hinney Anke , Peters Triinu
Published: November 2020

Background

While observational studies revealed an inverse association between serum 25(OH)vitamin D (25(OH)D) and the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the causality of this relationship remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study to examine whether 25(OH)D has an effect on the risk to develop ADHD or vice versa. Information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with serum 25(OH)D was obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) considering phenotype data from 79,366 individuals of European ancestry. Data on risk for ADHD were derived from a GWAS analysis with 20,183 individuals diagnosed with ADHD and 35,191 controls. For our analysis, we considered effect sizes based on the European participants (19,099 cases and 34,194 controls).

Results

Single SNP analyses showed a causal effect of vitamin D on ADHD risk for only one SNP (rs12785878, p = 0.024). The overall MR estimates did not reveal a causal effect of 25(OH)D on risk for ADHD. In the reverse analysis, neither any single nor the multi-SNP MR analyses showed a causal effect of ADHD on 25(OH)D.

Conclusion

Results from this two-sample MR study did not confirm a causal effect of 25(OH)D on ADHD or vice versa. Accordingly, our study does not provide evidence that improving 25(OH)D via supplementation could reduce the risk of developing ADHD.
TP53 germline mutations in the context of families with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: a clinical challenge
Authors: Grill Sabine , Ramser Juliane , Hellebrand Heide , Pfarr Nicole , Boxberg Melanie , Brambs Christine , Ditsch Nina , Meindl Alfons , Groß Eva , Meitinger Thomas , Kiechle Marion , Quante Anne S.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

TP53germline (g) mutations, associated with the Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), have rarely been reported in the context of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). The prevalence and cancer risks in this target group are unknown and counseling remains challenging. Notably an extensive high-risk surveillance program is implemented, which evokes substantial psychological discomfort. Emphasizing the lack of consensus about clinical implications, we aim to further characterize TP53g mutations in HBOC families.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing was conducted on 1876 breast cancer (BC) patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for HBOC.

Results

(Likely) pathogenic variants in TP53 gene were present in 0.6% of the BC cohort with higher occurrence in early onset BC < 36 years. (1.1%) and bilateral vs. unilateral BC (1.1% vs. 0.3%). Two out of eleven patients with a (likely) pathogenic TP53g variant (c.542G > A; c.375G > A) did not comply with classic LFS/Chompret criteria. Albeit located in the DNA-binding domain of the p53-protein and therefore revealing no difference to LFS-related variants, they only displayed a medium transactivity reduction constituting a retainment of wildtype-like anti-proliferative functionality.

Conclusion

Among our cohort of HBOC families, we were able to describe a clinical subgroup, which is distinct from the classic LFS-families. Strikingly, two families did not adhere to the LFS criteria, and functional analysis revealed a reduced impact on TP53 activity, which may suit to the attenuated phenotype. This is an approach that could be useful in developing individualized screening efforts for TP53g mutation carrier in HBOC families. Due to the low incidence, national/international cooperation is necessary to further explore clinical implications. This might allow providing directions for clinical recommendations in the future.
Preventing tuberculosis in paediatric kidney transplant recipients: is there a role for BCG immunisation pre-transplantation in low tuberculosis incidence countries?
Authors: Bamford Alasdair , Dixon Garth , Klein Nigel , Marks Stephen D. , Ritz Nicole , Welch Steven B. , Tebruegge Marc
Published: November 2020

The risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease is increased in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), even higher in stage 5 CKD/kidney failure and especially high after kidney transplantation due to immunosuppression. TB disease may follow recent primary infection, or result from reactivation of latent infection. Reactivation is more common in adults, while progression following primary infection makes up a greater proportion of disease in children. Recommendations for preventing TB disease in some low TB incidence countries have previously included offering Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to all children listed for kidney transplant if they had not received this as part of previous national immunisation programmes. Based on the available evidence, we recommend modifying this practice, focusing instead on awareness of risk factors for TB exposure, infection and disease and the use of appropriate testing strategies to identify and treat TB infection and disease.
Unravelling the lithospheric-scale thermal field of the North Patagonian Massif plateau (Argentina) and its relations to the topographic evolution of the area
Authors: Gomez Dacal Maria Laura , Scheck-Wenderoth Magdalena , Aragón Eugenio , Bott Judith , Cacace Mauro , Tocho Claudia
Published: November 2020

The North Patagonian Massif (NPM) area in Argentina includes a plateau of 1200 m a.s.l. (meters above sea level) average height, which is 500–700 m higher than its surrounding areas. The plateau shows no evidence of internal deformation, while the surrounding basins have been deformed during Cenozoic orogenic events. Previous works suggested that the plateau formation was caused by a lithospheric uplift event during the Paleogene. However, the causative processes responsible for the plateau origin and its current state remain speculative. To address some of these questions, we carried out 3D lithospheric-scale steady-state and transient thermal simulations of the NPM and its surroundings, as based on an existing 3D geological model of the area. Our results are indicative of a thicker and warmer lithosphere below the NPM plateau compared with its surroundings, suggesting that the plateau is still isostatically buoyant and thus explaining its present-day elevation. The transient thermal simulations agree with a heating event in the mantle during the Paleogene as the causative process leading to lithospheric uplift in the region and indicate that the thermo-mechanical effects of such an event would still be influencing the plateau evolution today. Although the elevation related to the heating would not be enough to reach the present plateau topography, we discuss other mechanisms, also connected with the mantle heating, that may have caused the observed relief. Lithosphere cooling in the plateau is ongoing, being delayed by the presence of a thick crust enriched in radiogenic minerals as compared to its sides, resulting in a thermal configuration that has yet to reach thermodynamic equilibrium.
Implementation and experiment of a novel piezoelectric-spring stage for rapid high-precision micromotion
Authors: Zhang Lanyu , Gao Jian
Published: November 2020

A precision micromotion stage is significant in the microelectronics-manufacturing field to realize high-performance tasks. The output position error and limited frequency response influence the working performance and efficiency of the micromotion stage. A novel piezoelectric-based (PZT) reciprocating micromotion stage with a special spring-PZT structure is proposed in this paper to cater to the high manufacturing demands and achieve rapid precision micromotion performance. This structure is designed to use a high-stiffness spring element as the flexure deformation structure, by utilizing the linearity of the spring, for achieving precise output/input ratio and high-frequency response. The feasibility of the micromotion stage is explored through theoretical analyses, including a dynamic response analysis, frequency response analysis, output displacement, and rapidity analysis of the specialized spring-PZT structure. For the inherent hysteresis challenge of the PZT-based structure, a feedforward subdivided proportional–integral–derivative method is adopted for system implementation. Subsequently, an optimal design of the stage is established, and the expected motion performance is verified experimentally. Finally, a series of experiments in terms of output ratio property analysis, dynamic hysteresis characterization, tracking error performance, and response rapidity are conducted for different micromotion frequencies and strokes. It is indicated that the stage can achieve nanometre-level precision and high-frequency micromotion simultaneously, which could be applied in the microelectronics manufacturing for rapid precision micromotion operations.
Randomized controlled trials and real-world evidence for market access and surveillance of high-risk products—The example of paclitaxel
Authors:   Kommission PAVK und Diabetischer Fuß der DGG e. V., Behrendt C.‑A. , Rother U. , Rümenapf G. , Uhl C. , Görtz H. , Böckler D.
Published: November 2020

In 2018 and 2020, two meta-analyses using summary-level data from randomized controlled trials reported worse mortality following the application of paclitaxel-coated stents and balloons in femoropopliteal and crural arteries. These results initiated a heated global discussion concerning the validity of this association, while various observational studies using clinical and administrative registries proved the safety of coated devices. This article aimed to summarize the development and adoption of paclitaxel-coated balloons and stents for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in clinical practice, research, and practice guidelines. It especially focusses on the European Unionʼs medical device regulation, which has far-reaching implications for the market approval and monitoring of high-risk medical devices.
Photobiomodulation invigorating collagen deposition, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki67 expression during dermal wound repair in mice
Authors: Prabhu Vijendra , Rao Bola Sadashiva Satish , Rao Anuradha Calicut Kini , Prasad Keerthana , Mahato Krishna Kishore
Published: November 2020

The present investigation focuses on understanding the role of photobiomodulation in enhancing tissue proliferation. Circular excision wounds of diameter 1.5 cm were created on Swiss albino mice and treated immediately with 2 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2 single exposures of the Helium-Neon laser along with sham-irradiated controls. During different days of healing progression (day 5, day 10, and day 15), the tissue samples upon euthanization of the animals were taken for assessing collagen deposition by Picrosirius red staining and cell proliferation (day 10) by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67. The positive influence of red light on collagen synthesis was found to be statistically significant on day 10 (P < 0.01) and day 15 (P < 0.05) post-wounding when compared to sham irradiation, as evident from the image analysis of collagen birefringence. Furthermore, a significant rise in PCNA (P < 0.01) and Ki67 (P < 0.05) expression was also recorded in animals exposed to 2 J/cm2 when compared to sham irradiation and (P < 0.01) compared to the 10 J/cm2 treated group as evidenced by the microscopy study. The findings of the current investigation have distinctly exhibited the assenting influence of red laser light on excisional wound healing in Swiss albino mice by augmenting cell proliferation and collagen deposition.
Hypothetical blood-pressure-lowering interventions and risk of stroke and dementia
Authors: Rojas-Saunero Liliana Paloma , Hilal Saima , Murray Eleanor J. , Logan Roger W. , Ikram Mohammad Arfan , Swanson Sonja A.
Published: November 2020

We aimed to study the effects of hypothetical interventions on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and smoking on risk of stroke and dementia using data from 15 years of follow-up in the Rotterdam Study. We used data from 4930 individuals, aged 55–80 years, with no prior history of stroke, dementia or cognitive impairment, followed for 15 years within the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort. We defined the following sustained interventions on SBP: (1) maintaining SBP below 120 mmHg, (2) maintaining SBP below 140 mmHg, (3) reducing SBP by 10% if above 140 mmHg, (4) reducing SBP by 20% if above 140 mmHg, and a combined intervention of quitting smoking with each of these SBP-lowering strategies. We considered incident stroke and incident dementia diagnoses as outcomes. We applied the parametric g-formula to adjust for baseline and time-varying confounding. The observed 15-year risk for stroke was 10.7%. Compared to no specified intervention (i.e., the “natural course”), all interventions that involved reducing SBP were associated with a stroke risk reduction of about 10% (e.g., reducing SBP by 20% if above 140 mmHg risk ratio: 0.89; 95% CI 0.76, 1). Jointly intervening on SBP and smoking status further decreased the risk of stroke (e.g., risk ratio: 0.83; 95% CI 0.71, 0.94). None of the specified interventions were associated with a substantive change in dementia risk. Our study suggests that a joint intervention on SBP and smoking cessation during later life may reduce stroke risk, while the potential for reducing dementia risk were not observed.
Note on the reheating temperature in Starobinsky-type potentials
Authors: Haro Jaume , Aresté Saló Llibert
Published: November 2020

The relation between the reheating temperature, the number of e-folds and the spectral index is shown for the Starobinsky model and some of its descendants through a very detailed calculation of these three quantities. The conclusion is that for viable temperatures between 1 MeV and $$10^9$$

10
9

GeV the corresponding values of the spectral index enter perfectly in its $$2\sigma $$

2
σ

C.L., which shows the viability of this kind of models.